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Doodling for art’s sake Newham artist Bruce Taylor has been selected as a finalist for the inaugural National Capital Art Prize. With many of his working days filled with Zoom meetings over the past 18 months, Taylor has taken to drawing on blotter paper to keep himself focused. These drawings have turned into fully realised pieces of art, with one of his 13 finished drawings selected within the People’s Choice Award category of the Canberra-based art prize. “I probably get about five minutes into a meeting before I start doodling patterns,” Taylor said. “After about the third one, I pulled them out and put them on the floor and thought they actually were starting to be something. It’s been an interesting process, because they’re made up of disconnected moments but it feels as though there is a connection between them.” Taylor’s piece, entitled ‘Blotter Drawing 3’ was selected as one of 121 finalists from more than 1000 submissions. The award finalists will be announced in October with a public exhibition in Canberra. Voting for the People’s Choice Award closes on September 30.

BRUCE TAYLOR

Plea to save landmarks By Oliver Lees Gisborne residents have thrown their support behind the protection of a historic bluestone bridge and several mature trees, after it became known Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) intends to remove them to construct a roundabout in the township. A report presented to Macedon Ranges council earlier this month provided an update on RRV’s plans for the project near the Bunjil Creek Bridge on Hamilton Street. The report stated that RRV “will not enable the retention of the bluestone bridge and channel”, due to flood risk issues. Frustrated by this news, Gisborne resident

Phillipa Butler started a petition to save the historical landmarks, which amassed more than 150 signatures in less than 48 hours. “I was very angry … it’s very unfair to the community,” Ms Butler said. “That whole precinct is a traditional gateway to Gisborne. It’s part of the whole look and feel of Gisborne, it’s a beautiful spot and the heritage is very important to the people of Gisborne.” Plans to develop a roundabout were first announced in November, 2018, which was followed by a period of consultation in late 2019. RRV received a number of submissions through this process, in which the community made clear its wish to maintain the “historic nature of this important gateway entry into

Gisborne township”. Macedon Ranges council subsequently directed a heritage assessment be carried out on the bridge and nearby mature English Elms, which found the bridge was constructed in 1874 and estimated the trees to be dated to around 1855. Despite the assessment finding both to be of historical significance, on June 7, the planning minister denied a request for council to introduce heritage overlay controls, given that council had reached an agreement with the RRV to retain the bridge and trees. Speaking at a council meeting on August 25, Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson said it was important that council

continued to advocate for protection of the shire’s historic landmarks. “Our heritage is incredibly important, and our environment is incredibly important,” Cr Anderson said. Department of Transport Loddon Mallee region director Melanie Hotton said the intersection works are to improve safety in the “rapidly growing community”. “While we have made every effort to limit the impact to the existing bridge, the design considers updated information on potential flooding, including ensuring that nearby properties will not receive an inundation of water during heavy rain,” she said. “In addition, we will re-use any bluestone removed from the bridge on the project.’’

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Reopening plan hinges on jabs By Oliver Lees Businesses continue to bear the brunt of COVID-19 restrictions as the state government attempts to iron out the details of its roadmap out of lockdown. A further 246 cases were announced on Monday morning, taking the total number of active cases in the state to 1619. Last week, following a steep rise in case numbers from the Delta variant of COVID-19, Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed that most restrictions would be in place until 70 per cent

of the state’s population had received at least one dose of a vaccine, estimating that date to be around September 23. For Macedon Railway Hotel owner Stefanie Duzel, the announcement means at least another two weeks with her business unable to open. “We’re entirely closed at the moment, all our gigs have been postponed and we’re not even doing takeaway food,” Ms Duzel said. “As far as getting back to normal, I don’t think it’s going to happen for us until some time next year.”

Speaking on Sunday, Mr Andrews announced the government’s roadmap out of lockdown will allow greater freedoms for individuals that are fully vaccinated, with access to events, facilities and services available for those who show proof of vaccination. “There’s going to be a vaccinated economy, and you get to participate in that if you are vaccinated,” Mr Andrews said. “The economy, as best it can, will operate as close to normal as possible to people who have had two doses.” Ms Duzel said she’s not sure she supports

the proposition, given that some age groups have only recently been made eligible for the jab. “I do have a problem with it, I think it’s unfair,” she said. “It’s especially unfair for younger people who’ve only just got access [to the vaccination], I won’t even have staff for the next two months if that’s the case.” There are more than 1000 exposure sites across the state, with none listed in Sunbury or the Macedon Ranges. For more information on exposure sites: www.coronavirus.vic.gov. au/exposure-sites

Sunbury selected for charity auction

Fiona Farrugia is offering landscape paintings for free for people in the community.

(Damjan Janevski) 249153_01

Art that transports and connects New Gisborne resident Fiona Farrugia has offered up her painting skills to the community. With lockdown restrictions derailing many people’s travel plans, Farrugia is willing to paint any landscape upon request, and only asks you to cover the cost of shipping. Drawing on expertise from running her own art business, Farrugia said she wanted to do something to help people feel connected in a time of isolation. “I just feel there’s a real lull in the community at the moment,” Farrugia said.

“People have memories of their favourite places or maybe they’re missing their hometowns. I just wanted to do something that would spread some cheer.” Since posting her offer online, Farrugia has received requests to paint the York Peninsula in South Australia, a castle in Wales and Hanging Rock. Farrugia said she rediscovered her own love for landscape artwork in 2018, when she wanted to paint something to hang in her home. “For me painting is a way to express myself,”

she said. “I realised that I love to paint landscapes specifically, I find there is so much meaning in being able to paint places I have been and that are special to me. I love being in nature, at the beach or surrounded by trees.” Farrugia’s paintings are on display at Art on Piper in Kyneton. To request a painting or view her work, visit: https://bit.ly/2V03cSO

Sunbury has been selected as the location for a no-reserve auction to be held next year to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital. The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal charity home auction has become an annual fundraiser where all proceeds from the sale of a family home are directed back to the hospital. More than 100 volunteer trade workers and suppliers will offer their time and resources to construct the home, with building works carried out by Henley and the land donated by Villawood Properties. Additionally, all furniture, soft furnishing and decorations will be donated. Henley Victorian building manager Mark Glenn said he hopes the four-bedroom home in Sunbury can exceed the price of $903,000 set by the sale of a property in Wollert at last year’s auction. “This year, we’ve selected a prime site at our Redstone community in Sunbury, in the middle of Melbourne’s burgeoning north and western growth precincts,” Mr Glenn said. “We are never short of any trades and suppliers wanting to donate their time and resources to the charity home. There is always an overflowing level of commitment and generosity to this build which is heart-warming and joyful. The community spirit is strong and the Henley team and extended team embrace it.” Details: https://gfacharityhouse.com. au/ Oliver Lees

Oliver Lees

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Shining light on suicide By Oliver Lees

Noelene Ward from the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group. (Damjan Janevski) 248944_01

“The data showed at that time the number of suicides was going upwards rather than trending down,” Ms Ward said. “We wanted an event that raises awareness and reduces stigma and you do that by getting people to participate.” With COVID-19 restrictions currently in place, MRSPAG will be running a series of online workshops this week instead of the

community walk, with a focus on self care and checking in on others. On Friday, everyone is invited to light a candle in their home to commemorate those lost to to suicide. For more information, visit: mrspag.com.au If you or anyone you know is in need of support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Get fire ready this spring The Country Fire Authority (CFA) is urging landholders to use the beginning of spring to prepare for the bushfire season, despite recent forecasts suggesting below normal fire potential in the north-west of Victoria. According to the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services’ Bushfire Seasonal Outlook for Spring, a forecast of above average rainfall is expected for the north-west and central ranges, which in turn will reduce the likelihood of a harsh beginning to the fire season before summer. But CFA north-west region community engagement co-ordinator Paul Tangey is encouraging all landholders to use the spring months to prepare their properties for the worst. Mr Tangey said this includes clearing the property of ‘fine fuels’, which refers to tree debris commonly found around homes that is easily ignitable. “Our messaging now we’ve started spring is not to be complacent, but rather make sure you’ve done all the little things like keeping your grass mowed and cleaning the property of leaves and twigs,” he said. “One thing we ask people to do is revise and develop their bushfire survival plan; where they’re going [and] having multiple ways.” For more information on how to best prepare for the fire season, visit the CFA website: cfa.vic.gov.au/ For emergency assistance, contact the Vic Emergency Hotline: 1800 226 226.

