Volunteer for the SES
SES Sunbury is calling for more volunteers, offering new skills, social connection, and a chance to assist your local community in times of need.
Volunteer Lachie Ball said that his favourite part of the Sunbury unit is the camaraderie.
“It’s really awesome. The people there are great teammates and friends and very inviting, and I think that they’re very supportive of your learning and development and making sure that you’re present in the team,” Mr Bell said.
He said that he also enjoys talking with and serving the public.
“It’s really good to engage and see that they’re happy … kind of giving them that sigh of relief that ‘oh, thank goodness, the SES is here to help.’ That’s when I’m most proud to be a member of the SES.”
The SES offering free training to volunteers. The Sunbury unit will hold a recruitment information night from 7pm on Wednesday, March 26 at Sunbury SES HQ, 21 McDougall Road, Sunbury. Further details on becoming a volunteer are also available on the SES website.
Details: facebook.com/sessunbury
Sunbury SES volunteers Lachie Ball, Alex Hark, and Sue Theckston at the HQ. (Damjan Janevski) 465260_02
Tiny home objections heard
Macedon Ranges council heard community objections towards a planning application for the development of four tiny homes on land on Shannons Lane in Kerrie.
The plan entails developing four single-dwelling tiny homes – a type of self-containedandminimalistaccommodation – at one of the five lots which make up 131 Shannons Lane, Kerrie.
These buildings would then be provided as group accommodation through short-stay accommodation company Shacky. On-sitecarparkingwouldbeprovidedabout 250 metres from for the homes and would require a new crossover from Shannons Lane.
Seven community objectors, six of whom spoke at the council’s planning delegated committee meeting on March 12, raised concerns including heightened bushfire risk, increased traffic on the narrow and unsealed Shannons Lane, impacts to local wildlife – especially wombats – and changes to the character of this section of Kerrie.
Shannons Lane resident Helen Franklin said Shannons Lane is impassable for most of the year in most vehicles.
Ms Franklin said she has witnessed many vehicles becoming stuck on the dirt road, and due to there being no mobile service, many knock at her door seeking assistance.
“I’m not really up for that happening more frequently than it already does as a result of … tiny houses on an adjacent property,” Ms Franklin said.
She also expressed concerns around fire risk and bushfire preparedness, explaining that Shannons Lane residents often meet to discuss a unified bushfire and emergency exit plan.
“Adding people who just don’t know what they’re doing and have never practised it, don’t know what to expect when the unexpected happens, is a real concern to me and could substantially increase my risk up here,” she said.
Another resident Christine Bessell said
that during winter, Shannons Lane becomes “seriously rutted” due to water rushing down the unsealed road, and in a previous winter, it was treacherous to ascend even in a four-wheel drive.
“The road would need much more regular maintenance than occurs at the moment – and I guess the council has got to balance where it spendsitsroadmaintenancemoney,”MsBessel said.
Based on all information of the plan and the submissions received, recommendations will be prepared for consideration at the council’s nextplanningdelegatedcommitteemeetingon Wednesday, April 9.
Concerns over service stations
By Oscar Parry
A planning permit application for a service centre on the Calder Freeway in Woodend has been met with a mixed community response, with the application referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Two separate planning permit applications forservicestationsontheCalderFreewaywere lodged with Macedon Ranges council, the first being for the western side of the freeway.
According to council, the application was appealed VCAT on January 30 due to the council not making a decision on the application within the required 60-day
timeframe, which was “due to the outstanding nature of what [Macedon Ranges] views as being key supporting documents required to assess the application, along with formal advice from the Department of Transport and Planning”.
The second application for a site on the eastern side of the Calder Freeway is still under assessment.
A community petition was launched on website Change.org in objection to the first application and received over 800 signatures in less than two weeks after launching.
In the petition summary, listed objections to the plan included loss of “valuable farmland, native trees and habitat for native
animals,” the site being “a physical scar on our beautiful landscape,” concerns around “economic impact to local businesses,” and concerns around environmental harm from underground petroleum storage.
Woodend resident David Edwards that he was “all for” the planned site.
“It might have a positive impact on fuel prices … if it’s a major station, then they will have other stores [at the location]. This is an ideal start for younger kids to get into the job market,” Mr Edwards said.
He said that in his view, downsides include the acquisition of farming land – although he believes the size will not take up “massive” tracts of land – and increased traffic noise,
Studios open for autumn visitors
In a celebration of autumn, artists from Macedon and Mount Macedon will welcome visitors to their studios throughout a weekend in May, offering an insight into their creative processes.
Hosted from 10am–4pm on the weekend of May 3 as part of the Open Studios Macedon initiative, nine local artists will invite guests to their studios set in their gardens, offering a glimpse into their unique processes, influences, and working environments. The artists work across a range of media, including pottery, painting, drawing,
jewellery, textiles and printmaking.
