Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 16th September 2025

Kangaroo great Anthony Stevens writes exclusively for Star Weekly

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Hawks’ continued success

Woodend-Hesket made it a third straight Riddell District Football Netball League A-grade netball premiership on the league’s biggest day on Saturday.

The Hawks were dominant in defence as they accounted for Riddell.

It wasn’t all bad news for the Bombers as they made it back-to-back premierships in the senior football as they came from behind to beat Macedon.

Truck headache

By Georgia Tacey

ResidentsofaquietSunburystreetsaymore than 600 trucks are travelling along their roaddaily–andtheyhavehadenough.

Residents have started an Instagram campaign to showcase the daily struggles oflivingonCanterburyAvenue.

Resident Megan, who did not want her surname published for safety reasons, has counted the trucks passing by her house dailyandsaiditismorethan600perday.

“For the last six months, we’ve been having hundreds and hundreds of large

vehiclescomingdownourstreet,”shesaid.

“These trucks are going and dumping their loads on a private property that is being accessed from the dead end of our street.”

Hume council confirmed the property in questionis370RiddellRoad,Sunbury.

Megan said the truck movements have been a constant disruption to residents’ daily lives, adding that they no longer feeling safe walking down the street as the narrow road was not built for a large volumeoftraffic.

“Thenoiseisjustendless,”Megansaid.

“My husband works from home and you can’ttalkonthephoneproperlybecauseit’s from7amuntil5o’clockonthedot.

“There’s dust absolutely everywhere … the cars are covered in dust, they’re getting dentedfromrocks.”

She said the trucks were mostly double trailertrucksandfullofdirtandrocks.

Megan said residents have made reports to Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria, which confirmed receiving the reports and is liaising with council on the issue.

Megan said herself and other residents

havealsomadecomplaintstocouncil.

In a statement, council said its planning investigations team was looking into the activityat370RiddellRoad.

“The landowner has advised that the works are related to farming, which would be exempt from a planning permit requirement,”thestatementsaid.

“We are concerned that the scale of activity goes beyond what would be expected for agricultural use and we are activelypursuingthis.”

 Continued: Page 3

Airport consults on noise

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Melbourne Airport has launched community consultation on its noise amelioration plan, designed to reduce the impact of aircraft noise as planning for the airport’s third runway continue.

The new runway is due to open in 2031 and is expected to increase aircraft noise exposure to nearby suburbs, particularly across the Hume and Brimbank communities.

The program is designed to mitigate the impacts of aircraft noise for residents and sensitive public buildings in the Hume and Brimbank communities which sit closest to

the airport, including Sunbury, Bulla, and Keilor.

A Melbourne Airport spokesperson told Star Weekly the program would target homes and public buildings which are most likely to be affected.

“Eligibility for residences will be determined according to the conditions of the Minister’s approval…within the ANEF25 contour. We sent more than 1100 letters to homes within this area seeking feedback on how residents would like us to consult with them,” the spokesperson said.

The plan aims to prioritise buildings where noise can affect sleep, learning, communication, and health.

Hundreds of homes, schools, childcare centres and medical facilities are expected to be eligible, though the final figure will not be confirmed until 2026 when updated noise forecasts are released.

“These forecasts will inform the final scopeoftheNoiseAmeliorationPlan,which is due to be submitted to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure for approval in late 2026,” the spokesperson said.

Community concerns over the increased noise have grown strong, particularly in Brimbank,whereresidentsarguetheairport hasunderplayedthepotentialnoiseimpact.

Residents have raised concerns around Melbourne Airport’s noise melioration pro-

RM Begg residents create for cause

A new project between residents and staff at RM Begg aged care home has seen hands get dirty for a good cause.

Residents and staff at the Kyneton facility have come together to create a mud kitchen, made entirely from upcycled materials for the upcoming silence auction.

The project was sparked by Daniel Porter, a Respect staff member who leads the weekly Blokes’ Group at RM Begg.

With help from 89-year-old resident Carl Nielson, the group transformed salvageditemsintoaplayfulmudkitchende-

signed to inspire outdoor fun for children.

“This was a great little project that brought people together,” Mr Porter said.

“Carl was hands-on throughout the build, and it’s been fantastic to see the group’s creativity come to life.”

Beyond the kitchen’s practical purpose, the project sends a powerful messageaboutthevalueofolderpeopleinthe community, RM Begg general manager Amanda Gibson said.

“This is a great example of how older Australians continue to contribute, create

and connect,” she said.

“It’s a reminder that ageing doesn’t mean stepping back, it means stepping into new roles, sharing skills and staying engaged.”

The mud kitchen silent auction is running until Tuesday, September 30. To placeyourbidforthemudkitchencontact RM Begg on 5421 3600 or visit the home – all bids will be placed on the board. All funds will go to support local community projects.

Free rainbow chair yoga at Sunbury Cobaw Community Health

Sunbury members of the LGBTI community are invited to join in on a free chair yoga session in September.

Organised by Sunbury Cobaw and Community Health’s Healthy LGBTI Ageing Project, the rainbow chair yoga event aims to support healthy aging through gentle movement, mindfulness, and socialconnection,andissuitableforpeople aged 50 and over of all fitness and mobility levels.

The session will offer a welcoming space for older LGBTI people to try out

chair yoga, enjoy a guided meditation and share a nourishing lunch.

The Healthy LGBTI Ageing Project is funded by the Victorian Department of Health’s Diverse Communities Grants to support the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTI people. Other events have included crafting sessions, adult storytime and rainbow bingo.

The project aims to support local service providers working with older people in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges to increase their understanding of the im-

gram being “underhanded and misleading”.

”We have been transparent about the additional aircraft noise some communities willhearand,since2022whenthedraftMajor Development Plan for the project went on public exhibition, we have communicateddirectlywithimpactedcommunities,”the spokesperson said.

“We also provide an online noise tool where residents can see the expected impact of the third runway when it opens.”

Consultation runs through to November, withresidentsinvitedtocompleteanonline survey, contact the airport directly or attend in-person sessions to be announced in coming weeks.

Preserving part of Hume’s history

Hume council has committed to preserving and celebrating Broadmeadows’ civic history, with two historic honour boards to go on permanent display.

At council’s meeting on Monday, September 8, councillors endorsed plans to display the Shire of Broadmeadows World War I honour board and the City ofBroadmeadowsmayoralhonourboard in the foyer of Town Hall Broadmeadows.

The move follows a notice of motion raised by cr Naim Kurt in May, calling for a full audit of the city’s civic collection.

The WWI honour board, which lists Broadmeadows residents who served, is currently stored in council’s heritage facility in Sunbury.

The board has a weight of 60 kilograms and requires a wall/display infrastructure capable of carrying such a load before it can be exhibited.

The Broadmeadows Historical Society has expressed interest in displaying the board at its museum, but councillors have favoured the town hall as the most accessible civic site.

The mayoral honour board, which records the City of Broadmeadows’ mayors between 1955 and 1995, will undergo conservation treatment between 2025 and 2026 before being installed in the same location.

Council also noted officers are expected to search for a missing Broadmeadows Roads District honour board, which the location of is unknown, during the planned civic collection audit between 2025 and 2026.

The audit will assess honour boards, mayoral portraits, artworks, civic gifts, plaques, historic agendas, minutes, and public art across Hume, with findings to be reported back next year.

“I think this council and community have a really close relationship with that story from the first world war and part of that story is in developing this council chamber,” Cr Kurt said.

Further initiatives like digitalisation, community talks and a volunteer drive are also planned to be rolled out to improve access to the civic collection.

Council is considering future budget allocations to expand the collection and support digital storytelling projects.

pact of historic discrimination on older LGBTI people.

It also aims to support local services to better meet the mental health and wellbeing needs of older LGBTI people, and support older LGBTI people to access better services and programs.

Rainbow chair yoga is on Wednesday, September24,from11amto1pm, atSunbury and Cobaw Community Health, located at 12-28 Macedon Street, Sunbury. Registrations: www.sunburycobaw. org.au/rainbow-chair-yoga

Hot Hume rate cap debate

By Georgia Tacey

Humecouncilwillaskthestategovernment to implement a Local Government Cost Indextocalculatetheratecap,whichcould result in rates rising.

Council’s submission to the state government’s Local Government Rate Cap Mechanism Statutory Review was debated at the September 8 council meeting, and only passed with the mayor’s casting vote.

The submission outlines council’s experience with the current rate capping system, which is measured by the Consumer Price Index and set by the local government minister. This system came into effect in 2016.

The submission states that the CPI measure for guiding the rate cap is not reflective of the actual costs of delivering services for local governments, especially for growth councils like Hume.

Council has recommended the government scrap the CPI measure in favour of a Local Government Cost Index, which would be developed to reflect the actual cost base of councils.

It would take into account wage growth in line with enterprise agreement, cost inflation of construction and materials, asset maintenance and renewal costs, compliance and regulatory obligations, and the cost shifting from other levels of government, the submission stated.

Council has also called for an additional rate cap allowance that reflects population and household growth, recognising that growth places significant pressure on operating and capital budgets, as well as recommend reform of the higher cap application process to reduce administrative burden, align with budget cycles, and address political and community pressures.

Councillors were in a five-five split on whether the submission to the review should proceed.

Cr Karen Sherry said Hume needed to “show a bit of leadership for all councils“.

“We all operate in vastly different contexts – urban, rural and growth areas

Mini masterpieces wanted for tiny art show

Find your smallest paint brush and create your very own mini masterpiece for the Kyneton Library’s Tiny Art Show.

Submissions are open now for the Tiny Art Show, which will see artists as young as five and up to 105 create a tiny work of art.

Mini canvases can be collected for free from the Kyneton Library during opening hours, but don’t think too big, only one canvas can be collected per person.

All mediums can be used to create your piece.

All artwork will need to be returned to the Kyneton Library by Friday, October 3, before it will be exhibited at the Kyneton LibraryfortheTinyArtShowfromMonday, October 20 until Friday, October 28.

The public will be able to vote for their favourite tiny creations, with prizes awarded across multiple age categories including five to 12 years, 13 to 17 years, and 18 years and older.

Goldfields Libraries manager engagement and operations Jess Saunders said the Tiny Art Show had already seen

massive success at libraries across the Macedon Ranges, and now it’s Kyneton’s turn to show off their creative flare.

“This is a free opportunity to explore your creative side, be playful, and have a bit of fun,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter what your skill level is, everyone is encouraged to take a canvas and see where it leads – you can be a complete beginner or an accomplished artist! It’s an easy way to express yourself artistically and connect with others along the way.”

