Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 16th July 2024

Dinosaurs ride free

Bulla Hill Miniature Railway is hosting a bring your dinosaur along day featuring an animatronic dinosaur and a pre-loved toy sale.

Run by a team of volunteers, the Bulla Hill Miniature Railway takes passengers for a ride through parkland scattered with large dinosaur statues, including brachiosauruses, diplodocuses, and triceratopses.

At its bring your dinosaur along day, passengers are encouraged to bring along their own dinosaur toys for the ride. On the day, the organisation will unveil a new addition to its pack of Jurassic reptiles – an animatronic, one-metre tall dinosaur.

Bulla Hill Miniature Railway acting secretary Brian Parkinson said the team of volunteers are passionate about providing a great day out for children.

“All the people are volunteers, all are there for different reasons, but we all come together once a month just to have a ball with kids,” Mr Parkinson said.

Bring your dinosaur along day will be held on Sunday, July 21, at Bulla Hill Railway in Bulla. Tickets can be bought on-site and train rides will run from 11am–4pm, with the last train leaving the station at 3.45pm. Details: bullahillrailway.org.au

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Logie nod for Ranges teen

By Oscar Parry

Macedon Ranges local Felix Cameron was nominated for two Logie Awards for his role as Eli Bell in Australian Netflix series, Boy SwallowsUniverse

For this year’s TV Week Logie Awards, Felix was nominated in the categories of Most Popular New Talent and Best Lead Actor in a Drama. Felix said it was “hard to explain” how he felt receiving the news, but he was excited to be nominated alongside some of his favourite actors.

He said growing up in the Macedon Ranges helped him enter the world of acting.

“A general audition for Penguin Bloom came up and we thought that I could do it because they were looking for kids who loved the outdoors and were quite active,” Felix said.

One aspect of this audition involved sharing an interesting story about animals.

Felix said he told the story of a goshawk that got stuck in his family’s chicken pen and how he and his friends set out with torches and a blanket to rescue the bird in the dark without injuring it or themselves.

“That wouldn’t have happened if I was still living in the city. Where I live and the adventures I have had living here gave me new freedoms and helped me play the character Rueben in the movie,” he said.

Felix said Hanging Rock is a particularly meaningfulplaceforhimasit’swherehejoined his first cricket club after his family moved to the region, and where he ran his primary school cross country trials.

He said some of his favourite memories from thesetofBoySwallowsUniversewerespending time with the cast and crew.

“I loved everything about playing Eli, but my favourite was being able to show up on set and hang out with cast and crew [because] they were all awesome, talented people … My main highlights were stealing [the makeup department’s] mints every day and playing street cricket and footy in between filming scenes,” he said.

He said he looks forward to playing similar roles in the future and keeping up his passion for sport.

“I hope to play some interesting characters with lots of meaning like Eli, or just play ‘Div 12 Ressies’ for the rest of my life!” he said.

The TV Week Logie Awards winners will be announced on Sunday, August 18, and voting will close on Saturday, August 17.

Details: vote.tvweeklogies.com.au

Bulla Hill Miniature Railway volunteers Brian Parkinson, Kris Siderovand Ronald Goold. (Damjan Janevski) 418028_01

Macedon Ranges local Felix Cameron was nominated in two categories of the TV Week Logie Awards. (Supplied)

Call for parking fine policy review

By Oscar Parry

Hume council will investigate ways to prevent illegal parking, reduce the amount of fines and provide leniency for those who park on narrow streets.

Cr Sam Misho raised a motion at council’s July 8 meeting, calling for it to investigate narrow street parking infringements and the circumstances leading to illegal parking in these locations.

Themotioncalledforthecounciltoreviewits infringement management policy, encourage officers to communicate with those who park illegally in narrow streets to understand their situation, receive a report on the amount

‘‘ We have derived $688,000 from parking fines … I believe it is too much for our ratepayers to have forked out ’’ - Sam Misho

of narrow street parking infringements handed out, and investigate fast-tracking the installation of more indented parking bays throughout the city.

Cr Misho said while he opposes breaking the law, he wants the council to consider the

challenges of parking in narrow streets.

“Itiscriticalthatourratepayersareprotected and such fines are not an unwarranted driver for revenue for council,” Cr Misho said.

“From the information that I received earlier this week, it suggests that we have derived $688,000 from parking fines. Perhaps … in termsofourrevenue,it’snotmuch,butIbelieve it is too much for our ratepayers to have forked out that much in Hume,” he said.

Cr Misho said narrow housing estate streets with curved kerbs make it “nearly impossible” for residents to gauge if they are parked correctly away from a curb on a flat surface.

Cr Joseph Haweil said the council’s options for assisting residents who live in such streets

NAIDOC Week in the Ranges

Macedon Ranges council hosted a series of NAIDOC week events, including free film screenings and a community and family day.

Two films were screened at the Kyneton Mechanics Hall: Luku Ngarra –The Law of The Land on July 5 and The Last Daughter on July 7.

could be to consider the tolerance level for official warnings in lieu of fines and the directions given to the external infringement company that manages appeals and reviews.

Cr Jodi Jackson said she was in favour of a system that considers difficult parking circumstancesandtreatsresidents“likepeople, and not just dollars on a financial sheet”.

Thecouncilsaiditcannotfast-trackindented parking projects at this current time due to the approved budget.

The council reportsed the indented parking bay program is fully allocated for the next 10 years, with about 420km of narrow streets yet to be completed.

Neighbour Day coming to Hume in 2025

Hume will promote and begin an annual acknowledgement of ‘Neighbour Day’, aiming to promote neighbourly relationships and reduce loneliness.

Neighbour Day, an initiative of Relationships Australia, promotes hosting or supporting events in local areas that increases social connection.

Next year’s Neighbourhood Day will be held on Sunday, March 30.

Hume council will host a ‘community challenge’ in recognition of the day, where residents will go into the draw to win one of 20 $100 gift cards if they share a story and image on how they have connected with their neighbours.

The council will also promote the day and its events through its social media and newsletter.

Cr Karen Sherry said the event will help alleviate isolation and loneliness in the region.

“This will foster respectful and sustainable relationships across the community if it gets off the ground,” Cr Sherry said.

Cr Carly Moore said that the council hosting the event is “a good thing to try”.

“Let’s see how this goes … I think it’s really important that our community gets to know each other, and if this is something that will promote community spirit, then I’m happy to see how it goes,” Cr Moore said.

The event included a yarning circle and all-ages activities.

Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation Aboriginal community support worker Elizabeth Smith said this year’s NAIDOC theme of ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud & Proud’ has personal significance for her.

The council also facilitated a community and family day, led by the Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with Macedon Ranges Truth and Reconciliation Group and Sunbury Cobaw Community Health.

“This year’s theme is an important one. For me, it means being proud of how far we’ve come but acknowledging there is still so much more to be done. Stand tall and be proud of our achievements so far,” Ms Smith said.

She said she enjoyed getting to know the wider community and sharing each other’s stories at the event.

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The estimated cost of the Neighbour Day community challenge campaign and promotional materials is a total of $3000 from existing council budgets.

The council noted that Brimbank council awards up to $250 per applicant towards holding events that promote neighbourly connection and community.

Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation community support worker Elizabeth Smith, Macedon Ranges community partnerships officer Maria Loriente, and Macedon Ranges youth development officer Sarah Lungu. (Damjan Janevski) 418062_01

Group to unite Sunbury’s dads

By Oscar Parry

Sunbury Neighbourhood House will launch Sunbury Dads – a new group that aims to create connections between local fathers and a supportive environment for them to spend time with their children.

The group will facilitate bonding activities for fathers and their children, aged 0–5, and peer support activities for fathers to discuss parenting highs and lows, including mental health challenges. It will also host occasional barbecues and

group pram walks. SunburyDadsGroupfacilitatorNickBurnett saidtheinitiativewillhelpfathersdeveloptheir parenting skills and challenges traditional narratives.

“Short-term, this is a place for dads to have to connect about something we all have in common and learn a couple of new skills from each other. Long-term, there is a hope to change the dynamic that playgroups are for mums, and see more dads showing their children what healthy social relationships look like,” Mr Burnett said.

MrBurnettisaSunburyresidentandiseager to re-enter the workforce after spending about two years as a stay-at-home parent.

He said he hoped to alleviate some of the most common issues fathers face, with the help of the community support and resources offered through the Sunbury Neighbourhood House.

“The incredible stresses of being a father are greater than they have ever been, and we need to break down some walls we all hold up as men,” he said. “It would be amiss not to mention male suicide, and that according to

Foodbank calls for winter staples

The Gisborne Community Care Foodbank is calling for common food staples throughout winter, thanking donors but reminding them that some foods too far past their best before date cannot be used.

