Organisations across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges are preparing to host Anzac Day services this week and commemorate those who have served Australia in times of war. The stories of local veterans will be shared and the community will unite at dawn and morning services to pay their respects.
For an overview of some of the local events, turn to page 5.
By Oscar Parry
Sunbury is set for a major retail overhaul, with a large development in the south of the town hitting the market.
The development is planned for a parcel of land between Sunbury and Redstone Hill roads – at the gateway to Villawood’s Redstone Estate.
Star Weekly understands that the site is approximately four kilometres from the Sunbury CBD, will contain approximately 25,000 square metres of retail space, and will service the southern and eastern parts of the Sunbury township.
On real estate firm Stonebridge Property Group’s website the announcement of the
development hitting the market originally referred to it as the Sunbury Town Centre –but the headline of the article and wording in the attached image was changed to Sunbury South Town Centre.
Redstone Sunbury resident Johnrey Baraceros said that he was excited at the prospect of having a retail centre within walking distance of his home.
“I guess also having something matching the energy of the estate as well, so having a lot of new houses in the area, a revitalised town centre is something we’re excited about,” Mr Baraceros said.
“We feel like the town centre will bring a lot of people, especially from the new developments, together and, hopefully, the
people who [have lived] in Sunbury for years and years start to see the plus sides of having these amenities as well.”
Not all Sunbury residents are excited about the plan, however – including resident Lillian Sam, who finds the development “concerning.”
“Itdoesn’tfitwiththecharacterofthetown, the character of the surrounds. The more people you accumulate in the one area, the more problems you have,” Ms Sam said.
Speaking to Star Weekly before the wording onStonebridge’swebsitewasupdated,MsSam said the original Sunbury Town Centre name was “confusing,” and was worried it would be especially so for new Sunbury residents.
In response to the original name, Hume
Mayor Jarrod Bell said that Sunbury “is a very proud town, with the heart of the town centre being O’Shannassy, Evans and Brooks streets.”
“Council agrees that marketing a commercial centre as the ‘Sunbury Town Centre’ is confusing and understands that this site is not intended to replace the existing town centre in Sunbury,” Cr Bell said. He said that as a growth council, Hume welcomed “new developments, shopping centres and essential services for our expanding communities including the proposed commercial opportunity within the Redstone Estate in Sunbury South.”
Stonebridge Property Group was contacted for comment.
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line 26 to 27 April
North Melbourne to Sunbury 10 to 11 May
Road disruptions: Road closed
Ferris Road, Melton 4am 3 May to 11.59pm 4 May
North Melbourne to Sunshine
By Oscar Parry
Sunbury’s in-person visitor information centre will begin to wind down, with Hume council transitioning to online delivery of the service.
Located at the Hume Global Learning Centre, the Sunbury Visitor Information Centre will close at the end of June.
According to a Hume spokesperson, the council will instead focus on online information delivery – such as through its Discover Hume page on Instagram – with the transition “consistent with industry trends across Victoria”.
This follows a council review that found
more people are accessing visitor information onlineandthemajorityofin-personenquiries at the Sunbury Visitor Information Centre at the Hume Global Learning Centre are not visitor-related.
The spokesperson said the council will connect the centre’s staff and volunteers with relevant job opportunities and help them explore other voluntary roles within Hume.
“As we transition this service there will be increased support for Sunbury businesses, including those with a tourism focus,” the spokesperson said.
Sunbury Residents Association president Graham Williams said he believes the lack of in-person visitation for tourism inquiries is
due to the centre’s location and the opening hours of the Hume Global Learning Centre.
“I think … it’s not accessible nor well-signposted or advertised, and it’s basically a very low-key service currently and doesn’t lend itself to visitors to Sunbury finding it and managing to get to it,” Mr Williams said.
“I think the loss of the previous visitor information centre was a retrograde step, and we would like to see it reinstated.”
In a message posted to Facebook, mayor Jarrod Bell said the volunteers at the Hume Global Learning Centre in Sunbury are “familiar faces, warm welcomes, and often the first people visitors and locals alike
MacedonRangeswelcomed17newAustralian citizens to the leafy shire this month at a ceremony in Kyneton.
Hosted on Tuesday, April 1 at the Kyneton Town Hall, the new citizens pledged their loyalty to Australia and received citizenship certificates and commemorative gifts.
The new citizens were originally born in countries including the Phillipines, England, Ireland, New Zealand, the United States, Iran, China, and South Africa.
New citizen Alexander Smith said he and his partner Elyse Lancaster initially arrived in Australia in 2017 from Nottingham
and Harrow in England respectively and had a seven-year journey to citizenship –including three months of farm work in Queensland to extend their initial visa for a second year.
“[It felt] really special actually, because we’d been working up to it for a long time and we’d intended from early on to become citizens in that journey … it was a feeling of pride and success having finally done it,” Mr Smith said.
“We were living in the city for a long time in Brunswick, and we just wanted a taste of the rural life, so we moved up to Woodend.
[We’ve] been there for about a year and half [and] really love it,” he said.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said the ceremony is “always a special and happy occasion” and that he enjoys seeing the “smiles on the people’s faces – especially the kids.”
“Whether your ancestors have been here for thousands of years, hundreds of years, a first generation Aussie like myself, ora new Aussie, such as yourselves, we are all Australian. And my hope is that we look to the future of our country with optimism and hope for a better future, much like my parents did,” Cr Bonanno said.
turn to for support, guidance, or even just a friendly chat”.
“It’s also important to acknowledge that while the service is volunteer-led, managing an accredited visitor information centre … comes with significant costs.”
He said the nature of the service has changed, with the volunteers now providing more of a community concierge service at the Hume Global Learning centre rather than a traditional visitor service.
Cr Bell said he will continue to advocate for the volunteers who wish to remain involved to “have a place within a refreshed model of support at the GLC,” which is currently being explored by Hume.
An upgraded Kyneton Skate Park is looking more certain after federal Labor matched the Liberals’ funding election pledge last week.
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters visited the skate park on Monday, April 14 to announce that if re-elected, Labor will contribute $750,000 towards upgrading the Kyneton Skate Park –which was identified as a priority in a strategy adopted by Macedon Ranges in 2023 due to its poor condition.
The funding will go towards the design and construction of a new district facility at the site – located at the Kyneton Showgrounds –including a new skatepark, pump track, and other active youth spaces, subject to final detailed design and planning requirements.
Ms Chesters said that the redevelopment of the skate park is “such a great project that is good for people’s physical and mental health.“
“Skating is a fun, physical activity that provides health, social and other benefits for many people outside of organised sport,“ Ms Chesters said.
“The existing facility isn’t meeting the community’s expectations, nor is it suitable for those learning to ride, skate or scoot,“ she said.
“A new Kyneton Skate Park will provide the space for people of all ages to get active in Kyneton.“
The skate park was constructed in 2001.
I’m a dad, a local volunteer and your Federal Labor Member for Hawke.
Labor has delivered cheaper medicines, energy bill relief, a tax cut for every taxpayer, and bulk-billed two Medicare Urgent Care clinics here in Hawke, including in Sunbury.
But there’s more to do.
Labor will build the Calder Park Drive Interchange, invest in more free GPs in
This election is a choice. We can’t afford Peter Dutton’s cuts to Medicare. I’m fighting to make sure that our community doesn’t get left behind.
Organisations across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges are preparing to host Anzac Day commemorations this Friday, with the stories of local veterans set to be shared.
The Sunbury RSL Sub Branch will host two services to commemorate those who have served, offering a dawn and morning service with local veteran guest speakers.
The dawn service will begin at 6am at the Memorial Hall on Stawell Street and will feature Sunbury veteran David Jordan as the guest speaker.
After this service finishes at 9.50am, a march will be held to the war memorial on Stawell Street, where a morning service will begin at 10.15am – with Sunbury veteran Peter McLellan as the guest speaker.
Sunbury RSL president Graeme Williams said the two services have attracted a “good crowd“ in previous years.
The Sunbury Anzac Youth Vigil will return for its fourth year, with all uniformed youth organisation in Sunbury taking part, including Scouts, Guides, emergency service youth units, and cadets.
From6pmonThursday,April24,participants will take turns in shifts throughout the night to maintain a continuous silent watch at the memorial until they are formally relieved by the start of the Sunbury Anzac Day Dawn Service the following morning.
The story of a former Kyneton colonel will be one of those shared at the Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn service, with this year’s event focusing on the wide-reaching impacts of war.
The event, on April 25, will draw on stories from local ex-service people to explore the many impacts that war has on those who serve, including the physical injuries, mental effects, and wider repercussions for families.
The event will be emceed by Kyneton Royal
Lancefield, and Woodend – with further details available on the Macedon Ranges website. Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/About-Council/ News/News/Anzac-Day-2025
By Tom Ingleton
Stray shopping trolleys – those clunky, rusting relics of grocery runs gone rogue – are about to meet their match in Hume.
Councilhasofficiallyhadenoughoffootpaths blocked, parks invaded, and streets littered with what councillor Naim Kurt dramatically dubbed a “sea of stray steel baskets“.
At the Monday April 14 council meeting, councillor Sam Misho led the charge with a notice of motion to clamp down on trolley dumping, vowing that from July 2025 retailers will face stricter enforcement– and fines–
under the General Local Law 2023.
“This is something I raised back in 2021,”
Cr Misho said. “We need to take a very strong stance. It’s unsafe, unsightly, and frankly, we should actually tackle it.”
