Kangaroo great Anthony Stevens writes exclusively for Star Weekly
....SEE SPORT
Grounded in art
The first exhibition for the new season at Trio Art Studio and Gallery is here, and it’s one not to be missed. Grounded 2 is on display at the Kyneton-based gallery, featuring an impressive collection of ceramics.
Funding rejected twice
By Georgia Tacey
Kyneton’s Anzac Day service is once again in limbo after Macedon Ranges council rejected funding the event for the second time.
Funding for the Anzac Day Commemorative Services Support Fund was reopened for an additional 10 days after the July council meeting, with both unsuccessful applicants Kyneton and Malmsbury encouraged to reapply for funding for traffic management control for parades.
Bothapplicantswererejectedforfunding at the July council meeting due to their relationship with the Kyneton RSL through auspicing.
The auspicing relationship they hold created a conflict with council’s gambling
harmminimisationpolicy.
Bothservicesdonotreceivefundingfrom the Kyneton RSL’s gaming machines, and areonlyauspicedthroughtheRSL.
Malmsburydidnotreapply afterreceiving externalfundingoutsideofcouncil.
In July Kyneton RSL president Mike Gretton said Kyneton would reapply for the grant, and would work with council officers ontheapplication.
However, he was disappointed to see the application rejected for the same reason for a second time at the August council meeting.
“They shouldn’t be making any connectionbetweenourgamingoperations hereattheRSLandourconductonbehalfof the community, conducting an Anzac Day commemorationservice,”hesaid.
Mr Gretton said Kyneton would need to
look internally for the $4300 required for trafficmanagementontheday.
“That’s $4300 that we would normally expecttospendonourveterans,”hesaid.
Kyneton RSL has now put a submission together for council in response to the application rejection, seen by the Star Weekly
In the submission, it said the decision will impact Anzac Day services in 2026 and beyond.
Without road closures in place, it would be impossible to conduct the parade along MollisonStreet,thesubmissionsaid.
The submission also drew criticism about the grant process, saying the Kyneton RSL was told to proceed with applications for bothKynetonandMalmsbury.
The RSL said “in hindsight, there was seemingly never any intention to approve
an application that had any connection to theKynetonRSL”.
It also notes Malmsbury’s application, “clearly stated that there was no financial support provided to Malmsbury by the Kyneton RSL and yet the application was rejected on the grounds that they were auspiced by the Kyneton RSL for insurance purposesonly”.
During the August council meeting, Cr Kate Kendall said the community will feel theimpactofthisdecisionthemost.
“I do think it’s sad that we weren’t able to find common ground here … and I can tell this process has hurt Anzac Day relationships on the ground in west ward’s Kyneton and Malmsbury and will continue to hurt them year after year if we don’t be proactive and solutions orientated,” she said.
Gallery owner Maxine McKee will exhibit her ceramics for Grounded2 at Trio Art Studio and Gallery. (Damjan Janevski) 500286_04
Guthrie elected to council
By Georgia Tacey
Macedon Ranges has a new councillor. Rob Guthrie has been elected as the new south ward councillor after a countback. The countback filled an extraordinary vacancy left by the death of Cr Christine Walker in August.
The Victorian Electoral Commission conducted a countback of votes from the October 2024 local government election on Monday, September 1.
Cr Guthrie, who previously served as a Macedon Ranges councillor, and John Letchford were both in the running for
the vacant position.
Following the distribution of votes, Cr Guthrie received 3129 votes.
Following the announcement of his election, Cr Guthrie acknowledged the sad circumstances which brought about his return to council.
“Yes I’m back, but it’s not the way I wanted to come back,“ he said, referring to Cr Walker’s death.
Cr Guthrie said he would bring himself up to speed on council business and focus on development plans proposed across the shire. He hopes a similar situation doesn’t arise like the
A peek behind shed doors
The Woodend Men’s Shed will be opening up its doors for the public for a fun day at theshed.
The open day will celebrate another year of mateship, activities and service at the shed, and will also coincide with the endofMen’sShedWeek.
Men’s Shed Week, held annually across Australia from September 8 to 13, celebrates the important roles sheds play in building healthy communities across Australia.
Men’s Sheds deliver programs and activities that foster community spirit, create social connections, and strengthen localnetworks.
They also bring together people of all backgrounds to work, share, learn and support each other, and the Woodend Men’sShedisnodifferent.
Lovingtokeeptheirhandsbusy,themen have been hard at work in the community, and are set to undertake one of their biggest projects to date, with the complete restoration of the heritage seats at the Mt MacedonMemorialCrossReserve.
Other works completed include furniture repairs, nesting boxes and toys, allofwhichcanbeseenwiththeworkshop ondisplayandsomeforsale.
Ontheday,dropinforachat,seewhere the men are hard at work and enjoy a cuppaandfreesausagesizzle.
The open day will be held on Saturday, September 13 from 10am until 2pm at the Woodend Men’s Shed, 988 Blackforest Drive,Woodend.
If you can’t make it for the open day, be sure to stop by on any Monday or Wednesdaybetween9amand12pm.
approval of the Riddells Creek Amess Road plan.
Mayor Dom Bonanno congratulated Cr Guthrie on his appointment.
“On behalf of our councillor group, I warmlywelcomeRobbacktocounciland look forward to working together with him–bothinhiscapacityasaSouthWard vouncillor and as part of the broader councillor group – for the betterment of our Macedon Ranges communities,” he said. “Following Christine’s sudden and sad passing, I acknowledge it is challenging circumstances for Rob to come into – we’ll support him in the
role, while still remembering Christine’s positive contributions and the legacy she has left.”
Cr Guthrie first joined the council in 2003 serving until 2012.
After completing a term as deputy mayor (2009-10) and mayor (2010-11) Cr Guthrie stepped down from council.
After an eight-year hiatus, the longterm Gisborne resident returned to councilin2021,whereheservedasdeputy mayor, before standing unsuccessfully at last year’s election.
Cr Guthrie will be officially sworn in next week.
Sunbury Road works set to start
Road works are set to commence on Sunbury Road this month, as preparations for the Melbourne Airport third runway begin.
As part of Melbourne Airport’s upcoming changes, a new intersection will be built along Sunbury Road, with works beginning on Friday, September 5.
It is anticipated that these works will take 12 months to complete, according to the Melbourne Airport.
The section of road between the two roundabouts will be closed to traffic at nightonlyfrom9pmto5amonMonday, September 22 and Tuesday, September 23.
Traffic will be detoured down Wildwood Road, Somerton Road and Oaklands Road for all travellers.
The works will begin the upgrade of Melbourne Airport’s Northern Access Road, which will connect with Sunbury Road in a new temporary intersection to assist with the increased construction traffic that will be heading into the airport for the construction of the third runway.
The new intersection will be built between the Wildwood Road and Oaklands Road roundabouts, with a reduced speed of 40km/h operating from when works commence in the area.
This reduced speed will continue until works are completed.
Details: melbourneairportprojects hub.com.au/third-runway/disruptions -and-updates
Woodend Men’s Shed member Peter Bieshaar restoring a table. (Supplied)
Traffic will be detoured down Wildwood Road during the night closures.
Shire rejects development
By Georgia Tacey
Macedon Ranges councillors have unanimouslyvotednottosupporttheRoss Watt Road development at an upcoming VictorianCivilandAdministrativeTribunal (VCAT) hearing.
The controversial development relates to three planning applications for 89 Ross Watt Road, Gisborne, all of which were appealed to VCAT before council had made a decision.
At the August 27 meeting, council decided its stance on an amended development plan and two planning applications.
The amended plan relates to the 2021 development plan for the site, which was approved by VCAT in 2023. Work has since begunatthesitetobedevelopedasRosalia estate.
In 2024, the developer put forward the amended development plan along with the two planning permits which would facilitate the residential village proposed in the development plan amendment for a staged subdivision, and the development of the remainder of the land.
This will net an overall increase of 93 dwellings on the site, through a reduction of residential lots and the addition of a 220-dwelling residential village plus
associated facilities.
Council said its concerns with the amended proposals include unsatisfactory responses to local and state planning policy,density,bushfirerisk,urbandesign, traffic impacts, and outcomes contrary to the Gisborne/New Gisborne Outline Development Plan (2009).
Council noted that while they will make its position known, the final decision lies with VCAT.
Cr Jennifer Anderson said it’s important to note the impacts on the community.
“VCAT is very difficult and if somebody decides to take it there before they’re finished doing all the documents and
Braving the shave to help fight cancer
Colin Marsh has a new look, all in the name of a good cause.
His hair, beard, eyelashes and even the hair on his ears has been shaved clean off, as the Sunbury local continues to raise funds for Cancer Council Victoria.
Surrounded by family and an army of supporters, Mr Marsh sat in the salon chair on Friday, August 29, in Synergy Hair and Beauty and was more than ready to brave the shave.
“I just thought I wanted to do my bit because I know people that have succumbed (to cancer), a good mate,” he said.
Within 15 minutes, Mr Marsh was completely transformed, looking like a new version of himself.
“It’ll be novel looking at myself when I brush my teeth in the morning now. I’ll put the comb away,” he said.
“This isn’t the first time I did it, I did this in the mid 80’s and it was a pain when it was growing back.
“Hopefully it’ll grow back.”
He said nobody could quite believe he was going to shave off all the hair on hos head, but everyone had been very supportive of the cause, with over $600 raised in donations to the Cancer Council.
Mr Marsh also thanked the staff at Synergy Hair and Beauty, including manager Angela Del Masto who shaved his hair. “Ang has been into it the whole way, (the Synergy staff) have donated their time and effort and everything else,” he said.
If you’d like to support Mr Mash’s cause, visit: cancer.org.au/
negotiations with council, we’re obliged to go,”shesaid.“Thatcanbequitechallenging when we don’t have all the information before us.”
Cr Andrew Scanlon said he hoped council won’t need to go down this path again. “It’sawordouttothemthatwewant good development, we want measured decisions and measured planning and developments that are going to benefit the community,” he said.
During the upcoming VCAT proceedings, council officers and council’s representative delegation will negotiate improved and acceptable outcomes, for approval by council.
School holiday fun
Hume’s youth have plenty to look forward to these school holidays, with council rolling out a chock-full program of activities designed to inspire creativity, connection and fun.
Running from Monday, September 22 to Friday, October 3, Hume’s spring school holiday programs will cater to residents aged 10 to 24, with events hosted at youth centres and community facilities across the municipality.
The program offers fun for all, from cooking and arts workshops to gaming and movienights,withallactivitiescomingwith a side of free snacks and drinks.
Those interested can look forward to a pizza and movie night for 10 to 14-yearolds at Broadmeadows’ Youth Central on Monday,September22,followedbycooking withcultureattheRoxburghParkYouthand Recreation Centre on September 23.
Budding artists can explore their talents at the street art workshop in Craigieburn on Wednesday, September 24, while young performers can take part in the HYPE artist development day at Sunbury Youth Centre on September 25.
