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While social distancing and self isolation has changed our lives, some things have remained the same. The need for trusted local news and information is now more vital than ever! The Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Star Weekly continues to be that source. In these uncertain times help us keep this vital information coming to you, wherever you are. Simply subscribe to our FREE digital edition and news alerts, delivered directly to your desktop, tablet and smartphone device. Help us do our part in keeping our community informed and closer together during these difficult times.
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Important COVID-19 Update from your local paper
How Locals Can Help Locals! Dear Readers, These are challenging times for our local community, as they are for all local communities around the world. Many of us are anxious, and unsure about many things, but one thing we know for certain is that we need to work together as a community to overcome the challenges this global pandemic has created. ISOLATE AND AVOID INFECTION The Coronavirus is first and foremost a health crisis, and keeping our community safe and healthy is the number one priority. Please follow the government protocols and do all you can to avoid infection. STAY INFORMED For 110 years, Star News Group, an independent family company, owner of this masthead has been the trusted source of local news, and we take our responsibility to inform the local community very seriously. For the latest government advice regarding COVID-19, see www.health.gov.au, and please beware that ‘news’ on social media is not regulated and many false and dangerous theories are being shared online. PLEASE BUY LOCAL This health crisis has caused an economic crisis, and we need to do all we can as a community to save local jobs, and livelihoods in the long term. The best thing we can do (in addition to staying well) is buying from local businesses whenever possible. Buying locally has an amazingly positive multiplier effect on the local community because your money keeps being reinvested by other local businesses and employees. This is critical to keeping locals in jobs. A NOTE TO OUR ADVERTISERS We understand these are very tough times for business – as we are also feeling the impact. We are ready to assist you to change your advertising copy to keep the local community updated about any changes to your business operations, safety protocols, new service delivery models, messages of thanks/ support or other important news. We are also in the process of developing programs for our loyal advertisers to assist through these tough times, and we look forward to working together to see this through. Our readership is up, as people seek trusted news in a crisis. THANKS TO OUR READERS We can’t thank you enough for your loyal support over that past 110 years, and we look forward to keeping you informed in the decades to come. Our journalists are doing an outstanding job, in very tough conditions, and by picking up the paper or subscribing online you are helping to ensure they keep us updated and informed. Thank you. Finally, they say character is revealed in a crisis, and our local community is once again rallying and showing great strength and resilience.
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MARCH 31, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Ranges kinders close
TODAY
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Social distancing is essential to save lives
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- Margot Stork Maternal and child health and immunisation services will remain open at the direction of the Department of Health and Human Services. Immunisation sessions will continue at the designated dates, times and locations. New measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of nurses and clients. Further closures were also put in place across Hume last week. Sunbury’s Eric Boardman Stadium, the Hume Global Learning Centre, Sunbury Men’s Shed and all leisure centres, libraries, neighbourhood houses and galleries closed their doors from Monday, March 23 until further notice. Immunisation sessions in Hume are running as normal and maternal and child health services are closed until further notice. Nurses will conduct phone consultations with families. To stay up to date with service changes and closures, visit mrsc.vic. gov.au/coronavirus or hume.vic.gov.au/ coronavirus.
SHANNON AND ELVIE
Fundraise with your pooch Dog owners are being encouraged to hit the pavement in their own backyards and neighbourhoods as part of the RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk. The annual public walk, scheduled for May 17, has been cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the RSPCA is asking people to take their four-legged friends on a walk in their local area during May. The RSPCA said the new event format would encourage people to spend time with their dogs while still providing a pathway for participants to contribute to animal welfare. Details: millionpawswalk.com.au/ Jessica Micallef
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Kindergartens, community halls, sport pavilions and the iconic Hanging Rock have been added to the list of closed facilities and services across the Macedon Ranges as the council continues its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. he council implemented the additional closures on March 24 ater many public facilities and services in the Macedon Ranges had already closed and events had been cancelled or postponed. he council’s chief executive Margot Stork said kindergarten parents have been informed of the closures, which ended in line with the early completion of term one. “We’ve kept kindergartens open to date in line with the advice we’ve received from the Department of Education and Training,” she said. “However, that advice has now changed and the number of children attending is decreasing daily, with many families already opting not to send children to kindergarten.” Parents will be informed during the school holidays of a possible reopening date of kindergartens across the region. “We thank staf and families for their co-operation and we will update you as soon as we can,” Ms Stork said. he popular tourist attraction Hanging Rock has also closed, including the site’s cafe and discovery centre. Carparking areas at the site will be locked and inaccessible to the public. All of the facilities, services and sites will remain closed until April 14, ater which the decision will be reviewed. Ms Stork said everyone needed to
comply with the restrictions put in place. “Social distancing is essential to save lives,” she said. “Please remember to stay 1.5 metres away from everyone else. Wash your hands with soap and water and cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. “his is a highly changeable situation and [the] council will continue to update the community regularly as it continues to unfold.”
