Easter Bunny hops to Sunbury
The Easter Bunny has found a gap in its calendar this month to make a special trip to Sunbury as part of an annual Easter egg hunt fundraiser.
Hosted on Saturday, April 12 by Sunbury Business Association with support from Hume council, the Sunbury Easter Egg Hunt will raise money for the Good Friday Appeal and support the Royal Children’s Hospital and its services.
To participate, children will be given an Easter egg bag and a map of participating businesses –predominantly across Brook, Evans, and Oshannassy streets – where they can drop in to present the map and find or receive an egg or gift from staff.
Each bag will cost $5, which will go towards the appeal.
Easter egg hunt director Anne Curran said about 26 businesses have got involved in this year’s event.
The Easter Egg Hunt will run from 10am–4pm on Saturday, April 12, Bags can be purchased online and collected from The Floatesium on Brook Street. Details: supportsunbury.com.au/ product/easter-egg-hunt-bag
Funding promised ... again
By Prealene Khera
After withdrawing funds for the Calder Freeway in 2023, the federal and state governments have put the project back on the agenda, with a fresh promise to invest $300 million towards its repair.
The funding will be used to build a long-awaited diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive, which once complete will improve safety, reduce congestion and provide better access.
It’s a move that has been well-received by
whose members have been pushing for upgrades to the freeway for 18 years.
The group’s president Russell Mowatt said the announcement was welcomed, albeit with some doubts.
“The federal government has finally listened to the community,” he said.
“So we’d like to give credit where it’s due … [but] we look at everything in reservation.
“We hope they commit to this interchange … in good faith with the community.”
The proposed funding comes nearly two
years after the federal Labor government cancelled the $50 million promise made by the previous Liberal government in 2019.
The project was axed by Infrastructure Minister Catherine King in November 2023 following an infrastructure spending review.
At the time, Ms King said it was not realistically going to be delivered with the available funding, had made little to no progress over a significant amount of time, and did not align with national priorities.
The decision was followed by the state government revealing it would indefinitely
pause funding for the freeway upgrades.
When it is built, the new interchange will improve access on and off the Calder Freeway.
HawkeLaborMPSamRaesaidtheupgrade would improve safety and congestion on the freeway, while McEwen Labor MP Rob Mitchellsaidtheupgradewouldhaveflow-on effects through the outer north-west and into the Macedon Ranges.
The Liberal party did not answer questions from Star Weekly aboutwhethertheCoalition would match the funding.
Oscar Parry
Sunbury Business Association’s Lara Collins and Anne Curran are counting down to the Sunbury Easter Egg Hunt. (Damjan Janevski) 469577_02
the Calder Action Group,
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Old school site status a mystery
By Oscar Parry
Those looking forward to using the gallery and events areas at repurposed Old Kyneton Primary School may soon have a timeline for their opening, with Macedon Ranges council requesting a formal update on the project’s progress.
The former primary school is being repurposed to include an art gallery and community events venue with public outdoor spaces,withtheprojectacollaborationbetween Working Heritage, Development Victoria and Creative Victoria.
Star Weekly understands that the first stage of the project to develop the gallery and events spaceswascompletedlastyear,butminordefect works due to the historic nature of the site are now being addressed, with Creative Victoria intending to soon provide updates about the opening of the completed areas before the next phase of the project begins.
Following significant community interest from Kyneton residents, council decided to write to Creative Victoria for a comprehensive update on the project’s progress.
This included the status and future plans for the site, identification of the managing
Grow hope this weekend
Buying new plants for your garden could also meansupportingtheRoyalChildren’sHospital this weekend, as the Riddells Creek Nursery hosts its annual plant sale fundraiser.
Running across several days of the Easter weekend, the nursery will be selling a wide rangeofplantsandtrees–includingnativeand cottagegardenvarieties–atheavilydiscounted prices.
Funds raised through each sale will be donated to Good Friday Appeal, supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital to support its patients, families, staff, equipment, cancer research, and more.
The nursery will be joined by the Riddells Creek CFA brigade on Good Friday, which will be running a sausage sizzle fundraiser for the Good Friday Appeal, and the Riddells Creek Football Netball Club on Saturday, which will also run a barbecue fundraiser to raise funds for its women’s team.
Nursery owner Geordie Taylor said that the nursery enjoys supporting charitable causes across local, national, and international levels – with staff enthusiastic about the Good Friday Appeal and its objectives.
“I think fundamentally, we love helping out children and we love raising money for children – and you can see it in all the other organisations we help with … [it’s] a very good cause and one everyone in the business loves to get behind,” Mr Taylor said.
Along with the Good Friday Appeal, the plant sale will also assist the nursery in recovering from a robbery last month.
Thesalewillrunduringthenursery’sregular opening hours of 9am–5pm from Good Friday untilTuesday,April16–butthenurserywillbe closed for Easter Sunday.
The nursery is located at 675 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek.
Oscar Parry
organisation, enabling access to its outdoor spaces, and monthly updates to stakeholders.
Councillor Janet Pearce said the intent of the update request is to provide information and clarity to the community “who continue to ask,” with the site a common theme raised by residents during a recent councillor meet and greet event. “[The] intent is to assist the community and council of where we are at, what the plans are, and when the site and asset can be used,” Cr Pearce said.
Cr Kate Kendall the site is in “the heart” of Kyneton and is “currently all fenced up,” leading to a lack of certainty among the
community.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said there is “so much potential” for the site and believes the Kyneton community has been “let down.”
The redevelopment of the site followed consultationin2018,withthestateannouncing $12 million of funding towards the project in 2021.
A spokesperson for the state government said the historic site is “part of the story of so many people across the community,” and that the government “can’t wait to return the site to the community soon and start the next chapter for OKPS”.
Riddells Creek Nursery owner Geordie Taylor said that nursery staff look forward to supporting the Good Friday Appeal each year. (Damjan Janevski) 469058_01
No timeline or funding for bypass
The timeline for building a proposed bypass of BullaandtheduplicationofasectionofSunbury Road is unclear, as the state government confirmed that there is no committed funding to deliver the overarching Bulla Bypass project.
In a letter from the Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne to Hume council, tabled at the March 24 council meeting, Ms Horne confirmed that the Department of Transport(DTP)andPlanningreceivedaletter from the council advocating for duplication of SunburyRoadfromtheendoftheTullamarine
Freeway to Oaklands Road.
As previously reported by StarWeekly , the letter followed a notice of motion by former councillor Jack Medcraft at a council meeting last August, where he said that as the road is a single lane with an emergency lane, excessive traffic congestion is created when four lanes of the Tullamarine Freeway merge into one.
In response, Ms Horne she said DTP acknowledges increased growth in the region is placing increasing pressure on the road network and that this particular road
duplication is planned to be completed as part of the proposed Bulla Bypass and Outer MetropolitanRingRoadAirportLinkprojects.
In the letter, Ms Horne said that Major Road Projects Victoria recently completed further planning work for a potential bypass of Bulla, including the development of a business case.
In a second letter from Ms Horne tabled at the March 24 Hume council meeting –responding to a letter from council advocating for the Bulla Bypass project and requesting an update following a notice of motion from
‘Game-changing’ pavilion opens
Community sport groups and students will benefit from a new sports pavilion at Salesian College, Sunbury.
Officially opened on Monday, March 31, the new $6.3 million facility provides an elevated view of the reserve for spectators and includes modern and female-friendly changerooms, secure storage rooms for each of the user clubs and the school, and a large multi-purpose area. It also includes a canteen and bar, providing the opportunity for the sports clubs to host events and cater for players, committee members, families, sponsors and spectators. The state government funded about $7
million towards the wider project.
Rupertswood Football Netball Club vice-president Anthony Stafford said that the new facility is a significant social space for the club to use and is larger than the older club room facility.
“It’s got a larger canteen, and a larger bar area … [a] much bigger space for the players for the changerooms, which is terrific … really high-quality toilets and other amenities throughout the building, a lot of storage,” Mr Stafford said.
“It’s really positive for the club. Both clubs – the cricket club and the football club – are honoured to have such a terrific facility to use
for the Sunbury community.”
Salesian College principal Mark Brockhus said that the new facility is a game-changer for the college’s students and the wider community.
“It provides a space that not only enhances our sporting programs but also fosters a sense of pride and community spirit,” he said.
“What excites me most is seeing our students and teams thrive in this new space,
“We’re incredibly proud to offer a facility that reflects the high standards of sporting pursuits.”
Oscar Parry
Ranges pony club riders gallop to China
Two Macedon Ranges Pony Club riders have had the honour of representing Australia in China.
Clara Greenwood, a Macedon Pony Club rider, and Madeleine Manton, a coach and rider at Woodend Pony Club, were chosen to be part of the Pony Club Australia team that travelled to China as part of the international exchangeandcompetitionfromMarch5to18.
Clara, a 14-year-old student from Riddell’s Creek, was one of six riders selected for the exchange.
Madeleine, a 25-year-old teacher, served as both team coach and manager during the trip.
Madeleine coaches regularly at Gisborne Pony Club and has been coaching since she was 17 as well as riding at pony club events since she was five years old.
The six pony club riders – two from Victoria, two from New South Wales, and two from Queensland – visited Guilin City and Nanning in southern China. During their visit, they participated in various activities and competitions alongside Chinese riders. The visit culminated with an international pony club show jumping competition in Nanning. The event featured all the riders competing in mounted games, musical ride
mayor Jarrod Bell – she confirmed that there iscurrentlynofundingallocatedtotheproject, meaning that the timeline for both of these proposed road upgrades is uncertain.
“The [DTP] continues to work to protect the future Bulla Bypass Corridor and will seek opportunities to deliver this important transport infrastructure in the future,” Ms Horne said in the letter. “DTP will continue to work with [Hume] to ensure local community issues are incorporated into any future infrastructure developments,” she said.
