Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 4th June 2024

The All About Fibre and Yarn Festival will weave its way into Lancefield for its second year of celebrating Australian wool and natural fibres.

Coming to the Lancefield Mechanics’ Institute on Sunday, June 9, the festival showcases stalls that will connect local producers with crafters and those interested in knitting, crochet, felt making, weaving, spinning, and dyeing.

The festival had its first run last year, which organiser Nelly Radeva said was “very successful”.

“[We] had a very good reaction … honestly, we didn’t expect so many people coming. Everybody was so friendly … and everyone was going around and buying from most of us,” she said. “We had people coming from Melbourne, from Ballarat, from all the Macedon Ranges area, the Mitchell Shire, Castlemaine, Bendigo.”

The event has a strong focus on Australian-produced materials, such as sheep, alpaca, and angora fleeces and yarns.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their unfinished knitting or crocheting projects, as there will be an area for working and seeking help from expert crafters.

The Lancefield event will run from 10am to 2.30pm and entry is $2, which will be donated to Kilmore District Health. Details: https://www. allaboutfibreandyarn.com.au/

Budget sporting splash A festival to yarn about

By Oscar Parry

Upgrades to the Sunbury Aquatic Leisure Centre and new netball courts and a running track at Eric Boardman Reserve were two highlights for Sunbury residents in Hume council’s 2024-25 draft budget.

The proposed budget includes an average rate rise of 2.7 per cent in line with the state government’s rating cap.

For residents, this equates to an average rate rise of about $45.21 cents.

All but one councilor expressed approval of the draft, which included a capital works

program of $154.82 million.

Cr Jack Medcraft said that while budgets are “never popular” with people and rates isawordthat“scares”people,thedraftincluded some notable projects for Sunbury residents.

These include a $3 million upgrade to the water play area and surrounding space at the Sunbury Aquatic Leisure Centre, and $1.13 million towards new netball courts and an athletics track at the Eric Boardman Memorial Reserve.

“It’s one of the best budgets I think I’ve seen in all my time on council,” Cr Medcraft said.

Council is proposing to fund 11 community

ideas, including four in Sunbury, as part of its draft budget. Council accepted community budget submissions between December and February, with residents putting forward 75 ideas.

Cr Jarrod Bell said it was a “testament to the hard work of the Sunbury Neighbourhood House and their community” to see that $90,000 was allocated towards improvements of the neighbourhood house.

Cr Bell was also glad to see improvements towards the Sunbury BMX track included in recommendations, where a new shelter will be built. Both projects were submitted by the

community.

Cr Jim Overend voted against the draft budget, saying that the average rate increase forresidentswasexcessivewhencurrentcostof living pressures are considered.

“Whilst our current residents are experiencing the cost of living stresses … out in the community, and the uncertainty with what’s happening with our future at the moment – it’s because of this that I cannot support a budget that will increase the council rates by 2.75 per cent,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to read the draft budget and provide feedback by June 11.

Event organiser

Nelly Radeva. (Damjan Janevski) 407877_07

Officer for fast graffiti removal

By Gerald Lynch

Hume Council is continuing its battle with graffiti, as it explores the most effective method and processes for the removal of graffiti on private land.

At its meeting on May 29, council moved a motion to consider appointing an authorised officer to remove graffiti as quickly as possible.

Councillor Jack Medcraft said tribulations with graffiti throughout Hume have been ongoingforanextendedperiodoftime,andhe, like many others in the community, is fed up.

“It’s a very frustrating criminal act,” he said.

“Ithinkthelegislatorsdidn’treallytakeittoo seriously when they put legislation in place.

“We’ve got a ridiculous situation now where a property can be graffitied … with obscene items put up there, but we need approval from the landowner before we can remove it from the back of a building.

“You leave it up for more than two days, it gives them gratification, and others will come along and try to beat it.

“If you want your city covered in graffiti, leave it as it is. But I think we need to take thingsseriously,andtreatthisasacriminalact.

Cr Jarrod Bell echoed the sentiments, and is

unhappy with an increase of graffiti of hateful anddiscriminatorynature,suchasanti-Semitic and homophobic depictions.

“It is our mission, it is our duty, to remove thisfilthassoonaswepossiblycanbecauseany hate in our city is never welcome,” he said.

Currently,toremovegraffitifromprivateland that can be accessed from public land, council is required to receive written permission from the property owner and where this can’t be achieved and graffiti is deemed offensive, then provide written notice that gives 28 days notice to the owner or occupier.

In circumstances where the graffiti is on

Putting pen to paper for new pals

Students from Diggers Rest Primary School have been busy perfecting their letter writing skills, through a new pen pal initiative with the Riddell Gardens Aged Care facility.

About 29 students from the year three and four class are taking part in the initiative, which is also helping to improve their writing outcomes and develop a strong sense of community connection.

Wellbeing leader Kelly Bugiera said Riddell Gardens got in touch with the school about organising the program, and the team thought

itwouldbeagoodopportunityforthestudents.

“We got a [biography] on the residents interest and background … so we tried to match this with the kids’ interests,” Ms Bugiera said. “They’re just finalising the first letters now which we’ll pass on… and it’s something I’ll be following for the rest of the year and may continue in the future.”

Ms Bugiera said she is really impressed with the students enthusiasm and the aim was to make them more aware of who is in the local community.

“[They’re] thinking about their audience and finding ways to connect with a community member … not just doing a letter structure,” she said.

“I’vereallyseenanicesideofthemcomingout with that thoughtfulness… [and] considering what their [pen pal] might be interested in.”

Ms Bugiera said they have tried to cater for the residents preferred communication style and are looking to include emails to the initiative.

Zoe Moffatt

New rule to eject misbehaving councillors

Hume councillors could be removed from the council chamber for misbehaving, under a new ruling being considered by council.

Council is looking to give its chair the power to remove a councillor who is behaving poorly.

Currently, the chair has the power to remove any member of the public who is watching the meeting in the gallery if they are acting in a manner that is disruptive or harmful to the meeting or to members of the council.

Councillor Carly Moore raised a notice of motion at a May 29 meeting, explaining that a gap in council’s governance rules meant that currently, the chair does not have the power to remove a councillor no matter how poorly they may be behaving.

“Our community expects and deserves high standards of behaviour from those councillors that have been elected to represent them, and I expect that if a councillor was disrupting a meeting or threatening the stability of a meeting, that councillor should also be removed from the meeting,” she said.

“I think it’s appropriate to hold ourselves to the same standard of conduct that we hold our community to.”

Cr Joseph Haweil agreed with the need to re-affirm the responsibilities of councillors to conduct themselves in a respectful manner.

He said there has been a lot of discussion about conduct in councils nation-wide, and he hopes to see respectful conduct in the chamber

from this point forward.

“Much like our own private workplaces, this itself is a workplace, and that demands us to carry ourselves in a way that is fitting for a professional workplace, but more than that, to go above and beyond those standards of behaviour because of the great privilege and honour that has been bestowed upon us as elected officials,” he said.

He said it is councillors responsibility to represent the wider community respectfully.

The decision will undergo community consultation before becoming an official sectionoftheHumecouncilGovernanceRules.

Gerald Lynch

private land and can only be accessed from private land then a similar process is required, plus council is required to have an ‘authorised officer’ to be able to enter the land. Council said this process is time consuming and limits the ability to effectively remove any offensive graffiti that while on private land might be quite publicly visible.

Cr Joseph Haweil said the impact of graffiti has been concerning, and the difficulties surrounding removal on state and privately ownedpropertyandlandneedtobesimplified.

Coffee you can walk on

Macedon Ranges Council has teamed up with RMIT University to trial a world-first ‘coffee concrete’ footpath.

Led by RMIT School of Engineering researcher Dr Rajeev Roychand and his colleagues, the trial aims to convert organic waste into a viable concrete and a valuable resource for the construction industry.

The trial included parts of the footpath in Howey Street, Gisborne, where concrete made from used coffee grounds and wood chip biochar is being tested.

Council’s director of assets and operations, Shane Walden, said he was pleased to be part of the project.

“Despite the fact that we’re using coffee grounds or mulch, residents aren’t going to really see or smell any difference in this concrete product,” he said.

Mr Walden said that the project has “benefits that are important to the community,” such as “helping the environment, acting sustainably and, most importantly, reducing waste to landfill and having a circular economy.”

Australia generates 75 million kilograms of ground coffee waste each year, with most of it going to landfill. Up to 655 million kilograms of sand in concrete could be replaced with used coffee grounds, as it is a denser material.

Globally, 10 billion kilograms of used grounds are created each year, which could replace up to 90 billion kilograms of sand in concrete.

Diggers Rest Primary School students Oliver, Abbey, Sage and Sophie. (Damjan Janevski)

Rally for road improvements

By Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges and surrounding residents are calling for improvements on Melton Road, following persistent “dangerous” potholes.

A post to a local community Facebook page about the potholes on Melton Road, specifically near the intersection of Braeside Road, sparked a flurry of frustrated users expressing their concern.

“Ridiculous, seriously dangerous, terrible, disgraceful [and] uncar-worthy,” were just some of the words said in the more than 180

comments garnered on the post.

For Gisborne resident Michelle Rowe, who uses Melton Road multiple times per week to drive to work, she said potholes have been an issue for as long as she’s used the road.

“Some weeks I could [use the road] daily, to and from work, other weeks it could be three or four days a week,” Ms Rowe said.

“That patch of road is uneven and bumpy, you need decent repairs done. [The pothole near Braeside intersection] is probably the biggest and the worst one.

“It’sfrustratingbecauseit’sasmallroad,and

you’re also looking out for wildlife. The groan you make when your car hits the pothole, you can feel it in your whole body.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if people have damaged their cars.”

Ms Rowe said she would like to see action on repairing the road, and stronger advocacy from Macedon Ranges council for the improvements of roads like Melton Road.

