Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 16th April 2024

Sunbury art set to shine

Almost 300 pieces of artwork will be showcased in the Sunbury Art Society’s 37th annual show, scheduled for May 4 to May 11.

The show will be open from 10am to 4pm at the historic Boilerhouse Gallery, Jacksons Hill, with the opening night to take place on May 3 at 7.30pm. Tickets are $15 for the opening night, with free entry on the following days.

Society vice president Yvonne Bradford encouraged everyone to visit the exhibition, and meet the artists on the opening night.

“It will be a great opportunity to meet the talented team of artists in person, enjoy an evening of food and drink and view award winning artworks,” she said.

“It promises to be an extraordinary exhibition. Whatever your cup of tea, the show has a little bit of something for everyone.”

Some of the participating artists in the show include; Marina Zakryszka, Yvonne Bradford, Linden Bresaz, Christine Weisz and Susan Sette.

Sunbury Art Society is a not-for-profit organisation, and said it welcomes new members at all levels from beginners to professional artists. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch about joining the group.

Opening night tickets: 0407 062 568.

Locals do-nut want it

By Zoe Moffatt

Bulla residents are objecting to a proposed donut store on Bulla Road, saying the location fails to consider critical requirements of CFA emergency vehicles.

The estimated $1.1 million dollar development at 94A Bulla Road seeks to use and develop multiple warehouses with a drivethrough food and drink premises, which Star Weekly understands is a donut store, with signage and a reduction in car parking.

‘‘ This is a significant and real risk with serious consequences ’’ -Lauren

Hume council issued a notice of decision to grant this permit on March 22, with food and drink operational hours between 5am to 6pm on weekdays and 5am to 6pm on weekends, withoutpriorwrittenconsentoftheresponsible authority. LocalresidentLauren,whodoesnotwanther last name published, submitted an objection to Hume council in relation to the application.

She said the application threatens timely emergency vehicle access, is not inline with the community’s infrastructure or heritage and does not provide tangible benefits.

“The proposed development, with its limited access via Green Street, poses a significant obstacle to timely response by emergency services,” Lauren said.

“The unsealed shoulders, open stormwater drains, and old trees lining Green Street directly opposite the proposed two-way drivewayfurtherimpedeaccessandrestrictthe traffic’s ability to… make room for emergency vehicles.

“The application predicts that 76 extra vehicles are expected on Green Street during 7am to 8am each weekday morning.

“This is a significant and real risk with serious consequences, on a road that cannot handle the proposed traffic increase.”

In regards to Bulla’s heritage, Lauren said the proposed construction would mar the aesthetics and charm of the historic precinct.

“With no dine-in area or gathering space, this facility is unlikely to foster a sense of community.”

■ Continued: Page 7.

Sunbury Art Society members: Marina Zakryszka, Yvonne Bradford, Linden Bresaz, Christine Weisz and Susan Sette. (Damjan Janevski) 399513_04

Councils combine for Calder fix

Hume and Macedon Ranges councils are supporting Brimbank council’s call for all hands on deck to rally for both the federal and state governments to ‘Fix the Calder’.

Nearby Brimbank council will host a community event on Saturday, April 20, at Overnewton Gatehouse Hall, Keilor, from 9.30am to launch a new advocacy brochure on ‘Improving the Calder Highway’.

The brochure has been produced by the Calder Highway Improvement Committee (CHIC) and outlines CHIC’s priorities for improving safety on the Calder Highway.

A Hume council spokesperson said they are calling on funding to add lanes from Keilor Park Drive to Melton Highway and to widen the Maribyrnong River bridge.

Council is also calling on construction of a full diamond interchange at the intersection of the Calder Freeway and Calder Park Drive, and the triplication of Calder Park Drive between

the Calder Freeway and Gap Road.

“Hume council shares Brimbank council’s requestforimprovementstotheCalderandthe benefits they will have for residents inside the Hume boundary,” the spokesperson said.

“These improvements will reduce the congestion on the Calder that has contributed to the nearly 200 crashes experienced on this section of road over the last decade.”

Macedon Ranges council director of assets and operations Shane Walden said council is pleased to continue working collaboratively with other councils on CHIC.

“The Macedon Ranges sits at the heart of the Calder between Melbourne and Bendigo, with about 80 kilometres of this essential route located within our shire,” he said.

“Council is pleased… to contribute from our unique perspective and support shared advocacy efforts such as the new advocacy brochure set to be launched later this month.”

Since the campaign was launched in April 2021, the state government has made a range of announcements including a $50 million investment for minor upgrades, planning and investigative works, the level crossing removal at Calder Park Drive, due for completion in 2025, and a now completed business case to investigate a diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive.

Brimbank council is now calling on the federal government to reassess the project and provide adequate funding to make the Calder safe, following its withdrawal of $50 million promised by the previous government. It is also calling on the state government to increase its $50m funding commitment and release the findings and recommendations of the Calder Park Drive Interchange business case.

Details: fixthecalder.brimbank.vic.gov.au

Deport battle is ‘mental torture’, says family

A Sunbury family facing deportation has described the ongoing battle to stay in Australia as “mental torture,” which is now limiting them from visiting sick family members overseas.

The Kaur and Singh family are no strangers to fighting tooth and nail to remain in the country they now call home, but for mother Sukhdeep Kaur, the battle is taking its toll.

“I’m not feeling good. I’m going through a lot of mental stress now,” she said. “I can’t sleep properly and I’ve started having panic attacks.

‘‘ It’s a mental torture, they’re not giving us the decision. [I don’t know] why, we didn’t do anything wrong here ’’ - Sukhdeep Kaur

“It’s a mental torture, they’re not giving us the decision. [I don’t know] why, we didn’t do anything wrong here.”

Both Sukhdeep and her husband Jaswinder Singh have been granted multiple visa exemptions since the application was submitted in June 2023.

They have also gained more than 22,000 signatures on their petition to remain in the country, which was launched in December 2022.

The family said they are not allowed to travel overseas due to it having negative implications on the ministerial intervention application, as per advice from their immigration lawyers.

With her mother living out of the country, Sukhdeep hasn’t seen her in about six years

Community calls for CFA

Bulla Country Fire Authority (CFA) will be holding an emergency services open day on April 21, and encourages all local residents to attend.

The open day will be held at the station on Green Street, with the activities, including kids activities, to take place from 10am to 3pm.

Lauren Parisi from the Bulla CFA said the day is aimed to recruit new local members to respond to fire calls.

“[The day] is to attract local volunteers to be involved in the CFA and to showcase other emergency services and what they contribute to the community,” she said.

“Therewillbeotheremergencyservicesthere with their trucks and appliances.. [Attendees] will be able to talk to volunteers and employees about what it means to be a volunteer.”

Ms Parisi said it offers a good opportunity for locals to consider the opportunity for themselves.

“[There will be] kids activities and a sausage sizzle, Bulla bohemian market and the train will be on, so it will be a nice community day,” she said.

The day will include the CFA doing fire truck demonstrations, Victoria Police, State Emergency Services, Greenvale CFA Forward Command Vehicle, Bacchus Marsh Breathing Apparatus Support and St Johns Ambulance CPR Hub.

Details: https://shorturl.at/flmvF

“I’m really feeling very low, and because of this [visa] crisis I didn’t go back to see her,” she said.

“Everydaywearehopingforanynewsfrom the minister but they are doing nothing. My mental stress is increasing.”

Daughter Ravneet Kaur, who is legally allowed to reside in Australia but has said she will leave Australia if her parents are deported, has said the whole situation is affecting her parents’ health.

“[My nan] is not coping well with chemotherapy and this has taken a further toll on my parents’ mental health,” Ravneet said. “Even after coming out publicly with a lot of courage my parents are only given extensions.

“We understand that the minister is a very busy man and has a lot on his plate and the ministerial intervention applications don’t

“But it’s disheartening to see other ministerial intervention cases that publicly came out after we got a decision on their

“Giving constant visa extensions doesn’t help the situation at all and is not the solution or a just outcome to the injustice that my parents have been through for the last nine

A federal government spokesperson said “as is longstanding practice, the minister is unable to comment on individual cases.”

