Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 16th June 2026

Late nights at the library

The Sunbury Library is the place to be on Thursday nights.

Every Thursday night, Hume Libraries leave the lights on a little longer for Libraries After Dark.

Running until 10pm, each week will be different with an offering of board games, films, sport screenings, workshops, guest speakers and more. The program was designed to provide at-risk groups with a range of social or recreational options during the evening.

On Thursday 25 June, head down to the Sunbury Library from 6.30-7.30pm to hear from award-winning Guardian journalist and author Matilda Boseley talk about adult ADHD and her journey as a late diagnosed neurodivergent woman.

A number of clubs also meet at the Sunbury Library every Thursday night. The Mahjong Club meets from 7-10pm, the Chess Club meets from 6.30-10pm and the Magic the Gathering Club meets from 5.30-10pm.

Details: humelibraries.vic.gov.au/

Councillors want crest

By Georgia Tacey

Hume councillors will investigate a new way to bring a Hume City Crest to fruition after officers estimated the project could cost ratepayers up to $70,000.

AsreportedbyStarWeekly,CrNaimKurt asked council to consider creating a city crest, coat of arms or heritage logo earlier this year.

Council officers presented three options to the 9 June council meeting, one of which would have established a formal ceremonial crest, and was expected to cost approximately $70,000, excluding staff time.

A third option – which was endorsed by officers – was able to be delivered within council’s existing resources, would not include the creation of a formal or official emblem, and instead focus on a visible, inclusive civic identity initiative.

Under that proposal, council would have invited residents to creatively interpret what Hume means to them, with the emphasisonparticipation,connectionand civic pride rather than producing a single symbol.

A second option was also expected to have a minimum investment of $50,000, which was for a specialist-led emblem development process, involving specialist-led research and advice, as well as an expert reference group.

However, councillors decided to scrap all three suggestions, with Cr Daniel English suggesting that council establish councillorcommitteetofurtherinvestigate the development of a civic emblem or ceremonial crest.

The committee will be chaired by Cr Kurt,withcouncillorsEnglish, JarrodBell, AllyWatson,SteveGagenandJohnHaddad also members.

The group, with officer support, would further investigate the appropriate form andpurposeofthecivicsymbol,reviewing costs, governance and implementation requirements, and also consider cultural and historical factors.

“Don’tgetmewrong,theHumelogowith

the H, I do love that, and we’re not saying getridofthat,”CrEnglishsaid.“That’llstill beonsomeletterheadsandsomeuniforms, but I’m sure some of the Hume workers would love to wear a crest … people who have been around Hume for a long time.”

Cr Bell acknowledged the significant costs associated with the officers’ suggestions,andhopedthegroupwouldbe able to find a cost effective way to produce a crest for Hume.

“There is a strong sense of pride in our city and our people and our history and there is an opportunity to really tell a story and create an image, a crest, a symbol of connection that isn’t just ours but is the peoples.”

Sunbury librarian Donna Woods. (Damjan Janevski) 557495_05

A plan to protect wildlife

By Georgia Tacey

Macedon Ranges council will look to trial a project to reduce wildlife roadstrikes as part of its refreshed Biodiversity Strategy.

The updated strategy, endorsed during the 27 May council meeting, outlines three priority projects council will undertake following community feedback during the strategy’s draft stage.

Protecting Wildlife, Protecting Us will be a priority for council, after consultation found the community wanted more action for council to address wildlife roadstrikes, as the Macedon Ranges records the highest rate of wildlife roadstrikes in the state. It is proposed council will undertake

an evidence-based project to trial wildlife roadstrike mitigation methods on council roads.

The project will incorporate recommendations given at the recent state parliamentary inquiry into wildlife roadstrike, working alongside wildlife organisations and road managers to identify solutions that improve both wildlife conservation and road safety outcomes.

Council would identify hotspots for wildlife roadstrike across the shire, and look into intervention methods including dynamic signage to reduce the risk.

Council said the project would take two to three years to complete once funding is secured, with a total estimated cost of

$500,000.

The second priority project would help strengthen biodiversity outcomes on private land, identified from community feedback to the strategy.

Council said about 87 per cent of land across the shire is privately owned, with local landowners playing a crucial role in achieving effective conservation outcomes.

This would involve more engagement with private landholders across the urban to rural landscape, with extended on-property advisory service, the continuation of the Backyard Biodiversity program and guidance for monitoring and management of environmental assets and threatened species on private land.

Wilkinson’s Wheels is back on track

Wilkinson’s Wheels are riding once again, with the grassroots community initiative returning to the Macedon Ranges.

Wilkinson’s Wheels V2 has launched as a redesigned social enterprise focused on bicycle reuse, social connection, practical volunteering, and environmental responsibility.

The initiative, which began more than 20 years ago, has been reimagined for a new generation of community participation and sustainability.

Originally established about 2003 as a volunteer initiative supporting the local CFA flea market in Macedon, Wilkinson’s Wheels grew into a community movement that restored bicycles, supported afford-

able transport access, reduced waste, and connected with schools, refugee organisations, and community groups.

Founder Phil Wilkinson said the new version of the project has been intentionally redesigned to create a simpler, lighter, and more sustainable operating model.

“The original project achieved incredible social outcomes, but over time it became difficult to manage due to storage demands, volunteer coordination, and the number of damaged bikes being donated,” Mr Wilkinson said.

“Wilkinson’s Wheels V2 is about keeping the heart of the project alive while creating a model that is practical, scalable, and sustainable for the future.”

He said the updated model introduces a flexible ‘micro-volunteering’ approach that allows community members to contribute in small, manageable ways.

Volunteers may help source bicycles, collect bikes, undertake simple repairs from home, assist with social media sales, or support bicycle donations to people experiencing disadvantage.

The initiative also introduces a new bicycle recycling and disposal service aimed at helping households responsibly dispose of bicycles.

“At its core, this project is not really about bicycles. It’s about creating opportunities for people to connect, contribute, participate, and belong.”

Ready set tap and go as public transport technology evolves

Following a successful trial on the Craigieburn, Upfield, Ballarat and Seymour lines and City Loop stations, tap and go has expanded for more commuters.

On 7 June tap and go was enabled on the Sunbury, Werribee, Williamstown, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Metro Tunnel, Sandringham, Frankston, Stony Point, Bendigo, Gippsland and Geelong lines.

Passengers on the Mernda, Hurstbridge, Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein and Glen Waverley lines can tap and go starting 14 June.

Following this rollout, passengers will

be able to tap on and travel using a bank card, smartphone or smartwatch at every myki-enabled train station across Victoria.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said “Victorians are already saving money with half-price fares. Now we’re making public transport easier to use too.”

“Tap and go means one less card in your wallet and one less thing to worry about on your journey.”

More than 88,500 tap and go trips have been taken since trials began in March, with four in five of those made using a

phone or smartwatch.

Station staff will be on hand to help passengers as the rollout continues.

The government will share more information in the coming weeks about the next stage of the rollout to trams and buses.

Concession passengers, seniors and those under 18 should continue using their concession or free Youth myki.

Passengers who prefer to use their myki can continue to do so.

More information is available at: transport.vic.gov.au/tap-and-go.

The last priority project would see council ramping up its own knowledge and advocacy, after community feedback identified more internal staff training for council is needed to ensure staff are aware of conservation issues, opportunities and best practices.

The project would train council staff and officers on the importance of native vegetation and practical measures that can be applied across departments to minimise impacts on biodiversity.

Alongside the three priority projects, 69 actions were also identified, focused on protecting and enhancing biodiversity, helping to guide environmental conservation across the shire.

Police assistant commissioner honoured

Gisborne local, Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Jane Welsh, has been awarded an Australian Police Medal in the King’s Birthday honours.

Ms Welsh started her career as a police officer in 1988, aged just 19.

During her career, she established a specialist division within Victoria Police to deal with cybercrime.

The initiative included a team dedicated to investigating crime involving cryptocurrency, the use of advanced capabilities to identify victims and the expansion of digital forensic laboratories in regional Victoria.

Her leadership strengthened covert online investigation into child abuse through the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team, which sees Victoria Police and Australian Federal Police officers team up to protect vulnerable victims and hold offenders to account.

Ms Welsh’s career has also included operational policing, prosecutions and detective roles across Melbourne’s west plus several years with the Homicide Squad where her cases included the Silk–Miller murders.

Ms Welsh’s contribution to strengthening Victoria Police’s ethical health has come through roles as a detective at Professional Standards and more recently performing the role of discipline inquiry officer.

Currently leading the portfolio to support Victoria Police’s workforce, Ms Welsh chairs the organisation’s first ethics committee which safeguards the use of artificial intelligence in policing.

Outside of Victoria Police she has served as chair of the Women’s Legal Service Victoria which aims to address discrimination of women in the legal system.

Alongside Ms Welsh, three other Victorian Police officers received the Australian Police Medal, with another officer awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Phil Wilkinson is bringing back Wilkinson’s Wheels. (Damjan Janevski). 555540_01

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Jane Welsh (Supplied).

Rates smoothing investigated

By Courtney Black

Hume council will investigate which technologies exist to make rates payments more smooth and flexible amid a recent arrears spike.

Council revealed at its 25 May meeting that more than 25,000 Hume households are behind on their rates bills, with outstanding payments amounting to more than $50 million.

In response, council endorsed a notice of motion at its 9 June meeting to investigate technology-based bill smoothing options for rates payments.

Councillor Steve Gagen said council

must take urgent action to address the rates crisis.

“This large outstanding sum is not only a financial and service delivery risk, but it also causes enormous stress to those whose rates are in arrears,” he said.

He said there are technologies available that can reduce the “bill shock” that comes with large quarterly rates payments.

“While council provides direct debit arrangements for smaller, more frequent instalments, these arrangements can lack flexibility,” he said.

“[Technology-based bill smoothing] systems have smart features that enable users to easily update payment details, change

payment frequency, and even postpone payments if necessary, with the system automatically re-averaging remaining payments for the year.

“People can pay rates or other charges on their own schedule and generally face no additional transaction fees.”

He said other councils have used such technologies to smooth rates and other payments to ease cost-of-living pressures and reduce arrears.

CrNaimKurtsaiditwasastepintheright direction.

“Councillors and this council [are] seeking solutions and trying to find answers to help our community,” Cr Kurt said.

Sunbury Community Lunch volunteers Lyn Duffy, Heike Ramdohr, Elaine Couacaud, Margaret Cotchin and coordinator Christie McIntosh. (Damjan Janevski). 557824_05

One year of Sunbury Community Lunch

Sunbury Neighbourhood House and CareWorks have marked one year of the Sunbury Community Lunch.

