MH17 victims remembered
By Oscar Parry
A memorial event was held in Sunbury for Albert and Maree Rizk, remembering their connection to the community and marking 10 years since they were killed in the downing of flight Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.
The memorial was held on Wednesday, July 17, at the Sunbury Social Club, and united attendees in remembering Albert and Maree and reminiscing about good times spent with the pair.
The event was held on the 10th anniversary of the Malaysia Airlines plane being shot down overeasternUkraineonJuly17,2014.Onboard the flight were 15 crew and 283 passengers, including 80 children. Among them were 38 passengers who called Australia home.
In 2022, a Dutch court convicted two
Russians and a Ukrainian pro-Russian separatist unit leader in absentia of murder for their role in transporting a missile into Ukraine, which a investigation found had brought down the plane.
Albert was the director of local real estate agency Raine & Horne Sunbury.
Raine & Horne Sunbury administrator YolandaDonoghue,oneoftheeventorganisers, remembered Albert as a well-respected real estate agent and community member.
“He was a lovely guy, a great boss, a great real estate agent, and just known and loved and respected by so many people in Sunbury,” Yolanda said.
She said that when the tragedy occurred 10 years ago, there were plenty of condolences offered from local Sunbury businesses.
“I still remember that 10 years ago, our
office was like a florist. There were just flowers everywhere and … the pizza shop dropping off pizza … even the other real estate agents came by with flowers … it was amazing,” she said.
Another of the organisers, former Sunbury Lions Football Club president Hedley Duhau, said Albert and Maree dedicated plenty of time and effort into supporting the club. Albert and Maree’s son, James Rizk, played junior and senior football with the club, and Hedley was vice president at the time of the tragedy.
“Maree was working at the canteen on a regular basis. Albert would be involved in a sponsorship type of role and always providing good support to the club … and this continues today with Raine & Horne,” Hedley said.
“They were the kind of people who were very warm, welcoming, engaging, very social, and I think that’s a reflection today [in] James
and Vanessa – their children. It’s a … credit to Albert and Maree,” he said.
James said he and Vanessa were proud of both the Sunbury community for its support and of their parents for the impact they made on the region.
“I would just like to say how grateful our family is to have so much support in the local community. Especially people like Hedley Duhau and Yolanda Donoghue, who were instrumental in getting everyone together for this event,” James said.
James and Vanessa, who were in Canberra on Wednesday for a national memorial event at Parliament House, thanked the community for its support.
“We thank everyone for their continued support [and] we want everyone to know how much we appreciate it,” James said.
Raine & Horne Sunbury employees Randolph Clements, Ken Grech, Jayden Manno, and Haydn Drummer, and Sunbury Football Netball Club president Jack Medcraft were among those to remember Albert and Maree Rizk. (Damjan Janevski) 419203_02 Inset: James and Vanessa Rizk before a Sunbury Lions memorial game to mark the first anniversary of the downing of MH17. (Shawn Smits)
Stay safe online with Lifestyle Woodlea & Bendigo Bank
This information session will cover crucial tips on recognising potential threats and protecting yourself against online scams. Learn how to identify phishing attempts, and how to keep your personal information secure.
When: Tuesday 23rd July, 2024
Time: 10:30am – 1:30pm
Where: Lifestyle Woodlea Clubhouse, 17 Tranquil Road, Aintree
Winter challenges farms
By Oscar Parry
Farmers from Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges are facing several winter-related challenges, with temperatures and frost affectinganimals,produce,andinfrastructure.
Madelaine’s Eggs farm manager Madelaine Stott said egg production at her Clarkefield certified organic farm has been exceptionally low due to the cold temperatures.
“[For eggs] to be certified organic, chickens have to live … as close as possible to what they would in the wild. Obviously, that means being outdoors, but when it’s cold like this in the Macedon Ranges, they use a lot of energy to stay warm – so they don’t lay as many eggs.” Ms Stott said.
Ms Stott said while the farm also experiences cold overnight lows in spring, the chickens get a chance to warm up in the mornings and then lay in daytime hours – but the consistently cold temperatures around the clock this winter are leading to a “double whammy” effect on the chickens.
“Definitely in laying rates, in productivity, this winter is up there with being [the most challenging],” she said.
Ms Stott said vegetables grown on the farm are also being affected, where she noticed that vegetables are not progressing or ready to harvest as they normally are at this time of year.
Sunbury farmer John Lakey said due to sporadic and generally low rainfall this year, the dry soil allowed frost to permeate well below the surface, destroying an important pipe on the farm that receives water from Gisborne.
Mr Lakey said the typical monthly rainfall average for his farm is 50 millimetres.
While the farm recorded higher than average rainfall in April, it recorded nine
millimetres in February, zero millimetres in March, and 13 millimetres in June.
“The long term consequences of that is that … the soil is quite dry. So, when you get a cold frost here, it moves into the soil,” Mr Lakey said.
“So the polyethylene pipe … it shrunk with
the cold chill, which has never happened like that at this time of the year,” he said.
Mr Lakey said he feeds his cows an energy supplement that helps feed their digestive bacteria that is used to process food and properly generate heat, which is important throughout the colder months.
Residents to take the lead
Macedon Ranges council is inviting residents to provide feedback on its designated dog off-leash and prohibited areas, aiming to improve these areas for all users.
The council introduced new leash rules in 2020, designating 52 off-leash areas across the region. As part of these changes, it also introduced prohibited areas to protect sensitive native environments from pet-related damage.
The council is surveying residents about how effectively these areas are working,invitingsuggestionsonexisting areas and ideas for potential new areas.
This consultation forms part of the council’s domestic animal management plan (2021–25).
Council planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfeld said the consultation provides the opportunity for feedback from all users of these areas.
“Council strives to support a pet-friendly shire and we have a lot of passionate pet owners, with nearly 14,000 dogs and cats registered within our shire,” Ms Stockfeld said.
“We need to balance the needs of dogs, dog owners, and the wider community. We look at available space and we also considertheimpactofpetsonthenatural environment.”
Residents can provide feedback and suggestions until the consultation period closes on Sunday, August 11.
Details: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/ dog-areas
Oscar Parry
Madelaine’s Eggs farm manager Madelaine Stott with her daughter Nadia, 1 (Damjan Janevski) 419270_01
Residents return their libraries
By Oscar Parry
The past financial year marked an upturn in the amount of loans, visits, and program attendance at Macedon Ranges libraries after a Covid-related decline.
AccordingtostatisticsprovidedbyGoldfields Libraries,loans(includingthewholecollection of library materials) in Macedon Ranges were at a low point in the 2020–21 financial year due to Covid and lockdown-related factors.
Gradually rising since, the amount of approximate loans for the 2023–24 period rose to 237,000, which is higher than the 2019–20 amount of 220,000 and not far off the 2018–19 amount of 310,000.
The statistics show library visits have also greatly increased.
Goldfields Libraries engagement and operations manager Jess Saunders said the notable increase in loans and library program attendance relates to the rising costs of living.
“In all aspects, usage is increasing steadily, and program attendance is more than pre-Covid levels, including children and families coming to storytime,” Ms Saunders said.
Ms Saunders said Goldfields Libraries’ seasonal reading programs, such as Big Summer Read and the current Warm Winter Read have received high levels of enrolments this year, possibly due to them being a low-cost
Tennis club served grant
New Gisborne Tennis Club will receive a state government grant to install LED lights, which will allow players to use an extra two courts outside of daylight hours.
The $170,000 grant will be offered under the state’s regional community sports infrastructure fund, and will be used to install LED lights for courts one and two at the club located in Ross Watt Reserve.
This fund encourages councils, clubs and communities to collaborate in designing sports facilities for their regions and aims to promote participation in sport.
New Gisborne Tennis Club president Neil Moorhouse said the grant will have a strong impact on the club.
“We are delighted that we have been successful,” Mr Moorhouse said.
“Having all four courts under lights just
makes it so much more flexible, which is great.”
Mr Moorhouse said the club felt it was important to improve the courts as a community asset, especially considering the forecasted population growth of the region.
He said the two courts already under lights have significant problems due to their location.
Mr Moorhouse said that instead of resurfacingthese,theclubwillbuildtwonewlit courtsadjacenttotheonesabouttobeupgraded with lighting, as part of the council-endorsed Ross Watt Reserve Master Plan.
Oscar Parry
Club members at the New Gisborne Tennis Club, which received a grant for new LED lighting for courts one and two. (Damjan Janevski) 419366_01
form of entertainment in the midst of cost of living pressures.
Ms Saunders said libraries are evolving and offer a wide range of services, many of which mayalsobeattractingvisitsrelatedtofinancial hardship.
“Wemeetpeoplewheretheyare,andtryand offer what they need – this may be physical or e-collections, but it could also be social connection, high-speed Wi-Fi, research help, public computers and printing, early years literacy support, art exhibitions, author talks, writing workshops and so much more,” she said.
“Libraries are warm in winter, cool in summer, and offer respite from heating and
cooling bills at home, as well as an antidote to social isolation so often experienced, particularly post-Covid.”
Macedon Ranges libraries also record the highest turnover rate of all digital items – a category that includes e-books, audiobooks, and films.
Gisborne Library manager Sarah Shaw said that she felt that the Gisborne Library has been busier than ever this winter, and potentially even busier than pre-Covid levels. She said that a subcommunity on social media app TikTok, called BookTok has helped in driving teenagers and young adults to loan books from local libraries.
DISTRIBUTION
A spooky production
Gisborne Secondary College and Kyneton High School students are preparing to take the stage and perform musical comedy The AddamsFamily
With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the comedic story follows two families, the Addams family and the Beineke family, and presents themes of love and change.
Involving a team of 80 students from the two schools, Gisborne Secondary College producer and production co-ordinator Kitty Skeen said plenty of work had gone into rehearsing and preparing for the upcoming performances.
Ms Skeen said students, with the assistance of staff, have managed all aspects of the show – including set and costume design, poster design, choreography, lighting, and sound.
“I think one of the things I love the most is that it’s across all of the year levels – so you’ve got year sevens working with year twelves,” Ms Skeen said.
