Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 8th July 2025

A town in mourning

By Georgia Tacey

More than $60,000 has been raised for the Bishopfamilyfollowingtheallegedmurder ofJoshuaBishop.

Joshua,whowentmissingonMay27,was confirmeddeadafterhumanremainswere found on June 28 following a search of a Westmeadowsaddress.

A 27-year-old Sunbury man has been chargedwithhismurder.

Following the news, the Sunbury community has been reeling from the loss ofoneoftheirown.

The Justice for Joshua Bishop Facebook page – formerly named Find Joshua Bishop–runbyhisuncleDanielDeVivero releasedastatementonJoshua’sdeath.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news, our beautiful blue-eyed blue has been found. Sadly, it wasn’t the outcome we had prayed for, but he is home,”hesaid.

“Joshua’s family would like to express theirdeepestgratitudeforthelove,support and tireless efforts that went into finding Josh.

“Joshua was the kind of soul who always put others before himself and a smile that wouldlightuptheroom.

“Flyhigh,ourforever23.”

East Sunbury Football Club called of its senior men’s and women’s matches on Saturday, July 5 in memory of Joshua, and

outofrespectfortheBishopfamily.

“It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we extend our deepest condolences on behalf of the entire East Sunbury Football Club to the family and loved ones of Joshua Bishop, whose life was tragically taken under heart-breaking circumstances,” the club said in a statement.

“Wesendourlove,strength,andsupport to Kristie, Travis, Joshua’s brothers and all extended family, friends, and the wider Thunder community during this unimaginably difficult time. No words can truly capture the grief and pain of such a loss, but please know our hearts are with youall.

“Joshua was a bright, kind, and much loved young man whose presence will be deeplymissedbymany.Intimeslikethese, we are reminded of the strength and unity ofourcommunity,acommunitythatholds eachothercloseinmomentsofsorrowand need.”

Sunbury Lions Football Netball Club, Westmeadows Football Club, Kelior Park Football Club and more extended their sympathies, as well as Sunbury MP Josh Bull.

The GoFundMe is still accepting donations to go towards the Bishop family while they navigate this difficult time. To donate: gofundme.com/f/ find-joshua-bishop

All aboard the dino

Kids are roaring ahead of Bulla Hill Railway’s Bring Your Dinosaur for a Ride Day.

The day promises to be a fun family day out, with train rides running all day.

Importantly, all dinosaurs will ride the rails for free.

Assistant secretary of the railway Brian Parkinson said its an event you can’t miss.

“We are anticipating a great turnout of dinosaurs,” he said.

“It’s very important that you hold

train

your dinosaur tight as you go through our new tunnel so they don’t get scared and jump off.”

Mr Parkinson said the railway is run entirely by volunteers, and they are always looking for new members 15 years and older.

The Bring Your Dinosaur for a Ride Day is on Sunday, July 20, at the Bulla Hill Railway. The day will run from 11am to 4pm, with the last train at 3.45pm. Tickets are $5 for everyone over 12 months.

Train driver Geoff Hayday and other members of the club on one of the trains. (Damjan Janevski) 487838

We’re building the Metro Tunnel and there will be disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.

While we work, disruptions could affect your travel

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Sunbury Line

Until 13 JulyNorth Melbourne to Sunshine

First train to 9.30pm, 25 July 28 July

From 9.30pm 25 July to 27 July

Werribee and Williamstown lines

From 10pm 25 July to 27 July

Road disruptions: Closed lane and roads

Calder Park Drive, Calder Park

Sunshine to Sunbury

North Melbourne to Sunbury

North Melbourne to Newport

Until late JulyAt the level crossing

West Gate Freeway, Spotswood 13 July to late AugustOutbound lane between Williamstown and Millers roads

Holden Road, Calder Park From 23 JulyPermanently closed at the level crossing

Arden Station

Social housing projects stall

By Georgia Tacey

Only 13 out of 26 homes promised in the Macedon Ranges as part of the state government’s Big Housing Build have been built.

The four-year program launched in 2020, was set to build more than 12,000 new homes to be built across the state, with at least 8700 of those earmarked for social housing.

The Macedon Ranges was identified as one of 21 priority areas in Victoria, with a minimum investment of $30 million in the Macedon Ranges, according to a media release from Macedon MP Mary-

Anne Thomas in 2020.

However, recent parliamentary questioning by Northern Victoria Liberal MP

Wendy Lovell to Housing Minister Harriet Shing revealed that the project had stalled, with only 13 homes complete.

“One year ago, I slammed Labor for investing less than half of the $30 million it promised for social housing in Macedon Ranges,” Ms Lovell said.

“The minister has now confirmed that she has not made any progress in the last 12 months and there has been no further investment, and no new housing projects started.”

Speaking in parliament, Ms Shing con-

firmed that $12.5 million had been invested of the $30 million.

She also confirmed that the remainder of the investment “will be done over the next 12 months” – but provided no detail on what projects are under consideration, or how many homes are planned to be built.

A government spokesperson said about $13.5 million has been invested in the Macedon Ranges through the Big Housing Build and other social housing programs.

The spokesperson said the government was continuing to work closely with local governments and other community agencies to unlock land and develop partner-

Grants to help community groups thrive

Greater Western Water’s Thriving Communities Grants and Sponsorship program has awarded multiple community groups across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.

In total, GWW is supporting 28 community groups to help make community projects, events and activities happen in 2025-26, with seven of those coming from Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.

In Sunbury, two groups were awarded through the program, including the Sunbury Community Festival for its

Sunfest 2026 event, and the Sunbury Community Garden for improvements to its Children’s Garden.

Five groups across the Macedon Ranges were awarded through the program.

These included the Lion’s Club of Riddells Creek for its Pollinator Garden project for the Lions Memorial Park; Romsey Neighbourhood House for its crisis support trailer; Gisborne and District Lions Club for its Lions Gisborne Festival 2025, happening later this year; Creative Ranges Foundation

for its Spring Youth Festival event in Woodend; and Eastern Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Association for its Christmas in Romsey Festival 2025.

GWW strategy and partnerships general manager Kessia Thomson said the organisation was overwhelmed by the number and quality of applications this year.

“We’re supporting more projects than ever before, and we can’t wait to see them come to life over the next 12 months,” she said.

Application lodged for a soil washing facility at Bulla Tip site

A new soil washing facility is being proposed on Sunbury Road.

Australian Recycling Corporation has submitted a development licence application to the Environment Protection Authority(EPA) to construct a soil washing facility at 500 Sunbury Road, Bulla.

This is the site of the Bulla Tip, managed by ARC. According to the application, the facility will process 230,000- 250,000 tonnes of soil annually. The process will remediate category C and D reportable priority waste soil, with the end soil product being returned to

the site of origin or reused in construction projects.

Category C contains contaminants, while category D covers the least hazardous soils.

ARC intends to broaden its waste management and recycling capabilities at the site through this soil washing facility.

It said in its application it will treat soils with contaminants listed in tables two and three of the EPA’s Waste Disposal Categories: Characteristics and Thresholds.

Itwillnottreatsoilcontaminatedwithasbestos or germicides, as well as other toxic substances.

ships to deliver more and better homes for Victorians.

It is also working to identify other suitablelocationstoensuremoremuch-needed homes are delivered across the shire as part of delivering on the Minimum Investment Guarantee.

Ms Lovell said the data on the Big Housing Build website has been hidden to no longer show the minimum guaranteed investment, total number of homes to be built or underway, and what is completed for each municipality.

It also no longer shows any existing or planned housing projects for the Macedon Ranges.

Heat on Gisborne pool conversion

A MP is calling for the state government to fund works at the Gisborne Aquatic Centre.

Northern Victoria MP Wendy Lovell spoke in parliament to call for the community sport minister to allocate $1.5 million in funding to convert the heating of the pool from gas to electric.

Gisborne Aquatic Centre’s popular heated pool is currently heated by gas boilers, which are responsible for 18 per cent of Macedon Ranges council’s scope one carbon emissions.

“Everyone loves a heated pool in the winter, and switching the heating from gas to electric will reduce emissions and lower costs, ensuring this vital community facility remains sustainable into the future,” Ms Lovell said.

“Council has designs and costings ready to convert from gas boilers to electric heat pumps, and I urge the Victorian government to support this important project by investing $1.5 million in the future of swimmers in the Macedon Ranges.”

Converting the gas boilers to electric heat pumps is a priority commitment in council’s Zero Net Emissions Plan, with the 20-year-old facility currently being council’s highest greenhouse gas emitter.

Mayor Dom Bonanno said the electric heat conversion at the aquatic centre was a key project for council in its advocacy during the 2025 federal election.

Gisborne Aquatic Centre is currently council’s highest greenhouse emitting facility, making it a priority part of council’s Zero Net Emissions Plan.

In the federal election advocacy 2025 document,councilsaidithasthedetailed designs and current costings at hand, at an estimated cost of $1.5 million.

Council is ready to proceed with the project in the new financial year.

Cr Bonanno said council appreciated the support of Ms Lovell in continuing to advocate alongside council to help fund this project, and said council is already halfway to the $1.5 million needed, with $750,000 allocated in the 2025-26 budget endorsed at the June meeting for the project.

The use of contaminated soil washing will allow for low level contaminated soils to transform into products that can be reused, diverting from landfills.

The proposal is currently open for community feedback, and will be open until Wednesday, July 9.

Anyone who feels they may be affected by the proposed development is invited to make a submission, with the EPA making a decision on the proposal in mid-2025.

Residents can have their say online at engage.vic.gov.au/Australian-Recycling-Corporation-Pty-Ltd-APP043677

A state government spokesperson said council had not applied for any grant funding for this project, however it was welcome to apply through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

“We know sport and recreation activities are the lifeblood of so many communities across Victoria,” the spokesperson said.

“That’s why we are investing strongly in community sports infrastructure and supporting initiatives that improve participation and inclusion.”

Greater Western Water team members with the Lion’s Club of Riddells Creek. (Supplied)

Bishop family wants justice

By Allanah Sciberras and Callum Godde, AAP

The heartbroken parents of a young man whose body was found a month after he went missing have vowed to seek justice following his alleged murder.

Joshua Bishop was last seen by his housemates on May 27 at their home in Sunbury, and was reported missing two days later by his mother.

Despite searching for weeks for their son, Travis and Kristie Bishop received the tragic news on Saturday June 28 that human remains had been discovered inside a home and an arrest had been made.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Travis Bishop pledged to seek justice for their beloved boy, saying the alleged murder made no sense.

