Remembering Eleanor
By Georgia Tacey
A community has come together to mourn the loss of their own one year on.
OnacrispNovemberevening,morethan 100 people braved the chill and gathered in Riddells Creek to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the death of educator Eleanor Bryant.
Eleanor was fatally struck on 11 November, 2024, when an out-of-control truck ploughed into a kindergarten, also injuring a child.
She is survived by her husband, Tim Bryant, and her two children, Charlie and Tully.
OnTuesday11Novemberfriends,family and the wider community gathered in Lions Park to remember Eleanor’s legacy and impact.
Mr Bryant thanked the Riddells Creek
community for their love and support over the past year.
“We’re all grieving but we need to celebrate her, and what a fitting memory,” he said.
The family’s close friends have established The Eleanor Bryant Memorial Fund in her honour, to provide perpetual memorial scholarships for rural students studying or training in allied health and early childhood fields.
The fund has now raised over $300,000.
“I hope the fund’s legacy lives on for many years, and it’s something Charlie and Tully can share for years to come in honour of the beautiful person Eleanor was,” Mr Bryant said.
The event also featured a tree planting ceremony, and the unveiling of a plaque in Eleanor’s honour in the Riddells Creek Lions Club’s Pollinator Garden.
Mr Bryant has worked closely with the Lions Club and Macedon Ranges council on the project.
“It’ll be great to see this tree grow for years to come in Eleanor’s memory,” he said.
Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan attended the service and thanked the community for their continuous support.
“Eleanor was a person of great warmth, generosity, and quiet, but significant, impact,” he said.
“As we gather 12 months on from these events, we pause to reflect, to remember and to honour a life that continues to inspire and resonate.”
The community was invited to lay some soil down, and reflect on her memory in the community she loved.
Details: www.eleanorbryantmemorial
Tim Bryant addressed the crowd of supporters in Riddells Creek. (Pictures: Georgia Tacey)
A plaque and tree were unveiled in Eleanor Bryant’s honour.
Rare gum planted
A group of Woodend over-50s are helping to protect and regenerate one of Australia’s rarest and most endangered trees, only found in their town in Victoria, by planting more than 1250 new tubestock over the past five years.
Residents of GemLife Woodend, led by resort manager Tony Liversidge, have embraced a conservation program to bolster their community’s 340-strong black gum (Eucalyptus aggregata) population, some of which are more than 100 years old.
In Victoria, the trees only grow within a four-kilometre radius of Woodend, with their community accounting for about 10 per cent of the state’s total population and its largest on private land.
Other sites are under threat from weeds, grazing, drought and soil compaction.
More than a dozen residents took part in this year’s annual spring revegetation, helping plant tubestock, including 250 black gum, along with other native species and grasses.
Mr Liversidge said revegetation was starting to ‘take-off’, with the trees growing well – although, it would take at least a decade to become sizeable and 50 years to start reaching maturity, classified as when a tree reaches 50cm in diameter.
“We’re working hard to improve and expand the number of black gums we have,” he said.
“Residents are invited to participate, and we had a good turn-out for this year’s planting. As more people have moved into the community, we’ve seen more taking an interest, as we head in the one direction — to beautify the forest and
help preserve these rare trees.”
As the first resident to move into GemLife Woodend, and with a background in horticulture, Danny Green has been committed to the program from the start, clearing weeds like broom, gorse and blackberry, before revegetation began.
“Anything as unique as the black gum needs to be preserved and, if we keep the revegetation program going, we’ll achieve
that,” he said.
Sundew Ecological Services principal ecologist Katherine Smedley oversees the program, tagging and tracking the black gums, protected under federal and state legislation.
She said revegetation had seen the woodland undergo a ‘reset’, from being overwhelmed by weeds to returning to its indigenous state.
Hume moves on hosting congress
Hume council has put forward a bid to host the 2026 National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) Congress.
The congress acts as the peak annual event for councils across Australia’s fast-growing outer suburbs, bringing together mayors, councillors, government representatives and industry experts to discuss growth, infrastructure and planning challenges.
As part of the initiative, Hume would host delegates from across the country for several days of workshops, site tours and networking sessions.
The move was brought forward by Cr Sam Misho, who said the hosting would provide Hume with an opportunity to showcase its needs to ministers and decision makers.
“Hosting puts our priorities, infrastructure, jobs, housing, and services in front of ministers, decision makers, and industry,” Cr Misho said.
“It is vital that we provide our interest in hosting the National Growth Area Alliance because the Hume story is the growth story - airport, city, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, vibrant communities and serious investment needs.”
Council’s expression of interest will commit $10,000, with an additional $5000 contingency allowance towards hosting costs for venues, transport, catering and promotion. The event is also expected to generate income through ticket sales and sponsorships, according to the council report.
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GemLife Woodend residents participating in revegetation (Supplied).
Mayor caught drink driving
By Georgia Tacey
Macedon Ranges council mayor Dom Bonanno has been caught speeding and drink driving in the mayoral vehicle.
In a statement published by council, Cr Bonanno said he was caught speeding on McGeorge Road, Gisborne South, on 31 October, with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit.
Police confirmed they intercepted a 49-year-old Gisborne South driver who recorded an alleged blood alcohol reading of 0.087.
Cr Bonanno was driving the mayoral vehicle at the time, which he said was neither impounded or damaged during the incident.
He said he will be disqualified from driving for six months from the end of November.
“I appreciate that my family, fellow councillors, council staff and the community put their trust in me, which I have breached, of which I sincerely apologise,”
Cr Bonanno said.
“I can’t turn the clock back, but I will work each day to re-build this trust in me over the months and years ahead.”
Council confirmed Cr Bonanno was travelling to a private event in the mayoral vehicle.
Full private use of the mayoral vehicle is permitted for the mayor in council’s Councillor and Delegated Committee Support and Expenses Policy.
Cr Bonanno he has now taken personal leave, and will return on 25 November at 11am, for the mayoral election council meeting. He will not stand for reelection as mayor.
“I am very disappointed in myself, and Ihavegivenmyalltobeagoodcouncillor and mayor, and always listen and strongly represent our residents and broader community,” Cr Bonanno said.
Cr Kate Kendall confirmed in her own statement to social media that as deputy mayor, she will take over mayoral responsibilities until the mayoral election.
Police confirmed that officers were conducting patrols of Gisborne South when they intercepted a vehicle allegedly speeding around 8.15pm on 31 October.
Christmas gifts sorted at art, craft fair
Three local art groups are uniting once againfortheperfectsalebeforeChristmas.
Sunbury Art Society, Sunbury Pottery Group and Sunbury Woodworkers Club will host an Art and Craft Studio Sale, featuring unique and affordable art and Christmas gifts created by local artists.
The event is the perfect opportunity to get ahead of the Christmas rush and purchase some lovingly made gifts, with
nothing priced over $120.
Sunbury Art Society president Yvonne Bradford welcomed the community to come on down and see some of the hard work the three groups have been creating this year.
“During the course of the year, the members of the art society make all these craft items for the studio sale,” she said.
Ms Bradford said there will be jewel-
ry, mugs with artwork on them, as well as pottery, creations carved out of wood and more, in a one-stop-shop.
There will also be a raffle on the day, filled with Christmas gifts.
“Comeondown,themorethemerrier,” Ms Bradford said. “Nothing’s over $120.”
The sale will be held at the Goonawarra Community Centre over 22 and 23 November, from 10am to 4pm each day.
Macedon Ranges residents can access free vaccine
At-riskMacedonRangesresidentswillnow have access to free Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccines.
HealthMinisterandMacedonMPMaryAnne Thomas encouraged at-risk regional Victorians to understand the risks of mosquito-borne diseases and to take simple steps to protect themselves from mosquito biteswhileenjoyingmoretimeoutsideover the warmer summer months.
“Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases that pose a real risk to our health – as we head into the warmer months, we would urge all Victorians to take simple precautions to protect themselves and their families,” she said.
“We are again making the JEV vaccine available for those Victorians most at risk, keeping communities safe from this pre-
ventable mosquito-borne disease.”
Backed by a $2.3 million state government investment, the vaccine is now available to people in 24 regional local government areas, primarily inland riverine regions, where there is a higher risk of exposure to the virus.
Most people with JEV infection do not have symptoms or have only mild symptoms such as a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches.
However, a small number – around one inevery250people–candevelopsevereinfection of the brain (encephalitis) or meningitis which can be fatal.
ThefreeJEVvaccineisavailableforeligible people through GPs, Aboriginal health services,communitypharmaciesandsome local councils.
Police conducted a preliminary breath test on the driver which returned a positive result.
The driver accompanied police to a local station and underwent an evidentiary breath test.
Police said the man received infringement notices for drink driving and other traffic offences.
Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council was aware of the incident, and has launched an internal review to address policy compliance, any impact on relevant council processes and what further governance response may be required.
Ranges fire danger period now in force
The fire danger period has started in the Macedon Ranges.
At 1am on Monday 17 November, the fire danger period officially started for the shire, as well as neighbouring local government areas including Greater Bendigo, Central Goldfields and Mt Alexander.
The fire danger period will also begin soon in Hume, at 1am on Monday 24 November.