She said the unique story and themes of the production has made rehearsing and preparing the production enjoyable for students.
“A lot of them love the story, because the Addams Family is really dark [and] macabre, but this whole story is all about love … and they’re connecting with that,” she said.
Ms Skeen said taking part in school productionsisagreatwaytogainperformance, technical, and social skills.
“They don’t just have to be on stage – they can work backstage, they can learn a new skill in lighting or in sound, or making props,” she said. “But the kids that perform get a massive buzz out of it as well – it’s a real thrill standing in front of your family and friends.”
The two schools will perform TheAddams Family on multiple dates over two separate weekends between August 9–18 at The Barcham Theatre in Gisborne.
Details: rybooking.com/events/ landing/1217588
Macedon Ranges Shire Council postal election
Two categories of voters can be enrolled to vote in the Macedon Ranges Shire Council
State-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
You are automatically enrolled for this election if:
• you will be 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• you live in Macedon Ranges Shire and you are on the State electoral roll for your current address.
You need to enrol if:
• you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• you live in Macedon Ranges Shire and you are not on the State electoral roll or you have lived at your current residential address within Macedon Ranges Shire for at least a month and have not yet updated your enrolment details, including any changes to your postal address.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol online at vec.vic.gov.au
You can also download an enrolment form from the website. All enrolment applications must be received by the Victorian Electoral Commission by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
How can I check my State enrolment?
You can check your enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au at any time, or call 131 832.
Council-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
To be a Council-enrolled voter, you must be:
• 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• not a State-enrolled voter within Macedon Ranges Shire.
New rules mean you are no longer automatically enrolled if you are a non-resident property owner (e.g. a landlord or a business owner that pays rates). If you are a non-resident property owner within Macedon Ranges Shire, you need to apply to enrol if you wish to vote in the Macedon Ranges Shire Council election.
Who else can enrol & vote?
You may also apply to enrol if:
• you have purchased a rateable property within Macedon Ranges Shire since the last election but you are a not a resident of Macedon Ranges Shire, or
• you are not an Australian citizen and you live in, and pay rates for, a property within Macedon Ranges Shire, or you pay rates on a property you occupy within Macedon Ranges Shire and have no other voting entitlement within Macedon Ranges Shire, for example you are a shop tenant and pay rates to the Council for your tenancy, and you have no other voting entitlement within Macedon Ranges Shire, or
• you are a director or company secretary of a corporation within Macedon Ranges Shire that pays rates to Macedon Ranges Shire Council and you have no other voting entitlement within Macedon Ranges Shire.
Briefs
Change Our Game scholarships
The state government has announced applications for a professional development scholarship program are now open to Victorian women, including those in Sunbury and Macedon Ranges, which will support successful applicants in taking on senior roles in the sport sector. The Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program will offer grants of up to $10,000 to Victorian women to complete training for senior roles, including specialised skill development courses and leadership coaching. Applications are open to women in any career stage.
SES tools up
By the end of the month, 47 Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES)Road Crash Rescue (RCR)-accredited units will have received state-of-the-art battery-powered hydraulic tools. The hoseless Pentheon range of equipment is developed by Netherlands manufacturer Holmatro, with each kit valued at more than $115,000. The new equipment allows volunteers to efficiently manage rescue-related emergencies without requiring an external hydraulic pump source through a nearby VICSES response vehicle or portable pump. Volunteers will have greater flexibility in accessing rescue incidents in hard-to-reach locations.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
How do I apply to be a Council-enrolled voter?
If you meet any of the above criteria and wish to enrol, contact Macedon Ranges Shire Council on 5422 0333 for a council enrolment form. Council enrolment forms must be received by the Council by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024
How can I check if I am Council-enrolled?
You can check your enrolment details by contacting the Council on 5422 0333.
Thinking about standing for election?
To nominate as a candidate for Macedon Ranges Shire Council, you must:
• be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters’ roll for Macedon Ranges Shire Council and be eligible to become a councillor and have completed the mandatory candidate training provided by Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination with the Election Manager.
For further information, visit vec.vic.gov.au
Enrolment closes 4 pm Wednesday 7 August 2024
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Gisborne Secondary College year 11 students Jayde, as Wednesday Addams, and Keyanah, as Morticia Addams. (Damjan Janevski) 419516_01
Acknowledging women’s pain
By Gerald Lynch
Womenexperiencechronicpainathigherrates than men, according to Northern Health head of gynaecology Josephine Vivian-Taylor.
Dr Vivian-Taylor said women are disproportionately affected by chronic pain conditions, creating unique challenges for them. “In part, this is because women experience chronic pelvic pain, period pain, bladder and bowel pain, particularly at the time of their life they are having periods and ovulating,” she said.
Dr Vivian-Taylor’s comments come as National Pain Week (July 22-28) aims to draw attentiontotheexperienceofpeoplelivingwith chronic pain and, by doing so, helps reduce the social and other barriers related to living and managing chronic pain.
Conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, and arthritis are common culprits of women’s pain.
Recent research into women’s experiences within the healthcare system reveals a concerning trend; women presenting with gynaecological pain are more likely to have their pain disregarded.
This dismissal can lead to delayed referrals, diagnoses, and treatments, often exacerbating the chronic nature of their pain and making it harder to treat effectively.
“Pervasive ideas such as ‘it is normal for sex
to be painful’ and ‘period pain is normal’ mean that girls and women who experience pain, particularly when it is excessive and negatively impacting their lives, are less likely to seek help in the first place,” Dr Vivian-Taylor said.
Many patients internalise these messages, believing it is ‘normal’ to be bedridden for two days each month during their periods, she said.
“When we tell them that their experience is not ‘normal’ and that we can help, they express relief that they are not ‘going crazy.’”
Dr Vivian-Taylor said chronic pain significantly impacts women’s quality of life
Hume City Council postal election
and mental health.
Young women with chronic pelvic pain often struggle to participate in life like their peers, careforchildren,orfulfiltheircareerpotential, leading to devastating effects, she said.
“I am in awe of these women’s strength to ‘push through’ and fight in the face of such pain. But why should they have to? Women are tough, but if we could help them manage their pain better, they could put this amazing resilience and energy into all the other aspects of their lives,” she said.
Themosteffectivetreatmentforchronicpain
involves a multidisciplinary team, including GPs, pain specialists, physiotherapists, pain psychologists, nurses, dieticians, and gynaecologists.
While the evidence for this approach is well established, Dr Vivian-Taylor said delivering this model of care in our healthcare system is still evolving.
“The women’s health clinics being rolled out by the Victorian government across the state over the next four years, along with endometriosis clinics in general practice and healthcareplansforpelvichealthphysiotherapy and psychology, aim to improve access to this type of care in Victoria,” she said.
“There is no one solution to treat chronic pelvic pain, so shared decision-making, with women at the centre of the care we deliver, is an essential aspect of this care.”
Dr Vivian-Taylor shared a poignant story of a patient who had undergone a hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain.
This patient had suffered for years, with every aspect of her life impacted by the pain.
Despite constant appeals to her doctors, her feelings were disregarded until she finally had a hysterectomy.
“When I asked her if her pain improved after the hysterectomy, it was an emphatic yes! Pure joy on her face! Successfully treating women’s pain, often after many years of suffering, is a verysatisfyingaspectofmyjob,”sherecounted.
“Iwouldliketosay‘weseeyouandwebelieve you’ to all women experiencing chronic pain.”
For those who have been put off accessing careduetopoorexperiencesorfearofnotbeing believed, she encourages them to advocate for treatment again.
She also urges women to explore all aspects of multidisciplinary treatment available for chronic pain to find the combination that works best for them.
A general election for Hume City Council will be held in October 2024. To be able to vote in the election, you must be enrolled by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024. Two categories of voters can be enrolled to vote in the Hume City Council election: State-enrolled voters and Council-enrolled voters.
State-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
You are automatically enrolled for this election if:
• you will be 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• you live in the City of Hume and you are on the State electoral roll for your current address.
You need to enrol if:
• you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• you live in the City of Hume and you are not on the State electoral roll or
• you have lived at your current residential address within the City of Hume for at least a month and have not yet updated your enrolment details, including any changes to your postal address.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol online at vec.vic.gov.au
You can also download an enrolment form from the website. All enrolment applications must be received by the Victorian Electoral Commission by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
How can I check my State enrolment?
You can check your enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au at any time, or call 131 832.
Council-enrolled
voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
To be a Council-enrolled voter, you must be:
• 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• not a State-enrolled voter within the City of Hume.
New rules mean you are no longer automatically enrolled if you are a non-resident property owner (e.g. a landlord or a business owner that pays rates). If you are a non-resident property owner within the City of Hume, you need to apply to enrol if you wish to vote in the Hume City Council election.
Who else can enrol & vote?
You may also apply to enrol if: you have purchased a rateable property within the City of Hume since the last election but you are not a resident of the City of Hume, or you are not an Australian citizen and you live in, and pay rates for, a property within the City of Hume, or you pay rates on a property you occupy within the City of Hume and have no other voting entitlement within the City of Hume, for example you are a shop tenant and pay rates to the Council for your tenancy, and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Hume, or
• you are a director or company secretary of a corporation within the City of Hume that pays rates to Hume City Council and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Hume.
How do I apply to be a Council-enrolled voter?
If you meet any of the above criteria and wish to enrol, contact Hume City Council on 9205 2200 for a council enrolment form. Council enrolment forms must be received by the Council by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024
How can I check if I am Council-enrolled?
You can check your enrolment details by contacting the Council on 9205 2200.
Thinking about standing for election?
To nominate as a candidate for Hume City Council, you must: be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters’ roll for Hume City Council and • be eligible to become a councillor and • have completed the mandatory candidate training provided by Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination with the Election Manager.
