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Brush work A local artist is inviting residents to attend her first free solo art exhibition, exploring connection to nature, and how COVID-19 triggered a personal change. Lancefield artist Sharon Pappas is holding the exhibition at Double Oaks Winery in Lancefield from November 24 to 26. The exhibition will include oil paintings and Sharon’s journey connecting with the land. “I grew up on a farm in Queensland… [and] during the pandemic when we all worked from home I was living in a small apartment and decided to move to Lancefield,” she said. “When we moved out here I felt at peace and like I was back where I belong. Being back in the country ignited my desire to paint again. “When I look back on the pandemic I’m going to think it was one of the best times in my life. I’m pretty unique and lucky, that pandemic experience for me had a lot of silver linings.” Sharon will be doing demonstrations on the weekend, and said anyone who loves art should attend. Details: www.trybooking.com/CLMIP Artist Sharon Pappas at her studio (Damjan Janevski). 365503_05

Hope fades on buses By Zoe Moffatt A Hume councillor has criticised correspondence from the previous Minister for Public Transport, offering to get him a road map, amid ongoing pushes for an airport bus route. At a meeting on October 23, Cr Jack Medcraft spoke passionately about the correspondence, questioning whether those who penned the letters went to the ‘B.S school’ in Melbourne. “I find it very invigorating as to how public servants can write letters,” he said. “They must go to the B.S school in Melbourne to learn how to put a letter together to totally confuse the issue [and] paint the picture that it’s fantastic.”

Then Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll sent a letter to Hume council on September 5, saying there were improvements to bus services on the way, including a new bus route linking Diggers Rest to Sunbury. Cr Medcraft questioned why a new bus route would be needed linking the two towns. “You can get the train to Diggers Rest to get to Sunbury, you don’t need a bus,” he said. “I’ve been asking for how many years for a bus from Melbourne Airport to get to Sunbury and Diggers Rest, and back. “Somehow he must have got his map wrong, so I’ll have to let him know there is a station at Diggers Rest and you can catch a train and it does stop at

Sunbury.” Sunbury resident Matthew McKay, who launched a petition on August 28 for an improved bus service, said he was disappointed in the correspondence and lack of advocacy from Sunbury MP Josh Bull. “I was disappointed [in Mr Carroll’s response], I think it did not respond to the request of council and instead deflected the attention onto other things that were irrelevant,” he said. “I feel unseen and unheard, we elect our elected officials in all levels of government to represent us and I understand things can’t change in the blink of an eye. It’s the advocacy that I expect from

those I elect that has gone missing, particularly in Josh Bull. “I voted for him [and] I understand it’s not his role to fix it but I expect more advocacy.” Mr Bull said the government has invested significantly in services and infrastructure. “As the local member I advocate strongly and work with the entire community whilst priding myself on being accountable, transparent, accessible and available,” he said. “Our government has begun rolling out electric buses in Sunbury, we are upgrading the Sunbury bus interchange, adding an additional service, as well as constantly working DTP to provide a service that matches community demand.” Mr Carroll was contacted for comment.

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New mayor’s plans for the future By Gerald Lynch After seven years as a councillor, Naim Kurt was elected mayor by his Hume Council colleagues on Wednesday, November 1. Councillor Kurt was elected to council in 2016, and served a term as deputy mayor in 2018-19. Councillor Karen Sherry will remain as deputy mayor for a second straight year. The new mayor wasted no time celebrating his appointment, outlining plans for the year ahead. Cr Kurt said he understands the diverse nature of Hume, and that a one size fits all approach is not suitable for the area.

“I’ll work with council to ensure we provide the right support for our communities that suit their history, context, and needs,” he said. “I plan to lead our council with good governance, with local people at the forefront of every decision made.” As previously reported by Star Weekly, Cr Kurt stood down from his role as a councillor in 2020 for two months due to inappropriate comments about work and council issues. Cr Kurt expressed his gratitude to the community and council for affording him a second chance, and said he is looking forward to proving himself.

“There isn’t a person here who hasn’t made a mistake, and this council has never been one to let that hold someone back from stepping up and leading,” he said. “Things have happened in the past that I’m not proud of. I was sorry. It affected my colleagues here, and I apologised. “I have tried to put my best foot forward everyday, and repair those relationships on a personal and professional level.” A number of councillors stood to congratulate Cr Kurt on his appointment, including Cr Carly Moore, who said she was excited to see him step up into the role.

“As a councillor I know you work hard, you understand the role council plays in the community and you are accessible and very responsive,” she said. Deputy mayor Cr Sherry said she looked forward to working with the new mayor, and thanked her colleagues for the opportunity to help lead in the final year of the council term. “I’m excited to be part of the fantastic work we will do this year,” she said. “I’m particularly looking forward to more urban planning, and stamping Broadmeadows as a Metropolitan Activity Centre, preventing it from lagging behind other bustling activity centres in Melbourne.”

Romsey Hotel gaming bid

Belinda Shipp with her cat Ragnar, a Maine Coon breed. (Damjan Janevski) 368125_05

Sunbury’s favourite feline friend Move over Axle, the fidget spinning staffy, there’s a new cat in town. Sunbury’s favourite Staffordshire terrier, who went viral for balancing a moving fidget spinner on each of his nose and front paws, has welcomed a new Maine Coon kitten brother to Sunbury. The seven month kitten named Ragnar, has had the community wrapped around his paws since becoming a local at the Brown Cow Cafe. Owner Belinda Shipp said the community has been asking when Ragnar will be there so they can meet him, as they’ve never seen a cat like him.

“Ragnar travels in his own backpack that we carry, and he goes everywhere with us,” Ms Shipp said. “[The community has] never seen anyone take a cat out the way we do, especially a cat that just sits there and isn’t scared of anything or anyone. “He is with an agency as well for TV work, but as he’s just seven months he hasn’t been in one yet. I’ve always did it with Axle, I found it enjoyable [and] it made people smile.” Ms Shipp said Ragnar loves joining herself and her husband on hikes, and while he only weighs 4.6 kilograms now, he is expected to

triple in weight. “We like to go camping and hiking and a lot of outdoor stuff and he was the perfect breed to get because you can teach them, Maine Coons are very smart. “He’ll grow very big, his dad is 10 kilograms, so he’ll range between 12 and 14 kilograms and he’s already a metre long head to tail. “My husband usually carries the backpack… and when he outgrows that, I’m sure we’ll move onto cat pram.” TikTok: @axle_freya_ragnar Instagram: ragnar.3k Zoe Moffatt

Romsey could become a town with a pub once again. A pub with 50 gaming machines. Romsey Football Netball Club Inc applied to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for approval of 50 gaming machines at the Romsey Hotel. The club committee announced its plan to reopen the Romsey Hotel on Facebook in February this year. In the post, the club proposed it would lease and run the hotel with the profits to be shared by the local community. “The distribution of all profits to local clubs and charities is to be decided by a Board of Trustees, made up of eminent local people, annually,” the post said. At the time, club spokesman Darryn Hartnet said the feedback had been overwhelmingly positive. “The idea is that the pub would meet the community needs [and be a] holistic approach in terms of [these] needs,” he said. At a meeting on October 25, Macedon Ranges council decided to prepare a submission to the VGCCC. Chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council was recently notified of the application. “Though this application is not directly with council, council can make a submission to the VGCCC in response, however, within tight timeframes,” he said. “Council agreed… to provide authorisation for officers to notify the VGCCC of its intention to prepare and submit a submission.” Community members can also make a submission on the application. Romsey Football Netball Club declined to make a comment.

