House under pressure
Sunbury Neighbourhood House is reducing hours and programs as it says its “stretchedbeyonditslimits”.
SNH has been serving its community for nearly 30 years. However since Covid, operational expenses at the house have exceeded funds from state and local governments.
SNH board of management chair Robert Hillwarnedthegapwillcontinuetowiden.
“The existing funding from the state government only covers the wages for the parttimemanager,”hesaid.
We cannot continue to operate with outdated funding models, mounting community expectations and good-will - Robert Hill
“Most of the other funding we get is through grants for specific programs and cannot be used for day-to-day expenses such as IT services, internet, phones, cleaning, program materials and core communitysupportanddevelopment.”
Due to the funding shortfall, one staff positionhasbeenmaderedundant,staffed office hours have been reduced to three days per week and fees for programs requiring payment will be increased for the first time since Covid. Some programs willalsoberunlessfrequently.
“Ourstaffarealreadyfullycommittedto maintainingthehighqualityofserviceour community has grown to expect,” Mr Hill said.
“Some days, there is only one staff member available to supervise volunteers, maintaincompliances,managefinancesas well as coordinate community programs. This creates stress on both staff and volunteers.”
Mr Hill said as Sunbury continues to grow, the demand for the house and the servicesitprovideshasincreased,butstate and local government funding hasn’t been keepingup.
“Consequently, we’ve exhausted nearly allourreservesandnowfacetheimpossible choiceofreducingourservicesandsupport for our community, or risking collapse. We cannolongerabsorbthefundingshortfall,” hesaid.
“Every program – free or not – requires staffing, cleaning, insurance, risk management and equipment. Free to the participantdoesnotmeannocosttoSNH.
“We cannot continue to operate with
outdated funding models, mounting communityexpectationsandgood-will.”
SNH is now calling for urgent increases in core funding from both state and local government in recognition of the critical role neighbourhood houses play in community wellbeing, mental health, social inclusion and early years development.
A state government spokesperson said neighbourhood houses play a vital role in responding to the needs of their communities, with the government contributing $43 million annually in recurrent funding for the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program, supporting over400housesacrossthestate.
Hume council acknowledged the importanceofhousesinthecommunity.
“We understand the growing pressures community organisations face as they navigate rising operational costs and increasing demand — particularly in rapidly expanding areas like Hume,” a spokespersonsaid.
“Whilecouncilisnottheprimaryfunder of Neighbourhood Houses, we continue to provide financial and in-kind support througharangeofmechanisms.”
Council said SNH is welcome to apply for grants under its broader community funding programs, but recognises it is mostlyfundedbythestategovernment.
“We recognise the critical contributions neighbourhood houses make to local communitiesandarecommittedtoworking collaboratively with them and other levels ofgovernment,”aspokespersonsaid.
SNHisstillinbusiness,intendstostayin businessandcontinuestoprovideawarm, welcoming and inclusive environment for thewholeSunburycommunity.
Locally owned and operated
Win Laing, deputy-chair of the board of management at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House.
(Damjan Janevski) 487798
Governor visits the Ranges
By Georgia Tacey
The Macedon Ranges welcomed a special visitor last week.
Governor of Victoria Professor Margaret Gardner visited the Macedon Ranges during a regional tour, to engage with the community and local businesses.
On Thursday, July 17 and Friday, July 18, Prof Gardner visited locations across the Ranges, meeting with Macedon Ranges council and drought affected farmers as well as staff at businesses Rationale and Josh’s Rainbow Eggs. She also visited Hanging Rock.
“It’s been so wonderful to meet so many people who are so passionate about the farms,thebusinessesandtheorganisations they’re a part of,” she said.
Josh’s Rainbow Eggs, a business homegrown in the Macedon Ranges, was founded by Josh Murray when he was only nine years old. The grassroots company started with Josh selling eggs at local farmers markets, with the business now the highest selling brand in Woolworths.
While Josh and his mother Tamsyn were unable to be there for Prof Gardner’s visit due to overseas commitments, they were both thrilled to have her to their farm.
“I think that it’s a testament to the work we’ve done in the community and I’m really proud,” Josh said.
Tamsyn added that they talked after the visit about a quote from the governor when she said “you are what you do”.
“I think that’s something we really take to heart every day in our business.”
During the visit, Prof Gardner toured shed nine and the grading shed, and
said she loved gaining an insight to the business.
“Whatwasinterestingaboutthetourwas you could see it as an end-to-end process. You could see basically where the hens are laying the eggs and that process … and
then all the way up to the grading which is highly automated and really underpinned by quite substantial technology in order to produce that sort of quality of product,”
Prof Gardner said.
Council mayor Dom Bonanno said it was
a pleasure to welcome the governor to the Ranges.
“We are a very passionate group here in the Macedon Ranges, and the community, the businesses and the people have shown that today,” he said.
Left: Keree Bradshaw and Cherese Azzopardi from Josh’s Rainbow Eggs with Governor of Victoria Professor Margaret Gardner, council mayor Dom Bonanno and Cr Kate Kendall. Right, top to bottom: The Governor of Victoria Professor Margaret Gardner touring a farm affected by drought, with Macedon Ranges council, and with grading manager Nick Duff at Josh’s Rainbow Eggs. (Pictures: Supplied)
Free Free Local Delivery Delivery (on mention of this Ad) of this Ad)
Custom Manufacturing is our Specialty. Custom Many Designs, many beautiful Warwick fabric colour choices. Many Designs, many beautiful Warwick fabric colour choices.
Huge Range of Mattresses, Bases, Bedheads, Bedframes, Blanket Box, Toppers, Pillows, Electric of Mattresses, Bases, Bedheads, Bedframes, Blanket Box, Pillows, Electric Blankets, Wool & Mink Blankets, Manchester, and “All things Bedding” on Display, and in Stock. Blankets, Wool & Mink Blankets, Manchester, and and in Stock. Long Laybys are welcome are welcome.
A tail-wagging event
By Georgia Tacey
A milestone achievement has been reached for Sunbury’s biggest dog club.
The Sunbury District Obedience Dog Club is celebrating 40 years of training dogs. The group, formed in 1985 by local David Phillips proved popular from the start, with many locals eager to train their dogs.
Over 18 people initially showed up to the first session back in 1985, and now in 2025, the club has grown to over 200 members with more on the waitlist.
Club secretary Sue Anderson said the club was very happy to see it reach this milestone.
“It’s amazing to think that something that started so simply with someone saying ‘I want to be able to train my dog in Sunbury’ … to 40 years later and we’ve got 200 plus members? It’s an amazing feeling to be part of it,” she said.
The volunteer-run club meets every week where owners can have assistance in training their dogs across a variety of disciplines.
“We are a club that does positive reinforcement training, which is reward based training and it’s definitely a gentler, easier way to train your dog where they enjoy being trained and they’re happy and they want to please you,” Ms Anderson said.
Dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes are welcome in the club, with training and competing offered including obedience, rally, agility, tricks, dance with dogs, tracking, herding, scent work and other dog sports.
“We take dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes. We’ve got mini dachshunds and up to
and including a cane corso,” Ms Anderson said.
