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2W SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2026

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Fashion for funds Malmsbury Fire Brigade is hosting a special fundraiser to help support the brigade. The brigade is hosting a Fashion Fundraiser on Sunday 25 October from 2pm to 4pm at the Malmsbury Town Hall. On the day, expect a fun-filled afternoon that will help raise much needed funds for the brigade, helping enable the local CFA to purchase additional specialised firefighting equipment. Expect all the best of op shop fashion from the Kyneton Food Bank Op Shop modelled by locals, a free glass of bubbles, afternoon tea, prizes donated by local businesses and much more. The op shop will also be selling clothing on the day, with all proceeds from clothing sales going towards the Kyneton Food Bank. Tickets are $30 and are available now, with tickets including a beverage on arrival plus afternoon tea, with vegetarian options also available. The brigade welcomes the community to come on down and support the CFA. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/5n7b6ux2

Malmsbury Fire Brigade members Ashley Krive and Honni Morris. (Damjan Janevski) 582777 02

Stadium promise By Georgia Tacey Sunbury could soon be home to an “ambitious” new sports stadium. Sunbury MP Josh Bull committed $15 million for a new stadium and performing arts centre at Sunbury College if the state government is re-elected in November. “This project is ambitious and transformational,” Mr Bull said. “It’s good for the school, good for community sport, and good for the arts. It’s about giving our growing community the facilities we deserve.” The promise follows a partnership between Sunbury College and the Sunbury Basketball Association to jointly

develop a master plan for redeveloping the college’s existing gymnasium into a sports and arts precinct, as reported by Star Weekly. At the 24 August Hume council meeting, councillor Jarrod Bell successfully moved a motion confirming council’s in-principle willingness to partner with Sunbury College, Sunbury Basketball Association, Sunbury Netball Association and major political parties to develop a sports and arts precinct. As part of Cr Bell’s motion, council didn’t commit to funding, instead referring potential spending to a future budget process. His motion also stated any potential

council capital contribution would apply only to the indoor sports court component of the precinct, and would remain subject to further investigation, a future council budget process and a further resolution of council. Mr Bull said the commitment for the new arts space and four courts was a win for the community, and he would work with Hume council to ensure the new stadium meets the region’s needs. “We’re working really closely with Jarrod (Bell) as a local councillor and Hume City Council so they can bring forward a commitment of their own as a partnership project,” Mr Bull said. “The community should have access to

this as well as the school. “This is the key point here: the land is obviously owned by the school … but we want access for the whole community. This is a community facility. “It’s four new courts, it should be used on the weekends, it should be used after school. Craig O’Bree (principal) and the school council are really supportive of that.” Mr Bull said this was his top education priority. Council and the opposition have been contacted for comment.  More funds needed: Page 5.

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Trash to treasure push By Georgia Tacey A push to get Hume’s resource recovery centres back to tip top shape has been backed by councillors. Cr Kate Hamley’s notice of motion, heard during the 28 September council meeting, requested a review of both the Sunbury and Campbellfield resource recovery centres. As part of the review, officers will report back on the performance and future improvement opportunities for the centres, exploring increasing resource recovery and diversion from landfill, exploring soft plastic recycling initiatives, and enhancing

resource recovery, reuse and resale opportunities. It will also explore ways to improve customer service outcomes and customer experience, and other opportunities to support council’s broader sustainability and circular economy objectives. Cr Hamley said following both centres recently coming under council management, now was the right time to look into ways they can be improved. Our resource recovery centres at Sunbury and Campbellfield came back into council management in 2023 and 2025 respectively after being externally managed,” she said.

“Now that we have some time and experience with the operations of these sites, it’s time to look at how we can improve them.” Cr Hamley also said she would like to see the tip shops improved. “I love a good tip shop. I’m a keen DIYer and always have a project or three on the go, but materials are expensive so I used to regularly rummage through the old tip shops at Sunbury and in Campbellfield for treasures to repurpose,” she said. “But since council has done our clean out, the tip shops haven’t quite come back to their former chaotic glory. “So this notice of motion requests officers to look into a number of ways we can

make our resource recovery centres even better.” Cr Jarrod Bell backed the calls for improvements. “I don’t know if our tip shops are meeting community expectations at the moment,” he said. “I get quite a number of phone calls saying the items on offer don’t seem to be what they used to be anymore. The space isn’t being used as well as it used to be. “So there’s definitely an opportunity for improvement particularly in that tip shop space.” A report will come back to council for consideration.

Western Metropolitan candidate announced

Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury members and president Barry Kelly (first from the left). (Damjan Janevski). 582672 01

Men’s shed opens for Senior’s Festival The Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury will host an open day as part of Seniors Festival celebrations. The shed caters for men of all ages, whether you want to just have a cuppa or a chat, woodwork, metal work, gardening or welding. On the day, see everything that happens at the Sunbury men’s shed, including its community projects, take a guided tour of the shed, or enjoy a free lunch. Visitors can also meet all of the volun-

teers from the shed, explore handmade arts and crafts, and learn how to get involved and join the shed. The event will run as part of Hume’s Seniors Festival celebrations, with other men’s sheds across Hume also opening up during October. The Sunbury-based shed has been operating for over 15 years, and currently holds over 100 members. The shed currently meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8am to noon.

The shed said every Friday they have lunch and once a month a guest speaker, with the group also hosting outings for the shedders. New members are also welcome to join the men’s shed. The Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury Open Day will be held on Saturday 17 October, from 10am to 2pm, at 158-160 Evans Street, Sunbury. Details: https://sunburymensshed. com/

Upgrades promised for Tony Clarke Reserve at Macedon Upgrades could soon be coming to the facilities at Macedon’s Tony Clarke Reserve. Macedon Labor candidate Annette Death has announced a $670,000 investment to support upgrades at the Macedon Reserve if the government is re-elected. Ms Death said in a social media post that the funding will go towards ensuring the reserve has the modern day sporting facilities needed for both women and girls. “Tony Clarke Reserve needs to meet the facilities to meet the needs of our growing community,” Ms Death said in a

statement. “This commitment means better facilities – and that means more time spent playing the sports locals love.” Upgrades to the reserve have been long called for by its user groups, including the Macedon Cats Football Netball Club. Currently, Tony Clarke Reserve only has one changeroom each for home and away teams. Women and men are forced to share facilities that include one big open room with doorless showers. As a result men’s and women’s teams aren’t able to play at the same time, with

2 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2026

female players being forced to privately change in their cars or public toilets. A masterplan for the reserve is also in the early stages with Macedon Ranges council, who allocated $40,000 to the masterplan during its 2026/27 budget process. The Liberal Party was asked if it would match this commitment and did not respond to the question. “Right now, Macedon needs a team to actually deliver on their promises – not just make promises before an election and fail to deliver on them,” a Liberal spokesperson said.

Xavier Menta has announced he will contest the seat of Western Metropolitan for Legalise Cannabis at the upcoming state election. Mr Menta, who said he has lived in the west his whole life, he has spent his recent years involved in community campaigns across Melbourne’s west. He will also inherit the campaigns championed by outgoing Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank, including his push for greater scrutiny of the rapid expansion of data centres across the west, opposition to waste-to-energy incinerators near residential communities, and calls for communities to have a greater say in major developments affecting their neighbourhoods. “David has put issues affecting the west on the floor of Parliament that weren’t getting the attention they deserved. He led the Sunbury waste-to-energy campaign and was the first politician to ask questions about data centres in Parliament,” Mr Menta said. “I want to build on that work. These campaigns don’t end because David’s leaving Parliament and the communities living with these decisions still need someone willing to stand up and fight for them.” Mr Ettershank said ensuring those campaigns continued after the election was important to him. “We’ve spent the past four years working on more than just Cannabis reform, we’ve been listening to communities across the west and taking their concerns into Parliament. We were often their only voice in the room,” Mr Ettershank said. “Xavier knows these communities and campaigns. I’m delighted to be handing the baton to someone who will keep asking the difficult questions and making sure the west isn’t ignored.” Mr Menta said people in Melbourne’s west were tired of having to fight for basic infrastructure and a say over what happened in their own neighbourhoods. “Better public transport, a say over what gets built next to their homes, clean air and decent infrastructure shouldn’t depend on your postcode,” he said. “Young Westies like me don’t want to just complain about decisions being made for us anymore. The government has neglected the west for years and I don’t think the Liberals or One Nation really care about what happens in our suburbs. I’m ready to be our voice in parliament and make sure the west is not forgotten,” he said.

