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Kids ready to clean up Every year, Gisborne Primary School pupils put on their gloves and whip out their buckets to take part in Clean Up Australia Day. This year, on Friday, March 3, each grade level will get involved once again. “At GPS we love to clean our school but we also like to help clean up the community as well so it is nice and clean for everyone to look at as well as being safe for the wildlife,” year six pupil Abbey said. Foundation and year one classes will enjoy learning activities about living sustainably while year two classes clean up the school grounds. Year three classes clean up surrounding streets, and year four pupils clean up around Jacksons Creek. Year five and six classes head over to Daly Reserve and clean streets of the neighbourhood. The school said it aims to educate the pupils, as well as the community, about how they can make an important difference even by implementing small changes. Benson, in year six, said he likes “to look after our school and our animals”. Gisborne Primary School preps Fletch and Grace (front) and year 6 pupils Owen, Sophia, Abbey and Benson are so excited for their Clean Up Australia Day program. (Damjan Janevski) 319645_01

Elsie Lange

Hume graffiti crackdown

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Hume council will ask Victoria Police to come down harder on graffiti offenders, including on the illegal sale of spray cans to minors. According to council officers, council spends about $120,000 a year on graffiti removal from council-owned public property. Between May 2022 and January 2023, council responded to more than 750 graffiti service requests across the municipality. The motion, raised by councillor Jack Medcraft at a council meeting on February 13, asked to write to the relevant police assistant

commissioner outlining council’s graffiti concerns, seeking more information about the “monitoring and enforcement” of shops selling aerosol paints. “I wonder what’s happened here. If it’s an offence, I don’t recall seeing anybody in Sunbury or Bulla or anyone else that’s been arrested, charged and taken to task over this,” Cr Medcraft said. “I would ask the police – if it’s an offence, it should be acted upon.” He said even though it was an offence to sell aerosol paint to people under the age of 18, it was clearly still happening in the municipality.

“I think we’ve really dropped the ball here and police have got to start enforcing the action on these graffitists,” he said. Hume city services and living director Hector Gaston said council officers reported “from time to time” instances of illegal activity related to graffiti to police. Council officers said while larger retailers had strict controls in place to meet their requirements under the Victorian Graffiti Act 2007, including proof of age checks and locked spray can stock, council was aware “several, smaller discount retailers operating … that do not have such controls in place“.

“Increased inspections and enforcement action across these small businesses is critical to broader graffiti prevention efforts,“ council officers said. Mayor Joseph Haweil said graffiti concerns were one of the top complaints council receive from residents every day. “About the destruction of our built environment by people who I think are very selfish, who are going out there and destroying peoples’ property and indeed public property,” Cr Haweil said. “Anything we can do to get on top of that … is a step in the right direction.”

Find a Kinder Program near you. There is still time to enrol for the 2023 kindergarten year. Find services offering approved kindergarten programs by scanning the QR code. Find out more at vic.gov.au/kinder

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Free Kinder is here! Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder is now free across Victoria at participating services — saving families up to $2,500 per year per child. Over the decade, we’ll also transition Four-Year-Old Kinder into Pre-Prep to become a 30-hour a week program, and establish 50 Victorian Government-owned and affordable childcare centres.

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Fountain bubble popped A regularly foamy, bubbly fountain at Sunbury’s Village Green could be no more as Hume council investigates how to reduce “vandalism” to the jets. Councillor Jack Medcraft raised a motion to implement modification to the fountain’s jets at a council meeting on Monday, February 13. “This is like the Eiffel Tower of Hume … unfortunately, there are a few idiots out there who decide that on their own merit, that they will just trample on things and just destroy them,” Cr Medcraft said. “What we’re doing here is we’re going to put in place a mechanism that will hopefully stop that sort of vandalism … this will help preserve this very valuable asset that we have.” Council officers said the fountain was upgraded to its current state in 2015, which

included a more powerful pump, additional pipes, waterspouts and lighting. And every now and then, someone will fill it with soap which rapidly turns into cascading piles of snow-like bubbles. After saying with his tongue in his cheek that “vandalism to the jets is fun”, Hume mayor Joseph Haweil clarified “I do not encourage putting soap suds [in] and creating a sort of bubble fountain”. Cr Jarrod Bell said he would not “profess to have committed such crimes as you mention”, but noted it was “effectively a rite of passage of many a young person in the Sunbury community to ensure it gets washed on a regular basis”. “On my regular walks through town [I] notice all too often that some untoward action

has happened and the jets have broken and it is a frustration of [mine] and I’m sure many others in the community,” Cr Bell said. “If we can find a way to get some more longevity out of those jets or to prevent further damage, I support it wholeheartedly.” Cr Trevor Dance said he hoped the piping used in the future wouldn’t corrode as quickly as those used in the 2015 upgrade. In a Sunbury Facebook group, most residents were confused as to why the fountain was a point of concern as they felt there were more pressing issues in the town, while others were more lighthearted. “If they just make it bubbly on purpose people will stop making it bubbly,” one resident said.

Ready for charity rally in old bomb The time has almost come for Michael White from Diggers Rest to drive a $500 Holden Commodore from Rockhampton to Hobart as part of the Summer Shitbox Rally 2023. Raising money for the Cancer Council, the rallies challenge participants to drive a car worth $1500 or less across Australia from March 18 to 26. On Friday, February 17, he and his companion Reece Brown began the trip from Diggers Rest north to the Gold Coast – he said he was “super excited” despite the fact that he headed off on a hot day in a car without air conditioning. “We have raised exactly $6000 … we’re pretty stoked. I’m going to start bullying people into giving more money, but it’s going pretty well at the moment,” he said. The pair are aiming to raise $10,000 – Sunbury signage specialists Epic Visuals even wrapped the car in flames off their own bat to help turn heads to the cause. Mr White has also been completing a list of various ridiculous challenges to raise money, including a dare to eat 1000 dumplings. “I’ve knocked over 330 so far,” he said. Other than its exterior, not a lot has been done to the car to improve its comfort. “It’s even retained its previous owner’s smell – there were still cigarettes in the ashtray,” he said.

Michael White in the $500 1999 Holden Commodore ready for the Shitbox Rally. (Damjan Janevski) 318501_01

He said he was keen to raise awareness about what the Cancer Council does. “We’ve had family members pass from cancer, we’ve had mates pass from cancer, we’ve got mates with cancer and mates who have beaten cancer … [Cancer Council] put a

lot of money into supporting people who have cancer currently,” he said. Details: https://summer2023.shitboxrally. com.au/the-tape-deck-of-destiny

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Sport grants up for grabs Sports clubs in the Macedon Ranges are being encouraged to work with council to apply for the state government’s Country Football and Netball Program. There are $2.5 million worth of grants available, to support new facilities, replacements and upgrades to existing facilities at football and netball clubs across rural, regional and outer metropolitan Victoria. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said regional clubs, like those in Macedon, were a breeding ground for the next generation of sporting champions. “They deserve modern,safe and accessible facilities they can be proud of,” she said. “Better facilities allow clubs to take on more players, host more events and draw bigger crowds, creating a real buzz in the community and boosting local economies. “I urge football and netball clubs here in Macedon to talk to their local shires and councils to kick start projects that can make a real difference in people’s lives.” The government said grants of up to $250,000 are available to redevelop and build new ovals and netball courts, install LED sports lighting and build or redvelop existing pavilions. Grants of up to $250,000 are available to redevelop and build new ovals and netball courts, install LED sports lighting, and build new or redevelop existing pavilions. “There’s also a strong focus on supporting clubs in communities who have recently experienced natural disasters such as floods, or clubs in communities that are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, strong population growth or other economic challenges,” the government said.

Elsie Lange

Victorian Pride Centre rooftop. (Supplied: John Gollings)

Speaker event takes flight For the first Birds of a Feather of 2023, the LGBTIQA+ lunch and speaker event will head to the city, and nest at the Victorian Pride Centre on Thursday, February 23. From noon, the lunch will be held on the centre’s spectacular rooftop terrace and the afternoon will include a tour of the centre. Organised by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s (SCCH) Country LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Program (CLIP), the lunches are usually held quarterly in venues across the Macedon Ranges, offering queer adults the chance to come together and listen to engaging guest speakers and share stories. Birds of a Feather co-organiser Belinda Brain described the Victorian Pride Centre as a home

for all LGBTIQA+ Victorians. “We are so excited to be able to offer this opportunity for older LBGTI folk, especially those living outside of the city, to visit this iconic Melbourne landmark – we are bringing regional pride to the city,” she said. Guests to the special St Kilda lunch can browse information stalls from queer organisations and learn about the services they offer. There will be a wide selection of books, magazines, DVDs from sex and gender diverse bookshop, Hares and Hyenas. Entry is free, meals and drinks at bar prices. Registration is essential, with limited transport from Kyneton available. Details: https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/BOAF-RSVP-Feb2023.

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Council crackdown on ‘cowboys’ By Elsie Lange Load limit signage and truck bans are on the cards for roads in Hume’s north-west, as council vows to crack down on “cowboys”. Following a call from councillor Jack Medcraft in March last year to investigate how trucks used Bardwell Drive, Wildwood Road (North), Konagaderra Road, and Gellies Road, officers found the roads were “carrying higher than desirable levels of industrial trucks”. At a meeting on Monday, February 13,

council voted to begin statutory procedures to install ‘no trucks’ signage with an advisory ‘over 4.5ft or 7.5m’ along the roads frequented by the large, load-carrying vehicles. “Some of these trucks, honestly, they’re going at 110km/h or more on roads that are not designed for that type of speed,” Cr Medcraft said. “And they’re certainly not designed for trucks carrying a bogie trailer at the back. “In one instance, a resident said that they were very lucky that they weren’t hit head

on, because the guy was going so fast that the trailer at the back was swaying left and right.” Cr Medcraft wanted to see more police targeting the roads, as well as the speed limit reduced reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h. The officers report said it was during the closure of the Mickleham Road and Craigieburn Road intersection as part of the Craigieburn Road upgrade that council was made aware of “a significant increase in traffic, including heavy vehicle traffic, on surrounding council roads”.