The Gisborne Foodbank is an independent, volunteer-run charity that operates at the rear of the Gisborne Uniting Church . Its president, Wally van Dort, said common staple and toiletry donations are useful at all times of the year, and throughout winter, canned food donations are especially useful.

“We always use the common staples, like milk … coffee … Milo … rice, and fish. We probably don’t need Weet-Bix [at the moment] but other cereals are important,” Mr van Dort

said. “People focus on canned foods during winter, so canned meals [are useful]. We post a weekly Facebook page update of what is needed,” he said.

The group also accepts monetary donations from the community to help with sourcing fresh fruit and vegetables.

In a Gisborne Foodbank Facebook post, it reminded donors that while items past their bestbeforedatecanstillbeused,thereisalimit before these items must be disposed of.

The post explained that wet foods, such as condiments and canned soup, can be used up to six months past their best before date, and dry or powdered foods, including flour and pasta, can be used for up to 12 months past

their best before date.

Mr van Dort said that as the organisation name suggests, he likes to “place emphasis on community care as well”.

“I [get] involved with the customers and listen to their stories, and that’s what most people want. They’re looking for a bit of help and just someone to understand what they’re going through,” he said.

Hesaidtheorganisationisvolunteerled,and volunteering to provide community support is a rewarding pursuit.

“If I do get paid, it’s in satisfaction dollars!”

Details: facebook.com/GisborneFoodbank

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AIHW’s [Australian Institute of Health and Welfare] national mortality database, suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged 15–44.”

Theinitiativereceivedfundingfromthestate health department.

The Sunbury Dads playgroup will meet Friday afternoons during the school term at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, starting from July 19. The group is open to fathers and father-like figures of children aged 0–5 years old. Registrations: https://www.sunburyhouse. com.au/

Council rules out 24-hour ‘open libraries’

Hume council will not trial 24-hour ‘open libraries’, instead opting to explore other options.

Council officers investigated the suitability for libraries across Hume to operate as ‘open libraries’ – meaning they would be open and accessible by the public at all hours, every day.

This model of library was introduced inEuropeabout15yearsagoinresponse to a decline in staffed hours due to lack of funding, a report to council said.

The Hume officer report found that of the 49 library services in Victoria, seven open their libraries for extended unstaffed hours, with only two services offering 24-hour access libraries.

The officer report recommended that the council does not trial the open library model at this time.

Reasons included that Hume does not have any library branches that accommodate easy trialling of an open library, and that there would be upgrade costs with no budgets currently allocated to undertake the works.

Cr Carly Moore said that despite council not trialling this model, she wants the council to explore other options for more extended hour library access.

“Certainly we are very keen to make sure that our community can access our libraries – particularly those people who can’t attend in the traditional hours,” Cr Moore said.

OftheeightHumeLibrarieslocations, three are open extended hours each week, with the Sunbury library offering the most access hours at 68 hours per week, 352 days per year.

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Four-year delay for Melbourne Airport Rail Link to stand

Premier Jacinta Allan has de-railed hopes of a Melbourne Airport rail by the end of the decade, despite the airport agreeing to an above ground station.

Ms Allan said the four-year delay that was initially flagged during the state government’s budget announcement in May would stand, with completion of the project not to be until at least 2033.

“With delay does come cost and so this will be something that the Commonwealth government will need to work through with its project partners,” she said.

“Our appetite was there some years ago to get this project done by 2029. And that was based on the best advice from our experts and engineers on how we could get this project

delivered as quickly as possible.

“That was always our stated aim. But that was back in 2019 and since then we have seen … ongoing, frustrating delays brought about by the airport’s refusal to acknowledge that an above-ground station is a fantastic outcome.”

OnJuly8,MelbourneAirportchiefexecutive Lorie Argus said the airport recognised the need to get on with the rail link in the interests of travellers, the city, Victoria and the airport’s third runway expansion.

“Victorians have waited long enough for an airport rail line,” she said. “We will work with the Victorian government to deliver their preferred above-ground station at the airport so the rail line can become reality.

“With an estimated 45 million travellers a

year predicted to be using our airport when the third runway opens, the rail link will support a massive increase in passenger numbers and billions of dollars in additional economic activity for Victoria.

“While Melbourne Airport has consistently advocated for an underground station, we are prepared to compromise on our position to ensure we have more transport options in place forthemillionsofnewpassengersthatwillvisit Victoria and the airport precinct’s expanding workforce.”

Melbourne Airport will spend about $3 billion building an additional north-south runway by 2042.

The development plan for the third runway is currently waiting on the federal government

for approval.

Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic was pleased by the airport’s decision, and hoped to see works begin as soon as possible.

“Thenextsteprecommendedbythemediator is to start ‘no regrets’ work on the Sunshine Precinct. Not only is this a critical part of the Melbourne Airport Rail, but it’s also going to start to deliver benefits for residents, bringing people and jobs to the west,” she said.

“This year the Victorian government set ambitious targets for housing in each Local Government Area. It’s hard to see how we can achieve those targets without critical government investment in the development of the Sunshine Precinct and the nearby Albion Quarter. We can’t afford any more delays.”

Gisborne Community Care Foodbank president Wally van Dort. (Damjan Janevski) 418036_01

Oscar

Amess concerns aired

By Oscar Parry

Riddells Creek residents continue to express concerns about a proposal for a housing development on Amess Road.

As reported by Star Weekly, residents started a petition opposing the development in late 2022, which garnered 1231 signatures.

Last year, Macedon Ranges council voted against an amendment process for the Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan.

But the state government has since acceptedanapplicationforthedraftplanning scheme amendment through its development facilitation program, which accelerates the assessment pathway for eligible projects and makes the planning minister the responsible authority, removing the decision from the hands of council.

The plan for the site was created by Echelon Planning on behalf of Banner Asset Management.

About 400 residents attended a town meeting in Riddells Creek hosted by community action group, Riddells Creek Planning Group, on Thursday, July 27, where the group discussed the latest planning scheme amendment and expressed concerns.

Riddells Creek Planning Group co-lead Aaron Goldsworthy said the group is not opposed to growth in Riddells Creek, but is unhappy with the draft plan.

“We know [Riddells Creek] is going to grow. So, this isn’t about saying ‘no growth in Riddells, no new residents’. It’s about saying that town development needs to respect town character, and if the government wants well-located homes, these aren’t well located,” Mr Goldsworthy said.

Mr Goldsworthy said a reduction in the average proposed block size was one of the issues residents had with the proposal.

“One of the biggest things is a minimum block size of 800 square metres and no more than nine lots per buildable hectare,” he said.

“The next big thing is about appropriate infrastructure,sointersectionsandfootpaths that surround the site but also having some sort of contribution or plan to upgrading the main road through Riddells Creek.”

Another issue raised was the accessibility of the site for emergency services.

“We’re in a bushfire prone area, and there is … quite a high risk of fires and spot fires if they came over the north of Mount Macedon, and [Riddells Creek] is quite constrained

in terms of entry and exit to the town,” Mr Goldsworthy said.

Macedon Ranges council also made a submission opposing the draft planning scheme amendment, with requests that the plan should include an objective to provide affordable housing and “preferably also include a requirement” to do so.

Echelon Planning Group and Banner Asset Management were contacted for comment. Submissions to the government closed earlier this month, with the planning minister expected to make a decision in August.

Funding to tackle weeds

Macedon Ranges will receive funding from the state government to reduce roadside weeds and pests.

The state’s Roadside Weeds and Pests program aims to assist regional councils in curbing invasive weeds and pest animals.

The state said investing in this reduces bushfire risk, protects native biodiversity, and prevents impacts to agriculture.

Macedon Ranges council will receive $48,385 through this program, with 44 other councils across the state also receiving up to $85,000 each,

This funding can be used by councils to address their specific weed and pest issues, through activities such as treating and preventing invasive flora, and managing rabbit populations.

Common invasive roadside plants include blackberries, box-thorns, and serrated tussocks.

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said reducing roadside weeds and pests is vital for protecting lives and properties in the lead up to the fire season.

The state government reportws that weeds and pests cost the Victorian economy over $900 million each year. Councils are required to complete roadsideweedandpestcontrolworksin linewiththeirroadsideweedsandpests control plans endorsed by Agriculture Victoria.

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Community action group ‘Riddells Creek Planning Group’ leads Ross Colliver, Simon Were and Aaron Goldsworthy. (Damjan Janevski) 417889_01

Scholarship support

Gisborne’s Emma Bamford has received a federal government scholarship that will support her in studying and completing internships in Indonesia.