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VicRoads a ‘mess’: Councillors By Zoe Moffatt The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has been slammed by Hume councillors for mowing around a dead fox, with its removal only coming after the mayor sent a photo of the animal’s corpse to the relevant minister. Councillors were also perplexed by DTP’s refusal to trim grass along roadside curbs or pick up litter when mowing state goverment owned land. At a meeting on Monday, October 23, councillors criticised correspondence from Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne, which included a letter regarding

road maintenance in the municipality. Star Weekly understands a dead fox was located on Pascoe Vale Road, earlier in the year. The then Hume Mayor Joseph Haweil said to get the dead fox removed, he had to send the minister a picture of it. “It should have been removed when it was first mowed, instead they (DTP workers) mowed around it,” he said. “You’ll be happy to know I have sent a deliciously written letter in response to these correspondences from Minister Horne, including a dossier of various photographs. “I, in fact, personally wrote the letter myself, given how polite and diplomatic our officers

were, I thought it had to be stronger. “DTP, in particular VicRoads, is an absolute mess and to find out they don’t do curbs and edges as part of mowing is absurd.” Speaking to the letter, fellow councillor Jack Medcraft criticised DTP for not removing the litter and trimming the curbs and edges. “[They] haven’t done any of the mowing and [they] haven’t removed the rubbish, and they haven’t fixed the curbside,” he said. “[They] just let the grass grow over. Of course it said…as part of program mowing activities, we do not undertake edge trimming. “If you’re cutting the grass and making it

Hopes trade blocks will be uncorked

worth looking at, surely you cut the edging.” Star Weekly understands that the dead fox was removed on July 10. A DTP spokesperson said due to health and safety reasons, mowing crews do not dispose of dead animals. “Our contractors reported the dead fox to the appropriate crew and it was later removed,” the spokesperson said. It is understood that DTP does not undertake routine edge trimming as part of the scheduled grass mowing program, but it may be undertaken in instances where vegetation is impacting drainage. The spokesperson indicated that it is standard procedure that litter removal is undertaken prior to grass mowing.

Better trains

By Zoe Moffatt As the Chinese government begins its five month review into tariffs imposed on Australian wine, local winery Hanging Rock is hopeful the trade block will soon be lifted. In November 2020 with summer just beginning and hope on the horizon following months of COVID lockdowns, the wine industry was slapped with a tariff of up to 218 per cent on exports to China. At the time, China accounted for 33 per cent of Australia’s export revenue and the imposition of tariffs saw the value of exports to China plunge from $1.2 billion in the year to 31 December 2019, to $8 million for the 12 months to June 30, 2023, according to KPMG. Hanging Rock general manager sales and marketing Ruth Ellis said the tariffs came in basically overnight, and meant the business had to be restructured. “Like most Australian wineries that export, the impact of the tariffs from China has been massive,” Ms Ellis said. “Before the tariffs were put in place we were selling nearly half of our wine to China, and making quite a lot of wine specifically for that market. “We really had no indication they were coming. They were imposed… when most of our customers were just about to place their orders for Chinese New Year. It’s amazing we survived it really.” Ms Ellis said in a lot of ways the tariffs made the company better and more resilient, with a new focus on the winery experience. “What we’ve done is put a lot of time and effort into our customer experience, here at the winery,” she said. “We now have one of the largest sculpture exhibitions in Victoria- Art in the Vines. We’ve also renovated our cellar door and added produce platters.

Hanging Rock Winery cellar door staff Nancy Inglis (Damjan Janevski). 369821_01

“Things like this happen around the world all the time, just very rarely in Australia, to Australians. “I used to joke [that]... ‘doing business with China is great, but we all know they could just shut the gates tomorrow’.. and that’s exactly what happened. We all knew the risks.” Ms Ellis said they all hope the future looks good, because as an industry it needs to be, at least in the short to medium term.

“We’ve been exporting wine to various countries for roughly 30 years now. This isn’t the first time we’ve lost a major market overnight. “When the tariffs are removed we are expecting sales to come back at about a quarter of what they were and we will have to build it back up over time. “It will also take us some time to build up our wine supplies again.”

Two bigger and more accessible trains have arrived on the Sunbury line, as part of the 70 train improvement investment for the Metro Tunnel opening. The state government announced on November 1, the high capacity metro trains were introduced after months of testing, and can carry 20 per cent more passengers than any other train on the network. Each train is a full carriage longer than the older models, with greater accessibility, 510 seats and a capacity to carry 1100 passengers. The trains will run on two morning peak services from Sunbury to Flinders Street Station every weekday, providing improved safety and real time journey information to passengers. Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said they are giving passengers in the western suburbs a taste of what’s to come when the Metro Tunnel opens. “The high capacity metro trains provide a more modern, accessible and reliable service, and we’re introducing them early on the Sunbury Line,” she said. “These trains are built bigger and better right here in Victoria, carrying more passengers and delivering a more comfortable journey.” The trains are part of a more than $2.4 billion investment to deliver the 70 new and improved train fleet in time for the Metro Tunnel opening in 2025. When the Metro Tunnel opens, Sunbury Line passengers will have access to five new world-class underground stations at Arden, Parkville, State Library and Town Hall on Swanston Street and Anzac on St Kilda Road.

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Stay close, go further. VISIT HIGH COUNTRY

Nathan Cowan Billson’s Brewery Beechworth, High Country The best water makes the best beer. In the High Country, it originates from snow or rain. It travels underground, picks up some minerals and shines through our products. At Billson’s Brewery, we love how the area’s history, nature, and community help create our beers, cordials and spirits. They represent this beautiful region, and we are proud to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves. Come and experience our historical brewery in Beechworth which dates back more than 150 years.

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6 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 November, 2023

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Cash for cans scheme starts Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents can now cash-in eligible drink bottles, cartons and cans, for 10 cents, after Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme ‘CDS Vic’ started on November 1. Reverse vending machines (RVM) have been installed across western metro and regional Victoria, and residents have the choice to use them or automated depots. In Sunbury a RVM can be found at HomeCo Rosenthal, Vineyard Rd, and a reverse vending bulk depot is located at Shop 3, 57-59 Horne St. In the Macedon Ranges, residents can

cash-in their bottles at locations in Woodend, Romsey, Macedon, Riddells Creek, and at three locations in Gisborne, all of which are operated by Visy. TOMRA Cleanaway is the network operator in Sunbury and chief executive James Dorney said they were excited to land a refund point where locals will be able to conveniently drop off containers for recycling. “Our machines are quick, convenient, accurate and automated, and are able to be seamlessly integrated into retail and community locations,” Mr Dorney said.

