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Toy sale hits the track

Driver Brian Parkinson, with volunteers Sue Brabazon and her grandson Spencer, 2, Geoff Hayday and Jeff Davis. (Damjan Janevski) 321757_01

Bulla Hill Railway is holding a used toy sale on Sunday, March 19 to raise money for new emergency radios for the trains. The fundraiser will take place from 11am to 3.30pm at the railway and residents are invited to attend and enjoy a train ride around the 1.5km track. Volunteer Sue Brabazon said they have received donations from all over Victoria. “I’m surprised with how much people are donating, everything from [Thomas and Friends themed] trains, to tracks, to puzzles, to bags,” she said. Updated radios are needed in case there is an emergency to contact the railway headquarters. “We have radios but they’re very outdated,” Sue said, “We need to update them to a better standard so we can respond quicker.” There is free parking, barbeques, picnic tables and public toilets available as well as a train-themed playground for kids to enjoy. If you would like to make a donation you can contact Sue on 0412 594 023. Donations will be accepted up to March 14. Zoe Moffatt

Cheers to pub reopening By Zoe Moffatt Romsey could become a town with a pub once again. On Friday, February 24, the Romsey Football Football Netball Club committee announced its plan to reopen the Romsey Hotel. Owner and long-time hotelier Jim Hogan closed the pub in October 2017 and put the property on the market, leaving the town without a pub for the first time in over 150 years. In a Facebook post, the club proposed they would lease and run the hotel with the profits to be shared by the local community.

Romsey Hotel. (Damjan Janevski) 321671_01

“The distribution of all profits to local clubs and charities is to be decided by a board of trustees, made up of eminent local people, annually,” the post said.

Club spokesman Darryn Hartnet said “the idea is that the pub would meet the community needs [and be a] holistic approach in terms of [these] needs”. “The club intends to reach out to the service clubs and RSLs to try and accommodate their needs.” The club has detailed plans to renovate the hotel to include al-fresco dining out the front, with a high end interior café and wine bar. “[The] expected employment will be 100, providing full and part-time work, and importantly apprenticeships for local young people,” the post said. “It will be a great social and economic asset for the area”.

Mr Hartnet said the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with over a thousand positive responses to the proposals request for the community to vote. In response to the Facebook post some users expressed concern over the presence of pokies in the venue. “Looking broadly at what the facilities would be, there clearly would likely be entertainment options in the club,” Mr Hartnet said. “We’re looking at all the various options.. a TAB … a sports bar concept.” Mr Hartnet said the club is looking forward to talking to council and getting started once the necessary approvals have been granted.

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Year five pupils Ava and Clara with physical education teacher Kathryn McIntosh. (Damjan Janevski) O’Beirne, principal 298664_03 Krystine

Hocking and Healthy

Kids Advisor Christie

The pupils at Sunbury ’s Holy Trinity Catholic Primary are learning all about making meaningful changes to their food and drink choices , healthy habits for life. to help build Stephanie Alexander Foundation’s Healthy Kitchen Garden Kids Advisors have teamed up with state Vic Kids Eat Well moveme government’s nt to teach the philosophies of pleasurable food education. The Vic Kids Eat Well movement is a fresh opportunity for to the guidance of a schools to look health promoter like Hume’s Christie McIntosh to inspire children to make healthy create healthier environmchoices and be on board until 2024. ents – she will After the school signed up to Vic Kids Eat Well, Ms McIntos h participate in a health was invited to and physical education day expo, where children to make healthy she taught afternoon snacks like rice paper rolls. “Empowering children to choose their own vegetables and be hands on with preparing their food shows them what they are capable of,” she said.

Plan for airport ap proved

By Elsie Lange

“As expected, many The federal governm communities surround members of the Melbourne Airport ent to continue to provide Melbourne Airport Master has approved the made representations ing the airport have explore noise and third runway to and health measures regarding their views Plan, but was firm the governm to minimise in saying it has yet on impacts. Melbourne Airport’ Airport chief executiv ent. to give approval to s proposed north-so e Lorie Argus said the development plan of uth Cr Haweil said the a proposed third runway, third runway project and the impacts proposed north-south the updated master plan outlined a long it will runway would citing residential noise have on their homes and lives. term vision for Melbourne concerns. impact less residents Airport. than the Infrastructure, “In providing today’s previously proposed “Key to this is construc Transport, east-wes approva t Regiona runway. l, I have Development and Local l “Council has not which will improve the tion of a third runway, Government Minister indicated my concerns regarding efficiency of the airfield Catherine King approved some plan at this stage,” seen the approved master by introduc aspects of the proposa ing parallel operatio he said. the master plan on l Monday, November 14. ns, while also to the existing runways – including changes “Council will continue allowing the airport and noise to cater for increase to advocate for sharing and Melbour “Today’s approval mitigation arrangem d demand,” Ms Argus ne Airport and the federal does not indicate ents.” said. government an approval of the future Ms King said managem to meaningfully listen “Alongside the 2022 and respond to both ent of residents’ ours Plan for the proposed Major Development concerns would be developing a sustaina Master Plan we are and our community’s an third submissions in the bility strategy, with a separate process subject runway, which is during the assessme important consideration future assessme commitment a nt of the development nt to assessment on its own merits against plan, Plan for the third of the Major Development 2025, work to net zero (Scope 1 and 2) by expected to be submitte the requirements of under way on Scope runway.” d in early 2023. the [Airports Act 1996],” 3 emission Hume A statemen reductio s mayor n and a commitm Ms King said. Joseph t from Melbourne Airport ent to circular said it supported the proposed Haweil said council welcomed the approva l of the master plan, and economy principles including on runway, but asked it now plans to submit major infrastructure.” its proposal to build the ADVERTISEMENT

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2 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 March, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Councillors split on waste levy By Zoe Moffatt A decision on Hume council’s waste service charge has been pushed to the next council meeting after proposed methodology was overturned in a vote on Monday night. Hume council was split over a proposal to implement a waste service charge in the next financial year in its meeting on February 27. The proposed waste service charges include a flat-fee for kerbside waste and a capital improved value fee for public waste services. The proposal also includes a $50 rebate for pensioners, and veterans with a gold card. Jacksons Creek Ward councillor Jack

Medcraft said he was frustrated with the decision and the councillors who withdrew their support for the charge. “If we don’t have a waste charge, we’re going to have to cut back on essential services,” he said. “I’d thought we agreed on it, then bang bang.” Hume council is currently one of three councils out of 79 in Victoria that does not have a waste service charge. Cr Medcraft said this is costing the council $2 million. Aitken Ward councillor Carly Moore said she disagreed with the proposed methodology for calculating the service charge. “I take issue with the way the public waste

service fee is being calculated,” she said at the council meeting. “The proposal is based on the value of your property … it assumes that the value of your property translates to your capacity to pay.” “It doesn’t consider how big your mortgage might be or how many dependants you might have living in your home. “The service provided for public waste is also equal but we are proposing that the cost will not be, I don’t accept that this is fair.” Support for the proposal was voted by Cr Naim Kurt, Cr Karen Sherry, Cr Jarrod Bell, Cr Medcraft and mayor Joseph Haweil. While councillors who voted against the proposal

include Cr Chris Hollow, Cr Trevor Dance, Cr Jodi Jackson, Cr Sam Misho, Cr Moore and Cr Jim Overend. Cr Medcraft said he was frustrated councillors voted against the proposal but did not offer an amendment. “The frustrating thing was … if you’re going to knock it back you need to have an amendment, but no one did. That’s what frustrated me.” The proposal and possible amendments is set to be discussed at the next council meeting. Cr Medcraft said he is “hoping to see some common sense” at this meeting.

Celebrating all women

Geelong AFLW player Georgie Prespakis securing her lot in Kimberley estate. (Supplied)

AFLW star snaps up dream block Geelong star Georgie Prespakis joined seven others in camping overnight earlier this week to secure her dream house lot in Sunbury. The first release of Kimberley estate lots were snapped up with 20 sales made throughout the week. Ms Prespakis, who grew up in Sunbury, said she was keen to get one of the blocks and believes Sunbury flies under the radar. “I thought I’ll put my best foot forward and try and get [a lot],” she said. “It’s got a regional feel, however, you’re really close to the city and it’s growing rapidly. “It’s a real good area, just away from everything.”

