Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 22nd October 2024

A peek into creativity

Macedon Ranges artists will welcome the public to their homes and gardens next month, offering an insight into their equipment, processes and approaches.

Celebrating the beginning of summer, members of Open Studios Macedon will open their home studios to visitors on the weekend of November 30. It will provide a look into the process behind a broad range of artists including painters, ceramicists, photographers, drawers, jewellery makers, potters, quilters, and printmakers.

Open Studios Macedon member Sue Anson said visiting artists’ home studios provides a unique opportunity to better understand the artists’ methods, approach, and background and to just have an outing in the Macedon Ranges.

“It’s the fact that they learn what’s actually involved in the materials and the equipment that you might use – and the knowledge – they’ll talk about where their experience [has] come from, whether that’s industry, education, or [a] hobby,” she said.

“It’s about just enjoying your day. There are basically 10 people that are all within driving distance of each other.”

There will also be a pop-up display at Top of the Range Tearooms at the summit of Mount Macedon. The studios will be open for public visits from 10am–4pm on November 30 and December 1.

A brochure and map of the studios involved is available at The Gallery Mt. Macedon, in local cafes and businesses, and through Macedon Ranges tourism information sites.

Visitors do not need to register or purchase tickets.

Details: https://www.visitmacedonranges.com/ events/macedon-artists-open-studios/

Visitor visa disappoints

Sunbury mother Sukhdeep Kaur has decided to surrender her recently granted visitor visa and go into immigration detention, placing herfateinthehandsofthefederalgovernment.

AsreportedbyStarWeekly,Sunburyparents Sukhdeep Kaur and Jaswinder Singh and their two children arrived in Australia in 2015. Both parents applied for ministerial intervention in June 2023 seeking permanent Australian residency after Sukhdeep’s employerfailedtolodgeapermanentresidency application on her behalf.

Since that time they have received multiple

visa extensions but their long-term fate remained uncertain.

Jaswinder is currently in India and is reluctant to return to Sunbury with the visa situation so uncertain.

He left Melbourne in early October to see a severely ill family member, despite an exemption to travel claim not being processed at the time of his departure and risking a three-year ban on returning to Australia.

The family member died during his visit.

Sukhdeep said that on October 10, she and her husband were notified their bid for

permanent residency had failed and they were instead granted visitor visas allowing them to stay in Australia until April 10, 2025. They were also given the option of applying for a contributoryparentvisaoranagedparentvisa.

Mrs Kaur said applying for a parent visa would be costly and would require them both to return to India.

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Oscar Parry

Open Studios Macedon members Sue Anson, Colleen Weste, and Marian Alexopoulos holding their artworks. (Damjan Janevski) 437622_05

Sunbury family Sukhdeep Kaur, Ravneet Kaur and Jaswinder Singh. (Damjan Janevski) 340494_01

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Club dribbles to 50 years

By Oscar Parry

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the SunburyBasketballAssociation,withmembers new and old celebrating the organisation’s rich history.

Sunbury Basketball Association founding and lifetime member Jimmy Moffat said that in the early days, association members played basketball in an army Nissen hut in Diggers Rest.

“[It] had tiles missing, the walls had nails protruding out … if you missed a layup, you got crucified!” Mr Moffat said.

He said that in the mid ‘70s, one of the founding members, Bernie O’Farrell, put an ad in the local newspaper calling for anyone interested in basketball to meet the association at a Sunbury high school, where over 100 children showed up – revealing a keen local interest in the sport.

The association then formed a committee, with members including Jimmy Moffat, John Noble, Murray Hazelwood, Neil May and Peter Kellet, who advocated for a basketball stadium with the then-Bulla council.

The council matched the association’s contribution of $10,000, then building a court at Clarke Oval Reserve.

The association later moved to Eric Boardman Stadium after it was built in the late 1980s.

Association lifetime member Lesley Thomas, who joined in 1977, has also played an important role in the club’s history through various roles, with court one at Boardman Stadium now named after her.

Sunbury Basketball Association president Glenn Ogston, who has been involved with the association since 1986, said the club has always been a “comfortable place to just be at.”

“I’mhumbledandprivilegedbethepresident

at this time … it’s about the reflection of five decades of community connection,” Mr Ogston said.

He said joining a local basketball team offers community connection, benefits to physical and mental health, and an opportunity to “get in at the grassroots level” for those hoping to play at a professional level.

Mr Ogston said as Sunbury’s population is growing and indoor sports remain popular, the stadium is feeling the pressure and needs

A tale of sales betrayal

Sunbury’s Boilerhouse Theatre Company is preparing to perform its adaptation of Glengarry Glen Ross this month, with the plot providing a thrilling insight into ‘80s sales culture.

Adapted from the 1992 film featuring actors Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, and Alec Baldwin, the story is set in a fast-paced real estate office in the ‘80s, where salespeople clash and betray each other in an effort to maintain their jobs.

The film was written by playwright and filmmaker David Mamet, based on his 1984 Pulitzer prize-winning play.

Boilerhouse Theatre production co-director Ryan Edmends said the play includes famously realistic and difficult to perform dialogue.

“David Mamet is famous for writing what is considered to be realistic dialogue … so for actors to learn … you’re often jumping around between multiple conversations … the dialogue isn’t just explaining the setup for things,” Edmends said.

He said Boilerhouse Theatre actors who were selectedwiththeshowwerehappytobechosen for these challenging roles, and that “they’ve done exceptional work.”

Boilerhouse Theatre production co-director Ryan Stormland said that the dialogue is the most important part of the performance, including a famous monologue from the film from Alec Baldwin’s character.

“It’s a great double entendre of actors themselves, as they are often having to put on masks to try and get sales, and in this instance, they are having to put on multiple masks just interacting with each other, trying to get ahead of the other salespeople,” Stormland said.

Stormland said tweaks to the play included modernising some of the language and casting women for traditionally male-cast roles.

Boilerhouse Theatre Company will perform Glengarry Glen Ross at Building 22 at Jacksons HillonmultipleweekenddatesbetweenFriday, October 25, and Saturday, November 2.

Visitor visa disappoints

From page 1

Daughter Ravneet said a contributory parent visa costs $48,495 with a processing timeofabout14years,whiletheagedparent visa costs $5100, with a 31-year wait time.

“Why do we deserve to pay the government? We worked hard, we came here legally, we gave 10 years of life to this country. Why have they ignored our hard work and 10 years of our life?” Sukhdeep said.

“We are hard workers. We are good people. We love to live here.“

While the recently granted visitor visa would allow Sukhdeep to return to India andvisithermother,whohasbreastcancer, she decided that it would be too difficult under the circumstances.

“It’s better I go to the detention centre and follow their decision if they give me justiceornot…thenIwilldecide,”shesaid.

“The government has sent me again in limbo … it’s really really stressful, I can’t explain in words … What is the reason? Where is our fault?”

She said she has packed up most of her belongings, is investigating how to rehome herdog,andismentallypreparingtogotoa detention centre in the next few weeks.

additional multipurpose courts.

“We’re working with Hume to better serve our members but also pushing the barrow as hard as we can to get additional … indoor multi-purpose space for Sunbury indoor sport users,” he said.

The Sunbury Basketball Association will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a dinner at Sunbury Social Club, starting at 6pm on Saturday, October 26. Details: https://www. facebook.com/SunburyJetsBasketball

RavneetsaidpoliticiansincludingHawke MPSamRae,aGreenssenator,andaLiberal MP wrote letters of support for the family.

AspokespersonforHomeAffairssaidthe department cannot comment on individual cases for privacy reasons. The spokesperson said that once a minister grants a visa, their ‘ministerial intervention’ is finalised and they can’t intervene any further. Mr Rae was contacted for comment.

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Boilerhouse Theatre Company actors are ready to perform an adaptation of 1994 film Glengarry Glen Ross. (Supplied)

Sunbury Basketball Association president Glenn Ogston and life members Jimmy Moffat and Lesley Thomas are celebrating the association’s 50th anniversary this month. (Damjan Janevski) 437857_05

Mixed REIV news on house prices

By Oscar Parry

With modest housing price changes across Victoria this quarter, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges experienced varied price shifts.

According to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s (REIV) median prices for the quarter ending September 30, Macedon Ranges prices were a mixed bag.

New Gisborne prices rose by 7.7 per cent and Macedon prices by 3.7 per cent, while Mount Macedon prices lowered by 6.6 per cent.

Macedon had the highest median property priceinMacedonRangesof$1,250,000,closely followed by Mount Macedon at $1,205,000.

Mount Macedon Realty director Lisa Fowler said this quarter’s price drop in Mount Macedon can be attributed to a price correction.

“It is no reflection on our region, it is more a result of the significant hike that we experienced during covid. We spiked incredibly over the covid period … the six per cent drop now is just a correction back to pre-COVID days,” Ms Fowler said.

She said the suburb is still seeing plenty of attraction from Melbourne buyers due to its proximity to a train line to Melbourne and that it is a 35-minute drive from Melbourne Airport.

Diggers Rest houses dropped in price by 1.9 per cent, with a rental yield growth of 4 per cent.

Raine and Horne Diggers Rest office manager Dean Clements said the suburb attractsbuyersforitslowpricesandproximity to the airport and Melbourne CBD.

“It’s probably one of the last remaining

Illusive platypus DNA uncovered

Platypus DNA was discovered in creeks in Sunbury and Macedon Ranges as part of an ongoing Melbourne Water monitoring program.

Performed as part of a three-decade-long monitoring program, the water authority completed a comprehensive mapping effort using environmental DNA (eDNA) testing and capture and release methods.

Traces of platypus DNA – released into waterways through the animal’s mucus, urine, faeces, skin, and saliva – were detected in 1800 locations within Greater Melbourne between 2021–23.

According to Melbourne Water, these traces remain in water for days to weeks after the animal has been in the area, allowing for

detection even when the animal is inactive.

In Hume and Macedon Ranges, DNA traces were detected in Jackson’s Creek in Sunbury and near the Organ Pipes National Park, and inLowerDeepCreekinBullaandnearRomsey and Springfield.

Emu Bottom Wetlands Reserve in Sunbury is sometimes known as Platypus Ponds, due to the presence of platypus in Jacksons Creek.

Sunbury community group Friends of Emu Bottom Wetlands Reserve secretary Christina Cheers said that members of the group have witnessed the illusive animal with their own eyes.

“We have been lucky enough to see a platypus down there. You have to be there just at the right time … they’re there alright!” Ms

Cheers said.

“People are not aware enough that we’ve got the platypus in the creek, and if they become more aware, they’re going to take more care of the creek, I hope,” she said.

“We want people to enjoy it too, but it would be nice if they were more aware.”

Ms Cheers said that environmental threats to Jackson’s Creek platypuses include litter, contamination, remnant fishing line, and dogs entering the water.

