Issuu

12477071-CG03-21

Established in 1981 as the

proudly serving Sunbury and Macedon Ranges

23 MARCH, 2021

Streets ‘not your tip’

(Supplied)

Surveillance cameras will be installed at dumping hot spots across Hume after the council removed 40 cubic metres of waste from a site in Craigieburn. The council will also launch a pilot campaign, beginning in Craigieburn, to educate residents about the council’s free waste removal options, including two hard waste collections and two tip passes yearly. Council removed the mountain of rubbish from Highlander Drive, Craigieburn last Thursday following public complaints. It will fine 17 people over the “unsightly” pile which included cardboard boxes, mattresses, bikes, prams and bags of rubbish. Mayor Joseph Haweil said the council had enough information to fine 17 people. “We know our community is fed up with this rubbish, and so are we. It costs ratepayers $2.8 million each year, damages our environment, frustrates our residents and undermines our property values,” Cr Haweil said. “Our message is clear – our streets are not your tip.” It comes as deputy mayor Jack Medcraft called on the Hume community to “dump in the dumper” in a bid to combat an “unprecedented level” of illegal waste across the municipality. Laura Michell and Jessica Micallef

Council in a fine mess By Laura Michell Thousands of parking fines issued by Hume council could potentially be refunded after the Victorian Ombudsman found the council may have acted illegally by outsourcing its fines review process. In a report on the outsourcing of parking fine internal reviews, which was tabled in state Parliament last Wednesday, Ombudsman Deborah Glass said Hume council had advised her office in February that it had outsourced its fine reviews between 2009 and 2020. The report was a follow-up to Ms Glass’ initial report into the outsourcing of reviews at Glen Eira, Port Phillip and Stonnington councils

between 2006 and 2016, which was tabled last February. At the time, Ms Glass found that the practice of outsourcing the review process to external contractors “appeared to have been contrary to the law”. The latest report revealed that Hume council handled 25,666 fine reviews between July 2006 and December 2016, 18,775 of which were rejected. The report stated it is not known how many fines had been affected by the outsourcing process. “The council said it used a private contractor to assist parking services and internal review between 2009 and 2020,” the report stated. “It said it strengthened its review process from December 20, 2016, after legal doubts

began to emerge about the use of contractors.” The report stated that an external auditor reviewed the council’s historical use of the contractor, at the council’s request, sampling 30 internal reviews conducted between 2006 and 2016. “It found the contractor had been assessing the internal review applications and sending recommendations to council officers for decision. There were problems with just over half of the sampled reviews: either there was no evidence that a council officer approved the recommendation, or council officers appeared to have accepted the recommendation ‘without evidence of practical review’. “In other words, the council had sometimes

engaged in the same outsourcing and rubber-stamping practices as the three councils involved in the Ombudsman’s [initial] investigation.” Ms Glass said Hume council had advised that it would set up an infringement refund scheme. In a statement, Hume council said the refund scheme was for all motorists who unsuccessfully appealed an infringement between 2006 and 2016. The scheme is expected to begin in July. Hume City Council acknowledges it has used contractors in the past to support its infringement review process and believed that it had acted in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

Simply purchase 4 x Continental branded passenger, 4x4 or SUV tyres and receive $100 cash back for tyres 17” and above, and $50 cash back for tyres 14”–16”.

$100 for 4 x tyres (17” and above) $50 for 4 x tyres (14-16”) PLUS Free wheel alignment (worth $90) with every set of four Continental tyres purchased.

Your local European Car & SUV specialist Contactless vehicle collection available within 20km of Woodend.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 7.30am – 5.30pm

Offer availableVehicle at The Garage Woodend, 15 Bowen Street Woodend from 1 - 31 MarchService 2021 Enviroment European Specialist • Factory Trained Technicians • Professional 15 Bowen St, Woodend VIC 3442 | Ph: 03 5427 1060 | www.the-garage.biz CALL 5427 1060 FOR A QUOTE AND TO MAKE A BOOKING Scheduled Servicing • Quality Tyre Fitting & Wheel Balancing • Advanced Diagnostics 12484497-SN10-21

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FREE

12477071-CG03-21

FEBRUARY 9, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM

EVERY WEEK

Valentine’s at Hanging Rock

Celebrate Valentine’s Day under the stars at Hanging Rock with a special movie screening of Peter Weir’s 1975 film, Picnic at Hanging Rock. The film, which is the 1967 novel by an adaption of the same name by Joan Lindsay, revolves around the disappearance of several schoolgirls and their teacher during a Rock on Valentine’s picnic to Hanging Day Moviegoers are encour in 1900. aged to bring their own picnic for dinner, a chair, rug and a blanket and get cosy as the drama mystery film is screen ing. For a bit of fun, come classic 1900’s costum dressed in a The film night is on e. Saturday, February 13 from 7pm at Hangin g Rock, 139 South Rock Road, Woodend. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children or $60 for a family of two adults and two children. To book: bit.ly/3pzPyji

(Supplied)

Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!

.AU

Anti-vax leaflet slammed ‘‘

Jessica Micallef

By Jessica Micallef

Let’s not

McEwen MP Rob let false lies Mitchell is urging Sunbury residents to “tear spread as being facts up and throw anti-vaccination leaflets away” . It’s that may appear their letterbox. in dangerou s - Rob Mitchell Mr Mitchell said residen ts had notified him last Monday (Februa leaflets is from ry 1) about anti-vaccinatio American-based leaflets about the n IDoNotComp company, COVID-19 vaccine ly, which labels that had global been dropped in their movement that oppose itself as a letterbox. The leaflet, seen by s COVID-19 regulations. Star Weekly, stated should “avoid the people “It’s danger COVID and claims the “vaccin vaccine at all costs” People will ous that people are getting this. read e could this and wonder if potentially be he more deadly than it’s true,” said. “We are seeing the virus”. Mr Mitchell believe out … it’s all garbage these theories being put s the sender of . Tear the leaflet up the put it in the bin.” and

’’

RADIOLOGY SAVES LIVES

How healthy is

Mr Mitchell said only contacted him about Sunbury residents had be done to combat potenti was concerned peoplethe leaflets so far, but he misinformation ally “deadly in surrounding areas ”. would also receive He said people should them. consult a doctor The leaflet also has or medical address to the organis a QR code and a web vaccinations professional when it came to and medica urged people not to ation’s site. Mr Mitchell “We don’t know who l treatment. scan the code. these people are and “It’s for your own that is why safety,” he said. “It we have medical experts from an American-base comes ,” he said. “They have decade d organisation which s you’d think wouldn to understand these in training and learning ’t be so callous and things. They are the to make a stateme stupid to talk to. people nt like risk of dying of COVID ‘most people have no “Let’s not let false -19’. lies spread as being “This from a countr It’s dangerous. facts. y where tragica lly more than 440,000 deaths “What we have achieve have been recorded.” d in Victoria … Mr Mitchell said an amazing job is more work needed to people spreadi and the last thing we need is ng theories.”

your heart?

Lake Imaging are offering a redu ced fee for all patients who book a CT Calcium Score test in Feb ruary and March.

Talk to your GP about this simp le test to determine your risk of cardiova scular disease.

www.lakeimagi ng.co

m.au 12481746-SN07-21

Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... • 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 • 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

Scan this QR code to Subscribe for FREE now! Or visit: sunburymacedonranges.starweekly.com.au/subscribe 202102117907-JW08-21

2 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

COVID drives Ranges crime up By Jessica Micallef Macedon Ranges’ overall crime rate has surged by more than 12 per cent in the year to December 2020, the latest data shows. According to figures released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) last week, the region recorded 2740 offences in the year to December 2020 – a 12.1 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The top five offences were breach family violence order (356), public health and safety offences (274), other theft (201), drug

possession (196) and criminal damage (184). Gisborne was the worst town for offences recorded (611), followed by Kyneton (508), Woodend (354), Romsey (290) and Lancefield (151). Nearly 900 recorded offences happened in a house and 608 recorded offences took place in streets, lanes and on footpaths. More than half of recorded offences in the Macedon Ranges resulted in an arrest or summons, while 25.4 per cent remain unsolved. Macedon Ranges Inspector Chris Large attributed the spike to COVID-19 breaches.

CSA data shows police issued fines for 273 COVID-19 offences in the Macedon Ranges between April and December last year. “When you take that out, our crime has relatively remained the same,” Inspector Large said. “When you look at the data, it contributed to more than 200 offences … and we had the ring of steel.” In Hume, 2050 fines were issues for breaching the chief health officer’s directors in 2020, according to the agency. The municipality was second behind the

City of Melbourne for the most fines handed out for breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules (5079). More than 37,500 fines were issues statewide. More than 90 per cent of the fines issued in Hume were during Victoria’s second COVID-19 wave and strict lockdown between July and October. Overall, Hume recorded 22,002 offences in the year to December 2020 – a 2.7 per cent increase from the previous year. Sunbury was ranked in the top three for the most offences recorded across Hume (2949).