Creating well-behaved dogs is always the goal, and something Ms Anderson prides herself on when training.
“We want to give people ‘coffee shop dogs’ where you can take your dog to a coffee shop and sit outside,” she said.
“A child can run past, and they’re not going to run at it. Another dog will go past,
they’ll sit there quietly … just being able to enjoy taking them out to a coffee shop, take them to a park, take them down to the beach and know that they’re going to be well behaved, and socialised for you.”
The club will be celebrating its 40th anniversary with a club dinner on July 26. For more information about the club and to enquire about joining, go to sunburydogclub.com
Salesian to mark centenary in ‘27
Salesian College Sunbury is gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027, with celebrations beginning early.
In the lead up to the celebrations, the college is inviting past and present students, staff and the wider Sunbury community to attend a centenary planning committee brainstorm night to prepare for the milestone.
Participants will help brainstorm across key areas including events and ways in which the college can celebrate the future, including scholarships and campus showcases.
Principal Mark Brockhus said everyone is welcome to attend.
“Our centenary is not just a celebration of the past – it’s a chance to honour the legacy of our community and imagine the future together,” he said.
“We welcome everyone who’s been part of our journey to help shape this historic moment.”
The night is for anyone who’s interested in any of the categories, from storytelling, design and event planning to community building. It will be held on Wednesday, August 20, from 6pm to 7.30pm at Salesian College Sunbury.
A light supper will be provided. Registrations are essential: http:// bit.ly/4lRmsIX
Val Shorinov and dog Alice; Aimee Shorinov with Jasper; Lauren Unger and Mochi; Sue Baiano and Pickles; Sue Anderson and Mannie; and Diane Gregoire with Sheeba. (Damjan Janevski). 487888_02
Help screw up plate theives
By By Sam Porter
With numberplate theft at record highs, Victoria Police is urging people to fit antitheft screws to their vehicles.
Keilor Downs Police Acting Sergeant Sam Romano said installing a simple measure such as an anti-theft screw can be the difference between having your numberplate stolen or not.
Across the state, numberplate thefts have surged by 50 per cent to the highest
number recorded in the state, with 29,790 recorded over the last year, equivalent to 83 a day or one every 17 minutes, according to police.
According to data released by the Crime Statistics Agency, Brimbank, Hume and Wyndham are included in the top five areas in the state for numberplate thefts over the year ending March, recording 1414, 1966 and 1449 incidents respectively.
“Number plate theft is often at the centre of more serious offending,” Acting Ser-
geant Sam Romano said.
Stolen numberplates are often used by offenders to hide the identity of a vehicle when committing other crimes such as burglaries, ram raids, petrol drive offs and to evade police, police said.
“We have more capabilities than ever to detect stolen numberplates on our roads, so we’d strongly encourage those thinking of using them to hide their vehicle to think again,” Acting Sergeant Sam Romano said.
Police are urging vehicle owners to in-
Giving the green thumbs up to biodiversity
Green thumbs are coming to Sunbury for a special tree planting event.
The Hume council-led event is part of National Tree Day during which thousands of people will help plant over one million local-native seedlings.
The event, held at Kokoda Drive native grassland reserve in Sunbury, will build on last year’s planting efforts, adding more wildflowers and native grasses in the north-western corner of the reserve.
This will expand the habitat for black-shouldered kites, also known as ‘thara’ in the Woiwurung language of the Wurundjeri people.
Council will provide planters with gloves, sunscreen, and all planting tools and materials,aswellaswater,teaandcoffeetodrink, andapizzalunchwithfruitsnacksavailable.
Participants should wear weather appropriate clothing, as well as bring a rain and wind proof jacket, wear safe, fully enclosed walking shoes and bring a reusable water bottle.
National Tree Day is Australia’s largest tree planting event. Since 1996, 28 million trees have been planted.
Council deputy mayor Naim Kurt encouraged the community to take part.
“Every year we plant 1,000s of seedlings
to add to Hume’s 160,000 trees and now we’re turning our attention to saving native grasslands,” he said.
“This year, we’re planting 3,000 native grasses and wildflowers to help restore one of Australia’s most endangered ecosystems.”
He said the whole community is invited to take part.
The Sunbury National Tree Day event will take place on Sunday, July 27, from 10am to 1.30pm.
For more information, contact council urban biodiversity officer Melissa Doherty at melissado@hume.vic.gov.au or 9205 2200.
stall anti-theft screws, which are available from hardware stores, automotive parts stores and petrol stations.
Police are also urging the community to blur number plate details when advertising vehicles online, or when sharing photos on social media to avoid the likelihood of a vehicle’s numberplate being cloned.
Anyone who has been the victim of a number plate theft or suspected cloning activity is urged to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Festive July market
Christmas is coming early to the July Sunbury Indoor Market.
The monthly market will turn into a festive wonderland, with a special appearance from Santa and his elves set to bring some mid-year cheer to town.
Market organiser Emma Dwyer said its a great little market, with plenty to do and see for the whole family.
“We’ll have free face painting and an arts and craft workshop for the kids,” she said.
“There will be over 65 stalls with homemade breads, honey, peanut butter to jewelry and knits.”
Ms Dwyer has recently taken over as organiser of the Sunbury Indoor Markets.
“I’m really proud that around 75 per cent of our stallholders are from within Sunbury or the next suburb over,” she said.
“We try to keep it locally based so money goes back into the local community.”
She said new stallholders are always welcome to join who want to support the local community.
On the night, expect Santa photos, activities for the kids like crafts and ride on plush animals, live music from a young local talent who will be playing hits and classics, as well as a wide variety of stalls. The cafe on-site will also be open.
The Christmas in July market , will be held on Friday, July 25, from 6pm to 9pm, at the Sunbury Indoor Sports Centre, 63 Vineyard Road, Sunbury.
Organiser Melissa Doherty is getting the seeds ready for the planting. (Damjan Janevski). 490026_01
Crafty school holiday fun
Kids across Sunbury have been enjoying a wellearnedbackovertheschoolholidays.
Askidslookforwaystostaywarmduring thewinterbreak,SunburySquarehasbeen hostingarangeofactivitiesthathavebeen keepingkidsentertained.
Over the two weeks, kids have been dazzled by a magic show that drew huge crowds on Wednesday, July 9, while arts andcraftstookoverthesecondweekofthe holidays.
Both craft sessions held a winter theme, with the first being snow globe making on Monday, July 14, followed by snowman bookmarkmakingonTuesday,July15.
Talented kids put their creativity to the test and created their very own winter
Briefs
Drivers warned Lieutenant senior constable Marianne Voswinkel, who is stationed at the Riddells Creek Police Station, has issued over 50 traffic infringement notices since she commenced her duties there in April. Police said most of these were for speeds of more than 15km/h over the posted speed limit. Last week, Lieutenant Senior Constable Voswinkel detected a driver travelling 139km/h on Riddell Road. This person received a $763 penalty and a six-month suspension of their driver’s licence. Lieutenant Senior Constable Voswinkel urged drivers to be cautious on Macedon Ranges roads, especially during the winter months when the roads are often wet and icy.