CFA district two assistant chief fire officer Archie Conroy said despite recent rainfall across the district, conditions acrosstheregionweredryingoutrapidly.
“Rainfall totals are down across the board compared to last year, and with temperatures forecast to climb, we’re heading into a period where fires can start and spread rapidly,” he said.
“We are also expecting some unsettled weather in the district so beginning the firedangerperiodallowsustobetterprotect our communities.”
Residents are also reminded that no burning off is permitted during the fire danger period without a permit to burn.
Those conducting burn offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website www.firepermits.vic. gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.
For more information on preparing your property and understanding local fire restrictions, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au
To find out what you can and can’t do during a fire danger period, visit www. cfa.vic.gov.au/can or call 1800 226 226.
Simple and practical steps that Victorians can undertake to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, include:
- wearing long, loose and light-coloured clothing when outdoors
- using mosquito repellents that contain active ingredients including Picaridin or DEET
- spraying or rubbing repellent on children’s clothes is recommended, avoiding their skin
- limiting time spent outdoors when mosquitoesaremostactivesuchasatdawn and dusk
- removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around the home or a campsite
- making sure windows are fitted with mosquito netting or screens
Sunbury Art Society member Julie Harley and president Yvone Bradford (Damjan Janevski). 515972_06
Sunbury remembers
At 11am on Tuesday last week, Sunbury stopped and remembered.
Hundreds gathered to mark a minute’s silenceonRemembranceDay,Tuesday11 November, at the Sunbury Cenotaph.
The service, led by Sunbury RSL Sub-Branch president Graeme Williams, sawSunburycometogether,withschools, police, SES and the wider community laying wreathsandpausingtoremember.
Mr Williams said he was pleased with the turnout, considering the less than favourable weather.
“The people’s response to our Remembrance Day poppy sales has been fantastic … nearly 50,000 poppies sold,” he said.
“We’vealsogottwopeopleinMelbourne today, selling on street corners, and it’s the first time we’ve done that.”
Tuesday was Mr Williams’ last Remembrance Day as president of the sub-branch, and Hume council mayor JarrodBellcongratulatedhimonhistime as president and the successful service.
“I want to acknowledge his commitment and dedication to the RSL and the Sunbury community,” Cr Bell said.
“That decades of dedication is something we need to acknowledge.”
Cr Bell said Remembrance Day was an important day to come together and reflect.
“Stopping to pause and reflect on peace I think is more important today than it has been, and that so many people from the Sunbury community gather here to do that, not only here but across our city, is a testament to this community will not forget, has not forgotten, and will always remember the lessons of the past,” he said.
Star Weekly reporter Georgia Tacey attended the service to pay her respects and capture images of the solemn event.
The talents of Hume young people on display
The Hume Youth Anthology Award winners have been announced.
The annual awards celebrate creativity andexpressionamongyoungpeopleaged six to 24 across Hume, with the works showcasedthisyearattheSunburyHume Global Learning Centre’s gallery.
This year’s theme, ‘Transformations andBeginnings’,inspired96submissions, including drawings, poems, short stories, comics, paintings and photographs from primary, secondary, and tertiary students.
The exhibition features all entries, including the award-winning pieces selected through community voting and special recognition categories.
For Best Creative Piece, Ala’a Alsowaidi wonforthesixto11yearscategory,Azeyla Cayir won for the 12 to 18 category and Renee Cherie Dugan won for the 19 to 24 category.
Community Favourite was awarded to Aleena Khan, and the Mayor’s Choice award went to Raayan Ghandi.
All award recipients received a $250 art voucher to support their artistic journey.
Hume council congratulated the award winners, and all entrants.
“The Hume Youth Anthology is an innovative way to showcase young artists by highlighting their hopes for the future and showcasing their creativity,” a spokesperson said.
“We’re grateful that Hume City is full of talented young aspiring creators. These works remind us of that incredible talent that exists right here in our community and the importance of supporting their artistic journeys in a meaningful way.
“Through art, local young people have the opportunity to share stories that inspire us all and show why investing in the next generation matters.“
The Hume Youth Anthology exhibition is on display now at the Sunbury Hume GlobalLearningCentre,until22February.
All featured works will be published in the 2025 printed edition titled ‘Young People’s Stories of Transformations and Beginnings’. Renee Cherie Dugan with her award-winning piece.
Cr Naim Kurt with award winners Ala’a Alsowaidi, Aleena Khan, Azeyla Cayir and Raayan Ghandi. (Pictures: Supplied)
Mayor Jarrod Bell and Cr Kate Hamley laying wreaths.
Above: Salesian College school captains Elaina and Jack. Right: Sunbury RSL Sub-Branch president Graeme Williams.
Left: The community gathered to reflect. Centre: Remembrance Day in Sunbury. Right: Kelli Brogan performed the National Anthem.
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Historic election for Hume
By Georgia Tacey
Hume council will be led by an all-female leadership team for the first time.
Cr Carly Moore has been elected mayor for a historic fourth term at the 12 November council meeting.
Cr Moore is now the first councillor in Hume to be elected mayor four times. She said she was honoured by the appointment.
“As I step into this role again, I will work hard. I will listen. I will lead with hon-
esty, integrity and heart and I will strive to ensure every resident – regardless of background or circumstance – feels seen, heard, and valued,” she said.
Cr Moore said her connection to Hume runsdeep,withhergrowingupinthearea, and now raising a family here as well.
“When I say Hume is home, I don’t just mean it’s my home. I mean it’s our home, all of ours,” she said.
“No matter how long you’ve been here or how far you’ve travelled to get here.”
Cr Moore, from Aitken Ward, spoke
of her commitment to working together, building a community for all residents, and achieving positive outcomes as a council team.
“Looking ahead, the upcoming state election presents a vital opportunity to advocate for Hume,” she said.
“Just like other parts of Melbourne, we deserve the very best of services and infrastructure, great schools, safe roads and healthcare when and where we need it.”
Cr Ally Watson was elected deputy mayor.
Tennis program marks an ace milestone
South Gisborne Tennis Club is celebrating 25 years of its All Abilities program.
The celebration will be marked with the club’s annual event to coincide with International Day of People with Disability, on 27 November.
The All Abilities program is a modified tennis program designed for people with disability, whether that be low or no vision, hard of hearing, wheelchair users, and more.
On the day, expect to find lots of tennis-related games, try pickleball, beat the coach and more, with all equipment provided on the day.
All Abilities coordinator Gail Scott said the whole community was invited to celebrate and join in on the fun.
“There’ll be adaptive equipment like eye gear, if you want to know what it’s like to be partially blind and play tennis,” she said.
“It will give you an idea of what obstacles they have to go through, just to play tennis.”
Ms Scott said people from Distinctive Options, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School, Mambourin in Melton, as well as groups from Sydenham and Sunshine travel over to the courts to partake in the All Abilities program.
“It’s just a wonderful thing to have as
part of your club because that’s what community clubs should do,” she said.
The South Gisborne Tennis Club All Abilities 25 years will be celebrated on Thursday 27 November, from 10am to 1pm at the club, at 176 Millett Road, South Gisborne.
For further information on the event, or about the program, contact Ms Scott on 0403 760 272.
Details: https://sgtennisclub.com.au/ all-abilities/
This is her first term on council, and said she was very deeply honoured and humbled by the nomination.
“I make this commitment because I believe leadership is not about titles or power, it’s about service,” she said.
“It’s about listening, learning and acting in the best interest of all.”
Cr Watson, from Yubup Ward, has called Hume home for 10 years.
Alongside chief executive officer Sheena Frost, the election makes this Hume’s first all-female leadership team.
Macedon Ranges council is seeking feedback ahead of its 2026-27 budget deliberations.
Community members are invited to share their ideas for council’s key focus areas, whether they be for new infrastructure projects, community initiatives, or reprioritising the way council funds day to day services.
In previous budget cycles, several community-backed projects were funded thanks to input from the consultation period, according to council.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said early engagement with the community helps councillors and council staff make better-informed budget decisions.
“Community input is vital, whether through our annual grants program or the budget process,” he said.
“Starting the conversation early ensures that ideas from residents are considered alongside officer recommendations, giving our councillors a strong foundation for decision-making.”
Ideas should align with an objective in the Council Plan, deliver community-wide benefit, be loathed on council land or in council buildings, and be something that council can deliver, or partner with others to deliver.
One idea will be accepted per individual or group. Any ideas received by council after the deadline will be referred to the work plan for 2027-28. Feedback is open until Thursday 11 December.
The South Gisborne Tennis Club All Abilities Program (Supplied).
Conservation takes flight
The Golden Sun Moth is a vulnerable species endemic to south-eastern NSW, the ACT and Victoria. With Golden Sun Moth conservation sites across Hume, Brimbank, Wyndham and Whittlesea, the insect has cemented its home in Melbourne’s northwest. However the moth is still under threat from increased development in the region. Sam Porter spoke to Hume council’s conservations program supervisor Eric Stone about the insect and the Golden Sun Moth conservation site in Craigieburn.
