Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 5th December 2023

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proudly serving Sunbury and Macedon Ranges

5 DECEMBER, 2023

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Emma Burke with her kids Ivy, 1, and Levi, 3. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 376369

Ready for a sustainable Christmas in Sunbury This year Sunbury Neighbourhood House has incorporated an ‘upcycled Christmas’ theme for its decorations, in keeping with its sustainable Sunbury environmental programs.

With the upcycled theme, a number of the decorations are paper craft using book pages, and tree ornaments made from sliced and dehydrated oranges, which were from a surplus supply.

Neighborhood house community development coordinator Cathy Grose said a number of participants joined in, and manager Hope Jenkins inspired the decorations with her crafting enthusiasm.

“It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm from a number of our participants who were keen to get involved,” she said.

“It’s pretty special to see and hear the reactions from our smallest visitors too, now that all the parts have come together.

“We love working in a collaborative way, it’s so rewarding. Many decorations are pre-loved and donated, and many are handmade.”

Everyone enjoyed the fun the decorations created and positive conversations sparked.

The festive ‘upclycled Christmas’ display can be enjoyed anytime the building is open, especially during office hours, on Monday to Thursday, 10am-4pm.

Annie, 2, and Arthur, 3 (above), Airlie, 2 (above right), and Austin, 2 (right), enjoying the decorations.

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Wrapping up a busy year As we approach the end of a very busy year, it’s a great opportunity to join friends and family during the holiday season.

The Albanese Labor Government has spent the year delivering on our promises – and we haven’t wasted a day.

We know that Australians are doing it tough. The cost of living is straining household budgets. That’s why both in Canberra and here at home, I’ve been fighting for our community in Hawke.

We’re delivering our $23 billion ten-point plan to help ease cost of living pressures. This is already benefitting locals in our electorate of Hawke, including cheaper childcare for 6,800 families, more Medicare bulk-billing appointments for 83,000 people, cheaper medicines for 23,000 people and free TAFE. The state and federal Labor governments have also partnered to invest $20 million to kickstart the Western Freeway Upgrade between Melton and Caroline Springs – with community consultation open until Sunday 10 December. Have your say on this vital project by visiting the Engage Victoria website.

If you or your family need any assistance with federal government matters, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team by calling (03) 9070 1960 or via email at Sam.Rae.MP@aph.gov.au. We can help with issues such as Centrelink, NDIS, Immigration and more.

Take care and I hope you get to spend some quality time with your loved ones over summer.

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Bells ring out in Sunbury

Sam Rae.

With Christmas just around the corner, Sunbury residents can put on their Santa hats and get their carol voices ready for a range of events happening in town.

From interactive workshops for children to adults, story times, arts and craft, Christmas in the park and more, the festive spirit will be spread throughout Sunbury this summer.

Hume council will host a twilight Christmas story time at Sunbury Library on Tuesday, December 5, 6-7pm. There will be a special guest at the event, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own camera for photos.

Sunbury’s 2023 Christmas in the park will be held at the Village Green on Sunday, December 17, 11am-3pm.

The free event will include music by local artist Freddie Gibson, an animal farm, face painting, arts and crafts, food and coffee

options, a bubble workshop and a special appearance from Santa and his Elf. Residents are encouraged to attend a watercolour Christmas card workshop with local artist Lena Sheridan, on Monday, December 11, 10am-12noon, at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre.

The workshop will be a gentle introduction to watercolour cardmaking, and will begin with a stroll around the Gardens to gather native Australian leaves and branches.

There will be a range of additional activities held throughout Hume that Sunbury residents can enjoy, including gingerbread decorating in Craigieburn on Wednesday, December 6, 10-11.30am.

Children of all ages can also build their own bear at a workshop in Mickleham South on December 6, 3-4.30pm.

Details: https://shorturl.at/gjEFP

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Sam Rae, Hawke MP

Hume major Naim Kurt with flyers that show the Christmas events on in Hume. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

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Reversing tradition A new initiative from the Sunbury Library is flipping the advent calendar tradition on its head, to provide food for people who need it most.

The library has teamed up with Careworks to expand the food donation initiative to support its reverse advent calendar.

Library officer Fay Bolch said people can donate by picking up specially designed boxes from the library or can make and decorate one themselves.

“The idea is to then put an item, or more if you would like, into the box for 20 days,” she said. “At the end of that time you drop the box back to the library and Careworks will come and pick it up. “[It] is designed to encourage giving to people in the community that are going through a hard time financially which flows down to create food poverty in the home.

“It is a great initiative to do with your kids and show them how giving back can make an incredible difference to someone’s life.”

Ms Bolch said the initiative ends on December 7, but they will be taking late entries as they appreciate it is a very busy time of the year.

Library staff Arlene Bird with food donations at Sunbury Library.

(Damjan Janevski) 371199_02

Pool confidence drains

By Zoe Moffatt Sunbury residents have once again had the opening of their 25-metre indoor pool delayed, with a significant defect in one of the final stages of the repair works.

Hume council announced on November 23 that there was a significant defect in the paintwork and said it does not know the timeframe for re-opening, and is awaiting advice from the contractors, who are investigating.

The announcement comes after a shocking year of setbacks for the pool, since a leak was

discovered on May 12. At a meeting in October, council said the repair and improvement bill totalled $1,147,594.

At a council meeting on November 27, 11 public questions were submitted in regards to the pool at the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

Director city services and living Hector Gaston said the new paintwork was peeling in two areas at the base of the pool, which was not leaking.

“The responsibility for this defeat lies with the contractor and they will pay for its repair,” he said.

“Council has provided a range of

membership discounts and service credits to minimise the impacts of the closure of the 25-metre pool. These will continue to apply until the pool reopens.”

For Sunbury resident Georgina Oh Morrissey, the pool was her space to exercise and a way for her to control her blood pressure.

“I was using the pool three times a week… to maintain my blood pressure due to my sleep apnea problems,” she said.

“I was just patiently waiting for it to reopen and was going to Craigieburn once a week but it was taking me about 45 mins [to drive] there and up to an hour on the way back.

“I’m getting busy so I don’t do any

swimming anymore. It has affected [me], as it helped me maintain my blood pressure, strengthen my heart, it helped me to relax and with my sleeping.”

Mrs Oh Morrissey said she did try to use the outdoor pool when it opened, but found it too dirty and windy.

“If the outdoor pool was in good condition the residents wouldn’t be so frustrated, they’ve left us with no option,” she said.

“I’ve already lost my confidence as to when [the indoor pool] will reopen. It’s taken too long, it’s really disappointing. It’s been delay after delay.”

■ Continued: Page 11.

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Cafe to pay $7k to sacked teen

By Zoe Moffatt For many teenagers a casual job is a way to earn some spending money and get a taste of working, but for one Sunbury teen, it has resulted in alleged dismissal due to illness, underpayment and a trip to court.

Brown Cow Cafe, located on Vineyard Road in Sunbury, was ordered to pay $7,320.08 in compensation and backpay after the Federal Circuit Court found it took adverse action against the teenage worker for failing to attend work due to a chest infection.

The court also found the cafe had failed to pay the minimum outstanding wages owed to the teen.

According to court documents, the teen

started working at the cafe on December 22, 2021, when he was 16 as a level one beverage attendant.

On May 7, 2022, while working on a Saturday the teen sent a text to Hao Nick Truong that he was beginning to feel unwell and asked to work two hours less the following day, however Mr Truong didn’t respond.

When the teen texted Mr Truong the next day that he was too sick to attend his shift, Mr Truong requested he attend work, and following this exchange removed him from the staff Facebook messenger group.

The teen then found out, through screenshots that were sent to him, that Mr Truong sent a message to the chat that the teen would no longer be working at the cafe.

In handing down her decision, Deputy Chief Judge Patrizia Mercuri said these actions show that the teen had been dismissed.

“In removing the [teen from the] Facebook messenger group by which shifts were allocated… and by sending a message to the Facebook group advising that [he] would no longer be working at the cafe, [showed he was] dismissed,” Judge Mercuri said.

The teen also obtained a medical certificate on May 9, 2022, confirming he had a chest infection and that he would be unable to work.

Judge Mercuri said she accepted the teen’s evidence that he felt “terrible, depressed and humiliated” when he found out that he had lost his job.

