Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 29th September 2020

SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

(Damjan Janevski) 216159_05

On the road ... almost Eager Macedon Ranges teenagers are a step closer to getting behind the wheel but with thousands of cancelled tests, the road to obtaining a drivers licence is a long one.

Now that regional Victoria has progressed to the third step to a “covid normal”, learner permit and licence testing, including drive tests, can resume in the Macedon Ranges.

Ben Cameron from Kyneton South had a learner permit test booked for May 26, but he was forced to reschedule it to September 2 due to strict COVID-19 restrictions. When the second lockdown began, VicRoads cancelled Ben’s test.

“I don’t know when I am going to do it next, or when they are going to reschedule it,” Ben, 16, said.

“It’s a bit frustrating … but it is really exciting that I can go now. I really want to get my learner’s permit.“ Regional customers with a postponed appointment will be contacted by VicRoads to reschedule their test. With more than 5000 licensing appointments postponed across regional Victoria and a further 25,000 people unable to book a test since March, VicRoads says it won’t be taking new bookings until November.

BEN CAMERON

Jessica Micallef

‘COVID normal’ nearer

By Jessica Micallef Sunbury residents have entered the second step of Premier Daniel Andrews’ roadmap to a ‘COVID normal’.

Lower virus case numbers allowed metropolitan Melbourne to enter the second step to reopening on Sunday night.

The 9pm-5am curfew is no longer in place and groups of up to five people from across two households can meet outdoors.

The five-kilometre radius rule still applies for the four essential reasons to leave home and

face masks are mandatory. Face shields, scarfs and bandanas will no longer be allowed.

Outdoor pools can reopen, and outdoor personal training can resume with a maximum of two people and their trainer for a maximum of two hours.

All primary school students, VCE, VCAL and specialists school students will return to on-site learning from October 12. Years 7 to 10 students will continue remote learning.

In-home childminding is allowed for all children and childcare and early education sites can reopen to all families.

Restaurants and cafes will continue with takeaway and delivery services and only essential retail businesses will be open, all others are restricted to click and collect services.

More than one person from a household can go shopping.

Outdoor religious gatherings can resume with up to five people, plus one faith leader, and five people, including the couple and two witnesses, can attend an outdoor wedding.

Funerals are capped to 10 people.

Further restrictions are expected to be eased on October 19 – a week earlier than originally

scheduled – if metropolitan Melbourne reaches an average daily case rate of less than five cases over the previous 14 days.

Mr Andrews said the state was “well on track” to achieving a “COVID normal” Christmas.

“We are at least a week ahead of schedule,”he said. “That is a credit to every single Victorian who is staying the course working hard and making sacrifices.”

As of Sunday night, there were 29 active cases of the virus in Hume and two in the Macedon Ranges.

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Sunbury defies crime rate rise

By Laura Michell The number of crimes recorded in Sunbury fell by 12 per cent during the 12-months to June, according to new Crime Statistics Agency data.

Sunbury recorded 2731 offences in the year to June, down from 3119 offences in the 12-months to June 2019.

The drop in offences is in contrast to the rest of Hume, with the municipality recording a 2.2 per cent rise in overall crime.

According to the Crime Statistics Agency, 21,529 offences were recorded in Hume in the 12-months to June, up from 21,063 during the

same period last year.

Hume’s top five offence categories were theft from a motor vehicle (2265 offences), breaching family violence orders (2085 offences), other theft (2085 offences), criminal damage (1379 offences) and obtaining benefit by deception (1274 offences).

Craigieburn was Hume’s most crime-affected suburb, with 4159 offences reported to police.

The Macedon Ranges also recorded a drop in crime, with the number of reported offences falling 1.8 per cent to 2496.

Gisborne recorded the highest number of offences (474), followed by Kyneton (459).

The top five offence categories in the Macedon Ranges were breaching family violence orders (320 offences), other theft (241 offences), theft from a motor vehicle (172 offences), drug possession (162 offences) and criminal damage (160 offences).

Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said thefts from motor vehicles were a major driver of crime across the state, contributing to the state’s six per cent increase in recorded offences.

The latest crime statistics come as police revealed they would be honing in on gangs who were responsible for car thefts, aggravated burglaries, home invasions, serious assaults

and knife crimes.

“Some of these gangs we know are responsible for some of the serious and violent crime that’s been occurring in metropolitan Melbourne and also in some rural areas over the past year,” Deputy Commissioner Nugent said.

“What we have observed is these gangs starting to move outside of their local area.

“In the past, most of our policing efforts have been locally.

“What we will do now is have an integrated and co-ordinated approach to gangs in every region … we’ll be focusing on those people in those gangs causing the most harm.”

Ranges slowly reopens

Dean Jones on the course. (Pictures: Romsey Golf Club Facebook

Romsey mourns Jones The Romsey community is mourning one of its own following the death of former Australian cricketer Dean Jones.

Jones, who played 52 tests and 164 one-dayers for Australia, suffered a suspected heart attack Thursday while in Mumbai as part of the Indian Premier League television coverage.

The 59-year-old had called Romsey and the Macedon Ranges home for about 25 years.

Jones, a keen golfer, was a member of the Romsey Golf Club since the early 1990s, regularly playing at the club.

He was club champion in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2017, and part of the club’s 2002 and 2010 successful division 2 scratch pennant teams.

A statement on the club’s Facebook page said those at the club would miss Jone’s competitiveness, passion, enthusiasm, generosity, willingness to encourage young players and positive attitude.

Golf club president Anthony Lakey said Jones would be missed around the club.

“He will be sadly missed,” Lakey said.

“He was the ultimate professional and a fierce competitor.

“He was always a strong club man. He played golf all over the world and he would always come back with ideas.

“Some ideas were fantastic and some were far fetched. He was very supportive of others and

always willing to give a lesson on the course.

“He was an all round genuine person and very down to earth.”

Lakey said Jones was very humble despite what he had achieved in cricket.

He recalled a story by fellow golfer Rob McIntyre that Jones was having a bad day on the course one day, so he went over to speak to some kids in the neighbouring cricket nets and gave them some advice.

“Rob went over to speak to the kids and they said ‘he was great, who was he?’”

“He will be sadly missed,” Lakey said.