Part of the reason why Golden Sun Moth numbers are so hard to accurately record is because the insect is only alive for one to four days. Born without mouthparts, the moth cannot eat and has one sole purpose in its fewdaysasamatureadult—tofindamate and reproduce.
In Melbourne’s northern suburb of Craigieburn the moth has found a sanctuary at a 44-hectare conservation site. The reserve was sectioned off as part of a 2009 federal government condition of approval when granting land developer, Stockland, permission to develop the Highlands estate.
Eric Stone is a conservations program supervisor at Hume council and co-manages the site alongside numerous nature reserves in the east of Hume.
“Realistically, that organism is only a moth for a very small percentage of its life cycle … the rest of the time that organism is actually under the ground as a grub,” he said.
“They can be under the ground for definitely one year, maybe two, maybe three years. We’re not sure how long they can be under there for.”
It would be better to protect nature before it becomes critically endangered than try to do so afterwards - Eric Stone
The Craigieburn reserve is an environmental offset created to compensate for significant biodiversity loss caused by land development.
Hume council took on responsibility for the reserve after Stockland’s approval condition expired in 2020.
Inthesameyear,themoth’sclassification was downgraded from critically endangered to vulnerable in Victoria due to increased conservation efforts.
However, increasing housing development projects pose ongoing risks to the moth and its natural grasslands habitat, and so ecologists, developers, local communities and government are making concerted efforts to protect the nativeecosysteminthesegrowingregions.
“I think that in high growth areas, like Hume, you need to carefully consider the impacts that that’s going to have on nature,” Eric said.
ThebiggestpartofEric’sroleismanaging the contractors who do the physical work at the site such as mowing back grasses to encourage moth reproduction.
“The reason that we do that is to reduce the biomass and give the moths that space that they need to fly around to recognise each other.”
During the reproductive season, from mid-October to January, male moths fly above tussock grasses, looking for signals from females crawling in between grasses on the ground.
“[The female’s] wings have a sort of little golden splash on them and that’s why they call them Golden Sun Moths,” Eric said.
“The females will sense the male flying around and they’ll give that little flash of the wings, and they can find each other.
“Ifthegrassgetstoolong,thentheycan’t do that so we mow it this time of year just before the season starts.”
If moths successfully mate the female will lay her eggs at the base of the tussock grass.
The most common grass at the Craigieburn site is the non-native Chilean needle grass which the moth has quickly taken to.
“Golden Sun Moth is a bit of an anomaly inthatit’sactuallyabletothriveinChilean needle grass which is, in many other places, considered a fairly bad weed,” Eric said.
When the weather conditions are right and the moth larva is ready for its next life phase, it will migrate to the surface of the soil and undergo pupation.
Every few years, Eric and his colleagues conduct surveys to track seasonal variations and Golden Sun Moth numbers at the reserve.
“We’renottryingtocountallofthemoths in the reserve. We’re trying to gather data over successive years about how many we can see from a certain set of viewpoints in a reserve,” Eric said.
Surveys are conducted on days with favourable weather conditions for moth activity, and moths are counted within the same marked areas across the site.
“You’re counting the amount of moths
that you can see flying around within a certain time period, maybe five minutes, and you’ll generally have at least two people so that you can see in different directions.”
Eric said climate change could be detrimental to the Golden Sun Moth’s survival especially for populations living in small, isolated urban areas surrounded by housing or roads.
“If something happens like it gets a lot wetter, or it gets a lot drier, maybe some of its core food plants drop out of those systems, those moths can drop out of the system as well because they haven’t got enough alternatives in the landscape, and they can’t travel very far.
“The males can possibly fly up to about 400 metres at a stretch. The female is nowhere near that. They can’t cross things like suburbs and extensive roads and car parks and form new populations easily elsewhere,“ Eric said.
“I think [the conservation site at Craigieburn is] an example of a good offset for Golden Sun Moths because it’s large, it’s interconnected with other reserves, and there’s some variable habitat in here so that we can create different conditions.
“The great thing about an offset like
this is we can do more than protect and preserve a Golden Sun Moth population. We can protect, preserve and improve other aspects of the natural environment as well.”
EricwasaskedwhytheGoldenSunMoth is important.
“It’s a bit of a philosophical question,” he replied. “I do think that there is something strange about the way we rate the importance of nature. There tends to be a situation where we’ll wait for something to become really endangered, and then suddenly we’ll consider it to be really important and worth protecting, but it seems to me it would be better to protect nature before it becomes critically endangered than try to do so afterwards.
“[The Golden Sun Moth] is not really more important than all of the other creatures and plants and ecology that also could become critically endangered if we don’t protect it. It’s a part of these ecosystems, and it has its role.
“Butreallyit’saquestionof,‘doyouthink ecosystems are important? Do you think that they have a function in our modern society?’ Because if the answer is yes, well, then the Golden Sun Moth is important just like the rest.”
Main: Eric Stone is a conservations program supervisor at Hume council. Left: The Golden Sun Moth conservation site in Craigieburn. (Pictures: Sam Porter)
Right: Golden Sun Moth. (Source: CSIRO Science. Image contributed by Andrew Wright. Copyright CSIRO ScienceImage)
Celebrating the Braemar College Class of 2025
Imagine beginning your high school journey in 2020. You’ve just met new friends, joined your first sports team, and are looking forward to your first camp. Then, halfway around the world, disruption begins, and soon enough, it reachesyourdoorstep.
For the college’s graduating Class of 2025, the traditional high school experience began under extraordinary circumstances. While some students had already joined Braemar in earlier
years,itwasin2020thatthiscohortcame together to start what should have been a familiar five-year journey of learning, friendship, and growth. Instead, their early high school years were marked by isolation, uncertainty, and the challenge of adapting to a world turned upside down.
Those years, however, also forged something remarkable. They taught this groupresilience,empathy,andtheability to adapt to change. They learned to stay
connectedinnewways,tofindmotivation within themselves, and to support one another, lessons that no textbook could everfullyteach.
Now,astheyapproachthefinalweeksof their Year 12 journey, these young people stand as a testament to strength and optimism. They have grown from quiet determination into confident leaders, ready to step into the broader world beyond Braemar College. Their collective story is one not just of overcoming
challenge, but of shaping character and communitythroughadversity.
The college community is immensely proud of the Class of 2025, proud of their achievements, their spirit, and the way they have carried themselves through such defining years. They remind us that educationisnotonlyaboutwhathappens in classrooms, but about how we face the worldandrisetogether.
Wewishthemeverysuccessastheytake theirnextstepsbeyondBraemar.
Braemar College’s graduating Class of 2025.
Sunbury groups awarded
By Georgia Tacey
Sunburycommunitygroupsarebenefitting from the recent Hume council Community Grants program.
Twenty-four groups and organisations across Sunbury have received funding through the latest grant round, across partnership, large project, volunteer project, small project, community participation and community operational categories,with$352,508allocatedoverall.
Sunbury Neighbourhood House was awarded $9550 to create a volunteer subgroup focused on planning events, fundraising, and boosting community engagement and visibility of Sunbury.
Sunbury Combined Probus Club, Sunbury Evergreen Seniors, Sunbury U3A and Superoos Basketball Club all received $3000 for different social events.
The Woodlands Ladies Probus of Sunbury, Boilerhouse Theatre Company, CareWorks SunRanges, Harmonix, Insync Entertainment, J Beekeeping Club and Jacksons Creek Combined Probus Club all received grants of $1500.
Also receiving $1500 was Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury, Our Lady of Mt Carmel Historical Committee, Probus Club of Sunbury, Sunbury and District Woodworkers Club, Sunbury Basketball Association, Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society, Sunbury Kangaroos
Junior Football and Netball Club, Sunbury Lions Basketball Club, Sunbury Neighbourhood Kitchen, Sunbury Petanque Players, Sunbury School of Calisthenics, and Sunbury Stitchers and Quilters.
The recipients, all across Hume, were announced at the 27 October council meeting.
Cr Steve Gagen congratulated the recipients.
“Community grants are really important to our community groups in all councils, particularly in Hume,” he said.
As part of the report, there was $115,839 of remaining funds from this grant round.
This will now be allocated to different
Hume’s best businesses take a bow
Hume’s business community has celebrated its night of nights, with council inviting innovators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to mark a year of business success on Thursday 30 October.
ICAL International Customs and Logistics director Mark Coleman took home the award for Business Leader of the Year, while local business Kingspan Insulation was recognised as Business of the Year.
Kingspan Insultation also won the Circularity Award and was a joint winner of the Manufacturing Award alongside Chair Solutions.
3 Social Sunbury won the hospitality category of the Visitor Economy Award.
The bar’s Owner and Operator Rahul Chandhok said the award wouldn’t be possiblewithoutthesupportofthe3Social team and patrons.
“This win means the world to us - and it wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing team who bring their best every single day, and our loyal patrons who continue to love, laugh, and celebrate with us,” he said.
The Inclusive Workforce Award was won by DPV Health, while the Innovation and Economic Growth Award was shared by
Diet Yumm and Directitude.
System Technology Services took home the Retail Services Award and Precision Group received the Small & Medium Enterprises Award.