The New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program is a government initiative that aims to increase knowledge of several countries in Asia through supporting Australian undergraduates to complete study, language training and internships.

The scholarship program is for one year of international study, with a ‘mobility program’ for longer-term study, language study, internships, and research.

Ms Bamford, a health sciences and arts student, received a scholarship through the program and will travel to Indonesia at the end of July.

She said she began learning Bahasa

IndonesianinyearsevenatGisborneSecondary College and is still learning the language as a major of her degree.

Ms Bamford said she is excited to have an authentic language learning experience and be able to learn Indonesian from Indonesian people. She will study at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Jakarta and hopes to volunteer at a community children’s health care centre.

“I’m looking to get that practical hands-on experience … I find that I love university, but it’s very much textbook focused,” Ms Bamford said.

She said that she encourages those considering studying abroad to investigate the options available, such as scholarships.

“Therearesomanyopportunitiesavailableto students wishing to explore global experiences, it’s just finding the right fit for you.”

State to fund all-electric households

The state government will fund projects to help people switch to all-electric households. More than $4 million will be funded to seven approved providers to deliver 1875 solar and 1545 hot water rebates, reducing the upfront costs of installing solar and energy efficient heat pumps. By switching to an all-electric home, households can reduce their energy bills by about $1400 per year or up to $2700 if paired with solar panels.

Details: solar.vic.gov.au/electrificationgrants.

Plea to take care on roads

Victoria Police is issuing an urgent road safety warning to all motorists following a horror period on the state’s roads. Eight lives have been lost since Monday, July 8, bringing the total lives lost to 154, compared to 152 at the same time last year. While factors in these recent collisions are still under investigation, police are urging everyone to take extra care, including slowing down to maintain a safe braking distance, especially during periods of wet weather and poor visibility. Motorists are also urged to avoid driving fatigued by taking regular breaks when traveling longer distances, and to never get behind the wheel if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Gisborne student Emma Bamford in Indonesia during a previous visit to the country. (Supplied)

MY PLACE

Macedon zoologist, wildlife educator, and TV personality Chris Humfrey loves the abundance of flora and fauna in the Macedon Ranges. Oscar Parry talks to Chris about his connection to Macedon.

What is your connection to Macedon?

I have lived in Macedon for the past 23 years. I movedupheretopurchaseacolleague’swildlife park,‘BattungaPark’,asIhadrapidlyoutgrown my property in Warrandyte. Macedon was an ideal site, and perfect for my future ambition of expanding my wildlife education company.

What do you like about where you live?

I love the peace and quiet! I live alongside the Macedon Regional Park. There are certain times of the day when you feel like you are the only person on the planet. It’s simply beautiful! [Macedon] really is one of the last bastions for many unique rare plants and animals so close to Melbourne. On our property, we are custodians of 100s of 400-plus-year-old stringybark eucalyptus trees. These trees are ancient. It’s quite humbling to walk amongst these magnificent plants and realise that … I have a responsibility to nurture and protect the land which I live on for further generations.

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

I would love to see pet laws changed and enforced. Regardless of local laws and signage, thoughtless people still walk their dogs off leads in Macedon Regional Park. It makes my blood boil. Last summer, I found a dead koala torn apart by a dog. In the Macedon township, I see so many pet cats on a daily basis roaming around freely, [while] their owners are at work. Cats are responsible for killing over two billion native wildlife a year. Don’t get me wrong,

I love cats and dogs! However, we all need to be more mindful of the damage our pets cause on wildlife. Macedon Ranges wildlife and biodiversity is too important to lose. We need to do a better job protecting this place, as suburbia dangerously knocks on our door!

WhatdoyoufindinterestingaboutMacedon’s wildlife?

It always amazes me when I travel around Australiaoroverseas.Macedonalwaysseemsto me richer in wildlife numbers than most places … I mean, who else has mobs of kangaroos hopping through their forest, wombats, kookaburras, Phascogales, a white magpie, king parrots, crimson rosellas, powerful owls, cockatoos galore, sugar gliders and a solid population of koalas?

What have been some of your favourite moments while on set for your TV series?

My favourite moments from my last TV series whileonsetwouldhavetobebreedingcritically endangered mountain pygmy possums in my wine cellar. These little marsupials are on the brink of extinction due to rapid climate change. Mountain pygmy possums will perish at temperatures over 25 degrees for sustained periods of time.

I care and manage one of the largest populations of this cute and cuddly little snow possum in the world! To introduce viewers to this animal and educate them on their plight in the wild was very satisfying … a dream come true in fact.

Magical school production

Umbrella at the ready, students from Sunbury Downs College will be performing Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins: the Broadway musical.

The story follows the troubled Banks family, who struggle to retain a nanny – until Mary Poppins arrives and uses a combination of magic and common sense to bring the family together again.

The production is set in 1910, with the students involved in capturing the magic of the story of Mary Poppins and the historical period of the early 20th century.

Sunbury Downs College production director Joanna Rains said the production has come together with a lot of effort from students.

“The magic of theatre is really captured within Mary Poppins,” Ms Rains said. She said the production pushes students to

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

build confidence and their performing arts skills through the challenge of playing unique characters from a different historical period.

“It really gives them a chance to use their creative skills that they might not normally get to use in their daily lives,” she said.

The student team behind the production consists of various roles, including actors, set constructors, costume designers, and tech crew members.

“It gives them a really good opportunity to create some really good memories and some nice social networks across the year levels,” Ms Rains said.

The production will be performed from July 18–20 at Sunbury Downs College.

Details: https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1202484

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

Oscar Parry

Sunbury Downs College students Declan, as Bert, and Ella, as Mary Poppins. (Supplied)

Macedon zoologist, wildlife educator, and TV personality Chris Humfrey with a dingo. (Supplied)

Traumatic birth support prioritised

steering her from a corporate career back to healthcare.

“It was literally because of my friend’s very sad birth that I became a midwife.”

The birth reflections team was established at the women’s with the help of funding for late-career midwives, allowing experienced clinicians like Kath to focus on debriefing and birth reflection roles.

By Hannah Hammoud

In the halls of the Royal Women’s Hospital, a specialist team of seasoned midwives stands out for its unique initiative in supporting women who have faced unexpected outcomes during childbirth.

Kath Cruickshanks is part of the birth reflections team at the women’s. Her journey intomidwiferybeganwithaprofoundpersonal experience.

“I became a midwife a long time ago because I was privileged enough to be at a friend’s very sad birth. We knew that it was going to be a sad birth, and I was just the support person,” she said.

This event was a turning point for Kath,

“One of our projects was setting up this service at the hospital and seeing womenwhohavehadanunexpectedoutcome,” Kath said.

These outcomes can range from serious post-birth bleeds and severe perineal tears to emergency caesarean sections.

The team’s mission is clear: they see women before they leave the hospital to help them understand their birth experience, answer any lingering questions, and ensure they have the necessary support systems in place.

“It’snotourjobtotalkinthedebriefmoment – our job is to listen,” Kath said.

“It might help them to piece together the moments that led up to the birth, and as senior clinicians we can explain it if they didn’t quite

Kath Cruickshanks is part of the birth reflections team at the Royal Women’s Hospital. (Supplied)

understandoritwastoorushedatthetime.We also make sure that we ask for their feedback on what we as clinicians could have done differently and we also ask them if they would like to give feedback about any particular staff member.”

This year, Birth Trauma Awareness Week (BTAW), which runs from July 16-22, highlights the theme of informed consent, a cornerstone of respectful maternity care. Informedconsentgoesbeyondmerelysaying

Toilet birth scars remain for mum

Lauren Green’s son made an unconventional entrance to the world – into a toilet.

Laurencanseethefunnysidesevenyearson, but the sudden birth left deep scars she’s still coming to terms with.

The nurse had always wanted to be a mum and completing a half marathon flicked a switch in Lauren and spurred her to try for a baby.

FinanceNickwashesitantatfirst,butLauren told him it might take time.

“Then I think we pretty much got pregnant the first time we tried.”

At 38 weeks and one day, Lauren and Nick decided to have one last date night at their local pub.

Lauren went to bed and woke to contractions at 1am.

“While I was sleeping I was obviously dilating and I didn’t know,” she said.

“I thought ‘I’ll just let it happen for a bit, it could be Braxton-Hicks or it might go away’.

“It got pretty intense pretty quickly so I woke Nick up.”

Nick ran a bath for her but she soon got back out.

“I was restless, it didn’t feel right. I was walking around the house remembering my Calmbirth sessions, breathing through it and being mindful.

“I felt comfy on the toilet. The position that yourbodyisinwhenyou’reonthetoiletisquite natural for that process.”