“Following the reopening of the intersection, increased heavy vehicle traffic has continued to be observed on surrounding local roads including Bardwell Drive, Konagaderra Road, Gellies Road, Wildwood Road (North) and Wildwood Road (South),” the report said. Council will put out a call for submissions on the ‘no trucks’ signage using local media and council’s website, if in-principle support is gained from the Department of Transport. Hume will consult with “directly-affected” properties on the proposal.

Interest is running hot When Tom Kovacs posted in a Gisborne Facebook page asking if anyone might be keen to volunteer with a local parkrun, he was surprised by the response. More than 30 people said they’d be interested, and that was good, because in order to get a 5km parkrun off the ground you need volunteers ready to go. “parkrun in general is a community run event for the local community, there’s ones that run in other suburbs closeby like Sunbury, Woodend and Lancefield … they run every week, the biggest problem we have is it’s run by community volunteers,” he said. parkrun is free, and is a collection of five kilometre events for walkers, runners and volunteers that take place every Saturday morning at more than 2000 locations worldwide. His plan hasn’t been confirmed yet, but he’s got a good feeling. His proposed course weaves through the Gisborne Botanic Gardens and around Jacksons Creek.

Mr Kovacs fell in love with the initiative when he was living in Melton, and then took his routine up to Sydney. He wears a prosthetic leg after a motorcycle accident in 2021, and his goal while he lay in hospital was to complete a five kilometre parkrun course within a year. “It’s awesome, and the community … embraced me and helped me get back. They were happy I walked a parkrun when I first came back,” Mr Kovacs said. “parkrun was a great support to help people rehabilitate. It’s free.” To get in touch about volunteering, email: tom_kovacs@hotmail.com Elsie Lange

Tom Kovacs is gauging volunteer interest to start a Gisborne parkrun. (Damjan Janevski) 319338_01

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Volunteer Sue Gaballa and president Jenny Kerr prepare for the garage sale. (Damjan Janevski) 319481

Garage sale for whole town In its tenth year – and despite a few COVID-19 related interruptions – the Woodend Whole Town Garage Sale is back on Saturday, February 25. With nearly 50 houses registered and put on the Whole Town Garage Sale map last year, Woodend locals are encouraged to sign up again for just $5 through the Woodend Neighbourhood House (WNH). WNH president Jenny Kerr said the whole town event was always “a lot of fun” and a great way to connect with neighbours and the community. “Sellers get to move on items they no longer need, and shoppers have the best fun finding pre-loved treasures,” Ms Kerr said. “This year we’ll be selling sausages, cakes and bric-a-brac from the front of the House

so the bargain hunting can begin from the moment the shoppers pick up a map.” As the saying goes, one household’s trash may just be another’s treasure – so when registering, seller’s can list 10 words to describe the items they’ve got on offer. And for early birds, sellers can specify how long they’ll be running their sale for, so they can go for as long or as short a time as they’d like. Maps showing the addresses, opening times and brief details of each garage sale will go on sale from 8am to 12.30pm at the house on the day, and are just $5 each. For more information or to register, go to: www.woodendnh.org.au. Elsie Lange

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Bulla grass fire Twenty-four Country Fire Authority (CFA) units were called to a grass fire at Loemans Road in Bulla on Tuesday, February 14. Fire crews were alerted to the grass fire about 2.37pm. One building was damaged in the blaze. The grass fire spanned five hectares and took several hours to bring under control.

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Anthea and Aether. (Supplied: Flick Smith)

Film builds awareness In an effort to support transgender and neurodivergent young people in the region, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s (SSCH) WayOut program is hosting a special screening of a film to build awareness, empathy and community support. The showing of ‘Who I Am’ on March 1 coincides with Zero Discrimination Day, and highlights additional barriers to mental health and medical care transgender and gender diverse young people face. The film follows 14-year-old Charlie and his mother as they navigate Charlie’s transition and journey towards a new identity. “The film shares honest reflections from the whole family which are interspersed with Charlie’s animated characters that come to life to add to the story,” SCCH said. Ultimately, Charlie settles into his new

identity as Aether, and his mother, Anthea, goes on her own journey embracing her child for all he is. From 6.30pm at the Hume Global Learning Centre in Sunbury, the event will include light refreshments before the screening starts at 7pm. Following the film will be a question and answer session with a panel including the film maker, the parent featured in the documentary and other people with lived experience of the film’s subject matter. “We recognise the challenges faced by young people with the intersection of neurodivergence and gender and we are excited to be sharing this film with the local community,” WayOut program worker Mez Lanigan said. To register your attendance go to: www. sunburycobaw.org.au/film-screening-qa/.

The state government has announced new driver distraction road rules. Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said new driver distraction road rules would come into effect across the state from Friday, March 31. She said the new rules would extend existing mobile phone rules to cover modern technology – as one third of drivers admit to using their phone illegally while driving. Learners and probationary drivers are at a much greater risk in their first years of driving so stronger conditions would apply, including not touching any portable device, taking phone calls or using voice control unless parked, Ms Horne advised.

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

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

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

Crossing design revealed 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

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History collection needs a home By Elsie Lange A report outlining the way forward for the George Evans Museum space will be presented to Hume council in June. At a meeting on Monday, February 13, councillor Jarrod Bell requested council acknowledge the “sense of loss” by the Sunbury community of the museum space located in the former council chambers building in town. Cr Bell’s motion said the loss was felt “particularly by the many historical and

heritage community groups in the Sunbury area”. His request asked for a path forward be investigated, including looking into how to meet needs to the standard of the former George Evans space, options for an alternative space for local history and whether reopening the museum in short or long term is achievable. “It is on almost every occasion when I speak to members of the [Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society] it was always a real sore point that the space was no longer available for both the conservation collection, and then

display of the history of Sunbury,” Cr Bell said. “The town that is the home of Emu Bottom, the first homestead of this state … the birthplace of the Ashes and a town with a rich and diverse history that is definitely worth celebrating.” Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society treasurer Trevor Dunn said he’d welcome an offer from council for something reasonably new and modern to continue their important preservation work and associated exhibitions. “The George Evans Museum exhibition area

is closed down, but there is still a little room out the back where all the collection is stored. That is what has to be moved, and then we need some exhibition space,” he said. Cr Bell said his motion addressed the “ongoing question mark” over the future of the George Evans Space. “The building is still there, it is still housing the collection, what is it to be used for,” he said. “If not that, what are the other opportunities for us to display what is an important collection to the history and community of Sunbury on a more ongoing basis.”

Showing off Live4Life The incredible work of Woodend-based Youth Live4Life was in the spotlight once again last week. When Youth Minister Anne Aly visited the Macedon Ranges on Friday, February 10, McEwen MP Rob Mitchell took the opportunity to show her the work the youth mental health charity was doing. The organisation delivers teen and accredited youth mental health first aid training in school and the wider community, and hopes to start conversations to reduce mental health stigma and promote young leaders as mental health ambassadors. Dr Aly said mental health was a top priority for young people, which was why the government was establishing a mental health advisory group made up of young people. “Organisations like Youth Live4Life do an excellent job supporting rural and regional young Australians with their mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

Mr Mitchell said the government’s investment in student wellbeing programs in schools would ensure programs like Live4Life continue to help those who need it most. “Demand for mental health services for young people is at an all time high, especially in regional and rural communities,” he said. In a Facebook post after the visit, Youth Live4Life said their crew was at the heart of everything they did. “Learning about mental health in schools helps young people smash the stigma and understand who to approach if they or their peers need help. By becoming ambassadors, and leading the way, our Live4Life Crew can change the narrative around how we all discuss mental health,” the post said. Elsie Lange Youth Minister Dr Anne Aly visited Woodend’s Youth Live4Life with McEwen MP Rob Mitchell last week. (Supplied)

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Hume donates to quake victims By Elsie Lange Hume council will donate $10,000 to the Australian Red Cross to support relief efforts in Turkey and Syria following last week’s devastating earthquake. The growing death toll of the disaster has now surpassed 33,000 people and it’s expected that figure will continue to rise exponentially. Hume mayor Joseph Haweil raised a notice of motion at a council meeting on Monday, February 13, expressing council’s solidarity with the municipality’s strong presence of Turkey and Syrian residents. “I think all of us have watched our TV screens over the last many days with a sense of

great sorrow and devastation at what we see,” he said. “For me, I recall holding my daughter, seeking to get her to bed and seeing an image on the screen of a young girl being pulled from the rubble some days after the earthquakes themselves. “It strikes you that you want to embrace and hug your child that little bit closer given the terror and devastation.” Councillor Naim Kurt, who has Turkish heritage but whose family in the country are safe, said “no words can explain the personal hurt and sadness we feel right now, as a community”. “Hume is home to the largest community of Turkish Australians and one of the largest

communities of Syrian Australians, many of whom come from the south-east, where the earthquake struck,” he said. He acknowledged fundraising and aid efforts happening locally by community groups, businesses and sporting clubs. “This money is a small gesture of the council’s support to our community at this time, and if we can open up our council facilities as well to support fundraising efforts … I’m happy to support it,” Cr Kurt said. Cr Chris Hollow paid tribute to Greenvale grandfather Suat Bayram, who was one of three Australians reported to have been killed in the quake – Cr Hollow knew Mr Bayram personally, having been to school with his

daughter and in local running circles. “To me, Suat was a someone who was a gentle, humble, beautiful human being who was always up for a chat and did this for most of the community, especially around Greenvale,” Cr Hollow said. “When you look at the Facebook posts and comments written about Suat, everyone across the Greenvale community, and the running community, had nothing but kind words and admiration for him.” Council will write to both the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Commonwealth of Australia and the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Melbourne to inform them of the motion.

