AUGUST 13, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Dash through the snow The Macedon Ranges became a winter wonderland at the weekend. Families woke to blankets of snow covering their usually green grass on Saturday and Sunday morning, while children made the most out of the flurries, playing and building snowmen. The cold snap brought another dumping of snow on Sunday during the Riddell District Football Netball League junior finals at Woodend. As residents shivered through the wintry weekend, emergency services were out in full force. Cameron Drive, Barringo, Lions Head, and Mount Macedon roads in Mount Macedon were closed at the weekend due to low visibility and hazardous conditions. Macedon CFA captain Ross Luke said Sunday’s late rain washed most of the snow away by Monday morning, with most roads reopening for the start of the week. Clocwise from left: Georgie Garvey-Hawke enjoys the snow; Sunbury Lions and Sunbury Kangaroos played on in the junior finals in Woodend; youngsters had all sorts of fun in the white stuff. (Pictures: Supplied)
Jessica Micallef
Last call for charity snags By Jessica Micallef After nearly 10 years of flipping hamburgers and turning sausages on Saturday mornings, Graham and Veronica Green have called it a day. The Greens, and fellow Sunbury resident Peter Ryan, have spent many a Saturday hosting sausage sizzles outside the Royal Hotel Sunbury. Mr Ryan is also hanging up the tongs – after 15 years. The weekly barbecues were all about raising money for Challenge, a charity that supports children with cancer. The trio estimate they have raised close to $400,000 for the charity. The Greens volunteered to take over from the previous barbecue chefs nearly 10 years ago.
Since then, they estimate they have cooked about 50 hamburgers, 13 kilograms of sausages and multiple bacon and egg sandwiches each week. Ms Green and Mr Ryan said getting to know the locals was rewarding. “All the children that came past were just amazing,” Ms Green said. “They were all well-mannered and polite. You hear lots of different funny stories.” Mr Ryan said: “It’s the people that you meet. You can hear their stories.” The Sunbury residents praised the community for its generosity and support. “People just gave donations when they didn’t want sausages. We’ve had a ball – it’s been a
wonderful experience,” Mr Green said. Challenge chief executive Dave Rogers said the Greens and Mr Ryan would be dearly missed. “Words are inadequate to express the appreciation,” he said. “10 years is a huge commitment. That type of individual generosity is fading. We have to look at how we can best continue that tradition. It’ll be sad to see it just wrapped up.” Mr Rogers said the money raised from the barbecues went towards providing families with accommodation at Challenge’s holiday homes. Challenge is seeking people who are interested to continue the Sunbury barbecue. Contact Mr Rogers on 0419 543 643.
Peter Ryan and Veronica and Graham Green. (Damjan Janevski)