Cr Misho took aim at major supermarket chains, accusing them of outsourcing responsibility.
“There are retailers making super profits, but they get trolley contractors at dirt-cheap rates, who then sub-contract to smaller operators who can barely pay wages. That’s why we see trolleysscatteredalloverourneighbourhoods.”
Under the new motion, all retailers in Hume
must implement coin-operated trolleys by July 1.
Councillor Steve Gagen applauded the motion,andsaiditshiftstheburdenawayfrom customers and back onto the corporations.
“It’s like making McDonald’s or other fast-food companies responsible for the litter,” Cr Gagen said.
However, Cr Gagen did express concerns about the effectiveness of coin-lock systems, pointing to Banksia Gardens where “trains of trolleys” are often found linked together and dumped.
Despitestrongerlocallaws,fines,signage,and
TheMountPlayersTheatreCompanyisgearing up to present performances of a gripping psychologicalthrillernextmonth,promisingto keep viewers guessing up to the final moment. Presented at the home of the Mount Players – the Mountview Theatre – from May 9–25, The Girl on the Train is adapted from Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel.
Actors from the Mount Players will present thisintensetalethatfollowsprotagonistRachel Watson, who hopes for a different life and
whoseonlyescapeisthroughtheperfectcouple she watches through the train window every day – or so it appears.
Rachel one day learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has mysteriously disappeared, finding herself as a witness, and even a suspect, in a thrilling mystery where she faces bigger revelations than she could have ever imagined.
Viewer discretion is advised and the play is suitableformatureaudiencesaged16plus,with
the performance containing strong language and depictions of domestic and sexual violence and alcoholism.
Evening performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm and matinee performances from 2pm on Sundays at MountviewTheatre,56SmithStreet,Macedon.
A full list of dates, pricing, and booking details is available on the theatre company’s website.
Details: themountplayers.com
countless emails to supermarket headquarters, Cr Kurt said the problem persisted.
Cr Kurt then delivered the evening’s most theatrical moment, waving a prop letter featuring what he dubbed “The shopping cart theory,”calling it the ultimate test of civic virtue.
“The shopping cart is the ultimate litmus test for whether a person is capable of self-government,” it read.
“Toreturnthecartisobjectivelyright,butit’s not illegal to abandon it. The shopping cart is the apex example of whether someone will do the right thing without being forced.”
SunburyScoutHallcouldbeasbestos-free and more accessible following a Liberal election pledge.
Hawke Liberal candidate Simmone Cottom announced that the Liberals will fund $250,000 of upgrades to the Sunbury Scout Hall if elected, including to its bathroom facilities.
First Sunbury Scout Group leader Tash Child said that while scouting is an inclusive movement, “our current bathroom facilities prevent us from accommodating youth members who use wheelchairs.”
“The narrow doorways and cubicles have, regrettably, forced us to turn away potential members, something we deeply wish to change,” Ms Child said. She said that beyond scouting, the hall serves as a “valuable community space,” usedbyvisitingScoutgroups,churchand social organisations, fitness classes, local businesses, and the CFA for training.
“During recent elections, our hall has been a polling place, where long queues formed with limited access to modern amenities,” she said. “With this grant, we would not only improve our bathrooms but also ensure they are fully accessible, including the addition of a unisex toilet with showering facilities to meet current standards. This project is about more than just an upgrade to make our Scout Hall a truly inclusive and safe space for everyone in our community.”
MsCottomsaidthattheSunburyScout Hall is an “important local community space that serves as a hub for local young people, families and volunteers,” however, the current bathroom facilities are “outdated and in need of urgent upgrades.”
Dogs and their owners will drool at the sight of the upgraded Hurry Reserve dog off-leash area, with a range of improvements now on the cards.
The reserve in Kyneton will be redesigned with designated areas for both active and quiet dogs through upgraded fencing and paths – alongside new shelters, seating, signage and more – aiming to create a safe and more accessible space for dogs and their owners.
The upgrades will be funded by a $99,000 grant through a state government dog park grants program.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said the council will keep the community informed about planned improvements and designs, ensuring the area better suits local needs.
“We know how much our residents love their dogs, and this new park will give them a fantastic space to exercise, socialise, and have
fun,” Mr Bonanno said. “This upgrade means that every dog and pup, whether they love to run or prefer a relaxed environment, will have a space that suits them,” he said.
“Wethankthe[stategovernment]forhelping us to make this upgrade a reality.”
The council will provide more information and firmer timelines as planning progresses, with completion of the project aimed for June next year.
TheAfricanLioncubrecentlybornatWerribee Open Range Zoo (WROZ) has died from kidney issues after its mother unexpectedly stopped producing maternal milk.
Atthreeweeksold,thecubwasshowingsigns of lethargy, weakness and poor weight gain which prompted an emergency examination under anaesthesia at the zoo’s veterinary hospital on Sunday, April 13.
Following extensive care that included fluid therapy and high density oral supplements, the veterinaryteamconcludedtherewasnochance of recovery and made the decision to euthanise the cub to prevent suffering.
WROZ director Dr Mark Pilgrim said staff were heartbroken but had done absolutely everything possible to support first-time-mother Asali and her cub during its critical early life phase.
“Although the early signs after birth were encouraging, the early life stages of a cub can be quite delicate and present some natural challenges for lionesses,’ Dr Pilgrim said.
“First-time mothers can sometimes
experiencedifficultieswithlactationwhilethey navigate the demands of motherhood.
“The labour and post-birth interactions were monitored remotely via 24-hour cameras, disturbing the natural bonding process.”
Intervention was a last resort, only made when the cub’s health was at risk, separating it from its mother carries a high risk of maternal rejection.
A necropsy was conducted on the morning of Monday, April 14 and confirmed the lack of milk supply.
Further tests are expected in the next few weeks to rule out any other cause of death.
Dr Pilgrim said this is an extremely sad time for the entire zoo community.
“Our thoughts are with them and all who cared for this precious cub, and especially with our keepers and vets who worked tirelessly to care for the cub,” he said.
The cub was born on the evening of Sunday, March 23 to seven-year-old mother Asali and eight-year-old father Sheru, marking the first single-cub litter in the zoo’s history.
Clarification
In an article published last week, the entry price to the Sunbury Art Society’s annual art show was listed as “$15 per person during the weekend and free during the week.” Star Weekly would like to clarify that this entry price only applies to the opening night that begins at 7.30pm on Friday, May 2, and entry will be free at all other times. Following the opening night, the show will be open to visitors from 10am–4pm from May 3–10 at The Boilerhouse off Circular Drive, Sunbury, with further details available on the organisation’s website.
Rainbow Crafternoon
Sunbury Cobaw Community Health’s Healthy LGBTI Ageing Project is organising a ‘Rainbow Crafternoon’ – a free afternoon of crafting activities for LGBTI people aged over 50. Held at the Old Auction House creative space in Kyneton, the afternoon will include the opportunity to look around the gallery and see the Queerthentic Regional LGBTIQA+ Art Prize entries presented at the gallery. No artistic skills are required, and attendees will play with polymer clay and share some afternoon tea. The Rainbow Crafternoon will be held from 2–4pm on Wednesday, May 21 at the Old Auction House in Kyneton, and entry is dree. Visit the Sunbury Cobaw Community Health website to register a place.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Adventure through Kyabram Fauna Park’s expansive wetlands and bushlands, and explore a stunning array of birdlife and unique native animals.
Relax at the Fauna Park Café with our playful meerkats, or enjoy a BYO BBQ while the kids are entertained at the playground.
Kids visit free on weekends, public holidays and Victorian school holidays.*
By Tom Ingleton
Hume’s playgrounds may have slides, swings, and seesaws but one crucial feature is missing - shade.
Councillors are now throwing some serious shade on that very fact.
Councillor Steve Gagen led the charge at the April 14 council meeting, putting forward a motion to investigate and improve the city’s approach to UV protection and shaded play spaces.
The motion, which was carried, calls for
council officers to prepare a report on the best practice for shade provision, and consider including UV protection in Hume’s health and well-being plan.
“Good quality public spaces that have shaded areas are important for the health and well-being of Hume residents,” Cr Gagen said.
“Hume has low natural tree canopy cover and is impacted by the urban heat island effect, which causes higher local temperatures. Worse still, unshaded areas have dangerously high ultraviolet light levels.”
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer
in the world, with two-thirds of Australians expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime.
Cr Gagen warned that over 95 per cent of skin cancers stem from UV exposure – and that children, who often play outside without seeking shade, are particularly at risk.
“There’s a Melbourne playgrounds website that ranks suburbs on shaded places and Hume, I’m sad to report, comes dead last,” Cr Gagen said.
Councillor Ally Watson backed the motion, highlighting the need to create shade areas not justforchildren,butalsoforcarersandparents.
Bullengarook CFA will host a community resilience event, aiming to increase local knowledge of the environment and key issues and threats pertinent to the township.
A follow-up to a similar event hosted by the brigade in October last year, the event –titled Rook Ready: Bullengarook Resilience – will consist of four sessions relating to different topics relevant to the Bullengarook environment.
This will include reflections on the Bullengarook bushfire in December.
As part of the opening keynote session with
expert speakers, CFA incident controller for the Bullengarook Bushfire and Macedon Ranges resident John Deering will present a debrief of the bushfire and some of the key lessons learnt.
