Running for a cause
Harley Elliott is enjoying a well-earned break over the school holidays.
The nine-year-old from Sunbury ran one kilometre a day every day in June to raise funds for the White Ribbon Foundation.
At the end of the month, he smashed all fundraising goals, raising $8119. His mum Ashleigh was amazed. Harley, a kid who loves giving back and helping out, wanted to do something “nice” and support a cause, and put his love of running to good use. His mum couldn’t be more proud of what he’s achieved.
“The good thing about this is that everybody that saw what he was doing could feel the pride that I feel for him every day,” she said.
Harley had one simple message that he wants to make sure is heard.
“If you are experiencing family violence, call 1800 respect,” he said.
Rough road for drivers
By Georgia Tacey
to halt the closure of the Holden Road level crossing.
The level crossing on the Sunbury Line is set to close this month as part of the state government’s commitment to the Sunbury Line being level crossing free by the end of 2025. When the level crossing closes, Holden Road will also close to the public,
leaving an unsealed, unlit dirt road being the only access for Metro staff to access the CalderParkdepot.
When Calder Park Drive reopens on July 23, Holden Road will only remain open to traffic west of the level crossing, according tothestategovernment.
GlennTyquin,aSunburytraindriverwho started the petition, said he was concerned about the safety of the road at night and during bad weather. He fears the unsealed
dirtroadisanaccidentwaitingtohappen.
“It doesn’t seem right to me that a government project will create a riskier situation than the one that’s currently in place,”hesaid.
Metro train drivers, management, cleaning staff, train maintenance technicians and local taxi drivers are fighting the issue, calling on Sunbury MP JoshBulltohelptheircause.
Mr Tyquin said Metro had been helpful
advocatingonthepetitioners’behalf.
“There’s been drivers at Calder Park that have already transferred away from the depot to avoid damaging their personal vehicles,”MrTyquinsaid.
He’s concerned that with the high number of vehicles using the road, as well asemergencyservicevehicles,theunsealed roadwilldeterioratefaster.
Continued: Page 5.
Locally owned and operated
Harley Elliott is taking a break after his runs.
A new village for Sunbury
By Georgia Tacey
Sunbury is set to be home to a third Woolworths in a new shopping complex.
The shopping centre, East Village, will be situated in the Kingsfield estate on Lancefield Road, Sunbury, and promises to bring a variety of retail, wellness and dining options to the 2200-home estate.
Already 70 per cent pre-leased, East Village will feature a full-line Woolworths, Anytime Fitness, Priceline and a new medical centre, alongside King Swim swimming pool, a series of interconnected spaces and Market Row, offering local food and bever-
age operators. Moremac, the community developer of Kingsfield, is excited to bring the project to fruition.
“Kingsfield has always been about building a better future for families, not just through high-quality homes, but through thoughtful community infrastructure that encourages connection, convenience and sustainability,” chief executive Tom Trevaskis said.
“East Village has been designed from the ground up to support the daily lives of the 6000-plus future residents of Kingsfield, as well as the broader Sunbury community.
“With a full-line Woolworths, health and wellness services, dining options and civic spaces all in one place, it’s set to become a real lifestyle hub for thousands of locals.
“Thisisn’tjustaretailcentre,it’savibrant community heart where people can connect, catch up, run errands or simply enjoy the open green spaces. East Village is about making everyday life easier, more social and more enjoyable for everyone in the area.”
Genton Architects was appointed to design East Village following a competitive design process to propose a centre that seamlessly integrates retail and civic uses.
Included in the final design by the com-
Gisborne library manager Sara Shaw. (Damjan Janevski) 488613_02
Renewal project for the Gisborne Library
GisborneLibraryissettoreceive$457,000 in funding.
The Gisborne Library Meeting Space Renewal will create a modern, accessible, multi-functional space. Key upgrades include improved accessibility, upgraded technology, sustainable infrastructure, and extended hours for the Gisborne Genealogical Group.
The project will expand programming, promote inclusivity, and strengthen the library as an educational and social hub. The grant, delivered through the state
government’s 2024-5 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, will expand programming, promote inclusivity, and strengthen the library as an educational and social hub. Goldfields Libraries engagement and operations manager Jess Saunders said this significant funding is a welcome boost to Gisborne Library.
“The Gisborne Library Meeting Space Renewalprojectrepresentsatransformative step forward in our community,” she said. “By creating a modern, accessible and multi-functional environment, this
project not only enhances the library’s role as a vital educational and social hub, but also ensures it meets the evolving needs of all residents.
“With upgraded technology, sustainable infrastructure, and extended hours for the Gisborne Genealogical Group, the renewal will foster greater inclusivity, expand programming opportunities, and strengthen community connections for years to come.”
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas celebrated the achievement for the library.
Three dead in Bolinda crash adding to horror road toll
Three people died in a collision in Bolinda earlier this month.
Emergency services were called to reports that a Ford Territory had collided with a Land Rover on Bolinda-Darraweit Road about 7.20am on Sunday, July 6.
The driver of the Ford, a 62-year-old Thornhill Park man, and two passengers, a 27-year-old Thornhill Park man and a 29-year-old man from the US, all died at the scene.
The fourth occupant from the Ford, a 29-year-old Thornhill Park woman, was taken to hospital with life-threatening in
juries.
The driver and sole occupant of the Land Rover, a 51-year-old Wallan man, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.
This incident marks a horror weekend on Victoria’s roads, with eight serious motor vehicle accidents resulting in six deaths.
Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jordan Emery acknowledged the tragedy
pany, East Village will deliver walkable and bike friendly access for Kingsfield residents; over 430 car spaces; passive design features and sustainable features; landscaped green spaces and outdoor dining areas, to create a family friendly space where residents can gather day or night.
The 2.4 hectare site will be delivered in a single stage by Mainbrace Construction, with an official opening scheduled for late 2026.
This shopping complex is the second announcedforSunburythisyear,followingthe announcement of the Sunbury South Town Centre along Sunbury Road.
Trentham trio receive top bravery honour
Three members of the Trentham Fire Brigade have been recognised for their bravery during a severe storm.
CFA volunteers David Wheeldon, Pat Sutton and Ethan Brown each received the distinguished Unit Citation for Courage, at a ceremony at the Trentham Community Hub on Sunday, July 6.
On the night of June 9, 2021, destructive winds exceeding 160km/h tore through central Victoria, with hundreds of trees down, roads blocked, and power and water cut to the entire Trentham community for days.
The three volunteers recognised the need for immediate action after receiving an urgent call for help from a woman who had been left stranded by the storm damage and urgently needed access to an oxygen cylinder due to a health condition.
With roads blocked and no way for vehicles to get through, the trio set out to deliver the oxygen themselves.
Joined by a Victoria Police officer, they began to cut their way through a road strewn with dozens of trees.
Mr Wheeldon, who is now the captain of the brigade, said they didn’t give the rescue a second thought.
“You don’t think, you just go. The road was completely blocked, some of the fallen trees were huge and the weather just kept getting worse,” he said.
“I’ve never experienced winds like that, it was over 100 miles an hour, and trees continued to come down around us as we worked.”
Despite their efforts, the road proved to be impassable, but using local knowledge of backroads and paddocks, the crew was able to reach the person in need and deliver the oxygen in time.
“We thought we were responding to help the one person, but when we finally got through, there were six or seven cars out there with around 10 people trapped,” Mr Wheeldon said.
The crew moved the group to a nearby farmhouse, providing them with blankets, water and supplies to ensure their safety.
of the weekend’s road toll.
“Ambulance Victoria crews have responded to eight serious motor vehicle accidentsoverlessthan48hours,”hesaid.
“Tragically six people have died, and another six were transported to hospital, four with life-threatening injuries.
“Our Air Ambulance Victoria crews airlifted three of those patients to hospitals across the state and our on-road paramedics, MICA and Ambulance Community Officers have provided outstanding care to all, in what can only be described as the most horrific of circumstances.”
“We couldn’t bring them back, it was too dangerous,” Mr Wheeldon said.
“So we gave them any essentials we had on hand to ensure they were comfortable.”
After confirming the group was safe, and catching a few hours rest, response efforts resumed in the morning.
Mr Wheeldon said it was an honour to be recognised alongside his colleagues.
“I couldn’t have asked for two better people to be out there with,” he said.
Relief for farmers coming with grants now available
Grants are now available for farmers in the Macedon Ranges experiencing drought.
The state government announced the opening of the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants program statewide, with a total of $69 million available for Victorian farmers.
The grant package guidelines have been updated based on farmer feedback, and now include expanded eligible activities including pasture re-establishment and water carting.
Managed by Rural Finance, the program makes available co-contribution grants of $5000 for all primary producers across the state, with $10,000 available for eligible
farmers in south west Victoria and parts of West Wimmera to help those who have been in drought longer.
“We are supporting our local farmers with grants, a mental health and wellbeing program and one-on-one business consultations as part of the Victorian Government drought support package,” Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said.