Wanda is a top student A Romsey resident was named Kangan Institute’s Student of the Year. Wanda Sheppard, a single mum of three, received the recognition for her hard work studying a certificate IV in community services. It was Ms Sheppard’s first time back in formal education since graduating from secondary school in 1994. “Returning to school was a very big step for myself and my three beautiful children. Together as a family we faced many challenges and a lot of late nights working on assessments after my daughters had gone to bed,” she said. “But together, we made it work. Studying and adult learning became part of our family life. My daughters began to help more with housework, and in turn their own self-confidence grew.

“I took advantage of apps that assist with keeping me on track with schedules and meeting deadlines. The most important thing was to communicate with each other within my family, listen and support one another this is what gave our family its balance.” Ms Sheppard will continue to pursue education with the diploma of community services, while also volunteering at her local primary school. At the same time, she is pursuing registration to work within peer support programs for those battling addiction. “It’s not easy for people to ask for help, especially if they are an adult. This is why I would like to study and work in community services; it speaks to my heart,” she said. “I believe asking for help is the bravest thing a person can ever do, and I would be honoured to hold their hand and support them.”

Romsey’s Wanda Sheppard was named Kangan Institute’s Student of the year. (Supplied)

Sunbury & Bulla Neighbourhood Fund Grants & Partnerships now open

Have your community project funded Community groups are being urged to think big as applications open for the second round of the $2 million Sunbury & Bulla Neighbourhood Fund, an initiative to support the Sunbury and Bulla communities during the construction of the West Gate Tunnel. Offered in two components, partnerships and grants, the Sunbury & Bulla Neighbourhood Fund allows not-for-profit groups to access funding for projects that bring people together and build community capacity.

Cliff and Anne, who have been married for 74 years, sharing a glass.

Grants will provide up to $50,000 funding for community-led initiatives such as one-off projects and events. Partnerships will provide over $50,000 for improvements to shared community facilities, the local environment and other initiatives supporting the building of community and participation. The fund is managed by the West Gate Tunnel Project, Major Transport Infrastructure Authority.

Applications are open until 3pm, Monday 20 March 2023 To find out more and to apply, visit westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/ sunbury-bulla-fund

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8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

Glen and Karen sharing a Valentine’s Day kiss.

Long time love at Gisborne Oaks Valentine’s Day was a very special occasion at Gisborne Oaks aged care home. Staff Kim, Lidia and Ashley loved seeing long-time married couples celebrate their love. For Anne and Cliff, who have been married for 74 years, they said the secret to lasting love was communication, listening and holding firm on your own opinions. Kim said Anne and Cliff “do everything together in here”. For Phoebe and Ralph, having similar interests was the ticket. “But it’s also OK to have your own interests and not be together all the time,” they said. While they said it wasn’t always easy, Glen and Karen said it was well worth making most of the time you have together.

Phoebe and Ralph dancing away.

Gisborne Oaks staff Kim, Lidia and Ashlea loved the day too. (Pictures: Supplied)

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NEWS

New $5000 charity tipping limit By Elsie Lange Hume council has updated its free tipping policy for charities, after it was found one unnamed organisation used the policy to the value of about $50,000 in 2021-22. The policy was reviewed by council after it recently lapsed, with 11 organisations having used it in the past three years – a $5000 annual expenditure limit has now been imposed. According to a report presented to council at a meeting on Monday, February 13, the changes

were only likely to impact one charity, and council was unable to disclose to Star Weekly the charities involved. “As the organisations using the service haven’t provided approval to disclose their information, we’re unable to provide a list of organisations using the service,” council said. “In terms of the charity who has used the free disposal available under the Free Tipping for Charitable Organisations policy more than others, council understands this is due to the nature of the organisation’s operations.

“Under the policy, any material disposed of must be produced within Hume … Based on the materials being disposed of, it’s difficult to know where the materials were generated from.” In the report, council officers said they had attempted to get in touch with the nominated contact for the charity who had used the policy to the value of $50,000 on “numerous occasions” and had written to them requesting contact to discuss policy changes. Councillor Carly Moore said the policy

allows Hume to support local charities doing important work in the community, but “unfortunately they do end up with quite an excessive amount of waste”. “This is about supporting them and making sure they are able to dispose of that waste at no cost to themselves,” she said. The report said outside of the change, the policy had been consistent with “current management practice” but administrative amendments were made. The policy changes are set to be implemented from July 1.

39 steps onto the stage The Mount Players Theatre Company has an exciting show in store for its first production of 2023. From February 24 until March 12, the group will perform a radio-play adaptation of The 39 Steps, first written by John Buchan, adapted to film by Alfred Hitchcock and presented in its final, audio form by director John Rowland. To be brought to life with sound effects and props, the radio-play version of this thrilling theatre is comedic and intriguing. Show producer David Runnalls said with just dress rehearsals to go before opening night, everything was running smoothly. “The director is John Rowland, he’s been involved in radio for a long time, going back to the BBC. He’s got a passion for radio plays, he’s very knowledgeable,” Mr Runnalls said. “He has adapted it for the stage as a radio play, which means there’s a microphone and it’s set up as a BBC studio and the audience becomes a studio.” A cast of six actors play over 25 characters in

this journey which takes a notorious fugitive and a spellbound woman from a London music hall to Scotland’s remote highlands. The play includes all the best scenes from Hitchcock’s beloved film, including the escape on the Forth Bridge, the bi-plane crash, the Flying Scotsman and the death-defying finale in the London Palladium. Mr Runnalls said the actors were mostly locals and had been chosen for their abilities to switch accents and characters at the drop of a hat. “There’s multiple characters and it’s a lot of fun,” Mr Runnalls said. “It’s a good way to start the year, with a comedy.” Elsie Lange The Mount Players actors Andrew Williams, Vishka Davina Haydock, Peter Bevin, Chris Davis facing director John Rowland. (Supplied)

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Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

ASH WEDNESDAY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Trauma burns deep 40 years on Christine Ryan escaped the Ash Wednesday inferno that engulfed Macedon and Riddells Creek in February 1983 with her daughter, then husband and a few lucky pets. Her beloved horses and her home were not so fortunate. Forty years on, Christine writes about the trauma that still haunts many who survived that horrific natural distaster.

don’t know how to say this or to describe how I feel but I will do the best I can. You see I lost myself 40 years ago and that happy young girl never came back. I have searched for her, I have pretended and I often get a glimpse of her, but Ash Wednesday, February 16, 1983, took her away. Trauma is real, PTSD is real and should be taken very seriously. People just do not get over things. It is not like feeling anxious, you can’t just pick yourself up. I remember some of the events of that day; the heat of the train engines roaring on the railway line as they overheated and I remember being told there was a fire out Trentham way but that we were safe. By the time I realised that we weren’t it was nearly too late. I found out that the latest roaring was the actual fire itself. I ran next door to tell my friends Issie and Stan and my then husband Ian raced over to his mate Mark’s to tell them to get out.

“.. we saw a big light coming over us. Issie said ‘Thank God it’s a helicopter we are safe’ but it was a fire ball that went straight over - Christine Ryan us.” The fire trucks had been sent to other areas so they weren’t there to help us, give us information or tell us to get out. The power was off so the sirens wouldn’t even work. Stan worked for the forestry commission but he hadn’t been told. Issie told me off because the clothes I was wearing could melt so I changed. Then we saw a big light coming over us. Issie said ‘Thank God it’s a helicopter we are safe’ but it was a fire ball that went straight over us and landed in Mt Macedon. Our horses were over at Mark’s place but we felt they were better off in the paddock because we had just been through a horrendous drought. We were allowed to use 60 litres of water per day per person that’s how bad it was so no grass. Horses would be safer there, wrong again but really if we had let them out people could have been killed on the road trying to avoid them so really no choice. I got my daughter Cassie out, thank God. She was obviously my number one priority. Without her I would not have survived. I must admit I stupidly put her in a friend’s car because I assumed that as a male he was better able to cope, that she would be safer with him because that was what we were brought up to believe. His wife came with me. I was actually coping better than him I believe. As I drove down Mt Macedon Road there was what appeared to be a 40 foot wall of flame heading towards us. We just got out in time. I had to drive nearly right into it to turn left to get out, and I do remember shutting my eyes because a car was heading straight towards us and I knew if I went off the road to avoid him we would be dead so I just hoped that he would be able to avoid me. The roaring hadn’t stopped. Even now these memories are pretty intense and my brain bounces from one drama to another. I went to Riddells Creek to a friend’s place and Ian joined me there. He had stayed behind to help our neighbour and then left on his motorbike, how silly was that? Julie and I took the cars and went to her in-laws’ house in Sunbury. I believe we were one of the last cars out of Macedon and then again out of Riddell. I was told the next day that Riddell had

Main: Ash Wednesday survivor, Christine Ryan. Below: The rubble of a house lost in the inferno. (Pictures: Supplied)

Above: The caravan where Christine and her family lived after the fires destroyed their home. The government later supplied the family with a granny flat to live in.

burnt down and that my husband and his mate who stayed behind were most likely dead. Thankfully emergency services got it wrong as the fire was heading straight for Riddell the wind changed direction. I was told that if not for a previous fire on Mt Macedon the fire could have easily kept going to the NSW border and beyond and there would have been no stopping it. I didn’t sleep. I ended up just sitting in my