Held on the second Wednesday of the month, the free initiative invites the community to the Sunbury Community Centre for a free meal.

SNH programs coordinator Christie McIntosh said the lunch had been “a wonderful opportunity to create a warm, welcoming environment for our community to enjoy a nourishing, freshly cooked two course meal.”

Ms McIntosh said the lunches are full every month.

She said the volunteer base has also grown over the past year, with everyone thrilled to take part.

“New friendships have formed over the past year, and not only out there in the restaurant setting, but in the kitchen,” she said.

“We’ve had a core group of about five volunteers cooking in the kitchen and that’s slowly expanded to be at eight or so that rotate through, and the strengthening of those relationships has been wonderful to watch for the last 12 months.”

Ms McIntosh said the point of difference with the Sunbury Community Lunch

Dinner, film for Men’s Health Week event

The Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group (MRSPAG) is hosting a free event in support of Men’s Health Week.

Held during Men’s Health Week, which runs between 15-21 June, the event will feature dinner, music, a guest speaker and a screening of Just a Farmer – an award-winning film that creates conversations that save lives.

As featured on ABC’s Australian Story, the film created by Australian filmmaker Leila McDougall portrays the challenges and triumphs of a resilient farmer in rural Australia, shining a light on the trials many growers and producers face in regional, remote and rural communities.

MRSPAG treasurer Fiona Lawford invited the community to come along and start some important conversations about men’s mental health.

“We encourage everyone to come

along to this event, especially farmers and men in our community who may not often have the opportunity to come together, connect, and talk openly about mental health,” she said.

On the night, guest speaker Aaron Schultz from the Outback Mind Foundation will share his story and insights into his mission of building emotional literacy, strengthening wellbeing and reducing harm in regional communities.

The free screening and event will be held on Friday 19 June from 5.45pm at the Barcham Theatre at Gisborne Secondary College.

Details: events.humanitix.com/just-afarmer-screening-n8pweg3e

made it so special.

“We knew that we were creating something that was a little bit different to what the other community meals are like in Sunbury,” she said.

“We knew we wanted to create something that felt like a nice outing that had the special details, like the two courses, the table service and the tablecloths and flowers, those little touches. We wanted to build on that experience to be beyond more than just a free meal.”

The next lunch will take place on Wednesday 8 July. Bookings are essential.

He said a differential rates system would also offer more leniency to struggling households.

In December 2025 council agreed to consider adopting a differential rates system in 2027-28, subject to community consultation.

Council officers will investigate and provide a report to council on what technological solutions exist to address smoothing of rates payments.

Council officers said this structured review would assess the relative benefits, costs, risks and implementation considerationsofthesesystemscomparedtoHume’s existing FlexiPay platform.

Free child health drop-in sessions

Families across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges are invited to attend a series of free child development drop-in sessions organised by Omnia Community Health.

The sessions running on various days and times during June offer parents and carers the opportunity to speak directly with a range of clinicians, including a physiotherapist, speech therapist, podiatrist and dietitian, while children can take part in a variety of engaging activities.

Designed to be informal and welcoming,thesessionsaimtosupportchildren’s development while empowering parents with knowledge and practical strategies. Families will receive advice tailored to their child’s strengths and needs, along with ideas and resources they can easily use at home as part of everyday routines.

Staff will also be available to discuss local services and support options, including referral pathways such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The drop-in sessions will be held in Sunbury on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, in Kyneton and Romsey on Tuesdays, and also in Woodend on Wednesdays. No bookings are required.

Omnia is also offering two free music therapy sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Taking place at its 12-28 Macedon Street site on Wednesday 17 and 24 June from 11.30am-12.30pm, the groups aim to bring children and their parents together through singing, dancing and instrument playing. No registrations are required.

Details: sunburycobaw.org.au/ child-development-drop-in-sessions

Maritime history captured

Fifity years ago next week, Laurie Dilks had a front row seat to one of the most dramatic events in Williamstown’s history and has the photos and the memories to prove it. He spoke to Cade Lucas.

As a shipwright with the former Victorian Ports and Harbours Branch in Williamstown, Laurie Dilks didn’t normally bring a camera to work.

“I never carried a camera normally unless I thought there was something worthwhile to take a photograph of,” Mr Dilks recalled.

Sowhenhemadesuretopackhiscamera before heading to work on the morning of 23 June, 1976, Mr Dilks clearly knew he was about to witness something worth capturing for posterity.

“I thought I’ll get a photograph of this,” Mr Dilks, now 81, recalled thinking that morning nearly half a century ago.

“And I’m very pleased I did.”

So too are many other people, especially those with an interest in maritime history of which Williamstown and Hobsons Bay has plenty.

But of all that history, few moments resonate like the one Mr Dilks photographed 50 years ago next week: the burning down of the Point Gellibrand Pile Light.

It’s a moment that locals who were alive at the time can recall like it was yesterday and even those who weren’t are still well aware of.

The images Mr Dilks took that day are a big reason why.

He and his fellow shipwrights were standing on a boat about 25 metres from the historic lighthouse, roughly a mile off Williamstown’s Shelly Beach, when the fire began at about 11am on a sunny, still Wednesday morning.

Floating nearby were a number of other craftincludingonepackedwithjournalists fromtheeveningTVnewsandMelbourne’s thenafternoonpaperofrecord,TheHerald.

They all watched as the lighthouse, perched above the water atop 33 wooden piles, its living quarters surrounding the bottom of the tower and its pile light at the top, became enveloped in smoke, then engulfed in flames.

Then the tower and its pile light, which had guided ships into Hobsons Bay since 1906, preventing them from crashing into Gellibrand Reef, crashed into the water itself.

“Thesupportaroundit(thetower),which was the house, diminished and it fell into the water and was trapped by the piles that held up the lighthouse so it didn’t go to the bottom,”MrDilkssaidofthetowerandpile light which would later be recovered.

The pile light itself now sits on display at the Seaworks Maritime Precinct in Williamstown, near where Mr Dilks and his fellow Ports and Harbours shipwrights used to work and where a Winter Solstice Festival will be held on 19 June that will double as a 50th anniversary commemoration of the lighthouse fire.

“Of all the iconic structures that Williamstown’s history has produced, the Gellibrand Light must be the most cherished and best known” Seaworks executive officer Glenn Jones said.

“Not only by seafarers, for whom it had a special significance, but by the thousands of residents and tourists. After a long journey from the bottom of the bay, to besidethePollyWoodsideandevencentral Victoria, it’s now back in Williamstown and Seaworks is its home”.

Along with seeing the pile light itself, those attending the winter solstice festival can also visit a special display on the lighthouse inside the Seaworks Maritime Museum.

Included in the display are some of the dramatic images Mr Dilks took that day. While the photos capture the pile light’s

fiery end, they don’t explain how it came about; how the state government of the day found itself in the extraordinary position of having to set fire to a beloved historic landmark.

Fortunately, Mr Dilks’ memory remains as vivid as his photos.

“I was working in the depot and the officer in charge, a Mr Jack Manser, came out into the yard where I was working with a couple of other fellows,” he recalled of the morning two days before the fire on Monday 21 June.

“He said ‘I’ve heard the Gellibrand Lighthouse has been struck by a ship’. He said apparently it’s been quite extensively damaged and we’ll have to get out there and have a look when we can.”

This was about 8.30am.

Roughly an hour earlier, the Melbourne Trader, a 7000 tonne roll-on roll-off cargo ship, had ploughed into the Point Gellibrand Pile Light while returning from its regular run to Tasmania.

The thick fog that blanketed Port Phillip Bay that morning and was already blamed forthecollisionandwasalsopreventingMr Dilksandhiscolleaguesfromimmediately heading out to inspect the damage.

Oncethefogclearedlaterinthemorning and they did get out to the pile light, not much of an inspection was required.

“It was severely damaged,” Mr Dilks recalled.

“Many of the piles had been broken.”

With the many of the piles supporting thelighthousesnappedoffatthewaterline, its tower was tilting badly to one side.

The lighthouse keeper’s residence at the base of the tower was also badly damaged, though, remarkably, the keeper himself was unscathed.

He’d spent the night ashore, a decision which probably saved his life.

Returning to the depot, the shipwrights reported what they’d seen to Mr Manser who then sent it up the chain of command.

Things were moving quickly.

Thenextday,MrDilksandhiscolleagues arrived at the depot to be told that a decision on the pile light’s future would be made later that day.

Inthemeantimetheyweretogobackout there and strip it of any of any valuables.

“Wehadtobeverycarefulbecauseit(the lighthouse) was on a precarious angle and the boat landing there was underwater,” Mr Dilks said, adding that once on board they removed and took whatever they could, though some items would soon go missing.

“We got up and removed the windvane of the tower but we don’t know what happened to that in the end.”

Theyalsoclearedoutthekeepersquarters which Mr Dilks likened to a floating home.

“It was a unique situation as seaborn lighthouses are,” he said.

“Before the current lighthouse keeper, on occasion there had been others who’d lived there with their wives. It was a house with a bathroom, kitchen and bedroom.”

Sadly,liketherestofthestructure, itwas also damaged beyond repair and given its

importance to nearby shipping lanes, it had to be removed and replaced as soon as possible.

Before the shipwrights left for home that day, their boss delivered the news.

“Mr Manser had told us that the lighthouse was to be burnt at 11am on the morning, 23 June, 1976,” Mr Dilks said.

“It was a unique situation, but we understood that was what the government had ordered. It was a sad situation.”

With camera in hand, he and his colleagues returned to the pile light for the finaltimethefollowingmorningtoprepare it for burning.

They were joined by another crew from Ports and Harbours who’d travelled up by boat from Queenscliffe.

Mr Dilks suspects it was they who finally set it alight.

“Theyhadasmalldrumofkerosenewith them and were sprinkling it around when meandmyworkmatesrealiseditwasclose to 11am and we’d better be getting off.”

From there, it took about 20 minutes to destroy 70 years of maritime history.

A navigational light was installed in place of the lighthouse and there hasn’t beenanothercollisioninthe50yearssince.

Mr Dilks lamented that if only today’s shipping technology was available back then,thePointGellibrandPileLightwould still remain.

“Unfortunately that incident happened because in that era they didn’t have the navigational aids they have now,” he said.

“At the time everyone wished it hadn’t happened but it did and thank goodness nobody was injured.”

