Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 27th January 2026

Honoured to help

By Narelle Coulter

Dianne Dale’s love for her Macedon Ranges community and dedication to helping people in times of crisis has been recognisedintheAustraliaDayhonours.

The Gisborne resident was awarded an Emergency Services Medal for distinguished service to the Victoria State EmergencyService(VICSES).

Ms Dale has been a volunteer with the Gisborne unit of the VICSES since 2003. She currently volunteers as a VICSES operational crew member and a leader in peersupport.

She is also a serving member of Victoria Police and a volunteer with the Gisborne CFA.

During her 22 years as a volunteer, Ms Dale has taken part in more than 2,200 emergency responses, including major floods, storms, road crash rescues and bushfires.

Theformerchefwasabusymumwhenshe decided to join the VICSES. Volunteering was normal part of her childhood thanks to her mum who volunteered with St John Ambulance and her dad, who was a memberofRotary.

“Back then ( in 2003) Macedon Ranges wassmallcommunityandIwantedtohelp out in my community, provide the skills I had and learn new skills myself. I had a friend in the SES and they were always telling me how great it was and how it was a good community service,” Ms Dale explained.

“As a mum you like to learn new skills andalltheskillsyoudolearnarenationally recognised, so it’s a way of embarking on another set of life skills that you can utilise whenthecommunityneedsyou.”

In2022,MsDaleledalargemulti-agency response during the Murray River floods in Echuca as the divisional commander, coordinating over 100 emergency workers from VICSES, Country Fire Authority, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Life Saving Victoria, the Australian Defence Force,andlocalgovernment.

In November 2024, she used her specialistskillsinroadcrashrescuetohelp when a water tanker veered off road and crashed into a preschool in Riddells Creek, killing teacher’s aide Eleanor Bryant. She also provided emotional support to those affectedbythetragedy.

She estimates that she has attended

hundreds of road accidents over her more thantwodecadesofservice.

“There are a lot of high impact collisions here in the Macedon Ranges so it becomes very challenging getting people out of cars.

I’velearntawholeraftofskills,notjusthow to operate the tools to extract someone (from a crash), but how to provide initial firstaid,howtotriageinanemergencyand aboutworkinginateam.”

Ms Dale is also well known for her work supportingthementalhealthandwellbeing of fellow volunteers. She has developed training and led programs to help emergency workers cope with the stresses of their demanding roles. During the COVID-19 pandemic and flood responses, she helped many volunteers manage the emotionalchallengestheyfaced.

“I do pride myself on my leadership. Volunteersareunpaid,theyturnuptodoan amazingjobforthecommunitysoIhaveto make sure I am coordinating and triaging their welfare, managing their fatigue

and making sure teams are functioning effectively.

“Our colleagues do experience trauma at times,soit’simportanttomakesureweare looking after everybody. I am also mindful of my own self care. I have self care plans I look to when I need to. Welfare is a huge partofwhatwedo.”

Ms Dale said her role involves making confronting decisions at times, but she prioritoriseskeepingcalm.

“I make sure I am thinking things through and taking extra seconds to make adecision.”

One of the unit’s most challenging responses was to the 2021 storms that ripped through the Macedon Ranges.

Ms Dale was deployed to the Kyneton CFA station to co-ordinate requests for assistance.

She described it as a ‘dry fire event’ which resulted in some of the largest trees emergency responders had ever seen felled bythehowlingwinds.

“It was challenging getting crews into those areas, making sure people weren’t isolated.Ourcrewsdidamazingjobs.”

She said volunteering had taken her on an“amazingjourney”.

“I would definitely encourage people to join a volunteer organisation. You get new skills, make lifelong friends and there are a lotofpersonalrewards.”

Ms Dale was working in her role as a detective sergeant with Victoria Police on Australia Day, but was looking forward to sharing the news with her mum and the Macedon Ranges emergency volunteer community.

“I feel very honoured to be chosen as a recipient of the medal. I love serving the MacedonRangescommunity.

“We might go out to a tree job at 3am in the morning and the residents are always very thankful that we are there. People are veryappreciative.”

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Plan to keep Hume active

By Courtney Black

Hume council encourages residents to have their say on its draft active living plan that will shape the future of recreational activities across the municipality.

Councillor Jarrod Bell said the demand for sports and recreation in the municipality was increasing.

“We are a sports mad community … but there are parts of our community where access to those facilities is not to the standard that we expect,” he said.

Community consultation found that residents’ top priorities were having more ways to be active close to home, safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces

and affordable, flexible options for all.

Cr Bell said the document represents $1 billion of investment over 30 years and outlines participation levels in different activities.

The most popular activity for adults in Hume over the last 12 months was walking (39.7 per cent) and for children it was swimming (22.6 per cent).

“This document will enable this organisation to put the resources and infrastructure in the places where it will make the most difference,“ Cr Bell said,

Cr Bell said over the life of the active living plan, Hume will require around 30 additional indoor courts.

“The draft plan points to the need [for

indoor courts] being strongest in key activity centres and growth areas ... like Broadmeadows and Craigieburn.

“The where and when [of investment] will depend on future business cases, funding, land availability, and partnerships.”

Cr Bell said he was happy to see some challenging issues for Sunbury prioritised, particularly upgrades to the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

“It is at the end of its practical life … reliability is a real issue, with unplanned closures and equipment failures occurring too often.

“That disrupts programs and access for the community and at great expense

Calling all environment enthusiasts

Nature lovers, local volunteers and and environment enthusiasts can now register for Hume’s 2026 nature stewards program.

The environmental education course spans over 10 weeks, designed to connect people with nature and build conservation skills.

According to the council, the program has been delivered in partnership with the Victorian National Parks Association and other councils.

“Nature stewards combine classroom learning with hands-on field trips across

the… Hume, Merri-bek and Moonee Valley [municipalities],” council said.

“Participants in the program will gain a strong foundation in environmental knowledge and practical skills.”

During the 10 sessions, participants will explore local natural sites and learn from expert trainers on topics including soils, ecosystems, flora and fauna, land management, climate, fungi, pests and geology.

“This introductory course is designed for individuals with little or no formal environmental education.

“Locals [can] connect with like-minded people as the sessions are conducted in a group setting.”

The program supports those interested in volunteering, connecting with nature and community or pursuing a career in the environment sector.

The 2026 program runs from Saturday March 21 to Saturday June 13, excluding public holiday weekends.

To learn more or register before March 8, visit hume.vic.gov.au/nature-stewards.

to the ratepayer.”

Cr Bell said he also was happy to see plans to improve Sunbury’s indoor court capacity.

“Sunbury has a significant shortage of indoor courts, and demand is already exceeding what we can provide.

“Boardman Stadium operates at 90-95 per cent utilisation… and the Sunbury Basketball Association is at capacity to the point that they rely on courts outside the municipality.”

Residents can give their feedback before February 15 by visiting https:// participate.hume.vic.gov.au/active-living-hume

Kyneton residents are being encouraged to attend a community information session to learn more about bushfire readiness.

Kyneton Fire Brigade will host the information session at Bushland Resort on Thursday 29 January. The session will be led by County Fire Authority (CFA) staff and local volunteers with recent, lived experience of bushfires.

“We will cover the issues people are telling us they are confused about,” Kyneton Fire Brigade said in a social media post.

Topics covered on the night will includethedifferencebetweenVicEmergency warnings and the Australian Fire Danger Rating System, what those warnings actually mean for decision-making and when to leave early and why that matters.

The session will also cover property preparation, what recovery from fire looks like and first-hand reflections from people involved in the Harcourt fire earlier this month.

“This is not a lecture. It is a conversation focused on practical choices before, during, and after fire,” Kyneton Fire Brigade said. “If you live near bushland, care for others, or want clearer information before the next high-risk day, this session is for you. Community understanding saves time, reduces fear, and supports better decisions.”

The session will run from 7-8.30pm at 6 Melville Drive.

Service to pharmacy lauded

New Gisborne’s Colin Chapman has been appointed as a member of the Order of Australia(AM).

The Monash University emeritus professor was recognised on Monday 26 January as part of the Australia Day HonoursList.

Emeritus Professor Chapman received the honour for his service to pharmacy and pharmaceutical science research, educationandpractice.

In a career spanning more than five decades, he has worked as a pharmacist and veterinary surgeon; was veterinary research officer, immunology and molecular biology section leader, and acting director of the Attwood Veterinary

Research Laboratory; and a chairman and formerdirectoroftheAustralianPharmacy ResearchCentre.