10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

car listening to the radio. Ian and Kerard went up to the house to check and then to Mark’s looking for the horses and obviously hoping to find houses in tact but what they found was just total devastation and dead animals. I got out with my daughter Cassie’s cat, my old dog and 2 budgies. I had a very small amount of our clothing and Cassie’s teddy bear that her godfather Peter gave her. Going to Macedon and seeing the

devastation was horrific. A chimney and rubble. A town decimated and don’t forget there were no mobile phones so I didn’t even know if my brother Stephen was alive. We found each other on day two when we were both at the shire offices registering as alive and unemployed as his nursery had burnt down. I will never forget how it felt to give him that hug and be hugged. I feel a total affinity with refugees and I would assume you are starting to see why. I did not get caught up in a war, but I did go through intense trauma, again not comparable to theirs but at the end of the day most people get to go home. That is normally where they feel safe, theoretically where they are loved and cared for, their safe haven. When that is taken away, again I can’t describe it. How do you parent a four-year-old who has been through this? I tried but I don’t think I was very successful. She would probably agree. The following days were so hard, but I remember going through the phone book looking for relatives of Issie’s to find her and Mum telling me she was on the phone. We just cried and cried. I cried a lot last week because it comes back to me a lot. People wanting to see what happened, tourists asking survivors questions like ‘where is the car the guy died in?’, which houses etc. There were also looters. One lot tried to steal a kid’s bike, it was all he had left. They were caught and I believe punished accordingly. One man got to his burnt out home after putting his wife into psychiatric care. His kids I think were left with grandparents and he gets to his burnt out place to find a man with a metal detector going through the rubble. The guy said it was ok because the stumps were smouldering so he put them out. I found a man driving into Mark’s, luckily I didn’t go in because if I had seen my horses I know I would not have coped. His excuse was that he was taking his kids up to see what had happened, they were in car seats. I told him to go in the paddock and let them play with my dead mare. It went downhill from there. I didn’t and don’t expect people to understand as they didn’t go through it, but don’t compare what my child is going through to yours because he or she saw ash land in your back yard in Sunbury. Don’t yell at me for your power bills going up because SEC was found responsible and don’t send up shirts for men to wear when you have taken all the buttons off. Don’t as a doctor tell me to go home and get my dog put down because it would be less traumatic for my daughter than if she just passed from old age. And just don’t put a picture of my dead mare on the front page of a national newspaper and then just brush it off as ‘oh well that’s the sort of stuff that sells papers’. That picture was then used on PR posters for the CFA which traumatised me so badly when I was in hospital, very sick and saw it on a wall in a hallway right outside the ladies toilets. There were so many wonderful people doing so much to help us and I do so appreciate everything they did. They kept us functioning when we couldn’t do it for ourselves. We made such strong friendships and we forged on together. But now when I see a national disaster I think of all the people who suffered and many who died of cancer after Ash Wednesday – fires and fumes do that. I think of all the mental health issues these people will have, refugees come from horrific lives and we expect them to just fit in and do it our way, but without the mental health help that they need. We need to ask people what we can do to help instead of giving them that damaged shirt.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

MY PLACE Adele Drago-Stevens has been working as Macedon Ranges council’s corporate director since April last year. From the Macedon Ranges to the United Kingdom and back again, she tells Elsie Lange about her journey back home and what she brings her joy about living here. Tell us a bit about you... I’ve had a varied career working across the public and private sector with a range of organisations: from government departments, universities and TAFEs, through to telecomms, banks and consulting firms, and now local government. I love working with organisations that have a direct impact on people’s lives, which is why I’ve spent the bulk of my career working within the education and the public sector. I also volunteer with GenWest: a gender equity and family violence prevention organisation in Melbourne’s west. What’s your connection to the Macedon Ranges? I’m a returner; I grew up in the shire after moving here from the western suburbs, then moved to Melbourne (and the UK) for 10 years until returning to start my family. I’ve been back for around 14 years, and have now lived in the shire for 25 years all up (so far). What do you like about where you live? The varied character of our townships, the agricultural landscapes, the bush and wildlife, the beautiful gardens, the fantastic farms, food producers, brewers, distillers, wineries,

restaurants and cafés, the unique small businesses, the walking and cycling trails, the art and music culture, the shows, festivals, and events … I’m a strong advocate for the living in the Ranges! What, if anything, would you change about where you live? While I love the benefits of our cool and temperate climate, there are times in the year when a few more sunny days wouldn’t go astray. Where is your favourite local place to spend time? I love spending a warm afternoon on a picnic rug in the dappled shade of the spreading oak trees in the Kyneton Botanical Gardens. Preferably with something delicious in hand from a food store nearby. Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you. This is the first time for me working in the community in which I live. I’ve always commuted long distances between my place of work and residence (even when I lived and worked in Melbourne, and the UK, where I crossed town to go to work). I’m enjoying being more engaged with my local community.

Adele Drago-Stevens is corporate director at Macedon Ranges council. (Supplied: Macedon Ranges council)

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here PRINT AND ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE

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Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark salescareers@starnewsgroup.com.au

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Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Emily challenges brain cancer Emily Cooke’s brain cancer journey began nearly six years ago when she was just three years old. Peace of Mind connected Emily’s family with support worker Jonathan Muller, who has made a big difference in their lives. Now Emily is Peace of Mind’s Ambassador for Challenge Brain Cancer, an event that seeks to raise money to provide more brain cancer support workers like Jonathan. Allison and Jonathan spoke to Matt Hewson about Emily’s journey so far.

or many parents, being told their child has brain cancer is their worst nightmare. For Allison Cooke, it became a terrifying reality in October 2018. After years of health issues, appointments and tests to find out what was wrong with Emily, Allison and Liam Cooke were told their daughter had a lesion on her brain stem Emily had glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable form of brain cancer. “It was really shocking, and for us it was just, what does this mean?” Allison said. “What does this mean for Em’s future, what does this mean for our family’s future? “The hardest space to sit in was one of the unknown. And it’s the same for all brain cancer families, it’s such an unknown space about what the future looks like.” The Cookes engaged with Peace of Mind, a not-for-profit organisation that gives support to brain cancer patients and their families, in 2020.

‘

I think it would have been a really lonely walk for us if Jonathan and Peace of Mind weren’t in the picture Allison Cooke

’

Allison said Peace of Mind had a hugely positive impact on her family from the beginning. “Peace of Mind are just amazing,” she said. “Initially they provided us with financial support to do some small renovations, pay for parking costs and fuel, that kind of thing, which was great. “And then they connected us with Jonathan.” Jonathan Muller is a specialised brain cancer support worker employed by Peace of Mind who deals with anywhere up to 50 patients and their families at a time. “Jonathan does a mix of things, but for us he’s an emotional resource and also a practical resource,” Allison said. “The thing I love most about Jonathan is he sits outside her medical team. I can give him a call about what’s happening and how I’m feeling, and he’s invested in us as a family, as opposed to Emily’s medical treatment. “He’s got a great relationship with Em. He takes her surfing with his dog Mudgee, he helps her with lots of things. “He helps her with her emotional regulation, helps build her capacity, but more than that, he’s giving her fun, moments where her life is not about having cancer.” Jonathan, who has a professional history as a nurse in palliative care, engaged with the Cookes shortly after beginning his role at Peace of Mind. “My first contact with Emily was being over at their place and just mucking around with her,” he said. “We just had fun and she was climbing all over me. I can be very serious when I need to be, but I’m also very good at just being a kid. “That’s where I really try to engage Em, I just really try to get on her level.” Jonathan said having his role sit outside the medical sphere allowed him to provide a different kind of care for Emily and the Cookes. “Even though I’m a health professional, I try not to be in that space, particularly with young folk,” he said. “And with Allison, my job is really about backing her up emotionally. I tend to be the person that takes the call when her back’s up against the wall or she’s feeling massive

Challenge Brain Cancer ambassador Emily Cooke and her support worker Jonathan Muller. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 317686

frustration or going ‘where to from here?’. “One of the skills I bring is, what do you do when there are no options, when you can’t do anything? The health system’s really good at providing treatment and solutions, but so much brain cancer is unsolvable, untreatable. “I try to reorient the focus on living, not so much on the next medical appointment or the next scan, because that can drive people crazy, particularly when it goes on for a reasonable period of time.” Now, Emily is Peace of Mind’s Ambassador for Challenge Brain Cancer, an annual event to raise funds for and awareness of brain cancer, a disease that kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. Peace of Mind Foundation chief executive

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

and founder Rebecca Mallett said helping patients like Emily was the organisation’s mission statement. “We’re the only organisation of its kind in Australia, supporting 700 families every year impacted by brain cancer that reach out to Peace of Mind for assistance,” she said. “Having Brain Cancer Support Workers nationwide is our ultimate goal, and we’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact that someone in this role has in providing hope, compassion and quality of life to our patients facing this very serious diagnosis.” Challenge Brain Cancer will be held on February 25 at Westfield Geelong, where teams will compete in an Amazing Race event.

“The role of someone like Jonathan is really significant,” Allison said. “I think it would have been a really lonely walk for us if Jonathan and Peace of Mind weren’t in the picture. “The reality for brain cancer is that only two out of every 10 people diagnosed survive past five years. “Organisations like Peace of Mind are invaluable, and if the community can get behind them and help provide more support workers like Jonathan, it helps families like us immeasurably.” To register a team for Challenge Brain Cancer or find out more go to peaceofmindfoundation.org.au/challengebrain-cancer-2023.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

Wilma Stillman, and Joanne Cooper and Claire Smales, enjoy the Party in the Park. Far right: Romsey Library Storytime. Below left: Romsey Walking Club members.

Party in the park a joyful event

Wood sculptor Richard Yates and his wife Karen.

