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FEBRUARY 9, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Valentine’s at Hanging Rock

(Supplied)

Celebrate Valentine’s Day under the stars at Hanging Rock with a special movie screening of Peter Weir’s 1975 film, Picnic at Hanging Rock. The film, which is an adaption of the 1967 novel by the same name by Joan Lindsay, revolves around the disappearance of several schoolgirls and their teacher during a picnic to Hanging Rock on Valentine’s Day in 1900. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring their own picnic for dinner, a chair, rug and a blanket and get cosy as the drama mystery film is screening. For a bit of fun, come dressed in a classic 1900’s costume. The film night is on Saturday, February 13 from 7pm at Hanging Rock, 139 South Rock Road, Woodend. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children or $60 for a family of two adults and two children. To book: bit.ly/3pzPyji Jessica Micallef

Anti-vax leaflet slammed By Jessica Micallef McEwen MP Rob Mitchell is urging Sunbury residents to “tear up and throw away” anti-vaccination leaflets that may appear in their letterbox. Mr Mitchell said residents had notified him last Monday (February 1) about anti-vaccination leaflets about the COVID-19 vaccine that had been dropped in their letterbox. The leaflet, seen by Star Weekly, stated people should “avoid the COVID vaccine at all costs” and claims the “vaccine could potentially be more deadly than the virus”. Mr Mitchell believes the sender of the

RADIOLOGY SAVES LIVES

‘‘

Let’s not let false lies spread as being facts. It’s dangerous - Rob Mitchell

’’

leaflets is from American-based company, IDoNotComply, which labels itself as a global movement that opposes COVID-19 regulations. “It’s dangerous that people are getting this. People will read this and wonder if it’s true,” he said. “We are seeing these theories being put out … it’s all garbage. Tear the leaflet up and put it in the bin.”

Mr Mitchell said only Sunbury residents had contacted him about the leaflets so far, but he was concerned people in surrounding areas would also receive them. The leaflet also has a QR code and a web address to the organisation’s site. Mr Mitchell urged people not to scan the code. “It’s for your own safety,” he said. “It comes from an American-based organisation which you’d think wouldn’t be so callous and stupid to make a statement like ‘most people have no risk of dying of COVID-19’. “This from a country where tragically more than 440,000 deaths have been recorded.” Mr Mitchell said more work needed to

be done to combat potentially “deadly misinformation”. He said people should consult a doctor or medical professional when it came to vaccinations and medical treatment. “We don’t know who these people are and that is why we have medical experts,” he said. “They have decades in training and learning to understand these things. They are the people to talk to. “Let’s not let false lies spread as being facts. It’s dangerous. “What we have achieved in Victoria … is an amazing job and the last thing we need is people spreading theories.”

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Renewed call for Calder upgrade By Jessica Micallef The Calder Action Group president wants “more action and less talk” when it comes to a safer Calder Freeway. President Russell Mowatt is renewing the group’s call for Calder Freeway upgrades, including building an overpass at Calder Park Drive. Mr Mowatt said the changing speed limits from 80km/h to 100km/h and the “dangerous” Calder Park Drive entry and exit

was of a major concern. “People want the 80km/h zone lifted,” he said. “Then there is the Calder Park Drive overpass. The way people have to exit the freeway now, they all just sit off the shoulder. It’s very dangerous.” In February 2019, the federal government committed $50 million to upgrade the Calder Freeway, including adding extra lanes between Gap Road, Sunbury and the M80 Ring Road. Mr Mowatt said it was disappointing the

freeway was in the same state as it was two years ago when the funding announcement was made. “The state government has to work in partnership with the federal government,” he said. “The federal government has come on board and we are getting no response. “We need some action, less talk and financial commitment. We pay our taxes and we want investments back into the roads. All we see is suburbs as far as the eye can see, but not

infrastructure.” Mr Mowatt said car accidents on the freeway were “only going to get worse” if the state government continued to ignore the issue. “Accidents are still occurring and it’s only a matter of time before something serious happens,” he said. “We started this group back in 2007 and we’ve had some good outcomes with the Kings Road overpass, but ever since then, we have gotten nowhere.”

Paramedic boost for Gisborne

The damage caused after a break-in at Hanging Rock Cricket Club. (Pictures: Supplied)

Break-in a ‘kick in the guts’ for club The Hanging Rock Cricket Club has been left about $5000 out-of-pocket after a break-in at the club on Australia Day. Club president Todd Place said he received a call about the break-in at the clubrooms just after midnight on January 26. A break-in was also reported at the nearby Hanging Rock Café the same night. Mr Place said there was about $5000 of damage and replacement costs that will have to come out of the cricket club’s pocket. “They have left nothing unturned,” Mr Place said. “We don’t have a clubroom now, no

income, no money through functions or daily game day incomes. “It’s even more costly than ever because with the COVID shutdown last year, we weren’t able to make a cent. “It’s another kick in the guts.” Mr Place said the incident hadn’t dampened the spirits of the club community. He said the club is organising events to help cover the costs of the repairs. “The clubroom … was pretty ordinary, but we have grown from one team to eight teams in six years so the facility was valuable,” he said.

“We are all a bit shell-shocked. We have kids playing from nine years old and older people up to 65 and none of them have seen anything like this.” Macedon Ranges Crime Investigation detectives have arrested and interviewed an 18-year-old Woodend man in relation to the two incidents. He was released pending summons and will face the Kyneton Magistrates Court at a later date.

Ambulance services in Gisborne will be improved, with the state government committing a new unit to the area. As part of a $14.8 million boost for Ambulance Victoria, a peak period unit will be deployed in Gisborne. A peak period unit operates the same as a regular ambulance service, but is rostered to meet times of higher demand to ensure the right patients receive the right care at the right time. The unit will have extra crew comprising of two Advanced Life Support paramedics on shift for up to 12 hours during Ambulance Victoria Gisborne branch’s busiest times. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said it was about ensuring people in Gisborne and surrounding areas were not disadvantaged when it came to healthcare and timely medical services. “These extra resources are part of the state government’s commitment to health care and will help Ambulance Victoria continue to ensure that rural and regional Victorians get the best care, every time,” she said. “The health care system plays a vital role in our community and I am passionate about ensuring that we all have access to the highest standard of care. “This includes making sure that our wonderful and dedicated paramedics can continue to meet demand as more people decide to call Gisborne home.” Up to 17 peak period units will be set up across the state. Ambulance Victoria chief executive Tony Walker said the new units were a win-win for the organisation and communities. Jessica Micallef

Jessica Micallef

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Clean Up Australia Day

SALES DIRECTOR \ BEN SUTTON ben.sutton@starweekly.com.au

Macedon Ranges council is encouraging local businesses and schools to take part in Clean Up Australia Day. The annual day is on Sunday, March 7. Businesses can join in the action on Tuesday, March 2 and schools can take part on Friday, March 5. To register an event or to join a registered event, visit: cleanup.org.au/

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Round two of Hume council’s project grants is now open for applications. Individuals, not-for-profit community groups and organisations that are based in Hume or provide services, activities and projects to the community are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted until June 30 or until funds are exhausted. Details: hume.vic.gov.au/projectgrants

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EDITORIAL

Aqua Schools Sunbury has reached an enrolment milestone. (Supplied)

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ LISA KORYCKI lisa.korycki@starweekly.com.au

Water safety a priority

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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

Aqua Schools Sunbury has reached an enrolment milestone. More than 600 children are now enrolled at the swim school after it reopened its doors on November 9, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Manager Chelsea King said parents were eager to get their children back to learning about the importance of water safety. “Post COVID-19 lockdown, we’ve had an enrolment increase of about 127 per cent,” she said. “We teach swimming and water safety skills, swimming alone and with a parent, swimming back to the edge, treading water and we also teach parents about water safety. “When we reopened, we had kids who had forgotten their skills or kids would jump off

the platform straight into the pool not realising they can’t swim.” Ms King said the closure of swimming pools during lockdown had a “massive impact” on children’s skills and water safety knowledge. She said the recent drownings at Victorian beaches were a timely reminder that water safety was paramount for children and adults. “People aren’t being aware of their limitations and parents can take it for granted that if their child can tread water, they should be OK,” she said. “The number one cause of death for children under five is drowning which is totally preventable. Supervision really is key.” Details: aquaschools.com.au

Campfire safety Gisborne CFA is reminding campers to remain safe when setting up a campfire. For information on what you can and can’t do during the fire season, visit: cfa.vic.gov.au/can

Clarification A headline in the February 2 Star Weekly incorrectly stated “Phone tower decision deferred”. The application considered by council was for a telecommunications tower. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Jessica Micallef

NEW COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE To continue to keep our state safe, new restrictions are in place.