Boundary shake-up

Abby Smith, Dean Duncan and Raquel Stewart. (Joe Mastroianni) 231327_01

A new place to call home The Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation has a new place to call home. The corporation has a new space at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health from which it will provide supported access to culturally appropriate health care, education, housing, youth, justice, arts, sport and recreation. It will also provide local Aboriginal people a place to learn and practice culture. The space was funded by the Department of Health and Hume Services through the Korin Korin Balit Djak for Aboriginal Health plan. Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation

chairperson Peter Webster said the space will be welcoming for all. “The … corporation is excited to be able to establish a safe community space for local Aboriginal people and a place where we can share Aboriginal culture with community,” he said. Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health chief executive Phillip Ripper said the best people to be making decisions about the health and wellbeing of the First Nations people are Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people themselves. “We have been actively working with the

corporation … supporting them on their journey to self-determination and we are very excited about the opening of the new facility,” he said. The community space at 33 Macedon Street, Sunbury, opens on Saturday, March 27. There are plans for the new space to be open three days a week, with times and days to be confirmed. Details: facebook.com/sunburyaboriginal group

Booming population growth in Melbourne’s northwest corridor has triggered proposals for a dramatic redistribution of federal electoral boundaries and the creation of a new division taking in the Sunbury and Diggers Rest areas. The Redistribution Committee for Victoria published a report on Friday proposing names and boundaries for Victoria’s federal electoral divisions, including a new seat covering Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Melton and Bacchus Marsh named ’Hawke’ after late former Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said the redistribution has been forced by the need to increase the number of electoral divisions in Victoria from 38 to 39. The proposed new Division of Hawke is named in honour of Bob Hawke, Prime Minister of Australia from 1983 to 1991. Mr Hawke died in 1999. The Redistribution Committee has lodged a proposal for the Division of McEwen to add a portion of the south-east of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, a total estimated transfer of 6140 electors. The proposal will shift the current electoral boundary so that the Division of McEwen adds the localities of Ashbourne, Newham and Woodend. Sunbury and Bulla would shift out of McEwan into the new seat of Hawke and Diggers Rest would join Hawke from Gorton. Written objections to the proposed redistribution must be lodged by 6pm Friday, April 16. Details: www.aec.gov.au Benjamin Millar and Oliver Lees

Jessica Micallef

SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES

GREAT RANGE OF STOCK AVAILABLE

Like us on Facebook

NEW SPECIALS Whole Budget Scotch Fillet $19.99kg

TODAY

Legs of Lamb (bone in)

$10.99kg

Whole Prime Grade Rump

$14.99kg

Chicken Breast Fillets (skin on) Frozen Lamb Shanks

$7.99kg $11.99kg

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 2pm Sunday 9am - 2pm

PHONE 5422 3851 180 MOLLISON ST, KYNETON

kidswest

orders@hardwicksofkyneton.com.au

12476297-SN13-21

CARTON SPECIAL Prime grade Porterhouse $22.99kg

3 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Speeding driver caught A 25-year-old Malmsbury man will be charged on summons after Macedon Ranges Highway Patrol officers caught the probationary driver allegedly driving at 166km/h on the Calder Freeway last week. The man also returned an alleged positive drug test result and has had his car impounded for 30 days. He will be charged with excessive speed, drug driving and other offences.

PHONE \ 03 8318 5777 LOCATION \ Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR \ BEN SUTTON ben.sutton@starweekly.com.au GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au

Egg hunt cancelled

CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER \ JONATHAN BAKER jonathan.baker@starweekly.com.au Mobile \ 0421 841 321 Office \ 03 8318 5763

The 2021 Malmsbury Easter egg hunt has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions on public events. The hunt was scheduled to take place on Good Friday at the Malmsbury Botanical Gardens.

EDITORIAL

Have your say

REAL ESTATE SALES DIRECTOR \ JACK GILLESPIE jack.gillespie@starweekly.com.au

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ LISA KORYCKI lisa.korycki@starweekly.com.au GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

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

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club. (Supplied)

Drop in for some fun The Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club is celebrating all things women this month. The club has partnered with Badminton Victoria to encourage women to pick up a racquet and join in the fun at come and try days throughout March. Club secretary Cathie Briggs said the come and try days was the club’s way of celebrating International Women’s Day. “Come and be part of the fun and the camaraderie that we experience every week,” she said. “It’s a good way to get us all together. It’s a great place. “People are always welcome to come and

try. Women of all ages, abilities and cultures are welcome. We are celebrating International Women. We are an inclusive club and we love to embrace our sport.” Coaching will be provided and free gift bags will be handed out. The next come and try day is on Monday, March 29 at Eric Boardman Stadium, 120 Wilsons Lane, Sunbury between 9.30am-12.30pm. To register: revolutionise.com.au/ badmintonvic/events/92803/

Macedon Ranges council is encouraging residents to have their say on its Road Management Plan, which is currently under review. The plan outlines the council’s responsibilities in ensuring that roads are safe and highlights the role, function and responsibilities of council as a road authority under the Road Management Act. The plan is reviewed every four years following a council election. Submissions close on Wednesday, March 31. Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/ To send your feedback, email mrsc@mrsc. vic.gov.au. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Jessica Micallef

EVERY TEST HELPS US GO TO WORK SAFELY Every test keeps us on top of this virus. And keeps us doing the things we love. So even if your symptoms are mild,

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

12487803-AV13-21

or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Calder funding push

Goonawarra here to stay

By Jessica Micallef There are growing calls to upgrade the “congested” Calder Freeway. In February 2019, two months before the federal election, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced $50 million toward building additional lanes on the Calder Freeway to help ease traffic between Gap Road, Sunbury and the M80 Ring Road. More than two years on, the freeway is untouched. McEwen MP Rob Mitchell said the election promise must be honoured. “It’s now been more than two years since Scott Morrison announced $50 million for extra lanes on the Calder Freeway to ease traffic,” he said. “But as we can all see, nothing has been delivered. “Populations along this corridor are growing rapidly and we really need this improvement to ensure that people spend less time sitting in their cars and more time with their families.” Mr Mitchell said a number of residents in Bendigo, Gisborne and Sunbury had contacted him about the Calder Freeway. “I am constantly asked when work will start to deliver the extra lanes so that people can spend less time stuck in traffic, not to mention the enormous frustration and dangers negotiating the increasingly clogged freeway. “When I was heading down there on the freeway, the traffic build-up heading out to Sunbury was chock-a-block and it wasn’t even 3pm.” At a Brimbank council meeting last week, councillors agreed to write to state members requesting the state government match the $50 million commitment to upgrade the freeway and fund the construction of a full diamond interchange at the Calder Freeway and Calder

Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic with Calder Action Group members. (Tara Murray) 231802_01

Park Drive, including grade separation of the Sunbury train line at Calder Park Drive and the duplication of Calder Park Drive between the freeway and Melton Highway. Brimbank council will also write to Hume, Macedon Ranges and Melton council mayors seeking support for the project. Calder Action Group president Russell

NEWS

Mowatt said they needed the state and federal governments to come on board. He said growth areas such as Sunbury, the Macedon Ranges, Hillside, Fraser Rise and Diggers Rest meant upgrades were needed more than ever. “The community is working together, but we want the responsible people who fund this, to work together with us.”

Hume deputy mayor Jack Medcraft has backflipped on a call to consider changing the name of a Sunbury residential estate. Cr Medcraft raised a notice of motion during a February council meeting for the council to write to the appropriate body to have the name ‘Goonawarra’ – a residential locality on the eastern outskirts of Sunbury – removed and replaced by the “proper” Aboriginal name, ‘Gunawarra’. At the time, Cr Medcraft said when translated, Goonawarra meant “s**t place”. He said Gunawarra translated to “swan place” and was a more appropriate name. However, Cr Medcraft has sent a letter to all councillors, notifying them of his decision not to pursue the matter further. He said he had received concerns from the community about his proposal. “I had people ringing me, asking what I am doing, you’ve lost me, how could I change the name?” he said. “We have listened to the people and I am prepared to respect people’s arguments.” Cr Medcraft said his proposal had given Goonawarra the “self-respect it deserved.” “Goonawarra … had a reputation,” he said. “But now it’s first home buyers and people wanting to live on the outskirts of Sunbury and near the [Goonawarra] golf course. I wanted people to look at Goonawarra and say it’s an area that they wanted to be in.” Jessica Micallef

Over 50? Buy now to beat the price rise.

here! life best live your ’ll display YouOur homes are now open! With prices set to increase in April, now could be the perfect time to find the home that’s right for you. Secure your brand new home with a fully refundable $500 holding deposit and start looking forward to living a lifestyle full of fun and financial freedom.

21 Mushu Street, Deanside Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm Saturday to Sunday: 10am – 4pm

Homes from $345,640*

1300 50 55 60 | lifestyledeanside.com.au *Price correct as at March 2021

12478764-SN13-21

View our display homes at:

Live your best life here 5 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

On Sale Wednesday 24th March until Tuesday 30th March 2021

GREAT SPECIALS!

CHICKEN BREAST FILLETS

99 kg

Skin Off

Serving Suggestion

MULTI-BUY $

NGF GOURMET PIZZAS 500G Selected Varieties

2 10 for

or $5.99 each

QualitCyhoice

Butchers

$ Family Size Hot BBQ Roast Chicken

6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

95 ea

Thin BBQ Sausages

99 kg

SAVE $3

$ Campbell’s Real Stock 1 Litre Selected Varieties 20¢ per 100mL

SAVE $2

ENHANCE YOUR CHARCUTERIE BOARD WITH THESE CONVENIENT SLICED PACKS

MULTI-BUY $

2 10 for

AVAILABLE AT

or $5.99 each

Melton Sunbury Gisborne Delahey Glengala

331-345 High St, 9743 4600 Cnr Station & O’Shanassy, 9744 4290 Cnr Brantome & Robertson, 5428 3200 Cnr Kings & Taylor Rds, 9362 1207 Cnr David Drive & Fitzgerald Rd, 8390 6988

While stocks last. Some products or varieties may not be available at all stores. IGA Liquor supports the responsible service of alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol not sold to under 18’s.