For further information, visit vec.vic.gov.au
Enrolment closes 4 pm Wednesday 7 August 2024
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Northern Health head of gynaecology Dr Josephine Vivian-Taylor. (Damjan Janevski) 414632_07
Tips for managing your stress
By Carly Dober, director, Australian Association of Psychologists and owner of Enriching Lives Psychology
Stress management is crucial for maintaining overall wellbeing and coping effectively with life’s challenges. Stress, while a natural response to demanding situations, can become detrimental if not managed properly. Adopting various strategies can significantly alleviate stress and promote mental resilience. Oneeffectiveapproachtostressmanagement is engaging in regular physical activity. Exercise has been consistently shown to reduce stress levels by promoting the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These chemicals interact with the brain receptors, triggering a positive feeling in the body. Moreover, physical activity helps in reducing the levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are elevated during stressful periods. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a gym session, incorporating movement into daily routines can significantly contribute to stress reduction.
Another powerful technique for managing stress is deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths from the diaphragm rather than shallow breaths from the chest. This technique helps to activate the body’s relaxation response, which counters the physiological effects of stress. Deep breathing increases oxygen flow to the brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a sense of calmness and reducing heart rate and blood pressure. By regularly practicing deep breathing exercises, we can train our bodies to respond to stress in a more effective manner.
Seekingsocialsupportfromclosefriendsand family members is equally vital in managing stress. Sharing our feelings and concerns with
trusted people can provide emotional comfort andperspective.Socialconnectionsofferasense of belonging and security, buffering against the negative effects of stress. Whether through
‘‘ Social connections offer a sense of belonging and security, buffering against the negative effects of stress ’’
- Carly Dober
and pleasurable activities is also essential for stress management. Participating in hobbies, interests, or leisure activities provides a mental break from stressors and promotes relaxation. Activities such as reading, hiking, listening to music, or engaging in creative pursuits allow individualstounwindandrecharge.Bymaking time and space for enjoyable activities, we can cultivate a sense of fulfilment and balance in our lives, reducing overall stress levels.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and managing time effectively, complements stress management efforts. Proper nutrition supports overall wellbeing and helps regulate mood, while sufficient sleep enhances cognitive function and emotional resilience.
Stress management involves adopting a multifaceted approach that addresses both physiological and psychological aspects of stress. Regular physical activity promotes endorphin release and reduces stress hormones, while deep breathing exercises induce relaxation responses. Seeking social support fosters emotional connections and provides a sense of security, while engaging in enjoyableactivitiespromotesmentalwellbeing. By incorporating these strategies into daily routines, individuals can effectively manage stress, enhance resilience, and maintain optimal mental health. Taking proactive steps towards stress management not only improves quality of life but also empowers individuals to navigate challenges with greater ease and positivity.
a heartfelt conversation, seeking advice, or simply spending quality time together, nurturing relationships can significantly enhance resilience to stress. Engaging in fun
If you are concerned about how you handle stress or need some expert tools for stress management, a psychologist might be able to help.
Youcanfindapsychologistinyourareahere: aapi.org.au/findapsychologist
Carly Dober. (Supplied)
Athletics
For Linden Hall it’s a third Olympics Games, for Amy Cashin it’s a second.
Celeste Mucci and Chris Mitrevski get their first shot after just missing out at Tokyo, while Joseph Deng’s rise back to prominence is complete with selection for his first Games.
Hall, who grew up in Riddells Creek, will represent Australia in the 1500 metres.
She said this time round felt different.
“The last couple of times I’ve been able to be selected a little bit earlier,” she said. “This time I had to wait a bit longer.
“Iwashopingtogetselectedanditwasarelief togetselected.It’ssocompetitive…Therewere fivegirlswhogotunderfourminutesthisyear.”
Hall enters the Games on the back of some strongform,justrecentlybreakingherpersonal best.
Hall’s focus for the Games is simple.
“There are two rounds to make it through to get to finals,” she said. “Each race is different and is one of the more tactical events on the program.”
A couple of years ago, Mitrevski was struggling with the yips and he had no idea how his long jump events would go.
Fast forward to July 2024 and the Keilor Downs resident will be donning the green and gold.
A stunning jump at the Australian Championships in April gave him automatic selection for the Olympics.
“I was very confident that I would make this one but I wasn’t really expecting to jump the qualifying time so early, that came as a shock.
“Iwasmorelookingatgettinginthroughmy world ranking which basically cuts off at the end of June.“
When Mitrevski jumped 8.32 at the Australian Championships it changed his perspective heading into the Olympics.
He became the sixth best Australian ever with that jump and it’s the longest by an Aussie in seven years.
It was a nine second personal best and would have been a good enough jump to win a medal at every Olympics since 1992.
“You do that at the Olympics you’re every chance to medal, so just changed my thinking from making the Olympics to who knows what can happen now,” he said.
“Let’s push for a medal that has definitely changed my focus for sure.
Archery After just missing out on the Olympics last time round, Doreen’s Laura Paeglis will be shooting for gold in the archery at these Olympics. Paeglis was named in the two-person archery team to represent Australia at the Games.
“This time around I managed to come out ahead in the race for the single female spot available to Australia at the Paris Olympics,” she said. “Again it came down to three of us competing at the last event in Turkey a few weeks ago.
“Last week in Sydney my selection was formally announced. I was over the moon,
Mucci thought her chances of making the Australian team were over when she ruptured her hamstring earlier in the year.
The injury required surgery and it was expected to take three months to heal. Mucci had just four months to lock in a qualifying time.
“I got injured in February in my second race back. My chances were then very slim.
“Everything in my rehab went as well as possible. The last five weeks I’ve managed to stay racing.”
Mucci qualified as the 36th best athlete on times in the qualifying period. Only the top 40 are selected for the Games.
The Seaholme resident said she didn’t care if she was ranked 40th, as long as she made the team.
Mucci, who has been part of Williamstown Athletics since she was 12, said she did everything she could to ensure she made the team.
“In May and June I raced as much as I could.
after so many years and the ups and downs of two selection campaigns I had finally made it.
“I think it took a few days to sink in but I’m finally feeling like it’s real.”
Paeglis’ love for archery started as many dreamsdo,byseeingsomethinginthemovies.
She was just 10 when she tried archery after watching HungerGames
“I really wanted to try and hassled my parents constantly to take me,” she said. “We were not an archery family and I don’t think they thought I was serious.
“My grandfather finally cracked and took me down to the local club for a come and try day. Which by the way is the best way for
It’s more than I have in my life.
anyone to get involved.
“Diamond Valley archers in Yarrambat run them on most weekends.”
Paeglis has already headed to Paris. Until recently it’s been all about selection.
“Now my focus is completely on delivering my best performance in Paris,” she said. “Australia is not ranked highly in world archery.
“But there have been some outstanding performances over the years. An individual men’s gold in Sydney. A men’s team bronze in Rio. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Australia and will be giving it my best.”
“Iracedeachweekandallaroundtheworld.”
She’s hoping to be at her best in Paris.
“I’ve got no real expectations,” she said. “I wanttorunapersonalbestandfocusonmyself.
“I want to get into the semi finals, that is a goal of mine for sure. Anything can happen in hurdles.”
Cashin said it feels unreal to be competing at a second Olympics.
The Western Athletics steeplechaser made her Australian senior debut at the Tokyo Games running her second fastest time at that stage of her career.
“I’m stoked and super excited to be able to put on the green and gold again at the highest level,” she said. “A lot of hours have been put into this, and it makes it so much sweeter when you get to live out a childhood dream for a second time.
“At the start of the year I was not as confident, last year was a wee bit rough, and I was mentally struggling, however as soon as I
started to feel more like myself and was truly enjoying all the steps I knew that I had a great chance of making the team.
“The last few months I was quite confident I would make it, however, you never truly know. Obviously there is an incredible amount of girls right now running fast so nothing is ever for sure, however I knew I was capable of being competitive with them and that if I just kept following the plan then it would work out. “I took the mindset that if I am doing everything I can and in my control and I don’t make it then I simply was not good enough this year and would need to work towards the next cycle- I think that helped to alleviate a lot of internal pressure.”
Deng, a Truganina resident, will compete in the men’s 800 metres. He recaptured the national record in the 800 metres in late 2023 having previously set it five years before.
Deng, who is currently in Africa, said he’s excited that he’ll be part of the track and field team.
Laura Paeglis. (Supplied)
Celeste Mucci. (Athletics Australia)
Left: Linden Hall. (AAP Image/Darren England) Centre: Joseph Deng. (AAP Image/Brendon Thorne) Right: Amy Cashin. (Casey Sims/Athletics Australia)
Taekwondo
Maribyrnong Sports Academy coach Leon Sejranovic said it was pretty special to get the phone call he had been waiting for, saying he was off to the Olympics in taekwondo.
He will compete in the 80 kilogram men’s competition.
“It’s definitely a dream come true and I think for everyone that does taekwondo or most Olympics sports as a young kid, the dream is always to become an Olympian one day and to represent Australia, do Australia proud,” he said. “So to have the opportunity to be able to do that is surreal.”
Sejranovic really put his name into Olympic contention last year when he won bronze at the World Taekwondo Championships.
He became the first Australian male to medal at a world championships in nearly 25 years.Whilehehadthestandoutperformance, hestillneededtowaittofindoutifhemadethe Olympic team.
He said there was a sense of relief because he expected that he had done enough, but there’s always a bit of doubt in the mind.
“Instead of worrying about qualifying, now I can just put all eyes on performing at the Games,” he said.
Sejranovic believes he could medal at the Olympics.
“I know that when I’m at my absolute best, I feel like there’s not anyone that I can’t beat,” he said. “I feel like when I’m at my best I have the ability to beat anyone that’s in that bracket at the Olympics.
Cycling
It’s from the Kyneton Velodrome to the roads of Paris for Lauretta Hanson.
Hanson, who learned to ride in Kyneton and still calls the Macedon Ranges home despite moving away, has been named in her first Olympic team.
Hanson is part of the Australian cycling women’s road race team.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” she said. “Cycling has been my passion since I was junior and it has given me so much in life.
“I have many friends and have been able to travel the world through my sport, but when I first started at the Kyneton Velodrome, I never thought it would lead me to where I am now.
“I never imagined that I’d make it to a professional level, let alone the Olympics. It’s incredibly humbling to look back on my career, the journey it took to get here and all of those that have helped along the way.”
