Raising elder abuse awareness
Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury is hosting an elder abuse awareness event with Victoria Police this month, forming the first session of a two-part talk series. Shed treasurer Peter Canning said the idea to hold the event stemmed from discussions among members following television commercials about elder abuse.
“Some of us were a little confused on what exactly elder abuse was, so we had heard of some conferences that were at the Global Learning Centre in Sunbury about elder abuse, and a couple others went along … and heard completely different definitions of elder abuse to what we assumed,” Mr Canning said.
Following the first session with Victoria Police on Wednesday, February 19, a follow-up event with Elder Abuse Australia will be hosted at the shed on Wednesday, April 16.
Mr Canning said that Elder Abuse Australia will discuss steps to take if you are a victim of elder abuse, and what can be done to help prevent it.
Targeted to a male audience, both events will run from 10–10.30am at the Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury at 158-160 Evans Street, Sunbury, with the general public invited to attend. Details: sunburymensshed.com
‘Heartless’ cemetery hit
By Oscar Parry
In a “heartless” act, eight memorial plaques were stolen from the Gisborne Cemetery’s Ironbark Memorial Walk last month.
Victoria Police believe the cast bronze plaques were stolen from the Aitken Street cemetery between 10am on January 23 and noon on January 28.
The site is managed by Geelong Cemeteries Trust, and acting chief executive Martin Lanyon said he urges those responsible to “understand the pain they’ve caused” to those connected to the affected grave sites and to
return the plaques.
“These plaques like all our memorials are not just a marker … they are deeply personal tributes to loved ones,” Mr Lanyon said.
“Their actions have also impacted the community, and disrupted the peace and comfort that cemeteries provide.
“Our staff have contacted the affected families and are working with them to replace the plaques as soon as possible.”
Gisborne resident Rachael Wilson was one of affected by the thefts, with the memorial plaque of a family friend who died at age 18 stolen.
“We were just appalled that something like this would happen, especially in our little community … the people who have done this have overlooked the distressing impact that this has had on families,” Ms Wilson said.
Ms Wilson said the plaque of her family friend was stolen just before what would be his 21st birthday on February 10.
“Myself and his family are really grateful to the Geelong Cemeteries Trust for putting a temporary plaque on his grave … that certainly has helped to alleviate some of the distress as his birthday approaches,” she said.
“Thinking beyond ourselves, it’s so distressing for others in the community who might be visiting their family or parents or friends to think that something so unkind has happened … we’re just thinking of other families in our community … who are upset that this has happened.”
Victoria Police is urging scrap metal dealers to be wary of thieves attempting to sell the plaques, and for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au
Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury treasurer Peter Canning, and members Nic Germano, Andrew Wilson, Richard Gibbons, Stephen King, vice president Barry Kelly, and president Ian phillips. (Ljubica Vrankovic). 455702_06
Think tank discusses water flow
By Oscar Parry
An upcoming think tank in Sunbury will discuss the Maribyrnong Catchment and environmental flows, aiming to provide residents with the issues affecting the catchment and actionable solutions.
Hosted by Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association and supported by Hume council, the educational event on Wednesday, February 5 will focus on the Maribyrnong Catchment, including the JacksonsCreekandDeepCreektributariesthat meet in Bulla to form the Maribyrnong River. Association operations and advocacy lead Nicole Kowalczyk said the event will discuss environmental flows, which is a concept
unfamiliar to many people.
It refers to the releasing of water from reservoirs into rivers to benefit rivers and creeks after the dry summer period, with the Rosslynne Reservoir in Gisborne used for this purposetobenefittheMaribyrnongCatchment – including Jacksons Creek.
“Environmental flows refer to the timing … the volume, and the quality of water that is needed to maintain healthy river systems … they support native vegetation along rivers, they protect habitats and also maintain water quality,” Ms Kowalczyk said.
“Because of our own extraction and climate change, these natural flows have changed … environmental flows are put in place to keep river systems alive.”
It has many ecological benefits, including supporting fish and frog spawning, the transporting of seeds, and providing water to vegetation along creek and river banks.
Ms Kowalczyk said water for environmental flows is often allocated through environmental entitlements, however, the Maribyrnong River does not have a permanent environmental entitlement, meaning there are temporary trades of water instead.
The organisation is advocating for a permanent environmental entitlement.
“Every year, the target is to have 7 giga litres [of water] making its way down the Maribyrnong for environmental benefits, but unfortunately, we’re only seeing a fraction of that,” Ms Kowalczyk said.
Oliver tops baby name list again
Oliver maintained its 11-year streak as the most popular male baby name in Victoria in 2024.
For girls, the most popular name last year was Isla.
According to state government data, 389 babies were named Isla last year and 570 were named Oliver.
Sunbury mother Christie Lougoon was one of the parents contributing to the new Olivers in Victoria and said that she is glad that she and her husband Jason settled on the popular name after their son was born in March last year.
“When we knew I was pregnant, it was our top contender name that we agreed on,” Ms Lougoon said.
She said that the pair liked that Oliver was a traditional-sounding name while still seeming relatively obscure compared to others, with the name “definitely” suiting their newborn.
“We refer to him as Ollie … I can’t see him named as anything else. I love it, it’s gorgeous … I’m glad we landed there,” she said.
Ms Lougoon also considered the name Oakley and Mr Lougoon suggested the name Harvey.
She said that she is not surprised that Oliver was the top boys’ name last year.
Other popular names in 2024 included Noah and Henry at second and third place for boys and Charlotte and Amelia at second and third for girls.
There were a total of 79,239 births registered in Victoria last year.
According to the state government, Oliver will need to stay on top for another 13 years to break the all-time record for the most popular boys’ name, with that record currently held by John – which was the most popular boys’ name from 1929–51.
She said that the association is also advocating for improved management of the waterway, including reduced extraction of water for human consumption and private dams.
“We also would like to see the local community supporting water conservation measures. So, reducing household water use and reducing extraction from rivers and creeks if people live on properties that border on creeks,” she said.
The free event will be held from 10am–12pm on Wednesday, February 5 at the Hume Global Learning Centre, Sunbury.
Details: events.humanitix.com/ environmental-flows-in-the-maribyrnongcatchment
Romsey plant works begin
Construction has started on upgrades to the Romsey Water Filtration Plant, with the major project aimed at improving local water supply and security.
According to Greater Western Water, the upgraded plant will bring numerousbenefitsincludingincreased capacity, boosted disinfection, advanced treatment processes, and better energy efficiency.
With works starting this month and the project set to be completed in late 2026, the upgrade will change the drinking water disinfection process from chloramination to chlorination, meaning that local residents will receive consistent tasting tap water all year round.
TheinstallationofaUVdisinfection system will provide added protection as part of the treatment process for Romsey’s drinking water.
Greater Western Water general manager of growth and infrastructure Ian Burton said that the upgrade is a “valuable investment in the Romsey community, ensuring a reliable water supply for years to come.”
“The upgraded plant will be capable of treating up to 4.6 million litres of water per day, a significant increase from its current 2.65 million litre capacity, allowing us to meet growing demand while maintaining safe, high quality drinking water,” Mr Burton said.
The upgrade will not change Romsey’s water sources.
Oscar Parry
Sunbury mother Christie Lougoon with her baby Oliver. (Supplied).
Housing a priority in the Ranges
By Oscar Parry
With housing prices impacting the affordability of rentals and the cost-of-living, there are calls for increased affordable rentals and social housing in the Macedon Ranges.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health manager of housing support Justine Maher said the organisation is seeing increasing numbers of people living on or below the poverty line, with “food banks and material aid … a necessity“.
“While the population is growing in the MacedonRanges,wehavenotseenanincrease in public or social and affordable housing in the area. Rental affordability is difficult for many families, especially for one-income
households, those on low incomes, and for families relying on Centrelink payments,” Ms Maher said. “An increase in affordable rentals and public housing is needed to meet the needs of community members who are impacted by the rising cost-of-living and we would particularly like to see more one-bedroom properties built for single people and couples,” she said.
Macedon Ranges mayor Dom Bonanno said that broadly, the council welcomes “any additional state government investment in additional housing for our shire, including specific targets and support for more affordable housing consistent with our affordable housing policy“.
He said that an essential aspect of meeting
the future housing needs of the region is ensuring that affordable housing is available locally.
“The Victorian Government allocated a minimum $30 million investment to the Macedon Ranges through the Big Housing Build; however, to date, only $12.5 million has been allocated to our region. We have requested confirmation from the Victorian Government as to the availability of the remaining $17.5 million and how it will be allocated.
“We would welcome opportunities to partner with the Victorian Government to facilitate increased provision of local affordable housing.”
A Homes Victoria spokesperson said there is “no more important issue than housing
Peruse the precinct before closure
Hume council is hosting an open day for the Sunbury Community Arts and Cultural Precinct this month before construction works begin in April.
The open day will give attendees a chance to learn about the history of the Jacksons Hill site before it is transformed and reopened later in the year.
The site has already been used by artists in a council-led artists-in-residence program, with the open day an opportunity to meet some of these artists and view their work.
Mayor Jarrod Bell said the open day will be
a chance “to learn about Sunbury’s heritage, particularly at the iconic Jacksons Hill, while also celebrating its future as a place for local artists to thrive”.
“The artists-in-residence program showcased the incredible creativity within our community when given the space to flourish, and I invite everyone to join us on [February 15] a glimpse of the vibrant future ahead with the completion of the Sunbury Community Arts and Cultural Precinct later this year,” Cr Bell said.
“This is your last chance to see this special
Apply now for event grants
Hume council is calling on community and commercial event organisers to apply for its event grants program, offering funding across a range of categories.
Applications are now open for the first round of funding under the council’s Event Grants Program, which aim to support events that bring the Hume community together in 2025–26.
Funding is available to both new and recurring events – large and small – that will be hosted between July 1 this year and June 30 next year.
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell said the spirit of Hume is “truly alive when our community gets together to celebrate the many and varied activities that make us who we are.”
right across Victoria“ and it is continuing to “work closely with local governments –including Macedon Ranges Shire Council – and other community agencies to unlock land and develop partnerships to deliver more and better homes for Victorians in priority areas.”