Agriculture Victoria’s technical decision-making services are also now live and farmers across the state can access a free one-on-one consultation with a farm advisor to help make difficult decisions they are facing, particularly due to fodder and water shortages. Agriculture Victoria
has engaged 60 consultancy businesses in Victoria,includingmorethan90individual farm advisors, who will assist farmers to take action to develop a drought action management plan.
The Look Over The Farm Gate farmer mental health and wellbeing program is also now open. The program, managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the government, will provide grants of up to $5000 for community-led events that promote social connection and mental health awareness.
“We are listening to what farmers are tellingusandtailoringoursupporttomeet their needs,” Agriculture Minister Ros
Men still need shed
By Georgia Tacey
Talks have stalled to help the Riddells Creek Men’s Shed find a new home.
Currently shedless, members meet at each other’s houses and around town, but have been trying to find a new location for a shed since 2021.
Recently, shed members met with MacedonRangescouncilinabidtosecure a spot for a shed at the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve, however founding member Don Clark said negotiations were unsuccessful.
“I don’t know what else we can do,” he said.
Mr Clark said the Open Space Strategy, which is currently being renewed, and the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve Master Plan, both prevent a shed being located at the reserve.
“It’s very, very disappointing given the
shire is quite adamant that the men’s shed and the mental health of men is such an important aspect to the shire’s overall health strategy, but they will not give us a site. We’re not asking for the world. They evenagreethatthesitewe’veselected…is the ideal site for the men’s shed, covering up an eyesore of the sand and soil area and (will not be) very intrusive,” he said.
Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council officers had been working with shed members for many years to find a solution. He said council had worked to resolve issues between the shed and its former host, the Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House, after the termination of an auspice agreement.
“The men’s shed has indicated its preference to council to explore other locations and presented several options at a recent meeting,” he said.
“Council officers gave advice on each
of these options, including that the men’s shed would need to converse directly with therelevantlandowners,butbroadlynone of the four options presented are viable short-term solutions.”
He said the Open Space Strategy, which once finalised will include direction on infrastructure in open spaces, is currently being drafted and will go out to community consultation later this year. The Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve Master Pan, which Mr O’Sullivan said council was “eager to progress”, was unsuccessful in a recent state government grant funding application.
“Council is committed to continuing these discussions with the men’s shed and has suggested that the membership base may consider utilising other men’s sheds nearby as an interim measure, until something more permanent can be realised at Riddells Creek.”
Rough road for drivers as petition is launched
From page 1.
“The level crossing removals are for dangerous and congested roads and this is not a major road,” Mr Tyquin said. “The alternative they’re putting in place is more dangerous…itjustdoesn’tsitrightwithme.”
Mr Bull confirmed his knowledge of the situation.
“I have recently spoken to Mr Tyquin who raised concerns around the sealing of Holden Road,” he said.
“The decision around sealing this road is one for Melton City Council.”
A state government spokesperson confirmed that all roads lead back to council.
“We’re getting rid of the Calder Park Drive and the Holden Road level crossings inCalderPark,boostingsafetyinthearea,” they said. “Removing the level crossing at Calder Park Drive by building a new road bridge will improve traffic flow in the area, and it means we can close the nearby level crossing at Holden Road, making local roads safer.”
A council spokesperson confirmed that “Council doesn’t have plans to seal this
Spencesaid. “It’ssoimportantthatfarmers and their families know they are not alone, which is why the Look Over the Farm Gate program gives them the opportunity to come together with their community and connect with their neighbours.”
Other supports are also available including the Farm Household Allowance, and Regional Investment Corporation loans. The Rural Financial Counselling Service offers free, confidential and independent financial information, options, decision-making support and referral services to farmers and small rural businesses who are in, or at risk of, financial hardship.
Game on for the Macedon Ranges
Soccer is receiving a boost in the Macedon Ranges.
As part of the state government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, Community Sports Minister Ros Spence announced41newprojectswillshare in almost $24 million in the second round of funding.
One of the grants received by Macedon Ranges council is for $40,000 for planning the redevelopment of Romsey Park Sports Precinct Oval Two.
The plans include an upgrade of the turf playing surface, drainage and irrigation systems, as well as the installation of LED sports lighting.
The oval is home to little athletics, junior football and junior cricket, as well as the home of the Macedon Ranges Soccer Club.
“These projects will be a game changer for regional communities, giving them modern facilities they can be proud of,” Ms Spence said. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the boost to local sport.
“These upgrades are a huge boost for our community giving local clubs the world class facilities they deserve to increase participation and continue playing the sports they love,” she said.
The fund is a game-changer for regional Victoria, with 67 infrastructure projects and eight participation initiatives now supported, as part of the more than $2.4 billion invested by the state government into community sport infrastructure.
section of Holden Road”.
“This section of Holden Road covers approximately 3.6km and provides access to semi-rural residential properties. Following closure of the Holden Road level crossing, this will become a no-through road and therefore result in limited traffic use,” the spokesperson said. “As with all unsealed council roads in the City of Melton, we will continue to ensureHoldenRoadismaintainedtoasafe standard.”
To sign the petition, go to tinyurl. com/5934c3td
Riddells Creek Men’s Shed, at the front is the president Jeff Shepherd. They’re fed up with their lack of shed. (Damjan Janevski) 488359_01
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Food and friendship
By Georgia Tacey
Anewinitiativeisbringingthecommunity together.
A new monthly lunch is being held at the Sunbury Community Centre for the community to come together and share a seasonal two-course meal for free.
The new initiative is between Sunbury Neighbourhood House and Careworks, with SNH programs co-ordinator Christie McIntosh heading the lunches.
“Both organisations received funding and in the spirit of community we decided toteamuptocreatesomethingbiggerthan we could achieve individually,” she said.
Ms McIntosh said SNH received funding from Hume council, and Careworks received funding through the state government, which they have combined to bring this monthly lunch to life.
“Sunbury is fortunate to have some
MY PLACE
excellent food relief and community meal programs and we didn’t want to replicate an existing service,” she said.
“Instead, we decided to create a monthly midweek lunch that provides not only wonderful food, but also a warm and welcomingatmosphereandopportunityto connect our local community.”
Thelunchwillhelpbringjoyintopeople’s livesduringthecurrentcostoflivingcrisis, Ms McIntosh said.
“We are already achieving our goals to build community connections, reduce lonelinessandbringjoytoourcommunity,” shesaid.“Oneguestwholivesaloneshared thatthishasmotivatedhimtogetoutofthe house and enjoy social connection and he is looking forward to bringing a neighbour along next month.”
The first lunch was held on Wednesday, July 9, and already the service is becoming popular.
On the menu for the first session was shepherd’s pie and apple crumble made by thevolunteers,withMsMcIntoshhailingit a success.
“Our guests were all from different corners of our community and there was a great buzz of excitement in the room,” she said.
“We received several compliments including from one guest who has just moved to Sunbury and felt warmly welcomed with ’Fantastic food and great company!’. We’ve already had re-bookings for next month’s lunch!”
Held on the second Wednesday of each month, bookings are open one month in advance as spots are limited.
The next lunch will be held on Wednesday, August 13 and while free, bookings are essential. To book, call 9740 6978 or visit sunburyhouse.com.au/ sunbury-community-lunch/
Guitars stolen from music star’s home
Police are investigating a burglary at the Kyneton address of a local star.
It is understood unknown offendersforcedentrytoaresidence on Mitchell Street, Kyneton about 10.30pm on Thursday, July 3.
The Black Sorrows confirmed through a statement on Facebook that this was the address of frontman Joe Camilleri.
Numerous items were stolen from the address, including laptops, a passport and Camilleri’s prized vintage guitar collection.
Nine guitars were stolen from the property. These include a 1975 Fender Stratocaster; 1990’s Gretsch Rock Jet black; 1954 Gibson Switchmaster; 1956 Gibson L5; 1990’sGibsonJ200;2010MapGuitar Airline reissue; 1964 National Map Guitar black; 1960 Gibson 330; and a 1967 Gibson Les Paul cherry top.
Theband,intheirstatement,asked for the wider music community to share the post with the missing guitars and let local guitar resellers know, as these distinct instruments will be difficult to offload.
The Black Sorrows, formed in 1983 by Camilleri, is an Australian blues rock band known for hits like ‘Chained to the Wheel’ and ’Harley + Rose’.
Police said no one was home at the time of the incident, and investigations remain ongoing. Anyone with any information should contact the Kyneton police station on 5421 2900 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.
Warrant Officer Class One Sean McElhinney was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. The 47-year-old father of two now calls Lancefield home, and loves coming back to the area. Georgia Tacey caught up with Sean to hear more about his life and his recent honour.
What is your connection to Lancefield?