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The Block sale a ‘bargain’ By Georgia Tacey The price tag of Jacksons Hill has been revealed. The state government sold off 2.6 hectares of land at Jacksons Hill for $1 million, according to the state government’s recent sales history website. Star Weekly reported that Channel Nine had acquired three buildings at the former Sunbury Asylum site in September for the 2027 season of The Block. According to plans currently being assessed by Heritage Victoria, the three buildings will be transformed into six high-end homes as part of the reality renovation show. As reported by Star Weekly, heritage documents revealed that converting three buildings to residential housing is the only way to make the project viable by generating returns to “cover upfront

investments in conservation and maintenance”. Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank has questioned the sale cost, describing it as “the bargain of the year”. “Well done to the production company behind The Block for securing what has to be one of Victoria’s property deals of the year,” he said. “At around $38 a square metre, I suspect there are plenty of people in Melbourne’s west wondering where they can sign up for the same deal.” Mr Ettershank took to parliament on 22 September, calling for Housing, Building and Precincts Minister Nick Staikos to disclose the valuation and sale price of the Jacksons Hill properties and why they were not sold through an open and competitive process. In response on 2 October, Mr Staikos said “an exemption from the public sale

process was granted based on advice that extensive engagement over many years had failed to identify a financially viable use for the land, and the proposed sale offered a unique opportunity to achieve investment in the restoration and reuse part of the precinct, attracting further investment to unlock the balance of the site for a variety of mixed uses”. He also said the transition was approved by the state government land monitor at market value. Mr Ettershank has called for transparency on the sale. “Victorians are entitled to see how that $1 million figure was reached,” he said. “This is public land with enormous historical significance to Sunbury. The community shouldn’t have to take the government’s word for it that this was the best deal available. “If Channel Nine really has pulled

off the bargain of the year, good luck to them. The question for the Victorian government is whether taxpayers got an equally good deal.” A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said the property was sold at market value and the sale price was determined by independent valuers and certified by Valuer General Victoria. Star Weekly understands the valuation takes account of recent sales results for comparable land, as well as any conditions and requirements unique to this site, such as the condition of the buildings. However, the sale price of this land is not directly comparable to median house prices in the vicinity, as this site includes three substantial heritage buildings listed on the Victorian Heritage Register that require considerable restoration works prior to any renovation or use.

Students take on international competition

Hesket Primary School principal Seona Aulich and teacher Zoe Ravenscroft with the students competing in Darwin. (Damjan Janevski). 582669 02

we might get some support to fund the trip, which it will be expensive to send seven students interstate,” Ms Ravenscroft said. “The parents have organised a local raf-

Funding shortfall for Anzac ceremonies Macedon Ranges Council has partially fund six of the shire’s Anzac Day Services following a funding shortfall. The six services – Mount Macedon, Romsey-Lancefield, Woodend, Gisborne, Malmsbury and Kyneton – all applied for funding through the Anzac Commemorative Services Support Fund, requesting a total of $23,245.50. The fund only had $20,000 to allocate, prompting all services to receive an equal reduction of $539.25. The funding was noted at the 23 September council meeting, where councillors said they would have preferred to see the funding shortfall handled differently. “When we were discussing this, I did propose an alternative to change how the shortfall was distributed because I believe it would have been a more equitable approach with a proportional re-

fle, and also just simple things like 10 cent cans are being collected … all the little things make a difference.” The school said for those who will like to

help the fundraising efforts to contact the school. Details: hesket.ps@education.vic.gov. au

duction across all six services,” Cr Kate Kendall said. “Under the actual flat reduction model which is $539.25 removed, services such as Malmsbury and Gisborne, they lose almost 25 per cent of the funding whereas in services like Mount Macedon its 10 per cent. “So I think that’s something we need to consider in the future.” Cr Kendall also said she would like to see the shortfall for the fund addressed in the next council budget. Council will also provide in-kind support for the six services.

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Hesket Primary School students are set to compete in an international competition. The students entered the Tournament of Minds competition in August, teacher Zoe Ravenscroft said. Ms Ravenscroft said the students chose the language literature topic for their challenge. “They had six weeks to put together a response to that challenge, for a 10-minute performance,” she said. “They wrote scripts, they did research, they made props and costumes. And they went to Bendigo in August and they presented that for a panel of judges.” She said the students won the regional, before winning in Melbourne, and now are set to compete in the international competition in Darwin on 31 October. Ms Ravenscroft said the students were really excited for the opportunity. “We’ve done this tournament for about six years at Hesket … and we’ve never had a team go through to the international finals, so they’re pretty thrilled,” she said. The school is now fundraising to help get the students to Darwin. “We have reached out to lots of community groups, businesses and local MPs just sharing our exciting news and hoping that

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InSync Entertainment community choir will add plenty of colour to their concert. (Supplied)

InSynch with a singalong

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A local community choir that has been performing together for 12 years will deliver an interactive children’s singalong concert this month in Sunbury. InSync Entertainment’s concert is designed for children of all ages up to 12 years old, although adults won’t be able to stop themselves from singing along as well. The 60-minute performance will combine Disney favourites and well-known children’s songs that include familiar music, actions and audience participation to create an engaging and inclusive experience. The themes include friendship, family, animals and teddy bears, with children

encouraged to bring along their own favourite toy or bear to dance with – and every child will receive a small gift. The event will be delivered twice on Saturday 24 October, with an 11am morning session and a 2pm afternoon session from which to choose. It definitely will be a family friendly event, so children should also bring along their parents, carers, grandparents and siblings to reinforce community connection. The event will be held at The Sunbury Global Learning Centre in Macedon Street, with tickets at $10 each (adults and children) available from trybooking. com/1644832 or at the door on the day.

Ongoing protected industrial action by the Australian Services Union (ASU) is continuing to affect waste services across Hume. Council said to put your bin out on your usual collection day and if it is not collected, please leave it out – you do not need to report it. Council is continuing to arrange catch-up collections where possible and will keep the community updated as further information becomes available. Industrial action notices are being received frequently, and the situation continues to change. As a result, council does not have certainty about which services, routes or properties may be affected, or how long impacts may continue. Council remains committed to negotiating in good faith with the ASU through the multi-employer enterprise bargaining process.

Aussie Bird Count event Get ready for the Aussie Bird Count with an identification walk along Jacksons Creek, Gisborne with Macedon Ranges council’s biodiversity officer, Dr Jaclyn Harris. Learn how to use the Aussie Bird Count app, hear tips and tricks for spotting birds and discover the bird life along the creek and Gisborne Botanic Gardens. Meet at the Jackson’s Creek Bridge near the council office car park. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Fun in the sun at the show Sunbury residents flocked to Sunbury Recreation Reserve on Saturday for the annual Sunbury Show. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC stopped by to check out the fun.

Willow, 12, from Flash Dance Performing Arts Sunbury. 582710

Tommy, 6. 582710

Craig and Alice, 7, enjoy a camel ride. 582710

Jamielee and Ashton, 3, take a spin on the teacups. 582710

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2026

Lucas, 2, enjoys the games. 582710

Mackenzie, 2, and Cody, 2, with dad Tim. 582710

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More funds needed for stadium By Georgia Tacey Hume council has said more funds will be needed to complete a stadium project promised by Sunbury MP Josh Bull. The council welcomed the state government’s commitment for $15 million towards a sport and arts precinct at Sunbury College if re-elected on 28 November, however said it believes more funds will be required to complete the project to adequately support students and the wider Sunbury community. Council confirmed its in-principle willingness to partner with Sunbury College, the Sunbury Basketball Association, the Sunbury Netball Association and major political parties to further develop the propos-

al for the indoor sports stadium at the council meeting on 24 August. Mayor Carly Moore said council has called for all major parties to match Labor’s commitment for this project. “There is a clear need for additional indoor courts in Sunbury, and council is committed to working with key partners and major political parties to explore how this can be achieved,” she said. “I thank the Victorian Labor Party for this commitment and invite all major parties to support this important project. The Sunbury community deserves certainty that it will proceed regardless of the outcome of the state election, so local families, schools and sporting clubs can have confidence that this much-needed facility will be delivered.

“We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our partners to develop a sustainable project that meets the needs of students, basketballers, netballers and the wider Sunbury community for decades to come. “While council has not committed funding to the project at this stage, any future contribution would be subject to council’s budget process and consideration of appropriate governance, operational arrangements and community benefit.” The election commitment has also been welcomed by Sunbury College principal Craig O’Bree and Sunbury Basketball Association vice president Nathan Sellwood. “This facility of both a four court sports stadium and a theatre and related perform-

ing arts and VET classrooms provides the best opportunity for students to learn and grow and thrive within the Sunbury township,” Mr O’Bree said. Mr O’Bree said the vision for the facility would see it used by students during the day, and after school hours and weekends available for community use. Mr Sellwood said Boardman Stadium was at capacity, with a new stadium able to address the need in the Sunbury community. “Hopefully this first step forward is the start of some really good momentum to get the balance of funding needed to deliver it,” he said. The opposition was contacted for comment.

