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6 JANUARY, 2026

YEAR IN REVIEW... STORIES OF THE YEAR The No Sunbury Waste Incinerator group. (Supplied)

Residents rise up In 2025, Sunbury residents banded together to fight activities they felt were threatening their way of life and their enjoyment of the town. Locals began making noise about a proposed waste-to-energy facility, which HiQ hopes to build at its Sunbury Eco-Hub on Sunbury Road. The facility would process non-hazardous waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill. According to HiQ, this would include household waste, and pre-sorted materials from construction, building, and business operations. HiQ said the proposed facility would

generate enough electricity to power at least 50,000 homes. The development does not require planning permission from Hume council as the state government is the responsible authority for the application. In June, Sunbury councillor Kate Hamley said the community was concerned the town would become “Melbourne’s dumping ground”, and urged her colleagues to advocate for the government to reject HiQ’s proposal. While HiQ will need to lodge an application for the facility with the Environment Protection Authority, it was granted a waste-to-energy licence in

August by Recycling Victoria. The licence means that if the facility is approved, it will be able to process up to 750,000 tonnes of waste per annum. Also in August, residents took their fight against the incinerator to state Parliament, before Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank tabled a petition calling for the planning minister to halt the approval process in December. Residents also rallied against relentless truck movements along Canterbury Avenue, Sunbury. In September, frustrated residents spoke out about the volume of trucks driving along their quiet street over the past six

months – said to be more than 300 per day – to access a property at 370 Riddell Road. Residents documented their fight on Instagram and lobbied Hume council to take action as the “endless” noise took a toll on their wellbeing. Council took Fendall Farms Pty Ltd and Paul Attwell to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) over the ongoing works at 370 Riddell Road, with the tribunal ordering works must stop in October. In November, VCAT issued further enforcement orders against illegal earthworks at 370a Riddell Road and 430 Riddell Road.

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS

Funding rejected twice 9 September 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. Both applicants were rejected for funding 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

harm minimisation policy. Both services do not receive funding from the Kyneton RSL’s gaming machines, and are only auspiced through the RSL. Malmsbury did not reapply after receiving external funding outside of council. In July Kyneton RSL president Mike Gretton said Kyneton would reapply for the grant, and would work with council officers on the application. 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 connection between our gaming operations here at the RSL and our conduct on behalf of the community, conducting an Anzac Day commemoration service,” he said. Mr Gretton said Kyneton would need to

look internally for the $4300 required for traffic management on the day. “That’s $4300 that we would normally expect to spend on our veterans,” he said. 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 Mollison Street, the submission said. The submission also drew criticism about the grant process, saying the Kyneton RSL was told to proceed with applications for both Kyneton and Malmsbury. The RSL said “in hindsight, there was seemingly never any intention to approve

an application that had any connection to the Kyneton RSL”. 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 purposes only”. During the August council meeting, Cr Kate Kendall said the community will feel the impact of this decision the most. “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.

Sunbury a hotspot for wildlife strikes 2 September

CFA Bendigo Oscar 1 rescue team member and Labrador Ted during the rescue. (Supplied)

Dog rescue drama in Wombat State Forest 10 June A Trentham East resident and her family felt “elated and in disbelief ” when their beloved Labrador Ted was found and rescued from a Wombat State Forest mineshaft. With the family’s other dog – a Labradoodle named Penny – guarding the entrance, local Trentham Fire Brigade members worked with CFA Bendigo Oscar 1 rescue team to rescue Ted from the eight-metre-deep mine shaft in the Wombat State Forest on 2 June. Owner Chantal Henderson said that

the family were “elated and in disbelief” when the dogs were found, after they escaped from their Trentham East home after a family member accidentally left the gate open on the Thursday prior. “Penny was just back to normal … Ted … seemed a little distracted, but I think he was so overwhelmed trying to find water,” Ms Henderson said. She said that the dogs were located after Penny stood at the entrance to the shaft and barked from about 1am to 5am on Sunday morning, where they were then located by a resident and her daughter who lived nearby.

Ms Henderson said that the family hypothesised that the dogs had either been taken in by someone who would later contact them, or in the worst-case scenario, become hopelessly lost in one of the uncovered mines of the forest. The relief of finding their pets in a healthy state was preceded by days of searching and social media callouts. Trentham Fire Brigade Captain David Wheeldon said the team provided Ted with plenty of food and water, with the Oscar 1 rescue team handing him “back into the arms of his owners at [about] 2.53pm, happy, healthy and well”.

Sunbury has once again topped the list for kangaroo-related collisions. New data from RACV shows that between 2021 and June 2025, there were a total of 234 claims for kangaroo-related crashes in Sunbury. After Sunbury, Heathcote and Wallan cracked the top three with 195 and 192 claims respectively, following Benalla (182), Bacchus Marsh (179), Bendigo (170), Ballarat (169), Gisborne (164), Woodend (160), and Kyneton (156). In the same period, RACV Insurance received over 23,000 claims for kangaroo-related collisions, with 2024 recording the highest number of claims with 5883. The average RACV claim total following collision with an animal in the 2025 financial year was $8984. RACV general manager insurance and roadside Bill Bloodworth said collisions with wildlife are unfortunately common across Victoria. “We do see a pattern of higher claim volumes during the cooler months, particularly from April to August, when kangaroo movement increases and daylight hours are shorter,” he said. “Motorists should slow down, stay alert and scan the roadside – especially at dawn and dusk, when kangaroos are most active.” RACV suggests being aware of peak activity times of dawn and dusk, slowing down, scanning ahead, avoiding swerving and using high beams when safe to do so. “If you’re involved in a collision, pull over safely, activate hazard lights and check on passengers. If anyone is injured, call 000. If the animal is injured, contact local wildlife services on 8400 7300,” Mr Bloodworth said.

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Kids proud of mum’s AM 17 June Mt Macedon local Rebecca McGrath has been made a Member of the Order of Australia. Ms McGrath was awarded for her significant service to business through leadership roles in compliance, audit and finance, and has built an impressive portfolio and reputation within the corporate world. “The sort of work that I do, recognition isn’t something you get a lot of, so that’s very much appreciated to be recognised by peers

as making a significant contribution to business in Australia.” Ms McGrath said her husband and her two sons were thrilled to hear the news. “They felt that it was really nice recognition for the stuff that I do and I think their reaction was greater than I thought it would be, they were thrilled.” Ms McGrath has served on a number of boards for different companies and not-forprofits over the past 15 years, and has been recognised for her work for them. Some of her highlights include her time

serving as chair for Oz Minerals, which she served from 2017 until 2023. “I’ve chaired a public company that was a large mining company called Oz Minerals and it took me a lot of time engaged in that as we were approached and ultimately we sold the company to BHP so that was a really big part of my board career,” she said. Currently, Ms McGrath serves as the director of five organisations, including Macquarie Group. “Another way I serve businesses is I do mentoring of CEOs and so I do some pro

bono work mentoring the CEO of a not-forprofit,” she said. “The guy who I mentor is the CEO of the Stand By You Foundation, which purpose is to reduce and prevent domestic violence so a very worthy cause, and I also do some mentoring of up-and-coming directors and chairmen… so I really enjoy supporting other leaders to be the best they can.” Ms McGrath said she has lived in Mt Macedon for the past nine years with her husband, and loves the close small-knit community feel of the town.

Remembering Eleanor 18 November

Darraweit Guim resident Christine Craik was made a Member of the Order of Australia. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 454429_03

Australia Day AM honour for Christine 28 January Darraweit Guim resident Christine Craik was made a member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to the community as a social worker, to tertiary education, and as a volunteer. Recognised as part of this year’s Australia Day honours, Ms Craik has served a long career as a social worker and university lecturer, also shaping social worker education across Australia. She said that it has been a “great privilege” to work in the area of social work, where she has worked across several voluntary roles and led significant change. Ms Craik said that she has done “a lot of work” with the Australian Association

of Social Workers (AASW), including a decade on the board and time as national president. “I got to review the education standards of social workers across Australia and I lobbied really hard and was successful to get family violence … and decolonising subjects compulsory for all undergrad and post-grad social work students,” Ms Craik said. Working as a lecturer with RMIT in the areas of social work and human services, she has developed family violence subjects and voluntarily developed training material for social work teams, the Magistrates’ Court, and the Family Court. As a chairperson for Project Respect from 2012–18, she supported women who were trafficked, advocating for increased

government involvement in combatting trafficking. Ms Craik is currently part of the lived experience advisory group for family violence response centre Safe Steps, where she provides input into policies and procedures for when victims seek crisis assistance. She also provides pro bono support to family and magistrates’ courts through assisting in the creation of family violence reports, which she said helps to “make it easier for the courts and the police … the health system, and the child protection system to understand what’s going on.” In her community, Ms Craik has worked as a committee member of the Darraweit Guim Memorial Hall since 1994 and has been the secretary for about 20 years.

