Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 30th July 2024

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Gisborne boundary plan

By Oscar Parry

Macedon Ranges council will ask the planning minister for a protected settlement boundary for Gisborne after adopting its draft Gisborne futures structure plan.

Withthefinaldraftpresentedatthecouncil’s July24meeting,theGisbornefuturesstructure plan will guide growth and development of Gisborne until 2050.

The council will write to Planning Minister SonyaKilkennytorequestanamendmenttoits planningpolicytoinsertaprotectedsettlement boundary for Gisborne. Council will also seek community consultation on the proposed

boundary. The structure plan was developed over the last seven years and included four phases of community consultation.

According to a recently published council community consultation report, of the 129 written submissions in phase four of community consultation, responses expressed a broad range of requests.

With late submissions recorded into early 2024, the report showed that 25 per cent supported the draft plan proposed in phase four, 29 per cent did not support township growth in principle or the level of growth proposed, 34 per cent wanted growth elsewhere, and

12 per cent advocated for a single issue within the plan.

The consultation report also said through an online survey with 370 respondents, 70 per cent didn’t support the structure plan andthoughtitshouldlookatgrowthelsewhere, 50 per cent believed it should include more land,11percentthoughtitwasaboutright,and nearly three per cent thought it should include less land.

In the July 24 council meeting, council’s planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfeld said the plan was prepared with input from community, councillors, internal departments of council, external service

agencies, and expert consultants.

Cr Christine Walker said the feedback was “as diverse as you can imagine” with “submissions that have been diametrically opposed”,varyingfromsupportingdiversityof housing, to limiting spread of the township, to opposing any change at all.

Cr Rob Guthrie, who voted against the plan, expressed concerns about housing density, which he said was “out of character for us in a rural area” and that he believed it would “destroy the area”. Cr Guthrie said that “it just seemsthatwelosttheplot.”Whenputtoavote, all councillors present except Cr Guthrie were in favour of the motion, and it was carried.

There’s

denying that Vincent Bezzina loves all things aviation. The Sunbury resident boasts an enormous collection of memorabilia, model aircraft and uniforms, celebrating decades of aviation history. The former airline employee has been adding to his collection for 40 years. ■ Story: Page 3.

(Damjan

Janevski)

420215_01

Multi-deck car park opens early

The long-awaited Sunbury multi-deck car park was opened ahead of schedule, creating hundreds of new parking spaces in the suburb.

Built in the Sunbury Station precinct, the four-storeybuildingwassettobecompletedon December 31, but instead opened on Monday, July 22.

It contains 400 parking spaces – 300 commuter car parking spaces and 100 spaces dedicated to retail-related parking.

Free to enter, the building includes accessible parking spaces, lifts, and eight charging bays for electric vehicles.

Hume council said the central location of the car park aims to reduce reliance on nearby residential streets previously used for overflow parking.

According to council, the new facility was

completed ahead of schedule as a result of construction risks being mitigated earlier than expected.

Hume mayor Naim Kurt said the council was proud to unveil the long-awaited building.

“This multi-deck car park has been a long time coming for the Sunbury community and Hume City Council is pleased to see it’s development finally realised, after so much community advocacy,” Cr Kurt said.

“This carpark will offer modern, secure parking right in the heart of Sunbury, that will supportlocalbusinessesandjobsandmakethe trainstationmoreaccessiblefordaycommuters heading to the city,” he said.

Funding for the project was received under the state government’s Car Parks for Commuters Program and Victorian Growth

Areas Infrastructure Contribution.

The federal government also contributed funding to the project as part of the broader Commuter Car Park upgrades – Northern Lines program.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the project was delivered through the collaboration of many levels of government.

“Projects like the Sunbury Commuter Car Park highlight the importance of Australian, state and local governments working together to provide safer, faster and more efficient transport links,” Ms King said.

The contractor for the development was Cremorne-based company Kane Constructions.

Scouts raising funds for jamboree

The 1st Sunbury Scouts are raising money to attend a jamboree in Queensland next January, which aims to provide Scouts with life skills, resilience and fun.

1st Sunbury Scouts assistant scout leader Ian Thorne said Scout jamborees offer a great experience for youth to develop important skills.

“They’re doing all the cooking, they’re looking after their campsite … it’s very much about‘youth-led,adult-supported’,”MrThorne said.

“It allows them to make mistakes in a safe way – you learn a lot more when something goes wrong than when it goes right. So we create environments … where they can fail safely.”

The jamboree, which will host Scouts from all over Australia, is estimated to bring about 15,000 attendees.

A 1st Sunbury Scouts parent, Mat Wakelin, said the jamboree will provide life lessons, challenges, and fun to the participants.

“They’re away camping, looking after themselves, doing their daily chores, and they have lots of different activities, like tree climbing and adventures and making shelters in the bush, and playing games,” Mr Wakelin said.

“There’s a huge amount of camaraderie all built up with that … I think it takes children to another level of self-confidence and being able to look after themselves,” he said.

Mr Wakelin said that along with these benefits, it also gives the scouts an opportunity to travel through Australia and see new towns during their bus trip to the jamboree.

The 1st Sunbury Scouts will perform several fundraising activities in the leadup to the jamboree, including a raffle, a family trivia night, miniature train rides at Bulla Hill Railway.

The group is also accepting donations. Inquiries: scoutsjf@gmail.com

National Park. (Supplied)

Nominations for the Macedon Ranges 2024 Youth Awards are closing soon, with the council reminding residents that it is not too late to make a nomination.

The awards recognise youth aged 12–25 years who live or work in the Macedon Ranges and have made a significant contribution to the community.

T year’s awards will be offered under six categories.

These include ‘willpower’, for those who have shown character and perseverance, especially in the face of adversity,and‘wellaware’,foryouthwho have raised awareness about important social issues in their communities.

There is also the ‘nicely played’ category for sporting achievements, ‘pure imagination’ to recognise creativity through the arts, and ‘skilling it’ for youth who have excelled in a mentorship program, workplace or business.

Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death said the awards are a great opportunityforresidentstoacknowledge achievements of young people in the region, especially achievements previously under-recognised or unnoticed.

“These young people are our future rolemodelsandleaders,soit’simportant we ensure that they are encouraged to continue to grow, inspire and contribute positively to our community,” Cr Death said.

Nominations will close on Friday, August 2, and winners will be announced at an event on Wednesday, September 4 at Kyneton Town Hall.

Details: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/ youth-awards-2024

Council officially renames Village Green to Noogal Park

Hume council will officially name a Sunbury park, formerly referred to colloquially as Village Green, to Noogal Park.

IntheJuly22councilmeeting,CrJarrodBell said the idea for naming the park, located near RollingMeadowsDrive,wastoavoidconfusion with the Sunbury Village Green.

“[It]hascreatedagreatdealofconfusionand continues to do so,” Cr Bell said. He said that because of this confusion, there havebeencaseswherelocalemergencyservices attend the wrong location.

Cr Bell said that the choice of the new name Noogal Park – noogal being a Woiwurrung

word meaning ‘belong’ – was to “celebrate a critical part of our community … our First Nations people.”

The naming comes after community consultation on the proposal earlier this year.

Cr Bell said that he was “incredibly disappointed to see some of the language that was used,” in community responsed and “found it to be incredibly distressing [and] in some circumstances, pretty racist.”

CrJackMedcraft,whosupportedthenaming of the park to a Woiwurrung name, said doing so could help with drawing attention to other parts of our history.

“My grandfather … he couldn’t go into a bar and drink with his ex-soldier mates [and] he couldn’t get a housing loan. So I think people should sit down and have a good think about how they are positioned and how my forebears were treated,” Cr Medcraft said.

According to a Hume officer report, during community consultation, there were 85 submissions opposing the naming and 78 submissions supporting it.

Cr Trevor Dance voted against the proposed naming at the council meeting, saying that those in the community consultation who opposed the proposal did so largely due to

financial considerations.

This was in reference to a fee of $3,500 to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation for the ongoing use of the word noogal.

In a right of reply, Cr Bell said that it was important to consider the role Hume could have in support of a culture and language through financial and symbolic means.

“If it means that we can save a portion of a culture that is so incredibly important to this country, I think it’s worth it,” Cr Bell said.

Oscar Parry

Hume mayor Mayor Naim Kurt, Cr Jarrod Bell, Cr Jack Medcraft, and Sunbury MP Josh Bull on the opening day of the new car park. (Tim Carrafa Photography).

1st Sunbury Scouts member Henry during a scout hike at Tallarook

Water play funds boost

By Oscar Parry

Hume council will re-allocate $700,000 from its capital works program to support the delivery of the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre water play area.

The re-allocation comes after the council allocated $3.1 million in its 2024–25 capital works program to replace the existing outdoor toddler pool area at the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

This was inclusive of $1.3 million committed by the state government.

The project will replace the centre’s toddler pool area with an improved accessible entry area and a zero-depth water play area

According to a report to the July 22 council meeting, price escalations had affected the project budget, meaning there was a funding shortfall to deliver the project.

The report recommended the council re-allocate $700,000 towards funding the play area.

Sunbury resident Chris O’Neal said he supported the re-allocation, and that Hume has “neglected Sunbury” to focus on other areas.

“It’s left us with rundown, inadequate facilities. Finally, when we are getting basic facilities, we see massive cost overruns – but it’s not just this project,” Mr O’Neal said.

Cr Jodi Jackson said re-allocating funding to deliver the play area will help address a need for better aquatic facilities in Sunbury.

“We know that we have thousands of children on our wait list for ‘learn to swim’ programs, and it should have been something that we prioritised before now … we’re leaving them without sufficient ‘learn to swim’ programs,” Cr Jackson said.

Cr Jackson said that the Greenvale Indoor Cricket Centre was an example of the council prioritising projects in the past, and that a similar approach should have been taking earlier with swimming facilities for the Sunbury community.

Vince’s love of aviation on display

When visitors step into Sunbury resident Vincent Bezzina’s shed, they can quickly tell that he loves all things aviation.