Families are invited to come together at the arts & games family barbecue in Craigieburn on Monday, September 29, while older youth can take over Town Hall Broadmeadows at the Town Hall Takeover on September 30.
Craftloverswon’twanttomissflowercraft in Sunbury on Wednesday, October 1, and thosekeenonpracticalskillscanjointhecar maintenance workshop for 16 to 24-yearolds at Youth Central Broadmeadows on October 2.
Bookings are essential for all activities. A full calendar of holiday events – including arts, culture and library programs - is also available via the Hume city council website.
https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Home.
Colin Marsh, post shave. (Georgia Tacey)
Advocate honoured
A Macedon Ranges local is the latest to be inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
ProfessorKerryArabena,aproudTorres Strait Islander and Celtic woman from Kerrie, was inducted into the Change Maker category on Tuesday, September 2 at the ceremony at the Arts Centre, Melbourne.
Professor Arabena is the managing directorofKarabenaConsulting,thelargest Indigenous female-owned and operated consultingfirminVictoria.
Throughherenterprises,shehasworked across health, justice, environment, and education.
Her sister company, Ilan Style, partners with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal andTorresStraitIslanderStudiestodeliver the Ilan Style Fellowship for language revitalisation and recently launched Meriam Mer early years language learning sets.
In her inductee speech, Professor Arabena said she took a step back from publicspeakingafterthefailedreferendum on the Voice to Parliament, but the awards nightwasanexception.
“As the recipient of the Change Maker award, I believe it is important to show not only the capacity to lead change agendas, but also the capacity to change ourselves whenthemomentdemandsit,”shesaid.
ProfessorArabenasaidshewillcontinue to advocate for cultural integrity, social justice, and economic empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
She acknowledged the significance of joining other inductees whose contributions span healthcare, education,
research, art, social change, and communityleadership.
“We are part of a continuum of Victorian women whose leadership may not always be recognised in the moment, butisimpossibletoignoreovertime,”Prof Arabenasaid.
TheHonourRollrecognisesoutstanding Victorian women whose leadership and achievements make a lasting impact and differenceinthecommunity.
Women Minister Natalie Hutchins
announced the new inductees, and congratulatedthemontheirachievements.
“Thehonourrollisproofthatleadership takes many forms – from the classroom to the courtroom, from healthcare to communityorganising.It’shardtobewhat youcan’tsee,”shesaid.
“Every one of these women has made Victoria a better, fairer place. They’ve changed lives, inspired others and strengthened our state in ways that will lastforgenerations.”
Woodend service hub to close
Woodend locals will soon need to travel to Kyneton to access Macedon Ranges council services following the announced closure of the Woodend CustomerServiceCentre.
TheclosurewillbeeffectiveJanuary 1, 2026, which will mean all enquiries like payments, requests for services and other council information will need to be done online, or in person attheKynetonAdministrationCentre.
The Woodend Customer Service Centre, located within the Woodend Community Centre, will close, however all other services operating out of the community centre will still beoperational.
The closure was endorsed at the August council meeting, after council officers have ongoingly been monitoring the decline of customer attendance since the operating hours were dropped to two days a week in 2023.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said he understands some residents may be upsetwiththisdecision.
“There will be some community members in Woodend in particular who are disappointed in this report andresolution,”hesaid.
“Butwhenyoulookatthenumbers and the fact that we have one service centre in the east ward, one in the south ward and two in the west ward, it does make sense and delivers operational efficiencies and a saving of almost $40,000 for the organisation andultimatelytheratepayer.”
Sporting a winning Share
Old age won’t stop this Woodend local from smashing sports goals.
Peter Share is set to join over 740 athletes, volunteers and spectators in their 50s to 80s to go head-to-head in the third annual GemLife Games on the Sunshine Coast
The 77-year-old will be part of a 31-strong contingent from the Macedon Ranges, the former Victorian Masters road cycling champion, and Essendon Athletic Club captain and distance runner, will compete in ten-pin bowling, with his wife Marilyn volunteering at the Games.
The couple will be joined by fellow GemLife Woodend residents Emanual and Christine Randich, who are competing in eight-ball pool, and table
tennis and swimming respectively.
Designed for older athletes, the GemLife Games brings together over50s from across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria for two days of competition on September 11 and 12 at GemLife Palmwoods.
Eight sports will be contested including lawn bowls, pickleball, ten-pin bowling, tennis, table tennis, eight-ball pool, virtual golf and swimming.
“Ilikethechallengeofcompeting,and usually like to win, although winning isn’t everything — I’ve learnt that over the years,” Mr Share said.
“I’ve always been competitive in different sports but hadn’t done ten-pin untilImovedhere,notsincemyfirstdate with my wife in the late 1960s.”
Women Minister Natalie Hutchins with Professor Kerry Arabena. (Supplied)
Peter Share is ready to bowl over his competition. (Supplied)
DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au
ADVERTISING
GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au
CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666
EDITORIAL GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au
Rhino adds important asset
Jabulani,therockstarrhinocalf,ismaking yet more headlines from his home at WerribeeOpenRangeZoo.
Victoria’sfirstsuccessfullymother-raised rhino calf in more than 20 years, is now sportinghorns.
Zoo savannah keeper Alison Edwards said it was an exciting time for the youngster.
“Rhinosarebornwithouthornsbutthey starttogrowastheyage,”MsEdwardssaid.
“Jabulani’sprimaryhornwasthefirstone to grow, and throughout the past couple of months the second one has begun to grow too.
“The first thing that happens is the skin gets quite rough and lumpy, then it breaks andit’slikeapimpleiserupting!”
Jabulani was born in August 2024 to 15-year-old father Kifaru and 11-year-old motherKipenzi.
Horns are just one aspect of his substantialgrowth.
“We estimate that he was born at about 60kgs. Now at a year old, he’s putting on two kilos per day and weighs 730 kilosthat’s the equivalent of a combined 250 domesticcats,”MsEdwardssaid.
“But even with that remarkable growth, he’s still staying close by mum and his eighttonnesofrhinofamily’bodyguards’.
A rhino’s horn is made of keratin, which is the same substance as human hair and nails, and just like fingerprints, every rhino’shornisunique.
Inwhiterhinos,thefronthorncanreach 1.5 metres long, while the rear grows up to 55centimetres.
The horns grow continuously like a fingernail, though digging, rubbing and sparring usually prevent it from reaching extremelengths.
Briefs
Earthquake strikes Bulla A 2.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Bulla on Wednesday night September 3. The earthquake, with a depth of 5km, struck near Sunbury Road at 9pm, with 178 felt reports recorded so far, according to Geoscience Australia. VicSES said that no reports of any damage or calls for assistance were made in relation to the earthquake. People from Bulla, Sunbury, Greenvale, Roxburgh Park and Westmeadows reported they felt the earthquake on Geosciences Australia. Details: https://earthquakes. ga.gov.au/
Train delays
Disruptions will take place along the Sunbury line this September. Buses will replace trains between North Melbourne and Sunshine between September 8 and September 11. Buses will also replace trains between North Melbourne and Sunbury between September 20 and September 21. This is due to metro tunnel works, as testing has begun on turn-up-and-go train services along the new Cranbourne/Pakenham to Sunbury line. These works will allow the team to test the new systems and infrastructure.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Jabulani, now 1, is growing horns. (Zoos Victoria)
School doors open
The Old Kyneton Primary School will be opening its doors for a first look for the community.
The redeveloped site will be open for the firsttimefortheKynetonDaffodilandArts Festival for a Community Open Day on Sunday,September14.
Visitorswillbeabletoseeandexperience the site’s newly renovated spaces while enjoying family-friendly activities including amusements for children, a petting zoo, performances and artist showcases to celebrate the festival’s last day.
“The Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival isahighlightofourannualcalendar,andit providesawonderfulopportunitytothrow openthedoorsoftheOldKynetonPrimary School and bring the site to life – indoors and outdoors,” Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomassaid.
The Old Kyneton Primary School project has restored the school’s heritage bluestonebuilding,creatingaspaceforart, creativity and community, and built a new contemporary central building, through a $12 million investment from the state government.
The former library has also been transformed, now suitable for a range of community and creative uses while the school’sgroundshavebeenrevitalisedwith landscaping,including3000newplants.
The Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival will be the first event to bring these new indoorandoutdoorspacestolife.
“We are excited to be able to provide the community an opportunity to enjoy the renovated space of the Old Kyneton PrimarySchool,”festivalpresidentSharryn Smithsaid.
An expressions of interest process is currently underway for a head tenant/ operatorforthehistoricsite.
Proposals are sought from parties with a compelling vision and suitable experience to shape a thriving hub in the heart of Kyneton, including those that will provide opportunities for Kyneton’s creative industries, community groups and local
ROADWORKS ONSUNBURYROAD
businesses, and complement and enhance Kyneton’stourismoffering.
Expressions of interest close on Monday, September 29. Information is available at creative.vic.gov.au
For more information on the Daffodil Festival and Community Open Day on Sunday, September 14, visit kynetondaffodilandartsfestival.com.au
MelbourneAirportisupgradingSunburyRoad betweentheWildwoodRoadandOaklandsRoad roundaboutstosupportconstructionofthethird runway.WorksbeginSeptember2025andwill continueforapproximately12months.
Forupdatesanddisruptioninformation,visit MelbourneAirport’sMajorProjectsHubat www.melbourneairportprojectshub.com.au
Thankyouforyourpatienceaswebuild yourairport.
BUILDINGYOURAIRPORT
Have your say now
Macedon Ranges council is inviting the public to provide feedback on its draft Onsite Wastewater ManagementPlan.
At the August 27 council meeting, councillors endorsed the draft plan, which seeks to address public and environmental health risks from septicsystemwastewaterandoutline riskmanagementstrategies.
The new draft plan has been informed by internal reviews, stakeholderfeedbackandcommunity consultation,andcomprisesthedraft technical document and the draft operationaldocument.
Feedback is now invited on all elements of the draft plan, from the general public and from the over 8500 properties across the Macedon Ranges that are registered as having theirownonsitewastewatersystems.
MayorDomBonannosaidtheplan identifies several risks associated with poorly performing wastewater systems, and addresses how it aims tofixthis.
“These risks may be particularly significant in environmentally sensitive areas such as special water supply catchments and flood prone zonesaswell,”hesaid.
“To address these risks, this plan proposes a risk-based inspection and monitoring program, prioritised system upgrades, improved communityeducationandalignment with broader environmental and floodmanagementstrategies.”
Feedback is open now until September 28, with the final plan adoptedattheDecembermeeting.
Project REAL brings it home
Broadmeadows-based initiative Project REAL has been honoured with the Engaging Kids in School Award under the Victorian protecting children awards for work supporting children at risk of falling outofeducation.
The Banksia Gardens Community Services program was recognised at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, September2,foritsinnovativeapproachto re-engagement.
Project REAL works in partnership with families,carersandschoolstogetstudents aged 9-12 who have become disengaged fromschoolbacktolearning.
