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10 NOVEMBER, 2026
Development plans rejected
Racing
in the rain
Rain failed to dampen the colour and festive feeling of Wednesday’s Kyneton Cup. Local trainer Liam Howley celebrated another Kyneton Cup win with Virtuous Circle romping home on the rain-affected track ahead of Prince Eric and Bring Forth. Jockey Alana Kelly was jubilant after steering Virtuous Circle to a convincing win.
Winning jockey Alana Kelly aboard Virtuous Circle.
The fashions were colourful, the on-course action thrilling and the vibe celebratory as Star Weekly photographer Ties Urie discovered.
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For more pictures from the 2026 Kyneton Cup turn to pages 4 and 5.
Left: Dressed to impress were Jack Coluntuano, James Kolakowski, Teagan Hall and Michael McAlpine. 584648 79 Centre: Dancing in the rain. 584648 31 Right: Lady of the Day Sally Martin. (Pictures: Ties Urie) 584648 63
Amended plans for a controversial commercial development already approved for Kyneton have been rejected by Macedon Ranges councillors because they are “substantial“ changes to the project. An amended application was submitted for a development within the Edgecombe Road commercial precinct that included a service station, two convenience restaurants, signage and access arrangements. Possible tenants include McDonald’s, KFC and 7-Eleven. The approved plan, which was originally rejected by council before going to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), faced significant community objection. The amended plan, which came before council at the October council meeting, sought to change the layout, design and operational arrangements of the development. This included relocating the second convenience restaurant into a standalone building, a new car wash facility and separation of truck and passenger vehicle refuelling areas and a reduction in car parking. Officers recommended granting the amendments, minus the removal of a condition requiring the applicant to submit suitable investigations and comprehensive engineering, stormwater management, and construction management documentation for council approval. However, Cr Jennifer Anderson moved to refuse the application, on the grounds that the amendment introduced substantial changes to the approved development, resulting in an unacceptable departure from what was previously approved. “With the original application [there were] many, many people objecting, and this is not about prosecuting the original decision made at VCAT, this is looking at what the amendment is before us,” she said. “The staff had opposed the removal of that condition 1J which I totally agree with because that is what helps us know that the design principles will work, that water will be managed appropriately as will be construction. But it is a significant departure from what was decided upon at VCAT and so I think it is really important that we do analyse everything that comes before us and know that it is important that we are comfortable that what before us is a good outcome for the land.”
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Ashbourne extension rejected Macedon Ranges council has refused to grant a permit that would more than double the size of short-term stay accommodation Ashbourne Farmhouse. The planning application, voted on during the October council meeting, was for an extension for existing dwelling at 56 Walshes Road, Ashbourne, known as Ashbourne Farmhouse. The short-stay accommodation is listed on Airbnb and other accommodation sites, offering an “ultimate private farmstay retreat” housing up to 13 guests with five bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms The property sits within the rural conservation zone, and is near the Cam-
The application also included the removal of an existing outbuilding on the property and the construction of a detached four-car garage, and the construction of a swimming pool, spa and associated gym/sauna building. All five present councillors unanimously voted to refuse the planning application, with the passed motion saying it would result in an “excessive scale, bulk, height and visual prominence” inconsistent with Ashbourne’s rural character. The motion said the proposal fails to provide an adequate response to the environmental, biodiversity and con-
paspe River. The proposal set to more than double the size of the existing two-story farmhouse, with applicant Acorn Planning looking to add additional living and dining areas, a bar, a cellar, office, relocated laundry, an additional bathroom, associated accommodation spaces and a deck extension and outdoor entertainment area to the ground floor, alongside four additional bedrooms, each with an ensuite, and a retreat lounge area and covered balcony to the first floor. The proposed plans see an expansion of a total dwelling floor area of 743.36 square metres.
servation objective of the site, doesn’t represent orderly planning of the land, and fails to comply with the minimum 50m setback to the waterway required by Goulburn Murray Water. Cr Andrew Scanlon spoke to the resolution during the council meeting. “Apart from the obvious in this plan, it’s just the size and the design of the actual structure itself,” he said. “I believe we need to consider with these valuable rural lifestyle blocks in particular in the rural conservation zone that the design needs to achieve some climate responsiveness, have ecological values and environmental sensitivity.”
Woodend Racecourse Reserve promise
Sacred Heart College Kyneton students Charlotte, Maddy and Saffron. (Damjan Janevski). 586971 01
VCE creativity celebrated at Sacred Heart Sacred Heart College Kyneton has celebrated the creativity, talent and dedication of its senior students through its 2026 VCE Art Exhibition, Art in the Light, held at the historic Old Kyneton Primary School. The exhibition showcased an impressive collection of works from students studying VCE Art: Creative Practice, Visual Communication and Design, and Media. Visitors to the exhibition were treated to a diverse range of works including paintings,
drawings, mixed media pieces, sculptures, photography, design folios, film projects and multimedia installations. The exhibition highlighted not only students’ technical skills, but also their creativity, innovation and willingness to explore complex ideas through a variety of artistic mediums. Student achievement was recognised through a number of exhibition awards. The VCE Art: Creative Practice Award, valued at $150, was presented to Saffron Thek, while
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Charlotte Crabtree received the $150 Visual Communication and Design Award. The prestigious $500 Acquisition Award was awarded to Melia Hayes for her print, Porcelain. The work has since been professionally framed and will become part of the college’s permanent art collection. The college’s arts learning area leader Ben Gallagher said the exhibition showcased the creativity, commitment and artistic growth of students throughout their VCE studies.
The Woodend Racecourse Reserve changerooms will receive $250,000 in upgrade funding if the Liberal Party is elected. Currently, the reserve’s facilities are not equipped for the female athletes involved in the sporting clubs that use the site. The shower block lacks doors or curtains, making the showers unusable, and the toilet doors have no locks. At the March 25 council meeting, Macedon Ranges council adopted the Woodend Racecourse Reserve Master Plan with the aim to upgrade facilities. This includes expanding the existing changerooms that service oval user groups to a projected area of 145m2, at an estimated cost of $593,000. The Liberal candidate for Macedon, Kate Kendall, said she is happy to support the masterplan for the reserve and “listen to the community’s needs”. “As a mother of three young girls, I understand the importance of safe and equitable facilities at our community sporting clubs,” she said. “This upgrade will ensure families and girls feel empowered and encouraged to play sport”. The facilities are currently used by 12 sporting groups, including two football clubs, a netball club, a cricket club, a baseball club and multiple junior soccer clubs. The aim of fixing these facilities is to directly support growing female participation in sport.
One Australian is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every two hours, with nearly two-thirds not surviving past 12 months. This November, World Pancreatic Cancer Month, advocacy group Pankind is urging Australians to recognise warning signs early, as detection significantly improves treatment options. Common warning signs include abdominal or back pain, jaundice, fatty stools, unexplained weight loss, newly diagnosed diabetes, loss of appetite and nausea. While these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate cancer, experts stress the importance of awareness. “Pancreatic cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages, meaning many people are diagnosed only after the disease has spread and treatment options have become limited,” said Michelle Stewart, chief executive of Pankind.
“Recognising the warning signs, taking persistent symptoms seriously and speaking to your GP when something doesn’t feel right can make a difference. Earlier diagnosis can mean more treatment options.” Around 10 per cent of pancreatic cancer cases are hereditary, linked to inherited genetic changes. People with a family history or certain genetic conditions face increased risk and may be eligible for specialist surveillance. Pankind encourages Australians to understand their family history using the family history checker at pankind.org.au. During November, landmarks across Australia will light up purple for the ‘Light It Purple’ campaign, raising awareness and honouring those affected. World Pancreatic Cancer Day is Thursday, 19 November uniting communities globally.
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Subdivision plans refused By Georgia Tacey An approved Woodend subdivision, which currently has its amendments before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), has faced another blow after Macedon Ranges council voted not to support its “without prejudice” amended plans. The application, which is for an approved subdivision on Trenchard Street, came back to council at the May meeting, due to the applicant wanting to amend the existing section 173 agreement and the building envelopes, which council refused to grant.
The agreement, under section 173 of the Planning Act, outlines a number of restrictions on setbacks, tree removal and building envelopes. Councillors refused to amend the agreement on the basis that it continues to serve a legitimate and ongoing planning purpose by ensuring development outcomes are consistent with the planning controls at the time the subdivision was approved. It was also refused as ending the agreement would result in “unacceptable disadvantage to parties currently party to it” as it would facilitate an altered neighbourhood character than what was expected. Following the refusal, the applicant
took its appeal to VCAT, with a compulsory hearing held in September. Following the meeting, the applicant presented without prejudice amended plans and a consent order for council consideration, which officers recommended supporting at the October council meeting. In the report, officers said they considered the without prejudice amended plans are responsive to concerns previously raised. However, councillors voted to reject the without prejudice plans, which Cr Jennifer Anderson said was due to section 173. “It’s always difficult when there are section 173s on land and we did bring this be-
fore a council meeting previously because it was put there for a reason,” she said. “It was decided at VCAT that these were appropriate building envelopes in section 173 for the site. “We argued at the time that nothing had changed to create something new. Nothing has changed from our original decision to now. “Thus, the decision to maintain our original position that we had in VCAT, which is to refuse the changes regardless of whether the changes in principle have changed to something different, is still a change and departure from the original section 173 agreement.”