“It’s the only way in and out of Melton for us …I think our local government probably has to fight for us a bit more.

“I would hate to imagine how someone on

Mushroom chief named as finalist

A Diggers Rest mushroom farm chief executive has been named as a finalist in the Young Grower of the Year awards.

Bulla Mushrooms chief and owner Georgia Beattie was named as one of nine finalists in the 2024 Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year Award for her dedication to the business, which is Australia’s largest organic mushroom farm.

The farm supplies to Coles, Woolworths, Costco and independent grocers across Australia.

Ms Beattie said that she was glad to receive the nomination as there are not many opportunities outside of the farm for this

type of acknowledgement.

“For me, it’s a moment of reflection of the growth we’ve achieved on the farm, and a bit of a check-in moment,” she said.

Passionate about food sustainability, Ms Beattie said she bought the farm as a way of having a direct impact on the environment by using her technology and entrepreneurial background to create an efficient, environmentally friendly, and modern operation.

For example, Ms Beattie uses AI and a robust database of factors such as relative humidity, air temperature, and compost temperature to determine the ideal growing

environment for mushrooms and increase efficiency.

The indoor farm is vertically integrated, meaning mushrooms are grown in stacked layers.

Ms Beattie is also a non-executive director of ACO Certification, Australian Mushroom Growing Association deputy chairperson andwasamemberoftheClimateChangeand Sustainability Committee of the National Farmers Federation from 2020-2023.

The winner will be announced at the annual Hort Connections Gala Dinner.

Oscar Parry

a motorbike would go, having to go through that pothole.

“It’s not just so that it looks good, it’s a safety issue.”

In response to driver concerns, a transport and planning department spokesperson said that commuters can expect a solution soon.

“Our crews will be on site delivering asphalting works to Melton Road over the coming weeks,” the spokesperson said.

“We encourage the community to report hazards and concerns about the road network by calling 133 778.”

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is holding a series of information sessions aimed at prospective candidates in this year’s council elections and the broader community.

Sessions can be attended both in person or online, and will provide information about the role and purpose of local government, roles and responsibilities of the mayor, local councillors, and the chief executive, election process and candidate requirements, councillor training and development opportunities, as well as what newly elected councilors can expect after an election.

Participants can register to attend more than one session, including outside their municipality. To support and encourage diverse candidates, MAV will host additional sessions for women, people with disabilities, LGBTQA+ people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, youth, and linguistically diverse communities.

Thenextlocalcouncilelectionwillbe held in October 2024.

To become a candidate, residents must be an Australian citizen aged 18 yearsorolder,beenrolledinthecouncil they’re contesting and have completed the mandatory local government candidate training.

The metropolitan west session will be held on Wednesday, June 5, at the Wyndham Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee. The metropolitan north session will be held on Thursday, July 18, at the Town Hall Broadmeadows, 10 Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows.

Grants to help boost participation of women in local sport

Four community sports clubs across the Macedon Ranges will receive a state government grant to help boost participation of women and girls in local sport.

Under the Change Our Game Community Activation program, grants of up to $10,000 will go towards programs and initiatives that promote women and girls participation in local sports clubs.

These include participation days, community forums, educational sessions, and discounted club memberships.

Lancefield Football Netball Club grants officer Erin Foster said that the club was absolutely thrilled to receive news of their $9890 grant.

“To have the ability to promote and grow

… knowledge about ALFW in the community and get people involved in the team’s first year is just huge and really important to the ongoing sustainability of the team,” she said.

Theclubwillusethegranttofundawomen’s round and six weeks of free skills sessions to women and girls in the community.

Woodend Golf Club will receive $5000 to extend its ‘Women get into Golf’ program, which will help 25 women receiveprofessional golf coaching, discounted club memberships and designated tee off times to allow practice in a safe and welcoming environment.

Club secretary James O’Brien said news of the grant was celebrated after the results of a previous grant from Community Bank Trentham and Districts to the club’s program.

“There were limits to how much the club could do ourselves, so we were pleased to see we were successful in our application for further support,” he said.

“This program is a great way for women to get involved in a golf club, make new friendships and networks, and get the golf bug.”

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said that it is “great to see” local clubs taking up the opportunity to “get more women and girls involved” in community sport.

The Macedon Ranges Tennis Association and Woodend Tennis Club also received grants as part of the program.

Oscar Parry

Some of Lancefield Football Netball Club’s female players. (Chris Dynon)

Bulla Mushroom chief executive Georgia Beattie. (Damjan Janevski) 281194_01

Rotary recruitment call

By Oscar Parry

The Rotary Club of Gisborne is calling for new members to assist with its community initiatives, as membership numbers dwindle.

Gisborne Rotary president Barry Wills said there are many benefits to becoming a Rotary member, including meeting new friends, doing good for your community, and “creating balance” in your life.

“We’reallaboutusingskillswe’vedeveloped in our lives to help communities out,” he said.

“If you want to make some great lifelong friends and feel really good about doing some good in your community … whatever floats your boat, you can find it in Rotary.”

As the club relies on its membership base, Mr Wills reports that it is “struggling” due to a lack of numbers.

Withastrongfocusonthelocalcommunity, the club has raised funds through initiatives like golf days, community bike rides, and sausage sizzles.

Funds raised have supported the SES, CFA, and flood relief; helped create care packs for people in the area facing poverty and escaping domestic violence; and assisted research towards polio and multiple sclerosis.

For young people in the area, the club has funded student exchanges with international Rotary clubs, such as clubs in Brazil and Germany, and offered mock job interviews in local schools.

Mr Wills said that the diversity of skills in the club’s member base is one of its strong points.

“We are pretty good networkers, managers, organisers, and we have a diverse range of skillsfromlegal,toaccounting,toarchitecture … you name it,” he said.

The Rotary Club of Gisborne was founded in 1977 and is one of the 46,000-plus Rotary clubs worldwide. To receive a membership invitation for the Gisborne club, contact a Rotarian and attend

one of the upcoming events. Details: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/277202079285808/

Sunbury MP’s new role

Sunbury MP Josh Bull will become parliamentary secretary for infrastructure delivery.

Mr Bull will take in both transport and health infrastructure to support Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson and Health Infrastructure Minster Mary-Anne Thomas, as they work with the newly-created Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority.

The authority is responsible for major infrastructure projects, such as North East Link, the Metro Tunnel, level crossing removals, and several new hospitals.

It consists of four project offices –the Level Crossing Removal Project, Major Road Projects Victoria, the Metro Tunnel Project, and the Victorian Health Building Authority.

In a Facebook post, Mr Bull said he was “delighted” to be appointed to the role.

“I want to thank each and every worker involved in this big team and I look forward to working with you all as we deliver the projects we need now and into the future,” he said.

In another post, Mr Bull forecasted a “massive winter of infrastructure delivery ahead of us.”

Mr Bull has been the state Labor member for Sunbury since November 2014.

Oscar Parry

Rotary Club of Gisborne president, Barry Wills. (Damjan Janevski) 409127_02

What happened to Alana Cecil?

Almost 28 years ago, 16-year-old Alana Cecil was found dead in Melton. Her death was ruled to be the result of a drug overdose, but that finding has never sat right with her family. Now a new podcast series is taking a closer look at what might have happened to Alana, as Tara Murray reports.

Peter Cecil has been living a parent’s worst nightmare, every day, for nearly the last 28 years.

On November 10, 1996, his 16-year-old daughter Alana Cecil was found dead from an apparent drug overdose.

Police at the time said they didn’t think the death was suspicious, but that didn’t sit well with Peter.

Since the day Peter lost his beloved daughter, he has dedicated his life to find out what happened to his girl.

“I haven’t had a chance to grieve,” he said. “I go to the cemetery and talk to Alana.

“It’s been difficult and I’ve had to hold it in all of this time. I’ve missed out on a lot of things with Alana … To live with that and not share things that normal fathers do with their daughters.

“I was robbed of that and also the fact the worst part about it was that she was treated like an animal, dumped like an animal.”

Alana was found at a vacant house on the corner of Barrys and Stations roads in Melton. She had been out the night before with friends. Some reports said she was last seen in Brimbank, other people say they saw her at the Djerriwarrh Bonfire Festival.

‘‘

Hopefully I finally get a chance to grieve and have peace, I’ve never had peace ’’ - Peter Cecil

There were drugs in Alana’s system and needle marks in both arms.

The autopsy report showed she hadn’t had drugs for three months beforehand, having successfully been through rehab.

Peter claims the initial investigation was botched. He said evidence was missed and statements from key people weren’t taken until years later and some never at all.

DNAfoundinandonAlanawasn’tmatched to two men for six years and Peter said the autopsy report proved that she was raped. One of those people, who was much older, was known to police and gave a no comment interview.Theothersaidtherewasconsensual interaction between the two.

Her belongings that were with her were never found and she was found near the house of one of her friends.

There were two coroner’s inquests and others delayed and postponed, which left the family with no answers and feeling that the systemhadfailedthemagain.Thefirstinquest gave an open finding which remains today.

AVictoriapolicespokespersonsaidareport was prepared for the coroner who determined the cause of death was heroin toxicity in a young girl with acute asthma.

Peter said there’s never been a criminal investigation and police said at the last coronial inquest that they didn’t think they would find anything 13 years down the track.

Peter said he missed the chance to seek and appeal, as he sought help for his mental health, which had deteriorated.

“Once I saw what was in the autopsy and toxicology report I needed to know what happened to her pretty quickly,” he said.

“I ended up chasing a lot of people and doing the investigation [for the police] which I shouldn’t have been doing.

“I put myself in a lot of jeopardy. The system has failed the family and Alana.

“As a father and a normal person in the community,thecommunication[frompolice] was shocking.”