Macedon Ranges council is hoping to reopen more sites and facilities in the coming weeks, including Hanging Rock Reserve and visitor information centres, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in regional Victoria.

Opening dates will be set and advised to the community following the completion of appropriate risk assessment processes.

Signage and restrictions will be in place at all sites to ensure the health and safety of the community.

Playgrounds, skateparks, barbecues, sports grounds, park benches and outdoor exercise stations have already reopened following regional Victoria’s move to step three under the state government’s roadmap to recovery.

Extra relief for businesses in the Macedon Ranges is also on the way, after the state government announced an additional $290 million support package that includes the Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package.

More than $87.5 million will be provided to councils and businesses across the state to create practical outdoor dining areas ahead of the summer months.

As part of the package, hospitality businesses can apply for state government grants of up to $5000 to help pay for items that will help them transition to an outdoor dining space, such as umbrellas, furniture, screens and equipment.

The grants are available for licensed and unlicensed cafes, restaurants, takeaway food businesses, pubs, taverns, bars and clubs.

The council is eligible for a grant of up to $250,000 to support hospitality businesses transition to outdoor dining.

Business owners and operators who would like to be kept informed on COVID-related support can contact ecodevadmin@mrsc.vic.gov.au or phone 5422 0333.

Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

Jessica Micallef

Tara Murray

Kinder grants provide building blocks to being IT savvy Kindergartens in the Macedon electorate will share in more than $1.1 million to get tech savvy.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced earlier this month that 16 kindergartens in the Macedon electorate will receive funding as part of the state government’s Building Blocks IT grants program.

Gisborne Montessori School, Lancefield

‘‘

equipping our youngest residents with the skills and confidence - Mary-Anne Thomas

’’

Kindergarten and Macedon Kindergarten are among the 16 sites to receive grants to purchase equipment including iPads, desktop computers, monitors, headphones and other

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

essential items.

Ms Thomas said the technology grants were crucial to upgrading existing early learning facilities to ensure kindergartens are equipped with the latest technology devices.

“Kindergartens across the Macedon electorate are equipping our youngest residents with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a technological age,” she said.

“It is crucial that early childhood providers

have the technology they need to deliver the best possible education outcomes.”

The state government will provide 784 Victorian kindergartens with grants to upgrade their technology equipment.

The grants are part of the state government’s $27.7 million investment into the Building Blocks program.

Jessica Micallef

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Speedsters caught Three male drivers have been fined for three separate speeding incidents.

A 19-year-old Drummond man was detected doing 132km/h in an 100km/h zone on Tylden Road, Tylden.

He was fined $537 and has had his licence suspended for three month. A Craigieburn man was fined $330 for travelling at 91km/h in a 70km/h zone in Tylden, while a Mill Park male was fined $339 for driving 128km/h on the Calder Freeway near Woodend.

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Alleged stalker charged A 64-year-old man was arrested and charged earlier this month in relation to an alleged stalking incident in Romsey.

The man has been bailed to appear at the Kyneton Magistrates Court in the coming months. Peope are being urged to contact the Macedon Ranges Crime Investigation Unit if they have experienced a similar situation or witnessed any stalking behaviours.

Details: 5421 2900

Have your say In response to the state government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package for hospitality businesses, Hume council wants to understand how the community and local businesses see the possibilities of outdoor dining across the municipality.

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New cultural signage has been installed at Malmsbury Common Reserve. (Supplied)

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Signs honour culture Cultural signage has been installed at the Malmsbury Common Reserve.

The council’s planning and environment director Angela Hughes said during the development of the Malmsbury Common Reserve Masterplan, the community expressed a need to have the Dja Dja Wurrung traditional owners acknowledged and reflected in the reserve.

“This provided the impetus to initiate dialogue between Malmsbury District Landcare, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and council officers to explore ways that this could occur,” she said.

Dja Dja Wurrung people worked with

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Malmsbury District Landcare to develop the design and content of the signs.

The signs speak to the values of the Djaara people, the waterways and specific food and fibre plants that can be found at the reserve.

Six interpretative signs are located along the reserve that provide information on how plants are used and how people are relearning their cultural importance.

“The council invites the whole community to come, enjoy this space and engage with the traditional owners through the signs,” Ms Hughes said.

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Jessica Micallef

Tip fire a warning: Resident

By Jessica Micallef A thick cloud of black smoke choked Sunbury and Bulla last Tuesday after a fire broke out at the Bulla tip.

Reports of the fire came in about 6.15am and 19 CFA trucks were sent to the scene on Sunbury Road, with assistance from Fire Rescue Victoria.

Firefighters were met with a large burning pile of rubbish which was predominantly general building and household waste and tyres.

Crews worked with the tip’s operators to pull apart the rubbish pile using an excavator to further extinguish the fire.

The CFA believes self-combustion was the cause of the fire.

Smoke warnings were issued for Bulla, Diggers Rest, Greenvale, Keillor North, Melbourne Airport, Oaklands Junction, Sunbury and Wildwood.

The fire was listed as under control at 11.30am.

Sunbury resident Deb Butler said the fire was a timely reminder of what could happen if the tip’s neighbouring Hi-Quality site accepted contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel project.

“I could not believe what I was seeing,” she said. “Seeing this fire really makes people more aware what might happen should it be at the Hi-Quality facility.

“There are so many houses that are impacted by what could have been a really devastating fire.

Bulla Tip. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 216295

“We’ve had bushfires around our area and we do not need a fire that is going to cause a toxic disaster for the community.

“We are fighting for all the newcomers, for the people buying new houses in the new

estates.”

The Bulla tip was ordered to stop operating in 2018 due to asbestos concerns, but the ruling was overturned by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal last year.

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5 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

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Payment cuts will ‘hurt’ workers

By Jessica Micallef

‘‘

’’

- Rob Mitchell

and $650 for part-time employees.

For those on JobSeeker, the rate has been reduced to $800 a fortnight and the coronavirus supplement has dropped to $250.

Mr Mitchell believes the pay cuts are going to heavily impact businesses and workers that are already struggling to keep their head above

water. “We are going to see a lot more people lose access to work, lose access to JobKeeper and seeing people removed from their workplaces is going to be painful,” he said.

“I’ve had businesses that are good employers, say to me that without the JobKeeper, and with JobKeeper being cut, they won’t be able to keep people employed.”