A community has come together to mourn the loss of their own one year on. On a crisp November evening, more than 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. On Tuesday 11 November friends, 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.

Tate Kemp is an inspiration on and off the football pitch 14 October

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 January, 2026

He also runs his own business, All Abilities Public Speaking, in which he talks at schools, footy clubs and workplaces across Melbourne about disabilities, diversity and inclusion, through his lived experience. “I’ve done about 40 schools in the (Macedon Ranges),” he said. His heart will always be out on the footy field, and Kemp said he was grateful to the Gisborne Giants for the opportunities they have given him. “I feel like the Giants have really helped me and I have really helped them.” Details: https://www.allabilitiesps.com. au/

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Gisborne’s Tate Kemp is inspiring the Macedon Ranges on and off the footy field. The 23-year-old who has cerebral palsy, said he always wanted to be part of the game, so when an opportunity came up with new club the Gisborne Giants he took it. Kemp is the timekeeper for the Giants, and loves attending games every single week. “I love the new oval and the new club, and meeting new people,” he said. Gisborne Giants senior football captain Brad Mangan said it was great to have Tate

as part of the team. “Last year was our first year in a senior program. The club’s been around since 2016 in the junior space in the RDFNL. But this is our first year in the senior program,” he said. “Tate joined us in that journey, and it was great to have Tate. Tate’s our timekeeper, he’s there every week doing the timekeeping so is at every training. Tate’s a great part of the club and the boys love him.” Kemp has also spent time volunteering for the local cricket club, as well as with the Gisborne Bulldogs where he helped score, but being able to the timekeeper was the job he coveted.

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW ... HEALTH

Community digs deep 10 June Over $50,000 have been donated by the community to help oncology services. Central Highlands Rural Health put out a call for donations for the oncology department at the Kyneton Health campus, with the highest donations coming from members of the Kyneton Uniting Church Community Op Shop, who donated $17,847. CHRH clinical operations acting director Susan Whitfield said the health service was thrilled to receive so much support from the community. “Our oncology team will undertake train-

ing in the use of the scalp cooler and then it will be introduced to our patients,” she said. “We know that locals have been travelling to other health services to gain access to a scalp cooler and we are grateful that we can now enhance our care at Kyneton Health.” Oncology nurses requested the scalp cooling machine to minimise the impact of cancer treatment and support patient wellbeing. Patients receiving chemotherapy treatment often experience hair loss which can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. Kyneton Uniting Church Community Op

Shop volunteer Kathleen Wyatt said the op shop prides itself on supporting the local community through initiatives like these. “Christine Stephenson, one of our volunteers, has been a patient at the oncology unit. Christine has shared that the loss of your hair during treatments impacts your dignity,” she said. “For country people to have the same opportunities as city people, taking the travel out of treatment eases the financial burden as well as easing the physical impact on the patient, their family and friends.” Another donor, Linda Stathopoulos said the scalp cooler will make a big difference to

how people approach their treatment. “Losing your hair is very distressing and all consuming,” she said. “I used it while undergoing my chemotherapy for breast cancer, it works and makes the situation easier to deal with.” Individuals, businesses and community groups responded to a letter to the community from CHRH’s chief executive Maree Cuddihy in March 2025, with $40,000 raised in under two months. This has been added to funding from Spirit de Cure and Suncorp who contributed $10,000 in August 2024 to kick-off the appeal.

Gisborne Ambulance Auxiliary celebrates 50 years 12 August Fifty years ago, a group of Gisborne locals banded together to take emergency care into their own hands. And throughout those 50 years, there’s been one person who’s stood the test of time. The Gisborne Ambulance Auxiliary has celebrated 50 years of service to the community, and for all five decades, Patricia Kaye has stood at its side. “Many of the members were on the auxiliary for a long time. One of the ladies who joined the same night as me only resigned in the past couple of years and she’s about to turn 97,” she said. “The community has always been important to me, and I’ve always been in-

Gisborne Ambulance Auxiliary has celebrated 50 years. (Georgia Tacey) 494142

volved in the Gisborne community. It’s a lovely community to be in.” Formed after it was recognised by residents that a local ambulance branch

was needed, the auxiliary was born from a public meeting called by the then ratepayers’ association and local police. That night, the group was created with

a goal to form an ambulance branch in Gisborne. “I was elected as treasurer that same night and I’m still here 50 years later,” Ms Kaye said. Within just a few years, the auxiliary raised enough money to buy the town’s first ambulance, and by 1980, they fundraised enough to build an ambulance branch – one of Ms Kaye’s highlights. Later, the group funded a local helipad and have spent decades supporting paramedics in Gisborne. The auxiliary has worked hard around town as well, running antique fairs, art shows, cake stalls, square dancing and making showbags. Another highlight was the creation of the Gisborne Olde Time Market, which continues to this day.

Where to pick up your FREE SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES Bulla BP Service Station - Bulla 84-86 Bulla Road Bulla Jack McKenzie Community Centre 11 Green Street Clarkefield Coach and Horses Inn - Clarkfield 50 Station Street Diggers Rest FoodWorks 22 Glitter Road Diggers Rest Diggers Rest Post Office 76 Old Calder Highway Diggers Rest Houdinis Cafe e Cucina 52-56 Old Calder Highway Gisborne Gisborne Village Fresh Brantome Street Gisborne Morgan’s SUPA IGA Gisborne Brantome Street Gisborne Brad Teal Real Estate - Gisborne 40 Aitken Street Gisborne Kennedy Hunt Real Estate - Gisborne 33 Brantome Street Gisborne Gisborne Real Estate - Gisborne 38 Brantome Street Gisborne Raine & Horne Real Estate 42 Brantome Street Gisborne Gisborne Library 8 Hamilton Street Gisborne Foodworks - Gisborne 24 Hamilton Street Gisborne Macedon Ranges Health Service 76 Hamilton Street Gisborne Gisborne Nursing Home - The Oaks 5 Neal Street Gisborne Puma Service Station Gisborne 23 Robertson Street Gisborne Caltex Service Station - Gisborne 4 Station Street Kyneton Kuppers Fuel Stop - Kyneton 199 Burton Avenue Kyneton RT Edgar Real Estate - Kyneton 10 High Street Kyneton Kyneton Newsagency 95 Mollison Street Kyneton Kyneton Shire Offices 129 Mollison Street Lancefield Lancefield Newsagency 18 High Street Macedon United Service Station - Macedon 313 Black Forest Drive Macedon IGA Supermarket - Macedon 20 Victoria Street Macedon Macedon Newsagency 25 Victoria Street Malmsbury General Store 75 Mollison Street Monegeeta Newsagency 2076 Melbourne-Lancefield Road Mount Macedon Mt Macedon Post Office 341 Mt Macedon Road Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Nursery 675 Kilmore Road Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Post Office 80 Main Road Riddells Creek Foodies - Riddells Creek 86-88 Main Road Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Supermarket 2 Station Street Romsey Chess Property - Romsey 102 Main Street Romsey IGA Supermarket - Romsey 107 Main Street