“To be at my best requires me to have that consistency, like making sure you do everything right leading into the tournament, so you are primed on fight day.”
Werribee’s Bailey Lewis is hoping to end his career on a high after qualifying for his first Olympics. Lewis narrowly missed out on the last Olympics.
“It was nice,” he said. “We had a fair idea for myself for the last two years now [that he’d make the team].
“I had good results and won the selections about a month ago. That was pretty much it.”
Lewis said qualifying for the Olympics was always a dream – before he even knew which sport he loved.
“As long as I can remember with school projects ,I wanted to be an Olympian,” he said.
“I didn’t even know what an Olympian was.
“I tried lots of sports as a kid. I saw a taekwondo demo at a shopping centre and I
Hanson said making the Olympics was somethingthatshedreamedof,butnevertruly allowed herself to believe it would happen.
She comes from a cycling family.
Her mum won a national championship in 1981 but the family moved away from the sport when her grandfather was hit and killed in 2000.
Hanson and her cousins later picked up the sport and she’s never looked back.
Boxing
Former Wyndham resident Marissa
Williamson Pohlman’s Olympic dream has come true after being named in Australia’s boxing team for the Paris Games.
Williamson Pohlman is the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia in boxing. She grew up in Wyndham living in a number of different homes.
The 22-year-old said competing at the top
thought it was pretty cool with lots of flips and boards.”
While Lewis soon found out that wasn’t what taekwondo was, he fell in love with the sport and has put in plenty of hours since to reach the Olympics. “There’s lots of ups and downs as a junior,” he said.
“I wasn’t the best at taekwondo, but I learnt a lot. “In my senior years I’ve got some good results. I just missed out on the last Olympics which was quite heartbreaking.
“I felt like I had a good shot.”
Lewis will compete in the 58 kilogram men’s event. He said this will be his swan song to competing in the sport despite being just 26.
Lewis said he was hoping to finish on a high.
“I’m hoping to medal,” he said. “I think that I’m good enough and have beaten enough of the past medallists.
“At the grand prix, I’m the only Australian who has medalled in two events.”
She said making an Olympic team feels significant. “It is the ultimate world stage and you have a whole nation behind you whether they follow cycling or not. It’s going to be a fantastic experience and I’m incredibly honoured to represent Australia.”
Hanson said Australia has a strong team with herself, Grace Brown and Ruby Roseman-Gannon.
Shesaidhergoalistosupportherteammates andtohelpAustraliatothebestresultpossible.
Joining Hanson at the Games is Luke Platt.
The former Maribyrnong resident and MaribyrnongSportsAcademystudentisgoing to his second Olympics.
Plattwastheyoungestmemberofthepursuit team in 2020, which had a crash in qualifying. Platt came into the line-up and helped the side win bronze.
This Olympics, Platt has been named as part of Australia’s road team.
levelcontinuedthejourneyofa“naughtyfoster kid” from Melbourne’s western suburbs.
“I started boxing when I was 17 … I was getting into fights at school, I just loved to punch-on,” she said.
“Boxing really resonated with me, being allowed to actually do it, and then I just sort of fell in love with the sport.”
The Ngarrindjeri woman said representing Indigenous Australians – both inside and
Volleyball
An almost accidental combination that grew out of shared injury rehabilitation has VictorianbeachvolleyballerThomasHodges on the path to the Paris Olympics.
Hodges, who went to school at Heathdale Christian College, Werribee, grew up in Melbourne and played indoor volleyball at school and also competed at state level in athletics, swimming, cross country running and cycling.
After graduating, he continued to compete in indoor volleyball, but also experimented with beach volleyball.
Indoors, he was part of the University of Melbourne team that won the national championships in 2010, 2011 and 2012. He made his debut with the Australian team in 2014 in a match against China, and went on to play more than 75 games for his country. He also played in the college system in the United States, mostly with UC Irvine, and played professionally in Italy and Germany.
He was also drawn to competing on the beach volleyball Pro Tour and had some success with a variety of partners. But after suffering a major shoulder injury that required surgery, he found himself doing rehabilitationwithSouthAustralianZachery Schubert.
“We were both doing rehab together while the other pairs were out overseas playing,” Hodges said in his Olympic profile. The duo hit it off and began competing as a pair in 2022, reaching the podium six times at futures, national or continental tournaments.
The following season, they broke into the world top 10 for the first time when they won the Jurmala Challenge in Latvia, before making it to the round 16 at the 2023 world championships in Tiaxcala, Mexico. They also triumphed at the 2023 Asian BeachVolleyballChampionship,dominating the four-day tournament in Pingtan, China, to claim the title.
outside the ring – drove her on.
“I like putting my people on the map, sometimes when I’m going overseas, people don’t even know Australia has a black history and a black future,” she said.
“I’m walking in two worlds, competing for Australia, but also working outside of the sport I have a career in Aboriginal affairs and I’m keen to keep pursuing that once my Olympic journey is over.” – with AAP
Marissa Williamson Pohlman. (Joe Mastroianni)
Thomas Hodges. (AAP Image/Matt Turner)
Lauretta Hanson. (AusCycling/Josh Chadwick)
Leon Sejranovic, and right, Bailey Lewis. (Pictures: Australian Taekwondo)
Judo
Aoife Coughlan and Kingsville’s Katharina Haecker have both spent plenty of time preparing for the Olympics in Melbourne’s west.
The pair have been named in Australia’s three-person judo team for the Olympics
Coughlanwillbecomeatwo-timeOlympian after being selected for the 70 kilogram women’s event, while Haecker equals the most Olympic judo appearances by an Australian woman at her third Games.
Coughlan comes into the Games having won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
The Resilience Training Centre athlete is ranked number seven in the world.
“My performances over the past two years have shown that I’m absolutely capable of standing on that podium come comp day,” she said.
“Winning the Commonwealth Games plus my other podium performances over the past twoyearsabsolutelygivesmeconfidenceinmy abilities. It shows that I am able to perform on bigger stages and under pressure.
KatharinaHaeckerandAoifeCoughlan. (Supplied)
“AslongasIperforminawaythatdoesallof thehardworkI’veputinjustice,I’llbesatisfied regardless of the outcome.”
Not surprisingly, Coughlan will be surrounded by family at the Games. Her parents met doing judo in university in Ireland and when they moved to Australia, they happened to move to a town that had a club nearby.
Coughlan’s brother Eoin competed at the Olympics in 2016 and her sister, Maeve, is one
Basketball
The strength of basketball in Melbourne’s north-west will be reflected on the world stage at the Olympics.
Dante Exum and Josh Giddey have been named in the Boomers squad, while Ezi Magbegor and Tess Madgen will pull on the green and gold for the Opals.
Exum, who grew up in Seabrook and spent time on the courts at Keilor and Werribee, will play in his second Olympics, after being part of the bronze medal team at Tokyo. It’s been a big 12 months for Exum, who returned to the NBA and featured in the championship series for Dallas Mavericks against Boston.
Giddey, who grew up in Yarraville, will be going to his first Olympics after just missing out last time.
of her main training partners.
Haecker will compete in the 63 kilogram division.
Haecker enters the Games in good form having won Grand Prix silver and bronze this year. She said it feels amazing to be officially selected for her third Olympic team. She made the round of 16 at both the Rio and Tokyo Games and is hoping to go even further this time round.
“This time I feel very prepared,” she said. “I’ve had some amazing results over the qualifying period, and I am feeling ready to step it up in Paris.
“A lot of hard work goes into competing in judo.
“The sports require a lot of commitment, discipline and just trusting the process. When I step out in Paris, I want to give my best, do myself justice and get that medal.”
InherOlympicbio,Haeckersaidshebelieves she was not naturally talented at judo, but it is her love for the sport that has gotten her so far.
“[It] takes a lot of hard work,” she said. “So much … A lot of commitment.
“I would say commitment is the most important thing. Discipline [and] trust the process and just stick to it.”
DanteExum. (Pictures:BasketballAustralia)
“It’s an absolute honour to represent my country,” he said.
“To make my debut in Paris is a childhood dream and I can’t wait to get on the court in front of my family and friends who have all made this journey possible for me.
“To be part of the Boomers legacy, well it’s everything. We have a really great group, we know what we need to do and we are just ready to get into it.”
Ezi Magbegor grew up in Craigieburn before hitting the big lights.
She dominated in the WNBL and is now one of the dominant defenders in the WNBA.
It will be her second Olympics.
She’s one of seven WNBA players that will join the squad for Paris.
Opals skipper Tess Magden is drawing on
the legacy of the Opals to inspire the team going to Paris.
Madgen, who now lives in Williamstown, was a part of the Opals team that was knocked out in the quarter finals at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.
“I can’t believe I’m talking about going to my second Olympics, it feels very surreal,” she said.
“We have the absolute best team of athletes, we are much more than a team, we are a sisterhood and we carry with us all the Opals from the past and we draw on their strength. Every time I put on the green and gold it gives me goosebumps, it’s hard to really put into words what it means. We are all so grateful to be here and make no mistake we are very hungry so bring on Paris.”
PutuAnastasiaKusmawan. (AAPImage/ ScottRadford-Chisholm)
Artistic swimming
As a child growing up in Werribee, Putu Anastasia Kusmawan loved swimming and gymnastics. Nadia Comaneci, the legendary Romaniangymnastwhowonfivegoldmedals at the Montreal and Moscow Olympics, was her sporting hero.
At the age of seven she discovered a sport that brought together her two first loves. “Synchro was the perfect combination of the two,” she said.
That has led her to her first Olympic Games team.
KusmawancompetedinherfirstAustralian championships in 2014 as a nine-year-old. In 2020,shewontheBarbaraSchembriPerpetual Trophy, awarded to the highest score from an athlete aged 13 to 15 at the Victorian State Championships.
At the 2023 World Aquatic Championships in Japan, Kusmawan was part of the Australian team that qualified for the Paris Olympics with a top-10 finish in the Team Free.
They produced another top-10 finish at the 2024 world championships in Doha.