Mr Mitchell said government help was not targeted to the “right people” and those often doing it the hardest were the people who were impacted the most.

“Twenty per cent of the [McEwen] workforce,

that’s just on 5000 businesses, are going to be impacted heavily, including some that will shut their doors and that’s a problem,” he said.

“These are huge numbers and its smack-bang in the middle of a huge recession.

“People need help and support now.

“If you have a family that has no work coming in, or on a reduce income with increased costs, it just snowballs the anxiety and the problems that they face.

“Our community needs and deserves a comprehensive jobs plan to set us up for the recovery and the future.”

(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 216141

Nearly 20,000 workers and 5000 businesses in McEwen are going to be worse off now that JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments have been reduced, according to McEwen MP Rob Mitchell.

JobKeeper has been reduced from $1500 a fortnight to $1200 for full-time workers and $750 for part-time employees who work 20 hours or less a week.

In December, the JobKeeper rate is expected to drop again to $1000 for full-time workers

People need help and support now

ISAC, 5

STELLA, 3

SOPHIE, 11 AND LISA,10

BILLIE, 4

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There were smiles all around at Sunbury’s Galaxyland Playground as youngsters got into the swing of things. The easing of some COVID-19 restrictions has allowed local playgrounds to reopen and children made the most of their new-found freedom. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski captured the fun.

6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

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Car re-birth ring smashed

By Tara Murray Police have arrested 18 people and charged them with more than 300 offences as part of a nine-month investigation into car re-birthing in Melbourne’s outer northern and western suburbs.

The group is believed to be linked to a Melbourne organised crime syndicate, and allegedly stole vehicles and machinery before taking them to rural properties to be dismantled, re-birthed and sold for profit.

It’s alleged the syndicate was involved in the supply of vehicles to criminal groups and offenders, with many of the seized vehicles subsequently linked to other incidents such as pursuits.

Between May and September, police executed 32 warrants across residential, rural and business properties, where they seized motor

‘‘

The arrest of 18 people … is an enormous win

’’

- Peter Brigham

vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, vehicle engines, high-end bicycles, earth moving machines, a tow truck and a boat. More than 70 vehicles were seized.

Police also seized four high-powered firearms and ammunition, cash, drugs including methamphetamines, cannabis, GHB and cocaine, and hundreds of stolen power tools and auto parts. More than 800 items of property valued at more than $2.5 million were seized by investigators.

Twelve men and six women have been charged.

They include a 33-year-old Doreen man, a 30-year-old Thomastown woman, a 46-year-old Sunshine West woman, a 39-year-old Taylors Lakes man and a 44-year-old Sunshine West man.

A 61-year-old Lancefield woman was charged in relation to handling stolen goods and criminal damage by fire.

A 36-year-old Romsey woman was charged with eight offences relating to handling stolen goods, criminal damage by fire and possessing proceeds of crime.

A 33-year-old Lancefield man was charged with 21 offences relating to theft and handling stolen goods. He remains in custody.

A 38-year-old Melton West man is facing 29 charges related to possessing a traffickable quantity of firearms and handling stolen goods. He was remanded in custody.

A 37-year-old Hillside man was charged with

Industry ‘left to wither and die’

handling stolen goods and disqualified driving offences. He was bailed to appear at court in December.

Detective Superintendent Peter Brigham said these results were the culmination of months of committed investigation by the Vehicle Crime Squad.

“The arrest of 18 people over the course of the investigation and the seizure of the significant number of vehicles, equipment, firearms, cash and drugs is an enormous win.

“Vehicle theft has an incredibly detrimental impact on the community in a variety of ways, including the use of the stolen vehicles in the commission of other serious crimes and allowing offenders to move around more easily.

“This syndicate had no regard for the safety of the community and this is further evidenced by the firearms seizures linked to this investigation.”

Nominations open for Australia Day awards

Amy Citroen fears the dance industry is on the verge of collapse.

Signature Cheer and Dance Studio’s doors in Sunbury and Gisborne have been closed for six months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the third step on the roadmap to a “COVID normal”, outdoor contact and non-contact sport for people aged 18 and younger can resume in the Macedon Ranges.

Following the first lockdown, dance studios were classified as “creative industries” by the state government and were allowed to reopen with social distancing measures in place.

But as regional Victoria emerges from the second lockdown, the state government has backflipped, classing dance studios as “indoor community sports” that cannot operate until the last step of the roadmap, scheduled for November 23.

“This is the first time during my forced shutdown of my business that I am truly angry,” Ms Citroen said.

“When an entire industry is left to wither and die because no one can make a decision … you are not only killing an industry, you are playing with the emotional wellbeing of an entire industry.

“In regional Victoria, a child can play full contact sport outside yet cannot attend a dance class which is a far more socially distant activity.”

Ms Citroen made the switch to online classes but says the transition had not been easy with internet issues and children already being online during the day for remote learning.

She believes many dance schools will not operate in 2021 without funding support.

“Many parents are already saying ‘we’ll just see you next year’ [but] there won’t be a next year for a large portion of us,” she said.

“The dance studio industry has been categorised incorrectly, recategorised [and] been told we don’t qualify or help. This inconsistency is leading our industry to a breaking point.”

Nominations are now open for Macedon Ranges council’s 2021 Australia Day awards.

Each year, the council recognises and celebrates community members and organsiations that have made a significant contribution to the community.

Locals are encouraged to nominate individuals for Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year awards, individuals or local groups for the Community Achievement Award, a local event for the Community Event Award and an individual or a local group for the Arts Ambassador Award.

Entries are open to all people who live, work or study in the Macedon Ranges at the time of nomination.

Township celebration grants of up to $500 are also available for community groups that are planning to host an Australia Day event.

Award winners are expected to be announced at Australia Day celebrations on Tuesday, January 26 2021, at the Kyneton Town Hall.

Award nominations and grant applications close on Friday, October 30.

For more information about the award categories, nomination forms and grant applications visit mrsc.vic. gov.au/australiaday Jessica Micallef

Jessica Micallef

Signature Cheer and Dance Studio’s Amy Citroen. (Damjan Janevski) 211669_01

Working from home could become the ‘norm’ The sharp rise in the number of people working from home during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown could trigger more urban sprawl and economic disparities between regions, according to a Victoria University researcher.