Bulla CFA rammed
themed crafts, all while staying warm inside.
Alongside activities every school holidays, Sunbury Square also runs activities throughout the year for major holidays, including Easter themed crafts, Lady of Hearts roaming the centre giving out Valentine’s Day gifts to visitors, and roving pumpkins trick or treating for Halloween.
On Christmas, the Christmas Tree Decorating Project fills the square with trees designed by the local primary schools.
There’s also Morning Melodies every secondThursdayofthemonthattheSquare, withlocaltalentsInSyncperforming.
Police are investigating an attempted burglary at a CFA building in Bulla on July 8. Police said a blue sedan rammed the roller door of the premises on Green Street, about 7.55pm. The brigade said on Facebook volunteers were responding to a motor vehicle accident at the time. Police said nothing was stolen from the property and no one was inside at the time. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Nina,5, and Madeline Mangos from Entertainment Emporium. (Damjan Janevski) 488369_01
Artist pieces it all together
Georgia Tacey sits down with Sunbury artist Renee Broders in her home studio as she chats about her artistic process, favourite pieces and her recent exhibition where her artwork was projected onto the Broadmeadows Town Hall for the Hume Winter Lights Festival.
Walking into Renee Broders’ home studio is like taking a step inside her mind.
Eclectic, bright and colourful, just like thebrightpinkglassesperchedonherface.
Every inch of the small room is filled to the brim. Art supplies, trinkets, finished projects and ones she’s still tinkering with cover the space.
Thisishermind,heartandsoul,baredon display.
“I think if it was empty, I would feel lost,” Broders said.
“It’s a place where I go to feel found.
“It’s my heart, my home, but then sometimes I don’t want to come out here. I avoid it all together because it’s too much.”
These four walls are brimming with energyandcreativity,andBrodersthinksit might just be at capacity.
“I feel like I’m almost suffocating out here a little bit, but this for me is probably my favourite place to be at the same time,” she said. “You just sort of suffer for your own love, I suppose.”
Art has always called to Broders. From as young as five she was drawing, painting andmakinghermarkontheworldthrough her art.
Not everyone is going to love what you do and no one appeals to everybody. But I suppose you have to appeal more to yourself and the others will come
- Renee Broders
“I surround myself with as much creativity as I can, and I find that’s kind of wheremyheartlies.I’macreativeatheart,” she said.
At university, she studied print making and painting, thinking this was where her life would take her as an etcher, before painting took over.
“I think that’s part of the creative journey,” Broders said.
“You kind of fall into things and then you fall out of things, and if you take that sort of mindset, you’ll learn a lot more, I think, as an artist because you don’t get trapped.”
Now at 49, Broders is a mum-of-two, living with her husband and two sausage dogs in Sunbury, with a purpose-built home studio nestled in her backyard.
Known for her bright, bold, striking colours, abstract pieces and collages, Broders’ artwork steps into people’s mind and dives into emotion.
Represented by national group Studio Gallery Group, her artwork has been exhibited across the country. While she has had many career highlights, like being the featured artist of the 2023 Affordable Art Fair in Sydney, a mention in Vogue and multiple award recognitions, she said she takes all the big things in with the small.
One of the big will be her first solo exhibition with Studio Gallery Group which will be held in Sydney, featuring many of her paintings and some collage pieces.
And something smaller in her community, she plans to offer collage classes for those interested in learning more about the art.
Broders has exhibited all over Australia, but most recently was a part of an event close to home.
AsoneofthefeaturedartistsintheHume
Winter Lights Festival, Broders wowed the crowds with her whimsical interactive exhibition titled ‘Paper Dreams’.
“The piece was an animated and interactive digital collage, where I put together backgrounds with objects, all cut out of vintage paper, and then little charactersthatImakeonmyphone…were all sort of put together,” she said.
“Anybody that wanted to could come up and interact with the projection by using a software that was set up, so it became something that people could change and manipulate whilst it was playing out on the wall.”
Broders took inspiration from her daily commute to work and the characters you find on the train.
“It was just about life’s journey and just how as you travel along through your day, you see all sorts of weird things and a lot was inspired by riding the train,” she said.
She said the piece was really well received, with over 5000 people attending
the festival and catching a glimpse of her creation. To bring it to life, she worked with Nicholas Marriott and Sean Healy, an animator and software engineer.
“It was my first projection, and hopefully it will lead to more of the same because I think collage is a really interesting medium to work with, and it’s really good for storytelling,” she said.
“And when you work with an animator and a software designer you definitely can come up with pretty spectacular results.”
In her long-spanning career, there have been many stand out pieces, with many tackling mental health, emotions and societal issues.
One piece on display in her studio is one of Jeni Haynes, a Queensland woman who has over 2000 personalities.
Broders said after watching a 60 Minutes episode on Haynes, she reached out to her through Facebook, which resulted in her flying up to Queensland twice and staying with her, creating two pieces of art.
“Getting to know Jeni was probably the coolest part of that,” she said. In Haynes’ mind, every decision she makes is voted on by all her personalities, which prompted her to respond to Broders message, saying “two and a half thousand hands had come up to say yes, they wanted me to paint them”.
Broders said she uses a lot of negative spaceinherart,withthestorytoldthrough intricate, small details. At the core of her process is her wanting to share the inner workings of people’s minds with the world.
“I’vegotafeelingofwantingtotellstories about people’s lives and what’s important and embrace diversity, embrace change andchallenge.Allofthosethingsarereally important to me,” she said.
“Not everyone is going to love what you do and no one appeals to everybody. But I suppose you have to appeal more to yourself and the others will come.”
Search @arts7_5 on Instagram to find more for Broders’ work.
Renee Broders inside her home studio.
(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 486598
Right: “Ruby Star“ c/o Studio Gallery Group. Artwork featured as Affordable Art Fair Sydney’s Campaign piece in 2023.
$16,190 valuedat including airfares
Viking &yourlocalnewspaperinviteyoutoexperiencetheeleganceandserenityofarivervoyage.
ENTERNOW foryourchancetowinan8-day“RhineGetaway”cruisefortwo,departingBaselon 22November2026,includingreturnflights.Therivervoyagewilltakeyouthroughfourenchanting countries,offeringsixguidedtours,allonboardmeals,andenrichingculturalexperiences.
Prizeinclusions:
CruiseDuration:8days,7nights
Accommodation:Standard(CategoryF)Stateroom Destinations:4countrieswith6guidedtours
CulinaryDelights:Allonboardmeals,withbeer&wineservedduringlunchanddinner CulturalExperiences:VisitstoUNESCOWorldHeritageSitesandViking'sCultureCurriculum Amenities:Allportcharges,freeWi-Fi,andallonboardgratuitiesincluded Flights:IncludedEconomyClassreturnflightsfromselectedmajorAustraliancities (upto$5,000percouple)
TotalPrizeValue:$16,190percouple
EntryandtravelConditionsapply(ScanQRcodeforT&C’s)
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
Malmsbury 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 9am-1pm.