Hawke MP Sam Rae also said he doesn’t “comment on the specifics of individual cases due to privacy considerations.”

Sunbury family Sukhdeep Kaur, Ravneet Kaur and Jaswinder Singh.

Brimbank council relaunched its Fix the Calder campaign in February this year. (L-R) David Pollard, Mayor Ranka Rasic, Ian Sutherland, and Peter Watson at the launch of the Fix the Calder campaign.

Singing their hearts out

The Woodend Warblers helped the streets come alive in Creswick for the annual CresFest celebration of music and arts.

The Warblers joined dancers, buskers, international musicians and a variety of choirs on April 6, for what was considered by many to be their best performance yet.

The choir’s repertoire ranged from Won’t Let You Drown, to a lively performance of the Beach Boys’ which had audience members smiling and dancing.

A particular favourite was Freedom is Coming, which is a gospel song written by those committed to ending apartheid in South Africa.

Warbler soprano Trish Hartshorn said their performance in Creswick made her feel at home.

“I immediately felt at home in Creswick on finding the pub full at ten in the morning, with the strains of an Irish jig flowing out onto the

street,” she said.

Fellow soprano Rachel Hewitt said CresFest was a special event for the group.

“The crowd was so engaged and warm- just a delight to perform for,” she said.

The Warblers, which has been in existence forsixyearsnow,hasgrownfromasmallgroup of beginners to a choir of 30 regular members.

Choir director Andrew Price teaches the group every week, meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at the Norma Richardson Hall in Woodend.

Andrew reassures new members that no singing experience is required, and if you can speak, you can sing.

WithmembersfromasfarafieldasNorthcote and Castlemaine, new singers are welcome and rehearsals are full of laughter.

The first session is free, and term fees are $10 per week, or $12 for a single week. Details: 0419 604 444.

Briefs

This Is Going To Be Big

An endearing and uplifting docuseries on Sunbury and Macedon Ranges specialist school will premiere on April 30, on ABC iview and ABC TV. The observational series follows the cast in its journey to perform ’Farnham’ the musical at the start of 2023. Residents will be able to catch the series here:

https://shorturl.at/qATVZ

Armed robbery arrest

A teenager has been arrested for allegedly being involved in an armed robbery in Woodend on Saturday, April 6. Victoria Police said a group of teenagers allegedly approached a 16-year-old Woodend boy at a railway station on Urquhart Street about 11pm on Saturday. It is alleged the offenders then threatened the victim with a knife, demanded his property and assaulted him. He escaped from the group with minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment. The offenders allegedly fled the scene with the victim’s clothes, and were last spotted on a train headed to Melbourne. On April 7, officers arrested a 15-year-old Exford boy in Woodend in relation to the robbery. He is expected to be charged on summons and will face a children’s court at a later date. Police are searching for other suspects involved in the armed robbery. Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men. Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

Andrew Price conducts the Woodend Warblers. (Supplied)

Opening up on carer recognition

By Zoe Moffatt

As the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) nears the 11th year since its launch, carers in Sunbury have been reflecting on the changes to the scheme and how they are gaining more recognition.

The NDIS began its rollout in 2013, with the trial and transition concluding in 2020. It now supports more than half a million adults and children with disability.

For Sunbury local, and mum of a child being supported by the NDIS, Julie Learold said it’s been nice for carers to get more recognition.

“My son [is] nearly 24… [and] I used to do groups like SunSpec (which supports carers). When the NDIS came in, carers [supports] were taken away,” she said.

“Now the NDIS has settled and things are starting to be seen as ‘oh we need to look after carers as well, because without carers we are going to be paying a lot more in services for people to [get] looked after.

“Now they’re releasing the carers do [make] a difference and that’s good to see. I think the scale is starting to tip the carer’s way a bit more.”

While Mrs Learold said her son- who has verbal dyspraxia- can self-manage, her family’s life has been changed forever.

“I’m kind of lucky because he’s self managed… I try to get him to do things on his own. He showers himself, has breakfast, I get him in the car and we go to Distinctive Options (a disability support organisation).

“He has verbal dyspraxia which means between his brain and his mouth he can’t speak. He says ‘yes’ ‘no’ and has probably about 1000 words in his vocabulary. Being his mother I always know what he wants.

“[However] I can’t go back to work because I haven’t got anyone to pick him up at 3pm. I

[used to] work in town until 6pm at night. I don’t expect people to run after him so I gave up my career.”

The sacrifices Mrs Learold has made to care for her son paint a picture of reality a lot of families in and out of the NDIS face.

Disability Minister Lizzie Blandthorn met with Mrs Learold and other careers in Sunbury last week, amid the announcement that 72 self-help groups will receive a grant.

When asked if there is enough carer recognition in the NDIS at the moment, Ms Blandthorn said she definitely thinks there is room for improvement.

‘‘ People who are carers know their person with a disability better than anyone else ’’

-

Lizzie Blandthorn

“There is room for improvement for NDIS to better work with carers, so one of the things for example that the NDIS review found is a better need for supporting people to navigate the [scheme],” she said. “It also needs to recognise that people who are carers know their person with a disability better than anyone else. Any outcomes of the review really need to ensure that the carer is a part of the conversation.

“It was envisaged that the NDIS would give people with disability independence, often from their carer at times but that doesn’t mean without their carers.”

Ms Blandthorn said the NDIS should be able to achieve these things for the person with disability and carers.

“If we do proper co-design, talking to people with disability and to their carers about what it should look like, then I think that will happen.” The announcement that 72 self-help groups will receive a grant.

A prime location for your ‘style of life’.

“We followed the kids down the Surf Coast after our friends told us about Armstrong Green. To our surprise, many residents in the community in our beautiful new village also came from the North West. So join us in 2024.”

Intrusive questions, intimidation, suggestive jokes...

Gendered violence comes in many forms.

All are OHS issues. All are unacceptable.

WorkSafe Gendered Violence

Scoping permanent insect home

The Central Victorian Regional Insect Collection (C.V.R.I.C) is seeking local support to establish a permanent location in the Woodend Community Health Building in Forest Street.

Desperate to find a permanent home for 200,000 specimens which form part of its valuable and irreplaceable collections, curator Dr Bert Candusio has called for public support for the project.

“It is hoped that this will become the permanent location for the entire insect [and] invertebrate research collections held by the C.V.R.I.C,” he said.

“But we need both public and Macedon Ranges council support to make this project become a reality.”

Once established in its permanent home, Dr Candusio said the C.V.R.I.C will become a central focal point for the research and

classification of deposited insect and related material.

Thiswillincludeallowingstudentsofallages to pursue their studies, with the location to act

as a base for the junior insect club.

It is also planned to provide research and library facilities for school and university students, while acting as the permanent focal point for the Australian National Entomology Insect Expo which attracts more than 7000 visitors each year.

Dr Candusio said the facility would provide accessforprivateresearch,formalidentification services, environmental consultancy services, farmers and environmental groups and much more.

Hesaidthereisalsothepossibilitythefacility could host and operate scanning electron microscope services in the future, which is high magnification with high resolution.

“Although the C.V.R.I.C is being structured to operate as a [not-for-profit] trust, if we could… use this building at little to no cost… the community benefits and outcomes would

Enjoy art and classic CWA scones

A Creative Arts Exhibition returns to Lancefield in April, showcasing the arts made by Country Women’s Association (CWA) Central Highlands Group members.

During the two-day event, members of 11 CWA branches will display various artwork, including knitting, crochet, embroidery, patchwork, photography, paintings, and floral arts.

The 11 branches of CWA include Gisborne, Romsey, Craigieburn, Heathcote.

While enjoying the creative arts, visitors

can treat themselves to lunch of various foods, including soup, scones and sweet treats. For this upcoming event, visitors can buy the members’ homemade goods, such as jams and marmalades.

CWA state vice-president Amanda Millar said, “this will be a fantastic event, showcasing the best art, craft and cooking skills from Sunbury and the wider Central Highlands Group of branches“.

“I look forward to attending this every year, and of course I make sure I have a scone and a

cuppa with a friend while I’m there.“

The two-day event will be held on Saturday, April 20, from 10am-4pm and on Sunday, April 21, from 10am-3pm.