“Under the Big Housing Build and other social housing projects, we have already invested $12.5 million in Macedon Ranges to build 25 homes – and we will continue to work closely with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and other stakeholders to identify suitable locations and work collaboratively on planning applications to see all of these much-needed homes built.”
Better play at reserve
The Turnberry Drive Reserve and playground in Sunbury has received a makeover, now boasting new play equipment and park facilities.
Unveiled on Friday, January 24 by the state government and Hume council, the $190,000 upgrade includes new swings, a see-saw, a nature play space, park furniture, and more trees.
The redevelopment also includes new areas for small community events and gatherings.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull said that the upgrade will offer benefits for both local parents and children.
“Whether it’s kids climbing on the new playground, parents catching up over a coffee, or a community group running an event, there’s something for everyone here at Turnberry Drive Reserve,” Mr Bull said.
“Playgrounds like this are so important – they’re not just for kids, they’re for the whole community. They bring people together and make our suburbs even better places to live.“
place in Sunbury’s story in its current form before we create the community arts and culture space our community deserves.”
The day will also include a theatre performance from Sunbury’s BoilOver Performance Ensemble, a lecture from historian David Waldron about the site’s history, a screening of a short documentary covering local residents’ connection to the site, and talks from Sunbury historian Trevor Dunn.
The free and ticketless event will run from 10am–2pm on Saturday, February 15 at Jacksons Hill, Sunbury.
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell said on a Facebook post that it was “fantastic” to celebrate the unveiling of the upgraded reserve.
“The design of this neighbourhood level play space was directly influenced by locals having their say …it was great to hear positive feedback from local parents and kids, already using the park, having a great time!” Mr Bell said.
The council completed community consultation for upgrades to the reserve in 2023.
Grants of up to $2000 will be offered to small community and neighbourhood events of up to 1000 people, up to $12,000 for medium community and neighbourhood events of up to 3000 people, up to $20,000 for major events of more than 3000 people, and up to $30,000 per year for three years for established major events of more than 5000 people.
Applications for this first round of grants closes at 4pm on Thursday, February 20.
Details: hume.vic.gov.au/Residents/Thingsto-See-and-Do/Events/Event-Grants
“Each year, [Hume] provides funds for events to support connection, celebrate our arts and culture, and provide opportunities to support local business,” Cr Bell said.
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell at the Sunbury Community Arts and Cultural Precinct. (Ljubica Vrankovic). 455324_03
Call for second Sunbury library
By Oscar Parry
A local advocacy group is calling for an additional library in Sunbury, emphasising the importance of accessible libraries as spaces for studying and community connection.
DREAM Diggers Rest Advocacy group member and primary school teacher Tanya Harding said Sunbury Library at the Hume Global Learning Centre is an “incredible facility,” but feels it is geared more towards supporting the northern parts of Sunbury and is not easily accessible for parts of the suburb.
“It’s great it’s centrally located but … it’s just far enough away that walking there from the shopping precinct is impractical,” Ms Harding said. She said she would welcome an additional
library in Sunbury, even if smaller than the Sunbury Library.
“I think libraries are more than just a place to read books … to have a place that you can walk to, meet likeminded people … it’s about bringing the community together, having a safe space,” she said.
“There are quite a lot of disadvantaged families that might not have access to computers.”
She said she is concerned that when her children are high-school aged, they might not always have a designated place at home to study.
“It would be nice if they could get on a bus and go to local libraries and study with friends and test each other on exams … growing up, I had all of those things that I’d like them to have access to as well,” she said.
A report published by Infrastructure
Victoria in 2021 recommended that Hume will “likely ... need a new library in the next five years.”
A Hume spokesperson said that Hume has “three state-of-the-art Global Learning Centres, one of which we’re proud to say is in Sunbury.”
“Its location was chosen based on current and future planning needs, the current site being the most suitable and available at the time of construction,” the spokesperson said.
“Planning for more library services in Hume is currently recommended under the Victorian Infrastructure Plan … future provision of a new library in the Sunbury South Precinct Structure Plan is identified, we will continue to work with relevant stakeholders and the state government to advocate for services where and when they are needed.”
Relay for Life returns to Lancefield
The Macedon Ranges Relay for Life event will return to Lancefield in March, with Cancer Council Victoria calling for community members to take part in the fundraising efforts.
Relay For Life is a fundraising walk and event aimed at celebrating cancer survivors, remembering loved ones, and raising money forresearch,preventionandsupportservices.
Running from 11am–9pm at Lancefield Park Reserve on Saturday, March 1, community members can take part in
the event by leading or joining a team or volunteering on the day.
According to Cancer Council Victoria, about 336 people are diagnosed with cancer in the Macedon Ranges region each year.
Lancefield Relay for Life committee member and former nurse Amanda Mullins said that the committee is searching for more members and volunteers to help organise the upcoming event.
“Relay for Life is a cause really dear to my heart, and I love the work Cancer Council
Victoria does, so I’m really keen to encourage people to get involved and help,” she said.
“It just brings everyone together – the conversations you have when you’re walking around a track with someone you’ve just met are really special.
To join the Lancefield Relay for Life committee or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Grant White or visit the Relay for Life website.
Details: grant.white@cancervic.org.au or relayforlife.org.au
(Unsplash)
Police are warning motorists to slow down around schools as thousands of students return to class this week for the first term of 2025.
Forty eight pedestrians were killed in Victoria last year, including three children aged 12 years or under who were all at, or commuting to and from school when they were hit by a vehicle.
Police will have an increased presence around schools this week to ensure motorists take care as children cross roads.
Motorists are also urged to consider the safety of school crossing supervisors as they help children cross safely.
Police say speed and distraction are major factors in collisions around schools and that officers will be looking out for motorists not adhering to reduced speed limits or using mobile devices while driving nearby.
State Highway Patrol Inspector Nicole Yin said everyone should take extra care when travelling in school zones.
“Children are amongst our most vulnerable road users. They’re less developed physically, cognitively and have less experience around traffic,” Inspector Yin said.
She said protecting school kids crossing the road began at home.
“We’re also asking parents, carers and teachers to talk to children about the importance of road safety and teach them to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road,” she said.
The penalty for failing to stop and remain stationary at a children’s crossing is $494 and three demerit points.
Lancefield house prices boom according to the latest data
Sunbury and Macedon Ranges recorded mixed house prices this quarter, with some suburbs experiencing a sharp drop in median sales prices.
Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) released the quarterly median housing prices, showing the median house price grew in four Macedon Ranges suburbs and dropped in five.
Prices in New Gisborne dropped by 7.9 per centthisquartertoamedianpriceof$875,000. Woodend prices also dropped by 7.1 per
cent and Macedon prices by 6.8 per cent, with median prices of $925,000 and $1.2 million respectively.
Lancefield prices recorded a strong rise of 9.2 per cent this quarter, with a median price of $715,000.
Mount Macedon Realty director Lisa Fowlersaidrecordedsalepricesarereflections of transactions rather than a real percentage change.
“The Macedon Ranges is a stable market that hasn’t been all that price responsive to the
market in the past, so what we’ve done is sort of sit there at our price level without having significant price reductions,” Ms Fowler said.
“[This] has resulted in a slowing of actual sales, so now we’re getting some sales through whichdoesthenresultinaperceivedincrease,” she said.
“I would go as far as to say that the market has potentially recognised that we are at the bottom of this property market stagnation, and buyers now have an improved level of confidence in jumping back into the market.”
She said that Macedon Ranges vendors have been “quite stoic with their position on price,“ and rather than reduce their prices, they have decided to wait until the market improves. Sunbury house prices dropped by 3.5 per centthisquartertoamedianpriceof$660,000 and Diggers Rest prices grew by 1.5 per cent to match Sunbury’s median. House prices in greater Melbourne dropped by 2.1 per cent.
Oscar Parry
Lancefield Relay For Life attendee Andrew Villiani and Lancefield Relay for Life committee member Amanda Mullins at last year’s event. (Supplied)
Council considering truck ban
By Tara Murray
Hume council is proposing to ban trucks on sections of Bardwell Drive, Konagaderra, Gellies and Wildwood roads following increased traffic on the roads.
Following a council decision in February 2023 to commence procedures to install no trucks signs on the parts of the roads, the council has opened community consultation on the proposed bans.
At that council meeting in 2023, then councillor Jack Medcraft said there needed to bemorepolicingontheroadssayingtherewere
‘cowboys’ who were travelling above the speed limit.
Council proposes erecting ‘no trucks’ signage at the entries of the affected roads. The signs restrict heavy vehicle traffic, above 4.5 tonnes of gross vehicle mass from accessing these roads.
The council said should there be sufficient supportforthetruckban,thecouncilwilltable the proposal to VicRoads for review and would be subject to VicRoads approval.
The proposes erecting ‘no trucks’ signage at the entries of the affected roads. The signs restrict heavy vehicle traffic, above 4.5 tonnes
of gross vehicle mass from accessing these roads.
“Between February and April 2022 the intersection of Mickleham Road and Craigieburn Road was closed by Major Road ProjectsVictoriasothatpartoftheCraigieburn Road could be upgraded,” council said.
“Traffic was redirected onto surrounding roads. Council monitored this increase in traffic and have continued to do so.
“Since the intersection reopened traffic data shows that higher volumes of heavy vehicle traffichavebeenusinglocalroadslikeBardwell Drive, Konagaderra Road, Gellies Road, and
Wildwood Road (North and South). Nearby arterial roads which are designed for this kind of traffic have capacity.”
Hume council said that the quality of life for people living along these roads might be negatively affected but the increased traffic. The type of signage allows for important exceptions, such as emergency vehicles being able to use the roads when required or when heavy vehicles are servicing a property along these roads.
Consultation is open until February 28.
Details: https://participate.hume.vic.gov.au/ proposed-truck-ban
Australia Day event ‘respectful’ and ‘reflective’
Sunbury was home to Hume’s Australia Day celebrations this year, with a family-friendly event hosted at Sunbury Village Green.