Council objects to Woodend servo plan
Macedon Ranges council has expressed opposition to a planning permit for a service station on the Calder Freeway in Woodend, with the application set to be heard at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
As reported by Star Weekly , two separateplanningpermitapplicationsfor service stations on the Calder Freeway were lodged with Macedon Ranges council, the first being for the western side of the freeway.
According to council, this first application was appealed at VCAT on January30duetothecouncilnotmaking a decision on the application within the required 60-day timeframe, which was “due to the outstanding nature of what [Macedon Ranges] views as being key supporting documents required to assess the application, along with formal advice from the Department of Transport and Planning”.
Macedon Ranges council published an update on its website expressing its opposition to this permit.
Objections included concerns around impacts to the view of Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon from the Calder Freeway by the proposed building, impacts to agricultural land, concerns around wastewater management within the plan, and the proximity of the site to existing freeway service centres – being less than 50 kilometres from an existing freeway service centre and freeway interchange.
A spokesperson for the developer Welsh Leisure Pty Ltd said the organisationlooksforwardto“discussing theissuesraisedwithcouncil’sofficersor representatives to see if we can resolve some of those issues,” at the VCAT compulsory conference on April 8.
The major case hearings with VCAT will be held over several dates during late June and early July.
events and show jumping.
SharonBanner,presidentofWoodendPony Club where Madeleine has been a member for over 10 years, said the club is proud of the girls.
“It just goes to show what opportunities can come from being part of pony club,” Ms Banner said.
“It’s a great way to meet local people with similar interests, learn more about riding horses and it can provide some amazing opportunities.”
Clara Greenwood competing in China.
(Supplied)
Rupertswood Football Netball Club vice president Anthony Stafford at the new pavilion. (Oscar Parry)
Where curiosity comes alive
Adventure through Kyabram Fauna Park’s expansive wetlands and bushlands, and explore a stunning array of birdlife and unique native animals.
Relax at the Fauna Park Café with our playful meerkats, or enjoy a BYO BBQ while the kids are entertained at the playground.
Kids visit free on weekends, public holidays and Victorian school holidays.* *zoo.org.au/kids-visit-free
First resident welcomed
A new aged care service in Romsey opened its doortoitsfirstresidentlatelastmonth,marking the occasion with a welcome ceremony.
Hosted on Monday, March 31, Romsey CommunityAgedCarewelcomedfirstresident Judith Doolan, with her family – including daughter Tracey Robertson and son-in-law ChristianSaunders–byhersidethroughoutthe event to mark the milestone of her transition to residential aged care.
Ms Doolan helped to celebrate the official opening of the new service by cutting a red ribbon alongside former Macedon Ranges councillor Geoff Neil.
Ms Doolan was excited to be welcomed to her new home, but admitted she was a bit
overwhelmed by all of the attention at the welcoming ceremony.
“I can’t believe all these people are here for me,” Ms Doolan said.
A former yoga teacher, she said she is especiallylookingforwardtotakingpartinthe organisation’s walking and exercise groups, as well as the reading group and bus outings.
According to a Romsey Community Aged Care spokesperson, Ms Doolan has “already brought a wonderful energy to the residence” through her “radiant smile and eagerness to engage with community life.”
The Romsey Community Aged Care residence is located at 40 Goodenia Lane, Romsey.
Briefs
Babies in Hume
If you are looking to gain information relevant to your baby’s developing needs, Hume council is hosting an information session from 9.30am–11.30am on Thursday, April 10, at the Elizabeth Drive Maternal and Child Health Centre, 511 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. Topics covered include sleep and settling, communication, introducing solids, safety in and around the home, play, learning, and development. Reservations can be made on Hume’s website, with a limit of one ticket per adult.
Talking cats and dogs
Macedon Ranges council is seeking community input on its Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029. A Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) outlines the key issues, objectives and priorities for how cats and dogs will be managed in the community. The plan relates to cats and dogs only – no other pets or animals. Areas covered by the plan include responsible pet ownership topics such as desexing and microchipping, effective control of dogs in public areas, dog on and off-leash areas, nuisance dogs and cats, barking dogs, cat confinement, and collection and disposal of animal excrement. The survey can be completed on the council’s YourSay platform.
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Romsey Aged Care Facility first resident Judith Doolan with daughter Tracey Robertson and son-in-law Christian Saunders at the welcome event. (Supplied)
The trials of Elizabeth Taylor
Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the tale of Elizabeth Taylor whose trade was helping women terminate unwanted pregnancies, a procedure that could be tragically fatal. One such unlucky ‘patient’ was Ballan hotel licensee and widow Nelly Carter.
When Elizabeth Taylor was sentenced to death by Justice Thomas A’Beckett, she had no violet eyes, no raven tresses or rosebud mouth with which to sway an all-male judge and jury. Indeed, Elizabeth was a plain and dumpy redhead, with strings of court appearances that did her no favours at all.
Charging between 10 pounds and 20 guineas for a “consultation” in her Richmond premises, Mrs Taylor needed hefty wads of cash to bribe doctors into signing false death certificates, or pay teams of lawyers as she faced one charge after another of conspiracy to procure abortion, and malpractice that ended in maternal deaths. Time after time she walked free due to technicalities or lack of concrete proof, or because survivors of the ghastly ordeal were too ill or frightened to appear as witnesses against her.
In 1882, Margaret Robinson, a widow, died. In 1883, a 15-year-old barmaid, Florence Waddilove, died. In 1886, Julia Warburton also died of significant internal injuries. You could have knocked Elizabeth down with a curette when she was sentenced to two years’ hard labour in Melbourne Gaol for manslaughter.
‘‘ It was entirely due to the outrageous behaviour of both sexes and all classes flocking to sinful beaches like, ahem, Williamstown ’’ - Barb McNeill
However, within days of her release, she was back at work, boldly advertising her services as an “accoucheuse” and raking in the cash. More women died of peritonitis, mainly due to sharp, dirty instruments puncturing the uterus.
Dr Richard Youl, Melbourne’s dour Chief Coroner, estimating that a third of all abortions in the colony ended in maternal deaths, pompously opined why abortions were so rampant in Victoria. It wasn’t financial hardships which drove women to this desperate remedy, nor was it the law which denied them access to safe, hygienic terminations. No, it was entirely due to the outrageous behaviour of both sexes and all classes flocking to sinful beaches like, ahem, Williamstown, where they lolled on warm sand and entertained lustful thoughts.
In 1891, the licensee of Ballan’s Railway Hotel, the very respectable 34-year-old Ellen ’Nelly’ Carter, found to her horror that she was pregnant. She had been widowed for two years, had four children aged between 13 and 7 years and was raising them by the hard work of running a pub.
She had arrived in Ballan a little over a year before and needed to establish her business credentials. As well as creating serious financial setbacks, an illegitimate child would ruin her reputation. As she was aware, middle class widows, if they had sexual urges, were expected to remain true to the memory of their departed spouse, which meant a life of irreproachable celibacy. Illegitimate births carried shame, stigma and sometimes social ostracism.
Nelly was very popular; an attractive, outgoing, civic- minded lady but the
identity of the man she fell for is unknown. Unsurprisingly, she had heard of the notorious Elizabeth Taylor. Arrangements were made; Nelly travelled to Richmond, where her pregnancy was terminated on 5th May for the fee of 10 pounds. Three days later, Elizabeth, calling herself Mrs Brown, visited Nelly Carter at the Railway Hotel, and there she stayed all night.
To her credit, she returned several times over the week to check on Nelly’s welfare. StillposingasMrsBrown,shewassufficiently alarmed to send for a doctor when her patient suddenly deteriorated.
The townspeople of Ballan, saddened by what they believed was a bowel disease and praying for the licensee’s quick recovery, flocked to the hotel with flowers and get well messages.
Dr Marr attended on 16th May, diagnosed peritonitis,gaveNellysedationandremained with her until her death. Dr Woinarski of Ballarat visited on 19th May and agreed that there was no hope of recovery. Nelly suffered terrible pain, screaming for the mercy of chloroform and morphia. Dr Marr reluctantly had to refuse; having persuaded her to make a deposition, her full lucidity was required. On Thursday 21st May, knowing that she could not survive, Nelly
made a dying deposition before a magistrate, a senior constable of police, a nurse Sorell and others. This was completed late in the evening. Her distraught children said their goodbyes, and Nelly died shortly after 2 am on Friday, 22nd May, 1891, 17 days after the fateful visit to “Mrs Brown”.
Ballan was incredulous when the true cause of Nelly Carter’s illness was revealed. It simply didn’t seem possible that the devoted mother and hard working licensee had found even a minute to spare for any gentlemen friends. Their disgust and contempt was aimed solely at whoever had used and abandoned this greatly loved woman.
The post mortem was held on 23rd May. Intriguingly, the doctors found no indication of surgical interference, though abortions could be induced by ingesting pennyroyal, or by abdominal pressure. Elizabeth Taylor knew all the tricks of the trade.
She appeared in the Melbourne City Court on 30th May, 1891 before Mr Justice Thomas A’Beckett, charged with the wilful murder of Ellen Carter. Elizabeth sat calmly, confident that her defence counsel would soon have her acquitted, or, at worst, handed a short custodial sentence.
The jury’s verdict was guilty, with a recommendation for mercy, as, in their
opinion, the death of Ellen Carter was not wilful. Justice A’Beckett thought differently, and promptly sentenced Elizabeth Taylor to death. She screamed and wept, collapsing onto a chair before being steered back to her cell. Sentence was stayed until the Full Court decided a question of law. Elizabeth’s long streak of good luck stayed with her. Finally, the Executive Council commuted the sentence to 15 years’ gaol.
Remarkably,herclosebrushwiththenoose and the rigours of prison life did nothing to persuade Elizabeth to try her hand at some other profession.
Realising that Victoria was now too hot for her, she chose Western Australia as an attractive money spinner. Miners lured girls with their flaunted cash; resultingly, girls became pregnant and in need of her services. Elizabeth packed her instruments of death and headed westwards.
