MARCH 24, 2015 \ MACEDONRANGES.STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Quick go the shears
(Joe Mastroianni)
The gentle hum of clippers and the bleating of sheep will ring through Lancefield Park’s Laurie Green Pavilion this Saturday. The annual Quick Shear event, a major Lancefield Football Club fundraiser, is, according to event spokeswoman Leanne Backwell, one of the area’s best-kept secrets, one that offers fascinating insight into the trade that was such a central part of colonial Australia. ‘‘[The event’s] very popular within the shearing fraternity, but we’re keen to welcome more people from the general public,’’ Ms Backwell says. ‘‘It’s actually very interesting to watch them at work. It’s so fast, so competitive.� This year’s Quick Shear includes team and learner categories, as well as a father/son/daughter event. First prize in the open event is $2500. General admission is free, with a spitroast meal available for $20. Children’s entertainment includes a jumping castle and face-painting. Shearing starts at 4pm. For more details, visit www.lancefieldfnc.org. JASON SEDDON, DARCEY McCARTHY AND TOM FITZGERALD
Matt Crossman
Try-and-buy scam alert By Matt Crossman
The man later came to Jane’s door, but she talked him into leaving because she felt uncomfortable. Star Weekly understands similar approaches using different names have been made to other property owners in the Lancefield and Romsey areas. Jane, who has been trying to sell her home for several months, said the incident had troubled her. ‘‘Even last night, going to sleep, I felt very uneasy,’’ she said. ‘‘You realise you’re so vulnerable. They’ve got your address, they’ve
Macedon Ranges residents who are selling their homes are being warned not to entertain unsolicited offers amid fears that a man proposing ‘‘rent to buy’’ agreements is preying on vulnerable people. Single mother Jane (not her real name) last week received a letter from a man who said he had seen her property online. The letter said the man wanted to pay to occupy the home ‘‘for a while first’’ before finalising the purchase at a later date.
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got photos of what the inside of your home looks like. ‘‘I’m not certain exactly what his angle is, but there’s something funny going on. Maybe he planned to move in and not pay, or maybe it was something else. It’s all very weird.’’ Kyneton police’s Sergeant Rob Short said people should trust their instincts. “Don’t ever do any private dealings; tell them to go to the agent,â€? he said. “We do get scams in various forms from time to time, roof cleaners and other workmen ‌ this one seems to be very opportunistic.â€?
James Shalders, of Connally’s Real Estate in Romsey, said such incidents raised privacy and security concerns. “It’s a scam, no question about it,’’ he said. “What they are doing is preying on the vulnerable. People have got to be very careful about responding to this kind of thing. “Even if they come to your door, don’t open it. You might let them move in, but if things go pear-shaped, once they’re in it’s often hard to get them out.� Jane urged anyone receiving similar approaches to be “super careful�.
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