“We’re in Australia ... this is the lucky country and we’ve had our son taken from us, (allegedly) murdered and left to rot,“ he said.

“It’s not fair. I’m so angry. I want justice for our son, our baby boy.“

Brandon Watts, 28, briefly appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday after being charged with the murder of Joshua Bishop.

A charge sheet alleges the Sunbury man murdered the 23-year-old at some

point between May 27 and 28, shortly after he went missing.

He was last seen by his housemate on Lalor Crescent in Sunbury, in the city’s northwest, about 9.30pm on May 27.

Hewasreportedmissingafterhefailed to access his phone or bank accounts.

After previous extensive searches, police raided a home in the quiet suburb of Westmeadows on Saturday where they made the grim discovery.

The Erinbank Crescent townhouse is near where his phone last pinged around Broadmeadows Valley Park.

The remains are yet to be formally identified but a close friend who organ-

Stories worth sipping in mid-winter

Dromkeen’s annual event, Mid-Winter Memories and Mulled Wine, is returning this July, creating a space for people to share a wine and a yarn.

Dromkeen gallery director Bernadette Joiner said there’s no better way to bring generations together then through storytelling. “As a kid, one of my favourite pastimes was to listen to the stories of my grandparents,” she said.

“Their stories always had them as the ‘main character’ and it was a way of ‘me’

beinginvitedinto‘their’world…ofcatching a glimpse of what life must have been like for them when they were younger.

“My grandfather would light the open fireplace in the evening and we’d sit with him for hours, listening to his stories of the bush and of his childhood, vivid imagery etched into my mind to stay with me forever.”

Participants can expect a cozy night by the fire while guests share their own five-minute stories.

“One of our evenings last year took us from the plains of Africa meeting Masi Warriors and lions, to stories of coming back from the ‘brink’,” Ms Joiner said.

This night’s theme is ‘An Unexpected Encounter’. Stories must be true and feature the author as one of the main characters. Memories and Mulled Wine will be held on Friday, July 18 from 7pm to 9pm, at Dromkeen, 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek. Tickets cost $32. Details: trybooking.com/DCADQ

ised a fundraiser on behalf of the family acknowledged they belonged to Joshua.

His parents described their son as a “beautiful kid“.

“He had his whole future ahead of him. Never had a cruel bone in his body,“ Travis Bishop said.

“He’s always the boy who wanted to help everybody and he put everyone else before himself.“

Missing persons detectives earlier declared the 23-year-old had no criminal links and his connection to the accused was not revealed in court. Watts did not apply for bail and is expected to next face court on September 22.

Hindi voice needed to shape Hume’s future

DoyouspeakfluentHindiandhaveapassion for making your community heard?

Hume council is offering a unique opportunity for a local resident to help shape the way council connects with one of the city’s fastest-growing language groups.

Expressions of interest are now open for a Hindi-speaking community member to join the Multicultural Communications Advisory Group — an initiative launched in 2024 to ensure council services,programsandeventsareaccessible across the municipality’s diverse population.

The new member will join 11 returning advisors for a 12-month term beginning in August.

The group was created to guide council on how to better communicate with residents who speak languages other than English, helping to ensure important information reaches everyone in the community — not just those who are fluent in English.

Advisory members represent a wide range of cultural backgrounds, including Arabic, Assyrian, Farsi, Greek, Italian, Mandarin, Nepali, Punjabi, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.

Hindi has now been identified as a key language requiring additional communications support in 2025.

The successful applicant will be expected to read and speak Hindi fluently and be willing to contribute to the improvement of council’s communication with their community.

Expressions of Interest close at 5pm on Thursday, July 11. To apply or find out more, visit hume.vic.gov.au/MCAG2025.

Bernadette Joiner welcomes you to the Memories and Mulled Wine event. (Damjan Janevski) 487909

Native grasslands restored

Metro Trains and the University of MelbournearebringingVictoria’scritically endangerednativegrasslandsbacktotheir formerglory.

The Sunbury Line Biosite Connectivity Project has been researching the best way torestorenativegrasslandsalongraillines.

As part of this, the project has been re-using soil excavated from rail constructionsites,andreintroducingplant speciesthatexistedthere40yearsago.

The work is being undertaken as part of the Sunbury Line Upgrade Project, and aims to enhance and connect more than threehectaresoflandontheSunburyLine.

When steam trains ran along the Sunbury Line, controlled burns were routinely undertaken on the rail reserve to protectneighbouringpropertiesfromfires.

These burns had the unintended consequence of preserving the health and diversity of the native grasslands along the line as they were lost from the surrounding landscape which was cleared foragricultureandhousing.

However, regular burning ceased in the 1980s,leadingtothelossofmanygrassland sitesandspecies.

Now, there are 23 protected biodiversity sitesalongtheSunburyLinethatarehome to many endangered grassland plants and animals, but most sites are small and isolated.

Metro Trains now conducts controlled burns to remove weeds and ensure the healthofthevegetation.

“The Sunbury Line Biosite Connectivity Project adds tremendous value to Metro’s existing biodiversity program,” Metro Trains biodiversity manager Ben Roberts said.

“It will enhance some of our most significant native grasslands and improve biodiversityconnectivity.

“By working with the University of Melbourne on this project, we have been able to incorporate industry leading techniques to restore native grasslands and reintroduce both threatened and otherwise common species that have been lostfromtherailcorridorinrecenthistory.”

Melbourne University’s Burnley campus has pioneered research into restoring nativegrasslandsusingatechniqueknown asdirectseeding.

This involves preparing the soil surface to remove the threat of weeds establishing in the restoration area, and sowing seeds of native species into the prepared soil surface.

The university also manages a Seed Production Area at the Burnley campus, dedicatedtogrowingseedforitspartnered researchprojects.

“Given the continuing destruction of native grasslands in Melbourne, Metro’s Sunbury Line Biosite Connectivity project isabeaconofhope,”MelbourneUniversity professorNickWilliamssaid.

“It demonstrates that land managers dedicated to biodiversity conservation can restore and connect this critically endangered ecosystem, create habitat and return species lost from the landscape while simultaneously reducing construction costs and achieving circular economygoals.”

Native plants such as button wrinklewort and basalt podolepis have been reintroduced into the restoration areas, and the sites are home to animals including the striped legless-lizard and tussockskink.

Milestone for book worms

Sunbury’s brightest young readers have reachedasignificantmilestone.

Four students read 1000 Books Before School, and received their certificate at a speciallibrarystorytime.

The initiative, run by Hume Libraries, encourages children to read 100 books before they start school, to begin their journeyaslifelonglearners.

Throughout the journey, children will receive special stickers after every 100 books read, plus a reward at 100, 250, 750 and1000books.

At the end of the program, kids and their families are invited to a special storytime session to commemorate their achievement.

Parents and carers can read to their children in any language and read the same books many times over as well, making it a fun way to engage your child withreading.

“We know that reading to kids every day is crucial for the healthy development of language,aloveofreading,andforcreating bonds between children and their carers,” Hume mayorJarrodBellsaid.

“The 1000 Books Before School program is a great way to encourage parents and carers to engage in this activity more regularly by making it a regular habit at home,andputtingkidsinthebestposition tostartschoolwithpre-literacyskillstohit thegroundrunning.

“We are so proud of council’s Hume Libraries team who are now in their tenth year of the 1000 Books Before School program, getting more than 5000 children involved and setting up an incredible legacyforyoungreadersinHume.”

The Sunbury event was held at the SunburyHumeGlobalLearningCentreon June30,witheventsinBroadmeadowsand CraigieburntofollowinJuly.

Crews conducting burn-offs at the biosites. (Supplied)

Grayson, Archer and Harrison are the newest inductees into the 1000 Books Before School Program. (Georgia Tacey) 487752

Road rubbish anger mounts

Sunbury residents are fed-up with the lack of action taken to tackle rubbish strewn along Riddell Road.

Leading to the Sunbury tip, rubbish lines both sides of Riddell Road, much of which has fallen from trucks and cars.

Local resident Alan Porter said he contacted Hume council about the issue in May asking for the mess to be cleaned up, however he has not heard back.

“The rubbish has not been collected since Christmas time,” Mr Porter said.

“Someone used to come along regularly from the council and collect the rubbish, but since then there’s been rubbish, mostly fallen off trailers, and no one has made any attempt to clean it up whatsoever.”

Mr Porter said council must take action to

ensure regular maintenance in the area.

The problem has been brought up in local Sunbury Facebook pages, with some commenting that the issue is getting worse.

Residents who travel the road daily reportedly see overloaded trailers travelling to the tip with rubbish flying off on the way.

One resident said the state of the road was “absolutely disgraceful”, and the issue had been there for months.

“All I want is someone to come along and collect it and have it maintained regularly,” Mr Porter said.

Council was contacted for comment but did not respond before the deadline.

Residents who spot rubbish can use the Snap Send Solve app to report the issue to council.

Briefs

Macedon Ranges connected Macedon Ranges is more connected than ever with the completion of two mobile infrastructure upgrades. Throughout the state, over 850 mobile and broadband projects have been completed as part of the state government’s Connecting Victoria program, with the two Macedon Ranges projects being recently completed. The projects boost connectivity in Mount Macedon, located at First Memorial Cross Loop Road and the second on Cameron Drive. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the news for the Ranges.

Buses replace trains

Sunbury passengers travelling into the city are being advised to expect delays in the coming days. Until the last service on Sunday, July 12, buses will replace trains between North Melbourne and Sunshine due to Metro Tunnel Project works. Buses will also continue to replace trains between North Melbourne and Sunbury from 8.30pm to the last service each night from Tuesday, July 8 to Thursday, July 10. Replacement buses will run at varying frequencies throughout the day, with travellers advised to plan extra travel time for any delays.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Learn. Care. Enrolments

Rubbish along Riddell Road in Sunbury. (Damjan Janevski) 480558

Fighting friends remember

As he prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his fight of the century with Barry Michael and help him launch his biography, Lester Ellis tells Cade Lucas about his great foe turned friend.

In 1985, Essendon won back to back flags under Kevin Sheedy, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix took place around an Adelaide park not Albert Park, the Australian Open tennis was still played on the grass courts of Kooyong in November and 15/1 shot What a Nuisance won the Melbourne Cup.