In Perth, 1908, single, 35-year-old Lily Turner, engaged to one man but pregnant to another, died. Elizabeth, now calling herself nurse Pears, received a seven year stretch for manslaughter. The judge in his sentencing dryly observed that for a woman of her age, a lengthy spell in jail was effectively the death sentence. He was correct. Elizabeth Taylor died in gaol in September, 1909.
Williamstown’s Barb McNeill. (Damjan Janevski) 432421_05
Lion cub birth sends a roar west
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Werribee Open Range Zoo roared with pride when it announced the birth of its future king or queen of the jungle.
The lion cub was born on the evening of Sunday, March 23 to seven-year-old mother Asali and eight-year-old father Sheru.
The zoo’s African river trail keeper Kieralie Braasch said the birth is incredibly exciting and the little cub is already hitting some very impressive milestones.
“Thecubappearstobeembracingitssololife without sibling competition, as it is thriving in
both size and development,” Ms Braasch said.
“Cubsareusuallybornwiththeireyesclosed for three days and don’t take their first steps for 15 days; however, this cub amazingly had its eyes open at the three-hour mark and was on the move after just 15 hours.”
This was the first time a single cub has been born in the zoo’s 41-year history, with most litters containing two to four cubs.
MsBraaschsaidbothmumandcubaredoing extremely well and developing their bond.
“As with any birth, it was a sleepless night as keepersandourzoovetsobservedAsaligointo labouronremoteaccess24-hourdencameras,”
Driving better outcomes
Sunbury Coaches is hosting a mental health and breast cancer awareness and fundraising day this month, addressing two themes of high importance to its staff.
Kicking off after school drop-off time at 10.30am on Wednesday, April 30, Sunbury Coaches drivers and staff will be offered a free haircut, shave, or hair colouring from one of the company’s drivers to show support and raise funds for mental health or breast cancer.
Donric Group human resources manager andeventorganiserAngelaPowellsaidthatthe idea for the fundraiser came after two drivers approached her last month asking if they could cut their hair for fundraising purposes.
“One of the drivers [has] very long hair and a very long beard, so it will work quite well for him!” Ms Powell said.
“And for the ladies – they’re welcome to cut their hair and shave it if they want to, but we’re alsoencouragingthemtodyetheirhairpinkto
raise awareness and money for Breast Cancer,” she said.
Ms Powell said that the two causes are especially significant for some staff members, including some whose loved ones are currently living with breast cancer.
Sunbury Coaches staff and drivers will meet in the organisation’s common area for the fundraising event, enjoying tea, coffee, and biscuits before finishing up at 12.30 – leaving enough time to head out again for the school pickup runs.
Donations can be made through a GoFundMe page created for the event.
Details: gofund.me/f192990a
Oscar Parry Sunbury Coaches bus driver Rob McDonald, receptionist Teri Goodwin, and bus driver Corrado Aloisio. (Supplied)
Ms Braasch said. “But Asali is showing all the positive maternal behaviours keepers would hope to see from a first-time mum – she is groomingthecubandtheyarereallysnuggling uptoeachother.“Thecubisalsodrinkingmilk ferociously – it cannot stop!”
Forsix-to-eightweeks,Asaliandhercubwill bond in a private den, away from public view to mimic wild behaviour where a lioness would allow a cub to grow before introducing it to the pride.
The lion cub will have its first health check to determine its sex and will be named in the coming weeks.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN THE MACEDON RANGES
The Community-Led Safe Space in Woodend is a warm, welcoming drop-in space offering peer support, connection, and understanding.
What to expect:
Trained Peer Supporters ready to listen
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Open Wednesdays 5:30 – 8:30PM
Saturdays (fortnightly) 1:00 – 4:00PM
Woodend Neighbourhood House47 Forest Street, Woodend VIC
Lioness Asali with her first cub. (Supplied)
A pregnancy cut short
Luci Hadler gave birth to her daughter Coco only 29 weeks into her pregnancy. She spoke with Jena Carr about the challenges of giving birth prematurely.
Everything about Luci Hadler’s pregnancy over three years ago was going normally until she hit the 29-week mark.
The 43-year-old didn’t initially have many issueswithherpregnancy,despitebeingclassed as high-risk due to her age of 39 at the time, until events led to the early birth of daughter Coco Deppeler on May 10, 2021.
“It was a completely normal pregnancy, and I was healthy and not sick at all. I was perfectly fine...untilmywaterbrokeat29weeksandfive days into my pregnancy,” Luci said.
“It was a Saturday morning, and I went straight into hospital … I still had no signs of labour, and I felt perfectly fine, but I was hospitalised immediately after my water broke.
“The same thing happened with my older daughter, who was born nine years earlier. I was 36 weeks pregnant when I had her, so it was a much safer pregnancy. So, I definitely knew what was going on.”
After being hospitalised in Geelong, Luci was transferred to Mercy Hospital for Women in Heidelberg so she could be near a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
“I was an inpatient there until Coco was born at 31 weeks. Doctors had to keep a close eye on me because the risk of infection was a lot higher,” she said.
“She was born at 1537 grams, so she was tiny. We were very lucky, though, that she was borningoodconditionandhadnootherissues apart from her prematurity.
“She spent the first week in NICU at special care in Melbourne before she was transferred to Barwon Health, and she spent the next six weeksthereinspecialcarenurseryinGeelong.”
Preterm labour begins before the 37th week ofpregnancy,withbabiesbornbeforethistime more likely to need help with breathing and keeping warm.
Luci said the concerning pregnancy and birth of her daughter was a “stressful time” for her and her husband as they were away from home.
“My husband, from the first time I was hospitalised, also got accommodation in Melbourne.So,hewascloseby,butthatwason a night-by-night booking,” she said.
“I finished work six weeks earlier than I planned to finish. I planned to work up until about 37 weeks, but I had to finish work abruptly, so I didn’t have a lot of annual leave banked up.
“I was lucky with the couple weeks of annual
leave that I did have, but that was still about seven weeks of working and pay that I missed out on because I had to finish work straight away.
“I did get the 18 weeks of paid parental leave afterCocowasborn,butitwasstillsevenweeks less than I had with my baby at home, which is what you’d expect from a normal pregnancy.
“The bills still needed to be paid, and you stillneedtokeepahouseholdrunningathome, so costs are just an extra stress that you’ve got on top of the emotional side of having a prem baby.”
Coco has come a long way since being born prematurely, and Luci said that “you would never know she was a prem baby”.
“She’s going to be four in May, which is exciting. She’s very active and talkative and
she goes to day care four days a week. She’s in three-year-oldkinderthisyearandshe’sloving that,” she said.
More than 48,000 babies require specialised care for premature or sick births each year in Australia, according to the Miracle Babies Foundation.
Co-founder and chief executive Kylie Pussell said there was a need for the federal government to provide more support and paid leave for parents.
“For parents of premature and sick babies, the NICU journey is not just emotionally and physically exhausting as it can also be financially devastating,” she said.
“Up to half of NICU parents will experience mental health challenges, yet the current government Paid Parental Leave entitlements
‘‘ For parents of premature and sick babies, the NICU journey is not just emotionally and physically exhausting as it can also be financially devastating ’’ - Kylie Pussell
do not reflect the unique and complex needs of these families.
“Many of these parents are using their paid parental leave whilst their baby is in hospital, placing higher financial pressure on them to returntoworkearlierthantheirpeerswhohad a full-term, healthy baby.
“A critical care payment for the time spent in NICU should be made available through additional paid parental leave for neonatal (the first28daysofanewborninfant’slife)families.
“We firmly believe all babies should be discharged from hospital with the same paid parental leave entitlements, so we are calling for an additional paid leave to support parents when a baby is born prematurely or in hospital for over two weeks, during the most critical care period in hospital.”
Cash in over the holidays
Single-use drink containers are a major source of litter in the environment, accounting for 15 per cent of litter nationwide according to Clean Up Australia’s annual Litter Report.
But there’s good news - container deposit schemes across Australia and the world are having a significant impact on litter reduction. Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic)waslaunchedlessthan18monthsagoand participationcontinuestogrow,reducinglitter and boosting recycling rates.
The scheme is a recycling program that gives back to the planet, your community and your pocket. Keen recyclers are collecting and returning eligible drink bottles, cans and cartons at local return points for a 10-cent refund per item. While it might not sound like much, it quickly adds up. Drink containers are processed to make new products, working towards a circular economy.
Since launching in November 2023, CDS Vic has processed almost 1.5 billion drink containers — returning $150 million to Victorians and raising $1.5 million for local charities, schools and community groups.
The Christmas holidays saw the scheme’s highest volume of containers returned on record.Weeklyreturnsusuallyaveragearound 20 million, but Victorians returned around 30 million containers almost every week over the summer.
With the Easter holidays approaching, Victorians have another chance to cash in big while keeping their communities clean. Following record-breaking container returns over Christmas, another surge is expected as families and friends gather to celebrate, says Jim Round, CEO of scheme coordinator VicReturn.
“This Easter, let’s turn our empty drink containers into extra cash while making a real impact on the environment. By recycling
through CDS Vic, every bottle, can, or carton returned helps keep Victoria clean and puts money back in your pocket,” he said.
“Let’s set a new record and make an even bigger difference!”
The scheme has also fostered new opportunities for local communities. Schools, sporting and community groups, and not-for-profit organisations have embraced the initiative as a fundraising tool. CDS Vic is working with grassroots sporting and community groups to boost scheme participation even further.
As Easter approaches, consider donating your refunds to The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. As a registered scheme donation partner, the Good Friday Appeal has raised over $72,000 through the
Romsey Library library services officer Rae Good said that libraries are a great resource for free activities and entertainment during the school holidays. (Damjan Janevski) 468871_01
Easter joy at libraries
Easter fun will be on offer at the libraries in Macedon Ranges these school holidays, with a program of free events and activities set to be launched.