Amy, 0423 726 695
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
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-ranges-photography. 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/NorthWesternDistri ctPipeBand?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 Zoe, 11, who is playing Duffy in the Melbourne season of Annie the Musical at the Princess Theatre. (Damjan Janevski) 489773_01
Cut loose at fun musical
Why not kick off your Sunday shoes and headouttoseeFootloosetheMusical?
The feel-good show is back as part of its encoreseasoninMelbourneinresponseto audiencedemand.
Cairnlea resident, Chad Rosete, who performs as Travis and is a member of the ensemble,saidaudienceshavebeenloving theshow.
“A lot of people come up to us after the show and say that they’re a huge fan of the movie. They remember the movie from when they were a teenager and say watching the show brought a sense of nostalgiaforthem,”saidChad.
Footloose tells the story of a teenage boy from Chicago, Ren McCormack, who moves to the small town of Bomont with hismother.
When he arrives in Bomont, the free-spirited Ren is shocked to find that dancingisoutlawedinthetown.
Ren then makes it his mission to bring the joy of dance back to the townspeople of Bomont who are healing from their own collectivetragedy.
“Footloose is this high energy, feel-good, up-tempo musical that’s in the same category as Grease or Mamma Mia ...audiences can leave the show feeling like they’vehadsomuchfun,”saidChad.
Chad fell in love with singing and performing as a child, later developing a passionformusicalsinhighschool.
After studying at the Australian Institute of Music and Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, Chad made his first professional debutinRentthemusicallastyear.
Chad said the rehearsals for the encore season of Footloose were focused on making the show even bigger than it was thefirsttime.
“We’re building on the show we had previously and I think it’s really coming into something that’s more refined and electric.”
Without revealing too much, Chad said one of the highlights of the show is a well-known musical number that features inthemovie.
“It’s a good surprise…I don’t think audienceswillexpectit,”hesaid.
Footloose the Musical is showing at the Athaneum Theatre with performances runninguntilSunday,August17.
Tickets and more info: www. footloosethemusical.com
Significant milestone in first exhibition
Swirling colours come together on canvas inanewartist’sexhibition.
Debbie Van Ravenstein’s love for art has been reignited in her later years, and is proudtoshowcaseherveryfirstexhibition, ‘Pour Paint’ in the Sunbury Hume Global LearningCentre.
“I’ve always been into art, all my life, I justdidn’tknowhowtostart,”shesaid.
After learning the pouring technique through watching YouTube, Van Ravenstein decided to buy all the supplies andtryitoutherself.
“I like doing it, so I kept doing it, and the paintings just turned out the way they turnedout,”shesaid.
Colours collide and melt together in her paintings, creating shapes and faces in the waythepaintfalls.
Usingfluid,layeredcolours,sheexplores movement and emotion through her art andmindfulness.
While apprehensive at first, her occupational therapist helped convince her to take part, to which Van Ravenstein saidshecouldn’thavedoneitwithouther.
Going into the exhibition, Van Ravenstein didn’t think a single painting would sell. That became her goal, which she completely smashed by now selling
fourpiecesofhercollection.
“I never thought any would sell,” she said.
When the exhibition opened back in April, the opening night was one of her highlights,beingoneofthelasttoleave.
“To hear the mayor mention my name, andhimwantingtomeetme,Ican’tbelieve thathappened,”VanRavensteinsaid.
Pour Paint’s run at the Sunbury Hume Global Learning Centre has now been extendedtoSunday,October5.
Both other exhibitions have been extendedatthegallerysectionaswelluntil thisdate.
Instrumentalist brings Celtic music to Little River
The magic and mystique of Celtic music will grace Little River when multiinstrumentalist Rennie Pearson comes to townnextmonth.
Channelling the traditions of Ireland, Scotland and Maritime Canada, the virtuoso’s wooden flute, Irish whistles, guitar, fiddle, bodhrán, and voice will tell talesoldandnew.
While his first guest slot in a festival camein2011,MrPearson’smusicaljourney startedlongbefore.
“Actually when I was a baby, I had the music [playing] around the house on CDs and my grandparents had Riverdance on VHS,”hesaid.
“Iwascompletelyentrancedbyit.”
It might be better to let one of the best proponents of Celtic music explain what is
sospecialaboutit.
“There is so much joy contained in it, but also so much hardship– it makes you want to leap out of the chair and dance,” Mr Pearson said. “The melodies have
Sharing a sense of local place
An exhibition in Bacchus Marsh of poetry by Moorabool poet, artist, and storyteller Barry James Gilson is sharing local stories, education, and asenseofplace.
Running until July 31 at MAPP Gallery Bacchus Marsh, the original poem by Gilson shares personal and localthemes.
“The whole concept was basically from the connection I have being a Wadawurrung person and … Kirrit Barrett– or Gordon – I’ve been living thereallmylife,”Gilsonsaid.
“Just about every weekend when I was a little fella, I used to walk down to the Bostock Reservoir … it used to be a natural sort of watercourse that flowed from the water from under Kirrit Barrett and it’s called Paddock Creek now, but it was called KangarooCreek,”hesaid.
Gilson said that he used to follow the creek all the way down to the muddy flats of what is now the BostockReservoir.
“Itwasjustmudflatsandalongside it were inland mussels – they were called Timboo – now they were an inland mussel, a freshwater mussel, andtheywereinabsoluteabundance everywhere,”hesaid.
Gilson said after the waterway was dammed, the presence of it was changed, and he did not see the musselsatthesiteanymore.
“I used to light a little fire and cook these little things in there and eat them. I didn’t know at the time that itwasabushfoodthatmyfamilyhad been eating for thousands of years,” hesaid.
these ethereal qualities that go beyond the mortal realm, and the driving rhythms are dancemusicthroughandthrough.”
“Another one is the connection with ancient times, it’s kind of got this otherworldly element where the tunes and songshavebeenpasseddown.”
TheLittleRiverMechanicsInstituteHall, where the show is taking place on Sunday, August17,mightjustbetheperfectplaceto channelthesetunes.
“When the local community comes together to share an evening of live music, there’s a crackling energy in the room— banter and music flow freely, and it’s an absolute joy to be a part of,” Mr Pearson said.
Tickets: https://www.renniepearson music.com/
“That’s basically a local story of the place … I write stories about all places and collect the information, so hopefully one day I’ll get a book together that people can learn from after I’m gone … because if these stories aren’t collected – well, they’re lost.”
It is through this storytelling that Gilson hopes to educate people and provide a deeper understanding and senseofplace.
Gilson’s poetry is being exhibited atMAPPUpinLightsBacchusMarsh attheVillageGreen,197MainStreet, BacchusMarsh,untilJuly31.
Details: moorabool.vic.gov. au/Services-and-support/ Arts-and-culture/Artistopportunities/MAPP-Up-in-Lights
Debbie Van Ravenstein at her Pour Paint exhibition.
(Damjan Janevski) 488447_01
Rennie Pearson. (Supplied).
Brimbank local, Chad Rosete, stars in Footloose the Musical. (Supplied)
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
SPORTS QUIZ
1. After over 10 years of professional racing, which Australian sprint cyclist announced his retirement in May 2025?
2. Nearing $50,000 in total, who is the most fined player in AFL/VFL history?
3. What is the nationality of Jasper Philipsen, the winner of the first stage of the 2025 Tour de France?
4. Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar has won three Tour de France titles competing for what team?