Thecouncil’sAustraliaDayintheParkevent included a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, live music from artists Nathan Gabriel and Callan Turner, a sausage sizzle hosted by the 1st Sunbury Scout Group, face painting and bubbles.
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell said the event was a great opportunity for our community to gather, reflect and celebrate what we love about our country.
“It’s important to recognise the different ways January 26 impacts our community, acknowledging the complexities and the different perspectives,” he said.
“To this end, we had Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross join us for a Welcome to Country, allowing our residents to embrace diversity while also holding a place for our history.
“What makes Australia special is our
achievements, our values, and our people, all of which were on show in Sunbury as our community came together for a respectful, reflective and enjoyable event.”
As reported by Star Weekly, Hume council decided to host an Australia Day event during a council meeting last July, bucking a growing trend of councils stepping away from hosting events on Australia Day.
In Macedon Ranges, the day was marked with community-hosted events across the region, including the Survival Day Morning Reflection event in Macedon and the Australia Day Family Fun Day in Gisborne.
Instead of hosting a council-led event, Macedon Ranges offered an Australia Day Grants program, which according to the Macedon Ranges website, aims to “support community groups to hold free events [or] acknowledgment ceremonies to mark [January 26] in a way that is respectful of all community members.”
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell at the council’s Australia Day in the Park event at Sunbury Village Green. (Supplied).
An alternative school in Epping is helping students who have struggled at mainstream schools to re-engage with learning. For some of the students, the move to the Y Community School has been life-saving, as Prealene Khera finds out.
The school saving young lives
Most footy scoreboards towering over school grounds stand at a height of about 20 feet, their LED displays diligently tracking winners and losers.
But when year six student Zane desperately clawed his way to the top of one, he didn’t need the board to illustrate what defeat looked like.
At just 11 years old, he had been told by his teachers that he’d never amount to anything.
Eventually those negligent barrages carried Zane to the edge – nearly two storeys away from death.
“I really didn’t think I was going to get this far in life back then,” Zane said, now aged 15. Zane’s suicide attempt was brought on by his experience at a mainstream school, where according to him, he was incessantly chastised.
“It was very hard,” he said.
“I would feel like they were out to get me … they really wanted me gone.
“Ninety per cent of the time I did blame myself.”
Often after coming home from school, Zane would lock himself in his room with a recurring belief occupying his head.
“I would say to myself that it was all my fault”.
And every time it’d be followed by a chilling afterthought.
“Is it really worth it?”
Towards the end of primary school, Zane was officially diagnosed with autism, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, high anxiety, and oppositional defiant disorder.
Following the diagnosis, a behavioural plan was developed for him to allow the school to better manage Zane’s learning outcomes.
Despite this essential blueprint, his mum Rebecca Hall said, improvements were few and far.
“He pretty much struggled the whole time,” she said.
“They just didn’t have the skills to manage his behaviour or to even educate him which is really sad because every kid deserves an education whether they’ve gotten some diagnosis or not.”
Not only was the school severely unequipped to provide a healthy-learning environment for Zane, Rebecca said its approach aggravated matters.
“We eventually found out they were telling him that he would never get a job,” she said.
“He was branded the naughty kid.
“Every time he would get in trouble at school he would self harm – he used to gouge his leg with a metal ruler.”
Witnessing Zane go through those episodes was extremely gut-wrenching for Rebecca and her husband Shane.
“It was awful and we were walking on eggshells quite because we didn’t want to exacerbate it,” Rebecca said.
“We blamed ourselves a lot.
“Throughout that entire time he was showing signs of depression, and he had become quite withdrawn– it was heart-breaking.”
In the middle of year nine last year, Zane was expelled from school.
“I appealed that decision but the education department told me that the teachers were scared and intimidated by him,” Rebecca said.
“Hearing that broke my heart, my kid wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
When the school closed its doors to Zane, another live-saving one was about to swing open.
Soon after expulsion, at the advice of his psychologist, Rebecca enrolled Zane into the Y Community School in Epping. It’s a move that has been life-changing for the Halls.
“The Y school has been an absolute godsend,” Rebecca said.
“Ifmysonwasstillinamainstreamschool,
I guarantee he would not be here.”
Schools like the Y make an important contribution in addressing educational disadvantage by serving young people who are disengaged from mainstream education, according to a submission made by the Independent Schools Australia (ISA) into the ‘Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System Consultation Paper’.
“Students are often referred from community services, juvenile justice and other schools – both government and non-government,” the report stated.
“[These schools] have developed programs and structures designed to re-engage students in education and prepare them for further training and employment.”
Since 2014, the number of alternative schools has almost doubled and enrolments have almost tripled – as of 2022 there are 96 institutions that cater to students who don’t do well in conventional settings, the submission said.
This philosophy of ensuring no one is left behind is one the Y strongly reinforces: “All
young people want to learn and do well and should have the right to achieve their full potential regardless of circumstances and the barriers that have prevented them engaging fully in education”.
As a new student, Zane carried the weight of being told he wouldn’t do anything worthwhile in his life, into the Y.
Several months later, he went to parliament with his fellow classmates to advocate for increased funding for independent schools.
According to campus principal Sarah Abbott, it’s hard to imagine Zane as anything but capable.
“Just reading his profile, looking at the previous data on him, hearing him talk about what he used to be like and how he used to behave, what he used to do – it’s a completely different person to what we’ve always seen at our school,” she said.
“[Coming here] has meant life or death for Zane.”
Ms Abbott said most of her students have had similar experiences at some point in their lives.
“Every single student has had challenges in a mainstream setting, ” she said.
“We have a number who have come to us with safety plans from their mainstream schools because of attempts of self harm.
“It’s devastating – they’ve only been looking for somewhere where they fit in.”
That feeling of not belonging, “no one should be feeling that way in the first place,” Zane said.
“For me, it finally feels like people are proud of me and that I’m not doing anything wrong.
“Before, I tried to do my best at all times but no one believed that. I’m just like other kids, I want to just be the best I can and live a good life and it feels like I finally can.”
This has been one of Rebecca’s biggest fights — ensuring her son was in a safe and supported environment.
But she never doubted his abilities.
“He was never naughty, he was just misunderstood,” she said.
If you or anyone you know is in need of support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14.
Zane Hall has finally found a school where he feels like he fits in. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 455462_01
The Y community school’s principal Sarah Abbott advocates for the importance of independent schools. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 454190_01
Zane and his mum Rebecca Hall believe if it wasn’t for the Y community school, Zane would’ve continued to struggle. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 455462_07
Teal takeover for ovarian cancer
Cade Lucas
Thesedaysthecolourtealisusuallyassociated with the political independent movement which won a swag of seats at the last federal election.
Withanotherelectionjustmonthsaway,the link between this particular shade of green and independent MPs such as Monique Ryan, Zoe Daniel and Allegra Spender is likely to only grow stronger.
But during February at least, teal will be associated with another, very different cause.
February is national ovarian cancer awareness month and teal is the colour traditionally associated with this disease just as pink is synonymous with breast cancer.
“It’s a really significant event in our calendar,” said acting national advocacy manager with Ovarian Cancer Australia, Bridget Bradhurst of the national awareness month which aims to educate Australians on the disease, advocate for those impacted by ovarian cancer and elevate their voices as well as raising funds for research.
Ms Bradhurst said these aims were particularly important given the disease remained widely misunderstood.
“It does remain the deadliest of the gynecological cancers,” she said of ovarian cancer, which also has the lowest survival rate ofanywomen’scancerandafiveyearsurvival rate well below the average for all cancers.
Along with it being more deadly than is widely assumed, Ms Bradhurst said another commonmisconceptionaboutovariancancer was that there was an effective early detection test for it.
“People still get confused between cervical cancer and ovarian cancer so sometimes
women mistakenly think that if they’ve kept up with their cervical screening – which is very important to do – that that is also protecting them against ovarian cancer and unfortunatelythatisjustnotthecase.Westill don’t have any effective methods of picking ovarian cancer up early,” she said.
The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to find a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on. LED BY A QUALIFIED TEACHER
The Kinder Tick recognises kinder programs that are led by a qualified teacher.
It highlights kindergartens and long day care centres that offer play-based programs to help children learn and grow, before they start school.
“Anotheroneisthatpeopledon’tunderstand is that some ovarian cancer is hereditary and there is family risk involved,” said Ms Bradhurst, adding that discussing risks with close family and relatives was vital.
“Women’s business hasn’t historically been something that people have been comfortable to discuss but without people reallyunderstandingtheirfamilyhistorythey can’tbegintounderstandtheirownriskofthe disease.”
Even without these misunderstandings, battling ovarian cancer can be tough, with symptoms and warning signs often vague and hard to detect.
Fortunately for those who are diagnosed, Ovarian Cancer Australia has invested in dedicated team of nurses who specialise in treating the disease.
The appropriately titled Teal Support Nurse Program is a free, national telehealth service connecting ovarian cancer sufferers and survivors with trained oncology and gynaecological nurses.
Beginning as a pilot program in 2019, the teal nurses now receive federal funding to provide a free service nationwide.
MsBradhurstsaidthenationwideapproach was why it was a telehealth service.
“We’ve done that deliberately to ensure women don’t fall through the cracks,” she said, noting that similar services were now available for other cancers.
“The cancer landscape changing, it’s no longer one size fits all, but more targeted.”
For more information about ovarian cancer awareness month, visit: https://www. ovariancancer.net.au/get-involved/ovariancancer-awareness-month
For information on the teal support nurse program: https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/ find-support/teal-support-nurse-program
It also identifies services that are approved for Victorian Government funding.
Ovarian Cancer Australia teal support team nurses Di, Fiona and Rosetta. (supplied) 455362_01
Records galore at fair
Sunbury FM is hosting a record fair fundraiser, with 20,000 vinyl records across a broad range of genres up for sale.
Sunbury FM presenter and record fair organiser Marsden Williams said there will be over 20 vendors from all across Victoria.
He said the high-quality sound and tangibility of records have contributed to their ongoing popularity.
“Records are an … investment if you buy wisely. They are not going to lose money, they are going to either go up or stay the same,” Mr Williams said.