A mix of pre-booked and drop-in events, Goldfields Libraries in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend will provide an eclectic mix of children’s activities through their school holiday program, running from Monday, April 7 to Thursday, April 17.
For dog-lovers, a screening of the film Runt will be held at the Gisborne Library on Wednesday, April 9, and at Romsey Library on Thursday, April 10.
Viewers will be transported to the island of Motunui as Moana 2 is screened at Gisborne Library on Monday, April 14, and at Romsey Library on Tuesday, April 15.
Other drop-in activities include the Circuits and Switches STEM challenges, facilitated by the Discovery Science and Technology Centre, where children aged 5-12
can experiment with and build their own working electrical circuit.
Easter-themed activities include Easter rock painting, 3D Easter bunny portrait making, and other craft activities.
Romsey Library library services officer Rae Good said every library will have drop-in classes suitable for all ages – and that the library staff are happy to assist and direct children who would like to borrow books.
“We have books for every age and reading level … There’s definitely something for everyone. Even Audiobooks … people taking a trip might like to borrow an audiobook to listen in the car,” Ms Good said.
She said libraries are a great resource for parents and children during the school holidays, providing free and accessible materials, activities, and entertainment – as well as social engagement.
Details: ncgrl.vic.gov.au/school-holidayprogram
scheme to date.
Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal Rebecca Cowan said: “Victorians have a natural generosity when it comes to helping others, and donating your containers is yet another way to support the community and contribute to the Good Friday Appeal.”
“For 94 years, the community has come together to raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal, supporting sick children and providing lifesaving medical care at The Royal Children’s Hospital. This ongoing effort continues to make a meaningful impact, with $72,000 raised through the community donating the 10 cents from the refund of each container.”
Visit cdsvic.org.au to learn more about the scheme and find your nearest refund point.
Life-saving skill worth learning
A community organisation is hosting a free public demonstration of automated external defibrillator (AEDs) in Romsey thismonth,aimingtoarmlocalresidents with life-saving skills.
Set for Friday April 11 at the Romsey AmbulanceStation,theone-hoursession was organised by the Romsey/Lancefield Ambulance Auxiliary – a small group of locals who raise funds to support the ambulance station in Romsey.
Community members of all ages are invitedtoattendandbecomemorefamiliar with AEDs, which are an easy-to-use portabledevicethatcananalyseaperson’s heartrhythmanddeliveranelectricshock if needed – which can save someone who is experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. Auxiliary secretary Angela Heywood said, “CPR is very stressful on people who actually do it manually, so the AED is a much better way of helping to save people –ifavailable”.
In Romsey, AED locations include at the ambulance station, Romsey Library Hub, Bendigo Bank, and Caltex service stations on Main Street and at Romsey Primary School on Station Street.
With no registration required, the public AED demonstration is free to attend and will run from 10am–11am at the Romsey Ambulance Station at 155 Main Street, Romsey.
Ms Heywood said that she is also lookingfornewmemberswhowouldlike toassisttheauxiliarywithitsfundraising efforts. Call 0413 065 177
Oscar Parry
A Victorian worker sorts returned drinks.
A walk around suburb of Seabrook
No, it’s not part of Point Cook. No, it’s not part of Altona Meadows. It is Seabrook.
Having spent my entire 24 years in this suburb, I cannot estimate the number of times I have had to explain this to outsiders. Unfortunately, I have to address a misnomer and probably kill the place’s best selling point. Seabrook is not by the sea and is in fact landlocked.
So let’s forget about the sea and move on to the brook– the only part of the name that remotely makes sense.
Like many great empires across history, part of Seabrook’s border is defined by physical geography, Skeleton Creek in this case.
Beginning my Friday night walk, the album I am listening to, Exile on Main Street, could not be more out of tune with what I am seeing – peak hour traffic on Point Cook Road.
‘‘ When I spot a problem, I work tirelessly to address it – it’s exhilarating to see positive change unfold ’’
- Nas Khan
Many residents would be happy to shine a light on that issue, but it’s time to turn left into Seabrook’s only shopping precinct, the aptly named Seabrook Plaza.
Navigating the peak hour traffic that is coming out of the fish and chip shop and neighbouring bottle shop, I accidentally bump close friend and fellow Seabrookian Brandon Hayes.
Brandon and I have roamed these streets since the days of the old Hand-E-Food service station.
Hand-E-Food is but a memory and where it once stood has been an empty, cordoned off site since Ampol’s lease expired last July. We have a lightbulb moment: The Seabrook Hotel. Seabrook’s first pub could occupy this spot. It would be run by locals, for locals, and probably drive tourism numbers up a bit.
Sobering thoughts enter our mind. Not because it’s a bad idea or we wouldn’t become the most famous establishment in Seabrook, but because another establishment right next door, Seabrook Primary School, would be the reason it’s never approved.
Another left turn has us entering Homestead Run and catching a glimpse of the spinning thing (or whatever you call it) on the playground that we both got sick of. Literally.
My vacant stare at another old stomping ground, Seabrook Kindergarten, is abruptly interrupted.
Snapping back to reality, I release it’s only Seabrook’s finest ambassador Nas Khan.
If someone knows a thing or two about this place it’s her. She wasn’t the 2023 Hobsons Bay Citizen of the Year for nothing. The award was given to her for working tirelessly behind the scenes to improve Seabrook.
Naturally, I ask her ‘Why do you love this place so much?’
“I adore Seabrook for many reasons,” Nas says. “The quietness, the intimate size, the quaint charm, the diversity of cultures, the friendly locals, breath-taking sunrises and sunsets, Skeleton Creek, and the delightful ducks … the list is endless.”
I guess the beginning of Nas’ relationship with Seabrook could be best described as a
blind date that turned into a love story.
“I moved to Seabrook in 2005, and the property was bought while I was away, but I had given specific instructions.
“My representative searched various suburbs, including Williamstown, Newport, and Altona, before finding the perfect fit in Seabrook.”
“As soon as I moved in, I fell in love with the house. It matched my energy, and I felt an instant connection.”
For Nas, it’s not about fighting hard or trying to be a big shot, it’s about doing what needs to be done.
“When I spot a problem, I work tirelessly to address it – it’s exhilarating to see positive change unfold.”
Well, she’s off to do something important, so Brandon and I walk back on to Point Cook Road in continuation of our ill-defined quest. In less than two minutes we pass the Dunnings Road lights and a sign that reads ‘Welcome to Wyndham.’ We have reached another of Seabrook’s borders.
In spite of that, Seabrook is not even the smallest suburb in Hobsons Bay. Seaholme and South Kingsville occupy less territory.
With a U-turn, we are now walking past Seabrook’s only active service station – and café for that matter – the BP.
If you look at a map, the shape of the Seabrook Boulevard and Shane Avenue circuit almost resembles two lungs.
I’m out of breath, so here’s Brandon.
“My family and I moved to Seabrook in 2005 and early on we just realised how accessible this ‘little’ suburb was.
“You have the creek, some nice parks and pretty decent joints to get food. I enjoy just how laid back and discreet it typically is.”
The next Seabrookian we have bumped into moved here in 1998.
Enter Raymond Wright.
Eighty trips around the sun has not taken any mongrel out of the man, who has been spending his golden years protecting our park from marauding teens.
When he is dodging projectiles and weathering profanities, the retired ostrich farmer is quite the charmer and larrikin. But don’t take my word for it.
“I have been living around the general area since 1984 but have stuck around because my kids and grandkids grew up here and still live around here,” Ray said.
“The area has everything I need.”
Brandon and I continue through Pipeline Reserve, it’s just ‘The Park’ to us though.
While we both miss the old playground, the new one that opened last October has been a hit with the kids.
Since there is no designated ‘Seabrook historical society’, I phoned in a friend, Graeme Reilly of the Altona Laverton Historical Society, to answer a question I have pondered my whole life but not bothered to ask.
“The area was referred to as Laverton until the area transferred from Werribee (now Wyndham) to Hobsons Bay. In 1996, approximately, it was colloquially referred to as Laverton South,” Graeme tells me.
“Then around 1998 it became Western Gardens as the housing estate was known under that title. Shortly afterwards it became Seabrook.”
Interesting as that may be, it doesn’t help us get out of our neighbour’s shadow and we have hit Willowgreen Way, another border.
We have an open border agreement with Point Cook, but Brandon and I are going to head home for dinner.
Jaidyn Kennedy takes you on a ‘typical’ Friday evening walk around his home suburbs Seabrook, with a little help from his friends.
Left: Star Weekly journalist and life-long Seabrookian Jaidyn Kennedy at Pipeline Reserve. Right: The not-so-famous Seabrook Clocktower. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 465000
Seabrook advocate Nas Khan. (Supplied)
Pilates: a path to wellness for rural communities
Pilates, a form of low-impact exercise, offers health benefits, making it an ideal choice for smallregionalcommunitiesseekingaccessible ways to improve overall well-being.
With its focus on slow, controlled movements, core engagement, and breathing control, Pilates is a holistic exercise option that enhances strength, stability, and motor control while addressing a range of physical health issues.
One of the primary advantages of Pilates is its adaptability – anyone can participate, regardless of age, fitness level, or physical condition.
Forindividualsinruralcommunities,where access to diverse fitness programs might be limited, Pilates provides a versatile solution. It supports those dealing with chronic pain or musculoskeletal injuries, offering a gentle yet effective way to manage discomfort and improve mobility.
This makes Pilates particularly beneficial for those with conditions like fibromyalgia or persistent back and neck pain.
Pilates is also well-suited for older adults who may experience reduced mobility, muscle strength, or balance. By focusing on core strength and stability, Pilates helps improve these areas, reducing the risk of falls and enhancing overall quality of life.
Additionally, for those recovering from injuries, Pilates serves as a safe, low-impact exercise method to regain strength and ease back into more strenuous activities.
Even individuals without pain or injuries can benefit from Pilates as a preventive measure, reducing the likelihood of future injuries and supporting daily activities and other forms of exercise.