Thefoursessionswillcoverfireplanningand preparation including how to stay informed; snakes and other hazardous wildlife and how to manage snake bites – including a live snake display; bushfire resilient landscaping; and ecological vegetation management and biodiversity.
Bullengarook CFA captain Simon Hayward
said that the event is aimed at expanding on the previous community resilience event in October, helping to unify the community and increase understanding of the Bullengarook environment.
“Hopefully we’ve got something for everybody and it builds on what we did last year,” Mr Hayward said.
The free event will start at 2pm on Saturday, May 3 at the Bullengarook Fire Station, 695 Bacchus Marsh Road, Bullengarook.
Details: facebook.com/share/1AFFAiFAK8/
Councillor Naim Kurt said the issue reflected broader concerns about the design of Hume’spublicspaces,wherefeatureslikeshade structures are often considered non-standard.
Cr Gagen added that the danger of early sun exposure was lifelong.
“One of the reasons why I stress children in the motion is because with melanoma, you have to get two lots of exposure in your life–once as a child and then later on in adult life,” he said.
“Children don’t choose to do risky things–adults might, but kids need protection.“
Macedon Ranges council will oppose a planning application for the development of four tiny homes on land on Shannons Lane in Kerrie when the matter is heard at VCAT.
As reported by Star Weekly, the plan entails developing four single-dwelling tiny homes – a type of self-contained and minimalist accommodation – at one of the five lots which make up 131 Shannons Lane, Kerrie.
The buildings would then be provided as group accommodation through short-stay accommodation company Shacky.
Community objectors to the planning application spoke at the council’s planning delegated committee meeting on March 12, expressing concerns including heightened bushfire risk, increased traffic on the narrow and unsealed Shannons Lane, impacts to local wildlife – especially wombats – and changes to the character of this section of Kerrie.
A report was tabled at the council’s April 9 planning delegated committee meeting stating that the council will advise VCAT that it opposes the plan.
In the report, the council said that reasons for opposing the plan include the site failing to appropriately respond to the conservation values and environmental sensitivity of the site and locality, the plan being contrary to the purpose of the Rural Conservation Zone with the proposal of five dwellings in total on the property, and concerns around entry and exit of the site in the event of bushfire evacuation.
The planning application was initially received by the council on October 25, 2023.
Afteravolatilefireseason,thefiredangerperiod for the Macedon Ranges will end next week – but residents are urged to remain cautious, especially when performing burn-offs.
Following confirmation from the CFA, the fire danger period for the Ranges will conclude at 1am on Tuesday, April 22.
From then, those on land larger than 2000 square metres are allowed to burn off, as long as they comply with the council’s local laws and register the burn-off at least two hours in advance online with Fire Permits Victoria –which allows triple-0 call-takers to prioritise emergency calls.
Those wishing to start their burn-off immediately – within two hours – can register by calling 1800 668 511, but emergency calls will always be attended to first and online registration is preferred.
Macedon Ranges council community director Maria Weiss said residents should remain cautious and responsible when undertaking burn-offs, taking weather and permits into consideration.
“The risk of fire hasn’t disappeared – dry conditions and high winds outdoors, and the
increase in fireplace [and] heater use indoors, can still lead to dangerous situations,” Ms Weiss said. “It is important to take the time to check your smoke alarm, maintain your property and remove excess vegetation. It not only protects your home and family but helps to safeguard the broader community as we head into the cooler months and prepare for the next fire season.“
When burning off, the council is reminding residents to ensure weather conditions are safe and that burn piles do not exceed the size allowed for their land, check for overhanging
branchesthatcouldcatchfire,andensurethere is adequate fire suppression or extinguishing equipmentonhand,checkforwildlifethatmay benestinginburnpiles,andensuresmokedoes not cause a hazard to road users or a nuisance to neighbours.
Under local council law, if your property is 2000squaremetresorless,burningintheopen air is prohibited. Additionally, if your property is more than 2000 square metres and equal to or less than 4000 square metres, a permit is required for burning off.
Candidates from seven parties will battle it out for the seat of Hawke, which was created in 2022 after a boundary redistribution. Covering 1986 square kilometres and including Sunbury, Melton, Bacchus Marsh, and Ballan, the electorate was first contested at the last election.
Hawke is held by Labor MP Sam Rae, who won by a two-candidate - preferred margin of 7.6 per cent at the 2022 federal election. The seat is expected to be one to watch, with both of the main parties having made a number of election promises in the area.
In this election, Mr Rae will defend the seat against Liberal candidate Simmone Cottam.
Five other candidates are throwing their hat in the ring – Family First’s Melanie Milutinovic, Legalise Cannabis Australia’s Devon Starbuck, Greens’ Sarah Newman, Animal Justice Party’s Fiona Adin-James and One Nation’s Matthew Katselis.
Star Weekly reached out to the candidates who are standing for the seat of Hawke at the federal election, asking why voters should vote for them. Some candidates did not respond by deadline.
Fiona Adin-James - Animal Justice Party
I am standing as the Animal Justice Party candidate for Hawke to advocate for our community’s urgent need for improved infrastructure, essential services, and a stronger voice for wildlife, and companion animals often overlooked in policy decisions. Having lived in Western Victoria since I was 15, I’ve witnessed Melton’s rapid growth and the growing strain on local road and rail infrastructure. Upgrades are long overdue. I am also proposing Veticare, a Medicare-style system for the animals and I strongly support affordable housing for all. Melton needs smarter planning that ensures residents have safer roads and public transport, protected green spaces, and meaningful measures to safeguard local wildlife.
According to Star Weekly’s election survey, readers in Hume 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. Sunbury and Bulla residents have long called for the bypass.
Among the responses from readers of the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges, issues mentioned as most important in the upcoming election included the cost of living, housing, and the environment and climate change.
For those in Melton and Moorabool, many survey responses also referred to the cost of living and housing.
In the 2022 election, Sam Rae won 32,020 votes – or 36.7 per cent of all votes in the electorate – and was followed by Liberal candidate Enamul Haque with 22,960 votes – 26.3 per cent of the votes – and Greens
Sam Rae - Labor Party
I’m Sam Rae - I’m a dad with three kids, a local CFA volunteer and your Federal Labor Member for Hawke. Labor has delivered cheaper medicines, energy bill relief, a tax cut, and bulk-billed two Medicare urgent care clinics in Hawke. But there’s more to do. Labor will build the Calder Park Drive Interchange, invest in more free GPs in Hawke, cap the cost of PBS medicines at $25, deliver another tax cut and energy bill relief, and make free TAFE permanent. Hawke needs a strong voice to ensure we don’t get left behind - I’ll always fight for our community.
Simmone Cottom - Liberal Party
I’m Simmone Cottom, the Liberal candidate for Hawke—and a proud Sunbury local. I’m running to do politics differently: community-first, action-driven, and focused on delivering real results. I’ve already secured funding commitments for local priorities like Eric Boardman Stadium, Griffith Street, and expanded CCTV. A Liberal government will upgrade the Western Freeway and cut fuel prices by 25 cents per litre—saving families around $1500 a year. I’ll work directly with residents, councils, and community groups to get Hawke the fair go we deserve. It’s time for leadership that listens, acts, and delivers. Let’s get Hawke back on track— together.
Map of the electoral division of Hawke from 2024. (AEC)
candidate Lynda Wheelock with 7785 votes – 8.9 per cent of the votes. Hawke is named after former prime
Sarah Newman - The Greens I have lived in Sunbury since I was 10, and I’ve watched our community be taken for granted by the major parties. The Greens want to make big corporations pay their fair share of tax to fund the things we all need like dental and mental health into Medicare and seeing the GP for free. We want free public schooling, childcare and tertiary education, just like our prime minister had. We want families to feel like they can afford both the roof over their head and the food on their table, without having to compromise on either.
Melanie Milutinovi - Family First
As a proud Melton resident since 2001, I am committed to standing up for families and building a stronger and safer community. With over 20 years’ experience in both private and public sectors, and as a parent representative at Wedge Park Primary School council, I understand the real needs of local families. I will fight to protect children, defend parental rights, and ensure every family has a voice in Parliament. I am passionate about practical solutions that foster stability, fairness, and opportunity for all. Vote Family First for genuine representation and policies that put families and the community first.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has confirmed it will not place any voting information advertisements in local community newspapers across Melbourne ahead of the upcoming federal election, sparking outrage from local publishers and community leaders.
The decision means crucial details about where and how to vote will be absent from dozens of free local community newspapers that serve Melbourne’s diverse and often disadvantaged outer suburbs.
The AEC claims that information for these areas will be “covered by the metro papers.” However, this ignores the fundamental role local community newspapers such as Star Weekly play in reaching culturally and linguistically diverse communities, newly settled residents, and those who may not access or trust mainstream media.
“Our democracy relies on everyone knowing how to vote correctly and being informedabouttheiroptions,”saiddemocracy campaigner at the Australian Democracy Network, Ray Yoshida.
“Local community newspapers can be a vital source of trustworthy information, so it’s surprising to hear that the AEC has cut election advertising to these outlets.
“Given a number of seats in Melbourne’s westcoulddecidetheelectionoutcome,whyis the AEC cutting down on advertising in local papers that serve those areas? These voters –including many first-time voters – need more information about the electoral process, not less.”
Star Weekly managing director Paul Thomas said the move was discriminatory and undermined democratic values.