Truck headache for residents of Canterbury Ave

The statement also clarified that the truck movements were not associated with two properties on Riddell Road that are currently subject to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), being 370aand430.

Council said residents should report excessive truck movements and unsafe activitytopolice.

September 8 council meeting, with 17 questions about the issue asked by nine residents.

Questions related to the legality of the works, if council authorised these works, public safety and what council could do to reduce the number of trucks, including the implementationofatruckban.

– and a uniformed rate cap does not account for variations in service demand, infrastructure needs or revenue capacity,“ she said.

Cr Sam Misho instead suggested council should look to cut its costs.

“Let’s cut our costs before we ask residents to cut into theirs,” he said.

“There are other options on the table. We could outsource certain functions, we could look at offshoring staff for back office roles if that delivers savings.”

Cr Steve Gagen was not in support of Cr Misho’s idea, saying money should be kept within the city.

Withthevotetied,mayorJarrodBellused his casting vote to pass the submission.

Seniors Festival in the Ranges

There will be plenty of events taking place for Macedon Ranges’ older residents to enjoy for the seniors festival.

Happening throughout October, eventswilltakeplaceacrossthestate, withthemonth-longfestivalbringing concerts, tours, social activities and cultural experiences right to the doorstep of older residents living in the north.

The Victorian Seniors Festival is backed by the state government in partnership with local councils, community groups and cultural organisations to recognise the contribution of seniors, encouraging themtotakepartinactivitiescloseto home and across the state.

There will be multiple free events happening across the shire and beyond, including:

• Bendigo Talking Tram and Art Gallery tour – Wednesday, October 1

• Castlemaine Concert – Thursday, October 9

• Dromkeen Gallery High Tea –Friday, October 17

• MCG Tour and Sports MuseumMonday, October 27

Most activities offer pick-up and drop off services available across the shire. The Dromkeen Gallery High Tea does not offer a pick-up and drop off service - guests will need to make their own way to the venue.

Bookings are essential. Details: VillageConnect@mrsc.vic.gov.au or 5422 0333

Canterbury Avenue residents took their complaints to public question time at the

In response council’s city planning and places acting director James McNulty said no works at 370 Riddell Road had been authorisedbycouncil.

“We have a number of actions on foot

and are in regular discussions with key regulators including Victoria Police.

Council officers have also undertaken a numberofsitevisitsasapartofourongoing investigations,”hesaid.

Mr McNulty said while it is being investigated, resolving the issue will take time, which is no comfort to Megan and otherresidents.

“I feel like we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place and no one really wants to even look into any of this and to try and helpus,”Megansaid. 

Mary Wicks park honour

By Georgia Tacey

ASunburyparkwillnowhonourabeloved member of the community.

Sunbury Park, located at 60-100 Harker Street, will be renamed Mary Wicks Park, to commemorate the important role Mary played throughout her life in Sunbury .

The name was endorsed at the September 8 Hume council meeting, after the Wicks family suggested the name as a way of honouring their late mother.

In the proposal received by council in April 2024, the Wicks family stated that

Mary spent the majority of her life living in Harker Street, next to the park that will soon be named after her.

Maryandherhusbandbuilttheirhome at 71 Harker Street in 1967, where she remained up until her death in 2022. The top end of the park was originally a fenced paddock where the family kept horses, and the park was a treasured place for the family.

Throughout her life Mary contributed to the Sunbury community through volunteer work including volunteering for 21 organisations and groups across Sunbury,

for which she received multiple awards and recognitions. These included an Australian Red Cross Outstanding Service Award, the Kathleen Aitken Outstanding Citizen Award as well as the Order of Australia Medal in 2019 for her service to the Sunbury community, which her family said was the highlight of her life.

Mary also helped fund many projects around town, including the Sunbury swimming pool, Sunbury Guide Hall, as well as the public hospital.

“This park has significant meaning to our family and is part of our story and

Step inside the shed during open day

Step behind shed doors and find out everything the Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury has on offer for its open day.

The open day will be held during the Seniors Festival, on Saturday, October 4, and gives a chance for the public and prospective members to come and see what the Men’s Shed is all about.

President Ian Phillips said it will be a fun day for the community, and will hopefully drum up some new members.

“We’ll have the shed partially activated with some of the machines that can be working if someone wants to have a look at what we do,” he said.

TheHumeMen’sShedSunburyboasts 90 members, and always welcomes new faces into the shed.

“We try to help men with the transition into retirement … we provide an environment, a place for guys to gather, have a yarn, and provide fellowship and

camaraderie,” Mr Phillips said.

“I love the saying in the Men’s Shed organisation, ‘men don’t talk face-toface, we talk shoulder-to-shoulder,’ which I think is a great philosophy, and words I live by.”

The open day will also include free morning and afternoon tea, as well as a sausage sizzle lunch for a fun day out at the shed.

The Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury open

Hume council’s yearly priorities outlined in action plan

Hume council has adopted its Council Annual Action Plan for the current financial year.

The document sets out 59 strategic actions that will be undertaken by council over the 2025-26 financial year that will help achieve the strategic objectives listed in the Council Plan 2025-29. ProgressontheCAAPwillbedelivered to the community quarterly.

Some projects listed in the CAAP include progressing the Cloverton Metropolitan Activity Centre master plan,

delivering and activating the Sunbury Community Arts and Cultural Precinct and designing the Kalkallo Recreation Reserve stormwater harvesting project.

It also includes the Broadmeadows Metropolitan Activity Centre precinct roadmap,abusinesscasefortheCraigieburn Arts Centre, a Sunbury Transport Plan and finalising the Dog Off-Leash Framework. Cr Carly Moore said this document will provide greater transparency for the Hume community.

“Whilst I certainly acknowledge this

history as long established Sunbury residents. I have no doubt that community support and gratitude would be felt if mum is bestowed the honour of the naming of this park after her,” the family wrote in its submission to council.

Community consultation was undertaken between April and May 2025, with 103 submissions received. Eighty-nine submissions were in support of the proposal.

CouncilwillnowsubmitthenameMary Wicks Park to the Registrar of Geographic Names for consideration and approval.

Sunny side up for playgrounds in Hume

Hume council has committed to tackling a long-standing gap in shade and UV protection at local playgrounds, with councillors endorsing a plan to trial new shade structures across the municipality.

Councillor Steve Gagen originally led a charge at the April 14 council meeting, putting forward a motion to investigate and improve Hume’s approach to UV protection and shaded play spaces as Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, according to SunSmart.

Council’s officers have since responded, confirming a trial of three shade structures will be rolled out in new parks and growth areas.

Council’s long-term focus remains on increasing tree canopy coverage, aiming for 20 per cent coverage in all reserves by 2050, but council’s challenge lies in the 10 to 15 years it can take for treestoprovidereasonableshade,withCr Gagen calling on the council to introduce temporary fixes while trees are growing.

“The aim of the plan is to take the cover in our parks from four per cent to 20 per cent, and at the same time look at other methods while the trees are growing,” he said.

Residents have consistently raised concerns about the amount of shade available in Hume’s key areas, with nearly 80 per cent of respondents in the 2021 Parks Close to Home survey requesting more shade in play areas.

According to SunSmart , most cases of skin cancer can be prevented, with good quality shade reducing UV exposure by up to 75 per cent.

Council’s report noted while shade sails are common, they have proven costly and risky in Hume’s conditions, requiring frequent inspections and lasting no more than a decade.

Instead, the trial will explore alternative structures and innovative designs better suited to local needs.

The results will feed into broader planning, with shade and UV protection set to be formally incorporated into Hume’s Council Plan and Annual Action Plan from 2026.

Cr Steve Gagen called on council to do more.

financial year is well underway, we look forward to formally commencing the implementation of year one of our new Council Plan and delivering work that will provide positive outcomes for our community both now and into the future,” she said.

CrNaimKurtsaid “Iwasreallypleased to see some projects that have been on the backburner for a while actually called out within our annual action plan, particularly Progress Reserve and the Craigieburn Arts Centre as well.”

“The response is a gradualist one, it’s not going to solve the problem overnight,” Cr Gagen said.

Kindergarten in demand

By Georgia Tacey

Unmet demand in Sunbury kindergartens will reach 751 by 2036, according to the latest data by Hume council.

Council released its joint Kindergarten Infrastructure and Services Plan for 2025-2036 with the state government, which revealed which suburbs will experience the highest amount of unmet demand for kindergarten placements.

Mickleham-Yuroke is expected to be the hardest hit by 2036, with an estimated 1446 children without a kindergarten spot in the area.

Craigieburn, Westmeadows, Broad-

meadows and Greenvale-Bulla will also experience unmet demand, according to the KISP.

This high demand will be due to the expansion of the government’s pre-prep rollout, which will offer 30 hours per week for four-year-old kindergarten.

The plan stated that the municipality is forecast to grow to almost 342,000 people over the next 10 years, with more than half of households containing families with children under the age of 15 years.

With Hume experiencing high-moderate levels of growth throughout Craigieburn, Mickleham and Sunbury, a key challenge identified in the KISP suggests

there is a lack of land availability across the municipality for new kindergarten services to be built, as well as older kindergartens being smaller in size.

In Sunbury, due to the current demand, council reopened Dobell Kindergarten this year, to provide short-term relief, however the plan notes Sunbury will experience higher kindergarten placement shortages from 2029.

The KISP was noted at the September 8 council meeting.

“Our first KISP developed in 2021 led to five infrastructure projects, aimed at increasing kindergarten capacity. All of these projects are now complete, with

Sixty years nurturing Sunbury’s youngest

One of Sunbury’s oldest kindergartens is turning 60 this year, and the community is invited to join the celebration in November.

St Andrew’s Uniting Kindergarten Sunbury will open its doors for a fun community celebration to commemorate the milestone.

Kindergarten supervisor and teacher

Letitia McBean said for the event is everyone who has ever been part of the St Andrew’s Kindergarten community, and is one that is not to be missed.

“The event will bring together old, current and new families, educators and church members to share stories, and enjoy delicious foods,” Ms McBean said.

“There will be food trucks, entertainment by Aussie Wildlife, a balloon artist, a face painter and a jumping castle will be there.”

Ms McBean said generations of families have had a connection to the kindergarten over the decades, including her own.

“I’m originally from South Africa, and I met my husband who came to this kindergarten,” she said.

“He grew up in Sunbury, and both my children came to this kindergarten as well and now I’m teaching at the kindergarten.”

The kindergarten has been operating since 1965, and the night will be a fun way to connect with the kindergarten community while celebrating its rich history, according to Ms McBean.