(Damjan Janevski) 206810_02
By Jessica Micallef
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2 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 March, 2020
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Hume offers COVID-19 relief By Laura Michell Sports clubs, community groups and ratepayers have been given a helping hand, with Hume council waiving fees and interest charges and refunding deposits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At last week’s council meeting, councillors voted to introduce a number of measures designed to ease the impact of coronavirus on the community. he council voted to waive the ground use fees for sporting clubs until June 30, while community groups will have booking fees and
deposits for council facilities refunded. he council also decided not to charge residential, business and commercial property owners interest on late rates payments. he next rates instalment is due on May 31. Cr Geof Porter said councillors had been approached by diferent groups in the community expressing their concerns about the impact of COVID-19. “I think it is a great thing council is taking this initiative to say … we are with you,” he said. “I particularly am pleased … that if people are late with their last instalment of their rates, we are not going to hit them with penalties.
“We are giving people a lot of relief. [We are] letting our community know we do value them and we are with them all the way.” he council also approved a small business grants program, which will be included in the 2020-21 budget. While the program was not developed in response to COVID-19, Cr Naim Kurt said the grants would make a big diference to small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic. “We are living in unprecedented times today with what we are facing as a community, with the pandemic situation and the concerns about our economy … people are looking to
government for answers, for information and for support,” he said. “It is fortuitous that this comes to the chamber tonight just as local businesses are crying out for additional support.” Two grant categories will be created covering business expansion and outdoor dining. he grants will be available to businesses that employ less than 20 people. Up to $200,000 will be available in the business expansion category, with individual businesses able to apply for up to $20,000. he council will make $50,000 available in the outdoor dining category, with businesses able to apply for up to $10,000.
More cash for more parking
Kylie Swain with some seed starter packs. (Damjan Janevski) 206880_01
Sowing seeds of goodwill From little things, big things grow. he Macedon Ranges Seed Savers group is providing free seed starter packs to locals who want to create a vegie garden in their own backyard. Group creator and Woodend resident Kylie Swain launched the group in December last year with the Woodend library. Since the launch, Ms Swain has handed out about 150 seed starter packets. She said now was the perfect opportunity for people to get busy in their own gardens. “Most of them [seed packets] have been
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donated in some way of form,” she said. “People can have their own fresh produce their kids … and everyone can enjoy. “here is a little bit of everything in the packets. here are raw beans, peas, coriander, parsley, red onion and turnips. “Raw beans are really easy to grow. My kids pick them out of the vegie patch … and eat them. It’s completely diferent than buying them from the shop.” Special delivery instructions are provided to those who wish to pick up a seed starter pack. Ms Swain said gardening was a great activity
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for children who are out of school. “You do have to care for a vegie patch [and] it gives them responsibility to look ater it and look forward to something when there seems to be not a lot to look forward to during these tough times,” she said. “If people are lonely or by themselves, it will give them something to do and then they have the bonus of having their own vegetables.” To receive a free seed starter pack, email: macedonrangesseedsaver@gmail.com
Hume council will spend an additional $200,000 to create indented parking bays across the municipality’s narrowest streets. he council has increased its annual funding from $400,000 to $600,000 to speed up the delivery of indented car parking bays. Mayor Carly Moore said the extra funding would be welcome news for Hume residents living on narrow streets. “he council is obligated to enforce Victorian road safety rules, which prohibit parking on nature strips,” she said. “But we also understand that there may be a lack of parking on narrow streets, which is why we have this program in place. “Over the last four years, the council has implemented indented car parking in 25 narrow streets and has increased funding to speed up the delivery of indented car parking for 34 streets that have met the assessment criteria. “If residents believe there is a shortage of on-street parking in their street, they should get in touch with the council and we will determine whether the street is eligible for indented parking.” he council created a Parking On Narrow Streets policy in 2016. Under the policy, a street is considered to be too narrow if, when two vehicles are parked at the kerbside opposite each other, there is less than three metres of road width available for through traic. Consultation with residents and property owners is undertaken prior to the implementation of indented car parking bays. Jessica Micallef