LaurenhadaTENSmachineonherbackand was timing the contractions using her phone. They got closer together and more intense so Nick called the hospital.

On learning that Lauren was only three hours in, the midwife told her it’d be a while longer and she should take some Panadol.

“I thought ‘they’re two minutes apart and they bloody hurt. What do you mean I can’t come in yet?’.

“I had a funny contraction that felt very different from the others.”

Lauren felt like her body was pushing.

“It happened again and I felt Otis’s head coming out.

“Onthethirdweirdcontraction,hecameout into the toilet.

“Nick came barrelling into the bathroom and got him out.

“He was passing him through my legs.

“It was scary.

“I just put him on my chest and said to Nick, ‘You need to call an ambulance’.

“I just sat there then, in shock.”

The ambulance arrived in less than 10 minutes.

Lauren started having contractions again

once she arrived at the hospital.

“That hurt more than the ones I’d had before Otiswasborn,”shesaid.“Iaskedforpainrelief.

“They said to me ‘You had the baby without anything so you’ll be OK’.

“I was lying on the trolley with Otis on my chest and my placenta still inside me.

“After that I felt very calm and I had a beautiful midwife who helped me through the process of delivering the placenta.

“I think my body was fighting it. I was so stressed.

“Once the placenta was out I finally just got to rest.

“Otis was completely fine.

Lauren lodged a complaint with the hospital

following her experience.

“I spent quite a bit of time thinking about what would have happened if he wasn’t breathing,” she said.

“I do spend a bit of time thinking about that – less these days, but more in the year or two after.

“It’s definitely left me with some scars.

“It’s changed the way I think about things.

“We had floated the idea of just having one child before we had Otis anyway, but after that I was like ‘nope, I’m done, I can’t go through that again’.

“I don’t want to go through that again.”

Casey Neill

yes to a procedure. It involves understanding the choices, risks, and benefits involved.

Kath said she has witnessed a positive shift in recent years, where women’s experiences are being listened to and acknowledged.

“Women are amazing. Women’s bodies are amazing. I think to sit there and listen to their stories as a senior midwife is a privilege.

“One of the common themes that pops up when we talk to women is communication. Communication is the number one thing that we are still hearing from women and still working on.”

Kath believes that effective communication and continuity of care are vital.

“Whilst we can help women prepare for birth, we can’t always plan for 100 per cent of everything that happens. Birth is very fluid … it changes on a turn of a dime. We’re hoping that with the work we’re doing we’re able to really stop and help women to be heard and listened to and get on the right pathway before they leave the hospital,” she said.

“Women are being heard and acknowledged with their trauma … I can’t tell you how vital this work is.”

Study challenges coping strategies

A La Trobe University study is hoping to challenge traditional categorisations of coping strategies in a bid to promote autonomy and create empowering childbirth experiences.

The study by the university’s Judith Lumley Centre examined the current coping strategies, with the findings suggesting a shift towards a more holistic approach. It comes amid growing concerns about birth trauma and maternity care experiences that were highlighted in the final report of a New South Wales Parliamentary Inquiry into Birth Trauma, handed down in late May.

In the study, senior researcher and study lead Dr Laura Whitburn, senior researcher Dr Lester Jones and physiotherapist, birth doula and lead author Janine Shifman proposed reframing coping strategies as ‘intrinsic’ and ‘extrinsic’ to shift the focus away from medical interventions.

Intrinsic strategies are those that can be self-generated by women, while extrinsic strategies require the use of equipment or the help of someone else.

The study surveyed 56 women having their first baby at Mercy Hospital for Women, between February and May 2021. Thinking about labour pain as productive and purposeful pain, feeling safeandsupported,andpreparingarange of coping strategies, were identified as three factors most important to women.

“People may assume that pain relief or having their pain under control during labour is a priority but, in fact, it wasn’t explicitly listed among the most important factors to women,” Dr Whitburn said.

The most common intrinsic strategies identifiedincludedbreathingtechniques, generatingapositivemindset,movement and keeping active. Extrinsic strategies, such as using a bath or shower, the use of a TENS machine or having physical contact from support people or a known support person, were recorded as the most common among respondents.

“We’re hoping this will change the conversation and mindset from ‘you’re not coping anymore, so let me take over’ to ‘you’re not coping anymore, so let’s support you with what you need to get you back on track,” Ms Shifman said.

Lauren and her son Otis. (Rob Carew) 386841_01

The journey through birth trauma

By Hannah Hammoud

Thirteen years ago, Leanne Murphy’s life was irrevocably changed by a traumatic birth experience that left her battling with severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Leanne’s ordeal began with the birth of her daughter, Molly, her second child. Despite having had a positive experience with her first child, her expectations for a similar outcome were shattered.

“I was in hospital for 12 hours. I was in the right place at the right time. There was no doctor and no midwife in the room when my daughter was born. It got really scary and I was anxious, and we ended up having to push the emergency button. It was a fear response. I knew that something was wrong, my husband and I were in the room together, no doctor, no midwife … I was calling for help but no one was coming,” Leanne recalled.

Leanne said Molly entered the world amidst chaos.

‘‘ She basically burst out of me and skidded across the bed ... She was actually on my chest before anyone came into the room ’’ - Leanne Murphy

“My husband banged on the emergency button, and to be honest, Molly was coming whethertherewasanyonethereornot.Shetore meallthewaythroughinherentrytotheworld … she basically burst out of me and skidded across the bed on the amniotic fluid and my husband caught her. She was actually on my chest before anyone came into the room,” she said.

The delay in medical response was just the beginningofaseriesoftraumaticevents.During the childbirth, Leanne suffered a fourth-degree tear, leading to severe complications. Despite being in hospital for five days, Leanne said she was discharged without the necessary surgical repair.

“I had poo falling out of me, and post-baby bleeding coming out of an orifice that is now a gaping wound,” she said.

“Why wasn’t I sent to the general anaesthetic repair like I was told? Immediately, or within six hours, or 12 hours, or the next day, or the nextday.AfterfivedaysI’mactuallydischarged without the repair done.”

Despite being well-prepared for childbirth through classes and research, nothing had prepared her for the aftermath of a severe tear.

“Nothing was ever said about the impact of having a fourth-degree tear and what to look out for … there’s no literacy on that, I didn’t know what to ask,” she said.

“How do you ask a question when you don’t

know what the question is? How do you know what to ask? I didn’t know what to ask.

“People are like, ‘We don’t want to scare mums before they have their kids’, ‘You can’t share your story Leanne because you’ll put mums off having kids,’ – well that’s absolutely not fair. You need to have the information so thatyoucangointotheexperiencewell-armed, and well-equipped, so that when – or if –something does go wrong, you’ve got a plan.”

Once she was discharged, Leanne said the struggle to find a surgeon willing to repair the damage added to her torment.

During this period, Leanne was confined to her home, unable to perform basic tasks or care for her children. Leanne’s experience of isolation and helplessness was only further compounded by financial strain.

“I was 34 years old and I couldn’t leave the house. I couldn’t take my kids for a walk, go shopping,ormeetfriends.Ididhaveamother’s group and that was at my house. I said to them, ‘If you don’t come to my house I can’t go’.”

With her husband off work to care for her and their children, and her own maternity leave running out, Leanne said her family faced economic hardship, forcing them to sell

theirhouseandmovetoamoreaffordablearea, losing their support network in the process.

Despite these overwhelming difficulties, Leanne found a way to turn her pain into purpose. She retrained as a counsellor, specialising in birth trauma healing.

“The whole takeaway from this was that there was actually no help, I fell through the gaps,” she said.

“In 10 years, I thought the statistics would improve, but there are still 30,000 birth trauma mums a year.

“I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to overcome. I’m reclaiming, and I’m offering a space that wasn’t there for me, and needs to be there for everybody.”

In 2021, Leanne published a book, Mummy went to hospital, to help her children understand her many hospital visits as she underwent surgeries to repair the damage.

Reflecting on her journey, Leanne remains resilient and hopeful.

“I’m really proud of who I am and who my family has become on the back of this trauma. We have been pushed to the worst parts of life and had to survive,” she said,

“When the worst happens, there is support there.Youhavetoadvocateforyourself,butyou have to look for support. It’s hard to find the support but it is there. I strongly recommend that people reach out for support, whether that’s for their physical injuries or emotional support.”