His enormous collection contains memorabilia, uniforms, model aircraft, and evenablackbox,presentingdecadesofaviation history.

Mr Bezzina started his career as a ground staff member with Ansett Australia in his late 20s, and after a long career of working as a ground staff member with several major airlines, retired two years ago while working for Rex Airlines.

“Ansett has always been my favourite. That’s the company I … started with … and I loved

working for them. There was never a day when Igotupinthemorningandsaid‘Oh,I’vegotto go work,’ … whatever we did, it was fun,” Mr Bezzina said.

Beginning with ashtrays, he said that he started collecting airline memorabilia 40 years ago and that his love of collecting influenced him in choosing his current house in Sunbury.

“ThehousethatI’vegothasthismassiveshed behind it … so that was a godsend … I actually bought the shed – the house was a bonus!” he said.

Although it is a private collection, Mr Bezzina said he often offers his collection to be used by charities for fundraising purposes on

weekends.

With many vintage airline uniforms in his collection, Mr Bezzina said that he prefers the look of these to today’s standard airline attire.

“I like the older [ones] like Pan Am, British Airways … because the uniforms these days aren’t as imaginative – they’re not [as] professional as they were back in the ’80s and ’90s” he said.

When considering his whole collection, Mr BezzinasaidthathisfavouritepiecesarehisAir India memorabilia, a black box, and a series of vintage Qantas flags.

Oscar Parry

Local Laminex legend leaves lasting legacy

Sunbury resident David Lumsden retired earlier this month after a remarkable 64 years with the same company.

Now 85 years old, Mr Lumsden joined Australian manufacturer and supplier Laminex in 1960 as an A-grade wood machinist and then became the machine shop supervisor.

In a retirement announcement on behalf of Mr Lumsden, a Laminex spokesperson said he made a big impact on the company throughout his long career.

“David has been an integral part of our company’s history and success since he joined us … throughout these six decades, his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment has left an unforgettable mark on all of us,” the spokesperson said.

“David’s contributions have shaped our business in profound ways, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues, clients, and partners alike. His wisdom and guidance has not only guided our company … but has also inspired generations of employees to strive for excellence”.

Mr Lumsden said throughout his career with Laminex, he manufactured a wide range of products across several industries.

These included shop fittings, dishwasher tops, heater cabinets, and even veneer linings for suburban trains.

Mr Lumsden said the variety in his work was one of the factors leading him to remain with the company for 64 years.

“The work was interesting, you had to think things out. It wasn’t boring … a lot of times [the clients] weren’t too sure what they wanted and you had to work it out for them,” he said.

Mr Lumsden retired on Friday, July 5, after serving the company in the final years of his career as a handyman.

“My partner, when we talked about retirement, she said ‘if you come home, you’ll drive me mad and I’ll drive you mad!’”

Sunbury resident David Lumsden worked for Laminex for 64 years before retiring earlier this month. (Damjan Janevski). 421182_01

Vince Bezzina with his aviation memorabilia. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 420215

Inquiry tackles the stigma around menopause

More needs to be done to reduce the stigma aroundmenopause,asenateinquiryintoissues relating to menopause and perimenopause has heard.

The Senate Community Affairs References Committee is conducting the inquiry which is examining the economic consequences of menopause and perimenopause, their physical health impacts, the mental and emotional wellbeing of people experiencing menopause and perimenopause and the impact on caregiving responsibilities.

The inquiry is also considering medical professionals’ awareness of menopause and perimenopause symptoms and treatments and cultural and societal factors influencing perceptions and attitudes.

DuringaninquiryhearinginMelbournelast month, Women’s Health in the North sexual and reproductive health co-ordinator Tilly Mahoney said perimenopause and menopause are often not talked about within society, due in part to the pervasive stigma and taboo that surrounds reproductive health issues.

“Ongoing stigma can lead to isolation, ignorance, delays in seeking help for physical and mental health impacts, reduced workforce participation and discrimination,” she said.

“Normalising menopause and emphasising the positive or neutral aspects of this life stage can combat that narrative of loss or decline, which is tied to the intersection of sexism and ageism.”

Ms Mahoney said that while there has been

plenty of work done to explore the relationship between the experiences of menopause and workforce participation, there is little research on the impact of menopause on participation in arenas other than employment. She said key contributors to good mental health include social independence, feeling valued, physical activity, good nutrition and having faith and belief, adding that further understanding of whether these areas are impacted by menopausal symptoms could inform approaches to holistic, clinical and social support and the prevention of mental ill health among people experiencing menopause.

“While physical symptoms may contribute in part to this mental ill health for women and gender-diverse people who experience

menopause, we also need to consider the social determinants of mental ill health: social connectedness; freedom from discrimination and violence; and economic participation, which are all influenced by the broader context of gender inequality.

“Attributing mental ill health solely to the biology of the menopausal transition renders this social context irrelevant and risks further entrenching the views of women’s unsuitability for the workforce or lack of resilience due to ‘biological needs’. Interventions focused on improving the mental health of persons experiencing perimenopause and menopause need to be coupled with investment in broader strategies to address gender inequality.

The final report is due on September 17.

Raising awareness of stillbirth

By Casey Neill

Jacki O’Farrell had a cardiac arrest during her first birth and was unable to sit up for her first two weeks of motherhood. Her second baby was stillborn.

The Sunshine mum of three says there’s no silver lining to what she’s been through, but she’s determined to use her experience to support others.

Jacki fell pregnant with her daughter Charlie in2020.Afterfinallybeingadmittedtohospital after three days in labour, monitors meant to beclockingCharlie’sheartratekeptslippingoff her tight tummy.

Medical staff broke her waters, placed a monitoring clip on Charlie’s head, and told her Charlie’s heart rate had dropped.

An anaesthetist performed an epidural and Jacki settled in to get some rest, armed with a button to press every 15 minutes for drug delivery. The second time she pressed the button, her body felt drunk, but not her mind.

Jacki had suffered a dural puncture and was being inundated with drugs.

“My hand started going a bit numb. My mouth and tongue started to feel a bit similar,” she said. “The last thing I remember hearing was ‘she’s turning blue’.”

Medical staff performed CPR on Jacki for 12 minutes. “While that was happening I had an episiotomy and Charlie was forcepped out.

“Luke watched them do CPR for about a minute on her. Then he heard her crying, so his attention focused back on me.

“He was picturing a life without me. He was playing his life out, doing it by himself.”

Jacki woke up with “the worst headache”. “It felt like someone was crushing my skull,”

she said. “My optic nerve was impacted. Everything was really blurry. I thought I was blind.”

Jacki was in ICU while a healthy Charlie was in NICU for monitoring. Jacki was moved to high care and was finally able to hold Charlie –for about 10 minutes, laying horizontally.

“I was leaking spinal fluid from the epidural needle hole every time I sat up,” she said.

“The first two weeks of motherhood were spent laying flat on my back.

“I’m quite maternal. Not being able to care for your baby was a massive hurdle.”

About six months later she was diagnosed with PTSD and medicated.

JackifellpregnantwithOakleywhenCharlie was about 10 months old.

“I was excited but then also terrified at the exact same time,” she said. “I couldn’t have anythingcatastrophichappenagain.Iwouldn’t

have been able to mentally deal with it.”

But at 31 weeks, she noticed a change in Oakley’s movements.

“Wecalledhimthehurricanebaby,”shesaid. “Itwasreallyeasyformetoidentifywhenthe movements had reduced.”

Doctors confirmed there was no heartbeat.

“We just sat in the room wailing,” Jacki said. “We couldn’t cry hard enough.

“It hit me like a shovel to the face, ‘I have to give birth, I still have to have the baby’.

“I was just screaming ‘I don’t want to do it’.

“I never thought that would happen to us, especially after what happened with Charlie.”

They had a night at home and returned for induction the following day, with wonderful support from the hospital.

A postmortem was inconclusive.

“He moved around so much, the cord was around his neck when he was born, and there

was a knot in the cord,” Jacki said. “It’s nothing that anyone could have prevented or changed.”

Their families met and held Charlie, and then they went home.

“Thatwasoneofthemostchallengingthings to experience. Saying goodbye,” Jacki said. “You never want to leave your child anywhere alone.

“I left my baby by himself.”

Having to show up for 18-month-old Charlie every day helped Jacki through her grief.

An urn containing Oakley’s ashes and a photo of their lost son are on display at home. They bought a baby oak tree to mark the first anniversary of his birth.

Four months after losing Oakley, she fell pregnant again.

“His due date was four days after Oakley’s first anniversary,” she said. “I just didn’t want tobepregnantonorafterOakley’sanniversary. I wanted them separate.”

She was booked for an induction the week before and was in active labour for three hours before welcoming Conor.

“Icouldnotbelievethedifferenceinrecovery from Charlie,” she said.

Jacki now dedicates her spare time to raising awareness and money for Stillbirth Foundation Australia and Still Aware through her small business BHOOMI Babe. She sells breastfeeding blankets and burp cloths and donates $5 from each purchase to the charities.

“You look for the silver lining and there is no silver lining, so what’s the next best thing I can do?”shesaid.“It’snotgoingtochangeanything for us, but it might help someone else.”

To others who’ve lost a baby, Jacki says “it’s more common than people realise” and “it’s OK to feel what you’re feeling”.

To their friends and family, Jacki says to avoid minimising their experience.

“We did have friends who just came and sat on our kitchen floor and said ‘what happened, howareyoudoing?’andjustbeingcomfortable sitting there watching us cry,” she said.

“Just asking ‘are you happy to talk about it?’ is a good place to start.”

Have your say on women’s health issues in the north-west

Star Weekly is aiming to bring the healthcare issues facing women in Melbourne’s west and north into the spotlight with its new health survey.

The online survey is part of the 12-month Women’s Health Matters campaign, which addresses the systemic obstacles and barriers women must overcome when managing their health.