And there was marked improvement at the World Aquatics Cup in Beijing in April 2024, with Kusmawan and the team winning silver medals in the free and technical categories and bronze in the acrobatic.
Others to keep an eye on: •KathrynMitchell–javelin. (FormerWesternAthleticsathlete) •JamesWillett–shooting. (WerribeeVictorianClayTargetClub) •SergeiEvglesvki–shooting. (FormerVictoriaUniversitystudent) •LiamAdams–Marathon. (FormerVictoriaUniversitystudent) •SouthSudanmen’sbasketballteam –threeKeilorThunderplayerswere namedintheinitial25-mansquad; JuniorMadut,KuanyKuanyandDeng Acuoth.MangokMathiangandDeng Adelalsohaveconnectionstothe west.Thefinalteamhadnotbeen announcedatthetimeofprinting.
Left: EziMagbegor.
How plants recover after fire
On February 13 this year, a bushfire raged through the beautiful Grampians area of Victoria where my family and I are fortunate enough to have a property. The bushfire began at Bellfield and ravaged an area of 2726 hectares.
The fires began because of lightning strikes as extreme storms hit Victoria after a series of hot days. The other contributing factor was that the bushfire fuel, such as grasses, leaves and undergrowth, had a low moisture content after a long, dry summer, meaning that combustion was rapid, and the fire spread easily
When we finally witnessed the damage to our 2.5-hectare property a week later, a large shed and its contents had been destroyed and the landscape across the whole area was a moonscape, charred and shrivelled with tree trunks still burning and smoking. Our family have a dedicated firefighting crew to thank for the survival of our house, which fortunately remained untouched.
What has struck me as remarkable about the recovery after the fires is that the plants have intuitively begun the regeneration processwithoutanyintervention.Theinternal mechanisms and processes plants undergo ensures that they are equipped to tackle post-fire recovery better than any animal, including humans.
Some trees and plants refuse to die even in the face of 1100 degrees celsius flames,
the maximum temperature at the base of tall flames. To the naked eye, plants scarred very recently by fire can look as if they have died. However given a week or so, the plant springs into action and begins to regrow in the way it knows how. Plants that can survive a fire are called ‘resprouters’ and those killed by fire are called ‘fire sensitive’.
There are three main ways that a plant resprouts after fire: 1/ Trees and some shrubs have dormant buds beneath their bark and these buds survive the heatofafire.ThisgrowthknownasEpicormic growth can occur in Eucalyptus and small trees. What you will see is sprouting leaf
Rest. Artist impression only, subject to change.
growth that is almost feathery in appearance along most of the tree’s trunk area and into its branches.
2/ Many shrubs, grasses, sedges, lilies, terrestrial orchids and ferns regrow after fire from dormant buds in underground organs. These are protected from the heat of fires by the soil. This is particularly striking in the grass trees on our property which have resprouted like bright green fibre optics from the blackened trunk.
3/ Some plants regrow from buds protected fromtheheatoffiresbyleavesoroldleafbases. These tiny plants emerge from a seemingly arid, empty patch in the darkened soil.
Join our Stakeholder Liaison Group
Major construction to remove the level crossings at Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road, Diggers Rest will begin soon.
We’re looking for community members to form the project’s Stakeholder Liaison Group (SLG). This group provides local knowledge and helps keep the community informed about the project.
The SLG will consist of volunteer community members who represent the views and interests of residents, business owners and community organisations.
For
Then there are the plants that are fire sensitive. Of the plants that do die when burned by fire, these plants have two ways of regenerating that rely on accessing the plant’s seed bank. Firstly, the plant may store these seeds in the woody fruits of the branches, and they will be opened by fire. Alternatively, the plant stores it’s seeds in the soil and the seeds will wait until the fires have passed before germinating . Just goes to show the resilience of the plant world!
So, four months on from the fires, the plants have begun to assert themselves once more. Blackened tree trunks and branches havealeafcoverofepicormicgrowth,bracken ferns have replaced the blackened sandy soils and fresh sprouting leaves emerge from what appears to be a barren, bare and flimsy shrub.
Where possible, it is best to leave plants to recover with minimal human intervention after bushfire. The fires were tough on animal life too; accordingly, part of the recovery humans can help with is to leave behind burnt logs and some debris as homes for wildlife. If you are interested in being more prepared for a fire, you may wish to know more about fire resistant plants. The key to using fire resistant plants is to choose plants with high water content to reduce and slow the spread of fire. It is also smart to use trees or hedges, where possible to reduce wind speed, radiant heat and to filter embers.
There are books and websites that can offer advice on plant choice and provide you with further information. A couple of reliable sources are The Diggers Club website The Diggers Club – Australia’s No.1 Gardening Club and Lesley Corbett’s thoroughly researched book called Safer Gardens: Plant Flammability & Planning For Fire Safer Gardens: Plant Flammability & Planning For Fire – Australian Scholarly Publishing.
YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here
Scan the QR code or head to engage.vic.gov.au/lxrpdiggers-rest to learn more and make a nomination by 11.59pm Sunday 4 August.
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
Aerial view looking south towards the new road bridge at Watsons Road, Diggers
A gum tree recovers after being damaged by fire. (iStock: Lovleah)
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
Sunbury Seniors
Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meets on Mondays and Fridays from 10am–3pm. The group is temporarily relocating to 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat.
■ 0434 400 754
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 its performance, the group will serve a light supper during its social hour. This event is open to 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
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 that meets 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-profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury. The group caters for men across many interest, 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. The group can also be found on Facebook, where it hosts chats, discussions and advertises events.
■ 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
VIEW Club
Sunbury-Macedon Ranges VIEW Club is a friendly women’s organisation and a valued part of The Smith Family. It meets 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 Woodworkers Club
Join the Sunbury Woodworkers Club to learn woodturning. No experience or
tools required. The 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
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
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
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
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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of performers Amy Watts, Lore Burns, Lucy May Knight and Jackson Cross. (Damjan Janevski) 417734_01
Book combines poetry and music
By Eddie Russell
Music, literature, and poetry enthusiasts in Moorabool are in for a treat.
On Sunday, July 28, singer-songwriter, poet, and author Vanessa Craven will launch her book, UndertheMopTopTree,at Ballan Arts Space. The session will run from 2-4pm at 117b Inglis Street.
The tree from the book’s front cover exists in the front yard of Craven’s home and is where she gets her inspiration.
“Of all the things I treasure about where I live, it comes back to this tree,” Craven said.
A
“It’s got such beautiful shade, the birds hide in it and I’ve got a table and chair underneath … where I often sit to get my inspiration writing poetry and songs.”
Originally from Mussoorie, India, Craven also takes inspiration from her upbringing in the foothills of the Himalayas.
One of the songs is called Winterline, based onthephenomenonofthefalsehorizoncreated by a winter sunset.
The sensation only occurs in certain mountainous parts of the world.
“When I grew up in northern India I would always see it. I used those memories of a really
rich childhood as a launching pad for writing.”
Craven said it occurred to her that the book would be a way to combine her songs and poems, which fall into three groups – facts of life, fables, and fantasy.
“I wrote lots of poetry and I thought I must publish them, but now some of them have morphed into songs … I’ve always had this interest in my bones for music,” she said.
Originally a librarian, Craven came to Australia in 1977 and has been here since.
“When I took early retirement I decided I would do music, writing, and art – things that you can’t do when you are working.”
‘dazzling’ high school production
Copperfield College is booking out the Bowery Theatreforanunforgettablerenditionofclassic production, HighSchoolMusical
For two nights on Thursday, August 8, and Friday, August 9, the show will be played from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Students from years 7 to 12 from across the college’s Sydenham, Kings Park and Delahey campuses are part of the show on and off the stage.
The soundtrack will also be performed by Copperfield College’s band.
Copperfield College performing arts leader Taylor Van Orsouw said the students have workedextremelyhardandcan’twaittoputon a show next month.
“We started rehearsals in February and have worked the whole time since, everyone is really excited to get it on stage,” she said.
“We rehearse every Wednesday, with all three campuses meeting up in Sydenham.
“The backstage crew has put everything together, sourcing everything and creating projected backgrounds.“
Copperfield College is excited to be partneringwithCreativeBrimbanktowelcome the production into St Alban’s Bowery Theatre, with tickets priced at $20 and family packages also available.
“Step into the world of East High as our talented students bring the beloved Disney classic HighSchoolMusical to life on stage! Experience the drama, the music, and the excitement as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, and the restoftheWildcatsnavigatetheupsanddowns of high school life,” the school said online.
“With dazzling choreography, catchy songs, and a heart-warming story about friendship, love, and following your dreams, this production promises to be a spectacular event for all ages.”
Tickets: trybooking.com/events/ landing/1255776
Gerald Lynch
Experience the magic of Wonderland
The Williamstown Musical Theatre Company (WMTC) is set to enchant audiences with its latest production, Alice in Wonderland Jr , a whimsical blend of classic Disney charm and Tim Burton’s distinctive flair.
This play promises a delightful journey of Alice navigating the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of self-discovery. When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home, and find herself along the way.
In Wonderland, she encounters iconic characters, including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts.
WMTC director Ang Cuy said the talented cast of 34 young performers, aged between eight and 18, has been diligently rehearsing for about seven weeks now.
Most members of the cast reside in the
Art Inspired by Music
The Gallery Mt Macedon will present an exhibition featuring a range of paintings and textile art pieces inspired by music.
TitledInspiredbyMusic,theexhibition includes works from painter Jess Buzbee and textile artist Colleen Weste, both who have a strong connection to music.
Former president and founder of The Gallery Mt Macedon Weste said that one ofherquiltsintheexhibitionwasinspired by Ralph Vaughan Williams’ musical composition The Lark Ascending.
“Classicalmusichasalwaysbeenapart of my life, so as I paint on silk and do my artworks, it awakens my sense to the world around me,” she said.
Weste’s passion is creating silk art quilts, where she paints on silk and combines shibori resist,
Eco dyeing, and freehand machine embroidery techniques.
Her works are also inspired by the Australian bush and nature’s colours and textures.
The exhibition will also showcase paintingsfromBuzbee,whoispassionate about music and began painting when she could no longer play her instrument.