Have your say on Tony Clarke’s future

Woodend Lifestyle Carers’ Group. At the front is the group’s coordinator Rosemary Cameron. (Damjan Janevski). 581345 01

Celebrating the vital work of Woodend carers For National Carers Week, held on 11-17 October, Woodend Lifestyle Carers’ Group is spotlighting the important work carers do and how the community can best support them. The support group is for carers and also for those they care for. The group said while the medical community focuses on treatments and clinical trials, it is the carers who manage the daily, deeply emotional reality of illnesses like dementia. The group said caring for a family member within the home is a constant la-

bour of love, and people can make a huge difference in the life of a carer by making contact and being prepared to listen; ask how they are, and how they would like to be supported. Woodend Lifestyle Carers’ Group, through the generosity of a Woodend local resident, have just completed a Dementia Day Respite Care facility in Woodend North. At this new facility, ‘Macgregor’s Farm’, the carer can choose to have several hours in a day to attend to their own needs, while their loved one can visit

Macgregor’s Farm homestead for that time, with the offer of a specialised program of enrichment, respect and friendship in a purpose-built, safe, homestead environment. The group is currently recruiting specialised staff for its enrichment program, and plan to welcome the first participants in October. They also have a volunteer program, Friends of Macgregor’s Farm, and welcome volunteers to join to help the facility and farm thrive. Details: www.wlcg.org.au

Consultation has opened on the masterplan for Tony Clarke Reserve. Macedon Ranges council is developing a new masterplan for the Macedon reserve, and is looking for feedback from the community about how they use the reserve now, what works well and what could be improved. The current masterplan was developed in 2003, and council said many of its projects have now been completed or incorporated into other council plans. The new masterplan will guide the reserve’s use and development over the next 10 to 15 years, with the draft formed from feedback from the community. The development of the masterplan will consider sporting facilities for local training and competition, spaces for active and informal recreation, accessibility and safety, connections and movement through the reserve, and landscaping and the overall look and feel of the reserve. As part of the 2026-27 council budget, $40,000 was allocated to Tony Clarke Reserve to develop a masterplan, following advocacy from the user groups at the reserve for upgrades. Once a draft masterplan has been developed, council said it will be shared with the community for further feedback before it is finalised. Feedback is open now until 30 October. Details: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/tony-clarke

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A proud Clydesdale heritage There’s a piece of Scottish history living quietly in Melbourne’s west. For more than 70 years, Haylands Clydesdale Stud has carried on a tradition that began in Rockbank in 1953, when the late Hugh Barrie established the stud at his farm on Greigs Road. Today, the horses are being bred, raised, and shown by the second, third, and fourth generations of Barrie’s family, through Plumpton local Barbara Ford, her daughter, and her eight-year-old granddaughter now helping to carry the tradition. For Ms Ford, the connection has always gone above a hobby or business - it’s the horses who make her family, as she tells Jack O’Shea-Ayres.

“I

’ve always been attracted to them,” Barbara Ford explains, talking as she combs out the tail of her mare preparing to foal. “That’s a lot of what I can remember as a kid – always wanting to be out with them, mucking around with them. Her father grew hay and straw at the Rockbank property, with the farm earning its Haylands name from the product being hauled out. It was a working farm in an era when horses still dominated as an important part of everyday life. The family worked, growing straw and stacking thousands of bales in sheds, which were transported into Melbourne during winter for dairies that still relied on horses. Near what is now Melton South railway station, a chaff mill once operated, adding to the network of horse-powered industries which once shaped the region. For Ms Ford, horses simply formed that same everyday routine during her time growing up. When her father was showing Clydesdales, Ms Ford was taken along from a young age, and by 13 years old, she was showcasing horses herself, developing a particular knack for dealing with horses that were less than cooperative. “I got the job as the ‘horse whisperer,” she recalled. Standing at the horse’s head, she would calm it, while others would work around it. That practical knowledge, developed as a child, has always stayed with her. “There’s not many shows I’ve missed,” she said. These days, much of Ms Ford’s focus is on breed classes, where the horses are judged on their conformation and adherence to the characteristics of the breed. But the purpose of showing Clydesdales, largely considered the gentle giants of the horse world, stretches back to a time when the breed had a much more practical role. When horses were still being used for heavy work, shows gave breeders an opportunity to demonstrate their animals and improve the quality of their breed. Clydesdale horses were exported from Scotland to Australia during the 19th and early 20th centuries to serve as the backbone of the country’s growing agricultural and transport industries, used to breed with Australian stock and increase size and improve their suitability as working animals. Clydesdales became prized for their strength, intelligence, and temperament. They were highly valued by milk cart operators, employed for their ability to travel familiar routes with little instruction, while asparagus growers appreciated their ability to move through crops without causing the same disruption as heavy machinery. However, the rise of the motor vehicle gradually brought an end to the horse-powered working life. As roads became busier, accidents involving horse-drawn carts increased and horses were eventually replaced by trucks across many of their working roles. For Ms Ford, that history remains an important part of why the breed deserves to survive. “They’re a bit of living history,” she said.

Barbara Ford with Haylands Harvester. 581713 10

The latest edition to Ms Ford’s family: a colt foaling born 5am on Thursday 8 October from Lacy - the last of Haylands Souvenir’s foals. (Supplied)

Haylands Kristin. Barbara Ford with her winning Clydesdale horses, Haylands Harvester and Haylands Kristin.

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(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 581713 01

“They’re something that kids could see – a reminder of what history was like.” At the Melbourne Royal Show in September, Ms Ford’s yearling colt, Haylands Harvester – affectionately known as Harvey - won his class and was awarded the Pat Arnold Trophy for best yearling colt bred and owned by the exhibitor. Her three-year-old filly, Haylands Kristin, also placed second in her breed class before winning a sweepstakes class. Kristin was named in memory of a Clydesdale family Ms Ford knew in Tatong near Benalla, after a tragic accident claimed the lives of the breeders. For Ms Ford, naming horses is another way of keeping connections and stories alive. Ms Ford’s own stallion, Haylands Souvenir, carried bloodlines back to Flashdale, a stallion imported from Scotland in the 1920s that helped bring quality into Australia’s Clydesdale breeding. Souvenir died at 23 on 7 November last year, on Ms Ford’s birthday. Now, his final foal has just been born from a mare Ms Ford bought from Tasmania, Weetreeda Chantilly Lace, known simply as Lacy. Her foal’s arrival acts as another gentle reminder of the fragility of the continuation of such a spectacular breed of horse. Clydesdales are famously not an easy breed to maintain, requiring

6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2026

space, time, and considerable practical knowledge, particularly when it comes to breeding and foaling. Ms Ford still checks on her mares throughout the night, using an alarm system to alert her when her mare lies down, allowing her to respond quickly if something were to potentially go wrong – work that would be difficult to undertake without the necessary experience accumulated over decades of caring for horses. But Ms Ford believes the future of Clydesdales depends not only on experienced breeders, but on bringing younger generations into the fold. Ms Ford is a committee member of the Victorian branch of the Clydesdale Society, which hosts an annual show at Werribee Park, featuring breed, harness, and working draft horses. There are also dedicated horse events elsewhere in Australia, including up in Barellan in New South Wales, where thousands gather to celebrate the working horse heritage. The interest demonstrates that while the number of Clydesdale classes at country shows may have declined, the fascination with the breed has not disappeared, with people showing they remain interested in learning about the animals that once powered farms, dairies, businesses, and above all else, Australia. Ms Ford’s own family provides

perhaps some of the strongest evidence that tradition can continue, with her eight-year-old granddaughter Denia recently helping lead one of the largest horses at Melbourne’s Royal Show. Four generations are now involved, and for Ms Ford, that’s something worth celebrating. “It’d be nice if my father were still alive to see it,” she said. “But I suppose I’m pretty proud to see that what I’m doing is being passed on to another couple of generations.” She hopes they will continue breeding the horses, showing them and passing on the knowledge that comes with them. Because for her, the Clydesdale fever deserves to extend beyond the paddock. Each has its own personality. Each carries a bloodline, a story and a connection to generations of breeders who came before. “I just love them,” she said. “And I feel like they love me back.” That affection may be one of the most important things keeping the Clydesdale alive. In a part of Melbourne that has transformed from farms and horse-powered industries into sprawling suburbs, the great horses remain a living link to the landscape that came before. Quietly, patiently, and one generation at a time, Ms Ford and her family are making sure that link is not lost.

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MY PLACE Washington Escano has lived in Melbourne’s northwest for almost four decades. After a career as a nurse, Escano sought a radical change of pace at age 69 completing a Bachelor of Laws at Victoria University. Sebastian Conidi spoke to the Taylors Hill resident about life, his connection to Melbourne’s north-west and starting over later in life. What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north-west? I have been living in Melbourne’s north-west since 1987. We bought our first home in Keilor Downs and later built our current home in Taylors Hill. This part of Melbourne has been home to me and my family for almost four decades. I have seen the area grow enormously over that time. I am also a proud member of the Caroline Springs RSL, where for a period I served as a volunteer supporting veterans and members of the community. I am grateful to be part of an organisation that honours the service and sacrifice of veterans and continues to support them and their families. As a Catholic, I regularly attend Mass at St Catherine of Siena Parish. One thing I value about the north-west is its diversity. People from different cultures, faiths and backgrounds live alongside one another, and generally there is a strong sense of mutual respect and harmony. What do you like about where you live? I like the progress and vibrancy of the north-west. There are more businesses, cafés, restaurants, community facilities and opportunities than there were when we first moved here. I also appreciate the diversity of the community. People from many different cultural and religious backgrounds live together, work together and contribute to the character of the area. There is a real sense that the north-west is continuing to grow and establish its own identity. I enjoy seeing new businesses open and new families make the area their home.

COMMENT

walking areas. What I like most is that there are now so many local places where people can meet, socialise and enjoy their surroundings without having to travel into the city. How did it feel to pursue law later in life? It was challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Returning to study later in life meant adapting to technology, online learning, legal research, assignments and a completely different way of studying. There were times when it was difficult, but every challenge made completing the journey more meaningful. Being admitted as a lawyer at 69 gave me a great sense of fulfilment. It reminded me that retirement or getting older does not necessarily mean personal growth has to stop. Washington Escano. (Damjan Janevski) 575835_01

What, if anything, would you change about where you live? Growth is inevitable, and in many ways it is very good for the community, so I would not I want to stifle progress. But growth should be matched by properly planned infrastructure. Traffic congestion is one concern, particularly as the population continues to increase. I would also like to see continued attention given to community safety, including a visible police presence and consideration of adequate 24-hour policing services as the population grows. For me, this is not about

political parties. Whichever government is in office, I believe infrastructure and essential services should keep pace with the needs of the community. Where is your favourite local place to spend time? I enjoy our local cafés because they are places where you can relax, meet friends and see the community around you. I regularly enjoy places around CS Square, including The Jolly Miller, and cafés such as LeLunar in Taylors Lakes. I also enjoy Caroline Springs Lake and the surrounding

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start something new? Do not allow age, fear or other people’s expectations to decide what you can do. You do not have to know everything before you begin. Start with one step, be willing to learn, accept that there will be difficulties, and keep going. I would also encourage people to become involved in their local community. For new migrants in particular, joining community organisations, volunteering, learning about Australia’s history and traditions, and meeting people from different backgrounds can create a stronger sense of belonging. Sometimes the opportunity to pursue something you have always wanted comes later in life. If it is meaningful to you, it may still be worth doing.

