Egg-citing Easter fun
The Easter Bunny will hop into town on Sunday, bringing chocolatey treats for kids across the west.
Alara, 2, and Ari, 3 (pictured) are already getting into the spirit of Easter and are eagerly counting down the days until the Easter Bunny arrives.
Easter-themed activities will be held across the west in the lead up to Easter Sunday, with egg hunts, story times and festivals taking place.
Maribyrnong council is hosting an Easter EGGStravaganza for young people aged 12-17 on Thursday, April 17, from 10am-2pm at the Phoenix Youth Centre, 72 Buckley Street, Footscray.
Younger kids can go on an egg-citing hunt through Bacchus Marsh’s Lederberg Library and listen to Easter songs and tales also on April 17, from 10am-11am. Maddingley Park will host the Bacchus Marsh EasterFest on Good Friday, from 9.30am-4pm, featuring egg hunts, an Easter bonnet parage and local performers.
Wyndham Harbour Marina will host its Easter Festival from April 18-20, featuring a circus workshop and performance by the Werribee Concert Band on April 19 and an Easter market, egg hunt, petting zoo and face painting on April 20.
Stadium makeover pledge
By Oscar Parry
The Eric Boardman Stadium could receive a multi-million dollar makeover, including improved spectator facilities and new community learning spaces, following a bipartisan election promise.
The first pledge for $2.5 million towards upgrading the stadium was made by Hawke MPSamRaeonSaturday,April5,withHawke Liberal candidate Simone Cottam then announcing a $4 million pledge on Tuesday, April 8.
The funding would support stadium infrastructure upgrades, expanded office and meeting rooms, improved spectator and participant facilities, new technology, and community learning spaces.
Sunbury Basketball Association vice president Nathan Sellwood said other key
improvements would include modernised toilet facilities, a new function room, a new canteen, and important improvements to the stadium’s main entryway.
The current canteen space would also be repurposed into a community venue and classroom.
Mr Sellwood said these improvements and addition of multipurpose spaces would “ultimately provide jobs for our local community.”
“Upgraded facilities will support increased participation across basketball and netball, create more opportunities for local programs, and ensure our growing community has access to a welcoming and accessible space for all,” he said.
He said the upgrades would improve the stadium for the “here and now,” with a long-term goal being a second stadium in
Sunbury to meet increasing demand – which has spiked in the last 12–18 months.
“We currently utilise 15 courts for our domestic competition on a Saturday, with some games finishing up at eight o’clock at night – which is probably less than ideal,” Mr Sellwood said.
Mr Rae said the funding is aimed at “ensuring that our growing Sunbury community has access to modern, inclusive and safe sporting facilities”.
“The Sunbury Basketball Association does a fantastic job promoting a more social and active community, and I’m pleased that this investment will support the continued growth of their programs,” Mr Rae said.
Ms Cottom said the Liberal investment would ensure “local teams, spectators and other members of the community have the safe and modern facilities they need to train,
compete, and thrive”.
“Many Sunbury locals have told me about the need to redevelop the Eric Boardman Stadium to ensure it remains a central hub for local sporting and community events,” Ms Cottom said.
“This project will help make the stadium’s facilities safer, more accessible, and better equipped to host a wide range of sporting events and activities. The stadium will be able to continue to support community activities and events, and the development of local talent.”
Mr Sellwood said that the next stage for the association is to finalise its strategic plan and work with Basketball Victoria, Hume, and other stadium user groups in the community to ensure the submission meets the objectives ofamultipurposesportvenueandcommunity space
ALARA, 2, AND ARI, 3
Tunnel project on track
Sunbury train commuters can expect to soon usetheupgradedSunburyLine,withtheMetro Tunnel Project tracking along for completion at the end of this year.
The Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham trainlineswillconnectthroughnine-kilometre twin tunnels and five new stations, aiming to simplify travel and increase the number of trainsandpassengercapacityontheseservices.
The five new stations will be Arden Station in North Melbourne; Parkville Station next to Melbourne University; State Library and Town Hall Stations in the CBD; and Anzac Station under St Kilda Road near the Shrine of Remembrance.
In a tour of Parkville Station, project representatives explained that the main entrance on Grattan Street and three others will allow commuters to easily access Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Melbourne Hospital – and be a short walk from the Royal Women’s Hospital – with the undergroundstationalsoactingasapedestrian underpass below Royal Parade.
This station’s features also include platform screen doors that create a barrier between trains and passengers until opened for entry and exit, retail and hospitality spaces, and a series of artworks – including native animal artwork embedded in the platform and created by First Nations artist and curator Maree Clarke.
The Metro Tunnel Project executive project director Ben Ryan said the tunnel will improve access to new parts of Melbourne.
“If you’re a student at the University of Melbourne or a hospital worker, you’ll be able to catch a train directly to Parkville … if you’re going to the Grand Prix or the Shrine on Anzac Day, you’ll be able to catch a train to Anzac Station,” Mr Ryan said.
“The Metro Tunnel will also be connected
to the existing rail network, so it will be easy to change between Town Hall and Flinders Street or State Library and Melbourne Central without touching off and on again,” he said.
SunburyMPJoshBullsaidthattheprojectis
the “biggest upgrade of our rail network in 40 years,” and that Sunbury residents will “reap the benefits for generations to come.”
The Sunbury Line is set to be level crossing-free by the end of this year.
Election pledge for skatepark
An upgraded Kyneton skatepark could roll into town, following a commitment from the federal coalition to fund its upgrade if elected – with calls for Labor to match the promise.
The coalition has committed $750,000 to modernised the skate park
Macedon Ranges mayor Dom Bonanno said it is the first 2025 federal election pledge for the Macedon Ranges. He said upgrading the skatepark was identified as a priority in a strategy adopted by the council in 2023, due to its poor condition.
“Participation of skate wheeled sports isgrowinginourarea…ourcommunity and young people have put up with a range of challenges with the current aging infrastructure,” Cr Bonanno said.
“A new facility would give Kyneton a boost and support continued growth of these sports and promote safer participationandspectatingforeveryone and also develop an attractive and active youth space.”
Cr Bonanno said the council is finalising a “clear refreshed remit of conceptual or shovel-ready projects that we will be advocating for funding support to deliver”.
The council is calling for Bendigo Labor MP Lisa Chesters to match the skateparkfundingcommitmentaheadof polling day.
“To kickstart this push, we would welcome bipartisan support for this Kyneton Skatepark upgrade to make it a certainty, no matter the federal election outcome,” Cr Bonanno said.
Metro Tunnel Project staff at work during a Parkville Station tour this month (Oscar Parry).
You might think putting on the safety gear will take longer than doing the job.
It could be that you’ve done it a thousand times before. But that doesn’t reduce the risk. You may not come back in one piece.
Check you’ve got the right safety gear for the job, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-gear-farm
It’s never you, until it is.
CCTV boost pledged for Sunbury
More CCTV cameras could soon go live in Sunbury following a federal election pledge.
Announced by Hawke MP Sam Rae on Tuesday, April 8, $1.5 million will be invested in CCTV cameras across Hume, Melton, and Moorabool councils if Labor is re-elected.
MrRaesaidthefundingisaimedatensuring peopleinSunbury,Melton,BacchusMarshand surrounds are “safer and more secure.”
“This $1.5 million election commitment is about tackling the issues that matter most to people in Hawke,” Mr Rae said.
In a video posted to Facebook, Mr Rae said “our shopping centres and our parks need to be safe for everyone to use and enjoy,” and that Labor will “work with Victoria Police to make sure that our communities are safe and violence-free.”
In response to the announced funding, a spokesperson for Hume said the council is “committed to advocating for safety measures that will help keep our community safe“.
“We look forward to learning more about thisinitiative,andhowitwillbeutilisedwithin
Roo counters wanted
Binoculars at the ready – the ninth annual Sunbury kangaroo count is set for next month and volunteers are needed to help gather data about local kangaroo population and movement.
Withthefirstcountin2016,Sunburyresident andorganiserRobertIrvinesaidthenumberof kangaroos counted has been increasing each year.
Mr Irvine said there is no question that this is “because we have created, in urbanisation, unlimited water and food for kangaroos“.
“The creeks: Blinds Creek, Kismet Creek, Jacksons Creek – plus all the suburban dams: Spavin Lake – provide water, even in the driest drought … and of course, around the water courses you get green grass – as well as 40,000 peoplewhohavegotgreengrassattheirhouse,” Mr Irvine said.
Thepurposeofthecountistosimplyobserve the kangaroos and record numbers.
Mr Irvine is calling on Sunbury residents to take part – which could mean observing
the animals with binoculars from your car or taking a short walk near specified kangaroo grazing locations.
“Kangaroos will always be with us, and the feedbackthatI’vebeengettingisverypositive–I’ve seen comments like ‘my husband likes the kangaroos grazing on our front lawn because it means he doesn’t have to mow it,’” he said.
“There’snoquestionthetinyjoeysaresocute – let’s face it … I don’t think anyone can deny they’re just a beautiful animal to watch.”
Those interested in volunteering to join the count on the morning of Sunday, May 4 can contact Mr Irvine by email to express interest andreceiveinformationaroundlocationsanda spreadsheet for recording prior to the day.
Contact: robert.irvine614@gmail.com
Long-time Sunbury kangaroo count volunteer David Prewer. (Damjan Janevski). 469971_01
Sunbury creativity on show
The talents of Sunbury’s artists will be on displayatTheBoilerhousenextmonththrough a local art society’s annual art show.
In its 38th year, the Sunbury Art Society’s Annual Art Show will display local artists’ work across categories including animal study, contemporary and abstract art, local area content, and floral study.
These will be depicted across oil, acrylic, drawing, mixed media, pastel, pen and wash, watercolour and gouache, and other media.
Society committee member Susan Sette said she feels there will be “quite a good variety” of art this year, because of several new members joining the society and bringing new styles and approaches for exhibition visitors to enjoy.
“I just hope whoever attends really enjoys the show and finds something that makes their heart sing,” she said
Hume,” the spokesperson said.
“Councilwillthenconsiderthiscommitment in line with our external grant management policy, as it falls outside of our capital works program.”
Sunbury Business Association president Michael Osborne said that the association welcomestheannouncement,andthatduringa recent workshop with members of the Sunbury business community “there was great concern raised in relation to crime, homelessness, and drug issues in and around the Sunbury CBD“.
Despite welcoming the announcement, Mr Osborne questioned the funding amount and how it will be allocated across the electorate.
“$1.5 million will be allocated to Hume, and more specifically Sunbury … Hawke is a large electorate, so with all due respect, $1.5 million won’t go very far,” Mr Osborne said.
Mr Osborne said the association was “heavily involved” in lobbying to the relevant government bodies to install the initial CCTV cameras that were installed in the Sunbury business area several years ago.
Sette works across mixed media and recently began creating acrylic paint works, following a course in the medium she received a grant for through Hume.
All works at the gallery are available for sale.
Theopeningnightoftheexhibitionwillstart at7.30pmonFriday,May2,withtheexhibition then open from 10am–4pm from May 3–10 at The Boilerhouse off Circular Drive, Sunbury.