Months after it was originally scheduled and then postponed, Romsey Ecotherpark Park’s big party finally went ahead on Sunday, February 12. Party in the Park was a celebration of the completion of the recreational space many years in the making. Music, storytelling, artists and foodvans helped to make the afternoon a memorable one. Romsey Ecotherapy Park was delivered in three stages over 14 years and was officially opened to the public in October last year.

Above: Sculptor Charlie Aquilina and Bendigo Bank board member Graeme Bruce. Below: Macedon Ranges councillors Bill West and Janet Pearce.

Artist Bridget Heller speaking about a piece called Porta. (Pictures: Supplied/Angus Webb Ware)

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Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

25 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

February 13. 1993

February 17, 1998

February 18, 2003

February 19, 2013

Water guru Bernie Donovan claims that sewering Mount Macedon and Macedon would lead to a tidal wave of subdivision that would destroy the character of the town.

Former Kyneton chief executive officer Mr Graeme Wilson appears likely to serve a writ on the Macedon Ranges council in an attempt to recover unpaid salary.

A record 34 candidates will contest the Macedon Ranges Council election.

Growing pains: Council seeks funds

12544962-AV15-22

30 years

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Repair Café Sunbury The Repair Cafe Sunbury is back for 2023. Head along for a cuppa and some skill sharing on how to repair broken household items, preventing landfill and promoting kindness. The cafe will run every third Saturday of the month. 10am to 12.30pm at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Eizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

Cuppa and craft Share or learn a craft over a cuppa at this social group for adults. Wednesdays, 10am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Music and Singalong Bring your instrument or your voice to a social group for adults. Songs with lyrics and chords can be viewed on the big screen, all skill sets welcome. Wednesdays 9am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury. ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Local camera club Are you into photography, just starting out or fully fledged professional? The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Come along to a meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, followed by the next Monday. Doors open at 7pm, meeting starts at 7.30pm, at Dromkeen, 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek. ■ www.macedon-ranges-photography.org.au

Breast cancer support group

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of George Naylor, Chris Tabone and Barry McBride from Westside Slam.

On the first and third Tuesday of the month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group. There they discuss experiences, find connections and improve mental health. ■ Lesley, 0484 691 226

■ harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

Village connect

Carer connect chat

A new service for older people and carers provided by Macedon Ranges council for residents over 55 years old to stay socially connected, chat with others in the community and enjoy some free coffee and cake. Happening on Tuesdays and Thursday at cafes across the municipality, there’s sure to be one near you. ■ https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262

Are you caring for someone close to you? Go and connect with other carers in your local area, share a light lunch, have a chat at noon on the first Wednesday of the month. Head to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton. ■ 0491 174 550, or email rebecca.lees@scchc.org.au

Come have a chat

Craft and conversation

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

Family History and Heritage Society

If you’re a passionate crafter and want some company, why not head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older. ■ https://bit.ly/39BIu2O

Visit or become a new member of the Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club, gathering on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Football Club at 10am. Enjoy outings and meetings each month with a friendly group of men and women, and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. ■ Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 9746 3402

If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and even your own family history, why not check out the Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society, meeting at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury. ■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Arts and games night Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre as part of an art and games night each Wednesday at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 3.30- 5.30pm. There’s a range of arts and crafts to try, and if art isn’t your thing, there’s a wide variety of games. The program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old and is free. It’s at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

HarmoniX Vocal Company Get involved with an all-male, auditioned singing group happening on Thursday, 79.30pm in Sunbury. The group is inviting new members to join. The group also has a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday. 7-9.30pm. Both groups rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, 11 Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required, just bring your love of music.

(Damjan Janevski) 319257_02

Ladies probus

Stadium, Wilsons Lane. ■ sunburylbc@gmail.com Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. The key theme for the coming months will be kindness. The chats take place every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30am at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon. ■ Carol, 0431 186 575

Are you between 12 and 18 years old and want to engage with other young people, participate in activities such as trivia, games, art, music, competitions, personal development and more? Chill Out Sunbury is for you. It’s free and happens every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street. ■ https://bit.ly/3lmVgVh

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club Get involved with a welcoming, fun, social group of women who have spread the word of ladies badminton since 1999. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am-noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm at Eric Boardman

Rotary club The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at Sunbury Bowling Club from 7pm. ■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Sunbury Combined Probus Club The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am. ■ Carmel, 0416 477 271

Toastmasters Probus Club Of Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury

The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45 am. The club is based on fun, friendship and fellowship and enjoys monthly outings, an annual trip away and a lot of fun meetings. ■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Football club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to all retired and semi-retired men. Enjoy morning tea and a guest speaker. ■ Greg, 0417 593 035

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

Sunbury Seniors

The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms. The friendly group of women enjoy outings, film mornings, speakers and presenters, as well as special events like holidays and bus trips. ■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Sunbury Seniors meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury, from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat. If you’re 55 or older and would like to make some new friends. ■ 0434 400 754

Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

PUZZLES 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

3 6

3 8

5 2 7 6

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

4 1 3

German city (6) Asseveration (6) Master (Indian) (5) Exaggerate (9) Finishes (9) Popular aquarium fish (5) Presentations (6) Cicatrice (4) Sulk (4) Rub out (6) Beautiful woman in Muslim paradise (5) Case holding explosive charge (9) Heights (9) Japanese graphic novels (5) Make certain (6) Hurry (Spanish) (6)

25 27 28 29 30

Roughly assembled (7) Caller (7) Phantasm (6) Latitude (6) Harbour (4) Ill from ocean movement (7) Candied citrus peel (7) Large Italian island (8) Love-song (8) Hint (7) Supervisors (7) Group of words (6) Fancy hotel rooms (6) Corrosion (4)

3 5 6 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 26

ACROSS 1 4 10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 24

No. 121

DOWN Band member (8) Book of the Hebrew Bible (8)

1 2

DECODER

No. 121

7 9

8 6 4

QUICK CROSSWORD

9 4 3 1 2 2 7 6 8 4

4 3 2

9 5

3 3 9

hard

10 11 12 13

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

Today’s Aim: 23 words: Good 35 words: Very good

E S

No. 121

7 ( 1 ( 7

AMASS APRON ARENA ARGUE ATLAS AVAIL AWARD CACAO CADET CAVES CEASE CHASM CLEAT DRESS DWELT EASEL EDGES EERIE GOUGE HONES HOUSE

4 LETTERS ACNE CASE CEDE CORN COST NEST ORAL PAID PATS PUCK SARI SEES SINK USER 5 LETTERS ALOUD

LARVA LATHE LATHS METRE OASES OLIVE OPALS OPERA OVALS PETTY RANGE REELS RESIN ROLLS SALTS SANDS SILOS SLEET SNEER SOLES STAGS

START SWEET TENET TEPEE THERE TRIBE WEAVE

7 LETTERS DISCARD ERASURE LANTERN MOISTER PULSATE ROUTINE

6 LETTERS DEAFER EITHER SENDER WINGED

8 LETTERS EIGHTEEN EVILLEST NOBLEMAN TOMORROW

cede, ceded, cedes, clue, clued, clues, cuddle, cuddles, cues, deduce, deduces, deed, delude, deludes, deuce, deuced, duel, duels, educe, educed, educes, else, elude, eluded, eludes, heed, heeds, heel, heels, held, huddle, huddles, hued, leech, schedule, SCHEDULED, seclude, secluded, seduce, seduced, seed, shed, slue, slued, sued, suede, used

24-02-23

Is gluten a protein or a carbohydrate?

In which county of England is Windsor Castle (pictured)?

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

The domesticated cultivation of wheat began in 9600 BCE in which part of the world?

Who famously read out the wrong winner for Best Film at the 2017 Academy Awards?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

Which is the majority sect of Islam in Iraq: Sunni or Shia?

The 1954 film 12 Angry Men is set inside a what?

In which film was the constitution of Australia referred to in terms of its ‘vibe’?

What is the highest legal court of appeal in the Australian court hierarchy?

Bonnie Elizabeth Parker was one of which infamous pair?

No. 121

B O D E A G A S R A S H A T I O

S T R

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

A R E

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QUICK QUIZ

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G C 19

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

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

47 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

easy

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WU O N I K J S M Y R P Q

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WORDFIT

10 The River Clyde flows through which Scottish city? ANSWERS: 1. Protein 2. Middle East 3. Shia (approx 65 per cent) 4. Jury room 5. High Court of Australia 6. Bonnie and Clyde 7. Berkshire 8. Warren Beatty 9. The Castle 10. Glasgow

No. 121

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SUDOKU

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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FEBRUARY 9, 2021

.AU

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!

\ STARWEEKLY.COM

SECTION

Anti-vax leaflet slammed ‘‘

Jessica Micallef

By Jessica Micallef

Let’s not let

McEwen MP Rob Mitchell is urging false lies Mr Mitchell said only Sunbury residents to “tear contacted him about Sunbury residents had be done spread as being facts up and throw anti-vaccination leaflets away” to combat potenti . It’s was concerned peoplethe leaflets so far, but he misinformation ally “deadly that may appear their letterbox. in surrounding areas in dangerou ”. would also receive s He said people should them. - Rob Mitchell Mr Mitchell said residen consult a doctor The leaflet also has ts had notified him or medical last Monday (Februa leaflets is from address to the organis a QR code and a web vaccinations professional when it came to ry 1) about anti-vaccinatio American-based leaflets about the ation’s site. Mr Mitche and medica n IDoNotComp compan y, COVID-19 vaccine urged ly, which labels ll people not to scan “We don’t know who l treatment. that had global been dropped in their the code. these people are and movement that oppose itself as a “It’s for your own letterbox. that is why safety,” he said. “It we have medical experts The leaflet, seen by s COVID-19 from regulations. comes Star Weekly, stated an American-base ,” he said. “They have decade should “avoid the people d organisation which s “It’s danger COVID you’d think wouldn to understand these in training and learning ’t be so callous and and claims the “vaccin vaccine at all costs” People will ous that people are getting this. things. They are the to make a stateme read e could potentially people nt like ‘most people stupid to talk to. more deadly than be he said. “We are this and wonder if it’s true,” risk the virus”. have no of dying of COVID seeing “Let’s not let false Mr Mitchell believe -19’. out … it’s all garbage these theories being put lies spread as being “This from a s the sender of It’s dangerous. facts. . Tear the leaflet up the put it in the bin.” and than 440,000 country where tragically more “What we have achieve deaths have been recorde d in Victoria … d.” Mr Mitchell said an amazing job is more work needed to people spreadi and the last thing we need is ng theories.”