But arguably Melbourne’s biggest sporting event of that year occurred not on the grass of the MCG, Kooyong or Flemington, but under the bright lights of an old pavilion wedged beside the train tracks in west Melbourne.

Festival Hall might’ve hosted the likes of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Frank Sinatra, but it didn’t become known as the “HouseofStoush’byaccident,andthefight held there 40 years ago between Lester Ellis and Barry Michael - two English born boxers from the western suburbsfor the IBF Super Flyweight World Title, is the biggest bout the venue, the city and arguably Australian boxing, has ever seen.

“It was a massive,” recalled Ellis in an interview with Star Weekly ahead of the 40th anniversary on July 12.

“All the judges got together and put it as the fight of the century in Australia. That’s a big rap innit? ” asks the now 60-year-old rhetorically from his home in Taylors Hill which is festooned with belts and trophies from his 22-year career in the ring.

Thatcareerbroughthimaworldtitleand arecordof 41winsfrom49fights,including 28byknockout,butit’soneofhisonlyeight defeats that he’s most remembered for.

The same could be said for the man who defeated him, Barry Michael, who went onto defend his world title another three times in a distinguished career that included win 48 times from 60 fights, but which is often boiled down to those 15 gruelling rounds in what is now known as Australia’s ‘fight of the century’.

Thereasonsforthisaremanyandvaried.

One is that, like all great sporting contests, the bout was a product of its time.

Havinggonethroughthedoldrumsinthe 1970’s,Australianboxingwasexperiencing a revival by the mid-1980’s with the likes of Jeff Fenech and Ellis at the forefront.

With most fights happening overseas, the prospect for an all Australian world title fight in sport-mad Melbourne was box-office dynamite.

But beyond that Ellis vs Michael was a classic case of friends turned foes.

Both were ten pound poms (Ellis was born in the northern seaside town of Blackpool, while Barry Michael was born Barry Swettenham in Watford, just outside London), both were from families that settled in Melbourne’s west (Ellis in Sunshine and Michael in Williamstown) and both displayed brilliance in the ring, rising quickly though the ranks at similar weights.

The only real difference was age, with Michael 10 years Ellis’s senior and already a seasoned pro by the time the younger man started to make his name.

“I loved him, I loved the ground he walkedonmate,”saidEllisofhisthenhero, who he first shared a ring with as a kid.

“He [Michael] was a 24-year-old, Australian lightweight champion. I was a 14-year-old Australian flyweight amateur champion, and he used to come down and spar me.

“And I’m thinking what’s he wanna spar me for? I asked him one day, he goes, ‘oh, you’re fast, you’re clever, sharpen me up. You help me, you know.”

Given their profession, it’s unsurprising that these friends would eventually come to blows, but even by the low standards of the fight game, Ellis and Michael’s falling

I hated him that bad on the night, I just wanted to knock his block off ... I wasn’t thinking about boxing him and trying to get the points - Lester Ellis

out was both fast and furious.

Likeallgoodfeuds,theexactreasonforit is hard to decipher, but it seemed to begin when Ellis, then just 19, greatly offended Michael by winning a world title before him by beating South Korea’s Hwan-Kil Yuh in March 1985.

To add insult to injury, Michael’s American trainer, Dana Goodson, then walked out on him only to appear in Ellis’s corner soon after.

“I was filthy on him, which I was entitled to be,” said Michael of Goodson in an interviewwith Star Weekly earlierthisyear.

Seeking to settle the score Michael immediatelydemandedfirstcrackatEllis’s new world title, something the champ didn’t appreciate.

“I was a little bit disgusted when he challenged me for my world title,” said Ellis, hinting that jealousy on the older man’s part played a role too.

Ellis however, wasn’t so disgusted to turn Michael down and soon contracts were signed and Australia’s biggest boxing blockbuster was booked.

While he believes most of the bad blood intheleadupstemmedfromhisopponent, Ellis admitted to bearing plenty of ill-will towards Michael by the time they entered the ring.

“I hated him that bad on the night, I just wanted to knock his block off,” Ellis said of his approach which he believes cost him the fight.

“I wasn’t thinking about boxing him and trying to get the points.”

By contrast, the eventual winner credits

Ellis and Goodson with giving him motivation he needed.

“When I got in the ring I said, ‘thanks for the title Lester,” said Michael. He was good to his word.

After starting out behind the young champ, the raucous crowd of 7500 at Festival Hall slowly swung behind the old challenger, as Michael’s years of experience, guile and fitness took over.

“I’d never come across somebody that couldtalkfor15rounds.Henevershutup,” recalled Ellis of the fight in which Michael bashed his ears as well as his body.

After 15 gruelling rounds, Michael was announced the winner by unanimous decision, becoming world champion for the first time at 30 and ending Ellis’s reign after just four months.

The ex-champ spent the rest of the night peeing blood.

“Every time that I went for a wee [after the fight] it was just purple, red blood from the kidney shots.”

Fortunately, Ellis has been able to console himself in the years since with the knowledge that, contrary to reports, he didn’t actually lose.

“Watching the fight [back], up into the 10th round, I thought I was in front.

“In the last five rounds, I gave three to him and two to me, so with me being the champion, I should have got the result,” he said, adding that Michael’s father influenced the judges.

Michael scoffed incredulously when I relayed this to him, retorting that Ellis’s brother got to the judges too and that he’s since has admitted he wouldn’t have won a re-match.

There of course wasn’t a re-match, something which briefly extended the bad blood between the pair (and contributed to Michael’s bashing by notorious gangster Alphonse Gangitano) but which has been consigned to the past.

The pair have long since returned to being friends, something Ellis said began in the immediate aftermath of the fight.

“I was proud that he won the fight so instead of him waiting for the belt to come from America and getting it a couple of months later, I gave him my belt on the night so he could get photos with it,” he said of the arrangement which lasted a few months longer than expected.

“I wanted my belt back, so I rang him up, ‘Barry,where’smyfuckingbelt,mate?’That was my belt, buddy.”

Just a few months after fighting at Festival Hall, the two men met at the Deer ParkHotelwhereMichaelreturnedthebelt and they buried the hatchet.

“I gave him a cuddle and said ‘you deserved it,” said Ellis.

On July 12 the two old foes will meet at another western suburbs establishment, Pelican Waters in Williamstown, to mark the 40th anniversary of their fight of the century and launch Michael’s biography for which Ellis wrote the forward.

‘Last Man Standing: The Barry Michael Story’ is published by New Holland.

To attend the launch and pre-order the book: https://shorturl.at/vZ7W0

Boxing legends Lester Ellis and Barry Michael reunite ahead of the 40th anniversary of their fight of the century. (Damjan Janevski) 486471_01

Referee Gus Mercurio watches challenger Barry Michael connect with a right to Lester Ellis’s head during their world title fight in 1985.

(David Johns)

MY PLACE

After more than 40 years away, experienced real estate agent Julie Ryan has returned to her hometown of Kyneton to be closer to family and reconnect with the region she grew up in. Now working alongside Anthony Stevens at Anthony Stevens Real Estate, Julie brings with her over a decade of experience in residential and lifestyle property sales, along with a genuine love for the Macedon Ranges and all it has to offer.

What’s your connection to the Macedon Ranges?

I was born in Kyneton and grew up in Newham, attending Newham Primary and Kyneton Tech High School with my siblings. My family moved to Shepparton when I was in Year 11, but my dad returned to Kyneton around 20 years ago. Now that he’s older, my husband and I havemadethemovebacktobecloserand support him — and it’s been wonderful reconnecting with my hometown.

What do you like about where you live?

The Macedon Ranges is incredibly picturesque and you can bring up a young or teenage family with a country atmosphere whilst not compromising on employment, entertainment and even sporting opportunities that city life offers — it really offers the best of both worlds. You get that warm, country community feel in many of the local towns but you’re still within an hour of Melbourne. I’ve lovedrediscoveringtheregionasanadult — the countryside, the heritage, and the evolving lifestyle opportunities make it such a special place to call home.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

I’m still settling back in after many years away, so nothing comes to mind just yet!

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

I’m looking forward to exploring all the local gems — from beautiful cafes and restaurants to wineries and walking trails.It’sajoytoseetheregionwithfresh eyes after so many years.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.

My first part-time job was working at the Hanging Rock kiosk as a teenager, spending a lot of weekends there over four or five years. I have been married to my husband Patrick for 35 years and we have four wonderful adult children.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

We love catching up with family when we can or getting away, even if it’s just overnight. Patrick is a full-time harness racing trainer, so between the horses and real estate, there’s not much free time! With so many options nearby for exploring or grabbing a meal with our children and their beautiful partners, this area is perfect for a quick break to recharge.

Grange Retirement Village is a well-established community set on beautifully maintained grounds and gardens in the leafy suburb of Sunbury. Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle and an active social calendar catering to all interests.

With affordable villas offering a supportive lifestyle and the flexibility to add services as needed, you can enjoy greater peace of mind in retirement.

Julie Ryan. (Damjan Janevski) 484066

Lost Trades Fair to come home

The Lost Trades Fair has found its way back home.

The Lost Trades Fair celebrates craftsmanship, skilled manual work, decorative arts, heritage crafts, rare trades and general knowledge.

In 2026, the tools, traditions, techniques and trade secrets will all be on show at Hanging Rock Reserve.

Theiconic’rockstar’locationtheperfect backdrop to showcase the world makers and artisans that will come to share their skills, techniques, knowledge and traditions.

Staged artisan presentations and panel discussions will provide an insight into being a maker in the 21st century.

Fair founders Lisa and Glen Rundell said they were thrilled to bring the event back to the region where it all began in 2014.

“Hanging Rock is one of the most iconic sites in the state and it is very exciting to be able to bring our artisans - the rock stars of traditional and heritage trades - together at such an inspirational site to share their skills, trades, talent, stories, culture, knowledge and celebrate the finest levels of human craftsmanship,” Ms Rundell said.

“We look forward to moving Lost Trades to this magical location and delivering an unmatched experience to the thousands of visitors from across Australia and around the world that attend each year.”

Macedon Ranges council mayor Dom Bonannosaidhewashappytowelcomethe festival back to its roots.

“Hanging Rock has a reputation as a location that has the power and magic to elevate events, and the return of the Lost Trades Fair is a perfect fit to inspire and captivate attendees and participants alike. Whether you are an avid fan or a first timer,

Win for Sunbury aquatic centre supervisor

The winners of the Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Industry Awards have been announced, with a local on the list.

Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre’s Daniel Turok has been awarded the Duty Supervisor of the Year award for 2025.

“I didn’t really go into it thinking I was going to win, but the fact that I did win, it was a really awesome feeling,” Mr Turok said.

The Romsey local has been with the centre for more than five years, after making the switch from business analyst to lifeguard.

“I just wanted a complete change. So (I thought) ‘What was completely different?’ Well, that’s lifeguarding,” he said. Mr Turok studied extensively to become qualified, before joining the team in Sunbury. He quickly rose through the ranks, through customer service, duty manager and is now covering a threemonth role as aquatic operations team leader.

One moment that stuck out to him was an incident at the centre, where while duty supervisor, a patron fell ill.

“We had a patron who unfortunately had a heart attack in the showers… I had to break into the room and go into CPR,” Mr Turok said.

“We did our best to try and revive her but unfortunately, we couldn’t.”

As supervisor, he took charge of the situation, organising staff and shutting down the service.

During his time, he has also helped transform services at the centre, introducing a new communication tool that compiles information into an easy-to-access way for staff and members. This was then rolled out to other Hume centres, which was one of the things he was nominated for.

thisisoneeventyouwon’twanttomiss,”he said.

“The Lost Trades Fair also gives our local accommodation and hospitality businesses a real boost and an opportunity to showcase their wares with the event projected to bring more than $3 million to the local economy.”

The fair, which started in Kyneton in 2014, boasts the largest celebration of heritagecraftsandtraditionalskillsinAustralia. The fair will make its return in March 2026, with tickets due to go on sale in September.

Celebrate NAIDOC Week

Macedon Ranges council, in partnership with Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, will mark 50 years of NAIDOC Week with an upcoming event.

NAIDOC Week, celebrated from July 6 to 13, is an annual celebration to honour and elevate Indigenous voices, culture and resilience.

This year’s theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, community vision and the legacy left by ancestors.

The free community event offers activities and workshops centred around immersing and celebrating culture, reflecting and connecting.

On the day, expect a live performance and interactive workshop, cultural sessions, a yarning circle, craft and artistic activities and face painting. There will also be a free barbecue.

Council community director Maria Weiss encouraged the community to join in the event and recognise the First Nations community.

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to bring our community together,” she said.

The free event will be on Saturday, July 12, at the Gisborne Secondary College, from 11am to 2pm. Registration is required, via: https://tinyurl.com/yx3hwvyj

Daniel Turok. (Supplied)

Drive for clearer shop product labels to avoid confusion

Confusing food labels are costing older Australians and contributing to the nation’s food waste problem.

Research from RMIT University and End Food Waste Australia reveals confusing food labels, small print, and complex icons result in Australians wasting money and throwing away perfectly edible food.

The solution, the study reveals, involves clearer, more consistent date labels and storageadvicewithbiggerprintandsimple icons.

Each year, Australians waste 7.6 million tonnes of food, much of it still safe to eat.

The study showed poor label design and inconsistent packaging were key reasons consumers throw out food, which could cost the average household up to $2,500 annually.

The lead author of the study, RMIT’s Associate Professor Lukas Parker, said shoppers are being let down by labels that don’t give them the information they need to make the right call.

“It’s time for a consistent, clear system that helps people make smarter choices, saves money, and keeps good food out of the bin,” he said.

Despite consumers wanting label changes, workshops revealed hesitations from industry “stakeholders” (food manufacturers and retailers), who cited concerns about cost, compliance, and regulatory complexity.

The gap between consumer needs and system readiness was also identified as a major barrier to progress.

End Food Waste Australia CEO, Tristan Butt, said smarter labels would only happen if governments, retailers, and food producers work together.

“Clear, consistent date labelling is one

of the most cost-effective and scalable ways to reduce household food waste, but it won’t happen without industry-wide collaboration,” he said.

“The UK’s retail sector has already proven this change is possible, without compromising food safety. It’s time we did the same.”

Toundertaketheirstudy,theresearchers set up groups comprising academics,

Enjoy

meals

designers, retailers, food producers, policymakers, and consumers.

Participantslookedatvariousfoodlabels that had been developed by researchers, some of which included text cues such as “do not eat after this date”, or changed the colour of the type, or added QR codes for more information.

Both the stakeholders and consumers preferred clear, concise, and visually

distinct date labels and storage advice.

The manufacturers and retailers were more concerned about food safety, legal compliance, and the cost of changing the labels, while consumers were more interested in how the labels worked, along with the issues of food quality and waste reduction.

For example, consumers said they often associated QR codes with marketing and did not use them very often, while stakeholders said the codes were helpful in providing more information about the product without taking up too much space on the label.

The report said, “The industry players tended to view household food waste as a consumer responsibility, reflected by their focus on consumer education campaigns rather than addressing systemic factors within their own industry.”

Italsofoundthat,iflabelsweretochange, the cost of doing that would probably be passed on to the consumer.

Dr Parker said the research would inform the next phase of the National Date Labelling and Storage Advice Project, which will bring together supermarkets, food brands, and the government to co-design, test, and roll out a national framework for food labelling.

“It’s not easy; we’ve got two big supermarkets, and unless you have buy-in from both of those … it’s very difficult to get something in,” he said. “But we’ve seen it with other different types of strategies slowly coming on board, like the recycling logo.

“It can happen; it just takes a lot of time.”

John Austin, policy and communications officer, National Seniors Australia

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Stay healthy this winter

By Christopher Carter, CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

You don’t seem to hear all that much about COVID-19 these days, but that doesn’t mean it’s yesterday’s problem.

Indeed, early in June Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Evelyn Wong, put out a statement revealing that the increase in COVID-19 cases between April and May this year was 2.5 times higher than the same time last year. Dr Wong added that there has also been an uptick in hospitalisationsofpeopleseriouslyillwith the virus .

Even a mild case of coronavirus is enough to make you feel crook for a few days,andabadonecankillyou,especially ifyoualreadyhavesomeunderlyinghealth concerns.

It’s true, though, that the availability of medicines called antivirals can really reduce the severity of COVID-19 infection, at least for the people eligible to receive them. These include older folk and those already battling other illnesses.

For everybody, however, one of the best ways to reduce your risk of catching COVID-19–ordevelopingnastysymptoms if you do – is to get a vaccination.

Dr Wong points out that respiratory diseases such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 become much more common in winter. This is largely because in cold months we tend to spend more time indoors with the windows and doors shut, making it easier for germs to spread around.

The latest recommendations about COVID-19 vaccinations, issued by the Department of Health, Disability and

Ageing, suggest pretty much everybody 18 years or older should get a jab once a year. Some people, such as those over 65, or who have impaired immune systems, should think about getting one every six months.

Childrenwithriskfactors–basicallyany medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness – should also be vaccinated. (Of course, it’s very important for parents or guardians to discuss this with a doctor.)

All COVID-19 vaccinations are free,

DISABILITY SERVICES

Creating positive change

Everyday Independence is helping people with disability in western Victoria and acrossAustraliatolivemorefulfillinglives.

As a registered NDIS provider, Everyday Independence offers evidence-based therapies that empower children, teens, and adults to participate more fully in everyday life and make NDIS funding go further.

Thelocalteamofoccupationaltherapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, key workers and behaviour support practitioners delivers therapy where it counts — at home, school, work, or out in the community. By meeting people where they are, the Everyday Independence experts help them build skills and confidence to achieve their goals.

Whether it’s preparing a child for school, supporting a teen to become job-ready, or helping adults reconnect with community life, the Everyday Independence team is passionate about lasting, meaningful change.

ThisistheEverydayWay—ateam-based, community-focused approach grounded in inclusion and real-world outcomes. For over 25 years, Everyday Independence has championed what’s possible, helping people broaden their horizons and live with greater independence.

To learn more about how Everyday Independence is supporting communities to create lasting positive change, visit everydayind.com.au or call 1300 179 131.

including for people without a Medicare card.

While we’re talking about vaccinations, it’s a good idea to get one for the flu, too, as we head into the winter months. Peak flu season is usually between June and September.

The vaccination is free for some groups of people , such as the very young, people over 65, First Nations members and pregnant women. Many general practices, community health organisations and pharmacies offer flu vaccinations to all

otherpeopleatbulk-billedorlow-costrates. RSV doesn’t get as much media as the flu (possibly because it’s difficult to pronounce) but it’s still a serious matter. There is now a national free immunisation campaign to protect pregnant women, and babies. People in these groups can access their jabs at general practices, community health clinics, and participatingpharmacies.

Protecting yourself and those you love has never been easier. Enjoy the winter wonderland!

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sunbury Family History & Heritage Society

The meeting of the Sunbury Family History & Heritage Society Inc will take place on Thursday, July 17, at 1.30pm, in room 5, floor 1, at the Sunbury Global Learning Centre in Macedon Street. Lindsay Cox will be the guest speaker and he will be giving a PowerPoint presentation on the Salvation Army Museum. Visitors are welcome.

 facebook.com/ groups/415440175310322/

Sunbury Men’s Probus Club

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 10am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to visitors and new members, with a number of great events held each month.

 Lindsay Brown, 0405 177 478

Woodlands Ladies Probus Club

The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club (Club Sunbury). Meetings now start at 10.30am for two hours. We have guest speakers each month, also outings, and theatre regularly. New Members and visitors welcomed.

 Jessie, 0458 190 254

Messy Play in Sunbury

Join in the Messy Play fun with this toddler-focused program, including messy and sensory child-led play. The program will run from 10-11.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.

 www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

Young Voices of Macedon

A community choir for children of the Macedon Ranges and beyond, Young Voices of Macedon rehearses at the House of the Rock, 247 Station Road, New Gisborne. The choir has separate programs for young children aged five to eight and older children. Rehearsals assist children in developing vocal technique, part singing skills, and general musicianship, across popular, classical, folk and music theatre styles. Rehearsals run on Thursdays, from 4.15pm, with afternoon tea and play time.

 yvmacedon.org.au

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

Macedon Ranges Photographic Society

Are you into photography, just starting out, or a fully fledged professional? The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Come along to a meeting on the first and second Monday of the month. Doors open at 7pm and the meeting starts at 7.30pm at Jubilee Hall, 52 Smith Street, Macedon.

 www.macedon-ranges-photography. org.au, or info@macedon-rangesphotography.org.au

Insync Entertainment

Insync Entertainment is an all-female community choir, providing the opportunity to meet others who enjoy singing. The group is seeking new members to join the friendly choir. No auditions required. They rehearse at

the Sunbury Baptist Church Hall every Monday from 7.15-9.30pm.

 insyncentertainment@gmail.com

North Western District Pipe Band

The newly formed North Western District Pipe Band meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Diggers Rest Bowls Club. It is seeking experienced pipers and drummers to join the band and is also offering tuition for learners of all ages.

