Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 21st January 2025

Rotary walk lifts the lid

The Rotary Club of Sunbury is preparing to host a mental health awareness and fundraising event in March and is calling for community members to take part.

The walk, titled Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health, will begin at Rotary Park in Ligar Street and continue through the pine forest and around Clarke Oval. There will be two distance options – a 1.5-kilometre circuit and a two-kilometre circuit.

Sunbury Rotary past district governor Terry Grant said the event follows a forum the organisation held on domestic violence last year.

“We’re doing this as a follow-up to highlight mental health and domestic violence, and all proceeds go to Australian Rotary Health … they’re doing research on Australian domestic violence,” Mr Grant said.

“The thing we really want to emphasise is this is a walk for everybody. Come along with your kids, with a pram, with your dogs – it’s not a race, it’s just a walk … it’s to show everybody’s support for victims of domestic violence.“

The event will start from 9.30am at Rotary Park on Ligar Street, Sunbury on Saturday 1 March.

Details: liftthelidwalk.com.au/sunbury

Bus loop calls continue

By Oscar Parry

Sunbury residents are proposing a bus loop service as a way of increasing transport in the area and reducing waiting times.

As previously reported by Star Weekly, Sunbury resident Matthew McKay launched an online petition in 2023 calling for an on-demand bus service, complemented by a ‘Sunbury Loop’ bus route.

WithGisbornerecentlyreceivingatwo-way bus loop service after the Gisborne Bus Network Review, Mr McKay said he would like to see a similar model introduced to Sunbury.

“A bus loop in Sunbury would allow residents and visitors to commute from all around Sunbury in a timely manner, rather than needing to catch a bus into the centre of Sunbury, then wait, then catch another lengthy bus to their destination,” Mr McKay said.

“I also fail to understand why the bus route goes from the bus terminus, out to the end of itsrouteandthenbackintoSunburyalongthe same route. A smarter approach to widen the network would be to return to Sunbury’s bus terminus along a different route,” he said.

MrMcKaysaidthathealsofindsthecurrent bus timetable “archaic”, with “infrequency

and ... early finishes.”

“The key issue with the current timetable is thatit’snot[a]focusofimprovingandfunding by PTV and the government,” he said.

“The timetable is not allowing for locals to get around town into the evening unless they drive and as Sunbury expands wider and wider, residents are finding themselves further away from places they need to get to.”

President of the Sunbury Residents Association(SRA)GrahamWilliamssaidthat he supports Mr McKay’s initiative.

“SRA is interested in the initiative – the bus service is very much focused on a spoked wheel … so it doesn’t provide a loop around

Sunbury,” Mr Williams said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Planning said the department continually reviews the public transport networkto“identifychangingtrafficandtravel patterns and explore where improvements could be made”.

“The Sunbury community currently has access to 10 bus routes connecting them to nearby communities, services and onward travel - including the new Route 475 service connecting Sunbury and Diggers Rest, which was introduced last year,” the spokesperson said.

Rotary Club of Sunbury members Mervyn Minett, Robert Iles, Terry Grant, Fred Reinking, and David Allan at Rotary Park in Sunbury. (Ljubica Vrankovic). 453115_02

Maplestone dumping continues

By Oscar Parry

Illegal rubbish dumping continues to plague vacant blocks in Maplestone Estate, Sunbury, with Hume council collecting two truck loads of rubbish following concerns raised by residents.

As previously reported by Star Weekly, a resident petition calling for action on preventing illegally dumped rubbish in Maplestone Estate was presented at a council meeting last year.

Sunbury resident and former councillor Trevor Dance said that he believes little action has been taken to address the issue.

“I say [they’ve} done nothing because the amount has increased, and old reported sites are still there,” Mr Dance said.

“It’sanewdevelopmentandcouncilofficers would be there on a regular basis to monitor a new development. Council officers’ own words. So why not actioned?” hesaid. Mr Dance said that he sent photos of the

dumped rubbish to Hume, but was asked to provide an exact location of the sites affected.

“For council to [ask me to] send them the exact location when they already know from previous complaints and the fact that there is only one road in and out of Maplestone was a joke … they are easily found,” he said.

Mr Dance said that dumped rubbish leads to a broad range of consequences, including to the environment and the cost of removal for landowners.

Following an enquiry from Star Weekly, Hume director of city services and living Anne Mallia said that the council had visited the location to perform an extensive sweep, removingtwotruckloadsofdumpedrubbish from council land.

“Hume City Council is consistently monitoring, educating and enforcing on illegal dumping activities through our waste response teams ... free council resources to dispose of rubbish, and fines of up to $10,000 for offenders,” she said.

WOMEN’S HEALTH MATTERS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Let’s talk about intimacy pain and what to do

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. This week she writes about intimacy pain.

One of the major reasons women come into our clinic is due to new or long term intimacy pain.

Intimacypaincanbeamajorsourceofstress for women and their partners. The pain means both partners refrain from being intimate which can lead to guilt, anger, anxiety and miscommunication.

Why do women experience intimacy pain? Young women may get pain due to tight pelvic floor muscles or because the area is pain sensitised. Pain sensitisation usually involves a nerve problem. This pain sensitisation can develop from excessive painful periods, endometriosis, adenomyosis or polycystic ovaries (PCO) or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

For pregnant or postnatal women hormonal changes may contribute to vagina dryness causing new intimacy pain or from new increasing pelvic floor muscle tension. After childbirth women may experience pain from recovering scarring from birth trauma or tissue dryness.

Perimenopausal women (from 40 - 44 years oldandbeyond)oftenexperiencenewintimacy pains as the vagina shrinks both in length and width as well as vaginal dryness. So how can I fix my intimacy pain?

It depends on the cause, so getting help from an excellent women’s health GP, gynaecologist or pelvic health physiotherapist is ideal to diagnose the cause and address all the factors that are contributing to your pain.

But some good tricks to try at home include:

• Forvaginaldrynesstryasiliconbasedlubeas this does not absorb into the tissue like water

basedlubesdo.Itcanalsoincreaseyourtissue sensitivity for the mature woman.

• For just a little bit of pesky scar tissue don’t be afraid to gently feel your bits and you can massage that scar tissue away just like you would on any other part of your body. If you are unsure see your pelvic health physio for guidance.

• If you are perimenopausal talk to your GP about the merit of a topical oestrogen cream which can bring back the bounce in your vagina making the tissue stretchier and improves your natural lubrication significantly. Please note the cream needs to be applied to the outside as well as inside. Ovestin cream is better than the vaginal pessaries.

Finally a word of caution. If you have pelvic pain, which means your intimacy pain is burning and lasts for the duration of intimacy and continues afterwards beyond minutes, then this is normally a nerve issue and needs treatment.

Conditions such as vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, clitorodynia, vaginismus, anal pain, proctalgia, perineal pain and abdominal pain are all under the umbrella term pelvic pain.

The team at Pelvic Health Melbourne.

One of the affected sites in Mapleston Estate, Sunbury.

Rubbish, including a plastic chair and a Styrofoam box on another site. (Ljubica Vrankovic). 453322_07

A mound of rubbish on another block.

Musicians call for more venues

By Oscar Parry

Sunbury musicians are calling for more music venues in town, claiming the current number does not meet the local demand.

Sunbury musician Gareth Huggett said while there are some great local hospitality venues and smaller music venues hosting live entertainment, he would like to see more with the capacity to host a full band.

“It’s not a lot for a town of this size and pedigree … there is a sense [that] Sunbury

is sort of a sleeping giant – it could be really big … I think there would certainly be a big market for it if it took the chance,” Huggett said. “An open studio would be fantastic … like a music hub for the young musicians and the old musicians to get together and learn from each other. That would be fantastic.“

After last year’s Sunbury Pop Festival anniversary event, Huggett said this could be run each year with a strong focus on local actstofurtherpromotethelocalmusicscene.

“It was good that they brought back the Sunbury Festival last year … to make that an annual event and to grow it … we’ve got the build and the base for it,” he said.

Local musician and Sunbury FM presenter

Chris Galea said that in his long tenure as a musician in Sunbury, he has seen plenty of venues come and go.