“There’s also, with a really nice turntable
and arm and cartridge and stylus and amplifier … nothing like the sound of a really good vinyl pressing. I haven’t found anything that sounds quite that good.”
The event will also include a live outdoor broadcast from the station.
Entry to the fair will cost $3.
“Everyone in Sunbury should come along, support the station, and buy some records,” Mr Williams said.
The event will be held from Sunday, February 16, from 11am–4pm at the Sunbury Social Club, 47 Riddell Road, Sunbury.
Details: sunburyrecordfair@recordclam. com
Fatal crash in Gisborne Police have investigated a fatal collision in Gisborne on Tuesday, January 28. Emergency services were called to Bacchus Marsh Road where a car and motorbike collided about 6.20am. A male rider died at the scene. The male driver of the car stopped at the scene. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of the collision. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Vaping education resources
Quit Victoria released a range of free Victorian curriculum-aligned vaping education resources to teach young people about the harms of vaping. Primary school teachers and health educators of grades 5 and 6 students will now have access to the evidence-based vaping education material. Data from a 2022-23 ASSAD survey showed 13 per cent of 12–15 year old students reported vaping in the past month, demonstrating the need for preventative education at a younger age. The resources are broken into activities across several modules, aimed at helping students get the facts on vaping, to understand how social factors contribute to vaping, and to develop vaping education campaigns to make change.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Online information sessions
are holding online and in-person information sessions in February 2025 to update the community.
in
Sunbury FM presenter and record fair organiser Marsden Williams. (Supplied).
New Aussies warmly welcomed
Macedon Ranges welcomed 31 new Australian citizens from 12 countries last month at a ceremony hosted at Kyneton Town Hall.
Hosted on Tuesday, January 28, the ceremony welcomed new citizens who have moved to Australia from a range of countries, including Iraq, India, New Zealand, Iran, Serbia, Vietnam, South Africa, Scotland, Philippines, Ireland, and Germany.
At the event, each new citizen made an officialpledgeofloyaltytoAustraliaandwere presentedwithanAustraliannativeplantand a badge featuring the Australian flag and an image of the national flower – the Golden Wattle.
TheeventwasattendedbyMacedonRanges chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan, mayor Dom Bonanno, councillors, and Bendigo MP LisaChesters.
CrBonannosaidthatit“feltgreat”toattend
theeventasmayorforthefirsttime.
“[I was] both nervous and excited, a bit like how the 31 new Australians would have felt,” MrBonannosaid.
In his speech at the ceremony, Cr Bonanno said that becoming an Australian citizen “does not mean forgetting your country of birthorthecountrywhereyougrewup,orits customsandculture”.
“What it does mean is a commitment to Australia as your home where you can bring your own background and stories to enrich our multicultural society, and share your knowledge and your experience with fellow Australians,” Cr Bonanno said.
“And more specifically, it is a commitment to our home, the Macedon Ranges, a place we all love for our open spaces, diverse communities, and an appreciation for the uniqueness of our flora and fauna that live amongus.”
NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE
To all those Unsinkable Guys out there –
You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the life jacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions.
But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men.
Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.
RETHINK TAKING RISKS AROUND WATER UNSINKABLE GUY
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters during a speech. (Supplied).
A group of new Australian citizens with the Australian flag. (Supplied)
Macedon Ranges mayor Dom Bonanno led proceedings at the ceremony. (Supplied)
MY PLACE
Sunbury Woodworkers Club president Anita Blume is passionate about her craft and the group’s almost 40-year history. Oscar Parry spoke to Anita about her connection to Sunbury and her role as club president.
What is your connection to Sunbury?
I came to Sunbury because it is where my husband grew up. We wanted a small town upbringing for our future children, with access to the benefits of the city … I have loved my time living here, it has been 18 years now. What do you like about where you live?
I love that my children are able to have some of the same experiences that I did growing up … we live in a quiet street and all the kids are friends and play together often. It is great to live in a place where in one direction, you can find farms, animals and mountain ranges. Small towns with wonderful farmers markets andgreatcafes.Intheotherdirection,allofthe benefits of the city.
Tell us a bit about the Sunbury Woodworkers Club and what you enjoy most about being president.
The Sunbury Woodworkers is such a great group of people. We meet a couple of times a month, we talk, ask questions of each other and help each other. At our clubhouse, we participate primarily in woodturning. We have a workroom full of lathes and all of the equipment you need to get started learning the craft. We are excited by the prospect of new facilities in the near future in the new arts precinct. We love to demonstrate woodturning at every chance we get. We are at Sunbury Bunnings in the DIY area on the first Saturday of every month, and we are at the Sunbury Show and Kyneton Show every year. This year, we participated in Sunbury Street Life for the first time, which was an amazing day. As president, it has been so exciting to work on new ideas for the club … our club is nearly 40 years old. I want it to be around another 40 –maybe with one of my kids at the helm!
How did you first get started with woodworking, and what do you enjoy most about the craft?
I remember watching my grandfather (a builder) woodturning in his garage when I was akid…thechancetolearndidn’tcomeupand I never sought it out. Meeting one of the club members and seeing his work, I got excited by theprospectoflearning,andthefactthatitwas
right here on my doorstep. I went along to a meeting and I was absolutely hooked. After that first night, I could not contain my excitement about what I had achieved … I have dabbled in many different styles of art … but none of them spoke to me like woodturning has. My favourite part of the craft used to be watching the piece take shape, seeing what it
saidtomeasIworkedonitandwhatshapewas the best for the grain and shape of the wood. Now I love to see the light in someone else’s eyes as they get a perfect cut or see the shape coming to life … I am looking forward to the startofouryearinFebruaryandhopefullynew facesandopportunitiestosharethiswonderful thing we do.
Foraging for knowledge
The Moorabool Mushroom Festival is back for a third year ready to spread its knowledge spores.
Mycologist, and MYCOmmunity coordinator Ema Corro said the festival has many activities in store for all the guests.
“We have a bunch of speakers, there’ll be scientists and practical workshops like how to grow mushrooms and foraging,” she said.
Ms Corro said anyone from adults to scientists to kids will find something interesting in which to take part and learn at the Mushroom Festival.
“The children, learning how to grow mushrooms workshops would probably be pretty fun,“ Ms Corro said.
“We have a lot of kids who are just really interestedinfunghi,andinterestedinscience.“
An important part of the event is teaching people how to forage safely.
“The most important thing is to never consume anything that you’re not 100 per cent sure what it is,” Ms Corro advised.
“It’s a harm minimisation thing. If you teach
people what to avoid, and how to do things properly, hopefully they’ll be safe.
“An important thing to look at when foraging is not just what the edible species are, but also the potential poisonous lookalike.”
Toassistbeginnerforagers,MYCOmmunity is working with other mycology groups around Victoria to put together a guide on mushrooms.
“It’s been a couple of years since we’ve started developing this, so we were actually hoping to launch it at the last festival,” Ms Corro said.
“I’m hoping that we get it out by the festival (2025) so we can officially launch it, but we’re pretty much all volunteer run, so it’s a bit of a struggle to get something like that done.
“It’s getting there though.”
The Moorabool Mushroom Festival is on from Saturday, April 12 to Sunday April 13 at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall.
Details: https://myco.tidyhq.com/public/ schedule/events/68998-mooraboolmushroom-festival-2025Faith Macale
Mycologist and MYCOmmunity coordinator Ema Corro is excited for the Moorabool Mushroom Festival. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 456200_01
Sunbury Woodworkers Club president Anita Blume is passionate about the club and its history. (Supplied).
Healthy eating: a foundation for lifelong well-being
Healthy eating is a vital component of overall health that impacts every stage of life. Dietetics is a specialised field, using evidence-based medical nutrition therapy to develop personalised guidance designed to helpindividualsmanageawiderangeofhealth conditionsandimprovetheirqualityoflife.
DietitiansatMacedonRangesHealth(MRH) are highly qualified and experienced, working with all ages within the community, from newborns to older adults, providing tailored advice that supports optimal health. For those managingchronicconditionssuchasdiabetes, cardiovascular disease, or gastrointestinal disorders, MRH dietitians develop customised nutritionplansthataddressspecificneeds.
MRH also caters to individuals facing food allergies, intolerances, and nutritional deficiencies like iron deficiency anaemia. For women, they provide specialised care for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fertility, and pregnancy nutrition, helpingmothersandbabiesreceivetheessential nutrientstheyneedforhealthydevelopment.
Macedon Ranges Health offer support with effective weight management, including bariatric surgery candidates and those using obesitymedications.MRHservicesalsoextend to the management of digestive health issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the low FODMAP diet, which can be life-changing for those struggling with these conditions.
The comprehensive approach to dietetics at MRH ensures that your nutritional care is coordinated with other health services you may need, providing a support system tailored to your unique situation. Whether you’re seeking general healthy eating advice or need specialised nutrition therapy, they guide you toward better health and well-being at every stageoflife.
more information, contact Macedon Ranges Health on (03) 5428 0300 or visit mrh.org.au
Crafty fidget toy
Eachmonth,StephanieMartinezwillsharean exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.
Stephanie starred in the first season of MakingItonNetwork10,whereshediscovered and ignited her passion for crafting.
Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.
This month, Stephanie is creating a paper fidget toy.
Step-by-step guide
Materials: Assorted coloured paper/cardstock
Skewer
Straw
Bead
Equipment: Scissors
Glue stick
Hot glue gun
Step 1
Cut ten strips of coloured paper and four circles from cardstock.
Step 2
Arrange the paper strips evenly around one cardstock circle and glue them in place. Then, glue another circle on top to secure them.
Step 3
Repeat the previous step with the other ends of the strips, attaching them to the remaining two circles.
Step 4
Carefully insert a wooden skewer through the centre of both circles. Use a hot glue gun to attach a bead at the top for security.
Step 5
Cut a small piece of straw and make several cuts to create tabs. Thread the straw onto the skewer and glue the tabs to the bottom circle.
Fear spreads of Russian invasion
Williamstown amateur historian BARB MCNEILL is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she writes of the panic that spread through Williamstown and surrounding suburbs in the 1850s when residents thought Russian invaders had arrived to pillage the colony.