IGAVI8556_170321

SAVE $1

7 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Demand for ambulances soars By Oliver Lees Ambulance services are under the pump across the state as COVID-19 restrictions ease, according to data released by Ambulance Victoria last week. From October 1, 2020 to December, 20, 2020 the total number of code one ambulance call-outs, which includes all life-threatening incidents, increased by 459 and 154 in the Hume and Macedon Ranges local government areas respectively. Victorian Ambulance Union secretary

Danny Hill said the ambulance workforce is overwhelmed and the ambulance service is struggling to keep up with demand. “Hospital ramping, resource gaps, response times, unstaffed MICA ambulances, regular escalations to code orange or code red, all point to a very dangerous situation,” he said. “They are exhausted, morale amongst paramedics and ambulance workers has hit rock bottom. “COVID-19 was a very difficult time but they have emerged from that challenge straight into the next. There is no downtime, they are regularly missing meal breaks and are working

dangerous amounts of incidental overtime.” Across the state, only 79 per cent of code one call-outs arrived within the target 15-minute response window, down from 82 per cent in the previous quarter. This means that one in five patients did not receive an ambulance on time, according to the Victorian Ambulance Union. Despite the trend across the state, the average ambulance response time in the Hume and Macedon Ranges local government areas is still less than 15 minutes. The state government’s 2019-20 budget invested almost $300 million into ambulance

services. Mr Hill said with the health system still at COVID-19 settings, many people are accessing health services through emergency services instead of via their general practitioner. He said it was important that Victorians remember to only use ambulance services in the case of life-threatening emergencies. “They [ambulances] are not a taxi service,” he said. “When people call for non-urgent problems, it can lead to crews not being available to respond to patients who really need paramedics help.”

Film night rescheduled The annual Hanging Rock reserve screening of Peter Weir’s film Picnic at Hanging Rock is back on this weekend. The film screening was scheduled to take place on February 14, but was postponed due to the snap COVID-19 circuit-breaker lockdown. The council’s planning and environment director, Angela Hughes, said the film screening will be held in the Hanging Rock East Paddock, offering a different view of the rock as the sun sets. “Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme by packing a picnic and dressing up as their favourite Picnic at Hanging Rock character,” she said. Picnickers will be able to watch the film from their car, if the weather is not ideal. Local winery Parkside Winery Estate will also offer tasting and sales prior to the movie screening. The film, which is an adaption of the 1967

novel of the same name by Joan Lindsay, revolves around the disappearance of several schoolgirls and their teacher during a picnic to Hanging Rock on Valentine’s Day in 1900. The film night is on Saturday, March 27 from 7pm at 139 South Rock Road, Woodend. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children and $60 for a family. Tickets must be purchased by 2pm on Friday, March 26. Patrons are advised to bring a jacket, blankets and chairs to sit on. Bookings: bit.ly/picnicathangingrock2021 Jessica Micallef

The Picnic at Hanging Rock film night is on March 26. (Supplied)

12487779-SN13-21

8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Clinics join vaccine rollout By Jessica Micallef Kyneton Medical Centre is “making history” as it begins administering the COVID-19 vaccine this week. The centre is one of the first 1000 GP clinics and Aboriginal health services to offer the jab as part of phase 1b of the federal government’s vaccination rollout. Three other clinics across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges have also started offering the vaccination. Under phase 1b, vaccinations will be made available for people aged 70 and over,

‘‘

It is a very exciting step … we are making history

’’

- Ree Fisher Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 55 and over, adults with chronic medical conditions, people with a disability who have an underlying medical condition, health care workers and high-risk workers including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing plant employees.

Kyneton Medical Centre receptionist Ree Fisher said she expected the centre to receive 100 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine per week. “Our first shipment is due early this week,” she said. “It is a very exciting step and I am personally very excited about it. We are making history. “We have all been highly trained and will have about five GPs administering the vaccine. “We all really understand the process and the importance of the vaccine and rollout so when you have someone positively and confidently speaking about the vaccine, it really helps the

patient.” Ms Fisher said patients needed to provide proof of eligibility in order to receive a vaccination under phase 1b. “Anyone under the age of 70 will need proof from their GP as to their health condition, healthcare workers need to have evidence from their employers and we are asking for a driver’s licence for people over 70,” she said. Details: kynetonmedical.com.au or call 5422 1397. To find a clinic offering vaccinations as part of phase 1b, visit: bit.ly/2QdB5gh

Helping kids play sport Sunbury Community Soccer is making sure every child can play sport. The club was established last year after president Matula Osborn noticed a gap in clubs supporting families from a low socio-economic background. “I saw a woman playing football outside her front yard with her two kids and I asked her where do they play?” he said. “She said ‘they don’t play anywhere because it’s too expensive’. “I had a chat with a few parents and they said soccer was too expensive so I thought there was something I could do … I went about creating a not-for-profit community club.” The club offers discounted registration fees and free registration fees for families from low socio-economic backgrounds. “If you cannot afford to pay, we will make sure your child plays. We provide everything,” Mr Osborn said. “We only charge $200 for the parents who can afford it. We also offer a

payment plan so parents can pay monthly.” Since the club’s inception last year, 65 children have signed up. The club trains at Sunbury Heights Primary School. “Sports should be a right, not a privilege,” Mr Osborn said. “We have 10 teams, starting from under-5s. “We are able to afford … for low socio-economic families because of our business partners and sponsors who have contributed just over $5000 to support the community. All our partners believe in what we believe in.” Details: facebook.com/ sunburycommunitysoccerclub/ Jessica Micallef Harley, Mackenzie, Maya and Ebony. (Supplied)

The best in Point Cook retirement living

Established homes now available

Villa 221

Villa 23

Villa 234

Villa 172

$499K $TBA $540 $520 2

Freecall: 1800 645 264

Prices valid at publication date.

From time to time selected refurbished villas become available for sale to new residents of RCA Villages. These are not brand-new units and, on occasion, have additions and/or improvements included.

pointcookvillage.com.au 320 Point Cook Road, Point Cook

For more information about our range of retirement communities visit: rcavillages.com.au 9 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MY PLACE Sunbury Residents Association president Graham Williams is passionate about community service and his beloved Richmond Tigers. He spoke with Jessica Micallef.

What are your passions? I am a Richmond supporter, motorsport fan and also into classic cars and want to play a part in improving our local community. My parents instilled a sense of community service into our family from an early age and so when a need arises I tend to get passionate about helping fix things. How long have you been involved with the Sunbury Residents Association? I was secretary for around 20 months and then this year was elected president. What role does the association play in the community? The association aims to identify and research issues that will improve the facilities and services for residents of Sunbury and then lobby and work with the council, and various government representatives to bring these to fruition, hopefully in a short time frame.

Currently the association is focused on the Gap Road railway crossing removal project including the much-needed additional crossing out of Sunbury, as well as the ongoing rectification works at the Bulla tip. We also aim to support other community groups to create a critical mass of citizens working for the township’s overall benefits What do you enjoy most about being part of the association? I enjoy it as an opportunity to help drive change and I have always believed that the best way to achieve this is through working from within an organisation. I am a process-driven individual and prefer to work with other stakeholders in a collaborative way to achieve outcomes. I am hoping in the next 12 months we can grow the membership of the association and encourage Sunbury’s families to join and help identify the issues of importance locally. All of the members of the association are passionate about their town and making it an even better place to support families and business. If you could change one thing about your local area, what would it be? I would like to see a more vibrant town centre. The current planning developments seem to be spreading the town out into smaller mini suburbs on the outskirts with the result that there are vacant shops in the main streets and new mini shopping precincts out on the fringe. Extra parking in the main town would be great for commuters as well as retail. Hopefully now that the challenges of 2020 are behind us we can see the town spring back into life and the sense of community flourish more.

(Joe Mastroianni) 228851_01

What is your connection to the Sunbury and/ or Macedon Ranges? We have lived in Sunbury for 30 years having moved here from Tasmania for work. I have been involved with local groups such as Rupertswood Football Club as secretary for 11 years back when our son played, the Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club currently as secretary and previously as events organiser, and more recently the Sunbury Resident’s Association as secretary and now president. Our children and their children all live locally, as does our extended family, and as well as my wife Deb, are members of a number of other local organisations.

Subscribe to the

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly

Digital Edition

FREE FEBRUARY 2, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FEBRUARY 2, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

12477071-CG03-21

‘‘

improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of - Josh Bull our community

‘‘

’’

improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of - Josh Bull our community

’’

Concept design for the new-look Gap Road level crossing. (Supplied)

By Jessica Micallef The first concept design for the new-look Gap Road level crossing in Sunbury has been released. Gap Road will be lowered under the rail line to preserve the character of the heritage-listed Sunbury station. Construction on the project was brought forward to begin this year, with the level crossing expected to be removed by late 2022, and the remaining works completed in 2023 – two years ahead of the initial 2025 completion date. About 19,000 vehicles pass through the Gap

Road level crossing each day, with the number expected to reach 27,000 in 2026, according to state government data. A three-week community consultation period was held in November last year for the public to provide feedback on the design, landscaping and public artworks for the new level crossing. Sunbury MP Josh Bull said more than 170 residents contributed to the preliminary design. “The level crossing will be gone for good by the end of 2022, with a road under rail design as promised,” he said. “This year we will see site investigations continuing as well as some early works, with

the majority of major construction towards the end of 2022.” The level crossing removal is being delivered in conjunction with the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade, which includes platform extensions, train stabling modifications and rail track power upgrades at Sunbury station to enable bigger and more modern trains to run on the line. The line is expected to transport up to 113,000 passengers in peak hours every week when the Metro Tunnel is open. “We promised to remove this crossing by 2025, but this vital project has been fast tracked to synchronise works between the level

crossing removal and the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade,” Mr Bull said. “It means we will only need to close the line for an extended period of time once, rather than twice, resulting in less disruption and a level crossing-free Sunbury three years ahead of schedule. “This is a critical project that will improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of our community and it is time to get it done.” The Gap Road level crossing will be the fourth crossing removed on the Sunbury line and is one of 75 “dangerous and congested” level crossings in Melbourne to be gone by 2025. 12476330-CG03-21

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit sunburymacedonranges.starweekly.com.au/ subscribe/ 12487945-SN13-21

10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

12481566-DL07-21

Crossing design revealed

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

BEHIND THE NEWS

Melton SES volunteers Yvonne Newton and Natalie Davies. (Damjan Janevski) 231376_01

Answering the call When storms hit and floodwaters rise, when people go missing or are trapped in crashed cars, the Victoria State Emergency Service swings into action. Volunteer Karl Sass spoke with Benjamin Millar about the rewards of helping people in a time of need.

or more than 40 years, the trademark SES orange overalls have been a regular and reassuring sight at times of disaster and despair. More than 5000 volunteers form the backbone of the organisation, providing emergency assistance to minimise the impact of emergencies and aiding recovery efforts. Melton SES deputy controller Karl Sass said becoming a volunteer with the SES more than a decade ago was one of the best decisions he has made. “I joined up because I thought it would be a great way to help out the community and be able to do things I wouldn’t otherwise be able to do,” he said. “It’s a really great way to meet people as well, so if you want to make new friends while giving back to the community, it’s great.” While the social side of being involved in the SES was one of the key attractions, the feeling of pride in being able to help people at their time of need is one of the things that keep Mr Sass coming back. “I think one of the great things about being in the SES is being there for people when they are having a really bad day,” he said. “It’s something that is always really positive, so we make sure the volunteers are well trained and capable and can respond and help out as much as we can.” SES is the control agency for floods, storms and landslides throughout Victoria, as well as providing the largest road rescue network. Mr Sass said he has been involved in a very wide range of callouts and events over his 11 years. “I’ve searched for missing people and been involved in different types of rescue,” he said.