Above: Seaworks executive officer

Glenn Jones and former shipwright Laurie Dilks below the pile light from the Point Gellibrand Lighthouse which was burnt down 50 years ago. (Damjan Janevski) 557888_01 Right: Workers prepare the damaged pile light to be burnt. (Laurie Dilks)

Laurie Dilks took this photo of the burning pile light from a boat 25 metres away. (Laurie Dilks)

The Gellibrand Pile Light fire on the morning of 23 June, 1976. (Laurie Dilks)

MY PLACE

Roy Sim and Craig van Wegen have been together for over 17 years, and moved to Woodend to retire in 2023. Georgia Tacey caught up with them to hear more about why they love the Macedon Ranges and volunteering locally at Woodend Neighbourhood House.

What’s your connection to Woodend and the Macedon Ranges?

Although we lived and worked in Melbourne, we owned a second home in Hepburn for a number of years, so we know the area. We’d sometimes come the Woodend way to Hepburn. We also had friends from Melbourne who had bought a block of land in Woodend and were planningtobuild.Notlongafter,webought aninvestmentpropertyherein2022.When we decided to retire up here, we renovated our investment property and moved in during November 2023.

What do you like about where you live? It’s cliché to say, but it really is the community vibe here. Within a couple of weeks of moving here, we met a lovely similarly aged girl walking her dogs with a friend at Buffalo walking track while walking our three dogs. We caught up for drinks and a meal with some of her friends and it just expanded from there so naturally. In Melbourne, we barely knew our neighbours, but here in Woodend, we know most of the neighbours in our street and we have dinner parties and even recently travelled to Kyneton for dinner. The community has really helped us settle in quickly and Woodend feels like home because we’re always bumping into someone we know in town. Woodend feels like a modern country town with no traffic jams (other than Coles intersection) and Snap Fitness opening soon after we moved was a bonus. It’s only 45 minutes from Melbourne and the airport and a fantastic base to explore other towns.

Is there anything you’d change or like to see in Woodend or the Macedon Ranges? We think we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the addition of a roundabout at

the Coles intersection in Woodend would be ideal. Other than that, we think one or two additional dining options similar to Kyneton’s Piper Street restaurant scene. But hospitality is hard going, so we’re ok to travel to nearby towns too.

Where’s your favourite local place to spend time?

As we’ve got older, we feel it’s important to stayfitandstrong,soSnapFitnessisalmost

FROM THE ARCHIVES

35 years ago 18 June, 1991

There was standing room only on Sunday when 350 people met at the Bulla Community Hall to demand funds for a Bulla bypass.

a daily visit. But socially, we meet with a groupoffriendsat600AboveinHighStreet WoodendeveryWednesdayfortheirhappy hour. It has a warm and inviting buzz and the team there have been welcoming from day one. And of course, Buffalo oval with our aging dogs for their daily wander.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you? This one took us a while to think about. For

Craig, it’s that he has an extensive brooch collection. For Roy, it’s that he runs about 10-12km every week. That we are both quite introverts we think would surprise most people too. Big groups and small talk really freaks us out.

Howlonghaveyoubothbeenvolunteering with the Woodend Neighbourhood House?

We started volunteering not long after we moved to Woodend. We went onto the Neighbourhood House website and saw that they ran a community lunch. We thought that would be a fun thing to get involved with. So we applied and, voila, we became the Community Lunch’s newest kitchenhands.Wearegenerallynotseenat theluncheswhichareheldattheWoodend RSL, because we’re in the kitchen helping the cook prep and plate the food and then dishes, dishes, dishes. It’s our goal to leave the RSL kitchen spotless before we leave at the end of the day. Other than the CommunityLunch,we’vealsogotinvolved in cooking BBQs for a couple of events and helping to pack the Christmas hampers leading up to Christmas.

Why do you both love volunteering locally?

Volunteering here in Woodend gives us a lot of pride and we love the volunteers at Community Lunch! And every new event or activity that we get involved with, we meet new and wonderful people. It’s also thepeoplebehindusvolunteersthatmakes the difference. Mel, Helen and the team at the Neighbourhood House have made us feel so welcome to the volunteering group. And every new volunteer will bring with them life and other experiences and Mel and Helen are always eager to listen to what can be brought to each offering.

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

20 years ago 20 June, 2006

Despite a spate of burglaries over the recent long weekend, Sunbury police have assured residents the town is safe.

15 years ago 14 June, 2011

Just40yearsagoSunburywasasatellite city in the making. Since then its population has more than quadrupled, growing from just 5000 in 1971 to 35,000 last year. That’s equal to 14 new residents every week for 40 years.

10 years ago 14 June, 2016

FederalLiberalcandidateChrisJermyn is being urged to match Labor’s $2 millioncommitmenttoagloballifelong learning centre at Sunbury.

Craig Van Wegen and Roy Sim volunteer with Woodend Neighbourhood House. (Damjan Janevski) 557922_01

Everyone welcome at hub

There’s plenty on at the Dulap Wilim Hub inSunbury.

The hub, situated between Sunbury Heights Primary School and Sunbury Downs Secondary College, is facilitated by the primary school and in partnership with Sunbury Downs, Hume council and CommunityHubsAustralia.

Sunbury Heights principal Laban Toose saidthehubofferssomethingforeveryone, frombirthtoearth.

“The hub is just an important part of the partnership in the community we do,” he said. “It’s quite possible that a family had everything from the paediatrician visit here from the mobile bus through to attending a playgroup … through to kinder and attending primary school and ultimatelyattendtheprimaryschool.”

Hub coordinator Sharon Ramunno said since Covid, demand for the hub has grownrapidly.Afullcalendarofplaygroup sessions, kindergarten classes, and

activities like yoga, adult art classes and cookinggroupsarenowonoffer.

“Initially we only had one playgroup, whereas now playgroup runs five days a week,” she said. “We do breakfast club three days a week, and we have volunteers thatcomealonganddothataswell.”

She said everyone is welcome at the hub, with community connection and support atitscore.

“There’s been more need in the community. I think post covid is when the community really wanted to connect and be together, and people are approaching asking us for certain programs to be run,” she said. “If a family needs to be linked into a service, they come and see me … having the connections helps to support thefamiliesattheschoolaswell.”

Dulap Wilim Hub operates throughout theschoolterm,offeringarangeoffreeand low cost programs. Details: facebook.com/ sunburyheightsdulapwilimhub

Briefs

Correction

On 16 June, we printed an article titled Ranges teachers recognised. In this article, we incorrectly referred to teacher Stephen Taylor as working for Darraweit Guim Primary School.

Operation Regal

Speeding offences ruled the roads during the King’s Birthday long weekend. Victoria Police increased visibility and targeted high-risk driving behaviour across the state’s roads in an effort to reduce road trauma, as part of Operation Regal between Friday 5 June and Monday 8 June. In the Macedon Ranges, police detected 57 speeding offences, while across in Hume police detected 24 speeding offences.

Also in the Macedon Ranges, police detected 12 unregistered vehicles, eight disqualified drivers and three unlicensed drivers. Across in Hume, police detected eight drivers disobeying signs or signals, three drink drivers, and three unregistered vehicles. FOR

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Sunbury Heights Primary School principal Laban Toose, Dulap Wilim Hub coorindator Sharon Ramunno and playgroup facilitator Shanti Priyak (Damjan Janevski) 558629_04

Retire in style at Bellbrook Gardens Country Club

Discover a peaceful, social, and secure lifestyle amidst resort-style amenities at BellbrookGardensCountryClub–ahighly sought-after community for individuals andcouplesaged55+.

With limited homes available, it’s the perfect time to secure your dream home andexploreotherstunningvillascurrently availableandthosecomingsoon.

Our very popular home designs provides comfort and style. The many features of our beautiful appointed villas, include generous sized bedrooms, luxurious ensuites and guest bathrooms and a spacious open plan and versatile living areas. Ourhomesalsoofferwell-appointed, functional kitchens with ample storage, stone bench tops and quality appliances. Theprivate,reargardensandalfrescoareas also allow for easy outdoor entertaining andalowmaintenancelifestyle.

Bellbrook Gardens Country Club is part of the Country Club Living group and is located at 168 Underbank Boulevard and isconvenientlylocatedlessthan5minutes to the center of Bacchus Marsh and 15 minutesfromMelton.

Residents and visitors alike are drawn to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Bellbrook Gardens community. Here, you can truly embrace retirement and enjoy life your way, with the comfort of independent living and the reassurance of a secure environment for both you and yourfamily.

The Country Club features an impressive community centre, including a hairdressing salon, library, billiards room, craft room, and bar. Residents also enjoy access to an indoor heated pool, gym, and bothindoorandoutdoorbowlsrinks.With on-sitemanagement,a24-houremergency call system, caravan storage, and a village

COMMENT

Turn an old sock into a puppet

Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspireandsparkcreativity.

Stephanie starred in the fi of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting.

JoinStephanieassheexplorestheendless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materialsintosomethingextraordinary. Thismonth,Stephanieiscreatingacrazy sockpuppet.

bus for shopping trips and social outings, homes starting from $540,000 and no stamp duty to pay, there’s never been a better time to embrace the lifestyle you

the sock inside out and glue the mouth piece into the toe end of the sock. Turn the sock

Decorate your sock puppet with a mouth piece, tongue, polystyrene ball eyes, a pom-pom

Stephanie Martinez.

Have your say on housing

By Georgia Tacey

Macedon Ranges council has released its updated draft Affordable Housing Policy for community feedback.

Informed by earlier consultation, the updated draft policy sets council’s position on affordable housing and guides how it approaches advocacy, planning, partnerships and decision making related to affordable housing.

Earlier feedback to council found that 47.2 per cent of responding residents said that house prices were too high, while 61.1 per cent said there was not enough rentals across the shire with 55.6 per cent saying rents were too high to afford.

More than 30 per cent of respondents said the wait times were too long for social housing, and 52.8 per cent said there were not enough smaller homes.

Respondents said council should focus on promoting well designed housing, using planning tools to require affordable housing, and partner with government and providers for more affordable housing.

A further 27.8 per cent of respondents also said council should use council-owned land to support housing, and 38.9 per cent said council should support different housing types.

Council is seeking feedback on whether the draft policy reflects local housing issues and community feedback; clearly

explains council’s role; identifies the right priorities and principles; and if it has any important gaps or concerns that should be considered before finalisation.

As part of the policy process, council is also developing a long-term affordable housing strategy to address growing housing affordability challenges across the shire.

The policy and strategy will help council advocate for funding and policy reform with other levels of government.