“St Andrew’s holds a special place in the local community … generations have come together here to create a safe,

nurturing play space for children to learn, play and grow,” Ms McBean said.

“We’re very proud of our amazing team at our kindergarten and we are hoping we can continue building this kinder for many more years.”

The 60th anniversary celebrations

will take place on Friday, November 28, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, at St Andrew’s Uniting Kindergarten, 2 Barkly Street, Sunbury.

four out of the five operational in 2025,” Cr Karen Sherry said.

“The 2025 KISP has identified several suburbs across Hume that may experience unmet demand for kindergarten places by 2036, particularly as the preprep program expands to offer 30 hours for four year olds.

“These suburbs are Sunbury, Craigieburn South, Westmeadows, Broadmeadows and Mickleham North … this might mean we will have some renovations of existing facilities occurring, but any future response will require assessment with the Department of Education.”

Train disruptions on Sunbury line

Sunbury Line travellers are preparing for delays, with service disruptions announced for next week.

Buses will replace trains on different sections on the Sunbury Line from Saturday, September 20 until Wednesday, October 1 at varying times.

On Saturday, September 20 until Sunday, September 21, buses will replace trains between North Melbourne and Sunbury.

From Monday, September 22 until Wednesday, September 24, buses will replace trains between Flagstaff and Sunbury.

From Sunday, September 28 until Wednesday, October 1, buses will replace trains each night from 8.30pm to the last service each night.

A Metro Tunnel spokesperson confirmed to the Star Weekly that these works are due to the Metro Tunnel Project, which has begun testing turn-up-and-go train services along the new Cranbourne/ Pakenham to Sunbury Line.

The spokesperson said these disruptions allow their team to test all the new systems and infrastructure.

“We want to thank the community for their patience while we continue work on this city-shaping project that will change how Victorians and visitors get around the city,” the spokesperson said.

Details: tinyurl.com/bdh6pct7

Staying warm at the zoo

Thermal cameras are revealing how the animalsatWerribeeOpenRangeZookeepwarm andcozy–especiallyinwindyweather.

Zookeeper Julie Stephen said thermal cameras, which allow keepers to see various ranges of temperature in a single image, are producing some striking and incredibly informativevisionoftheanimals.

“It’s pretty cool that we can see a different range of temperature with this tech,” Ms Stephensaid.

“Bluerepresentsthecoldspots,alltheway uptothereallyredhotspots.

“The tortoises, for example, will appear reallyredfrombaskingundertheheatlamps but the grass they eat will be blue because it iscoldfrombeingoutside.”

Thermal cameras can also be used as a tooltosupportkeeperswhenmonitoringthe

ROADWORKS ONSUNBURYROAD

animals’healthandwelfare.

“Wemakesurewehavedifferentgradients of temperature available that are in the species’naturalwildrange,”MsStephensaid.

“We help provide this with basking sites, shelters to block out the wind, or indoor areaswhereyoucanseeanimalsinnicecosy spacesandgetwarmwiththem.”

Ms Stephen challenges visitors to locate thediscreetandsecretheatedanimalhabitat locationsthattheymaynothaveevenknown existed.

“It might be a heated rock or cave for the lions and meerkats or even a heated pad beneathasoftbedofstrawforthecheetah.”

Inadditiontoheatedareasfortheanimals, visitors can also get cosy in thezZoo’s indoor areas at the reptile section, Ranger Kids and theMeerkatCafe.

Outlaw motorcycle gangs targeted Police arrested nine people and laid 42 charges in Victoria as part of a national day of action targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs. On September 10, police swooped on outlaw motorcycle gang members and their associates for Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) searches and other offences including affray and drugs. Police conducted 20 FPO searches in suburbs including Hoppers Crossing, Diggers Rest, South Kingsville, Point Cook, South Morang and Craigieburn. Six of the arrests resulted in charges for an affray linked to an assault in a correctional facility in Lara on 7 December 2024. Four new FPOs were also served on outlaw motorcycle gangs members. A Diggers Rest man, 26, was arrested for possessing prescription medications without a prescription. Across the country, police arrested 41 people in total, resulting in 120 charges.

Car rollover

Clarkefield CFA responded to a car rollover at Gellies Road, Wildwood, at 2am on Sunday, September 7. In a statement to Facebook, members said on arrival the vehicle was unattended. Crews worked with police and SES to make the scene safe and prevent further hazards.

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Celebrating the Ford story

The Broadmeadows Historical Society is gearing up to celebrate one of Hume’s most defining chapters, with a major exhibition and car show honouring the Ford Broadmeadows Assembly Plant.

Running from Saturday, October 4 to Monday, December 15 at the Broadmeadows Museum, Gears of Time: FordBroadmeadowsthroughtheYearswill showcasetheplant’shistory,achievements and iconic vehicles.

TheFordBroadmeadowsassemblyplant first opened in 1959 and quickly became one of Australia’s largest automotive manufacturing sites. At its peak in 2011, the plant employed more than 2000 workers.

Curator Mark Moore said the exhibition was inspired by the discovery that the society’s collection held surprisingly little information on the plant, despite its

significance.

“We want to honour the contributions of Ford and its workforce, and ensure their stories are preserved for future generations,” he said.

“The plant played a pivotal role in shaping the social and economic fabric of Broadmeadows and its surrounding suburbs.”

Visitors can expect to find original uniforms, awards, photographs by Wolfgang Sievers and Andrew Chapman, and powerful personal stories like how a Ford sponsored scholarship helped a local student work his way up to becoming a doctor.

An accompanying car show will showcase classic Fords built at Broadmeadows, bringing history to life for younger audiences. Details: curator@ broadmeadowsmuseum.org.au.

Call for connections

By Georgia Tacey

South Kyneton residents are backing a petition that calls for better connectivity into town.

The petition is calling for two critical pieces of infrastructure to be built; a pedestrian path to Kyneton Train Station from the end of Mollison Street, and a second vehicle bridge over the Campaspe River from Edgecombe Street.

South Kyneton Connectivity Petition spokesperson Rick Lander said the infrastructure links are essential as South Kyneton continues to grow.

Mr Lander said Macedon Ranges council has identified both projects in the Kyneton Movement Network Plan, however funding continues to be a constraint.

He said the issues, especially with the path to the station, stem from the land needed being owned by VicTrack, which he said has dismissed the community’s calls for almost a decade.

VicTracksaidthelandidentifiedforthe proposedsharedpathiscurrentlyusedby V/Line for railway operations and maintenance, and therefore is not suitable.

Council assets and operations director Dom Testoni said both projects continue to be a priority, with the second bridge over the Campaspe River outlined in the Kyneton Structure Plan.

He said a pedestrian crossing will be installed at Campaspe Drive and Mollison Street to help pedestrian access to the station, separate to the VicTrack-owned land.

“Council has also worked with the developer in advocating to both VicTrack

and V/Line to unlock a parcel of land to assist in the delivery of a proposed pedestrian path from the existing Kyneton South area to the train station, but this has been unsuccessful to date,” he said.

Mr Testoni said a concept design for the bridge has been developed and developer contributions have been secured to partially fund the bridge.

“At this stage, the project is considered a medium-to-long-term infrastructure priority, triggered when traffic volumes

exceed the current road network’s capacity,” he said.

“An estimated cost of the project is approximately $12.7 million (excluding GST). There is no confirmed timeframe for construction at this stage, as delivery is dependent on the progress of development in the area and securing the remaining funding from other levels of gov

Podcast shines light on tech abuse

A new Crime Stoppers Victoria podcast reveals how everyday technology is being weaponised in abusive relationships and how bystanders can help.

Crime Stoppers Victoria has launched The Bug Hunter: Uncovering the Hidden Threats in Family Violence, a gripping new podcast that shines a light on the chilling ways technology is being twisted into a weapon of abuse.

Featuring Stephen Wilson, one of Australia’s leading experts in risk management and victim safety, the episode pulls back the curtain on the often-unseen dangers of tech-facilitated abuse. With a 37-year career in policing, national investigations and high-level security, Mr Wilson brings rare insight into how perpetrators exploit devices to monitor, control and intimidate their victims.

Listeners will hear how phones, trackers and cameras are turned into tools of fear, the warning signs that someone may be monitored, and why these behaviours are often an early red flag of escalating violence.

The Bug Hunter: Uncovering the hidden threats in Family Violence is available now through the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.

Anthology awards showcase youth creativity in Hume

By Jack O’shea-Ayres

Voting is open for Hume’s 2025 youth anthology awards, an annual published collection of creative works from young peopleinthemunicipality.

Every year, Hume youngsters aged six to 24 are invited to submit a drawing, poem, short story, comic, or photograph reflecting a shared theme, with this year’s theme centering around transformations andbeginnings.

The anthology was born from the voices of Hume’s youth and works to provide a uniqueplatformtorecogniseandcelebrate their creativity. Selected works will be published and exhibited at the Hume Global Learning Centre in Sunbury from Friday, October 24 until Sunday, February 22. Alongsidetheexhibition,thecommunity is being invited to have their say. Voting is open across four categories: ages 6-11, ages 12-18, ages 19-24 and a community

favouriteopentoallages.

To vote, residents must register on the Participate Hume website. Each voter receivesfivepointspercategory,whichcan be allocated to one entry or spread across several, and votes must be submitted via thesitetobecounted.

Mayor Jarrod Bell said he is proud to be part of the celebration of Hume’s arts and culture.

“I’m proud to be part of a council that regularly honours and recognises

the contributions of its young people, particularly when it encourages creativity and expression,” he said. “The 2025 Youth Anthology series ’Transformations and Beginnings’ has given our young people the freedom to tap into their imagination to explore who they are and where they’ve come from. I’m excited to see the voices of Hume’s young people on full display in Sunburythissummer.”

For more information, or to vote, visit participate.hume.vic.gov.au.

We’re building the Metro Tunnel and there will be transport disruptions

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 11pm 20 September to last train 21 September

Between North Melbourne and Sunbury

22 to 24 SeptemberBetween Flagstaff and Sunbury

Williamstown Line 11pm 20 September to 24 September

Werribee Line 11pm 20 September to 6am 21 September

6am to 8.30pm 21 September

6am to 8.30pm each day, 22 to 24 September

8.30pm to last train each night, 22 to 24 Sepember

Between North Melbourne and Williamstown

Between North Melbourne and Werribee

Between North Melbourne and Newport

Between Flagstaff and Laverton, including Altona Loop stations

Between North Melbourne and Werribee, excluding Laverton and Altona Loop stations

Bright by name and nature

The late Bob Bright was a pioneer of Australian pop music, a 60’s teen idol turned TV star, radio DJ and voice-over artist. He was also a much loved mentor to young musicians and a proud adopted son of Melbourne’s west. Cade Lucas spoke to those who knew Bobby best.