Emeritus Professor Chapman has also been a member of the Victorian branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia since 1987 and was named an honorary fellowin1998.

He has chaired the society’s Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to improve Chronic Disease Management steeringcommitteesince2018.

Heisalsoaco-founderandaccreditation teams leader for the New Zealand, and Australian Pharmacy Schools Accreditation Committee and was an

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Honour for Gisborne volunteer

By Laura Michell

Graham Dickinson was the type of man whoenjoyedhelpingothers.

HewasheavilyinvolvedintheGisborne community, with his volunteer roles spanning tourism, human rights and religion.

OnMonday26January,hisservicetothe Gisborne community was posthumously recognisedwhenhewasawardedamedal oftheOrderofAustralia(OAM).

Grahamdied11December,2024.

His wife, Margaret, said he would have been proud – and surprised – to receive suchanhonour.

“He was very modest,” she said, “but I think he would have been proud because hewasthatsortofperson”.

The couple moved to Gisborne in 2002, swapping the leafy streets of Armadale for the tranquil setting of Gisborne to be closer to their daughter following the birthoftheirgrandson.

While Graham’s work took them to live in Singapore for a while, they returned to Gisborne and Graham threw himself into rolesinthecommunity.

“He was very big with the Anglican Church and that is how he got to meet people,”Margaretsaid.

“That’showImethim,throughStJohn’s ChurchinSouthYarra.”

Graham was an active member of the St Paul’s Anglican Church congregation in Gisborne serving on the church

examiner and course director for a fellowship course in veterinary pharmacy at the Australian College of Pharmacy Practice,1987-2004.

Emeritus Professor Chapman has also served on a number of committees including the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research’s animal ethics committee, Royal Melbourne Hospital campus animal ethics committee andtheTherapeuticGoodsCommittee.

He has been an emeritus professor of pharmacyatMonashUniversitysince2011, was professor of pharmacy at University of New England from 2016-2018, has been adjunctprofessoratJamesCookUniversity since2006andafacultyboardmemberand

externallectureratMelbourneuniversity. Closer to home, Emeritus Professor Chapman was a member of the New Gisborne Primary School council between 1983-1985, serving as president from 1985-1988 and vice president from 1989-1994. The annual Colin Chapman Awardwasnamedinhishonourin1994. He has also been the chairman of the Uniting Church’s Macedon Ranges partnership co-ordinating council since 2016, and president of Heritage Sheep Australiasince2015.

In 2024, Emeritus Professor Chapman was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Victorian branch of the PharmaceuticalSocietyofAustralia.

Honour for former councillor

By Tara Murray

Former Sunbury councillor Ann Potter was taught the gift of giving from her grandparents and spent 20 years giving backtoherlocalcommunity.

On Monday, she was on the receiving end as she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Dayhonours.

“It’s very exciting and I’m shocked really,”MsPottersaidabouttheaward.

“It’s a bit of a surprise. I’ve known since I got an email while I was on a balcony in Bali.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition,whichIsharewiththepeople ofSunburyandHume.

“This honour belongs to all the volunteers, community groups, and residents I had the pleasure of working withtomakeourtownabetterplace.

“Whoevernominatedme,thankyou,it’s an honour and something valuable I will treasure.”

MsPotterwasrecognisedforherservice tolocalgovernmentandtothecommunity ofHume.

She was on Hume council for 20 years and was mayor in 2002-03, along with severaltermsasdeputymayor..

Ms Potter is a trustee on the Sunbury CemeteryTrustandcurrentdeputychair.

Ms Potter was recognised as a life member of the Australian Labor Party Victoriain2009,

The former councillor said it was an honour to spend 20 years representing SunburyandthewiderHumecommunity.

“I am particularly proud of our achievements in delivering the Sunbury Global Learning Centre, upgrading the Sunbury streetscape, and ensuring our local parks and sporting clubs received the investment they needed, including the construction of the John McMahon Reserve.

“My focus was always on ensuring Sunburygrewgracefully–maintainingits ’village’ feel while providing the modern servicesourresidentsdeserve.”

Ms Potter joins her grandfather John WallaceinreceivinganOAM. Hewasrecognisedin1979.

“This honour is incredibly special to me because it brings my family’s story full circle, “she said. “Growing up with his example, I was taught from a young age that we have a responsibility to give back to the place where we live. To follow in his footsteps 47 years later, after my own two decades of service to Sunbury and Hume, isdeeplymoving.”

As well as being on council, Ms Potter raisedtwochildreninSunbury.

committee and volunteering at its op shop.

It was through the church that he became involved in the Office of the Public Advocate, Margaret said, recalling that a fellow parishioner was involved with the human rights organisation and suggestedthatGrahamconsiderjoining.

Graham spent about 10 years as a community visitor for the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA), helping to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of peoplewithdisability.

Through this role he visited accommodation facilities for people with disabilityormentalillnesstomonitorand report on the adequacy of the services provided to ensure patients were being treatedwithdignityandrespect.

He also served as a convenor for the OPA.

GrahamwasalsoinvolvedintheGREAT (Gisborne Region Events Activities and Tourism)Associationfrom2011to2021.

Margaret said she couldn’t recall how Graham became involved with GREAT, concluding that he “must have known somebody”.

“That’showhebecameinvolvedinmost things,”shesaid.

“Hewasveryfriendly.”

Margaret said she believed Graham’s love for being around people was what drovehimtovolunteer.

“He liked to be with people and helping people,”shesaid.

She was a member of the Sunbury Community Festival, volunteer at Sunbury Downs College and previously vice-presidentattheSunburyLionsJunior FootballClub.

She said she thought they would be proudofherforgettingthishonour.

“They might look back and say sometimes mum wasn’t there at the time, but she was trying to make the world a betterplace.”

Spinning up an Elvis record

Veteran broadcaster Duane Zigliotto has cemented his place in Australian radio history after achieving a national record for the longest uninterrupted marathon of Elvis Presley music.

What began as a one-off tribute to the King, gradually grew over the years, culminating in a nine-hour broadcast featuring nothing but Elvis Presley songs on Thursday 8 January on Melton Community Radio.

The effort set a new Australian record and now sits second on the world stage, just behind a famous 12-hour tribute by a personal friend of Elvis, Radio Luxembourg DJ Tony Prince, following Elvis’s death in 1977.

During the marathon, Mr Zigliotto played 226 Elvis tracks selected from an extensive personal repertoire of 760

songs.

“I’ve always been an Elvis fan, I was the first person to produce an Elvis tribute back in 1984. Each year on the 8 January I’ve done a tribute and each year has gotten longer and longer,” he said.

We might even do it longer next year.”

“I’m a promoter and manager of talent in the real world, and this was about celebrating music and legacy.”

Listeners can continue the Elvis celebration every Saturday night at 8pm, with an Elvis radio program presented by De Arne Marshall to take you on a tour through Graceland.

“The Elvis name will never die in music. The music might change but Elvis will always be there,” Mr Zigliotto said.

Briefs

Night-time runway works

There will be up to up to seven months of overnight closures on the east-west runway at Melbourne Airport, during maintenance works. Melbourne Airport chief of aviation Jim Parashos said all aircrafts will arrive and depart at the north-south runway, which may result in more noise for people living to the north and south of the airport. The works will take place on Monday to Friday nights between 10pm to 6am until August, subject to weather conditions. Questions about the works can be sent to community@ melair.com.au, you can submit noise complaints by calling 1800 802 584.

Workplace inspections

During the summer school holidays, the Workforce Inspectorate Victoria (WIV) is ramping up inspections across the state’s hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés and fast-food outlets, to ensure businesses are complying with Victoria’s child employment laws. Employers who breach these laws risk hefty penalties of more than $200,000. Businesses hiring children under 15 must hold a child employment licence and adhere to strict conditions governing the type of work children can perform, supervision requirements, maximum working hours and rest breaks.

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Keeping cool on the savannah

As the Victorian summer continues, zookeepers and experts from Werribee Open Range Zoo explained to Jaidyn Kennedy how they help the animals keep cool when the mercury rises.

Slip, slop slap. Stay in the shade. Keep hydrated.

People who have spent a summer in the Great Southern Land would have these sun safety steps down pat.

Well, not just people.

The animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo (WORZ) have their own ways of keeping cool during heatwaves in Victoria –some of which aren’t too different from our own tried and true measures.

WORZ life sciences manager Dominic Moss said Victorian heatwaves can be more intense and sudden, with sharp temperature spikes compared to other parts of the globe.

“[When] animals aren’t naturally adapted… extra cooling strategies are so important,” he said.