Topics reported by Star Weekly include access to specialised and preventative healthcare, availability of culturally appropriate healthcare, and adequacy of mental health services.

Thesurvey,whichiscompletelyconfidential, has 16 questions and takes less than five minutes to fill out.

Participants will be asked about what theirtophealthconcernis,iftheyhavetravelled outside their suburb to access healthcare, and if they were happy with the care they have received, among other questions.

Star Weekly news editor Laura Michell said the opportunity to cover these issues was of significant importance to the paper.

“Star Weekly is proud to be able to champion women’s health in the western and northern suburbs over the next 12 months,” she said.

“It is our hope that the Women’s Health Matters campaign will raise awareness of the critical health issues affecting women and advocate for change.”

MrsMichellsaidhearingfromindividualsin

the region about their healthcare experiences would help enrich the reporting of these matters and increase their recognition.

“Results from the survey will better inform our campaign coverage,” she said.

“Star Weekly has created this women’s health survey to help us better understand the healthcare issues affecting women living in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs.”

“We want to hear about your stories of success and resilience to help motivate and empower other women to seek help and support when needed,” she said.

“Women too often pay too little attention to their healthcare needs.”

Scan the QR code right to take the confidential survey.

Jacki and Luke with Conor, Charlie and a photo of baby Oakley. (Supplied)

Crossing work begins

Level crossing removal works on the Old Calder Highway in Diggers Rest have commenced.

Commuters can expect to see construction vehiclesandmachinerypreparingatemporary diversion road as major elements of the project, building of a road bridge over the rail line, get under way in the coming weeks.

A temporary service road will open in August to make way for a new roundabout, which will connect the road bridge to the Old Calder Highway.

Crews will also undertake rail signalling, service overhead wiring works, install signage and manage traffic in preparation for the construction.

Site establishment works at the nearby Watsons Road level crossing removal will

Romsey resale shop opens

Macedon Ranges residents now have another option for recycling usable goods or finding a bargain, with the opening of a new resale shop at the Romsey Resource Recovery Facility.

The new shop is the shire’s second following the recent upgrade and reopening of the resale shop at the Kyneton Recovery Facility.

The Romsey resale shop was officially opened by Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas and mayor Annette Death.

Through these resale shops, residents can donate their unwanted household items, diverting waste from landfill and giving them a new life.

Proceeds go towards the ongoing operations of volunteer-led shops.

Cr Death thanked Sustainability Victoria and the state government for the funding.

“We know our community is passionate about recycling and reducing the amount of waste that goes into landfill – the resale shops provide another way to do this,” she said.

Used clothing and textiles will not be resold at the resale shops, with residents encouraged to continue donating these items to local op-shops.

Textile bins for recycling all other items not of reusable quality are available at all three of the council’s resource recovery facilities.

Both the Romsey and Kyneton resale shops are open during each respective facility’s opening hours and are run with the assistance of council staff and volunteers.

Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/resale-shop

Jaidyn Kennedy

start in a few months time.

TheremovalofthelevelcrossingsinDiggers

Rest aims to improve safety and reduce congestion on important arterial roads, the state government said.

It is expected to be completed by 2025.

Residents can apply for the stakeholder liaison group to represent the views, opinions, and concerns of the community.

Nominations close 11.59pm on Sunday, August 4.

Each morning, more than 8000 vehicles must travel over the level crossings in Diggers Rest and wait for the 27 services that run before 9.30am, the government said.

Details: engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-diggers-rest

Eddie Russell

Briefs

Financial counselling grants

The state government announced that not-for-profit community service organisations can now apply for funding to increase their financial counselling services. The funding aims to assist Victorians experiencing financial hardship and address the high demand for financial counselling. To apply, eligible organisations are encouraged to submit a proposal that will support people experiencing financial hardship – especially where mortgage and rental stress are factors. Expressions of interest are open until August 30.

Check your enrolment

The Victorian Electoral Commission is urging eligible residents and ratepayers to check that they are enrolled to vote for the upcoming council elections. The enrolment deadline for the council elections is 4pm on Wednesday, August 7. Australian citizens who have recently turned 18 or changed address can enrol or update their details on the Victorian Electoral Commission website. Anyone on the state electoral roll is automatically enrolled for their current address for these elections. There are also additional council enrolment categories for non-resident owners, occupiers, company nominees, and non-Australian citizens who pay rates. Details: vec.vic.gov.au

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Grainger Legal can draft you a Will or review your current Will and, if necessary, update it for you. We can also prepare Powers of Attorney and Appointments of a Medical Treatment Decision Maker.

Macedon Ranges mayor Annete Death, Cr Rob Guthrie, Cr Bill West, Cr Jennifer Anderson and Cr Christine Walker at the opening of the new resale shop. (Supplied).

Works underway to build the temporary diversion road. (Supplied)

Greener pastures for cult horse

By Garry Howe

Cult racehorse Fab’s Cowboy has covered more ground than the early settlers to notch an Australian record 54 wins in a celebrated racing career that ended in the Queensland outback on Saturday, July 27.

Treatedmorelikeafamilypetbyconnections, Fab’s Cowboy had a rough start to life but will end his days in surroundings more befitting the sport of kings in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Queensland racing rules decree that the well-travelled 12-year-old has to retire after he linesupforhis159thcareerstartintheFarewell Fab’s Cowboy Open Sprint at Longreach.

Three days later he will turn 13, the compulsoryretirementageforhorses,andthen the much-loved family pet of Barcaldine-based trainer off to the equine paradise of Living LegendsinGreenvale,wherehewillliveouthis days alongside racing royalty.

A horse who ventured onto a city track only a handful of times will be feted alongside Melbourne Cup winners Brew, Efficient, Twilight Payment, Almandin and Prince of Penzance, eight-time Group 1 winner Apache Cat, sprinting star Santa Ana Lane and international superstars Silent Witness and Pakistan Star.

The Fab’s Cowboy story is a remarkable one in an industry noted for its colour and character.

The supporting cast of trainer Bevan ‘Billy’ Johnson, his wife Mel the stable hand, apprentice jockey Dakota Graham and owner Paul Currin have been there along the way, and another apprentice Tyler Leslight joined the family a few years on.

Roma has been his favourite stomping ground, having had 10 wins at Bassett Park, followed by Gladstone, where he won his first

race back in June 2016 and has saluted another seven times since.

GoingintoSaturday,hiscareerrecordstands at 158 starts for 54 wins, 32 seconds, 14 thirds. He has been in the money 100 times, earned just over $440,000 in prizemoney and has

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a win rate of 34 per cent and a place rate of 63 per cent.

But the career was almost over before it started.

Born amid severe drought conditions, Fab’s Cowboy almost didn’t survive the 52-degree

heat of his first day on earth.

That rough start may have made him more resilientthanalotofothergallopersandonthe racetrack he developed a reputation of being a bit arrogant and belligerent.

He had a preference for apprentice jockeys –withatleastsixrecordingtheirfirstcareerwins on him – because he didn’t like to be bossed around by the passenger atop.

At home, which was initially in Moranbah andlateryearsatBarcaldine,hewasconsidered part of the family.

Fab’s Cowboy pulled up a bit rough after one of his wins at Blackall and Johnson was found sleeping in his stall. He bunked there for two nights.

That’ll be the sting in the tail for the stable. It’ll be like one of the kids leaving home.

A breakdown of the 54 wins of Fab’s Cowboy 2016

Gladstone 4 June

Charleville 9 July Gladstone 6 August

Clermont 1 October

Gladstone 16 October

Charleville 1 November

Roma 19 November Roma 10 December 2017 Bluff 18 February

Gladstone 4 March

Barceldine 29 April Emerald 27 May

Barcledine 10 June Charleville 8 July Bundaberg 15 July

21 October

9 December

10 February

Roma 24 February Roma 17 March Gladstone 31 March Cunnanulla 25 April Charleville 29 September Blackall 20 October Charleville 27 October

2019

Barceldine 16 March

Roma 30 March

Goondiwindi 6 April

Gladstone 20 April

Cunnamulla 24 May

Roma 13 July

Roma 24 August

Charleville 28 September

Blackall 19 October

Charleville 26 October

2020

Roma 20 June

Bundaberg 30 June

Bundaberg 31 July Gympie 22 August

26 September

16 April

11 June

15 october

Isa 2 December

Isa 24 February

Above: Fab’s Cowboy returns to scale after one of his 54 career wins. Right: Trainer Bevan ‘Billy’ Johnson with his stable favourite.

Fab’s Cowboy gets up on the inside to salute at Blackall in Queensland.

Foster a deep connection to the community at Braemar

Choosing the right school for your children is a significant decision. Braemar College offers an educational experience that integrates academic excellence with a connection to community and our environment.

The College’s two campuses provide unique and enriching environments for its students.

The Mount Macedon campus has been the centre of education for over a century, initially as the Clyde Grammar School and, since 1976, as Braemar College. This campus is now home to students in Years 9 to 12 and offers a serene environment surrounded by nature and wildlife. Picture McCubbin’s 1904 painting ’The Pioneer’, with a place of learning in panel two.

The Mount campus, while beautiful, faces challenges in a changing global climate. In 2018, the College opened its Woodend campus, which is home to students in Years 5 to 8. This campus, recognised for its innovative design to support learning through architecture, reflects a continuing commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment. The Woodend campus combines modern facilities with the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape, offering students a unique and inspiring place to learn and grow in a rural setting and vast open spaces.

Braemar College emphasises a nurturing community for student growth, inspired by the African proverb that it takes a village to raiseachild.Boththemiddleschoolandsenior school programs foster a sense of responsibility towards making the world a better place, with vibrant house-based activities. Students at Braemar feel appreciated and supported by caring staff. The College offers a diverse range of electives and a flexible, accommodating approachtoensureeverystudentfeelsaccepted.

Beyond the classroom, Braemar College offers a rich array of extracurricular activities. The equestrian team and cadet unit provide

uniqueopportunitiesforskilldevelopmentand teamwork. Numerous clubs during lunchtime allow students to explore various interests, while optional language and service-based trips during the term holidays offer immersive learning experiences.

