Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 30th June 2026

Students serve up a hit

Salesian College Sunbury will showcase the creativity, talent and collaboration of its students in the 2026 school production, Love, Lycra and Lattes.

Written by director and playwright Isabella Loubey, the fast-paced comedy is inspired by Commedia dell’Arte. Set in the lively Café Ciao, the production follows a cast of romantics, rivals and schemers as they navigate tangled relationships, fierce competition and ambitious plans, all against the backdrop of a cycling race and a café fighting for its future.

More than 80 students have contributed to the production, taking on roles across acting, directing, choreography, music, costume design, set construction, lighting, and more.

Ms Loubey praised all the Salesian College students involved.

“What audiences will see on stage is the result of months of dedication, creativity and teamwork,” she said.

The production will be shown over two days with three performances on 7-8 August at the Salesian College Sunbury Theatre.

Planted, pinched

By Georgia Tacey

Friends of the Kyneton Botanic Gardens are pleading for plant thieves to stop after thousands of dollars worth of plants have beenstolenfromthegardens.

Vice-president of the volunteer group, Margot McDonald, said the thefts have occurredovertherecentmonths,andwith the entrance areas around Clowes Street hardesthit.

“A couple of times we’ve planted them during one day, come back the next and they’ve just pulled them all up, it’s so brazen,”shesaid.

Ms McDonald said specific plants have beentargeted,includingredfoliageplants.

“Theycomeintheeveningorinthedark, andofcoursenobody’sinthegardensthen, sonoonecanseethem,”shesaid.

“The two areas they’re coming in is Clowes Street, and if you look where the entrances are along there, there are no houseswithwindowsoverlookingthem,so evenifpeopleareathomethey’renotgoing tobeseen.

“Sotheyreallyjustparkandloadupwhat theywant.”

Ms McDonald said she had reported the incidentstopolicetwice.

“The first time they just said they’ll do more patrols, which they may have done, but the second time I went and I actually madeaformalreport,”shesaid.

Signs have now been installed in the gardens to deter thefts and encourage the community to remain vigilant, and Ms McDonald said the friends group even installedfencingoveranewlyplantedarea inabidtodetertheft.

“Weestimatewe’reprobablyhadaround $2000 worth of plants [stolen] so far,” she said.

“We’re volunteers, we help the garden staff there and there’s only really two people that are on staff to manage the wholegarden.

“If this keeps happening, our volunteers will just give up, they’ll say what is the point?”

The friends group have also been in

contact with Macedon Ranges council to askforsupport.

Mayor Kate Kendall confirmed that council has purchased cameras that will be installed at the entry-exit points in the Clowes Street vicinity on a trial basis to deterthethieves.

“I have witnessed the care, detail and time the volunteers put into the gardens –pleaserespecttheirwork,”shesaid.

“Respect our community places. Please dobetter.Stop.”

Ms McDonald had a similar message for thethieves.

“Stop it. Stop it and enjoy the gardens, they’rethereforeveryone,”shesaid. Policewerecontactedforcomment.

Data centre concerns grow

Data centres are popping up across Melbourne’s north-west. The facilities which house computer infrastructure, such as servers and storage systems, power everything we do online. But they also use a lot of power and water. This has concerned communities across the north-west, with groups forming to oppose the construction of data centres in their suburb. Residents have also raised concerns about noise, air quality and the loss of green wedge land. Star Weekly took a closer look at the growing opposition to data centres across Melbourne’s north-west.

Data centre petition popular in Plumpton

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

In Plumpton, residents are petitioning against the largest data centre ever publicly proposed in Australia.

As reported by Star Weekly, a 350-hectare mega-hub is planned for development by Syncline Energy and is reportedly intended for assembly across land in Plumpton’s green wedge zone.

The precinct would feature two data centres on a state-backed Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub battery storage facility where five major transmission lines intersect and is expected to be nearly as big as 175 MCG playing fields.

The project is also expected to exceed the total generation capacity of Victoria’s Loy Yang A coal-fired power plant at a whopping 2.4 gigawatts.

Dubbed the Victorian AI Hub, the mega-hubisthesubjectofapetitiontothe Victorian Legislative Council calling for clearer transparency around the project.

Sponsored by Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank, the petition had been signed by close to 1800 people as of 26 June.

Molly Walker, who started the petition, said the proposed site is the wrong spot for a project of its size.

Ms Walker is a former West Footscray resident –the home of a Next DC data centre.

“Whatinitiallycaughtmyattentionwas the sheer scale of the proposal. At around 350 hectares, we’re not talking about a small industrial development,” she said.

The petition calls on the state governmenttoensuretheenvironmental, cultural, social, and infrastructure implications of the Victorian AI Hub are fully assessed and publicly considered, including cumulative impacts alongside existing and proposed data centre and energy infrastructure developments across Melbourne’s west.

Since launching the petition, Ms Walkersaidshehadheardfromresidents, conservation groups, planners and politicians concerned about potential impactsonbiodiversity,culturalheritage,

water consumption, electricity demand, infrastructure and noise.

While she acknowledged technological developments could provide benefits, Ms Walker said projects of this scale should be assessed transparently and on the evidence.

“Whether people support or oppose the proposal, I think most Victorians would agree that projects of this scale should be carefullyassessedandopenlydiscussed,” she said.

Developers Syncline Energy was contacted for comment.

Ettershank’s take

Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank has thrown his support behind a parliamentary petition calling for greater scrutiny and transparency of proposed large-scale data centres in Melbourne’swestandnorth-west.

Mr Ettershank has sponsored a petition seeking a comprehensive assessment of the environmental, cultural, social, and infrastructure impacts of the proposed developments, including the planned artificialintelligencehubatPlumpton.

“Our communities have every right to ask questions about the impact these data centres could have on their local environment,”hesaid.

“The proposed AI hub in Plumpton –which is reported to be the same size as 175MCGplayingfields-isthelargestdata centre project ever proposed in Australia. Thistypeofdevelopmentmeritsquestions but instead of answers the government hasessentiallytoldconcernedresidentsto ‘trusttheprocess’.”

He questioned whether Victoria’s existingplanningframeworkwascapable of properly assessing developments of such scale, pointing to the approval processforamajorFishermansBenddata centre.

“A gigantic data centre at Fisherman’s Bend flew through the planning process with little or no public consultation only 75 days after it had been lodged with [the Deparment of Transport and Planning]. Pocket parks face greater scrutiny,” he said.

Mr Ettershank said Parliament should examine what he described as growing concerns surrounding the industry’s energyandwaterdemands,arguingthere was little public guidance around power procurement, water consumption, or site selection.

He called on the state government to publiclyreleaseits$5.5millionSustainable DataCentreActionPlanbeforeanyfurther approvalswereconsidered.

“If they have a plan, why is it not available?”hesaid.

He said he had heard from residents personally over concerns relating to electricity and drinking water consumption, backup generators, fuel storage, fire risks, and the proposed Plumpton site’s proximity to environmentallysensitivegrasslands.

Despite those concerns, Mr Ettershank said he supported the growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure provided developments met community expectations.

“I’m not a luddite and I can see the benefitsofthistechnology,“hesaid.

“I am simply asking for a transparent process guided by what is best for our environmentandthepeopleofVictoria.“

A state government spokesperson praised the jobs the Plumpton project wouldcreate.

“Data centres are the backbone of our digital economy and we’re going after the jobstheycreate,”thespokespersonsaid.

“Any future proposal will be assessed on its merits and in accordance with the relevantplanningscheme.

“Our plan will position Victoria as the nationalleaderindatacentreinvestment.”

Brimbank flags data centre concerns among local councils

Brimbank council has voiced concerns about how and where data centres are established, warning councils are being brought into the process too late – or not atall.

Anofficer’sreporttothe16Junecouncil meeting revealed council had begun advocating to the state government to provide a stronger role for councils in the delivery of data centres as well as implementing clearer planning controls

and mandatory standards that address setbacks, noise and storage limits, water efficiency, design, landscaping, and heat mitigationmeasures.

“In Melbourne’s west, we are seeing the cumulative impacts of rapid data centre expansion, creating pressure on electricity and water networks, growing amenity impacts where sites are close to residential areas, and increasing exposure to heat and climate risk, all in

a community that is already vulnerable,” thereportstated.

“Councils are often brought into the process too late, or not at all, despite being best placed to understand local conditions, infrastructure constraints, andcommunityexpectations.”

The report stated that mayor Virginia Tachos had raised the issue with Economic,JobsandGrowthMinisterSteve Dimopoulos during a local government

roundtableinApril.

CrTachosfollowedthisupwithaformal letter to Mr Dimopoulos on 18 May to reiterate Brimbank’s position on data centres and to seek a meeting to discuss thematterinfurtherdetail.

“Council will continue to express our concerns with data centres and will advocate on our community’s behalf to ensurethatappropriateguardrailsareput inplace,”thereportstated.

Moratorium momentum

By Cade Lucas

Support for a moratorium on new data centresinthewestisgrowingwithanother communitygroupendorsingtheidea.