Half a million committed for Macedon schools
Woodend Primary School teacher Katherine Richardson with year 4 students Iversen and Millan at Woodend Primary School’s Carlsruhe Campus. (Damjan Janevski) 586871 01
All the fun of a country fair in Woodend Experience classic country fun at Woodend Primary School’s Carlsruhe Country Fair. Ran every two years at the school’s Carlsruhe campus, the much-loved community event celebrates the school’s historical rural campus and brings together families, friends and the wider community for a day of fun. The Carlsruhe campus gives children a special opportunity to learn through their connection with the land, to understand where and how things grow, experience the changing seasons and discover the importance of caring for the natural world around them. Getting outdoors, getting their hands dirty and learning through cu-
riosity are all part of what makes this place so special. The school said the fair is its chance to open the gates, share that connection with the wider community and celebrate the rural traditions and local knowledge that make Carlsruhe unique. The fair is also an opportunity to raise funds for the school, its students and future learning opportunities. On the day, families can enjoy rides, face painting, old-fashioned games and market stalls selling plants, mystery jars and second-hand toys. There’ll be delicious food stalls run by parent volunteers, a silent auction featur-
ing generous donations from local businesses, an animal farm and llamas to pat, plus displays from local emergency services. The entertainment stage will feature music, dancing and other performances, including students showcasing their talents through the school’s music program. There’ll also be roving musicians bringing music and atmosphere throughout the fair. The Carlsruhe Country Fair will be held on Saturday 14 November from 10am-4pm at the Woodend Primary School Carlsruhe Campus, 57 Nicholson Street, Carlsruhe. Details: facebook.com/carlsruhecountryfair
Schools across Macedon may share in half a million in funding for upgrades. Macedon Liberal candidate Kate Kendall has committed up to $500,000 to improve the safety and security of government schools in the Macedon electorate, to give parents greater peace of mind to ensure children have a safe place to learn. Ms Kendall said she had experienced the “ongoing neglect of small schools in Macedon first-hand”. Schools included in the funding commitment are Hesket Primary School, for the construction of a safe drop-off area; Newham Primary School, for the necessary wall and door upgrades; Bolinda Primary School, for the painting of the toilet block; and Lancefield Primary School, for the installation of child-safe fencing around the school. John Lloyd, a Kerrie resident whose daughter attends Hesket Primary School, said the parking situation is a dire situation for parents. “There’s enough car park spaces for maybe 15 cars, and during school pick up and drop off time, it’s just dangerous,” he said. Labor said it is already providing upgrades at all of these schools, including completing the refurbishment of the toilet block at Bolinda Primary School, converting the school library into a discovery learning centre at Lancefield Primary School, and bathroom upgrades at both Hesket and Newham primary schools.
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Gent of at Day Michael McAlpine and Lady of the Day Sally Martin. 584648 42
Couple of the day Michael and Kelly Carry. 584648 38
Puddles and punters at the Kyneton Cup Even the wet weather couldn’t dampen spirits at the Kyneton Cup. Star Weekly photographer Ties Urie was trackside on Wednesday 4 November to capture all the fashion, fun, and racing action.
Winner of the Kyneton Cup, jockey Alana Kelly, with trainer Liam Howley. 584648 01
Virtuous CIrcle racing through the rain. 584648 12
A re-elected Carroll Labor Government will deliver:
Local Lady Annie Mann. 584648 40
New lifts at Sunbury Station
Sunbury Community Hospital
A new four-court stadium for Sunbury
NO Waste Incinerator for Sunbury or Bulla
A new 300-seat performing arts theatre in Sunbury $600k for Langama Park upgrades
Josh Bull MP State Member for Sunbury
Free Dental 1,500 more police Sunbury TAFE
josh.bull@vic.alp.org.au josh4sunbury
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Best Millernary winner Belinda Nurse. 584648 59
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Alana Kelly (centre), with supporters. 584648 03
Wendy and Fred Butterworth. 584648 41
Alana Kelly. 584648 05
Jack Coluntuano sported feathers in his race day hat. 584648 67
Nichole Farley, Sharyn Testro and Jodie Mclnns. 584648 29
Junior of the Day Lillian Bedggod and Best Suited Nichole Bedggod. 584648 39
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Gisborne clinic bid rejected By Georgia Tacey Macedon Ranges council will not support an application for a new medical centre in Gisborne that is currently before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The application includes plans for a two-storey medical centre on the corner of Goode Street and Hamilton Street in Gisborne. The centre would be used by professionals such as physiotherapists, podiatrists and osteopaths. Other services could include massage, Pilates, exercise,
and rehabilitation. The centre’s proposed operating hours are Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm, and Saturday 7am to 5pm. The applicant took the matter to VCAT after the council failed to make a decision within the prescribed time frame. Despite officers recommending the application be supported at VCAT, councillors during their October meeting voted against it. Cr Rob Guthrie moved an alternative recommendation to refuse support for the application due to the scale and intensity of
non-residential activity in the area, the bulk, scale, form and layout “appearing visually dominant and unsympathetic” to the area’s character, the proposed signage, lack of car parking spaces, and Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme inconsistencies. “It’s just an over development of the site,” Cr Guthrie said. He said the height of the two-storey building and the setbacks to both Hamilton Street and Goode Street did not respect the residential zoning of the site. “Because the building is so large, there’s very little space left for car parking as the
Swap clothes in a gender-affirming environment
All aboard!
Bulla Railway president and train driver Ian Cottee with club members ahead of their monthly open day. (Damjan Janevski) 588345 02
Choo choo your way to Bulla and come ride the Dino Train in a fun day out at the Bulla Hill Railway. Bulla Hill Railway will host its monthly open day on Sunday15 November, and the club members are ready to welcome you in for a day of family fun. For the November open day, you can expect to find all their classic trains, including the number 405, Blue Thunder in Santa Fe, a big diesel train, City of Broadmeadows and Jay Jay. Bill Hill Railway member Brian Parkinson said there may even be a surprise visit from
KATE
site is only 859 square metres with only car parkings for the six practitioners and presumably two reception staff, with none available for clients which will spill onto the local streets,” he said. Cr Guthrie also questioned the operating hours. “The hours of operation are also excessive and should be reduced to the hours of operation of similar medical facilities being Monday to Friday 9am until 6pm and 9am until 2pm on [Saturdays],” he said. VCAT has scheduled a compulsory conference on 24 November.
one of the steam engines. “These trains are ready for fun with you all and the trains sometimes can run past the dinosaurs, and we will try to make sure we feed the dinosaurs before you come so they are not hungry,” he said. “Do not forget to find Rex the small dinosaur hiding around the track. If you find him you will get a dinosaur stamp after the run at the kiosk.” Bulla Hill Railway opens its gates every third Sunday of the month, and heading into the end of the year and next there’s plenty planned. On Sunday 20 December, be sure to stop
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6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 November, 2026
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by for a special visit from Santa himself, and he may even have some sweet treats for the kids. In January, the railway will host a special afternoon run. On 17 January, this special afternoon event will see the trains run with lights on, starting at 3pm and ending at 7pm. Bulla Hill Railway is completely run by volunteers, with all ticket sales put back into running and improving the railway. Bulla Hill Railway open day will be held from 11am, with the last train at 3.45pm at 15 Green Street, Bulla.
As part of Trans Awareness Week, a free clothes swap is being organised to give trans and gender diverse people the opportunity to explore gender-affirming clothing, shoes and accessories in a welcoming and respectful environment. Taking place in Kyneton, the event offers people of all ages the chance to try new styles, discover what makes them feel comfortable and confident, and express themselves freely. Organised by Omnia Community Health, Kyneton Community House, Thorne Harbour Country and TGD Bendigo and Beyond, the event aims to create a safe and joyful space where diversity is celebrated and people feel included, supported and connected. The clothes swap will take place on Tuesday 17 November, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, and people are welcome to drop in at any time throughout the afternoon. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bag to fill with their new items. There is no expectation to bring anything to swap, however anyone with clean, goodquality clothing, shoes or accessories they no longer need is welcome to contribute. Trans and gender diverse people, along with their friends, family members and allies, are all welcome. Registrations are required, and can be made online. Only those registered will be given the location of the event. For more information, contact Omnia’s WayOut or Country LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Program staff on 5421 1666 or email pride@omniach.org.au Register: omniacommunityhealth. org.au/clothes-swap/
Upgrades are now complete at Gisborne Library. The space has turned a new page, and has been transformed into an accessible and future-ready community hub, supported through a $457,000 Living Libraries grant from the state government. The upgrades at the library were also aided through $152,500 from Macedon Ranges council and a further $70,000 from Goldfields Library Corporation. Visitors to the Gisborne Library will experience a fully reconfigured library space. Its new meeting and study spaces will support modern ways of meeting, working, researching and learning. Secure after-hours swipe pass access will also provide greater flexibility of
library access to the community. The library also has upgraded lighting, heating and cooling, as well as furniture upgrades for their quiet and accessible space. In addition, the upgrades have provided a new dedicated facility to support the Gisborne Genealogical Group’s research, archives and community programs that help locals learn more about their family history. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas opened the newly refurbished space to the community on Thursday 29 October. “The upgrades to Gisborne Library will provide Macedon Ranges residents with a future-ready library that better supports Victoria’s modern ways of working, learning, connecting and living,” Ms Thomas said.
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man shot Record-breaking mayor Sunbury in Hadfield By Nykita Van Den Berg Hume councillor Carly Moore has been elected mayor for a historic fifth term, becoming the first female mayor in Hume history to achieve five terms. Cr Moore, who represents Aitken Ward, said she was incredibly honoured to be elected mayor for her fifth term and that it is a responsibility she is proud to undertake. “As mayor, I will continue to advocate strongly for our community. I will continue to speak up when Hume is not getting the investment, infrastructure and support it deserves,” she said. Councillors elected the new mayor and deputy mayor Sam Misho at a special meeting on Wednesday 4 November. Cr Moore said she looks forward to the year ahead as she continues to “give a voice” to those in the Hume community struggling to be heard. “It really is a challenging time for members of our communities and our role at council is about providing whatever support we possibly can to those people who are doing it really tough and continue to deliver our everyday services and make sure we improve the quality of our families’ lives,” she said. Key priorities for her fifth term will include supporting local families through ongoing cost-of-living pressures, advocating for investment in essential infrastructure and services and working with the next state government to deliver for Hume. “This milestone is not about one person. It reflects the trust my fellow coun-
Hume mayor Cr Carly Moore and deputy mayor Cr Sam Misho (supplied)
cillors have placed in me and our shared commitment to delivering for the people of Hume,” Cr Moore said. “While council cannot solve every challenge facing our community, we have a responsibility to listen and do everything we can to make a difference.”
Cr Misho said he was honoured to be elected deputy mayor. “I will be accessible, I will listen and I will always put the needs of our community first,” Cr Misho said. Cr Moore and Cr Misho will both serve a one year term in their roles.
Police are appealing for public assistance as they investigate the circumstances surrounding a non-fatal shooting in Hadfield yesterday morning. Police were called to reports several shots were fired into a house on Lockley Street about 4.10am on Tuesday, 3 November. Nine people were inside the property at the time of the incident. It is understood further shots were fired in the street before a white SUV was seen leaving the area. An 18-year-old Sunbury man self-presented at a hospital with a gunshot wound to the upper body a short time later. Police were later called to reports of a suspicious vehicle on Chapman Street in Glenroy about 9.50am. Bullet holes were found on the white Toyota Kluger, which had stolen plates. Police believe the incident was targeted and the parties involved are known to each other. Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incidents and whether they are linked. Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au
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Police dog Devil and handler Leading Senior Constable Michelle Dench. (Supplied)
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Victoria Police is saying goodbye to one of its most accomplished police dogs as he hangs up his collar and heads off into retirement. After eight years of keeping the community safe and being a committed service police dog, Devil retired on 30 October. Together with his handler Leading Senior Constable Michelle Dench, they have formed one of the longest partnerships in Dog Squad history. “His retirement is such an emotional milestone as we’ve been a team together for the past eight years. He’s had my back and never let me down. It won’t be the same without him and I will miss not having him at work with me every day,” Leading Senior Constable Dench said. Devil was feared by offenders and he was known in the force for his tracking ability and siege work. Some of his best work
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included during a police vehicle ramming in Vermont. Leading Senior Constable Dench and Devil were travelling to a job at high speed. The driver of the stolen vehicle fled at the scene and Devil chased him down, leading to his arrest. Leading Senior Constable Dench and Devil were lucky to have no injuries. Devil turns 10 this year and while he remains fit and healthy, the Dog Squad have made the difficult decision to retire him given his age so he can enjoy his final years. “Devil has always been more than just a dog, he’s a much loved member of the force. He is my family,” Leading Senior Constable Dench said. Devil will continue living at Leading Senior Constable Dench’s home but he will now spend his days as he chooses.
