Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 31st January 2023

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‘Humbled’ by honour By Elsie Lange With a portfolio of work, research and education in the areas of child and adolescent psychiatry as awe-inspiring as it is extensive, Emeritus Professor Bruce Tonge has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia. The Woodend resident was recognised for his distinguished service to psychiatric medicine and research, to tertiary education, to youth and to the community. Despite his lengthy body of work, he was modest, and shared his achievement with those who worked alongside him. “I felt proud and humbled [to be recognised],” he said.

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All I’ve achieved has been on the shoulders of those who have taught me, my supporters, friends and family

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- Professor Bruce John Tonge

Emeritus Professor Bruce John Tonge was made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

“[And] like the rest of us could have mental health problems that are open to treatment.” In the late 1980s, he moved back to Victoria to become a Foundation Professor of Child Psychiatry and to head the Centre for Developmental Psychiatry and Psychology at Monash University. Since then, he’s been made an Honorary Professor of both Deakin and Warwick universities, was president of the Mental Health Foundation of Australia, was chair of Autism Australia and held various chair roles at the National Health and Medical Research Council. His committee and advisory roles have been varied and vast, from executive board member of Neurosciences Victoria, to senior examiner (psychiatry) at the Australian Medical Council to his former membership of the Victorian Premier’s Taskforce on Suicide Prevention. In 2007, he and his wife Avril Brereton

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co-founded Time for a Future Centre for Child Development in Woodend, where he practises as principal child and adolescent psychiatrist. “[It was the] first [child psychiatry clinic] outside city areas and since then we’ve been providing services to country Victoria,” he said. He said he hopes his recognition will raise the profile of mental health issues in children with learning difficulties, and said the public had to understand and act as “agents for change” when influencing politicians and the community more broadly. “I’m proud to be a part of the [Woodend] community because I think there are many people within our community who are working towards promoting mental health,” Professor Tonge said. ■ More

Australia Day honours: Pages 5 & 7.

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“Proud to have the mental health needs of children recognised and humbled because all I’ve achieved has been on the shoulders of those who have taught me, my supporters, friends and family. “It’s also in recognition [that] all my work has been a teamwork, with multitudes of colleagues both clinically and in research and teaching. In a way, I’m accepting my award on their behalf too.” Professor Tonge has published 13 books, 64 book chapters, 320 reviewed papers, 23 videos and 12 manuals and has been a recipient of a list of awards and recognitions too long to list, including the Distinguished Service Award from the World Psychiatric Association in 2007. After attending Oxford University to complete general psychiatry training before studying specialising in child psychiatry at Cambridge University, he returned to Australia to take up a psychiatry position at Austen Hospital in 1976. By 1980, he became medical director of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the hospital. At the time, the field of child psychiatry was just forming. In 1987, he moved to Sydney where he took the chair of child psychiatry at Sydney Children’s Hospital. There, he began his vital research into the relatively new field of mental health problems faced by children of and people with intellectual disability. “Prior to that if a person with an intellectual disability had difficult behaviours or emotions, it was put down to the fact they were intellectually disabled... Not recognising that people with disability were human beings,” he said.

Marianne and Neil Williams were also recognised in the Australia Day honours for their work feeding the community through the Sunbury Neighbourhood Kitchen. ■ Read their story on page 5.

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Know the COLOURS

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TAKE THE ACTIONS TO SURVIVE

Across Australia, the Fire Danger Rating system has changed. Using real-time scientific data, it now gives you a more accurate rating of the risk level if a fire was to start in your area. Each colour represents the actions you need to take to stay safe. If it’s orange, the fire risk is Extreme, so you need to take action now and be ready to go. The safest option is to leave early.

Plan. Act. Survive. For more information on the new simpler and smarter Fire Danger Ratings, search Fire Danger Ratings. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

Kitchen couple receive OAMs By Elsie Lange Neil and Marianne Williams have spent a decade helping feed those who need a hot meal. The pair’s service to the community of Sunbury, through the Sunbury Neighbourhood Kitchen, has earned them each a medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). They have no idea who might have nominated them, but having touched so many lives tackling local food insecurity, it’s no wonder they made the prestigious list. “We’ve never had this sort of recognition in our whole life,” Ms Williams said, while her husband described receiving the news as “humbling”. “It’s a great honour, we don’t do anything to get recognition, we just do it for our great community,” he said. Ms Williams said through their business, N&M Catering and Event Party Hire, they had done what they could to support local initiatives, such as SunFest, the Sunbury RSL and the Rotary Club of Sunbury, but wanted to do more. “Neil and I had come to have an idea with our leftover food items from our catering business to help the homeless and the people who were in need,” she said. “September 2013, 10 years ago, was when Neil and I, with the support of the Rotary club of Sunbury, commenced a community kitchen.” From there, they began cooking and providing hot meals to those who were less fortunate. And then it continued to grow. “After three years, the community kitchen became its own stand alone charity organisation, with over 45 volunteers, providing over 220 meals every week,” she said. The president and vice president of the kitchen said its success could not have been

Marianne and Neil Williams have been made members of the Order of Australia.

without its team of great volunteers and ongoing community support. Every Monday – kicking off again in February 2023 – the kitchen is open at Sunbury Memorial Hall for people to arrive and take something warm and nourishing. Ms Williams said you’d have to sit with her

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“for a week” in order to tell you how many people have had their lives improved through a meal. “From Sunbury Neighbourhood Kitchen other communities have been created and there are so many beautiful stories of how people have achieved [since they’ve come to

us],” she said. Sitting across from each other, Mr Williams said when he looked at his wife and thought about their achievements during their 36 years of marriage, he felt “very proud”. Ms Williams replied, “Yes, we’re two crazy people doing things [together”.

Gisborne’s Elaine Murphy ‘overwhelmed’ by OAM When Gisborne’s Elaine Murphy was asked how she felt when she heard she’d been appointed a member of the Order of Australia, she said “overwhelmed”. “It’s the last thing in the world I ever expected to have happened,” she said. Ms Murphy received an Order of Australia medal (OAM) for her service to education and the arts. She started her teaching career 50 years ago in the Mallee region of Victoria in 1973, at Birchip Primary School. From 1980 until 2009, Ms Murphy worked as a junior, middle and senior teacher at Swan Hill Primary School, and served as assistant principal from 2009 to 2011.

Her career in community arts has been expansive too, taking on various leadership positions at the Swan Hill Theatre Group up until 2011, as well as organising local eisteddfods and teaching at Swan Hill Highland Dancing Group where she was a life member. All in all, she spent 40 years in education before retiring in the Macedon Ranges. When she arrived, she enmeshed herself in the local theatre community, and has been a member of Macedon’s Mount Players Theatre Group and the Kyneton Theatre Company since 2011. “Everything I’ve done has been in supporting others in their learning and that’s really important to me, and we just need to keep

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doing that as a community – it’s so rewarding,” she said. “[It’s all about] getting in and helping where you can, using the skills you have to help other people I think is [important].” Despite so many successes, when asked what she felt her greatest achievement was to date, she said “having my four daughters”. Ms Murphy said her husband, Gary, was proud of her. “You can only do these things when you’ve got the support of your family. He’s been incredibly supportive… the girls have been amazingly supportive too,” she said. “That’s allowed me to help other people.” Elsie Lange

Elaine Murphy OAM.

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AUSTRALIA DAY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

New citizens warmly welcomed By Elsie Lange There was a hushed buzz of excitement at the Kyneton Town Hall as the families of excited award recipients and soon-to-be citizens shuffled inside on Thursday, January 26, for Macedon Ranges council’s Australia Day ceremony on Taungurung Country. A chorus of brass played by the Kyneton Municipal Band – described by Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas as “undoubtedly Australia’s greatest municipal band” – greeted crowds with renditions of Waltzing Matilda and Advance Australia Fair. Uninhibited by the COVID-19 capacity restrictions of the last few years, the noticeably full audience applauded and laughed and clapped in a genuine celebration of community. Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death and chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan spoke to attendees before 29 residents took their Australian Citizenship Pledge, acknowledging the Taungurung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wurundjeri Countries on which the municipality sits. “Becoming an Australian citizen does not mean forgetting your country of birth, or the country where you grew up, or its customs and its cultures, ” Cr Death said. “What it means is a commitment to Australia as your home. “Where you can bring your own background and story to enrich the diversity of knowledge and experience to share with those who are here, or who have become citizens here.” From countries as close and far as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Canada, Taiwan, Germany, Zambia, Ireland, Iraq, South Africa, Italy, Scotland and Iran, names were read aloud to collect citizenship certificates, a flag lapel pin and an Australian native plant.