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With Friday marking World Suicide Prevention Day, a mother bereaved by suicide is encouraging the community to engage in more open dialogue on the topic of mental health. Macedon Ranges resident Noelene Ward said her son did not meet any of the indicators for potential suicidality when he died by suicide in 2008. “We didn’t know there was any issue with our son, we had never had a conversation with him that suicide was a permanent solution to a short-term problem,” Ms Ward said. “We assumed he was on track because he appeared healthy and happy, at least that was what he showed us. “Suicide is everyone’s business. If it’s discussed openly, then information on how to get help can be promoted and awareness is raised. You never know how much you can affect someone’s life.” According to data collected by the Northern Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) in 2018, the annual suicide rate in the Macedon Ranges (17 per 100,000) was well above the national (11 per 100,000), and state (10 per 100,000) average. The NWMPHN report states: “The Macedon Ranges is the only municipality that has a rate that is statistically significantly higher than the Australian rate”. In recent years, Ms Ward and her husband Marcus have been active members of the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group (MRSPAG), where Ms Ward volunteers as part of the peer support working group. As well as providing suicide prevention ‘safeTALK’ training and mental health first aid courses, the organisation has been organising a walk for the community to participate in on World Suicide Prevention Day since 2014.

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Playgroup facilitator wanted Eco Explorers Australia is seeking a bush playgroup facilitator to run excursions across regional Victoria. Successful applicants will have a passion for the outdoors, experience working with children and a current first aid level 2 certificate. The role may include travel to areas including Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and Gippsland, as well as around the Macedon Ranges. Details: https://bit. ly/38v44SI

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The Australian Koala Foundation has launched its September fundraiser.

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Koala-ty fundraiser

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A wildlife charity has developed a campaign to encourage people to make small changes to their life to help protect koalas. The Australian Koala Foundation’s (AKF) ‘30 Days, 30 Ways to Save the Koala’ social media drive will run throughout September and will include a month’s worth of ideas for ways to make positive contributions to our native koala population. AKF chair Deborah Tabart said the annual Save the Koala Month (SKTM) also raises vital funds for koala protection. “Without the public’s enthusiasm and support we would get nowhere,” Ms Tabart said. “Everyone who stands up to protect Koalas and participates in STKM is a hero in our eyes and this year we want to celebrate them.” Established in 1986, AKF has remained

independent from government funding, depending only on public donation to lead its research and advocacy work. Funds raised will go toward AKF’s Koala Habitat Atlas, an interactive map for landholders to use in order to assist them in conserving koala habitat. AKF have also developed a ‘fundraising during COVID-19’ guide and are encouraging participants to order a donation from their website. “We absolutely love to hear stories of support, if you have an exciting idea or creative fundraiser this September is the perfect time to run it,” Ms Tabart said. To get involved, visit: https://bit.ly/3DrdZH9

Woodend Neighbourhood House will prepare free hot cooked meals to the community on Thursday for R U OK? Day for pickup or delivery. The service has been brought in as a replacement for the annual community lunch the organisation usually holds to raise awareness of mental health in the community. Residents must book in advance to have the food delivered to their home or organise a time to pick up the meal at the RSL branch in Woodend. Details: 03 5427 3122

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Oliver Lees

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improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of - Josh Bull our community

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Give your child the best start to their learning journey at our Council-run kindergartens in the Macedon Ranges.

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Concept design for the new-look Gap Road level crossing. (Supplied)

We currently have kindergarten places available for 2022 at the following locations:

By Jessica Micallef The first concept design for the new-look Gap Road level crossing in Sunbury has been released. Gap Road will be lowered under the rail line to preserve the character of the heritage-listed Sunbury station. Construction on the project was brought forward to begin this year, with the level crossing expected to be removed by late 2022, and the remaining works completed in 2023 – two years ahead of the initial 2025 completion date. About 19,000 vehicles pass through the Gap

• Romsey kindergarten: Three and four year old kindergarten

6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 September, 2021

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Five hours of three-year-old kindergarten per week is partly funded in 2022, and costs only $566.80 for the year. It is free for parents with pension or health care cards.

mrsc.vic.gov.au

the majority of major construction towards the end of 2022.” The level crossing removal is being delivered in conjunction with the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade, which includes platform extensions, train stabling modifications and rail track power upgrades at Sunbury station to enable bigger and more modern trains to run on the line. The line is expected to transport up to 113,000 passengers in peak hours every week when the Metro Tunnel is open. “We promised to remove this crossing by 2025, but this vital project has been fast tracked to synchronise works between the level

crossing removal and the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade,” Mr Bull said. “It means we will only need to close the line for an extended period of time once, rather than twice, resulting in less disruption and a level crossing-free Sunbury three years ahead of schedule. “This is a critical project that will improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of our community and it is time to get it done.” The Gap Road level crossing will be the fourth crossing removed on the Sunbury line and is one of 75 “dangerous and congested” level crossings in Melbourne to be gone by 2025. 12476330-CG03-21

• Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre: Four year old kindergarten

mrsc.vic.gov.au/kinder-rego

Road level crossing each day, with the number expected to reach 27,000 in 2026, according to state government data. A three-week community consultation period was held in November last year for the public to provide feedback on the design, landscaping and public artworks for the new level crossing. Sunbury MP Josh Bull said more than 170 residents contributed to the preliminary design. “The level crossing will be gone for good by the end of 2022, with a road under rail design as promised,” he said. “This year we will see site investigations continuing as well as some early works, with

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Crossing design revealed

• Swinburne Avenue Children’s Centre in Gisborne: Three and four year old kindergarten

To register online, go to Kindergarten registration and fees or call our Early Years Unit on (03) 5422 0239.

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improve safety and ease congestion in the heart of - Josh Bull our community

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Land use strategy questioned By Oliver Lees The Macedon Ranges Residents Association (MRRA) has slammed the council’s draft rural land use strategy document, describing it as a “blunt instrument” that will undermine the shire’s values of environmental protection. Macedon Ranges council has invited feedback from the community on the draft document since July 19. The document is intended to provide direction for the use and development of land within the shire, including for agricultural, economic and environmental protection purposes. MRRA president Christine Pruneau said her primary concern was the rezoning of

land around Hanging Rock and in the Cobaw Biolink from rural conservation zones to farming zones. “What we’ve got here is a council that has previously brought in strong [environmental] protections, but are drifting away from that, and that drift is becoming more obvious,” Ms Pruneau said. “The farming zone’s focus is agriculture and it allows a lot of agricultural-related uses without a permit. These changes will be disastrous for the Cobaw Biolink’s sensitivity and its unique values.” In August 2018, Macedon Ranges council became the first local government area to be declared under the Distinctive Areas and

Landscape Act, due to the region’s unique and culturally significant landscape. The planning policy document for this act includes objectives to “establish and improve biolinks to connect high-value ecological areas” and establishes the requirement to develop long-term strategies in certain areas of the shire. Ms Pruneau said by proposing the rezoning of Hanging Rock and the Cobaw Biolink, Macedon Ranges council “is not recognising it is now state law to protect these places”. Macedon Ranges acting planning and environment director Rob Ball told Star Weekly this decision was informed to ensure that farming is the primary use taking place on land suitable for agriculture.

“This draft strategy reinforces that new development in rural areas of the shire must concurrently deliver high quality economic and environmental outcomes,” Mr Ball said. “The area has suitable soil type, climate, infrastructure and present pattern of subdivision favouring sustainable agricultural production. The draft rural land use strategy recommends that the environmental significance overlay is introduced to the Cobaw Biolink area concurrent with the proposed rezoning.” Written submission feedback closes on September 17. Residents can book a one-on-one discussion with the strategic planning team. Contact: strategicplanning@mrsc.vic.gov.au

The show must go on-line

Kyle Hayes has been listed as a finalist for the Westfield Local Heroes award.

(Supplied)

Mental health hero an award finalist Youth mental health advocate Kyle Hayes has been listed as a finalist for the Westfield Local Heroes award, with a chance to win a grant of $10,000 that can contribute towards his work in the community. The 25-year-old was nominated for the awards by his employer batyr, an organisation founded to encourage open discussion of mental health at schools across Australia. Mr Hayes said he’s enjoyed having a platform to assist others in their mental health journey since joining batyr as a lived experience

speaker in 2018. “There’s a lot of barriers for people in regional Victoria that people in metro areas don’t face,” Mr Hayes said. “There’s definitely a higher level of stigma and even just geographical distance can make it harder to access services. “I know because I grew up in Romsey with very little public transport or services available to me.” Mr Hayes has also been involved in a number of other mental health organisations, including Live4Life, Orygen Digital and Little Dreamers

Australia. Mr Hayes said the $10,000 grant would cover the costs for batyr to facilitate at least four in-school workshops. “I love the program and telling my story to schools. I really hope we can get this funding and get out to some schools who don’t usually get exposure to this sort of workshop.” The winners of the Westfield Local Heroes will be announced on October 12.