Fitted face masks must be worn indoors and on public transport.

Visitor numbers to your home are reduced to 15*.

And please practise COVIDSafe behaviours to keep us safe this summer. •

Keep 1.5 metres apart from those you don’t live with.

•

Stay home if you feel unwell, and get tested.

•

Keep your hands and surfaces clean.

•

Check listed exposure sites and follow the health advice provided.

Stay up to date on exposure sites and restrictions by visiting CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au For translated information about coronavirus visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au/translations *Babies under the age of 12 months are not included in this daily limit number. Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

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Pokies spend hits $11.7m a month By Laura Michel Gamblers fed an extra $1.5 million into Hume-based gaming machines in December last year, compared to the previous December. Latest data from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation reveals $11.77 million was spent on electronic gaming machines at 14 Hume venues, up from $10.24 million in December 2019. In the Macedon Ranges, gamblers spent more than $774,000 across the shire’s three venues – a decrease from December 2019 when $805,000 was spent.

‘‘

Victoria has the worst pokies opening hours in Australia - Tim Costello

’’

Gambling venues across Victoria were closed between March 16 and November 8 last year as a result of the state government’s coronavirus restrictions. Between November 8 and November 30, $4.54 million was spent at poker machines in Hume, while $385,000 was spent in the Macedon Ranges.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform’s chief advocate, Reverend Tim Costello, said the latest gambling data was “hugely concerning” and highlighted a need for reduced poker machine operating hours. “Communities … cannot sustain these kinds of losses,” he said. “These are stressed communities being exploited by the gambling industry, at a time when local families and businesses are trying to recover from months of lockdown. “In November, when there were restrictions on poker machine operating hours and other limits, we saw a reduction in daily losses.

“That was a real time, real life experiment showing that gambling harm is reduced when opening hours are shortened. “It’s simply absurd that Victoria has the worst pokies opening hours in Australia at 20 hours a day.” In September 2020, 13 councils wrote an open letter to Premier Daniel Andrews requesting poker machines be closed between midnight and 10am when COVID-19 restrictions eased. “This is a sensible and relatively easy reform that will have a huge impact on gambling harm,” Reverend Costello said.

Life ‘easier’ after lotto win A Sunbury mum has won more than $1.4 million in TattsLotto. The winning ticket, one of four division one-winning tickets in TattsLotto draw 4125, was purchased at Nextra Sunbury Newsagency. The mum, who wants to remain anonymous, said she had been awake all night with excitement after realising she’d won. “I saw a Facebook post that someone from our local newsagent had won division one,” she said. “I checked my tickets and I’d won $13 so I didn’t think it could be me but then I checked my second ticket and there was almost $1.5 million in it. “My head was spinning. I couldn’t get to sleep. I was up all night wondering if it was true.” She said the win would make life “a lot easier”.

“I’ll keep working for now, but maybe I’ll retire a little earlier than I had planned,” she said. “We will be able to help our children get ahead in a really big way.” Nextra Sunbury Newsagency owner Jenny Carland said she and her staff were excited to have sold a winning ticket. “I cannot imagine what it’s like to win,” she said. “To think that someone has said ‘you have to be in it to win it’ and then win money, it can be life-changing.” The store has been in Ms Carland’s family for nearly nine decades. She said since the first TattsLotto draw in 1972, her store had sold 30 division one-winning tickets. Jessica Micallef Jenny Carland and Liz McEwan from Nextra Sunbury. (Damjan Janevski) 227277_01

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7 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

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Call to prioritise cancer screening By Jessica Micallef More than 300 Macedon Ranges residents are diagnosed with cancer each year, the Cancer Council Victoria has revealed. Close to 90 residents also lose their lives to the disease in the same time period. The data forms part of the new Victorian Cancer Registry Data, which was released in the lead-up to World Cancer Day last Thursday to make people aware of the burden cancer can have on the community. Of the new cancer cases in the Macedon Ranges each year, 21 people are diagnosed

‘‘

put you and your health back at the top of your to-do list - Todd Harper

’’

with lung cancer, 33 with melanoma, 28 with bowel cancer, 40 with breast cancer and 66 with prostate cancer. Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper said he encouraged residents to do everything they could to help reduce their cancer risk. “Whether it’s going to get your cancer

screening done that you’ve been putting off, making a call to the Quitline or remembering your hat and being SunSmart, there are so many options, big and small, that we can all take to reduce our cancer risk,” he said. “In 2020, many Victorians delayed general health check-ups and screenings because they were nervous about visiting their doctors due to COVID-19. I urge all Macedon Ranges locals that now is the time to put you and your health back at the top of your to do list.” According to Cancer Council Victoria, one third of cancers can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes such as getting checked,

maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, being physically active and not smoking. Mr Harper said that cancer screening saved lives and was one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of cancer when successful treatment was more likely. “We were concerned to see a drop in screening rates across the board last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, meaning cancers may be detected later when there may be fewer treatment options available,” he said. “If you have received an invitation to participate in a cancer screening program, please do not delay.”

Stellar score for Cobi Cobi Oldcastle has been recognised as the dux of Sunbury Downs College. Cobi received an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) of 99.45, out of a possible 99.95. She also received perfect study scores of 50 for biology and physical education. Sunbury Downs College assistant principal – later years, Michael Watson said Cobi’s result was an amazing outcome after an “extremely challenging” year of remote learning. “It was challenging for staff and students,” Mr Watson said. “A lot of the students and staff had to learn new skills because everything was online. “A number of students also struggled because they weren’t getting that face-to-face learning.” Mr Watson said it was not uncommon for students to receive a study score of 50, but to

receive two study scores of 50 was significant. “Her maths teacher Matthew Gray provided a lot of support,” he said. “Not so much in the learning, but the mental health support and the reassurance. “We did weekly calls with students and check-in calls and Cobi said they were really helpful. “Last year was unprecedented … let’s just hope that we don’t go down that road again.” Jessica Micallef

Cobi Oldcastle has been recognised as the dux of Sunbury Downs College. (Supplied)

EVERY TEST HELPS US KEEP CATCHING UP WITH MATES Every test keeps us on top of this virus. And keeps us doing the things we love. 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

8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

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NEWS

MY PLACE Miranda Johnson-Jones was awarded Macedon Ranges council’s Young Citizen of the Year Award last month for her advocacy towards improving regional health services. She spoke to Jessica Micallef. What is your connection to the Sunbury and/ or Macedon Ranges area? I live in Kyneton and went to school at Braemar College. What does winning the Young Citizen of the Year Award mean to you? It is an immense honour and I am extremely humbled to receive the award for 2021, especially after the year everyone experienced in 2020. To be a young person working to do what I can to make my community a little bit better and be recognised for it holds so much privilege, and I recognise that privilege and hope to utilise it to help others less fortunate than I to improve their lives and their own communities. Tell me about your work in targeting improved health services in the region? Personally I have found there is a lack of dialogue and education around respectful sexual experiences and navigating consent, which has caused a major issue of the awareness of having positive sexual experiences. I have worked with a number of other young people to improve this access to information about the preventative measures people can take to improve their experiences and ensure a consensual and safe experience for all involved. I co-wrote and produced an educational short film about the legalities and preventative measures surrounding sexual assault aimed at young people. This has been taken in by the Department of Education ‘Respectful Relationships’ program to become a statewide resource for high school students.