Sunbury Leeburn and Co Real Estate - Sunbury 6 Brook Street Sunbury Sunbury Newsagency 14 Brook Street Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street Sunbury The Local Sunbury Bottleshop Shop 2b/15-17 Dornoch Drive Sunbury Goonawarra General Store 23-25 Dornoch Drive Sunbury Sunbury Neighbourhood House 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury Brad Teal Real Estate Sunbury 54 Evans Street Sunbury Reliant Real Estate 11/114-126 Evans Street Sunbury Muffin Break Shop 2/24 Evans Street Sunbury Sunbury Square Shopping Centre Shop 2-28 Evans Street Sunbury Terry White Chemist 83-85 Evans Street Sunbury Gap Road Medical Centre 46 Gap Road Sunbury United Fuel Sunbury 47 Gap Road Sunbury 7-Eleven Sunbury 128 Gap Road Sunbury Asia Finest Shop 4&5, 106-126 Gap Road Sunbury Puma Service Station Sunbury 96 Horne Street Sunbury Woolworths Supermarket 25-47 Horne Street Sunbury Big W - Sunbury 25-47 Horne Street Sunbury BP Service Station 53-55 Horne Street Sunbury Sunbury Day Hospital 7 Macedon Street Sunbury Hume Council Offices - Sunbury 40 Macedon Street Sunbury Sunbury Information Centre 43 Macedon Street Sunbury Sunbury Library 44 Macedon Street Sunbury Community Health Centre Unit 12-28 Macedon Street Sunbury McKwen Drive Milk Bar Shop 1-3 McEwen Drive Sunbury Foodworks Bottlemart on Melba 16 Melba Avenue Sunbury Foodworks on Melba 16-18 Melba Avenue Sunbury Melba Cafe 22 Melba Avenue Sunbury Mitchells Lane Milk Bar 192 Mitchells Lane Sunbury Just Planet 37 O’Shannesy Street Sunbury An Apple a Day Natural Health Store 49 O’Shannesy Street Sunbury The Spotted Owl 93 O’Shannesy Street Sunbury Cafe Circe 109 O’Shannesy Street Sunbury IGA Supermarket - Sunbury 98-122 O’Shannesy Street

Sunbury Killara Family Store - Sunbury 57 Phillip Drive Sunbury Strathearn Glen Corner Store 10 Strathearn Drive Sunbury Sacco & Saba Cafe 2/20-30 Sussex Street Sunbury Rosenthal Shopping Centre 90 Vineyard Road Tylden Tylden Store 36 Trentham Road Woodend Keatings Real Estate - Woodend 83 Calder Highway Woodend Coles Supermarket - Woodend 61 High Street Woodend II cafe 66 High Street Woodend Andrews Cafe 77 High Street Woodend Fox in the Chamber 90 High Street Woodend Jellis Craig Real Estate - Woodend 91 High Street Woodend Maison Maloa Licensed Cafe & Gifts 95 High Street Woodend Woodend Newsagency 101 High Street Woodend Paysanne Cafe 112 High Street Woodend Bourkies Bake House 115 High Street Woodend RT Edgar Real Estate - Woodend 124 High Street Woodend BP Service Station - Woodend 130 High Street Woodend Woodend Community Centre High Street & Forest Street

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Tuesday, 6 January, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 5

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Kangan Institute board member Cheryl Woollard, Sunbury MP Josh Bull, Skills and TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney and Kangan Institute chief executive Laura Macpherson. (Supplied)

TAFE designs unveiled Kangan Institute has unveiled the designs for its new Sunbury campus. Backed by $25 million in state government funding, the campus is being designed by Spowers Architects and scheduled to open in mid-2028. The campus will offer facilities to deliver future programs in areas like hair and beauty, digital technologies, education support, vocational English and more – helping locals gain job-ready skills and supporting employers to address workforce shortages. Kangan Institute said it is working with schools and employers to expand course offerings to meet local needs. It will also align closely with Kangan Institute’s trades-focused Melton campus, also set to open in 2028.

Macedon Ranges council has been alerted to reports of sections of nature strip grass dying off locally, consistent with spraying. Council said the matter is being investigated to determine what has occurred, although it appears there has likely been an issue through council’s street sweeping process, where an attachment is fitted to safely and efficiently spray an approved herbicide in town gutters, to proactively prevent unwanted growth. Anyone who believes their nature strip may be impacted is urged to lodge a query online with evidence where possible (i.e. imagery, location details). Council said this would help it to better understand the spread of the impacts and consider next steps. Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/Contact-Us/ Report-an-issue

Ranges chief reappointed

Skills and TAFE minister Gayle Tierney described the Sunbury campus design as “stunning”. “With these stunning designs revealed, we’re another step closer to delivering a state-of-the-art TAFE campus right here in Sunbury,” she said. “These new facilities will give locals access to world-class facilities and the skills they need for the jobs our community needs now and into the future.” Kangan Institute chief executive Laura Macpherson said the new campus would be an engaging and flexible learning environments for a growing Sunbury community. “Education should be accessible, practical and local - and that’s exactly what this new TAFE campus will deliver,” she said.

Macedon Ranges council has reappointed chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan for a further three-anda-half-year term. The decision was made during the confidential (closed) section of the 17 December council meeting. Mayor Kate Kendall said the reappointment provides confidence, continuity and stability for the organisation as it progresses through the next council term.

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Where to pick up your FREE SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES Bulla BP Service Station 84-86 Bulla Road Bulla Jack McKenzie Community Centre 11 Green Street Clarkefield Coach and Horses Inn 50 Station Street Diggers Rest FoodWorks 22 Glitter Road Diggers Rest Diggers Rest Post Office 76 Old Calder Highway Diggers Rest Houdinis Cafe e Cucina 52-56 Old Calder Highway Gibsorne Gisborne Village Fresh Brantome Street Gibsorne Morgan’s SUPA IGA Brantome Street Gisborne Brad Teal Real Estate 40 Aitken Street Gisborne Kennedy Hunt Real Estate 33 Brantome Street Gisborne Gisborne Real Estate 38 Brantome Street Gisborne Raine & Horne Real Estate 42 Brantome Street Gisborne Gisborne Library 8 Hamilton Street Gisborne Foodworks - Gisborne 24 Hamilton Street Gisborne Macedon Ranges Health Service 76 Hamilton Street Gisborne Puma Service Station 23 Robertson Street Gisborne Caltex Service Station 4 Station Street Kyneton Kuppers Fuel Stop 199 Burton Avenue Kyneton RT Edgar Real Estate 10 High Street Kyneton The Lunchbox 53 Mollison Street Kyneton Kyneton Newsagency 95 Mollison Street Kyneton Kyneton Shire Offices 129 Mollison Street Lancefield Lancefield Newsagency 18 High Street Macedon United Service Station 313 Black Forest Drive Macedon Black Forest Motel 426 Black Forest Drive Macedon IGA Supermarket 20 Victoria Street Macedon Macedon Newsagency 25 Victoria Street Malmsbury Malmsbury General Store 75 Mollison Street Monegeeta Monegeeta Newsagency 2076 Melbourne-Lancefield Road Mount Macedon Mt Macedon Post Office 341 Mt Macedon Road Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Nursery 675 Kilmore Road Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Post Office 80 Main Road Riddells Creek Foodies 86-88 Main Road Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Supermarket 2 Station Street Romsey Chess Property 102 Main Street Romsey IGA Supermarket 107 Main Street Sunbury Leeburn and Co Real Estate 6 Brook Street Sunbury Sunbury Newsagency 14 Brook Street

Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street Sunbury The Local Sunbury Bottleshop Shop 2b/15-17 Dornoch Drive Sunbury Goonawarra General Store 23-25 Dornoch Drive Sunbury Sunbury Neighbourhood House 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury Brad Teal Real Estate 54 Evans Street Sunbury Reliant Real Estate 11/114-126 Evans Street Sunbury Muffin Break Shop 2/24 Evans Street Sunbury Sunbury Square Shopping Centre Shop 2-28 Evans Street Sunbury Terry White Chemist 83-85 Evans Street Sunbury Gap Road Medical Centre 46 Gap Road Sunbury United Fuel 47 Gap Road Sunbury 7-Eleven 128 Gap Road Sunbury Asia Finest Shop 4&5, 106-126 Gap Road Sunbury Puma Service Station 96 Horne Street Sunbury Woolworths Supermarket 25-47 Horne Street Sunbury Big W 25-47 Horne Street Sunbury BP Service Station 53-55 Horne Street Sunbury Sunbury Day Hospital 7 Macedon Street Sunbury Hume Council Offices 40 Macedon Street Sunbury Sunbury Information Centre 43 Macedon Street Sunbury Sunbury Library 44 Macedon Street Sunbury Sunbury Community Health Centre Unit 12-28 Macedon Street Sunbury McKwen Drive Milk Bar Shop 1-3 McEwen Drive Sunbury Foodworks Bottlemart on Melba 16 Melba Avenue Sunbury Foodworks on Melba 16-18 Melba Avenue Sunbury Melba Cafe 22 Melba Avenue Sunbury Sunbury Basketball Stadium 120 Mitchells Lane Sunbury Mitchells Lane Milk Bar 192 Mitchells Lane Sunbury Just Planet 37 O’Shannesy Street Sunbury An Apple a Day Natural Health Store 49 O’Shannesy Street Sunbury The Spotted Owl 93 O’Shannesy Street Sunbury Cafe Circe 109 O’Shannesy Street Sunbury IGA Supermarket 98-122 O’Shannesy Street Sunbury Killara Family Store 57 Phillip Drive Sunbury Strathearn Glen Corner Store 10 Strathearn Drive Sunbury Sacco & Saba Cafe 2/20-30 Sussex Street Sunbury Rosenthal Shopping Centre 90 Vineyard Road Tylden Tylden Store 36 Trentham Road

Published Tuesday - weekly Woodend Joan Gladman Real Estate Suite 3, 39 Anslow Street Woodend Keatings Real Estate 83 Calder Highway Woodend Coles Supermarket 61 High Street Woodend II cafe 66 High Street Woodend Andrews Cafe 77 High Street Woodend Fox in the Chamber 90 High Street Woodend Jellis Craig Real Estate 91 High Street Woodend Maison Maloa Licensed Cafe & Gifts 95 High Street Woodend Woodend Newsagency 101 High Street Woodend Paysanne Cafe 112 High Street Woodend Bourkies Bake House 115 High Street Woodend RT Edgar Real Estate 124 High Street Woodend BP Service Station 130 High Street Woodend Woodend Community Centre High Street & Forest Street

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From Cornwall with love By Tania Phillips Cornwall is considered one of the most remote and yet beautiful counties in England. And the county’s North Coast with its dramatic cliffscapes, craggy coves, boundless white-tipped breakers and kilometres and kilometres of golden sands is a jewel in the crown, a hikers paradise – beloved by it’s local residents including local fisherman Jeremy Brown, who is more than happy to extoll it’s beauty, heritage and culture. Part of a five-generation fishing family Jeremy lives in Port Isaac – a quintessential Cornish Fishing village – known for its narrow, winding streets lined with charming, whitewashed cottages that overlook a picturesque harbour – locally referred to as the Platt. It has gained fame as the fictional village of Port Wenn in the BBC series Doc Martin with many a visitor searching the historic village for the “Grumpy Doc’s” landmarks according to the seasoned fisherman and part-time singer. However, Jeremy and his fellow members of Fisherman’s Friends – a group of local men who have been taking sea shanty’s to the world through their two successful movies, musicals and their forthcoming first Australian tour – are slowly changing that. Bringing the tourism focus back on the beautiful landscape and vibrant living culture. Fishing heritage dates back to the early fourteenth century in Port Isaac. It’s a village that has always been deeply connected to the sea, with fishing continuing to play a significant role in the lives of its residents. The village’s name comes from the Cornish Porthysek, meaning ’corn port’, a nod to its historic role in the grain trade. “People actually do turn up now and look for someone from the Fisherman’s Friends and not just the grumpy old Doc,” Jeremy laughed. “It’s been a goal of mine in a way – to have some people come to Port Isaac to see the home of Fisherman’s Friends. People have always come to Port Isaac it’s such a pretty place – but then we got a certain amount of the Tourism which was just people looking for the Doc’s House and what have you. “Even though we’ve got members in from other Ports now – Padstow and Boscastle – it is the home of the Fisherman’s Friends and people do make a beeline for it but of course the village sells itself - it’s so pretty.” And on Wednesday nights Jeremy, an

Down on the Platt at Port Isaac where Fisherman’s Friends first performed. If it looks familiar its probably because it’s better-known to a lot of the world as Port Wenn thanks to the TV Show Doc Martin.

original member of the group, formed to raise a bit of money for charity back in the 90s, can often be found in the pub singing sea shanties with the rest of the community. The band on stage on those nights is The Yarnigoats who do a lot of the Fisherman’s Friends repertoire as well as their own music. Local gigs are few and far between for the Friends these days. “Very occasionally about three times this year – on our group WhatsApp chat – we just say is anyone free on Friday and we just do an impromptu gig,” he said. “But we can’t advertise it these days because it causes chaos down there. If we advertise it we get 2000 people turn up – paramedics, police and marshals have to come because there’s no parking in the village – it’s all out of the village. “The old sea shanties are obviously from the days of sail so we’re going back hundreds of years. “But for some reason they’ve got some sort of resonance with people. When we first started singing we had no ambition other than to raise a few pounds for charity. We started singing in the open air at Port Isaac – it’s a bit of an amphitheatre and it sort of lends itself to it.” The beauty and setting of the village evokes the past and the fishing culture. “Everything rolls downhill to the harbour,” Jeremy says. “It’s a very small harbour and it’s straight into the open ocean from there. You’ve got the North Atlantic right out there and the

No need to make rustic backdrops for photos, movies or TV shows in Port Isaac in the breathtaking county of Cornwall in the UK.

gales literally come right on through and they sweep up the streets and we have to move all the boats.” He said visitors invariably always find themselves at the bottom of the village at The Platt – a concreted area where the fishermen (like Jeremy’s son who is one of just a few professional fishermen left in the town) keep their dingy. The Platt is also where Fisherman’s Friends got their start and still pop up from time to time. “You can get a beer and just sit on the Platt or you can go up to our local pub where some of the filming in our films took place and enjoy the atmosphere and have a sing.” Jeremy believes the best thing that has come out of the adventure of Fisherman’s Friends is the revival of pub singing – of singing just for the joy of it at your local

Fisherman’s Friends original member Jeremy Brown is part of a long-standing fishing family in the Port Isaac District. He’s also a staunch supporter of his home village and keeping the fishing culture alive and vibrant. (Supplied)

and of keeping that part of Cornish Culture alive. Of course, the band’s trip to Australia is another bonus – and it helps that it’s in the English winter when work is not so busy. “Singing has not really taken us around the world because we’ve all still got our regular jobs,” he said. The group’s first Australian tour starts in Adelaide on 7 January and closes out in Perth on 25 January and takes in all States and the ACT. Tickets on sale head to the fishermans-friends website for more information.

Dedicated travel content delivered to an untapped audience weekly. To advertise in our Travel Today section, please contact Gayle Williams e: gayle.williams@starweekly.com.au t: (03) 8318 5777

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Tuesday, 6 January, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW ... COMMUNITY

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Blacksmiths Steve Phillips (left) and Robbie Alderson (right) took part in the Blacksmiths Festival in Footscray in. 475625_01

Winni Wizard and the Ditzy Dizzard was s a kids comedy show at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Pictured is comedians Lisa Gatenby (Winni Wizard) and Jacob Sacher (Ditzy Dizzard). 465765_01

Emmanuel Pace AKA ‘Manny the Clown’ performed at the inaugural Sunshine Collective Market in June. 481609_01

2025 captured in pictures Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski was out and about across Melbourne’s western and northern

suburbs throughout 2025. He shares his favourite pictures from the past year.

