Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 26th March 2024

Facilities out of play

By Zoe Moffatt

Kyneton Football Netball Club is calling for improvements to its “sheep shed” changing facility, which the president says is possibly the worst netball facility in the country.

Steppingontoacountrynetballcourtonthe weekend is a feeling many are familiar with. It is not only a place to socialise and exercise, it is often the beating heart of the town.

For netballers in Kyneton this right of passage- synonyms with growing up away from the hustle and bustle of a major city- has been cast into doubt because of the state of the female changing facilities.

With mould on the walls, no showers, no hot water, no heating or cooling, no sanitary facilities and rats and mice everywhere, club president Hayden Evans believes Kyneton has possibly the worst netball facilities in Australia

“There just seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel,” Mr Evans said.

‘‘ It’s a sheep shed ... our netballers have to share that space with the sheep ’’

- Hayden Evans

“We’ve got no showers, we’ve got no hot water, we’ve got an absolute lack of shelter for home and away sides… we have to provide marques for the players and coaches to stand under.

“We’ve got no heating and cooling, we’ve got nearly 100 girls sharing one court in a town of 6000 people.

“We have no sanitary facilities for the women in those rooms which is just painful to even talk about, that’s ridiculous.

“We’ve also got rats and mice everywhere, it’s a sheep shed basically.

“It’s a sheep shed that we share – once a year the council has an agricultural show – and our netballers have to share that space with the sheep.”

Speaking to 3AW on Monday, March 18, Mr Evans also spoke of the mould on the walls, which he said was painted over by Macedon Ranges council the day after.

“They painted over the mould the day after the story broke (on Tuesday) and they didn’t say anything to me,” he said.

“I’m a volunteer and it shouldn’t be up to [the club volunteers] to make sure that a council facility is safe.

“How do you go recruiting netballers and telling young girls to play at Kyneton- you’ll be sharing it with the sheep. It’s embarrassing.

“All we want is a temporary facility with hot water, heating and cooling so the girls aren’t standing out in the rain or breathing in mould.

I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”

Northern Victoria MP Wendy Lovell shared this view and raised the issue in Parliament on

facilities,butanobjectionlodgedtopartsofthe plan has put progress on pause.”

With the netball season about to begin, Kyneton Football Netball Club will be entering its first under-13 team in the comp, which will mean greater demand on the changing facility.

Tuesday, March 19, calling on the government to provide funding for a temporary facility.

“[These] netballers… currently have to get changed in a sheep shed with no showers, which is infested with rats and has mould on the walls,” she said.

“Macedon Ranges council has adopted a masterplan to upgrade Kyneton Showgrounds, which includes new netball courts and change

Macedon Ranges council assets and operations director Shane Walden agreed the existing netball facilities at Kyneton Showgrounds are not what players expect or deserve.

“That’s why council has been pushing for some time… for external funding to support its redevelopment,” he said.

“We’ve been taking all the necessary planning and design steps to get a proposed redevelopment started as soon as practical.”

Mr Walden said a member of the public objected to the redevelopment design, which would require the removal of 10 trees.

“The objection was due to be heard at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) this year, however we are awaiting advice from VCAT as to whether the original permit is still required…. [following an] amendment to the broader planning scheme.

“Webelievethepermitisnolongernecessary as a result [and] will have a better idea of construction timelines and next steps once this is resolved with VCAT.”

Mr Walden also said officers proactively identified a mould issue as part of seasonal changeover inspections earlier this month, and it was addressed.

Mr Evans said the club understands the new project team at council has done a sensational job trying to deliver the project.

“They have had local lobby groups and red tape standing in their way and that is not our issue. [It] is the fact… these conditions… aren’t suitable and that’s why we are not standing for these sub par facilities any longer.”

Kyneton Football Netball Club players outside the changing facility. (Pictures: Supplied)

The mould on the walls in the changing facility prior to council addressing the issue.

All

Small local connection

The untold story of famous Australian Sir Bruce Small and his connection to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges will be explored in a new book documenting his life journey in sport and politics.

Mr Small’s legacy includes building the Malvern Star bicycle brand and becoming a pioneer of Australian cycling through managingfamouscyclingchampionsincluding cycling icon Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman. He then retired to Surfers Paradise where he became famous all over again as the colourful mayor known as ‘Mr Gold Coast’.

The new book titled ‘Sir Bruce Small: From Malvern Star To Mr Gold Coast’, mentions Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges’ part in his incredible journey, from humble beginnings to his name appearing in thousands of news headlines over the decades.

Author Rachel Syers said Mr Small guided Oppy’s iconic career and it all started in the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury.

“As it turns out, the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury are among the most significant locations in the book,” she said.

“[In regards to] how Bruce and cycling icon Hubert‘Oppy’Oppermanmetandbecameone of the most famous sporting partnerships in Australian sporting history.

“Oppy raced through the Macedon Ranges from North Essendon through Sunbury and Woodend as a 17-year-old in the Cycle Traders road race in 1921 and came third.

“[He won] a Malvern Star bicycle and meeting Bruce Small - the rest is Australian sporting history.”

The book was launched on March 13.

Briefs

Sandie Braun

Beloved community member Sandie Braun has been remembered for the extraordinary amount of work she did for the Sunbury community following her recent death. Sunbury MP Josh Bull paid tribute to Ms Braun in Parliament and said she was incredibly warm-spirited and kind. She was a member of the Sunbury Agricultural Society since 1984 and Mr Bull said she leaves a significant legacy.

Grazing, farming discussion group

Macedon Ranges residents can attend a grazing and farming discussion group to learn about grazing and as well as business and marketing. The discussion will be held at Spring Hill on Friday, April 19, from 10-11.30am. It will include a paddock walk, chatting about the pros and cons of the current grazing strategy and then a discussion about the marketing and promotion of selling your produce. Once registered, the property address will be sent prior to the event.

Pathways for Carers

The next Pathways for Carers walk in Kyneton will be held on Friday, April 5, from 9.45am-noon at the Barry Doyle Memorial Rotunda, Kyneton. The walk along the wheelchair friendly Campaspe River will be followed by free morning tea and a talk by a guest speaker.

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Bruce Small with Oppy at Fremantle To Sydney finish line. Oppy’s wife Mavys is left, and Bruce’s wife Lillian is right. (Supplied/ Samuel J Hood)

Green Wedge plan ‘ineffective’

By Anne Parisianne

Environmentalists are concerned the state government’slatestplantoprotectgreenwedge areas on Melbourne’s fringe is “ineffective“ and won’t stop urban creep.

Earlier this month, the state government released its Green Wedge and Agricultural Land Action Plan which seeks to ensure the city’s expansion accommodates the growing needforhousingwithoutsacrificingproductive agricultural land and access to nature.

The government announced planning reforms will be introduced to provide better permanentprotectionforthegreenwedgeareas from over-development and inappropriate use through controls for agricultural land.

The government claims that the plan, which

also encompasses cultural heritage sites, water catchments, conservation areas and quarries, will protect areas responsible for supplying 41 per cent of metropolitan Melbourne’s food needs, including 80 per cent of its vegetables.

Green Wedges Coalition coordinator Rosemary West said the action plan shows the government’s good intentions but said, “we are concerned that the action plan fails to address the perennial problem of urban uses encroaching into the green wedges“.

Shesaidtheyfearthatgreenwedgeprotection will still largely be left to local residents, environment and green wedge groups.

“It has no actions to limit the spread of urban uses, like schools, places of worship or secondary dwellings, in the green wedges.“

The plan also indicates more flexibility for

farmgate sales, which means “agricultural land will continue to be lost to urban uses, and the green wedges will still be threatened by death from a thousand cuts,“ Ms West said.

“We are disappointed that the very moderate proposals in the 2020 options paper––which require schools and places of worship to be located adjacent to the UGB [urban growth boundary]onamainroadwithaccesstopublic transport and not in a Bushfire Management Overlay––have been dropped.

“Since the main purposes of the green wedges are to protect the natural biodiversity, agricultural land and rural open landscapes, we are surprised there is no action proposed to protect the environment, which is left to councils to look after via their green wedge management plans.

Botanic art on show once again

Mount Macedon and District Horticultural Society’s botanic artists are busy preparing for the biennial Botanic Art exhibition this April.

For more than a decade the society has been supporting an active group of talented artists many who exhibit both nationally and internationally, including at Royal Botanic Gardens, the Hunt Institute in America and the Royal Botanic Gardens in London.

Through this decade-long history, these

artists adopt a contemporary approach, style, and a wish to capture the biodiversity of plants found in the natural landscape and historic gardens.

This latest exhibition will be held at the Mount Macedon Horticultural Hall from April 13 to 18, and attendees will have the opportunity to view and purchase original works and admire the diversity of approaches. Group member Craig Lidgerwwod said

being a part of the society is fantastic and helps everyone with feedback and ideas.

“We’ve been actively painting here for the last 15 years and at least two days a week we get together and paint,” he said.

“It’s a very scientific way of approaching art, it’s a mix of art and science, we’ve had botanic artists in the area for over 100 years.”

The exhibition hours are 10am-4.30pm, Saturday to Tuesdays, inclusive of Anzac Day.

