Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 13th August 2024

Temporary Sunbury TAFE Sunbury carer strolls

By Oscar Parry

TheHumeGlobalLearningCentreinSunbury will be a temporary venue for delivering TAFE courses, until the new Kangan Institute Sunbury campus opens in 2028.

Representing Skills and TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney, Sunbury MP Josh Bull visited the learning centre on Friday, August 9, to announce three courses will be offered by Kangan Institute at the Sunbury centre until the new campus officially opens. These will be the certificate IV in training and assessment, the Adult Migrant English

Program (AMEP) certificate I in EAL (access) and certificate II in EAL (access).

ThecertificateIVintrainingandassessment is a free course and is the core qualification required to be a vocational trainer.

Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain said the partnership will speed up the process of providing these qualifications to students in Sunbury.

“By partnering with the Victorian government and the Hume Global Learning Centre we can deliver valuable skills and training to the community sooner, while we continue working on establishment

of our own campus facility,” Ms Curtain said.

Ms Tierney said the expansion of the state’s TAFE network aims to increase accessibility of the courses.

“All Victorians deserve access to skills and training no matter where they live, so we’re expanding Victoria’s TAFE network to offer high-quality training where it is needed most, including in outer metro suburbs and the regions,” she said.

Mr Bull said offering TAFE courses locally will provide important skills needed in the region.

Sunbury Neighbourhood House is hosting carers walks which aim to provide carers with social connection, improved wellbeing and a chance to share knowledge.

Running on the third Thursday of each month and changing routes each session, the Sunbury group is set to next walk together on Thursday, August 15.

The 45-minute walks take carers on a relaxed-pace stroll through Sunbury, which SNH carers walk leader Ken Wheeler said will offer the opportunity for participants to unite and take a short break.

“[It’s] for … a group that is probably forgotten about a lot of the time –carers,” he said.

“It’s not a bad opportunity for people to get a little bit of exercise, which is always good for the mind and the body, but also … people that have shared experiences and can have a chat with each other and learn from each other.”

Mr Wheeler said the group accepts all walking paces and abilities, and has a focus on creating a social atmosphere with an opportunity for peer-to-peer support.

“We just take our time, have a nice walk, a bit of a chat, and then we come back and have a cup of tea and a bit more of a chat,” he said.

The walks begin and end at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

“EnsuringthatSunburyresidentscanaccess quality TAFE courses locally is helping build a high-quality workforce consistent with our community’s skills needs,” Mr Bull said. The new campus is funded under the state government’s Building Better TAFE Fund.

Funding under this program is also going towards a new Kangan Institute campus in Melton.

The delivery of both the Sunbury and Melton TAFE campuses was an election promise made by the state government in 2022.

Placement student Cassandra Jensen, Sunbury Neighbourhood House staff member Cathy Grose and volunteer Ken Wheeler viewing the next SNH Carers Walk route. (Damjan Janevski) 422733

Multicultural centre seeks help

By Oscar Parry

A Diggers Rest Nepalese multicultural centre is seeking support to improve its facilities to better cater for guests and provide more programs to the community.

TheestablishmentoftheAustralianNepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC) took more than 25 years, with the initial concept formed by a group of Nepali families in 1997.

After gradually raising funds over several years,thegroupwaseventuallyabletopurchase land in Diggers Rest in 2019.

The centre has received federal government and state government funding.

The centre applied for another round of state government community infrastructure funding last year, but was unsuccessful.

ANMC President Gandhi Bhattarai said the centre now requires further support to meet the demands of guests and provide additional programs.

“We got the land … but just how the community [has] demanded, we’re not able to fulfil. So, that’s a bit of frustration … we need urgent support,” Mr Bhattarai said.

“In our culture, the guest we treat as a god … but we sometimes feel like when they come to our place, there are no basic amenities … that makes us very nervous.”

Mr Bhattarai said the centre is in need of heatingandcoolingfacilities,increasedkitchen amenities,andalargerspaceforhostingevents, language classes and dance classes.

“There is an immediate need, and we are not able to address it,” he said.

“It’s causing a bit of grief.”

Mr Bhattarai said while many still offer monthly contributions towards improving the centre, it is difficult to rely on these alone.

He said the organisation hopes to offer in-house language and dance classes, and become self-sustaining and fully operational –with the centre open for anyone to book as an event space.

A call for organ and tissue donors

Sunbury resident Clare Beatson was born with cystic fibrosis, receiving a life-saving double-lung transplant in 2017 after her lung functiondroppedto24percentduringher20s.

MsBeatsonandherhusbandLeighBrennan, a player with the Sunbury Lions Football Club, are hosting an awareness and fundraising day at the club for organ and tissue donation and lung transplants.

The event will include football and netball games, activities, and a barbeque, raising awareness for organ donation and providing

registration opportunities with DonateLife.

At night, the event will raise funds for Australian charity the Lungitude Foundation, which funds and facilitates research towards lung transplants.

Ms Beatson said that choosing to become a donor is a selfless act.

“To become a donor, and for the family to decide to go ahead with the donation – I can’t imaginewhattheywouldhavegonethrough… I definitely wouldn’t be here, were it not for a donor,” Ms Beatson said.

Walk to change the narrative

The Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group (MRSPAG) is set to host its annual community walk in Woodend, with this year’s theme focusing on shifting the public narrative around suicide.

MRSPAG is a Macedon Ranges-based non-for-profit organisation that combines lived experience and professional expertise to offer services and initiatives that aim to prevent suicide.

ThewalkinWoodendonSunday,September 8, aims to raise awareness of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day theme, ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’.

In a media release from MRSPAG, the organisation said that the theme aims to shift public understanding of suicide and “move away from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.”

According to the International Association

of Suicide Prevention’s website, this year’s theme also calls for “advocating for policies and legislation that prioritise mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for thoseinneed,”includinginvestingin“research tobetterunderstandthecomplexitiesofsuicide and develop evidence-based interventions.”

MRSPAG’s annual walk is also designed to be an opportunity to reflect on loved ones lost to suicide, to share lived experiences, and to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote action to reduce instances of suicide.

The community walk will begin at 10am starting and ending at Woodend Children’s Park. Registrations open at 8:30am.

To request the name of a loved one who died by suicide to be read out prior to the walk, email: suicidepreventionwalk@mrspag.com.

au.

Details: https://www.mrspag.com.au/

She said she encourages those considering registering as a donor to express their wishes to their families.

“At the end of the day, they’re the ones that make the final decision,” she said.

“Knowing that [they] wish to become a donor [is] said to be quite valuable to their decision making.”

Thefirstgameoftheeventwillbeginat10am and the fundraising night at 7pm, on Saturday, August 17, at the Sunbury Lions Football Club.

Details: trybooking.com/CTMDW

“For the first generation leading into the second generation, it’s always that culture shock, and there is a gap, so it would be really good to have those facilities for the kids to engage in,” he said.

He said that multicultural centres can play an important role in maintaining wellbeing.

“Especially the migrant communities … they just miss out on a lot of other things like going out and that sort of thing because life is too complicated,” he said.

“They go to the centre and they feel calmer and patient. They will be with other families as well, so it gives them the opportunity to get together and share.”

Kids pick new centre’s name

Macedon Ranges has proposed an official name for an in-development kindergarten and maternal and child health service in Lancefield, with input from kindergarten students.

The proposed name for the building is ‘Lancefield Children’s Centre’, which will be submitted to Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) as the naming authority.

Consultation also involved the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

An initial shortlist of options were Lancefield Family Centre, Lancefield Children’s Centre, Silver Wattle Family Centre, Silver Wattle Children’s Centre, Bundha Family Centre, and Bundha Children’s Centre (Bundha being a Woi-wurrung word, meaning “unity”).

Council community director Maria Weiss said 67 Lancefield Kindergarten studentswerepresentedwiththislistand were asked to select a preferred name.

“The children discussed that ‘Lancefield’ as a name was important to them, because it was their home, where they lived, where they rode and walked to kindergarten, and what the current kindergarten was called,” Ms Weiss said.

“While we have consulted broadly on these names, it was really fitting to be able to provide the current kinder kids with this opportunity to directly be involved and help set a legacy for future kinder attendees.”

The council is inviting feedback on the naming process for this project until Friday, August 30, through its online ‘Your Say’ platform.

Details: https://yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov. au/naming-new-lancefield-kinder

Sunbury double-lung transplant recipient Clare Beatson is raising awareness and funds for organ and tissue donation and lung transplants. (Supplied)

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Superpowers for girls

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Scienceworksissettohostweekendworkshops, each themed around an extraordinary superpower, to inspire future women in STEM. These workshops are created specifically for girls and non-binary tweens.

Research shows that 10-12 is a crucial age when many young girls drop out of STEM subjects and interests, and it’s vital to keep interest high with engaging and safe spaces.

OnSeptember7,atCuriosityisaSuperpower, children can learn all about design and innovation in astronomy and space.

Attendees will experience the wonder of the Melbourne Planetarium, chat with a STEM expert, and participate in a design challenge to create a place for humans to live on the Moon.

On October 5, at Kindness is a Superpower workshop, attendees will hear from an invertebrate researcher about biodiversity and the value of being kind to the environment and

spend some time thinking about the future in the Think Ahead exhibition.

OnOctober26,atCalmnessisaSuperpower, children can learn ways to calm their minds while clarifying their STEM skills.

During the workshop, participants will be delighted by a Planetarium show, chat with an expert scientist and participate in STEM activities that are good for a healthy mind, including movement, mindfulness and making.

On November 16, Strength is a Superpower, ahalf-daySTEMworkshop,willallowchildren touncovernature’shiddenstrengths.Thisclass features hands-on physics and engineering challenges and will explore the requirements of strong materials and how clever engineering can make difficult tasks easier. Details at: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/ scienceworks/whats-on/weekend-workshops/.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council postal election

My council, my vote

Vote by post this October

Ballot packs will be mailed to voters enrolled in the Macedon Ranges Shire Council general election from Monday 7 October. Complete and return your ballot material ASAP. Ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election manager by 6 pm on Friday 25 October

If you will be away

If you will be away when ballot packs are mailed, or your address has changed since Wednesday 7 August, you can request for your ballot pack to be redirected by completing the online redirection form at vec.vic.gov.au/redirections, or call 131 832.

Requests for redirection must be received by 5 pm on Monday 9 September.

Large print and braille ballot papers

Large print or braille ballot papers are available for voters who are blind or have low vision – please register by 5 pm Tuesday 10 September. To register, call 03 8620 1314 during business hours.

