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Grassfire risk warning By Jessica Micallef

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Macedon Ranges residents are urged to “prepare for the worst and hope for the best” during the upcoming bushfire season. The fire danger period for the Macedon Ranges and Hume begins on Monday, December 14 which means burn-offs and open fires are banned. Macedon Fire Brigade captain Ross Luke said while the region had a lot of recent rainfall, grass growth posed an added risk, along with bushfires. “We always have the potential for bushfires, but this year with the extra grass growth, we are encouraging landowners to mow or slash grass while it is safe to do so,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of rainfall and things are very green and we’ve had some phenomenal grass growth … when that grass dries off, we are going to have a high potential for grassfires.” Mr Luke is urging residents not to become complacent in order to avoid a catastrophic bushfire season like that which ravaged parts of New South Wales and Victoria earlier this year. “Clean up around the property, make sure gutters are clean, grass is cut, flammable items such as firewood is removed … and seek information from the CFA website,” he said. “Make sure you have a fire plan with several options because not all options may fall into place on those bad days. If your plan is to leave, make sure you have your bags packed and those important documents, medications and phone charges in one area that you can grab at a moment’s notice. “Monitor the news and radio and other methods for information on those bad days.” Residents also need to have all permitted burn-offs extinguished before the fire danger period begins. To help people prepare for the fire season, free green waste disposal is available at Macedon Ranges council’s transfer stations in Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend. Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/transfer-stations

Sisters Luisa and Elena are following in their mother’s footsteps. The Sunbury girls have been growing their hair for more than two years and will this month cut it off to donate to Variety Hair to be turned into wigs. Dad Carlo D’Amico said his daughters decided to grow their hair after seeing their mum Gayle donate her hair. “The girls wanted to do the same thing,” he said. “They have beautiful long hair just like their mum.” Luisa, 9, and Elena, 7, are also raising money for Epilepsy Foundation, an organisation that is close to the family’s heart. “Luisa was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was seven-years-old and I suffer from it to,” Mr D’Amico said. “In her case, epilepsy does not show in seizures, it’s just in … short episodes of absences or having a blank moment. “That’s how it started for me so I knew what to look for. She’s never had a seizure.” Mr D’Amico said he and his family were extremely proud of what the girls have achieved at such a young age. Luisa and Elena are cutting their hair on December 14. To donate: bit.ly/33wLHe4 and bit. ly/2Jx6ZkC ELENA AND LUISA

Jessica Micallef

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2 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

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Mask rules relax for summer By Jessica Micallef Victorians no longer need to wear masks in most public settings after Premier Daniel Andrews eased further restrictions on Sunday. Masks are only required to be worn in public transport, rideshare vehicles and taxis and in some retail settings including indoor shopping centres, supermarkets, department stores and indoor markets. Mr Andrews said Victorians should still carry a mask at all times if social distancing cannot be adhered to.

Private gatherings at home have increased to 30 people and up to 100 people can gather in public outdoors. There is no person limit for funerals and weddings, but services are subject to a one person per two square metre density limit and dance floors at functions and nightclubs can have up to 50 people. More office workers will be able to return to their workplace with private sector companies allowed 50 per cent of employees from January 11 and public sector companies will be allowed 25 per cent of staff.

‘‘

control is underpinned by everyone playing their part - Daniel Andrews

’’

Mr Andrews said the latest round of eased restrictions is expected to be in place until the end of January. “This won’t be everything for everyone,” he said. “But these are the careful steps we can take as continue to protect our state and everything we’ve built.

“I thank all Victorians for the amazing effort, sacrifice and the character that has been shown across the state is inspiring. “Now we all just have to lock it in and make sure that none of us in any way contribute to the spread of the virus. We know that without a vaccine, we will see cases, we will see outbreaks. “Control is underpinned by everyone playing their part and it will be undermined if people do not.“ On Monday, Victoria recorded its 38th day without a COVID-19 case and there were no active cases across the state.

(Supplied)

Locals share their COVID stories

Healing through music song to be played instead. “After a couple of years holding on to it, I finally feel ready enough to share it publicly. “This song is a reflection upon a time that really changed my life and how I will always remember the month differently whenever it comes to pass.” Allan says his music is inspired by a variety of artists including Ed Sheeran, James Bay, Green Day and Australia’s own Dean Lewis.

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“Remember November is a piano ballad that is as powerful as it is tender,” he said. “I am really proud of the piano work on this and the simplicity of the arrangement.” Remember November is available on all music streaming services and forms part of Allan’s debut EP, to be released early next year. Allan is also planning live shows for 2021.

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Tim Allan has used his music to heal at time of pain. The Sunbury musician has released his new song and third single Remember November. Allan said he was inspired to write the song following the death of someone close to him. “Remember November came about as a reaction to losing someone,” he said. “I was asked to play at the person’s funeral and not feeling brave enough, I recorded this

Macedon Ranges council has launched a new podcast series to share local stories. The In This Together podcast series vocalises local stories from across the region about how residents have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and what needs to be done as the state enters the recovery process. The weekly series will touch on what has changed, what has stayed the same, how the community is supporting each other and will address subjects including sustainability, staying connected and creativity in lockdown. It will also feature interviews from residents and information about a range of council initiatives to help the community get through the pandemic. A supplemental program Humans of Macedon Ranges will be published on the same podcast feed, with interviews from residents with unique stories. The council’s acting chief executive John Nevins said he was excited to share these conversations with the region. “We want listeners to feel inspired and uplifted about the positive stories from their community,” he said. “We want residents of the Macedon Ranges to feel connected to their communities and be informed about projects, initiatives and assistance available in the shire. “We also want to capture a strong sense of place and give resident listeners pride in their community. To listen to the podcast, visit mrsc. vic.gov.au/podcasts

3 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

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Christmas road safety crackdown By Jessica Micallef As the silly season approaches after a long year adhering to harsh COVID-19 lockdown measures, Macedon Ranges Highway Patrol Sergeant Mark Stephenson understands residents have an “urgent motivation” to leave the house and travel to country Victoria. But he is urging motorists to drive cautiously and to the road conditions during the busy Christmas and New Year period. “We understand the pressures of being locked down for a period of time, but we also acknowledge that driving skills can deteriorate

‘‘ ’’

help people get home … safely - Mark Stephenson

over a period of time,” he said. “As the Christmas holiday period and end of work and school seasons comes up, we do tend to see more social movements with functions and work break-ups. “People don’t have that working commitment immediately after so [we] tend to see more drink and drug drivers and speed on the road.”

Sergeant Stephenson said that since lockdown restrictions had eased, road trauma across the state had remained relatively the same as it was during lockdown. Victoria Police launched Operation Compass last month, a statewide 15-day police operation targeting driving offences. “I am pleased to say we didn’t have any fatals in that period in the Macedon Ranges but there were four serious injury collisions,” Sergeant Stephenson said. “There was serious offending that was detected … we’ve got one of the busiest arterial roads in the state – the Calder Freeway.”

Police will be out in full force over the Christmas and New Year period as part of the statewide Operation Roadwise campaign, to be launched later this month. “Lockdown restrictions have been eased on motorists, so too they have been eased on police … we are back to make sure people follow the road rules and help people get home or to their destination safely,” Sergeant Stephenson said. “There will be a heavier police presence on the road and we will be using a number of different tactics like marked and unmarked vehicles and sometimes police will be in plain clothes.”