The Sunbury Show Society is pushing ahead with its plan to pivot its show online. In August, the committee decided it would postpone the 100th anniversary of the in-person Sunbury Agricultural Show due to ongoing lockdown restrictions. After further planning, Sunbury Show Society committee member Sandie Braun said they have confirmed which aspects of the show will move to a virtual format, including the horse, poultry, sheep and homecraft competitions. “The majority of [competition classes] will be completed by submitting photographs,” she said. “We ran a similar virtual show last year and it attracted quite a lot of entries and a lot of people said they hoped we’d do it again. “We can encourage everyone to get involved, it’s especially great for the kids. There’s junior arts and crafts for all the different age groups.” The committee recently finalised a poster competition, with three designs selected as winners from local schools. There are also a number of homecraft and cooking sections that require in-person participation, with the winners selected to go on to the Royal Melbourne Show. Ms Braun said they will judge these competition areas once COVID-19 restrictions allow for events to return. Submissions are open for the show’s virtual categories until October 1. Details: http://sunburyshow.org.au/ Oliver Lees

Oliver Lees

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Advocates for seniors wanted By Oliver Lees Older members of the Hume community will soon have greater access to support, with a rights advocacy organisation announcing it is seeking new advocates across Melbourne. Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA) is an organisation dedicated to supporting Victorians in aged care by providing information on their rights as residents, promoting inclusion and providing education on elder abuse prevention.

The ERA, which serves as the Victorian branch of the national Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), is currently seeking individuals to serve as community advocates, providing free information and education to older Australians in aged care services. ERA advocacy manager Debra Nicholls said aged care advocates empower older people to exercise their rights and support them to find solutions. “We’re looking for recruits who are eager to

make a positive difference to the lives of older people so that they get the best experience out of their aged care,” Ms Nicholl said. “If you want to be part of the change by raising the voices of older people in your local community, we want to hear from you.” OPAN chief executive Craig Gear said the ERA’s services would provide timely support. “For too long, too many older Australians in some parts of the country were not able to access an advocate – this will ensure more older Australians are heard,” Mr Gear said.

“These local advocates will help older people access advocacy support and find timely solutions to issues they may be experiencing in their own home or residential care.” According to the findings of the federal government’s royal commission into elder abuse in aged care, 39 per cent of older Australians have experienced some form of elder abuse. A ERA spokesperson has urged Hume residents to consider becoming an advocate. Details: https://era.asn.au/

Help to find your flock

Andrew Jan has been selected as a finalist at the Victorian Training Awards.

(Supplied)

Tradie’s hard work is recognised Apprentice plumber Andrew Jan has been selected as a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category at the Victorian Training Awards. After spending 11 years working in thoroughbred breeding, Mr Jan changed to a career in plumbing and now splits his time working at Macedon Ranges Plumbing in Kyneton and studying at Bendigo TAFE. Mr Jan said being shortlisted for the award was the “biggest highlight” of his time as a student. “Going to TAFE and starting this apprenticeship has certainly been a life

changing experience for me,” he said. “I chose plumbing because it’s a licensed trade that provides a stable future, and offers a diverse range of work that allows me to constantly challenge and better myself.” “I would love to obtain my plumbing licence and go out on business on my own. My studies have really set me up for that. I certainly wouldn’t change it for the world and I’ll never look back.” The 35-year-old has gone from strength to strength since making the career switch, having previously received the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant in 2020 and the

Bendigo TAFE Apprentice of the Year award earlier this year. Bendigo TAFE chief executive Dally Curtain said she was very proud to see Mr Jan nominated for the award. “Andrew’s success reflects his remarkable drive and determination to succeed in his new career path,” she said. The winners of the Victorian Training Awards will be announced on October 16. For more information, visit: https://bit. ly/3Bpehwo

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) will host a new series of luncheons for gender and sexualy diverse adults in the community, as a means of fostering connection and support. The ‘Birds of a Feather’ series will take place four times a year, as part of SCCH’s Country LGBTI Inclusive Program (CLIP). CLIP team member Belinda Brain said she hopes the events will improve the social and mental health of LGBTI in the community, especially older members of the community who are more prone to social isolation. “That’s why the notion of birds of a feather flocking together is representative of the diverse range of sexual and gender orientations, life stages and capabilities found in the LGBTI community, and is at the heart of our luncheons,” she said. Ms Brain said she also encouraged residents living in aged care to attend the luncheon. Should lockdown restrictions ease, the inaugural luncheon will take pace on September 17 from noon to 2pm at the Shamrock Hotel in Kyneton. The event will feature Christine Nixon, who served as Australia’s first female police chief commissioner and who also led a police contingent at a public LGBTI pride march in 2002. CLIP volunteer Nathan Allwood said the gatherings will be a safe and inclusive place where people can be themselves and make friends. For more information, contact: belinda.brain@scch.org.au Oliver Lees

Oliver Lees

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Health worker’s plea to vaccinate By Goya Dmytryshchak A Western Health worker on the COVID-19 frontline has spoken of colleagues’ fears of returning to a situation like last year and pleaded with people to get vaccinated. Kylie Fisher said Western Health, which operates hospitals at Sunshine, Footscray, Williamstown and Sunbury, had more than 400 patients hospitalised with the coronavirus in 2020.

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I saw tears. I saw exhaustion. I saw nurses consoling nurses

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- Kylie Fisher

“I’m privileged to be able to work with a group of nurses called the critical care outreach team, the ICU liaison nurses at Western Health,” Ms Fisher said. “Last year they helped prevent hundreds of admissions to our intensive care units by acting as an extension of the ICUs. “They helped support our ward nurses to support our patients and our communities. “They would often come to me overwhelmed, sometimes in tears. “They were worried. They would come to work worried. “They were worried about their colleagues. “They were worried about how they would support their colleagues on the wards, looking after overwhelming numbers of acutely unwell patients – patients that we usually don’t see admitted to the wards.” Ms Fisher said staff were worried about their families when not at work. “They would go home after 12-hour shifts, long shifts,“ she said. “They would have showers before they would leave work.

Kylie Fisher (front left) with members of her team on the COVID-19 frontline at Western Health. (Supplied)

“They’d drive home, get out of their cars, get changed out of their scrubs in their garages, have a shower again, before they would go in and speak [to] or hug their families and their loved ones. “I saw tears. I saw exhaustion. I saw nurses consoling nurses. “I saw blood across the ridges of their noses and their ears from wearing PPE for 12 hours at a time. “Long shifts on their feet.

“Kilometres and kilometres of k’s they’d clock up responding to emergency calls and calls for assistance on the ward.” She said staff would come to her and say the situation was like nothing they’d ever seen. “These patients are young, they’re fit … they’re well and then the next minute we’re taking them to ICU,” Ms Fisher said. “… As their manager, I’m worried I’m going to have to ask them to stand up and do it again – and they will.

“These are senior ICU nurses who have seen it all before, they’ve done it all before, and I have to probably have to ask them to do it all again. “They will but they shouldn’t have to. “So, I’m asking – we’re lucky, we’ve got science, we’ve got a vaccine – please, if you haven’t already, get yourself vaccinated. “Make that appointment. “Keep yourselves safe, keep your family and your loved ones safe, keep the community safe.”

The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to ﬁnd a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.

LED BY A QUALIFIED QUA TEACHER TEA The K Kinder Tick recog recognises kinder prog d programs that are led by a qualiﬁ q ed teacher.r.

LOOK FOR THE KINDER TICK

P PLAY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM L M I highlights kindergartens and It d llong day care centres that o offer play-based programs to h help children learn and grow, b before they start school.

FU FUNDED AND APPROVED BY A THE VICTORIAN TH GOVERNMENT G It also a identiﬁes se services that are ap approved for Victorian G Go Government funding.