Early votes

If you will be away during the voting period (7 – 25 October), you can go to your local election office to vote in person, from 10 am on Wednesday 18 September.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council election office is at:

Woodend Community Hub

49 Forest Street

Woodend

Motorists are being urged to take care if travelling to mountainous regions across the state this winter. Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is encouraging all Victorians who are eager to visit the state’s snowfields and elevated viewpoints to take steps to ensure their safety. In challenging wintry conditions, all vehicles must carry snow chains if travelling to areas likely to be impacted by snow, in order to limit the likelihood of an emergency response. If instructed to fit snow chains to your vehicle, it is a legal requirement to do so. Cold temperatures can also result in the development of black ice overnight or on areas of the road rarely exposed to sunlight. If driving in foggy conditions, motorists are encouraged to use fog lights with their regular headlights on low beam, or drive while using their hazard lights to illuminate their surroundings.

Take our survey

StarWeeklywants to hear from you about the health issues affecting women in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. Our 16-question Women’s Health Matters survey will help inform our reporting during our 12-month women’s health campaign. The confidential survey will take less than five minutes to complete and can be found by scanning the QR code.

How to nominate as a candidate

To nominate as a candidate, you must:

• be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters roll for Macedon Ranges Shire Council AND

• be eligible to become a councillor should you be elected AND

• have completed the mandatory candidate training before lodging your nomination with the election manager.

To nominate, complete the nomination form and lodge it with the election manager together with the $250 nomination fee. Nomination forms can be lodged by appointment during business hours from Monday 9 September until 12 noon on Tuesday 17 September at the election office. Visit vec.vic.gov.au for more information and to pre-complete your nomination form using the online Candidate Helper. The online Candidate Helper will be available from Tuesday 20 August.

If you use the online Candidate Helper, print your pre-completed form and make an appointment to lodge it with the election manager along with the nomination fee.

Call the election manager from Monday 9 September on 131 832 to make a nomination appointment.

Nominations close 12 noon Tuesday 17 September.

Candidate information session

6 pm Thursday 5 September at Black Forest Room, Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne

Candidate information kits containing nomination forms and other electoral information will be available online and from the election manager.

State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au

Scienceworks Museum, Spotswood. Grace and Lottie. (Damjan Janevski) 416336_06

Airport charity sleepout

Melbourne Airport is partnering with non-for-profit organisations Juno and McAuley Community Services for Women, to host a car park sleepout challenge to raise funds for women and non-binary people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness due to family violence.

An Equity Economic study showed that each year 7960 women return to violent situations because they have nowhere affordable to live forcing women to choose between going back to a violent situation or becoming homeless.

The ’Live Like Them Challenge’ asks people to sleep overnight in their cars on September 5 on the top level of the terminal four car park to experience one night of homelessness in order to understand what thousands of people face each and every night.

Juno CEO Tanya Corrie said that people sleeping in their cars are often ignored when it comes to homelessness.

“We often associate homelessness with ‘sleeping rough’ in the street. This neglects the experiences of the far too many women and non-binary people who are sleeping in their cars every night because ‘home’ is not a safe place,” she said.

“This challenge shines a light on this uncomfortable reality and on an issue that has been hidden for too long.”

McAuely Community Services for Women CEO Jocelyn Bignold OAM said that family violence is the single largest driver of homelessness for women in Victoria.

“The women and children fleeing violence are the hidden homeless, with so many forced to resort to options like couch surfing or living in their cars,” she said.

“This event is designed to draw attention to the need for more safe and affordable accommodation options to ensure women and children are not forced to return to live with

people who use violence because they have nowhere to live.”

MsCorriehasonemessageforthosewanting tohelpachievethefundraisinggoalof$100,000.

“Dig deep. It’s always a good thing for us in terms of being able to, to support people in this situation, but also I think just to have the conversations so that people know and to not stigmatise people’s experiences of

Sporting boost for college

A $6.3 million sporting pavilion is under construction at

The pavilion will be a multi-use facility open to be used by local community sport clubs outside of school hours, replacing the previous clubrooms and change areas.

The school received a $2.5 million grant from the state government for the project.

Salesian College Sunbury said the pavilion will“pavethewayforthefutureexpansioninto other sports.”

The pavilion construction forms part of a long-term plan by the college to create a sporting precinct with multiple areas, catering for football, cricket, soccer, netball, basketball, hockey, and tennis.

Sunbury MP Josh Bull visited the school on Monday, August 5, to view the project’s progress.

“This project will transform the historic Rupertswood sporting precinct, and add immeasurable benefit to the Salesian college and wider community for many years to come,” Mr Bull said.

Salesian College Sunbury principal Mark Brockhus said the school was excited to see the state-of-the-art facility taking shape and proud to be developing a sports precinct that will benefit both our students and the wider Sunbury community.

Theofficialopeningdateforthenewpavilion has not yet been announced.

Transport information

Macedon Ranges council is partnering with a local business to provide information sessions aimed at supporting older people in confidently using public transport to attend medical appointments.

A partnership with local business Lily’s Travels, the sessions will include a presentation, a question and answer time, and take-home information kits with public transport timetables and itineraries.

The sessions will walk attendees through step-by-step plans for travelling to and from medical appointments.

They will also cover mobility and accessibility services, Myki cards, public transport timetables, safety, and ticketing, with guest speakers from V/Line and Travellers Aid.

Macedon Ranges community director Maria Weiss said that the initiative addresses key findings in the council’s positive ageing plan, which found that inadequate access to public transport was a major challenge for older people.

“I encourage anyone who might regularly need to travel to attend medical appointments, or need to regularly travel morebroadly,toregisterandattendthese valuable sessions,” Ms Weiss said.

homelessness,” she said.

“Because there’s often a lot of shame for our clients and there’s so many things working out against them at that point in their life.”

Tickets to participate are $100 per person and all funds raised will go towards Juno and McAuley to help support those doing it tough.

Details: https://www.melbourneairport. com.au/community/live-like-them-challenge

The Medical Transport Education sessions will run in several Macedon Ranges towns, including Kyneton, Gisborne, Romsey, Woodend, and Riddells Creek.

The first session will be held at 10am on Thursday, August 22, at Kyneton Community House.

McAuely Community Services for Women chief exeutive Jocelyn Bignold, Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus and Juno chief executive Tanya Corrie. (Supplied)

Laura Paterson Personal Injury Lawyer

Daughters of the west get active

Across the western suburbs, the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is helping women take control of their health and fitness through its Daughters of the West program. Jaidyn Kennedy discovers how the program is making a difference.

Women in the western suburbs are takingcontroloftheirhealththrough the power of knowledge and fitness.

Daughters of the West is a free 10-week program facilitated by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation in partnership with councils and community health services.

Kicking off in 2017, the program coincided with the Bulldog’s foundational role in the inaugural AFWL season. Ever since, thousands of women have taken part, and the Western Bulldogs have continued their commitment to supporting women of all walks of life in sport, health and wellness.

The program drew inspiration from the Sons of the West, which was established in response to the poor mental and physical health of men in the western suburbs, along with high male suicide rates. Sons of the West recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

From day one, the Daughters of the West program has set out on a to tackle the growing inequality in women’s health outcomes by building a community of strong resilient women who want to be engaged and involved in their communities.

Running at multiple locations across the western suburbs, a typical session runs for two hours. The first hour will involve a guest speaker before moving onto fun, group-based exercises. The exercises are catered to all levels of fitness, progressing from low, medium to high.

Offering a tiered and flexible approach to exercise ensures that no woman is left behind at any stage of her journey and can start from anywhere.

The Western Bulldogs’ unique position as the only AFL-AFLW in Melbourne’s west has made the club a cultural pillar in the region for over a century.

Women supporting women produces a unique magic and that is certainly on full display when the daughters come out in force to support the AFLW Squad in a mighty display of red, white and blue.

However, the magic extends well past gameday, with women in all stages of life able to lean on each other as they navigate life’s challenges together.

Returning participants have been one of the program’s many successes, but they have also been crucial in reaching out to newcomers who may be nervous, providing a safe, welcoming environment that encourages people to flourish in their best selves.

Dewi Pearce has been a shining light in the program since she took the plunge.

Narrowly missing out at first, her life changed for the better when she secured a last-minute slot last year.

“It’s really built my confidence, and a year on I can see how much more confident and relaxed I am about exercising and just giving

things a go,” she said. “It was great to ease myself in and not feel any pressure from them to do it in a certain way.”

As the mother of a young family, Dewi knows how important is for women to have accessible and affordable exercise programs.

“It’s incredible to access a ton of high-level exercise opportunities for free,” she said.

Affordable exercise programs are becoming increasingly important as the ongoing cost of living crisis affects many individuals and families in the western suburbs.

The Daughters of the West is far more than just an exercise program, embracing a holistic approach to women’s health. Regular guest speakers attend the sessions, covering a wide range of issues from nutrition to mental fitness.

Some important subjects that guest speakers are invited to chat about include gender equality, women in leadership, mental fitness, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, cultural diversity, alcohol cultures, heart health and cancer prevention.

One the aspects Daughters of the West values most is the importance of having and building strong social networks.

“The social aspect was awesome, I, over the course of the 10 weeks, got to know a number of the ladies, and actually a group of four of us continued meeting,” Dewi said.

Maintaining a healthy diet is something that can challenge us all, which is why the Daughters of the West encourages small yet consistent changes towards healthier eating.

“It feels really approachable and achievable, so chipping away at that each week has a great impact,” Dewi said.

“Just noticing those small changes over a period of time has been so beneficial for my health.”

Daughters of the West has reached women of diverse backgrounds, ranging from cohorts who require the program in their native language to veterans who face very specific challenges.

While the time the women spend in the program is short, the healthy habits and knowledge they pick up is designed to serve them for life.

The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s partnership with Victoria University ensures that all programs are consistently evaluated, determining the best form of delivery for the needs of the community.

The program is open to women and those who identify as women, aged 18 and over who live or work in the west of Melbourne.?

A Vietnamese language version of the program started in July.

Details: westernbulldogs.com.au/ foundation/programs/daughters-of-the-west

Daughters of the West participants. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 415739_14

Daughters of the West participant Dewi Pearce. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 421667_03

Crucial help in the first 1000 days

A clinic at the Royal Women’s Hospital is striving to support babies who have been exposed to drugs and alcohol before birth, and their mothers.

The First Thousand Days Clinic provides care during pregnancy until the child’s second birthday in a bid to better support the next generation.

The pilot program is the first of its kind in the country and will run for three years.

Royal Women’s Hospital neonatologist Dr Anna Tottman said the first 1000 days – the timefromconceptiontothesecondbirthday–is the most rapid period of brain development in the human life course.

‘‘ We recognise that many of the women who come to us, have had really difficult starts themselves ’’

- Anna Tottman

“It’s also a period that is very vulnerable to outside influences and things that can change brain development,” Dr Tottman said.

“It’s also a period of real opportunity where you can positively impact children’s brain development, and we know what happens to you in early childhood actually lays the foundation for a healthy adulthood.

“The environmental impacts upon you as a fetus and as a small child can change the direction of your brain development and thus change your outcome long term.