A Victoria Police spokesperson said the matter has been investigated by detectives and reviews of the investigation have found it was thorough. Theysaidallegationsofwrongdoing

by the detectives were unsubstantiated.

Peter has spent the past 28 years searching for answers, most of that alone.

But not anymore.

Earlier this year, podcaster Ryan Wolf was looking for a top for his next series of Guilt, which looks at unsolved crimes.

He received an email about Alana’s story and it stuck with him.

“I was struggling to find a case to pick up, for me personally I emotionally invest so much into a case,” Ryan said.

“People had sent through tons of cases to lookatandIknewIwantedtodoanAustralian case, for some reason this particular case … it just connected with me.

“It was such a young girl and clearly something wasn’t right here.”

Ryan quickly made the trip to Australia from New Zealand and headed to Melton, a place he had never heard before.

He said there was a lot that had surprised him as he started to investigate the case.

Ryan, like Peter, has found there are “definitely” holes in the work that the police have done.

He said that Peter has taken this all on his shoulders until now.

“He’s been amazing really, in a way it has ruined his life. He’s lost his daughter, he has just dedicated his life to trying to find out what happened.”

He said the podcast was an ongoing thing and dependent on what new information comes available, but at this stage expects it to be about 20 episodes.

“I want Australians and locals to have the podcast make their blood boil,” he said. “Think what if that was my daughter?”

For Peter, he’s hoping this podcast will finally give him the answers that he has been after.

And, he doesn’t want any other family to go through what he has.

“Hopefully I finally get a chance to grieve and have peace, I’ve never had peace,” an emotional Peter said. “It’s also for Alana getting her justice for that they did to her.

“Talking about it like this, is pretty hard for me. This is what has happened to me an my family, I don’t want it to happen to another family.

“How we’ve been treated by the system ... It’s been unfair, it should have been solved by now.”

Episodes of the podcast are released weekly, with the eighth episode becoming available for free on June 3.

Speaking after the first three episodes had been released, Ryan said there had been people come forward with new information.

He has spoken with friends, family and those who spent time with Alana growing up. Some have never spoken before.

“It’s to give it a chance that there could be some justice for her after all these years,” he said. “It’s always good when people start coming forward, that is what I do this for, to make a difference, try and get a resolution.

“I have a new witness that they’ve never had before and it could change this entire case.

“It’s not just about making content for me, it’s about the investigation first, podcast second. There are some big revelations to come in this case and I hope more people come forward.

“I know there’s more people out there that know more of what happened.”

Ryan said he feels like he’s getting to know Alana even though he never met her. He saw some video for the first time recently and it was incredible to put a voice to her.

He said he wants to be able to do her justice and get the truth, whatever that truth is.

Ryan started the podcast in February and said Peter’s research had made it a lot easier for him.

The police spokesperson said if new evidence,orwitnesseswerelocated,detectives would make an assessment as to their value before considering next steps.

Tolistentothepodcast:https://open.spotify. com/show/3LxK0NL9Dz4wuW5xp4SMRa

Podcaster Ryan Wolf.

Alana Cecil, and inset, Alana as a child. (Pictures: Supplied)

Building beneficial bags

A community group in Woodend has been meeting weekly to make reusable bags from recycled materials, reducing plastic waste and raising funds for local charities.

The group meets each Thursday morning to sew the bags from donated fabric, which are then sold at the Woodend Farmers’ Market and other local outlets.

Inspired by the global ‘Boomerang Bags’ initiative, proceeds from the reusable and recycled bags go towards community projects and charities.

These have included a water tank for Path of the Horse, a solar-powered bird fountain for Glen Osmond Farm, and a trailer upgrade for Woodend Landcare.

Volunteer Sheila Brennan said that being a part of the group is a “rewarding” way to give back to the community.

“It’s something we do at community events … we enjoy going there because we meet the publicandhavemanyinterestingconversations about our bags,” Ms Brennan said.

Ms Brennan said she especially enjoys the atmosphere when trading at the Woodend Farmers’ Market.

“Part of the wholesomeness is going to the farmers market and seeing what other people are selling,” she said.

The group also supports the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes sustainable living in local communities.

Woodend Community Bags meets on Thursdays, from 9am–noon, in the Undercroft of the Woodend Neighbourhood House.

For information, contact the Woodend Neighbourhood House on 5427 1845.

Briefs

Fatal crash in Monegeetta

Police are investigating a fatal crash in Monegeetta on Wednesday night. It is understood a car crashed into a tree on Kilmore Road, near Melbourne Lancefield Road, about 9.55pm. Emergency services worked on the female driver, who is yet to be formally identified, but she died at the scene. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Tourism project take off

The state government will provide grants of up to $5 million to tourism infrastructure projects, which will create jobs and promote new projects across regional Victoria. The grants will be delivered through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund to assist tourism businesses, not-for-profit and Traditional Owner organisations. The grants will be offered in three streams between $100,000 and $1 million for small- scale projects, between $1 million and $5 million for large scale projects, and between $500,000 and $2 million for accommodation improvement projects. Applications for the Regional Tourism Investment Fund are open until Friday, July 19. Details: tourism.vic.gov.au

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2025.

Free Kinder is available for three- and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services. Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,563 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2025. Visit vic.gov.au/kinder

Woodend Community Bags volunteers Deann, Barb, Sheila, Jasley, and Winnie. (Supplied)

SES pleads for a funding lifeline

By Jennifer Pittorino

Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have been left disappointed with the recent state budget, which delivered less money for the volunteer organisation than expected.

Fawkner unit deputy controller Michael Casha said although each unit receives a small subsidy from the state government, it always falls “drastically” short and is felt across the organisation, especially in the north-west.

“Within Melbourne’s north-west, there are units with no state government-provided vehicles meaning they simply wouldn’t be able to get out on the road if it weren’t for volunteers chasing donations and funding their vehicles,” he said.

In addition to receiving second-hand uniforms for new members and not having enough money for required truck licences and training, Mr Casha said the VICSES Hobsons Bay Unit in Altona is not fit for purpose.

“The Altona unit is within a shared council facility, they do not have dedicated parking for volunteers who sometimes have to park minutes down the road when responding to emergencies,” he said.

“Their building is not fit-for-purpose and even sustained storm damage while responding to the community.”

Although $7 million in funding for the SES was announced in the budget, Mr Casha said once broken down the funding is not what it seems.

“Nearly $5 million of this is simply a

Mr Casha said this leaves a little over $1 million in new funding for VICSES in 2024-2025.

“While we appreciate any support, this falls short of what’s needed to address the ongoing strain on our volunteers and our infrastructure,” he said.

“Whilst our volunteers are the heart of VICSES, they shouldn’t have to be the wallet too.”

asking for a sustainable funding model that will immediately see a redirection of hours currently spent chasing donations, into more training and increased operational response,” he said.

“VICSES relies heavily on volunteer-led fundraising to maintain equipment, facilities, and source and replace vehicles, something which is unsustainable.

“The forecasts show no signs of slowing, we need a sustainable funding model.”

Worried that the lack of funding will drive volunteers away, Mr Casha said hours which should be spent rescuing are being used for fundraising.

“Every volunteer has a set amount of hours that they are able to give to VICSES,” he said.

“But what we’re seeing more and more, is those hours being consumed by volunteers having to fundraise.

“We want volunteers to be able to hold chainsaws and rescue tools, not chase donations.”

A state government spokesperson said that the VICSES has been given $111 million in the last three years in terms of vital funding.

The state government disputed the claim that only $1 million of the $7 million was new funding, but did not provide any further clarification.

Paving the way for play

Gisborne kindergarteners at Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre are enjoying their new outdoor play space, following its completion last month.

The works to extend the existing play spaces were funded with a $360,000 grant from the Victorian School Building Authority, and features nature-based play elements, a wedge-tailedeaglesculpture,stageandyarning circle, alongside traditional play equipment.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas officially opened the new playground on May 3, and said funding helps local councils and early childhood services to improve kindergartens and set them up for the future.

“We’re pleased to deliver unprecedented investment in early childhood services so our local kids can get the most out of our great kindergartens,” Ms Thomas said.

Macedon Ranges council community dire tor Maria Weiss said a key priority area for council is that children’s needs are recognised

in infrastructure and the built environment.

“A key theme of this is to actively seek and respond to opportunities for children to play, explore, solve problems, communicate, think, create and construct,” she said.

“This fantastic new outdoor space definitely ticksthoseboxesandwillensureanature-based learning environment where children can play, learn,growandthriveformanyyearstocome.”

Registrations for next year are currently open across council’s eight kindergartens.

“Demand for our kindergartens can be high, so we encourage families to register by this date to have the best chance of being offered a place,” Ms Weiss said.

Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/kindergarten Zoe Moffatt

SES volunteers from the Hobsons Bay Unit. (Damjan Janevski) 409249_03

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, Cr Janet Pearce, Cr Christine Walker, and Manna Gum Kindergarten staff and children. (Supplied)

Get vaccinated to beat shingles

By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

Here’s a bit of free health advice for older readers: you don’t want to develop shingles if you can avoid it.

Shinglesisthereactivationofthechickenpox virus. If you had chickenpox when you were young, the virus that caused it has been sitting in your system, asleep, ever since.

For about one in three of us that virus will wake up and make merry hell. Severity varies from person to person but even at its mildest shingles is decidedly unpleasant.

The disease can occur at any age, but it happens most commonly in older folk.

Thankfully,thereisatriedandtestedvaccine available which stops shingles developing. Called Shingrix, it is available free to anyone 65 or over, First Nations people 50 or over, and people 18 or over with some types of compromised immune system.

The vaccine is administered by your doctor in two doses, a couple of months apart.

Younger people can have the vaccine too, of course, but there are costs involved. It’s a good idea to talk to a GP about this.