Council seeks Romsey community opinion

MacedonRangescounciliscallingforRomsey residents to provide their opinions on the Romsey Hotel’s gaming machine application to help inform council’s submission to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).

Romsey residents and those living within five kilometres of the Romsey Hotel are invited to complete a survey relating to an application for 50 gaming machines at 90 Main Street, Romsey.

The council said it has commissioned an independent consultant to deliver a social and economic impact assessment (SEIA).

ToinformthisSEIA,councilisundertaking acommunitysurveyusingapubliclyavailable database from the Victorian Electoral Commission to target letterbox drops to all Romsey residents and those within five kilometres of the venue.

Director community Maria Weiss said there may be people who have moved to the area or just turned 18 who are not captured in this database.

“We know this is an important matter for manyRomseyresidentsandwewanttoensure that we are giving as many eligible people… as possible the opportunity to participate in

our survey,” she said.

Eligible residents who haven’t received a letter directly must “opt in” to complete the survey, showing proof of residency to ensure validity of the data collected. The letters were expected last week.

Individual survey results will be completely private and de-identified and a summary of results will be included in a future report, expected to be listed for decision at an April meeting.

Residents can opt in by contacting council on 5422 0333, or by visiting a council office.

Hume residents David and Gwen Chandler said the plan is ineffective in protecting the green wedge.

“I think it’s missed the point to some extent,” Mr Chandler said. “The key issue… Green wedges has, is more and more industrial blocks occurring around the outer edge,” he said.

“[The plan] is doing very little to protect… the rural landscape and the environment,” Mrs Chandler added, Planning Minister Kilkenny said from the iconic wine regions to market gardens, the green wedges contribute not only totheeconomybutmakeMelbourneoneofthe best cities in the world. “More housing doesn’t have to come at the expense of our green wedges,” she said. “That’s why we’re providing better permanent protection for these areas against over-development.”

Funds on offer

Applications are now open for this year’s round of the Greater Western Water (GWW) Thriving Communities grants and sponsorship program.

Thriving Communities has been running since 2022, offering funding to community-led groups and projects that are creating opportunities across our service region.

GWW general manager strategy and partnerships Kessia Thomson said groups could apply for up to $20,000 for projects that are locally led and benefit our customers and community.

“In previous rounds, GWW has fundedawiderangeofprojects,activities and organisations and we hope this year is no different,” she said.

“Our eligibility criteria support local organisations with innovative ideas to help our communities thrive.”

“We are looking to invest in locally led initiatives for big returns on community wellbeing and care for country in the west. If you are working on something that creates opportunity, sustainability, inclusion or equity, we want to hear from you.”

The Wyndham Netball Association launched its All Abilities Youth Netball Program last year with help from a Thriving Communities sponsorship.

The program provides an inclusive environment for children and young peoplelivingwithdisabilitytoplaysport, and helped the association win the 2023 NetballVictoriaInclusiveCommunityof the Year Award.

Applications are open until April 10. Successful recipients will be notified in June. Details: www.gww.com.au/ grants-sponsorships

Artists Vaun Monk, Marion Oke, Craig Udgerwood, Cherie Linaker and Megan Jones get ready for the exhibition. (Damjan Janevski) 395228_04

Waiting for shade among streets

Sunbury residents will have to wait their turn toreceiveextragreeneryunderHumecouncil’s treeplantinginitiative,whiletheircounterparts in southern Hume areas will soon receive 6300 trees.

According to council, it will plant 5000 trees each year in Hume and maintain trees across reserves, urban areas and other properties managed by council.

A council spokesperson said the areas chosen for the current round of planting had low access to open space, were high on social vulnerability scoring and the areas had many vacant street tree planting sites.

“Planting trees in one geographical area at a time saves time and money for Hume council

as planting, watering and tree establishment assessments are all close to one another, reducing travel time,” they said.

“Planting trees across the municipality is a process that requires significant resources that need to be distributed based on need. Council has a five year plan to plant trees in all urban areas of Hume.”

However, the council would not confirm how many trees would be planted in Sunbury under the initiative and when.

Sunbury Residents Association (SRA) president Graeme Williams said he wasn’t sure why council would need to focus on some parts of the municipality first.

“[Planting trees] doesn’t require massive

capitalworksfunding,”hesaid.“Yes,theremay bealittlebitofextrawateringandmaintenance but only a bit.”

“It’s my understanding they have a responsibility to maintain existing trees across themunicipality,soIcan’tseethataddingtrees across the entire municipality would incur [much] extra costs.”

Mr Williams said SRA have already been focused on adding greenery to Sunbury through supplying local kindergartens with more than 1100 small shrubs and trees.

He said the way council is completing the initiativeisnotaparticularlyproductivewayto do it for the whole community.

Residents from other areas, such as

Residents make waves at SunFest

Calvary Goonawarra residents not only joined the recent SunFest street parade, they were front and centre at a festival stall, selling knitted items and bead jewellery made especially for the occasion.

Ladies from the home’s Knit and Natter group showcased their skills and goods, selling an array of beanies, scarves, coat hangers, teddy bears, and children’s jumpers and jackets, along with bracelets and earrings made with beads donated by a local store.

Resident Valda Wardley, who started the group, said this was the first time they had sold their handiwork, and everyone had fun and purpose making the items, and on festival day.

“We have a regular knitting group at the home and we all share our thoughts to prepare for the next project,” she said.

Ms Wardley also runs her own value shop atthehome,whichisaweeklyTuesdaytrolley service popular with residents, families and staff alike.

Home manager Michelle Magundayao said residents and staff had been looking forward to participating again and were thrilled when Calvary Goonawarra was awarded the street parade’s Best Business/Service for the second year running.

“Our residents and staff are part of the wonderful Sunbury community and were really excited to be involved again,” she said.

“It is important for residents to be involved in the community and be able to continue to do the things that interest them– whether it’s gardeningatthehome,tinkeringintheMen’s Shed, or coming along to great community events like this.”

Broadmeadows, have also voiced their frustration about the planting order.

Broadmeadows resident Shah Noor said she was disappointed that her suburb and some other suburbs like Dallas, Coolaroo and Campbellfield, which lack green space, weren’t on the council’s top priority areas. “Every time I walk in Broadmeadows, it’s really hot… with concrete everywhere,” she said.

Hume council said residents can make a request for a tree to be planted in front of their property on the nature strip at any time from anywhere in Hume. The request will be assessed and if a tree can be planted in the location council said it will go into the 2025-26 planting program.

Medicare champions

Nominations are now open for the Stronger Medicare Awards, to recognise and honour Medicare Champions across the country.

McEwen MP Rob Mitchell is encouraging constituents to recognise and nominate Medicare champions from McEwen.

Nominees should be outstanding individuals and practices that provide exceptional care, embrace innovation and work together to improve the health of the community.

“We all know of someone who has gone above and beyond to make a positive difference to our health, our lives, our families and our communities,” Mr Mitchell said.

“These Medicare Champions deserve recognition, as we celebrate 40 years of Medicare this year.”

Nominationsareopenforindividual health professionals, practices or health centres and multi-disciplinary teams working across the full range of primary care services.

“Nominations are also open to the many hard-working people who do not have health care profession qualifications… but work for primary care services and help patients access health care,” Mr Mitchell said.

“This is our chance to say thanks and to call out the dedication, innovation and expertise in our local community.”

The federal government said primary care is the foundation of the healthcare system, delivered through general practice, community health centres, mental health centres and allied health services.

“These professionals and their support teams are often the first place Australians turn to for their health needs,“ the government.

Crime continues to creep up, according to the latest data

Macedon Ranges has recorded an uptick in criminal offences recorded, with a 5.1 per cent increase in the 12 months to December 2023, new crime data reveals.

Crime Statistics Agency data released on March 21, reveals there were 2131 total offences recorded, which is an increase of 104 incidents from the 12 months prior.

Breach of family violence order continued to dominate crime in Macedon Ranges, again recording 268 offences recorded in the 12 months to December.

Offences recorded remained steady

in Kyneton with an increase of just four offences. Gisborne came in second with an increase of 24 offences and Woodend was third with 75 more offences.

Despitebeingmorethanfouryearsonfrom COVID-19, Victoria Police has continued to compare statistics prior to this time.

A police spokesperson said “overall crime in Macedon Ranges has dropped by 22 per cent since pre-pandemic”.

“This includes decreases in both home break-ins and motor vehicle thefts. Our number one priority is community safety,

and we will continue to focus on preventing areas of crime that cause the most harm.”

Hume recorded an increase of 0.9 per cent, and Sunbury had the third highest offences with 2397 offences recorded, which is an increase of 163 compared to 12 months prior.

Stealing from a motor vehicle overtook breach of family violence order as the top crime offence in Hume, compared to the 12 months to September.

It recorded an increase of 261 offences, from the prior 12 months, to total 1983

offences recorded.

The police spokesperson said “when population growth is considered, overall crime in Hume has actually dropped by two percent in the last year”.

“Residential break-ins have also dropped by three percent in the last year. While police work 24/7 to detect and deter crime across Hume, we are also calling on the community to play their part and lock their properties and cars.”

Zoe Moffatt

Calvary residents join the SunFest parade. Below: Home manager Michelle Magundayao with the Grand Parade Award. (Pictures: Supplied)

The broken gate can wait, until it can’t.