Recipients of Australia Day Awards with Macedon Ranges council representatives and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas (citizen of the Year Szumai Anderson absent). Right: New Macedon Ranges citizens with local and state government representatives. (Pictures: Supplied/Macedon Ranges council)

In her speech, Ms Thomas acknowledged January 26 as a day of “strong mixed emotions”, and one of loss and mourning for Aboriginal peoples – raising the upcoming First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum as a chance to use their democratic right to vote. “I’d like to ask you, during the months ahead, to open your hearts and seek to understand why this is so important to First Nations people… we only have more to gain from truly connecting with the traditional owners and custodians of our land,” she said. Following the citizenship ceremony, council’s annual Australia Day Awards were handed to local groups and residents for their contributions to the community. Gisborne wildlife volunteer Szumai (Sue) Anderson was named Citizen of the Year, for dedicating more than 20 years working tirelessly to assist injured wildlife and support various wildlife and charity communities.

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Though she was not able to attend the ceremony, fellow volunteer Debbie Gwyther-Jones accepted the award on her behalf. “She would like to accept this award on behalf of all rescuers… Sue has been rescuing for almost 23 years and has attended in excess of 10,000 rescues,” Ms Gwyther-Jones said. “This year alone, she’s documented 837. She is often asked why she rescues and is often told she should so down, not do so much, but people don’t see how much we do, and how important this work is. “It’s dirty, smelly, bloody, sad, dangerous, challenging and sometimes rewarding work.” The Romsey Ecotherapy Park Committee received the Connecting Communities Award, for being instrumental in bringing people together during the planning and development of the newly-opened park. For 14 years, the committee helped raise funds and worked tirelessly to bring the

park to fruition. This year there were joint winners of the Healthy People and Environment Award: the Woodend Masters Football Club (WMFC) and the Friends of Daly Nature Reserve (FDNR). WMFC president Alan Mitchell-Lappin, a Barkandji man, said to receive an award for helping people was “pretty special”. “My intent, the committee’s intent, is to make people feel welcome… it doesn’t matter when you’re sporty, or not sporty, there’s always a role for everyone, there’s always a place for everyone,” he said. Woodend’s Matthew Barry, the key organiser of the Woodend Community Farmers’ Market and action group leader with the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, was awarded the Business and Tourism Award. “I put a lot of effort into it, I feel honoured to be recognised, but I feel well supported. I’m driving, but I’m driving a fantastic community vessel,” he said.

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

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As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Sunbury Line to allow bigger, more modern trains to run on the line. We are also building Melbourne Airport Rail, connecting Victorians to Melbourne Airport for the first time with a new rail service. Buses replace trains in both directions on the Sunbury Line

8.30pm 3 February to last train 5 February

North Melbourne to Sunbury

8.30pm 8 February to last train 12 February

North Melbourne to Sunshine

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Melbourne Airport Rail is developed with the Federal Government Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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AUSTRALIA DAY

Australia Day gong for Dr Dowty Helping to develop Mildura’s private hospital, advocacy for improved air ambulance services in the town, and a campaign for better regulation of unflued gas heaters are just some of the reasons Sunbury’s Dr Barry Dowty received an Australia Day honour. The now-retired physician was awarded a medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to medicine in a range of roles, and he said he feels grateful to his country for the honour. “I also feel fortunate in that there are a lot of people who could be given this honour… I feel fortunate that somebody has taken the effort to nominate me,” he said.

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I experienced difficulties in transferring patients who were sick ... so I started to try and improve it

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- Dr Barry Dowty Dr Dowty’s resume is impressive, as one might expect. After becoming a fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians in 1975, he went on to be a federal councillor of the Australian Association of Consultant Physicians, between 1989 and 1995. As a fellow of the Australian Medical Association, he advocated for life education drug programs in Victoria, and was a branch councillor of the Mallee division from 1987 to 1995, and then again from 2006 to 2008. He was a founding member of the Mildura Private Hospital steering committee, as well as a life governor of the Mildura Base Hospital, where he advocated nuclear medicine investigation facilities.

Dr Barry Dowty OAM. (Damjan Janevski) 316347_02

In his professional career, Dr Dowty worked in multiple roles at the Alfred Hospital between 1966 and 1971, including as an assistant physician. As a consultant physician he worked in Wagga Wagga for a year before heading to Mildura in 1974, where he retired in 2006. His advocacy for an air ambulance to take intensive care-type patients from Mildura to Melbourne is something the Dr Dowty believes underpins the recognition he has received. “When I first went to Mildura… I

experienced difficulties in transferring patients who were sick to Melbourne, having to travel with them to make sure they got here,” he said. “So I started to try and improve it.” Through a special committee organised by the Australian Medical Association, Melbourne hospitals were organised and experts would be sent to pick up intensive care patients and treat them in the air ambulance. For about six years during his time in Mildura, he was the only physician in town.

“Gradually, we got up to five, the situation there is different now,” he said. Dr Dowty said he couldn’t have done what he did without his wife, Lisa. “She did most of the parenting, taking kids to sport, going to the schools, helping out there… we saw it as our duty to provide service… but it meant I’d often miss their birthday parties,” he said. “That’s the way of service, I’m sure they are [proud].”

Happy Aust Day smiles him on stage during the ceremony to hand him a flag and peck him on the cheek. “Look, it’s taken me 20 years to become a citizen, so it’s good,” he said, and Ms Troon said “it was well worth the wait”. Molly Bryson, originally from Canada and now living in Lancefield, said she felt “privileged and fortunate” to become a citizen. “I love this country, I live here with the love of my life… it really is such a beautiful [place], the land, the people, the flora and fauna, it’s really what brightens up my day,” she said. Now she’s been granted her citizenship she can go back to university to study architecture. At the ceremony, a message from Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Minister Andrew Giles was read, which said that Australia’s diversity “was its greatest strength”.

Frances and Simon Troon ceebrating his new citizenship. Right: Sara Scaramella said she was “really, really happy“ to be made a new Australian citizen. (Pictures: Supplied)

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It was a time of celebration for the 29 people who became Australian citizens at the Kyneton Town Hall on Australia Day, Thursday, January 26. As names were called to the stage, delighted family members stood along the walls of the grand old building to capture the moment they were handed a certificate by Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death. Sara Scaramella, originally from Roma in Italy, said she’d been waiting four or five years to become a citizen and was thrilled. She lives with her partner in Hesket, and said the Macedon Ranges reminded her a bit of the Italian countryside she knew well. “I’m really, really happy,” she said. Hailing from New Zealand, resident Simon Troon was also ecstatic to now call himself an Australian – his wife Frances even ran up to

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Carjacking in Macedon A man has been charged by police in relation to an alleged carjacking in Macedon on Sunday, January 22. Police said emergency services were called to Black Forest Drive after a man was found injured by passers-by about 5.30pm. The victim was hospitalised with serious injuries, police said. A Kangaroo Flats man, 38, was charged with theft of a motor car, possess prescription drugs and commit and indictable offence whilst on bail. The Kangaroo Flats man has been bailed to appear at Kyneton Magistrates’ Court on April 11.

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Woodend mower grassfire Georgia Weier loves being a ballkid at the Australian Open.

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Teen has an ace time This is the second year 15-year-old Georgia from Gisborne has been a ball kid for the Australian Open, and she describes it as an “amazing experience“. The Salesian College student was excited to take part in the international sporting event again, seeing it as a chance to make new friendships and be a part of “some incredible matches“. “The selection process consisted of a digital application, followed by a trial at local tennis clubs around Victoria,“ she explained. “If successful in level one trials, you would continue to the next trial which is held at the National Tennis Centre in Melbourne park. Next you would receive an email regarding your acceptance.“ She said the hardest part of being a ball kid in January was trying to concentrate in high

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temperatures, as well as the late nights where matches might not finish up until the wee hours of the morning – but being there was worth it. “The most fun part is being up close with the players, the crowds and meeting other ball kids from all around Australia,“ she said. The teen said she loves the sport because its inclusive, where “no matter your age and skill, anyone can have a go“. “I also like the friendly competition between players when matches occur,“ she said. And while being a ball kid is something she loves, she doesn’t think being a professional player is something she wants in the future. “It involves lots of commitment and dedication, but I might like to work for Tennis Australia one day,“ she said.