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 said it remains committed to negotiating in good faith with the ASU through the multi-employer enterprise bargaining process.
Kyneton public toilets Macedon Ranges council has advised that the public toilets next to the Kyneton Library entrance are being upgraded. Works started on Thursday 5 November and will be completed in late December. Nearby public toilets include Hutton Street, behind Kyneton Town Hall; Kyneton Community Park, in the Botanic Gardens; and Kyneton Visitor Information Centre, 127 High Street. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
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dental Cricket pitch in flames Expanded care slated for By Nykita Van Den Berg East Sunbury Cricket Club has been left frustrated following a fire on the pitch on it main oval at John McMahon Recreation Reserve on Goonawarra on the weekend. On Saturday 31 October, Thunder president Alec Boorsma received a message informing him that overnight the club’s first pitch had been set on fire. “As a club we’re obviously disappointed and you know where a community club is, we’re not for profit or anything like that. It’s just about providing an avenue for people to come play cricket, whether it’s for our club or other clubs in the GDCA (Gisborne and District Cricket Association),” Mr Boorsma said. “We were supposed to have a Samoan cricket tournament on Saturday which had to be moved to the back cricket pitch which to be honest that ground is not safe to play on.” Fire Rescue Victoria responded to an incident at the ground at 12.45am with a spokesperson saying that firefighters found a small fire on the cricket pitch. Mr Boorsma has reported the incident to CrimeStoppers and is waiting for updates. “I’ve got a garbage bag full of empty beer bottles that were left on the ground [and] just waiting for someone to come look at them,” he said. Mr Boorsma said there was a wine bottle that had “melted into the ground”. “It’s quite frustrating and it takes away from what we can do as a club and it takes away a footprint in the community which I think is the biggest detriment,” he said. “I’ve been in communication with the
Sunbury
East Sunbury Cricket Club president Alec Boorsma (front), with members Evan Wilkins, Xavier (11), Adam Kirk and Lauren De Veth. (Damjan Janevski). 588200 02
[Hume] council [and] they’ve put it as number one priority which is nice.” Mr Boorsma has been in contact with council with it being put as a “number one priority” in order to get the pitch back to playable condition. While the club is disappointed in what has happened it is appreciative of the support it has received by the other local clubs in the area.
“I want to say thank you to those clubs that [have been] reaching out and saying ‘hey if you need to use our grounds that’s okay, just let us know’,” he said. “As a cricket community it’s good to see that we can all sort of come together and just allow people to be involved in community sport.” Council said it is working with contractors to determine the repairs.
More access to public dental care may come to Sunbury. Labor has committed to delivering 20 free dental clinics across the state as well as expanding the opening hours of 10 existing public dental clinics on weekends for emergency care. Sunbury Cobaw Community Health Centre will have its opening hours expanded under Labor’s plan, alongside regional health hubs. Currently for those needing emergency public dental care on the weekend, the only option is to go to the Royal Dental Hospital in Melbourne. With 30 per cent of all treatments in the public dental system being for emergencies, Labor said this means that too many Victorians, especially in the regions, are waiting until Monday for emergency care – or need to wait in a hospital emergency department. Labor said the $26.9 million investment will support more than 50,000 Victorians. The Liberal Party has been contacted for comment
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Maribyrnong’s Truong siblings Alexis and Charlie shoot their smart phone films.
Tez Vi Truong with children Alexis and Charlie at the Sydney Opera House for the SF3 Smart Fone Film Festival on 1 November.
Alexis and Charlie pose for the paparazzi after being announced as finalists in the 2026 SF3 Smart Fone Film Festival. (Pictures: Supplied)
Film festival a family affair Armed with nothing more than their phones, a heap of ideas and a tonne of enthusiasm, a western suburbs family is making films on small screens that are being shown on big screens. Cade Lucas reports.
I
n an era where many parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend staring at screens and often seek to limit or even prevent them from accessing smart phones and tablets, it’s fair to say Maribyrnong’s Truong family go against the grain. Not only do Tez Vi Truong and his wife Doris allow their children Alexis, 8, and Charlie, 6, to use smartphones, they actively encourage it. The Truongs, especially dad and the two kids, probably spend more time using their smart phone devices than just about any family, let alone those with kids aged under 10. Far from it being detrimental, recent evidence suggests that the Truong’s smartphone fanaticism is paying dividends. After all, how many primary school students, when asked on a Monday morning what they did on the weekend, are able to answer that they attended a film festival at the Sydney Opera House and were awarded first prize? Well, the answer is at least two, because that’s exactly what happened to both Alexis and Charlie Truong at the 12th annual SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3) on Sunday 1 November. One of the world’s largest and most prestigious smart phone film festivals, the 2026 SF3 attracted a record 400 entries from around the globe, including 19 feature films and 16 AI films, all vying for a share in $50,000 in prizes. While finalists in the festival’s ‘Mini’ and Feature Film sections were screened and winners announced at the White Bay Power Station in Rozelle on Halloween, both the SF3 Kids and Gala Finals sections were held on Sunday at the Sydney Opera House Playhouse. Alexis and Charlie won the Best Documentary and Touch Finished on
Alexis Truong’s 102 year-old great-grandfather Chiec Thau Ngo, the subject of her award winning smart phone film ‘My Great-Grandfather.’ (Supplied)
Mobile categories, respectively, in the kids section announced on Sunday morning. Not to be outdone, their father won his second consecutive Best AI Film award at the festival’s grand finale held on Sunday night. While Tez Vi Truong thought he stood a good chance of winning again, he wasn’t banking on his two children making it a Truong family trifecta. “Absolutely ecstatic,” the proud father said when asked how he was feeling the day after. “The kids winning was really unexpected.” Proving good things come in threes, not only did all three Truongs take home prizes, but this was the third year in a row they had all entered SF3 together. Truong said having witnessed how far
10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 November, 2026
smart phone filmmaking had come in that time made Alexis and Charlie’s triumphs all the more meaningful. “Last year and even the year before, the quality of the work was great, but this year the quality was really fierce. Some of the people from last year didn’t even get accepted (into the festival) this time. Not only are we proud of them getting accepted but winning, that’s next level.” Alexis Truong was named joint winner of the best documentary award for her short film, ‘My Great Grandfather,’ a two-minute celebration of the life of Chiec Thau Ngo, the Truong family patriarch. The 102-year-old is still alive, though at the time of writing he’d not yet been made aware he was now the star of an award-winning film. “We haven’t seen him yet but we’re about to,” Truong said of his grandfather and his daughter’s great-grandfather. Alexis shared the award with Wolfe and Lucette Meisner and students from Scarborough Public School in Wollongong for their film ‘Between the Mountains and the Sea.’ Younger brother Charlie also shared his prize, having been named joint winner of the Touch Finished on Mobile Award for his autobiographical film ’Charlie’s Secret’. As the name suggests, Charlie reveals some of his biggest secrets and takes the audience on a fun, honest, and unexpected journey through his imagination and personal world in the film he recorded when he was just five. He won alongside students from the Hills Drama School in Rouse Hill near Sydney for their film ‘The New Prisoner.’ Truong was named the sole winner of the Best AI Film award for ‘No.08’ which he described as: “basically it’s an exploration of what we perceive as values and what we consume.”
Coming it at 4:44 in duration, No.8 is more than two minutes longer than Alexis’ or Charlie’s films and joins Truong’s 2025 film “The 5-Minute Empire” in winning the best AI film category. In contrast to other categories, Truong said AI films didn’t involve any camera work and were generated solely on smart phones rather than being edited on other devices. A former screenwriter at Disney, Truong has a background in the film industry but said filmmaking became a family affair after Alexis entered a storytelling competition at a local library. “She didn’t get into (the storytelling competition) so then we looked for other avenues for her work and stumbled upon SF3.” While offering them guidance here and there, Truong said Alexia and Charlie generate their own film ideas and execute them themselves. And while she mightn’t have any awards to her name, mum Doris also plays a significant role. “She’s the backbone,” Truong said of his wife who organises the logistical side of the family filmmaking along with various other off-camera roles. “She’s even involved in the production design and make-up with the kids.” After taking a break for the festival, the Truongs are now busy brainstorming more film ideas and hope to eventually screen some of their work at home in Victoria. With screenings mostly confined to festivals such as SF3, Truong said the best way for people to keep up to date with the family’s work was via his Instagram page at: https://www.instagram.com/ tezfrost/?hl=en To learn more about SF3, go to: https:// sf3.com.au/
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Faces of the west
Above: Sharon Murphy from Keeley’s Cause. (Damjan Janevski) 585064_04 Left: Ekram Hassan-Ali is the One Wyndham recipient for October. (Damjan Janevski) 584723 03
Right: Karen Spaull and Gisborne Golf Club general manager Brett Campbell. (Damjan Janevski) 584822 05
Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs.