Leanne Murphy with her book in 2022. (Damjan Janevski) 267709_04

Leanne Murphy suffered trauma during the birth of her second child. (Damjan Janevski) 413521_06

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

One Voice Sunbury

The With One Voice (WOV) Sunbury community choir has an open night coming up on Tuesday, July 30, with performances and a sing-along. After the performance, the group will serve a light supper during their social hour. This event is open all ages and abilities, with or without singing experience. The WOV Sunbury community choir is changing the world one voice at a time by providing an opportunity for people to meet and experience the joy of singing, often making friends through the shared experiences of singing and performing; although performing is not required. One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday, from 6.30pm, at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome – just join in on the fun.

■ sunbury@withonevoice.org.au

Bulla Hill Railway

Bulla Hill Railway is hosting a Bring your Dinosaur Along Day on Sunday, July 21. There will be a sale of pre-loved dinosaurs and Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends items. Dinosaurs ride free on the day. There may even be some dinosaurs that roam around! The event will be held at Bulla Hill Railway, 15 Green Street, Bulla. Rides will run between 11am and 4pm (the last train leaves the station at 3.45pm). Tickets can be bought on the day (EFTPOS available) for $5 per person over 12 months of age.

■ bullahillrailway.org.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 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

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. Located on Circular

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of L2R Dance members Nolly Zaa Thang, Jacinda Richards, L’wel (Ligi) and Hena Memishi. (Damjan Janevski) 416960_01

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. They 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 each month at the Woodend RSL Hall, 32 Anslow Street, Woodend, at 10am. If you are interested in amateur radio or already have a call sign, this could be for you.

■ http://www.mrarc.org.au

Take off weight naturally

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

■ Rhonda, 0409 740 924

Kyneton Badminton Club

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

Camaraderie drives new play

By Eddie Russell

Elves, orcs, dragons, and warriors are coming to Melton this week, with Melton Performing Arts bringing acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen’s SheKillsMonstersto life.

The production follows protagonist Agnes, who attempts to learn more about her dead younger sister through the beloved fantasy role playing game Dungeons & Dragons.

Tickets are available for two shows on Saturday, July 20 at 2pm and 7pm.

The play blends comedy and drama as the charactersfacechallengesoftherealworldand otherworldly respectively.

Cast member Josh Tooth, who is also on the

Melton Performing Arts committee, said the group was about more than just putting on plays.

“Our ethos is not necessarily driving our own productions but providing a means for people to put on their own interests,” he said.

“Our passion is building performing arts in the community.”

Tooth, who is an “avid” Dungeons & Dragons fan, said the story appealed to him because of his own experiences playing the game.

“Coming from a ‘D’n’D’ background and loving that connection that comes from a ‘D’n’D’ group … my favourite part is the way the main character explores the relationship

with her sister … through playing the module that her sister created.”

Darin Casler plays Miles, the boyfriend of Agnes.

While Casler does not have the same love for the game as other cast members, he can still see what it means to them.

“I’ve never played ‘D’n’D’ but Katie [a cast member] sent us a video of the creator of the playsayinghelearnedEnglishthroughplaying it,” Casler said.

“That camaraderie resonates with me; I have friends that play and they get together and communicate after all these years.”

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1231636

‘Unique’ take on Shakespeare classic

Shakespeare classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will be played until July 20 at the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray.

The Sevenfold Theatre Company play, set in ancientAthens,promisestocaptivateaudiences with its story of young lovers’ adventures in a magical forest where fairies meddle with their affections, causing chaos.

With mistaken identities and love potions, chaos reigns until the fairies set things right, leading to weddings and joy for all (kind of).

Uniquely incorporating live music and

sound,thecastscreatealivescoreusingvarious instruments, voices, and their own bodies.

Carefully crafted acoustic soundscapes create the forest’s ambiance, build suspense and enhance the mood of each scene.

Director Mitchell Wills said, “Our rendition of dream is exploring something new for the company, live music produced entirely by the actors on the stage. Although it was rather terrifyingnottohavesheetmusicfortheactors to learn before the first rehearsal, what we have gained is this living, breathing and incredibly charming soundscape from start to finish”.

Performer Lore Burns said, “I was quite nervous joining this show to start with due to my ongoing recovery from being hit by a car last year and being unsure of how I would go physically, but it’s been so much fun that even whenI’mexhaustedIfeelsupportedandhappy.

“I’ve never had to play cello whilst simultaneously delivering a monologue before, so that’s been a fun/scary challenge and something very unique in the show.”

Details: https://events.humanitix.com/ sevenfold-theatre-company-inc-presents-amidsummer-night-s-dream.

Exhibition brings a taste of Italy to St Albans

VivaItalia!iscomingtotheBoweryTheatrethis week,showcasingaseriesofworksbasedonthe Italian travels of local artist John Barcham.

The exhibition is a collection of some of Barcham’s most esteemed pieces, all under the umbrella of his wife’s heritage and their trips together.

“The creation of this series of works spans about 10 years. They are my response as an artist to my involvement with Melbourne’s Sammachese (people who come from San Marco in Lamis) community as well as trips with my Sammachese wife to Italy and San

Marco in Lamis in the beautiful Gargano region of the province of Puglia,” he said.

“The works have never been shown in their entiretyandshowntogethercontainanarrative of my personal Italian journey. All the works are created from direct experience using my own photography as studio reference.

“The response by people, particularly Italians, to the work is quite extraordinary. During the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s Italians were often subject to ethnic vilification. This coupled with the then government policy of assimilation rather than today’s policies of

Comedy at Crossroads

For a play about a disappointing Friday night at the pub, the Wyndham Theatre Company putting its latest production, After Dinner , on Friday and Saturday nights might seem like a brave move.

But director and WTC member Fiona Scarlett is confident audience members leaving the Crossroads Theatre, where AfterDinneris on until July 20, will have had a much more enjoyable evening than the characters depicted in the play.

“It’s definitely very funny and the cast bringalotofcomedytotheroleandreally good character work,” Scarlett said.

“The narrative is very simple but the characters are really well developed.”

Those characters include Paula, Monika, Dympie. Stephen and Gordon who all just want have a good night at the pub.

But when the band doesn’t play, the waiters ignore them and people can’t keep their issues to themselves, the farce begins.

Written by Australian playwright Andrew Bovell in 1987, After Dinner features costumes and a soundtrack which will transport audience members back to the Friday night dance floors of almost four decades ago.

Scarlett said this was one of the factors that attracted WTC to the play.

“We were searching around for theatre pieces that had a smallish cast and a simple set and I’d come across this play yearsandyearsagoanditjuststuckinmy mind as a nice snapshot of Australiana,” she said, highlighting Werribee local Katrina Gauci as Dympie and James Hammond as Stephen as performances audience members should look out for.

After Dinner is on at Crossroads Theatre on July19 and 20 at 8pm, with a 2pm matinee on Saturday.

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ CSIKJ

Cade Lucas

multiculturalism has meant that subsequent generations have lost touch with much of their language and culture.”

The exhibtion will be unveiled at a launch event on Friday, July 19, at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans, from 6pm to 8pm, and will then be available for free, public viewing from 9am to 5pm every weekday until September 7.

Gerald Lynch

The Sevenfold Theatre Company performers Amy Watts, Lore Burns, Lucy May Knight and Jackson Cross. (Damjan Janevski) 416680_04

John Barcham in his home studio with a piece that will be on display in the gallery. (Supplied)

Cast member David Prince in his costume for character ‘Orcus’. (Supplied)

1. The proposed facility consist of the addition of new Vodafone and Optus 5G equipment and associated works as follows:

•Replacement and reconfiguration of existing Three (3) Vodafone and Optus shared passive antennas not more than 2.8m in length onto proposed new headframe;

•Installation of Three (3) Vodafone 5G antennas not more than 1.2m in length onto the new headframe;

•Installation of Twenty Four (24) Remote Radio Units (RRU’s) installed on new steel mounts;

•Installation of ancillary equipment, cabling, GPS antennas and other items associated with the safety and operation of the facility; and •Reconfiguration and installation of equipment within the existing equipment shelter.

2. Vodafone and Optus regard the proposed installation as low impact under The Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact: Abhishek Gampala from Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0413 809 856 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com until 5pm Tuesday 30 July 2024. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3429009

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Apart from black and white, which three colours typically feature on an archery target?

2. Who is the captain of the Opals?

3. The 1981 historical drama Chariots of Fire is centred around what sport?

4. The government has pledged a record investment of how many million dollars to the Australian Sports Commission?

5. What is typically the largest sport in the Summer Olympics, by both number of events and number of athletes competing?