Get ready to go on an adventure

Kathy Hall, Gloria Pocock, Wendy Hulls and Ruth Booker. (Supplied)

The story behind the quilt A new book details the story behind a commemorative quilt made by Redesdale and Mia Mia quilters and sewers. The triptych quilt was created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Redesdale Bridge which was opened and named on January 23, 1868. The quilt took three years to complete and was unveiled at the bridge’s 150th anniversary celebrations at the Redesdale Hall in January 2018.

The quilt was designed to show important historical events and buildings, wildlife and farming activities which represented the evolution of the two towns, linked by the iron bridge. The three-piece quilt is framed so it can hang together and symbolise the closeness and collaboration of the two communities. Now nearly three years since the quilt was unveiled, community group Redesdale Quilters has put together Commemorative Quilt, a book which highlights the story behind the quilt

which was made by Redesdale and Mia Mia quilters and sewers and school children. The quilt is on exhibition at the Redesdale Gallery. The book can be purchased for $20. All proceeds from book sales go to the Redesdale community via the Redesdale and District Association. Details: Kathy Hall, kathhall32@gmail.com

Jessica Micallef

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4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

Macedon Ranges residents are being encouraged to get active and have fun by taking part in Healthy Heart of Victoria’s Adventure Bingo. The new initiative invites people to collect or download an Adventure Bingo booklet and participate in a walk in each of the six local government areas participating – Macedon Ranges, Campaspe, Central Goldfield, Loddon, Bendigo and Mount Alexander. The Macedon Ranges walk is along the Campaspe River in Kyneton, beginning at the Kyneton library on Mollison Street and continuing in a circuit back to the library. Along the walk, participants can spot points of interest listed in the booklet. Healthy Heart of Victoria co-ordinator Alicia O’Brien said Adventure Bingo encouraged physical activity in different regions in a fun and simple way for all ages. “It also provides a free opportunity to explore walks in our region in a COVIDSafe way as the walks are outdoors, self-guided and can be done individually or in very small groups.” There are a series of weekly prize draws until Sunday. Participants who submit a photo of a completed bingo card will go in the draw to win sporting equipment. Details: hhv@bendigo.vic.gov.au

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‘Out of touch’ function slammed By Jessica Micallef A Hume councillor has labelled a council function, that he says was paid for with ratepayers’ money, as “self-indulgent” and “out-of-touch with reality”. Hume council held a civic reception last Wednesday night to mark the results of the recent council election and to recognise the priorities of the new four-year-term. Jacksons Creek ward councillor Trevor Dance, who did not attend the event, said councillors were allocated eight tickets for

family and friends and more than 125 people were invited to the event. “They’ve [councillors] already had their night of nights when they were sworn in and because family couldn’t be there, they wanted to have another night,” he said. “They are … going along for a free feed, drink and a three-course meal. “It’s out-of-touch with reality with what’s happening in the real world.” Cr Dance said he requested the council donate the money for his ticket allocations to a Jacksons Creek ward charity.

But he said his tickets were given away to other councillors within an hour of his request. “I wanted my bit to go towards homeless people in the community,” he said. “Give them a free feed, people who need some joy at this time of year. Then ratepayers’ money is actually going to help someone and is not for self-indulgence. Rates keep going up but we’ve got all these unnecessary expenditures. “You run for council to do a job, not to get all these freebies and go to functions. It’s wrong.” A council spokesperson said the civic reception was budgeted in the council’s annual

processes and endorsed by the council. “Under the Local Government Act, an individual councillor is prohibited from directing the council or organisation on how funding is to be allocated,” the spokesperson said. “Traditionally, the dinner is held on the night of the statutory meeting and mayoral election, however due to COVID-19 restrictions, this was postponed until December 2. “These long-standing events are an important recognition of the significant contribution of outgoing councillors, who this year have more than 50 years of combined service.”

Projects boost jobs Two projects expected to boost tourism and create jobs in the Macedon Ranges are currently under way. Construction has begun on the Macedon Ranges shared-use trail links to connect major towns in the region. The project will connect Woodend, Macedon, New Gisborne and Riddells Creek and is expected to create up to 16 jobs during construction and provide a boost to the economy through increased tourism. The state government invested $8.75 million in the project as part of its Building Works package. Construction has also started on a $6 million headquarters of RATIONALE Skincare in Kyneton. The skincare brand formulates and manufactures all its products in Australia and has markets in the US, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. The Kyneton headquarters will include

research and development and manufacturing and training facilities. The project is expected to create 103 full-time jobs. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the RATIONALE Skincare headquarters was made possible through the state government’s Regional Jobs Fund. “It is exciting to see these important projects for our community are starting to take shape,” she said. “They each play a role in encouraging economic growth in the Macedon Ranges as we get back on our feet after the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes said the state government was proud to partner with Macedon Ranges council and RATIONALE Skincare to create new employment and boost the economy. Jessica Micallef

Macedon Ranges council assets and operations director Shane Walden and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas. (Supplied)

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‘Low-key’ salute The Gisborne and Macedon Ranges RSL will mark Remembrance Day this year with a “low-key” service. With normal Remembrance Day services unable to go ahead due to the COVID-19 pandemic, president Robin Funston said about 12 RSL members will commemorate the day at the Gisborne War Memorial. “We are not going to have a Poppy Day Appeal this year either,” he said. “It’s disappointing. Every year we have done really well with the collections and we are well supported by the community so that all goes into our welfare fund for looking after veterans. “We are just having a short service, we will say The Ode, we will lay a wreath and have a minute of silence at 11am.” About 150 people usually attend the Remembrance Day service at the Gisborne War Memorial.

President Robin Funston (front) with club members Daniel Hall, Ian Arnel (secretary) and John Hike. (Damjan Janevski) 219410_01

Jessica Micallef

Toxic soil fight ramps up By Jessica Micallef Sunbury and Bulla should not be the dumping ground for toxic soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project: That’s the message Sunbury residents are making loud and clear. Locals have stepped up their campaign to fight Hi-Quality’s proposal to send toxic soil to the Sunbury Eco-Hub in Bulla. They have taken their protest to the streets – decking the town with posters, stickers and signs. Sunbury resident, and creator of the Sunbury Against Toxic Soil Facebook group, Chris O’Neill said he was doing as much as he could to promote the message of many residents.

“We have strategically placed banners throughout the community, we have bumper stickers and we have our website,” he said. “We are starting to get more and more coverage which is what we need and we are getting more people talking about it … which is promising.” Although community support is ramping up, Mr O’Neill said some residents still had no idea about Hi-Quality’s proposal. He said it was a concern that residents neighbouring the Sunbury Eco-Hub had not been made aware of the potential for Bulla to become a dumping ground for toxic soil. “A person lives next door, or very close to Hi-Quality and they didn’t even know that

this was happening,” he said. “The message is not cutting through to people. It’s clear that Hi-Quality, the EPA [Environment Protection Authority] and Transurban have not engaged properly with the community. “We heard they [Hi-Quality] dropped letters in about 2000 letterboxes. They hit less than four per cent of the population. “They should have hit every single letterbox.” Mr O’Neill said COVID-19 restrictions on large public gatherings made it impossible for residents, including the 2700-strong members of his Facebook group, to publicly voice their anger. “We don’t want to break the law to get the message out there … there are people itching to get out and have their say but we can’t.

“We need to get the community behind us, help get the message out there and help alert people to the problem that faces us.” The EPA approved Hi-Quality’s Environment Management Plan (EMP) in September to send the toxic soil to Bulla. It has also approved EMPs for Maddingly Brown Coal in Bacchus Marsh and for Cleanaway’s Ravenhall landfill. The approval of an EMP does not mean a final decision has been made on where the soil would be sent. A site still needs approval from the state planning minister. Transurban, the site operators of the West Gate Tunnel Project, will decide where the soil is to be processed.