Melton SES volunteers are looking for new recruits. (Pictures: Supplied)

“There have been a number of major flood and storm events too.” Each local area also has its particular risks, whether fallen trees or flooding. Mr Sass said one of the major local risk factors for the Melton and Bacchus Marsh areas is the residential areas in close proximity to waterways. “A lot of at risk areas are actually historical

areas rather than new areas, a lot of those areas were not designed with modern flood planning in mind,” he said. “Also, the growing population in our area means there is growing demand on the Melton and Bacchus Marsh units to be able to keep up with the growing demand, so it’s important to have volunteers available when they are needed.”

Climate change is another factor, increasing the likelihood and intensity of the kind of extreme weather events that lead to SES callouts. “We’ve seen increased weather events, whether storm or flood, and that’s making the potential range of risks likely more common in the future,” Mr Sass said. This increased storm activity and the booming population requires volunteers to receive training to prepare for a wide range of emergency response scenarios. “You are looking at everything from learning to use a chainsaw to using radios, knot tying and map reading – you’re taught so many different things in SES,” he said. “Personally I do everything from 4WD response to building collapse to chainsaw operations. There is really a role for everyone in the units, it’s just so diverse.” Volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and across a broad age range. Anyone aged 15 and above can volunteer, although permission is needed from parents for volunteers aged under 18. “We’ve got office workers, tradies, people who are retired, uni students, even families who have joined up,” Mr Sass said. “There are friendships to be made, it’s a really worthwhile undertaking.” Training takes place at the Melton SES unit headquarters from 7.30pm Monday nights. Melton SES will be holding an information session for potential new recruits on Thursday, March 25. A limited number of people will be able to attend in person and the session will be streamed as an interactive Facebook live event. Details: facebook.com/vicsesmelton

11 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication.

Through the lens This week’s photographer’s choice is a photo of Stephen Scott and Liam Sutherland, taken at The Melton Gold Cup, speed and power boat racing. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski says the photo doesn’t do justice to describe the unique experience that it was – speed, water, rain and deafening noise that lasted another 2-3 seconds after the engines stopped echoing from the hills.

world of dance and create an original dance work to perform on the final day. The dance workshops include contemporary warm-ups, dance exercises and choreographic games. Elements such as costume design, music and storytelling through dance will be discussed. The program runs April 6-9. Bookings essential. ■ www.creativebrimbank.com.au

Easter market The Woodend Art Group’s annual Easter Market is on Friday, April 2 - Monday, April 5, 10am-4pm at the Woodend Railway Station. ■ Margaret, 0409 193 369 or Carolyn, 0417 347 520

AL-ANON meets AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, from 7.30pm, and on Tuesdays at the St Mary’s Tennis Club rooms, 204 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough. ■ 0412 432 760

Be Bold Celebrate arts, culture, music and performance by and for the community in Melbourne’s west at Brimbank’s Be Bold Festival, April 9 and 10 at the Bowery Theatre and St Albans Community Centre. ■ www.creativebrimbank.com.au/bbf

Book sale Playing cards, making friends

Werribee Hospital Foundation is holding a book sale from 9am-4pm on Friday, April 16, Saturday, April 17 and Sunday April 18. Pay $2 per book or $10 for 6 books at 27 Cambridge Crescent, Werribee. BYO carry bags. All proceeds are donated to Werribee Mercy Hospital.

Mad About Platypus The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

Explore the Werribee river with the Werribee Riverkeeper and learn about water bugs and water testing to create a healthy habitat for the iconic platypus on Saturday, March 27, 3.30-5.30pm, at the end of Edgar Street, Werribee. ■ https://bit.ly/3eQDEzh

Computer course Rotary Club of Altona City is running a project for older Victorians to give them the confidence to use devices such as iPads, iPhones and computers. No prior knowledge is required. A local venue will be used for the project, which will run from March to June. There are no costs. Dates and times to be confirmed. Topics that may be covered include setting up an email account, using a web browser, Zoom, Facetime and cyber security. ■ Danny, 0425 769 253 or jakeandco1958@gmail.com

Garden club The Sunbury Garden Club hosts a meeting on the first Tuesday of every month, with new visitors always welcome. There is a guest speaker at each meeting, which commences at 7.30pm at the Sunbury Football Club. ■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

Diabetes support Westgate Diabetes Support Group meets

at 10am on the first Tuesday of the month at Altona Bowling Club, 113 Civic Parade, Altona. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

Ballet program Join The Australian Ballet Education and Outreach team at the Bowery Theatre, St Albans, for a fun and creative holiday dance program. Students will explore the

Conservation volunteers Join the Friends of Cobbledicks Ford for conservation work in the reserve on the second Friday of the month, 10am-noon, March to October. Registrations open 9.30am in the carpark. BYO water bottle and gloves. Tools provided. ■ John 0407 546 235, cobbledicksford@gmail.com

Story times Encourage a love of reading and help your child develop their literacy skills at Braybrook Library on Tuesdays and Footscray Library on Wednesdays, from 11-11.30am. Or enjoy Story Time at Home via YouTube on Mondays from 11am. Suitable for children aged 2-5 years and their families. Bookings required. ■ www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/library

Melton South Knit & Natter All welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

Cemetery tour Join Whittlesea Historical Society for a walking tour of the Yan Yean Cemetery on Sunday, March 28, noon-3pm, 2265 Plenty Road, Yan Yean. Cost: $10 ■ 0437 620 372 (Pictures: iStock)

Zonta club meets

If you enjoy playing cards, meeting new friends, and keeping mentally fit, attend social bridge every Friday at the Melton Library from 10am-noon. Beginners to experienced players are welcome. Melton Bridge Club also meets on Tuesday nights from 7-10pm at Arnolds Creek Community Centre. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

Out & about Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski caught up with some locals enjoying the good life at ParkLife in Werribee and an acoustic session in the park by Maribyrnong Youth Services. 3

4 5

6 7

Your pictures

The Virgin Mary Mosque in Hoppers Crossing opened its doors to the public on March 14 as part of the Victorian Mosque Open Day initiative. The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) helps to organise the day at mosques across the state each year, in an effort to develop a friendly, neighbourly and cohesive community environment.

1/ Artist Sandy Hsu at the Maribyrnong Youth Services acoustic sessions; 2/ Artist Velvet Bloom; 3/ Alejandro Espino Aldana AKA ‘Mexican Music Man’ at the Parklife roadshow; 4/ David Fajardo and daughter Siena, 2, enjoy the music at Yarraville; 5/ Francine Chofor and daughter Diamond, 6, have some at the Parklife roadshow; 6/ Na Jun and son Aiden, 4; 7/ Nikki Herrick and daughter Bobbi, 2; 8/ Elena Huynh and daughter Adaline, 4; 9/ Savana, 21-months-old and Tessa, 18-months, almost stole the show; 10/ Valerian McCaskill and Maddy McCallum relax while enjoying the acoustic sessions. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 231888, 231887 13 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Works blitz in Sunbury Josh Bull, Sunbury MP I would like to take this opportunity to again extend my sincere thanks to our community for all the sacrifices made to keep people safe through 2020 and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. I want to acknowledge all residents, particularly our frontline workers, emergency services, schools, sports clubs and local businesses who played their part to help keep everyone safe. It has been a mighty effort by everyone. As the commonwealth’s vaccination program rolls out across Victoria, we are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated when it becomes available. The vaccine is safe, effective and free and it will help us protect everyone in the community. As you may know, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System final report was recently handed down, marking a monumental day for our state. The final report’s recommendations serve as the blueprint for delivering the biggest social reform in a generation. It’s about putting the community at the heart of mental health and wellbeing and providing the services Victorians need when they need them. In terms of local projects, early works are under way to remove the Gap Road level crossing. With the boom gates down for about 26 per cent of the morning peak and 19,000 cars travelling through the level crossing each day, this project will improve safety and ease congestion. Major construction will begin next year, with the level crossing removed by late 2022, three years ahead of schedule. This is a critical project and one I am proud to deliver

for our community. We are building a brand new multi-deck car park in Sunbury. I am pleased to advise that planning and design is well under way by the Department of Transport and the City of Hume. We hope to be able to announce the opening of the tender process in the coming months. This is an exciting project that will deliver hundreds of new local car parking spaces for commuters, traders and shoppers. I was delighted to join city of Hume mayor Joseph Haweil as well as Cr Jack Medcraft, Cr Jarrod Bell and many local residents recently to officially open the John McMahon Recreation Reserve, Bulla Tennis Club Pavilion, an upgraded Goonawarra Neighbourhood House and the brand new Dulap Wilim Hub at Sunbury Heights Primary School and Sunbury Downs College. Work is under way at Boardman Reserve Sunbury, Langama Park Sunbury, Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve. We are getting on with planning work for the $10 million upgrade of Sunbury West Primary School, the $3.2 million upgrade at Diggers Rest Primary School and construction work is under way at the $10.8 million Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School. We all know how important health is and I am pleased that design and planning work is complete to turn the Sunbury Day Hospital into the Sunbury Community Hospital. This new facility will expand urgent care hours and provide our community with a terrific new facility. There are many more projects happening in and around our community. If you wish to discuss these or any other matter, please contact my office on 9740 4091 or josh. bull@parliament.vic.gov.au.