Raffle tickets will be sold at Bunnings Sunbury on Sunday, April 20 and at the exhibition’s opening night – starting at 7.30pm on Friday, May 2 – with profits supporting the society and the winner receiving a work of art created by one of the society members.
Entry to the exhibition is $15 per person during the weekend and free during the week.
Details: sunburyartsociety.com/ current-upcoming
Sunbury Art Society artists Susan Sette, Linden Bresaz, Yvonne Bradford, Ken Winnell, Ian Harker, Kerry Heinrich, Marina Zakryszka and Kerri Borg. (Damjan Janevski) 470125_01
How to avoid bones breaking bad
By Cade Lucas
Australia’s rapidly ageing population will have many and varied impacts in the coming years andanincreaseincasesofosteoporosisissetto be among them.
A condition where bones become weak and brittle and break more easily, osteoporosis can occur at any age, but the risk increases dramatically as people get older, meaning Australia and other western countries with ageing populations and low birth rates, are just going to have to deal with it.
And for women, the odds stacked against them are even heavier, with osteoporosis both more common and occurring earlier than in men.
AccordingtotheWorldHealthOrganisation, osteoporosis affects approximately 6.3 per cent of men over the age of 50, but more than 21 per cent of women over the same age range.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation estimates one in three women over 50 will experience bone fractures related to the condition, compared to one in five men.
As for the why there was such a discrepancy, Alfred Health endocrinologist, Dr Shoshana Sztal-Mazerat, said it was the same reason behind many of the different health outcomes between men and women: hormones.
“Oestrogen, which is a hormone women have before menopause, is protective of bones and during menopause we lose that oestrogen production from the ovary, so we lose that
‘‘ Every women who goes through menopause without taking any hormone therapy will have this rapid decline ’’
- Shoshana Sztal-Mazer
Unfortunately, fragility fractures are just abouttheonlyvisiblesymptomofosteoporosis, meaning diagnosis usually comes after the condition is well advanced.
Andnotonlydotheyhappenmoreeasily,but the consequences of fragility fractures can be far more dire than normal bone breaks.
“It’sabigproblembecauseitimpactspeople’s quality of life and even increases the possibility ofdeath,”saidDrSztal-Mazeratwhonotedthat hip fractures were particularly problematic.
“Usually people have a cascade of fractures leadingtoahipfracture.Onefractureincreases the risk of another.”
The upside is that while osteoporosis is hard to detect, it is easy to treat, with medication, physiotherapy and strength or resistance training known to noticeably improve outcomes.
“You need to go against gravity,” said Dr Sztal-Mazerat of the types of exercises that are effective, nominating skipping and jumping as activities that can help rather than just pumping iron.
“Putting weight on the bones stimulates the bones to grow strong because they think they need to carry that sort of a load,” she said.
protection that goes with it,” explained Dr Sztal-Mazerat, who is in charge of Alfred Health’s osteoporosis and bone research service.
Shesaidwomenexperiencearapiddeclinein their bone density soon after their final period, and that this decline continues for a number of years.
“Everywomenwhogoesthroughmenopause without taking any hormone therapy will have this rapid decline,” said Dr Sztal-Mazerat,
adding that men experience the same thing, just at a lower rate and from a later start.
Regardless of gender, she said reduced bone density led to increased risk of suffering a fragilityfracture,atell-talesignofosteoporosis.
“A fragility fracture is where you break your bone from minimal or no trauma, usually defined as a fall from standing height or less and that’s because our skeleton is designed to sustain that amount of impact naturally and if it can’t, then it breaks.”
As for preventative measures, Dr Sztal-Mazerat said having a diet with plenty of calcium and protein was a good start, while those with coeliac disease and other inflammatory bowel conditions were more susceptible.
Dr Sztal-Mazerat urged those who suspect they have osteoporosis, and especially those who have suffered fragility fractures, to see their GP.
Those wanting to know more about osteoporosis and bone health, both in women and men, can also visit: https://www. knowyourbones.org.au/
Endocrinologist, Dr Shoshana Sztal-Mazer, is in charge of the Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Service at Alfred Health. (Supplied)
Garden sign unmissable
The Jill Gibbs Neighbourhood Garden in Sunbury will be hard to miss, with the organisers unveiling an eye-catching new sign funded by a local grants program.
Celebrated with a community barbecue on Friday, April 4, the colourful sign was funded through a grant from Sunbury Connected Communities and draws attention to the plot on parish land on Riddells Road.
Garden co-ordinator Jozef Wiegerink said that the new sign was much-needed, with the previous sign degrading due to weather exposure.
The idea for the shared garden formed back in 2009, when members of the Catholic Parish of Sunbury were inspired by an television program discussing how to set up a neighbourhood garden next to a parish church.
The garden is named in honour of Jill Gibbs, who was instrumental in presenting
the neighbourhood program to the parish and gave permission to the group to name the garden after her before she died.
It consists of 51 three-by-10 metre plots that can be rented for $42 per year, with most of that going towards the water bills.
“It’s about building community and getting people out of the four walls … and doing something physical, for their diet,” Mr Wiegerink said.
“The garden has filled an itch for some of its members in so far as some great friendships have developed because of people meeting … and the [chemistry has] just been right … they’ve formed great friendships,” he said.
“Ifyouwanttogetoutsideandgetinvolvedin something that’s physical but very rewarding, then gardening for your own table is a great activity to be involved in – and we’d make you very welcome if you were interested.”
Contact: 9744 1060.
Briefs
Lancefield Park upgrades
Home to many local sporting clubs and groups, Lancefield Park could receive $1.5 million towards upgrades following a Liberal pledge. The upgrades will include the installation of accessible change rooms, improved drainage, better fencing, improved player facilities, playground upgrades, and the construction of paths. McEwen Liberal Jason McClintock said Lancefield Park is a “much-loved open space, in the heart of Lancefield’s growing community”.
Weed advice
Sunbury residents can learn to identify and remove weeds, choose local plants, and create a thriving, eco-friendly garden at a free Hume event early next month. Set to run from 2pm–3pm on Thursday, May 1 at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, the Gardens for Wildlife: Identifying and Managing Weeds session is an introductory in-person workshop on how to choose beneficial plants for your garden and control invasive species that can harm our ecosystems. Attendees will learn how to identify common weeds, discover effective removal techniques, and explore beautiful indigenous alternatives that support biodiversity. Registration on the Hume council website is essential.
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Jill Gibbs Neighbourhood Garden volunteers Carmel Wiegerink, Karen Evans, Alison O’Riley and her granddaughters Lydia, 9, and Eleni, 5, and Jo Wiegerink. (Damjan Janevski) 470467_01
Unpacking youth homelessness
As the youth homelessness crisis continues to impact hundreds across Melbourne’s west, Prealene Khera reports on why young people are being pushed to the margins, and the solutions that lie ahead.
Afew days after Rosie George* turned 17, she left her house to escape family violence.
Between couch surfing and seeking shelter in refuges, Rosie was left untethered and deprived of a sanctuary.
While most people her age focus on acing their exams, Rosie, who had to drop out of school, was busy contending with being homeless.
Like Rosie, this absence of safe housing is felt by a significant number of young people across Melbourne’s western suburbs, whose livesareslippingthroughthecracksduetothe youth homelessness crisis, according to youth homelessness service provider Melbourne City Mission’s (MCM) policy, advocacy and government relations head Shorna Moore.
“Every year, thousands of children and young people come to MCM alone and in crisis and many of them are coming to the CBD from Melbourne’s western suburbs,” she said.
MCM’s2024VictorianYouthHomelessness
Snapshot found that four in five young people faced family violence prior to becoming homeless, with more than half of them being known to the child protection system.
‘‘ Without a home, these children and young people are forced into situations that most adults would never comprehend experiencing ’’ - Shorna Moore
“They are often escaping violence in their family homes, and are in a constant state of distress and fear, not sure where they are going to sleep the night or what they are going to be forced to do in order to find somewhere to stay,” Ms Moore said.
MCM is the largest service provider of its kind in the state, and includes multiple youth refuges and dedicated crisis and transitional accommodation for young people in Melbourne’s west.
However, Ms Moore said, it couldn’t meet the high demand.
“Our refuges are full, every night, and there are so many young people who are told there just isn’t a bed for them,” she said.
“As a result, they are forced into unimaginable situations – often having to choose between sleeping outside by the river or a park, returning to a violent home or being forced into intimate relationships with older people.”
Many children and young people from Melbourne’s west are forced to leave their local area for the CBD in the hope of finding crisis accommodation or a refuge bed, Ms Moore added.
“This often takes them further away from their education and the limited social and community support they rely on, exposing them to a whole raft of new safety and risk factors,” she said.
“They are experiencing very high levels of harm on a daily basis including physical and sexual violence.
“Without a home, these children and young people are forced into situations that most adults would never comprehend experiencing.”
MCM’s data shows that half of the young people supported by the organisation in 2024 had been admitted to a hospital emergency department for a serious mental health crisis (often several times), and two-thirds of them had been discharged from hospital back into homelessness.
Nearly 55 per cent of young people had also experienced self-harm, suicide ideation or suicide attempts.
As per the report, two in three young people had been homeless for more than two years and one in three has experienced homelessness for five years or more.
“That is particularly concerning when we’re talking about 15-24 year-olds, who have likely spent their adolescence growing up in homelessness,” Ms Moore said.
The issue is further exacerbated due to the lack of dedicated youth housing.
“[It] is so out of step with the fact that 19-24-year-olds experience the highest rate of homelessness of any age group in Australia,” Ms Moore said. “Currently, there are very limited dedicated youth tenancies built into our housing system. A 17-year-old who has a very low earning capacity and is unlikely to have any rental history, is competing with adults for the same properties.”
Butwiththefederalelectionlooming,MCM and 170 other organisations in the field have formed a first-of-its-kind coalition urging all contesting parties to deliver much-needed relief.
Melbourne City Mission’s (MCM) Shorna Moore has been advocating for additional support for young people experiencing homelessness. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 468859_01
Under the banner of the ‘Home Time’ campaign, the coalition aims to ensure every young person has a safe place to build their life.
“[This] campaign is significant, for many young people it means hope,” Ms Moore said.
As the sector’s national peak body, Homelessness Australia has also thrown its weight behind the campaign.
According to its chief executive Kate Colvin, Home Time is primarily pushing for the creation of a national target of 15,000 tenancies with support for young people, and removal of financial barriers that discriminate against young people trying to access community housing.
“Asweheadintoanelection,weneedstrong commitments from all sides of politics to fix youth housing,” she said.
Ms Colvin believes resolving the youth homelessness crisis depends on all parties coming to the table.
“With the Home Time campaign we’ve been really successful already but we just need
to continue that work to get all the pieces of the puzzle in the right place and fix what we haven’t fixed yet,” she said.
“It’s something that can be fixed relatively quickly if governments make the decisions that they need to make to fix it – it’s a choice.