Livestock is the second highest killer on farms – we all know cattle can be unpredictable.

So while it may seem like a job that’ll take longer to get the tools out than do, one small repair could save a life.

Understand your responsibilities with safety around cattle at worksafe.vic.gov.au/livestock It’s never you, until it is. Scan

West is best but gets less: MP

By Zoe Moffatt

Concernsabouttheexpansionof Hi-Quality’s Sunbury Eco-Hub have reached parliament, with MP David Ettershank raising the concerns which continue to grow in the community.

Waste management company Hi-Quality Groupisproposingtoinvestinstate-of-the-art energy generation and expand its treatment, recovery and reuse solutions at the Sunbury Eco-Hub.

If the proposal is approved, the facility is expected to be fully operational by 2030.

AstheWesternMetropolitanrepresentative MrEttershankraisedtheadjournmentmatter to the Minister for Planning on March 21, and said the community is rightly concerned about the environmental and health impacts of the proposal.

“Nottomentionthethousandsofadditional truck movements the facility will force onto already congested and under-developed local roads,” he said.

“Waste-to-energy incineration is high risk and low reward. It locks in an ever-increasing generation of waste, is highly water intensive and does relatively little to reduce carbon emissions.”

Mr Ettershank said the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has laid 33 charges against Hi-Quality for breaches of EPA landfill licences and failure to comply with EPA remedial notices in the last year.

“Approving this latest project is akin to leaving the fox in charge of the hen house.

“The big question is why does the government keep dumping these filthy projects into the western suburbs?

“I guess it’s just really hard not to come to the conclusion that the west is just taken for granted by this government. The west is the

best but it gets so much less.”

With the plan to send an additional 400 trucks to the facility in 2030, residents have raised concerns about the route these trucks would take.

In response to questions about these concerns, a Hi-Quality spokesperson said several existing and approved B-Double truck routes through both Bulla and Sunbury are being considered.

“The final routes and truck volumes travelling on each would depend on where the waste is coming from, and who is supplying it. Exact routes would be determined closer to the commencement of operations,“ the

spokesperson said.

“HiQ understands that truck movements are a concern for the community. It recommends that truck movements are dispersed across several different approved routes and… distributed across operational hours to reduce truck movements during peak hours.”

Sunbury Residents Association (SRA) president Graham Williams said he wants to know what monitoring of road conditions will be undertaken and reported, given some of the already badly deteriorated roads.

“If trucks are expected to come from approximately 10 to 12 other municipalities,

why all to Sunbury when there must be other ‘Hubs of State Significance’ in other areas? “ Mr Williams asked.

“This suggests Sunbury is seen as the dumping ground of choice for the state.

“What does HiQ consider to be ‘peak’ times as many Sunbury residents work shift work including at the airport and will be sharing roads with these additional trucks.”

Mr Williams also raised concerns about the potential licence extension given the growth of new developments in the area.

The state government was contacted about Mr Ettershank’s comments but did not reply by deadline.

Hi-Quality’s Sunbury Eco-Hub. (Supplied)

Meet the Principal

Sally Curmi

As Principal of Riddells Creek Primary School, it is my pleasure to lead a school that connects closely to the local community and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive academically and personally.

At Riddells Creek Primary School, we believe in nurturing not only the academic growth of our students but also their holistic well-being. Our dedication to fostering a culture of respect, integrity, safety, and caring underpins every aspect of our educational approach.

Our academic programs are designed to challenge and inspire students to reach their full potential. Through innovative teaching methods and personalised support, we strive to empower our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. We also prioritise the well-being of our students, understanding that their social, emotional, and physical health are fundamental to their overall development.

As we continue our journey of excellence, I am proud to lead a dedicated team of educators who are passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Together, we will continue to uphold our school values of respect, integrity, safety, and caring, ensuring that Riddells Creek Primary School remains a place where all students can flourish.

RIDDELLS CREEK PRIMARY SCHOOL

69 – 77 Main Road, Riddells Creek 3431 Phone 5428 7277

Mr Craig O’Bree

Sunbury College is committed to working alongside our school community. Students, teachers, and parents working positively in partnership with shared goals for high educational and wellbeing outcomes. Our partnership with the school community is lived through our values of respect, responsibility, resilience, and endeavour. Our values filter through all aspects of our schooling life. We focus on the provision of a challenging curriculum, with constantly evolving educational programs and learning experiences that ensure our students are future-ready and equipped to contribute positively and actively to Sunbury and the wider community. We are very proud of the depth of academic opportunities at our college and the high expectations we have of all our students. Sunbury College focuses on the whole student and has extensive programs in performing arts, student leadership, STEM, outdoor education, wellbeing, and sport that add great breadth to the learning experienced by our students and builds their connectedness to our school community.

SUNBURY COLLEGE

30 Racecourse Rd, Sunbury VIC 3429

Phone: (03) 9744 1066 | www.sunburysc.vic.edu.au

Peter Hutton

Meet Peter Hutton: Steering Global Village Learning Towards a Future of Empowered Learning

With a distinguished career spanning over three decades in educational leadership across both state and independent schools, Peter Hutton is a beacon of transformation and innovation in the educational sector. His reputation for pioneering student-empowered learning and executing visionary changes in schools precedes him, making him a celebrated figure nationally for his transformative insights and unwavering dedication to educational reform.

His experiences transforming Templestowe College into one of the globe’s most innovative learning environments are a testament to the power of believing in the capacity of young people to shape their learning journeys.

In August 2022, Peter embraced the role of Executive Director at Global Village Learning (GVL). With its vision of “empowering learners to build communities that positively impact the world,” GVL is a perfect match for Peter’s expertise and passion for innovative education.

Under Peter’s leadership, GVL has flourished, embodying its unique Edventurous Design Principles where everything we do is Personalized+, Empowered, Action-based, Connected, Organic and Adventurous.

GVL’s “Yes is the default” approach to all requests, underscore Peter’s commitment to creating an environment where possibilities are limitless, and every idea is valued. Through this initiative, students take the reins and help drive the community.

Peter Hutton’s leadership at Global Village Learning is not just about educational innovation; it’s about crafting a legacy of empowerment, community, and positive impact that will resonate for generations to come.

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Meet the Principal

Darren Egberts

Sacred Heart College is a proud Catholic coeducational secondary school that has served the Macedon Ranges for almost 135 years. The school was established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1889 and its core values of Respect, Hospitality, Courage, Justice, Service and Compassion ensure that the Mercy tradition remains embedded and lived out in all aspects of college life.

I have been privileged to lead the school community for the past six years and am particularly proud of the wonderful staff who support our students, parents and families. As College Principal and, as the father of two daughters who attend Sacred Heart College, I believe that the holistic education offered here provides great opportunities for young people to become the best adults that they can be.

I warmly invite prospective parents and families to visit the school for a Principal’s Tour, or our approaching Open Evening, (details available via the College website) and see the opportunities we provide for students to Learn, Care and Flourish.

Phone 5421 1200 | www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au principal@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au

Paul Finneran

Assumption College has welcomed new College Principal, Mr Paul Finneran.

Paul’s significant contributions across nine schools over the past 30 years have been consistently characterised by a passion for success for all students in their learning outcomes, in the context of a holistic Christ centred, Catholic education. Foremost among Paul’s many achievements, is the ability to strategically lead effective school improvement, whilst building strong relationships with students, parents and staff.

“There is a noticeable excitement about the year ahead, I share their excitement. The College will focus on high expectations and building capacity – focusses that resonate for students, staff and families so that we can continually strive for excellence.’

‘We want our students to be the very best version of themselves not only as students but also as people. We will strongly encourage self-respect in our young men and women in highlighting to them that by being their best version of themselves they are giving themselves an opportunity to grow in partnership with others.’

‘As a College, we always seek to be in partnership with families to develop their child to become a confident and active citizen who will contribute positively to the community into which they will enter once they conclude their journey at Assumption.”

Mark Brockus

At Salesian College Sunbury, we pride ourselves on preparing students for the future. Motivated by our Salesian charism, we provide a quality education and promote our school values of Community, Learning, Excellence and Faith, both in the classroom and in everyday life. At Salesian College Sunbury we are committed to encouraging and empowering our young people to strive in all aspects of life for the purpose of making a difference in the world.

We recognise that each student is unique in their educational needs and academic abilities, and we are committed to embracing innovative ways of teaching and learning to support our entire student population. This year we have launched our My Salesian Passport (MSP) curriculum structure, which is designed to maximise student agency and, as a result, maximise motivation and enthusiasm for learning. Our passionate teachers work to challenge the norm and find reimagined approaches to teaching and subject design, while exploring new ideas and concepts around wellbeing, motivation, and integration of technology to ensure that each student has the best opportunity to strive for excellence and to prepare for success in school and life. Our students are encouraged to have a voice in all aspects of their learning, and our broad range of subjects allows them to be challenged and to open their minds to the potential in their future.

We are committed to providing an environment for our young people that is reflective of our core values: Community, Learning, Excellence, and Faith.

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Dumping education on residents

By Gerald Lynch

Hume council is seeking to address the cost of illegally dumped rubbish in the municipality.

Residents will soon receive a magnetic mailout,fullofinformationonhowtomanage and dispose of their waste.