“In addition to the 128 container refund points across Western Melbourne and Western Regional Victoria that go live on 1 November, we will continue to add more refund points… for many months to come. “So the scheme will continue to get more and more convenient and rewarding.” RVM will scan and verify each container as it’s deposited, and provide the refund as a retail cash voucher, digital bank account transfer, or as a donation to a nominated charity or community group. Other refund point types include outdoor

RVM, smaller format standalone RVM, over-the-counter refund points, pop up mobile collection points, and bulk container refund depots. Residents can also download the CDS Vic West Zone app to check on the live status of their local refund point, verify container eligibility, and to manage and track container refunds. It also allows customers the opportunity to donate their container refund to a number of charities that have joined as charity partners. Details: https://cdsvic.org.au/locations

Pedalling for a cause New Gisborne Primary School students are putting the pedal to the metal in the name of road safety promotion and to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation. The group of year 5 and 6 students are entering the Pedal Car Championships in November, and have chosen to make their entry a police car. Their work was recently celebrated at the school to raise money, with police officers from the mounted branch, dog squad, drug squad and highway patrol in attendance. Teacher Ray Bell said it was a brilliant day, and this year marks the 21st year the school has entered the championships. “The students [worked] in partnership with the Blue Ribbon Foundation,” Mr Bell said. “They provided some stickers and support and… in return we did a fundraiser… [and] raised a little over $800 for the day.

“There’s eight students involved, they’re super excited and they’ve been working on [the car] since June. It’s 95 per cent complete, there’s a just few little bits and pieces to finish.” Mr Bell said the day provided a good opportunity for the students to get to know the police and break any misconceptions. “One of the questions was asked who would want to become a police officer and most of [the students] raised their hands,” he said. “Many of them see police officers as those who drive around… they got to see the diversity of policing in Victoria [on the day]. “People should be encouraged to seek out police if they are in need of assistance. They should be seen as part of our community.” New Gisborne Primary School students with Victoria Police officers celebrating their entry in the Pedal Car Championships (supplied).

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Tuesday, 7 November, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 7

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Hit run investigation Kyneton police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding a hit-run in April 2022, and are calling for anyone with information to come forward. A Macedon Ranges Eyewatch post said emergency services were called to Sturt Street shortly about 2am on Saturday, April 16, after an injured man was located in the street. Investigators believe the 33-year-old Kyneton man had been struck by a vehicle and as a result was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. A 39-year-old Kyneton man was arrested on October 10, in relation to the matter but was released pending further enquiries.

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Wendy Purcell reading at the October event (Mary Stone). EDITORIAL GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

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

Raglan Street closure

Poets share their work An emerging writer and poet from Kyneton was the featured reader at the November Chamber Poets spoken word event. The event took place on Saturday, November 4, at the Woodend RSL, 32 Anslow Street, Woodend. Chamber Poets convener Myron Lysenko said featured reader, Wendy Purcell, has had her work published in Australia, Canada, England and America. “Wendy came to poetry late and says she’s still not certain she knows what a poem is, but people seem to be listening,” Mr Lysenko said. “She regularly attends the readings as a volunteer… and she has read her work in the open section many times, over the years, gaining stage experience and finding her public voice. “Her poetry often focuses on injustices and

things that get her riled up. She’s inspired by wise words, big vistas, and the wonders of nature big and small. “She also has a witty sense of humour.” Ms Purcell moved to the Macedon Ranges 18 years ago, and Mr Lysenko said she has since learnt to embrace the different weather conditions. “[She] has learned to embrace the cold, the hot, the dry and the wet and hardly ever complains about the weather anymore, although she’s still waiting to see it snow properly. “If you’re looking for her she can often be found cycling a long way for a good gin and tonic and a bowl of hot chips.” There was also an open section for poetry and songs at the event, and poetry music band Black Forest Smoke performed four original compositions.

Macedon Ranges council has endorsed the discontinuance of Raglan Street, Lancefield, between Chauncy Street and 25 Dunsford Street, at a meeting on October 25. This decision follows about 91 per cent of the community voicing their support for the road closure, which divides St Mary’s Primary School. For the past 35 years boom gates have been used to close the road to vehicles during school hours. In 2019, St Mary’s developed a master plan to address growing enrolments, and stated then that the closure would create a safer and better connected school environment. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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8 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 November, 2023

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Lyon leaves his mark An Australian cricketing icon helped unveil a huge new mural which puts a fresh spin on Sunbury along the new Jacksons Creek Road bridge underpass. The mural, which is a part of the Sunbury Road Upgrade, will be completed in the coming days, and reflects the heritage of Jacksons Creek and acknowledges Sunbury as the birthplace of cricket’s legendary Ashes urn. Australian test legend Nathan Lyon last week signed the mural in what will be a lasting tribute to cricket’s legacy in the area.

“It’s pretty amazing to have the opportunity to come down here to Sunbury, the birthplace of the Ashes back in 1882,” Lyon said. “When you find out and read about all the information about the history of the Ashes, and I’ve been lucky enough to play in a lot of Ashes series. “You see the importance of playing cricket, and this is obviously the birthplace of the Ashes, so it’s quite amazing to come here.” Diggers Rest artist Ervin Molnar created the pubic work of art. “The community wanted flora and fauna

and what better way for it to be represented than to have the cockatoos, koala, you have some rainbow lorikeets,” Mr Molnar said. “Everything that’s here in Jackson’s Creek is on the wall here. I wanted it to blend in with the surroundings. “I’m a nature lover and from all the animals we have in North America to all the animals here, I’m a nature buff, an animal buff. “So coming here and experiencing all the different wildlife and whatnot in this country is a great experience.”

Nathan Lyon leaving his mark on the Jacksons Creek mural (James Carmichael)

Cancer journey support Every first and third Tuesday of the month about eight people gather at the Gisborne Golf Club. They are brought together through their individual journeys battling cancer, and draw on their own strengths to offer support and advice. Gisborne Breast Cancer Group founder Lesley Cole wants to spread the word that the group is uplifting and the members walk away feeling good. “I started the group about a year ago. I had breast cancer four years ago, but there was no breast cancer support group in Gisborne back then,” Ms Cole said. “I thought it would be good for Gisborne and it has been, the people who attend really enjoy the group. “The meeting is really quite relaxing, we have coffee and a laugh. We’ve gotten to know one another, and we have new members coming in as well.

