Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 18th February 2025

Club’s future up in the air

By Tara Murray

The playing future of the new Kyneton Women’s Football Club remains up in the air, with the club seeking legal advice as it fights to play this year.

The club, which is made up primarily of players who had played for Kyneton Football Netball Club, wants to compete in the Riddell District Football Netball League in season 2025.

The new club, which has the nickname the Eagles,saiditsapplicationtojointheRDFLasa standalone team had been knocked back.

But the league says there’s still a proposal on the table for those players to play this season.

Eagles president Nat Korinfsky said the league was discriminating against the team. The club has launched a petition calling for it to be allowed to play in the RDFNL as a standalone club, which had more than 1000 signatures as of Thursday.

“They rejected our application with no opportunity to appeal or challenge,” she said. “They don’t like the Kyneton name [as there’s

already one Kyneton club]. We don’t have a ground secured.

“They are concerned about the financial situation and not having enough volunteers.”

Korinfsky said three major sponsors had already been signed for the next three years which were dependent on the Kyneton name, and the club had more volunteers willing to help than ever. She said keeping the Kyneton namewasimportant,asitrepresentstheteam’s location and side.

RDFNL chief executive Jordan Doyle said the league had been working with the new club for a number of months to ensure there’s a place in the competition for the Eagles.

“The RDFNL has workshopped five different solutions with the KWFC committee and the committee has altered their approach on multiple occasions meaning that the process has been drawn out,” he said.

“The RDFNL is bound by the statement of rules written into the constitution and the club hasnotsatisfiedthoserulesandhasalsomissed the AFL deadline for new clubs.

“The RDFNL has been working with other

clubs for this team to have a place to play in 2025andhasagreedinwritingtoworkwiththe KWFC committee on their new club proposal for 2026.

“The KWFC have a proposal in front of them with an option to participate in the RDFNL 2025 season which has been one of the five options workshopped with their committee.”

Korinfsky said the club felt the league’s decision to knockit back was hypocritical, with the focus on making more opportunities for females to play sport.

She said leagues talk about removing boundaries to access sport and then don’t take action. The new club had also spoken to the Central Victoria and Ballarat leagues about joining them and was also knocked back.

“We just want to play sport like our male counterparts,” she said.

“We’re going to keep fighting.

“Our players are eager to play community football and represent the Kyneton Eagles on thefield,butwithouttheopportunitytojointhe RDFNL senior women’s competition, we face

the prospect of missing out on the opportunity to play sport in our local community.”

Doyle said the league remained committed to running a sustainable women’s competition and are an industry leader in how the competition has been run.

“The RDFNL is the only league in Victoria that films every match of the season, provides a full Premier Data subscription for every women’steamandplaysmatchesacrossvarying time slots to accommodate all club requests which for the majority of clubs has been to play double headers alongside their men’s teams to create an inclusive culture.

“The RDFNL is also working with Sunbury Cobaw Community Health on a gender equity andinclusionactionplan,thisisbeingfinalised at the moment and the RDFNL will be only the second league in Victoria to have one in place.

“In addition, the RDFNL is one of only two leagues across all ten metropolitan leagues to have sign off by AFL Victoria on our women’s andgirlscharter.TheRDFNLandourmember clubs are striving to be leaders among the community for diversity and inclusion.”

Choosing a school for your child?

Limited vacancies available for Years 9-12, 2025.

Contact the College Registrar for enrolment enquiries, or visit the College website for application information. Don’t miss our next College Tour: Thursday 6 March, bookings essential.

Kyneton Women’s Football Club just wants to play footy. (Sophie McLeod)

Museum idea to preserve history

By Oscar Parry

From rabbits to film history – a Sunbury resident is calling for a museum dedicated to stories from the suburb’s past.

Lifelong Sunbury resident and musician Chris Galea said he would like to see a “decent-sized” museum covering a range of topics from the suburb’s history.

“There are so many things about Sunbury over the years, from industry to pop festivals … shows that were filmed at Emu Bottom [and] very much in the Australian psyche …

like Tandarra and Cash and Company,” Mr Galea said.

“So many people are interested … we’ve got a dedicated history [Facebook] page, and it’s been added by so many Sunburnians that there is a wealth of old history on that page.

“That could be transferred into a building where people could actually go and feel and see it and smell things.”

Mr Galea said one aspect of Sunbury’s history that could be covered is the former RupertswoodRabbitCannerythatwasowned by Rupert Clarke.

He said the cannery employed a large team who would skin and process rabbits in solder-sealed cans, ready to be exported.

“It was a great source of cheap protein but it also helped with the rabbit population, because Sunbury’s had a massive rabbit population since forever,” he said.

“During the depression, people would come up on the trains … and they would line the Sunbury Railway Station all holding rifles and shotguns … could you imagine that happening today?”

Mr Galea said on Saturday mornings in

Rest CFA members

(Ljubica Vrankovic) 457566_03

and

Trivia to benefit Diggers Rest CFA

The Diggers Rest Country Fire Authority (CFA) is hosting a trivia night to raise funds towards a new forward command vehicle.

The event is at the Diggers Rest Bowls Club on March 15 and includes raffles and prizes with drinks available from the bar.

The command vehicle runs mobile operationsfortheteamasacontrolcentreand communications hub, a key aspect of effective firefighting.

Local businesses have donated to help

support the upgrade amongst other fundraising efforts over the last year.

Fundraiser co-ordinator Brooke Downie said that “the existing one we have had for years. It is important that we can upgrade to keep our services up to date and protect the community.”

Annually the fire brigade puts on a Halloween walking bus where firefighter volunteers take children on a trick or treating tour to the houses that register.

New vision for Hume’s future

The 2045 Hume Community Vision for “a thriving community with a strong sense of belonging” has been adopted by council.

The2021visionwasreconsideredasCovid-19 and a growing population shifted what the community may have valued, a report to the February 10 council meeting stated.

A panel of representatives from the community also created more specific themes for the city’s vision including equality, equity, and inclusion and connection, being a well connected and well serviced, environmentally centred and a responsible and well governed city.

Councillor Karen Sherry said that the vision represented community desires to find value beyond economic prosperity and into a sense of belonging, inclusion and purpose.

“They want to be thriving environmentally and socially,” she said.

An expression of interest process received 160 responses, of which 47 members were chosen that aligned with the demographics of Hume.Thevision,madeforandbycommunity, seeks to inform council plans for the next four years and continue to guide decisions beyond that, Cr Sherry said.

“[The panel representatives] expressed how important this vision was to them and they placedalotofenergyandeffortintodeveloping it,” Cr Sherry said.

CrCarlyMoorenotedthat,inherexperience, the interest and feedback from community in something council has put forward is unprecedented.

Growth in population which has already occurred and is forecasted to almost double in the next 20 years, is a particular important change that the vision had to consider, according to Cr Moore.

Sunbury during the ‘60s and ‘70s, you could “almost guarantee a knock on the door” from two children or teenagers selling pairs of rabbits.

“All that history that belonged just to the rabbits in Sunbury … it’s got generations of history just about rabbits,” he said.

Mr Galea suggested a museum of this type would “ideally” be located on Jacksons Hill and include a café – giving visitors the opportunity to “spend a lot of time, be comfortable, have a break, [and] look around.”

The successful evening brings the communitytogetherandisagoodopportunity for the kids and the team said Brooke.

A sausage sizzle is also in the works for future fundraising initiatives.

To stay up to date, register your team of eight, or find out more on the Facebook event page.

Details: facebook.com/share/18AJ8R28Jr/

Kaija Du

The Goldie area in the Macedon Ranges has been provided with new and improved 4G mobile coverage. The changes also improve public safety communications for emergencies and natural disasters.

The new macro cell base station enhances the areas which previously had limited reception as the first stage of a government Mobile Black Spot Program.

The improvements were made as part of the Better Connectivity Plan to improve the lives of Australians living, working and travelling in areas like Goldie, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said.

“Reliablemobilecoverageisabsolutely essential”.

The first round included 1400 other mobile base stations that were delivered to other coverage black spots through an application basis.

“[The] Connecting Victoria program [is] making regional communities like Macedon an even better place to live, work and raise a family“ Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said.

The plan improves coverage resilience, broadband and fast track mobilethroughincreasedandenhanced infrastructure. It will invest in on-farm connectivity for connected machinery andsensortechnology,andauditmobile coverage to identify black spots and guide investment priorities.

It also includes funding for the Regional Tech Hub, which supports regional consumers to access digital connectivity options.

Diggers

Taylor Murphy

Mel Jacobs. The event will raise funds for another forward command vehicle like the one pictured.

By Oscar Parry

Hume council will investigate the option of resuming council-led maintenance of median strip and roundabout vegetation on state-managed arterial roads.

During the council’s February 10 meeting, councillor Naim Kurt called for council officers to investigate the state-led maintenance schedule of arterial roads in Hume as compared to the council’s schedule for its own roads and to analyse the costing for council to take on the responsibility of managing state road median strips.

Cr Kurt said prior to 2019, council maintained vegetation on median strips and roundabouts on arterial roads under a minor maintenance agreement with VicRoads, which he said delivered a “higher standard of maintenance than is currently provided” by the Department of Transport and Planning’s (DTP) private contractor.

“Poor state of roadside maintenance on median strips and roundabouts … has been a consistent source of frustration and complaints from the Hume community,” Cr Kurt said.

HesaidtheagreementwasendedinOctober

Kitchen cooks up help Median strip mowing concerns

AnewcommunitykitchenwillopeninSunbury next month, aiming to provide additional food relief and address an “increased need.”

An initiative of non-profit organisation Give Until It Hurts, the kitchen will operate each Wednesday night from the Sunbury Youth Centre and is set to open on March 12.

Give Until It Hurts social worker Garnet Jacob said the idea stemmed from talking with attendees at another food relief kitchen in Sunbury, realising that there was a need for another one in the suburb.

“There’s an increased need because there’s only one kitchen … operating on Monday, and I think Friday Salvation Army does it in the afternoon, but there’s no mid-week [kitchen] available for people who are struggling … the ones who really need the additional help and support,” Mr Jacob said.

“Ithink…thatintermsoffinancialhardship [it’s] rising. The rental market is so high … and

peoplearefindingitdifficulttogetemployment and struggling to pay their bills.“

He said the organisation is looking for volunteers for the new kitchen to be added to the roster and at “least a few” volunteers with food handler certification, and that he welcomes support from local businesses.