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Witness appeal

GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au

Gisborne police are seeking witnesses to an alleged assault that occurred on Friday, November 20 about 4pm at Riddells Creek Lions Park. Police believe a primary school-aged girl was pushed into a hot barbecue and suffered serious injuries to her hand. Anyone with information is urged to contact Senior Constable Moors at Gisborne police station on 5428 2500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Macedon Ranges council meetings for 2021 will begin at 7pm. The scheduled council meeting for Wednesday, December 16 has been changed from 6pm to a 7pm start time. The council will also hold a January meeting in 2021, scheduled for January 27. Meetings are livestreamed and can be viewed at mrsc.vic.gov.au/livestream.

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Through the lens Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

Eye spy – Michael Mtanios, owner of Al Nada, a Lebanese takeaway in Spotswood, was keeping an eye on Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski during a recent photo shoot. Mtanios, a well-known local character, spotted Janevski taking photos of people on the street so took his binoculars out and hid behind two dog mascots outside his shop, waiting to spot him.

Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police are asking residents to turn in tool thieves. Anyone who is aware of someone stealing and reselling tools and equipment around construction sites is encouraged to make an anonymous report to help the police identify thieves and return the goods to their owner. Reports to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

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Heart health focus for new trial By Alesha Capone A not-for-profit medical research institute in Hoppers Crossing is looking for 400 senior citizens with type 2 diabetes to take part in an important study. The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute opened its new Clinical Trial and Research Centre (CTRC) at HeartWest this year. Researchers at the centre are looking to recruit people aged 65 and over who have type 2 diabetes for a trial involving the prescription medication Dapagliflozin. Dr Amera Halabi, who is based at the CTRC, said the medication lowered blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and reduced their risk of kidney decline and failure. However, the trial will examine the medication’s impact on preventing heart failure in the early stages of diabetes. The study could have important implications for the more than 1.5 million Australians living with type 2 diabetes. Dr Halabi said the study, which will run for two years, would give participants either the medication or a placebo pill. Dr Halabi said the CRTC hoped to use clinical trial facilities at Sunshine Hospital for the study. She said one of the good things about the study was that all volunteers received a free echocardiogram to ascertain any early stages of heart failure. She said most people would not undergo such a test unless they displayed symptoms of heart disease, but that patients benefited from early diagnoses of such conditions. Dr Halabi said anyone feeling apprehensive about taking Dapagliflozin could be reassured that it was already an “established therapy” approved for use in Australia.

John Dunlop has signed up to be part of the clinical trial. (Supplied)

Trial participant, 72-year-old Gisborne resident John Dunlop, said he and his wife Judy previously participated in another Baker Institute study. Mr Dunlop said he liked participating in

the study because of how professional the researchers were. “It’s been great, I would highly recommend it to other people,” he said. Mr Dunlop, whose father passed away from a heart attack at age 64, said he enjoyed

expanding his knowledge of health and his own body. Contact 8532 1511 or email leavedm@baker. edu.au if you are interested in taking part in the CRTC study.

WIN a Christmas hamper with Star Weekly Includes great prizes from Style E Hair Studio, Williams Landing Shopping Centre, IGA Deer Park, Werribee Football Club, Chemist Discount Centre Altona and IGA Altona. Enter online at starweekly.com.au/competitions Competition closes Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 11.59pm.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

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The Sunbury Jewellery Store in Evans Street was this week the target of a robbery which netted thieves over $10,000 worth of gold and silver chains, bracelets and diamond set rings.

Dirty tricks were used by a Department of Labor Inspector to set up Gisborne Shire council for a $40,000 improvement notice, the Shire council was told this week.

Macedon Ranges Shire will soon figure out how best to spend the multi-million dollar windfall it received under the Federal Governmentâ€™s Roads to Recovery program last week. But while the extra money will be welcomed, it may also usher in other issues.

Twist in the tale: Romance writers keep spark alive.

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11 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Mix it up with your own routine spine – so think about pushing your bottom back and let your torso fall forwards as you do, rather than just bringing your chest down. Rotation – We rotate a lot in our day! From putting the washing out, to getting in and out of the car to just turning over in bed. Human rotation happens in the torso – so any exercise that requires you to twist is a rotation exercise. As you twist, be sure to get your eyes and belly button to face the direction you are twisting to.

With more freedom to move around outdoors now, you may be keen to get some more exercise into your day. You may even want to come up with a workout routine for yourself. But, where do you start? Writing a simple exercise program for yourself can be easy – as long as you know the key ingredients. So, let’s take a look at what you might like to include. (This advice is general in nature. You should consult your GP before undertaking any new exercise programs. Please consider any injuries or limiting concerns that you may have, and modify your program accordingly).

Locomotion – Very simply, locomotion is another way of saying walking, jogging, running, etc. Basic human locomotion is typically forwards, but we do also move from side to side and backwards through the day, so try to include this in your exercise.

A workout should always start with a warm up. A good warm up has some gentle movement and dynamic stretching – think arm circles, leg swings, torso twists, etc. It can last from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your needs and the intensity of the following workout.

Workout Basic human movement for an exercise program can be broken down into seven areas – squat, lunge, push, pull, hip hinge, rotation and locomotion. You can create a complete workout by combining these movement patterns, counting repetitions or time. Squat – A squat is the human sitting pattern. A basic squat is as simple as pretending you

(iStock)

Warm up

are going to sit on a knee-height stool and then stand back up again.

such a variety of ways – from all the way down on the ground, to having your hands up on a chair, to standing up with your hands on a wall.

Lunge – The lunge is the ‘step forward to pick something up’ pattern. Start with your feet hip width apart, take a step forward on one foot and bend the back knee down towards the ground. Reverse the move to return to standing.

Pull – So, therefore, anytime we move an object towards our centre of gravity, we are pulling. A crunch is a pull movement, because you are pulling yourself up.

Push – Any time we move an object away from our centre of gravity, we are pushing. The most typical bodyweight push exercise is, of course, the push up. Push ups really can be done in

Hip hinge – Different to a squat, a hip hinge happens when you bend forwards at the hips to pick something up, or put it down. A good hip hinge happens when there is no bend in your

Cool down and stretch – A basic cool down is much like the warm up, but instead of raising your heart rate, the aim is to lower it with gentle movement. Once your heart rate has come down a bit, you may like to stretch out the muscle groups used in your workout. A basic stretch routine would include all the major muscle groups – those of the legs, torso and arms. These are the basic movement patterns. We can also specifically train the core and abdominals with exercises such as crunches or sit ups. Another area of movement to train is getting up and down of the floor, independently, if you are able to do so. Just as with any DIY project, writing your own exercise program may not come naturally – so if you are not sure where to start, an exercise professional such as a pesonal trainer will be able to get you started in the right direction.

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12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Out and about

NEWS

Sunbury locals are enjoying a peaceful stroll at the popular walking track, The Nook. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski

(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 222780

captured these photos.