It will also help council to be able to facilitate and partner with housing providers and developers, including potentially making council land available for social housing.

Cr Cassy Borthwick

encouraged the

Warm up with a winter read from the library

Winter is the perfect time to cosy up with a good book.

Macedon Ranges Libraries are joining in on the Warm Winter Read, encouraging the community to pick up a new book during the winter season to help the community develop long-lasting reading habits.

The statewide initiative for public libraries is now in its sixth year, helping to encourage more readers every year.

Gisborne Library manager Trish Gauci encouraged the Macedon Ranges community to take part.

“At Gisborne Library, we created a display

to focus on one aspect of the Warm Winter Read - a favourite place to read,” she said.

“For many of us living and working in the Macedon Ranges, reading a good book by the fire under a pile of snuggly blankets is the perfect reading spot.”

Each year, a range of authors join the campaign as its ambassadors, with readers also able to register their participation, logging their reading journey as they go.

Optional challenges and prompts are offered along the way as well, with prizes to be won.

Ms Gauci said it’s open to anyone aged 16

years and older, and gave her own recommendations for your winter read.

“I’m recommending all of Graham Norton’s books, in particular his last book, Frankie,” she said.

“Graham creates characters that are inspiring, relatable and quirky. I love listening to Graham’s stories on audiobook as he narrates them in his lovely Irish accent and paints a vivid picture.”

The Warm Winter Read runs until 31 August.

Details: ncgrl.vic.gov.au/warmwinterread

community to give feedback when council endorsed it for community consultation at the 27 May council meeting.

“I’m excited this is moving through to public consultation and I would absolutely encourage everyone to get involved where you can because affordable housing isn’t just a housing issue, it’s about community strength and if we want to strengthen opportunities within the Ranges, then this is a policy we need to get behind and get involved,” she said.

The Affordable Housing Policy and Strategy is open for feedback now until Thursday 2 July.

Details: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/affordable-housing

Sunbury street makeover

Hume council is making improvements to the streetscape in Macedon Street, Sunbury.

As part of the process, council is currently seeking feedback from the community about a draft design to improve the land that council owns outside the shops on the corner of Macedon Street and Jackson Street.

Macedon Street shops are an important local space, council said, which connects nearby homes and community spaces including the Sunbury Global Learning Centre. The street also has a range of local cafes and food shops.

The $200,000 project part of Hume’s Places Program will make the streetscape a more attractive and welcoming environment for the community and visitors alike.

Works will include footpath and kerb renewals, street furniture, bins and seating upgrades including outdoor covered dining, urban greening and landscape, compliance upgrades and signage and wayfinding.

Earlier in 2026, council spoke with local traders, business owners, and landowners to learn how the area is used and what could be improved. Their feedback helped shape the draft design, which focuses on making the area safer, easier to get around, and more welcoming.

Feedback is open until 21 June. Construction on the project is scheduled to start in early 2027 and be completed by mid-2027.

Details:participate.hume.vic.gov.au/ macedon-street-streetscape-upgrade

Trish Gauci will help you find your winter read at the Gisborne Library. (Damjan Janevski) 557178_04

Your region’s Family Law, Wills and Estate specialists

The team at Vic Rajah Family & Estate Lawyers take immense pride in providing qualityfamilylawandestateplanningand litigationsolutionstoitsclients.

Established in 1980, the firm is one of the oldest specialist practices to operate in familylaw.

The firm’s values – professionalism, quality, service and respect – underpin a legalpracticebuiltonacultureofcareand honesty. Each client is treated with dignity and compassion and given clear direction about the cost and presentation of their case.

The Vic Rajah team are experts in all aspects of family law, including parenting arrangements, property settlements, prenuptial agreements, family violence, andchildsupport.

Malcolm Burrell, one of Melbourne’s leading Wills and Estate lawyers, recently joined the practice, and he and Associate TahliaCorbinareabletoassistclientswith preparing Wills, Powers of Attorney, and dealing with Grants of Probate and Estate disputes.

The family law team, which is led by Firm Principal Vic Rajah, is known for its empathetic and commercial approach to cases.

He is assisted by Senior Associate Kate Connolly and Family Lawyers Sarah PollockandCooperDenton.

Vic Rajah is a well-known and highly respectedaccreditedFamilyLawspecialist who started his family law practice in 2003 andtakesimmenseprideinhisteam.

“Kate, Sarah, Cooper, Malcolm and Tahlia bring a wealth of experience to our firm and live and breathe our ethos,” Vic said. “Clients are our number one priority, and I can assure them they are in

safe hands with any of our lawyers. We are genuinely excited about our new Sunbury office and look forward to servicing clients in the surrounding suburbs and through theMacedonRanges.”

Anyone requiring family law assistance can contact practice manager Libby Vandenberg on 9781 4222 to discuss their needs and to link up with one of the team.

Out and about

Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the Macedon Ranges, Hume and Whittlesea.

Vic Rajah and his team. Inset: Malcolm Burrell and Tahlia Corbin are the Wills and Estates team.

Artist Alexandra Leti and Craigieburn Art Group president Vicki Catchpole. (Damjan Janevski) 556603_04

Whittlesea Food Collective manager Gloria Marrocchino, staff member Nina Pham and student Inderjeet Kaur. (Damjan Janevski) 556593_05

Carer Solutions’ Katey Voysey at the Craigieburn library community services expo. (Damjan Janevski) 553613_07

SES’ Peter Maslac and Alan Penaluna. (Damjan Janevski) 553613_04

Dean Lewis, former member of the Australian Defence Force, with his restored a 1942 World War II Ford Jeep. (Damjan Janevski) 557049_03

Sunbury Uniting Church Biggest Morning Tea organiser Carole Simpson, Reverend Fa’amata’u Leota and church council chair Dianne Moon. (Damjan Janevski) 550461_05

Students ‘Learn. Care. Flourish.’ at Sacred Heart College

Thecollege’sbyline‘Learn.Care.Flourish.’ celebrates the essential principles of a Sacred Heart education.

These three simple words describe the rich,deepandpersonalisedopportunities offered as a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition.

Currently, Sacred Heart College educates just over 920 students from Years 7 – 12. Our size allows us to offer a full breadth of curriculum offerings and pathways while ensuring that every student is known personally and

supportedunconditionally.AsPrincipal,I am determined that our students become the best human person they can be –academically, spiritually, socially and psychologically. The greatest asset any school has is the qualityofitsteachingstaff–theircapacity toworktogetherwithparentsandstudents is the most important consideration in determining the learning outcomes of young people.At Sacred Heart College, we are blessed to have a fantastic team of teachers, committed to delivering

personalised learning for each student in their class.

This year’s Year 7 students have settled intoschoollife,enjoyingacomprehensive transition program that will support their fundamental move from primary school into secondary education. They have been provided with many opportunities to make new friends and nourish existing relationships while enjoying the new and exciting learning experiences that Sacred Heart College offers.

We welcome all those looking at options

for their children’s secondary journey to learn more about the diverse educational offeringsofSacredHeartCollegeKyneton, by attending a tour - bookings and further information is available via the College website (www.shckyneton.catholic.edu. au).Wehopetoseeyouthere.Applications forstudentsenteringYear7,2028(students currently in Grade 5) close Friday 24 July 2026.

Dr Darren Egberts, principal

Learn. Care. Enrolments Closing Soon

Enrolments for Year 7, 2028 close on 24 July, 2026 (students currently in Grade 5).

Contact the College Registrar for enrolment enquiries.

The enrolment application form, tour dates and booking information can be accessed via the ‘Enrol with Us’ page of the College website.

Left: Supporting every learner’s journey with tailored guidance and care. Right: Students enjoy a variety of experiences at Year 7 camp as part of their transition program.

Gold Duke of Edinburgh success for Braemarians

At Braemar College, education is about more than academic achievement. While strong learning remains central to the college experience, students are encouraged to discover their strengths, pursue their interests and develop the confidence, character and independence neededtothriveinlifebeyondschool.

This commitment to breadth and balance is reflected in the many opportunities available to students, including leadership, service, outdoor education, sport, the arts, cultural experiencesandTheDukeofEdinburgh’s InternationalAward.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is one of the world’s leading youth development programs. Available to Braemar students from Year 9 onwards, the award challenges young people to growthroughservice,physicalrecreation, skill development and adventurous journeys.Indoingso,participantsdevelop resilience, initiative, teamwork and self-reliance while making meaningful contributionstotheircommunities.

Braemar College recently celebrated the achievements of four students who completed the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Siena, Julia, Renee and Jessica were recognised at the 2026 Gold Award Presentation Ceremony held at Government House in Melbourne.

Supported throughout their journey by family, mentors and college staff, particularly program coordinator AnthonyYoung,thestudentssuccessfully completed all requirements of the Gold Award. Their achievement represents years of commitment, perseverance and personalgrowth.

Following the ceremony, the students had the opportunity to tour Government HouseandmeetHerExcellencyProfessor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, GovernorofVictoria,makingtheoccasion amemorablecelebrationoftheirefforts.

The college is immensely proud of Renee, Siena, Julia, and Jessica, as well as the many Braemarians currently pursuingBronze,SilverandGoldAwards. Their achievements demonstrate the valueofaneducationthatextendsbeyond theclassroomandencouragesstudentsto growinmind,bodyandspirit.

Programs such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award are an important part of Braemar’s whole-student philosophy, helping young people become capable, confident and compassionate contributors to the world aroundthem.

Renee, Siena, Julia, and Jessica. (Supplied)

Kismet Kidlets school readiness program returns

Starting school is an exciting milestone for both children and parents, and Kismet Park Primary School is proud to announce the return of its highly successful Kismet Kidlets School Readiness Program for enrolled Prep families preparing for the 2027schoolyear.

Following the strong success of last year’s inaugural program, Kismet Kidlets will once again provide families with a supportive and engaging introduction to school life through a comprehensive 13-weektransitionexperience.

The program includes a 10-week school readiness component commencing in August, designed to help future Prep students build confidence, develop foundational learning skills, and become familiar with the school environment. The program will culminate in a special Prep Graduation celebration for participating studentsandfamilies.

Following graduation, Kismet Kidlets participants will continue with a further three weeks of formal transition sessions prior to officially commencing school in 2027.

“OurKismetKidletsProgramisdesigned to help children feel confident, connected, and excited about beginning their school journey,” said Sam Carlton, Acting Principal of Kismet Park Primary School. “We are proud to provide families with a welcoming and supportive transition into primaryschool.”