Jessica Micallef
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3 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 March, 2020
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Fatal house ire
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A woman has died following a house ire in Sunbury. Emergency services were called to the Baggygreen Street house just after 7am on March, 23. A woman, believed to be a resident of the address, died at the scene. Arson and Explosive Squad detectives are investigating the cause of the ire. Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.vic.gov.au
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Police are appealing for information regarding a brawl and a serious assault involving a group of males at a residential birthday party in Gisborne on the night of Saturday, March 21. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Macedon Ranges Criminal Investigation Unit on 5421 2900 or Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000. Incident reference number: 200115352
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Want to keep up with the latest local news and information? Now is the time to subscribe to your free digital edition of Star Weekly. Have Macedon Ranges and Sunbury’s most trusted source of local news delivered directly to your inbox each week. Keep up with the latest news and information afecting your suburb. Each week, Star Weekly reporters and photographers bring you the latest news and information. We are the most trusted source of information in your local community. Star Weekly Editor-in-Chief Stephen Linnell said: “hese are diicult times for many people and businesses within our local communities.
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A 45-year-old Gisborne man has had his licence suspended after returning a positive breath test of 0.226. Gisborne police responded to a triple-0 call earlier this month regarding an “erratic” driver on Couangalt Road, Gisborne South. The vehicle was located and the driver returned a positive preliminary breath test. His licence was immediately suspended. He will appear at the Kyneton Magistrates Court at a later date.
4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 March, 2020
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Aged care closure ‘taking a toll’ By Jessica Micallef Aged care residents are no longer allowed visits from their families and social distancing measures have been put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staf at Warrina Aged Care in New Gisborne have implemented new restrictions to ensure the health of residents and staf is protected. Lifestyle co-ordinator Jenna Coghlan said visitors were no longer allowed in to the aged care centre. “We do have a few residents that are doing
FaceTime with their families, which is good,” she said. “We are trying to keep them involved to see their families but we don’t have any visitors coming in. “We’ve got two palliative [residents] at the moment and their families are able to come in. “We’ll check their temperature, sanitise and wash their hands and then they answer a questionnaire as well.” To follow government guidelines of social distancing, residents at Warring have been forced to stay four metres apart from each other.
Activities have been shortened to 30 minutes and only ive residents at a time can take part in those activities. Residents are also required to eat their meals in their own room. “We have been doing bingo down the hall so residents … come out near their [room] doors,” Ms Coghlan said. “We are doing what we can at the moment.” Ms Coghlan said a lot of the residents were “confused and annoyed” at not being able to see their family. “We go around to each room every day, checking up on them and making sure they’re
OK. here is no anxiety, they all seem to be quite happy and upbeat when we are all around, and that’s all they really want.” She said amid all the uncertainty and confusion, staf are doing everything they can. “We’ve implemented the kindness program which is between some of our residents … and a couple of childcares from Sunbury,” Ms Coghlan said. “We are also contacting some pen pals. “he staf are doing an amazing job. It’s taking a toll on us but everyone is staying positive and happy for the residents.”