“I love the fact that the people in the group help one another, they’re very strong people and they’re very caring.” Ms Cole said the group provides important mental health support, and she hopes to organise some speakers to come to the meetings soon. “It’s definitely good for your mental health and it gets you out mixing with other people, so there’s that social side as well. You realise that you’re not the only one who’s been through it. “I’ve had a few guest speakers as well [and] I’m thinking I might ask a psychologist to give cognitive therapy advice, which can help people cope with the situation.” If you would like more information you can contact Ms Cole on 0484 691 226. Gisborne Breast Cancer Group founder Lesley Cole at a group meeting (supplied).

VICTORIA IS FACING A HOT AND DRY FIRE SEASON. Fire can spread quickly, so it’s important for all Victorians to prepare. Find out how you can plan ahead this ﬁre season to keep you and your family safe. Plan. Act. Survive. Go to www.vic.gov.au/knowfire Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Tuesday, 7 November, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

$38,050 worth of laps

More time for action plan

By Zoe Moffatt Swimmers from across Australia have rallied to raise $38,050 for Macedon Ranges health promotion charity, Youth Live4Life. The fundraiser, LAP it UP, ran from October 1 to 15, with participants clocking a total of 29,522 laps. The Gisborne-born event started in 2018 when father and daughter team Sean and Kirsten McKinney hosted a continual 2866 lap relay, equalling the number of Australians that suicided in 2016. Lancefield resident Caleb placed second on the leaderboard, completing 1500 laps for the charity. He said it felt amazing to achieve his goal, and at times he didn’t think he was going to reach it. “It was harder than I was expecting, I was really sick for the first seven days and when I got back in the pool was struggling to make it from end to end,” Caleb said. “I kept getting better and started going to the pool before and after school. The last 200 laps were hard, I was pretty sore and tired by then, but I was determined to get to the end.“ “I am proud of myself for putting in the effort. Knowing that I have done something that could help one of my mates one day when they need it most, is a good feeling.“ Caleb said he is already looking forward to participating next year, as he likes the challenge and doing something good for the community. Youth Live4Life fundraising and marketing manager Cheryl Eyssens said she was blown out of the water by the dedication of participants and the way team members encouraged each other. “The sheer commitment, enthusiasm and perseverance of our entrants over the 15 days, was awe inspiring,” she said.

Caleb receiving his medal from Live4Life chief executive Bernard Galbally, and fundraising and marketing manager Cheryl Eyssens (Supplied)

“This represents the true essence of LAP it UP and we are so proud of everyone. “We were also pleased to see that 75 per cent of participants came from rural areas with

young people aged between 11 and 17 years having the highest rate of participation. “We are looking forward to next year’s event.”

Macedon Ranges council has extended its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for seven months, as it works to complete the remaining actions to celebrate and promote First Nations cultures, knowledges, skills and traditions in the region. RAP was initially endorsed by council in September 2021, and since this time has completed most of its actions. The extension is sought due to delays from COVID lockdowns and staff resourcing. Speaking at a meeting on October 25, councillor Jennifer Anderson said reconciliation plans are very important and help guide council. “It’s hard for us to know what we should be doing with our Traditional Owner groups to help them achieve what they want to achieve in the Macedon Ranges,” she said. Although we are getting an extension, we appreciate that good work does take time and it does require resources, but we are fully committed to do this. I am really pleased to have been on the journey to both create the plan but now to have this annual report. We look at what we’ve achieved, where we’re at, what can we do better next time and consult with our Traditional Owners and our advisory group.” Since 2021, RAP has completed a range of actions including embedding Welcome to Country Ceremonies in council events and activities, including a community Cultural Immersion Experience at Wil-im-mee-Moor-ring, as part of the Autumn Festival, and Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week events.

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10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 November, 2023

SCAN TO FIND YOUR OUTLET

starweekly.com.au/find-my-newspaper

Advertising feature

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

There will be plenty of opportunities to meet Santa at Watergardens.

Shop at Watergardens for ‘Merry Everything’

The tree lighting will be held in Station Street from 5pm – 9pm on 11 November.

cards as part of Spend to Win, providing a welcome holiday boost. Customers can also determine whether they are likely to be on Santa’s naughty or nice list by entering an online Naughty or Nice quiz – with all participants going in the draw to win a $1,000 gift card. Extended trade and Black Friday announcements will also be part of the Christmas 2023 campaign, with Watergardens shoppers to be entertained by a ‘surprise and delight’ Treat Bar for the Black Friday sales. For further information on the festivities, visit the Watergardens website or see the list of activities below: • Dinner with Rudoph ($20 per child incl. meal, entertainment & goodie bag valued at over $40) Friday 8 December, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm (3 sessions) • Tree Lighting in Station Street (free) 5pm – 9pm: 11 November • Pet Santa Photography 5:30pm - 8:30pm 19 - 22 November; 5:30pm - 8:30pm 25 - 29 November; 5:30pm - 8:30pm 4 - 6 December; 5:30pm - 8:30pm 11 - 13 December. • Sensitive Santa 7.30am – 9am November 18; 7.30am – 9am December 4; 7.30am – 9am December 11 • Auslan Santa 6pm - 9pm December 1 • Traditional Santa and Baby’s First Christmas various times 11 – 24 November • Spend to Win 16 November – 10 December • Naughty and Nice Quiz 2 – 24 December • Gift Wrapping 6 – 24 December

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Watergardens is inviting all shoppers to embrace their inner child, with the launch of its Merry Everything Christmas campaign, which is set to reignite holiday joy in the lead up to the festive season. The campaign started on 2 November and customers can look forward to a wide range of exciting entertainment and competitions, all designed to celebrate the festive spirit and deliver a memorable shopping experience. Among the fun, families will be able to visit Santa with a number of experiences on offer including Pet Photography, Baby’s First Christmas and traditional photos. For the first time, Watergardens will also be offering Auslan Santa sessions. Children who primarily communicate through Auslan will have the chance to convey their Christmas wishes with a Santa fluent in Auslan. For shoppers who need a little help with their wrapping skills, Community Gift Wrapping stations will be available from 6 to 24 December, with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House charity. A tree lighting event will be held in Station Street, as well as Rudolph’s annual dinner where children can enjoy a delicious meal, entertainment and goodie bag for only $20. Watergardens centre manager Trish Gardiner says the Merry Everything campaign will continue until Christmas Eve, offering special festive moments that will delight customers. “We want families to feel connected and we hope to inspire family fun and remind people that Christmas is about love, celebration and joy,” Ms Gardiner said. “This year has been tough for many Victorians with the rising cost of living and we’re looking forward to events such as our free Christmas Tree Lighting festival, our family-friendly Dinner with Rudolph and the Spend to Win activities providing affordable family fun. “We’re thrilled to be spreading the joy this Christmas, with more than a dozen activations across more than six weeks.” With the inevitable spending Christmas brings, consumers can be rewarded at Watergardens with shopping rewards, surprise and delight moments and random acts of kindness up until Christmas Eve. Participating shoppers can win instant prizes and share in more than $25,000 in gift