A holistic education experience challenges and inspires each student to achieve their best, promoting independent thinking and lifelong learning. Senior students lead by example,

shaping the next generation through focused learning and social justice initiatives. The CollegehasastrongOldCollegiancommunity, enriching its culture and fostering a sense of continuity and belonging.

Investing in student’s future, Braemar Collegeisexcitedtounveilanewmulti-purpose hall that will open soon and a purpose-built technology hub that will be ready for the 2025 school year. These future-ready facilities will

further enhance the educational experience on offer.

Come and see for yourself why the community cherishes its time at Braemar College.Experiencethewelcomingatmosphere and strong sense of belonging.

Braemar College prepares students for the next stage of their personal growth, blending academic excellence with a deep connection to their community and the environment.

Braemar College has two campuses, providing an enriching educational experience. (Supplied)

Wildwood man faces court after property raid

A police homicide raid on a rural property has landed a man in court on weapons, drug and theft charges, but nothing linking him to the missing man at the heart of the search.

Joshua Gangelhoff was arrested on Tuesday, July 23, after investigators combed a rural property in Wildwood, discovering almost 100 cannabis plants, six stolen vehicles, ammunitionandariflewiththeserialnumber filed off.

The search was over a series of burglaries and the disappearance of Adrian Romeo, 43, who has not been seen in five months.

Gangelhoff, 34, faced Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on Wednesday, July 24. supported by family and friends.

Gangelhoff was on bail for alleged firearm offences.

The police search uncovered two motorcycles, an SS Commodore, a van and two trucks – all believed to be stolen.

Policesaidtheaccusedappearedtobeliving in a motorhome on the property, where they discovered a samurai sword, several zip-lock bags containing powders and prescription medications and two bottles containing liquid

believed to be 1,4-Butanediol, a precursor to the drug GHB.

Searchers found cannabis, stolen vehicles, ammunition and a rifle but no sign of Adrian Romeo.

Gangelhoff was arrested carrying a shotgun cartridge, Senior Constable McAuley said, but the more-than 100-strong search team did not find a shotgun on the property.

Senior Constable McAuley argued Gangelhoff should not be eligible for bail.

“The accused has been difficult to be located by police in the past, your honour, where he’s

Sunbury PSOs help teen

By Oscar Parry

Each weeknight, a Sunbury teenager visits Sunbury Railway Station to meet and spend time with protective service officers (PSOs).

A routine for many years, mother Sen Ostanin said that her son Ben Ostanin, a student of Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School, has now become non-fearful of PSOs, and that both he and the officers have gained a lot from their interactions.

Sen said the recurring catch up started as a way for Ben to become familiarised with PSOs, and for the PSOs and other members of the Sunbury Police Station to know and be able to recognise him if he was ever found lost in the area.

She said the interactions have helped her son to “not see the PSOs as a threat but a form of resource.”

“As soon as they see my car, they’re there to say ‘Hi, Ben!’ and fist bump him,” Sen said.

The interactions started with the help of Sunbury protective service office Nyssa Jewell, who said that she has liaised with the Sunbury Police Station to organise other activities for Ben.

This included a tour of an alcohol and drug testing bus for the teenager, with the aim of helping him to become non-fearful as a passenger when the driver is stopped for testing.

Nyssa said the station also organised a police vehicle ride aimed at helping Ben become

familiarised with the environment and to reduce anxiety if he ever needed to be picked up in an emergency.

She said she and another PSO accompanied Ben and his mother for a short train trip last month, assisting with the commute.

“I’m a mum too, so when [Sen] comes to me and…shewantstotakehimonatrainbutshe’s worried … and she doesn’t know what’s going to happen – I would feel safer too if somebody camewithme.Sothat’showweendedupdoing that,” Nyssa said.

She said working at Sunbury station has allowed her to meet many regular train commuters, and encouraged residents to talk to PSOs if they ever need assistance or just feel like having a conversation.

been subject to 10 name whereabouts and 10 outstanding warrants for his arrest,” he said. Investigations continue into the disappearance of Mr Romeo, who was last seen on February 10 when he told his parents he was going to Greenvale to visit friends. Hewasdrivinghis2004goldToyotaCamry, whichpoliceareyettofind.MrRomeohasnot been seen or heard from since and his phone and bank cards have not been used. The investigation and court case continue.

Adrian Black, AAP

Soft plastics recycling pilot

Macedon Ranges residents are being encouraged to join an expanded council-wide kerbside soft plastics recycling pilot, after an encouraging trial in Romsey.

Households can register in-person at a council customer service centre to get a free pack of 20 collection bags. The pilot program is an expansion of a 12-month trial in Romsey and is part of the development of a proposed national pilot program led by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) in conjunction with more than 40 household brands.

Residents collect their soft plastic and place in the bags which are put in the recycling bin on collection day.

Soft plastic collected is sent to a specialist processor in Victoria to make new plastic products locally, creating a circular economy.

Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death said the council welcomes this initiative by the AFGC and is excited to continue this pilot partnership in our shire. “Soft plastics are currently a big part of our waste to landfill and cannot be efficiently collected for recycling in any other way,” she said.

The Romsey-based trial selected more than 2,200 residents to participate, with a massive 1737 kilograms of soft plastic that would have otherwise gone to landfill recycled.

Work is also under way to better understand which households choose to recycle, and the benefits of different collection methods, while brands continue to work towards the development of a proposed product stewardship scheme.

Details: https://tinyurl.com/ MRSCRecycling

Jaidyn

Kennedy

Sunbury Station protective service officers Nyssa Jewell and Edward James with teenager Ben Ostanin during a train trip last month. (Supplied)

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 Immune system organ (6)

4 Clearly demonstrate; prove (6)

10 Was (5)

11 Gaseous fuel (9)

12 Binding agreements (9)

13 Port city in Belgium (5)

14 A counting number (6)

15 Cicatrix (4)

19 Greeting (Ital) (4)

20 Overseas (6)

24 Dollars (coll) (5)

25 The common people (3,6)

27 Training (9)

28 Sharp protrusion (5)

29 Restraint (6)

30 Commands (6) DOWN

1 Chosen (8)

2 Plant yielding fragrant oil (8)

3 Declare one’s approval (7)

5 Traveller (7)

6 Family members (6)

7 Forces out (6)

8 Fashion designer, – Jacobs (4)

9 Ill from ocean movement (7)

16 Northern Indian state, Jammu and – (7)

17 Fuel pit (8)

18 Consultants (8)

19 Gush (7)

21 Software (7)

22 The best at (6)

23 Discharge (6)

26 Scottish island (4)

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

9 words: Good 13 words: Very good 18 words: Excellent Today’s Aim:

3 LETTERS

1 What was the name of the boat in the movie Jaws?

2 Dan Brown’s 2003 novel The Da Vinci Code opens with a murder in which museum?

3 What type of reptiles are leatherbacks and ridleys?

4 Janus is the ancient Roman god of what?

5 In which city are the Spanish Steps located?

6 Who, alongside Jordan Peele (pictured), created the sketch comedy series Key&Peele

7 The Palace of Versailles was built in which 17th-century architectural style? 8 In carpentry, what is a plumb bob used for? 9 Lydia Deetz, Barbara Maitland and Otho are characters in which Tim Burton film?

10 Goulash is the national dish of which European country?

No. 196

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to

Send item details

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

Sincerely Yours

The Sincerely Yours event has been designed for members of Hume to access a world-class musical performance, followed by an afternoon tea where they can socialise and access locally provided stalls, social community groups, and services. The event will be held on Friday, August 9, at the Jack McKenzie Community Hall, 11 Green Street, Bulla. Doors open at 12.30pm, with performances beginning at 1pm. The afternoon tea and community stalls will then open after the show at about 2.10pm, with stalls remaining open until 4pm. For further details, visit: https:// www.littlepinetreeproductions.com/ upcoming-events

■ Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ CTACS

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 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

Sunbury and Surrounds LGBTIQ

Social Club

The 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

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

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 Art Society

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

people. New members welcome.

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

Yoga in Sunbury

Yoga classes at Sunbury Neighbourhood House focus on supporting participants to slow down and move well. Special attention is given to mindful awareness of movement that builds strength in a healthy and safe way, Monday mornings, Thursday evenings and Friday mornings ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978.

Art group

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

■ Colin Robinson, 0407 426 252

Shuttles and pickleballs

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

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

Scottish country dancing

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

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

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

■ communityconnectcreate.com.au

Amateur radio club

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

■ http://www.mrarc.org.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of actress Katrina Gauci from the Wyndham Theatre Company. (Damjan Janevski) 420441

Display four years in the making

By Eddie Russell

Artist Britt Salt loves that her latest exhibition has found its home in the “community hub thoroughfare” that is the CS Gallery.

She said seeing kids, adults and staff interact with SpatialMurmuration, which is now available to view at the Caroline Springs Library, is awesome.

Viewers can enjoy five tapestries and eight drawings of Salt’s, who spent the last four years working on the display.

Salt said the pieces, a variety of large scale public artwork and small intricate ink

drawings, are often compared to ‘op art’ – the use of black and white geometrical shapes to create images of optical illusions.

“Across all the work there’s a bit of a trick of the eye happening … people say it looks like [prominent op art trailblazer] Bridget Riley,” she said.

“People say at first glance it looks computer generated but I have to say it’s all by hand.”

However, Salt said her work differs from this style because of her fascination with order.

“Unlike modernism and other historical, 60s-based art movements … I tend to use

Show combines culture and music

Preparetobesweptawayonaculturaljourney as the Altona Theatre hosts an extraordinary performance featuring composer and multi-instrumentalist Lamine Sonko and Ngiyampaa singer-songwriter Pirritu on August 16.

This event will feature music that combines traditional cultural knowledge and contemporary styles, creating a rich and diverse musical experience.

Sonko said he’s looking forward to sharing his music and culture.