A grassfire in Woodend which took nearly an hour to bring under control was started by a mower in long grass, Woodend Country Fire Authority (CFA) said. In a social media post, the CFA said it was called to a grassfire on Friday, January 27, which was burning on a large property near town. “On arriving at the station, smoke was clearly visible showing the the fire had taken hold. Woodend tanker one was first on the scene, which was then joined Woodend tanker two and tankers from Tylden, Macedon and Hesket-Kerrie. With the dry, warm period we are now experiencing, any fires will spread quickly,“ Woodend CFA said. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health is supporting the development of an anaphylaxis and allergy support group for people aged 15-21 living in, or around Sunbury.

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‘‘

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

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

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

By Jessica Micallef

We would love to hear more from young people who might benefit from this group. You can use the QR code below to register an expression of interest.

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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

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

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8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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

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Crossing design revealed

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COMMUNITY

All the participants in the charity match. (Pictures: Sue Cox)

Cricket spirit The Rupertswood representatives. (Rupertswood Facebook)

Diggers Rest Burra’s Mulkapuge Lakshan and Indika Massalage.

Umpires Kevin Sullivan and Doug McDonald.

There were plenty of sixes and excitement as the Gisborne and District Cricket Association joined forces to support one of its own. On Wednesday night, players from the 10 McIntyre Cup sides took to the field in the Best of the GDCA Flood Relief Appeal match. All money raised from the night will be donated to Malmsbury Cricket Club, which was heavily impacted by floods last year. Malmsbury secretary Matt Cox said from everything they saw and heard that it was a successful night. “There was quite a fair turnout with more than 300 people through the gate,” he said. “To have the 10 teams in full flight, it was a fantastic game with lots of sixes and quite a few wickets and catches. “The GDCA wanted to do something for the community and there was a lot of feedback that it was a fantastic night and they were able to help a cause like ours.” He said all the club’s got on board and it’s something that could grow into the future, looking at different causes to support. Malmsbury lost about $30,000 worth of property in the floods. Cox said while they haven’t got the final figure, he reckons they may have raised between $18,000 and $20,000 on Wednesday night. He said there were still donations coming in and people could still donate. “We were happy with $5000 as that was better than nothing,” he said. “Macedon Ranges Glass jumped on board early on to help out. On top of that Kookaburra has donated two kit bags and some balls, while the GDCA has donated a girls kit.” While Malmsbury and the sporting community were the big winners on the night, there were still bragging rights on the line. Each team had the opportunity to bat, with the team with the highest score off two overs winning. It was Diggers Rest Bulla pair Mulkapuge Lakshan and Indika Massalage that got the bragging rights with 49 runs, while another four or five teams scored at least 40 runs.

Macedon Ranges Glass sponsors tent with Malmsbury president Jenny Ganim.

Indika Massalage in action. The Sunbury Kangaroos in action. Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

AUSTRALIA DAY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Hume welcomes new citizens By Millicent Spencer and Elsie Lange One-hundred-and-forty-seven new citizens were welcomed to the Hume municipality on Australia Day, in a celebration of a region which has “built prosperity on the foundation of immigration”. Dressed for celebration, attendees on Thursday, January 26, took their seats and waited to be pronounced citizens, some after many years of waiting. Gathering at Broadmeadows Town Hall, residents listened to the voices of local, state and federal government representatives discuss what it means to them to be Australian. Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said he was proud his municipality was home to people from 170 different countries who speak over 150 different languages. “We’re a leading example of a multicultural community coming together to celebrate what makes us different and what brings us together as Australians,” Cr Haweil said. He said since Australia’s first citizenship ceremony in 1949, the country had welcomed more than five million new citizens to Australian shores. Of those new citizens was Syed Rizvi from Roxburgh Park who said he was very excited about the ceremony. “We are feeling bright and happy,” he said. “We moved from Pakistan in 2017… everything here is calm and quiet.” Shyam Varghese and his son Jakes migrated from India too, but after reciting their pledge they now call Craigieburn their forever home. “It’s an awesome day… we can’t ask for anything more,” Mr Varghese said. “It’s been eight years, so a long journey. “It’s such an open country – it’s so very welcoming and everyone feels equal here.” For Broadmeadows local George Adam

Main: Councillors along with state and federal MPs gathered to celebrate Hume’s newest citizens. Left: The Adam family from Broadmeadows have “finally” become citizens. Centre: Shyam Varghese and son Jakes, 4, who migrated from India. Right: Nearly 150 locals were declared citizens at Hume’s Australia Day ceremony. (Pictures: Millicent Spencer)

and his family, the day had “finally” come for them to be declared as citizens after waiting six years. “It’s a nice thing to have become a citizen [because] we can do everything now,” Mr Adam said. Mr Adam’s sister, Jezelle Adam said she was excited her family could officially call

Australia home. “It’s an honour to be an Australian citizen… we have a lot of privilege.” Federal Calwell MP Maria Vamvakinou used her speech to rally the audience around the First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum, set to take place this year. “The next year will be important to our

people, as Australians, as we contemplate the referendum that’s to come, that will ask us whether we want a Voice in Parliament for Indigenous Australians,” she said. “I just wanted to say to you all how important that referendum would be and how important these outcomes will be in determining the future of this country.”

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Elective surgery pain

Free RAT tests now available

By Elsie Lange In the four years Brendan Thorneloe has waited to have his hip replaced, he’s felt himself slipping away from the world. The 57-year-old Sunbury resident was a truck driver and labourer before he had to stop working in 2018 due to the excruciating pain. He said he was put on the category two elective surgery waiting list at Western Health back then, but still has no idea when he’ll be treated. “I’m fed up. I just want it fixed,” he said. “I just want to go back to work.” Since then, his sense of isolation has steadily increased – even doing the shopping is hard some days – so catching up with friends and fostering relationships is difficult when he’s in pain all the time. “In 2021, just before we were locked down again, there was preparation for me to get it done. But as soon as the lockdown came in, it was called off,” he said. “It’s debilitating some days. Some days it’s good depending on the weather.” Mr Thorneloe is emblematic of the elective surgery backlog, which the Australian Medical Association (AMA) said is expected to reach more than 500,000 by June this year “if no action is taken by governments”. AMA president Professor Steve Robson said the country needs a national plan to address the backlog, with “an immediate injection of funds required”. “The AMA is calling for a new funding agreement between the state and territories and the Commonwealth that includes an upfront advance payment provided by the Commonwealth to support state and territory governments to expand their capacity (including workforce) to address the elective surgery backlog,” the AMA said.

Brendan Thorneloe has been waiting years to have his hip replaced. (Elsie Lange)

Professor Robson said there also needed to be more data on waiting lists reported more regularly and transparently. According to Victorian Agency for Health Information data, as of September 2022 the wait list for category two elective surgeries at Western Health was 3400 patients long across Footscray, Sunshine, Sunbury and Williamstown hospitals. While Western Health could not comment on Mr Thorneloe’s individual situation due to confidentiality, acting chief operating officer Jason Plant said they would continue

NEWS

working with the Department of Health on the management of patients on the planned surgery wait list. “As part of the state government’s COVID Catch-Up Plan, we have completed an additional 400 cases and collaborated with private hospitals to perform surgeries for 179 Western Health patients,” he said. On Friday, January 27, after Star Weekly raised Mr Thorneloe’s case with the health service, he said he received a call to arrange an appointment to discuss his concerns, though a date as not yet been set.

Residents in Hume and Macedon Ranges can collect free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) through the council. Health minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced last week all Victorians are now able to pick up two free packets of RATs through their local council. The program is open to all Victorians with all eligibility requirements now removed. “All Victorians can now pick up two free packets of rapid antigen tests to ensure they can enjoy their summer safely with their loved ones,” Ms Thomas said. “There are simple things people can do to enjoy the summer safely – take a test if you have symptoms, stay home if you’re sick, wear a high-quality mask if you can’t physically distance, talk to your GP to see if you’re eligible for antivirals and stay up to date with your vaccinations.” The council RAT distribution program is currently operating across more than 200 local sites, such as libraries and council customer service centres. Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit, while people with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests. A government spokesperson said RATs are the primary tool for early detection of COVID-19 and to enable timely clinical care, including access to antivirals for those eligible.