’’

RADIOLOGY

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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

Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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Tel 0427 963 906

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29 .00

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly

• All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication. • After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear. • The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item. • Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

Wyndham Star Weekly

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain. Run my advert in:

Northern Star Weekly

2 papers - $7 extra 3 papers - $14 extra 4 papers - $21 extra 5 papers - $28 extra 6 papers - $35 extra

ADD A PHOTO FOR AN ADDITIONAL $8.00. 12588887-ET06-23

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

SPORTS QUIZ 1. How many cricket World Cups did retired cricket player Aaron Finch win? 2. Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is the third driver for which team in 2023? 3. What colour is the triple 19 on a standard dartboard? 4. In what sport is the term ‘a-frame’ relevant?

14. The 2023 NBA All-Star Game is set to be held in which US city?

5. What is the name of the Australian Women’s cricket team captain who took an extended break from the sport in 2022?

Venus Williams

15. Former AFL player Ben Graham played for how many NFL teams during his career?

6. How many father-son captaincy duos has the Collingwood Football Club had?

16. Which retired NBA great held the record for most career points scored, until it was broken by LeBron James?

7. Harry Souttar plays for which English Premier League side?

17. How many total points did the aforementioned NBA great score in his career?

8. Travis Head has a world Test batting ranking of what?

18. Which two Australian tennis players were known as ‘The Woodies’?

9. What is the name of the new team entering the NRL competition this season?

19. Which two NFL teams did former AFL player Saverio Rocca play for during his career?

10. Which team did Philadelphia Eagles beat to get into the 2023 Super Bowl?

20. Sam Waardenburg won the 2022-23 NBL Most Valuable Player Award playing for which NBL team?

11. Which Australian fighter was defeated by Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in Perth?

21. Which team won the 2023 NFL Super Bowl?

12. Super Bowl LVII was held in which US state?

22. Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann plays for which state?

13. Xavier Cooks won the 2022–23 NBL Most Valuable Player Award playing for which NBL team?

23. Which AFLW team has won the most premierships?

24. Former AFL player Joel Selwood is now part of the coaching staff of which NRL club?

29. How many combined Grand Slam singles titles have Serena and Venus Williams won?

25. Which driver has won the last two Formula 1 Championships?

30. Kevin Durant was recently traded to which NBA team?

26. Quadball is another name for a sport that has its origins as which fictional game? 27. Spinner Todd Murphy took how many wickets in his Test debut against India? 28. Channel Nine recently announced they had secured the broadcast rights for how many future Olympic Games?

Joel Selwood 1. Two, 2015 ODI World Cup and 2021 T20 World Cup 2. Red Bull Racing 3. Green 4. Surfing 5. Meg Lanning 6. Two 7. Leicester City 8. Four 9. The Dolphins 10. San Franciso 49ers 11. Alexander Volkanovski 12. Arizona 13. Sydney Kings 14. Salt Lake City, Utah 15. Four (New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions) 16. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 17. 38,387 18. Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde 19. Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders 20. Cairns Taipans 21. Kansas City Chiefs 22. Queensland 23. Adelaide Crows (three) 24. Melbourne Storm 25. Max Verstappen 26. Quidditch 27. Seven 28. Five 29. 30 30. Phoenix Suns

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Member vacancies - Victorian Class B cemetery trusts The following Class B cemetery trusts are seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified members of the community who are interested in becoming honorary trust members. Women and those from a diverse background are actively encouraged to seek appointment:

Open 7 days 48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

THE BULLA CEMETERY TRUST

Romsey Firewood

EXCELLENT QUALITY REDGUM 3m split ..... $210 pcm 6m split ..... $205 pcm 12m split .. $200 pcm Free Delivery All Areas Phone Peter

THE RIDDELL’S CREEK CEMETERY TRUST

Find it in the

0418 384 796

Cemetery trust members are appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of up to five years on the recommendation of the Minister for Health. Cemetery trusts are responsible for the proper and efficient management of the public cemeteries under their control, including planning for future cemeteries services and the preservation of local history.

General

section of Network Classifieds.

For Sale

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V 12577846-SN46-22

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Victorian Class B cemetery trust

Contact details

3m split ...... $210 pcm 6m split ...... $205 pcm 12m split .... $200 pcm 20m split .......$195 pcm 20m unsplit ...$185 pcm Free Delivery All Areas Phone Peter on

The Bulla Cemetery Trust

0480 140 513

03 5423 7103

The Riddell’s Creek Cemetery Trust

0429 097 400

To register your interest please refer to the trust contact details below and provide your expression of interest to the applicable trust within two weeks of the date of this advertisement:

Excavator Operator Loader Operator and Labourer required. Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc.

Admin and adhoc duties, full time position, computer knowledge is essential. Saturdays required.

Massage Therapists

Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

0428 568 004

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

Want to place an ad but not sure where to start? Call our helpful classiﬁed team between 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri for FREE advice!

section of Network Classifieds.

HAIRDRESSER VACANCIES We offer the following positions in Gisborne with an immediate start; • Fully qualiﬁed hair dresser • 2nd year apprentice • Salon assistant Excellent working environment and friendly staff. Above award wages for the right candidates. Contact George on 0411 161 563

Lachlan Fleming Constructions P/L Carpentry Apprentice Required A rare opportunity to come on board with a high achieving local builder operating in the Macedon Ranges. Own car and pre-app preferred. Email resumes to admin@ﬂemingconstructions.com.au

Situations Wanted

CALL 1300 666 808

Buy, Rent & Sell in our

SHEARER AVAILABLE

Real Estate

To Shear Your Alpacas or Sheep

section of Network Classifieds.

Ph: Peter 0418 831 750

Motoring V

Car/Truck Rentals

Download the Crown Cabs app for your next ride

Find local work in the

Employment

Positions Vacant

ADVERTISE with us and get better results F30916

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, intersex and queer people. The trust will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

OPERATORS/ LABOURER /WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATOR

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More information about the role of cemetery trust members is available at: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/cemeteries-and-crematoria/class-bcemetery-trust-appointments

Positions Vacant

Weighbridge Operator

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

Being appointed to a cemetery trust provides successful applicants with a unique opportunity to develop their competencies as a board member. The Department of Health provides free governance training to all trust members. Current members whose terms of office are due to expire may apply for reappointment as part of a competitive selection process.

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Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Corolla crosses into a new era By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring You could in all likelihood be looking at the successor to the evergreen Corolla hatch and sedan as the market continues its move away from traditional styles. Corolla Cross joins the Yaris Cross, C-HR, RAV4, Kluger, Fortuner, Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 300 Series in Toyota’s ever-growing lineup of SUVs. And, like many of the aforementioned models, it is available with a fuel saving hybrid petrol-electric powertrain -- one that importantly recharges itself. It’s the right-size and the timing couldn’t be better, but it’s going to cost you almost $5000 more to get into one and there’s sure to be a long wait. But hey?

Styling Looking much like a smaller version of the RAV4, there’s three versions from which to choose: GX, GXL and Atmos. There’s also petrol or hybrid powertrains, and front- or all-wheel drive, with pricing starting from $33,000 plus on-roads for the front-drive, petrol-powered GX. For $2500 more you can have the same car with a fuel-saving hybrid. AWD is another $3000, but available only with GXL and Atmos. GX comes with 17-inch alloys, LED head and tail lights, automatic high beam, daytime running lights as well as heated auto folding door mirrors. Inside, you’ll find cloth trim, single-zone climate air, smart entry and start, an electric park brake and a 7.0-inch driver information display. GXL, priced from $36,750, adds combination leather and fabric upholstery, dual-zone climate, leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel, auto dimming rear view mirror, better LED headlights, front fog lights, roof rails and rear privacy glass. To this Atmos, priced from $46,050, adds 18-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof and a power-operated tailgate. There’s also leather-accented upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, eight-way power-adjust driver seat, fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, Nanoe X air filtering, illuminated entry and a wireless phone charger.

Engines / transmissions While the 1.8-litre setup in the hatch puts out 103kW, the Cross with a larger 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine and an electric motor for the front axle, delivers a combined 146kW of power at 6600 revs. Torque? Toyota never puts a figure on combined torque for its hybrids. Never really been quite sure why. The petrol engine alone however produces 190Nm between 4400 and 5200 revs. The electric motor -- another 206Nm. A second electric motor is added to the rear axle in all-wheel drive versions, helping among other things to correct any oversteer or understeer. Drive is through a CVT-style continuously variable style transmission.

Safety Corolla Cross gets a full five stars for safety. With eight airbags and a reversing camera, Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover), a lane support system with lane-keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard on all versions. GXL and Atmos add a 360-degree camera. Automatic Collision Notification can notify emergency services in the event of a collision triggering an airbag, who can attempt to speak with vehicle occupants to determine the seriousness of the situation.