Can you tell us about your involvement with the Macedon Ranges Youth Ambassadors Program? I collaborated with other young leaders to explore and advocate for the issues that we felt most relevant to our community. This included mental health, sexual assault, climate change, political apathy and other ways we could better our community for all. Working with the council and other community leaders like Mary-Anne Thomas (MP) gave us a platform to let our voices be heard and allowed ourselves to learn the skills required to make small-scale change. Tell me about your youth social awareness campaign ‘It’s Time to Talk’. ‘It’s Time to Talk’ is an informative video about the legalities surrounding sexual assault, unpacking consent and debunking myths and false social attitudes towards sexuality and sexual experiences. We premiered this video in late 2019 and are now working with a number of experts in the field to create a follow-up youth co-facilitated workshop that we are planning to pilot at two local high schools this year. If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be? I hope to see the different demographics and social groups in our community to have better and more respectful interactions. I find that the narrative that surrounds not only young people but also other ethical, religious and societal groups are not as accurate as their reality, and I hope that our community will give minorities more of a platform to express themselves and feel safer in the Macedon Ranges.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas with Miranda. (Supplied)

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9 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

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

30 years ago

25 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

February 12, 1991

February 6, 1996

February 6, 2001

February 8, 2011

Residents living next to the proposed council-backed golf course and subdivision centred around Five Mile Creek in Romsey believe it is just the tip of a development iceberg.

An environmental policy released last week by the Liberal Party as part of its pre-election campaign will win votes in the Macedon Ranges, former Wombat Society director Alan Gray has predicted.

Firefighters no longer fear they will be unable to attend a fire in time if there is a hold up on the railway lines which bisect Sunbury.

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10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Frecheville enters the canon By Duncan Evans

and then Boris Johnson put the lockdown issue out, so we’re now sort of up here for series two of lockdown, because we were up here most of last year as well.” When not in lockdown, Frecheville lives in London, having moved there from Los Angeles for a change in scene. “I spent a lot of time in Los Angeles and ultimately wanted to try out a different setting. I didn’t really want to spend all of my twenties there. And Europe’s great and I’ve got a lot of friends in London. And I have a very soft spot for Ireland.” Asked whether he thinks the deep friendships that anchor The Dry are still possible in the age of Zoom, Frecheville replies: “I think it’s too early to say. I think sustaining deep friendships is easy. In a way, not much has changed for the way that I sustain my friendships, because I’ve got friends in all these different places.” “But I’m just optimistic that things will get better. I can’t really see us holding into a sort of new lockdown paradigm for the next 10 years. And thinking that a whole new generation of kids never go to school. I’m more optimistic than that. But maybe not, maybe this virus just keeps mutating forever and ever.”

Every actor dreams of appearing in a major film or theatre production. With it comes the possibility of fame and a pathway to secure employment. But more than that, to appear in a great film, one that takes a hold of the public’s imagination and enters the cinematic canon to be watched and re-watched for decades to come, is surely the mountain-top for any creative artist dedicated to the craft of film. James Frecheville, a 29-year-old actor from Melbourne, can claim to have struck magic twice already in his short career with his small but crucial performance in this year’s remarkable Eric Bana-headlined film The Dry, which comes some 10 years after his breakout performance in the now-canonical Australian crime film Animal Kingdom. Duncan Evans spoke at length with Frecheville in a wide-ranging conversation about his latest role in The Dry, why the film has been so well received by the public and critics alike and how he successfully navigates the tough and precarious world of acting.

The Dry The Dry is based on the debut novel by Jane Harper and Frecheville credits the popularity of the book, in part, for the film’s astonishing success. “I think it’s a combination of the success of Jane’s book, and it having a sort of pre-established place in people’s heads. But also, last year was pretty terrible, on many fronts. And I think people just are eternally optimistic. I think people are really excited to get out of the house and do something that they were nostalgic about. Which sounds insane, to say that you’re nostalgic about going to the cinema, but nobody had any of it, for such a long time,” he said. With critical acclaim and domestic box office receipts breaching $10 million, The Dry was the hit film for the month of January and suggests that there remains in people an entrenched desire to retain the full cinema experience, even in an age characterised by isolated online streaming. “It’s all about a shared, disruption-free experience,” Frecheville said. “Being a part of a community, whether you know anybody or not, just in that kind of setting, it’s pretty important.” Locked in a darkened space before a massive screen, cinema-goers are treated to an entrancing mystery film that unfurls carefully around two shocking events separated by decades. The film has about it the smack of greatness. Though ostensibly a police procedural, it builds to become a haunting meditation on the power of memory and the majesty of friendship, precisely acted, written and photographed across the desolate beauty of regional Victoria. “It looks great and the film’s great, and it’s as simple as that,” Frecheville says. Frecheville plays the role of Jamie Sullivan, a gruff young farmer struggling to keep his farm afloat while also looking after his grandmother. Like the film itself, there is a degree of manipulation involved in how the audience perceives Sullivan, a product of Frecheville’s acting abilities and the careful planning of director Robert Connolly. Sullivan appears to us in a certain light at the beginning of the film, and then our perception of him shifts and changes as the film progresses. “The trick wasn’t really up to me,” Frecheville said. “That’s in the coverage, that’s in the editing and the sound, and most of that falls on to Rob. What I tried to focus on was taking as much from the script and from the book as I could to find something to anchor the idea of Jamie Sullivan around. There was a part in the book where it said that he had his fists stuffed under his armpits. And I kind of thought that was interesting, just because, like many people within the film, they’ve all got secrets. “He just had a pretty high guard. It’s not really a nice place to live. But, you know, he’s not one to complain.”

A Natural Optimist

James Frecheville in The Dry, Black 47 and Animal Kingdom. (Pictures: Daniel Archer and supplied)

Initially, Frecheville auditioned for the role of Sergeant Greg Raco, played by Keir O’Donnell. “I wasn’t right for that part, but my name got thrown into the hat for Jamie Sullivan, and that was it.” Asked whether he can sense a film’s potential for greatness from the script alone, he responds by saying that while a script may be redolent of something, it is always difficult to know how a film will turn out given the medium’s tendency to morph and shift across the multiple stages of the creative process. “You do get a sense. A good script should convey imagery and thought. And then, you’re on set, and things change constantly. It’s just blueprints layered on blueprints until the edit, at which it could even change quite violently again. Sometimes I’ve seen that with films that I’ve done where the tone of what you thought you were being involved in just becomes completely different.”

Breakout Ten years before he would take on the role of Jamie Sullivan, Frecheville auditioned as a high schooler for the seminal role of Joshua Cody in David Michod’s operatic Animal Kingdom. Listed by Quentin Tarantino as one of his favourite films of the decade, it has since become the source material for a popular television show set in Southern California and is regularly listed by critics as one of Australia’s greatest films. Frecheville’s stunning performance as an impressionable young man thrown suddenly into a dangerous world and then trying, in his limited way, to extricate himself from an escalating hurricane of violence anchors the film and imbues it with a complex moral code. The film isn’t nihilistic, but it’s brutally jaundiced about human nature and the reach of justice in this world. The Dry, by contrast, offers a somewhat more hopeful view about the possibility of securing

justice, despite the shocking acts of violence that open and close the film and the shadow of abuse that permeates the story. A degree of clarity, at least, is granted to the audience by the end of the film, whereas Animal Kingdom leaves us in a more troubled state. We are as unsure of Frecheville’s Cody at the end of the film as we are at the beginning. His method of closing out the story is as much a recognition of terrible failure as it is an act of brute righteousness.