“Genetically, [platypuses are] a real mixture because they’re at the intersection of mammals andreptiles.They’vegotsomegenesthatbelong to reptiles and some that belong to mammals,” she said.

Oscar Parry

suburbs where you can still actually buy a house under $600,000 on a … block size of about 600 square metres … with about a 15 minute drive or less to the Melbourne Airport,” Mr Clements said.

“Plus, the infrastructure is starting to take place,” he said.

Sunbury prices grew by 1.7 per cent, with a median house price of $681,250.

According to REIV, outer Melbourne units and apartments showed considerable growth for the third consecutive quarter, increasing by 0.6 per cent to a median price of $603,000.

Gina Chick headlines mountain fest

Mountain Festival is returning to the forests of Mount Macedon next month, featuring a range of guests and an expanded program.

Running from November 22–24, guests will include Alone Australia winner and author Gina Chick, environmentalist Bob Brown, Miles Franklin Award winner Alexis Wright, Dark Emu author Bruce Pascoe, Macedon Ranges chef Annie Smithers, and musician Tim Rogers.

The program will showcase writing and storytelling and includes nature immersion, indigenous astronomy, art classes, and workshops for children.

Actors Shane Jacobson and Pia Miranda, and local performers will lead the Ash Wednesday play reading, which tells a story of community resilience. Mountain Festival founder and director Sonia Orchard said that the Macedon Ranges is the “perfect location” for the weekend event –especially in spring.

“Macedon is known for the beauty of its gardens and the excellence of its wine and hospitality. This year, adding in bird walks and fireside stargazing as well as art workshops, yoga and meditation will make it even more well-rounded,” Ms Orchard said.

“We hope guests return from their weekend feeling spiritually, intellectually, and physically nourished,” she said.

Weekend and day passes are now on sale on the organisation’s website. Details: https://mountainfestival.com. au/welcomeback2024

Oscar Parry

Grass slashing begins in the Ranges to reduce fire risk

Annual fire prevention activities in council-managedareasintheMacedonRanges are ramping up in coming weeks, aiming to keep grass low and trees a safe distance away from powerlines.

Council’s roadside grass slashing program is already under way, while an electric line vegetation clearance program is set to begin next week.

Private property inspections targeting potential fire risks will commence in early November.

Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said contractors started roadside grass slashing inMalmsburyandwouldbegraduallyworking their way south, to provide initial coverage of the shire.

“This program prioritises high-use council-managed roads and our contractors work within strict guidelines to complete these works safely,” he said.

“Cutting grass on these roadsides, combined with other activities such as the powerline clearance works and property inspections, is all part of our efforts to proactively protect our townships and residents ahead of the higher-risk fire season.”

In the lead up to summer, and during summer when safe, council slashes roadsides to reduce the likelihood of fires starting from hot vehicle exhausts, mechanical failures and collisions. Transport Victoria manages

the roadside maintenance of state-managed roadsides.

Council is responsible for keeping powerlines clear of vegetation on nature strips and council-owned properties within declared areas of Gisborne and Kyneton.

Powercor is responsible for most other non-declared areas of the shire, with Jemena responsible for Gisborne South.

As part of the program, qualified arborists inspect street trees and powerlines to identify potential breaches of clearance guidelines and organise trimming where appropriate, adhering to council’s electric line clearance management plan 2024-25.

Council’s municipal fire prevention officers

will also soon be conducting private property inspections to check for fire hazards such as unmaintained long grass, excessive woodpiles or other debris.

Officers may issue fire prevention notices where necessary. If a property owner does not comply, they may face an infringement of nearly $2000, plus any costs associated with completing the required works.

“Our officers don’t seek to fine people – we would prefer to work collaboratively with property owners and help safeguard their property,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“However, we also have a broader responsibilitytoprotectourtownsandsupport residents who are doing the right thing.”

Friends of Emu Bottom Wetlands Reserve secretary Garry Bartlett and president Christina Cheers near Jackson’s Creek. (Damjan Janevski) 437418_02

Join in the fun of Diwali

Community language school Victorian Mandali is preparing to light up Sunbury with its Diwali celebration next month.

Featuring food, a DJ, and performances, the school will provide the event as part of its expandinglanguageclassandeventsprogram.

Victorian Mandali delivers classes at Dulap Wilim Hub, a state-funded community centre shared by Sunbury Downs College, Sunbury Heights Primary School, and other organisations.

Victorian Mandali principal Seathu Warrior said the language school is provided the space by Sunbury Heights Primary school and that she and Sunbury Heights principal Laban Toose have worked in collaboration.

“This innovative initiative aimed to promote cultural diversity and language skills among students of Indian ethnicity. We have created a supportive and inclusive learning environment and foster partnerships with local community organisations and cultural groups,” Ms Warrior said.

“Together with our collaborative leadership

we deliver language and cultural diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement.”

Ms Warrior said the class size has increased from one student in 2018 to about 35 current students.

“I feel great when parents tell me that kids could connect to grandparents who cannot speakEnglishandthekidsonlyspeakEnglish.

With … more skills [in] their mother tongue, grandparents can enjoy their time with their grandchildren,” she said.

Ms Warrior said the school teaches students about Indian culture and currently offers classes in Hindi and Punjabi.

Ms Seathu said the school is considering expanding to other languages and creating more language school campuses in Sunbury and surrounds.

Victorian Mandali will host its Diwali event from 6.30pm on Saturday, November 16 at Dulap Wilim Hub, Sunbury.

Oscar Parry

Briefs

Riddells Creek fatal crash

A 21-year-old Lancefield woman died following a crash in Riddells Creek on Friday, October 18. Police were told the woman was driving along Kilmore Road, about 500 metres east of Mount Charlie Road, when it appeared she lost control and crashed into a tree about 7.15am. She died at the scene. The driver of a second car in the area of the crash at the time, stopped at the scene to help. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Free camping this summer

Camping will be free in every national park and state forest in Victoria this summer. The state government said camping will be free at all 131 of Parks Victoria’s paid campgrounds from December 1until June 30, 2025 –saving families $7.3 million in booking fees. The $9 million investment aims to ensure all campers have free access to every campground across the state. As part of this investment, $1.7 million will go towards additional maintenance, repairs and operating costs to ensure campgrounds are kept clean and safe for all to enjoy. Existing bookings for this summer will be honoured and refunded.

Details: parks.vic.gov.au

Sunbury Heights Primary School principal Laban Toose and Victorian Mandali principal Seathu Warrior (Damjan Janevski). 437753_02

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Is your gut health normal?

Alex Lopes is a pelvic health physiotherapist, the director of Pelvic Health Melbourne in Altona North, and past national chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Women’s Men’s and Pelvic Health Group.

Gut health is a big conversation and getting more media airtime recently. So how common are gut based issues?

Around 24 per cent of all Australians experience constipation and many more experience incomplete emptying, straining, episodic diarrhea, haemorrhoids, fissures, smelly wind, excessive wiping and/or gut pain.

Sodoyouhaveagutproblem?Tobestanswer this we first need to know what is normal.

What is NORMAL

How often per day / week 3 times a day and 3 times a week

How long should I sit 30 second to 7 minutes

What size should it be 20-50c piece

What length is normal 8-13cm

Is farting normal Yes up to 24 times a day is normal

How many wipes are normal 2-4

Should my poo float or sink Does not matter

What is normal?

What should my stool (poo) look like? Check out the Bristol stool chart below to see if your stool is normal. Ideally it should look like a smooth Teflon coated sausage that slips out without any need to wipe. This in reality is rare and we can all relate to times where our stool has changed from type 1 all the way to type 7. As a general rule type 1 and 2 where you have hard pellets (like rabbit droppings) or hard logs means you are constipated. Type 6 and 7 where your stool is sloppy is more diarrhea and type 3-5 is what most of us experience most of the time.

So how do I manage constipation?

The general advice is drink plenty of fluids, eat a fibre rich diet and exercise but many of you will have tried these strategies, and you are still constipated, straining or experience incomplete emptying. For some of our patients they may be pushing incorrectly, or their anal canal is too tight. Yes, there is such a thing as a poo shute that is too tight.

Step one: Optimise your poo position and get your push mechanics right. Leaning forwards with your heels on the ground and your elbows on your knees helps straighten out the poo shute. If you need to push a little make sure you are pushing your belly out – not sucking it in. When we push our belly out we open the poo shute. When we suck the belly in we close the poo shute. Are you pushing through a closed or open shute? Not sure, try it on the toilet and check it out. Currently about 40 per cent of us are sucking in as we push - no wonder we have such issues with emptying.

Step two: Is your poo shute too tight? A challenge for you – draw a very large circle on your hand as a reminder. Every time you see that circle on your hand bring your attention to your butt and the muscles around your butt and relax them – you will be amazed how often you are gripping there. Some of us are jaw grippers, some of us are shoulder grippers and yes some of us are indeed butt grippers. So let yours go and see how much easier it is to poo.

So how can I fix pasty poo? Who knew so many people were bothered with thisissueanditissosimpletofix.Inmostcases pasty poo is the biproduct of a very healthy fruit and veg diet. How do I know if I have pasty poo? Well you have to wipe more than four times and you often leave skiddies on the toilet bowel.

So how do we fix pasty poo? So simple. Increase fibre in your diet or speak to your pharmacist about a gentle bulking agent like benfibre or Metamucil. Natural options are

chia seeds, leaving the skin on your carrots, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Hopefully these simple tricks help you.

The last poo based issue I would like to talk about is one which causes our clients and maybeyougreatdistressandissoooeasytofix. It’s called the post poo soiling. Do you find you havealittlebitofleakageofpoowithinanhour ofgoingtothetoiletThisisusuallybecauseyou have pasty poo and instead of the ideal Teflon coated sausage you have the sticky peanut butter ot toothpaste going down the poo shute. It sticks to the sides and just with movement and body heat it oozes out in the first hour after emptying. To fix this issue you just need tobulkupyourstoolsabitsothestoolpopsout the shute like that Teflon covered sausage with no residue rather than that annoying peanut butter that sticks to everything!

If you would like to chat further about issues or concerns you are having with your gut health, you can chat to your local pelvic health physiotherapist.

Long-term Rheumatoid Arthritis relief in sight

Long-term relief is within reach for people with the debilitating autoimmune disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), following an $11.5 million grant to assist in the development of an immunotherapydrugwhichcould“transform” patient’s lives.

The funding, delivered as part of the federal government’s frontier health and medical research initiative, will enable University of Queensland (UQ) researchers to begin the next phase of their Reset Rheumatoid Arthritis project, which will involve clinical trials of the drug.

RA is a painful lifelong inflammatory disease affecting 23 million people worldwide, with the incidence disproportionately high in women.