Messages of hope Salesian College Sunbury students have showered the town with random acts of kindness. As part of their humanities curriculum, year 8 students were learning about the efect the COVID-19 pandemic has on the economy and the impacts the virus has on human behaviour. heir learning prompted them to spread some positivity across the community. Students wrote letters and decorated posters and cards with heartwarming messages and delivered them into the community, in the hope they shine a positive light on a diicult and challenging time. College principal Mark Brockhus said the students are hoping others will join in and support the community with similar small acts of kindness. “I am immensely proud of our students as they automatically wanted to help others and pass on the message to our community that
they are not alone in these unknown times,” he said. “he posters, cards and letters completed and distributed by our year 8 students symbolise optimism, kindness, our faith and patience. “hese students didn’t expect anything in return and designed them at home to share happiness and love. “It is times like these that we need to support one another. hese selless deeds give hope.” Year 8 students Will Vavallo and Sophie Janusko said supporting one another was now more important than ever. “It is important everyone remembers we have each other and to stay strong,” Will said. Sophie said: “It’s not hard to spread happiness during these trying times”. “Remember to be kind to one another, look ater each other and stay positive.” Jessica Micallef
Year 8 students Will Vavallo and Sophie Janusko. (Supplied)
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5 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 March, 2020
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Weathering the storm Closures and job losses have hit the country hard. Star Weekly spoke with Woodend resident and associate director at Blue Rock Law, Lauren Smyth, about how to cope with forced shutdowns. he immediate and signiicant inancial distress that no one forecast a few months ago. Many businesses won’t survive an indeinite shutdown or prolonged period of poor trading but are still facing ongoing obligations such as rent and outgoings. If they don’t pay these costs, landlords could terminate their leases, they risk losing security deposits, bank guarantees and having to pay landlords for lost rent-income. here are also staf and supplier considerations.
Auctions and open house inspections are closed – how will this impact those wanting to sell or buy a new home? he stop to open-house inspections will make it diicult to sell, especially when house inspections are a key part of the marketing campaign. Virtual house tours or video viewings could be an option but there are risks with buying a property that you haven’t physically viewed. If you want to buy a house that you haven’t viewed, it is critical that you get a lawyer to look over the contract of sale. Do you believe people should hold of on selling/buying a new home until the virus somewhat stabalises? Unfortunately for sellers, we could see a decline in property values and it won’t be a good time to sell. We have record-low interest rates – those in the market with secure jobs and stable inancial circumstances will choose to take advantage, but many will be reluctant
(Supplied)
With the shutdowns of clubs, beauty salons, arcades, casinos, cinemas, etc, what short-term and long-term efect will there be for businesses? he short-term efect is that business owners will have an immediate halt on income which will low through and cause personal inancial distress on families who won’t be able to pay mortgages, rent and keep up with everyday expenses. he long-term efect is that businesses won’t be able to recover – that’s a scary proposition for many people who have spent years and made personal and inancial sacriices building their businesses.
to take out new mortgages if they are worried they will be unable to service the loan. Home owners should avoid ‘panic selling’ and buyers should avoid ‘panic buying’ but keep risks in perspective – assess your own circumstances and reach out to experts. What people are coming to you for help at this moment? We act for a lot of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and most of my clients are business owners. Some of these people have been forced to shut because of the government’s combative measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and others are still able to trade but experiencing signiicant drops in revenue because their customers are staying at home, or they have been forced to remodel their business which is causing trading downturns – for example, cafes operating as take-away outlets. What are the major concerns?
What are business owners options? My advice to all business owners is to ask their landlords for rent abatements for at least the next three to six months. Most landlords should be willing to give their tenants rent relief so there is a better chance that tenants will still have viable businesses on the other side of this. How can we bounce back from this crisis? We have a strong-knit community with compassionate and caring people. hat will help carry us through but as the government lits restrictions and things go back to ‘normal’, individually we need to think locally – shop locally, eat at our local cafes and restaurants, advocate for our community and local causes. Is there anything else you would like to say? Our team at Blue Rock has put together a summary of the relief options and assistance available for businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. his is free and available here: www. bluerock.com.au/covid-19. I am also ofering assistance to tenants in seeking rent relief. If you need help or would like to chat, call 0412 958 166 or lauren.smyth@thebluerock.com.au
MP calls for calm Remaining calm and working together is the message McEwen MP Rob Mitchell is sending out to all. he federal MP told Star Weekly that residents needed to rely on credible sources to receive information and updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. “In social media, there is a lot that is going around which is wrong and we don’t need that increased aggravation,” he said. “People are already stressed out over what is going on. We are obviously going through a very diicult situation. “We need to ensure we are following what is in place by our medical health oicers and their suggestions with social distancing and trying to limit the times we go out.” Mr Mitchell said panic buying and hoarding was not the way to go. “It’s wrong. At the end of the day, there is plenty of food available if we just keep normal about things,” he said. “We’ve got to be methodical about what we are doing and how we are doing it. “We don’t need 100 toilet rolls for a respiratory illness. When you take 10 packets of the cheapest pasta, you are stopping other people who don’t have money or haven’t got a lot of money, being able to feed themselves. “It’s an unprecedented health crisis. “We have to try and make the best out of a bad situation and do what we can.” Jessica Micallef
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HE’S HERE FOR US Rob Mitchell MP MEMBER FOR McEwen Rob.Mitchell.MP@aph.gov.au | 5716 3000 Authorised by R Mitchell ALP 57-59 High St, Wallan.