“The AEC’s decision effectively disenfranchises the very communities who need support the most. Our local community newspapers are trusted, local voices— cutting them out of the electoral process is indefensible,” he said.
Many publishers of local community newspapers have expressed frustration at the AEC’s unwillingness to reconsider the move, noting that fringe suburbs are home to large populations of migrants, elderly voters, and young first-time voters—groups traditionally under-represented at the ballot box.
Communitygroupsandmediaorganisations are calling on the AEC to reverse its decision and include local community newspapers in its election advertising campaigns, ensuring every Australian has fair and equal access to voting information.
Requests for clarification from the AEC were not answered directly.
Diggers Rest is one step closer to being level crossing-free, with piling works on a new road bridge now complete.
The foundations have been laid for a road bridge at Watsons Road, where crews used a 65-tonne piling rig to dig seven piles that will form its foundations.
Construction on both the eastern and western retaining walls for the bridge is continuing.
The bridge will include separated pedestrian access and has been designed to account for new developments north of Diggers Rest.
Meanwhile, work is well advanced on building the new roundabout at Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road, which will enable traffic toflowoverthenewroadbridgeandconnectto Old Calder Highway.
The bridge will allow vehicles – and cyclists via a separated bike path – to traverse over the rail line at Stan Payne Reserve before turning north to Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
Old Calder Highway will close at the level crossing when the new road bridge opens, with a new open space created for the community.
Access will be maintained for pedestrians crossing the rail line.
Both level crossings will be removed this year, making the Sunbury Line level crossing free and aiming to improve safety and reduce congestion in the heart of Diggers Rest.
More than 8000 vehicles use the two Diggers Restlevelcrossingseachday,facingdelaysofup to36minuteswhen27trainstravelthroughthe crossings during the morning peak, according to the state government.
Piling works were completed for a new road bridge at Watsons Road as part of the Diggers Rest Level Crossing Removal Project. (Supplied)
Calling all weather data enthusiasts –Macedon and Mt Macedon Landcare is calling for past weather recordings in the region for a small citizen science climate project.
The group is hoping to receive weather data recorded by Macedon Ranges residents for two extreme weather periods – wind and temperatures in November–December 2019 and rainfall in October 2022.
Macedon and Mt Macedon Landcare chair Kate Lawrence said that this data will then be used as part of a climate science project to predict future weather.
“The monolith of the Macedon range has [a] profound impact on weather of these areas, but there is little compiled or analysed data,” Ms Lawrence said.
“A better understanding of local variations in rainfall, winds, fire weather and heat can help us better predict and prepare for more frequent and extreme weather events,” she said.
Climatologist Neil Plummer will analysethelocalweatherdataforthetwo extreme weather periods in question and will report on the variations found.
Mr Plumer said that “the strength of this project is entirely dependent on the quality of the data we receive,” and that the project members are “really hoping the amateur weather watchers and data keepers get involved.”
Data can be uploaded through an online form on the group’s website.
Details: mmmlandcare.org.au/ weather-the-macedon-range
Kingsville filmmaker and projectionist Bert Murphy’s career has come full circle, or in keeping with the theme, full reel as Cade Lucas reports.
It was Murphy’s love of going to the cinema and watching movies that first got him into being a projectionist and then a filmmaker.
And it was that love of film and film projectors that eventually led him to making a feature length documentary, one that finally saw him projected onto screens rather than being the one doing the projecting or sitting in the cinema watching.
That documentary is Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey, originally released in 2022, but which is now streaming on SBS On Demand where it will remain for the rest of the year.
Part biography, part cinematic and cultural history and partly a tale of how one of the world’s most famous directors and his newly released blockbuster were lured to an independent Yarraville movie theatre, Splice Here is centred on the movie business’s early 2010’s transition from film to digital.
“I guess, in a nutshell, it’s about the survival oftheprojectedfilmexperience,”saidMurphy who as a projectionist - the person in bowels of the theatre operating the arcane machinery that transports a movie from a film reel to a cinemascreen-hadbothavestedinterestedin and a ringside seat to, the most consequential change in motion picture history.
“Itreallycoversthe10yearsofthetransition from protecting film to digital, so it goes into all of the arguments that occurred at the time, and still carry on, about what’s the difference, why is it better or why is it worse and why should we hang on to it?”
Such arguments are hardly unique to cinema. From music to photography to television and even journalism, the 21st Century has brought about a change from analogue to digital formats and the array of pros and cons that come with it.
But with film, this change is much more definitive.
Given the size, expense and complexity of analogue film making and projecting equipment, the scarcity of theatres able to accommodate them, and the fragility of the film reels themselves, the move to digital has meant vast swathes of movie making history, quite literally, being thrown in the bin.
And while most movie goers were unaware this fundamental change was occurring, for a film nerd like Murphy, it was a moment in time that just had to be captured.
“When the transition to digital started, I kind of felt like I just wanted to document what we’re about to lose.”
At the time Murphy was working as a projectionist and filmmaker at Yarraville’s Sun Theatre, a role he still has today and which proved pivotal in allowing him to make the documentary.
The owner of the Sun Theatre, Michael Smith, would eventually become executive producer of Splice Here and remembers working alongside Murphy when he first had the idea.
“My memory of it is that the project came about organically because when we started removing film projects - I have another business installing projectors - and all of a
sudden we found ourselves going around removing machines in some cases been around for 50 years to replace them with electronic projectors that we knew wouldn’t last as long,” recalled Smith.
“Bert, as an inquisitive filmmaker, thought thatthiswasamomentoustimeinfilmhistory and it needed to be recorded.”
With assistance from producer and cinematographer, Joanne Donohoe-Beckwith, Murphy set about doing just that while weaving in his own story and a potted history of Australian cinema, as well.
The film begins by retracing Murphy’s own path into film making and projecting, from a Star Wars obsessed teenager living on Melbourne’s outskirts in the late 70’s, to later becoming a regular at grand old Melbourne theatre houses such as the Valhalla in Richmond and the Astor in St Kilda, in the 1980’s and into the industry proper in the 1990’s
Murphy then ventures back further still to the halcyon days of the 1940’s and 50’s and venues like the Regent Theatre on Collins Street, which was the only Australian theatre equipped with cutting-edge ‘Cinerama’ technology that used 35mm projectors to project images onto a deeply curved screen, turning movie going into a theatrical event.
He also travels around Australia and overseas to interview fellow projectionists and film industry luminaries such as director Douglas Trumbull and reviewer Leonard Maltin.
And of course there’s footage of Murphy and his fellow projectionists on the job, performing the precise, labour intensive and complex work of projecting a film onto a screen.
But according to Smith, the crucial point in the development of the documentary and the story it tells came in 2016, courtesy of one of the world’s most famous directors.
“The turning point is Quentin Tarantino deciding that film need to be saved at all cost and the Hateful Eight came along and turned everything round again.”
A western thriller starring Samuel L Jackson and Kurt Russell, the Hateful Eight was Tarantino’s ninth movie and in keeping with the director’s enigmatic, Hollywood history buff reputation, he decided a longer
Theatre to be one of them and the latter half of the documentary follows his quest to find and install a 70mm projector in order to secure a screening and, hopefully, an appearance from Tarantino himself.
As the documentary shows, he also had to overcome Smith’s pessimism.
“I was enthusiastic, but we were doing it not even knowing if we would get a print, so we proceeded cautiously,” said Smith, who was also preparing for a solo flight around the world at this point, also the subject of a documentary.
Fortunately, Smith returned from his round the world flight to good news; they’d secured a 70mm projector and a screening.
The Hateful Eight screened at the Sun Theatre in January 2016, with Samuel L Jackson and Quentin Tarantino making the trip as well.
“Ohmygoodness,diditworkout,”declared Smith almost a decade on.
“It put us on the map.”
After the screening, Tarantino made his way up to the ‘box’, the booth where Murphy had been at work on the 70mm projector, putting the Hateful Eight on screen.
“HecameupandsaidhelloafterwardsandI had 15 minutes alone to chat with him, which was lovely,” said Murphy of his conversation with Tarantino, some of which was filmed for the documentary which the man himself showed great interest in.
“Hesaid,‘thedocumentarysoundsfantastic and if you can get over to LA, you know, I’ll give you an interview,’ recalled Murphy.
“And of course, that didn’t happen because of COVID-19 and so forth.”
Even getting Tarantino to sign a release form allowing his image to be used at all, proved difficult, until a chance encounter that reads like a movie script.
“I tried for years, and I could not get to him (Tarantino) and then, quite by chance, I was in LA, and I got into an Uber, and the guy who was driving said ’I used to work for WME’ which is Tarantino’s agency. And he said, ‘ I can get this for you.’ And he did!”
versionshoton70mmfilmwouldbesubjectto a limited, roadshow release in select theatres worldwide.
Murphy was determined for the Sun
It sounds like scene out of another of Tarantino’s movie’s : Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey is streaming now at: https://www.sbs.com.au/ ondemand/
Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.
Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting.
Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.
This month, Stephanie is creating a Mother’s Day card.
Scan the QR code to view more of Stephanie’s crafty projects.
Materials
White card stock (for the card) Red paper strips (for quilling)
Equipment
Craft glue
Scissors
Craft knife
Pencil
Quilling tool (optional)
Step 1: Fold a piece of white card stock in half to create the card base.
Step 2: Draw a heart shape on the front of the card and cut it out with a craft knife or scissors to create a heart window.
Step 3: Cut thin strips of red paper (about 5mm wide) for quilling.