Ms Prespakis stayed overnight to make sure she could secure a lot. “I got here at 8pm and stayed overnight. It was a very long night but now I’m feeling over the moon about it, I’m really happy.” This is the third project Villawood Properties has opened in Sunbury. With 2500 lots available, the estate overlooks Sunbury township, the Emu Bottom nature reserve and Macedon Ranges. Villawood chief executive Alan Miller said there were over 2000 interested buyers. “This sort of response – people camping out overnight to guarantee they can buy at Kimberley – is something we haven’t seen for

at least two years. It’s really bucking the trend,” he said. Mr Miller said Sunbury was key to shaping Melbourne’s growth corridors, with strong transport links and easy access to the CBD, while still keeping residents connected to nature. “The location is semi-rural, the elevated ridgetop landscape is something out of a travel magazine,” he said. “There are lots to suit every budget, loads of sustainable features and as always, we’ll be giving a block of land to state forest for every lot we sell.”

Macedon Ranges council invites residents to attend its International Women’s Day event at Kyneton town hall. The free event will bring together local artists, leaders and changemakers, and features Antoinette Braybrook, last year’s Melburnian of the year. Ms Braybrook is chief executive of Djirra and co-chair of Change the Record and is a proud Wurundjeri and Kuku Yulanji woman. “I’m really excited about being invited to present at the event and share the stories and experiences of the aboriginal women we work with and my personal journey,” Ms Braybrook said. Ms Braybrook said she continues to draw strength from the women in her life, including her mother. “My life is completely influenced by aboriginal women and other women.” International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women and shine a light on the struggles that women are still facing Ms Braybrook said. “Its a time for us to be able to shine a light on aboriginal women and the structural and systemic violence and racism that our women face.” The event will take place on Wednesday March 8 at 10am-1pm, and tickets can be reserved on the council’s website. Environmental Music Prize finalist for 2022, Sage Roadknight and the Rhiannon Winchester band will also be performing at the event. Details:https://bit.ly/3kOW9Js

Zoe Moffatt

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Tuesday, 7 March, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 3

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Hume pokie losses over $104m By Zoe Moffatt Gamblers in Hume lost $104,550,477 to poker machines in the 2021-22 financial year, a 45 per cent increase on the previous year. The situation prompted a passionate discussion about the harm caused by electronic gaming machines (EGMs) at a council meeting on Monday, February 27. Cr Sam Misho said he was astonished by the latest figures. “I am astonished and very much concerned

to say the least,” he said. “Hume has ranked the fifth highest local government area for the electronic vending machine losses in Victoria … out of 79 local government areas.“ “We also refer to ourselves as having five of the most disadvantaged suburbs in Victoria.” Cr Misho said these facts point to a correlation between a high concentration of EGMs and economic disadvantage. Council’s plan to tackle the issue includes divesting EGMs on council owned or managed

land in the next few years. “This is probably the most significant method we can use because I guess we don’t have the financial power and the commitment when it comes to advertising,“ he said, referring to Nielsen Research, which showed $287.2 million was spent on advertising in Australia in 2021 by the gambling industry. With $388,663 lost per day to pokies in Hume, council is also pushing for the state government to introduce cashless gaming cards.

Cr Misho’s concern was echoed by Cr Jarrod Bell who said the statistics were heartbreaking. Cr Bell said despite the COVID-19 induced downward trend in gambling losses, the current statistics were up to above pre-COVID levels. “The COVID induced down trend [gave] us a moment of hope and moment of… possibility that things may be heading in a better direction,” Cr Bell said. “But then you look at the most current figures and that uptick.”

Stop the tax rort: Mayor

The team behind the tin bandicoot project. (Supplied)

Airport bandicoot mural takes off Passengers flying into Melbourne Airport will be welcomed by a large painting of a bandicoot on recycled tin sheeting, that will be visible from the sky. The innovative project has been painted by students and artists from Essendon Grammar School and Greenvale Secondary College. Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School teacher Alex Scott says that the project has invited students to discover more about conservation and looking after nature. “After the lesson in the classroom, the kids couldn’t wait to get out on site and scale up the painting,” Mr Scott said. “The idea of being involved over a number

of years and seeing the change over time is exciting, too.” The tin bandicoot will help kill off an invasive weed known as Serrated Tussock, which will then allow the native grasslands in Woodlands Historic Park to be revegetated with indigenous plants. Through a process called ‘solarisation’, the invasive weed will be covered by the tin for several months, heating up the soil underneath and killing the weeds and their seed bank. This method is a sustainable and cost-effective way to control weeds covering a large area and minimise their growth long-term. Parks Victoria ranger Tim Liddell said the

project will show how community-powered initiatives can help support nature’s future. “Once these grasslands are gone, then that’s it,” he said “If we can try to get as many different people engaged by using art and science, then we can really spread the word on the importance of this native grassland.” The tin bandicoot salutes to the fenced Eastern Barred Bandicoot Sanctuary located in the Woodlands Historic Park, which works to support the endangered species to recover and populate away from the threat of predators.

The Hume mayor has called on sporting clubs with gaming machines to stop ripping off residents by claiming tax benefits. Mayor Joseph Haweil said some sporting clubs are “rorting the system” to claim tax benefits. “They should stop deceiving and rorting the system which allows these clubs to claim [tax] deductions… on the basis that they’re providing some kind of community benefit,” Cr Haweil said during the council meeting on Monday, February 27. Sporting clubs with gaming machines receive a 8.33 per cent tax benefit by demonstrating that the difference is invested into the community. Cr Haweil said that while he acknowledges only 20 per cent of pokies losses occurs in clubs, claiming things including employment and maintenance costs are not genuine contributions to the community. “They’re not support for those who are most in need, the sick, the disadvantaged, those who are experiencing homelessness,” he said. “That is in my view, a complete rort of the current rules. It is a legal rort, but it is a loophole nonetheless. “From this chair in this chamber I’m going to call on the Broadmeadows Sporting Club, the Craigieburn Sporting Club, the Sunbury Bowling Club, the Sunbury Social Club and the Sunbury United Sporting Club to stop ripping off Hume City residents.” His call comes after the release of the 2021-22 Gambling Report which found electronic gaming machine losses in Hume City increased by 45 per cent when compared to the previous financial year. Sunbury United Sporting Club said it had no comment at this time. None of the other clubs mentioned replied by deadline.

Hannah Hammoud

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Always follow CFA advice and remember leaving early is the safest option.

gww.com.au/bushfires 4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 March, 2023

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Cr Dance hires media managers By Laura Michell A Hume councillor has hired an external communications firm known for corporate reputation management amid an ongoing legal battle with the council. This week, Cr Trevor Dance hired communications firm We Communications to manage media queries on his behalf. As reported by Star Weekly, Hume council is appealing the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s (VCAT) Decemebr decision to clear councillor Trevor Dance of serious misconduct. Cr Dance applied to VCAT for a review of a Hume council-convened councillor conduct

panel’s (CCP) decision to suspend him from council for three months after finding he had engaged in serious misconduct. The CCP found Cr Dance had breached council’s internal arbitration process by failing to attend two arbitration hearings in June, 2021, in relation to his allegations of misconduct against Cr Jack Medcraft. Cr Dance had cited his mental health for refusing to attend the hearings, but the CCP concluded Cr Dance “did not attend the hearings because he chose not to attend in circumstances where no medical evidence to support his non-attendance was provided by him”. Cr Dance served two weeks of his

suspension before VCAT granted him a stay. On Thursday, December 8, VCAT president Justice Michelle Quigley found Cr Dance’s claims about his mental health should have been considered more seriously. In a statement to Star Weekly, Cr Dance said the ongoing legal action prompted his decision. “I have engaged a law firm as the Hume City Council chose to bring the VCAT’s decision to the Court of Appeal. My law firm has a collaboration with a PR agency that will manage any media query,” the statement read. Hume council chief executive Sheena Frost confirmed to Star Weekly that council was

unaware Cr Dance had hired an external communications firm. “Like all councillors, Cr Dance is free to engage professional external support if he wishes. Cr Dance will be responsible for any costs incurred, these costs are not paid by council,” she said. Ms Frost said council had no specific policy regarding the engagement of external communications support by councillors but the mayor remains the official spokesperson of council. She said councillors are free to express their opinions through the media but should make it clear the comments are their personal view and not the position of council.