5. Achieved in July 2024, what is tennis player Alex de Minaur’s highest-ever
Who is the all-time leading points scorer in the NRL?
A famous Aussie with the same name plays in what other sport?
8. Which is the only team in the US NFL to have never hosted nor played in the Super Bowl?
In which winter sport are the terms ‘stale fish’ and ‘mule kick’ used?
Which NBL team is from
The third Test against the West Indies marked which Australian cricketer’s 100th Test?
12. Which ultra-successful F1 team recently sacked its team principal after 20 years?
13. Which Maroons player was named man of the series for State of Origin 2025?
14. How many squares does a chess board have?
15. South African Wiaan Mulder scored a monumental 367 not out against which cricketing nation?
16. Super Bowl I in 1967 was won by which team?
17. Which three clubs entered the VFL 100 years ago in 1925?
18. Maro Itoje is the captain of the British & Irish Lions and which nation?
19. Who will coach Port Adelaide in 2026 following Ken Hinkley’s final season with the AFL club?
20. Which Indian batsman scored 430 runs (269 and 161) against England in the second Test, the second-highest aggregate in Test cricket history?
21. Who did Jannik Sinner defeat in the recent Wimbledon men’s singles final?
22. Which three A-League teams will Wrexham AFC play on their Australian and New Zealand tour?
23. Which politician presented Chelsea with the winning trophy in the recent Club World Cup final?
24. Prior to 2025, in what year did a fully-fit Nathan Lyon last not play in a Test match for Australia?
25. How many Sheffield Shield teams has Usman Khawaja played for during his career?
26. West Coast player Jack Graham was recently suspended for how many games due to an on-field incident?
27. Who is the current coach of the Gold Coast Titans?
28. Golfer Grace Kim was born in which Australian city?
29. How many countries boycotted the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games?
30. Birdman is the mascot of which NBL team?
Alex de Minaur
Jannik Sinner
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Assail (5)
4 Keep trying (9)
9 Ancestry (7)
10 Stinging plants (7)
11 Deliverance from harm (9)
12 Restore (5)
13 Stun (3)
14 Entitlement (11)
16 Impossible to rectify (11)
19 Be in debt (3)
20 Of them (5)
22 Helper (9)
25 Japanese paper art form (7)
26 Instructs; improves (7)
27 Without paths (9)
28 Varieties (5)
DOWN
1 Girdles (5)
2 Plant with large yellow head and edible seeds (9)
3 Jewelled coronet (5)
4 Officiate (7)
5 Encounter (3,4)
6 Pull up by the roots (9)
7 US comedian,
– DeGeneres (5)
8 Not here (9)
13 Sleeveless garment worn over a shirt (9)
14 As opposed to hardcover (9)
15 Quarantine (9)
17 Understand clearly (7)
18 Woven containers (7)
21 Nickname of Eva Perón (5)
23 Deft (5)
24 Check-ups (5)
1 Name the mineral known as 'fool's gold'.
2 For which animated Disney Channel series did Solange Knowles (pictured) sing the title theme song?
3 In culinary terms, what does 'au gratin' mean?
4 Which video game company published The Sims?
5 Tibet's Potala Palace houses the tombs of how many Dalai Lamas?
6 Which late author was best known for their Discworld series of 41 novels?
7 In which Australian city were KeepCups first created and sold?
8 What colour is coquelicot?
9 TangointheNight, The Dance and Mirage are albums by which British-American rock band?
10 The erhu, a Chinese musical instrument, has how many strings?
Haval drives value further
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Great Wall Motors (aka GWM) continues to lead the way in China’s surge into the Australian new vehicle market, currently sittinginseventhplaceoverall.
Nearly two-thirds of these sales come from the Haval sub-brand and its Joleon andH6SUVs.
The larger of the pair, the H6, has been here since 2017 and has grown steadily in the highly-competitive medium SUV segment against big-hitters like RAV4, Outlander,CX-5andSportage.
Originally petrol-only, it added a conventionalpetrol/electrichybridvariant in 2022, followed in early 2025 by GWM’s firsteverPlug-InHybrid(PHEV)vehicle.
Both hybrids come to Australia in the top-spec GT Ultra model with a high level of safety equipment and technology. The PHEV that we’re testing here is priced at $55,990driveaway.That’s$9500morethan thehybrid.
Thatpricehasitsittingmidwaybetween the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-60 and Jeep Compass and the Chinese BYD Sealion 6, HG HS and Jaecoo J7. Importantly, it does significantly outdo all of these rivals with its claimed EV-only rangeof180kilometres.Moreonthatlater.
Styling
The H6 GT streamlines the body to the extent that GWM tags it as an SUV Coupe in line with the recent trend adopted by otherbrandstoescapefromthetraditional boxyprofile.
It certainly works and combined with the other styling elements gives it a real premium look that could easily pass, not onlyforitsbig-sellingJapaneseandKorean rivals but even for much more expensive EuropeanSUVs.
These styling elements include body-coloured side panels that extend the grille to the edge of the vehicle, LED lighting in twin rectangular headlights that wrap around the front, LED daytime running lights, LED foglights, taillights andafull-widthlightingpanel.
There are 19-inch alloy wheels with red brakecalipers.
In a search for brand recognition in previous models the ‘Haval’ name is emblazoned across the front and rear in large, bold letters at the front and rear. Consistent sales growth means that’s no longer needed and they’ve been replaced bymuchsmallerandmoresubtlebadging.
There are five exterior colour choices, HamiltonWhiteisstandard,theotherfour are$495options.
Interior
It’s hard to fault anything inside the H6 Hybrid Ultra PHEV with a real feeling of qualitythroughout.
Comfortek front leather seats are heated and ventilated with the driver having an eight-way power adjustment, heated leather steering wheel and a head-up display.
There’s good storage space with adjustable twin drink holders and a large storagebininthecentreconsole.
There’s dual-zone air conditioning which, together with a flat rear floor, good foot, leg and headroom, and the panoramic sunroof make for a pleasant environment for rear passengers. There’s a centre armrest with two cupholders and airvents.
At the back there’s a powered tailgate which opens out to a 600-litre boot, expandable to 1485 litres with the rear seatbacksfolded.
The batteries are located beneath the false floor taking up the space where a spare wheel would otherwise be stored leaving a puncture repair kit as the only option.
Powertrain
The Haval PHEV combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear.
The engine alone generates 110kW and 230Nm. The batteries add 135kW for combinedoutputsof321kWand762Nm.
Thetwosystemsworktogethersmoothly with the battery providing instant torque attake-offandtheturbochargerkickingin athigherrevs.
Power is sent to all four wheels through GWM’s two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission electronically controlled transmission.
Safety
The Haval H6 Hybrid comes with an impressivesuiteofsafetyfeaturesthathave contributed to it getting the maximum 5-StarANCAPrating.
There are seven airbags; enhanced ABS brakes with brake assist, cornering brake controlandbrakeoverride,rollmovement intervention, hill descent and hill-start control,frontandrearparkingassistanda 360-degreecamera.