Footscray-based Borderlands Cooperative last week demanded an immediate halt to the development and constructionofdatacentresduetoconcerns about their environmental impact and the lack of community consultation involved intheplanningandapprovalprocess

Now Citizens of Tottenham, a new residentsgroupestablishedinoppositionto datacentredevelopmentinWestFootscray, have also called for a moratorium, with more residents groups around the country expectedtofollowsuit.

Development is outpacing regulation, and residents are being left to deal with noise, energy use, and amenity impacts

- Greg Perkins

“Citizens of Tottenham supports a moratorium on new AI data centre developments until protections for local communities, cultural heritage and the environment are legislated,” a statement from the group provided to Star Weekly read.

“The group is currently consulting with resident groups in other states who also oppose construction, as this is an urgent nationalissue.”

The Greens, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth have already demanded a nationwide moratorium on data centre developments.

Citizens of Tottenham member Greg Perkins lives on Indwe Street, directly opposite the data centre operated by Brisbane based company, Next DC, which is currently seeking planning approval from the state government to almost double the size of the facility to nearly 10 hectares.

It’s this proposal which led to the establishment of Citizens of Tottenham, who along with Maribyrnong council, have made a submission to the planning application process formally objecting toit.

Call for Hume data centre forum

A group of Hume residents is calling for a community forum on data centres as number of facilities in the municipality continuestorise.

TheBroadmeadowsProgressAssociation haswrittentoHumemayorCarlyMooreto requestthatcouncilhostsuchaforum.

In the letter, association secretary John Rutherford said the group has been gathering information and discussing the economic and social impacts of data centres, particularly those existing and proposedtobesitedinHume.

“Residents are concerned with the lack of information about these data centres and are worried about the effects these enterprises will have on our water and electricitysupplyandcosts,“hewrote.

“The environmental, safety and other mattersarealsoofconcern.”

The Next DC Data Centre in Tullamarine. (Damjan Janevski) 561136_02

Mr Perkins said he supported a temporary moratorium on data centres so proper planning controls, community consultationprocessesandenvironmental safeguardscouldbeputinplace.

“Right now development is outpacing regulation, and residents are being left to deal with noise, energy use, and amenity

impactsafterthefact.

“A moratorium would allow government toresettherulesandensurefutureprojects areappropriatefortheareastheyarebeing placedin,”hesaid.

Planning Minister Songia Kilkenny and Data Centres Australia, the industry body representingNextDCandotherdatacentre operators,werecontactedforcomment.

Hume is already home to three data centres in Tullamarine – operated by Next DC, Vantage and Microsoft – as well as one in Campbellfield and one under constructioninCraigieburn.

Hume council was contacted for comment.

Mr Rutherford said the association had also raised the issue during a community meetingwithcouncilofficerson2June.

Council facing court action

By Georgia Tacey

The Australian Services Union (ASU) is taking Hume council to the federal court.

The union has alleged Hume unlawfully docked pay of council workers connected to protected industrial action, prompting the union to file a case against the council in the federal court.

The ASU said waste workers at Hume contacted the union alleging their pay had been docked for enacting bans that were not in force at the time.

The pay was allegedly docked while council workers in Hume and seven oth-

er councils have been under multi-employer bargaining with councils as they fight for better pay.

Council workers have engaged in full and partial work bans since April.

The union said Hume has refused to acknowledge or correct the error after the ASU sought to resolve it.

ASU Victoria and Tasmania branch secretary Tash Wark said the failure to correct or address the issue has left the union with no choice but to file in the federal court.

“The Fair Work Act contains clear limits and safeguards on when and how an

employer can dock pay in response to protected industrial action. Hume has crossed that line, and we are going to hold them to account for it,” she said.

“We don’t take legal action lightly. Our legal team has been carefully scrutinising the actions of employers throughout this campaign, and we will defend our members against employers that don’t comply with the rules.”

Hume chief executive Sheena Frost said councils continue to negotiate in good faith with all unions.

“Under the Fair Work Act, when an employee takes protected industrial ac-

Special delivery from postie Brenda

Rain, hail or shine, Gisborne postie Brenda Stuart has made sure your parcels were delivered on time.

Ms Stuart this yea celebrated 40 years with Australia Post, delivering parcels across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.

Starting her career in Greensborough, Ms Stuart has gone on to deliver for people in Broadmeadows, Sunbury and now Gisborne, where she is the team leader for the Gisborne Annex.

Over the years, she has moved from

delivery into leadership roles, including night sorting and team leadership at Sunbury, and now helps run the Gisborne Annexe, all while still getting out on delivery whenever she can.

Ms Stuart said the community has kept her out on her bike for the past 40 years.

“You get to talk,” she said. “I love to talk, I have to have an extra 30 minutes talk time on my round … so this is the perfect job for me.”

Ms Stuart said she values the con-

nections she has made in the community.

“I was delivering parcels to a house in Sunbury, and then the lady actually turned around and she said ‘I remember you, you used to deliver in this particular street’ and I said I did, and she said ‘I remember you from when I used to get home from school and get letters and parcels off of you’,” Ms Stuart said.

Ms Stuart has no plans of slowing down saying “As long as I’m enjoying it, I’ll keep doing it.”

tion, their pay may be adjusted to reflect the time or proportion of work not performed,” she said.

“For example, if an employee is participating in protected industrial action and they are not completing 20 per cent of their usual work, then employers can reduce their pay by 20 per cent.

“This is in line with industrial and legal requirements, as well as entitlements under the Fair Work Act.

“As this matter is before the courts, it is not appropriate for council to comment any further.”

Kyneton women left shocked by TattsLotto win

A Kyneton grandmother has started the week in a wonderful whirlwind after discovering her TattsLotto ticket in a recent draw had scored a life-changing $1.8 million prize.

The Macedon Ranges resident held one of the 11 division one winning entries nationally in TattsLotto draw 4687, drawn 20 June, and looks forward to a total prize of $1,818,181.82.

WhenanofficialfromTheLottreached out to confirm her newfound millionaire status, the long-time player could barely find the words to describe the moment.

“Woo! That’s so exciting,” she said.

“I’m here with my son who has driven over an hour to come help me!

“I missed a few calls from The Lott earlier this morning and couldn’t work out why, so I went to the newsagency where I bought my ticket.

“They checked it for me, told me to hold on to it tight, and said I needed to call The Lott.

“My brain isn’t working! I’m very stunned. It’s totally unexpected. I’ve been playing since 1972 – a very long time coming.”

While the enormity of her win was still sinking in, the grandmother said one thing was certain: she couldn’t wait to share the joy with her nearest and dearest.

Her winning entry was purchased at Collins Authorised News & Lotto, 95 Mollison Street, Kyneton.

Collins Authorised News & Lotto owner Kevin Chen said he was absolutely thrilled to have sold a division one winning entry to a local customer.

“It’s been five years since we last sold a division one winning entry so I’m very thrilled and honestly a bit shocked. It’s an amazing moment for our whole team,” he said.

“We’ll be sharing some treats with our team to celebrate this momentous occasion. There will also be posters proudly displayed all over our store.

New electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have been proposed in Gisborne, Malmsbury and Riddells Creek.

Macedon Ranges council is currently seeking community feedback on the four proposed EV sites across the shire.

Council said over the past several years technical investigations have identified a number of suitable locations that can support EV charging infrastructure and help address gaps in the regional charging network.

These sites have been assessed for factors such as electricity supply, accessibility, safety,nearbyamenitiesandstrategicneed.

In Riddells Creek the Lions Park carpark

on Sutherlands Road has been proposed.

In Gisborne, the service land at 44 Aitken Street has been identified as a potential spot.

In Malmsbury, two sites have been identified, including the Village Green on Mollison Street, opposite the fire station and the rear of the Malmsbury Town Hall on Mollison Street.

Council said where possible it seems to establish fast charging infrastructure across the shire.

Thiswouldincludechargingstationsthat have a charging speed capability of 50kWh and over, with the technology already in use at charging stations in Woodend, Kyneton,

Lancefield, Romsey and Macedon.

Currently Gisborne, Malmsbury and Riddells Creek do not have any public EV charging stations.

Feedback is open now for the community to share its views on the suitability of the four proposed locations, and identify any potential opportunities or concerns that council should consider.

Council said it is not seeking suggestions for alternative locations or towns through this consultation.

Feedback is open now until Sunday 19 July.

Details: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/ charging-regions

“We’re such a tight-knit community so our locals will be absolutely thrilled for us and the customer. We have such a loyal customer base, and everyone loves seeing a big win in Kyneton. ”

Childcare centre approved

By Georgia Tacey

Hume council has approved a controversial childcare centre development in Sunbury.

Councillors were faced with making a decision on the planning application for a childcare centre at 28 Neill Street and 86 Ligar Street after 35 objections were lodged, triggering a decision in the chamber.

The proposal, catering for 133 children, was for a single-storey building facing Neill Street, with three playrooms, nursery primary care room, nursery cot room, and staff facilities, as well as an outdoor play area catering. The design included 22 car

park spaces.

