Issuu

NOVEMBER 24, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Courtney Herron and, above, with her father John. (Pictures: Supplied)

A father’s anguish A Riddells Creek father can finally tell his murdered daughter’s story, after changes to a law which prevented families and sexual assault victims from speaking out. John Herron’s daughter Courtney was brutally murdered in Royal Park in May last year. The man charged with killing the 25-year-old was found not guilty. “She was a vibrant and bright 25-year-old and it was a random encounter with the killer,” Mr Herron told Star Weekly.

Be a

“They were hanging with a group of friends and … went to dinner. “They then went to a friends place.” Mr Herron said Courtney was killed as she was walking back to her boyfriend’s place. A law introduced by the state government earlier this year prevented Victorian families and victims of sex crimes from telling their stories in public unless they obtained permission from the court. However last month, The Justice Legislation Amendment (Supporting Victims and Other Matters) Bill 2020 was passed in state Parliament, allowing families and survivors

to tell their story without seeking court permission. Families and survivors can also self-publish their identity on social media. Mr Herron said the legislation as it stood “wouldn’t have allowed victims to speak out”. “My daughter has been killed so for me, as a parent, life doesn’t get any worse. “I have no fear of speaking out and I would take any consequences that would come my way without hesitation. “We shouldn’t have to fight the state to tell our stories. We want to tell our stories because we don’t want it to happen to other women.

and treat your family this

“Courtney’s story can happen tomorrow to someone else.” Sunbury resident Tracie Oldham said she was “brutalised sexually and tortured” until she was a teenager. She said it was a huge relief that she could finally share her story. “Though I was not murdered in the physical sense, I died inside every time,” she said. “Grieving people need to tell their stories. “Part of the healing process is the need for justice. Families of rape and murder victims have a need to see justice as part of recovery, speaking about their deceased loved ones.”

$2000 of Woolworths gift cards up for grabs! Enter Now at - starweekly.com.au/competitions

12471554-SN48-20

By Jessica Micallef

MACEDON RANGES HEALING HUB • Yoga & Meditation

• Ear Candling

• Pet Myotherapy

• Reiki Healing

• Personal Training

• ANF Therapy

Private studio in New Gisborne www.geowellness.com.au Phone for appointment 0400 668 832 Macedon Ranges Healing Hub @rangesholistichealinghub

BOOK ANY SERVICE AND RECEIVE EAR CANDLING THERAPY SESSION FREE UNTIL DECEMBER 24

12472129-LB48-20

Be a

...

and treat your family this

It’ll be Smiles all round with your chance to

WIN one of FOUR $500 Woolworth’s gift cards! Take your family shopping for all those scrumptious foods and delicious treats for your family to enjoy on the big day... on us!

00 $5 $500

$500

But, you must be in it to win it! Go to starweekly.com.au/competitions and register your details NOW! Entries close Noon Friday December 18, 2020

Spread the cheer and invite your friends to enter too! 12471355-SN48-20

2 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Mask rules, restrictions relaxed By Jessica Micallef Victorians have taken another step closer to a ‘COVID normal’ way of life after Premier Daniel Andrews eased more restrictions on Sunday. The number of visitors to a home have increased to 15 and up to 30 people will be able to visit a home from December 13. Fifty people can gather outdoors and masks are no longer mandatory outside if social distancing is adhered to. From November 30, up to 25 per cent of

workers will be able to return to the office. Smaller hospitality venues will be able to host up to 50 people, while larger businesses are capped at 150 patrons, with a total venue capacity of 300 customers. Indoor and outdoor weddings and funerals can have 150 people, while private residence ceremonies are capped at 15 people. Religious ceremonies can take place indoors with 150 people and outdoors with 300 people. Cinemas, galleries and museums will also be able to host 150 people indoors. Gyms can open with a maximum of 150

‘‘

Been a long hard winter. Now it’s time to enjoy the sun - Daniel Andrews

’’

people in groups of 20, and contact and non-contact sport can begin for adults and children with 150 people indoors and 500 outdoors. Large sporting venues will be able to increase patronage to 25 per cent. Mr Andrews is expected to announce the next step towards ‘COVID normal’ on

December 6. “Victorians have done an amazing job and have built something that is so precious,” he said. “But it is fragile and each of us needs to play our part. These rules are a reflection of the best public health advice. “We’ll have more to say about what a COVID-safe summer will look like in the next few weeks. It’s been a long hard winter. Now it’s time to enjoy the sun.” As of Sunday night, Hume and the Macedon Ranges had no active cases of the virus and there was just one case in Victoria.

$80,000 fine for dumping waste

Young Xander a cut above

A Campbellfield man has been fined more than $80,000 for dumping “significant” volumes of waste at a Diggers Rest property. The Magistrates Court fined Alex Anasis $82,610 without conviction and ordered he pay $1000 to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for dumping tyres, concrete, bricks, soil, metal, timber, plastic, plaster sheet, mattresses, household rubbish and green waste in piles measuring up to an estimated 90 cubic metres. The EPA was made aware of the dumping following a report from a member of the public. The court heard that EPA officers conducted surveillance on the ground and observed trucks unloading waste at the Diggers Rest property. Aerial drones were used to photograph stockpiles of waste. EPA officers also conducted formal inspections of the premises. During the investigation, EPA officers followed trucks bringing waste to the Diggers Rest property. The Diggers Rest land was not licenced to accept industrial waste and had been leased as a residential property. The court also ordered Anasis to reinstate the Diggers Rest property to its original condition under the Planning and Environment Act. An EPA spokesperson said the case was a clear demonstration that the EPA would follow up on reports made from the public. “Companies and individuals must understand their responsibilities to the community and the environment,““the spokesperson said.

Xander may be small in size, but he has a mighty heart. The seven-year-old Sunbury boy has been growing his hair for nearly two years so he can cut it off and donate it to Sustainable Salons to turn into a wig. His mum Tace Watson said Xander decided to embark on this journey in February last year. “One of my friends is a hairdresser and her client was having her hair chopped off and Xander asked why,” she said. “I explained that people get sick with cancer and they lose hair due to treatment … and then he said he was going to grow his hair.” “My dad passed away from cancer … when Xander was 10 weeks old.” After nearly two years of growing long locks, Xander’s hair is 25 centimetres long. “It takes about 20 ponytails to make one wig so it’s a lot of hair,” Ms Watson said. “I also want to raise awareness that boys can grow their hair, it’s not just limited to girls. “He has been bullied quite badly. He was called a girl and really nasty names and he’s had his hair pulled out. “But he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks.” Xander is also raising money for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and has so far raised more than $800. “I am bursting at the seams with how proud we are. His commitment has been outstanding,” Ms Watson said. “It makes me happy to know that I am raising a really compassionate boy who would do anything for anyone.” Xander is cutting his hair on December 11 at 52 Hair Co in Essendon. To donate: bit.ly/36LzJOj

Jessica Micallef Jessica Micallef Xander is cutting his hair to turn into a wig for cancer patients. (Supplied)

Support Local

WESTERN REGION WASTE & RECYCLING CENTRE

Cheape Disposal st ra in the re tes gion

Need to let your customers know?

NEW SPECIALS

• FULLY UNDERCOVER • 7 DAYS A WEEK *CLOSED • ONE STOP FOR MOST OF YOUR 23/12/20 2PM. RE-OPEN 2/1/21 9AM WASTE & RECYCLABLES • 40 MINS FROM SUNBURY • ASSISTANCE WITH UNLOADING P.O.A • EFTPOS ONLY

8 ROWSLEY STATION ROAD MADDINGLEY

0488 795 580

12449133-LB20-20

12471423-SG48-20

info@westernwasterecycling.com.au

Contact retail@starweekly.com.au to see how Star Weekly can help. #InThisTogether

GREAT RANGE OF STOCK AVAILABLE

Locally d owned an d operate

Whole Prime Grade Eye Fillet

$39.99kg

Beef Topside Roast

$12.99kg

Traditional Lamb Racks

$27.99kg

Marinated Chicken Skewers

10 for $8.99

Gourmet Chicken Sausages

$12.99kg

CARTON SPECIAL $22.99kg Prime Grade Porterhouse

Every eligible customer who enters the Western Region Waste & Recycling Centre or orders a skip or bin goes into the Monthly draw to WIN

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 2pm Sunday 9am - 2pm

$1000!

180 MOLLISON ST, KYNETON orders@hardwicksofkyneton.com.au

T&Cs can be found on our website

PHONE 5422 3851

12438079-SN48-20

Doing things differently during covid-19?

3 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Safety fears for Bulla Bridge By Jessica Micallef Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn fears the historic Bulla Bridge is on the verge of collapse. Mr Finn is calling on Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll to put the Bulla Bridge on a “priority watch list” after he was made aware of a crack that developed in the bridge earlier this month. “The bridge is not getting any younger,” he said. “This bridge is over 150 years old and it is not built to carry the extraordinary traffic

‘‘

the least they can do is … keep an eye on the bridge - Bernie Finn

’’

load it now does. I am a daily user of that bridge and when you drive on it, you’ve got your life in your hands.” Mr Finn said the bridge, which connects thousands of motorists to Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine Freeway, Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges, was an important road to get

locals to and from their destination. But he said the Bulla bypass was the solution to avoiding a potential catastrophe. “It is an important bridge but we need the Bulla bypass,” he said. “It will get thousands of people off the old bridge … and if that bridge were to collapse, people wouldn’t be able to get to work. On the all-too frequent occasions the bridge is blocked by a traffic incident, thousands of motorists are sent scurrying onto country roads that will eventually get them to their destination. “It is far more than just a minor

inconvenience.” Mr Finn said traffic on the Bulla Bridge would only get worse if the Sunbury Eco-Hub on Sunbury Road became the dumping ground for soil from the West Gate Tunnel project. It’s expected more than 800 extra trucks a day will travel over the bridge to transport the soil to Bulla if the Sunbury Eco-Hub is the chosen destination. “If they [state government] can’t give us the Bulla bypass, the least they can do is … keep an eye on the bridge,” he said. “Enough is enough.”