Macedon artist Carolyn Pain will showcase the studio where she produces pottery, ceramics, glass art, drawings, and paintings.
With some of her work focussing on the humanform,PainsaidthatthelocalMacedon Ranges environment is also a source of inspiration.
“[My work is] mostly to do with nature and my garden … I’ve got a large garden here and through the seasons you see those changes, and those changes come up in my work,” she said.
She said that plenty of others in the group are also inspired by the local environment, with one artist who brings her canvas to the Macedon Reservoir for plain air painting.
All of the studios are within a short driving distance from each other, with a map of the studios and nearby cafes available at The Gallery Mt Macedon and the Mount Macedon Trading Post.
Details: instagram.com/ openstudiosmacedon
Oscar Parry
which he said could be mitigated by noise barriers.
ThedeveloperWelshLeisurePtyLtdsaidthe developmentwillserve“bothlocalcommunity and travellers on the Calder Freeway”.
“Here we are on a straight section of the freeway and the site will be well-setback … well-landscaped and not intrude into the protected landscape,“ the spokesperson said.
“In relation to complaints about noise, pollution,andcontamination–ifapproved,all buildingsandstructureswillbeconstructedto the relevant regulatory standards and signed off by the required authorities.”
VCAT proceedings for the western side application will begin in April.
Take Ranges health survey
An online survey investigating the health and wellbeing of Macedon Ranges residents will soon open for responses, aiming to inform decision-making.
Conductedbythestate-fundedHealthy Loddon Campaspe initiative, the Active Living Census aims to gather data on the health, wellbeing, and lifestyle choices of residents from six local government areas, including Macedon Ranges.
Opening on Monday, May 26, the survey will cover topics including participation in organised sport and physical activity; consumption of fruit, vegetables, water, alcohol, sugary drinks; rates of obesity; smoking; gambling habits; levels of life satisfaction; and barriers to eating well and being physically active.
The data collected will be used to inform decisions regarding funding, infrastructure, programs, and services. It will also ensure that resources are allocated where they are most needed, aiming to improve health outcomes across the region.
Healthy Loddon Campaspe regional steering group deputy chair Lincoln Fitzgerald said that the census is a “vital tool that will assist community groups, government agencies, schools, and sporting clubs to make informed decisionsandadvocateforthehealthand wellbeing needs of our community.”
“This survey is an opportunity for every resident to contribute to a healthier futureforourcommunity,”MrFitzgerald said.
Healthy Loddon Campaspe aims to improve health outcomes in the six local government areas of Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shire. Details: healthyloddoncampaspe. au/alc
Sunbury stalwart Bernie O’Farrell remembered fondly
Sunbury stalwart Bernard ‘Bernie’ O’Farrell died on March 17 at age 88, leaving behind a legacy of community service in town.
A proud Sunbury resident for more than 50 years, Bernie’s local involvement included serving as a president and councillor with the Shire of Bulla and as a president of the Sunbury Residents Association – a group he was a member of for more than 40 years.
Daughter Sue-Ann Surkitt said Bernie was married to his wife Veronica for almost 66 years and was a “devoted” father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, with four daughters and three sons.
“Dad was just a community-based person
who always wanted the best for the wider community. He was a family man – our family is his most important treasure and he was loved by us and the community,” Ms Surkitt said.
“He loved the ‘city living, country style’ mantra of the old Shire of Bulla and strived for years through action to ensure that sense of country was never lost from the town he loved … he listened to everyone and was happy to take on the difficult to make life better for everyone,” she said.
“He loved his sport and was still actively involved with Sunbury Masters football club right up until the end – he was still training
with the boys into his eighties … just a genuine [and] good person who put others before himself.”
Proud of his Irish heritage, Ms Surkitt said that Bernie “fittingly passed on St Patrick’s Day.”
In a Facebook post by the Sunbury Lions Football Netball Club, a spokesperson said those involved in the club for many years “would know the name and familiar face of Bernie O’Farrell and the O’Farrell family.”
A funeral service will be held at St Anne’s Catholic Church, Sunbury from 11am on Wednesday, March 26.
Oscar Parry
Sunbury stalwart Bernie O’Farrell died at age 88, leaving behind a legacy of community involvement in Sunbury. (Shawn Smits)
Open Studios Macedon artists Carolyn Pain, Yvonne O’Connell, and Caroliza Job will open their studios for visitors during a weekend in May. (Damjan Janevski). 465734_03
IVF, endometriosis help cheaper
By Luke Costin, AAP
A new treatment for a common painful condition and two other drugs will be made cheaper to improve thousands of Australian women’s lives.
About 8500 Australian women are expected to benefit annually when Ryeqo is listed on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme on May 1.