The name of the vaccine – Shingrix – is important. A couple of years ago, this brand replaced a previous vaccine, called Zostavax. The old vaccine was safe and effective, but the newonecanbegiventoawiderrangeofpeople without making them feel a bit poorly.

The thing is, though, you can’t get a Shingrix vaccination for at least a year after receiving a Zostavax one – and you can’t get a free one for five. Your GP will be able to check this.

So, if you haven’t been vaccinated and you come down with shingles, how will you know and what should you do?

You can only develop the condition if you’ve previously had chickenpox, of course, but there’s always a chance that you had that and didn’t notice. Very mild chickenpox can happen, even in vaccinated people. Very mild shingles can happen, too –although that has nothing to do with how good or bad your chickenpox was.

last for several weeks. It’s a good idea to go and see your doctor, though, just to make sure.

With more serious cases, the initial tingling anditchingwillbeaccompaniedbyfatigueand headache, followed a couple of days later by a painful rash. In turn, the rash can blister and scab, which can lead to other infections.

Mild shingles will produce a slight itching or tingling sensation but nothing more, but it can

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The worst of it will be over in about 10 days, but it can take weeks to properly go away. It’s important to see your GP as soon as symptoms develop, to discuss treatments that vary from antiviral medications to over-the-counter painkillers, depending on severity. At pretty much any level, though, shingles is unpleasantBeforeyouhavetosufferthroughit, talk to your GP – especially if you can get the vaccine free!

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Shingrix stops shingles developing. (iStock/Sladic)

Health award nominee

By Oscar Parry

A Lancefield psychologist has been named as a finalist in three categories of this year’s Victorian Rural Health awards.

Streatfeild and Co Psychology clinic principal, Katrina Streatfeild, was named as a finalist in the categories of Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health, Outstanding Contribution to Rural Practice Management, and Outstanding Contribution by a Mentor-Supervisor.

Ms Streatfeild said she was grateful to be named a finalist and hopes that her work has made a positive impact in the community.

“Living and working in a rural area … There’s just a different sense of community,” she said.

“Weworktogetherquitewell,whichisreally important – providers and the community working together to … use the resources we’ve got.”

The award is hosted by Rural Workforce Agency Victoria, an organisation which Ms Streatfeild said has “been fantastic in terms of the support they give in recruiting rural staff and supporting grants for professional development”.

Ms Streatfeild has worked with LaTrobe University Bendigo to host masters placement students at her clinic, which she said serves as both a way of upskilling new psychologists in the intricacies of rural practice and creating a potential staff pipeline for the clinic.

Ms Streatfeild said that retaining staff with expert knowledge is a known issue in non-metro areas, which is a challenge her clinic has focused on overcoming.

“Part of what we’ve tried really hard to do is to get practitioners who have that expert knowledge out here, but also to upskill the

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

The winners of each category will be announced at a virtual event on Thursday, June 20 from 6-7pm.

Planned June outages

Telstra will be upgrading its mobile base station in Romsey East later this month, but the works will require a series of temporary outages or reduction in mobile coverage.

On Tuesday, June 11, to Sunday, June 16, there will be no 3G/4G Telstra mobile coverage from this site, Telstra said in a statement.

Further works with minimal disruptions will be required during daylighthoursonMonday,June17and Tuesday, June 18 as Telstra completes the call testing and integration of the mobile network.

Telstra mobile customers will receive text messages advising of the upcoming work.

Landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted.

Any calls to triple-0 from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically be diverted to any working mobile network for connection to emergency services.

Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker said while crews need to work during daylight for safety, they will only be switching off the site when they need to and have it back on as quickly as possible.

“There’s never a good time to undertake this sort of work but once it is completed, it will mean better mobile services for local residents,” Mr Tinker said.

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Melbourne Cup goes on tour

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

The Melbourne Cup will be coming to Lancefieldaspartofthe2024LexusMelbourne Cup Tour.

The $750,000 18-carat-gold trophy will visit 39 destinations across the globe as part of the tour,withthefinalroutespanningsixcountries includingAustralia,Japan,USA,NewZealand, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The tour will stop in Lancefield on October 17, with St Mary’s Primary School planning a range of community events.

StMary’sPrimarySchoolcommunityliaison leader Jo Shannon said the school is looking forward to being part of this year’s tour.

“Lancefield has a strong horse and riding community and we look forward to celebrating that in October when the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour visits. The students of St Mary’s

Primary School are particularly excited about having such a prestigious event and the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup attend their little regional school,” she said.

Lancefield will also be part of the Lexus MelbourneCupTourNationalSweep,inwhich 24 rural and regional cup tour destinations across Australia be allocated a barrier for the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Representatives from each of the 24 destinations will be flown to Melbourne to watch the Lexus Melbourne Cup live on track at Flemington Racecourse and the town which draws the barrier of the winning horse will be presented with a cash prize of $50,000 to put towards a charity of their choice.

This year’s tour commenced on Friday, May 31 in Tokyo.

Anna Marsh Quigley, Samantha Strano, Jo Shanon and Melbourne Cup Winning Jockey Glen Boss at the launch of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour. (Supplied: VRC)

local practitioners who we’ve got to try and focus on getting a sustainable rural practice,” she said.

Katrina Streatfeild is a finalist in three categories of the Victorian Rural Health awards. (Damjan Janevski) 408857_04

MY PLACE

Born and bred Sunbury local author, Michael Prewer, chats to Zoe Moffatt about living in Sunbury and his new book.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

By night I am an author, by day I am a paediatric apeech pathologist, living and working in Sunbury.

What’s your connection to Sunbury?

I was born in Sunbury, went to school for 13 years in Sunbury, but then left Sunbury to go to university and begin my career. However, when it came time to raise my own family we chose to return to Sunbury. I also work at Village Therapy in Sunbury, and am privileged to support clients and families in this beautiful community that has supported me and my family for the last 30 plus years.

What do you like about where you live?

I love the green wedges Sunbury has. I like to go running, and the fact that I can largely avoid main roads to run besides creeks and through beautiful scenery is something that I am forever grateful for.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

I know progress is necessary, but I do fondly remember days gone by when Sunbury was a lot smaller. We used to have the local sheep near McDonald’s that everyone knew, and then the donkey near St Annes. Bring back the farm animal celebrities!

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

Growing up we had a back fence that led onto Blind Creek. So I am always at home anywhere on that trail. Preferably climbing trees or rock hopping, however we seem to do those things less as we grow older.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?

I don’t read many books. As an author you would think that it comes with the territory, but I’m actually a woeful reader. My wife is always incredulous that she’s the one in two book clubs and I’m somehow the one who has written a novel.

Your book, R.E.Generation, is just about

to be published. Tell us about it and your writing journey?

R.E.Generation is my love letter to this beautiful planet that we are pushing to the brink. It is a dystopian novel set 50,000 years in the future after climate change has wiped out humans (and the earth as we know it). However, now Earth has had enough time to reset and rebirth itself.

I first had the idea in 2015, wrote most of

the manuscript in 2019 and have been editing it ever since. It was definitely a journey to find a publisher who saw the value in it, but now MidnightSun has made my dreams come true by bringing it to your bookshelves. I am also super excited to be having Sunbury local and talented voice actor Casey Withoos do a live reading of the book at the Mount View Theatre on Friday, July 8. Details: trybooking.com/CRHOJ

Sunbury local Michael Prewer with his new book. (Damjan Janevski) 407213_02

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

LGBTIQ Social Club

The Sunbury and Surrounds LGBTIQ Social Club has an ongoing catch up every third Saturday at the Brown Cow Cafe in Rosenthal at 1pm. They can also be found on Facebook where they have chats, discussions and other events advertised.

■ https://shorturl.at/jtAO1

Art show

The Woodend winter art show is returning for another year and will be held on the King’s birthday long weekend, June 8 to June 10, 10am to 4pm daily. The show will be held at the Woodend train station complex, with a gold coin donation and daily artwork door prize to be won.

Neighbourhood garden

Become part of Sunbury’s Neighbourhood Garden and grow edible and useful plants in a social group at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. All skill sets are welcome.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

VIEW Club

Sunbury-Macedon Ranges VIEW Club is a friendly women’s organisation and a valued part of The Smith Family. We meet on the third Friday of each month at 11am at Club Sunbury, Riddell Road, Sunbury. New members warmly welcome

■ Lee-anne, 0403 047 909

Sunbury Art Society

The Sunbury Art Society meets every Friday and Saturday, from 10am- 3pm, at the Boilerhouse, Jacksons Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with other like minded people. New members welcome.

■ Ken, 0407 062 568 or Yvonne, 0429 994 828

Yoga Yoga classes at Sunbury Neighbourhood House focus on supporting participants to slow down and move well. Special

attention is given to mindful awareness of movement that builds strength in a healthy and safe way, Monday mornings, Thursday evenings and Friday mornings

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

Art group

The Woodend Art Group holds classes and workshops in the studios in the Woodend railway station complex. It also has a social Tuesday where members and interested people can come along in the morning, have a coffee and paint together in a social environment.

■ Colin Robinson, 0407 426 252

Sunbury-Macedon Ranges VIEW Club

Sunbury-Macedon Ranges VIEW Club is a friendly women’s organization and a valued part of The Smith Family. The club meets on the third Friday of each month at 11am at Club Sunbury, Riddell Road, Sunbury. New members warmly welcome.

■ www.view.org.au or Facebook: Sunbury Macedon Ranges VIEW Club

Shuttles and pickleballs

Macedon Ranges Badminton Club is inviting residents to come and play badminton, or pickleball, or both at Macedon Community Centre. Badminton is played on Tuesdays from 7.30pm and Thursdays at 9.30am. Pickleball is played on Mondays at 6.30pm, Wednesdays at 10.15am and on Tuesday from 10am at the Romsey Recreation Centre.