“And it’s not just brain development; your likelihood of obesity or your likelihood of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease can all be programmed by your exposures in your environment in your fetal period.”

Babies who are exposed to drugs and alcohol before birth are more likely to be born to mothers who themselves have suffered significant childhood trauma, Dr Tottman said.

One of her aims is to remove the stigma surrounding mothers who have used drugs or alcohol during their pregnancy seeking healthcare for the betterment of the child and themselves.

“Drug use in pregnancy is one of those things that is very hard to talk about and

Hume City Council postal election

My council, my vote

Vote by post this October

Ballot packs will be mailed to voters enrolled in the Hume City Council general election from Monday 7 October. Complete and return your ballot material ASAP. Ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election manager by 6 pm on Friday 25 October

If you will be away

If you will be away when ballot packs are mailed, or your address has changed since Wednesday 7 August, you can request for your ballot pack to be redirected by completing the online redirection form at vec.vic.gov.au/redirections, or call 131 832.

Requests for redirection must be received by 5 pm on Monday 9 September.

Large print and braille ballot papers

Large print or braille ballot papers are available for voters who are blind or have low vision – please register by 5 pm Tuesday 10 September. To register, call 03 8620 1314 during business hours.

Early votes

If you will be away during the voting period (7 – 25 October), you can go to your local election office to vote in person, from 10 am on Wednesday 18 September.

The Hume City Council election office is at: 36 Macedon Street (enter via Barkly Street carpark) Sunbury

there’s a lot of stigma and a lot of shame around it,” Dr Tottman said.

“We recognise that many of the women who come to us, have had really difficult starts themselves. Perhaps their first thousand days weren’t well supported. Perhaps they were exposed to drugs and alcohol before birth and didn’t get the support that we are now trying to give the next generation.

“Part of doing this is to let people know that there is help out there and you just need to reach out.”

How to nominate as a candidate

To nominate as a candidate, you must:

• be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters roll for Hume City Council AND

• be eligible to become a councillor should you be elected AND

• have completed the mandatory candidate training before lodging your nomination with the election manager.

To nominate, complete the nomination form and lodge it with the election manager together with the $250 nomination fee. Nomination forms can be lodged by appointment during business hours from Monday 9 September until 12 noon on Tuesday 17 September at the election office. Visit vec.vic.gov.au for more information and to pre-complete your nomination form using the online Candidate Helper. The online Candidate Helper will be available from Tuesday 20 August.

If you use the online Candidate Helper, print your pre-completed form and make an appointment to lodge it with the election manager along with the nomination fee.

Call the election manager from Monday 9 September on 131 832 to make a nomination appointment.

Nominations close 12 noon Tuesday 17 September.

Dr Tottman and her team monitor the children enrolled in the program to ensure they are meeting their developmental milestones.

“They are at risk of having difficulties with learning motor skills or learning how to sit, learning how to walk and difficulties with communication skills in the first two years after they’re born,” she said. “So we monitor children’s developments and make sure that they are meeting their developmental milestones on time and that’s important to do repeatedly through the first couple of years.

“What you’re doing at four months or six months is very different to what you’re doing at 18 months or 24 months. So it’s important that you capture all of those time points.

“But then we are intervening with developmental physiotherapy, with help with social work support, with finding speech therapy for infants who are showing us that they are having trouble meeting their milestones.

“And we know from other cohorts of high risk children that early intervention and helping children to get back on track and to reach their milestones is one of the most important things you can do for children’s long term outcome.”

Previously, the clinic couldn’t follow children for the full two years of care due to a lack of funding. However, philanthropic support has been put together to enhance the existing state-funded service, with the Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service (WADS) with North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) funding the first year.

Women can self-refer to the Royal Women’s Hospital’s Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service or they can be referred via their GP, midwife or alcohol and drug counselling services.

Candidate information session

7 pm Wednesday 4 September at Council Chamber, Hume Global Learning Centre Broadmeadows, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows

Candidate information kits containing nomination forms and other electoral information will be available online and from the election manager.

State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au

Royal Women’s Hospital neonatologist Dr Anna Tottman. (Supplied)

Snuggle up with a book in winter

By Oscar Parry

Macedon Ranges council, Goldfields Libraries and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health are partnering to promote libraries as an important resource during winter.

The ‘warm spaces’ initiative aims to promote Macedon Ranges libraries as a place to ease financial pressures throughout winter.

Council said libraries help to achieve this through providing free literature across several formats, free Wi-Fi, free activities for all ages, and a place to keep warm.

Goldfields Library Corporation engagement and operations manager Jess Saunders said accessingtheseservicescanhelptoreducebills.

“Libraries are safe and inclusive spaces, and everyone is welcome to use them. You can stay all day in a comfortable warm environment, surrounded by friendly people, without needing to spend any money or worry about running up energy bills,” Ms Saunders said.

With the announcement of the initiative coinciding with National Homelessness Week, Macedon Ranges community director Maria Weiss said council “encourages those experiencing homelessness to reach out for support and use libraries as a safe, warm space to help stay connected.”

“We know providing public warm spaces doesn’t solve the issue of homelessness, but it does go some way towards providing a safe

Family values on stage

Macedon-based theatre company The Mount Players is preparing to perform its next production – ‘Family Values’ by David Williamson.

Australian playwright David Williamson has written several famous plays such as Don’s Party, The Club, Money and Friends, The Removalists, and Emerald City.

The story follows the Collins family, as they gather to celebrate their retired Supreme Court Justice father Roger Collins’ 70th birthday.

Mr Collins and his wife Sue plan for a quiet family gathering, until it all begins to unravel in a dispute.

In a media release from The Mount Players, the company said that the story combines comedy with thought-provoking themes,

MY PLACE

prompting the audience to consider their own beliefs.

“Williamson’s characters are often deeply flawed, but at the core of his work there is a desire for a better and more tolerant society,” a spokesperson for the company said.

The Mount Players Theatre Company formed in 1972 and presents a range of live performances,includingone-actplays,dramas, comedies, musicals, and contemporary Australian plays.

Family Values will be performed across several Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sessionsbetweenAugust16andSeptember1at the Mountview Theatre in Macedon.

Details: https://www.themountplayers.com/

Oscar Parry

space, where people can feel connected to the community,” she said.

“That connection can also provide an opportunity to find out what other services may be available to them.”

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health housing support and financial services team leader Kate Weston said the organisation can assist in this regard.

“Wecan…referpeopletootherservicesthat the organisation offers such as counselling and family services,” Ms Weston said.

“The warm spaces initiative offers local community members a valuable source of support where they can access lots of useful information.”

Diggers Rest author Chiz Dee has just published her first children’s book, titled ‘I Imagine ... Safari’. Oscar Parry talks to Chiz about her connection to Diggers Rest and her new book.

What is your connection to Diggers Rest?

I moved to Australia 10 years ago with my now wife. We moved to the Diggers Rest area six years ago due to its country family feel. We now have many friends in the area and are proud to call it home. Our daughter has lived here since birth and she will be starting [at] Diggers Rest Primary in the New Year.

What do you like about where you live? We love it here, everyone is so friendly. We regularly attend the bowls club throughout the summer and watch the Burras play during the winter. The events the town put on for the community are great, such as the town garage sale, CFA Santa visit, the memorials at the cenotaph, [and] Halloween. The community feel is second to none.

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

Honestly, there really isn’t much I would change. It’s quiet but we have what we need. We are lucky that Sunbury is just a short drive away.

Tell us a bit about your new children’s book ‘I Imagine . . . Safari’ takes you on a journey through the African Savannah and lets your imagination run wild. The Big Five are a wonder, so why not imagine what it would be like to be them? Ever thought what being a Giraffe would be like, or maybe a Lion? Children have such creative imaginations and this is what I had in mind when I wrote it.

How did the idea come about for this story? The idea came about as I was reading a story to mydaughter.Ithoughttomyselfthatthestory didn’t allow for much imagination and made

Diggers Rest childen’s book author Chiz Dee holding her new book, titled ‘I Imagine ... Safari’. (Damjan Janevski) 422460_01

me think ‘I could do that.’ Maybe I could put pentopaperandcomeupwithsomethingthat could help children learn about something [while] at the same time having fun. I started with the African Big 5 as most children love to visit the zoo and love those animals – it seemed like a good place to start.

What do you enjoy about writing children’s literature?

The thing I enjoy most about writing for children is knowing that you are making a difference. Children learn in so many different ways and whether a child can read yet or not, they can make their own story

through the pictures. A children’s book can last for such a long time, from it being read to a child, to a child storytelling from a picture, to a child learning to read. I love to do rhyme and repetition as this helps with children’s understanding of words and grammar, and ‘I Imagine . . Safari’ follows this style.

Mount Players actors Peter Bevin, Grace Stewart, Elissa Stephens, Kate Mooney, Mel Forge, Robert Wallace and Ingrid Gang during a recent rehearsal. (Supplied)

Library manager Sara Shaw at the Gisborne Library – one of the Macedon Ranges libraries promoted through the initiative. (Damjan Janevski). 419894_06

Party for four googly-eyed giants

It’s party time at Werribee Open Range Zoo following the arrival of four new charismatic ostriches who can bust a move and have the keen desire for a peck.

The 13-year-old curious male big-birds –Thando, Kambuni, Zazu and Orville – were recently introduced to the zoo’s savannah and are turning heads with their tall physique, dark feathery plumage and handsome big eyes.

Werribee Open Range Zoo savannah keeper Resistance Manyepera said the bustling ostriches are bringing a flurry of hectic energy and enthusiastically exploring their new surroundings.

“These four boys all have different personalities,” Mr Manyepera said.

“Zazu is the dominant male in the group and can often be seen patrolling around the savannah. He also likes to dance too.”

Despite their reputation as somewhat awkward birds, ostriches engage in an impressive dance during courtship. Zazu fluffs up his feathers and spreads his wings wide, creating an impressive visual display. He then performs a series of intricate movements, including bobbing his head, swaying from side to side, and gracefully lifting and lowering his wings.

Mr Manyepera said the ostriches have quite a bit of competition on the Savannah – a home they share with six other species – so they often liketoshowcasetheirconfidencebypuffingout their chests.

“Sometimes they spread their wings out and stand tall to try and look much bigger among the other animals,” Mr Manyepera said.

“This is really interesting because this is the first time these ostriches are seeing giraffe, rhinoceros, zebra and all the other animals we havedownonoursavannah.So,theyareslowly learning how to interact them, understanding which animals they can get close to and which animals they should stay away from.”

Thecommonostrichisnativetosub-Saharan Africa, where they inhabit a range of habitats

including hot savannahs, deserts and open woodlands. It is the world’s largest bird, growing up to 2.7 metres tall and weighing almost150kilograms.Theyarealsotheworld’s fastest flightless bird and the fastest of all two-legged animals on the planet, running at speeds reaching 69 km/h.

