Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 23rd June 2026

Ready, set, let’s boule

Now’s your chance to try and learn all about petanque.

Mt Macedon Petanque Club will be hosting a come and try day for the community to discover more about the sport. Petanque is a popular French outdoor game where players throw metal boules to get as close as possible to a small wooden target ball.

Club president Paul Fox said it’s a fun sport for all ages.

“Everything will be supplied … you just need to turn up,” he said.

Club member Caroliza Job said the social sport is fun, easy to play and learn.

“We hope it’ll end up in the Olympic Games in the not too distant future because it is becoming extremely popular, due to its social camaraderie and getting you out in the great outdoors,” she said.

The Mt Macedon Petanque Club’s come and try day will be held on Saturday 27 June from 10am at 2 Station Road, Gisborne. Equipment and light refreshments will be provided, and fully enclosed footwear is required.

Details: mtmacedonpetanque.org

Fence fight for wildlife

By Georgia Tacey

Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network (MRWN) has called for change to fencing acrosstheshireafteranincreasingnumber ofanimalshavebecomeentangled.

The network is calling out the use of exclusion fencing in the Macedon Ranges, which is a type of fencing that restricts animalmovement.

Itcanbesixfeetorhigher,andistypically constructed from ringlock mesh and designed to exclude wildlife from entering aproperty.

MRWN committee member Meaghan Willis said while fencing is necessary for livestock management, asset protection andpropertyboundaries,itisimportantto makesurefencingisdesignedwithwildlife inmind.

Ms Willis said exclusion fencing is especially harmful in established wildlife corridors,affectingthedailymovementsof kangaroos,wombats,echidnas,koalasand othernativespeciesacrosstheshire.

“Volunteer wildlife rescuers are attending an increasing number of fence entanglement incidents across the region,” shesaid.

“Kangaroos and wallabies are among themostcommonvictims,oftenbecoming caught by a single leg while attempting to clear a fence. This can result in severe injuries including hip dislocations, fracturesandspinaltrauma.

“Unfortunately, many of these animals suffer for extended periods before being found and, in most cases, require euthanasia.”

The use of skirts underneath the fence,

as well as barbed wire at the top are increasingly harmful to native wildlife, Ms Willis said, with the fencing causing wildlifetobecomedisplaced.

“The solution is not to stop people fencing their properties. The solution is to encourage wildlife-friendly fencing design that balances the needs of landholders with the protection of native wildlife,” she said.

The network is currently working with Macedon Ranges council on the issue to improveeducation,strengthencompliance and explore planning mechanisms that ensure responsible fencing practices acrosstheshire.

Mayor Kate Kendall said there are currently minimal planning restrictions for wildlife-friendly fencing, and said council officers are available for property

owners to talk with prior to fencing being erected.

“The rise of exclusion fencing is something we are receiving community concernsaboutacrossourshire,”shesaid.

“Whilstitmaybeallowedintheplanning scheme, council is keen to explore future educational and advocacy opportunities to showcase the harm to wildlife it can cause.”

MRWN said using highly visible white sighting wire or plain high tensile double twist wire instead of barbed wire can significantly reduce the risk of entanglement while still providing effectivestockcontrol.

If you find an animal entangled in a fence, MRWN said to contact Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300 and do not attempt toreleasetheanimalyourself.

Enrolments Closing Soon

Enrolments for Year 7, 2028 close on 24 July, 2026

(students currently in Grade 5).

Visit the Enrolments page of the College website to start your online enrolment application, or scan the QR code provided. Contact the College Registrar for enrolment enquiries.

Clarkefield fight ramps up

By Georgia Tacey

Macedon Ranges council has intensified its opposition to the proposed new township at Clarkefield, calling for the controversial development to undergo a full public hearing before an independent planning panel.

As part of a premliminary submission to the state government, councillors want the development referred to the Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee for a full public hearing.

The proposal seeks to establish a new township in Clarkfield and is being assessed under the authority of the planning minister.

At the 17 June meeting, council tabled

its preliminary submission on the proposed development.

Councillors had previously agreed the time given for public feedback - 4 May until 1 June - was not sufficient to properly assess the 19 amendments to the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme and the 143 associated documents.

Council requested an extension from the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) but said the request was verbally rejected, forcing officers to prepare a preliminary submission within the original deadline.

In its submission, council asked DTP to undertake independent peer and legal reviews of all documentation and requested

the developer prepare a Resource and Administrative Costs Impact Statement.

It also urged the department to address what it described as significant strategic, environmental, infrastructure and governance concerns before any decision is made.

Officers also claimed the documents that went on public exhibition contained procedural issues, including missing information, technical errors and potential privacy concerns.

Officers also highlighted the uncertainty regarding future planning applications if planning authority bypassed council.

Councillor Andrew Scanlon said the race was on to to properly assess the de-

Yoko ferments success at book awards

A Malmsbury local has been announced as a winner at The James Beard Foundation 2026 James Beard Media Awards.

Yoko Nakazawa received the Single Subject book award for her cookbook The Japanese Art of Pickling & Fermenting: Preserving Vegetables and Family Traditions. Ms Nakazawa was awarded at the ceremony in Chicago on 13 June, which honours outstanding achievement and excellence in storytelling in book, broadcast media and journalism. Across formats and platforms, the media awards celebrate the exceptional

There

individuals and teams whose work captures the richness and vibrancy of food, beverage, dining, and food systems in the United States and beyond.

James Beard Foundation chief executive Clare Reinchenbach congratulated the winners.

“We are thrilled to announce the exceptional winners of the 2026 Media Awards—storytellers whose work reminds us that food is never just what’s on the plate, but a profound mirror of our culture, history, identity, and shared humanity,” she said.

is plenty on offer

The Woodend Neighbourhood House has a jam-packed school holiday schedule for Woodend families.

Designed to inspire children of all ages, the creative and engaging activities over the winter school holidays plan to beat the boredom bust, with popular workshops making their return.

On Tuesday 7 July, children in prep to grade four can join Race with Mario, for an exciting workshop that combines LEGO building with racing-inspired challenges.

On the same day, children from grades three to six can join in Junior Robotics,

velopment.

“[There’s] been no time to investigate the strategic merit. No time to look to baseline information on current housing stock. No time to provide an understanding of the limitations of current services and infrastructure. No time to gain understanding of the rural streetscapes and the people who live in the regions,” he said. A more detailed council submission on council will be presented at the July council meeting, and it is understood that DTP will consider any future submission by council until the planning minister makes a final decision on the application, which is expected in August.

Water storages under pressure

Coliban Water has warned its customers to prepare for reduced water allocations and potential future water restrictions after another dry season.

Despite 188 millimetres of autumn rainfall, only 143 million litres flowed into the region’s reservoirs, Coliban Water said, increasing the likelihood of water restrictions next summer unless there is significant rainfall over winter and spring.

Coliban Water general manager for water climate strategy Adam Crameri said the past two years had been very dry, resulting in consistently poor inflows and depleted storage levels across the region.

“Over the past two years, we’ve seen very low inflows which are down on the long-term median of 29 billion litres. As a result, our storage levels are still very low,” Mr Crameri said.

“Our combined storages near Kyneton are currently at 53 per cent capacity and our share of Lake Eppalock is sitting at 29 per cent.

“While lower storage levels are typical at this time of year following summer demand, the overall position is concerning given the recent run of dry conditions.”

“From family tables to the front lines of food justice, these winners are driving the conversations that shape our culinary landscape. It is an honor to recognize their impactful work.”

Ms Nakazawa, who was born and raised in Japan, has been in Australia since 2013. She is a regular at the Woodend Farmers Market. Her book details the centuries-old practices of Japanese pickling and fermenting, teaching people how to make their own preserved vegetables at home. She also volunteers for the Malmsbury CFA.

at Woodend Neighbourhood House

a workshop where they can explore engineering and coding concepts while building and programming LEGO-based creations.

Woodend Neighbourhood House manager Melissa Baker said the house was thrilled to welcome Bricks4Kidz back for the school holidays.

The two-week program also includes a range of creative, active and confidence-building activities delivered by experienced local facilitators.

Movement and mindfulness will be explored with yoga classes with Sarah from Shanti Studio on Tuesday 30 June, in-

cluding a playful session for pre-schoolers and a creative yoga workshop for primary-aged children.

Creativity will be explored with local artist Penelope Cato, who will help young budding artists transform ordinary hamburgers into quirky monster collages on Wednesday 1 July, and help create striking dot mandalas with embellishments and posca pens on Wednesday 8 July.

Drama skills will also be explored, with an energetic workshop presented by Storyboard Drama on Thursday 2 July.

Details and bookings: woodendnh. org.au

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall this winter, according to its long-range forecast.

Coliban Water said it relies on winter and spring rainfall to boost inflows, and said what happens over the coming months will be critical in determining water availability for communities next summer.

“With a changing climate, reduced rainfall and increasing demand, water storages are under growing pressure and can no longer be relied on to refill as they have in the past,” Mr Crameri said.

“We know storage levels can shift from healthy to under pressure very quickly, particularly when rainfall is below average and demand is high.

“We are planning for multiple scenarios. When it comes to water security, we take a conservative approach to manage our water resources while continuing to invest in long-term water security and efficiency projects.”

Mr Crameri said rural customers should prepare for reduced water allocations for the upcoming rural season.

“Allocations for the 2026-27 rural season will be announced on 1 July, and based on current conditions, they are likely to be very low,” he said.

Water restrictions were last in force in the Coliban Water region in 2011.

Waste costs to rise

By By Georgia Tacey

Waste and kerbside collection charges are set to jump by almost 14 per cent for the MacedonRanges.

Macedon Ranges council adopted its 2026-27budgetat the Wednesday17June meeting, revealing a steep increase in waste charges of 13.68 per cent. The increase in charges will generate an extra $1.77 million from ratepayers.

In the budget, officers said the rise was due to a new kerbside collection contractwhichcommencedinthe2025-26 financial year, as well as due to the cost of delivering waste collection services hasincreased.

Other factors officers said that prompted the rise were attributed to higher labour, fuel, equipment and contractor costs, as well as increases in the Environment Protection Authority landfilllevy.

Council officers said this jump, which totals $14.713 million will ensure the full costoftheserviceisrecovered.

While kerbside charges will jump significantly, the rates will only rise to the cap set by the state government of 2.75 per cent for the financial year, with generated rates and service charges raising$70million.

The $119 million budget will result in council operating in a $5.9 million surplus, with council’s focus on cost-of-livingreliefandassetretention.

It also includes over $16 million in capital works, including Kyneton Showgrounds Grandstand roof renewal works, Woodend Clocktower renewal works and the Woodend RacecourseReserveChangerooms.

After community consultation, neighbourhood houses across the shire will have their funding doubled from $35,000to$70,000peryear.

The Thriving Villages Program was supported,$10,000wasalsoallocatedfor localfoodbanks.