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Tuesday, 7 November, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 13

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Creating shade for the future Kyneton Primary School students and staff have been elbow deep in dirt, planting 14 new trees following national tree planting day last month. Students from prep right through to year 5, helped plant a variety of eucalyptus trees, an acacia and a callistemon tree. Teacher Megan Matthews said the day provided great weather following a few delays due to weather concerns. “This area will provide shade when students are outside in a once underused area next to the basketball court,” Ms Matthews said. “[All] students helped, [except] the year 6’s who were on school camp. They all seemed to enjoy learning how to plant a tree [and] being part of the project. “They were seen after school showing others which tree they helped plant.” The funds for the trees were donated by Kyneton Toyota, and the Woodend Nursery’s owner Cassius Armitage also donated some trees and sourced the mature trees on behalf of the school. Ms Matthews, who runs the school’s gardening and sustainability group, said the school recently achieved its first star on its Sustainability Victoria ResourceSmart Schools journey. “The gardening and sustainability group meets weekly to garden

Kyneton Primary School students from the gardening and sustainability group (supplied).

[and] promote sustainable practices within the school and wider community,” she said.

“[We also] help on community planting projects, grow and cook garden produce and conduct monthly water quality testing on the

local Campaspe River for the river detective program.” Zoe Moffatt

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

Neighbourhood Garden Group Learn how to grow edible plants in this social gardening group which is developing the productive front garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. All skill sets welcome. The final working bee for the year will be Saturday November 18, 10am to 12.30pm, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury. ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Amateur Radio Club The Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at the Woodend RSL Hall, 32 Anslow Street, Woodend at 10am. If you are interested in amateur radio or already have a call sign we’d love to meet you. ■ http://www.mrarc.org.au

Take off weight naturally Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Off Weight Naturally) every Thursday at 9am at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. ■ Rhonda, 0409 740 924

Kyneton Badminton Club Kyneton Badminton Club is a welcoming, fun and social group that plays on Mondays, at 7pm at the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre in Victoria Street. Players of all skill levels welcome. ■ kynetonbc@gmail.com

Boilerhouse, Jacksons Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with other like minded people. ■ Ken, 0407 062 568, or Robyn, 0438 383 639

Crafternoon Get crafty over a cuppa at a social group for adults. Some supplies and equipment are available or bring your own projects and craft items. Every Tuesday at 1pm-3pm during school terms, all welcome. Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

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

Local camera club The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Meetings on the first Tuesday of the month, followed by the next Monday. Doors open at 7pm, meeting starts at 7.30pm at Dromkeen, 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek. ■ https://bit.ly/41j5BEw

Sunbury Macedon Ranges Lodge

Repair Café Sunbury

Meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, 73 Main Street, Romsey. New members welcome. ■ Wayne, 0404 034 737, or Ian, 0438 240 402

Last one for 2023! Join members for a cuppa and a skill share repairing broken household items; preventing landfill and promoting kindness. Saturday, November 18, 10am - 12.30pm.

Sunbury Art Society The Sunbury Art Society meets each Friday and Saturday from 10am-3pm at the 14 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 November, 2023

This weeks photographer’s choice is of Vaishnari (9) and Danyata (8) from the Northern Diwali festival. (Damjan Janevski) 369882_01

PUZZLES 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

2 9

1 8 6

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

9 6 2 8 5 1

7 6 3 2 1

ACROSS

DOWN

Withdraws (7) Questions (7) Exaggerated statements (9) Cold meat dish served in a jellied mould (5) Sudden gust of wind (6) Actress, – Jolie (8) College (6) Yield (4) Biblical garden (4) Art of dwarfing shrubs or trees (6) Used to hold a letter (8) Part of former Yugoslavia; capital Sarajevo (6) Basic food made with water, flour and yeast (5) Belonging to a thing by its very nature (9) Someone who has stopped working for a living (7) Coach (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 14 15 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30

No. 158

Division (6) Mediterranean Island nation (6) Neglected (8) Frozen flakes (4) Australian state (10) Rubber (6) Broken (8) Athenian philosopher (8) Wooden spoon, proverbially (5,5) Recall (8) With the most mass (8) Camellia (8) Engineless aircraft (6) Simultaneous performance of action, speech or song (6) Shallow dish to hold a cup (6) Sport tidbit (abbr) (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 16 17 18 21 22 23 26

DECODER

No. 158

1 3

4 6 2 3 8 9 1

1 8

4 7

QUICK CROSSWORD

5 3 7 1 5 hard

8 9

10 11 12 13

B 18

AGILE AGREE ALLEY AROMA BELIE BUYER CAGEY CHASE CHIEF CIVIC COPES DIMES DRIFT EERIE ERROR EVERY FIRES GONER GRANT GUILT HEADS HOARD

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

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

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

9-LETTER WORD 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”.

Today’s Aim: 8 words: Good 12 words: Very good

E U

4 LETTERS DAUB DREW ERAS FEAT NICK ROSE SAGS SEES SITS STAG TOSS TRAP TUBS WEST

No. 158 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

What is the national dish of Spain, consisting of yellow rice cooked with saffron, chicken and seafood? Who is the French impressionist painter famous for his water lilies series?

What was the theme song for TV show The Golden Girls?

In which country is the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls, located?

Who invented Kevlar, used to make bulletproof armour?

Which letter represents the speed of light in physics?

T T A R

C K

A P E D D O R E O L E S

QUICK QUIZ

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

N O T

WHEEL WIDOW WIDTH YELPS

PARTNER SUNDIAL TERSEST

6 LETTERS CAPERS PEDDLE STAYED WRITES

8 LETTERS DEMUREST DEPRAVES INITIATE OMELETTE

7 LETTERS COUPONS DAMSELS OPOSSUM

10-11-23

ICIER IMAGE INANE KILTS OGLED ORBIT PAVED PEARL SASSY SCENE SNOWS SNUFF SPICE STEER STYLE SURER TIGHT TSARS UNITY UNTIE VERGE WATTS

cell, cello, CELLULOSE, close, clue, clues, cole, coleus, coulee, cues, else, lose, louse, sell, sloe, slue, sole

L O

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

D R

No. 158

' 5 , ) 7

5 LETTERS ABODE ABOVE

P D

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

17 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

3 LETTERS ACE AGE ALE BOA CHI DEN DIM EEL EGG EWE GNU ITS NET NIL NIP ODE OFF ONE ORE ROD SEE TOP TOY USE

P O H E G M N C V Y R U T

easy

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

K Q X S L D F I W J A B Z

WORDFIT

Who wrote The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?

Which city in Japan is known as the 'City of Ten Thousand Shrines'?

Which marine mammal is known for its long, spiral tusk?