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Where to pick up your FREE SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES Bulla BP Service Station - Bulla 84-86 Bulla Road Bulla Jack McKenzie Community Centre 11 Green Street Clarkefield Coach and Horses Inn - Clarkfield 50 Station Street Diggers Rest FoodWorks 22 Glitter Road Diggers Rest Diggers Rest Post Office 76 Old Calder Highway Diggers Rest Houdinis Cafe e Cucina 52-56 Old Calder Highway Gibsorne Gisborne Village Fresh Brantome Street Gibsorne Morgan's SUPA IGA Gisborne Brantome Street Gisborne Brad Teal Real Estate - Gisborne 40 Aitken Street Gisborne Kennedy Hunt Real Estate - Gisborne 33 Brantome Street Gisborne Gisborne Real Estate - Gisborne 38 Brantome Street Gisborne Raine & Horne Real Estate 42 Brantome Street Gisborne Gisborne Library 8 Hamilton Street Gisborne Foodworks - Gisborne 24 Hamilton Street Gisborne Macedon Ranges Health Service 76 Hamilton Street Gisborne Gisborne Nursing Home - The Oaks 5 Neal Street Gisborne Puma Service Station Gisborne 23 Robertson Street Gisborne Caltex Service Station - Gisborne 4 Station Street Kyneton Kuppers Fuel Stop - Kyneton 199 Burton Avenue Kyneton RT Edgar Real Estate - Kyneton 10 High Street Kyneton Kyneton Newsagency 95 Mollison Street Kyneton Kyneton Shire Offices 129 Mollison Street Lancefield Lancefield Newsagency 18 High Street Macedon United Service Station - Macedon 313 Black Forest Drive Macedon IGA Supermarket - Macedon 20 Victoria Street Macedon Macedon Newsagency 25 Victoria Street Malmsbury General Store 75 Mollison Street Monegeeta Newsagency 2076 Melbourne-Lancefield Road Mount Macedon Mt Macedon Post Office 341 Mt Macedon Road Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Nursery 675 Kilmore Road Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Post Office 80 Main Road Riddells Creek Foodies - Riddells Creek 86-88 Main Road Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Supermarket 2 Station Street Romsey Chess Property - Romsey 102 Main Street Romsey IGA Supermarket - Romsey 107 Main Street Sunbury Leeburn and Co Real Estate - Sunbury 6 Brook Street Sunbury Sunbury Newsagency 14 Brook Street Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street

Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street Sunbury The Local Sunbury Bottleshop Shop 2b/15-17 Dornoch Drive Sunbury Goonawarra General Store 23-25 Dornoch Drive Sunbury Sunbury Neighbourhood House 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury Brad Teal Real Estate Sunbury 54 Evans Street Sunbury Reliant Real Estate 11/114-126 Evans Street Sunbury Muffin Break Shop 2/24 Evans Street Sunbury Sunbury Square Shopping Centre Shop 2-28 Evans Street Sunbury Terry White Chemist 83-85 Evans Street Sunbury Gap Road Medical Centre 46 Gap Road Sunbury United Fuel Sunbury 47 Gap Road Sunbury 7-Eleven Sunbury 128 Gap Road Sunbury Asia Finest Shop 4&5, 106-126 Gap Road Sunbury Puma Service Station Sunbury 96 Horne Street Sunbury Woolworths Supermarket 25-47 Horne Street Sunbury Big W - Sunbury 25-47 Horne Street Sunbury BP Service Station 53-55 Horne Street Sunbury Sunbury Day Hospital 7 Macedon Street Sunbury Hume Council Offices - Sunbury 40 Macedon Street Sunbury Sunbury Information Centre 43 Macedon Street Sunbury Sunbury Library 44 Macedon Street Sunbury Community Health Centre Unit 12-28 Macedon Street Sunbury McKwen Drive Milk Bar Shop 1-3 McEwen Drive Sunbury Foodworks Bottlemart on Melba 16 Melba Avenue Sunbury Foodworks on Melba 16-18 Melba Avenue Sunbury Melba Cafe 22 Melba Avenue Sunbury Mitchells Lane Milk Bar 192 Mitchells Lane Sunbury Just Planet 37 O'Shannesy Street Sunbury An Apple a Day Natural Health Store 49 O'Shannesy Street Sunbury The Spotted Owl 93 O'Shannesy Street Sunbury Cafe Circe 109 O'Shannesy Street Sunbury IGA Supermarket - Sunbury 98-122 O'Shannesy Street Sunbury Killara Family Store - Sunbury 57 Phillip Drive Sunbury Strathearn Glen Corner Store 10 Strathearn Drive Sunbury Sacco & Saba Cafe 2/20-30 Sussex Street Sunbury Rosenthal Shopping Centre 90 Vineyard Road Tylden Tylden Store 36 Trentham Road

Published Tuesday - weekly Woodend Keatings Real Estate - Woodend 83 Calder Highway Woodend Coles Supermarket - Woodend 61 High Street Woodend II cafe 66 High Street Woodend Andrews Cafe 77 High Street Woodend Fox in the Chamber 90 High Street Woodend Jellis Craig Real Estate - Woodend 91 High Street Woodend Maison Maloa Licensed Cafe & Gifts 95 High Street Woodend Woodend Newsagency 101 High Street Woodend Paysanne Cafe 112 High Street Woodend Bourkies Bake House 115 High Street Woodend RT Edgar Real Estate - Woodend 124 High Street Woodend BP Service Station - Woodend 130 High Street Woodend Woodend Community Centre High Street & Forest Street

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13 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

STAR WEEKLY FEATURE

Get your Christmas binge on The holiday season is upon us and ‘tis the time for many traditions, including binge-watching the same old Christmas films we know and love. But which classic makes us feel the most Christmassy? Interested in finding the films that fill us with the most festive spirit, the experts at OnBuy. com created a Christmas film Index. They set a points-based system where each festive element in the movies, such as the number of Christmas trees and how many times Santa appears, would earn a point (from 1 to 3) based on how Christmassy they are. Using this points-based system, at the end of the study, OnBuy.com was able to crown the most Christmassy film of all time.

WIN!

The results Starring Jim Carrey, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is crowned the most Christmassy film of all time with 586 points. The film scored the most points (50) for Christmas outfit appearance and presents appearance (66 points) out of all the considered films. Although the word Santa is said 11 times, adding 22 points to the scoreline, and the classic down the chimney scene occured four times (adding 8 points), the only Christmas element that the film didn’t score points on was Santa Claus appearance – if we don’t count Grinch dressing up in Mrs. Claus’ clothes. The second place revealed that there’s no Christmas story more Christmassy than Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018), scoring 484 points. With an animated version of Mr Grinch dubbed by Benedict Cumberbatch, the film got the highest points for Christmas food appearance (15 points), carol singers appearance (4 points),

Tis the season for Christmas movies. (iStock)

sleigh and/or reindeer appearance (14 points) and down the chimney (18 points). Considered a modern-day Christmas staple, Love Actually makes the top three with 406 points. This festive flick scored the highest points (135) for Christmas trees appearance but zero points for kisses under mistletoe. Scoring only 97 points, the least Christmassy

FOR THE

film of all time is the musical White Christmas. Its highest score is 19 points for the number of times the word Christmas is said. The five Christmas songs (15 points) also disappoint and aren’t quite what we would expect from a Christmas musical. Source: OnBuy.com

LOVERS OF

PLANTS &

COFFEE There is no better way to spend the day than sipping delicious coffee while taking in the sights and atmosphere of our beautiful nursery! Serving delicious coffee and scrumptious treats,

Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 3pm We are full to the brim with the Macedon Ranges biggest range of fabulous plants, show stopping pots and eye catching decor. Whether you’re looking for a stunning christmas gift or something to transform your garden and home for the festive season, we are sure to have something that is perfect for you!

(03) 5428 7387

www.riddellscreeknursery.com.au 675 Kilmore Rd, Riddells Creek VIC 3431 FOLLOW US TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH SALES AND EVENTS!