“To add insult to injury, the hurt and

humiliation the applicant suffered, was compounded by the manner in which his dismissal was communicated to the rest of the team,” Judge Mercuri said.

The court also found the cafe failed to pay the correct minimum wage, when the teen was paid as a 16-year-old when working on Easter Saturday and Sunday last year, despite turning 17 more than four days earlier.

Judge Mercuri said there had been a “history of non-compliance by the respondents in this matter“.

“Given the history of this matter and the respondents’ repeated failure to engage in the proceeding at all, both of these factors come into play,” she said.

Costs were to be decided at a later date.

Once upon a Christmas Eve

BoilOver Performance Ensemble members Savannah, Brendan, Justin, Andrew, Sarah, Conor and Jaymie-Lee. (Damjan Janevski) 373979_01

BoilOver takes flight with production To mark International Day of People with Disability which took place on the weekend, the Hume Global Learning Centre in Sunbury hosted a free festival of performing arts on Saturday.

The festival featured an original piece of work

by BoilOver Performance Ensemble called The Birds, a roving physical theatre production which recently premiered at the Melbourne Fringe.

BoilOver creative producer Carmen Maddison said the artists get the opportunity to develop their skills and their confidence

each week.

“Group members are continually pushing their boundaries of artistic expression as well as building their strength and flexibility,” Ms Maddison said. “[This enables] them to advance their aerial and lift techniques which we often use as part of our productions.”

Sunbury-based inclusive theatre company, BoilOver, was established over 14 years ago and is a program of Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health. It is open to anyone over the age of 18 who has an interest in the performing arts and can be accessed through

a National Disability Insurance Scheme plan.

There was also a performance of Momentum by the Women’s Circus as well as stalls, workshops and other entertainment.

The festival was an opportunity for both those with disability and the broader community to come together to celebrate diversity and inclusion and recognise the valuable contribution people with disability make to the arts.

If you are interested in joining BoilOver, you can call Carmen Maddison on 9744 4455 or email boilover@scchc.org.au.

A Macedon Ranges performance group, Safe Space Performances, is inviting residents to join it in a fairytale for grown ups packed with carols, laughs, fun and frivolity.

Held at the Bluestone Theatre on December 16, at 7.30pm, the show follows an unlikely group of travellers as they are thrust together by fate on the morning of Christmas Eve. Evacuated from their ship, far from their destination and stranded in a Mediterranean costal village, the story begins as they arrive at Sophia’s Cabaret Restaurant- the last place they thought they would be.

Safe Space Performances founder Gabriel Macura said she has wanted to create a Christmas show like this for a few years.

“We are so excited to be presenting it at the gorgeous Bluestone Theatre.

Everyone involved has stepped up so tremendously- the show is an absolute riot,” she said.

“I wrote out a storyline and each performer has created their own character based on being a group of evacuated passengers from a cruise style ship which has broken down the morning of Christmas Eve. “The show combines solo cabaret style Christmas carols with some group singing all packaged in a story with fabulous characters, and has developed organically into a hilarious and touching show.”

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Hume rate trend ‘disturbing’: CR

By Zoe Moffatt Hume council has recorded a 60 per cent increase in rates owed since 2020, which a councillor has attributed to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s “apparent desire to crush working people”.

In a meeting on November 27, the council noted the quarterly finance report for the three months to September 30, which detailed an almost $12 million increase in rate arrears from the same time last year.

As of September 30, the value of rates outstanding was $54.50 million and at the same time last year it was $42.75 million.

But when the report was prepared on

October 11, the value of the total rate arrears was $37.94 million.

Speaking to this increase, councillor Joseph Haweil said it is a very disturbing and worrying trend.

He said the June 30, 2020 period showed council’s rates arrears were at $17.2 million, and less than two months ago on October 11, the rates arrears was at $37.94 million.

“So in effect [this is] a 60 per cent increase between June 2020 and June 2023,” he said.

“I think in the figures that you see in the report and with some analysis across a number of years, there is a very disturbing and worrying trend that we are seeing playing out in Hume city.

“I want to associate myself… with the many thousands of residents suffering the burden of the crazy economic policy being played out in this country. “[This is] through the Reserve Bank and its apparent desire to crush working people in order to achieve the economic outcomes it wishes to achieve.”

Cr Haweil said he expects to see the rates arrears trend continue to grow, and he thinks the council “now must enter a phase to play [its] part in inflation reduction”.

“Which is to manage the amount of money we’re putting out there and also to consider what impact infrastructure spending… has had on inflation in this country,“ he said.

“I know there are very very many thousands of families in Hume city that are suffering today. I for one intend to continue raising my voice against this monetary policy in this country.”

An RBA spokesperson said they cannot comment on why increasing numbers of people in Hume are behind on their rate payments.

In June the then RBA governor Philip Lowe said high inflation is corrosive and damages the economy.

“It erodes the value of money and savings, puts pressure on household budgets, makes it harder for businesses to plan and distorts investment,” he said. “It makes us all poorer and hurts people on low incomes the most.”

Help keep koalas safe With the koala breeding season underway, volunteers from the Wildlings Woodend Wildlife Shelter are raising awareness about the marsupial’s vulnerability during this time.

Volunteer wildlife rescuer and wildlife shelter operator Mel Fraser said the breeding season in Victoria runs from September to early March, during which the animals move further distances in search of a mate.

“Koalas are a lot more vocal at these times so residents will often hear koalas trying to get the attention of the females,” Ms Fraser said.

“We also have young koalas in dispersal around this time [who] are looking for their own territory. So not only do we have the older males on the move looking for a mate, there’s the younger ones on the move looking to establish territory of their own.”

Ms Fraser said the main threats for koalas

in and around the Macedon Ranges are car strikes, dog attacks, and loss of habitat due to development.

“Where possible [people should] contain dogs to defined areas, particularly during koala breeding season. If dogs are barking, check to see if it’s because of a koala in the yard. If it is, pop the dog inside for a few hours to give it time to continue its travels. Where possible consider wildlife friendly fencing, and planting native eucalypts to create wildlife corridors.”

She said it’s important to protect and plant local species of eucalypts and other native flora such as callistemon and acacia. Hotspot roads include Romsey Woodend Road, Black Forest Drive, Calder Freeway, Ashbourne Road, Donald’s Road and South Rock Road. People should report any sightings of injured or sick koalas to Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300.

A wild koala pair in a love tiff. (Woodend Wildlife Shelter)

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Hume LGPro membership Hume council has agreed to cease its LGPro Corporate Membership and will seek a reimbursement on a pro rata basis of membership paid for the current subscription period. Council expenditure to LGPro from July 2016 to August 2023 totalled $224,967.

Council said it will consider alternate and more cost-effective options for future training and professional development of its staff.

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Hit singer to perform ‘Shaddap You Face’ singer-songwriter Joe Dolce is set to be the featured reader at the ninety-fifth Chamber Poet, at the Woodend RSL on Saturday, December 9, 1pm-4pm.

Poet and essayist Dolce found international recognition with the multi-million-selling hit song, and became interested in poetry in the early 70s, when he played improvised guitar while a poet recited famous classical poetry.

When asked if he had mixed feelings about that song now, Dolce said “no friggin” way.

“I’ve always loved it. It has been an absolute blessing,” he said.

“Now some other people may have mixed feelings about it, but I even like that… many people hate it. That’s why I wrote it. Especially for those people.”

Dolce’s introduction to poetry led to a lifelong appreciation, and in 2009 Dolce began to write poetry and essays professionally.

He wrote an essay on Leonard Cohen, focusing on the quality of Cohen’s poetry and lyrics, and published his first poetry collection in 2010, with his work now published in many literary journals.

“I began my relationship with creative language as a songwriter and I developed my skills as a poet primarily in the service of a better song-lyric,” he said.

In response to a question about his favourite poets, Dolce is philosophical.

“I don’t have any favourite poets. There are poets who have influenced my writing but also who acted as mentors seeing something in me before I could see it myself.

“Poets after all are kind of like family. It would be hard to answer who are your favourite children or your favourite parent in any really meaningful way without offending someone so why do it?”

A new round of grants have been announced to help farmers manage established weeds and pest animals.

