Big buzz for national bug expo
Vineyard Road safety risk
By Oscar Parry
Following communication from a local advocacy group, Hume council will seek support from Melton council in preparing a joint letter to the state government about safety improvements to Vineyard Road.
The recommendation was raised at the June 24 council meeting by councillor Jarrod Bell, referring to emails sent by Diggers Rest-based ‘DREAM’ advocacy group.
The group has advocated for road safety upgradesontheVineyardRoadcorridor,which is split between Melton and Hume councils.
The recommendation noted that during the period June 2018 to June 2023, there were 54 accidents leading to 71 injuries, 22 of which required acute hospitalisation.
Cr Bell said these incidents are not just statistics, and that the safety issues of the road are affecting “real lives” in the region.
“Over the last several years I have witnessed numerousroadcrashesalongthiscorridor,each incident representing not only statistics, but … families torn apart, lives lost, and individuals enduring severe injuries,” Cr Bell said.
Hume council will write to the mayor and chief executive of Melton to draft a joint letter to the minister for planning, the minister for road safety, and relevant state MPs.
In the letter, suggested safety improvements will include duplication of the Vineyard Road-Calder Freeway overpass bridge, an upgrade of the on-ramp and associated intersection on the Sunbury side, alignment of Hero Street and Eucalyptus Road in Diggers Rest, and full duplication of Vineyard road through Diggers Rest.
Cr Jack Medcraft supported the
recommendation, saying that sections of the road are “like Mars” due to potholes, and that trying to use one of the road’s roundabouts at peak hour is like “playing a game of Russian roulette”.
The recommendation passed by Hume council also stated that they will explore and consult with Melton council on further opportunities for joint advocacy on the issue.
If Melton council does not wish to join Hume in drafting and sending the letter, the council will send one regardless using their own letterhead.
Central Victoria’s largest insect collection will be on display in Woodend later this year as part of the National Insect Expo. Event director Dr Bert Candusio promises that attendees will get the chance to explore a number of new and undiscovered species up close during the expo, as well as bugs regualrly found in the Macedon Ranges in the 1960s. ■ Story: Page 5.
(Damjan Janevski) 415396_01
Alternative park plan green light
By Oscar Parry
Macedon Ranges council adopted an alternate Stanley Park draft infrastructure master plan, with two councillors opposing the amendments due to concerns around accessibility.
The original officer-recommended draft infrastructure master plan for the park proposed consolidating recreation and playground facilities in the northeast corner of the park and was informed by an environmental master plan.
Cr Dominic Bonnano raised an alternative master plan at the June 26 council meeting, which proposed keeping the existing
playground and barbeque areas in their current location, incorporating the car park in the western section of the park into the playground, maximising land available to be incorporated into the playground area, and removing any reference in the master plan to a consolidated recreation area in the north-east corner.
Cr Jennifer Anderson said that the original infrastructure master plan was a compromise between requests from those who are concerned with the park’s conservation value and those concerned with the park’s recreational facilities.
Cr Anderson said that the main reason she preferred the original master plan with
a consolidated recreation area was that it prioritised accessibility and conservation.
“The main concern I have is disability access. So, with this plan … anyone who has a disability can easily use [the] park, kick or watch somebody else kick a football, [and] have the toilet all in one place,” Cr Anderson said.
“The way it is outlined in the alternate recommendation does limit disability access for people to be able to use the park well and have that play equipment.”
Mayor Annette Death also opposed the alternative master plan, referring to the council’s cultural diversity and inclusion statement in regards to park accessibility.
Introducing the artists in residence
Hume council introduced its artists-inresidenceprogramandapprovedconceptplans fortheSunburyCommunity,ArtsandCultural Precinct on Jacksons Hill.
The initial idea for the precinct came about from the state government, as a means of repurposing Jackson’s Hill.
The artists in residence include sculptor and filmmakerMireamSalameh,ceramicistRaquel Stevens, watercolour painter Ray Rattenbury, dancer Sarah Aitken, material repairers Karen and Danny Ellis, and first peoples visual
culture artist Teena Moffat.
Hume mayor Naim Kurt said the artists will work with the community to bring to life their ideas for the Sunbury Community, Arts and Cultural Precinct.
“Our vision for the precinct is to create a destination that preserves and celebrates Sunbury’s significant cultural heritage and supports artistic, cultural and social expression,” Cr Kurt said. “We can’t wait to see our artists’ creativity at work – and to share their works with our community.”
Cr Kurt said the concept plans for the precinct received “a lot of positive feedback from our community,” and that the council are now progressing to the detailed design phase for Buildings 22 and 24 at Jacksons Hill.
Construction works on Buildings 22 and 24, alongwiththesurroundingopenspace,aredue to start in early 2025 and be completed by mid to late 2025 and will be supported by the state government.
Details: hume.vic.gov.au/scacp Oscar Parry
Cr Bonnano, said that he did not agree with the officer-recommended consolidated recreation area in the original master plan.
“The intended officer recommendation was around picnic and open space near a toilet – I don’tbelievethat’swhatthecommunitywants, and that’s not [where] people would picnic usually – near a toilet,” Cr Bonnano said.
The draft infrastructure master plan received 55 public submissions, with many of them concerning the rotunda, car park, playground, and play area.
When put to a vote at the June 26 council meeting, six councillors were in favour of the amended draft master plan and the motion was carried.
Project promotes pedalling
Macedon Ranges kindergarten students have learnt bike riding skills through a state government-funded initiative that aims to improve community health.
AspartoftheongoingHealthyLoddon Campaspe initiative, 15 kindergartens and early learning centres in Kyneton, Riddells Creek, and Gisborne were involved in a program that aimed to improvebikeridingskillsandconfidence among children.
The program included sessions from a bike education organisation, where students were taught how to correctly fit and wear a helmet, essential riding skills, and road safety awareness.
Funding through the program also purchased42newbalancebikes,180new helmets, road crossing safety play kits, and new bike racks outside 12 kinders and early learning centres to promote bike riding as a mode of transport.
Healthy Loddon Campaspe co-ordinator Alicia O’Brien said that providing bike education and infrastructure will help to improve children’shealthintheMacedonRanges.
“Providing bike equipment and small infrastructure, as well as fundamental bike education in early learning settings acrosstheMacedonRanges,willincrease children’sbikeridingconfidencefroman early age,” Ms O’Brien said.
“Active travel, such as bike riding, contributes significantly to children’s daily physical activity.”
The Healthy Loddon Campaspe initiative began in 2018 in response to statistics revealing that the region recorded higher rates of obesity, chronic disease, and high-risk health behaviours than the state average.
Oscar Parry
Two oppose budget amid project funds, rates rise concerns
Hume council has adopted its 2024-25 budget despite opposition from two councillors.
The budget includes a $154.82 million capital works program and an average rate rise of 2.75 per cent, in line with the state government’s cap on rates.
Councillors Jodi Jackson and Trevor Dance voted against the budget during council’s June 24 meeting.
Cr Jackson said there were “a number of items” that have “not been resolved” throughout the budget process.
“Iamfundamentallyopposedtothevolume of funds that have been allocated to a couple
of projects, and those are projects that have been discussed across many, many briefings principally because there have been so many questions about them,” she said.
Cr Dance said he was opposed to the rates increase.
“I do not support rate increases with very little work to be done to reduce council costs,” he said.
“We continue to see capital projects having cost blow outs everywhere, residents are struggling out there.”
According to the budget, council will spend $35.88 million on improving, updating, and
building new buildings.
Thisincludes$7.22millionfortheexpansion of preschool rooms in community centres, and $6.7 million for pavilion and social room upgrades across local sporting clubs.
Council is also proposing to spend $25.64 million on the construction, upgrading, and maintenanceofroads;$8milliononfootpaths and cycle ways, and over $20 million on car parks; and $38.94 million on park and reserve upgrades across Hume.
In Sunbury, the budget $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. Council will fund 11 community ideas, including four in Sunbury, as part of its budget. Council accepted community budget submissions between December and February, with residents putting forward 75 ideas.
Mayor Naim Kurt said the budget would help deliver the infrastructure needed to support Hume’s growing population.
Max Westwood
Ceramicist Raquel Stevens and watercolour painter Ray Rattenbury are two of the artists in residence. (Damjan Janevski) 414911_04
Medicare billed by GP for affair
By Melissa Meehan, AAP
A GP had a sexual relationship with a vulnerablepatientandclaimedtheirdalliances as ’treatment’ on Medicare, threatened to throw acid on her when she tried to end the relationship.
Melbourne doctor Faramarz Foroughi has been banned from practising medicine for six yearsbytheVictorianCivilandAdministrative Tribunal over his misconduct.
The Medical Board of Australia said Dr Foroughi and a vulnerable woman patient had sexual intercourse at the Sunbury practice where he worked until he stopped treating her in December 2016.
For more than a year, he saw her as his last patient of the day and then billed Medicare for their trysts.
The sexual relationship continued, away from the practise, until September 2019.
Thetribunalheardhispatientwasparticularly vulnerable and suffering psychological distress and difficulties in her marriage. The board submitted that Dr Foroughi’s relationship with his patient was characterised by manipulation on his part. On a number of occasions, when the woman tried to end the relationship and report him to authorities, Dr Foroughi threatenedtohaveherchildrenremovedandto have her institutionalised on medical grounds.
HealsothreatenedtotransmitHIVtoher,to kill her, and to commit suicide.
On another occasion he threatened to throw acid on her, but immediately withdrew that threat and made a declaration of love.