Australian Cinema Frecheville lists Wake in Fright, Bad Boy Bubby, Chopper, Two Hands, Babe, Happy Feet and Mad Max as some of his favourite Australian films. “Australia makes great films. I just hope that the frequency of telling Australian stories can kind of speed up the more the borders open up.” He is optimistic about the future of the Australian film industry. “People need stories. I’m interested with what sort of emerging technologies can start making different sorts of stories possible. It seems to me that the Australian industry is just absolutely booming. In the sense that a lot of international productions are coming there because they know that people work well and that it’s suitable to make big movies on a sort of world-class level.” What’s more, alongside Australia’s world-class human capital and technological sophistication, our relative success in containing the virus also makes us an increasingly attractive destination for film production. This year will see a number of major Hollywood productions shoot in Australia, including the Liam Neeson-helmed action blockbuster Blacklight.

From LA to the UK

Though The Dry and Animal Kingdom are perhaps his most widely-known contributions, Frecheville has appeared in an impressive roster of well-received films in a career that now spans more than 10 years. In 2018, he took on the lead role of Feeney in Black 47, an historical drama set in a famine-ravaged 19th century Ireland and in 2015, he appeared alongside Billy Crudup in the critically acclaimed Stanford Prison Experiment. In regards to his own creative future, he hopes at some point to pursue writing and directing in addition to acting. “But when I was writing when I was younger, it wasn’t ready or suitable enough to sort of get it to a point where it was fleshed out and out there,” he said. “And tonally it’s quite different from my acting work. I’m kind of into a bit surreal, mad-cap comedy, sort of insane stuff. But yeah I’d totally want to explore that. But it’s just slowly slowly catchy monkey, is my idea the older I get, because I’m still learning. I’m still learning a lot. “I came into it having done youth theatre. Animal Kingdom was a baptism by fire. And ever since then I’ve just sort of been a journeyman. I haven’t gone to a school. I didn’t go to university. I’ve sort of gone all in on this trade, and I’m just learning as much as I can. Seems to be working, somewhat.” The acting trade has a well-established patina of glamour, full of red carpets and flashing cameras. For many though, it’s a tough and precarious way to make a living, and Frecheville knows both sides of the coin; the struggle involved in simply making one’s way in the trade, and also its possibility for grandeur and genuine achievement. “I’ve been living by the skin of my teeth for years, it feels like. There’s nothing stable about it, but there’s also much victory and revelries as well,” he said. For other young Australians who love cinema and hope one day to be involved in something permanent, Frecheville has some advice. “Be bold. Find like-minded people. Team up and make things. No one is going to sort of hand it to you. It’s always a great tip to be active. If you want to be an actor, start finding some friends that want to be actors and write silly movies and make them. And keep it fun, I’d say, because you don’t want a learning experience to be too serious or hard-core. I think consume as much media as you can. If you want to learn how to do things technically, you could watch a film and then watch it right back immediately after you’ve finished watching it the first time and pick it apart. Just be bold and be active, that’s what I’d say.”

Frecheville spoke from Wales via Zoom, ‘trapped’ in Britain’s extended lockdown The Dry is playing now in cinemas and restrictions. Animal Kingdom is streaming on Stan. “My partner and I came up here for Christmas 11 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication.

Orienteering series

12.30pm, at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Irene, 0413 706 233

The Macedon Ranges Summer Orienteering Street Series is back for 2021. The next events are on Wednesday, February 10 at the information centre, High Street, Woodend, and Wednesday, February 17 at Lions Park, Aitken Street, Gisborne. Both events start at 7am. Cost: $5 per adult and $2 per child.

Wonder Women Program If you’re wanting to return to the workforce, head to the Melton South Community Centre. A new course starting on Thursday, February 18 will provide assistance with career planning, resume writing, interview skills, and will help you to identify your existing skills and develop new ones. $50 or $30 concession (six sessions). Bookings required. ■ 9747 8576

Registration day Taylors Lakes Junior Football Club’s registration and mouthguard fitting day is on Wednesday, February 10, 3.30-6.30pm at Lionheart Reserve. New players welcome for under-8, under-10, under-12, under-14 and under-16 boys and girls teams. Under-18.5 males and females also welcome.

Coffee time

Tennis challenge

Through the lens

The Let’s Challenge tennis tournament will be played at four venues across Whittlesea between Friday, February 12 and Sunday, February 21, 4-7pm. Bookings required. ■ https://bit.ly/2Y7Exd4

This picture was taken at Newport’s lakes recently on a very bright and sunny day. Star Weekly photographer Joe Mastroianni said the white-faced heron and water looked so saturated and golden from the sun that the scene reminded him of an Impressionists painting. He exaggerated the colours even more during the editing process to arrive at the finished image.

Sketch and walk Join local artist Lena Sheridan and learn the fundamentals of shading, proportion and perspective during an observational stroll on Saturday, February 13, 10am-noon. Meet on the grass in the park at Station Place, Werribee. All materials provided, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection recommended. ■ www.lenasheridan.net

Beach patrol Join Beach Patrol 3030 as it cleans up along the K Road Cliffs in Werribee South on Sunday, February 14, 11.30am-12.30pm. Bring your own rubbish

bags, pick up sticks, gloves and drink bottle. Coffee and snack at Wyndham Harbour to follow. ■ 3030@beachpatrol.com.au

and use compost to grow your own food. Bookings required. ■ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/humecity-council-16445167964

Compost like a pro

Connecting community

Hume residents can tune in to a free online workshop presented by Compost Community to learn how to use food scraps and other organics waste around the home. On Tuesday, February 16 at 12.30pm, you can learn the basics of recyclable organics, different systems, and how to harvest

Williamstown Community and Education Centre is hosting a ‘Neighbourhood Connect’ initiative to build community connectedness. Free workshops and mentoring provided. Attend the first workshops on Wednesday, February 17 at 6.30pm or Friday, February 19, at

(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 225437

Out and about

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

Wanting to learn how to make coffee? Ready Set Work Barista is running a course at the Brimbank Bicycle Education Centre, Keilor Downs on February 23 (online) and 24 (face-to-face work). During the course, you will learn about the origins of coffee, how to operate commercial espresso machines and how to make a range of coffees. ■ Jesuit Community College, 9415 8700

Beauty industry pathway Learn how to give head massages, manicures and pedicures, plus apply make up, lash lifts and more at the Melton South Community Centre’s introduction to beauty course. It starts Saturday, February 20. Cost: $140 or $100 concession. Bookings required. ■ 9747 8576

Farmers market Browse the stalls at the Malmsbury Village Farmers Market on Sunday, February 21, 9am-1pm at the Malmsbury Village Green, Mollison Street. ■ Megs, 0407 860 320

Romsey’s ecotherapy park is a popular destination for families. Photographer Damjan Janevski caught up with some of the people enjoying some downtime.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMENT

Childcare costs ‘hurting’ families Lisa Chesters, Bendigo MP As parents, we all want our children to grow up well, enjoying success at work and in life. But, with high quality early learning straining family budgets, we often wonder if it’s worth the cost. We know that a child’s participation in an organised early childhood education program assists in the development of their cognitive abilities. In fact, children’s brains develop connections faster in the first five years than at any other time in their lives. It also helps with enhancing social and emotional skills while interacting with their peers. Locally, families across the Macedon Ranges have many options when it comes to childcare with community, not-for-profit and for-profit early childhood education centres across the region. At a time when one in five children are starting school developmentally behind their peers, access to early learning has never been more important. Yet, despite this, access to early childhood education is not universal. For many families the cost of early childhood education is more expensive than primary school, particularly if there is more than one child enrolled. A number of parents, in particular mothers, have told me they’d like to work more but it’s not worth it because of the cost of childcare. I’ve heard this story locally far too many times. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic a pharmacist spoke to me about how it was costing her more to work than it was to stay at home with her children, but how she felt it was her duty to continue working because of her profession during a health emergency. I can also recall talking to a university academic who said that now that her youngest

Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters. (Supplied)

has started primary school, their family was going to save thousands of dollars because of the out of pocket costs associated with almost full-time childcare. Whilst the sector is subsidised by the federal government, there’s a point where the out of pocket cost of childcare is more than the wage of the second parent who is working, particularly if there is more than one child enrolled. The child care system punishes parents who choose to work full-time and for many, blocks the idea of returning to full-time work. For

millions of working women, it’s simply not worth working more than three days a week. One solution for the government is to adopt Labor’s plan to increase the maximum childcare subsidy from 85 per cent to 90 per cent. Labor would also remove the annual cap on subsidies for families earning more than $189,390 per year, which often sees families losing money for working extra days. These changes would ensure that families have more options. For families where both parents work full-time, or almost full-time, Labor’s

proposed measure would result in thousands of dollars saved per year. For parents needing or wanting to work more, and increase their childcare hours as a result, this could make this affordable. This would also be a huge step towards universal access to early childhood education. It’s the right time for such a policy. Right now, we have high skilled women who have not returned to work, not because it’s their choice, but because of the cost of childcare. Just like primary school, access to childcare should be affordable and universal.

A prescription you can’t take to the chemist So, how’s that New Year’s resolution going? Was it to ‘lose weight’? ‘Get fit’? ‘Drink less’? Yes, it’s February already, and reality is starting to bite. Lifestyle changes are easier said than done. But they’re also vital to managing a range of health conditions, from diabetes to depression. Eat better. Exercise more. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. Staying connected, with family, friends and your community, is another one that doctors now know helps your mental and physical health. The big problem for GPs is: How do you support patients to connect? How do you ‘treat’ loneliness? (A condition researchers say could be as damaging to our overall health as smoking and obesity.) How do you make sure a woman who cares full-time for her disabled husband makes time to leave the house to get some exercise or just a break? How do you make sure an elderly man with diabetes takes basic medication he can’t afford? These are real problems GPs in Melbourne’s west and north have tackled using a new approach that could dramatically improve our health care. It works like this. A patient sees their GP as normal (diagnosis, testing and monitoring by a doctor remain vital). Then, as well as any other treatment, the GP can also refer the patient to a ‘social prescribing’ program, funded by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network and run by IPC Health, a large community health organisation in Melbourne’s west. The social prescribing program funds a ‘wellbeing co-ordinator’ who spends time with

(iStock)

Christopher Carter CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

the patient to understand in greater detail their situation — including any financial, social or language factors that can so often get in the way of good health. The co-ordinator then works with the patient to find solutions. They can even be there beside the patient when they take their ‘first steps’ – for example, into the church hall where the local Italian knitting group is meeting. In the case of the diabetic man who couldn’t afford his medication, the wellbeing

co-ordinator ultimately contacted the man’s local MP, who helped process his application for the Disability Support Pension. Now able to afford his medication, the man’s blood-sugar levels are better managed, and he is visibly happier. Life has also improved for the woman who cared for her husband full-time. The program connected her husband with a supported community group, allowing his wife a ‘day off’, which meant she was able to

reconnect with her swimming group. Doctors and other health professionals have long known that what ails their patient might not be something that a drug or procedure can fix alone. Social prescribing is a practical way that GPs can support their patients keep their new year resolutions. Even if you don’t get or need a formal social prescription, good social or community connections improve everyone’s lives – and health.

13 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

PUZZLES No. 015

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.

3 7 4 8 6 1

4 9 2 2 8 2 4

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

1 9 4 2 8 4

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

Keyboard key (9) Tells tales (7) Makes certain (7) Soft creamy candy (5) Baghdad citizen (5) Cleans (9) Building designer (9) Treadmill user, e.g. (9) Succeeders (9) Hair soap (7) Fizzy candy (7) Eighth letter of the Greek alphabet (5) 22 Coarse files (5) 24 Meat cake (5)

Lawless crowd (3) Large winged insects (11) Shortens (9) Empty; use up (5) Heavenly bodies (5) Thief (9) Creatures (7) Playground items (7) Gnawers (7) Boils (7) Display (9) Inexpensive (5) Makes level (5) At puberty (9) Carrier (11) Dairy alternative (3)

1 3 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 19 20 23 25 26 27 28

No. 015

3 4 5 6 7 8 13 15 16 18 19 21

ACROSS

easy

QUICK CROSSWORD

DOWN Gloves (5) Commit severe violence (9)

1 2

DECODER

No. 015

7 9 hard

19 words: Very good

9 3 4 6 8 2 7 5 1

5 3 1 6 7 4 9 2 8

7 8 9 2 3 1 6 4 5

4 2 6 5 9 8 3 7 1

8 5 7 9 6 3 4 1 2

N E

3 LETTERS ACT ADO ADS ALL ATE AVO BRA CAR CHI CIA FIG GEE HES ILL MES MOO NOR ODD ONE OVA OWE PIN RIG SAC TAG UTE

TASK TEAK WAFT 5 LETTERS ABUSE ADORE ALTAR AORTA AREAS CIRCA EASEL EDGES EMAIL ESSAY EVADE EVICT EXPEL FLAME HEEDS LEDGE

4 LETTERS ADDS DATA HORN ISLE MESH MISS MUSS OBOE ONYA ROBE RORT SAGE SALT SHIN SIZE

No. 015

MOTOR MULTI OCTAL ODDER OZONE PIERS RADII RAZOR RESET ROSES SANDS SEIZE SELLS SHONE SIXTH START STEEL TACOS TANGO TEACH TESTS

TONES TREAT TWEET UNFIT WASNT WRAPS WRONG 6 LETTERS ALERTS SIESTA 7 LETTERS CASCADE FRONTAL

GREATER REDHEAD STATUTE TALLEST 8 LETTERS NAMELESS NEATNESS SOFTENED SOMETIME 10 LETTERS ORIENTATES STAIRCASES

dine, eleven, endive, enliven, ENLIVENED, envied, even, evened, lend, levin, lien, linden, line, lined, linen, liven, livened, need, needle, nine, vein, veined, vend, vendee, vine 12-02-21

No. 015 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

E D S

D G E D A N A L B U S E O D K A

C A V

2 1 3 7 4 5 8 9 6

6 7 2 3 8 9 1 5 4

1 9 8 4 5 7 2 6 3

3 4 5 1 2 6 7 8 9

7 2 8 1 3 5 4 6 9

5 1 6 9 7 4 8 2 3

2 7 1 3 6 8 5 9 4

8 5 3 4 1 9 2 7 6

6 4 9 2 5 7 3 1 8

3 9 5 8 2 1 6 4 7

1 6 7 5 4 3 9 8 2

4 8 2 7 9 6 1 3 5

6 5 8 9 3 2 7 4 1

7 9 3 4 8 1 2 6 5

8 6 7 2 4 3 1 5 9

5 3 2 1 9 8 4 7 6

9 4 1 7 6 5 8 3 2

4 7 5 6 2 9 3 1 8

3 2 6 8 1 7 5 9 4

1 8 9 3 5 4 6 2 7

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

9 6 4 8 1 2 5 3 7

2 1 4 5 7 6 9 8 3

A E

Today’s Aim: 13 words: Good

N B

5x5

10 11 12 13

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”.