“Different species cool themselves in different ways.

“Some examples are that Elephants flap their ears to release heat, rhinos wallow in mud to keep cool and protect their skin, as do elephants, big cats pant and rest in shade, while smaller carnivores seek cooler ground or dig to escape the heat.

“In general, animals use a combination of behavioural and physical strategies to stay cool in hot weather.”

Leading what is known as the cool-down crew is the zoo’s nine-strong elephant herd, who have been making waves in nearly two million litres of water across the Elephant Trail’s two mega pools.

The scenes Mr Moss describes don’t sound too different to what happens at Werribee Outdoor Pool just up the road.

“The elephants love dunking each other, blowing bubbles with their trunks and splashing water over their backs, and the calves often treat the pools like a giant playground, sliding, chasing and copying the adults,” Mr Moss said.

The herd’s “cool aunty” Kulab, typically leads the pool parties, and calves Kati, RoiYim and Aiyara love to join in.

The zoo’s five Southern White Rhinoceros also choose a soak as their preferred form of cooling down, taking advantage of muddy wallows – rolling, splashing and basking for hours.

Mud proves to be an all rounder in the cosmetics department, serving as natural sunscreen and insect repellent all in one.

Having thick skin is typically considered a strength, but if not handled with care, it can be an Achilles’ heel on the sweltering savannah.

“Animals with thick skin, darker colouring, large body size or limited ability to sweat, such as elephants, rhinos and big cats, can be more vulnerable in extreme heat, particularly if conditions are humid or prolonged heat events,” Mr Moss said.

The zoo’s lion pride embrace the heat with frozen meat blocks hung from trees, encouraging jumping, pawing and teamwork.

Two-year-old cubs Jango, Mwezi and Kianga love to claw and tug at the icy piñatas before dragging them down and settling in for a long, lazy lick in the shade.

Across the African River Trail, Serval sisters Nanki and Morili leap onto tree stumps to reach iron-rich icy poles.

“The icy poles are made using animal-specific ingredients like meat, blood, insects and vegetables, frozen in moulds,” Mr Moss said.

Curious meerkats make sure they get stuck into insect-filled ice slushies that are scattered across rocks and tunnels.

“Meerkat slushies often include mealworms, crickets and other insects blended with water,” Mr Moss said.

“They’re completely safe for animals, but definitely not designed for human taste buds.”

The humans still enjoy them, at least in a non-consumptive way.

“All enrichment is carefully planned and prepared before animals enter the space,” Mr Moss said.

“Keepers work behind the scenes using protected contact methods, timing, distance and barriers so animals are safely occupied elsewhere before enrichment is set up.”

There are important reasons why these treats aren’t spoon fed.

African River Trail life sciences coordinator Ben Gulli said ice-based enrichment helps animals stay cool while still engaging their natural instincts.

“Hiding food in ice encourages foraging, problem-solving and physical activity, es-

pecially during cooler parts of the day,” Mr Gulli said.

“It keeps animals mentally stimulated, then allows them to rest once temperatures.”

While the animals are a smart bunch and good at managing their own affairs the zookeepers know what to do if there’s an emergency.

“Keepers closely monitor behaviour, appetite, movement and breathing, and watch for signs like lethargy, excessive panting or reduced activity, especially during extreme temperatures,” Mr Moss said.

He said teams will intervene if they suspect something is truly amiss.

“Animals are immediately moved, given access to cooler areas, given access to and the shade, water or mud, and monitored closely,” Mr Moss said.

“Veterinary teams are involved if needed, and cooling strategies are adjusted until the

animal is comfortable.

The team is pretty attentive to the details that help minimise the risk of those situations occurring.

The maintenance of the rhino’s mud wallow is a pretty good example.

“Keepers regularly top up water levels, monitor mud depth and texture, and ensure the wallows stay clean and safe,” Mr Moss said

“During hot weather, wallows and pools may be refreshed more often to keep them effective and inviting.”

And last but certainly not least of all, he gave a little pro tip about how the zookeepers themselves keep cool during scorchers.

You could probably hazard a guess.

Plenty of water, wide-brim hats, sunscreen and occasionally an ice cream from the Ben and Jerry’s on site at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

People out and about

Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across

Discarded on the dump

In December 1949, 12-year-old Ivan Lawson, scrounging in the Footscray rubbish tip for bike parts, got the shock of hislifewhenhefoundawoman’sbody200 yards behind the Hume Steel Works. In tears, the boy raced home to tell his father, who immediately notified the police. This wasthepenultimatedayoftheyearandthe fourth murder of that week in Melbourne.

The badly battered deceased was Maisie Marsh, nee Oakley, of no fixed place of abode, 26 years old but looking twice her age. Her jacket, dress and underwear had been ripped, and nearby lay a length of bloodstained timber.

The back of Maisie’s head had been crushed, and her throat slashed several times.Therewasafiveinchgashacrossher throat and a broken razor was embedded in the wound. Newspapers had been wrapped around her neck to prevent the blood from leaking, presumably over the killer and/or his car.

Detectives had no doubt that Maisie’s last journey had been in a car, and initially it was theorised that she had been murdered inside a motor vehicle before being discarded in Footscray. A car could have been driven on the track from Dynon Road or from the New Footscray Road end of the dump. Because the body was found where the piles of refuse were largest, thus affording some privacy, they believed that she had met her death at the Dynon Road end.

Police found the cabby who’d picked up Maisie, accompanied by a foreign gentleman, outside the Menzies Hotel that morning, He had driven them to New Footscray Road, where they had alighted near the docks. Maisie had suggested to her companion that they enjoy a stroll in the unsavoury Dudley Flats, near which were piles of garbage from the Dynon Road factories. The couple walked off in the direction of the tip. If the cabby had been at all curious about this unusual pair,- the man was Jamaican – he made no indication of it. He had collected his cash and driven off in search of other fares in the busy pre-new year period.

Apart from their differences in age and colour, the couple’s relationship was somewhat unusual. Oscar Skyers, a crew member on the interstate freighter, SS Amicus, had first met Maisie five months previously in Little Bourke Street. Since then, they had met up at various ports, with Skyers smuggling his girlfriend on board to enjoy several free trips. She had always displayed an enthusiastic interest in him, not, as he would have preferred, for his dashing good looks, but for the plump wallet he carried in his pocket. Somewhere along one of their clandestine voyages, he had paid her generously for services rendered, only to discover that shehadalsopickedhispocketofthethirty pounds which he’d saved for his brother’s widow.

Sadly, Oscar had no immediate opportunity to tackle Maisie with her treachery. Someone, resentful of his shipmate’s onboard capers, had informed the captain that an unauthorised passenger was plying her trade on the Amicus. Maisie was unceremoniously shown the gangway and left to make her ownwaybacktoMelbourneonterrafirma. But now, reunited with his beloved, in the unromantic environs of Dudley Flats, Skyers challenged Maisie with the theft of his hard earned money during their last timetogether.Sheadmittedit,addingthat

she had handed it all to “her man”. Given the nature of the transaction, the fact that she was separated from her husband and that she spent a lot of time around the Melbournedocks,itwouldappearthatshe referred to a pimp, if one existed. Skyers called her a cheat and a thief. Taking exceptiontohismanner,Maisiewrenched offashoeandgave Skyersagoodwhacking for his insolence whilst taunting him for his naivety.

Skyers lost control, seized the length of wood and wielded it savagely. Then, horrified by what he had done, he hurried away and caught a train to New South Wales.

Maisie was identified by fingerprints. Twenty five detectives searched the docks and questioned people in the vicinity, whilst the Special Branch guarded the docks on the lookout for a coloured seaman.

At dawn on New Year’s Eve, police from

Footscray and homicide did a sweep from Williamstown to Spencer Street bridge, accompanied by photographers and fingerprint experts.

The post mortem was performed by Assistant Government Pathologist, Dr Flemming, who found that Maisie had diedofmultipleblowstotheheadandthat her throat had been cut after death.

Skyers was arrested in Newcastle and taken to Sydney. Unlike most homicide suspects, he was so well behaved that he didn’t need handcuffs for his extradition.

On 4 January, 1950, Oscar Skyers, aged 51,married,Jamaican-bornbutresidentof Cardiff, Wales, was remanded at the City Court until 10 January after being refused bail.

Spectators in court included Maisie’s estranged husband, Leo March, of Forbes, New South Wales. The court learned that the couple had two children, aged six and four years, who lived with their father.