The Startup award went to That Creative Hub, ICAL – International Customs and Logistics won the Transport, Logistics & Warehousing Award and URBNSURF Melbourne won the tourism category of the Visitor Economy Award.
TheYoungAchieveroftheYearAwardwas shared by Alisha Shastri (iOptical) Fahad Rabbani (Imperial Advocates Australia) Samantha Fry (Precision Group).
Scholarships provide students with a head start
Hume’ssecondarystudentsarebeinggiven a boost thanks to a move by council to allocate more than $76,000 in scholarship awards across 59 participants in 2026.
Council announced at its 27 October meeting the 50 participants across the municipality will benefit from the 2026 Education Scholarship program through the receival of $1300 each to help alleviate school-related costs.
Council invited 61 primary schools to nominate a grade six student for the scholarship, with 59 out of 61 schools around Hume taking part.
The scholarship funds will be paid directly to the secondary school the successful student will attend in 2026.
The funding is aimed at tackling costs associated with the transition from primary to secondary school, including uniforms, books, school-approved laptops and excursions.
Hume’s annual Education Scholarship Program has been running yearly since its creation in 1999.
Cr Ally Watson highlighted the importance of assisting Hume’s young students in their transitioning from
grant rounds, with $90,839 going to the Community Operational Grant round two, and $25,000 going to the Small Project round two.
CrNaimKurtsaidtherehasbeenalower number of applications.
“There is $90,000 which is heading to a one-off category in round two to support up to an additional 60 applicants,” he said.
“I think it’s a sign of the issues that some ofourcommunitygroupsarefacinggetting people to manage these groups and put in for grants and apply for them as well, so there’s probably a conversation that needs to happen in the future if this additional funding is not taken on by community groups.”
Local newspapers are essential Every week our local news is a welcome arrival in the local letterbox finding out what is happening in our community.
It is a sad reflection on society when the days of the daily newspapers are not an essential part of our daily routine and people are glued to their phone flipping through stories often AI generated taken from legitimate newspapers or television articles and doctored to suit the popularity of the story, not fact.
Hundreds of journalists nationally are employed collecting information about each local area making community living cohesive and informative as to what is happening to local roads and what the local council decided at the latest meeting.
People with common interests join together. Every town and shopping centre has local news available however it is alarming so many have had to discontinue and too many journalists are not employed in their thousands like they used to be.
The Victorian government and local councils advertise helping local newspapers however social media should be made to pay for what they are taking from legitimate sources.
An arbiter should be appointed and decide what these foreign mass media companies should pay for taking and rehashing stories.
Local media is an essential lifeline to so many. Media Watch on ABC is another advocate for local media, also Professor Kristy Hess from Deakin University Study into media’s vital role (Star weekly 11 November).
Richard Cantwell Gisborne
primary to secondary school.
“This scholarship highlights council’s commitment to supporting young people to make a smooth transition to secondary school with the resources that they need,” she said. “It’s been around for a while and rewards achievements, positive citizenship and leadership qualities of primary school students transitioning to secondary education.”
Recipients of the award were notified by email and invited to attend Hume’s Award Ceremony at Town Hall Broadmeadows on Wednesday 5 November.
HAVE YOUR SAY
StarWeekly
Sunbury makes a splash
Humecouncilhasofficiallyopenedthenew water play area at the Sunbury Aquatic and LeisureCentre.
The new play area was officially opened with a community event on 1 November, wheresomeofSunbury’syoungestresidents got the chance to make a splash and enjoy the upgrade to the outdoor children’s pool facilities.
Newfeaturesoftheoutdoorspaceinclude:
• accessible ramp and stair entry from the indoor facility to the outdoor water play equipment
• a zero-depth splash pad with water features
• a single, central water feature including slide and water bucket
• shadesailsoverthewaterplayequipment
• anewplantroomtoservicethewaterplay equipment.
These were included in the design following extensive community
consultation, which helped to decide on the most popular inclusions for the upgraded space.
Cr Jarrod Bell swam into the action with the community to celebrate the official opening, riding the new water slide in his suitandtie.
“This project has from start to finish been a collaboration between council, the community and the Victorian Government, and I want to thank all parties for their support,”hesaid.
“The new water play area has truly modernised the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre, ensuring this well-loved facilityisaccessible,funandsustainable.”
Council invested over $2 million into the project, co-funded by the state government for a total of $3.8 million, in support of inclusive spaces where families can come together, kids can be active, and everyone canenjoythebenefitsofoutdoorplay.
Briefs
Immunisation sessions
Macedon Ranges council provides free immunisations as set out by the National Immunisation Program. When you attend a council immunisation session you should bring your child’s health book and Medicare details. All children and adults are required to remain at the immunisation venue for at least 15 minutes after receiving any vaccination. The next round of sessions will be held across the shire on Thursday 4 December. In Gisborne, the session will take place from 9.15am to 10.15am at the Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre. In Kyneton, it will take place from 12pm to 1pm at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute. In Woodend, it will take place from 2.30pm to 3.30pm at the Woodend Community Centre.
Coffee Catch-Up
The next Coffee Catch-Up will be hosted in Lancefield at the Lost Watering Hole from 10.30am to 11.30am. These one-hour Village Connect coffee gatherings for those over 55, welcomes new residents, individuals living alone, those navigating life changes or residents who are looking to strengthen connections with other like-minded individuals in the community. Bookings are essential at villageconnect@mrsc. vic.gov.au or call 5422 0333 to book.
FOR
BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Cr Jarrod Bell makes a splash. (Hume council/Tim Carrafa).
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
The Gisborne Singers
Finishing the year on a night note, the Gisborne Singers will host their main concert, themed ‘Songs of Connection’ at 2.30pm on Sunday 23 November at the Church of the Resurrection in Macedon. Featuring the choir’s accompanist Anna Clarke-Zuidland, the program will include many old and new favourites.
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ DGRUM
Malmsbury Town Hall Flea Markets
Guaranteed treasures and bargains to be found at the now famous Flea Market at the Malmsbury Town Hall, located next to the beautiful Malmsbury Botanic Gardens. You may wish to picnic there and bring a bag of peas to feed the geese (no bread, thanks!) Next market is Sunday 7 December 9am-2pm.
0409 749 386 or 0408 336 352
Malmsbury Town Hall Music Events
Bananagun and The Mods will be held on 29 November at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Call Julie for details.
Julie, 0417 531 012
CWA Sunbury
CWA Sunbury meets second and fourth Mondays at St Mary’s Church in O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury. All women are welcome, bring your grandchildren if you are caring for them, there is a playground available.
Bev Goodman, 0402 988 954
With 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
Neighbourhood garden
Become part of Sunbury’s Neighbourhood Garden and grow edible and useful plants in a social group at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. All skill sets are welcome.
www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978
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-1pm.
Amy, 0423 726 695
Messy Play in Sunbury
Join in the Messy Play fun with this toddler-focussed 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
Amateur radio club
The Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at the Woodend RSL Hall, 32 Anslow Street, Woodend, at 10am. If you are interested in amateur radio or already have a call sign, this could be for you.
http://www.mrarc.org.au
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
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
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
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
Jacksons Creek Combined Probus
The club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am. This friendly group of men and women enjoy outings and meetings each month and twice yearly trips away staying
in cabins and caravans. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed
Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006
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
Craft and conversation
Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.
https://bit.ly/39BIu2O
Chill Out Sunbury
Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.
https://bit.ly/3lmVgVhv
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
Sunbury Badminton Club
The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights, from 7.30-9.30pm, and on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Monday night is a round robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All are welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road.
sunburybc@gmail.com
Sunbury Ladies’ Badminton Club
Are recruiting! Come along and enjoy the benefits of physical activity combined with social connectedness. Social and competition games are played every Thursday morning (excl. Public / School Holidays) 9.30am-noon at the Eric Boardman Stadium, Wilsons Lane, Sunbury. All skill levels are welcomed.
sunburylbc@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
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
Shuttles and pickleballs
Macedon Ranges Badminton Club is inviting residents to come and play badminton, or pickleball, or both at Macedon Community Centre. Badminton is played on Tuesdays from 7.30pm and Thursdays at 9.30am. Pickleball is played on Mondays at 6.30pm, Wednesdays at 10.15am and on Tuesday from 10am at the Romsey Recreation Centre.
David, 0419 589 425, or macedonrangesbadminton@gmail.com
Scottish country dancing
The Macedon Ranges Scottish Country Dancing Group meets every Thursday,1-3pm, at Buffalo Stadium, Woodend. The dancing involves social country dancing, and no special clothes needed, just soft flat shoes.
Meg, 0409 166 783, or Linda, 0408 476 317
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Delicate Lady, rode by Thomas Stockdale winning race four at the Kyneton Cup. (Damjan Janevski) 516055_01
Melodies to wow Wyndham
The Royal Australian Navy Band, the Bee Gees Revival and Australian Fleetwood Mac Show are just some of the acts heading to Encore Events Centre next year as part of the popular Morning Melodies program. Wyndham council has released the line-up for the 2026 program, with each month featuring a different musical genre and theme that brings the audience along on a musical journey Council said Morning Melodies is a great way to experience an affordable and entertaining show, with performances held on the second Tuesday morning of every month, between 11am and noon. Doorsopenat10.30amandtheshowsrun for one hour. Each show is $15 and includes morning tea.