The program provides flexible learning opportunities tailored to each child’s needs,ensuringthattherighttoeducation isnotjustanaspirationbutalivedreality.
Theteamofferspracticalsupportsuchas family support plans, school pick-ups and drop-offs, and even organising lunches to helpremovebarrierstoattendance.
Since its establishment in 2017, the program has assisted nearly 60 children to return to regular learning, while also participating in sports, music and school camps. Before joining the program, some students had missed long periods of schooling, while others struggled with impulsecontrolandemotionalregulation. Themajorityhavesinceshownsignificant improvements in school attendance, social and emotional development, and decision-makingskills.
Banksia Gardens community services deputy chief executive Jaime De Loma-Osorio Ricon said the award is a great commendation of the hard work and dedication he sees from the Project Real team. “The reason I decided to nominate the team is because I believe they are very dedicatedandhardworkingeducatorsthat don’t give up on our kids and I think they needtobecelebrated.”
The Project REAL team. (Supplied)
Old Kyneton Primary School. (Damjan Janevski) 500308_06
MY PLACE
Glenn Ogston, president of the Sunbury Basketball Association, was recently awarded the Community Service Excellence Award at the 2025 Hume Community Awards. He recently chatted with Georgia Tacey about the recent recognition and his involvement with basketball in Sunbury.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role withSunburyBasketballAssociation.
I am currently president of the Sunbury Basketball Association, a role I have had the privilege of holding previously. Over the years, I’ve also been involved as a player, referee, coach, team manager, and administrator. Basketball has been a constantpartofmylife,andIamproudtom contribute to an organisation that provides a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for ourcommunity.
Howdoesitfeeltowinthisaward?
It is incredibly humbling to receive this award. There are so many grassroots, community-based organisations that exist entirely thanks to volunteers - people who generously give their time to benefit others. To be recognised alongside them is truly special. I’m deeply thankful for the nomination, and I see this award as recognitionofthecollectiveeffortoftheSBA teamandourwiderbasketballcommunity.
What was your reaction to being nominatedandthenreceivingtheaward?
I was genuinely surprised to be nominated, and even more so to receive the award. While I was unfortunately unable to attend the awards evening, I’ve heard it was a fantastic celebration. I feel very fortunate to have been presented with the award by mayorJarrodBell,inthepresenceoffederal member Sam Rae and state member Josh Bull-whohaveallbeensteadfastsupporters oftheSBAovertheyears.
What was your friends, family, and the basketball community’s reaction to the news?
It has been wonderful to hear from family, friends, and members of the basketball community congratulating me. They understand the time and effort the SBA team and I commit to supporting our community, and it’s heartening to see that workrecognisedandappreciated.
Tell us a bit about your connection to the Sunbury community and the basketball community.
I’ve been part of the Sunbury Basketball Association since 1986. Over the years, the SBA - especially Eric Boardman Stadium - has been more than just a sports venue. It’s been a community, a place where I could grow, belong, and be supported. It’s welcoming and comfortable, but it also challenges you to give your best, and that’s whatmakesitsospecial.
Anything else you would like to add or shoutout?
The SBA has an exciting year ahead. Our strategic plan will be released by the end of 2025, guiding the future of our association. I want to acknowledge our staff, who are doing a fantastic job focusing on member experience, which allows the Board to concentrate on long-term strategy and growth. The SBA has also been working hard to strengthen relationships with Basketball Victoria and with local, state, andfederalleaderstofast-trackthedelivery
of much-needed new multi-purpose indoor court space for Sunbury and surrounds. I’m also proud that the SBA is continuing to
strengthen its financial position, ensuring we can keep providing these opportunities forourcommunityforyearstocome.
Sunbury Basketball Association president Glenn Ogston. (Damjan Janevski) 498841_03
Push on to close the gap
Wyndham and Greater Geelong occupy one of Australia’s fastest growing population corridors. Jaidyn Kennedy explores the need for better public transport connectivity between the two municipalities.
It has been 10 years since trains stopped runningbetweenWerribeeandGeelong –a link that existed for more than 150 years and connected the city centres of WyndhamandGreaterGeelong.
Thatdirectlinkwasseveredin2015when the state government opened the Regional Rail Link, rerouting all Geelong-bound services through Sunshine to untangle suburbanandregionaltraffic.
And, according to Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj, a vital link between Melbourne and Geelong has been missing eversince.
“Theremovalofthisservicehascreateda largegapinthenetwork,requiringWerribee residentstoeitherdrivetoGeelongorcatch a bus to Wyndham Vale station for the V/ Line,”hesaid.
“Unfortunately, this makes our region less attractive as an employment option, and for those already working in Greater Geelong,itaddssignificantcostandatleast 25minutestotheircommute.”
Star Weekly experienced delays of about 50 minutes when attempting to commute fromWerribeetoGeelonglastweek.
While there has been investment, the reality is that demand has far outstripped supply - Mia Shaw
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said direct connectivity between the Werribee city centre and Geelong has not improved in 40 years.
“WhenIwasgrowingupinWerribee,you couldcatchatrainstraighttoGeelongfrom Werribee, and the Geelong line was far less congested,”CrShawsaid.
She said re-establishing a direct Werribee-Geelong train service would help encourage more Wyndham residents to workdownthehighway.
“Encouraging more Wyndham residents to work in Geelong takes pressure off the already overcrowded transport routes into centralMelbourne,“CrShawsaid.
“Strongerpublictransportlinksallowour residents to access jobs, higher education, health services, and cultural opportunities in Geelong – without being completely reliantoncars.
“It shortens commutes, improves work–life balance, and keeps more economic activityinthewest.”
However, Cr Shaw said the Wyndham of today is much bigger than the one she grew up in and there are more pieces to the connectivitypuzzle.
“Today, we have Tarneit and Wyndham Vale stations, which are among the busiest in the state, but our residents still face overcrowding and long waits for services,” shesaid.
“Outside of Southern Cross Station, the next busiest stations on the Regional Rail Link statewide are Tarneit, followed closely byGeelongandthenWyndhamVale.”
“So,whiletherehasbeeninvestment,the reality is that demand has far outstripped supply.”
For some Wyndham residents, the quickest route to Geelong on public transport involves heading back to the innersuburbsofMelbourne.
“For some residents in Point Cook, the quickest way to get to Geelong by train actually involves taking a Metro service from Williams Landing, Aircraft, or LavertonintoFootscray,andthenswitching toaV/Lineservice,”CrShawsaid.
“That shows just how disconnected parts
of our community are from the regional rail network, and why better direct links throughWyndhamaresoimportant.”
Itisunderstoodthatthestategovernment currently has no plans to redirect Geelong Line trains via Werribee due to the number of metropolitan train services operated on theWerribeecorridor.
ADepartmentofTransportandPlanning spokesperson said the state government had added hundreds of extra services on the Geelong line and would continue to upgradethebusnetworkacrossthewestern suburbsandwesternVictoria.
A spokesperson for federal Transport, Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the federal government is supportingtransportconnectivitybetween Wyndham and Geelong by funding major roadprojects.
In May, Wyndham and Greater Geelong signed a five-year memorandum of understanding. The Avalon Corridor Strategy, an initiative between the two councils and the state government to determine the direction of future development for land between Lara and Werribee,wasidentifiedasapriority.
Cr Kontelj said the precinct has the potential to generate 20,000 new jobs in the coming decades, but public transportation needs to stimulate its growth rather than catchuptoit.
“The precinct requires vital transport infrastructure to be able to accommodate industrial development, including a businessplanforanewrailconnectionand interimsolutionssuchasashuttlebusfrom LaraStationtoAvalon,”hesaid.
“The Avalon precinct’s proximity to road, rail and Geelong Port makes it a unique and unsurpassed location as an advanced manufacturing hub and freight and logisticsgateway.
A Friday morning from Werribee to Geelong
To get a sense of the potential gaps in public transport connectivity between Wyndham and Geelong, I ran an experiment.
I commuted from a random point in Riverwalk estate in Werribee to Star Weekly’s sister paper, the Geelong Independent, located on Pakington Street,GeelongWest.
Riverwalk is a newer area that has grown exponentially in the last decade and Pakington Street is one of Geelong’s most popular spots. Not an unrealistic commutingscenario.
I expected that starting my walk to the nearest bus stop at 7.20am would get me totheIndependent’sofficeby9am-itwas nottobe.
When I arrived at the Riparian Street-Newmarket Road bus stop at 7.30am, I checked the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) app to see the 441 bus to Werribee Station was three minutes away.
It was a close call considering it was more than a 40-minute wait for the next bus.
Iboardedat7.33amandgottoWerribee at7.45am
After consulting the PTV app, Google Maps and Apple Maps, I was presented withthreescenarios.
Long-term, he said a train station at Avalon that branches off from a direct Geelong-Werribeelineisneeded.
“Not only would this be a game changer for workers and travellers, but it would also help to facilitate future growth and opportunitiesforthebusinessprecinctand airport,”hesaid.
For Wyndham residents, who Cr Shaw said are set to number 500,000 by 2040, reliable public transport links to Avalon mayhaveanarrayofbenefits.
“Better public transport to the airport means Wyndham residents have easier, more affordable access to travel, without having to fight through the congestion of Tullamarine,”CrShawsaid.
“Efficient bus and rail links to Avalon would make it a true airport of choice for people living in Melbourne’s west and Geelong.
“It also opens up employment opportunities at Avalon itself, as well as in freightandlogistics.”
CommitteeforWyndhamchiefexecutive Leanne Down said building reliable public transport to the precinct would help both councils maximise the economic benefits that come from any potential growth at Avalon.
“As industries expand in the area, it will foster a more diverse economy, providing residents with greater employment opportunities and increasing overall economic stability for both Wyndham and Geelong,”shesaid.
“IncreasedinternationalflightsatAvalon would enhance connectivity, making it easier for residents to travel and for local businessestoaccessglobalmarkets.
“Growth in air traffic will stimulate tourism, attract foreign investments, and promote local exporters, ultimately enrichingthecommunityandencouraging economicdevelopment.”
Take the 190 or 192 bus to Wyndham Vale station; the 170 or 180 bus to Tarneit station; or the Flinders Street train to changeatFootscray.
Thefastestchoicewastakingthe180to Tarneit at 8.02am – which meant going backwards.
Moderate traffic on main roads and stopping frequent stops for students headingtoschooladdedtime.
My 8.35am arrival at Tarneit would have meant missing the 8.37am Waurn Ponds train, if was not delayed by five minutes.
The train departed Tarneit at 8.42am and arrived at Geelong’s main station at 9.15am.
It was a 22-minute walk to the Geelong Independent office for an arrival time of 9.37am.
Factoringinthenear20minutewaitfor a bus at Werribee – about the same time betweeneachV/LineservicetoGeelong–Iestimatedbeingabletotakeatrainfrom Werribee would have slashed about 50 minutesoftraveltime.