OPEN 7 DAYS 9AM - 5PM

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14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

RIDDELLS CREEK NURSERY YOUR LOCAL GO-TO DESTINATION FOR ALL THINGS PLANTS, GARDENS AND GREENERY!

Star Weekly and Avalon Airport are giving you the chance to take off and get out of town with return flights from Avalon to Sydney up for grabs! There are 5 double passes to give away and one winner will also take home some extra Christmas cheer with a hamper full of goodies from our wonderful local businesses including Style E Hair Studio, Williams Landing Shopping Centre, IGA Deer Park, Werribee Football Club, Chemist Discount Centre Altona and IGA Altona. Competition closes Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 11.59pm.

Enter online at starweekly.com.au/competitions

Big Sam guarantees the “Freshest” quality

CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS

Lemons

TUES 22nd

7am - 6pm

TUES 29th

7am - 6pm

WED 23rd

7am - 6pm

WED 30th

7am - 6pm

THURS 24th

7am - 4pm

THURS 31st

7am - 4pm

FRI 25th

CHRISTMAS DAY CLOSED

FRI 1st

NEW YEAR’S DAY CLOSED

SAT 26th

BOXING DAY CLOSED

SAT 2nd

CLOSED

Bok Choy Farm Fresh

Corn

$ 99

M&K Fruit and Veg

Stall 24 & 25

Piccolo Fresh Fruit & Veg

Stall 26 & 27

TD Quality Meats

Stall 22 & 23

Ross’s Meat Supply

$ 99

(Chemical Free) Market Place Poultry & Game

Stall 4

Brazil Nuts

Stall 21

1199

McGaurans Meats

Stall 1

St Albans Market Fish Supply

1499 kg

Stall 5 & 6

Baby’s Breath

a tray

Stall 15

Stall 2

Cage Free Tray of 30 Eggs 2 1/2 Dozen

European Deli

1099

5999 kg

Paramount Poultry & Game

Barramundi Cutlet

Australian Continental Deli

Stall 31 & 32

Stall 16 & 17

Live Lobster 800g-1.2kg

Ham off the bone

Maasdam Cheese

1499

Candy’s Nuts

Legs of Lamb

Ramb Deli

L&M Fruit & Veg

1299

California Walnuts

Stall 3

99c

St Albans Fresh Fruit & Veg Stall 28 & 29

Continental Kabana

La Ionica Drumsticks

for

2499

$ 50

Spring Lamb Cutlets

Pork Loin Roast

3 bunch

$ 29

Iceberg lettuce

Stall 18

Bertocchi Salami Hot & Mild

2099

1599

B&H Seafood

Stall 7

Big G’s Deli

Bonito Pudding Varieties

Stall 11

Milk Tea

$ 50 $

1599 kg

Dried Fruits, Nuts & Confectionery Stall 9

Stall 30

Sml

$ 50

bunch

Lien Florist

5 $ 50 7

4 for

Hanna Coffee

Lrg

Stall 12

Amy House

St.Albans Market St.Albans Road ST.ALBANS

Stall 13

Bingo 3ltr Fabric Softener

10 99

THE FRESH FOOD SPECIALISTS NORMAL TRADING HOURS: WEDNESDAY 7AM-3PM THURSDAY-FRIDAY 7AM-6PM SATURDAY 7AM-3PM Specials Valid WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER TO SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER 2020 or until stocks last. Retail limits may apply.

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Teresa’s Gifts

Stall 15A

www.stalbansmarket.com.au 15 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU OPEN 7 DAYS

5429 5544

102 MAIN STREET, ROMSEY 3434

www.chessproperty.com.au

404 SANDY CREEK ROAD, RIDDELLS CREEK ESPR: $485,000 - $540,000 AUCTION:

19TH DECEMBER 2020 AT 11.30AM ON SITE

SETTLEMENT: 30-60 DAYS “Make This Your Country Escape” – 1.8 acres (approx.) Yes, there is work required here but the rewards will be great. Once a much loved home set in terraced gardens filled with rare and exotic plants this home needs your creativity and “green thumb”. Weekender or permanent home here is the perfect country escape. Renovate or demolish and rebuild, the home consists of:  Three bedrooms, two with robes  Lounge/dining  Kitchen/meals  Mudroom/laundry  Bathroom With the clearing of the garden the views from the home are spectacular and well worth the effort. Discover cleverly built stone walls, hidden paths and hideaways – adventures for the whole family. The power is available but not connected and new rainwater tanks are required. Create your very own country escape just minutes from the township of Riddells Creek, the railway station and an easy commute to the CBD.

ROMSEY

$549,000 - $565,000

“Your Forever Home” - 740m² y Ideal location, safe and secure backyard and accommodation for the growing family y Located in a quiet court the home is within walking distance of the primary school, kinder, football oval, golf course and shops y Large queen size main bedroom with 2-way bathroom and walk-in-robe y 2nd and 3rd bedrooms are very generous and boast built-in-robes y Delightful lounge/dining y Attractive kitchen with ample bench space and breakfast area all overlooking the backyard y Large rumpus room with wood heating y 4th bedroom or excellent home office/studio y Spacious laundry, 2nd toilet and ample storage y Excellent undercover entertainment area y Double car integrated garage

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

LANCEFIELD

$789,000

“Your Unique Hideaway” - 1749m²

4 1 2

y Here is a home quietly hidden away and within walking distance of shops, school, sporting facilities and playground y The home is completely unique and offers spacious family living or a superb B&B plus comfortable home y Massive main bedroom with extra large walk-in-robe and spacious ensuite y Two king sized bedrooms with built-in-robes y Fabulous family bathroom y A kitchen to delight the “chef” within including the addition of a huge walk-in-pantry, stone bench tops and more y Open plan family meals area y Formal lounge y Wide passage/study area y Raised veggie gardens, wide verandah, double carport, excellent shedding, gas ducted heating, split system, the list goes on

NULLA VALE

3 1

$1,150,000 - $1,250,000

“A Lifestyle For You And The Horses” - 53.97 acres

3 2 4

y Just minutes from Lancefield, here is a property offering lifestyle, million dollar views and exceptional infrastructure for the equine enthusiast y Professional trainers, endurance riders, thoroughbred owners or lovers of horses take note! y Baco wiring fencing newly installed throughout the property y Multi-functional with paddocks from night yards to breeding and spelling paddocks y 2 very large paddocks each with a spring fed dam y 45-metre-long horse swim dam y 5 superb dams – 3 of which are spring fed y Large barn with race day style tie up bays, tack room, feed room, wash bay with gas hot water and more y 2 training tracks – 1/1000 metre full training track plus 1/750 metre jogging track y Existing site cut with planning permit approved

Price $1,595,000

Hesket, via Woodend 120 Mumfords Road ‘Hesketh Bank’ Farm on 12.99Ha (32 Acres) Charming Edwardian/Federation period 2 bedroom weatherboard cottage extensively restored and very privately secluded within a beautiful low maintenance established garden and with excellent farming infrastructure, water supply & productive red volcanic soil. The cottage is in very good condition and could easily be sympathetically extended or a new owner may choose to demolish and build their dream grand designs home for either permanent living or for use as a superior inner country retreat.

View By appointment John Keating 0419 880 444 Peter Wood 0408 866 774

Auction Saturday 19th December at 11am

Macedon 16 Bailey Road (Corner Blackwood Road) Annalee - Excellent four Bedroom family home or lifestyle property on 32Ha (79 Acres) Executors Realisation Sale Located within 4 km of Macedon and 9 km of Gisborne townships ‘’Annalee’’ is a solid brick ‘’Ewald Jeske’’ constructed family home of 27 squares that consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen with new appliances, blackwood cabinetry and large walk in pantry. There is a large workshop plus open sided four bay farm machinery shed and two dams.