Customer centres at your service

Seth is organising a Christmas toy drive for those who are doing it tough during the pandemic. (Damjan Janevski) 221427_04

Youngster spreads Christmas cheer Twelve-year-old Seth is putting the needs of others before himself this Christmas. The youngster is organising a Christmas toy drive to help families who may have done it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mum Tegan Cottell said Seth was inspired to give the gift of giving this festive season after watching a Christmas movie. “We we were watching a Christmas movie and they were doing a school charity drive and that gave him the idea to do a toy drive,” she said. “My son has always been very humble and very supportive of people that are doing it tougher than him.

“We usually go into the city every Christmas and the kids would use their pocket money to buy food for people who are experiencing homelessness.” Seth will be collecting toys at Sunbury’s Clarke Oval on December 5 and 6 before he wraps the toys and gives them away on December 13. “We are hoping people will go through their cupboards and donate toys,” Ms Cottell said. “Seth will clean them up, wrap them and label them based on gender and age. “There is no judgement. If anyone needs to get a toy, there are no questions asked.” Seth will also donate any left over gifts to the

Sunbury Salvation Army and Careworks. “I am really proud of him,” Ms Cottell said. “He’s a pretty caring boy. Watching the news all year and seeing how COVID-19 has affected everybody has really opened up the kids to how tough people can do it and it doesn’t discriminate.” To donate a toy, visit Clarke Oval, 21-43 Riddell Road, Sunbury on December 5 and 6 between 11am-2pm. Toys can be collected at the oval on December 13 between 11am-2pm. Details: bit.ly/2UBsH9h

Macedon Ranges council’s customer service centres in Romsey and Woodend have reopened following the state government’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The centres will have limits on the number of people allowed inside the buildings. Room bookings will not be available in the initial reopening phase but will be considered as restrictions continue to ease. The council and the Goldfields Library Corporation will work together to manage attendance and contact tracing processes at both sites. Contactless payments are encouraged, although cash will be accepted. Access to in-person support for planning, building and local law matters will not be available and signage at reopened council facilities will encourage visitors to comply with social distancing directions and to practise good hand hygiene. Romsey’s customer service desk in Main Street will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am-3pm. The Woodend customer service desk will open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from November 24. The council is working towards reopening service centres in Gisborne and Kyneton. In the interim, customers are encouraged to visit the Romsey or Woodend centres or call 5422 0333. Jessica Micallef

Jessica Micallef

Diggers Rest locals turn to Dark Side for takeaway fix Paul Ferguson opened his Diggers Rest burger restaurant Dark Side in the thick of COVID-19 restrictions and hoped to sell at least 30 burgers on the first night of opening. To his surprise, more than 300 burgers were sold and his restaurant has proven to be a huge hit among locals. The Diggers Rest local of five years said he wanted to open a burger restaurant to give back to the community he loved being part of. “I wanted to create a place that hired staff that had lost their jobs and I wanted to bring some life back to hospitality and the local area,” he said. “I also wanted to explore a gap in the local market for a higher quality takeaway product which was produced by qualified chefs. “Dark Side is about creating a team that actually wants to come to work, where the vibes are high, music is pumping and everyone can

have a good time. We also name our burgers after some of the regular customers because they are the reason we are here.” Mr Ferguson said he had received an overwhelming response from the Diggers Rest community. “I think the success that we’ve had is a combination of people wanting to get behind small businesses and show their support and our honest approach to trading,” he said. “The demand for takeaway has increased due to the current circumstances. “People have been missing the dine-in experience and the quality of food that comes with it and it’s our responsibility to adapt and give them that experience in some way.” Dark Side is at 1 Hero Street, Diggers Rest.

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

Jessica Micallef

Paul Ferguson from Dark Side. (Supplied)

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Haweil hopes to inspire By Tara Murray New Hume mayor Joseph Haweil is taking on many of the lessons he learnt in his first four years as a councillor as he leads a new-look council. Haweil, who is serving his second term on council, was unanimously elected as mayor on November 12, becoming the second-youngest Hume mayor. He said becoming mayor was something he had aspired to and allowed him to expand his role as a councillor. “It’s very exciting and it comes at a really challenging time obviously with COVID,” he said. “I’m excited that restrictions are being eased and we’re moving in the right direction. I plan to be quite active and get out and about to as many events, functions and meetings as I can, and get to know people and listen to people as well. “I think being mayor gives you that little bit more time as a full-time role and an opportunity to do other things, not only strategic, but as the public face of the organisation.” Cr Haweil is one of six returning councillors on the new council. “I got on in 2016 and I had a lot of different ideas and have been able to put through some of those things,” he said. “I learnt that you have to be patient. You come in and think that you can change the world and do everything overnight and you realise that the government has a process.” Cr Haweil said he would continue to push and advocate for things that were important to him, including greater infrastructure to help with growth, especially in the Craigieburn area. He said he would continue to champion for causes such as social justice and reducing gambling harm. He is also passionate about mentoring and

Newly-elected mayor Joseph Haweil. (Damjan Janevski) 221194_10

providing opportunities for young people. “There’s a reputation for local government to be old, frail and stale … you would have heard that in the past and I don’t think that it has to be,” Cr Haweil said. “It’s about ongoing advice, mentorship and guiding. Once I’m gone … they’ll have the knowledge, background and skills to continue the job.” Cr Haweil hopes that his appointment as mayor will inspire other people to dream about being part of something bigger. “My dad came here as a refugee. He got his very first job working at the Ford

Broadmeadows plant on the production line. “Coming from a background where there was human rights abuse and persecution … you didn’t think that this is something that would happen for your family. “There’s the spirit and opportunity that Australia presents to everyone, whether migrant or not. “I think … it’s important to have people who look like me, look like you, speak like you or come from a similar background to me in positions of leadership. “It provides that inspiration.”

NEWS

Mother Goose goes online Cobaw Community Health has launched a free song, rhyme and storytelling group that families can access online. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, child and parenting worker Deanna Brogan was running the weekly Parent-Child Mother Goose program in Woodend and Romsey, but due to coronavirus restrictions, she was forced to stop. To adapt to a society where social distancing and video calls are the new normal, Ms Brogan decided to take the program online. “I have kept in contact with many of our families over the last few months via a private Facebook group, but I wanted to extend the joys of Mother Goose to new families,” she said. “We thought it would be good to share some short pre-recorded sessions where children and their carers can engage with each other through songs and rhymes. “The great thing about making these sessions accessible via our website and social media, is that they can be viewed when it’s convenient. “Families can join at any time but we encourage you to start with the first video and we will build on the material in the sessions as we move along.” To access the videos, visit Cobaw Community Health’s Facebook page or website and click on Family Goose Teaser link that is made available each Thursday. Jessica Micallef

YOU’RE MORE SUITED THAN YOU MIGHT THINK NOW RECRUITING FOR OVER 3000 POLICE POLICE CAREERS 12469843-DL48-20

5 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

12465794-DL48-20

6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

Cracking Price! 1 Week only! Wednesday 25th November until Tuesday 1st December 2020

$ 30¢ per 100g

While Stocks Last 12456101-SN48-20

Sunrise Cage Eggs 600g

Melton Sunbury Gisborne Meadow Heights Delahey Glengala

331-345 High St, 9743 4600 Cnr Station & O’Shanassy, 9744 4290 Cnr Brantome & Robertson, 5428 3200 Cnr Paringa & Hudson, 9302 4040 Cnr Kings & Taylor Rds, 9362 1207 Cnr David Drive & Fitzgerald Rd, 8390 6988

While stocks last. Some products or varieties may not be available at all stores. IGA Liquor supports the responsible service of alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol not sold to under 18’s.

IGAVI8491_251120

On Sale Wednesday 25th November until Tuesday 1st December 2020

7 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Witness appeal Police are appealing for witnesses to an alleged road rage incident on Lancefield-Melbourne Road, between Romsey and Monegeetta on Friday, November 6 between 12.15-12.45pm. Police believe a blue Hyuandai i30 sedan and a yellow Hyundai i30 sedan were involved in the incident. Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Senior Constable Jason Downie at the Kyneton police station on 5421 2900.

PHONE \ 03 9249 5381 LOCATION \ 222 Ferris Road, Melton South, 3338 DISTRIBUTION \ 1800 032 472 http://www.pmplimited.com.au/

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR \ BEN SUTTON ben.sutton@starweekly.com.au GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 FAX \ 5945 0667 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

Woman wanted

REAL ESTATE SALES DIRECTOR \ JACK GILLESPIE jack.gillespie@starweekly.com.au

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Caitlin Jones. A warrant has been issued for the 32-year-old’s arrest in relation to public nuisance offences. Jones is known to frequent the Hume, Moreland and Mooney Valley areas. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER \ JONATHAN BAKER jonathan.baker@starweekly.com.au Mobile \ 0421 841 321 Office \ 03 8318 5763

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ LISA KORYCKI lisa.korycki@starweekly.com.au GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

Festive Scout fundraiser The Third Sunbury Scout Group is rocking around the Christmas tree this festive season. The Scouts are again selling Christmas trees to help fund their activities. Group leader Jason Aisbett said the Christmas tree sales were the Scouts’ biggest fundraising event of the year. “We sell the trees so we can fundraise and send our leader to major camps so they aren’t out of pocket,” he said. “It’s also to help with the ongoing costs of the Scout Hall, including rates and insurances. “It’s our major event of the year. We weren’t sure if we would be able to do it [due to COVID-19] but we were given the green light.”

The Christmas trees are sourced from a Daylesford farm. Mr Aisbett said the tree-selling days were a family-friendly event. “We get the regular families who turn up on the day,” he said. “The kids really enjoy it because they get to help sell the trees and carry the trees to the car.” Tree prices start at $60. Trees can be picked up from Max Gifford Hall, 8 Miller Street, on December 5 and 6 and December 12 and 13 between 9am-3pm. Tree delivery is also available. Details: christmastrees.3rdsunburyscouts@ gmail.com

Have your say Macedon Ranges council is encouraging residents to take part in Infrastructure Victoria’s statewide online community panel which will consider what measures are needed to move Victorians away from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. Infrastructure Victoria is calling for 450 participants to take part in the panel. Details: bit.ly/2IKeELK. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Jessica Micallef 12470703-CG48-20

Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

The Third Sunbury Scout Group. (Supplied)

Support Local Doing things differently during covid-19? Need to let your customers know?