“We certainly hope that they choose to act on this problem because it would make a life changing difference to young people.”
It’s a difference Rosie has felt first-hand, but it’s taken four years of being in the system.
Through a youth housing program, she’s now living independently in her own self-contained one bedroom unit.
“I used to be in straight up survival mode but now it feels like I’m finally able to relax and I can finally unpack,” Rosie said.
“It’s given me a different sense of safety, I feel safe even when I’m outside of my home.
“Everyone deserves to have that kind of security.”
Details: www.hometime.org.au/
*name has been changed for safety reasons
Left: Homelessness Australia chief executive Kate Colvin has been visiting Canberra to push for change in the sector. (Supplied)
Right: Rosie George, who can’t be identified, has been homeless since she was 17. (Damjan Janevski) 469914_04
Easter break road safety warning
Road safety enforcement will ramp up during the school holidays and Easter long weekend. Policearepreparingforaninfluxofmotorists hitting highways and major arterials, heading to holiday hotspots across the state.
Despite lower-than-average road trauma experienced during March, which is historically one of the state’s worst periods for road trauma, police are urging motorists not to be complacent.
In April 2024, there were 17 lives lost on Victorian roads, with three quarters of these occurring on regional roads.
Of the 17 lives lost during April last year, 11 occurredwithin15kilometresofthedeceased’s address, according to police.
Drivers made up the majority of fatalities with nine lives lost recorded, with a further four motorcyclists, three passengers and one pedestrian killed in fatal collisions in April last year.
Police will also be prioritising road safety thismonth,withseverallocalisedoperationsto be conducted in high-risk areas, culminating inamajorstatewideroadpolicingblitzoverthe Easter and Anzac Day period.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir said the only acceptable number of deaths on our roads is zero, which is why we cannot afford to be complacent as we head into April
“While we did experience slightly lower-than-averageroadtraumaduringMarch, 20 fatalities for the month is still unacceptable as far as we’re concerned – that’s 20families who will spend the upcoming Easter period without their loved ones,” he said.
“There is an increased road trauma risk this month, with school holidays, Easter and
Anzac Day long weekends meaning there will be lots of people moving and travelling across the state, and the end of daylight savings also impacting the conditions.
“Last year’s road trauma insights are just a stark reminder that it doesn’t matter whether you are driving close to home on familiar local roads, or travelling further away, the risk of road trauma is always present.
“Whether you’re a driver, passenger or pedestrian, road safety is everyone’s responsibility and it’s up to all of us to play our part in making the roads safer.”
Egg-cellent Easter activities
When it comes to Easter, egg decorating is somewhat of a tradition.
And if you haven’t given it a go, here’s a how-to on dyeing, painting and marbling hard boiled eggs.
The first step may be simple but place the eggs in a pot of water and bring to the boil on the stove. Then let them simmer for ten minutes and cool.
Now it gets to the creative part.
Let’s start with dyeing eggs. Fill some cups halfway with hot water, a teaspoon of vinegar and a teaspoon of food colouring - repeat with all the colours you want to use.
Carefully place the egg in the coloured water and leave for five minutes - when it’s done, you’ll have one completely coloured egg.
If you want to go one step further, use string, tape or elastic bands to create patterns. Should marbling your eggs take your fancy, here’s two ways to try.
Using shaving cream or whipped cream (if you’d like to eat your eggs): Place the eggs in a bowl of vinegar and leave for 20 minutes.
Using a large dish, fill with a layer of shaving
cream and add some drops of food dye - even divide the dish into two to four sections and do multiple colours.
Using a skewer, swirl and marble the colours together, then roll the egg gently over the surfaceoftheshavingcreamandoncecovered, place on some paper towel for 20 minutes. Wash off excess shaving cream using a bowl of water.
Using oil: In a glass bowl, add one cup of hot water, a teaspoon of white vinegar and five to ten drops of food colouring (be sure to use a light colour for the base of the egg).
Inanotherbowl,onecupofwaterwithabout 20 drops of food colouring and a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
When the egg is completely dry, place it into thebowlofoilmixturewithaspoonandgently roll.
Take it out when marbled and dry on paper towel.
Other options include using watercolour paint or acrylic paint to make patterns and designs of all sorts.
Don’t forget to wear old clothes or an apron and maybe gloves too, it can get messy.
Why not give egg decorating a go this Easter?
‘‘ The inhuman beast, impervious to her cries, had held her under the water until she drowned ’’
- Barb O’Neill
A Footscray farce one February
Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the tale of marital antics on the Maribyrnong River that could have caused an innocent man to hang.
On Friday, 24 February 1893, Mr and Mrs Horner of Yarraville decided that a moonlit summer night called for a gentle boat trip. They hired a craft fitted with oars, and, for some unfathomable reason, chose the malodorous Saltwater River (now called the Maribyrnong) for the evening’s romantic voyage.
As Mr Horner rowed through the detritus of the boiling down works, they noticed a fire on Coode Island sending a sinister red gleam onto the murky waters of the Saltwater. His attention thus diverted, he ran the boat into a sandbank, and his wife screamed in mock terror, “Jack! Are you trying to kill me?”
An equally impish soul, Mr Horner shouted at her, “If you don’t mind your mouth, I’ll throw you into the river!”
Getting well and truly into her stride, his wife screamed even louder, at which her husband lost his balance and toppled towards her, sending both into the hellish waters. Mrs Horner, thoroughly enjoying this impromptu acting performance, spat the mud from her teeth and, unaware that they had an audience, screeched, “Don’t, Jack! Don’t kill me! Please, don’t do it!”
On the opposite bank, under the railway bridge and in the shadows of the abattoir, John Ralston and his mate Tommy Sheehan, aged 13 and 11 respectively, were angling. The only adult nearby was an elderly fisherman, who
being completely deaf and intently focused on catching eels, had heard and seen nothing. The lads decided that it was their job to inform the authorities and rushed off to find a policeman.
TheyfoundSeniorConstableMcGrathwalking his beat in Hopkins Street and gasped out their dreadful story.
They were taken to Footscray Police Station where Sergeant Routledge spoke to them separately. Vividly they described the murderer’s brutal threats and the desperate screams for mercy from the terrified woman as she begged for her life. The inhuman beast, impervious to her cries, had held her under the water until she drowned.
Police raced to the spot and spent the entire weekend dragging the waters with grappling irons. Crowds gathered to gawk and amongst the ghouls was Andrew Young a 28-year-old groom who worked for Kirk’s Bazaar, horse sellers. Shortly before the excitement in Footscray, he had had his fingers badly bitten by a horse and, ever an opportunist, charged intotheApolloHotel,wavinghisinjureddigits and claiming to have fought with the killer. In florid terms, he informed his audience how he had tried but failed to affect a citizen’s arrest and save the victim. The saga of his desperate struggle went on and on as he chugged down glass after glass, regaling the boozers with his amazing bravery. Nobody noticed that he wasn’t wet.
Police, meanwhile, visited the Ralston and Sheehan homes for further questioning of the only eyewitnesses. John Ralston, overwhelmed by the whole business, said it was all made up, and he didn’t know why they had done it. Sheehan was contemptuous of his sissy older mate and stuck to his story. Nothing would shake his testimony.
Then word reached police that a brave fellow
was in the Apollo, and had not only witnessed the murder, but had actually fought with the killer. In the muck and stench of the river, attempting to affect a citizen’s arrest, he had sustained badly bitten fingers.
The Apollo Hotel, formerly on the corner of Dynon and Kensington roads, had earned itself a fearsome reputation over the years for cock-fighting, landlords who bashed payment-evading patrons, Sunday trading and other heinous crimes.
There in the notorious bar, the police found AndrewYoung,regalinghispop-eyedaudience with tales of his heroic fight with the murderer. Every time he paused for breath, his glass was refilled, and his story promptly expanded with fresh exaggerations. The licensee, Bridget Murphy, shrewdly thought that he was laying it on a bit thick, describing the vile oaths of the ruffian, and the last, pitiful shrieks for mercy from the dying victim. He continued, relating how he and the killer had engaged in desperate combat, until the cowardly crook plunged his fangs into Andrew’s fingers, thereby escaping the hero’s grasp. Mrs Kelly said nothing, however. As long as money changed hands, she wasn’t voicing any doubts about his yarn.
Andrew Young was lugged off to Footscray Police Station and subjected to a frightful grilling. His description of the murderer was vague, he couldn’t describe the woman, he had no idea where he had gone after watching the draggingoftheriver,wherehe’dbeendrinking or how he’d got home to South Yarra. Maybe by train, maybe by cab, or perhaps by walking. He really didn’t know.
Accustomed to interrogating dodgy characters, the police knew a guilty person when they had him in their clutches .This they happily demonstrated by charging him with wilful murder of an unknown woman.
Andrew Young nearly had a fit.
“Arrest those two boys,” he screamed at the detectives.
“You’ve got the wrong man. They’re the ones who did it!”
The detectives laughed rudely in his face and informed him that he’d soon be swinging on the gallows. In vain did Andrew Young protest that he had been bitten by a horse, not a murderer, but the police just repeated their remarks about capital crimes and what happened to those who committed them.
Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Horner, dry and comfortable in their Yarraville home, read about the murder in the papers.
“How strange, “said Mrs Horner to her toast-munching spouse.
“This happened when we were there. At the same time, too. How dreadful!”.
Then they stared at each other in consternation, realising that the boys on the opposite bank had witnessed their tomfoolery. Greatly embarrassed, they popped into Footscray police station to explain that their marital antics had caused all the drama, and they didn’t want an innocent man to hang. Their statements were taken, signed and witnessed, and Sergeant Routledge squashed down his laughter until they were well on their way home. He then summoned the detectives and went to the cells. Andrew Young’s fingers were again examined; his injuries were found to be consistent with the choppers of a nag’s bite and the murder charge was quietly dropped.
Vowing never again to tell lies, Andrew Young skipped off, a free man.
Knowing that the Apollo’s tough patrons who had shouted him dozens of beers would soonbeonthewarpathforarefund,heavoided that pub for the rest of his life.
Barb McNeill. (Damjan Janevski) 432421_03
Police recover 36 stolen vehicles
A Riddells Creek man was identified by Victoria Police as the alleged ringleader of an organised car theft syndicate operating across Melbourne’s west, with police making four arrests in Sunbury and recovering 36 stolen cars.
Four people, including the alleged ringleader – a 26-year-old Riddells Creek man – a 43-year-old Diggers Rest woman, and a 28-year-old Bacchus Marsh man were arrested at a Sunbury address on March 31.
The alleged ringleader was charged with seven counts of motor vehicle theft, firearm
possession, three counts of dangerous driving while being pursued, three counts of reckless conduct endangering life, and three counts of handling stolen goods and possessing ammunition.
He has been remanded in custody and will appear at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on May 2.
TheDiggersRestwomanandBacchusMarsh man were both charged with theft-related offences and drug possession, and were bailed to appear at court at a later date.
Police allege that the group stole a black
Cooking up a record
The stats are out and western suburbs chef
Evette Quoibia is the official Guinness World Record holder for the longest continuous time an individual has cooked.