Following a $4.7 million bill in the 2022-23 financial year on cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish, the council is looking to raise awareness and education on waste.

Councillor Jim Overend said that it feels as

though lack of community knowledge of the services available has led to more dumping.

“One of our biggest problems is with our renters out there,” he said.

“They don’t understand they have access to tip passes and hard rubbish collection. It’s our failure to get in touch with real estate agents to talk to tenants to make them aware of what they can and can’t do.

“No matter how hard we try to get them to dispose of rubbish thoughtfully, if they’re unaware of it they’re unaware of it.

“This will help… we’re in a situation I’ve never seen before, in the 35 years I have been living in Craigieburn this is the worst it’s been.”

The mail outs will contain a card full of waste information about how to best manage waste, including education about tip vouchers and hard waste collection available to all Hume residents.

Further, it will contain a QR code leading rate payers to the council website where they can book in a collection, making the process

Honouring every role, every sacrifice

The 2024 Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service will take place on April 25 at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, to acknowledge this year’s theme of Honouring Every Role, Every Sacrifice.

The local community is invited to attend the service, which will showcase the different ways Australians have served, and continue toserve,inwartime,conflictorpeacekeeping.

As part of the service, students from local schools will read excerpts from the accounts of local veterans, including 99-year-old Joy Daymon from Woodend North and 102-year-old Joyce Strawhorn from Kyneton.

Ms Daymon served as a flight mechanic in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Airforce from 1943-1946 and Ms Strawhorn served as a cook, cleaner and ambulance driver during her service.

There will also be a special tribute to late Gisborne-based veteran Robin Funston who had served as a chief petty officer mechanic for the Royal Australian Navy during Vietnam and was a life member of the RSL.

Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service (MMADDS) committee president Leona Latcham said this year’s service is expected to be a special one.

“We have found some wonderful stories

that show the diverse ways our local veterans have contributed to protecting our country and we really look forward to sharing them withthecommunityonAnzacDay,”shesaid.

“There’s something so special about the dawn service at the cross. It’s an iconic location that sets a very moving scene for the morning’s proceedings.”

The service commences at 6am and runs for approximately an hour. Free shuttle buses run from Tony Clarke Reserve in Macedon from 4.15am as roads to the cross are shut to public traffic.

Details: https://www. mtmacedondawnservice.org

easier for everyone.

Council also approved a hotline number service to be included among the information, allowing members of the community to raise any concerns regarding rubbish or collections with a human being, rather than an online chat or a form.

ThemailoutpackissetforJuneandwillalso include an illegal dumping education flyer.

The council is said to be also exploring the option of translated versions of the mail out being distributed around the area.

‘Certainty’: School zones released

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges families can now check next year’s school zones on the Find my School website, with 25 school zones set to change across Victoria.

In an announcement on March 19, the state government said the website will give families certainty as they begin the process of enrolling and will improve accessibility and accommodate six new schools.

Education Minister Ben Carroll said the update gives families all the information they need to find a fantastic local school at their fingertips.

“We are well on the way to meeting ourtargetofbuilding100newschools by 2026, meaning more Victorian students can reach their potential in high quality new facilities,” he said.

As enrolment processes start to begin in early term two, the updated 2025 school zones will give families with children starting primary and secondaryschoolnextyearup-to-date information.

The Find my School website allows families to find their designated neighbourhood government school andothergovernmentschoolsnearby.

Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or searching by school name or categories such as primary, secondary, or specialist school.

The are available online and should be used for any further enrolment decisions for the 2024 school year.

Details: vic.gov.au/starting-school.

The Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service. (Supplied)

Care support in demand

By Zoe Moffatt

Asthecostoflivingcontinuestostrainfamilies around the country, CareWorks Sunbury is feeling the effect with an up to 50 per cent increase in demand for the service.

CareWorks is a not-for-profit crisis relief centre that provides care, food, and support. It is located at 531 Elizabeth Drive, and anyone can access the service.

Operations manager Kate Killick said they are on the lookout for any non-perishable items and toiletries. These include pasta sauce, coffee, tuna, biscuits, jam, Vegemite, shampoo and more.

“This week we’ve had more than 60 households needing to access the service and we’re getting more and more people who are in employment but just can’t make it stretch to get food on the table,” she said.

“Probably this time last year it was hovering around 35-40 households. Households can range from one person up to about six to eight people.

“Households are finding they can’t afford to pay their bills and put food on the table, it’s really tough times. On average [we are seeing] about four new households a week.”

Ms Killick said increasing rents has had a big impact on the households who are coming into access the service.

“I can’t see [the demand] slowing down unlesssomethingisdonewiththecostofliving and inflation comes down,” she said.

“Most of our clients are renting and rents have gone up. We have some families facing eviction because they can’t keep up with rent.”

Ms Killick reminded people to not look past toiletry donations and while they also provide food, they are a place for people to come and be heard.

“It’s not just about eating, it’s about being

able to wash your clothes, your hair and have sanitary items as well… [and] we’re always on the look out for volunteers,“ she said.

“We offer a place to be cared for, we can do

referrals to other services as well, and often people just need a place they can be listened to and heard.

“We’re there to care for people.”

Hume mayor to sit on panel

HumemayorNaimKurthasbeenchosen asoneofjust10mayorstositontheLocal Government Mayoral Advisory Panel for 2024.

The state government recently announced the panel, which will comprise of mayors from urban, regional and rural communities.

The panel will meet with Local Government Minister Melissa Horne four times this year, and the first meeting was held on March 21.

Speaking to the announcement, councillor Kurt said he is honoured to be chosen for the panel, and thanked Ms Horne for the opportunity.

“The Interface Councils Group represents Melbourne’s outer suburbs, which are currently shouldering nearly 45 per cent of the state’s population growth,” he said. “Hume is one of Victoria’s fastest growing areas and we deserve our fair share of state and federal support, which I will be advocating for.

“I’m grateful to have been chosen through a competitive process and to have a voice at the table… on governance and policy issues affecting the [local government] sector and growth council’s like ours.”

The panel changes every year and is set up to offer the minister advice on legislative, regulatory, strategic and policy issues that affect councils across Victoria.

This year’s panel is expected to focus its work on governance, representation and inclusion.

CareWorks operations manager Kate Killick. (Damjan Janevski) 395508_04

Market is on the hop for Easter

Ever wondered where independent grocery stores source the fruit and vegetables that go into your favourite Easter dishes, or where florists buy the bouquets of cut flowers used to create colourful Easter table decorations? Anne Parisianne went to the Melbourne Market to find out.

Walk around Melbourne Market in Epping at 5.30am, and chances are you will see buyers busily moving goods from sellers’ establishments into their trucks using small forklifts.

Melbourne Market is Victoria’s wholesale vegetable, fruit and cut flower trading centre.

The market, built on a 67-hectare site, is one of six central fresh produce markets in Australia.

From midnight until dawn, around 2,750 businesses use the market as a base to sell fresh produce for distribution to independent greengrocers, supermarkets, restaurants and food processors across Victoria and Australia.

John De Muri, one of the three brothers who owns Gazzola Farms, has been selling vegetables at the Melbourne Market for many years. Lettuce, celery, broccoli and pak choy are a few varieties of leafy vegetables available direct from his farm.

Gazzola Farms plans ahead of time as some crops can take up to six months to grow. And by getting the growing cycle timing right, Mr De Muri and the farm can produce a high-quality product.

“What we do is an art,” he said while standing inside a cubicle in front of his market stand.

Like everyone who works at the market, Mr De Muri wears a green vest to ensure safety.

Gazzola Farms also sells vegetables from other farmers.

“In the winter time, we get all our leafy vegetables from Queensland, cauliflower from Werribee, carrots from Tasmania and Mildura, parsnips from South Australia and Brussels sprouts from South Australia and Western Australia.”

Certain vegetables in the market come from other Australian regions due to seasonal weather or the specific growing conditions required by the vegetables.

When Star Weekly visited, Mr De Muri had been at the market since midnight.

He and his brothers typically work 50 to 60 hours per week, which shows their dedication to the business they love.

Mr De Muri, who had been working in the industry for around 50 years, reminisced about how the farming and wholesaling industries had been the best places for him to learn.

“When you come to a market and people give you money, [then] you know how to count. If you go home and you haven’t counted properly, you make a mistake. So you make sure you do it right the first time.”

Inside the Melbourne Market, not all traders grow their own fruit and vegetables.

CK Tropical Produce acts as an agent for Asian types of fresh produce.

CK Tropical Produce owner Henry Huynh explained that “our mangoes… dragon fruits are from growers in Queensland”.

And some of the trader’s goods, such as apples, pears and coconuts, come from overseas.

CK Tropical Produce sells fresh produce to restaurants and retail shops in Victoria.

Before joining the family business eight months ago, Mr Huynh was a civil engineer designing bridges and tunnels for ten years.

Mr Huynh’s passion for the business started when he helped his parents-in-law last year for a few days while they were away.

“I really like the sales aspect… getting to know [people] and building relationships with all the customers,” he said.

“It’s been quite enjoyable coming to a completely new industry—one that I’ve never been exposed to before.”

Walk past the fruit and vegetables section, and you enter the Flower Centre.