Tony Clarke Reserve in Macedon has been allocated $40,000 to commence a masterplan under the changes proposed bythecommunity.

Malmsbury Botanic Garden irrigation works were also included in the final budget.

Councilwillalsotakeout$1millionin new loans for the Kyneton Grandstand roof, an asset management aystem, and theDigitalCapex,thebudgetdocuments show.

Mayor Kate Kendall said she was proudoftheworkdoneduringthebudget process,andpraisedtheworksofofficers.

“This year’s budget is about being pragmatic and responsive to submissions,”CrKendallsaid.

“We’ve focused on making sure we can keep delivering the services

people rely on every day, while still investing in a variety of key projects across the shire.”

Cr Kendall also praised the inclusion in the budget of more free green waste drop-off weeks and the reduction of the annual pass for Hanging Rock Reserve.

“We’ve worked hard to strike a balance between keeping costs manageable for the community and making sure we can continue delivering required services,maintainingourassetbase,and investingininfrastructure,”shesaid.

A Macedon Ranges councillor has attempted an eleventh-hour rates freezeduringahour-longonthe2026–27councilbudget.

During the 17 June council meeting, Cr Daniel Young moved an alternative motion calling for council to find $1.3 million in savings rather than passing a 2.75 per cent rate rise ontoratepayers.

CrYoung,whoraisedasimilarunsuccessful motion during the 2025–26 budget adoption, said he wanted to remain consistent in his oppositiontoraterises.

Hesaidthebudgetprocessforthe new financial year started off strong without focusing on a rate rise, but said council lost its way in the process.

“I feel somewhere along the process we kind of lost sight of that and it became a case of again having lots andlotsoftimespentonwhattheextra $1.3 million revenue from a rates rise was going to be spent on and the conversation moved away from whetherweshouldbepullingmoney in to spend on things that it needed and it became a conversation about ‘we’ve got this money, what can we findtospenditon’,”hesaid.

Cr Young said his motion would also force councillors to be accountableforfindingsavingssofuturerate increasescouldbeavoided.

Cr Cassy Borthwick revealed that whenbudgetdiscussionsfirstbegan, council had initially looked at a zero percentraterise.

“We started with a zero per cent position … and when we initially started those discussions, we ended up with a shortfall of, I think it was about $750,000 from memory, and yet we’ve ended up in the position we’re at, which is an ambitious budget,”shesaid.

Cr Borthwick said the budget was about balancing community expectations and services, adding that a rates freeze was a financial risk she wasnotwillingtotake.

Cr Young’s motion was ultimately defeated, with only himself and Cr AlisonJosephvotinginfavour.

Cr Borthwick then moved a motion to adopt the budget, with a directive for the chief executive to provide a consolidated capital works reviewaspartofthemid-yearbudget review. The budget was passed with the support of all councillors except CrYoung.

Services disrupted amid strike

By Georgia Tacey

Libraries closed and waste services were halted as more than 1500 council workers walked off the job as they continue their fight for a pay rise.

Workers across eight councils – Hume, Hobsons Bay, Maribrynong, Merr-bek, Yarra, Greater Dandenong, Darebin, and Melbourne – stopped work on Wednesday 17 June and descended on Spring Street.

The eight councils are currently engaged with multi-employer bargaining with the Australian Services Union (ASU), who said the councils have continued to stonewall negotiations with no pay offer after six months of bargaining.

The ASU is calling for a 10 per cent pay rise for council workers in the first year, followed by four per cent rises per year.

ASU Victoria and Tasmania branch secretary Tash Wark said union members have been patient and bargained in good faith.

“Frontline council workers are falling further behind every single month. They’re up to 12 per cent behind in real terms since 2021,” she said.

“They’re tightening budgets, watching colleagues unable to afford housing or put petrol in the car just to go to work, and waiting for councils to take this seriously but sadly, their employer is yet to do so.

“Our members do not take industrial action lightly. They take pride in the work they do for their communities. But after six months of silence from councils and years of wages going backwards in real terms, they have been left with no other choice.

“We are calling on councils to stop hiding behind rate capping and start standing up for the workers delivering essential services in every suburb of this city. They cannot pretend they’re negotiating in good faith while they’re doing nothing effective to offer meaningful wage increases to workers.”

A joint statement from the eight councils said they are continuing to negotiate in good faith with the unions.

“The Australian Services Union’s industrial action is being undertaken very early in the bargaining process. Councils remain committed to bargaining with all unions,” the eight councils said.

“Each of the eight councils has worked to minimise impacts of the ASU’s strike action on our communities as much as possible.

“While we respect the right of ASU mem-

bers to take industrial action, it is regrettable that the ASU’s industrial action will affect our community and customers.”

In Hume, red bin collections were disrupted, the Sunbury Resale Shop closed and library programs across Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and Sunbury were cancelled. Libraries also closed early. A catch-up collection was also scheduled for affected Sun-

bury and Bulla residents for Saturday 20 June.

InMaribrynong,Braybrook,Maribrynong and Yarraville libraries were closed due to the industrial action.

In Hobsons Bay, Williamstown Library was closed, with programs affected across the day.

Give us ‘what’s best for the west’ demand rally protesters

By Jack O’shea-Ayres

Residents from across Melbourne’s western suburbs gathered on the steps of Parliament on Thursday 18 June, calling on the state government to accelerate long-promised public transport projects and address what they describe as growing inequality in transport access.

The community-led rally was supported by local community groups Sustainable Cities, Better Buses and the Mt Atkinson Advocacy Forum.

It marked five years since the release of Victoria’s Bus Plan and highlighted ongoing concerns about delayed rail and bus infrastructure in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.

Residents voiced their concerns on the long-awaited Melton electrification project, first promised in 2018 but still in the design phase.

Speakers said the delay had left rapidly growing communities dependent on congested roads and limited public transport options.

“We want buses, we want trains,” attendees chanted.

“We want what’s best for the west.”

Campaigners also raised concerns about the proposed Mt Atkinson train station, noting more than 5000 residents signed a petition supporting the project in 2024, but that little information had been provided since.

“We’ve been neglected for way too long,” said Liberal candidate for the seat of Melton Jarrod Bingham.

“People bring up crime and cost of liv-

ing, but the third highest priority people talk about is transport.”

Residents from Mt Atkinson, Thornhill Park and Deanside told the rally they continued to rely on driving to stations at Caroline Springs, Deer Park, or Rockbank due to the lack of a local rail connection and limited bus services.

Organisers said poor inter-suburban bus links remained a major issue across the west, with travel between centres such as Melton, Sunshine, Truganina, Point Cook, and Wer-

ribee often requiring indirect routes, multiple transfers, and lengthy journey times despite relatively short distances.

“We have been completely neglected in the west in terms of investment and public transport,” Better Buses spokesperson Grace Eyre said.

“The bus reform that we’re asking for costs basically pennies on the dollar compared to the Suburban Rail Loop, the Metro Tunnel, or other major projects.”

Speakers also argued transport infra-

structure failed to keep pace with population growth, leaving families increasingly reliant on private vehicles and contributing to congestion on major routes including the Western Freeway.

The rally also highlighted the impact on shift workers, students, older residents, and people with disabilities, who organisers said were disproportionately affected by infrequent services and limited operating hours outside standard business hours.

Concerns were also raised about the burden placed on women and primary carers, with speakers describing transport access as an equity issue affecting access to employment, education, healthcare, and community participation.

“What I have found is people who are most affected by this sort of thing tend to be new migrants who don’t have driver’s licences or are anxious about driving,” Ms Eyre said.

“Elderly people, people who can’t drive for whatever reason - they expect public transport and are quite surprised when they arrive in the west and don’t have reliable public transport.

“Other people who are affected by it are students and young people, as well as their parents.”

Organisers said the purpose of the gathering was to give residents an opportunity to speak directly with elected representatives about the everyday impact of transport decisions and to seek commitments on improved bus networks, the delivery of the Melton electrification project, and progress towards a Mt Atkinson train station.

Hollows focus of study

After a severe storm swept through the Wombat State Forest in 2021, thousands of trees were damaged including many bearing hollows that provide critical shelter and nesting habitat for the Southern Greater Glider and many other creatures.

As part of a recovery program for the 45,000 hectares of damaged forest, the Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action (DEECA) engaged arborists to install 100 chainsaw-carved hollows in 2022 in the most suitable remaining trees.

Federation University PhD candidate Rhys Healy has been regularly monitoring

53 of these hollows since early 2026 in a project co-funded by DEECA and the university.

“Using remote cameras and microclimate loggers, I’m investigating which animals are using these hollows and what the conditions are like inside them,” he said.

Mr Healy said he is particularly interested in the endangered Southern Greater Glider, found in parts of the Wombat State Forest.

Knowing where the gliders had previously been occupying hollows helped to determine where to place the remote cam-

eras, he said.

The cameras have also detected a range of other hollow-loving wildlife looking for a new place to call home, including birds, bats and several species of possum.

“The aim is to better understand how effective artificial hollows can be as a conservation tool,” Mr Healy said.

Tree hollows can take more than 100 years to form, and large hollows suitable for species such as the Southern Greater Glider can take even longer, according to DEECA.

This makes existing hollow-bearing

Walking the talk to help men connect

A new weekly initiative is helping Gisborne men connect and find support all while enjoying a simple walk.

David Bearman is the organiser of the Gisborne Man Walk, a national initiative that provides men a positive, stress free place to meet, form friendships and start important conversations around men’s mental and physical health.

Mr Bearman said he started the local walk in March after joining one when he lived in Alice Springs, and saw a need locally in Gisborne to bring men together.

“We promote and support men’s physical, mental and social health through regu-

lar physical activity and social interaction,” he said.

The men are encouraged to build new connections each week, with the walk providing a low stress way to interact and find support.

“There’s no pressure, no joining, it’s just turn up whenever you want to come,” Mr Bearman said.

“It’s a great way to build friendships, and also helps guys that are lonely, who keep to themselves a bit.”

George Robinson is a new walker to the group, after recently moving to the area. He said he found the walk a great way to con-

trees especially valuable, particularly in forests affected by storms, bushfires and other large-scale disturbances.

Mr Healy’s findings will better inform DEECA’s approach to recovery to support hollow-dwelling creatures following future large-scale weather events.

At the end of this monitoring period, Mr Healy will analyse the camera and microclimate data and publish his findings as part of his PhD thesis.

“This work will give us a broader picture of how these hollows are being used across the landscape,” he said.

Library pods open

MacedonRangeslibrarieshavereceived an upgrade, with new meeting pods arriving in the four Goldfields Libraries.

Local Government Minister Paul Hamer and Macedon MP MaryAnne Thomas visited the Woodend Library to unveil the new pods on Wednesday 10 June.

Mr Hamer marked the occasion withaspeechandribboncutting,with Ms Thomas and Macedon Ranges councillor Rob Guthrie also speaking.