Cr Mia Shaw said Morning Melodies is one of Wyndham’s most popular arts events.
“The Morning Melodies program continuestoplayanimportantrolebringing peopletogethertoenjoymusicalshowsand connecting the community,“ she said.
“The2026programwillfeatureanexciting mix of classic hits, cabaret and musical tributes,featuringsomeofAustralia’sfinest touring acts and local talent.”
“From toe-tapping swing and rock ‘n’ roll favourites to heartfelt ballads and nostalgic performances – whatever your taste in music – there is something for everyone!
“Morning Melodies isn’t just about great music and entertainment, it’s a chance for residents to enjoy performances close
to home, share morning tea with friends, and be part of Wyndham’s vibrant creative culture. We’re proud to continue this much-loved tradition in 2026.“
The first performance is scheduled for 10 Februaryandwillbe all-timefavourite,the Bee Gees Revival which is sure to have the audiences singing along to ‘Stayin Alive’.
The season continues with the Royal Australian Navy Band who will showcasing their talents on 10 March with some old renditions that will have everyone tapping along.
For those that enjoy a fun upbeat sing along Piano By Request, featuring Joss Russell from Piano Bar on 12 May will be just the right tempo. Audience will have the opportunity to be part of the show, as Joss
Sunbury
Streetlife is back for family fun
Sunbury is set to come alive as Sunbury Streetlife takes over the town. The annual event is a fan-favourite on the calendar, with O’Shannassy and Brook streets closing totrafficforthemassiveevent.
OnthemainstagenearIGA,enjoyarange of performers, while sipping a cocktail or twoatthebar.
Near the Royal Hotel, you’ll find the Roaming Range, where you can challenge yourself to a mini putt challenge on the bigscreen.
Near Paint Spot, reach new heights and test your limits on the Rock Climbing Wall, and on the Brook Street end, have a go at pickleball and check out the Sunbury CFA firetruckupclose.
In the Village Green, there’s plenty to do and see, with pony rides and an animal farmgettingyouupcloseandpersonalwith somefurryfriends.
Along the streets will be plenty of market
stalls, with the community showcasing its many talents for you to purchase, as well as plentyoffoodanddrink.
There is over 120 market stalls planned, as well as live music from Gareth Huggett and The Remedy, Cold Snap, Insync Entertainmentandmore.
Sunbury Streetlife will return to O’Shannassy and Brook streets in Sunbury onSunday23Novemberfrom10amto4pm.
Theeventisfreetoattend.
Enjoy a taste of Africa at Footscray night market
Following the resounding success of its first edition in March, the Little Africa Night Market is set to return, bringing even more colour, culture, and community spirit to Footscraythismonth.
The event, which celebrates African culture through food, fashion, art, and live performances, will once again transform Nicholson Street into a lively marketplace filled with sights, sounds, and flavours from acrossthecontinent.
Organisers promise an evening full of family-friendly fun, with a variety of food stalls showcasing the vibrant flavours of Footscray’s diverse traders, handmade crafts,stunningfashiondisplaysandroving
takes live song requests, in this intimate and interactive show.
The Australian Fleetwood Mac Show will feature on 14 July, with the GYPSY tour and will have the audience reminiscing and wanting to go back to the ‘Edge of Seventeen’.
The Crooners, Issi Dye and Gary Johns will have the dance floor swaying on 11 August.
MikeBradywillperformforaspecialOne Day in September on 8 September followed byTheAustralianABBATributeShowon13 October.
Tickets for the 2026 Morning Melodies at Encore program are now on sale. Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ morning-melodies
The king of pop is back
Looking for a ‘Thriller’ of a night?
MJ the Musical is showing in Melbourne and giving locals their Michael Jackson music fix.
Melton resident Zavier, who plays Little Marlon in the production, said actingtheiconicroleandperforming as part of the Jackson 5 has been incredible fun.
He was initially shocked and excited when he found out he’d been cast in the role.
“I had gone through a few audition rounds, and it was so cool to hear thatmyhardworkhadpaidoff.Itwas Christmas Eve when I found out, so it was the best time to receive the good news!” Zavier said.
“When I went through the audition process for MJ The Musical, it was a totally new experience for me and during that process, I really gained more and more confidence each step of the way. The team and cast membershaveallhelpedmesomuch along the way.”
MJ the Musical delves into the highs and lows of the king of pop’s life, music and career, bringing out all of his greatest hits along the way.
Zavier said he loves being a part of Michael Jackson’s story in the musical.
He shares the stage with a group of talentedperformerswhohe’sbecome good friends with throughout the production.
“The other young performers in the show are some of my best friends now, it’s been the greatest experience ever,” Zavier said.
MJ the Musical is showing at Her Majesty’s Theatre until Sunday 1 March. Tickets: mjthemusical.com. au/tickets/melbourne/
entertainmentthroughoutthenight. There will also be free henna and face painting. Visitorscanexpectavibrantprogramthat showcases both emerging and established talent.
The market will take place on Saturday 22 November, from 4-9pm, at the Little Africa Precinct Footscray, 138 Nicholson sSreet, Footscray
The market is presented by the Little Africa Traders Organisation and supported by Maribyrnong council and the state government. Entry is free. Details: https:// www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Events/ Little-Africa-Night-Market
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari can’t wait for the Little Africa Night Market to return to Footscray. (Damjan Janevski) 513953_02
Melton resident Zavier plays Little Marlon in MJ the Musical. (Supplied)
Sunbury Streetlife committee members Sharyn Snook and Juan Carlos Rodriguez-Deller. (Damjan Janevski) 505559_02
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
SPORTS QUIZ
1. In which sport is the term ‘empty net’ used?
2. The Saints play NFL out of which US city?
3. In which year did Roger Federer win his first Grand Slam final?
4. And which event was it?
5. What is the name of Rey Mysterio’s wrestler son?
6. Which two tennis players are set to compete in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in Dubai this year?
7. A recent addition to the senior Socceroos team, James Overy plays for which English Premier League club?
8. Which British Super League team will the Brisbane Broncos face in next year’s World Club Challenge?
Who was recently fired from their position as the head coach of the AFLW’s Sydney Swans?
After 352 games with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, NRL player Daly Cherry-Evans has signed with which club?
Which country recently won the Women’s World Cup cricket tournament for the first time?
Which sports brand makes the official ball of the Australian Open tennis tournament?
Which racing driver won the F1 World Drivers’ Championship seven times between 1994 and 2004?
14. How many gold medals did Jesse Owens win at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin?
15. What is the nickname of the Australian women’s national rugby league team?
16. Which MLB team won the World Series for the second consecutive year?
17. True or false: 1879 Wimbledon finalist Vere Thomas Goold was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a Swedish widow in Monte Carlo?
18. Which AFL club has dismissed its 2004 premiership-winning captain from its board?
19. Jockeys Bobby Lewis and Harry White both won the Melbourne Cup how many times?
20. In which country was Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne born?
21. The 1996 Robert De Niro thriller The Fan revolves around which sport?
22. The AFL’s new wildcard round means that how many teams will now compete in finals?
23. Ashes squad member Jake Weatherald plays for which state team?
24. Which nation won the men’s cup at the 2025 Rugby League Pacific Championships?
25. And which nation won the women’s cup at the event?
26. How many of the upcoming Ashes Test matches will be day/night fixtures?
27. Which two nations have won every gold medal for skateboarding at the Summer Olympic Games?
28. Which Matildas stars released a 2024 memoir entitled Macca:MyStory So Far?
29. How many total players are on the ice during a game of ice hockey?
30. How many race meetings make up the annual Melbourne Cup Carnival?
Roger Federer Federer
Rey Mysterio 2111
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every
more than once in any row, column or box.
South American carnivorous fish (7)
Decorative display (11)
Wet weather wear (8)
Mendicant monk (5)
Loop with running knot (5)
Admits (coll) (6,2)
Determinants (11)
Form of sugar (7)
Alliance (6)
Cherished (6)
Compromises (coll) (5,4)
7 Manipulating (5)
8 Written versions of speeches (11)
10 Attractiveness (6)
12 In date order (11)
15 Threatening actions of persuasion (9)
17 Uplifting (9)
18 People who abstain from all animal products (6)
21 Man’s formal evening suit (6)
23 Verity (5)
25 Effigy (5)
28 French term for a married woman (abbr) (3)
1 Sardinia is an island belonging to which nation?
2 The spirit Ariel appears in which Shakespeare play?
3 What makes up 60 per cent of the human brain?
4 The song NorwegianWood appears on which album by The Beatles?
5 Which prince governed the United Kingdom as ‘Regent’ during the years 1811–1820?
6 What literary movement began as a reaction to 18th-century romanticism and the rise of the European bourgeoisie?
7 The common barbel is a species of what?
8 'Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold' is a famous line from which novel?
9 True or false: champagne is only produced in the Champagne wine region of France?
10 Starring Julia Stiles (pictured) and Heath Ledger, the 1999 movie 10ThingsIHateAbout You was based on which Shakespeare play?
Room for improvement...