Girls, give footy a go Lancefield Junior Football Club are looking for girls aged 10-18 to join the club this season. Club female football co-ordinator Jacqueline Green said they are thrilled to be back for their third Riddell District Football League season. “Many of our players came to us at the beginning of our journey [in 2021], never having held a football and with limited knowledge of the game,” said Ms Green. “We had around 15-18 girls previously, and this year we have around 25- 27, so our numbers are building.” Green said they need a few more girls to make two teams and are looking to enter youth (under-18) and junior (under-15) teams. The club only had under-15 teams previously. Lisa Borg, who has played nearly 200 games, will be the coach for the 2023 season, with a

focus on player growth and development. Pre-season training has started and girls aged 10-18 years old are encouraged to attend the sessions at Lancefield Oval on Mondays and Wednesdays 5.30pm- 6.30pm. Since the introduction of the girls competition, the under-15 team had a finals campaign in 2022 and are creating a pathway for a senior women’s team in the future. Details: https://www.facebook. com/lancefieldjfnc or at lancefieldjuniorfootballnetballclub.com.au.

Lancefield Junior Girls 2022 Football Team (Supplied)

Ros Vodusek Rich Glen Olive Estate Yarrawonga, The Murray At Rich Glen Olive Estate we bring together our love of food and creativity with our passion for The Murray region and its abundant produce. Come and try our olive oils and dressings, and buy local while you’re here. For us, food is the new souvenir.

Stay close, go further. VISIT THE MURRAY

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Tuesday, 7 March, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 5

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Sports voucher applications open Sunbury MP Josh Bull announced on Friday, February 24 that applications are now open for the $200 Get Active Kids Vouchers. Mr Bull said the vouchers can be used to help pay for sporting equipment and uniforms, as well as memberships in a range of activities. To be eligible, you must be a Victorian resident aged 18 and under, named on Commonwealth Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card with a valid Medicare Card. Details: https:// www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers/.

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Dr. Oliver Daly, nurse Krystal Penese and physiotherapist Kerry O’Sullivan with new state-of-the-art equipment funded by the Western Health Foundation Women’s Giving Circle. (Supplied)

EDITORIAL

Clinic helps new mums

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

Western Health has launched a new clinic to expand support for mothers experiencing birth trauma. The Obstetric AnoRectal Studies (OARS) will provide multidisciplinary care and access to diagnostic equipment to mothers who have experienced perineal birthing injuries. The OARS clinic is led by Western Health urogynaecologist Dr Oliver Daly. “I’m incredibly excited about the OARS clinic,” Dr Daly said. “Major tears and other injuries to the perineal area can be devastating for women. Almost two-thirds of women don’t seek medical care, often because they’re too embarrassed, or because of the complication and expense of seeing multiple clinicians who sometimes give quite different advice. “With the OARS clinic, Western Health now offers world-class, multidisciplinary support to women in Melbourne’s west, and we can certainly expect to see improvements

in patient-reported physical health and psychological wellbeing, as well as a much more positive overall experience as mothers.” Perineal birthing injuries are typically associated with vaginal births, with greater risks in assisted births or situations of prolonged labour. These injuries can have lifelong physical and emotional impacts such as incontinence, sexual dysfunction and psychological issues. They often require diagnosis, treatment and support by a range of healthcare professionals including medical, nursing, midwifery and physiotherapy. Seeking treatment can be costly and time-consuming. The OARS clinic, based at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s in the Sunshine Hospital precinct. Women in Melbourne’s west can access the clinic via referral from their health service or GP.

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.

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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6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 March, 2023

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McEwen MP Rob Mitchell announced the Macedon Ranges council will be allocated $4,772,031 via the local roads and community infrastructure program. This funding is part of $500 million the federal government is providing to councils to deliver on priority projects, while also supporting jobs and continued benefits for the community.

Calder Freeway works under way Major rehabilitation works are under way on the Calder Freeway between Bendigo and Sunbury to improve safety. Crews will remove and replace asphalt at several locations along the Calder Freeway where lane closures have been put in place due to road surface damage from the wet weather. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

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A sense of belonging is important at Uniting AgeWell When you find an organisation that ticks all the boxes, you stay. Uniting AgeWell, senior care manager at Kalkee Community Nangatta, Sarita Chaudhary, says what she loves best about the not-for-profit aged care provider is that it feels like a second family to her. “They let me be me,” Sarita says. “I’m here for the long-haul.” Originally from Nepal and now a Registered Nurse, Sarita has been able to embrace and share her culture in the 18-months she’s been in the role. Sarita choreographed a Bollywood dance where she and other staff members donned saris and performed for residents to celebrate Diwali; made dumplings for Chinese New Year and felt supported enough to breast-pump for her baby at work. “I feel like I belong,” said the devout Hindu. “And a sense of belonging is very important, especially for an immigrant.” She’s also proud to be in a career that has meaning. “I enjoy that the residents become part of my life, and that I become part of theirs.” Sarita is ambitious. She moved to Australia for a better life and career and already she’s on an upward trajectory after being selected for Uniting AgeWell’s strategic leadership talent development program. There are a number of diverse career opportunities in residential care and home and community care at Uniting AgeWell, ranging from nursing to personal care, from domestic assistance to food services, from allied health to social support – and more! With 78 per cent of the workforce identifying as female, Uniting AgeWell offers flexible work arrangements to enable staff to work around family commitments. There are opportunities for further education, leadership programs

Sarita Chaudhary and resident Bruce Howard. (Supplied)

and scholarships for professional development and a significant number of women are in leadership roles. Uniting AgeWell is also a partner with WomenCan, a vocational organisation that empowers women.

Although Uniting AgeWell is an inclusive organisation championing diversity in all its forms, it’s different in one sense. One of the prerequisites in hiring people is that they share the organisation’s values of kindness, respect,

integrity, innovation and inclusion. For career opportunities visit unitingagewell.org/careers or call 1300 783 435.

WORK LOCAL MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Work in the community you love and support older people to live well with choice and peace of mind. Why work for Uniting AgeWell?  Permanent part-time and casual roles in nursing, personal care and domestic assistance  Family friendly, ﬂexible hours

Apply now for a rewarding career.

 Competitive salary and beneﬁts  Career development and training

View current vacancies unitingagewell.org/careers

Get in touch recruitment@unitingagewell.org 1300 783 435 12592573-AA10-23

Tuesday, 7 March, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 7

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Women making it work their way For this year’s International Women’s Day, March 8, Fatima Halloum hears from women working in male dominated industries.

hen Jennifer Horgan confided in her mother that she wanted to change careers, she was met with deep

concern. Ms Horgan had completed a law degree and was working as a court registrar, when she decided to make the switch. “I remember seeing the police bring in all their cases, and listening to the interesting work that they were doing, so I decided to join the police after seeing that,” she said. “[My mum] was very happy with my nice, safe job, it was a bit of a shock to [her] because I didn’t grow up wanting to be a police officer.” The young woman who graduated the police academy in 2001, worked in the surveillance unit, and the prosecutions division, is now the station commander at Bacchus Marsh police station. “I’m at my happiest … I like being in charge of eight sergeants and 40 other ranks,” she said. “And being able to support them to do the front-line policing work that they do. “Community safety is my priority, I want people to feel like … if they come to the police with a problem, they will be heard.” Ms Horgan said she would like to see a day

‘‘

We have to learn for ourselves that we can do things that we were told are - Edel Doyle not for us

’’

when it isn’t remarkable that a woman is in charge of a police station. “I’d like it to be normal, not a big deal,” she said. “There are a lot of women in leadership roles in Victoria Police and we are more visible now, so I think that’s really positive.” While Ms Horgan never expected to become a police officer, she said 20 years on, she still loves her job. “Unfortunately we do spend time with people who have been having a really hard day,” she said. “But the flip side is that there is nothing better than driving past a little kid, waving at them, and just seeing their face light up.” THere’s about 3300 kilometres between Vanautu and Melbourne, and edel Doyle has sailed all of them. After moving from Dublin, Ireland, to Australia in 2013, Ms Doyle joined the Wyndham Yacht Club to learn to sail. “I love being on the water,” she said. “I am proactive … about getting more and more women involved cause we have to learn for ourselves that we can do things that we were told are not for us.” Ms Doyle said she often encounters men who aren’t even aware of the bias’ towards women that they carry. “Were expected to work in the galley or in the kitchen, we’re expected to work on the floor deck, cause you’re smaller and lighter usually than the men,” she said. “I navigate, because I don’t want to be on the floor deck you get wet up there, and it’s safer for everyone if I’m not cooking.” Ms Doyle spent six weeks sailing around the islands near Vanuatu, delivering school supplies like blackboard paint, chalk, and paper to remote islands. she and another companion sailed to Brisbane, and along the east coast back to Melbourne. “[Being on the ocean is] it’s amazing, it’s quiet, it’s calm, it’s peaceful just listening to the water, it’s mesmerising,” she said. It was through being a sailor that Ms Doyle heard about the Werribee Coast Guard a while out on the water doing rescues, Ms Doyle said she “doesn’t personally think” gender is ever an issue. “sometimes there’s a physical difference,