It was no easy feat, as the previous world recordholderforthelongestcookingmarathon had cooked for over 119 hours in the kitchen. Ms Quoibia has now taken the reins with a remarkable 150 hours cooking for a total of six days.
Ms Quoibia, a self-taught chef, runs the catering service Jollof Vibe in Kensington, serving West African cuisine.
Thecompetitionwasglobal,withcontestants joiningfromasfarawayasCanadaandGhana.
“It was a super crazy experience. I was worried about standing for 24 hours and cooking for that long, with pain in my legs and arms,” Ms Quoibia said.
“I felt there was a miracle that carried me through the experience. I was hallucinating at some points because I was so tired, but the
interesting thing was, my cooking brain was stillactiveandallthefoodstilltastedamazing.”
The cooking marathon required Ms Quoibia to have something on the stove at every moment, preparing food to be served up constantly. Every four hours, contestants were allowed a 20-minute break to nap, use the restroom, or alternatively a five-minute break every hour.
“I love how there were so many people together and everybody was having fun and enjoying the food, which made the whole experience worth it for me,” Ms Quoibia said.
“If I didn’t get the record, that would have been enough for me.”
Evette Quoibia holds world record for cooking for longest time. (Damjan Janevski) 468076_03
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Holden Commodore from a café in Caroline Springs on March 23, which was then tracked to a property on Greigs Road in Truganina on that same day – where four allegedly stolen vehicles were spotted by a police helicopter in a paddock at the back of the property.
The vehicles allegedly fled once noticing the helicopter and were tracked to areas in south-eastern and eastern suburbs where they were found unoccupied later that day.
Police believe the group is also linked to a property on Plumpton Road in Diggers Rest, where 30 allegedly stolen vehicles were
recovered earlier this year – including a tow truck and a car carrier trailer.
The vehicles were allegedly stolen from suburbs across Victoria, and include several Holden Commodores, a Holden Special Vehicle Maloo valued at $200,000, a Toyota Landcruiser, and car carrier trailers.
Inside the seized vehicles, police also found several registration plates allegedly stolen from railway stations across the state.
The fourth person, a 29-year-old Ballarat man, was interviewed and released pending inquiries.
Your election priorities revealed
Healthservicesandthecostoflivinghavebeen rated as the most important issues for people living in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs ahead of the federal election.
Results from Star Weekly’s federal election survey,conductedlastmonthbeforetheofficial launch of the election campaign, revealed what our readers want the candidates in their area to focus on.
StarWeeklyreaderssaidhealthservices,cost of living, national road and rail infrastructure, electricity prices and immigration and border controlwerethetopfive“extremelyimportant” issues for them.
They ranked broadband and internet access, influence of social media, climate change policies, water infrastructure and immigration and border control as the least important.
The results also revealed that 41.6 per cent of those who took the survey wanted federal funding for local hospitals to increase.
Readers told us they wanted the next federal government to address long waiting times in emergencydepartmentsandthecostofvisiting a GP.
They also called for upgrades to Werribee Mercy Hospital, a hospital in Sunbury and for another hospital to be built in the outer north
What issues are important to you
to take the pressure off Epping’s Northern Hospital.
Increased federal funding for local infrastructure projects was important for 34 per cent of respondents.
Across the west, readers nominated airport rail as one of their top infrastructure priorities.
Melton readers nominated the Western Freeway and Melton Highway as two of the roads in urgent need of an upgrade.
Readers in Hume and Whittlesea nominated the Bulla bypass and the construction of the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road to connect the M80 Ring Road and Tullamarine Freeway
as the most pressing infrastructure projects locally.
In Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, improving public transport – particularly bus services – was considered a priority. When it came to the cost of living, readers most commonly nominated rising electricity prices as an issue, with one respondent describing the cost of living as “out of control”. Reducing electricity prices was more important than reducing carbon emissions to 60.4 per cent of survey participants, while the region was fairly divided on its support for nuclear energy.
Federal Election reader survey results
would you like to see a local increase in federal funding?
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Harness nature’s power to heal
Recently I went on a walk through the majestic Melbourne Botanic Gardens with a friend. We were so busy talking much of the time that I forgot to observe my surroundings. It got me thinking about the fact that during the times when we are in peaceful, verdant settings, we are calmer.
Slowly, we have made the connection between contact with nature and positive health outcomes and now have labels for this type of health practice. The Japanese brought us ‘forest bathing’ or ‘shinrin-yoku’. From this approach, forest therapy has evolved. This is an evidence-based approach where the restorative power of nature is harnessed to heal modern day illnesses.
In fact, at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens you can sign up for a two-hour forest bathing experience on Sundays in upcoming months.
Just check out: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/ melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/ forest-therapy/
Research has shown that forest bathing can support a boosted immune system, reduced stress levels,regulatedpulseandbloodpressure and better sleep.
Interestingly, an Australian research project which asked participants to tap computer keyboards in response to repetitive questions found that the first group who took 40 second breaks to gaze at a flowering green roof made far fewer mistakes than the second group who were asked to view a concrete rooftop instead.
(Lee, K.E., et al., Journal of Environmental Psychology, Vol. 42, No. 1, 2015).
Let’s now consider how committed an urban dweller like yourselves might be to forest bathing and how they might incorporate that into their daily life. There are plenty of urban green and blue environments to be sourced amongst the city hustle and bustle.
Could you take your breakfast outside at a table in your courtyard instead of eating it in
the kitchen and just soak up your surrounds while you eat? Might some friends join you at lunchtime for a park walk or a riverside lunch?
Perhaps you’ll just take an impromptu break during the day and lie down on some grass and soak it all up with your senses?
We tend to simplify the concept of forest bathing to being in green spaces but a whole host of benefits also come from immersing yourself amongst water environments and vast
blue or cloudy skies. Every time I swim laps at the pool, my closing ritual is to just float on my back and soak up the cerulean skies above. It’s bliss!
I am very much of the approach where I like to immerse myself in the nature surrounding me – whether that means walking barefoot, lying under trees and studying their canopies or rolling down grassy slopes. My dog also encourages me to slow down and see the more subtle signs of life and vibrancy – a lone butterfly fluttering on a Hebe hedge, armies of ants ascending the eucalypt, buds unfurling on a hibiscus shrub.
Ahippishtermforconnectingbareskinwith the ground would be ‘earthing’. When you are earthed you are making physical skin contact with the ground. As stated on https://www. barefoothealing.com.au, when your bare feet or skin encounters the earth, free electrons are taken up into the body. These electrons could be referred to as nature’s biggest antioxidants and help neutralise damaging excess free radicals that can lead to inflammation and disease in the body.
I was lucky enough to swim in the Dead Sea in Jordan some years ago. I smothered myself with the mineral rich earth mud that lines this astounding feat of marine nature. The whole immersive experience was relaxing, fun and memorable. I think these are the nature experiences our bodies and minds secretly crave. Observe any group of kids completely absorbed in sand play or mud pie creations or evendambuildingalongcreekbeds.Fromthis, youwillunderstandalittleofthemindlessflow state that such an experience can put you in. I, for one, will be eating my breakfast in my small, front garden tomorrow and all going well, I’ll spend barefoot time, wherever possible, throughout the day. What forest therapy practices might you try this week?
Tony Clarke Recreation Reserve - Waterfalls Road, Macedon:
Dig deep to help courageous kids
Each year on Good Friday, Victorians dig deep to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital to help fund life-saving treatment, equipment and medical research to help the state’s sickest kids. Children from across Melbourne’s north-west are among those who have received critical care and treatment at the hospital. There families have shared their stories in the hope of inspiring the community to donate to the Good Friday Appeal once again this year.
Georgie, 2
Born with a rare disorder called Arthrogryposis (AMC), little Georgie entered the world unable to move any part of her body.
She spent her first eight weeks of life at Mercy Hospital before being transferred to The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) at 12 weeks old, She has since undergone multiple reconstructive surgeries and intensive rehabilitation and therapy.
She is in the process of having her knees reconstructed and visits the RCH weekly.
Her family is immensely grateful for the support from the hospital and encourages people to back initiatives like the Good Friday Appeal.
“Thehospitalstaffaredefinitelyoverworked, and every little bit of funding helps. It allows them to keep updating technology, bring in the best surgeons, and fund research,” mum Whitney said.
“With something as rare as what Georgie has, there’s not much knowledge out there, so we’re incredibly lucky that one of the few specialists in the world works here.”
Looking ahead, the next major step for Georgie is surgery on her arms to improve mobility.
Nacey, 7
Nacey entered the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) as a baby in the early hours of July 19, 2017.Hismum,Jorja,remembershimbeingas yellow as a minion.
After three weeks of investigation, it was discovered that he had biliary atresia – a rare, serious liver disorder in newborns.
Since then, he has repeatedly had visits to the RCH.
Since his first visit, Nacey has spent considerabletimeatthehospitalfortreatments related to his bowel and liver.
“They’ve been pretty much like a second home for us at times and Nacey calls it his hospital,” Jorja said.
“It’s not a bad experience when we go there, he’s always very excited to go and see his hospital.”
Jorja urged the community to get behind the appeal.
“They’re a world class hospital and they save the sickest of sickest kids and after knowing that they saved my son I just couldn’t imagine people not wanting to support them,” she said.
Nacey, 7. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 467487_01
Whitney with daughter Georgie. (Damjan Janevski) 469017_06
Gisborne project feedback open
A host of improvements are planned for pedestrian and road safety in Gisborne, with residents invited to provide feedback to the council’s plans.
Macedon Ranges has created a streetscape and pedestrian improvement plan for the roundabout at Hamilton and Aitken Streets in Gisborne, which is a key thoroughfare for the town.
This includes constructing raised crossings on the southern leg – Aitken Street – and the eastern and western legs – Hamilton Street, modifications to the service road entry
and exit points, and broad aesthetic and functionalimprovementstothearea,including landscaping and street furniture.
A state government program has funded the first stage of this project – the raised platform on the southern leg, modification of the service road exit point, and the raised platform on the western leg.
Thisfirststageisexpectedtobecompletedby June 31 next year.
Another key thoroughfare for Gisborne, a series of improvements are planned for the roundabout at Hamilton and Brantome streets.
Includedaspartofthiscompactroundabout, the council proposes to construct a central island, three raised pedestrian crossings, and a speed cushion.
According to the council, these upgrades are designed to align with local priorities – including those outlined in the Gisborne Urban Design Framework and Gisborne Movement Network Study – while adopting an approach that focuses on improving road safety by considering all elements of the road transport system and their interactions.
Along with these projects, the council is
proposing to reduce the speed limit around Gisborne.
Accordingtocouncil,atownship-widespeed limit reduction will greatly enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users, with studies showing that reducing speed limits has thepotentialtodecreasefatalitiesbymorethan 50 per cent.
Residents can provide feedback to the plans online until Sunday, April 20 on the council’s YourSay platform.