“Both of us come from a very rich cultural background, so the evening will be full of storytelling,” Sonko said.

“From my said, I’ll be sharing music from

Senegal, from my heritage.”

He said his performances are deeply rooted in his heritage as a guewel (cultural role) of the Sing Sing clan and Korings of Kaabu, and a member of the Serer, Wolof and Mandinko cultural communities of Senegal.

With his distinctive traditional vocal style, alongside kora, sabar percussion, and guitar, he defines new ways to re-imagine traditional African, contemporary synthesis in music.

“it’s going to be an evening, a combination of Senegalese music infusion with Western classical music,” he said.

Pirritu, meaning ’Brett’ in the Ngiyampaa language,offersadeeplypersonalandmelodic journey through his music.

Adopted by a non-Aboriginal couple as a newborn, Pirritu was raised to be proud of his Aboriginality and began his cultural journey at the age of 14.

His music is driven by his love for his daughter and his passion for reconnecting with his heritage.

With two albums to his name, Pirritu’s work weaves folk instrumentation with his unique vocals, echoing the gentle winds and waters of his ancestral lands.

This captivating show is set to take place at Altona Theatre on Friday, August 16, from 7.30pm.

Anne Parisianne

geometry and architecture as foundations to explore that,” she said.

However, Salt loves that human nature triumphs over order – something that is evident in both the process and end result.

“The fact these are by hand and take long stretches of time to make means you inevitably get these slippages or glitches were you see the human and the hand behind the process,” she said.

“I don’t call them mistakes because I see themaspositivethings– Ireallyrelishthem.”

SpatialMurmurationsis available in the CS Gallery until October 14.

Drag Bingo at the castle

Keilor’s Overnewton Castle is set to host its famous dinner show once again, n with the return of the Drag Queen Bingo Night.

The event, back by popular demand, promises an evening filled with laughter and unforgettable performances by Melbourne’s boldest drag queens, Lady Lou Bricant and Spencer Street.

On Friday, August 9, from 7pm to 11pm, guests can indulge in a night of comedy and entertainment.

A ticket includes six exciting rounds of bingo, complete with bingo pads and pens, alongside seven dazzling live drag performances.

The drag queens will bring their signature style and humor, keeping attendees on the edge of their seats.

Attendees will also have the chance to snap photos with the performers and win prizes throughout the night.

Drinks will be available at bar prices after the initial cocktail.

Don’t miss out on this night full of entertainment at Overnewton Castle, 51 Overnewton Road, Keilor.

Tickets: shorturl.at/iMcth

Sunbury Art Society welcomes new faces to The Boilerhouse

Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, or crafter, Sunbury Art Society is a non-for-profit community group that warmly welcomes artists of all kinds and skill levels to become members.

Meeting each Friday and Saturday at The Boilerhouse, Jacksons Hill, president Ken Winnell said members meet to work on both new and in progress artworks in a social setting.

“Some people have got work they’ve been working on for a while they bring along, others start new stuff, some people will … come up and join us for a coffee and a chat,” Winnell said. “Any media, any surface – whatever interests people.”

Winnell said artists have the opportunity to exhibit their works at the society’s annual

exhibition on the first weekend of May and sell their works at their end-of-year art sale.

“Some people have their works up at Art on Piper in Kyneton, we have a few artists exhibited at Eight Oaks Café in Sunbury, others have their works exhibited in Belleview Café up on Jacksons Hill,” he said.

“We’re a very happy and friendly bunch who are always willing to help and support each other.”

The Sunbury Art Society started in 1985 and now consists of about 50 members.

Open to all artists over the age of 18, an annual membership is $50, with a discount offered to concession holders.

Details: sunburyartsociety.com/

Oscar Parry

Sunbury Art Society members Linden Bresal, Jeanette Morton, Ken Winnell, Miffy Howell, Yvone Bradford, Susan Sette and Marina Zakryszka holding their works at the Boilerhouse in Sunbury. (Damjan Janevski) 416611_01

Drag Bingo has become an Overnewton Castle staple. (Supplied)

Brett Lee aka Pirritu, and right, Lamine Sonko. (Pictures: Supplied)

Artist Britt Salt. (Janelle Low).

Public Notice of Praecipe, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance Lisa Lee-Ann Kelly of Sunbury, Victoria State, is

voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my property and all associated Copyright Protected Trade Names Maya Grace Mustata [RPP 44 63900 05100 30179 62604] and Enya Mary Mustata [RPP 44 63900 05100 30179 63601] since unrebutted lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis, commonly known as The Commonwealth of Australia, Public Record Number RPP 44 63900 05100 30672 04600, Proclamation Date 15th July 2024; severing Userfruct Subjugation ties with the Australian Corporation in entirety. The occupying corporate government of Australia and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected Financial Instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Lisa Lee-Ann Kelly in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin; Glossa 12707054-MS31-24

Taking the chess world by storm

Nine-year-old Point Cook boy, Rheyansh Reddy, will compete in a world chess championship in Italy later this year, Cade Lucas reports.

Point Cook’s Sasirekha Reddy can recall the moment she knew her youngest son Rheyansh was no ordinary boy.

“When he was around four and half one day he came to me and asked how a knight moves on the chess board, ” said Ms Reddy, who wasn’t aware that Rheyansh even knew what chess was let alone had any interest in it.

“I was surprised and asked him ‘do you know you know the other pieces on the chess board ?’ and he showed me all the other pieces and how they moved. I was shocked.”

Chess was hardly foreign in the Reddy household.

Ms Reddy plays herself and her elder son, Druthin, had recently taken it up too, something Rheyansh, unbeknownst to her, had been keeping a close eye on.

Proving he could put theory into practice, in the space of three months Rheyansh went from never having played before to easily beating his older brother.

It was rapid progress that only continued when his mother took him to his first competition in 2018.

“Before he turned five took him to a small tournament at the Wyndham chess club and he won four rounds in the under-16 category in the first tournament in his life. We took him to another tournament he played so confidently and he beat more experienced kids. I could see his confidence and joy when he was playing. He was not thinking ‘I’m going to win this game’, he was enjoying it. Even now he just enjoys the game.”

Now Rheyansh is nine years old and firmly entrenched as one of global chess’ great young prodigy’s, the type of generational talent that has him bestowed with titles like ‘CandidateMaster’andhaspeopleinthechess

community referring to him as a ‘superstar’ and ‘Queens Gambit’ after the Netflix show about an orphaned chess prodigy. They might need to come up with even grander monikers later this year after Rheyansh competes at the world age group championships in Italy in November.

In order to help get him there, the Hobsons Bay Chess Club is holding fundraising event on August 6, where Rheyansh will play a simultaneous exhibition match or ‘simul’

Mr Goh has witnessed Rheyansh’s ability on chess board up close and said he’s every bit as good as advertised.

“Rheyansh started playing in our club when was about five years old and he actually beat me when he was six so that was very impressive,” he said.

against multiple players at once.

Far from showing off, simul’s are a popular way for chess masters to demonstrate their skills and for amateur players to gain valuable experience by playing against a higher-level opponent.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our juniors to challenge themselves and play against our own junior master,” said Hobsons Bay Chess Club instructor Casey Goh of the fundraising event.

“He is very very good. Very, very good.” November’s world cadet championships in Montisalvano won’t be Rheyansh’s first time on the world stage.

Last year he became the first Australian in 35 years to win an Asian age group title when he took out the under-8’s category at a tournament in Bali.

Earlier in 2023 he competed in his first world championships in Batumi, Georgia, finishing 10th.

To register for the exhibition or donate, visit: https://shorturl.at/W1L8Q

Rheyansh Reddy is a chess champion. Above: Rheyansh with some of his trophies. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 420043

Pricey, but hot hatch drives well

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Honda’s hot hatch is a car that never seems to lose its appeal.

It’s probably the closest thing we mere mortals will ever get to a Ferrari-like driving experience.

The Type-R goes hard, stops hard and is engineered to thrill, but is not a car that will appeal to everyone.

And at $73K price creep threatens to put it beyond the reach of the very group of drivers at which it is targeted.

Styling

Priced from $73,600 driveway, the Type R has gone up $1000 since we last tested it.

Not a huge increase but that’s on top of the $12,000 or so over the previous model.

That’s a national, haggle-free driveaway price and as such Honda says no negotiations will be entered into.

There are four colours to choose from: Sonic Grey, Rally Red, Crystal Black and Championship White.

The list of competitors with indicative pricing continues to grow, starting with the Hyundai i30 N at just $46,200.

Thenthere’stheSubaruWRX($47,490),Mini Cooper JCW ($61,050), Renault Megane RS ($63,000), Toyota Corolla GR Sport ($64,190), VW Golf R ($70,590), Audi S3 Quattro ($75,400), BMW M135i xDrive ($76,600) and the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ ($119,900).

Missing in action is the fondly-remembered Ford Focus RS which has disappeared along with the rest of the Focus lineup to make way for SUVs and electric vehicles.

At 4606mm new Type-R is 37mm longer, 15mm wider and 13mm lower than the car its predecessor, with a wheelbase that is 35mm longer.

At a kerb weight of 1429kg weight-saving devices include an aluminium bonnet, resin boot lid and smaller wheels which help to reduce unsprung mass by 2.8kg at each corner.

At first sight the latest Type-R looks similar yet different, with seating for four, a good-sized boot and tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare tyre.

A couple of cupholders are built into the centre of the back seat and while it is quite roomy, rear seat passengers could find it somewhat claustrophobic, especially with no air vents.

The front the fascia is similar but different, while the air intake has moved further forward on the bonnet.

The tail lights have been changed to reflect the styling of the latest Civic and while the signature, triple exhaust outlets remain, the rear spoiler is smaller and less impressive.

The black wheels look pretty much the same, but the pinstripe has gone and if you look closely you’ll see they are now 19s instead of 20s, but they wear wider rubber.

Michelin Pilot Sports 265 x 30s are fitted, increasing the car’s footprint and presumably grip.