UQ Frazer Institute’s Professor Ranjeny Thomas said the drug, ASITI-RA, IS an antigen-specific immunotherapy developed to reprogram the immune system to sustain long-term remission in RA.

“Within two years, we expect to be able to start phase ONE clinical trials of the immunotherapy, which aims to reduce the need for lifelong immunosuppression,“ she said.

“It would transform patient’s lives and reduce the economic burden associated with RA.

“This research has evolved over many years, and we are so excited to receive this funding that will accelerate our progress to the clinic.”

In early-phase human clinical trials conducted by Professor Thomas’ team, participants in two of the dose groups entered disease remission within eight weeks.

“We learned from this trial that there is a dosing sweet spot, which will be helpful for our next trial,” Professor Thomas said. “But one of our most exciting findings was the patient’s disease-specific antibodies also changed, which doesn’t occur in response to current therapies.

“Based on our results, this funding provides a world-first opportunity to leverage these learnings, and to progress our new immunotherapy to trial to interrupt the disease process and achieve safe treatment withdrawal.

“Immunotherapies like this might also be used to prevent the onset of RA in people at high risk, and in people recently diagnosed with other autoimmune disorders like Type 1 diabetes.”

PartnersontheprojectincludeTheUniversity of Sydney, Monash University, King’s College London, Macquarie University, Newcastle University, Leiden University Medical Center, Flinders University, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Arthritis Australia, Arthritis Queensland, The CLEARbridge Foundation, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Translational Research Institute, and the Australian Rheumatology Association.

Alex Lopes (front right) and the Pelvic Health Melbourne team. (Supplied)

University of Queensland Frazer Institute’s Professor Ranjeny Thomas working in the lab. (Supplied)

Cup tour gallops into the Ranges

The Melbourne Cup made its way to the Macedon Ranges last week.

Champion jockey Jamie Kah accompanied the iconic trophy to Trentham on Wednesday, October16,includingavisittoHotelTrentham anditsfamousownerformerBoomerandNBA star Chris Anstey.

WhileinTrentham,Kahmadeherwayalong Market Street and High Street to give locals a chance to pose with the $750,000 trophy. She and Anstey also visited the Trentham CFA. Anstey was instrumental in bringing the Melbourne Cup Tour to Trentham.

“BringingtheCuptoTrenthamwasaunique opportunity to celebrate the community, and the CFA are such a big part of that,” Anstey said.

“CFA volunteers give so much to protect our community and often go underappreciated.

“We wanted to recognise the work they do, and this Melbourne Cup visit was a small gesture to thank them and let them know how much we appreciate what they do on behalf of the town.“

Trentham Fire Brigade captain David Wheeldon said he never imagined having the iconic trophy in his hands.

“It’s heavier than I thought it’d be!” he said.

“It’s fantastic what Chris has been able to bring to the town, and we’re thrilled he shared the experience with the brigade.“

On Thursday, October 17, three-time Lexus Melbourne Cup winning jockey Damien Oliver and former Chief Steward Des Gleeson took the Cup to Lancefield, where students from St Mary’s Primary School took part in a street parade.

The cup tour will make its final stop at Greenvale’sLivingLegendsonNovember4,for an event headlined by Three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva. Details https://tinyurl.com/32ytcyuw

CFA Commander District 15 Adam Baker and Trentham Fire Brigade captain David Wheeldon with the Melbourne Cup.

Top left: Champion jockey Jamie Kah with the cup in Trentham. Left: Jamie Kah and Chris Anstey with Trentham CFA. Centre: Jo Titchener and Deb Anderson with the cup. Right: Hotel Trentham owner and former Boomer and NBA star Chris Anstey holds the cup. (Pictures: Supplied)

Push for improved governance

Macedon Ranges Residents’ Association publishedanassessmentofthisyear’sMacedon Ranges council election candidates, calling for increased public awareness of the council’s governance practices.

According to the association’s website, the assessments were based on almost 30 years of committee experience observing council performance,itsownresearch,andquestioning candidates’ knowledge of council’s duties and theircapacitytorepresentallofthecommunity while ensuring the region’s environment is protected.

Within East Ward, the association rated

Cassy Borthwick as first choice and Andrew Scanlon as second, which Macedon Ranges Residents’ Association secretary Christine Pruneau said was because they have “shown an ability to look further afield than where they live”.

In South Ward, former councillor Rob Guthrie was rated as first and candidate Alison Joseph as second.

“Rob Guthrie’s been a councillor for quite some time too ... within the South Ward and across the whole shire really ... he has a reputation of doing the work,” Ms Pruneau said. “Alison has run before … she’s been out

andaboutinthecommunityforyearsandshe’s very much able to get across the issues.”

In West Ward, former councillor Jennifer Anderson was voted as first on the candidate list, stating that she has shown “excellence and experience.”

“I think she’s proven that over time – she first got elected in 2012. There’s been a real air of professionalism [that has] come into the chamber because of her mayoral capabilities,” Ms Pruneau said.

Ms Pruneau said the majority of complaints the association received about the council this term were around governance issues rather

Mount Players prepare to perform

Macedon theatre company The Mount Players is preparing to perform its final production of the year – A Bunch of Amateurs by Ian Hislop and Nick Newham.

The plot follows a desperate attempt to save a theatre from developers, where a Hollywood star is deceived and flown to England to play the title role in King Lear, believing he will be appearing onstage at the legendary Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon – the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Instead, he finds out that he has been signed

on with the Stratford Players in the Suffolk village of Stratford St John, and as his career implodes, he discovers some truths about himself.

The Mount Players committee member Karen Hunt said that the show contains “lots of laughs and great characters,” that “guarantee a light hearted wind up to The Mount Players 2024 season”.

“If you haven’t been to our theatre then do yourself a favour and come along. With a fantastic show, complimentary sherry on

arrival, a well-priced bar and complimentary tea, coffee and treats at interval – it’s great value. You’ll love it!” Ms Hunt said.

The Mount Players will perform the production across three weekends between Friday, November 1, and Sunday, November 17 at Mountview Theatre in Macedon.

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

Oscar Parry

than decisions.

“Sincethenewlocalgovernmentactcamein, the council has had to prepare a lot of policies and practices and principles … it may be useful for the council to re-explain what those things are and what they do in regard to the types of issues they address so that people have a better understanding of what [the] council [is] working through,” she said.

“Because not all of these complaints about governance really stand up. Some of it is a misunderstanding of where council’s got to come from.”

Details: https://www.mrra.asn.au/

Bulla ready to restart hearts

Bulla residents are now better equipped to save lives from cardiac arrest after a communityprogramaimedatimproving public awareness and preparedness.

The 12-month Heart Safe Community initiative by Ambulance Victoria and the Heart Foundation aims to improve survivalratesforcardiacarrestbyteaching residents in selected communities how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The initiative also aims to promote the GoodSAM service, where a phone application is used to connect with local responders trained in CPR.

OverthepastyearinBulla,theprogram provided training to 225 community members, installed two public AEDs, and assigned two GoodSAM responders.

Ambulance Victoria metropolitan regional director Vanessa Gorman congratulated the Bulla community.

“Minutes matter in a cardiac arrest, and I’m so pleased these communities are now in a better position to save more lives, understanding the importance of bystanderinterventionandcallingTriple Zero immediately,” Ms Gorman said.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time,” she said.

Every day, about 21 Victorians have a cardiac arrest and only one in 10 survive, with CPR and use of an AED more than doubling a person’s chance of survival.

October 16 marks Restart a Heart Day – a global initiative that encourages people to learn CPR and how to use an

The Mount Players Theatre Company actors Tanya Knight, Craig Lenaine-Smith, and Karen Hunt are ready to perform the company’s final production of the year next month. (Supplied)

The Whittlesea Show is

The much-loved Whittlesea Show has always been a staple of the community and the 2024 event, to be held on November 2 and 3, will prove once again to be a magnificent day out.

In his first year as Whittlesea Agricultural Society president, and with a team of dedicated volunteers behind him, Jayson Munro has introduced additions to the Whittlesea Show that will impress newcomers and wow those who are returning.

Cluney’s Tavern and Smokehouse area will greet visitors, along with additional rides for all, whilst the new look Education Pavilion will include activities and attractions to entertain both young and adult.

Among the loved pavilions, including heritage, sheep, and the ever-popular animal nursery, there will also be new competitions to enter, including the pygmy goat obstacle course. There will be pull tractors to see, toy tractors to drive, and a range of free attractions including interactive simulators, an all day circus and more.

The 2024 show provides a range of skill demonstrations and opportunities to participate including rope making, butter churning, sour dough making, and cake decorating and free children’s activities such as bag and mask decorating.

Headline entertainer and exciting new star Taylor Moss will keep crowds entertained. This year Taylor performed live shows at the legendary CMA Festival in Nashville.

The many opportunities to enter as a novice or experienced exhibitor will be listed in the showschedulewhichisavailableonlineatwww. whittleseashow.org.au or pick one up at the show office, gate 1, McPhees Road, Whittlesea. Show president Jayson Munro encouraged everyone to put the event on their calendar.

“The Whittlesea Agricultural Society tries to honour both the show’s history and agriculture

in the area, contining to introduce both subtle and obvious changes with each year. This year we are pleased to be able to introduce Cluney’s Tavern, where people can relax, as well as more subtle additions including new rides, and demonstrations of skills from the past. As the

community continues to support this event we must, in turn, adapt and continually create something to entertain”.

Tickets to the Whittlesea Show are available online at Whittlesea Show 2024 (ticketebo. com.au) or at the gate on November 2 and 3.

Organisers look forward to this year’s Whittlesea Show, the lineup of new attractions, rides, and engaging entertainment promises to elevate the experience for all attendees. Come along for a memorable weekend — this year’s show is not to be missed!

Free workshop to help LGBTIQA+ people plan for old age

AfreeworkshopisbeingofferedtoLGBTIQA+ people, their friends, family and carers to help them plan for older age.

Facilitated by Justice Connect in partnership with local support and social groups, the workshop will help people clarify what matters most as they age and help them communicate their wishes and decisions to the people around them.

“Talking about old age and end of life plans is not easy,” says Tonye Segbedzi from Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s Healthy LGBTI Ageing team.

“But planning now means you can live the life you want as you age. These are important discussions to have so along with our friends at Sunbury and Surrounds LGBTIQ Social Club, Silver Rainbow Social

Club and Globe Victoria, we are providing a safe and supportive forum for the rainbow community.”

The workshop, which is being held at the Hume Global Learning Centre in Sunbury, references the guide, ‘Preparing for your future: A conversation guide for the LGBTI+ community’, designed to encourage older people to engage with the process of future planning. Justice Connect will lead participants through the guide, answer questions and facilitate the discussion of ideas together.