In1854,Melbourne’smaintopicofconversation was the Crimean War and the brutal atrocities of the Russian Army.
When the conflict began in 1853, Melbourne became very wary of Russians. After all, Victoria had vast goldfields that no enemy could resist plundering, so the authorities askedSydneytosparesometroops,andSydney responded by sending a small force to protect the southern city.
The continuing hostilities in the Crimea convinced Melbourne that the Russians would soon be on their way to commit wholesale pillage of the colony.
Companies of eager volunteers were organised to repel the enemy, fortifications werehastilythrownupalongthecoast,andthe population settled down to await the inevitable invasion.
Shortly after nightfall on 7th September 1854, the unmistakable sound of cannon fire boomed over Hobson’s Bay. It was immediately followed by showers of rockets exploding in the sky, and sharp bursts of artillery fire. All over Melbourne, homes and pubs were rapidly emptied as the cry went up: “The Russians are here!“
Terror-stricken mobsin Port Melbourne pointed to a sinister red glow in the sky.
“Look- they’re burning Williamstown!“
Volunteers scurried to their assembly points while the regulars marched to their posts, determined to defend Melbourne to the last man. Civilians charged around collecting an impressiveassortmentofmuskets,waddiesand pitchforks and by the time the news reached Governor Hotham and Captain Lonsdale, the city was armed to the teeth.
Captain William Lonsdale, formerly of the 4th Regiment, immediately mounted his horse and galloped importantly into Melbourne, which reverberated with rockets and guns blasting away all over the port.
Stopping a fear-crazed civilian who brandished a shovel at him, Lonsdale sharply asked for the latest news.
“Russians,“ the fellow babbled.
“They landed at Williamstown, but the 40th Regiment beat them off. Now they’re coming up the Yarra!“
“They’ve sunk most of our ships,“ panted a passer-by.
“The boys at the Williamstown breakwater have killed hundreds of them.“
EverywhereLonsdalelooked,hesawfrenzied preparations for war. Innkeepers were handing out free grog to the gallant troops on their way to the front.
Prepared for a long siege, women were hauling in food supplies, and several elderly gents were practising duelling with enormous enthusiasm.
Believing that it was only a matter of time before the city was overrun by wild Tartars andsword-wavingCossacks,Lonsdaletookhis horse at full steam to Port Melbourne.
En route, it struck him that despite the terrible bombardment going on, the Russians wereverypoorshotsindeed.Foracitythatwas beingsackedandburned,Melbourneappeared to be remarkably intact.
With a grunt, Lonsdale reined in at the beach of Port Melbourne, where an enormous crowd was demonstrating its willingness to die in defence of the city. They were joined by the 12th Regiment, who, with a squeal of fifes, announced that they, too, were ready to sacrifice their lives. Drums throbbed, bugles blew, and the lads took up a fighting stance with fixed bayonets.
Screams of rage and terror burst out as more cannon fire rocked the beach. Ladies wept and bade farewell to their doomed lovers, and one poor young volunteer, finding the situation
intolerable, disgraced himself by bursting into tears and howling for his mother.
Lonsdale remained on his horse, drumming impatient fingers on the pommel. Straining his eyes in the gloom, he shouted, “Where are the confounded Russians!?“
As the hysteria of the crowd made it clear that no intelligible answer was forthcoming, the captain angrily forced his way through the swarmandferretedoutthehabourmaster,who washappilydrinkingruminthecomfortofhis office.
To Lonsdale’s curt query, the fellow laughed his head off. “Russians? Bless you sir, it’s only the Great Britain celebrating her arrival.“
The iron-hulled Great Britain, until 1853 holding the crown as the world’s largest passenger ship, was the most reliable of all emigrant vessels. Her principal engineer was the famous Isambard Brunel;hisassistanttheaptlynamedThomas Guppy.
The ship wasn’t guaranteed unsinkable, but nervous voyagers felt reassured when told about these wonderful men.
Lonsdale’s enquiries revealed that the Great Britain, on her third voyage to Australia and with hundreds of passengers on board, had recently spent three tiresome weeks in quarantine at Portsea, owing to a smallpox scare after a passenger had died.
The dread yellow flag had been hoisted and
the ship docked at the Sanitary Station where isolation was so strict that passengers and crew were not allowed even to post letters to their loved ones.
Everyone was vaccinated. No sympathy whatsoever was shown to the whingers who grumbled about the inconvenience to seven hundred people that had been created by one passenger’s death. Either you submitted to the jab, or you were marooned at Portsea for the restofyourdays.Itisamootpointifanyoftheir descendants were amongst those who groused about the Covid lockdowns in Melbourne...
As soon as it was confirmed that there were no further cases of the terrible disease, the Great Britain thankfully sailed to Melbourne.
On seeing the friendly lights of Hobson’s Bay, her skipper, the amiable Scotsman, Captain John Grey, felt so happy to be back in civilisationthathedecided,withoutfirstasking anyone’s permission, to fire his cannons.
The crews of anchored ships, delighted to relieve the boredom, responded with their own cannons, as well as rifles, rockets and flares.
Blissfully unaware of the terror that reigned on shore, they were enjoying the impromptu display immensely.
Satisfied that no Russians were lurking in Hobsons Bay, Captain Lonsdale rode off to report to Governor Hotham, and the troops packed their rifles and went quietly home.
Barb McNeill in her Williamstown study. (Damjan Janevski) 432421_03
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
Dromkeen Art Show
Dromkeen Gallery in Riddells Creek is hosting an art show titled The Wonder of Nature from April 12–27. More than 30 recognised and emerging regional artists will be exhibiting a range of mediums, from water colour paintings through to indoor and outdoor sculptures. The event will raise funds for the family-owned gallery and bookshop.
Kathy, 0403 332 344, or kmedburyart@ gmail.com
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@ outlook.com
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
Are you into photography, just starting out, or a fully fledged professional?
The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Come along to a meeting on the first and second Monday of the month. Doors open at 7pm and the meeting starts at 7.30pm at Jubilee Hall, 52 Smith St Macedon.
www.macedon-ranges-photography. org.au, or info@macedon-rangesphotography.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 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. Pernaerna 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
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
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
Repair Cafe Sunbury
Repair Cafe Sunbury is celebrating its 5th birthday on Saturday, February 15, with a birthday cake cut at 11am. Bring along an item that needs repairing and volunteer repairers will do their best to fix it with you – or, just drop in for a cuppa. The event will run from 10am-12.30pm at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury. All are welcome. www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978.
Neighbourhood Garden
Get your hands dirty learning about the edible, indigenous and useful plants in Sunbury Neighbourhood House’s productive front garden. Visit Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury from 10am–12.30pm on Saturday, February 15. All skill sets are welcome.
www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978.
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Tayla Funaro, who was a ballkid at this year’s Australian Open. (Ljubica Vrankovic). 455509_01
Artists move into their new Ballan headquarters
Members of the Ballan Artists Collective have been busy the past few weeks settling into their new location on Inglis Street.
Member Miranda Williamson said the groupisecstatictobeinthenewvenue,which they will be opening with an exhibition on Friday, February 7.
“We’re moving stuff in today, and we’ve been renovating for the last four weeks,” she said.
“We’ve got a bit of the garden to do still, but we’re exhibition ready.”
The new exhibit, themed Pop Culture, is the group’s first exhibition in the new location.
“It will be a nice, bright, good mixture of everything,” Ms Williamson said.
“I think a lot of people think of that retro, sort of hippie look as well. It just depends on what generation people are from, and how they interpret it.”
The group’s new place has been the talk of the town, according to Ms Williamson.
“People have been coming by to check our progress constantly,” she said.
“We’re right next to the post office, and many people go past everyday, so it’s had a lot of chatter, and lots of excitement.”
Members expects a little more foot traffic now that their studio is situated on the main road.
“We have the gallery and the shop, as usual,” Ms Williamson said.
“Just in a little cute building with a lot
more character. We’ve got a big garden area that is now easily accessed as well.”
The new premises also has a mural at the back which was a collaboration between the group and members of the community.
The Ballan Artist Creative Pop Culture Exhibition will open on Friday, February 7, starting at 5pm, and will continue until Sunday, March 2.
Faith Macale
Ballan Artist Collective members Michael Rizzo, Miranda Williamson and Tracey Taylor have been busy adding the finishing touches to their new location before its opening.
455200_03
A display of elegance
Brimbank locals will have the unique opportunity to explore the gracefulness of ‘Ao Dai’ – a traditional Vietnamese dress commonly worn by women – as part of a new exhibition in Sunshine.
The collection curated by the Australian Vietnamese Arts and Culture (AVAC) will allow visitors to discover the beauty of the traditionaloutfitwhileembracingthecultural heritage of Vietnam.
According to AVAC president Mai Nguyen, the ‘Timeless elegance of Women’s Ao Dai Exhibition’ will bring together dresses from
different decades.
This showcase will consist of three collections: Áo Dài V??ng Tri?u (Royal Áo Dài), Áo Dài T? Thân (four piece Áo Dài) and the Áo Dài Tân Th?i (Modern Áo Dài).
“This year marks 50 years of settlement of the Vietnamese community in Australia so we wanted this exhibition to honour the traditional beauty of the Vietnamese national costume,” Ms Nguyen said.
“We wanted to introduce this beauty to the community and to highlight the multiculturalism in Australia and in
particular in Sunshine.”
According to Ms Nguyen, the cultural significanceofthisexhibitioncan’tbeignored.
“Engaging in this experience will foster a profound appreciation for the intricate craftsmanship and skill demonstrated by the artisansbehindtheseexquisitegarments,”she said.
“It will contribute to a heightened understandingandrespectfortherichheritage of the traditional Vietnamese apparel.”
The exhibition will be up until March 27 at the Sunshine Art Spaces Window Gallery.
Sing-along spectacular
Broomsticks will descend on Taylors Lakes as a Macedon Ranges-based practice theatre group hosts its sing-along screening of the musical fantasy Wicked this month.