Reserve Price $1,395,000 View By appointment John Keating 0419 880 444 Peter Wood 0408 866 774

17 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

PUZZLES No. 006

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

easy

4 9 3 1

2 3 6

5 7 2 6 7 7 6 3 2 3 5 8 9 6 8 2 3 1 7 6 7 8 5 9

medium

3 1 2 3 7 7 9

5 4 2 6 7

8 9

ACROSS

DOWN

Adorable (7) Idealist (7) Explorer, partner of Wills (5) Examined again (9) Twigged (8) Rotten (6) Source of cooking oil (5) Contract (9) Unconvinced (9) - Arabia (5) Bears (6) Replicate; reproduce (8) Disgust (9) Unexpected narrative direction (5) Make bigger (7) Forever (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 15 16 18 20 21 23 25 26 27 28

No. 006

With excessive effort (11) Having many uses (9) Honey-making hub (7) Cheerfulness (10) Quacker (4) Put to death (7) Producer (5) Colour of strawberries (3) Harmful (11) Genius (10) Schooling (9) Little kid (7) Regular bus between two places (7) Kick out (5) Roughly 1.6km (4) Regret (3)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 17 19 20 22 24 25

DECODER

No. 006

3 2

4 8 9

6 3 7

QUICK CROSSWORD

1 5 hard

10 11 12 13

AGREE AILED ALIEN ARVOS ASSES BOOST CALMS EARTH ENDED ERRED EXTOL IDLER IGLOO LAGER LEANS LIMBS LITHE OFTEN OGLES ONSET PASTS PLATE PROWS

9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim: 18 words: Good 27 words: Very good

M A

4 LETTERS AUTO COPE EDGE EELS ETCH FLEW KITS SCAB SENT SILO SOCK SUES TARS TSAR 5 LETTERS ACING ACUTE ADOBE

No. 006

LESSEN PRIMER PUDDLE

PULSE READS RELAY RHINO RIGHT RINSE SAGER SATIN SEIZE SIDLE SNOWS SPENT STEAL STING THERE THINS TIARA UNTIE WHERE ZONES

7 LETTERS EVASIVE NAILING PLAYERS SNORTED STUDENT TRESTLE

EXCESSES PRINTERS 11 LETTERS RESTFULLEST STRANGENESS

8 LETTERS CONDENSE COSINESS

6 LETTERS LEAGUE

amen, enema, mane, manse, mass, masse, mast, mate, matt, matte, mean, meanest, meant, meat, meet, ment, mesa, mese, mesne, mess, mete, name, same, seam, seamen, seem, semen, sesame, stamen, STATESMEN, steam, stem, tame, tameness, tamest, team, teem

11-12-20

Is sassafras an exclamation, ingredient or tree?

In what Australian city was popstar Kylie Minogue (pictured) born?

Chartreuse, army and forest are all shades of what colour?

Which superhero TV series stars New Zealand actor Antony Starr?

The ‘shave and taper’ method is employed in which sport?

E M O S

L E E P E N N A V E R T

S H A

How many countries border Italy?

10 What are two key components of the engine cooling system in most cars?

True or false: lieutenant is higher than major in army command hierarchy?

No. 006 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

7 1 9 2 4 8 5 6 3

4 6 1 8 5 9 3 2 7

5 2 7 4 3 6 8 9 1

3 9 8 7 1 2 6 4 5 2 1 7 4 6 3 8 9 5

Y L Y

1 3 5 9 8 4 2 7 6

9 4 2 6 7 5 1 3 8

8 7 6 3 2 1 9 5 4

7 2 9 8 1 3 5 4 6

4 3 1 2 6 5 9 8 7

8 1 2 3 5 7 6 9 4

9 7 3 1 4 6 2 5 8

6 4 5 9 8 2 7 3 1

2 9 7 6 3 8 4 1 5

3 5 4 7 9 1 8 6 2

1 6 8 5 2 4 3 7 9

4 8 5 9 1 2 7 6 3

9 3 6 5 8 7 2 4 1

1 7 4 2 3 9 5 8 6

6 2 9 8 5 4 1 3 7

8 5 3 1 7 6 9 2 4

3 6 8 7 2 5 4 1 9

7 9 1 6 4 8 3 5 2

5 4 2 3 9 1 6 7 8

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

6 8 4 5 9 3 7 1 2

QUICK QUIZ

Which is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature?

The Giving Tree is a children’s book by which author?

5 8 6 4 7 9 1 2 3

2 5 3 1 6 7 4 8 9

T O

E Y

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

P N

E E

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

37 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

easy

5 3 8 2 7 2 4 8 1 9 6 7 4

3 LETTERS ADO APT ARE CIA DDT EAR ERA EVE FUN GIN HEN HEW HUB LAG NAB NOR RID RPM SEC TAN TEN THE TOT WAG

V E J R B Y G S P D QW K

1 7 4 4 9 1 8 7 8 2 5 8 1 7

Z U X L C I F H A NM T O

1 6

WORDFIT

ANSWERS: 1. Mercury 2. Shel Silverstein 3. Green 4. Swimming 5. Five (France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia) 6. False 7. Tree 8. Melbourne 9. The Boys 10. Radiator and water pump

SUDOKU

KIDS’ CHRISTMAS CORNER christmas cracker joke Q. What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree? A. A pine-apple!

WORD FIND

Colour Me Get creative and colour in the image below!

Can you ﬁnd all of the words listed below? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

DRAW ME Can you copy the image below to the grid to the right?

BELLS

FRUITCAKE

NOEL

CANDLE

GIFT

REINDEER

CAROL

GINGERBREAD

SANTA

CHIMNEY

HOLLY

TINSEL

COAL

KRAMPUS

TREE

EGGNOG

LIGHTS

WREATH

Secret message: And to all a good night ALL CONTENT ©PAGEMASTERS PTY LTD, THE PUZZLE MASTERS

4x4 ACROSS

DOWN

1 Cover gift with paper 5 Circle of light above an angel 6 The Grinch was thought to be this 7 Head to head, – a –

1 Sharpen (a knife) 2 Praise wildly 3 When Santa got down from his sled 4 Santa lives here, the North –

ANSWERS: ACROSS: 1. Wrap, 5. Halo, 6. Evil, 7. Tete, DOWN: 1. Whet, 2. Rave, 3. Alit, 4. Pole. 19 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

holiday challenge HOLIDAY GIANT

9 7 5 8

1 True or false: Namibia shares a border with South Africa?

4 In 1961 Yuri Gagarin became the first human to do what?

2 Which of the Brontë sisters wrote Jane Eyre?

5 David Bowie (pictured) gained fame in the 1970s with his flamboyant alter ego named what?

O S

T E

L T

QUIZ

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

E M

26 words: Good 39 words: Very good 52 words: Excellent

ANSWERS: 1. True. 2. Charlotte Brontë. 3. Albania. 4. Travel into outer space. 5. Ziggy Stardust.

3 Which of these countries was not once part of Yugoslavia: Macedonia, Serbia or Albania?

WORDSTEP DRINK

_ _ _ _

PLAYS

CROSS MATH Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. There may be more than one possible word step answer.