My wife (Shannon) and I met when I was playing football for Diggers Rest. I was posted to Puckapunyal, but my parents lived in Diggers Rest so I sort of commuted in between to play football. Shannon and I moved to Darwin on posting in 2006 and during this posting I deployed to Afghanistan. We got married in Lancefield at Cleveland Winery in 2007 and we decided when I got posted back to Puckapunyal to the School of Armour that we would buy a house in Lancefield.
What do you like about where you live? It’s a very nice little country town. Everyone’s really accommodating. It’s got everything you need locally, and the local community has been great to us. We come and go and we always seem to return to Lancefield.Mywifeworkslocallyhereand the kids enjoy their sport and we have got a good bunch of friends around them.
What do you like to do in your spare time in the area?
For the last two years, I’ve coached under-15s cricket at the Lancefield Cricket Club, and I’ve also coached under-15 football at the Junior Lancefield Football Netball Club. I’m a very active parent, and so is my wife. So the kids are playing or training, and we’re always down there
anyway so we decided to get involved. I playedalittlebitoffootyandcricketinmy life, so that was an easy transition for me and my wife’s also involved in the cricket club committee as well.
What do you do for work and what do you enjoy about your job?
MycurrentroleistheRegimentalSergeant Major of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. So I manage trade, and I’m the senior advisor to the Head of Corps. That’s my current role, previous roles I’ve been Regimental Sergeant Major of Armoured Units. I joined straight out of year 12. I didn’t really have an idea of what I wanted
to do with my life out of school. I just decided to join the army for four years, and here I am 30 years later, still in. It’s very similar to Lancefield, as it’s a great community to be part of. The friendships I’ve made have been life changing and the experiences that we’ve had are second to none. It’s given me great grounding in my life and given me great opportunities as well.
How did it feel to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia?
It was a big surprise. I have always strived to be the best soldier that I can be, both throughtheexamplethatIsetandtheway that I lead. I obviously didn’t join seeking recognition, but I am incredibly proud and so is my family to be acknowledged in this way.
What was the reaction from friends, family and colleagues on the recognition?
The family was shocked and incredibly proud. They’ve seen first-hand how hard I’ve worked and the countless sacrifices they have made to support the career that I love. This recognition is as much theirs as it is mine. And obviously a lot of congratulations from my friends and colleagues and the chain of command as well.
Christie McIntosh (standing), Judith Gray, Angie Hamilton, Lyn Duffy, Michelle Saunders and Gillian Martin at a community lunch. (Damjan Janevski)
Warrant Officer Class One Officer Sean McElhinney. (Damjan Janevski) 486813_03
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:
Sunbury Line First train to 9.30pm, 25 July
28 July
9.30pm 25 July to last train 27 July
16 August
Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes
Buses replace trains between Sunshine and Sunbury
Buses replace trains between North Melbourne and Sunbury
Passengers change at Footscray station for Werribee or Williamstown line trains to and from the city
Calder Park Drive, Calder Park Until late JulyClosed at the level crossing
West Gate Freeway, Spotswood Until mid August
Outbound lanes between Williamstown and Millers roads
Holden Road, Calder Park From 23 JulyPermanently closed at the level crossing
Arden Station
Sports cuts ‘inexcusable’
Two programs aimed a boosting gender equity in sport have had their funding cut by the state government. The move has been labelled as “a kick in the face” to women and gender diverse people and have prompted a local MP to launch a petition calling for the funding to be reinstated, Sam Porter reports.
The state government’s decision to cut funding for two major programs aimed at improving gender equality in sports across all levels has sparked significant backlash.
Northern Victorian MP and Macedon Ranges resident Georgie Purcell launched a Legislative Council petition last month –alongside The Kyneton Women’s Football Club, Women’s Sport Australia and Not All Clubs – calling on the state government to reinstate the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation (OWSR) and reverse cuts to gender equality and violence prevention programs.
The petition currently has over 1200 signatures.
Ms Purcell said the cuts will have “disastrous impacts on women and girls“ and are “completely inexcusable”.
“We are in the grips of a gender-based violence epidemic nationally. We know the consequences of gender inequality are as clear as day,” she said.
“This isn’t just about cuts to sport – it’s a major roadblock in our fight against gendered violence.”
It feels like we’re going backwards in a space where we know we need these programs and this funding more than ever
- Natalie Korinfsky
The OWSR was established in 2017 and aimed to boost the participation of girls and women in sports, as well as in leadership roles at clubs.
ItdidthisbyprovidingChangeourGame grants to local clubs.
Clubswereabletousethesequick-release grants to make community sport a more welcoming environment for girls and women, by upgrading equipment and facilities, developing coaches and staff to work better with women, and increasing the number of women in club leadership positions.
The second program cut from the budget wasthePreventingViolenceThroughSport Grants Program, which provided funding for partnership programs addressing gendered violence in sporting clubs.
Kyneton Women’s Football Club president Natalie Korinfsky said she is “devastated and disappointed” by the cuts.
“We’re having to fight for something that we feel like should just be in place to support women and girls in sport,” she said.“Thesearereallyimportantprograms … to see [the funding] taken away just feels like a bit of a kick in the face to women and girls and gender diverse people across our state.”
According to OurWatch, 39 per cent of women have experienced violence since the age of 15 in Australia.
On the sporting field, this violence can take form through gender stereotyping, sexist comments, spectator abuse, and physical and sexual assault.
“Something isn’t going right in communitysport…womenandgirlsaren’t feeling safe enough to stick around and keep playing,” Ms Korinfsky said.
“We want women and girls to feel safe. We want them to feel like they’re getting a fair go.”
Ms Korinfsky said that at local sporting clubs, women’s teams tend to receive
ill-fitting uniforms and second-hand equipment, and are often given the last choice for training sessions and match timeslots too.
These slot structures sometimes do not allow for proper recovery time, leading to an increased risk of injury, she said.
“You’re always getting the fringes of what everyone should be entitled to,” Ms Korinsfky said.
“We need a broader campaign and supporttohelpshiftthisbecauseitisn’tjust about shifting it at clubs, it’s shifting it at a culturallevel,it’sshiftingitatacommunity level and we feel like it is the responsibility of the government to be pitching in, to be helping change that rhetoric.
“It feels like we’re going backwards in a space where we know we need these programs and this funding more than ever.”
TheviewissharedbyLaTrobeUniversity Rural Health School associate professor, Dr Kirsty Forsdike.
Dr Forsdike’s research focuses on organisational responses to gender-based interpersonal violence.
TheprogramsheleadsincentralVictoria was one of the 12 collaborations funded through the Preventing Violence Through Sport Grants Program, which has now been cut.
The program’s evaluation reports were initially due at the end of May – about the time the funding cuts were made by the state government.
“[The state government] wouldn’t have had a chance by any manner of means to go through all those reports and really fullyassessthebenefitofthatprogram,”Dr Forsdike said.
“It’s like they haven’t cared about what’s been achieved.”
Aspartoftheprogram,DrForsdikebrings together a range of stakeholders – council, sports administrators, researchers, sports players, and family violence and sexual assault services – to review research findings and to discuss main issues and priorities to reduce gender-based violence in sports.
These discussions guide the program towards developing tangible solutions to make women and girls feel safer in community sports.
One of these solutions is to implement appropriate training for staff at Regional Sports Assemblies to better handle incidents of gender-based violence reported by clubs.
Regional Sports Assemblies, which only exist in the state of Victoria, are hubs that provide support, services, information and opportunities to community clubs in
regional and rural areas.
Providing formal training for sports club leaders was also identified as a necessary step in reducing incidents of violence against women.
“Sometimes we forget the culture of sport in Australia – how important it is to Australian culture but also how it’s a space that’s often been male-dominated,” Dr Forsdike said.
“Whilewe’veseenadramaticincreasein women and girls playing sports brilliantly, as we should, they’re often going into spaces that perhaps aren’t well set up for them to be there safely.”
A state government spokesperson said the functions of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation would continue to be held within Sport and Recreation Victoria.
“We will always support women and girls’participationinsportandrecreation,“ the spokesperson said.
Dr Forsdike said the programs were “huge” and “absolutely unrivalled anywhere else.”
“We were the pinnacle. You could hold up Victoria as the way to do things and that’s all been obliterated by just one decision,” she said. “I’m yet to see the Victorian government change its mind [on the cuts] and I really hope that they do. It’s a misplaced decision.”
Left: Northern Victoria MP Georgie Purcell and Kyneton Women’s Football Club president Natalie Korinfsky. Right: Amber Gajic (top) and Chiara Dickens were among the footballers who wore red armbands during matches in protest of the state government’s funding cuts. (Pictures: Ties Urie)
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Briefs
Immunisation sessions
On Tuesday, July 15, Macedon Ranges council will host two free immunisation sessions, one in Riddells Creek and a second in Romsey. The Riddells Creek session will be held from 9.30am to 10.30am at the Riddells Creek Community Centre, 74-76 Main Road, Riddells Creek. The Romsey session will be held from 11.30am to 12.30pm at the Romsey Community Hub, 96-100 Main Street, Romsey. All adults and children should remain at the venue for at least 15 minutes after receiving any vaccination. Book at mrsc.vic.gov. au/Live-Work/Health-and-Wellbeing/ Immunisation/Immunisation-sessionsand-timetable
Sunbury line works
The final beams for the new road bridge being built over the Sunbury rail line have been lifted into place. A 750-tonne crane positioned the final nine concrete beams into place to complete the central span of the new Calder Park Drive bridge, set to open to traffic later in July. The Calder Park Drive level crossing will be gone permanently after the works have been completed. The new road bridge is set to open to traffic on Wednesday, July 23. The nearby Holden Road level crossing will be closed following the opening of the road bridge, making Calder Park boom gate free.