The event takes place on Thursday 7 November 2024, 10.30am to 1pm with morning tea provided. To register go towww. sunburycobaw.org.au/help-planning-yourolder-age

Sunbuy and Cobaw’s new Healthy LGBTI Ageingprojectaimstoincreaseunderstanding and support for the mental health and wellbeing of older LGBTI people in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges. The project, which hasbeenmadepossiblethankstofundingfrom the?Victorian Department of Health?Diverse Communities Grants Program, recognises the impact of marginalisation and discrimination on older LGBTI people’s health, social connection, feelings of safety and belonging, and willingness to engage with services, especially in rural and regional areas.

You can contact the Healthy LGBTI Ageing team at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health if you have any questions – call 5421 1666 or email admin@scchc.org.au.

Celebrating children’s achievements and potential

Young people have a far greater capacity than we give them credit for.

At just 13, Shiloh has been a driving force behind the establishment of GVL’s Environmental Program. His passion for sustainabilitywasinspiredbyhismother’swork as an aquatic ecologist and his lifelong love of the outdoors. Through GVL’s Environmental Program, Shiloh has deeply embedded sustainability and respect for our environment in the way we live, learn and dream at GVL. His vision and leadership has led to the implementation of a significant number of environmental programs and activities across all of our age groups.

At just 8 years old, Olivia has launched a profitable business.

Olivia engages in the end-to end production of her own t-shirt line. Using her iPad to create original designs, Olivia works onsite at GVL’s Makerspace to print, press, produce and package her product. Olivia sells her t-shirts at theBigAppleCafe.Herentrepreneurialjourney is only just beginning, with an expansion into the local slime market on the horizon. Next market day, be sure to stop past Olivia’s stall to see her amazing work for yourself.

We are inspired every day by young people like Shiloh and Olivia.

Too often, we significantly underestimate children’s capacity to make an immediate, direct and positive impact on the world around them.

When this view is widely held by educators, parents, the media, employers, and politicians, it’s no wonder that it becomes internalised by many young people. As custodians of their potential, it’s time to reimagine the way we support or constrain our young people.

Global Village Learning is a community where each learner is deeply known and valued. Our learners are given the freedom, flexibility, and autonomy to explore their

passions and develop their ideas. With access to resources, support, and the opportunity to build real-world skills, we are delighted to

constantly witness them transforming their visions into reality.

During Children’s Week, we are reminded

that when we give young people the space to grow, they won’t only rise to the occasion— they will exceed our expectations.

Left: Shiloh has been a driving force behind the establishment of GVL’s Environmental Program. Right: Olivia has launched a profitable t-shirt business.

Partnership to help young people

Broadmeadows’ Banksia Gardens Community Services will be able to support more young people experiencing disadvantage to access education and training, thanks to a grant from Melbourne Airport.

The airport signed a five-year partnership with Banksia Gardens, providing more than $600,000 tosupportearlychildhoodeducation and training.

Melbourne Airport also signed a five-year partnership with charity Western Chances, providing it with $875,000 to provide scholarships, employment opportunity programs and ongoing support to hundreds of young people in Melbourne’s west.

Banksia Gardens is home to more than 30 groupsandassociationswhoseservicessupport more than 80,000 people annually.

Banksia Gardens chief executive Gina Dougall said the partnership with Melbourne Airportwillhelpsupporttheessentialworkthe organisation does in the community.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership with Melbourne Airport, which has been instrumental in enabling us to maintain and expand our vital programs, including the after-school study program, the scholarship program, and the Northern Centre for Excellence in School Engagement (including Project REAL),” she said.

“Their generous support ensures that we can continueprovidinglife-changingopportunities for young people in our community, helping them thrive academically and achieve their full potential.”

Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said, “The work Western Chances and Banksia Gardens do for communities in the north and west of the city is invaluable, and we are proud to play a small role in supporting that.”

“Melbourne Airport is the largest employer in the local area, and we recognise the importance of establishing pathways and providing education to give people the skills

Ready, set, run for cancer research

More than 30 residents at Calvary Goonawarra aged care home will lace up their shoes for a cancerresearchfundraiserrunlaterthismonth

Starting at Calvary Goonawarra on Thursday,October31,theSunburycommunity isencouragedtojointheparticipants,including their family members and home staff, for a short and casual fun run to raise funds for breast cancer research.

Calvary Goonawarra home manager MichelleMagundayaosaidthatmanyresidents

will be walking or using their mobility aids for the event but will “still be having fun and contributing to a great cause”.

“Everyone in the community is touched by cancer in some way, including members of our own Calvary family. Together we wanted to acknowledge that and do something to help support those affected,” Ms Magundayao said.

Entry for the event will cost $5, which comes with a complimentary pink ribbon handmade by the home’s residents.

The short running course begins at Calvary Goonawarra in Sunbury and finishes at the nearby Sunbury Recreational Reserve.

The event is part of this month’s Breast Cancer Awareness month and an opportunity to raise awareness and funds to combat one of themostcommonformsofcancerinAustralia.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation website, there are over 21,000 diagnoses and 3,300 deaths from breast cancer each year in Australia.

they need to kick start their careers.”

Melbourne Airport also announced the recipients of the 2024 Community Grants program, which provides $10,000 each to communitycentresandneighbourhoodhouses within 20 kilometres of the airport. Ten neighbourhood houses received grants this year. Among the recipients was Lalor Neighbourhood House, which received funding for its youth public art project, Dallas Neighbourhood House which will use the funding for its active living and wellness program for multicultural communities, and Banksia Gardens Community Services for its Naughty Broady – young makers lab.

Major road repair blitz

Major roads in Sunbury and Macedon Ranges are set to receive repair works as part of a statewide maintenance blitz. Roads and Road Safety Minister MelissaHornesaid thestategovernment will invest $964 million towards rebuilding, repairing, and resurfacing roads across Victoria.

“Crews will be out delivering $2.6 million of works every day for a year –with around 70 per cent of all funding going towards our regional roads,” Ms Horne said.

These include works on Gisborne-Kilmore Road and Tylden-Woodend Road in the Macedon Ranges.

In a survey published by RACV earlier this year, Tylden-Woodend Road was the second most-voted dangerous road and Gisborne-Kilmore Road was third.

On Gisborne-Kilmore Road, works will be performed between Mount Eliza Road and Melbourne-Lancefield Road and between Campbell Road and Pierce Road. Works on Tylden-Woodend Road will be completed near Chanters Lane and Harpers Road.

Kilmore-Lancefield Road and Heathcote-Kyneton Road were also marked for upcoming maintenance.

In Sunbury, maintenance works were confirmed for Vineyard Road between Obeid Drive and Elizabeth Drive and the Gap Road between Pasley Street and Anderson Road.

According to the state, a complete list of projects has not been confirmed as resurfacing and other maintenance work will be decided based on needs.

Calvary Goonawarra residents and staff Kathleen Shimmens, Angela Chan, Wendy Ross, and Hazel Symonds are preparing for the upcoming run. (Supplied)

Cycling odyssey on final stretch

By Cade Lucas

Cezary Carmichael and Leo Norman didn’t grow up near the Maribyrnong River, but both say they wouldn’t be where they are now without spending time there as kids.

Where Carmichael and Norman are now is Adelaide, on the final stretch of an epic bike ride and bird watching journey around Australia that doubles as a fundraiser for schools in Timor Leste.

Just how a 19 and 18 year old just out of high school ended up circumnavigating the entire continent on two wheels can be traced back to their formative years riding over to the western suburbs from Fitzroy.

“We’d go riding our bikes along the Maribyrnong River and go bird watching,” said Carmichael.

“Like any young kids, you use your bikes as this sort of tool to get out and have a bit of freedom and for us, bird watching was just a great way to connect with that local bit of bushland.”

Along with the Maribyrnong, Carmichael and Norman would also venture to Brimbank Parkandintheotherdirection,tothewetlands near Hobsons Bay, to go bird watching.

“ParticularlyaroundJawboneConservation Reserve looking for shorebirds there. That was always great fun,” Carmichael recalled.

“Cheetham Wetlands was another great place we’d go looking for birds growing up.”

But as great a bird watching destination as the Hobsons Bay wetlands are, there’s only a certain amount of species that can be seen there.

So with a desire to see as many different birds as Australia has to offer, a fundraising cause they were passionate about and school out of the way, the pair began their odysseey on January 1, setting off from Melbourne and

heading north.

“We made our way up to Brisbane, and then wentthroughsortofcentralQueensland,after that Darwin, through the Kimberley, down through the Pilbara in Western Australia, through the southwest after hitting Perth, then onto the Nullarbor, down through the Eyre Peninsula and across to Adelaide,” said Carmichael sketching out the route they’ve peddled with only sleeping bags and tents for accommodation.

Apart from a breakdown on the way into Adelaide, it’s all gone without incident, though as Carmichael described it, even this had an upside.

“I hitch-hiked a ride on a milk truck and put the bike in the back, and then I realised that the bloke driving the milk truck was Tony Modra.”

Now after getting a lift with an Adelaide Crows legend, travelling 13,000km, viewing 626 bird species and raising $115,000, the pair

have less than 1000 kilometers to go before they reach Melbourne on November 1, exactly 10 months since starting out.

“It’ll probably be strange moving back to a normal sort of life in Melbourne,” said CarmichaelofhowheandNormanwilladjust.

“I think the main priority when we get back will be to get a job because we’re running up pretty low on our savings.”

To donate and for more information, visit: https://shorturl.at/PjUve

Left: Cezary Carmichael, Leo Norman and friend during their fundraising bike ride and bird watching tour around Australia. Top right: Cezary Carmichael takes a break during he and his friend Leo Norman’s bird watching bike ride around Australia to raise funds for schools in Timor Leste.

Right: Leo Norman and Cezary Carmichael peddle through the outback. (Pictures: Supplied)

Labor’s education plan headache

The federal government is pushing ahead with plans to cap international student numbers, despite fierce opposition, including from its own side. Cade Lucas reports.

‘Chaotic’,‘flawed’,‘notfeasible’,‘beingheld to ransom by political incompetence’ and even ‘a distressing version of waiting for Godot.’

Theseareasampleoftheresponsestofederal government’s October 10 decision to again defer its controversial bill to cap international student numbers in Australia

Despite receiving a Senate committee report recommending the bill be passed – with significant amendments – the government deferred it to late November with no explanation as to why.

Thedecisionmeansthegovernmenthasonly has two sitting weeks left this year to pass the legislation which would cap new international student enrolments at 270,000 for 2025 and which is supposed to come into effect on January 1.

By closing the already tight window to pass the bill even further, the government is now facing calls to delay its introduction to at least January, 2026.

There are many others who want it delayed permanently.

‘‘ It’s in the best interests of the nation that this piece of legislation is delayed indefinitely, or better still scrapped altogether ’’

- Vikkie Thompson

As unpopular as the latest deferral was, it’s nothing compared to the opprobrium levelled at proposal itself since it was first mooted in May’s federal budget, with much of it coming from the government’s own side.