For those interested in starting Pilates, it’s important to undergo an initial assessment. Macedon Ranges Health offers consultations
to determine the best form of Pilates suited to your needs. For individuals with chronic medical conditions, and for those who have had
surgery within the past three months, a written clearance from a GP is required to ensure safety in a class setting. Try Pilates and discover how it can help
improve your health and well-being. Explore Pilate’s classes at Macedon Ranges Health by visiting mrh.org.au or call (03) 5428 0300
Urgent care clinics at injury time
By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network
Autumn is a season beloved by sports fans. It’s football time. It’s netball time. It’s soccer time.
And that means it’s also injury time.
Cuts, sprains and fractures are all part and parcel of Australia’s shared love of getting out on a sports field to kick, throw or hit a ball around.
Unfortunately,gettinghurtisafactoflifefor the thousands of kids and adults who turn out every week for training and matches.
And let’s not forget all those who kick the footy or bounce the basketball in the driveway, onlytotakeatumbleintheheatofthemoment.
It used to be that a sprained ankle or wrist mid-game resulted in one of two outcomes: an uncomfortable day or two waiting to see a GP, orseveralhourssittinginahospitalemergency department.
These days, thankfully, there is a third option: urgent care clinics, or UCCs.
UCCs give you more options to see a GP or nurse when you need care for urgent, but not life-threatening, injuries and illnesses.
Exact details may vary from clinic to clinic, but in general they are open seven days a week across extended hours.
Treatment is free, and there is no need to make an appointment, nor to have a Medicare card.
All UCCs have services such as pathology and imaging either in the same building or nearby. (There might be charges for these.) Each, too, is linked up to a nearby hospital and the ambulance service – so if it turns out you needreallyseriouscarereallyquickly,theycan get you there really fast.
The majority of sporting injuries, though, can hurt a bit, but are relatively minor in the
scheme of things.
In most cases, the ideal thing to do after a spill on the field (or the driveway) is to go and see your regular doctor or medical centre.
Sometimes, however, that’s not an option because appointments aren’t available as soon as you’d like. So, the next best option is to head for your nearest UCC.
You should think about doing this if you’ve torn a muscle, suspect a minor fracture, or
copped an errant elbow.
InourregionthereareUCCsinCraigieburn, Carlton, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Ponds, Richmond, Sunbury, Sunshine and Werribee.
There are also plenty of others across Victoria – so they are still an option if you get hurt during an away game.
Forfulldetails,andtofindtheUCCnearestto you wherever you are, check out this webpage:
betterhealth.vic.gov.au/urgent-care-clinics
The other good options for urgent care are to ring Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 or visit the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at vved.org.au on your computer or smart phone.
And, of course, if it’s a serious injury, don’t delay. Call triple-0 straight away. And one last message: good luck to you and your team!
A injury on the netball court doesn’t have to result in a trip to hospital. Try visiting an urgent care clinic instead. (Shutterstock)
World-class specialist care, all under one roof
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Smile Solutions offers world-class specialist care for Dental Implants and All-on-4® treatment, ensuring patients receive the higheststandardofcare.
It provides ceramic zirconia with reinforced titanium bars at the same price as you would expect to pay for printed resin or acrylic denture teeth – all with a team of board-registered specialists, not a general dentist.
Smile Solutions is a certified All-on-4® clinic, using only premium, Swiss-made All-on-4® registered products – no inferior alternatives.
Its patients have the option to undergo surgery in the safety and comfort of a private hospital or in its spacious, purpose-designed dentalsuites,providingpeaceofmindduring theirprocedure.
With in-house laboratory and on-site master ceramists, every smile is meticulously designedforoptimalaestheticsanddurability. For complex cases, the team includes oral and maxillofacial surgeons to ensure the best possibleoutcomes.
As Australia’s most awarded dental practice, Smile Solutions has proudly served the community for over 30 years. Its clinic is conveniently located on Collins Street, inside the iconic Manchester Unity Building, offering patients access to premium dental careinaprestigioussetting.
Book a FREE CONSULTATION with one of Smile Solutions’ senior dentists to explore youroptionsfordentalimplantsorAll-on-4®, and take the first step towards a confident, beautifulsmile.
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registered specialists rather than general
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Smile Solutions offers Dental Implants and All-on-4® treatment. (Pictures: Supplied)
Smile Solutions is located inside the iconic Manchester Unity Building on Collins Street.
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
Messy Play in Sunbury
Join in the Messy Play fun with this toddler-focussed program, including messy and sensory child-led play. The program will run from 10–11.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays and are available to book now for Term 2 for an 11-week term.
www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978
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. The club is temporarily located at 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury while construction on a new venue is underway. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat.
0434 400 754
One Voice Sunbury
The WOV Sunbury community choir is changing the world one voice at a time by providing an opportunity for people to meet and experience the joy of singing, often making friends through the shared experiences of singing and performing; although performing is not required. One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday, from 6.30pm, at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome – just join in on the fun.
sunbury@withonevoice.org.au
Pernaperna Women’s Group
The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet
fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday, from 1-3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members warmly welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat, the group would love to meet you.
Joan, 0418 302 676
Jacksons Creek Combined Probus
The club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am. This friendly group of men and women enjoy outings and meetings each month and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed
Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006
Craft and conversation
Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.
https://bit.ly/39BIu2O
Sunbury Badminton Club
The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights, from 7.30-9.30pm, 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
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 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
This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of the new elephant enclosure at Werribee Open Range Zoo. (Damjan Janevski) 468666_01
Young performers take the mic
A free story-led festival and open mic event is coming to Brimbank on April 12 at the Bowery Theatre.
A collaborative showcase of young artistic talent, Cinespace and South by South East Asian (SXSEA), alongside Brimbank Youth Arts are presenting a night of film, live performance and free food.
Across a series of workshops, young participantsofCinespaceandSXSEA’s‘About Us, For You: A Festival of Stories’ program, have honed their skills in storytelling to create music, film, and theatre works, and these will now be showcased at the event.
Brimbank’s FReeZA will be presenting its bi-annual Half-Baked Open Mic for young people as well to practise their performances in front of a crowd, whether it’s a dance, spoken word, song, diary entry or instrumental.
The collaborative event is set to captivate audiences according to SXSEA founder Pranati Narayan Visweswaran.
Ms Visweswaran said the program was also a great opportunity for the young performers — some of whom may be doing it for the first time.
“It is incredibly important for us to support
young people in their journeys with the creative arts,” she said.
“It can be such a transformative and rewarding experience to see what you have created come to life, and feel supported by those around you.”
The performances will kick-off at 3pm.
Details: https://creativebrimbank.com.au/ half-baked-apr-2025
Pranati Narayan Visweswaran is asking people to come along and support the young performers. (Damjan Janevski) 469472_01
All aboard the Dinosaur Line!
Full steam ahead – the Bulla Hill Railway is warming up its locomotives for its next public run day this month, with passengers offered clear views of giant Jurassic reptiles and the picturesque Macedon Ranges.
Known as the Dinosaur Line, the railway weaves past several colourful dinosaur statues, including a large animatronic figure.
Run by a group of passionate volunteers, the organisation will host its next public run day from 10am–4pm on Sunday, April 20, with the
call for the last ride at 3.45pm.
Railway promotions officer Sue Brabazon said there is “something for everybody” at the site,andthatthevolunteers“justloveoperating the trains for the public”.
“We’ve got a range of trains on the go – we’ve got steam, we’ve got diesel, we’ve got battery. We have shelters for hire, the train playground, … we’ve got a train outline that you can have your photos with as well … plus all of our many dinosaurs to find around the track,” Ms
Brabazon said.
“Itkeepsthekidsallentertainedwhilethey’re havingagreatride…aswellasallthebeautiful views looking out towards Mount Macedon for the adults … everyone gets wowed by that.”
Tickets are $5 each for anyone over 12 months of age and can be purchased on the day with cash or card.
The Bulla Hill Railway is located at 15 Green Street, Bulla.
Details: bullahillrailway.org.au
Bandroom set to host birthday gigs
Yarraville’s Kindred Bandroom turns 19 this month and appropriately for a live music venue, is hosting a run of gigs to celebrate.
From Wednesday, April 9 through to Saturday, April 12, six shows, including two afternoon shows, will be held at the Harris Street venue which is part of the larger Kindred Studios complex.
US singer-songwriter, John Craigie, will kick off Kindred’s birthday party shows on April 9, as part of a three-week run around Australia.
Joining Craigie will be Portland, Oregon folk-country artist, Kassi Valazza, who will be making her Australian debut.
On Thursday, April 10, Raga Saga will play a free afternoon show from 2-4pm playing a mixture of North Indian classical music and melodic jazz. That evening, Kindred’s regular free jamnight,FlowMotion,willbeheldwith special guests, Super-Band, playing two hours of high-energy, improvised groove music.
OnFriday,April11,seven-pieceSydney metal band, Battlesnake, will headline a birthday rock party with support from Melbourne’s Peach Fuzz, Milk After Sex and Destrends DJs.
On Saturday, April 12, six-piece, genre-fluid, psych-jazz and rock group, Big Cat, will play a free afternoon show starting at 1pm.
Later that night, legendary Melbourne based nine-piece ensemble, Ausecuma Beats, will close out Kindred’s birthday celebrations with support from vocalist and percussionist Immy Owusu, Dom Carpenter Trio and AKA Zeb.
Tickets and information: https:// moshtix.com.au/v2/venues/kindredbandroom-vic/8260
The Princess Bride takes over Penrose Place this weekend
You can’t visit the fictional kingdom of Florin in person, but you can come down to Penrose Place in Tarneit and watch one of its finest love tales on the big screen.
On Saturday, April 12, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the brave Westley will swashbuckle their way through adversity to be together in The Princess Bride – and you’ll be able to watch it comfortably.
Six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes and rodents of unusual sizes will attempt to stop the two lovers from being together, but nothing is stopping you from coming along with loved ones and chilling out with a bag of
popcorn.