Subscribe to the

Contact retail@starweekly.com.au to see how Star Weekly can help. #InThisTogether

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly

Digital Edition

FREE NOVEMBER 3, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NOVEMBER 3, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

‘Low-key’ salute

The Gisborne and Macedon Ranges RSL will mark Remembrance Day this year with a “low-key” service. With normal Remembrance Day services unable to go ahead due to the COVID-19 pandemic, president Robin Funston said about 12 RSL members will commemorate the day at the Gisborne War Memorial. “We are not going to have a Poppy Day Appeal this year either,” he said. “It’s disappointing. Every year we have done really well with the collections and we are well supported by the community so that all goes into our welfare fund for looking after veterans. “We are just having a short service, we will say The Ode, we will lay a wreath and have a minute of silence at 11am.” About 150 people usually attend the Remembrance Day service at the Gisborne War Memorial. Mr Funston still encouraged locals to pay their respects to fallen veterans. “People can come down and lay a wreath at the war memorial,” he said.

President Robin Funston (front) with club members Daniel Hall, Ian Arnel (secretary) and John Hike. (Damjan Janevski) 219410_01

Jessica Micallef

Toxic soil fight ramps up “We have strategically placed banners throughout the community, we have bumper stickers and we have our website,” he said. “We are starting to get more and more coverage which is what we need and we are getting more people talking about it … which is promising.” Although community support is ramping up, Mr O’Neill said some residents still had no idea about Hi-Quality’s proposal. He said it was a concern that residents neighbouring the Sunbury Eco-Hub had not been made aware of the potential for Bulla to become a dumping ground for toxic soil. “A person lives next door, or very close to Hi-Quality and they didn’t even know that

this was happening,” he said. “The message is not cutting through to people. It’s clear that Hi-Quality, the EPA [Environment Protection Authority] and Transurban have not engaged properly with the community. “We heard they [Hi-Quality] dropped letters in about 2000 letterboxes. They hit less than four per cent of the population. “They should have hit every single letterbox.” Mr O’Neill said COVID-19 restrictions on large public gatherings made it impossible for residents, including the 2700-strong members of his Facebook group, to publicly voice their anger. “We don’t want to break the law to get the message out there … there are people itching to get out and have their say but we can’t.

“We need to get the community behind us, help get the message out there and help alert people to the problem that faces us.” The EPA approved Hi-Quality’s Environment Management Plan (EMP) in September to send the toxic soil to Bulla. It has also approved EMPs for Maddingly Brown Coal in Bacchus Marsh and for Cleanaway’s Ravenhall landfill. The approval of an EMP does not mean a final decision has been made on where the soil would be sent. A site still needs approval from the state planning minister. Transurban, the site operators of the West Gate Tunnel Project, will decide where the soil is to be processed.

SUBSCRIBE to our DIGITAL EDITION - It's FREE Cars Purchased For Wrecking All Makes, All Models PAYMENT BY DIRECT DEBIT/CHEQUE

Call or email now for a quote on 0413 904 368 Email: ALOAH MOTORS@OUTLOOK.COM LMCT 9534 12468825-CG45-20

FREE

CAR REMOVALS

0413 904 368

sunburymacedonranges.starweekly.com.au/subscribe 8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

12470716-LB48-20

By Jessica Micallef Sunbury and Bulla should not be the dumping ground for toxic soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project: That’s the message Sunbury residents are making loud and clear. Locals have stepped up their campaign to fight Hi-Quality’s proposal to send toxic soil to the Sunbury Eco-Hub in Bulla. They have taken their protest to the streets – decking the town with posters, stickers and signs. Sunbury resident, and creator of the Sunbury Against Toxic Soil Facebook group, Chris O’Neill said he was doing as much as he could to promote the message of many residents.

12469786-NG47-20

‘Low-key’ salute

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

MY PLACE Shammi Parekh is the community and program advisor at the Multicultural Resources Hub Inc in Sunbury. She spoke to Jessica Micallef.

What are you passionate about? Supporting and guiding communities and organisations to achieve great outcomes for their community. There is a lot of information and support out there for new and existing migrants that is not being accessed due to lack of understanding of services, language barriers and different cultural beliefs. Tell me about the Multicultural Resources Hub Inc – what’s your position and what does the group do? Multicultural Resources Hub Inc is a not-for-profit community benefit organisation that helps bring communities together by connecting migrants to established communities who call Australia home today. Our friendly team helps connect people to information, cultural orientation, support groups, activities and events within the community. We aim to deliver health information programs, workshops to suit people with language barriers and different cultural beliefs through activities to improve social and inclusive communities. We encourage individuals from all age groups to take part in programs, fundraising and volunteering. My position: Community/ program advisor. How have things changed for the group during COVID-19? The organisation had to find other means to

reach out to the wider community, offering support, correct information regarding restrictions and making sure all information and support was available in their language. Working alongside DHSS, Victorian Multicultural Commission and Hume council to provide information and support. Due to COVID-19, we are able to present Let’s Chat – a platform where we can exchange real life encounters, questions, brainstorm solutions and create awareness within the community. We have group sessions online, with people who know what you are going through and professional advice to appropriate referral providers within our community. What are you looking forward to doing now that COVID-19 restrictions are being eased? We are working on delivering a dance program through Zoom, if restrictions start to ease hopefully we can do this in a hall. We want to encourage people to join free classes to stay active and feel connected by engaging with the community through dancing and learning the new way to connect to programs. Dance has been shown to have a positive impact on the mental health of individuals regardless of their age. Cultural dance connects people together. If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be? I would like to see greater participation of various ethnic communities in multicultural events to build faith and trust in one another. I believe with the fast growth of development in Sunbury and surrounding areas it is very important for families to feel connected with the multicultural community we live in.

(Supplied)

What is your connection to the Sunbury and/ or Macedon Ranges area? I have been living in Sunbury for the past 18 years and in the Hume area for the last 32 years.

Spring END OF

WHAT WE OFFER DreamZzz Luxury Bedding offer you a wide range of the highest quality Australian made Mattresses, Bases and Various styles of Bedheads, plus our exclusive custom made service, your choice, your design.

CLEARANCE

Reductions OFF • Wool, Bamboo & Cotton Quilts & Mattress / Pillow Protectors • Reversible woollen underlays

And a Vast Range of: • Pillows/body pillows including (gel infused & latex) • Mattress topper • Bamboo bedding • Fleece blankets

SPRING into DreamZzz Luxury Bedding for our Display and Stock Clearance Sale CUSTOM MADE BEDHEADS & FRAMES Available in Assorted Designs, Colours & Fabrics

CUSTOM MADE BLANKET BOXES

QB “REFRESH” MATTRESS Firm / Medium / Plush

Mattress only $5499 NOW $2599 Full Ensemble $6299 NOW $3299

Various Sizes, Designs & Fabrics.

Rest and recuperate on Refresh. The pre-compressed, custom designed pocket coils in Recovery relieve pressure, minimise partner disturbance and ensure mattress longetivity. The centrally located Hi Lo nested pocket coils provide added lower back support and the visco gel comfort layer creates a cool, comfortable sleeping environment for even the warmest of bodies.

10 YEAR GUARANTEE

Sale Must End Saturday 5th December 3.30pm SHARP

8/75 Vineyard Rd, Sunbury www.dreamzzzluxurybedding.net.au

9740 7222

Trading Hours: Mon - Fri 10.00am - 5.00pm Sat 10.00am - 3.30pm 12442240-NG48-20

9 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

33 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

December 1, 1987

November 27, 1990

November 28, 2000

November 30, 2010

A female trainee pilot and her instructor narrowly escaped death on Sunday, November 22 after the gyrocopter in which they were flying failed to gain altitude, its blades striking the ground and forcing the copter nose first into long grass at the centre of Penfield Airfield.

A ruling by the full bench of the Supreme Court prevents the Woodend Water Board from using $3 million obtained from its insurer to settle claims arising from a 1983 bushfire until judgements have been obtained in each case.

The Woodend Framework Steering committee (WFSC) and Macedon Ranges council have vowed to again meet local traders to address their concerns surrounding the plans to upgrade Main Street, Woodend.

The plot thickens: Farming on the suburban fringe.

The future of local media is in your hands â€Ś We need your help to secure the future of local newspapers Go to localnewsinnovation.org or scan the below QR code to be a part of Australiaâ€™s largest local-news survey:

Enter the draw to win one of 10 iPads 10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

This study has Deakin University ethics approval, (ref: HAE-20-141).

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

SES like a community: Volunteer By Jessica Micallef From bushfires to car crashes, Ross Evans has seen it all. The year 2020 has thrown all sorts of challenges and obstacles at Victorians and the Gisborne SES volunteer has seen the devastation first-hand. At the beginning of the year, Ross was deployed four times to parts of Victoria that were ravaged by bushfires. “It was very hot and smoky,” he said. “We were in Talangatta to set up a base camp for all the firefighters, so we were setting up

tents in 40-something degree heat, which was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. “One time, we were evacuating a town called Wandiligong, just outside of Bright. We went door-to-door asking if people were going to evacuate. For a lot of people it was fairly confronting because if people say ‘no’ then I needed to take their names and ask how many people were in the household so we can identify them if something went pear-shaped.” Ross says he enjoyed that no two days were the same in the life of an SES volunteer. But he admits that the role can take a toll on his family.

“We go from road crashes, to storm damages, floods – there is never an average day,” he said. “There is nothing standard about what we do but it can take a toll. “My family has been really good because they understand what I do but … it’s nice to get home and have the kids give me a big hug. “It’s hard being away for 14 or 15 days. But there’s a broad sense of community associated with the SES. “It’s not just about going out and helping others, it’s about being able to help each other. It’s a very family-oriented service.”