“Theyalltrieddifferentthings,butnothing seems to last,” Galea said.

“People are hesitant … I think it’s just a struggle because they kind of don’t really

Local artists wanted for art prize

The Gallery Mount Macedon is calling for submissions for its annual Art Prize, which is open to both Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents this year.

With an open subject theme, artists can submit a work of any 2D medium, including watercolour, acrylic, oil, pencil, pastel, charcoal, photography, printmaking, collage, tapestry, and non AI-generated digital works.

Gallery president Jo Hoyne said she hopes this year’s open theme will allow people to express their art in “whatever way they like” and “allow for all types of creativity.”

“We’ve had people want to do pet portraits and still life, and they didn’t fit into previous categories,” Ms Hoyne said.

“The other thing that’s different about this year’s [exhibition] is we’re … [presenting] just one section, and the judge will decide on artistic merit and creativity.

“We’ve opened it to Sunbury artists this year...becausewerecognisethatthere’savery active art community in Sunbury.”

The size of the work must be 45cm by 65cm or under including a frame and mount, and it can be landscape or portrait orientation.

VLGA role for Janet Pearce

Macedon Ranges councillor Janet Pearce was appointed as vice president of the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) board.

The association aims to provide support to councils and councillors in good governance.

Elected on November 20 last year, Cr Pearce said she is looking forward to her new role.

“The VLGA has a proven track record of collectively supporting councils and councillors to perform at the highest level, so that they are [best-placed] to deliver consistent and enduring outcomes for their communities. I am excited to play an instrumental role in that journey,” Cr Pearce said in a statement.

“I look forward to working with the

VLGA’s [chief executive] Kathryn Arndt, VLGA president, Cr Grace La Vella, the VLGA team, and my fellow board members in progressing the organisation’s key strategic objectives and continuing to support councillors across the local government sector in good governance and effective leadership,” she said.

Ms Arndt said that she was glad to announce Cr Pearce’s appointment.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Cr Pearce on her appointment, and I look forward to working with her as the VLGA continues its journey in inspiring and supporting councillors in good governance and empowering them to be high calibre leaders and ethical decision makers,” Ms Arndt said.

know the industry well enough to be able to accommodate it,” he said.

“It’sbecomeadifficultone–Idon’thavean answer by any means, but I’d like to see the scene kind of grow if we can.”

Galea said an important element of supporting local music scenes is fairly paying artists and hopes for more local venues committed to doing so.

“At the end of the day ... if you’re not getting remunerated for your talent, it can kind of get disheartening.”

Preschool works resume

Repair and safety works to the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in RiddellsCreekwillcontinuethroughout this month, after a truck crashed into the site in November last year.

Macedon Ranges council said that as ofJanuary10,someofthedamagetothe building and its services, surrounding grounds, and facilities had been rectified, but works would resume this month following a break of available tradespeople due to the Christmas and New Year period.

Macedon Ranges acting chief executive Maria Weiss said council is “working diligently” to ensure that the building is safe and ready to welcome back children as soon as possible, “cognisant of the traumatic event and the sensitive approach required, as well as the different stakeholders involved”.

“Practical fixes aside, the nine-year lease for the building ends in mid-January 2025 and council is working with relevant stakeholders to develop a new lease agreement, including new provider Uniting Vic. Tas.,” Ms Weiss said.

Sponsored by The Community Bank Gisborne and District, $1000 will be awarded to the artist of the most outstanding work in any medium, $500 for a highly commended work, and $250 for a people’s choice award.

Entries to the competition cost $25 and open Saturday, March 1.

The first 30 entries that are eligible will be accepted for judging, with the accepted works exhibited at the gallery from Tuesday, April 8 to Sunday, May 4.

Details: thegallerymtmacedon.com.au

Uniting Vic. Tas. acting general manager of early learning Jessica Hateley-Browne said the organisation is looking forward to being the new education provider for the site, and while works remain ongoing, the organisation plans to operate from the nearby Riddells Creek Primary School for all of term one this year.

The Gallery Mount Macedon president Jo Hoyne and member Sophie Byass holding an artwork nearby the gallery. (Supplied)

Church’s 150 milestone

By Oscar Parry

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church is turning 150 this month, with its parish celebrating the occasion with anniversary events throughout the next 12 months.

The church recently received repairs to its bluestone slate roof, and although it is less used by the parish than it once was, the anniversary will be recognised with a mass on Friday, January 24.

Chair of the church’s historic committee

Joan Koren said that it is “amazing” to think that the church is still there after 150 years.

“When you think of buildings in other places, it doesn’t seem very old in comparison – but it’s old to us,” Ms Koren said.

“Therewasaconsiderationforaconstruction ofthechurchin1854,butitwasnotuntil1864 that the Catholic Bishop of Melbourne laid the foundation stone to commence work,” she said.

Work continued on the construction for the next seven years, with an official opening held on January 24 in 1875.

The church was designed by engineer and architect William Wardell, who also designed StPatrick’sCathedralandGovernmentHouse in Melbourne.

Ms Koren said that additions to the church since its opening include an altar, an organ, the statue, and a gallery.

Due to logistics, the parish stopped using the church for services and masses during Covid restrictions, now using St Anne’s Church on Middle Road instead.

In its 150th year, Ms Koren said that she hopes that the church is “something for Sunbury to celebrate as a whole.”

Merits review

Brimbank council is pushing for a review into Melbourne Airport’s $3 billion third runway project, which was given a conditional green-light by the federal government last year. The council lodged an application for a merits review to contest the decision due to its concerns about noise and health implications for residents, with these implications also relevant to people living in parts of Hume including Bulla.

In September 2024, shortly after the project was approved, the council called on the federal government to provide additional information.

“Brimbank is keen to understand the details of the conditional approval before it can be comfortable with the decision, particularly as Melbourne Airport’s previous plans did not include adequate protection from the adverse impacts of aircraft noise on local communities,” council said in a statement.

AspokespersonforHumedeclinedto comment on Brimbank’s application, referring to its own statement from September.

“While council supports the airport’s growth, it believes that this development can and must occur in a manner which minimises potential adverse effects on the community … council encourages Melbourne Airport andthefederalgovernmenttocontinue to provide and explore innovative noise and health measures to minimise and mitigate aircraft noise,” the September statement said.

Invictus competitor’s Lancefield connection

A former Lancefield resident is preparing to represent Australia at this year’s Invictus Games in Canada.

A bi-annual event, the Invictus Games aims to provide competitive, adaptive sport to support wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans in recovery.

Oneofthoseheadingtothisyear’sgamesin Whistler,CanadaisAustralianDefenceForce (ADF) veteran Torben Louwen-Skovdam, who has a history and connection with the Macedon Ranges.

Mr Louwen-Skovdam served a 16-year tenure with the ADF and experienced a mental health breakdown in 2022, fuelled by undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder.

Following this, he experienced intense anxiety attacks, increased alcohol intake, episodes of depression and suicidal ideation, and a subsequent medical discharge from the

ADF in July 2024.

“I grew up playing team sports … and I continued to play cricket and AFL throughout most of my military career. After my deployment to Sudan, I found myself withdrawing from my AFL club in Darwin,”

Mr Louwen-Skovdam said.

After beginning running and then avoiding social sport, Mr Louwen-Skovdam discovered the Invictus Games and realised it was something that he “really, really” wanted to do to aid with his recovery.

“I needed the short-term fitness goal to support my physical rehabilitation, but also needed the purpose as I adjust to life outside Defence,” he said.

While most connected with wheelchair basketball, Mr Louwen-Skovdam will also compete in indoor rowing, swimming, and biathlon at the upcoming games.

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He said that his experiences growing up in Benloch and Lancefield – and seeing military convoys from nearby Puckapunyal pass through town – contributed to inspiring him to later join the ADF.

He and his two brothers were involved with the local Joeys, Cubs and then Scouts, later joining the army cadet unit at Braemar College.

The Invictus Games will run from February 8–16.

The exterior and bell tower of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in 2010. (Supplied)

Invictus Games 2025 Team Australia competitor Sue Osborn and Torben Louwen-Skovdam during a wheelchair basketball training session at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. (FSGT Christopher Dickson).