Josh Bull. (Supplied)

Campaign hits major milestone Werribee Open Range Zoo’s meerkat mob educate visitors by bursting bubbles.

Bubbles and sandcastles have seen Werribee Open Range Zoo’s slender-tailed meerkat mob joining in the celebrations of a significant milestone. More than 200,000 people have now pledged their commitment to switch to blowing bubbles instead of using balloons at outdoor celebrations, as part of the When Balloons Fly, Seabirds Die community conservation campaign aimed at protecting precious marine wildlife. The milestone was marked with special enrichment activities for Werribee Zoo’s meerkats who inquisitively explored and popped bubbles and playfully burrowed through sandcastles. When used outdoors, balloons and their attachments can find their way into oceans and waterways, potentially harming wildlife. A 2019 study by CSIRO attributed balloons as being the deadliest marine debris item to seabirds. Animals can mistake balloons for food floating on the water’s surface and can ingest them or even feed them to their young. Werribee Zoo keeper Tamsyn Green said the bubble enrichment for the zoo’s animals has a dual purpose: to educate visitors about wildlife-friendly alternatives to balloons, while helping to mentally and physically enrich the inquisitive mammals. “The sandcastles and bubbles introduce

unfamiliar structures and sensory elements to the meerkats’ habitat,” said Ms Green. “This encourages their natural wild behaviours and provides important mental and physical stimulation. “The meerkat mob demonstrate their foraging and burrowing behaviours while exploring the sandcastles, and stretch up in their sentry posture to engage with the bubbles as they pass.” The bubbles and sandcastles are just two examples of how Werribee Open Range Zoo keepers continually invent ways to motivate and engage the animals in their care through a rotating roster of daily enrichment activities. Enrichments range from sensory, cognitive or physical, and often involve a high value food reward to encourage participation. They are always developed to stimulate a natural behaviour that the animal would demonstrate in the wild or to encourage their problem-solving and critical thinking. Zoos Victoria is calling on the public to spread the word and help the When Balloons Fly, Seabirds Die initiative reach a quarter of a million pledges. It’s as easy as making outdoor events, such as school fetes, sports carnivals, markets and parties, balloon-free and wildlife–friendly, by switching to alternatives, such as bubbles, paper balloons, bunting, flags or banners, kites, candles, floating flowers, or planting a tree. For more information about how to protect marine wildlife, and to make the pledge visit zoo.org.au/balloons. Editorial supplied by Werribee Open Range Zoo.

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

Meerkat with bubble enrichment at Werribee Open Range Zoo. (Pictures: Supplied/Zoos Victoria)

Advertising feature

Over 55s lifestyle selling fast Bellbrook Gardens Country Club in Bacchus Marsh, part of the Country Club Living group, continues to be popular for independent over-55s and retirees, says the club’s lifestyle consultant, Denise Sniegowski.

ountry Club Living, one of the largest family-owned retirement village businesses in Australia, is well-known for providing quality retirement communities. “The Bellbrook Gardens community, visitors and residents are delighted by the bright and happy atmosphere,” Denise says. “They can embrace life and live their retirement just the way they wish to.” Jan, a resident at Bellbrook Gardens, shares her story. “When considering the next stage of my life, my family recommended Bellbrook Gardens and I have not looked back,” she says. “Downsizing to a quality, easy-to-maintain two-bedroom villa has been perfect for me. Our Country Club Management goes above and beyond to ensure that we enjoy a wonderful thriving community. I also have like-minded neighbours who are always willing to lend a helping hand. We have many social activities that we can participate in as much or as little as we like. I particularly enjoy the cinema, attending social events and social walks. I’d highly recommend taking a look!” Bellbrook Gardens’ facilities include a magnificent Community Centre that houses a hairdressing salon, library, pool table and club bar. Other facilities include a gym, indoor pool, work shed and bowling green.

Residents enjoy the bright and happy atmosphere Bellbrook Gardens offers. (Supplied)

The village, staffed with on-site management, has a 24-hour emergency call system. There’s also a bus to take residents on shopping and social outings.

Denise welcomes inspections, 10am-4pm Monday-Friday, or by private appointment. “Come and have a chat and cuppa with me and discover the amazing lifestyle on offer. What are you waiting for?”

Bellbrook Gardens Country Club, 168 Underbank Boulevard, Bacchus Marsh. Inquiries: 1800 633 672 or www.bellbrookgardens.com.au

ESCAPE TO YOUR NEW LIFE It's time for something more secure

Quality, Secure Retirement Living THE CLOVELLY | FROM $417,000

• Two bedrooms • Spacious living • Low maintenance courtyard • Secure community • 24/7 emergency call system • Solid, free standing homes

• Bowling green • Onsite Manager • Resort style facilities

Images for illustrative purposes

• Single garage

• Exclusive gym • Indoor pool • 2 or 3 bedroom homes

Covid-19 Precautions are in place for private inspections and virtual tours are available.

168 Underbank Blvd, Bacchus Marsh Over 55s Country Club - bellbrookgardens.com.au

• Caravan storage • Country Club bus • Pet friendly

NO STAMP DUTY

Talk to Denise Sniegowski Your Lifestyle Consultant 0455 910 793

FREECALL 1800 633 672 12478935-SN13-21

15 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

Madrid 42 for those who dream big Porter Davis has taken inspiration from the ever-popular Hamptons style in the brand-new Asbury façade of its Madrid 42, but as stunning as it looks kerbside, it’s indoors that the sophisticated Fifth Avenue styling steps it up to a world where refined restraint merges with extravagant luxe, writes Carole Levy. The restraint is exemplified in something as simple as the kitchen sink tap – it’s the only touch of gold found anywhere and speaks of class that needs no other embellishment. The luxe elements are, firstly, a pair of stunning pendants suspended from a double-height ceiling above the main living domain, their bling all the brighter from the streams of natural light pouring in from double-height windows. Next, it’s the marble-look panel (with inset gas log fire) that soars the full height of the dramatic void, which is undoubtedly the standout feature of this impressive, five-bedroom gem made for families – including multigenerational – that want the best. The soft-grey and white colour palette throughout allows freedom to experiment with introduced colour, while exuding a calming and subtle backdrop to life. Combine this with floorboards and the open treads of the staircase in a dark-chocolate toned timber and the whole look is anchored in warm earthiness. The lavish, street-facing main bedroom downstairs has a chic dual-basin en suite which leads to a walk-in robe, but because there’s another main bedroom up top, this one could be delegated to guests if preferred. The floorboards in the entry hall flow past a lounge/theatre room, with a powder room opposite, before culminating in the gorgeous dual-zone living domain and sumptuous kitchen. An abundance of natural light from large windows and an extra-long window splashback bathe the cook’s all-white

Display home: Madrid 42 Façade name: Asbury Interior design: Fifth Avenue World of Style Estate: Cloverton Sales suite: 13 Design Way, Kalkallo Opens: 11am-5pm Saturday-Wednesday Inquiries: 8751 2954 Virtual walk-through: www.porterdavis.com.au

Porter Davis’ Madrid 42 design is on display in Kalkallo. (Pictures: Supplied)

space. Streamlined cabinetry is also in abundance, and a stone-topped island bench and a large walk-in gallery pantry (linking with the laundry) are other headliners. All this connects, via a wide slider, to a spacious deck with a pair of ceiling fans,

HOUSE & HOME

while the garden area of the 30-metre-deep block (there’s also a 28-metre-deep option) is big enough for the dog and kids to have a romp, but small enough to keep maintenance at a low level. The four upstairs bedrooms – each with a walk-in robe – plus the main bathroom

and separate toilet range around a large carpeted living room. One of these bedrooms is another main with an en suite, underscoring the flexibility throughout. The Madrid 42 is Porter Davis at its best, so if your dreams are big, look out: this one will win you over.

“An Outstanding Opportunity”

2575m² 1 Metcalfe Drive ROMSEY Here is an outstanding opportunity to own a fully renovated 4-bedroom home on a huge, level block of land suited to subdivision (STCA) or for fun and games for all. An excellent location close to all town services this home is ideal for family living. Fully and beautifully renovated family accommodation consists of: • Four large bedrooms all with excellent built-in-robes • Large lounge • Rumpus room/formal dining room • Amazing brand new kitchen with SMEG appliances and an abundance of storage and bench space and family meals area • Large family bathroom PLUS separate shower room off the fully tiled and renovated laundry • Front and rear verandahs • Ample car parking with the double drive-through garage which leads to a second garage

$715,000

Exceptional features include: European style quality rendering, gas ducted heating and split system heating and cooling. Outside the low maintenance gardens provide space for veggies, orchard, maybe a pony! Or subdivide (STCA). All renovations have been completed to the very highest standards. Here is an outstanding opportunity for excellent family living or development (STCA).