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here PRINT AND ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark salescareers@starnewsgroup.com.au

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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It was all smiles down at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute for the Australia Day community breakfast, finally back after three years. Organised by the Lions Club of Kyneton, with support from a range of fellow service organisations, the day was a huge success. Dennis Bertoncini of the Lions Club pulled together the whole show and said everyone was thrilled to “bring it back in again”. “We’ve missed out too much, we want everybody to enjoy themselves today, that’s the whole idea... have a nice free barbecue and enjoy,” he said. Lions Club member Alison Horley said it was a real community effort to bring the breakfast together. “A lot of the product is local, the local abattoirs give us the sausages and the bacon [or we pay] at a discounted price, everyone just comes and helps themselves and has a good time,” she said.

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1/ Kyneton Lions Club members Ken Porter, Alan McGhaughey, Martin Monk and John Condliffe. 2/ Lions Club members Len Young and organiser Dennis Bertoncini. 3/ Rob Scott and Macedon Ranges councillor Janet Pearce. 4/ Kyneton CFA members Nicolas Hanna, Royce Sharp, Captain Greg McIntyre, Cathryn Portelli, Siggy Thiner and Clive Brooks 5/ Kyneton Lions Club members Kris Potter, Kate Tripodi, Denise Bertoncini and Alison Horley. 6/ Breakfast attendees Terry Hood, Gwynne Organ, Ned Organ and Barry Gray. 7/ Charli Laity and her grandmother, Lynn Walker. 8/ David Taylor, Alfred Oparia, and at back, Raul Marquez, Sharlyn Ontong and Alberto Ontong. 9/ Joy Derricott, Joe Derricott and Peter Stone. 10/ The Zonta Club of Kyneton members Margaret Lynch, Sharona Smith, Ronda Walker, Sue Bruton and Karen Barr providing refreshments. 11/ Betty Armstrong and Lindsay Boyer enjoying the breakfast. 12/ Alan Harker, Bruce Tait, Barbara Guignard-Drieberg and Naomi Barry. 13/ The crowd at the Australia Day community breakfast. 12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

BEHIND THE NEWS

‘Life changing’ rare diagnosis More than 7000 rare diseases are currently known by experts worldwide. Fatima Halloum hears the challenges faced by sufferers, their families and professionals whose lives are affected by a rare disease. Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency

Elliott was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome when he was 14 months old.

Wyndham councillor Adele Hegedich wants people to know that for all intents and purposes, her family was completely normal before their lives were turned upside down ten years ago. “Rare disease can affect anyone at any time. That’s what happened to us,” she said. “We didn’t discover it until 2012, when my brother Eduardo had a hyperammonemic episode. As a result of that we were all genetically tested and that’s how we discovered mum and my sister also have it.” Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency affects the liver’s ability to create the enzymes that remove ammonia, more commonly known as waste, resulting in high levels of ammonia remaining in the body. “It’s something that they were all born with but they were what is known as adult late onset,” Adele explained. Because Adele’s family were unaware they carried the illness, doctors initially believed her brother’s episode was drug induced, and by the time he had been diagnosed, the elevated levels of ammonia had caused irreparable damage to his brain.

(Damjan Janevski) 266764_02

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Sometimes I think there’s a stigma attached, they’re not bad things, they’re just things we need to understand

’’

they found out and he had a lot of questions. He had to rethink everythin that he did.”

- Adele Hegedich

“It was almost four days before they were able to diagnose it and by then the damage had already been done,” she said. “Had we known that my brother was having a hyperammonemic episode, the doctors would have intervened earlier with medication. “As a result of his episode, he suffered a severe brain injury. He requires 24/7 care, and lives in specialist disability accommodation.” Adele says that one of the difficulties of the disorder, is how differently it can present between people who have the disease. “In my brother’s case he was very hyperactive, in my sister’s case, she suffered migraines and low mood, and mum, she’s got no symptoms,” Adele said. “People we’ve spoken to are in the same boat, they’ve only discovered it because one person had an episode and the rest of the family had been tested. “Unfortunately it’s the worst case scenario before people know that they have it.” Adele and her father were not found to carry the disorder, but she says she definitely believes that they have a responsibility to raise awareness about the life-changing disease. “Sometimes I think there’s a stigma attached, they’re not bad things, they’re just things we need to understand. It’s making it okay to talk about it rather than there being this negative stigma because it can happen to anyone at any time,” she said. Adele’s mother, Nancy, said that as a parent, she feels guilty about what her children have endured. “At 24 when he got diagnosed, he had a life ahead of him that was exceptional, now his life is changed,” Nancy said of her son. Nancy said she hopes people don’t feel frightened, but need to be made aware of the disorder. “I’ve been to so many doctors and said ‘my son has OTC’ and they look at me like I’ve come from space because they have no idea what they’re dealing with,” Nancy said. “There are rare diseases, and people just living in our community have got them.”

Angelman Syndrome

Left: Adele Hegedich’s family has been devastated by OTC. Her sister Leonora and brother Eduardo De Crescenzo are sufferers. Right: Catherine Kruljac spent much of her childhood in and out of hospital receiving treatment for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. (Damjan Janevski) 300521

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Most 11-year-olds wouldn’t know what Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia is, but when little Catherine Kruljac found out she had it, the Sunbury resident wasn’t surprised. The now 53-year-old had spent so much of her childhood in and out of hospital, the foreign-sounding words doctors often used were familiar to Catherine. “I had recurrent chest infections and I had half a lung removed when I was four,” she said. “It was constant exacerbations and having a cough, coughing up phlegm, which just sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? “I knew it was something I was going to have for the rest of my life.” Despite needing physiotherapy twice a day, requiring the use of a nebuliser to bring up all the phlegm and mucus that Catherine’s lungs couldn’t naturally filter, she still works full time. “People just think you’re normal, when you do cough people might think you’ve got a really bad cold, or you’ve got COVID so people give you odd looks,” she said.

“You have to explain to them, ‘I’m not infectious, you can’t catch what I’ve got’, not unless genetics can fly out and hit people in the face.” Ten years ago, during a stay in hospital, Catherine decided she wasn’t seeing the services that herself and other PCD sufferers needed and she became a founding member of PCD Australia. “I just wanted to have something that people could go to once they’re diagnosed, they know that there are other people out there going through the same thing as them, and they’re not having to walk that path alone,” she said. “It might not make it any easier, but at least they know they can check in with people or ask somebody something.” Catherine also hopes to help spread the word about PCD not only amongst the broader community, but medical professionals too. “There are a lot of people that haven’t been diagnosed that are walking around with a condition that some GPs are not aware of,” she said. “I came across someone who’s just joined our group and they were forty years old when

Six year-old Elliott is a cheeky, loving boy according to his mother, Chrissy Cimino. Even as a baby she said Elliott was very smiley and easy-going. “He was known to be the perfect baby. Everyone used to say ‘look how much he smiles’,” the Wollert mum said. “Aren’t babies meant to cry though?” By about six months of age, Chrissy said Elliott hadn’t hit his typical milestones. He couldn’t sit up and wasn’t able to hold himself up very well. “That’s when we started to ask questions. We took him to a paediatrician, who said he was fine he was just a ‘happy baby’ but by that time, he was ten months old and still not looking like other kids in my mother’s groups,” she said. “We did our own research and stumbled across Angelman Syndrome Association Australia which is the big major support and advocacy group. We watched the information video and we went ‘Oh my goodness, Elliot has Angelman Syndrome.” Elliott is missing a little part of his chromosome 15, which leaves him, and others with Angelman, with physical and intellectual issues, as well as severe epilepsy. People with the syndrome are also known to have a happy demeanour. “When he starts giggling, he’s makes you smile, he wins people over pretty quickly,” Chrissy said. “He helps you enjoy the finer things in life.” Chrissy hopes to normalise Angelman, so that it can be diagnosed more quickly in other children in the future. “It’s all about increasing awareness in the medical field. We were at the child and maternal health nurse quite frequently and they just didn’t know,” she said. “And listening to the parent’s concern, the mother’s gut is a strong thing. When we say ‘There’s something going on with my child’ to take it seriously.” ■

Continued: Page 14.

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

■

From page 13.

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You’re being told there’s nothing wrong with you, of course you think you’re going crazy. How can you diagnose this thing? You can’t see it

Elliott now goes to Glenroy Specialist School, he does occupational therapy and physical therapy and visits the children’s hospital often because of his complex severe epilepsy. “I feel as though the community has a long way to go when it comes to inclusion, it’s the simple things of accessibility,” she said. “Elliott’s now in a wheelchair, we’ve had it since October and I didn’t realise how out of my way I need to go. “The level of accessibility in our community is rather limited.”