Ross Evans with wife Kylie, and children Lucas and Madison. (Supplied)

5g network comes to Sunbury

Multicultural Resources Hub Inc celebrated a virtual Diwali. (Supplied)

Festival lights up the web It was a very different Diwali festival this year, with the colourful and vibrant showcase forced online due to COVID-19 restrictions. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is a five-day celebration commemorated by Hindus all over the world. The Multicultural Resources Hub Inc, a not-for-profit organisation that connects new migrants in Australia to existing communities, usually celebrates the festival in Sunbury. Community and program advisor Shammi Parekh said the group was proud to virtually present a showcase of their culture earlier this

month. “We invited the community to join in and enjoy this colourful celebration with friends, family and the diverse multicultural communities, while ensuring everyone stays safe,” she said. “Our online event was very successful. “Diwali is the festival of lights, the triumph of good over evil. It strengthens us to come out from darkness and move towards light, to leave despair and to hope for a better tomorrow.” Children from Dobell Avenue Kindergarten and Goodstart Kindergarten in Sunbury helped the group celebrate Diwali with arts and

crafts activities and dressing up in traditional Indian clothing. “The children enjoyed the celebration with their friends and teachers,” Ms Parekh said. “We appreciate living in a culturally diverse society, all people regardless of culture, religion, language or place of birth. “We know this year has been very challenging and we pray that 2021 will bring us together.” To watch the Multicultural Resources Hub virtual Diwali festival, visit: bit.ly/2UDYDKj

Broadband connectivity in Sunbury is set to improve as telecommunication companies upgrade a local mobile base station. The Sunbury Central Base Station in Evans Street will soon be upgraded with 5G equipment, including panel antennas on the existing monopole and new ancillary equipment. McEwen MP Rob Mitchell said the upgrade to 5G promised to deliver faster speeds, better response times and greater capacity. “I am pleased to see the telecos are doing their bit to improve connectivity for our community with an adaptable, accessible and responsive 5G network that will serve us better now and into the future,” he said. “The COVID-19 crisis has really highlighted the necessity for better telecommunications in our area. “With so many in our community trying to work from home, home schooling the kids at the same time and just trying to keep in touch with family and friends … the need for reliable, quick, adaptable communications services has never been higher. “And with the bushfire season around the corner, these improvements are welcome.” Mr Mitchell said more needed to be done to improve broadband connectivity in the Macedon Ranges. “It would be great if the coalition government would also do its bit to help improve telecommunications in our area, including Gisborne and the Macedon Ranges where getting connected is at best a nightmare or next to impossible at times,” he said. Jessica Micallef

Jessica Micallef

Countdown to Christmas It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Hume. Throughout November and December, the council’s Christmas in Hume advent calendar is full of free activities and entertainment, with pop-up gardens, decorations, music and food trucks, prizes and giveaways, a community Christmas light competition and live-streamed carols. Santa and his team of elves have been busy decorating the city with colourful decorations and residents are encouraged to visit pop-up Christmas gardens at O’Shannassy, Brook and Evans streets in Sunbury, Civic Plaza in Broadmeadows and Craigieburn Central courtyard.

The Sunbury Village Green water fountain and Town Hall Broadmeadows will light up in red and green during the festive season. Although the traditional Hume Carols by Candelight can’t go ahead as normal due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event will be live-streamed on YouTube on Saturday, December 5 from 6.30pm. Live music and food trucks will be at the Hume Global Learning Centre, Sunbury on Sunday, December 20 between 11am-3pm for family and friends to enjoy a picnic. For a full list of Christmas in Hume events, visit: bit.ly/3lXj5BX. Jessica Micallef

Mayor Joseph Haweil and his wife Sheena. (Damjan Janevski) 221194_01 11 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Police brace for increased traffic By Benjamin Millar Victoria Police have warned motorists they will be out in force on country roads over coming weeks as regional Victoria braces for an influx of visitors escaping Melbourne following the removal of the “ring of steel”. Melbourne residents were permitted to leave the metropolitan area early this month for the first time in more than four months of travel restrictions that were brought in to

limit movement during the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Police preparing for a flurry of traffic on regional roads as a result have launched a statewide operation targeting bad driver behaviour on roads to popular destinations such as Ballarat and the Macedon Ranges. Road Policing Command acting assistant commissioner John Fitzpatrick said ‘Operation Compass’ comes at a critical time for Victorians, with thousands of drivers, cyclists,

motorcyclists, new P-Platers, caravanners and truck drivers anticipated to share the road as they head off on a break. “This is the first real opportunity that Melburnians have had in some time to get out and enjoy what Victoria has to offer,” he said. “While it is fantastic to see people engaging in these recreational activities, we need people to go back to basics and arrive to their destination safely. This means buckling up, slowing down, and not driving while impaired.”

Acting assistant commissioner Fitzpatrick said police will be targeting locations and major arterial roads where law-breaking drivers are expected to be. “I urge that drivers do all they can to arrive alive. This means taking appropriate breaks, leaving your phone alone and being aware of your surroundings.” • Please take part in an important survey on the future of local news at: www. localnewsinnovation.org

Beer fest out of the box People can still grin and beer it despite the annual Williamstown Heritage Beer and Cider Festival being postponed until next year. Organisers didn’t want people to have to wait, so they joined forces with Hopheads to create the Willy Beer Fest in a box. Festival director Terri Jackson said people could order a box of 12 limited edition local craft brews and create their own festival anywhere they liked. “Obviously, due to the current situation and climate with corona, we haven’t been able to hold the festival this year, which normally occurs at the end of November,” she said. “To keep our attendees happy and keep the interest around the festival, as well as returning to our locals and the breweries that were involved, we hand-selected breweries that were our clients’ favourites, as well as our own, to put together this festival in a box. “We hold ourselves quite heavily on only using Australian independent breweries because they’ve all been impacted by what’s

occurred over the last eight months.” The box contains brews from the west including Stomping Ground, Bricklane, Modus Operandi, Fury & Sons, Moon Dog, Two Birds, Bonehead, Hop Nation and Blackman’s Brewery. It comes with a playlist of songs matched by brewers to their beers and includes merchandise, a festival glass and free festival tokens for next year’s event scheduled for November 27 at the waterfront Seaworks Maritime Precinct. The box represents more than $140 value but costs $99, including delivery across Victoria (fees apply for interstate). Details: willybeerfest.com.au. Goya Dmytryshchak

Willy Beer Fest organiser Terri Jackson and Hopheads owner Ryan Cochrane. (Joe Mastroianni) 221126_01

EVERY TEST HELPS Every test helps us keep on top of this virus. So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

12471637-JW48-20

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Gardens of beauty It’s no secret the Macedon Ranges is home to some of the state’s most beautiful gardens. Now they’ve been showcased in a new book which goes inside some spectacular private gardens in regional Victoria. The Garden State: Inside Victoria’s Private Gardens, is written by Richard Allen and features photography by Kimbal Baker. Among the gardens in the book are four Macedon Ranges’ treasures – Bolobek, Marnanie, Dreamthorpe and Glenrannoch. Star Weekly readers get an exclusive glimpse of some of the photos featured in the book. The Garden State: Inside Victoria’s Private Gardens, published by Thames & Hudson, will be released in December.

13 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Out and about Riddells Creek youngsters are enjoying the warmer weather and local playgrounds.

(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 221345

Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski captured these photos.

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

F th kid

TODAY Message us on Facebook to share your recipes and activity ideas.

Cook it

Solve it

HONEY JUMBLES H Ing Ingredients 90g butter 1/3 cup sugar 1 tbsp t honey corn flakes 4 cups c Me Method oven to 150°C and line 2 muffin trays with paper cases 1. Pre-heat P (makes 24). ( 2. Melt M butter, sugar and honey together in a saucepan until frothy. 3. Add A corn flakes and mix well. mixture into paper cases. 4. Spoon S for 10 minutes and let cool. 5. Bake B Recipe supplied by Carole, tested by Milly, 13 (pictured) Rec

Make it SLIME S

just joking

dss?? s play caarrd Why couldn’t the pirate nding on Because they were sta the deck!

Ingredients 1/4 cup glue 3/4 cornflour Food colouring Method 1. Put glue in a container and add a few drops of food colouring (any colour you want your slime to be). 2. Slowly add cornflour to the glue bit by bit, mixing well. 3. Take mixture out of the bowl and knead it (it requires a lot of kneading!). Keep kneading until it’s no longer sticky and turns into smooth, stretchy slime. TIP: Add a tablespoon of glycerin to make your slime even stretchier. Idea supplied by Lyn, tested by Jake, 11 (pictured)

Subscribe to our digital editions at www.starweekly.com.au Kiddie Cove early learning Centre

12467496-SN45-20

Privately owned and family oPerated early eduCation and ChildCare Centre Catering for Children 6 weeKs to PresChool

Come in for a tour mon-fri 6.30am-6.30Pm

6 age sPeCifiC rooms • 3 age aPProPriate outdoor Play sPaCes seParate sPorts field/traffiC sChool Permanent dediCated Professional eduCators nutritional meals Provided live uPdates of your Child’s day via the Kiddie Co aPP

2 - 4 emma Court, sunbury, viC, 3429 | 8001 9550 www.KiddieCoveelC.Com.au

E A R LY L E A R N I N G C E N T R E

15 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

PUZZLES No. 004

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.

easy

3 8

7 6 2 9 7 6 8 4 3 5 9

7 4 3 7 2

6 1 9

QUICK CROSSWORD Cleaning implement (3) Illegally entering (11) Component of blood (5) Front end of computer program (9) Normally (7) Highest in temperature (7) Female name (5) Fraternal (9) Male name (9) Parts (for actors) (5) Docket (7) US president, Bill - (7) Quivering (9) Monarch’s headwear (5) Four-sided with rightangles (11) Total (3)

11 12 13 15 17 18 20 22 24 25 26 27

8 3 6

5 6 3 2 7

6 7 8 14 15 16 17 19 21 22 23

DOWN Govern incompetently (7) Prickly animal (9) Language spoken in parts of Sri Lanka (5)