MuchlikePrinceHumperdinck,yourfriends might get slightly jealous if you don’t invite them along, so it’s probably best to let them know you’re going and avoid what Buttercup and Westley go through.
There will be pre-movie themed entertainment to enjoy, so pack your picnic blanket, grab dinner and settle in for an evening of outdoor cinema fun.
Some bean bags will be provided, but it is best to bring your own chairs.
Your furry friends will be allowed along to this event, but they must stay on a leash and
under supervision at all times. Light refreshments will be available onsite including coffee, hot drinks, ice cream, fairy floss and popcorn.
Pre-movie entertainment starts at 5pm, with the movie commencing at 6pm.
This session is part of Wyndham council’s free Movies in the Park series.
Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ moviesinthepark
Bulla Hill Miniature Railway volunteers Brian Parkinson, Kris Siderov, and Ronald Goold. (Damjan Janevski) 418028_01
Come see The Princess Bride at Penrose Place. (Supplied)
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Tony Stubbs Eye Surgeon
Dr. Tony Stubbs, Eye Surgeon, says that just about anyone can have their vision restored and be rid of their glasses for most of the time. And this is without the use of laser surgery.
Dr Stubbs formerly at the Royal Victorian Eye Hospital who has worked with the Fred Hollows eye department at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, says he began his career through the inspiration of his father, Dr Maxwell Stubbs.
“My father was a pioneer in cataract implant surgery from 1963! He has now passed away but some of his patients still come in for a check-up. Not only is this inspirational, it also demonstrates that good surgery outlasts the surgeon,” Dr Stubbs says.
A specialist who helps people who have been advised they are unsuitable for laser surgery, Dr Stubbs is also committed to demonstrating that age, corneal distortion or astigmatism are no barriers to eliminating the need for glasses.
One of my best moments was treating a 12-year-old girl who was struggling at school because of poor vision due to congenital cataracts even with the use of thick glasses. Now 10 years later, she still has 20/20 vision without glasses. That inspires me.
“Seeing my patients’ bright smiles after surgery, as they stop squinting and can read without glasses, is definitely the best part of my job.”
No referral is needed and no out-of-pocket expenses are incurred for an assessment to enable all options available to be considered.
Tel: +613 9650 8044
Fax: +613 9650 8099
Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri)
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SPORTS QUIZ
1. Tahlia Wilson, voted the Women’s National Cricket League player of the season, represents which state?
2. Fergus O’Neill, voted the Sheffield Shield player of the season, represents which state?
3. Which Texas golf tournament was Australian Min Woo Lee’s first PGA Tour win?
4. At which English football club did Wayne Rooney begin his professional career?
5. Which state men’s cricket team did South Australia defeat to win the 2024–25 Sheffield Shield?
6. American basketballer Cooper Flagg most recently played for which US college?
11. Who is the CEO of the National Rugby League?
12. Which German manager and former player became head coach of the English national soccer team in January?
13. From 2013–2015, St Kilda played a yearly international AFL game in which country?
14. Australian tennis players Max Purcell and Thomas Fancutt have both been suspended for breaching what anti-doping rule?
15. The Queensland government plans to retire the Gabba in what year?
16. In which sport would you play the official position of flanker?
17. What current sponsor is on the front of the Wallabies’ jerseys?
18. What team did Josh Giddey recently win against with a buzzerbeater from beyond half-court?
19. What state was sprinter Gout Gout born in?
20. What was John Cena’s wrestling catchphrase?
21. Macklin Celebrini plays hockey for which NHL team?
22. What does LIV stand for in LIV Golf?
23. Tama Tonga is part of which WWE stable?
24. For how many years has Chris Scott been head coach of the Geelong Cats?
25. Which WBBL team does Alyssa Healy play for?
26. Who played ice skater Tonya Harding in the movie I,Tonya?
27. Shortstop is a field position in which two sports?
28. In what year did the Gold Coast Suns play their first AFL season?
29. The Seattle Sounders play which sport?
30. Joe Mazzulla coaches which NBA team?
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PUZZLES
solve
Sudoku
from
ACROSS
1 Beachgoer’s two-piece (6)
4 Masses of bees (6)
10 Cavalry weapon (5)
11 Banishment (9)
12 Root out (9)
13 Popular garden figure (5)
14 Sufficient (6)
15 Brink (4)
19 Actor, – Gosling (4)
20 Family head (6)
24 Hand digit (5)
25 Blend (9)
27 A continuous expanse of land (9)
28 BeautyandtheBeast heroine (5)
29 Bears (6)
30 Brigand (6)
DOWN
1 Follower of a particular religion (8)
2 Australian animal (8)
3 Requiring (7)
5 Argue (7)
6 Very large, horned, planteating animals (abbr) (6)
7 Season (6)
8 Roman garment (4)
9 Goes regularly to (an event, etc.) (7)
16 Executive group in government (7)
17 Exhaustive (8)
18 Sharpest vertical angle (8)
19 Reconstruct (7)
21 A branch of mathematics (7)
22 Adhesive (6)
23 Central Asian fruit (6)
26 Ballet skirt (4)
four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 Whose song How to Make Gravy was also the title of his 2010 memoir?
2 Who played Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars films?
3 In which ocean is Christmas Island?
4 In which US drama series did Australian actor Jesse Spencer (pictured) star as Matthew Casey?
5 In the TV show TheSimpsons, what breed of dog is Santa's Little Helper?
6 With
No. 264
No. 232
Be swift for the new Suzuki
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
It’s ironic that the Swift Sport Turbo is the oldest, unchanged model in the Suzuki lineup, but at the same time still manages to shine as the star of the lineup.
Yep. The third generation Sport dates back to the 2017 Frankfurt motor show, it’s still a great little performance package at a super affordable price, and proof positive of the old saying: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
In June, 2020, Suzuki added a 48-volt mild hybrid to the car for the European market, but alas Australia never benefited from that update.
Styling
Dual exhausts, a sports bodykit and roof-mounted rear wing, together with the optional two-tone paint job transform the Swift Sport Turbo into a desirable little hatch.
There’s just the one model, priced from $32,990 driveaway. It’s available with a choice of six-speed manual or conventional six-speed auto. An auto adds $2000, metallic paint $595 or two-tone paintwork $1095, bringing the total price to $36,085 with the works.
Given the Sport has not moved on from the previous architecture and hasn’t been updated in a while, nor has it been mentioned in dispatches, there’s a good chance it is living on borrowed time.
So. If you have a hankering for one, get going and get one, or you could find the Sport slipping through your fingers.
Standard equipment includes cloth trim, single-zone climate air conditioning, tilt and reach adjust steering wheel, driver seat height adjust, D-shaped three-spoke sports steering wheel, keyless entry and start, electric folding mirrors, auto lights and mirror (but not the wipers), rear park sensors, driver info display. Oh, and somewhere along the line they added a digital speedo.
Swift Sport is covered by a five-year warranty.
Service intervals are pegged at 12 months or 10,000km.
Infotainment
Infotainment consists of an insect 7.0-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice control, satnav, a reverse camera, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus six-speaker unbranded audio with MP3 compatibility. MP3s . . . remember them?
A small information display located between the two instrument dials provides trip, fuel consumption, distance to empty etc.
You won’t find any USB-C ports in front, just a single USB-A port and a 12 volt outlet.
Safety
The current Swift attracts a measly single star safety rating from ANCAP, but it is unlikely this rating applies to the Sport.
The original rating, issued in 2017, has long since expired.
So, it was safe back then, but may not be as safe as competitors these days.
Safety encompasses six airbags, electronic stability control and advanced safety stuff such as auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, weaving alert, blind spot alert, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and adaptive cruise control.
Engines/transmissions
Sport is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine that produces 103kW of power at 5500 revs and 230Nm of torque,thelatterbetween2500and3000revs.
It’s available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic (subject of our test), with steering wheel mounted gear change paddles.
With a 37-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1L/100km whether it is the auto or manual, and it takes 95 premium unleaded. Driving
Although described as a five-seat hatch, you’d be lucky to fit five in the Sport — let alone four. Rear legroom is limited.
The sports seats are a snug fit and the side bolsters make getting in and out more difficult than would normally be the case, not to mention pressing uncomfortably into my thighs.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 8/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 7.5/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 7.9/10
The front seats are manually adjusted and trimmed in an attractive combo of cloth, with red stitching and Sport logos.
There are two cup holders in the front between the seats, with room for larger bottles in the doors.
There is no centre console and no rear air vents, not that they’re really needed.
The dash features some coloured pieces of trim with a carbon-fibre like finish, but you’ll find it’s all hard plastic.
A flat-bottomed, leather trimmed sports wheel hides two, old-style analogue instrument dials that flank a central information panel.
Cycling through the panel brings up a series of graphics: clock, motion, torque and power, acceleration and braking graphs, and one for turbo boost.
There’s also a digital speedo, which in a car like this is an absolute necessity.
Sport is push button start, but like other Suzukis, you need to be careful putting it into drive.
Dragging the transmission lever all the way back engages manual mode. The result is lots of revving, until you work out what is going on, but the tranny will eventually change up when the engine red lines.
Punching the accelerator produces a surprisingly fun, surprisingly engaging response, that is both tactile and audible.
Sport is not lightning quick, but it does make all the right noises and there’s enough there to get the blood pumping. The dash from 0-100km/h takes a sharpish 7.2 seconds and overtaking can be accomplished almost at will.
Suspension is MacPherson strut front and torsion beam with coil springs rear.
Steering is excellent and the brakes are aggressive, with a ride that is firm but not harsh. At the same time we did manage to
find the bump stops a couple of times.
The tyres generate quite a bit of noise on coarse bitumen, but that’s par for the course with small cars where it’s harder to disguise.
With 17-inch alloys and exey 195/45 Continentals, Sport sits securely on the road, turns in nicely and has plenty of mid-corner grip.