Infotainment Infotainment consists of an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with voice control, Bluetooth,

Heir apparent ... the Corolla Cross could replace the long serving hatch and sedan in the long run. (Pictures: Supplied)

AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay but wired Android Auto and six-speaker audio -- but alas no navigation. For that you need to fork out for one of the more expensive models. Voice activation is enabled with the words “Hey, Toyota!“ and you can use the new multimedia system as a web browser. There’s a 12-volt outlet in the console box and single USB-A port at the front of the centre console, while GXL and Atmos grow two extra USB-C ports in the back.

AT A GLANCE

Driving

Atmos Hybrid AWD: $49,050

Having driven hundreds of Toyotas over the years breeds a certain familiarity. Getting into the Corolla Cross for the first time, it all feels, looks and even smells the same -- at once familiar but different. The cabin looks like Marie Kondo has paid a visit. The fit out is not quite spartan, but the emphasis is clearly on functionality and practicality. It’s all there - but with nothing to spare. In fact, it reminds me of the old joke that if Toyota could find a way to charge for the air in tyres -- it would do so (apologies). There’s also a certain sameness to the way

SPECIFICATIONS

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

MODEL RANGE GX Petrol 2WD: $33,000 GX Hybrid 2WD: $35,500 GXL Petrol 2WD: $36,750 GXL Hybrid 2WD: $39,250 GXL Hybrid AWD: $42,250 Atmos Petrol 2WD: $43,550 Atmos Hybrid 2WD: $46,050

Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos FWD 2.0-litre hybrid, CVT automatic, five-door SUV

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.

the Cross drives. The feel and sound of the hybrid powertrain is straight out of the Prius playbook. Cross sits on the same platform as the Corolla hatch, along with the C-HR and Lexus

UX, but gets a larger, more powerful hybrid in recognition of the extra size and weight that it carries -- 120kg more than the petrol version. Handling is confident for an SUV, up to the point where the higher centre of gravity starts to generate some body roll, but the average driver is unlikely to find that point. The brakes are excellent, consistently pulling the car up quickly after repeated hard braking. Fuel consumption from the 36-litre fuel tank is a claimed 4.3L/100km, or 4.4L/100km for the all-wheel drive -- and it takes standard unleaded.

Summing up It feels a bit underdone, but we like it. Corolla sells on price and value. The Corolla Cross ticks one of those boxes. A top of the range hybrid hatch is $37,620. Our top of the range, two-wheel drive Atmos is $46,050 -- a whopping $8430 more. Atmos is the pick. We wouldn’t worry about all-wheel drive which doesn’t warrant the extra $3000. The real breaker however is that you can get into a larger front-drive RAV4 Hybrid XSE for $46,375 -- yes, just $325 more?

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SPORT

Relief as Club Sunbury secures a finals berth Club Sunbury has sealed its finals spot in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 1 with one round remaining. An up and down few weeks left Club Sunbury needing to win at least one of its final two matches to make sure of a finals spot. With a match up against the ladder leaders Lilydale in the final round, victory against Ivanhoe on Saturday was vital. Despite halving the rinks, Club Sunbury came away with an 84 (14)-67 (4) win. Marc Bullows’ rink was the big winner on the day, winning 36-13, while Mark Cowan’s rink won 18-16. Sebastian Pretty’s rink lost 18-14 and Lee Wesley’s rink lost 20-16. Club Sunbury’s David Glennon said it was a result that they needed. “It now guarantees finals,” he said. “We don’t have to look over our shoulders. “It’s still unknown whether we will get a home final or not.” Glennon said Bullows and Paul Callus, who was in Bullows’ rink, were the two standouts on Saturday.

Club Sunbury enters the final round in second spot, 13 points clear of Kingsbury in third spot. Lilydale will finish top no matter the result in the final round. Glennon said the side was keen to face Lilydale in the lead up to finals. “It’ll be a tough game on Saturday, we’re looking forward to it,” he said. “It might be a dress rehearsal for the following weekend. You always want to pet your wits against the top side.” Club Sunbury had three sides in preliminary finals on Sunday. The division 3, section 2 side defeated Bundoora RSL 3 in 96 (18)-54 (0). The rink led by Clive Moffat was the big winner on the day, winning 31-12. Club Sunbury will face Lalor 2 in the grand final. The division 6, section 3 side is also through to the grand final. Club Sunbury beat Rosanna 3, 79 (14)-76 (4). It will face Epping RSL 2 in the grand final. It was three from three on Sunday with Club Sunbury 5 beating Moonee Valley 4 99 (18)-54

(0) to win through to the division 7, section 2 grand final where they will face Essendon 5. Meanwhile, in the Central Highlands Bowls Division top grade. Lancefield, Gisborne, Romsey and Kyneton Golf had wins in the final regular season game. Romsey will play Lancefield in the first week of finals for a spot in the grand final, while Gisborne and Kyneton Golf will play in a knock out semi final. Tara Murray

Club Sunbury’s Marc Bullows. (Shawn Smits) 203921_07

New CEO for the EDFL By Tara Murray

Rupertswood’s Kyle Corcoran plays a shot that hits the silly guys helmet and bounces to a fielder. (Joe Mastroianni). 320092_07

Romsey pulls off upset By Tara Murray Romsey sent a statement, while Diggers Rest Bulla moved up a spot in the run home to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup finals. With the top sides playing each other, the sides were given a mini finals preview on the second last round. While Gisborne remained undefeated as it accounted for Bacchus Marsh, Romsey upset second placed Sunbury United. The Redbacks had made 180 on day one of the match, which didn’t seem like enough on paper. Having already lost a wicket on day one, United was going along nicely at 4-147. The wickets started to fall and they kept falling with United bowled out for 175 Upul Fernando top scored with 54 For the Redbacks, Jamie Taylor was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets. Despite the win, the Redbacks slipped a spot on the ladder behind Diggers Rest Bulla which had a big win against Rupertswood. The Burras had made 286 on day one of the

match. Rupo struggled and was bowled out for 105. Andrew Pizaro top scored with 34 not out. Gayan Welikalage took 6-30 off his 20 overs. The Burras decided to have another bat instead of going for an outright win. The Burras made 2-204 from 24.3 overs. Indika Massalage (113) and Mulkapuge Lakshan (86) put on 180 for the opening partnership. Gisborne snuck home against Bacchus Marsh in the other battle between top four sides. The Bulls had made 9-218 on day one of the match. After losing two early wickets, the Dragons steadied and were cruising at 2-131. The wickets started to fall with the Dragons soon 6-188. While there were a few nervy moments, the Dragons got the runs with wicket in hand. They were eventually bowled out for 226. Jarryd Vernon continued his good form making 118. Thomas Wardell took 7-34 for the Bulls. At the other end of the ladder, the bottom

four sides faced each other. Woodend got home in a thriller against the Sunbury Kangaroos. Woodend had made 208 on day one. The Kangaroos openers got them off to a good start before they lost three quick wickets to slip to 3-87. The Kangaroos were continuing to make runs at a decent click, but the wickets continued to fall. The last partnership between Joshua Sorraghan and Matthew Parker fought hard, but come up for six runs short. The Kangaroos were bowled out for 208. Jordan Ballinger top scored with 58, while Parker scored 35 coming in at number 11. Tom Robson took four wickets for Woodend. Woodend finished 6-184 in its second innings. Greg Matthews made 83, while Sorraghan took 5-10 off three overs. Woodend now sits in seventh spot and kept its small finals hopes alive. Wallan did its hopes of staying up no harm, beating East Sunbury. The Thunder, which now sits bottom, was bowled out for 144 in reply to 254.

The Essendon District Football League has a new boss with the league appointing a new chief executive. The league announced on Monday that Andrew Johnston had been appointed to the role. Johnston is no stranger to the area, having been involved with football in Melbourne’s north and north-west. Johnston arrives at the league with a wealth of knowledge and experience in football, while most recently leading a national sporting organisation. “After spending nearly a decade at AFL Victoria, Andrew was instrumental in the establishment of the inaugural Gold Coast Suns Academy during the early iterations of the club’s history, before assuming the head coach position at the Calder Cannons where he saw eight EDFL juniors get drafted into AFL senior ranks,” the league said in its statement. “In between, Andrew has spent time in various coaching and mentorship roles within football, including in the EDFL.” Johnston joins the EDFL from Little Athletics Australia where he was the general manager of operations. EDFL chairman Bernie Shinners formally welcomed the new chief executive on behalf of the EDFL board. “We’d like to warmly welcome Andrew back to the EDFL who not only brings strong ties back into the league, but a vast array of experience,“ he said. “Andrew was the preferred candidate from a strong list of applicants, and in conjunction with our clubs and major partners, the EDFL has an exciting future that we believe Andrew, in this leadership role, will greatly contribute to the league.” Johnston replaces Ian Kyte as the league’s chief executive. He will commence on February 28.