Werribee Open Range Zoo is now home to a flock of eight male ostriches. Visitors have the opportunity to see the four new arrivals on a savannah bus tour that run throughout the day and are included with entry.

Cyclist’s 20th Vic ride

A Nulla Vale local is riding his 20th Great Vic Bike Ride later this year.

This year’s ride, which marks the 40th anniversary, will begin in Wodonga and end in Healesville,passingthroughmanymuch-loved north-eastern Victoria towns.

Kurt van Wijck will ride his 20th Great Vic Bike ride, joined by his daughters Lottie and Pippa van Wijck.

Completing his first Great Vic Bike Ride in the late ‘90s, Mr van Wijck said that the event has a great atmosphere and provides a challenging ride.

Hesaidthathehasriddenwithhisdaughters manytimesandoncetowedhisdaughterLottie behind him in a trailer when she was about four years old.

“For me, the family feel of the whole ride is wonderful,” Mr van Wijck said.

“I remember distinctly once on the freeway to the start of the ride, a car drove past us [with the driver] frantically waving. None of us recognised them. Once [they] passed, we noticed they also had bikes on the back of the car–itevenstartsbeforeyougetthere,”hesaid.

Riders can choose between three-day, five-day, or nine-day cycling routes – with the full nine-day route covering 501 kilometres.

Theorganisationsaidthattherideintroduces participants to parts of Victoria that they might not have visited, with many returning to explore them further after the ride.

This year’s ride will begin on November 23, withthecompleterouteendingonDecember1.

DRIVERS NEEDED

JoinOurTeamasaDeliveryDriver!

Are you an early bird with a small van or good size car? We are preparing for future needs and looking for dedicated drivers to join our team!

Position: Delivery Driver

Location: Ravenhall Warehouse

Task: Ongoing delivery of newspapers/magazines to key local outlet locations

Hours: Early start, possible multiple days week

Requirements:

Own a small van or good size car

Reliable and punctual

Strong knowledge of local area

Interested? Email us at Fermax to learn more and apply!

Nulla Vale cyclists Pippa van Wijck, Kurt van Wijck, and Lottie van Wijck at the 2018 Great Vic Bike Ride. (Supplied)

The ostrich is the world’s largest bird, growing up to 2.7 metres tall and weighing almost 150 kilograms.

Four new ostriches are calling Werribee Open Range Zoo home. (Pictures: Supplied)

300 for McGuane

Keilor coach Mick McGuane is set to bring up his 300th game as senior coach in the Essendon District Football League, becoming the first senior coach to do so at one club. Tara Murray chats with McGuane and a couple of people he has impacted along the way at the Blues.

Mick McGuane might be the senior coach of Keilor, but it’s not unusual for him to be watching the thirds, the under-18s or the juniors every weekend.

While it might not seem important, for McGuane it’s part of what has made Keilor so great for such a long period of time.

McGuane’s love of football goes back to when he was a kid.

“My dad was coach at Sebastopol and I was the mascot,” he said. “I could not wait to play and get muddy.

“I’ve seen a lot of kids who are six or seven with their footballs wanting to do the same thing. That is what this club is about.”

Many of the players McGuane has watched in the past 17 years have been among the 219 players to play senior football under him.

‘‘ He puts a spin on things in a way that motivates players ... He has the gift of the gab ’’ - Nick O’Kearney

OnSaturday,August17,McGuanewillcoach his 300th senior game for the Blues.

McGuane is more focused on the team and the club than what he has achieved.

His AFL playing record speaks for itself and he had coaching success at Burnie and Gisborne before he joined the Blues.

“It is something I didn’t aim at,” McGuane said before his milestone game. “I didn’t look too far ahead when I started.

“I got told that 11 players from the preliminary final team had left and it was a late appointment and the club was looking to navigate relegation for the first time.

“I took that personally and something to aim for … The rest is history and we went on to win the first premiership.”

McGuane said his love for winning keeps him competitive and looking for ways to improve.

He has had to reinvent himself and the club on a number of occasions.

McGuane’s interest in the junior program is not just as a supporter. He has coached a number of age groups along the years.

“Developing your junior program leads to stability and sustainability which is what you want,” he said. “I’m invested in that and you personally want to evolve them as young people and players.

“Iputmyhanduptocoach.Ihaveaninvested interest with my son as well.

“The club is in good shape and you know who is who that is coming through.”

In 2012, McGuane coached the club’s under-16 team to a premiership.

Five of those players ended up on AFL lists. Jay White, who was in the side, played his 300th game for the Blues recently.

Star midfielder Nick O’Kearney was one of the players in the under-16 team

HewasoneofthosemanykidsthatMcGuane watched from the side lines.

“He started to come and watch and offer a little bit of advice and the relationship has grown the longer I was at the footy club,”

O’Kearney said.

“The guidance and the relationship grew when I started to transition into seniors. The summer of 2011 I started training with the seniors.

“I got some confidence the more sessions I did and come the early part of the year he said he wanted to sit down with dad and I.

“He asked if I wanted to play a couple of practice matches and gain some experience. Come a couple of weeks out from round one, he floated that he thought I would be up for round one.

“I made my debut under Mick at 15.”

O’Kearney didn’t play many games under McGuane at that stage as bigger things were on the horizon. He was eventually taken by St Kilda in the rookie draft.

When O’Kearney’s AFL dream didn’t work out, he didn’t hesitate to come back to play under McGuane at Keilor.

O’Kearney said McGuane was the best coach he’s ever had.

“His knowledge,” he said. “He puts a spin on things in a way that motivates players as well.

“He has the gift of the gab and being able to adapt. I’ve experienced that for a long time.

“He takes such a vested interest in footy and your personal life.

“It was tough for a while and I wanted to get my love back for the game and I got that at Keilor.

“When I’ve had tough times especially with my neck, he was the first person at my place to offer support.

“I’m thankful for him and hopefully we can win a couple more flags together. I wouldn’t be surprised if he coaches for another 10 to 15 years.”

Current Keilor president Ray Sheridan said McGuane’spreparationforgamesissomething most people wouldn’t realise.

“I thought I knew a lot about football and Mick made me realise how much I didn’t know,” he said.

He said it is quite remarkable that McGuane has reached this milestone, with coaching a winning business.

The club will hold a function after the game, which happens to be against Greenvale, the side McGuane coached his first game against.

Alotofformerplayersareexpectedtoattend.

“He loves game day,” Sheridan said. “He’s a good winner and also a good loser.

“He always sees positives out of losing as well.”

Looking back at his coaching career, McGuane said it was hard to pick a favourite game, with four premierships among the mix.

The first in 2008 he told the then captain Lee Fraser after losing the second semi final that he believed they could win the premiership – and they did.

After a few lean years, the Blues won in 2016 with a different group. Then there’s the perfect seasons of 2019 and 2023.

In terms of the best players he’s coached, there’s a few standouts.

“I always felt like Dean Galea was clearly the best forward,” he said. “Jarrod Garth was a ripper as well.

“Talking mids, any of Leigh Fraser, Ricky Marcy, Corey Ellis, Nick O’Kearney, Dylan Joyce, those types.

“Andrew Browne is the clear standout in the ruck, Down back Micka James was a stalwart.

“Jayden Laverde is still in the AFL system. Then you have Curtis Taylor, who is at North Melbourne, who gave us another avenue to goal in 2016.”

McGuane has already signed on for next year.

While the spotlight is on him this week, he’s focused on the bigger task at hand.

TheBluessitatopthepremierdivisionladder and are red hot premiership favourites.

“To be 35 games undefeated [before the match with Airport West] it’s a credit to the club and people involved.

“We are the hunted out there, people want our scalp.”

The club rooms will be open until late on Saturday for celebrations.

Main: Mick McGuane in action this year. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 422892_25

Above, top: Dylan Joyce and Mick McGuane with the 2016 premiership cup. (Damian Visentini)

Above: Mick McGuane in 2009. (Emily Lane)

De Rozario, Hall named Paralympic

Wheelchair racer Madison de Rozario and swimmer Brenden Hall will be Australia’s flagbearers at the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games.

The duo were announced in their roles by Australian chef de mission Kate McLoughlin as they prepare to compete at their fifth Games.

It was an emotional moment for both athletes, having made their Paralympics debuts together at the 2008 Beijing Games.

“To go from kids in these big teams to getting to hold the flag, it’s absolutely surreal,” De Rozario said.

“We were both so young in Beijing. I was 14 and Brendan was 15 and I feel like this is our family.

“I couldn’t think of anyone better that I get to do it with because we’ve grown up in this sport together.

“Throughout my career, I’ve spent so much time thinking about what the sport has done for me and what this Australian Paralympic team has done for me.

“.... You do get to realise that you also have an impact back and that’s one of the most beautiful things.”

LeavingherdebutGameswithasilvermedal in the 4x100m T53/54 category, track star de Rozario went on to win two more medals at the 2016 Rio Games and broke through for her maiden Paralympic titles at Tokyo 2021, in the 800m T53 and the marathon T54.

Hall took home two gold medals at the 2012 London Games in the 400m freestyle S9 and the 4x100m freestyle relay 34 points, before doing it again in the 400m at Rio 2016.

The three-time gold medallist will equal the swimming team record of five Paralympic Games appearances when he takes to the pool in Paris.

“I was not expecting this at all. I’m still kind

of taking it in, my mind is going 100 miles an hour,” Hall said.

“We started in Beijing pretty much like rookies just doing our thing, having fun.

I’m pretty sure I spent as much time in the games room and the computer room as I did

at the pool.”

“When an opportunity like this is going to come around, it’s probably only ever come around less than once in a lifetime, so there was no way I was going to say no,” add Hall.

“I’mnotreallylookingforwardtoregretting

things after I finish my career.” De Rozario and Hall will lead the team in the opening ceremony on August 28 at Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées.

Joanna Guelas, AAP

Paralympians

Brenden Hall and Madison de Rozario are Australian flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympics. (AAP Image/ Bianca De Marchi)

Malmsbury bluestone mission

By Oscar Parry

Kyneton Library hosted an event on the now heritage-listed Malmsbury Bluestone, covering itshistoryandwhyitwasdesignatedasthefirst AustralianGlobalHeritageStoneResourcethis year.

Malmsbury Bluestone was heritage-listed in February,afteritwasnominatedbyMalmsbury resident Dr Susan Walter, who began her PhD on the stone in 2013.

“It was a result of an interaction with a local … semi-retired geologist, who said ‘you should go and … make contact with this person in Adelaide … he’d probably be interested’,”

Dr Walter said. “That [person in Adelaide] was a representative of what was then called the Heritage Stone Sub-commission, which is the organisation that’s dealing with these designations.”

After hearing about the criteria for heritage listing stones, Dr Walter began locating quarry sites in Malmsbury and researching where in Australia and internationally it was used.