VU’s Centre of Policy Studies (CoPS) senior research fellow Dr James Lennox, said working from home a few days a week could become the norm in many occupations, with two-thirds of surveyed Australians reporting they expected to continue the practice after the COVID-19 crisis.

Modelling on the change in working habits identified that about three in 10 Australian jobs in managerial, professional and clerical occupation groups have high potential to transition to work-from-home (WFH), meaning the distance people live from their office will become less important over time.

Dr Lennox said that workers who are commuting less often will be prepared to commute further, which will change patterns of housing demand and labour supply.

“Our modelling indicates people in WFH

occupations will be more likely to live further from city centres if their weekly commuting costs are lower,” he said. “The net effect is to shift housing demand outward.”

The modelling predicts such a change could see a 3.6 per cent expansion of residential areas on the urban boundaries.

Dr Lennox said offices will not entirely disappear, but working two, three or four days a week from home could well become the norm in many occupations. Office spaces in central business districts will therefore become

more affordable for commercial tenants and businesses, drawing more organisations to set up in central city locations.

The effect of this will be to boost growth and jobs in Melbourne at the expense of other cities, towns and rural areas. “With there already being significant economic disparities between city and rural areas, and between different regions, these new trends pose a further challenge for policy-makers.”

Benjamin Millar

7 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

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Association to review candidates

By Jessica Micallef The Macedon Ranges Residents Association is doing its bit to guide residents ahead of next month’s local council election.

The association will be conducting “candidate assessments” of those who have nominated to represent the Macedon Ranges community as a councillor.

Association secretary Christine Pruneau said residents often don’t know who the candidates are.

“You can find information about them but

‘‘

We always tell people to go out and inform yourselves - Christine Pruneau

’’

there is also a tendency for candidates to say the same thing,” she said. “We are trying to go beneath that and look at all the candidates.”

The association will send out a questionnaire to candidates before publishing on their website who they would or would not vote for in the election.

“This is our opinion,” Ms Pruneau said.

“All we can do is provide some guidance and not everyone is going to agree.”

Ms Pruneau said the ideal councillor needed to have an understanding of the environment and the people that reside in the Macedon Ranges.

“You have to have somebody who has some understanding of why the people value the area so much,” she said.

“We’ve also had a council before that shut the community out … this [present] council has done a better job at making the community

feel as if it is a player in the local democracy.

“One of the things people around here value is feeling that they are represented and the task of the council is to represent quite a variety of people.”

The association plans to publish its assessments on the website before ballot papers are sent out to residents between October 6 and 8.

“We always tell people to go out and inform yourselves as well,” Ms Pruneau said.

“Voting is not a right by so much is a privilege. Don’t waste it.”

Jarrod Bell. (Supplied)

Jarrod puts community first

Aeriel shot of Gisborne. (Supplied)

Mapping out Gisborne’s future Macedon Ranges residents have helped to shape the future of Gisborne.

The council recently conducted seven weeks of community consultation on the Gisborne Futures project that includes a long term structure plan to guide future township growth, housing, transport, shops, parks, landscapes and infrastructure; an urban design framework that will shape the streets and buildings; and a neighbourhood character study to guide new housing development and protect the “semi-rural feel” of the area.

The council’s planning and environment director Angela Hughes, said recent

consultation activities included a series of 10 public webinars which attracted broad participation from residents of all ages.

More than 80 people joined the webinar series, more than 640 people responded to an online survey and about 100 written submissions were received on the project.

“We wanted to check if issues raised in previous consultations in recent years fairly reflect our community’s priorities for the future and if the balance is right in these draft plans,” Ms Hughes said.

“Our objective is for the council to implement the necessary planning tools

and strengthen design controls to protect Gisborne’s neighbourhood and landscape character values.

“We thank local residents and community agencies for being so willing to get involved.

“We are grateful people are making this effort.”

The Gisborne Futures’ project team will review all submissions and survey results before presenting a modified version of the draft plans to the community for a further round of consultation in 2021.

Jessica Micallef

New focus for Diana The founder and chairman of the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry (IWFCI) will redirect her focus to the Macedon Ranges council election next month.

Diana Abruzzi is nominating for the West ward and believes being a Woodend resident has allowed her to develop an insight to the issues and challenges that she believes Macedon Ranges businesses and residents are facing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If the Macedon Ranges hopes to move forward and prosper in these disturbing economic times, we need to specifically favour the needs of small businesses, focus on our core community serivces and release the spirit of entrepreneurship to have a go without fear,” she said. “To do all this, I need to run for local council.”

Concerned with the changes she says she has

witnessed across the Macedon Ranges towns she grew up in, Mrs Abruzzi wants to bring her business and government contacts, experience, people skills and determination to the council.

“It is now time to take on the new emerging challenges facing local government and local businesses and fight for the economic survival of where I live,” she said.

“I want to help the Macedon Range be the most accountable, dynamic, safest and liveable region in Victoria.

“If elected, my absolute determined focus will be on fighting for people’s freedoms, securing jobs for economic wellbeing, delivering efficient council serivces, a safe and secure community and encourage entrepreneurs to let rip and fly.”

Mrs Abruzzi founded the IWFCI in 1992.

8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

Diana Abruzzi is nominating for the West ward.

Jessica Micallef

(Supplied)

Sunbury SES volunteer Jarrod Bell has nominated for next month’s Hume council election in a bid to give back to the community.

“I believe that it is the duty of us all to give back to our community and we should all be involved in our community,” he said.

“I have spent my life volunteering … whether that be as a Scout leader, Blue Light Disco team member or as the youth development program leader with Sunbury SES.” Mr Bell has nominated for the Jacksons Creek ward.

The “proud” Sunbury resident said his top priorities are helping residents and businesses get back on their feet and recovering from the coronavirus pandemic.

“No one can deny that COVID-19 has had the greatest impact on our community,” he said.

“I want the council to focus on creating jobs. I will also advocate for a small business stimulus package to support Hume’s 38,000 registered small business who are the lifeblood of the community.

“But I also want to see continued investment in the communities of Jacksons Creek, with infrastructure keeping pace as our community grows.”