At the 22 June council meeting, Cr Karen Sherry backed the officer’s recommendation to grant the application calling it a classic planning trade-off.

“I’m supporting this application because I believe that the community benefit for the locality does outweigh some of the impacts,” she said.

Cr Sherry said officers had investigated the concerns raised by ojectors, includeding neighbourhood amenity, traffic and noise, and imposed appropriate conditions.

“[Officers] conclude that the road net-

work can handle additional traffic subject to conditions and there will be required upgrades to Neill Street, the curb drainage and road improvements,” she said.

“There will also be conditions imposed to manage noise impacts such as acoustic fencing to handle the noise because I think that a lot of people are really upset about that and that’s understandable.”

Cr Sherry pointed out that a childcare centre was permitted under the general residential zone.

Cr Jarrod Bell said he was against the proposal as he lives close to the planned childcare centre and believed this was not

Residents vow to continue childcare fight

By Georgia Tacey

Sunbury residents are concerned a recently approved childcare centre will disrupt their daily lives.

A new childcare centre was recently approved by Hume council during the 22 June council meeting, with the new centre slated for the area at 28 Neill Street and 86 Ligar Street.

Residents surrounding Neill Street, Ligar Street and Anderson Road have been strong in their objection, with 35 objecting to the application at council.

One resident Raymond Rowe lives

in an unit on Anderson Road, with his property facing where the proposed play space will be built for the centre.

“None of us want it here, full stop,” he said.

Traffic and noise were Mr Rowe’s top concerns, with the planning application including an intake of up to 133 children.

“The road out the front here will not handle the traffic,” Mr Rowe said.

“It’s bad enough driving up here now, let alone if you’ve got the traffic coming up and down, cars parked on either side. This place is not gonna be able to handle the traffic morning and night.”

Another resident who lives in the area, David Hoare, said Sunbury already has enough childcare centres.

“I don’t think it belongs in the suburban area,” he said.

“All the other childcare centres are in main areas where there’s roads and infrastructure that can cope with it.”

While the development is currently approved by council, Mr Rowe said the fight was not over, and said he plans to fight it at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

an acceptable planning outcome.

“When residents raise genuine, consistent and practical concerns about the impact of a proposal will have on their street, their homes and their daily lives, those concerns deserve to be taken seriously,” he said.

“The concerns raised here go directly to planning matters, traffic generation, car parking, vehicle movements, noise, amenity, neighbourhood character, and the scale of the use in a residential setting.”

The decision was a five-five split. The mayor used her casting vote to approve the application.

CFAs receive upgrades

Country Fire Authority (CFA) stations across Melbourne’s north-west will receive upgrades to help future proof brigades.

Woodend, Bullengarook, Rockbank, Millbrook, and Hillside are on the list of the 55 brigades which are part of the Motor Room Door Replacement Program.

Under the program, station doors will replaced to accommodate growth in brigades.

CFA acting head of property and environmental services Jonathan Beattie said the project was nearing completion.

“It has been a huge success,” he said.

“We have been able to ensure stations will match the demand of vehicles as brigades grow.

“We are always looking for ways to work into the future, and this project has been a great example of doing just that.”

The $1.5 million project, funded through CFA base capital funding, will ensure doors open high enough to accommodate future vehicle roll outs.

CFA said it also provides a safer working environment for volunteers by installing motorised doors that eliminate the risk from lifting and closing manual bifold counterweight doors.

The program commenced in June 2025 and is due to be completed in September this year.

Following the completion of this program, door replacements will shadow vehicle delivery.

Fans cheers on Socceroos

Soccer fans from across Melbourne’s north-west made their way to Town Hall BroadmeadowsonFridaytowatchAustralia take on Paraguay. The match was the Socceroos final group game at the World Cup. The scoreless draw was enough to

secure Australia’s progression to the round of 32. The Socceroos’ next match is at 4am on Saturday against Egypt. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski stopped by Broadmeadows to capture the fan action.

Peter and Nell are thankful for a gateway to better care

Peter didn’t realise he was a carer until someone pointed it out

Peter and Nell, both in their early 80s, married in 2007 and continue to live independently together. They share a strong sense of humour and take genuine pleasure in caring for one another, spending much of their time at home. Nell enjoys cooking, while Peter has a passion for handicrafts and woodwork.

Peterspendsmostofhisdayathomewith Nell. He takes Nell to her appointments and organises the calendar. He helps her administer her insulin injections and is often an extra pair of hands.

Like many people caring for loved ones, Peter didn’t think of himself as a ‘carer’ –just a husband, doing his best. But life was starting to feel heavy and Peter had a lot on his plate.

After a friend suggested he contact Carer Gateway, Peter and Nell were able to access support that made a real difference. They have since been on several social bus trips together. Last year they attended Christmas lunch and had a lovely time.

“They’re human. They’re understanding, they’re obliging, they’re helpful. It’s good two-way communication. They have no trouble in ringing me back and spending the time to hear what’s going on and how they can best help. They’ve got a good family-like structure they’ve invited us into,“ Peter said.

He joined a monthly walking and coffee group organised by Carer Gateway, which helped improve his fitness and provided regular social connection. He has also accessed practical support, as well as weekly online Q&A sessions and free one-on-one counselling for carers.

“It’s been so helpful with daily life and

not feeling downtrodden with all the problems on our shoulders. Mental and moral support has been very important to us, and they’ve been very good at that. My outlook on life has become much easier,” he shares.

“Now I don’t have such a heavy cloud hanging over me with all the things I need to do. There’s great satisfaction in knowing that they’ve got my back.”

Whetheryoucareforafamilymemberor friend every day or just a few hours a week,

you’re not alone. Carer Gateway offers free emotional, practical, and mental health support to help you.

Call 1800 422 727 (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm) or visit www.carergateway. gov.autofindoutmore.

Breaking down barriers

From Zumba to social basketball, free group fitness programs for women are building more than just active lifestyles. They are creating safe spaces for self-expression and connection. Courtney Black spoke to facilitators and participants at free programs in Melbourne’s north to hear more about how making fitness accessible and comfortable can build community connections for women.

Community organisations and sporting clubs are creating safe spaces for women to participate in sport, particularly those who are mothers or culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD).

Reclink Australia, which operates many free group fitness programs across the country, recently hosted women’s-only Zumba classes at the Galada Community Centre in Epping.

Reclink Australia facilitator Ashleigh Mulholland said the feedback and interest in the Epping Zumba program was incredible.

“The feedback that we’ve got from women around here has been so good and people have been really showing up week after week,” Ms Mulholland said.

She said there is growing interest in culturally diverse municipalities like Whittlesea for women’s-only group fitness classes.

“Alotofwomendon’tplaysportandthey don’t exercise as much because they don’t have those culturally safe places to do so, especially for free where they don’t feel judgment,” she explained.

You

just hear [from] so many people how it changes their lives and it changes my life to be able to bring something like that - Christina

“Doing women’s only is really important as well especially when there’s a Muslim community… so that they can feel safe to come along.

“I think we’ve had… over 30 people in that room which is amazing for an eight-week long program. Normally it takes a lot longer to build that sort of momentum.”

She said the classes not only align with cultural values, but also overcome language barriers.

“Whenyou’redoingsportandsomething physical it’s simple enough to follow along.

“It gets rid of a lot of anxieties for people that they’re not going to be stuck in a conversation where they don’t want to continue it or they’re having to continuously translate in their head.”

When they can’t connect through language, Ms Mulholland said the women connect through having fun.

“Laughing with everyone else, it builds communities,“ she said.

“If you’re feeling… lonely or you’ve got economic pressures… but especially if you’re a new migrant… it is a really important program.”

This sentiment was echoed by the ZumbaparticipantsthemselveslikeSabah Abo who said she liked the fun music and catching up with friends.

“[It was] very very beautiful,” Ms Abo said. “My soul is refreshment when I do Zumba.”

Participant Banh Hong has embraced her local Zumba class.

“I invited some friends to come if they are available,” Ms Hong said.

“Every lesson after that my body… feel more energy.”

Reclink Zumba instructor Christina Masino said running the sessions has changed her life for the better too.

“You just hear [from] so many people how it changes their lives and it changes my life to be able to bring something like that,” Ms Masino said.

“I love working with them just because it’s so rewarding.

“It’s not just Zumba, it becomes something completely different. You form friendships and it’s like a little family.”

She said in each session the women started to slowly open up and express themselves in an environment that can be less daunting than a gym.

“They’ll feel safe and… they’ll let you in and tell you how much it means to them and they’re all here for a reason.

“They bring their friends and come in their little groups and they make other friends so it’s definitely a community.

“They go in there, we shut the door and it’s that one hour to leave problems and be a little bit silly and have fun as well.”

Ashleigh Mulholland said Reclink’s programs can also be game changers for mums.

“On Fridays [in] Donnybook… we do a wellness [class] that is ‘mums and bubs’,” Ms Mulholland said.

“That’s life-changing for them to be able to just be able to bring their kids. It’s the feedbackwe’regetting[that]they’refinally able to get back into fitness.

“If a child needs feeding it’s no big deal.