Maddie Vu, speech therapist at Kismet Park Primary School, said “Creating a safe, happy, and supportive environment is an important part of helping children transition successfully into school life. When children feel safe, connected, and happyatschool,theyaremoreconfidentto participate, build friendships, and engage intheirlearning”.

“Programs like Kismet Kidlets help create those positive early experiences and support children to begin school with confidence.”MsVusaid.

Kismet Park Primary School welcomes all prospective families and is committed to supporting parents through every stage oftheenrolmentandtransitionprocess.

The school also conducts weekly school tourseveryTuesdayduringtheschoolterm at 10:00am, providing families with an additional opportunity to visit the school and learn more about its programs and learningenvironment.

For further information regarding Prep enrolments, school tours, or the Kismet Kidlets Program, families are encouraged tocontacttheschooldirectly.

For more information, please contact the school or visit the school’s website at: https://www.kismetparkps.vic.edu.au/ page/216/Enrolment

The Kismet Kidlets program starts in August. (Supplied)

Learning through action at Global Village Learning

At Global Village Learning, learning is something you do, not something you sit through.

Our learners don’t wait to apply knowledge later. They build, design, create,test,andrefinenow.

Whether it’s developing a prototype, workingwithmaterials,orshapinganidea into something real, learning happens throughaction.

This is driven by a simple belief: young people are capable of far more than we often allow . When they are trusted with meaningfulwork,theystepup.

At GVL, Personal Interest Projects and EDventurous Projects sit at the centre of theexperience.

Learners pursue what genuinely intereststhemwhiledevelopingtheskills needed to bring those ideas to life. It’s

practical,purposeful,andengaging. Thereisstructure,butit’spersonalised.

Learners move through Learning Hubs based on readiness, building confidence andmasteryovertime.

What ties it all together is our vision: empowering learners to build communities that positively impact the world.

This is supported by a focus on agency,

mastery, and community connection. When learners have ownership, feel capable,andarepartofsomethingbigger thanthemselves,motivationtakescareof itself.

The result is a learning environment withenergy.Focused.Creative.Real. Not preparation for life, but a place where young people are already shaping it.

Left: Cooper, Estee and Holly learning the art of pottery. Right: Charlie and Ethan working on their robot at the Southern Cross FRC Championship. (Pictures: Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT

Insync Entertainment

Insync Entertainment is an all-female community choir, providing the opportunity to meet others who enjoy singing. The group is seeking new members to join the friendly choir. No auditions required. They rehearse at the Sunbury Baptist Church Hall every Monday from 7.15–9.30pm. insyncentertainment@gmail.com

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors meets on Mondays and Fridays from 10am-2.30pm [except public holidays]. The club meets at the Sunbury Seniors Hub, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury, and the group takes part in a variety of activities including carpet bowls, cards, pool, jigsaw puzzles, board games, darts and table tennis, with monthly guest speakers and outings and subsidised lunches as well as a cuppa and a chat. sunburyseniors.com.au, or 0434 400 754

Pernaperna Women’s Group

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

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

Craft and conversation

Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays from 1-3pm for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.

bit.ly/39BIu2O

Chill Out Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for youth aged 12-18 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, Sunbury.

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 play social games from 7.30-9.30 pm, on Tuesdays and 10am-noon on Wednesdays. Monday night is a round robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All are welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road, Sunbury. sunburybc@gmail.com

Friends of Woodlands Historic Park Help preserve Woodlands Historic Park and learn about its history by joining the Friends of Woodlands Historic Park. The group consists of volunteers, working one day each month in the park, on projects including plant propagation and

revegetation, weed removal, litter control and other activities. Some members may also work in the park on projects at other times. Becoming a member of the group is easy and free, and is open to like-minded people who want to take positive action to maintain our environment. You must be 18 or older and enjoy outdoor activities. The friends group meets on the first Saturday of each month at the Parks Victoria depot off Somerton Road, Greenvale. Bevan, 0468 469 514, or bevan@keepemail.com

Toastmasters

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges

Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.30–9.30pm, at the Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

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. mrarc.org.au

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

Kyneton Badminton Club

Kyneton Badminton Club is a welcoming, fun and social group that plays on Mondays, at 7pm at the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre, Victoria Street. All skill levels are welcome. kynetonbc@gmail.com

Sunbury Men’s Probus Club

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 10.15am. It’s a friendly mens group open to visitors and new members, with a number of events held each month.

Lindsay Brown, 0405 177 478

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.45am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms.

Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10.30am. Jo, 0410 834 272

Sunbury Macedon Ranges

Masonic Lodge

The group meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, 73 Main Street, Romsey. New members welcome. Paul, 0479 127 476, or Rob, 0428 260 647

Rotary club

The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Ball Court Hotel, 60 Macedon Street, Sunbury, from 7pm. sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Breast Cancer Support Group

On the first and third Tuesday of the month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group. Lesley, 0484 691 226

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Seaworks chief executive Glenn Jones. (Damjan Janevski) 558131_01

Metal bands make a noise

Five local heavy metal bands will take a stand against war when they play a charity gig in Footscray on the afternoon of Saturday 20 June.

Metal Against War is a multi-artist show at Mama Chen’s hosted by the Workers’ Weekly Guardian.

Allprofitsfromtheshowwillgotowards the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA), an organisation that places clinicians from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific in Palestinian hospitals.

Headlining Metal Against War will be Melbourne thrash outfit Electric Funeral

l who are no strangers to voicing their opposition to war and calling for peace.

Electric Funeral recently released a version of Men Behind The Wire in protest of Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia in February.

“We’re very troubled by intensification of violence and repression over the past few years, particularly towards the people ofPalestine,Iran,Lebanon,Sudan,Congo, andVenezuela,”abandspokespersonsaid explaining why they were playing the gig .

“We think that as westerners living within the imperial core, it’s our responsibility to not only make our

ideological opposition to this clear, but also to materially contribute to the wellbeingofthesepeopletothebestofour ability.”

Joining Electric Funeral on the bill will be young Melbourne outfit Dehumanizer, death metal and grindcore act Hand of Fear, industrial death metal band Knife andso-called“crustydeathmetalsatirists ”Küntsqüad (pronounced Kountskard).

The first band starts at 1pm.

Tickets are available online now and will also be sold on the door.

Details: https://mammachens.com. au/26-06-20-metal-against-war/

Ballan plays host to a country hoedown

Ballan is set to go full country on Saturday 20 June, with the Ballan Bakehouse and Bar hosting an all-day Country Hoedown packed full with live music, dancing, and plentyofwestern-styleflair.

The festivities kick off from 12.30pm as Bryan Sadler takes the stage with live music to get the crowd warmed up. Then, from 4pm, Dean Smith will keep the tunes rolling into the afternoon, creating the perfect soundtrack for a laid-back country gathering.

From 7pm, the hoedown shifts into high

gear as bootscooting takes over the venue, with guests encouraged to dust off their cowboy hats, pull up their boots, and slip into their flannels to hit the dance floor for an evening of country-style line-dancing andwesternfun.

The event promises a relaxed atmosphere wherelocalsandvisitorscanrounduptheir friends,grabacolddrinkandenjoyaclassic SaturdaydayandnightoutinBallan.

Organisers say the hoedown is all about goodmusic,greatcompany,andembracing abitofthatcountryspirit.

Whether you’re a seasoned line dancer or just looking for a fun night out, the Ballan Country Hoedown is shaping up as one of the town’s standout entertainment events thiswinter.

So get on down to Ballan Bakehouse and Bar,locatedat110InglisStreet,Ballan,from 12.30pm for a jam packed day of country andwesternshenanigans.

Details: https://welcometomoorabool. com/events-bacchusmarsh-ballan-gordonblackwood-greendale/country-hoedownat-ballan-bakery-and-bar.

Somaia explores the Ranges

AnewartististakingoverTheGallery thisJunetoshowcasehernewhome.

Itta Somaia recently moved to the Macedon Ranges, with her exhibition showcasing the dramatic beauty of hernewhome.

Anavidhiker,Somaiaregularlysets out with her painting kit, stopping to recordfleetingmomentsofcolourand lightthatdefinethelocallandscape.

Somaia said she is deeply influenced by the impressionist movement through her family of artists, prompting her to develop a bold intuitive style beginning with acrylic under-painting before completingeachpieceinwater-based oils.

She favours palette knives to build a rich textured surface and incorporates oils for the vivid colours andblazingsunsetsshe’sseenaround theMacedonRanges.

Her exhibition features a mixture of large and small works, with all pieces celebrating Somaia’s mission to bring abundant colour and light intohomes.

She invites the community to visit her exhibition and experience the Macedon Ranges as seen through the eyes of an artist who walks its trials andpaintsitsjoy.

Somaia’s exhibition is on display nowuntilSunday5July.

The Gallery is open 10am to 4pm Friday to Tuesday at 684 Mount MacedonRoad,MountMacedon.

There’s plenty to do in Brimbank in June to ward off the winter blues

From pickleball to the magic of butterflies, Brimbankhassomethingtoencourageyou out of the house this winter.

As part of Men’s Health Matters on Wednesday 17 June, visit the Tin Shed in St Albans for a men’s health information session, circuit workout, a coffee and a relaxed chat.

On the same day, learn how to play pickleball at West Sunshine Community Centre.

On Thursday 18 June, Westvale

Community Centre will host Brimbank’s Men’s Health Day event from 11am-2pm.

Attendees can hear from former AFL footballer Russell Robertson, enjoy a fresh haircut from the barber, relax with a massage, grab a coffee from the barista, and dig into a sausage sizzle.

There’llalsobegiveaways,healthservice information, and more to explore.

On Tuesday 30 June, an interactive educational and hands-on school holiday butterfly incursion will take centre-stage

at Westvale Community Centre in Kings Park.

Butterfly Kidz will demonstrate the fascinating life cycle of these amazing creatures.

Children will also have an opportunity to observe butterflies up close inside a special butterfly tent.

Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said Brimbank’s jam-packed June events calendar has something for everyone.

“With cost-of-living pressures at the

front of all of our minds, I’m really looking forward to the food dehydration workshop at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre on Saturday 20 June,” she said.

“Sustainability educator Anna the Urban Nana will guide you through all the techniques.You’llalsoenjoysomesamples and make your own blend of dehydrated foods to take home, so it should be a lot of fun.”