6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 March, 2020
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Hume redeines togetherness By Jessica Micallef Hume council is hoping social media can bring the community together. he council has launched its Hume Together campaign to encourage residents to use the hashtag #HumeTogether on social media platforms to help spread positivity and achievements that happen within Hume. To stay connected, library storytimes will move to online and itness classes hosted by Hume’s leisure centre instructors will be also be live streamed to help keep residents active
‘‘
Join the conversation, spread the positivity
’’
- Carly Moore during self isolation. Hume mayor Carly Moore said the council was committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of its community while still providing some services remotely to residents. “While these activities are not currently taking place and social distancing is a necessity
at this time, we do not want it to lead to loneliness and isolation,” she said. “he Hume Together campaign seeks to support Hume residents during these diicult times by creating other ways for them to participate in positive and upliting activities. “Along with new ways to connect and enjoy council programs, the campaign will also continue to inform residents of the many regular services that are still currently available. “Over the coming days, weeks and maybe even months, you will start seeing … the hashtag #HumeTogether on our social media
channels. “Join the conversation, spread the positivity and take full advantage of the council’s services that will connect our community socially at a time when we need to be a little more distant than normal.” For more information on programs and services that will be made available and online visit hume.vic.gov.au/humetogether Fitness classes will be live streamed at Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre’s Facebook page, while online storytimes can be viewed at Hume Libraries’ Facebook page.
Virtual hugs say we care “We are happy to provide a new and innovative way for families to express this during a diicult time. “While it’s testing times, it’s reassuring to be reminded of the goodwill that we are seeing unfold. “Let’s not lose sight of this and remember that kindness is at the core of who we are and who we need to be right now. “It’s imperative that we are sharing messages of care and that we’re actively encouraged to look out for one another if we’re going to build a community that’s supporting those who are going to be most vulnerable.” To send a message to your loved ones at Gisborne Oaks Residential Aged Care, visit: bit.ly/3dqCerS Jessica Micallef Benetas residents and staff send ‘virtual hugs’ back to their families. (Supplied)
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With social distancing now the new normal, aged care and community health provider Benetas is providing a virtual way for families to interact with their loved ones. Benetas has launched an online ‘virtual hug’ tool which allows residents in Benetas-run aged care facilities, including Gisborne Oaks Residential Aged Care, to receive written messages and photos from their family. Benetas chief executive Sandra Hills said since launching the tool earlier this month, dozens of family members have sent through beautiful messages of care and compassion. “As a provider of aged care and community health, we want to remind the community that while they might not be able to physically see or visit their loved ones during this period, relationships and love will never be postponed or cancelled,” she said. “hey relect the incredible care and love we all have for our elderly and family members.
7 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 March, 2020
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Boost for agriculture businesses
STEPHEN WONG
A bloomin’ good place By Jessica Micallef A Diggers Rest resident has 2500 reasons to smile. Stephen Wong is the 2500th resident to settle into the Diggers Rest community of Bloomdale. Mr Wong said his new house allowed him to experience the best of both worlds – living close to services and amenities he needed, but far enough from the “busyness” of the urban sprawl. “I enjoy getting outside. he walking trails
d Publishe Tuesday
and natural environment in and around Bloomdale drew me to the community,” he said. “he Organ Pipes National Park is one of my favourite places to explore and it’s just a stone’s throw away. “I love how close Bloomdale is to the airport. I also enjoy travelling overseas so this proximity makes the … process so much easier.” Mr Wong’s Bloomdale property was his irst time building a new house. “he team took the time to explain each step of the process and answer all my questions,” he
said. Property development business AVID Property Group’s general manager Peter Vlitas said the team was excited to celebrate this milestone with Mr Wong, “here’s a lot to love about Bloomdale but the fact that our community has been designed to cater for people and families of all ages is hugely attractive to a range of buyers,” he said. “Creating a sense of place is essential for residents to feel connected to the area and actively participate in the community.”