As a first-time candidate, Mr Bell knows that due to the pandemic, the 2020 election campaign period will look differently compared to previous years.

But he said that presented a “very exciting challenge”.

“At the end of the day it’s about communication, listening to the community and going to where people are,” he said.

“I have started to hold a series of online live forums and social media will play a big part in this election.

“However the traditional methods are also important – mail, flyers and signs are all key ways to communicate with the community.”

Jessica Micallef

EVERYTHING WE’RE DOING IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Thank you Victoria.

As hard as this is, every sacrifice we’re making is making a difference. But we can’t stop now, or lose everything we’ve worked for. We will get through this together.

For details go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

9 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

Agent’s choice WOODEND 4C Mahoneys Road, 3442 Keatings Real Estate: 5427 2999

Price: $1.785 million

5

Private sale

3

Down a private country lane, Pymble is a beautiful property of nearly 2000 square metres, with an exceptional tri-level residence that’s brimming with charming rooms and luxe features.

Encircled by stunning gardens, with spectacular mature oaks, verdant lawns, and nature’s beauty at every turn, the house is destined to become one of Woodend’s finest heritage homes.

Discerning buyers will love the scope for entertaining, whether outdoors on a spacious deck, in the gardens, or on the second covered deck; or indoors, where a stunning conservatory, plus a gracious lounge room (with a superb wood heater from Tait of Castlemaine) make fab settings for guests and family alike.

A large sitting room (or study …or theatre room) is off the generous entry hall, which heads past a powder room before culminating in the tiled family room with bifolds to a deck.

The lovely all-white, mod-country kitchen with timber benches and all the mod-cons is both a swish entertainer and a great space for family cooks.

The lavish main bedroom accompanies two others plus main bathroom on the first floor. Each bedroom has a walk-in robe, while the main also has a stylish en suite and a brightly lit dressing room.

Two more fitted bedrooms on the second floor flank another bathroom.

All this is within walking distance of the V/Line station and village shops.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

1-3 Station Street, Riddells Creek Strategic Development Site

D L O S

This is a rare 15,440m² Commercial Development Site opportunity, located in the heart of Riddells Creek Shopping Precinct, only minutes from the Riddells Creek Train Station.

The Commerical 1 zoned site has no current permit but previously KDG DSSURYDO IRU D VXSHUPDUNHW ZLWK VSHFLDOLW\ VKRSV RI¿FHV and ample parking with 179 spaces.

This site has excellent access to Melbourne’s Ports under 55 minutes, under 30 minutes (off peak) to Melbourne Airport and less than an hour from Melbourne’s CBD and by rail to Southern Cross Station.

A prime opportunity for investors/developers/builders Commercial Zoning

Located in the heart of Riddells Creek Shopping Precinct EOI Closing Thursday 22 October at 4pm if not sold prior Zoning Commerical 1

Land area 15,440m²

Graham ‘Josh’ Kendall 0418 322 443 josh.kendall@faceyproperty.com.au Mark Bond 0419 386 882 mark.bond@faceyproperty.com.au $OO ¿JXUHV DUH H[FOXVLYH RI *67 $OO VL]HV DUH DSSUR[LPDWH ,PDJHV DUH DUWLVW LPSUHVVLRQV

Colin Tarlamis 0400 344 070 10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

9701 4455 | faceyproperty.com.au

Romsey / Kerrie 109 Stranges Road D’Avemmah Stud – A Superb Rambling Farm House in a Tranquil Setting on 16 Ha (40 Acres)

Price $1,695,000

This farm represents a terrific rural lifestyle with a mix of pasture and mature woodlands. The residence (original circa late 1800’s) is spacious yet cosy and features 3 superb living areas, 6 bedrooms plus study. A return verandah and large picture window frame a lovely outlook over the grounds and pool area to the hills of the Kerrie Valley.

Double carport, extensive shedding, cattle yards, dams, bore, aviaries and studio space. A really exciting opportunity to enjoy a wonderful lifestyle located less than an hour from Melbourne with easy access to Romsey, Woodend and the Airport.

View By appointment Sandi Barry-Mueller 0408 392 347

Woodend 4C Mahoneys Road

Price $1,785,000

Pymble – In its own exclusive hamlet Sited on just under a half an acre, boasting spectacular mature Oaks and superb lawns and garden this very stately home is over three levels comprising four living areas, five bedrooms and three bathrooms. A stunning conservatory/sunroom and two outdoor entertaining areas complete this very appealing package. www.4Cmahoneysroad.com

View By appointment Sandi Barry-Mueller 0408 392 347

Fern Hill / Trentham East 400-402 Chanters Lane Chanters Retreat – Two Residences with Lifestyle in Abundance on 20 Ha (50 Acres)

Price $2,350,000

With a spectacular view to Mount Macedon over the glimmering waters of a large dam and an even larger lake. Featuring a high quality rammed earth main residence which is both stunning and sustainable, also a second residence ideal for family or BNB pursuits (subject to Council Approval). Comprising a mix of red and grey loam soils, 10 stock paddocks, abundant water and mature trees, private grounds, productive vegetable gardens, netted espalier orchard and berry plots, extensive chicken coops, hot house, good shedding and so much more. The ideal rural holding for a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

View By appointment Sandi Barry-Mueller 0408 392 347

11 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

PUZZLES STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Sudoku

17

Quick crossword 1

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

22

23

24

25

21

26

27

Down 2. Opening, introductory (9) 3. Inhabit (5) 4. A collection of money (colloq) (4-5) 5. Setback (5) 6. Eulogy (9) 7. Fool (5) 8. Upper edge of a ship’s side (7) 9. Confidential (6) 15. Blasphemy (9) 17. Situation where people ruthlessly pursue their own interests (3,3,3) 18. Instinctive understanding (9) 19. Poignant, moving (7) 21. At the peak, in your prime (6) 23. First letter of Greek alphabet (5) 24. Enthusiasm (5) 26. At no time (5)

Across 1. Looking, but not buying (6-8) 10. Obliterate (5) 11. Purpose (9) 12. Routine (7) 13. Afternoon social gathering (4,3) 14. Conditions (5) 16. Weaken, gradually destroy (9) 19. Canine copper (6,3) 20. Unforeseen drawback (5) 22. Buying and selling (7) 25. Income from an investment (7) 27. Persecuted (9) 28. There it is! (Fr) (5) 29. The spreading of rumours and fearDECODER (14)

DECODER

28

29

Decoder

WordFit

Each number represents a different letter of the alphabet. Write the given letters into all squares with matching numbers. Now work out which letters are represented by the other numbers. As you get the letters, write them into the main grid and the reference grid. Decoder uses all 26 letters of the alphabet.