“EASTER IS ON IT’S WAY” Good Friday and Easter Sunday are two days when I close the office of Chess Property Consultants and do no inspections. Easter is the most significant time on the Christian calendar which is why I close my doors but Easter means different things to us all. To many Easter is a holiday, the last time to escape to the mighty Murray or to various holiday destinations before winter sets in. To some the ancient Pagan celebration of eggs and rabbits, made of chocolate of course, is the most important part of Easter. Family gatherings are held over the Easter break but what is Easter really about! To those of the Jewish and Islamic faith Easter is a time when the existence of an historical figure, Jesus, is acknowledged. To those of the Christian faith, Easter is one of the most important times of the year. Good Friday is a day of quiet contemplation

AVAILABLE 7 DAYS

and church. Easter Sunday is a day of celebration, of joyous hymn singing and definitely church. Whatever your beliefs are, whatever you do over Easter, please take care on the roads. Enjoy the break, enjoy your family time, and be tolerant of the beliefs of others. Happy, Safe Easter to All. • 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

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

12478340-SN12-21

We build the home. You build the memories. Start building your memories at porterdavis.com.au

CDB-U49119

17 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

PUZZLES No. 021

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 2 8

8 9

9 3 2

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

2 9

QUICK CROSSWORD Betrayal (9) Bird of prey (5) Leave out (7) Flow from (7) State of maturity (9) Remove from clothesline, perhaps (5) Alarm (7) Painters (e.g.) (7) Gesture of agreement (3) Playground items (7) Commanded (7) Tests (5) Cabinet members (9) Far (7) Incomplete (7) Move to music (5) Rummaged (9)

14 16 18 19 20 21 23 26 27 28 29

Hearten (9) Woo (5) Needle hole (3) Surrender (5) Cleared (9) Seize (5) Stimulated (9) Lays bare (5) Dangled (9) Convert to another language (9) Embellish (5) Showing (a film) (9) Fire-raising (5) School subject (coll) (5) Wait on (5) Cold dish (5) Vegetable (3)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 14 15

ACROSS 1 6 9 10 11 13

16 17 22 23 24 25 27

DOWN Eighth letter of the Greek alphabet (5)

No. 021

DECODER

No. 021

3 7 4

6 8 4 1 7 6 3

3 1

2 4

1 6 6

9 3

hard

8 7

4 7 4 6

10 11 12 13

M 20

23 words: Very good

3 LETTERS ACE ARE BOP DDT EEL END ERA GAP GAS GEE GEL GET ILL ITS LAP LIE LIP NAG ORE RAT SEA SEE THE UPS

5 LETTERS ADAGE AGAIN AGENT ALLAH ALPHA AROSE BARES BLADE BLESS BRACE CASKS CENTS CHORE DEEMS ELITE ENTER EXILE FELTS FRANK GRAPH

Today’s Aim: 15 words: Good

6 8 9 7 4 2 5 3 1

2 9 1 6 8 4 3 5 7

5 8 7 9 3 1 4 2 6

3 6 4 7 2 5 9 1 8

6 3 5 8 1 2 7 4 9

S N

4 LETTERS DYES EBBS EDGE EDGY HEIR IOTA RARE REDS SLAM STEW STUB TALC TIFF YELP

No. 021

HENCE HINGE IDOLS IGLOO IOTAS IRATE LACES LEAPT LOSES MILES OCTAL OPENS OTTER PLEAS PRICE RABBI RELAY RHINO RILES ROSES STARS

THEME TIARA TREAD ULCER WIPER 6 LETTERS ABUSES AMOEBA ARCANE ENDERS 7 LETTERS ALARMED EAGERER

LEXICON MARITAL MEDDLED TOENAIL 8 LETTERS ACRIDEST ASPIRANT REDEEMED THRILLED 11 LETTERS ASSESSMENTS GRANDFATHER

astray, cast, causa, crust, crusty, curtsy, cyst, nasty, rust, rusty, sacra, SANCTUARY, saran, satyr, saucy, sauna, scan, scant, scanty, scar, scary, scat, scut, star, stay, stray, stun, sutra, tansy, tsar, unsay

No. 021 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

In the comic strip Garfield, what is the name of Garfield's owner?

Who played the third ghostbuster in the film series of the same name, alongside Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis?

YouTuber Lindsay Ellis released which sci-fi novel in July 2020? Which Queensland town holds the record for the highest ever annual rainfall in a populated area of Australia? On what date did the 2020 winter solstice occur?

H E C K O M A N L I D E

C R E

8 5 2 3 6 9 1 7 4

9 1 3 2 4 7 6 8 5

7 4 6 1 5 8 2 9 3

4 5 3 1 6 8 2 7 9

2 7 1 3 9 5 8 6 4

8 4 6 9 2 7 1 5 3

5 1 2 6 8 3 4 9 7

3 9 7 5 1 4 6 8 2

7 3 8 2 5 1 9 4 6

9 2 5 4 7 6 3 1 8

1 6 4 8 3 9 7 2 5

5 6 2 4 8 7 1 9 3

3 1 9 5 2 6 8 7 4

2 9 1 7 5 3 4 8 6

4 5 3 2 6 8 7 1 9

7 8 6 9 4 1 3 2 5

9 4 7 6 1 5 2 3 8

1 2 8 3 9 4 6 5 7

6 3 5 8 7 2 9 4 1

T R E

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

From 1897 to 1905, what was Sydney's Kings Cross named?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

S E

4 2 9 5 7 3 8 6 1

QUICK QUIZ

26-03-21

1 7 8 4 9 6 5 3 2

8 7 4 1 3 9 5 6 2

I S

E O

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”.

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

31 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

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

5x5

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

8 5

OQK V G I E A T C U Z L

1 5 7

P H B F DN J RWX SMY

WORDFIT

Who wrote the 2000 Booker Prize-winning novel The Blind Assassin?

Which character did Audrey Tautou (pictured) play in the 2006 film adaptation of Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code?

Michael Mancini and Amanda Woodward are characters from which 1990s US TV series?

10 In which year was Tim Flannery awarded Australian of the Year? ANSWERS: 1. Queen's Cross 2. Jon Arbuckle 3. Bill Murray 4. Axiom’s End 5. Tully (7.9 metres in 1950) 6. 21 June 7. Margaret Atwood 8. Sophie Neveu 9. Melrose Place 10. 2007

SUDOKU

networkclassiﬁeds.com.au Trades & Services

General Notices V Reblocking/Underpinning

FIVE STAR REBLOCKING & UNDERPINNING � Full Insurance � All work Council approved � 15 years guarantee � All Council permits supplied � 100% computer levelling � Concrete pump used � 15 years experience � For a free quote and advice

Online: networkclassiﬁeds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

9309 0700 - 0411 174 000

Submitters Committee Meeting

We accept payment by: VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

V Television/Video/Audio

(1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofﬁce)

Council’s next Submitters Delegated Committee Meeting will be held on 14 April 2021, and is open to the public. This meeting will be held online and livestreamed via Council’s website mrsc.vic.gov.au, in accordance with the COVID-19 (Emergency Measures) Omnibus Act 2020.

ANTENNA MAN

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

SAME DAY SERVICE HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

12435707-FA03-20

Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 10.00am Monday.

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

0409 888 228

12469374-CG46-20

Advertise with us and get better results

1188650-RC25-15

QUICK SMART Lic. No 50051

Call John Kemp 0418 382 729

www.quicksmartcontracting.com.au

NORTHERN ANTENNAS & AUDIO VISUAL

P.M. TREE LOPPING

Australian Operated & Owned

Call 0425 724 186

V Builders & Building Services

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀T ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀T ฀T ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ DAVID McINTOSH (Manager) QUALIFIED ARBORIST Phone: 769 526 769 Phone: 5428 0418 6359 526 or 0418 Email: pmtree@bigpond.com www.pmtreelopping.com.au

12384895-CG16-18

• TV Antennas • Extra Outlets • TV Wall Mounting • TV Reception issues NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL!

Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Andrew 0425 852 621 12412038-FA09-10

12453702-SN28-20

V Electricians

41 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury Email: info@calcoelectrical.com.au Rec 122 www.calcoelectrical.com.au “Servicing the local community for over 37 years”

฀

Northwest District Garden and Maintenance Lawn Mowing Hedge Trimming and Pruning Garden Landscaping Commercial Gardening

JOSH

12440430-SG06-20

PH BRIAN 0419 543 348

A reminder that the Fire Danger Period is scheduled to cease. The Fire Danger Period will terminate at 0100 hours on the dates shown.

V Plumbing

GIGS PLUMBING Domenic 0425 769 691

29/03/2021

City of Hume

29/03/2021

City of Wyndham

29/03/2021

Shire of Nillumbik

29/03/2021

City of Whittlesea

29/03/2021

City of Banyule

29/03/2021

Chief Officer – CFA

Municipality

Date of Termination

Macedon Ranges Shire Council

22/03/2021

Jason Heffernan Chief Ofﬁcer – CFA

V Deaths

BEER Marg

Marg died peacefully at home with her wife, Kathryn, by her side. Loved deeply by so many. Rest peacefully Margie. Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Danger Period. Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Danger Period.

Jason Heffernan 1226825-ACM19-16

All General Plumbing 1dabc ?X_Tb ~ 7^c FPcTa BTaeXRTb >eTa ! hTPa{b Tg_TaXT]RT

Date of Termination

City of Melton

Place Your

Dedication Online

Anytime, Anyplace dedications.networkclassifieds.com.au

V Funeral Services

12488156-NG13-21

BEER Marg

Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

0400 050 849

12487748-SN13-21

TERMINATION Fire Danger Period

Buy, Rent & Sell in our 12487625-DL13-21

฀

Municipality

BONE DRY FIREWOOD

Date: Wednesday 14 April 2021 Time: 7pm Location: Online Cost: n/a Phone number: 5422 0333

TERMINATION

V Public Notices and Event

FR4434

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

1133417-LN19-14

฀

For more information on Council’s Submitters Delegated Committee, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Submitters-Committee

mrsc.vic.gov.au

The Fire Danger Period will terminate at 0100 hours on the dates shown.

REGHON MOWING

MURRAY RIVER REDGUM

These applications will then proceed to a future Scheduled Council Meeting for a decision.

MV1207

A reminder that the Fire Danger Period is scheduled to cease.