AlongthewayInoticedthatTarneitand Wyndham Vale stations pose their own issuesinthegreaterschemeofthings.
While technically stations on the Regional Rail Link, the vast majority of commuters are heading towards the MelbourneCBD.
Experiencing the difficulty of commuting from Werribee to Geelong and the amount of houses I saw being built between Tarneit and Geelong, I came to the opinion that two lines may beneeded.
The current line that runs through Tarneit and Wyndham Vale, and is expected to run through the proposed stations of Truganina and West Tarneit, offersdirectconnectiontoGeelong.
Reviving a Werribee route could simplify travelling to Geelong for many residents and make Avalon easier to get to.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw and Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj at Little River Station.
(Ljubica Vrankovic) 497337_05
Framework for vacant land
Hume council will soon invite the community to have its say on how it manages vacant and underutilised land, following the endorsement of its draft Strategic Property Management Framework (SPMF) at a scheduled council meeting on Monday, August 25.
The draft framework aims to set out a structured and transparent approach to assessing council-owned land currently not in use or classified as underused, ensuring decisions are aligned with long-term community needs, financial sustainability, and strategic priorities.
Councillors voted to release the
framework for consultation in September, with a four-week engagement process to include an online survey, plain language information materials, and targeted workshops with community members, service organisations and other stakeholders.
The SPMF builds on work already completed,includingpilotprojectsandthe adoption of guiding principles in March 2024. It provides a methodology for site assessment, decision-making pathways and implementation planning.
Councillor Naim Kurt said the draft plan will assist with guiding council in how it
deals with Hume’s property and allow for better community facilities.
“It’s going to really guide how we deal with property in Hume, how we can get best value and best use for the property council owns and better facilities for the community, as well,” he said.
The council owns more than 1900 properties across Hume, including land for parks, facilities, and operations. Some blocksremainvacantornolongersuittheir original purpose. The framework aims to help council weigh up whether such land should be retained for future community use, leased, redeveloped, or in some cases
sold, with any proceeds reinvested into local priorities.
Council officers noted while the framework creates opportunities to unlock greater value from land, risks also exist. Some residents may be concerned about possible land sales, or may not see the process as relevant to them. To address this, council will use clear language and translated materials to encourage broad participation.
FeedbackfromSeptember’sconsultation will be used to refine the framework before a final version is presented to council for consideration in late 2025.
A festival of events for seniors throughout October
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns this October, lighting up Sunbury with a host of freeandlow-costeventscelebratingpositive ageingandcommunityconnection.
The events kick off Wednesday, October 1 andrunallthewaythroughthemonthuntil Friday,October31.
The month-long festival brings concerts, tours, social activities and cultural experiences right to the doorstep of older residentslivinginthenorth.
The Victorian Seniors Festival is backed by the state government in partnership with local councils, community groups and cultural organisations to recognise the contribution of seniors, encouraging them to take part in activities close to home and acrossthestate.
Take part in some of the fun with these upcomingevents:
• Exploring Hume’s civic collection: Hume GlobalLearningCentre,44MacedonStreet, Sunbury, Sunday, October 14, 5-8pm. Enjoy a guided tour by a museum collections
specialist, learning about Sunbury’s local history and heritage collections. Refreshments are provided; bookings essential.
• The Coming Back Out Ball movie: Hume Global Learning Centre, 44 Macedon Street, Sunbury, Wednesday, October 22, 1.30-4pm. An uplifting documentary film about a group of older LGBTI+ people attending a ball in Melbourne to celebrate theirgenderandsexualidentity,followedby adiscussion.Afternoonteawillbeprovided afterthefilmscreening.
• Scones and songs: morning tea with the Divas, Hume Global Learning Centre, 44 Macedon Street, Sunbury. Join the divas for a musical morning tea featuring the talents of Sunbury’s Divine Divas Show Choir. Enjoy a scone with a tea or coffee and be entertainedinstyle.
For more information on this year’s Victorian Senior Festival, head to https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/ festival-calendar.
Walking football is just one of the many activities offered to seniors.
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
Rainbow Chair Yoga
Members of the LGBTI community in Sunbury are invited to a free chair yoga session on on Wednesday, September 24, 11am-1pm, at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, 12-28 Macedon Street, Sunbury. No previous yoga experience is required.
www.sunburycobaw.org.au/ rainbow-chair-yoga
Family history
This month the Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society will meet on Thursday, September 18, at 1.30pm at the Sunbury Global Learning Centre in room 5, first floor. The guest speaker will be Rob. Hyatt from the Koori Information Trust. Everyone welcome.
home.vicnet.net.au/~sunburydha1989/
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
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,from 9am to 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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Victorian Football League women’s premiers North Melbourne Werribee. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 500888_01
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
Sunbury Art Society
The Sunbury Art Society meets every Friday and Saturday, from 10am- 3pm, at the Boilerhouse, Jacksons Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with other like minded people. New members welcome.
Ken, 0407 062 568, or Yvonne, 0429 994 828
Yoga in Sunbury
Yoga classes at Sunbury Neighbourhood House focus on supporting participants to slow down and move well. Special attention is given to mindful awareness of
movement that builds strength in a healthy and safe way, Monday mornings, Thursday evenings and Friday mornings
www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978
Sunbury Seniors
Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 9.30am–2.30pm. 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
Art group
The Woodend Art Group holds classes and workshops in the studios in the Woodend railway station complex. It also has a social Tuesday where members and interested people can come along in the morning, have a coffee and paint together in a social environment.
Colin Robinson, 0407 426 252
Perna Perna Women’s Group
The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia.
Perna Perna 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
Ladies probus
The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am.
Leonie, 0401 764 182
Sunbury Ladies Probus Club
The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms.
Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142
Sunbury Combined Probus Club
The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10.30am. Jo, 0410 834 272
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 10:30 am. 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, 1-3pm for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.
tinyurl.com/yfwtmhdh
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
World ceramics on show
An impressive international collection of ceramics will be on display at Trio Art StudioandGalleryduringSeptember.
The Kyneton-based gallery’s first exhibition of the 2025-26 season is Grounded 2, a follow up to last year’s exhibition that will be featured throughout and after the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival.
GallerydirectorandartistMaxineMcKee saidit’sashownottobemissed.
“Visitorscancomeandseethreespaces,” shesaid.
“One space is all vintage handmade studio pottery and glass, as well as a small exhibitionofmywork.”
The exhibition promises to be a captivatingevent,showcasinganexpanded vintage gallery and introducing new handmade works inspired by European andAsiantraditions.
It will focus on themes like plant resilience, original glaze techniques, and textured surfaces, which feature alongside therichlycolouredceramicsandsculptures that challenge traditional forms and bring contemporarythemesintotheartworks.
This year, the exhibition will also feature a variety of special tea bowls and bottle forms,eachwithuniqueglazes.
Featured artists include Bernadette Skinner, Belinda Nailon, Mark Mason and McKee.
“Its a really worthwhile visit … it’s in a historical homestead, and people can also seethebeautifulviewstoMountMacedon,” McKeesaid.
Shesaidallpieceswillalsobeforsale.
Grounded 2 will be showing at Trio Art Studio and Gallery, 98 Trio Road, Kyneton until Sunday, September 21. The gallery is openeverydayfrom10amto4pm.
Toinfinityandbeyond!
Families and fans of nostalgic animated movies can see their favourite Toy Story characters break outsomemovesonstage.
Dance Story is the annual 2025 production of BKODE, a dance studio basedinDerrimut.
About 50 local dancers ranging in ages from five to 35 years old will feature in the show, performing hip-hop, urban and street dance styles.
Plight of animals in the frame
A thought-provoking art exhibition in Melton is drawing attention to urbanisation and its effects on animals, aiming to promote empathy for the plight of native and non-native species.
Created by local artist Mollie-Rose Chislett, ‘Metropolitan Menagerie’ at the Melton Civic Centre is a series of watercolour and ink works that focus on the theme of how urbanisation affects animals – including in the Melton municipality.
“There’s an increase in … housing developments, and that kind of impacts their habitats,” Chislett said.
Yarraville
“What I’ve noticed recently is this year we’ve had a lot of kangaroos move closer in to town … we’ve had kangaroos in my front yard, which we’ve never had before,” she said.
Chislett said she has also noticed animals begin to eat discarded food scraps and use human-created materials – such as witnessing magpies using twine to build their nests – as human urban and animal habitats combine.
“My key messaging is to raise awareness of the urban animals in our locality as a way to … make people more empathetic [about] the sort of plight we’re seeing
set to become
Prog rock fans and film buffs will unite at Yarraville’s Sun Theatre when a special 70mm release of Pink Floyd: The Wall is shownonSeptember12and14.
Released in 1982, three years after the band’s album of the same name, Pink Floyd: The Wall tells the story of a confined but troubled rock star who descends into madness in the midst of his physical and socialisolationfromeveryone.
Written by the band’s bassist and chief songwriter,RogerWaters,BobGeldofmakes hisfilmdebutasthetherockstarPink,while Bob Hoskins also stars in the film directed byAlanParkerandGeraldScarfe.
While not achieving the commercial successofthealbum,thefilmversionofThe
with urban animals in terms of adapting to this new urban habitat,” Chislett said.
“I’m really happy with the response that I’ve gotten to the work because people have said that it’s very impactful as well as looking quite nice … I’m glad that it’s working,” she said.
The title of the exhibition refers to the fact that there are plenty of animals to observe in our own backyards, acting as a form of urban menagerie.
TheexhibitionwillrununtilOctober5at the Melton Civic Centre.
Details: tinyurl.com/ycxtpbve
another brick in The Wall
Wall was well received by critics and is now regardedasacultclassic.
Sun Theatre projectionist Bert Murphy said the 70mm release of the film to be
showninthetwoupcomingscreenings was extraspecial.
“Eventhoughthepictureinthisprinthas now lost its colour, we still run it because of its unique six track magnetic sound,” Murphysaid.
“Further to this the fact that Pink Floyd didaspecialsoundmixjustfortheseprints.
The result is a breathtaking soundtrack that can only be heard in this way. Add to this that this print is the last one known to exist in the world (outside of the Academy Archive).It’saspecialevent.”
Details: https://suntheatre.com.au/ wp-cinema/movieS25PINKFLOYD/ PINK+FLOYD+THE+WALL+ in+70mm/
BKODE director and studio owner Marlon Sangalang said the show explores themes of friendship and adventure through the magic of dance,choreographyandstorytelling.
“It’sabitofatwistonToyStory,abit of a spin on the movie. The characters are toys. The child that owns the toys gets a present and it’s a tablet… and the toy characters get neglected,” Mr Sangalangsaid.
“So the toys try to fight to grab the attentionbackfromthetablet.”
Mr Sangalang said the characters use dance to try to get the child to noticethemagain.
“The theme of the show is ‘imagination,’ how growing up when you play with toys you have this imagination and with technology these days you sort of lose it,”hesaid.