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

25 words: Excellent

hard

medium

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

easy

5 9

1 9 7 8 3 6 3 2 8

6 4

T Z I R V L H F OQY B U

6 3 7 9 4 3

1 4

9 4

K P E DMG J WX S C AN

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

Which Irish singer-songwriter released the 2011 album 100 Acres of Sycamore?

Who played Jack Lemmon's (pictured) neighbour in the 1993 film Grumpy Old Men?

The scientific name for bats is Chiroptera, meaning what?

True or false: lima beans contain cyanide?

Who appears on the other side of the $100 note from General Sir John Monash?

The dessert that contains ice cream wrapped in a thin layer of sponge cake is commonly known as what?

Who spent the greatest number of weeks at No.1 in the ARIA music charts in 2010?

10 Mocha Island is located in which country?

How old is Queen Elizabeth II?

Who wrote the 1961 children's adventure novel The Phantom Tollbooth?

ANSWERS: 1. Fionn Regan 2. 'Hand wing' 3. True 4. Arctic roll 5. 94 years old 6. Norton Juster 7. Walter Matthau 8. Dame Nellie Melba 9. Rihanna 10. Chile

SUDOKU

12481071-CG07-21

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iteh

all C

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SOLD Ban

non

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www.whitehallrise.com.au 15 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

HOUSE & HOME

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

AUCTION...AUCTION...AUCTION 1619m² 50 Stawell Street ROMSEY AUCTION - 27th February 2021 at 1.30pm All the charm of the Art Deco era can be found here with the addition of modern convenience. Located within a gentle walk to shops the property provides space as well as an outstanding position and the potential to subdivide (STCA). Charming accommodation consists of: • Main bedroom with exceptionally spacious built-in-robes • Bedrooms two and three are large double rooms with walk-in-robes • The delightful lounge with solid fuel heater opens to the spacious family area • Country style kitchen with an abundance of storage and bench space • Pretty bathroom • Very large laundry and separate toilet

“THE SOMEBODY FAMILY”

ESPR - $730,000 - $803,000

Every town has the “Somebody” Family. The Somebody’s are the family who know everything about everyone, even if it is wrong, and the Somebody’s love to spread rumours.

Features of a bygone era include a superb Art Deco ceiling in the main bedroom, high ceilings throughout and Baltic pine flooring. Add the modern convenience of 20 solar panels, gas ducted heating and more. Be self-sufficient and enjoy space for veggies, fruit trees and a chook run. Charm, Character, Location – It’s all here. Reasonable offers will be considered prior to Auction. Inspection by appointment only.

The Somebody’s have been quite busy of late with interesting stories which are wrong, stories which include Chess Property Consultants and me personally. Yes, Jason has left Chess Property Consultants and I am so very proud of him. He was a delight to have in the office and will always be welcome. NO, he has not gone to another Real Estate office! He is studying to be a Veterinary Nurse and has accepted a traineeship. Well done Jason!! The Somebody’s are telling members of the community that I have sold Chess! No, Chess Property Consultants is not sold. I have had offers which happens every few years. This is a good business in a growth corridor so of course there are interested buyers, but NO I Have NOT sold. Now for a story which is not amusing at all. Somebody (and I know exactly who) has said that I am terminally ill!! NO, I have had surgery as people of my age often do. I am fit, healthy and looking forward to a long happy life and will celebrate my 70th birthday next month.

AVAILABLE 7 DAYS

Please do not listen to the “Somebody Family!” Ask the person concerned and do not trust the gossip mongers amongst us!

• 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

ROMSEY

$420,000

ROMSEY

AVAILABLE 7 DAYS

5429 5544

102 MAIN STREET, ROMSEY 3434

www.chessproperty.com.au

$780,000

IN ST LI

IN ST LI 16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

“Looking To The Future” - 2721m²

$780,000 NE

“Neat, Petite and So Affordable” y A delightful two bedroom unit is available for immediate occupation y Two spacious bedrooms with built-in-robes y Neat kitchen with gas hot plates, electric oven and dishwasher y Open plan meals/living y Laundry y Undercover outdoor area y Single garage y The well fenced backyard is perfect for a pet, for children to play or a veggie garden

ROMSEY

y Main bedroom with very attractive renovated ensuite and walk-in-robe y Bedrooms 2 and 3 have built-in-robes y The attractive lounge room boosts polished floors, brick feature wall, wood heater and split system for heating and cooling 3 y Modern kitchen with wide benches and plenty of storage, gas hot plates, electric oven and dishwasher 2 y Family meals area and large rumpus room y Modern, renovated family bathroom 5 y Large laundry

“Location, Location” - 2022m² y Main bedroom with walk-in-robe and ensuite y Bedrooms two and three with built-in-robes y Study/parents retreat y Very spacious family/meals area y The ten-year-old kitchen offering an abundance of storage and bench space y Huge lounge/dining area y Large laundry y Double garage

3 2 2

Mount Macedon

974 Mount Macedon Road Milford – Circa 1960 2.6Ha (6.5Acres) on Two Titles

Price $985,000

A quintessential Mount Macedon cottage featuring a 3 bedroom Scandinavian style architect designed residence beautifully nestled and secluded within a colourful garden with Willimigongon Creek as rear boundary. Accommodation includes sitting room, separate dining room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, study, sunroom and 2 bathrooms. Features include hydronic heating, some double glazing, detached studio (in need of repair), glasshouse and bore. The gardens include an excellent collection of rhododendrons, plus an array of other exotic trees and shrubs to give never-ending surprise and joy to a passionate plantsperson.

View Sat 13 Feb 12-12.30pm or by appointment John Keating 0419 880 444 Peter Wood 0408 866 774

20m

Nº 8 50m

50m

C/A 18

20m

Davy Street

Bullengarook 1487 Bacchus Marsh Road Superb Country residence on 100 acres of fertile farm land Taking country living to the next level and set among 100 acres of wonderful fertile pastures with incredible panoramic views to Melbourne and the You Yangs, this visually inviting and beautifully established farm is perfectly suited to any number of lifestyle, farming or equine pursuits.Offering classic Australian country appeal, this ever popular and highly sought after Harkaway country home features country style kitchen, 3/4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, multiple living areas and terrific farm infrastructure.

Price $425,000 John Keating 0419 880 444 Peter Wood 0408 866 774

Price $2,275,000 View By appointment Peter Wood 0408 866 774

12481662-DV07-21

Woodend

8 Davy Street - Vacant Residential Land 1000m² (20m x 50m) Absolute prime inner township location opposite Gilbert Gordon Sport Oval Vacant residential land in Woodend is extremely rare and this very very convenient central township location is within easy walking distance to the Woodend shopping centre, schools, churches, all sporting facilities including the golf course and V-Line Station. Services available include town water, sewer and power and a natural gas line extension can be made available at a low cost. Please note the land is covered by a Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) and a planning permit No PLN/2020/135 to allow the erection of a dwelling has been issued by the Macedon Ranges Shire. Copy of permit available on request.

17 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

Design style that will stand the test of time In its Liverpool 25 design, Porter Davis has tapped into the iconic look of the American Hamptons. Its classic facade fits in with any streetscape, reflecting simplicity and elegance kerbside, reports Carole Levy.