10 Heath Ledger (pictured) was posthumously awarded an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in which film? ANSWERS: 1. Paella 2. Claude Monet 3. Thank You for Being a Friend 4. Venezuela 5. Stephanie Kwolek 6. c 7. Douglas Adams 8. Kyoto 9. Narwhal 10. The Dark Knight

No. 158

+ ( $ ' 6 & 2 3 ( 6 & $ * ( < , 0 $ * ( $ * 5 ( ( 2 5 % , 7 $ 5 2 0 $ 9 ( 5 * ( 3 ( $ 5 / 5 2 ' * 8 , / 7 6 ( ( 1 , 3 6 & ( 1 ( : 5 , 7 ( 6 ' 5 ( : $ & ( 7 ( 5 6 ( 6 7 : , ' 7 + 7 5 $ 3 6 $ * 6 , 1 , 7 , $ 7 ( 6 , 7 6 % 2 $ & 2 8 3 2 1 6 ' $ 0 6 ( / 6 2 1 ( ) ( $ 7 ' ( 3 5 $ 9 ( 6 : ( 6 7 5 2 6 ( ( 9 ( 5 < 2 3 2 6 6 8 0 2 5 ( 6 7 $ < ( ' 6 1 8 ) ) ' $ 8 % ' ( 1 ' 5 , ) 7 * 1 8 1 , / 2 * / ( ' , & , ( 5 8 1 , 7 < & + $ 6 ( % ( / , ( : + ( ( / . , / 7 6 6 7 ( ( 5 6 7 < / (

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 7 November, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 November, 2023

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COMMENT

MyMedicare changes explained By Christopher Carter, CEO of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

And if you do register, you will still be able to see other GPs and other clinics if you need to. You will never be turned away because you are registered with a different practice. Registered or not, your medical data remains private. And, registered or not, conversations between you and any GP will remain confidential. You can sign up to MyMedicare if you have a Medicare card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Card. There are three ways to

get the ball rolling. You can do it yourself using your Medicare online account or the Medicare app on your phone. The GP or practice you nominate will then finish it off. Or you can do it in reverse and ask your doctor to start the process the next time you visit. You’ll get a message to finalise it using your Medicare account. Finally, your general practice will have a stock of paper forms and you can do the whole thing the old-fashioned way.

Patients have been able to register for MyMedicare since October this year and general practices have been able to sign up for a few months now. It’s worth noting, though, that not all practices have done this yet, so if you go to register you might end up just putting your name down – and someone will be in touch later. That’s fine. MyMedicare is going to end up making a big improvement to our health system – but it’s a gradual process. There’s no hurry. And that’s a good thing.

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Over the past few months, you might have heard about something called MyMedicare. And if you haven’t, don’t worry, because you’ll likely hear a lot about it as we roll into 2024. So, what is it, and do you need to get involved with it? MyMedicare – and, no, there isn’t a space between the two words – is a nationwide Australian government project aimed at encouraging deeper relationships between people and their doctors. Technically, it’s known as a “voluntary patient registration model”. It encourages people to link up with single GP (or general practice) to ensure that both parties have a deep and detailed understanding of each other. This will lead to better care, because the chosen doctor will have a good understanding of the patient’s situation, medical history and challenges. Under the new model, too, GPs are able to provide extra bulk-billed services, such as longer telehealth consultations, to registered patients, pushing out-of-pocket costs lower. More and more bulk-billed extra services will become available as MyMedicare develops, with these planned to roll out during the next couple of years. All up, MyMedicare is a very good idea, and something experts have been suggesting for a long time. It’s important, though, to understand what it isn’t, as much as what it is. The first thing to remember is that registration isn’t compulsory. It is entirely up to you. And if you choose not to register with a particular doctor or practice you will still be able to go there for treatment and support. That will never change.

Tuesday, 7 November, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 17

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Charm offensive from Cherokee By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Who’d have thought it? After years of mixing it with off-road heavy hitters the Jeep Grand Cherokee has taken on a certain charm, with its latest version of the Overland making a play to join the SUV aristocracy. With its new-found power to please and attract, the Aussie Cherokee five-seater new order is represented by three variants – Night Eagle at $77,950, Limited ($83,950) and Overland, starting at $98,450, all before on-road costs. All are powered by a single petrol V6 engine. The opening pair come with single-speed all-wheel drive, with low range and coil springs, while the Overland (on test here) has a low range transfer case and height adjustable air suspension. In comparison, the previous Cherokee roster included high spec Summit and S-Overland, with a 3-litre turbo-diesel V6, set back buyers around $85,000, plus on-roads, $10,000 under the petrol new chum. Two cost options now include a Luxury Tech Group ($4500) and Off Road Group ($2750), pushing the price over $100,000. The test vehicle boasted the luxury pack. As far as customer care is concerned, the so-called ‘Jeep Wave Commitment’ includes capped servicing, five-year/100,000km warranty and lifetime roadside assistance, providing the regular service schedule at a Jeep dealer is adhered to. STYLING Following on from its big brother Grand Cherokee L the WL Grand Cherokee is shorter by around 300 mm of overall length and 128 mm of wheelbase, and in looks is more SUV than Jeep 4x4. With this modern, upmarket move, however, the newbie refuses to let go completely of its Jeep roots with the company’s trademark seven-slot radiator grille up front. Twin-pane panoramic sunroof and 20-inch alloy wheels add appeal both inside and out. INTERIOR With the trimmed body comes five seats instead of seven, with top-notch Nappa leather cladding, a big twin-pane sunroof opening up the cabin, and LED ambient lighting to set the tone at night. There’s more room (1067 litres to the roof), too, to accommodate the better class of cargo (luggage). This is upped to 2005 litres with the rear seat backs folded. The space includes a 12V power outlet, four tie-down points, and a full-size spare wheel nestled under the floor. As mentioned above, the test vehicle was also blessed with $4500 worth of the Luxury Tech Group extras, including front seats that are 12-way power adjustable, with memory and massage function, there’s four-zone climate control and second-row ventilated outboard seats and window shades. Up front digital rear-view mirror is augmented by a wireless charging pad.