“If someone cries out you’ve got other women there who are also comfortable and confident around children to give them little distractions.

“It just again provides a sense of community which is especially important for people who’ve had kids and might be feeling a bit isolated.”

Another free program that aims to help women and gender-diverse people connect through sport, is Basketball Victoria’s ‘B-All-In’ initiative.

The Craigieburn Eagles decided to host the free ‘B-All-In’ program for the first time this year, and program coordinator Demi Albon said it is all about making sport accessible.

“B-All-In provides a safe and supportive space where participants can build confidence,makeconnections,stayactive, and feel like they belong,” Ms Albon said.

“We know that many women and gender-diverse people can face barriers to participating in sport, so creating a program specifically designed to be

welcoming and inclusive was something thatalignedstronglywithourclubvalues.”

The first session was held on Friday 12 June, and Ms Albon said even though the groupwassmallitwasvery successful and impactful.

“The women who attended were enthusiastic, receptive, and genuinely eager to learn, which created a really positive atmosphere from the beginning.”

She said it was great to see the energy, laughter and encouragement on the court.

“One of our biggest goals is to bring the funbackintothesport.Whilecompetition canbeagreatpartofbasketball,itcanalso become overwhelming and place pressure on people’s mental wellbeing.

“B-All-In focuses on enjoyment, connection, and personal growth rather than results.”

She said participants do not need any prior basketball experience and work at theirownpaceintherelaxedenvironment.

“Family members and children are welcome to come along and watch the sessions. We want the program to be as accessibleandfamily-friendlyaspossible.”

She said by taking on the B-All-In program, the club hopes to become more inclusive and encourage lifelong basketball participation.

“Basketballhasauniquewayofbringing people together, and we’re already seeing participants encourage and support each other.

“As the program progresses, I hope we continue to build a strong sense of community while helping participants become more comfortable and confident both on and off the court.”

Reclink programs: https://reclink.org/ Craigieburn Eagles B-All-In: https:// www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/ register/a035ba

Take a walk on the wild side in the winter school holidays

Families across the Macedon Ranges are invited to rug up, get curious and come face-to-face with some of Australia’s most extraordinary wildlife these winter school holidays, as TV zoologist Chris Humfrey and the Wild Action Team bring their unforgettable live wildlife workshops to JubileeHall,Macedon.

Running from Tuesday 7 July to Friday 10 July, with sessions at 11am and 2pm daily, Wild Action’s Winter School Holiday Wildlife Workshops promise 90 minutes of hands-on, educational fun for children, parents, grandparents and anyone who lovesanimals.

This is not your average wildlife show. It is a full-blown, blockbuster line-up of live Australian wildlife — presented by passionate zoologists and wildlife educators who live and breathe conservation.

Guests can expect to meet an incredible selection of wildlife ambassadors, includingacriticallyendangeredmountain pygmy possum, giant python snakes, joey kangaroos, a wombat, echidna, owls, tawny frogmouths, koalas, crocodiles, giant tropical insects, frogs, turtles and so muchmore.

Chris Humfrey says the workshops are designedtobeexciting,funny,memorable anddeeplyeducational.

“We have an unbelievable selection of wildlife coming along,” Chris said. “Many of these animals are born and bred at Wild Action, and they are incredible ambassadors for their wild cousins. When children get to meet animals up close, they don’t just learn facts — they build a connection. That connection is where conservationbegins.”

Theworkshopswillexplorehowanimals

surviveinthewild,fromclevercamouflage and powerful jaws to pouches, scales, feathers, claws and super senses. Children willlearnaboutclassification,adaptations, habitats, threats and each animal’s ecological niche — in other words, the special job each creature performs in nature.

“Every animal has a role to play,” Chris

said. “A frog, a python, a wombat, an echidna, a crocodile — they all belong. They all matter. Our job is to help children understandwhytheseanimalsareamazing andwhytheyneedourprotection.”

Wild Action is well known across Victoria for delivering high-energy, curriculum-linked wildlife education. Chris Humfrey, a familiar face to many

Australian families through his television work, has spent decades teaching children that“educationisthekeytoconservation.”

And these school holiday workshops are designedtobringthatmessagetolifeinthe mostexcitingwaypossible.

“This is not just sitting and watching,” Chris said. “It is immersive, engaging and packed with live animals. We guarantee this is the very best, most educational and engagingwildlifeshowaround.”

The event is also giving back to local conservation. Ten per cent of all proceeds will be shared between Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network and Wildlings — two fabulous local organisations in the Macedon Ranges that devote their lives to rescuing, rehabilitating and protecting wildlife.

“We are proud to support these wonderful organisations,” Chris said. “The people behind them work incredibly hard, oftenbehindthescenes,caringforinjured and orphaned wildlife. They deserve our community’ssupport.”

The workshops are suitable for all ages and are perfect for families looking for a fun, educational and meaningful school holidayactivityclosetohome.

Ticketsare$30perperson,withchildren under two free. Sessions will be held at Jubilee Hall, Macedon, at 11am and 2pm dailyfromTuesday7JulytoFriday10July. Spaces are limited, and families are encouragedtobookearly.

So why not come along these school holidays andTake aWalk ontheWildside? You might meet a python, stare into the eyes of an owl, discover the secret life of a mountain pygmy possum, or learn why even the smallest frog can make a huge differencetothenaturalworld.

Hume confirms rates rise

By By Georgia Tacey

A Hume councillor has contested raising ratesasthecouncilgrappleswith$50million in rate arrears.

At the 22 June council meeting the 2026-27 budget was adopted, but not all councillors were in agreement with the proposed 2.75 per cent rate rise.

Cr Jim Overend said he couldn’t support a rate rise.

“With Hume being identified as having one of the highest levels of mortgage stress and with a high level of rate arrears, together with Victoria’s high cost of liv-

ing, residents are struggling hard to pay their bills and to put food on the table,” he said.

“Because of this and my promise to our community, I can’t vote in favour of anything with a rate increase.”

Star Weekly reported the council is grappling with a rates crisis, with more than 25,000 households in the municipality behind on their rates bill, bringing the arrears to $50 million.

However, only Cr Naim Kurt and Cr John Haddad voted against the adoption of the budget with Cr Overend, with all other councillors in favour.

Cr Daniel English justified the rise.

“We’d have to leave something out and some people have to miss out on something,” he said.

The $635.3 million budget includes an operating surplus of $101.5 million for the council, however chief executive Sheena Forst said in the budget report there is an underlying deficit of $31.47 million.

This underlying deficit has increased from $13.01 million in 2025-26, and Ms Frost said this was due to an increase in non-cash depreciation expenses and developer-contributed assets.

The budget also includes a $153.96

Funding boost for neighbourhood houses

Neighbourhood houses across the Macedon Ranges have received a much needed funding boost in the 2026-27 council budget.

After community submissions during council’s process developing the 2026-27 budget, additional funding support was granted for the shire’s seven neighbourhood houses to $70,000 per year.

Each house will now receive $10,000 each a year, a boost from the previous $5000 from council.

Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre manager Pauline Fyffe welcomed

the funding boost.

“Our neighbourhood house is grateful to receive additional funding from council, a boost that will help us continue delivering the programs and support our community relies on,” she said.

Ms Fyffe said rising operational costs, increased demand for services, increased complianceandlimitedcorefundinghave stretched resources thin, as more and more people reach out for neighbourhood house support.

“Council’s support is deeply appreciated, and it makes a real difference on the ground,” she said.

“At the same time, long-term investment is needed to ensure we can thrive, not just survive, and continue the vital role we play in strengthening community wellbeing.

“We remain committed to serving our neighbourhood with warmth, inclusivity, and care. With continued support from all levels of government, we can build a stronger, more connected community for everyone in the Macedon Ranges.”

Council adopted its 2026-27 budget at its meeting on 17 June.

‘Pick My Park’ program kicks off for second round across Victoria

Victorians are being invited to have their say on the latest round of the ‘Pick My Park’ program, which aims to deliver nearly $18 million in funding for 97 park, playground and community space projects across the state. The program, now extended to include metropolitanMelbourne,hasalreadyseen the development of a range of new urban pocket parks, playground revamps, fitness equipment installations and accessibility upgrades, according to Development Victoria and Precincts Minister Jacyln Symes.

“We’re upgrading parks so they’re safer, easier to use and better for families,” Ms Symes said.

“We’re also transforming underused spaces into new green places where locals can relax, play and connect.”

The latest round of voting will see 124 projects competing for a share of the funding, with grants ranging from $20,000 to $250,000 available to improve existing parks and open spaces, as well as establish brand new urban parks.

million capital works program, in which Cr Kate Hamley said the community might notice multiple carry-forward projects included from the 2025-2026 budget.

Cr Hamley said council has had challenges in delivering the capital works program.

“There’s a lot of items that appeared in our 2025-26 budget that are going to be there again in 2026-27,” she said.

“I just wanted to acknowledge that and say that we’ve really got to focus this coming financial year on delivering what we’ve promised and finishing what we started.”