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Wombat logging concerns
By Georgia Tacey
Members of the Wombat Forest community joined Extinction Rebellion to draw attention to the logging in Wombat State Forest.
The demonstration took place on the roadside of Forest Fire Management Victoria log storage site near Daylesford on July 1.
According to a state government spokesperson, works are continuing in Wombat State Forest as part of storm recovery works, after a storm in 2021 impacted about 45,000 hectares of the forest.
Larger fallen debris contributes to in-
creased fire risk where it impacts the ability of firefighters to gain access to fires. Without access, fires could spread faster, according to the government.
The work is only targeting areas that were significantly affected by the storm and where safe and rapid access is required in the event of a bushfire, the government said.
Works are due to be completed in June 2026, weather permitting.
However, Wombat Forest groups remain unconvinced.
“Clearly, these salvage works are causing serious environmental harm. Soils are
being compacted, young plants destroyed, and future habitat for many species is being lost – all the while failing to mitigate fire risk,” Wombat Forestcare convenor Gayle Osborne said.
“We have had three years of unrelenting industrial scale salvage of storm thrown trees from the forest. At one stage there were 14 35-tonne machines removing large logs and compacting the soil.”
A state government spokesperson said environmental values were considered as part of the works to remove storm debris and hazardous trees from the forest.
Players celebrate Dixon Field funding
Players are ready to kick on at Dixon Field after the announcement of a new grant.
Macedon Ranges council has received $200,000 for the installation of new 150 lux LED lighting to one soccer pitch at Dixon Field, Gisborne.
The grant is part of round two of the state government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
For the Gisborne Soccer Club who calls this field home, the grant is a welcome boost that will help support the club.
“We can double the size of our training area for our club and increase participation
by about 30 per cent,” club secretary Leonie Williams said.
Ms Williams said the club has seen a “phenomenal increase” in membership numbers over the past three to four years, especially within the girls’ and women’s teams.
With the game predominantly being a winter sport, this lighting upgrade will get players back on the field.
“We find that half of our available land space is in the dark,” Ms Williams said.
“We currently have temporary lights there at the moment to try and increase the
space that we can use for training in particular so that everyone has a safe and large enough space to train.”
The players were thrilled to receive the news, welcoming the investment into soccer in the Ranges.
Ms Williams said this will be a big step in improving playing conditions on the field, and hopes to soon see improved drainage, and improvements to the car park.
While details aren’t yet confirmed on when works will commence, the club hopes it’ll be finished in time for the beginning of next season.
“Victoria is prone to bushfires that threaten communities and our unique environmental ecosystems, DEECA through Forest Fire Management Victoria is responsible for managing bushfire risk on public land including state forests and national parks to prevent, manage and suppress bushfires,” the spokesperson said.
“No timber harvesting is taking place in the Wombat State Forest, no trees are being removed unless they present a hazard and no clear-felling is occurring in these operations. These are not salvage logging or commercial timber harvesting operations.”
Black ice warning
Macedon Ranges Police are warning motorists of the threat of black ice on roads throughout the ranges.
Black ice, a thin layer of ice that can form on roadways, can form on roads during winter and is often difficult to see and extremely slippery.
Unlike snow, which is more visible, black ice often appears as just a wet surface, creating a false sense of security and grip.
Black ice typically occurs during early morning or late at night, when temperatures drop and moisture freezes. It also can present more commonly in shaded areas and on bridges.
Police warn losing control of your vehicle is common when encountering black ice, and vehicles can slide uncontrollably leading to accidents.
This is especially true when drivers make sudden movements or sharp turns.
Police said black ice is difficult to spot, many drivers are unprepared when they hit a patch, leading to panic and more erratic driving behaviour and increased risk of accidents resulting in serious injuries for drivers and passengers.
Police advise motorists to stick at or below the posted speed limit; pay special attention when driving over bridges, shaded areas, and roads that appear wet, as these are often the locations where black ice forms; to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front; and to stay calm if you skid, steering gently into the direction of the skid.
Gisborne Soccer Club members are thrilled by the recent funding announcement. At the front is Kasey, 8. (Damjan Janevski) 488867_01
Murder most foul in Werribee
Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the mysterious tale of Italian immigrant Giovanni Garretto whose murder in 1932 has never been solved.
Giovanni Garretto, a 34 year old market gardener, lived alone in Tower Road, Werribee. His humble home was a sparsely furnished, two-roomed hut in the centre of six acres of a holding sub-leased from Mr George Abbott.
BorninVizzina,Sicily,Giovannihadbeen inAustraliaforthreeyears,sevenmonthsof whichhadbeenspentinWerribee,working from dawn ’til dusk growing cabbages, potatoes, garlic and peas.
If he had any vices, nobody knew of them.Hisliferevolvedaroundfarmingand saving all his money to bring his wife and child to Australia. He was frequently seen showing photographs of them, exclaiming over their beauty and his love for them. If all went well, they would be joining him in early 1933. A hard worker who lived with extreme frugality, he was respected by his employer and liked by the Italian community,itcouldbesaidthathehadnot a single enemy in the world. But he did.
On the afternoon of 4 September, 1932, a friend named Giuseppe Lentini, called in foravisit.HewashorrifiedtofindGiovanni lying near a water tank at the rear of the hut, shot dead, his head almost completely blown off. A partly opened razor blade lay by his left foot; at his right foot stood a cup full of water. There were no signs of a struggle.
Sub-Inspector Deeley arrived with Constable Luca from North Melbourne, who was fluent in Italian. At first they pursued the vengeance theory. The local Italians pooh-poohed the idea. Sicilian feuds were settled with knives, not guns. The police tactfully made no mention that the Chicago Mafia had spawned no fewer than 90 murders in 1930, all committed by Sicilian gun-men. Constant rumours continued to swirl about the Camorra and Mafia lurking in Werribee, but the Italians were adamant: If the killer were Italian, he would use a knife, not a firearm.
So, if Giovanni Garretto was not known to have membership in or dealings with any secret society, what was the motive - jealousy, hatred, payback, or a woman? There were whispers of a Melbourne girlfriend whom Giovanni visited on Sundays. If she existed, whoever she was, she made no effort to come forward. Detectives soon crossed her off the list.
Examination of the hut indicated that nothing had been stolen; there was no sign of ransacking, or of opening the bundle of letters from Mrs Garretto. Giovanni’s few silver coins were lying near the bed. But when the detectives reached under the pillow, they found something which demonstrated that the victim had been in fear of his life - a fully loaded automatic pistol, with seven cartridges in the magazine and one in the barrel.
The case became even more mysterious. The lack of any sign of struggle in or near the hut clearly indicated that Giovanni Garretto had been taken by surprise. What was truly baffling was that the killer had left not the faintest sign of his presence. In order to reach the hut, he would have had to walk over dozens of vegetable furrows yetnotasinglefootprint orevenpartofone was ever found. How did he manage on a rainy night to have left not even one mark in the mud?
The only verifiable connection to the killer that was found at the scene was a piece of wadding from a No. 6 cartridge normally used for duck shooting.
Adding to that was the very strange story told by Mrs Christina Searle, whose holding adjoined Garretto’s . On the night of the murder, she put her children to bed and then stayed in her kitchen whilst her husband was with Giuseppe Lentini at a BoardofWorksdanceinWerribee.Atabout 10 pm, she heard a dog barking, and the sound of a shot coming from the direction of Garretto’s hut.
On 19 September, according to Mrs Searle, detectives from the CIB visited her for a statement and before they left, turned back her clock by several hours, with instructions not to touch it again or leave the house until they returned. No explanation for this bizarre behaviour, if indeed it had occurred, was ever supplied.
An unnamed neighbouring farmer reported seeing a well dressed “foreigner”, dark and stocky, on the Friday afternoon talking to Giovanni Garretto near the hut. They shook hands and the stranger departed. The stranger was seen again,
in the vicinity of Tower Road, heading towards Giovanni’s hut at about 8 pm on the night of the murder. Who he could be? Nobody knew.
The inquest at the Melbourne Morgue was held on the 28 November 1932, the Coroner finding that Giovanni Garretto had died of gunshot wounds to the head, unlawfully and maliciously murdered by some persons unknown.