The second round of the Partnerships Against Pests Grants Program, worth $500,000, will help community groups deliver workshops and resources including fact sheets and videos showcasing best practice management tips. Details: agriculture.vic.gov. au/2023-biosecurity-strategy.

Keep Romsey Pokies Free The Keep Romsey Pokies Free (KRPF) committee will be holding an event to discuss the pokies application at the Romsey Hotel. The invitation only event will follow the kitchen table discussions model, with special guests invited to present on the negative impact of pokies on both residents and businesses.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Calls for safe Sunbury crossing

By Zoe Moffatt As the sun beats down, local resident Alan Olson waits patiently on the corner of Gap and Anderson roads in Sunbury, to find a safe time to cross the busy intersection.

With cars and trucks constantly passing by, Mr Olson shares his concerns about the intersection and how it is endangering Sunbury’s most vulnerable residents.

“My wife and I walk everyday and we go past [this] intersection… and there’s a lot of pedestrians that use [it]… what we’ve seen in the morning frightens me a little bit,” he said.

‘‘

There are three pedestrian crossings in Evans Street and we can’t seem to manage to get one on this busy road. I just can’t fathom the knowledge - Alan Olson in that

’’

“You have school children, you have elderly people, you have people on walking frames [with wheels]... there’s people in motorised wheelchairs.

“It’s all ages that access that intersection, all through the day. You’ve also got the nursing home, a little bit down Anderson road from there, which is accessed by mostly elderly people.”

Mr Olson is calling on the state government to do a feasibility study and investigate putting in a pedestrian crossing, and he said he would like to see Hume council step up and advocate for its residents.

Resident Alan Olson, who has lived in Sunbury since 1974, waits at the corner of Gap and Anderson roads. (Star Weekly)

“I really believe it needs to have a study done on it to assess the amount of traffic that goes through that area at all times through the day and night,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to Josh Bull about it… nothing’s happened… and I have approached the council on it. They told me, it’s out of their hands because it belongs to the state government.

“I feel if council could at least write to VicRoads or the state [government] telling them or asking it for a feasibility study, I think

that would get something going at least.”

Mr Olson said there is a kilometre between the two closest pedestrian lights to the intersection, which is very far for pedestrians to walk just to cross the road.

“In between, you have this intersection that has no access for people to cross, and if you have to go all the way down there and come back, that’s an awful lot of time.

“There are three pedestrian crossings in Evans Street and we can’t seem to manage to get one on this busy road. I just can’t fathom

the knowledge in that.

“Also the fact that Sunbury’s growing every day… so it’s just going to get a lot busier, which means people accessing this intersection, it’s just going to make it harder for them.”

Mr Bull said he is always keen to hear from Sunbury residents. “[I] welcome feedback from the community on this issue for further discussion and investigation,” he said.

Melissa Horne and Hume council were both contacted for comment.

Malmsbury Primary School students at the parade (Supplied).

official ceremony, which included a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and time capsule burial. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas was also in attendance.

“We opened our frog bogs outdoor learning area, [had] a barbeque lunch for everyone… [and] a photographer came around to get group photos through the decades,” Mr Pool said.

“We were able to get a lot of old school photos dating back to 1967 and archives. [It was] a great time for people to catch up.

“The time capsule included little messages from the students about themselves and their current interests, news clippings, and a USB stick with photos. It’s due to be open on the 200th celebration.”

Mr Pool said while he has only been at the school for almost 18 months, he was really happy to be a part of the 150 year history and the celebrations.

Zoe Moffatt

You’re invited to our community event in Sunbury To thank you for your patience throughout works, we’re inviting you to celebrate with us at our end-of-year community event in Sunbury. There’ll be activities, such as face painting, plenty of food and entertainment for everyone! Come along and enjoy some family-friendly fun. Drop in any time, no RSVP required.

Saturday, 9 December, 10.30am to 1.30pm Tulsa Drive Reserve, Sunningdale Avenue, Sunbury 12652829-FC49-23

From nine year olds to those in their 90s, Malmsbury Primary School students, staff, parents and alumni, gathered on the weekend to celebrate the school’s 150th anniversary.

The historic celebration was held on Saturday, December 2, and kicked off with a parade around the Malmsbury cricket ground.

Principal Travis Pool said the 71 students at the school and staff have been doing a unit of history this term as preparation.

“They’ve done the Malmsbury heritage walk, [and] we also had access to the train station. The kids have been enjoying learning about the town they live in,” he said. “[The students] could decorate their bikes for the ride [and] any old students or staff were invited to join in the parade.

“We also [had] a mini truck carrying around the elderly, as we [had] ex-students in their 90s.”

After the parade, attendees gathered for the

bigbuild.vic.gov.au/roads 1800 105 105 (call anytime)

7354

School makes history

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne Tuesday, 5 December, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 9

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10 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 December, 2023

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NEWS

Pool confidence drains ■ From page 1.

Sunbury Red Cross Shop volunteers Linda Sait, Maureen Riley, Michelle Lyhnam, Dung Ngo and Bev Stehn. (Damjan Janevski) 375519_01

Celebrating 25 years

By Zoe Moffatt As the end of another year rolls around, volunteers from the Sunbury Red Cross Shop have been celebrating the shop’s 25th anniversary.

From second hand boots to blazers and everything in between, volunteers have witnessed the positive impact the shop has had on the community and themselves, with many donating decades of their time.

One volunteer Maureen Riley has been at the shop for 15 years and said it has been a great experience.

“We go in, have a laugh, a joke, a cup of tea

and we get to interact with the customers, we all just enjoy it,” she said. “It’s just a good thing for the community and we get to help the community, there’s good camaraderie.

“One lady who still volunteers when she can, was here at the opening of the shop, 25 years ago. Another volunteer Linda Sait has been here volunteering for 18 years.”

To celebrate the milestone, which occurred last month, the shop offered a 25 per cent discount last week, and all the volunteers will be gathering in the middle of December for a morning tea.

Ms Riley said the shop operates differently to other op shops, with a loyalty program

and a rack of brand new clothes straight from businesses and retail stores.

“Our Red Cross shops are different from the ordinary op shop, we raise money for the Red Cross… [and] for them to do all their work.

“The shop also has brand new clothes… which still have the tag on… It is really popular with customers. We still do take donations as well and we have used clothes coming in from our warehouse.”

With Christmas just around the corner, Ms Riley encouraged anyone looking for some gift ideas to come in and have a look.

The shop is located at 80 O’shanassy Street, Sunbury.

The pool closure has impacted participants from disability and services support provider Distinctive Options (DO), with assistant coordinator Hannah Chalker saying it has been a big disruption.

“For some, the pool is the only form of exercise they engage in. Instead, they have been travelling to the Brimbank Aquatic and Leisure Centre which takes up more of their day,” she said.

“Hydrotherapy is an important part of the health and wellbeing of a number of our participants.

“Although they can still access the warm water pool, it has been more difficult with the limited space when half the pool is used for swimming lessons.”

At the November meeting, Mr Gaston said council had begun scoping the service and infrastructure plan for Hume’s leisure facilities.

“Once completed, this plan will guide council’s future decision making for aquatic facilities in Sunbury and across Hume.

“After [the plan] is completed, council will be developing a specific Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre masterplan.

“This masterplan will guide future investment in the site and ensure the facility is well positioned to meet the needs of Sunbury’s growing community.”

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Taking action for a safer future As this year’s 16 Days of Activism wraps up, Zoe Moffatt dives into the world of footy and the work being done in the outer north-west to improve gender equality and inclusivity.

O

n Friday, November 24, thousands of Victorians swarmed the steps of parliament house.

Bathed in sunshine, a sea of orange swelled for the annual Walk Against Family Violence, the kick start to the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

The marchers were united by disturbing Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data that revealed more than one in four Australian women experienced partner violence or abuse.

The statistics released on November 22, found that one in six women experienced partner violence and partner economic abuse, while almost one in four experienced partner emotional abuse.

For filmmaker and Castlemaine footy player Mitch Nivalis, these figures aren’t a surprise.

“It’s far more widespread than I think most people realise,” Mitch said.

“I feel like potentially [those] statistics are underreported, because you know, those are the stats that have been reported and I think there’s far more challenging and horrible things going on behind closed doors.”