A “fundamentally destructive decision” was the recent assessment of Victorian Treasurer TimPallas,whoarguedthepolicybeingpushed by his federal Labor colleagues would have an “adverse effect” on his state’s finances to which international education is a big contributor.

The other ALP state and territory governmentshavealsovoicedtheirdisapproval, as have the government’s opponents, with the federal opposition claiming the bill was full of “incompetency, secrecy, uncertainty and unfairness,” and the Greens calling for the “disastrous” policy to be dumped.

Given international students provide a huge slice of their revenue, the university sector was always likely to be opposed, but the fact not a single institution provided a submission in support of the bill to the recent Senate inquiry, illustrated just how trenchant that opposition was.

Chief executive of the Group of Eight, which represents the country’s oldest and most prestigious universities, Vikkie Thompson, explained why.

“A blunt cap on international students will destroy Australia’s $50 billion international education sector and have long lasting impacts on the economy,” said Ms Thompson in statement released after the bill’s deferral.

“No other multi-billion dollar industry sector would be expected to set budgets for the next 12 months in a context of great uncertainty about a future revenue stream.

“It’s in the best interests of the nation that this piece of legislation is delayed indefinitely, or better still scrapped altogether.”

So to recap: a first term government that is struggling in the polls, is heading into an election year trying to pass a policy that threatens one of the nation’s largest industries andsomeofitsmostimportantinstitutionsand which almost everyone, including members of its own party, hates.

An episode of the West Wing it aint. Why the federal government is doing this is even harder to comprehend given education is one of Labor’s traditional strengths.

According to the director of the Mitchell Institute for Education and Health Policy at Victoria University, Associate Professor Peter Hurley, the answer isn’t much about education at all.

“This is down stream from the immigration issue,” said Mr Hurley, pointing out that the government first announced the the proposal to cap international students as a response to the housing crisis.

While education might be safe territory for the ALP, housing and especially immigration, are not, and with the opposition exploiting fears that a lack of the former is caused by growthinthelatter,thegovernmentwasforced to act.

Speaking to reporters on October 10, Education Minister Jason Clare was up front about the motivation for the policy.

“I make no apology, the government makes no apology for our commitment to return migration to pre-pandemic levels,” said Mr Clare who added that capping numbers would protect the integrity and public support for the international education system.

“International education is really important. It makes us money as a country, it makes us friends as a country, because when people study here and they go home, they take their love for Australia back home with them. But it is also important that we return migration to pre-pandemic levels, and this is one part of doing that.”

In a statement to Star Weekly, spokesperson for the Department of Education said the effects of the reforms on the education sector and other parts of the economy would be monitored closely.

Mr Hurley said there was nothing wrong with linking migration and education.

“Educationisamajorpartoftheimmigration program,” he said.

“It’s absolutely completely legitimate for government to be putting numbers on immigration programs. That’s what the immigration program is,” said Mr Hurley who argued that the explosion in international student numbers post Covid and the fact other countries such as Canada had already introduced similar policies, made them an obvious target for the government.

Mr Hurley said the problem with the caps was in the execution rather than the idea.

“There’s a lot of inconsistencies,” he said of the policy.

“The caps are being introduced on a flow measurenotastockmeasure,sowhatthatmeans is that they’re looking at commencements not enrolments,” said Mr Hurley of the caps which will apply to new students and be based on pre-Covid enrolment figures.

“Rather than looking at how many international students are there in a particular institution and then saying ok we’ll apportion it based on that, they’re doing it based on how many came in in 2019.”

This, along with other exemptions such as students on scholarships, those studying certain degrees and students from Timor Leste and the Pacific, mean the caps affect some universities much more than others.

Mr Hurley’s own employer, Victoria University, recently claimed the cap would cost it $17 million next year alone, arguing its international student enrolment for 2025 was capped 11 per cent below 2023 levels.

Other institutions such as Melbourne University will be able to increase their enrolment of international enrolments.

Even those students who are notionally exempted from the caps, are still concerned.

Twenty-eight-year-old Colombian student Sindy Hoyos has been living in Melbourne for 18 months studying at a private language

college to improve her English.

This makes her exempt from the caps, but not from another aspect of the bill, which is a dramatic increase in visa fees.

“Thesechangesmakeitalittlebitdifficultfor me because the government raised the price of thenewvisa,buttheywantustostillworkonly 24 hours per week,” said Ms Hoyos who lives in South Morang and works as a kitchen hand when not studying.

She wants to study a masters of international development at the end of her English course, buttheprospectoflifeinMelbournebecoming even more expensive and international student numbers being capped, has her looking elsewhere.

“I’m thinking of maybe trying to study in anothercountry,becausethechangesaregoing makemoredifficultthelifeofthestudentshere in Australia,” she said.

The recent world university rankings indicated others were having similar thoughts with Australia’s average international student metric dropping for the second year in a row.

Ms Hoyos said if international students started leaving Australia or stopped coming, locals will notice the difference.

“Students work in occupations that native persons don’t like to work in.”

Mr Hurley agreed.

“I don’t think people quite understand just how important international students are to lots of places across the country, not just the universities. I think there’s something in the order of 850,000 current and former international students in the country and they’re not all at universities, they’re spread out through suburbs, they’re important parts of communities and workforces.”

Just how important, is something the federal government, and the country as whole, might be about to find out.

Left: Education expert Associate Professor Peter Hurley from Victoria University said the problem with the proposed cap on international student numbers was the way the government was going about it rather than the idea itself. Right: Colombian student Sindy Hoyos said she was planning to study in another country due to the changes proposed by the federal government. (Pictures: Supplied)

Education Minister Jason Clare said the government made no apologies for attempting to bring migration back to pre-pandemic levels. (Mick Tsikas/AAP)

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

Merri Health Carer Services/Carer

Gateway is hosting pizza and movie events on a fortnightly basis at Sunbury Youth Centre 51–53 Evans Street

Sunbury for young carers aged 12-18yo who assist with the care of a loved one, such as a sibling or parent who has a disability, mental illness or is an aged person. Upcoming dates are: October 28, November 11, November 25, and December 9.

 http://www.merrihealth.org.au/

WeightWatchers

Join like-minded community members wanting to achieve weight health. WeightWatchers meets every Wednesday at 5.30pm at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury.

 1800 958 288

Toastmasters

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges

Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20–9.30pm, at the Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

 vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 10am–3pm. They are temporarily relocating to 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat.

 0434 400 754

One Voice Sunbury

The WOV Sunbury community choir is changing the world one voice at a time by providing an opportunity for people to meet and experience the joy of singing, often making friends through the shared experiences of singing and performing; although performing is not required. One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday, from 6.30pm, at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome – just join in on the fun.

 sunbury@withonevoice.org.au

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

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

Rotary club

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

 sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Ladies probus

The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am.

 Leonie, 0401 764 182

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms.

 Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am.

 Jo, 0410 834 272

Probus Club Of Sunbury

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to visitors and new members, with a number of great events held each month.

 Greg, 0417 593 035

Camera club

The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Meetings on the first Tuesday of the month, followed by the next Monday. Doors open at 7pm, meeting starts at 7.30pm at Dromkeen, 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek.

 https://bit.ly/41j5BEw

Breast cancer support group

On the first and third Tuesday of the month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group.

 Lesley, 0484 691 226

Village connect

Enjoy free coffee and cake while connecting with fellow Macedon Ranges residents 55 years old and older. Happening on Tuesdays and Thursday at cafes across the municipality.

 https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262

Arts and games night

Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre each Wednesday, from 3.30-5.30pm. The free program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old, at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

HarmoniX Vocal Company

All-male singing group happening on Thursday, 7-9.30pm, in Sunbury, with a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday, 7-9.30pm. Rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required.

 harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

The club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am. This friendly group of men and women enjoy outings and meetings each month and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed

 Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006

Craft and conversation

Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.

 https://bit.ly/39BIu2O

Chill Out Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.

 https://bit.ly/3lmVgVhv

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club

Come along and be part of Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am- noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm, at Eric Boardman Stadium, Wilsons Lane.

 sunburylbc@gmail.com

Come have a chat

Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. Chats every Tuesday, from 10.30-11.30am, at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon.

 Carol, 0431 186 575

CWA Woodend Eves

The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Golf Club. All women are welcome.  cwawoodendeves@gmail.com

Sunbury Badminton Club

The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights, from 7.30-9.30 pm, and on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Monday night is a round robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road.  sunburybc@gmail.com

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Josh Byrne during Sunshine’s win against Essendon in the Baseball Victoria summer league. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 438328_01

A slice of Solomon Islands life

A Woodend medical doctor’s short film was selected to be screened at ACMI next month for an international phone film festival.

Hosted on Friday, November 8 at Federation Square, the Mobile Innovation Network and Association (MINA) in partnership with SmartFone Flick Fest will screen 11 short films shot entirely on smartphones.

One of these is Hungere Nao by Woodend medical doctor and amateur filmmaker Greg Coates and his nephew Bea Brozek, which depicts the day in the life of a Solomon Island man as he goes fishing to feed his growing family.

Coates said he has been travelling to the Solomon Islands for 30 years and has a strong connection to the nation.

“I’d always wanted to portray what I’d witnessed all these years, which is subsistence village life, the resourcefulness, and just the sheer beauty of the place,” Coates said.

“The other theme was a young man feeding his young family … that’s what I wanted to show … he wasn’t out there fishing for sport. No catch and release,” he said.

“It is about the people. They are very welcoming … easy laughter … very relaxed, which is a contrast to my busy life here.”

Filmed over two weeks on a smartphone, Coates said using a simple setup helped to not interfere with the daily life activities he captures in the film, and used local Solomon Islands talent for the music composition and editing.

Coates said that he returned to the village where he shot the film to show people involved, which received a great reaction and created a sense of pride – with the children involved excited to see themselves on-screen.

Coates said that the title Hungere Nao is a Pijin phrase that loosely translates into English as ‘hungry times’.

Hungere Nao will be screened on Friday, November 8 at ACMI in Federation Square as part of the MINA and Smart Fone Flick Fest joint festival.

The short film is also available to watch on YouTube. Details: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=quSFC1WGLlE

Jazz goes west with African, blues

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is heading west from October 25-27 with its spin-off event, Jazz Westside.

Comprising two shows in Maribyrnong, Jazz Westside features jazz with African, soul and blues influences reflecting the local neighbourhood.

The weekend kicks off at 8pm on Friday, October 25 at Kindred Studios in Yarraville where Somali-born, London-based songwriter andvocalartistFaisalSalah(akaFaceSoul)will make his Australian debut.

Hot off a triumphant UK and European tour with 13 sold-out shows, Face Soul will bring

his layered, soulful vocals with minimalist electronic production and meditative R&B to Yarraville where he’ll be supported by Melbourne performer Tiaryn.