Senior Sergeant Jennifer Horgan. (Damjan Janevski) 321809_03

Left: Edel Doyle loves being on the water. (Supplied)

where the men are stronger, [but] because we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, you just do it and nobody and bats an eyelid,“ she said. In honour of International Women’s Day, the Werribee Coast Guard will lead an all women’s boat crew in March. “The people in that flotilla are just amazing,” she said. IT WAs using her father in-law’s trailer, her brother in-law’s lawn mower and her husband’s four-wheel-drive that safa Hablas brought her gardening business to life. The Tarneit resident said the years dragged on while working in the childcare industry, especially being cooped indoors as someone who enjoys being outside. “I just became really tired of it,” she said. “My husband is a police officer, so I had to

8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 March, 2023

Right: Safa Hablas runs her own gardening business. (Louise Beaumont)

think of a business where I could work my own hours because my son didn’t want to go to childcare. “I took six months off to decide what I wanted to do and I thought, ‘what can I do?’.” Growing up, Ms Hablas spent lots of her time in the garden with her dad. “I know a lot about the garden, trees, grass and weeds,” she said. Ms Hablas said that although there isn’t a lot of women in the industry, her experience has been relatively good. “If I’m at a job site, [people aren’t] going to be looking at me first to get a job done, [but] don’t think a woman isn’t up to a job because of her gender, give them a go and see how it goes,” she said. “There’s never been a time, especially as a covered woman, where someone asks me what I do and I’ll be like ‘I’m a gardener’ and they’ll

be like, ‘oh I like gardening too,’. “Then I’ll say, ‘no, no, I’m a gardener’ and they’re like, ‘what, you?’, they freak out, and think that it’s awesome.” While it can be tiring, Ms Hablas said she loves her job. “It is an amazing feeling going into someone’s house, cleaning it all up, and then getting the client outside and saying ‘what do you think?’ and seeing their face, it’s just leaves you speechless,” she said. “Going from four years ago, and fast forwarding until now, I bought my first four wheel drive, with my own work trailer and all brand new gear that I owned debt free, just from a year of work. “The lawnmower I was borrowing I gave it back to my brother in law, the trailer I gave it back to my father in law, and the four wheel drive, I gave it back to my husband.”

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Sunfest back up and running

Karen and Danny Ellis mending an old TV. (Supplied)

Testing ways to reuse A couple from Melbourne’s north-west who are on the forefront of Australia’s “right to repair” movement have launched a new Facebook group to test a new way to address electrical waste and promote recycling. Karen and Danny Ellis are self-described “travelling tinkerers” behind Mend It, Australia. The pair has been travelling to community repair events around Victoria to volunteer their skills since 2017. Now, they have started a Facebook group,

Electronic/Electrical Giveaway Group – Hume, Melton and Wyndham, which allows people to claim, and give away electronic and electrical appliances and parts for free. For more than a decade, the couple have been vocal advocates for the right to repair, a movement that advocates for legislation that prevents manufacturers imposing barriers that deny consumers the ability to repair and modify consumer products, especially in the electronics and electrical industry. Ms Ellis, who is also on the steering committee of Griffith University’s Australian

Repair Network, said the inspiration for the new group came after being prevented from accessing piles of e-waste she saw at local recycling facilities. “It was a real concern knowing it would all be shredded,” she said. “There’s certainly a big need for all these parts that you can’t get these days unless you go cannibalising [items]. “Manufacturers, even if they make these parts they don’t want to sell them to you, they want you to buy new.” Details: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ eitems

12593341-AI10-23

By Liam McNally

Sunfest will be returning March 18 and 19 after a three year absence following COVID-19. Sunfest president Craig McTaggart said he is excited to get the community together and carry on the tradition of the festival. “I’m looking forward to Sunfest returning smiles to the faces of the kids and residents of Sunbury,” he said. “Sunfest has been a family favourite but unfortunately because of COVID we haven’t been able to run something for the last three years. “It was a pretty tough time for all of us.” The two-day festival will feature market and food stalls, carnival rides, grand street parade, battle of the school choirs, a colour run and fireworks. Mr McTaggart said in the past they have had over 30,000 people attend across the two days and is hoping for a high turn out this year. “It’ll be amazing to get [the festival] back and showcase the local community,” he said. “It’s all about the community and getting back together again.” “My favourite is the Saturday night entertainment, we have the Party Girl 80s band, with some locals in the band.” “We want to have a really good family orientated party on the Saturday night to get smiles on faces.” If you are looking to stretch your legs, the colour run will be taking place on Sunday, March 19 at Village Green on Stawell Street. Tickets: https://bit.ly/41zlVSG

Tuesday, 7 March, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Darcy Newport and Kordell Opetha. (Joe Mastroianni) 319514_08

Wyndham player Tyrese Kuridu with ball. (Joe Mastroianni) 319514_14

Wyndham player Emmanuel Majak. (Joe Mastroianni) 319514_15

Slam dunk for the west The west’s best basketball talent took to the court over the weekend. Co-produced by the NBL and local trader Yours Truly Barber Shop and supported by Maribyrnong council, the Westside Slam event hosted three-a-side or 3×3 tournaments across juniors and open men and women on Saturday, March 4 at Footscray’s Nicholson Street Mall. Star Weekly photographer Joe Mastroianni was courtside to capture the action.

Wyndham player Riak Akhuar lays up. (Joe

Colts’ Darcy Newport rebounds. (Joe Mastroianni) 319514_05

Mastroianni) 319514_11

Event co-organiser Chris Tabone joined players Sean Mchale, Darcy Newport and Ottis Berry at the Westside Slam event. (Joe Mastroianni) Harvey James and Sean McHale. (Joe Mastroianni) 319514_04

319514_01

Wyndham player Tyrese Kuridu looks to shoot. (Joe Mastroianni) 319514_13

Patrick and Liz Mendoza waiting for their son to play. (Joe Mastroianni) 319514_10

10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 March, 2023

Seanus McHale and Diego Nuque-Bautista. (Joe Mastroianni) 319514_07

Under-14 Silencer’s Kordell Opetha and Colts Ottis Berry. (Joe Mastroianni) 319514_03

FEATURING ... MY BUSINESS

Advertising feature

Slow down and enjoy a beer at Lost Watering Hole Located in the heritage village of Lancefield, Lost Watering Hole The Lancefield Brewery offers a welcoming space, in a beautiful setting, where you’ll discover a slowed down, relaxed atmosphere, sadly lost in much of our day to day living. It’s the perfect place for sharing laughs and swapping stories with family and friends. Featuring a 100 seat restaurant, the menu offers simple but tasty fare, in perfect partnership with the beers brewed on site. Breakfast is served on weekends only from 8am to 10.30am and favourites include the house-made waffles, vegan big breakfast and smashed avocado with Meredith goat’s cheese. The lunch/dinner menu is served seven days a week from 11am and offers small plates, share platters, brewery favourites and large plates for those hungry times. Favourite lunch items include, barramundi tacos, beef burger, spanish paella and bass strait scotch fillet. Many of the meals have gluten free and vegan options too. Open from 10am weekdays, remember to drop in for coffee and cake, or one of the delicious sweet treats. All Lost Watering Hole beers are 100 per cent naturally brewed on site, in the world-renowned German beer making tradition, without those nasty additives. Four core beers are offered – The Big Roo pale ale, Flightless a draught, Wide Wombi an India pale ale and the Swamp Rat, which is a dark lager, along with seasonal beers. The $10 tasting paddle is a great place to start. With their own uniquely distinct taste and flavour, all beers are available to takeaway. Looking for that special space for a family or friends get together? Maybe it’s a special birthday, anniversary or reunion. The restaurant is perfect for small groups and best of all, with plenty of quality accommodation