Her findings showed that the stone fit the criteria for a Global Heritage Stone Resource, as it had been used in construction for over fifty years and had been transported interstate (including Fremantle and Launceston) and internationally to Christchurch and Auckland

in New Zealand.

Many of these sites were heritage-listed, also contributing to the stone’s success in being successfully recognised this year.

“It was a strong stone that could bear compression … the Malmsbury viaducts are a really good example of that,” Dr Walter said.

“It was a lighter grey than a lot of the other bluestones … some of the cultural beliefs about bluestone in Melbourne is that it’s dull and dreary whereas this [stone] is a lighter grey, so it didn’t make such drab buildings.”

Dr Walter said its other appeal as a constructionmaterialwasthatitcouldbeeasily carved for ornate designs, especially doorways.

Spotlight highlights homelessness

Charity Give Until it Hurts (GUIH) hosted an information event in Sunbury for National Homelessness Week, aiming to raise awareness of homelessness and link people to support services.

The event was titled ‘From Homeless to Hopeful’ and took place at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House on Wednesday, August 7.

It included representatives from Centrelink, VincentCare, NDIS and aged care, Orange Door, Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, Victoria Police, and Northern Community Legal Centre.

The event helped to mark National Homelessness Week, running from August 5–11, with this year’s theme being ‘Homelessness Action Now’.

National Homelessness Week aims to raise awarenessandeducatepeopleaboutthecauses and impacts of homelessness, advocating for change and discussing solutions to reduce homelessness in communities.

GUIH president and social worker Garnet Jacob said the From Homeless to Hopeful event was an opportunity for those experiencing homelessness and transient living situations to ask questions to local

service providers and agencies.

“People are sleeping … rough. Not only during this time, but throughout the year,” Mr Jacob said.

Mr Jacob said he would like to see more agencies and service providers in the areas of financial counselling, youth counselling, mental health, and housing support in Sunbury.

He said GUIH is broadening its projects and is looking for more volunteers to assist with current and future programs.

Details: https://guih.org/ Oscar Parry

In Melbourne, she said you can see Malmsbury Bluestone used as decorative bands in the interior walls and columns of St Paul’s Cathedral, as a building material at Storey Hall, and carved as an ornate doorway at the pedestrian entrance to the Melbourne University underground car park.

There are also buildings in Malmsbury itself that feature the stone.

“It certainly opens your eyes up to a broader world, when you … walk around everywhere like I do now – you just spot stone everywhere and you just pose that question – what is that material? Where does it come from?” she said.

“[It’s] a bit of an eye-opener.”

Men’s Shed cash

available

Men throughout Victoria have a reason to celebrate, with $860,000 worth of grants available to build new or upgrade existing Men’s Sheds.

Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence visited Lalor and District Men’s Shed on August 7 to announce the 2024-25 Men’s Shed funding program grants, with sheds eligible to receive up to $100,000.

Lalor and District Men’s Shed received $31,253 last year and used the money to install a solar system and upgrade lighting, dust extraction and kitchen equipment to improve its financial and environmental sustainability.

LalorandDistrictMen’sShedpresident Allan Carbis said the shed provides men with a place to socialise and meet new people.

“We are getting a lot of old men out of their houses and they’re talking because we’re basically a social club,” he said.

“It’s fine we make all this stuff and could sell it and make some money or give it away but it’s mainly designed to get older men socialising.

“That’s the central idea to get men out of their houses, get them off the couch and stop them watching the television and then they are here talking to other men that are the same sort of age.”

Ms Spence, said Men’s Sheds bring blokes together to talk about issues of common interest.

“Often men’s health issues come up and they feel that it’s a safe place to have those discussions,” she said.

Grant applications are open until October 16. Details: vic.gov.au/mensshed-funding-program

Representatives and attendees of charity Give Until it Hurt’s National Homelessness Week event. (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 UK broadcaster (1,1,1)

3 Surplus (11)

9 Products of a calculator (7)

10 Seraphic (7)

11 Hormonal disease (8)

12 Brand (6)

14 Belonging to him (3)

15 Unkempt (11)

17 Travel review site (4,7)

19 A metal (3)

20 People of the Czech Republic (6)

21 Unblemished (8)

24 Treachery (7)

25 Japanese paper art form (7)

26 Heavy construction vehicles (11)

27 Vapour (3)

DOWN

1 (Of the eyes) inflamed to redness (9)

2 Pirate’s sword (7)

3 Food dressing (5)

4 Desiring ownership (10)

5 US politician, Paul – (4)

6 Astronomical unit of distance (5-4)

7 Forbidden by law (7)

8 Type of agave (5)

13 Daughter of Zeus (10)

15 1974 Charles Bronson film (5,4)

16 Ancestral lines (9)

18 Wrong (2,5)

19 Indonesian sea cucumber dish (7)

20 Thicket (5)

22 Counterparts (5)

23 Keyboard error (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”.

Today’s

15 words: Good 22 words: Very good 30 words: Excellent

1 Which country produces the most wine?

2 What is the name of the media production company founded by Reese Witherspoon (pictured) in 2016?

3 Which Olivia Rodrigo song was the most streamed on Spotify in 2021?

4 Astigmatism affects what body part?

5 The Shinano River is the longest and widest river of which country?

6 Sandra Bullock starred in which 2018 post-apocalyptic thriller film?

7 Udon, soba and glass are all types of what?

8 Who wrote the Shadow and Bone young adult fantasy series?

9 Butterfly pea flower tea is naturally what colour?

10 And what colour does it become when lemon juice is added to it?

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Carers Walk

A free monthly walking group designed especially for carers. The walk starts at 10am each third Thursday of the month, starting and ending at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. The walk, led by volunteer Ken Wheeler, features a gentle 45 minute stroll around the local neighbourhood, finishing with a cuppa and a snack. Get some fresh air, enjoy some great company, and take a well-deserved break.

■ enquiries@sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

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

Pernaperna

Women’s Group

The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group that meets fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday from 1–3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members warmly welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat – the group would love to meet you.

■ Joan, 0418 302 676

Hume Men’s Shed

The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non-profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury. The group caters for men across many interest, be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.

■ sunburymensshed.com or 0438 677 425

LGBTIQ Social Club

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

■ https://shorturl.at/jtAO1

Neighbourhood garden

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

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au o 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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Elliot, 5, who has raised $700 for cancer council by cutting his hair and donating it. (Damjan Janevski) 424118_01

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

Take off weight naturally Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to

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

■ Rhonda, 0409 740 924

Kyneton Badminton Club

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

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

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

■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Rotary club

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

Interpreting Hume’s landscape

By Oscar Parry

TheSunburyGalleryispresentinganexhibition on interpretations of the area’s landscape, featuring works by local artists and items from the Hume Civic Collection.

Titled ‘Light, Lines and Color: Recalling the Landscape’, the exhibition will showcase maps and imagery from the Hume Civic Collection, and local artist interpretations of Hume’s landscape and its changes over time.

Hume mayor Naim Kurt said that the exhibition will showcase some of the region’s

landscape, history, heritage, and identity.

“It spans from First Nations history … to the current threats to our natural landscape and the physical and social changes of our municipal area,” Cr Kurt said.

“The artworks from Hume’s Civic Collection highlighttheimportantroleourciviccollection plays in telling our community’s story. I encourage our community to visit the Sunbury gallery to explore this exhibit and reflect on the rich history of our municipality.”

According to the Victorian Collections website, the Hume Civic Collection consists of

artworks, photographs, objects, photographs, and records portraying the city’s history and cultures, and incorporates the George Evans Collection – over 5500 pieces relating to Sunbury.

The Light, Lines and Color: Recalling the Landscape exhibition opened on August 1 and will run until November 3 at Sunbury Gallery at the Hume Global Learning Centre, Sunbury.

‘Light, Lines, and Color: Recalling the Landscape’ at Sunbury Gallery at Hume Global Learning Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 423535_11

Students’ hard work goes on show

The artworks of St Albans Secondary College VCE Students are set to shine in an exhibition at Fortyfive Downstairs gallery.

St Albans Secondary College is a multicultural school with over 53 cultures represented.

Students bring their own unique cultural perspective and aesthetic to the creation of works.

This then enables students to appreciate different cultural values and perspectives.

Head of visual and performing arts Nick D’Aglas said he was proud of all students and staff who helped to get the exhibition prepared.

embrace cultural diversity.

“We have had a longstanding relationship with Fortyfive Downstairs and we were absolutely delighted to be invited, as the first state school, to exhibit in their gallery.”

An evening of true crime

True crime enthusiasts in the west are in for a treat.

At 6.30pm on Friday August 16, former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina will host a talk about one of themosthigh-profilecasesinVictorian history at Melton Entertainment Park.

The Frankston serial killer, Paul Denyer, murdered three women in the early 1990s before being arrested by police and charged.

MrBezzina,whowasontheinfamous case, said people can look forward to a detailedbreakdownoftheinvestigation not offered anywhere else before.

“The story has been told many a time but here you have an opportunity to hear from the investigator involved as opposed to hearing it through the media,” he said.

“A significant amount of people have read about it over a number of years but here’s a chance to hear about it live.”

A thrilling combination of evidence, interview footage, and key elements of the investigation that led to the charges will all be revealed to illustrate the depth and gravity of the crime, Mr Bezzina said. “The investigator’s point ofview,fromfindingthefirstmurderto finally making the arrest the day after we found one of the victims, will show what is involved in such a significant investigation.”

Morbid curiosity is an undeniable part of human nature and Mr Bezzina will provide an insight into a real world example.

“This is one of those rare moments –and thank goodness it’s rare – that we have a serial killer amongst us,” he said.

The works of St Albans Secondary College’s talented VCE art, design and technology students will be on exhibition in Melbourne’s CBD from August 13.

Tickets are $45 and include a meal. For bookings, email enquiries@ mepark.com.au or call 8746 0600 Eddie Russell Students with some of the artwork that will be on show in the exhibition.

When students at St Albans Secondary College engage in the creative process there are a range of intercultural experiences that influence the resulting works.

“The art staff at this school include the current writer of the VCE Art Making and Exhibiting textbook, Mr Michael Bowden and Miss Della Butler who came to teaching after establishing a career in cultural organisations,” he said.

“The exhibition is a rare glimpse into the potential that is unlocked when we are able to

Opening night is from 5pm to 7pm, at the Fortyfive Downstairs Gallery, 45 Flinders Lane. The exhibition will be viewable until August 24.

Bringing Dr Seuss to life at Thomas Carr

Thomas Carr College is preparing to turn heads with its production of ’Seussical’ later this month.

In preparation for the premier on Thursday, August 29, students and staff have been honing their skills three to four times a week after school and on Sundays.

The message of helping a friend, not giving up, the fragile sweetness of the natural world and the pure power of the imagination made Dr Seuss a fitting theme.