Step 4: Use a quilling tool or roll each paper strip into a tight coil by hand. Apply a small amount of glue to the end of the strip to secure the coil in place.
Step 5: Arrange the quilted coils into a heart shape on the inside of the card, aligning it with the cut-out window.
Step 6: Once satisfied with the placement, glue each quilled piece in place. Let it dry completely.
Step 7: Close the card, and your beautiful quilled heart design will be visible through the heart-shaped window.
By Oscar Parry
Australia’s national heart health awareness week Heart Week, May 5–11, is a chance for people to consider their heart health and take steps to reduce their risk of heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of illness and death among Australian women, taking more women’s lives than breast cancer each year.
Almost every hour, an Australian woman dies of heart disease and women are more likely to face worse outcomes after a heart attack compared to men.
Heart Foundation senior manager of healthcare programs and clinical strategy
Natalie Raffoul said that while chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women, data shows that women are more likely than men to have non-chest pain symptoms, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; pain that radiates down thearm,shoulders,back,neck,orjaw;dizziness or a faint feeling; sweating or cold chills; and nausea or vomiting.
“We know that women are less likely to be recognised in terms of their symptoms of heart attack,” Ms Raffoul said.
“These symptoms often are overlooked or are not triaged as fast as they are for men … so,
as a woman, you experience greater delays in accessing treatment when experiencing a heart attack compared to men,” she said.
“Sadly,wealsoknowthatwhenwomendoget treated after experiencing a heart attack, they are more likely to experience worse outcomes – higher rates of mortality and complications compared to men.”
Ms Raffoul said that while further research is needed, possible reasons for these worse outcomes could be under-recognition of symptoms, delay in getting to hospital, or possible complications relating medicines and
procedures that are used to treat heart attacks that need to be studied further.
“Historically, not a lot of women are represented in clinical trials in this research area.So,someofitmighthavetodowithbetter understanding how women respond to the treatment strategies available in hospitals,” she said.
She said that while research has improved in this area, there is still room to improve.
Ms Raffoul said this could be anything that helps researchers prioritise the presence of women in their clinical trials and “research that’s funded to specifically answer questions about how women respond to treatments,” includingthoseatriskorpronetocertaintypes of heart conditions.
She said that risk factors among women for a higher chance of cardiovascular disease down the track may relate to complications during pregnancy – including a life-threatening high blood pressure experienced during pregnancy called preeclampsia, which can put women at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease even years later.
“Another complication experienced during pregnancy is gestational diabetes, and now there’s some really strong data to suggest that … if you experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy, your risk of developing a heart condition yourself is significantly higher downthetrack.Evenfivetotenyearsdownthe track,” Ms Raffoul said.
She said that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has also been linked with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and premature menopause or early menopause put women at higher risk of cardiovascular conditions in
the future – due to the changes in hormones that women experience at that time, impacting their cholesterol levels and heightening their heart attack risk.
Ms Raffoul said the “traditional risk factors for heart disease absolutely apply to women too,” including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and being overweight or obese.
As part of Heart Week, Heart Foundation is calling on anyone aged over 45 to see their GP regularlyfora20-minute,Medicare-subsidised heart health check – with some people eligible for these checks earlier, including First Nations people from 30 years and people living with diabetes from 35.
“For women, we’re absolutely calling out that if you have or do experience any of those conditions mentioned above … it’s even more important for you to see a doctor for that heart healthcheck,andthatmightmeanseeingthem earlier than the age of 45,” Ms Raffoul said.
“People appreciate that heart disease is terrible and it might be our leading cause of death, but often they don’t recognise how personally relevant the condition is to themselves until it’s too late – until they’re unfortunately having an incident themselves,” she said
“We know only about half of eligible adult Australians even have their risk factors screened as they regularly should … people need a sort of a prompt to get them thinking about their heart health and prioritising it.”
Further details about Heart Week and other resources, including a heart age calculator, are available on the Heart Foundation website.
Details: heartfoundation.org.au/heart-week
Women across Melbourne’s west can access free, comprehensive care and support under one roof as part of the new Women’s Health Clinic at Sunshine Hospital.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas toured the clinic on Monday April 14.
The new Western Health clinic will provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ experience – enabling women to receive services or advice on issues from contraception to menopause and pelvic pain. The clinics will facilitate access to interdisciplinary care for women, girls, and gender diverse people.
The Sunshine clinic is already improving access to outpatient gynaecologist appointments and medical abortion via specialised GPs.
These services are delivered by health professionals including gynaecologists, urologists, specialist GPs, specialist nurses and allied health support – all under the one roof, for medical abortion, conditions including
pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, prolapse and incontinence, contraception and menopause services.
St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman, who accompanied Ms Thomas, said the new
additiontoWesternHealthwouldbebeneficial for all local women.
“The new clinic at Sunshine Hospital is already improving access to care for women in the west and will help to remove the barriers
many women face for different health concerns throughout their life,” she said.
Theclinicsarepartofa$153millionwomen’s health package that includes a mobile women’s health clinic, Aboriginal-led clinic and virtual women’s health clinic.
As part of those virtual clinics, women and gender diverse people accessing the service via phone or video consultation will be connected to a specialist nurse who will provide an initial health assessment and treatment, and, if required,connectpatientswithaGP,specialist, or other health practitioner as close to home as possible.
Thevirtualclinic,settocommenceoperation in 2025, will provide sexual and reproductive health services including contraception and medical termination of pregnancy.
It will also include specialist services for endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrual health, perimenopause and menopause care, breast health care, and cervical screening.
SalesianCollegeSunburyandKanganInstitute
are proud to announce a ground-breaking strategic partnership that will expand access to high-qualityvocationaleducationandtraining for the Sunbury community.
This dynamic collaboration is dedicated to transforming lives through education and skills, ensuring students, young people, and adults are equipped to meet the challenges of the future workforce.
By combining the expertise, resources, and state-of-the-art facilities of both institutions, this partnership will offer world-class training opportunities across a diverse range of disciplines. Students will benefit from innovative course delivery models designed to integrate seamlessly with industry and government partnerships, fostering direct pathways between secondary and tertiary education.
This initiative empowers individuals to pursue further study, secure employment, and engage in lifelong learning.
Through this partnership, Salesian College Sunbury and Kangan Institute are committed to providing practical, hands-on training in both traditional trades and emerging industries.
The collaboration will address key global challenges such as access, inclusion, and equity by ensuring that high-quality vocational education is readily available within the local community.
Salesian College Sunbury principal Mark Brockhus said that the partnership is “a bold and future-focused initiative that underscores our commitment to innovative education models.”
“By enabling students to learn where they live and work, we are creating sustainable solutions that strengthen our community and prepare individuals for meaningful careers,”
Mr Brockhus said.
Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain echoed this sentiment, emphasising the long-term benefits of this collaboration.
“Kangan Institute is ready to help make vocational education more accessible and responsive to industry needs for the Sunbury community,” Ms Curtain said.
“Our partnership with Salesian College brings together our shared expertise to provide access to practical, in-demand training that will help Sunbury residents build successful
and fulfilling careers.“
Sunbury MP Josh Bull said the collaboration between Salesian College and Sunbury’s Bendigo Kangan TAFE is “incredible news for our community.”
“Working together in this way will create meaningful education pathways for our next generation entering the workforce, and those re-entering study – we look forward to seeing this alliance come to life and serve Sunbury well into the future,” Mr Bull said.
Hawke MP Sam Rae said that this “is a
fantasticpartnershipthatwillprovideessential vocational education and training for the local Sunbury community.”
“This partnership will unlock a range of fantastic work and study pathways options for students in Sunbury,” Mr Rae said.
As industries continue to evolve with technological advancements, the demand for a skilledandadaptableworkforcehasneverbeen greater.
This partnership will deliver forward-thinking education solutions that align with current and emerging job markets, ensuring students receive relevant and up-to-date training.
By fostering innovation and collaboration, SalesianCollegeSunburyandKanganInstitute are setting a precedent for future educational partnerships.
This initiative will not only benefit students but also support local businesses by developing a pipeline of skilled workers who are ready to contributetoeconomicgrowthandcommunity development.
Salesian College Sunbury is a leading educational institution dedicated to academic excellence and holistic student development. With a rich tradition of values-based education, the college provides a diverse learningenvironmentthatnurturesleadership, innovation, and community engagement.
Kangan Institute is a major provider of vocational education and training in metropolitan Melbourne with campuses in Broadmeadows, Docklands, Cremorne and Essendon.
Kangan Institute is part of the Bendigo KanganInstitute–anintegratedskillsprovider that brings together education, assessment and learning to equip students and customers with the skills and knowledge they need for career success across the most in-demand industries.
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Messy Play in Sunbury
Join in the Messy Play fun with this toddler-focussed program, including messy and sensory child-led play. The program will run from 10–11.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays and are available to book now for Term 2 for an 11-week term.
www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978
Dromkeen Art Show
Dromkeen Gallery in Riddells Creek is hosting an art show titled The Wonder of Nature from April 12–27. More than 30 recognised and emerging regional artists will be exhibiting a range of mediums, from water colour paintings through to indoor and outdoor sculptures. The event will raise funds for the family-owned gallery and bookshop.