Brookfield resident Jacqueline Licitra’s elaborate Halloween decorations in her front yard entertained passers-by in October. Pictured is Jacqueline with her grandsons Maddix, 3, and Zanon, 1. 511243_01

St Albans Secondary School students Paul (front), Luca, Cindy, DT, Talia, Thien, Ryan and Xai took to the stage for Spamalot in August. 496630_01

The Ice Queens cheerleading team members Taylor Hallas, Laura Yildirim, Emily Hopkins and Bridget Bayliss used money raised by recycling drink cans to buy new bows for their uniforms. 488505_01

Natalie Davis and Beth Johnson organised Tyldenvania to celebrate Halloween in the town of Tylden. 514408_01

Iva Rosebud starred in Club Kabarett, Melbourne’s bold new circus-cabaret in April. 471695_01

Zoe, 11, who played Duffy in the Melbourne season of Annie the Musical at the Princess Theatre in July. 489773_01

10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 January, 2026

Dancers Mai Vu, Mai Nguyen, Ngoc Huynh, Thoa Tran, and Tina Nguyen and Brimbank councillor Thuy Dang (seated) brought festive fun to St Albans in November. 517610_01

Elephants arrived at Werribee Open Range Zoo in February. 468666_01

Thomas Stockdale won race four at the Kyneton Cup in early November. 516055_01

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW ... COMMUNITY

Mary Wicks park honour 16 September A Sunbury park will honour a beloved member of the community. Sunbury Park, located at 60-100 Harker Street, will be renamed Mary Wicks Park, to commemorate the important role Mary played throughout her life in Sunbury . The name was endorsed at the 8 September Hume council meeting, after the Wicks family suggested the name as a way of honouring their late mother. In the proposal received by council in April 2024, the Wicks family stated that

Mary spent the majority of her life living in Harker Street, next to the park that will soon be named after her. Mary and her husband built their home at 71 Harker Street in 1967, where she remained up until her death in 2022. Thetop end of the park was originally a fenced paddock where the family kept horses, and the park was a treasured place for the family. Throughout her life Mary contributed to the Sunbury community through volunteer work including volunteering for 21 organisations and groups across Sunbury,

for which she received multiple awards and recognitions. These included an Australian Red Cross Outstanding Service Award, the Kathleen Aitken Outstanding Citizen Award as well as the Order of Australia Medal in 2019 for her service to the Sunbury community, which her family said was the highlight of her life. Mary also helped fund many projects around town, including the Sunbury swimming pool, Sunbury Guide Hall, as well as the public hospital. “This park has significant meaning to our family and is part of our story and

history as long established Sunbury residents. I have no doubt that community support and gratitude would be felt if mum is bestowed the honour of the naming of this park after her,” the family wrote in its submission to council. Community consultation was undertaken between April and May 2025, with 103 submissions received. Eighty-nine submissions were in support of the proposal. Council will now submit the name Mary Wicks Park to the Registrar of Geographic Names for consideration and approval.

Distinctive Options supported staff are sad to say goodbye 14 October Shocked staff have been scrambling to secure new employment after only receiving three weeks’ notice about the closure of five Distinctive Options enterprises in Sunbury and Gisborne. Twenty-five supported staff were out of jobs as of Friday 10 October following the shutdown of five DO enterprises - DO Honey (Sunbury); DO Food Project Cafe (Gisborne); The Goodwill Gardener (Sunbury); DO Good Wood (Sunbury); and DO Experiences, due to their lack of profitability. The news shocked and saddened staff and their families who were left with limited time to say goodbye to customers. One parent, Ruth Mulkearns, decided to take action to try to save the affected services. Her son Liam was working for the DO Food Project Cafe in Gisborne, where she circulated a petition in-store for the community to sign. Ms Mulkearns personally delivered the 145 signature petition to Distinctive Options chief executive Andre Carvalho. In her petition, Ms Mulkearns said she wished concerns about the profitability of the cafe had been raised before the decision was taken to shut the doors. “This came as a great shock to the cafe’s management and staff as at no time has the management of Distinctive Options raised these concerns with the management of the cafe or included them in discussions regarding how the cafe can become profitable,” she said. She also wrote that the cafe provides supported employment to NDIS participants, who have not been able to find or remain in mainstream employment. “This cafe has given these participants a chance to learn workplace skills, improve confidence, integrate with the community,

Liam and his mum Ruth Mulkearns. (Damjan Janevski) 508606_01

and form friendships with work colleagues and customers,” she said. Liam worked at DO Food Project Cafe one day a week washing dishes, working the register, and prepping food. “I worked here for three years,” he said. “I like serving customers and saying hello, I really like it here.” Liam said serving the customers and interacting with the community was his favourite part of the job and something he would miss. “I’m a bit sad, but it’s okay, it’s their choice,” he said. “(I’m going to miss) seeing those people who came from their exercise group and other people, the other workers who come here too.” Another staff member, Jessica Hall,

studied barista training at the Romsey Neighbourhood House before securing a job at the DO Food Project Cafe two days a week. “I’ve been here for just over two years,” she said. “I love that not every day is the same as the one before, and meeting new customers that come through the door.” Ms Hall said work was a highlight of her week, and she was upset to hear about the closure. “At first I was a bit shocked to find out we’re closing, and then I was sad because I knew I wouldn’t have anything to go on with after that when it closed. “I enjoyed coming to work because it gave me something to look forward to during the week.” Ms Hall said she will be looking for a new

job, once the loss isn’t so fresh on her mind. “I enjoyed meeting new people along the way and I’ve also enjoyed making coffees as well.” The closure comes after Mr Carvalho shared with staff, participants and families that the enterprises had been operating at a significant loss. “While these enterprises have been valued and much-loved, a number are no longer financially sustainable,” he said. “Collectively, they have recorded losses each year, including almost $1 million in the last financial year alone. Continuing in the same way would have placed the wider organisation at risk.” Mr Carvalho said that the remaining enterprises in Sunbury and Bairnsdale would remain open and operational.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Scottish Country Dancing Group The Macedon Ranges Scottish Country Dancing Group meet every Thursday, 1-3pm, at Buffalo Stadium, Woodend. The dancing involves social country dancing, not the highland dancing many people think of. The group dance in sets, learning different steps and formations – no special clothes needed, just soft flat shoes. The group are a friendly group having fun and keeping fit at the same time. You don’t need to bring a partner, just a smile and sense of fun. Lynne, 0417 331 439 or Norm, 0408 592 609

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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of St Monica’s Primary School students Jonah, 12, Vivien, 8 and Carlos, 11, who helped the school win a statewide science award for the second year in a row. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 523766_01

way, Monday and Friday mornings. ? www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

insyncentertainment@gmail.com

Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006

Sunbury Seniors 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

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 9.30am–2.30pm. They are temporarily relocating to 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. 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

Macedon Ranges Photographic Society

Pernaperna Women’s Group

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

The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday, from 1-3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members 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

Insync Entertainment

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

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.

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

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

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 January, 2026

The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights, from 7.30-9.30 pm, 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

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW ... COMMUNITY

Lalor United’s Solomon Sunray. 488179_09

Keilor’s Daniel Poelsma. 488186_10

Footscray’s Paula Nailovolovo in June. 481972_18

Keilor’s Adetomi Ayilara. 488186_27

Sport through the Star Weekly photography lens Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic captured all the sport action across Melbourne’s western and northern

suburbs throughout 2025. She shares her favourite pictures from the past year.

Gisborne’s Elijah Bretherton. 496381_17

Myra Wood in action in for Craigieburn in August. 497759_32

Don Geodes in action in November.520809_21 Ashleigh Palmer won the women’s 400m at the Lancefield Gift in November. Also pictured as Grace Carter, Genevieve O’Brien, Lucy Zotti, Ella Tobin and Alex Tzilantonis. 517333_26

Footscray’s Kerry Nease during the women’s grand final in August. 499386_04

Ameir Majur on the court for Melton. 508552_12

Craigieburn’s Darren Wotu. 518147_02

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PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 271

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

easy

8 2 3 1 4 5 8 2 3 6 4 2 9 4 9

9 1 5 6 1 2 3 2 8 6

7 9

DECODER 18 3

18 15

17 21

S 23

Today’s Aim: 14 words: Good 21 words: Very good

9 4 5 7 8 2 6 3 1 7 3 6 1 4 9 5 8 2 1 8 2 5 3 6 4 9 7 6 9 4 3 5 1 7 2 8 8 5 7 2 9 4 3 1 6 2 1 3 6 7 8 9 4 5 4 7 8 9 1 5 2 6 3 5 6 1 4 2 3 8 7 9 3 2 9 8 6 7 1 5 4

2 1 5 3 4 9 6 8 7 3 7 4 8 2 6 1 5 9 6 9 8 5 7 1 4 2 3 5 2 7 4 3 8 9 1 6 8 3 9 1 6 2 5 7 4 4 6 1 9 5 7 2 3 8 1 8 3 2 9 4 7 6 5 7 4 2 6 8 5 3 9 1 9 5 6 7 1 3 8 4 2