According to the Melbourne Market’s website, the Flower Centre serves as a crucial trading hub for fresh flower producers, with

Victoria contributing approximately 40 per cent to Australia’s national demand for cut flowers.

Grown Farm Fresh owner George Ambatzidis sits on a chair inside his flower-stand area.

His friendly smile adds brightness to the colourful cut Australian native flowers displayed around his market stand.

Mr Ambatzidis said flower demand increases slightly in the lead up to Easter.

“We will be doing a lot of chrysanthemum posies [for Easter],” he said.

“[These flowers] will be filling up churches. We supply these flowers to shops as well.”

Mr Ambatzidis said there was strong demand year round for native flowers, such as protea, waratah, banksia, and silver spurflower.

When asked about people’s preference for native flowers, Mr Ambatzidis said, “It’s probably because we want to go back to our

basics, to our ground roots here”.

While the sellers wait for customers, some buyers are ready to leave.

At around 6am, one of Eden Garden’s owners David Hanno, has finished loading fruit, vegetables, and flowers into a truck.

Eden Garden Fresh Market is an independent supermarket in Mernda that offers various products including fresh produce, flowers, frozen foods and deli meats.

And for its fresh produce and flowers, Mr Hanno and his business partner, Antonio Nissan, buy from the Melbourne Market’s traders.

“Sales toward Easter generally usually go a little bit up,” Mr Hanno said while enjoying an early morning cup of coffee.

“People buy more citrus fruit like mandarin now, because the weather has changed to slightly cooler toward Easter.

“In Australia, we’re so lucky because we get a good amount of produce that can cover

everybody’s [needs].”

Mr Hanno says the products he stocks in his shop are of a quality he would personally choose to consume.

“We do our best to give people the quality and the service, and [at] a lower price, too.

“We work very hard to make that happen.”

His vision for the business is for more than just profit. Mr Hanno cares about the satisfaction of Eden Garden’s customers.

“When people come and appreciate you for what you’ve done… it’s more of a reward.

“This [business] is not just about money, it’s about passion and the love you put into it.”

As the sun comes out, the frenetic activity inside the market subsides.

Buyers’ trucks leave the market, taking vegetables, fruit, and flowers to grocers and restaurants across Victoria.

The ingredients for your next Easter meal may have come from the Melbourne Market in Epping.

Henry Huynh (right).

John De Muri (left), and George Ambatzidis. (Pictures: Supplied)

Mental health model expands

By Zoe Moffatt

Macedon Ranges born and bred health promotion charity, Live4Life, has officially expanded into 14 local government areas (LGA),withitsyouthmentalhealthandsuicide prevention program crossing state borders.

Hepburn Shire is the latest addition to the growing list of involved communities, which will deliver teen and accredited youth mental health first aid training, lead conversations to reduce mental health stigma, and promote mental health ambassadors.

Live4Life chief executive Bernard Galbally

said it’s been a busy year for the charity, but it is fantastictoseemorecommunitiesgetinvolved.

“Wewillbein13Victorianlocalgovernment areas… and then we’ve got our first interstate community in Tasmania, the [LGA] of Break O’Day and that’s been funded federally,” he said.

Mr Galbally said the model is successful because it is place-based and Live4Life only goes where it has been invited.

“There’s a whole process that we go through when a community reaches out. It’s about the community taking ownership of the model themselves, and we walk side by side with the

Team Jimmy needs you

When Macedon Ranges resident Daniel Craige was diagnosed with kidney failure at 25-years-old the news was “shattering”.

Over the following years Daniel said he continued to work full time, roll with the punches, and just get on with things.

But by age 31 Daniel required dialysis to keep him alive and was in hospital three days a week having treatment, all while raising a young family.

He said he didn’t know much about kidney failurepriortohisdiagnosisbutthesupportof his now wife helped him through the process.

“[Her support] was huge, without her it would’ve been very different,” Daniel said.

When a phone call came at 4.58am on October 26, 2021, that there was a kidney for him, a wave of emotion washed over Daniel.

“I still can’t talk about that phone call, it gets me a little bit upset just thinking about it,” he said.

“It was a phone call we waited a long time for, almost two years we waited for that phone call. It was a very hard two years.

“I was on dialysis with a young family at the time and that phone call was huge.”

As Daniel received the transplant from an anonymous deceased donor he did not know much about him or even his name. Thus it was decided to call the kidney Jimmy.

“That’s why the team is called Team Jimmy,” Daniel explained.

While this is the first year Daniel will participate in the annual Kidney Kar Rally, he said he hopes to do it for the rest of his life.

With more than $3000 already raised to support KidneyHealth4Youth Programs, anyone can make a donation via the team’s official page.

Donations: https://shorturl.at/dvMQ7

Zoe Moffatt

community.

“We help establish a partnership group withinthatcommunityandthat’slocalcouncil, high schools, health services and community organisations.

“They’re the ones doing the work and our job is to walk side by side with them, guiding them, mentoring them and showing them how to implement the model.

“That can take a four or five year period for them to get to that self-sustainable level but it’s the communities that take ownership of it. I think that’s why we’re so successful.”

With a 2022 estimated population of 52,132

in Macedon Ranges, Mr Galbally said there is a great sense of pride in the community that the charity and program has transcended borders.

“Continuing to implement Life4Life is hard for all communities because it does require investment, but that’s how we build that sustainability.

“I think the key component to the success of Live4Life is young people. They want to learn about mental health, they want to be part of the solution, and they’re leading it.”

There is currently a waitlist of more than 20 rural and regional communities throughout Australia.

Daniel Craige, Adam Leggett and Levi Kavanagh. (Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sunbury Art Society

The Sunbury Art Society meets every Friday and Saturday from 10am-3pm at the Boilerhouse, Jacksons Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with other like minded people. New members welcome.

■ Ken, 0407 062 568 or Yvonne, 0429 994 828

Shuttles and pickleballs

Macedon Ranges Badminton Club is inviting residents to come and play badminton, or pickleball, or both at Macedon Community Centre. Badminton is played on Tuesdays from 7.30pm and Thursdays at 9.30am. Pickleball is played on Mondays at 6.30pm, Wednesdays at 10.15am and on Tuesday from 10am at the Romsey Recreation Centre.

■ David 0419 589 425 or macedonrangesbadminton@gmail.com

Scottish Country Dancing

The Macedon Ranges Scottish Country Dancing Group meets every Thursday afternoon 1-3pm at Buffalo Stadium, Woodend. The dancing involves social country dancing, and no special clothes needed, just soft flat shoes.

■ Meg, 5427 1100 or Linda, 0408 476 317

Community. Connect. Create. If you are needing support or looking for a social group to join, you can visit Community. Connect. Create, which is 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 this project grow please email: fiona@communityconnectcreate. com.au

■ Communityconnectcreate.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, this could be for 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, Victoria Street. All skill levels welcome.

■ kynetonbc@gmail.com

Sunbury Macedon Ranges Lodge

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

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

Breast cancer support group

On the first and third Tuesday of the month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group.

■ Lesley, 0484 691 226

Village connect

Enjoy free coffee and cake while connecting with fellow Macedon Ranges residents 55 years old and older. Happening on Tuesdays and Thursday at cafes across the municipality.

■ https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262

Arts and games night

Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre each Wednesday from 3.30-5.30pm. The free program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old, at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

Toastmasters

Sunbury and 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

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

Probus Club Of Sunbury

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

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

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. All women are welcome.

■ cwawoodendeves@gmail.com

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

Sunbury Badminton Club

The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights from 7.30-9.30 pm, and on Wednesdays

10am-12pm. Monday night is a round robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road.

■ sunburybc@gmail.com

Yoga Yoga classes at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. Special attention is given to mindful awareness of movement that builds strength in a healthy and safe way, Monday mornings, Thursday evenings and Friday mornings

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978.

VIEW Club

Sunbury-Macedon Ranges VIEW Club is a friendly women’s organisation and a valued part of The Smith Family. We meet on the third Friday of each month at 11am at Club Sunbury, Riddell Road, Sunbury. New members warmly welcome.

■ Lee-anne, 0403 047 909

HarmoniX Vocal Company

All-male singing group 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.

■ harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

This week’s photographer’s choice is the Ultimate Harry Potter experience at Wyndham Cultural Centre featuring Lily Phung and Ryan Jordan. (Damjan Janevski). 395593_01

To

ACROSS

1 Baby dog (coll) (3)

3 Linguistic (10)

10 Zeppelin (7)

11 Bedbound (7)

12 Stimulus (9)

13 That following (4)

15 African horned animal (10)

17 Agricultural land (4)

19 Old sailor (coll) (4)

20 Taking over leadership (10)

23 German automobile manufacturer (4)

25 Work independently (9)

27 Speech (7)

28 Ships (7)

29 Expert (10)

30 Idiot boxes (3)

DOWN

1 Act of stealing other’s work (10)

2 Narrow-minded (9)

4 Pleasure (9)

5 Doubly (5)

6 Gulch (6)

7 Sepals of a flower (5)

8 Vein of metal (4)

9 A Japanese religion (6)

14 Literary assistant who copies manuscripts, etc (10)

16 Us (9)

18 Relative position (9)

21 The best at (6)

22 Beachgoer’s two-piece (6)

24 Father’s brother (5)

25 Ultimate (5)

26 Inserts (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

3 LETTERS

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 nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

No. 178

The process of writing in shorthand is known as what?