Crime stable in Sunbury, Ranges

Crime has stablised across Hume and the Macedon Ranges, according to the latest statistics released by the Crime Statistics Agency.

The data showed that for the year to March 2026, crime in Hume increased slightly by 0.7 per cent with 23,108 offences recorded, while the Macedon Ranges saw a small rise of 1.9 per cent with 2777 offences.

However these rises are significantly lower than the 12 months to March 2025 when Hume recorded an 18.6 per cent increase (22,754) and the Macedon Ranges jumped by 30.9 per cent (2725).

In Hume, Craigieburn was the suburb with the most number of offences recording 4281, followed by Broadmeadows (3869), Sunbury (2768), Campbellfield (1559) and Mickleham (1309).

Stealing from a motor vehicle was the top offence recorded (3109) across the municipality followed by other theft (2317) and breach of a family violence order (2212).

Over in the Macedon Ranges, Kyneton remained the crime hotspot with 732 offences, followed closely by Gisborne (636), Woodend (294), Romsey (203) and Riddells Creek (194).

Breach of a family violence order remained the highest recorded offence, jumping from the previous year’s total of 339 recorded up to 411.

Other theft (297) criminal damage (239), steal from a motor vehicle (220), and steal from a retail store (148) completed the top offences across the shire.

Statewide crime has dropped by 0.2 per cent in the same period with 625,426 criminal offences recorded.

Victoria Police said this was the first time the state had recorded a decline in offences in almost four years but said that crime remains too high.

Regional Operations Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said the force would continue its efforts to drive down crime.

“When families are juggling work, school and bills, it is the simple things close to home that matter most,” Ms Symes added.

“A safe, welcoming park means kids can play, parents can take a break, and communities can stay connected without spending a dollar.”

Victorians are being encouraged to visit the ‘Pick My Park’ website to nominate their three favorite projects before voting closes on 3 August.

“While pleasing to see overall crime slightly decrease, the reality is that overall crime in Victoria still remains far higher than both police and the community would like,” he said.

Mr Hill said Victoria Police’s goal was to reduce serious and violent crime by five per cent each year.

Artwork honours ancient story

AFirstNationsartworkdepictinganancient story of women’s leadership has been unveiledatthefutureHumeTechSchoolat KanganInstituteBroadmeadows.

TheartworktitledKaratgurkdrawsonthe WurundjeriWoi-WurrungstoryoftheSeven Sisters and was created by Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung elder Kim Wandin and Chris Joy.

TheartistssaidstoriesoftheSevenSisters are found across the continent and are based on people who descend to earth, travelacrossCountryandeventuallyreturn tothenightsky.

“In Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung culture, womenarethefire-holders,”theartistssaid. “InthestoryoftheKaratgurk(SevenSisters), who lived by the Birrarung (River of Mists), each sister carried a live coal on the end of herdiggingstickandheldthesecretoffire.

“Waa the Crow, having tasted roasted murnong (yam daisy) and preferring it

to raw [murnong], attempted to trick the Karatgurkinordertostealfire.

“The sisters, however, proved too strong, resilient,andclevertobedeceived.Through them,firewasbroughttoearth.”

The story concludes with the Karatgurk ascendingtoSkyCountrywiththeirglowing diggingsticks.

In the mural artwork, the Seven Sisters arerepresentedintheglowingbronzediscs castfromacirclewovenwithreedsbyAunty Kim.

Thebronzediggingsticksstandnearbyas ifrecentlylefttorestbytheSevenSisters.

Kangan Institute chief executive Laura Macpherson said “As Hume Tech School prepares to open, we hope this artwork inspires young people – especially young women – to see themselves as the next generationofSTEMleaders.”

The Hume Tech School scheduled for completionbyterm3thisyear.

Briefs

Sunbury Skate Park

The second stage of the Sunbury Skate Park is beginning. Hume council’s project will include an expansion of the existing skate park with new riding elements and features, improvements to cater for a wider range of skill levels and riding styles, integration of the stage two works with the existing stage one works delivered in 2019, and refinement and finalisation of the previously developed concept design. During the school holidays, council will host two information sessions at the Sunbury Skate Park, on Tuesday 30 June and Thursday 2 July both from 11am-2pm. Construction is expected to start in January 2017 and be complete by April that year.

Volunteer drive

SES Sunbury Unit is looking for volunteers. The unit will host an information night on Wednesday 15 July from 7.30am at the station at 21 McDougall Road, Sunbury. As a volunteer, you’ll learn new skills, tackle new challenges, make lifelong friendships, and help your community when it needs it most. No prior experience needed, just a willingness to learn.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

35 years ago 2 July, 1991

Twoweeksafterfirstbeingcontacted,the Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed that an international commercial 747 aircraft received a ground proximity warning as it passed less than 1200 feet above Mount Macedon at 6.40am on Tuesday, June 11.

30 years ago 2 July, 1996

Macedon Ranges council last week gave the go-ahead to an indoor sports stadium for Woodend. Residents described the decision, which ended a five-year-battle to get the project off the ground as “a dream come true”.

15 years ago 28 June, 2011

Sunbury’serrantyouthhavebeenputon notice – police are targeting under-age drinkingandwilladoptazero-tolerance approach for anyone breaking the law.

10 years ago 28 June, 2016

Victoria University’s former Jacksons Hill campus at Sunbury is a step closer to being saved, with all three levels of government joining calls to protect the historic site.

PUZZLES

1 Relaxed (6)

4 Wailing harbingers of death in Irish folklore (8)

9 Scallywag (5)

10 One who believes in sharing evenly amongst the community (9)

11 Greek letter (5)

12 Objects relating to the US (9)

13 Plan (8)

15 Cross out (6)

16 Meal (6)

18 Indian term for a woman in a position of authority (8)

23 Eye cover (9)

24 Mesoamerican culture (5)

26 Represented as perfect (9)

27 With a full figure (5)

28 Calamity (8)

29 Ancient Greek figure of beauty (6)

1 Traditions (7)

2 Gap (5) 3 Show approval by clapping (7) 5 Bowman (6) 6 Holiday destination (7)

7 Two British Queens (9)

8 Position, move into place (7)

10 Expressing future intent (5)

14 Pleasure (9)

16 Reconstruct (7)

17 Seats on the backs of horses (7)

19 Concluded (5)

20 Impaled (7)

21 Flatters (7)

22 Disorder, dishevel (6)

25 Resident of Houston, e.g. (5)

3 LETTERS

5 LETTERS

four letters or more can you list? The centre letter

be included and each letter may only be used

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

17 words: Good 26 words: Very good 35 words: Excellent

Which band released the 1974 single Horror Movie?

FieldofDreams and Moneyball are both movies about which sport?

3 What is the capital of Guatemala?

4 Which Disney Princess movie was the first to have a liveaction remake?

5 In what year did Graham Norton’s (pictured) eponymous chat show first air?

6 Who was the last tsar of Russia?

7 Which word,

8

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

Sunbury Blue Light Disco

Sunbury Blue Light Discos run throughout the year at the Sunbury Memorial Hall for primary school-aged children. Established in 1987, the initiative is led by dedicated Victoria Police members and community volunteers, and are always looking for more volunteers to add to the team. The next disco will be on Friday 7 August from 6-8pm. The theme is Hollywood - dress as your favourite movie star, character or your best Hollywood Glamour. Tickets are $8. facebook.com/sunburybluelightdisco, sunburybluelight@gmail.com

Young Voices of Macedon

A community choir for children of the Macedon Ranges and beyond, Young Voices of Macedon rehearses at the House of the Rock, 247 Station Road, New Gisborne. The choir has separate programs for young children aged five to eight and older children. Rehearsals assist children in developing vocal technique, part singing skills, and general musicianship, across popular, classical, folk and music theatre styles. Rehearsals run on Thursdays, from 4.15pm, with afternoon tea and play time. yvmacedon.org.au

Hume Men’s Shed

The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a not-for-profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat. sunburymensshed.com, or 0438 677 425

Macedon Ranges Photographic Society Into photography, just starting out, or a fully fledged professional? The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is the local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Come along to a meeting on the first and second Monday of the month. Doors open at 7pm and the meeting starts at 7.30pm at Jubilee Hall, 52 Smith Street, Macedon. macedon-ranges-photography.org.au, info@macedon-ranges-photography.org.au

Insync Entertainment

Insync Entertainment is an all-female community choir, providing the opportunity to meet others who enjoy singing. The group is seeking new members to join the friendly choir. No auditions required. They rehearse at the Sunbury Baptist Church Hall every Monday from 7.15–9.30pm. insyncentertainment@gmail.com

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors meets on Mondays and Fridays from 10am-2.30pm [except public holidays]. The club meets at the Sunbury Seniors Hub, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury, and the group takes part in a variety of activities including carpet bowls, cards, pool, jigsaw puzzles, board games, darts and table tennis, with monthly guest

speakers and outings and subsidised lunches as well as a cuppa and a chat. sunburyseniors.com.au, or 0434 400 754

Pernaperna Women’s Group

The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet fortnightly on a Thursday from 1-3pm at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat, the group would love to meet you. Joan, 0418 302 676

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

The club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am. This friendly group of men and women enjoy outings and meetings each month and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006

Craft and conversation

Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays from 1-3pm for the craft and conversation group. The program is free

and open to people aged 15 years and older. bit.ly/39BIu2O

Chill Out Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for youth aged 12-18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury. bit.ly/3lmVgVhv

CWA Woodend Eves

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

Sunbury Badminton Club

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

Toastmasters

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges

Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the

first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.30–9.30pm, at the Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Friends of Woodlands Historic Park

Help preserve Woodlands Historic Park and learn about its history by joining the Friends of Woodlands Historic Park. The group consists of volunteers, working one day each month in the park, on projects including plant propagation and revegetation, weed removal, litter control and other activities. Some members may also work in the park on projects at other times. Becoming a member of the group is easy and free, and is open to like-minded people who want to take positive action to maintain our environment. You must be 18 or older and enjoy outdoor activities. The friends group meets on the first Saturday of each month at the Parks Victoria depot off Somerton Rd, Greenvale. Bevan, 0468 469 514, or bevan@keepemail.com

Art group

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

Colin Robinson, 0407 426 252

Special celebration

Head to St Albans’ Bowery Theatre on Friday 10 July for a special musical performancetomarkNAIDOCWeek.