Data from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety found that most Australians do not believe violence against women is a problem in their communities.

The analysis found that while 91 per cent of Australians recognise violence against women as an issue at a national level, only 47 per cent admit it could be a problem in their own suburb or town.

These telling statistics highlight the need for further localised education, and for Mitch, this is the place where local footy clubs can step up and lead on inclusion and activism.

“Sporting clubs are connected in so many different ways to a large part of our community,” Mitch said.

“Most people will have kids that will be involved in sporting clubs, adults are involved in sporting clubs, and then all those networks, friends and family that those people are connected to.

“So if we’re having these kinds of conversations within sporting clubs, and we’re creating cultures in sporting clubs that are inclusive and equitable for everyone, then that automatically starts to seep out into the broader community and change happens quicker.”

Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, Mitch’s short film about the Mount Alexander Falcons was streamed at locations in Melbourne’s outer north-west.

The film, Equal the Contest, follows the formation in 2021 of the Castlemaine based football club for women and gender diverse people and their fight for inclusion in the AFL. Despite fulfilling all the necessary conditions to form a new club, the Falcons initially had their application rejected by AFL Central Victoria.

The club members then embarked on a campaign to gather support from the community to overturn the decision, challenging age-old sporting traditions and joining the wider movement for gender equality.

Speaking about gender equality in sport and rates of violence against women and children, Mitch said while things are changing, they need to happen faster.

“Sometimes I think we’re moving way too slow and sometimes I feel like we’ve got such momentum that things are changing quickly,” they said.

“When I was a kid there wasn’t even such a thing of girls playing soccer, and now we’ve just had the phenomenon of the Women’s World Cup. “That’s my lifetime, things are changing, but the rates of violence against women and children are still at epic proportions. In that sense, we’ve got so much work to do still.”

For growth areas in Melbourne’s outer north-west, like Melton and Wyndham, high levels of family violence is an ongoing issue.

Equal the Contest film creator and Falcons player Mitch Nivalis.

(Supplied)

‘‘

So if ... we’re creating cultures in sporting clubs that are inclusive and equitable for everyone, then that automatically starts to seep out into the broader community

’’

The walk kick started to the 16 Days of Activism campaign. (Respect Victoria)

- Mitch Nivalis

In 2020, the Melton LGA had the highest rate of family violence per 10,000 people in metropolitan Melbourne, and in 2020 Wyndham ranked fourth highest in Victoria for reported incidents of family violence.

Family violence support service GenWest is pushing change with a series of community footy club workshops on how clubs can be inclusive, the importance of gender equality and its link to preventing gender-based violence.

Former Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Boyd will be speaking at the workshops as part of the Champions of the West program.

Tom said community sporting clubs are in many ways a cornerstone of communities.

“With that, they are uniquely placed to bring forth topics to focus on that will improve our society,” he said.

“At the end of the day, we want our clubs to be places that can unlock the potential of as many people as possible, and help them thrive.

“These sessions are a great opportunity to bring people together to talk on things that are of grave importance, and bring it to the forefront of people’s minds leading into a great

12 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 December, 2023

year of football.”

The program engages local community football club leaders and players to increase understanding of the links between gender inequality and gender-based violence.

The sessions will be delivered early next year, and clubs in the Western Region Football League and Sports Central can sign up for a free session during 16 Days of Activism.

Interested clubs should email GenWest for more information.

Respect Victoria chair Dr Kate Fitz-Gibbon said while family violence and violence against women is a national crisis, it is preventable.

“We are calling on all Australians to take action to prevent violence and to learn what drives it,” Dr Fitz-Gibbon said.

“Everyone has a role to play if we are ever going to see safe relationships, safe workplaces and a safe community for all women.

“Violence is happening in every town and suburb in the country, and we all have an opportunity to be part of the solution. We’re better than this, and we must all strive for a safer future for women and girls.”

Looking towards the future, Mitch said they

Former Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Boyd will speak at Champions of the West program workshops. (Supplied)

are hopeful things will continue to change, but people need to continue pushing these important conversations.

“There’s so much happening and it’s a bit of a numbers game. We need more women and gender diverse people in key roles in organisations.

“We need more learning and education happening particularly for young boys in school. There’s so many conversations that we need to keep pushing forward and progressing in order to make that change.

“But I definitely feel hopeful, I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Details: comms@genwest.org.au

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They’re kicking goals in Kyneton Barkly Square’s surface playing issues have been drained away thanks to a million dollar makeover.

Kyneton District Soccer Club, Kyneton Obedience Dog Club and Kyneton Smallbore Rifle Club members are expected to be able to use the new playing surface in February 2024, once the turf has been established.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas joined Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death and other representatives to inspect the ground in late November, which marked the $1.26 million project’s completion.

The ground’s drainage issues had previously made it prone to waterlogging, which resulted in events often needing to be cancelled or

relocated. Works included stripping and re-graded the ground, while also installing new irrigation and drainage systems, along with a synthetic cricket pitch and soccer goals.

Kyneton District Soccer Club president Ron Cole said the club has managed to continue to grow its numbers and is excited for what the future holds.

“The big benefit for our club is that we’re going to be able to train and play throughout the year without having to worry about moving,” he said.

“That makes it more enjoyable and beneficial for everyone involved.”

Ms Thomas said she is thrilled the Rangers now have access to appropriate facilities they

deserve. “These upgraded facilities will make it easier for locals of all ages and skill levels to get involved in local sport and recreation,” she said. “[This includes enjoying] the health and wellbeing benefits of leading an active lifestyle.”

The Barkly Square Master Plan was identified as a key project by Macedon Ranges council and the works were funded by almost $756,000 from council and $500,000 from the state government.

The master plan also proposes to build a new pavilion to replace the current ageing changeroom facilities, and council will continue the planning and design work on this aspect.

Kyneton District Soccer Club president Ron Cole, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death and council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan (Supplied)

Support for our veterans

Gisborne Secondary College students and community partners at the Gisborne Community Centre for the social innovators program. (Supplied)

Students innovate in Gisborne Gisborne Secondary College students have stepped up in term four to complete the Gisborne’s Social Innovators program, connecting businesses and the community to a pipeline of talented young people.

More than 40 students took part in the program, which gave them the opportunity to collaborate with community and business partners to bring their ideas to life this year.

Key themes that participants have previously addressed include finding ways to promote care for the environment, enhancing health and wellbeing, fostering community connectedness and reimagining learning.

Sunbury Cobaw Community Health community and partnership engagement officer Matt Gleeson attended the program and said the pitch event was fantastic.

“Young people have very good ideas, we just don’t know because we don’t ask them,” Mr Gleeson said.

“So often we talk about young people in the context of ‘that they’re not interested in things, they’re not interested in the future or community life.’

“But the pitches that we’ve heard really demonstrate that young people can come up with some amazing ideas and really do think

about what’s happening around them in the world.”

Year 9 students Angus and Noah said they found the program interesting and learnt how to market a product and come up with new ideas.

“It was pretty hard sometimes, but once you found a cool idea it was easy to elaborate on.

We changed our ideas quite late but I think it worked out for the best,” they said. “[We] learned how to generate ideas a lot more efficiently and effectively. If I could see my own idea portrayed on something, that would be pretty cool.”

Three Macedon Ranges veteran groups have received funding through Victoria Remembers and Anzac Day Proceeds Fund grant programs, to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans in Victoria.

Gisborne and Macedon Ranges RSL sub branch received $10,000, Macedon Ranges legacy group received $6385 and Mount Macedon ANZAC day dawn service received $18,909.

The Anzac Day Proceeds Fund supports ex-service organisations to deliver activities that boost veteran wellbeing, while Victoria Remembers grant Program provides funding to honour veterans’ service or educate Victorians on veterans’ contributions.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas commend the recipients for their important contributions to our veteran community.

“This funding will help ensure we continue to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of the veteran community in Macedon,” she said.

The Gisborne and Macedon Ranges RSL received funding to provide a lunch or dinner to veterans whilst attending welfare meetings, while the Macedon Ranges legacy group received funding to help support legacy widows.

The Mount Macedon ANZAC Day dawn service received funding for its commemorative event held at the memorial cross, which attracts up to 2000 attendees.