Other features include automatic parking, adaptive cruise control, intelligent cornering control, rear cross traffic alert and braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and correction; autonomous emergency braking including pedestrian and cyclists, traffic sign recognition, blind spot
detection, rear collision warning, driver drowsiness detection and two IsoFix child seatanchors.
Infotainment
Access is through two large colour displays, a centrally-mounted 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment features and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster behindthesteeringwheelfordrivingdata.
As is the growing trend there are no raised physical knobs for the most commonly-used features such as audio system and air conditioning meaning a series of taps on the screen for adjusting sound.Therearesomeshortcutbuttonson thesideofthescreenandothercontrolson thesteeringwheel.
Thereisnoembeddedsatellitenavigation so access needs to be made through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (both wired) or direct from the smartphone via Bluetooth. There is a wireless smartphone charging onthefrontconsole.
There are five USB ports, three in the frontandtwoattherear.
Driving
HavalH6isatthelargerendofitssegment and entry is quite easy. While the seats are adjustable in most directions the base can’t be tilted and we found them a little uncomfortable.
Take-off is by battery only with the instant acceleration that we love. The zero to 100 km/h sprint can be done in just 4.9 seconds.
There are two different EV modes that both default to electric only driving and only switch to the engine when needed for hard acceleration or when the battery
chargeislow.
The combination of the smaller turbo engine and batteries mean that the H6 Hybridcruisesquietly.Brakeregeneration can be adjusted and monitored on the driver’sdisplay.
Out in the rural segment of our teat route the H6 Hybrid provides a surprisingly enjoyable drive with plenty of punch when needed. The ride was a bit spongy at times and handling was typical ofmostSUVs.
Fuel consumption is listed at 5.2 litres per100km,weaveragejustunder6.0L/100 kmduringourtest.
Summing up
Thejury’sstilloutonthebenefitsofplug-in hybrid vehicles in their role between conventional hybrids and full electric vehicles.
While PHEVs do eliminate the range anxiety that remains one of the major concerns for potential EV buyers the relatively small batteries in most PHEVs means that their electric-only driving range only sits around 50 kilometres and afterthat,unlessre-charged,theybecome just another hybrid, but one that typically costs about $10k more than equivalent hybrids.
While the Haval H6 PHEV does cost $9000 more than the H6 Hybrid, it does provide significantly greater range, listed at 180km. Even if that equates to 150km in real-life driving conditions it makes for a much more attractive option than all of its rivals.
With the 55-litre fuel tank full and battery charged, GWM claims a driving rangeof1000kilometres.
While the Haval H6 PHEV costs $9000 more than the H6 Hybrid, it provides significantly greater range. (Pictures: Supplied)
Local sport on Saturday had the added intrigue of wind making things a little bit more tricky. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Wind tests weekend play
Altona Gators men’s side. 490086_01
Diggers Rest’s Matthew Krul and Riddell’s Ben Taylor. 490807_14
Glenroy’s Zac Smith and Westmeadows’ Michael Mayne. 489371_09
Lancefield’s Alice Bromley. 490796_04
Craigieburn’s Abe Solano. 490086_09
Lancefield’s Carolyn Cusack. 490796_12
Craigieburn’s Luke Tropeano. 490086_17
Lancefield’s Keiley Walker and Alex Cairney. 490796_02
Riddell’s Dylan Podolczak and Diggers Rest’s Ryan Lewis. 490807_18
Riddell’s Tommy Alkemade. 490807_01
Westmeadows’ Aaron Evans. 89371_13
Westmeadows’ Korey Flavel-Wood goes to lay a tackle. 489371_04
Woodend-Hesket hoping to finish tough season strongly
Woodend-Hesket showed plenty of resolve
to get the job done against the Gisborne Giants to make it two on the trot in the Riddell District Football League.
In what has been a tough season for the Hawks, they’ve been able to double their win total in the past two weeks.
Coach Alastair Rae said it was nice to get some reward for effort the last couple of weeks.
“Last weekend was particularly pleasing,” he said. “Yesterday [Saturday] was more of a relieving win where we played OK for the whole day.”
Rae said the Giants had shown a lot of improvement from the first time they played them and really tested them at Gilbert Gordon Reserve.
The Hawks led early and were able to
hold onto the lead throughout the match, winning 17.11 (113)-14.7 (91).
“They’ve grown a little bit,” Rae said. “They were really competitive and it was not easy.
“We started well before we got a couple of injuries in the third quarter which had an impact.”
Rae said Jack Binns and Alex Gray were the two players that went off injured, with Gray taken straight to hospital to get stitches in his hand after splitting his webbing.
RyleyFergusonkickedfivegoalsinabest on ground performance for the Hawks.
JackDugganandDeanBramleywereother standouts for the Hawks.
Brad Mangan and Matt Quigley were again the standouts for the Giants.
Another positive to come out of the match for the Hawks was the senior debut of Harry White.
White, who took a strong mark and kicked a goal in the win, is the eighth under-17playertheHawkshavedebutedin the senior side this season.
“We thought we might play five or six,” Rae said. “We didn’t think we would play this many.
“It’s partly because we don’t have the depth in the reserves, but we’ve got some good young guys coming through.”
The Hawks sit in eighth spot with four rounds remaining. They are three games outside the top six.
Rae said they wanted to finish strongly and start building for next season.
“We have four games left including
Cats ticking along
By Tara Murray
Macedon has been continuing to prepare for finals in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition.
Having locked in the minor premiership a number of weeks ago, the Cats have focused on making sure there is development across the whole squad as they aim for back-to-back premierships.
Co-coach Chris Nolan said the group was responding really well to what they were trying to implement.
“The girls are going good,” he said. “We’ve been in a bit of a holding pattern with trying to share the ball around and bring the whole squad along for the ride. “We’ve been able to hold our shape and still get enough looks and we’re still hitting the scoreboard.
“Ourtimeinthefronthalfhasbeenareal focus and that has been really pleasing.”
Nolan said they were really mindful about developing footballers at the club and leaving the program in a better spot from when they found it.
He said it was about ensuring that
everyone improved and got something out of it.
OnSaturdaynight,theCatswereathome underlights against Lancefield in a top of the table clash.
While it was a big win to the Cats, 8.7 (55)-1.1 (7), Nolan said the match was harder than it looked.
“Lancefield were really competitive in the contest and they didn’t stop trying to pressure us,” he said.
“Our efficiency was not at the normal level. They had a crack and they made us earn it.
“In the second half we were able to get it on the outside. We had clear ball use.”
Charlotte Noonan kicked three goals for the Cats.
Nolan said Lilli Collins was really good in her return from injury. He said they played her on the outside and allowed her to use her run.
“She kicks with both feet and that’s her point of difference,” he said. “You don’t see a lot of that at the lower levels.
“She doesn’t have to change direction.”
Ruby Watts could be on the way to
playing Diggers Rest and Riddell,” he said.
“We also play Lancefield and Romsey and we think we can win those two games.
“It’s about retention now for next season to build on the young group.”
In other results, Diggers Rest further cemented its spot on top after beating Riddell in the top of the table clash, 15.9 (99)-11.11 (77).