Find out more at vic.gov.au/kindertick

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

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Tips to lighten your mental load By Adjunct Associate Professor Christopher Carter Ceo, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network Construction workers, including tradespeople, are twice as likely to die by suicide as their peers, and have twice the rate of anxiety and depression. This might come as a surprise if you buy in to the ‘tradie’ stereotype. That is, a ‘she’ll be right’ bloke with an easy job and few cares in the world, beyond keeping the knock-off beers ice-cold. Yet this kind of thinking has allowed us to overlook the significant contributions and sacrifices tradespeople make, and the pressures they face. Here’s one scenario. You’re self-employed, with two young children at home. Money is tight, and cashflow erratic. You’re working long physically demanding hours onsite, often by yourself, or with responsibility for others less experienced, and still need to come home at night and manage the business – including sustaining a pipeline of work so you can keep paying the rent. The industry tells us that scenarios like this are common. Job security, financial pressures and the nature of solo work, as well as other life stresses, affect male and female tradespeople of all ages. Stigma about mental health, and alcohol and drug dependence, are also common issues. On top of this, sole-traders and their families often don’t have access to the support that medium and large businesses, unions or trade organisations can provide. And Melbourne tradies have faced increased pressures due to issues created by COVID-19, such as having to limit work to emergency or vacant premises during lockdown.

A new mental health campaign aimed at tradies features Nathan, Zane and Jacob showing that sharing the load helps everyone.

As anyone on a worksite knows, if you need to carry something heavy, you get help. Sadly, this logic is not applied when we are carrying heavy emotional loads, with tradies much less likely to seek help early than the general population. That’s why we’ve created the ‘Lighten the Load’ campaign, and enhanced our HeadtoHelp service to better meet the needs of

tradies. Check out Headtohelp.org.au/tradies. Staff at HeadtoHelp – a free, 100 per cent confidential service – are now trained to support tradies, their mates or their families. All you need to do is make a free call to 1800 595 212. You’ll talk to a professional, who’ll listen carefully to understand what’s going on, and give you advice or connect you to what you need. This might be mental health support

I’VE GOT THREE DAUGHTERS, AND ONE GRANDCHILD. THE VACCINE GETS US ALL TOGETHER AGAIN I used to have my family over for broken rice and pork every week. I miss having them here, making them leftovers, and all those hugs. The COVID-19 vaccine gets us closer to life getting back to normal again. Then I’ll be able to see my family whenever I want.

Get informed and get vaccinated. Have a talk with a doctor or pharmacist. GO TO CORONAVIRUS.VIC.GOV.AU OR CALL 1800 675 398 Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 September, 2021

(Supplied)

including counselling at one of the HeadtoHelp hubs, which is also free. As a tradie in one of our ‘Lighten the Load’ videos says: ‘The longer you carry stuff, the heavier it gets … So talk to someone who can help, before it really weighs you down.’ Details: HeadtoHelp 1800 595 212 (free call), 8.30am – 5pm weekdays (excluding public holidays). Call triple-0 in an emergency.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

BEHIND THE NEWS

Sheds are a vital wellbeing tool The coronavirus pandemic may have kept Victoria’s Men’s Sheds locked up for lengthy periods, but the strong bonds that have been formed have held firm throughout. Benjamin Millar looks at the important role the sheds continue to play across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.

or Melton’s Joe Doyle, the local Men’s Shed is a home away from home. Along with his wife Carole, Mr Doyle was instrumental in the Melton Men’s Shed’s formation a little over a decade ago. As a team leader, the Vietnam veteran was a familiar face at the shed week in, week out, until the COVID-19 lockdown hit. Mr Doyle, 76, is just one of thousands of men around the country who find the sheds a welcoming place to ply their craft or simply have a chat, staying connected with their communities during a stage of life many men otherwise find themselves adrift. “My wife Carole had an idea about starting up a Men’s Shed in Melton like so many other suburbs were doing,” he said. “I’ve got PTSD, I was a Vietnam veteran, so it’s been a great place to go and meet other people and to get out of the house. “I used to be isolated at home and didn’t want to go out or anything, it gave me an out, somewhere to go and look forward to it.”

Joe Doyle has been part of Melton Men’s Shed since it started a decade ago. (Damjan Janevski) 249607_01

‘‘

It’s a place for likeminded people to come and have a coffee or a chat - Joe Doyle

’’

Over the past 10 years the shed has gone from strength to strength, attracting men of all ages to join activities throughout the week, from woodwork and cooking to cycling and games. Describing himself as “a bit of a handyman” who likes working with his hands, prior to lockdown Mr Doyle could often be found tinkering on his own projects, helping other people with repairs or training up others in the use of the machinery. While the practical side is certainly part of the attraction, it’s the camaraderie that Mr Doyle has grown to cherish. “It’s a place for likeminded people to come and have a coffee or a chat, we don’t discriminate against people, we take people as they are,” he said. “I’m 76, but it’s all different ages, you don’t have to be an old bugger like me.” That welcoming attitude can be found across the growing number of Men’s Sheds scattered across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs. John Owen from the Taylors Hill Men’s Shed was in a similar boat to Mr Doyle, looking around for something to keep his hands and mind occupied after retirement. “I’ve always been a very busy person and very practical, so when the Men’s Shed started here about at about four years ago I thought I would give it a go,” he said. “It provides a good community, you are able to chat with the guys and talk about your issues and problems without judgment and that’s great. “A lot of the guys that are there are lonely, perhaps they’re widowed and they find it good to be able to go somewhere and be able to talk.” Mr Owen, 80, said one of the things he is proudest of is the mentoring program the shed runs for children who are struggling a little bit at school. “We spend two hours a week for six weeks with them and during that time we get them to do a little project like a pencil case or a small table with legs that fold out that they can give to their mum,” he said. “There was one boy who was struggling to go school, after he started with the program with us he totally changed, his mother came around one day and said they couldn’t believe the difference.” More than 1200 Men’s, Women’s and Community Sheds have now popped up

1/ John Owen from the Taylor’s Hill Men’s Shed. 2/ Whittlesea Men’s Shed president Phil Berchdolt. 3/ Romsey Men’s Shed president Steve Goodman, vice president Douglas Tozer and members Laurie Bellingham and Stevan Janusko at the shed’s opening earlier this year. 4/ Rod Jackson working in the Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury workshop. 5/ Barry Burbridge tending the Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury vegie gardens before lockdown. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski and supplied) across the country, providing meaningful connections that help stop people fall through the gaps in their later years. Speaking during Men’s Shed Week (August 30 to September 5), Australian Men’s Shed Association chairman Paul Sladdin said the fundamentals of Men’s Sheds are connection, community and camaraderie. He said while the lengthy lockdown has made it difficult for people to meet in person, participants have found ways to stay connected throughout.

“The pandemic has certainly got in the way of Shedders getting together in person as much as they’d like to over the last 18 months,” he said. “But like us, Men’s Sheds around the country have found ways to stay in touch and to support their mates by other means and that’s what we’re celebrating this year.” Mr Doyle said even though nobody has been able to head down to the Melton shed sessions, the men have still kept in touch and regularly check in on each other.

“The telephone is our go-between, we’re not allowed out so we can’t go visit, so we keep in contact on the telephone,” he said. He’s nevertheless looking forward to returning to the shed once restrictions ease and thinks the men aren’t the only ones looking forward to the day. “When I first started a lot of the wives told their husbands to ‘get down to that Men’s Shed and give me peace’,” he said. “It gets the men out of the house so the women can have some peace.”

Tuesday, 7 September, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

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

Unpacking the Man Box Join Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health week for an online presentation by The Men’s Project at Jesuit Social Services. Through their ‘Unpacking the Man Box’ workshop they will explore the findings of a survey aimed at improving the wellbeing of men and boys as well as the people in their lives. Monday, September 13, 6.30-8.30pm. ■ https://bit.ly/3rUMNLq, Kathryn.chai@ scch.org.au or 5421 1666.

Life and Fork Cooking School Sign up for this hands-on cooking class to discover the techniques of how to prepare a three course Italian meal. This master class is run by Life and Fork Cooking School in Woodend and will take place on Saturday, September 18 from 10am. Tickets are $95 and bookings are essential. ■ 0458 440 733

Don Watson in conversation Political insider, speechwriter, screenwriter, satirist, traveller and author, Don Watson, appearing as a guest of Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees. Saturday, September 11, from 4-6pm at 15 Buckland Street, Woodend. Cost $25. ■ 0457 857 377

Customer loyalty workshop Over three interactive workshops hosted by Hume council, learn about the three key phases of the client experience to help you improve customer experiences in your business. These online webinars will be held on three successive Wednesdays from 10-11am, starting September 10. ■ startnorth@hume.vic.gov.au

Sewing group The Sunbury Neighborhood House Social Sewing Group meets on the first Saturday of each month to chat, share ideas and sew. Beginners through experienced welcome. Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury 12.30-3.30pm.