Come see what’s on offer at The Lost Watering Hole at The Lancefield Brewery. (Supplied)

on offer in Lancefield, you and your guests will be well looked after. Why Lost Watering Hole? The name is

largely derived from the town’s “lost brewery” and “lost megafauna”, with a “watering hole” also being a waterhole from which animals

regularly drink. For more information, visit www.lostwateringhole.com

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

REQUIRED

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

12570945-JC40-22

Tuesday, 7 March, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

Sunfest 2023 Colour Run Sunfest Colour Run is back on for 2023 at 10.30am on Sunday, March 19. Everyone is invited down to Village Green at 12 Stawell Street in Sunbury to participate. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite and there are prizes available and a medal for everyone who finishes. ■ www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sunfest-2023colour-run-tickets-557248614607

Autumn Pie & Tart Trail Macedon Ranges Autumn Pie & Tart Trail will be taking place across the region from April 1– April 30. Including delicious pies and tarts from over 30 venues, the trail is the perfect scenic adventure for every foodie. There is a pie and tart passport to fill and giveaways to enter, including a $960 getaway. ■ www.visitmacedonranges.com/events/ pie-tart-trail/

Puppy pride Bring your fur babies and head to the Kyneton Botanic Gardens on Sunday, March 26 for a day of celebration of puppies and pride! This free LGBTIQA+ and family-friendly event is open to everyone. There will be a dog walk at 11am from the Kyneton Mechanics Institute up to the gardens where, from noon, there will competitions, market stalls, dog displays and plenty of food stalls to get something to eat and drink. ■ sunburycobaw.org.au/puppy-pride-2023/, healthpromotion@scchc.org.au,or 5421 1666

Harmony Week Celebration This free community event celebrates harmony through sport, with all ages and abilities welcome. Come and try the sports clinics which include: soccer with Roxburgh Park United Soccer Club, cricket with Hume Cricket Club, and footy with Hume Bombers Football Club Kalkallo. There is a free community barbecue on Saturday, April 1, 11am – 3pm at Arena Recreation Reserve (175 James Mirams Drive, Roxburgh Park). ■ Celia, 0477 177 920 or celiach@hume.vic.gov.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture Jasmina ‘Princess Jasmina of Melbourne’, who will be part of pink charity fundraiser. (Damjan Janevski). 321342_01

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. Dromkeen Gallery, 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek. ■ www.macedon-ranges-photography.org.au

Breast cancer support group 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

Swap Meet and Car Show The Swap Meet and Car Show has been running since 1995 and will be taking place on Sunday, April 16 at the Lancefield Park. Entry is $6 per person, with stalls opening to the public from 7am. There are over 200 cars on the main oval with judging and trophies for five categories. The meet has 400 stalls with something for everyone and about 3000 are expected to attend. Stall holders come from as far away as South Australia and New South Wales and all over the State. ■ Pam, 0414 491 749

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

Village connect 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. ■ bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262

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.

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

Carer connect chat 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

HarmoniX Vocal Company Get involved with an all-male, auditioned

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 March, 2023

singing group happening on Thursday, 7-9.30pm 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. ■ harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

Craft and conversation 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. ■ bit.ly/39BIu2O

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus 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

Come have a chat 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

Rotary club Family History and Heritage Society 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. ■ bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Chill Out Sunbury 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. ■ 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 Stadium, Wilsons Lane.

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

Ladies probus 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

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club 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. New members are warmly welcomed. ■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

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

6 2

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

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Cuff (4) Intersection (10) Accumulated (7) On (7) Inscriptions (8) Whinny (5) Widespread reputation (4) Disposal of waste (10) Signifying (10) Small island (4) Daughter of Zeus (5) Series of meetings (8) Declare one’s approval of (7) Heavy material to provide stability (7) Shades (10) Non-permanent staff member (coll) (abb) (4)

1 3 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 23 26 27 28 29

No. 123

Cicatrix (4) Celebrated (9) Unnecessary (9) Fraudulent schemes (5) Domed building (7) Reason for innocence (5) Female name (9) Hogwash (4) Without trust or belief (9) Incapable of being seen (9) Numb (9) Jurisdiction (7) Packed (5) Prophets (5) Misfortunes (4) Perched (4)

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23 24 25

DECODER

No. 123

8 4 5

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

1 6

1 4 9 2 6 8 9

10 11 12 13

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

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

No. 123 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

AVERT AWARE CHAFF CLEAT CLOTH CORED CRASH CRYPT EARNS EASED EDICT ELUDE EXERT FORGE HALED HEADS HOSTS IMAGE IOTAS LEAST

4 LETTERS BITE DEEM DENS ETCH FLED MA’AM RAPS SLID SOFT TOTS 5 LETTERS AORTA AREAS ARGUE ARSON ASPEN ASSES

QUICK QUIZ

LOCAL MEETS MULCH OGLED OPTIC ORALS PANDA RAVEL ROUGE SECTS SINEW SLEDS SPLIT STAKE STALL STATE STEAL STEAM STINT THERE

Who became the secondrichest person in the world as of November 24?

Who was Australia’s first Labour prime minister, as well as leading the world’s first Labour government?

F C H E

A R E

R U S H E L L O N T E R

3 $ 1 ' $

TIGER TRACT

LUSTIER STORAGE WOOMERA

6 LETTERS CAREER CASTER ERASES SAFARI STOWED TENSED 7 LETTERS ACUTELY ELASTIC ITERATE

8 LETTERS GORILLAS HOLSTERS TEENAGER TEXTURED 10 LETTERS MONARCHIES NEWSLETTER

10-03-23

L A T E

No. 123

ache, aches, arch, arches, cash, char, chars, chase, chaser, crash, each, hack, hacker, hacks, hake, hare, hark, harks, have, HAVERSACK, hear, hears, heck, hers, rash, reach, rhea, search, shack, shake, shaker, share, shark, shave, shaver, shea, shear

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

3 LETTERS ACE ATE DNA EEL EGO EKE END ERA FAD FOX HOE IRE LEE MIX NAB NET NUT ODE PRO ROT SIT TWO

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

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

T W 19

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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

37 words: Excellent

hard

medium

9-LETTER WORD

easy

5x5

9 2

P S HMAG Y K J V E L D

2 7 8

8 2 8

QN Z F I XO R C B U TW

7 6

4 8

7 1 6 9 3 6

WORDFIT

Containing the busts of past prime ministers, where in Australia is Prime Ministers Avenue?

In what year did the Victorian gold rush begin?

What is the most populous state in the US?

Who recorded Manic Monday in 1986?

Siddhartha Gautama is the name of which sacred figure?

Sully Prudhomme (pictured) was the first person to win which award?

Which Scandinavian capital’s name means ‘islet of logs’?

10 What is the largest species of rodent in the world? ANSWERS: 1. Elon Musk 2. Chris Watson 3. Ballarat 4. 1851 5. California 6. The Bangles 7. The Buddha 8. The Nobel Prize for Literature 9. Stockholm 10. Capybara

No. 123

$ 6 6 ( 6 & + $ ) ) 6 7 ( $ 0 6 7 , 1 7 / 2 & $ / $ : $ 5 ( ( / 8 ' ( ) 2 5 * ( 3 $ 1 ' $ / ( $ 6 7 ' 1 $ 1 8 7 ( . ( 1 ( : 6 / ( 7 7 ( 5 ( 5 $ 6 ( 6 3 / ( / $ 6 7 , & 2 5 $ / 6 & 5 < 3 7 ( 7 & + 6 2 ) 7 + 2 ( * 2 5 , / / $ 6 :2 2 0 ( 5 $ / 8 6 7 , ( 5 ( * 2 ' ( ( 0 7 ( ; 7 8 5 ( ' ' ( 1 6 ( $ 6 ( ' 6 / ( ' 6 , 7 ( 5 $ 7 ( , & & $ 6 7 ( 5 0 2 1 $ 5 & + , ( 6 5 2 7 1 $ % 5 $ 9 ( / 2 ' ( , 0 $ * ( 2 3 7 , & $ 5 ( $ 6 7 , * ( 5 7 5 $ & 7 6 7 $ 7 ( + $ / ( ' ( ; ( 5 7 + 2 6 7 6

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 7 March, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

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14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 March, 2023

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs are teams in which league? 2. How old is F1 driver Lando Norris? 3. The Parramatta Eels are hosting which other NRL team in the opening match of the 2023 season? 4. Chad Wingard has played for which two AFL clubs?