I O

E E T

3 LETTERS ADD ADO ADS AID BOW EEL EGO FED GEE IDS ILL IOU IRE LIE MAR NIP NOR OFF OKS ORE PEN TEE WHO YOU

No. 271

A C C O R D

5 LETTERS ABATE ABODE ALIGN ALIVE AMISS AWARE BEARS BERET CANAL CRATE DEALT DYING EAGER EATEN EDGES EERIE ELUDE EVERY EXUDE FLORA HOSTS

4 LETTERS EARL EBBS FLEE GULP KEEL LILY MEET MIEN POPE SASH SLAM TALL TRAY USES

INANE KNOTS LADLE LAPEL LEERY LOVES NOTED PIXIE RISER SATIN SCANT SEDAN SHREW SLAIN SLEPT SLEWS SOLED SPEAK STAFF START STEAM STUDY

SWING TEASE TENET TENOR TILDE TOILS ULTRA

7 LETTERS ANTENNA APOSTLE GOATEES LEOTARD REALISE SNUFFER

6 LETTERS ACCORD ASSURE FRONTS ORIENT

8 LETTERS CELLISTS HANGOVER HYSTERIA TABLOIDS

09-01-26

No. 378

QUICK QUIZ

Who was the first wife of Roman emperor Nero?

The smoky spirit mezcal is derived from which plant?

Which band had hits with the songs Dreams (1993), Linger (1993) and Ode to My Family (1994)?

Dorothea Brooke is the heroine of which 19th century English novel?

Comedians James Acaster and Ed Gamble co-host which podcast?

True or false: the shoe company Dr. Martens was founded by a British doctor?

What long-distance hiking trail spans 4,265 kilometres from Canada to Mexico?

How many US states begin with the letter ‘n’?

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

F R A N K R O B I N A T O N E N O V E L C R E S T

WORDFIT

chip, chips, chit, city, hips, hiss, hits, itch, itchy, physic, PHYSICIST, physics, pitch, pith, pithy, pits, pity, schist, ship, ships, sips, sits, spicy, spit, spits, this, tips, tipsy, yips

4 7 2 5 8 1 6 9 3 8 3 6 7 9 2 4 5 1 5 9 1 6 4 3 8 7 2 9 1 3 8 5 4 7 2 6 6 8 4 9 2 7 3 1 5 2 5 7 3 1 6 9 8 4 1 2 8 4 6 9 5 3 7 7 4 9 2 3 5 1 6 8 3 6 5 1 7 8 2 4 9

C S

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of 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, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

29 words: Excellent

hard

10 11 12 13

medium

easy

9-LETTER WORD

1 6 5

J W M V T Y Z K P O Q D U

19 22

15 20

19 25

S X

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

8 4 6

5x5

R C G I B L A F N E H S X

2 1

4 3 8

hard

6 9

No. 303

The 2006 film She’s the Man, starring Amanda Bynes (pictured), is a modernday retelling of which of Shakespeare’s comedies?

10 What was the name of artist Frida Kahlo’s spouse? ANSWERS: 1. Claudia Octavia 2. The Cranberries 3. Off Menu 4. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) 5. Twelfth Night 6. Agave 7. Middlemarch 8. False; he was a German doctor 9. Eight 10. Diego Rivera

6 8 6 1 5 7 4 5 4 9 3 1 2 7 1 7 8 3 9 4 2 6 5 6 1 3 4

S P E A K S C A N T A B A T E T I L D E T E N O R S O L E D U L T R A S W I N G E X U D E A I D L A D L E Y O U G E E M E E T D Y I N G F R O N T S O K S S N U F F E R S L A I N T A L L E A R L T A B L O I D S P O P E L I E A P O S T L E R E A L I S E S L A M H A N G O V E R F E D F L E E L I L Y E V E R Y G O A T E E S I R E A C C O R D N O T E D S A S H M A R I O U T E A S E W H O I N A N E S T A R T B E A R S E E R I E B E R E T S A T I N S L E P T S E D A N S L E W S

3 4

8 5

17 18 19 21 22 23 26

medium

Inhabitant (8) Abstinence (8) Childish (7) Pressurised dispenser (7) Light rainfall (6) Holiday spot (6) Fringe (4) Tableland (7) Meeting for an exchange of ideas (7) Sheath (8) Sing to (8) Unaffected (7) Settle (7) Help (6) Slip-on shoe (6) Ballot choice (4)

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 16

DOWN

Formula (6) Large rope (6) Climb (5) Light-headed (9) Disadvantage, disservice (9) Impugn (5) A spice (6) Plummet (4) Require (4) Source of wisdom (6) Schnoz (5) Incapable of being seen (9) Provider of information (9) Tropical climbing plant (5) Slave (6) Interfere (6)

1 4 10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30

No. 271

7 3

QUICK CROSSWORD

Tuesday, 6 January, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

High quality, bargain price By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring Yet another new name for Australian buyers to grapple with, Jaecoo is one of three sub-brands from the Chinese Chery brand. Chery is the leading exporter of Chinese vehicles worldwide with Australian sales more than tripling over the past 12 months. Marketed as the group’s premium brand, Jaecoo was launched here in March 2025 with the J7, a mid-sized SUV powered by either petrol or plug-in hybrid powertrains. It was joined recently by our test vehicle, the J8 family-size SUV. Although they are built on different platforms, they do share many of the same design elements, most noticeable being what Chery describes as its Waterfall Grille with 20 vertical chrome and piano black bars and the Jaecoo name in the centre. The J8 differs also in that it only comes with a single power option, a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine although it seems likely that a PHEV will follow. Although J8 is significantly larger in all dimensions than the J7 both are five-seaters. It’s highly likely that a third row will be added later to allow it to compete against similarly-sized vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan X-Trail, Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger. Jaecoo J8 comes with two variants, the Track 2WD priced at $49,990 and the AWD $54,990 Ridge. Both prices are driveaway.

The Jaecoo J8 is one of the best offerings yet from China, certainly the best SUV. (Pictures: Supplied)

RATINGS Looks: 9/10

Styling

Performance: 7.5/10

Chery’s design team, headed by a former Mercedes-Benz stylist, have done an impressive job with its two Jaecoo vehicles. Both have an understated but stylish appearance, one that proved to be real head-turners wherever we drove, invariably followed by the need to explain that Jaecoo was the upmarket version of the Chinese carmaker Chery. The 320mm extra length of the J8 over the J7 is the most obvious difference between the two siblings with its stretched, slightly tapering roofline just crying out for that extra row of seats. There’s LED lighting all round, both external and internal, with a light bar connecting the tail lights.

Safety: 8/10

Interior The quality and premier feel of the Jaecoo J8 extends into the cabin. The front seats are heated and ventilated with massage function and four-way lumbar support. The Ridge variant adds heating and ventilation to outer second row seats. The driver gets an eight-way powered seat with extended thigh support, four-way lumbar support and memory function. The front passenger has six-way power adjustment. The rear seats get their own air conditioning controls and a folding centre armrest. There’s even an in-built fragrance system in the Ridge that uses replaceable cartridges, located below the dashboard to release a choice of scents through the interior of the vehicle. One feature that we haven’t encountered are speakers built into the front seat headrests. We received a few phone calls during our test – backseat drivers indeed. Boot space is a huge 738 litres expandable to a van-like 2021 litres with the rear seatbacks folded. Note that these measurements are to the roof. Both variants come with a full-sized spare wheel.

Engines/transmissions The Jaecoo J8 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 183kW of power and 385Nm of torque from 1750rpm. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes in either

Thirst: 7/10 Practicality: 8/10 Comfort: 8.5/10 Tech: 8/10 Value: 8.5/10

front-wheel drive in the Ridge and all-wheel drive in the Track. The engine requires a minimum of 95 RON premium unleaded fuel.