ANSWERS: DRINK, DRANK, PRANK, PLANK, PLANS, PLAYS

6 4 8 2 1 4 5 6 9 4 3 6 4 7 3 1 8

÷ ×

× +

÷ −

= 15 +

× +

= 21 +

= 21

Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

ANSWERS

3 ÷ 1 × 5 = 15 × + + 6 ÷ 2 × 7 = 21 − + + 9 + 8 + 4 = 21 = = = 9 11 16

HOLIDAY GIANT

SOLUTIONS

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

elite, else, isle, islet, leet, lest, lime, limo, list, lite, litotes, lose, lost, melt, mettle, mile, milo, milt, MISTLETOE, moil, mole, molest, motel, motile, mottle, mottles, settle, silo, silt, sleet, slim, slime, slit, sloe, slot, smelt, smile, soil, sole, soli, steel, stele, stile, stilt, stole, tile, tilt, tilts, title, toil, toile, toilet

9-LETTER WORD

HARD SUDOKU

62 Work (7) 63 Wetter in terms of weather (7) 64 False and defamatory statement (7) 70 Slippery fish (3) 71 Excavate (3)

49 Melanesian island state (4) 51 Sluggish (9) 52 Dismissed (9) 53 Maryland city (9) 54 More tired (7) 55 Dance musical genre (7) 58 Tell a story (7) 60 Room for sleeping (7) 61 Doubter (7)

HARD SUDOKU

57 59

23 24 29 31 32

Jewellery items (5) Discounts (7) Opening (5) Bar (6) Clear riverbed (6) Rooms (14) Abdominal exercise (6) Overhaul (6) Small case for needles (4)

9 5 4 1 6 7 2 3 8

53 56

34 35 36 38 39 40 45 46 48

1 2 3 9 8 4 6 7 5

37 41 42 43 44 47 50

7 8 6 2 3 5 1 4 9

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 21 22

6 4 7 8 5 2 3 9 1

28 30

Managed (7) Novice (7) Formally put an end to (7) Distribute (food) (5,2) Persuaded (7) Sick (3) Phone program (3) Exaltation (9) Mall (8,6) Study of word history (9) Outstanding (9) Venerate (7) Sooner (7) Georgian state capital (7) Bypass (4) Plant family that includes sage (6) Roma is its capital (6) Concludes (4) Ruler (7) Spanish rice dish (6) Gambling house (6)

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60 Diocese (9) 65 Person who plays the organ (8) 66 Accused (8) 67 Book of the Old Testament (7) 68 Australian animal (8) 69 Carry to excess (6) 72 Banishment (9) 73 German car brand (8) 74 High praise (Medieval Lat.) (8) 75 Obviously (7)

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21 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

SPORT Registration fee invoices anger soccer clubs More than 80 community soccer clubs are calling on Football Victoria to withdraw invoices issued for registration fees for the 2020 season. Football Victoria (FV) sent clubs invoices asking them to pay registration fees despite most players not getting on the pitch due to COVID-19. In a letter to Football Victoria, the clubs state the request to pay registration fees isn’t justified as some of the clubs had withdrawn from the season, while for others the season didn’t go ahead. The letter states clubs had endured a lack of payments and income this year, had issued refunds to members and incurred other costs. Clubs from Whittlesea, Hume, Macedon Ranges, Moorabool, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham are among the group of 80. Bundoora United president and group

spokesman Andrew Kyriazis said there had been a lack of correspondence from Football Victoria about their concerns. He said clubs were being asked to pay about $60 per player, with invoices of between $3000 and $30,000. “We’re being held to ransom,” he said. “It started with a group of 10 presidents and now there’s 80 clubs. We sent an email on November 23 and called for a face-to-face meeting to come up with an amicable solution. “We sent a follow-up email, but there was a lack of any acknowledgement. “So many clubs are suffering … We’ve incurred expenses and had no income. “We do not have money for everything else until we get rego fees from next year.” Kyriazis said that under the Football Victoria registration system, players can either pay the registration fee straight to FV or via a club,

which then passes it on. Players are entered into a system and clubs have to accept them, but Kyriazis said no players had been accepted because teams were withdrawn. FV has accepted all players on the clubs’ behalf, leaving them liable for the registration fee. If fees aren’t paid, players are unlikely to be allowed to play next season. United gave its members the option of having fees refunded or rolled over to 2021. Other clubs only gave members the option to roll their fees over, because they didn’t have the money to offer a refund. “We are one of the largest clubs in the north-west with 500 juniors,” Kyriazis said. “We made the decision with the board it was too risky to play and pulled out of the competition before it had even started. Most of our members took the option to get a refund. We had families who couldn’t afford groceries,

Titans return to the field By Tara Murray After the longest ever off season, the North Western Titans were thrilled to return to the field at the weekend in Baseball Victoria Summer League. With COVID-19 putting an end the Titans’ winter season even before it started, the Titans were finally able to return to the diamond for training about a month ago. There was a sigh of relief at the weekend, as their men’s, women’s and juniors teams all played opening round matches. President and coach Danny Haymes said everyone was excited to be back. “After not being able to play the winter season, everyone has a spring in their step,” he said. “We’ve been training since we’ve been allowed, with everyone wanting to get back out there and socialise.

‘‘ ’’

They are champing at the bit - Danny Haymes

“It’s been a hard seven months for a lot of people.” Haymes said they entered the new season pretty buoyant about the hopes of all their sides. The men’s side will again play in division 3. “We have recruited well,” he said. “We’ve added three guys from different clubs and we’ve had a couple of people that have rolled up which is nice. “We’re picked up blokes that live on this side of the city.” Most pleasing for Haymes is some of their junior players starting to step up and progress through the ranks. It’s something they’ve worked on the past few years and it’s starting to come to fruition. “Three juniors played on the weekend after coming through the ranks. “It means I can play in the second grade and a few other older guys are also going back into the second grade as well. “That is the plan that we wanted to do.” The club’s women’s side is hoping to build on a finals appearance in division 3 west. It was a brilliant season for the Titans, who won their first game ever early in the season and continued to build on that. Haymes said the women’s side would be slightly different to past seasons. “We’ve lost a little bit of experience due to work commitments and COVID-19. “We’ve had some new players as well, so we’re still expecting to be competitive as we have the core group back.

North Western Titans’ Connor Wilson. (Shawn Smits) 204571_01

“We had a couple of trial matches against sides from higher grades and the girls have learned a lot. “They’re champing at the bit.”

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

The club will field a new-look juniors side, while they are hoping to have a T-ball program for the younger players up and running early next year.

we had to care about our members first.” Kyriazis said while his club was financially stable, many other clubs were struggling and this was putting more pressure on them. Football Victoria was approached for comment but did not respond by deadline. But speaking on 3AW last week, Football Victoria president Kimon Taliadorosn said they had no choice but to charge registration fees for 2020. “The reality for us as a sporting organisation, we do have hard costs, we do have staff and overheads,” he said. “I empathise with what I’m hearing this morning and it’s consistent with some of the feedback we’re had and contrasts with other clubs that do understand and engaged with us and tried to work it out on an individual basis, which is most welcome.” Tara Murray