■ David, 0419 589 425, or macedonrangesbadminton@gmail.com

Scottish country dancing

The Macedon Ranges Scottish Country Dancing Group meets every Thursday afternoon 1-3pm at Buffalo Stadium, Woodend. The dancing involves social country dancing, and no special clothes needed, just soft flat shoes.

■ Meg, 5427 1100, or Linda, 0408 476 317

Sunbury Woodworkers Club

Join the Sunbury Woodworkers Club to learn woodturning. No experience or tools required. Our club is a welcoming environment open to men and women who wish to learn. Meetings for new guests are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 730pm. Circular drive, Jackson’s Hill, Sunbury. Facebook: Sunbury Woodworkers Club.

■ Anita, 0417 402 795

Community. Connect. Create. If you are needing support or looking for a social group to join, you can visit Community. Connect. Create, which is an online resource listing support and community groups in the Macedon Ranges. if you would like your group listed or would like to work to help this project grow please email: fiona@ communityconnectcreate.com.au

■ Communityconnectcreate.com.au

Amateur radio club

The Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at the Woodend RSL Hall, 32 Anslow Street, Woodend, at 10am. If you are interested in amateur radio or already have a call sign, this could be for you.

■ http://www.mrarc.org.au

Take off weight naturally Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Off Weight Naturally) every Thursday at 9am at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

■ Rhonda, 0409 740 924

Kyneton Badminton Club

Kyneton Badminton Club is a welcoming, fun and social group that plays on Mondays, at 7pm at the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre, Victoria Street. All skill levels welcome.

■ kynetonbc@gmail.com

Sunbury Macedon Ranges Lodge Meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, 73 Main Street, Romsey. New members welcome. ■ Wayne, 0404 034 737, or Ian, 0438 240 402

Family History and Heritage Society If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and your own family history, come along to meetings at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month, which from May will be at room five at the Global Learning Centre in Sunbury.

■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Rotary club

The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Ball Court Hotel, 60 Macedon Street, Sunbury, from 7pm. ■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Ladies probus

The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am.

■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms.

■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Toastmasters

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of St Monica’s College students Daniel, Seth, Natasha, Drew, Emilia and Isabella preparing for their Hairspray Musical. (Damjan Janevski) 409678_01

Two journeys explored on stage

The Bowery Theatre is set to host a thought-provoking performance this June withOuterUrbanProjects’criticallyacclaimed theatre work, The Audition.

This compelling production, inspired by the journeys of two young Iranian immigrant artists, Milad Norouzi and Sahra Davoudi, offers a unique and intimate look at the parallels between the audition process and seeking asylum in Australia.

Directed by Outer Urban Projects’ artistic director Irine Vela, The Audition delves into the uncertainties faced by both actors and asylum seekers.

“Inbothcases,applicantswaitwhilesomeone more powerful determines their future, often

basedoffasingleencounter.Theasylumseeker, just like the actor, is an expert at being patient with a force that keeps them waiting without having their hopes dashed,” Vela said.

When The Audition premiered in 2019, Norouzi and Davoudi were doubly displaced within Australia and on its stages. They now have permanent Australian residency and are enjoying their artistic pursuits.

Outer Urban Projects aims to connect new and established artists based in the northern Melbourne fringes. It provides an open door forcollaboration,whereartistlivedexperiences shape the content of the stories that it shares.

Norouzi and Davoudi didn’t have to audition. Instead, they were invited to create

The Audition in collaboration with Irine Vela and writers Christos Tsiolkas, Patricia Cornelius, Melissa Reeves, Tes Lyssiotis and Wahibe Moussa.

Vela said the Melbourne-metro tour of The Audition ends during Refugee Week, which this year has the theme of ’Finding Freedom through Family.’

“The Audition offers a sharp and insightful perspective into the protocols and powers that permit or veto entry into our country and onto our stages,” said Vela.

The Audition will be on at the Bowery Theatre on June 21. Tickets are priced between $18 and $30. Details: outerurbanprojects.org/ works/theaudition

Woodend’s Winter Arts weekend

Music, discussions, and fireworks will fill the streets of Woodend for the 19th Winter Arts FestivalovertheKing’sBirthdaylongweekend.

Running from Friday, June 7 to Monday, June 10, the festival program features a diverse rangeofmusicalperformancesanddiscussions at multiple Woodend venues.

Over 100 musicians will perform during the festival, which will showcase both local and international artists across several genres. The program includes Southern Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco Lara and dancer Deya Miranda Giner, Australian jazz great Paul Grabowsky, and twice ARIA-nominated Nat Bartsch.

For the piano enthusiasts, London-based pianist Piers Lane will perform a recital, and Woodend’s own Jacqueline Ogeil will lead

Accademia Arcadia’s ‘Early Solo Concertos’ on the Cristofori piano.

Ogeil is also the executive and artistic director of the festival, and said she is excited about this year’s line up.

“The quality and diversity of the program is evident in how well ticket sales have gone … with several events expected to sell out over the next week,“ she said.

“Personally,Iamverymuchlookingforward to the performance of Bach’s St John Passion, which celebrates the 300 year anniversary of this great masterpiece.”

The‘Words&Ideas’programincludesaseries ofdebatesanddiscussionsfromaneclecticmix of speakers, such as immunologist and Nobel laureate Peter Doherty; journalists Gideon Haigh, Elizabeth Finkel, George Megalogenis;

and author0screenwriter Don Watson. Andrew Ford will reveal his latest book, and ABCRadiopresenterRobynWilliamswilllead a discussion on ‘Sex, Science and Singing’ with geneticist Jenny Graves.

“We’ve … included a feature on science as well as several talks which cover music in our Words & Ideas program – all of which promise to be entertaining and engaging discussions,” Ogeil said.

Fireworks will light up the sky at 6.30pm on the festival’s opening night, at a free and all-ages event at the Woodend Buffalo Sports Stadium.

Details: https://woodendwinterartsfestival. org.au/

Oscar Parry

into the school holidays

Victorian kids can go to the zoo for free over the July school holidays and embark on an unforgettable journey back in time aszoosacrossthestatebecomeprehistoric playgrounds.

At Melbourne Zoo, visitors can venture along paths not normally open to visitors to discover 16 huge dinosaurs, their nests, and newly hatched young. For budding palaeontologists, there’s the chance to uncover a fossil in the sandpits, watched over by the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.

In an Australian first, Dinos at the Zoo will also provide unprecedented access to the deaf and hard of hearing community, withExpressionAustraliacreatingaseries of videos in Australian Sign Language (Auslan) to provide information on every exhibit, which is instantly accessible by scanning a QR code.

At Werribee Open Range Zoo, expect the unexpected as you encounter 14 awe-inspiring dinosaurs, smoking volcanoes, bubbling swamps, dino footprints, and unearth life-like dino fossils.

Within the Yarra Valley, step back in time along Healesville Sanctuary’s bushlandNatureTrailwhere16dinosaurs roam,orforthosewhopreferaguide,join a free walking tour with a ranger. Entry to all zoos is free for children under 16 years on weekends, school holidays,andpublicholidays.Dinosatthe Zoo will be free with zoo admission and will run until July 14.

Williamstown Literary Festival is set to turn another

page

The Williamstown Literary Festival is returning for another year to bring readers together for a weekend of literary celebrations.

President Hugh Jones said the festival aims to bring together readers, writers and book creatives of all sorts for a wide range of activities.

“We are aiming to have a big, wide breadth of sessions so that we can appeal to as many people as possible,” he said

Now in its 21st year, the annual celebration will host a range of activities through story-telling, author talks, panel discussions and writing workshops, all across two days.

For her second festival, program director Emily Westmoreland said she has included several specialist writing workshops and increased the number of children’s sessions among the usual trove of author talks and panel discussions.

“Willy Lit Fest is different from other Victorian literary festivals in that we acknowledge our unique seaside setting and create a program to celebrate that,” she said.

“The amazing Jawbone Reserve will feature in a session, as will the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers, the local botanic gardens for bird watching and forest therapy, and Willy beach

itself for our now famous early morning swimming salon.”

Hoping to keep the festival as local as possible, Mr Jones said they have many local authors coming to speak.

“It was really important for us to have locally represented authors from the west come in,” he said.“ThebeautyabouttheWillyLitFestisthat its local, and it is one of the things that really guide us in the promotion of the program.“

Morethan60individualsessionswillbeheld at the Williamstown Town Hall from June 14 to June 16. Details:https://www.willylitfest.org. au/weekend-pass/

Southern Spanish flamenco duo Paco Lara and Deya Miranda Giner. (Supplied)

Williamstown Literary Festival vice president Lis Grove and program director Emily Westmoreland. (Damjan Janevski) 406538_01

Roar

(Zoos Victoria)

The Audition will hit the stage at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans on June 21. (Darren Gill)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 24 words: Excellent

Vitelotte, Laura and King Edward are all types of what?

Which metal are Olympic gold medals predominantly made from?

Es is the symbol for which element of the periodic table?

1930s Melbourne saw the invention of which famous chocolate treat? 5 The smallest bone in the human body is called the what?

Usain Bolt (pictured) holds the record for which two Olympic categories?

7 Banjo Paterson wrote what poem in 1895, which later became a well-known song?

8 Digitalis is derived from which plant?

9 The Benko Gambit is used in which game?

10 The character Don Quixote is known for attacking which object?

Rescuer discovers dead roos

By Oscar Parry

A wildlife rescuer urges drivers to report injured or killed animals after leaving a scene of nine dead kangaroos within one section of road in Bulla.

Wildlife Rescuers volunteer Michael Sorrentino recently arrived at the road, not far from the Melbourne Airport Viewpoint, after receiving a call about a kangaroo with two injured legs that needed to be euthanased. After arriving, he discovered an unmarked dead kangaroo across the road and another marked one nearby.

Walking towards the third dead kangaroo, he discovered a fourth kangaroo injured and still alive in a patch of mud.