Romsey got an important win against Melton South, 10.9 (69)-7.13 (55), while MacedonupsetKyneton,15.3(93)-12.6(78). Wallan beat Lancefield in the other match, 22.20 (152)-9.4 (58).
- Tara Murray
RDNL
Woodend-Hesket and Macedon both got strong wins on Saturday in the Riddell District Netball League. The Hawks were at home to the Gisborne Giants and continued on their merry way, winning 60-37. Rebecca Hicks shot 27 goals for the Hawks. Macedon continued its strong form as it accounted for Kyneton, 51-31. Elsewhere, Wallan upset Lancefield, 50-37, while Romsey had a big win against Melton South. No scores were available for Riddell’s match with Diggers Rest.
FV
Sunbury United got another important win on the board in the FV state league 3 north-west competition on Saturday. At home to Diamond Valley United, Sunbury claimed a 1-0 win with Damian Rastocic scoring just before half time. Sunbury sits third on the ladder after 16 rounds, with the top two sides being promoted. In state league 5 west, Gisborne had a bye.
EDFL
another league best and fairest as she continued her good form.
Nolan said they were working with Watts to get maximum effort every time without having to go contest to contest every time.
“She is really coachable and she wants to keep learning.”
The Cats will finish the regular season against Riddell, which has locked in a finals berth in its first season.
Nolan said the Bombers were a really good contested side as well.
With finals around the corner, Nolan said they were hoping to have some better weather to showcase the improvement in the competition.
In other results, Riddell made sure it wouldplayfinalswitha5.5(35)-2.0(12)win against Melton.
Ruby Taranto kicked four goals for the Bombers.
Romsey got its fourth win of the season, beating the Mount Alexander Falcons, 3.10 (28)-3.4 (22).
The winner out of the final round match between the Falcons and Melton will secure the last finals spot.
Gisborne-Kyneton United and the Sunbury Kangaroos both had strong wins in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition on Saturday. Gisborne-Kyneton United was on the road against the Sunbury Lions and was able to come away with a 10.14 (74)-1.4 (10) win. Alexia Todorovic kicked four goals in the best on ground performance for United. The Kangaroos were in action underlights against East Sunbury and were able to win, 8.22 (70)-2.0 (12). Rhiannon Hanley and Summer Pazsa were named the Kangaroos best. The Kangaroos sit in third spot, just percentage behind second placed Taylors Lakes.
BFL
Gisborne won a hard fought contest against Castlemaine in the Bendigo Football League on Saturday. The Bulldogs led all day including by 42 points at half time before Castlemaine came hard in the second half. The Bulldogs were able to do enough to win, 16.10 (106)-12.13 (85). Brad Bernacki and Matthew Merrett kicked three goals each for the Bulldogs.
Ninna Harbinson kicks a goal. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 490796_06
Thunder get reward for effort with their second win
AsecondwinontheboardforEastSunbury
will add to to the positives of what has been a tough season for the Essendon District Football League division 2 club.
After starting with a win in round one in the seniors to end a 1200 day losing streak not much has gone right for the Thunder.
They’re struggled to get more wins on the board, while they’ve had two matches against Sunbury rivals called off due to extenuating circumstances.
Despite everything, president Paul Wigginton said the atmosphere around the club was still really good.
“There’s been a snowball effect, but we are moving forward and we’re going to keep on going,” he said.
“Our training numbers have been good and the game plan is starting to work.
“We had a 120 point turnaround against Westmeadows from round two.”
“The senior side isn’t winning a lot of games but there is a lot of positivity around the group.”
Wigginton said the senior side was up and about still and that was flowing across the whole.
He said they needed to have a little bit of luck on their side.
“The mood isn’t negative,” he said.
“There’s a lot getting to training and workingonprogressionandworkingskills.
“Wedon’twanttofocusonthenegatives.”
Speaking before the weekend’s match, Wigginton said they had been hopeful of getting another win this season.
He said they were confident heading into the match with the Northern Saints.
They had every right to be as they came
Warriors fight hard
The Western Warriors limped to the line in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday night.
With injuries and unavailability, the Warriors were limited in what they could dointheirfinalmatchoftheseasonagainst a finals-bound Hawks side.
The Warriors had a slow start on Wednesdaynight,andtrailedby16goalsat the main break.
Not known for their strong second halves, the Warriors showed some fight to win the final half by one goal.
But the damage had already been done with the Hawks winning 67-52.
Coach Kim Bailey said they finished the season OK against a very strong side.
She said last time they played the Hawks it was one of their worst performances of the season and they showed some improvement.
“They just supply relentless pressure,” she said of the Hawks.
“They closed the ball down at every opportunityandwedidn’treallyknowhow
to respond to that.
“At half time we regathered and I think we had a really good second half. But they blew us out of the water in the first half.
“Abitofaflipofwhathasbeenhappening for us.”
Already without Tayla Honey with a hyperextended elbow and no Molly Kennedy, the Warriors were dealt another blow late with Elly Randall unable to get out of work and being a late out.
Itleftthemwithonlytwocircledefenders for the match.
Bailey said they were trying to scrap through to the end of the season but she was happy with how they finished in the second half of the final game.
Kim Borger finished with 27 goals for the Warriors, while Rebecca Hicks shot 20.
The Warriors finish with six wins of the season, the same as their first season. They finished in eighth spot.
Bailey said the two seasons were very different.
“I think this season we were more united
away with a 15.16 (106)-11.11 (77) win.
The Thunder led at every break in the win,kickingninegoalstofiveinthesecond half.
Joel Bonnici and Brendan Fevola kicked three goals each. Wade Lees was named their best.
Wigginton said they were hoping to have abigcrowdforitsmatchwithRupertswood in the coming weeks.
On the women’s side, Wigginton said the group remained upbeat under new coaches with the group focused on putting higher scores.
Wigginton said their junior program was looking good as well with their under-16s set to play finals and their under-14s also a chance.
“The whole club is like a big family.” he said. “You go into Thursday night meals and kids, juniors and senior players are coming down.
We had a BBQ a couple of weeks ago with 150 people there from across the board.
“We have a bit planned for the junior end of the season.”
Tara Murray
Sunbury Jets win to no avail
Despite a win on Saturday night, the Sunbury Jets small finals hopes have come to an end in the Big V women’s championship competition.
For the Jets, they needed to win their remaining four matches and hope that the Sherbrooke Suns lost all four to have any chance of playing finals with the Suns leading the head-to-head record 2-0.
While the Jets started the run with awinagainsttheWarrandyteVenom, their hopes were dashed with the Suns beating the Hume City Broncos on Saturday.
An understrength Jets, who had just eight players, were on the road against the Venom.
It was a low scoring affair to start the match, with the Jets trailing 14-12 at quarter time.
A 25-14 second quarter opened the margin out for the Jets before the Suns responded to trail by just four points heading into the final quarter.
ItwasalltheJetsinthefinalquarter as they scored 28-10 to run away with an 81-59 win.
Ally Stewart top scored with 20 points for the Jets as four players scored double figures.