Woodman’s Open tilt

Sunbury’s Jin Woodman will finally achieve his dream of playing in the Australian Open thisweek.

The teenager, who competes in the wheelchair quad event, received a wildcard tothisyear’sevent.

Woodman had been hoping to receive a wildcard last season, but missed out. He made his grand slam debut last year in the US Open junior wheelchair competition, winninghisfirstround.

Woodman, who is still eligible for juniors, is ranked number 20 in the world in the men’squad.

“The Australian Open is going to be amazing considering it’s my first one,“ Woodman said at the launch of the summer of tennis in December. “I am going to love it with all the Aussie fans who will come out to watch us. I am proud to be representing

Australiaonhomesoil.”

Woodman enters the event of some good form at the Victorian Open and the Melbourne Wheelchair Open which have been held at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre the past couple of weeks.

He made the quarter finals after beingnumberthreeseedAndyLapthorne. Woodman made the quarter finals of the boyssinglesevent.

At the Melbourne Wheelchair Open, Woodman made the second round of the quad singles and the quarter finals of the doubles.

In the boys single event, Woodman, who wasrankednumberone,finishedrunners-up toCharlieCooper,losingthefinal,7-66-1.

The draw for the Australian Open had not beenreleasedbydeadline.

Two men arrested in Lancefield

Two Lancefield men were arrested following a string of burglaries at various local sporting clubs. A police spokesperson confirmed that the arrests were in relation to the recent thefts from a storage container at Lancefield Park owned by the Lancefield Football Netball Club. Police executed a search warrant at a property on Millers Lane in Lancefield on Monday, January 13, and two Lancefield men – aged 58 and 34 – were arrested at the scene. A number of items suspected to be stolen property were found and seized from the property. The pair are assisting with police enquiries and no charges have been laid at this time.

Drug trafficking charge

Police charged a Mount Macedon woman with drug trafficking following an investigation into a death during a retreat in Clunes last year. Police allege they found evidence a 53-year-old woman involved in the retreat was trafficking drugs. The woman was charged on summons on January 13 with trafficking a drug of dependence – psilocin. She will appear before court on January 29. The investigation follows the death of a 53-year-old Ringwood woman at a retreat on April 14 last year. An autopsy was conducted however her cause of death was unable to be determined and no charges have been laid in relation to the death.

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Jin Woodman will be in action this week at the Australian Open. (Tennis Victoria)

MY PLACE

Steve Tyers has a long history with Sunbury as a resident and a dedicated volunteer technician with radio station Sunbury FM. Oscar Parry spoke with Steve about his connection to Sunbury, his volunteering work and the importance of local radio.

What is your connection to Sunbury?

I’ve lived here since 1981. My kids were born here and they both went to primary and secondary school here. I was involved in Scouts for a couple of years with my kids, and I’ve been involved in the radio station for probably the last 25 years.

What do you like about Sunbury?

It’s a good place to live … I’m originally from Maryborough so it’s close to my parents, my wife’s from the other side of Horsham, so going out for the weekend you didn’t have to go through Melbourne. It’s actually closer to Melbourne than what people used to think – I think a lot of people are now starting to realise that. I’ve been here most of my life now and I’ve got no intention of going anywhere else.

What, if anything, would you change about Sunbury?

It’s what I wanted in a place to live … maybe it’s starting to take off now, growth’s going to be a lot quicker than what it was. But you can’t slow down progress, so it is what it is. It’s got everything here that you need, so I don’t really know!

Tell us a bit about your work as a volunteer radio technician with Sunbury FM? I got involved when my daughter decided that she wanted to do a radio show. I’m an ex-Telstra tech [and] I knew which end of a soldering iron to hang on to. Anyway, the tech at the time, after a couple of months decided to leave … so I sort of jumped in the deep end and took it from there. I’ve learnt as I’ve gone along mainly. I’ve built some

studios for them and put them together and I currently do repairs and such … a lot of [it] is more IT-based these days, so there are a couple of other guys who are more into that side of the thing. There’s about three of us on the technical side now. I do a bit of the wiring and first-hand maintenance because I’m retired, but if it’s above my head I’ll pass it up the line.

Why are local radio stations important? Theimportanceoflocalradioisthewordlocal. I’ve always called it ‘a voice for Sunbury’ so as Sunbury grows, there should be, hopefully, moreandmorepeopleastheycometoSunbury interested, and they can get their point of view across the airwaves as much as anybody else. It’s a great outlet for gaining confidence and talking to people. We’ve had quite a few interesting characters through the place.

From a technical point of view, people can get theirskillsabitmorethere.Alotofthecurrent presenters they’ve got a passion for their particulargenreofmusicandtheypassthaton to other people. The demographic of Sunbury is going to change, and in the future I’d like to see more and more of the newcomers to the towngetinvolvedbecauseit’sagreatasset.Like I said, the word local is the important bit.

Sunbury FM volunteer and technician Steve Tyers at the station. (Damjan Janevski). 447583_07

Benevolent bushfire brigade

Founded in the early 1900s and known to be one of the first bushfire brigades in Australia, the Riddells Creek Fire Brigade has always played an active role in protecting and serving the bushfire-prone town and its surrounds. Visiting the brigade during a day of extreme heat and elevated fire danger, Star Weekly reporter OSCAR PARRY spoke with Riddells Creek CFA volunteers about bushfire preparation and the unique role of country fire brigades.

TheRiddellsCreekFireBrigadewasfirst formed in 1904 after a public meeting called by Walter J. Smith from Smith’s Nursery, with no specific incident known to have inspired the meeting.

Backthen,firefightingequipmentwasbasic, where brigade members swatted out fires using branches from gum trees and beaters –a stick with a piece of wet canvas attached.

BrigadecaptainGillMetzhasbeeninvolved with the brigade for 25 years.

She said the brigade was originally formed out of a community need, because without a united effort, fires could not be contained.

This community spirit remains strong in the brigade today.

“Forus,beingontheurbanfringe,we’revery much about needing to be in our community and work with our community to help them be safe,” Ms Metz said.

“We make sure that we are embedded in our community … you need to become trusted – we run the Anzac dawn service for the community so they know us, and it opens up those conversations to be had. The same [with] doing the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal, it’s all about being in the community and part of it.

“We support the school in doing things, we support the kinders, we work with the neighbourhood house … we’re very much involved with the community.”

Riddells Creek Brigade firefighter David Thompson, a member of the brigade for 38 years, said this community spirit often extends beyond just Riddells Creek.

“All of [our] preparation is done with neighbouring brigades, so that we’re all working to a bigger picture … it’s not in isolation, and we have our things that we need to concentrate on, but it all has to fit into a bigger picture,” Mr Thompson said.

Firefighter preparation for the bushfire season begins in September, where brigade members complete skills maintenance training including burnover drills, tree hazard education, and several other training exercises.

MrThompsonsaidthatincountrybrigades, there is still a sense of self-preservation and necessity among landowners – who are often brigade members themselves.

“You still see a lot of brigades today where a lot of it is farmers … it’s all those farmers coming together and saying ‘we’ve got to stop this fire’, and they will come from all their farms … to the one farm where the fire is and put it out because they don’t want it spreading to their crops,” he said.

“It’s exactly the way it still happens in places like Mallee and the Wimmera and the grazing countries now out to the west and the north … they’re using their own trucks, they will go out and they will just get out in their own trucks and they will put the fire out, because they’re just looking after each other and themselves … it still goes on [today].”

Ms Metz said joining a fire brigade offers a chance to learn new skills, make friends, and “dothingsthatyouneverthoughtyouwould”.

“We are always looking for volunteers from the community, because we need succession

planning … some of us have been around in the brigade for a long time, but you need to get people coming continuously in,” she said.

“To grow those skills … it’s not just about getting that qualification, it’s about that experience. Being able to read what’s happening on a bad day, being able to read what’s happening at an incident. Every fire is a bit different.”

Mr Thompson said gaining this bushfire sense is like “an art form on top of a science”.

Ms Metz said preparing a bushfire plan, downloading and setting up the VicEmergency app with alerts, and learning

what you can and cannot do during summer are some of the ways community members can prepare for bushfires.