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

21

20

17

6

19

15

24

26

14

7

10

24

11

7

12

19

6

17

6

20

5

2

16

24

1

12 12

24

3

17

6

19

17

21

20

15 15

2

14

F

24

14

4

14

4

E

14

5

23

14

1

21

E

15 12

12

26

22

24

4

14

21

14

13

11 14

13 4

1

26

3

11

1

13

4

14

17

25

17 20

7

20

15

17

6

6

3

1

1

21

6

12

21

9

19

14

14

1

11

8

2

14

19

11

20

11 20

6

12

18

14

24

3 LETTERS ADO ANY AVE AXE DIM DYE EAR EMU EWE HEN IRE LOW NAG NET NUT PAN RED ROE RUE SHY SKI SUE TOE USE

1

1

6

14

14

12

24

21

2 5

3

ABCDE FGHIJKL MNOPQRSTUV WXYZ

1

3

4

5

6

7

9 10 11 12 13

8

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 F E SOLUTION TO DECODER 16:

Quick crossword solution

WordBuilder WordBuilder

417

E V I R L

5 LETTERS ADULT AGONY AIDES

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed.

There’s at least one five-letter word.

Good 7 Very Good 11 Excellent 16

IVORY JAMES LANCE LEMUR MINDS NEAPS OOMPH ORATE PUREE REELS RENAL SAMOA SAXON SCENE SEAMY SEATS SHARE SINCE SLABS

IMMENSE MUSICAL PANDORA RANSACK

SLEDS SLYER SPRAG STEEP TONAL UNITE UVULA WARMS ZEBRA

8 LETTERS BARNACLE ELEVENTH EMERGENT HARANGUE

6 LETTERS CAESAR CREASE GLOSSY NAILED 7 LETTERS ANAEMIA DYNAMIC

Sudoku solutions

Decoder S

E

M

N

1

15 2

V

16 3

Y

17 4

I

O

W

18 5

D

K

19 6

C

U

20 7

T

R

21 8

Q

J

22 9

H

Z

23

X

10

A

24

L

11

B

25

P

12

A U R A L

C R O S S

T O N A L

S L A B S

R E N A L

F L U N G

S E A M Y A W A R E A M I G O

N C U R T E A S S H E Y A E M N A D S U S E B T E O A E R

E W A E I D E S D Y N A M I C

J A U V D E O S P D U I D A L E M E R G E N T

I M M E N S E M U S I C A L

E S L A E X V O E N N T H A P G E N D U S S S E U E E P

D O Z R Y E D I N R A A N N E S A N C A K I L E D

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

WordBuilder

SOLUTION TO DECODER 16:

AMASS AMIGO ARCED AURAL AWARE BEIGE CROSS DEEDS DENSE DESEX DRESS EMBED EMEND ENDUE ENSUE EXCEL FLUNG FRANC INANE

14

Across: 1. Window-shopping, 10. Erase, 11.

Intention, 12. Regular, 13. High tea, 14. Terms, 16. Undermine, 19. Police dog, 20. Catch, 22.

Trading, 25. Annuity, 27. Oppressed, 28. Voila, 29.

Scaremongering.

Down: 2. Inaugural, 3. Dwell, 4. Whip-round, 5.

Hitch, 6. Panegyric, 7. Idiot, 8. Gunwale, 9. Secret, 15. Sacrilege, 17. Dog eat dog, 18. Intuition, 19.

Piteous, 21. Heyday, 23. Alpha, 24. Gusto, 26.

Never.

WordFit

2

4 LETTERS AMID APED BEAR CASE DIAL DOZY DYES EDGE GENE GNUS JUDO SEEP SPUD STAY

S P U D

EASY

MEDIUM

HARD

G evil, ire, lei, lev, lie, lire, live, liver, rev, riel, F rile, rive, veil, vie, vier, vile, viler, vlei

26 13

SOLUTION TO DECODER 17:

R

L D

V

1. Dyspepsia, 2.

1880, 3. France, 4. The Rosetta Stone, 5. Clarinet, 6. Stephen King, 7.

The main group of cyclists in a race, 8.

Bette Davis, 9. Tony Roche, 10. Elizabeth Taylor.

S

I N

R

E

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down.

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

Pepsi was originally sold as a cure for what?

In what year was Australian outlaw Ned Kelly arrested and later executed?

Which country gave the Statue of Liberty to the USA? What famous black basalt slab was the key to the translation of Egyptian hieroglyphics?

5. Which instrument represents the cat in Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf?

6. Whose 1987 horror novel is titled Misery?

7. What is a peloton?

8. Kim Carnes sang about which film star’s eyes?

9. Who partnered John Newcombe to win 12 men’s doubles Grand Slam titles?

10. Which female film star’s first starring role was in National Velvet, aged 12, in 1949?

1.

2.

3.

4.

E L I T E

R

E

S L I N G

E

5x5 solution E I D E R

O

Quiz

B R A V E

5x5

O G R E S

Quiz solution

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

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13 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

SPORT O’Keefe makes the transition to Burras coach New Diggers Rest Bulla coach Shannon O’Keefe was keen to give back something to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association club.

Having been part of the club for more than 30 years, including playing in four first XI premierships, O’Keefe decided to put his hand up for the coaching role when it became vacant.

“I’ve been associated with the club for over the last 30 years now,” he said.

“It’s quite an honour to have been there for so long.

“It’s good to give something back to them and it’s an exciting time for the club.”

O’Keefe said he had always thought about coaching, but had never put his hand up before.

He thought it was a good time to make the transition this season.

While he is inexperienced in the coaching side of things, he knows that there’s plenty of support around him.

“There’s a lot of support from the volunteers and on and off the field,” he said.

“I’ve known a lot of these guys since they were kids. I’ll be looking for their support and I’ll be looking to support them.”