The brakes are from Brembo, ventilated at front and solid at the rear. The 350mm front discsareequippedwithfour-pistonaluminium callipers. The rears are 305mm in size. Moving inside, the deep sports buckets are finished in bright vermilion red, with red seatbelts and foot well trim along with other red highlights, including red ambient lighting.

The chunky steering wheel has lost some of its red, but is now trimmed in suede leather. It needs a 12 o’clock marker to keep track of the wheels, especially on a circuit.

A metal shifter and foot pedals round out the picture.

A touchscreen now perches atop the dash, with a digital display replacing the previous analogue instrument cluster.

Standard equipment includes ‘suede-style’ fabric, two-zone climate air, manual seat adjustment, LED head and tail lights, auto

lights and wipers, auto dimming mirror, front and rear parking sensors, radar cruise control, adaptive suspension and a limited slip front diff.

There’s also a comprehensive data logging system for tracking the car, with expanded capability that displays all sorts of info like cornering G-force.

Civic Type-R is covered by a five-year warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing, with free map updates for five years and a five-year subscription to on-line services.

Service is due every 12 months or 10,000km.

Infotainment

A 9.0-inch Advanced Display Audio touchscreen has been designed to minimise driver distraction, with hard buttons and customisable shortcuts for functions used often.

The system features Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, wireless phone charger, plus 12 volt and 2 x USB-A ports.

Audio comes from an eight-speaker system, butthere’snomentionofabrand,poweroutput or whether it includes a subwoofer.

Safety

The current Civic has still not been tested for safetybyANCAPandthatincludestheTypeR.

The previous five-star rating expired way back in October, 2021.

The safety fit out is extensive, however, with 10 airbags, a 360 degree reverse camera, two child seat anchor points and a body structure that has been optimised for safety.

Honda Sensing includes Blind Spot Monitor, Drive Attention Monitor, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Support System (HBSS) and Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR).

Engines/transmissions

The previous model produced 228kW of power at 6500 rpm and 400Nm of torque from 2500 rpm. It accelerated from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and uses 8.8L/100km.

Changes to the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine see an increase to 235kW of power and 420Nm of torque, the latter at a slightly higher 2600 revs.

Thedashfrom0-100km/hhasbeentrimmed to just 5.2 seconds and it uses a fraction more fuel at 8.9L/100km.

The turbocharged engine is paired with a smooth, easy-to-use, quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching.

Driving

Remember the Type R is focused on performance rather than comfort.

But it comes with all the trimmings to make you feel more comfortable with the price.

This includes suede-trimmed sports buckets in an attention-seeking red trim that add to the excitement.

The latest Civic Type-R offers a little more power and torque, but this is the preface to a much longer story.

The body is significantly more rigid, delivering improved dynamics and more refinement.

Topped with a solid aluminium shift knob (freezing in winter), the transmission has been engineered to deliver a crisp change action with very low internal friction.

Drive is to the front wheels through a helical-type limited-slip diff minimises wheel spin, allowing the vehicle to accelerate harder on surfaces with uneven traction.

There are four drive modes as well as adjustable suspension: Comfort, Sport, +R and a new Individual mode.

An active exhaust valve changes the pitch of the engine depending on mode, but needs to be louder.

The digital instrument cluster reflects the drive mode you chose, with a race style look in +R that prioritises revs and the current

gear, with a string of LEDs allowing the driver to time the change up as you near the 7000 redline.

Talk about torque!

In most sports models you spend the time changing from second to third and back again in corner to corner driving, but in the Type-R the zone moves up to third and fourth, even reaching fifth on longer straights.

An upgraded Electric Power Steering (EPS) system delivers pin-sharp steering, with a stiffer torsion bar and improved software control resolution to enhance steering feel and control.

Steering weight is adjustable in settings.

The trick for getting the most comfortable, satisfying result out of the car is to put it in the new Individual mode, tick all the +R settings then switch the suspension to Comfort which stops the car from crashing through potholes. And here’s the good bit, the car remembers and retains the drive mode settings between starts.

Grip is phenomenal and the car remains remarkably settled over undulations.

Onthedownsidetyrenoiserampsupquickly when moving from smooth to coarse bitumen. The Brembos are exceptional and will stand the car on its front wheels if asked to.

AllinalltheType-Risafantasticcartodrive. Although premium 95 unleaded is recommended, it will happily take standard unleaded, but probably with a small decrease in power.

Rated at 8.9L/100km, we were getting a conservative 8.0L/100km after almost 660km.

Summing up

The car is great, but the price is a worry. Having said that, there’s plenty of cheaper and more expensive options.

But remember this is the car that holds the lap record for a front-wheel drive vehicle at the Nurburgring,oritwasthelasttimewechecked. The Type R is a cracker to drive, just as happy to go shopping or for a blast around the race track. It’s a genuinely thrilling car to drive, even if my wife doesn’t like it (don’t tell her I said that).

Honda’s hot hatch is probably the closest thing we mere mortals will ever get to a Ferrari-like driving experience. (Pictures: Supplied)

Local results at Olympics so far

By Tara Murray

Here’s a quick look at how athletes from Melbourne’s north-west have gone in the first two days of competition.

Cycling

It was heartbreak for Lucas Plapp in the men’s cycling time trial. After Grace Brown won gold for the Aussies, Plapp was hoping to make it an even better day one. Plapp was sitting in fourth spot at the first check point, but fell in the wet and tricky conditions. Plapp reportedly slid under a barrier fence shortly after passing the first checkpoint.

He was taken to hospital and was waiting on scans. Australian Cycling later released a statement saying Plapp underwent abdominal surgery in a Paris hospital.

His parents and an Australian team doctor wereatthehospitalwithhim.Furthermedical detailsarenotavailableatthistime.Plappwas set to be part of the Australian road team later in the competition.

Basketball

The Australian Boomers got off to the perfect start with a win against Spain. The Boomers led for much of the night and were able to fightbackafterSpaintooktheleadinthethird quarter.

It would be a 92-80 win for the Boomers. Josh Giddy scored 17 points and had eight rebounds. Dante Exum didn’t play as he recovers from a dislocated finger. The Australian team was back in action on Tuesday against Canada.

South Sudan won its first ever Olympic basketball game. The side beat Puerto Rico on Sunday night, Australian time, 90-79. Keilor Thunder’s Kuany Kuany didn’t take to the court.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. In ice hockey, each team has how many positions?

2. Who was the captain of Manchester United in 2015?

3. In 1999, which team won the AFL grand final?

Swimming Sunshine College student Alan Uhi made his Olympics debut on Sunday night Australian time in the 100 metres backstroke. Representing Tonga, the year 12 student finished sixth in his heat with a time of 1:00.62. He finished in 46th place overall.

5. Mike Tyson experienced his first loss to which boxer?

6. In NBA history, how many games have been played on Christmas Eve?

7. In baseball, how many feet are between each

What is the maximum amount of points you can score in curling?

Which ball in snooker is worth seven points?

What are Baltimore known as in the NFL?

Who was appointed caretaker coach of West Coast for the remainder of the 2024 AFL season after Adam Simpson’s sacking?

What colour is associated with the West Coast Fever netball team?

Japanese Paralympian Shingo Kunieda has won three gold medals and dozens of titles in which racquet sport?

Archery Laura Paeglis was in action before the Games kickedoffproperlyonSaturday.Competingin theindividualrankinground,Paeglisfinished in 44th spot after shooting the highest individual ranking round by an Australian since the current 72 arrow ranking. She will

14. Which country not usually associated with the sport won the first women’s rugby union World Cup in 1991?

15. How many Test wickets did James Anderson finish up with after his recently-ended long cricketing career?

16. And which English fast bowler took 12 wickets on debut against the West Indies, which was Anderson’s final Test?

17. Which nation enters the stadium first during Olympic opening ceremonies?

18. 2024 Wimbledon ladies’ singles tennis champion Barbora Krejcikova represents which country?

19. AFL player Lance Collard was banned from playing for how many weeks for using homophobic language?

20. Which Sydney Roosters second-rower was named player of the series in the 2024 edition of State of Origin?

face Caroline Lopez in the 1-32 knockout round. Australia won’t feature in the knockout rounds of the teams event with the combined score between Paeglis and Peter Boukouvalas nothighenough.Paegliswillbebackinaction on Wednesday in the knockout competition.

21. Robert Murphy was the captain of which AFL team from 2015–2017?

22. In snooker, how much is the pink ball worth?

23. Kelvin Kiptum won which 2023 marathon with a time of 2:01:25?

24. Which is the only Grand Slam tennis tournament to use a clay court?

25. In golf, how many strokes under par on an individual hole is a condor?

26. How long is Canberra’s current premiership drought, the secondlongest active in the NRL

27. Which well-known AFL umpire announced he will be retiring at the end of the season?

28. And which team holds the longest active drought?

29. Which national women's team is known as the Australian Jillaroos?

30. Former Olympian Shane Heal captained which team at his last game at 2004 Athens?

Barbora Krejcikova

Laura Paeglis. (Supplied)

Alan Uhi. (Supplied)

Gisborne wins to break hoodoo at Wade Street

Wade Street Recreation Reserve hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Gisborne but it was able to bury some demons on Saturday in the Bendigo Football League.

While Gisborne was shooting for win 11 in a row in the battle of the Bulldogs, they knew it wouldn’t be without a fight.

Gisborne led by five points at halftime before kicking four goals to none in the third quarter to open up a 33 point lead.

Golden Square showed some fight in the last quarter but Gisborne haddone enough to win, 14.10 (94)-11.9 (75).

Gisborne skipper Jack Reaper said it was nice to have a winning day out at Wade Street.

“It’s always tough up there and 2018 was the last time we won at Wade Street,” he said.

“Before that it was 2014 or 2015, it’s not a good record up there. We haven’t played up there a lot and not many players were part of the bad losses in 2017.

“We didn’t focus on it too much, but the older statesmen wanted to get the win.”