It makes sense in hindsight, but at the time Susie Gamble was taken aback at how emotional her friend Bob Bright was.

The pair were at the June memorial service for 60’s Australian pop-star Marcie Jones who’d died earlier that month aged 79.

When another pop-star of that era, Normie Rowe got up to deliver the eulogy, Gamble saw a side of her friend she never knew existed.

“Bob just put his head in his hands and he sobbed.

“I had never in my life seen Bob cry before,” said Gamble who’d seen more of him than anyone else.

The pair first met in the early 1960’s when Bob was Bobby Bright, a pop star himself and one half of the duo Bobby and Laurie alongside Laurie Allen.

WithhitslikeIBelongwithYouandHitch Hiker’, the pair joined the likes of Rowe, Jones and numerous others at the forefront of Australia’s burgeoning music scene.

“He was on a radio program called Dick Cranbourne’s Country Music Jamboree,” said Gamble of the first time they met.

“My mum and I went along to the recording of the shows quite often, and I knew Laurie and he introduced Bob.”

Like many other schoolgirls at the time, she was impressed.

“He had a fabulous voice, and he was just uber handsome, all the girls loved him.”

Gamble soon became a friend, a fan and confidant to Bright as he and Allen hit the big time and then after they spilt, he embarked on a five-decade career in showbiz doing everything from music, to radio, to acting to voice overs for television commercials.

He did this mostly while based in his beloved western suburbs, living in

Williamstown and then latterly in Altona.

But it all started when he moved to Melbourne from Adelaide in the early 60’s having emigrated with his mother from the UK a few years before that.

Once in Melbourne he met Jones, then the lead singer of girl group Marcie and Cookies. It was Jones who introduced him to Allen, who then introduced him to Gamble, who six decades later he sat beside sobbing at Jones’ memorial service.

“He didn’t even cry when Laurie died [in 2002], he kept it all in, he was very stoic,” said Gamble of why she found Bob’s reaction so out of character.

“But Marcie’s passing, because of their connection way back, Bob just lost it and literally all I could do was rub his back and tell him it was all right,” said Gamble, who never saw Bob again.

“Little did I know when I left him that afternoon that I would speak to him [on the phone] one more time.”

A month later on July 22, Bright died aged 80, following years of ill-health, including cancer and a more recently, emphysema.

“I’ll say this, he was ready to go,” said Gamble who now sees the connection between his reaction at the memorial service and his own failing health and sense of mortality, something she said was also evident in their last conversations.

“All he kept saying was, Susie, I’m tired.

“His illness and all the problems he had with his health had literally derived him of his once very vibrant life.”

It was a vibrant life that illuminated plenty of others too, as evidenced by the tributes that flowed in after news of his death broke.

Bright’s days as an actor on TV shows like Homicide, The Sullivans and Blue Heelers were remembered as were his roles in the mini-series Power Without Glory and as

His illness and all the problems he had with his health had literally derived him of his once very vibrant life - Susie Gamble

’The Doctor’ in the 1973 production of The Who’s rock opera Tommy.

Former colleagues on Melbourne radio recalled his stints as a DJ at stations such as 3XY and Nu Country.

However, it was his fellow musicians who spoke most glowingly of Bright and his legacy as a pioneer of Australian pop.

“Theamazing,talentedMrBobbyBright,” began fellow singer-songwriter Mike Brady in a tribute video posted on social media.

“I started playing with Bobby in a band called The Hearsemen when I was 14. We had a coffin onstage,” laughed Brady, who before he became synonymous with singing Up There Cazaly’’ before the Grand Final, was a contemporary of Bobby and Laurie.

“I was jealous of them, I can admit that now I’m an old man,” he said before recallingthetimeheheardtheirbiggesthit, Hitch Hiker’.

“I heard this song when I was at home at my mum and dad’s place and it made me cry. Cry with joy.”

Bright was also much admired by younger musicians, particularly those in Melbourne’s inner- west, who recently celebrated his life with a memorial gig at the Newport Bowls Club.

Among the performers was Jessica Paige, a singer-songwriter from Werribee who became friends with Bright after a chance

meeting at a Williamstown wine bar seven years ago.

“Theguythatownedtheplacesaid“that’s Bobby Bright,” recalled Paige, who had no idea who he was.

“He was kinda famous,” added the owner before Paige went over and introduced herself.

“He was kinda shy because he’d been quite well known and for Bob making new friends could be quite intimidating but after meeting a few times he kinda warmed up.”

Paige soon joined other local musicians at Birght’s place for regular ‘soirees’ where they’d jam and write together.

Before long, Bright was joining Paige on stage at some of her gigs.

“We’d pick him up and take him because he was getting older and needed extra support,” said Paige, adding that Bright returned the favour by teaching her how to drive a manual.

Despite being long retired, in poor health and decades past his heyday, Bright continued to make music until shortly before his death, including recording a track with Paige that she plans to finish and release.

“It’s called Santa’s Got a Gun, it’s a reggae song,” she laughed at the song’s irreverent title and unlikely genre for a retired pop-star.

ForPaige,itsumsupwhatmadeBrightso endearing.

“He was just so intelligent and would put me onto so much great music. He had such broad taste,” she said before adding, “as a great a musician and artist as he was, he was an even better person.”

Bright is survived by his daughter Lauren Bright and grandson Grier Peters-Bright who scattered his grandfather’s ashes into Hobsons Bay on September 1.

Home Care Packages support independence at home

A Home Care Package is designed to support those aged 65 years or over to remain living independently at home and maintain their quality of life as they age.

Thefederalgovernmentfundedprogram helpspeopletoaccessarangeofaffordable care services to enable them to live safely and comfortably in their own home and connected to their community.

Once approved for a package, the next stepistofindaHomeCarePackageprovider who will coordinate the support services. Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health hasbeenatrustedpartoftheSunburyand Macedon Ranges community for over 50 years and has staffed based in Kyneton, Romsey and Sunbury.

“As a not-for-profit organisation with deep local roots, we understand the needs of our community,” says Home Care Packages team leader Michelle Franceschi.

“Our staff bring local knowledge, genuinecare,andapersonalisedapproach to every person we support.”

Support might include assistance with daily tasks around the home such as cleaning, changing bed linen or mowing the grass. The package might also fund home modifications such as rails and ramps to make the home safer and can support people to get out and about.

“We work closely with clients and their families to create personalised care plans that reflect individual needs and goals,” says Michelle.

“Theteampridesitselfonhelpingpeople get the best value for money from their package funds.”

The team can also connect you to Sunbury and Cobaw’s own services such as podiatry, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, exercise classes and social activity groups. To speak to someone from the Home

Care Packages team, call 5421 6061, email hcp@scchc.org.au or drop into one of the officesatSunbury,RomseyorKyneton. To apply for a Home Care Package, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Sunbury Family History

This month the Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society will be meeting on Thursday, September 18 at 1.30pm at the Sunbury Global Learning Centre in Room 5, 1st Floor. The guest speaker will be Rob. Hyatt from the Koori Information Trust. Everyone welcome.

 home.vicnet.net.au/~sunburydha1989/

With 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

Malmsbury Farmers and Makers Market

Locals and people from afar get along to this wonderful Farmers Market. Always the third Sunday of the month….fresh produce, wine, hot food, coffee, plants, artisan foods and crafts that are special. Musical entertainment whilst you shop and catch up with friends. Located at the picturesque Malmsbury Cricket Ground from 9am to 1pm.

 Amy, 0423 726 695

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

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Sammy Muscat, who rode more than 4000km across Europe, and his dog Hank. (Damjan Janevski) 501535_01

9.30am–2.30pm. They are temporarily relocating to 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. 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

Perna Perna Women’s Group

The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Perna Perna 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

Sunbury Woodworkers Club

Join the Sunbury Woodworkers Club to learn woodturning. No experience or tools required. The club is a welcoming environment open to men and women who wish to learn. Meetings for new guests are held on the third Wednesday

Neighbourhood garden

Become part of Sunbury’s Neighbourhood Garden and grow edible and useful plants in a social group at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. All skill sets are welcome.

 www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

Rotary club

The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every second Tuesday at the Ball Court Hotel, 60 Macedon Street, Sunbury, from 7pm.  sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Ladies Probus Club

The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the 4th Monday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club (Club Sunbury). Meetings now start at 10.30am for 2 hours. We have guest speakers each month, also outings, and theatre regularly. New Members and visitors welcomed.

 Jessie, 0458 190 254

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.45am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms.

 Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10.30am.  Jo, 0410 834 272

Craft and Conversation Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at 1pm to 3pm for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.

 tinyurl.com/yfwtmhdh

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.

 youth@hume.vic.gov.au

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club

of every month at 7.30pm. Circular drive, Jackson’s Hill, Sunbury. Facebook: Sunbury Woodworkers Club.

 Anita, 0417 402 795

Art group

The Woodend Art Group holds classes and workshops in the studios in the Woodend railway station complex. It also has a social Tuesday where members and interested people can come along in the morning, have a coffee and paint together in a social environment.

 Colin Robinson, 0407 426 252

Kyneton Badminton Club

Kyneton Badminton Club is a welcoming, fun and social group that plays on Mondays, at 7pm at the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre, Victoria Street. All skill levels are welcome.

 kynetonbc@gmail.com

Sunbury Macedon Ranges

Masonic Lodge

Meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, 73 Main Street, Romsey. New members welcome.

 Paul, 0479 127 476, or Rob, 0428 260 647

Come along and be part of Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am- noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm, at Eric Boardman Stadium, Wilsons Lane.

 sunburylbc@gmail.com

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 Badminton Club

The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights, from 7.30-9.30pm, and on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Monday night is a round robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All are welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road.

 sunburybc@gmail.com

Messy Play in Sunbury

Join in the Messy Play fun with this toddler-focused program, including messy and sensory child-led play. The program will run from 10–11.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.

 www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

The funny side of marriage

As a civil marriage celebrant, Jai Cameron doesn’t work inside churches.

But Cameron will make an exception early next month when the celebrant/ comedian performs his first-ever cabaret, Til Death (or Court) Do Us Part, at the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Described as Disney meets MAFS, Til Death (or Court) Do Us Part is a one-man cabaret show that takes Cameron back to his comedic roots while drawing on his experience as a civil celebrant.