Garden club The Sunbury Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month. There is a guest speaker at each meeting, which starts at 7.30pm at the Sunbury Football Club. ■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

This canola field near Truganina caught the eye of photographer Damjan Janevski. (248986_01)

■ events@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

9217 2172

Community lunch Hume council is hosting weekly community lunches on Wednesday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 15,11.30am-1pm. Enjoy a free bowl of hearty soup at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Drive, Roxburgh Park. ■ https://bit.ly/2VYDLRV

Diabetes support group

Zonta club meets

Free computer workshops

The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

Williamstown Community and Education Centre is running free computer workshops on internet banking (October 6) and setting up a MyGov account (November 7). Workshops are at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Renee, 9397 6168

Solo exhibition

Mahjong group

Hume-based artist Louise D’Amico’s debut solo exhibition is available now to view as an online exhibition exploring the theme of flowers, the phenomenon of their explosive colour, and how they make you feel happy. Available for viewing until Sunday, November 21. ■ https://theexhibit.io/exhibition/ability-tomake-by-louise-damico

Interested in learning to play Mahjong? U3A Melton has a group who play on Tuesdays at 10am. ■ u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

Senior citizens club Senior citizens are welcome to visit the Sunbury Senior Citizens’ Club on Mondays and Fridays, from 10am-3pm at 8 O’Shannassy Street. A variety of activities offered – carpet bowls, cards, snooker, darts, board games or just a cup of coffee and a chat. Lunch subsidised. If you’re over 55 years of age and would like to meet new people, come along. ■ Frank, 0423 392 884

10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576

Book week Young readers are being encouraged to be book critics as part of the CBCA Book of the Year awards. Readers can download the Beanstack app and earn badges for writing a review of the one of six shortlisted titles in the ’2021 CBCA Book of the Year Awards: Younger Readers’ category. Entries go into the draw to win a $30 book voucher. The challenge runs until September 30. ■ https://www.beanstack.com/

Bringing up kids expo

First aid courses Melton South Community Centre offers a number of first aid courses for people wanting to learn or renew these valuable skills. One-day classes are held on Saturdays throughout the year. ■ 9747 8576

Melton Probus Club The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63A Reserve Road, from 9.45am. New members and visitors are most welcome. ■ 9746 0271

MS volunteers

The Bringing Up Kids Expo will bring together family support agencies to provide information on services, programs and events offered in the City of Whittlesea for your family. Running from 9am-4pm, September 8-10. ■ https://bit.ly/38uNjqJ

Deer Park probus The Deer Park Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at The Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, from 10am. New members and visitors are welcome. ■ Don, 0409 191 580

The Multiple Sclerosis Community Visitors Scheme is seeking female Maltese and Italian volunteers to make a weekly visit to aged care residents in Altona Meadows and Point Cook. ■ Sue, 9845 2744 or volunteer@ms.org.au

Youth theatre workshops

Singing group

Additional needs support

Whittlesea council is offering free drama workshops every Thursday until December 16, resuming once COVID-19 restrictions allow. Anyone aged 12 to 18 years old can come along to civic centre Innovation Hub, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, 4-6pm. Learn skills, build confidence, make friends and become part of the Fresh Theatre community.

Join the Melton South Community Singers at the Melton South Community Centre on the first and third Tuesday of each month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413

MyTime at Tweddle Newport is a peer support group for parents and carers of children with additional needs. The group meets each Friday at 10am during term three in the community room at Newport Gardens Early Years Centre, 51 Maddox Road, Newport. ■ kim.mace@tweddle.org.au

Melton South Knit & Natter All welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 September, 2021

The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

Hobsons Bay band The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join the community band. Rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 7.30pm at Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com

Altona North combined probus The Altona North combined probus club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 9369 1785

Women’s choir The Willin Wimmin choir meets Wednesdays during school terms at Church of Christ hall, corner John Street and Douglas Parade, Williamstown, from 7.30-9.30pm. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. ■ willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Friendship Group Altona Day View Club (Voice Interest Education of Women) meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. ■ Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176

Guided walk Enjoy a leisurely 90 minute walk with guide, John, starting at the Williamstown Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place, each Tuesday starting at 9.20am. ■ John, 0418 377 336

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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FEBRUARY 9, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM

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EVERY WEEK

Valentine’s at Hanging Rock

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 the 1967 novel by an adaption of the same name by Joan Lindsay, revolves around the disappearance of several schoolgirls and their teacher during a Rock on Valentine’s picnic to Hanging Day Moviegoers are encour in 1900. aged to bring their own picnic for dinner, a chair, rug and a blanket and get cosy as the drama mystery film is screen ing. For a bit of fun, come classic 1900’s costum dressed in a The film night is on e. Saturday, February 13 from 7pm at Hangin g 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

(Supplied)

Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!

SECTION

Anti-vax leaflet slammed ‘‘

Jessica Micallef

By Jessica Micallef

Let’s not

McEwen MP Rob let false lies Mitchell is urging Sunbury residents to “tear spread as being facts up and throw anti-vaccination leaflets away” . It’s that may appear their letterbox. in dangerou s - Rob Mitchell Mr Mitchell said residen ts had notified him last Monday (Februa leaflets is from ry 1) about anti-vaccinatio American-based leaflets about the n IDoNotComp company, COVID-19 vaccine ly, which labels that had global been dropped in their movement that oppose itself as a letterbox. The leaflet, seen by s COVID-19 regulations. Star Weekly, stated should “avoid the people “It’s danger COVID and claims the “vaccin vaccine at all costs” People will ous that people are getting this. read e could this and wonder if potentially be he more deadly than it’s true,” said. “We are seeing the virus”. Mr Mitchell believe out … it’s all garbage these theories being put s the sender of . Tear the leaflet up the put it in the bin.” and

’’

RADIOLOGY SAVES LIVES

How healthy is

Mr Mitchell said only contacted him about Sunbury residents had be done to combat potenti was concerned peoplethe leaflets so far, but he misinformation ally “deadly in surrounding areas ”. would also receive He said people should them. consult a doctor The leaflet also has or medical address to the organis a QR code and a web vaccinations professional when it came to and medica urged people not to ation’s site. Mr Mitchell “We don’t know who l treatment. scan the code. these people are and “It’s for your own that is why safety,” he said. “It we have medical experts from an American-base comes ,” he said. “They have decade d organisation which s you’d think wouldn to understand these in training and learning ’t be so callous and things. They are the to make a stateme stupid to talk to. people nt like risk of dying of COVID ‘most people have no “Let’s not let false -19’. lies spread as being “This from a countr It’s dangerous. facts. y where tragica lly more than 440,000 deaths “What we have achieve have been recorded.” d in Victoria … Mr Mitchell said an amazing job is more work needed to people spreadi and the last thing we need is ng theories.”

your heart?

Lake Imaging are offering a redu ced fee for all patients who book a CT Calcium Score test in Feb ruary and March.

Talk to your GP about this simp le test to determine your risk of cardiova scular disease.