Mr Jacob said he would like to see support agencies in Sunbury to work collaboratively to “address the needs of our vulnerable community members.”

From March 12, the kitchen will operate from 7–8pm on Wednesdays at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

Details: facebook.com/guihorg

Oscar Parry

Give Until It Hurts volunteers Hoshi Tantra, Rochelle Menezes and social worker Garnet Jacob. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 459066_01

2022 by the DTP.

“It’s now gone to … three cuts per year to a height of 250 millimetres compared to Hume’s standard monthly cutting schedule of once every four weeks,” he said.

“Particularly in the lead up to late last year … I thought … there might be a black panther that might jump out from some of the grass that was overgrown in different parts of our municipality.”

Cr Kurt said if council was to resume the agreement, it would cost an estimated $1.15 million annually.

On the topic of maintaining median

strip vegetation, ecologist and native bee researcher Clancy Lester said that low-lying prostrate plants could be a lower-maintenance alternative to grass and has noticed that the public is increasingly “shifting away from manicured lawns and towards … creating habitat for insects and pollinators.”

Indigenous native flowering species that he said could be used for this purpose include Cut-leaf Daisies, Common Everlasting, Running Postman, Native Violet, and Blue Bells.

The Department of Transport and Planning was contacted for comment.

Hume to explore new rate system

By Laura Michell

Hume council will explore the introduction of a differential rating system which would charge a different rate in the dollar to different property classes.

Council currently uses a flat rate system which applies the same rate in the dollar to every property across the municipality. The introduction of a differential rating system would enable council to vary the rate in the dollar charged to different classes of

property, such as residential, commercial or industrial. The system would not alter the total rates raised by council, which is determined by the state government’s rate cap.

At council’s Monday, February 10 meeting, councillor Sam Misho asked council officers to provide options and scenarios on how differential rating may impact the distribution or allocation of rates across the various classes of properties within Hume.

He said differential rates were already used by a number of councils across Victoria,

adding that councillors had planned to explore the issue during the last term of council but had to postpone their plans as a result of the pandemic.

“We use a blanket approach when applying rates over four classes of property based on capital improved value,” Cr Misho said.

“A residential property is not an income producing property compared with a commercial or industrial property.

“This report seeks to explore whether a differential rating system is more appropriate

Network urges summer road caution

The Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network is reminding drivers to be cautious on local roads during summer, as animals become increasingly drawn to the roadside.

Network president Lynda Pope said that during the dry summer conditions, animals are attracted to roadsides on their search for green grass.

Shesaidtherearemanybusyornarrowroads in the Macedon Ranges where water runoff has promoted green grass at its edges, increasing the chance of a collision.

in our municipality.”

Cr Naim Kurt said he was keen for council to explore a differential system, noting that developers and and big businesses pay the same rate in the dollar as the owners of a one-bedroom townhouse in Broadmeadows.

“Rates are a system of taxation and as a level of government, it is our job to soften the hard edges of any rates system,” he said.

Council officers will prepare a report for councillors on the issue as part of council’s 2026-27 budget process.

New Sunbury kindergarten

A 118-place kindergarten will be built in Sunbury’s Everley estate.

Announced on Thursday, February 13, the state government will fund $4.5 million towards building the $16 million Jacksons Creek Community Centre.

The government said the project forms part of a partnership with Hume council which now includes six new and expanded kindergartens, and aims to create 450 kindergarten places [for] families across Hume, while providing essential access to child, family and community services in growing suburbs.

Children Minister Lizzie Blandthorn saidthatmorekindergartenplacesmeans more play-based learning opportunities for children and families, including in Sunbury,

Sunbury MP Josh Bull said the new centre will bring “vital services closer to home” and create a “world-class early learning facility that will benefit our community for generations to come“.

The facility will include two kindergarten rooms and maternal and child health rooms

He said that across the state, the program aims to build the kindergartens at or near new primary schools to make “the transition easier for many children, and the drop-off simpler for some parents.”

“Unfortunately, they won’t respect the cars and they’ll just run straight in front of them and do some damage.

“Ifyouseethembesidetheroad,dotakecare because they are wild animals. They can be unpredictable.”

Ms Pope said network rescuers prepared for increased injured and deceased wildlife incidents last week, due to the “dual issues” of drysummerconditionsandafullmoon–which she said statistically increases animal-related road incidents.

“It’s the green growth – if you’re driving along and see green on the roadsides, it does draw them to the area. Motorists will see them as they’re driving along and they need to be aware that they could get a fright, stop feeding, and run across the road,” Ms Pope said.

She said that if you do injure an animal while driving, it is important to call Wildlife Victoria, which will put out a call for a local rescuer.

Ms Pope said that during high-temperature days, Macedon Ranges residents can also help animals by leaving out bowls of water in a shaded and protected part of their property –which would be “much appreciated by all the wildlife.”

The network is looking for more members to be trained as rescuers or carers or to volunteer at a shelter.

Oscar Parry

Local farmers on alert as avian influenza confirmed in Vic

Macedon Ranges poultry and egg farmers are on alert after Agriculture Victoria confirmed the presence of avian influenza at two properties in Northern Victoria.

According to Agriculture Victoria, H7 avian influenza – or bird flu – was detected at two poultry properties in northern Victoria thatarenowinquarantine,withbothinfected properties connected.

Monegeetta egg farm Josh’s Rainbow Eggs founder and chief operating officer Josh Murray said that when he heard of the first of the two cases this month, he had an

“immediate fear response.”

Hesaidthatifafarmisinfected,youcannot run a business from that farm for 12 months.

“You can’t have chickens on that farm, and if you’re not careful, it could literally mean the end of your business. So, it’s an extremely intense feeling that … is bad and then it subsides a little bit, but it’s basically sitting in my stomach at all times right now,” Mr Murray said.

He said while the farm remained vigilant following last year’s cases of influenza, the announcement of new cases leads to a

“paradigm shift” in priorities.

According to Agriculture Victoria, the viral disease can spread from property to property through the movement of people, poultry, clothing and equipment.

As farmers remain on alert, Mr Murray said that avian influenza might be his “least favourite thing in the world.”

“My life is good when I’m not thinking about Avian Influenza and it’s bad when I am.”

Bird owners are required to watch for signs of bird flu in their flocks and must legally

report known or suspected cases to the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226 or the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Further details on the confirmed cases of Avian Influenza, signs in birds, and restricted and control areas are available on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Details: agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/ animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avianinfluenza-bird-flu

Oscar Parry

Sunbury MP josh Bull, Children’s Minister Lizzie Blandthorn, Hume mayor Jarrod Bell and Cr Kate Hamley at the site of the new centre. (Supplied)

Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network president Lynda Pope said that animals are drawn to green grass at roadsides during summer. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 459068_01

SunFest rises again

There is less than a month to go until the 49th SunFest, with the volunteer committee excited to unite Sunbury residents for the two-day annual event.

RunningonSaturday,March15andSunday, March 16, the festival will include market stalls, food vendors, live entertainment, a street parade, and children’s activities.

Committee president Angus McTaggart said the committee always enjoys “[bringing] the community together in a two-day, fully free-to-enter community event.”

“We’ve been going for 49 years this year … so it’s been part of the Sunbury community foravery,verylongtime,”MrMcTaggartsaid.

“Everyone knows it’s the third weekend in

March and everyone looks forward to it.”

He said preparation for the festival begins about a year in advance.

“It does take quite a bit of time … we are a group of about 20 volunteers … so we’re always looking for more people to come onboard with different specialities and ideas to build up SunFest [to be] even better than every other year,” he said.

“It’s awesome to be able to collaborate with different people, different backgrounds … and being able to bring that all together in a special … event for the community.”

Details: sunfest.org.au

Briefs

Clarification

In an article published in the February 11 edition, omitted a direct reference to Jack Ogilvie’s wife, Lesley Ogilvie, made by the interviewee Adam Mizzi. StarWeeklywould like to apologise for this error and clarify that the decision to donate the wheelchair was made by Lesley Ogilvie, daughters Rebecca Harmer and Michelle Robertson, and friend Adam Mizzi.

Vertical farming

A vertical farm is on its way to Melbourne, aiming to bring down farming times, space and environmental inconsistencies. Stacked farm, a controlled environment agriculture leader, has attained funding approval for planning the farm near Melbourne Airport. The farm will yield 3.4 million kilograms of herbs and leafy greens a year, with a specialisation in cos and mixed leaf lettuces, spinach, rocket, basil, coriander and parsley.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Oscar Parry

SunFest 2025 volunteers Glenn Sykes, Racquel Birch, Rachael White, Angus McTaggart, Andrew McLean, Adam Godkin, Daniel O’Connor, Kate Topp and Craig McTaggart. (Supplied)

Getting bodies ready for birth

By Casey Neill

Melbourne mum and physio Alex Lopes is armingwomenwith‘taboo’knowledgearound pregnancy and birth.

“It’s not talked about enough,” she said. “Modern science can’t protect us from potential trauma during childbirth; things can go wrong.”

Alex knows this first-hand.

The director at Altona North’s Pelvic Health Melbourne worked as a sports physiotherapist before a traumatic birth ‘ripped (her) in two’, causing bladder, bowel, and prolapse issues.

“There’s a journey of feeling disfigured, feeling damaged,” she said.

“I did not feel supported in my recovery so I retrained in this field.

“A lot of physios have gone into this field because of their own childbirth experiences - some from very positive experiences, others less so.

“After my own experience, I wanted to create a safe space for women in my community to be looked after.”

This was the impetus behind Pelvic Health Melbourne, which has evolved to offer pelvic health services to men, women, kids, and all genders.

Alex became the National Chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Women’s, Men’s, and Pelvic Health Group.

During her term she was passionate about establishing a consistent national physiotherapy training pathway, which has now been developed and rolled out across Australia.

She’s has run post-birth education sessions for 10 years, reaching out to community health centres, working with maternal child health nurses and helping women to understand the birth risks and their rights and choices.

Alex hosts free Body After Baby events, which include ultrasounds for participants, and her presentation is available on the Pelvic Health Melbourne website under ‘pregnancy services’.

“This class has been based on filling in the gaps I’ve seen in the pregnancy and postnatal education healthcare space,” she said.