1 2 3

5 1 medium

Poet, — Dickinson (5) Implement traditionally wielded by angry mobs (9) Injured player carrier (9) Silly (5) Tremendously (7) Stuff associated with the US (9) Standing on end (hair or fur) (9) Family members (9) Eternally (7) Word with same meaning (7) Like dice or square boxes, e.g. (5) Water passage (5) Sustain; experience (5)

4 5

ACROSS 1 3 9 10

No. 004

DECODER

No. 004

8 1 8 5 3

7 4 7 6

2 4

1 5

3 7 4 5

1 9 7 2 5 7

6 hard

10 11 12 13

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

G P 20

B J Y R E U L H C DN I K 7

Today’s Aim: 22 words: Good 33 words: Very good

1 2 9 3 4 8 7 6 5

SHOO TEAK VARY 5 LETTERS ADOBE ADORE ALBUM ALONE APPAL ATONE AUDIT BERRY BLADE CADET CLEAR DOSES DRIPS ENDOW ENROL ERECT

4 LETTERS ALLY ARID BENT EASY EAVE GABS GEAR GLUE HERE HINT LEEK OGRE OILY OPAL RIOT

No. 004

EVENT GASPS HEDGE IDLER IDOLS INTER ISLAM ISLES LLAMA MACES NESTS NUDGE PARKA RANCH RESET RIPEN ROBIN SLYER SMILE SPREE SWEPT

TACOS TAMER TEARS TELLS TRIAL TWIGS WEDGE 6 LETTERS LAYMAN STREET 7 LETTERS ARTICLE ATTRACT

COASTED LESSENS OPTIMUM RECEDED 8 LETTERS EMULATES NEEDIEST SCHEDULE TRAVERSE 10 LETTERS CLASSROOMS CRITICISMS

27-11-20

No. 004 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

D D E D

6 8 2 5 9 7 4 3 1

7 1 3 4 6 2 5 9 8

9 6 7 3 2 4 1 5 8

3 8 4 9 1 5 7 6 2

8 5 3 2 6 1 9 4 7

1 4 9 5 8 7 2 3 6

7 2 6 4 3 9 8 1 5

6 9 5 7 4 2 3 8 1

4 7 1 8 5 3 6 2 9

2 3 8 1 9 6 5 7 4

8 4 6 7 5 9 2 1 3

3 9 7 1 2 8 4 5 6

6 3 2 9 7 4 1 8 5

4 5 8 2 1 6 3 9 7

1 7 9 3 8 5 6 4 2

9 8 4 6 3 7 5 2 1

2 6 5 8 4 1 7 3 9

7 1 3 5 9 2 8 6 4

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

H A F T S U S U A L M I N C E

9 4 5 1 8 3 2 7 6

S T

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

acme, acne, actin, acumen, acute, antic, came, camp, cane, cant, cape, caput, catnip, cent, cine, cinema, cite, cumin, cute, enact, encamp, epic, impact, incept, mace, manic, mantic, mica, mice, mince, nice, pace, pact, panic, pecan, pectin, pica, PNEUMATIC, puce, pumice, puncta, teacup, tunic, uncap

4 3 6 2 7 5 8 1 9

2 5 1 6 3 4 9 8 7

8 9 4 7 2 1 6 5 3

3 LETTERS AGE AGO ALE ANT APE AVO COL DAB EEL EKE END EYE GAG GEE GEL HEN HES HOT HUE ILL IRE LEG RIP SAD TIN VCR

QUICK QUIZ

“You can’t handle the truth!” is a line from which 1992 movie?

What are the only two countries that start with the letter Z?

What is the first book in the Little Miss series by Roger Hargreaves?

Which nursery rhyme contains the line "silver bells and cockle shells"?

Who (pictured) was captain of the Australian Davis Cup team from 1995 to 2000?

Which English 80s pop group had hits with Victims and Church of the Poison Mind?

5 1 2 6 7 8 4 9 3

3 6 7 8 5 9 1 2 4

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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 words ending in “s”.

44 words: Excellent

hard

medium

9-LETTER WORD

easy

5 8 3 5

5x5

6 3 9 9

3 8 5 9 1

X Z V F O Q A WM T S G P

1 2 7 8

WORDFIT

Which 1998 novel by Barbara Kingsolver tells the story of a missionary family named the Prices?

In which Australian state is the coastal town of Seventeen Seventy, also written as 1770?

The pons is a group of nerves in which part of the human body?

10 Which TV quiz show is hosted by Andrew O'Keefe? ANSWERS: 1. A Few Good Men 2. Zambia and Zimbabwe 3. Little Miss Bossy 4. Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary 5. John Newcombe 6. Culture Club 7. The Poisonwood Bible 8. Queensland 9. The brain 10. The Chase Australia

SUDOKU

Great time to get into the housing market The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme will be extended to help an extra 10,000 first-home buyers realise their dreams of homeownership. The scheme has already helped almost 20,000 buyers purchase their first home this year, with a deposit as low as 5 per cent. However, time is running out to take advantage of the HomeBuilder grant. The $25,000 grant for building a new home, substantially renovate an existing home or buy off-the-plan will only be available where contracts are signed by December 31. If you are stepping onto the property ladder for the first time, using the Homebuilder grant in conjunction with the First Home Buyers Grant is how you can make substantial savings. But you will need to act fast. The grant for first-time buyers is complementary to existing state and territory first homeowner grants, stamp duty concessions and the government’s First Home Loan Deposit scheme, as well as the First Home Super Saver Scheme. “The extension of the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme is fantastic,” says Toby Balazs, chief executive of realestateview. com.au. “It gives buyers the confidence to proceed with a purchase, as well as developers the confidence to continue building which gives significant support to the construction industry. “It’s a great time to get into the market with the stimulus packages available and the low-interest rates.”

(iStock)

There was good news for first home buyers in this year’s Budget announced on October 6, writes Ruth Lewis.

“In Victoria, there has been a surge in listing activity since the relaxing of restrictions on September 27,” continues Toby. “While the market was certainly subdued throughout COVID-19, there is more positivity in the market now.” “The number of new listings added to

HOUSE & HOME

realestateview.com.au per week from when the restrictions were eased has increased by more than 2.5 times versus the weekly average throughout September.” David Milton, managing director of Residential Projects at CBRE says now is the biggest opportunity for first-time

buyers. “With the stimulus packages and the focus on employment announced in the budget, we’re going to get through this and if people are confident with their work, they will buy.”

Source: www.realestateview.com.au

“Lifestyle and Luxury”

3657m² 14 Hutchinsons Lane ROMSEY This brick veneer home has been extended and renovated to the highest standards (5-year warranty on the extension). The list of extras is impressive as is the accommodation which includes: • Main bedroom with access to the rear deck and outlook to the rear garden • Ensuite and custom WIR • Bedrooms 2 & 3 have BIR’s and views to the cottage style garden • A study/home office situated at the front door • Family bathroom with bath, separate shower and large vanity with storage • Powder room • The formal lounge boasts a gas log fire • Through french doors from the lounge is the family/meals area with bay window • The “cooks” kitchen with a 4 oven Belling stove (gas/electric cooking), double “Franke” sink, Caesar stone benchtops, butlers pantry with an abundance of storage, sink, dishwasher, wine glass shelving and bench space

• Family sitting area with solid fuel heater and custom built shelving and storage • From the family room step onto the magnificent undercover entertainment area There are so many extras here. 2 powered sheds, 17 panel 5.1KW solar system, instant hot water, 3 water tanks, brand new roof with performance insulation (rated R7.0) and double glazed windows to the kitchen/meals area, family room and main bedroom. All year food supply from the fruit trees, veggie garden, chook yard and so much more - the list goes on and on.

OPEN 7 DAYS

$790,000

“THE FRONT DOOR MAT” As predicted there is a crazy rush from buyers to “escape to the country”. Properties that have been on the market for a little while are now moving and new properties are flying off the shelf providing that they are appropriately priced and well presented in accordance with price. Sometimes it is the “little things” that can make all the difference. Stand back from your home, across the road is a good idea and look at your property, if you can, through the eyes of a buyer. Look for the “little things” – grass in the gutters, letterbox on a lean and in need of a paint or the driveway needing a weed. I know I keep repeating myself but, “first impressions” are so important. These days buyers look on the internet to a far greater extent than in the past but they do still drive past properties and absorb “first impressions”. We are so fortunate that following the fabulous spring rains our gardens are wonderful and of course a beautiful garden is a draw card offering colour, perfume and food. There is one “little thing” that is often over looked! What would that be? A simple thing, an inexpensive “little thing” – a beautiful clean “front door mat”. There are some great, fun door mats available that form part of the “little things” that make a big “first impression”.

• Column supplied by Liz Dormontt. Liz is a director of Chess Property Consultants, based in Romsey. To contact Liz, phone 5429 5544 or check out their website at www.chessproperty.com.au 17 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Woodend 14 Roxanne Court

Woodend 11 Blackberry Lane

Location and Lifestyle at its Finest on 1002m²

Country Living on a Grand Scale – 4250m²

This quality contemporary 3 bedroom plus study residence positioned in a private garden has been crafted to a high standard with generous proportions, 9’ ceilings & double glazing. A beautiful paved pergola area and mature garden setting. www.14roxannecourt.com

A beautifully presented 5 bedroom plus study residence sits amid superb manicured landscaped gardens and has excellent outbuildings. Perfect for a family or dual living opportunity only a short distance to the Woodend village, cafes and train station. www.11blackberrylane.com

Price $975,000

Price $1,595,000

View By appointment

Sandi Barry-Mueller 0408 392 347

View By appointment

Sandi Barry-Mueller 0408 392 347

Baynton via Kyneton 2141 Burke and Wills Track.

Lauriston via Kyneton 292 Salisbury Road.