Maisie was often seen near the Melbourne docks, presumably touting for business, and had reverted to her maiden name, Oakley, for some years. What had led to their separation, whether drug or alcohol addiction, infidelity, mental illness or domestic violence, is not known.

Skyersresolutelydeniedusingtherazor, admitting only to hitting Maisie with a length of timber. Why?

“She insulted me. She thought because I’m black, I’m a fool and that’s why she took my money.” Then he wept, “I loved her. I lost my temper.”

Evidencewasgiventhattheaccusedwas illiterate and that he suffered mild brain damage from a World War I injury that impaired his judgment.

On 22 February, 1950, Skyers was acquitted of murder and found guilty of manslaughter. After serving his sentence of eight years’ jail, he was deported.

Asthestartofanewschoolyearapproaches, preparation becomes the focus for many households. Booklists are ticked off, pencils sharpened,calculatorscharged,anddevices updated and ready to go.

These rituals are familiar across generationsandremainasharedexperience for families preparing for the year ahead.

AsBraemarentersits50thyear,itisworth reflecting that many of these preparations would have looked much the same decades ago, albeit without the technological twist.

Evenfurtherbackintime,whenstudents from Clyde were preparing for the school year, the tools and uniforms may have differed, but the sense of anticipation and readinesswouldhavebeenequallypresent.

While the materials, costs, and technologies of schooling have evolved, the constant has always been people.

The start of a school year is underpinned by human connection: young people reconnecting with one another, students meeting their teachers, staff working alongside colleagues, and families reengagingwiththewiderschoolcommunity.

These relationships are as important as any resource purchased for the year ahead.

As we prepare classrooms, timetables, and learning materials, we also prepare ourselves for how we engage with one another.

At Braemar, young people are encouraged to think about how they arrive at school each day, how they interact with others, and how they demonstrate the valuesofgoodcitizenshipinbothsmalland meaningful ways.

One of the most distinctive expressions of community at Braemar is found within our bus groups.

Our extensive bus network, provided as part of school fees, connects students from Malmsbury in the north to the northern suburbs of Melbourne in the south,

servicing both campuses.

Each route forms a small community where students build relationships, get to know their driver, and develop a sense of

belonging even before arriving at school. These connections begin well before the first bell rings, setting the tone for a positive and connected start to the year ahead.

Five-year-old Donte is hard at work. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 527945_04

Crafty school holiday fun

Sunbury children had the chance to let their creativity shine during two special arts and crafts school holiday sessions at Sunbury Library. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic stopped by the library to capture a special under-thesea crafternoon surprise session, while Damjan Janevski was on hand when the National Gallery of Victoria’s Kids on Tour program made a stop in town.

Sunbury groups awarded

Sunbury community groups and organisations have benefited from the latest grant funding from Villawood Properties. Villawood’s Sunbury Community Grant campaign has awarded 10 recipients a total of $8000 in $1000 and $500 grants.

The latest recipients include Kismet Park Primary School, Sunbury Garden Club,SunburySeniorCitizensClub,CareWorks Sunranges, Sunbury Neighbourhood House, Sunbury Fire Brigade, Concept Studios of Performing Arts, Sunbury Woodworkers Club, 1st Sunbury Scouts, and Macedon Ranges Softball Club.

MY PLACE

Ian Phillips is the president of the Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury. He chats to Georgia Tacey about the importance of Men’s Sheds and life in Sunbury.

What’s your connection to Sunbury? How long have you lived in the area?

My family and I moved to Sunbury from SwanHill30yearsagoforfurthereducation and employment opportunities and have watched it grow to become this major residentialsuburbofGreaterMelbourne.

What do you like about where you live?

Having spent 40 years in a rural town we love the location where you can gain assess to the medical and other facilities of Melbourne within less than an hour yet in half an hour we can be in in the bush or visitingruralareas.

Where’s your favourite local place to spend time?

The Men’s Shed is my the current favourite local place, plus of course the numerous local coffee shops, however my wife and I really enjoy travelling to outlying towns and villages for a coffee and exploring the local area through our shared interest in Geocaching. We also enjoy visiting our childrenandgrandchildreninGeelongand Berwick.

Tell us a bit about your role at the Sunbury Men’s Shed and what you enjoy most about it.

Icurrentlyhavetheprivilegeofperforming the role of the president of the Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury however by convention the current vice president will assume the role at our AGM in July. Men’s Sheds play a very important role in the community supporting men’s physical and mental health particularly as they transition from employment to retirement. Men who often feel isolated and disconnected particularly after retirement while their wives often have developed long term contacts in the community and continue their roles as home managers, their menfolk often feel

un-valued and in the way. This is one of the reasons why Men’s Sheds are so valuable, they provide camaraderie and a safe place to talk, a place where they can share their skills, learn new skills and contribute to an organization again. There is a saying in the Men’s Shed community that ‘women talk face-to-face, but men talk shoulder-toshoulder’ and hearing the talk and banter I believethistobeverytrue.

The valuable role of Men’s Sheds are recognised at all levels of government,

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

35 years ago 22 January 1991

Bulla Shire Council is studying a new style of housing that could lead to denser but more aesthetically pleasing developmentsthroughouttheshire.

20 years ago 24 January 2006

The introduction of a new Victoria Police staffing formula is tipped to boost officer numbers in Sunbury, with police command committing to a higher number of officers and stations inHume’sgrowthareas.

federal, state and local who all support us with grants to enhance the range of equipmentavailablefortheuseofmembers, trainingandguestspeakersfromarangeof organizationsrelevanttoourdemographic.

An illustration of the need for Men’s Sheds is the statistic that there are more Men’s ShedinAustraliathanMcDonalds.

The Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury caters for a diverse range of interests be it woodworking, metalworking, welding, gardening and we have recently acquire

computercontrolledrouterandlasercutter and engraver for the younger and more computer literate members or perhaps if your health dictates these options are not for you just a cup of coffee and a chat with men with common interests and backgroundsisfine.

We are located at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury, and the shed is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am until noon so feel free to come along for a tea, or coffee, a lookaroundandachat.

15 years ago 25 January 2011

Sunbury resident Richard House is ready to step up and make his mark on thenationalstage.

10 years ago 26 January 2016

Hume councillors are being urged to push for the upgrade of a rail crossing that’s creating frequent traffic snarls and leading to risky behaviour in centralSunbury.

Discover the last frontier

By Lee McCarthy

DISCOVER the ‘White Continent’, fabulous Antarctica and sail with Viking’s Antarctic Explorervoyageforthirteenmagnificentdays.

Journey to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, a landscape defined by blue-hued icebergs, immense glaciers and snow-coveredshores.

Walk in the footsteps of great explorers and venture into the world’s last truly wild frontier and participate in meaningful science on board Viking’s state-of-the-art expeditionvessel.

Each day can bring unexpected wonders as guests embrace the ever-changing Antarctic weather as the ship sails pristine watersinsearchofepicwildlife.

The embarkation city, Ushuaia is the southernmostcityintheworld.Itssplendid setting, tucked between the Beagle Channel and the southernmost slopes of the Andes, lends it an outpost atmosphere, as do the Antarctic explorers readying for theexpeditionsthatdepartfromhere.

Purpose-built for expeditions, Viking’s ships provide superior handling, comfort andstabilityevenintheroughestseas.

Just some of the extra benefits guests receive on joining a Viking cruise include 24 hour room service, king size bed with luxury linens and pillow, floor to ceiling heated drying closets for expedition gear, heated bathroom floor with spacious glass enclosed shower, anti-fog mirrors, premium Freyja toiletries, free Wi-Fi connection, 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas and bottled water, beer, wine and soft

drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, complimentary access to The Nordic Spa &FitnessCentre,self-servicelaunderettes.

All this and much more including a Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge, all Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions and one complimentarylandingorshoreexcursion ineveryportofcall

A fleet of military pro zodiacs, Special Operations Boats, two-seater kayaks and two yellow submarines enhance traveller’s experience, and all the inclusions ensure guests make the most of their expedition withouthavingtokeeppayingextra.

Antarctica has inspired explorers and adventurers for centuries. In this icy

wilderness, guests will marvel at icebergs glimmering in serene bays and mountains cloaked in white rising from the mainland basaltcliffs.

These stunning landscapes evoke both utter tranquillity as Weddell seals lounge on ice floes, and breathtaking drama as glaciers thunderously calve into thesea.

In these cold and nutrient-rich waters, humpback, fin and minke whales have been known to greet expedition ships that ventureintotheirhabitat.

As with all Viking ships, the expedition vessel doubles as a classroom in which travellers can learn more about the next destination by joining the Viking ‘Resident Scientist’ for lunch on board before

headingbackouttoexplore.