“I wish we could get together and develop a national online education program so that we have consistent comprehensive education to all

parents across Australia.”

She turns to humour to share her message; her aim is to normalise the language around pelvic health concerns.

The good news? We’re getting more comfortable talking about birth injuries, bladder,bowelprolapse,andintimateconcerns.

“I’m really hopeful for the next generation,” Alexsaid.“Myfriends,intheirfifties?Icanstill see them squirm.”

Alex said most event attendees had already given birth and she hoped to see more attend prenatally so they could be better prepared.

“I don’t use fear tactics - it’s about putting it in perspective, saying ‘these are things to be aware of’,” she said.

“They tend to cope so much better with things that may not have gone to plan if they’ve been informed.”

She covers episiotomies, epidurals, forceps, suction, caesareans, pushing and all after-birth care, which is often missed.

“The birth is only one day and we want to make it as efficient as possible,” she said.

The post-birth complications, though, can last a lot longer.

Oneofthecomplicationscanbepelvicorgan prolapse. Alex said 50 percent of women would develop an anatomical prolapse over their lifetime, but it might never have any impact.

“Only 23 percent will develop symptoms,” she said.

Whatisaprolapse?Yourpelvicfloormuscles support your organs from below.

Throughout pregnancy and during birth the ligaments supporting the organs can stretch and the organs - the bladder, bowel, or uterus - can fall into the vaginal space.

Prolapses are usually felt as bulge or heaviness, not pain.

Having a prolapse and increased vaginal laxity can “throw your sense of identity as a sexual being”.

“But there is hope,” Alex said.

“We look at how to reduce your symptoms.

“Seeapelvichealthphysioforanysymptoms that persist.

“As a general rule, if you’ve got persistent leakage, bowel or pain complaints after three months, see someone.

“In an ideal world, pelvic health physios wouldseeeverywomanatsixweekspost-birth.”

She said seeking help put women in a vulnerable position, but that it was a less intimidating prospect after birth.

“You’ve lost a little bit of the prudishness,” she laughed.

“You’re a little bit more open to people looking than you were before having kids.

“Ifyougointoaspaceandyouknowthat’sall

they do, you feel safe.”

She often hears, ‘Wow, I wish I had come in earlier’ and ‘I felt so heard, so understood’. Alex said that in the ‘old days’ and in other cultures it was common for women to have 40 days of confinement post-birth.

“We’ve lost our way, caring for our women,” she said.

“You’re left to fend for yourself.

“So many women struggle.

“You’re still recovering from passive whole-body trauma and then you’re sleep-deprived and trying to cook, clean, and do everything else.”

Body After Baby also covers breastfeeding andattachment,particularlyblockedductsand lymphatic drainage.

Alexisastrongadvocateforteachingwomen to feed lying down.

She said it was ‘everything’ in the 1940s but fell out of favour with the advent of bottle feeding.

“The muscles of the pelvic floor are stretched to three times their normal length and suffer microscopic tears,” she said. “The only way to rest is lying down, not sitting.

“I guarantee you women suffer back and shoulder pain from feeding upright.

“I haven’t had any woman who feeds lying down and didn’t enjoy it.”

Cost relief the right prescription for menopause

Government-subsidised access to hormone therapy for menopausal women will make a “meaningful difference“ to the lives of countless sufferers, experts say.

Three menopausal hormone therapiesEstrogel Pro, Estrogel and Prometrium - will become available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from March 1.

Currently, more than 100,000 Australian women are paying privately for the medicines that cost around $650 per year.

Under the PBS, eligible patients will pay $7.70 each month if they’re pension and concession card holders or $31.60 if they’re general patients.

Endocrinology lead at Jeans Hailes Clinic, Sonia Davison, said the subsidy would make “a meaningful difference” to countless women’s lives.

“For far too long, menopausal women have had their experiences dismissed and faced barriers to accessing affordable treatment options,” she said.

One in four women experience severe or prolonged menopausal symptoms that affect

theirqualityoflifeandmayrequiretreatment.

“While menopause is a normal and natural part of ageing, it’s important that women realise that the symptoms affecting their quality of life are very treatable,” Dr Davison said. “Too often, menopause is dismissed as simply hot flushes or moodiness. The reality

is that, for some women, the dramatic drop in hormone levels can cause a raft of symptoms that may last for years.”

Menopause, which typically sets in around the age of 51 and can lead to hot flushes, night sweats, sleep deprivation, muscle and joint pain, mood changes and increased irritability, brain fog, and decreased concentration and executive function.

Symptoms often last for around seven years.

The Australian Medical Association highlighted the funding for long-term contraceptives as particularly significant, and the expansion of clinics to encompass menopause and perimenopause.

“This announcement is a major investment in women’s health and will provide significant relief for women across Australia,” its president Danielle McMullen said.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia national presidentTrentTwomeysaidtheinitiativewas a significant step to address gaps in women’s health services.

Assistant Health Minister and former nurse Ged Kearney said it would “shift the dial on

an entrenched culture of medical misogyny”. Other promises in a $573.3 million package will be implemented after the upcoming election if Labor secures another term. They include more pelvic pain clinics and greater Medicare rebates for both menopause health assessments and long-term contraceptive insertion, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

The 2024 parliamentary inquiry into menopause recommended newer forms of therapies be subsidised through the PBS to bolster supply and “ensure appropriate access and lowered costs for all women who need it”.

The opposition has welcomed the move, with health spokeswoman Anne Ruston describing the new funding as an extension of the former coalition government’s work on women’s health.

Senator Ruston confirmed the coalition would match the funding package but remainedconcernedithad“neverbeenharder or more expensive” for women in Australia to access primary care.

Holly Hales, AAP

Melbourne mum and physiotherapist Alex Lopes (centre) and some of her team at Pelvic Health Melbourne.

MY PLACE

Macedon resident and Gisborne Bushwalking Club president Gail Davies is passionate about the Macedon Ranges environment and the joys of bushwalking. Oscar Parry spoke with Gail about her history in Macedon and what she enjoys most about bushwalking in the region.

What is your connection to Macedon?

I’ve lived in the Macedon Ranges for 30 years. I moved in 1995, came over for a year for a holiday and ended up staying and getting residency. I rentedinGisborneSouthforfouryears…[Isold] my house in the UK and then bought [a] farm in Macedon. I had a business in the UK which was an interior design and a soft furnishings business so I continued doing that and working in a shop in Gisborne. Before that, I did some voluntary … [and] part-time work at [an] aged care facility in Gisborne. I have worked locally in Gisborne, new Gisborne and Macedon for over 28 years.

What do you like about where you live?

I love the tranquillity of where I live and the changing seasons – it could be the English in me. I joined the GBWC in 1996, as a way to discover the vast bushland and interesting history of the area, including the Gold Rush era – evidence of which we see on many of our walks. I love the autumn changes because it reminds me of England.

How long have you been a member of the Gisborne Bushwalking Club, and how did you first get involved?

I joined in ‘96 so 29 years. The bushwalking club was established in 1982. I’m on my third term as a president after one year as vice president. I had afriendwhowasintheclubwhowasaneighbour and we used to go walking together. She said to me one day “you should join the bushwalking

club, they go on very interesting walks and you’ll meet some very interesting [and] friendly people.” We have about three to four walks per month, we also have social outings, and we do a variety of walks from simple easy town walks to hiking up the Lerderderg hills all day – so plenty of variety for all ages and all abilities

What do you enjoy most about bushwalking in the Macedon Ranges?

I enjoy leading walks and encouraging new members to participate. It’s … about discovering interesting things in the area – I love the geology of the volcanic areas, the geology behind what’s created the areas we walk in. We discover quite a lotofoldminingsites,whicharealwaysinteresting to see. The sections of rainforest that we can walk in on Mount Macedon … you’ve got that variety, that complete change of environment … in a local area. I’m very passionate about map reading andcompassuseasopposedtoelectronicdevices, and I run training courses for the Gisborne Bushwalking Club in map reading. It uses much more of your personal skills. It’s harder to get lost if you actually know where you are with a real map … I think a lot of young people these days spend too much time on their electronic devices, and I think it’s good to get back to map and compass and actually understand the terrain. If you learn to read a map, you can actually read the terrain much easier than you can on an electronic devicethatmightnothaveallthecontoursclearly marked.

Gisborne Bushwalking Club president Gail Davies during a walk in the Cobaw Ranges. (Supplied)

Hollywood action hits Moorabool

By Oscar Parry

Moorabool will grace the silver screen after Liam Neeson visited the Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome last week, filming a suspenseful helicopter scene for the upcoming film The Mongoose.

The action film follows Neeson as a soldier accused of a crime he did not commit as he evades police on a high-speed, cross-country car chase – with the help of his former Special Forces Army unit.

Visiting the airfield on Wednesday, February 12, Neeson acted out part of a chase scene set in the United States, with the set including a large fan and a helicopter suspended by a crane.

In an interview with Star Weekly, supervising location manager Stephen Brett said that the aerodrome was chosen because it “services all the needs” of the scene and film crew.

“It’s rural, it suits the story. And it’s a controllable airspace, a controllable airport, great management – and it’s not too far from Melbourne to bring the crews out here,” Mr Brett said.

EurekaMPMichaelaSettlesaidthathaving a crew film in the region is “so important.”

“Bacchus Marsh is already known as a beautiful town … the fruit bowl of Victoria, and now we’re going to be seen on the silver screen. It’s just wonderful,” Ms Settle said “We’re so grateful that the production crew and VicScreen have decided to film here,” she said.

“Every meal that they have out, every cup of coffee that the production crew buys is more money into our local economy.”

Melton MP Steve McGhie said that a film of this scale “delivers on jobs.”

“We hear from Liam Neeson himself saying how he loves … coming out here and he’s looking forward to doing more films out here,” Mr McGhie said.

“We encourage him to come to this part of the state to do more films … to keep that investment going and keep creating jobs for people who work in this industry,” he said.

According to the state government, the film will add $19 million into the Victorian economy, with $2 million of that “being spent in regional Victorian communities.”

Producer Al Corley said that Australian film crews have a “hearty, go-get-em attitude”.

“It’s a long hard shoot, and we’re here with flies and it’s 36 [degrees] one day and 26 the other,” Mr Corley said.

“The Australian crews are not only technically very savvy, but they rate right up with the Hollywood crews,” he said.