Macedon Ranges agriculture businesses have received a boost. Grants of up to $25,000 have been awarded to seven agribusinesses in the region to assist in expanding their operations and diversify their products. Piper Street Food Company and Animus Distillery in Kyneton were two of the seven successful businesses to receive a grant. Piper Street Food Company will use the grant to purchase a display fridge and freezer to help increase its product range and reduce waste, while Animus Distillery will be able to increase its production of the development of two new gins. Dreaming Goat Diary, Hand to Ground, Big Tree Distillery, Olive’s Olive and Wondermazing Honeybees also received a state government grant. Macedon MP Mary-Anne homas said the Macedon Ranges was renowned for its high quality, premium produce. She said she was proud to support agriculture businesses that not only provide speciality produce, but boost tourism in regional communities. “Our Macedon Ranges small-scale enterprises bring an abundance of premium produce to the marketplace,” she said. “hey also help to create jobs and make our region [a] vibrant destination.”
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8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 March, 2020
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MY PLACE Teagan Denny was recently named as Hume’s Young Citizen of the Year. She spoke with Laura Michell. What’s your connection to the City of Hume? I have lived in the City of Hume all my life; these days my connection is through the local programs like the Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee (CWMRC), where I have been a member alongside my family for several years. More recently, I joined the Craigieburn SES unit. What do you like about where you live? I like the community spirit, like at the Carols by Candlelight – you see so many familiar faces – and that at dawn services on Anzac Day people come in thousands to pay their respects. he community itself seems to be all round friendly and inviting. I’ve really found that since teaching at the State Swim that I can’t go to the shops without seeing someone I know and that’s something I love. What, if anything, would you like to change? I would love to encourage more young people to join the emergency services; don’t hold back just give it ago. I joined just before I turned 19 and remain the youngest member of the Craigieburn unit by a couple years. You were recently named as Hume’s Young Citizen of the Year. What does the award mean to you? his award shocked me beyond belief – it’s not something I ever saw myself receiving. I am truly thankful to Cr Drew Jessop for seeing in me what I didn’t see as something noteworthy. I truly felt blessed that people saw my passion
and what I do for fun and enjoyment as something to be recognised. What drives you to volunteer in your community? I love what I do – there’s never a job I don’t rush to want to attend with the SES. he people in both organisations are genuine and have such
a strong passion for what they do. I volunteer Craigieburn probably the funniest and most as it allows me to learn from others and do exciting place for me is the Craigieburn SES something that I have fun doing. unit. he comradery amongst the members and everyone’s eagerness is infectious and an energy Where are you favourite local places to spend I love to surround myself with. But anywhere outdoors is my favourite. Gellibrand Hill is time? a spot my friends and I oten walk through, I feel like I work a fair bit so the time I spend out the back of Living Legends, to see all the away is of visiting friends; when I’m in kangaroos roaming around.
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(02) 6041 6622
(02) 9799 2222
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CALL YOUR NEAREST BRANCH NOW FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE 9 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 March, 2020
Agent’s choice ROMSEY 201 Sheehans Road, 3434 Chess Property Consultants: 5429 5544
Price: $895,000 – $925,000
4
Private sale
1
With views from every room, this lovely property immerses you in a gorgeous bush setting without being too far from all that Romsey has to offer. Set on 32 hectares, it has steel rooing, a wide, wrap-around verandah and full-length windows in most of the rooms. Polished timber loors, high ceilings, brick feature work and slate tiles here and there imbue the dwelling with warmth, while timber wainscoting and a ireplace in the open lounge and meals area complement this. Close to the living room, the solid timber kitchen has ample space for food preparation as well as storage and a massive walk-in pantry. The house has four bedrooms all of which have cosy carpets and built-in robes as well as doors that lead directly to the decked verandah. This is perfect for family members who prefer to be able to access their own rooms privately and for hosting holidaying visitors. The family bathroom is expansive and has a clawfoot bath as well as a shower. With the decked verandah being so large, outside entertainment is made easy. The backyard has a storage shed, a chicken run, dog yard and many more possibilities for those who dream of a country lifestyle and of farming.