Kathy, 0403 332 344 or kmedburyart@gmail.com
Young Voices of Macedon
A community choir for children of the Macedon Ranges and beyond, Young Voices of Macedon rehearses at the House of the Rock, 247 Station Road, New Gisborne. The choir has separate programs for young children aged five to eight and older children. Rehearsals assist children in developing vocal technique, part singing skills, and general musicianship, across popular, classical, folk and music theatre styles. Rehearsals run on Thursdays, from 4.15pm, with afternoon tea and play time.
yvmacedon.org.au
Hume Men’s Shed
The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.
sunburymensshed.com, or 0438 677 425
Macedon Ranges Photographic Society
Are you into photography, just starting out, or a fully fledged professional?
The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Come along to a meeting on the first and second Monday of the month. Doors open at 7pm and the meeting starts at 7.30pm at Jubilee Hall, 52 Smith St Macedon.
www.macedon-ranges-photography.org. au, or info@macedon-ranges-photography. org.au
Insync Entertainment
Insync Entertainment is an all-female community choir, providing the opportunity to meet others who enjoy singing. The group is seeking new members to join the friendly choir. No auditions required. They rehearse at the Sunbury Baptist Church Hall every Monday from 7.15–9.30pm.
insyncentertainment@gmail.com
North Western District Pipe Band
The newly formed North Western District Pipe Band meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Diggers Rest Bowls Club. It is seeking experienced pipers and drummers to join the band and is also offering tuition for learners of all ages.
Hank, 0412160576, nwd.pipeband@ gmail.com, or https://www.facebook.com/ NorthWesternDistrictPipeBand?mibextid= ZbWKwL
Toastmasters
Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership
skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20–9.30pm, at the Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.
vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org
Sunbury Seniors
Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 10am–3pm. The club is temporarily located at 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury while construction on a new venue is underway. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat.
0434 400 754
One Voice Sunbury
The WOV Sunbury community choir is changing the world one voice at a time by providing an opportunity for people to meet and experience the joy of singing, often making friends through the shared experiences of singing and performing; although performing is not required. One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday, from 6.30pm, at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome – just join in on the fun.
sunbury@withonevoice.org.au
Pernaperna Women’s Group
The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet
fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday, from 1-3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members warmly welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat, the group would love to meet you.
Joan, 0418 302 676
Jacksons Creek Combined Probus
The club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am. This friendly group of men and women enjoy outings and meetings each month and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed
Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006
Craft and conversation
Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.
https://bit.ly/39BIu2O
Sunbury Badminton Club
The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights, from 7.30-9.30 pm, and on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Monday night is a round robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road.
sunburybc@gmail.com
This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of Iva Rosebud who is starring in Club Kabarett, Melbourne’s bold new circus-cabaret. (Damjan Janevski) 471695_01
Chill Out Sunbury
Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.
https://bit.ly/3lmVgVhv
CWA Woodend Eves
The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Golf Club. All women are welcome.
cwawoodendeves@gmail.com
Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club
Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club invites women to be part of Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club and enjoy the benefits of physical activity combined with socialisation. Social games are held every Thursday morning, excluding public and school holidays, from 10am–12pm at the Eric Boardman Stadium in Wilsons Lane, Sunbury. You are also welcome to sign up to be part of a team, also playing each Thursday morning. Equipment and coaching is provided.
sunburylbc@gmail.com
LGBTIQ Social Club
The Sunbury and Surrounds LGBTIQ Social Club has an ongoing catch up every third Saturday at the Brown Cow Cafe in Rosenthal at 1pm. They can also be found on Facebook where they have chats, discussions and other events advertised. https://shorturl.at/jtAO1
Footscray Park is a well known part of the inner-west,thoughaccordingtoStevenWilson, it’s not well known enough.
“Itamazesmehowmanypeoplehaven’tbeen down there,” said Mr Wilson, the secretary of the Footscray Historical Society.
It’sasituationMrWilsontakenuponhimself tochange,byhostingtwohourhistoricalwalks through the park on the weekend of April 26 and 27.
Thewalkandtalkswilltakeplacefrom10am to 12pm on both Saturday and Sunday and will involveMrWilsontakingparticipantsthrough the park and through its history from 1911 to the present day.
He said there will also be particular focus on certain features of the park and the stories behind them.
“There’s the Henry Lawson statue and the pagoda built by Footscray tech students and I’ll also talk about the nature of the park,” said Mr Wilson who noted that it was probably the most intact Edwardian Park left in Australia.
“It was built towards the Edwardian Park scheme which includes bluestone edging, wandering paths and secluded alcoves.”
The walks are free of charge, though a gold coin donation is recommended, as are bookings.
Mr Wilson said numbers were limited and encouraged those interested to email the society now.
“There’s a maximum of around 25 otherwise it gets too big for me to talk to people”
To book, email: footscrayhistoricalsociety@ gmail.com
DromkeenGalleryisprovidingarangeofevents this month, offering art and entertainment to Riddells Creek residents and beyond.
The beauty of nature is on display at the gallery, with the work of 30 Macedon Ranges artists displayed in a fundraiser exhibition towards repairs of the historic Dromkeen Homestead.
Open from 10am–5pm every day until Sunday, April 27 the exhibition – titled The Wonder of Nature – depicts natural splendor
through a variety of media including painting, woodwork,photography,textilesandsculpture.
A small commission from each sale will go towards restoring the building’s side decking, which has degraded over time.
On Saturday, April 26, travel sketch artist Alissa Duke will provide a nature sketching watercolour pencil class from 11am–1pm.
Attendees can bring along their own sketch pad, watercolour pencils, and brush, but a sketch kit can be bought on the day.
Then, from 7–9pm on Friday, May 2 pop legend Issy Dye will perform two sets of hits by Elvis Presley and Johnny O’Keefe in full costume.
The audience is invited to show up dressed in a rock’n’roll outfit, with a prize for the best costumeofthenightanddoorprizesforothers.
Further details on pricing and booking for these events are available on the Dromkeen Gallery website.
Details: dromkeen.com.au/whats-on/
Yes, Yes, Yes a nod to healthy relationships
A theatre show for young people will take centre stage on May 9 in Brimbank exploring themes around sex, consent and relationships.
Part documentary, part confession, part open conversation, Yes Yes Yes is a showcreatedspecificallyforyoungadults exploring the knotty and necessary topicsofhealthyrelationships,desireand consent.
Featuring in-depth interviews with teenagers, the show is emphatic, empowering and engaging.
Accordingtoperformerandco-creator oftheshow,KarinMcCracken,whileYes, Yes, Yes deals with some heavy issues, it also has lighthearted moments.
“It was made with teenagers in mind, but really it’s for anyone,” she said.
“It’s a solo performance with a lot of laughs in it, despite some of the more delicate material around consent and bodily autonomy.”
Ms McCracken said that viewers will be able to take “lots of things” away after watching the show.
“At the very minimum, we want everyone to walk away feeling they saw a compelling piece of theatre,” she said.
“I think people have a sense that theatre for social good or education generally sucks, so we really tried to make something quality and not-condescending.
“In terms of consent, people will walk away with actual usable skills about talking to friends and family about consent, and what to do if someone discloses sexual violence to you.”
Yes, Yes, Yes will be playing at the Bowery Theatre from 6 to 7 pm. Details: creativebrimbank.com.au/yes-yes-yes
Whether you’re tasting your first bite of injera, learning the rhythms of west African drumming, or supporting a local artisan, you will definitely discover something new when the Africa Festival returns to Point Cook on Saturday, April 26.
Presented by Junubi Wyndham, it will cost nothing to immerse yourself in the beating drums, the bright colours of traditional dressesandexperiencethevibrancy,warmth, and richness of African cultures.
From dances that tell ancestral stories, to soulful songs that stir the heart, to the tantalising aromas of African cuisine
drifting through the air, the event is about bringing people together.
Junubi Wyndham program manager Poly Kiyaga said it is a space where conversations are sparked and African-Australian businesses proudly showcase the best of themselves.
“In a world where division can often dominate the headlines, the Africa Festival is a living, breathing reminder of the power of cultural exchange to build bridges between communities,” Mr Kiyaga said.
“This festival is about bringing a piece of Africa to Wyndham, but more importantly,
it’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, seen, and connected. That’s what community is all about.”
In its third year, the festival is quickly becoming a beloved fixture in the city’s cultural calendar.
As Wyndham continues to grow in diversity, events like the Africa Festival remind us that when we celebrate each other’s cultures, we grow stronger together,” Mr Kiyaga said.
The Africa Festival will run between 2-9pm at the Point Cook Town Centre and is part of Kaleidoscope 2025.
1. With a UFC 314 win, Australian mixed martial artist Alex Volkanovski reclaimed his title in which weight division?
2. Which Northern Irish golfer won the 2025 Masters Tournament?
3. Which Australian state has been home to the NRL's annual Magic Round since 2019?
4. Which Australian state has been home to the AFL's annual Gather Round since 2023?
5. How many points did Luka Dončić score the first time he played against his old team, the Mavericks, in Dallas?
6. Australian golfer Jason Day finished the 2025 Masters Tournament tied for what top 10 position?
Suffering from lingering concussion symptoms, which 27-year-old has announced his retirement from cricket?
And which Australian state or territory did that player represent in first-class
Via Sistina recently matched the record set by Winx with how many Group 1 race wins in a season?
Retired professional wrestler Jesse Ventura was governor of which US state from 1999 to
Which two clubs started the 2025 AFL season with five losses?