Sunshine Hospital palliative care unit director Maria Coperchini with staff Sacha McDonald, Carmen Camilleri and Mariana Grgat. (Damjan Janevski) 587239 04
InFUse Lab participant Millie Sanchez Montoro, program facilitator Augustine Ang and participant David Soderlind. (Damjan Janevski) 587195 04
Altona Meadows Primary School students Max (front), Ethan, Ayman, Emily, Imogen, Liam and Rose. (Damjan Janevski) 585921 05
A new dawn for aged care
Experience quality aged care at Arcare Sunbury • 2 Budburst Drive Book a private tour • Phone 1300 272 273 or visit us at: arcare.com.au 12912940-JR46-26
Tuesday, 10 November, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11
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Hume businesses celebrated More than 300 business leaders, entrepreneurs, sponsors and community representatives gathered to celebrate business success at the Hume Business Awards gala evening late last month. Celebrating 25 years, the awards recognise the achievements of Hume’s business community through innovation, leadership, customer service and growth. “Hume businesses have continued to back our city, even in a challenging economy. They are adapting, investing and creating opportunities, which is why Hume remains one of Victoria’s most important places to do business,” Hume mayor Carly Moore said. Chair Solutions won the Circularity award and was named the 2026 Business of the Year. Julie McKay from Enable Social Enterprises won the 2026 Business Leader Award, as well as taking out the Inclusive Workforce category, while the Young Achiever Award went to Riad Sabry of System Technology Services. Smoked and Cured won the Manufacturing Small Business category, while Steel Mains won the Manufacturing Large Business award. Elevate Singing Studio won the award for Start-Up, and Picnic Foods won the award for Economic Growth. Cape Solutions took the award for Transport, Logistics and Warehousing, while Krayn won for Innovation. Rounding out the category winners: Spartan Tyre and Service Centre (Retail award), Marnong Estate Restaurants (Visitor Economy - Hospitality) and Animal Land Children’s Farm (Visitor Economy - Tourism). “To every winner and finalist, congratu-
The 2026 Hume Business Awards Gala evening winners (supplied)
lations. Your success is built on hard work, ambition and a commitment to your customers and community and Hume is proud
to celebrate what you have achieved,” Cr Moore said. “Our local businesses do more than drive
our economy. They create jobs, support local families and give people the opportunity to build their future right here in Hume.”
community group, there are many ways to take part in CDS Vic and help power Victoria’s circular economy. Reverse vending machines: Perfect for smaller volumes, reverse vending machines scan and verify containers one by one before providing a refund or donation option. Refunds can be received electronically or as a supermarket voucher, or donated directly to a registered charity or community group. Depots: Ideal for larger volumes, depots offer walk-in and drive-through services, making it easy to return multiple bags or trailer loads of containers and receive a refund in just a few minutes. Over-the-counter sites: At participating local businesses and organisations, these refund pointsprovidea timelyoption for returning smaller numbers of containers.
Public bin baskets: Bin baskets and rails attached to public litter bins provide an easy way to dispose of emptieswhile you’re out and about. Leave them behind for someone else to collect and cash inat a CDS Vic refund point. Gifting containers: Not planning to visit a refund point yourself? Pass eligible containers on to family, neighbours, schools, sporting clubs or community groups so they can collect the refund and support local fundraising efforts. Matt Davis, CEO of scheme coordinator VicReturn, said CDS Vic proudly supports Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week, which has encouraged Australians to reduce, reuse and repurpose their wastesince 1996. “National Recycling Week shows us how everyday actions can have a lasting environ-
mental impact,“ he said. “By returning eligible drink containers through CDS Vic, you are helping to reduce litter, conserve valuable resources and keep materials in circulation.“ Since launching in November 2023, CDS Vic has helped Victorians recycle more, reduce litter and keep valuable materials out of landfill. Victorians have returned more than 3.7 billion drink containers, earning $370 million in refunds while helping power Victoria’s circular economy. This National Recycling Week, whether you choose to keep your 10-cent refund, donate it to a local cause or simply make recycling part of your routine, every returned container plays a role in turning waste into a resource.Visit cdsvic.org.au/locationsto find your nearest refund point and join the cycle.
Every container counts: Cash in and clean up National Recycling Week (9-15 November) is a reminder that recycling is about more than what goes in the bin. It’s about keeping valuable materials in use, reducing waste and building a circular economy where products are remade rather than discarded. One of the simplest ways to be part of that cycle is by returning eligible drink containers through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic). Single-use drink containers remain the third-most commonly littered item in Australia, behind soft plastics and non-food packaging, according to Clean Up Australia’s Annual Litter Report FY25. When bottles, cans and cartons are littered, they can pollute waterways, harm wildlife and create costly clean-up challenges for communities.But when they’re returned through CDS Vic, those same containers become a valuable resource that can be recycled into new products and kept in circulation for longer. CDS Vic helps keep eligible drink containers in the recycling loop so they can be remade into new products, preventing them from ending up as litter or landfill. Receive a 10-cent refund for every eligible bottle, can and carton returned. With more than 600 refund points across Victoria, returning containers through CDS Vic is easy. Most eligible aluminium, glass and carton drink containers between 150mL and 3 litres can be returned and recycled into new products. Keep the lids on,as they can be recycled too. Whether you’re collecting a handful of containers at home or managing a larger volume through a school, sporting club or
12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 November, 2026
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MY PLACE Long-time Sunbury local and campaigner Samatha Dutch caught up with Georgia Tacey to tell her all about why she loves her town and why she’s pushing to see change locally. What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north west? How long have you lived in the area for? I was born and raised in Sunbury, and my connection to the town goes back my entire life. My family, work history and many of my strongest memories are connected to Sunbury. I’ve watched the town grow and change enormously over the years, but it will always be home to me. What do you like about where you live? What I love about Sunbury is its strong identity and sense of community. It has such a rich history and heritage, and despite all the growth, it still has that country-town character that makes it different from surrounding suburbs. Is there anything you’d change or like to see locally? I’d like to see Sunbury’s growth matched with the infrastructure, services and local representation the community needs. Most importantly, I’d like residents to have a stronger voice in decisions affecting the future of the town. That’s a big part of why I’m involved with the Let Sunbury Stand on Its Own – A Fair Go for Sunbury petition, Advertising feature
Samantha Dutch. (Damjan Janevski) 581251 06
which calls for a separate Sunbury Shire and greater local decision-making. Where’s your favourite local place to spend time? The Nook. It’s peaceful, familiar and has always had that real Sunbury feel to me. It’s a beautiful part of the town and somewhere I’ve always had a soft spot for. What’s something people would be surprised to know about you? Probably how far back my connection with Sunbury goes. My first job was at Bi-Lo
in Sunbury when I was 16, I later worked in finance at Hume City Council, and my family has longstanding connections with places including St Mary’s Anglican Church and Sunbury United Soccer Club. There are pieces of my life all over this town. Are you part of any groups locally? I started the Sunbury Residents United – Our Town, Our Voice community group, and I’m currently involved with the Let Sunbury Stand on Its Own – A Fair Go for Sunbury petition. For me, it’s about giving
ordinary residents somewhere to have a voice, share their concerns and become involved in conversations about Sunbury’s future. What are you passionate about locally? I’m passionate about Sunbury – its people, history, heritage and future. I want to see growth managed in a way that protects the character and identity generations of people have built here. Most of all, I want local residents to feel heard and to have a genuine say in what happens to their town.
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Tuesday, 10 November, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13
COMMENT
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A reckoning and a player Romsey movie buff Evan Turok is Star Weekly’s film reviewer. Each month he shares his take on recent releases, cult classics, modern favourites and everything in between. The Player
Evan Turok.
1992’s ‘The Player’ features Tim Robbins playing Griffin Mill, a studio executive in charge of separating the thousands of yearly film ideas from the mere 12 that will be produced. With an apathetic indifference to the countless writers he rejects on a daily basis, it becomes impossible to know which of them has begun to send death threats his way. What follows is a witty and tense comedy thriller supported by technical filmmaking excellence. Having to constantly crush the dreams of writers is sure to lead to some enemies. Soon after being the last straw to an unstable writer, Mill becomes embroiled in a murder mystery in which he himself is the main suspect. What worries me is that, with the waves of unwatchable garbage that we already have to sift through to find something enjoyable, I can’t help but lose sleep imagining what kind of ideas couldn’t even get a look in! Director Robert Altman opens with an incredible nine minute single shot sequence. Choreographing a series of actors, a camera, a crew, as well as
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(Damjan Janevski) 545799_04
hundreds of extras is not only wildly impressive, but is the heart and soul of directing a film. Blocking a scene from start to finish allows the audience to witness the dynamic nature of a well written scene. Altman uses this long take to make the world of the film feel lived in, as if each character is only a small piece of the puzzle in the lively yet mysterious world of Hollywood.
The Social Reckoning Written and directed by the writer of the original, Aaron Sorkin, The Social Reckoning continues on from the 2010 film ‘The Social Network’. We follow Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison), an ex-employee of Facebook who attempts to expose the media conglomerate’s greedy willingness to promote hateful content.
What was once an unnerving, gripping thriller has become a melancholic math mission with no personal emotional weight. The fact that ‘private message shares carry a 3.2x higher algorithmic weight than a standard passive reaction’ means nothing to me and should not be the sort of statistics that become the sole focus of the film. (If it means anything to you, please call me and explain. Talk slowly.) My point being, the detrimental difference between the two films is that the original understands that human connection is much more valued to an audience than a series of facts and statistics. None of the characters have any distinctive personality besides the mutual fast talking wittiness found in all Aaron Sorkin dialogue. Unfortunately, when every single character has the same personality trait, it ceases to be one at all. Visually, there was nothing defining about Sorkin’s vision, a simple dot-to-dot approach that lacked a style and failed to do its part to create desperatel needed tension to enhance this so-called ‘thriller’. Jeremy Strong plays Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg with an uncanny perfection. His presence on screen is the clear highlight but not enough to save this ‘colour in the lines’, non offensive but emotionally void film.
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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
November 5, 1991
October 29, 1996
October 24, 2006
October 25, 2016
Burke MHR Neil O’Keefe has urged Premier Joan Kirner to intervene in a dispute which is preventing the implementation of the federal government’s Jobskills program.
A decision by Macedon Ranges shire commissioners to surrender the road maintenance department has angered residents.
Thirty-two electronic gaming machines will be removed from Hume under the state government’s new gambling policy - but none of the will be from Sunbury.
News of a pup lost in the woods has captured hearts in a community that now is going to extraordinary lengths to find Freo.
14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 November, 2026
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NEWS
Call to reduce lane limit By Georgia Tacey Macedon Ranges council will advocate for a speed limit reduction on Batters Lane in Kyneton. A petition from 14 Kyneton residents called for council to reduce the speed limit on the rural road, ideally down to 80km/h. The 2.27km stretch of road consists of a two-lane undivided sealed rural road from Trio Road to Pipers Creek Road, before becoming an unsealed road to Baynton Road. Batters Lane is also unsigned, making it subject to a default speed limit of 100km/h.