By his own admission, Dr Foroughi said the relationship had caused him to experience “huge personal costs” conceding he had “lost the career to which he has devoted his adult life”.
He said medicine remained his passion, but he had not worked as a doctor for almost three years after the board immediately suspended him once they were made aware of his misconduct.Clearlyfrustratedbyhisreluctance to admit to his behaviours, the tribunal led by Jonathon Smithers, said it appeared there was stillsomewaytogobeforethedoctorfullytook responsibility for his actions.
“[It took] three years before his position changed to one where he fully accepted all the allegations made against him, including the manipulation, and threats of suicide
Guthrie brothers return to local club
Cameron and Zach Guthrie returned to the Sunbury Lions Football Netball Club in anticipation of the Annual AFL Country Game, where the Geelong Cats wore guernseys featuring the Sunbury Lions logo.
Essendon and Geelong faced each other in the country game, keen to seal their spots in the top eight.
The Guthrie brothers returned to their roots – the Sunbury Lions, where they both played about seven seasons of junior football.
The pair met and kicked the football with Sunbury Lions under-11 players.
Essendon player Jye Caldwell also attended the event, talking about the upcoming game and his time playing junior football with Golden Square Football Club.
The traditional Country Game is an annual
celebration of the Essendon and Geelong clubs’ shared connection to local football clubs and rural communities.
The Cats helped mark this connection through their guernsey, which for this round, was designed to include a stripe of colours from each player’s junior or local club.
Each player’s individual guernsey will also feature their junior club’s logo on the chest.
The Lions were one of the most represented clubs on the Cats guernseys, with Mark Blicavs also playing local football with the Sunbury Lions.
Cameron Guthrie said he was happy to return to the club and meet some of the under-11s Sunbury Lions junior players.
“I played seven seasons here, I think Zach did the same, and we’ve got one of our
brothers [Josh], he plays for the senior team at the moment,” he said. “So, it was a big part of our lives, still a big part of our family’s lives, [and] it’s nice to be back and see the kids,” he said.
“I still have some really vivid memories of playinghere[and]traininghere,soit’s…nice to see here tonight the under-11s in a similar position to what I was years ago.”
ZachGuthriesaidhewasalsogladtoreturn to the club where he played local football, offering advice to junior players.
“My advice would be to just enjoy it – I have really fond memories of this place and junior footy is some of the best … times you have playing footy I think,” he said.
Oscar Parry
Minister visits Macedon for Tiny Towns news
The Macedon and Mount Macedon CommunityCentreisoneofthefirstrecipients of a grant from the state government’s Tiny Towns Fund.
The$20millionfundoffersgrantstoprojects in small rural and outer metropolitan towns with fewer than 5000 residents.
Regional Development Minister Gayle TierneyandMacedonMPvisitedtheMacedon Ranges on June 26 to announce the funding program.
Grants of up to $50,000 will be offered to sports clubs, community and non-profit groups, and councils for community-driven projects.
The announcement event was emceed by Macedon and Mount Macedon committee member and incorporated not-for-profit association founder Karen Goltz
The community house received a grant of $38,840 for its garden, which is maintained by volunteersandwillactasacommunitycapacity building project and a site for horticulture and permaculture education.
MsTierneysaidthatinvestingincommunity housesisimportantbecausetheyserveasahub for residents.
“They’re a point of where you can gather in a community. They’re almost like a beacon or a signpost for people if they are wanting to get
and violence,” Mr Smithers said wrote in his findings. “It would seem that the provision of the detailed information from the patient in October 2023, which included text messages and transcripts of conversations, led to this acceptance.”
Mr Smithers said it was important that the tribunal imposed a period of disqualification thatsentamessagetothedoctor,theprofession and the public, that serious consequences follow such “grave ethical transgressions”.
Dr Foroughi is banned from providing any health service until he can apply for re-registration in June 2030.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
really active and get to know their community better,” Ms Tierney said. “If they want projects undertaken, there are other people that are like minded to get those done … there are a myriad of issues that can be pursued within community houses or neighbourhood houses.”
Other recipients of the first round of grants in the Macedon Ranges included Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve Committee for upgrades to the BMX track, Macedon Ranges Halls for upgrades to Laurieston Community Hall, and Malmsbury Fire Brigade for a visitor and community information screen.
Oscar Parry
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has refused an application for 50 electronic gaming machines at the Romsey Hotel.
The Romsey Football Netball Club publicly announced its intention to apply for the machines last October, with the application creating controversy among Romsey residents.
A hearing was held by the VGCCC, which concluded on May 28, where a panel of three commissioners heard evidence from the sport club, and those opposing the application, such as the Macedon Ranges council.
The VGCCC panel at the hearing included chair Fran Thorn, deputy chair Andrew Scott and commissioner Claire Miller.
The hearing was initially scheduled for three days, but was extended to four so that the panel could be adequately presented with evidence.
TheVGCCCannounceditsdecisionto refuse the application on Friday, June 21.
In a media release, Macedon Ranges councilchiefexecutiveBernieO’Sullivan said that the council will put on hold its plans for an additional randomised phone survey to Romsey residents, pending further action by the Romsey Football Netball Club related to the decision.
In a statement on the VGCCC website, the commission said that the reasons for the decision will be published soon.
Geelong Cats players Zach and Cameron Guthrie with Sunbury Lions Junior Football Club under-11s players. (Oscar Parry) 415873_26
Have your say on women’s pain
According to the health department, submissions can be about experiences of pain and pain care, treatment or services received in Victoria.
Surveyresultsrevealedthatclosetohalfofall women are impacted by issues related to their periods, pregnancy, birth and postnatal care, or conditions like endometriosis.
Women, their family members and healthcare professionals are being urged to make submissionstoVictoria’sInquiryintoWomen’s Pain.
The inquiry will examine systemic issues and solutions and hear directly from women across Victoria and is led by a panel of experts and overseen by the Women’s Health Advisory Council.
The pain can be the result of an injury or trauma, dental pain, joint pain, or musculoskeletal pain, or relate to heart, neurological, reproductive, autoimmune or other health conditions.
The experiences of healthcare workers who have worked with women and girls with pain are also being sought.
The inquiry was launched by the state governmentfollowingthereleaseofalandmark survey earlier this year, which confirmed what women already know: their pain is real – and regularly overlooked.
Nearly 60 per cent of participants reported havinghadpositivehealthcareinteractions.But oneinthreesaidthey’dexperiencedinsensitive and disrespectful practitioners who left them feeling dismissed and unheard.
Findings from the survey included:
• Fourin10Victorianwomenlivewithchronic pain;
• About half of participants reported that period-related conditions (heavy periods, cramping, PMS) affected their health and wellbeing;
• Similarly, about 50 per cent said that
Cultural help for alcohol and drugs
ABraybrook-basedprogramishelpingwomen in the Vietnamese community in Melbourne’s north-west to overcome alcohol and drug (AOD) issues.
The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) offers accessible, community-basedalcoholanddrugtreatment, as well as family counselling and support for clients involved in the criminal justice system. The program also runs in Richmond and Springvale.
AVWAcouncillorAnhBuisaidtheprogram has been running for 10 to 15 years.
“Most of the services in terms of alcohol and other drugs are … recovery-oriented with a holistic approach to making sure the clients receive all the help they need,” she said. AVWA counsellors speak Vietnamese and English, with the association keen to ensure members of the Vietnamese feel comfortable reaching out for help.
With this in mind, Ms Bui said the association placed great emphasis on confidentiality.
“Keeping clients’ confidentiality is something we prioritise in our services because we know how small [the Vietnamese
community] can be, and everyone knows each other,” she said.
“We try to separate that and make sure the clients feel safe with us in a confidential way with consent.”
Ms Bui said many of AVWA’s clients come from a refugee background, which might “directly or indirectly relate” to their alcohol and drug use.
Counselling sessions are conducted face-to-face, over the phone and rarely over Zoom, with counsellors working with clients for 90-day cycles.
“We mark rehabilitation as an episode, so one episode is 90 days,” Ms Bui said.
“We try to see [clients] every fortnight, or if they require more and want to engage more, we can try for once a week.
“AOD is counted as an episode because they can have urges sometimes and try to abstinent for a while. Usually within three months, that will be the end of the episode. It might be up and down, and they might need treatment again. Some people have an episode for a whole year.
“The longer the episodes are, the slower the progress.
pregnancyandbirthcomplicationscontinued to impact their health;
• About 30 per cent said they were affected by the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause;
• Thirty per cent said conditions such as endometriosis, menopause and chronic pain led to poor mental health;
• One in three have health conditions that affect their ability to work and keep a job; and
• Twentypercentsaidtheymissedoutonsocial connections because of their health.
Submissions can be made until July 31 and recommendations from the inquiry will be used to improve care for women in Victoria.
Details: health.vic.gov.au/public-health/ inquiry-into-womens-pain.
“Three months is the baseline to see how much help they need and where they are at.”
The AVWA is passionate about promoting good behaviour in the community and has formed strong relationships with other stakeholders, including the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre – a maximum security women’s prison in Deer Park.
“We understand that at a women’s prison like DPFC, there are a lot of women prisoners whohavealackofeducationintermsofAOD..
“So during the past few years, we occasionally went into the prison to provide them with education sessions.”
Theassociationalsorunscommunityevents throughout the year, and offers its services to men in the community as well.
“Wereallywanttobringtreatmenttofamilies and friends and alcohol and drug users, but also raising awareness about encouraging good behaviour in the community, we also want to highlight our core value of helping the community,” Ms Bui said.