Safety Jaecoo J8 was yet to be tested by ANCAP, however given that it shares all of its safety features with the J7 which was tested in May 2025 and received the maximum five-star rating, that would seem to be assured. Track has eight airbags including front centre and driver’s knee. Ridge adds side airbags for the outside rear seats. Both variants get Chery’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) package that includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, blind spot detection, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and braking, lane departure prevention with emergency lane keeping, driver monitoring system and tyre pressure monitoring. The Range variant adds extra drive modes, torque vectoring and continuous damping control. There are also four lane deviation and three driver inattention/speed limit monitoring systems. All can be turned off temporarily although, fortunately, they are nowhere near as intrusive as others we have come across One thing that impressed us, with both the Jaecoo models that we’ve tested, was that the vehicle will not move unless the driver’s seatbelt is fastened. Such an obvious safety but one that very few other manufacturers have adopted. We understand that ANCAP may add to its testing regime in future.

Infotainment In contrast to the portrait format of the Jaecoo J7’s infotainment screen the J8 reverts to the conventional landscape design. The touch screen is 12.3-inch and

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 January, 2026

is butted up against a driver’s information cluster of the same size to display as a single, panoramic screen. Both screens are crisp, clear and easy to access. There’s inbuilt satellite navigation that can be displayed on both screens. There are USB-A ports at both front and rear with fast-charge USB-Cs in both locations. 12-volt power outlets are located in the front and in the boot and there is a 50W wireless charger in both variants. Audio is through an impressive 14-speaker Sony surround sound system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless.

Driving There are retractable handles on all four doors that open automatically when the key fob comes in range. Unlike most other vehicles with such door handles that can be awkward to open those in the J7 open fully square for easy opening. Visibility isn’t great with about half of the narrow rear window blocked by the rear seat headrests. The A-pillar is wide and sharply angled which, together with the large side mirror, does restrict left-side vision for the driver. As is rapidly becoming the norm, almost all vehicle functions are accessed through the touchscreen rather than using physical controls. While these are among the many important safety features in the vehicle, and no doubt many drivers will appreciate them, they can be quite intrusive and frequently require the driver to look at the touchscreen instead of the road ahead. They can be turned off although with most vehicles they then default back on when the engine is stopped. Fortunately, with the Jaecoo that’s not the case and, apart from the driver distraction alert, they remain off until turned on again. Another problem we found was the

location of the gear selector on the right-hand steering wheel stalk. Typically, that is the location of the right turn indicator or windscreen wiper controls. On a number of occasions, we inadvertently moved the vehicle into neutral when we went to use either the indicator or wipers. The drive experience from the Jaecoo J8 is predictable enough for a large boxy and relatively heavy vehicle but that applies equally to most vehicles in the medium SUV field. It does what the typical family owner wants and does it well. It provides a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride both around town and on the motorway. Steering is light Note that, unusually for a relatively large vehicle, J8 does not have any towing rating. Both variants get an adjustable head-up display.

Summing up Although the Jaecoo brand doesn’t have the badge prestige of European vehicles of similar size the J8’s driveaway price starting from just under $50,000 it offers incredible value for money. The standard Jaecoo warranty covers eight years and unlimited kilometres. There’s also 12 months of complimentary roadside assistance, that can be with the opportunity of extending for the full warranty period provided that the vehicle is serviced throughout at authorised Jaecoo dealers. Another Jaecoo initiative is a ‘Future Price Promise’ that guarantees a minimum resale value subject to specific conditions being met including the aforementioned servicing criteria. The Jaecoo J8 certainly gets our nod as one of the best offerings yet from China, certainly the best SUV. The combination of its, excellent interior space and comfort, safety equipment and pricing make it well worth checking out.

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

An AFL dream comes true 25 October The realisation that he is now an AFL player was still sinking in for Calder Cannons’ Cooper Duff-Tytler. While having represented Australia on the national stage in basketball, it was his footballing dream that came true on Wednesday night. After weeks of speculation, Duff-Tytler is headed to West Coast after being taken at pick four on the first night of the draft. Speaking the next morning, it was still a dream for the Woodend teenager. “It’s hard to settle in,” he said. “The more you wear the colours it feels a bit more real, still not real pretty unbelievable at this stage.

“Once I get over there and start to meet everyone and get amongst training and stuff it will start to feel a little more real.” Duff-Tytler said there wasn’t much sleep following the draft. His family and friends celebrated with him along with number one pick Willem Duursma, who is also headed to the Eagles. Both has been predicted to end up at West Coast. “We went out a little bit after that bit of a late night but you only get drafted once,” he said. While Duff-Tytler had plenty of family and friends around him, there were a couple of people who were there in spirit on the draft night. On his table at the draft was a photo of

his grandparents, Brian and Dianne Lee. “Nan and grandad on my mum’s side passed away a few years ago,” Duff-Tytler revealed about the special photo. “They can’t be here and they always supported me a lot when I was younger and they would have been the first people in the room with me for sure. “[I wanted to] bring them along and have them there to be a part of it.” Brian Lee is one of the legends of the Woodend-Hesket club having played a huge role in the two club’s merging. The club and Romsey play for the Brian Lee Cup each year. Duff-Tytler might soon find his name up there in the rafters at Gilbert Gordon Oval as well alongside his grandfather.

The Woodend club rooms were packed on Wednesday night as the local community followed Duff-Tytler’s journey. “He helped Wooded and Hesket merge together as clubs and he’s done everything at Woodend footy club you can do,” Duff-Tytler said of his grandfather. “It’s a pretty good name around there. “I’ve seen the videos and the club rooms were packed. They were jumping around when I got drafted. “So humbling to see and the support from my local club means everything to me. To see the amount of people rally around me to see out my dream was pretty special.”

Hicks scores 1000th goal 26 August

Gisborne’s premiership team. Inset: Wilham Mackay. (Tara Murray/Ljubica Vrankovic)

Dragons secure back-to-back premierships 1 April Gisborne held its composure against a determined Sunbury United side to claim back-to-back Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup premierships. The Dragons, who have been in sensational form with the bat heading into the grand final, didn’t have it all their own way against a Bees side that had to fight hard to even play finals. There were no big scores on the weekend, as the bowlers ruled the roost. The Dragons were able to do enough to claim the win and a second straight premiership. Captain-coach Jarryd Vernon said it was pretty special. “It is good, obviously a lot of hard work goes into it over a period of time,” he said. “Our boys have put in a lot of effort and I think it was a deserving win for the amount of effort and commitment our boys have shown over the last six months.” The Dragons had a few nervous moments on Sunday as they chased down the runs.

The Bees won the toss on Saturday and decided to bat. Upul Fernando was the only Bees batter to show any resistance with 54. It was tough going throughout the whole innings, as the Bees were bowled out for 121. Leigh Brennan took 4-37 for the Dragons. Vernon said Brennan was nicknamed Mr March at the club. “I thought our efforts yesterday [Saturday] with the ball and in the field were the best I’d seen over probably the last two years,” Vernon said. “But grand finals are funny games and anything can happen which we could see.” Gisborne lost two wickets before stumps, but at 2-44 was in control after day one. They put on 20 runs to start day two, before the Bees struck three times in quick succession for the Dragons to slip to 5-68. Among the wickets was Vernon for a duck. He felt they had the batting to get the job done. “We’ve done it all year and shared the load,” he said. “I had all faith in my players

that they could get it done.” Warren Kelly and Will Mackay steadied to get the Dragons back on track and almost got the side home. Kelly fell within sight of victory, but the Dragons did enough to finish 6-122. Vernon said the character that some of the boys showed while there was a bit of pressure on allowed them to steady the ship. “Will and Warren Kelly stood tall and got us in the position to win the game,” he said. “Credit to United they took it all the way and it was a good game of cricket.” Mackay finished 38 not out off 129 balls and was named player of the match. He is one of a bunch of players that have come through the ranks at the Dragons and now in the first XI side. “We have a group of five or six players that are under-21,” Vernon said. “All played juniors here. “For Will to do what he did today [Sunday] at just 20 years old, shows the maturity of them and how much they have learned over the last few years.”