The report from officers was tabled during the October council meeting, which outlined the risks found on the rural road from the technical assessment completed. The road returned a medium risk rating from the Infrastructure Risk Rating assessment, and that the demonstrated casualty crash rate exceeds the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) Speed Zoning Policy threshold on the 2.27km stretch of road. Officers said in the report said there have been reported crashes as recently as May this year and March 2024, which
based on DTP’s policy indicates a high demonstrated crash rate. The intersection at Batters Lane and Pipers Creek Road also received funding through the federal government’s 2024/25 Black Spot Program, which included safety improvement works completed in 2025. These works included an electronic flashing ‘Give Way Ahead’ sign, a splitter island, improved line marking, vegetation trimming and street lighting. Councillor Jennifer Anderson said the data was there to justify supporting a speed limit reduction. “We have spoken at other council meet-
ings before that perhaps there is some [road] data missing, but in this particular occasion the data was there to have the evidence to be able to take forward a report to the Department of Transport and Planning who determine the speeds on our roads,” she said. “We are not able to determine those speeds ourselves, so it’s really important that we get that community advocacy because you’re our eyes on the ground.” All five present councillors supported the motion, with council now seeking authorisation from DTP to reduce the speed to 80km/h.
Wrong side of the road in Plumpton
The Sunbury community united at Jacksons Hill (Supplied).
Protestors gather to oppose The Block A crowd of almost 300 people gathered in a peaceful protest at Jacksons Hill on Saturday 31 October. The community protest – hosted by the Sunbury Asylum Alliance – was held to launch the group’s advocacy campaign against the proposed development of Jacksons Hill into luxury housing after Channel Nine purchased three buildings at the historic site. Sunbury Asylum Alliance spokesperson Alison Cunningham said the day was an opportunity for the community to gather at the Hill and reflect, as well as hear about the alliance’s vision for the future of the asylum.
“There’s been growing community opposition as we have shared more information,” she said. “More people are understanding the impact this will have on our town, and the loss we will experience as a community.” For its 2027 season, The Block plans to transform three of the heritage buildings at Jacksons Hill into luxury private housing. The alliance opposes the plan. Instead, the group supports the 2018 Jacksons Hill Masterplan, prioritsing the conservation and restoration of the site. “There’s definitely a good strong alignment between what the alliance had spoken about and what we want [with the
community],” Ms Cunningham said. She said the group will continue to keep the community informed of any developments. “We want to keep people updated with all of the information and all of the steps we’re taking, including any official actions through organisations whether that be through Heritage Victoria or the Planning Department,” she said. “We do plan to have more community gatherings in person so we can raise more awareness and hopefully show our strength in numbers that this is not something we collectively want.” Details: sunburyasylumalliance.org
A Lancefield driver was caught speeding in Lancefield over the Melbourne Cup long weekend. The driver was seen driving on the wrong side of the road in Plumpton at 130 km/h in the 80 km/h zone. Their vehicle was also impounded for 30 days at a cost of $999. A Fraser Rise driver has also been slapped with a 12-month licence suspension and had their vehicle impounded for speeding on the wrong side of the road over the Melbourne Cup long weekend. Police detected the 20-year-old driver from Fraser Rise driving on the wrong side of the road at 109 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on City Vista Drive in Fraser Rise. Police intercepted the driver before inspecting the vehicle, which revealed all four tyres on the car were worn down past their wear indicators. The driver was issued a 12-month licence suspension and had their vehicle impounded for a period of 30 days at a cost of $1014. The arrests took place as part of Melton Highway Patrol’s Operation Furlong, which took place over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
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CALENDAR
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-forprofit 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. Christmas raffle The Romsey/Lancefield Ambulance Auxiliary is running a Christmas raffle, with tickets on sale now. Raffle tickets can be purchased on 13, 14, 20, 21 and 27 November outside IGA Romsey; and 28 November at the Lancefield Farmers Market, with December dates TBA. The raffle will be drawn on 12 December at the Romsey Carols Night, with fundraising going towards the local ambulance station. An afternoon of Faure The Gisborne Singers invite you to experience the beauty and serenity of French composer Gabriel Faure in a special concert on Sunday 22 November at 2.30pm in the intimate setting of one of the area’s most beautiful churches, The Church of the Resurrection in Macedon. The program will include the sublime Cantique de Jean Racine, the devotional Tantum Ergo and his much-loved Requiem. Conducted by Christopher Roache, the choir will be joined by accomplished soloists Michelle Clark (soprano), Jeremy Kleeman (baritone) and will be accompanied by Dan Rigby on organ. ■ trybooking.com/au/event/1661776 Sunbury Streetlife The Sunbury StreetLife Festival returns on Sunday 22 November, from 10am to 4pm, with StreetLife After Hours continuing from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. The festival will celebrate its 10th year this year, and the committee is looking forward to bringing the community together again. O’Shanassy Street, Brook Street and the Village Green will be filled with more than 150 market stalls, food vendors, local businesses, community groups and live entertainment across two stages. There will also be plenty of free activities for families, including an animal farm, interactive drumming, a trackless train, inflatable activities and more. Entry is free. ■ sunburystreetlife.org.au Sunbury Remembrance Day The Sunbury RSL Sub-Branch is holding a service on Wednesday 11 November at 10:45am at the Cenotaph in Stawell Street Sunbury (Outside the Memorial Hall). The service will include several short speeches, a wreath laying opportunity and a minute of silence at 11am. All members of the Sunbury community are most welcome to attend ■ sunburyrsl.com.au Kyneton Badminton Club Kyneton Badminton Club has operated for over 40 years, playing on Monday nights (excluding School / Public Holidays) from 7pm at Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre. Come and try sessions are always available for those wishing to try something different, stay active or to meet new people. All you need is comfortable clothing, runners / sports shoes, a drink bottle and the desire to have fun. The club can provide equipment and coaching. ■ kynetonbc@gmail.com
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of an Australian king parrot at Mount Macedon. (Damjan Janevski) 588000 01
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 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 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 at the door. ■ facebook.com/groups/ChamberPoets/ about North Western 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
16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 November, 2026
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 Scottish Country Dancing Group The Macedon Ranges Scottish Country Dancing Group meet every Thursday, 1-3pm, at Buffalo Stadium, Woodend. The dancing involves social country dancing, not the highland dancing many people think of. The group dance in sets, learning different steps and formations – no special clothes needed, just soft flat shoes. The group are a friendly group having fun and keeping fit at the same time. No partners needed, just a smile and sense of fun. ■ Lynne, 0417 331 439, or Norm, 0408 592 609 CWA Sunbury CWA Sunbury meets second and fourth Mondays at St Mary’s Church, 7-19 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury. All women are welcome, and grandchildren wel-
come to. ■ Bev Goodman, 0402 988 954 With One Voice Sunbury With One Voice Sunbury community choir is changing the world one voice at a time by providing an opportunity for people to meet and experience the joy of singing, often making friends through the shared experiences of singing and performing; although performing is not required. The choir rehearses each Tuesday from 6.30pm at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House, 8 Gullane Drive, Sunbury. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome. ■ sunbury@withonevoice.org.au Neighbourhood garden Become part of Sunbury’s Neighbourhood Garden and grow edible and useful plants in a social group at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. All skill sets are welcome. ■ sunburyhouse.com.au, 9740 6978 Malmsbury Farmers and Makers Market Locals and people from afar get along to this wonderful Farmers Market. Always the third Sunday of the month. Fresh produce, wine, hot food, coffee, plants, artisan foods and crafts that are special. Musical entertainment while you shop and catch up with friends. Located at the picturesque Malmsbury Cricket Ground, Ellesmere Place, Malmsbury from 9am1pm. ■ Amy, 0423 726 695
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ENTERTAINMENT
Family bootscootin’ night Dust off your boots and get ready for a night of country fun at the Commercial Hotel in Ballan. Country music, line dancing, and family-friendly fun will take over the Commercial Hotel in Ballan this month, with locals invited to dust off their boots for a lively country night out. Family Country Night will take over the Commercial Hotel on Friday 13 November, promising to bring a taste of country hospitality to Ballan from 5 to 10pm. The evening is set to kick off with free face painting and pony rides for the kids,
before the dancing gets underway. The Boot Scooting Society will lead a free line dancing session from 7pm,
welcoming everyone from seasoned dancers to first-timers keen to learn a few new steps. Live country music will follow, with performer Tristan Ross taking to the stage to keep the country atmosphere going throughout the evening. Entry to the live music costs $10 per adult, while the line dancing session and children’s activities are free. Organisers are encouraging families and friends to come along, get involved and enjoy a night of entertainment close to home. Those planning to stay for dinner are
encouraged to contact the hotel ahead of time to secure a table. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite or at the venue. So bring your friends, round up the family, and join in on the fun for a boot-scootin’ good time! Family Country Night will run from 5pm to 10pm on Friday 13 November, at the Commercial Hotel, 151 Inglis Street, Ballan. Details and tickets: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/line-dancing-countrymusic-night-at-the-commercial-hotelballan-tickets-2003750484639.
Explore your creativity with Way Out West
Organiser of storytelling salon, Between The Lines, Aud Pitch, at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop in West Footscray where the monthly event is held. (Damjan Janevski) 554512_01
Saturday night live storytelling salon Live storytelling salon, Between The Lines, returns for the final time in 2026 on Saturday 28 November at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop in West Footscray. Held on the last Saturday of each month, Between the Lines is an invitation for people to share something true to a room full of strangers who are there to listen. You don’t need to be a writer, a poet, a performer, or really anything other than
someone willing to tell a story that is true, that is your own and which is in keeping with a chosen theme, which for November is ‘the long day.’ You must register beforehand and then on the night wait and your name is drawn at rundown from a storytelling pool. If it is, you will get handed the mic and the attention of the audience for 10-12 minutes to tell them your story. Selected speakers also get a glass of wine on the
house to ease any nerves. If it’s not, you get to remain a member of the audience and enjoy a night of bold, honest, and unfiltered storytelling. Whether on stage or in the crowd, everyone pays for a ticket in order to keep the event fair and sustainable. To register, book tickets and learn more about Between the Lines, go to: https:// events.hu ma n it i x .com/bet ween-t helines-storytelling-salon
Raise a glass to the 35th annual Budburst festival Get ready for a weekend of food, wine and country hospitality as Budburst Wine Festival is back in the Macedon Ranges celebrating 35 years. Every year, the wineries of the Macedon Ranges region come together, open their doors and showcase their cool climate wines and local food. Budburst not only features the region’s established cellar doors but also producers not normally open to the public, small batch wines and special releases. The event spans across Saturday 14 November to Sunday 15 November, from 10am to 5pm, with tastings, curated good menus, live entertainment and the chance to chat with the winemakers at every stop.