 Hank, 0412 160 576, nwd.pipeband@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/NorthWesternDistrict PipeBand?mibextid=ZbWKwL

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 Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

 vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 10am-3pm. The club is temporarily located at 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury while construction on a new venue is underway.

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

One Voice Sunbury

The WOV Sunbury community choir is changing the world one voice at a time by providing an opportunity for people to meet and experience the joy of singing, often making friends through the shared experiences of singing and performing; although performing is not required.

One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday, from 6.30pm, at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome – just join in on the fun.

 sunbury@withonevoice.org.au

Pernaperna Women’s Group

The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday, from 1-3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members warmly welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat, the group would love to meet you.

 Joan, 0418 302 676

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club

meets the second Monday of the month at Club Sunbury, Riddell Road, Sunbury. Meetings commence at 10.30am. New members are welcome to join our friendly group of men and women. We have monthly speakers, outings and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins or caravans.

 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.

 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.

 bit.ly/3lmVgVhv

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 Golf Club. All women are welcome.

 cwawoodendeves@gmail.com

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Emmanuel College students: Sam, Maja, Matthew and Kayleigh who took part in a winter sleepout. (Damjan Janevski) 487099_01

Two worlds, one life

Essence Theatre Productions (ETP) and Nga Matai Purua Inc. (NMP) proudly bring audiences a gripping new work inspired by events at Port Phillip Prison, now set to close in 2025 amid major prison reforms.

Based on NMP president Tyson Tuala’s real-life experience, at the heart of The Yellow Line stands Jordan - a young Pasifika guard tasked with teaching Haka to a bunch of disconnected and disinterested prison inmates. As Jordan walks the metaphorical (and literal) yellow line that separates guard from prisoner, this compelling new Australian work asks ’What does redemption look like when you carry the weight of culture, identity, and justice on your shoulders?’

Co-written by Berne-Lee ’Nana’ Edwards, Alaine Beek and the ensemble cast - which includes first-time performers with lived experience - The Yellow Line delivers visceral honesty, unforgettable performances, and deep emotional truth.

is a young Pasifika guard tasked with teaching Haka to a bunch of disconnected and disinterested

importantinsightintotheVictorianjustice system through a Maori andPasifikalens,delvingintothesystem and its impact within these communities. It shines a crucial spotlight on the human stories often buried behind headlines - particularly for communities disproportionately impacted by incarceration in Australia.

“The experiences that shaped The Yellow Line come from a part of my life I never expected to revisit - let alone reimagine for the stage,“ said NMP president Tyson Tuala.

“This show is not about me. It’s about all the people - seen and unseen - who carry their culture with them into places that were never built for it. It’s about Maori and Pasifika men behind bars and the power of Wairua, haka, and music to reach through concrete and steel.“

Art explores impacts of colonialism

A story of humour, vulnerability, and connection, The Yellow Line also shares

“Even though the focus is Maoriculture, all cultures will deeply connect with this play”, adds co-writer/co-director Alaine Beek.“It’sbasedonaspecifictruestoryand audiences will be immersed into the Maori culture in a thought-provoking way. Each character is based on a real person and although dealing with a very significant topic, so much comedy shines through in the production.”

The Yellow Line will run for three performancesonlyatthenewlyrefurbished Wyndham Cultural Centre on July on 26 and 27. To book go to www.essencetheatre. productions/the-yellow-line-1

Museum treasures for children to explore

Take a deep dive into the wonders of the oceans and beaches at the fun and informative pop-up museum coming to Whittlesea for the school holidays.

Museums Victoria will be staging the pop-museum at two locations on Friday, July 11 called the Ocean Wonders.

The first of of those is Riverside Community Activity Centre in South Morang, from 10.30-11:30am and Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre, from 2-3pm.

The pop-up museum will showcase real objects from the Melbourne Museum, helping kids learn all about incredible marine creatures while getting a close-up look at shells, sharks and ancient sea animals.

Highlights include a taxidermied green sea turtle and seagull, a tiger shark jaw and whale vertebra, as well as a tooth from a Megalodon, one of the largest sharks to ever exist.

Thepop-upmuseumisfree,butbookings are essential.

Themuseumisforchildrenagedbetween three and 13.

Other school holiday activities happening in Whittlesea include youth taking over Mill Park library, girls day out, NAIDOCyoutheventand2000’sNostalgia.

To book tickets to the muesum: https:// tinyurl.com/3pee4476

Exhibition delves into concept of nature as home

Is caring for the Earth and caring for each other any different? It’s an existential question which is explored in a new exhibitionthatopenedinHobsonsBaylast week.

Nature is a Home is an exhibition at the Louis Joel Arts and Community (LJAC) centre in Altona from June 28 to July 16 and features artworks that question our relationshipwithnatureandresponsibility to nurture it.

CoincidingwithLJAC’s20thanniversary, NatureisaHomefeaturesartworkinarange a mediums like ceramics, photography, paintandpainting,sculpture,writtentext, film, paper and found materials which artists have used to to give voice to their artistic expression.

ThoseartistsareallbasedinMelbourne’s west and include Ariana Lim, Augustine Ang, Elijah Cristiano, Dovey Dee, Julee Latimer, Lan Pagliaro, Fatima Measham,

Petra Tomecko, Nandita Nadkarni and Jenny Rütsch.

Also from the western suburbs is the exhibition’s curator, Jasmeet Kaur Sah, a writer, editor and arts programmer who has previously worked at Footscray Community Arts, Melbourne Writers Festival and Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne.

Kaur Sahi and LJAC manager Karen Ingramareinvitinglocalstocomeandview the exhibition, particularly on Saturday, July 12 when a special public program will beheldattheLJACgalleryfrom11.30amto 1pm.

The public program features a range of free events, including floor talks, a workshop and exhibition prize announcements.Entryisfreebutbookings are encouraged.

Details: https://www.ljac.com.au/ natureisahome/

An art exhibition examining the impacts of colonial land and water management across Victoria has opened at the Brimbank Gallery and Brimbank Projection Gallery.

InOccupationStudies:Agriculture Exhibition, Tahlia Palmer — an artist of Yuwaalaraay and European descent — explores the environmental damage caused by industrial farming and colonial land use, as well as the suppression of local Indigenous knowledge systems in relation to land and water management.

The exhibition features field recordings, historical footage, abstract imagery and AI-generated sounds and images.

Palmer said the research process for the exhibition began during her creative residency with the Public Records Office of Victoria last year.

“I spent four months looking through the archives for information about land and water management in Victoria, and conducted field researchbasedonsitesandsituations I was drawn to.”

Palmer then travelled to different Countries across Victoria where she conducted field recordings above and below different bodies of water including in dams, reservoirs, old mine sites, river revitalisation sites, and logging and plantation sites as well as the ocean.

“Because of the emotionally confronting nature of this research, and my acknowledgement of the sensitivities and protocols around speakingaboutCountrythatisnotmy own,myintentionwastomakeworks that speak to broader environmental impacts of the European invasion of this continent,” she said.

Through her art, Palmer said she would like audiences to reflect on how colonial land was not managed with the best interests of Indigenous peoples in mind.

“...those choices were made in the context of land theft. I want audiences to understand how much was lost because of those choices, and I want them to think about how hard Aboriginal people have had to fight to maintain our relationship to Country… the scale of violent disconnection that was forced,” she said.

Occupation Studies: Agriculture Exhibition is a free event at the Brimbank Gallery and Brimbank Projection Gallery, and is supported by Creative Brimbank.

The exhibition will run until August 29.

More info can be found on the Creative Brimbank website.

Artist Tahlia Palmer. (Supplied)

A pop-up museum is coming to Whittlesea. (Melbourne Museum)

Louis Joel Arts and Community centre manager Karen Ingram and curator of the Nature is a Home exhibition Jasmeet Kaur Sahi. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 484023_04

Jordan

prison inmates. (Supplied)

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Dr. Tony Stubbs Eye Surgeon

Dr. Tony Stubbs, Eye Surgeon, says that just about anyone can have their vision restored and be rid of their glasses for most of the time. And this is without the use of laser surgery. Dr Stubbs formerly at the Royal Victorian Eye Hospital who has worked with the Fred Hollows eye department at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, says he began his career through the inspiration of his father, Dr Maxwell Stubbs.

“My father was a pioneer in cataract implant surgery from 1963! He has now passed away but some of his patients still come in for a check-up. Not only is this inspirational, it also demonstrates that good surgery outlasts the surgeon,” Dr Stubbs says.

A specialist who helps people who have been advised they are unsuitable for laser surgery, Dr Stubbs is also committed to demonstrating that age, corneal distortion or astigmatism are no barriers to eliminating the need for glasses.

One of my best moments was treating a 12-year-old girl who was struggling at school because of poor vision due to congenital cataracts even with the use of thick glasses. Now 10 years later, she still has 20/20 vision without glasses. That inspires me.

“Seeing my patients’ bright smiles after surgery, as they stop squinting and can read without glasses, is definitely the best part of my job.”

No referral is needed and no out-of-pocket expenses are incurred for an assessment to enable all options available to be considered.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which 17-year-old Australian sprinter beat his own 200m national record by 0.02 of a second at his first senior international event?

2. In which year will the Tasmania Devils AFLW team enter the women’s

3. How many consecutive cricket Tests did Marnus Labuschagne play before being dropped for the series against West Indies?

4. Which Australian golfer won the 2025 Women’s PGA Championship in

What is the name for the main body of riders in a bicycle race, meaning

Filmmaker Joseph Kosinski, who made Top , directed which much-hyped, recently released sports

Which Richmond player was given a courtordered curfew of 10pm to 6am due to an assault conviction?

What is the name of the Nike sports brand logo?