Visual Snow Syndrome

’’

- Joanne Fielding

Associate Professor Joanne Fielding. (Hynesite Photography)

Using a highly advanced 7T MRI scanner, Joanne and a team of researchers have found a signature, a tiny detail that differs between people with the disorder and people without it.

12544962-AV15-22

Joanne Fielding doesn’t have a rare disease herself, but much of the associate professor’s time has been dedicated to researching Visual Snow Syndrome. People with the disorder see static, similar to what you would see on an old TV, flickering tiny dots that fill an individual’s entire visual field. Through Joanne’s research, 200 people with Visual Snow Syndrome have been tested but she says researchers are still at the beginning of finding out what the disorder is exactly, and how it is caused. “We see an unusual pattern of responses in people with Visual Snow Syndrome, that you don’t see with anybody else, demonstrating definitively that the brain is abnormal in the sense that there’s a change in function,” she said. “It’s that filtering mechanism that’s broken in effect, so the brain isn’t getting rid of what you’re seeing.”

14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

“It was simple changes. If I put up a suddenly appearing object in the visual field, somebody with visual snow responds to it more quickly, which is odd, considering that you’ve got snowy vision,” she said.

“If I’m asking you to not look at something popping up in your visual field, someone with visual snow has difficulty not looking at it.” Joanne says people with the disorder have varying levels of discomfort and anxiety about what they’re experiencing, which can be further worsened by a lack of awareness of the disorder by healthcare professionals. “Some people are very comfortable with it, they’ve had it all their lives and they have a curiosity, for other people it’s incredibly disabling,” she said. “You’re being told there’s nothing wrong with you, of course you think you’re going crazy. “How can you diagnose this thing? You can’t see it, you have a brain scan, you have your eyes tested, normal, normal, normal, so we’re looking for those very subtle changes. “There have been people that have said ‘this isn’t a thing, stop trying to scare people’ and that’s not what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to educate the medical community to say that if you see someone that’s reporting these symptoms, you reassure them that this is a thing.” As far as experts are aware, Visual Snow Syndrome won’t result in blindness, but “entirely crucial” funding needed to continue the research can be difficult to obtain. “It doesn’t progress, it doesn’t kill you, think about what we’re up against in terms of other diseases,” she said. Joanne says the team is always collecting data, and individuals who have the disorder can assist by completing surveys or participating in MRI studies run in Melbourne. Details: visual.snow@monash.edu

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Cuppa and craft Share or learn a craft over a cuppa at this social group for adults. Wednesdays, 10am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Woodend repair cafe Catch the Woodend Repair Cafe on Saturday, February 4, from 9am to 1pm. The cafe happens on the first Saturday of each month, to coincide with the Woodend Farmer’s Market. Head along and enjoy a cup of tea while the fix-it team mends your household items. They’ll help with general repairs, hand sewing, furniture and wood items, toy repairs and sharpening. Woodend Neighbourhood House, 47 Forest Street, Woodend.

Music and Singalong Bring your instrument or your voice to a social group for adults. Songs with lyrics and chords can be viewed on the big screen, all skill sets welcome. Wednesdays 9am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury. ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Sunbury Police Community Register Volunteer for the Sunbury Police Community Register. Formed in 2010 as a result of the 2009 Black Friday bushfires in Victoria, the group’s mission is to make regular contact, and provide reassurance and wellbeing checks to elderly or vulnerable residents living in the Sunbury area, including those without friends or relatives. Volunteers head to the Sunbury Police Station to chat with clients. ■ 9744 8111

Breast cancer support group On the first and third Tuesday of the month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group. There they discuss experiences, find connections and improve mental health. ■ Lesley, 0484 691 226

Village connect A new service for older people and carers provided by Macedon Ranges council for residents over 55 years old to stay socially connected, chat with others in the community and enjoy some free coffee and cake. Happening on Tuesdays and Thursday at cafes across the municipality, there’s sure to be one near you. ■ https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262

Arts and games night Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre as part of an art and games night each Wednesday at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 3.30- 5.30pm. There’s a range of arts and crafts to try, and if art isn’t your thing, there’s a wide variety of games. The program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old and is free. It’s at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

Carer connect chat Are you caring for someone close to you? Go and connect with other carers in your local area, share a light lunch, have a chat at noon on the first Wednesday of the month. Head to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton. ■ 0491 174 550, or email rebecca.lees@scchc.org.au

Getting ready for the Pacifika Festial was 5-year-old Liahona, and organisers Tonya Toi, Vicki Kinai and Jone Temo at the Tarneit community garden. (Damjan Janevski) 316428_01

a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday. 7-9.30pm. Both groups rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, 11 Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required, just bring your love of music. ■ harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus Visit or become a new member of the Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club, gathering on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Football Club at 10am. Enjoy outings and meetings each month with a friendly group of men and women, and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. ■ Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 9746 3402

Craft and conversation If you’re a passionate crafter and want some company, why not head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older. ■ https://bit.ly/39BIu2O

Chill Out Sunbury Are you between 12 and 18 years old and want to engage with other young people, participate in activities such as trivia, games, art, music, competitions, personal development and more? Chill Out Sunbury is for you. It’s free and happens every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street. ■ https://bit.ly/3lmVgVh

The chats take place every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30am at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon. ■ Carol, 0431 186 575

and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Family History and Heritage Society

Sunbury Seniors

If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and even your own family history, why not check out the Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society, meeting at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury. ■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Sunbury Seniors meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury, from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat. If you’re 55 or older and would like to make some new friends. ■ 0434 400 754

Ladies probus

Probus Club Of Sunbury

The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45 am. The club is based on fun, friendship and fellowship and enjoys monthly outings, an annual trip away and a lot of fun meetings. ■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Football club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to all retired and semi-retired men. Enjoy morning tea and a guest speaker. Visitors and new members are welcome with a number of great events held each month. ■ Greg, 0417 593 035

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms. The friendly group of women enjoy outings, film mornings, speakers and presenters, as well as special events like holidays and bus trips. New members are warmly welcomed. ■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club Get involved with a welcoming, fun, social group of women who have spread the word of ladies badminton since 1999. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am-noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm at Eric Boardman Stadium, Wilsons Lane. ■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

Sunbury Combined Probus Club Rotary club The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club from 7pm. ■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am. ■ Carmel, 0416 477 271

Toastmasters HarmoniX Vocal Company

Come have a chat

Get involved with an all-male, auditioned singing group happening on Thursday, 79.30pm in Sunbury. The group is inviting new members to join. The group also has

Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. The key theme for the coming months will be kindness.

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

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16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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10 What is the main ingredient in Vegemite? ANSWERS: 1. Kabul 2. Sanskrit 3. Amsterdam 4. Lawyer 5. Mars 6. The Colosseum 7. Flambé 8. Google 9. The Pyramid of Giza 10. Yeast extract

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Year five pupils Ava and Clara with physical education teacher Kathryn McIntosh. (Damjan Janevski) O’Beirne, principal 298664_03 Krystine Hocking and Healthy Kids Advisor Christie

The pupils at Sunbury ’s Holy Trinity Catholic Primary are learning all about making meaningful changes to their food and drink choices , healthy habits for life. to help build Stephanie Alexander Foundation’s Healthy Kitchen Garden Kids Advisors have teamed up with state Vic Kids Eat Well moveme government’s nt to teach the philosophies of pleasurable food education. The Vic Kids Eat Well movement is a fresh opportunity for to the guidance of a schools to look health promoter like Hume’s Christie McIntosh to inspire children to make healthy create healthier environmchoices and be on board until 2024. ents – she will After the school signed up to Vic Kids Eat Well, Ms McIntos h participate in a health was invited to and physical education day expo, where children to make healthy she taught afternoon snacks like rice paper rolls. “Empowering children to choose their own vegetables and be hands on with preparing their food shows them what they are capable of,” she said.

Plan for airport ap proved

By Elsie Lange

The federal governm ent Melbourne Airport Master has approved the Plan, but was firm in saying it has yet to give approval to the development plan of a proposed third runway, citing residential noise concerns. Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King approved the master plan on Monday, November 14. “Today’s approval does not indicate an approval of the future Plan for the proposed Major Development third a separate process subject runway, which is to assessment on its own merits against the requirements of the [Airports Act 1996],” Ms King said.