Donnybrook station: 5 mins Melbourne CBD: 45 minutes via V/Line Craigieburn Central: 20 mins Pacific Epping: 20 mins Marnong Estate Winery: 10 mins Willmott Park PS: 15 mins Hume Anglican Grammar: 5 mins

roofline to the back garden. Beautifully sheltered and spacious, the deck is the perfect spot for entertaining in or out of the sunshine. The double garage has internal access to the entry hall. The Liverpool 25 is a sophisticated offering, with every element considered for liveability, and a design style that will stand the test of time.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Indoors, the world of Hamptons appeal is on display, the first eye-catching element the beautiful wainscoting which appears in entry hall, living areas and the gorgeous street-facing main bedroom. The colour palette of crisp-white combines with accents of blush rose, dusty blue and deep indigo, anchored by dark matte floor planks, while drifty sheers dress large windows admitting streams of natural light. Two of the four fitted bedrooms range along the entry hall, while a short passage ducks across to the other two, as well as the separate toilet, laundry and main bathroom. The latter is a stylish affair, with an oval freestanding tub, and a smart stone-topped vanity and frameless shower. Twin walk-in robes are a feature in the lavish main bedroom, where the wainscoting underscores quality and elegance, as does the full-height window. The sleek en suite, with dual basins, is equally appealing. Wrapped in three living zones, the large kitchen is stunning. Brushed-brass tapware, pendants, and fittings on the profiled white cabinetry are classy additions, marrying with the stone-topped waterfall island bench, marble chevron-patterned splashback tiles, and extensive benches. The walk-in pantry is decked out in similar vein. Three glass sliders – two cornerless – provide wonderful flow from the living areas to the deck which juts out from under the

GETTING AROUND

Display: 24 Olivine Boulevard, Donnybrook. Open: 11am-5pm Saturday-Wednesday Inquiries: 8751 2967 / 0418 612 951

With our Price Estimator tool, realestateview.com.au is the trusted source for house value estimates & property data. 25 Station Street, Armadale, VIC 3143 2 beds

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18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

We build the home. You build the memories.

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19 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. What American golfer was embroiled in a cheating scandal during the recent Farmers Insurance Open?

10. What racetrack will host the opening round of the 2021 Supercars Championship?

2. In which country was NBA star Kyrie Irving born in?

11. What is the colour of the middle ring on the Olympics logo?

3. In what year was the 50th NFL Super Bowl held?

14. Who was the last driver to win a title for Ferrari? 15. Which team finished last in the BBL for the past two seasons? 16. Which Australian hurdling champion competed in the twowoman bobsleigh at the 2014 Winter Olympics?

12. Who is the CEO of the AFL Women’s competition?

4. How many players are there in a game of beach volleyball?

13. Which team has NFL quarterback Tom Brady played for since 2020?

5. What were the first Olympics to feature softball as an event?

Lauren Jackson

17. How many times has surfer Mick Fanning been the ASP World Tour champion?

6. How many periods are there in an NHL ice hockey game?

18. Who holds the record for the most goals in A-League history?

7. How many frames are played in a standard game of ten pin bowling?

19. Which legendary actor finished second at the 1979 Le Mans 24 Hour race?

24. The ACT/NSW Country Comets compete play which sport? 25. Australia’s national orienteering team is known by what nickname?

20. Who is the only player to score more than 1000 career runs for the Australian women’s Test team?

8. In what year did the Brisbane Bears join the VFL?

21. As well as playing professional rugby league and rugby union, Israel Folau also played Australian rules football for which AFL team?

9. On what continent was the Dakar Rally held in from 2009–19?

22. What year did Adelaide last host the Australian Formula One Grand Prix?

28. With competing teams including the Perth Suns, Tweed Heads Ospreys and Murray Steamers, BPL is the acronym for which made-for-television sports league?

23. Which Australian Baseball League team is based in Queensland?

26. Marrara Oval and Traeger Park have played host to AFL games in which Australian state or territory?

29. Which Adelaide-born Australian tennis professional had a career-high singles ranking of world No.8 in February 2005? 30. The NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs are based in which US state?

27. Australian basketball great Lauren Jackson won WNBA Championships in 2004 and 2010 playing for which team?

Mick Fanning 1. Patrick Reed 2. Australia 3. 2016 4. Four 5. Atlanta, 1996 6. Three 7. 10 8. 1987 9. South America 10. Mount Panorama, Bathurst 11. Black 12. Nicole Livingstone 13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14. Kimi Räikkönen 15. Melbourne Renegades 16. Jana Pittman 17. Three 18. Besart Berisha 19. Paul Newman 20. Karen Rolton 21. Greater Western Sydney Giants. 22. 1995. 23. Brisbane Bandits. 24. Cricket. 25. Boomerangs. 26. Northern Territory. 27. Seattle Storm. 28. Bowls Premiers League. 29. Alicia Molik. 30. Missouri.

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3 days a week negotiable Ready for take-off? Our industry is commencing its recovery from its longest ever shut-down, so there has never been a better time to start your career in aviation. Swissport, the world’s leader in airport ground handling services, some of the biggest names in aviation. If you have dreamed of working on the airport, working with Swissport is the opportunity you have been waiting for. From working in the baggage sorting room to driving baggage tractors, from pushing back aircraft to supervising teams, Swissport will provide you with comprehensive training to do these roles and more.

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• Available in the For Sale or Wanted Classiﬁcations only. • 4 lines of copy • Ad will run for 2 weeks • 1 item per advertisement • Item must be priced under $100 • Private party only – household and personal items • No animals, automotive or plants • Ads must be submitted via email to sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

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21 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

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The present-generation Nissan Qashqai is set to stop at Midnight. (Pictures: Supplied)

Qashqai fades to black By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring With a completely new Qashqai waiting in the wings, Nissan has come up with something special as a swansong to the present generation of the top-selling crossover vehicle – the Qashqai Midnight Edition. Selling more than a million units since its introduction in Europe in 2014, the new Qashqai will introduce to the motoring world Nissan’s ePower drive system, which offers full electric drive to the wheels. A high-output battery and powertrain integrated with the petrol engine, power generator, inverter and a motor, in a conventional hybrid the wheels are driven by electric motor and petrol engine combined. With ePower, the petrol engine is not connected to the wheels, it simply charges the battery and unlike a full electric vehicle, the power source is the engine, rather than battery only. However, I digress. While the third generation of the Qashqai is clocking up the kilometres in testing on European roads in preparation for a world launch in the northern spring, Nissan Down Under is maintaining interest in the present model with the addition of the Midnight Edition. Slotting in between the N-Sport and Ti variants, at $35,900, plus on-road costs, the compact SUV, as the name suggests, takes on dramatic gloss black highlights in contrast to its five body colours. Standard features offered across the range include Intelligent Key with keyless entry and close, push button ignition, electronic park brake, handsfree phone system, cruise control, manual tilt-and-reach adjustable steering column, 60 / 40 split fold second-row seating, ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points and four rear cargo area luggage hooks.

reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors. The Midnight Edition also takes advantage of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility active system, which includes blind spot and lane departure warning, emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and Intelligent Driver Alert.

Driving

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Nissan Qashqai 2.0 ST $28,290 Nissan Qashqai 2.0 ST+ automatic $32,290 Nissan Qashqai 2.0 ST-L auto $34,300 Nissan Qashqai 2.0 N-Sport auto $35,000 Nissan Qashqai Midnight Edition auto $35,900 Nissan Qashqai Ti auto $38,790

Note: This pricing does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Nissan dealer for drive-away prices.

centre, complemented by body-coloured front and rear bumpers and side mouldings, all with gloss black inserts, roof rails and side mirrors. Darkened LED headlights with integrated LED turn indicators, 19-inch Black Wind alloy wheels, fitted with unique 225 / 45 low profile tyres complete the Midnight Edition picture. In contrast to the dark theme, LED headlights, sensing dusk, spring into action and as with the range-topping Ti, Nissan’s adaptive low beam tracks the steering angle, illuminating around corners.