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Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... • Bulla BP Service Station - Bulla 84-86 Bulla Road • Bulla Jack McKenzie Community Centre 11 Green Street • Clarkefield Coach and Horses Inn - Clarkfield 50 Station Street • Diggers Rest FoodWorks 22 Glitter Road • Diggers Rest Diggers Rest Post Office 76 Old Calder Highway • Diggers Rest Houdinis Cafe e Cucina 52-56 Old Calder Highway • Gibsorne Gisborne Village Fresh Brantome Street • Gibsorne Morgan’s SUPA IGA Gisborne Brantome Street • Gisborne Brad Teal Real Estate - Gisborne 40 Aitken Street • Gisborne Kennedy Hunt Real Estate - Gisborne 33 Brantome Street • Gisborne Gisborne Real Estate - Gisborne 38 Brantome Street • Gisborne Raine & Horne Real Estate 42 Brantome Street • Gisborne Gisborne Library 8 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Foodworks - Gisborne 24 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Macedon Ranges Health Service 76 Hamilton Street • Gisborne Gisborne Nursing Home - The Oaks 5 Neal Street • Gisborne Puma Service Station Gisborne 23 Robertson Street • Gisborne Caltex Service Station - Gisborne 4 Station Street • Kyneton Kuppers Fuel Stop - Kyneton 199 Burton Avenue

• Kyneton RT Edgar Real Estate - Kyneton 10 High Street • Kyneton Kyneton Newsagency 95 Mollison Street • Kyneton Kyneton Shire Offices 129 Mollison Street • Lancefield Lancefield Newsagency 18 High Street • Macedon United Service Station - Macedon 313 Black Forest Drive • Macedon IGA Supermarket - Macedon 20 Victoria Street • Macedon Macedon Newsagency 25 Victoria Street • Malmsbury General Store 75 Mollison Street • Monegeeta Newsagency 2076 Melbourne -Lancefield Road • Mount Macedon Mt Macedon Post Office 341 Mt Macedon Road • Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Nursery 675 Kilmore Road • Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Post Office 80 Main Road • Riddells Creek Foodies - Riddells Creek 86-88 Main Road • Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Supermarket 2 Station Street • Romsey Chess Property - Romsey 102 Main Street • Romsey IGA Supermarket - Romsey 107 Main Street • Sunbury Leeburn and Co Real Estate - Sunbury 6 Brook Street • Sunbury Sunbury Newsagency 14 Brook Street • Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street • Sunbury The Jolly Miller cafe Shop 2/2 Brook Street • Sunbury The Local Sunbury Bottleshop Shop 2b/15-17 Dornoch Drive • Sunbury Goonawarra General Store 23-25 Dornoch Drive • Sunbury Sunbury Neighbourhood House 531 Elizabeth Drive

• Sunbury Brad Teal Real Estate Sunbury 54 Evans Street • Sunbury Reliant Real Estate 11/114-126 Evans Street • Sunbury Muffin Break Shop 2/24 Evans Street • Sunbury Sunbury Square Shopping Centre Shop 2-28 Evans Street • Sunbury Terry White Chemist 83-85 Evans Street • Sunbury Gap Road Medical Centre 46 Gap Road • Sunbury United Fuel Sunbury 47 Gap Road • Sunbury 7-Eleven Sunbury 128 Gap Road • Sunbury Asia Finest Shop 4&5, 106-126 Gap Road • Sunbury Puma Service Station Sunbury 96 Horne Street • Sunbury Woolworths Supermarket 25-47 Horne Street • Sunbury Big W - Sunbury 25-47 Horne Street • Sunbury BP Service Station 53-55 Horne Street • Sunbury Sunbury Day Hospital 7 Macedon Street • Sunbury Hume Council Offices - Sunbury 40 Macedon Street • Sunbury Sunbury Information Centre 43 Macedon Street • Sunbury Sunbury Library 44 Macedon Street • Sunbury Community Health Centre Unit 12-28 Macedon Street • Sunbury McKwen Drive Milk Bar Shop 1-3 McEwen Drive • Sunbury Foodworks Bottlemart on Melba 16 Melba Avenue • Sunbury Foodworks on Melba 16-18 Melba Avenue • Sunbury Melba Cafe 22 Melba Avenue • Sunbury Mitchells Lane Milk Bar 192 Mitchells Lane

• Sunbury Just Planet 37 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury An Apple a Day Natural Health Store 49 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury The Spotted Owl 93 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury Cafe Circe 109 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury IGA Supermarket - Sunbury 98-122 O’Shannesy Street • Sunbury Killara Family Store - Sunbury 57 Phillip Drive • Sunbury Strathearn Glen Corner Store 10 Strathearn Drive • Sunbury Sacco & Saba Cafe 2/20-30 Sussex Street • Sunbury Rosenthal Shopping Centre 90 Vineyard Road • Tylden Tylden Store 36 Trentham Road • Woodend Keatings Real Estate - Woodend 83 Calder Highway • Woodend Coles Supermarket - Woodend 61 High Street • Woodend II cafe 66 High Street • Woodend Andrews Cafe 77 High Street • Woodend Fox in the Chamber 90 High Street • Woodend Jellis Craig Real Estate - Woodend 91 High Street • Woodend Maison Maloa Licensed Cafe & Gifts 95 High Street • Woodend Woodend Newsagency 101 High Street • Woodend Paysanne Cafe 112 High Street • Woodend Bourkies Bake House 115 High Street • Woodend RT Edgar Real Estate - Woodend 124 High Street • Woodend BP Service Station - Woodend 130 High Street • Woodend Woodend Community Centre High Street & Forest Street

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Tuesday, 7 September, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

PUZZLES No. 045

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

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

7 9 2 3 6 8 3

5 7

medium

3 2

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

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Constable (9) Matures (4) Eggs (3) Booking (11) Pseudonyms (3-5) Project (6) Wildcat (4) Teased (7) Expresses disapproval (7) Tract (4) Come back (6) NY theatre district (8) Bases (11) Bedridden (3) Artist, — Ono (4) Adorn with glitter (9)

1 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

No. 045

Punctually (8) Studying (8) Grain (6) Be naughty (9) Benchmark (4) Ushered (6) Did wrong (6) Axe (7) Infamous (9) Gatecrash (7) Surfing (the web) (8) Colour (4,4) Sly (6) Hit (6) R&R spot (3,3) 27 Wound with a knife (4)

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24

DECODER

No. 045

5 1 4

9 5 4 9 8 9 2 5 1

6 hard

6 3

3 2 7

7 3

1 5 7 9

10 11 12 13

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

Q J

Today’s Aim: 20 words: Good 30 words: Very good

Y G

3 LETTERS ACE ADO ADS AGE ALE ARE ATE AXE BOA COO DIE DOE EEL ERA EWE HER NIP ODE OLD RAM RUM SAC SAT TEE TEN VIP

SOME TALC VAST 5 LETTERS ADULT ALLAH ALONE ASSET AWAIT CAMPS DELTA DEPTH EDICT ENSUE ERODE FELTS GASES GASPS HEELS IDEAL

4 LETTERS ARTS BABE CAPE DYES FAME GATE HERO INNS LADS ONCE ONES RIDE ROOK SARI SECT

No. 045

STONE TEASE TERSE TILDE VEILS VILLA YESES

IDIOM IDLER INLET LADEN LINER MANOR METRE MULTI NAMES NOSED PLIED PLODS POLIO RADIO SAVER SEEMS SLIDE SMITE SOLAR SORRY STEAL

6 LETTERS ELEVEN ENTITY 7 LETTERS ERRATIC EXPANSE

FALSITY LATTICE ORDERED TYPESET 8 LETTERS CHASTISE DIABETIC STOCKADE TIRELESS 10 LETTERS HENCEFORTH PRINCESSES

airy, angry, baying, betray, BETRAYING, binary, brainy, bray, braying, briny, byre, byte, entry, eying, gaiety, gantry, gayer, gentry, grainy, grey, gyrate, gyre, nary, nearby, rainy, raying, retying, tangy, teary, tiny, tray, trey, trying, tying, tyre, yarn, yean, year, yearn, yeti 10-09-21

'Two houses, both alike in dignity' is the opening to what play?

Approximately how many points (pts) are there in a millimetre: 1.83, 2.83 or 3.83?

For approximately how many hours per day do sloths sleep?

In what year was the first Stella Prize awarded?

Which 2020 film directed by Spike Lee stars Detroy Lindo, Clarke Peters and Chadwick Boseman (pictured)?

Which social media platform was founded first: Twitter, Tumblr or Instagram?

Who won the 2020 Hugo Award for Best Novel?

O Z E N

E A R S N M A P R A Z E

Y U C

To what continent is the succulent vine string-of-pearls native?

With which medium does street artist Chinagirl Tile predominately work?

No. 045 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

4 6 8 2 7 5 1 3 9

9 4 1 6 8 7 3 2 5

8 3 7 1 5 2 6 9 4

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

E R T

3 8 6 5 2 1 9 4 7

7 5 9 8 4 3 2 1 6

2 1 4 7 6 9 5 8 3

3 4 9 8 2 5 1 6 7

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14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 September, 2021

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QUICK QUIZ

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A E

S A

A N

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

40 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

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8 1 2

5x5

2 9

C U D Y E BWK N R G X H

T S Z L F I VMAO P Q J

WORDFIT

10 Suzy Wilson is the founder of which Australian charity? ANSWERS: 1. Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare 2. 15 3. 2013 4. Twitter 5. Africa 6. Ceramics 7. 2.83 8. Da 5 Bloods 9. Arkady Martine, for A Memory Called Empire 10. Indigenous Literacy Foundation

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which Rabbitohs player recently received a sixweek suspension for a reckless high tackle?