Guests can choose to get explore with dedicatedexpertsintheirfieldorrelaxand enjoy from the comfort of the ship. Those whochoosetostayonboardcanrelaxamid the luxurious and beautiful appointed surroundings in comfort, with heated couches and lava rock ‘firepits,’ allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors no matter the temperature.

On offer right now and for those who book before 31 March is Vikings “Fly free, flight upgrade credit or save up to $2,500 per couple.” The cruise is priced from $19,795 per person in a Deluxe Nordic Balcony.

For further information please contact Vikingon138747orViking.com.

Bergen

From

Veranda Stateroom From $32,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

ICONS OF THE VIKING AGE

Bergen to Copenhagen or vice versa

22 DAYS • 8 COUNTRIES • 17 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAY-AUG 2028

From $21,495pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $26,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

BRITISH ISLES & IRELAND

Belfast to London or vice versa

15 DAYS • 4 COUNTRIES • 13 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-MAY, JUL-SEP 2027; APR-SEP 2028

From $13,295pp in Veranda Stateroom From $15,795pp in Penthouse Veranda

*Choose one offer per booking (all guests must select the same): Companion Fly Free (Economy) up to AU$2,500 per couple (code CFE25) OR Business Class Air Credit AU$2,500 per couple (CFB25) OR Cruise-Only Save AU$2,500 per couple (CRX25). Valid on selected 2026–2028 Viking Ocean voyages. New bookings only, prices in AUD per person (twin share), subject to availability, not combinable. Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Beyond based on 28 June 2028 departure. Icons of the Viking Age based on 11 May 2028 departure. British Isles & Ireland based on 17 April 2028 departure. Booking window: 02 Dec 2025 – 31 Mar 2026 (AEDT). Full T&Cs: viking.com.

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

Pernaperna Women’s Group

The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday, from 1-3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat, the group would love to meet you.

 Joan, 0418 302 676

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

The club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am. This friendly group of men and women enjoy outings and meetings each month and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed

 Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006

Craft and conversation

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

 https://bit.ly/39BIu2O

Chill Out Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.

 https://bit.ly/3lmVgVhv

CWA Woodend Eves

The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Golf Club. All women are welcome.

 cwawoodendeves@gmail.com

Sunbury Badminton Club

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

 sunburybc@gmail.com

Sunbury Ladies’ Badminton Club

Are recruiting! Come along and enjoy the benefits of physical activity combined with social connectedness. Social and competition games are played every Thursday morning (excl. Public / School Holidays) from 9.30am to noon at the Eric Boardman Stadium, Wilsons Lane, Sunbury. All skill levels are welcomed.

 sunburylbc@gmail.com

Malmsbury Town Hall Flea Market

Sunday 25 January from 9am-2pm. There will be heaps of interesting stalls in air-conditioned comfort. Cathy can help you with booking a stall or guiding you to our venue.

 Cathy, 0409 794 386

CWA Sunbury

CWA Sunbury meets second and fourth Mondays at St Mary’s Church in O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury. All women are welcome, bring your grandchildren if you are caring for them, there is a playground available.

 Bev Goodman, 0402 988 954

Scottish Country Dancing Group

The Macedon Ranges Scottish Country Dancing Group meets every Thursday, 1pm to 3pm, at Buffalo Stadium, Woodend. The

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Japan’s Momoko Ohtani in action at the Victorian Wheelchair Open. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 528131_32

dancing involves social country dancing, not the highland dancing many people think of.

The group dance in sets, learning different steps and formations – no special clothes needed, just soft flat shoes. The group are a friendly group having fun and keeping fit at the same time. You don’t need to bring a partner, just a smile and sense of fun.

 Lynne, 0417 331 439 or Norm, 0408 592 609

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

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

Messy Play in Sunbury

Join in the Messy Play fun with this toddler-focussed program, including messy and sensory child-led play. The program

will run from 10–11.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.

 www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

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

Yoga in Sunbury

Yoga classes at Sunbury Neighbourhood House focus on supporting participants to slow down and move well. Special attention is given to mindful awareness of movement that builds strength in a healthy and safe way, Monday and Friday mornings.

 www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

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 meets on Mondays and Fridays from 10am to 2.30pm [except Public Holidays]. The Club has returned to its original location now that the Sunbury Seniors Hub, 8 Oshanassy Street, Sunbury has been rebuilt. From 19 January 2026, a variety of activities will be offered including carpet bowls, cards, pool, jigsaw puzzles, board games, darts, table tennis, monthly guest speakers and outings and subsidised lunches or just a cuppa and a chat.  www.sunburyseniors.com.au or 0434 400 754

Visit a winery for a fling

Summertime Fling is in full swing across Macedon Ranges wineries.

Happening across weekends in the Macedon Ranges in January, wineries across the regions are opening up their cellar doors in a month-long celebration of wine, food and summer.

Each weekend offers its own flavour, with a rotating line-up of cellar door experiences, from long lunches, tasting flights, winemaker chats, live tunes and

lazy afternoons, with events perfect for the whole family as well.

On Friday 30 January, make your way to Lyons Will Estate in Lancefield for the last Aperitivo Fridays for the season. Join the team on the deck from 4pm to 8pm for a glass of wine or rose spritz and a selection of small snacks. Walk-ins are welcome for the event, with bookings not essential.

AlsoonFridaynight,ParamoorWinery

in Carlsruhe is opening its doors for a laid-backeveningonthefarm,perfectfor locals, families and anyone wanting an easy end to the week. They’ll be pouring theirfavouriteParamoorwinesalongside cold beer and a few refreshing summer spritz options. Bring your own picnic dinner but there will also be a small selection of snacks available as well. Drop in anytime between 4pm to 9pm, with dogs and horses welcome.

Dynamic duo set to make Werribee laugh

The Umbilical Brothers are back down under and they have locked in a laugh out loudshowinWerribee.

On Sunday 8 February the globally successful comedy duo will perform Speedmouse– their new act– at the WyndhamCulturalCentre.

Winners of BAFTAs, an Emmy, and the Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performers, The Umbilicals have wowed audiencesinmorethan40countries.

Throughout their careers they have played packed stadiums and even supported comedy titans like Robin Williams.

Expect live-action chaos, frame-byframe hilarity, and the kind of comedic chemistry that’s made them legends of Australiancomedy.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering them for the first time, Speedmouse is a laugh-out-loud celebration of imagination, timing, and mischief.

The duo’s trademark interplay to cleverlytwisttheatricalrulesandeveryday situations is the reason they amass more than200,000onlinevideoviewsamonth.

The act will live, unfettered and unfiltered, so you won’t know what’s

coming until it hits you. A high-octane affair, this fast-paced gig is a blend of physical theatre, vocal wizardry and comedicgenius.

Be seated for 5pm and start, sit back, relax and get ready for 75 minutes of uninterrupted,unhingedaction.

Speedmouse contains adult themes and course language, so the show is recommendedforthoseolderthan15and with parental guidance— or whichever word doesn’t sound lame. They are currently performing six different theatre shows across the planet, so make sure to followmoreoftheirwork.

Two artists, one exhibition on show in Brimbank window gallery

Two local studio artists will exhibit their work in a shared exhibition in Brimbank.

StudioartistsZiggyFirthandAugustine Ang have created separate bodies of work, displayed in distinct sections of the Sunshine Art Spaces.

Firth, who goes by the artist name of ‘Ziggy Filth’, said working in the space has helpedhertoliterallyexpandherpractice.

“ThepaintingsthatI’mdoingarelargescale. They’re very vibrant,” Firth said.

“BecauseI’musingastudioinSunshine Art Spaces, I can explore bigger sizes. I’m used to working small-scale so basically I’m translating a lot of sketch books to

something for a wider audience. It’s been good for me.”

Firth said she draws from a range of different inspirations for her art, includingclassicalRenaissancepaintings, contemporary video games, and Hello Kitty.

“Cute things in general … bright youthful things,” she said. “There’s a lot of playful, colour, cartoon-y imagery.”

Ang works using paper collage and paper animation. His works explore how universal rhythms and inner cycles interconnect with living beings, culture and the

Finishing out the Summertime fun on Saturday 31 January, head out to WombatForestVineyardinDenverforan unforgettable time with Music Amongst the Barrels Family Fun Day. Celebrate anotherperfectsummerdaywithlivelocal music, delicious food, award-winning wines, lawn games and more. This event is free to attend, with bookings not required. Details: macedonrangeswine. com.au/summertime-fling

Exhibition spells it out

From A to Z, Pamela Irving’s An Artful Alphabet invites audiences to rediscover the building blocks of language through a delightful, eccentric and imaginative lens.