He plays Keith Maiden, a wedding celebrant, professional heart-holder, and part-time delusional romantic. After two decades of officiating other people’s happily-ever-afters, Keith is finally getting marriedhimself...toanEgyptianprincehe metonline.Whomayormaynotbereal.Or alive.

What begins as a joyful celebration of queer love quickly unravels into a hilariously filthy, painfully honest deep diveintomoderncommitment,scammers, rom-com delusions, and the true cost of believing in “forever.“

Featuring songs like Love Boat, White Wedding,LoveisintheAir,ITouchMyself, TrueColoursandRememberMe,TilDeath (or Court) Do Us Part is part cabaret, part ceremony, part cry for help.

“Come for the vows, stay for the breakdown,” said Cameron encouraging people to attend.

“Because love is in the air... and so is trauma.”

Til Death (Or Court) Do Us Part runs on Wednesday, October 1 to Sunday, October 5.

Tickets: melbournefringe.com.au

Stage show will ignite young imaginations

Children and families can get lost in their imagination in a stage adaptation of Alison Lester’s beloved book ‘Imagine.’ The show tells the story of a granddaughter and grandmother who are communicating with each other over long distance through video calls. They have nostalgic conversations about ‘Imagine’ and interact with the book creatively.

Writer,directoranddesigneroftheshow Jolyon James said he’s always felt a strong connection to the book, which he would read to his two young boys regularly.

“It was just this beautiful freedom to play … Sometimes we’d open the book and just stay on the page for one hour because it allows you to do that,” James said.

“I approached [Lester] because the themes in it are just still so relevant and it deals with the environment and our place in it and our need to take care of it but it’s also about how important play and creativity is for everyone.

“I’mcertainlycomingfromaperspective that play and imagination and the ability to problem-solve builds really smart, resilient kids.”

The show incorporates puppetry, technology and is underscored by live, original music composed and performed by Nate Gilkes.

“It’s a pretty complex work underpinning it all but on its surface it’s joyful, hilarious, playful and creative,” James said.

Imagine, Live will be showing at the Bowery Theatre on Saturday, September 20 at 11am and 2pm.

Ticket prices range from $12 to $18 with a family ticket option for $35.

Details: creativebrimbank.com.au

Enjoy an afternoon of orchestral movie magic

The music of the silver screen will fill the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall for an afternoon of orchestral magic this month.

The Moorabool Light Orchestra –composedentirelyoflocalmusicians–will perform a range of film soundtrack pieces, ranging from Old Hollywood classics to modern hits and everything in between. Moorabool Light Orchestra conductor Reuben Morgan said the event provides a history of cinema through music.

“I’ve selected pieces of music from throughout history, starting with movies like Gone with the Wind and Wizard of Oz, tracking all the way to the present with music from films like How to Train your Dragon and Pirates of the Caribbean,” Morgan said.

“And so in between, we sort of cover a bit of everything – music from superhero movies,spaceoperas…StarWars,Batman, western … just covering a bit of everything aswellastellingthestoryofhowfilmmusic

has developed over the last century.

“It promises to be a very fun concert – we’re trying to keep it as engaging as possible. It’s got something for everyone [and is] definitely friendly for kids.”

The group will also be joined by powerhouse solo vocalist Izzy Farrah.

Titled At the Movies, the event will be hosted from 2–4pm on Sunday, September

A taste of Scotland in Mt Macedon

You won’t need to leave the Macedon Ranges to experience Shetland in this new exhibition.

Local artist Jo Hoyne has brought a taste of the Scottish island to The Gallery, Mt Macedon for its September exhibition, ‘Shetlanders’.

For fans of the gripping crime drama, or lovers of the island’s natural beauty in its rugged landscape and dramatic coastlines, this exhibition will draw you right into the simple way of life residents on Shetland live.

Hoyne travelled to Shetland in May and June, where she spent a few weeks on the island, immersing herself in their way of life.

While there, she spent her time peoplewatching,creatingaseriesof delicately detailed pencil drawings of those she observed going about their daily lives.

These include people working out on the boats, battling the fierce winds to do their shopping, birdwatching and even knitting in the traditional way.

Hoynecreated22pencildrawings in total, with accompanying photographs to help put her creations into context.

All her artwork will also be for sale.

Immerse yourself in the simple beauty of Shetland, with Hoyne’s exhibition, showing until Sunday, October 5, at The Gallery, 684 Mt Macedon Road.

The Gallery is open Friday to Tuesday from 10am to 4pm.

28, at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall, with tickets and pricing available online.

The orchestra is also welcoming new members and those interested in joining are encouraged to attend this event to introduce themselves and witness the group in action.

Details: eventbrite.com.au/e/at-themovies-tickets-1646403530279

Western Skin Institute

offers excellence in skin checks for skin cancer detection, dermatological skin conditions and treatment and management for all ages. We offer range of services, including:

• Full body or spot check

• Moles and lesion checks

• Lumps and bumps

• Laser and LED therapy treatments No Referral needed

For more information, please give us a call!

03 9367 6648 westernskininstitute.com.au

378 Main Road West, St. Albans VIC 3021

We also do stump grinding

• Heating/Cooling

• Wood Fire Heater Installations

• We can also assist customers looking to upgrade their hot water systems to a heat pump to take advantage of available government rebates.

Office: 0408 908 369

Website: jbrplumbing.com.au

Email: support@jbrplumbing.com.au

PO Box 151 KYNETON Vic 3444

Tel: (03) 5422 0333

Fax: (03) 5422 3623

Email: mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au Web: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

Planning And Environment Act 1987 Section 52(1)

An application for a planning permit has been made which may affect you.

The land affected by the application is located at: LOT 1 PS 530413S P/Gisborne 69 Outlook Lane GISBORNE VIC 3437

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority. An objection must:

•Be made to the responsible authority in writing or lodged online

•Include your name and mailing address

•Additionally for objections include:

•Reason/s for the objection

•State how you would be affected by the granting of a permit

•Any suggestions on how to address concerns (as applicable)

The responsible authority must make a copy of every objection available for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the period during which an application maybe made for review of a decision on the application.

More information about the objection process, including our privacy collection notice and our prescribed objection/ submission form is located on Council’s website at https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Build-Plan/Planning-PermitsApprovals-Forms/Object-to-an-application.

The responsible authority will not decide on the application before at least 14 days after the date the last notice under section 52(1) or (1AA) of the Act is to be given. If you make an objection, the Responsible Authority will inform you of its decision.

PUZZLES

To

Sudoku

1 Innocuous (8)

5 Neckwear (6) 10 Fat (5)

11 Philosophy without morality (9)

12 Logical (6) 13 The smell of the ocean (4,3)

14 One of the colours of the ocean (3,5)

15 Materialise (6)

18 Relaxed (2,4)

20 Ridicules (8)

21 Hang by attachment (7)

24 Wanders (6)

27 Forcibly remove from power (9)

28 Indigenous people (NZ) (5)

29 Screech (6)

30 Process of mesmerisation (8)

implement (5)

Alarmed (8)

Mollusc (7)

Mexican hats (9)

Parasitic plant (4)

Photos (9) 16 Named after a particular person (9) 17 Raised track over low ground (8)

19 Apparition (7)

22 Show contempt (5)

23 Earth (4)

25 Japanese noodles (5)

26 Insult (coll)

four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns

Melissa McCarthy (pictured) starred as Sookie St. James in which television drama series?

2 Who of the following was not a wife of Zeus: Hera, Leto, Metis or Aphrodite?

3 Beginning with ‘G’, what is the name of the stew that is the official cuisine of Louisiana, US?

4 Robert Smith is the lead singer of which English rock band?

5 What is the name for the side of the triangle opposite from the right angle?

6 ‘He was soon borne away by the waves, and lost in darkness and distance’ is the final line of which famous gothic novel?

7 Julia Roberts played which US environmental activist in a 2000 film directed by Steven Soderbergh?

8 What pivotal event in world history took place on November 9, 1989?

9 Which French writer and philosopher is generally credited as being the father of the essay genre?

10 Clove hitch, butterfly loop, sheet bend and carrick bend are all types of what?

A Porsche competitor

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

One of our all-time favourites is the superlativeAudiS8luxurysportssedan.

Audi claims the S8 represents an extraordinary combination of high-performance motoring and absolute luxury.

Got that right. With 420kW of power, 800Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds, it certainly takes some beating. Then along came the SQ8 TSFI Quattro, pretty much the same deal but dressed in the practical garb of an SUVwhichonetoget?

Think of it as a cheaper version of the Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus or Bentley Bentayga, with which all share the same Volkswagen Group MLB Evo platform.

Styling

Unfortunately,theS8hasjustbeencanned. ThegoodnewsistheSQ8isalotcheaper,at $178,000versus$286,000buckaroos.That’s pause for thought but leaves enough left over to buy a second car - another Audi to completetheset.

Interestingly, SQ8 is just $4000 more than its seven-seat sibling SQ7 which is propelled by the same 4.0-litre twin turbo V8. It’s also a lot less than the higher performingRSQ8whichis$255,800.

SQ8’s competitors include the BMW X6 M60i ($182,600), Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe ($190,900) and Porsche Cayenne GTSCoupe($211,500).

Our test vehicle was fitted with some options, pushing the price past the $200K mark, including the $14,000 sensory package, a $3000 set of 23-inch Sport wheels and - get this - another $1600 for what’sdescribedasAudiSportPaint.Paint that makes the car go faster? And it’s not red?

Thesensorypackageincludesa1920-watt Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound. System with 23 loudspeakers (not just ordinary speakers). Not that the standard 17-speakersystemistooshabby.

It also adds an air quality package that includes ioniser and perfume (two high-quality perfumes available in four differentintensities).

We lament the passing of the S8, a car that was as luxurious as it was quick, but afteraweekbehindthewheelofourgolden SQ8wehavetoadmitit’saprettyniceplace topassthetime.

The interior decor combines sporty elegance with advanced technology. It is and has always been one of Audi’s strong points.

The cabin features S sport seats, contrast diamondpatternedstitching,andexclusive materialssuchascarbonfibreandbrushed aluminium, power-adjust steering wheel position as well as power-assisted door closing, that combine to create a dynamic andsophisticatedenvironment.

The heated and cooled front seats are trimmed in Valcona leather upholstery withfour-zoneclimatecontrolair.

There’s also head-up display, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, auto high beam, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto lights and wipers, a sunroof, 360-degree camera and power-operated tailgate - not much is missing.

The SQ8 is covered by a five-year unlimitedkilometrewarranty.