The event was brewed up by Friends of Safe Spaces Performances – a non-profit performance group that aims to increase performers’ confidence and provide an opportunity to practise their skills in a respectful and non-judgemental environment.
Group member Tracey Thiele said that attendees of past events have gone on to perform in local music theater and create their own solo performances.
“I think everybody knows someone [whereyouthink]‘they’reanamazing musician – why haven’t they ever pursued that as a career?’ I think the real answer is performance anxiety,” Ms Thiele said.
She said that the group chose to screen Wicked for both its musical appeal and its themes relevant to those looking to increase their confidence as performers.
“Wicked’s theme of overcoming adversity and defying what people think of you is the general theme of the movie … it’s just spot on with what safe spaces is trying to promote … believing in yourself, overcoming adversity, and singing.“
The sing-along screening will begin at 6pm on Wednesday, February 12 at Hoyts Watergardens in Taylors Lakes.
Tickets must be purchased through the TryBooking link, with the price including popcorn and a drink.
The event will raise funds for the organisation’s future activities. Details: trybooking.com/events/ landing/1342332
Oscar Parry
Werribee’s ‘best kept secret’ is back for jazz lovers
The Werribee Jazz Club is back and ready to swing better than ever in 2025.
From 2-5pm on Sunday, February 9, The Pearly Shells will usher in a new year of jazz for a club that has been the heart of the scene in Werribee for over 30 years.
President Neville Roe said the club is “Werribee’s best kept secret, but it shouldn’t be.”
Each month, the club meets at Werribee Bowls Club at Churnside Park on Watton Street and features a live act.
Despite the seniority of many of the members, the club is open to anyone with a passion for the genre and live music.
Jazz, with its characteristic improvisation that sprung out of roots music in the American South, covers a wide array styles,
instrumentations and implementation of “it’s hard to put the finger on the pulse” Mr Roe said.
Formanyofthemembers,jazzismorethan just music they listen to and meet over for three hours on a Sunday.
“It’s something that we grew up with after the war,” Mr Roe said.
“If we didn’t have the direct connection
with jazz ourselves, our parents did.”
The price of admission for members is $18 and $22 for non-members, guests are always encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks will be available at moderate prices.
Visitorsarewelcomeandthoseinterestedor have other inquiries about the club can give Jenny a call on 0419 558 481.
Jaidyn Kennedy
Mai Nguyen is encouraging everyone to attend the Ao Dai exhibition. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 456182_04
(Ljubica Vrankovic)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. During his career, 2025 Australian of the Year Neale Daniher played 82 games for which AFL/VFL club?
2. Which women’s rugby sevens team did Australia defeat to win the Australian leg of the 2024–25 World Rugby SVNS series?
3. By what name is Brazilian former
4. Which men’s rugby sevens team defeated Australia to win the Australian leg of the 2024–25 World Rugby SVNS series?
5. British racing driver Lewis Hamilton competes for which Formula One racing team?
6. Which country in Southeast Asia is hosting the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup?
Which former Australian tennis professional was most recently part of Jannik Sinner’s coaching team?
What sport has long been considered ‘America’s pastime’?
Which AFL/ VFL club did John Cahill coach from 1997–1998?
10. Gilbert provides the regulation brand game ball for which sport?
11. What freak incident caused Monica Seles to leave tennis for over two years?
12. Which Ecuadorian professional road racing cyclist won the 2025 Tour Down Under?
13. In soccer slang, what is a ‘worldie’?
14. Australian Luke Plapp is known for which sport?
15. What innocuous item caused a delay in the quarterfinal between Alexander Zverev and Tommy Paul in the 2025 Australian Open?
16. In a viral moment at the 2024 Olympics, on what was the first ever all-Black gymnastics podium, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles were photographed bowing to which new gymnastics champion?
17. Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy recently signed with which NWSL club?
18. And which US actress was a founding owner of that club?
19. AFLW player Zimmie Farquharson plays for which team?
20. Sam Mitchell played 22 games for which other AFL club after he was traded by Hawthorn in 2016?
21. ‘The Sharks’ are the Australian men’s team in which sport?
22. Who is the current captain of the Sydney Swans?
23. How many black squares are on a chessboard?
24. Jessica Campbell is the first ever female coach in which sporting league?
25. And which team does she coach?
26. An entirely animated, almost real-time feed of the Australian Open was streamed on which platform throughout the competition?
27. In which year did Don Bradman play his last Test for Australia?
28. Simon Whitlock plays which sport for Australia?
29. How many times has Kelly Slater been crowned the WSL champion?
30. The Braves are the MLB team of which US city?
Simone Biles
Jannik Sinner 0702
To
ACROSS
1 Skin on the head (5)
4 Commonsensical (9)
9 Roof’s projecting edges (5)
10 Power cells (9)
11 Collusive syndicate (6)
12 Nullify (8)
14 Informal bulletin (10)
15 Capture (3)
17 Melody (3)
19 Sorcerers (10)
23 Soon (8)
24 Thief (6)
26 Large powerful sea monster (9)
27 Sun-dried brick (5)
28 Speaks to (9)
29 Finished (5)
DOWN
1 Offensive odour (6)
2 Unfavourable (7)
3 Own (7)
4 A precious stone (4)
5 Exercises (10)
6 Mistakenly (2,5)
7 Instruction (7)
8 Plastic unit containing audio or visual tape (8)
13 Linen (10)
16 Spanish headscarf (8)
18 Distant (7)
19 Hub for military planes (7)
20 Quarantine (7)
21 Forbidden (7)
22 Ally (6)
25 Singles (4)
1 Which singer had a UK No.1 hit single with WhentheGoing GetsTough,theToughGet Going?
2 In cricket, in which year did South Australia first win the Sheffield Shield?
3 Which James Bond actor starred in the 1988 film Taffin?
4 Ops, or Opis, was the ancient Roman goddess of
7 In which European city was Erwin Schrödinger born in 1887?
8 Who did Betty White (pictured) play in The Golden Girls?
9 What Russian alcoholic drink is made from cereals and stale bread?
10 Shall We Tell the President? was written by which famous author?
Happy return for Genesis G70
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
The gift that keeps on giving: due to an ‘unscheduledincident’onarecenttestcarIwas left with a gap on my normally crowded ‘dance card’.
No sweat, said the Australian importer, why take a reprise with the Genesis G70?
Even though I had spent time with the Sports Luxury Sedan earlier in the year, when the upgraded G70 had left a generally positive impression, a second bite of the luxury ‘fruit’ was eagerly accepted.
TheG70,whichstartedasamid-sizedluxury sedan with a young and sophisticated design in 2017, was reborn in 2023 as a luxury sports sedan with a differentiated design identity and superior driving manners.
The MY24 upgrade consists of two variants, a Sports Luxury Sedan and a Shooting brake (station wagon) debuting Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Genesis Connected Services and over-the-air software updates. Ride and handling also make use of new-generation Electronic Control Suspension.
The Shooting Brake is powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine; the Sports Luxury Sedan by a 3.3-litre V6 turbo. Both are mated with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission feeding the rear wheels.
Available from $80,065 to $86,914 for the 2025 range of models in wagon and sedan body types, all G70s come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with private usage, complimentary servicing for the first five years or 50,000km, roadside assist (10 years if serviced by Genesis) and concierge and courtesy vehicle service for five years.
STYLING
The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan has performance-linked head-turning looks with traditional sports sedan styling mated with the latest technology. Upgrades include new badges, new wheel design and additional exterior colours.
Up front the new emblem features what is described as a guilloche pattern, roughly translated, a type of repetitive decoration symbolising eternity in ancient Assyrian architecture, would you believe.
Newly designed 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, shod with Michelin pilot Sport 4 tyres, are the perfect complement to a red Brembo brake package. The updated look is topped off by a selection of 13 colours, including three matte finishes, and new gloss finishes Vatna Gray and Kawah Blue.
INTERIOR
Refined upgrades stamp the cabin with a true sports luxury character. For example, Nappa leatherseatsinFogGrey–heatedandventilated upfront,heatedintherear–andleather16-way adjustable driver’s seat and door trim and console are joined by a heated electronic tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel. And not forgettingsports-stylealloypedals.
Hey, but hang on there. The rear seat is no place for long legs. In fact, depending on the positioning of the driver and front passenger seats the space speaks 2+2. Toe room fares no better, with front seats too close to the floor for tootsies.
Head and shoulder space are very much mid-size sedan scale. A restricted loading aperture leaves the boot a dark cave-like 330 litres with seat backs up. A temporary spare wheel fits under the floor.
INFOTAINMENT
There are three separate screens to keep an eye on – one central infotainment screen mounted on top of the dashboard, which runs the car’s smartphone mirroring, voice recognition, satellite navigation, digital radio and driver settings, A touchscreen in the stack below, plus separate buttons and switches for controls to air-conditioning, while a digital driver display is situated behind the steering wheel.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired, not wireless as in many of the G70’s European rivals.
TherearetwoUSBpointsforrearpassengers, while all can take advantage of digital radio DAB+ through a 15-speaker Lexicon premium audio system.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
G70 the Sports Luxury Sedan is powered by a 3.3-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine mated withaneight-speedtorqueconverterautomatic transmissiondrivingtherearwheels.Premium unleaded (95 RON) has it stumping up 247kW at6000rpmand510Nmfrom1300to4500revs.
SAFETY
The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan scored a five-star ANCAP rating from 2018 testing. With 10 airbags scattered around the cabin, there is a long list of active safety features.
These include autonomous emergency braking with cyclist / pedestrian awareness and junction turning function, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, lane assistance, road sign recognition, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree
DRIVING
The low stance of the car and major seat bolstering present a skinny slot for getting in and out of the front seats. However, the driver cansoonsettleinthankstoa16-wayadjustable seat with memory function.
Start-upisaccompaniedbythecharacteristic V6 engine note, which is reassuring in these days of electric vehicle stealth. Combined fuel consumption claimed by the maker, 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres, translated on test to 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in built-up area crawling and 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a motorway cruise.
The sedan’s ride and handling have been refined with the introduction of a new generation Electronic Control Suspension whichreducesdampinglag,increaseddamping force, improved control logic and a wider damping force window, both softer and harder.