Details: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/pedestrianand-road-safety-improvements
Plant-based tartare dish is sure to impress
A plant-based tartare dish designed by a Woodend hospitality venue is one of the creative culinary entries in this year’s Edgy Veg Awards.
Created by Woodend Cellar and Bar owner Adam Halliday and chef manager Shae Thompson, the team pulled off this plant-basedversionofthemuch-lovedtartare using produce sourced from Woodend-based Mountain View Garlic.
Mr Halliday said the dish is “a vibrant, refreshingtwistonaclassictartare,”featuring finely diced tomatoes and dressed with a zesty vinaigrette, seasonal fresh produce, capers, microgreens with a plant-based egg yolk – served with Woodend-baked sourdough bread slices.
The plant-based egg yolk was created with cultured yeast, cornflour, turmeric – for the colour – and Himalayan black salt for the egg-like flavour.
Mr Halliday said the team has received “a lot of positive feedback” from diners, with the dish offered separately from the venue’s menus but complementing its other meals and beverages.
“This is our first [Edgy Veg Awards] that we’ve entered, so we wanted to make a bit of a stamp on what we can create in a very tight kitchen,” Mr Halliday said.
The Edgy Veg awards were organised by local sustainability action group Veg Action, and group leader Claire Rowland said that the organisation is “really excited” to see venues like Woodend Cellar and Bar creating “enticing, delicious and innovative dishes using 100 per cent plants”.
“The purpose of the [Edgy Veg Awards] is to show how delicious veggies can be, and to support our local businesses and veggies growers,” she said.
The plant-based tartare will be available from Thursday to Sunday each week until the end of the program on April 30.
Details: edgyvegawards.com.au
Craft prowess pulls in prize
Sunbury Neighbourhood House presented a colourful 35-metre long hand-crafted banner that trailed through Sunbury last month for SunFest, taking home an award for its impressive display.
The idea was formed last year, when a group of participants from the drop in Crafternoon program at the neighbourhood house began discussing a hand-crafted textile banner that they could display in the Grand Street Parade at SunFest on Saturday, March 15 – where it wasawardedwiththeBestCommunityGroups and Clubs 2025 entrant award.
After plenty of discussion, the group decided on a format that could be achievable within the constraints of materials and the varying skill levels and availability of the group’s members.
The final design incorporated a wide range of textiles – especially upcycled knitted, sewn, patchworked, and crocheted textiles – with each complete piece measuring 30 centimetres by30centimetresandincludingafinishededge
that allowed for joining to the next piece.
The project also involved contributions from the neighbourhood house’s Boomerang Bags group, with bags forming part of the banner and acting as handles.
Crafted over several months – and even including the participation of pre-school-aged children, who added paint handprints – the finished product was proudly presented by a group of about 20 people, including neighbourhood house program participants and their friends and family.
Neighbourhood house community development coordinator Cathy Grose said that she is looking forward to seeing the next stage of the project, where the banner will be disassembled and the materials repurposed intoblankets,reusablebagsanddecorativewall hangings for the community.
“It was fantastic to see so many participants working together, skill sharing, and problem solving along the way,“ Ms Grose said.
Namneet “Honey” Walia, a licensed estate agent and director of his Sunbury-based agency, combines 9+ years of real estate expertise with a passion for delivering exceptional client outcomes. Known for his consultative approach and sharp attention to detail, Honey prioritises transparency, ensuring smooth transactions for buyers and sellers alike.
“I’m honest, approachable, and always ready to answer questions—but I’m also a fierce negotiator,” he says. His ability to build trust and tailor strategies to individual needs has cemented his reputation for results-driven service.
Before real estate, Honey’s background in IT as a systems analyst and sales/ marketing lends a creative edge to his work. He crafts innovative campaigns that leverage market trends and buyer psychology. “Understanding data helps me anticipate opportunities,” he explains.
Rooted in humility and discipline, Honey credits his success to Reliance Real Estate’s collaborative team and his relentless dedication. Whether you’re buying or selling, his blend of warmth and professionalism ensures a seamless experience. For genuine advice in Sunbury and beyond, Honey Walia is the name to trust.
Members of the Sunbury Neighbourhood House Crafternoon group holding the approximately 35-metre long banner. (Supplied)
Woodend Cellar and Bar owner holding the plant-based tartare. (Damjan Janevski). 470155_01
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
The Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society
The Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society will meet in room 5 on the first floor at the Hume Global Learning Centre on Macedon Street, Sunbury, at 1.30pm on Thursday, April 17. Everyone is welcome to attend and share your ideas on genealogy and heritage.
sunburydha1978@hotmail.com
Friends of Woodlands Historic Park
Help preserve Woodlands Historic Park and learn about its history by joining the Friends of Woodlands Historic Park. The group consists of volunteers, working one day each month in the park, on projects including plant propagation and revegetation, weed removal, litter control and other activities. Some members may also work in the park on projects at other times. Becoming a member of the group is easy and free, and is open to like-minded people who want to take positive action to maintain our environment. You must be 18 or older and enjoy outdoor activities. The Friends group meets on the first Saturday of each month at the Parks Victoria depot off Somerton Rd, Greenvale.
Bevan, 0468 469 514 or bevan@ keepemail.com for more information.
Anzac Day service
Romsey Lancefield RSL is hosting a short Anzac Day service at the Romsey Cenotaph from 9am, with a main service held at the Lancefield Cenotaph from 10.30am.
Suseanne, 0413 024 904 or susannewilson7@bigpond.com
Sunbury Art Society
The Sunbury Art Society meets every Friday and Saturday, from 10am- 3pm, at the Boilerhouse, Jacksons Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with other like minded people. New members welcome.
Ken, 0407 062 568, or Yvonne, 0429 994 828
Art group
The Woodend Art Group holds classes and workshops in the studios in the Woodend railway station complex. It also has a social Tuesday where members and interested people can come along in the morning, have a coffee and paint together in a social environment.
Colin Robinson, 0407 426 252
Shuttles and pickleballs
Macedon Ranges Badminton Club is inviting residents to come and play badminton, or pickleball, or both at Macedon Community Centre. Badminton is played on Tuesdays from 7.30pm and Thursdays at 9.30am. Pickleball is played on Mondays at 6.30pm, Wednesdays at 10.15am and on Tuesday from 10am at the Romsey Recreation Centre.
David, 0419 589 425, or macedonrangesbadminton@gmail.com
Scottish country dancing
The Macedon Ranges Scottish Country Dancing Group meets every Thursday,1-3pm, at Buffalo Stadium, Woodend. The dancing involves social country dancing, and no special clothes needed, just soft flat shoes.
Meg, 0409 166 783, or Linda, 0408 476 317
Community. Connect. Create. If you are needing support or looking for a social group to join, you can visit Community. Connect. Create, which is an online resource listing support and community groups in the Macedon Ranges. if you would like your group
listed or would like to work to help this project grow please email: fiona@ communityconnectcreate.com.au
Communityconnectcreate.com.au
Amateur radio club
The Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at the Woodend RSL Hall, 32 Anslow Street, Woodend, at 10am. If you are interested in amateur radio or already have a call sign, this could be for you.
http://www.mrarc.org.au
Take off weight naturally
Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Off Weight Naturally) every Thursday at 9am at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.
Rhonda, 0409 740 924
Kyneton Badminton Club
Kyneton Badminton Club is a welcoming, fun and social group that plays on Mondays, at 7pm at the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre, Victoria Street. All skill levels are welcome.
kynetonbc@gmail.com
Masonic Lodge
The Sunbury Macedon RangesMasonic Lodge meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, 73 Main Street, Romsey. New members welcome.
Paul, 0479 127 476, or Rob, 0428 260 647
Rotary club
The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every
Tuesday at the Ball Court Hotel, 60 Macedon Street, Sunbury, from 7pm.
sunburyrotary@gmail.com
Ladies probus
The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am.
Leonie, 0401 764 182
Sunbury Ladies Probus Club
The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms.
Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142
Sunbury Combined Probus Club
The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am.
Jo, 0410 834 272
Probus Club Of Sunbury
Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to visitors and new members, with a number of great events held each month.
Greg, 0417 593 035
HarmoniX Vocal Company
All-male singing group happening on Thursday, 7-9.30pm, in Sunbury, with a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday, 7-9.30pm. Rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required.
harmonixvcinc@gmail.com
Breast cancer support group
On the first and third Tuesday of the month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group.
Lesley, 0484 691 226
Village connect
Enjoy free coffee and cake while connecting with fellow Macedon Ranges residents 55 years old and older. Happening on Tuesdays and Thursday at cafes across the municipality.
https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262
Arts and games night
Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre each Wednesday, from 3.30-5.30pm. The free program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old, at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.
VIEW Club
Sunbury-Macedon Ranges VIEW Club is a friendly women’s organisation and a valued part of The Smith Family. It meets on the third Friday of each month at 11am at Club Sunbury, Riddell Road, Sunbury. New members warmly welcome Lee-anne, 0403 047 909
Sunbury Woodworkers Club
Join the Sunbury Woodworkers Club to learn woodturning. No experience or tools required. The club is a welcoming environment open to men and women who wish to learn. Meetings for new guests are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm. Circular drive, Jackson’s Hill, Sunbury. Facebook: Sunbury Woodworkers Club.
Anita, 0417 402 795
This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of the ’Swing Team’ Sue Giles, Ian Pidd, Katya Shevtsob, Zak Pidd and Sunny Youngsmith. (Damjan Janevski) 470214_01
Cast puts no prohibition on fun
The Wyndham Theatre Company’s (WTC) rendition of ‘Drinking Habits’ will have audience members charging their glasses – or hiding them.
Set in America during the late years of prohibition, Tom Smith’s comedy is loaded with accusations, mistaken identities and romances.
The laugh-out-out loud farce follows the antics of two nuns who are secretly making wine to keep their convent’s doors open. Hot on their trail are reporters (formerly lovers) Paul and Sally who go undercover as a nun and priest.
Hardlyataleofsleuth,theiraloofveilscome
loose as their presence and arrival of another nun sends paranoia through the convent that Rome has sent spies to shut their unlikely distillery down.
WTC committee member Fiona Scarlett said the show would appeal to anyone from 10 to 100, and has the hallmarks of an old Mel Brooks film or ‘I Love Lucy.’
“Anyone who is a lover of farce and oddball characters will get a kick out of the show,” she said.
Beyond acting as someone pretending to be someone else, Ms Scarlett said the logistics have been one of the most enjoyable parts of the production.
“The most enjoyable part has been the challenge of finding costumes, props and constructing the set,” she said.
“It’s set in the 1920’s prohibition era which narrows your choices – our production team have borrowed, constructed and dusted off their own heirlooms to bring the world of the show to life.“
The show will be performed at the Crossroads Hall in Werribee on May 8, 9, 16 and 17.
Performances start at 8pm on all dates, with a 2pm matinee on Saturdays May 9 and 17.
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ CYMOY
Enjoy Cozy Comfort this autumn
The Old Auction House is presenting several exhibitions across an exciting range of styles, themes, and media this month and next.
In the studio gallery until April 21, a group exhibition titled Cozy Comfort presents the autumn-inspired works of seven local artists and is part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival.