6. True or false: neither Cate nor Bronte Campbell have won an individual Olympic gold medal?

7. How many Essendon footballers were suspended as a result of the early 2010s supplement saga?

8. Manx cyclist Mark Cavendish broke what all-time record at Stage 5 of the 2024 Tour de France?

9. The highest-paid player in the league, Shohei Ohtani plays for which Major League Baseball team?

10. Which two tennis players, Australian and Swiss

13. An injury to what body part has forced Aryna Sabalenka's withdrawal from Wimbledon 2024?

14. Which Canada-based NHL team did the Florida Panthers defeat to win the 2024 Stanley Cup?

15. Which country is making its debut in the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship?

16. Australian sisters Jess and Noemie Fox will compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in which sport?

17. The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted in which country in October?

18. Which two years did Australian golf professional Cam Davis win the PGA Tour's Rocket Mortgage Classic?

19. Which team selected Canadian ice hockey player Macklin Celebrini first overall in the 2024 NHL draft?

20. Which nation’s American football team did Canada defeat to win the 2024 IFAF U20 World Junior Championship?

21. By how many runs did India defeat South Africa in the final of the T20 Cricket World Cup?

22. And which Indian fast bowler was named player of the tournament?

23. Picked second in the 2024 NBA draft, French basketballer Alex Sarr played for which NBL team?

24. Which Mercedes F1 driver won the Austrian GP after Max Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed during the race?

25. Which national league is faced with a potential ball shortage ahead of the finals due to a pay dispute?

26. Which New Zealand-born rugby union player is the captain of Australia’s national team?

Which

the

28. Which AFL team, playing away from home, beat ladder-leaders Sydney by one point in Round 16?

29. In what year was the distinctive jersey introduced for the King of the Mountains leader in the Tour de France?

30. In which year did cricketer Trevor Chappell infamously bowl an underarm delivery against New Zealand?

Yellow, red, blue

27.

country topped

overall medal tally at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing?

Aryna Sabalenka

Lando Norris

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

6

1 ClosingTime is a 1998 song by which band?

2 For which three films has Octavia Spencer (pictured) been nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards?

3 In baking, what is a pâte brisée? 4 After Rome, what is the most populous Italian city?

5 What is the name of the port that the Sydney Harbour bridge crosses? 6 The TikTok logo was designed to resemble what kind of symbol?

7 Computer software company Adobe was founded in which decade?

8 Which penguin species is known for its unruly yellow crest and red beak?

9 In layers of skin tissue, is the dermis above or below the hypodermis?

10 The big wave surfing competition known as ‘The Eddie’ is held in which country?

No. 194

No. 194

Cannon fires first shot in EV race

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

The GWM Cannon has become the first full electric utility in Australia, the Alpha Ultra Hybrid muscling in between the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Mac and the full-sized pick-ups from Chevrolet, Ford, Ram and Toyota.

The Cannon dual cab flagship also strengthens GWM’s New Energy Vehicle strategy, becoming the brand’s sixth NEV offering following the Jolion Hybrid, Tank 300 and 500 hybrids and Ora EV.

Coming in three variants with a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine, or 2-litre turbo petrol motor, the latter linked with a hybrid powertrain, all are mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4×4 system.

Prices start at $51,990 for the Cannon Alpha Lux diesel, the Alpha Ultra diesel comes in from $57,990, while the hybrid Alpha Ultra takes flagship honours from $64,990. All are drive-away prices. . All are covered by the maker’s seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

Standard equipment includes LED headlights, a 360-degree camera, dual zone climate control, locking rear diff, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 12.3-inch information screen, wireless smartphone mirroring, six speaker audio, power adjustable driver’s seat, leather-style upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Ultra grade adds panoramic sunroof, 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated, ventilated, massaging front seats with power adjustment, while the Ultra Hybrid takes on head-up windscreen display, power folding exterior mirrors with memory, semi-automatic parking assist and auto reverse assist.

GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid buyers enjoy a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, seven years roadside assist and five years of capped price servicing.

Styling

As mentioned above, the new Cannon Alpha leaves the opposition (literally) in the shade, with dimensions of 5445mm long, 1992mm

wide,1924mmheight,and3350mmwheelbase, and 35mm longer overall, 57mm wider, 38mm taller and 120mm longer between the front and rear wheels than the standard GWM Cannon Ute.

This gives the newbie a solid stance on the street and the test vehicle’s black paintwork offers maximum contrast, with just enough chrome work, and LED headlamps.

The tailgate holds a few surprises. The whole soft-open gate folds down at the press of a button in the centre of the GWM hallmark. Touch the same button for a second and the 60/40 gate opens barn door-style for ease of loading and unloading the tub.

Interior

Nappa leather upholstery and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats are complemented by a heated steering wheel, plus two-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated rear seats with welcome function and wireless phone charger.

Rear leg and head room are generous and occupants can take advantage of a panoramic roof and sliding rear window as in the Nissan Navara for extra ventilation.

Infotainment

Inside, there is a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10-speaker Infinity sound system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up windscreen display and wireless smartphone charger. An unusual addition is an analogue clock, found more in top-shelf saloons such as Bentley and Lexus, and 64-colour ambient lighting,

Engines/transmissions

The range-topping 2-litre turbo petrol hybrid enginedeliversacombined255kWofpowerand 648Nmoftorqueagainst135kWand480Nmof the 2.4-litre turbodiesel. Both are hooked up to a nine-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive with lock-up front and rear differentials.

The Ram 1500 V8 pick-up has been available with a mild-hybrid system for some years.

This is no mild hybrid where the electric motor only assists the internal combustion

engine and cannot drive the wheels without using the ICE, as with the Ultra Hybrid.

Safety

No word on the Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid ANCAP safety rating yet but the GWM Tank 500 SUV, which shares much of its platform and cabin with the Alpha ute was recently awarded a top five-star rating by ANCAP.

Standardsafetyfeaturesincludeautonomous emergencybraking(withpedestrianandcyclist detection), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keep assist, lane centring, emergency lane-keeping, traffic sign recognition and surround-view camera with transparent chassis mode.

Cannon diesels have four parking sensors up front and four at the rear, while the Ultra Hybrid has six up front and six at the back.

The Alpha offers seven airbags, including a front-centre bag between the driver and front-seat passenger.

Driving

First up, just a word about the ‘voice of the vehicle’: Has driving come to this? During time with the Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid the person behind the wheel (and passengers) were ‘assaulted’ by a constant stream of inane audio and visual female pleas to ‘concentrate on driving’ for seemingly little reason. ‘Florence’ in the machine even urged the driver to ‘take a break’.

The source of all this ‘evil eye’ was a camera attached to the A-pillar focused on the driver –so distracting. In the end, this driver could not even bother to seek out a way to switch off the system: too busy concentrating on driving.

Fromrest,theturbo-petrolwasatadtardyon the take-up and when engaged had a tendency to lurch off the mark. On the move, the big fella was relatively easy to get on with, although the suspension had a habit of resisting easy going over blemished bitumen.

Overtaking was capably executed, and light steering came into its own on slow parking manoeuvres, which were not the ‘friendliest’ with such a bulky vehicle. GWM claims a fuel consumption of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the combined urban/highway cycle.

The test hybrid recorded at worst, more than 15 litres per 100 kilometres around town and 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres on a trip down the motorway.

Three all-terrain drive modes, eco, normal, sport, are very much set and forget for the driver. Sport mode reduces throttle power regeneration, while Normal/Eco mode increases deceleration of system-regenerating energy. It can also lock front and rear differentials.

Towing capacity is a healthy 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked. Wading depth is up to 800mm.

Summary

The GWM Cannon Alpha is big on things like interior space and towing strength, and the Ultra Hybrid frugal on fuel use. On the downside, the touchscreen is not easy to manipulate while on the move. As for the intrusions of ‘Florence’ in the machine, if that’s artificial intelligence, you can shove it!

The Cannon dual cab flagship strengthens GWM’s New Energy Vehicle strategy. (Supplied)

Snapping around the grounds

There was plenty of action across Melbourne’s north-west at the weekend. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic shot some of the action.

Sunbury Lions’ Brock Landt. 418821_23

Brightness behind the clouds for Hillside and West Coburg’s game. 418823_06

Melton’s Kimberly Phillips. 418824_11

Hillside’s Josh Covelli. 418823_09

Yarraville Seddon pushed Caroline Springs. 418793_18

Sunbury Lions’ Sarah Croft and Melton’s Emma Vitalone. 418824_03

Melton goalkeeper Taylar Storier. 418820_02

Melton and Werribee teams. 418820_21

Melton’s Ryan Carter (left) and Sunbury Lions’ Ben Eales. 418821_12

Caroline Springs came out on top against Yarraville Seddon. 418793_04

Two new club legends inducted at Lancefield

Lancefield Football Netball Club officially inducted two legends of the club at the weekend.