Between cast and crew, 45 students across years 7-12 are involved in what is truly a team effort.

Cast, backstage crew, lighting and sound

engineers, makeup artists and animators all work hard to make sure the production runs smoothly.

Gracing the stage is an exciting and frightening adventure, but the cast have taken on the challenge with enthusiasm.

Abby Fernando is playing Cat in the Hat and said she loves performing.

“I love playing different characters and getting out of my comfort zone. I love the feeling of being on stage and hearing the crowd applaud, it’s great,“ she said.

In the spirit of not giving up, the cast have persevered through the trials and tribulations of performing.

Sophie McCavanagh, performing as Maizy Labird, said performing on stage has its challenges.

“I can get a bit of stage fright especially singing in front of people, but I have realised throughout this that everyone is in the same boat, and no one is here to judge you. Everyone is really supportive,“ Sophie said.

Seussical win run across three nights from Thursday, August 29- Saturday, August 31, with a 7pm start time.

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1231436

Jaidyn

Kennedy

Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions about the case and other crime-related matters.

Thomas Carr College students Sophie, Abby and Gorgi are starring in the school’s production of Seussical. (Damjan Janevski) 422491_01

How plants recover after a fire

On February 13 this year, a bushfire raged through the beautiful Grampians area of Victoria where my family and I are fortunate enough to have a property. The bushfire began at Bellfield and ravaged an area of 2726 hectares.

The fires began because of lightning strikes as extreme storms hit Victoria after a series of hot days. The other contributing factor was that the bushfire fuel, such as grasses, leaves and undergrowth, had a low moisture content after a long, dry summer, meaning that combustion was rapid, and the fire spread easily

When we finally witnessed the damage to our 2.5-hectare property a week later, a large shed and its contents had been destroyed and the landscape across the whole area was a moonscape, charred and shrivelled with tree trunks still burning and smoking. Our family have a dedicated firefighting crew to thank for the survival of our house, which fortunately remained untouched.

What has struck me as remarkable about the recovery after the fires is that the plants have intuitively begun the regeneration processwithoutanyintervention.Theinternal mechanisms and processes plants undergo ensures that they are equipped to tackle post-fire recovery better than any animal, including humans.

Some trees and plants refuse to die even in the face of 1100 degrees celsius flames,

the maximum temperature at the base of tall flames. To the naked eye, plants scarred very recently by fire can look as if they have died. However given a week or so, the plant springs into action and begins to regrow in the way it knows how. Plants that can survive a fire are called ‘resprouters’ and those killed by fire are called ‘fire sensitive’.

There are three main ways that a plant resprouts after fire: 1/ Trees and some shrubs have dormant buds beneath their bark and these buds survive the heatofafire.ThisgrowthknownasEpicormic growth can occur in Eucalyptus and small trees. What you will see is sprouting leaf

growth that is almost feathery in appearance along most of the tree’s trunk area and into its branches.

2/ Many shrubs, grasses, sedges, lilies, terrestrial orchids and ferns regrow after fire from dormant buds in underground organs. These are protected from the heat of fires by the soil. This is particularly striking in the grass trees on our property which have resprouted like bright green fibre optics from the blackened trunk.

3/ Some plants regrow from buds protected fromtheheatoffiresbyleavesoroldleafbases. These tiny plants emerge from a seemingly arid, empty patch in the darkened soil.

Then there are the plants that are fire sensitive. Of the plants that do die when burned by fire, these plants have two ways of regenerating that rely on accessing the plant’s seed bank. Firstly, the plant may store these seeds in the woody fruits of the branches, and they will be opened by fire. Alternatively, the plant stores it’s seeds in the soil and the seeds will wait until the fires have passed before germinating . Just goes to show the resilience of the plant world!

So,fourmonthsonfromthefires,theplants have begun to assert themselves once more. Blackened tree trunks and branches have a leaf cover of epicormic growth, bracken ferns have replaced the blackened sandy soils and fresh sprouting leaves emerge from what appears to be a barren, bare and flimsy shrub.

Where possible, it is best to leave plants to recover with minimal human intervention after bushfire. The fires were tough on animal life too; accordingly, part of the recovery humans can help with is to leave behind burnt logs and some debris as homes for wildlife. If you are interested in being more prepared for a fire, you may wish to know more about fire resistant plants. The key to using fire resistant plants is to choose plants with high water content to reduce and slow the spread of fire. It is also smart to use trees or hedges, where possible to reduce wind speed, radiant heat and to filter embers.

There are books and websites that can offer advice on plant choice and provide you with further information. A couple of reliable sources are The Diggers Club website The Diggers Club – Australia’s No.1 Gardening Club and Lesley Corbett’s thoroughly researched book called Safer Gardens: Plant Flammability & Planning For Fire Safer Gardens: Plant Flammability & Planning For Fire – Australian Scholarly Publishing.

A gum tree recovers after being damaged by fire. (iStock: Lovleah)

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 8/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 7/10

Genesis G70 looks ‘big and bold’

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Although it’s been on sale in overseas markets since 2016 and in Australia since 2019, the Genesis brand remains largely unknown here.

During our week-long road test of the Genesis G70 we regularly had to explain that it wastheluxurysub-brandofHyundai,akinthe relationship between Lexus and Toyota.

TheG70isamidsizedsportssedanorstation wagon, the latter variant coming with the rather ostentatious title of Shooting Brake. The name harks back to pre-automotive days and referred to horse-drawn carriages that were used for transporting aristocratic shooting parties and all their gear.

G70 competes against cars like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The latest upgrade, launched in November 2023 added Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Genesis Connected Services and Over The Air (OTI) software upgrade capability. New generation Electronic Control Suspension provided enhanced ride and handling.

Styling

The exterior of the G70 sedan is big and bold with neat cutouts for the wide-set LED headlights and black air intake vents. In line withthecurrentsedandesigntrendsit’salmost coupe-like in profile.

The MY2024 update added new emblems, redesigned wheels and additional exterior colours.

Interior

The inside of the G70 oozes class and quality with quilted leather seats and door trim.

Front seat space is fine with good leg and headroom but legroom could be compromised if there are tallish rear seat occupants. A tall transmission tunnel effectively limits rear carrying capacity to a pair of adults.

We found front storage to be limited with a small centre console box, two cupholders and smartphone charger in the front not leaving room for other items like key fobs.

Bootcapacityisafairlymodest330litres.The Shooting Brake extends it to 465 litres. Both have space saver wheels beneath the boot floor.

Engines/Transmissions

Genesis G70 comes with the choice of two turbocharged petrol engines, a single-turbo four-cylinder 2.0-litre and twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6.

The 2.0 T-GDi, is a 2.0-litre four with direct fuel injection and a single, twin-scroll turbocharger that produces 179kW of power at 6200 rpm and 353Nm of torque from 1400 to 3500 revs.

The 3.3 T-GDi V6 has a capacity of 3.3 litres withdirectfuelinjectionwithtwinsingle-scroll turbochargers. Peak power of 272kW comes in at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 510Nm with a nice spread between 1300 and 4500 rpm so most drivers will have the engine at peak torque all the time.

Both engines require 95 RON petrol. Combined fuel consumption is listed at 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres for the 2.0T and 10.2 L/100 km for the 3.3T.

Power is transferred to the road in both models through an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

Both engines are Euro5 emissions compliant and run on 95 RON unleaded petrol. Fuel consumption is listed at 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres for the 2.0T and 10.4 L/100 km for the 3.3T.

Infotainment

Display is through an embedded 10.25-inch touchscreen that gives access to Radio Data System (RDS), satellite navigation SUNA live traffic updates; DAB+ digital radio; AUX/USB audio input; Bluetooth audio streaming; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility; Bluetooth phone connectivity; and wireless phone charging.

The 12.3-inch instrument cluster has full LCD display with 30 functions and three

display themes.

There are four USB ports, single USB-A and USB-CinthefrontandtwomoreUSB-Cinthe rear.

Both models get a 15-speaker Lexicon by Harman system with a 660W 11-channel external digital amplifier and Quantum Logic Surround Sound.

Safety

Standard safety features in both Genesis G70 include 10 airbags, advanced ABS brakes with Brake Assist and Multi Collision Braking, Manual Speed Limit Assist, Forward and Reverse Parking Distance Warning and Rear View Parking Guidance,

The standard Genesis Active Safety Control system adds Blind-Spot Collision Warning,

Driver Attention Warning; Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detectionandlane-changeoncomingfunction; High Beam Assist; Lane Keeping Assist; Rear Cross-TrafficCollisionAvoidanceAssist,Smart CruiseControlwithStopandGofunction,and Surround View Monitor.

Pedestrian safety features add an active bonnet lift system and backup light guide function.

Driving Genesis G70 shares a number of components, includingthe3.3-litreengine,withtherecently discontinued Kia Stinger.

WhiletheG703.3Tisaimedmoreatfamilies than the sportier Stinger. Around town it’s like

driving in a smallish limousine; smooth, quiet and comfortable.

G70 has five drive modes: Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom settings. In normal driving it’s at its best in Comfort rather than Sport because it still has plenty of grunt on offer.

On the open road we went for Sport, where the steering is sharp, tight and responsive. There is good low-end acceleration with only a mild hint of turbo lag.

Genesis G70 provides excellent levels of comfort and convenience for the driver with multiple powered seat and lumbar adjustment options including inflatable side bolsters that are automatically raised when the Sport Drive mode is engaged, and just as important for long-distance driving, lowered when reset to Comfort.

Both Genesis models have been tested in local conditions to come up with an Australian-specific chassis, suspension and steering settings.

Fuel consumption in the 3.3T is listed at 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres, we averaged 11.3 L/100km during our test. The 2.0T drops down to 9.0 L/100km.

Summing Up

During our week-long test the Genesis G70 impressed us with its styling and driving pleasure. It’s a solid contender in the affordable premium-car field, although it’s doubtful that potential prestige car buyers see the South Koreans in the same light as the Brits and Germans.

The Genesis brand remains largely unknown in Australia. (Pictures: Supplied)

Locals shine at the Olympics

Here’s a quick look at how the locals faired in the past week at the Olympics.

Artistic swimming

Australia finished ninth overall in the team event with a score of 728.43. The team, which included Wyndham’s Putu Anastasia Kusmawan finished with a team personal best in the team acrobatic routine, scoring 211.97. It was 15.35 points higher than their world cup performance in May. The overall team score was 44.89 higher than their May score, also a team personal best.

Athletics

Linden Hall’s campaign came to a disappointing end in the 1500 metres. A calf injury prevented Hall from reaching her best, finishing eighth in the repechage. Joseph Deng’s men’s 800 metres also finished in the repechage, finishing in fifth spot. Hurdler Celeste Mucci was another not to go past the repechage, finishing sixth in her race in a time of 13 seconds flat.