There is a faint possibility that the gardener was murdered due to jealousyperhaps a lover spurned by the woman who chose to marry Giovanni Garretto, travelling to Australia to track down his rival and wreak revenge - but somewhat unlikely, especially as nothing in her letters to her distant husband indicated any troubles.
The most likely reason for this murder is organised crime. Then as now, crime syndicates had an interest in controlling wholesale prices, and were renown for their total lack of conscience when it came to dealing with those who refused to play their game. This was a cool, calculated execution, committed by someone who vanishedlikeaphantom,nevertobefound, after destroyingthedreamsofthewife,the
child and the industrious market gardener.
The killing was never solved. The razor and cup near the body can perhaps be explained, as some cultures believe that the dead require to be neat and refreshed during their journey into the next life. Clearly, these objects were placed there after the murder.
On the 15 September 1932, a sad little scene took place at Werribee Police Station. The farming implements and bay horse owned by the murdered man were auctioned off. The sale raised a paltry sixteen pounds.
The queer story of the CIB altering the clock 15 days after the murder makes no sense at all if the visiting men were really police. Possibly they were members of a syndicate, with the altering of the clock intended to give them an alibi about the time of their call. Warning Mrs Searle to stay indoors would prevent her noticing what sort of car they were driving.
But the swarthy “foreigner” seen twice in the vicinity, the insistence that a gun would never be used to settle a feud, the absence of footprints, the pistol under the pillow, and no known motive – all present an impenetrable and enduring mystery.
Barb McNeill ponders the mystery of who shot Giovanni Garretto.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Farmers and Makers Market
Locals and people from afar get along to this wonderful Farmers Market. Always the third Sunday of the month….fresh produce, wine, hot food, coffee, plants, artisan foods and crafts that are special. Musical entertainment whilst you shop and catch up with friends. Located at the picturesque Malmsbury Cricket Ground from 9am to 1pm.
Amy, 0423 726 695
Family History & Heritage Society
The meeting of the Sunbury Family History & Heritage Society Inc. will take place on Thursday 17 July 2025 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 Power Point 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
Ladies Probus Club
The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the 4th Monday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club (Club Sunbury). Meetings now start at 10.30am for 2 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
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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of the Ice Queens cheerleading team members Taylor Hallas, Laura Yildirim, Emily Hopkins and Bridget Bayliss. (Damjan Janevski) 488505_01
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/North WesternDistrictPipeBand?mibextid=ZbW KwL
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Heritage fruit tree festival
OneofAustralia’slargestgatheringsoffruit tree lovers is just around the corner. Sunday, August 10 is the date for this year’s Winter Heritage Fruit Tree Festival at Werribee Park Heritage Orchard. The festival is set to delight gardeners, history buffs, and curious visitors of all ages. Held between 10am to 3pm in the heart of the historic Werribee Park precinct, this unique one-day event offers a rare chance to explore the orchard’s rich past, learn
practical gardening skills, and take home your own piece of heritage.
The orchard dates back to the 1870s, when pastoralist Thomas Chirnside planted an extensive array of fruit trees including apples, quinces, pears, plums, grapes, peaches, walnuts, olives, and the area’s first figs.
Thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and WPHO (Werribee Park Heritage Orchard) — a community group
formed in 2010 in partnership with Parks Victoria — the orchard has been lovingly restored and is once again thriving.
Enjoy live music, grab a bite to eat and browse the stalls selling all things gardening.
All activities are free, with a gold coin donation for parking.
Thefestivalisa’must-attend’eventforall gardeners, from novice to seasoned green thumbs.
Here and There explores a sense of space
Old mates, painter John Anrep and photographer Bob Gilpin, are again taking centre stage, this time with artist Jill Pung Clifford at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre.
The trio will host the Here and There exhibition, following on from the Journey AcrosstheBay’sexhibitionfromAnrepand Gilpin last year.
The exhibition explores our relationship with a sense of place, through comparison and contrast, in scale and medium. This exhibition will take you from familiar and meaningful images, to a sense of wonderment for images of the world we
only dream of seeing.
Anrep’s experience of his first exhibition was an overwhelmingly positive one and as a result he is getting ready to do it again.
In his mid-fifties Anrep suffered a stroke whichendedhispreviouscareerofworking as a chef. This led to him to turn to other pursuits and ultimately, painting.
Gilpin is from Scotland, but migrated to Australia with his parents and siblings, they then settled and lived in Altona.
Afterleavingthecorporatelifehebought a camera and learnt how to take photos, leading to his love for photography.
Pung Clifford describes Australia as becoming the canvas on which she could explore a spectrum of passions after moving from Malaysia.
She hopes that through her art she hopes to inspire others to embrace life fully and describes her journey as one of determination, reinvention and courage.
The Here and There exhibition begins on Saturday, July 19, with a launch event startingat4pm,andrunsuntilWednesday, August 6.
The exhibition is free and will be open during regular Louis Joel Gallery opening times.
Dance the night away with singer Julee Johnson
Rock ’n’ roll fans should get ready to clear their Saturday night schedule and put on their dancing shoes.
A free music performance by A Blonde Momentissettogetpeoplemovingtosome classic tunes at the Sunshine City Club on Saturday, July 19.
“It’s one of my favourite places to play. It always has a great crowd,” said Julee Johnson, the performer behind A Blonde Moment.
Johnson will entertain audiences alongside guitarist Joe Mandica, singing covers of popular songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
“The music depends on the crowd. We cater to all styles and all styles of dancing,” she said.
“WhateverIgiveoutonstageIgetitback tenfold from the people that are dancing
Step right up and see the show
Stop clowning around and make your way down to the circus these school holidays.
Eroni’s Circus has arrived in Sunbury and set up camp in the Golf Driving Range, offering up multiple shows of family fun for the first time in eight years.
Expect a show-stopping performance filled with glamorous costuming, lively original music, immaculately presented animals and traditional circus clowns in a show full of nostalgia.
Acts and performers promise to wow, with tight wire walking, whip cracking, illusions, juggling and trapeze acts. Baby goats will keep you entertained with their antics, while the stars of the show, the palomino horses, will keep you captivated.
The show is perfect for all ages, and with two hours of non-stop entertainment, its a must-see these school holidays.
Shows will be running every day except Wednesdays, with Monday and Tuesday shows running a 1pm, Thursday and Friday running at 7pm, Saturday at 1pm and 7pm, and the last show, Sunday, July 20, running at 1pm.
Tickets cannot be prebooked, so make sure you arrive before showtime to guarantee your spot. Tickets can be purchased at the door from one hour before each showtime.
Tickets range from $25-$40, depending on seating and ages. Kids under three are free if sitting on a lap.
Carnival food will be available on site, as well as games to play and souvenirs to purchase.
and the people that are enjoying the music.”
Johnson fell in love with music from a young age, taking to the stage at six years old.
She later started writing original songs with a band and toured the country with them.
Overhercareer,Johnsonhasalsoworked as part of a trio – performing covers six to seven nights a week – and as a singer with the Brian Fitzgerald Band in the 90s.
Johnson said she loves to get a crowd dancing when she performs.
“If an audience isn’t dancing there’s something wrong,” she said.
The free performance by A Blonde Moment will start at 8pm on July 19.
Details: www.sunshinecityclub.com.au/ whats_on
Julee Johnson will perform as A Blonde Moment at a free event in Sunshine. (Supplied)
Photographer Bob Gilpin and artists Jill Pung Clifford and John Von Anrep with some of their artworks that will be showcased in the exhibition. (Supplied)
Winter Heritage Fruit Tree Festival.
Step behind the curtain at Eroni’s Circus. (Supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. The 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games in August will be held in which country?
2. In which year was the first Tour de France held?
3. Following the closure of Optus Sport, coverage of the EPL in Australia is moving to which streaming service next season?
4. Which AFL ground has been heavily scrutinised for its poor playing surface?
5. Which Pakistani fast bowler was the No.1 pick in cricket’s BBL draft?
6. In which year’s British GP did a kilted Irish priest run onto the track, into the path of F1 cars travelling at 280 km/h?
The British & Irish Lions defeated which Super Rugby Pacific team 54–7
Britain’s current No.1 female tennis player, Emma Raducanu, won the 2021 US Open at what age?
Which three AFL clubs have each won four premierships so far this century?
National cricket head coach Andrew McDonald played how many Test matches for Australia?
11. At the start of July, the WNBL team Geelong United changed their name to what?
12. The 2025 Tour de France commenced in which city beginning with ‘L’?
13. What French term is used to describe the rider or riders leading a Tour de France stage?
14. Two-time sport climbing Olympic gold medallist Janja Garnbret is from which European country?
15. Which VFL/AFL club has played in the most drawn games since the league’s inception?
16. Which Australian sports venue has a Paddington End and a Randwick End?
17. France’s Catalans Dragons compete in which international sports league?
18. What is the best finish Fiji has achieved in the Rugby Union World Cup?
19. Which former NHL player is nicknamed ‘the Great One’?
20. Name the swimmer who broke an Australian 800m freestyle record and a Commonwealth 1500m freestyle record at the world championship trials in June.