7. Australian-born tackle Jordan Mailata is currently with which NFL team?

13. Fabio Quartararo, the current leader of the MotoGP championship, is from which country?

2. Who defeated Australia 57-22 in Round 1 of the 2021 Rugby Championship?

8. What medal did Evan O’Hanlon win in the men's 100 metres T38 event at the Tokyo Paralympics?

14. Which English batsman has scored three 100s in three Tests against India in their series so far?

3. Bryson DeChambeau is a US professional in what sport? 4. Which city will host the 2021 AFL Grand Final? 5. Who lost in straight sets in the first round of the 2021 US Open to Roberto Bautista Agut?

9. Matthew Dellavedova has signed a three-year deal with which NBL team? 10. What year did Essendon last win an AFL final? 11. In the AFL, GWS defeated Sydney by how many points in their elimination final?

6. What medal did Lauren Parker win in the women’s PTWC event at the Tokyo Paralympics?

12. And who was suspended for three matches after making contact with an umpire?

Fabio Quartararo

15. A card game similar to bridge that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries is called what? 16. Which Australian tennis player exited in the first round of the US Open against American Taylor Fritz? 17. True or false: Odd Christian Eiking is the name of a current Norwegian cyclist? 18. How many full laps were completed in the Belgian Grand Prix, in which Max Verstappen was declared winner and earned halfpoints?

21. Which AFL commentator was banned from entering Western Australia to cover the Grand Final?

26. The entirety of the women's Indian cricket team's tour of Australia will take place in which state?

22. What cricket nation is scheduled to play a Test match against Australia in Hobart later this year?

27. Who won the 2021 Super Netball Grand Final?

23. What NBA team did basketball legends Robert Parish, Kevin McHale and Larry Bird all play for?

19. And which Williams driver finished second, his first ever podium finish and the team's first in four years?

24. In what year did the Port Adelaide Power debut in the AFL? 25. What is the informal nickname given to the sport of wheelchair rugby?

20. Which AFL team removed the red and green colours from their guernsey in 2011?

28. Which team ended the Melbourne Storm's winning streak during the 2021 NRL season? 29. Spain and Slovenia were the gold medallists in which new event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics? 30. Which Australian tennis player's first round match was delayed at the 2021 US Open because of an electronics fault?

Roberto Bautista Agut 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. New Zealand 3. Golf 4. Perth 5. Nick Kyrgios 6. Silver 7. Philadelphia Eagles 8. Bronze 9. Melbourne United 10. 2004 11. One 12. Toby Greene 13. France 14. Joe Root 15. Whist 16. Alex de Minaur 17. True 18. Two 19. George Russell 20. Fremantle Dockers 21. Eddie McGuire 22. Afghanistan 23. Boston Celtics 24. 1997 25. Murderball 26. Queensland 27. NSW Swifts 28. Parramatta Eels 29. Sport climbing 30. Ash Barty

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The upgraded Mazda6 sedan’s swoopy coupe looks belie its mid-range passenger car status. (Pictures: Supplied)

Mazda’s new mid-range offering By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring While SUVs and pickup trucks reign supreme on the world’s automobile markets, the humble sedan can only stand by, looking on in envy. One such observer, the Mazda6, has paid the price for this fickle sales atmosphere. Despite this, the company has persisted with its mid-range passenger car in sedan and wagon form, while simplifying it to four variants - Sport, Touring, GT SP and Atenza. New kid on the block is the GT SP, which according to Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi, brings a distinctly sporty character to the range and builds on the local GT SP portfolio alongside the CX-9. The GT SP, along with the range-topping Atenza, take on a turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine used across the range, developing 170 kW and 420 Nm. The Sport and Touring make do with the naturally aspirated unit delivering 140 kW and 252 Nm. As well as engine enhancements, the GT SP boasts 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive front lighting and leather upholstery on heated front and rear seating. The sedan sells for $46,690, plus on-road costs, the wagon $47,990. The entry-level sports sedan comes to market at a competitive $34,590, plus ORCs, the wagon $35,890. We were given a taste of the upgrades with the former.

Styling This is no white-bread model. In looks alone, the Mazda6 Sedan has earned the right to stand shoulder to shoulder with prestige product with a price sticker above and beyond its own. With its sleek, coupe-style profile and 17-inch alloy wheels, the car commands attention. The Mazda signature radiator grille is flanked by LED headlamps and daytime running lights, while rear lighting repeats the reliance on LED technology.

Interior Despite showing its age in decor, black cloth upholstery sets the scene with its look of quality, complemented by a leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifts. An electric park brake features a hold function. Rear seat leg and shoulder room is good and dual zone climate control incorporates rear vents but getting in and out of the back is a chore because of a pinched door opening due to the swoopy nature of the sedan. Boot space is a usable 474 litres.

Infotainment An 8-inch full colour touch screen atop the central dashboard displays info from the car’s MZD Connect system, including embedded satellite navigation. Bluetooth is hands-free capable and USB-audio input ports are iPod compatible. There’s a USB charging port in the rear seat armrest.

Engines / transmissions Sport and Touring sedans and wagons feature Mazda’s well-respected Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. The set-up produces 140 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 252 Nm of torque at 4000 revs. On 91-octane unleaded petrol, fuel consumption is a claimed 7 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle.

Safety A five-star safety rating is 2018 vintage. It includes intelligent speed assistance, smart city brake support, front and rear, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and driver attention alert. Also fitted are rear parking sensors, high beam control, rear view mirror with

auto dimming, reverse camera, traffic sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring.

Driving The Mazda6 Sport Sedan offered up a quirky welcome, with a nod to the past in that the doors are unlocked by use of a key fob button - no modern touch of the door handle here and then discarded for a dash-mounted push button start to the engine. A further minor beef is fitment of the old 8-inch Mazda MZD Connect infotainment system and not the newer Mazda Connect as in the Mazda3 and CX-30. However, the familiar Command Control knob on the centre console does make access to info easy while the vehicle is on the move. Having said that, the entry-level Sport does what a mid-size passenger sedan is supposed to: carry occupants in comfort and safety and be a pleasure to drive. No worries. The six-speed automatic transmission did much to do this smoothly and efficiently, while the suspension was up to taking the rough and tumble of some scratchy roads no matter what load the car was carting. Don’t take the word ‘Sport’ literally. Performance is not the prerogative here. For that a step up is needed to the GT SP or Atenza, with the turbocharged 2.5-litre unit generating 170 kW at 5000 rpm and a robust 420 Nm at a low 2000 rpm. Mazda claims the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine of the Sport uses 7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. The test car recorded 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the CBD and suburbs and 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the motorway.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Mazda6 2.5 Sport Sedan automatic $34,590 Mazda6 2.5 Touring Sedan (a) $38,890 Mazda6 2.5 GT SP Sedan (a) $46,690 Mazda6 2.5 Atenza Sedan (a) $50,090 SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE: Capacity: 2.488 litres Configuration: Four cylinders in line Maximum Power: 140 kW @ 6000 rpm Maximum Torque: 252 Nm @ 4000 rpm Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.0 L/100km BRAKES: Front: Ventilated disc Rear: Disc STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years / unlimited kilometres

Summary For those interested in buying a mid-size passenger car (are there any out there?) the Mazda6 Sedan serves the segment well.