“It takes time to solve AOD problems but I think we do our best and contribute the best AOD health services for the Vietnamese community.”
Women’s health organisations
GenWest and Women’s Health in the North will receive funding boosts from the state government.
The government has set aside $18 million in its 2024-25 budget for 12 women’s health organisations.
The government said the work will be delivered by women for women, including those from multicultural backgrounds, Aboriginal women, women with disabilities, and women in regional Victoria.
GenWest gender equity general manager Kate Phillips said the funding would help the organisation do more work with schools about consent, education and respectful relationships.
“We’llbeabletoexpandthenumber of schools in the different settings that we deliver, that vital health information in, and we’ll be able to do so much more in language, health, education, work in the community,” she said.
“And we’ll also be able to do more workplace training on gender inclusive practice and all of that work really contributes, will really work, is us working towards achieving gender equity in the west and supporting women’s health and wellbeing.”
Women’s Health in the North said the funding would enable it to continue its work in priority areas of gender equity, prevention of gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said women’s health organisations provide a range of services including producing tools and resources to empower women to take charge of their own health, sharing information about women’s rights and service options, as well as initiatives to promote gender equality, family violence prevention and inclusive women’s health policy.
“Women’s health matters. That’s why we are currently delivering a complete transformation of women’s health in Victoria – and supporting these 12 organisation to continue delivering for women across the state,” she said.
“For too long women’s pain has been overlooked, misdiagnosed and dismissed – we’re taking a stand by listening to Victorian women and overhauling how women’s health is treated in Victoria.”
Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association’s Anh Bui and Thao Ha. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413896_01
Entomologists swarm to expo
By Oscar Parry
The National Insect Expo will be returning to Woodend this year, attracting international visitors and showcasing the largest insect collection of central Victoria.
Australia’s largest insect exhibition, the expo will showcase several national and international exhibitors, including The Central Victorian Regional Insect Collection, which consists of 32 orders of insects and a broad range of invertebrates.
National Inspect Expo director Dr Bert Candusioadoptedmuchofthiscollectionfrom La Trobe University in Bendigo, along with La Trobe honorary associate Jenny Shield, to
eventually be relocated to Woodend.
This year’s expo in October has already seen interest from international specialist collectors and businesses.
Mr Candusio said the insect expo started three years ago as a way of raising funds for the volunteers who are assisting with cataloguing and curating this collection, which includes about 250,000 specimens.
“In 2022, we, pardon the pun, put out our feelers to all in the entomological industry … to showcase what they do,” Mr Candusio said.
The expo is also designed to raise awareness of the important role that insects and invertebrates play in conservation.
MrCandusiosaidthattheamountofvisitors
State BMX series here
The Sunbury BMX Club hosted an action-packed round of the AusCyling BMX Racing State Series, attracting more than 400 riders.
AusCycling is the national sporting organisationresponsibleforallformsofcycling in Australia, with the BMX Racing State series forming a critical part of the national BMX competition structure.
Held on Sunday, June 23, Max Cairns won thesuperclassmenclassandbroketheSunbury BMX track record with a ride a touch above 29 seconds. The Sunbury event classes included superclass women, junior superclasses, and several age classes.
Sunbury BMX Club president Russell Hocking said that upgrades to the track allowed it to be chosen for this competition, which attracted riders from Queensland, New
South Wales and South Australia.
Mr Hocking said the BMX sport offers benefits to all ages.
“I think it’s a fantastic community in BMX … we started about nine years ago [when] my son was 13 and it’s a fantastic community. It’s good life skills for kids [and] they learn life lessonsfromridingandcompetingandyouget to meet some fantastic people,” he said.
He said that the upgraded track is open for all Sunbury residents, except when events are taking place. “It’s not just for [the club], it’s for the public as well and we’ve been rewarded with the state series round.”
The Sunbury BMX Club’s main role is to provide competitions for riders, with options available for all age groups.
Oscar Parry
to the previous shows, including international insect collectors and breeders, took him by surprise.
Many of the specimens in The Central Victorian Regional Insect Collection have not been named or previously recorded.
“I can comfortably say that at least 20 per cent of everything that … will be represented in this collection will be new and undescribed species,” Mr Candusio said.
“When it comes to insects and invertebrates, we’reinno-man’sland.Icaneasilytakeagroup ofstudentsintoanyregionalforestorbushland anywhere in Victoria, and in half an hour, get them to collect a new and undescribed specimen. That’s what makes the science
exciting.”
The collection includes many insects found in Macedon Ranges state forests in the ’60s.
Mr Candusio said the collection is important because it’s “the only representative entomological collection for the entire Central Victoria area that now exists.”
The Central Victorian Regional Insect Collection organisation hopes to develop a permanent home for the collection in Woodend,whichwillalsooperateasaresearch facility for students and offer in-house courses. This year’s National Insect Expo will take place from October 4–6 at the Woodend Buffalo Sports Stadium.
Details: https://cvric.com.au/expo-2024
A group of Sunbury Stars riders at the recently upgraded Sunbury BMX track. (Nick Trainor)
Backing above ground station
By Gerald Lynch
A mediator has recommended the Melbourne AirportRailLinkstationbebuiltaboveground.
Mediator Neil Scales, who was appointed to determine whether a resolution is possible between the state government and the operator of Melbourne Airport as to the location of the station, reported that the rail link project remains viable and necessary, and is well backed by all parties.
His report made three main recommendations, including that the federal and state government proceed with works at Sunshine Station to transform it into a major
transport hub and capitalise on the early works already completed for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.
Funding for upgraded capacity at Sunshine Stationwouldbeformallyconsideredoncecosts and scope are finalised, federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said in a statement.
The report recommended against further federal and state consideration of an underground option at this time.
Thethirdrecommendationwasthatrefreshed modelling work should be undertaken on the timeline for capacity of Tullamarine Freeway.
Baker takes the cake
A Sunbury baker won first place in the baguette category of a national artisan baking competition, and placed second and third in a sourdough category for her signature recipes.
Ottimo Bakery of Sunbury, owned by baker Rebecca Bremner, placed first in the Baking Industry Trade Show 2024 National Artisan Baking Competition’s baguette class.
In the open sourdough class, Ms Bremner placed second for her spiced red lentil and turmericsourdoughandthirdforheroliveand rosemary sourdough.
MsBremmersaidthatshewasexcitedtowin the competition with her signature recipes.
“Iwasexcitedand…alittlebitoverwhelmed, because it’s one thing to get your friends and customerstosayit’sreallygood,butit’sanother thing to be reviewed by peers and complete strangers and be told yours is up there with the best,” Ms Bremner said.
She said that the idea for her silver-winning spiced red lentil sourdough came from a desire to use ingredients that grow well in Australia and remind her of winter.
“When I sold it at the shop a couple of weeks ago, I had a pot of tasters there and people
MY PLACE
Sunbury musician and radio presenter Chris Galea talks with Oscar Parry about living in Sunbury.
What is your connection to Sunbury? Sunbury is my hometown where I made my first friends and went to primary school. I’m lucky to have most of those friends in my life
What do you like about where you live?
I like the familiar faces I see around town and the memories walking around old areas evokes.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
If I could change anything in Sunbury it would be big wide streets like ’Old Sunbury’ had and the bluestone drains. Maybe a few more little parks close to the CBD.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
One of my favourite places to spend time in Sunbury is O’Shanassy Street and the Village Green.
When did you first become interested in rock music?
I first became interested in rock music when I was eight years old. My older cousin Jimmy came to stay from Sunraysia and turned the dial on the radio. It was a major influence.
tasteditandboughtitstraightaway,sothattold me it’s good,” she said. “I’ve had people make French toast out of the olive and rosemary loaf and they were just beaming with excitement about how it brought them back to something their mum made or their grandmother made – that sort of nostalgia … it is an honour to be able to give that experience to someone.”
Ms Bremner said that she enjoys living and working in Sunbury, where she often runs into customers outside of work.
“Ievenjustmetsomebodyinthesupermarket before who stopped me and said ‘that biscuit that you sold me on the weekend, my daughter and I loved it. The flavours were so good.’ So, people see me now and want to talk about baking,” she said.
The first Annual Baking Trade Show was held in Melbourne in 2017, with this year’s show held from June 18–20 at Moonee Valley Racecourse.
Ottimo Bakery trades on Saturdays at the Just Planet Fairtrade Roastery & Espresso Bar at 37 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury.
Oscar Parry
ShouldAustraliaPacificAirportsMelbourne (APAM) wish to progress with the option of an underground station, Mr Scales recommended thattheyproduceasuitableandcomprehensive business case and let key stakeholders review the plan.
A spokesperson for the Melbourne Airport said it remained consistent in its view that an underground station at the airport is the right solution for the traveller, the airport and the city.
“Melbourne Airport was working in good faith with the Victorian government on its preferred above ground station until it abandoned negotiations in April 2023
and referred the project to the Federal Infrastructure Review.
“We look forward to working with the Commonwealth and state governments to leverage existing business cases that resulted in world class underground stations … that is work we are prepared to revisit in anticipation of an approval of Melbourne Airport’s Third Runway.
Speaking on ABC Melbourne radio on June 28, Ms King said the federal and state governments would need to see a business case from Melbourne Airport if it still believed an underground station was the only viable option.
What are some of your best Sunbury-related music memories?