The works aim to capture the spirit of autumn – including chilled mountain air and autumnal hues of red, orange, and yellow.
InthemaingalleryuntilApril28,ceramics and paintings by artists Larissa Taylor and Cathy Mackay explore the connection between the natural world and the memories that shape our sense of place in an exhibition called Wilderness Within.
An exhibition titled Opening Gestures will showcase indigo pigmented balsa wood works depicting gestures and playful groupings of shapes, created by artist Andrea Jewell.
Then, on May 17 – aligning with The
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)
– the gallery will host Macedon Ranges Accessible Arts’ Queerthentic Regional LGBTQIA+ Art Prize, with the awards ceremony set to run from 1–3pm.
These works will be on display a week before and after the event.
The Old Auction House Creative Hub and Gallery is open every day from 10am–4pm at 52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton.
Details: theoldauctionhouse.com.au
Projecting the beauty of Kororoit Creek
A new series of projections in Sunshine will transport viewers to the lush greenscape of the local Kororoit Creek.
A collection of 42 snapshots, the Down the Creek exhibition is a celebration of the community’seffortstorestoreKororoitCreek through art and environmental initiatives. Featuring works from local artists and children, it showcases a vibrant glimpse of the creek’s importance.
Curated by local creative Elzette Bester, and presented by volunteer group Friends of Kororoit Creek, the showcase highlights the creek’s beauty while inspiring environmental awareness.
“A lot of people grew up with the creek, there’s a lot of memories associated with it,” Ms Bester said.
“People feel a lot of pride when it comes to the creek, and they recognise its importance to the area.”
Ms Bester said locals should visit the exhibition and see the creek in a new light.
“They’ll be reminded of the beauty that lies in the creek, and the work that’s being done by the community to retain that,” she said.
“Sometimes people will just walk or cycle past the creek but they don’t know what’s actually in it so this is an educational exhibition as much as it is a visual celebration.”
DowntheCreekisshowingattheBrimbank and Sunshine Projection Galleries, at 294 and 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine — the projection at 301 Hampshire Road is at the rear of the building.
Scottish country dancing comes to Hobsons Bay on Sunday, May 4, with an event at the Dennis Reserve Centre in Williamstown.
Jointly hosted by the Werribee Scottish Country Dance Group and the Williamstown CWA, the afternoon event is aimed at both seasoned Scottish dancers and those trying it for the first time.
Event organiser Jan Newgreen said Scottish country dancing is an easy style of dancing to get the hang of.
“Scottish country dances are danced in sets of six or eight people and are categorised as reels, jigs and strathspeys according to the type of music to which they are danced,” Ms Newgreen explained.
“Scottish country dancing is a social form of dancing enjoyed by beginners right through all levels to experienced dancers who perform intricate elements and dance formations.”
The dancing will take place to the beat of live Scottish folk music and will be followed by afternoon tea.
And while it’s a Scottish cultural tradition, no kilt or bagpipes will be required.
Insteadattendeesareaskedtojustwear comfortableclothesthatareeasytomove and be prepared to have a good time.
The May 4 Scottish country dancing event begins at 1pm and is free of charge.
The Williamstown CWA meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 7 to 9pm at the Dennis Reserve Centre on the corner of Ferguson Street and Melbourne Road.
Wyndham Theatre Company are bringing you
‘Drinking Habits’ Cast: Ben Cazaly, Gilbert Gauci, Juliana Smith, Cheavin Houth, director Cody Riker, Vicki Russel and Lisa Whitney.
Jan Newgreen gets in the mood for the Scottish country dancing afternoon she is helping organise in Williamstown on May 4. (Damjan Janevski) 469848_02
The Old Auction House Creative Hub and Gallery curator Rhain DiPilla holding a work from the Cozy Comfort exhibition. (Damjan Janevski). 470613_01
Elzette Bester with one of artworks being projected on the building. (Damjan Janevski)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which college team did the UConn Huskies defeat to win the 2025 NCAA Division I women’s basketball championship?
2. Which two college teams faced off in the final of the 2025 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament?
3. Australian Olympic bronze medallist
Matthew Denny recently threw which object 72.07m, the fifth-longest throw in history?
4. Former Wallaby Jordan Petaia recently signed a three-year deal with which California-based NFL team?
5. Washington Capitals ice hockey player Alex Ovechkin recently scored his 895th NHL goal, breaking the record set by which former player?
Former Melbourne United basketballer
Matthew Dellavedova recently agreed to a multi-year deal with which NBL team?
In France recently, a parachutist became entangled in a stadium roof, delaying the start of what sport?
Mac Andrew plays for which AFL club?
Australian golfer Marc Leishman won the 2025 edition of which LIV Golf tournament?
10. Taylor Jenkins was most recently head coach for which NBA team?
11. Which club recently fielded the oldest team in AFL history?
12. Name the object hit back and forth in badminton.
13. Name the super rugby team based in Queensland.
14. Is a netball hoop shorter, taller or the same height as a basketball hoop?
15. In which 2009 film did Mike Tyson have a cameo as himself?
16. Which classic AFL song forms the basis of Derby County Football Club’s anthem Steve Bloomer’s Watchin’?
17. Which AFLW coach will step down after the upcoming season, having led their team to two premierships?
18. Daria Kasatkina recently won her first tennis match representing Australia, having played for which country previously?
19. Tom Sermanni is currently the interim coach of which Australian national team?
20. Name the two Formula One teams owned by Red Bull GmbH.
21. Which AIHL team will play their home games out of AIS Arena in the 2025 season?
22.In metres, how far away from the dartboard is the oche?
23. A twizzle is a move in which sport?
24. When did karate get added to the summer Olympics program?
GRUFFALO
PLUSH & BOOKS
25. Which sport is prominent in the TV show One Tree Hill?
26. In what year did Lauren Jackson make her national team debut?
27. Aurelio Vidmar coaches which A-League men’s team?
28. How many laps is the Formula One Japan Grand Prix?
29. What is the nickname of Pittsburgh’s MLB team?
30.Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose made up which former WWE faction?
Lauren Jackson
Daria Kasatkina
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Attribute (6)
4 Castigate (8)
9 Rodeo ropes (7)
11 Lighthearted (7)
12 Connection (11)
13 Hearing organ (3)
14 Royal family member (8)
16 Doorkeeper (5)
19 Follower of a Jamaican religion related to reggae music (5)
20 Masters (8)
22 Obtain (3)
24 A phrase marked off by brackets (11)
26 Fears (7)
27 Sewer entrance (7)
29 Salad additive (8)
30 Writing desk (6)
1 Unwell (3)
2 Paintings of people (9)
3 Feudal lord (5)
5 Genetic mixture (6)
6 Measurements, – of sugar (9)
7 Idiotic (5)
8 Bold undertakings (11)
10 Meagre (6)
12 Describes a legally protected creative work (11)
15 Ultimate winners (9)
17 Astrological prediction (9)
18 Large bottle of wine (6)
21 Place of confinement (6)
23 Laconic (5)
25 Follower of the main Indian religion (5)
28 Australian bird (3)
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you
1 What is the science of epigraphy?
2 Mike Myers (pictured) shares his name with the antagonist from which horror franchise?
3 In which year was the element barium first isolated?
4 Which famous politician said, 'In the twinkling of an eye, I found myself without an office, without a seat, without a party, and without an appendix'?
5 What song does Annie Lennox sing in the 1991 film Edward II?
6 How many kilometres is the diameter of the Earth’s moon?
7 What breed of dog was the original Greyfriars Bobby?
8 Which scale is used to measure the spiciness of chilli peppers?
9 Hyson is used to make which kind of drink?
10 Who was known as 'The Champion' in English Test cricket?
Stay on road for a cheeky ride
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
A five-door version of the Suzuki Jimny. Who would have thunk?
It should make getting in and out of the back a little easier, not that you would want to volunteer to sit in the back.
And not that the Jimny XL (that’s what it is designated as) is likely to offer that much more legroom than its sibling, but let’s crunch the numbers and find out.
Styling
From the front there’s little to tell the threeand five-door versions of the Jimny apart.
Both feature Suzuki’s stylised five-slot radiator grille, but in the case of the five-door it’s black with chrome accents.
Looks a bit like the seven-slot grille that Jeep is famous for, but while others have got into trouble for copying the design Suzuki seems to have escaped attention.
At the rear the spare wheel sits on the tailgate which has two open positions for ease of loading in restricted spaces.
Essentially, the five-door Jimny will set you back $3000 more than its smaller sibling.
Jimny three-door starts from $34,990 for the Lite; the fully equipped Jimny from $36,490.
Jimny five-door starts from $39,490 for the 1.5 XL AWD manual; the auto adds $2500. There’s also a Heritage model priced from $40,990.
These prices are driveaway.
Our test vehicle was the $39,490 XL manual. Premium paint is $745 extra or two-tone paint with a different coloured roof will set you back $1345.
There are six colour choices, two of them combos: Chiffon Ivory Metallic/Bluish Black Pearl or Sizzling Red Metallic/Bluish Black Pearl.
Standalone colours include Arctic White Pearl, Bluish Black Pearl, Granite Grey Metallic and Jungle Green.
Other accessories that might be of interest include front and rear diff guards at $801 apiece, a bike carrier is $526, ski/snowboard carrier $468 and surfboard carrier $372.
Standard kit includes 15-inch alloys, cloth trim, single zone climate control air conditioning, leather-covered steering wheel, keyless entry and push-button start, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, dusk-sensing LED headlights, front fog lights, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), privacy glass, rear parking sensors and traffic sign recognition. Afull-sizealloysparesitsonthetailgate,with a centre cover (we think the cover is standard). Jimny five-door, like its little brother, is covered by Suzuki’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing.
Infotainment
XL steps up to a larger 9.0-inch multimedia system, with voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, with unbranded four-speaker audio. There’s one USB-A port in the front and two 12-volt power sockets one front and the other in the luggage area. But, boo-hoo - no satellite navigation.
Safety
Jimmy has not been tested and rated for safety. It comes with six airbags, a rear view camera and the usual array of driver assistance features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) that uses both a camera and a laser sensor to read the road ahead for traffic and/or pedestrians. However, AEB is available only with the automatic and works at speeds of from 40km/h to 130km/h.
You also get Lane Departure Warning and Weaving Alert to fight fatigue.
Hill Start Control and Hill Descent Control complete the list.
There are two ISOFix child seat anchorages and top tethers in the back.
Engines/transmissions
The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine produces 75kW of power at 6000 revs and maximum torque of 130Nm at 4000 revs. Transmission is via a choice of five-speed manual or, cough, four-speed automatic, with auto engine stop-start to save fuel.
Driving
Regardless of whether it is the three-door or five-door, Jimny seats four people.
XL has more legroom, but it is still not ready to accommodate what we describe as full-size adults.
With the release of the five-door, they have apparently increased the thickness of the rear seats, with two incline positions to make them more comfortable.