She said the brigade can offer support with these and regularly hosts community education sessions – including roadside fire preparation information meetings.

“Itdoesn’tmatterwhetheryou’re[on]abush block,afarmblock,orintown.Everybodyhas to have their own plan for fire,” she said.

The brigade encourages expressions of interest from community members interested in joining, with an application form available on the CFA website.

One of the brigade’s fire trucks. (Oscar Parry)

Brigade members performing a truck swap. (Oscar Parry)

Riddells Creek CFA Fire Brigade members at the front of the station. (Oscar Parry)

Braemar

As the new school year begins, we are excited to welcome back our students, families, and staff to an inspiring chapter of growth, learning, and community spirit.

The classrooms on our campuses are ready to come alive with the familiar buzz of activity and laughter that makes our college so vibrant.

At Braemar, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels encouragedtoaspireanddreambig.Whether excelling academically, exploring the arts, or

thriving on the sports field, we are here to support each student as they discover and pursue their passions.

This year, we’re embracing the theme ‘Thrive and Strive in ’25’, highlighting our focus on both wellbeing and learning. It’s a call to inspire curiosity, creativity, and resilience while empowering our students to tackle challenges with determination and confidence. Education is about more than textbooks,it’saboutnurturingindividualswho are ready to make a positive impact in their

communities and those beyond “the school gates”.

For our families, your partnership is invaluable. Together, we’ll celebrate achievements, navigate challenges, and help each student have the tools to succeed. Your involvement enriches our college’s culture, and we invite you to join us at events and activities that strengthen our community bonds.

To our students: this is your year to thrive, strive, and dream boldly. Embrace opportunities to try new things, challenge

yourselves, and create memories that will last a lifetime.Nodreamistoobigwhenyouhavethe supportofthosearoundyouandthecourageto believe in yourself.

As we embark on this exciting journey together, let’s make ‘Thrive and Strive in ’25’ more than a theme, it’s our collective mission forayearfilledwithdiscovery,inspiration,and achievement.

Welcome back! Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead.

- Russell Deer, Principal

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Young Voices of Macedon

A community choir for children of the Macedon Ranges and beyond, Young Voices of Macedon rehearses at the House of the Rock, 247 Station Road, New Gisborne. The choir has separate programs for young children aged five to eight and older children. Rehearsals assist children in developing vocal technique, part singing skills, and general musicianship, across popular, classical, folk and music theatre styles. Rehearsals run on Thursdays, from 4.15pm, with afternoon tea and play time. yvmacedon.org.au

Hume Men’s Shed

The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat. sunburymensshed.com, or 0438 677 425

Macedon Ranges Photographic Society

In 2025, the Macedon Ranges

Photographic Society is moving to Jubilee Hall, 52 Smith Street, Macedon. Its meeting nights will change to the first and second Monday night of the month, with the first night of 2025 on Monday, February 3. Doors open at 7pm and the meeting begins at 7.30pm.The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic

BUSINESS PROFILE

outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. www.macedon-ranges-photography.org. au

Insync Entertainment

Insync Entertainment is an all-female community choir, providing the opportunity to meet others who enjoy singing. The group is seeking new members to join the friendly choir. No auditions required. They rehearse at the Sunbury Baptist Church Hall every Monday from 7.15–9.30pm. insyncentertainment@gmail.com

North Western District Pipe Band

The newly formed North Western District Pipe Band meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Diggers Rest Bowls Club.

It is seeking experienced pipers and drummers to join the band and is also offering tuition for learners of all ages. Hank, 0412160576, nwd.pipeband@ gmail.com, or https://www.facebook.com/ NorthWesternDistrictPipeBand?mibextid= ZbWKwL

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

Pernaperna Women’s Group

The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday, from 1-3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members warmly welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat, the group would love to meet you. Joan, 0418 302 676

Discover your next adventure at cruise expo

Geelong Travel’s highly anticipated Travel and World Cruise Expo returns to the city on Sunday, February 2, at GMHBA Stadium.

The annual event promises to be packed with fantastic holiday ideas, exclusive travel deals and expert advice – all with free entry.

With more than 25 engaging travel presentations covering everything from luxury ocean and river cruises to outback Aussie adventures, this expo is your one-stop destination for travel planning.

It’s your chance to meet representatives from the world’s top travel companies, who are ready to help you design your dream itinerary and secure exclusive offers.

Among the expo guests will be celebrity chef Gabriel Gate who will serve up a French cooking demonstration and highlights of Scenic Tour’s luxury European river cruises.

Stuart Coffield, who heads up the family-owned and operated Geelong Travel company, said the popular event’s winning attraction is its lineup of expert travellers.

“We don’t have people reading from brochures or clicking on YouTube links,” he said.

“You get to talk to people who have been on the tours and have real experience – their presentations are amazing.”

Geelong Travel’s 20 experienced team members will be on hand to help expo visitors with enquiries and bookings.

And there’s a travel experience to suit everyone. Among the exciting presentations will be:

· The Ghan and Indian Pacific – Australia’s Great Rail Journeys;

· The wonders of Canada and Alaska with APT and Travelmarvel; Explore the new world of Viking’s Ocean, Rivers & Expeditions;

Trafalgar’s Tour Differently – the experts, the icons, and hidden secrets of travelling with ease; Bucket list adventures including The Kimberley, Africa, South America and Asia with APT and Travelmarvel; Mustsee places and Immersive cultural experiences throughout Asia and beyond with Wendy Wu;

· Travelling to Antarctica and the Arctic with Quark Expeditions;

· New Zealand coach tours with Grand Pacific Tours; and Small group fourwheeldrive expeditions throughout Australia with Outback Spirit.

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Addison, Eva and Olivia escaping the heat at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre. (Attie Mohebali).

The Cinque Terra.

Gabriel Gate will serve up a French cooking demonstration and highlights of Scenic Tour’s luxury European river cruises. (Supplied) Santorini.

Art honours mothers and daughters

A multimedia artwork currently displayed at the Brimbank and Sunshine Projection Galleries is a pictorial ode from a daughter to her mother.

Trước nhà con (at the front of my house) is a projection art piece by Liên Ta that incorporates poetry, photography, animation, and language to depict a familial love story recognisable to many immigrant parents and children.

“I wanted to create something to honour my mother, and also honour Sunshine’s Vietnamese community, where I grew up,” Liên said.

“In mother-daughter relationships with a language barrier, it’s difficult to communicate loveinawaythatseemstotranslate. Thiswork is how I communicate my love, and whether or not it translates, I’m glad I could be able to express it in a way that feels right to me.”

Liên said the work pushed viewers to come out thinking more about the poem and guardian-child relationships.

“The poem itself is intentionally vague, and I hope each person finds their own meaning in it,” Liên said.

“The projection can be viewed at 294 and 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine — the projection at 301 Hampshire Road is at the rear of the building.

A bloomin’ good day out

Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden is promoting sustainable living through a guided tour on Sunday, February 9 at 10am starting at the garden’s depot and nursery.

The guided tour is a part of the National Sustainability Festival, an Australia-wide event that runs through February.

Friends of Melton Botanic Garden president John Bentley said the group operates with a set of underlying sustainability principles.

“Many years ago Sustainable Living Festival, as it was called when it started, we noticed they did garden tours, and we thought that that would fit very well with what we do in the garden,” he said.

“The plants themselves are the main thing that people come to the garden to see, and our

technique for planting plants helps maximise water capture from rainfall.”

The guided walking tour is a gentle 90-minute tour that will showcase the northern section of the Melton Botanic Gardentoseeplantsthattolerateadryclimate and have low water requirements.

The Friends of Melton Botanic Garden has beentakingpartintheNationalSustainability Festival since 2014.

“What they can learn through the tour are plants that are suitable for the Melton area, what we have done around the depot and the garden for reusing and repurposing, and work towards sustainability,” Mr Bentley said.

MrBentleysaidthegardenstrytobecarbon neutral.

“Wehavedonecalculations,andthroughout the extensive planting we’ve done, we’re doing great carbon sequestration in the botanic garden.

“Plus, creating a green environment helps to reduce the temperature, and the other great thing is we increase the diversity of flora and fauna.”