The new pods offer private, accessible spaces for meetings, telehealth appointmentsandonlineservices,and arenowavailableintheWoodend,Gisborne, Kyneton and Romsey libraries.

“Whetherit’satelehealthappointment, an online meeting or a quiet place to focus, these new meeting pods will give Macedon locals more free ways to use and benefit from our local libraries,” Ms Thomas said. Goldfields Libraries regional managerJessSaunderssaidtheteam was thrilled to open the new pods.

nect in the community.

“We decided to [move] to Gisborne and I didn’t know a soul,” he said.

“We saw the man walk on Facebook before we arrived, so I put it in my diary and said I’ll go along to that one one week, and I’ve been every week since.

“I think I’ve been here six or seven weeks, and it’s just a good bunch of guys.”

The Gisborne Man Walk meets every Saturday morning at 7am at the Gardiner Reserve Entrance on Aitken Street. Each walk is about 45-60 minutes, with the group finishing off with a coffee afterwards.

Details: dcbearman@gmail.com

Builder

“WeweredelightedtowelcomeMinister for Local Government Paul Hamer to officially open the new pods and see first-hand how they are supporting our community’schangingneeds,”shesaid.

“They are already being booked out and the feedback from patrons has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the role our libraries play as modern, adaptable community hubs.”

Funding for the new meeting pods was delivered as part of the state government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, which supports refurbishments of all sizes from expanded children’s areas to technology hubs.

$100k for Kyneton build

A builder has been fined $100,000 over a new home build in Kyneton.

The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) has fined Peter McBride for a defective new build.

Mr McBride, the nominee director of the company THEBUILDCO.COM.AU Pty Ltd trading as InPlace, entered into a contract with the homeowner in 2023.

In late 2024 the home was still incomplete, with the relevant building surveyor issuing McBride with a direction to fix order.

The 51-year-old appealed the order to the Building Appeals Board and then failed to turn up to the hearing.

The order was upheld but Mr McBride still failed to rectify the work and refused the homeowner and the architect reasonable site access.

The defective and non-compliant work included an uneven slab, non-compliant paving, unauthorised structural alter-

ations, missing weepholes, damaged door frames and windows, non-compliant garage doors, mismatched brickwork and multiple plumbing defects.

Mr McBride also failed to respond to the BPC’s show cause notice, which outlined proposed disciplinary action, despite asking for two consecutive extensions.

InPlace entered into external administration soon after the BPC began disciplinary action against Mr McBride. The BPC has banned Mr McBride from acting as a nominee director for two years and ordered him to complete two training courses within 12 months.

McBride has since failed to pay his registration fees, so he is unable to undertake registered building work and his company is now in liquidation. The homeowner received a payout from the builder’s Domestic Building Insurance. McBride has appealed the BPC’s decision to the VCAT.

Rejected submission funded

By Georgia Tacey

Macedon Ranges council will support a rejected budget submission from its leftover grant funding.

Councillors voted on adopting the recipients of its Environment and Community Climate Action grants at the 17 June council meeting, in which an alternative motion was put forward to use the unspent remaining funding of $21,118.23 to be carried over to the 2026-27 budget to support two initiatives.

The proposal included $6118.23 for council’s pest and weed management,

Distinctive Options makes a splash

Participants and staff at disability support provider Distinctive Options braved the winter chill for their annual fundraising event in support of FightMND.

Despite the wet and wintry weather in Sunbury, spirits remained high as a group of staff members took the plunge, sitting in an ice-filled bath while participants emptied buckets of icy water over them on Friday 5 June.

Participants Stefan and Lochie were delighted to take part in the challenge, pouring the freezing water over staff members who endured the drenching all while dressed in a range of colourful costumes.

“I liked dunking the staff members a lot,” Lochie said.

“It was my favourite part of the day. It was really funny and they had funny costumes.

“It was great to see everyone wearing their beanies and supporting FightMND.”

Distinctive Options said opportunities like this provide people with disability the chance to build skills across a range of areas, including hospitality, communication, and event management.

Beyond skill development, one of the most significant benefits is the sense of pride and achievement participants experience through being recognised for their meaningful contribution to the broader community.

Distinctive Options said the event exceeded fundraising targets after a strong community turnout, with the organisation raising a total of $1128.

The organisation also thanked Sunbury

as well as $15,000 to go towards a budget submission from the Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association (MRWA).

Cr Jennifer Anderson said these surplus funds should be spent on environmental purposes like MRWA’s submission.

“We did have a budget submission from this Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association group and they are working with some of the other council groups along the catchment river but haven’t yet had any financial input from our council,” she said.

“I think if we’ve put money aside for the year for these environmental purposes, it

is really good if we can continue to make them be for environmental purposes.”

Mayor Kate Kendall however was not in support of this idea, and said councillors had already discussed this funding proposal during the budget process and decided not to move forward.

“Trust fairness and integrity are really important to me and I do not believe unallocated grant funds should become an informal mechanism for revisiting budget decisions outside the established budget process,” she said.

Cr Kendall also questioned the amount allocated to the MRWA as part of the al-

ternative motion, with the $15,000 coming from the Environment Group Support Grant which provides grants of $1000 per group.

Fourteen groups were successful in receiving the grants.

“Proposing to fund one association … with the entire amount awarded to all of those local community groups in the environment group support grant combined doesn’t sit right with me,” she said.

“They all got $1000, so I’m not sure why one group should receive $15,000.”

Ultimately the motion passed, with three councillors against.

Free perinatal care heads to Hume

New and expectant parents in Hume are set to access free local mental health care following a federal funding commitment.

The federal government announced it will open a perinatal mental health centre in Hume and a second centre in the Casey.

Gidget Foundation Australia will operate the centres, which provide free psychological support for new and expectant parents, with a share of $39.2 million in federal funding.

Both centres are expected to provide mental health support to approximately 800 parents each year, according to the federal government.

Calwell MP Basem Abdo said the Hume centre will help ensure expectant parents receive the timely support they need.

“Removing barriers to mental health care helps more families access support during this critical stage of life,” Mr Abdo said.

MentalHealthandSuicidePrevention Assistant Minister Emma McBride said the centres will deliver mental health services in the heart of communities.

“One in five women and one in 10 men experience anxiety or depression when they are expecting or have just become new parents and accessing support can be difficult,” Ms McBride said.

“The new perinatal mental health centres will give parents in Melbourne’s outer suburbs a welcoming place to access free mental health support and

Building better, safer lives

A Syrian refugee who arrived in Australia a decade ago with little English and no local experience has carved out a career as a senior engineer working on renewable energy projects that are critical to Australia’s economic future. Another refugee given protection by Australia put his life in danger working to secure the release of the trafficked victims of scammer gangs operating along the Thai-Burma border. To mark Refugee Week ( 14 - 20 June) these remarkable individuals tell their stories of resilience and resettlement.

Jamila Alarkan says she made the most difficult decision of her life after arriving in Australia by deciding to continue with her passion for engineering.

After arriving in Australia from war-torn Syria, Jamila set about improving her English and began the process of having her qualifications recognised.

Since then, she has forged a career in engineeringthatdeliberatelyencompassed a broad range of engineering projects in male-dominated environments. Drawing on her experiences and the resilience she gained as a refugee, Jamila has become a leader in her field. She is now a contract manager for a major engineering company in the renewable energy sector, and has also become an Australian citizen.

“Coming to Australia gave me the opportunity to rebuild my life and my career,” said Jamila, who lives in Roxburgh Park. “I have been able to achieve more than I thought possible.”

Jamila graduated in engineering amid some of the fiercest fighting of the Syrian conflict and the destruction of the ancient city of Aleppo, with friends and classmates being killed. Her undergraduate years were spent studying by candlelight in the bowels of an ancient convent as a bloody civil war raged around her. As the bombs fell, Jamila stuck doggedly to her dream of becoming an engineer, enduring the effects of war, sickness and physical injury topursueaneducationandthechanceofa bright future.

“Engineering has been my passion for

as long as I can remember. My hero is my sisterDahliawhoistenyearsolderthanme and an engineer,” she said.

“I’ve always loved mathematics and science and when Dalia studied engineering, I loved the drawings she used in her course. I’ve always enjoyed building thingsandmakingthingsworkandIreally loveproblemsolvingandfindingsolutions, so I knew I wanted to be an engineer when I grew up.”

After graduating, with Syria in ruins and little chance of work, Jamila took the gambleofherlifeandleftherfamilybehind in search of a future.

“If I were to offer advice to someone settling in Australia today, I would say: be patient with yourself. Find what you’re passionate about and hold onto it. Build community wherever you can. Thejourney takes time, and it isn’t always easy, but it is possible.”

Jamila says the achievements she values most aren’t just professional milestones, but “the quieter ones — becoming independent,findingmyvoice,standingon my own feet, building a legacy, repetition andbeingabletoplanforthefutureinstead of simply surviving day to day.”

“After ten years, I feel a deep sense of gratitude — for safety, for opportunity, and for the life I’ve been able to build here. It hasn’tbeensimple,butithasshownmethat withsupport,purpose,anddetermination, starting again can lead to something truly meaningful. I hope that one day my childrenwillbeproudtosharethisstory— not just as a personal journey, but as part of a legacy that carries across generations of Australians, showing what can be built through resilience, opportunity, and giving back.”

Jamila says she is “proud to be Australian-Syrian” and is “equally proud of the Syrian community here. So many peoplehaverebuilttheirlivesfromscratch, working hard, contributing, and doing their best to give back to society. I deeply respect them and feel honoured to be part of this community. Being able to call ourselves Syrian-Australian is something I will always carry with pride.”

Refugee driven by a sense of justice

For almost 10 years, Johny* was one of a loose band of people and agencies fighting to expose a little-known but growing human rights crisis created by criminal gangs.

The researcher and advocate has been working to support and secure the release of the trafficked victims of scammer gangs operating along the Thai-Burma border.

So far, Johny has helped to free almost a thousand unwitting victims tricked into effective slavery by criminal gangs, which operate multi-million dollar online and phone scams with the acquiescence of the brutal military junta which currently rules Burma.

His work put him in danger and Johny was threatened by the gangs and forced to flee with his family.

Now resettled as a refugee in Tarneit, in Melbourne’s west, with his wife, father and two children, Johny is continuing his humanitarian work and also studying, supported by AMES Australia.

His journey as an activist began when set up a small not-for-profit organisation tosupportdisplacedrefugeesinhisregion, mainly persecuted minorities such as the Karen and Chin.

The charity provides food and runs classes for refugee children.

“Westartedoutdeliveringfoodandother aidtosomeofthe11,000refugeesalongthe border. But then we also started trying to help people who had been trafficked and kidnaped by the scammer gangs,” he said. On one trip to deliver aid, he was shot at by the Myanmar military. On another trip, a colleague was shot dead.

Johny said that in recent times, more of his group’s work has been about helping trafficked people. His group and other NGOs have helped in the release of more than a thousand people in recent years, he said.