CWA will announce the winner at 11am on the Saturday.

TheeventwilloccuratLancefieldMechanics Institute, 4 The Crescent, Lancefield.

The entry fee for the public is $5, while the cost for children under 16 is free.

Anne Parisianne

be tremendous.

DrCandusioencouragedresidentstocontact Macedon Ranges councillors to show their support for the plan.

Council’s director corporate Adele Drago-Stevens said council is aware of C.V.R.I.C’s interest in occupying the building and council is conducting an internal assessment.

“[This will] explore potential future uses of the site that align with the delivery of council’s services, provide the best public value, and take into consideration community needs and benefits.

“If it is determined there is no immediate use for the building by council, expressions of interest may be invited from public and private entities, which will be assessed for their suitability.”

Details: cvric.com.au

Locals do-nut want it

■ From page 1.

If you are unsure why you haven’t heard of or seen this application, Lauren said she was informed the item was dealt with under delegation by council officers.

A Hume council spokesperson said a matter must be reported to council for determination if six or more objections are received.

“Two objections were received and wereconsideredaspartofthedecision,” they said.

The spokesperson said the warehouses and drive thru food and drinkspremisesproposeaccessdirectly from Green Street on the western property boundary.

“The CFA is located on the opposite side of Green Street from the site with direct access to Green Street on their eastern property boundary (frontage). No access changes are proposed to the CFA as a result of the application.

“The application was accompanied with a traffic impact assessment which assessed that the proposal would likely result in low traffic impacts and would not pose any safety impacts on Green Street or Bulla Road.”

Laura said she is not opposed to developmentintheareaandgrowthcan bepositivewhenexecutedthoughtfully.

“Any development must be appropriate and in harmony with the existing community values, infrastructure, and character,” she said.

“It is crucial that we strike a balance between embracing change and preservingtheuniqueessenceofBulla.”

Kyneton pair pay price for stealing and selling firewood

Two Kyneton residents who stole firewood for profit have been ordered to pay a combined $3000, following a discovery of their diary containing details of their unlawful firewood business.

On April 9, a 37-year-old woman and 33-year-old man were each found guilty of six charges at Kyneton Magistrates’ Court and fined $1500 for stealing firewood from the Metcalfe State Forest.

Parks Victoria and Conservation Regulator authorised officers, with assistance from Victoria Police and the Game Management Authority, investigated and executed a search warrant at the pair’s property.

Authorities discovered a diary with ’Firewood 2022’ on the cover, which contained details of their unlawful firewood business and seized 18 cubic metres of timber, two chainsaws, a box trailer, and a block splitter.

They were also ordered to forfeit the tools and machinery used in their offending, after they admitted to illegally cutting, removing, and selling red stringybark timber, dumping rubbish, and damaging wildlife habitat on public land in September 2022.

During sentencing, presiding Magistrate Kelly ordered the forfeiture of these seized items.

Parks Victoria ranger team leader Mathew Sobey said the court’s decision sends a clear message that illegal firewood theft is unacceptable.

“It’s heartbreaking to see old-growth trees chopped down and their habitat values destroyed by illegal firewood operators seeking to take advantage of unsuspecting Victorians,” he said.

Conservation Regulator senior forest and wildlife officer Phuong Tran agreed and said it is a reminder to anyone breaking the law.

“This prosecution shows there is no excuse

for illegally damaging wildlife habitat for firewood,” she said. “We take this issue very seriously and the chances of getting caught and penalised are high.”

To avoid inadvertently supporting illegal firewood activity, Parks Victoria said buyers shouldaskthesupplierwherethewoodisfrom, request a tax receipt, avoid buying from social media websites, and ask why the firewood might be too cheap.

The community can report illegal firewood theft or suspicious dealers to Parks Victoria on 131 963 or the Conservation Regulator on 136 186.

Amanda Miller, Karen Rodriguez-Deller and Helen Ryvitch with art work and awards. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 395293_03

Dr Bert Candusio. (Damjan Janevski) 360083_01

Joy flew in to assist her country

Beneath the spectacular, evocative setting of the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, people from across the state will gather for one of Victoria’s largest dawn services and to hear the story of a Woodend North veteran. Braemar College school captains will be there to share the story of 98-year-old Joy Daymon.

Joy said she remembers she was sitting with her family having a Sunday roast in her hometown in Western Australia when there was an announcement over the radio that the Air Force was recruiting girls.

“I remember the day it came over the news. My Dad said to my sisters that none of us were allowed to join,” she said.

“I originally wanted to be a driver but they said they had too many. They asked me to be a flight mechanic instead.

“Oh gee did we have some study and exams. And then, oh wow, did we get greasy.”

Travelling from Western Australia to Victoria for her advanced technical training, Joy spent three or four days sharing a passenger carriage with seven other females.

“Two on the floor, four in the bunks and two in the luggage racks. This was comfort compared to the male servicemen who did the same trip in cattle trucks.

“WhenIarrivedatAscotVale,Ihadtodoall my medical checks and I was given a hessian bag. I asked what I was meant to do with it?

“I was told to go to the hay store, fill the bag with hay and that was my mattress. We were billeted in the horse stall. I think I was there about six months. Gee it was cold.”

Joy said she was relieved when she was posted to the much-warmer climate of Geraldton on completion of her training.

She recalls that after the mechanics worked on an aircraft, one of them had to go up when the aircraft was being tested to deter

espionage. Joy was eventually chosen and was told to get a parachute.

“I went to get the parachute and the fellow slapped it on the counter, a great big thing, nothing like they are now.

Where to pay your respects

As citizens throughout Australia and New Zealand pause on April 25 for Anzac Day, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents will be able to choose between a range of local services to attend.

The Sunbury Sub-branch of the RSL and the Sunbury Historical Society are joining forces to hold a dawn service and wreath laying ceremony at the Sunbury War Memorial Cenotaph on Stawell Street. The service will commence at 6am, and will conclude the Sunbury Youth Vigil, which will begin at 6pm Wednesday, April 24.

Sunbury residents will also be able to attend the commemoration service at 10.30am, which will kick off at 9.50am from the public transport bus interchange station with a commemorative march.

Another wreath laying ceremony will take

place at the commemoration service and, for those not marching, it is suggested you be at the memorial near the Memorial Hall by 10am.

Bulla residents will be able to attend a local service which will be held on the corner of Green Street and Bulla Road. The service will commence at 8.30am, and light refreshments will follow.

Woodend residents will be able to commemorate the day starting with a march on High Street slip road at 10.45am. The marchwillpausetolaywreathsattheVietnam memorial and Woodend clocktower and end at the Woodend RSL in Anslow Street.

This will then be followed by a memorial service, ending at 12.30pm, and everyone is then invited to join RSL members for refreshments.

“He said to me ‘If it doesn’t open you can bring it back and I’ll give you another one!’.”

The dawn service will commence at 6am and runs for approximately an hour.

Access is via bus only and attendees are

encouraged to book a seat on one of the free bus services that will operate from towns across the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury. Details: https://bookings.organscoaches. com.au/anzac/ or (03) 5422 1788.

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time 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 mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Sunbury RSL members Tim Healy, Sylvia McQueen, Graeme Williams and Gary Fisher. (Damjan Janevski) 399665_01

Joy Daymon. (Damjan Janevski) 399637_01

Explore the incredible amenities available such as a golf simulator, pool, spa, sports courts and so much more.

Call our team on 1300 50 55 60 to book an appointment or visit us at Lifestyle Woodlea, 17 Tranquil Road, Aintree

Open Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm Clubhouse is now open!

Success knocked out of the park

By Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges petanque players recently rolled back into town with new gold medals after beating New Zealand at a competition in Perth.

Mount Macedon Petanque Club member

Rhonda Shears and Woodend Hanging Rock Petanque Club member Shirley Marshall were bothpartofthe12-person,over60steamwhich took home gold.

Shears said it was her first time playing internationally for Australia and the trip was terrific.

‘‘ I find it very addictive, it’s very dynamic and very social ’’ - Rhonda Shears

“It was a really good vibe and all of the team was very positive,” she said.