The Veterans Capital Works program gives local organisations funding to upgrade buildings and facilities, for Victoria’s veterans.

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starweekly.com.au/find-my-newspaper Tuesday, 5 December, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 15

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

Community. Connect. Create.

If you are needing support or looking for a social group to join, you can visit Community. Connect. Create. It’s an online resource listing support and community groups in the Macedon Ranges. If you would like your group listed or would like to work to help grow this project, get in touch.

■ Communityconnectcreate.com.au or fiona@communityconnectcreate.com.au

The Ranges in Focus Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is holding an exhibition to showcase the local area in the Gisborne shopping centre during mid-December to mid-January.

Residents are encouraged to come and have a look and a chat.

Sunbury Village Market Come along and grab a bargain for Christmas as well as assisting the Rotary Club of Sunbury carry out their various charitable projects on December, 9, 9am-1pm, at Langama Park, 109 Mitchells Lane, Sunbury.

■ https://www.rotaryclubsunbury.org.au

Sunbury carols The combined churches of Sunbury are pleased to present this free community event at Rupertswood, on Saturday, December 9. Musical entertainment and children’s activities commence at 5pm, with carols at 7-8:30pm.

■ h.gwen@bigpond.com

Share the Love Festival This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Norm Morris in a B24 Liberator bomber restoration hanger in Werribee. (Damjan Janevski)

Share the Love Festival will be returning next year, on February 10. The festival last February was so successful that Goonawarra Neighbourhood House has decided to put it on again.

■ https://fb.me/e/6h1xyerkA

375758_01

HarmoniX Vocal Company All-male singing group happening on Thursday, 7- 9.30pm in Sunbury, with a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday. 7-9.30pm. Rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required.

■ harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus The club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Football Club at 10am. This friendly group of men and women enjoy outings and meetings each month and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed ■ Doug 5428 3317, or Teresa 0417 373 006

Craft and conversation 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 Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.

■ https://bit.ly/3lmVgVhv

Stadium, Wilsons Lane.

■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

Come have a chat Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. Chats every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30am at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon.

■ Carol, 0431 186 575

Family History and Heritage Society If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and your own family history, come along to meetings 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 Combined Probus Club

All women are welcome.

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am.

■ Carmel, 0416 477 271

■ cwawoodendeves@gmail.com

Toastmasters Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall.

■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Seniors

The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Ball Court Hotel, 60 Macedon Street, Sunbury from 7pm.

■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) 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.

■ 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 9.45am.

■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to visitors and new members, with a number of great events held each month.

■ Greg, 0417 593 035

Rotary club

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

Come along and be part of Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am- noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm at Eric Boardman

The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms.

■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

16 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 December, 2023

CWA Woodend Eves The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Neighbourhood house.

Hume Men’s Shed The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.

■ sunburymensshed.com or 0438 677 425

Drop-in guitar Bring your guitar and your favourite sheet music and join an informal guitar session for adults. Share songs and learn new ones, all skill sets welcome. Tuesdays, 9am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Sunbury Badminton Club The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights from 7.30pm to 9.30 pm, and on Wednesdays 10am to 12pm. Monday night is a Round Robin competition from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. All welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium 49 Riddell Road.

■ sunburybc@gmail.com

One Voice Sunbury One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday from 6.30pm at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House.

Fun and welcoming choir, new members welcome, no prior singing experience required. Just join in the fun.

■ sunbury@withonevoice.org.au

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

1

6

8 5 2

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

8

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

Present to someone new (9) Meet requirements (7) Land measure (imp) (4) Independent official who investigates citizens’ complaints (9) Wandering from place to place (7) Destructive insects (7) Surgery chamber (7) Break into pieces (7) Motor (6) Untruths (4) Subject (5)

7 8 9 15

ACROSS Church officer (6) Wages (8) Poem (5) Criticism (7) Impeached US president (5) Teachers (9) Darling (8) Excellent (6) Astronomical cloud (6) Female server (8) With healing properties (9) In addition (5) Launched weapon (7) Luxury (5) Box (8) Finish (6)

1 4 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 19 23 25 27 28 29 30

No. 162

17 18 20 21 22 24 26

DOWN Vast Sudanese grasslands (7) Copy (5) South-West Pacific region (7) Metal body protection (6) Mean (7)

1 2 3 5 6

DECODER

No. 162

hard

21

22

23

24

25

26

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

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13

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

O

Today’s Aim: 19 words: Good 29 words: Very good

U

E

A

B

H T

S

bash, bath, bathe, bathes, bathos, baths, BOATHOUSE, booth, bosh, both, bush, ethos, haste, hate, hates, haute, heat, heats, hoes, hoot, hoots, hose, host, house, HOUSEBOAT, oath, shea, shoat, shoe, shoo, shoot, shot, shout, shut, sooth, soothe, south, those, thou, thus

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

No. 162

6 7 $ 0 3

ALTER ALTOS APART ARENA AROSE ATONE CANAL CRANE CRATE DOILY EATEN EDGES FRETS GENIE HALER ISSUE LODGE MANIA NESTS OASES OVERS PARSE PEDAL

4 LETTERS APED EELS EVIL EYES HIRE HOUR PAID POND RANT RENT SARI SEWS SPAS TOES TUNE 5 LETTERS ABATE ACORN ALARM

LLAMAS PREFAB TOMCAT

PEEPS PURER RADIO RASPS REAPS RENEW SCARF SEATS SELLS SHAFT SLEDS SLEET SNIDE SNOOP STAMP TABOO THERE TWIRL USUAL VIRAL

TATTOOED TRESTLES

7 LETTERS ABSTAIN COOPING DESPAIR OUTSIDE RUNNIER SECULAR

11 LETTERS NECESSITATE PESTILENCES

8 LETTERS INTERNET SHRAPNEL

6 LETTERS ELECTS

08-12-23

No. 162 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

O N G S O R N E

B

T A F F A D L E B O U T

S L A

S

B

9-LETTER WORD

S

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

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

N

10 11 12 13

1

T

9

S 20

O N

8

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

19

S

F L

O

7

18

A

6

17

A A

5

O

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

S

4

40 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

3

16

medium

2

15

easy

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QUICK QUIZ

1

A person suffering from friggatriskaidekaphobia is afraid of what?

2

Which award-winning singer was born Natalie McIntyre?

3

In the Star Wars universe, what ‘forest moon’ is home to the Ewoks?

4

Vesak is a holy day observed in which religion?

5

The Round House in Western Australia was originally built for what purpose?

6

Lead singer of Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl (pictured), was once the drummer for which iconic ‘90s band?

7

What is the name of the largest island of Fiji?

8

In which month of 1666 did the Great Fire of London occur?

9

Which great classical composer died of a suspected stroke in 1750 in Leipzig, Germany?

10 Sadie Madison and Sunny Madeline are the children of which US actor and comedian?

ANSWERS: 1. Friday the 13th 2. Macy Gray 3. Endor 4. Buddhism 5. A prison 6. Nirvana 7. Viti Levu 8. September 9. Johann Sebastian Bach 10. Adam Sandler

No. 162

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. The father of which NBA star has landed a fulltime coaching job at the Illawarra Hawks?

2. Nick Kyrgios called which tennis star ‘superhuman’ after winning the ATP Finals for the seventh time?

3. At their recent show in Perth, Coldplay made a heartfelt tribute to which late sports star?

4. Which NFL team won the 2016 Super Bowl?

5. Five low-ranking tennis players have been banned by the ITA for committing what offence?

6. Who is highest-paid female athlete in the world?

7. Which WBBL player hit a six with a broken bat in a recent match at North Sydney Oval?

8. How many times has Stephanie Gilmore won the Women’s WSL World Tour Championship?

9. Mckenna Grace played the younger version of which figure skater in a 2017 film?

10. How many times have the Socceroos placed in the top four at a FIFA World Cup? 11. Which two countries are co-hosting the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup?

Becky Lynch

12. How many Australians have won the Tour de France?

13. Who was captain of the Australian men’s ODI cricket team before Pat Cummins?

Stephanie Gilmore

14. Chicago has how many MLB teams?

15. And what are their names?

16. Who scored the only goal in Australia’s game against Denmark in the group stage of 2022’s FIFA World Cup? 17. How many players are in a curling team?