In one instance, 26 Ugandans were rescued from a compound after being tricked into working for a gang of scammers.

Hehasalsobeenpartofresearchprojects intothescammersfortheAsiaFoundation, the US Institute of Peace and Amnesty International, International Justice for Migrants; as well as research into labour issues and exploitation of migrant workers for the UK NGO Fair Square.

Johny said the research indicates there may be as many as 77,00 victims inside the scam centres. They come from a range of developing countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco and other African nations.

Johny is a member of the Gurkha minority in Myanmar. There are about 250,000 Gurkhas living mostly in the rural Chin region. They are one of the ethnic minorities who have long been persecuted by the Myanmar military.

He said he plans to continue his work nowheandhisfamilyaresafeinAustralia.

“I want to study human rights law and continue my work helping trafficked people as well as research into this area,” he said. “Our work has been about how we can get these gangsters arrested and get justiceandcompensationfortheirvictims. And that work continues.”

Johny said education has also been a passion for him.

“In the worst times in Burma, education became my hope. That is why I continue studying here in Australia - because I want tobuildmoreskillsandknowledgesoIcan continue helping communities both here and abroad.”

*Johny’s full name has been redacted to protect family members still in Myanmar

Ten facts about refugees

1.Global displacement is at an all-time high: More than one in every 70 people around the world have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, violence, conflict or human rights violations. The figure of more than 117 million people forcibly displaced is nearly triple the 40 million recorded just two decades ago.

2. Almost half of the world’s displaced people are children: Of the 117 million displaced in 2024, an estimated 49 million - about 40 per cent - are under 18 years of age, almost triple the number recorded in 2010.

3. Refugees contribute more to Australia’s economy than they receive in services: Refugees and humanitarian migrants make vital, long-term economic contributions to Australia through high rates of entrepreneurship, regional labour force participation, and essential skills acquisition, according to a UNSW study.

4. Less than one per cent of refugees will ever be resettled: Millions of people are in need of resettlement, but the process is limited, complex and lengthy. Refugee vetting typically takes 18-24 months.

5. Most displaced people stay in their own or neighbouring countries: More than 60 per cent of displaced people remain within their own countries’ borders as internally displaced persons.

6. Climate change is accelerating displacement: Climate related disasters have caused 220 million internal displacements in the past decade, averaging 60,000 people displaced every day.

7. Australia remains a leading host country for refugees: Australia accepts 20,000 refugee each year; one of the highest intakes in the world on a per capita basis.

8. Refugees have shaped science, culture and innovation: Refugees bring essential skills, knowledge and experience to their new communities. Scientist Sir Gus Nossal, artist Judy Cassab, comedian Anh Do, sports identity Les Murray all arrived in Australia as refugees.

9. Refugees fill critical labour shortages: Refugees play vital roles in the care industry, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, transport, tourism and education.

10. Refugees are neighbours, friends and community members: Refugees are more than numbers - they are people with hopes and dreams whose lives have been disrupted by conflict, climate change and threats to their safety.

*Source:AMES

Education support doubled

Kyneton VIEW Club has doubled its financial support for Macedon Ranges youth with a donation from GemLife.

The club, affiliated with national children’s education charity The Smith Family can now support six children in need in the Macedon Ranges, after the $2500 donation from GemLife helped to double their reach.

VIEW Club’s Kyneton chapter is a women’s network dedicated to supporting young people through Learning for Life.

The program assists those experiencing poverty with long-term financial aid and educational resources, from primary school through to university.

About 10 GemLife Woodend residents volunteer with VIEW Club, fundraising by sellinghandmadeclothesandraffletickets at local markets, and running themed events including fashion shows and Christmas wrapping services.

GemLife resident Susan Doyle

recognised the need for local youth education support when she moved to Woodend in 2019. She helped establish the Kyneton chapter last year and became its founding president, before handing the baton over for 2026.

“Agoodeducationsetsachildupforlife,” she said. “We have been sponsoring three children – two juniors and one going into high school. With GemLife’s donation, we’re able to double that number, helping provide a brighter future for six young people in our community.”

Ms Doyle said VIEW Club also provided women’s mental health support and fostered friendship and connection.

“Ourfocusisraisingmoneyforeducation anddisadvantagedchildren,butwe’realso a support group for women,” she said.

“We get a lot of women who are widowed or single, and we provide comfort through coffee mornings, social walks, and day trips together.

Briefs

Sunbury break-in

Police are appealing for information after a number of items were stolen from Sunbury in a burglary in late May. Police said two unknown males arrived at The Skyline address in an unknown white SUV at about 5am on Saturday 30 May. The males gained access to the unoccupied residence, stealing seven watches and a ring belonging to the owner’s late wife, police said. The males then fled the scene with approximately $7500 worth of stolen goods. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Immunisation sessions

The next round of sessions will be held across the Macedon Ranges on Thursday 2 July. In Gisborne, the session will take place from 9.15-10.15am at the Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre. In Kyneton, it will take place from noon-1pm at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute. Bookings are on council’s website.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Defending an artistic flare

A former Macedon Ranges local and Navy commander was among exhibiting artists at the 2026 Defending the Arts exhibition inCanberra.

Commander Andrew Littlejohn has a longstanding interest in art and a backgroundasacommercialartist.

After growing up on a sheep farm in Clakefield,hedecidedtotakeacompletely different path, studying graphic design in Bendigoandthenbecomingleadillustrator for Ford Motor Company, designing and illustrating owner’s manuals, books and websites.

“My concern was that I was still young enough to have done something more interesting than sitting behind a desk. So I ranawayandjoinedtheNavyasamaritime warfareofficer,”hesaid.

Despite the drastic career change, Commander Littlejohn continued to dabble in art, designing unit logos or creatingpiecesforcommandteams.

On display at the 2026 Defending the Arts exhibition was one of Commander Littlejohn’s etchings of the Port Jackson RadioTower,alandmarkiconicamongthe maritimewarfarecommunity.

Healsoexhibitedoilpaintings,including a portrait of his daughter wearing her great-grandfather’sWWIIflyingjacket.

“In a lot of my work it’s all very

constrained colours, I’m trying to make things harmonise rather than pop off the surface. It’s a more disciplined approach which helps build skill and technique,” he said.

“Theworksdon’tfocusonstrongcolours, hopefully it draws you in a lot more because you’re looking at the subject, not being assaulted by jarring colours or crazy shapesthatarecomingoutofit.”

Defending the Arts is the annual festival for the ADF Creative Arts Association (ADFCAA). Participants attended workshops, toured the Australian War Memorial and took part in a Last Post ceremony. The week finished with a performance night showcasing, song, dance,musicanddrama.

It’s not the first time Commander Littlejohn’sarthasbeendisplayed.In2022, he was a finalist in the Napier-Waller Art Prizeandtwoofhispieceswerepurchased by the Australian War Memorial for the permanent collection. He was also a finalist in the 2024 Gallipoli Memorial Art Prize.

His paintings have been hung in Parliament House, and his painting of General David Hurley is on display at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta where he spentfiveyearsofthelastdecadepostedto Indonesia.

Woodend residents unite

By Georgia Tacey

A group of Woodend residents have taken their concerns about a locally proposed development to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Residents living nearby the proposed 25 Ashbourne Road development have made submissions to VCAT after the applicant lodged an application directly with the tribunal because Macedon Ranges council had not responded to the proposal.

Woodend resident Karin Gilbert is one of 30 joint respondents to the objection lodged with VCAT, and said herself and the residents had a number of concerns

regarding the proposal.

“The flooding risk is very real and as I live along the easement to the rear of my property, where there are drains which take water flows before flowing into the retarding basin,” she said.

“Already these can be compromised by extreme weather events of which we have pictorial evidence of occasions where the basin has flooded, the road and pavements have been covered in flood water.

“Any further reliance on this as a method of managing stormwater from a new subdivision would threaten and compromise the safety of residents and property to a much greater extent.”

The proposed development according to council’s report is for a 26-lot subdivision, associated infrastructure and native vegetation removal.

A new internal road network is also proposed, including a connection to Ashbourne Road, a link to Sproule Place and the surrounding road network and local access roads.

A stormwater reserve is proposed in the north-west of the development to extend an existing basin.

“The flooding risk that exists currently would be exacerbated by the proposed development,” Ms Gilchrist said.

Ms Gilchrist said the residents’ con-

cerns were significant, including stormwater drainage and floodwater management, retention of native vegetation, maintaining neighbourhood character and amenity, as well as traffic management in the area.

“Traffic management is crucial in our area because of the narrow streets, the lack of footpaths in places and dirt roads,” she said.

“Any reliance on these roads for construction vehicle access is fraught with issues around safety for residents and property.”

Council voted to object to the development at VCAT at its 17 June meeting.

Navel association is anchored by its passionate members

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

The North West Metro Sub-Section of the Naval Association of Australia has undergone one of the most significant transformations in its history, evolving from a small inner-west Melbourne sailors’ club into a revitalised regional hub for veterans across western Victoria.

Its origins trace back to 1946, when the Footscray Sub-Section was formed in the immediate post-war period under the then Ex-Navalmen’s Association of Australia.

Early meetings were modest affairs, held in an upstairs room above shops in central Footscray. As membership grew through the late 1940s and 1950s, the group shifted between venues before establishing permanent purpose-built clubrooms in 1961 on Graham Street in West Footscary, on land provided by Maribyrnong council.

The Graham Street site became a cornerstone of naval camaraderie in Melbourne’s west for more than five decades.

Built through public donations and supported under the state government Patriotic Welfare Fund, the club operated from about 1961 until 2017.

During its peak, it played an important social and welfare role, regularly hosting visiting sailors and providing a temporary home base for naval personnel attached to the Williamstown Naval Dockyard.

“It was a very successful Naval club,” North West Metro Sub-Section president Dale Borthwick said.

From there, it continued to provide support for naval personnel who were accommodated at the Maribyrnong Immigration Centre whilst working at the dockyard.

However, privatisation saw the crews move out.

“Unfortunately, that activity stopped

after the dockyard was privatised and the crews no longer stayed with the ships in refit but were posted to other ships,” Mr Borthwick said.

Combined with an ageing membership base, the sub-section faced a steady decline.

Structural issues with the Graham Street building, exacerbated by land movement and prolonged drought conditions in the early 2000s, ultimately led to its condemnation by council inspectors.

In 2018, a move of the sub-section to the Footscary Park Bowls Club was facilitated by Maribyrnong council, breathing new life into the club.

However, scheduling constraints eventually created further instability for the club.

“The committee and members at the

Footsray Park Bowls Club welcomed us with open arms and made us very welcome,” Mr Borthwick said.

“But unfortunately, over time, the bowls club were holding more functions on a Sunday afternoon, which meant our meetings were cancelled more often than not.”

Over the ensuing years, the club grew even smaller, with members lost through age-related illnesses and most of the remaining members living west of Deer Park.