How many petals do geranium flowers usually have?

What river runs through the city of Budapest?

Teresa Palmer (pictured) and Nicholas Hoult starred in which 2013 film based on a novel by Isaac Marion?

What is an adze?

Where is the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center located?

Kevin Bartlett played 18

8 Who is the protagonist of H. Rider Haggard’s 1885 novel KingSolomon’sMines?

9 What number was the last Apollo mission?

10 Which part of the lamb is known as the ‘fry’?

No. 178

No. 178

No. 178

1.Amplitel as part of the Telstra Group proposes to establish a new telecommunication facility at the abovementioned address. The proposed facility consists of a 40m monopole with a triangular headframe, accommodating six (6) panel antennas, three (3) ‘AIR’ panel antennas and associated ancillary equipment including three (3) remote radio units (RRUs). A new equipment shelter is also being proposed at the base of the facility within the proposed fencedTelstra compound at the property.The proposal will improve 4G and 5G mobile coverage in the locality.

2.Telstra has sought planning approval for the proposed development with Macedon Ranges Shire Council in accordance with the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme. The planning permit was granted on 15/02/2024 (permit reference: PLN/2023/423).

3. The proposed infrastructure will comply with theACMA EME regulatory arrangements.An EME Report can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3437012.

4.We invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or submissions should be directed to: Michael Cheung, Aurecon Australasia, 08 8237 9777, Michael.Cheung@aurecongroup.com by 26 April 2024.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. In which sport can you win the Davis Cup?

2. How many kilometres is an Ironman Triathlon?

3. What is an octuple champion?

4. And who is the only boxer to win this accolade?

5. At which Olympic Games did Simone Biles make history by becoming the first woman since 1984 to win four gymnastics gold medals in a single Olympics since 1984?

6. What nickname is the South African Rugby Union team known as?

7. John Lowe was the first player to get a perfect score in what sport?

True or false: tennis was originally played indoors?

In curling, what is the top weight of a standard stone?

How wide is a gymnastic beam?

A 2024 Indian Wells tennis match between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev was interrupted by what unusual disruption?

12. Jason Demetriou coaches which NRL team?

The WNBL team Southside Flyers were formerly known by what name?

14. Which two states took part in the 2023/24 Sheffield Shield Final?

15. Ellyse Perry holds the record for taking how many wickets?

16. Which New Zealander was named player of the series in the 2024 Australia-New Zealand Test match series?

17. Swimmer Cate Campbell called which rival nation 'sore losers' in 2023?

18. Australian-born surfer Connor O’Leary will represent which country at the Paris Olympic Games?

19. Which nation made a $3 billion bid for the ATP and WTA tennis tours in March?

20. Basketballer Joe Ingles currently plays for which NBA team?

21. Cricketers Sophie Molineux, Ellyse Perry and Georgia Wareham won the 2024 Women's Premier League with which team?

22. What specific names does the Tasmania Football Club give to their club colours of green, red, and yellow?

23. Sydney Rooster Spencer Leniu was suspended for how many matches after Round 1 of the 2024 NRL season?

24. Which basketball team did the Southside Flyers defeat to win the 2024 WNBL Championship?

25. Which former AFL footballer, set to be inducted into the Carlton Hall of Fame, kicked 575 goals for the club?

26. Which two basketball teams are facing off in the 2024 NBL Finals?

27. American boxer Keith Thurman pulled out of a scheduled March 30 contest against which Australian fighter?

28. Papua New Guinea-born Xavier Coates plays as a winger for which NRL team?

29. Which NFL quarterback is said to be on the shortlist of running mates for US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr?

30. WrestleMania XL is set to be held in April in which US state?

1.

United and Tasmania JackJumpers 27.

Tszyu

Storm

Simone Biles

Carlos Alcaraz

2903

Lexus Luxury lives up to name

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Effectively an upmarket version of the Toyota LandCruiser, the Lexus LX large premium SUV has been around since the mid-1990s.

The latest (fourth generation) LX arrived here at the end of 2021 shortly after the new LC300. It comes with petrol or diesel power, four equipment variants, three seating options and a host of new safety and tech features.

ThefourvariantsarebaseLX,SportsLuxury, F Sport, and Ultra Luxury. The first three are available with either petrol or diesel engines, the Ultra Luxury is petrol only.

Prices range from $151,561 for an LX500d seven-seaterthroughto$213,561fortheLX600 Ultra Luxury.

Styling

There’s not a lot of scope for adventurous styling in large 4WD/SUVs such as the LandCruiser, Nissan Patrol or Lexus LX, so much of the work on differentiating between them goes into the grille.

In the case of the LX the designers certainly haven’t pulled any punches. The well-established Lexus spindle grille is huge and dominates the front of the vehicle.

In the entry-level LX, Sports Luxury and Ultra Luxury variants it features seven brushed chrome horizontal bars. To our eyes such so much chrome in such a large grille doesn’t look like it belongs in a premium luxuryvehiclesuchasthis.Wemuchpreferthe more subtle black mesh fill used in the F Sport models. Other we talked to had the opposite opinion so it’s very much down to personal taste.

In profile there’s little to distinguish the LX from its LandCruiser sibling. The base LX models rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels; the higher-specvariantsallget22-incherstogether with a standard moonroof.

The rear features an eye-catching full-width LED light bar with LED taillights.

Interior

The LX comes with the choice of four, five or seven seats depending on the grade. Our test car was the flagship Ultra Luxury and the name says it all. With just two individual rear seats, it’s clearly aimed more at the corporate rather than the family market.

The rear occupants are seated in twin captain’s chairs with 48-degree reclining; massage function; deluxe headrests; passenger-side ottoman, and exclusive quilted upholstery. The central touchscreen between the rear seats allows passengers to control the seats as well as the rear climate control.

Unusually, although the rear seats can be reclined, they do not have length adjustment and legroom can be restricted for taller passengers. The problem can be alleviated, subject to the agreement from front seat occupants, with the seat tilt mechanism moving the front seats forward.

Safety

Standard safety features across the LX range include 10 airbags; autonomous emergency braking including for pedestrians and cyclists; active traction control; dynamic radar cruise control; lane departure warning and correction; intersection turn assist; road speed sign assist; downhill assist control; hill start assist; crawl control; front and rear parking sensors and support brake; reversing camera with washer; pre-collision safety system with emergency steering assist; multi-terrain select and monitor; blind spot monitoring; rear cross traffic alert; adaptive high-beam System; 360-degree camera; and tyre pressure warning.

Engines/transmissions

The previous V8 petrol and diesel engines are gone, replaced by the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel, as used in the LandCruiser, but also with the option of a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol.

Both engines have smaller capacities than their superseded equivalents but with

significantly more power and torque but lower fuel consumption. Specifically, the petrol unit petrol V6 puts out 305kW at 5200rpm and 650Nm from 2000-3600rpm; while the diesel produces 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque from 1600-2600rpm.

Bothenginesarepairedtoa10-speedtorque converter automatic transmission.

Infotainment

Three screens come into play for the LX. In the centre console There’s a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen for infotainment features including satellite navigation and smartphone mirroringofwiredAppleCarPlayandAndroid Auto.

Directly below there is a 7.0-inch display that controls the off-road settings as well as air conditioning. In front of the driver is an 8.0-inch LCD screen with normal dashboard information.

There are USB-A and USB-C sockets below the centre console as well as in the rear where there is also a HDMI input. There is a wireless phone charger located in the rear armrest / control panel with two more USB-C ports inside the armrest.

There are touchscreens mounted to the back of the front seats which allow rear passengers

to access AM, FM and digital audio as well as their choice of entertainment through either USB or HDMI using wireless headphones.

Audiophiles will be blown away by the premium Mark Levinson Reference sound system with, believe it or not, 25 speakers.

Driving

Getting into and out of the big LX is a bit of a climb but is helped by side steps, interior grab handles and height-adjustable suspension which enables the vehicle to be lowered by 27mm. Then, depending on the drive mode selected, it can be raised to a maximum of 103mm.

The push-button start / stop button has been enhanced and now comes with a fingerprint sensor for added security. It can cater for up to 10 different drivers

LikeitsLandCruisercousinthesheerbulkof the Lexus LX doesn‘t really suit it to the urban environment. Having said that the range of cameras, sensors and safety features such as rear cross traffic alert and lane departure warning should keep most drivers out of trouble.

The turning circle of 12.8 metres is impressively tight for such a vehicle of its size.

Once out into open territory the LX600 was

a delight to drive. It’s smooth, comfortable, refined and powerful with impressively low noise levels. No matter what the road surface the big Japanese 4WD simply loped over it with never a sign of it being unsettled.

The ride is relatively firm which will satisfy most Australian drivers.

The 10-speed gearbox is seamless and almost seems able to anticipate when changes are required.

During our night drive we were able to test the Lexus BladeScan system which adjusts the high beam on the LED headlights to provide optimum lighting without affecting other drivers. Once we got used to the blue high beamlightfluctuatingonandoffonthedriver’s display screen, we found it worked well.

The big Lexus is a thirsty beast with fuel consumption listed at 12.1 litres per 100 kilometres. We averaged 12.9 L/100km during our test.