Reaper said the conditions suited them with rain falling for a second straight week. He said at one stage they had sun in the third quarter and then hail in the fourth.

He said it was a game where he was glad that he wasn’t a midfielder.

“With the conditions it was a midfield controlled game and about trying to get territory,” he said.

“We got on top in the middle in the third quarter and were able to put it on the scoreboard.”

Dylan Johnstone kicked five goals for the Bulldogs, backing up the four he kicked from the week before.

He’s part of a group of players that are stepping up and really pleasing Reaper.

“Dylan kicked five goals and keeps learning,” he said. “It’s nice having players like Dylan and Harry [Luxmoore] step up.

“Boyd [Nalder] played his second senior game. He’s played Sandhurst and Golden Square and has not looked out of place.

“He’s come up from the reserves and played a role.”

Flynn Lakey was named the Bulldogs best alongside Reaper and Jack Scanlon.

The Bulldogs remain in second spot, just percentage behind Sandhurst. The Bulldogs have a three game gap on Strathfieldsaye.

Reaper said the match against the Bulldogs was the start of a tough run in the lead up to finals.

They will get Braidon Blake back this week after he was a late withdrawal due to the flu.

“We’ve got Eaglehawk, Strathfieldsaye and then Castlemaine who are dangerous especially when they’re at home.

“The next three games if we can get two to three wins we can take that ascendency to finals.”

Tara Murray

Hamilton earlier this season. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413378_04

Hope shoots 400 games

By Tara Murray

Romsey goal shooter Hope Hamilton has dominated the shooting goal circle for 400 games.

Hamilton on Saturday played game 400 having made her debut with the Sunbury Lions in 1997.

She played 150 games for the Lions before making the move to Romsey, where she has played another 250 in the Riddell District Netball League.

Speaking before the game, Hamilton said it had been nice to have the opportunity and look back at her career.

“It is a big thing,” she said. “It’s exciting and it’s a nice opportunity to sit back and think about all the years that I have played.

“I have achieved so much. When you’re won as many games as I have or won premierships and been as successful as I have, I can’t complain.”

Evans started her career with the Sunbury Lions when the club joined the Ballarat Football Netball League and needed to have netball teams.

Since then the only time she hasn’t played is when she had her three children and during Covid.

She won a premiership in her first year with the Lions and a league best and fairest in 2002.

Evans moved to Romsey in 2008 and it was through a mum’s group she got asked to come

and play with Romsey.

She joined the club in 2010 and hasn’t looked back.

She has won three A-grade premierships with the Redbacks along with a B-grade premiership in 2019.

She has won four club best and fairests across A and B-grade.

Hamilton made the drop back to B-grade in 2018-19 as she was managing a few injuries.

Having strengthened her body she has stepped back into A-grade and is matching it with the best in the competition despite being twice the age of some of her opponents and teammates.

“I feel fit and strong and really happy to be playing A-grade,” she said.

“It is a challenge and it’s not as easy as it used to be. The experience though still counts for a lot.

“I’m old enough to be some of their mothers.”

Hamilton said the premierships were all pretty special, especially the B-grade premiership against Rupertswood in 2019 when they won in overtime.

She said she loved that her children were able to grow up at the club as well.

“The A-grade premierships are definitely a highlight,” she said. “I was the only mum in the first one and my kids were on the side lines being part of it.

“It’s a warm environment for them and they

Tigers, Burras can’t be split

The battle to avoid bottom spot on the Riddell District Netball League ladder heated up on Saturday.

DiggersRestandKyneton,thebottom two teams, faced each other in tough conditions.

It was a low scoring affair with not much between the two teams all day. Scores were level at quarter time before the Burras led by a goal at half time.

That margin increased to three goals heading into the final quarter.

The Tigers were able to do enough to level the scores in the final quarter. Neither team could find a winner, with the teams settling for a 29-all draw.

Ashlee Harrison was the best for the Burras, while Laura Bennie was the standout for the Tigers.

The Tigers remain four points clear of the Burras. Lancefield is also four points clear of the Burras.

Riddell came from behind at quarter time against Melton Centrals. It was a close first half before the Bombers shot away in the second half, winning 48-38.

are part of it and it’s really provided a sense of community.

“It’s something I’m thankful for.”

Hamilton has played with many players in her 14 years and said for the most part they’ve had really competitive sides.

She said current Macedon coach and defender Katie Clarke as her toughest opponent, while also highlighting former Melton Centrals defender Mel Laird as another one.

As teammates she’s played with Maggie Lind, Uneeq Palav and Elle McDonald, who both have Suncorp Super Netball experience.

She said there were a couple of local girls that had been among her best teammates.

“Danni Davidson is back at the club now and so is Lauren Anglin,” Hamilton said. “They’re brilliant in their own right and have amazing skills.”

Hamilton said the club was in a good position at the moment with a lot of young talent coming through the club.

She said while she’s not coaching she’s loved having a mentoring role.

Among the young talent starting to come through are her own kids.

“JewellhasfilledinforD-gradethisseason,” Hamilton said.

“I’m hoping to share the court with them. The little one is 13 so I’ll have to hold off retiring for a couple of years and hopefully play seniors together at one point.”

HelenAumuashot16goalsforMelton Centrals, while Shelby Holter shot 20 goals for the Bombers.

Woodend-Hesket proved too strong for Romsey in Hope Hamilton’s 400th game.

The Hawks were able to build a lead throughout on the way to a 58-38 win.

Charlee Duff-Tytler shot 33 goals for the Hawks, while Hamilton scored 24 goals for the Redbacks.

Hawks midcourter Sarah Duff was named best on court, with Mikaela Minns the Redbacks best.

The result keeps the Redbacks a game outside the top five.

In the other match, Macedon proved too strong for Lancefield.

The Tigers led at quarter time but struggled to score for the next three quarters.

The Cats had no issues, coming away with a 41-20 win.

Henrietta Donoghue shot 33 goals for the Cats, while Shanae Brundell shot 10 goals for the Tigers,

Dylan Johnstone. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 420265_19

Hope

Jarrod Dixon brings up game 500

A love of the game keeps Jarrod Dixon coming back each week to coach.

Dixon on Sunday coached his 500th game of football, as he led the Sunbury Kangaroos top under-17 team out onto the field.

The majority of those 500 games have come at the Kangaroos, having coached at both the senior and junior clubs.

He has also coached some games at Keilor. The milestone doesn’t include games as an assistant coach.

Dixon said he had tried to keep the milestone quiet but it had gotten out.

“I didn’t even realise that it was coming up,” he said. “I wasn’t coming but we decided to do a court earlier this year and realised.

“I put a big price on loyalty. I love the game and I love learning.”

Making Dixon’s milestone game was that his son Lachlan returned to the field from injury.

“He hurt his knee in round one and was told it was a three to six month injury,” Dixon said.

“He worked really hard on his rehab and

was cleared two weeks ago. He came back for my 500th game and kicked the first goal as well.

Dixon said for him watching the junior players develop into not only players, but young men. He said he just wanted them all to get their best out of each player.

“You want them to go on and play in the senior program,” he said. “They develop as quality people and I can’t think of anyone that hasn’t done that.

“You put a lot of work in and I’m now coaching sons of players I’ve coached.”

Dixon, who is also currently an assistant coach at Keilor, said there were a lot of great players that he has coached.

He said there’s a number of stars at Keilor but from a Kangaroos standout highlighted one player.

“Matt Welsh is a quality player in the RDFL [Riddell District Football League] community,” he said. “When they won the grand final a few years ago, there were about eight or nine players that went through the junior program.

“It’s good to see them play footy.

“Riley Draicchio, Cam Hildebrand and Liam Jeffries have played senior footy this year after coming through the juniors.

“It doesn’t matter what level they get to. At junior level it’s about a kids development.

“One kid could be bottom six one year the next they are better.”

Dixon said Keilor coach Mick McGuane continues to teach him new stuff every week and once he stops learning he’ll step back from coaching.

For the Kangaroos, they enter finals this week. The club this season fielded two under-17 sides for the first time.

“It’s a big risk,” Dixon said. “We have 46 under-17s.

“There’s been no negativity between the teams and we all train together like a senior program’

“It’s a different challenge.

“We finished second in a strong A grade competition. It’s going to be a hard finals campaign, but it’s exciting.”

Redbacks show fight

By Tara Murray

Romsey showed its fighting spirit to move into second in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.

At half time against Woodend-Hesket, the Redbacks were on the back foot trailing by eight points in a low scoring affair.

The Redbacks kicked four goals to none in the third quarter to turn the deficit into a 16 points lead.

Theywereabletoextenditinthefinalquarter to seal a 7.10 (52)-4.3 (27).

Redbacks coach Justin Sherman said wins like that really show where the side is.

“Itwasquitechallenginginthisgameandwe wereabletofindawaywhenweweren’tplaying well,” he said.

“The group last year would have dropped our heads… Our group has fought through adversity when things haven’t gone our way.

“We’ve done it a few things this year and I can’t be prouder of the boys.”

Sherman said the big change from the first to the second half was getting control around the ball.

He said the Hawks dominated the contest and they were getting out too easy.

“They were really controlling it around the coal face,” he said. “We needed to turn it over in the midfield as they were getting a surge forward and putting us under pressure.

“Wewereabletohitthescoreboardearlyand get back into the contest.”

Nathan Perrone kicked two goals for the Redbacks.

Sherman said they had a lot of contributors with skipper Nathan Blair the standout on field with the way he set the side up.

For the Hawks, Daniel Toman continued his outstanding form.

With Diggers Rest winning and Wallan having the bye, the Redbacks are now second on the ladder.

Riddell has all but secured top spot, so the three teams are fighting for the remaining two double chances.

Sherman said it’s something they had focused on trying to achieve.

“We want to go deep into finals and a double chance is what you need in your arsenal,” he said.

“If things don’t go your way in the first final, you have the second chance. We’ve spoken about wanting to take a different pathway this year, we need to put ourselves in the best position.”