The sub-section faced times of uncertainty, with the risk of a club closure just over the horizon.

However new hope was found as several of the remaining members were also members of the Melton RSL Sub-branch as well as the Melton Vietnam Veterans Association

of Australia (VVAA).

“They suggested that the sub-section explore moving to Melton and meeting at the VVAA clubrooms,” Mr Borthwick said.

“Negotiations then commenced with the RSL and the VVAA and a successful outcome was achieved.”

The inaugural meeting at the VVAA clubrooms in Melton was held on 26 May, 2024.

Members voted to rename the group the North West Metro Sub-Section, reflecting both its new base and broader geographic reach, helping the club to achieve camaraderie and inclusivity.

Now firmly re-established, the sub-section is preparing to mark its 80th anniversary with a commemorative lunch at the Melton Country Club on 20 September.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

35 years ago 25 June, 1991

Central Highlands and Macedon Ranges residents will be squeezed by development pressures unless they maketheirviewsheardinSpringStreet, according to Newham/Woodend councillorPaulCutler.

20 years ago 27 June, 2006

Former Hume councillor Steve ‘Jack’ Medcraft has signalled he will appeal a decision which last week saw him lose his battle to depose Hume councillor anddeputymayorAnnPotter.

Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

15 years ago 21 June, 2011

Fourteen residents at a Sunbury care centre are facing an uncertain future. The lives of residents at Sunbury Gardens Supported Residential Serviceshavebeenthrownintoturmoil forthethirdtimeinayear.

Golden glow

The last of the autumn leaves are turning at The Nook in Sunbury as the winterchillarrives.

Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevskirecentlyspentabriskmorning creekside, and snapped a few pics of oneofSunbury’sfavouritenaturespots.

10 years ago 21 June, 2016

Drug offences and breaches of court ordershavedrivena30percenthikein Sunbury’scrimerate.

New opportunities

Sunbury’s new TAFE is helping locals gain new opportunities.

Renee Ridington recently completed Kangan Institute’s certificate IV in training and assessment at Kangan’s interim Sunbury home at the Hume Global Learning Centre while the new campus is being built.

After graduating as a qualified trainor, Ms Ridington is now working as a vocational education and training (VET) teacher at a secondary school, alongside her ongoing role as a registered nurse.

In the classroom, she supports students working towards a certificate III in allied health services, helping them build skills and confidence as they begin their pathway into healthcare.

Ms Ridington said several factors motivated her to enrol in the course.

“I originally chose it because it was something I thought about doing for a little while,” she said.

“It would improve my job opportunities as a nurse. For a registered nurse to be a nurse educator, we often need a qualification and it can be a significant pay rise.”

Ms Ridington said she could fully commit to the course knowing it was close to home in Sunbury and also listed as a free TAFE course. She said the course helped build her confidence and readiness to step into a teaching role.

“It’s only been 11 weeks; it’s a whole new learning experience for me but I’m feeling much more confident. I’ve got lots of different options,” she said.

Having lived in Sunbury for more than 20 years, Ms Ridington said having access to TAFE locally makes a real difference.

“It’s a perfect opportunity for people of all ages to access adult education,” she said.

“It’s positioned great, close to public transport. To be totally honest, when I did start researching to do the course, I was aware of the TAFE opening in Sunbury and I thought it might be a possibility to teach locally.”

Kangan Institute has been delivering interim training in Sunbury since 2024.

The new Sunbury Campus will span nearly 3000 square metres across 7 Evans Street and 2-4 O’Shanassy Street, opening in mid-2028.

The campus will support future training in areas such as hair and beauty, digital technologies, education support, vocational English and other priority programs, designed in partnership with schools and employers to meet local workforce needs.

GRUFFALO

PLUSH & BOOKS

Water supply changes

Greater Western Water (GWW) has temporarily switched the water supply from local sources to Melbourne’s supply system for select residents in the Macedon Ranges and Moorabool.

GWW said it is conducting essential maintenance at its water filtration plants in Rosslynne and Merrimu, with works scheduled to take six months to complete from 1 June.

Residents from Gisborne, Gisborne South, New Gisborne, Macedon, Mount Macedon and Riddells Creek will switch from the Rosslynne Reservoir onto Melbourne supplies.

Residents from Bacchus Marsh, Parwan, Darley, Maddingley and Merrimu will switch from the Merrimu Reservoir onto Melbourne supply.

During the switch, residents in these towns might notice a slight change in the taste or smell of tap water, which GWW said is normal.

GWW also said the water supply change also supports its local storages, which it said have been under pressure following extended dry conditions across much of Victoria since winter 2023.

While rainfall can boost storages, GWW said high demand from the growing population and warmer weather can quickly affect water levels, and connecting to Melbourne’s system helps maintain a reliable water supply throughout the year.

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

Night of hope

Following a devastating accident that left Sunbury local Briohny Kerr with life-changing injuries, the community is rallying to host a fundraising event. The cocktail evening will feature raffles, silent auctions, live auction, great food, and wonderful company, all while raising much-needed funds to support Briohny’s ongoing recovery and rehabilitation. Every dollar raised will go directly towards helping Briohny navigate the challenges ahead. The event will be held at Club Sunbury on Saturday 25 July 6-11pm. Tickets are $100 per person.

trybooking.com/DNBQV

Village Connect

Enjoy free coffee and cake while connecting with fellow Macedon Ranges residents 55 years old and older. Happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays at cafes across the municipality. mrsc.vic.gov.au/Live-Work/Older-People/ Village-Connect

Games Zone Sunbury

Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre each Wednesday, from 3.30-5.30pm. The free program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old, at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury. youth@hume.vic.gov.au

HarmoniX Vocal Company

The all-male singing group rehearses on Thursdays from 7-9.30pm, while the mixed choir meets on Tuesdays from 7-9.30pm. Both choirs rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required. harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

VIEW Club

Sunbury-Macedon Ranges VIEW Club is a friendly women’s organisation and a valued part of The Smith Family. It meets on the third Friday of each month at 11am at Club Sunbury, Riddell Road, Sunbury. New members warmly welcome. Lee-Anne, 0403 047 909

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 of every month at 7.30pm at its workshop on Circular Drive, Jackson’s Hill, Sunbury. Anita, 0417 402 795

Come have a chat Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. Chats every Tuesday, from 10.30-11.30am, at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon. Carol, 0431 186 575

Sunbury Over 55s Social Table Tennis

Every Wednesday from 1-3pm, in the Sunbury Recreation Stadium, Sunbury Recreation Reserve (Clarke Oval). No experience or booking necessary. Come, have a look and give it a try. Bruce, 0438 027 978

North West District Pipe Band

North Western District Pipe Band meets every week at the Diggers Rest Bowling Club. They’re looking for any pipers or drummers out there, retired or beginners, for social play outs. Hank, 0412 160 576

Sunbury Ladies’ Badminton Club

The club plays social and competition games every Thursday morning 9.30am-noon, excluding public and school

holidays at the Eric Boarman Stadium, Wilsons Lane, Sunbury. All skill levels welcomed. sunburylbc@gmail.com

Sunbury Art Society

Join the SAS group for all things arty. The group meets on Fridays and Saturdays at its new location at Artrise in Jacksons Hill from 10am-3pm. New members and beginners welcome. sunburyartsociety.com

Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury

Woodlands Ladies Probus Club is for retired and semi-retired ladies who are looking for new friends and social activities. The club meets on the fourth Monday every month at Club Sunbury, with guest speakers and lunch after. Jessie, 0458 190 254, or woodlandsladies.3429@gmail.com

Chamber Poets

The Chamber Poets Woodend meet every second Saturday of the month at the Woodend RSL. Featuring open readings, special guests and music. Donation $10 at the door. The next Chamber Poets Woodend will take place at the Woodend RSL on Saturday 13 June 1-3pm, with special guest poets, live music, open readings, bar and snacks. Donation $10 at the door.

facebook.com/groups/ChamberPoets/ about

Scottish Country Dancing Group

The Macedon Ranges Scottish Country Dancing Group meet every Thursday, 1-3pm, at Buffalo Stadium, Woodend. The 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. No partners needed, just a smile and sense of fun.

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

CWA Sunbury

CWA Sunbury meets second and fourth Mondays at St Mary’s Church, 7-19 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury. All women are welcome, and grandchildren welcome to.

Bev Goodman, 0402 988 954

With One Voice Sunbury

With One Voice 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.

The choir rehearses each Tuesday from 6.30pm at Goonawarra Neighbourhood

House, 8 Gullane Drive, Sunbury. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome.

sunbury@withonevoice.org.au

Neighbourhood garden

Become part of Sunbury’s Neighbourhood Garden and grow edible and useful plants in a social group at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. All skill sets are welcome. sunburyhouse.com.au, 9740 6978

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 while you shop and catch up with friends. Located at the picturesque Malmsbury Cricket Ground, Ellesmere Place, Malmsbury from 9am-1pm. Amy, 0423 726 695

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 at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. sunburyhouse.com.au, 9740 6978

Strange Garden will grow

Create your very own curvy cardboard creation for the Strange Garden in a new interactiveschoolholidayworkshop.

Artist Eliza-Jane Gilchrist will host a number of workshops over the winter schoolholidaysstartingfromWednesday1 July for children to add their own piece to theStrangeGarden.

With hands-on guidance, kids (and grown-ups) will build their own floral creations and add them to a growing cardboardgarden.

The garden begins with big, flowing cardboard flowers and slowly spreads through the room as each new creation

isadded.

Gilchrist, a sculptor, said she created the immersive exhibit and workshop around exploringherowngarden.

“The installation that I do with the children is they come in, and I have these sculptural forms that are large and they resemble plants or trees or flowers,” she said. “They have all kinds of holes and receptacles so that the children can make a smaller, strange plant and plant it in the garden.”

By the end of the workshop, kids and their parent helpers will have their own piece to add to the growing exhibition,

becomingpartoftheartwork.

“Because it’s a strange garden, it means theycan’tgowrong,”Gilchristsaid.

“It’s very abstract, just about following your curiosity, and finding shapes that you find interesting so it kind of makes a really beautifulinstallation.”

The workshops run for one hour, and are designedforchildrenagedsixandover.

The workshops will be held over various times from Wednesday 1 July until Friday 3July.

Bookings are essential, with each ticket acostof$5.

Details:https://tinyurl.com/2wrdbw2s

Rousay to bring soundscapes to Substation

Acclaimed Canadian-American sound artist Claire Rousay returns to Australia next month and will be stopping by The Substation in Newport as part of her nationaltour.

Now based in Los Angeles, Rousay is primarily known for composing highly emotive, whisper-quiet musical works that feature sound design elements like haptic soundandfieldrecordingsaugmentedwith strings, piano, electronic melodies and textures.

Her albums in this vein – on celebrated labels like Thrill Jockey and Shelter Press

– gained her notoriety in the international ambientandexperimentalcommunity.