Buzbee said that her works in the exhibition are shaped by “the echoes of music” that still resonate within her.
“I incorporate my old sheet music into my art, remembering each piece, performance or practice session. As I listen to music and create, I lose myself in the process, finding solace in the blend and colour,” she said.
“Through my work, I aim to share this emotional journey, inviting viewers to experience the emotional interplay of music and nature that continues to inspire me.”
Inspired by Music, which is free, will run from Sunday, August 4 until Monday, September 2 at The Gallery Mt Macedon.
Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong areas.
Cuy said the cast members meet three times a week to hone their singing, dancing, and acting skills.
A unique feature of this production is the portrayal of Alice by three different actors, reflecting the character’s various size changes throughout the story and offering audiences triple the fun.
“Being able to work with those young people and create something really memorable is a really special and impactful opportunity for them.Sowe’rereallycommittedtogivingthose young people that chance to build community and build skills,“ Cuy said.
AliceinWonderlandJrwill be performed at Altona Theatre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona, from August 2 to 11.
Details: auwmtci.sales.ticketsearch.com/ sales/events
Details: thegallerymtmacedon.com. au/
Oscar Parry
Silk artist Colleen Weste with her quilt that was inspired by Ralph Vaughan Williams composition ’The Lark Ascending’. (Damjan Janevski) 419384_01
Anne Parisianne
Madison Agius as Alice and Roy Marshall as White Rabbit. (Supplied)
Students of Copperfield College are rehearsing hard, preparing for next month’s production of HighSchoolMusical (Damjan Janevski) 419807_01
Author Vanessa Craven with her new book, UndertheMopTopTree (Damjan Janevski) 420116_02
networkclassifieds.com.au
EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION
Address:
Monopole - Quarry Road, Macedon 3440 (36~2\PP3027)
-37.40132,144.5602
Reference:
Monopole - M2455 MACEDON 2
1.The proposed works include the addition of new 4G & 5G equipment and associated works including the replacement of 2 existing with 3 new 4G antennas (less than 2.8m long) with on mounts on the tower; the replacement of the existing remote radio units (RRUs) with 22 new RRUs and with provision for 5 future RRUs; and ancillary equipment including but not limited to GPS antenna, mast head amplifiers, deplixers, combiners, antenna mounts, cable trays, fibre and electrical cabling necessary for the operation or proper functioning of the low-impact facility.
2.Optus & Vodafone regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.
3.The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. An EME Report and further information can be obtained at http://www.rfnsa.com.au/3440004.
4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Reinier Hanekom (Planco. Town Planning), 0754306632, Suit 6-10, 28 Eenie Crk Road, Noosaville, 4566 or consultation@planco.com.au by 5 pm on 8/8/2024
SPORTS QUIZ
1. The Boomers will play which three teams in the group stage at the 2024 Olympics?
2. Australian runner Jessica Hull broke the world record for which event?
3. Mixed martial arts event UFC 305 will be held in which Australian state capital?
4. Nigeria-born, New Zealand-based mixed martial artist Israel Adesanya is set to fight which South African at
5. The Opals will play which three teams in the group stage at the 2024 Olympics?
6. Australian basketballer Johnny Furphy signed with which NBA team?
7. Which Formula One driver won the 2024 British Grand Prix?
8. Australian athlete Bradman Best plays which sport professionally?
9. The Utah Hockey Club is set to join the NHL for the 2024–25 season after the demise of which team?
Australian-based athlete Kimia Yousofi will represent Afghanistan in which event at the 2024 Olympics?
Which British motorcycle race is regarded as the world’s most dangerous racing event?
The Southern Thunder and Emeralds are the nicknames for the Australian national teams that play which sport?
Which AFL coach was recently sacked after 11 years in charge at West Coast?
14. The Mission Whitten Oval is the home ground of which AFL Women’s team?
15. How many teams currently compete in the Super Netball competition?
16. Which Australian tennis player made a return at Wimbledon in a Legends’ Invitational Event?
17. Wests Tigers’ star Fonua Pole grew up in which Australian state?
18. Who did Spain defeat in the semifinal of the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament?
19. Macquarie Point Stadium is a proposed sporting stadium to be built in what capital city?
20. What nationality are Formula 1 drivers Oliver Bearman and George Russell?
21. The San Francisco Unicorns are a franchise team in which league, whose first edition was held in 2023?
22. Three-time Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin now competes in which US motor racing series?
23. Which Sydney Swans player was suspended for one week for striking in Round 17, putting him out of contention for the Brownlow Medal?
24. In the Tour de France, which jersey design is given to the rider that gains the most points for reaching mountain summits first?
25. A toxophilite is the formal name for a competitor or expert of which sport?
26. What brand-new nickname was recently adopted by Australia’s rowing teams?
27. Fifty years ago, in 1974, which US tennis player won three of the four grand slams?
The
30. In which year did Amsterdam host the
28. British F1 racer Lewis Hamilton will drive for which famous team in 2025?
29.
late actor and comedian Robin Williams described which sport as like ‘baseball on valium’?
Summer Olympic Games?
Lewis Hamilton
Scott McLaughlin
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 Sharp struggle (6)
4 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)
10 Neighbour of Mexico (9)
11 Japanese dish of balls or rolls of rice with garnish (5)
12 Not difficult (4)
13 Hostile (4)
14 Ancient tongue (5)
16 Corrosion (4)
17 Differ (8)
20 Nullify (8)
22 Scottish loch (4)
25 Gutter (5)
26 Ancient harp (4)
28 Middling (4)
30 Rebuke (5)
31 Journeyed (9)
32 To be mildly concussed (3,5)
33 Moniker (coll) (6)
DOWN
1 Marked with graffiti (6)
2 More thinly scattered (7)
3 Sprawls (4)
5 Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something (8)
6 Annoyed (10)
7 Caller (7)
8 Evidence-based disciplines (8)
9 Sharp tooth (4)
15 Styptic (10)
18 Leads an orchestra (8)
19 Devotee (8)
21 Inspect (7)
23 Played for time (7)
24 Clear river bed (6)
27 Actor, – Reynolds (4)
29 Self-referential (4)
may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 What is red food dye often made from?
2 The novel A Town Called Alice was written by which author?
3 Escapologist Harry Houdini performed what feat first in Australian history?
4 Danny McGuire is played by which actor in the film Xanadu?
5 Athena is the Greek goddess of what?
6 What does a campanologist play?
7 How many musicals has Andrew Lloyd Webber (pictured) created?
8 Which country is the leading producer of oranges worldwide?
9 Jules Verne, Victor Hugo and George Sand were all what?
10 A standard grand piano has how many keys?
No. 195
No. 195
Long way round for Santa Fe
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Millennials and Gen-Xers are not noted for beingfansofthegreatoutdoors,orsoIthought, but according to research neither is averse to channelling a touch of Tarzan of the Jungle.
With this in mind, Hyundai has come up with the ‘Open to More’ concept of expanding customers’ experiences by connecting inside with the outside. Enter the fifth-generation Santa Fe, a spacious and well-equipped SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology.
A triple-trim line-up is out to appeal to the young tech-savvy Tarzan or Jane with curved panoramic instrument display, front-row relaxation seating, two-way accessible centre console and UV-C sterilisation tray.
The Big Fella can call on Hyundai’s Bluelink Connected Car Services, stay up to date with Over-The-Air software capability or rest easy with SmartSense safety.
The new Santa Fe is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine helped out by a 44.2kW electric motor fed by a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The hybrids will be joined later in the year by a muscular 2.5T-GDi power plant.
On test was the entry-level Santa Fe seven-seater with front-wheel drive, which kicks off the pricing at $55,500, plus on-road costs. All-wheel drive adds $3000 to the price. Next on the list is the Elite seven-seat all-wheel drive only, at $65,000, with the range topping Calligraphy AWD kicking in at $65,000.Forafurther$500theCalligraphycan bekittedoutwithapairofsecond-rowcaptain’s chairs. Premium paint options are available for up to $1000 across the board.
The Santa Fe Hybrid is covered by Hyundai’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and eight-year 160,000km high voltage battery. A lifetime service plan is complemented by a Premium Roadside Support Plan and Sat Nav update Plan while the vehicle is serviced by the maker.
Styling
At almost five metres long, the new Santa Fe ‘pulls a serious face’ with a high-set level bonnet, H-shaped headlamps and lower front valance that draw cues from the new squashed Hyundai ‘H’ logo.
A chiselled profile features clean sculpting and flat roofline, robust wheel arches’ a short front overhang and arty 2-inch alloy wheels. From the rear a wide-opening tailgate speaks to stability, while H-shaped tail lamps ape the front of the vehicle.
The Santa Fe is available in 10 exterior colours, including standard Creamy White mica and Terracotta Orange. Premium mica coloursincludeMagneticForce(grey)as‘worn’ by the test vehicle.
Interior
At almost five metres long, close to three metres wheelbase, the new Santa Fe gains are substantial in occupant and cargo space, the latter also winning out with a 145mm wider tailgate opening than its predecessor.
The power tailgate is smart too, opening to different heights at varying speeds remotely by using the key or by simply standing close to the tailgate for a few seconds. An already generous luggage area (628 litres) with all seatbacks up swells to 1949 litres with the back two rows folded flat.
Onceagain,anH-shapemotifispredominant on the instrument panel and air vents, with a curved panoramic display incorporating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment layout.
Eco-friendly materials are put to good use on many of the cabin’s soft surfaces, such as the headliner, seat backs, instrument panel, door trim and seat coverings.
And storage deserves a special mention with two-level centre console with twin-hinged lid making a large cubby equally accessible to the first and second row occupants.
Also on hand are intuitive 6.6-inch climate control display and high-speed dual wireless smartphone charging.
Infotainment
The new Santa Fe sees the introduction of Hyundai’s award-winning Seon Connected Car Next Generation Cockpit, incorporating multimedia and instrumentation in the one interface.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across the new Santa Fe range and gives access to visual alerts from SmartSense safety systems as well as the speedometer, tacho, fuel and temperature.