Summing up

Giventhatitwasourtestcar,we’vedeliberately concentrated on the LX600 Ultra Luxury in this review but will be getting into the family-oriented seven-seat LX500d shortly and will take it out onto our favourite off-road route.

Large spindle grille is the standout feature of the Lexus LX. (Pictures: Supplied)

Hicks adds scoring firepower to the Lions’ lineup

The Sunbury Lions have added some more goal scoring power, signing the Ballarat Netball League’s leading goal scorer.

Rebecca Hicks has made the switch from Darley to the Lions in the off season, in a big boost for the Lions.

Hicks scored 665 goals for the Devils last season as she helped them make back-to-back grand finals and was named at goal shooter in the league team of the year last year.

Lions coach Kim Bailey said the signing of Hicks adds more depth to their shooting end and gives them more flexibility.

“She approached us as she was looking for something different,” she said. “We were very happy to have her.

“She’ll add flexibility and give us a fourth goaling option. Lani [Fauonuku] can go back into defence if we need as that’s her second position.

“Ruthy [Smith] we can pop her in at shooter or we can play her in wing defence, she came in and have an impact in a number of roles.

“It opens up rotations.”

The addition of Hicks is the only big change

for the Lions, who have stuck with their core group.

Last year’s Sally McLean medallist Simona DiFillipo is back in the midcourt, along with former Melbourne Vixen Tayla Honey.

The defensive combination of Elly Randall and Eliza Gollant, will only get stronger, while Tara O’Grady is the other option at the attacking end.

Sarah Croft who plays for Bailey at Victorian Netball League club, the Western Warriors, also comes into the squad and will play in the midcourt.

Georgia Hellyer is still making her way back from a serious knee injury and will start in B-grade while her sister Ava Hellyer, who was part of the A-grade squad last season isn’t in the squad this season, but will still get opportunities.

Bailey said after 12 months together this group would only be better for the experience. The Lions made finals last season, knocked out in the first week.

“They’vemadesomerealconnectionsonand off the court,” she said. “The support the girls

give around the club, they want to be there.

“Most of them are at the Warriors as well, so they’ve been training together and getting extra game time, which will only help us.”

Collings’ Cats chance

By Oliver Lees

Bridie Collings was taken completely by surprise when she learnt she’d earned a spot on Geelong’s list for the 2024 VFLW season.

Having spent the last few months in Geelong training with the squad, the 18-year-old was named as an emergency in the Cats’ pre-season match against the Western Bulldogs on March 11.

She was sitting on the bench tying up her boot laces when she was approached by a member of staff who asked to speak with her in private.

“My heart was racing, I was like ‘oh my god this is crazy’,” she said. “It was quite unexpected.”

It may be a long way from Gisborne to Geelong, but Collings is used to the area, as she would often visit the Surf Coast on holidays with her family throughout her childhood.

But unlike a summer vacation, Collings has been hard at work attempting to prove herself at the profession level.

The former Calder Cannons vice-captain had just a short break after the Coates Talent League wrapped up before she was asked to attend Cats training.

“Basically went straight into training again after resting for about two or three weeks,” she said.

“I showed up from day one because I wanted to make a name for myself.”

The opportunity at the Cats marks a new chapter for Collings, who spent the last three seasons developing her skills at the Cannons.

In that time she relished the opportunity to impart knowledge onto some of her younger teammates and was a reliable asset in the midfield.

“I loved it, to be honest I think it developed me so much as a player but it’s also great to be on to bigger and better things,” she said.

“I loved being a role model for younger kids. I’ve always looked up to people older than me, so I like the idea of being someone who is setting an example.”

Since starting her footballing journey at the Gisborne Rookies, Collings has always been looked up to among her peers.

She excelled early, taking out the Riddell District Football League best and fairest in 2021 and became one of the first girls from Gisborne to play representative football.

Now entering a new part of her career, Collingssaidsheexpectstospendmoretimein the forward line this year.

As a small, highly skilled player who is also a fan of the Western Bulldogs in the AFL, Collings has always looked up to Caleb Daniel and tries to emulate aspects of his game.

“I’m honestly feeling so much better being in the forward line, I’ve seen it as an opportunity rather than something bad,” she said.

“I can do a quick spurt of tough running rather than being constantly tired in the

midfield.”

Reflecting on her career so far, she said she was grateful to her parents and her early coaches Robert Bretheron and Darren Mitchell at Gisborne for their support.

Sports shorts

Bowls

Club Sunbury’s Sophie Kurzman has claimed the Bowls Victoria northern gateway region women’s champion of champions title. Kurzman will now compete at the state champions week. Club Sunbury teammate Joshua Leszczynski won the northern gateway under-18 championship.

Coates Talent League

Sunbury Lions’ Grace Azzopardi has been named in the Calder Cannons leadership group for the Coates Talent League girls season. Azzopardi in her second season in the under-18s program has been named in the group with Chloe Baker-West, Ava Gerada, Camryn Bux and Amelia Wright. A captain hasn’t been revealed as of yet. The Cannons start their season at home on April 6 against the Northern Knights in the second week of round one.

VFL

Essendon had a tough start to the Victorian Football League season on Saturday. Facing the highly fancied Brisbane Lions, the Bombers couldn’t go with them in the second half, losing 15.9 (99)-9.8 (62). Tom Toma and Nate Caddy kicked two goals each for the Bombers. Romsey gun Jack Jedwab made his VFL debut, having 11 possessions but couldn’t hit the scoreboard. The Bombers face Sandringham on Sunday in round two

VFLW

It wasn’t the start Essendon was after in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition on Saturday. Facing last season’s premiers, Port Melbourne, it was the case of two different tails in front of goal. The Bombers failed to convert, while Port Melbourne made the most of their opportunities in the 9.0 (54)-0.7 (7) loss. Ruby Mahony had 22 disposals for the Bombers and Chloe Adams had 18. The Bombers face Williamstown on Saturday in round two. The Seagulls had a big win in round one.

The Lions will start their season on April 13 against Redan on the road.

Tara Murray

Rebecca Hicks has joined the Sunbury Lions. (Jamie Morey Photography)

Bridie Collings. (Supplied)

Hawks ready for new challenge in season 2024

Woodend-Hesket may be the hunted this Riddell District Netball League this season, but it’s not something the Hawks are worried about.

After claiming their first A-grade premiership and first netball premiership of any type last season, there’s plenty of excitement in the playing group to continue to build.

New coach and star defender Ty Coppinger said it had been a really good pre-season.

“We’re getting to the end of the pre-season and the excitement levels are up for round one,” she said.

“We want to get out there and put our pre-season into practice. We’ve had some really good numbers and now with a D-grade side there’s more faces at the club.

“The girls have all been really positive in adapting to different programs and are looking forward to coming to the end of pre-season.”

Coppinger said their A-grade side would have a very similar look to last year. She said

there had been a couple of additions and a couple of departures.

Georgia Bowkett, who joined the Hawks midway through last season, will play the full season with the Hawks this year.

Sarah Duff returns to A-grade after playing in B-grade last season.

Sam Coppinger joins her sister at the Hawks for the first time. Coppinger has played more than 200 Victorian Netball League games.

The big out for the Hawks is premiership winning coach Meg Grbac. The former Ryan Medallist has moved to Queensland.

Ty Coppinger said they had been doing a lot of work on the connections in the off season.

Coppinger said the group was just focusing on what they could control heading into the season, not worrying about everyone else.

“I think it’s been part of the pre-season mindset that we have not been in this position before, it’s a great position to be in,” she said.

“We approach the season worrying about ourselves and our conditions and knowing what we are capable of.

“We need to look in our own backyard first. There’s a real focus on what we do best and what we can deal with and then who we are facing week to week.”

Coppinger said she was enjoying the move into coaching this season.

Shesaiditmadeabigdifferencehavingbeen at the club the past club of seasons and there’s been a lot of support from netball director Kellie Duff and the other coaches.

The Hawks kick off their season on Good Friday against newcomers, Kyneton.

Coppinger said it was another opportunity they were looking forward to.

“To be honest, having not been in the league before, I don’t know much,” she said. “I know they come from a really strong competition and I’m expecting them to be a quality side that wants to come in and stamp their mark on the competition.”

Tara Murray

Warriors show promise

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors showed some better signs but it wasn’t enough for a win against the North East Blaze in the Victorian Netball League championship on Wednesday.

The Warriors were disappointed in their round two performance against the Geelong Cougars and had hoped to bounce back against the Blaze.

A slow start proved costly for the Warriors, but they stayed in the game until late when the Blaze blew out the margin, winning 74-54.

Warriors coach Kim Bailey said they still have work to do.

“It was a little bit better,” she said. “There’s still a some work to be be done. We didn’t let them get away until right towards the end, it was pleasing.

“The first quarter was a bit slow and we can’t let teams get clear. We have to be consistent for the full 60 minutes.”

Bailey said the side again made too many unforced errors, with 34 for the game.

The Warriors received a shock when they turned up with South African shooter Rolene Streutker part of the Blaze squad.

Streutker was named as a replacement player for the Melbourne Mavericks Suncorp Super Netball Squad on the same day as the game.

Bailey said they had no idea that Streutker would be playing.