21. How many seconds was Oscar Piastri penalised in the recent British Grand Prix?
22. Name the captain of the Wallabies.
23. Which AFL team had the best percentage after Round 17 of the 2025 AFL season?
24. Which Australian player was named man of the match in the recent second Test against the West Indies?
25. The son of which Australian tennis legend won a recent match in the boys’ singles at Wimbledon?
26. Name the respective brand sponsors of the Matildas and Socceroos.
27. How many times has competitive eater Joey Chestnut won the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
28. And what place did Aussie James Webb finish in this year’s contest?
29. Which three countries will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
30. How many times have the West Indies won the ICC Cricket One Day International World Cup?
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Nathan's
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to
ACROSS
1 Alehouse (3)
3 Compulsory (10)
10 Examines (7)
11 Part (7)
12 Unconvinced (9)
13 Align (4)
15 Absurd (10)
17 Edible rootstock (4)
19 Undiluted (4)
20 Methodical (10)
23 Minute skin opening (4)
25 Canadian city (9)
27 Suggests (7)
28 Fragile (7)
29 Reinforce (10)
30 Point (3) DOWN
1 Note written after the writer’s signature (10)
2 Person who serves alcoholic drinks (9)
4 Essentially (9)
5 Urge (5)
6 Check (6)
7 Bulb used in cooking (5)
8 Tug (4)
9 Marked by great excitement, activity, confusion, haste (6)
14 Synchronous (10)
16 Insupportable (9)
18 Triggered (9)
21 Short-sighted (6)
22 Decorative pattern; plan or sketch (6)
24 Of equal value (2,3)
25 Call on (5)
26 Area on the body consisting of pelvis and upper thigh bones (4)
1 Thanatology is the scientific study of what?
2 What is the only Tim Burton movie to star Christoph Waltz (pictured)?
3 How many countries do the Alps cross?
4 Which small lizard ‘chirps’?
5 Lokum is the traditional name for what confection?
6 The star Polaris is more commonly known by what name?
7 Where in Spain is the Alhambra Palace located?
8 Who directed the 2009 film Bran Nue Dae?
9 At what age does a filly become classified as a mare?
10 What are the prongs of a fork called?
Ice Age lingers with Pajero
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Inthefaceofthered-hotadvanceofelectric power, one internal combustion engine vehicle is moving at glacial pace to extend the Ice age.
The Pajero Sport landed Down Under more than a decade ago and, with its long-standing diesel motor, is sticking steadfastly to the fossil-fuelled task.
The MY24 large seven-seat family SUV is betting on competitive pricing and the slow-to-thawroll-outofpublicfastcharging infrastructure for the EV upstarts, leading to a pandemic of ‘range anxiety’ among owners.
The ladder-frame Pajero Sport competes with other rugged pickup-based SUVs such astheFordEverest,IsuzuMU-XandToyota Fortuner and Prado.
The five-seat Pajero Sport GLX comes in all-wheel drive only these days and costs $51,540, plus on-road costs. The GLS, adds a third row of seats, plus power tailgate, satellite navigation and six-speaker audio, and is from $56,890.
The latter carries the option of a $2250 Deluxe pack, which includes leather seats (a mix of real and synthetic), powered front seats and surround-view camera, while the range is topped off with the Exceed 4×4 at $60,690 and GSR 4×4 ($64,840).
The Pajero Sport GLS is about $6000 cheaper than a mid-range Isuzu MU-X LS-U and about $10,000 cheaper than a mid-range Ford Everest Trend.
Mitsubishi leads the segment with its 10-year warranty and capped price servicing, which carries a distance limit of 200,000km. All Mitsubishis are sold with 12 months of roadside assist for up to four years if the vehicle is serviced on schedule at an authorised Mitsubishi dealer.
Styling
With a premium leather three-spoke steering wheel, equipped with intuitive paddle shifters for seamless 4WD mode transitions, Mitsubishi says the MY24 Pajero is designed with functionality and elegance equally in mind.
With latest enhancements such as new 18-inch wheels, grilles, bumper garnishes and black headlamp extensions there’s no shortage of street presence or off-road vs versatility.
Interior
For a seven-seater the GLS does not have theroomiestcabin,nordoesitlackinrather dated surroundings. However, it does have its compensation. The driver can enjoy longer drives courtesy a seat lumber power adjustment.
Bothfrontseatsaddtheluxuryofheating, while the revised interior, including a three-spoke leather steering wheel, has things covered with superior support for the long haul.
ConveniencestartswiththePajeroSport’s advanced power tailgate. Go hands-free by simplywavingafootundertherearbumper, or use the intuitive smartphone app. The automatic tailgate is put into operation on approaching or leaving the vehicle.
In five or seven-seat configurations there’s no excuse for leaving anything behind. packed to the rafters for a weekend escape or looking to load up the boot with work gear, Pajero Sport cargo capacity has it all covered.
Cargo space is 131 litres, and with the second row in place expands to 502 litres for the GLS, Exceed and GSR. With all seats folded, it amounts to 1488 litres for all seven-seat versions.
There’s a 12V power socket, a small
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 8/10
underfloor compartment, a full-sized spare wheel, and Exceed and GSR boast an automatic power tailgate.
Infotainment
The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, with its pixelated graphics and basic set of features supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the interface feels dated. Also, a little old fashioned are the navigationsystem,DABradio,plusachoice of audio outputs.
Engines/transmissions
This Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is powered by a 2.4 litre turbodiesel engine producing 133kW of power at 3500rpm and 430Nm of torque at 2500rpm delivered to the front or all wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
According to maker Mitsubishi, expect the Pajero Sport GLS 4WD seven-seat vehicle to go through eight litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in the combined city andhighwaycyclewhileputtingout212gof CO2 every kilometre.
Safety
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport received a five-star rating from ANCAP in 2015,
which means it has lapsed due to dated construction.
However, all models include forward autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a speed limiter, reversing sensors, and trailer stability control, as are dual front, front-side and curtain airbags and driver’s knee.
Forexample,forwardcollisionmitigation detects obstructions ahead and issues a visual and audible alert when there is a danger of collision and automatically applies the brakes to avoid collision or reduce impact speed and severity.
Blindspotwarningandlanechangeassist helps lane changing with confidence, the lane change assist sounding an alert and displaying a blinking warning in the door mirrors when the system detects a vehicle moving in the same direction within 3.4m.
Adaptive cruise control uses radar technology to detect any cars ahead in the samelaneandadjuststhespeedofyourcar while maintaining a safe distance set by you.
Rear cross traffic alert uses the rear side radar sensors to detect another vehicle approaching from the side when reversing. The system operates when the vehicle is in
reverse at speeds below 8km/h.
MitsubishiMotors’MultiAroundMonitor providesa360-degreebird’s-eyeviewofthe car.
Driving While the Pajero Sport’s 2.4-litre MiVEC diesel engine, with an all-aluminium alloy block and a sophisticated common-rail direct injection system, delivers marked fuelefficiencyandminimalCO2emissions, the word ‘Sport’ in terms of on-road performance is sadly misplaced. The car is no race circuit record breaker. The test GLS was hesitant off the mark and slow to get into its stride. Once there, however, the eight-speed auto shifted intelligently under varying loads and road conditions.
Off-road is a different matter: designed for versatility, the Super Select 4WD II featuresfouroff-roadmodes–Gravel,Mud/ Snow, Sand and Rock – each calibrated for complete driver confidence.
Summary
A cool reception for the ‘prehistoric’ Pajero Sport. Best to wait for the next Triton-like Pajero round the corner.
A cool reception for the ‘prehistoric’ Pajero Sport. (Pictures: Supplied)
There was no shortage of sporting action on Saturday across Melbourne’s north-west. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Plenty of sporting action
Macedon’s Molly McGrath. 489391_01 Melton Centrals’ Imogen Sexton and Woodend-Hesket’s Georgia Bowkett. 489385_30
Riddell’s Benjamin Borg. 489394_28 Rupertswood’s Mitchell Johnson. 489393_05
Woodend-Hesket’s Hayley Rogers. 489385_05
Sunbury Kangaroos’ Bradley Collins. 489393_21
Rupertswood’s Tom Markey and Sunbury Kangaroos’ Mitchell Streiff. 489393_11
Melton Centrals’ Imogen Sexton. 489385_01
Macedon’s Katie Clarke. 489391_18
Kyneton’s Caleb Perini. 489394_06
Kyneton’s Angus Nolte kicks goal. 489394_22
Bombers women make an instant impact in the RDFL
Riddell wanted to come into the Riddell District Football League women’s competition and have an impact.
The Bombers have done exactly that and could be headed for a finals series in their first season.
Bombers coach Rob Bretherton said the group has exceeded what they wanted to do heading into the season.