Neeson said that he was honoured to be back in the state, working with “one of the best crews, again, that I have ever worked with in over 100 movies.”

Producer Al Corley, director Mark Vanselow, producer Bart Rosenblatt, star Liam Neeson, Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks, Eureka MP Michaela Settle, VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher and Melton MP Steve McGhie MP on the set of The Mongoose at Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome. (Supplied)

Peter Hutton

I know what it’s like to feel like school isn’t built for you—because it wasn’t built for me. As a student with undiagnosed dyslexia, I struggled with a rigid system that valued compliance over curiosity. The violence, the bullying, the daily put-downs—it was a humiliation ritual. Throughout my career, I’ve led schools through major transformations, creating environments where students take control of their own learning. When I was principal at Templestowe College, we threw out the old rulebook—students chose their subjects, helped hire teachers, and even ran businesses on campus. Instead of forcing them into a one-size-fitsall model, we gave them the tools to shape their own futures.

Real change in education starts with trust—trusting young people to take charge of their learning. That’s why I lead with a “yes is the default” mindset, creating an educational environment where ideas are encouraged, not blocked by unnecessary rules. The philosophy is simple: say “yes” by default, unless an idea takes too much time, too much money or negatively impacts someone else.

Now, as Executive Director of Global Village Learning, we are preparing students for life—not just exams. That means fostering independence, adaptability, and a love of learning that goes beyond the classroom. I believe that young people have far greater capacity than we often give them credit for, and my job is to make sure they have the support, resources, and encouragement to realise their full potential.

Debra Ogston

I am honoured to begin 2025 as the new Principal of Bacchus Marsh Grammar. Since joining the school in 2002, I have witnessed its incredible growth from a small local school to one of Victoria’s largest, providing high-quality education to families in Melbourne’s west.

At Bacchus Marsh Grammar, we believe in a calm, structured and rigorous approach to learning. Our focus on academic achievement is complemented by a wide range of programs designed to enrich student development and wellbeing—what we proudly call an Education for Life. These core values will continue to shape our school as we move forward into the future. One of the most exciting developments in our school’s journey is the commencement of our first VCE year at the Woodlea Campus in 2025, with a full VCE program set to be in place by 2026.

While I step into this new role, I want to assure our families and the community that the stability, vision and high standards that have long defined Bacchus Marsh Grammar will remain unchanged. Both our Maddingley and Woodlea campuses will continue to work together to provide a seamless and dynamic educational experience. For those new to our school or wanting to learn more, I encourage you to visit us in person. There is no better way to experience the culture, structure and opportunities we offer than to see them in action.

Mr Russell Deer

The Power of Educational Leadership: Lifting Local and Global Engagement

Educational excellence is more than academics—it is about shaping engaged, responsible citizens.

As an educational leader, I believe in fostering opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities, both locally and globally.

At Braemar College, our approach to education encourages students to Thrive and Strive—to seek support, embrace challenges, and push themselves towards personal and collective growth. Leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s about creating environments where young people can see opportunities and take action.

One powerful example is our work in Nepal, where students and staff have supported the development of a rural school. Through service, fundraising, and hands-on work, we’ve helped create sustainable learning spaces. These experiences show students that leadership means lifting others, reinforcing the importance of global citizenship.

Locally, our students volunteer, support initiatives, and engage with their communities, learning firsthand that leadership starts with action. These experiences cultivate empathy, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.

Educational leadership has the power to transform lives. By inspiring young people to engage with their world, we create a future

Sally Curmi

ever-evolving world. Through innovative teaching practices and personalised learning approaches, we ensure that each student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. At the same time, we prioritise student wellbeing, recognising that emotional, social, and physical development are integral to academic success.

As we continue striving for excellence, I am proud to work alongside a team of dedicated educators who are passionate about fostering a nurturing and dynamic learning environment. Together, we remain committed to upholding our school values and ensuring that Riddells Creek Primary School is a place where every student can grow, achieve, and thrive.

Home remedies to treat plants

It all began when I left my house early one morning on the way to the pool. I was aware of anearliervisitbythegarbageworkers,heralded by their noisy trucks as they went about their business, disposing of our wastes. Of course, plants figure in this tale and this tale involves the street tree that I had lovingly planted around 18 months ago, after a succession of planting failures due to unsuitable plant choice and tree vandalism. The tree I had planted was around 40 centimetres in height when planted and was standing at over one metre in height ahead of this morning.

However, on this morning, the street tree was snapped well down the central trunk and our garbage bin lay casually poised at an angle against the tree’s trunk, as if proud of its damaging powers. The bin workers strike again! Being a nutty plant person, I felt some fury at the crime against an innocent plant and sad that the tree had been damaged badly. So,Iwenttoworkonahomeremedytorepair this tree. This involved only items I had lying around the house and garden already. These items were honey, strips of torn light weight cotton cloth, Velcro plant tape, a wire tree enclosure I had used seasonally as a vegetable trellis and three tomato stakes. I sealed several tree wounds with honey and held together the snapped limbs with cloth bandages and Velcro tape. I then enclosed the damaged tree with the trellis and supported that with three stakes in a triangular pattern.

I could also have screwed two eyelet screws into each side of the damaged trunk and held them together with a thin wire. I saw this as a solution offered on Youtube. https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=b2Vwdd4giZo

Nowafewmonthson,theplantappearstobe

surviving but I guess, it’s early days. Happily, I can see evidence of the cambion tissue of the split trunk growing together. Anyway, it got me thinking about all the plant home remedies out there. Whether you are trying to repair a plant that is damaged as I was or to prevent and/ or treat a pest or disease problem that a plant might be experiencing. So, let’s discuss a few plant home remedies here.

Home remedies to help treat plants with a pest problem

Garlic/chilli-based spray

You can use a homemade garlic/chilli-based spray to deal with small sucking insects such as aphids as well as caterpillars.

How: Mix crushed garlic and chilli (can be powdered chilli) with one tablespoon of

vegetableoilandasmallamountofdishwashing liquid.Soaktheseingredientsovernightinajar, then strain and spray on plants. Avoid contact with your skin and eyes and keep away from kids. Use within two weeks of mixing.

Coffee grounds spray

Used or fresh coffee grounds can deal with slugs and snails you no longer want in your garden.

How: Mix used or fresh coffee grounds with 10 parts water and spray on areas of the garden where you’ve seen slugs and snails. The caffeine will kill them. To repel rather than kill, try copper barrier tape or pick the creatures off the plant you wish to protect and relocate them.

Home remedies to help treat plants with a disease problem

Rose Tonic

When growing roses, black spot or powdery mildewisacommonproblem.Whynottrythis mix as a tonic spray?

How: Mix these ingredients into a tonic: 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap in almost 2 litres of water. Spray the tonic on the rose bush which will protect the rose for months.

Chamomile tea tonic

When you’re starting seedlings, sometimes the tops of seedlings just fall over because the stem has rotted. Chamomile tea contains sulfur, which fights this fungus.

How: Inaspraybottleadd1chamomileteabag and 1 litre of cold water. Soak the chamomile tea in cool water for 15 to 20 minutes. Mist the solution over seedlings and young plants.

Healing touch gives Saffron a new lease on life

muscles, rigidity or any dysfunction. So, during these sessions we were able to identify that Saffron’s condition was arthritic and not muscular related,” he explained.

Mr Langeder usually works with horses but said it was exciting to be working with a camel for the first time.

An incredible Arabian camel at Werribee Open Range Zoo is proving that age is no barrier to wellnessandeventhehumblestanimalsdeserve a taste of luxury.

In a first of its kind at the zoo, a 23-year-old elderly camel named Saffron is voluntarily engaging with a soft tissue specialist to receive remedial massages and treat her chronic age-related arthritis.

In a remarkable sight, Saffron approaches the therapistandallowshimtogentlystretchthesoft connective tissue on her almost two-meter-tall, 750-kilogram body, while she is simultaneously pampered with tasty food rewards.

Werribee Open Range Zoo savannah keeper Lauren Irving said Saffron was previously inhibited by her arthritis but is now strutting around the savannah.

“Saffron’s health and mobility has really improved.Priortothetreatment,shewasalittle bit slow to stand up at times and the cold really affected her. But now she’s really active and can now get up and down without too much effort.”

Equine soft tissue specialist Christian Langeder, who is regularly volunteering his time at the zoo, said the therapy assists with ongoing or intermittent pain relief of the joints and muscles.

“When massaging, I’m looking for involuntary spasms, inflammation of the

“It just blows my mind to come to a place like Werribee Open Range Zoo that uses rewards-based training, without the need for sedation or anesthetic. It’s just incredible.”

Ms Irving said in addition to the soft tissue therapy, Saffron’s health has benefitted from a holistic approach.

“Saffron’s voluntarily allowed us to take X-rays all while standing still and calmly, and we’ve had a thermal imaging specialist identify where her hot spots are. Our zoo vets also tailor Saffron’s medication to her needs each week.”

Arabian camels have one hump on their backs, which differs to the Bactrian camel whichhastwohumps.Arabiancamelsarenative to the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions as well as several other Middle Eastern countries.

They are also found in parts of North Africa and are an introduced species to Australia’s outback.

Camels have fascinating adaptations that help them inhabit their harsh natural desert environments. They can drink up to 150 litres of water at a time and have a third eyelid and long eyelashes to protect their eyes from sand and wind.

Visitors have the opportunity to see Saffron and the camel herd of three on a savannah bus tour that runs throughout the day and is included with entry.

Used or fresh coffee grounds can deal with slugs and snails.

Rose with black spot (blackspotone) one of the most common diseases in rose bushes. Treat it with a tonic spray.

Saffron, the 23-year-old Arabian camel. (Zoos Victoria)

MP calls for intersection action

An opposition MP is calling for the state government to prioritise and expedite upgrades to the intersection of Urquhart Street and High Street in Woodend.

Northern Victoria MP Wendy Lovell spoke in parliament on Wednesday, February 5, calling for the government to immediately release the design plans for consultation and commit to funding the works.

Ms Lovell said the intersection poses a “serious safety risk to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians,“ has a “confusing layout with

service lanes on High Street merging into the junction,” and that “traffic congestion has greatly increased since a large supermarket opened across from the intersection in 2018, and the police report that dangerous near-misses at the intersection are increasing”.