Storm stuns Saints Sydenham-Hillside upset St Albans in the opening round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition. The Storm, division 3 premiers last season, were able to hold off last season’s senior premiers on Tuesday night in the Border group. This year there are three teams in each pool group based on location, instead of four like last season, meaning one team has a bye each round. The Storm batted first and made 6-125. Gayashan Weerasekara finished 58 not out, with Ben Green making 23. The Saints fell just short, finishing 7-110. Greenvale Kangaroos beat Westmeadows in the Ponsford group. The Kangaroos made 6-120 before restricting Westmeadows to 9-108. Last season’s runners-up, Sunbury is also in that pool group. Spotswood started with a win against Altona Roosters in the Simpson group. The Roosters made 9-128 with a number of starts from the top and middle order batsmen. Captain-coach Ash Peters top scored with 28. Spotswood’s top three got the job done as they finished 1-129 off 15.3 overs. Declan O’Brien top scored with 55 not out. In the Morris group, Keilor Park came out on top against the more highly fancied Strathmore by 10 runs. The Devils made 7-144 with a half century to Ethan McShanag. Strathmore fell just short, making 5-134. Chris Williams made 50 for Strathmore. Grand United had a good win against Aberfeldie Park in the Paine group. Grand United made 9-126 with Ross Romeo taking two wickets. Grand United was able to restrict Aberfeldie Park to 9-81. Airport West St Christophers defeated Aberfeldie, while West Coburg and Haig Fawkner’s match was called off due to a soft pitch. Many round one matches were played over the previous few weeks. Royal Park Brunswick defeated Jacana, St Francis de Sales beat Pascoe Vale Central, Sunshine United beat Sunshine YCW, Seddon got over the line in a thriller against Yarraville Club and Sanctuary Lakes easily accounted for Footscray Angliss. Point Cook snuck home against Bellbridge, Footscray United beat Sunshine Heights and Tarneit Central beat Werribee Centrals. Tara Murray

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Familiar face returns to Williamstown There’s a sense of familiarity for new Williamstown coach Justin Plapp. Appointed in late November, Plapp returns to the club where he was an assistant coach in 2011. With many of the same faces still around, Plapp is excited to return. “I said to the guys it seems familiar for me,” he said. “There’s still a lot of the people at the club from when I coached in 2011. The fabric that makes the club tick. “I know Stephen Soulsby and Jason Reddick from an admin side. We crossed paths when I was with Casey. “I’ve dealt with some of the players and have some relationships. “Some of the volunteers have been around the club for a long time. “I’m nervous about the role, but in a good way. I’m going into this role with a lot of clarity and a real confidence.” Plapp has been busy coaching since he left the Seagulls at the end of 2011, including stints as

head coach at NAB League club Sandringham Dragons and senior coach with VFL side Casey Demons. The past three seasons he has been an assistant coach with Melbourne. Having spent four and half months in Queensland with Melbourne for the AFL season, Plapp used the time to reconsider his football future. “I was in a position to make a decision on what I wanted to do,” he said. “I have a young family and spent four and half months away from them. I had time to reflect on what is important to me. “It’s family and to balance those two things is really important to me. AFL can take you away from a lot of that.” One of the things that attracted Plapp to the Williamstown role was being able to coach a stand-alone side. The Casey Demons are aligned with Melbourne. “I’ve been involved with an alignment and enjoyed it and it was good for my development,”

Plapp said. “This is the challenge of developing my own side. I’m 42 now and I want to embrace the program and what I believe in, which is exciting. “My time at the VFL level, I’ve seen Williamstown is really respected and has a proud history. “I hear nothing but good things. “Collo [Andy Collins] has done a fabulous job and I’ll embrace it, evolve and improve it.” Plapp comes on board as the VFL enters a new phase, with the club to play in an expanded eastern seaboard competition. For now he is working on a coaching panel and putting the list together. “We’ve retained a lot of players from last year and they will play an important role,” he said. “We’ve got a few spots to fill. We’ll let what happens in the draft play out. “We’re happy with where the list is at.” Tara Murray

Tsapatolis inks deal

Boldiston back coaching

By Tara Murray There’s a massive sense of relief for Paul Tsapatolis after signing with Geelong as a B-category rookie. For most of his life Tsapatolis has been focused on his basketball career, with college or playing overseas beckoning. But in recent years he realised that wasn’t the dream and for the past eight months has been talking to AFL clubs about making the transition to football. He spent time in both Adelaide and Sydney this year training with clubs, but it was Geelong – just a 30-35 minute drive from home at Point Cook – that won his signature. “It was just pretty much everything,” he said of picking Geelong. “The connection I had with the club, and how they displayed their trust in one another. Not even to do with me. Stephen Wells, their recruiting manager, trusted Troy Selwood [talent ID manager] to deal with me for eight-odd months.

‘‘

do everything I can to get into a position for a senior spot - Paul Tsapatolis

’’

“They were smooth with the process and didn’t force me to do anything. It just felt right in the heart and it’s the best feeling ever.” Tsapatolis admits there were a few tears when he received his heads of agreement, with the contract for two years. After receiving his deal, Tsapatolis has been busy working at the club ahead of the pre-season starting this week. Having not played football since under-13s at Yarraville-Seddon, Tsapatolis knows that he has a lot of work ahead of him. “I’ve been training for two-odd weeks now, doing my own thing and getting a feel of it,” he said. “I’ve been training with [assistant coach] Shaun Grigg a bit and Cam Taheny, it has been good to get some sessions. “It’s about just getting better every day and there’s amazing resources at the club, so there’s no excuse not to get better.” He said while some players were still interstate after the AFL season, he had spoken to most of the playing group. Skipper Joel Selwood is among those who have given him some advice. “He has been good and gave me a call the day it happened,” he said. “He still comes up to me at the gym and asks if i’m enjoying it. “A few of the rookies have sent me messages as they know what it is like being a first year player. “Tom Hawkins came up to me today and said you will love it. He said just do all the little

Paul Tsapatolis. (Joe Mastroianni)

things, same as Joel Selwood. They said do all the little things, work hard and have fun and the results will take care of itself.” Tsapatolis said in his early days he thinks he will be played in a combination of ruck and forward and has his eyes on a full-time ruck

New Williamstown coach Justin Plapp. (Supplied)

spot in the next few years. For now, his focus is on improving. “Obviously I want to play senior games, but that’s out of my control and more up to the coaches. I’ll do everything I can to get into a position for a senior spot.”

A year without netball left new Riddell coach Adam Boldiston keen to get back into coaching. A premiership-winning coach with the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Netball League, Boldiston was set to coach Romsey in this year’s Riddell District Netball League season but was forced to pull out before the season started because of other commitments. In a twist of fate, the season didn’t go ahead because of COVID-19. Now Boldiston is “putting my hat back in the ring”. “Over the break I found myself really missing netball. I thought I would contact Loz [Lauren Close] as Riddell was a bit closer,” he said. “They had someone signed for this season but couldn’t commit to the role next year. “Last year Loz said if she had known I was looking for a new role, she would have been keen for a chat. “It’s now worked out that way.” Boldiston and Close have played together previously at state and national level. He said he was thrilled to have an opportunity to reunite. Close is one of a number of signings that the Bombers have already announced. Star shooter Bec Cowell returns, while Ellen Close and Tara O’Grady will also be in the shooting end. Chelsea Tobin has also re-signed. Boldiston said he had tried to get Colwell to his previous teams in the past and was looking forward to finally getting to coach her. While he hadn’t coached Ellen Close before, he had seen her play in the Victorian Netball League. “I know there are some young ones and I believe some that could be given some opportunity in A-grade. “It’s similar to what I did at Sunbury, in blooding and giving them some opportunities. I’d love to nurture some of them and help them grow. Hopefully we get some good numbers at trials.” Boldiston will also coach the under-19 team. He said they were still looking for a few more under-19s. Boldiston, who is also the Victorian under-20 men’s coach, said the Bombers trials are on Wednesday, December 9 and 16. Interested players need to be available for both dates. To register interest, go to netballbomber@gmail.com. Tara Murray

23 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 December, 2020

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