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Mini monsters Materials Coloured fabric 10 x 15cm Fairy floss fill Googly eyes Yarn, pipe cleaners or any other decorations

Monster Halloween craft Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity. Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting. Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary. This month, Stephanie is creating mini monsters – just in time for Halloween!

Scan the QR code and follow the links for more creative fun.

Equipment Needle and thread or sewing machine Fabric scissors Craft glue Step 1: Cut two pieces of fabric, each measuring 10 x 15cm. Step 2: Place the fabric pieces together with the right sides facing each other. Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening on one side. Step 3: Carefully turn your monster the right way out through the opening. Step 4: Fill with fairy floss until your monster is nice and soft and cuddly. Sew the opening closed. Step 5: Now it’s time to get creative! Glue on some googly eyes and add a funny mouth, teeth, spots or anything else you like. Use pipe cleaners, yarn or other craft supplies to create some wild and wonderful monster hair.

Stephanie Martinez.

8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2026

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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

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FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

35 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

8 October, 1991

8 October, 1996

3 October, 2006

4 October, 2016

Community responses to the debate on Victoria’s urban development call for the halting of Melbourne’s urban sprawl and diverting population to regional centres.

A petition signed by more than 1700 residents opposing the proposed closure of the Kyneton Caravan Park was delivered to Macedon Ranges commissioners last week.

Parking shortages in Sunbury’s CBD are costing business owners thousands of dollars a week in lost revenue.

Drug offences and breaches of court orders are behind a massive 77 per cent annual spike in Sunbury’s crime rate.

Samantha Dutch, Zoltan Banyai, Dan Kenny and his daughter Ada, 10, are pushing for Sunbury to leave Hume. (Damjan Janevski) 581251 04

ParKanDo is a peer support group for people with Parkinson’s. (Damjan Janevski) 577613 04

Footscray Hospital, therapy dog volunteer Toni Goodlet with her dog Willow. (Damjan Janevski) 581798 06

U3A art show curator Vivian Axelson. (Damjan Janevski) 582348 03

Faces of the west Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. Williamstown Jazz Festival organiser Danilo Rojas. (Damjan Janevski) 582274 02

10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2026

Dynamic Performers production of The Music Man. (Damjan Janevski) 578796 04

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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Accept the help: Survivor By Nykita Van Den Berg In July 2025, osteopath and single mother of two Sheryl Llandra was diagnosed with breast cancer three months before her 40th birthday. Ms Landra thought she was perfectly healthy until she woke up one morning and found a lump on her chest. Initially unconcerned, she decided to get it checked out believing it was just a cyst. “I was in the middle of a separation at that time,” she said. “I didn’t really feel too concerned because of my health background, we all are told lumps, you know, a serious lump is more firm, it’s really immovable, but this one was very [full of ] fluid.” It was believed to be a standard cyst and she was referred to a specialist for drainage by her general practitioner. “When she did drain it, though, the fluid turned out to be blood,” she said. The specialist informed Ms Llandara it was unusual and more tests needed to be done. “I was just saying, okay, I’m okay, like, I’m young, [it’s] not going to happen to me.” But the fluid came back immediately and when she went in for another drainage there was more blood and the lump was growing. She needed to have a mammogram. “This was all within like a two-month time span,” Ms Llandara said. “Getting a mammogram before the age of 40, it was tough because the healthcare system wouldn’t bulk bill anyone before the age of 40.” The mammogram did not reveal anything and she was then informed she needed an MRI. Due to the lump being on her sternum it was hard to see what exactly was wrong and she had to have a biopsy. “It was inconclusive again,” Ms Llandara said. With doctors concluding it as a ductal

Breast cancer survivor Sheryl Llandry, 40 with son Levi, 8, and daughter Noa, 5. (Supplied)

carcinoma she had surgery on 23 October, 2025, and she thought that was the end of it. However Ms Llandara got a call a few days later and was informed she found triple negative breast cancer, and while it was all removed during the surgery, she would need to start chemotherapy straightaway. “I was devastated,” she said. “I was about to turn 40 a month after that.” Her surgeon allowed her to start treatment after her birthday on 23 November, with her chemotherapy starting on 28 November, 2025. “I’ll never forget the day when it hit

midnight on my birthday, my 40th, I was with my friends and I just, I remember crying because I was just scared,” she said. Ms Llandra went through six months of chemotherapy, with four doses of the “red devil” (doxorubicin) and 12 weeks of the taxol medication. She experienced all the symptoms; fatigue, hair loss, pain as well as a symptom she didn’t know about – her nails turned black at the cuticles. What got her through all of it was the support of her family and friends. “What got me through were the kids,” she said. “My son said to me ‘you, me, and [Noa], we are a triangle and triangles are

the strongest shape.’” After her treatments she needed to take the last step in her journey, a double mastectomy and a reconstruction, which she received in May 2026 at Sunshine Hospital. Now in recovery one message she would like to share with other women struggling with cancer is; “Accept the help. There will be days where it’s just absolutely so hard and there will be days when you don’t want to be positive”. “It’s been a really positive journey and there’s ups and downs but I just take it day by day. I feel happy and lighter.”

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Call for Cloverton investment By Nykita Van Den Berg Three councils are joining forces to push for a major health, jobs, transport and education hub at Cloverton as Melbourne’s northern growth corridor continues to expand. Representatives from Hume, Mitchell Shire and Whittlesea councils met on Wednesday 7 October to reaffirm their commitment to shaping the future of Cloverton and securing the infrastructure needed to support its growth. The councils estimate about 380,000 people are expected to live in Cloverton’s regional catchment, with the planned 52-hectare centre to become a major hub for health care, employment, transport, education and government services.

The councils are calling on all parties and election candidates to commit to securing a site and commencing planning for a new major public hospital in the outer north. Mitchell mayor John Dougall said securing land for the hospital before development limited the options would means families across the north would be able to access care closer to home. They also want planning and delivery of the Upfield line extension to Wallan, including duplication, electrification and a station at Cloverton. Also on their election wish list is schools, tertiary education, roads, emergency services, and sport, recreation and community facilities, and for Cloverton to be rec-

ognised as a project of state significance. The councils have formed a project partnership with Stockland and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. The partnership has secured funding through the federal government’s Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program. That funding is supporting an Urban Design Framework and a Regional Needs Assessment, which will identify the infrastructure and services the region needs and when. Hume mayor Carly Moore said the the future of Melbourne’s north extended beyond municipal boundaries. “And our planning must do the same,” she said. “By working together, Hume, Mitchell

and Whittlesea are shaping a shared vision for one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.” Whittlesea mayor Lawrie Cox said the state government must work with the three councils. “We know that it may be considered a new approach by some, but it is necessary to have infrastructure in advance for roads, transport, jobs, schools, health services and community facilities that are delivered. It cannot wait decades after development has started,” he said. The October meeting was the second joint meeting between the councils, following an initial meeting in 2023 when they formally endorsed their regional partnership.

Bringing the heat down in Hume

Speckles’ youngsters are the first emu chicks to hatch at Werribee Open Range Zoo in 20 years. (Zoos Victoria)

Speckles’ emu chicks strut their stuff Male emu, Speckles, is one lucky bird, stepping out at Werribee Open Range Zoo’s Australian trail with an entourage of five long-legged chicks. Native animals keeper Malinda Delahant said the emu chicks, which hatched in mid-September, are already turning heads with their striking looks. “These little ones are supermodels in the making” Ms Delahant said. “They have beautiful long legs and they’re still getting the hang of using them.” “The chicks have gorgeous eyes, luscious eyelashes, and have been strutting their stuff as if they’re on a catwalk.”

Emu chicks are the first to sport a seasonal trend, hatching out cream-coloured with distinct dark brown stripes running along their backs and heads. The markings help them blend in among grassland tussocks and woodlands. In just a few months, however, they’ll drop this season’s patterned down for a shaggy, grey-brown monochromatic look, which has already been adopted by their older flock mates. Male emus are exceptional parents and take on the bulk of parental duties. During the two-month incubation, males will sit on the eggs to regulate the nest temperature, during

which time they will forgo eating and drinking. With the sedentary dad-duties over, Speckles is now getting his steps up. “Speckles is an incredibly attentive dad and is keeping the chicks safe and together as a small unit. He’s already busy teaching them how to forage, where to find food and water in their habitat and how to preen their beautiful feathers.” Speckles’ clutch marks a milestone as the first emu chicks to hatch at Werribee Open Range Zoo in 20 years. The five chicks join a multi-generational flock of 11 adult birds at the zoo’s free-roaming Australian Trail habitat.