18. Which team won the Stanley Cup in 2022?

19. WWE wrestler Becky Lynch is married to which fellow wrestler?

20. In what year did the Carlton Football Club last win an AFL premiership?

21. Courtney Bruce, winner of the 2023 Liz Ellis Diamond award, plays for which Super Netball club?

22. Which national men’'s tennis team defeated Australia in the final of the 2023 Davis Cup?

23. Shamera Sterling, winner of the 2023 Super Netball player of the year award, plays for which Super Netball club?

24. Which Perth-born Australian golf professional won the 2023 Australian PGA Championship?

25. Which two teams qualified to play off in the 2023 AFLW Grand Final?

28. Which team did Brisbane Blaze defeat to win the final of the 2023 Women’s Hockey One competition?

29. Monique Conti, winner of the 2023 AFLW best and fairest award, plays for which club?

30. The 2023 film Next Goal Wins is based on a documentary focused on which national soccer team?

26. The 2023 LA Bowl college football game is sponsored by which former NFL star?

27. Which team did Brisbane Blaze defeat to win the final of the 2023 Men’s Hockey One competition?

0812

1. Jayson Tatum 2. Novak Djokovic 3. Shane Warne 4. The Broncos 5. Match-fixing 6. Serena Williams 7. Grace Harris 8. Eight 9. Tonya Harding 10. None 11. West Indies and America 12. One (Cadel Evans) 13. Aaron Finch 14. Two 15. The Cubs and the White Sox 16. Mathew Leckie 17. Four 18. Colorado Avalanche 19. Seth Rollins 20. 1995 21. West Coast Fever 22. Italy 23. Adelaide Thunderbirds 24. Min Woo Lee 25. Brisbane Lion and North Melbourne 26. Rob Gronkowski 27. NSW Pride 28. Canberra Chill 29. Richmond 30. American Samoa SUMMER 2023

Parents wake up

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Tuesday, 5 December, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 19

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

X-Trail roots in ‘enemy territory’

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring In one of the most competitive segments of the automobile industry one company has called on rivals for one of its most important products. Nissan has put together its fourth generation X-Trail with parts from the Mitsubishi Outlander on a Nissan-Renault Alliance CMC-F platform.

Weighing in with six petrol-powered variants in front or all-wheel drive – there are two e-Power hybrid electric vehicles on the horizon – the bitser takes on the task of making up ground on well-established rivals such as Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson.

The new X-Trail comes with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in front-wheel drive, or optional Intelligent 4x4, with all four grades – ST, ST-L, Ti and Ti-L, with a mix of five or seven seats – fitted with an Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission.

Well-equipped from the entry-level ST front-wheel drive at $36,750, plus on-road costs, to the range-leading Ti-L AWD, $52,990, on test was the ST-L AWD 7 seat priced at $46,290.

All X-Trails are covered by Nissan’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assistance over the same period. Service packages are available.

Styling Nissan says the new CMF-C platform, from its alliance with Renault, allows for 27 per cent greater torsional stiffness than before, while the use of ultra high-tensile steel in the body has almost doubled over the old car.

Weight savings have been found by using composite material for the rear tailgate, and aluminium for the front and rear doors, front fenders, and bonnet.

The test car paint job turned out to be something of a work of art, the basic white with black highlights really holding the redesigned rear together, giving the vehicle a unique, sharper look than before.

The signature V-Motion grille and double-decker headlamps add to the Nissan(ness) of the MY23 model, while two-tone body colours – white and black here – make their Nissan debut. The ST-L rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior A spacious cabin is versatile, with sliding second row seats to allow for passable access to the optional third row, maximising seating for up to seven. Rear doors open wide, allowing ease of loading.

Despite retaining the same 2705mm wheelbase as the previous X-Trail, there’s more space in the second row, with generous leg and knee room. There’s no skimping on headroom. The big let-down, however, is the lack of legroom in a third row only suitable to take children.

Synthetic leather seats, heated at the front, include power-adjustable driver’s seat.

There’s dual-zone climate control, 360-degree parking camera view, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and leather-accented steering wheel.

Inside, the vehicle is dominated by black surrounds.

However, brown inserts scattered around the cabin, plus white contrasting stitching surprisingly give the gloom a lift.

Storage includes generous cup holders up front, room for big bottles in the doors and a huge central bin. Under the console is another large tray.

The boot floor is split into two removable panels that lift and slot in vertically to separate and hide items. It also includes limited under-floor storage for slimmer items. The X-Trail has a temporary spare wheel.

Infotainment The ST-L is fitted with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and AM, FM and DAB+ digital radio.

The new Nissan X-Trail puts on a face to challenge any of its mid-size SUV opponents. (Pictures: Supplied)

There’s a USB-A and C port up front – two more USB ports (one USB-C and one USB-A) in the back – and a wireless charger.

One blessing is the air-conditioning controls are left out of the touchscreen, instead in the form of a row of dials and buttons that are easy to use when driving. The driver also can take advantage of an instrument display consisting of twin analogue dials flanking a 7-inch screen with important info such as speed, fuel economy, safety systems and tyre pressures.

Engines/transmissions Launching on a brand-new platform, the new X-Trail is offered with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – the same unit as in the Outlander – producing 135 kW of power and 244 Nm of torque.

In front-wheel drive or optional Intelligent 4x4, all grades are fitted with an Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission.

Maximum braked towing capacity has been increased to 2000kg.

Safety Advanced safety tech earned the X-Trail a five-star ANCAP rating in 2022. On hand is lane keeping assist, lane centring assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, front

20 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 December, 2023

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE ST 2WD $36,750 ST AWD 7 seat $37,790 ST-L 2WD $43,190 ST-L AWD 7 seat $46,290 Ti AWD $49,990 Ti AWD ePower hybrid $54,190 Ti-L AWD $52,990 Ti-L AWD ePower hybrid $57,190 SPECIFICATIONS Nissan X-Trail ST-L AWD 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol, CVT automatic, AWD SUV

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

and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree vehicle view and door exit warning.

Forward autonomous emergency braking, with pedestrian and cyclist detection, while low-speed reverse AEB is handy when parking, the latter producing a shock to the driver’s system when first introduced to it in the test vehicle without forewarning.

Driving Performance has seen the benefit of extensive engineering work, with the ST-L skipping along nicely on the bitumen. An upgraded (9 kW / 18 Nm) 135 kW/244 Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivers more pep with little noise, vibration and harshness making their way into the cabin.

Fuel consumption on test rose as high as 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in town traffic, while the best recorded was 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres on a motorway run, averaging within the 7.8 combined urban/highway consumption claimed by Nissan.

Following a full overhaul of chassis and suspension tuning, the new X-Trail has improved on-road ride and handling considerably. With the new Intelligent 4x4 system designed to react quicker than before, power off road is seamlessly transferred from front to rear wheels to help with stability and traction.

As well as hill descent control, the X-Trail ST-L offers five drive and terrain modes – Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow and Off-Road – accessed by a rotator on the centre console.

Summary It’s anyone’s guess how the Nissan will compete on the congested mid-size SUV sales trail. The well-specced ST-L could hold the key.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Women’s side returns, as Caton takes the reins New Woodend-Hesket women’s coach Scott Caton is keen to take the side to the next level in the Riddell District Football League next year.

Caton has been appointed the Hawks coach as they look ahead to their second season of having a women’s side.

The side made finals in their first year, which was a good starting point according to Caton.

“Last year was a good first introduction,” he said. “It was run by some of the parents to get it up and running.

“We want to get it up and running more and put some more resources behind it.”

Caton has been playing reserves at the club for the past few years but previously held various coaching roles in different leagues.

He said having seen women’s programs at other clubs, he’s seen what they can bring to the club and community as a whole.

“I’ve done some previous assistant coach

work in the WRFL [Western Region Football League],” he said.

“They had a women’s side at the club I was involved in, Manor Lakes. You would see the girls at training and it was really good to have them at the club.

“The opportunity arose [at Woodend] and I put my hand up to help them try and move up a few spots.”

Caton said he was hoping to increase playing numbers for next season, to take the pressure of the young playing group they have.

Many players were doubling up playing youth girls and senior football each week to ensure they had enough numbers.