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
The QS is a car that is going to do big things for MG, or so it hopes.
The company’s first seven-seat offering, we’re told, has been designed with families in mind.
And MG says it’s a true seven-seater, not 5+2, combining practical versatility with premium styling.
But don’t expect an electric vehicle, this one’s powered by a good old conventional turbocharged petrol engine.
Styling
There are two grades: Excite and Essence. Both are powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Excite is front-wheel drive and priced from$46,990,whiletheEssenceisall-wheel driveandpricedfrom$50,990-bothfigures are driveaway for a limited time.
Our test vehicle was the better equipped, all-wheel drive Essence, finished in metallicblackpearl,acolourthatadds$800 to the price.
Standard kit includes pop-out door handles, cloth trim and three-zone climate air with rear air controls, a micro-fibre leather finished steering wheel, power-adjustfrontseatsandmulti-coloured ambient interior lighting.
There are also 20-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, auto lights and wipers, LED head, tail and daytime lights, rear parking sensors, electric tailgate and a panoramic power-operated sunroof.
Along with all-wheel drive, Essence ups the ante with little extras like 21-inch wheels, adaptive dampers, six driving modesinsteadofthree,leathertrim,heated and cooled front seats, electric lumbar adjustment, wireless phone charging, auto dimmingrearviewmirror,autohighbeam, LED fog lights, front parking sensors, as well as 12-speaker Bose audio.
QSiscoveredbyMG’s10-year/250,000km warranty, provided it is serviced with MG - otherwise it reverts to seven years/ unlimited kilometres.
Service is required every 12 months or 15,000km.
Infotainment
Infotainment is supplied in the form of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice control, satellite navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and generic, eight-speaker audio.
Another 12.5-inch screen provides the driver instrumentation.
There are five USB-C ports, two in front, two in the rear and one in the third row, with 12-volt outlets in the front and luggage area.
Essence adds wireless phone charging and it accommodates two phones simultaneously, but the right buts up against the centre console and won’t accommodate longer phones.
Access to iSmart connected services is valid for 12 months.
Safety
QS is yet to be rated for safety by ANCAP. It comes with seven airbags, 360-degree camera, forward collision warning and auto emergency braking (no details on the latter).
A string of safety systems includes lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane change assist, emergency lane keep, door openingwarning,blindspotdetection,rear cross traffic alert, drive monitor system, unsteady driver warning, traffic jam assist and intelligent cruise assist.
That said the driver is assaulted by continual warnings, the reasons for which are not always obvious.
Missing is head-up display.
There’s ISOFix child seat anchors for the outer rear seats as well as three top tethers, but no provision for placing a seat in the third row.
Engines/transmissions
A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 153kW of power at 5300 rpm and 360Nm of torque from 1750-3500 rpm, with drive to the front or all four wheels depending on the grade, via a nine-speed dual clutch style automatic.
Driving
At 4983mm in length, with a 2915mm wheelbase, QS is an appealing reasonably large vehicle that makes smart use of the available space.
The front seats are comfy, with plenty of second row legroom, which is where you want it most, and some room leftover for luggage with the third row of seats deployed.
There’s even a storage nook below the floor to stow the security screen when it is not in use. But access to the third row is easiest from the driver’s or traffic side of the vehicle which is not ideal from a safety point of view.
Our little one was distraught to learn that her car seat could not be placed in the third row. Not happy, not by a long shot!
Trendy, welcome back door handles pop out when the car is unlocked, but remain extended and exposed to damage until the car is locked again.
There’s no gear change paddles, nor for that matter can one change gears manually using the transmission lever.
However, there are six drive modes from which to choose: Normal, Snow, Off-road, Sport, Custom, and Eco.
All-wheel drive is a torque on demand system which means Essence operates predominantly in front-wheel drive.
Therearwheelscomeintoplayonlywhen the system senses a loss of traction.
This delivers better fuel consumption.
The level of power offered by the drivetrain feels adequate, but this could change easily with the car fully laden.
Throttle response is at best erratic, bordering on downright problematic.
It takes a second for the transmission to hook up and another second or two before the turbo spools up, then the car surges forward.
Trying to master or feather the response is nigh impossible.
The brakes are abrupt too, kicking in quickly and sharply.
In contrast the electric brake lags when you put the car into park, which can be a worry on a steep driveway.
The soundtrack to this is provided by the bings and bongs from the safety assist systems, constantly warning of transgressionsthatarenotalwaysapparent.
It’s enough to drive one troppo.
One of the benefits of stepping up to the more expensive Essence is the addition of variable, adaptive suspension.
We’vegottosaytheride,evenwith21-inch wheels and low-profile Michelin rubber is pretty good, erring towards comfort rather than handling.
At the same time, it is no soggy biscuit.
Ridequalityisbetteraroundtownthanin thebacklots,butitshouldbeborneinmind that the suspension is linked to whatever drive mode is active.
Sport obviously makes it stiffer, but the Normal setting works just fine.
Like many cars these days a pair of 12.3-inch screens, housed in a sweeping panel, forming the basis for instruments and infotainment.
You get satnav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and, in the Essence, premium 12-speaker Bose sound.
Both screens can be configured to taste, while swiping the touchscreen reveals other menus.
Learning what controls what on the steering wheel is a matter of experimentation.
The up and down arrows on the right side are for volume, but there’s no labels to indicate this.
There’s no central volume control either, but a row of toggles along the lower edge of the dash do provide access to fan and temperature settings. The auto climate setting takes ages to cool the cabin and will have you reaching for the controls.
Thespecssuggestthecarhasrain-sensing
wipers,butwecouldnotfindanautosetting on the wiper stalk.
The front USB and 12-volt sockets are located in the lower console where it is difficult to see and access them.
On the morning of our final day with the car the infotainment system decided to revert to Chinese.
Good luck making it revert to English.
The power-operated tailgate had a mind of its own too. Sometimes it refused to respondtothekeyfob,atothertimesiteven refused to react when we pushed the close buttonlocatedontheundersideoftheopen tailgate.
Looking back across the road we were surprised to see it still open. Hmmm…
A mesh-style retractable screen filters light from the sunroof, but is liable to transmit heat during summer.
With a 65-litre fuel tank QS prefers premium 95 unleaded.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 8.4L/100km for Excite and 8.8 L/100km for Essence.
Weweregetting9.2L/100kmaftercloseto 600km. That’s not particularly bad, but it’s not particularly good either, especially in the context of hybrid and electric vehicles.
QS is rated to tow a 2000kg braked load and comes with a space saver spare.
This feels like a car that has been rushed into production before the engineers were happy to sign off on it.
Thismightforinstanceexplainthelegacy ‘Ultimate’ badge on the front three-quarter panel.
In the old days it took years for new models to come to market.
Summing up
The QS isn’t a bad car, it’s just that it could be a much better car.
The seven-seater offers a lot of car for the price, but a few bugs remain to be ironed out - some sooner than later.
Throttle response is erratic and could lead to problems in some circumstances where time is of the essence.
Fuel consumption is on the heavy side and ideally the petrol engine needs to be replaced by a more efficient hybrid. Take note the driveaway offer officially endedattheendofSeptember,butcertainly worth haggling.
The QS isn’t a bad car, it’s just that it could be a much better car. (Pictures: Supplied)
Take your mark, get set and go
The Lancefield Gift was back for another year and it was even bigger with more eventsthistime.StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.
Ashleigh Palmer (middle) won the 400 metre women’s event from Grace Carter (left) and , Lucy Zotti (right). 517333_33
Joshia Lotsu. 517333_01
Lucy Potter, Genevieve O Brien and Jacinta Metcalf during one of the 400 metre heats. 517333_04
Women’s 400 metre winner Ashleigh Palmer with her kids Charlie, 3, and Bobby, 9 months. 517333_36
The field for the women’s 400 metre final. 517333_23
Runners in the 400 metre women’s final Ameya Sommer-Allie, Grace Carter, Ashleigh Palmer and Alex Tzilantonis. 517333_24
Tim Rosen. 517333_10
Will Adams (middle) claimed the men’s 400 metre gift from Mitchell Mullens (left) and Sean Davidson (third). 517333_20
Will Adams reflects on his win. 517333_18
Will Adams wins the 400 metre men’s final. 517333_14
Gisborne legend Saunders gets hall of fame honour
Former Gisborne star and coach Luke Saunders was left stunned to find out be among the latest inductees into the Bendigo Football Netball League hall of fame.
Saunders is one of 10 people who will be inducted later this month.
A champion of the BFNL, Saunders had a stellar 145 game career with Gisborne which included five premierships.
He represented the league on four occasions and represented Vic Country threetimesincludingcaptainingtheteam once.
Saunders won the 2005 Michelsen medal as the best player in the Bendigo league and finished runners-up the following two years.
He also spent time as the Bulldogs’ playing coach in 2011 and 2012.
“It’s a massive honour,” Saunders said. “It was a little bit unexpected and I never saw myself in that way.
“Oneofthepeoplefromtheboardcalled me to let me know and it was a really nice phone call to get.
“I was a bit in shock. I feel like other people deserve it more.”
my life the last 20 years.”