“The intersection of Urquhart Street and High Street is well-known to be a dangerous intersection … the government has begun work on designing the new intersection, but has been too slow to start community

consultation,” Ms Lovell said.

“The minister for roads and road safety must expedite the intersection upgrade by immediately releasing the design plans for consultation, and committing to fund the works.”

As reported by Star Weekly, a notice of motion raised by Macedon Ranges councillor Janet Pearce at the December 18 council meeting called for council to request an urgent written response on when a recommendation for improvements to

Indoor cricket centre officially opens

An indoor cricket centre has opened in Greenvale, opening the opportunity for cricket to be played all year round.

The Hume Indoor Cricket Centre opened at the Greenvale Recreation Centre on Friday after a number of years of planning.

ThenewfacilityIncludesacrickethubwhich incorporates a six-lane indoor cricket training centre which will be complemented by an adjoining pavilion and additional sports field. The hub will also provide an administrative

base for Cricket Victoria’s north-west regional staff.

Community sports minister Ros Spence, who helped open the centre, said it is hoped that the new centre would give the opportunity to the community for individuals and teams to hone their skills in one of Australia’s favourite sports.

“We’re giving the local cricket community quality,modernfacilitiestheycanbeproudof–and that foster the next generation of Victorian

cricket stars,” she said. Greenvale MP Iwan Walters said that, “this is a major boost for our booming cricket community who now have world class facilities to enjoy playing the sport they love, closer to home.”

The state government committed $1.5 milliontoconstructthecentreand$9.4million was invested by Hume council.

the intersection will be made available for community feedback.

In a previous reply to Star Weekly, a Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said the department was working with council on options for a safety upgrade at the intersection.

Star Weekly understands that the final plans will be released to the public this year.

The minister for roads and road safety and the Department of Transport and Planning were contacted for a comment.

Hume events schedule out

Hume council confirmed its civic events schedule for the year, with a range of eventsaimedatmarkingsignificantdates and recognising community members.

The schedule was approved at the February 10 council meeting.

The schedule includes both one-off and annual events for Hume residents.

Afree,ticketedInternationalWomen’s Day (IWD) event will be hosted on March 7 at Town Hall Broadmeadows, wherespeakerswilltalkinrelationtothe United Nations 2025 IWD theme.

This will be complemented by an event thefollowingweekthataimstoshowcase the impact of Hume in increasing gender equality in sport.

In July, the council will host a Hume Multifaith Dinner, which aims to reflect and celebrate the diversity of faiths within the region.

Other events include a volunteer recognition event in May, community awards in August, council-led fundraisers, and facility opening ceremonies throughout the year.

Councillor Karen Sherry said that civic events are “important.”

“They give an opportunity for us to include our community in what we do, our volunteer recognition awards are well-attended,aswellastheInternational Women’s Day event,” Cr Sherry said.

Cr Naim Kurt said some people say that councils are “just the three Rs: roads, rates, and rubbish – and that council shouldn’t be anything outside of that as well.”

“If [the] council doesn’t put on and recognise events like this, we don’t have that opportunity to acknowledge our community and celebrate days of significance as well,” Cr Kurt said.

Hume Indoor Cricket Centre is opened. (Supplied)

Kaija Du

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

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 Street, Macedon.

 www.macedon-ranges-photography.org. au, or info@macedon-ranges-photography. org.au

Insync Entertainment

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

 insyncentertainment@gmail.com

North Western District Pipe Band

The newly formed North Western District Pipe Band meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Diggers Rest Bowls Club. It is seeking experienced pipers and drummers to join the band and is also offering tuition for learners of all ages.

 Hank, 0412 160 576, 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

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

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

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

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

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club invites women to be part of Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club and enjoy the benefits of physical activity combined with socialisation. Social games are held every Thursday morning, excluding public and school holidays, from 10am–12pm at the Eric Boardman Stadium in Wilsons Lane, Sunbury. You are also welcome to sign up to be part of a team, also playing each Thursday morning. Equipment and coaching is provided.

 sunburylbc@gmail.com

LGBTIQ Social Club

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

 https://shorturl.at/jtAO1

Sunbury Woodworkers Club

Join the Sunbury Woodworkers Club to learn woodturning. No experience or tools required. The club is a welcoming environment open to men and women who wish to learn. Meetings for new guests are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm. Circular drive, Jackson’s Hill, Sunbury. Facebook: Sunbury Woodworkers Club.

 Anita, 0417 402 795

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Cristopher Pizarro Gutierrez who is Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries’ ambassador of library love. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 459458_01

Festival set to be a fruitful event

After weeks of preparation, the Werribee Park Heritage Orchard Summer Fruit Tree Festival will return on Sunday March 2. This festival is one of the largest fruit tree gatherings in Australia. It is a day to celebrate growing fruit trees and preserving heritage varieties.

At the main stage, Craig Castree holds grafting demonstrations and answers all the gardening questions. Heritage fruit workshops will be held, and visitors will be able to taste fruit picked from the orchard.

Rare and heritage fruiting plants and trees will be available to purchase to start or complement your own collection. There are

pruning demonstration to show you how to look after your fruit trees. You can walk through the orchard on a guided tour and hear about its journey over the last few years. You can also join the Werribee River keeper for a tour along the river, listen to talks from Werribeeks on beekeeping or learn how to create worm farms by Wormlovers. Enjoy live music, watch the blacksmith at work, grab a bite to eat, and browse the stalls selling all things gardening and more. Be inspired by the thriving community gardens and explore the historic buildings dating back to the 1800s with visits from Friends of Werribee Park (in farm attire).

All activities are free, with a gold coin donation for parking.

The Orchard dates back to the 1870’s when ThomasChirnsidestartedplantinghisorchard on a significant scale.

In partnership with Parks Victoria, a community group was formed in 2010 to look after the orchard. The WPHO is run solely by volunteers and provides horticultural training in preserving, growing and selling rare and heritage fruit trees. New volunteers are always welcome, no experience required.

To become a volunteer, register with ParkConnect - https://www.parkconnect.vic. gov.au/Account/Login/Register

Wood you look at Steve’s handiwork

The Back Shed Gallery in Woodend is the creationofpuppetartistandwoodworkerSteve Scott, featuring nature-focused handmade wood, steel, and mixed media pieces.

Scott said he started his working life as a commercial artist, moving into puppetry and then working as a puppeteer for about 35 years.

“Working with timber, I just sort of want to bring out the best of what that particular piece of wood has to offer,” Scott said.

“It’squiteaneclecticmixofwhatIdo–some

[works are] practical objects, [others are] pure art.”

Scott said a lot of his work is nature-focused, and many pieces have taken inspiration from the local Macedon Ranges’ environment.

“The carvings of cockatoos within a little nest [on] a branch, wombat and kangaroo jigsaw puzzles, and trees – I’m good at trees!” he said.

“I also … add an element of humour to my designs.”

With the majority of the pieces designed by Scott, there are also some that involved collaboration with a Ukrainian artist and others created by a woodworker who has used over a thousand-years-old cured pine timber.

All artworks in the gallery are available for purchase.

The Back Shed Gallery is open 10am–5pm from Tuesday to Sunday at 33 Urquhart Street, Woodend.

Oscar Parry

Five weeks of short environmental cinema

With drive-in cinemas now largely a thing of past, it’s pretty hard to go to the movies these days while also experiencing the outdoors.

But film buffs in Footscray will soon be able to experience the next best thing, with the suburbabouttohostafiveweekenvironmental cinema experience.

Environmental Films Australia has teamed up with Footscray art gallery, Trocadero Projects, to show a selection of short environmental films at the Leeds Street gallery

from February 26 to March 29.

Short films from Australia, New Zealand and the United States have been chosen for the program which will explore humanity’s connection to country, the impacts of colonialism, the awe of nature and Indigenous knowledge.

Chosen films include the 2019 Australian documentary ‘Veins of the Country’ by IndigenousfilmmakerMervynStreet,the2024 experimental animation ‘In a Nut (technically a seed) Shell’ by American Andrea Karo and

Speaking through dance

Whileapicturecanbeworthathousand words, dancing can sometimes be worth a whole new language — with an upcoming performance in St Albans putting that idea to the test.

Without Words is a dance-theatre performancethatwillvividlynarratethe journey of a person grappling with the profound challenges of communication and self-expression.

Created by Brimbank local Amelia Minh Vu, this show is inspired by Melbourne’s street dance scene.

Ms Vu said dance has always been a subconscious form of expression for her.

“IrealisedIfeltmorelikemyselfwhen I danced with people, more than when I had conversations with anyone,” she said.

“Personally, words can get hard to come out of my mouth sometimes for no particular reason, whereas dance lets you pour out whatever you feel through your body.

“Whoever watches the performance, they’ll enjoy the abstract storytelling, and perhaps gain a new profound love for street dance.”

Showcasing her work in front of the community is exhilarating, Ms Vu said.

“I’m nervous and excited,” she said.

“Brimbank has been my home since birth, and it’s awesome that I get to finally share my creativity for the first time with and within the local community.”

Without Words will feature different dance styles including krump, waacking, house and hip hop.

The performance will run across two days on February 21 and 22, from 7 to 8 pm at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans.

Details: creativebrimbank.com.au/ events

‘Yana Djamaga Ganji / Walk Good Fire’ by Clancy Walker and Adam Nye which will shown at a special community screening to close the program.

Aswellaswatchingtheshortfilms,attendees can also participate in the exhibit by donating plants and cuttings to create a living space at the gallery.

Audience members will also be welcome to take home an exhibition plant with them.

For more information, visit: https://www. effa.org.au/events/trocadero-exhibition-feb

459347_04

Rare and heritage fruiting plants and trees will be available to purchase. (Supplied)

Amelia Minh Vu is ready to kick it up at our upcoming performance. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

The Back Shed Gallery owner Steve Scott. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 458593_06

Fax: (03) 5422 3623

Email: mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au Web: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

Planning And Environment Act 1987 Section 52(1)

An application for a planning permit has been made which may affect you. The land affected by the application is located at:

A permit is required under the following

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority. An objection must:

•Be made to the responsible authority in writing or lodged online

•Include your name and mailing address

•Additionally for objections include:

•Reason/s for the objection

•State how you would be affected by the granting of a permit

•Any suggestions on how to address concerns (as applicable)

The responsible authority must make a copy of every objection available for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the period during which an application maybe made for review of a decision on the application.