Push really hard and it will ultimately understeer, with some lift-off oversteer under hard application of brakes.
The turning circle by the way is crap and tight carparks can be a trial, even in a car this size.
Whether you opt for the auto or manual, fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1L/100km.
We were getting 6.9 from the tiny 37-litre tankaftersome727km(andittakespremium 95 RON unleaded).
The boot looks larger than before, but of course that’s because it doesn’t have to fit a spare – just a puncture repair kit.
Summing up
Suzuki Swift Sport Turbo is a bit old school, but that’s a good thing.
A small hatch, turbocharged four cylinder engine and manual gearbox provide the essential ingredients for some affordable driving fun.
Don’t let it slip through your fingers.
Suzuki Swift Sport Turbo is a bit old school, but that’s a good thing. (Pictures: Supplied)
Game on for local sports clubs
It was the start of new eras and new beginnings across the football fields and netball courts for several clubs as the local competitions kicked off. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Melton South’s Matthew Notman. 469984_07
Melton South’s Kevin Klix. 469984_26
Macedon’s Lilli Collins. 466906_12
Riddell’s Charrouf Habib is tackled. 466906_03
Kyneton’s Ethan Foreman. 466908_09
Melton South’s Stella Coleman. 469990_02
Gisborne Giants’ Matt Quigley. 466908_06
Diggers Rest’s Casey Smart. 469990_14
East Sunbury’s Brendan Fevola and Sunbury Kangaroos’ Michael Treweek. 466902_09
Sunbury Kangaroos’ Dean Halliwell. 466902_11
East Sunbury’s Joshua Crump. 466902_04
Woodburn claims women’s most valuable player
Gisborne’sBriannaWoodburnhadaseasonto remember with the bat which was recognised with the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s most valuable player award.
The Dragons captain-coach scored 745 runs for the season and with just one dismissal, averaged 745 for the season.
Woodburn said it was pretty exciting to claim the MVP award on Wednesday.
“It’s pretty cool and pretty special,” she said. “There were so many good players up there.
“I knew I had a pretty good season with the bat, so I had a small inclination that I could win it.”
Woodburn said the close got close towards the end of the season, having polled several votes early on.
She finished on 30 votes, two clear of Wallan’s Megan Farrell with Bacchus Marsh’s Sarah Bamford a further two votes back.
Woodburn said averaging more than 700
with the bat for a season was unheard.
“I had a few lucky moments and a few dropped catches,” she said.
“I think it stems from enjoying my cricket more than I had in quite a while. I put less pressure on myself.”
Woodburn said taking on the coaching role this season had helped her as she couldn’t just focus on myself on the field.
She said thinking from a team perspective had helped elevate her game. She also said the team was really enjoyable which made her want to go out and play with them.
One of the highlights for Woodburn was making a 100. She became one of two players to make it on the same day, the first time someone had scored 100 in the women’s competition.
Woodburn said that was a pretty cool moment,
“I didn’t know if I would get it with the rules that you have to retire on 70,” she said. “I got
a few good shots and got it in the final over.
“IhadagoodbattingpartnerinIssy[Isabelle Keys], who was good at running between the wickets and helping me stay out there.”
The Dragons made finals in the recent season, in their second season back in the competition.
Woodburn, who was at the club when it previously had a side, said it was a really good place to be now.
“They’re really excited for women’s cricket and the girls are excited to be part of the club,” she said.
“The season before we folded it was almost like we were a separate club [with the men’s].
“The girls get up for selection dinners and the boys come and watch us on Sundays.”
There is no break for Woodburn in the off season, as she turns her attention to football.
She plays with Macedon in the Riddell District Football League.
Tara Murray
Top honour: Riley Vernon claims Sullivan Medal
By Tara Murray
Gisborne’s Riley Vernon says hard work and a lot of fun is the key to his Gisborne and District Cricket Association Sullivan Medal win.
Vernon won the competition’s highest honour on Wednesday night, finishing seven votes clear of Woodend’s Marcus Stewart and Sunbury United’s Fabian Fernando.
The medal win comes after the Dragons claimed back-to-back McIntyre Cup premierships on Sunday.
Vernon said there had been plenty of celebrations in between winning the premiership and the competition best and fairest night.
“I drove last [Wednesday] night after a big couple of days,” he said. “I bought a few of the guys and they got a few beers.
“It is incredible. I was saying to the boys that Jarryd [Vernon] won it a couple of years ago, it’s pretty cool to be up there with some incredible players.
“It’s an honour to win the medal.
Vernon said he thought he would be in with a shot this season of claiming the Sullivan Medal for the first time.
Last season he finished second to Ben Way, havingscoredmorethan1000runs.Hebacked it up this season with more than 900 runs and won the competition’s batting award.
“I was quietly confident,” he said. “I was not sure with Marcus having a good year and Fernando also having a good year.
“Jarryd got injured and it helped me. He takes votes off me and I take votes off him, he still had a nice year and finished fourth despite missing three games.”
Vernon joked that he thanked his brother for missing those few games to help him get the medal.
The medal win is the icing on the cake after winning back-to-back premierships.
“The environment we have created at Gisborne is like a premier cricket environment,” Vernon said.
“We play like best mates and have fun. Cricket is so much better when you play in a good group.
Italiano takes on Sunbury coaching role
New Sunbury coach Leo Italiano thoughthewasdonewithcricket,butthe opportunity to coach the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield side was too good to refuse.
Italiano has been named the Roar’s new coach for next season, bringing a wealth of experience in the game.
He has captained Aberfeldie Park-Moonee Ponds to two premierships, while he was president of the club for 15 years.
Italiano said the opportunity at Sunbury was an exciting one.
“I wasn’t sure that I was going to get back into the game when I left Moonee Ponds three years ago,” he said.
“My best mate plays up there [Sunbury]. We played a lot of cricket together. When I left Moonee Ponds, he came to Sunbury.
“The club reached out to me through him and I met with them. It was a good opportunity.”
Italiano moved to Diggers Rest six years ago, so is already part of the local community.
He said while he’d never held an actual coaching role, he had done a lot of one-on-one stuff.
“I love cricket, I’m a cricket nerd,” he said. “I love the scientific side of sport and I do a lot with basketball as well.
“I like breaking techniques down and did a lot of that at Moonee Ponds.”
“Hopefully we can win a few more premierships together,”
For Vernon it’s been a big couple of years on the pitch that has seen him take his game to the next level.
He trained in India at an IPL game for 10 days before heading to the United Kingdom to play country cricket last year.
Vernon was in India again recently in the lead up to the GDCA finals.
He heads to the United Kingdom this week to play more cricket, with his cousin and Gisborne opener Spencer Jones also going with him,
“We are playing at the same club and living together,” Vernon said. “We are best mates and I can’t wait to see where he can take his game.
“Me and Spencer arrive an hour before training and stall back late still hitting balls.”
In other awards, Warren Else won the McIntyre Cup bowling award.
Gisborne captain Brianna Woodburn won the women’s best and fairest award, finishing ahead of Wallan’s Megan Farrell.
Italiano said the fact that Sunbury had the only turf oval in the Sunbury region attracted him to the role.
Also the young talent that the club has in its ranks was something that encouraged him to take on the role.
“It is what made me want the job,” he said. “There is a core group of boys coming through from 17 to 15.
“TheCaruanabrothersarestillyoung, the Treweek boys, Riley Draicchio, Jack McGann, the Corcorans.
“They are just kids that love cricket and they want to be there.”
The Roar has already started recruiting, with a focus on reinforcing its batting.
Mili Sepala has signed with the club, crossing from PEGS. He will likely bat in the middle order.
Anyone interested in joining the club can get in touch through social media, https://www.facebook.com/SunburyCC
Tara Murray
Brianna Woodburn and Riley Vernon. (Supplied)
Riley Vernon. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 445374_01
Burras on the board against the Panthers in RDFL
Diggers Rest passed its first test of the Riddell District Football League season, beating newcomers Melton South on Saturday.
It was a bit of an unknown for the Burras heading into Saturday’s clash, with the Panthers returning from the Ballarat league this season. The Panthers haven’t had a win in a few years.
The Burras led all day in the contest as they came away with a 17.9 (111)-7.7 (49).
New Burras coach Shaun Campbell said it was a bit of an unknown heading into the game.
“It’s good to get the monkey off the back,” he said. “It was a little bit different [having a new opponent].
“Weweremainlyworriedaboutourselvesto be fair. We knew their good players and had put a little bit into them.
“We were more worried about our structures and execution. Next time we’ll be
more prepared.”
Campbell, who has also been named co-captain with Jaidyn Caruana, said they were really happy with how they executed the game plan and how they went about it.
He said with seven new faces in the team it was about trying to find those connections.
“We were happy, but the extra time in the quarters we weren’t used to,” he said. “The majority of players haven’t played with the longer quarters and it was a lot hotter day.”
Campbell said they would look to build as the season goes along with the new group.
He said they wanted to add some more talent to the squad after last season.
“I was pretty lucky to get a few new players in,” he said. “Some wanted to come and play with friends.
“It’smorethantheclubisusedtowelcoming in. We went out in straight sets last year so we wanted some extra top end talent.
“We know the depth has been there with the reserves having so much success. We’re in a good spot.”
For the Panthers, Sam Hurst, Sam Darley and Mitch Fino were named their best.
Lions stick with core group
By Tara Murray
A bunch of exciting youngsters are set to light up Clarke Oval for the Sunbury Lions this Ballarat Football League season.
The Lions have kept their core group together from last season when they made finals and added a couple of key recruits.
For coach Matt White the growth from within the program is really exciting.
“There’s been massive development in the younger guys, which is the most pleasing thing to take away from the pre-season,” he said.
“There’s six or eight who are ready to come in and play senior football and that doesn’t include the reserves guys who have stepped up again.
“We’re looking like we’ll have a strong list.”
White said it had been a really strong pre-season with fitness one of the key areas that they had worked on.