Basketball

The Australian Opals have returned to the medals for the first time since 2012. After losing to the Americans for a shot at a gold medal, the Opals bounced back against Belgium on Sunday night. Both teams had their moments in the first three quarters, with Belgium leading by one point heading into the final quarter. The Opals took control in the last but couldn’t shake the Belgians. A couple of mistakes from Belgium and Steph Talbot block sealed an 85-81 win for the Opals. Craigieburn’s Ezi Magbegor played the game of her life with 30 points and 13 rebounds. She was named in the second all-star five team. Skipper Tess Madgen, who came up big late, finished with 10 points.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which nation is the current world No.1 team in men’s rugby union?

2. What distinguishes rhythmic gymnastics from other disciplines?

3. In which country are the annual World Bog Snorkelling Championships held?

4. What year did Melbourne last host the Summer

Basketball

The Boomers Olympic campaign is over after losing to Serbia in overtime in the quarter finals. The Boomers jumped Serbia early on and led by 24 points in the first half. The Serbians bought the margin back and led at

5. Is the standard Olympic archery target distance 30, 50, 70 or 90 metres?

6. Who scored the winning goal for England in the 1966 soccer World Cup?

7. Which horse won the 1916 Grand National?

8. Who holds the record for the most wins in the World Chess Championship? was cricketer Mike synchronised swimming

Which country was mistakenly introduced as North Korea during the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony?

Steve Corica is the inaugural head coach of which new A-League soccer club based in New Zealand?

three quarter time with scores level at the end of regular time. A 13-8 overtime period gave theSerbiansthewin,95-90.JoshGiddeyscored 25 points, while Dante Exum scored 12. Taekwondo Leon Sejranovic fell short of his goal of a

13. In what year did the 3x3 Basketball format debut at the Summer Olympics?

14. Ferrari Formula One driver Carlos Sainz Jr. has signed to drive for which team in 2025?

15. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Australian Christopher Burton won a silver medal in which sport?

16. In Round 21 of the AFL, which midfielder played his milestone 400th game against Carlton?

17. Brendon Starc, brother of cricketer Mitchell, competes professionally in which sport?

18. Which Australian swimmer won gold in the women’s 200m freestyle event in Paris?

19. Coach Tony Gustavsson recently parted ways with which Australian women’s national team?

20. Which driver won the Belgian Grand Prix, only to be disqualified after the race due to an underweight car?

21. How many AFL players have played 400 games?

22. And how many have NRL players have played 400 games?

23. By what nickname are Port Adelaide known by in the SANFL competition?

24. 2024 Olympic medallists Grace Brown and Penny Smith both come from Camperdown, which is located in which Australian state?

25. Which Major League Cricket T20 franchise, captained by Steve Smith, won the 2024 tournament?

Aussie

is participating in what event at the

27. Italian Olympic gymnast Giorgia Villa went viral for being sponsored by makers of what type of food?

28. Who is England’s current One Day International and Twenty20 International captain?

29. Which AFLW team plays its home games at Victoria Park?

30. By what name is the women’s Tour de France race known?

medal in the 80 kilograms men’s event. He lost his round of 16 match 2-0, before losing in the repechage 2-0 to Edi Hrnic. In the 58 kilograms men’s event, Bailey Lewis lost to Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi, 2-0 in the quarter finals.

26.

Jack Robinson

2024 Paris Olympics?

Giorgia

Carlos Sainz Jr Jr.

Ezi Magbegor dominated the bronze medal game. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Big V season over for Sunbury Jets women

A Sunbury Jets late fightback in the Big V women’s championship season has come to an end in the first week of finals.

Having been behind the eight ball all season, two final round wins put the Jets in fourth spot at the end of the regular season.

It meant they would host the elimination final against Pakenham Warriors.

For three quarters on Saturday night, the Jets were in the contest leading by six points at three quarter time.

The Warriors won the final quarter, 27-15, to claim a 90-84 win to progress through to the next round of finals.

Jets coach Monique Caparello said there were some mixed feelings after the result.

“I’m absolutely gutted about the result,” she said. “We’ve surpassed a lot of expectations that have been set for us.

“I’m proud of them from where they’ve come from half way through the season when

we got our whole team.

“With self reflection, I’m proud but disappointed with last [Saturday] night.”

Caparello said they really struggled to get their outside shooting game going against the Warriors and it proved costly.

They shot nine from 28 from beyond the arc.

“They sat in a zone all night and that can be hard,” she said. “Our three ball wasn’t dropping and we had an off night.

“We could not shoot them out of the zone and our inside game wasn’t enough to get us over the line.”

Chloe Hildebrand top scored with 19 points fortheJetsasfiveplayersscoreddoublefigures.

Caparello said the group had come so far this season. She was appointed to the role just before the season started.

“I was on the run putting in offensive sets and defence principles a week and a half out from a practice match,” she said.

“It was my first season as head coach as well. An off season to prepare and put in basic principles will set us up for the future.”

Caparello said it was pleasing to see so much local talent within the squad and as a coach that was something she focused on.

She said they were hoping to possibly add a few more players in while their youth league team made finals.

“Hopefully they’ve be a couple of others that want to challenge for a spot and the group we’ve had has proved their worth,” she said.

“We’ll probably grab a couple from youth league as well. Hopefully it’ll set us up for a good future.”

Meanwhile, the Jets youth league division 2 side was knocked out in the semi finals.

Lions into grand final

By Tara Murray

The Sunbury Lions dug deep to overcome Roxburgh Park and win through to the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 grand final.

After losing in the first week of finals, the minorpremiersneededtofindawaytorespond against Roxburgh Park in the preliminary final on Saturday.

The key was a good start and the Lions got the start they were after, kicking the only two goals of the first quarter.

There were no goals kicked in the second quarter, but the Lions were able to keep the margin with the Magpies failing to hit the scoreboard.

The Lions sealed the win in the third quarter with two goals to lead 29-0 heading into the final quarter.

A final quarter goal was the icing on the cake with the Lions winning, 5.5 (35)-.0.2 (2).

Lions coach Matt Tremellen was thrilled. “It feels great, it’s been what we’ve been working towards all year,” he said. “To finally just cement that spot, I think the vibes are pretty good.”

The Lions had a few changes to their line up from the qualifying final loss, with some injuries.

They were able to bring in their three Calder Cannons players, who were all able to have an impact.

Tremellen said they were missing a lot of players, but they were all in spirit on the field with many taking on off field roles.

“They’re all part of the team,” he said. “We play for the ones that can’t play the game and that’s what we did.

“We did it for the ones that were lost throughout the year and over the last couple of weeks and girls had to miss out on selection.”

Tremellen said they knew they had to get off to a good start if they were to beat Roxburgh Park, which was bringing in plenty of momentum into the game.

He said they knew the Magpies would be competitive and bring their physical game.

“We knew that they were going to bring it all day and to keep them goal less is really just is attributed to our defence which is what our game’s been built around,” he said. Our defensive group has been the best all year. “

Natachia Abela was the only multiple goal kicker on the ground with two goals.

Eden Grant, Emma Quarrell and Grace Azzopardi were their best. All three can still play in the under-18.5s competition.

Tremellen said they were huge for them and they filled the gaps that were missing through injuredplayersandwithoutthemtheycouldn’t have got it done.

The three Cannons girls are unlikely to play in the grand final with Coates Talent League commitments.

ActingcaptainEmilyTaylorwenttohospital after a finger injury in the first quarter, while Abela, the competition’s leading goal kicker, received a red card in the dying seconds.

Tremellen said there’s always concerns and they would deal with them throughout the week.

He said they would look to some of their experienced players like Krystie Dudley and Jaimee-lee Wilson, who have played in premierships before.

The Lions will face Coburg Districts in the grand final on Saturday at Coburg City Oval from 12.10pm.

The three match ups between the sides have been good ones.

“We’re looking forward to another good game against them,” Tremellen said. “We know what they bring and we’ve seen them at their best.

“We know what we have to do to beat them.”

Kyneton is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to take on coaching roles for next year’s Riddell District Netball League season.

The club, which joined the RDNL this season, is searching for a head coach as wellascoachesforacrossthefivegrades.

The head coach will be responsible for leading and developing the club’s netball program, including coaching players, developing training programs, and overseeing game day strategies.

The club is searching for individuals who want the opportunity to use their netball experience and knowledge to align with club values of respect, teamwork,

They will also work closely with the club’s netball director to support the growth and success of the program at the club.

Netball director Loryn Savoia said they need a head coach who is committed to bringing a positive and inclusive team culture and has a strong understanding of netball and the workings of a community club.

“Wewantsomeonewhoisenthusiastic, driven, and who can inspire our players to reach their potential,” she said.

The Tigers A-grade side has won four games in the competition, having had a different team on court this season from previous years.

The future is bright for the club with work on new netball facilities, including change rooms, pavilion and two new courts, set to be finished later this year.

Applicants should hold a current coaching accreditation alongside experience coaching netball at a competitive level.

Applications close August 21.

Details: kfnc.netball@gmail.com

Kyneton is searching for coaches. (Supplied)

Mia Bergamasco. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 422897

Tara Murray

Chloe Hildebrand. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Day to lead Bombers in 2024-25

New Riddell coach Michael Day is excited for the new challenge at the Gisborne and District Cricket Association club.

Having been at the club for a number of years, Day decided it was time to put his hand up and step into the coaching role.

The Bombers announced that Day had replaced Heath Brown as coach.

“It’s kind of exciting and kind of daunting,” Day said. “I’ve been involved in cricket since I was 10 and I’ve at the club for 18 years and enjoyed the journey.

“I thought it was time to get involved and help the club out.”

While Day has been just a player at the Bombers, it’s not his first foray into the coaching side of things.

He was captain-coach many years ago at Portland,whencaptainssortofdideverything

and there wasn’t really an official coach.

Day takes on the role after a couple of tough years for the Bombers both on and off field.

Last season, they finished bottom in Johnstone Shield with one win for the season.

The Bombers were in a number of games, but struggled to put it together with the bat.

Off field, copper thefts at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve meant the club didn’t have powerfortheirroomsforanumberofmonths, meaning they couldn’t hold functions and had an impact on money made on match day.

“We have struggled after Covid hit,” Day said. “The thefts add to the challenges.

“We are pretty keen to bolster the playing list and strengthen the community enjoyment as well.

“Pretty strong junior group and lots of junior teams lot of playing in seniors which is

quite enjoyable

“We want to keep bringing those guys on as well.”

Day said they want to work their way back into McIntyre Cup, but knows it’s a few years off.

He said they were unsure what grade they would play in this season.

A call on whether they stay in Johnstone or go down to Jensen Shield will be made once they know their playing squad and where it suits.

“We want to mix the younger ones in with the older ones,” Day said. “We want to get more involvement from the community.

“We’re always looking for numbers for the club. Hopefully pick up some player from out there. We’re always after players.”