Exhibiting at CS Gallery until 16 April, the exhibition by acclaimed Australian artist Pamela Irving transforms the 26 letters of the alphabet into a playful procession of wall-mounted sculptural figures.

Each letter is reimagined as a character, crafted from discarded and familiar objects.

Think Ken and Barbie dolls, plastic animals, wooden blocks, toys and trinkets that might have been familiar items you grew up with.

Carefully assembled and housed inside old cigar boxes and biscuit tins, the works are instantly recognisable and often quietly unsettling, pairing cheerful, sometimes maniacal expressions with deeper reflections on modern material culture.

While the exhibition is designed to delight both adults and children, there is more beneath the surface.

Irvingusesthealphabetasaframework to explore contradictions around waste, overconsumption and nostalgia. Her sculptures question how quickly objects move from treasured trash, and what new meaning can be created when the mundane and discarded are given a second life.

Unapologetically facing our fastpaced, stuff-filled world, An Artful Alphabet balances absurdity with hope.

natural world.

Ang’s thematic explorations culminate through various methods of interacting with paper, such as cutting, slicing, ripping, stretching, and scratching.

Ang aims to evoke a wide range of emotions through his work, from the fun, weird, and absurd to the heavy, poignant, and deep.

The Sunshine Art Spaces Studio Works exhibition is open until Thursday 12 March at Sunshine Art Spaces Window Gallery, 2 City Place, Sunshine. Entry is free and no bookings are required.

The mischievous figures acknowledge the realities of climate change and environmental decline, while still offering joy, humour and wonder, an invitation to rethink how we value the objects which surround us.

Irving is an award-winning painter and sculptor whose career spans more than four decades.

Her vibrant works feature in major public and private collections including Museum Victoria, Artbank, Geelong Art Gallery, and MAR Ravenna in Italy. With its colour, curiosity and clever commentary, An Artful Alphabet is an exhibition well worth spelling out on your summer calendar.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which men's T20 cricket team is the only Big Bash League team yet to win a title?

2. Scott Robertson was most recently head coach of which country’s men’s

3. In which city was Andy Murray born?

4. Northern Territoryborn former cricketer Damien Martyn played representative cricket for which Australian state?

Which horse won the 2026 Magic Millions 2YO

Which arena is the largest Australian Open venue?

The top-tier professional basketball league in Great Britain for men and women is known by what

Amateur tennis player Jordan Smith won the 1 Point Slam at the 2026 Australian Open, as champion of which state?

Which two NFL teams are set to play off in the 2026 AFC Championship game?

Which two NFL teams are played off in the 2026 NFC Championship game?

11. Following his most recent victory, how many times has snowboarder Scotty James now won the Laax Open?

12. Name tennis player Daria Kasatkina’s fiancé.

13. Which team recently won the Africa Cup of Nations?

14. Australia’s SailGP team is co-owned by Hugh Jackman and which other Hollywood star?

15. An image from which sport won the 2026 World Sports Photography Awards?

16. Who recently became the oldest singles player to play in the Australian Open?

17. What sport does the 1993 film Rudy feature?

18. What is the quadrennial football tournament contested by only South American teams known as?

19. Regarding BASE jumping, what does BASE stand for?

20. The Los Angeles Dodgers recently signed which former Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs outfielder?

21. To how many points is a badminton game played?

22. And how many games constitute a match?

23. The Houston Dynamo play in which league?

24. Alyssa Healy made her international cricket debut in which year?

25. Burley is a manufacturer of which ball?

26. The Brave and the Adrenaline are teams in which Australian league?

27. Drew McIntyre currently holds which WWE title?

28. In the AFL, who will captain the West Coast Eagles in 2026?

29. In which year did Roger Federer win his first Wimbledon title?

30. Who currently holds the record for the most goals for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

13 Loud and forceful (10)

15 Clergyman (9)

16 Clarified (9)

18 Orator (7)

19 Exaggeratedly enthusiastic (7)

20 Part of the limb remaining after amputation (5)

22 Brings up (5)

23 Yen (4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you

1 What is the world’s largest inland body of water?

2 Jennifer Saunders (pictured) and Joanna Lumley co-stared in which 90s British sitcom?

3 Which Beatles member’s solo work includes the 1973 album LivingintheMaterialWorld?

4 Cardamon, cinnamon, ginger, star anise and clove are commonly used in which spice mix?

5 In the fairytale, what three things does the miller’s

6

7 Slaughterhouse-Five is a

8 In which US state would you find the Gateway Arch?

9 Which politician is quoted to have said: ‘If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.’

10 In 1967, the first ever human heart transplant was performed in which country?

Sealion 6 is impressive

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

BYD’s Sealion 6 is one of the new breed of superhybrids.

So called because they are plug-in hybrids with larger batteries that deliver greaterelectriconlyrange.

ThesePHEVsarestartingtogaintraction in the market, with a 136 per cent increase insalesinrecentmonths.

Fully charged, with a range that exceeds 100km in some cases, they can be used in electric-only mode for the weekday commute.

Forlongertrips,theircombinedpetroland electric range exceeds 1000km, removing any lingering fear of being stranded with noaccesstoanelectriccharger.

Styling

Thefive-seatSealion6comesinfourgrades: Essential, Dynamic Extended Range, Premium,andPremiumExtendedRange.

Prices range from $42,990 for the Essential, $46,990 for Dynamic Extended, $52,990 for Premium or $52,990 for Premium Extended - all prices before on-roadcosts.

NotsurewhythePremiumandPremium Extended are priced the same, but they’re unlikely to sell many of the Premium variantsatthisrate.

The Essential and Dynamic Extended variants are front wheel drive; Premium modelsaddasecondelectricmotorandare all-wheel drive. Extended Range versions alsoacquirealargerbattery.

Our test vehicle was the entry Essential model. In fact, it presents so well that we needed to confirm it was actually the base model.

Standard kit includes synthetic leather trim and dual-zone climate air with rear outlets, keyless entry and start, six-way power adjustment for the driver seat and four-way for the front passenger, rear privacyglassandafull-lengthglassroof.

There are also adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, auto lights and wipers, a manual-adjust rear vision mirror, plus LED lighting front andback.

Allgradesrollonthesame19-inchalloys fitted with the same GitiComfort tyres and thereisnothingtodistinguishthemapart.

Instrumentation is provided via a customisable 12.3-inch digital screen housedinaconventionalbinnacle.

Atyrerepairkitissuppliedintheeventof apuncture.

Sealion 6 is covered by a six-year/150,000km warranty plus eight years/160,000km coverage for the high-voltagebattery.

Servicing is due every 12 months/20,000km with maintenance costs forthefirstfiveyearsatotalof$1543.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of a 12.8-inch touchscreen that rotates, offering voice control, Bluetooth with audio streaming, FM and DAB+ digital radio, built-in satellite navigation, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both wired or wireless) plus generic six-speaker sound.

No AM radio band means you won’t be able to hear emergency transmissions, for instance when there’s been an incident in oneofSydney’smanytunnels.

Dynamic and up get a premium 10-speakerInfinitysystem,alongwithtwin wirelessphonechargers.

Updates are over-the air and the BYD Store allows users to download a variety of applications,includingYouTubeandasuite

ofarcadegames(forthekids).

NFC connectivity means you can set up yourphonetolockandunlockthecar.

ThereareUSB-Aand-Cchargingportsin boththefrontandbackplusa12-voltsocket inthefront.

Safety

Five-starsafetyencompassessevenairbags, including a centre airbag to prevent front seat occupants knocking heads in a side impact.

There’s also a 360-degree reversing camera, rear parking sensors and autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car,VulnerableRoadUser,Junction &Crossing,andBackover).

Lane support includes lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), plus an advancedspeedassistancesystem(SAS).

There’s also blind spot, child detection andpayattentionwarnings.

Top-tether and ISOFix child-seat anchor pointsareprovidedfortherearseats.

Engines/transmissions

Essential’s hybrid powertrain produces a combined 160kW of power and 300Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a reduction-style,single-speedtransmission.

Driving

The styling is round and feminine, taking itscuesfromcompetitorssuchasTesla.

The five-seat Sealion 6 is 4775mm long, 1890mm wide and stands 1670mm high, witha2765mmwheelbase.

Significantly, that is 175mm longer than the best-selling Toyota RAV4, as well as 35mmwiderand15mmlowerthantheRAV, with a 75mm longer wheelbase - adding up tomoreinteriorspace.