5. For which NBL team does Shea Ili play for? 6. The Australian women’s cricket team won their T20 World Cup semi-final by how many runs? 7. The Pelicans and the Saints play for which city in the NBA and NFL respectively? 8. What name is given to the fins at the end of a dart? 9. The reigning AFL premiers will face which other AFL team in round one this year? 10. What colour cricket ball is used for day/night Tests? 11. Which surfing champion announced they would be retiring after the next Olympics? 12. In which year did surfing officially join the Olympics? 13. Which AFL club announced they would be changing their name to Walyalup for the Indigenous round? 14. NFL Punter Arryn Siposs last played for which AFL team before joining the Philadelphia Eagles?

15. Which media broadcaster purchased the rights to the Australian Open in a five-year deal for more than $425 million?

Lando Norris

16. Where was the 2023 NBA All Star Game hosted? 17. Which NFL team did Tom Brady play 20 seasons for? 18. Which AFL coach was recently criticised for making a threatening comment to a TV journalist? 19. How old is Australian F1 racer Oscar Piastri? 20. What nationality is former tennis player Martina Hingis? 21. Which team did Australia defeat to win the final of the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup? 22. How many of the eight Women’s T20 World Cup titles has Australia won? 23. Warren Moon was most recently coach of which A-League Men’s club? 24. How many A-League Men’s team are competing in the 2022-23 season?

25. How many teams does the A-League plan to have in the competition by the 2025-26 season? 26. Noah Balta most recently played for which AFL club?

30. Which country did five-time Olympic gold medallist gymnast Nadia Comaneci represent in international competition?

27. Which Boston Celtic was awarded Most Valuable Player of the 2023 NBA All-Star Game? 28. Which Premier League team did Manchester United defeat 2-0 to win the final of the 2023 EFL Cup? 29. Which Scottish Premiership team did Celtic defeat 2-1 to win the final of the 2023 Scottish League Cup?

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OPERATORS/ LABOURER /WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATOR

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION PLANT OPERATORS, LABOURERS, PIPE LAYERS & DRAINERS As a result of the significant amount of secured local works, Newnham Earthmoving now has some great opportunities available for enthusiastic and experienced people to join a family-owned civil engineering contractor in Romsey. As a member of the Newnham Earthmoving team, the role will require you to undertake a range of construction activities to assist with delivery of our projects across the local Region. The ideal applicants will have: • High levels of motivation with the ability to show initiative and self-start • Must be keen, reliable and hardworking • Ability to make effective and timely decisions with strong attention to detail • Experience on civil construction works preferred but not essential. • White Card • Current Australian Drivers licence. HR truck licence preferable but not essential • Excellent time management and organization skills • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and enjoy working in a team environment. The positions tasks and responsibilities will include: • Working safely and efﬁciently as part of a team to undertake site-based tasks on projects including subdivisions, Council and VicRoads projects. This will include laying drainage, installing services, minor concreting, operation of small plant and hand tools and various other tasks. Benefits of working with Newnham Earthmoving: • Working locally throughout the Macedon Ranges and Mitchell Shires – no commuting or sitting in traffic! • Working in a very experienced and dynamic team with a strong focus on safety and team development and engagement. • Regular overtime • Extensive and ongoing training and development opportunities in a great variety of work. As well as learning all of the skills required as a civil construction worker, you will have the opportunity to progress, learn and develop skills in the operation of plant and use of GPS equipment. • Enormous opportunity to develop and build your career and work on a variety of interesting projects. • Very competitive pay rates in accordance with applicant experience and performance. The role is permanent fulltime and with a great pipeline of secured work, Newnham Earthmoving is a great place to take the next step in your career. All applications in writing to Newnham Earthmoving Pty Ltd Please forward to Mick McCarthy – careers@newearth.com.au Closing Monday 13th March 2023.

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Nissan Leaf e+ adds extra range to this long-serving EV. (Pictures: Supplied)

Nissan turns a new leaf in 2023 By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring Although it’s no longer a major player in the electric vehicle scene, Nissan Leaf holds an important role in automotive history, being the first mass-production vehicle of its type when it was launched worldwide back in 2010.

Styling The profile of the Leaf hasn’t changed significantly during its decade on the road. It comes with the same semi-coupe / SUV body that many of its competitors have adopted. Its lines are clean and simple with a sloping roofline, flowing headlights and blacked-out B and C pillars. Changes for MY23 include new badging, revised front faux grille, darkened headlight trims, new rear diffuser and spoiler. Likely to be the most noticeable change are a new design for the 17-inch alloy wheels which seem to polarise opinions. We love them, but others that have seen them immediately cringe.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Nissan LEAF: $50,990 Nissan LEAF e+: $61,490 SPECIFICATIONS Nissan Leaf 59-kWh lithium-ion 350V battery, five-door wagon

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

Interior At around $60,000 plus on-roads Nissan Leaf sits at the more affordable level of EV pricing and it shows with a relatively bland interior when compared with the spectacular presentation of newer, but more expensive, cars like the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. There is no powered seat option and height-only steering wheel adjustment. Having said that the dashboard is neat and functional with most controls logically placed and easy to reach. One of our pet hates are functions that need constant tapping on small keys on the touchscreen. By contrast Leaf uses four large round knobs – two for audio volume / channel change on the sides of the screen and two below for air conditioning temperature / fan speed. So much more sensible with much less driver distraction. One new feature for the 2023 upgrade is the intelligent rearview mirror which doubles as a standard mirror but with a flick of a control becomes a built-in LCD monitor which displays images from a camera mounted on the rear of

the vehicle for an unobstructed view. Rear seat space is acceptable with enough leg and headroom for two taller occupants. A third adult in the centre would be wedged between the other two, made worse with a tall transmission tunnel on the floor. There’s no folding armrest in the rear, nor air vents or USB ports. Boot space is a pretty good 405 litres although the two charging cables and Bose audio located there. The loading lip is high with quite a big drop down to the cargo floor. The 60/40 split rear seatbacks can be folded down to extend storage to 1776 litres.

Driving Composed is the perfect description of the Leaf’s performance. To match the improved output of the electric motor and converter, engineers enhanced the car’s chassis to improve stability. The electric power steering is responsive with a nice linear feel. Noise, vibration and harshness have been

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 March, 2023

moderated with aerodynamic upgrades and structural rigidity, while the electric motor has been made quieter, despite generating more power and torque. Leaf has what is called an e-Pedal, which at the flick of a switch on the centre console, allows the vehicle to be driven using the accelerator alone. The car comes to a smooth, gradual halt and is held stationary without the use of the brake pedal. Unfortunately, on the Leaf the e-Pedal is either on or off unlike many competitors where the level of braking can be adjusted to suit conditions. We found that, in motorway conditions, the extra pressure needed to maintain traffic speed negated the benefit of the e-Pedal and we tended to use it only on downhill running. Out on the open road ride handling proved to be excellent and the torque pick up will appeal to keen drivers. The absence of any engine sound combined with good external noise suppression and much less range anxiety adds further to the driving enjoyment.

Nissan lists a 385-kilometre range for the Leaf e+ although it showed up as 427 km when we picked up our test vehicle. During the week we did a couple of 3-hour top-up charges with our Wallbox home charger. In total we covered 352 kilometres and still showed a range of just over 200 km when we returned the car. So that projected 385 km range seems to be quite achievable. There is tyre noise on rough road surfaces. But why wouldn’t there be with little or no sound from under the bonnet?