“They are a young side,” he said.

“I want to try and build the side and bolster with a bit more experience. The older heads take the pressure off a lot of the younger side which can get you a long way.

“A little bit of life experience can help in the key moments. I was to get them from being a finalist to a premiership contender.”

Caton said they would look to get a few sessions in before the Christmas break and then come back strongly after it.

The Hawks are having a meet the coach and have a kick night this Wednesday at the Racecourse Reserves from 6-7pm.

“We want to get in some sessions and get as many players down as possible,” he said.

The club in the announcement said it thinks Caton will bring great energy to the women’s coaching role and will help the club to continue to integrate women’s footy as part of the club moving forward.

It also thanked outgoing coach Colin Bromley for leading the side this year.

Tara Murray

Scott Caton. (Supplied)

Dick returns to Cats

Lachie Bramble has signed with the Western Bulldogs.

(AAP Image/Scott Barbour)

Second chance in order Former Sunbury Lion Lachie Bramble will get a second shot at an AFL career after being picked up by the Western Bulldogs on the opening day of the pre-season supplemental selection period.

The Bulldogs have signed the former Hawthorn player as a rookie.

The 25-year-old arrives at the kennel after three seasons at Hawthorn, playing 30 games after making his debut in Round 14, 2021.

A dashing utility with impressive footy IQ, Bramble joined training on the first day of pre-season after officially signing with the red, white and blue on Monday.

Bramble averaged 17 touches per game during his 11 AFL games last season.

Bramble said he was excited to get to the club.

“It’s an exciting club, great new facilities here as well, it was an easy decision to come across,” he told Bulldogs media.

“I kept in contact a little bit just after the delisting. I had a zoom call them [Sam Power and Luke Beveridge] while I was away which was pretty cool. I wasn’t able to meet

face-to-face until later on, but it’s all going well now and great bunch of people here.

“I’m really pleased.”

Bramble said the player he was most excited to play with was skipper Marcus Bontempelli and that the playing group had been quite welcoming.

He said he brings a lot of flexibility to his playing style.

“I feel like I’m quite versatile. I can play multiple positions, I spent a bit of time at half back, on the wing previously at the Hawks over the last couple of years.

“I bring my speed and agility and I’ll look to hit the scoreboard a little bit.”

“I’m really excited to get properly stuck in.

It’s really exciting and I can’t wait.”

Bulldogs list and recruiting manager Sam Power is pleased to welcome Bramble and is excited for what he can add to the mix.

“Lachie brings some exciting athletic traits to our program and plays a variety of positions across the midfield and defence,” he said.

“He has played 30 AFL games throughout

his three seasons at Hawthorn and will provide plenty of speed and dash to our squad.

“We look forward to welcoming Lachie and his family to VU Whitten Oval this week.”

Bramble originally signed with the Hawks as part of the pre-season supplemental selection period.

It’s been a long journey for Bramble who gave up playing in the Victorian Football League in 2019 and returned to playing for the Sunbury Lions to regain his love of the sport.

He told Star Weekly after he was picked up by the Hawks that he thought it would never happen.

“At stages I didn’t think it would happen,” he said.

“I did a few Wednesdays training with Hawthorn during the week… and then got asked to train two weeks full time with the club.

“It was awesome and I was blown away they had asked me to do it. I thought this was my opportunity.

“It was one last crack and it paid off. It is awesome and starting to settle in.”

Macedon has welcomed back premiership star Matt Dick for next year’s Riddell District Football League season.

The former AFL player had this year off football, but will be a key inclusion for the Cats as they look to rise up the ladder.

Dick returned to his junior club after his AFL days ended and has been a star player in the competition. He was part of the Cats 2017 premiership.

Joining Dick at the Cattery next year is Johno Bissell. He joins the club from Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Football League.

He played 16 games for the Cobras last season and was named in the best in two of those games.

He is the second Bacchus Marsh player to join the club, with Jayden Cott also having signed on.

Cott played three senior games and seven reserves games for the Cobras this year, kicking three goals and was named in the best three times.

Tom Indian is also joining the club for next season.

Indian played for Hurstbridge in the Northern Football League division 1 competition this year.

He played 18 games for the season, split evenly between seniors and reserves.

He was named in the best twice in his senior games.

Tate Wilson and Nathan Hynes, who had impacts at under-17 and under-19 level respectively this year, have joined the club. Both are still eligible for under-19s next year.

The Cats finished sixth this year percentage outside the top five after a slow start to the season.

Matt Dick. (Shawn Smits)

Tuesday, 5 December, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 21

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Cannons’ coach joins Dockers for season 2024 Calder Cannons boy’s coach Andrew Sturgess has joined Fremantle’s AFL coaching department as a development coach, completing the Dockers’ coaching set-up for the 2024 season.

Sturgess is a highly credentialed coach from Victoria, who most recently held roles in the talent pathways helping mould future AFL players with the Cannons in the Coates Talent League and Vic Metro’s under-18 and under-16s talent squads.

He was appointed the Cannons coach this year, as the competition returned to having stand-alone boys and girls coaches. Prior to this he was senior coach at Coburg in the Victorian Football League and coached Bundoora in the Northern Football League, having quickly risen through the ranks.

“Following a thorough process, we are really excited to welcome Andrew Sturgess to the Freo family,” said Fremantle executive football general manager Joe Brierty.

“He’s a people-focused individual that is driven to get the most out of players to reach their full potential. He has a real growth

Andrew Sturgess (Supplied)

mindset and will form a key part of our coaching team.”

Sturgess will relocate to Perth before Christmas to fill the role vacated by Adam Read, who was appointed as senior coach of Peel Thunder, Fremantle’s Western Australian

Football League aligned club, last this month.

“With the appointment of Andrew, we’ve now been able to formalise the structure of our coaching department for 2024,” Brierty said.

“With Justin (Longmuir) leading our panel, we are very confident all coaches can deliver

the game plan and strategy that’s required as well as creating an environment where our players feel inspired to perform at their best.

“This is a coaching group that has a significant amount of experience and I’m looking forward seeing them work closely with our players to deliver the success that our club is driven to achieve.

“We look forward to welcoming Andrew, his wife Bianca and sons Leo and Archer to the Freo family next month [December].”

The Calder Cannons congratulated Sturgess on social media.

“We wish Cannons under-18 boys coach Andrew Sturgess all the very best for the next chapter in his coaching journey,” the club’s post said.

“Andrew and his family are making the exciting move to WA where Andrew will be a development coach at the Fremantle Football Club.”

The Cannons have now advertised to find a replacement for Sturgess with pre-season already underway for next year’s Coates Talent League season.

Wins for Cats, Bulls

Mon Conti. (Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Conti claims top honour Former Calder Cannons’ gun Monique Conti, who grew up in Keilor and Maidstone, stormed to her first AFLW best and fairest, winning the league’s highest honour with two rounds to spare.

On Monday night, Conti polled 20 of a possible 24 votes across the first eight rounds of the season to take an assailable lead.

She received three votes in each of the Tigers’ five wins against Brisbane, Greater Western Sydney, Carlton, Hawthorn, and Collingwood. She was also judged best afield in the round five loss to Fremantle.

Conti, who juggles football with her basketball commitments with Women’s National Basketball League team the Melbourne Boomers, put an exclamation mark on her win by earning a maximum three votes in round 10.

The Tigers star was last year’s runner-up to Brisbane’s Ally Anderson.

The Maribyrnong Sports Academy graduate was originally drafted to the Western Bulldogs with pick four of the 2017 draft, before joining Richmond for its inaugural season in the competition in 2020.

The 23-year-old adds to her already

extensive resume which includes five All-Australian selections, a premiership in which she was best on ground, Season 7’s AFL Players Association most valuable player award and five club best and fairests.

Conti played in all 10 matches this season, averaging 28.5 disposals, 7.3 clearances, 418 metres gained, 5.8 tackles, and 3.5 score involvements per game.

The dynamic midfielder, known for her blitzing and evasive speed, also led the league for clearances this season, was fourth in the AFLW for disposals and fifth for metres-gained.

When asked when she thought the award was hers, Conti said with a laugh “(the) last round.“ “I don’t know. I just had a pretty good game last round,“ she said.