The Redbacks will have a massive test this week, facing Riddell.

Sherman said these are the games that you want in the lead up to finals.,

Tara Murray

“They touched us up the first time,” he said. “We have to fix our starts that have been ordinary, if we give them a start it will be hard to get back into it.

“We spoke after our last bye that there were important weeks that you can’t look too far ahead.

“You need to put out consistent performance at this time of year.”

Elsewhere, Kyneton finals hopes received a boost with an upset win against Diggers Rest on Saturday.

ManyexpectedtheBurrastocomeoutfiring, but it was the Tigers that led at the first break with the Burras kept goal less.

The margin stayed steady at half time with the Tigers straight kicking of 6.1 to 2.8 a major

difference in the game.

The Tigers managed to stay ahead in the second half in a low scoring affair, winning 8.5 (53)-4.10 (34).

MacedoncontinuestoholdKynetonatbayin thebattleforfifthwithawinagainstLancefield.

The Cats led by 20 points at quarter time and that would be the difference in the game, with the Cats winning 8.7 (55)-6.2 (38).

Riddell continued its good form with a strong performance against Melton Centrals.

TheBomberskickedthefirstfourgoalsofthe game with the margin staying steady heading into half time.

Afterhalftime,itwasalltheBombersasthey kicked seven goals to one to win, 13.11 (89)-3.3 (21).

Sports shorts

RDFL

Melton has had one of its best results in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition, holding Kyneton to a draw. The Tigers kicked the only goal of the first half before the Bloods reduced the margin to one point at three quarter time. The Bloods kicked the only point of the final quarter to level the scores, 1.4 (10) apiece. The Tigers finish the regular season in second and the Bloods in fourth. Macedon and and Woodend-Hesket were the other winners on the weekend. Kyneton will face Macedon for a spot in the grand final this week, with Melton facing Woodend-Hesket in a knockout semi final.

RDFL

The Gisborne Giants have signed their first player for the Riddell District Football League 2025 season. The Giants will field a senior side next year for the first time. Current under-19 captain Tom Doyle will make the move into the senior team as the club aims to bring through its local talent.

Netball

Riddell and Western Warriors midcourter Ruby Shannon has been named in the Australian under-21 squad. She was one of 24 players named in the squad as selection preparations commence for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup. Shannon is one of five Victorians in the squad. Shannon returned to the Riddell line up on Saturday with her Victorian Netball League and Super Netball reserves commitments over.

Bendigo NL

Gisborne had a day out against Golden Square in the Bendigo Netball League on Saturday. It was all one way traffic with the Bulldogs winning 76-16. The Bulldogs sit in second spot but have played one less game than ladder leaders Kangaroo Flat. The Bulldogs this week face Eaglehawk.

Jarrod Dixon gets ready to walk through guard of honour. (Supplied)

Nathan Blair. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413379_08

Sunbury struggling to find a way

Sunbury United wants to be more clinical in the run home to finish the FV state league 3 north-west season on a high.

Sunburyissittingmidtablewithfiverounds remaining out of the promotion race, but still having to fight for its season.

Coach Danny Moore said they’ve shown plenty of good signs this season, but haven’t been able to finish off games.

The side sits in seventh spot with five rounds remaining.

“We have the unwanted record of the most draws in the league,” he said. “We had our 10th draw for the season on Saturday.

“We can look at it two ways. Disappointing not to get maximum points in a few games, but it demonstrates how close we are.

“If we turned a couple of draws into wins, we would be in a stronger position.”

Moore said the group wanted to stay

positive in the remaining rounds and focus on what they can get out of it.

He said they are still wary that they could face relegation if results don’t go their way.

“It’s still tight down the bottom,” Moore said. “We’ve spoken about focusing on being positive and having belief in the group.

“We are playing in dangerous territory. We need to do what we need to be able to stay above the line.”

On Saturday, Sunbury had a 1-1 draw with Heidelberg Eagles.

Moore said it was probably a fair result.

“We did OK in patches but an honest assessment was that we didn’t do enough to win the game.

“Maybe it was a fair result in the end. It’s symptomatic of a lot of our games. We’ve got to get to the point where we are a bit more clinical and finish teams off.”

Sunbury has this week off due to a catch up round.

Mooresaiditwasagoodtimetohaveabreak and reset ahead of a big end of the season.

He says they know what they need to do in the final five rounds.

“We’ve had some good results against some of the top scores,” he said. “We need to be more clinical… We’ve had a lot of chances but we haven’t been able to put them away in key moments.

“We have the utmost confidence in the last five weeks.”

Meanwhile, Gisborne’s match with Wyndham on Saturday was postponed due to ground conditions.

The two teams are likely to play this week in the catch up round.

Gisborne currently sits in third position. Tara Murray

Lancefield loses Clifton

By Tara Murray

Chris Clifton leaves Lancefield a proud man with the dream of hopefully being able to return to Riddell District Football League club one day.

Clifton, the club’s inaugural women’s coach, will depart the club with one game remaining this season after receiving a transfer from his job with the ADF (Australian Defence Force).

The club said without Clifton they wouldn’t have got a side up and running this year and he gave them the confidence to give it a go.

Clifton said it’s bittersweet to depart the club.

“It’s been good and I’ve been stoked about it,” he said. “When I spoke to them when I first came on board I said that this could happen.

“It was my job to get it up and running and set the foundations and I’ve been able to tick it off.

“We’ve had 38 players throughout the season. It’s been a better season than I thought.”

Clifton, who has been involved at AFLW level, said at the start of the year the focus wasn’t on wins.

They’ve managed to put two together and been competitive in a number of other games.

“Thescorehasn’talwaysreflectedtheeffort,” he said. “We have achieved above and beyond what this group has envisaged.

“They have made it easier from a coaching perspective.”

Clifton said they had a combination of mums and daughters, sisters, cousins, friends and netballers play this season.

He said they had formed a good relationship with the netballers and he hoped going forward that can grow even stronger.

Clifton said he would also keep an eye on the Tigers and will make sure they are set up for season number two.

“I hope work brings me back here,” he said. “The way the club supported me and the relationship has built over the last two years.

“I’ll have a hand over plan and I’ll do the pre-Xmas pre-season and integrate the new

Tigers lock in new coach

New Kyneton Tigers men’s coach Christian Martinez is excited for the new challenge at the Country Basketball League club.

The Tigers announced that Martinez will step into the role as they try and get back on the winners list after a couple of tough years.

Martinez said he was grateful for the club taking a chance on him.

“I’ve worked so damn hard to get this position,” he said.

“I’ve been at the club for a couple of weeks and taken to the club and I’m really passionate about it.”

Martinez brings plenty of experience to the role having coached at a number of clubs and been involved in school programs.

He’s worked with some NBL hall of farmers while he’s done some work with basketballers in Gisborne.

While he lives more than an hour away from Kyneton, it’s where he wants to be.

“It’s a good step forward in my career to take on a bigger project,” he said.

“The club has not won since 2021. It’s a unique project to take on and I get to step into the club and try and make something of myself in the CBL.

Martinez said he knows that there is a lot of work to do and he’s ready to get his hands dirty.

He said it’s a chance for the men’s side to have a clean slate but knows things won’t happen overnight.

“As long as

coach.

“Hopefully I can come back and coach again.”

The club in its social media post said that Clifton had left a lasting impact on the club and town.

“He has created a positive, supportive environment for women to meet, play sport and create lifelong friendships,” he said.

“He has made our club better as a result and for that we will always be grateful.”

The Tigers finished their season on Saturday against Macedon.

Lancefield stuck with the ladder leaders for the first half before the Cats kicked away, winning 4.16 (40)-1.2 (8).

Chloe Hodgson continued her outstanding form for the Tigers being named their best along with Taleeya Robotham and Mia Ferguson.

The Tigers finish the season in seventh.

Meanwhile, the Tigers have announced that Ciara Stewart has been reappointed the club’s A-grade netball coach.

“We want to start to see progress and make the right steps towards working towards bringing the chip home.”

Martinez said the squad would still have a heavy Kyneton focus as they ensure there is a pathway for local players.

“We’ve got some young kids coming up and needing opportunity, that’s a big thing,” he said.

“”We want to bridge the gap between juniors and seniors and are working hard at that. We’ll look to get some youth in along with some of the exiting playersandtheremaybesomeoutsiders that want to come and have a look.

“We want to maintain the Kyneton identity at the core.”

Ash Clark has been reappointed as the Tigers women’s coach.

Tara Murray

Tyrese Smith-Grant. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Chris Clifton is departing Lancefield. (Supplied)

The wet weather was back on Saturday and with it came some cracker football and soccer matches. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.

Weekend of wet weather sport

Peter Modafferi. (421579_04)

Thom Jonkerman. (421570_02)

Newport’s Mohamed Fofana and Braybrook’s Patrick Farrelly. (421550_12)

Yarraville Seddon upset Werribee Centrals. (421569_04) Paige Cook. (421569_10)Albion’s Brandyn Di Sisto takes down Sunshine’s Stuart Purves. (418791_05)

Rin Takagi. (421570_16)

Albion’s Joshua Michetti and Sunshine’s Declan Moloney. (418791_01)

Some smiles on the boundary line. (421550_32)

Abdu Zuberi. (421579_09)

Become a Family Day Care Educator

We are seeking new educators for Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges

Educate and care for children 6 weeks to 12 years in your home

Care for your own children and earn an income while caring for others

Combine your passion for children with a flexible and rewarding childcare career

Set your own schedule and hours

Receive support from our coordination unit including marketing and the collection of fees

Employee assistance program and work cover included

Our Village Family Childcare offers children a welcoming learning environment in a small group setting.

We have 40 years’ experience and are proudly not-for-profit.

Required:

Minimum Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Sound knowledge of the National Early Childhood Education and Care National Law and Regulations as well as the Early Years Learning Frameworks

Phone

Website www.sunburycobaw.org.au/job-opportunities