“We got beaten last year by New Zealand in Auckland so we were keen to redeem ourselves… last year they beat us fairly convincingly.”

Shears- who also returned from success with a gold in Adelaide for the over 60s womens doubles- said she started playing the sport about six years ago.

“I had friends that were playing with the [club] and when I retired they invited me up there to have a throw… I find it very addictive, it’s very dynamic and very social.

“There is similarity to lawn bowls in terms of the scoring and concept of getting your ball close to the jack… but the game can change quite quickly. Anybody that has good hand eye coordination should give it go.”

Fellow teammate Marshall also played at the Australian National Champions in Adelaide at

Easter and said both of the competitions were great.

“We had a very strong team [in Perth] so we expected to do well but you’re always surprised when you win,” she said.

“Igotinvolved[inPetanque]throughplaying

with neighbours at Easter and Christmas, just playing socially.

“I’ve been playing for about 20 years, I love that it’s outdoors, it’s great exercise and very social.

“I played with a man from Sydney in the

mixed doubles [at Easter] and we came fourth. We were really happy with that result as we only met the morning we played.”

With their eyes on the horizon, Marshall said they will be competing against north-west and country clubs soon in the Grampians.

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2025.

Free Kinder is available for three- and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services. Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,563 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2025.

Visit vic.gov.au/kinder

Petanque enthusiasts Rhonda Shears and Shirley Marshall. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 396556_05 / 399701_03

‘Living grief’ confronting families

Gisborne’s Tamara Wilson says watching her daughter battle an eating disorder was a form of ‘living grief’. With eating disorders on the rise, more and more Australian families are confronting this distressing health issue as Zoe Moffatt reports.

When Gisborne mother Tamara Wilson sat with her daughter at the Royal Children’s Hospital in 2012 she felt an overwhelming sense of grief start to wash over her. Grief that she was losing her then 14-year-old daughter Brooke to an eating disorder.

Sitting next to her mother, Brooke would have bruising on her back from sit ups and excessive exercise, her eyes would be sunken in and dark, and her lips would start to turn blue.

For Tamara and Brooke, the next 20 or so monthswouldinclude22hospitaladmissions, regular ambulance rides, feeding tubes, fights atmealtimes,missedschooltimeandcopious appointments with healthcare professionals.

Butthetoughestpartforthemother-of-three was the grief that she was losing her daughter.

“I remember sitting in ward rounds next to Brooke and [she] was just a shell of [a] person,” Tamara said.

“A shell of the person that I had given birth to and brought up and, and loved and continued to love but she just wasn’t there anymore.

‘‘ I was shocked and devastated and felt like I had neglected her, like that I should have seen all of this sooner ’’ - Tamara Wilson

“Therewasalivinggriefthatcomes with it as a carer or as a parent, which is – and took a lot of time to accept –that this was going to be our life.”

While this reality may seem far flung from most Australians, it is a reality that is creeping its way into more and more lives. A recent report from the national eating disorder charity only supports this.

The Butterfly Foundation report released in February estimated 1.1 million Australians, or 4.5 per cent, are currently living with an eating disorder.

The report estimates 10.5 per cent of Australians will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. If there are nine other people near you, take a look around because statistically one of you will be affected.

For Tamara however, this was a circumstance she never thought would enter her life.

When Tamara noticed Brooke was losing a lot of weight quickly she took her to doctors, but after an unhelpful and dismissive appointment, Tamara said she started to do her own research.

“[I felt] more confused and more lost. [Brooke] continued to lose weight.

“I looked up eating disorders, and got an information page that I printed out and read. I then sat down with Brooke and said, ‘I think this is what we’re dealing with’.”

When talking about this timeline, Tamara admits she probably didn’t approach the conversation the best way and was “quite judgemental”.

Two days later Brooke was taken to the emergency department and admitted to hospital for the first time on what became a long journey.

“I was shocked and devastated and felt like I had neglected her, like that I should have seen all of this sooner.

“I honestly thought it would be a case of they’ll pop her on a drip, they’ll rehydrate her, they’ll put some food into her, and we’ll come home and it’ll all be better.

“Completely naive to the journey that we were on.”

Tamara runs Gisborne health promotion charity P.S. My Family Matters.

Tamara said Brooke still struggles with her weight but is thriving.

In the following years Brooke would go on to finish year 11 but not complete her final year of schooling.

“Shespentmoretimeinhospitalinherteens than she did at home. We had an ambulance at our house every week that she was home,” Tamara said.

Tamarawouldalsohavetoshutdownalarge portion of her business to care for Brooke, but thanks to the generosity of one client she was able to keep up with her mortgage.

“They paid for my mortgage for six months, they put a cleaner in my house for six months and they continue to employ me at the same rate.

“I don’t think I would have survived without that support.”

Fast forward to today, Brooke is a registered nurse and has an 11-month-old baby, and

“The pregnancy was particularly difficult for her. She still exercises and she has a very, very rigid routine around food and exercise but she lives a very normal life,”

Tamara said.

“I call her my little miracle. We treasure every second of life with her and celebrate all of our successes.”

While Tamara and Brooke’s experience with eating disorders can be rounded out to two people who are thriving, the same cannot be said for a growing number of Australians who are affected.

The Butterfly Foundation’s report is the second edition of ‘Paying the Price’ after the first edition in 2012, and reveals a 21 per cent increase in the number of people with eating disorders.

In 2023, there were 1273 deaths due to an eating disorder.

It also found 27 per cent of individuals with an eating disorder are aged 19 years or younger, an increase of 12 per cent since 2012.

Tamara said it’s appalling that it has taken more than a decade for another report of this kind to be published.

She said the thing that peaked her interest was that more people died from an eating disorder last year than the road toll, which was 1266 fatalities.

“There is so much put into saving people in the road toll and reducing that, yet eating disorders are neglected. I think it’s terrible.

“I support a lot of families within the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury that have children with eating disorders, and it’s so challenging, they don’t know where to go.”

Tamarasaidtheotherthingthatshenoticed from the report is that early intervention needs so much more attention.

“Trying to get that early intervention is really challenging because you can’t get the really good services until you’re critical.

“I have families that are waiting for admissions… [those affected] are skin and bone and the parents are just watching them die.

“It’s swept under the carpet and there still is a huge stigma – it is a mental illness, there is still stigma around mental health and mental illness.”

Education works hand-in-hand with early intervention, and Tamara said there needs to be education in schools and education to parents on how to model healthy eating behaviours.

If you or someone you know needs support with an eating disorder the Butterfly Foundation can be contacted on 1800 334 673, or via an online chat or email. Details: https:// butterfly.org.au/

Tamara Wilson, and left, Tamara looking at the recent report into eating disorders. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 396886

Start of singing for 2024

The Gisborne Singers will be unravelling the historical tapestry of composition in their first concert of the year, A Classical Celebration, kicking off on Sunday, April 28.

The concert will be held in two sessions on April 28 at 2.30pm at Our Lady of the Rosary, Kyneton, and on May 5 at 2.30pm St Mary’s, Sunbury.

Originally formed in 1980 the non-audition choir welcomes new members from all across the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury area.

The group is under the musical direction of Luke Severn and aspires to perform high quality choral art for their enjoyment and that of the local community.

President Kitty Skeen has been part of the group for 14 years, originally joining when she just moved to Gisborne and was looking for a special reason to get out of the house once a week.

“I joined when my first child was six months old. I was looking for friendship [and] to

become involved in the community,” she said.

“The benefits of singing with a choir are numerous [including] social connection, working towards a common goal, learning a new skill, making beautiful music.

“Singing in choirs has been linked to so manypositiveoutcomesinmentalandphysical health [like] raises in dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin, decrease in depression and feelings of isolation and loneliness.”

Everyone is encouraged to join the Gisborne Singers for an afternoon of musical discovery as they travel through time and experience the emotions and cultural significance embedded in the remarkable pieces.

Tickets are $55 full and $45 concession, with under 12-year-olds free. The group also welcomes new members, with rehearsals held on Wednesdays at the Gisborne Uniting Church. Details: 0480 156 263 or www. gisborne.harmonysite.com. Booking: www. trybooking.com/COHHN

Business workshops in Romsey, Macedon Ranges

Entrepreneurs and solo professionals in the Macedon Ranges are encouraged to make the most of two workshops focused on helping local business people.