“We had an amazing win, I was so happy to finish on that.

“I think leading into that (final vote count), it was like ’okay, this is actually real.’“ She finished seven votes ahead of Sydney’s Chloe Molloy, North Melbourne’s Ashleigh Riddell, Gold Coast’s Claudia Whitford and Geelong’s Amy McDonald.

22 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 December, 2023

Conti credited her teammates and the people around her for the win.

“We have been challenged a lot this year, but I have got great coaches and great teammates as well,” she said.

“Honestly, you cannot be where you are without your teammates, I think we’ve got a great coach in Ryan Ferguson and great assistants and I have got a great team around me.

“Some good people around me really helps.”

The dual sport athlete said being able to play both footy and basketball keeps her motivated and helps her forge a path for the next generation of female athletes.

“One thing that really keeps me going is knowing that myself and every AFLW player and every WNBL player, we are all role models for young female athletes, and even just young athletes coming through.

“What keeps me going is knowing that I can help create a path for young girls that are being told to choose between one sport or another.”

Conti has now polled 79 votes from her 61 games at AFLW level, highlighting her consistently brilliant level of performance since entering the competition.

Macedon cemented its spot in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s top two with a strong win against Lancefield Yellow on Sunday.

After rain washed out most of the men’s games on Saturday, the sun broke through and the women’s competition was able to still go ahead.

Macedon, which has won the last two titles, put out a strong performance against Lancefield Yellow to win by 18 runs.

The Cats made 2-124 from their 20 overs with Amy Miles top scoring with 43 not out having retired to give others an opportunity.

The Tigers were able to put on some partnerships, but fell short, making 3-106.

Brooke Jeffery top scored with 40 at the top of the order before having to retire.

The win was the Cats fourth for the season and they sit three points behind Darley. The Tigers sit in fifth spot.

Bacchus Marsh was also on the winners list, beating Gisborne.

The Bulls made 5-111 from their 20 overs with Emily Kennedy and Sarah Bamford both making 24 each.

Dragons coach Brianna Woodburn was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2-20 off her four overs.

The Dragons started strongly before losing a couple of wickets. The side was able to steady and were sitting at 2-70.

As they went to push the run rate the wickets started to fall. The Dragons finished 8-86, having had just nine players bat.

Woodburn top scored with 29 before being run out and Ruby Watts made 22.

Emily Kennedy and Ashley Gillard took two wickets each for the Bulls.

The Bulls sit in third spot not with three wins and the Dragons are in fourth spot.

In the other match, Darley got the points with Kilmore forfeiting the game.

Darley will play Macedon this Sunday in a top of the table clash.

Women’s footy focus for Tigers It’s full steam ahead for Lancefield as it aims to field its first women’s team in the Riddell District Football League next year.

After looking to have a team this year but unable to get the numbers, the Tigers are making a big push to have a side next year.

The Tigers first step is naming Chris Clifton as their inaugural women’s coach.

Clifton brings plenty of experience to the role, including having been an assistant coach for Collingwood’s AFLW team, development coach at Greater Western Sydney and coached Queanbeyan Tigers women’s side and been part of numerous development programs.

Clifton said he had put his hand up to help the club get a women’s side off the ground.

“I was posted down this way for work, I’m in the army,” he said. “I linked up with the club through one of my mates and I was helping out with the junior club the last 12 months.

“They were talking about getting a senior women’s team up and I said ‘hey, I’m here and I have a bit more to give’.

“I was keen to give a bit more time to the club.”

Having helped establish and run women’s programs across the country, Clifton knows it’s not as simple as just turning up to play.

He said a lot of work has to be done to get things in place.

“It’s exciting for me,” he said. “There’s something about putting programs in place to help community clubs get up and running.

“There’s a fair bit behind and making sure you have the right support for the team. The committee, the coaching staff, the program itself.

“Starting the program is the most important thing, regardless of the experience levels. We want to get the program up and running and

having the right things in place, success will come down the track.”

Clifton said their first point of call was to touch base with all the players that had expressed interest in joining the club previously.

The club is having two sessions before Christmas, December 6 and 13 with players of all abilities welcome.

Clifton said he was ready to get started.

“It’s very exciting looking at a community perspective,”: he said. “Young girls coming through playing junior footy have somewhere to go at the footy club at senior level if that’s what they are passionate about.”

Anyone interested in playing can contact Chris on 0419 407 764 or team manager Em Condron 0416 008 150 or email the club at lancefieldfnc@gmail.com.

Tara Murray

Chris Clifton (Supplied)

Sports shorts Coates Talent League Calder Cannons Isaac Kako, Nash King and Harry O’Farrell have been named in the VIc Metro boys summer hub training squad. The squad, which also includes the Northern Knights Zak Johnson, contains 24 players, will take one in two high-performance training camps over the summer months to further assist players in their preparation for the 2024 Coates Talent League season.

RDFL Woodend has announced another signing ahead of the 2024 Riddell District Football League season. Jack Duggan has joined the Hawks from Essendon District Football League club Strathmore where he joins some familiar faces. After coming out of Strathmore’s under-19s he has played 25 games in the seniors the past couple seasons in a team which has made the last two premier division grand finals. When not playing seniors, Duggan was captaining the reserves who won the grand final this year. The Hawks said they are super excited to have Duggan on board for not only his on field skills, but the leadership qualities he brings with him.

Michelle Fletcher (Jacob Pattison)363952_01

Bowls

Tigers in the grand final

By Harper Sercombe Kyneton Tigers are through to the Country Basketball League north-west women’s grand final.

The Tigers are set to face the Bendigo Braves on Saturday evening following a dominant display against the Mildura Heat on Saturday night.

The Tigers pounced on the Heat early taking a 13 point lead into the first break.

The Heat began to work its way into the game in the second term cutting the lead to 11. Yet, after the main break the Tigers once again came out firing, putting the lead up to 19 points heading into the last. The Heat attempted to make a comeback but it was too little too late, with the Tigers winning 76-60.

Michelle Fletcher was once again the Tigers top scorer with 25 points.

Tigers’ coach Ash Clark said it was a good night, with experience on the court prevailing.

“It was really good,” he said. “I suppose it’s vindication for all of the hard work that

they’ve done, it’s a good reward for the work they’ve done not just this season but it’s been building over a fair few seasons for these girls.

“We felt if we had an edge we’d have an edge on a young Mildura in the experience that the girls have.

“That’s how it eventuated, it seemed to me the composure and experience of our girls helped us.”

Clark said the strong start to the match was important to not only get ahead of the game but ease some early nerves.

“Certainly from a coach’s point of view it relaxes you a little bit more on the bench,” he said.

“The girls had a hard game last week against Bendigo and it taught them a few lessons and brought them back to earth.

“It brought us back to the type of basketball that we were playing earlier in the season where we were really hard to score against, so that was good.”

The Braves have been a clear stand out in the competition for the last few years, having

won the championship two of the last three seasons, including the last one, and were runners up in the other year.

One of those premierships came against the Tigers in early 2021, the only other time the Tigers have made the grand final.

With the Tigers going down to the Braves in the last match of the regular season, 98-75 the grand final is set up to be a classic. When the best offensive team in the Braves takes on the minor premiers.

“All season we’ve rated them as the best team in the competition,” Clark said.

“They’ve just never had their full team together enough to really prove it, but we rated them as the best team for sure, the team to beat.

“The girls are really looking forward to the challenge because if you want to be the best you’ve got to beat the best.”

The two sides will fight it out at Cobblebank Stadium at 5.15pm on Saturday night, followed by the Heat and the Braves playing off in the men’s competition.

Club Sunbury remains in second spot in the Bowls Victoria pennant division 1, section 1 competition. In a rain affected round, many of the games, including Sunbury’s and Altona 2’s didn’t go ahead. The two teams split the 18 points. Sunbury remains 14 points behind Brunswick which it plays this week. Brunswick is the only team to beat it this season.

RDNL Lancefield has announced the signing of Shaid Sasalu for next year’s Riddell District Netball League season. Sasalu has been playing netball since she was eight and is part of the Western Warriors under-23 side for next year’s Victorian Netball League season. She is the first new signing announced for new coach Ciara Stewart.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tuesday, 5 December, 2023 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY 23

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