However, throughout her career Rousay has remained stylistically mercurial, with hermorerecentworkincorporatinggeneric elements from rock, electronic, hyperpop, noise,folk,freejazz,andmore.

Rousay has performed at esteemed festivals and venues internationally including Unsound in Poland, Big Ears in the USA and both Rewire and Le Guess Who in the Netherlands. She’s installed or exhibited her work at ICA in London and the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney, while

also giving artist talks and workshops at renownedinstitutionsworldwide.

Joining Rousay at The Substation and on therestofhernationaltourwillbeAustralian artist and musician Lisa Lerkenfeldt who mixes classical instrumentation with endless piano and tape loop variations and multi-layeredarrangements.

Claire Rousay and Lisa Lerkenfeldt perform at The Substation in Newport from 7.30-10pmonSaturday18July.

Ticketsareonsalenow.Bookings:https:// thesubstation.org.au/program/clairerousay-and-lisa-lerkenfeldt-room40

A dark look into Santa’s world

The beloved Australian institution ChristmasinJulyisthefittingtimeto talk about some rumours regarding Santa Clause, Mrs Clause, the elves, what happened to Rudolph and with otherreindeerofthepack.

Wyndham Art Works’ strictly adult-only performance of The Eight: Reindeer Monologues will take you onabehindthescenestourofSanta’s workshop to get to the bottom of thoserumours.

Jeff Goode’s play premiered in 1994andhasbeenstagedworldwide. Wyndham Art Works will bring it to audiences in Melbourne at The MC Showroom, Prahran, from Wednesday8JulytoSaturday11July. Wyndham Art Works said the play is not your commonly nice and cosy Christmas story but a dark look into Santa’sworld.

“We aren’t really telling stories of an imaginary Santa, but of real people who sit in a place of power andusethatpowernotonlytosatisfy business purposes,” producer and directorWolfHeideckersaid.

“Santa Clause, representing the commercialised world of the ‘Christmas-Industry’,isontrial.

“The reindeer who spill the beans here are ... representing a segment of society, e.g. business functionaries, LGBTQI activists, feminists, or just self-protecting employees commenting from their individual point of view, perception, and judgment.”

Fanny Hanusin (Dasher), Darren Thao (Cupid), Kay Morton (Blitzen), Sharon Karina (Comet), Joanne Armstrong (Dancer), David Lih (Donner), Isabelle Wang (Vixen) and JoshinderKaurChaggar(Hollywood) willstaras‘TheEight’reindeers.

Lights, laughter, action as Moonlite Theatre stages interactive show

Find yourself a part of the performance at Moonlite Theatre’s interactive theatre show.

The community theatre initiative is inviting residents to step into the spotlight with a morning of improvisation, radio play readings, and interactive theatre fun comingtoBacchusMarshnextmonth.

BaccChat Interactive Theatre is set to be held at the Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh on Saturday 4 July between 10am and noon, offering a welcoming space for peopletoexploreperformanceinarelaxed socialsetting.

Theeventencouragesaudiencemembers to become part of the action through

a range of interactive improvisation activities and opportunities to read and performradioplays.

Organisers say the program is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of theirexperience.

No theatre experience required is a key focusoftheevent,withparticipantsinvited to simply come along, have a laugh, and takeadvantageofthecreativeatmosphere.

The morning aims to bring people together through storytelling, performance, and collaboration, while alsoprovidinganopportunitytomeetnew peopleandbuildcommunityconnections.

Alongside the theatre activities,

attendees will be able to enjoy a complimentarymorningtea.

The event works to promote the idea that everyone has a story to tell, encouraging residents and avid thespians to discover the joy of interactive theatre in a friendly, fun,andsupportiveenvironment.

Whether you are an aspiring performer, a fan of radio dramas, or simply looking forauniquecommunityactivity,BaccChat Interactive Theatre promises an engaging andentertainingexperience.

People of all ages and backgrounds are invited to come along and join in on the fun and experience the excitement of live, interactivestorytelling.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which New York Knicks player won the 2026 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award?

2. And which team did he beat to achieve that award?

3. Which Australian player scored in the 27th minute against Türkiye at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

4. And which Australian player scored in the 75th minute against Türkiye at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Who replaced Socceroos captain Matthew Ryan as goalkeeper in their opening game against Türkiye?

What is the first name of London-born New York Knick ‘OG’ Anunoby?

Which 2026 ABC television series features the fictional Great Southern Football Club?

The NBA Championship trophy is named after which former commissioner of the NBA?

What are the respective names of the 2026 FIFA World Cup moose, jaguar and bald eagle mascots?

10. Who is the head coach of the Australian men’s cricket team?

11. What is the oldest sport on the Olympic Winter Games programme?

12. What is the white target ball called in the game of bowls?

13. The Tour Down Under is held annually in which state?

14. What is the highest individual award in Australia netball?

15. True or false: lacrosse will be contested at the 2028 Olympics?

16. Which country won the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930?

17. When was the last time a host nation went on to win the FIFA World Cup?

18. True or false: no country has won multiple FIFA World Cups this century?

19. Which two teams made the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final?

20. Which team was forced to alter their jerseys before their 2026 FIFA World Cup match versus Scotland?

21. The first Formula One Grand Prix held in Australia was in what year?

22. Sophie and Abbie McKay were drafted to which AFLW club under the father-daughter rule?

23. Who is the current female world surfing champion?

24. The NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award is named after which former Boston Celtic?

25. Tom Mitchell won the Brownlow in which year?

26. Which sport features in the film The Benchwarmers?

27. In 2024, which Indiana Pacers NBA player featured on an episode of WWE Smackdown?

28. Which sport is governed by the ISU?

29. In which year did the Carolina Hurricanes last win a Stanley Cup?

30. And which team did they beat?

1 Dessert made with milk and eggs (7)

Large printed pictures (7)

Short pistol (9)

System of principles (5)

Confirming (8)

Playing cards (6)

Brand of car, Mercedes – (4)

US state (4)

Governing body (6)

Compelling charm (8)

Hindu deity (6)

Establish by law (5)

Completely (7)

Most rapid (8)

17 Clouded eye lens (8)

18 Featuring as a principal performer (8)

21 Female organ of a flower (6)

22 Economy (6)

23 Large piece of artillery (6)

26 Truth (4)

3

5

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of 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 ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

17 words: Good 25 words: Very good 34 words: Excellent

C A D E L I

Which Russian novelist wrote Crime and Punishment? 2 Which country is Borat, played by Sacha Baron Cohen (pictured), from? 3 Which basketball team holds the most NBA championship titles?

4 What type of machine would require a bobbin? 5 Where in Northern Ireland can you find the majority of the peace lines?

Casablanca is the largest city in which country?

7 How many petals does a pansy have?

8 In the nursery rhyme Jack Be Nimble, what must Jack jump over?

9 What is the standard measurement of gravity on Earth’s surface?

10 Which band released Don’t Dream It’s Over in 1986?

RATINGS

Looks: 7.5

Performance: 7.5

Safety: 5

Thirst: 7.5

Practicality: 7

Comfort: 7

Tech: 7.5

Value: 7

Overall: 7

Alfa Romeo’s face of fun

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Alfa Romeo Junior is a replacement for the previousMitoandGiuliettahatches.

And while the small crossover adds an interesting dimension to Alfa’s growing SUVlineup,theycankeepthename.

Initially called Milano, parent company Stellantis opted to change the name after the Italian government objected. It argued that it was illegal to sell ’Italian-sounding’ products that were not produced in Italy and sure enough Junior is built in Tychy, Poland.

Don’t know how they came up with Junior, but it just sounds so American and at the moment that’s probably not a good thinginthecurrentpoliticalclimate.

AreplacementforMitoandGiulietta,the crossoverisavailableinhybrid(Ibrida)and fully electric (Electtrica) form and shares a platformwiththeFiat600andJeepAvenger, aswellasthePeugeot2008.

Styling Junior comes in two flavours: hybrid Ibrida and fully-electric Electtrica, priced from $45,900 and $57,900 respectively – plus on-roadcosts.

All colours except white add $1990, with theonlyoptionasunroofat$1990.

From the stitching on the seats to the placement of controls, every detail reflects Alfa’s dedication to creating a vehicle that isnotonlybeautiful,butalsoajoytodrive.

Standard features include 18-inch alloys, two-tone paint, gloss black body kit, ‘Spiga’ seats trimmed in a combination of cloth and artificial leather with red finishes, single-zone climate air (no rear vents), heatedfrontseats,withmassageandpower adjustment for the driver, leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals and door sills pluseight-colourambientinteriorlighting.

Other features include LED matrix headlights, LED tail lights, active park assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic signrecognition,autohighbeam,autolights and wipers, frame-less auto-dimming rear view mirror, front, side and rear parking sensors,plusahands-freepowertailgate.

The Alfa Romeo Junior is backed by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, withfive-yearroadsideassistance.

Infotainment Infotainment consists of a 10.25-inch inset touchscreen, with another 10.25-inch screen for the stylised ‘cannocchiale’ instrumentcluster.

There’s also Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB + digital radio, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker sound.

Thoughnotbranded,thelatterisactually quitegood.

A wireless charge pad carries the ‘Biscione’ logo, with front USB-A and -C portsandanotherrearUSB-CportplusAlfa ConnectedServices.

Safety

Junior has not been rated for crash safety yetbytheANCAPorganisation.However,it offersanarrayofdrivingassistancefeatures, includingsixairbags,automaticemergency brakingandLevel2autonomousdriving.

Autonomous Emergency Brake Control with Vulnerable Road User Detection (pedestrianandcyclistdetection).

There’s also blind-spot monitoring, intelligent speed control with traffic sign recognition, drowsy driver alert, lane keepingassist,trafficjamassist,360-degree parking sensors with active park assist and 180-degreerearcamera.

We’ll update our safety rating after the carhasbeentested.

Engines/transmissions

The self-charging mild hybrid features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Miller cycle engine with variable-geometry turbo and distributionchainformaximumreliability, together with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and21kWelectricmotor.

Producing107kWofpowerand230Nmof torque, drive is to the front wheels through asix-speeddual-clutchgearbox.

Driving

At a compact 4.17m in length, it includes severallinkstoAlfaRomeoheritage.

An updated version of the triangular grille is accentuated by a black grille with Alfa Romeo signature in acrylic, paying homagetotheAlfaRomeosportscarsofthe 1920sand1930s.

The protruding front number plate mount attracts plenty of comment and is obviously an add-on for countries like ours thatrequireafrontplatetobedisplayed.

Insidethedriver-centricdesigndeliversa uniqueandsportydrivingexperience.

However, there’s plenty of cheap plastic to be found in the cabin if you go looking and the cupholders in the doors will not accommodatesportsbottles,butthecentre console with sliding lid hides a surprising amountofstorage.

There are no door pockets at all in the

back, rear legroom is severely limited depending on placement of the front seats and the cheap plastic hinge used for the parcel shelf over the luggage pulled free, suggestingalimitedservicelife.