Only approx 95km (65 mins) Melb Airport and 115km (85 min) Melb CBD The Glenhope Vineyard - 64.6 Ha (159 Acres) Established in 1998 An opportunity to purchase one of the largest vineyards in the Macedon Ranges cool climate wine region, just 3kms south of the Heathcote wine region. Features include approximately 90 acres of established vines, varieties including Pinot, Riesling, Shiraz, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay, two dams, bore, shed, two separate titles and sealed road frontage. There are some excellent new homesite options on the property to build your grand designs dream residence (subject to Council approval) to capture magnificent views over the vineyards and the surrounding countryside.

Only approx 85km (65 mins) Melb Airport and 105km (85 mins) Melb CBD The Virgin Hills Vineyard - 143 Ha (353 Acres) Originally established by Tom Lazar in 1968 An iconic and special vineyard that pioneered the renaissance of the Macedon Ranges wine producing region when it was established by the celebrated restaurateur and vigneron Tom Lazar in 1968. The vineyard has a rich history and reputation for producing superb wines in one of the coolest grape growing regions of Australia which is fast becoming one of Victoria’s most popular inner country tourism locations. Features include approximately 24 acres of established vines with varieties including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Chardonnay, five dams, a former restaurant, winery and accommodation infrastructure (all in need of substantial repair) and seven separate titles.

Price $2,200,000 View By appointment John Keating 0419 880 444 Peter Wood 0408 866 774

Price $2,300,000 View By appointment John Keating 0419 880 444 Peter Wood 0408 866 774

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

Sandi Barry-Mueller 0408 392 347

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

Place your ad in print and online www.networkclassifieds.com.au V Tree Lopping/Surgery

Placing your classiﬁed advert is so easy... Complete Tree & Stump Removal

Online: networkclassiﬁeds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

Grow your business with

(include your name, address and phone number)

We accept payment by:

TRADES & SERVICES

(1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofﬁce)

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week. 12435707-FA03-20

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

PING P.M. TR฀E฀TE ฀L฀OP ฀

V Air Conditioning

SPLIT SYSTEMS Installation Specialist Call John Kemp 0418 382 729

www.quicksmartcontracting.com.au

12384895-CG16-18

Lic. No 50051

฀ ฀T

1188650-RC25-15

QUICK SMART

“Our Ad in the Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly generates a lot of business for us. It reaches thousands of potential customers every week. Local businesses thank you for your support!” - PM Tree Lopping

Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

ADVERTISE with us and

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀T er) TOSH (Manag IN Mc D VI DA BORIST AR D IE IF AL QU 9 526 769 7618 or604 59 52 6318 e: 04 on28 e: 54 PhonPh m .co bigpond Email: pmtree@ pping.com.au www.pmtreelo

Call 1300 666 808

V Personal

Don’t Be Alone At Christmas At CCN we help lonely gentlemen in finding their soul mates & romantic partners. We specialize in introducing couples the old fashioned way, the only way that assures a high rate in success. Call CCN for a FREE compatibility match to start meeting genuine ladies in your area seeking companionship/love today. Please call

1800 261 848 or 0488 200 554

All Electrical Wiring, CCTV Security, Air conditioning, Heating, Phone, Data, TV, Hotplates, Oven Installations Repairs Service

Calco Electrical Pty Ltd ☎ 9744 1555

Newbuild to Repair Work All work insured and guaranteed Over 40 years experience | Family business Contact Anthony on 0424 947 536 12470385-SG47-20

Phillip Haber Agricultural Contracting Grass Mulching, Fire Breaks, Pasture topping, Horse Paddocks , Fertiliser Spreading. Servicing: Macedon Ranges • Gisborne • Woodend • Riddells Creek • Sunbury

41 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury Email: info@calcoelectrical.com.au Rec 122 www.calcoelectrical.com.au “Servicing the local community for over 37 years”

Insured & Reliable

0407 849 364

12469417-CG46-20

V Television/Video/Audio V Builders & Building Services

Real Estate

froggys.com.au Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

V Concrete Products & Services

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

PH BRIAN 0419 543 348

NATHAN FENECH CONCRETING ฀ ฀

฀

FREE QUOTES

Mobile ~ 0478 129 330 | Abn ~ 43462185813

Phone Peter 0418 384 796

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

12469374-CG46-20

GRASS SLASHING & FIRE BREAKS PROMPT & RELIABLE SERVICE INSURED - 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE JOHN HABER 5428 7166 OR 0427 058 164

12467856-SN44-20

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

12427573-FA39-19

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

0409 888 228

V Slashing

Residential & Commercial

3m split.......... $170pcm 6m split..........$165 pcm 12m split........$160 pcm Free Delivery All areas

PLACE YOUR

SAME DAY SERVICE 1133417-LN19-14

฀

Excellent Quality Redgum

V Garage Sales

V Garden Services

REGHON MOWING

Andrew 0425 852 621 12412038-FA09-10

03 5423 7103

ANTENNA MAN

section of Network Classifieds.

BONE DRY FIREWOOD

3m split ...... $170 pcm 6m split ...... $165 pcm 12m split .... $160 pcm 20m split .......$155 pcm 20m unsplit ...$145 pcm Free Delivery All Areas Phone Peter on

Romsey Firewood

12400498-CG38-18

A & L Brickwork Pty Ltd

MURRAY RIVER REDGUM

V Slashing 12453702-SN28-20

Contact Adam 0422 250 675

V Electricians

V For Sale 12467571-LB45-20

12420072-FA22-19

12418345-SN21-19

All Types of Bricklaying Restoration Work ฀Brick Fences ฀Repair Work

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀T ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀T ฀T ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ DAVID McINTOSH (Manager) QUALIFIED ARBORIST Phone: 769 526 769 Phone: 5428 0418 6359 526 or 0418 Email: pmtree@bigpond.com www.pmtreelopping.com.au

V For Sale

AK BRICKLAYING

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

General Classiﬁeds

V Bricklayers

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

P.M. TREE LOPPING

get better results

CALL 1300 666 808

฀ ฀

12384895-CG16-18

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 10.00am Monday.

฀ ฀

12451574-SN25-20

V Trades Business Profile

12471780-DL48-20

V Deadline

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! 19 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

SPORTS QUIZ 1. This year sees the 139th edition of which soccer tournament being staged?

5. Who defeated Petra Kvitová (pictured) to win the 2019 Australian Open women’s singles title?

2. Hinako Shibuno is a professional in what sport?

6. Which snooker player defeated John Higgins in the 2019 final to claim his first World Championship title?

3. Which golfer won 2019’s Masters Tournament by one stroke? 4. Which country won the 2019 Netball World Cup?

7. Which country won the 2019 Copa América soccer championship, held in Brazil? 8. Andy Ruiz Jr beat Anthony Joshua in which round to become the unified heavyweight champion? 9. The 2019 AFL Grand Final was won by Richmond against GWS Giants by a margin of how many points? 10. Last year, which rugby league player signed a six-year deal with the North Queensland Cowboys, beginning in 2020? 11. Who took the most wickets in the 2019 Marsh One-Day Cup cricket competition? 12. Which jockey rode Vow And Declare to Melbourne Cup victory in 2019?

13. Which country won the 2019 Davis Cup tennis competition?

Dalilah Muhammad

14. Which marathon has Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge won a record four times? 15. Who reached the milestone of kicking 500 goals for Geelong in Round 1 of the 2019 AFL season? 16. Which team won the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final? 17. Who is the top-ranked Test cricket batsman in the world, according to the ICC Player Rankings? 18. What nationality is 2019 Wimbledon women’s singles champion Simona Halep? 19. Which city hosted the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games? 20. Anne-Cécile Ciofani was the top try scorer in which rugby women’s sevens tournament? 21. Which rugby league team won the 2019 World Club Challenge? 22. Which golfer won his first Players Championship title in March 2019?

23. Which three AFL teams finished bottom of the ladder for the 2020 season?

27. In November 2019, which Indian cricketer scored his 70th century in international cricket?

24. Which country finished second in the medal tally at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships behind China?

28. Which English snooker player won the 2020 World Seniors Championship?

25. American track and field athlete Dalilah Muhammad (pictured) won the gold medal at the 2019 World Championships, setting the current world record, at which event?

29. Which country won the 2019 World Table Tennis Championships, with a tally of five gold medals? 30. Which AFL player won the 2019 Coleman Medal, and has been the Giants’ leading goal-kicker for eight consecutive seasons?

26. Which AFL player won the 2019 Trevor Barker Award for St Kilda’s best and fairest?

Petra Kvitová 2711

1. The FA Cup. 2. Golf. 3. Tiger Woods. 4. New Zealand. 5. Naomi Osaka. 6. Judd Trump. 7. Brazil. 8. Seventh. 9. 89. 10. Valentine Holmes. 11. Nathan Coulter-Nile (17 wickets). 12. Craig Williams. 13. Spain. 14. The London Marathon. 15. Tom Hawkins. 16. Melbourne Vixens. 17. Steve Smith. 18. Romanian. 19. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 20. Japan Women’s Sevens. 21. The Sydney City Roosters. 22. Rory McIlroy. 23. Sydney Swans, North Melbourne, Adelaide Crows. 24. The US. 25. 400 metre hurdles. 26. Sebastian Ross. 27. Virat Kohli. 28. Jimmy White. 29. China. 30. Jeremy Cameron.

Find it in the

Professional Services

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

CLIENT ADVISOR • Work for a leading not-for-profit • Permanent, part time • Located in Gisborne, VIC • Manage Home Care Package recipients and other Benetas clients • Experience in case management and tertiary qualifications in a health or social services related discipline essential

Employment V

Medical/Nursing

For more information contact Patrik on 041 094 2230 or email patrik@intensivecareathome.com

YARD PERSON For busy Building Supply Company Duties include working in yard and making up orders, stacking & packing timber and customer service. Timber and or hardware knowledge essential. Forklift Licence an advantage, rostered Saturday work. Only fit, reliable, honest and selfmotivated persons apply. Frost's Sawmill Timber & Building Supplies P/L Monegeetta Contact: Rod Frost BH: 5428 5156 AH: 0409 285 156

Award-winning boutique hairdressing salon is seeking an experienced Hairdresser/Colourist with skills in all areas of hairdressing to join our outstanding team in Gisborne with immediate start. Full or Part-Time.