Mr Bentley encouraged others to “consider planting for sustainability, and look at ways that you can personally reduce your cost because sustainability starts with each of us.”

Tickets and bookings available at: https:// fmbg.org.au/

Faith Macale

Australia Day in the Park

Hume council is hosting a free and family Australia Day event, aimed at celebrating community connection and diversity.

Titled Australia Day in the Park, the event will be hosted at the Sunbury Village Green from 4–6pm on Sunday, January 26, and will include live performances from artists Nathan Gabriel and Callan Turner, face painting, a sausage sizzle, an ice cream cart, a bubble party for children, and a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.

As part of this year’s celebrations, an Australian Day citizenship ceremony will also be held, welcoming 165 new citizens.

“These new citizens bring unique stories and experiences, further enriching Hume City – a proudly diverseandmulticulturalcommunity,” a council spokesperson said.

“We invite all residents to come together to enjoy a day of fun, learning, reflection and connection.”

As reported by Star Weekly, council decided to host an Australia Day event during a council meeting last July, bucking a growing trend of councils cancelling Australia Day.

Councils across Melbourne, includingneighbouringWhittleseaand Brimbank councils, have stepped away from hosting celebrations on Australia Day in recent years, while Hume held an Australia Day awards event until 2022.

Details: eventbrite.com.au/e/ australia-day-in-the-parktickets-1143586791879

Summer concert series to pop-up in central Spotswood

A street in central Spotswood has been convertedintoalivemusicvenueforaseriesof free concerts running from January to March.

The Spotswood Summer Sessions began last Saturday afternoon at a pop-up stage on Forrest Street, the first four concerts to be held at the makeshift venue called ‘The Village Spot’.

Organiser Cameron Tait said the concerts will make use of vacant council space on the street.

“I applied for some funding to activate that space and that’s where these concerts have come from” said Mr Tait who received a grant from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund to make the Spotswood Summer Sessions possible.

Once the funding was locked in, he hired local musician Fem Belling and her company Bandwagon Live to put the line-up together.

“She’s booked a range of musicians such as jazzartists,smallpopduosandDJ’sandthey’ll

be doing hour-long sets over four dates,” said Mr Tait of Ms Belling who will also perform at the concert on January 30.

A member of the Spotwood Traders Association, Mr Tait said the summer sessions would do more than just entertain the local community and showcase local artists.

“It’s about the traders giving back to the community and to increase the attractiveness of Spotswood and attract more visitors and celebrate all that Sportswood has to offer,” he said.

And if it goes well, the pop-up stage on Forrest Street could become more permanent.

“The goal would be for this to be an annual series,” Mr Tait said.

The Spotwood Summer Sessions run from 12-4pm on February 8 and March 1 and from 4pm-8pm on Thursday, January 30.

Details: https://www.facebook.com/ share/1FHYXoFMRy/ Cade Lucas

A band performs on the Band Wagon pop-up stage which will be used for the Spotswood Summer Sessions. (supplied)

Liên Ta’s artwork was created to honour her mother and culture. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453873_05

John Bentley, president of the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden, peeping through the lemon beauty heads (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453707_01

Western Skin Institute was established in 2015 offering excellence in skin check for skin cancer detection, surgery and management for all ages. Be informed on protecting your child’s skin from harmful UV radiation and reduce the risk for cancer.

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• Skin checks for all ages • Skin cancer screening

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For more information, please give us a call! 03 9367 6648 westernskininstitute.com.au

Main Road West, St. Albans VIC 3021

Dr. Tony Stubbs Eye Surgeon

Dr. Tony Stubbs, Eye Surgeon, says that just about anyone can have their vision restored and be rid of their glasses for most of the time. And this is without the use of laser surgery.

Dr Stubbs formerly at the Royal Victorian Eye Hospital who has worked with the Fred Hollows eye department at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, says he began his career through the inspiration of his father, Dr Maxwell Stubbs.

“My father was a pioneer in cataract implant surgery from 1963! He has now passed away but some of his patients still come in for a check-up. Not only is this inspirational, it also demonstrates that good surgery outlasts the surgeon,” Dr Stubbs says.

A specialist who helps people who have been advised they are unsuitable for laser surgery, Dr Stubbs is also committed to demonstrating that age, corneal distortion or astigmatism are no barriers to eliminating the need for glasses.

One of my best moments was treating a 12-year-old girl who was struggling at school because of poor vision due to congenital cataracts even with the use of thick glasses. Now 10 years later, she still has 20/20 vision without glasses. That inspires me.

“Seeing my patients’ bright smiles after surgery, as they stop squinting and can read without glasses, is definitely the best part of my job.”

No referral is needed and no out-of-pocket expenses are incurred for an assessment to enable all options available to be considered.

(Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), the based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.

In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Vanessa Wan at Service Stream Limited, 0447 240 015, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3, 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Recently retired Tohu Harris was captain of which NRL team?

2. Phil ‘The Power' Taylor won a record 16 world championships in which sport?

3. Which Olympics was the first to include synchronised diving?

4. Noah Balta most recently played for which AFL club?

5. Which Australian basketballer was first to reach 1000 NBA games played?

6. Which two US college teams will play off in the 2025 national championship game?

Australia’s Daniel Sanders competed in which vehicle category of the 2025 Dakar Rally?

Luke Sayers was most recently the president of which AFL club?

In what year is a Papua New Guineabased team set to debut in the NRL?

What is the real name of US golf professional Fuzzy Zoeller?

Bernard Tomic made his only Grand Slam quarterfinals appearance at Wimbledon in which

What is the name of Britain’s top level rugby league competition?

13. Which Australian horse race has the highest prize value?

14. Who was the only cricketer to take over 30 wickets in the 2024–25 Border Gavaskar Trophy series?

15. Canadian basketballer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plays for which NBA team?

16. What is the most popular sport in India?

17. The upcoming sports action drama film F1 will star which actor as driver Sonny Hayes?

18. Titleist is a popular brand that manufactures balls used in which sport?

19. Suncorp Stadium is located in which suburb of Brisbane?

20. In which year was the A-League Women’s division founded?

21. Glenn Maxwell plays for which Big Bash League team?

22. What is the title of the recent documentary charting the life of tennis great Jelena Dokic?

23. The Belinda Clark Medal is awarded to the women’s player of the year in which sport?

24. Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam recently received a ban of how many NRL matches?

25. How many matches make up the 2025 Women’s Ashes cricket series?

26. And which ground is hosting its first-ever daynight Test match during the Women’s Ashes series?

27. Who currently sits third on Australia’s all-time men’s Test wicket tally with 539 scalps?

28. How

29.

30. In what year was a pink cricket ball first used in Test matches?

many combined Olympic medals have sisters Jess and Noemie Fox won?

The Adelaide Giants, Sydney Blue Sox and Melbourne Aces are all teams that play which sport?

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every

ACROSS 1 Postal receipt (5) 4 Female cleaner (9) 9 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7) 10 Distribute (food) (5,2) 11 Rear (9)

‘70s dance genre (5)

Twenty-first letter of the Greek alphabet (3)

Melodramatic (11) 16 Able to be maintained consistently (11) 19 Male sheep (3) 20 Baghdad native (5) 22 Lasting (9)

First (7)

Mournful (7)

US state (9)

Persuasion (5)

Scheme (3-2) 2 Qualities of a room that determine audibility (9)

Satisfies (5) 8 'Not to worry' (2,7)

Assumes the worst (9)

Beatles song, – Wood (9)

Attacks with thickened petrol bombs (7)

Language of Myanmar (7)

21 Foreign (5)

23 Vigilant; observant (5)

24 Unspoken (5)

1 The prancing horse is the logo for which prestige car company?

2 Brass is an alloy of which two metals?

3 Who wrote the classic children's book TheVery HungryCaterpillar?

4 Name the British monarch that abdicated from the throne in 1936.

5 Which Dutch artist painted TheNightWatch?

6 Christoph Waltz (pictured) won an Oscar for

No. 222

No. 221

MOTOR

Nissan’s latest and greatest

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Meet Nissan’s latest and greatest X-Trail crossover, the N-Trek edition.