RunbytheMacedonRangescounciland Holmesglen’s Self Employment Assistance program, the Launch into Business Workshops, are fully funded workshops aimed to equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the competitive business landscape.

Participants will gain access to essential information on starting a business, including a comprehensive workbook filled with resources for permits and registrations.

The event also includes a pitching session, during which attendees can present their business ideas and receive constructive feedback from peers and industry experts.

The workshop presents a unique networking opportunity, bringing together like-minded individuals eager to dive into the entrepreneurial world.

Aparticipantfromoneoftheworkshops held earlier in the year at Chadstone said it was worthwhile.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the resource materials you shared with us,” the said.

“They have proven to be incredibly useful and valuable sources, especially for someone like me who is just starting in self-employment. The comprehensive information provided has been instrumental in gaining a

better understanding of the intricacies of self-employment.”

The workshops are scheduled on May 1 at the Macedon Ranges council offices in Gisborne and the second at the Romsey Neighbourhood House on June 19. Both sessions kick off at 10am and are open to anyone from across Melbourne’s north-west.

Tickets: https://ow.ly/n95z50R3M1e or https://ow.ly/5Lgq50R3M1F.

Holmesglen’s Senior business manager Stephen Godfrey. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 397049_01

The Gisborne Singers Marguarite, D’Arcy, Elaine, Jenny, Graham, Irene, Chris and Lee. (Damjan Janevski) 398322_01

Dancing through the school holidays

Macedon Ranges students were kept busy at a range of school holiday events before school resumed this week.

The shire’s young local residents danced their way through the holidays with a dance program on April 8 to 10, at Buffalo Sports Stadium in Woodend.

Throughout the three sessions, attendees learnt hip hop and acrobatic and acting skills in a fun and engaging environment.

Further north in Kyneton, the young people were encouraged to show their creative side at the creative building jam workshop on April 8 to 10.

The hands-on, creative school holiday collaboration was the place to be for children aged six to 13 years, and called on the creative-minded kids to help design and build a safe place for someone in trouble.

Using a huge range of reclaimed materials, the group collaboratively dreamt up and built a never-before-seen structure in the town hall, which culminated with a public grand opening to celebrate the build.

Other events that were held included a HangingRockexhibitionandartcompetition, youth exhibition excursion, pool inflatable fun and an intensive learn to swim program.

Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski captured the fun.

Woodend dance school holiday program.

Left to right: Freya, 10, Mila, 10, Dance teacher Anita with Scarlett, 7, and Poppy, 9, show off their arobatic skills during the dance program. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 398047

Ted, 10, Saxon, 11, and Handari, 8 (right), at the creative building jam workshop. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 398107

Quinn, 7, Brydie, 7, and Ico, 10 (below), get creative.

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 Cafe Sunbury

Bring an item that needs repair and volunteer repairers will do their best to fix it with you. Or just drop in for a cuppa. Saturday, April 20, 10am-12.30pm. All welcome. Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978.

Neighbourhood Garden

Become part of Sunbury’s Neighbourhood Garden and grow edible and useful plants in a social group at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury. All skill sets are welcome at the next working bee Saturday, April 20, 10am-12.30pm.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978.

HarmoniX Vocal Company

All-male singing group happening on Thursday, 7-9.30pm in Sunbury, with a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday. 7-9.30pm. Rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required.

■ harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

The club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am. This friendly group of men and women enjoy outings and meetings each month and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed

■ Doug 5428 3317, or Teresa 0417 373 006

Craft and conversation

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

Chill Out Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.

■ https://bit.ly/3lmVgVhv

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club

Come along and be part of Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am- noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm at Eric Boardman Stadium, Wilsons Lane.

■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

Come have a chat

Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. Chats every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30am at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon.

■ Carol, 0431 186 575

Family History and Heritage Society

If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and your own family history, come along to meetings at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month, which from May will be at room three at the Global Learning Centre in Sunbury.

■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

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.

■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedian Lisa Gatenby AKA ’Winni Wizard’. (Damjan Janevski) 399755_01

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am.

■ Jo, 0410 834 272

Rotary club

The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Ball Court Hotel, 60 Macedon Street, Sunbury 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 9.45am.

■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Toastmasters

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 Seniors

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 10am-3pm. They are temporarily relocating to 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. 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.

■ 0434 400 754

Probus Club Of Sunbury

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to visitors and new

members, with a number of great events held each month.

■ Greg, 0417 593 035

CWA Woodend Eves

The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Neighbourhood house. All women are welcome.

■ cwawoodendeves@gmail.com

Hume Men’s Shed

The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.

■ sunburymensshed.com or 0438 677 425

Sunbury Badminton Club

The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights from 7.30-9.30 pm, and on Wednesdays 10am-12pm. Monday night is a round robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road.

■ sunburybc@gmail.com

One Voice Sunbury

One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday from 6.30pm at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. Fun and welcoming choir, new members welcome, no prior singing experience required. Just join in the fun.

■ sunbury@withonevoice.org.au Sunbury Macedon Ranges Lodge Meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, 73 Main Street, Romsey. New members welcome.

■ Wayne, 0404 034 737, or Ian, 0438 240 402

Local camera club

The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Meetings 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.

■ https://bit.ly/41j5BEw

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.

■ Lesley, 0484 691 226

Village connect

Enjoy free coffee and cake while connecting with fellow Macedon Ranges residents 55 years old and older. Happening on Tuesdays and Thursday at cafes across the municipality.

■ https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262

Arts and games night

Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre each Wednesday from 3.30-5.30pm. The free program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old, at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

Carer connect chat

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 rebecca.lees@scchc.org.au

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Richmond player will miss a portion of the 2024 AFL season after sustaining a hamstring injury in a round three match?

2. After a recent contract extension, which surfing competition will continue to be held at Bells Beach until 2028?

3. What is the name of the NRL’s centralised in-game

4. This year, Jeff Dunne and Rachael Gunn will become the first Australians to compete in which sport at an Olympic level?

5. Who is the current Minister for Sport?

6. Is Mitchell Johnson a former fast bowler or spin bowler?

7. The Brisbane Bandits, Canberra Cavalry and Melbourne Aces all play in which sporting league?

How many balls are used in a game of snooker?

How tall is Chuanxing Liu, the tallest ever man to play in the NBL?

An injury common in tennis and volleyball players, adhesive capsulitis is also known by what other name?

11. Which English Premier League club famously won the premiership at long odds in 2015–16?

12. Before joining Port Adelaide, footballer Aliir Aliir played 64 games for which AFL club?

13. Which former Australian Test cricket wicketkeeper recently retired from the first-class format?

14. In which year did Australian cyclist Cadel Evans win the Tour de France?

15. Which Argentine soccer player won the 2023 Laureus Sportsman of the Year award?

16. How many majors did Australian golfer Greg Norman win in his career?

17. What is the nickname for the Australian women’s rugby league team?

18. What nationality is 2024 Australian Open tennis champion Jannik Sinner?

19. In which year was the Monaco Grand Prix motor race first held?

20. Cricketer Glenn Maxwell has scored how many T20 International centuries for Australia?

21. Which men's Under-18 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 Albert Schweitzer Tournament?

22. Tanzania-born teenager Nestory Irankunda plays for which A-League Men's club?

23. The foal of which champion racehorse sold for $10 million at the 2024 Inglis Australia Easter Yearling Sale?

24. Which women's 3x3 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup?

25. Which men's 3x3 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup?

26. Australian runner Oliver Hoare competes in which middle-distance event?

27. Welsh-born Australian rugby league footballer Keith Barnes was known by what nickname?

28. The Hawthorn and Geelong AFL match on Easter Monday was halted due to what weather event?

29. Briony Akle coaches which Super Netball team?

30. Broden Kelly, member of surrealist comedy group Aunty Donna, barracks for which AFL club?

Cadel Evans

Jannik Sinner

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.

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 nouns ending in “s”.

How many Oscars did EverythingEverywhere All at Once win in total?