Bailey said despite having a lot of speed in their attacking end, the Blaze was able to close down their attacking options easily.

She said that was something they would work on at training.

There were some positives for the Warriors according to Bailey.

“Ella Shannon, Ruby’s sister, was really good,” she said.” She hasn’t played much VNL before.

“Olivia Ellis was outstanding in wing defence and was our strongest player. Her ability to shut down the wing attack and some timely intercepts.”

Kim Borger finished with 35 goals for the Warriors under some heavy defensive pressure.”

Bailey said they were still looking at different combinations and how to make the defensive end work after losing Ella Ogier to a knee injury.

The Warriors under-23s also suffered a loss to the Blaze, losing 63-40. Ella Closter shot 27 goals for the Warriors.

Bailey said they also had a lot of unforced errors.

Tigers ready for the RDNL

Kyneton is ready for a new challenge in the Riddell District Netball League.

The Tigers have made the move from the Bendigo Netball League to the RDNL which has brought lots of excitement and nerves ahead of the season.

Netball director Loryn Savoia said they were excited to see what was ahead of them.

“We’relookingforwardtoit,”shesaid. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind pre-season and it’s coming up quickly.

“It’s just around the corner and a new competition. We just want to get out and play some netball.”

The Tigers will have A, B and C-grade sides this season, along with under-19s, under-17s and under-13s.

It’s the first time the club has had under-13s which is a big positive for the future of the club.

Savoia said being able to play teams in their own backyard week in and week out was something the group was looking forward to.

“We’ll be playing against people who live in the same postcode,” she said. “We’ve either been to school together or worked together.

“Woodend are our neighbours and we’re keen to start a rivalry.”

Savoia said their A-grade side would be different to last season, with several players including the Mangan sisters, deciding to remain in the Bendigo league.

She said Tilly Shepherd, who won the club’s A-grade best and fairest last season, and Claire Oakley would be back again.

The pair, who play for Melbourne University in the Victorian Netball League, will be bookends for the Tigers.

Laura Bennie returns to the club and will be the A-grade captain.

Savoia said they weren’t setting any expectations for the season. The Tigers start the season on Good Friday against reigning premiers, Woodend-Hesket.

The Warriors face the Southern Saints this week, in a match that Bailey said should be a good one.

The Saints championship side has won two of their first three matches.

“You can’t win games like that,” she said. “We’ll do the work at training with pressure from the get go and work through it and see what strategies they need to employ to handle the pressure.”

“They have some really good midcourters including two from South Australia who will challenge us.

“Emily Andrew in the circle as a big target.. We’ll work on what we need to work on.”

“We match up well,” she said. “They’re likely to be missing Lily Graham who is with the Vixens now.

“It’s going to be an unknown year,” she said. “We are just enjoying the transition into the local league and we’ll see where it takes us.”

Savoia said they were expecting a big crowd on Good Friday.

Tara Murray

Woodend-Hesket is hoping to continue building momentum. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 360896_03

Akira McCormack (Supplied)

Plenty of positives out of loss for the Cannons

The Calder Cannons showed some positive signs despite a loss in the opening round of the Coates Talent League boys competition.

There was no easy start to the season for the Cannons, facing two-time reigning premiers the Sandringham Dragons on Saturday afternoon.

For Cannons coach Sam Willatt he was finally in the coaching hot seat after being appointed to the role in late January.

He said it had been very different being the head coach and had taken a moment to take it all in during the game.

“It was good,” he said. “I said to someone before the game that if you had have said to me four months ago I would be leading out the Cannons in round one, I would have said that they were mad.

“It was a disappointing result though.”

Willatt said they showed some positive signs in the 16.14 (110)-9.6 (60) loss, they didn’t show them consistently across the four quarters.

He said it was starting point that they could build on and would learn from the performance and that if they could do it for four quarters it would be really exciting to watch.

“We did some good things in the first and third quarters,” he said. “We did some really

nice things and had repeat inside 50s and we’ll take positives from that.

“In the third we kicked 1.7. Had we kicked straight we could have been two goals up going into the last quarter.

“It was equally pleasing and frustrating. It was encouraging showing the group that we can stand up against anyone.”

Issac Kako and Alistair McQuire kicked two goals each for the Cannons.

Willatt said skipper Damon Hollow did a really good job in the middle of the ground, spending time against Levi Ashcroft around the ball.

Jayden Nguyen and Ryan Brodie, who both got plenty of the ball, were among the other standouts.

Willatt said this year’s squad was an older squad than what they had last year.

“We are top age heavy,” he said. “Last year we had been bottom age heavy.

“We have three 19-year-olds as well and will be really important in driving the standards.

“We had three bottom agers play against the Dragons, so it should set strong standards for years to come.”

The Cannons will face the Western Jets on Good Friday in round two.

Willatt said they were hoping to have a more consistent performance this week. Ryan Eyre

Dragons snare victory

By Tara Murray

There were plenty of celebrations for Gisborne andasenseofreliefafterclaimingtheGisborne andDistrictCricketAssociationMcIntyreCup.

Having not lost a match this season coming off a season where they only lost two, including being knocked out in the semi finals, the Dragons have been a dominant force.

But until Sunday they had nothing to show for it.

“It is amazing,” skipper Jarryd Vernon said about getting the premiership. “It’s a big relief for us.

“The guys have put in a mountain of work since August and the commitment has been unbelievable.

“To have the complete performance with what we’ve done the last two days, I’m a proud captain.”

Gisbornewonthetossanddecidedtobowl.It would be the right decision, with the Redbacks bowled out for 212.

Vernon said they would have taken that total any day of the week. Neither side had lost

going into the grand final with the one match between sides a drawn due to weather.

“They were 3-150 at one stage with Ben Way and Chris Burkett at the crease,” he said. “It could have gone either way.

“Leigh Brennan and Jay King bowled really well and brought us back into the game. Kingy has a couple of grand final medals [best on ground medals] and Leigh was unbelieve with 10 wickets in two finals.

“To stop them at 212, I would have taken that any day.”

Brennan took 5-69 off his 26 overs.

Way top scored with 63 for the Redbacks, while Burkett scored 47.

The key for the Dragons was to get off to a good start on day two. They got that wish with Matthew Barake and Riley Vernon setting the perfect platform.

The pair put on 139 for the opening partnership.

“Wickets in hand in a grand final are really important,” the skipper said.

“Riley and Matty put on 130 and put us in a really good position. We needed 70 odd with 10

wickets in hand, they batted really well.

“Matty stayed there and played his role supporting Riley.”

The Dragons then lost a few wickets and slipped to 4-193 when Jarryd Vernon went out.

It meant it was left to a couple of the younger Dragons to get them over the line.

“Archie Shore is just 15 and he held his nerve batting with Harry Luxmoore,” Vernon said.

Riley Vernon top scored with 92 as he continued his good season.

Aaron Paterson and Jamie Taylor took two wickets each.

Brennan was named man of the match for his bowling performance.

Now having won four McIntyre Cups with the Dragons, Jarryd Vernon said he was trying to make sure those who have won their first enjoy it.

“That is what we said to the younger guys, you might never get the opportunity again,” he said.

“I’ve been fortunate to win four grand finals now, I might never get another opportunity. We’ve shared a lot of memories on the field.

Draws first up

Sunbury United started the FV state league 3 north-west season with a draw on Saturday.

United kicked off its season against Altona North on the road after a strong pre-season.

The teams had to settle for a 1-1 draw with neither team able to find the winner.

Both teams had players sent from the field in the match, meaning both sides finished with 10 men.

Jake Zomaya was the goal scorer for Sunbury.

Gisborne also started its season with a draw in state league 5 west.

Returning to state league 5 after being relegated, the Sky Blues were focused on the new challenge.

Facing Bendigo City, scores were locked at 1-1 at half time and they stayed that way in the second half with teams sharing the points.

Bendigo had a massive chance in the second half to take the lead, but Sky Blues goalkeeper Luca Malignaggi was up to the task.

All state league competitions have this weekend off due to Easter with round two to be held on the weekend of April 6.

Sunbury United though will be in action this week in the fourth round of the knockout Australia Cup.

United will face National Premier League side Heidelberg United on Thursday night at the Olympic Village.

It will be one of United’s toughest tests in a number of years, facing a team that is five divisions higher.

Meanwhile, United’s women’s side was knocked out of the Nike F.C. Cup on Friday night.

United had a bye in round one in its returntothecompetitionbeforecoming up against Altona City in round two.

Altona City’s experience shone through against United, winning 14-0. United’s next task will be the state league season, with the fixture still to be released.

(Ljubica Vrankovic) 356244_18

Gisborne’s premiership side (Supplied)

You’re Invited!

Bellbrook Gardens Information Session

Bellbrook Gardens Country Club is excited to invite you to attend our next Information Session to be held at the Club House.

Light refreshments will be served. This will be a great opportunity to visit our wonderful community facilities, view Villas for sale and learn more about retirement living.

Thursday April 18th at 10.30am

168 Underbank Boulevarde Bacchus Marsh 3340

Please RSVP online to bellbrookgardens.com.au or FreeCall 1800 633 672

RSVP Essential – Places are limited

For any queries please contact Denise Sniegowski We look forward to catching up with you soon!

BELLBROOKGARDENS.COM.AU