The late Noel Rainey and Arthur Lang became only the second and third legends in 151 years of the club.

They join Lancefield’s only other legend, original member Barry ‘Mocha’ Hunt in the exclusive club.

Their wives Glenice Rainey and Shirley Lang, along with their families, were on hand to receive the awards and guests heard from fellow life members Russell Pattinson and John Chisholm speak glowingly about the pair.

Rainey wore the yellow and black from 1953 to 1961, winning the rovers best and fairest award in 1954.

Teammates described him as a “hard and keen player who always gave 100 per cent”. However it was as a committee member for not only Lancefield, but also the Riddell District Football League, that he made his greatest contribution.

Joining the Lancefield committee in 1958,

he was president in 1966 to 1969 and again from 1974-79, and served on the committee for 22 years.

He joined the board of the RDFL where he was vice president from 1977-79 and then

president from 1980-1983.

Rainey also sat on the RDFL tribunal over the years resulting in a number of people, when they would bump into him saying, “hey, you rubbed me out!”

The player judged best a field in the under-19.5 football grand final is awarded the Noel Rainey Medal.

Undermanned Tigers win

By Tara Murray

Kyneton was slightly nervous heading into its clash with Melton Centrals in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.

On paper, the Tigers went into the match as favourites, but a long injury list had the Tigers unsure what to expect.

President Hayden Evans was relieved to come away with the win.

“It was a good win with the amount of personnel that we had out,” he said. “I’m really happy.

“Across the reserves and seniors we had close to 30 players out.”

Evans said while having so many players wasn’t ideal, it gave them the opportunity to blood more locals.

He said a couple of years ago they wouldn’t have had the numbers to be able to do that.

“We’ve still been able to field sides and give locals an opportunity,” he said. “That is what we wanted to do.

“Wehadtwodebutantsyesterday[Saturday]

and they performed really well. It gives us more depth down the track.

“You never want to use that many players, but there’s positives. Our reserves are also possibly on the way to finals which is really good.”

On Saturday against Centrals, the Tigers set the win up early.

They kicked 7.6 to 1.1 in the first quarter and that would be the difference in the 16.15 (111)-10.6 (66).

Evans said they were really good early on before a real even contest after then.

Ryan Pretty and Lachlan Randle-Hewitt kicked four goals each, while Jack Pilbeam kicked three.

Caleb Fisher, Randle-Hewitt and Pilbeam were named the Tigers best.

Evans said among those missing were their captain and coach. He said they were hoping to get 10 players back before the season ends, but have several season ending injuries.

The Tigers sit percentage outside the top five, behind Macedon, but have played an

Rainey died aged 92 in 2022.

Lang grew up in Broadford where he played until he was invited to try out for Footscray in the Teddy Whitten era.

He played in the reserves there until his family needed him to come back home. He continued to play football with success at Broadford but it was when he met a young Lancefield girl, Shirley Crowder, at a Kilmore dance that his long involvement with Lancefield began.

Lang played for Lancefield winning the 1966 premiership against Romsey and he would go on to win the league best and fairest for the reserves in 1969.

Lang took over from Rainey as the official ground marker.

Marking the ground in those days was a big deal taking two full days using lime.

For more than 35 years, Lang helped to keep the ship going at Lancefield.

Glenice Rainey and Shirley Lang were presented with plaques commemorating the elevation to legend status from club president Joe Schembri.

Hawks move to the top

Woodend-Hesket has moved to the top of the table after a strong performance against Wallan in the Riddell District Netball League.

It was a top of the table clash on Saturdayanditliveduptoexpectations.

The Magpies led by one goal at quarter time and the lead remained the second at the main break.

The Hawks were able to hit the front in the third quarter in difficult conditions at Greenhill Reserve.

The last quarter became a real defence battle with just 10 goals scored for the quarter between the two teams. It was the Hawks coming out on top, winning 31-26.

Tayissa Coppinger, Georgia Bowkett and Teaghan Coen were named the Hawks best in the win.

The Hawks now sit percentage ahead of the Magpies at the top of the table.

Macedon sits a game back in third after a loss to Riddell on Saturday.

There was nothing in the match for the first half before the Bombers took a three goal lead into the final quarter.

A 19-9 final quarter in favour of the Bombers sealed a 55-42 win.

Sahara Ball, Ruby Shannon and Fionnuala McKeagney-Stubbs were the Bombers best. Ball shot 25 goals for the Bombers.

For the Cats, Hetty Donoghue shot 22 goals.

extra game than the Cats.

Evans said the group was still keen to play finals but the season was a success whether they make the final five or not.

“It’s successful as we’ve played the local kids,” he said. “We’ll probably need to pinch a scalp in to make finals.

“The boys are buoyant and think they can do it. We’re really happy.”

The Tigers have a much needed bye this Saturday.

In other results, it was the Dean Galea show for Riddell in its win against Macedon.

Galea kicked eight goals as the Bombers won, 11.6 (72)-10.7 (67).

Diggers Rest came away with the points against Lancefield, winning 15.8 (98)-3.4 (22) with 300 games Jeff Heritage named best on ground.

The Bombers and Burras will face off in a top of the table clash this week.

In the other match, Wallan beat Woodend-Hesket 12.11 (83)-7.3 (45).

Romsey had the bye.

The Bombers now sit just two points behind the Cats on the ladder.

Lancefield got its third win of the season, beating Diggers Rest.

The Tigers opened up an early lead and were able to build on it throughout, winning 62-35.

Shanae Brundell shot 41 goals for the Tigers and Darcee Ellard shot 21. For the Burras, Leona Hristovska shot 14 goals.

The result moves the Tigers up to seventh on the ladder, while the Burras sit bottom.

Melton Centrals did its finals hopes no harm with a 47-44 win against Kyneton.

Claire Oakley shot 34 goals for the Tigers.

Noel Rainey (Supplied)

Arthur Lang. (Supplied)

Lachlan Randle-Hewitt. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 409292

Kyneton fired up for finals

Kyneton’s first loss in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition was the spark the side needed.

The Tigers went through last season undefeated and started this season well, before suffering its first loss in round eight.

They’ve won every game since to have sealed up a top two spot with three rounds remaining.

Tigers coach Phil Hawke said the loss to Macedon was exactly what they needed.

“We had a drawn match early in the year against Macedon,” he said. “On that day both teams had a chance to win.

“They then did a number on us, in one quarter really. That is fine, it’s the wake up call we needed.

“I said we need to get back to what we stand for. We were getting a little complacent. We’ve had to go back to work.”

Hawkes said since then their work rate had increased and areas where they had dropped off had been lifted in standard.

“I could see it was happening,” he said. “We had to get our act together.

“It’s good for the competition. Macedon has picked up a few players and has improved a lot.”

Hawkes said they had lost some players in the off season, including some key midfielders.

He said they’ve had to adjust things and they were slowly coming together.

“We’re not quite as finished as last year,” he said. “We’ve been starting to come on and work on other things and we have to work as a team.

“That is coming together now, especially since the loss. The new players are starting to slot into the group.

“We’ve had some youth girls come up and give them a bit of experience here and there and they’ve done quite well.”

Hawkes said the mindset of the playing group had also changed since he took over coaching.

“The belief wasn’t always there,” he said.

“That has changed.

“If we lose a match, they aren’t happy about it. It’s a good thing, they couldn’t cope with

being beaten.

“The attitude has changed.”

Hawkes said Teagan Ainslie, who was the premiership captain last year, had taken her game to another level in the absence of some of those players who departed the club.

The Tigers had a bye on the weekend.

They finish the regular season with clashes against Romsey and Melton.

Hawkes said they already had one eye on finals.

“We are doing a few things around that now.”

In weekend results, Lancefield just held off Romsey to get its second win of the season.

The Tigers denied the Redbacks their first ever win, winning 3.4 (22)-3.2 (20).

MacedonbeatMeltonandWoodend-Hesket was too strong for Mount Alexander Falcons.

Tara Murray

Warriors look to future

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors proved no match for the City West Falcons but they got a glimpse at the future in the Victorian Netball League championship.

The top of the ladder Falcons went in as red hot favourites in the western derby at the Altona Sports Complex on Wednesday night. They jumped out of the blocks and were able to come away with a strong 82-56 win.

Coach Kim Bailey said they always knew they were up against it. She said even though they had been together for nearly the whole season they were still finding those connections.

“It’s always a tough game as they are a quality side,” Bailey said. “You can tell they have been together for a number of years.

“We gave the opportunity to give some of the girls a chance to get on court.

“Eliza [Gollant] had a great game in goal defence and was well supported by Elly Randall.