Details: www.events.brimbank.vic.gov. au

Hanging around the Rock by Itta Somaia is on display now at The Gallery. (Supplied)

Melbourne thrash outfit Electric Funeral will headline Metal Against War at Mama Chen’s in Footscray on 20 June. (Supplied)

The Neon Cowboy himself Edward Kays will lead the Country Hoedown at Ballan Bakehouse and Bar on Saturday 20 June. (Damjan Janevski). 505720_02

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which two ice hockey teams competed in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final series?

2. Which American golfer recently won the 2026 US Women’s Open?

3. For which club was Carlton coach Josh Fraser the first pick in the 1999 AFL draft?

4. Australian athlete Kurtis Marschall competes in which track and field event?

11. Which German tennis player won the 2026 French Open men's singles title?

12. What sport is also known as ‘the sweet science’?

Which two Big Bash League cricket franchises are reportedly set to

13. In which film does Tom Cruise star as a sports agent?

Which two B cricket f s merge?

6. t won 2 wo singles title?

Which Russian tennis player won the 2026 French Open women's

14. Who was the only previous Grand Slam champion to play in the quarterfinals at the 2026 French Open?

Defensive end Myles Garrett was recently traded to which California-based

Defensive end M Garrett was rece to California-bas NFL team?

San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper is the son of which five-time NBA champion?

gua Harper is NBA ch Osc operat tractor televisi Whic left P clu on to win back Le finals? Oscar Piastri

Oscar Piastri recently appeared operating a tractor on which television series?

15. Which three AFL clubs reportedly have over 100,000 club members each in 2026?

16. What was the only world record broken at the 2026 Enhanced Games?

17. As well as performanceenhancing drugs, what else contributed to breaking the record?

18. Mat Hoffman is considered one of the greatest athletes to ever compete in which sport?

20. In 2026, who became the lowest ranked tennis player in history to reach the French Open final?

21. Which arena does the Canberra Brave play ice hockey out of in the AIHL?

22. What is the nickname of Jacksonville’s NFL team?

23. How many points is the black ball worth in snooker?

26. Wilhelm Steinitz is the first universally recognised champion of which sport?

27. True or false: tug of war was once an Olympic sport?

28. Which four Premier League teams have ‘United’ in their names?

29. Which company provides the official game balls for the WNBA, NBA and NCAA?

Which soccer superstar left PSG before the club went on to win back-to-back Champions League

19. Which soccer player gained five million followers after an influencer labelled him the least known player at the FIFA World Cup?

24. Which two NBA teams did Australian Andrew Gaze play for?

25. In which year did the Matildas reach the semifinals at the FIFA Women’s World Cup?

30. Who won the first AFLW Best and Fairest award?

The Matildas

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

1 Meagre (6)

4 Egyptian god of the afterlife (6)

10 Principal singer, – donna (5)

11 Pink, wriggly creature that lives in soil (9)

12 Unduly prominent (9)

13 Lord (5)

14 Made (6) 15 Comely (4)

19 Casserole (4)

20 Lengthy recitation (6)

24 Propelled (5)

25 Hosiery (9) 27 Elusively (9)

28 Take place (5)

29 Creations (6)

30 Losses (6)

1 Assumed (8)

2 Aircraft pilots (8) 3 Ordinance (7)

5 See 6-down 6, 5-down Oxford student (6,7) 7 Seethe (6) 8 Prefix meaning half (4) 9 Store (7)

16 US dictionary maker (7)

17 Wooden panelling on the lower part of a wall (8)

18 Ugly buildings (8)

19 From Stockholm, say (7)

21 Irritating (7)

22 Word modifier (6)

23 Empty talk (coll) (3,3)

26 Black quartz (4)

Today’s Aim:

12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 24 words: Excellent

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”. O E R V H R C A E

3 LETTERS ACE ADS ALL AMP AND BEE ELM ERA EVE GAL HAS IMP IRE MIX NIP

5 LETTERS ABOUT AGILE ALONE AMAZE ANGLE APING ARENA ARIAS AROMA BACON BASTE BEGUN DEEDS DEFER DOZEN DRESS EDGES EERIE EXERT FROND GIRTH GRAPE HATES HYENA

INANE LEAPS LINEN MENUS OARED OLIVE OUGHT PENCE REEFS REUSE ROADS SALAD SARIS SINEW SIZER SLEDS SPENT SUEDE TANGS TEENS TENSE TRADE

1 What comes between iridium and gold on the periodic table?

2 What is white embroidery on white material with eyelet and cutwork designs known as?

3 Bathurst Island lies off the coast of which Australian state or territory?

4 By what nickname is 1960s model, singer and actor Lesley Lawson more commonly known?

5 What is the term for the study of insects?

6 Complete this 1987 film title:

TSARS USUAL WAVES ZONED

6 LETTERS ARBOUR GOATEE HURTLE LEASES

7 LETTERS

a

or

is a polygon with 12 angles and 12 sides?

No. 326

Best value plug-in electric

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Inwhatisamajormilestone,monthlysales

figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries have shown that, in February,ChinabecameAustralia’slargest sourceofnewvehiclesovertakingJapanfor the first time since 1998.

The data also showed four Chinese brands now sit in the top ten positions led by BYD, now the sixth biggest seller, ahead of GWM (7th), Chery (9th) and MG (10th).

Almost half of BYD sales are of its four-model Sealion SUV range, with either fully electric or plug-in hybrid drivetrains.

The most recent arrival, and our review here, is the BYD Sealion 5. At 4.7 metres it’s around the same size as Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson but unlike them, it’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Marginally larger than the Sealion 5 is the Sealion 6, also a five-seat PHEV, but withtheoptionofasecondmotor,therefore AWD. The Sealion 7 is slightly larger again, still with five seats but EV only with single or dual motors. Top of the range is the Sealion 8, a seven-seat premium PHEV people mover.

RATINGS

Looks: 7/10

is barely noticeable and can be operated manually through a small switch on the centre console.

We were able to take the Sealion 5 over a couple of our favourite rural drives including plenty of hills, hollows and bends. As with most mid-sized SUV’s it doesn’t have any sporting pretensions but handling is safe with little body roll.

Suspension is relatively firm but not at the expense of comfort.

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 9/10

While there are the latest safety and convenience features that are now commonplace in the latest vehicles, many use physical controls rather than through the screens. Those that do are easy to locate and rather than the usual beeps and bongs most of the alerts are by voice and we found that the only feature we bothered turning off was the lane correction.

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 9/10

The Sealion 5 PHEV comes in two variants.Theheadlineactistheentry-level Essential which, with a price of $33,990 plus on-roads, is currently the cheapest plug-in hybrid vehicle on the Australian market.

The other variant, Premium, which comes with a larger battery and extra features is priced at $37,990 plus onroad costs.

Styling

Design of the Sealion 5 is relatively conservativeincomparisontootherrecent BYD offerings. It’s a relatively old-style boxy wagon with a mildly sloping roofline. The front features what BYD calls a ‘Dragon Face’ design dominated by a wide boldgrilleflankedbyrecessedthree-beam LED headlights and daytime running lights.

Above the grille is a full-width satin metallic bar with an integrated BYD logo. Both variants get 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

The rear features a full-width LED taillight strip and an integrated roof spoiler.

Sealion 5 Premium adds a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, one-touch powered tailgate, heated and powered folding side mirrorsandauto-dimminginteriormirror.

There are four colour options: Aurora White, Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey and Harbour Grey.

Interior

Synthetic leather seats with orange stitchingarestandard.Thechunkysteering wheel also gets the same finish. The driver andfrontpassengerbothgetpoweredseats with the driver’s also adding heating and ventilation.

Both models get a 8.8-inch digital instrumentpanel.Essentialhasa10.1-inch infotainment screen compared to the 12.8-inch screen in the Premium. The resolution is sharp and clear on both screensbutareletdownseriouslybyavery small typeface.

The centre console has a cylindrical gear selector. It’s in piano black with the gear selection difficult to read in bright sunlight. The start/stop button start sits below it with a number of physical buttons on either side.

There’s a large storage box as well as some extra space below the console. Premium adds a wireless phone charger.

The 2.7-metre wheelbase together with the underfloor battery location provides excellent rear seat space.

There are large, easily adjustable air vents both at the front and rear.

Boot space is 463 litres with the rear seatbacks in place, 1410 litres with them folded. There’s some partitioned storage space beneath the boot floor but no spare wheel, just the rarely reliable puncture repair kit.

Powertrains

Both Sealion 5 variants combine a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a choice of two BYD Blade Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries.

The Essential’s battery has a 12.9 kWh capacity and a claimed 71km EV driving range. The Premium’s 18.3 kWh battery extends that range to 100km. However, these numbers come from the outdated NEDC testing method. Using the more real world WLTP system range drops to about 62km and 86km.

Power and torque from the engine are a modest 72 kW and 122 Nm.

During low-to-medium speed driving andwhenasurgeofaccelerationisneeded, both the engine and battery supply power to the drive motor in parallel.

Transmission is through BYD’s DM-I Super Hybrid system where the engine charges the battery and, most of the time, the motor powers the vehicle.

Sealion5hasatowingcapacityof750kg, both braked and unbraked.

Safety

Sealion5hasyettoundergoANCAPtesting but has a similar range of safety features as the Sealion 6 and 7 models which have gained five-star ratings so should achieve the same.

Active safety features include front and rear collision warning, electronic brake force distribution, lane-keep assist and lane-change warning, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and an intelligent high beam system.

Infotainment

Premier gets a nine-speaker HD sound systemcomparedtothesix-speakersystem in the Premium.

Other features are shared including satellitenavigation,wirelessAppleCarPlay andAndroidAuto,voicecontrols,frontand rear USB-A and USB-C ports, DAB radio and 4G cloud services.

The BYD app provides a range of connected services including pre-setting climate control, unlocking and locking the doors, opening the sunroof, monitoring of charge levels and system functions, checking tyre pressures and Over The Air (OTA) updates.

Driving

Fellow Boomers often find getting into and out of vehicles challenging so we were delighted to be able to slide into the front seat of the Sealion 5 with minimal effort.

External visibility is excellent all round withalargewindscreenandsidewindows.

Likewise, the rear windscreen is large with low-slung headrests. Kids will appreciate the low sills on the rear windows.

Sealion5isarelativelyheavyfamilySUV so,whileithastheusualsharpacceleration that we expect from a battery powered vehicle it’s more sedate than pure EVs.

Once underway the Super Hybrid drivetrain provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The transition from electric to hybrid and back

BYDclaimsacombineddriving rangeof1001kmwiththeEssential and 1030km from the Premium. Like the claimed electric only ranges quoted earlier these are based on the older NEDC test method. On the more realistic WLTP method these drop to around 800km. Both variants only come with an AC charging port, with the Essential grade able to achieve maximum battery charge inaroundfourhours,thePremiumwithits larger capacity battery near six hours.