It’s still a bit of a squeeze, even in the front, and as such this is a car that is likely to appeal primarily to younger slimmer buyers.
There’s not much offered in terms of cabin storage either, with no centre console box and two small centre cupholders positioned awkwardly towards the rear.
The power windows are annoyingly controlled by toggle switches that sit at the bottom of the centre stack.
XL is 3820mm long, or 340mm longer than the three-door, but the same height and width, and the XL weighs 90kg more. It has a 2590mm wheelbase (distance between axles), compared to the three-door’s 2250mm (340mm more once again).
At 211 litres the five-door also has almost three times more luggage space than the three-door with the seat-backs raised.
The extra length has seen the turning circle grow from 9.8 to 11.4m.
Braked towing capacity is 1300kg.
The body sits on a separate ladder chassis, as favoured by the off road fraternity, with a spare
wheel mounted on the left-to-right opening tailgate.
Suspension is three-link rigid axles front and rear with coil springs and shocks and it rides on 15 inch wheels with 195/80 Bridgestone Dueler H/T rubber.
Brakes are ventilated disc front and drums rear.
The ladder frame chassis has reportedly been strengthened with the addition of an extra cross-member, while the transmission in the auto is stronger and has a longer prop shaft.
The front suspension has been upgraded with stronger springs, with re-calibrated shock absorbers and a larger stabiliser bar, while front brakes are ventilated discs to dissipate heat.
Drive is to all four wheels via a part-time four wheel drive system, with high and low range options, engaged via a second stubby gear shift to the rear of the main one.
Until you do this, the car operates in rear-wheel drive, much the same as 4×4 utes.
Run it in four-wheel drive on dry pavement and the differentials will bind, and that’s likely to be expensive.
Wait until it rains which will provide some slippage.
With 210mm of ground clearance, it has an approach angle of 36 degrees, ramp over angle of24degreesanddepartureangleof47degrees.
No figure is supplied for water fording, but we understand it’s about 300mm.
The manual change in our test vehicle was easytooperate,withlittleclutcheffortrequired, but the transmission doesn’t like to be rushed.
So, ironically, just like a truck, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Around town the Jimny is easy enough to live with.
The longer wheelbase of the five-door helps to smooth out the bumps. But point it at a hill and it quickly runs out of puff.
We found ourselves pining for some more low end torque, something a turbocharged engine would deliver.
A larger vehicle deserves a larger more powerful engine to compensate.
Alas Suzuki seems to have overlooked this point.
With proper low range gearing, it’s off road that the little Jimny really shines, or so we’re told.
As well as hill hold and hill descent control, which rely on the brakes, it also boasts Brake LSD Traction Control.
It means that if two diagonally opposed wheels lose grip in slippery conditions, it will automatically brake the slipping wheels and redistribute torque to the other two wheels.
It ensures the car has the ability to cover slippery ground with confidence.
However, some knobby tyres and a lift kit would deliver even better results.
Jimny is at best a medium duty 4×4.
We’ve taken this car off road on numerous occasions, including the deep sands of Fraser Island where it is able to hold its own against larger, more fancied 4WDs.
While it’s good, we reckon the previous generation Jimny has the edge.
Claimed fuel consumption is 6.4L/100km for the manual, or 6.9L/100k for the automatic.
Interestingly Suzuki claims the three-door and Five-door use the same amount of fuel, despite the difference in size and weight - but we don’t see it.
With a 40-litre fuel tank, Jimny takes premium 95 unleaded.
We clocked up 492km at a rate of 7.4L/100km in the manual over a week of testing.
Summing up
It doesn’t make any sort of sense but a lot of people have a hankering for a Jimny, be it the three or five-door version.
In reality it’s not quite as good off road as the previous model which we put through its paces on Fraser Island, shoulder to shoulder with much larger 4WDs.
We didn’t get bogged and it was a hoot. In reality, however, few people will take the Jimny off road - they just like the cheeky rugged looks.
Few people will take the Jimny off road - they just like the cheeky rugged looks. (Pictures: Supplied)
Warm weather tests the fitness
The warm weather added another element to early season nerves and gelling of combinations for those on the football field. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Calder Cannons’ Mabel-Jean Flannery. 471374_15
Tullamarine’s Charlotte Jackson. 471437_01
Craigieburn’s Riley Gaylard. 471378_01
Northern Knights’ Maddy Meagher. 471374_04
Epping’s Alec Buchan and Laurimar’s Micah Vecchio. 471379_05
Northern Knights’ Tyson Gresham. 471376_06
Epping’s Liam Waldron. 471379_01
Some of the Westmeadows fans. 471437_06
Roxburgh Park’s Daniel Xerri. 471378_12
Calder Cannons’ Adam Sweid. 471376_01
Sunbury seeking consistency in state league 3
Sunbury United is seeking consistency in the FV state league 3 north-west season.
United has had a mixed start to the season under new coach Jason Hayne, with just one win so far.
After poor performance in round two, he put the pressure on the group to stand up heading into round three.
It worked with United winning its first game of the season, beating Bundoora United 2-1.
“We were poor and didn’t turn up against Hoppers Crossing,” he said. “Last week I asked them to respond and it was a positive one.
“Everyone turned up to play. After 35 to 40 minutes we went a man down and the rest of the squad stood up and gave a good account of themselves.
“I was super proud of them.”
Hayne said that performance and effort was the standard that they had set for themselves and needed to bring each week.
He said consistency would be a key for them.
“Themostdisappointingthingaboutround two was a lapse for the full 90 minutes,” he said. “We had a few changes in formation
and personnel and it worked really well.
“That effort needs to be consistent now and we’ve set the standard and if not, we need to get better.”
Hayne, who has stepped up from being a player to coach, said he was really pleased with the squad that he had put together. He said he was really enjoying the coaching
Sharks account for Roos
By Tara Murray
Rupertswood made it two from two but is nowhere near its best early in the Essendon District Football League division 2 season.
After a close win in round one against Keilor Park, the Sharks had a convincing win against crosstown rivals, the Sunbury Kangaroos on Saturday.
Coach Brad Fox said it had been a terrific start to the season for the whole playing group.
“It was great for the boys and the reserves got their first win since June 2023” he said. “It was a really good day for the club.
“We still have a while to go and there’s a number of players on our injury list.”
The Sharks and Kangaroos match up is always one of interest and this time it was the Sharks that got the win.
Fox said the Kangaroos are always dangerous on their home deck.
“We managed to take the wind out of their sails,” he said. “Fraser Phelan-Smith kicked five goals in the first quarter which was a great personal effort.
“We were pleased with how we were getting him the ball. We kicked nine for the
first quarter.”
Despite leading by 30 points at quarter time, Fox said the message to the group was that they weren’t playing their system the way that they wanted them to.
Fox said they know it will take some time.
“We still have a long way to go, I want them playing our way consistently,” he said. “We made a lot of changes to the system.
“Last year we didn’t have much time, this year we’ve had more time together and we are more mature.
“We are a work in progress until the middle of the year, two-thirds of the way through the year.”
The Sharks extended the lead to 42 points at half time before it was a much more even affair in the second half.
The Kangaroos won the second half seven goalstosix,butitwastheSharkswhoclaimed the victory 18.8 (116)-12.13 (85).
Phelan-Smith ended up with eight goals for the game in a best on ground performance.
Fox said he is only going to get better.
“He had an interrupted pre-season and is still getting back to full fitness.”
Also among the best for the Sharks was Jackson Cardillo, who has returned to
challenge.
“We’ve got 20 players and a couple of young boys who are 16-17,” he said. “Really structured squad.
“We have the maturity from the older players and the youth and the excitement coming through.
“So far it is looking good.”
Hayne said seeing some of those young players already come into the senior side was exciting for what they are trying to do.
Riley Hampton played about 20 minutes [in round three],” he said. “He played for the reserves in the first two rounds.
“The opportunity came up and he took it in both hands. There are more there as well. We’re looking at them week in, week out.”
United was in action on Saturday against top side Surf Coast.
Hayne said before the game he was keen to see how his side stacked up against them being it was one of the top teams.
It was a tough day for Sunbury, losing 4-0.
“We had one good game, we can’t rest on that,” Hayne said.
In state league 5 west, Gisborne lost to Spring Hills, 6-0.
Lions win grand final rematch
The Sunbury Lions kicked off the Ballarat Netball League season with a big win in the grand final rematch with Darley on Saturday afternoon.
After having the first weekend of the season off due to playing Good Friday, the Lions were on the road against the Devils to launch their season.
Both sides had some different faces from when they faced off on the final day in September, with several of the Lions B-grade stars from last season getting their opportunity.
The Devils were missing a couple of players due to Victorian commitments on top of some key departures.
On Saturday, the Lions jumped out to a seven goal lead at quarter time, with the Devils able to reduce it to five goals at half time.
A 14-7 third quarter opened the game up, with the Lions coming home strongly to secure the 60-39 win.
the club.
Cardillo was one of the players who left before last season.
“We’ve got him back to Rupo,” Fox said.
“It’s his junior club, his home club.
“Things weren’t working out for him where he was. He felt comfortable returning to Rupertswood where he has played most of his life.
“It’s a great sign of confidence that we are building the right way.”
While Cardillo is back at the club, last season’s best and fairest winner Ethan Fitzpatrick will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL in round one.
The Sharks have Easter weekend off, with Fox saying they would still work hard on the track between now and their next match on Anzac Day.
“We’ll flog the boys on the track, it’s still the early part of the season,” he said. “We don’t need a rest yet.”
The Sharks will host East Sunbury on Anzac Day. It will be the first time the two teams have played each other.
Fox said they had planned some activities in the lead up to Anzac Day to help honour the day.
Rebecca Hicks shot 44 goals for the Lions, with Caitlin Hill and Chelsea Amor new faces in the ring with her this season.
While the netballers kicked off the season on a winning note, the footballers suffered a first up loss to Darley.
The Lions jumped out of the blocks and led by 26 points at quarter time. Darley started to get into the game and by third quarter time led by four points.
A four goal to two final quarter sealed the win for the Devils, 12.8 (80)-9.9 (63).
Mitch Mclean, Zachary Stevens and Jake Sutton kicked two goals each for the Lions.
Jordan Tentonello, Harry Power, Cody Bramble were named their best.
The Lions host Redan on Good Friday in what the club is hoping will attract a big crowd.
Tara Murray
Ubeyde Cicek. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 466967_10
Fraser Phelan-Smith kicked eight goals in
Melton Centrals awarded points for round one
Woodend-Hesket says it will review its game day procedures after being stripped of its Riddell District Football League round one win against Melton Centrals for having too many players on the field twice.
The league released a statement on Wednesday, saying that Centrals had now been declared the winner of the match.
The statement said that Melton Centrals called for a headcount in the third quarter and the Hawks were found to have too many players on the ground.
Under league by-laws the Hawks score for that quarter, 1.3 (9) was removed from the total.
Further correspondence and action was then taken under the same by-law where clubs or a person can request a post match
review by the relevant controlling body of a team exceeding the permitted number of players on the playing surface where a request did not occur during the match.