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

Apply now: Phone 0411 161 563 gszatbooks@yahoo.com.au

Applications are to be emailed to: The Principal, Dr Darren Egberts principal@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au Applications close: 4.00 pm on Wednesday 2 December 2020 A Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd ABN 69 154 531 870

Real Estate

1300 666 808

General Classifieds

Get 10% Discount Use code: EMPDISC

Fill your position online

section of Network Classifieds. 20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

DOWNLOAD THE CROWN CABS APP FOR YOUR NEXT RIDE www.crowncabs.com.au Bookings: 1300 12 13 14

Motor Vehicles

BMW X1 2011. x-drive 25i. Excellent condition. Low kms, full service history, AWD, 5 door wagon, all white leather interior and sun roof. Rego YGA 349. $15000 ono. Phone 0406 380 359

Caravans & Trailers V

EVERNEW Caravan 7 mt, 2010. Excellent condition. Many features inc full annex, 2 single beds (sleeps 4), Hydraulic corner jacks. Garage stored. Bargain! $38,500 Phone: 9302 2458 / 0427 416 726

Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive LMCT 10268W

7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on

0435 904 818

section of Network Classifieds.

NEW STAFF? CALL

Car/Truck Rentals

Applicants must have or obtain a Working with Children Check.

NEED 12400545-LB38-19

Positions Vacant

The Selection Criteria, Role Description & Application Form will be emailed to you on request from the Principal’s PA (Jan Bower) on 03 5421 1226, email: jbower@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au

HAIRDRESSER

12417413-FA19-19

SCHOOL OFFICER – LEARNING SUPPORT If you enjoy working with, and relate well to, young people and would like to assist students with special learning needs to become independent learners, then we would like to receive your application. The College is hoping to employ two Learning Support Ofﬁcers for the 2021 school year. The opportunity exists for full-time or part-time work.

• Work within the Benetas Home Care team • Support our clients in the Rural North Western Region • Certificate 3 or 4 in Aged Care and/or Disability • Support is highly desirable • Permanent, part time with flexible hours

ICU/PICU nurses wanted for home care in Sunbury Minimum of 2 years ICU/PICU experience. Must be Ventilation and Tracheostomy competent.

Positions Vacant

Applications are invited for the following positions:

IN HOME SERVICE ASSISTANTS

REGISTERED NURSES

CONTACT YVONNE ON (03) 5428 0300

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

12423634-SN31-19

section of Network Classifieds.

Positions Vacant

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

12321532-HM36-16

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer non-sexual services.

Pets & Services

12471539-HL48-20

12471054-CG47-20

Massage Therapists

Motoring

12439677-FA05-20

Employment

12409348-HM04-19

General Classifieds

networkclassifieds.com.au

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

An expanded range and tweaked styling set the Swift Series II apart from the previous model. (Pictures: Supplied)

Spirited Swift spreads its wings By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring The Suzuki Swift might be in the featherweight division of the car market, but joining the upgraded flagship Sport, the Series II is far from light-on in modern features of the automobile. With up to $2000 in added features, including advanced safety technology, the recently released Series II of the Japanese hatchback represents very good value for money at $18,990, plus on-road costs, for the entry-level Swift GL Navigator manual. The GL Navigator manual and automatic, GL Navigator Plus, and GLX Turbo automatic continues the three-model line-up. Two engines are fitted, either a 1.2-litre four-cylinder in the ‘Navis’, or a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit in the GLX. Standard features across the board include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated door mirrors and reverse parking sensors. New additions across all grades include digital speedometer and auto-up windows. Rear speakers, already standard in the GLX Turbo, have been added to the GL Navigator variants. Exterior design changes include a new front bumper and grille, and sporty alloy wheels.

Styling Exterior design changes include a newly engineered front bumper and grille, and new alloy wheels with low rolling resistance in keeping with its sporty nature. Rear door handles ‘hidden’ in the C-pillar again follow the modern design trend without taking anything away for the Swift character. The Swift Series II colour line-up remains the same, except for the two-tone grey which has been replaced with a single grey tone.

Interior A flat-bottom steering wheel, which is adjustable for tilt and reach in GLX only, gives the driver the ability to tailor the best position. The Swift has 242 litres of luggage space, 32 litres more than the previous model. The area has been optimised to carry a wide range of cargo, made easy to load by a high-lift tailgate.

Infotainment A 7-inch four-zone touch screen, situated at driver’s eye level on the central dashboard, enables easy access to audio and video playback and hands-free phone and navigation. Thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the driver can also connect a smartphone.

Engines / transmissions The GLX test car was powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder putting out 82 kW of power and 160 Nm of torque. The GLX Turbo gets a six-speed torque-converter auto as its only transmission option. The GL Navigator and GL Navigator Plus are powered by a 66 kW / 120 Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder motor. Both are available with automatic CVT transmission. A five-speed manual is also available in the base GL Navigator.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Suzuki Swift GL 1.2 Navigator manual $18,990

Safety More and more new vehicles are taking up advanced warning systems such as blind-spot monitoring which detects vehicles in or approaching the rear blind spots flanking the Swift with an illuminated LED icon in the relevant exterior mirror. Rear cross-traffic alert uses side radar to alert the driver of approaching vehicles on either side of the vehicle when reversing the Suzuki out of car park spaces. Reverse parking sensors and heated door mirrors complete the picture behind. On top of the above are six airbags, standard across the Swift range, active safety takes in electronic stability control, ABS anti-skid braking with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. The GLX adds autonomous emergency braking.

Driving With peak power of 82 kW at a distant 5500 rpm, the 1-0 litre three-cylinder motor needs some attention to get the best out of it. Turbocharging earns its keep here. Engineers looked to Europe for Swift nimbleness and agility from a the carried-over platform and suspension. For example, a new underbody contributes to lower fuel consumption and better performance in terms

Suzuki Swift GL 1.2 Navigator automatic $19,990 Suzuki Swift GL 1.2 Navigator Plus automatic $21,490 Suzuki Swift GLX 1.0 Turbo automatic $25,290

of acceleration, turning and stopping. Steering is sharp with a light and highly rigid suspension and is able to follow contours in the road but does pick up bumps and share them equally among all occupants. Large glassed areas all round make for a bright interior, wide views for passengers and the expansive rear window fills the whole of the interior rear-view mirror giving the driver, together with reversing camera, a safe indication of what’s behind. Petrol consumption on test averaged 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburbs, and 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres at motorway speeds, which just about fits in with the car’s claimed 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres combined urban / highway figure. The new Swift Series II has a five-year unlimited kilometre factory warranty. It also has a capped price service program of

Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Turbo manual $29,990 Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Turbo automatic $31,990 Metallic paint $595

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Suzuki dealer for drive-away prices.

12-month / 15,000 km service intervals for GL Navigator variants and 12-month / 10,000 km service intervals for the GLX Turbo (the test vehicle).

Summary Suzuki works well in a highly competitive small-car market, has expanded and upgraded its best-selling Swift with the Series II. The winner could only be the buyer.

21 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

SPORT Sunshine United to make most of second chance Sunshine United is hoping to make the most of a second chance in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division. The Tigers finished seventh last season and were to be relegated, but earned a reprieve when the top division was expanded to 10 teams. Tigers president Mark Dalrymple said they were looking forward to making the most of a second shot in the top grade. “Had we been relegated it would have been really tough,” he said. “We would have taken the medicine, but we did a little bit better than the results indicated. “It was wise to move back to 10 teams, so it’s not so cut through. “We have a second chance and we’re looking forward to it. You still have to perform on the day.” Wanting to make an impact, the Tigers added a couple of key players to strengthen the side. The biggest move was signing Kaushal Lokuarachchi, who had been playing for rival senior division team Keilor.

Lokuarachchi, who is an assistant coach this season, averaged nearly 45 with the bat last season, making the second most runs in the division. He also chipped in with 21 wickets. Dalrymple said one of the main reasons they recruited the former Sri Lankan test player was to help them stay up in the top grade. Former captain-coach Neetan Chouhan returns after several seasons off. He will skipper the side. The third key addition is Michael Glowacki, who after a couple of injury-interrupted seasons, is fit and firing and ready for a big season. “They are three good recruits which is exciting … they’ve been around a while and played a lot of cricket,” Dalrymple said. “With our other core players we have a lot of experience.” Dalrymple said there had been plenty of players at training with people keen to get back into sport after lockdown.

They managed to get in a couple of practice matches before the season got underway, which was a good test of the COVID-19 protocols., he said. Dalrymple said they expected the one-day format this season to suit the side. They faced Aberfeldie in the opening round of the season on Saturday. The Tigers last week also kicked off their T20 campaign with a win against Sunshine YCW. The Tigers bowled YCW out for 53, with Lokuarachchi taking three wickets. It was easy work in the run chase, the Tigers finishing 1-54 off 10 overs. Dalrymple said the T20 competition remained a big focus this season. For results from the weekend’s match, go to www.starweekly.com.au Tara Murray Kaushal Lokuarachchi has joined Sunshine United. (Damjan Janevski) 203635_10

Roosters up to the test By Tara Murray Altona Roosters are keen to keep their strong form from recent years intact in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1 season. After five finals series in six years across multiple divisions, the Roosters will be expected to be one of the teams to watch in an expanded division 1 competition this season. Captain-coach Ash Peters said he was backing the group to have another strong season. “Training has been really good,” he said. “We’ve had six or seven sessions in the lead up and a practice match. We’ve played finals the last three years and won the premiership from fourth in 2018-19. “We’ve got a good balance in recent years and I’m backing our boys in.” Despite making finals in their first season in division 1, Peters admits they were slightly disappointed after last season, when they were knocked out in the semi finals. Playing in division 1 west, the Roosters finished on top of the ladder. All four finalists had the same number of wins. Peters said had they made the grand final against Aberfeldie, they were confident they could have beaten them in the grand final. There will be changes to the squad for this season, with a couple of players stepping away. Jayodh Hennayake won’t play due to work commitments, while Mark Longhurst has left to play elsewhere with friends. Peters said those two departures would open spots in the batting order in the top side. He said there were a few blokes pushing for opportunities. Veeral Patel, who joined the club last season after walking in off the street looking for a club close to home, and Nathan Moon are two players that will be among those looking to fill those spots. Peters said they were looking forward to a couple of different challenges that have been thrown at them this season. The first being teams from division 1 west and north coming together in a merged competition. “We’ve played most of them the last few years in the lower divisions,” he said. “It’s a real good test having to play those teams again after a couple of years. It’s exciting.” The other challenge will be getting used to playing one-day games. Usually, there’s a mixture of one-day and two-day games, but due to COVID-19 all matches this season are one-day games. Peters said while it suits his game personally, it was 50-50 among his teammates whether it

Altona Roosters’ Ash Peters. (Damjan Janevski) 202167_06

suited their games. “Being one-dayers, you can’t be off the ball for five to seven overs,” he said. “The game changes dramatically if you’re not on your game for the whole overs.”