The Grand Cherokee has trimmed down and smartened up to take on some of the stiffest competition in its segment. (supplied)

INFOTAINMENT A 10.5-inch screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, plus a nine-speaker Alpine sound system and satellite navigation, are among standard Overland features. Jeepish by nature, small buttons on the back of the steering wheel, once discovered, are handy for digital radio control, mini paddle gear-shifters there not so convenient. Power access comes via twin USB-A and USB-C points, as well as a 12V outlet and wireless charging pad up front. The second row includes air vents and power outlets. Jeep’s Uconnect Services, via a paired smartphone, allows users remotely to lock and unlock the vehicle, send navigation destinations to the car, and check vehicle status for things like fuel level, tyre pressure, along with alerts for possible break-ins. ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS Unlike the previous Grand Cherokees – with optional turbo-diesel or V8 power - the new WL range is limited to a single 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine producing 210 kW and 344 Nm, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. SAFETY The five-seat petrol models have earned a

18 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 November, 2023

four-star ANCAP rating, as opposed to the seven-seater’s five-star, due to a problem with the performance of the rear seat belts. Standard systems include active emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning with active lane keeping, advanced brake assist, front and rear parking sensors and 360-degree camera view. A word about lane departure warning: there seems to be little consistency in its workings, the beeps come thick and fast or not at all, under pretty much identical driving conditions. Artificial intelligence, indeed. DRIVING The accelerator pedal needs some concentrated attention, with the car being a bit skittish from the get-go, especially on inclines with ragged surfaces. Conversely, with peak torque not coming up until 4000rpm, it’s not surprising the new Grand Cherokee Overland feels short on performance on the bitumen. On road, the Grand Cherokee Overland is said to be capable of fuel consumption of 9.9 litres per 100km on the combined urban/ highway cycle. The Tester averaged more than 13 litres per 100km around town and 7.6 on a

motorway dash. Off road, the SUV takes advantage of Jeep’s Quadra-Trac 2 Active 4x4 System with Selec-Terrain, low-range transfer case and Quadra Lift air suspension. For an extra $2750 the Off Road Group adds 230 mm rear axle, electronic limited-slip differential, Trail Rated badge, 265/60 R18 Goodyear all-terrain tyres, 18-inch polished/ painted alloy wheels, fuel tank/transfer case / front suspension skid plate, which is good enough to earn the company’s trail rating won over the Rubicon Trail in Nevada, one of the most testing off-road challenges in the US. SUMMARY The new Grand Cherokee Overland won’t be every rusted-on Jeep fan’s favourite, but could attract the attention of a more discerning soft-road adventurer. RATINGS n Looks: 8/10 n Performance: 6/10 n Safety: 7/10 n Thirst: 5/10 n Practicality: 8/10 n Comfort: 7/10 n Tech: 8/10 n Value: 5/10

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Salary cap to come into play One local football league is adopting a salary cap for its women’s competitions. On Tuesday the Essendon District Football League announced it will be formally adopting a women’s salary cap program commencing in 2024 following a two-year trial period. Within the trial all three of the women’s divisions had a different salary cap, the premier division cap is set to rise for 2024, however both division 1 and 2 will remain the same.. EDFL chief executive Andrew Johnston said this announcement was about making the league a progressive one. “We want to see ourselves as a progressive league,” Johnstone said. “We think it’s a great step forward to reward the female side of football. “It’s been around for a significant amount of years and probably hasn’t got the rewards that it deserves. “So it’s a step in the right direction. “We’ve had the trial in place for two years now, and we’ve found that females transferring from club to club has reduced.” For the 2024 season there is set to be another influx of women’s teams entering or returning to the EDFL with Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, Keilor Park returning to the field. “There’s no pressure on clubs to pay their players,” Johnstone said. “We just want to reward all the hard work that clubs do and the females do trying to get them up. “They can use the salary cap to entice

females to come to the club, stay at the club, get new players from other areas.” A full copy of the statement released by the league is below. “The EDFL and its clubs are committed to the growth and prosperity of women’s football and conducted this trial in the best interests of growing the game, in particular for those clubs that have a limited junior base in under-age girls. Feedback from the clubs indicated there was very strong support for the concept of having a female cap that is completely separate from the men’s cap to support the rapid progression of women’s footy in our league. Data has also shown that transfer rates have reduced and stabilised from 2019 to 2023 indicating a higher retention rate of players in women’s programs since the commencement of the trial. The adopting of the salary cap does not mean clubs are obliged to make any payment to female players. Those that do will come under the same rules and regulations as per AFL Victoria Community Club Sustainability - Guidelines for Player Payment Rules.” Harper Sercombe

Shannon Mcferran (Jacob Pattison)351740_02

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which AFL coach was recently praised for saving a man’s life in Bali? 2. Who is the current topranked UFC athlete? 3. In the span of 12 months, what are the three clubs Brodie Grundy has played at? 4. Which two Matildas players scored hat tricks in their Olympic qualifier against the Philippines?

5. And by how many points did they win that game? 6. Thanasi Kokkinakis is from which Australian state? 7. Which soccer team is older, Manchester City or Manchester United? 8. Which Wallabies coach recently resigned? 9. Is the Rolex Paris Masters tennis tournament played on a hard court or clay court? 10. Which former hurdler and Commonwealth Games gold medallist is competing on the current season of The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition?

16. Michael Prior recently stepped down as the head coach of which AFLW team? 17. Australian Chelsea Gubecka was recently announced as the country’s first 2024 Olympics squad member in which sport? 18. What is the name of the racket or paddle sport beginning with P that uses a hard plastic ball? 19. Which two teams played off in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final?

12. Which women’s national team was once known as the Southern Stars?

20. Which A-League Women’s team made a return to the competition this year after a 13-year absence?

13. The Melbourne Mavericks are a new team that will compete in which sporting league in 2024?

Matildas

15. And which state does Maxwell represent in domestic cricket?

11. Australian basketballer Josh Green plays for which NBA team?

Daniel Ricciardo

23. In what position did Daniel Ricciardo qualify for the 2023 Mexico City Grand Prix?

28. Former sports agent Ricky Nixon played for which three VFL/AFL clubs?

24. And in what positions did Daniel Ricciardo and Oscar Piastri finish the 2023 Mexico City Grand Prix?

29. Which CameroonianFrench mixed martial artist and boxer did Tyson Fury defeat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?

25. Which jockey won the 2015 Melbourne Cup riding Prince of Penzance?

21. Which horse won the 2023 Cox Plate?

26. Which national teams did the Matildas play in their three Asian Olympic qualifiers in Perth?

22. Former Perth Wildcats head coach Trevor Gleeson served as an assistant coach for which NBA team?

27. Which Australian basketballer was selected with first overall pick in the 2023 NBA G League Draft?

30. Tennis professional Jenson Brooksby represents which country?

1. Simon Goodwin 2. Jon Jones 3. Collingwood, Melbourne and Sydney Swans 4. Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord 5. Eight 6. South Australia 7. United (Formed in 1878 vs City in 1880) 8. Eddie Jones 9. Hard court 10. Jana Pittman 11. Dallas Mavericks 12. Australian women’s cricket team 13. Super Netball 14. 40 15. Victoria 16. West Coast 17. Swimming 18. Pickleball 19. New Zealand and South Africa 20. Central Coast Mariners 21. Romantic Warrior 22. Toronto Raptors 23. Fourth 24. Seventh and eighth 25. Michelle Payne 26. Iran, Philippines and Chinese Taipei 27. Jack White 28. Carlton, St Kilda and Hawthorn 29. Francis Ngannou 30. The US

1011

14. How many balls did it take Glenn Maxwell to reach 100 in Australia’s ICC World Cup match against the Netherlands?

Tuesday, 7 November, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

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Cricket from across the grounds Star Weekly photographers Jacob Pattison and Ljubica Vrankovic have travelled around the grounds to catch the best cricket action to kick off summer. Star Weekly was there when Rupertswood took on Woodend and when Gisborne played Sunbury United in the Gisborne & District Cricket Association.