Known for her signature blend of jazz, songwriting and stage presence, Tiaryn uses a diverse array of hand percussion, drums, vibraphone, pedal steel, guitar, and bass to enrich each song.

The action then moves to Footscray on Sunday, October 27, for a bar-hop with a twist.

TheFootscraySundaySessionswilltakeplace atthreevenuesacrosstheafternoon,beginning with with local African drum master Boubacar

Gaye at Mamma Chens from 2pm to 3.30pm. At nearby Misfits, the the seductive soul of Melbourne vocalist Wild Gloriosa will take over from 3pm-5pm, before ARIA-winning blues outfit Collard Greens & Gravy close out the afternoon and Jazz Westside at Moon Dog Wild West.

The Footscray Sunday Sessions is a free event while tickets to Face Soul are available at: https://www.melbournejazz.com/events/ facesoul/

For more information on Jazz Westside and theMelbourneInternationalJazzFestival,visit: https://www.melbournejazz.com/

Lace up your running shoes and hit the road

Get your running shoes on for a good cause as the inaugural Run the Road event comes to Eynesbury.

Ahead of the completion of Mt Mary Road, Resimax Group is inviting locals of all ages to come together for a festival of fun, fitness and community spirit.

This is your one-time opportunity to walk or run the four kilometre stretch of road connecting Eynesbury to Ballan Road before it officially opens to the public. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Run the Road will support Black Dog Institute in its mission to create a mentally healthier world through advanced mental health research, education and awareness.

by

Iridescence shining into St Albans

Iridescence will be on show from Friday, November15toFebruary1attheBowery Theatre in St Albans.

The exhibition invites viewers to experience the extraordinary within the ordinary,celebratingthebeautyfoundin everyday life.

Emerging Burnside artist Chelsea Avila presents a stunning collection of photographs and paintings that offer fresh perspectives on familiar surroundings.

Inspired by her walks through the neighbourhood, Chelsea’s work spans a variety of subjects from delicate flowers to expansive landscapes.

Each piece encourages viewers to pause and rediscover the world around them, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the small details often overlooked.

Chelsea draws inspiration from both her daily experiences and her travels to vibrant cities like Istanbul and New Delhi.

Whether capturing the warmth of a sunset during her walks with her dog or the dynamic energy of urban life, her art encapsulates fleeting moments with striking clarity.

Working primarily with gouache and watercolour, she blends impressionistic details with personal memories, creating artworks that resonate on both visual and emotional levels.

Currently pursuing a Diploma of Visual Arts at RMIT University, Chelsea is also expanding her creative practice into digital mediums, including photography.

Once launched, the exhibition will be available for free public viewing Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and on Saturday 9am to 12.30pm.

will also speak on the day along with Melton MP Steve McGhie.

Festivities will kick off at the Eynesbury Recreation Reserve, Thedaywillbefilledwithactivitiesincluding free kids’ activities, loads of giveaways, free icecream and coffee and a sausage sizzle. Furry friends on leads are also welcome. If you don’t feel you can make the whole distance, you’re welcome to run or walk any distance.

Run the Road will be held on October 27 between 11am-3pm. Details: https:// eynesbury.com.au/eynesburyruntheroad/ or to donate: https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/ fundraisers/EynesburyRunTheRoad.

Melbourne soul singer Wild Gloriosa will perform in Footscray as part of Jazz Westside on October 27. (Supplied)

Gerald Lynch

Chelsea Avila’s art will soon be featured at the Bowery Theatre. (Damjan Janevski) 436613_01

Run the Road is coming to Eynesbury. (Craig Moodie/Resimax)

Oscar Parry

Woodend medical doctor and amateur filmmaker Greg Coates’ short film Hungere Nao was selected to be screened at ACMI next month. (Damjan Janevski) 436398_03

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which French swimming star won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics and carried the Olympic flame into the closing ceremony?

2. And how did Tom Cruise enter the Stade de France during the closing ceremony?

3. Which AFL club has landed more No.1 draft picks: Gold Coast or Greater Western Sydney?

4. What is the nickname of the New Zealand women’s national cricket team?

5. Prior to the Panthers’ 2024 ‘fourpeat’, which Australian Rugby League club was the last to achieve the feat of four consecutive premierships?

6. Garry Kasparov and Bobby Fischer are famous names in which sport?

7. What are the nicknames for the Australian men and women’s water polo teams respectively?

8. Who holds the record for all-time batting average in the Australian Baseball League?

What is it called when a surfer stands on the front of their board and wraps five toes over the front?

Who is the current Australian minister for sport?

Which car manufacturer will join the Supercars Championship in 2026?

12. Which tennis Grand Slam will replace human line judges with technology in its 2025 tournament?

13. Australia defeated England by what scoreline in the recent five-game cricket ODI series, despite a depleted squad?

14. AFL star Marcus Bontempelli has won the Western Bulldogs’ best and fairest how many times, after another win in 2024?

15. Which Asian country and city-state has hosted its last horse race after over 180 years of competition?

16. Australian racing driver Daniel Ricciardo recorded how many F1 race wins during his career?

17. RB-Honda F1 driver Liam Lawson, Ricciardo’s replacement after the Aussie’s sacking, hails from which country?

18. Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi plays for which Major League Soccer club in the US?

19. During the AFL’s trade period, Eagles forward Jack Darling was traded to which struggling Victorian club?

20. Which batsman recently surpassed Alistair Cook as England’s leading Test run-scorer?

21. Brodie Kostecki and which other driver won the 2024 Bathurst 1000?

22. What nation did the Socceroos defeat 3-1 in a recent World Cup qualifier in Adelaide?

23. Which state cricket team was once known as the Bushrangers?

24. Singapore won its lone 2024 Olympic gold medal in what event?

25. Men’s and women's Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league teams recently played which nation?

26. Mike Kelly was recently fired from the role of head coach of what NBL team?

27. St Kilda forward Max King recently signed to stay with the club until what year?

28. Which AFL Women’s team recently had backto-back games in which they did not score a goal?

29. What medal did Jessica Hull win in the 1500m event at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

30. How many runs did batsman Harry Brook score in England’s first Test against Pakistan?

Daniel Ricciardo

any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 According to the bill of fare (1,2,5)

5 Southern European country (6)

10 Happen (5) 11 Unrestricted (9)

12 Computer network linking newsgroups (6)

13 Keep back (7)

14 Accumulated (8)

15 Blades (6)

18 Sick (6)

20 Mixture (8)

21 Entrap (7)

24 Creations (6)

27 Assailant (9)

28 US city (5)

29 Signals (6)

30 Of the state of Tyrol (8)

1 At the top (4)

2 Inherited from one’s family (9)

3 Male name (5)

4 Members of a trust (8)

6 1970s band, – Lake & Palmer (7)

7 Bread maker (5)

8 Spoke to (9)

9 Cicatrix (4)

14 Central American country (9)

16 Grant (9)

17 North Italian region (8)

19 Tidiest (7)

22 Smooth transition (5)

23 Not difficult (4)

25 Lover (5) 26 Camouflage (4)

1 The Sturt’s desert pea is the floral emblem to which Australian state?

2 The flag of Monaco has which two colours?

3 Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is the head of state of which country?

4 Who created the TV series Gilmore Girls

9 Which UK landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site is an area of near 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, created by an ancient volcanic fissure eruption?

10 Khartoum is the capital of which African country?

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 5/10

Practicality: 8/10

Comfort: 5/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 7/10

Land Cruiser, a trusted workhorse

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

If the new Land Cruiser were any more last century, it would be rolling on solid rubber tyres.

After 40 years or so, the 70 Series is still holding its own among the gentrified HiLux, Navara, Ranger and Triton upstarts.

Toyota’s 70 Series has survived beyond its original intended lifespan and 76, 78 and 79 Series Land Cruisers have received ad hoc upgrades from a far-from-enthusiastic maker.

The latest ’79’ is no exception, adding a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine option from top-selling sibling, the HiLux, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, to the V8 turbodiesel, five-speed manual variants. In addition, the upgraded 70 Series brings fresh styling, an upgrade in safety and comfort and convenience features, plus a multimedia boost.

On offer are three Single Cab grades, Workmate, GX and GXL – and two grades, WorkmateandGXLfortheDoubleCab,Troop Carrier and Wagon variants. Prices start at $75,600 plus on-road costs for the WorkMate 76 Series Wagon. On test was the GX Cab Chassis, priced at $78,800.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley says: “The introduction of the new powertrain will not only broaden the appeal of the 70 Series range to more customers, but helps reduce weight, improve payload and reduce fuel consumption compared to the V8, delivering on customer demands.”

A cost option for the GX Single-Cab Chassis and WorkMate Double-Cab Chassis is front and /rear diff locks ($1500). Premium paint is $675. The upgraded Land Cruiser 70 Series is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre Toyota Warranty Advantage.

This earns an extension to seven years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the first five years or 100,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, and each six-month 10,000 service costing $525.

Styling

The updated LandCruiser 70 Series is immediatelyrecognisablethankstoitsupdated exterior styling, a reflection of previous

generations of LandCruiser. On the other hand, the halogen headlamp cluster has been replaced by circular LED headlamps with manual levelling and automatic high beam, while outboard turning lamps once again hark back to the pre-2007 70 Series.

Automatic high beam dims the intense beams if the system detects a vehicle in front and will automatically reactivate the high beams once the vehicle is gone.

A new square grille with a black mesh pattern and T-O-Y-O-T-A lettering sits above a three-slotcoolingventinspiredbythe75Series Land Cruiser cousin, with a small hood vent above the grille borrowed from the original 40 Series model.

Widebumperandblackwraparoundfenders give the 70 Series a beefy stance and sense of stability, paired on GX and GXL grades with dark grey metallic 16-inch alloy wheels.

The tester was fitted with a drop-sided flatbed, which was given a fair workout with numerous trips (far more than needed with a conventional tub) to the tip, carting storm damaged landscaping. Also see tow rating (below).

Interior

The new automatic transmission herald’s inbuilt convenience with a new centre console consisting of a lidded centre storage bin, cupholder and compartments taking small items.

WorkMate and GX variants are upholstered in durable vinyl trim, while GXL grades gain

grey fabric material.

Infotainment

The retro-inspired changes continue inside the cabin with a new-look instrument cluster designedtoresemblethespeedometerofthe40 Series, with the addition of a 4.2-inch colour multi-information display.

A new 6.7-inch multimedia system is compatible with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and offers hands-free smartphonepairingsupportedbynewswitches mounted on the steering wheel.

Belowtheair-conditioningunit,a12Vpower outlet, two USB-C ports on GXL and bank of switches provide extra functionality and smartphone charging options.