“As expected, many communities surround members of the Melbourne Airport to continue to provide ing the airport have made representations and third runway to explore noise and health regarding their views the governm measures to minimis on impacts. Melbourne Airport’ e Airport chief executiv ent. s proposed north-so e Lorie Argus said uth third runway project Cr Haweil said the and the impacts it will proposed north-south the updated master plan outlined a long have on their homes runway would impact term and lives. less residents than the vision for Melbourne Airport. “In providing today’s previously proposed “Key to this is construc east-wes approva t runway. l, I have indicated my concerns “Council has not seen which will improve the tion of a third runway, regarding some plan the approved master efficiency of the airfield aspects of the proposa by at this stage,” he said. introducing parallel l operations, while also to the existing runways – including changes “Council will continue allowing the airport and noise sharing and to cater for increase to advocate for mitigation arrangem Melbourne Airport and d ents.” the federal government demand,” Ms Argus said. Ms King said managem to meaningfully listen “Alongside the 2022 and respond to both ent of residents’ concerns would be an developing a sustaina Master Plan we are important consideration ours and our community’s submissions bility strategy, with in during the assessment a of the development plan, future assessment of the Major Develop the commitment to net zero (Scope 1 and 2) by expected to be submitte ment 2025, work Plan for the third runway.” under way on Scope d in early 2023. 3 emission Hume mayor Joseph A statemen reductio s n and a commitm t from Melbourne Airport ent to circular said it supported the proposed Haweil said council welcomed the approva l of the master plan, and economy principles including on runway, but asked it now plans to submit major infrastructure.” its proposal to build the ADVERTISEMENT

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Hyundai Sonata 2015 - 2021 USED CAR CHECKOUT By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring The Hyundai Sonata dates all way back to 1993 in Australia, in this Checkout we are looking at those imported from February 2015. This generation Sonata had Australian suspension development by a team that worked in the outback as well as cities. It’s not a sports sedan, nor was it ever intended to be, but if you enjoy driving you will find it pretty enjoyable to punt along reasonably hard. These medium-large South Korean cars are sold only as four-door sedans. They can seat five adults, but two grown-ups and three juniors make a lot more sense for Australia owners. Boot space is good as they have front-wheel drive, so don’t have a differential stealing space under the rear floor. All models in the period we are covering are four-cylinder petrol units, with capacities of 2.0 and 2.4 litres. The smaller unit is sold in non-turbo and turbocharged format and we reckon the turbo is the preferred option if you like to drive. Quality of build is right up with the global best these days and Hyundai can even show a thing or two to some of the Europeans. There are plenty of dealers throughout Australia. These are chiefly in the major cities, but there are quite a few in country cities and town, though metro areas are its biggest market. Spare parts and servicing costs are about average for this market segment. We’ve heard of no ongoing complaints about parts availability. A good amateur mechanic can do a fair bit of their own work. Go to professionals for anything that will affect safety, though. Insurance is also in the mid-range brackets, with no major changes in premium charges

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata and, below, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata hybrid. (Pictures: Supplied)

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line.

from company to company. As always, shop around but make sure you’re doing accurate comparisons.

What to look for Check that the engine normally starts promptly and is reasonably smooth even when cold. If not, call for a professional inspection. Automatic transmissions which are slow to go into gear or which have harsh shifts may be due for an expensive overhaul. Manual gearboxes don’t have the smoothest of actions but if you think it’s too bad get a

professional inspection. Be sure the brakes pull the car up evenly and don’t grab at any one wheel. Check the interiors and boots as some cars in this class get a hard workout from families with young children.

How much? Expect to pay from $8000 to $12,000 for a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Active; $10,000 to $16,000 for a 2016 Elite; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2017 Premium; $17,000 to $24,000 for a 202 Active; $18,000 to $25,000 for a 2018 Premium; $23,000

to $30,000 for a 2020 Premium; and $34,000 to $46,000 for a 2021 N Line.

Car buying tip Keep an eye out for news on new model cars being introduced. This can lead to many older ones being traded in. Dealers may have too many of them and run of space in their yards so reduce prices to sell them. RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/ products/transport/cars/

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SUV in step with hybrid energy By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring With electric vehicles making landfall Down Under like lightning strikes in a tropical summer storm, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid stands out from the deluge, being one of the few family-size sports utility vehicles to take up EV status. It’s not the ‘Full Monty’ electric model but retains in tandem an internal combustion power plant. Until recently the only seven-seater SUV hybridised was the Toyota Kluger. Now the Santa Fe joins the Kia Sorento hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid in adding to the mix. No plug-in hybrid here, with its interminable search for external charging points, the Santa Fe hybrid has the brains to charge its lithium-ion battery through conversion of kinetic energy while working in conjunction with the petrol engine and regen brakes when on the move. Available only as upper-crust Elite and Highlander variants, the hybrid is kitted out essentially like its petrol- and diesel-powered cousins. However, an electric shock comes in the price differences – a high voltage $6500 over the petrol and $3000 the diesel, which equates to $63,000 for the Elite and $69,550 for the Highlander, the test vehicle, without on-road costs. Both are seven-seaters but can be reconfigured as a six-seater with two captain’s chairs in the second row instead of the bench. With seven seats, the third row is fit only for littlies’ use in comfort, although it does have its own air-con.

Switched on . . . the Santa Fe has taken on petrol / electric hybrid guise with Elite and Highlander models. (Pictures: Supplied)

Interior With the Hybrid in the higher-grade Elite and Highlander corner, the interior has a classy look and feel, with Nappa leather in the latter and other quality materials shared. An option for the Hybrid is six seats, in which the second-row bench is replaced with a pair of captain’s chairs. With seven seats, the third row is fit only for littlies’ use with comfort. Head room is restricted by the intrusion of the sun roof workings. The boot has a spot for a full-size spare wheel under a flat cargo area with third row folded, there’s room for family shopping or a stroller. With five seats in use there is up to 782 litres on offer. A power tailgate takes away the trauma of loading in the rain.

Styling

Infotainment

What’s new? Not much. A major facelift three years ago saw the Santa Fe put on a fresh face and interior. The new Hybrid differs from the petrol and diesel versions only in the wheels – smaller 19-inch alloys with different design here – said to be more aerodynamic and save fuel. The shapely Santa Fe exterior is well known for its so-called cascading grille, which in the Hybrid case covers a yawning chasm of a radiator. In profile, looks are toned down a tad in readiness for a robust, yet shapely rear.

There’s a configurable 10.2-inch instrument display, which features a digital energy meter and a 12.3-inch infotainment dash-mounted touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and digital radio. A 10-speaker Harman / kardon premium audio is standard.

Engines / transmissions Under the bonnet a 1.6 litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine with a combined output of 169 kW and 350 Nm are hitched up to a six-speed automatic transmission and

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

AT A GLANCE

monitor and reverse automatic emergency braking.

MODEL RANGE Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite $63,000 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander $69,550 SPECIFICATIONS Santa Fe Highlander 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder petrol, 44.2 kW electric motor, 6sp automatic, AWD

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

all-wheel drive. While this compares favourably with petrol and diesel performance, when it comes to towing, the hybrid is left behind with 1650 kg to the internal-combustion pair with 2500 kg.

Safety The Santa Fe Hybrid comes with all the latest safety systems from Hyundai. These include automatic emergency braking, which operates at intersections, blind-spot warning, lane keeping assist, rear- cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert automatic high-beam head lamps and adaptive cruise control. The Hybrid Highlander also takes on 360-degree surround-view camera, blind spot

Driving At a whisker less than 4.8 metres long, the Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander is on the cusp of bursting out of the mid-size SUV mob into the big time. However, a well-sorted suspension and responsive steering come up with relaxed ride and handling. Off the mark, there’s more than a hint of sporty performance, while a centre console dial is in charge of driving modes from Eco to Smart to sand, snow or other obstacles thrown up of road. In a fraction of more than 400 kilometres of mixed urban / highway going the Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander recorded fuel consumption of 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres, in line with the claimed 6 litres per 100 kays. More buttons than the pantomime Cinderella’s eponymous family servant, known for having rows of gilt buttons down the front of his tunic, the floating centre console controls offered up a few missteps. However, familiarity came with repeated use.

Summary Not exactly early adopters, Santa Fe Hybrid buyers get the latest in hybrid technology at a price. But what’s new about bidding for a pollution-free climate.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Jets sign up USA import

Melton and Melton South play each other in round one.