Running from 5- 12 July, NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week celebrates and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslanderpeoples.

Award-winning First Nations singer-songwriterCandiceLorraewilltake to the Bowery stage, supported by Pirritu and Wren Arkose, for her live show, Bush MeetstheSea.

The show will be a special one-night preview of her forthcoming album Paperbark&Lilies.

Shaped by saltwater and paperbark, Lorrae is a proud Jawoyn and Torres Strait Islander woman who draws from family stories in the Northern Territory, blending folk,dream-popandislandsoulintosongs thatresonatedeeply.

More than a live band show, this is will beanimmersiveexperience.

Backed by a powerful band, Lorrae will transform the stage through cinematic projections, experimental sound design

and layered storytelling, transporting audiencestoanotherplace.

Expect soaring vocals, dynamic performance and new music performed live for the first time - plus a special surprisecreatedexclusivelyforthislaunch night.

Doors and bar opens from 6.30pm. Suitableforages12-plus.Ticketscost$15.

The Bowery Theatre is at 33 Princess Street,StAlbans.

Details: https://www.trybooking. com/events/1568726/sessions/6368947/ sections/3021901/tickets

Cynta heads home to St Anne’s Winery

FreshfromhersuccessfulrunonAustralian Idol 2026, Bacchus Marsh singer Cynta is heading back to her roots yet again for a special live performance at St Anne’s WineryinMyrniong.

The talented vocalist who captured the attention of audiences across the country as a top six finalist on this year’s competition will perform for fans on Saturday 4 July in what promises to be an intimatehometown-styleconcert.

Located just 15 minutes from Bacchus Marsh, St Anne’s Winery will host the one-night-only event, giving music lovers the chance to see one of the region’s top risingstarsupclose.

Doorswillopenat5.30pm,withfoodand drinks available for purchase before the liveeventkicksoff

Cynta will take to the stage with her powerful, moving voice from 7pm, performing two sets showcasing the powerful vocals and stage presence which helped her become one of the standout performers of this year’s Australian Idol season.

Fans are encouraged to get in quick to securetheirtickets.

Entry is priced at just $15 a head and guaranteesreservedseating.

Since appearing on Australian Idol, Cynta has continued to build a growing fanbase, with many locals following her journey from Bacchus Marsh to the nationalstage.

Cynta’s upcoming performance is the perfect opportunity for fans new and old alike to experience Cynta’s moving presenceasasingersongwriterinarelaxed winery setting, while supporting a local artist whose talent has earned recognition acrossAustralia.

Details and Tickets: https:// stanneswinery.com.au/event/cynta-liveperformance/.

Egyptian-born Australian comedy star Akmal will be the latest big name stand up to perform in the inner west when he headlines the AltonaSportsClubnextmonth.

The Sydney based comedian, actor, voice over artist, author and writer will perform his latest show, My Family and Other Criminals, on Wednesday 15 July as part of his nationaltour.

In keeping with the type of materialthat’smadehimoneofthe country’s most popular comics the past 25 years, Akmal’s latest show features stories and thoughts about people who affected his life, such as his uncle who pretended to be a doctorformanyyearsafterskipping medicalschoolandsimplybuyinga stethoscopeandawhitecoat.

Or another uncle who, during a visit to Akmal’s family home, managed to give himself an enema usingagardenhose.

Or his Coptic priest who also happenedtobethelocalexorcist. Before Akmal regales the audience with these and other weird and wonderful tales, special guest comedians Tilahun Hailu, Ben Knight, Takashi Wakasugi and Nicole Chapman will warm the crowdup.

The show is 18-plus and photo ID isrequiredforentry.

AkmalLiveinAltonaispresented by Comedy House AU and runs from8-9.45pm.

Tickets: https://www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1603951

There is plenty of winter school holiday entertainment across Hume

If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays, Hume councilhasyoucovered.

Council is hosting a range of activities, workshops and events across its libraries, youth spaces and Artrise, with a jam-packed schedule for youth over the winterbreak.

For younger kids, Artrise is the place to be, with activities scheduled from Wednesday to Saturday both weeks of the schoolholidays.

Kids can let their artistic side shine with a number of workshops, including

cyanotype, where kids seven and older can learn how to take a photo without a camera, portraiture, spin painting and magazinemaking.

Kids can also build their own beast by turning old toys into a new creation, discover shadow puppetry, and learn beatboxing.

Kids can also come down to the FoRT Circus Show, full of acrobatics, clowning and imagination, as two playful adventurers transform everyday objects intowildandwhimsicalworlds.

At youth centres and libraries in Hume,

teenagers will find plenty of workshops to learnnewskillsandfunactivities.

The Sunbury Youth Centre will host a cupcake making workshop and an Italian cooking workshop, as well as a relaxing paintbynumbers.

At Youth Central Broadmeadows, cozy up with a movie and pizza day, create figureswiththeairdryclayworkshop,and testyourskillswithtriviaandgames.

At the Craigieburn Youth Centre, create, connectandhangoutwithotherteens,and learnhowtocreateyourownorigami.

TheIndoorSportsArenainCoolaroowill

host its own World Cup Tournament for youth aged 15 to 25, as soccer fever takes overHume,oryoucanmakeyourownpies attheRoxburghParkYouthandRecreation Centre.

Across Sunbury, Craigieburn and Broadmeadows libraries, you will find NAIDOC Week themed crafting, kid-friendly yoga, movie nights, art activitiesandmore.

The events will run throughout 29 June until12July,withbookingsandsmallcosts requiredforsomeactivities.

Details:hume.vic.gov.au

Did you know that euthanasia at home is available for pets

Dr Lou of Paws In Peace is a local veterinarian with 27 years experience, dedicated to providing gentle, in-home euthanasia for pets. With compassion and respect, Dr Lou supports both patients and their families, allowing everyone the opportunity to say goodbye calmly and privately in the comfort of home. A full aftercare service is also available. For more information, visit www.pawsinpeace.com.au or call 0412 866 036.

Dr. Tony Stubbs, Eye Surgeon, says that just about anyone can have their vision restored and be rid of their glasses for most of the time. And this is without the use of laser surgery.

Dr Stubbs formerly at the Royal Victorian Eye Hospital who has worked with the Fred Hollows eye department at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, says he began his career through the inspiration of his father, Dr Maxwell Stubbs.

“My father was a pioneer in cataract implant surgery from 1963! He has now passed away but some of his patients still come in for a check-up. Not only is this inspirational, it also demonstrates that good surgery outlasts the surgeon,” Dr Stubbs says.

A specialist who helps people who have been advised they are unsuitable for laser surgery, Dr Stubbs is also committed to demonstrating that age, corneal distortion or astigmatism are no barriers to eliminating the need for glasses.

One of my best moments was treating a 12-year-old girl who was struggling at school because of poor vision due to congenital cataracts even with the use of thick glasses. Now 10 years later, she still has 20/20 vision without glasses. That inspires me.

“Seeing my patients’ bright smiles after surgery, as they stop squinting and can read without glasses, is definitely the best part of my job.”

No referral is needed and no out-of-pocket expenses are incurred for an assessment to enable all options available to be considered.

Mc Dougall (e) withgrace@bigpond.com

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• If you are passionate about sales, enjoy working within your local community and thrive in a fast-paced media environment, we’d love to hear from you.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

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Hybrid deserved better

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

With the imminent arrival of Suzuki’s first fullyelectricvehicletheeVitara,it’seasyto seewhythecompanydidn’tinvestmuchin thehybridversion.

Forgive us for saying so, but it’s a shortsighted approach because the companyislikelytosellmanymorehybrids than it will EVs, just look at the experience ofotherbrands.

Really, the hybrid deserved better, because apart from the welcome transition to hybrid power – the changes have been minimaltosaytheleast.

Styling

If you think the latest Vitara looks like the previousmodel,you’reright.