2 Established in 1839, which suburb is the oldest in Melbourne?

3 Who wrote and directed TheShawshankRedemption?

4 The meaningless repetition of spoken words or phrases is known by what term?

5 What is the national plant of Ireland?

6 Which country was the footwear company Crocs founded in?

7 Painter Frida Kahlo died in Mexico in what year?

8 Who wrote the poems Funeral Blues, TheAgeofAnxiety and AsIWalkedOutOneEvening?

9 Florence Welch (pictured) is the lead vocalist of which indie rock band?

10 What do tulips, daffodils, irises and hyacinths have in common?

8/10

Performance: 9/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 5/10

Practicality: 6/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 7/10

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

One of the most popular pastimes in the world, Monopoly, and the Audi RS Q3 sports utility vehicle have much in common.

The board game deals with high finance and real estate, the SUV high performance motoring; both rely heavily on figures.

Thelatterhasjustaddedalotmoreofthelatter to the list with its RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years, as the suffix suggests with reference to its decade of success. Audi is making only 555 specials in celebration, with a ‘healthy number’ slated for Down Under.

“This edition pays great tribute to the best of SUV performance in the RS Q3 Sportback,” says Audi Australia director Jeff Manning, who has no doubts about the sales success of the anniversary edition in this country.

“Australia as a market is so performance focused and I have no doubt that owners will enjoy exclusive RS touches in this special model,” he adds.

The RS Q3 Sportback 10 Years is based on the storied RS Q3 with a raft of unique features inside and out, not least the award winning 2.5 TFSI turbocharged five-cylinder motor, producing an unrivalled bass note.

Inkeepingwiththisisanexclusivecollection of accoutrements such as black 21-inch alloy wheels, matching Audi badging and brake callipers, plus race-inspired front bucket seats with contrasting copper honeycomb stitching.

The RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years comes with Audi’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus 12-year manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion. Owners also receive membership during the warranty period to the Audi Experience with access to exclusive events, Ambassador experiences and premium partner offers.

Styling Stand-out exclusive colours are Dew Silver matt or metallic Chronos Grey, the latter providing a strong base for darkened matrix LED headlamps, with dynamic turn indicators and matching wing mirror housings. A glossy black roof frame, window rims, and doortrimpointthewaytocopycatfrontspoiler blades and diffuser insert. The Audi four rings

clingtothesingleframeradiatorgrilleandrear together with the model lettering.

Interior Race-style front bucket seats have a lot going for them – big bolsters for snug lateral support (handy on dramatic direction changes) and covered in leather and Dinamica, black with contrasting copper coloured honeycomb stitching and backrest in matt carbon.

Here’s the bad news: while both seats are heated,theyarereducedtomanualadjustment; nopowerhere.Thisisnotwhatwehavebecome used to in a $100,000 car.

Never mind, the RS sport steering wheel makes up for the absence, being clothed in sexy suede-style Alcantara with copper stitching, which is repeated in the gear lever gaiter. Ambient LED lighting adds the finishing touches to the luxe surroundings.

TheRSQ3EditionTenYearsleavesitsunique signature with illuminated door sill trims and a red 3-D diamond projected onto the ground when the door is opened.

Saying the car is a five-seater is stretching things; the rear is short on width. The boot will take 530 litres of cargo with the 60:40 rear seat backs up, expanding to 1400 litres with them folded. An electric tailgate includes gesture control.

TheRSQ3EditionTenYearsleavesitsunique signature with illuminated door sill trims and a red 3-D diamond projected onto the ground when the door is opened.

Infotainment

The set-up features MMI navigation through a 10.1-inch touch screen, Audi Connect Plus, Audi phone box light and wireless smartphone charging.

There are two USB-C power outlets up front, along with a 12V plug down by twin cup holders.

Audi virtual cockpit plus with a 12.3-inch display can be configured to present the driver with several layers of easily accessible information to maximise the driving experience, or not.

Engines/transmissions

The award winning TFSI five-cylinder engine pumps out 294 kW of power, 17 per cent more than the previous RS Q3 motor. Maximum torque of 480 Nm, on tap between 1950 and 5850 rpm runs the quattro permanent all-wheel drive via a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission.

Safety

ANCAP safety is not rated, as is the case with many sports specials. However, there is no skimping on active safety, with adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go function, Audi pre-sense front with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.

The 360-degree cameras, plus rear and front parking alarms instil confidence when faced with crowded car parks.

Driving

And so to the Audi RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years figures. The Car can hit 100km/h from standstill in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h. Audi claims fuel consumption of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle.

Thetestcarrecordedjustover10litresper100 kilometres in city stop/start motoring and 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a mainly motorway run. That apart, it’s the accompanying exhaust note that really takes the cake.

The odd number of cylinders with their unique firing order of 1-2-4-5-3 deliver a deep sonorous sound via twin barrels with exhaust flap control and gloss black oval tailpipe trims.

The RS sport suspension with adaptive dampers has the car on best behaviour around city streets but still gets a grip when things are set loose on fast bends or sharp corners.

Bits to play with include driving modes, powertrain monitoring and performance tracking.

Positive steering is backed up by Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, while braking has the heft to pull up the vehicle with the assurance the driver demands of a high-performance sports car.

Summary

TheanniversaryRSQ3isavailableinSportback only, the SUV not given a guernsey, which is how it should be. Buyers will have to be quick to join the celebrations.

Audi is making only 555 Audi RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years vehicles. (Pictures: Supplied)

Out in force

It was a full weekend of sport with the first weekend of competition for many of the winter sports. Star Weekly photographer LjubicaVrankovicwasoutandaboutcatching some of the action.

Ellen Wright. Tilly Shepherd.

Florence Coleman.

Josh Helliwell.

Lakeisha McLean.

Cooper Pepi.

Kimberly Phillps.

Puga Deng

Riddell’s Georgia Shattock in the middle of two Kyneton defenders.

Kyneton’s Claire Oakley.

Cats continue to build after stunning first season

Heading into the inaugural Riddell District Football League women’s season, Macedon wasn’t sure it wasn’t going to have a side.

Fast forward 12 months, the Cats program is going from strength to strength off the back of a stunning first season.

The Cats’ Tamara Collins said it had been an amazing off season.

“It’s really exciting and we’ve getting numbers like we’ve never had,” she said. “It’s all come together and it’s really good we have a few more younger legs that will help.

“We were an older group last season, so it’s nice to have some more younger players.”

Collins said they felt they were able to build their list on the back of making the grand final last season.

She said the atmosphere at the grand final day still talked about a really well run competition also helped that.

“Therewereabout20playersatourmeetand greet and last year there were three including my daughter, who was determined that she wasn’t going to be playing with older people.

“Hopefully it means we don’t have to seek

players, which will be great.

“Hopefully we’ll also run a few more of the younger players through the senior side as well.”

The Cats have picked up a number of players from Gisborne in the off season.

Collins said while they are coming off a really strong season, they haven’t set high

Bombers show strength

By Tara Murray

Riddell’s depth has been on show in the opening two rounds of the Riddell District Netball League season.

The Bombers have had a clean sweep of results in the first two rounds, despite several players from their A-grade squad missing

For new coach Emily Ktona it couldn’t have been a much better start.

“We’ve extremely happy,” she said. “It’s been an awesome start and we’ve had different teams in both games.

“We’ve had some players out with the Victorian Netball League, some with injuries and some with nationals.

“We’vebeenabletobringupsomeunder-19s and players from B-grade and they’ve stepped up, I’m over the moon.”

The Bombers faced Kyneton on Saturday, with both teams coming off wins in the opening round,

It was the Bombers that remained undefeated, winning 51-40.

WhiletheTigersarenewtothecompetition, Ktona said they had a little bit of an idea what to expect.

“Claire [Oakley]’s mum used to coach me at Parkville, so it was another full circle moment. I knew that Clarie would be a tough one to stop.

“Lauren Nolan came into the side for her first game after having her third child and provided us with an experienced defender who could play on a tall holding shooter.

“She worked well with Georgia Shattock.

“Tilly Shepherd plays with a lot of our girls at Melbourne University, so we knew that she would be quite tough.