V Garden Services

V For Sale

• PLN/2020/335 – 136 Main Road, Lanceﬁeld

https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/About-Council/Our-Council/ How-Council-Works/Council-Meetings/Submitters-CommitteeMeetings

General Notices

froggys.com.au

Calco Electrical Pty Ltd ☎ 9744 1555

฀

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

Striving to get you the Perfect Picture

฀

CALL:

V Antennas

฀

• PLN/2020/52 – Gradys Lane, Kerrie • PLN/2020/159 – 1427 Rochford Road, Newham

SPLIT SYSTEMS Installation Specialist

48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

Applicants and submitters (objectors, and any persons in support of the application who have made a written submission) will be given the opportunity to be heard on the following planning applications:

V Air Conditioning

All Electrical Wiring, CCTV Security, Air conditioning, Heating, Phone, Data, TV, Hotplates, Oven Installations Repairs Service

Open 7 days

Contact Simon:

(include your name, address and phone number)

12482396-LB08-21

$100/ 30mins

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

The details for Marg's funeral will be available here: www.naturalgrace.com.au Please call Natural Grace, Holistic Funeral Directors on 5427 3112 for all enquires.

12488078-AV13-21

STAR

Rainbow Dolls

3m split ...... $185 pcm 6m split ...... $180 pcm 12m split .... $175 pcm 20m split .......$170 pcm 20m unsplit ...$160 pcm Free Delivery All Areas Phone Peter on

03 5423 7103 MUSHROOM COMPOST FOR SALE Direct from grower $2.20 a bag Your garden will love it Ph: 0419 850 088

Romsey Firewood

12488039-DL13-21

EXCELLENT QUALITY REDGUM 3m split ......$185pcm 6m split ..... $180 pcm 12m split ... $175 pcm Free Delivery All Areas Phone Peter

0418 384 796 V Massage Therapists ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services. V Pets & Services ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE 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

12423634-SN31-19

��

1235322622-PB22-17

Placing your classiﬁed advert is so easy...

V Adult Services

V Public Notices and Event

G6638324AA-dc18Feb

V Deadline

19 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which recently retired NRL star played a record 430 games for his club? 2. New Sydney Flames coach Shane Heal briefly coached which now defunct WNBL team?

3. Former competitive swimmer Nicole Livingstone is the CEO of which sporting league?

10. In November last year, which AFL team unveiled a new logo for the 2021 season and beyond?

4. Australian netball player Kim Ravaillion will play for which Super Netball team during the 2021 season?

11. Which MLB team was associated with the 'Curse of the Bambino'?

Torvill and Dean

12. AFL player Jeremy Cameron was GWS’s leading goalkicker for how many consecutive seasons?

5. Eldrick Tont Woods is the full name of which American professional golfer?

13. In which year did Peter Brock and Jim Richards famously win the Bathurst 1000 by six laps?

6. Which professional soccer club is the only W-League team not affiliated with a men’s A-League team?

14. How many NRL premierships has Trent Robinson won as coach?

7. With competing teams including Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks and Jamaica Tallawahs, CPL is the acronym for which domestic Twenty20 cricket league?

21. What NBA team was Michael Jordan playing for when he retired in 2003?

15. What was the scoreline in Australia’s recent Twenty20 series loss to New Zealand?

22. On what continent was the sport of archery thought to have originated?

16. Which horse won the Golden Slipper in 2020?

23. Which horse won the 2021 All- star Mile race?

17. Which driver won the 1982 F1 championship despite winning only one race?

24. Which Afghanistan spinner bowled 98 overs in his team’s recent Test match against Zimbabwe?

18. From which position on the ladder did the Western Bulldogs win the 2016 AFL premiership?

8. Which NBL team recently won the inaugural in-season tournament known as the NBL Cup?

25. How many athletes have won medals in both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games?

19. Ice-skating duo Torvill and Dean won the gold medal in which Winter Olympics?

9. Which horse did jockey Glen Boss ride to victory in three consecutive Melbourne Cups from 2003 to 2005?

28. Which Major League Baseball team did LeBron James recently buy a stake in? 29. What is the name for a race in which competitors complete a swim and then immediately follow it with a run over various distances? 30. Which team came runnerup in the recent NBL Cup tournament played in Melbourne?

26. Which AFL team will midfielder Adam Treloar play for in 2021?

20. Which English batsman was the victim of Shane Warne’s 'ball of the century' in 1993?

27. Who will coach the St George Illawarra Dragons in the 2021 NRL season?

Michael Jordan 2603

1. Cameron Smith 2. South East Queensland Stars 3. AFLW 4. Queensland Firebirds 5. Tiger Woods 6. Canberra United 7. Caribbean Premier League 8. Perth Wildcats 9. Makybe Diva 10. Sydney Swans 11. Boston Red Sox 12. Nine 13. 1979 14. Three 15. 3-2 16. Farnan 17. Keke Rosberg 18. Seventh 19. Sarajevo 1984 20. Mike Gatting 21. Washington Wizards 22. Africa 23. Mugatoo 24. Rashid Khan 25. Five 26. Western Bulldogs 27. Anthony Griffin 28. Boston Red Sox 29. Aquathlon 30. South East Melbourne Phoenix V

C21.1104 Solar Leachate Pumping

Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/tenders

mrsc.vic.gov.au

Monday-Friday

MV1217

System Kyneton

9338 6644

12487788-AV13-21

Tenders are invited for contract:

Required to work full time in a cheese factory between 2am and 8am. Must be reliable, responsible and keen to work. Working unsupervised is an advantage. Early morning start.

Phone only between 9am-3pm Monday-Friday

9338 6644

12477681-CG03-21

Ready for take-off? Our industry is commencing its recovery from its longest ever shut-down, so there has never been a better time to start your career in aviation. Swissport, the world’s leader in airport ground handling services, some of the biggest names in aviation. If you have dreamed of working on the airport, working with Swissport is the opportunity you have been waiting for. From working in the baggage sorting room to driving baggage tractors, from pushing back aircraft to supervising teams, Swissport will provide you with comprehensive training to do these roles and more. We are looking for people from a range of backgrounds, particularly people with experience in operating vehicles and supervising teams and offering accelerated advancement opportunities for people with the aptitude and the drive to fast-track their career in aviation.

FREE CLASSIFIEDS V

Positions Vacant

SENIOR STYLIST OR 3RD YEAR APPRENTICE We’re looking for a Senior Stylist or a 3rd Year Apprentice to come join our busy little salon, in the heart of Romsey Victoria. • Full time or part time paying above the award rate. • Experience in balayage is a must. • Training is also available! Our team is fun, friendly and hardworking! If this sounds like you, send your resume to sapphirebarber@yahoo.com 12486925-AV12-21

Swissport has been committed to delivering safe and high-quality services in Australia since 1992. If you want to be part of Swissport’s growth in Australia and take part in the nation’s recovery from COVID, as our border restrictions are removed and the industry ramps up, there has never been a better time to join the Swissport team.

Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

AIRLINE BAGGAGE HANDLING AGENTS

12488143-SN13-21

• Available in the For Sale or Wanted Classiﬁcations only. • 4 lines of copy • Ad will run for 2 weeks • 1 item per advertisement • Item must be priced under $100 • Private party only – household and personal items • No animals, automotive or plants • Ads must be submitted via email to sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

Positions Vacant

PROCESS WORKER

DRIVER Able to drive 2 ton manual food van to deliver dairy products in Metro Melbourne 5am Start. Must be reliable and hold a current drivers licence. Phone only between 9am-3pm

Positions Vacant

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Motoring V

Car/Truck Rentals

Looking for an exciting new challenge? If this sounds like you, and you’re looking for a new challenge, rewarding new career, lots of training and development opportunities, then don’t miss out

Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive LMCT 10268W

DOWNLOAD THE CROWN CABS APP FOR YOUR NEXT RIDE

7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on

www.crowncabs.com.au Bookings: 1300 12 13 14

0435 904 818

APPLY NOW! www.swissport.com.au/work-with-us/

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

CALL 1300 666 808 20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

12321532-HM36-16

Positions Vacant

12476519-JW03-21

Contract & Tenders

12477089-JW03-21

Employment

12468783-LB45-20

General Classifieds

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Riding a wave of success Up and coming surfers from across the country hit the waves at URBNSURF last Monday for the Rip Curl GromSearch. It was the first time the Tullamarine surf park has hosted the national competition. Ellie Harrison from Barwon Heads and Lennix Smith from Wollongong, New South Wales were crowned the 16 and under Rip Curl GromSearch National Champions.

1/ Ellie Harrison took out the 16 and under girls’ event. 2/ Marlon Harrison finished second in the 16 and under boys. 3/ Taj Simon competes in the 16 and under boys’ competition. 4/ Lennix Smith (centre) won the 16 and under boys’ competition. 5/ Mia Huppatz finished fourth in the 16 and under girls’ event. 6/ Sara Hickson takes to the surf in the 12 and under girls’ competition. 7/ Willis Droomer finished second in the 14 and under boys’ competition. 8/ Lucas Hickson takes to the surf in the 14 and under boys’ division. (Pictures: Liam Robertson/Surfing Victoria) 21 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Hulett makes history in chase for cricket title Melton Centrals’ Candace Hulett has achieved a lot in her cricket career and on Saturday she added another honour to that list. Hulett, who is captain of the club’s third XI side, became the first female to captain a grand final side in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s men’s competition. Melton Centrals played Wallan in the division 4 grand final. For Hulett, the achievement is more about helping the side trying to win a premiership, than a personal achievement. “To me it’s another game of cricket,” she said. “I am proud [to be the first woman in the competition], but that’s not why I do it. “The club thought I was the best person for the job. “We’ve been the bottom of the ladder the last few years. Results have gone our way this year and the close matches we were losing last year, we’re now winning. “We’ve had a few new players coming through. It’s a really balanced side.” Hulett played a few games of men’s cricket as a teenager with her dad and brother before

stepping into women’s cricket. She returned to Centrals and men’s cricket in the 2016-17 season. “It’s my fourth year captaining the [men’s] side,” she said. “I enjoy the challenge. “The men’s game is very different to the women’s game. I like the extra challenge of the different tactics.” Hulett already has several women’s premerships under her belt, including one at Centrals, and is keen to add a men’s title to her collection. She said several players in the side hadn’t played in a grand final, let alone won a premiership. “It’ll be extra special for them.” Hulett has been captain-coach of the club’s women’s side since its inception in 2017 and took over coaching the club’s under-13 team mid-season this year. The women’s side made the semi-finals of the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket north-west B1 one-day competition. Hulett, who is one of the premier players of that competition, said she was thrilled with

how the season played out. “We lost a couple of experienced players and had some brand new players too,” she said. “The season was beyond my expectations.” When the under-13 team’s coach had to stand down due to health issues before Christmas, Hulett stepped up. While Hulett has coached junior girls at a higher level, it’s the first time she’s coached a boys side. “They are in the semi-final on Friday night,” she said before the match. “Coaching teenage boys is another challenge again. “It’s a different dynamic and different group. It’s a good challenge.” Hulett said she would like to continue playing, captaining and coaching as long as she could. In other GDCA senior grand finals at the weekend, Bacchus Marsh faced Sunbury United in the McIntyre Cup, while Bacchus Marsh hosted Wallan in the Johnstone Shield. Tara Murray