Infotainment

SQ8 benefits from the latest MMI touch responsesystemandAudivirtualcockpit.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen boasts DAB+

digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with MMI navigation plus and Audi connect plus (Navigation & Infotainment + Security & Assistance services).

But to our eyes the size and location of thescreen(s)arestartingtolookdated.

Wireless charging is joined by two USB-C ports in the front and another two in the back, along with a 12-volt outlet plus another12-voltoutletintheboot.

Safety

With eight airbags and a long list of advanceddriverassistancesystems,there’s plenty to feel safe about. While diesel and 3.0-litre petrol versions of the Q8 score five stars for safety, this particular version however remains unrated. Draw your own conclusions.

Autonomous emergency braking (City, Interurban & Vulnerable Road User) as well as lane keep assist (LKA) with lane departure warning (LDW) and blind spot monitoring(BSM)arestandard.

Engines/transmissions

SQ8 is powered by a potent 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol V8, combined with a 48-volt mild hybrid, that delivers 373kW of power at 5500 rpm and 770Nm of torque from 2000-4000 rpm. The V8 is teamed with a conventional ZF eight-speed auto, with gear change paddles and auto engine stop-starttosavefuel.

Torque is distributed to all four wheels ondemand,allowingtheSUVtoaccelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a rapid-fire 4.1 seconds.

Driving

Design-wise,theSQ8exudescharm,sitting low astride its 23-inch wheels and fat expensiverubber.ButIcan’tsaywe’rehuge fans of the Sakhir metallic gold paint job, althoughsomemightfinditappealing.

Audi tweaked the car last year, but the changes were minor at best. There’s no sensefixingsomethingthatain’tbroke.

Distinctive sport elements include a more aggressive front bumper, larger air intakes and quad exhaust tailpipes. These elements not only underline SQ8’s sporty bent, but serve to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. Innovative light technology includes Audi laser light and digital OLED rear lights, available for the first time as an option.

Thelightsofferavarietyofsignaturesthat canbeconfiguredthroughtheMMIsystem and feature a unique lighting design that is demonstrated in the front and rear lights withleavingandcominghomeanimations.

The hi-po V8 is complemented by four-wheel steering and sports-tuned adaptive air suspension, with a ride height that is 15mm lower that delivers the kind of ride and handling normally associated with a sedan. Dynamic mode drops the suspension by a whopping 40mm. If you want to go the whole hog, the $10,900 Dynamicpackaddsactiverollstabilisation and a sport differential with torque vectoring.

Six drive modes are available, Off-road, Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual.

Although the SQ8 is undeniably quick, it lacks the instantaneous punch of an EV.

Instead, it needs a couple of seconds to gather itself before launching down the road,butitisquicktomakeupforlosttime.

Thepayoffisofcoursethefeelandsound of the blown V8, a sound unmatched anywhere in the world, with the deep, throaty artificially enhanced note (So what?)

Think of the SQ8 as a grand tourer with a large back seat and boot to match. Even better, there’s nothing intrusive about the driver assist support in this car. It understands you already know how to drive.

But with low profile rubber and a space saver spare, we wouldn’t be venturing downtoomanydirtroads.

The other point worth noting is that with three screens requiring your attention, the dashisverybusyandsomemayfinditalla littledaunting—especiallyatnight.

Being a V8, the SQ8 likes a drink and naturally it prefers the good stuff. Rated at 11.9L/100km,weweregetting12.5L/100km afterabout300kmofdriving.

Summing up

Not too sure about the colour, but the price compareswellwiththeS8.It’samootpoint really.AlthoughAudistilladvertisestheS8 we understand it is no longer available to orderinAustraliaasofthismonth.

There are no prizes for guessing the decision comes in the wake of declining sales and the shift towards SUVs in the market.

Audi has sold just three S8s this year (10 lastyear).

That’sadamnshame.

Stevo’s prelim predictions

Preliminary finals aren’t just another step to the Grand Final - they’re the biggest hurdle in football. This weekend, the MCG will decide it all: Geelong v Hawthorn on Friday night, and Collingwood v Brisbane on Saturday night. And in my eyes, two sideslookprimedtotearthegamesapart.

Geelong v Hawthorn

Hawthorn’sSeptemberrunhasbeengutsy. TheystunnedAdelaide,andJaiNewcombe was a bull through the middle - one of the best individual finals performances I’ve seen in a while. But prelims are different. They expose not just talent, but system, disciplineanddepth.

Geelong thrive in that environment. They’re ruthless in strangling opposition ballmovement,pinningteamsindefensive half and grinding them down until the mistakes come. Finals are built on repeat efforts and suffocating pressure — and no team executes that better than the Cats. Hawthorn will scrap, but system beats

spiritninetimesoutofteninSeptember.

Prediction: Geelong by 25 pointscontrolledfromstarttofinish.

Collingwood v Brisbane

This is the blockbuster. Brisbane are the

defending premiers and they look like a side ready to flex again. Their midfield intensity is enormous - Josh Dunkley’s tackling, their spread from stoppage, and the way they surge the ball forward under pressurewilltroubleCollingwoodbadly.

Upforward,thematch-breakerisCharlie Cameron. He loves the MCG stage, and against a Collingwood backline that hates chaosballinside50,heandtheLions’small forwards can do real damage. Add the pressure acts of Cam Rayner and Lincoln McCarthy, and suddenly Collingwood’s rebound game gets strangled before it starts.

Collingwood will fight - they always dobut their polish and ball use won’t matter if Brisbane bring heat for four quarters. This is where reigning premiers remind everyonewhytheywearthecrown.

Prediction: Brisbane by 19 pointsCamerontohaveanightout.

Final Word

Geelong’s system is ruthless. Brisbane’s pressure is suffocating. When the smoke clears at the ‘G, it won’t be about romance or underdogs - it’ll be about the two sides best built to survive prelim football. And that’swhyIseeaGeelongvBrisbaneGrand Finalin2025

Why preliminary finals are the hardest games to win

Preliminary finals are the ultimate test in football.Theydon’tjustmeasureskill;they expose nerve, leadership, and resilience. You’re one step from the Grand Final, but thatstepisoftenthehardestofall.Prelims are where dreams are made and where seasons come to die.

I’ll never forget the 1994 Preliminary Final at the MCG. North Melbourne had Geelong on the ropes for most of the day. We controlled large patches, won the contests, and looked every bit like a Grand Final side in waiting. Then came the moment that still stings. Gary Ablett Snr marked 35 metres out, directly in front, as the siren sounded. The stadium fell silent. Onekicklater,theballsplitthemiddleand ourseasonwasgone.That’sprelimfootball in a nutshell - unforgiving, merciless, and brutally final.

From 1994 through to 2000, North Melbourne played in seven consecutive preliminary finals. It was one of the most consistent runs of the modern era, and every year reinforced how unique this stage is. In 1995, Carlton tore us apart

with power and polish. In 1997, St Kilda outlastedusinanail-biter.In1998,webeat Melbourne in the prelim but stumbled a week later against Adelaide. And in 2000, we ran into an Essendon side that barely lost a game all year.

But there were triumphs too. In 1996, we overcame Brisbane and rode that momentum all the way to premiership glory against Sydney. In 1999, we again beat the Lions in a bruising prelim, and a week later lifted the cup against Carlton. Those wins weren’t just about the brilliance of Wayne Carey, the courage of Glenn Archer, or the defensive strength of Mick Martyn. They also came because of the quieter contributions - the work rate of Peter Bell, the composure of Adam Simpson, the toughness of Anthony Rock, and the relentless running of David King. Prelims expose your depth - not just your stars.

And the stage itself adds to the weight. Prelims draw massive crowds, often 90,000-plus at the MCG, and the wall of noise becomes suffocating. Every

contested ball feels like life or death. The physical toll is brutal too - bodies battered from a long season, players carrying knocks into games that leave no room for excuses.

That’s what separates a prelim from a Grand Final. On Grand Final day, the week is a celebration. But in a prelim, it’s fear. Fear of wasting a year. Fear of being remembered for falling short. Fear that one fumble or one kick could haunt you forever. That pressure is heavier than anything else in football.

This week’s contenders are about to walk into that furnace. Whoever survives won’t just be talented - they’ll be tough, composed, and ruthless. Because history remembers premierships, but players remember prelims - and after all these years, I can still say it with certainty: the hardest game to win in football is a preliminaryfinal.

The sun was out and the wind was calm making it perfect weather at Romsey Park for the Riddell District Football Netball League grand final. Star Weekly’s LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting the A-grade netball and senior football action.

RDFNL grand final action

Cats push Bombers all the way before falling short

Macedon almost pulled off one of the biggest Riddell District Football League grand final upsets in recent history.

The Cats, who finished the regular season in fifth spot, were just half a quarter away from knocking off reigning premiers and favourites, Riddell.

Early it was all the Bombers as they kicked the first first goals of the game.

Macedon worked into the match and at three quarter time were 12 points up.

The underdogs were 17 points up in the last quarter after kicking the two of the first three goals of the final term and looking like a side that could hold off the champs.

But as all good sides do, the Bombers came hard late and were able to run over the top of the Cats.

The Bombers kicked the last five goals of the game to snatch the premiership, 13.13 (91)-12.6 (78).

CatscoachAlMeldrumsaidhissidewas huge all day.

“Unfortunately so were they,” he said.

Sam Indian. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 501176_41

“We did really well to get back into the game being 29 points down at quarter time.

“We had to work pretty hard to edge ourselvesbackintothegame.Ithoughtwe were magnificent in the way we did that.

“It was almost like the boys were in a bit of shock, 17 points up in the last quarter.

“I’m pretty proud of our boys.”

Meldrum said in the post match he was still struggling to comprehend that they were nearly three goals up in the final

quarter.

He said the Bombers are a powerhouse team and are hard to beat.

Meldrum said the Bombers were better in some of the key moments late.

“Isaiditintheluncheon…Ihadafeeling it would come down to moments as that was the tale in the semi final as well,” he said.

“We did a lot right. We did have quite a few [key moments] in the second and third quarter and early in the last.

“They unfortunately had a few too many. They had so much on the line having to come from behind and sometimes when you throw caution to the wind it can be really hard to defend as well.

“It’s a pretty rough way to learn. I think wedeservetobehereandIthinkweputon a pretty good show.

“I know Riddell has definitely earned their premiership cup.”

Michael Rutledge kicked three goals for the Cats, while Cooke brothers, Jason and Bradley, kicked two each.