ButMrSanglangsaidthecharacters in the show explore ways to harness technology as a tool and still engage imaginationineverydaylife.
“It’s a bit of comedy, a bit of nostalgia, a bit of adventure,” Mr Sangalangsaid.
Dance Story will be showing at the Bowery Theatre on Saturday, September13from7to9pm. Fullticketsare$35.
More info: creativebrimbank.com. au
The special 70mm release of Pink Floyd: The Wall which will be screened at the Sun Theatre. (Supplied)
Ava and Alannah will play lead roles in BKODE’s production, Dance Story. (Supplied)
Artist Mollie-Rose Chislett with her work currently on display at the Melton Civic Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 499594_02
Maxine McKee at Trio Art Studio and Gallery. (Damjan Janevski) 500286_06
& SERVICES
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Rio Ngumoha recently became Liverpool FC’s youngest goalscorer at what age?
2. Australian brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence both compete in what sport?
3. Former West Coast Eagles player Mitch Brown has
4. Which late Australian cricketer will have a Gold Coast oval named in his honour?
5. Who will replace Des Hasler as the head coach of the Gold Coast Titans?
6. Which Queen song is most famously associated with The Mighty Ducks movies, playing during the iconic final scene of the first film?
US swimmer Diana Nyad gained national attention in 1975 by completing a record-breaking open-water swim around which famous city's island?
After a six-year hiatus, which AFL event returned with former athletes Dylan Buckley, Gary Ablett Jr and more
Luke Littler, the 18-yearold PDC darts world champion from England, has completed darts' prestigious ‘Triple Crown’ but has struggled to obtain what everyday qualification?
Ilona Maher is an US athlete in which sport?
Which F1 team, which will debut next year, has hired experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez?
12. Which AFL team has qualified for the finals for the first time in its history?
13. And which team has missed out on playing finals despite winning 14 matches for the season?
14. Which major Australian cycling event will return in 2026, the race’s first running since 2020?
15. Which Australian batting all-rounder scored a century from 47 balls in the third ODI match against South Africa?
16. Which two other batsmen, both openers, also scored hundreds in the same match, with Australia amassing a mammoth 2 for 431?
17. The Wallaroos women’s rugby union team defeated which country 73-0 in their opening World Cup match?
18. Which increasingly popular paddle sport combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis?
19. NRL coach Adam O'Brien has been sacked by which club after a string of heavy losses?
20. Which South American country won the first ever FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, held in 1930?
21. Which AFL Women’s team recently kicked the highest score ever in the competition with a score of 18.6 (114)?
22. The National Museum of Australia recently paid over $400,000 for a baggy green cap worn by which legendary cricketer?
23. Which NRL team will finish on top of the ladder at the end of the 2025 Premiership season?
24. Before coming to Australia for the Ashes, which country will England tour to play three One Day and Twenty20 matches?
25. What was Geelong’s WNBL team known as before their recent name change to Geelong Venom?
26. Which Australian boxer, who famously went up against Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in his career, recently passed away at the age of 75?
27. The Hundred is a cricketing tournament held each year by which two countries?
28. In which water-based sport is the phrase ‘catch a crab’ used?
29. The BKFC is a boxing organisation featuring what style of boxing?
30. Late actor Burt Reynolds was a star player in which sport during his college years?
Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier
Valterri
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Cheeky (5)
4 Reduces expenses (4,5)
9 Tattletale (7)
10 Neat (2,5)
11 Generate out of order (9)
12 Medicinal plant (5)
13 Animal doctor (3)
14 Restrictions to how fast you may go (5,6)
16 A type of surfboard (11)
19 Video game console released in 1985 (1,1,1)
20 Plunder (5)
22 Excellently (9)
25 Endure (7)
26 OKs (7)
27 Propel (9)
28 Waits in ambush (5) DOWN
1 Staid (5)
2 Lost momentum (9)
3 Lout (coll) (5)
4 Style of handwriting (7)
5 Rear (4,3)
6 Perpendicular breeze (9)
7 African republic (5)
8 Exceeds (9)
13 Turns into gas (9)
14 Joining (9)
15 Hotelier (9)
17 Entreat (7)
18 Bituminous road layer (7)
21 Italian physicist, Enrico – (5)
23 Perform exceptionally (5)
24 Affirmative votes (5)
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words
four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns,
1 What colour are Bond Street, Oxford
and Regent Street on a Monopoly board?
2 What was the title of Kate Bush’s 1978 debut album?
3 Russet, New and Yukon Gold are varieties of which vegetable?
4 In which Irish county would you find the Blarney Stone?
5 Robert Allen Zimmerman is a US singer and songwriter better known by what name?
6 The gall bladder is responsible for storing what bodily fluid?
7 ‘Rosebud’ is the famous opening line from which 1941 film?
8 Justin Timberlake (pictured) was part of which boy band?
9 What are complementary colours?
10 Which two Australian writers co-authored the 1979 novel PubertyBlues?
More hatch than crossover
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
It’s been more than 18 months since we first drove the Kia EV6.
Not much has changed since then, although it will soon get some updates –namely a larger battery.
The new model lobbed at the Australian Open earlier this year, of which Kia is the major sponsor and its arrival is imminent. In the meantime, we couldn’t turn down the chance of another drive of what is surely one of Australia’s pre-eminent EVs – although describing it as a crossover is a stretch.
Styling
Prices start from $72,590 for the EV6 Air RWD.
EV6GT-LineRWDispricedfrom$79,590, while top of the range EV6 GT-Line AWD is priced from $87,590.
The high performance 430kW EV6 GT AWD is a whacking $99,590, taking it well over the $100K mark by the time you add on-road costs.
Our test vehicle, the GT-Line RWD, can be optioned with premium paint ($700) and a second cable that allows the car to be hooked up to a pay-as-you-go charger ($829).
It’s a long, wide car at almost 4.7 metres and 1.9 metres across, with an oh-so-long 2900mm wheelbase.
But the proportions are not what we have come to recognise as ideal, with a short bonnet and boot that brackets a long cabin.
After all, there’s no gas-guzzling ICE to accommodate.Thebatteriestakeupabitof space though, sandwiched and spread out under the floor.
To placate traditionalists, a grille of sorts remains at the front. Unlock EV6 and flush-fitting, body-coloured door handles pop out in welcome.
Gloss black A-pillar, wing mirrors and beltline garnishes complete the look, with full-widthtaillightsandastylishrearwing.
Standard kit includes 20-inch alloys with Continental255/45tyres,dualzoneclimate air with rear vents, and power-adjust, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel and mood lighting with 64 colours.
Trimisacombinationofblackandwhite, a mix of artificial suede and vegan leather upholsterywithwhitestitching,withpower adjustment for driver lumbar support.
There’s also LED lights, folding, heated door mirrors with integrated indicators, automatic high beam, smart cruise control with stop and go, auto parallel and perpendicular parking, tilt and slide sunroof and a smart power tailgate.
Rounding out the list is head-up display, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, along with a 360-degree camera.
Like all Kias, the EV6 is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty. Unlike others, pre-paid service plans are available.
Infotainment
Infotainment consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, with built-in navigation, with AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth, together with wired Android AutoandwiredAppleCarPlayplus‘Sounds of Nature’ ambient background noise. The new one will get wireless connectivity.
In the GT-Line the standard six-speaker sound system makes way for Meridian premium audio with 14 speakers.
Connect with three USB Chargers (1 x TypeAand2xTypeC)inthefronttraywith multimediaconnectivity,twoUSBCharger
(TypeC)infrontseatbacks,plustwo12-volt power outlets (1 x boot side/1 x front tray).
Wireless Qi phone charging is also standard,butwatchoutbecauseourphone got very hot.
Safety
Five-star safety starts with seven airbags, a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, plus Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with car, pedestrian, cyclist detection (and junction turn assist).
There’s also Blind Spot (including rear cross traffic assist), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Lane Follow Assist (LFA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning with lead vehicle departure alert (DAW+), Multi-Collision Braking (MCB) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
EV6 provides three top tether and two ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Engines/transmissions
GT-Line RWD with a single electric motor that powers the rear wheels produces 168kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
Drive in single motor versions is to the rear wheels through a single-speed reduction gear transmission.
Driving
Air is the more range focused version of the EV6, with 168kW of power and 350Nm of torque and a range of 528km.
RWD GT-Line with the same powertrain is good for 504km. The GT-Line with AWD adds a second electric motor and produces a combined output of 239kW and 605Nm, with a range of 484km.
The real deal, the GT AWD, pumps out 430kW and 740Nm, and dispatches the dash in a Ferrari-like 3.5 seconds – the trade-off is a range of just 424km.
All four versions are powered by the same 77.4kWh battery pack, which weighs 477kg and is located under the floor.
The new EV6, which is expected to lob soon, acquires a larger 84kWh battery pack that should boost driving range across the
Facing the wrong direction the pop-out handles are awkward to use and for a 4.7-metre-long vehicle getting in and out is not as easy as it should be.
RATINGS
Looks: 7
Performance: 7.5
Safety: 8
Thirst: 7
Practicality: 6
Comfort: 7
Tech: 8
Value: 7
Overall: 7.2
lineup by up to 8.5 per cent.
Drive in single motor versions is to the rear wheels through a single-speed reduction gear transmission.
Energy consumption is a claimed 17.2 kWh/100km.
There are four selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow which also change the look of the instrument panel.
Adding some drama to the experience is Active Sound Design (ASD) with a choice of artificial engine sounds and a custom setting. They are unique ’electronica’ rather than engine noise emulations.
EV6 is the first fully-electric vehicle to go through Kia Australia’s local ride and handling program.
With plenty of power and torque under foot, EV6 has plenty of get up and go, even with a single electric motor, with the dash from 0-100km/h taking 7.3 seconds.
With a burst of speed, overtaking can be accomplished virtually at will, but it’s a weighty device and wants to run wide in corners.
Steering is heavy and for the most part uncommunicative.
EV6 has powerful brakes too, perhaps too strong at times, or more specifically –irritatinglyabrupt.Itpullsupwithajerkand releaseswithalurch,andcanbedifficultto control in close manoeuvring. One way to avoid this happening is one-pedal driving, using the regenerative brake system that is controlled by the steering wheel paddles normally devoted to gears.
Inthisway,thecarslowswhenyouliftoff the accelerator – but not to a complete stop.
An electric parking brake is provided, but instead of being located close to hand in the centre console, it’s relegated to a position to the right and below the dash.
More jerkiness follows. Try releasing the brake and moving off in reverse if you’re parked on a slope.
Adabontheacceleratorpedalisrequired and is liable to result in a sharp intake of breath as the car shoots backwards.
EV6’s space-age design is polarising. Some people like it, others hate it.
The door openings are large, but a low roofline and relatively high seating position compromise access. Watch your head and hold on to your sunglasses.
Ditto for rear seat passengers, with an elevated seating position and low hanging roof, and surprisingly little legroom considering the length of the car.