“It’s pretty distressing. You find one in that state and you feel for them … then you find another and start to feel a bit angry,” Mr

Sorrentino said.

Mr Sorrentino said he entered a “rescue mindset” and tried to rescue the injured animal, then deciding it too needed to be euthanased.

“You sort of just deal with it and deal with your emotions after the fact. Later on, you can’t help but feel depressed about the way they were treated and left there,” he said.

All of these kangaroos were within 50 metres of each other, before he walked about 100 metres down the road to discover five more – three attended to previously by rescuers and two unreported.

Mr Sorrentino said it was “frustrating” to find kangaroos that had been hit and not marked or reported to rescuers.

“Sometimes you wonder if people think you’ll judge them … but we’re nice people, we’re not about that. We just want to help the

animals,” he said.

On a Facebook post about the scene, residents echoed similar sentiments.

“Just so incredibly wrong. I keep telling people … these things happen, but it’s about whatyoudonextthatshowsthesortofhuman you are,” one commenter wrote.

Mr Sorrentino urged drivers to not feel guilty when unintentionally injuring an animal, and to call a rescuer if the animal requires care.

“All it takes is that one call. If it happens at night … give us the nearest location through a Google Maps pin drop. It makes it easier for us to find the animal when we do get on scene,” he said.

Mr Sorrentino reported that since the night, he had returned to the same section of road, discovering more unmarked and deceased kangaroos.

Breast cancer survivor is running for her life

Not many people attempt to run four half marathons in a year, however breast cancer survivor Michelle Rickett is defying the odds and smashing her goals to raise funds for the organisations which have helped cure her cancer.

It has been eight years since the resident of Melbourne’s west was diagnosed with stage three triple-negative breast cancer.

Unlike other cancers, Michelle’s does not allow her to take hormone replacements which means she must produce her own natural hormones.

To keep the cancer away following her radiation and chemotherapy treatments, Michelle’s oncologist told her the best way to stay healthy is through exercise.

“If I exercise I produce the natural hormone that helps stop my cancer from recurring,” she explained.

“So it is basically down to me to stop mine from coming back, and unfortunately triple-negative is one of the highest recurring cancers.”

Backed by research, Michelle’s oncologist said exercise is a highly effective way to prevent the cancer from returning.

However, given how rare Michelle’s cancer is, the research is limited, which is why she is on a mission to do as much charity fundraising asshecanbetweenthetwoorganisationswhich have helped her the most, Cancer Council and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Triple-negative breast cancer is a ultra rare form of breast cancer which is typically hereditary. Thankfully, Michelle hasn’t passed thegeneontoherdaughtersAntoniaandJodie.

“Stage three is as pretty bad as it gets apart from death,” she said.

“So four days after I finished chemo I went

for a four kilometre walk with my kids, then I did a couple of five kilometre walks and then I did my first 10 kilometre exactly a year after finishing my treatments.”

Michelle slowly worked her way up to a half marathon and is now on a mission to run four this year.

“I just did my first along the Great Ocean

Road and my next will be the Run Melbourne half-marathon,” she said.

“Each time I get to the end and I just think, ’bloody hell how did I do this?’

“But my motto is if cancer can’t kill me, then this isn’t going to kill me. Running has got nothing on cancer, so I just keep running.”

With each half marathon she completes,

Michelle has decided to split her fundraising efforts to donate to all the charities which have helped her with her cancer.

“For my Run Melbourne marathon in July I will be donating to Cancer Council and then for the last two I will be donating to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre,” she said.

“I wanted to split my efforts across the two charities which have really helped me through my treatment.

“I like to make sure that I’m giving back because they rely a lot on people’s generosity.”

OriginallyfromCornwall,England,Michelle and husband Andrew moved to Melbourne 12 years ago, which she said saved her life.

“If it wasn’t for the amazing medical services here, I would actually be dead,” she said.

“Everything happens so quickly here. I was diagnosed with cancer on a Monday and I was being operated on the Friday.

“I don’t take anything for granted. I always think I am really privileged and lucky to be here.

“And if I lived in England I unfortunately don’t think I would have got the service I did here.”

With her next half marathon less than two months away, Michelle is ready to smash her own time goal.

“I am feeling really good. I have a goal I am aiming for which is what I have been training for,” she said.

“My husband says it’s an obsession, a lot of people can be addicted to some really bad things, all I am addicted to is running.”

Details: https://runmelbourne24.grassrootz. com/cancer-council-victoria/michellerickett?tab=donations

Jennifer Pittorino

Michelle Rickett. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 407348_01

An injured kangaroo was found alive and lying in mud. (Supplied)

3430001)

The proposed facility consists of the addition of new equipment and associated works, including 5G, as follows: Removal of existing Vodafone and Optus antennas and equipment Installation of two (2) Vodafone panel antennas, 2.7m

on a new shared headframe

Installation of two (2) 5G Vodafone panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the new headframe

Installation of three (3) Optus panel antennas, 2.7m long, on the new headframe Installation of two (2) Optus 5G panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the new headframe

Installation of ancillary equipment including up to eight (8) Vodafone remote radio units, installation of up to ten (10) Optus remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling

1.Vodafone and Optus regard the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), based on the description above.

2.In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Shreya Rekhapalli at Indara, 02 9495 9000, community@indara.com or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Thursday 20 June 2024. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3430001. 12693899-ET24-24

Hybrid powering up down under

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

With a dim start to electrification of the automobile down under, due considerably to the snail-pace roll-out of charging infrastructure to keep up, many car manufacturers have doubled down on petrol/ electric hybrid models.

Latest switch-on is Hyundai with its new Kona SUV range consisting initially of internal combustion engine vehicles and totally electric powered variants.

The small sports utility hybrid vehicle makes use of a 1.6 litre petrol engine and six-speed dual clutch transmission with a 1.32 kwh battery pack and electric motor, designed to deliver a driving experience similar to a conventional ICE vehicle.

With an exceptional 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres fuel consumption (91 RON) on the combined cycle claimed by the maker, the full 38 litre petrol tank should give a careful driver almost 1000 kilometres of range.

As well as standard features such as AM/FM/DAB+, wireless Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto connectivity, Hyundai Bluelink with calendar integration, Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, USB-C input and Google Fast Pair Service for Android across the Kona range, the test car was specced up to Premium level.

ThisleveladdedBluelinkconnectedsatellite navigation, Bluelink live traffic updates, voice control, SMS playback capability, split-screen function and voice memo function. Options on Premium include wide-glass sunroof at $1500, metallic mica paint $595 and Light Shale Grey/Sage Green interior $295.

The Kona N Line Hybrid is covered by Hyundai’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with battery warranty of eight years or 160,000 kilometres.

Styling

The Kona hybrid follows on the futuristic design chops of the all-electric variant. Standout features of the Neoteric (aka modern) Yellow test car included light strip front and back, twin alloy tipped exhaust pipes, N Line body-coloured cladding, N Line front bumper with gloss black front bumper insert, N Line side skirts and N Line-exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.

There’sablackNLinewing-typespoilerand mirror caps, N Line rear bumper, plus N Line aluminium badging. Dual projector beam headlights combine with LED indicators, black beltline moulding and ‘seamless horizon’ centre LED positioning light.

Interior

With wider-opening doors, back seat space – 77mm more leg room and 11 mm extra headroom – is well ahead of the previous Kona. Second-row shoulder room (1402mm) is also among the largest in class.

Buttons and dials dominate the climate and drive mode controls, so it’s simple to hop into Sport, or adjust the climate. Stacks of storage space is partly the result of the lack of a transmission tunnel with its old-style T-bar gear lever, leaving room for an open centre console.

All-new Kona’s optional N Line pack interior offers leather appointed seating with Alcantara inserts, along with red highlights and N logos. There’s an N Line steering wheel, dark metal door handles, plus leather dashboard tray and highlights. Black headlining and pillar trims may seem a bit too gloomy for some.

The boot has room for 470 litres of cargo with the rear seat backs raised, blowing out to 1421 litres with the backs folded (almost) flat. A temporary spare wheel can be found under the boot base, which is height adjustable.

Infotainment

The Kona follows its Hyundai cousins with a version of the 12.3-inch dual-screen high-resolution full digital set-up. Pleasingly, climate control air-con is via a series of buttons and knobs on the centre stack, not the

touchscreen.

Over The Air software updates lets users perform remote software and firmware updates for key systems, without the need to visit a service centre.

Engines/transmissions

NewforAustralia,theKonahybridpowertrain combines a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor plugged into a 1.32 kWh battery pack. The electric motor produces 32 kW of power and 172 Nm of torque, the combined system putting out 104 kW and 265 Nm. The package is mated with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Safety

This is where the Hyundai SmartSense safety system comes into the picture with functions including autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), as well as AEB rear.

Also included are driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring and assist, lane keep assist, safe exit warning, plus parking sensors.

And to help further in pedestrian safety,

the Kona Hybrid, with its almost silent powertrain, features a Virtual Engine Sound System which generates a futuristic sound for pedestrians to hear through a speaker at the front of the vehicle. A further chime is ‘played’ when the car is reversing.

There are seven airbags in Kona, including a front centre side airbag. Mounted in the left of the driver’s seat backrest, it can prevent or reduce the severity of injuries caused by coming together of front occupants, or collisions between occupants and the interior during a side impact.

Driving

The dash-mounted push-button start fires up the all-but silent electric motor, to be joined by the 1.6-litre petrol engine, in an ultra-smooth transition at around 20 to 30 km/h when needed for optimum performance – a great help in town traffic.