Who was man of the match in England’s First Test win over India in the fivematch cricket

10. In rugby union, the British & Irish Lions were defeated by which country at Aviva Stadium, Dublin?

11. The British & Irish Lions tour only happens once per how many years?

12. Which NBA star tore his achilles in game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals?

13. In gymnastics, is parallel bars a men’s, women’s or unisex event?

14. Which premier league club is nicknamed The Bees?

15. How many forwards are in a rugby union team?

16. What is WWE wrestler John Cena’s catchphrase?

17. How many holes of golf are played in a Masters Tournament?

18. What informal animal name is also used for a beginners ski slope?

19. Cristiano Ronaldo recently commited to a £492 million contract extension with a club in which country?

20. Which Aussie recently became the holder of the most X Games Skateboard gold medals won by a woman?

21. Who was picked first in the 2025 NBA draft?

22. Test cricketer Steve Smith recently used facilities associated with what other sport to help recover from a finger injury?

23. In basketball, how many points is an alley-oop worth?

24. Which Richmond AFL player was recently given a suspension following a hit on Adelaide player Jordan Butts?

25. Which two former players recently became the first AFLW players to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame?

26. AFL players Joel Amartey and Isaac Quaynor both have heritage from which African country?

27. Gehamat Shibasaki plays for which NRL team?

28. In which state have the Matildas recently played four friendlies against Panama and Slovenia?

29. The French alps are set to host which 2030 sporting events?

30. Who was player of the match in the recent first cricket Test between the West Indies and Australia?

Cristiano Ronaldo

John Cena

column or box.

ACROSS

1 Infatuated (8)

5 Portable computer (6)

10 Separately (5)

11 Authorise (the use of) (9)

12 Colour points of a digital image (6)

13 Area of level high ground (7)

14 Death notice (8)

15 Seas (6)

18 A sheep’s coat (6)

20 Calamity (8)

21 Water well (7)

24 Clamour (6)

27 Arranged (9)

28 Silly; pointless (5)

29 Formally inspect (6)

30 Vegetation (8)

DOWN

1 Prejudice (4)

2 Keep steady (9)

3 Heading (5)

4 Revelation (8)

6 Old (7)

7 Doubly (5)

8 Forerunner (9)

9 Aid (4)

14 Obtrusive; meddlesome (9)

16 Sub (9)

17 Unruliness (8)

19 Purify (7)

22 Sucrose (5)

23 Bird’s bed (4)

25 Strong thread (5)

26 Refute (4)

1 In which decade was Tutankhamun's tomb discovered?

2 Approximately how long does it take for the moon to orbit the earth: 18, 27 or 40 days?

3 Which two TV personalities were Australia's commentators for the Eurovision Song Contest from 2017 to 2024?

4 Name the Japanese shrine famous for its rows of red torii gates.

5 Sarah Burton, the designer of Kate Middleton's wedding dress, is the creative director of which

6 True or false: horses can't breathe through their mouths?

7 To which demographic is the annual Stella Prize awarded, and for which sector of the arts?

8 The pasta dish cacio e pepe translates to what?

9 In which Australian New Wave film did Jacki Weaver (pictured) appear as maid Minnie?

10 What is the chemical symbol for lead?

Elite package but pricey

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Launched by Hyundai in 2017, the second-generation Kona was revealed in December, 2022.

It is available with petrol, mild hybrid, hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, while the earlier diesel engine option is no longer offered.

Unlike the first version Hyundai claims second-generationKonawasdesignedfirst and foremost as a battery-electric vehicle before it was then adapted for use as other variants.

Whichever way it swings, it has been designed to blend in with the current environment, with no discernible radiator grille regardless of what’s under the bonnet. Still, accommodations must have been made during the design process which means some compromise.

Styling

In effect, there are three electric versions of this car, Kona Electric Standard Range ($54,000), Kona Electric Extended Range ($58,000) and Kona Electric Premium Extended Range ($68,000), all of them front-wheel drive.

The basic version comes with a 99kW electric motor and 48 kWh battery, with a range of 370km.

The extended range is $58,000 and has a 150kW motor, larger 64kWh battery and range of 505km. Premium extended range with the 150kW motor and larger 64kWh battery as standard has a range of 444km, due to the fact it has larger 19-inch wheels. You can’t get the Standard Range in Premium trim.

The sporty N Line option pack brings the priceofthebasicversionto$62,000andthe Premiumto$71,000.Anycolourotherthan white or green adds $595. The optional Meta blue of our car appears mauve in some light. N Line includes body-coloured cladding, exclusive bumpers, skid plates and side effects, wing-type rear spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels and N Line badges/ wheel centres

Our test vehicle was the top of the line Kona Electric premium with 19-inch wheels, premium paint and optional interior trim, priced at $68,890 plus on-road costs. Standard features include 17-inchalloywheels,LEDheadlights,DRLs and tail lights, dual-zone climate control, interior Vehicle To Load (V2L) power outlet, heat pump cabin heating, battery conditioning and a wireless smartphone charger.

Premium adds 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery, powered, heated and ventilatedseating,aheatedsteeringwheel, headupdisplay(HUD),Boseeight-speaker premium audio, remote smart parking, wide glass sunroof and a power operated tailgate.

Onanothernote,KonaElectricisthefirst EV in its segment to come standard with a spare tyre, which is comforting when it comes to longer journeys.

Kona Electric is covered by a five-year/ unlimited-kilometre warranty, with a separate eight-year/160,000km warranty on the battery. Service is due every 24 months or 30,000km.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of 12.3-inch touchscreen together with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster that sit behind a single seamless glass panel.

It has a long list of features including Hyundai Bluelink and Over-the-Air update capability, improved natural language-based voice recognition, and a

dedicated EV user interface.

Other features include Bluetooth with multi-connect, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A 240-volt three-pin socket can be found at the rear of the centre console, which we used to power a car fridge.

There are two USB-C ports in the front and another two in the back, but there’s no power outlet in the actual luggage area.

Safety

Despite an extensive list of active safety and driver assistance features Kona scores only four stars for safety.

It falls short in two key areas: safety assist and vulnerable road user protection, achieving only an adequate result in the performanceofitsautonomousemergency braking system in tests with pedestrians and cyclists.

Powertrain

The electric powertrain in the extended version produces 150kW of power and 255Nm of torque, with drive to the front wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.

Driving

Second generation Kona Electric is bigger and roomier, 18cm longer with a 6cm longer wheelbase than its predecessor. This means a bigger boot and more legroom, with 7.7cm more legroom and 1.5cmmoreheadroomintheback.Seating is comfortable without being inviting and perhaps a bit narrower than before.

Heating comes from an energy-saving heat pump, with physical temperature controls below the touchscreen.

Up front you get two retractable cupholders, a 1.5-litre drink bottle holder in each door and generous centre console storage. In back there’s 700ml bottle holders in each door and a fold-down centre armrest with two cupholders.

The luggage area has grown by 33 litres to407litres,witha27-litreplasticfrunkup front which is handy for stashing charge cables.

Never quite rising above its humble origins, hard plastic abounds in the cabin, disguised by soft touch material in such places as the armrests. Lifting the tailgate exposes a luggage area that looks

oh-so-average in generic grey felt.

The look is distinctive with a long thin light bar that spans the breadth of the bonnet, matched by a tail light strip at the rear, which together give the car a space-aged appearance.

Both strips of lights are underpinned by large separate head and brake light assemblies. Studded, pixel-like inserts at the front and bottom of the rear bumper underline the futuristic look.

But to get the cooler, high-flying rear spoiler you need to shell out for the N Line kit.

Someiterationsofthecarlookabitgoofy, butfromHyundai’spointofviewthere’sno mistaking the Kona for anything else on the road.

An ‘active’ air flap opens and closes to reduce wind drag at the front and, believe it or not, extended range versions are pre-wired for towing and can pull a 750kg brakedtrailer.Evenmoreincredibleisthat this EV actually comes with a spare wheel, albeit a space saver - unlike the rest of its kind.

On a lesser note, Kona Electric is built on 400-volt architecture, so it does not offer the faster charging speeds of other Hyundai EVs.

Therearefourdrivemodes-Eco,Normal, Sport,Snow-plusiPedalone-pedaldriving (no need to brake separately).

With395Nmoftorquethefirstgeneration could accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds. Heavier and with less torque, this one does it in a slower 7.9 seconds.

Steering wheel mounted paddles can be used to control the level of regenerative braking (lesser or greater brake drag). There’s also a smart mode.

With a DC fast charger, Hyundai claims 10-80 per cent charging can be achieved in 41 minutes, compared to 18 minutes for some of its 800-volt models.

The liquid cooled, high-performance lithium-ion battery is incorporated in the floor plan, maximising interior space and providing a flat floor.

Putting the battery down low gives the car a lower centre of gravity which enhances ride and handling, and sees it sit flatter through corners.

The charge port is located at the front of the car where it is arguably more convenient to use. The capacity of the onboard AC charger has been boosted

to 10.4kW, compared with 7.2kW in the previous generation. But that requires a home with three-phase power and higher charging rates are really not required for overnight charging.

With single phase power and a 7.2kW EVSE, the 48W standard range version can be fully charged in 6.75 hours, while the 64kW extended range will take up to 9.0 hours.

Plug it in when you get home and it will be ready to go again in the morning.

Topping up the car from a 300W Tesla Supercharger took much longer than expected and never even came close to the promised 100kW level.

Kona also provides vehicle-to-load (V2L) support, but leveraging the full capability means buying a $600 V2L connector. Energyconsumptionforthisspecversion of the car is a claimed 16.7 kWh/100km. Our test vehicle was showing the long-term equivalent of 16.1 kWh after 2480km. We say equivalent because the tripmeterwassettokm/kWhnottheusual kWh/100km, and we could not find how to change it - not for lack of trying.

Moving from the Ioniq 5 straight into the Kona Electric was enlightening. They share the same twist-style transmission lever which is located on the right of the steering column and same basic layout. The big difference is in the way Kona rides and handles. Although tuned for Australian roads, the ride is noticeably harsher and it is less able to absorb road shock, due mostly to its smaller size.

ThebouncethatcharacterisesEVsisalso present and sees the car bob up and down when it encounters a large bump such as a speed hump.

Rather than sporty the Kona Electric is easy and relatively comfortable to drive around town, but we suggest it is better suited to shorter trips. Its size will make it tiring to drive over longer distances and country roads are likely to produce a choppy ride. It’s quiet inside, but there’s some wind noise, even at lower speeds. Head-up display is almost invisible to those who wear polarised sunglasses.