The club was also where he met his now-fiance and mother of his two children, Tiana Newman.
Newman in her own right has been one of the stars of the competition, with two Betty Thompson medals and two premierships.
“I would not be surprised if Tiana ends up in there,” Saunders said. “I thought it would definitely be her going in, not me.
“I’d had a couple of years away from the club and when I came back we got talking and hit it off straight away.
“She’s a massive part of the club as well and it’s a special place for me.”
Saunders joins Steven Reaper as Gisborne players in the hall of fame. The pair played a lot of football together.
He said there were so many good memories at the club in his hometown.
“I was lucky the era started when I was 22, it was the perfect age to experience it all,” he said.
“It was a special time for me and my
Saunders said he was lucky to be at the Bulldogs in what is one of the club’s most successful periods.
family. I had dreams to play at the higher levelbuthadtoomanyinjurieswhenIwas young so it wasn’t ever going to happen.
“I wanted to play senior footy at Gisborne.
“My dad played for the club and my mum’s dad played for the club. It’s a big part of everything that has happened in
Redbacks on track
By Tara Murray
Romsey is hoping to have kick started its Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season, claiming first innings points against Rupertswood on day one.
Ithasbeenamixedstarttotheseasonfor the Redbacks, who find themselves in the unusual position of second bottom after five rounds.
OnSaturday,theRedbacksshowedsome positive signs against Rupo in what proved to be a day for the bowlers.
“We were very happy half way through the day,” said Redbacks captain-coach Ben Way.
“It was a bit tighter than it should have been. We’re happy to get the [first] innings win on the board.
“We’ve been a little bit miss this year. We’ve played a little bit of good cricket and we’ve been a little bit average at other times.”
Rupo won the toss and decided to bat at Romsey Park.
It would prove hard going as it was bowled out for just 65 in the 33rd over. Rhys Berry top scored with 19 for Rupo.
Aaron Paterson and Louis Moor took three wickets each for the Redbacks.
Way said it wasn’t the easy conditions to bat in as the bowlers got on top.
“You don’t think that the wicket would change too much with it being a hard wicket, but there was a lot of sand on the ground,” he said.
“It might have washed into the pitch and it did a fair bit. It might look like bad batting, but it was good bowling with the help of the surface.
“We did bowl well and it was as good bowlingasagroupwe’vehadfornearlytwo years I would say.
“We took our chances pretty well.”
The Redbacks batters also struggled to get going but they did enough to have the side at 6-83 at stumps with a lead of 18 on the first innings.
Thomas Boyer is 38 not out having been the only player to really get in.
Way said a score like that when only 140 runs were scored for the day is more valuablethanitwouldbeinanormalweek.
Berry has three wickets for Rupo.
While the Redbacks have first innings points, Way hinted they may not be satisfied with that heading into day two of
the match.
“Wemightlooktopushthegameforward and get as many points as possible,” he said.
“We’ll try and make it interesting.”
Way said they were hoping that Saturday’s performance would help kick start their season.
“We’re sitting second bottom on the ladder five games into the season but it’s not a pretty big gap from third to last.
“It’s really tight, especially with the couple of washouts we’ve had.”
In other matches, Wallan is 0-22 in reply to Gisborne’s 9-249.
Five players scored in the 40s for the Dragons, with captain Jarryn Vernon top scoring with 47.
MacedonhassetWoodend195forvictory after being bowled out in the 74th over.
Cameron Clayton was left just short of 100, finishing 98 not out as the Cats made 194.
Woodend will resume at 1-7.
Broadford made 186 against Sunbury United as it was bowled out with two balls remaining.
“He played at Kyneton and Gisborne and is a legend of the league,” he said. “We played a lot of footy next to each other in the forward line.
“I’ve always respected him.”
“He is definitely a deserving member and there will be a few more from the club come through in the next few years.”
Tara Murray
Ranges Rockies win derby
The Macedon Ranges Rockies were again too strong for the Kyneton Tigers in the Macedon Ranges derby in the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League men’s north-west.
The Tigers were hosting the big game this time round, but it was the Rockiesthatjumpedoutoftheblocks. Coming off a bye, the Rockies led 32-16 at the first break.
The margin extended to 22 at the mainbreak,beforetheTigersshowed some fight in the second half.
The Tigers won the third quarter 24-21 to reduce the margin under 20 points heading into the final quarter. It was goal for goal in the final quarter with the Rockies still able to come away with a big 103-83 win.
MatthewMerretttopscoredwith26 points for the Rockies as five players scored double figures.
Cooper Cunnington scored 23 points for the Tigers, while Tarrant Vroom chipped in with 16 points
The win was the Rockies sixth for the season and they remain second on the ladder.
Kyneton has one win for the year.
The Rockies women’s side had a second straight bye with the Tigers not having a women’s side.
In the final round of the men’s regular season, the Rockies face the Bendigo Braves and Melton Thoroughbreds, while the Tigers face the Bendigo Braves.
TheRockieswomen,whowon’tplay finals, will finish their season against Braves and Melton Thoroughbreds, who both side in the top four.
Jacob Poyser. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 508555_15
Luke Saunders. (Gisborne FNC)
Thomas Boyer. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 517320_15
East Sunbury women make history securing first win
It was a history-making day for East Sunbury as its women’s side claimed its first ever win in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s league.
Fielding a women’s side for the first time this season, the Thunder has shown improvement every week.
On Sunday in the B-grade competition, the Thunder faced Broadford, which was also searching for its first win.
The Thunder won the toss and decided to bowl.
It restricted Broadford to 5-71 from its 20 overs.
RhiannaKirktook2-8offherfouroversto be the pick of the bowlers for the Thunder.
The Thunder lost an early wicket but was able to steady.
While it lost a couple of more wickets along the way, the Thunder was able to put together some partnerships to get the side over the line.
said.
“The girls have been working so hard, we all train together on a Wednesday night, but the girls have been doing extra on their own.”
Nelson said the group had shown rapid improvementsincethefirstsessionbackin September.
He said the group had become really important to the club.
“We have a very simple philosophy at East Sunbury, its enjoyment first and everything else stems from that.
This Sunday it faces Melton Centrals, which also has one win on the board. In the other B-grade match, Lancefield Yellow was too good for Melton Centrals. Meanwhile in the A-grade competition, Bacchus Marsh finally got to complete a match, coming away with the win against Gisborne.
Captain Tanae Bannan top scored with 23 not out.
Head Thunder coach Justin Nelson said it was a pretty exciting day for the club and the playing group
“It was like a grand final victory, it was so good to see, the girls really deserved it,”he
The Thunder hit the winning runs with more than four overs remaining, finishing 3-72.
“The girls are part of the furniture, it’s like they’ve been here for years.”
Nelson said coaches Adam Kirk and Johnny Wilson have done an amazing job with the women’s side.
“They are so dedicated to our women’s program and we’re hoping we could expand again next year with more teams.”
The Thunder has a 1-3 record after five rounds.
Gift delivers again
By Tara Murray
The Community Bank Lancefield Gift and Highland Games was again a runway success on Saturday.
The weather was perfect with a huge influx of athletes and visitors from around Australia making the trek to the Macedon Ranges.
The biggest events on the card were men’s and women’s richest 400 metre gift finals in Australia.
In the men’s gift, New South Wales’ Will Adams was impressive and continued his flying start to the season.
Adams looked to be cruising when winning his heat in slick time and that proved to be the case when he went over a secondquickerinthefinalwinningin47.59 with Mitchell Mullens and Sean Davidson completed the podium.
Ashleigh Palmer scored a nail biting win in the women’s Lancefield Gift holding on inalungeatthelineafteraduelalltheway down the straight with Grace Carter Palmer went in as a hot favourite after winning her heat 1.4 seconds quicker than the other heats before winning the final in 54.75.
She only recently resumed training after having her second child and Lancefield was one of her first meetings back
at the track.
In the new headline event, the Nutrien Harcourts Lancefield Cup, Kyle Hilson claimed the victory in the 800 metre event.
He set the time to beat.
Starting off the front in the final, with a bigheadstartonhisopposition,hedecided to exploit his advantage going out with a huge lead.
The crowd waited for the challenges to come but Hilson had a big lead coming off the back.
While he was running on empty in the straight but he had a big enough lead to hold on and win from Robbie Petrie who had given the winner a 114 metre start and Adrian Bender.
In the men’s 120 metre sprint final, favourite Joshua Lotsu, who was the back marker, was deemed to have broken and as a result he was put back a further metre.
Jack Wolff, who had cruised through his heat and semi, hit the front with 30 metres to go and looked home but Lotsu roared home late.
It was a photo finish between Wolff and Lotsum, with Wolff claiming the win from a shattered Lotsu whose penalty for breaking seemed to prove costly with Daniel Sammut third.
In the women’s sprint, only Charlotte Nielsen and Clea Clifford broke 14 seconds
in the heats and did it again in the semi finals.
In the final, Georgia Mills was quick out of the blocks and led for a long way before the two favourites challenged.
Nielsengrabbedtheleadbeforestorming clear late for a powerful victory in 13.63 from Clifford and Mills.
Organising committee’s Chris Dynon said the second year back of the gift was a great day.