We also cut the back of our hand on the driver seat mount while trying to remove thefrontmatfromthefootwell.

The 10.25-inch instrument cluster and its historical cannocchiale (telescope) design addstothedramaofthedriveexperience.

But we found it difficult to find a happy balance between front legroom and distance to the steering wheel – it’s one of theother.

Insetinthedashboardandtiltedtowards the driver, a slick 10.25-inch infotainment display can be customised via quick and easydraganddrop,butwasdifficulttoback outofsomemenus.

The team that worked on the ride and handling was the same as the one that developedtheGiuliaGTA.

Thetargetwasbest-in-classroadholding, with direct steering calibrated to be extremelyprecise,toenhanceroadholding.

How’dtheydo?

Evaluating the performance of a car without first checking out the specs is an interesting proposition, a bit like tasting winesblindfolded.

Without knowing what’s lurking under the bonnet, you tend to avoid bias and expectationsofanykind.

For instance, if you know it’s a V8, you tendtoexpectbigthings.

On the other hand, a small three-pot is liabletobegreetedwithderisionbyadriver, resigned to the fact the drive experience isn’tgoingtobemuchfun.

As it turned out the Ibrida happens to be plenty fun, despite its diminutive 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine – or 1200cc in motorcyclespeak.

Helpingtoturnthingsaroundisavariable turbochargerplusfurtherassistancefroma batteryandsmallelectricmotor.

The dash from 0-100km/h takes some 8.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 206km/h – around the same figures as our first generationSwiftGTI(ittoowasfun).

It’s also one-tenth quicker than the Electtricaversion.

With a 44-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 4.1L/100km (WLTP) and it takes 95premiumunleaded.

Under hard acceleration the raspy note from the petrol engine quickly confirms its three-cylinderstatus.

While powering into our first corner

underbrakeswasalsoenlightening. They’ve taken the time to set it up right because the Junior is clearly no run of the millshoppingtrolley.

At the same time compact dimensions and basic torsion beam rear suspension seethecarbecomeunsettledonsecondary roads, with some skipping evident in corners.

In stark contrast Ibrida offers a smooth driving experience around town, with the option of pure electric mode if required.

This is possible not only during parking manoeuvres or at low speeds in urban areas, but also out of town with a limited loadathighwayspeeds.

The electric motor provides additional power when needed and regenerates energyduringbrakingphases.

As with most twin-clutch transmissions, it occasionally becomes confused, especiallyinstop-and-gocitytraffic.

DNA drive mode provides Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency options with specific steering and accelerator calibrationfordifferentscenarios–inother wordsSport,NormalandEco.

Advanced Efficiency is calibrated for maximum energy efficiency by reducing consumption without affecting driving pleasure, but unfortunately the system defaultstoNatural.

We were getting 5.5L/100km after just over 670km of mixed driving at an average 62km/h, including a return trip down the coast – highway driving does not generally favourhybrids.

Interestingly, however, the long-term average at a much slower 39km/h was 6.7L/100km, even though it must have includedmorecitydriving.

Luggage space is a generous 415 litres withbothseatbacksraised.

Atyrerepairkitisstandard.

Summing up

Much better than Mito, the Junior is a little trier.

It goes hard, doesn’t use much fuel and is relatively cheap to buy. As such it is likely to hip, young up and coming professionals with money on their hands and an apartmentinthecity.

Old folks could well find the Junior an appealing runaround too and for all the samereasons–shameaboutthename.

You’d think ’Minore’ or ’Giovane’ which basically mean the same thing might have beenabetteroption.Si?

Neethling will run for gold at under-20 world gathering

By Tara Murray

FromthedirtroadsofGisbornetoAmerica, there’s been plenty of kilometres in the legs for Jonathan Neethling

The teenager, who started his athletics career at Gisborne Little Athletics, will get his chance to shine on the world stage having been named in the Australian under-20 World Championships team.

Neethling will compete in the 3000 metre steeplechase.

“It’spretty exciting,” hesaid.“Forthelast four years, that’s what I wanted to do.

“It was a big sense of relief, an accomplishment.”

Neethling said he felt pretty confident of making the team after claiming the under-20 3000 metres steeplechase national title earlier this year.

He said usually the person who wins the national title will make the team, if they have a qualifying time.

Itwillbethefirsttimethatheistravelling overseas for his athletics career.

“First off, I want to make the final and

when I’m in the final, I can worry about medalling.”

Neethling has been running since he was 10.

He said his parents had never been able to keep him still which was part of the reason he got involved in athletics.

It was also something that kept him busy in the summer, with his winters filled with playing rugby league.

It turned into a passion during Covid-19 and he moved into junior competition with AthleticsEssendonwherehefoundhistrue calling, steeplechase.

“I saw it from a young age and I liked the look of it. I just wanted to do something fun and eventually got into it,” he said.

“I figured out I’m alright at it, so I started racing it and here we are.”

Neethling really broke onto the national stage earlier this year.

On a scorching summer’s day, he ran an 8:51 in the 3000 metre steeplechase, a time

Justice keen to play

By Tara Murray

Calder Cannons’ Blake Justice is keen to let his footy do the talking after a frustrating year so far.

Injuries meant that Justice has spent the majority of the year on the sidelines, only making his season debut against the Western Jets on 12 June.

Justice said it was just nice to get out and play football.

“It was so good,” he said. “It has been so frustrating.

“I was just happy to get through it all, really grateful to be out there again.

“It’s been a long road, just really happy that I’m back. Definitely not my best game, but hopefully it just goes up from there.”

Justicehurthishamstringintheleadupto round one, and ended up missing 13 weeks having had a quad injury earlier in the year. He said rehab took longer than he would have liked.

Now he is focused on putting his best foot forward.

“Justbebackoutthere,showmystrengths off and show what I’m really good at,” he said. “Just continue to build that match fitnessandshowrecruiterswhatI’vegotand just to keep playing and keep building.”

While Justice has been on the sidelines, AFLrecruitershavestillhadhimintheback of their minds.

Hesaidknowingthathehadputinagood 12-18 months previously had helped with the disappointment of not playing.

“Justlikeevenmaking[Vic]Metrowithout even playing this year has really motivated me,” he said.

“Knowing that my name is still out there and people are watching me drives me to become better and just show them what I have and how I can improve from last year.

“I can’t wait to come into the back half of the season and show what I really do.”

Justice said he had a few nervous moments about whether he would still make the Vic Metro squad for the national championships knowing that he hadn’t played a game this year.

He spent a few minutes refreshing his email waiting for the teams to be announced.

Justicesaidhewasunsureifhewouldplay every game as he has only just returned, but was doing everything he could to play as many games as possible.

“We looked at the time frame and we always thought that I could still play it [the national championships],” he said.

“IwasjustsohappythatImadeit.Itdrove mesomuchfurtherwithmymotivationand my hard work.

Blake Justice. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 471376_13

“Training with them is such a privilege and hopefully I get a few games under my belt.”

The Greenvale player said he just wanted to seize the opportunity and show what he could do.

Football has always been the dream for Justiceandhesaiditwouldmeaneverything to him and his family if he could be drafted.

Justice has already had a taste of AFL life, as next generation academy player linked with Essendon. His mum was born in Indonesia, which gives him NGA status.

He said Essendon player and former

Calder Cannon Hussien El Achkar, who was in the same situation 12 months ago, had been a big help.

“It has been so good already and really motivatesmetobewithanAFLclub,having that exposure at the start of the year.

“The boys really got around me and I really loved my time there, Even now I’m still there every week, they really help me and supported me during my rehab too,

“I’m really grateful to have Essendon here for me.”

The Vic Metro’s national championships got underway on the weekend.

that placed him in the all-time top five for Australian under-20 athletes.

As it wasn’t an official selection event, he had to back it up.

“I traveled to the Adelaide Invitational, proved it wasn’t a fluke by running sub-9 minutes again, and officially locked in my qualifying time,” he said.

“That left just one final hurdle, the national championships.

“The rule was simple - finish in the top two,orthedreamends.Ididn’tjustwantto place; I wanted to win.”

After the world championships, Neethling said he was keen to try the American College route and was speaking to a few colleges now.

He’s hoping it’s just the start of his career and wants to take the sport as far as he can.

With the trip to America costing $5000, Neethling has set up fundraising page to help fund his trip.

Todonate: https://tinyurl.com/3nza67ez

William Peters stars for RDFL

Sunbury Lions’ William Peters was among the stars at the recent AFL Vic Metro development series held earlier this month.

Representing the Riddell District Football League, Peters was named in the best for every game he played in during the series in the under-15 competition.

Only eight players in the entire Victorian competition demonstrated that level of consistency throughout the tournament.

“I was lucky in that my coach played me in a few different positions which allowed me to show that I can run and run, deliver the ball nicely off half-back and also take the game on,” Peters said.

“I demonstrated that I’m skilled as a half-back, a midfielder and also further up the ground when needed.”

Peters puts down his success so far to hard work, determination and commitment to developing his craft.

There’s early morning training sessions and he is training whether there’s rain, hail or shine across various grounds across Sunbury every opportunity he gets.

“It would be a dream come true if I do make it to the big league,” Peters said of his dreams.

“In the short term, I’m hoping I get an invite to play in the Talent League next year.”

While still able to play in the under-15s, Peters, who is in year 10 and also plays ice hockey, is the youngest player in the Sunbury Lions under-18 squad in the Ballarat Football League.

“I’ve also chosen to surround myself with great coaching staff and the best players from the Sunbury Lions’ senior football team,” he said.

“Whilst that can sometimes be a little daunting to a young guy, I’ve embraced the challenges.

“I’ve learnt so much from this group and have had the opportunity to play in the Ballarat Football Netball League in under 18.5s.”

Bombers win in the wet

By Tara Murray

Riddell further cemented its spot in the top six with a wet weather win against Kyneton in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.

The weather wasn’t great, but the contest was fierce as the Bombers kicked away after half time.

The margin was just eight points in the favour of the Bombers at half time.

After the break the Bombers were able to kick five goals to one as they won, 10.6 (66)-4.14 (38).

The Tigers kicked 1.6 in the second half as they didn’t make the most of their opportunities.

Matthew Darby, Jack Hammerling and Haydn Ross kicked two goals each for the

Bryce Williamson and Matthew Panuccio were named the Bombers best.

For the Tigers, it was all single goalkickers with Ethan Raynor and Isaac Barassi named their best.

The Bombers sit third on the ladder with seven wins, while Kyneton is in sixth spot, two games clear of Melton Centrals.

In other matches, Macedon got the job done against Woodend-Hesket.

After holding a two point lead at quarter time, the Cats extended it to 16 points at the main break and 29 points at three quarter time.

Three goals to two in the final quarter capped off the 12.18 (90)-8.5 (53) win for the Cats.