Originally conceived as a limited edition of 500 vehicles, X-Trail joins the Navara and Pathfinder N-Trek editions.

Based on the ST-L grade, back then it came with larger 19-inch alloys, built-in navigation, premium Bose eight-speaker audio, smoked coloured bonnet protector, slim line front and rear weather shields, front and rear kick plates and carpet mats in the five-seat version - all standard equipment.

Now it rides on 18s and has six-speaker unbranded audio. Satnav remains but the other nick-nacks have gone - what’s more the car costs an extra $10,000.

STYLING

N-Trek is available in two- and all-wheel drive form, and in five- or seven-seat configuration.

The five-seat is priced from $48,540, the seven-seater (they’re small) is priced from $51,640 - before on-road costs.

That’s around $3600 more than the mid-range ST-L on which it is based.

In effect N-Trek is not much more than a black edition of the X-Trail, with most of the changes of a cosmetic nature.

There’s a new dark finish for the Nissan ‘V-motion grille’, with a black finish for the door mirrors, handles and roof rails, while new and unique 18-inch alloys feature a black-and-silver theme.

Along with a redesign new LED fog lights have been integrated into the lower front bumper which is finished in a gunmetal colour.

Inside, N-Trek adopts the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital dash from the flagship Ti, together with heads-up display.

The seats are trimmed in a new water-resistant synthetic-leather, designed to give owners the confidence to go further and get muddier.

In September wireless charging, walk-away locking, a hands-free automatic tailgate and wireless Android Auto were added, however none of these functions were present in our test vehicle.

Standard equipment includes synthetic leather and two-zone climate air, with rear air vents, heated front seats, power adjust driver’s seat, auto high beam, LED head and tail lights, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control,electricparkingbrake,auto-dimming rear view mirrors, auto lights and wipers, heated auto-folding exterior mirrors, plus front and rear parking sensors.

X-Trail comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five years roadside assistance and capped-price service plans are available to purchase when buying the car. Servicingintervalsare12months/10,000km.

A space-saver spare wheel is provided.

INFOTAINMENT

Infotainment consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen and six-speaker audio, with built-in navigation, AM/FM radio and DAB+ digital Radio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, with voice recognition, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There’s also wireless phone charging, USB A and C front and back, and 12V outlets in the front console and luggage area.

SAFETY

A five-star ANCAP safety rating applies to all variants.

The rating for the Nissan X-Trail is based on testing of its partner model, the Nissan Qashqai, conducted in 2021.

ANCAP was provided with technical information and additional tests were conducted to show the Qashqai rating is also

applicable to X-Trail.

Dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags are standard.

A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard.

Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard on all variants.

ISOFix child seat anchors are provided for the two outer second-row seats, as well as top tethers for all second row seats.

There are anchor points for the third row.

ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS

The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder engine in the N-Trek produces 135kW of power at 6000 rpm and 244Nm of torque at 3600 rpm, with drive to all four wheels on demand through a CVT-style continuously variable automatic transmission.

That’s an increase of 9kW/19Nm over the previous model.

With two electric motors the ePOWER version produces a combined 157kW of power (no combined torque figure is offered).

The petrol version has eight steps or simulated gears and gear change paddles for the especially enthusiastic driver.

DRIVING

At4680mm,X-Trailhasgrownintoamid-size SUV these days. While the original model was surprisingly adept off road, the latest version with a different mindset and just 205mm of ground clearance has taken a step back.

The only four-wheel driving it is up for these days is the odd dirt road, despite any advertising claims to the contrary.

At least we wouldn’t be venturing too far off the bitumen.

Although our test vehicle is a seven-seater, the pair of seats that comprise the third row are tiny and suitable only for small children and then over short distances.

The second row does, however, slide backwards or forwards to provide more legroom for the second or third row as circumstances dictate.

The seats are reasonably comfortable, with heating for winter and a steering wheel that is both reach and height adjustable, with power adjustment for the driver so you should be able to find a comfortable driving position.

There’s plenty of storage in the front too, with a two-tier console, good-sized bottle holders and a split-lid console box.

Glad to hear Android Auto has gone wireless. The wired connection of our test vehicle suffered from constant drop outs, making navigation difficult.

Meanwhile, built-in navigation could not understand even the simplest voice commands.

X-Trail ST, ST-L and N-Trek are offered in two-wheel drive with five seats or all-wheel drive with seven seats.

Power comes from a 2.5-litre petrol engine, or Nissan’s innovative e-POWER with e-4ORCE technology.

The latter pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre, three-cylinder variable compression petrol engine with two electric motors - one for each axle.

Top of the range Ti and Ti-L are five seat and all-wheel drive, and both offer the option of e-POWER with e-4ORCE technology.

There are five drive modes: Off-road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sport, selected via a rotary dial in the centre console.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.4L/100km and it takes standard 91 unleaded. We were getting a reasonable 7.5L/100km after more than 570km.

And it can tow a 2000kg braked load.

Performance is adequate without being exciting. Unless you prod the throttle hard enough, forward progress is likely to be sluggish.

Give it the boot, however, and the thing surges forward, albeit with some initial hesitation.

Although not designed to circulate quickly, we gave the N-Trek a bit of stick on the Old Pacific Highway out of Sydney and were pleasantly surprised by the amount of grip it exhibited.

Ditto for the brakes and steering. Let’s just say it’s a lot more fun than many of the Chinese offerings that we have driven. Notably, the electronic assistance systems are refreshingly unintrusive, unlike many cars and SUVs that we have driven in recent times. Hallelujah.

SUMMING UP

To be frank, we expected more. More style, more power and more equipment. At least some decals identify this X-Trail as something special-thefactthatitdoesn’tspeaksvolumes.

Foravehiclethatsupposedlyhasanoff-road focus, some clarity is required because none of the additional features support this suggestion.

Those considerations aside, the N-Trek is an attractive offering that is comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive.

And that’s what most people want.

The N-Trek is an attractive offering that is comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive. (pictures supplied)

Weekend sport action heats up

There was plenty of action going on the sporting fields on Saturday, including some local rivalries. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of theaction.

Werribee Centrals’ Jacob Russell. 454170_01

Bellbridge’s Henro Dias. 454169_17

Sunshine YCW’s Bailey Williamson. 454170_16

Laverton’s Palwinder Brar. 454169_04

Williamstown Congs’ Joshua Lanciana. 454171_01

Burnside Springs United’s Tim Stephens. 454171_07

Barkly St Uniting’s Raj Aiyappan. 454174_13

Barkly St Uniting’s Raj Aiyappan. 454174_04

Newport Rams’ David Tongue. 454166_09

Williamstown’s Samuel Reale. 454166_05

Kyneton home to new women’s football club

A new era of women’s football is underway in Kyneton with the formation of the Kyneton Women’s Football Club.

The club has been set up by players, coaches and support staff who had been playing under the Kyneton Football Netball Club’s women’s banner in recent years.

In a statement the new club said that this move reflects their dedication to fostering a strong, inclusive and supportive environment where women and gender diverse players can thrive.

President of the new club Natalie Korinfsky said it was a step in the right direction.

“We are really excited as a playing group,” she said. “We want to start this new journey as a new club.

“It’s been our dream for a little while and as players we feel it will be a better fit going forward.”

Korinfsky said those involved in the new club wish nothing but the best for the KFNC in the future.

Many who have joined the new club have been involved in women’s football in Kyneton for 10 years and will bring that experience across.

Korinfsky, who has been a key figure for the side on and off the field, said they know it will

be tough setting up a new club but they had plenty of support behind them.

She said any players or volunteers who want to join the club are welcome, along with sponsors.

“We want a future for women’s football in the region,” she said. “We have a good foundation for a club that will be for the players and the community.”

Thenewclubistalkingwithalllocalleagues

Spotlight on Aiava

By Anna Harrington, AAP

The

kid Destanee Aiava believes she’s shown she belongs at the top level of international tennis after going toe-to-toe with world number 11 Danielle Collins.

There are now no more Australians in the women’s draw heading into the third round after Aiava fell heartbreakingly short of her best ever victory but won plenty of admirers in a gutsy three-set loss on Thursday to former finalist Collins.