Passes start from $39 with weekend passes $55. Tickets come with a keepsake Plumm crystal Macedon Ranges wine glass, a festival passport with all the details you need for the weekend and wine tastings across participating wineries. The festival welcomes all and is a family friendly event with designated drivers and children under 18 are invited to join the festival for free. Participating venues will offer visitors the chance to taste their wines, hear their stories and learn what makes the region so special. Details: https://www. macedonrangeswineandfoodfest.com.au/
Lyons Will Estate owner and winemaker Renata Morello celebrating the upcoming Budburst Festival. (Damjan Janevski) 586977 04
Deaf and disabled artists across Brimbank are being invited to unleash their creativity, develop new skills and connect with fellow artists through Way Out West (WOW), an inclusive multi-arts studio presented by Arts Access Victoria. Open to artists aged 18 and over, Way Out West provides a welcoming and supportive space for people to experiment with different art forms, share ideas and explore new ways of creative expression. The program offers opportunities to explore visual arts, performance, installations, music, animation and video. Participants can combine traditional art techniques with digital technology, including iPads, musical instruments and sound-making equipment. More than simply a place to make art, WOW is about building connections, sharing stories and celebrating the diverse experiences and creative talents of deaf and disabled artists. Artists can work alongside others, explore their individual interests and develop their artistic skills in an environment that encourages collaboration, experimentation and creative freedom. For Brimbank residents interested in exploring their artistic side, the workshops offer an opportunity to try something new, build confidence and become part of an inclusive creative community. The final Way Out West workshops for 2026 will be held on Saturday 21 November and Saturday, 5 December at St Albans Community Centre, from 10am - 4pm. Way Out West welcomes deaf and disabled artists aged 18 and over, whether they are experienced creatives or looking to take their first steps into the arts.
Tuesday, 10 November, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17
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SPORTS QUIZ 1. 2026 WNBA Finals MVP Gabby Williams won the award playing for which team?
3. The 2026 Liz Ellis Diamond was recently awarded to which Adelaide Thunderbirds player?
10. 2026 World Series MVP William Contreras won the award playing for which team?
2. Which country’s men’s national rugby league team is known as The Cedars?
4. American sports identity Pat McAfee played his entire career with which NFL team?
11. Who is the current captain of the Jillaroos?
5. Which horse did jockey James McDonald ride to victory in the 2026 Victoria Derby? 6. The Connecticut Sun has been sold and will relocate to which Texas city for the 2027 WNBA season? 7. Australia’s national wheelchair rugby league team is known by what nickname? 8. Former Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan recently joined which AFL club as Director of Coaching?
Alex De Minaur
9. Anthony Ippolito portrays which famous actor in a 2026 biographical drama based on the development of a 1970s sports film?
Steve Smith
12. In what place did Australia’s Haftu Strintzos finish the 2026 New York City Marathon? 13. In June, high diver Molly Carlson made history as the first woman to dive off what? 14. What is the only country with a single FIFA World Cup win?
20. What is the maximum number of free throws you can be awarded at once in basketball?
15. Which of these singers has run a marathon: Bruno Mars, Harry Styles or Mick Jagger?
21. How many teams qualify for the AFL Women's Finals Series each year?
16. Who is the youngest F1 World Champion in history? 17. Pencak Silat is a class of martial arts that originated in which country? 18. Sensei, in karate, is equivalent to what role in kung fu? 19. Who defeated Alex de Minaur in the 2026 Vienna Open final?
22. Steve Smith suffered an injury to which part of his body during the recent Test cricket series against South Africa? 23. English soccer team Fleetwood Town defeated which iconic EPL team in a recent EFL League Cup match? 24. The Socceroos are scheduled to play which two nations in the Middle East this month?
25. Which state has won the most Sheffield Shield titles? 26. In 1972, who became the first woman to win five individual swimming medals at a single Olympic Games? 27. In soccer, the penalty spot is how many metres from the goal line? 28. What is the highest score you can get in a single turn of darts? 29. Which Australian city is currently hosting the inaugural SWIM GP event? 30. Karen Rolton Oval is a cricket venue in which Australian city?
1311
12536910-CG08-22
1. Golden State Valkyries 2. Lebanon 3. Georgie Horjus 4. Indianapolis Colts 5. Stormy Marco 6. Houston, Texas 7. The Wheelaroos 8. Carlton 9. Sylvester Stallone 10. Milwaukee Brewers 11. Isabelle Kelly 12. Fifth 13. A free-standing iceberg 14. England 15. Harry Styles 16. Kimi Antonelli 17. Indonesia 18. Shifu (or sifu) 19. Carlos Alcaraz 20. Three 21. Eight 22. Neck 23. Arsenal 24. Qatar and Jordan 25. New South Wales 26. Shane Gould 27. 11 metres 28. 180 29. Melbourne 30. Adelaide
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Tuesday, 10 November, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19
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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'.
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R O P E D A B O D E D E I G N A S S E T R E E D S
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apricot, atop, captor, carp, copra, crop, optic, pact, pair, part, patio, patriot, PATRIOTIC, pica, picot, pita, pitta, port, rapt, tapir, topic, trap, trip, tropic
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ATLAS ATONE AWAIT AWARD BLADE BRACE CLASP DELTA DIETS EAGLE ERRED FENCE FREER GREEN HABIT HERDS INANE LASER MOANS MOLAR NICER OPERA
4 LETTERS EDGY ERRS EYED GODS LEWD MESH PEAR RAMP SAME SHIP 5 LETTERS ABOVE ADORE ALIBI AORTA APPAL ARROW ASIDE
QUICK QUIZ
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PIECE POWER PROXY RELAX SEARS SEEDS SEXES SHARP STAFF STEAL SWABS SWEET TAPES TENOR TOMBS TYPES WAIVE WATER YARDS
6 LETTERS BREATH LEAVES PERTER SABRES SPIDER TARTAR 7 LETTERS CHOLERA INSPIRE ISTHMUS PIRANHA
PURPLER VOYAGER 8 LETTERS PARTICLE REBELLED RESORTED SEASHORE 10 LETTERS PRECLUDING PROMOTIONS
13-11-26
1
Which nursery rhyme characters travelled by sea in a pea-green boat?
7. Commemorated with a famous basilica, who is the patron saint of Venice?
2
What is the term for a male duck?
8
What is the southernmost point of the Australian mainland?
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Not counting re-recordings, The Life of a Showgirl is what number studio album by Taylor Swift?
3. In what year was the first Samsung Galaxy phone released? 4. Gillian Anderson (pictured) portrayed which historical figure in The Crown? 5. Moose Jaw is a city in which country? 6. How many total players are on the court in a game of volleyball?
10 The Orionids meteor shower is associated with which wellknown comet? ANSWERS: 1. The Owl and the Pussy-cat 2. Drake 3. 2009 4. Margaret Thatcher 5. Canada 6. 12 (six per side) 7. Saint Mark the Evangelist 8. Wilsons Promontory 9. 12th 10. Halley’s Comet
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
S H A R P A S I D E T O M B S W A T E R T E N O R A D O R E L A S E R R E L A X A B O V E B I N C L A S P S I T A C E S T E A L S H I P S A B R E S O U T O R E T R Y A W A R D B R E A T H E D G Y P A R T I C L E R A M P E R A P I R A N H A P U R P L E R G O D S R E S O R T E D A V O L E W D L E A V E S M O A N S A P E M O B F O X S P I D E R E Y E D T Y P E S T O N R A M A L I B I I R E A W A I T E A G L E O P E R A S W E E T N I C E R F E N C E F R E E R H E R D S S E E D S
No. 315
G A R I S H O P E R A T E S A P A E R M L B A L A C L A V A A N N U L S G U A L O D R S P E A R M I N T S M E A R G I T D T E E S E C R E T L Y E S P I E D O O D U R E S S A P P O I N T S E P P K A C T T I B I A P R O B A T I O N R T T I O E T A R E A L I S T I C B R A K E T A E E K L T F R O S T Y S P E L L I N G
SUDOKU
Tiggo super in name only By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Let’s get something straight. Wheels magazine (is it still a magazine?) may have recognised the Chery Tiggo 9 as Australia’s best value large SUV. But they’re talking about the top of the range Ultimate model, not the entry Elite which is the one most punters will end up buying at this end of the market. And the Elite is a quite different beast, front-wheel drive, with a smaller battery, less powerful drivetrain, less electric only range and of course less equipment. But it costs less and it still seats seven.
Styling There are two grades, Elite FWD (our test vehicle) priced from $52,990 and Ultimate AWD priced from $59,990. Although both are described as ‘super hybrids’ with the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, Track has two electric motors, while the Ultimate adds a third motor and larger battery. This means more power and greater range. Standard kit for Elite includes synthetic leather trim and two-zone climate air with rear outlets, heated power-adjust front seats, acoustic glass for windscreen and front doors, colour selectable ambient interior lighting, cooled console box, power tailgate and a tilt-slide panoramic sunroof with powered sunshade. There’s also 19-inch alloys, puddle lights, pop-out door handles, walk-away locking, LED head, tail and daytime running lights, auto high beam, auto lights and wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. Ultimate adds 20-inch wheels, real leather, auto dimming mirror, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooling for both the front and rear seats, massage for the front seats, head-up display, automatic parking assist, additional side parking sensors, and a 14-speaker Sony system. Tiggo 9 is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus an eight-year battery warranty, with capped price servicing and roadside assistance for seven years. Service is due every 12 months or 15,000km, with servicing capped at a total of $3174 for the first seven years.
Infotainment Infotainment consists of a 15.6-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch instrument display, with Bluetooth, intelligent voice control, built-in navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio is provided by an eight-speaker Sony sound system. There’s also 50W wireless phone charging, USB-A and -C ports front and back, 12-volt outlet front.
Safety Tiggo 9 has not been rated for safety yet but features an array of active and passive safety features. There are 10 airbags that include front, front side and centre, rear side, driver knee and side curtain airbags. The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) incorporate the likes of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – just to mention a few.