Multimedia functions covered include AM/ FM and DAB+ radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Hyundai Bluelink with calendar, Over The Air updates, Bluetooth, quiet and valet modes and Quick Control (swipe down) menu.
Bluelink features include Automatic CollisionNotification,emergencycallfunction, connected routing with traffic updates, remote control climate and vehicle functions.
Engines/transmissions
The 1.6 litre petrol engine is matched with a 44.2kW electric motor fed by a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission, and in the case of the test car, front-wheel drive. The petrol/electric hybrid powertrain develops a combined 172kW of power and 367Nm of torque.
Safety Hyundai SmartSense is an extensive system of occupant protection via a standard suite of advanced driver assistance, including forward collision avoidance, steering assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise control, blind spot monitor and surround view monitor.
The Santa Fe has been subjected to increased body rigidity measures and the inclusion of ten airbags – driver and passenger airbags, first and second-row side thorax and pelvis airbags, driver knee airbag, an advanced front centre side airbag and curtain airbags.
Driving Hyundai says the all-new Santa Fe Hybrid is designed with the idea of engaging the driver more, while at the same time maximising the fuel efficiency of the petrol/electric powertrain.
A dedicated hybrid information display features a charge/power gauge, battery charge level indicator and regenerative braking information, while the multimedia unit chips inwithfueleconomyandelectricmotorgraphs.
Regen braking can be adjusted in three steps via steering column-mounted paddles.
The driver is given greater braking control and the opportunity to improve fuel efficiency in varied driving conditions. After a week’s work the test vehicle recorded average petrol consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
Handling, stability and general driving control are optimised by e-Motion Drive, a new electric dynamic torque vectoring control system, by easing instability that can be caused by loss of traction of an inner wheel during cornering.
This was particularly efficient in keeping the long Santa Fe Hybrid on an even keel on fast bends and tight corners. The long wheelbase and local suspension tuning turned rough road into its level best. Only tyre noise got through to the cabin.
Occupants had little to complain about with head, leg and shoulder room to spare, even with a full load. Parking provided some angst among drivers, especially in crowded shopping centres.
Summary
Social studies and hybrid technology have resulted in Hyundai approaching Santa Fe from a new direction.
The fifth-generation Santa Fe, a spacious and well-equipped SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology. (Pictures: Supplied)
Sports people of all ages braved the elements on Saturday to take to the field and court in what one coach said were the worst conditions he’s played in for a number of years. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was also out in the wet weather to shoot some of the action.
Braving the elements in sport
Darley’s Emmerson Hitch.(420267)
Bacchus Marsh’s Elise Cook getting tackled by Darley’s Sarah Tabone. (420267)
Gisborne’s Flynn Lakey. (420265)
Dandenong Rangers’ Ashten Prechtel and Keilor’s Isabelle Bourne. (420269)
Riddell’s Trent Stead. (420263)
Gisborne’s Harry Manders. (420265)
Gisborne’s Zoe Davies. (420264)
Gisborne’s Charlee Kemp. (420264)
Brooklyn Leahy. (420262)
Melton Centrals’ Elisa Butterworth-Gonebale. (420262) Keilor’s Lily Carmody. (420269)
Ridddell’s Matthew Darby. (420263)
Woodend appoints Josh Eastley as coach
Woodend has announced that favourite son Josh Eastley will be returning to take the reins as coach for the 2024-25 Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season.
The position will be Eastley’s first head coaching gig after having spent the past five years as an assistant coach at several successful clubs across Victoria.
Eastley said he was, “really excited about the opportunity of Woodend’s direction this year, we’re going with a coaching development strategy for the entire club not just the seniors”.
The strategy is a holistic one that is bringing the senior and junior squads closer together in an attempt to strengthen the club.
This will see him supported and mentored by Gavin MacKay and Brett Cavigan who will be coaching the junior sides. Mackay was a premiership winning coach at Gisborne.
The excitement around the Eastley’s homecoming is palpable, according to
president Daniel Heaney.
“There is a real buzz around the club at the moment – and its only July!”, he said.
“Ninetypercentofourteamishomegrown, which is what we’re most excited about.”
The excitement isn’t limited to local talent, with the arrival of medium-fast bowler Joe Monk from Shropshire, England set to turn heads.
He will be joined by a returning James Morley, bolstering the club’s bowling attack.
The two experienced recruits are set help improve upon a team that narrowly missed finals last year.
Not one to set team goals in stone, Eastley’s main vision is to develop the list and start playing consistent cricket.
“I’m really excited about some of the youth we’ve got down there”, he said when discussing the second 11 that will help blood senior talent,” he said.
Eastley’s commitment to a whole club approach reflects his team-first coaching
philosophy.
While the desire for all squads to play finals this season is obvious, Eastley and the club are committed to a much bigger vision of sustained success.
“My goal for Woodend this year is to purely bring on and develop as much as can and start performing consistently on the park- across all grades,” he said.
Josh’s older brother Daniel Eastley, who has played subdistrict cricket will also be among the experienced heads tasked with the development of tomorrows talent.
Josh further stated that they wanted to use their experience to then bring on the youth as well, so they will try and find the balance between youth and experience.
Woodend is also set to field its first-ever girl’s under-13 side and seeking any girls interested to reach out to the club.
Details: facebook.com/
WoodendCricketClub
Jaidyn
Kennedy
Third Olympics for Hall
By Tara Murray
Linden Hall is looking forward to the opportunity to represent Australia at the Olympics Games for the third time.
Hall, who grew up in Riddells Creek, will represent Australia in the 1500 metres. She finished sixth at the Tokyo Games and the semi finals in Rio.
She said this time round felt different.
“The last couple of times I’ve been able to be selected a little bit earlier,” she said. “This time I had to wait a bit longer.
“I was hoping to get selected and it was a relief to get selected. It’s so competitive in the middle distance events.”
Hall enters the Games on the back of some strong form, just recently breaking her personal best.
It was the same race the world record was broken and fellow Australian Jess Hull, who finished second, ran a five second personal best to break the Australian record.
Hall finished fourth.
Hall said she was hoping it was a good omen, as the race was in Paris.
“You can’t ask for much more,” she said of her personal best.
“We knew that Faith [Kipyegon] was going after the world record. It was a really good day and everyone in the post room was so happy.
Hall said the event had gotten so much faster since the last Olympics.
This is despite changes to have the qualifying in major events, where those who progress on placing, not a mixture of placing and times.
“It’s pretty wild,” she said. “The last Olympics in the lead up to the Games I broke the four minute barrier, the first one in Australia.
“There are five girls who have done it in the same year and two are not running at the Olympics.
“It’s crazy and it puts us on par with the Americans and they have a lot more runners.”
While Hall no longer lives in the Macedon Ranges, she still has plenty of support.
Braemar College took to social media to wish her luck, while Riddells Creek Primary School has long been a supporter.
“”I still have plenty of friends out there,” she said.
“They are pretty good at supporting me on social media as well.
“I spent an afternoon at Riddells Creek Primary School after the Commonwealth Games and ran a lap with the whole school.
“It was nice to be able to do that.”
Hall is now in France ahead of the Games for an Australian camp.
She said these Games felt like it had come around a lot quicker than the last two. For Hall, her focus for the Games is simple.
“There are two rounds to make it through to get to finals,” she said.
“Each race is different and is one of the more tactical events on the program.
Sports shorts
Bendigo FL
Gisborne came away with a massive win against South Bendigo in the Bendigo Football League on Saturday. After an even first quarter on the scoreboard, the Bulldogs blew the game open, winning 23.15 (153)-4.2 (26). South Bendigo kicked just one goal after quarter time. Harry Luxmoore continued his good form, kicking seven goals while Ryan Bourke was named the Bulldogs best. The Bulldogs remain second on the ladder.
RDNL
It was tough conditions for the netballers in the Riddell District Netball League on Saturday. Wallan was able to beat Macedon, 43-37, to stay above the Cats on the ladder, while ladder leaders Woodend-Hesket got the points against Melton Centrals, 54-41. Lancefield and Romsey had a 39-all draw, while Riddell was too strong for Diggers Rest, winning 55-24.
EDFL
Rupertswood is right back in the relegation battle after a loss to Moonee Valley on Saturday in the Essendon Districts Football League division 1. A win would have put the Sharks two games clear of the Fog, but instead the two teams are now equal on points. The Fog claimed the win, 8.14 (62)-7.11 (53). In division 2, the Sunbury Kangaroos lost to Coburg Districts. The Kangaroos are now six points outside the top four.
Ballarat NL
The Sunbury Lions came away with a solid win against Redan in the Ballarat Netball League on Saturday. In tough conditions the Lions were able to build a 10 goal lead in the first three quarters. Redan halted the run in the last quarter but couldn’t eat into the lead, with the Lions winning 50-40. Rebecca Hicks shot 25 goals for the Lions, while Tayla Honey made her return to the side from injury. The Lions remain two points clear at the top of the ladder.
Josh Eastley (Supplied)
Linden Hall. (AAP Image/Darren England)
Sunbury Lions bounce back strongly over Redan
The Sunbury Lions got back to the things they stand for in the Ballarat Football League, and with it returned to the winner’s list.
Coming off their most disappointing performance of the season the week before against Melton, the Lions knew they had work to do against Redan.
Sunbury was at home in the battle of the Lions and escaped the worst of the conditions that peppered Ballarat.
Lions coach Matt White said it was nice to be able to respond in that way, winning 9.12 (66)-5.5 (35).
“We didn’t get off to the greatest start,” he said.
“We were able to arm wrestle it back in slippery and muddy conditions.
“We were to kick straight in the last quarter and were able to run away with it.”
White said they had a few conversations during the week about the performance against the Bloods.
He said there had been a few things in their game that had creeped in the last few
weeks that had been a bit of a concern.
“We knew that we had to regroup,” he said.
“We were able to fight back in the end.
“We reacted really well and there was more of a connection between the players than the previous week.
“We wanted to make sure we were picking each other up off the ground, standing up for each other and talking as much as we can.”
Just eight points separated the sides at three quarter time.