Summing up The enhancements added to the MY23 Leaf come at price with an increase of $1000 over the previous models taking the e+ to $61,490 and $50,990 for the standard 39 kWh Leaf at. On-road costs need to be added. Premium purchase prices and refuelling convenience continue to be major hurdles for electric vehicles. But for those wishing to give it a go, the Nissan Leaf is as good as any petrol-powered close rival.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Heartbreak for Club Sunbury as it falls short Club Sunbury’s Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 1 season came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday. Having finished second and secured a home semi final, Club Sunbury was confident of making it through to the grand final. But a late comeback would fall short, with Club Sunbury losing to Kingsbury 79 (14)-78 (4). Club Sunbury’s David Glennon said the group was pretty dejected after the match. “They were 14 shots down after 56 ends, but they had a late comeback,” he said. “We had the last bowl of the day through Lee Wesley and he needed to pick up an extra shot to force extra ends, but it never eventuated.” Sebastian Pretty’s rink was the big winner for Club Sunbury, winning 30-30, while Marc Bullows rink won 17-15. Mark Cowan’s rink had a bad day, losing 30-15 and Wesley’s rink lost 24-16. Glennon said Pretty and Akasha Fortune were the standouts for Club Sunbury on the day. He said it was good signs for the club going forward, with both among the young

Club Sunbury’s Kyle Shephard. (Jacob Pattison)321159_01

stars at the club. Glennon said the group was disappointed with the result. “We had a home final and a lot of success all season,” he said. “We’d been hard to beat

at home and to fall at the first hurdle by the narrowest margin, is a devastating result.” The finals exit means that Club Sunbury won’t be part of a new competition, which will fit in between premier division and division 1.

It was what the club was aiming for pre-season. “There is going to be another premier division and we were hoping to be in that to attract some more players,” Glennon said. “It will be a good division to play in. “We’ll still have a recruitment drive and hopefully we’ll pick up a few more bowlers.” Overall, Glennon said the club was heading in the right direction. “We had three sides from the club get promoted and our first side played finals,” he said. “Overall looking at the bigger picture, it’s a fantastic achievement.” Club Sunbury’s second side was in action on Sunday against Boronia as it played for the overall division 3 championship, which was after deadline. Club won its semi final against Dandenong Club 3, 95 (18)-56 (0). Clive Moffat’s rink was the big winner in the semi final, winning 34-11. Tara Murray

Sports shorts GDCA Hanging Rock completed an undefeated regular Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield season with victory against Lancefield on Saturday. The Tigers made 9-121 from their overs, with Hanging Rock finishing 6-126 in reply. The Heelers finish the regular season on top and will face Diggers Rest Bulla in a knockout semi final. Rupertswood will host Bacchus Marsh in the other semi final.

RDNL Macedon’s A-grade side will have some new faces this Riddell District Netball League season. The Cats have announced the signings of Bronte Green and Hetty Donoghue. Green is a young and dynamic midcourter, while Donoghue, who comes from a basketball background will add some height in the goaling circle. The Cats have also announced a number of re-signings including Katie Clarke, Janelle Tate and Chloe Wilson.

CHBD

Sajith Kalumpriya top scored on Sunday. (Jacob Pattison)314678_01

Sunbury into the finals By Tara Murray Sunbury found some form with the bat as it sealed a finals spot in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3. Needing only a win from the final round against bottom Sunshine Heights, the Roar’s fate was in its own hands. Having struggled with the bat at times this season, chasing Sunshine Heights’ 138 which is made on day one, looked like it may have been a tricky task. But the Roar’s batters were up to the task, finishing 3-140 with 30 overs to spare. Roar coach Jace Carton was pretty pleased with the performance which locked up fourth spot. “We got the runs pretty convincingly, only three down,” he said. “We were only three down which was the most pleasing thing. A couple of the top order were able to get some runs which is crucial at this time of the year. “They had a really good attitude and it was

really impressive how they were able to be patient about it and did what they needed. “We now move onto the finals next week.” Kevin Barker top scored with 52 and Sajith Kalumpriya finished 49 not out. Carton said they both showed their experience in their innings, which they needed at this time of the season. The finals berth comes after the side narrowly missed out last season, their first season in division 3. Carton in his first year as coach said making finals was always the aim this season. “It has been really impressive as a whole club,” he said. “The twos finished fourth and play finals. “Our under-18s in their first season are playing in a grand final today [Sunday] and all the senior guys are coming down. “The ones and twos hard into finals full of confidence. Hopefully we can get two or three flags for the club.” Sunbury’s first XI faces Point Cook in a knock out semi final at Point Cook on

Saturday and Sunday, with a grand final spot on the line. Carton said they were confident they could get the job done “We had a good game against them at home,” he said. “They have some good quality players. “If we play the best we can we think we can beat anyone and we go in really confident.” Jason McGowan will face a test on Thursday night as he recovers from a broken finger sustained in the second last match. Carton said they would test a few things, but hoped he would be good to go. If McGowan gets through, Carton said they will be at full strength. “Everyone else is available, so we’ll hopefully go in full strength,” he said. “The team that we’ve had throughout the year is ready to go and there won’t be much change.” Grand United will play East Keilor in the other semi final. Both had final round wins against Pascoe Vale Hadfield and Williamstown Imperials respectively.

Kyneton Golf will face Lancefield in the Central Highlands Bowls Division’s top flight grand final. Facing minor premiers Romsey in the preliminary final on Saturday, Golf came away with the win 57 (14)-50 (2). Barry Godbolt and Peter Linehan were the winning skips for Golf. The loss means that Romsey exits the finals in straight sets after being the team to beat all season. In division 3, Diggers Rest 2 will play Macedon 2. In division 2, Diggers Rest will play Romsey 2 in the preliminary final this Saturday.

Coates Talent League The Calder Cannons have announced their squads for the upcoming Coates Talent League seasons. The boys squad includes Lancefield’s Blair Huggins, Sunbury Lions’ Lachlan Urbon and Patrick Said, Gisborne Giants Riley Leedham, Gisborne’s Rye Penny, Gisborne Rookies’ Shane Clough and Macedon’s Xavier Thorburn. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tuesday, 7 March, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Finals shake up in the McIntyre Cup The final round of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup delivered a shake up to the top six. While the top six had already been decided, positions two down to five were still to be sorted, with four of the top six facing each other. Sunbury United returned to form inflicting Gisborne’s first loss of the season. Chasing the Dragons’ 6-295, United got off to a perfect start. The opening partnership of Ashan Ranaweera and Damien Edwards put on 149. It was the perfect base for United, and while it did lose wickets in clumps, it was able to find enough partnerships. United finished 8-296, hitting the winning runs with more than four overs to spare. Ranaweera top scored with 91. Leigh Brennan and Riley Vernon took three wickets each for the Dragons. The Dragons still finish on top despite the loss. United slipped from second to third, with Romsey getting an outright win against East

Sunbury. Romsey made 7-248 before declaring and then bowled East Sunbury out for 99. Aaron Paterson took 6-15. Romsey decided to have another bat, making 5-94 off 17 overs. Corey Day top scored with 28, while Nathan Dent was the pick of the bowlers. Romsey put the foot to the ground and was able to bowl out the Thunder for 72 to secure full points. Evan Wilkins top scored with 23, but there wasn’t much support. Louis Moor was the pick of the bowlers with 5-32. The win meant Romsey finished just 0.92 points ahead of Sunbury United. For the Thunder it meant that it finished bottom and is looking at relegation. Diggers Rest Bulla locked up fourth with victory against Bacchus Marsh. The Burras had made 240 on day one of the match. The Bulls lost some early wickets and were at 3-49. They managed to put on nearly 50 for

the fourth wicket to get back on track. The wickets then started falling and the Bulls were bowled out for 152. Tom Dickinson top scored with 50. Gayan Welikalage took five wickets for the Burras. The Sunbury Kangaroos finished their tough season on a high, beating Wallan. The Magpies had made 8-209 on day one of the match. The match went down to the wire. The Kangaroos lost their ninth wicket when the score was 185, but Corey Woolley and Russell Phillips got the job done. The Kangaroos ended up 9-211.Woolley finished 82 not out. Rupertswood and Woodend’s match ended in a draw after rain on day one left for limited play.