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

Tuesday, 7 September, 2021 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Kids have had their sport seasons disrupted over the past two years. (Jamie Morey Photography)

Kids drop the ball in lockdown By Tara Murray “For a lot of them life stopped.” That was the stark reality Jessica Suraci has come across through her role with Sports Chaplaincy Australia. As Victorians suffer through a second year of lockdowns and isolation, sport has been among the biggest casualties. Suraci is a chaplain with Taylors Lakes Football Club, but has also assisted at other clubs the last few years. She said this year’s lockdowns were harder than those we had last year. “Their support networks were taken away,” she said. “It takes away freedom. “We saw a lot of kids come this season, looking very different from where they were playing at the beginning of last year. “Not necessarily physically, but mentally as it took a really big toll on the mental health. When you’re a teenager, school is the worst. “Being at home this time round, [with] no other choice of being at home and seeing people on the internet, was really detrimental to so many people.” Suraci said being locked down and away from their mates meant many players just kept to themselves and hid how they were really feeling. She said she had implemented a system which encouraged people to get in touch, even just to start a conversation. “I can reach out and it’s easy for kids to say ‘yep all good’. If I can’t see them, I can’t see what is going on through their eyes, I don’t know. “I implemented an emoji system. It’s hard for kids to open up sometimes and they don’t want to talk about what is going on, they just need to know someone is there to help them. “They send me an emoji when they need someone to talk to, they don’t necessarily want to talk about it, they want a conversation starter.” Suraci said community sport played an important role. She said clubs were more than teams; they were families. “Sometimes it’s a kid’s only outlet,” she said. “If all we have besides sport is sitting at home playing games, it’s taking away the most important aspect in their lives. “It affects everyone differently. It’s about letting these players know they do have a support network. “It’s just a shame they’ve had to miss out on potentially building healthy relationships and building relationships with sport and the outdoors. “It’s just my hope that these kids all know there is someone to talk to.” Grant McMillian last week had to inform his under-14 girls’ Victorian Junior Basketball League team that their season had come to an end. The Bacchus Marsh team was sitting second on the ladder and full of confidence having knocked off the top team by 30 points. “It’s a real lifestyle change for them to be able to get their heads around,” McMillan said of

The EDFL interleague side was one impacted by the lockdowns.

not being able to play. “I obviously try to keep in contact with the kids as much as you can to see how they’re going and give them some activities to do while they’re at home. “I’ve got a Zoom catch up with my rep basketball team next week for all their efforts, to just give the season some closure for them more than anything else.” McMillan, who is a football development manager for AFL Victoria in the Riddell District Football League region, said for children ,sport is more than a game. “They’re used to having that regular interaction with people through the season, they haven’t been able to do that regularly the last couple of years. “When that is taken away from you it’s like the saying ‘you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone’. “Hopefully the kids are resilient enough to bounce back.” The impact of two interrupted seasons hasn’t just impacted the players, with many coaches and volunteers hitting breaking point. McMillan was part of a football coaching seminar with 35 coaches last week. “Some of them are cooked,” he said. “I asked the guys … ‘how have you guys handled your mental health during this?’ “Jason Williams, who is the interim coach of the Calder Cannons, said he had been open about saying he has been seeing a psychiatrist

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 September, 2021

(Jamie Morey Photography)

A football clinic mid-year was one of highlights for some footballers.

and that he had done so for some time. “[Coburg coach] Andrew Sturgess was open about the things he does to manage his mental health. “They’ve [coaches] really taken on a role that is more than just about being a coach. Even at the best of times being a coach is also being a

(Jamie Morey Photography)

psychologist and psychiatrist and even more so the last two years. “One thing we don’t have a lot of visibility over in these times. We see them in their capability as coaches and volunteers, but we don’t know how their personal circumstances have changed though this time.”

Addison departs Sunbury Jets after five years Ryan Addison will not continue as coach of the Sunbury Jets men’s Big V Championship side in 2022, ending a five-year tenure that included a championship. Sunbury Basketball Association general manager Chris Tighe said Addison had decided to step down due to his ongoing work commitments. “He’s been an asset and definitely been influential on the men’s side of our program,” Tighe said. “He’s stamped his own impression on the club and ran some things that have been very successful. He was our coach for the 2019 team that won the championship, and you never forget the people you won in a championship with.” In 2017, Addison left the Hume City Broncos to take up an assistant coaching position at the Jets under Lanard Copeland. The following year he landed his first senior coaching role, with the Jets management trusting Addison to lead the club into the

Ryan Addison has stood down from his position as senior coach of the Sunbury Jets men’s side. (Shawn Smits)

future. With just one season of senior coaching under his belt, Addison steered the Jets to

their first men’s championship in 10 years. That 2019 series concluded with a 2-1 series win over the Warrandyte Venom, where the Jets came from one game down to clinch the championship away from home. Earning promotion to the top flight Big V championship division, Addison has led the Jets through two seasons that have faced constant interruptions due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Sunbury Basketball Association director of coaching Kennedy Kereama thanked Addison for his “large contribution” to the Jets. “Ryan has been an active contributor to all of our Jets programs during his time,” Kereama said. “Ryan leaves a huge thumbprint on our senior men’s program after winning the 2019 Division One Men’s Championship and helping elevate our men’s program into the championship division. “Ryan’s dedication and commitment to

Lockdown ends dreams By Tara Murray Premiership and championship dreams came tumbling down for many local sports players of all ages last week. The extension of the COVID-19 lockdown to beyond September 23 has left many of the winter sporting competitions with no option but to bring to a close their seasons. It’s a bitter blow for many, after most players didn’t get to play at all in 2020. Basketball Victoria issued a statement saying that the Victorian Junior Basketball League, Big V and National Basketball League 1 south competitions would be cancelled. No champions will be declared in those competitions. In the Big V competition, Keilor Thunder men and Altona Gators women were the minor premiers in their respective divisions. Whittlesea Pacers, Craigieburn Eagles, Sunbury Jets and Hume City Broncos all had senior teams set for finals. Basketball Victoria’s under-12 skills days and identification camp have been postponed. The eight metropolitan football leagues issued a joint statement on Thursday announcing the leagues had mutually decided to cancel all competitions for the 2021 season. Among the leagues are the Essendon District and Western Region football leagues, the Northern and Riddell District football netball leagues and the Victorian Amateur Football Association. The netball competitions for the relevant competitions have also been cancelled. “All leagues have been working diligently in the hope of enabling the remaining games in the 2021 season to be played,” the statement said. “However, it is now apparent this will not be possible in the current environment. “All leagues are committed to working closely with their member clubs, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria to manage the associated issues related to the cancellation of all 2021 competitions and working towards a return to play next season.” The statement said operation aspects of the decision, like possibly awarding premierships or promotion and relegation will be provided by the respective leagues. The Ballarat Football Netball League has also cancelled its season, saying no premierships would be awarded. The Sunbury Lions and Melton were due to play in the senior football finals. On Wednesday, Football Victoria said the board of directors would meet and consider the

The Essendon District Football League season has been cancelled.

impacts for all soccer and futsal stakeholders. “This will be communicated as quickly as possible to provide a roadmap for our community on the remainder of the season

(Damjan Janevski) 243420

for each competition.” The extended lockdown is also set to impact the summer sports, with many seasons set to start in early October.

our club has been tremendous and it’s been a pleasure watching his growth over the last five years.” Last week Basketball Victoria announced that the remainder of the Big V season would be scrapped as the state government announced COVID-19 restrictions would likely remain in place for the next three weeks. The Jets finished the season in seventh place on the table, with six wins and eight losses. Addison’s side sat on top of the ladder after six matches, but was unable to maintain their form in the latter half of the season. Jayce Beasley finished the season as the Jets biggest offensive threat. He averaged 14.2 points per game on 43 per cent shooting. Tighe said the club had already begun the process of finding Addison’s replacement. The Jets will close applications for the club’s new senior coach on September 17 in order to fill the position before the 2022 preseason. Oliver Lees

Tigers appoint club manager Kyneton have employed a full-time club manager to oversee the operations of the football club ahead of the 2022 season. Kyneton resident Nikki Young, who has more than 10 years of administrative experience working at Macedon Ranges council, will step into the newly created role at the Tigers to manage communications and administration from Auskick to seniors. Tigers president Hayden Evans said the position had been created to boost professionalism and to allow volunteers to commit more time on player development. “It’s something we’ve been planning for a couple years, we thought it’s a positive step to ensure the longevity and function of the club,” Evans said. “We’re one of the only clubs to do it, I think it will help build on the strength of the club and allow us to bring the whole club together.” The appointment of Young marks another change for Evans in his first year as club president. In April, the Tigers made history by fielding the first inclusive football team in the Macedon Ranges. “I think we’ve been able to improve our relationship with the community recently. We’ve made an effort with our communications and through giving back to charities in the community and I think that showed with us selling out our raffle recently,” Evans said. “With Nikki’s experience I think we’ll be able to build on that and help us explore opportunities through council grants. “She’s a good local person who’s previously been involved in the club as a junior netball player, so we’re lucky to have her.” On August 27, the Bendigo Football Netball League announced a modified roadmap to playing finals in response to ongoing lockdown restrictions. Despite the Tigers A grade netball and under-18’s boys football side both qualifying for finals, Evans said he believed it was unlikely that there would be any more community sport this season. Oliver Lees

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