A major event for me was at age 13 – I got to
Sunbury musician and Sunbury Radio music presenter Chris Galea. (Damjan Janevski) 414498_04
see Lobby Loyde and the Coloured Balls at the Memorial Hall [on] Stawell Street. [It was] the loudest music I’d heard. And the pop festivals
coming to town with hippies, rockers, bikies [with] music every day and night. It was a happening thing for us kids.
Ottimo Bakery owner Rebecca Bremner with her silver-winning sourdough. (Supplied)
More cash to fix roads
Macedon Ranges council will receive about $12 million in funding for road improvements over the next five years, as part of a federal government effort to improve local roads.
The council will be allocated $12.08 million under the federal government’s ‘Roads to Recovery’ program – an increase of $5.48 million compared to the prior five years.
The program provides funding to councils for long-term planning and maintenance of local roads. This could include filling in potholes, repairing pavements, and improving drains.
The increased funding is part of a series of recently announced investments from the government that aim to improve road safety and productivity.
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters said that the funding will help improve the condition of
hazardous roads in Macedon Ranges.
“Being the member for a regional electorate like Bendigo, I understand how important road safety is for our rural and regional communities,” Ms Chesters said.
“Theincreasedfundingispivotaltoensuring councils have the resources they need to keep our roads safe and free of obstructions and hazards.”
A total of $4.4 billion will be available for councils around the country during the five yearsfrom2024-25to2028-29undertheRoads to Recovery program.
From 2027-28, the funding will reach $1 billion per year.
TheincreasedfundingwillbeginonMonday, July 1.
Details: https://investment.infrastructure. gov.au/about/local-initiatives
Briefs
Pill testing trial this summer Pill testing – also known as drug checking – will be trialled in Victoria from this summer. The government said the trial would test different models of delivery, not whether the service should exist long-term. The mobile service is set to begin this summer at the start of the festival season and will attend up to 10 music festivals and events throughout the trial period.
Get your flu jab
Parents are being urged to book their children in for their free flu vaccination, as cases of the virus surge across the state and concern grows around low vaccination coverage. Department of Health data shows flu cases have increased across all age groups, with the biggest increase in those aged under five – up 37 per cent in the fortnight ending June 15. Meanwhile just 23 per cent of Victorians aged under five have had their free annual flu vaccination this season. The flu vaccine is free for people at higher risk of severe disease, including children under five and people aged 65 and older, as part of the National Immunisation Program. It is available through your GP, local pharmacy, Aboriginal health service or local council immunisation service.
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Web: starweekly.com.au
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Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters. (Supplied)
Help to send housing message
The Victorian Homelessness Network (VHN) are calling on the community to help send a strong message to the state and federal government.
To highlight the scale of Victoria’s housing crisis ahead of Homelessness Week, which takes place from August 5 to August 11, the VHNiscallingonthecommunitytoassistitin its Houses at Parliament campaign, by folding 60,000 origami houses in a show of support for the homeless community.
The campaign calls for both state and federal
governments to invest in constructing at least 60,000 social homes in Victoria, and to implementaNationalPlantoendhomelessness. Localcampaigneventsanddisplaysofhouses will be occurring across Victoria between now and Homelessness Week. All community members, schools, and community agencies are encouraged to join the Campaign.
On July 31, 6000 origami houses will be presented at state parliament in preparation for Homelessness Week.
The Western Homelessness Network
spokesperson Sarah Langmore, said a show of community support in the form of origami houses will go a long way to helping more Victorians receive shelter.
“Homelessness is not inevitable. With enough public and community homes and the right support, everyone in the community can be permanently housed,” she said.
“The first step to ending homelessness is ensuring people have access to housing they can afford. There is a dire shortage of housing in Victoria and this crisis is unacceptable.”
Men’s shed unveils ‘Millet’s Rest’
A Sunbury men’s shed built a new outdoor shelter using a grant from a local family.
The grant of about $30,000 was offered to the Hume Men’s Shed in Sunbury by the locally-based Millett Family, who own Rosenthal.
This grant was part of the family’s Millett Family Community Grants program unveiled last September, which provided funding for local not-for-profit community, sports and charity groups.
The funding was generated through the Millett family auctioning off a home in Rosenthal, with 100 per cent of profits going
towards the grants program.
As the Rosenthal Development was founded by Tom Millett, who had a close connection to the Hume Men’s Shed and died in 2021, the men’s shed named the new shelter ‘Millet’s Rest’ in tribute to him and his family.
Rosenthal general manager Paul Millett said that he was “very happy” to provide the grant and was appreciative of the gesture in naming the shelter after his father.
“It was a nice gesture on their behalf … we were very appreciative, it wasn’t something we asked for,” Mr Millett said.
Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury secretary Albert Achterberg said that it was “fantastic” to receive a grant, which has helped to purchase new equipment, upgrade existing equipment, and erect an outdoor shelter.
“[It] is an outdoor area for the fellas to … sit down there and enjoy a cuppa, and have a chat … so it’s certainly a big improvement for the shed,” Mr Achterberg said
The Millett family visited the new shelter for a cup of tea with members of the men’s shed and to celebrate its completion.
Oscar Parry
“We are calling for action now. Everybody has a right to a safe home to live in – it’s a human right. Nobody should be homelessness. Housing ends homelessness”.
As per the 2021 census, homelessness in Victoria increased by 24 per cent to over 30,000 people, and nearly one fifth of people experiencing homelessness in Victoria are in Melbourne’s west.
Thethemeforthisyear’sHomelessnessWeek is: “Homelessness Action Now”.
Details: vhn.org.au/housesatparliament
Restoring vegetation
The state government has granted $1.1 million to the Mount Macedon Plantation Restoration Project, which will restore about 70 acres of native vegetation in areas previously used as pine plantations.
The grant was provided under the government’s BushBank program.
The Bushbank program helps to create and preserve habitats for some of Victoria’s species by planting millions of trees and shrubs on both private and public land to combat the environmental impacts of climate change and a growing population.
The state government said the funding would help achieve BushBank’s target of revegetating 20,000 hectares of land by 2035. “The Mount Macedon Plantation Restoration Project is a huge win for our region and its communities,” Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“The Bushbank program is restoring natural environments across Victoria and right here in Macedon helping to stop the decline of our native plants and animals and improve our natural environment.”
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said BushBank was an important program to support projects that preserve and protect the state’s natural environment for future generations. “The Bushbank program is an important way we’re supporting projects that help preserve and protect Victoria’s natural environments for futuregenerations,supportingourtarget of net-zero emissions by 2024. We’re planting millions of native plants and trees to restore habitats, protect wildlife and reduce carbon emissions, backed by our record $582 million investment in Victoria’s precious biodiversity,” he said.
Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury members Kevin Swaffield, Dale Wilkes, Foahala Powell, Peter Bloem, Steve King and Milne Matthews at the new outdoor shelter. (Damjan Janevski) 415271_01
Watch out for whooping cough
By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network
DuringtheheightoftheCOVID-19pandemic, thingssuchasstayingathome,wearingmasks in public and social distancing were essential for reducing the spread of the virus.
A happy by-product of this was that many other infectious diseases were also impacted, resulting in record low case numbers.
You’ve probably already heard how, now that people are moving about, conditions such as flu and colds (and covid, by the way) are increasing again.
But another illness making a big and unwanted comeback is whooping cough – a bacterial infection that can be really serious and, in all cases, pretty unpleasant.
Whoopingcoughisalsoknownaspertussis.
In first six months of last year in Melbourne’s north and west there were 85 recorded cases. In the first six months of this year, that number jumped to 904 . That’s pretty much back to pre-pandemic levels.
Whooping cough generally starts like a mild cold – some snot and sneezing, a mild cough and maybe a fever. After a week or two the cold symptoms tend to get better, but the cough gets worse . And worse. And worse.
At its peak it can feel difficult to catch a breath between the coughs – which is why people end up making that ‘whoop-whoop’ sound as they quickly inhale.
In most cases, the worst of it will go away after a couple more weeks, but the coughing can linger for months. This why another name for pertussis is “the 100-day cough”.
Whooping cough can be particularly harmful to babies and young children. For this reason, the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program provides
free vaccinations against the bacterium at two, four, six and 18 months, and four years.
Kids aged 12 and 13 can also receive a free vaccination though schools-based programs.
Lots of other people can also get either a free initial vaccination (if they missed out in childhood) or a booster. These include anyone under 20, humanitarian arrivals, health care workers, childcare workers and teachers, and pregnant or breastfeeding women .
Of course, it’s important to remember that these vaccinations (like many others) won’t
Pet vaccines at low cost
RSPCA Victoria is thrilled to continue offering low-cost pet vaccination days with in Hume.
Five vaccination days will be held in Melbourne’s north, including at Mickleham on July10,CraigieburnonAugust1andRoxburgh Park on August 22.
The clinics, run by an RSPCA Victoria vet, aimtomakeveterinarycaremoreaccessiblefor people and their pets.
An RSPCA veterinarian will provide a dog with preventative vaccines and check to ensure the dog is fit for vaccinations.
RSPCA Victoria head of prevention Rebecca Cooksaidtheywerelookingforwardtovisiting new locations and returning to familiar communities in Melbourne’s north.
“RSPCA Victoria has run almost 80 low-cost
vaccination events across Melbourne since July lastyear,wherewehavesavedeachpetownerat least $50 on average per pet,” she said. “At our last clinic in Roxburgh Park, we saw 23 pets from 18 local families, and we can’t wait to hit the road again and meet more furry friends.
“We want to help people care for their pets by increasing their access to preventative veterinary care, which supports lifelong bonds among families with their cats and dogs.”
All clinic appointments must be booked online, with separate appointments needed for each pet.