With two rounds remaining, the Jets sit in sixth spot with 10 wins.
and you could see that we were coming together as a club,” she said.
“It was a very even season with lots of teams around the same position on the ladder. It is tough.
“Brillant players in there. We would have liked to go one more [win] up on last year, but that is just the nature of the beast.”
Bailey said they had seen some real developmentintheirsquadthroughoutthe season.
She highlighted Sarah Croft, who has become an amazing midcourter, while Hicks has stepped straight into the championship side and done a great job in goals.
The match was the final VNL game for captain Kim Borger, who has announced her retirement at this level.
The Warriors 23 and under side finished the season with a 62-52 loss.
The Warriors finished in 10th spot with four wins, 13 losses and a draw.
Tara Murray
This weekend they face local rival HumeCityBroncosonSaturdaynight before facing the Bulleen Boomers on Sunday.
The Jets men were also able to get the job done on Saturday night, beating the Camberwell Dragons.
It was a close match all night with the Jets leading narrowly at each of the breaks.
The Dragons won the final quarter but it wasn’t enough with the Jets winning, 102-99.
Byron Gladden top scored with 24 points for the Jets.
The Jets sit in ninth spot with seven wins from their 20 games.
The Jets men face Melbourne University on Saturday night, in the second last round.
Wade Lees. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 466902_18
Western Warriors’ Kim Bailey. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)
Lancefield continues to build after finally tasting success
Lancefield has set its standard for the rest of the Riddell District Football League season after breaking through for its first win since 2023.
There was plenty of joy for the Tigers as they beat the Gisborne Giants, 14.15 (99)-9.12 (66) to get their first win since round 17 in 2023 in round 13.
Coach Ryan O’Meara said he was pretty pleased with the result.
“I was just rapt for the boys,” he said. “I’m super stoked, they have put in a lot of effort and work.
“We’ve been in games where we have been close to wins. We have not found the right momentum or belief.
“It’s nice to get one over the line.”
O’Meara said they knew they would be competitive this season, it was about doing it for four quarters.
He said there had been a few games where they were in games for two or three quarters but not able to get the job done.
O’Meara said in the win against the
Giants it was their most consistent game.
“Take out the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes, we were really strong for three and half quarters,” he said.
“We told them to forget the scoreboard at three quarter time. We wanted them to do what they had in the middle two quarters.
“They kept playing the way we wanted. We were great in patches and we have to keep doing that.”
For the Tigers, they are playing the long game.
Their average age this season has been 21 as they’ve fielded a young team each week.
“We’ve got a couple of 17s players and we’ve got seven or eight games into them,” O’Meara said.
“It holds us in good stead for the future. They’re starting to believe and work together really well as a team.”
O’Meara said there were a number of youngsters that were really impressive.
Ben Sankey has provided some good pressure as a young backman, while Jerome Ristevski is a 17-year-old wingman who is getting better each week.
Leroy Ristevski was among the standouts in the win against the Giants, while Tom Jackson and Tom Sayers, who kicked four goals each in the win, are forming a good combination up forward.
O’Meara said while it was a relief to get the win they want to solidify what they have been doing.
“We want to make sure we are ultra competitive,” he said.
“Who says we can’t win another game?” he said. “We want to keep winning games of footy.
“Our best footy is good enough, we need to minimise the gap between our best and worst.”
TheTigersjoywasshortlivedastheylost to Lancefield on Saturday, 22.20 (152)-9.4 (58).
Tara Murray
Lions stand strong
The Sunbury Lions are starting to fine tune ahead of a big back part of the Ballarat Netball League season.
Lastseason’spremiersareagaintheteam to beat, with just one loss for the season despite not having their full side available most of the year.
While they will still have some more challenges in the run home, Lions coach Kim Bailey said before the weekend’s match, they were happy with how it was tracking.
“Heading into the pointy end of the season, we’re looking OK,” she said. “We’ve got a few injuries at the moment which we’ve trying to nurse through “We have big game this week against North [Ballarat], coming off a relatively high scoring games
“For us, it will put some pressure on us, we need this sort of game.”
On Saturday, the Lions continued their good form with a high scoring win against North Ballarat, winning 76-59.
The Lions jumped out of the blocks and led 22-13 and it set the tone for the rest of the match.
Bailey said she was looking forward to seeing the further development of the shooting circle of Rebecca Hicks and Caitlin Hill.
She said having only played a couple of games together they were still learning their combinations.
Hicks shot 42 goals on Saturday and Hill shot 29 goals.
“It’s really good to have the likes of Caitlin Hill back in the team,” Bailey said.
“She has added an extra dimension.
“Wehadagoalattackshootover30goals, itwasthefirsttimeithappenedthisseason
“It just means it frees Bec Hicks up a little bit and provides a second option that defenders have to go to.”
Captain Tayla Honey missed the game as she recovers from a hyperextended elbow.
Bailey said they were managing a couple of other injuries, while Randall and Sarah
Coach named for Kyneton women
Kyneton has taken a major step in reestablishing a senior women’s team in the Riddell District Football League, appointing a coach for next season.
The club announced last week that Lisa Borg would take on the coaching role.
Kyneton didn’t have a side this season after the departure of a number of players and the coach, aftermakingtwostraightgrandfinals in the RDFL.
It still had an under-18 side.
Borg returns to the club where she both played and coached, having spent a number of years at the club.
“Lisa is no stranger to Kyneton having started her football career in the juniors at North Kyneton and Kyneton, where she earned a premiership, was a runner-up for best and fairest and a interleague representative player,” the club said on social media.
“Lisa then went on to have an impressive senior career at Sunbury Lions, where she was named best and fairest and made history as the first female player to reach 150 games for the club.
Croft will both miss some matches as they head overseas.
She said they would look to qualify Taylah Easton for finals in both A-grade and under-19s to give them another defensive option.
Easton is part of the Australian under-19 squad and played in the SN Reserves finals.
”For a girl who is young and come down from NT [Northern Territory she has fitted in really seamlessly,” Bailey said.
“She will be our back up player as a defender and has been a good pickup.
“It’ssuchadelighttohaveherattheclub, we’ve taken her under our wing.
“Sometimes you get these players who fall into your lap and she’s fallen into our lap, we’re lucky.”
While the Lions netballers had a win, it wasatoughdayfortheseniorfootballersas they lost, 6.8 (44)-4.5 (29).
The Lions remain in fourth spot.
Both Lions teams face Ballarat.
“In 2015, Lisa was a driving force in the creation of the Kyneton women’s football team, serving as both thefirst coach and a key player in the squad.
“With extensive coaching experience leading up to 2025, Lisa’s passion for and commitment to women’s football is unwavering.”
Borg has since coached a number of clubs including Gisborne and East Sunbury and played 200 games across her career.
The Tigers said they were excited to welcome someone of Borg’s calibre to our club, and look forward to her bringing her wealth of experience to the team.
“Lisa has already hit the ground running and is eager to help bring women’s football back to Kyneton in 2026.”
The club is now seeking interested players for next season.
Any interested players can contact, womensfootball@kynetonfnc.com
Lancefield celebrates its first win. (Supplied)
Georgia Hellyer. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 474082_11