Tigers are into granny

By Tara Murray

Kyneton’s dreams of back-to-back premierships in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition remain alive.

TheTigerswonthroughtoasecondstraight grand final, beating Woodend-Hesket in the preliminary final on Saturday.

The Tigers kicked the only goals of the first half to lead by 35 points at the main break. Woodend-Hesket was able to reduce that margin slightly in the third quarter as it finally got on the scoreboard with its first two goals.

The Tigers finished off strongly to seal their grand final spot, winning 8.4 (52)-2.6 (18).

Tigers coach Phil Hawkes said the group was pretty happy to be back in the grand final.

“The job is in front of us,” he said. “We can do it and we’ll have to play at our best.

“Everyone is pretty happy and we all celebrated last [Saturday] night.”

Hawkes said the side had been a bit flat in recent weeks and had set a couple of key areas they wanted to improve on in the front half of the ground.

He said they were able to do that against the Hawks in good signs going forward.

“We kept the pressure up and went back to basics,” he said. “What got us up there last year and over a period of time and it had dropped off.

“We lost some personnel in key areas after last season. We’ve been trying to fast track players to step up a little bit and it’s starting to work.”

After struggling with some availability, the Tigers welcomed five players back into the side which helped with their structures on Saturday.

Hawkes said it was the first time they’ve had a full side all out on the park together.

He said starting the game well was a focus. “If you can get that scoreboard pressure early on that helps,” he said.

“There’s only a couple of sides in the competition that can come back from a deficit.”

Ella Jeffrey, Laura Roberts and Emma Williams kicked two goals each for the Tigers.

Jeffrey and skipper Teagan Ainslie were named their best.

The win sets up a second straight Macedon and Kyneton grand final.

Last season, the Tigers claimed the premiership and the perfect season with the Cats the underdogs.

This time it is the other way round. The closest any team has come to the Cats, was the Tigers early in the season when they drew.

Hawkes knows they have a task ahead of them. He said he’s been told if they win, they’ll be the first Kyneton senior team to go back-to-back since 1960-61.

Tara Murray

“One of the messages going out there is to have fun, but also know the pressure is on Macedon,” he said.

“We had it last year. This year we

have nothing to lose other than going back-to-back.

“We’ll see who settles first. That will give the side a bit of an advantage.”

Sunbury had added a new wicketkeeper for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 2 season. The Roar announced that Sampath Perera had joined the club from PEGS, where he had the most dismissals for a keeper in division 1. The Roar also announced the return of former coach Craig Ballinger in a playing capacity. He spent last year at Geelong West having been a key for Sunbury for a number of seasons previously.

GDCA

Gisborne has signed Josh Brown for the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season. Brown comes to the Dragons from Cockermouth and Cumbria in England. The 19-year-old all rounder comes from the same club as England test captain Ben Stokes. Brown is also set to help out with Gisborne’s juniors this season.

Ballarat FL

The Sunbury Lions hopes of a double chance in the Ballarat Football League were dashed on Saturday. Facing Darley, the Lions lost 19.7 (121)-8.8 (56). The Devils did all the damage after half time, kicking to 13 goals to three having led by five points at half time. Jake Sutton kicked four goals for the Lions, with Brock Landt named their best. The Lions slip to fourth spot. The highest it can finish in third and the lowest is sixth. The Lions face East Point this Saturday in the second last round.

RDNL

The Riddell District Netball League top five is locked in heading into the final round. An upset win from Melton Centrals against Macedon sealed its final spot. Centrals won that match, 59-46. In other matches, Woodend-Hesket beat Kyneton 54-28 and sealed the minor premiership, Wallan beat Lancefield, 47-35 and Romsey was too strong for Diggers Rest, 66-42. The Hawks will finish in first, but the other four positions could change in the final round.

Michael Day. (Shawn Smits)

Briefs

VTCA

Teagan Ainslie. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413374_22

Broadford in talks to join the Bendigo FNL

The Bendigo Football Netball League could have a new side next year with Broadford expressing interest to join the competition.

The BFNL and Broadford both released statements last week confirming there had been talks about the club making the move to the league.

The Kangaroos didn’t field senior football sides this season.

The league said the inclusion of Broadford for the 2025 season aligns with the BFNL’s commitment to enhance the competitive landscape of league and continuously assesses options to expand and strengthen its competitions.

“Exploring new avenues for growth is a key part of our strategic vision,” said league chair Professor Carol McKinstry. “We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to the possibility of seeing Broadford competing in the BFNL from 2025 onwards.

“This is an exciting time for our league, and we believe that such developments will contribute positively to the sporting community in the Bendigo region.”

The league will work closely with existing clubs and Broadford in the coming weeks and said it aims to ensure that any potential transition is seamless and beneficial for all parties involved.

Discussions will focus on logistical considerations, competitive balance, and the overall impact on the league’s structure.

The move is the latest for Broadford.

The club was in the Riddell District Football Netball League until 2019 before it joined the Outer East Football Netball League. It had previously played in the Heathcote league.

Last year the club applied to join the Kyabram District Football Netball League but that was knocked back. The club agreed to put the football side into recess for 2024 following

the decision, while the netballers joined the Northern Football Netball League.

Broadford in its statement said that its vision has always been extremely clear.

“We want a long-term sustainable option that safeguards an exciting pathway for our growing juniors, enables exposure to elite networks for players and coaches, grows our supporter base including sponsors, members, volunteers and past personnel, and importantlyattractsplayersthatstrivetobuild an exciting brand of community football and netball in a supportive and safe environment,” the statement said.

“After deeply considering our options, there truly is incredible potential for our club to reimagine what the future looks like if we can rise from this challenging situation with the football department and maintain a positive outlook.

“Notwithstanding, the netballers who have

Kittens fire up for Cats

By Tara Murray

A team full of teenagers all but locked in Macedon’s finals spot ahead of the final round of the Riddell District Football League season.

A win against Melton Centrals and Woodend-Hesket knocking off Kyneton, has the Cats sitting four points and more than 17 per cent clear of the Tigers.

Cats coach Al Meldrum said it’s nice to have their finals fate in their own hands.

“It looks that way,” he said of sealing a finals spot. “We are a game and a decent percentage ahead.

“Our old rivals Woodend did us a solid favour and we did what we had to do. With a game left it looks like we’ll probably be playing finals.

“Weplayeachgameonitsmeritsandoutside of that we look at things in our control. We didn’t want to rely on other results, but we were keeping an eye on them.”

TheCatsheadedtoArnoldsCreekRecreation Reserve to face Melton Centrals on Saturday.

Meldrum said it was one of the best days in terms of the weather that he had encountered at the ground.

He said Centrals had a big day off field and on the field had really come to play.

Centrals led at quarter time before the Cats hit the front and led narrowly at both half and three quarter time.

They kicked two goals to one in the final quarter to lock in a 10.8 (68)-8.5 (53) win.

“Centrals were really good,” Meldrum said. “They played well and restricted our ability to play the way that we wanted to play.

“It was one of my proudest moments as coach. We had 10 teenagers out there, that’s most we’ve had.

“Wehadninebeforealatewithdrawal.That’s almost 50 per cent of the team being teenagers, which is pretty amazing.”

BradleyCookekickedfourgoalsfortheCats. He’s kicked 10 goals the past two weeks in the absence of his brother, skipper Jason Cooke.

Meldrum said Lachlan Hay in the middle and Ed Ferguson down back were a couple of

done a fantastic job keeping the club alive through proudly competing on our behalf this season in the Northern FNL. We too are proud of their efforts thus far.

“Withafewmoreboxestotickasacommittee to ensure we meet the requirements of a preferred league, currently the Bendigo FNL, including to have a strong player, sponsor and volunteer base behind us, it is crucial we cover all bases first to ensure we are setup as positively and viable as possible to compete.”

Meanwhile on Saturday, Gisborne slipped from top of the ladder with an upset loss to Strathfieldsaye.

The Storm winning 14.8 (92)-10.9 (69).

The Bulldogs now sit in second with two rounds remaining.

Tara Murray

Three more locals picked

An extended list of 62 players who have been invited to the AFL state draft combine has been announced with three more locals added to the list.

An initial list of 25 players was announced along with the 65 players selected to attend the national draft combine event.

The extended list of players invited to attend a state combine was selected following additional consultations with AFL clubs.

Players can still be added over the next two months with state combines to be held in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

The Melbourne event will be held on Sunday, October 6 following the national combine.

Physical testing will again feature vertical and running jumps, the 20-metre sprint, agility test and the two kilometre time trial.

Sunbury Lions Patrick Said is the fourth Calder Cannons to be selected for the state combine with captain Damon Hollow and teammates Nash King and Jayden Nguyen already selected.

WesternJetsKeightonMatofi-Forbes has also been selected. He joins his Jets and Keilor teammate Lucca Grego and Jets ruck Lucas Impey at the state combine.

the other younger players who stepped up.

He said it was a good experience for the younger players and what the club was trying to build.

Leaders Hamish Govan and Matthew Dick were named their best.

Meldrum said they were hopeful of getting some players to return in the next couple of weeks, including Jason Cooke.

He said Nathan Bridgland was probably done for the season.

The Cats finish the regular season against Romsey. The two teams are likely to face each other in the first week of finals, with the Redbacks to finish fourth.

Meldrum said it would be interesting to see how both sides approach the match.

“We are pretty evenly matched when we played them at our ground,” he said. “It wasn’t a great game for both teams and it was a three goal margin.”

Romsey enters the match on the back of a loss to Diggers Rest.

In the other match, Wallan beat Lancefield.

Werribee’s Riley Bice is one of two Victorian Football League players invited to the state combine. Werribee has a history of players being picked up in the drafts with two selected last year.

Bice has been a standout for the Tigers, who sit atop the VFL ladder.

Northern Knights’ Jesse Dattoli, Thomas Sims, Gabriel Stumpf and the Cannons’ Isaac Kako and Harry O’Farrell have all been invited to the national combine along with Bacchus Marsh’s Sam Lalor.

Calder Cannons’ Patrick Said. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Hamish Govan. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Action from around the grounds

Ljubica Vrankovic was in

Greenvale’s Jason Kenneth. 424311_29

Meekness Payne looks to get past his opponent. 424321_11

Altona Gators’ Samson Rocker shoots. 424321_03

A big Craigieburn Eagles crowd. (Ljubica Vrankovic)_424324_11

Plenty Valley Lions’ Reilly Armstrong. 424318_02

Lalor’s Michael Gravina. 424317_02

The Craigieburn Eagles bench. 424324_16

Epping’s Joshua Bawden. 424317_22

Whittlesea Pacers’ Ethan Bateman and Westgate Imperials’ Mabeny Mabor. 424320_31

Plenty Valley Lions’ Jesse Walker. 424318_03

Westgate Imperials’ James Avgerinos. 424320_15

A Greenvale water person is all smiles. 424311_11