Pet owners can also receive professional advice on how to keep them healthy now and into the future.
Details: rspcavic.org/vaccinationclinics/
necessarily prevent someone from catching whooping cough, but they will lessen the chances of doing so and lessen the chances of things turning really nasty of they do.
For this reason, it makes sense to err on the side of caution if you or your children develop what looks like a mild cold with a bit of a cough and make an appointment to see a doctor.
Given the rise in cases, GPs are now looking at cold symptoms with what’s called “a high index of suspicion”. That means they will
consider pertussis in cases where there has been a prolonged cough, and then test for it.
The good news is that the infection can be treated with antibiotics, which will make life a bit easier, although they might not make it any shorter. Pertussis is very contagious, so people with it should stay at home, away from work or school, for at least three weeks after the cough starts, or until they’ve finished the course of antibiotics.
That can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
YOUR NEW CAREER
... starts here
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.
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
Whooping cough vaccinations are available.
A ray of light in the darkness of loss
There are not many words that can describe the pain of losing a child. Charity organisation Angel Gowns Australia offers grieving families a fleeting moment of beauty amongst the devastation, Eddie Russell reports.
It was almost 10 years ago, at a craft show in Caulfield, where Robyn Lavery came across the work of the Angel Gowns group.
After striking up a conversation with one of the stall operators, Ms Lavery quickly became involved with the organisation.
“Theywerelookingforpeoplewhocouldsew – I said I can sew,” she said.
Since starting out as a seamstress in 2015, the Bacchus Marsh local is now the national vice president, as well as the Victorian state co-ordinator and chair of the seamstress committee at Angel Gowns Australia.
These days her work with the organisation mainly involves contacting hospitals and funeral homes, as well as assessing new seamstresses and packing garments.
Angel Gowns Australia is a nationally registered not-for-profit that supplies free burial garments to families that have had a baby die.
The garments are made from donated wedding dresses and then donated to hospitals and funeral homes.
It was founded in Canberra by Fiona Kirk, who adopted the idea from a similar organisation in America.
Ms Lavery said that a tragedy ignited something in Ms Kirk, and from an act of selflessness grew a national organisation.
“There was a sick child, so she took her wedding dress out of her wardrobe and made a dress for that child, she said.
That child was Isabelle Rose, a 10-month-old who succumbed to her battle with infantile leukaemia.
Ms Lavery said a family will sometimes request a specially-made dress.
“I got a phone call from a midwife, and she asked if I could make a dress for a little baby in Bacchus Marsh. It was the second child the family had lost and I picked up the grandmother’s dress and made it for the family,” she said.
Donations are frequently made in remembrance of lost children, Ms Lavery said.
“A couple of weeks ago, I think it would have beenthegrandfatherwhodroppedinadressin memory of a baby. We often get that,” she said. Other times, people donate because they share a particular resonance with the work of the organisation.
“One dress that I was making up had a written note from the lass who handed it in. The message read ‘This was made with love. It was worn with love, and I’m donating it with loveforsomebodyelsetowearitwithlove’,”Ms Lavery said.
“That note was pinned [to the dress] so that
girl obviously felt a very closeconnectiontowhat we do. It was nice of her to write it.”
Ms Lavery said there are a range of reasons for the volunteers – of which there are more than 350 across Australia – to get involved with the organisation.
“You don’t know if they’re volunteering because they’ve had a loss in their family. A lot of people are like that … but then a lot of people do it because they have the time,” she said.
The raw emotional nature of the subject matter can be difficult to comprehend even for those trying to help. Ms Lavery said not everyone lasted long.
“Some people can’t cope with it and they don’t continue on. When I first made my samples, it was difficult because you know that they are going to a baby who has lost its life,” she said.
“You have to [get over that] otherwise the group wouldn’t exist.”
Thegarmentscomeinfivedifferentsizesand can be designed for both girls and boys. There is also a “neutral” option – a plainer gown that isn’t as “fancy” as the others.
Ms Lavery said the group spreads awareness of its work by attending major craft shows in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
“We go to these so we can to promote what we’re doing because there’s still a lot of people who don’t know,” she said.
Like Ms Lavery, Sunbury resident Jo Anderton came across Angel Gowns at a craft show.
As a volunteer seamstress, Ms Anderton produces garments with guidance from Ms Lavery.
“Usually they have been deconstructed and Robyn gives us suggestions as to what we should do, so I’ll make them up and then send them back,” she said.
Ms Anderton said the relaxed environment created by the charity aligns with her output ability.
“It’s extremely well run. The co-ordinators give you all the support that you need and you canworkinyourownhomeatyourownpace,” she said.
“That’s what I liked about it. The fact that I could give back and I could do it in a way that fits with my retired lifestyle.”
ForMsAnderton,theworkisrewardingand therapeutic because of her own history with loss.
“I lost a child 38 years ago. Back then, there was little to no support for bereaved women,” she said.
“Mychildwascalledmedicalwaste,products of conception. No mother wants to hear that.”
“So I find it extremely satisfying that I can give back and perhaps lessen the distress of women going through what I went through unsupported so many years ago.”
Ms Anderton is quick to note the number of those that have experienced this particular pain and suffering.
“I’m not the only one. There are so many women who have lost a child and it’s just not talked about,” she said.
“Those ladies need to have their babies acknowledged, and that’s very important to me.”
The feedback from the community is very positive, Ms Anderton said.
“I know it’s well received. The people I have talked to are quite blown away because it’s a selfless act – you’re giving your time and your experience to other women. It’s so, so important.”
Angel Gowns Australia also has a tutu program, making tutus for sick children in hospital from coloured dresses it receives.
Robyn Lavery with one of the many donations made to Angel Gowns Australia. (Damjan Janevski) 408541_01
An Angel Gowns exhibit at Melton Bunnings recently. (Supplied)
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Nonchalant (6)
4 Black birds (6)
10 Video effect (abbr) (3-2)
11 Storage tank (9)
12 Covered with plants (9)
13 Egyptian capital (5)
14 Continues to live (6)
15 Drop (4)
19 Needy (4)
20 Grab (4,2)
24 Abscond to marry (5)
25 Pleasure seeker (9)
27 Objects relating to the US (9)
28 Stage player (5)
29 Northern Ireland (6)
30 The capital of Spain (6)
DOWN
1 Buyer (8)
2 European country (8)
3 In the midst of (7)
5 Stone fruit (7)
6 Foreign; exciting (6)
7 Pulpit discourse (6)
8 Group of three (4)
9 Quake-triggered sea wave (7)
16 Row of computer icons (7)
17 Short-distance athlete (8)
18 Made an entrance (8)
19 Childish (7)
21 Buddhist ultimate state (7)
22 Illusion of having experienced something before (4,2)
23 Bumpkins (6)
26 Male pig (4)
or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 Where on a house is a fascia found?
2 Which country in Africa has the largest population?
3 Is a spinet a surgical tool, musical instrument or hair accessory?
4 Who was the leader of the Confederacy during the American Civil War?
5 In how many films did Pierce Brosnan (pictured) play James Bond?
6 What legendary creature appears on the Welsh flag?
7 Which Disney character famously sings When You WishUponaStar?
8 Cynicism was an ancient school of philosophy from which culture?
9 Which US composer and pianist was dubbed ‘The King of Ragtime’?
10 The Sydney Opera House was opened in October of what year?
No. 192
No. 192
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
Drop in Wednesdays
Free holiday drop-in groups, including music and singalong, guitar, cuppa, Chai & Chat and crafternoon will be happening on Wednesday, July 3 and 10, from 9am-3pm, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.
■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au
Pernaperna Women’s Group
The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday, from 1-3pm. It has have established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members warmly welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat, the group would love to meet you.
■ Joan, 0418 302 676
Kids sewing workshop
Primary school -aged children can learn to make fabric bunting in the school holidays, on Monday, July 1, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. BYO funky fabric or choose from a pre loved stash. Bookings essential.
■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au, or 9740 6978
Hume Men’s Shed
The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.
■ sunburymensshed.com or 0438 677 425
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
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
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 7.30pm. Circular drive, Jackson’s Hill, Sunbury. Facebook: Sunbury Woodworkers Club.
■ Anita, 0417 402 795
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 in Sunbury 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
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
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
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
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 92
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
Sunbury Combined Probus Club
The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am.
■ Jo, 0410 834 272
This week’s photographer’s choice is of DJ Lenny Pearce. (Damjan Janevski) 415083_01
Sunbury duo’s album launch
By Oscar Parry
SunburygaragerockduoTheIvyWalkershave created a distinct and energetic sound, which they will be bringing to The Tote Hotel in August for an album launch.
Making their debut last year, the band consists of guitarist and singer Kaelan Semmens, and drummer Lachlan Biewer.
The band record all of their music at home in Sunbury, which Semmens said has allowed them to explore and define their sound.
“I think it’s better for bands starting out to find their own sound using their own stuff. Because at least that way, when you go into a
studio, you really know what’s going on and you can put more input into how it’s going to sound,” he said.
The band has played at a range of venues in Melbourne, supporting groups such as Wolfmother, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, and Nice Biscuit.
Being friends for about 15 years, the duo have developed a strong writing and recording process that has allowed them to release plenty of music in the past year.
“Me and Kaelan we kind of just mesh well … there’s not many opinions,” Biewer said.
“From my perspective, I write pretty much lyrics and song structure and as soon as I bring
that to Lachy, he’s able to come up with a beat for that and make it interesting and actually fit the song,” Semmens said.