“We had over 500 athletes and their families here, they lined the boundary with their marquees and sat out and enjoyed the sun which they really appreciated after the other meetings this season have been hampered by terrible weather,” he said.
“We were rapt to hear all the feedback from the runners and officials. It’s really encouraging to hear them all comment on how big they think the Lancefield Gift will get in years to come.”
“I couldn’t be happier with the introduction of the Lancefield Cup this year. It got a lot of traction in the lead up and is definitely something that will grow in stature now.
“We also bought in the Highland Games forthefirsttime,that’ssomethingdifferent to what we’ve seen in the past and we’re hopeful that will continue to grow.”
The Bulls have had forfeits, byes and matches washed out to start the season. On Sunday it made 2-178 with Sara Drew and recruit Kim Bessell scoring 50 each. While the Dragons had a 93 run second wicket partnership it wasn’t enough as it was restricted to 4-160.
Brianna Woodburn top scored with 52 while Ruby Watts made 49 not out. In the other matches, Wallan got home against Lancefield Black with seven balls remaining and Kilmore won in the final over against Macedon.
Tara Murray
EDFL
Two of the Sunbury Lions young guns and their skipper are set to play elsewhere next year with the trio putting in clearances to leave the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 club. Captain Taylah Brady has put in a clearance to join Ballarat Football League women’s premiers Darley, while Grace Azzopardi and Eden Grant have put in clearances to join EDFL premier division side, Essendon Doutta Stars.
RDFL
Riddell has announced its latest new signing for next year’s Riddell District Football League season with Darcy Young joining the club. Young brings across senior experience from Gisborne with the Bombers saying that he will look to make an immediate impact in the midfield while also being able to push forward and kick a goal. The Bombers have also announced the re-signings of Jack Hammerling, Oscar Besanko, Ben Taylor and Ben Zard for next year.
RDFL
Kyneton has added another Victorian Football League listed player to its squad for next year’s Victorian Football League season. Chan Hargraves who is currently with Western Bulldogs VFL side, having previously played for the Port Melbourne Colts, kicking 64 goals and making the team of the year. Hargraves also played college basketball. “[He’s] 193 centimetres of power, athleticism and class up forward,” the Tigers said.
Softball
The Calder Dragons just got home against the Macedon Vixens in the Sunbury Softball Association women’s competition. The Dragons were able to get the win 8-6, while the Reservoir Rats beat the Goonawarriors 15-7 in the other match. The highlight in the women’s competition was Danielle Baxter returning to pitching for the Vixens, pitching extremely well in a close game. In the men’s competition, the Goonawarriors beat the Outlaws 16-2, while the Calder Dragons beat the Rat Pack, 16-6. Matt Siemers hit a grand slam, sliding his way onto home plate
East Sunbury celebrates its first win. (Supplied)
Sports shorts
Ashleigh Palmer wins the women’s 400 metres. Ljubica Vrankovic_517333_26
Sunbury in strong form as it notches up a second win
By Tara Murray
Sunbury produced its best all round performance of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield season to get its second win on the board.
It was a good day on Saturday for the Roar as three of its four sides got wins on the board, headlined by its first XI.
The first XI side faced a Tullamarine team that had shown plenty of good signs early in the season.
The Roar won the toss and decided to bat first. It was the right decision as it made 9-184.
Roar coach Leo Italiano said they were thrilled with that total.
“We made a change with Kamran Khan coming into the side,” he said.
“He was dominating in the twos and in the first T20 against a senior division side, he smashed them.
“He was unlucky with Ethan [Connelly] driving one back and the bowler getting a finger on it to get him out.
“Riley [Dracchio] moved down to five
and it released the shackles and pressure a little bit.
“He looked fantastic.”
It was Dracchio and Indika Massalage, who set up the innings for the Roar.
The pair put on 74 for the fourth wicket.
Massalage made 72 off 78 balls to lead the way.
“He’sdonealotofworkonhisbattingthis year and he has been unlucky,” Italiano said.
“He was a class above. He’s really worked on facing 30 balls.
“He was 10 off 30 something balls at one stage before he went out to try and push the pace.”
The Roar lost a number of wickets late as it tried to push the score, finishing 9-184.
Italiano said seven times out of 10 that would be enough in a one-dayer, but they knew they had their work cut out for them.
“Our bowling was exceptional,” he said.
“We don’t have anyone lightning quick but the guys are disciplined and bowl one side of the wicket and they fielded well.
“It was a good job against a pretty good
batting attack this year.”
The Roar was able to bowl the Demons out for just 115.
Jason McGann, Zac Corcoran and Massalage took two wickets each for the Roar.
Italiano said a win like that would give themconfidenceheadingintotheclashthis week with the Williamstown Imperials.
“We look to be assertive with the bat and turn over the strike,” he said.
“It should be a good game, we’re going into it confident.”
Meanwhile, the Roar lost its opening T20 match to Westmeadows on Thursday night.
After being rescheduled from Tuesday night due to rain, the two teams faced off at Clarke Oval two days later.
TheWarriorsmade4-128fromtheirovers with Jordan Kosteas top scoring with 40. It was single wicket takers for the Roar.
The Roar was bowled out for 104 with one ball remaining in the innings.
Kamran Khan top scored with 34 as just three batters reached double figures.
Warriors skipper Donovan Pell took 5-17.
Roos close the gap
By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Kangaroos are focused on trying to build more depth to close the gap between its two sides in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association.
The Kangaroos top side has dropped down to the Johnstone Shield this season after being relegated after last season.
After a number of player losses, the Kangaroos were initially set to drop to the Jensen Shield but were moved back into the Johnstone Shield, the second grade.
Kangaroos coach Jas King said things were going along alright.
“We lost a lot of players the last couple of years and it has affected our depth,” he said.
“It’s worked out now too bad. The twos are equal bottom, but we’re trying to build that depth, that is my focus at the moment.
“At the moment we have one side doing well and one not. We want to get both sides firing.”
King said the aim was to eventually return to the McIntyre Cup having taken a lot of lessons out of the past few seasons in the top grade.
It’s a return to coaching this season for King, who previously coached the side for a number of years.
He said he was really enjoying it and having juniors around the club had really got him going again.
This year the club has one junior side, but like many clubs has struggled to keep kids engaged in the sport.
“We’ve had a couple of the kids play seniors,” he said. “We had one last year and one this year, we’re starting to see them come through.”
The Johnstone Shield side has started the season with a 3-1 record.
TheyweretheonlyteamintheJohnstone Shield to get the win on 8 November as rain washed out games.
King said they didn’t think they would get on.
“We were going through Romsey and I didn’t think that we would play,” he said. “We got to Lancefield and it was clear and we were lucky to get a game.
“There’s been times when we’ve been on the other side and haven’t got on.
“We could have won the game on day one and that is something we’re striving for.”
King said they had focused on trying to get some of the younger guys to step up and take on more of a role this season.
Jacobus De Leeuw. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 508559_01
New leadership
Lancefield has turned to co-coaches to lead the side forward in the Riddell District Football League.
The Tigers announced on Sunday that Chris Collins and Andrew McTrusty would coach the side next season,replacingRyanO’Meara,who stood down.
Both men are no strangers to the Tigers. Collins is a multiple premiershipplayerandhascaptained and coached the side previously.
McTrusty has been an assistant coach the past three years after spending time in the AFL and NRL.
McTrusty said it was an exciting time for the club.
“It’s unreal,” he said. “It’s going to be different for the club as I don’t think they’ve had co-coaches before.
“The job has so many different areas and it will be a bit of divide and concur. There’s a passion for the group and we’ve got some like minded people to help us as assistant coaches.”
While the pair have just been announced there’s already plenty of work being done behind the scenes.
Former AFL player Daniel Cross and ex-professional cyclist Mitch Docker are both back on board and have been joined by former AFL strength and conditioning coach Matt Hibbert help put together a strong off field program.
McTrusty said they thought they were heading in the right direction with34playersalreadyhavingstarted coming down and doing work at the club before pre-season starts.
He said they didn’t think the late appointment would have any impact.
He said they were in a better position than ever.
“We’ve taken a lot of time to sit back and reflect,” he said. “We put out a job description which we had not had one before. We’ve got unbelaible high quality people involved and we’re put togetherapre-season.”
The Kangaroos are currently facing Eastern Hill in a two-day match starting on Saturday.
It’s the first time the two teams have played each other.
King said before the match it would be a good test with Eastern Hill one of the top
In a test for the Kangaroos depth, Graeme Bennett and Corey Woolley are set to miss a number of weeks.
teams early along with Diggers Rest Bulla, who the Kangaroos lost to.
On day one, Eastern Hill made 8-309. King, Hayden Humphrey and Adam Fearnley took two wickets each for the Kangaroos.
Elsewhere, Diggers Rest Bulla has claimed first innings points against East Sunbury.
McTrustysaidtheywouldannounce some new signings in the coming weeks and they were still talking to somemoreaboutcomingacross.
He said they were really focused on one areas.
“We want anyone that played for Lancefield to come back and play for Lancefield,’ he said.
“There’s a good energy.”
Indika Massalage. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