Funding boost to make a Sunbury men’s shed more secure Sunbury’s Hume Men’s Shed has benefitted from a grant to upgrade its facilities. Sunbury MP Josh Bull announced the shed will receive $7887 to increase security for the shed’s premises and equipment. The men’s shed is a community initiative providing connection and skill sharing, offering members the opportunity to open up and engage with a range of people from many walks of life. “The volunteers who run men’s sheds

in Sunbury make an enormous contribution to our local communities, and we’re proud to support them in this to continue this work for years to come,” Mr Bull said. The funding is part of the state government’s $863,000 investment in men’s sheds across Victoria, which provides funding for constructing new men’s sheds (including converting a building into a men’s shed), refurbishing, extending, or upgrading existing men’s sheds, and purchasing major

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2026

shed equipment for use in men’s sheds. The state government said these organisations play a key role in reducing social isolation and supporting mental health, particularly in regional and rural communities. “Men’s sheds are at the heart of communities across Victoria, providing a place for men to connect, learn new skills and support one another,” Carers and Volunteers Minister Luba Grigorovich said.

Hume councillor Naim Kurt hopes to cool it down by keeping community facilities open for longer on upcoming hot days. At the 28 September council meeting Cr Kurt asked council to trial extended hours at community facilities on extreme heat days to give community members a safe space. “A lot of our community actually had no respite and no place to escape to,” he said. This issue first arose at the 9 February council meeting where Cr Kurt asked for the council to investigate what support options were available for the community during heatwaves. When discussing options for keeping facilities open for longer, Cr Kurt said other councils in Victoria now open “their facilities later to allow their community” access for longer. “There’s minimal costs involved. In the report it’s $120 potentially opening it a little bit later. Our finances earlier this year did indicate that there is $11.48 million of favourable costs in terms of staff vacancies,” he said. “I don’t think that the cost is an issue, it just might be in terms of rostering and things like that. But we’ve got an able team and they’ll be able to work through it.” The initiative is to ensure the community can stay safe during the hot periods with Victoria having a “significant heat wave” in January 2026. From January 5 to 10 it was over 45 degrees and was the same when “heading into the Australia Day week as well”. “I think it continues on with the legacy that we’re trying to build here at the council [by] making community facilities more accessible and more open to our community,” Cr Kurt said. Cr Jarrod Bell seconded this motion with both Cr Karen Sherry and Cr Steve Gagen also supporting a trial to keep facilities open for longer. “Cooling centres are important because not everyone’s affected by the heat equally,” Cr Sherry said. “Not everyone has sufficient resources as well to cope. There’s the very young, the elderly, the chronically ill and the poor who may not be able to pay those high utility bills for air conditioning.” Keeping these community facilities open for longer would not be during the whole summer period but the aim is for them to be available for the really hot days.

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New national park By Georgia Tacey Wombat-Lerderderg has officially become a national park. Three new national parks in Victoria’s central west were formally proclaimed on Monday 5 October, including WombatLerderderg National Park, Mount Buangor National Park, and Pyrenees National Park. The new national parks cover more than 78,000 hectares of public land now under Parks Victoria’s care. The changes also create five new regional parks including one in Blackwood and the Pyrenees. Bendigo and Hepburn Regional Parks have been expanded, with three new conservation parks including one at Cobaw. Almost 30 nature and bushland reserves are also part of the changes. The new parks protect important habitat for native wildlife, including the powerful owl, barking owl, swift parrot and southern greater glider. The Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel said it was a fantastic day for nature. “This is what happens when people work together to look after nature,” he said. “For years we worked with local community groups to search for threatened animals, survey rare plants and, through years of delays, kept writing letter after letter. Today that hard work becomes permanent protection.” Wombat Forestcare founding member Gayle Osborne welcomed the news. “We are delighted that the state government has officially recognised the importance of these central west forests Advertising feature

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas with Labor Macedon candidate Annette Death, Wombat Forestcare founding member Gayle Osborne, and staff from Parks Victoria, FFMV, Victorian National Parks Association, Tourism Midwest, Wadawurrung and Four-Wheel-Drive Victoria. (Supplied)

for their plants and animals and acted to conserve them,” she said. “These forests are such important habitat for so many plants, animals and fungi. If we want our koalas, gliders and owls to be here into the future we must protect their habitat.” Parks Victoria will start work on management plans for the new parks over the next 12 months, together with Traditional Owners and communities. Wombat-Lerderderg National Park brings together parts of Wombat State Forest and Lerderderg State Park.

The new national park covers around 44,700 hectares between Daylesford, Bacchus Marsh and Bullengarook, and is Victoria’s largest patch of forest between the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and the eastern highlands. It is also home to the headwaters of six major rivers, sitting on Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung Country. Seasonal deer hunting will also continue in designated areas of Wombat-Lerderderg National Park, according to the state government, and firewood collection will not be permitted in the new national park.

NEWS

Rugby World Cup coming to Hume The men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is making its way to Hume, with Bridges Recreation Reserve in Craigieburn selected as one of the training venues. The reserve is one of only four outdoor training venues and will host international rugby teams and visitors in October 2027, giving them the opportunity to experience the excitement of the World Cup first-hand. Hume mayor Carly Moore said council has made upgrades to the Bridges Recreation Reserve which has created a facility “that can be enjoyed by local clubs and the wider community”. Australia will host the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, with teams including Africa, Canada, China, Europe, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, Samoa, South America, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States competing across seven host cities throughout the country. “Being selected as an official training venue for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is a strong endorsement of the quality of these facilities and demonstrates that Hume’s sporting infrastructure meets the standards required for elite international competition,” Cr Moore said.

IN FOCUS

Enjoy a great day out at the Clarkefield Swapmeet Car & 4WD Show on Sunday 25 October. Car lovers, 4WD enthusiasts, families and bargain hunters are invited to attend the Clarkefield Swapmeet Car & 4WD Show. Proudly brought to you by Lancefield Romsey Lions Club, the event will feature an exciting selection of cars and 4WDs, along with swap meet treasures, market stalls and food trucks. With car clubs, 4WD clubs, community groups and swapmeet stalls all taking part, the day will offer plenty to see, do and discover. More than just a motoring event, the swapmeet is designed to bring people together and showcase the clubs, organisations and businesses that help make the local community strong.

Sponsored by the Community Bank Lancefield and Romsey (part of Bendigo Bank), Romsey Auto Spares, Off Road & Outback and Forbes Motors Romsey the event is highly anticipated. Bring your family and friends, explore the displays, enjoy something to eat and see what treasures you can find.

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Gear up for Clarkefield swapmeet

Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

COMMUNITY

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication. Art Show The 17th Kerrie Hall Art Show will be held at the Kerrie Hall, Kerrie Valley Road, Kerrie, from 16-18 October. The Grand Opening is on Friday 16 October at 7.30pm, opened by a Mystery Guest. Tickets are $20 per adult, with drinks available at bar prices. The exhibition will then be open to the public on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, from 10am–5pm. ■ kerriehallinc@gmail.com SNH Annual General Meeting The general meeting will be held at Sunbury Neighbourhood House 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury at 7pm on Tuesday 27 October. Register your attendance by contacting the house. ■ 9740 6978, enquiries@sunburyhouse. com.au, sunburyhouse.com.au Seniors Movie Matinee Take a trip back to the golden age of cinema at a classic movie matinee complimentary popcorn included - at the Hume Sunbury Global Learning Centre, 44 Macedon Street, Sunbury on Thursday 15 October from 1-3pm. Tickets are free and available now. ■ humelibraries.events.mylibrary. digital/event?id=231339 Morning Melodies Enjoy Morning Melodies with Sincerely Yours, performed as part of the Seniors Festival. Relive the music of the 1940s & 50s in this tribute to the ‘Forces Sweetheart’ Dame Vera Lynn. Held in Artrise, Sunbury on Thursday 22 October from 10.30-11.40am. Tickets are $15 and available now. ■ tinyurl.com/2v7uc6e6 Cathouse Players “Deathtrap” by Ira Levin, a long-running Broadway comedy-thriller will be performed by Cathouse Players at their pop-up theatre in the Kyneton Masonic Centre, 7-9 Yaldwyn Street West for five shows only, with matinees on 17/18 October; 24/25 October at 2pm sharp; and at 8pm on Friday 23 October. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Tickets still $25/$20 and include interval refreshments. Companion card is welcome. Cash preferred if paying at the door. ■ trybooking.com/DPTDB or 0494 166 257 for special needs/enquiries. SUMMER PARADE Gisborne Uniting Church will host a Summer Fashion Parade by Kays Classic Fashions on Monday 19 October at 1.30pm at the Church in Brantome Street, Gisborne. There will be great brands at low prices to suit ladies sizes 10 – 24, as well as a ‘specials’ rack. Entry is $10 which includes afternoon tea and door prizes. This is a great opportunity to breathe some life into your summer wardrobe! ■ Maree, 0423 051 318 Sunbury Blue Light Disco The next disco will be held on Friday 23 October 2026 6-8pm at Sunbury Memorial Hall with a Halloween theme wear your best costume! Heaps of prizes to be won! Primary school age. Entry is $8. Tickets via Eventbrite. Facebook/

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of coach Laura E. Goodin and Kaizen (9) from a fencing program in Melbourne’s west. (Damjan Janevski) 582454 01