Engines/transmissions Powering the Tiggo 9 Elite is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces maximum 105kW of power
driving on electric power alone (1250km combined). Driving mainly in normal HEV or hybrid-electric mode, we clocked up just under 400km at a rate of 6.0L/100km. In our defence, sometimes it is not convenient to charge the battery, but it’s great to have the option. AC charging is limited to 6.6kW, but with a fast DC charger it can be charged at a rate of up to 41kW. Access to the car is via walk-up/ walk-away locking, with pop-out door handles and a drivetrain that powers up automatically in readiness for departure. There’s no start/stop button. However, before the transmission will engage, you must have your seatbelt fastened. It sounds like a great idea, but in practice it wears thin fairly quickly. Surprisingly at this price point the steering wheel is power-adjust, but disappointingly offers very little range of adjustment. You can also choose between Comfort and Sport settings in the system that alters the amount of steering effort required. Of note, sometimes the transmission wouldn’t go into gear and at other times it jumped out. This happened on more than one occasion. RATINGS Once up and running however the Tiggo is an Looks: 7 easy, inoffensive car to drive Performance: 7.5 and that is a compliment. Safety: 7.5 It accelerates briskly and even handles pretty well Thirst: 7 as we discovered, pushing It’s expensive, but the Tiggo 9 is decent value, but with some drawbacks. (Pictures: Supplied) Practicality: 6 hard through a few corners. Comfort: 7.5 By rights it should have been and 215Nm of torque, together with two Ride and handling is a electric motors, both of which are located switched to the other side as most pleasing balance of comfort Tech: 7.5 at the front – delivering 75/170Nm and manufacturers normally do. and control and it doesn’t Value: 7.5 Third, returning the access seat 90kW/220Nm apiece. porpoise the way some Overall: 7.2 Combined output is 225kW of power and to its original position proved SUVs do on undulating problematic, requiring the driver’s 315Nm of torque. roads. With three electric motors, Ultimate, in seat to be moved all the way forward before The Tiggo just feels a little disconnected, it too could be moved all the way forward. comparison, delivers 315kW and 580Nm. but that won’t be a problem for the majority This unlocks the seat and allows it to be of drivers. Torque is the more significant figure because it’s the stuff that gets you moving returned to its original position. Talk about Three-level regenerative braking is quickly and makes short work of hills when a major pain in the butt. offered, but there doesn’t seem to be a way Once ensconced, there’s just enough to adjust it that we could find. the car is fully loaded. In the Elite driving force is sent to the room for smaller children and even On a downhill run you can actually see front wheels via a three-speed dedicated then, some negotiation may be required the battery level begin to rise. with those in the second row. Adults can hybrid transmission. Thankfully, most of the driver assistance forget it. stuff isn’t too intrusive. The Chinese seem The seat adjustment, by the way, is to be getting better at this stuff. Driving You’re buying this car primarily for the located on the door, like a Mercedes. A complete lack of physical controls With the seats in use there’s little room however became annoying after a while. seven seats, right? So, let’s have a look at leftover for luggage, as is the norm for most the seats first. Want to change the temperature? See the The key figures are the length and seven-seats SUVs, but at least the third-row touchscreen. Turn the radio down. wheelbase which dictate how much room packs flat when not required. Touchscreen. Anything else. Cargo capacity is limited to 143 litres, Touchscreen. it has inside. The Tiggo 9 is 4.8m long with a with 819 litres when the second row is 2750mm wheelbase. Not only is it annoying, it is also difficult To give this some perspective, Toyota’s folded, or 2021 litres with both rows folded. once you’re on the move. There’s no spare under the rear floor soft road Kluger is 166mm longer with a Limited control is accessible via the 100mm longer wheelbase, which means either, just a tyre repair kit. steering wheel buttons, but these can be Four driving modes are available, difficult to see in strong sunlight. more room for longer legs. There’s a smaller Tiggo 8 that seats accessed by a large circular control knob Alternatively, there’s always voice seven too, but at 4724mm/2694mm it has in the centre console: pure electric, series, control, but after a minute trying – like us – even less legroom – it is however $10K parallel, and energy recovery. you’ll probably give up, swearing. Despite the fact it plays second fiddle cheaper. We’ve been doing this job for a long time. Other alternatives include the Jaecoo to the Ultimate in terms of power, the Once upon a time glitches in test vehicles J8 or fancier Omoda 9 (also produced by front-drive Elite with its single electric were rare. motor is by no means a slouch. Chery). These days they have become Chery doesn’t provide acceleration commonplace, and point to a lack of But back to the Tiggo 9. Getting in and out of the third row figures, but it feels around the 8.0 or 9.0 research and development. second mark from 0-100km/h. presents some challenges. Of course, you need some charge to Summing up First, to raise the two third row seats with the straps provided, you need to slide the receive assistance from the battery. Is the Tiggo 9 value for money? Sure. With a 70-litre fuel tank the Tiggo takes second row forward to provide clearance Is it cheap? Not really, not when you premium 95 unleaded and has claimed consider that it costs almost $60K to put on for the headrests. Second, the single, second row, tilt and fuel consumption of 1.5L/100km, but that the road. slide seat that provides access is located depends on keeping the battery topped We wonder when this became the price on the driver’s side of the vehicle, not ideal up – otherwise it reverts to normal hybrid point for a family wagon? in our neck of the woods where it exposes operation. The quality of Chinese vehicles may have Power consumption is 15.6kWh/100km. come on in leaps and bounds, but so too those getting in and out to the risk of You can expect to get about 77km (WLTP) has the price. What next? passing traffic. Tuesday, 10 November, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21
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Robinson joins Bulldogs By Tara Murray New Gisborne women’s Cameron Robinson is keen to help the Bulldogs grow in the Essendon District Football League. Robinson was appointed the Bulldogs’ new women’s coach last month, replacing Bernie Marantelli, who stood down after coaching the past two seasons. “I’ve always loved coaching,” Robinson said. “I’ve always been a leader when I’m playing footy as well. “I have a strength and conditioning side as well, and now I get to put that all together and it’s something I’ve been working on for a long time.” Robinson said if he wasn’t involved in
football, he didn’t know what he would be doing. He said the Bulldogs role was one that excited him. He previously coached a couple of games against them. “The club is already in a good position and they had some success a couple of years ago,” he said. “They played in division 1 this season which was a step up and they went really well. “I have belief in my skills and knowledge to put it all together and we will go from there.” Robinson has already met much of the playing group, with the club holding an information session. The new coach said there was a good
turnout. “Everyone seems really positive and a lot of the girls stuck around and had chats afterwards which was great to see,” he said. Robinson said they would be looking to add some players to their squad for next season. He said anyone of any ability would be welcome to come down. “I take in the belief that my knowledge of footy and fitness, along with used to being a PT, that I can make anyone a better player.” The Bulldogs also have a strong under-19 program. Robinson said most of those players would still be in under-19s next season, but would look to try and give them games
in the seniors at times. The Bulldogs will look to start pre-season training later this month. Star Weekly understands that the women’s competition is set to return to three divisions next season. Having finished sixth, the Bulldogs are set to remain in division 1. “If we’re staying up that will be good,” he said. “We want to be pushing for premier division eventually.” Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have suffered a blow with Amy O’Kelly signing with Keilor. O’Kelly, in her first full senior season, finished equal runners-up in the league division 1 best and fairest medal.
SPORTS SHORTS RDFL Lancefield has signed Michael Graham for next year’s Riddell District Football League season. He will be a playing assistant coach with the Tigers saying he will bring his leadership and know-how to every level of the club. “A goal-kicking midfielder with enormous experience across leagues all around the country, MG brings serious class and grit to the Tigers. He’s as tough at the footy as anyone you’ll see, and he knows where the big sticks are,” the Tigers said. “MG arrives ready to help develop our young midfield brigade, and he can’t wait to show his teammates and the Lancefield community what sort of footballer he is.”
EDFL Rupertswood has added youngest Logan Carroll to its squad for next year’s Essendon District Football League division 1 season. “Logan is a midfielder who bases his game around being a big pressure player and impacting as many contest as he can,” the Sharks said. “He loves going in hard and laying big tackles and will run all day. Logan was previously at Rupo in his under-16 and under-18 days and since then has been developing his senior game for the past three years at Diggers Rest.”
Last year’s women’s gift finalists. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 517333_23
Lancefield Gift back even bigger and better By Tara Murray A record 591 entries will compete at this Saturday’s Community Bank Lancefield Gift. The gift, which returned in 2024, has continued to grow with the event establishing itself as one of the premier meetings on Australia’s professional running circuit. For event organiser Chris Dynon, the record response is reflection of the growing reputation of an event. “I get some amazing messages from the athletes after the event each year saying how much they love coming to Lancefield, so I knew we would get a really good response from them again this year, but to have a record number of entries is fantastic,” he said. “It’s a great event that brings hundreds of athletes and their families to the Macedon Ranges from all around Australia and puts Lancefield on show. “A good portion of the winners each year travel from interstate just to run here, so it shows how highly regarded it is. “Events like this don’t happen without our sponsors, particularly our naming rights sponsor, the Community Bank Lancefield and Romsey.” The Lancefield Gift has a proud history dating back to the late 1800s, when it be-
came one of the major events on the Australian athletics calendar. By the 1920s it was attracting world champions, before eventually fading from the calendar in the 1960s. Its revival in 2024 has been an enormous success. The gift is now one of the most important lead-up meetings to the famous Stawell Gift each Easter. The centrepiece of Saturday’s program will once again be the men’s and women’s $6000 Community Bank Lancefield Gift over 400 metres, making them the richest 400m races in Australia. The inaugural women’s winner, Bella Pasquali, went on to claim a bronze medal representing Australia at the World Indoor Championships in China just months after her Lancefield victory. The men’s competition has also provided a significant pathway to Stawell, with the finalists from the men’s Lancefield sprint in the inaugural year making up half the field in the Stawell Gift final. Lancefield winner Jasper Thomas went on to finish second at Stawell. “Last year Ashleigh Palmer thrilled everyone by winning the women’s Gift at her first race back since having a baby, while ev-
22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 November, 2026
ery single runner from the men’s sprint that went to Stawell got through to the semis,” Dynon said. “The women’s sprint has also produced one of the most memorable stories in recent Gift history. Last year’s winner, Charlotte Nielsen, used her dominant Lancefield performance as a springboard to the Stawell Gift, where she faced an extraordinary challenge against World Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Sha’Carri Richardson. “If you run well at Lancefield you are going to be one of the favourites for the Stawell Gift at Easter. “The Lancefield winners have been second in the last two Stawell Gift finals, so hopefully we’ll see the winner here on Saturday.” While the 400m gifts will be the major attraction, Saturday’s program offers a full day of athletics, with races catering for elite athletes, masters and juniors. The $3000 men’s and women’s 120 metre Lancefield sprints are another major attraction, while the $1500 Lancefield Cup over 800 metres will also add to the excitement, alongside a range of junior, masters and open events. Racing commences at noon at Lancefield Park, with the gift finals to be held at 6.40pm.
Ballarat FL Baden Dickins is crossing to the Sunbury Lions for next year’s Ballarat Football League season. A Gisborne Rookies junior, Dickins joins the Lions after spending the past two seasons at Macedon, where he made his senior debut in 2025. “Baden emerged as one of the RDFL’s [Riddell District Football League] exciting young talents in 2026, earning a nomination for the prestigious rising gun award,” the Lions said. “A classy half-back with plenty of dash, composure and the ability to break the lines, Baden will add another exciting dimension to our backline.”
RDFL Kyneton has signed a Victorian Football League listed player along with his brother for next year’s Riddell District Football League season. Zak and Jordan Busuttil will both join the Tigers, in a big boost for the club. Zak is a dual premiership player at Werribee Districts while Jordan will play for the Tigers in-between his VFL commitments with Werribee.