It’s not the most powerful vehicle but a heavy-footed take-off can have the Kona’s front wheels spinning in the wet, trust me. Paddles behind the steering wheel allow the driver to get in on the action of the six-speed double-clutch tranny. Oh, and can deliver

different levels of regenerative braking. Claimed fuel economy is a miserly 3.9 litres per 100km on the combined urban/ highway cycle. On test the Kona accrued a fuel consumption figure of 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres over a week’s work on a range of road conditions.

Traffic sign recognition and warning sounds like a good idea but the Kona goes a step too far for my liking, not only issuing a visual warning but beeping too. Frequent changes of speed limit can come up with an incessant ‘one-note’ samba. More annoying than helpful.

Also, the system is inclined to pick up the speed limit of an on or off-ramp while still on the motorway and on test was wont to hold on to a car park 10km/h speed limit when the car was well on its way down the road.

Summary

With skinflint fuel usage without the worry of running out of ‘juice’ it’s a win/win situation with the Kona N Line petrol/electric hybrid SUV. Good looks, space and heaps of high-tech tackle add to the appeal, as does the $40K-plus sales price.

The full 38 litre petrol tank should give a careful driver almost 1000 kilometres of range. (Pictures: Supplied)

It was footy, footy and more footy for Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic on Saturday. Here’s some of the action that she shot.

Winter football action kicks off

1/ Altona got a hard fought win against Parkside. 410694_16

Emily Kalos and Brooke Hards. 410706_16

Laverton’s Ruth Walker. 410700_12

Michael Luxford. 410695_10

Spurs

Thomas Stelluto.

West Footscray fought hard against Sunshine. 410696_13

Redbacks find a winning formula

Romsey went back to basics and it paid off in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday against Macedon.

While the Redbacks were still getting the wins on the board, coach Justin Sherman knew they had another level to give.

On Saturday, the group responded against the Cats, winning 10.13 (73)-8.5 (53).

Shermanwasthrilledwiththeperformance.

“I think the most pleasing part was the week before we were challenged by Woodend and they outplayed us on the day and we were able to get back to playing our winning,” he said. “Winning the contest and sticking to the structures.

“We were able to play football in our half and get those basics right and get some score out of it.

“It was the best team performance across four quarters in about a month.”

Sherman said they had worked during the

week on some things that would get them back to the way they wanted to play.

He said getting that connection right was the biggest thing.

“We put in some specialised line coaching,” he said. “We wanted to make sure we got the connection right.

“We worked on some craft drills with the coaches to get that connection right.”

The Redbacks dominated early in the contest but weren’t able to make the most of it, scoring 3.5 in the first quarter.

They were able to keep the Cats at bay in the second quarter, before the Cats threw everything at them after they left the door open with not converting.

“Macedon put us under pressure in the third,” Sherman said. “They kicked a few quick goals and we needed to get back to D1 pressure and get in the ball carrier’s face.”

Sherman said the group responded to the

message at three quarter time and were able to run away with it.

Skipper Nathan Blair continued his good form and put out a best on ground performance. Sherman said Chris Petroro in the midfield was also good with a number of players who could have been considered the votes.

Zach Smedley was named the Cats best.

The win moves the Redbacks to 5-1, one of three teams with that record.

Sherman said being able to keep the squad fit and healthy was the key to the good start. There is a competition wide bye this weekend due to the King’s Birthday.

Sherman said it came at a good time. In other results, Diggers Rest did enough against Kyneton, Wallan beat Lancefield and Woodend-Hesket banked a win against Melton Centrals.

Tara Murray

Kirby marks 250 games

By Tara Murray

For Sunbury Kangaroos women’s captain Lisa Kirby, she just loves getting out and playing football.

Having started playing footy when she was seven and senior football at 11, Kirby on Saturday ran out for her 250th game.

Kirby said while it was special, for her it’s just another game.

“Everyone tells me it’s a big deal,” she said. “I’m like cool, I can play another game of footy.

“I’ve known all year and I’ve been counting in my head, but not making a big deal about it.

“You can’t think that way, it’s always just about playing footy.”

Kirby’s football journey is one that wouldn’t happen now with the growth in female football.

She joined the senior women’s club, the Darebin Falcons, when she was just 11.

Kirby was the youngest player by far.

“My parents were driving down to Coburg three times a week,” she said. “They [the Falcons] looked after me.

“I was mainly in the reserves in my first year and then in my second season I was 13 at that time and I played more in the senior side.

“I had to wear a helmet because I was knocked out in one game. I wore it for 13 years.”

Kirby’s teammates included some of the biggest names in women’s football, many who have been involved in AFLW.

She highlighted former Carlton captain and now Port Adelaide AFLW coach Lauren Arnell,andPetaSearle,whohasbeeninvolved in coaching at AFL and AFLW as a couple of the biggest names.

“ImissedoutbyoneyearplayingwithDaisy Pearce, that would have been cool.” she said.

Kirby then took a year off before coming back to football, joining the Sunbury Lions which meant a lot less travel.

She played in three premierships at the Lions, in 2009, 2010 and 2015.

Kirby then joined Pascoe Vale where she won another premiership and played game 200.

It was then onto Keilor for a year and bit when COVID hit.

She then joined the Sunbury Kangaroos in 2022.

Kirby said there were plenty of highlights along the way.

She said the premierships, being best on ground in a grand final, a best and fairest in a premiership year were all special as was being named the player’s player by her teammates.

“Just getting out to play footy every week is special to me,” she said, though.

Many of those 250 games have come alongside her twin sister Lauren.

“Loz has had a unique story,” she said.

“She was our runner helping out and we were short one day and five matches later she was winning a premiership,

“She never wanted to play footy and it’s amazing to play footy with her.”

The pair are this year captain and vice-captain for the Kangaroos, which Kirby said was both weird and special.

Kirby’s teammates had organised a banner

Sports shorts

GDCA

Gisborne and District Cricket Association secretary Rob McIntyre is stepping down as secretary at the upcoming annual general meeting. McIntyre has been the association president or secretary for 16 years and has also filled the competitions manager role more recently. The association announced that McIntyre was standing to focus on treatment for cancer. “It is fair to say he has had a significant impact on cricket at association, regional and state levels for many years,” the association said. “His is a position that will be a very difficult one to fill.”

Bendigo FL

Gisborne continued its winning run, beating Strathfieldsaye on Saturday in the Bendigo Football League. Coming off a bye, the Bulldogs beat the Storm, 16.14 (110)-13.4 (82). Harry Luxmoore and Pat McKenna kicked three goals each for the Bulldogs with Jack Scanlon named their best. The Bulldogs move to second on the ladder.

Bendigo NL

Gisborne continued its winning ways in the Bendigo Netball League on Saturday. Fresh off a week off, the Bulldogs were able to account for Strathfieldsaye, winning 40-29. The Bulldogs sit in second spot, a game behind Kangaroo Flat, but having played on less game. The Bulldogs this Saturday face Castlemaine at Camp Reserve.

Ballarat NL

The Sunbury Lions had a day out against East Point in the Ballarat Netball League on Saturday. After getting back on the winners list the previous round, the Lions had no issues against the Kangaroos, winning 74-31. Rebecca Hicks shot 59 goals for the Lions, while Tara O’Grady shot 15. The Lions sit in third spot with a 5-1-1 record. There is no matches this weekend due to the King’s Birthday long weekend. The Lions are at home to Sebastopol the following weekend.

and some of her past teammates to attend the game on Saturday.

She wasn’t so sure about all the fanfare but said it was nice to have people come along.

While Kirby’s just reached the 250 milestone, she’s already looking ahead to what is next.

“It’s only three and half seasons until 300,” she said. “I’ll still be under 40, so why not have a crack.”

Lisa Kirby. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 405194_07

Corey Pertzel. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 347355_22

Lions suffer first loss of season to inform Roos

The Sunbury Lions winning start to the Ballarat Football League season has come to an end.

The Lions were hoping to make it through to the bye undefeated, but faced their biggest challenge so far on Saturday against East Point.

The Kangaroos on their home deck made the most of their opportunities in the second half to come away with the 16.6 (102)-12.10 (82) win.

Lions coach Matt White said they were tested by a great side.

“They beat us on the inside,” he said. “They then kicked 10.2 in the second half.

“Kicking that accurately is hard to stop.”

White said having had some tough contests in the middle of the ground the last four weeks, that he thinks it took a bit of a toll this week.

He said while it was disappointing to lose, he said there were plenty of things they would

take out of the game.

“We stuck at it,” he said. “We kicked a couple of goals late which made the margin look a bit better.

“We didn’t roll over. We had Blake Watson off injured and sent him straight for scans. We were a couple more down in the last quarter, but we battled through to the end.”

Mitch Mclean kicked four goals for the Lions, while Jake Sutton was the other multiple goal kicker with three.

White said Dean Muir, who moved into the middle of the ground from half back, was one of the standouts that impressed him.

He said ruck Fraser Ampulski was good as was Sean Reilly, who had an impact down back.”

White said having a result like this would give them an opportunity to really review the game, something that can’t always be done properly after a 100-plus point win.

The Lions slipped to second with the loss

and are percentage behind Melton.

There are no matches this weekend due to the King’s Birthday holiday, something that comes at the perfect time for the Lions according to White.

White said they were waiting on more scans for Watson’s knee, while Riley Miller had a tight hamstring.

“We should get a few back after the bye,” he said. “[Mitch] Lewis will be back and we’re waiting on some more information on Jake Egan and his hamstring.

“We’ve got some injured guys but we are bringing some guys back in.”

White said at the start of the season they would have taken the start they’ve had.

They have a couple of big tests after the bye in Sebastopol and Melton.

White said they are taking it one week at a time and not looking any further than those two matches.

Tara Murray

Warriors working hard

By Tara Murray

TheWesternWarriorsshowedplentyofmental resolve to get a second win on the trot in the Victorian Netball League championship.

Coming off their best win for the season against the Geelong Cougars, the Warriors faced the winless Peninsula Waves on Wednesday night.