Parked alongside RAV, the Sealion is noticeably larger and having driven both vehicles back-to-back in recent weeks, it’s the Sealion that stands out - although we should mention there’s a new RAV on the way.

It’s an impressive feature but a bit gimmicky, because there does not appear tobeanypracticalapplication.

RATINGS

Looks: 7.5

Performance: 8

Safety: 7.5

Thirst: 8

Practicality: 8

Comfort: 7.5

Tech: 8

Value: 8

Overall: 7.8

Essential’s hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, combined with a single electric motor and 18.3 kWh battery - that sendspowertothefrontwheels.

ExtendedRangevariantsacquirealarger 26.6kWhbattery.

Essential produces a combined 160kW of power and 300Nm of torque, driving through a reduction-style, single speed transmission.

Witha60-litrefueltank,ittakespremium 95 unleaded, with fuel consumption a claimed 1.1L/100km with anything more than25percentbatterycharge.

Electric only range is around 80km (WLTP).

It’s your choice whether you charge the Sealion or drive it as a standard self-charginghybrid.

Time and circumstances will probably providetheanswertothatquestion.

Petrol and electric fill points are located eithersideattherear.

Essential can be charged at a maximum rateof7kW(AC)or18kW(DC).

Itwilltakeuptoeighthoursusingapower point and the supplied granny charger, or upto10withthelargerbattery.

A wallbox reduces this time to two to three hours, while a fast DC charger takes from30to40minutes.

When driving you can easily toggle between EV and HEV powertrain options (electric or hybrid), with a toggle conveniently mounted on the centre console.

Therearethreedrivemodes:Eco,Normal and Sport, plus two settings for the level of steering effort required - Comfort (lighter) orSport(heavier).

The level of regenerative braking can also be altered, but only through the touchscreenmenus.

Thetouchscreenitselfrotatesatthetouch ofabuttononthesteeringwheel,returning to its default landscape position when the car is switched off (but resuming the desiredorientationuponrestart).

In portrait mode it can’t be seen if you wear polarised sunglasses, nor does Android Auto (and presumably CarPlay) workinthismode.

Our phones connected quickly and easily to the infotainment system which is smart enough to drop aircon fan speed during phone calls to reducebackgroundnoise.

The start-stop button for the powertrain is located close to hand at the bottom right-hand cornerofthecentreconsole.

The system is designed to operate primarily in electric mode, with support from the petrol engine for charging and additionalmumboifrequired.

In HEV mode the battery charge in our test vehicle hovered between 60 and 70 per cent.

You can take a deep dive into the system and adjust this figure, but it works well left toitsowndevices.

Sealion 6 is generally comfortable and easy to drive, with plenty of rear legroom andagood-sizedluggagearea.

Blackandbrownupholsterywithcontrast stitching lends an upmarket ambience, but may not be to everyone’s liking (my wife didn’tfancyit).

There’splentyofcabinstorage,withlarge door bins, two large cupholders in the centre console and a tray that offers side by sideslotsforphones.

But don’t expect it to charge your phone, notinthisgradeatleast.

There’s also another largish storage area belowthemainconsole.

Luggage capacity is a modest 425 litres, nodoubtattheexpenseofrearlegroom. There’s also some underfloor storage available. We found the charge cable for the car stashed in a bag to one side of the luggagearea.

While Sealion 6 is a smooth operator around town, it demanded more rigorous testingonpoorer,secondaryroads. We took it for a punt along some of our favourite loop through the backlots and while we can report that like most SUVs it’s a compromise - it’s not the worst thing we’vedriveneither.

Handling is safe and predictable and it didn’t start to get out of shape in corners unlesspressedrelativelyhard.

Throttleresponseinthelowtomidrange is excellent, but it seems to run out of puff afterthat.

Rather than punching the accelerator, we found moderate force seemed to elicit a moresatisfyingresponse.

Nowforthebestpart.Unlikethemajority of Chinese SUVs we’ve tested, the driver assist systems in this car are for the most partunintrusive.Yay!

In terms of fuel consumption, we were getting 4.1L/100km after some 350km of driving,withthepromiseof555kmtogo. Norangeanxietytoseehere.

Summing up

TheBYDSealion6isakeeper.

It joins a short list of Chinese vehicles that we at Cars4starters would consider buying.

It’s cheap, well equipped, fit and finish is good and everything works as it should, withouttheinterventionofannoyingsafety assistancesystems.

It will even retain drive mode settings betweenstarts.

Whatmorecouldyouask?

Lancefield women finding their feet

Lancefield had to rejig its plans early in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s season but has quickly found its feet.

The Tigers are the only team in the competition to have two women’s sides and have again had really good numbers again this season.

To start the season, the Tigers spread experience and ability across the teams with just one women’s division.

When the competition got split into two to make it a more level playing field, and with the Tigers having one team in each division they made some changes.

“It’s going really well at the moment,” coach Michael Fisher said.

“We had a plan at the start of the year but we changed it to have a development team

and one competitive team.

“It’sbeenabitdifferentbuthasbeenreally good. We have one team [development] on top of the ladder and it’s more young players who have never played before and are doing a good job.

“Hopefully both sides will play finals and we can win at least one premiership.”

Fisher said Molly Consiglio had taken on being captain of the development team and did most of the work game day with that team making it easier come match day.

That side is undefeated.

The top side sits in fourth spot at the Christmas break.

“We’ve dropped one of two games that we shouldn’t have,” Fisher said. “It’s a bit more challenging and we’ve done some work over the break.

“Hopefully we get into the finals.”

The Tigers have had some challenges with a couple of pregnancies and players missing games while on representative commitments.

Fisher said it was good to see players get an opportunity at the higher level while also thriving at local level.

“It’s really exciting,” he said.

“We had three Kyneton girls join us as they didn’t have a women’s team.

“They are a great asset and growth has been really impressive.”

Meaghan Lyons and Luzanne De Kock have both been selected in the GDCA women’s representative squad.

The GDCA women’s competition resumes on 31 January.

In the A-grade competition the Tigers

Rupertswood on top

By Tara Murray

Rupertswood has set itself up to pull off an upset win to help it remain in the mix for the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup finals.

Facing ladder leaders Gisborne, Rupo is on top after day one of the clash.

Rupo sit in sixth spot and need to keep winning and hope results go its way in the round home to make finals.

With temperatures of nearly 40 degrees predicted on Saturday, matches started early to try and escape the sun and the heat.

The Dragons decided to bat on their home deck.

It was a tough day for the Dragons who were bowled out for 158.

Paul Sammut top scored with 43. Rhys Berry was the star with the ball for Rupo, taking 6-44.

Rupo had 15 overs to face at the end of day one.

It managed to get through unscathed, finishing 0-15.

Jordan Curran will resume on 10 not out and Jayden Swallow on three not out.

Elsewhere. Woodend is on top in its match with Broadford.

Broadford was bowled out for just 130 in the 67th over after winning the toss and deciding to bat.

HarrisonSheahantook3-17forWoodend.

Woodend finished the day at 0-72.

Josh Eastley will resume on 31 not out and Harry Lawson on 41 not out.

Sunbury United had a good day with the bat against Romsey.

The Bees made 273 after winning the toss and deciding to bat.

Upul Fernando top scored with 78 for the Bees, while Taylor Stevenson was the pick of the bowlers with 6-100 off 24.4 overs.

Macedon has a solid run chase on its hands against Wallan in the remaining match.

After deciding to bat, the Magpies made 9-225 from their 80 overs.

ItwasanevenspreadfortheCatsbowlers with four bowlers taking two wickets each.

In the Johnstone Shield, Lancefield is on top against Harkness.

The Tigers were bowled out for 183 in the 61st over with Harvey Lehner making 81.

Ricky Dhawan and Simarjeet Singh took

face Wallan, while the B-grade side will face East Sunbury.

Fisher said everyone was itching to get back into it. He said they had been looking at running an intra club game in the lead up to the competition resuming.

“We’re looking forward to the last five games,” he said.

“Wallan is a 12 point game. Win we stay ahead of them so the pressure is on for the first game back.”

InothermatchesthisweekintheA-grade competition, Macedon plays Kilmore and Gisborne is at home to Bacchus Marsh.

In B-grade, Lancefield Yellow plays East SunburyandBroadfordwilltakeonMelton Centrals.