The Lions kicked 5.1 to make sure of the win.
Nathan Doyle kicked three goals for the Lions, all in the final quarter.
Mitch McLean and Jake Sutton kicked two goals each.
Whitesaidtheyhadplentyofcontributors.
“Ben Cameron was back and was really good,” he said.
“Josh Lee in his first game was good down back.
“Nathan Doyle had a poor first half efore
he worked into the game and kicked three and got a bit of the ball.
“Josh Guthrie, you know what you’re going to get from him in the middle of the ground, and Brock Landt is a bit of a barometer for us.
“His possessions were down but the way he attacks the ball and some of his efforts are what we stand for as a club.”
The Lions move back up to third spot on the ladder.
They had a bye this week.
Sitting four games clear of seventh, the Lions have just about sealed a finals spot, but White said they’re not going to take the foot off the pedal.
“We want to win all four games,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter what the team name is.
“We’re going out there to win every game and hopefully play finals.”
Bombers trounce Burras
By Tara Murray
The top of the table clash between Riddell and Diggers Rest was a fizzler, with the Bombers handing out a massive defeat in the Riddell District Football League.
It was all the Bombers on Saturday as both their reserves and seniors kept the Burras goalless on the way to two massive wins.
It was tough conditions out at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve, but the Bombers were able to play some good football on the way to a 14.10 (94)-0.3 (3) win in the seniors.
Bombers coach Arron Bray said it wasn’t a result that they saw coming.
“Especially in those conditions,” he said.
“AlotofthegroundsintheMacedonRanges are heavy and ours is no different.
“To keep them goalless in the seniors and reserves that never happens with Diggers. “We wanted the footy more and we put our head over the ball.”
Bray said in the tough conditions it was about winning the ball at the contest and being able to get it forward.
He said they were able to do that.
“The work rate was up and we were able to come away with the win,” he said.
“We were able to adapt to the conditions better.”
Bray said the most pleasing thing for him was the side played four quarters of good football. He said with the game over at half time, they could have dropped their levels.
“It’s taken 12 weeks to play a game like that,” he said.
“It was pretty much done at half time and they kept going which is really pleasing.
“It’s quite easy to release the pressure which is pretty much done and dusted and put the cue in the rake.
“Credit to the boys.”
Matthew Darby and Dean Galea kicked three goals each for the Bombers. Darby returned to the Bombers from Avondale Heights mid-season adding more depth to the team which was a welcome boost for Bray.
Bray said Ben Sonogan had a good game while Dylan Tarczon won the head-to-head battle in the middle of the ground with Shaun
Grand finals at City Oval for Ballarat league
City Oval will again host most of the Ballarat Football Netball League grand finals.
Grand finals returned to City Oval last year having been held at Mars Stadium in recent times.
The first of the finals series will commence with women’s competition on August 11 and will culminate with the grand final at the Eastern Oval on August 31.
Darley won last year’s decider that was hosted at Mars Stadium.
Redan and Darley, which played off in the grand final last season, are the top two sides again this year.
Junior football and netball will kick off on August 24 with the junior grand finals being held at the City Oval on September 15.
The senior final series will start on August 31 with the grand final being hosted at City Oval on September 21.
Last year, Darley and North Ballarat played in the senior football and A-grade netball deciders.
The Devils won the footy in the dying moments, while North Ballarat won the netball in a thriller.
The league will host 21 finals events over seven weeks with eight different finals venues to be used.
Campbell.
Tommy Alkemade, Haydn Ross and Galea also had good games, with Bray saying it was hard to name the best players.
Jordan Theodore, Ryan Mullen and Mitch Brockwell were the Burras best.
The Bombers now sit two games clear on top of the ladder, but Bray says they still don’t believe they are the premiership favourites.
“I would hate to play Diggers this week.”
The Bombers face Melton Centrals this Saturday at Melton. A win would all but seal the minor premiership for the Bombers with three rounds remaining.
“It would be a good thing to have three weeks out,” he said.
“We’ve learned how to play together. It has taken us longer than expected.
“Everyone is playing their role.”
In other matches, Romsey beat Lancefield, 9.8 (62)-4.5 (29). Matthew Burkett and Nathan Rayment were the Redbacks best.
Wallan was too good for Macedon, winning 9.11(65)-3.7 (25), while Woodend-Hesket held off Melton Centrals, winning 7.7 (49)-4.8 (32).
Darley Park, which hosted a senior semi final last year, will be the eastern bloc venue used again this season, with the rest of the finals venues to be in Ballarat and its surrounds.
Darley won last year’s men’s football grand final. (Jamie Morey Photography)
Tara Murray
Jake Sutton. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 418821_01
Dylan Tarczon. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 420263_23
French shooting for Paris Paralympics glory
The Romsey community is getting behind Patrick French in his quest for gold at the Paralympics.
French has been named in the six-person Australian archery team for the Paris Games which start next month.
French said it was pretty special to be heading to the Games. Australia didn’t have Para-Archery teams in 2008 or 2012 and there has been a resurgence of the sport.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said.
”It is awesome and it’s been such a quick rise for me through the ranks of the sport.
“It’s been just on two years from when I first started.
“Pretty early I set myself a little challenge [to make the Paralympics].and thought I would give it a red hot crack.”
French had a workplace accident in 2015 that left him paralysed from waist down and with an acquired brain injury.
Before his accident he’d only done archery a
couple of times as a child for a bit of fun.
“I got a bow and I thought I would try my luck with hunting,” he said.
“I never did that, I got the bow and got into target archery and it became full on.”
French shot an Australian indoor record last year, but as he wasn’t qualified it didn’t count.
It’s just more motivation for him to do it again.
French said many people didn’t think he would get an opportunity like this after his accident.
“I’m not amazed that much,” he said.
“When something happens like that you can sit around and be miserable or try and enjoy your life despite it.”
French has set big expectations for himself for the Games.
“I want to be up on the podium,” he said.
“I’m not going just for the experience.
“I want to put Australia on the map for
internationally for archery.”
French’s family won’t be able to make the trip to Paris, but they and the rest of the local community are getting behind one of their own.
“It has been overwhelming the support I’ve had from them,” he said.
“The local pubs in Lancefield and Romsey had a meat raffle last week.
‘I’ve had support from everyone there.
The Romsey Football Club is doing a little fundraiser for me in the next few weeks.
‘It is awesome and they are happy for me, they don’t care if I do well or not.”
French has a fundraiser set up to help fund his Olympic dream.
To donate: https://asf.org.au/projects/ patrick-french/pat-to-the-paralympics
Warriors finish with loss
By Tara Murray
The Western Warriors finish to their inaugural Victorian Netball League championship summed up their season.
Like many games this season, the Warriors were right in the hunt for victory but couldn’t get across the line against the Wilson Storage Southern Saints.
The Saints did just enough to win, 55-53.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey said while disappointed not to get the win they finished on a positive note.
“Pipped at the post,” she said. “Just a poor pass cost us the game, but you can’t bring it down to one particular moment, we had opportunities.
“It was a much improved week from the last two weeks, that’s the positive we have to take out of it.
“I’m really pleased with that result, I would have liked to have won of course, it gives you hope we can keep building on that.”
The Saints were at full strength with
Melbourne Vixens Lily Graham playing a whole game.
Bailey said her defenders in Jasmine Fraser and Elly Randell did a really good job.
Bailey said the most frustrating thing for her was knowing that the side could play like that, but haven’t been able to do it every week.
“We haven’t been able to put together a consistent effort together across the whole season,” she said.
“But that’s what happens when you’re a new club and we’ll just keep continuing to build on that and hopefully be bigger and better next season.”
The Warriors finish the season in 10th spot with six wins.
Bailey said while they weren’t happy to finish that low, they could have easily finished a lot higher.
“I think the draw has been so even this year that a lot of clubs are going to be disappointed with where they finished,” she said.
“But everyone kept being everyone and we’ve
50 years for Sunbury Netball Association
Sunbury Netball Association is marking 50 years, celebrating its role in promoting netball and providing a place for the community to come together and enjoy the sport for decades.
President Tracie Quigley said throughout those 50 years, the association always had a team of passionate volunteer committee members striving to give young netball players a fantastic and enriching netball experience.
“Our goal today is not only to develop athletic skills in young players, but also to foster values such as teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship,” she said.
“Wehavedesignedaninclusivenetball competition for all ages and genders. Also offering a representative program for aspiring netballers, focusing on skills development, physical fitness and character building.”
The association started in 1974 when netball was played outside at Clarke Oval.
beaten a couple of bigger clubs or went down to them by one goal or things like that.
“There’s a lot of teams in our same position I think would be disappointed. But you know, it’s you look at the at one stage the top 10 could have virtually changed positions, that top 10 was really competitive.
“It’s been a competitive season. Ladder position is not everything, tonight we played in the right spirit.”
The Warriors under-23s finished with two wins on the trot, beating the Saints, 56-43.
Bailey said it was an amazing win and it was how they knew the group could play the whole season.
The Warriors will now start to look ahead to next season.
“It comes about quickly,” Bailey said. “Signing comes around in August for the existing players, not quite sure how long.
“You can’t train until November. There’s a lot of tired bodies out there.
“Have that break and start again next year and hopefully be bigger and better.”
Today, there are more than 2000 registered players ranging from NetSetGo,nineandunder,11andunder, 13 and under, 15 and under and, senior ladies and mixed competitions and most recently an all-boys competition was introduced.
Secretary Melissa Lofts said that aside from playing, the association also offered a number of other exciting opportunities for development.
“Our coaching consists of dedicated individuals who are experienced and provide mentoring for our younger players.
“Our umpiring mentorship program provides a solid foundation for novice umpires to develop the skills and confidence needed for successful officiating.”
The official 50-year celebration will be held on Sunday, November 17 at Witchmount Estate Winery, Plumpton. Details will be announced on the club’s social media at a later date and attendees can expect an afternoon filled with history, stories and memorabilia plus an exciting panel of speakers.
Details: sunbury.netball@gmail.com
Tara Murray
Patrick French (Archery Australia)
Western Warriors final game of the season. (Supplied)