Instagram for more info. Volunteers are also welcome to reach out. ■ sunburybluelight@gmail.com

ship over a short journey alongside other Rotary youth. ■ Terry, 0455 667 277, Bob, 0407 546 000

at the door. ■ facebook.com/groups/ChamberPoets/ about

Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury Clearing out surplus power tools for the whole month of October. Prices are $5 or $10 each. Come down any Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning from 8am to 11.30am. Please note there are no cordless tools in this sale. ■ sunburymensshed.com

Sunbury Repair Cafe Happening every third Saturday of the month at Sunbury Neighbourhood House from 10am-12.30pm. Join the team for a cuppa and a skill share repairing broken items to help prevent it from going to landfill. ■ sunburyhouse.com.au

Sunbury Over 55s Social Table Tennis Every Wednesday from 1-3pm, in the Sunbury Recreation Stadium, Sunbury Recreation Reserve (Clarke Oval). No experience or booking necessary. Come, have a look and give it a try. ■ Bruce, 0438 027 978

Riddell and District Seniors Club Join the club for a chef-prepared threecourse meal every Thursday at the Riddells Creek Community Centre. Lunch is held at 11.45am for a noon start every Thursday. Pricing ranges between $15-$20 for members and visitors, with a yearly membership fee of $10. ■ Margaret, 0498 101 008, riddellscrksen@ gmail.com

Crop Swap Swap your excess produce and get your hands dirty learning about the edible, indigenous and useful plants in Sunbury Neighbourhood House’s garden. Happening every third Saturday of the month from 10am onwards at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House. ■ sunburyhouse.com.au

Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club The Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club meets the second Monday of the month at Sunbury Bowling Club. Doors open 10 am and meeting starts at 10:30 am. New members welcome. We have monthly outings, lunches, speakers and much more. ■ Marilyn 0412 235 774

Sunbury Badminton Club The club plays social games at all times, with tournament and competition nights during the year. All are welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road, Sunbury. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday nights 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Plus Wednesdays 10am -noon. ■ sunburybc@gmail.com

Rotary tall ship Sunbury Rotary are inviting youth aged 15 to 17 years of age for the adventure of a lifetime, aboard a tall ship. Youth will be able to learn how to sail and steer the

Chamber Poets The Chamber Poets Woodend meet every second Saturday of the month at the Woodend RSL. Featuring open readings, special guests and music. Donation $10

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2026

North West District Pipe Band North Western District Pipe Band meets every week at the Diggers Rest Bowling Club. They’re looking for any pipers or drummers out there, retired or beginners, for social play outs. ■ Hank, 0412 160 576 Sunbury Ladies’ Badminton Club The club plays social and competition games every Thursday morning 9.30amnoon, excluding public and school holidays at the Eric Boarman Stadium, Wilsons Lane, Sunbury. All skill levels welcomed. ■ sunburylbc@gmail.com Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury Woodlands Ladies Probus Club is for retired and semi-retired ladies who are looking for new friends and social activities. The club meets on the fourth Monday every month at Club Sunbury, with guest speakers and lunch after. ■ Jessie, 0458 190 254, woodlandsladies.3429@gmail.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Get spooked at homestead It’s time to gear up for a spooktacular Saturday this Halloween as Eynesbury Homestead transforms into a spectacular world of ghosts, glamour, and Halloween entertainment, as Ms Peacock presents The Haunted Homestead. Running from 7pm to midnight on Saturday 31 October, this adults-only event will combine the atmosphere of a lavish vintage Halloween party with the darker history and ghost stories of one of the region’s most historic properties. Guests are invited to dress for the

occasion and step inside the historic Eynesbury Homestead for a full evening of live entertainment, Halloween theming, roaming performers, music, cocktails, surprises and a special two-hour Lantern Ghost Tour. The night will include a live DJ, LED and roaming performers, a 360-degree photo booth, Halloween cocktail specials, full venue theming and additional entertainment throughout the evening. A horrifying highlight includes the

Lantern Ghost Tours’ exploration of the homestead after dark, sharing stories of its history, former residents, and reported paranormal encounters. Guests are also encouraged to embrace the Halloween spirit, with a costume competition offering $500 worth of prizes for categories including Best Overall, Best Couple, and Most Terrifying. Lantern Ghost Tours said the event was designed to offer something beyond the traditional Halloween party. “Eynesbury Homestead already has

incredible atmosphere and history, particularly after dark. We wanted to create an event where guests can enjoy the glamour and spectacle of a Halloween party while also discovering the darker stories connected with the property.” Ms Peacock Presents: The Haunted Homestead will take place at Eynesbury Homestead on Saturday 31 October from 7pm–midnight. Bookings are available through Lantern Ghost Tours on 1300 390 119 or via www. lanternghosttours.com

Afternoon of music

From the Mouth musicians: (clockwise from front) Bart Willoughby, Tina Kopa, Michael Havir, David Murphy, John O’Hagan and Excelsior Maze. (Leo Dale)

Music and film from the mouth to the fringe From the Mouth is a unique film and music project inspired by the landscapes, ecology and stories of the Kororoit Creek mouth. Bringing together seven local musicians, filmmakers and artists, the project explores the connection between people and place through creative storytelling. Drawing on the natural environment, local histories and community experiences of the Kororoit Creek area, each artist offers a different perspective on this significant waterway and its surrounding landscape.

Across two evenings of live music, short film screenings and community conversation, audiences are invited to experience new creative works that celebrate environmental awareness, cultural connection and the rich character of the local area. Each night will also feature food from the nearby Kolapasi Indian Kitchen. The event also includes a facilitated discussion with participating artists and a Hobsons Bay council conservation officer, offering audiences the opportunity

to learn more about the creative process, the ecological significance of the Kororoit Creek mouth, and the role art can play in strengthening our connection to place and community. Presented as part of the 2026 Melbourne Fringe Festival and supported by Hobsons Bay council’s Make it Happen Grants program, From the Mouth is on at the Wood Street Art Space in Laverton on Friday 16 October and Saturday 17 October. For more information and to book, go to: https://tinyurl.com/5n7jf962

Join the Macedon Ranges Truth and Reconciliation Group (MRTRG) for the First Nations Music Afternoon. MRTRG invites the community to join together on Wurundjeri Country for a Welcome to Country and to hear the soul-stirring songs of First Nations songstress LEO (Leonie Whyman). A multi-disciplinary artist, Whyman currently features on ABC TV’s Deadloch Series and its soundtrack. LEO is a proud Makwarra-Barkindji and Wiradjuri songstress. Inspired by her own spiritual journey and drawing on her experiences as a First Nations woman in this day and age, her lyricism will take you on a journey of healing and empowerment. LEO strives to make music to heal hurting hearts, make the audience think and feel deeply and use her voice as a platform to shed light on hard topics. After performing at venues and festivals across Melbourne, LEO is bringing her talents to Gisborne for this special afternoon performance that can’t be missed. The First Nations Music Afternoon will be held on Saturday 17 October from 2.30pm at the Gisborne Mechanics Institute Hall. Tea, coffee and cake will be provided at the event. Tickets are available now and will range from $15 to $60, with First Nations people free. Details: https://tinyurl. com/3td2a9ve

Literature history takes centre stage in St Albans At 95, Liz Hicklin is proving that it is never too late to take centre stage. The writer, poet, comedian and performer will bring her extraordinary life story to Bowery Theatre in St Albans on Tuesday 27 October with Sylvia Plath Stole My Boyfriend — a funny, fierce and deeply personal production about love, loss and finding your voice. Hicklin was just 20 when she fell in love with young poet Ted Hughes. Their 18-month relationship ended when Hughes met American iconic poet and novelist Sylvia Plath, setting the course for one of literature’s most famous

relationships. Hughes’ letters to Hicklin are now held by the British Library, but Sylvia Plath Stole My Boyfriend is determined to look beyond the literary archives and tell the story of the woman behind them. The production traces Hicklin’s life on her own terms — from a young woman caught up in a literary world dominated by famous names to a 95-year-old performer embracing a new chapter. Hicklin began performing stand-up comedy at 92 and has since appeared at the Flinders Fringe and Glen Eira Storytelling Festival, become a sought-after keynote

speaker, appeared on ABC Radio Melbourne and won the Clunes Booktown poetry slam in 2023. Written by Hicklin and Jacinta Parsons, and directed by Sarah Sutherland and Parsons, the production promises Brimbank audiences an entertaining and inspiring afternoon with a woman who has spent a lifetime becoming the author of her own story. Sylvia Plath Stole My Boyfriend is at Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans, from 2.00pm-3.00pm on 27 October. Entry is free, with bookings required

LEO (Leonie Whyman) will be performing in Gisborne. (Supplied)

Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which former NRL player is head coach of Australia's men’s national rugby league team? 2. Which soccer position did Peter Crouch play?

3. Which Sydney Roosters player of the match was awarded the Karyn Murphy Medal at the 2026 NRLW grand final? 4. Which Premier League club was found guilty of most of the 115 charges it faced for breaching financial regulations? 5. Which Sydney Roosters player of the match was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal at the 2026 NRL grand final? 6. What sport features in the 2002 film Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch (also known as Air Bud 4)? 7. Which former AFL player is head coach of the North Melbourne women's team? 8. The emblems for the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics are inspired by species of what type of parrot?