Hamish Govan was the Cats best and Meldrum said had they got up, he would have been a big chance to get the best on ground medal. Brodie Hoyne and Jacob Gough were other standouts.

The grand final, the Cats first since 2017, was another step in the right direction for the Cats.

“I wasn’t sure at the start of the year if we’d been ahead of our time making a prelim last year,” Meldrum said,

“This season suggests we are on the right track. It always keeps getting harder. We’ll reflect on what we have to do to improve and get better and hopefully put ourselves in this position again.

“They’re difficult to make. I’m glad the guys have had an opportunity to play on grand final day.”

While the Cats’ senior side lost, its under-19.5swonback-to-backflagsbeating Kyneton in the first game of the day.

Tara Murray

Bombers go back-to-back

By Tara Murray

Riddell saved its best for last to secure back-to-back Riddell District Football League premierships on Saturday.

The Bombers, who had jumped out to a fast start with the first five goals of the game, found themselves trailing by 17 points 10 minutes into the final quarter.

Macedon had momentum but the Bombers had the fresh legs having had the previous weekend off.

The Bombers class and run in their legs shone through late as they kicked the last five goals of the game to make it a second straight premiership, winning 13.13 (91)-12.6 (76).

Bombers coach Arron Bray said there was a real sense of relief when the final siren went.

“We got off to the perfect start that we wantedbutcredittoMacedon,theypegged it back and they had the momentum going into the last quarter,” he said.

“It was probably one of those games where you think to yourself that we could probably lose the unlosable here.

“ButIsaidtheboysthattheyarerunning out of legs, slowly but surely. We needed to get the ball on the outside and take the corridor as much as we could.

“Fair play to the boys, they went at it. The boys stood up when we needed them too.”

Bray said they had gotten off to the ideal start before the Cats showed why they had become one of the top sides this season.

Hesaidtheynevergaveupongettingthe lead back in that final quarter and going back-to-back.

Bray said when they were down by 17 points in the last quarter, the question was what do they do now to get the game back on their terms.

Hesaidtheymadeacoupleofmoveswith BenSonoganandJacobChahineswitching ends but that didn’t work.

When they went back to their normal spots, things started to work.

“IthinkthearsegoalfromTarczonwhich just bounced sideways three times was the one that sparked us,” he said.

Zakkaria Saad won the Doug McIntyre Medal as the best player on the ground. His performance included the goal that put the Bombers back in front in the final quarteraftercapitalisingonamistakefrom the Cats when they kicked across goal.

“He’s a freak,” Bray said. “That’s why we got him here.

“Saady loses his first 10 games at Heathcote and comes across to us and ends up winning a premiership medal and

a Norm Smith. “Not many do that after losing their first 10 games.”

Lachie Hay, who crossed from Macedon in the off season, stood up in big moments late and was one of the Bombers best.

Bray said he worked through all the pressure put on him by the Cats and showed maturity beyond his years.

Dean Galea again starred on the biggest stage, finishing with five goals including the sealer.

“He’s played in god knows how many

grand finals and the least goals he’s kicked in a grand final is four,” Bray said.

He’s kicked five again. The most competitive player I’ve ever coached. Driven to succeed and it rubs off on the other guys.”

Bray said they would celebrate the premiership pretty hard. He said the last two years had been different to 12 months ago.

“The one last year I was pretty sketchy as I had lost three prelims which is always on the back of your mind,” he said. “Are you

ever going to get one?

“This year I was a lot more calmer until three quarter time, calmness went out the window.”

It’s the Bombers third premiership in four years with Bray saying the club had an opportunity to do something no one has done since the 1980s and go three in a row.

“Theyareaprettyspecialgroup,”hesaid.

“They drive their own standards.

“They are very easy to coach.”

Braysaidtheywereexpectingmostofthe group to come back next year.

Three-peat for the Hawks

By Tara Murray

Woodend-Hesket wrote another chapter into its netball legacy on Saturday as it claimed a third straight Riddell District Netball League premiership.

The Hawks A-grade side had never made a grand final heading into the 2022 season, but things were starting to brew.

A grand final loss in 2022, has been followed by three straight premierships to put the side in rare company.

Hawks playing-coach Ty Coppinger said it was pretty special.

“It feels pretty amazing,” she said. “It will take a little bit to sink in.

“I knew that we had the team to be able to do it. It was a matter of executing it.

“It’s the people within it and once we’ve got that core group it’s been just a matter building on that.

“Keep building on what you’ve created. The last four years is credit to that and everyone else who has been part of the netball program over the years.”

Formostofthefirstquartertherewasn’t anything between the two teams as they

went goal for goal.

The Hawks capitalised late on some errors from the Bombers to lead by five goals at the first break.

From there, the Hawks were able to slowly extend the lead having fully taken control of the game.

With the match decided, the Hawks blew the margin out and were able to bring on everyone from the bench to get their opportunity on court.

The Hawks won, 57-39.

Coppinger said they wanted to set the tone early against a Bombers outfit which was known for its strong second halves.

“We know in the second half they are going to come firing, and they did and I don’t think the scoreboard fully reflected the game,” she said.

“It was hard out there and tough for the whole 60 minutes.

“Everyone stepped up and everyone played their role [perfectly, I couldn’t haveaskedforanythingbetterthanevery single one of the girls.”

Defensively was where the Hawks set the tone as they shut down the

experienced Bombers attack line up.

Coppinger and her partner in crime

Georgia Bowkett showed what years of playing together does as they got the results they were after.

TheymadeithardworkfortheBombers attackers and set up plenty of forays up the court.

Coppinger was awarded the best on court medal by the umpires. She also won the medal in 2023, with her sister Sam Coppinger winning it last year.

The star defender said winning the premiership was what was important.

“It could have gone to anyone, I was in shock,” Coppinger said. “Every player out there played their role and without that, we wouldn’t have any of this.”

At the other end of the court, the youngster player on the court Natalie McDonald showed plenty of composure.

Coppinger said McDonald was an absolute star.

“Shehasgonefromstrengthtostrength through this season,” she said.

“I think today [Saturday] she just stepped up again. For someone who is

16 to have that level of composure and maturity, I can’t speak highly of her and her improvement across the season.

“I knew she had the talent there … she works her butt off non-stop and credit to her.”

Rebecca Hicks and Jessica Martin were the other two to play in their first A-grade premiership for the Hawks.

Martin has come through the ranks at the Hawks. Mackenzie Brown, who played in the 2023 premiership, is another home grown player, who came back up into the side late in th season.

“I think it’s so special, juniors of the club,” Coppinger said. “Jess coming up into A-grade this year, has taken it with two hands, again another person who has improved out of sight and Macca has been in B-grade for the majority of the season, and she has stepped in so seamlessly.”

Coppinger has already signed on for next season as coach.

“We’ll be back bigger and better, I would say.”

Bombers experince grand final heartbreak once again

Riddell’s premiership dreams again came crashing down against Woodend-Hesket in the Riddell District Netball League grand final.

The two sides faced off in the decider for a third straight year after again being the best two teams all season.

TheHawkswerelookingtomakeitthree in a row, while the Bombers were hoping to make it third time lucky.

For most of the first quarter there wasn’t anything between the two teams.

The Hawks capitalised late on some errors from the Bombers to lead by five goals at the first break.

From there, the Hawks were able to slowly extend the lead having fully taken control of the game.

The Bombers had some good defensive moments in the third quarter but weren’t able to make the most of them.

Woodend-Hesket blew out the margin on the way to a 57-39 win, Bombers coach Emily Ktona said they didn’t fire on the day and threw too much ball away in the end.

“I feel like we had our moments, but Woodend was far too good,” she said. “We wanted to stay in contention, I feel like we did that for 12 of the 15 minutes of the first quarter.

“It then blew out to five and it kept going fromthere.Hatsofftothemthey’reareally strong team, hard to get back on.”

Having already lost Fionnuala Mckeagney-Stubbs from the defensive endduetoheadingoverseas,theBombers were also without young goaler Sahara Ball who was in Canberra with the Australian under-19 squad.

Captain Ellen Close went off with a leg injuryinthefirstquarteranddidn’treturn to the court.

It meant plenty of challenges for the Bombers attack end.

“It took Mez [Meredith Ball] a little whiletogetgoing,”Ktonasaid.“Shehasn’t played for a while.

“Although she’s been on our bench, we’ve been utilising our team.

“Not having Sahara and Ellen on the courtwasabiglossforusanditdidn’tflow

as well as we would have liked.”

Defensively, Lauren Nolan and Georgia Shattock both had some good moments.

Ktona said Nolan was a really good match up for Rebecca Hicks after being moved back into goalkeeper.

Ktona said despite falling short again, she was still super proud of the group and what they had been able to achieve.

“Finishing second on the ladder, we onlylostfourgamesfortheyear,”shesaid. “We did a really good job, we did all we could.

“Just Woodend far too strong again. Maybe on the fourth time lucky, see how we go.”

The Bombers B-grade side had a comfortable win against Lancefield to make it back-to-back premierships.

After being six goals down at quarter time, the Bombers started to fire and ran away with a 55-40 win.

The Bombers went through the season undefeated.

Lisa Borg relishing the coaching challenge at Kyneton

By Tara Murray

New Kyneton coach Lisa Borg said there’s a real vibe as the Riddell District Football League club looks to reestablish its women’s football program.

The Tigers didn’t have a side this season, but still fielded a youth girls side with plenty of young talent coming through.

For Borg, it’s a return home having been the Tigers inaugural women’s coach.

She also played junior football at North Kyneton and Kyneton and won a premiership and was runner-up in a best and fairest.

“It’sbeenreallygoodandthecommunity isrightbehindit,soit’sexciting,”Borgsaid. “Even going to the local fish and chip shop, people are going Lisa we haven’t seen you for years.

“It’s pretty cool. I worked in the Kyneton post office for 15 years, I’m born and bred

in Kyneton.”

Borg said having somewhere for the youth girls to play was really important.

She said some girls from the youth league girls might come up into the senior program next year and some the year after that, which is what the club is wanting.

“It’s big for the club and the whole footy club is behind it,” she said.

“We’ve signed a couple of players in the last few days.

“We’ve managed to sign an OG [original girl] to have her back, it’s really exciting and there’s a buzz.”

Borg is no stranger to setting up a women’s program, having done it at several clubs including Kyneton.

She has coached at East Sunbury, Gisborne and Ocean Grove as well as at Kyneton.

Borg has also played 200 games across a number of clubs, with most of those

matches at the Sunbury Lions.

While Borg has coached junior sides in the RDFL, it will be her first time being involved in the senior program which would be a good challenge.