O’Keefe replaces Rasika Batepola who has left the club to return to play turf cricket with PEGS. He’s one of two big losses from of last season’s side.

Indika Massalage, who is one of the premier players in the competition, has joined fellow McIntyre Cup side Sunbury United as its coach.

O’Keefe knows they will be hard to replace.

“They’re a big loss for us experience-wise,” he said. “What they have taught the guys the last

few years makes my job a lot easier.”

The Burras are hoping to finalise a few recruits in the coming weeks, with O’Keefe saying that they had spoken to a few past players who were of McIntyre Cup level.

He is also hoping for some development from the players in the lower grades.

“There’s a few guys who were in the seconds last season who are looking to step up,” he said.

“There’s a lot of depth and a lot of natural talent in the seconds. There’s a lot of younger players. “Hopefully a few of those guys can become more consistent players in the ones. I’m looking to give them plenty of opportunities.”

The Burras will enter this season with plenty of motivation, with the side missing out of the chance to play in last season’s grand final.

They were due to play Gisborne in the grand

Tsapatolis’ AFL dream

By Tara Murray One of Australia’s rising basketball stars Paul Tsapatolis is turning his back on the sport with his eyes firmly on an AFL career.

Despite offers to head to America for college or play professionally in Greece in front of his family, Tsapatolis is set to be on an AFL list before the year is out.

He last played football with Yarraville Seddon Eagles in under-13s, meaning AFL clubs can take him as a category B rookie without going through the draft.

Tsapatolis said he had started to think about football a lot more over the past two years, despite representing Australia in recent years at underage level in basketball.

“From a very young age when I was playing under-13s footy, I always loved footy and I wish I never gave it up,” he said.

“Basketball was always trying to push you towards playing one sport. It was a no brainer for me at the time, but if I had the mindset I have now back then, I would have stuck with footy.

“When I first started with the footy, mum and dad were like you look so happy and look relaxed and like you’re enjoying yourself.

“Basketball I enjoyed, but nothing compared to what I do with footy.”

The Point Cook resident has spent the COVID-19 lockdown period working on his skills and getting in plenty of strength and fitness work.

He said his skills were terrible a couple of years ago when he picked up the football again, but they had improved out of sight.

“With basketball, you have to be at a court, while with footy you can go and kick the footy at the park or an oval.

“I’ve been kicking pretty much every day.”

AFL clubs have shown interest in Tsapatolis the past 12 months, with Adelaide and Sydney both flying him over to train with them.

“When I was in Adelaide and up in Sydney, the environment of the team is so team-orientated.

“Even though basketball is a team sport, everyone gets around each other in footy, that’s what I really miss in footy.

“When I was training with Adelaide, it was a great experience. I truly figured out what the clubs were like, how the boys reacted in normal day life as I stayed with Reilly O’Brien and Jake Kelly.

“I got the true feel of what the day in the life of a footballer is and it blew my mind.”

The AFL website recently reported that Adelaide and Geelong are both interested in taking him as a rookie.

Tsapatolis said both those clubs and a couple of others had shown interest. A final decision will be made once list sizes and the salary cap are released. He said hearing that club’s were

‘‘

not once have I looked back

’’

- Paul Tsapatolis

Paul Tsapatolis has switched from basketball to AFL. (Joe Mastroianni)

interested in him had started to make the dream feel a bit more real.

Tsapatolis said he will treasure the basketball memories including making the All-star five team as Australia claimed gold at the Oceania championships. He has been told that he will

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

always be welcomed back at Keilor Thunder, should he ever change his mind.

But at this stage, he’s just focused on football.

“Footy is what I want to do and I knew I wouldn’t regret it and not once have I looked back to say … I should stay with basketball.”

final, before it was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Gisborne was awarded the premiership after going through the season undefeated.

“The boys are keen to go one better this season.”

O’Keefe said the side would look at returning to training as soon as possible. As they are a metro team, they currently can’t train.

Regional sides can train and are set to play games for no points from October 17. A proper season will start when all teams can play.

“We would love to be training now,” he said.

“We should be starting the normal season in two or three weeks. Everyone is keen so we will get out there as soon as we get the call that we can.”

Tara Murray

O’Sullivan steps back at Romsey Outgoing Romsey coach Corey O’Sullivan believes the club can have success in the Riddell District Football League in the next couple of years.

O’Sullivan, who has coached the side for the past four years, has been instrumental in helping the club return to being a premiership contender.

Despite what looks likely to be an exciting future, O’Sullivan decided that his time as coach was up.

“I couldn’t make a commitment at the moment and I didn’t want to stuff around the club while I made a decision,” he said.

“I’ve always wanted the club to advertise every year I’ve been the coach, as there’s potentially someone out there better. I couldn’t give them an answer now and they’ve advertised.”

O’Sullivan looks back at his time as Redbacks coach as a successful one, which saw the club finish sixth in 2018 and second in the 2019 regular season, before being knocked out in straight sets.

He said while they didn’t win a final, it didn’t tell the whole story on and off the field. He said the club is close to having cleared its debts, if not debt free.

“We made finals and while we didn’t win one it might look like a fail, but it doesn’t represent the changes that have been made. We went into every game with 23-24 player points, which is really good for a local club.

“Romsey is used to success and everyone wants to win and play finals.

While we won premierships in 2014-15, it set the club back financially.

“The committee was fantastic to stand up and make a decision to take a different direction.

“I’m pleased and there are a lot of young fellows coming through.”

O’Sullivan, who is planning to help out when he can, said the club could have success soon if it could keep the list together. He said the club had the right mix of players.

“It is a fantastic list and experienced senior players who are fantastic fellows at 22-23 years old.

“Then you’ve got blokes in the middle of their careers and 16, 17, 18-year-olds coming through.”

The club has also advertised for coaches in all netball grades.

Tara Murray

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Hawks Fastpitch named softball club of the year Forty years of hard work has paid off for the Hawks Fastpitch Softball Club after it was named the Softball Victoria club of the year for 2019-20.

The Hawks, who play in the Werribee Softball Association, were named the club of the year earlier this month, recognising the hard work of volunteers.

A change of direction in the last 12 months, which included the club rebranding from Altona Hawks to Hawks Fastpitch and moving from Hobsons Bay to Wyndham, resulted in a 49 per cent increase in membership growth last year.