The Waves tested the Warriors early before they were able to steady and come away with a 70-53 win.

Warriors coach Kim Bailey said the Waves really pushed them early on.

“Two in a row is great,” she said. “That is the best I’ve seen them [Waves] play.

“They really shut us down in the first half, I’m just really happy in the second half we were able to go back to our structures to our plan and just Accelerate from there and get a nice win in the end.”

One of the pleasing aspects for Bailey was seeing the side being able to mentally work through what they needed to do.

Times earlier in the season they haven’t

been able to do that.

“It’s something that we’ve really concentrated on and we spoke about in depth at training and before the game that they’re really chasing a win and you know they’ve got a great target underneath the post,” she said.

“But we need to be alert and ready to play and not think, yeah we won a game last week and we’re gonna win it.

“No game went you walk onto the court will be an instant win. You have to work really really hard in VNL and we did that.”

Bailey said she thought Georgia Berry had a really strong game in defence.

She also highlighted the performance of Julia Woolley, who stepped up in goals, with Kim Borger not feeling 100 per cent.

“Juls was on fire again,” Bailey said. “It took a little while, but she is such a leader on the court too.

“It’s just what she teaches the other young kids around her. I think Simmy [Simona Di Filippo] has really come into her game since she’s been playing with Juls.”

The Warriors sit in seventh spot after 14

Kangaroos sneak home

The Sunbury Kangaroos came away with the points in a thriller, while Rupertswood had a big loss in the Essendon District Football League.

In the division 2 competition, the Kangaroos had a fight on their hands against Glenroy.

The Kangaroos led by 19 points at quarter time before the margin was reduced to five points at the main break.

The Roys had the momentum in the third quarter but weren’t able to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal.

They kicked 3.6 to the Kangaroos 2.2 to lead by five points heading into the final quarter.

The Kangaroos saved their best quarter for last to sneak home, 11.10 (76)-10.12 (72).

Shawn Bowden kicked three goals for the Kangaroos, while Lachlan Kaye and Mitch Streiff kicked two goals each.

Dylan Cunningham and John Corso were the stars for the Kangaroos.

The Kangaroos remain in fourth spot after eight rounds.

East Sunbury had the bye.

In division 1, Rupertswood wasn’t able to keep the momentum going St Albans.

The Saints were dominant in the first half, leading by 79 points at the main break.

The margin blew out past 100 points in the third quarter.

rounds. The closeness of the competition has fourth placed Hawks on 28 points and 10th placed Casey Demons are on 20 points.

“It can go anyway at the moment,” Bailey said.

“You look at your losses and your wins. We dropped a game we most probably should have won against MU and we would have been within two points or maybe even in the four.

“It’s such an amazing season and it just shows the evenness of the competition.”

The Warriors under-23s had another loss, losing 51-43.

Bailey said it was the same sort of thing as the previous round where they were great for three quarters and they then lost focus in the last quarter.

It’s something she said they will work on at training.

The Warriors championship side has a bye this week, with the under-23 side facing the Gippsland Stars.

Bailey said the bye came at a good time after having played a lot on the road in the last six weeks.

The Sharks finished the game well with six last quarter goals, but the game was already over.

St Albans won, 24.14 (158)-8.6 (54).

Aaron Grubb and Patrick Ervin were the Sharks best.

With Moonee Valley winning, the Sharks slipped back to 10th and in the relegation zone.

Aside from one premier division match, there’s no games this weekend duetotheKing’sBirthdaylongweekend.

Mitch Streiff. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 409294_14

Matt White (Supplied)

Western Warriors in their First Nations dress. (Supplied)

Cats hold off Redbacks for the win

Macedon moved up in the Riddell District Netball League top five as all the higher ranked teams came away with the wins on Saturday.

The Cats’ battle with Romsey was the closest of the round, with the Cats surviving a late Redbacks comeback.

The lead was one at quarter time and then four at half time. The Cats managed to extend thattoeightgoalsheadingintothefinalquarter.

A 13-8 goal final term wasn’t enough for the Redbacks, with the Cats winning 59-56.

Eliza Petherick shot 41 goals for the Cats. In a positive sign, Hetty Donoghue shot eight goals in her first game for the season after returning from injury.

Caitlyn Alifraco was named the Cats best.

For the Redbacks, Hope Hamilton shot 46 goals and was named their best.

The Cats now sit in fourth spot.

Lancefield pushed Wallan for a half in its contest.

The Magpies led by five goals at half time before doubling that margin in the third quarter.

They were able to finish with a 54-39 win.

FortheTigers,ShanaeBrundellshot22goals and Tarnee Hammond shot 11.

Darcee Ellard and Karlee Bruno were among the best for the Tigers.

Wallan sits six points clear on top of the ladder, with Riddell, which had the bye sitting in second.

TheTigerssitbottom,butareonlypercentage behind Diggers Rest.

MeltonCentralshadoneoftheirbiggesttests of the season against a Woodend-Hesket side starting to find some form.

The Hawks jumped out to an early lead and pushed it to 12 goals at half time.

Centrals were able to close the gap slightly

in the second half but the Hawks had done enough, winning 52-41.

Charlee Duff-Tytler shot 30 goals for the Hawks, while Helen Aumua shot 28 goals for Centrals.

ItwastheHawksfifthwinoftheseason,with the side in third spot.

Centralssliptofifth,agamebehindMacedon and Woodend-Hesket.

Kyneton got its third win of the season, with a strong four quarter performance against Diggers Rest.

The Tigers were able to extend the lead in every quarter on the way to a 52-38 win.

Claire Oakley shot 37 goals for the Tigers, while Leona Hristovska shot 16 for the Burras.

The Tigers now sit percentage outside the top five, while the Burrras sit in eighth.

Therearenomatchesthisweekendduetothe King’s Birthday holiday.

Jets win after tough run

By Tara Murray

The Sunbury Jets are back on the winners list after just falling short their previous four games in the Big V men’s state championship.

The Jets had four losses in a row by less than five points in the lead up to their match with the McKinnon Cougars on Saturday night, The Jets have been in every game, but just haven’t been able to get over the line in a number of close ones.

On Saturday against the Cougars, the Jets led throughout the 101-89 win after starting with a 32-17 first quarter.

Nathan Baker top scored with 25 points.

Speaking before the game, coach Nathan Heywood said it was a good opportunity for the group to bounce back.

“It’s our annual Dohmen-Jolly charity round.

“We’retalkingononeofthesidesthatmight be up there competing with us. They beat us in round one and hopefully we can reverse the result.”

Heywood said all the close losses had been really frustrating knowing they had their opportunities.

“We certainly are looking at every little detail,” he said. “It is a frustrating thing right at the moment.

“Weareineverysinglematch.There’slapses in concentration and they end up scoring off turnovers.”

Heywood said they have the capability to turn things around. He said with a new group and him in his first season coaching the side, it will take some time.

“Everyone has strengths and capabilities,” he said. “It’s just about finding the right combinations.”

Heywood said one area they were working on was using their experience and making sure they had the right people on the court at the right times.

Even though games have been on the line, the Jets have been able to get some young players on the court.

He said they had earned their chances and were making the most of them.

One that has impressed Heywood is Sonny Maxwell.

“He’s from our under-18 program and he’s been playing some clutch minutes the last couple of weeks.

“He’ll be out for some time with an injury, but there’s other local talent coming through as well.”

It’ll be a busy few weeks for Heywood who is coach of the Jets under-18 boys team that has qualified for the National Junior Classic. Just 16 teams in each age group across

Joshua Yorke-Frazer. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 403557_16

a number of states are selected for the tournament on the long weekend.

“This team made the classic last year [in under-16s] and were the first team in 30 years to make it,” he said.

“They are now the first team in the 50 years of the association to make it twice.

“There is so much junior talent in the team and I’m privileged to be able to be part of it.

“There’s four state players and two

Cats, Tigers keep winning

Macedon and Kyneton continued their good form while Woodend-Hesket returned to the winners list in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition.

The ladder leading Cats were in action under lights on Friday night against Melton.

The Bloods entered the match of their best win of the season, having beaten Woodend-Hesket the previous week.

The Cats kicked straight in the first quarter to lead by 16 points at quarter time, with the margin staying steady in the second quarter.

After half time the Cats were able to find another level, winning 9.8 (62)-2.5 (17).

Charlotte Noonan kicked six goals for the Cats.

Scarlett Lynch and Noonan were named their best.

On Saturday, Kyneton was even more impressive in its win against the Mount Alexander Falcons.

The Tigers were able to extend the lead in every quarter to come away with a 9.6 (60)-0.1 (1) win.

Suzie Harrison and Laura Roberts kicked three goals each for the Tigers. Ainslie was named best on ground.

The Tigers remain in second spot, only percentage behind Macedon, with neither side having lost a match.

Woodend-Hesket moved into third spot with victory against Lancefield.

The Hawks led by 15 points at quarter time before the Tigers reduced the gap to just four at half time.

The Hawks did all the scoring in the second half to secure a 4.11 (35)-2.1 (13) win.

Katrina Bau and Mariam Habib were named the Hawks best, while Chloe Hodgson and Molly Heales were named the Tigers best.

The Hawks now sit above the Falcons on percentage, while the Tigers remain in sixth spot.

reserves.. They are highly talented. They are predominantly bottom age, bodes well for next year too.”

Heywood said they took no expectations for the group at the event and to just have fun.

“The boys are doing us proud.”

Meanwhile in the women’s state championship, the Jets beat the Cougars, 80-69 on Saturday night and then beat the Hume City Broncos, 86-67, on Sunday.

Romsey had a bye.

There will be no games this weekend with a competition wide bye due to the King’s Birthday long weekend.

The following round, the matches are led by Macedon hosting Kyneton in a top of the table clash.

Macedon’s Hayley Birch. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 341894_33