TheTigersareholdingawomen’sfootball meet and greet day on October 5 at the Kyneton club rooms.

Borg said there had already been 22 people expressing interest in attending the day.

She said any players of any ability were welcome to come down and see what it’s like.

“Everyone is welcome,” she said. “Mums who are involved and still want to show their kids it’s OK to play sports.

“It’sexcitingandwewanttohaveafamily friendly environment after all the stuff that happened the last 12 months.”

Details:0401881002orwomensfootball@ kynetonfnc.com

Medal for McElligott

By Tara Murray

Calder Cannons’ Shauna McElligott wasn’t happy with her 2024 football season.

Determined to get better, she engaged the services of private specialist coaches and did plenty of extra sessions.

That quickly showed as she returned for her top age Coates Talent League season. After an outstanding season, she was crowned the winner of the Meg McArthur Medal as the under-18 girls best and fairest late last month.

McElligott said she was stoked to claim the Cannons highest honour.

“Iwasonlyaboutthree-fourvotesbehind Chloe [Baker-West] from rounds one to five and then I knew she got injured,” she said. “I thought maybe I’m a sniff here.

“It’ssuchanhonour,thepeoplewhohave won it in the past they’re good players, all of them.”

McElligott also took out the Cannons leading goalkicker award as she finished with 12 goals for the season.

After starting the season in the forward line, she moved up the ground to further expand her game.

“I’m glad the girls gave me the ball to be honest being in the forward line,” she said.

“Speaking to [coach] Ross [Smith] at the end of last year, he said he would give me

more midfield time just to show off my skills a bit more.

“I started the year just forward and then about round five I started going into the midfield and then played there for a while.

“Then I did half mid and half forward for the rest of the year.”

McElligott’s season was built on wanting to improve on last year.

Lastyearsheplayed10gamesandkicked four goals, but wasn’t named in the best at all.

“It was a bit of a rough season,” she recalls. “I was hit with a couple of injuries as well and couldn’t get much momentum and my confidence just dropped.

“A few things like that affected my year.

“Getting the feedback from the coaches at the end of the year and as soon as I got that, I got straight into it.

“I went to personal training and got a tackling coach and was doing a few other things on the outside.

“It definitely helped me.”

McElligott’s strong season saw her rewarded with other opportunities.

She was among a group of Calder Cannons that got to train with Essendon’s Victorian Football League women’s side regularly in the back half of the season.

McElligott said it was a really good opportunity.

Sports shorts

FV

Gisborne has announced that Carlos Grande has stood down as coach of its FV state league 5 west side. Grande coached the side for the past two seasons. Grand said it had been a great experience coaching at the club. “Amazing bunch of guys in the senior group with the inclusion of great youth talent, the club is set for a good few years,“ he said. Gisborne finished this season in eighth spot with five wins and four draws among its 20 matches.

GDCA

Woodend has announced an import for the upcoming Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season. Jacques Du Toit is an experienced and explosive former first-class cricketer. Originally from South Africa, he’s played a wealth of high-level cricket in England and now brings that knowledge, skill, and passion to Woodend. Du Toit will be working alongside the coaches and provide some elite coaching.

GDCA

“Thatwasgreatgettingtoknoweveryone there, also that next level above the skills and everything was professional,” she said.

“I got to see how much stronger they are.”

She also made her senior debut for Aberfeldie playing alongside the likes of former AFLW players Mo Hope and Emily Smith.

“They are a good group to go back to and get my confidence back up even more.”

McElligott, who loves the games of Mon Conti and Zali Goldsworthy, said getting drafted would be a dream come true.

“It would mean a lot to be honest and it shows how hard work can pay off,” she said. “If not, I keep putting in even more hard work.”

Cannons regional talent operations lead Sebastian Spagnuolo said McElligott worked hard to have the season that she had.

“Throughout the season she was by far our most consistent performer and earned the reward of being the runaway winner of the Meg McArthur Medal as our girls under-18 best and fairest.

“We are hopeful that her performances have caught the eye of AFLW recruiters as she’sdefinitelydeservingofanopportunity at the next level.“

Gisborne has received a boost with the return of a premiership star. Jay King, who had last season off, returns to the Dragons line up and will again led the charge with the ball for Gisborne this season, partnering with fellow gun Leigh Brennan. A four-time premiership player and multiple GDCA team of the year selections, King is seen as one of the true greats of the club. Meanwhile, Englishman Josh Brown has re-signed.

GDCA

Rupertswood has added some Victorian Premier Cricket experience to its line up for the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season. Joey Boulton has signed with the club, coming to Rupo from Greenvale where he has close to 10 years of premier experience. “His genuine all round capability will be crucial to our squad this season,“ Rupo said. “The right armer bowls absolute rockets and will be working bowlers over with his timing and prowess with bat in hand.“

Bulldogs limp to season end, losing in preliminary final

By Tara Murray

Injuries and a heavy workload finally took its toll on Gisborne as it was knocked out of the Bendigo Football League finals on Saturday.

The Bulldogs had battled to make it to the preliminary final against Eaglehawk after some big losses to finish the regular season.

They then lost in the first week of finals before bouncing back to have a shot at a grand final berth.

In Saturday’s preliminary final, the Bulldogs stuck with Eaglehawk for three quarters.

Themarginwasjustsevenpointsheading into the final quarter.

The Hawks found another gear in the final quarter, kicking four goals to none to sealagrandfinalspotwitha12.13(85)-7.10 (52) win.

Injured Bulldogs skipper Jack Reaper

said they ran out of legs in the end.

“We just fell short,” he said. “With the squad we hard and the boys we missing, it slowed us in the final quarter.

“We ran out of steam and they were the better side on the day.”

Reaper said they squandered chances in the second and third quarter to put themselves in front and give themselves a real shot.

Pat McKenna and Matthew Merrett kicked two goals each for the Bulldogs.

ZacharyVescoviandBradBernackiwere named the Bulldogs best.

Reaper said they were still proud of the season that they’d had.

They had seven players suffer seven season ending issues throughout the year.

Reaper was joined on the sidelines by several key players for the finals run.

“We were missing our centre half forward, starting midfielder and ruck,” he said.

“After a couple of massive losses late in theseasonandlosingthefirstfinal,itwasa great response.

“The others did an awesome job. We spokeabouttheblokesthatsteppedupinto roles they were ready for.

“We’ve accelerated their development. It’s great for the future.”

Reaper said himself and the coaching group earlier in the season in the last and felt that their list wasn’t as strong as it had been the last couple of years and lacked a bit of depth.

“We lost the preliminary final by five goals,” he said. “Had you said that at the start of the year and to that essence with where the squad was at and the injuries we had, you think what might have been and we could have played in grand final.”

The Bulldogs will now play a waiting game as they wait to find out whether their application to join the Ballarat league is successful or not.

Lions through to GF

By Tara Murray

The Sunbury Lions are through to their first Ballarat Football League grand final since 2016 in one of the most remarkable matches.

The Lions and Melton played off in a preliminary final for the ages on Saturday and it’s a match that everyone will remember for years.

Both sides had their moments in the matchbutcomethefinalsiren,scoreswere locked at 94-apiece.

It meant the the match was headed to overtime,

The Lions got on the board early in overtime and were able to stay in front to lock in a grand final spot, as they won 17.12 (114)-15.10 (100).

Lions coach Matt White said it was amazing scenes.

“I was at Port Adelaide when they had extra time against West Coast, but I didn’t play in that game,” he said.

“I told the guys to embrace this as it will never happen again in their football careers. It’s rare to make a preliminary final, let alone being in one that goes in

overtime.

“Be battled through it and got the win.

“It was unbelievable.”

White said it was a fantastic game of football between two really good sides.

He said both teams had moments of momentum before it would go the other way and it was back and forth all day.

At three quarter time, the Lions led by seven points

“Melton got a run on it in the third quarterbuttheyweren’tabletokickgoals,” he said. “They keep kicking points.

“We were able to stir the ship and Fraser Ampulski kicked a point with a couple of seconds left.”

White said having come into overtime with the momentum they took plenty of confidence into that period.

The Lions kicked the first three goals of overtime to take control and they never gave up the lead.

Jake Sutton kicked four goals for the LionswhileJakeEganandDanielJohnston kicked three goals each.

Egan was named the Lions best along with Jordan Tentonello and Ampulski.

Speaking on Sunday morning, White

Bulldogs knocked out

By Tara Murray

Gisborne was close but not close enough as its Bendigo Netball League season came to an end on Saturday.

The Bulldogs needed to beat Sandhurst for the first time this season in the preliminary final if it was to keep its three-peat hopes alive.

For three quarters, there was nothing between the sides.

The Dragons found another level in the final quarter to run away with a 44-39 win.

Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said they had done a lot right, but just hadn’t been able to come away with the win.

“They had a little momentum swing,” she said. “We ran out of legs.

“I’m really proud of the girls and their effort. They executed the game plan almost to perfection.

“There were a couple of small errors in the final quarter and Sandhurst capitalised.

“They are a quality team that has played together for a long time.”

Rymer said this season was one of learning as they gave a number of younger girls an opportunity.

said planning was already underway for the grand final.

He said the preliminary final win was a step on the path to a much tougher game.

Whitesaidtheyhadlearnedtheirlessons from playing Darley this season and were hoping it would be fourth time lucky.

For most of the Lions squad, it will be there first senior grand final at the club.

Nathan Wood is the only player from the 2016 team that will play on Saturday. An injured Josh Guthrie was also part of the 2016 grand final team.

Clarke Oval will be the place to be this week as the Lions prepare for seven grand finals this Saturday.

Only the under-19 netballers haven’t madeitthroughtothegrandfinalfromthe senior program.

White said this is something that they had been wanting to build across the club.

“It’sabsolutelyamazing,”hesaid.“While

Kim [Bailey] and I want to win A-grade netball and senior football premierships, it’s about the whole club being successful.

“We’ve done a good job of this.”

She said they had spent a lot of time developing their younger players.

“We had some injuries and some other obstacles that didn’t go our way but we pulled together and developed our own,” she said.

“It’s something to be really proud of. We had not just an A-grade side, but a whole A squad and some of those from A-reserve have stepped up to the next level.”

The Bulldogs still have their B-grade and B-reserves in grand finals this Saturday.

Rymersaidbothsideshadplayed well this season with the B-grade team looking to go back-to-back.

Rymer said they had re-signed most of their A-grade side for next season in a big boost for the club.

She said it had been tricky with the club not knowing what competition it would play in next season.