TheGenesisG70SportsLuxurySedanglided through the city and suburbs in the default comfort mode. Cruising the highway is where the G70 was happiest.
Switching to Sport unleashed a completely different drive. The suspension stiffened, the ride took on a roguish character and the power pedal reacted sharply to the tiniest touch.Itwasasifthecarwasurgingthedriver to ‘give it a go’. Sport+ mode to another time
and place.
Back in the built-up environment, the Intelligent Speed Limit Assist tells the driver of the current speed limit based on navigation data and road sign recognition. In addition, the system is able to help the driver to change speedduringSmartCruiseControlorManual Speed Limit Assist.
The blind-spot camera that appears in the driver display every time the indicators are activated are a distraction I could take or leave, while the over-intrusive beeping and
thetyrepressuremonitorcomesupwithmore numbers than a Keno card. However, the head-up display with a digital speedometer, live traffic sign recognition, and turn-by-turn navigation assistance gets my vote every time. In the unlikely case of the addition of a tow ball, the G70 Sports Luxury Sedan can tow up to 1200kg braked, or 750kg unbraked.
SUMMARY
The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan really does stand out from the pack, especially in its upgrade state.
The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan really does stand out from the pack. (Supplied)
Cricketers weren’t just battling against each other but also the heat on Saturday as the race to finals heats up. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.
Summer bowls up extreme heat
Westmeadows’ Pathum De Mel. 456799_03
Seabrook’s Jordan Lynch. 456805_01
Kingsville’s Hammad Khan. 456806_05
Bundoora’s Narinder Sharma. 456802_01
St Andrews-Footscray’s Sohail Hussain. 456805_11
The Colin Cass Cup. 456806_12
Craigieburn watches on. 456799_13
Kingsville’s Rahmatullah Khwaja. 456806_02
Craigieburn’s Samuel Laffan. 456799_06
Bundoora United. 456802_13
Club Sunbury slips up but stays in second spot
Club Sunbury’s top two hopes remain in its own hands despite a loss on Saturday to Deer Park 2 in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 1 competition.
It was a battle between second and third at Deer Park and it was the Parkers that came out on top in a thriller.
The Parkers won just one rink, but did enough to win overall 78 (14)-70 (4).
Sunbury’s David Glennon said it’s always hard to go to Deer Park and come away with the win.
“We only went down in one rink,” he said. “MarcBullows’rinkwasouronlywinningrink with Mark Cowan and Lauchlin Davies having draws.
“Lauchie picked up three shots on the last end to come away with a valuable point.”
Bullows’ rink won 23-17, Davies’ rink had a 20-all draw, Cowan’s rink had a 15-all draw, while Harvey McAlister’s rink had a 26-12 loss
which proved to be the difference.
Glennon said Bullows and Joshua Leszczynski, who was in the same rink as Bullows, were the standouts in the performance.
“There was some shuffling to see if we could work on some things,” he said. “There maybe a couple more changes in the next couple of weeks as they settle things down.”
Despite the loss, Sunbury remains in second spot. It is now 11 points and a good percentage ahead of Deer Park.
Sunbury has matches against bottom side Aberfeldie CBC and then fourth placed Kingsbury to finish the regular season.
“One win should be enough to get us a top two spot,” Glennon said. “We have that handy gap between second and third.
“We play Aberfeldie CBC which is the bottom team and we will be hoping to come away with 18 points.”
Sunbury again split its matches, with three teams winning and three teams losing on Saturday.
The top three teams are all in contention for a top two spot, while its fourth and fifth sides are still in finals contention.
Meanwhile in the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region Highlands division 1, Lancefield had an upset win against Kyneton Golf.
Thebottomsidecameawaywitha56(14)-52 (2) win against the finals bound Golf.
Jeff Holmes and Aaron Andrews were the winning skips for Lancefield.
Kyneton had a solid win against fellow top four side Kilmore, winning 70 (14)-61 (2).
Romsey was too strong for Diggers Rest, winning 75 (16)- 43 (0) and Gisborne beat Broadford in the other match, 56 (14)-52 (2).
Tara Murray
Josh Leszczynski. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 445373_07
Roar gets the job done
By Tara Murray
Sunbury’s bowlers continue to step up and get the job done in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield.
Coming off two straight wins, the Roar’s challenges continued against Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s at Clarke Oval on Saturday.
After day one of the clash, the Roar is in complete control as it aims for a hat-trick of wins.
The Roar’s Marty Kelders said the group picked up where they had left off from the round before.
“It was a really good day,” he said. “In the scheme of things it was a vital win. “Totheteam’scredittheybowledreallywell.”
While Clarke Oval isn’t known as a high scoring ground due to a slow outfield, the Roar was thrilled to have bowled the Lions out for 136.
Kelderssaiditwasareallygoodresultagainst a good side.
“MaribyrnongParkhasaverystrongbatting
line up,” he said. “We constantly took wickets.
“Oneoftheirbetterbats,ShasheenFernando, had a good innings, but we continued to break partnerships which was the key.
“It was a good bowling performance restricting them after they decided to bat.”
Skipper Ashan Ranaweera took three wickets,whileJasonMcGanntooktwowickets.
The Roar then had to face 11 overs at the end of the day.
Itwillresumeat0-10withSandilWijesooriya and Sumedha Gamage at the crease having both faced 33 balls.
After losing early wickets in situations like this earlier in the season, Kelders said the last couple of wickets they’d showed more composure in these situations.
“Itsetsusupfornextweek,”hesaid.“Wedid pretty well last round as well.
“It’s always difficult having to face those oversattheendoftheday. WegotthroughOK and fingers crossed we bat well next week.”
A win could move the Roar into the top four with two rounds remaining.
Ballarat FL
Sunbury Lions midfielder Josh Guthrie has re-signed for the Ballarat Football League season. The reigning John McMahon Medalist, Guthrie had an outstanding 2024 as he led the way in ranking points, disposals, clearances and tackles. “Josh has been one of the most vocal on the track during the pre-season campaign and hasn’t missed a beat,’ the Lions said. Jack Newitt has also re-signed for the Lions.
GDCA
East Sunbury got the points in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield on Saturday. Facing Eynesbury, the Thunder was able to defend the 9-150 it made on day one of the match, bowling the Eagles out for 123. Hammad Rashid and Lachie Wilkins took three wickets each. The Thunder finished 4-90 in its second innings. The win and other results moves the Thunder to the top of the table. Eastern Hill and Kilmore were the other winners. Diggers Rest Bulla had the bye.
GDCA
Kelders said despite that they were just focusing on one week at a time knowing there’s some challenges in the run home.
The Roar was also in action on Tuesday in its T20 clash with Sydenham-Hillside. It was the first time the club had hosted a T20 match on turf.
The Storm made 9-130 from its overs with Dylan Knight top scoring
TheRoarhadaterriblestartwiththebatand was in trouble at 5-8. It crumbled to be all out for 64.
Darcy Edwards took 4-11 for the Storm.
Kelders said the T20 matches weren’t about the scoreboard. The Roar finished with two wins in the competition.
“Itwastoughandweknewthatgoingintoit,” he said. “Our young players get a lot out of it.
“Idon’tlookatthescoreboard,it’spleasingto play these matches irrespective of how we play.
“Sydenham-Hillside are a really good bunch of guys and they hung around. We say every game we can put our facilities on show is a win for us.”
Lancefield came out on top in the battle of the top sides in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield. Facing Riddell, the Tigers bowled the Bombers out for 161 in the 36th over. Matthew Bowden and Harvey Lehner took three wickets each. The Tigers got the runs in the 33rd over, finishing 5-165. The win moves the Tigers to the top of the ladder, percentage ahead of Riddell.
GDCA
Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s under-17 fell short in the Central Highlands Kirton Shield grand final on Sunday. Gisborne batted first and made 8-169 with Jack Mifsud top scoring with 57 at the top of the order. Ballarat got the runs in the 42nd over, finishing 4-172. It was all single wicket takers for the GDCA team.
Virosh Wijesinghe. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 449516_05
Sky Blues ready to ‘give it a crack’ says coach
Gisborne has lifted a gear in the pre-season as it aims to build on last year’s FV state league 5 west season.
The Sky Blues found themselves in second for much of the season in their first season back in state league 5 before fading.
For coach Carlos Grande it was a really good starting point for the group heading into this year.
“We’re looking forward to getting out there,”hesaid.“We’vegotaprettygoodbunch that has put in the hard hards like every other team.
“They were a good bunch of boys and the mentalityisgoodaswell.We’llgiveitacrack.”
Heading into his second season as coach, Grande said he had been able to step things up and further implement his plans.
He said he had the full support of the coaching group and the club.
“I was able to massage out some of the
knots,” he said. “There was a lot of learning lastyearandI’mabletobemoreassertivewith direction.
“We have a clear direction where we want to get to.”
The Sky Blues will have a similar side to last season, but have managed to add in some players.
Oneofthemostpleasingthingsisthatformer players are wanting to come back to the club.
“It’sabitofamix,”hesaid.“Thelistfromlast year was competing for the league and was in second spot.
“ItopenedtheeyestoplayersintheMacedon Ranges… That we are heading in the right direction.
“The senior program is attracting good qualify players back to the club and we already have a good bunch of players.
“Towards the end of the last season we had a few 15-16-year-olds do training sessions
with the senior squad. We want to create that pathway into seniors.”
Grande said one of his aims was to see those younger players progress through the ranks into the senior side in his time in charge.
After having some success last season, Grande said they wanted to build on that this year.
The Sky Blues will be in action on the weekend of February 15 as the Dockerty Cup gets underway.
The Sky Blues have drawn Moreland Eagles in round one
Grande said they have set themselves a goal for the cup.
“Wewanttogetpastthefirstround,”hesaid.
Meanwhile, Sunbury United has drawn Hampton Park United Sparrows in the first round of the Dockerty Cup.
Rupertswood on track
By Tara Murray
Rupertswood is keen to build on last season with stability in the off season providing a good platform for the Essendon District Football League division 2 team.