By Tara Murray

Sunbury finished its Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition with a loss on Tuesday night to Westmeadows. The Warriors made 2-125 with Clayton Campbell top scoring with 57 not out. Oak Park St Francis de Sales had a big win against Sunbury. Sunbury was bowled out for just 74 with Ethan Connelly top scoring with 17. Meanwhile, Sunbury’s match in the Steve McNamara Shield was called off due to heat. The match will now be a one-dayer.

EDFL

The Sunbury Lions have signed Kayla Theodore has signed for the upcoming Essendon District Football League season. The Lions said Theodore brings a bubbly personality and endless energy. “Kayla’s enthusiasm for the game is impossible to miss and already making an impact around the group,” the Lions said on social media. “After playing footy back in high school, she’s ready to make her return to the game, and we can’t wait to see her back out on the field doing what she loves. Kayla is set to be a fantastic addition both on and off the field.”

Tennis

Jin Woodman was knocked out in the semi finals of the Melbourne Wheelchair Open. Woodman, playing at his home event, lost to world number two Sam Schroder in the semi finals, 6-2, 6-0 in the quad men’s event. Woodman will this week compete in the quad singles and doubles event at the Australian Open.

three wickets each for Harkness.

Harkness had to face 10 overs at the end of the day.

It was tough going as its first three batters all went out for ducks.

Harkness will resume at 3-6.

The Sunbury Kangaroos put on a solid total in the local derby against East Sunbury.

The Kangaroos made 193 before being bowled out in the 75th over.

Corey Woolley top scored with 54.

Nathan Dent took 3-51 for the Thunder.

Eynesbury had a good day with the bat against Diggers Rest Bulla, which is keen to bounce back after two straight losses.

The Eagles, who are looking for their second win of the season, made 6-227.

Brandon Shearson top scored with 68. With the hot conditions, the Burras used 10 bowlers.

Evan Long and Stephen Morris took two wickets each.

Burras captain-coach Evan Long said that Eynesbury batted well to put a solid score on the board.

The other grades had the weekend off due to the long weekend.

Bowls

Club Sunbury had to settle for sharing the points in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 1 competition. Most matches across the competition were heated off on Saturday, with Sunbury and Moonee Valley getting nine points each. With Whittlesea playing on Friday night, the margin at the top is back to two points. Sunbury faces Deer Park 2 this Saturday.

Frigo makes Olympic team

By Tara Murray

Sunbury-raised Airleigh Frigo has been named in the aerial skiing team as Australia announced its second biggest winter Olympic team ever.

There will be 52 athletes representing Australia, with 27, including Frigo, making theirOlympicsdebut.

Frigo is part of the strong aerial skiing team, where Australia has tasted success before.

Bornin1999andraisedinSunbury,Frigo came to aerial skiing through a childhood in gymnastics and other sports, a pathway sharedbymanyinAustralia’sfreestyleranks.

ingymnasticsandothersports,apathway sharedbymanyinAustralia’sfreestyleranks. Shedidswimmingandbasketballasakid

alongwithgymnastics.

“I loved the competitive nature of sport and feeling like I could do things that others couldn’t do” Frigo said on the Olympics website.

“I started aerials when I was 18 years old and knew I wanted to represent Australia at theOlympicsGames.”

Frigo,whonowlivesinMelton,joinedthe Victorian Institute of Sport and the national aerial skiing setup, progressing through domestic and international development pathways before earning an Olympic Winter Institute of Australia athlete performance contractin2023.

Thatcameaftershemadeherinternational debut in early 2019 and has made massive inroadsinhercareersince.

Her international breakthrough arrived in January 2025 at Lac-Beauport, Canada, where she earned her maiden World Cup medal, finishing third behind teammate Laura Peel and the USA’s Karenna Elliott. It was a composed, career-first podium that confirmed her step up to consistent finals contentionatthetoplevel.

Two weeks later she helped create Australian history at Deer Valley, Utah. On an evening of heavy snow and truncated training, Australians swept the podium for the first time in any FIS Freestyle World Cup event, with Peel first, Danielle Scott second andAbbeyWillcoxthird,whileFrigofinished fourth to complete an unprecedented Australian1-2-3-4.

From the six World Cups leading into

Lions ready to go again with new recruits

By Tara Murray

AbitofluckledtotheSunburyLionssigning a long time captain and best and fairest winner for the Ballarat Football League season.

TheLionshavebeenreasonablyquieton therecruitingfronthavinglockedinmostof thegroupthattookthemtoagrandfinallast year.

Lions’ coach Matt White said football manager Nathan Webb had done a lot of hard work to sign everyone and gave them abigheadstart.

The biggest name signing is Keenan O’Shea, who crosses from Caroline Springs wherehewascaptain.

Lions coach Matt White said players like O’Sheadon’tcomearoundthatoften.

“WehadlucklastyearwithMylesGollant falling into our lap and we’ve had luck with Keenan,” he said. “Our boys were training at our oval and saw Keenan training at the oval. He lives in Sunbury and was looking somewhereclosertohomeforconvenience.

“He trained with us before Christmas to

seewherehefitswithus.He’sgotleadership andisaclubman.

“He does everything right wherever he is. Caroline Springs he made the team better and hopefully he’s even better at the SunburyLions.”

Pearce joins the Lions from the Calder CannonsandStrathmore.

Heiscurrently“trainingthehousedown” for North Melbourne’s Victorian Football Leagueside.

Aaron Melis is the other signing coming acrossfromKangarooFlat.

The Lions midfield will also add back in Cody Bramble and Josh Guthrie, who sufferedseasonendinginjurieslastyear.

The pair along with Fraser Ampulski and Paddy Scanlon, who both suffered serious injuries in the grand final, are yet to start training.

“The progress is good and hopefully everyoneisgoodforroundone,”Whitesaid.

White said they had put the feelers out in regards to getting Geelong premiership player and former Sunbury Lion Cam Guthrie back to the club but that wasn’t

the Games she achieved four top-10 performances. She jumped to bronze and fourth in World Cups in early 2025 and followed that a few weeks later with eighth at the World Championships.

The Olympics website said with a first WorldCuppodium,aWorldChampionships top-eightandmultiplefinalsacross2025and 2026, Frigo has established herself within Australia’saerialsteam.

On the Olympic website, it said that away from the scoreboard, Frigo says she “always wanted to do things that other people could not,” a spirit that helps explain her lateteen switch from gymnastics to aerials in 2017 and her steady rise through the developmentranks.

Country week squad picked

The Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s men’s Melbourne CountryWeeksquadisstackedwith some of the competition’s most experienced players.

The GDCA announced a 16-man squad with players coming from six McIntyre Cup sides and one Johnstone Shield side.

Such is the strength of the squad, seven have won the GDCA’s highest honour, the Sullivan Medal.

There are two current captaincoaches,whileanotherthreeplayers have coached sides previously in the competition.

Romsey captain-coach Ben Way has been named skipper of the side,having also captained the team last year.

lookinglikeitwouldhappen.

TheLionsarealreadybackontrackinthe secondhalfofpre-season.

Having had a lighter period before Christmas,they returned on 12 January and werereadytorampitup.

White said Paul Sahlberg, who runs their fitnessprograms,haduppedtheanteandso had the coaches as they look to get one step further.

“Darley won’t drop off, Melton won’t dropoff,”hesaid.

“Bacchus Marsh is on the rise and North Ballarat appears to get its VFL players back fulltime.

“Theleagueisgettingbetter.

“Clubs aren’t going to stop coming after us and we want to have a go at Darley and madeamendsforfourlosseslastyear.”

In a positive sign for the Lions, they are set to have an under-18 team back up after nothavingthenumberslastyear.

“We’ve now got the 18s boys into the group and we’re upskilling them as much as we can with the game plan for the club,” Whitesaid.

Gisborne captain-coach Jarryd Vernon and Woodend’s Marcus Stewart have been named vicecaptains. Stewart was the side’s leading run scorer last year.

Last season’s Sullivan Medallist Riley Vernon joins his brother in the squad along with Dragons teammate Matthew Barake.

Romsey has the most representatives with Chris Burkett, Louis Moor, Aaron Paterson, ThomasBoyerandTaylorStevenson joining Way in the squad.

Macedon’s Cameron Clayton, Rupertswood pair Kevin Barker and Rhys Berry, Sunbury United gun bat Damien Edwards and Woodend’s Harrison Sheahan are also in the squad. Eastern Hill’s Benjamin Bryant is the only player from the Johnstone Shield selected in the squad.

Country week starts on February 9 with the grand final held on the Friday of that week. The GDCA will play in the division 2 competition.

DREAMZzz MEANZzz COOL & REFRESHING