Hesaidtheywantedtotryandgeteveryone on the same page as well.
The core group from last season has returned, which White said was their core focus.
They’ve picked up Daniel Johnston who
will help shore up the front end of the ground, while Patrick Scanlon will hopefully return from injury.
Myles Gollant, who had been playing at Avondale Heights, joins the club where his sister Eliza Gollant plays netball.
Gollant will play in defence.
White said that there were a number of younger players who would get their opportunities during the season after impressive pre-seasons.
Blake Walker, who played one game last season, has come on in leaps and bounds, while Noah Ryan is still eligible to play under-18s is another who has impressed White.
Declan Corcoran is a developing winger, while Jackson McHenry will be looking to build on his one game from last season.
White said Samuel Parker had been the surprise packet for a lot of the coaches in the off season and was a lot stronger and fitter than last year.
After fading late last season and falling short in the first week of finals, White said they had looked to make some changes so they are hopefully firing in the back part of the season.
The Burras will face Romsey this week, in what will be a good test of where they are.
“Theyhaven’tchangedtoomuch,”Campbell said. “They’ve got Jack Jedwab back full time.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
The Panthers will face Melton Centrals this Saturday in the first local derby.
In other matches, Woodend-Hesket defeated Melton Centrals under lights, winning 9.12 (66)-7.8 (50).
The Gisborne Giants first senior game ended with a big loss to Kyneton, losing 21.15 (141)-4.7 (31).
Tigers coach Ethan Foreman kicked seven goals in the win.
Joshua Lee was named the Giants best. Romsey had a big win against Lancefield, while Riddell started its premiership defence with a win against Macedon.
Sports shorts
RDNL
The two new sides in the Riddell District Netball League competition came away with some points in the opening round. The Gisborne Giants got a first up win against Kyneton, while Melton South had a draw with Diggers Rest. In other matches, Riddell beat Macedon, 53-44, Lancefield was too strong for 56-43 and Woodend-Hesket started its title defence with a 59-38 win against the Melton Centrals.
EDFL
The Sunbury Kangaroos have announced that Jayden Eales has stepped up to join Shanon Carroll as a co-coach for the Essendon District Football League season. Eales, who has played at Coates Talent League and Victorian Football League level, joined the Kangaroos this season. “His experience working closely with players will be a huge asset in accelerating their development,” the Kangaroos said. “With our team continuing to grow, this added support will be invaluable.”
EDFL
He put his hand up that he made some mistakes last season and had learned a lot heading into his second season in charge.
“We’ve trained a few things that will hold us in good stead,” he said. “I’m always learning and we’ve had some great additions to help me out, like Tony Lucas who is a development coach.
“Guys have stepped up around me.”
The Lions capped off their preparations with their annual pre-season match against Gisborne on the last weekend in March.
White said that they got everything they wanted out of it.
“We hate each other, but have the utmost respect for them,” he said. “Tempers flared a little bit.
“It was a good test and we’re ready to play Darley in round two.”
The Lions had the weekend off in the first week of the season. They will play their round one on Good Friday against Redan.
White said even before he played for the Lions, the two clubs had a really good rivalry and they were hoping to get a good crowd at Clarke Oval.
The Lions kick off their season on Saturday against Darley.
The Sunbury Kangaroos and Gisborne-Kyneton United started the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 season in fine form. The Kangaroos faced East Sunbury on Saturday in the opening round, coming away with a 12.18 (90)-1.1 (7) win. The Bulldogs beat Roxburgh Park, 3.12 (90)-3.5 (23) in its first match back in the competition. It was a tough start for the Sunbury Lions, losing to Taylors Lakes, 17.15 (117)-0.0 (0).
FV
Gisborne shared the points with Truganina Hornets in the third round of the FV state league 5 west competition on Saturday. Scores were locked at 2-2 at half time before both sides went down a man in the space of three minutes. The sides still couldn’t be split at the end, finishing 3-3. Philip Matthews scored two goals for the Sky Blues. The Sky Blues sit in fourth after four rounds. There were no scores for Sunbury United’s match with Bundoora United at deadline.
Riley Miller. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413383_02
Tara Murray
Daniel Paulete. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 469984_10
Sunbury Jets to build across the Big V season
The Sunbury Jets are going to get better as the Big V champ women’s season goes on after a disrupted pre-season.
The Jets were hoping for a smoother pre-season under coach Monique Capraello but it was anything case.
“It was a stressful pre-season,” Caparello said. “We were happy to be out there in round one.
“We were hampered by injuries and work commitments and late import arrivals.
“It was a disjointed preseason and then to have lost Chloe Hildebrand three or four weeks out from the season, was just the cherry on the top.”
Caparello, who is coaching for a second season, said despite the disruptions, they were probably about four weeks ahead of where they were this time last year.
She said they still had that core group there
that made a big difference.
Caparello said while they were low on numbers in round one, they would continue to get players to come into the side in the next few weeks.
“Each week will add another piece back into the group,” she said before the weekend’s game. “Our second import is in the country, but hasn’t been cleared yet.
“I think she will be a surprise packet in the league.
“We have another player still at college who is still to come back, while we had one player overseas.
“Once we’re at full strength, I think we will be back up there.”
The Jets announced Emmonnie Henderson astheirsecondimportlastweek,butshedidn’t take to the court on Saturday night.
While they’ve had players out, Caparello said it allowed some of the younger players to get some more court time.
She highlighted Addy Cameron and recruit Jelena Savic, as two teenagers who played well on the opening weekend.
Thunder break through
By Tara Murray
It was the perfect start to a new chapter for East Sunbury in the Essendon District Football League division 2, winning its first game in more than 1300 days.
After an off season of change including new coaches, star recruits, bringing home grown talent back and a new uniform, it was time for the Thunder to put it on the ground, Hosting cross-town rival, the Sunbury Kangaroos, it was a result that the Thunder could have only dreamed of.
Co-coach Justin Belleville said before the match that there would be plenty of celebrations when they got the first win, and they didn’t have to wait long.
The Kangaroos led at the first break, but from then on it was all the Thunder. It won each of the final three quarters to come away with a 17.8 (110)-6.8 (44) win, its first in 1344 days and since it returned to the competition.
Belleville said before the game they had done a power of work to get to this point.
“It’s exciting for the club and everyone is looking forward to,” he said.
“It’s a really exciting time and we just hope we can have a bit of success having not had a
lot of success the last few years.”
Belleville said the club was all heading in the right direction.
Heading into the season they didn’t want to set their expectations too high.
“We’ve introduced a lot of things,” he said.
“They haven’t played a lot together besides a couple of practice matches.
“We are still learning and it will take time for it all to come together. We set our own goals internally and we’ll see how we go out there.”
The Thunder entered Saturday’s match with four or five of its best side missing but still felt it had a strong line up.
Much of the attention was on whether former AFL full forward Brendan Fevola would make his debut for the club.
He announced on Thursday morning on radio that he would play after returning from filming the Amazing Race.
Fevola kicked two goals, but was overshadowed by Joshua Crump and Todd Elton.
Crump kicked seven goals in a best on ground performance, while the former Richmond player kicked four goals.
“It will be huge for the club,” Belleville said
After two big losses in round one, the Jets faced Wyndham on Saturday night.
The Jets got on the board with an 89-57 win.
The Jets won every quarter and finished off the match with a 23-6 final term to seal the result.
Tresari McCarver top scored with 20 points for the Jets, as everyone played at least eight minutes.
Emily Conn had 11 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and four steals after coming off the bench.
The Jets men got their second win of the season, beating Wyndham, 81-74.
There wasn’t much in the game at half time, before the Jets had an 18-9 third quarter to take control of the match.
Joshua Yorke-Frazer top scored with 22 points.
Cats continue winning ways
Riddell made history on Saturday afternoon as it fielded its first ever women’s side, but it was the reigning premiers in Macedon that came out on top in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition.
The Bombers are the only new team in the competition and they hosted the Cats in the final clash of a big day for the PUKA Up Cup.
Macedon kicked the only goal of the first quarter before growing the lead in every quarter on the way to a 10.10 (70)-0.0 (0) win.
Reigning league best and fairest winner Ruby Watts kicked three goals in a best on ground performance for the Cats.
Lilli Collins, Shakira Parker and Samantha Pointer kicked two goals each, with Pointer and Collins named in the best.
AvaOsborne,LaurenShawandJessica Edwards were named the Bombers best.
Lancefield opened its account with a good win against Romsey.
Also the final clash of the day between the two clubs, the Tigers led all day in a 9.11 (65)-3.3 (21) win.
of Fevola playing.
“He is there for a reason and it will get everyone up and about.
“He has been great so far and hopefully he’ll kick a few goals for us.”
While Fevola was the one stealing the headlines, it’s the return of some former junior players to the club that has Belleville and others around the club most excited.
Belleville said being one pointers really helps with what the club wants to achieve.
“They were originally from East Sunbury,” he said. “Mitch Trimboli, Lachie Brne, Tom and James Cree.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them. Getting them in allows us to get some more top end talent in.
“It’s a whole process and a start of where we are going.”
Belleville, a premiership coach at Riddell, said he was getting his head around the new competition.
After a first up win, the Thunder faces last season’s runners-ups Westmeadows this Saturday and then Rupertswood on Anzac Day in a big start for the club.
For the Kangaroos, Michael Treweek and John Corso were named best.
Meaghan Lyons kicked three goals for the Tigers, while Harriet Zledaltis kicking two goals.
Abbie Sarginson and Alice Bromley were named the Tigers best.
Melton beat Mount Alexander Falcons in the other match, 6.8 (44)-1.1 (7). The Bloods led 23-0 at quarter time and were able to remain in control.
Pauline Hutchins kicked four goals for the Bloods in a best on ground performance.
Tara Murray
Tresai McCarver. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 458917_01
Brendan Fevola. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 466902_07
Riddell’s Ruby Ayers. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 466906_02