“Shelby [Holter] and Darcy Saunders played really well on her.”

Ktona said being able to call on someone like Nolan was massive for her as a coach. She said Nolan wanted to come back through B-grade, but she needed her to step up into A-grade with a few players missing and she was able to perform.

Saunders topped the goals for the Bombers with 21 as they shared the load around.

For the Tigers, Oakley finished with 24 goals.

Ktona said the most pleasing thing for her was that they still had four or five out of their squad on Saturday.

ElizaBurgeisatthenationalchampionships along with new recruit Sahara Ball.

Ball’s mum Meredith Ball played in round one and brings plenty of experience having player of her ability.

Riddell’s

Shattock

expectations on what they want to achieve this year.

“There was no expectation last season and we’re the same this year,” she said.

“The main focus for the entire group is to have a good time and enjoy our football. We’re really keen on having a pathway for the junior girls when they age out.

“Winning a premiership would be nice too.”

Damien Slater is coaching the Cats again, which Collins said was a big reason why so many players stuck around.

The Cats kicked off their season on Saturday against Woodend-Hesket.

The Cats jumped out of the blocks with four goals to one.

After quarter time they were able to keep the Hawks scoreless on the way to a 9.7 (61)-1.1 (7) win.

In other results, Mount Alexander beat Romsey, 8.16 (64)-1.0 (6) under lights on Friday night.

Kyneton started its title defence with a 9.8 (62)-3.2 (20) win against Melton.

Sports shorts

RDFL

Riddell is the latest Riddell District Football League team to express interest in having a women’s football side. The Bombers on their social media said they were looking to form a team in 2025 and wanted to hear from people interested in being part of the process as either a player, coach or part of a women’s football sub-committee. Details: LClose@ hotmail.com.

Ballarat NL

The Sunbury Lions started the Ballarat Netball League in winning fashion beating Redan in the battle of the Lions on Saturday. Sunbury had no issue at all, winning, 54-33. Recruit Rebecca Hicks shot 42 goals for Sunbury, while Tara O’Grady finished with 12 goals. Sunbury faces Melton South in round three.

EDFL

The Sunbury Kangaroos started the Essendon District Football League division 2 season with a loss. Facing Taylors Lakes in a rematch of last season’s preliminary final, the result was turned, with the Lions winning 15.16 (106)-10.14 (74). The Lions kicked five goals to none in the final quarter to seal the win. Meanwhile, East Sunbury lost to Westmeadows, 26.15 (171)-4.7 (31). In division 1, Rupertswood lost to St Albans, 15.18 (108)-5.6 (36).

FV

Gisborne got its first win of the FV state league 5 west season, beating Spring Hills, on Saturday. Both sides dropped down to state league 5 in the off season, with the Stallions having already gained a win this season. On Saturday, the Sky Blues proved too strong, winning 1-0. In state league 3 north-west, Sunbury United remains without a win. For a second straight Friday night, it’s been a disappointing night, with United losing to Laverton this time, 4-1. United sits bottom of the table after three rounds.

Ruby Shannon is yet to play this season due to breaking her nose in the VNL and Lara Turner also missed the weekend.

The challenges continue this week for the Bombers, facing Wallan before a grand final rematch the week after.

Meredith, the sister of former Australian player Bec Bulley, has played for the Melbourne Kestrels and plays with Ktona in a weekday competition.

Ktona said it would be a good chance to see where they are at.

In other matches, Wallan also made it two from two, beating Diggers Rest, 61-51.

Romseygotitsfirstwinoftheseason,beating Melton Centrals, while Woodend-Hesket opened its account with a 55-31 win against Macedon.

Ruby Watts, who has been Victorian Football League listed, Brianna Woodburn and Charlotte Noonan, are three players who will bring a lot to the Cats line up.

Tara Murray

Scarlett Lynch (Jacob Pattison)345526_02

Georgia

gets the ball between Kyneton’s Molly McGrath, Rebecca Ingeton. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Tigers on the improve as depth pays dividends

Lancefield needs to play consistent four quarter football if it’s to close the gap on the top sides in the Riddell District Football League.

The Tigers are coming off their best season in a number of years, which included beating Riddell for the first time since 2010.

Tigers coach Tim Bannan said they believed that they could build on last year.

“We are in a better position than last year,” he said. “We had a much better year last year and there is still room for improvement.

“We have more depth than last season and have guys that can come into the senior squad and play a role for us.”

“For us we want to make finals or be thereabouts. We see that as a pass mark.”

The Tigers have been hit with some injuries early which haven’t helped their cause though.

Ben Radford will miss most of the season while they’re waiting for scans on Corey Reid’s ankle.

Matt Bowden missed round one with a hamstring injury, but Bannan was hopeful he would be back to face Woodend-Hesket.

The Tigers, who had a bye on the weekend, started the season the week before with a loss to Diggers Rest.

Bannan said there were mixed feelings out of the game.

“To be honest we played some good footy in the first quarter, the second quarter we went back to our old ways,” he said.,

“We allowed them to score easily from stoppages. If we can clean that up and work on our skill errors, we will be a lot more competitive.

“We played a few more kids through the seniors which was really good to see. Our brand can stand up, we just have to sustain it for four quarters.”

While the Tigers had the bye, there was still plenty of action on Saturday.

Wallan caused an early upset, knocking off last season’s premiers, Diggers Rest.

The Magpies led by 16 points at quarter time and kept the margin at that three goal range at half time.

Four goals to one in the third quarter sealed the win for the Magpies, 14.12 (96)-10.5 (65).

Riddell made it two from two in a low scoring affair against Kyneton, winning 7.13 (55)-3.8 (26).

Romsey also remains undefeated, sneaking home against Melton Centrals. Centrals in their first game for the season led at each of the three breaks, before three goals to two in the final quarter got Romsey the 10.8 (68)-10.5 (65) win.

Tara Murray

Lions’ breakthrough win

By Tara Murray

City Oval hasn’t been a pleasant place for the Sunbury Lions in recent years, but that changed on Saturday in the opening round of the Ballarat Football League.

Facing Redan to start the season, Sunbury entered the match having not beaten Redan at City Oval since 2016.

Sunbury managed to lead at each of the first two breaks and extend the margin to 25 points heading into the final break.

Redan kicked a couple of goals early in the last quarter, but Sunbury was able to steady to win the battle of the Lions, 15.9 (99)-11.8 (74).

For Sunbury coach Matt White it was the ideal way to start his coaching career at Sunbury.

“Someone told me it had been eight years since we won up there, so it makes it a really good start,” he said.

“We were under pressure for long periods of time. They are a young team and they put us under a lot of pressure which was fantastic to

watch, but annoying as a coach.

“There was a bit of argy-bargy in the third and my boys settled first which was fantastic.”

White said when Redan came late it was the maturity within his side that shone through.

He said the core group was getting to the right age that they know what needs to be done on the field and are just able to get on with the job when needed.

“There is a bit more maturity across the board,” he said. “They gave us a score in the last quarter and kicked a couple of goals.

“We got one back and then got the game back on our terms.”

Jake Sutton kicked five goals for Sunbury, while Patrick Scanlon chipped in with three goals. For Scanlon it’s been a change of position this season.

“It was a stroke of genius from one of our assistant coaches, Corey Mobilio,” White said.

“We moved him forward through the pre-season and it’s a little feather in the cap now. At the moment he’ll be a forward now.

“If need be or we have an injury down back

we can flip him down back.”

White said Nathan Wood was best on ground for his performance down back, while Cody Bramble stood out on a wing and Josh Guthrie played his role in the middle like he always does.

White said there was plenty of pressure on for spots early in the season which was a good thing.

Brock Landt is still to come into the side, while four or five guys are pushing from the reserves side for spots in the senior side.

The Lions though are set to be without Joel Muir for the year due to a shoulder injury.

The Lions will be at home for the first time this season on Saturday night, facing Melton South.

The Panthers are coached by former Sunbury coach Travis Hodgson.

For White, who played junior football at the Lions, it will be his first game back at Clarke Oval in 20 years.

“Hopefully we can get a big crowd and put in a good performance.”