LiketheIoniq5,theover-speedwarnings are often wrong and can be annoying, but arereportedlyquieterandcanbeswitched off - though they must be disabled each time.

A ‘Virtual Engine Sound’ (like a Tesla) is emitted from a front-mounted speaker to warn pedestrians of the car’s approach, andaddstothespaceypersona.Itwasloud enoughtodrawanaudiencewhilewewere doubled-parked, and trying to load some gear into the back.

AndroidAutothrewusacurveballwhen we were unable to navigate back to the car radio screen and select a band and station to listen to.

Summing up

Kona Electric is a well-engineered, well equipped small crossover style wagon that doesn’t cut many corners. But the result of this strategy is an unexpectedly high price tag, perhaps too high.

Tick all the boxes and the Kona is just over $77,000 by the time you put it on the road. And that’s before you start thinking about installing a Wallbox at home which is really the only practical solution to charging.Itmeansyouwon’tbeconstantly worrying about when and where you can charge your shiny new toy.

At this point thoughts will probably turn to cheaper Chinese alternatives. Kona’s MainrivalistheBYDAtto3whichtopsout at $47,499 plus on-roads. Over to you.

Kona Electric is a well-engineered, well equipped small crossover style wagon that doesn’t cut many corners. (Supplied)

Sporting around in the sun

There was plenty of action across the north-west on Saturday from the footy fields to the soccer pitch and basketball court. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out in the winter sunshine shooting the action.

Epping’s Marc Tartaglia and Mernda’s Declan Felle. 488180_19

Rupertswood’s Jackson Cardillo. 488178_09

Rupertswood’s Clayton Bonello. (488178_08

Keilor Thunder’s Adetomi Ayilara. 488186_01

Bernie Harrower in the coaching hot seat. 488185_09

Epping’s Corey Middleton. 488180_04

Lalor United’s Diego Miranda Ciudad Real and Whittlesea Rangers’ Nuoman Aliy. 488179_17

Whittlesea Pacers’ Chloe Crompton in defence mode. 488181_02

Keilor Thunder’s Daniel Foster. 488186_13

Lalor United’s Deon Roumeliotis. 488179_02

Whittlesea Pacers’ Isabella Ryan goes up for a shot. 488181_15

Keilor Thunder’s Penina Davidson. 488185_20

Bulldogs keen to start building ahead of the finals

Gisborne is starting to fine tune things ahead of a big back end of the Bendigo Netball League season.

The two-time reigning premiers are again in the mix in the top five and will be a threat come finals time.

Having yet to play their best netball, coach Tarryn Rymer said they would be busy working on those connections.

“We lost to South Bendigo a couple of weeks ago and we took some learnings from that,” she said.

“We always seem to lose to them over the years. It was nice to build on some connections.”

The biggest plus for the Bulldogs is the returnofClaudiaMawsonandZoeDavies.

Both were involved in the SN reserves competition, while Mawson missed the early part of the season through injury.

Rymer said both added a lot of depth to the side and opened up some more options, not only at both ends of the court

but in the midcourt.

“They add so much depth,” she said.

“Zoe is relentless in her ability to win the ball, while Claudia is so patient.

“Torie [Skrijel] and Sheridan [Townrow] have done very well in goals and Torie has had her opportunity to play at goal attack.

“WecannowplayClaudiaatwingattack not only in the goals.”

On Saturday, the Bulldogs beat Eaglehawk, 53-18.

Rymer said it wasn’t their best performance but they were still able to come away with a convincing win.

“Wechippedawayslowly,”shesaid.“We still made a high error count than usual.

“That happens when you haven’t played together for a while. The ball placement wasn’t there at times.

“We’ll work on that in the next couple of weeks.”

With the interleague bye this weekend andthenhavingthefollowingweekendoff

with Castlemaine not having a team, the Bulldogs have just five games remaining.

Rymer said it was annoying to have two weekends off in a row, but with several players involved in the Victorian Netball League, it gave them a chance to reset before finals.

“I was looking that there were only five games to go and thinking how has that happened,” she said.

“We play Sandhurst twice in the run homeandstillhavetoplayStrathfieldsaye, having already played them twice.”

Rymer said all their other sides were well placed heading into the back part of the year, with all teams sitting in the top five.

Boost for Bulldogs

By Tara Murray

Gisborne gave its top three hopes a boost with a hard fought win against Eaglehawk in the Bendigo Football League.

It was a battle between second and third on Saturday, and the Bulldogs were able to find a way to come away with a 9.12 (66)-6.15 (51).

Bulldogs captain Jack Reaper said it was a tough game to play in.

“It probably wasn’t a great viewing as a neutral supporter,” he said. “There was probably a four or five maybe even a six goal wind sort of going into the forward pocket of Gardiner which made it sort of a tale of two halves.

“They had two quarters to score and two quarterstodefendandwewereabletodoa little bit better than that.”

After the Hawks led at quarter time, the Bulldogs kicked five second quarter goals to lead by 10 points at half time.

Itwouldbethethirdquarterwhichwould be the key for the Bulldogs. It was one goal apiece with the Bulldogs in front heading into the final quarter with the wind.

Reaper said it was another one of those moments where they showed some real maturity

“We were a player down, so it was 17 versus 18 and they had the wind,” he said.

“So the stress was on, but I think in that 22minutesor23minuteswherewewere17 players on the field we kept it to one goal.

“We played the minutes really well and set ourselves up for the last quarter.

“We probably didn’t play as well as we would have liked with the wind in the last quarter, but enough to hold out and get the four points.”

Matthew Merrett kicked four goals for the Bulldogs and was their only multiple goalkicker.

Pat McKenna kicked just one goal, but had an impact at both ends of the ground to be named the Bulldogs best.

“He rolled back in the first and third quarter and helped us in the defensive group,” Reaper said.

“We had a plus one which was either me or him.

“I thought he had a massive role playing bothasadefenderandaforwardyesterday.”

The Bulldogs sit in second spot, now a game clear of Eaglehawk.

Sandhurst sits on top, a game clear of the Bulldogs.

The two teams still have to play each other twice in the run home.

“If we can beat the teams we expected to beatandbeatthematleastonce,weshould finish in that top three.”

The Bulldogs have a bye this weekend with interleague against the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

The final squad was set to be announced on Sunday, with Reaper to be among those part of the squad.

He captained the Bendigo team last season.

“Hopefully we’ve got a bit more mature group this year and we can beat the VAFA this time around,” he said.

“I was pretty lucky to do it in 2018 when I was only a 20-year-old and I did it last year when I was going to be one of the old fellas.

“It’s pretty cool to sort of all team up together with a bunch of boys that you compete against with the best players.”

GDCA

One of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s best bowlers in recent times is joining Rupertswood for the upcoming season. Rhys Berry, who was coach at Diggers Rest Bulla last season, has made the move across to Rupo. The former Kevin Sullivan Medallist has been named in the GDCA team of the year three times and has taken 460 wickets. He also recently spent a season with Melton in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association club Melton. “His level of experience will have a huge influence on our young group, both on and off the field,” Rupo said on social media.

VTCA

Sunbury has added experienced bowler Steve Goodwin to the mix for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield season. Goodwin has had an incredibly successful cricketing journey and was ranked among the best local cricketers since 2000. He joins the Roar after a two-year hiatus after helping Glenroy go from division 4 to just short of getting into senior division. Goodwin took 404 wickets in 112 games for Glenroy, including taking 69 wickets in a season twice.

AFL Victoria

Victoria’s 20 state and metropolitan football governing bodies have aligned with AFL Victoria to formally endorse a unified strategic direction for the game’s future. The newly established Victorian Community Football Charter is a culmination of more than two years of collaboration. It marks the first time the state’s football bodies have aligned under a shared philosophy that through strong relationships, clearer governance, and effective structures, Victorian community football can thrive.

Coates Talent League

Four Calder Cannons will train with Essendon’s Victorian Football League Women’s side for the rest of the season. Shauna McElligott, Taylah Gilcrist, Madi Spring-Brown and Eden Grant will join the Bombers for training once a week to help with their development.

Tara Murray

Torie Skrijel. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 484134_03

Thomas Werner. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 484133_05

Thunder games called off in honour of Joshua Bishop

East Sunbury’s senior matches on the weekendintheEssendonDistrictFootball League didn’t go ahead following the death of Joshua Bishop.

Police found human remains believed to belong to Bishop at a house in Westmeadows on the weekend leading up the matches, following a month-long search for the 23-year-old, who was reported missing by his family.

A Sunbury man has been charged with his murder.

The EDFL released a statement on Wednesday informing of the club’s decision.

“The Essendon District Football League wishes to advise that the East Sunbury Football Club will not be playing any senior men’s or women’s matches on

Saturday, July 5 in memory of Joshua Bishop, and out of respect for the Bishop family.

“The Bishop family have been, and continue to be an integral part of the East Sunbury Football Club and the entire East Sunbury community. The EDFL extends its deepest condolences to Kristie, Travis, Joshua’s brothers, extended family, friends, and the wider community.

“The affected matches include the under-18.5, reserves, senior men’s, and senior women’s grades. Further, the club has made the decision to play junior games on Sunday.”

The Bishop family is heavily involved at the Thunder with Joshua’s dad, Travis Bishop, holding the men’s senior coach role in 2024. He is still a key part of the

senior coaching team this year.

EastSunburywassettofacetheSunbury Kangaroos at Boardman Reserve in the under-18.5s, reserves and seniors, while the women’s side was set to be at home against Sunbury Lions.

A decision on the outcome of those fixtures is still to be confirmed.

The league said the club kindly requests thateveryonerespectsthefamily’sprivacy as they navigate this period of mourning.

East Sunbury earlier posted on social media saying Bishop was a bright, kind, and much-loved young man whose presence will be deeply missed by many.

“In times like these, we are reminded of the strength and unity of our community, a community that holds each other close in moments of sorrow and need.”

Investing in cricket

Plenty is happening behind the scenes in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association off season.

Coming off its biggest season, the competition is set to increase again for the 2025-26 season.

All top grade sides will return this season, with Glenroy making a return to thecompetitionafternotbeingabletofield a side last season.

It will resume in division 5.

VTCA president Zoran Havranek said they were investing in the association in a number of different ways.

He said they’ve had to knock back some clubs increasing the number of sides that have due to not having enough grounds.

“We are landlocked and don’t have the grounds,”hesaid.“Cricketistheloserhere.