Amrit Sandhu made a handy contribution with the bat. (Jacob Pattison)318057_01

Cats through to finals Tara Murray Macedon may have left locking a finals berth to the last round, but the Cats will take plenty of confidence into the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s Johnstone Shield finals. Last season’s runners-up, the Cats only needed a win against Eynesbury in the final round to seal a finals berth. The Eagles had made 240 on day one of the match. Cats coach Tim Berzins said they were more than confident chasing that down. “That ground is extremely fast and you get good value for your shots,” he said. “We knew that if we batted time, we had the fire power later in the innings to get us over the line. “We were confident that if we stuck to the game plan and executed well, we would get across the line. “We were able to get solid contributions from everyone.” The Cats lost an early wicket, but were able to steady and form strong partnerships throughout the wings. When they lost a couple of wickets late, the experienced heads of captain Dan Trotta and Craig Pender got the side over the line. Berzins said the two batted really smart, knowing they were missing four players out of their best side, to get the job done. Todd Coppin was the star of the day, finishing with 98 off 212 balls. Pender said the side was always confident that they would be in the mix at the pointy end of the season. “We’re really confident with our team that we can beat anyone on our day,” he said. “We’re full of confidence, no excuses.” Berzin said they were set to field their strongest side of the season this weekend against Bacchus Marsh in a knockout semi final. Romsey will host Kilmore in the other final, with grand final spots on the line in both matches. A finals appearance for the first XI caps off what has been one of the club’s strongest ever seasons. All four men’s sides have made finals, while their women’s side has already claimed the premiership. Berzins said this season had been massive for the club. “We focused on the first XI, but we’ve seen how much talent is in the club,” he said. “You can see that through the results. “This is massive for us.” In other final round Johnstone Shield matches, Kilmore beat Kyneton after a big day out with the bat. Kilmore made 9-338 before bowling Kyneton

Narkle joins Essendon’s VFL for ‘23 Former Geelong player Quinton Narkle has joined Essendon’s Victorian Football League side for 2023. The former Geelong midfielder brings a wealth of AFL experience that will be highly influential to the group, having played 41 games across five years at the Cats. “We are very excited to bring someone in of Narkle’s calibre for the 2023 season,” VFL manager Bernard Shepheard said. “He is an extremely talented individual and will be an influential member of the group moving forward.” Narkle himself is ready to settle in at the Hangar and comes in fresh from a full pre-season with the Richmond after trialling as pre-season supplemental selection. The 25-year-old is excited to join the team and help lead Essendon’s VFL group to success both on and off the field. “Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to spend time in the AFL system, which I hope will allow me to hit the ground running with the VFL program,” he said. “I am really excited to get stuck in and get to know all the boys well. “I am prepared to work hard and provide the group with everything I have got.” Narkle’s signing will feature the 25-year-old spending time in the admin department, assisting in the Indigenous space, specifically as a new player development manager. Essendon’s VFL season kicks off on March 26, with the side facing Greater Western Sydney in a round one clash at the NEC Hangar.

Craig Pender (Shawn Smits)

out for 134. Kyneton was 4-103 in its second innings. Bacchus Marsh beat Riddell. The Bulls made 267 before restricting Riddell to 213. Romsey enters finals on the back of narrowly missing out on an outright against Aintree.

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 March, 2023

Aintree made 128, before Romsey made 8-220 before declaring. Aintree was bowled out for 102 in its second innings. Sunbury United made a massive 6-409 before restricting Gisborne to 8-261.

Quinton Narkle (Supplied)

Riddell Umpires on the hunt for emerging talent Charlie Hynes loves the sport of football so he decided that playing wasn’t enough. The teenager, who plays for Diggers Rest, joined the Riddell Umpires as a way to make some money, but be involved even more with the sport. “I wanted to do it before COVID started”, he said. “I wanted to get a bit fitter and earn a bit of extra pocket money. I’m having fun. “Once you do I mates join. Once you get games with them, have fun running around together. Footy is a sport I love. I love playing and I love umpiring.” Hynes is a boundary umpire on Saturdays for senior matches, before he is a field umpire on Sundays for under-11 matches. He then has about an hour break before running out on the field for the Burras. He said come Sunday afternoon, he’s pretty sore. Hynes said he likes being a boundary

umpire more because he is better at it. He said he’s now used to umpiring the senior competition. “At the start I was nervous,” he said. “I now know most of the players and they’re just there playing for fun and I’m out there for fun as well.” Hynes is one of a number of players who are either playing and umpiring. There’s many who take up umpiring once their playing days are over. With the 2023 season fast approaching, the Riddell Umpires are after more umpires for this season. Riddell Umpires president Addam Icely said umpiring is a really rewarding way to stay involved in the sport. “If new umpires come along, they improve their fitness, they make new friends, they engage with football players on the ground,”

he said. “The best thing about it all, for a young kid especially, is that they can make a little bit of money on the side by doing it.” “You can, as a family unit, do something together with your mum and dad, with your brother or sister, it’s a family environment we’re trying to provide,” “You make a lot of new friends out of it and you get a good, rewarding life experience.” Icely said it doesn’t matter what age you are, that you can get involved. “There are umpires, young and slightly older, who have transitioned across to umpiring to stay involved in the game. The experience is rewarding and the respect that comes from the current crop with being a former player now umpiring is there to see.” Hynes’ advice for anyone who is thinking about umpiring while still playing is to get

Magin joins the Roos

involved. “I think if you want to do both, it is really good,” he said. ”You get really fit once you umpire and get different opportunities.” Tara Murray

Women play on Good Friday

By Tara Murray The Sunbury Kangaroos have received a big boost with Rhys Magin signing for the Essendon District Football League division 2 season. After being one of the quieter teams in terms of player signings this off season, the Kangaroos announced that they had signed the former AFL player as a playing assistant coach. Magin, who played four games for Essendon, has been one of the premier players in the Bendigo Football League since joining Kyneton in 2015. He won four club best and fairests while at the Tigers. Last year he kicked 75 goals and finished fourth in the league best and fairest. New Kangaroos coach Shanon Carroll said he was still buzzing after Magin put pen to paper. “It’s not often players like that come along,” he said. “There were a couple of little whispers around the track. “It was about finding someone who had his phone number and it went from there. He was looking for a fresh start.” Carroll said they would look to use Magin’s experience as a player and as coach, but were wary of not overloading him. They said one of his biggest assets would be his voice and helping guide the playing group. “We want him to be free to play his own game,” he said. “If he could replicate something like he did at Kyneton last year, we’ll be on the right track. “He’ll play a mid-forward role similar to what he was playing at Kyneton. We have a very young but quick list, his experience will be vital.” The Kangaroos have also signed Jack Vivian from Moonee Valley, plus the four Treweek brothers from Riddell and the Sunbury Lions. Carroll said they were hoping the signing of Magin might lead to a few more players signing on who they were talking to. Carroll said Vivian is set to play a high forward role, while the Treweek’s would stablise the backline and free some other players up. The Kangaroos have also been boosted by a number of players who had set to retire, deciding to pull back on the boots this season. Premiership captain Daniel Gregory has retired, while Tie Cuffe is currently living in Queensland and is unlikely to play this season. Forwards Nathan Carroll and Cooper Mcpharlane have crossed to Roxburgh Park, with Carroll saying they believed they had covered the departure of those two players. Carroll said for him, the most exciting thing

Charlie Hynes (Supplied)

Good Friday football will return to the Essendon District Football League women’s competition this year. The league released the fixture for the three women’s divisions last week, with the league having the same amount of women’s teams as last season. To start the season, two premier division matches will be played on Good Friday, to run alongside men’s matches. Keilor will host Strathmore following the men’s matches between the two teams, while Hillside, which is also hosting Good Friday men’s matches, will host Oak Park at 10am. The teams will then have a bye in round two. All other teams will kick off their seasons on April 15. Strathmore earned promotion to the top flight after winning last season’s division 1 grand final. Burnside Heights has been relegated to division 1. Tullamarine is the other new team in that division, after winning the division 2 premiership. Moonee Valley 2 has dropped down to division 2. Division 2 will be a seven team competition. Airport West and Coburg Districts are the two first sides in the competition, with Aberfeldie, Maribyrnong Park, Greenvale, Moonee Valley and Westmeadows second sides in that division. Aberfeldie and Greenvale have both added second sides this season, while the Sunbury Kangaroos and Oak Park have gone from two to one sides. All three division finals will be held the same weekend. The semi finals are the weekend of August 5, the preliminary finals on the weekend of August 12 and the grand finals on August 19. Each division will have a 14 round season.

Rhys Magin and Shanon Carroll. (Supplied)

had been working with the talented group of players who had come up from the under-18s. “That is the biggest thing to put a smile on my face,” he said. “They’re keen to learn and are wanting to do more running.

“They’ve been playing a bit under duress the last 18 months with the number of injuries and filling holes.” The Kangaroos will start their season on April 15 against Burnside Heights.

Last season’s premier Keilor will host a Good Friday match. (Jamie Morey Photography)

Tuesday, 7 March, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

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