For their upcoming album, they hope to releaseupto18songs,whichtheysaidwillhave a Western-inspired sound.
“It’s all unreleased stuff that we’ve been working on since last year – we’re thinking around 18 songs … we’re trying to reallygoforthisdifferentsoundandjustexplore ourselves musically and instrumentally,” Semmens said.
TheIvyWalkerswilllaunchtheirnewalbum at The Tote Hotel on Saturday, August 17, and will be joined by the Roy Darby Trio.
Circus is in town
CircusLatinoisinfullswinginTaylorsLakes, and will stick around until the end of the school holidays.
If you’ve driven past the large tent at the Watergardens Shopping Centre until July 14, you’d have noticed that the circus is in town, offering a taste of South American thrill and entertainment at an affordable price.
Described as a dynamic and exciting show, it aims to thrill and captivate audiences of all ages.
Firefly
and the
Featuring talented performers from South America and Australia, get ready to be blown away by daring aerial acts, tricks performed with fire and hoops, and to laugh at the hilarious clown.
Be warned, though, the interactive show will have members of the crowd coming up on stage to join in on the act.
Argentinean dancers and Latin music throughout give Circus Latino its South American flavor, this combined with artistic
and dramatic acts and circus favorites make Circus Latino a unique and entertaining experience for all.
After 16 years, the circus is making its return to Watergardens, with tickets starting from $20.
Throughout the holidays, the show will run six days a week excluding Tuesdays, with shows at 3pm and 6.30pm each day, offering options for every family’s situation. Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CSKBM
to illuminate Tarneit again
The award-winning Firefly Night Market will return to Tarneit.
Part of the Wyndham council’s ‘Meet Me in Tarneit’ series, Tarneit Suburban Revitalisation Program in partnership with the Victorian Government, the free event takes place on Saturday, July 6, at Penrose Place on the corner of Wickford Road and Tarneit Road.
Featuring more than 70 market stalls, live music, cultural performances and glowing interactive art, the 2025 edition is anticipated to be every bit as successful as last year’s which attracted an estimated 18,000 people and was named Australia’s Best Small Event at the 2023 Australian Event Awards. Runningfrom3pmto9pm,thenightmarket will include the lighting of a hand-crafted fire sculpture at 5.30pm and roving fireflies that will start glowing at 7.15pm.
Food from every continent will be on offer, both from stalls and food trucks.
The entertainment line-up will feature a mix of multicultural performances on stage, ranging from Bollywood to Polynesian, reflecting Wyndham’s rich diversity.
There will also be free circus performances and a collaborative canvas on which patrons can express their creativity using with UV paint.
The Firefly Night Market is delivered by Wyndham council and the Tarneit Suburban Revitalisation Program in partnership with the state government.
The night market is alcohol free, but BYO food is permitted.
Parking is available but patrons are encouraged to catch public transport via the 167 bus, or walk.
In order to accommodate the night market, Wickford Road will be closed between Penrose Promenade and Tarneit Road, Tarneit from 12pm to 11pm on Saturday, July 6.
Details: tarneitnightmarket@wyndham. vic.gov.au
The exhibition, which opened on Friday, June 21 and runs until the end of September, is an exploration of the impact of urbanisation on animals and features a series of bird sculptures.
Chislett said her upbringing in Sunshine and Caroline Springs, with its blend of urban infrastructure and natural landscapes, was the source for the project.
“I wanted to capture the relationship betweentheurbansprawlandthenatural world, using the local environment,” she said.“Toseeitdisplayedinthehomethat they reflect, the home that I share, it’s an incredible feeling.”
Chislett said the significance of the exhibition was not lost on her.
“Urban Birds is my first ever solo exhibition, so to have such an achievement displayed where everyone who has supported me can visit is absolutely wonderful,” she said. “It’s up there with graduating with my honours degree… It showed me that my art does mean something to other people.”
Taking a step back and slowing down is something that people can take away from the artwork, Chislett said.
“I hope that people who visit my exhibition will take notice of birds around their neighbourhood, from seeing how these sculptures link the urban and the natural, and start to see that in their own lives.
“Once you become aware of the birds aroundyou,there’sthismomentofpeace in bustling suburbia, the chance to slow down for a moment, perceive where you are, and how we share this environment with countless other species.”
Details: https://www.melton.vic.gov. au/Out-n-About/Arts-culture-heritage/ Art-Exhibitions/Current-exhibitions/ Urban-Birds
Eddie Russell
Ringmaster Allanah Le Du, Hand balancer Tiffany Lee
clown Jojo. (Damjan Janevski) 414796_03
Performers on stage at the 2023 Firefly Night Market in Tarneit. (Supplied)
Art enthusiasts in Melton can visit emerging local artist Mollie-Rose Chislett’s latest exhibit ‘Urban Birds’ at the Melton Library and Learning Hub.
Mollie-Rose Chislett at the launch of her exhibit. (Supplied)
The Ivy Walkers guitarist and singer Kaelan Semmens and drummer Lachlan Biewer. (Damjan Janevski) 415184_01
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 9/10
Thirst: 8/10
Practicality: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
High hopes for new Toyota Koba
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Toyota has a storied modern history of innovation: remember the World Rally-based Celica GT-Four, the quirky Tarago ‘egg’ people mover and the revolutionary Prius petrol/electric hybrid?
Now, the Japanese auto giant has continued carrying the stylish high-tech torch with the C-HR GR Sport.
This edgy looking cross-over is the flagship of the all-new second generation premium compact, which brings stylish European design and economic performance together in the small SUV segment.
The three-version Coupe-High Rider, says the maker, presents an elevation in luxury and performance compared with the outgoing C-HR, with the pick of two new hybrid powertrains and the introduction of the latest technology in safety, comfort and convenience, appealing especially to younger buyers.
Sitting in the middle ground between the Corolla and RAV4 and updated in late 2019 with a petrol/electric hybrid top-spec Koba model, the GXL gets the ball rolling from $42,990, plus on-road costs. Mid-stream is Koba, from $49,990, with the hero GR Sport, from $54,990, plus ORCs.
AllC-HRsarecoveredbyToyota’sfive-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as capped price servicing for the first five years or 75,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, witheach12-month/15,000kmservicecosting $250.
Added is a 12-month complimentary subscription to Toyota Connected Services, providing security and convenience through the myToyota Connect smartphone app.
Styling
From the base GXL up, the C-HR adopts Toyota’s new ‘Hammer Head’ exterior design
language, with the GR Sport topping off the range with unique gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels, GR Sport grille, with liquid black finish, and GR Sport badging.
The GR Sport joins Koba with auto-levelling bi-LED headlamps, LED ‘foggies’, power tailgate, premium gloss black accents and rear and rear-side window privacy glass. Adaptive high-beam headlamps dim selectively to prevent on-coming road users from being dazzled.
With six exterior colours on offer for GXL, upper grades add visual flair with a two-tone combination of a black roof with Frosted White pearl, metallic Graphite, Stunning Silver, Feverish Red and Sunglow (the test vehicle) or metallic mica Emeraldine.
A Two-Tone Plus finish is also available for the pair, adding the roof’s black finish to the rear and can be optioned with panoramic roof. Buyers can also opt for the all-black Ink mica metallic finish.
Interior
The stylish cabin boasts a range of recycled materials and no animal derived products.
For example, GR Sport front seats have a combination of synthetic leather-accented and suede-like upholstery,
While the front seats are comfortable and laterally well supportive, rear legroom is tight.
There are GR-branded aluminium scuff plates and floor mats and a perforated GR Sport steering wheel, which can be heated.
Boot space is constricted by the steeply sloping back and underfloor mechanical workings. In the absence of a spare wheel only a tyre puncture kit is carried.
Infotainment
All C-HR variants feature an up-to-date high-resolution 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and voice recognition.
Koba and GR Sport are singled out for additional tech including a colour head-up display, nine speaker JBL premium audio, wireless smartphone charger, rear USB accessory port and a digital 12.3-inch instrument panel.
Engines/transmissions
More than a show pony, the C-HR GR Sport has plenty to play with from the powertrain with its 2-litre hybrid system mated with a dual-motor e-Four all-wheel drive system. Pumping out 146kW combined output, the flagship squeezes the low combined fuel consumption to 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres, the maker claims.
The 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain uses a lithium-ionbatteryinplaceofthenickel-metal hydride battery in the previous generation hybrid system.
Safety
AllC-HRscomewithhigh-gradesafety tech through Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which includes the pre-collision system, active cruise control, lane trace assist, parking support brake, speed-sign assist and safe exit assist, as well as panoramic view monitor and 10 airbags.
Driving
From the get-go the C-HR GR Sport has a striking presence, but from then on things fade to a far-from- punchy but, some would say, passable performance; try zero to 100km/h in eight seconds.
Three drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – are on hand, tuning the powertrain, steering and air-conditioning systems, along with a Custom mode which allows drivers to do things their way.
Eco is highly forgettable; Sport stiffens ride and handling in taking on the freed-up powertrain. Normal turns the vehicle into a townie with milder manners. Cabin noise is mostly restricted to the tyres unless the petrol motor is pushed into a low note.
Toyota puts fuel consumption at 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway. The test car came up with 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres in an urban environment and 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a motorway run.
Stopping power is enhanced by larger twin-piston caliper front brakes.
Summary
There’s no denying the sharp looking C-HR GR Sport tester attracted more than its fair shareofattentionfromthesub-thirty-year-old cohort but whether this would translate to sales is another matter. Price could be a problem.