Getting into the car for the first time I was confronted with a washed-out instrument panel with pale blue lettering on a white background that was difficult to see in sunlight.
I was later able to change this to black after finding the appropriate setting in the infotainment system, but for the first few minutes I was flying blind.
Moving from one Kia to another, the steering wheel switch gear is familiar, but theyhavebeentransposedfromonesideof the wheel to the other.
The dash layout is similar to other Kias, but I found that it has no physical audio volume control.
The luggage area is quite large with a hidden area underneath for cable storage, along with a small boot at the front of the car — but no spare tyre. A tyre repair kit is supplied instead.
And in case you’re wondering, the EV6 is capable of towing a 1600kg load.
Most annoying is the location of the charge port which is cleverly concealed near the driver side tail light.
The location necessitates reversing the car to access power. Nowhere near as easy as a charge port at the front.
As batteries become larger and range increases, the time required to charge an EV also increases. EV6 offers up to 11kW AC charging and a class leading 233kW maximum DC fast-charge rate.
Charging can take up to 33 hours with a standard power point, reducing to as little as 18 minutes for a 10-80 per cent charge with a 350kW DC commercial charger.
Or so we’re told. Try finding a 350kW DC charger – they are as rare as hen’s teeth.
The closest we’ve come is 250kW. It was quick, but it still took just under 50 minutes to add 67 kWh – and the best rate we saw was 93kW.
The fact the EV6 doesn’t come with a Type 2 charge cable can be a major inconvenience. Not all charge points supply the cable, including our nearest charger.
At the end of the day, after more than 900kmofmixeddriving,includingareturn trip from Sydney to Canberra, we were getting 17.5kWh/100km.
Summing up
More hatch than crossover, the EV6 is very doable as a daily driver. It’s roomy, comfortable, with good performance and, being electric, doesn’t cost much to run.
But all these fairy tales about 18-minute charging are starting to wear a bit thin . . . Please.
Others may have had more success, but we haven’t found one EV or charge station that even comes close to achieving this.
Maybe one day, but in the meantime the infrastructure still has a lot of catching up to do and, we’re afraid to say, Tesla looks after its customers a lot better in this respect with Tesla-branded charges in many locations.
It’s a fairy tale to suggest the Kia EV6 takes 18 minutes to charge. (Pictures: Supplied)
Only the toughest survive
Finals footy never disappoints. Week one gave us Collingwood’s composure, Geelong’s power, Hawthorn’s resilience, and Gold Coast’s historic first finals win. Now the heat turns up again with two massive semifinals - Adelaide v Hawthorn on Friday, and the first-ever finals Q-clash between Brisbane and Gold Coast on Saturday. Two clubs will march into prelims, two will be gone by Sunday morning.
Adelaide Crows v Hawthorn Hawks Friday, Sept 12 – Adelaide Oval, 7:40 pm
Adelaide is still licking wounds from their loss to Collingwood, but their nine-game winning streak before that proved their credentials. Without the suspended Izak Rankine, they’ll need scoreboard impact from midfielders and small forwards to carry the load. Their strength remains territory and repeat inside-50s - if they trap the ball forward, they’re hard to stop.
Hawthorn arrives with momentum after holding their nerve against GWS. From 42 points up, to briefly falling behind, to then steady and win - that’s September steel. Their defensive structure can frustrate Adelaide’s ball movement, and if their pressure chains hold, the Hawks could flip this semi on its head. The winner books a
prelim against Geelong.
Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast Suns Saturday, Sept 13 – The Gabba, 7:35 pm
History beckons. For the first time, Queensland’s fiercest rivals square off in a final. Brisbane, battered by injury - with LachieNeale(calf)andEricHipwood(ACL) ruled out - lean heavily on their depth and home ground advantage. The Gabba crowd will roar, but their clearance game must stand up without Neale.
Gold Coast, buoyed by their first-ever finalswin,rideintotheGabbawithnothing to lose. Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell give them contested punch, and under Damien Hardwick they’ve developed belief and resilience. Their 66-point thrashing of Brisbane in Round 20 lingers as proof they can take down their big brother.
Final Word
This weekend is everything September is about - pressure, pride, and legacy.
Adelaide and Brisbane carry expectation; Hawthorn and Gold Coast carry momentum. By Saturday night, we’ll know whether tradition holds or history gets rewritten - because in finals, only the toughest survive.
Magpie army roars back to life as finals fever takes hold
Collingwood’s late-season wobble had quietened the airwaves, but one finals win has changed everything. After toppling Adelaide, the Magpie army is back in full voice - loud, passionate, and already calling their team premiership favourites. That’s why I love Collingwood supporters: when they’re up, they walk taller than anyone in the game. Their leaders gave them reason to believe. Steele Sidebottom reminded everyone why experience matters in September, Jamie Elliott hit the scoreboard when the moment came, and Darcy Moore produced the captain’s game - intercepting, calming, and organising Collingwood’s defence. Then there was Nick Daicos. Tagged heavily, he still found
ways to hurt Adelaide with his running and precision disposal. He doesn’t need hugenumbers;it’sthetimingofhisimpact that wins finals.
This balance of hardened veterans, a generational talent, and a captain who leads from the front is why Collingwood suddenly look dangerous again. And when the Magpies are dangerous, their supporters let the whole competition know. Ninety thousand black-and-white voices at the MCG is more than supportit’s a tidal wave of noise and belief.
For me, it brought back memories of North Melbourne in the 1990s. We never had the sheer numbers of Collingwood, but we had our own heartbeat. Carey’s brilliance, the courage of Archer, the
reliabilityofMartyn,andtheball-winning grit of Peter Bell and Adam Simpson gave us the foundation to thrive in September. Our supporters were fewer, but fiercely loyal - the shinboner spirit made us feel like family.
That’s the contrast. Collingwood thrives on scale and attention, North thrived on grit and being underestimated. Both cultures have their beauty. Collingwood embodies the roar of the masses; North embodies the grit of the underdog.
But when the Magpie army cranks up in September - and the bandwagon fills to the brim - the AFL feels alive. Whether it’s 90,000 in black and white or 9,000 in blue and white, it’s the passion that makes our game great.
Anthony Stevens is the principal of Anthony Stevens Real Estate. Phone 0459 924 164.
Hawthorn held on against GWS to book a preliminary final against the Adelaide Crows (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Ecstatic Collingwood fans celebrate their team’s win over the Crows on Thursday night. (AAP Image/ Matt Turner)
Lions regroup after missed chances prove costly in loss
The Sunbury Lions will have to regroup to keep its premierships hopes alive after Darley ran over the top in the Ballarat FootballLeaguesemifinal.
Just one point separated the two sides headingintothefinalquarter.
The minor premiers had the breeze in the final quarter and made the most of it as they kicked seven goals to one in the final quarter.
That quarter was enough to seal a 15.10 (100)-9.8 (62) win and the first spot in the grandfinal.
Lions coach Matt White was frustrated that they couldn’t make the most of their opportunitieswhentheyhadthem.
“In the second quarter they were able to convert their shots,” he said. “They had two or three where they were in the centre squareandtheykickedit.
“We didn’t do that in the first quarter [when we had the wind] and that was the gamefromthere.
“In the second quarter we had six shots
andwekickedsomepointsandthreeonthe fullandthatgottheboysabitdown.
“We then couldn’t get going in the third quarter.”
While still in the game at three quarter time, White said they knew they needed everything to go right in the final quarter if theyweretogetthewin.
TheDevilshadthescoringendinthefinal quarter.
“We couldn’t find the footy in the last quarter,”hesaid.
White said with the game over with 10 minutes to go they rested a few players and itallowedthescoretoblowout.
Skipper Tyson Lever came off with a foot complaint,butWhitesaidtheydidn’texpect thattobeanythingserious.
Hesaidtherewereanumberofothersore boys,butnoreasonforconcern.
In a pleasing sign Myles Gollant got throughthegameunscathedinhisreturn.
Patrick Scanlon kicked three goals for the Lions, while Daniel Johnston kicked
twogoals.
Jordan Tentonello, Fraser Ampulski and Scanlonwerenamedtheirbest.
Whitesaidtheywouldrecover,reviewand then start looking ahead to the preliminary finalagainstMelton.
It wasn’t all bad news for the Lions footballers with the reserves winning throughtoagrandfinal.
The side had an interesting week when their opponent North Ballarat was kicked outofthefinals.
Afterlosingitsappeal,NorthBallaratwas replacedbySebastopol.
Whitesaiditwasexcitingforthegroup.
“It was an important win against a Sebastopol side that had already done mad Monday.
“Webby [Nathan Webb] came up with a plantowinthegameandtheywentoutand executedit.
“It’sunrealfortheboys.”
Tara Murray
Lions show class
By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions rolled with the punches but were still able to do enough to secure a second straight Ballarat Netball League grandfinalspotonSaturday.
The top side all season, the Lions battled hard against North Ballarat on Saturday afternooninasemifinal.
North showed it was up for the fight and pushedtheLionsthewholegame.
Scores were level at quarter time with Northleadingbyonegoalathalftime.
It was the Lions by one goal at the last break.
The Lions managed to find a way in the last quarter to come away with a 59-55 win andthatmuchwantedgrandfinalspot.
Lions coach Kim Bailey said it was just about making sure they got the win and lockedinagrandfinalspot.
“We’rethroughtoanothergrandfinal,but we’relimpingtotheline,”shesaid.“Wehad to change what we do and we had people playing out of position for the first time thisseason.
“Wemanagedtogetitdone.”
After batting availability issues throughout the season, the Lions thought theworsthadbeenbehindthem.
It wasn’t the case, with defender Elly Randall breaking her arm mid-week causinganoncourtreshuffle.
“Ellyfellovergoingtogetcoffeeandbroke her arm in two places,” Bailey said. “She’ll havesurgerythisweek.”
Eliza Gollant had to move back into goalkeeper, while captain Tayla Honey movedfromthemidcourttogoaldefence.
Honey hurt her leg, which she hurt last season, in the second quarter and battled throughthegame.
Rebecca Hicks shot 45 goals for the Lions, but it was goal attack Caitlin Hill that really impressedBaileyinthewin.
“Caitlin was outstanding and stepped up to the mark,” she said. “Her work rate through the mid court was good and she wasreallyaccurate.”
Baileysaidthatwasthebestperformance she’dseenfromNorthBallaratthisseason.
She said they were riding a wave of
Gisborne played a confident four quarters of netball to win through to the Bendigo Netball League preliminary final.
The third best side in the competitionthisseason,theBulldogs had to overcome South Bendigo to get a shot at another grand final and keep their title defence alive.
South Bendigo had some confidence heading into the game having beaten the Bulldogs last time round.
It was the Bulldogs though that got the win on Sunday, 68-42.
Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said they were happy with that result.
“It was pretty good and a chance to play four confident quarters of netball,” she said. “We dropped off a little in the third quarter but we bounced back which was good.
“It was really nice to put the last game between the sides behind us. It added another level of pressure.”