Twodaysafternotchingherfirstmain-draw win at a major via a dramatic comeback, qualifier Aiava again showed her resilience, forcing Collins to a deciding set before losing 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-2.

“I showed myself this week that I do belong here,” Aiava, ranked No.195, said. “I’ve known it for quite a while. But actually putting it into action and doing it is completely different. I think I did that this week.

“Hopefully the rest of the year goes

similar. If not, that’s okay, too. At least I’ve had a really good week here. That’s all that matters.”

Former junior prodigy Aiava will play doubles while pondering her next moves on tour. Aaiva has played with Diggers Rest in the Tennis Victoria state league competition the past two years.

Collins wasn’t surprised by the “very talented” Samoan Australian’s efforts.

“I remember seeing her a couple of years ago, always thinking that she would end up making a good run and having a great career,” she said.

American 10th seed Collins, runner-up to Ash Barty in 2022, was seething throughout as a parochial crowd cheered her errors and double faults - at one point yelling, “Shut up”.

Once the match was done, the fiery American was happy to play up to her public enemy No.1 role.

In celebration, she cupped her hand to her ear and yelled, “How about that?”

She then blew kisses to the jeering and booing crowd, before slapping her backside.

“You know, I was thinking during the

in regards to which competition it will play in this year.

It is also in discussions with the Macedon Ranges council and other local sporting clubs about the use of grounds for training and games.

The club will just have women’s football in 2025, with the hope of adding girls football in the future.

Phil Hawkes, who has been coaching the existing women’s side, will be the inaugural coach at the new club.

Hawkes is a premiership coach at the Sunbury Lions and coached in the last two Riddell District Football League women’s grand finals with the KFNC team, including the premiership in 2023.

The majority of the players that have been partoftheKFNCteaminrecentyearsarealso making the switch across to the new club.

Ruck Belinda Hateley, who has played more than 200 games and won four club best and fairests and a league best and fairest, is the first signing announced by the new club. She said playing footy was fulfilling a childhood dream.

Peta Turnbull is the other signing announced so far.

Tara Murray

Gisborne’s Shane Clough and Williamstown CYMS’ Jordan Busuttil will make the transition into the Victorian Football League this season.

The pair were two of three new signings announced by Essendon last week, as it builds its squad for this year.

The trio’s signatures are confirmed as the Bombers officially returned to pre-season training last week.

Clough joins the VFL program as a formermemberoftheclub’sJamesHird Academy and the Calder Cannons, where he’s trained with the Dons in periods across the last two seasons.

He played 11 senior games for Gisborne last season, including two finals.

Recruiting officer Darren Farrugia is pleased to have the 19-year-old on board this season, citing the constant growth of the club’s NGA pathways.

“Shane is a really versatile midfielder who can play anywhere, and we’re impressed with his development,” he said.

“After an unfortunate ACL injury in 2023, Shane’s shown great form since. He’s fit, tough, skilful, a good decision maker, and it’s great to see another EFC NGA product signed with our VFL.”

match,” she said in her on-court interview. “I was like, if I’m out there, I might as well take that big fat pay cheque.

“(Coach) Coco Vandeweghe and I love taking a holiday, so part of that cheque is going to go towards that. Thanks for that guys.’’

Aiava,wearingareplicaofMariaSharapova’s 2011 French Open dress, took the first set to a tiebreak, which the American won.

Aiava broke Collins in the first game of the second set, then earned a double break and the opportunity to serve for the set.

Collins called for the trainer before receiving treatment on her right foot and taking a medical time-out.

When play resumed, Aiava took five set points across three games to claim the set.

In the decider, Collins pounced when leading 3-2, breaking the Australian to claim the ascendancy.

Collins earned two match points on Aiava’s serve when leading 5-2 and claimed the second to tee up a third-round clash with countrywoman and No.19 seed Madison Keys.

Busuttil joins from Williamstown CYMS in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, where he’s pieced together consistent form as a centre bounce staple in recent years.

Taking home consecutive club senior best and fairests in his last couple of seasons, Busuttil offers more grunt workintheBombers’growingmidfield.

“Jordan’s a really strong player and he’ll add a nice element to our midfield depth,” Farrugia said.

“Hefeaturedinthebestplayersfor13 out of the 18 games he played last year for Williamstown CYMS and a second straight best and fairest highlighted his quality.

“Jordan’s had a great pre-season thus far and we’re keen to have him locked in this year.”

Lachlan Hogan is the third signing announced having joined from the Bendigo Pioneers.

“Lachlan’s a tough, well built small defender with good skills and he’s fitted in really well this pre-season,” Farrugia said.

Belinda Hateley is the first signing announced. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413374_21

last Australian woman to fall at Melbourne Park, comeback

Destanee Aiava (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Dragons find a way against Sunbury United

Gisborne found a way late to come away with the points against Sunbury United in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup on Saturday.

The Dragons had to fight hard for the points as both sides had some standout performers with the bat.

Dragons captain-coach Jarryd Vernon said it was a good game of cricket.

“It got a little bit close in the end,” he said. “We were able to take a couple of quick wickets to stop them at the end.”

The Dragons batted first and put on 6-273 from their 45 overs. Vernon said they would have taken anything above 240 to 250 at the start of the day.

“That gets you into the game,” he said. “We were able to kick on and get 270 which was always a strong position.”

It was Vernon who was the star of the show, making 136 off 125 balls. He said it was nice

to get a big score after being thereabouts all season.

Jarrod Catania made a quick fire 37 off 12 balls at the end of the innings which Vernon said was the difference in the game at the end.

James Hughes took three wickets for the Bees.

The Bees top order made sure that the game was going to go deep, with the side 2-222 after Fabian Fernando made 146.

The Bees lost 5-26 at the end of the innings to finish 7-248 and fall short.

“Fabian had a fantastic knock,” Vernon said. “We were able to stick at it.

“We knew it would turn our away at some stage. We dropped a couple of catches which did hurt us.

“We stuck with what we know works and it paid off.”

Josh Wills, Leigh Brennan and Vernon took two wickets each for the Dragons.

The win keeps the Dragons at the top of the ladder.

They sit 2.7 points ahead of Woodend and 8.3 points clear of Romsey in third spot.

The Dragons this week face Romsey in another one-dayer.

Vernon said they cost themselves in their round one loss to Romsey, which they lost on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern.

“It’s always a tough challenge against Romsey,” he said. “It should be a good game against them.

“We feel like we’re in good form as a team and hopefully we can keep the momentum going.”

In other matches, Woodend beat Romsey, Macedon made it three in a row with victory against Rupertswood and Broadford beat the Sunbury Kangaroos.

Bombers ticking along

By Tara Murray

The hard work off the field is paying off for Riddell in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield.

It was a bit of an unknown this season for the Bombers, who had dropped a grade after a tough couple of years.

But the return of some players and the next generation starting to come on, the Bombers sit atop the ladder after 11 rounds.

Coach Michael Day said they were really happy with how things were tracking.

“We’re going alright,” he said. Ät the start of the year we didn’t know where we would be.

“It has been huge getting players back and it’s all fallen together.

“We’ve worked hard to get things together and gain momentum. The team is building through that and it flows on.

“We’ve got everyone on the same page.”

On Saturday, the Bombers faced third placed Harkness in a one-dayer.

While the Bombers got the job done, Day said he didn’t think it was going to pan out that way.

“I thought they had us,” he said. “We took the wicket of one of their better bats and then we got the other one to close it out.

“They are a dangerous team.”

The Bombers made 172 as they were bowled out in the final over.

Day said he wasn’t sure whether they had enough knowing Harkness’ batting power.

Harry Fisher top scored with 41 at the top of the order, with Day praising youngsters Harry Johnson and Owen Arthur for putting on 19 for the final wicket.

He said performances like that hold them in good stead for the future.

Harkness was bowled out for 153 in reply with the Bombers bowling and fielding well.

Luke Castle took four wickets, while Hayden Castle and Matthew Darby took two wickets each.

Day said Darby took a spectacular catch to end the innings, which no one else would

The Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s inaugural women’s team got off to a winning start on Wednesday night.

The women’s side faced a Ballarat Cricket Association side, in the first of its two matches.