A Vehicle to Load (V2L) function is standard, enabling the onboard battery to be used as a power source for external appliances, lighting or camping.

Plug-in hybrids make a lot of sense, combining the economy of an EV but without the stress of being stranded away from a charging point.

Regular readers can skip the next bit because each time we review a PHEV we need to explain how the manufacturers come up with extremely low fuel consumption numbers. In the case of the Sealion 5 Premium that we tested its around 1.3 litres per 100km.

Such a number can only be achieved by starting with a fully-charged battery and driving until, when battery power drops below 25 percent, the vehicle switches to hybrid mode for the remainder of the 100 km trip To continue to achieve that 1.3 L/100km it will now be necessary to stop and fully recharge the battery. Without DC charging this isn’t an option so recharging on long-distance trips will typically be at overnight stays.

To its credit BYD does quote the fuel consumption after the battery drops out as 4.5 L/100km. Perfectly respectable usage for a typical hybrid SUV of similar size.

Summary

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are still relatively rare in Australia. Indeed, during our week-long test of the Sealion 5, we often found ourselves having to explain the technology to fellow road users.

While its combination of EV economy without the risk of being stranded makes perfect sense, the price surcharge of previous PHEVs above conventional petrol and hybrids kept budget-conscious buyers away.

That barrier disappears with the price of Sealion 5 sitting around and even below those of well-established mid-sized non-PHEV SUVs.

The lack of DC, or even fast AC, charging is disappointing but owners will no doubt build their routines around these limitations.

BYD looks to be on a real winner here.

BYD looks to be on a real winner with its Sealion 5. (Pictures: Supplied)

Sunny Sunday of action

Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action on Sunday, with plenty of action on the court and on the field.

Melton’s Blair Murphy. 559189_02

Melton’s Rajwant Siolhu. 559189_14

Sunbury Jets’ Abby Hildebrand. 559186_02

Sunbury Jets’ Chloe Hildebrand. 559186_13

Altona Gators’ Jenna Mae Ellsworth. 559190_23

Footscray’s Emily Prentice. 559195_01

Newport’s Taylah Comeadow. 559195_08

Wyndham women’s team. 559190_01

Newport watches on. 559195_04

Warriors go down again

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors were left to rue a poor second quarter in their loss to the Casey Demons in the Victorian Netball League.

Like most of the season, the Warriors were in the thick of the action in Wednesday night’s game but weren’t able to get the job done.

A 16-9 second quarter in the favour of the Demons proved to be the difference in the 65-57 loss.

“We were in the game,” Warriors’ coach Kim Bailey said.

“Our last quarter was exceptional and one of our best last quarter’s that we’ve had for a long time.

“It wasn’t a bad game. It was frenetic,

fast paced and both teams had heaps of speed.”

Bailey said the Demons pressed them in the second quarter and shut them down.

While they thought the Demons couldn’t continue it for the whole game, the margin was too much for the Warriors.

“We had to bide our time,” Bailey said. “I think we got it back to five but we just couldn’t maintain it.

“You just can’t give teams 9-16 quarters and expect to win games.”

The Warriors again had to juggle player restrictions.

Ruby Shannon missed the game, while Kiara Boyd and Mia Lavis were again limited.

Veteran goaler Kim Borger was also on

restrictions after a surprise call up to the Melbourne Vixens team.

She played in the Vixens round 13 loss to the Melbourne Mavericks.

“We’ll take that every day of the week,” Bailey said of Borger getting an opportunity.

“That’s fabulous for her and we’re very proud of her. Hopefully she gets another go this weekend.”

Bailey said it was frustrating to lose another close match and they just needed to learn how to win.

She said it’s just a real roller coaster.

Kali Dolphin was named the Warriors best and continues to form a really strong partnership with Ellie Bird.

Bird shot 50 goals for the Warriors.

Cannon Nic Staropoli is a late bloomer

By Tara Murray

Being on the radar for the AFL mid-season draft has only further motivated Calder Cannons’ Nic Staropoli.

After not being on the Cannons list at the start of last season, Staropoli played six games late in the season.

Coming back to the Cannons as a 19-year-old this year, Staropoli has had a breakout season.

As well as being on the mid-season draft radar, he has been picked for Vic Metro and made his Victorian Football League debut with Essendon.

“Last year having a smaller year, only playing the back end of the season and playing six games, I wanted to get back and play as an overager,” he said.

“It is hard adjusting really quickly to different teammates, different coaches and a different game.

“But I was also keen to come back and show what I could do.”

Staropoli said every time that he had played with the Cannons he had absolutely loved the opportunity.

He is averaging 15 disposals a game along with six marks as a tall defender.

His early season form saw his name thrown up as a mid-season draft prospect.

It included speaking to a number of AFL clubs.

“It’s a good feeling to know that there are people out there that believe in your ability, that was just a bonus to be honest,” he said. “It came so quickly.

“It’s a surreal feeling, you walk into an interview with scouts and list managers.

“Now you think about it, you get so close to potentially being on a list, you go back and think, I need to work harder and it motivates you a lot to play your best footy, get into good routines and work hard and hopefully get on an AFL list at the end of the year.”

While Staropoli wasn’t selected in the mid-season draft, he has now earned a spot in the Vic Metro squad for the under-18 national championships.

He is one of four Cannons in the final squad.

Staropoli said it was a bit of a shock to be selected in the squad.

“It’s actually very interesting to hear that I was selected to be honest,” he said.

“I didn’t know how it worked, I didn’t think I was allowed as I’m over ager.”

Staropoli said the group were keen to have some success on the national stage.

“Everyone wants to win the whole thing,” he said.

“I want to go out and play my best footy and do all the basics right and hopefully showcase some of my strengths.”

The Strathmore product said the past

12 months have shown him that his dream of playing AFL could come true.

“From when you are six playing Auskick, you always love playing footy,” he said. “It’s a bit of a dream.

“Last year not on the Cannons list at the start of the season, it didn’t seem likely. Only late in the year that maybe it is possible picked up.”

Meanwhile, the Cannons had a tough day out against the

Eliza Gollant was strong in defence after concerns about an elbow injury on Saturday in the Ballarat Netball League, saw her head to hospital.

The Warriors sit second bottom with three wins.

They face the Gippsland Stars in round 14.

Bailey said while finals hopes are likely over they want to help shape the top six and get some wins on the run home.

“It’s got to turn sooner or later,” she said. “We’re going to get one of those close wins.

“There spirits were really good and we tried our best.

“It just needs to click.”

The 23 and under side had a bit of a struggle against the Demons, losing 63-56.

Woodman doubles final achievement

At just 17, Sunbury’s Jin Woodman made his first grand slam final. Woodman, who was competing in the quad events, singles and doubles, at the French Open, made the final of the quad doubles alongside Sam Schroder in early June.

Thepairwonthroughtothefinalwith a 6-2, 3-6 (10-6) semi final final against Andy Lapthorne and Gregory Slade. Woodman and Schroder, who were the number two seeds, weren’t able to replicate that same performance in the final against the number one pair of Guy Sasson and Niels Vink.

The number one seeds won the final, 6-4, 6-3.

Sasson earlier beat Woodman in the opening round of the quad singles, 6-2, 6-2.

It was Woodman’s first time competing at Roland Garros, having competed at Australian Open and the US Open senior draws the past couple of years.

Woodman’s home club is the Hume Tennis and Community Centre.

Centre manager Tim Connelly said the entire Australian wheelchair tennis community would have been rallying behind Woodman.

“To make a grand slam final at just 17 years of age and in your first visit to Roland Garros is an outstanding achievement,” Connelly said.

“Jin continues to show what is possible through hard work, resilience and a genuine love of the sport.

“Everyone at Hume Tennis is incredibly proud of what Jin has achieved.”

Maribyrnong Sports Academy tennis social media page said the school was proud of Woodman’s achievements.

A huge congratulations to Jin Woodman on finishing Runner-Up at the French Open doubles alongside his partner Sam Schröder.

“What many people see today is the result,” it said. “What we have seen over the years is the journey.

“The early mornings. The hard training sessions. The setbacks. The resilience. The relentless commitment to improving every single day.

Northern Knights on Saturday. It was one goal apiece in the first quarter at Highgate Recreation Reserve, before the Knights got out to a three goal lead at the main break. The Cannons had their best quarter of the game in the third quarter as they kicked five goals to tail by 13 points heading into the final quarter. The Knights kicked the only three goals of the final quarter to win, 11.17 (83)-7.6 (48).

“At just 17 years of age, Jin is proving that age is no barrier to excellence. He is writing his own story, chasing his dreams, and showing what is possible when talent is matched with determination, courage, and an unwavering belief in what can be achieved.

“His success is no accident. It is the product of years of hard work, sacrifice, and a willingness to keep moving forward when others might stop.”

Nic Staropoli. (AFL Media)

Bees strength their squad

Sunbury United has added two key pieces to its squad for the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season, while a fan favourite has put retirement on the backburner.

After missing finals last season, the Bees have looked to add some more depth as they look to return to the competition’s top four.

Barbados born, English batter Nico Reifer joins the club for the 2026-27 season.

“Nico is a right-handed top-order batsman hailing from Surrey, England and is technically gifted with a natural flair for run-scoring,” the Bees said on social media.

“Nico was recently apart of one of England’s most successful County clubs Sur-

rey where he made his first-class debut in 2022 in a standout performance against a Sri Lanka development XI, scoring 68. In white-ball cricket.

“Nico featured in 18 List A matches, averaging in the mid-twenties and notching up two half-centuries whilst remaining a standout performer in Surrey’s second XI, frequently topping the run charts across all formats over multiple seasons and playing against and with some of England’s best cricketers.”

Reifer is no stranger to Australia having played cricket in Western Australia and New South Wales.

One of the competition’s top bowlers, Jay King, returns to the Bees where he played in a junior premiership many years ago.

“A four-time McIntyre premiership player, Kingy’s been an integral part of Gisborne’s continued success over the past five years which has seen him lead from the front with ball in hand and contribute with the bat,” the club said.

“A proven performer on the big stage, Kingy can bowl all day with both accuracy and variation, which in addition to seeing him win numerous McIntyre flags as an opening bowler, he’s also won a Gary Sanders Medal for best on ground in one of those grand finals and two-time bowling average awards at Gisborne.”