2024 Toyota C-HR Koba.
(Pictures: Supplied)
Chilly weekend sporting action
Forthefirsttimethiswinter,sportspeoplewere hit by rain and wind for the major Saturday competitions. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was still out there, shooting plenty of the action.
Caroline Springs’ Jamie Ristoski. 416136_09
Hillside’s Emma Picone. 416139_05
Hillside’s Brooke Kerrigan. 416139_18
Diggers Rest’s Leona Hristovska. 416140_04
Taylors Lakes’ Ethan Caffari and Burnside Heights’ Joshua Stiles. 416137_18
Caroline Springs George Cross’ Aiden Brown. 416141_11
Macedon’s Tayla Chamra. 416140_11
Hoppers Crossing’s Jed Anderson. 416136_03
Burnside Heights’ Matthew Larkin. 416137_08
Western United gave up a lead late. 416141_13
Craske wants to set the culture for netballers
Inaugural Gisborne Giants netball director and A-grade coach AJ Craske is keen to build a sustainable long term program in the region.
Craske was last week announced as the Giants A-grade coach as the club prepares to field all netball sides in the Riddell District Netball League next year.
Craskesaidhewasexcitedtohavethechance to help form the program.
“It’s exciting, especially considering the leap forward for the Giants to have a full senior program,” he said.
“I bring 10 years of experience to this role and I want to bring in a whole club approach, both seniors and juniors.
“We want to start things at senior level and have them flow through to junior level and have a clear pathway.”
Craske brings plenty of experience to the role.
He currently holds a development level NetballAustraliacoachingaccreditation,while his roles include coaching Caroline Springs in the Western Netball League, Parkville open
representative coach, Elmer region pens coach, Strathmore Netball Club coach at multiple age levels, and is actively involved in the Victorian Netball League through his two daughters.
Craske has some idea of the RDNL as well.
“Mydaughterplayedourthereforacoupleof seasons,” he said. “I’m familiar with the league a little bit.
“But I guess I come in fresh and there’s no preconceived ideas. No doubt we will build over time.”
Craske said he would look to bring some talent into the club, but his first focus was on making sure local talent would get their opportunities.
He said with the new facility and that being in the RDNL they wouldn’t have to travel as far to play.
“It’s about finding that balance,” he said. “We’ll certainly be looking at local talent and
Trio in the metro squad
By Tara Murray
Three Calder Cannons young guns will rep the Vic Metro colours at the under-18 girls national championships.
Kyla Forbes will be part of the under-18 squad for a second straight year, while bottom age players Chloe Baker-West and Jade McLay have also been selected.
Forbes said she was looking forward to being part of the squad for a second straight year.
“It helps heaps,” she said. having been part ofitbefore.“Itwasareallycoolopportunityto be able to play with players who have been able to get drafted last year and learn off them and the coaches there too.
“There’s definitely been a lot more hard work. It’s never guaranteed that you will get in, you always have to put in the work to get there.”
Forbes said she wasn’t focused too far ahead on what might be at the end of the season. She just wants to focus on playing her game and finish off the season strongly.
“I’m looking to hopefully playing a couple of games if I can. I obviously want to keep learning off the players around me and taking as much as I can off the coaches and everyone
else there.”
Forbes said it was exciting to have the chance to play with McLay and Baker-West at Vic Metro.
McLay said it was pretty unreal as a bottom ager to be selected.
“It’s a really good opportunity, even training,” she said. “It’s a bit different to how we would train at Coates League, it’s another step up.
“We had the summer camp beforehand earlier in the year and we got told that we would be at the trial.
“I wasn’t shocked about the trial, but I wasn’t really expecting to be in the team, cause I missed four weeks because of an injury andthatwasmyfirstgamebackabitunsettled at the start and started to come into it.”
McLay said she had nothing to lose this year, as it would be a learning curve to make her better for next year, her draft year.
She said the experience of under-16s nationals had given her a bit of guidance on what to expect in the higher age group.
“I just want to train my hardest so I can get picked for a game, even just learning off some of the girls that are getting drafted this year is a really good experience,” she said.
“Having this year and understanding what
we’ll have some strong trials.
“I’ll look to leverage my connections that I have in the community. There’s significant opportunity within the RDNL for players to come through with their netball journey.
“A big selling point is not having to travel as far.”
Craske said he already had a few players on his radar who he would like to have part of his first team.
He said the first step was to get the message out there that they’re looking to have a full range of sides.
“Wewanttogettheprogramupandrunning and build a core group of player and build that A-grade side.
“We’re not just focusing on the A-grade side. We want to set the culture and standards, it’s really exciting.”
Tara Murray
Sunbury icons back on deck
A couple of club legends headline new signings for Sunbury for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 2 season.
Having announced that Ashan Ranawerra has re-signed and would take on the captaincy role this season, the Roar have announced four players that are returning to the club.
Jason McGann was the first of those signings.
Thenine-timeclubchampionandfour time competition best and fairest winner returns to the club having spent last season at Maribyrnong Park St Marys. McGann will be one of four training coordinators for the Roar this season.
“It is great to have Jason back at the club,” the Roar said on social media. “With a wealth of experience and knowledge he will be of great support to Ashan throughout the year.”
Brad Hunter also returns to the club from Maribyrnong Park St Marys where he was captain-coach for three seasons.
Like McGann, he’s a former captain and coach at the Roar.
He is a two time club champion and won a number of bowling awards at club and association level.
Hunter will also take on the cricketing director role, another role that he has previously held at the club.
The third returning player is Kyle Corcoran.
it’s like to be a bottom ager, hopefully next year I’ll get into the team and help those that are bottom age next year, guide them along the way and help them out.”
Baker-West is set to miss the fist game of the carnival, but like McLay is hoping to use this year as a stepping stone.
She said she was shocked to be selected this year.
“I think it’s good, it’s a boost in confidence as well going into the next year as well,” she said.
“It’s a good experience to get involved and get more relationships and friendships as well.
“I didn’t play any trial games as I was injured. It did boost my confidence.”
Baker-West was also part of the under-16 Vic Metro side last year, where she won the side’s most valuable player award.
She said she isn’t thinking about the past, but about what she can do now.
“It’s a new year and I’m going to play my own game,” she said. “I’m not having to worry about all the other stuff and put it to the side like it’s a new year.
Baker-West, who is captain at PEGS, hasn’t played much Cannons football this season, said she was hoping to play a few games towards the back end of the year.
“Kyle has decided to return to his junior club after a few seasons playing at Rupertswood CC, where after an accumulation of hard work and dedication he was named in the GDCA [Gisborne and District Cricket Association] team of the year.
“Kyle will inject some much-needed support for our senior side and has years of experience bowling at senior level accumulating over 200 wickets already in his career.”
Jordan Ballinger is also returning to the club having started his career at the club before joining the Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Roar has since announced that Indika Massalage has also re-signed.
Jason McGann is returning to Sunbury. (Ivan Kemp) 323431_07
AJ Craske. (Supplied)
Calder Cannons girls coach Ross Smith with Chloe Baker-West, Kyla Forbes and Jade McLay. (Supplied)
Coach Twentyman returns home
The opportunity to play closer to home has now turned into a first foray into coaching for new Rupertswood cricket coach Matt Twentyman.
Twentyman started his career at RupertswoodbeforehavingstintswithNorth Melbourne at Victorian Premier Cricket and then more recently with Williamstown in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.
Rupo announced that Twentyman would not only return to the club, but step up and doing the coaching as well.
Twentyman said it’s nice to be back at his junior club.
“It’d been in mind for a while to make the move and I thought the time was right,” he said. “I have a young family now and I still live in Sunbury.
“Travelling to Willy continuously for eight to nine years, it has taken its toll and you lose
all that time.
“I wanted to play somewhere closer to home to have a bit more family time. In a way it’s coming back home.”
Twentymanoriginallymadethedecisionto come back to Rupo to play. The opportunity to coach soon arose with Nathan Shoesmith stepping down from the role after one season due to family reasons.
“I thought it was a great opportunity,” he said. “I’ve never been interested in the coaching side of things up until now.
“It’s a good challenge and another opportunity.”
While Twentyman is new to coaching, he has plenty of support around him with the likes of Bert Van Den Heuvel and John Lane both having plenty of coaching experience.
Twentyman said he’d seen a few results here and there but hadn’t paid too much
attention to what had been going on in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association while he’s been away.
Rupo finished seventh last season in the McIntyre Cup with three wins for the season.
Twentyman said they wanted to focus on the group they’ve got and continue to give opportunities to those rising through the ranks. “I’ve chatted to a couple of the guys and the club has a lot of good guys and a lot of young talent,” he said.
“We want to rise up as a group and will have a fairly young side. It’s not going to happen instantly and we are looking to improve on the last couple of years for this upcoming season.
“They’ll definitely come in with more experience after the last couple of years.”
Tara Murray
Ready to turn it around
By Tara Murray
Riddell is hoping a midseason reset will be the catalyst for a strong second half to the Riddell District Netball League season.
The Bombers had an up and down first part of the season including dropping a couple of matches to Diggers Rest and Romsey, they didn’t expect to drop.
They showed some positive signs the previous week against Wallan after a couple of weeks before, before producing their highest score of the season on Saturday against Kyneton.CoachEmilyKtonasaidthesidewas all on the same page and keen for a big second half of the season.
“It was a tough middle part of the season,” she said. “We had a reset after the bye and the week off.
“We met online one rainy Thursday night and spoke about everything and what we could improve.