Interior Styling In keeping with the Midnight moniker, the Qashqai pays homage to darkness, with the gloss black signature V-motion grille front and

The cabin lets in some light with illuminated Qashqai kick plates. However, it’s back to black with the interior: brushed black accents across the dashboard and door trims, plus black

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

headliner and air vents defined in gloss black. The steering wheel, gearshift knob and stick surround are accented in black, while a similar design is carried by a leather centre console lid. Alcantara and leather accented seats are standard on the Midnight Edition, with the driver and front passenger seats manually adjustable six ways. A two-way lumbar support tops off the lot. The 60 / 40 split rear seat set-up incorporates a centre armrest, which folds down to provide two extra cup holders.

Infotainment Class-leading audio and connectivity set the standard here with DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming with voice recognition and satellite navigation with traffic tracking. All are controlled through a 7-inch colour touch-screen display, which sadly at times, because of the angle at which it is set, loses definition through reflection of exterior light.

Engines / transmissions As with all other models in the Qashqai range, the Midnight Edition relies on the carried-over 2-litre direct injection petrol engine, mated with an Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission with shift and Eco modes.

Safety Standard safety specification includes a 360-degree surround view camera system with

Midnight’s performance on test was par for the Qashqai course. At cruising speed, so long as there was no call for instant response to the accelerator pedal, the car fairly skipped along. The motor was generally quiet, unless pushed, when there was a resulting rasp. Unlike some CVTs with an intrusive whine at high revs, the Xtronic acts like a traditional automatic gearbox, stepping through the changes under hard acceleration. It also uses Intelligent Engine Braking to mimic standard shifting to a lower gear to deliver smooth deceleration. With a maker’s claim of combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres the test car a couple of times tipped over 10 litres per 100 kilometres around town, while 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres, popped up on a motorway run. The ride was on the firm side, a consequence of the low profile tyres on 19-inch rims, but there was plenty of grip and little body roll on bends. However, the car did pick up plenty of road noise and every blemish was noted on uneven surfaces. The boot capacity of the Qashqai is good, with 430 litres of cargo space. There is a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor. Towing capacity is 729 kg unbraked, 1200 kg braked.

Summary It all comes down to a straight choice: sticking with the striking looks but dated technology of the Midnight Edition, or hanging in there for the next-gen Qashqai with the possibility of owning the ePower petrol / electric hybrid option.

SPORT Lions look for momentum Bacchus Marsh Lions are hoping to hit their straps in the back end of the Country Basketball League men’s north-west season. After losing their first three matches, the Lions opened their account last weekend against the Kyneton Tigers. Lions coach Grant McMillian said the win was just what they needed in a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We only play seven games and we may have already played the top three teams in the first three weeks,” he said. “We thought we had a chance of getting the win against Kyneton and shot really well and finished things off. “It was also a lot better defensive effort.” McMillan, who has stepped up from being assistant coach the past two seasons, said the first few games they were hurt by poor execution. He said the last quarter against Echuca,

when they went two from 16 from the field, was a clear example of that. “We’re playing well in the system and getting shots, but we’re not being rewarded with the execution.” As well as adjusting to a new coach, there has been a number of changes to the playing squad. Star guard Billy Feben and young star Max Beaumont have left. The loss of Sam Byron, Patrick Craig and Jake Rayner also hurts the Lions in the height department. McMillian said despite the departures he is happy with how the squad has shaped up. “Not having Billy means that 25 to 30 points a night we have to find,” McMillian said. “So we’ve had to come up with other scoring avenues. We’ve recruited a few guys. And with [Jordan Kirk] Kirky, Jason Christian and Daniel Jackson back, we’ve got some experience. “It’s a good mix of youth and experience.” McMillian said Cooper McIntosh and Justin

Runge were among the youngsters who are getting more opportunity this season. They’ve also got two players from their under-21 side as development players. “My assistant coach is the under-21 coach, so it’s good to get some uniformity,” he said. “The guys are learning and there is good information being exchanged.” The Lions faced Mildura Heat on Sunday after Star Weekly went to press. “Hopefully we can get a bit of momentum going,” McMillian said last week. “If we win the last four games, anything can happen and we might even make finals.” The fifth-placed Kyneton side, which won two of its first five matches, faced the Bendigo Braves on Saturday night, as did the Tigers women’s side which sits second on ladder. The women’s side was 3-1 after four rounds. Jordan Kirk is back for the Kyneton Tigers.

Tara Murray

(Shawn Smits)

Cannons raring to go By Tara Murray After 11 months off the football field, the Calder Cannons were back in action on Saturday in the NAB League girls’ competition. The side played just three games last year before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19, so there are plenty of players eager to get back out on the field. Speaking before the game, coach Ross Smith said everyone was excited to play again. “I’m sure it’s exciting for the whole competition,” he said. “Everyone had gone through a whole lot. We had the jumper presentation and got their families down, which was pretty special.” For Smith, who has coached the club’s boys’ side since 2018, coaching the girls’ side is a new challenge. Under changes to the NAB League system, there is one senior coach across both programs. “It’s my first time coaching girls,” Smith said. “I’m enjoying it immensely … they’re just a great bunch of girls. They’re very grateful and it’s a lot different to the boys in many ways. “It’s a very exciting group, especially the 18-year-old group.” Smith said when the boys started training in the next couple of weeks, the coaching panel would be quite busy. He said the girls team was a young squad, with the competition age expanded to under-19s. There’s three top age players in the squad, with a core group of 18-year-olds and several bottom-age players. He said there were eight bottom-age players set to play in the opening round. Newly-appointed captain Georgie Prespakis will be one player who to get plenty of attention. The younger sister of Carlton star Maddy Prespakis, Georgie won the NAB League’s best and fairest award in 2019 as a 16-year-old. She is eligible to be drafted to the AFLW later this year. “She has been training really well,” Smith said. “There’s a little bit of expectation on her. She’s a different player from Maddy and she’ll have her own career going forward. “The players voted her in as captain.” Smith said they were excited about the rest of the group of 18-year-olds. Peppa Poultney will play in the ruck and Tahlia Gillard, who is in the AFL academy with Prespakis and is another tall, are both players to watch. Olivia Manfre, state cricketer Neve Crowley, exciting midfielder-forward Emeila Yassir, Mali McLeod and Kasey Lennox are others in that age group. Smith said the focus of the group remained

Werribee and Williamstown are part of the new competition. (Luke Hemer) 227546_01

VFL season start decided

Georgie Prespakis has been named the Cannons captain. (Shawn Smits) 204987_30

development. He said many of the older girls would get an opportunity to play at VFLW level with Essendon during the year. “The focus is always development,” he said. “We’ve got a reasonably good 18-year-old group and the expectations are reasonably strong.”

The Cannons’ first match against Sandringham Dragons was after Star Weekly went to press. The Northern Knights and Western Jets also kicked off their seasons at the weekend against Oakleigh Chargers and Eastern Ranges respectively.

The new second-tier eastern seaboard state league football competition will have a familiar name. With 17 of the 22 clubs in the competition from Victoria, it will be known as the Victorian Football League [VFL]. The competition will be the largest second tier competition in Australia and will consist of stand-alone VFL clubs, stand-alone AFL clubs and aligned clubs. It will be the first time VFL matches will be played in Queensland and New South Wales. The inaugural season will involve teams playing 16 games across 19 rounds, and will get under way on April 17. A fixture is set to be released later this month. Each club will have three byes to allow for flexibility when needed. It will be a top eight finals structure, which will begin on August 28. The grand final is to be held on the weekend of September 18. The VFL competition, the 2021 NAB League Boys and 2021 Toyota AFL premiership seasons will all run concurrently. Williamstown and Werribee are among the stand-alone VFL clubs, while the Western Bulldogs will also field a stand-alone side, Footscray. Both Williamstown and Werribee have returned to training under new coaches, Justin Plapp and Michael Barlow respectively. The involvement of AFL-listed players from 14 AFL clubs is central to the VFL competition’s season fixture. Tara Murray

23 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 February, 2021

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