Turn of fortune for young star

Club Sunbury’s Akasha Fortune had to overcome nerves to claim her first under-18 state championships to claim the singles girls title.

Fortune, who has competed in the championships for seven or eight years, finally tasted success on Sunday.

Facing Drysdale’s Maya Rees, Fortune held her nerve to win the under-18 girls singles title 21-13.

Fortune said it was an incredible moment.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said. “I thought I would go alright, it doesn’t feel real.

“It was pretty nerve wracking. I was shaking and everything.

“Once I started bowling my nerves calmed and I was ready to go.”

The title has been a couple of years in the making. She won the girls pairs in 2022 and was runner up the year after in the singles.

“It was my first big win,” she said.

Fortune also competed in the mixed pairs with Josh Leszcynski, where they were knocked out in the first round.

She made the second round of the open triples with Lily Dodd and Rees.

It’s been a big couple of months for Fortune on the green.

Her and Josh Leszczynski won gold in the under-18 mixed pairs event at the Victorian Open.

Shemadethefinaloftheregionmixed pairs with her father Danny Fortune, losing to Club Sunbury teammates Marc Bullows and Carla Krizanic.

Last year, she was one of four Sunbury players to make the Junior Nugget competition.

Fortune said the under-18 state title was the highlight of her achievements.

Having started playing when she was eight as he dad played. Fortune will soon move into the open ranks.

She’s hoping to make another under-18 state team first and then try and make the open under-18 team and step up at Club Sunbury in its pennant side.

“Hopefully I’ll get a trial to play in the under-18 side, I was part of it in 2021.

“Then I’m out of under-18s try to get into the open side.”

Tara Murray

Isaac Smithwick and Jaidyn Caruana (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Harry Power (Jacob Pattison)334037_12

Lions looking to build after a hard season in ‘23

The Sunbury Lions have reset their mindset as they head into the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 season.

Last season was a tough year for the Lions, who won just two games and were relegated in the off season.

Coach Matt Tremellen said it had been really good off season and they were excited for the season to get underway.

“It has been really good,” he said. “We’ve got a fresh mindset amongst the group and we’ve had some good commitment and buy in from the girls.”

Tremellen said regardless what division they were in this season the group needed to reset their mindset and renew their commitment to the game.

“We needed to look at what we wanted to get out of football,” he said. “We’re going in with a different attitude and it puts us in good shape for this year.”

Tremellen is in his second season in charge.

Last season he shared the role with Jaimee-Lee Wilson.

Wilson will play this season while coaching once of the junior girls teams. The club will have under-14s, under-16s and under-18s this season.

Tremellen said he had learned a lot last season about the group and the club.

“Lastseasonwasalearningyearandwewant to build on that,” he said.

“We had a shared focus last year, this year I’ll work on where they can improve.

“We have a strong game plan around contested ball and we want to build on that.

“Jaimee-Lee will still be around which is important.”

Tremellensaidtheyhadmanagedtokeepthe core group together from last season, with Tara Quigley and Renee Whelan the two main outs after stepping away from football.

Bianca Pepper returns to the Lions, while Brianna Spratling and Amy Clendenning are

two new recruits.

“They are all forwards,” Tremellen said. “It will help with a better balance.”

TheLionskickedofftheirseasononSaturday, facing the Sunbury Kangaroos.

Speaking before the match, Tremellen said playing the Kangaroos was the one game they looked forward to the most each year.

“There’s a good healthy rivalry,” he said. “It changes every year and we’ll have fun out there.”

It was the Lions that came away with bragging rights, winning 9.7 (61)-2.2 (14).

Natachia Abela and Emily Taylor were named the Lions best, while Breanna Tarczon andTylahBellwerenamedtheKangaroosbest.

East Sunbury played its first ever match against Taylors Lakes on Saturday.

The Lions came away with the win, 16.8 (104)-0.2 (2). Sarah Hunt was named the Lions best.

Narrow loss to Express

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors are wondering what might have been after nearly ending the Boroondara Express’ unbeaten run in the Victorian Netball League championship on Wednesday night.

Afterasolidperformancethepreviousround against last season’s champions, the City West Falcons,theWarriorstookplentyofconfidence into Wednesday night with the Express.

The Warriors led throughout the game but were never able to break the experienced Express line up.

That experience shone through late, with the Express sneaking home, winning 56-55.

For Warriors coach Kim Bailey, it was a real bittersweet feeling after the match.

“One goal to the team that hasn’t lost yet is really pleasing but heartbreaking at the same time because we had that game

“I suppose it showed that it’s only our sixth game together.

“I think if you look at it when we play next time, it’ll be a much different game as well and we’re getting better at reading each other every single week.

“Disappointingwiththelastbutmaybewe’ve scared some teams.”

Bailey said the result showed that they can match it with the top teams. She said they tried some different things that worked well for large parts of the game.

“They played a wall really well on us and we knew that they were going to play a wall, so we went back and we trained for it,“ she said.

“Then we actually trained to do the box properly ourselves and it’s just knowing when to do the switch from a wall of the box to one on one

“Wehadacoupleoflittleerrorslikesomeone got a falcon and just little things that didn’t go our way, but you have to live with those.”

Bailey said it was a bit of a mixed bag with player performances for her side.

Kim Borger put up 42 goals to again be the main target up front.

“One of the big improvers in our team… is Jasmine Fraser,” Bailey said.

“First year playing championship, and she’s just built week on week and to play on [Isabelle] Hodgson and do such a great job there was really good.

“To have Nat [Tommasini] come in and having Ruby [Barkmeyer] taken off her, I thought it was awesome as well.

“Julia [Woolley] just run and ran and run tonight. Our goalers are they’re not the youngest goalers in the world, but I’ll tell you

what their the most skilful.”

The Warriors under-23s had another tough night, losing to the Express 64-45.

Bailey said that side was still a work in progress, they just can’t gel yet.

“I don’t think the trust in each other is there yet,” she said. “We just need to go out there and

Jets’ tough weekend

It was a tough weekend for the Sunbury Jets in the Big V women’s championship competition.

After splitting their matches on the first weekend, the Jets had another double header on the weekend.

First up, the Jets headed not far to face local rivals, the Hume City Broncos on Saturday night;.

The Broncos started well and led by 13 points at quarter time and that would end up being the difference.

TheJetswonboththesecondandthird quarters, but weren’t able to close the gap enough.

The Broncos steadied in the last quarter to seal the 83-74 win.

The Jets had four players score double figures,ledbyChloeHildebrand.BigJess Bygate missed the game.

While the Jets were in the contest against the Broncos, they struggled against the Bellarine Storm on Sunday.

The Storm dominated the game from start to finish, winning 86-57 at the Jets home court.

Emily Conn top scored with 16 points with Abby Hildreband the only other player to score double figures.

The Jets face the Bulleen Boomers in round three on Saturday night.

It was a better day for the Jets men on SundayagainsttheStorm,winning98-77

The Jets jumped out of the blocks and led by 13 points at quarter time and extended that to 23 at the main break.

The second half was a lot closer, but the damage had already been done.

Joshua Yorke-Frazer top scored with 25 points coming off the bench.

Every Jets player hit the scoreboard in a positive sign.

The Jets face Blackburn Vikings this Saturday in round three.

do it.”

The Warriors this week face the Bendigo Strikers. The Strikers championship team also lost by one goal to the Casey Demons on Wednesday night.

“They’ve done really well,” Bailey said. It’s a really mixed bag this season.”

Julia Woolley. (Supplied)

Emily Conn. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Tara Murray Sunbury Lions are looking to build on last season. (Supplied)

You’re Invited!

Bellbrook Gardens Information Session

Bellbrook Gardens Country Club is excited to invite you to attend our next Information Session to be held at the Club House.

Light refreshments will be served. This will be a great opportunity to visit our wonderful community facilities, view Villas for sale and learn more about retirement living.

Thursday April 18th at 10.30am 168 Underbank Boulevard Bacchus Marsh 3340

Please RSVP online to bellbrookgardens.com.au or FreeCall 1800 633 672 RSVP Essential – Places are limited

For any queries please contact Denise Sniegowski We look forward to catching up with you soon!