12. US golfer Ryan McCormick used what unusual method to manage his anger at the recent Korn Ferry Tour event?
13. Which current AFL assistant coach is set to take over from Ken Hinkley as head coach of Port Adelaide in 2026?
14. Which new event has replaced equestrian in the modern pentathlon at the 2028 Olympics?
15. Matildas goalscorer Mary Fowler plays for which club in the English Women’s Super League?
16. Why were Gout Gout’s two sub-10-second 100m sprints at the recent Australian Athletics Championships considered ineligible for official records?
17. Which major golf championship forbids the presence of mobile phones on tournament grounds?
18. Which country’s national soccer team lost twice to the Matildas in a pair of friendly games played in early April?
19. Who recently broke Raelene Boyle’s national under-18s record for the 100m sprint, which has been held since 1968?
20. Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith is in hot water after doing what to a fan following a win against the Adelaide Crows?
21. Which NBL team shares its name with a popular fictional movie team?
22. In what year was badminton officially included in the Olympic program?
23. Who won the Brownlow Medal in 2008?
24. Which state won the Sheffield Shield most recently?
25. And after how many years since their last win?
26. Super Rugby team the Waratahs are from which Australian state?
To solve a Sudoku
every
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 Department (6)
4 Sequence (6)
10 Paunch (5)
11 Grant (9)
12 Belonging to a thing by its very nature (9)
13 Sound (5)
14 Habitations (6)
15 Border (4)
19 At the top (4)
20 Dramatics (6)
24 Perfume (5)
25 Tequila cocktai (9)
27 Exhibition rooms (9)
28 Indigenous people of New Zealand (5)
29 Foil (6)
30 Harmony (6)
DOWN
1 Of the Bible (8)
2 Link (8)
3 Whenever (7)
5 Improve (7)
6 Roma is its capital (6)
7 Appeared (6)
8 Video discs (1,1,2)
9 Candied citrus peel (7)
16 Obsolete email service (7)
17 Guests (8)
18 Relating to cultivated land (8)
19 Hobbyist (7)
21 Monty Python member, Graham – (7)
22 Trapped (6)
23 Succeed (6)
26 Flower (4)
included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 What is the longest river entirely within the state of Queensland?
2 Which 2008 movie did Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson (pictured) film in Queensland?
3 What is the original national animal of Canada?
4 Steinway is famous for selling which musical instrument?
5 What shape is the national flag of Switzerland?
6 In which fictional town did the characters of Dawson's Creek live?
7 Which season is coming, according to the Starks in Game of Thrones?
8 Dushanbe is the capital city of which Central Asian country?
9 What breed of dog did Queen Elizabeth II favour?
10 Who created the characters Ali G and Bruno, among others?
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
TheprideoftheToyotaSUVparade,thePrado, is showing off a new stiff upper lip thanks to TNGA-F architecture shared with its bigger LandCruiser300Seriessibling.
Also on board is the latest in the company’s on and off-road driver assistance technology, including a new 48-volt V-active powertrain matedtoaneweightspeedautomaticshifter.
The pedigree has its origins in the iconic LandCruiser with all its on- and off-road capability and functionality. The latest generation consists of five members – GX, GXL,VX,AltitudeandKakadu–allfeaturing the new V-Active powertrain and eight-speed automatictransmission.
Withthestifferladder-frameunderpinnings the LandCruiser family members have grown compared to the previous generation. Wheelbase is now 2850mm, 60mm more than before and front and rear track widened to 1664mm, 79mm and 83mm, respectively, up on previously. Overall length is stretched, providingmorecabinspace.
The range is priced from $72,500, plus on road costs, for the entry-level five-seat GX. Up a notch to the GXL adds a third row of 50:50 split seating for $79,990. The mid-range VX seven-seater (on test) comes in at$87,400,whiletheoff-roadfocusedAltitude ($92,700)issecondonlytotheflagshipKakadu ($99,990.
The Toyota Warranty Advantage sets up each Prado buyer with five years unlimited kilometre cover and five years’ capped price servicingforthefirst10servicesoversix-month intervals or 10,000km, whichever comes first. There is also the option of a full-service lease throughToyotaFinanceAustralia.
Styling
The Prado’s striking exterior draws on LandCruisers of the past, while retro design characteristics offer substantial functional benefits. For example, a low beltline, flat bonnet and extensive glass allow good visibility in tight off-road situations, while chamfered edges and high-mounted lamps keepclearofpotentialdamage.
The VX wears a black vertical grille with Toyota bullhorn branding, body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches, 20-inch alloy wheels and high-grade LED headlights with automatichighbeamandauto-levelling.
While the cabin has undergone an extensive makeover to ensure up to five or seven occupants, according to the grade, are carried in comfort and safety, it does have a twist. Look, we know the md-hybrid battery needs ahomebutwhybuilditsuchaquirkycorner. Toaccommodatethis,thethirdrowofseats does not fold flat. It sticks up above the load floor leaving a narrow gap to the tailgate. Toyota’ssolutionistofillthegapwithaskinny removable storage box with lid that takes shoppingbagsthreeabreast.Itmakesforquite alifttoloadandunload.
The rear fares no better with occupants. Despite the Prado’s bulk comfort for even the average build occupant is at a premium. However, access is just the opposite, with the single pull of a lever freeing one of the second-rowseatstotumbleforward.
A single USB-C outlet and a pair of cupholders on each side await borders and there’s a 220V/120W outlet in the adjoining boot area. There are also air vents in the roof. There is 182 litres of load space behind the third row, expanding to 906 litres with it folded and 1829 litres with the second row foldedaswell.
The VX boasts leather accented upholstery with black/tan colour schemes, driver’s lumbar support with memory, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, power adjustable steering wheel, carpet mats, refrigerated centre console cubby, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-terrain monitor, 14-speaker JBL premium audio and tyrepressuremonitor.
Infotainment
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 6/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 6/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
All variants are fitted with the latest gen multimedia system accessed via a 12.3-inch touchscreen or via steering wheel-mounted controls.OnhandarewirelessAppleCarPlay or Android Auto, plus Bluetooth, AM/FM/ DAB+ radio and embedded cloud-based satellite navigation.
The Prado is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine putting out 150kW between 3000 and 3400rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1600 to 2800rpm. A new eight-speed automatic transmission has a broader spread of ratios than previously and feeds a full-time all-wheel drive system, dual range transfer case and a lockable centre limited-slip differential.
Prado occupant safety is testament to Toyota’s Safety Sense technology and Toyota Connected Services which supplies a wealth inbuilt of vehicle information via smartphone app. Driver assistance applies on- and off-road through an improved camera-cum-radar system that scans the road with greater accuracy and at longer distances.
Other advanced technology includes autonomousemergencybrakingpre-collision system, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and departure warning, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, emergency stop and driver camera,
along with front and rear parking sensors and nine airbags.
Driving
The tried-and-tested 2.8-litre diesel donk is given a hand by 48-volt V-Active technology, adding smoothness, driveability and fuel economy to the Prado on bitumen and in the rough. Toyota claims diesel usage of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the VX on the combined urban/highway cycle. The test vehicle managed 9.6 litres over a week of mixed driving, tending towards city usage.
Driver assistance systems span on- and off-road going with vehicle stability control with active traction control, downhill assist and crawl control, while across-the-board trailer sway control and integrated towbar pre-wiring harness frees the Prado’s increased 3500kg braked towing capacity. With double-wishbone front and four-link solid axle rear suspension, enhanced handling and ride comfort have come via the addition of adaptive variable suspensionThebrakingandsteeringsystems showed an improved response and feel, the latter through the debut of electric power steering. Pity about the squeaky brakes in reverse.
For those who like the idea of genuine off-road capability the new Prado has the goods wrapped in a ‘modern’ retro design to have city dwellers drooling. The mid-range VX is the way to go.
The future is bright for basketball in the Macedon Ranges, with the Macedon Ranges Rockies claiming three titles at the recent Basketball Victoria Junior Country Championships held earlier this month.
The Rockies won the under-14 boys and girls titles, before claiming the under-12 girls title a few days later.
Competing against the best regional teams from across Victoria, the Rockies teams delivered outstanding performances, demonstrating skill, determination and a true team spirit.
The under-14 girls lead the way with a gritty and disciplined performance in their grand final against Wodonga in the division 4 grand final.
In a tightly contested match, the Rockies girls held their nerve to claim the win 32-25. Amalie Casselton put up 21 points for the Rockies.
Not to be out done, the under-14 boys stamped their authority on the competition, in a commanding display, powering their way
to a convincing division 4 grand final victory against Colac.
The boys controlled the game from start to finish, claiming the title with a dominant scoreline of 61-28.
Ryder Stokes and Elliott Collins top scored with 12 points apiece for the Rockies.
In the under-12s, the girls won the division 5 grand final against Wangaratta, 35-31.
The Rockies said the girls showed true resilience, teamwork, and determination to defeat Wangaratta bringing home the title.
“Their effort, dedication, and never-give-up attitude are a true credit to themselves, their coaches, and the club.”
The under-12 boys lost in the division 5 semi finals by one point.
The Macedon Ranges Basketball Association said the committee and wider basketball community was proud of both teams.
“Their success is a reflection of the athletes’
By Tara Murray
It’s a bit of an unknown group for the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League boys season.
After having a heavy top age group last season, with four players being drafted, more of the Cannons list is bottom aged this season.
Cannons coach Sam Willatt said it was a really exciting group they had put together.