(Joe Mastroianni). 275568_03

BFL’s Good Friday start A local derby is the highlight of a big opening round in the Ballarat Football Netball League. The league revealed last week that the season will start on Good Friday with standalone matches between Redan and Lake Wendouree. In football, the match marks the return of Gary Learmonth to coaching in the league, having been appointed Redan’s coach. For the eastern clubs, the action starts the following week on April 15, with the Melton and Melton South clash on the agenda. The Bloods, the reigning football premiers, will host the Panthers, in the matches both

clubs look forward to most. Darley will be on the road the first seven rounds due to the redevelopment at Darley Park, and will start its season against Ballarat. Bacchus Marsh also makes the trip up the freeway in round one, taking on Sebastopol. The Sunbury Lions will start their season at home, taking on North Ballarat at Clarke Reserve. The Lions then face the two Melton teams the next two rounds. Local rivals Darley and Bacchus Marsh will face each other twice, with the first of those matches in round two.

The football grand final rematch between Melton and Sebastopol will be played in round three and the netball grand final rematch between Darley and North Ballarat will be played in round nine. There are no matches on the Queen’s Birthday weekend, while July 1 has been left free for senior interleague, which returns this season. Finals are scheduled to start the weekend of September 2, with the grand final to be held September 29.

The Sunbury Jets have announced their first new signing for the Big V state championship season. The Jets have announced a number of re-signings in recent months for both their men’s and women’s program. The Jets announced last week that Jordan Dickerson was joining the men’s side. The Jets said on social media that Dickerson would bring another level to the club’s program on both ends of the floor. The American spent one year of college basketball at SMU and three years at Penn State, before going undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft. Since then he has played for Bashkimi Prizren before playing in the Greek Basketball League. Dickerson has been trying to invigorate his basketball career after having a few gaps in his career. He came out to Australia with Vindicated Sports-International late last year, playing a number of matches including against the Craigieburn Eagles. Speaking of Vindicated Sports social media, Dickerson said coming out to Australia reviatlised him in terms of his basketball. “Having a chance to be out here playing with guys and being overseas, playing with guys from all over the world… It’s been an overall wonderful experience.” Dickerson joins Ish Sanders, Nathan Marshall, Trevor Clayton and Max Barkeley who have all recommitted.

SPORTS QUIZ 1. In which year did Stefanos Tsitsipas defeat tennis great Roger Federer in a shocking upset at the Australian Open?

4. True or false: Ronda Rousey in an Olympic bronze medallist?

14. The NFL team Buffalo Bills are based in which US state?

5. What nationality is F1 racer Alexander Albon?

2. Which team was Collingwood star Brodie Grundy traded to in the off-season?

6. Who won the 2016 Super Bowl?

15. Before competing in 2023, how many times has Victoria Azarenka won the Australian Open women’s singles title?

3. Former Manly Sea Eagles star Martin Taupau will play for which NRL team in 2023?

8. At what time did the mammoth five-set match between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis end at this years’ Australian Open?

7. Which AFLW star recently announced her retirement?

9. Which former WWE champion has a leading role in M. Night Shyamalan’s 2023 horror film, Knock at the Cabin? 10. Which UFC athlete goes by the nickname ‘The Baddy’? 11. What is the nickname of the NBL team based in South East Melbourne? 12. What is the name of the recent Netflix tennis documentary series? 13. Ash Gardner represents Australia in which sport? Stefanos Tsitsipas

Ronda Rousey

16. Former Western Bulldogs star Lachie Hunt will play for which AFL team in 2023? 17. Which cricket star was recently involved in a public altercation in Noosa with Karl Stefanovic? 18. Dwight Yorke recently ended his tenure as coach of which A-League team? 19. In what year did the first AFL Women’s season take place?

22. Which A-League team rivalry is known as ‘The Big Blue’? 23. Which 224cm NBA basketballer played a hitman in the film John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum? 24. Bronson Xerri is set to return to the NRL with which club?

20. How many nations participated in the first modern Olympics in 1896?

25. Which Australian former tennis professional is the youngest to win the Australian Open men’s singles title?

21. Jack Ziebell stepped down after six seasons as captain of which AFL club?

26. Football commentator Rex Hunt played a total of 202 games for which three VFL/AFL clubs?

27. Which Swiss former tennis professional is the youngest to win the Australian Open women’s singles title? 28. Which two NFL teams are set to play off in the 2023 AFC Championship game? 29. Which Barbados-born performer is set to headline the halftime show at Super Bowl LVII? 30. Which two NFL teams are set to play off in the 2023 NFC Championship game?

1. 2019 2. Melbourne Demons 3. Brisbane Broncos 4. True (2008 Summer Olympics) 5. Thai-British 6. Denver Broncos 7. Daisy Pierce 8. 4am 9. Dave Bautista 10. Patrick ‘Paddy’ Pimblett 11. Phoenix 12. Break Point 13. Cricket 14. New York 15. Twice (2012, 2013) 16. Melbourne 17. Michael Clarke 18. Macarthur FC 19. 2017 20. 14 21. North Melbourne 22. Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory 23. Boban Marjanovic 24. CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs 25. Ken Rosewall (18 years and 2 months, in 1953) 26. Richmond, Geelong and St Kilda 27. Martina Hingis (16 years and 4 months, in 1997) 28. Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals 29. Rihanna 30. Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

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Sunbury bats fail again as finals pressure builds Sunbury will be hoping its bowling attack is at its best this Saturday as it tries to keep its finals hopes alive in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3. For a second straight round since the return of two-day cricket, the Roar has been bowled out on day one of the match, for a below par score. On Saturday, it was against second-placed Grand United. The Gorillas, who made last season’s grand final series, have sat on top for most of the season. The Roar started its inning solidly, getting to 27 without losing a wicket. The wickets then started to fall. The side would go from 3-84 to 8-96 as the middle order collapsed. The Roar was eventually bowled out for 125 in the 64th over. Paul Webber top scored with 20. Roar president Brendan Doyle said they had expected a bit bigger total on the board. “Obviously a few players got starts,” he said. “I was told by the opposition president that it was a bit of a road, so I expected to get a

Sajith Kalumpriya

(Jacob Pattison)314678_01

few higher scores. “It was a bit disappointing with the bat.” Not for the first time in recent seasons, the Roar bowling attack has kept them in the game. The Gorillas finished the day at 4-36 off 12 overs. Doyle said obviously there was a bit in the

pitch considering the amount of wickets that fell. Jason McGann took 2-8 off his five overs to be the pick of the bowlers in that short stint. Doyle said they expected nothing less of McGann who had won his side a number of matches over the years.

Doyle said they were still confident that they could come away with the points. “It’s the first time we’ve met them this year and we have them four down,” he said. “They are top for a reason. “We have faith in our bowling attack and are quite hopeful to get the six wickets we need.” A win is important for the Roar and its finals hopes. The side sits in fith spot, nine points outside the top four. Doyle said they just have to keep winning. “Our destiny is in our own hands,” he said. “We can not rely on other results. If Saturday’s game goes our way we have a favourable draw. “We have to win our next three games to get into the finals.” Doyle said things were going well across the club. The second XI has already claimed first innings points in their two-day match. The club’s inaugural under-18 turf side sits second on the ladder, with plenty of interest to play in the side, not only from Sunbury. Tara Murray

Sports shorts VTCA Sunbury will face Jacana as it aims to keep its Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 campaign alive. The VTCA announced the next round of the competition which starts on February 2. Teams are in groups of four for this stage of the competition, with each match a knockout match. In region 1, Haig Fawkner faces St Francis de Sales and Yarraville Club plays Point Cook. In region 2, Deer Park plays Sunshine and Sydenham-Hillside plays the Druids, while in region 3 its PEGS vs West Coburg and Jacana against Sunbury. In region 4, Sanctuary Lakes will play Maribyrnong Park St Marys and Werribee Centrals will host Gellibrand.

GDCA

Riddell’s Harry Fisher.

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Riddell sneaks home

Mick Allen made the most of his time at the crease as he guided Gisborne to a big win against Romsey in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup on Saturday. Having had limited chances with the bat so far this season, Allen made 120 as the Dragons made 9-305 in reply to the Redbacks 134. In other results, Rupertswood beat East Sunbury, Bacchus Marsh snuck home against Wallan, Bacchus Marsh claimed an outright win against the Sunbury Kangaroos and Sunbury United beat Wallan.