“We haven’t had one side drop off. We don’tlikehavingclubsfoldanddon’tliketo see mergers either.

“For that reason we are doing what we can to accommodate them. We’ve worked closely with clubs before on the brink to make sure it doesn’t happen.”

Havranek said there were clubs in

the growth areas that could join the competition in the coming years as they want to move onto turf,

He said they had changed their points system in recent seasons to try to attract players from other competitions, rather than take from other sides in the competition.

“There’salotofoverseasplayerswhowant to play given how good the competition is,” he said.

“The points are in place to ensure clubs go outside to get good talent to come in.

“It’s the beauty of a good competition.”

Having formed a partnership with Vanuatu cricket last season, they will continue that as well as having formed a new partnership with Japanese cricket.

Havraneksaidimprovingtheirumpiring had been a focus the past few seasons.

“We’re doing a lot of training with our umpires,” he said. “It used to be when you went to an umpires meeting there were only 15 people attending, now there are over 60.

“With Frogbox we are getting footage of our umpires and they can see

In EDFL action on Saturday, the Kangaroos women’s side knocked off Taylors Lakes for a second time this season in division 2.

The Kangaroos had a hot first quarter before going on to win, 7.7 (49)-1.8 (14).

Summer Pazsa, Tylah Bell and Nicole Cameron were the Kangaroos best. Gisborne-Kyneton United remains undefeated after beating Roxburgh Park, 17.11 (113)-16. (12).

In men’s division 2, it was a dad to forget for Rupertswood as it lost to Keilor Park, 16.10 (106)-5.11 (41).

The damage was done in the first half when the Sharks kicked just one goal.

The Sharks slip to fourth on the ladder.

Tara Murray

Top sides continue on

Romsey is back in the Riddell District Football League top six as the top sides flexed their muscles on the weekend.

The Redbacks, who entered the round in seventh, moved back into the top six with a big win against the Gisborne Giants.

A 46-1 first quarter set the tone for the match with the Redbacks going on to win, 21.10 (136)-12.14 (86).

Ash Millane kicked six goals for the Redbacks in a best on ground performance with Corey Pertzel and Jack Jedwab other standouts.

Brad Mangan and Matt Quigley were the best for the Giants.

With the Redbacks win and Macedon’s loss to Riddell, the Redbacks are two points clear of the Cats in the top six.

The Cats proved no match for the Bombers in an 18.9 (117)-5.4 (34) loss at Tony Clarke Reserve.

ItwasafaststartfromtheBombers, who kicked eight goals to one in the first quarter.

They were able to build on the lead in each of the quarters after that.

Dean Galea kicked four goals, with four other players kicking multiples.

Brent Swallow and Lachlan Hay were the Bombers best.

For the Cats, Hamish Govan was named their best.

Kyneton moved into third spot with a close win against Woodend-Hesket.

what is happening.

“We’vehadmoreumpiresrotatethrough the senior division. They’ve been able to educate captains of the standards of senior cricket and it’s kept them on their toes as well.

“The senior players have given good feedback and it’s one way to improve the game overall.”

Havranek said they were looking at having umpires for second grades this season as well this season.

Oneareatheyarelookingatisimproving the slow over rate.

The association’s junior academy has continued to grow in the past two years.

A coaching academy is now being put in place as well in partnership with the Western Region Sports Club.

“It’s three to four weeks with some coaches from the senior division to help division 2, 3, 4 and 5 coaches with planning, what the season looks like, how to recruit and running training drills,” Havranek said.

“There will be some sessions before the season and follow ups in the season.”

The Tigers led at each of the breaks but were made to work hard for the win,justsneakinghome,7.12(54)-7.3 (45).

Calan Bowman, Josh Willmott and Harry Ryan were the standouts for the Tigers

Daniel Toman and Marcus Stapleton were the best for the Hawks that have just two wins for the season.

Melton Centrals bounced back from heartbreak the week before to beat Lancefield.

Scoreswerelevelatthefinalbreak, beforeCentralscamehomestrongto win, 17.8 (110)-13.8 (86).

Diggers Rest beat Melton South in the remaining game, 11.13 (79)-7.7 (49).

The Burras remain on top, while the Panthers are now in fifth as one of three teams on the same amount of points.

Trent Lawford. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 465587_22

Innella, Cheyne star for the Australian Boomerangs

Sunbury Jets pair Jack Innella and Dylan Cheyne shone on the world stage for the Australian Boomerangs at the Virtus Games.

The pair were part of the Boomerangs 3 x 3 and 5 x 5 Boomerangs that won world championshipsatthegames.

The Boomerangs are the men’s national representative team for athletes with an intellectualimpairment.

Innella was named the most valuable of the 3 x 3 part of the games and was named intheall-starteamforboth.

Cheyne was also named in the all-star teamforthe5x5teams.

It was a second straight world championshipforInnella.

“It feels absolutely amazing — winning two titles at the Virtus Games is an unforgettableexperience,”hesaid.

“I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the opportunitytorepresentmycountryandall thepreparationthatledtothismoment.

“The Boomerangs have made history and youcan’ttopthat.”

Innella said it was incredible to be recognised on the world stage and named intheall-starfives.

It was the first time that he played 3 x 3, which he said he found quite easy to adapt to.

“It was something new. I was really looking forward to giving it a go and to win the gold medal and to be named MVP was

a huge achievement and I am really looking forwardtoplayinginthisformatagain.

The pace was something I really thrived in.

“It was an incredible feeling to be recognised on the world stage and named intheall-starfive.

“To know our performances stood out amongsomeofthebestintheworldisreally special—it’samomentwe’llneverforget.”

Innella said the Boomerangs are a tight knitgroupanditshowsonthecourt.

Cheyne, who is part of the Jets championshipside,saiditwasareallygood experience.

“Claiming two titles at the Virtus world championships is an amazing experience that I got to share with not only great basketballers but some great mates and support staff as well who made this all possible,”hesaid.

“I am extremely proud to have worn the greenandgoldontheworldstage.”

Jets working hard

By Tara Murray

The Sunbury Jets are leaving no stone unturned as they try and find the answers to get over the line in the Big V men’s championship division.

The Jets have found themselves in the thick of it in a lot of matches, but haven’t been able to get the wins on the board.

They find themselves sitting in ninth spot with just six wins for the season.

Jets coach Nathan Heywood said consistency was the biggest thing for them.

“In patches in games we’ve been able to compete and be right up there,” he said. “Lapses have cost us against good teams who have punished us on the scoreboard and have made it hard to claw back.

Heywood said they knew this season would be a bit of a development year as they went with a younger side.

He said there were lots of positive signs despite not getting the results they were after.

“We knew being a little bit younger

and not having as much depth on the bench, that this [inconsistency] was to be expected.

“We will be better for this in the months and years to come and we will ride through this.

“It’s positive seeing so many youngsters get their opportunity at this level.”

Heywood highlighted Lucas Carnell as one who was getting significant minutes, along with Zak Martinez, who has come up from youth league permanently to help fill a void.

“To see them evolve has been positive as we’ve had injuries and others playing through injuries.

“Every team had injuries and we aren’t using them as an excuse, it’s just the reality at the moment.”

On Saturday night, the Jets were able to get a confidence boosting win against the Blackburn Vikings.

The Jets led by five points after three quarters before finishing with a 37-23 final quarter to get over the line, 98-78.

Fiveplayersscoreddoublefiguresledby Koby Skenderis with 17 points.

Cheynesaidhefeltthathishardworkhad been recognised with receiving all-star five recognition.

“It was an honour to stand there with two otherteammatesaswewereacknowledged forourhardwork.”

Cheyne said going between the two formatswasalittledifferentbutglad3x3was first as it’s a more physical and demanding formattoplay.

Cheyne said it was great to win the two gold medals and achieve all-star five alongsideInnella.

He is now also focused on his Sunbury season.

“Next for me is finishing off the season at Sunbury Jets Big V with the champ men’s team,”hesaid.

“ThenworkontryoutsfortheStateteamto represent Vic at the Ivor Burge tournament inBallaratearlynextyear.”

Tara Murray

Three in a row for Ballarat league

The Ballarat Football League’s young guns again showed what they can do, as they helped the league to another interleaguewinagainsttheHampden Football League.

The best under-23 players from both leagues did battle for a third straight year and it was a dominant performancefromtheBallaratleague at Mars Stadium.

Aftergettingouttoagoodstart,the Ballarat league continued to build and were able to come away with a 22.15 (147)-9.9 (63).

Bacchus Marsh’s Josh Huxtable was named best on ground, which includedtwogoalsasheplayedinthe midfield.

Bacchus Marsh’s Isaac Nixon finished with four goals, while it was three to Sunbury Lions Jake Egan, two to Melton’s Kyle Borg, Sunbury Lions’ Ben Cameron, Cobras’ Jack Kovacevic and Cooper Littlehales.

Others who played in the match included Sunbury Lions’ Mitch McLean and Jack Newitt, Melton’s AdrianMonittoandConradFarrugia, Darley’s Adam Azzopardi, and Bacchus Marsh’s Rye Penny.

The BFL now has a 3-0 record since the two competitions started the under-23 match up after Covid-19.

Heywood said they have some winnable games in the back part of the season and they were looking to finish the season on a high.

That starts with matches against the Keysborough Cougars and Pakenham Warriors this weekend.

“We spoke after Sunday’s [previous week] and identified how our strengths can give us our best opportunity to put our best foot forward.

“We have nothing to lose. We just have to compete the best we can.”

Meanwhile, Heywood said they were hoping their youth league side would do enough to stay in division 1 next season.

He said they had been hurt by players going up into the top side.

In the women’s championship division, theJetshadanarrowlosstotheSherbrooke Suns, 80-78.

The Jets had just seven players and after leading at half time, lost both the third and fourth quarters narrowly.

Abby Hildebrand top scored with 21 points.

The Jets sit sixth on the ladder.

In other matchups, the Hampden league won the under-19 girls match, 7.10 (52)-4.1 (25).

Bacchus Marsh’s Ella Bradbury, Keily Salisbury, Matilda Rawlings, OliviaDigles,RemyVeith,Sarah-Rose Horsey and Summer Marchewka were named in the squad.

In the under-17 mens, Hampden won, 8.6 (54)-6.12 (48).

Koby Skenderis. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 467506_42

Dylan Cheyne and Jack Inella. (Supplied)

The Bacchus Marsh boys at interleague. (Bacchus Marsh FNC)

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