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Tigers score second win By Tara Murray Lancefield is showing the improvement it was seeking in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield. The Tigers showed some positive signs in their first season back up in the Johnstone Shield, and now with a season under their belt they want to have more of an impact. A win against the Sunbury Kangaroos on Saturday was the side’s second of the season. Co-coach Alan Sinclair said it had been a good start so far for the side. “We’ve had a couple of good wins,” he said. “Last year coming up was a bit of a jump. Retaining most of the players from last year, we’re hoping to get a few more
wins on the board and sit around finals at the back end of the year.” Sinclair is sharing the coaching reins this season, with Harrison Lehner stepping up as a co-coach. Sinclair, who is still captain, said it was nice to have someone else helping him out. “It’s good to bounce ideas off someone,” he said. “Harry is doing a good job and other people are getting on board behind the scenes and helping with training. “We have a bit more of a routine at training now.” It was another wet Saturday that faced the Tigers. Day one of their match with the Kangaroos was washed out, with the match becoming a one-dayer.
Sinclair said despite rain falling on Saturday morning, they thought they would still get on and play. The Kangaroos won the toss and sent the Tigers in. The Tigers finished with 8-160 from their 45 overs. “I thought 160 was a good score,” he said. “It’s a hard ground to bat on at Lancefield. “Harvey [Lehner] batted well towards the end. He’s continuing his development in his cricket ability. “He’s still young and is getting better and better.” Lehner finished with 41 not out off 46 balls. Jason King took 3-13 off four overs to be the pick of the bowlers for the Kangaroos. Sinclair said the Kangaroos contin-
ued to hang around in the run chase and looked like they would make a challenge. A couple of wickets to Harrison Lehner got the job done for the Tigers as they bowled the Kangaroos out for 129. Harrison Lehner finished with 3-17 with Sinclair saying that he was standing up with the extra responsibility. The Tigers now face Broadford in a two-dayer the next two Saturdays. Sinclair said playing on turf would be a challenge for them. “We have not seen them with them being in McIntyre,” he said. “I think our batting is more suited to two-day cricket. “Hopefully we can play well next week.” In other results, East Sunbury beat Kilmore, Riddell lost to Merrifield Panthers and Eynesbury lost to Broadford.
Hill, Bellette set to depart the Lions
Jacob Poyser. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 522496_27
Rockies are ‘flying at the moment’: Coach By Tara Murray Macedon Ranges Rockies are hoping to time their run to perfection in the Country Basketball League men’s north-west. Last season’s runners-up, the Rockies sit in the top four after six rounds of the season with just one loss for the year. Coach Zac Voigt said they always felt that they could have a good season, but things had come together quicker than they expected. “It has gone quick and the boys are flying at the moment,” he said. “I’ve been thrilled with how we’ve played but we have been far from perfect. “We’re definitely on the right path and progressing.” The Rockies added six new players to their squad for this season. Voigt said even though a big chunk of the group was different, they had clicked right from the start. “Almost from day one in the pre-season they have all gelled,” he said. “It was quite a shock, I was anticipating it
would take a bit more work. “We’re probably a little unlucky to have had a loss on the record.” Voigt said like last season they wanted to make sure that they were putting their best basketball out at the right time of the year. He said they want to keep putting the wins together so they ensure a top four spot and go from there “We’re mindful of not peaking too early,” he said. “We don’t want to peak before finals. We want to be at a good enough standard, that no one can get in our way. “We want to get the recipe right.” The Rockies were in action on Saturday night against ladder leaders Melton Thoroughbreds. Voigt said before the match it would be a really good test. “They are the only team that has beaten us this year,” he said. “They’re the only team that has come within 20 points. “We can not wait to get back on the court against them. “We left a lot on the table and lost by only
one mistake on our end. “We’re keen to make amends.” Voigt got his wish and the Rockies were able to get some revenge as they won 84-73. After trailing by seven points at quarter time, the Rockies were able to work into the game. The margin was back to one point at half time, before the Rockies won the second half to seal the win. Luca Laird top scored for the Rockies with 25 points, while Finn McGinty and Jacob Poyser also scored double figures. The Rockies have a double header this weekend, facing the Bacchus Marsh Lions on Saturday night and then the Mildura Heat on Sunday. In the women’s north-west, the Rockies pushed the Thoroughbreds. Facing the undefeated team of the competition, the Rockies lost 72-61. A 20-9 first quarter would be the difference in the match. Lily Siu top scored for the Rockies with 14 points. The Rockies remain fourth on the ladder.
One of the Ballarat Netball League’s leading shooters is on the move ahead of next year. Shepparton United has announced the signing of Sunbury Lions shooter Caitlin Hill for next season, which will see her depart the Lions. “A proven performer at the highest levels of Victorian netball, Caitlin brings a wealth of experience, composure and firepower to the Skene End of Deakin Reserve,” Shepparton United announced on social media. “Strong on the hold and equally damaging on the move, Caitlin enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season with Melbourne University Lightning, shooting at an outstanding 87 per cent accuracy and netting 551 goals. “Her stellar performances were recognised with runner-up MVP [most valuable player] honours, highlighting her impact as one of the competition’s premier attacking talents.” Hill has spent the past two seasons at the Sunbury Lions and played a key role in the side making finals both years. She played 10 games in her first season, in between her VNL and Super Netball Reserves commitments, before committing to the Lions full time this year. This year Hill shared the Lions best and fairest with Georgia Hellyer, while she was also awarded the coaches award. Hill shot 477 goals this year, finishing fifth in the competition and the leading goalscorer for the Lions as they made the semi finals. Fellow shooter Charlize Bellette is also set to depart the Lions. Her former club, Romsey, announced that she had committed to the Riddell District Netball League side for next season. After an outstanding 2025 season, taking home league leading goal scorer and earning selection in the team of the year, Charlize has certainly made her mark on the court,” the Redbacks said. “We’re excited to have her back in Red and Black and can’t wait to see what she brings in 2027.” Meanwhile, the Lions have announced netball trials for all grades bar A-grade for next season. Two sessions will be held on 26 November and 3 December. Details: sunburylionsnetball@ gmail.com
Tuesday, 10 November, 2026 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 23
10, NOVEMBER, 2026
Rockies starting to fire
Gift continues to grow
Travis Hodgson joins Thunder By Tara Murray
Gisborne’s Daniel Salpietro faces Woodend’s Hamish McDonald. (589012)
Dragons win By Tara Murray It was another battle between Gisborne and Woodend that was marred by wet weather, but this time it was the Dragons who got the last laugh in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup. For a third-straight two-day match between the two sides, including last season’s grand final, rain played a massive part in the match. After day one was washed out, the match became a one-dayer. With more rain predicted on Saturday, Dragons coach Riley Vernon said the club took extra measures to try and get a game up. “We knew it was coming and the club went and bought covers,” he said. “It’s not often in synthetic cricket you see covers. “It’s a credit to the club and how much we want to win. The whole club was there putting them on Friday night and lots of supporters were there to take them off on Saturday.” The two sides were on and off the ground on Saturday, but still managed
to get a result. After being reduced to a 31-over game, the Dragons sent Woodend in. Woodend finished 7-129. “The boys played well,” Vernon said. “Daniel Salpietro took a three-fa and we were able to get them out for 130 in 31 overs. “We fielded extremely well as well.” Warren Else top-scored for Woodend with 35 not out off 44 balls. At 2-5, the Dragons were in trouble before big-name signings Keaton Jennings and Salpietro came together to guide the side to within sight of victory. The Dragons hit the winning runs in the 28th over, finishing 3-131. Vernon said it was nice to see the batting depth on show and the side not having to rely on him or his brother Jarryd to be the saviour. “We batted well,” Vernon said. “Keaton and Dan put on a 70 to 80-run partnership to set up a good run chase. “You could tell they had played at a different level with the way they went about it. “It was something that I had been looking forward to watching.”
Salpietro finished 67 not out, while Jennings made 41 off 51 balls. The win has the Dragons as the only undefeated side after five rounds. Vernon said they were happy with the start but there was still a long way to go. “We’ll take that,” he said. “I’ve never seen a group that hungry for success before.” The Dragons will face Macedon in round six in a two-dayer starting this Saturday. In other matches, Rupertswood chased down Sunbury United’s total. The Bees finished 8-277 from their 80 overs after continuing their innings on Saturday. Rupo finished 6-278 in reply, getting the runs in just 48 overs. Romsey beat Wallan on DuckworthLewis-Stern. Wallan made 9-172 before Romsey finished 4-170 with two overs left to spare. Macedon beat Eastern Hill in the other match. The Cats finished 3-129 in reply to Eastern Hill’s 127.
East Sunbury has locked in an experienced co-coach for next year’s Essendon District Football League division 2 season in what the club says is a landmark appointment for the club. Having locked in James Strauss as a playing-coach for a second season, the Thunder announced that Travis Hodgson would join the club as a co-coach to further strengthen the coaching group. While new to East Sunbury and the EDFL Hodgson is no stranger to football in the Sunbury area. A Sunbury resident, Hodgson’s recent coaching history includes coaching Bacchus Marsh, the Sunbury Lions and Melton South over the past 10 years. He won a Ballarat Football League premiership with Bacchus Marsh. The Thunder said the appointment of Hodgson was a new era for the club. “A premiership player, premiership captain and premiership coach, Hoggy brings an outstanding record of success,” the Thunder said. “An Ovens and Murray Hall of Fame inductee and Victorian Community Coach of the Year recipient, his achievements reflect a football career built on leadership and excellence. “With coaching honours across multiple leagues and representative experience as both a player and captain, Hoggy brings an enormous depth of knowledge to our football program. “His appointment is a powerful statement of our ambition — to lift our standards, develop our players and build sustained success at East Sunbury.” Hodgson spent the past three seasons at Melton South, one in the Ballarat Football League and two in the Riddell District Football League. He was named RDFL coach of the year for the 2026 season as he took the Panthers to a second straight finals series. Speaking to Star Weekly after the Panthers elimination final loss, Hodgson said that he had loved his time at the club but was unsure whether he would continue on coaching due to time commitments. The Thunder is aiming to build on 2026 when it won seven matches, up from two in 2025 when it returned to the winners list for the first time in a number of years. Having aiming to double its wins in 2026, the season was more than a success. The Thunder has been busy with signings for on field as well. Thomas Schwarzenberg and Connor Lever are both returning to the club, while Ethan Caffari, Ryder Rousch and Joshua Bistisi-Nguyen have all signed with the Thunder. The Thunder are set to start pre-season this week.