While the award recognises the work the committee has done over the the past 12 months, president Jason Kriehn was quick to say it goes a lot beyond that.

“We’ve been so successful over the last years, rather than just a single season,” he said.

Hawks Fastpitch softball players. (Supplied)

“This is for everyone who has been involved over the years. I’m so happy for everyone.

“With it being our 40th anniversary last year, the award has come at a perfect time. We can’t celebrate the award now, but we will look to later on.”

Kriehn said he believed it was the first time

that the club had won an award such as this.

The club fielded eight teams last season– three juniors, three women’s and two men’s sides – and showed some really good signs on the field.

Kriehn said much of the growth last season was getting former players back to the club.

“We reached out to a lot of past players,” he said. “A lot said that they wouldn’t mind coming back for a bit of a hit and which then led to a lot of others then coming back too.

“We want to build on the ideas we have for the future, and hopefully after this pandemic period, we’ll be able to get more people involved in softball.”

The club has also increased its social media presence to connect with current and former players.

As well as being named Victorian club of the year, the club finished third in the Softball

Pritchard’s AFLW dream

By Tara Murray Western Jets’ Isabelle Pritchard is starting to feel the nerves ahead of the upcoming AFLW draft.

Having played just three NAB League games before the season was cancelled, Pritchard like many other draft hopefuls have had a year like no other.

The Spotswood player is trying not to think too much about what might be ahead.

“It’s pretty scary,” she said. “I’m just trying to keep busy with school work and stuff like that to keep my mind off it, so I don’t get too nervous.

“It is pretty nerve-racking as we get closer and closer.”

Pritchard, who started playing football in 2016, put her name on AFLW recruiters list as a defender the last couple of seasons, with her performances earning her a spot in the AFL Women’s National Academy.

In the few games that Pritchard did play for the Jets this year, she showed her vertistility by playing in the midfield.

“I moved into the midfield this year from the backline,” she said. “I really enjoyed playing there and being around the ball a bit more.

“We were doing really well as a team which was really encouraging, it’s kind of a shame the season ended up getting closed off.

“What we were doing was really exciting, I would have loved to see how we went this season.”

Pritchard said while she feels more comfortable in defence, she would like to continue working on playing in the midfield.”

With no football due to COVID-19, Pritchard has focused on her year 12 studies as that ramps up.

For her, football has been an outlet.

“I’ve been trying to keep as fit as I can,” she said. “Now the combine is approaching I’m trying to get ready for that, which is a bit hectic.

“As I’m in my office all day, doing school, going down to the park for an hour is my favourite part of the day.

“It’s really weird as I haven’t been able to practice, but it’s been good I’ve got a friend [Emma Keily] from the Jets who lives in my street, so I’ve been able to go down to the park with her and trying to keep some of my fitness and skills up.”

While she only got to play three games this year, Pritchard did manage to get away with the academy early in the year.

The academy has proven to be a valuable asset this year.

“We went on a camp at the start of the year to Darwin during the summer which was really fun,” she said.

“Got to train in the heat and got to practice with some really good coaches. We had [Geelong footballer] Aasta O’Connor as our head coach, which was really cool.

“Being in the academy, you get such amazing

Western Jets Isabelle Pritchard. (Shawn Smits) 205915_08

access to coaches and really great facilities and get all this wisdom which is amazing.

“We had access to the coaches throughout the year, but it’s more than that.

“The friends I made at the academy, they’ve been really good to have contact with and I’ve been able to see what they’re up to in terms of footy and their lives.”

Pritchard has been selected for the AFLW state combine. While hopefuls are still unsure if they will test, being selected shows that clubs are interested in them.

Pritchard has had interviews with several AFLW clubs. With a spot on an AFLW list possible in the near future, Pritchard admits she never thought she would get this far.

“For me it’s always been about being with my friends and enjoying it and trying to be the best I can and try and improve.

“I never expected any of this to happen when I first started a few years ago … Playing AFL is the dream and it’s amazing, but if I can keep improving and keep trying hard, that’s the goal.”

Australia’s Homeplate Ladder Program, which recognises clubs and associations for implementing best practice governance and management, as well as membership growth and retention.

Kriehn said the club was starting to plan for the upcoming season. With restrictions due to COVID-19, they were unsure when they would start.

He said anyone was welcome to come down and join the club.

“Normally the season starts at the start of October,” he said.

“We’re in the process of planning for the season and hopefully building on last year.

“It’s a good opportunity for players that didn’t get to play winter sport and want to play a sport over summer.”

Tara Murray

Cricket season inches closer Cricket matches are a step closer for both regional and metro zones, with season start dates starting to be floated.

Teams and competitions in regional zones are set to kick off as soon as October 17, with step two restrictions allowing them to start training.

The Ballarat Cricket Association, which includes Darley, has set a season kick-off date of October 17.

Darley has already started training.

The Gisborne and District Cricket Association will have games start on the same date, however, with several of their teams based in metro Melbourne, the first four rounds will only be for regional teams and not played for points.

Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, Woodend, Riddell, Wallan, Macedon, Kyneton, Malmsbury, Hanging Rock, Blackwood, Lancefield and Trentham are all based in regional areas.

Players from regional teams who live in metro Melbourne will have to wait until metro teams are allowed to train and play before they can join their teams.

GDCA president Rob McIntyre said it’s important that the association commences some form of competition now while waiting for the metro region.

“Players are desperate to play sport after being starved of community competition for the past six months.

“Our clubs have already seen increased interest in people wanting to play cricket and this is reflected in the 73 senior teams nominated for this season, up from 66 last season.”

In metro Melbourne, a start date in late November is the aim with some associations aiming for November 14 and others November 21. It gives players three weeks training from October 28, when it’s hoped restrictions will ease to step two.

The start dates come as Cricket Victoria released a 25-page document of guidelines for a return to train and play for clubs and associations to adopt last Friday. It is recommended that all matches be played as one-day fixtures.

Training will be conducted in groups of 10 to ensure any infection is confined to a particular group and does not impact all players in a club. Matchday and training session protocols require participants to turn up just before a game or training starts and leave immediately after it finishes. Players will be limited from using changerooms and there will be limited access to social facilities.

Tara Murray

15 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

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