Rymer said South Bendigo was such a dangerous side with Gabe Richards in the shooting circle.
She said their defenders did a good job of shutting her down.
It was a mixed day for the Bulldogs with their A-reserve side being knocked out.
emotion as they look to send off multiple premiership winning coach Annie McCartinonawinningnote.
“Theywereadifferentteamandhaddone their homework,” she said. “They really pushedusandcredittoNorthBallarat.”
Bailey said the week off would help Honey, while goaler Tara O’Grady is back fromoverseasandwillbeavailabletoplay.
She said they would look at a number of different combinations that could possibly beusedcomegrandfinaldayintheabsence ofRandall.
It was a good day for the Lions netballers, withfoursidesstraightthroughtothegrand final.B-grade,D-gradeandE-gradejointhe A-gradesideinthegrandfinal.
C-grade will play off in a preliminary final this Saturday, while the under-19s were knocked out in terrible conditions on Sundaymorning.
Bailey said it was really exciting for the club.
“Hopefully we can get four or five premiershipsthisyearratherthanjusttwo,” shesaid.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs B-reserve won straight through to the grand final, while B-grade will play in a preliminary final after losing.
The Bulldogs A-grade side has a big testthisweekifthey’reanychanceto make it three straight premierships.
The Bulldogs face Sandhurst, whichlosttoKangarooFlat,52-49,in the other semi final.
Rymer said they need to make sure they put some scoreboard pressure on the Dragons.
“It was funny watching it on Saturday afternoon and people were asking who we would rather play?” Rymer said. “We have to beat both of them if we’re to win it.
“It will be the fourth time we’ve played them.
“We keep saying we can beat them, but we haven’t been able to.
“We will make sure we do our groundwork to beat them.”
Tara Murray
Simona Di Filippo. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 496377_17
Bulldogs through
Brock Landt. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 474081_07
Bulldogs make the most of the challenge
Gisborne showed plenty of resolve and grit to keep its Bendigo Football League premiership hopes alive.
Bruised and battered, the Bulldogs went up to Queen Elizabeth Oval on Sunday to face an opponent it had not beaten this season.
South Bendigo had been a nemesis for the Bulldogs this season, but it was a case of third time lucky for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs led at each of the breaks on the way to a 14.9 (93)-8.13 (61) win and a securing a preliminary final spot.
For the Bulldogs, they suffered a massive blowheadingintothematchwiththenews that skipper Jack Reaper had torn his ACL and would be out for the rest of the year.
“Some pretty rough news, but that is footy and we move on,” Reaper said.
“I did it a few weeks ago and the physio and myself didn’t think it was that bad.
“But scans revealed the worst. Injuries happen and they’ve happened to a fair few of us boys this year.”
While many footballers were disappointed when they saw the weather on Sunday, the Bulldogs relished in the tough conditions.
Reaper said those conditions bring out
James Gray. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 496381_30
the best of them.
“It suited us to a tee,” he said. “The rain stopped during the game, the rain it had copped in the morning and the two games on it chopped it up.
“It was Gardiner-sk which was nice and we were pretty happy with it, knowing we train and play in it a lot more than the competing teams.”
Reaper said the first half was a bit of an armwrestleandtheywereabletomakethe most of their opportunities.
Theyledby28pointsathalftime,despite having two less scoring shots.
“We showed an intent and willingness for tackling pressure and hunt the footy,”
Reaper said.
“We took our chances and converted our chances. Scoreboard pressure puts some pressure on the opposition.
“I was walking off with the assistant coach at half time and didn’t realise the scoreline [9.1] was that good.”
Reaper said they were able to maintain that lead in the second half with South Bendigo unable to convert their chances in the third quarter.
No one kicked a goal in the first 20 minutes of the last quarter which played into the hands of Bulldogs.
Reaper said it was their best game since round 13.
James Gray kicked three goals for the Bulldogs. Brad Bernacki, Gray and Dylan Johnstone were named their best.
The Bulldogs now face Eaglehawk in the preliminary final on Saturday.
“We played them last week and let ourselves down,” Reaper said. “We took a lot of learnings from that game.
“We’ve beaten them twice during the year.”
Tara Murray
Cats through to GF
By Tara Murray
Macedon is through to its first Riddell District Football League grand final since 2017 as it ended Kyneton’s exciting finals run.
It was a battle between fifth and sixth in Saturday’spreliminaryfinalforthechance to face Riddell in the grand final.
Both sides had their chances and when Kyneton hit the front in the fourth quarter, a lot of people would have been thinking, can they come from behind to win for a third straight week?
The Cats showed composure late in the quarter and sealed the game with 90 seconds to go, when Toby Sims kicked his second of the game.
The Cats did enough to win, 12.9 (81)-10.11 (71).
Cats coach Al Meldrum said it was pretty amazing to be back in the final game of the season.
“It was a great day for the league and it was a great atmosphere,” he said. “It was a good game of footy and it was close all day and credit to Kyneton, which went on a wonderful run.
“We came out on top in a few moments and that was what won the game.
“We’re a small community club and we have our senior men, under-19s and C-grade netballers in the grand final. Our senior women have already won the flag.” Meldrum said the playing group took a lot out of its preliminary final loss 12 months ago against Wallan.
He said the group had learned to play in big matches.
Kynetongotofftoastrongstartinfrontof a big home crowd, kicking five goals in the first quarter.
Meldrum said conceding that many goals in a quarter wasn’t something they’d done much this year.
“They kicked only another five goals for the rest of the game,” he said. “We were able to wrestle the storm.”
With just one point the difference at three quarter time, Meldrum was to take onthegameandmakesuretheyplayedout the full quarter.
TheTigershadcomefrombehindinboth their finals wins.
“Wehadenoughofthemomentuminthe last quarter,” he said. “They hit the front in the final quarter and we had to dial up defensively and there’s a lot of pressure in
tight finals.
“You can go away from what you have done all year.
“Everyone has some input in the game and owned a few moments.”
Just four players from the Cats’ 2017 premiership side played in Saturday’s preliminaryfinal,JamesWright,MattDick, Zach Smedley and Jason Cooke. ChadWalker,whoplayedinthatgame,is on the coaching panel.
“It’s hard to come by,” Meldrum said. “We’ve won three premierships in our
Still no home for Kyneton women
The future home of the Kyneton Women’s Football Club remains unclear after the Riddell District Football Netball League knocked back itsapplicationfor2026.
The Wedge-Tailed Eagles applied to jointheleagueforthe2025seasonafter formingtheirownclub.
The club was started by former players, coaches and supporters from Kyneton Football Club at the end of 2024,seekingafreshstart.
After being knocked back by the RDNFL last season, the Wedge-Tailed Eagles found themselves without a league with other leagues also knockingthemback.
Eventually they joined forces with Gisborne’s women’s side as Gisborne-KynetonUnitedwiththeside winningtheEssendonDistrictFootball Leaguedivision2premiership.Theside wentthroughtheseasonundefeated.
WIth that partnership only for one season, the Wedge-Tailed Eagles are seeking to play as a standalone club nextyear.
In a statement, the club said it was disappointed to share that its application to join the RDFNL had beenunsuccessful.
It said there were no reasons providedfortherejection.
“While this news is disheartening, particularly as the RDFNL is our local league and the natural home for our players, families and supporters, we remain incredibly proud of the comprehensive and professional application and business plan we submitted,”theclubsaid.
“Our club worked tirelessly to meet every requirement for entry, including financial sustainability, facilities access, committed playing group and communitysupport.
“Despite this setback, we remain optimistic about the future. We have begun discussions with neighbouring leagues, and we are determined to secure a suitable league for our club andcommittedplayinggroup.”
PresidentNatalieKorinfskysaidthat theirclubwasneverbuiltonshortterm wins and we’re building something bigger.
She said they wanted to be a place where women and gender diverse people can enjoy football locally and growbothonandoffthefield.
“We are committed to finding a league that embraces our vision, and we know we can field a strong, competitiveandprofessionalteamthat upholdsthevalueswe’resoproudof.”
Coach Phil Hawkes said many won’t fully understand how strong and unitedtheplayinggroupis.
history.
“We look at how we have gone about it and build the list with a lot of talented locals.”
The Cats will now face Riddell in the grand final on Saturday at Romsey Park.
Having led in the final quarter of the semifinalbetweenthetwosides,Meldrum said they take plenty of confidence into that game.
“Thisweekistotallyadifferentgameand we want to make sure the boys and the entire club enjoy the week.”
The club has written to local MPs raising concerns about the continual refusal of the RDFNL to allow the club entry.
In the letter the club said it had concerns about lack of due process, contradiction of strategic priorities, barrier to local participation and ineffectiveescalationpathways.
They are calling for an immediate reviewofthedecisionandprocesses.
RDFL chief executive Jordan Doyle declinedtocomment.
Tara Murray
Kyneton Women’s are still fighting for a home. (Kyneton Women’s FC)
Zach Smedley. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Tilly Allen is making her mark on the netball court
When Riddells Creek’s Tilly Allen steps onto the netball court, she feels right at home.
The 15-year-old grew up around the netball courts with her mum heavily involved in coaching, and so it was no surprise she followed in her footsteps.
Nowsheisseenasoneofthetopunder-17 players in the state.
Tilly said it had been a whirlwind few years on the court.
“It is starting to become real,” she said. “Nationals come pretty quickly.”
Allen competed at the School Sport Victoria15andUndernationalcompetition last year as a bottom-age athlete.
She was again selected in the team this year and was named captain of the team which finished runners up.
Allen said it was easier this time round knowing what she was walking into.
“I knew stepping on the court that I had to bring my best,” she said. “Being captain was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it
was such a great group of girls.”
As the tournament finished, Allen was named in the All-Australian squad for the best players across all the sides.
She said that came as a shock when she heard her name called out.
There was no rest for Allan as she then trialledfortheunder-17statenetballsquad the next day.
While a bottom-age athlete, she progressedthroughtothefinal50andthen into the last 25.
It means she’s now part of the Netball Victoria elevate program, designed to prepare athletes for future elite pathways.
“It’s really exciting and I was kind of not expecting it,” she said. “It hasn’t hit me yet that I’m in the squad,
“I think it will when I start in the gym and on court. In the elevate program you train Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays.
“The extra training will help with fitness and basic skills along with my smartness on the court.
“It will be really good.”
Allen said it would mean everything to make the final squad and she’s putting in the hard work to try and make the team.
While she’s starting to get involved in the state under-17 program, the Salesian College student is busy with local netball as well.
She’s part of Riddell’s under-19 side for a second straight season.
Despite her young age, the goaler has already made her A-grade debut.
“I was excited,” she said. “It was nerve wracking and a bit more physical and tougher.
“I would love [to play in A-grade next year]. It helped my netball so much.”
Allen has signed with Victorian Netball League club Western Warriors as part of the next step in her journey.
She said playing for Australia would be a dream come true.