“Akira McCormack played a half and had a great game as well. We need to give these girls opportunities and get court time under their belts to get ready for the future.”

The Warriors named Julia Woolley their best on court for her performance in goal attack, especially in the second half.

Bailey said she combined well with McCormack.

Vanessa Augustini and Ruby Shannon had good games in the midcourt and Georgia Berry worked really hard against Falcons shooter Jane Cook.

Meanwhile, the Warriors under-23 side produced one of its best performances of the season to knock off the Falcons, 54-51.

Bailey said they were thrilled with the performance of the girls.

“It was really good,” she said. “We led at quarter time after a really strong first quarter.

“We had a little bit of a dip in the second and we continued to hold on and get the win.

“The win was so pleasing for these girls who have worked so hard. They had a really good training session on Monday night.”

The Falcons came hard in the second half, but the Warriors were able to hold their composure which they’ve struggled with at times,

Bailey said it was nice to get a win like at the back end of the season and it’s reward for the hard work they’ve put in.

The Warriors finish off their season on Wednesday night against the Wilson Storage Southern Saints.

Bailey said they were hoping to finish the season on a high.

The championship side sits in 10th spot with six wins and the under-23s in 10th with five wins.

“We had a competitive game against them last time,” she said. “We want to finish the way we started with

Lions drop another one

The Sunbury Lions suffered a third straight defeat in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday.

Facing ladder leaders Melton for the second time in three rounds, the Lions had one of their worst days of the season.

The Bloods kicked the only four goals for the first quarter and they then kept the Lions goal less in the second quarter to lead by 49 points at half time.

The Lions were finally able to get some goals on the board in the third quarter, but the Bloods were still able to increase the lead heading into the final quarter.

With the game already decided, things evened out in the final quarter, with the Bloods winning it four goals to three, to seal a 17.14 (116)-5.9 (39) win.

Leigh Brennan in his second senior game for the season kicked two goals for the Lions, as did Jake Sutton. Joshua Guthrie, Brock Landt and Dean Muir were named the Lions best in the loss.

After sitting top for much of the season, the Lions have slipped to fourth on the ladder.

They are two games off top and three games clear of seventh.

The Lions will be back at home this week for the battle of the Lions, facing Redan which sits in seventh spot.

In other results on Saturday, Lake Wendouree beat Bacchus Marsh, Darley snuck home against North Ballarat, East Point was too good for Sebastopol and Ballarat had a big win against Redan.

a win.

“To be honest we’re a bit disappointed with the ladder position. We had some really close games many times and couldn’t get across the line when we needed to. “There’s still some positives out of our first season.”

Brock Landt taking down Brody Sullivan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 418821

Teagan Ainslie. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413374

Sophie Hanrahan and Akira McCormack (Robbab Photography)

Davies to make her Bulldogs return

Gisborne has received a welcome boost in the lead up to Bendigo Netball League finals with one of the competition’s best defenders returning.

The Bulldogs line up will be boosted by the return of Zoe Davies, who has been playing in the Netball Super League in the UK.

Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said the plan had always been for Davies to join them for the back part of the season.

“It is awesome,” she said. “She is such a great addition with what she brings on and off the court.

“We’re super stoked and we’ve all eagerly been awaiting her return.”

Rymer said Davies is a player who is always keen to improve and that she enjoyed her stay in England.

She said it would be good for Davies to share some of that new knowledge with the squad.

Davies will make her return in the Bulldogs game against South Bendigo this week after

the Bulldogs had a bye at the weekend with Maryborough not having an A-grade side.

It comes after she played a half for the Bendigo Strikers in their round 21 Victorian Netball League clash.

Rymer was in attendance at that game and saw first-hand that she hadn’t missed a beat.

“She is always working on her game,” Rymer said. “She’s a tenacious player and wants to chase down every ball.

“She’sahandyadditiontothedefensiveline.”

After having a few players in and out of the side, Rymer is hoping the side will be able to settle down a bit heading into the back part of the season.

Claudia Mawson’s Suncorp Super Netball reserves commitments are almost finished as well.

Rymer said while they’ve had players out they’ve been able to test their depth with a number of A-reserve players coming up and playing their roles.

“We’re building depth in our squad, A-reserve are on top,” she said. “We train together as a unit.

“Demi Young has stepped up in A-grade and played some games in the midcourt.

“Dasha Taylor, Eloise Rodda, Bella Connors, Rylee Connell... It’s important to get them exposure at this level.”

The A-grade side sits in third spot, but has played one less game than Sandhurst and Kangaroo Flat which sit above them.

Rymer said the competition between the three sides had been really good again.

“We haven’t been as good as Sandhurst and Flat as being able to finish off games,” she said.

“They’ve kept the pressure on and we haven’t won as well as the others.

“It was disappointing that we weren’t able to play Sandhurst at full strength and they were missing three players as well.

“We would have loved to have done that.”

Tara Murray Zoe Davies (Robbab

No luck for Sunbury Jets

By Tara Murray

InjurieshaveputpaytotheSunburyJetshopes in the Big V men’s championship this season.

The Jets have been in all but two games but have suffered seven losses nine points or less. It’s left the side towards the bottom of the table.

Coach Nathan Heywood said it had been a tougher season than they would have liked.

“We’ve been struck down with a few injuries at the same time,” he said. “It’s impacting how we are finishing games.

“Josh, Ben, Jeremy Wragg and Sonny Maxwell are four key players who have been missing the last couple of weeks.

“We’re missing our leading scorer for the season and a couple of starters, it has challenged us.”

Heywood said morale was still strong within the side despite the results not falling their way.

He said for the most part they had been in the contest.

“Against Melbourne Uni, we could not get anything right,” he said.

“Wyndham are a really great outfit, that result is nothing to be ashamed about.

“I’ve been super proud of finding different ways to score and different guys stepping up.”

Heywood said with so many players out, some guys have been getting minutes they wouldn’t have been expecting

He highlighted the performances of Owen Stephens the last couple of weeks, while Zak Martinez has come up for the youth league side.

Dylan Cheyne is another that has impressed Heywood.

Heywood was also full of praise for their leaders.

“Nathan Marshall, Nathan Baker and James Weston have been helping the young kids feel comfortable in the side.”

Heywood said that they were still a mathematical hope of making the top five but knows everything would have to go their way.

“The season is pretty much done,” he said.

“The mindset with five games to go is that our best is good enough to compete and give ourselves a chance.

“It will drive us for the rest of the season.”

On Saturday night the Jets had just seven players as they took on the Shepparton Gators.

Heywood was also not in attendance, with former coach John White coaching the side for the night.

Sports shorts

Olympics

Linden Hall is headed to her third Olympics after being named in the Australian Athletics team for the Games. Hall, who grew up in Riddells Creek, will run in the 1500 metres, the event she finished sixth in at the Tokyo Games. Hall recently ran her personal best time in the Paris Diamond League, finishing fourth as the first two broke the former world record.

Ballarat NL

The Sunbury Lions have moved to the top of the Ballarat Netball League ladder with victory against Melton. Despite missing several key players, the Lions came away with a 67-49 win. Georgia Hellyer made her return from an ACL injury, while fill-in Leona Hristovska scored 21 goals for the Lions. Rebecca Hicks was also strong in goals with 46 goals. The Lions are now two points clear of Darley and Melton South.

EDFL

The Sunbury Kangaroos tough run has continued with a loss to Burnside Heights in the Essendon District Football League division 2. Looking to get back on the winners list, the Kangaroos lost to the Bears, 20.13 (133)-13.2 (80). The game was all but over at half time with the Bears leading by 38 points. Muhammed Rexhep was named the Kangaroos best. East Sunbury also had a tough day, losing to Westmeadows 29.19 (193)-3.4 (22).

EDFL

The Sunbury Lions came out on top against East Sunbury in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition. The Lions controlled the day, winning 12.9 (81)-0.1 (1). Natachia Abela kicked five goals in the win, with Audrey Follett named their best. For the Thunder, who finished with just 14 players on the field after starting with 17, Chantell Theuma was named their best.

The Gators blew the margin out in the middle two quarters before the Jets came home strong in the final quarter. It wasn’t enough with the Gators winning 78-68. Koby Skenderis scored 25 points for the Jets in the loss.

Warriors won, 25-16, the other three quarters were all within one goal. It would be the third quarter that would prove the difference.

TheJetswomenalsofellshortintheirmatch, losing to the Pakenham Warriors, 83-78. Outside of the third quarter which the

Veronika Mirkovic top scored with 22 points.

With the loss the Jets slip out of the top four, now in fifth spot.

Photography)

Koby Skenderis. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 403557_39

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