“At the end of the day we just wanted to have an impact on the competition and show that we were worth a spot at the start of the year,” he said.
“We probably didn’t have the expectations and experience within our list that we thought would be finals bound.
“I think the group we have got and the culture of the girls, the girls have created means a greater opportunity than we expectedandit’sjustamatterofcontinuing to do the work and playing like we want to play.
“There’s no ceiling on what we can
achieve, they have to focus on what we need to focus on.”
Bretherton said the group had now put expectations on themselves to play finals, meaning each game holds a little more importance for them.
He said the group had taken a lot of learnings out of the season, which was shown in their two matches against Macedon.
“We came up against the first team that we faced and smacked us in the first round,” he said of Macedon.
“We clawed back 48 points on that game, in very un-football friendly conditions at Macedon.
“It came down to experience, Macedon had a little bit more experience in playing conditions like that.,
“There’sstillalotforustolearn,morefun next time.”
AmongthosetostandoutfortheBombers this season has been Mady Brown.
Brown, who has been a staple of the Bombers netball program, has made an instant impact in the competition.
“She turned up in round three having never picked up a footy and is probably the best midfielder I have seen in the league, which is pretty incredible,” he said.
“She is a hell of an athlete and has a lot of skills to learn, the sky is the limit for her.
“She’s someone to watch over the next few years, she’s only 19.”
The fight for finals spots will come down to the final two rounds.
The Bombers sit in third having lost to the Mount Alexander Falcons, 2.0 (12)-1.4 (10) on Sunday.
Riddell, Melton and the Falcons all sit equal on points.
In other matches on the weekend, Lancefield and Macedon had big wins over Melton and Romsey respectively.
Cats sticking to the plan
By Tara Murray
Macedon set itself some clear targets to hit against Melton South in the Riddell District NetballLeague,whichitwasabletoreachin abigwin.
At times it has been an up and down season for the Cats as they continue to give thenextgenerationtheiropportunities.
OnSaturday,theyputitalltogetheronthe waytoa96-24win.
Cats coach Katie Clarke said she didn’t think that Macedon had ever put up a score likethatbefore.
“We had some really clear objectives and goals as a team,” she said. “Alex [Cameron] wasout,Chloe[Eyre]wasout.
“There were some key outs for us and a coupleofplayerswithsomeillnesses.
“We had those strong targets and were able to do that through the whole defensive end.”
The Cats’ attack end, despite missing two of their goalers, were able to convert at the otherend.
Claire Oakley shot a massive 70 goals for theCats.
Oakley, who previously played for Kyneton, has come into the Cats side after Hetty Donoghue fractured her hand. She’ll beoutfortheseason.
Clarke said Oakley, who is part of Melbourne University Lighting’s 23 and under Victorian Netball League side, fitted inreallywellwiththeirgroup.
“A lot of the girls know her from outside netball and are friends with her,” she said. “She was happy to help out and been more thangenerous.
“She’sattendedafewtrainingsanddonea goodjobsteppinginandhelpingout.
“While you ideally want to promote within, with two teams in finals contention, we were thinking about what pressure it wouldimpactourB-gradeside.
“We want to make sure B-grade makes finals and does well there and make sure thatA-gradeplaysfinals.
“Wewantedtogettherightbalance.”
Among those to play in the big win was Emily Duoba, who was making her A-grade debut.
The Cats sit in fourth spot as they end the backpartoftheseason.
Shannon named in Aust 21 and under squad
Western Warriors’ Ruby Shannon and Whittlesea’s Tara Watson have been named in the Australian 21 and under squad ahead of preparations for the Netball World Youth Cup in September.
The 22-athlete squad features the country’s most exciting young netballers, many demonstrating strength across the 2025 Super Netball Reserves competition, and within Suncorp Super Netball team environments.
Shannon has been part of the 21 andunderAustralianteamthepast12 months,whilebecomingaMelbourne Vixenstrainingpartnerthisyear.
Watson is in the squad for the first time, having been part of the Australianunder-19squadlastyear.
The Melbourne Vixens 11th player, she has been in the Vixens match day squad with Hannah Mundy out with injury.
Athleteperformanceswereassessed by drawing on data and insights from pathway camps, Super Netball Reserves, and the 2025 National NetballChampionships.
Fromthe22athletesselected,19are training partners or squad members ofa2025SuncorpSuperNetballclub.
Clarke said they want to ensure they at least finish the regular season in that spot.
“We have dropped some games that we shouldn’t have,” she said. “We want to be competitive and push through some tight situations.
“Hopefully we’ll finish in fourth. We’ll try to keep winning against some strong opposition.
“There’sstillsomeimprovementtogoand it’salongtermthing.
“We’ve got some younger girls in A-grade and we’re rewarding the girls out there and they’redoingafantasticjob.
“Westillhavetoworkonconnectionsand maintainfourquarterpressure.”
In other results, Gisborne Giants beat Lancefield,54-41.
The ladder-leading Woodend-Hesket was too strong for Melton Centrals, winning 52-41, Wallan beat Romsey, 54-42, while RiddellhadabigwinagainstKyneton52-33.
Wallan’s win and the losses to Melton Centrals and Romsey has seen it move backintosixthspot,inthebattleforthelast finals spot.
These athletes will be guided by 21 and under head coach Cathy Fellows and supported by Netball Australia’s elite coaching and high-performance team.
Fellows said the strength and depth across the squad reflects their potentialforsuccessinSeptember.
“This age group is delivering an incredibleleveloftalent,”shesaid.
“With the Netball Youth World Cup just a few months away, this squad represents our final step in narrowing down to the 12 athletes who will wear thegreenandgoldinGibraltar.
“The competition for spots will be fierce,andthat’sexactlywhatwewant.
“We have a group of athletes who have shown they have the drive, skills, and mindset to compete at the international level.”
A final team of 12 athletes and 3 reserves will be named closer to the Netball Youth World Cup.
Claire Oakley. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 489391_03
Lauren Shaw. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 466906_04
Tara Murray
Calder Cannons upset Gippsland Power
By Tara Murray
The Calder Cannons produced one of its best performances of the past couple of CoatesTalentLeagueboysseasonstoupset Gippsland Power on Saturday.
Without their coach and several star playersduetoVicMetrocommitments,the Cannons had the pressure on against the top of the table Power.
It was even for the first three quarters before the Cannons kicked five goals to noneinthefinalquartertocomeawaywith a 15.11 (101)-10.10 (70) win.
Cannons assistant coach Micheal Farrelly, who took on the head coaching role,saiditwasprettyawesometoseewhat the group had done.
“Itwasgoodtotesttheboysandseethem rise to compete with the best team in the competition,” he said.
“We had a good week on the track and heading in the right direction. We embracedthegameanditwasreallygood.”
With nothing in the game for the first three quarters, the message was pretty simple to the playing group at both half time and three quarter time.
Farrelly said they went back to what they were talking about during the week.
“Our first halves have been phenomenal and our second halves have been average at times,” he said.
“I bought it up at half time and again at three quarter time.
“We had to kick into gear. We were in the game and we had to do the basics well as much as we could to play good footy.
“It fired them up and we gave everything in the final quarter kicking five goals to none. It was an extraordinary effort.”
Farrelly said with the side’s record
playing in the east not great, it made the win even more special.
He said it was easily their best game of theseasonandpossiblythebestinthepast couple of seasons.
Farrellysaidtheywerehopingthiswould buildsomemoreconfidenceintothegroup heading into the back part of the season.
“We put it on the boys to find out where we are,” he said. “This will bring a lot of confidenceasateamtobelieveinyourself.”
WilHanegraaf,TajRobinsonandJackson Watkinskickedthreegoalseachinthewin.
Sam Harris, Levi West and Watkins were named the Cannons best.
It was a good weekend for the Cannons all weekend, with Huss El Achkar, Cooper Duff-Tytler and Adam Sweid playing well in Vic Metro’s win against South Australia. Sweid kicked four goals and El Achkar kicked three goals.
Big win for Sharks
By Tara Murray
Rupertswood bounced back from its worst performance of the Essendon District FootballLeaguedivision2season,toclaim its biggest win of the year on Saturday. It had been a mixed few weeks for the Sharks with a loss after the siren and then a big loss, but Saturday was more like what they wanted.
Facing the Sunbury Kangaroos in a local derby, it took the Sharks three quarters to break open the match.
After leading by 15 points at the final break, the Sharks kicked five goals to one in the final quarter to win, 15.16 (106)-9.10 (64).
Sharks coach Brad Fox said it was much most pleasing this week.
“Itwasourbiggestmarginoftheyearand we didn’t play our best football,” he said. “It was pleasing for the boys after an out of character performance the week before to bounce back and use the ball by foot the best we have all season.”
Fox said after having few winners the
week before on a poor day, they went back to their trademarks they want to be known for.
He said they spoke about it during the week and were able to live up to them.
Fox said it was a very different game comparedtowhenthetwosidesfacedeach other earlier in the year.