The front grille and lights have been redesignedbutfromtherearitlooksalmost identicaltothepreviousmodel.

Believe it or not, the current fourth generation Vitara dates back to 2015. Yep, it’sthatold,althoughitwasupdatedin2018 andagainin2024.

The hybrid made a local appearance earlier this year, but still years after the debutoftheSwiftHybrid.

There are two models from which to choose: Vitara Turbo Hybrid and Vitara Turbo Hybrid Allgrip, priced from $39,990 and$45,990driveawayrespectively.

Fourcoloursareoffered:thecolourwhite is standard, dark grey pearl metallic adds $745andtwo-toneblueorivorywithablack roofis$1345.

Our test vehicle was the higher-priced Allgripinivoryandblackwhichasitsname suggests adds all-wheel drive, along with a fewotherfeaturesincludingasunroof.

The cabin is decked out in a suede and synthetic leather combo stitched with an interesting tyre tread pattern, along with a leather-cladsteeringwheelandsinglezone climatecontrolair–minusrearairvents.

Standard kit includes LED headlights withautohighbeam,LEDdaytimerunning lights, traffic sign recognition, auto wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless entryandstart,rearviewcamera,frontand rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloys and a panoramicsunroof.

Vitaraiscoveredbyafive-year,unlimited kilometre warranty with capped-price servicing and roadside assistance for the firstfiveyears.

Service is due every 12 months or 10,000km.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a 9.0-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, built-in navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,andsix-speakeraudio.

There’s just one USB-A port in the front andnowirelesschargepad.

Safety Vitara remains unrated by ANCAP, but comes with seven airbags including a driver’skneebagplusarear-viewcamera.

There’s also adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and weavingAlert.

Two Isofix and three tether style child seatanchorpointsareprovided.

Engines/transmissions

Power comes from a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the support of a 48-voltmildhybrid.

The combination produces 81kW of power at 4500 rpm and 235Nm of torque

from 2000-2500 rpm, with drive to all four wheelsondemandintheAllgripversion.

Transmissionisviaasix-speedauto,with paddlegearshiftersprovided.

Driving

At 4175mm in length and weighing in at a trim 1315kg, Vitara is a relatively compact, cheapfive-seatSUV.

For years Suzuki has represented the budget alternative for buyers seeking a Japanesevehicle,butwhodon’twanttopay throughthenoseforone.

However, apart from the long overdue switch to hybrid power, not much else has changed since we last drove this car more than12monthsago.

The styling remains almost identical, while the cabin and instrumentation continuetolookandfeeldated.

Goneisthecuteanalogueclock,replaced by a third air vent at the top and centre of thedashboard.

Older drivers may be attracted by the Vitara’s familiarity and simplicity, with its dated layout, gauges and switch gear – but younger, tech-savvy drivers may be underwhelmed.

Neither will be too impressed by the cheap plastics and generic fabric trim used throughoutthecabin.

Rear legroom is okay thanks to scooped out front seat backs, but that’s not saying much.

It’s still pretty tight back there and lacks rear air outlets, or for that matter any creature comforts of note for the back seat passengers, including access to a USB port. However, the door bins will accommodate asportswaterbottle.

Cargo capacity with the rear set in use is 375 litres, with a hidden area under the floor which in turn hides a space saver

spare, with a 12 volt/120W power outlet in theluggagearea.

But the split back seat does not fold flat and the transmission tunnel combined with angle of the open doors make it difficult to stow longer items such as a beachumbrellaacrossthefootoftheseat.

The infotainment system is somewhat basicbutticksmostofthenecessaryboxes.

However, it took a frustrating 10 minutes and several failed attempts to connect our late model Pixel mobile phone via Bluetooth.

Connection to either CarPlay or Android Autoisviacableanddespitetryingacouple of different cables, Android Auto kept disconnecting.

Built-innavigationisprovidedandDAB+ digital radio has been added to the menu thistimearound.

But continual, unnecessary alerts about merge points, that is entry and exit motorwayramps–reallybegantograte.

As documented, yanking the gear selector back for Drive will inadvertently engage manual mode and engine revs will maxoutbeforeyourealisewhatisgoingon.

With a 47-litre tank, the hybrid takes premium 95 unleaded and uses a claimed 5.9L/100km in this model, giving it a range ofcloseto800km.

Suspension is Mac strut at the front with a basic, torsion beam rear setup, and it rides on 17-inch alloys with 215/55 profile rubber.

Getting behind the wheel for the first time the Vitara Hybrid impressed from the get-go.

It offers stronger performance than the previousturbochargedmodel,withasolid, well sorted feel, and is over-engineered if anything.

It corners flat, feels taught and has

a firmish ride, and can be driven enthusiasticallywithconfidence.

In fact, the suspension is excellent on secondary,backroads.

Steering is sharp and accurate and the brakesareconfident.

Butwe’renotgreatfansoftheContinental Ecocontact6tyresthatlackgrip.

Rated at 5.9L/100km, we were getting 5.5L after 620km of driving, mostly out on theopenroadovertheEasterlongweekend –with152kmstilltogo.

In practice we discovered it was best to avoid cruise control, as this prevents the battery from being recharged from recovered energy on long downhill runs –anyhillsreally.

Taking your foot off the throttle sees an icon show up at the top of the instrument cluster, indicating the battery is being charged.

What a shame the rest of the car isn’t a match for the superior engineering, but of course that would push up the price and that’sawholenewballgame.

Summing up

We’re in two minds about this car. The engineering is rock solid and impressive. But the technology needs to catch up, with an analogue dash, mechanical handbrake, wiredAndroidAuto,etc.

It also lacks a current safety rating, even thoughthepreviousfive-starratingexpired overtwoyearsago.

It’s not the way to win over buyers, let alone retain the ones you have – with Suzuki sales down more than 28 per cent yeartodate.

If they think the electric e Vitara is going to do the trick, they’re sadly mistaken – the Chinesealreadyoffermuchbetteroptions. Justsaying.

Playing hard for big wins

There was plenty of action on the court and on field as the sun shone brightly on Saturday.StarWeeklyphotographerLjubica

Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.

Burras pull off upset win

By Tara Murray

Diggers Rest pulled off an upset win against Woodend-Hesket in the Riddell District Netball League on Saturday.

Both sides were missing players with weekend Victorian Netball League matches, with the Burras providing one of the upsets of the season.

In a close game all day, the Burras won, 41-35.

Burras’ coach Anica Wilson said the playing group had worked hard for that win.

“It’s good for the confidence and morale going forward for the last few weeks of the year,” she said.

“They were missing a few players and so were we.

“It was good to fight the game out and be in front at the end.”

Wilson said the game was a good contest

with both sides fighting hard all day.

“It’s the first time we have played them this year and we only played them once last year,” she said.

“And it’s the first time we’ve played them on their new courts.

“It was just close throughout.”

Kalley Tukaokao shot 22 goals for the Burras, while Leona Hristovska scored 16 goals in limited minutes due to VNL.

Natalie McDonald shot 28 goals for the Hawks at the other end.

The win was the Burras second of the season.

Wilson said they had seen some growth among the group, but the results hadn’t reflected it.

“We’ve been a bit unfortunate with a couple of the games,” she said.

“We had a few injuries and unavailability which has made things a little tricker.

“Until yesterday [Saturday] we had been competitive but hadn’t won a close game which was disappointing.

“It’s the first time we’ve been able to push through in a close game and get the result we were after.”

Wilson said they were hoping to take the form of Saturday into the rest of the season.

They face bottom side Melton South this Saturday.

Cats storm home after baking from coach

By Tara Murray

A final quarter onslaught saw Macedon overcame a poor start in its win in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.

The Cats copped a bake from coach Al Meldrum at half time of their clash with Melton Centrals, after they trailed by one point.

After leading by 10 points at three time, the Cats came home strongly on their home deck with 10 goals to no score in the final quarter to win, 19.23 (137)-9.5 (59).

Cats’ Al Meldrum said it was a flat performance from the group.

“It took us until the last quarter to get going,” he said. “It was a bit of a flat performance and our second quarter was horrible.

“At half time I gave the boys a bit of a blister and they responded well in the third quarter without putting it on the scoreboard.

“The last quarter we kicked 10.8 to nothing. It was pleasing to finish the game strongly, as up until that point we weren’t

great.”

Michael Rutledge kicked seven goals for the Cats, while Leigh Brennan kicked four goals.

Blake Watson continued his good form and was named the Cats best.

Meldrum said Jerome Ristevski played his best senior game of his short career, while Ed Ferguson returned to the side for the first time in 18 months.

Meldrum said at this time of year when the weather gets cold and they have limited time on their ground that things don’t go to plan.

“There was a lack of energy and execution,” he said.

“We were a bit off but we got going and we did what was expected.”

The Cats sit third on the ladder, equal on points with Riddell and Melton South which side below them on the ladder.

Meldrum said the makeup of the top six will likely come down to the matches between the sides currently sitting in the top six.

“The top six is unique with Wallan and

The Burras only other win of the season came in round one against the Panthers.