On top of the two new signings, reigning Sullivan medalist Upul Fernando will pull on the pads again this season.

Fernando had been looking at retiring

after last season.

“Upul is not only a consistently dominant McIntyre top order batsman but is coming off of a United career best year which saw him win the GDCA Kevin Sullivan Medal for best player in the McIntyre competition off of 649 runs at an average of 59 and being named captain of the GDCA team of the year,” the Bees said.

“This is an extremely exciting announcement as the club was extremely keen to bring Upul back for season 2026-27 and to have him locked in will bring back a wealth of on and off field experience and finalise what we believe is a very strong McIntyre side, bringing more depth across all grades.”

Coach Fabian Fernando has also resigned.

GDCA

Macedon has signed Ben Harvey for the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season. Hailing from Northamptonshire, England, Harvey is a right-handed batting all-rounder who has been competing in the highly regarded Northants Premier League since the age of 16. Having represented Northamptonshire through the junior pathway, Harvey brings an impressive cricket resume to Tony Clarke Reserve. Across his premier league career, Harvey has amassed close to 5000 runs at an average of 37, while also claiming 108 wickets at an average of 20. “A genuine all-rounder, Ben prides himself on his versatility, competitiveness, and outstanding fielding, and we’re looking forward to seeing him showcase those skills in Cats colours this summer,” the Cats said on social media.

RDFL

Bright future ahead for young Bombers

By Tara Murray

Things have started to click for Riddell’s young side in the Riddell District Netball League.

The Bombers have been building into the season and have continued to show improvement each week.

On Saturday, the Bombers were able to account for Melton Centrals, 69-57.

Bombers’ coach Chris O’Sullivan said it was exciting to see what the side was starting to put out on the court.

“They have done absolutely amazing,” he said.

“Since the Woodend game, which we could have won, it’s given the side a huge wake up call.

“The girls can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the competition. It’s made a huge difference in the last couple of weeks.”

O’Sullivan said Saturday’s game with Melton Centrals was a really physical one and a couple of their youngsters stood up to the pressure.

He highlighted goal shooter Hayley

Brown and midcourter Hayley Poyser as two who came into their own.

“Hayley was able to cop it on the chin and stood her ground,” he said.

O’Sullivan said the defensive end of Milly Shaw and Sienna Phelan-Smith, while unorthodox, was doing a really good job.

He said Lara Keating was doing a good job when she steps up into the A-grade side as well.

A bonus for the Bombers is the return of Ellen Close from injury.

“Her leadership was really good,” O’Sullivan said.

“Her out there with the younger girls makes a difference. Moving forward with her it gives us four really good shooters and it’s a really good position to be in.”

The Bombers sit fourth on the ladder with five wins and three losses.

The three teams above them on the ladder all have 7-1 records.

O’Sullivan said many people didn’t predict them to be sitting so high on the ladder with the turnover they had in the off season.

“If we keep playing the way that we are, I

can’t see us missing finals,” he said.

“I’m confident in the skill set that we have and everyone has brought into what we want as a team.

“We have no star standouts and everyone is playing their role.”

O’Sullivan said they had really made an effort to have the same game plan across all their grades and were seeing the results on court.

Among the other sides, their under-19s are undefeated with most of those girls also playing in other grades as well.

“We have one club, one team approach,” he said. “If the A-grade learns it, the D-grade learns it.

“That’s the vibe that we want on and off the court and it’s paying off really well.”

In other results on Saturday, Kyneton beat the Gisborne Giants, Lancefield got the job done against Diggers Rest, Woodend-Hesket had a big win against Melton South and Wallan beat Romsey.

Kyneton’s win on the weekend moved the side into the top six, with the same record as the Bombers.

The two top sides continued on their winning ways in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition on Saturday. In tough conditions, Lancefield beat Mount Alexander Falcons, 3.4 (22)-0.0 (0), extending the lead in every quarter. Molly Libardi and Emily O’Brien were named the Tigers best. At Macedon, the Cats were able to beat Riddell, 10.5 (65)-1.6 (12). Charlotte Noonan kicked six goals in a best on ground performance for the Cats. The Cats sit atop the ladder with seven wins, while the Tigers are second with a 5-2 record.

FV

Sunbury United fell short against Balmoral in the FV state league 3 north-west competition on Saturday. Sunbury was at home and found itself trailing early on. Sunbury levelled the scores in the 59th minute through Jakob Krajacic before Balmoral hit back late to take the lead again and eventually the win 2-1. Sunbury sits fifth on the ladder, now six points behind Balmoral which sits top.

Ballarat NL

The Sunbury Lions returned to the winners list in the Ballarat Netball League on Saturday. Playing at home in tough conditions against East Point, the Lions were too strong, winning 55-39. Charlize Bellette shot 31 goals for the Lions.

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Ellen Close has returned from injury. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 502756_17

Jets return to winners list

The Sunbury Jets returned to the winners list for the first time since round three in the Big V women’s championship, as they accounted for local rivals Hume City Broncos.

The Jets split their two matches on the weekend, with clashes with the Broncos and the Sherbrooke Suns.

Saturday’s night clash with the Broncos had more than a win on the line as the two clubs played off for the Milner-Sellwood Hume City Shield.

The two clubs are awarded points from each of the matches they play against each other in the championship divisions across the season, with the club with the most points claiming the shield.

It was even first quarter in the women’s match before a 22-11 second quarter from the Jest gave them a 10 point lead at the

main break.

The Broncos were able to close the gap slightly in the third quarter with the margin six points at the final break.

The Jets held their composure in the final quarter to come away with a 61-51 win.

Chloe Hildebrand top scored with 11 points while Lovisa Hevinder had 10 points.

The result made gave the Jets their first win in the battle with the Broncos, with the Broncos having won the earlier men’s and women’s matches.

The Jets men weren’t able to repeat the result, with the Broncos claiming the Milner-Sellwood Hume City Shield, with three wins to one.

It was one versus three on the ladder, with both sides aiming to lock in their spots.

The Broncos set the win up with a 32-11

second quarter to lead by 29 points at the main break.

While the Jets were able to outscore the Broncos in the second half, 64-43, the damage had already been done.

The Broncos won, 94-87.

Ish Sanders top scored with 28 points for

Lions put on strong performance in the wet

By Tara Murray

The Sunbury Lions got another win in the wet weather in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday, moving back into the top six.

Needing a win to stay in touch with the top six, the Lions were able to hold off East Point at Clarke Oval.

The Kangaroos led at each of the three breaks but there wasn’t much in it at the last break, with the margin just two points.

The Lions kicked the only two goals of the last quarter to seal an 11.5 (71)-9.8 (62) win.

Lions’ coach Matt White said the group fought really hard to get the four points.

He said it was a strong four quarter performance.

“At the end of the first quarter we lost Paddy Scanlon and had a bit of a makeshift team,” White said.

“It was a good contest and a tough footy all day. We got a bit of a lead early before they worked back into it and took control.

“Jack Newitt kicked one just after the siren at half time to bring it back to two points.

“We had to battle our way through it and had the extra leg before the rain came in the last quarter.”

Having been one player down, White said it was really pleasing to see the side run out the match the way they did.

The conditions weren’t great in the final quarter.

Nathan Doyle and Jack Newitt kicked three goals each for the Lions.

White said the performance of Newitt, whose goals came from the midfield, was the best he had seen him put out.

Blake Walker played his best senior match in the win, while Josh Guthrie and Harry Power both had good games.

White said Scanlon had a hamstring injury and after having one last year they wrapped him in cotton wool with the hope he’ll be back in a couple of weeks.

The win moves the Lions into sixth spot.

The tasks don’t come much bigger this Saturday as they face reigning premiers Darley, which sit in fourth spot.

The Devils are the only side the Lions haven’t beaten in the past two seasons.

White said they were excited for the challenge against a side that returned to the winners list on Saturday.

He said they were hoping to get a few players back into the side.

Among those who might return are Jack Egan and Jake Sutton, with both their Victorian Football League sides having byes.

Myles Gollant is another set to return, while Ben Cameron is not far away from returning from injury as well.

Daniel Johnston had a VFL call up on the weekend, after a strong season so far

Jack Newitt. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 418821_09

the Jets, while Rhyss Lewis scored 19 points.

The Jets men sit third on the ladder with six wins and five losses.

The Jets will face Melbourne University and RMIT University this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Jets women lost to the Sherbrooke Suns on Sunday.

The Suns were dominant throughout the match and were able to extend the lead in every quarter, having had an eight point lead at the first break.

The final score was 86-60.

Olivia Ogston top scored with 13 points for the Jets, while Abby Hildebrand had 11 points.

The Jets sit eighth on the ladder after 10 rounds.

The Jets will play Warrandyte and McKinnon Cougars this weekend.

Gap opens up

A gap between the Riddell District Football League top six and the rest of the competition has started to open, with the favourites all getting the job done on Saturday.

After every team has had one bye, there’s a gap of two games between the top six and the chasing pack.

On Saturday, Riddell got a hard fought win against a Melton Centrals side that has shown improvement in recent weeks.

After leading by eight points at half time, the Bombers kept Centrals goalless in the second half on the way to a 10.13 (73)-4.9 (33) win.

Zak Saad kicked four goals for the Bombers, while Matthew Panuccio was named their best.

Deacon Fawcett was named Centrals’ best.

The Bombers sit in third spot with a 6-2 record, while Centrals sit in seventh with three wins.

Melton South was able to further cement its spot in the top six with a victory against Woodend-Hesket.

The Panthers led at every break on the way to a 12.10 (82)-9.9 (63) win.

Trent Angwin kicked four goals for the Panthers, while Blake Souter was named their best.

Joshua Winchester was named the Hawks best.

Ladder leaders Wallan further dented Romsey’s finals hopes with a big win.

Despite some injury concerns, the Magpies beat the Redbacks, 13.13 (91)-9.14 (68).

Jack Jedwab kicked five goals for the Redbacks and was named their best.

The Magpies will unveil another star in the coming weeks.

The Magpies announced during the week that former Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney player Heath Shaw had joined the club for the rest of the season.

Elsewhere Diggers Rest and Kyneton had big win against Lancefield and the Gisborne Giants respectively.

The Burras were too strong for the Tigers, winning 23.15 (153)-4.8 (32).

Callum Moore kicked six goals for the Burras, while Leroy Ristevski was named the Tigers best.

Ethan Foreman kicked nine goals as Kyneton beat the Giants, 20.14 (134)-10.7 (67).

the back half of the year.”

Charlie Mckinnon. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 559186_03