“I thought we had a pretty good hit out against Wallan and we feel we can get over the top of them. Yesterday [Saturday] it was nice to get a good win against Kyneton.”
Ktona said they were set to get a number of players back in the coming weeks to help strengthen their side.
Ruby Shannon has only played one match due to a broken nose and then being part of the Vic Fury team. Xara Burge should be back soon, while Sahara Ball missed Saturday’s win due to Victorian Netball League restrictions.
Ktona said there were others that had been on restrictions as well. She said all three areas of the court were really starting to gel.
“It’s exciting for the second part of the season,” she said. “We have a really good solid base of nine players each week.
“We’ve seen a bit of a change in how we are playing and we’re happy with that.”
Ktona said Saturday’s match against Kyneton was a really pleasing one.
Sports shorts
Bowls
Club Sunbury’s Carla Krizanic and Sophie Kurzman have been named in the Victorian women’s squad for 2024. The squad includes 32 women and men who will compete in an intra-squad practice match in July, before two state side series against New South Wales and Queensland and then the Australian Sides Championships. Akasha Fortune, who recently won the under-18 national title, has been named in the development women’s side.
Bowls
Marc Bullows and Bryce Young are back for the Club Sunbury Xtreme said for the third edition of the Victorian Bowls League. Aaron Teys is the big signing for the Xtreme, while new Club Sunbury coach Michael Vesikko and former Club Sunbury player Brad Janner round out the side. The competition starts this weekend.
Bendigo FL
Gisborne claimed bragging rights in the top of the table clash with Sandhurst in the Bendigo Football League on Saturday. The Bulldogs better accuracy in front of goal proved vital in the 11.7 (73)-9.13 (67) win. Seven goals to two in the middle quarters was the difference in the game. Pat McKenna kicked five goals in a best on ground performance with Zachary Vescovi and Jack Reaper other standouts. The Bulldogs remain in second spot, a game behind Sandhurst, but have played one less game.
Ballarat FL
In cold conditions at the Kyneton Showgrounds, the Bombers extended the lead in every break on the way to a 61-38 win.
“We didn’t expect the wind to be that big,” Kton said. “It was freezing out there.
“We joked that maybe we need to play in rain every week if we play with that.
“We turned over a lot of their ball and were able to convert it. We don’t convert enough goals and it’s a big focus of us.
“It was more than we’ve been scoring.
ShelbyHoltershot46goalsfortheBombers.
The win has the Bombers in fourth spot.
They have a couple of big weeks ahead of them, facing second placed Woodend-Hesket and then third-placed Macedon.
Ktonasaidtheywerekeentogiveitaredhot crack and tell them where they’re at.
In other matches, Macedon had a 59-33 win against Diggers Rest, Woodend-Hesket snuck home against Lancefield, 47-46 and Romsey knocked off Wallan, 54-38.
The Sunbury Lions suffered a second straight loss in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday. The Lions headed up to Ballarat for the last time in the regular season, with the Ballarat proving too strong, winning 10.11 (71)-7.7 (49). Zachary Stevens and Fraser Ampulski were named the Lions best. The Lions remain in third spot despite the loss. The Lions face Melton after the interleague break.
Matthew Twentyman is returning to Rupertswood. (Jacob Pattison)374057_03
Maddison Brown has had a strong season. (Ljubica Vrankovic)_414038_25
Inaugural senior coach named
Gisborne Giants have locked in their inaugural Riddell District Football League senior football coach.
The Giants, who will field a senior side next season for the first time next year, announced Andrew Hall as their first coach.
Hall is currently an assistant coach at Essendon District Football League premier club Strathmore, having been involved with the Sunbury Lions and Rupertswood previously.
Hallsaidhewasexcitedfortheopportunity.
“It’s a privilege to be appointed the inaugural coach of a senior program.” he said. ”It’s something that I’ve been working towards.
“Every coach should do a long apprenticeship, which I’ve done. The Giants’ process has been outstanding and quite comprehensive.
“It’s an incredible opportunity and privilege to build a senior program on the back of immense investment and effort put in by the current coaching groups and committee.”
Having been part of so many strong programs, Hall brings plenty of experience to the role from higher levels.
He said most of those clubs had a strong focus on juniors coming through, which suits his style of coaching.
It’s something the Giants are keen to build on,havinghadunder-19sthepasttwoseasons.
“I’ve been lucky enough to see some games already,” he said. “There is some clear talent, which is a really great sign.
“There’s some really good top end talent in the RDFL program, players that look like that will develop into super local talent.”
As well as having been about the local football scene for a number of years, Hall was a match day physio for Port Adelaide’s AFL team.
Hall said this added to his coaching ability.
“I spent 17 years at Port,” he said. “It solidified my transition into coaching.
“I was in an environment and seen a few different things and it was appealing to me.”
HallwillfinishouttheseasonatStrathmore,
while working in the background to get the Giants program up and running.
He said having a new gold standard facility was something that was also exciting.
Joining Hall at the Giants is new football manager, Aaron McLean. McLean was football operations manager at the RDFL for a number of years.
Hall said now the work begins to establish a pathway for young players in the area.
“There’s opportunities for young players who have missed out on Calder Cannons and Western Jets to develop in the under-189s and senior program.
“There will be development programs in place. I’m really excited to be back in the RDFL in the senior space.”
The club has also announced AJ Craske as the netball director and A-grade coach.
President Brad Gaucci said from a club perspective they were thrilled with the appointments they had made and it was full steam ahead for 2025.
Sunbury bounces back
By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Jets bounced back in perfect fashion with a hard fought win against the Bulleen Boomers in the Big V women’s championship competition.
After one of their more disappointing performances the week before against ladder leaders, Wyndham, the Jets showed why they are one of the most improved teams on Saturday night against the Boomers.
The Jets led early and were able to hold on throughout, winning 80-71.
JetscoachMoniqueCaparellosaidtheresult against Wyndham wasn’t what they stood for.
“We were pretty disappointed in the performance against Wyndham,” she said. “We know we’re better than what we showed last week.
“Tobouncebackagainstaqualityopposition like Bellarine for us shows the improvement we’ve made week to week.”
The Jets led by nine points quarter time and that would prove to be the end result.
Caparello said it wasn’t the prettiest game of basketball.
“It got pretty scrappy towards the end,” she said. “We stayed composed and executed a lot of opportunities.
“Abbey Hildebrand was fantastic for us and Veronika [Mirkovic] is consistently great. Abbey stayed in the game and let it come to her and took her opportunities.”
Hildebrand finished with 28 points while Mirkovic had 20 points.
The win keeps the Jets in the top four.
It’s a long way from the start of the season when the side was still coming together and hadplayerscomeintothesidelateinthepiece.
“It was a very trust the process with the girls,” Caparello said. “They stuck at it and we’ve got some depth there in our team.
“They trust and believe in each other and that’s important on the court.”
While in the top four, Caparello knows they can’t slip up in the back part of the season with the competition being so close.
She said every game is important in the run home.
“They [the players] are just as hungry as me to play finals,” she said. “We want to solidify our spot in the top four.
“We have Wyndham and Bellarine on the run home. We want to be able to push those teams.
“The advantage we do have is a lot of those games are at home and we want to put on a show for our home crowd.”
Meanwhile, the Jets men were on the end of another close loss in the championship division.
Facing the Keysborough Cougars at home, the Jets fell behind in the first three quarters.
The Jets, who were missing a couple of players, came home strongly in the final
Loss a reality check for Tigers
Kyneton was given a reality check in the Riddell District Football League as wet weather took over on Saturday.
After their best win of the season the previous week, the Tigers faced ladder leaders Riddell on Saturday afternoon.
The Bombers, who were playing at Kyneton Showgrounds for the first time, put out a convincing performance, keeping the Tigers goal less for the first three quarters.
The Bombers ensured they kept their good form going, winning 1310 (88)-1.8 (14). Dean Galea was named best on ground, kicking six goals in the win.
James Gaff and Caleb Fisher were named the Tigers best.
TheBombersreceivedaboostmidweek with former player Matthew Darby returning to the club from Avondale Heights. Darby has also played in the Victorian Football League.
Inothermatches, DiggersRestdidjust enough to overcome Macedon.
TheBurrashadtocomefrombehindat three quarter time to get the 11.7 (73)-9.9 (63) win. Justin Tenaglia and Shaun Campbell were named the Burras best, with Brodie Meyers kicking three goals.
The Burras sit in second spot after 11 rounds, a game behind Riddell. Melton Centrals had the bye.
It was a hard fought slog at Lancefield, with the Woodend-Hesket scraping across the line, 4.8 (32)-4.5 (29).
Wallan inflicted Romsey’s second straight loss despite being wasteful in frontofgoal.TheMagpiesledthroughout the contest but were never able to blow the Redbacks away.
Intheend,theMagpieswereabletodo just enough to win, 6.14 (50)-3.6 (24).
Corey Viani was named the Magpies best, while Corey Pertzel was the Redbacks best. In the win, the Magpies unveiled two mid-season signings.
quarter, outscoring the Cougars 26-15, but it was too little, too late, losing 89-80.
Nathan Marshall top scored with 25 points.
The Jets sit in eighth spot with seven wins from 16 games.
The Jets face Western Port Steelers on Saturday night.
Former Essendon and St Kilda player Jake Carlisle and goal kicker John Bellino both joined the Magpies from Craigieburn.
Carlisle kicked two goals in the win and was named one of the Magpies best.
The win moves Wallan above Romsey on the ladder.
Abby Hildebrand. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 403555_16
Tara Murray Andrew Hall (Supplied)
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