More information about the objection process, including our privacy collection notice and our prescribed objection/ submission form is located on Council’s website at https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Build-Plan/Planning- PermitsApprovals-Forms/Object-to-an-application.

The responsible authority will not decide on the application before at least 14 days after the date the last notice under section 52(1) or (1AA)

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team finished on top of the ladder at the end of the 2024–25 NBL regular season?

2. Brad Donald most recently coached which sport’s Australian national women’s team?

3. Super Bowl LIX was held in which US city?

4. What medal did cross country skier Rosie Fordham win at the recent U23 World Ski

5. Dricus du Plessis defeated Sean Strickland in their middleweight title fight at UFC 312, held in which Australian state capital?

6. Which player was awarded MVP of Super Bowl LIX?

7. Australian surfer Tyler Wright was the women’s winner of the 2025 Pipe Pro, held off the coast of which US state?

Jordan Mailata is the first Australian to play in and win the championship game of which US sports league?

Australian middledistance runner Cameron Myers recently broke the world under-20 indoor record for what distance?

After which marine mammal is US golf professional Craig Stadler nicknamed?

How many top-10 seeded opponents did Madison Keys defeat to win the 2025 Australian Open?

Mauro Schmid and Ally Wollaston won the 2025 men’s and women’s titles of which Australian cycling race?

13. An NRL rule tweak will punish defenders judged to be ‘playing for’ obstruction penalties by awarding what to the opposing team?

14. Which Australian golfing great reportedly helped arrange a meeting between US president Donald Trump and Australian ambassador Kevin Rudd?

15. Who became the first person to coach a team in both the AFL and AFLW when he was appointed head coach of the AFLW’s Gold Coast Suns in January?

16. In which city will the 2025 NBA All-Star game be held?

17. Which NFL team won this year’s Super Bowl?

18. And who was the feature performer during the halftime show?

19. Prior to their recent February victory, when was the last time Australia won a Test series in Sri Lanka?

20. Two NBA exhibition games will be held in Australia this October: in which city will they take place?

21. Which Adam Sandler character is a failed ice hockey player?

22. How many countries currently have Test Match status?

23. What is the name of France’s Grand Slam tennis event?

24. In what year did Sydney host the Summer Olympics?

25. Who won the Brownlow Medal in 2003?

26. How many lions are in the logo for the England cricket team?

27. David Beckham made his professional debut for which Premier League club?

28. In golf, what is a double bogey?

29. Which animal was the Brisbane AFL team previously associated with?

30. Former American football player Terry Crews starred in which police procedural sitcom?

Rybakina, Swiatek, Sabalenka)

Craig Stadler

To

Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 Linen fibre (4)

3 Huge statues (10)

10 Holiday spots (7)

11 1970s band, – Lake & Palmer (7)

12 Bluetooth (8)

13 Horse’s call (5)

14 Chinese currency (4)

15 Medications given to a patient (10)

18 Synthetic (10)

20 – and cons (4)

21 Plant secretion (5)

23 Manacles or fetters (8)

26 New (7)

27 Dismiss (7)

28 County town of Dorset (10)

29 Black mineral (4)

DOWN

1 Stronghold (4)

2 Attacker (9)

4 Related to childbirth (9)

5 Auguries (5)

6 Breastbone (7)

7 Japanese dish (5)

8 Combination into a whole (9)

9 Conifer, e.g. (4)

14 Not seasonal (4-5)

16 Mountain danger (9)

17 From Oslo, e.g. (9)

19 From Helsinki, e.g. (7)

22 Lecher (5)

23 Teams (5)

24 Smooch (4)

25 French for prize (4)

1 What is the capital of Ethiopia? 2 In which US state is the John F.

3 Which chemical element has the symbol Bi? 4 In which state or territory is Coffin Bay?

5 True or false: the giraffe is

b) 1793 or c) 1843? 10 True or false: some tarantula species are venomous?

Ford Ranger Tremor goes off-road

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Ranger has been kind to Ford.

Released in 2022, clever marketing has seen the current model become Australia’s best selling ute.

Along with plenty of eye candy, that strategy includes a seemingly endless stream of grades andspecialeditionsofwhichtheTremorisone.

As we speak there are nine different grades from which to choose and a warehouse full of options to make it yours.

Even the Ranger’s SUV counterpart, Ford Everest is starting to gain some traction in a highly competitive section of the market.

In a nutshell, Tremor (nice name by the way) is a cut-price version of the Ranger Wildtrak X and like the Wildtrak X it is targeted at the off-road enthusiast. Competitors include the Nissan Navara Warrior and Mazda BT-50 Thunder.

Styling

Ranger is large, at just over 5.4 metres long, 2.2 metres wide and 1.9 metres high, with a 3270mm wheelbase and 12.9-metre turning circle. Its sheer size can be a problem when it comes to parking and negotiating city streets, not to mention turning around and threading the ute between trees and so forth off road.

Prices for Ranger start from $36,880 plus on-roads for the barebones 4×2 XL single cab chassis with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel and an auto.

But the so-called 4×4 sport utilities attract the most attention, starting with Sport, XLT andWildtrak-at$66,140,$63,640and$69,640.

Then there’s the petrol-powered Raptor (yes, petrol powered) which sits well above them all, with a breathtaking price tag of $90,440 - plus on-roads of course.

WhileWildtrakXwasbasedontheWildtrak, the Tremor is based on the lower echelon Sport, but both offer the same enhanced capabilities.

Up to 1150 Tremors will be built, priced from $69,690pluson-roads-hardlybudget-friendly?

Released early 2023, Wildtrak X was priced at $75,990.

Working out exactly what you get for your hard-earned dough is no easy task.

Tremor has all the features of the Sport Double-Cab 2.0L Bi-Turbo 4×4 model, with a long list of following additions including: full-time 4WD, 17-inch Asphalt Black alloy wheels, General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres, 30mm increase in track, Trail Turn Assist and Trail Control, rock crawl Drive Mode, Tremor badging and styling Tremor-embossed vinyl seats, front and rear black Ford oval badges and option of Conquer Grey paint, Tremor branded all-weather front and rear floor mats, overhead auxiliary switch bank for aftermarket accessories, honeycomb grille with auxiliary grille LED lights, 2.3mm steel front bash plate, cast aluminium side steps and extended sports bar.

Tremor is available in a range of six exterior colours. White is standard, the other five are a $700 option.

Infotainment

Tremor scores a smaller 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen and 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, with Bluetooth, voice control, built-in satnav with 12-month connected navigation services, DAB+ digital radio, both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speakeraudiopluswirelessphonecharging. There’sUSBA+Cportsfront,a12voltoutlet in the console box and a 400W AC outlet at the rear of the console.

FordPass app allows you to view vehicle status.

Safety

Tremor scores a five-star safety rating with a rear view camera and nine airbags, including driver and passenger knee airbags along with the latest centre airbag which provides added

protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes.

There’s also Autonomous Emergency Braking w/ Junction Assist, Blind Spot MonitoringwithCrossTrafficAlertandTrailer Coverage, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Centring, Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection and Driver Alert System.

There are two top tether and two ISOFix child seat anchors.

Driving

Suspension is independent at front with traditional leaf springs at the rear, but the shocks are mounted outside the chassis rails, which helps to reduce sideways movement.

Brakes are ventilated discs front and rear, which is great news, while this model is fitted with chunky off-road rubber.

A full-size alloy spare is provided.

The all important tub measures 1464mm in length, 1520mm wide and 525mm deep, with 1217mm between wheel arches.

A step is cleverly located either side of the rear bumper to facilitate access, but simply reaching in is not feasible.

Thisparticulargradeisratedtocarrya937kg payload and of course it can tow a 3500kg braked trailer.

Upgrades include shielded heavy duty power steering.

New springs and dampers, together with 17-inch wheels and chunky General Grabber AT3 265/70 series rubber boost ground clearance 26mm to 260mm. That’s 12mm shy of range-topping Raptor.

Wading depth is 800mm.

The setup includes premium heavy duty Bilstein shocks and increases the track front and rear by 30mm, contributing to better stability - both on and off the road.

A locking rear diff is standard.

Tremor’s off-road credentials are also bolstered by three electronic aids: Trail Turn Assist, Trail Control and Rock Crawl.

Trail Turn Assist reduces the turning radius by applying brakes to the inside rear wheel in tight situations (but it’s not available with the diff locked).

Off-roading capability is further enhanced

Close on the heels of last year’s Wildtrak X, comes another special edition Ranger — the off-road focused Tremor. (Pictures: Supplied)

with the inclusion of a Rock Crawl drive mode and Trail Control.

Trail Control is a kind off-road cruise control that can take control of acceleration and braking at low speed.

Rock Crawl drive mode provides optimal slow-speed traction and momentum on loose and rocky surfaces.

There’s no doubting Ranger is an impressive ute, but we can’t understand the family attraction when an SUV would be more comfortable and even better off road.

To get the best out of a ute you really need to jack them up and that creates problems when it comes to getting in and out, not to mention the effect it has on handling and steering geometry.

Tremor rides a bit higher, but in the end its length and long overhanging tail are limiting factors, together with things like the side steps and rigid plastic mudflaps which are easily damaged.

Sand and moderately rough fire trails should present no problems, but after that you might

want to exercise some caution.

Even the 26mm lift makes getting in and out of the ute more difficult and this becomes apparent stretching with your foot to find the ground. The ride is also noticeably firmer thanks to the suspension changes and all-terrain tyres compared to the Platinum version we drove previously. It becomes jiggly over smaller bumps in the road and occupants may find themselves reaching for something to hold onto when it comes to corners.

Throttle response from the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel is strong, with very little turbo lag, but tends to become a little jerky on and off the accelerator.

Outontheopenroadhowevertheutecruises smoothly and easily.

Steering is light around town but weights up nicely at speed, with plenty of communication for the driver.

The cabin is trimmed in vinyl water-resistant upholstery, with all weather mats which might be practical but are also cheap.

The start button occupies what was the key barrel on the steering column and takes some getting used to.

The stubby transmission lever is a pain in the butt.

You need to release the transmission with your middle finger and changing between drive and reverse requires some precision. Small thumb switches on the side of the lever are provided to change gears manually. They workokay,butagainsomeaccuracyisrequired. We found ourselves mistakenly clicking the thumb switches to move the car into drive or reverse.