Following this, the RDFNL has deemed that Woodend-Hesket played a minimum of five minutes 40 in the fourth quarter with too many players on the field and therefore determined that that Woodend-Hesket’s total points for the fourth quarter, 3.5 (23) also be removed from the match total.
“The RDFNL acknowledges that this was not a deliberate act by the WHFNC and want to point out that the Woodend-Hesket Football Netball Club are an excellent club which was highlighted by their back to back top three finishes in the RDFNL club of the year across the 2022 and 2023 seasons,” the
statement said.
“Having said that, the integrity of the competitions cannot be brought into question and on this occasion there is a clear breach and a subsequent penalty whereby the final result of the match which was originally Woodend-Hesket 9.12 (66) defeated Melton Centrals 7.8 (50) is now Woodend-Hesket 5.4 (34) defeated by Melton Centrals 7.8 (50).”
In a statement from co-presidents Paul Podbury and James Chettle said the Hawks said they accept the decision handed down by the league.
“We recognise that errors were made on two occasions during the second half of the game,” they said. “While there was absolutely no intent to deceive or gain an unfair
Hawks are ready to go
By Tara Murray
Woodend-Hesket is continuing to stick to the task at hand in the Riddell District Netball League.
The two-time defending champions have kept several of their premiership stars but have added a number of new faces across all their grades.
Playing coach Ty Coppinger said it had been a really good off season across the whole club.
“We’ve been building connections throughout the off season,” he said. There’s new faces who have come in and taken their opportunities.
“Kaia [Giles] is a young goaler and we’ve added another goaler as well [Natalie McDonald]. The attacking end looks quite different.
“We’ve also given an opportunity to one of the B-grade girls, Jessica Martin. She was amazing last season and even the season before and she comes up into A-grade.”
The Hawks started the season with a win against Melton Centrals before having the
weekend off due to playing on Good Friday.
Coppinger said they were happy with the 59-38 first up performance.
“We were happy with the result,” she said.
“Going into round one and not knowing what to expect.
“You have to put it into game play on court, it looks different in practice matches.”
Rebecca Hicks, who was a star goaler in the league previously with the Western Rams and Romsey. played for the Hawks in the win.
Coppinger said didn’t rule out Hicks playing for them again saying they would see that looks like over the season, with Hicks spending much of the off season with the club.
While they’ve come off two straight premierships, Coppinger said nothing changes for them.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are a youngster or have 10 years experience, we have a game plan that we want to stick to,” she said. “Not only as an individual but with the people around and we have to keep each other accountable.
“Everyone has an individual role and a role
advantage, we accept full responsibility for the mistakes and understand that this is no excuse.
“As a club, we are committed to reviewing our gameday procedures immediately. We will also ensure that all coaches and relevant personnel are fully informed of the RDFNL by-laws to guarantee compliance moving forward.”
The statement said the club was disappointed for its players, volunteers and loyal supporters after having had such a strong performance in round one.
The Hawks had the weekend off and will play their round two clash on Good Friday against Kyneton.
Tara Murray
Bombers still team to beat
Riddell again proved it will be the team to beat with a strong win in the Riddell District Football League grand final rematch with Wallan.
The Bombers were looking to make it two wins in a row to start the season against the Magpies, who had a bye in round one.
The Bombers jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, before increasing the margin to six goals at the main break.
It was a closer second half with the Bombers outscoring the Magpies, eight goals to seven, but the damage had been done.
The Bombers came away with a 16.9 (105)-9.7 (61) win.
Dean Galea kicked five goals up forward for the Bombers, while Brodie Miller and Ben Borg were named their best.
Cameron Cloke was Wallan’s best with five goals in his debut for the club. Diggers Rest is also undefeated after two rounds with a big win against an inaccurate Romsey.
The Burras led throughout the first half, with the margin five goals at half time.
The Redbacks had their opportunities in the third quarter but could only kick seven points as the Burras increased the lead.
It was an even last quarter, with the Burras winning it by one point, to come away with a 12.8 (80)-5.12 (42) win.
Brodie Meyers kicked six goals for the Burras, with Jamie Anderson and Meyers named their best.
as a team.”
It’s a stop start first few weeks for the Hawks, who play two games across the first month with the split round across round two and a bye in round three.
Coppinger said they were looking forward to the Good Friday clash with Kyneton.
“It’s always a big game against them.”
In exciting times for the Hawks, their new netball courts are set to be completed in the coming weeks.
Coppinger said they should be ready for their third home game against Romsey in May.
“The two courts have been a long time coming,” she said. “Kellie [Duff] did so much hard work as did other people behind the scenes.
“To have a space right down here the club rooms will be nice.”
On Saturday, Riddell had a big win against Wallan, 50-39.
Bec Colwell shot 45 goals for the Bombers. Romsey beat Diggers Rest, 54-36, and Melton Centrals was too good for Melton South as it won, 63-45.
Ayden Tessari and Callum Sankey were named the Redbacks best.
In the other match on Saturday, MeltonSouthgotitsfirstwinbackinthe RDFL, beating Melton Centrals.
The Panthers led all day in the 14.18 (102)-8.10 (58).
Alec Goodson kicked five goals for the Panthers.
The rest of round two will be played on Good Friday.
Woodend-Hesket will host Kyneton, while the Gisborne Giants are at home to Macedon.
Sarah Duff. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 420262_11
Kyneton sets the standard with masterful win
Kyneton has set its standard for the rest for the RIddell District Football League in a dominant round one display.
The Tigers had the weekend off due to playing on Good Friday in a split round tow, but couldn’t have asked for a much better start according to coach Ethan Foreman. Kyneton facednewcomers,theGisborneGiants,inround one.
“It was really good and I was happy with the boys,” he said. “We were able to stand in solidarity with the supporters after the pre-season and we were able to set the standard for the rest of the year.”
Whilethingsweretremulousofffieldoverthe summerattheclub,Foremansaidonthetrackit hadbeenareallygoodoneforthemen’sfootball program.
He said going into their second season in the competition they were always going to be better
placed. The Tigers finished last season in sixth spot, a game outside the top five.
“We’ve had a really good strong pre-season,” he said. “We’ve added a couple new boys who havebeenhandyadditionsacrossthepre-season.
“It was always the plan to take a step back last year and focus on local talent and build from there.
“It was our first time and we could gauge where we were at. We’re now looking at finals and pushing for top three.”
The new recruits made an instant impact for the Tigers.
Foreman said Danny Grmusa was best on ground in round one while Hayden Smith, Isaac Barassi, Frankie Ellia and Jacob Grinter all made their debut for the Tigers. Foreman, who kicked seven goals in the opening round, said there were plenty of youngsters that had taken that next step in the off season as well.
He said while last year was tough at times with injuries, it allowed others to get their opportunity and they were keen to continue to develop this season..
“We’ll keep bringing through the youth,” he said.
“We had a young kid who’s only 19 who was on the fringe of playing seniors last season.
“We had two injuries to rucks and he ended up rucking the whole season and finished three in our best and fairest.
“Something like that and development from him has been unbelievable and it shows coming into this year.”
Foreman said while it can be tricky having a bye straight after round one, he said with many sore bodies, including his the break would be good and they would be ready to go for Woodend-Hesket on Good Friday.
Bulldogs back in youth
By Tara Murray
Reigning premiers Gisborne will have a younger side as it heads into the Bendigo Netball League season.
The Bulldogs have managed to keep most of their premiership side together and are expected to be among the contenders come finals.
Coach Tarryn Rymer said before the first match they were excited to get back out there.
“We had our trials in October,” he said. “We face Kangaroo Flat in the opening round and it will be exciting to see where we are at.
“They have a lot of new recruits and already have a strong side.”
While the Bulldogs have kept most of their side together, they have lost two of their most experienced campaigners.
Maddy Stewart is playing down at Foster, while Tiana Newman is having a baby.
Rymer said their side was similar to their 2024 team with a couple of key additions.
“Emily Miles has come across from Romsey and is a key addition,” he said. “She is
controlled and strong in the midcourt.
“Sheridan Townrow comes from playing with Echuca.
“She’s an experienced, knowledgeable, level headed tall shooter. She’s a nice addition for us.”
Demi Young, who was part of the A-reserve squad last season will also step up and play some A-grade games.
Amity Drayton was another who was named in the A-grade squad for round one.
Rymer said they wanted to keep providing opportunities to those players who are at the club.
“They are babies,” she said of the side this year.
“Everyone asks what is next and these girls keep coming back stronger. We use A-reserve to prepare them for the next level and it’s important for us.
“We don’t want to rely on VNL [Victorian Netball League] players. We want local players playing at that level.
“Let’shavefunandseewhattheyarecapable of doing.”
Sports shorts
Bendigo FL
Gisborne kicked off the Bendigo Football League season in fine form with a big win against Kangaroo Flat on Saturday. The Bulldogs jumped out of the blocks and were able to keep it going throughout on the way to a 32.19 (211)-7.9 (51) win. Dylan Johnstone kicked five goals for the Bulldogs in a best on ground performance. Gisborne now plays South Bendigo on Good Friday.
EDFL
Gisborne-Kyneton United remain undefeated in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition after beating the Sunbury Kangaroos. The Bulldogs blew open the game in the second quarter with five goals to one. That would be the difference as they went on to win, 6.6 (42)-2.1 (13). Kareena Jacobsen-Logan kicked five goals in a best on ground performance. Tylah Bell was named the Kangaroos best. East Sunbury’s game with Taylors Lakes ended in the third quarter, with the Thunder struggling for numbers. The Lions were leading 16.16 (0.0 (0) at the time and get the four points.
RDFL
The Bulldogs have suffered an early blow with Claudia Mawson dislocating her shoulder.
Rymer said they were unsure when Mawson would return, but it opens up more opportunities for Torie Skrijel
“Torie Skrijel can play as a moving shooter or holding shooter,” she said. “In the 17s she played a lot of goal attack and it’s a good opportunity for her to step back into that.”
The Bulldogs started their season with a big loss to Kangaroo Flat.
Rymer said before the match that it would give them a bit of an indication of where they were at.
Rymer said the first focus for the whole squad was to get every side back into finals.
Last season all but the under-17s made the grand final, with the Bulldogs winning two flags.
“Gettingfiveteamsinthefinalsandthenwe will make finals from there.”
The Bulldogs will be in action on Good Friday against South Bendigo.
Lancefield made it two in a row in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition on Friday night. Facing Riddell, the Tigers came away with a 6.6 (42)-0.2 (2) win. Melton and Macedon also remain undefeated after beating Romsey and the Mount Alexander Falcons respectively.
Big V
The Sunbury Jets had a strong win at home against the Shepparton Gators on Saturday night in the Big V men’s championship competition. Missing some players due to the under age national championships, the Jets were able to do enough in the middle to quarters to gain a nine point lead, which would be the final margin in the 90-81 win. Byron Gladden top scored with 29 points for the Jets. The Jets now the weekend off now with Easter.
Tara Murray Danny Grmusa. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 466908_18
Charlee Kemp. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 420264_01
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