Peter Crouch

9. Jamaica has won 93 Summer Olympic medals in athletics and a single medal in what other event?

10. Which former AFL player is head coach of the North Melbourne men's team?

Armand Duplantis

11. Former Essendon captain Zach Merrett is set to play for which AFL club in 2027? 12. What is the name of the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Circuit? 13. And who won the 2026 race there? 14. Which Australian team is often referred to as the Baggy Greens? 15. Which sport is Armand Duplantis famous for? 16. Wallabies player Max Jorgensen is the son of which 90s Wallabies player?

21. What is a billy cart known as outside of Australia? 22. Which Women’s Super League club does Ellie Carpenter play for? 23. Jesse Hogan joined which AFL team during the 2026 Trade Period?

17. Who scored two tries in the 2026 NRL grand final?

24. Which former cricketer was the host of Channel Seven’s Who Dares Wins?

18. Who eliminated Alexander Zverev at the 2026 China Open?

25. The Major League Baseball team the Athletics are moving to which US city in 2028?

19. Complete the title of this 2001 Hong Kong sports comedy film: Shaolin – 20. What was the margin of victory in the 2026 NRL grand final?

26. The Melbourne Aces baseball team withdrew from the ABL in 2025 to align themselves with an international league from which country?

27. The Sydney sports arena previously known as Qudos Bank Arena is now known by what name? 28. Which Russian-born Kazakhstani tennis professional became the No.1 ranked women's singles player in September 2026? 29. Philip Noel-Baker is the only person to have won an Olympic medal and what other prestigious award? 30. Which popular Australian female singer featured in the 2026 NRL grand final pre-game entertainment?

1610

12536910-CG08-22

1. Kevin Walters 2. Striker 3. Tarryn Aiken 4. Manchester City 5. James Tedesco 6. Baseball 7. Darren Crocker 8. Cockatoo 9. Cycling 10. Jaymie Graham 11. Hawthorn 12. Baku City Circuit 13. George Russell 14. Australian men’s national cricket team 15. Pole vault 16. Peter Jorgensen 17. Mark Nawaqanitawase 18. Novak Djokovic 19. Soccer 20. One point 21. Soapbox car 22. Chelsea 23. Collingwood 24. Mike Whitney 25. Las Vegas 26. South Korea 27. Afterpay Arena 28. Elena Rybakina 29. Nobel Peace Prize 30. Amy Shark

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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

PUZZLES

DECODER 20 10

2 3 4

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

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

H 5

23 9

26 9

H Y

9-LETTER WORD 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'.

Today’s Aim: 12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 24 words: Excellent

E R

No. 418 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

P A S T A W A I R A L L T R O L S E N S

S T Y L E

4 LETTERS ARCS DEFY EATS ERGO IMPS LYRE RELY REST SACS SARI SEEP SLAB SLIM YELP

emir, lien, lime, limner, line, liner, lire, lyre, merlin, mien, mile, miler, miller, milliner, MILLINERY, mine, miner, mire, myelin, rein, rely, rile, rime, yell

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

3 LETTERS ACE ALE ARM ASH ATE EEL ERA EYE HOP HUB ODE OFF PAN POP RAM RIM RYE SEA TEA TEE TEN TIN TNT WOE

WORDFIT

F G L Z U Q A D R N X H Y

No. 343

B M P C I S V W O E K T J

5x5

hard

20 15

medium

16 7

easy

8 5

hard

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

10 6

5 3

8 5

9 7 6

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2026

QUICK QUIZ

No. 311

R I M

5 LETTERS ABATE ALONE ALTAR ALTER APRIL AROMA ATONE AWARE BACON BASTE BROOM CHEEP CLING CLOCK COLIC COVET CURES EATER EERIE ERASE GENII

ICIER IDEAL INCUR LARVA LOOSE MELTS OATHS PANDA PETAL PLEAS PORTS PRICE REALS RENTS RHINO RURAL SEARS SEEDS SLITS SNOWY SPARS SPATS

SPECK TAINT TELLS TEMPO TILDE TOKEN WRENS

7 LETTERS BLATANT FERTILE FORELEG PANCAKE STIMULI TOTALLY

6 LETTERS CRAFTY OTTERS PIGEON ROASTS

8 LETTERS ALLOCATE HONOURED HYGIENIC LOADABLE

16-10-26

1 What colour is amethyst? 2 How many cards are in a standard deck of cards, excluding jokers? 3 True or false: in Greek mythology, Cupid is the god of love? 4 Which arm on the Statue of Liberty is raised to hold up a torch?

7 Which Marvel superhero does Tom Holland (pictured) play? 8 Name the author of To Kill a Mockingbird. 9 In the solar system, which is the fifth planet from the sun? 10 Which country is the movie Slumdog Millionaire set in?

5 What kind of animal is Stuart Little? 6 How many wings does a ladybug have?

ANSWERS: 1. Purple 2. 52 3. False, Eros is 4. Right 5. Mouse 6. Four 7. Spider-Man 8. Harper Lee 9. Jupiter 10. India

3 7 9

8 6

7 8 12 13 16 18 21 23 24

Volume (4) Helper (9) Conical tent (5) Revenge (11) Backside (3) Falls on the US-Canadian border (7) Sound (5) Obstinate (10) Great playwright (11) In peril (10) Tradesperson (9) Pariah (7) Citified (5) Combine (5) Frozen flakes (4) Deity (3)

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

medium

28 29

5 6 8 7 2

17 19 20 22 25 26

4 6 8 7 1 3 5 2 4 8 3

2 1 6 4 8

5 1 9 7

11 12 14 15

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 1 1 9 4

8 2

No. 311

DOWN

Agricultural aid (7) Under (7) Ancient Middle East (11) Biological blueprint (1,1,1) Too (2,4) Times of the year (7) Close (4) Island nation east of Mozambique (10) Permitted (10) Stern (4) Chowhound (7) Very poor person (6) Chest bone (3) Mountainous Islamic country (11) Gave away (7) Hair above the eye (7)

easy

ACROSS 1 5 9

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

No. 311

SUDOKU

RATINGS Looks: 7/10 Performance: 8/10 Safety: 7/10 Thirst: 9/10 Practicality: 7/10 Comfort: 7/10 Tech: 8/10 Value: 9/10

BYD’s Atto fills SUV gap By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring The spectacular growth of Chinese vehicles in the Australian market continues. In the first seven months of 2026 vehicles sourced from China total sales totalled 208,785, well ahead of the 170,722 coming from Japan. Leading the way is BYD (aka Build Your Dreams) which has moved into second place behind Toyota in July 2026 YTD sales. Our review is on the Atto 2, a fully electric compact SUV. Atto 2 joins the slightly larger Atto 3 which pioneered the BYD brand back in 2022 and the smaller Atto 1 and comes in two variants, Dynamic and Premium, priced at $31,990 and $35,990 plus onroad costs respectively. Both variants are powered by a 130kW electric motor delivering 290Nm of torque, paired with a 51.3kWh Blade Battery that offers up to 345km of WLTP range. Fast DC charging from 10 to 80 percent takes approximately 39 minutes, with a peak charging rate of up to 82kW. The extra four grand for the Premium provides extra equipment including LED lighting, larger wheels (17-inch over 16-inch), panoramic glass roof, roof rack, 360-degree camera, front parking sensors and powered side mirrors. Inside, there is a larger touchscreen, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, wireless smartphone charging, and an immersive eight-speaker audio system. BYD’s six-year 150,000km vehicle and eight-year 160,000km battery warranties apply to the Atto 2.

Styling First time EV buyers not looking to stand out from the crowd will be perfectly happy with the conservative styling of the Atto 2. Design is more old-school SUV, tall and square, without the sloping roofline of its Atto 1 and Atto 3 siblings. There are full LED projector headlights above slim daytime running lights and turn indicators, also LED. At the rear there’s a full-width LED lightbar with a twirly bit on either end. The Premium spec adds roof rails, panoramic glass roof with a sunshade and powered side mirrors.

Driving

There’s a choice of four exterior colours, again likely to suit conservative buyers: Ski White is standard; Grey Mist, Harbour Grey and Cosmos Black are all cost options.

Interior No colour choice inside, just darkish grey. The front seats are manual in the Dynamic, powered in the Premium. The glass roof on the Premium variant is fixed but does come with a powered sunshade. Premium adds powered front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear occupants are well catered for with a flat floor, dual map pockets, adjustable air con controls, USB-A and USB-C inputs, a wide folding armrest with twin cupholders and a parcel shelf behind the seatbacks. Boot space is 380 litres to 1320 litres. There’s no power tailgate, not that a car of this size really needs one. There’s no front storage area (aka Frunk or Froot) although the boot floor does lift off for a lower level to keep charging cables and the like.

Powertrain Power is sent to the front wheels via a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) BYD Blade Battery. The name comes from its long, thin and flat blade-shaped cells that are built into the structure of the vehicle and lower its centre of gravity. Outputs are 130kW and 290 Nm with a zero to 100km/h speed of 7.9 seconds. Battery capacity is 51.13kWh and can charge using a 7kW Type 2 AC port from zero to 100 percent in just over eight hours. Using a CCS2 DC charging port that drops to 38.6 minutes from 10 to 80 percent or from zero to 100 percent in 68 minutes. For campers or picknickers, vehicle to load (V2L) is standard and both a V2L discharge adapter and Mode 2 charging cable are provided. The charge port is at the front on the driver’s side which will probably suit most owners but not for those charging from the roadside.