“Last year we were top age heavy, this year we have over 50 per cent bottom age,” he said. “It gives scope for more opportunity to play more games in their bottom age.
“We’re a little bit of an unknown for us in the season with this group.”
The Cannons have started the season with two wins from their last three matches, with their loss to Northern Knights a close one in their last game.
Willattsaidthestarthadbeenarealpositive one.
“The result on the weekend didn’t go our
way,” he said. “Overall the first three games have been positive from a team perspective.
“There have been some positive performances for us and sets some players up for the metro trials.”
While the Cannons are a bit of an unknown this season, there’s plenty of players who are already stepping up.
Cooper Duff-Tytler has been the name out of the Cannons on everyone’s mouths.
Willatt said the top draft prospect has benefited from having a full pre-season with the Cannons.
“It’s been a massive help,” he said. “It’s the first full football pre-season that he has ever done.
“He’s done a body of work to really set him up. It will only help him.”
Hussein El Achkar has kicked 10 goals in three matches and has been a star up forward.
Adam Sweid, who returned late last season from an ACL injury, has had some really good growth early in the season, while co-captains
commitment to training and teamwork, the expertiseofthecoachingstaff,andtheongoing support of families and volunteers behind the scenes,” the committee said. “It is also a testament to the strength of junior basketball development in the Macedon Ranges.
“This latest success follows a strong representative season for MRBA.
“The under-18 boys were crowned runners upinBendigoinFebruary,whilstthe under-16 boys and girls teams represented the region proudly in Melton during March.”
The club is hoping that the success leads to more people joining the association.
“With junior basketball participation on the rise and a growing culture of development and success, the MRBA continues to build a pathway for young athletes to thrive.”
Details: https://www.mrba.org.au/
Tara Murray
Football
Macedon’s Sian Andrews and Gisborne Giants Olu Olalekan featured in the 2025 Victorian Diversity All Stars matches, featuring emerging Indigenous and Multicultural footballers on Wednesday. The showcase matches for boys and girls provide opportunities for talented players, most of whom are not currently listed by a Coates Talent League under-18 team, to experience a talent pathways program and showcase their ability against talented peers.
The Victorian Football League women’s squads have been released with three Sunbury players among those named. Former Geelong AFLW playerAbbey McDonald and last season’s Calder Cannons co-captain Grace Azzopardi have signed with Essendon, while Reese Sutton has joined the reigning premiers North Melbourne. Sutton didn’t play football last season having been a key for the Calder Cannons.
Jackson Barber and Hamish Bird have had good starts to the season.
Duff-Tytler, El Achkar and Felix Kneipp were named in the Vic Metro under-18 summer hub.
Willatt is hoping that a few more will join them in Metro contention, over the Easter weekend and following weekend.
He said while metro does help with getting drafted, the group only has to look at the experiences of the four draftees from last year.
“Hopefully a few guys will be added to the squad after the trial games,” he said. “Even if they miss out, they can look at Pat Said, who missed out on trials and the squad and everything and still got drafted.
“There’s a different perspective. They’re under a lot of pressure with year 12 and if they make or miss the squad.
After two weeks of metro trials, the Cannons will hit the road with trips against Bendigo Pioneers, Dandenong Stingrays and Geelong Falcons.
The Essendon District Football League has issued a statement following two incidents involving players and spectators in round two matches. One of those matches was between Westmeadows and East Sunbury. Both are currently under investigation. “These incidents were both on and off the playing surface and are extremely disappointing,” the league said. “The EDFL continues to detest anti-social behaviour and will remain steadfast in doing everything we can to stamp out anything that brings the game into disrepute. The safety of players, officials, and spectators is vital when attending games in the EDFL and behaviour … is completely unacceptable.”
Rupertswood has reappointed Matt Twentyman as captain-coach for the next Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season. Twentyman returned to his junior club this season and was one of the stars of the competition. He was named in the team of the year after averaging more than 55 with the bat.
FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT
It’s been an encouraging start for the Gisborne-KynetonUnitedsideintheEssendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition.
After coming together just eight weeks ago, the side has started the season with two wins heading into the Easter break.
The Bulldogs were reforming a women’s side after not having one last season and have been joined by the players of the Kyneton Women’s Football Club, who didn’t have a competition to play in after leaving their former club.
Co-coach Bernie Marantelli said it had been really good so far for the group.
“We’ve been together for six to eight weeks,” she said. “Things are going really well and we have a really healthy list.
“We’ve been able to have lots of rotations which is something that I’ve never had in
my entertainment involvement in women’s football.
“We train every second Monday together in Kyneton and every second Thursday in Gisborne.
“We all go to the selection together.”
Marantelli said it had been really good working with co-coach Phil Hawkes, who has come across with the Kyneton women’s side along with more than a dozen players.
She said she didn’t know any of the Kyneton players before they came across but it had been anenjoyableenvironmentandthereweresome really good players among the group.
Marantelli said Gisborne had been one of the most supportive clubs that she had been involvedwith.Marantellijoinedtheclubahead of these season.
On field, the side has won two from two. They are one of two undefeated teams, along with Taylors Lakes. Marantelli she thought the Lions were the team to beat this season.
Marantelli said they didn’t play their best against the Sunbury Kangaroos, in their last
By Tara Murray
Lancefield is using a two week break to help build the connections between a new group in the Riddell District Football League.
The Tigers lost to Romsey in round one before having a bye in round two and then the Easter break on the weekend.
Coach Ryan O’Meara said they weren’t too fond of the draw when it came out, but were looking at the positives of it.
“You just want to get going,” he said. “It [round one] has given us a few things to work on.
“The game itself didn’t go as well as we would have been hoping. There were 10 first game players for Lancefield, senior players.
“We lacked a bit of connection and have a few extra weeks to work on that .”
O’Meara said they knew it would be a work in progress early in the season with so many new players.
He said there was a really good feeling around the place with all the newcomers coming in and they were hoping that they would stick around for a number of years.
“We’ve got to be realistic about it, we think we’re on the right track,” he said.
“It’s not just going to happen, we have to work on it and I like to think we would be stronger in the second half of the year.
“A lot of the new players are that 21-23 age group,we’dlovetohavethemforthenextfour tofiveyearsandbeabletobuildonsomething.
“That is the key, hopefully we get them to fall in love with the place.”
It was a big off season for the Tigers starting back in October. Among those leading the pre-season were former Australian road cyclist Mitch Docker, and former Western Bulldogs and Melbourne player Daniel Cross.
O’Meara said it had been really good to get them on board.
“Mitch was running a lot of our fitness work,” he said. “He is a phenomenal acquisition for us.
“There was a connection with Daniel Cross from North Melbourne and that was good to be able to get a lot of feedback from him and ask things of him.”
After struggling to get wins on the board last season, O’Meara said in an ideal world that they are able to build on that this year. He said while last season looked bad just looking at the results, they had made a step forward.
“We lost three games last year by less than a goal,” he said. “As much as the year wasn’t ideal, I thought at times were quite competitive.
“Thenextstepnowforusisnottobecontent with being competitive, we got to win games of footy, that is why we are there.
James Falcone. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 399225_06
“The aim is to win games, not putting a ceiling on how many we can win, love to win anywhere 4-6 be a good pass mark.
“We don’t want to set expectations. We’ll
match, but were able to get the job done.
“I’m looking forward to working with the group of girls that we have,” she said. “We’re working together and still getting things ironed out on the track.
“There’s things we can definitely work on and continue to build.”
Marantelli said Shannon McFerran would miss the first half of the season after having knee surgery but they were hoping to add her back into the squad in the second half of the season.
They were also hopeful of having signed another recruit last week.
There was a women’s wide bye on the weekend due to Easter.
Gisborne-Kyneton United faces East Sunbury this Saturday.
play it by ear and see how we go.”
The Tigers are back in action against Kyneton on Anzac Day, for a second straight season.
Riddell is just sticking to the task at hand after another strong start to the Riddell District Football League season.
After starting off with a win against finalistMacedonandgrandfinalWallan, theBombershavequicklyshowntheyare likely to be in the mix again.
Bombers coach Arron Bray said they were pretty happy with how things were stacking up early in the season.
“We had two players go out and two players come in,” he said. “We lost Trent SteadandJesseHorton,whohavegoneto Strathmore to test themselves at a higher level.
“Ben Borg and Lachie Hay have come in. It’s always easier when you know each other and it’s easier when you’ve had some success.
“We made sure we had the same list going around again.”
Bray said they had played some good football in the first two rounds to come away with wins against the Cats and Magpies.
In the grand final match, the Bombers were able to extend the margin from the final game of the season, this time winning, 16.9 (105)-9.7 (61).
Bray said it was a bit of an unknown headingintothematchwiththeMagpies having signed a number of key players in the off season.
“The boys played really well,” he said. “Wedidn’tknowhowtheywouldgowith five or six new players on the list.”
Bray said one thing he thought had played a factor was getting used to the longer quarters that have been implemented this year.
The Magpies had the bye in round one, while many of the Bombers players had come from leagues which had longer quarters.
“We weren’t sure how long they would be to start with,” he said. “Some of them were 10 minutes so you could have an extra quarter added on.
Bray said he expected the Magpies to be up there again this season along with Diggers Rest and themselves.
He said some of the other sides were still unknowns at this point.Bray said he didn’t buy into whether it was a good or bad and were just focusing on the task at hand.
TheBombersfaceMeltonCentralsthis Saturday.