Gisborne’s Riley Vernon (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Nathan Shoesmith celebrates a wicket (Jacob Pattison) 363949_14

Woodend’s Andrew Cullen (Jacob Pattison)

Sunbury United’s Damien Edwards (Ljubica

363949_01

Vrankovic)

Gisborne’s Darcy Thomas (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Nathan Shoesmith bowls Andrew Cullen (Jacob Pattison) 363949_06

Woodend’s Marcus Stewart (Jacob Pattison) 363949_02

Nathan Shoesmith bowls Andrew Cullen (Jacob Pattison) 363949_07

Sunbury United’s Steven Fogarty (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Andrew Cullen (Jacob Pattison) 363949_05

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 November, 2023

SPORT Young Burras up for the challenge It’s been a tough start to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association season for the young Diggers Rest Bulla outfit. While the Burras are winless from their first four matches, they have been close in three of the match ups. “We’re a young side, still trying to find where we fit in, but as soon as we find that out I reckon we’ll start winning some games,” playing coach Darren Quarrell said. “We’ve had some injuries as well.” One of the main injuries to the Burras starting XI came to Quarrell, doing his hamstring which saw him miss both round three and four, however, made his return to bowling over the weekend against Romsey. “It will be good to get back on,” he said before the match. “It’s been pretty frustrating, on the sidelines going ‘I could have probably go this bloke out here’.

“But after not playing for five years, you sort of expect something like this.” The Burras came as close as they have been to a victory this season last weekend against Rupertswood. “The last game was a close one,” Quarrell said. “A few of the guys stepped up and made some runs. “Little Rodg [Daniel Rodger] got a four-fa which was pretty good to start the season and get a few wickets. “He’s getting really, really, really better with his bowling from when I last saw him, he’s really improved, so he’s probably the one to watch this season, on the bowling side.” Quarrell said to improve the team’s performance he is hoping for some more runs from his top order. “If our openers, or top four gets a decent start we’ll start getting some better scores, and

be more competitive,” he said. “We’ve got the bowling attack. “We’re just trying to find our lineup for the batting to see who will click being an opener or a middle order batsman. “Because they pretty much didn’t get a sniff last year to know what the actual competition was, being in the Johnstone Shield last year. “So it’s a huge, huge step for them. “But as I keep telling them, it’s a good learning curve for them to know what they’re up against.” The Burras played the undefeated Romsey over the weekend, in what was set to be a tough match. Speaking before the game Quarrell said he knew the key to making the match competitive. “If we get Chris Burkett and Ben Way cheap they may struggle,” he said. Adam McDonald (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Briefs Football The AFL and AFL Victoria have confirmed that for all competitions statewide that commence on or after 22 February 2024, the Transfer Period during November 2023 will not apply. Transfers will open on 1st February 2024 and remain open until 30 June 2024. The AFL and AFL Victoria state that delaying the opening of transfers helps to ensure that Clubs who are transitioning from Gameday to PlayHQ are prepared to process Transfer Requests and allows for migration of 2023 data from Gameday to PlayHQ to occur before Transfers open in February. They added that feedback also indicates that many Clubs would prefer to delay the opening of transfers to provide their volunteers with a break from monitoring transfers.

AFLW

Kevin Barker (Jacob Pattison)314678_09

Square the ledger hope It’s still too early in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association season to get a good gauge on Sunbury’s season. After the first round of the VTCA season was rained out, the Roar opened its division 2 campaign against the Greenvale Kangaroos in a two day clash. In that match the Roar elected to bowl and was set to chase 182 on the second day. However, its batters were “unable to fire,” losing by 41 runs. In round three, the signs are looking more promising for the Roar, this time being sent in to bat on a green wicket against West Newport. The Roar’s batting looked a bit more concrete this time around in difficult conditions. Opening batsman Indika Massalage backed up his 44 against the Kangaroos with a 37. While Rasika Batepola top scored with 38, helping their team put up a target to bowl at. “To scrape to 165 was a really good effort I think,” Roar captain-coach Kevin Barker said. “Ras [Batepola] and Indika [Massalage] batted well with some help with Zac Corcoran (22) down low.

“And it was a really good effort from young Sandil [Wijesooriya] , sticking in for 100 balls, which is pretty cool from a 16 year old, in only his second game. “We probably would have liked another one or two if I’m being honest, but the score hasn’t gotten away from us yet.” The Lions are 1-18 chasing another 144 for victory, however, the match was finished after deadline. “We just need to bowl well,” Barker said before the second day. “Bowl good lines, good length and take our catches if they come, be positive, work as a ground and hopefully we can get the points.” While it could be justified for Barker to have hoped the wicket held its liveliness in between weeks, he said he was hoping Clarke Oval became better for batting, to help his side moving forward in the season. “We just want the wicket to get better,” he said. “We’re going to keep working on it and hopefully it’s a good deck. “But it doesn’t matter what kind of wicket you’re playing on, you need to bowl well to get

wickets, bowl well, catch well, so that’s what we’ll plan to do.” At the beginning of the season, the Roar welcomed a host of players such as Batepola, Massalage and Gayan Welikalage came from Diggers Rest, Ashan Ranaweera was from Sunbury United, while Liam Chant and Chris Pilkington came in off the street. Barker said all of these players have made an impact in the short time they have been at the club. “They’ve been incredible,” he said. “It’s just been an injection of positivity with all the new guys. “The vibe of the club at the moment is incredible. “The twos are in a really good position, the fourths are undefeated and the thirds are one and one. “I’m talking from a personal standpoint but I hope that the majority of the playing group feel the same. “It’s just a really good environment to be in at the moment.”

Essendon forward Jess Wuetschner has decided to retire at the end of the 2023 season. The 31-year-old told teammates on Tuesday that her eighth season of AFLW football would be her last. The Bombers’ forward said she felt the timing was right to look ahead to her next chapter. “I’ve been playing football for 15 straight years, and I think now is a good opportunity to put that chapter behind me in a playing sense,” Wuetscher said. “It hasn’t been an easy ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s something special about this club, and I’m incredibly grateful for (the opportunity to play at Essendon). We’ve created a really good bond, especially this year.” Wuetschner played 38 AFLW games for Brisbane before moving to Essendon before their inaugural year in the competition.

VFL Former Adelaide midfielder Jackson Hately has signed with Essendon’s VFL side for the 2024 season. The 23-year-old joins recent signing Xavier O’Neill and newly appointed VFL Senior Coach Blake Caracella in committing to the Bombers for the upcoming season. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tuesday, 7 November, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

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