The BCA, which had already played a Castlemaine District side in the first game of the competition, decided to bat at Alfredton Recreation Reserve. Ballarat got off to a strong start, putting on 62 for the first wicket. The fall of a couple of wickets slowed things down and it was restricted to 4-108.

Ninna Harbinson, who became the first women’s ticket taker for the GDCA, finished with two wickets as eight bowlers were used.

The GDCA also got off to a good start with the bat, putting on 50. Megan Farrell and Kim Bessell continued to push the tempo.

Farrell lost her wicket with victory in sight, but the GDCA was able to easily get the runs, finishing 2-111 in the 15th over.

Bessell made 49 not out off 22 balls in an innings which included nine fours and a six. Farrell made 44.

The GDCA will be back in action on February 19 against the Castlemaine District side.

Meanwhile, the GDCA has announced a men’s squad for Melbourne Country week starting on February 10.

have got a hold off.

The coach said the return of Darby, who didn’t plan on playing many matches this season, had been a big boost for them.

The Bombers now have a week off, with no action due to the long weekend. Day said they would likely focus on some fielding practice during the time off.

After the week off, the Bombers face second placed Lancefield. The Tigers sit six points back.

“We don’t focus on anyone in particular,” Day said. “We focus on things to get the job done.”

In other matches, the Tigers had a big win against Gisborne.

The Dragons made 8-107 from their overs Luke Malone took three wickets for the Tigers.

The Tigers wasted no time in getting the runs, finishing 3-109.

Jack Crosland finished 31 not out.

Rupertswood and Melton South were the other winners.

Some of the competition’s best players have put their hands up to be part of the squad.

ThosenamedareGisborne’sMatthew Barake, Jarryd and Riley Vernon, and Josh Willis, Romsey’s Chris Burkett, Ben Way, Taylor Stevenson, Aaron Paterson and Louis Moor, Macedon’s Alex Browne, Sunbury United’s Damien Edwards, Wallan’s Nathan Fowler, Broadford’s Gareth Sharp and Woodend’s Harrison Sheehan, Marcus Stewart and Xav Tadd.

Tara Murray

Jarryd Vernon. (Jacob Pattison)321161_02

Harry Fisher. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 437915_03

Sunbury batters get the job done against Roos

Sunbury overcame a few nervous moments to get its second win on the board in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield.

The Roar entered day two of its clash with the Greenvale Kangaroos on top but were still made to work hard for the runs on Saturday.

It was able to do that to record a big win on the back of some lower order runs.

Sunbury’s Marty Kelders said it was a good performance with the bat in the end.

“There were a few nervous moments, but we got the job done,” he said. “Our home ground is a low scoring ground with a really slow outfield.

“Even though it seemed like a low total, it was hard work to get it.”

The Roar resumed on Saturday at 2-69 in reply to the Kangaroos’ 102.

It was tough going for the Roar which lost two quick wickets. It lost another two before it passed the Kangaroos total.

Sunbury eventually declared for 8-153. The score was the Roar’s highest first innings total this season.

Jason McGann top scored with 43 not out, with Kelders saying he did what he normally did.

It was Jacob Caruana that really impressed Kelders.

“He was the standout,” Kelders said. “He

made 24 and batted intelligently and it was a very mature innings.

“He’s one of those players who have come

Sunbury’s winning start

By Tara Murray

Club Sunbury had the perfect start to 2025 in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 1, section 1 competition.

After a disappointing end to 2024 which resulted in the side slipping outside the top four, Sunbury resumed its season on Saturday against Yarraville Footscray 2.

Despite missing a few players, Sunbury came away with all the points in the 97 (18)- 56 (0) win.

Sunbury’s David Glennon said they were happy with that performance to start the new year.

“We got off on the right foot,” he said. “The results from yesterday move us up to second on the ladder.

We had a few absences and Kelvin Kerkow, who is a great player, flew down from Queensland to play which was really exciting.

“It was a really solid win across the board.”

KerkowisthecoachofClubSunbury’sBowls Premier League side Melbourne eXtreme, giving him a connection to the club already.

He skipped on Saturday, with his rink winning 29-10. Lauchlin Davies’ rink won 23-18,MarkCowan’srinkwon22-12andMark Armstrong’s rink was 23-16.

Glennon said Kerkow, Cowan, Paul Cullis and Mark Ryan were the standouts in the win.

The win and Deer Park 2’s loss to Melton, moves Sunbury into second spot.

It is 25 points behind Glenroy which is top, while Sunbury is 11 points clear of Deer Park, which slipped to third. There’s then a race on for fourth spot.

“There’sonlyfourgamestogo,”Glennonsaid “We have a big one this week against Melton, which upset Deer Park.

“TheyhaveafewformerSunburyplayersand they’re fighting against relegation.”

Glennon said the aim for the group the next few weeks is to lock in a top two spot heading into finals.

It was a mixed day for Sunbury on Saturday with three sides getting wins and three sides suffering losses.

through our junior ranks and has got an opportunity in the senior side.”

The Roar sent the Kangaroos back in as it searched for an outright win. The Kangaroos batted smartly and were 2-64 when the match was called with no chance of an outright.

Virosh Wijesinghe and Indika Massalage were the wicket takers for the Roar.

Kelders said you always live in hope that you can pull off an outright win.

ThewinhastheRoarsittinginseventhspot.

It is just four points outside the top four, but at the same time nine points clear of bottom.

Kelders said they weren’t looking too far ahead.

“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” he said. “We want to continue to build as a group.

“If we can get some solid results the rest will take care of itself.”

The Roar this Saturday faces fourth placed Newport-Digman in a one-dayer. The two-day match between the sides earlier in the season ended in a draw after day two was washed out.

The Roar had a bye in the T20 competition on Tuesday night.

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

GDCA

Woodend will face Romsey in the inaugural Gisborne and District Cricket Association one-day final on February 2. The Romsey had already booked its spot in the final, with Woodend needing a win against Romsey on Saturday to make the final. Woodend made 151 as it was bowled out in the 40th over, with Romsey finishing 142 in reply. Thomas Robson took five wickets for Woodend to get it over the line.

RDFL

Lancefield has announced the signing Zach O’Halloran for the Riddell District Football League season. O’Halloran is a ruck that has the ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard. He had played more than 150 games of senior football with St Bernard’s in the Victorian Amatuer Football Assocaiation and is a premiership player and member of its team of the decade.

Coates

Talent League

Meanwhile in the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region’ Highlands weekend pennant, it was a week for upsets in division 1.

Gisborne caused an upset in beating top side Kyneton.

Gisborne claimed the win in the first game back for the new year, winning 61 (14)-57 (2).

Mark Kaufmann and Peter Williams were the winning skips for Gisborne, while John O’Donnell was the winning skip for Kyneton. Despite the loss, Kyneton remains on top. Gisborne sits in sixth spot.

In other matches, Kyneton Golf lost to Broadford, 69 (14)-53 (2). It was Broadford’s second win of the season.

Bottom side Lancefield also caused an upset win, beating Diggers Rest, 75 (14)-51 (2) JeffHolmesandJackParkswerethewinning skips for Lancefield.

Romsey was the only side in the top four to come away with a win, beating Trentham, 78 (16)-40 (0).

All rinks won by at least nine shots. Kilmore had the bye.

Four Macedon Ranges locals have been named in the Bendigo Pioneers teams for the upcoming Coates Talent League season. Kyneton’s Ella Jeffrey and Carrie Harris have been named in the girls team, while Joel Turner has been named in the boys team. Macedon’s Thomas Rutledge has also been named in the boys team.

GDCA

Diggers Rest Bulla just snuck home against Eynesbury in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield on Saturday. The Eagles were bowled out for 121 with Cameron Price top scoring with 22. Nathan Crosland took three wickets for the Burras. The Burras chased the runs down with one wicket in hand, finishing 9-123. The Burras remain in fifth spot. East Sunbury further cemented its spot in the top four with a win against Kilmore. The Thunder made 9-185 with Spencer Paton top scoring with 66. Kilmore was bowled out for 127 in reply.

FOR MORE SPORT VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Mark Cowan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 445373_01

Jack McGann. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 449516_08