Change paddles would be a lot easier. Raptor gets paddles.

Summing up

Close on the heels of last year’s Wildtrak X, comes another special edition Ranger - the off-road focused Tremor.

Ford says it’s targeted at those who couldn’t afford the X, but comes with the X essentials. But if you couldn’t afford the X, it’s unlikely you’llhavethefundsfortheTremoreither-not at $70K plus by the time it hits the road.

Who’s kidding who? Just saying.

There was a slice of winter on Saturday as rain played havoc on the sporting fields. There was still some action able to get underway with Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic shooting some of the action.

Winter blast proves challenging

The old Sunshine rivalry was back ont he pitch. 458408_06

Supporters at the North Sunshine Eagles and Caroline Springs George Cross match. 458408_10

Romsey players waiting to bat. 459470_16

Romsey’s Taylor Stevenson. 459470_05

Rupertswood’s Joe Honner. 459472_01

It was a good day for Rupertswood. 459472_05

North Western Titans’ Jarrod Johns. 459469_11

Caroline Springs George Cross’ Aydin Sayan. 458408_01

North Western Titans’ Cy Haymes. 459469_03Rupertswood’s Joel Muir. 459472_08Sunbury United’s Pulindu Kiriella. 459470_01

The top GDCA two spot to go down to the wire

It was the battle of Lancefield on Sunday as the two Lancefield teams did battle in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s league, as history was made twice on Sunday across the league.

ItwasLancefieldblackthatcameawaywith the bragging rights after a big win despite wet weather around.

The black team batted first and finished 8-185 from 28 overs with Nat Jeffrey hitting an unbeaten 102 off 81 balls.

Her innings included 16 fours and one six.

Brooke Jeffrey took three wickets for the yellow team.

The yellow team struggled to get going for the bat and finished 8-55. Taleeya Robotham top scored with 12.

Backing up her performance with the bat, Nat Jeffrey took 3-4 off two overs.

Jeffrey became one of two players on Sunday to hit 100s, the first to do so in the competition.

Gisborne captain-coach Brianna Woodburn also achieved the feat in her side’s win against Darley, which also opened up the

race for second spot.

The Dragons were hoping to bounce back from a loss in the previous round, while the Lions had dropped their last two games.

The Dragons made 8-176 as they were bowled out with one ball remaining.

Woodburn continued her good form, as she made 104 off 84 balls.

Her innings had nine fours and four sixes.

Kim Bessell and Kirsty Sanders took two wickets each for the Lions.

The Dragons got early wickets, including that of Bessell for just nine, to have the Lions crumble to 6-45.

They never recovered and were bowled out for 8-83 in the 26th over.

Zoe Kays took 4-13 off her six overs.

The win has moved the Dragons into third spotaheadoftheLions,withbothsidestoplay finals.

Macedon moved into second spot with the Lions loss and a good win against Wallan.

The Cats made 6-161 from their overs with Kym Riley top scoring with 57 at the top of the order.

Megan Farrell did everything she could to get the Magpies over the line with 70 retired not out at the top of the order, but had little support.

Wallan finished 6-109.

Eliza Patterson Lade took three wickets for the Cats.

The Lions, Dragons and Cats can all still finish in second spot.

The top spot is already sealed by Bacchus Marsh, which scored its third straight 250 score in a row.

The Bulls made 0-250 with Ashley Gillard, SarahBamfordandEmilyKennedyallscoring half centuries.

Kilmore finished 7-139 with Taylah Logie making an unbeaten 82 at the top of the order.

In the final round, Bacchus Marsh hosts Gisborne, Wallan is at home to Darley, MacedonplaysLancefieldblackandLancefield yellow will play Kilmore.

Tara Murray

Nations line up for cup

By Tara Murray

The Nations Footy Cup is back bigger and better than ever this year.

The event, which is being held at Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve on February 23, with at least 20 teams set to battle it out in the fifth edition of the event.

Co-owners Beejay Johnson and Michael Ogliaro said they were excited to see the event return to Diggers Rest, with upgrades to the ovals and facilities completed.

Therewillbefivewomen’steamsandatleast 15 men’s teams.

“We held our carnival here last year, and we were absolutely stoked to once again be hosting at this fantastic venue,” they said.

“The support from Melton council, especially local councillor John Verdon, the local footy and cricket clubs, and the community has been incredible, and we look forward to continuing to grow the Nations Footy Cup here for years to come.”

ThisyearTimor-Lestejoinsthecompetition for the first time in the men’s competition, marking an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible talent within this community

and further highlight the growing diversity of the Nations Footy Cup.

The Team World men’s side has been revamped and will bring a fresh energy and talent to the competition.

They will be led by Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan as coach, whose experience and skill will be a huge asset to the team.

In the women’s competition, there will be the introduction of Team Italy which will be coached by Taylors Lakes women’s coach Joseph Antonetti. Meanwhile, Albania returns to the competition after a short break and coach Amet Aliuvsko is confident his team has what it takes to make a serious impact this year.

Italy will have four teams this year.

Team Australia women’s coach Ron Sikora, who has coached the side since the start, will again be in charge of the team.

Former Geelong player and Sunbury resident Abbey McDonald will be part of that team.

Hillside star forward Josh Covelli has been named Italy’s captain. He is coming off kicking 100 goals in the Essendon District

Kyneton-born Chloe Stewart has announced her retirement from international bowls effective immediately, having represented the Jackaroos on 149 occasions.

The 29-year-old made her debut a decadeagoatthe2015TransTasmanand fittingly the same event will be marked as her final appearance for Australia, having played an integral part in the nation’s 4-1 victory over New Zealand in the recent series.

Stewart’s decision has not come easily, but the news of the slimmed down programme of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and her recent promotion to SParms general manager has convinced her that the timing is right.

“Itdefinitelywasn’taneasydecision;but the uncertainty around Commonwealth Games and starting my new role as GM, itfeelsliketherightthingtodonow,”she told Bowls Australia.

“There’s obviously a fair bit of time that goes into trying to make the Commonwealth Games with selection trials, events and hours of training. There are a lot of sacrifices that go into playing for your country, and this is something I have been doing for over ten years.”

Football League division 1 competition.

Burnside Heights’ star Krissy Trang will lead the Team World women’s side. Trang last year became the first female to claim three EDFL league best and fairests.

Josh Chatfield, who has signed full time at Deer Park will be representing Team World. He was formerly Footscray’s Victorian Football League side.

Other big names include Tom Baluch, who is known as Prime Train, who will captain the Allies, former Frankston VFL player and 18-year-old Noah Van Haren, who made his senior football debut at 15.

Johnson and Ogliaro said they were keen to keep growing the cup in the future.

“We want to select our best men’s and women’s teams and compete internationally against the likes of AFL USA or AFL Asia,” they said. “We also have plans to introduce a junior carnival to further develop the next generation of footy talent.

“We can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Offthefield,therewillbeplentyofactivities off the field including jumping castles, face painting, and food.

Gates open at 8am.

Stewart regards the highlight was just being able to put on the Australian kit, considering it one of the highest honours one can have.

She moved from Kyneton and Victoria to Queensland to gain more consistent opportunities at the highest level and has made a home for herself at Club Tweed, where she will continue to ply her trade on top of her state and Bowls Premier League commitments.

“My mum, Jenny, has been a major influence on my career and I could not have reached the heights that I have without her support,” she said.

“Then there is my Nan, Val, who has passed on, she was the one that got me into bowls and had a huge effect on my career as well as all of my family and friends.

“The Kyneton Bowling Club and Club Tweed, they have been enormous for me and shown a staggering amount of support throughout my career within the Jackaroos lineup to go and achieve my dreams.

Chloe Stewart bowls up news

Nat Jeffrey. (Lancefield CC)

The Nations Footy Cup is back this weekend. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 458095_04

GDCA slip up costs country week finals spot

A disappointing final round ended the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s hopes of making finals at Melbourne Country Week.

After losing on day one, the GDCA won its next two matches to give it hope of playing in one of the two finals.

It needed to win on Thursday and hope results when it way to qualify for the top final.

Instead on a slow track, the GDCA struggled against the Bellarine Peninsula.

Batting first, the GDCA was bowled out for 119 with Romsey’s Taylor Stevenson top scoring with 27 and Woodend skipper Marcus Stewart making 20.

The GDCA fought hard, but the Bellarine made the runs as it finished 5-120.

Gisborne’s Riley Vernon took 2-20 and Mark Barake took two catches and made a stumping.

It meant the GDCA finished in fifth spot.

“The boys leave knowing we are better than our 2-2 showing this year and are determined to take the div 2 title next year,” the association said on its Facebook page.

Among the highlights of the week included wins in the second and third matches.

In the second game, Stewart made a massive 152 not out against Wangaratta and District as the GDCA made 7-325.

Stewart’s innings included 14 fours and four sixes in what the association believes is the highest individual score by a GDCA player at country week.

Vernon made 50 and Wallan’s Nathan Fowler also made 50.

Wangaratta and District was bowled out for 135.

In game three, the GDCA bowled out Kingston Hawthorn for 107. Vernon took 3-19 to be the pick of the bowlers.

The GDCA made the runs in the 16th over, with Stevenson again top scoring with 27.

Sunbury United captain Damien Edwards was part of the squad and played in a couple of the games.

He said it was disappointing not to play finals, but it had been a really good experience,

“It was great to get to know some of the other players in the league,” he said. “To get together and share a beer and have some chats.

“There’s so many good crickets and plenty of people to learn from. We left our worst performance for the last game.

“Playing on turf was a big difference for us and we’re not used to those conditions. We’ll come back next year and have another crack.”

Others to play were Gareth Sharp, Ben Way, Chris Burkett, Thomas Boyer, Aaron Paterson, Harrison Sheahan, Xavier Tadd and Josh Wills.

Tara Murray

Bees keep season alive

By Tara Murray

Sunbury United kept its finals hopes alive with a high scoring win against Romsey in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.

The Bees had their hands full against a Romsey side looking to keep its top two hopes alive the past two Saturdays.

A strong batting performance on day one was enough for the Bees to get over the line and keep their season alive.

Bees captain Damien Edwards said they did what they needed to do.

“It was pretty tough conditions and we stuck atitallday,”hesaid.“Theyhavesomegreatbats throughout the whole side.