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

The Roosters kicked off their season on Saturday against Seddon. The match was after deadline. For the result, head to www.starweekly.com. au

Centrals on the rise Melton Centrals has benefited from players looking to get out of the house and play some sport ahead of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 season. Like many clubs, the Centrals have had an influx of people returning to the sport after spending a large chunk of the year in lockdown. Centrals captain Adam Hulett said they were putting in an extra team this season due to an increase in numbers. “It’s good enough just to be out of the house, let alone playing cricket,” he said. “The whole club is keen to be out there and we’ve even got a fifth side, which is credit to the club. “It’s been a few years since we’ve had five teams.” The top two sides will play in the VTCA and the other three in Gisborne and District Cricket Association. Hulett said there would be some additions to each side, making every team stronger. Keeper-batsman Bradley Coulson, who played two games last season, has returned and will play the full season. Lahiru Kumara has come across from Ferntree Gully Footballers Cricket Club and looks to be a good cricketer. Hulett said a couple of returning players had brought some friends across too. “There’s a good spread across the grades,” he said. “We’re retained all the players from the top grade and we added a couple of players in and it will filter down through the grades. “It adds depth and it will help create a bit more competition for those in the top grade to retain their spots.” Centrals will be in division 4 for a second straight season. In their first season at that level, they finished seventh with four wins. Hulett said they would like to make finals, but there a plenty of unknowns in a competition which will be one-day matches only this season. “We don’t know too much about what other teams have with players,” he said. “For all we know they have recruited well and developed more kids. “Ideally the goal is to play finals.” Centrals started their season on Saturday against Williamstown Congs. Results: www.starweekly.com.au Tara Murray

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Coaching duo appointed to Spotwood’s women’s side The successful coaching partnership of Ian Allan and Chris Grant will continue, with the pair appointed co-coaches of Spotswood’s women’s football side. Having coached the under-15 girls and then under-18 girls teams at the club the past five years, the pair has taken teams to grand finals in four of those years, with the fifth season, 2020, cancelled due to COVID-19. They take on a senior team that won the 2019 Western Region Football League women’s premiership under inaugural coach Theo Theodorou. Allan said they were keen to continue building on what they had been doing with the youth girls. “Last year we had four or five girls go up into the women’s team, this year it’s close to 20 players coming up,” Allan said. “We want to make that transition easier and continue building what is best for those girls.

We want to make sure they feel wanted and comfortable with everything. “There’s some good development ahead of the group.” Allan said having co-coaches was unique, but they worked really well together. He said they were like yin and yang when it comes to coaching. “We think we have done pretty well,” he said. “The girls enjoy playing and we just love it and have the passion for it and seeing the girls improve. “We’re so excited to go on for the next challenge.” While Allan’s daughter is in the Spotswood women’s team, Grant has continued on at the club even though his daughter Isabella is no longer there. Isabella was drafted by the Western Bulldogs in 2019 under the father-daughter rule. Grant played 341 games for the Bulldogs and is the club’s football department director.

Allan said Grant wanted to continue to share his passion for football. “Chris has a passion for girls’ footy. He has built strong relationships at the club and girls love having him around. “It’s a bonus to have someone of that level. “The girls are really excited Chris and myself are coming on board, along with the guys who support us.” Allan said they would start pre-season next year when they were allowed. He said despite the success of the girls’ and women’s sides at the club, their motto hasn’t changed. “We’ve played in four grand finals in a row, but that wasn’t the aim. “For us, it’s that every girl takes the opportunity to play a role in the team. They take it on themselves.” Tara Murray

Ford studies the best

Hawks hunt for new players

By Tara Murray Western Jets draft hopeful Eddie Ford didn’t sit on his hands this year while there was no football. Keen to put his best foot forward and keep his name in front of recruiters, the utility looked at other ways to improve his game. It included contacting AFL clubs to help him out. “I asked Fremantle for some vision of Nat Fyfe and a couple of other clubs for vision of their players to just show their inside work, how they work in contested footy in the midfield and running patterns as well,” he said. “I try and base my game on the best players to get the best out of it. Nat Fyfe is obviously a cracking player with two Brownlows under his belt. “I got a bit of vision of him, which was good to see how he plays the game.” Ford’s work wasn’t just restricted to studying visio. He also set up a gym at his dad’s place to help him keep fit. He said he had managed to keep himself in pretty good shape. “I stayed up-to-date with running and fitness,” he said. “It was pretty average, hard not playing something you love doing, especially through the winter months and early spring months – it’s what you do. I’ve been doing it for nine, 10 years. “I guess I had the combine in mind to stay fit and I’m a pretty active bloke. I was running four to five times a week and the only thing I missed out on was the game awareness sort of stuff.” Ford said that he tested pretty well at the combine, including having the equal highest vertical jump on the board that day. Those results and his performances last season have seen the Yarraville-Seddon Eagles player speak to about 14 clubs. “Hopefully it’s a good indication of what is to come and they’ve all been pretty good, I think they like me,” he said. “I ended my season pretty well last year and played the all-star game and had a good game according to some people. “I would have liked to have had a more consistent season as a bottom ager and I think the two pre-seasons games for this season showed glimpses. “If I was to get drafted, I would take the opportunity on-board and make the most of it.” Ford said one of his strengths going into the draft is his flexibility and ability to play multiple positions. While he’s played a lot down forward in recent years, he’s more than capable of having an impact in the midfield. He said he’s happy to play in any position to achieve his dream of being an AFL player. “I’ve been wanting to play more midfield lately as I didn’t get the biggest crack at it last

Eddie Ford. (Shawn Smits)

year, unfortunately,” he said. “I grew up playing a lot of my footy in the midfield, forward and that was my role. I guess the thing I wanted to show clubs is my versatility and being able to play any position. “Growing up I played back, midfield and

New Spotswood women’s co-coaches Chris Grant and Ian Allan. (Spotswood Facebook)

forward. There was a grand final once when I was in under-15s and there was a really strong wind, I would swap between forward and back to be around the footy.” “I enjoy playing midfield and enjoy kicking a goal as well.”

Woodend-Hesket netballers have returned to the court with a spring in their step after a season of without netball. Riddell District Netball League was cancelled due to COVID-19, leaving netballers on the sidelines for much of 2020. However with restrictions easing, the Hawks are training in preparation for next season, under Carly Arkinstall. Arkinstall was appointed the Hawks head coach for the 2020 season before being reappointed for next year. Arkinstall is looking forward to having a full pre-season with the group. “We had 12 girls at the first session and there were four new faces, which was really great to start with,” she said. “It was great to see them and hopefully we’ll have a few more at training over the coming weeks. “Coming in late for this year, in terms of trials and preparation, wasn’t ideal. “It’s now a really great chance to get to know them and understand where the gaps are and be productive in sourcing other players.” Arkinstall said a number of players who were due to play in 2020 are set to return. A few of the girls who had been playing under-19s and A-grade, led by Sarah Duff, would now only play A-grade which should benefit the team. Arkinstall said they had a few things in the pipeline in terms of possible new players. “Things are moving faster than we thought and there’s some exciting leads with respect to strong players coming out of the Victorian Netball League and interstate leagues. Arkinstall said they were still looking for other players who might be interested in joining the club and invited prospective players to join a training session. The Hawks coaching panel remains the same with Anne-Louise Lindner coaching the C-grade side and Kellie Duff coaching the under-19s. Arkinstall said they were set to have a strong under-19 team which is hoping to claim its first premiership. Rupertswood, which has won every under-19 premiership previously, is no longer in the competition, opening the door for the Hawks. The teams are training on Thursday nights at Buffalo Stadium in Woodend. Anyone interested in joining the Hawks netball program can contact Kellie at dktduff@hotmail.com. Tara Murray

23 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

BELLBROOK GARDENS COUNTRY CLUB

45 mins to Melb CBD

New Homes available now from $405,000

ESCAPE TO YOUR NEW LIFE Step out and be adventurous

BACCHUS MARSH THE LIFESTYLE CHOICE FOR OVER 55’S GREAT FRIENDS

Country Club Living is one of the largest family owned retirement village businesses in Australia, providing quality retirement communities for independent living for over 55’s.

CLOSE TO TOWN CENTRE

• Solid, free standing quality homes • 2 or 3 bedroom homes up to 21 squares • Resort style facilities • Secure independent living

NO STAMP DUTY Our friendly Lifestyle Consultant, Denise Sniegowski welcomes any queries you may have. Inspections are always welcome at Bellbrook Gardens Country Club located at

POOL

168 Underbank Blvd, Bacchus Marsh, Vic 3340 Contact Denise direct to arrange a cuppa and a private tour on 0447 495 400 or FreeCall 1800 633 672

CONTACT DENISE TODAY!

CELEBRATING NEW BEGINNINGS IN THRIVING COMMUNITIES countryclubliving.com.au WORKSHOP

GYM

Country Club locations include

BOWLS 12453710-LB48-20

FREE STANDING VILLAS

Bacchus Marsh, Bendigo, Coolaroo, Geelong, Ballarat & Noosa