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“Luxurious Country Living” 2 ha (approx.) 2480 Melbourne-Lancefield road roMseY Enjoy the peace and privacy of this 2ha (approx.) semi-rural setting. A tree-lined driveway sets the tone for an elegant country-inspired abode with open-plan living spaces and views of the surrounding property and beyond. The layout is perfect for family living with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a study and multiple living spaces inside and out. Large windows allows light to fill the open-plan living space that flows out to a under cover alfresco. The kitchen is complete with a Bosch oven, gas cook top, soft closing drawers and stone benchtops.
ensure year-round comfort. Outside are three fenced paddocks perfect for horses, rose gardens and vegie boxes. Newly installed irrigation lines and two rainwater tanks (15,000L and 20,000L) will keep the lawn looking lush and the remote gates provide peace of mind. This gorgeous country estate is located in the Macedon Ranges just over a 30-minute drive from Melbourne Airport, 60km from the Melbourne CBD and just 15 minutes from the closest railway station.
$1,175,000
“For Better or For Worse” For better or for worse we are all facing huge challenges and we must stand together if we are to come out the other end. Real Estate as an industry has been hit with “What do we do now!” and “What are we allowed to do!” We have now received directives from Consumer Affairs Victoria which came into effect as from midnight 25th March 2020. I will outline those directives however, please be aware that things could change at any time. Auctions and Open for Inspections are banned!! Estate agents must move to the auction process online or move to the Private Sale process (Private Treaty). When conducting private inspections strictly by appointment social distancing must be adhered to, no shaking hands or physical contact, thorough cleaning of hands with alcohol-based hand sanitiser, we (the agent) must also ensure that all surfaces are clean and disinfected.
There is a separate lounge for use as a parent’s retreat, while the master bedroom is spacious with an ensuite, WIR and access out to the entertaining area. The three guest bedrooms all have BIR’s and one has direct access into a bathroom.
At this point in time Real Estate Offices may stay open and must adhere to social distancing and high levels of hygiene.
A solid fuel heater and zoned ducted heating and evaporative cooling
OPEN 7 DAYS
Inspections of rental properties can take place but with the same strict rules as for sales; that is no open for inspections and strict hygiene. Here at Chess we will stay open for as long as possible. Please accept that we are here to help but also to protect everyone and we will ask you to sanitise your hands and to come in one at a time. Keep well, Keep safe.
• Column supplied by Liz Dormontt. Liz is a director of Chess Property Consultants, based in Romsey. To contact Liz, phone 5429 5544 or check out their website at www.chessproperty.com.au 10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 March, 2020
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Mount Macedon 23 Green Avenue (of Alton Road)
SECTION
Price $1,325,000
Lyngala - Iconic Fasham Johnson with Stunning City Views on 8952m² Featuring superb open plan living over two levels with views that will take your breath away. Light illed living zones and a wonderful entertaining deck, 2/3 bedrooms plus study and a magniicent glass walkway. Beautifully terraced landscaped garden with meandering pathways and double garage. www.23greenavenue.com
Newham - Hanging Rock 14 Highland Lane
View By appointment Sandi Barry-Mueller 0408 392 347
Price $1,750,000
Fasham Architectural Excellence on 1.369ha with Breathtaking Views A very special and unique ofering in possibly one of the best locations in the Macedon Ranges nestled at the end of an exclusive quiet country lane at the foothills of Hanging Rock. Superb 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence designed by Fasham with excellent shedding and outstanding passive solar principles. www.14highlandlane.com
Woodend 127 Garner Quadrant
View By appointment Sandi Barry-Mueller 0408 392 347
Price $920,000
Fantastic location and loads of potential on 4 Acres Set on four beautiful acres in Woodend’s blue chip Garner Quadrant precinct this classic 1980s three bedroom, two bathroom brick veneer family home is primed for its new owners to embrace its volume, wonderful elevated north westerly aspect, views across adjoining pasture land and incredible potential to create a fantastic modern family home.
View By appointment Peter Wood 0408 866 774
11 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 March, 2020
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Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
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