The Sharks lost a number of players before last season and had a number unavailable for parts of the season, which resulted in the team being relegated.
For coach Brad Fox it has been a completely different off season.
“We’ve been able to keep the core group together,” he said. “The fortunate thing about last season was a number of our seasons travelling in the back half of the year, we had a number of players get their first taste of senior footy.
“Made them really hungry. We have not only got more depth this year, we’ve also got a bigger core group of players that are doing the work to be ready for senior football from a fitness standpoint as well.”
Fox said they’d incredible support from Loris Bertolacci, who has done 19 seasons working with AFL clubs, and is running the
club’s strength and conditioning program.
He said the playing group has lifted their work rate and what they’re doing away from official training sessions.
The Sharks have managed to add a number of players to their squad to further increase that depth.
Ethan Davis, Joel Flanigan, Lachie Nesbitt, Lachlan Fish, Angus Price and Bailey Verrall have also returned to Rupertswood having been playing elsewhere in recent years.
Beau Stain, who comes from Alexandra Hills, Adam Bartrop, who has crossed from Tullamarine, and Owen Sloan, who comes from Epping, are other signings.
Fox said the committee that has come on board at the end of last year, has been really strongandopenthattheywanttoreunitewith more families and people.
“Might have enjoyed their junior time at the club and for whatever reason, went in a different direction, the door is open,” he said.
“Everyone is welcome.”
The Sharks will face a different challenge this year, playing in division 2 for the first time.
KynetonFootballNetballClubremains committed to female football in 2025 despite the departure of much of their women’s side.
As reported by Star Weekly, a new club, the Kyneton Women’s Football Club,hasbeenestablishedwiththecore group having been part of the Tigers side.
All but one of the new club’s signings have come from the Tigers so far including majority of the sides key players.
In a statement on social media, the KFNC said they were dealing with issuesarisingfromtheestablishmentof the new club.
“Our club remains committed to women’s football and intends to again field junior girls, youth girls and senior women’s teams in season 2025,” the statement said.
“It’s important that our young women can continue to play and be supported at our club where football is the focus.
“Our club has been a pioneer in supporting women’s football in the region and this will be our 10th year of doing so.”
The club said it wouldn’t comment at this stage.
The Tigers women’s side has played in the Riddell District Football League competitionthepasttwoyears,making the grand final on both occasions.
Fox said a lot of people have preconceived ideas about what the difference is between divisions.
“I think a lot of those preconceptions are misconceptions,” he said. “The footy gap between the top half of one division is at least middle of the table of the next division up.
“You’ve got to prepare like you want to play finals in the division above and see how far it can take you in the division you are in.
“We’re open minded about what our opponents will be like. Every week is a fresh challenge.”
Fox said as a club standpoint things were tracking along really nicely.
He said the club was ambitious with where it was at and what it wants to achieve in the future.
Oneofthebigfocusesisongettingunder-16s and under-18s back up and running, with Fox saying they’re getting pretty close to making that a reality.
Fox said they want to go back to providing the link between juniors and seniors.
The club is also looking to reform junior netball.
Theclub’syouthgirlsmadethegrand final in 2024 and the preliminary final the season before.
KFNC is set to be the only Kyneton team to field youth and junior girls sides this year, with the new club only focusing on senior football.
In the Tigers statement it encouraged people who wanted to get on board in the women’s department and wanted to help drive the women’s football program to get in touch.
Details: manager@kynetonfnc.com
Bailey Verrall has returned to Rupertswood. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Tara Murray
Carlos Grande. (Supplied)
Heelers continue to build on and off the field
Hanging Rock’s development continues in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield seconds.
With the majority of their side under-21, the Heelers have one eye on the future as well as having an impact in finals this year to back up their premiership from last season.
SecretaryNickMaxwellsaidthateverything was going really well this season.
“Kyneton had fallen over in terms of their senior team and we were able to pick up nearly half a dozen players from them,” he said.
“We’ve had 43 players that have played at some stage this season. A couple of seniors ago we had three teams and had that sort of numbers.
“Last season we dropped to two teams as the numbers weren’t quite there. Looking at how this season has gone, we’re hoping everyone
comes back and we’ll look at three teams again which is great.”
Maxwell, who is thrilled he hasn’t had to step out on the field with the influx of numbers, said they were starting to see the development in results.
On Saturday, the Heelers match with Trentham went down to the wire.
The Heelers made 8-197 from their 40 overs with captain Andrew Warne top scoring with 47.
Jesse Smith also made 46 at the top of the order.
Trentham pushed the total for much of the contest but the wickets started to fall as they lifted the run rate.
Trentham finished 8-183. Hugh Fitzpatrick top scored with 63.
Cormac Sutton and FInlay Watt took two
wickets each for the Heelers.
The win has the Heelers in fourth spot, now 21 points ahead of fifth placed Trentham.
“With three games to go, barring a disaster, we will play finals,” Maxwell said. “Hopefully we’re hanging in there. Our average of the group is between 16 and 21 with a couple of older experienced heads to guide the ship.”
TheHeelersfaceladderleadersRupertswood this Saturday.
Maxwell said their second XI was starting to put some wins together in the back part of the season.
The club’s two under-11 teams and under-13 teams are doing nicely, with the under-13 sitting in second.
It’ll be a big few weeks for the club. It will be at the annual picnic at the Hanging Rock Classic Vehicle Show on Sunday fundraising
One-day victors crowned
By Tara Murray
Woodend’s first XI claimed its first title since 2003-04 but already has its eyes on more glory in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
Woodend became the inaugural winner of the GDCA McIntyre Cup one day title on Sunday, convincingly beating Romsey at Romsey Park.
Coach Josh Eastley said it was a good feeling to claim the title.
“It’s one out of two that we are targeting,” he said. “We’re going to enjoy it and we celebrate every win.
“The job isn’t done and we have our eye on the prize at the end of the year, that’s the one we want to win.
“We’ll now go again and focus on the end of the year.”
Woodend won the toss and decided to bat in hot conditions.
It had a solid start and were 1-54 at the first drinks,beforebeing5-120atthe30overmark.
It finished the 45 overs, 9-200 with Warren Else top scoring with 59.
Eastley said they were happy with anything above 200.
“If we had 250 we would have been really confident,” he said. “It was runs on the board which are important in a final.”
Eastley said the big key for them was getting the wicket of his opposite number Ben Way, who came in at number three.
They were able to do that and had Romsey in trouble at 4-36.
“We were able to keep getting regular wickets,” Eastley said. “I don’t know what they got, but we kept the pressure on.
“We just focused on the next ball and we didn’t think it was over until we got the 10th wicket.”
Romsey was bowled out for 143.
Else claimed 3-34 and was named the Sean Huddle Medallist.
Eastley said Else just keeps going and going.
“I think he was the only player on the ground to have played against Sean,” he said. “He keeps getting it done for us and is the evergreen elf.
“He got us through the middle and got us to 200.
for the club.
On February 23, the club will host an all-abilities match between some Macedon Ranges and locals against a team from Maiden Gully.
In other Jensen Shield seconds matches, Malmsbury fell well short against Romsey. Romsey made a massive 5-228 with Daniel Wright finishing 100 not out.
Malmsbury was bowled out for 142 in reply.
Chris Ganim top scored with 41. Rupertswood and Macedon were the other winners.
This week Trentham plays Macedon, Lancefield hosts Malmsbury and Romsey takes on Blackwood.
Tigers claim a big upset
Lancefield Yellow caused a big surprise as the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s league.
Playing for the first time since before Christmas, Lancefield Yellow inflicted Darley’s second loss of the season.
The Lions made 8-126 with Kim Bessell playing the key role at the top of the order with 54.
Brooke Jeffery took three wickets for the Tigers.
The Tigers got the runs within 20 overs, finishing 1-128. Jeffrey had a strong all round game as she made 57 not out at the top of the order.
It was the Tigers second win of the season.
In other games, Gisborne and Macedon cemented their spots in the top four.
The Dragons travelled to Greenhill Reserve to face Wallan.
The Magpies bated first, making a competitive 5-189 from their overs. Megan Farrell top scored with 72 not out at the top of the order having had to retire.
Brianna Woodburn took four wickets for the Dragons.
The Dragons lost a couple of early wickets but were able to steady to get the runs with ease, finishing 2-194. Woodburn finished 71 not out, having also had to retire, while Ruby Watts finished 62 not out.
“I can not thank him enough for me as a coach. I fall back on those experienced guys.”
It was two from two on the weekend for Woodend as it got the job done in the regular competition on Saturday against Macedon.
Chasing 202, Woodend made 7-342 with skipper Marcus Stewart making 110.
“We got the win and Romsey got over Gisborne, so we are in top spot,” Eastley said.
“Gisborne, Romsey and Woodend are fighting out the top two and are really competitive.
“Hopefully we can lock in a top two spot and a home final.”
Woodend will host the Sunbury Kangaroos the next two Saturdays, with the second Saturday the club’s Pink Stumps day.
Tickets are still available.
In other McIntyre Cup games on Saturday, Romsey beat Gisborne in a final over thriller.
Needing 287, Romsey hit the runs with four balls remaining, finishing 9-290.
Sunbury United had a good win against Broadford and Rupertswood returned to the winners list against the Sunbury Kangaroos.
Macedon had a big win against Kilmore.
The Cats made 3-156 from their overs with Caitlin Shaw top scoring with 64 at the top of the order.
Kilmore was restricted to 8-73 in reply. Matilda Berns took four wickets for the Cats.
The Dragons sit in third spot, percentage ahead of the Cats.
In the other match, Bacchus Marsh had a big win against Lancefield Black. The Bulls, who sit atop the table, made 3-291 from their overs. Both openers Ashley Gillard and Sarah Bamford both made 70 before retiring not out.
Nat Jeffery played a lone hand for the Tigers, making 90 not out, as her side finished 8-166.
This Sunday in the third last round, Wallan hosts Lancefield Yellow, Kilmore plays Lancefield Black, Bacchus Marsh will play Darley in the local derby and Gisborne will play Macedon.
Tara Murray
Woodend’s one-day title team. (Supplied)