“The girls are working hard,” Wilson said. “It’s a good group and we’re gelling well.”

Wilson said they’d had mixed results across all their grades, but were hoping to have a few sides make finals.

She said their D-grade side was doing really well.

In other A-grade results on Saturday, the Gisborne Giants snuck home against Lancefield, 47-46.

Wallan also got home in a thriller against Riddell, winning 48-45.

Macedon continued its good form with a 70-45 win against Melton Centrals, while Romsey beat Melton South, 69-41.

Wallan now sits two games clear at the top of the ladder, with Lancefield, Woodend-Hesket and Gisborne all equal on points behind it.

Linden Hall heads to Glasgow

Former Riddells Creek resident Linden Hall will represent Australia at a third Commonwealth Games.

Having competed at the Gold Coast in 2018 and Birmingham in 2022, Hall has been named to compete in the 5000 metres.

She competed in the 1500 metres in the past two Commonwealth Games, finishing fourth on both occasions.

The 35-year-old has also competed in three Olympic Games.

Hall went to school at Riddells Creek Primary School, before going to Braemar College for Secondary College.

Speaking before the 2024 Olympics, Hall told Star Weekly she still had a lot of connections in the Macedon Ranges.

“”I still have plenty of friends out there,” she said. “They are pretty good at supporting me on social media as well.

“I spent an afternoon at Riddells Creek Primary School after the Commonwealth Games and ran a lap with the whole school.

“It was nice to be able to do that.”

Hall is part of an 86 athlete track and field team, with the last 52 athletes announced last week.

Diggers Rest the top couple of sides and then plenty open between us, Riddell, Melton South and Kyneton.

“The good teams will be able to string a couple of games together.”

Meldrum said while they’ve had a couple of disappointing performances, they had so far achieved their goal of being a better home and away team than the past couple of seasons.

The Cats face Kyneton at Kyneton this Saturday, with Meldrum saying it would be a big game for the club.

Kyneton sits in sixth spot, two games off third.

Meldrum said Leo Webb and Brodie Hoyne were set to return to the side for the match.

In other results on Saturday, Diggers Rest had a big win against Woodend-Hesket by 131 points, Gisborne Giants got the points against Lancefield by 94 points, WallanbeatRiddellby82pointswithChris Stewart kicking seven goals and Melton South got the job done against Romsey. Kyneton had the bye.

The final selections feature some of Australia’s biggest athletics names, including Matt Denny (discus), Oliver Hoare (mile), Jess Hull (mile, 5000m), Jemima Montag (10,000 metre race walk) and Kurtis Marschall (pole vault), alongside a raft of emerging talent that have been making names for themselves on the international stage.

Australian Athletics chief executive Simon Hollingsworth said the selections reflected both performance excellence and consistency across the qualification period.

“This team has been selected off the back of outstanding performances across the season, including major championships and international meets,” he said.

“It’s a group that has shown they can compete and win at the highest level, and we are confident they will represent Australia with distinction in Glasgow.”

Chef de Mission Petria Thomas said the athletics team highlighted the strength and depth of Australian sport heading into Glasgow.

Bulldogs beat bogey team

By Tara Murray

Gisborne was able to keep its bogey side at bay on Saturday as it moved to the top of the Bendigo Football League ladder.

South Bendigo has caused the Bulldogs some havoc the past couple of seasons, but it wasn’t the case on Saturday.

The Bulldogs led at every break and were able to build the margin on the way to a 17.11 (113)-8.11 (59) win.

Bulldogs’ captain Zac Vescovi said it was nice to finally get a win against South Bendigo,

“It’s a different outcome to what we’ve had the last couple of years,” he said.

“They’ve been our bunny team and we learned some lessons from earlier in the

year after a narrow loss.

“We were able to apply them and get a positive result.”

Vescovi said they expected a physical game with teams looking to make the most of a smaller Bulldogs side.

The Bulldogs were able to match them in that part of the game for the first half, before getting their game going.

“We put a bit more speed on the ball and used it to our advantage,” Vescovi said.

“We’ve made it a plan to use it as a weapon and helped us come to life at the start of the third quarter.”

Pat McKenna continued his stunning form, as he kicked 10 goals for a second straight week. He also kicked 12 goals in a game three weeks ago.

He is up to 51 goals for the season.

Vescovi said it was really exciting to watch McKenna go at it.

“I haven’t seen him in this sort of form and I’ve played with him for six years,” he said.

“It is pretty impressive what he is doing. Yesterday [Saturday] he took a lot of tough marks.”

Vescovi said Dominic Sullivan complimented him really well in the forward line, while Kobe Zerafa and Campbell Johns were other key parts up forward.

Brad Bernacki continues to shine in the middle of the ground for the Bulldogs and was named their best.

Vescovi said the biggest thing for the side was everyone was enjoying their foot-

A win for Jets as they focus on the basics

By Tara Murray

The Sunbury Jets went back to basics as they returned to the winners list in the Big V men’s championship competition.

After straight losses, the Jets showed some of their early season against Wyndham on Saturday night.

The margin was just two points at half time, before the Jets did enough in the second half to win, 91-77.

Jets’ coach Nathan Heywood said it had been a tough few weeks for the side.

“We had not been able to get consistency through illness and injury through practice and training,” he said.

“Teams have been able to punish us and we’ve not been able to capitalise on the moments.

Heywood said they still had a couple of niggles.

Bb Chuks-mady missed Saturday’s game with Wyndham and it did challenge them defensively against Wyndham

He said while they would have liked Chuks-mady on the court, the other play-

ers took up the challenge.

“We locked in a bit more at training and executed it in the game,” he said.

“It sharpened our focus.”

Heywood said while Wyndham was on the bottom of the ladder, its record didn’t tell the story and they were wary of them.

“They have a lot of players on that team that can get off the leash,” he said.

“Supreme Cook, we had no answer for him and he dominated in the paint.

“We were able to slow him down in the last and he was in a little bit of foul trouble and we were able to capitalise.”

Milan Savic top scored with 26 points off the bench for the Jets, while Ish Sanders had 23 points.

The Jets sit sixth on the ladder, with a 7-7 record.

With finals the focus, Heywood said they know that every match is important in the run home.

“We went back and looked that last few weeks and really lost our way as we were looking at the outcome rather than the process,” he said.

ball and they weren’t relying on one player to get the job done.

The Bulldogs sit top, percentage ahead of Sandhurst and Strathfieldsaye which are also on the same points.

Vescovi said they were in the same position last year and there was still a long way to go. He said injuries could play a big part in the back part of the season.

Braidon Blake and James Gray are two big outs for the Bulldogs for the rest of the season.

There’s a competition wide bye this week.

Vescovi said it had come at a good time.

After the bye, the Bulldogs face Strathfieldsaye on the road.

Sunbury United got an important win in the battle for promotion in FV state league 3 north-west. Sunbury was at home to the Plenty Valley Lions on Saturday and was able to score once in each half to come away with a 2-0 win. The wins moves Sunbury up one spot, to fourth on the ladder. Meanwhile in state league 7 north-west, Gisborne had a 1-1 draw with Footscray Rangers. The Sky Blues took the lead in the 69th minute through Jack Spargo, with the Rangers hitting back late to take a point. The Sky Blues sit eighth on the ladder.

EDFL

Rupertswood fell just short of getting an upset win against Craigieburn in the Essendon District Football League division 1 competition. Facing Craigieburn, the Sharks pushed them all the way before just losing, 11.13 (79)-12.4 (76). Joel Flanigan kicked five goals for the Sharks, while Jackson Cardillo was named their best. In division 2, the Sunbury Kangaroos made it two in a row as they accounted for Northern Saints, while East Sunbury lost to Glenroy.

VTCA

“We went back to the process and when we do those things well and put them back into place, things work well.

“We simplified things and didn’t over complicate things.”

The Jets face Gippsland United on Sunday, the first time the two teams have faced each other.

Heywood said it was strange to face a team for the first time this late in the season.

“It’s a little bit of an unknown coming up against them,” he said.

“We know their players really well. Put in a strong scout and we’ll try and stop their strengths.”

The Jets women’s championship side also had a win on Saturday night, beating the Warrnambool Mermaids, 105-50.

Lovisa Hevinder top scored with 20 points, as six of the eight players scored double figures.

The Jets sit seventh on the ladder.

The Jets face the Pakenham Warriors on Sunday on the road.

Sunbury has signed Ash McKinley for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield season. The Roar said McKinley is a proven top-order batsman and seam bowler. “Ash joins us from England with an outstanding record of 10,000-plus senior runs, 13 centuries, 59 fifties and 284 wickets. An aggressive, competitive and committed cricketer, he’ll bring plenty of experience and quality to the group both on and off the field,” the Roar said on social media.

Ballarat FL

The Sunbury Lions got an important road win in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday. Facing Lake Wendouree, the Lions were able to build a lead throughout on the way to an 18.16 (124)-8.10 (58) win. Jordyn Gillard kicked six goals for the Lions, while Nathan Doyle and Ryan Sturgess kicked three goals each. The Lions move up to sixth on the ladder.

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