“They’ve had the better of us the last few seasons and you never take them lightly.

“We knew they would put out a good performance against us and we were eventually just able to do enough to get the win.”

The Bees made 8-361 on day one of the match, with Edwards the star with 110. On paper, Romsey was one of the sides that could chase down that target.

It was in a good position at 2-112 before losing two quick wickets.

Romsey then went from 6-158 to 6-298 to give itself a chance.

“There were a few nerves,” Edwards said.

“ChrisBurkettgotgoingandhehasaverygood record against us.

“We know we had to keep them at arm’s length. We were able to get Chris and Adam Frost and we knew they were pretty home and hosed.”

Romsey was bowled out for 319 in the final over of the day.

Burkett made 101 while Frost scored 55.

James Hughes, Senura Perera and Edwards took two wickets each for the Bees.

The result means that the Bees are 5.5 points outside the top four with two rounds remaining.

Romsey has slipped from third to fourth, now 0.1 point behind Rupertswood which moved to third.

Edwards said they just have to focus on the task at hand in the last two weeks against Macedon and the Sunbury Kangaroos.

“We have to keep winning and need some

Sports Briefs

VTCA

There was less than two overs of action in Sunbury’s match with West Coburg St Andrews in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield on Saturday. Rain halted play not long after the match got underway with the Redbacks 0-3 off 1.5 overs at the time. Forty five overs was the most of any game in division 2 on Saturday, with two matches becoming one-dayers as there was no play at all.

GDCA

Lancefield and Riddell locked in top two spots in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield with one round remaining. The Tigers, who sit on top, bowled Melton South Royals out for 123 before making the runs in the 26th over, finishing 4-125. The Bombers in their match, restricted Gisborne to 7-114 before finishing 2-116. The result means Harkness will finish third with either Rupertswood or Wallan to finish fourth, with Rupo currently in the top four.

RDFL

other results to go our way,” he said.

“What we can do is to win the last two games and see what happens. We will not take Macedon or the Kangaroos lightly and we’ll keep doing what we’re doing and hopefully it is enough for it to go our way.”

Elsewhere, Woodend has moved clear at the top of the ladder with a big win against the Sunbury Kangaroos.

Woodend resumed at 2-71 in reply to the Kangaroos 129.

Woodend coach Josh Eastley made 116 as his side was bowled out for 311.

TheKangaroosfinishedtheirsecondinnings, 6-68 off 18 overs.

With Romsey’s loss, Gisborne moved to second on the ladder with a big win against Macedon.

Chasing the Dragons, 343, the Cats finished 9-169. Zac Waddington made 50.

Rupertswood continued its good two-day form beating Broadford.

Having made 257, Rupo bowled Broadford out for 90 with Joe Honner taking 3-13.

Rupo sent Broadford back in with Broadford finishing 2-59 when the game was called.

Diggers Rest has announced the signing of Jesse Varsamakis for the Riddell District Football League season. The Burras said that Varsamakis is a mobile, key forward and goal kicker from Yarraville where he has been a premiership captain and team of the year player. “We look forward to Jesse bringing his leadership qualities and perhaps even sending a few over the goal umpire’s hat.” The Burras also announced that Daniel Paulete returns to the club after a stint at East Sunbury.

Australia Cup

Both Sunbury United and Gisborne have been knocked out of the Australia Cup in the opening round. Sunbury travelled to face Hampton Park United Sparrows and suffered a 3-2 loss. Gisborne had a tough opening round against Moreland Eagles, losing 4-1 at Wallace Reserve. Both sides will kick off their state league seasons in late March.

Marcus Stewart. (GDCA)

James Hughes. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 459470)

Jets ready to build with core players returning

The Sunbury Jets are hoping to get a bit of consistency with their group to set them up for the Big V men’s championship season.

Both the Jets imports have already arrived, giving them vital time on the court with the rest of the playing group before the season starts.

Coach Nathan Heywood said it would be good to have the whole group together.

“We can get that continuity banked with a six to seven week block and hopefully put that together and see some positive results,” he said.

“We want to keep that continuity. We’re starting to build into the practice match series through March and February.

“We’ll look to put some training into practice.”

Heywood said there had been a little bit of change to the squad but they’d been able to keep the core group together.

ImportguardJoshYorke-Frazerreturnsfora

second season. He battled through injuries last season, but still averages 24 points per game been he got on the co

Byron Gladden is the second import. He is a versatile power forward who has played professionally for six years.

The rest of the group has a local Sunbury feel to it.

Captain Nathan Marshall returns again and will play a key role.

Jeremy Wragg, Koby Skenderis, Sonny Maxwell and Dylan Cheyne also return from last season’s team.

Jack Betson, who was the Jets youth league most valuable player last season, has been promoted.

Cooper Kirkman is the other new signing announced by the Jets. Kirkman comes from the Keilor Thunder having been part of its National Basketball League 1 South side.

The Jets newest signing is Joe Dali who is set

to add size and athleticism to the roster. He has played with Dandenong Rangers.

Heywood had a tough first season in charge at the Jets, with the side finishing ninth with a 9-13 record.

Injuries played havoc with the team struggling to get their best side on the court, week in, week out.

Heywood said they were hoping they could get back into the top four and compete for the title.

“That is the aim,” he said. “I feel like we will be competitive this year.

“We’ve put a few things in place to manage the loads around injuries the best we can.”

The Jets kick off their season on March 29 at home against the Hume City Broncos.

Meanwhile the Jets youth league men’s side earned promotion into youth league 1 following the qualifying games.

Tara Murray

Sunbury locked in finals

By Tara Murray

Club Sunbury will go into the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 1 finals on the back of a big win against another finalist.

Having already secured a top two spot and second chance, Sunbury made sure it entered finals with some good form.

Facing Kingsbury on Saturday, Sunbury was able to avoid the rain and delay that plagued other sides as it played under the dome in Sunbury.

All four rinks were close, but Sunbury did enough to get the full points, winning 83 (18)-69 (0).

Marc Bullows’ rink won 20-17, Mark Cowan’s rink won 19-18, Josh Leszczynski rink won 22-13 and Lauchlin Davies’ rink won 22-21.

Sunbury’s David Glennon said they were really happy with that result.

“It was a good win for Sunbury and it locked in second spot,” he said. “We now face Glenroy next week and it was looking like it would be

the case.”

Cowan said that Bullows and Leszczynski werebothstandoutsalongwithBaileyMoffatt.

Sunbury finished in second, 16 points behind Glenroy.

It will be a tough challenge with Glenroy the only team that Sunbury hasn’t beaten this season.

In both matches, Glenroy has won 18-0 with the most recent of those matches in the final game before Christmas.

Glennon said it didn’t get much tougher than facingGlenroyatGlenroy.Sunburyalsodoesn’t have the best finals record in recent seasons.

Sunbury will be boosted by the return of Carla Krizanic, who missed the weekend’s win.

The winner will then move into the grand finalthefollowingweekend,whiletheloserwill play the winner of Deer Park 2 and Kingsbury in the preliminary final on Sunday.

Sunbury’s top three sides all made finals, with the other two teams at home on Saturday in semi finals.

“Three out of six teams have made finals,” Glennon said. “At one stage it looked like it

Squads named

Calder Cannons have revealed their squads for the upcoming Coates Talent League seasons.

Both the boys and girls under-18 and under-16 squads were released with a number of familiar names set to be back out there this season.

The boys under-18 squad is headlined by AFL Academy member Cooper Duff-Tytler. The Woodend-Hesket teen has made the call to focus on football, having also represented Australia in basketball.

His Woodend-Hesket teammate Oliver Watt is also on the list again.

The pair are part of 16 players from last year’s list that have made the cut this year.

Cooper Herbert, from Laurimar, is one of the 19-year-olds, having been mentioned as an AFL draft bolter last year.

Alex Alessio, son of Essendon premiership player Steven Alessio, is part of the Cannons squad, while Scott West’s son Levi West is another with AFL connections.

Among others in the squad include Keilor’s Ben Howell and Taj Robinson, Greenvale’s James Manfre, Gisborne Giants’ Zach McKenzie and Olu Olalekan, Gisborne’s Jack Rutten and Riddell’s Ben Taylor.

would be better than that.

“We’re excited for next week.”

It will be a big week for Club Sunbury, with the Bowls Premier League being held this week.

Club Sunbury-based Melbourne eXtreme willbehopingtobuildonafinalsperformance in the last BPL tournament.

eXtreme will also be represented in the second edition of the Junior BPL Challenge and will be aiming for back-to-back titles.

It will be a new line up for the junior eXtreme team with Akasha Fortune, Joshua Leszczynski and Eridani Wheeler making up the team.

The first two play in Club Sunbury’s top pennant side.

Meanwhile in the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region Highlands division 1, the top four is set heading into the final round.

Kyneton has locked in top spot, with Romsey and Kyneton Golf to fight it out for second spot.

Kilmore sits in fourth, but can finish as

as third.

On the girls side, Jade McLay and Chloe Baker-West are two to watch this season. Both were part of the Vic Metro squad last year and are part of the AFLW Academy.

The Cannons under-18 girls squad has 2 players returning from last season.

Among those returning including Sunbury Lions’ Eden Grant and Charlotte Beattie, Craigieburn’s Mietta Datson and Anabel Tully, Gisborne’s Gemma Ellis, Holly Vescovi and Lily Skehan, Yarrambat’s Caitlyn Kennedy, Macedon’s Taya Konias and Ivy Wills, and Greenvale’s Rocahe Meilak and Summer Sionetali.

Josh Yorke-Frazer is back this year. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 403557_14

The

Josh Leszczynski. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 445373_06

high

Jade McLay. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Bellbrook Gardens Open Day

Homes available from $540,000 — NO STAMP DUTY!

Bellbrook Gardens Country Club is excited to invite you to attend our next Open Day to be held at the Community Centre.

Light refreshments will be served. This will be a great opportunity to visit our wonderful community facilities, view Villas for sale and learn more about retirement living.

Monday 24th February at 10.30am 168 Underbank Boulevard, Bacchus Marsh 3340

Please RSVP online to bellbrookgardens.com.au or FreeCall 1800 633 672

RSVP Essential – Places are limited!

For any queries please contact Denise Sniegowski We look forward to catching up with you soon!