Andrew Johnston in his Calder Cannons days. (Marco De Luca)

Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

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Macedon keen to form a women’s football side Macedon is keen to field a side in the inaugural Riddell District Football League women’s competition this season. The Cats posted on social media that the club was keen to get the numbers for a side to provide a pathway for their girls teams. Tamara Collins, who coached the Cats’ youth and junior girls sides last season, said it was exciting to be looking at having a women’s side. “This is really exciting and just good for female footy,” she said. “The last two years have been really great with the younger girls and now it’s about having somewhere for them to go. “And us older ones, who have never played before, somewhere to play.” The Cats’ youth girls side made the grand final last year, while their junior girls team had a good first season. Collins said there had been great numbers

for both sides and the next step is to try and get the women’s side up. She admits that it will be a challenge getting a team up in a small town. She said currently numbers were low. “We’re looking for those girls who have aged out of juniors,” she said. “And we’re looking for those who are 20 and older, who are keen to give it a go. “You don’t need any experience. Come for the enjoyment and have some fun.” The Cats are still looking for a coach. They were set to meet with the league last week to have further discussions about how everything will work. Collins said the league had been really supportive around female football and were keen to get the competition up and running. She said to be part of the league’s first women’s competition would be pretty exciting. Melton, Kyneton and Mt Alexander has all

transferred their teams to the new competition, while Romsey and Woodend-Hesket are planning to field sides. Lancefield has also expressed some interest in getting a team up and running, showing the interest in the area. “Lots of people have done a lot of work before us to get us to this spot,” Collins said. “It’s in a good spot that women and girls now have opportunities, which is great. We have the support from both the junior and senior clubs and we’re looking forward to working with the other clubs. Collins will continue to coach the Cats’ youth girls side this season. Details: tamaracollins8@bigpond.com or 0411 017 185. Tara Murray Macedon is aiming to have a women’s side this season. (Supplied)

Sports shorts EDFL A new Essendon District Football League division 2 fixture has been released following the withdrawal of Jacana from the competition. There is no longer a bye for teams, but they will play 16 matches across 18 rounds with two split rounds. The Sunbury Kangaroos will start their season against Burnside Heights, while East Sunbury makes its return to senior competition against the Northern Saints. The two Sunbury teams will play each other on May 27 and again on July 22.

Ballarat NL The Sunbury Lions have finalised their A-grade side for the upcoming Ballarat Netball League season. Eliza Gollant joins the club and is the club’s final link in their defensive end. Gollant previously played in the Victorian Netball League with Melbourne University. Tayla Honey, Ruth Smith, Elly Randall, Georgia Hellyer, Tara O’Grady, Freya Langston and Sophie O’Kane in the Lions squad.

RDFL

Danny Moore (Supplied)

United sets the bar high By Tara Murray New Sunbury United coach Danny Moore is happy with the progress so far in the off season for the FV state league 3 north-west club. It has been a big off season for Moore as he returns to his home club from Gisborne. With a different looking line-up, there’s been plenty of work going on behind the scenes. Moore said he was enjoying being back at Langama Park. “It has been great for me personally,” he said. “The players have been brilliant. “Not only the players from the existing and the new players that have come in. “There has been great interaction between the group. “Things have been really positive in the dressing room, but we’ve done nothing but training and a couple of practice matches.” Moore said about half of last year’s squad had remained, which was important to ensure they had some players who were familiar with the side.

The rest is a mixture of players who have followed Moore across from Gisborne, while some other players have also made the move. Among those making the move to United, is Jake McIntyre and Matt Hume, who were co-captains at Gisborne last year. Both previously played with United. United played their first official game of the year on Saturday in the second round of the Australia Cup. The club’s first round match didn’t go ahead due to the other side forfeiting. United travelled up to Shepparton to face Shepparton United. Scores were locked at 0-0 at half time, before McIntyre found the back of the net to give Sunbury the lead. Shepparton levelled the scores in the 71st minute before Ryan Davies gave Sunbury back the lead. Sunbury eventually won 2-1. Moore said before the game they were looking forward to getting out there and having a kick. “We’d love to get a couple of games in the

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

cup,” he said. “If you go too far it can disrupt things for the home and away season. “It’s good to have a game where there is something on the line. We’ll look to try and get the balance right, so we’re ready for the season.” Moore said they were still to set expectations for the season ahead, with the group still coming together. United finished fifth last season, fading in the back part of the year. Moore said things would take time to click and it would be a bit of grind early in the season. “It’s still about assessing the players and the mix of the group at the moment,” he said. “We’re setting expectations about who we are as people and setting the bar high in respect and the right behaviours, which are just as important. “Once we get closer to the season, we’ll do some more work in terms of exceptions for the whole season, but I’m always aiming high.”

Two more Melton premiership players are seeking to move to Diggers Rest for the Riddell District Football League season. Clearances have been put in for Jaycob and Lachlan Hickey to join the Burras. Jaycob was named in the best eight times last season, while Lachlan kicked 19 goals. The Burras had previously announced that Mark Orr, who was also at the Bloods last season, would be joining the club. Jake Brown and Josh Flower are among the other new signings for the Burras.,

EDFL The Sunbury Kangaroos have signed Moonee Valley forward Jack Vivian for this year’s Essendon District Football League division 2 season. Vivian reunites with former Fog coach Shanon Carroll at the Kangaroos. Vivian kicked 19 goals in 14 games in division 1 last season. The Kangaroos have also announced the re-signings of Dean Halliwell and Matthew Leonard.

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Cahill a late inclusion for Melbourne eXtreme Melbourne eXtreme has made a last minute change to its line up for this week’s Bowls Premier League. Nick Cahill comes into the side for the Club Sunbury franchise, replacing Matt Flapper who has withdrawn due to personal reasons. Flapper is expected to return to the team for the next event. It’s the first time that Cahill, the reigning Australian male bowler of the year, will play in the competition. He joins Natasha Van Eldik and foundation player Ali Forsyth in the line up for the 17th staging of the event. Cahill said he was thrilled to be debuting at the sport’s premier televised event and appreciative of eXtreme licensee Club Sunbury for the opportunity. “I’m so excited about the opportunity and

would love to thank Club Sunbury,” Cahill said. “There’s a few nerves there, I’ve played a couple of TV games before but nothing in front of the crowd that I expect in Moama. “But I’m going to relish this opportunity, I feel really good going into it and really prepared so hopefully I’ll be a good inclusion for the team.” On the prospect of teaming up with Van Eldik and Forsyth, Cahill is bursting with excitement of having two of the world’s best alongside him on the Murray. The 20-year-old is no stranger to the big stage, having represented Australia at the Junior World Bowls Indoor Championships in December, claiming two silver medals. It will also be Van Eldik’s first time representing eXtreme, replacing Carla

Krizanic, who has stepped back from this level of bowls. Van Eldik is a dual gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games, having also won gold at the World Bowls Championship. The Australian Jackaroo has also previously played in the BPL, including playing in two grand finals in BPL13 & BPL14.

Nick Cahill (UBC)

Roar digs deep for win

Finals race alive in GDCA

Tara Murray Sunbury moved into the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 top four despite a couple of nervy moments against Pascoe Vale Hadfield on Saturday. On top after day one, the Roar needed to dig deep to get the six points after another batting collapse hurt them dearly. The Roar resumed at 2-23 in reply to Pascoe Vale Hadfield’s 115. The Roar would pass Pascoe Vale Hadfield’s total, nine wickets down before being bowled out not long after for 127. Roar coach Jace Carton said there were some pretty nervous moments as the wickets started to fall. “I don’t normally get nervous, but I was nervous,” he said. “Mick [Treweek] batted really well to get us over the line.” Treweek was supported well by Isaac Carton and Jason McGowan, who both held up ends while Treweek ticked the scoreboard over. Neither scored a run. Jace Carton admitted that Jason McGowan wasn’t going to bat if he didn’t need to. “We knew that Isaac could hold up and end with Michael,” he said. “He did really well. “Jason broke his finger last week while playing. We didn’t expect him to bat, but we needed him to, to get the win. “He was able to hold up and end.” Treweek top scored with 51 as just three Roar players reached double figures. The win and other results has the Roar in fourth place, headed into the final round where it plays bottom side Sunshine Heights. Carton said while it’s good to know their finals fate is in their own hands, there is still a lot of work to do. He said they spoke about the fact that they were in the top four, without having fired with the bat this season. “We’ve got the batting talent there,” he said. “We have not executed though. “We have done a lot of batting at training to try and rectify it. We know what the problem is and hopefully we can fix it come finals. “Our bowling is fine, our fielding is pretty good, the issue is with the batting, myself included, we haven’t made enough runs.” Carton said the group was pretty positive heading into the final round and believed it could make a grand final if it was to bat well the next few weeks. Carton said McGowan would miss the final match of the season and would be a test if they make finals. He said otherwise everyone else was fit and available for the final round.

Michael Treweek stood up with the bat on Saturday. (Shawn Smits)

The Roar’s second XI won outright on Saturday to all but ensure a home final come first week of the finals. The club’s under-18 team, which has also

made finals in their first season, were playing for a home final on Sunday, after deadline. “There’s a pretty good feeling around the club,” Carton said.

The race for finals spots in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield will go down to the final round, with less than a point separating fourth and fifth. Macedon kept its finals hopes alive with a win against Kilmore on Saturday. Kilmore had made 138 on day one of the match, Tom Kean the pick of the bowlers for the Cats with four wickets. The Cats openers made sure they got the points, passing Kilmore’s total without losing a wicket. The Cats finished 6-228 with Gareth De Rosayro top scoring with 92. While Kilmore remains in the top four, sitting in fourth, the gap has now closed. The Cats are 0.37 points behind in fifth spot. The Cats face Eynesbury in the final round, while Kilmore plays Kyneton. The Tigers all but ended Riddell’s finals hopes on Saturday with a big win. Having made 223 on day one, the Tigers were able to restrict Riddell to 116. Louis Thompson and David Rakau took three wickets each for the Tigers. The Bombers were made to follow on and despite going from 1-23 to 5-65 were able to do enough to avoid an outright loss. The Bombers finished 5-73. Harry Fisher top scored with 21. Riddell is 10 points outside the top four. Bacchus Marsh cemented its spot on top with victory against Gisborne. The Dragons were bowled out for 136 in reply to 285. Romsey also had a good win, beating Sunbury United. Having made 215 on day one, the Redbacks then bowled United out for 131. Romsey finished 5-167 in its second innings. Aintree’s and Eynesbury’s match became a one-dayer after there was no action on day one. The Eagles made 5-192 from their overs with Tristian Francis top scoring with 78. Aintree hit the winning runs with one over remaining, finishing 7-193 with a number of players making contributions.

Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 23

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