Sunbury Lions goaler Rebecca Hicks made another piece of history on Saturday as she scored her 1000th goal for the season. Hicks needed just 39 goals heading into the Lions final round match with Melton. Having scored 100 goals in the early game between the two sides, Hicks was pretty confident of getting the job done. In front of a big crowd, Hicks shot 92 goals for the Lions to guide them to a 107-24 win against Melton. “It’s really exciting,” she said. “I have looked at the last two years’ goal scoring trophies to look at how many I’ve shot. “The highest was 760 something. It is wild. Someone said I’m only the third person in the state. “Emma Ryde in the Gippsland league and Jane Cook in VNL [Victorian Netball League] and little old me. “I said to [coach] Kim [Bailey] that I will retire next year and she said no you won’t. Maybe I’ll keep going and hopefully we will be going for back-to-back-to-back.” Having counted down all her goals on the way to a 100 in a game earlier in the season, said of the footballers were ready to jump the fence onto the court. While they didn’t, there were plenty there watching and had a drink in hand for Hicks to scull once she reached the milestone. It was also greeted with plenty of hugs from teammates and Bailey. Hicks said the moment wasn’t just about her but also her teammates. “It comes down to my team who get the ball down to me and make it so effortless in feeding me,” she said. “It’s not just my achievement, it’s theirs too.” Among those on the sidelines watching Hicks shoot 1000 goals was her family and her children, who all play their own netball. “I said to the kids on Saturday and they can’t believe it and it’s so cool mum,” she said. “It means a lot for them to see that because that are older.”

Tuesday, 6 January, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

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First premiership for Sharks 9 September Rupertswood proved up to the challenge on Saturday as it claimed its first Essendon District Football League senior premiership. It’s been a journey for the Sharks the past two seasons with plenty of lows and some highs along the way. On Saturday, they got to taste the greatest victory as it overcame Westmeadows in the grand final. There was no high scoring affair in the decider with it a good old arm wrestle. The two teams traded the lead throughout the match, with just one point in it heading into the final quarter. The Tigers kicked the first two goals of the final quarter to get out to a 13 point lead 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 attacking 50 in the dying minutes to get the 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 and hope and we just dropped our guard at stoppages and went to 2.1 (13 points) down. “We had to react and we were challenged and our boys did it all year, we did it again.” Fox said there were some nerves late in the contest. He said they were more focused on what they could do to get themselves back on top. 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.

Rupertswood celebrates. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 501144_74

“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. Fox said they had a lot of players stand up when it was called for.

United claim the premiership to end a perfect season 26 August Gisborne-Kyneton United produced the perfect season as two clubs united to win the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 premiership on Saturday. Right from the start of the season, United was the team to beat. Each time the side stepped out on the park it continued to gel and took it to the grand final against Taylors Lakes on Saturday. It was a dominant display in the decider from United. United hit the scoreboard early and after quarter time kept the Lions scoreless. The game was all but over at half time. United added to the scoreboard in the third quarter to further increase the lead before it was celebration time in the final quarter. United won the premiership, 10.12 (72)1.2 (8). Co-coach Bernie Marantelli could have never imagined this result when she took on the coaching role last year. Her main focus was getting a side back up and running after Gisborne didn’t have one last season due to a lack of numbers. “No way known,” she said of winning a premiership. “I just thought it would be

Gisborne celebrates. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 497597_46

hard work from the outset for a couple of years maybe. “To have this sort of result in a short period of time is fantastic.” Weeks out from the season Gisborne became Gisborne-Kyneton United with the Kyneton Women’s Football Club joining forces. The Kyneton Women’s side had been born out of players from Kyneton who had left to start their own club but hadn’t found a league to play in. Across came a number of players, while

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 January, 2026

Phil Hawkes took on the co-coaching role. Hawkes had coached Kyneton to the past two Riddell District Football League grand finals. Together the two teams were the perfect match. “I think we did click,” Marantelli said. “It did take some time but I think it was evident throughout the season that if you use Taylors Lakes as a gauge we improved every time we played them. “For me, that was a bit of a yardstick. “I’m really proud of the two groups that

have come together. It has been a fantastic union and just to get this sort of result you can’t hope for.” On Saturday, the Lions bought the pressure early on and made United really work for it. The first time the two teams played was the closest a team had come to beating United. Marantelli said they thought the game might have been a bit closer with how the Lions started. “They did bring that early pressure and our tackle counts were down fairly low in comparison to the qualifying final,” she said. “They did bring the pressure and I thought jeez, this is a different game after the first five-10 minutes. “I think it evened out in terms of our pressure and stress levels dropped a bit and we settled into our game and systems.” Marantelli said the grand final experience for the Kyneton girls and the finals experience of the Gisborne girls was telling in the match against a Lions side playing finals for the first time. Cheyene Macumber kicked three goals for United while Charlotte Bracey and Emma Williams kicked two goals each. Co-captain Belinda Hateley was awarded the best on ground medal by the umpires.

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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

Dynasties in the RDFNL 16 September The Riddell District Football Netball League season will be remembered as the year of the dynasty, characterised by the consolidation of power and the cementing of legacies. Woodend-Hesket, Riddell and Macedon celebrated consecutive premiership victories, proving that staying at the top is just as challenging, and rewarding, as getting there. Macedon started the premierships off with its women’s football side making it a second straight premiership. It was the perfect season for the Cats. The Cats entered the grand final under immense pressure, having been the best team all season. Their dominance was such that their last loss had occurred back in the 2023 grand final. Facing Riddell, who had been the surprise packet of the competition in its first season—Macedon held its composure and showed its class. While Riddell’s women entered the match with nothing to lose, it was undeniably the Cats’ night on Saturday night as they led from start to finish. The final scoreline was a decisive 6.12 (48)-1.3 (9). Ruby Watts was named best on ground. The gun midfielder would later win a second straight league best and fairest award stamping her dominance as the best player in the competition. Co-coach Chris Nolan said it was a pretty special moment for the group. “It was good, hopefully a good spectacle for the Riddell league as well,” he said. “We spoke about it during the week, we knew that Riddell and Lancefield and everyone comes pretty hard at us. “It was more about how we absorb that and how we turn that into enough to hold sway and we felt that we did in the first half. “Ten minutes camped in our front half in quarter one before it crossed the middle, quarter two similar amount of time. “That is what we set our game up on, field position and time in front half and tonight [Saturday] the girls did it again.” A few weeks later, Woodend-Hesket and Riddell retained their titles as the top team in the A-grade netball and senior football respectively. The Hawks had never won a netball A-grade premiership four years ago, they’ve now won the last three. Riddell has been on the other side of those three grand final results. The Hawks capitalised late on some errors from the Bombers to lead by five goals at the first break in the grand final. From there, the Hawks were able to slowly extend the lead having fully taken control of the game. With the match decided, the Hawks blew the margin out and were able to bring on everyone from the bench to get their opportunity on court. The Hawks won, 57-39. Coach Ty Coppinger was awarded the best on court medal by the umpires. She also won the medal in 2023, with her sister Sam Coppinger winning it last year. “It feels pretty amazing,” Coppinger said. “It will take a little bit to sink in. “I knew that we had the team to be able to do it. It was a matter of executing it. “It’s the people within it and once we’ve got that core group it’s been just a matter building on that. “Keep building on what you’ve created. The last four years is credit to that and everyone else who has been part of the netball program over the years.” On the same day that Woodend-Hesket secured their legacy, Riddell experi-

Riddell. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 501176_71

Woodend-Hesket. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 502756_70

enced a rollercoaster of emotions on the football field. The Bombers didn’t have it all their own way against Macedon. The Bombers, who had jumped out to a fast start with the first five goals of the game, found themselves trailing by 17 points 10 minutes into the final quarter. Macedon had momentum but the Bombers had the fresh legs having had the previous weekend off. The Bombers class and run in their legs shone through late as they kicked the last five goals of the game to make it a second straight premiership, winning 13.13 (91)-12.6 (76). Bombers coach Arron Bray said there was a real sense of relief when the final siren went. “We got off to the perfect start that we wanted but credit to Macedon, they pegged it back and they had the momentum going into the last quarter,” he said.

Macedon. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 493539_66

“It was probably one of those games where you think to yourself that we could probably lose the unlosable here. “But I said the boys that they are running out of legs, slowly but surely. We needed to get the ball on the outside and

take the corridor as much as we could. “Fair play to the boys, they went at it. The boys stood up when we needed them too.”

Tuesday, 6 January, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

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20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 January, 2026