“Last time we got off to a flying start with an eight or nine goal first quarter,” he said.
“This time we could not get it beyond the three goal margin until into the last quarter.
“Wewouldgetitouttotwoandhalfgoals ahead and they would kick one.
“Inthelastquarterwewereabletopullit together and blow out the margin.”
With how close the competition is, Fox said every point was important with percentage possibly coming into calculation when deciding top five spots.
Fraser Phelan-Smith kicked five goals for the Sharks, while Clayton Bonello, who was named their best, kicked four goals.
Matthew Brown and Aaron Grubb were
Ballarat NL
The Sunbury Lions had no issues at all in accounting for East Point in the Ballarat Netball League competition on Saturday. An 18-5 first quarter set up the victory for the Lions who won every quarter on the way to an 82-31 win. Rebecca Hicks shot 48 goals for the Lions, while Caitlin Hill in her returned to the side shot 31 goals. The Lions remain clear on top.
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The Sunbury Lions troubles against the other sides in the top four continued on Saturday as it lost to East Point. The Lions trailed all day on the road with the Kangaroos able to keep them at arms length throughout the match. Jake Sutton kicked four goals for the Lions, while Jordan Tentonello, Jack Newitt and Murphy Boyd were named their best. The Lions sit in fourth spot, now six points behind Melton in third spot.
FV
Sunbury United got an important road win in the FV state league 3 north-west season. Sunbury travelled to play Surf Coast and managed to get the only goal of the first half. Both sides had their chances in the second half, with Sunbury able to do enough to win, 3-2. Sunbury now sits in third spot, three points behind second placed Surf Coast. Altona North is another four further ahead.
VNL
other standouts for the Sharks.
Joshua and Shawn Bowden kicked two goals each for the Kangaroos, as did skipper Mitch Streiff in his 250th senior game for the club.
Tie Cuffe, Streiff, and Stephen, Jackson and Lachlan Treweek were standouts.
The Sharks sit fourth on the ladder on 30 points, while the Kangaroos are one spot out of the finals spots on 26 points.
The Sharks face Burnside Heights and East Sunbury in the next two matches.
Fox said while on paper they are facing the bottom two teams, they don’t take anyone easy.
“We’ve split the season into various stages and that’s the end of the second stage,” he said.
“Then we have a run into a finals campaign and we need to get better.
“We should get five or six players back frominjuryinthenextfewweeksaslongas we don’t lose any more.
“We want to finish well.”
In other matches, East Sunbury lost to Westmeadows, 16.15 (111)-8.8 (56).
Western Warriors ran out of legs as their Victorian Netball League looks set to come to an end this week. The Warriors held their last home game of the season on Sunday at Cobblebank Stadium in front of a big crowd. The championship side had a big challenge against the Boroondara Express, which will finish the regular season in second spot. The Express was able to build the lead throughout the match on the way to a 58-44 win.
Joel Flanigan tackles Tie Cuffe. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 489393_18
Levi West. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 471376_11
Sports shorts
Gisborne adds batting strength with Cook, Pienaar
Reigning premiers Gisborne has again strengthened its line up for the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season.
The club announced on Wednesday that Brenton Cook was joining the club and would add to the side’s top order batting, before announcing the signing of South African-born American cricketer Obus Pienaar
Cook is a familiar name to cricket in Melbourne west.
“Brenton arrives at Gardiner Reserve with an impressive cricketing resume and a reputation as a proven leader,” the Dragons said on social media. “He joins us from Melton Sub-District Cricket Club, where he captained the first XI over the past two seasons.
“His playing career has taken him across the country and overseas.”
Among Cook’s resume is being
captain-coach of St Albans in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division in 2021-22, where he averaged more than 40 with the bat.
He spent three seniors playing Western Australian Premier Cricket while also had two seasons playing for Langley in the United Kingdom as an overseas professional where he played a key role
in helping the club earn promotion both seasons and have cup success.
“A hard hitting right hand bat and respected mentor, Brenton brings both on-field quality and strong leadership. His wealth of experience will be a major asset to our first XI and an important part of our senior playing group and club culture,” the Dragons said.
“We’realsopleasedtosharethatBrenton has recently moved to Gisborne, adding another quality local cricketer to our playing ranks.”
Meanwhile, Pienaar joins the Dragons having played 95 first-class matches in SouthAfricascoringmorethan6,000runs.
He holds the record for the fastest double century in South African domestic cricket.
Internationally, Obus made headlines in the NCU Premier League, where he smashed a record-breaking 244 off just 114 balls, surpassing AB de Villiers’ previous
Cats’ important win
By Tara Murray
Macedon claimed the scalp it was after in the Riddell District Football League as the fight for top six spots heats up.
After a slow start to the season, the Cats have won five out of their last six matches withtherecentcomingonSaturdayagainst Melton South.
Cats coach Al Meldrum said he can’t remember the last time they’ve beaten a team above them on the ladder in the regular season.
“It was great and it was really pleasing,” he said. “It was a good day at the office.
“Melton South has been a great addition to the competition. To go away from home and get a good win was really pleasing.”
For many of the Cats, it was the first time they had played at Melton Recreation Reserve.
Meldrumsaiditwasalmostthecomplete game from them.
The Cats led at each of the breaks, but couldn’t break the Panthers until the final quarter.
Five goals to one in the final quarter was thedifferencewiththeCatswinning,12.22 (94)-9.6 (60).
“The only part of the game we didn’t get right was the most important part, kicking it through the sticks.
“All the other aspects were good. When you’re not kicking accurately you have to work harder for longer.
“In the last quarter we kicked 5.5 and it was superb and the boys deserved it.”
James Wright kicked three goals for the Cats, while Jason Cooke, Hamish Govan and Toby Sims kicked two goals each.
Brodie Hoyne, Leo Webb and Blake Watson were named their best.
Meldrum said they were happy with how they had built into the season.
The only loss in that six week period came against ladder leaders Riddell, with Meldrum saying they were missing a number of players which didn’t help.
“We’ve won five out of six and they were allgameswehadtowinagainstsidesbelow ur or around us on the team,” he said.
“We’re not worrying about the teams above us and I’m telling them not to worry about finals.
“If we make finals, we have earned it with a number of teams fighting for a spot as well.”
The Cats face Kyneton, Wallan and Romsey in the next three weeks before a bye and finishing the season against Melton Centrals.
The first three of those sides are all in the top seven and want to play finals.
“We have three of the four games at home,” Meldrum said. “The guys will
take some learnings out of yesterday’s [Sunday’s] game and have a good contest with Kyneton. “They got us last time.” In other matches, Lancefield got her
high score of 233.
Currently,ObusiscompetingintheUSA’s Major League Cricket (MLC) competition for the Washington Freedom,.
The Dragons said he was one of the most accomplished players to ever join the GDCA.
Once settled in Gisborne with his wife and daughter, he will be involved in junior development, offering one-on-one coachingandplayingakeyroleinbuilding the future of cricket at Gisborne.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome someoneofObus’scalibre,professionalism, and international experience,” said president Greg Hall. “His influence on and off the field will be immense not just for our senior players, but especially for our juniors who will benefit from his guidance and leadership.”
Tara Murray
Bendigo FL lose a thriller
It was heartbreak for the Bendigo Football League as it lost a thriller to the Victorian Amateur Football League in tough conditions on Sunday.
TheBFLfacedasideofplayersfrom the VAFA’s premier B to division 3 teams for a second straight season in interleague.
It was the VAFA that won against the last time and it got the job done again on Sunday, winning 12.9 (81)-9.17 (71).
In wet conditions, the teams couldn’t be split at the end of regular time with the teams 68 each, with the BFL having had seven more scoring shots.
The VAFA kicked the only two goals of extra time, while the BFL was limited to just three points.
Cobi Maxted kicked three goals for the BFL, while Fergus Greene and Michael Hartley kicked two goals each.
Bendigo coach Simon Rosa said they felt like they had put together a good side even though they went down in the end.
He said the VAFA was an amazing organisation and the playing group looked like it had played together for a number of years.
“Amazing contest guys, I think it was a real spectacle of interleague footy and I don’t think it is over for ourfootyleague.Wewanttocontinue it,” he said.
“Super proud of my boys, we got to camp about four or five weeks ago and just the way the connected from the start was super
“We didn’t get the chocolates today [Sunday], but we’ll stick together and be back again next year.”
Jack Reaper, Zac Vescovi and Matt Merrett represented Gisborne in the match.
Zac Vescovi, Matthew Merrett and Jack Reaper. (Gisborne FNC Facebook)
Jarryd Vernon and Brenton Cook. (Supplied)
first win of the season as it accounted for Gisborne Giants, 14.15 (99)-9.12 (66).
Riddell beat Kyneton, 16.6 (102)-7.9 (51), while Wallan was too strong for Romsey, winning 18.12 (120)-9.16 (70).
Bradley Cooke. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
BACCHUS MARSH