Leigh Brennan kicked four goals for the Cats, while Lincoln Koliba kicked three.

Blake Watson and Thomas Rutledge were name the Cats best.

Jack Roberts and Matthew Doody were named the Hawks best.

Macedon sits fourth on the ladder with six wins, while the Hawks are in eighth with two wins.

It was big wins everywhere else.

Diggers Rest had no issues accounting for Romsey, winning 22.16 (148)-10.7 (67).

Callum Moore kicked seven for the Burras and was named among the best with Jarryd Bonello and Brandon Lester.

Nathan Blair was named the Redbacks best.

Wallan was too strong Lancefield in the battle between top and bottom, setting up

Warriors fight to the end to overcome Stars

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors produced one of their performances of the Victorian Netball League season to upset the Gippsland Stars on Wednesday night.

Having played in a number of close matches, the Warriors again had to fight right to the end to get the win on the board.

Not much separated the two teams throughout the match, with the Warriors leading by one goal at the final break.

The Warriors saved their best for last, with a 19-15 final quarter, sealing the 6762 win.

Warriors’ coach Kim Bailey was relieved to have finally got a result like that.

“It’s really pleasing,” she said. “They were really good from the get go.

“We had a couple of little lapses, but I think once we changed… to have a front line of Ruby Shannon, Mia Lavis, Kim Borger and Ellie Bird, the speed on the ball was the game changer for us.

“Seeing that was really pleasing.”

With Shannon and Lavis no longer on restrictions, the Warriors were able to play the pair for the whole game making a massive difference.

Shannon starred in centre, while Lavis started in goal attack before moving into wing attack in the second half.

Borger, who played for the Melbourne Vixens in a second straight game on the weekend, came on just before half time in goal attack and things changed for the side.

Bailey said in the first half they held onto the ball a little bit long but their strength is winning the game by speed.

“That’s our super power,” she said. “When we hesitate, that gives the defenders the opportunity to come and set up on us.

“We didn’t give them the chance to do that in the second half.”

Bird finished with 51 goals from as many attempts. Bailey said they passed the ball really well to her and it was a shame as there’s only four games to go as that connection will grow.

Bailey said Jasmine Fraser came on in goalkeeper after quarter time, did the job they needed her to against Sam Silvester.

She said she took ballside front and was able to win ball.

“That was a bit of pressure too,” Bailey said. “We made a concerted effort to apply pressure around the circle, give our defence an opportunity to go and hunt.”

The Warriors were without Poppy Douglass through illness, while Kiara Boyd might not be back due to football commitments.

The win was the Warriors fourth win of the season. They remain 11th on the ladder, two games outside the top six.

Bailey said they know it would be diffi-

cult to make finals, but they want to make an impact in the last few rounds.

She said it was so nice to be on the other side of a close result.

The Warriors 23 and under side had a

the win with a 59-1 first quarter.

The Magpies were able to keep the momentum going after quarter time as they won, 23.13 (151)-6.5 (41).

Lachie Smart kicked seven goals in a best on ground performance.

Hunter Jenkins kicked three goals for the Tigers, with Walter King and Jordan Watkins named their best.

Elsewhere, Melton South further cemented its spot in the top six with victory against the Gisborne Giants.

The Panthers were able to blow the game open after half time with 12 goals to four, winning 17.9 (111)-8.9 (57).

Blake Souter was the Panthers best, while Matt Quigley was a standout for the Giants.

Gisborne had a day out on the road against Kangaroo Flat in the Bendigo Football League on Saturday. The Bulldogs jumped out of the blocks and led by 32 points at quarter time, with the margin extended to 70 points at half time. The Kangaroos finally got their first goal of the game in the third quarter, but the Bulldogs kicked 11 of their own to push the margin beyond 100. The Bulldogs finished off strongly, winning 31.17 (203)-2.9 (21). Pat McKenna kicked 10 goals for the Bulldogs and was named their best along with Brad Bernacki. After nine rounds, Gisborne sits second on the ladder.

GDCA

Sam McCaskill is returning to Gisborne fortheGisborneandDistrictCricketAssociation McIntyre Cup season. A former Victorian under-17 and under-19 representative, McCaskill has most recently been playing Victorian Premier Cricket with Footscray “A Gisborne premiership player, Sam comes from a family with a proud history at the club, making this homecoming even more special for the McCaskill family and the wider Dragons community,” the Dragons said on social media. “On the field, Sam brings genuine all-round quality. His dangerous seam bowling is sure to causeheadachesforoppositionbatters, while his powerful middle-order batting gives him the ability to change the course of a game in a matter of overs.”

CVFL

Three Wedge-Tailed Eagles have been named in the Central Victoria Football League interleague squad. Teagan Ainslie, Jorja Bennett and Aisha Mansfield have been named in the squad, while Brooke Cowan and Demi Henderson have been named emergences. CVFL will face the Ballarat Football League on 4 July.

RDNL

Macedon caused an upset as it defeated Woodend-Hesket in the Riddell District Netball League on Saturday. TheCatsclaimedthewin35-26tokeep pressure on the top six. Gisborne Giants, Riddell, Wallan and Romsey were the other winners on Saturday.

big win to sit seventh on the ladder, only percentage outside the top six.

The Warriors next match is on 28 June against the Melbourne University Lightning in Ballarat.

Kangaroos back on track

By Tara Murray

The Sunbury Kangaroos are finally back on the winners list in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.

The Kangaroos produced their best performance in a number of weeks on Saturday to account for Roxburgh Park for a second time this season.

The Kangaroos had to come from behind in the final quarter, trailing by eight points at the last break.

They were able to kick six goals to none in the final to come away with a 13.5 (83)-7.12 (54) win.

Kangaroos’ co-coach Dean Young said it was nice to have a performance like that.

“Effort was the main difference,” he said. “I think we’ve turned a corner.

“The more simple we’ve made it, the better the blokes have played.

“Ross’ [Terranova] boys were a bit ahead, but in the first five minutes of the last quarter we were back in front and we were pretty confident we had them covered.

“It was a full team effort.”

Tie Cuffe and Rhys Magin, who both came back into the side the past couple of weeks, kicked three goals each, as did youngster Rhylee Lofts.

Young said there were so many names that they could have put in the best players.

He highlighted under-18 player Joshua Smerdon and his performance in the ruck, saying he showed plenty of character after being challenged.

Mitch Kook and Tyler Baba were another two of the standouts according to Young.

Young said they hoped that the win would give them plenty of confidence for the back part of the season.

He said there had been plenty of challenges for the side with injuries this year, and the injury list they’ve had is one of the biggest he had seen in his time in football.

Jakeb Coles, Jayden Eales and captain Stephen Treweek all missed Saturday’s win.

Sunbury Lions are building for the future

By Tara Murray

The Sunbury Lions are looking at the bigger picture in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 competition.

The Lions have just two wins for the season after the division 1 and 2 competitions combined and found the going tough at times.

While the results aren’t there just yet, coach Jaimee-lee Wilson said it wasn’t just about this season.

“Results-wise, it’s been a challenging season, but when you look at the bigger picture, we’re actually pretty happy with where we’re at,” she said.

“We’re essentially a brand-new group. We’ve brought in around five players who had never played football before, we’ve had about five juniors come straight from under-16s into senior football, and we’ve mixed that with a handful of experienced players.

“Naturally, that takes time to gel. While the win-loss record might not show everything, the effort, commitment and development we’ve seen each week has been really encouraging.”

Wilson said the biggest positive for the season so far had been the attitude of the

playing group.

She said no matter the result, the girls keep turning up, keep training and keep giving 100 per cent.

“They’re eager to learn, eager to improve and eager to play,” she said.

“The scoreboard hasn’t always reflected the intensity and effort they’ve put in, but as coaches we’ve seen significant growth in the way they compete.

“Most importantly, they’re enjoying their football while still understanding the importance of hard work and improvement.”

Wilson said the younger players, who had stepped up this season had really embraced the challenge.

She said their confidence had grown each game.

“They’re asking questions, learning from the experienced players around them and improving every game. The future looks really bright if they continue on the path they’re currently on.”

At the other end, the Lions are fielding a women’s masters side for the first time.

There’s about four or five players who are playing across both sides.

“One of the real benefits has been having Masters and senior players training togeth-

Shawn Bowden has only just returned, while Magin’s inclusion the last two weeks has been massive.

Young said while having players out was tough, it gave them a good look at the next generation.

“There’s so many young boys,” he said. “The boys are making it hard for the others to get back in.”

The Kangaroos sit seventh on the ladder, two games outside the top four.

“We’ve been close in a few games and not got over the line,” he said.

“We’ve got Northern Saints this week and they are another side that is always hard to play against.

“We’re just taking it one week at a time.”

Elsewhere, East Sunbury lost to Hadfield, 19.8 (122)-11.6 (72).

Lions fall to Devils

The Sunbury Lions again weren’t able to get the job done against their nemesis, Darley, in the Ballarat Football League.

The Devils are the only team the Lions haven’t beaten in the past two seasons and the reigning premiers came home hard in the clash between the two sides on Saturday.

The Lions led at each of the breaks at Clarke Oval, but the margin reduced from 13 points at quarter time to just one point at the final break.

er,” Wilson said.

“The experience and knowledge that the Masters players bring has been invaluable for our younger footballers, and hopefully that continues to help us develop throughout the second half of the season.”

The Lions are searching for growth and consistency in the back part of the season and hope that the results will start to come.

Wilson was thrilled with the side’s performance against the Sunbury Kangaroos, which resulted in their second win, earlier this month showed they were heading in the right direction.

“The conditions were absolutely horrendous, but the girls embraced it,” Wilson said.

“In fact, by the end of the game they were saying they wanted to keep playing in the rain.

“That’s the sort of attitude they’ve had all year.

“If the footy gods decide to give us more rain and it brings the same effort and result, then we’ll happily take it. I might not enjoy standing there getting drenched under an umbrella, but if it means more wins for the Lions, then it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”

On Saturday, the Lions lost to Gisborne, 6.7 (43)-0.1 (1).

The Devils kicked four goals to one in the final quarter to claim a 16.6 (102)-13.6 (84) win.

Jake Sutton, in his second game for the season, and Nathan Doyle kicked three goals each for the Lions.

Sutton, Tyson Lever and Mitch Mclean were named the Lions best.

The loss sees the Lions slip outside the top six, now percentage behind sixth placed Melton.

In the A-grade netball, Darley also accounted for the Lions. Last season’s two grand finalists, the Devils showed why they are again one of the teams to beat with a 72-44 win.

Caitlin Hill shot 34 goals for the Lions, while Charlize Bellette and Chelsea Amor, shot five goals each.

Lani Fauonuku was missing for the Lions.

The Lions now sit fourth on the ladder with six wins, a draw and three losses. The Lions are on the road against Lake Wendouree this Saturday.

In the football, the Lakers are yet to win a match, while in the netball they sit third on the ladder.

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