Safety Atto 2 has yet to be tested by ANCAP but all other BYD vehicles, including the Atto 1 and Atto 3, have received the maximum five-star rating.

The neat little Atto 2 is likely to be a big seller for the booming Chinese carmaker. (Pictures: Supplied)

Atto 2 comes with BYD’s Cell-to-Body technology which integrates the vehicle’s battery with its body for increased structural safety. Standard are six airbags, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and correction, automatic emergency braking, forward and collision warning, intelligent cruise control, intelligent speed limit warning and control, blind spot detection, rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, tyre pressure monitoring and ISOFIX child seat anchor points. Premium adds front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.

Infotainment Atto 2 Dynamic has a 10.1-inch touchscreen and Premium 12.8-inch. Both are landscape, the portrait rotation gimmick no longer in fashion. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless with a wireless phone charger in the Premium. The sound system in the Dynamic is basic with four speakers, six in the Premium.

For a relatively small car, access is easy with large doors, tall roof and slide-over into the seats with a minimum of stooping and bending. While many of the controls, as is the norm nowadays, are operated through the touchscreens, most come with an array of shortcut tabs. Even better, there are sensibly positioned physical controls on the driver’s door and steering wheel, with an audio volume control roller and brake regeneration toggle button on the central console. The digital instrument cluster is easy to read and can be customised to suit. Atto 2 is easy to manoeuvre around town with light steering and the smooth and linear acceleration expected from an EV. There are the usual intrusive features that annoy keen drivers such as lane interference, speed sign alerts and driver attention warnings. No doubt many will be quite content with them, otherwise they can be turned off – temporarily. There are three driving modes, Normal, Eco and Sport. As we expect most buyers to do, we spent most of their time in Normal. Driving range under the WLTP standard is listed at an acceptable 345km with many of its competitors, albeit more expensive, covering more than 400km.

Summary While it’s not likely to be a vehicle on which owners will build their dreams, the neat little Atto 2 is likely to be a big seller for the booming Chinese carmaker. And, fortunately, BYD no longer sees the need to plaster that phrase across the rear windows of their vehicles as they did when the Atto 3 pioneered the brand back in 2022. Savvy urban buyers in particular will be drawn to Atto 2’s functional body style, clean energy credentials and sharp pricing. With BYD snapping at the heels of Toyota the Atto 2 is looming as a potential alternative to Corolla especially with the imminent arrival of a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) version called the Atto 2 DM-i, for Dual-Mode Intelligent. Pricing and specs are yet to be released but it is likely to be in the low to mid $30,000s.

Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

SPORT

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East Sunbury’s Nathan Dent. 582792 01

Diggers Rest Bulla players. 582792 12

Diggers Rest Bulla’s Jacob Grant. 582792 03

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A beautiful day for sport Sport fans made the most of the beautiful Sunshine on Saturday, with plenty of cricket and basketball action across Melbourne’s

north-west. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out and about capturing the action.

Melton’s Maddison Brady. 582780 02 Rockies’s Kiralee Collings. 582780 04

Lilly Storer. 582780 13

Kyneton’s Ella Jeffrey in action against Bacchus Marsh. 582783 04

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2026

Amy O’Brien. 582783 11

Trinity Steele. 582783 13

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SPORT

Burras’ co-coaches named By Tara Murray It’s full steam ahead for Diggers Rest’s new women’s side, with the club announcing co-coaches including a star men’s premiership player. Brodie Meyers and Aaron Cerone have been named co-coaches of the side, with Jess McKenzie announced as the women’s coordinator. Meyers said having achieved a lot in his own playing career, he wanted to give back. “I’ve accomplished everything with my football and women’s football is pretty exciting for me,” he said. “My little sister played for Essendon VFL

[Victorian Football League] before they even had an AFLW team. “Just teaching her when she was young, and my partner will be playing and lots of my partner’s friends will be playing. “It’s very, very fun to see them run around and get involved in our football as well. So many families in the club are now getting involved with our football and now give back to the girls that come to our game every week and get around them.” Meyers said he had spoken with president Shane Bishop about the role, but waited until after his season was over to lock it in. Meyers will continue to play and said he

would likely be at the club every day for the week between the two commitments. Cerone, who lives around the corner from the club, will join him as a co-coach. “Meeting with Aaron was everything that we were hoping for, it was so easy,” Meyers said. “His mind is purely on seeing the girls be happy, not about winning and everything. “He just told us he wants to see the girls smile and have fun, and just develop their football skills into whatever they want them to become. For us to pick Aaron, we’re very excited to have him.” Meyers said there was a lot of interest in the side and people had been talking about

it during the season. Since the appointment of Meyers as coach, the interest has further grown. “I think our women’s program will take off,” he said. “Diggers is a growing area. There’s a lot of players at the club, a lot of young girls coming up as well with a lot of talent. “There’s been a lot of interviews with players. We’ve signed close to 10 girls already, just fine-tuning stages. “We want to put a fair bit of development into our young girls as well.” McKenzie, has played football at Caroline Springs and Taylors Lakes, and joined the club through family connections.

Pontin twins join Woodend-Hesket

Jarryd Vernon in action on Saturday. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 582791 06

Jennings to boost Dragons’ title quest By Luke D’Anello Former England Test opener Keaton Jennings will spearhead Gisborne’s batting line-up as the club chases redemption after last season’s runner-up finish. Jennings has Test centuries against India and Sri Lanka to his name, scoring 781 runs from 17 matches between 2016 and 2019. The left-hander will arrive at the Gisborne District Cricket Association powerhouse later this month and be available for finals. Jennings, 34, has represented Durham and Lancashire at first-class level, with Lancashire second XI coach Daniel Salpietro — who is a Gisborne junior and fellow bigname recruit —playing a key role in sealing the deal. “Obviously we all know the calibre of player he is. He has Test centuries and is still the captain of Lancashire (in the T20 Blast),” Dragons coach Riley Vernon said of Jennings. “But just even speaking to him on WhatsApp and when we speak on the socials, he’s just a quality human as well. “It’s also about his coaching and what else he’s going to bring outside of his actual playing ability. “What he’s going to bring to the club is

just something you can’t get anywhere else. “We’re super pumped for him to come and looking forward to him arriving.” Jennings has a fine record in the firstclass ranks, plundering more than 13,000 runs at an average of 38. He has 33 tons and 53 half-centuries from 213 matches with a highest score of 318, and will be a hard man to remove for GDCA bowlers. Salpietro featured in Gisborne’s season opener against Sunbury United on Saturday, collecting 2-37. The all-rounder has represented Victoria and Adelaide Strikers, and also enjoyed a run-filled stint with Airport West St Christophers in the VTCA. “He’s still playing in the UK as a professional and dominating over there,” Vernon said. “We’re very grateful to have a player like Dan at our club again.” Nimesh Maddumage has also arrived from Plenty Valley in a boost to the bowling stocks. “He bowls quite quick actually,” Vernon said. “He’s dominated over the pre-season and is a great fellow. He’s just moved to the area as well ... so we’re pretty lucky with that.” All-rounder Sam McCaskill is also a “massive recruit”, boasting experience with

Premier Cricket club St Kilda and Victoria’s under-17s and 19s. “I’ve been at the club since I was a kid and the vibe around the club and the culture that we’ve built is incredible,” Vernon said. “There’s no better place to be at the moment than the Gisborne Cricket Club.” While the Dragons are not short on stars, Vernon said there was also plenty of young talent, headlined by Tom Mousley, Spencer Jones and Matt Barake. “We’ve got youth coming through, and that’s why we’re in a good spot,” he said. “Yes, we’ve got these recruits, but we’ve got these young kids coming up that are going to be quality players as well.” Last season’s drawn grand final between Gisborne and Woodend was interrupted by rain, with the Woodsmen declared premiers after finishing in top spot. “I know the boys are hungrier than ever. I can just tell by the way they’re training and their intent, which I’ve never seen before at the cricket club,” Vernon said. “I’m super pumped for the year and hopefully we get our redemption.” Gisborne (1-183) cruised to a nine-wicket win over Sunbury United (8-182). Skipper Jarryd Vernon (81 not out) and Reegan Scott (63 not out) fired with the bat, while Leigh Brennan collected 4-30.

Woodend-Hesket has locked in two signings who will reunite with their former coach for next year’s Riddell District Football League season. Sam and Jarod Pontin will both join the side for next season. “Coming across from Keilor Park, Sam arrives at the nest with an impressive football resume and a reputation as a standout player,” the Hawks said. “Averaging more than 20 disposals a game, his skills have seen him selected in the 2025 EDFL (Essendon District Football League) div 2 team of the year. “An athletic, mobile ruckman who does more than just compete in the air, Sam has the ability to win the footy around the ground and have a genuine impact on games. Sam brings another dimension to our senior side. “His experience, work rate, and football ability will be a huge asset to our playing group.” His twin brother Jarod will also make the move across to the Hawks. “Because one Pontin brother just wasn’t enough,” the Hawks said. “Joining us from Keilor Park, Jarod brings senior football experience, versatility, and a competitive edge that will be another fantastic addition to our senior group. “A dangerous player who can make his presence felt, with the ability to turn games around. “Tough around the contest and bringing plenty of experience, Jarod is another quality addition to our senior list as we build for 2027.” The pair played under new coach Paul Guicas at Keilor Park. The Hawks have also previously announced the signing of Xavier Tadd, who returns to the club after spending a year at Charlton.

Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

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