Candace Hulett. (Supplied)

Westmeadows two women’s premiership sides. (Supplied)

Warriors double up By Tara Murray There were twice the celebrations for Westmeadows Cricket Club with both of its women’s sides claiming premierships. The club’s top side made it back-to-back titles, claiming the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket north-west B title. Its second side, which plays in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association, claimed its first premiership, winning the division 4 title. Warriors’ captain-coach Danielle Linton said it was a special day for the club. “It was really good,” she said. “It’s been three premierships in four years for the club and I couldn’t be prouder. From where we were when we first started to where the club is now, it’s a credit to everyone.” This season was an unknown for the top side, which changed competitions. Having made three grand finals and claiming one premiership playing in the Victorian Turf

Cricket Association, the club decided it was time for a new challenge. Linton said they were happy to win just one match but they soon had to raise their expectations. “We had been in the VTCA for a little while and they didn’t have many teams,” she said. “We decided to broaden our horizons to test ourselves a bit more. “We didn’t know how we would go. We started to win a few games and thought … we can do this.” The Warriors faced Craigieburn in the grand final. The one match between the two teams this season, was decided in the final over. Batting first, Westmeadows was bowled out for 90 in the 33rd over. Kailey O’Donnell top scored with 17. Tracy Armstrong was the pick of the bowlers for Craigieburn, taking 4-19. Linton admits they would have liked more runs on the board, but having chased down

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

low totals on several occasions this season they were still confident. The Warriors got an added boost as they went out to bowl, with news coming through that the second side had claimed the premiership. “We were getting updates throughout,” Linton said. “We got excited for them when we heard they had won. We were up and about and we spoke about wanting to use their excitement when they returned to the ground, when we were on the field.” Linton said the key moment for them while bowling was getting the wicket of Craigieburn captain Litara Va’auli. Va’auli had made 39 when she went out, leaving the Eagles 26 runs short of victory. “Had their captain stayed in, it would have been a completely different story,” Linton said. “Her wicket was pretty important for us. When it happened [the wicket] it took the tension out of the game.” The Eagles finished 9-85.

Linton was the pick of the bowlers taking 4-17. She was named player of the match. For Linton it caps off a successful return from a serious knee injury. While she played last season, she was limited in what she could do. “I would have liked to have done more with the bat, but I made up with the ball. The other bowlers were unlucky not to get more wickets. “This season I got back to the player I was before my knee injury.” The second XI also had a thriller in its final, hitting the winning runs in the final over. Oak Park made 2-128 from its overs, with Katrina Logan the single wicket taker. The Warriors finished 2-129, with the winning runs hit with five balls remaining. Melissa Robinson top scored with 27 not out. Linton said premierships weren’t the only successes of the program. She said some of the younger players were looking to test themselves at a higher level next season.

SPORT Power claims a second premiership Laurimar peaked at the right time to make it two premierships in two summers in the North Metro Cricket Association women’s competition. After claiming the division 2 Lenore Smith Spring premiership [they have two seasons in one summer] during the 2019-20 season, the Power took out the division 1 Lorraine Ireland summer premiership early this month. The Power entered the division 1 grand final as underdogs against the Epping Pingettes, but came away with the silverware. Captain Danni Toull said it was amazing. “It was such an amazing season,” she said. “Everyone had a real role in the team and played it really well. We worked hard with a couple of coaches and we put it together at the end of the season. “In making the grand final, it gave us plenty of belief that anything was possible. Beating the

Laurimar women’s premiership side. (Supplied)

undefeated team really puts a pep in your step.” The Pingettes batted first in the grand final, making 5-76 off their 30 overs. Teresa Cassar was the standout, making 31 not out. Elyse Scheuermann took two wickets for Laurimar.

The Power managed to get the runs with ease, finishing 4-77. Toull top scored with 22. After going out, Toull said she had never been so nervous as the team tried to secure victory. Toull said the premiership was something they had been building to over the past three years. The club formed a women’s side for the 2018-19 summer season, winning just one game. A premiership in their second season, had the side promoted to the top grade for the summer season of 2019-20. “Everyone got familiar with the game,” Toull said of the development. “A lot had not played before and they didn’t even know each other. Last year we really gelled.” Toull admits being promoted was an eye-opener.

“It is a good competition and there’s a lot of rep players in other teams,” she said. “After the first game or so we discovered that we do belong there.” Surprisingly, she said the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown had helped the team. “When you take something away from someone, it makes you want it even more,” she said. “We had Zoom meetings and catch-ups and really checked on each other.” The day was extra special for the Power with their men’s second side also claiming a premiership. Toull said they celebrated as a club. “I’ve never been at a club that has gelled so well. We celebrated as a team and as a club.” Toull said the aim for the women’s program now was to continue to grow. Tara Murray

Lancefield women’s premiership team. (Supplied)

Tigers claim premiership

Keilor Park premiers. (Supplied)

Devils go back-to-back By Tara Murray Keilor Park saved it’s best for last to secure a second straight North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s premiership. After claiming the division 2 premiership in their second season, the Devils backed it up, defeating Pascoe Vale Central in a thriller in this year’s division 2 grand final. Devils president Joe Carland said the group was absolutely thrilled to come away with the silverware. “It was such a tough season and they didn’t even know if they would get a season up early-on,” he said. “They didn’t have a pre-season. They’ve worked hard all year and put their heart and soul into the club. “The win was so fantastic. They were pumped and really excited, full credit to them.” The Devils batted first, making 4-76 from

their 20 overs. Anoosha Thambi top scored with 21 not out at the top of the order, while captain Stacie Simon finished 19 not out. It didn’t look anywhere near enough, with Pascoe Vale Central on top at 3-53 and looking set for victory. The Devils grand final experience came to the fore late, as they took 5-16 to bowl Pascoe Vale out for 69, giving them victory. Carland said it was some of the young girls who really stood up when they needed to. “The young girls stood up and swung the momentum our way,” he said. “It got everyone up and about … It was fantastic to see them turn it around.” Thambi took 3-2, while another youngster, Tyler Paredes, took 3-18 for her four overs. Carland said both had been really good all year, shouldering a heavy workload despite being so young. He said captain Simon, had been rock solid all year as well.

The premiership feat was more special, as the team played most weeks short of players. Carland said they were hoping to build on the success of the past two seasons and expand the program. “We’re always looking for players and would love to have a second side next season and grow the program. “We want to continue the growth and performances and see where that takes us. “We also want to look at having a girls side in the next season or two. We’ll do a strong call-out and hopefully get sides up and have a female program from the bottom up.” Meanwhile, Grand United fell short of a premiership in its debut season in division 5 against Moonee Valley. Moonee Valley made 7-96 off its 20 overs. It would prove to be enough with Grand United, falling just short making 4-94. Tayla Wilmot top scored with 25 not out.

Lancefield completed the perfect season in the inaugural Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s competition. The Tigers beat Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury in back-to-back finals on the one day to seal the title. Tigers captain and women’s co-ordinator Emily Consilgio said it was exciting to claim the premiership. “It was definitely exciting,” she said. “To be undefeated and finish off the grand final was really special.” Consilgio said having to play back-to-back games was a challenge. She said one of the biggest things was staying mentally switched on. “It was a killer,” Consilgio said of having two games. “Mentally you had to be alright. You had to keep the pressure on them. “It was only 40 overs more, but to go back-to-back there were some sore bodies afterwards, but it was definitely worth it.” In the grand final against Sunbury, the Tigers batted well, making 6-135 from their overs. Brianna Woodburn top scored with 29 at the top of the order. Consilgio said some tight bowling got them on top early in the innings, restricting the Roar in the first 10 overs. The Roar were restricted to 2-96. Woodburn took 1-4 off her three overs, while Sharon White took the other wicket. Woodburn was named player of the match. It’s a second straight grand final for the Tigers, who were runners-up in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s division 1 competition last season. Consilgio said having Andrew Richardt and Mark Caton come on as coaches this season had had a big impact. Tara Murray

23 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 23 March, 2021

12488307-CG13-21

“BAKING AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE TREATS SINCE 1941”

BAKERY OPEN TO PUBLIC SHOP

BUY DISCOUNTED PRICES PRICES BUY DIRECT DIRECT AT AT DISCOUNTED OPEN 4:00 PM PM OPENMONDAY-FRIDAY MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:00 9:00 AM AM – – 4:00 AND SATURDAY AND SATURDAY9:00 9:00AM AM––12:00 12:00NOON NN STOCKUP UPAT ATHOME HOME OR OR YOUR YOUR FOOD WITH STOCK FOODSTORE STORE WITH THESELOCALLY LOCALLY MADE MADE BAKERY THESE BAKERYTREATS. TREATS. ALL PACKAGED PRODUCTS HAVE UP TO 4 MONTHS SHELF LIFE. NOW AVAILABLE BOXES OF FROZEN PIES, PASTIES, SAUSAGE ROLLS, CUSTARD TARTS

53 LIPTON DRIVE, THOMASTOWN

PH: 9460 4111 www.heatherbraeshortbreads.com.au 12488205-JW13-21