GDCA By Tara Murray Riddell has been testing the nerves in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield. Ater a tie in its previous match with Gisborne, the Bombers’ two-day match with Aintree went down to the final ball. Bombers captain-coach Heath Brown said that Aintree needed eight or nine off the final over and then three of the final ball. Brenton Stancombe had the job and was able to hold his nerve, getting a wicket off the final ball and bowling Aintree out. Brown said he didn’t think they had enough runs on the board, having made 9-321 on day one of the match. James Taylor was the star of that innings, making 106. “I didn’t think 300 was enough, it’s a batters game at the moment with dry and hard grounds,” he said. “I was nervous, but we were able to take our chances and they came off. Aintree laid on the ground for 20 minutes ater the game,

disappointed with the result.” Brown said the key for them on the weekend was finally having options to select in their top side. He said they’ve struggled to have everyone available every week. “It’s the first game in three years we’ve been able to have 14 first XI players to select from, which was good,” he said. “Next week we’ve got two of our top three batsmen away and we won’t have a full side. “With work and families, people haven’t got that commitment.” The win keeps the Bombers in finals contention. Less than six points separates fourth down to ninth. Only Gisborne is out of finals contention with three rounds remaining. The Bombers have a tough run home, starting with a Saturday-Sunday match against Macedon this week. “If we win two of the last three games, we should make the finals,” he said. “We just beat a top four side and kicked them out of the top four and now we play another top four side.”

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

In other matches, Eynesbury beat Gisborne in a high scoring match. The Eagles made 6-351 on day one of the match on the back of 171 from Tristian Francis and 128 not out from Brandon Shearson. The Dragons had plenty of balls to make the runs, but were bowled out for 300. Jacob Murphy made 99. Macedon got across the line against Kyneton in a battle between two top four sides. The Tigers had made 233 on day one of the clash, with the Cats passing the total six wickets down. They batted on, finishing 8-249. Daniel Trotta top scored with 74 not out. Louis Thompson took three wickets for the Tigers. Kilmore was too strong for Sunbury United. Having made 211, Kilmore then bowled United out for 173. Bacchus Marsh had a big win in the other match against Romsey. Romsey had made 162 on day one of the match, with the Bulls making 9-219 in reply.

Hanging Rock’s good form continued in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield The ladder leading Heelers beat Blackwood outright. Having made 6-283, the Heelers then bowled Blackwood out for 128 and then 113 to claim full points. Rupertswood also claimed an outright win against the Sunbury Kangaroos. Diggers Rest Bulla, St Anthonys and Bacchus Marsh were the other winners.

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Club Sunbury glad to be back on the winners list Club Sunbury is back on the winners list for the first time in five rounds in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 1, section 1, but it wasn’t without a fight. Dandenong Club pushed Club Sunbury all the way, with the match going down to the final ends. Despite winning just one rink, Club Sunbury got the overall win, 84 (12)-79 (6). Club Sunbury’s David Glennon said there was some relief to be back on the winners list. “They were concerned about the heat and the game was moved to a 10.30am start,” he said. “It was a great game and a real rollercoaster. It was up and down all day and really close. Club Sunbury managed to pull away towards the end.” Sebastian Pretty’s rink was the only winner for Club Sunbury winning, 30-14. Marc Bullows and Mark Cowan both suffered one shot losses, 21-20 apiece, while Lee Wesley lost

23-14. Glennon said Pretty had a really good day along with Danny and Akasha Fortune, who were both in Pretty’s rink. He said Marc Bullows was again a standout, keeping his rink in it all day. The win consolidated Club Sunbury in second spot on 138. Lilydale is the runaway leader, 36 points ahead of Club Sunbury. Just four points separates third down to sixth. Glennon said with that chasing pack, every result was important in the run home. “We still sit 18 to 20 points ahead of them,” he said. “We have two very tough games this week. “Had Club Sunbury lost on the weekend, the closing pack would have closed in on us. “Anyone can beat anyone.” Club Sunbury has a double header this weekend. It faces Bundoora RSL on Saturday and

Blackburn on Sunday, with the two sides sitting fourth and fifth respectively. There’s two rounds left for Club Sunbury’s other sides. Glennon said they could have three or four of those sides make finals. Meanwhile in the Central Highlands Bowls Division top flight, it was another round with plenty of close matches. Lancefield snuck home against Gisborne by one shot, winning 58 (14)-57 (2). Trentham won a thriller against Broadford, winning 61 (13)-59 (3). Romsey claimed all the points against Kilmore, winning 73 (16)-44 (0), while Kyneton Golf won the local derby against Kyneton, 77 (12)-50 (4). Romsey remains the runaway leader after 11 rounds, sitting 30 points clear of Lancefield. Gisborne and Kyneton Golf round out the top four. Tara Murray

Akasha Fortune.

(Damjan Janevski) 254960_05

Duff-Tytler earns state selection

Carl Valeri is looking forward to this season with Gisborne.

(AAP Image/Julian Smith)

Junior focus for Blues By Tara Murray The future will be on show for Gisborne this year in the FV state league 4 west season. It will be a different looking Sky Blues, with the club’s focus on ensuring a pathway for the juniors coming to fruition quicker than expected. Speaking last week, Sky Blues president Carl Valeri said it had been a pretty exciting off season for the club. “We’ve had a lot of changes,” he said. “Change always brings lots of obstacles. “The objective for us is to become a pathway club and create some opportunities for the junior players, the younger players. “It’s come to fruition a lot quicker than expected.” The club announced on Saturday, that Valeri would also coach the men’s side, replacing Glen Bristow, who had been appointed to replace Danny Moore who departed after the season. Mick Spasojevic, who took the under-17 boys side to the finals in 2022, will be Valeri’s assistant coach. Valeri said there had been some turnover in

the playing group. “A lot of older players decided to step away or have left to play at other clubs,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for the young players. “We’ve had 18 of our under-17s step up. It was amazing to see and everyone had a smile on their face [after our first practice match].” Valeri said they had a nice mix of youth and experience in the side, an opportunity he wished he had growing up. The playing group will get to play with one of the best, with Valeri said before the coaching announcement that he was pulling back on the boots as well. Valeri, who played 52 games for the Socceroos, retired from professional soccer in 2019 and last played for Dandenong City in that year too. “I’ve pulled back on the boots,” he said. “It’s more of the leadership role in the team and helping guide those youngsters. It’s going to be hard work, my wife keeps pointing out that I’m closing in on 40.” Valeri said they were still looking for more players to join the team for next season. After coming off their best ever finish, Valeri

said the focus this season was improving each week. “What we have created is unique and happened so quickly,” he said. “The focus is on performance and creating an environment which is competitive, which is amazing and there’s that youthful intensity. “Good performance relates to results. The aim is to play well and if we can do that, more often and not it will relate to results.” The Sky Blues women’s program is also growing, with the club hoping to have two women’s sides for the first time. The side also has a new coach with Tony Ivanov taking over the coaching role. “It’s a very exciting space,” he said. “We’re close to having two teams in that competition. “We’ll have a state league 3 team after winning a championship last year. We’ll look to have a state league 5 side, we’ve had so much interest in the senior women’s department. “We’ve got a head coach and assistant coach for the first time. Tony ?? played in the old NSL [National Soccer League] and has coached more than 20 years. “The environment is great and growing week by week.”

Woodend’s Cooper Duff-Tytler has earned a second straight selection to represent Victoria Country at the national basketball championships. After captaining the under-16 Victoria Country boys side last year, Duff-Tytler has been selected in the under-18 Victoria Country team this year. Having played representative basketball with the Sunbury Jets, Duff-Tytler now plays with Keilor Thunder. He’s also a talented footballer, having represented his state last year as well. He was one of a number of Keilor Thunder players to be named in the state teams for the championships, which are in April. In the under-18 country women’s side, Jelena Savic has been selected in the squad. Savic has come through the junior ranks at the Thunder. Thunder’s Sa Pilimai has been named in the under-18 Vic Country side, while Erinn McAlary has been named as an emergency as the under-18 Victoria metro side. High Performance general manager Grant Wallace said the regular calendar of play and preparation plus recent stellar performances at the East Coast Challenge and Country Cup has determined a high calibre group of athletes to be selected from. “After an extensive process and a jam-packed start to the high-performance program in 2023 – it’s a good problem to have so many athletes pushing each other and being supportive during the recent tournaments,” he said. “You could see the sense of urgency and passion from the players, and it was an extremely difficult task to finalise the teams.”

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 23

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