Bombers through
By Tara Murray
Riddell is full of confidence as it heads into its third straight Riddell District Netball League grand final.
The Bombers put together one of their better performances in Saturday’s preliminary final against Macedon to win through to the decider.
For a third straight year, it will be Woodend-Hesket that stands between them and the premiership cup.
Bombers coach Emily Ktona said the group was stoked to be back in the final game of the season.
“Everything came together,” she said.”We’ve worked really hard and played well for 60 minutes and played them to the end.
“We didn’t let them get back into it and stuck it out until the final siren, unlike last week.”
The Bombers led by six goals at quarter time on Saturday and the same margin at the main break.
The Cats reduced it to five goals at the final break, keeping themselves in the game.
Riddellstayedfocusedandhadtheirbest quarter of the game in the final term to ensure the win.
Ktona said they felt like they were just getting better as the season goes along “We’ve instinctively trusting ourselves,” she said. “That has been a key word the last couple of weeks.
“Finn [Fionnuala McKeagney-Stubbs] has gone to Europe on exchange so we’ve haddifferentmatchesupanditjustclicked and I’m happy.”
Naomi Fitzpatrick, who is part of Boroondara Express’s championship Victorian Netball League side, came into the side for McKeagney-Stubbs.
Ktona said they had qualified her knowing that they would lose McKeagney-Stubbs.
“She [Fitzpatrick] has been great for us and is super calm under pressure,” she said. “We’re super lucky to have her as a replacement.”
The coach said Lauren Close also had a good game in defence for them.
BecColwellshot43goalsfortheBombers.
Netty Donoghue led the way for the Cats with 25 goals.
Ktona said they felt primed for the grand final.
“We have a really good mix of youth and experience,” she said. “We have Meredith [Ball],LaurenandBecwhoareallmothers.
“Then we’ve got the younger ones, It’s such a good mix which is really important.”
Vrankovic)
The Bombers played the Hawks in the first week of the finals, with the Hawks doing a lot of the damage in the first half.
Ktona said if they can put their best out on the court they felt they could match it.
“We were so happy to have a good game the week before the grand final and we thinkthatwillworkinourfavour,”shesaid.
It’s season over for the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League boys competition.
After being the lucky loser in the wildcard round, the Cannons faced theEasternRangesinthefirstweekof finals on Saturday.
The Ranges got the early jump at Tony Sheehan Oval and led by 22 points at quarter time in windy conditions.
It was three goals each in the second quarter with the margin staying steady heading into the main breakastheCannonsdidn’tmakethe most of having the scoring end.
The Ranges blew the game open in the third quarter as they kicked five goals to just one to lead by 47 points heading into the final quarter.
WhiletheCannonswereablematch itwiththeRangesinthefinalquarter, with just one point the difference, the damage had already been done.
The Ranges winning, 16.11 (107)-8.11 (59) to make through to the semi finals.
Nathaniel Jenkins and Ben Taylor kickedtwogoalseachfortheCannons in the loss.
Felix Kneipp, Cooper Duff-Tytler, and co-captains Jackson Barber and Hamish Bird were named the Cannons best, with all four hoping to be drafted come later this year.
Meanwhile for Cannons Blake Justice he still has a big opportunity ahead of him.
Justice has been named as part of the AFL national futures boys squad whichwillplayacurtainraiseronthe MCG on AFL grand final day.
The squad will come together in Melbourneforathree-daycampfrom Friday, September 26.
“The game gives us full of confidence, unlike last year when we had a one goal win in the prelim.
“This year is a little bit different having played a good 60 minutes and we know what we can put out on the day.”
The Bombers other netball side in the grand finals is B-grade, after C-grade lost in extra time on Saturday to Macedon.
Jackson Barber. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Tara Murray
Tilly Allen. (Supplied)
Ellen Close. (Ljubica
James Strauss keen for Thunder coaching challenge
New East Sunbury football coach James Strauss made an instant impact at the Thunder.
The former Melbourne player joined the Thunder for the last eight weeks of the season and stepped up along with Wade Lees to take on some of the coaching late in the season.
When given the opportunity to step up intothecoachingrolepermanentlyfornext year’s Essendon District Football League season, Strauss jumped at the chance.
“It is exciting,” he said. “I’m up for the challenge and put in a few things like implementing a game style and structures that they haven’t had the last couple of years.
“It’s pretty exciting and I’m looking forward to the opportunity and challenges that come with it.”
Strauss, who played 24 games for Melbourne, said he never had aspirations to step into a head coaching role but when the opportunity came up it was something he was keen to do.
“I’ve done a bit of coaching, I was an assistant coach at St Kevins Old Boys,” he said.
“The knowledge and level of footy I’ve played means I’ve always helped out with whatever team I’ve been with.
“This opportunity came up and I was lucky enough to get offered this opportunity.”
Strauss said he had enjoyed his first few months at the club and felt it and he were heading in the same direction with where they wanted to take the club.
He played eight games and kicked nine goals and was named in the best five times
in the back part of the season.
Strauss had stepped up to help with the coaching when co-coaches Dave Morrice and Justin Belleville both departed during the season.
“For five or six weeks I helped out with the coaching alongside Wade Lees and we implemented a game plan,” he said.
“We were able to bring in our structure and see some improvement in the group and know they were headed in the right direction.
“I wasn’t there for the first half of the year,butfromascoreboardperspectivethe team got better.
“They were getting beaten by 10-15 goals and even more and we’ve been able to reduce that.
“The last couple of weeks the side was quite competitive and losing by three to
four goals.”
Strausssaidtheirfirstfocusasacoaching group was to ensure they sign every single senior player for next season.
He said they wanted to continue making surethatlocalhomegrowntalentstayedat the club and those who had left, wanted to return.
“The last couple of games, speaking to the group we said the talent is already in the room,” he said.
“It’s about executing the game plan, direction and structures and getting their head around that.
“In another five or six months, everyone will be on the same page.
“We want to retain all the players on the list and add as many as we can.”
Tara Murray
Sharks celebrate flag win
By Tara Murray
Rupertswood proved up to the challenge on Saturday as it claimed its first Essendon District Football League senior premiership.
It’sbeenajourneyfortheSharksthepast two seasons with plenty of lows and some highs along the way.
OnSaturday,theygottotastethegreatest victoryasitovercameWestmeadowsinthe grand final.
There was no high scoring affair in the decider with it a good old arm wrestle.
Thetwoteamstradedtheleadthroughout thematch,withjustonepointinitheading into the final quarter.
The Tigers kicked the first two goals of thefinalquartertogetouttoa13pointlead 11 minutes into the quarter.
After a point, the Sharks got one back through Mitchell Johnston to bring the margin back to a goal.
That was then reduced by a point.
Co-coach Clayton Bonello produced some magic from outside 50 to put his side in front 24 and half minutes into the final quarter.
Bonello had another shot minutes later to seal the game but missed.
The Sharks kept peppering their attacking50inthedyingminutestogetthe sealer. It didn’t come, but they had done enough to win, 8.13 (61)-8.10 (58).
Sharks co-coach Brad Fox said it was a pretty amazing feeling.
“It’s unreal,” he said. “You always hope andhopeandwejustdroppedourguardat stoppagesandwentto2.1(13points)down.
“Wehadtoreactandwewerechallenged andourboysdiditallyear,wediditagain.”
Fox said there were some nerves late in thecontest.
He said they were more focused on what theycoulddotogetthemselvesbackontop.
He was full of credit to Westmeadows, who not only shut down their run and got themselves back in front.
Last time the two teams played, Bonello scored a late goal which they thought was the winner before a Ryan Stingel goal on the siren gave the Tigers the win.
He wasn’t to be denied the winner this time round.
“Clay we just call him the Ferrari out there on the wing,” Fox said. “We polished him up and put him out there and let it rip. “He’s had a tremendous season and so many of the guys have. For him to kick that goal when it mattered, that is why he is at the top of the tree.”
Jackson Pranauskas kicked three goals for the Sharks and was their only multiple goal kicker.
Westmeadows co-captain Ryan Capron was awarded the Ian Price Medal, as the best player on the ground awarded by the
umpires.
In the Sharks rooms after the game, they felt Bailey Verrall might have been robbed.
Jackson Cardillo and Clayton Bonello were others named in the best.
Foxsaidtheyhadalotofplayersstandup when it was called for.
“We talk about know your role, accept your role and play your role,” he said.
“Some days it’s your day to star and some daysyoujustneedtogrityourteethandget the job done.
“Different guys stood up at different parts of the game today. Aaron Grubb’s marktheredeepinthelastquarter...Itwas his moment.”
For the Sharks, this has been 12 months in the making.
After the 2023 season, the Sharks lost their coach and a number of top players.
They were relegated at the end of last year before coming down to division 2. They will go straight back up into division 1 next season.
Fox paid tribute to captain Daniel Kavanagh who galvanised the group and helped it get back on track.
“You are sometimes lucky enough to get a player in your club that epitomises the
club, you could take their photo and put it upandthat’sthelogoandthat’sthebrand,” he said.
“Daniel Kavanagh is a leader, he’s a doer, he’s got endless energy on and off the field
“Not only did he galvanise what was left of the group, he is so selfless.
“The number of times he said just
because I’m captain, if I’m not the best one to put there, don’t put me out there,
“For his leadership value, if nothing else, he’s the best one to put out there.”
Fox said they were planning to celebrate this one and then look at division 1
“We’vegottocelebratethisandenjoythe moments to tell the stories.”
Rupertswood celebrates. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 501144_74
Jackson Pranauskas. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 501144_35
Rupo prevails in a thriller
Rupertswood played out a thriller against Westmeadows in the Essendon District Football League division 2 grand final to claimitsfirstEDFLseniorpremiership. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting the action.
Westmeadows crowd. 501144_45
Westmeadows’ Korey Flavel-Wood. 501144_55
Westmeadows’ Nathan Sparks is tackled by Rupertswood’s Matthew Brown. 501144_09
Westmeadows’ Jordan Hollow and Rupertswood’s Matt McDonald. 501144_18
Rupertswood’s Daniel Kavanagh, Clayton Bonello and Brad Fox. 501144_73
Westmeadows’ Nick Mathewes leads Rupertswood’s Jack Young. 501144_04
Rupertswood’s Tom Markey. 501144_03
The crowd at Craigieburn. 501144_01
Best on ground, Ryan Capron. 501144_70
Rupertswood’s Daniel Kavanagh with some of the Rupo cheer squad. 501144_60
Rupertswood’s Matthew McDonald. 501144_36
Premiership joy. 501144_64
NEWSPRINGCOLLECTIONINSTOCK
CustomManufacturingisourSpecialty. ManyDesigns,manybeautifulWarwickfabriccolourchoices. HugeRangeofMattresses,Bases,Bedheads,Bedframes,BlanketBoxes, Toppers,Pillows,ElectricBlankets,Wool&MinkBlankets,Manchester,and “AllthingsBedding”onDisplay,andinStock. LongLaybysarewelcome.