Engines/transmissions

The new 2.8-litre four-cylinder powertrain has beenprovenovertheyearsinnumerousToyota 4×4 models and produces 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm from 1600 to 2800rpm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Multiple mechanical changes have been made to the engine to ensure optimal cooling and performance in tough conditions and under heavy loads, with all 70 Series models maintaining a strong 3500kg braked towing rating.

Safety

The comprehensive update also ushers in new safety features, starting with lane departure alert which issues audible warnings if the

system detects the vehicle is leaving its lane. Road sign assist is linked with the multi-information display to read speed signs and display the current speed limit, which can be used to alert drivers if they are exceeding the speed limit by reversing the colours on the display.

The new features join the existing Toyota Safety Sense features including the Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection and intersection assistance.

Driving

The Land Cruiser 79 is no tradie Titan – good for hauling a trailer full of tools during the week, then putting on a new face to show off itsshinyselfinfrontofthelattesippingSunday congregation.

For almost half a century it’s been a dependable piece of agricultural/mining equipment more at home delivering fodder or lick blocks to stock in some far-off paddock. So how does it go on the bitumen? Not the best.

As we know from the past, the Land Cruiser 70 Series is equipped with a part-time 4×4 system with low-range gearing, live axles and front coil suspension, anathema to smooth going on the high street or highway.

The auto transmission shift and 4WD transfer case lever shared handily placed spots on the transmission tunnel, while the former was easily flicked sideways into manual mode. Average fuel consumption hovered between 11.6 and 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the road.

Automatic lane-keeping, a feature of many new vehicles, was limited to a ‘beep’ when inadvertent wandering was detected. No overbearing steering action here.

The diesel particulate filter automatically set to work getting rid of crap a couple of times during the test period. It had next to no effect on the vehicle performance while this was going on.

Summary

With tradition to the fore and minor refinements to standard driver systems the LC70 Series has every right to remain the trusted workhorse of the LandCruiser cohort.

The LC70 Series has every right to remain the trusted workhorse of the LandCruiser cohort. (Pictures: Supplied)

Spring rain plays havoc again

Heavy rain on Friday and Saturday morning left many frustrated cricketers on the sidelines on Saturday as several competitions were cancelled. As the sun came out, those matches that weren’t cancelled went ahead along with some basketball. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic got out and about to shoot the action.

Bendigo Spirit’s Kelly Wilson. 437917_22

Wallan’s Archie Moore. 437914_02

Lancefield’s Callum Sankey. 437924_01

Riddell’s Harry Fisher. 437915_03

Fabian Fernando. 437920_01

Rupertswood’s Heath O’Donovan. 437924_04

Cadel Howlett. 437920_03

Diggers Rest Bulla’s Darren Quarrell. 437914_11

Riddell’s Luke Castle. 437915_01

Bendigo Spirit’s Kennedy Kereama. 437917_08

Southside Flyers’ Maddy Rocci. 437917_12

Southside Flyers’ Alice Kunek. 437917_15

Western Warriors sign Honey and Douglass

The Western Warriors have secured two big signings as they look ahead to their second season in the Victorian Netball League.

Former Melbourne Vixen Tayla Honey, alongwithshooterPoppyDouglasshavemade the switch across from the Casey Demons.

Warriors coach Kim Bailey said it had taken a while but they were thrilled to get both of them into the side.

“They are pretty handy, both of them,” Bailey said. “I chatted with Tayla last year and she wasn’t ready to make the move.

“For both of them the big thing is distance and they don’t have to travel to the other side of town for training now.

“It works in our favour. Training is now only five-10 minutes for Tayla and for Poppy it’s a lot less coming from Ballarat.

“We’re happy to have them both on board.”

Bailey said both fitted into what they were trying to do in getting local players into the side as they build the program up.

Honey has been coached by Bailey the

past two seasons at the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Netball League.

There are several other Sunbury Lions premiership players in the Warriors line up too.

While Bailey has known Douglass for a number of years through connections in the Ballarat league and coaching against her, she’s never coached Douglass.

“I’m looking forward to what she can do in partnership with Kim Borger,” she said.

“To have Poppy there as a goal attack, not a wing attack, we want to build some combinations.

“We’re hoping it’s not just for one season, but hopefully she’ll be here five or six years or however long she wants to play.”

Tara O’Grady, who played in the under-23s side last season, rounds out the shooting end.

Bailey said they had to do something different in the shooting end and were keen to see what the two younger shooters could do.

Honey will move into the midcourt with

Bailey saying she’s keen to see what the combination of her and under-21 Australian representative Ruby Shannon can do.

Among the other players revealed so far is Sarah Croft who will also be part of the new-look midcourt after being promoted from the under-23s.

Bailey said Croft was an underrated midcourter.

Eliza Gollant also makes the move up from the under-23s and will be part of the defensive end.

Ella Ogier, who missed last season with a knee injury will be another inclusion, while Elly Randall and Jasmine Fraser are back for a second season.

Bailey said it was about making sure they were planning for the long term.

“It might mean another year of development,” she said. “We’ve bought in someexperiencedplayersinTaylaandPoppy.“

Tara Murray

Woodend defeats Rupo

By Tara Murray

The hard work to get a waterlogged pitch ready to play on paid off for Woodend in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup on Saturday.

Photos of the wicket posted on social media on Friday, showed plenty of water covering the pitch after some heavy rainfall.

Coach Josh Eastley and three other McIntyre Cup players set about trying to make sure they got a game up.

Their round one match against Macedon had already ended in a draw after rain.

“We got the super soaker out,” Eastley said. “There was eight centimetres of water on the pitch and it would still be on it if we didn’t get to work.

“The under-15s played on it in the morning and then we played. It was majorly important to get out there and we were lucky enough to get the win.

“If you have two washouts in the first three rounds it does make it hard.”

Woodend was facing a Rupertswood side that had won both its matches entering the game.

After deciding to bat, Woodend made 9-217.

Eastley said they thought that was a par score on their ground with that despite having a bad patch in the middle where they went from 4-128 to 8-147.

Harry Lawson and Eastley top scored with 47 apiece. Ned Crotty took three wickets for Rupo.

Eastley said with some good bowling depth they were confident of stopping Rupo’s momentum.

The key man to get out was Rupo skipper Matt Twentyman, who had started the season with back-to-back 100s.

He was one of five Rupo batters to go out for a duck.

“Harrison Sheahan had one rise a bit on him and was able to get caught in the slips,” Eastley said.

“All our bowlers bowled exceptionally well. There’s been plenty of positives so far.”

Rupo was bowled out for 122 in the 25th over. Crotty and Kevin Barker scored 38 each, but there was little other support.

Sheahan took three wickets for Woodend, while Joe Monk, Greg Matthews and Hamish McDonald took two wickets each.

For Eastley, who has come back to the club this season, he couldn’t complain about things so far.

“Everyone has been phoenamel so far,” he said. “We’ve got a few new players, five or six.

“There’s four different players in the McIntyre side from last year and there’s more that are looking to break into it.

Harry Lawson equal top scored for Woodend. (Jacob Pattison)382208_06

“We’re getting 40 players at every training, it’s crazy for a small town like Woodend. It’s been really enjoyable and makes training easy when everyone wants to improve.” Woodend now faces Broadford for the first time this Saturday.

Eastley said they feel they have enough experience on turf to be able to handle the challenge. In other games, Sunbury United beat Macedon.

The Bees made 178 before restricting the Cats to 134.

Gisborne was too strong for the Sunbury Kangaroos. The Dragons made 182 before bowling the Kangaroos out for 133.

While Romsey got over the line against Broadford. The Redbacks finished 5-163 in reply to 7-162.

Sports shorts

VTCA

Sunbury had to settle for a draw with Newport-Digman in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield. The Roar was set to resume at 1-17 in reply to 242 but all VTCA games on Saturday were called off due to heavy rain on Friday and Saturday morning. The Roar face West Newport in a two-dayer in round three starting on Saturday.

EDFL

The Sunbury Kangaroos FNC have announced Carly Blythe as their women’s coach for next year’s Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 season. Blythe is a foundation member of the club with plenty of knowledge on and off the field. The club said on social media that Blythe is thrilled to be appointed as coach and is excited to lead the group with a new and exciting approach in 2025.

GDCA

Wallan’s bats were unable to fire in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield on Saturday. Facing Wallan, the Burras were able to bowl the Magpies out for 155. The Burras struggled to get going and were bowled out for 108. East Sunbury also suffered a loss to Eastern Hill. Eastern Hill was bowled out for 117, with the Thunder falling short, all out for 93.

CHBD

Kyneton claimed the win against Romsey in the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region Highlands division 1 competition on Saturday. Kyneton won two of the three rinks in the 59 (14)-47 (2) win. Kyneton Golf also won two rinks against Gisborne, winning 62 (14)-56 (2), while Diggers Rest beat Kilmore, 64 (14)-49 (2). After three rounds, Kilmore sits atop the top ahead of Kyneton and Diggers Rest. Meanwhile the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant got underway on Saturday. Club Sunbury’s opener was postponed due to November 2 as several players were representing their state. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tayla Honey. (Jacob Pattison) 326147_02

Kyneton Tigers are on a winning roll

Kyneton Tigers made it three in a row in the Country Basketball League north-west women’s competition on Sunday.

While the Tigers men’s side had the bye, the Tigers women were at home to the Maryborough Blazers.

It was a close first quarter with the Tigers leading by three points.

They stepped up defensively in the second quarter, keeping the Blazers to just four points and increasing the lead to 12 points.

The margin continued to grow in the next two quarters, with the Tigers winning 73-47.

Tigers coach Ash Clark said the scoreline didn’t show how close the game was.

“They beat Bendigo the night before and at their best, they’re hard to beat,” he said.

“We’ve now got our full squad back and they’re all gelling well. [Michelle] Fletcher is a freak and has been playing better each year. It’s unbelievable.”

Alexandra Strawhorn led the way for the Tigers, finishing with 26 points.

Jessica Mangan was the only other player to score double figures for the Tigers, finishing with 12 points.

Last season’s runners-up, Clark said they were keen to further improve this year and finally claim the title.

They kept their core group together and added some more pieces.

“We had five or six players that had played together for so long, but the bench struggled at times.

“Bec Dekazos has come back and she know how to play with them. Jaz [Young], Michelle’s daughter has improved.”

Ella Jeffrey, a talented footballer, is another of the young talent for the Tigers.

KynetonfacesMeltononSaturdayafternoon before facing the Blazers again on Sunday.

The men’s team will also face both sides.

Meanwhile, both Macedon Rockies teams were on the road against the Swan Hill Flyers and the Mildura Heat.

The Rockies women started the weekend

against the Flyers and put up a strong fight before going down 76-60.

Cara Beattie top scored with 11 points while Molly Garrahan, Kiralee Collings and Grace Cooper scored 10 points each.

It was a tough battle against the Heat the following day, losing 71-44.

Collings top scored with eight points.

The men’s side split their two matches.

In the first match on Saturday night, the Rockies beat the Flyers, 101-91 after leading by 14 points at half time.

Ethan Fiegert led the way with 26 points, while Jake Poyser had 23 points..

It was a nailbiter the following day against the Heat, with the Rockies losing 71-67.

Thematchwentdowntothefinalmoments.

Lucas Carnell stepped up with 17 points, while Tom Scott and Jake Poyser had 13 points each.

The Rockies will play the Bacchus Marsh Lions. on Sunday.

Tara Murray

Tigers are ready to build

By Tara Murray

Lancefield opened its account with a strong run chase against Rupertswood in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield on Saturday.

After a solid first up performance against last season’s grand finalists, Harkness (formerly St Anthonys), the Tigers timed their run to perfection on Saturday.

Rupo made 3-247 from its overs with Bert van den Heuvel making a century.

It all single wicket takers for the Tigers.

The Tigers had plenty of contributors throughout their run chase and hit the winning runs with four balls remaining.

TheTigersfinished8-250.LachlanMitchell top scored with 68 not out.

Tigers captain-coach Alan Sinclair, who made 57, said before the game that things were pretty positive heading into the season. He said the first couple of matches would give them a good idea of where they are at facing two strong sides.

“We’vegotthreeteamsagainandobviously we didn’t get the win last week, but there were still positive signs making almost 200 on our home deck in round one,” he said.

“We’ve probably got four-five new blokes. Young Cam Osmond played at Assumption and Wallan and then Trent McNamara from Greensborough as well.

“The inclusion of Matt Bowden back in the team as well. He was a brilliant player for us the last few years so it’s good to have him back.

“It’s looking up.”

Sinclair said having Bowden back in the side was massive for them. He said they know once he gets going that he is always going to do something with the ball in hand.

“Give him a couple of games to warm up and I’m sure he’ll rip into a few batting line ups.”

Sinclair also returns to the line up after tearing his ACL early last season.

He said while he’s not at 100 per cent he’s working back towards his best.

The inclusions have meant the Tigers will have three sides again this season.

“TherewasastagethereIthoughtwewould only get two, but with these new blokes, I’m consistently getting these players each week,” Sinclair said.

“Not only is it good for the ones, it’s good for the younger boys and the juniors coming through to have that thirds team to get some experience in.”

Sinclair said they were keen to build on what they did last season when they made the semi finals in his first year in charge.

“This season I think we’ve got a stronger line up, the teams have changed and we’ve got Riddell in the comp, who have dropped down and I think will be pretty strong,” he said.

“We’re just building up week by week and taking every game on its merit.”

The Tigers face Wallan this Saturday in round three.

The Magpies have one win as well from their first two games.

SunburyUnitedwillhaveanewcoachfor next year’s FV state league 3 north-west season.

The club announced on social media that senior coach Danny Moore and reserves coaches Ian Anderson would be taking on new chapters.

Sunbury United Football Club extends heartfelt gratitude to Danny Moore and Ian Anderson for their exceptional service as senior men’s and reserve coaches over the past two seasons.” the club said.

“Their unwavering dedication, positive approach, and ability to inspire players and staff have fostered a thriving environment both on and off the pitch.

“Their passion for the game and genuine care for each player’s developmenthaveleftalastingimpacton the club.

“Astheyembarkontheirnextchapters, we wish them the best in their future endeavors, knowing they will continue to inspire those around them.

“Thank you for your hard work and dedication, you will always be valued members of the Sunbury United family.”

Sunbury finished this season in sixth spot with five wins and 12 draws among the results.

Meanwhile, Gisborne has reappointed Carlos Grande as coach for next year’s FV state league 5 west season.

“In his first year at the helm he guided what was virtually a new squad to a fourthplacefinish,whichincludedaclub recordsevenstraightwins,”theclubsaid.

“A fantastic season overall after the struggles of 2023.”

In the Sky Blues announcement, Grande said that they have a clear project inmindandhavelaidagoodfoundation.

“We are excited for the 2025 season.”

Danny Moore leaves Sunbury

Danny Moore. (Supplied)

Alex Strawhorn. (Jacob Pattison) 363952_03

Alan Sinclair. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 437924_05

Riddell’s young players starting to shine through

Riddell’s young guns are showing positive signs in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield with one making history on Saturday.

The Bombers have a mix of youth and experience in their first XI and it’s resulted in two wins so far.

On Saturday against Sunbury United, another youngster in Sophie Lindsay made her first XI debut. Lindsay is part of the Bombers under-18 girls team with senior coach Michael Day said he believed it was the first time a female had played in their top side.

Her dad Mark Lindsay was also part of the side.

“As far as I’m aware of,” Day said in relation to Lindsay being the first female to play in their first XI.

“Itwasreallygoodandwe’retryingtochange howtheclubgoesaboutthings.Webroughther on for a bowl.

“She didn’t want to, but she was fantastic.”

Lindsay finished with two wickets in an

exciting moment for the club. Day said it was the youngsters across the board that really shone in the win against Sunbury United.

Harry Johnson made his first 50 in the first XI as a 17-year-old and put on a strong partnership with 19-year-old Owen Arthur.

“They were really good,” Day said. “They didn’t get a bat in the first game.

“We weren’t in as strong a position as we wanted to be and they put us in a really strong position. They stepped up a level as well.”

Day said they felt like the Bees had stepped up from their opening round loss.

The Bombers made 8-230 from their overs before restricting the Bees to 8-157.

Day said it was a really good team performance from their side.

“We made the most of our opportunities.”

The inclusion of Luke Castle back in the side this season has been a handy for the Bombers.

Nguyen makes his mark

By Tara Murray

Calder Cannons defender Jayden Nguyen isn’t leaving anything to chance as he chases his AFL dream.

The Essendon Next Generation Academy talentfinishedthirdintheMorrishMedalthis year, the award for the league’s best player. Not content with just that, Nguyen was earlier this month one of the stars at the AFL state combine.

Nguyen finished in the top five of four of the tests across all the state combines.

The half backer said the combine was a really interesting experience.

“I guess it comes back to the body of work that I put through in preparation for the combine,” he said of his results.

“Obviously the season finished four weeks before the combine and during that time my focus was to improve my power and my speed and strength and I feel like it has come off well and the results have shown.

“I always knew that I had the ability to do it, but it was doing it at the right moment… I knew the combine was really important and would help my draft chances significantly and tried my best at it.”

The testing results come after what Nguyen thought was a consistent season with the

He shared the Robert Hyde Medal as the Cannons best player last season, so there were plenty of expectations heading into this year.

“IthoughtIhadaconsistentseason,”hesaid.

“I had a patch of quiet games in the middle of the year, but was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to suit up for Essendon in the VFL [Victorian Football League] and I think that gave me tremendous confidence to come back and finish the year at at the Cannons as strongly as I did.

“I was very happy.”

Nguyen said finishing third in the Morrish Medal was an honour to be up there with some real quality players.

He was also part of the Victorian Metro championship winning squad.

“It was a great experience,” he said. “You play with many highly touted players from around the country and share the same goal of getting drafted.

“In a way it motivates you to work harder as you’re in the right crowd of people that want to push you to be your best.

“I think it helped me put my best foot forward at the end of the year.”

If Nguyen is to be drafted later this year, it won’t be his first foray into an AFL club.

AsanNGAplayer,hehadtheopportunityto

Daysaidit’snotjusthisinfluenceonthefield but also off it that has been beneficial.

‘He’s some that player for us in 2016-17 and helped win some McIntyre Cup premierships,” he said. “He brings a lot of experience and wantstohelpoutwiththecoachingstuffaswell as being someone that can play.”

Day said they are focused on what they want to do this season.

“We want to get back up into Johnstone Shield,” he said. “That is the goal and we feel like the club is in a good position.

“We’re a little bit light on for players but hopefully we’ll have a few more come back.”

While the Bombers have started well, Day knows that there’s some good challenges ahead of them.

In round three, the Bombers host Melton South in one-dayer this Saturday.

Tara Murray

Future clearer for two clubs

The future of two clubs is a bit clearer ahead of planning for the 2025 Bendigo Football Netball League.

It has been announced that Broadford’s application to join the competition has been approved by AFL Victoria.

The Kangaroos football sides last competed in division two of the Outer East League in 2023.

The netball program has continued in the Northern Netball League.

It is unknown whether the Kangaroos will field teams for the 2025 season or whether it will be another 12 months to reestablish the football side of things.

“Broadford FNC’s leadership is undertaking immediate work to determine the optimal timelines for successful integration into the BFNL to ensure that the club is in a strong and sustainable position to resume competing, after going into recess for the 2024 season,” AFL Central Victoria, the region’s governing body, said in a statement.

do a pre-season with Essendon and continue to use their facilities.

Both of Nguyen’s parents were born in Vietnam and came to Australia as refugees with footy not prevalent in their culture, which allows him to fall in the NGA.

“It’s really good actually,” he said. “You get to use the facilities and it’s being around club, meeting the players and staff and you build relationships that can help you with your footy as well.

“Essendon have just helped me so much with my footy, I did pre-season at the start of the year.

“It helped me learn how the professional playersgoabouttheirwork,theirbodyofwork they’ve put in behind every training session and how they’ve prepared themselves.”

Nguyen said it would be a dream come true to be drafted by Essendon, which has the opportunity to match any bid on him in the draft, while he would be excited to take any opportunity that arises.

Between now and the draft, he’s going to continue to stick to the plan.

“I’m going to keep chipping away, keep running, put best foot forward and if I do get a chance of getting drafted, make sure my body is 100 per cent ready to go into the AFL environment.”

“The club will work closely with the Bendigo FNL and AFL Central Victoria through next steps before confirmation about when it competes in the Bendigo FNL is provided. AFL Victoria is supportive of this approach and will continue to offer the club and league support through the process to get Broadford FNC back onto the field.”

The announcement was then followed by Maryborough announcing it would go into recess for 2025.

The club had been assessing other options including moving leagues after another tough year on the football field.

“The decision, made after extensive consultation with club members, players, and the community, will allow MFNC to focus on rebuilding its strength,bothonandoffthefield,witha view to returning to the BFNL in 2026,” the Bendigo league said in a statement.

“In recent years, the club has faced significant challenges, including declining player numbers and increased pressure on volunteers. After carefully considering all options, the club committeedeterminedthatatemporary hiatus would offer the best chance to reorganise and come back stronger.”

Thecommitteeisworkingcloselywith the BFNL and community stakeholders to ensure a successful return in 2026.

Luke Castle. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 437915_01

Jayden Nguyen and coach Sam Willatt. (Calder Cannons)

Calder Cannons.