The drug is a new endometriosis treatment option for people who have experienced moderate to severe pain and cannot get adequate relief from other hormonal treatments and painkillers, according to the federal government.
About one in seven Australian women suffer from endometriosis, where tissue similar to the liningofthewombgrowselsewhereinthebody, affectingfertilityandcausingdebilitatingpain.
Symptoms are variable and contribute to an average delay in diagnosis of six-and-a-half years, according to Endometriosis Australia.
New subsidies will also cut the costs of a progestogen-only contraceptive pill and an IVF hormone therapy.
Women with low levels of specific hormones will be able to access Pergoveris for $32 per treatment cycle from their first IVF cycle, rather than having to wait for multiple failures. Each unsubsidised cycle costs about $3500.
Helana Shehadeh used Pergoveris during her second IVF cycle in 2023, which resulted in the birth of baby Zayn.
“Anyone who has been through IVF understands the agony of multiple cycles,” she said. “Earlier access to this fertility treatment will alleviate some of the burden for women undergoing IVF.”
The announcement was welcomed amid Australia’s birth rate falling to a record-low 1.5 babies per woman.
“The cost of assisted reproduction remains a major barrier for many families, particularly
the
amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis,”
Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand president Petra Wale said
“Fewer financial and logistical hurdles mean more families can focus on what truly matters - having a baby.”
The listings would improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Australian women, Health Minister Mark Butler said.
“Womenhaveaskedgovernmenttotaketheir health care seriously, and we have listened,” he said. “These listings could save women and their families thousands of dollars across their lifetimes.”
He dismissed criticism about delayed action after a government advisory committee recommended in March 2024 that Ryeqo be added to the subsidy scheme.
“They’ve all been dealt with expeditiously,”
Mr Butler told Weekend Today.
“Over the nine years of (the coalition) government, not a single new pill, not a single endometriosis treatment, not a single menopause treatment (was added).”
The opposition said it was not good enough toleavewomenwaitingformorethanayearfor “potentially life-changing medications”.
“Prioritising women’s health remains a top
‘‘ Fewer financial and logistical hurdles mean more families can focus on what truly matters - having a baby ’’ - Petra Wale
priority of the coalition, as we remain strongly committedtoourlongstandingpolicyoflisting allPBAC-recommendedmedicinesonthePBS, and in a timely manner,” opposition health spokeswoman Senator Anne Ruston said. The price of a contraceptive pill used by about 80,000 women will also be slashed. Under the PBS, the annual cost of Slinda will drop from about $320 to about $94 for general patients or $22 for concession card holders. The absence of estrogen in the pill makes it particularly suitable for older women, smokers, women at increased risk of blood clots and those who suffer migraine attacks.
Study finds women are reluctant to call triple-0
A new study found that women are less comfortablecallingtriple-0whenexperiencing symptoms of a heart attack, providing a possible reason why women who have heart attacks have a worse outcome than men.
The study by Monash University researchers involved more than 34,000 Australian men and women, questioning whether they would call triple-0 if they suspected they were having a heart attack and their actual use of these services.
Conducted by Monash University honours studentAnnieShiandledbyassociateprofessor and former mobile intensive care paramedic of 25 years Kathryn Eastwood, the study found that while women were more likely to call triple-0 if experiencing heart attack symptoms, they were significantly less comfortable to make the call.
In their responses, over a third of women saidtheydidnotwanttoburdentheambulance service compared to a quarter of men.
More women than men said that they wanted to be certain that it was a heart attack before calling, preferring to instead contact their general practitioner.
Women were also more likely to hesitate calling because they believed that they were at low risk of having a heart attack.
Associate professor Eastwood said that for some women – especially older women – the fear of burdening the ambulance system is due to previous medical experience.
“There is plenty within the literature already
and more likely to hesitate when they experience symptoms of a heart attack. (Supplied).
around why women in particular feel like they might be a burden … when you think how some of the older women might have been treatedinmedicalcareinthepast…according to the research, there’s a bit of a sense that they’ve been made to feel silly and that they’ve had a bad experience – ‘there, there, you’ll be
OK, stop being hysterical,’” associate professor Eastwood said.
She said that symptoms of a heart attack in women can often be more subtle than those experienced by men.
“When a lot of research has been done in the past, it is generally done on men and that is just because they were concerned about causing anyharmtowomenintermsofreproduction... so unfortunately when we’ve all been told what a heart attack is, we’ve been taught the more traditional male symptoms of a heart attack … the central chest pain, sudden onset crushing moving into the left arm, that sort of picture that you’ll see on TV,” she said.
“For women, chest pain can present in their back, not in their chest. It can present in betweentheirshoulderblades…itcanactually come on a little bit more slowly and just be a little bit less debilitating, and the problem with that is when things come on more slowly, you tend to acclimatise to them and tend not to register them.”
Sheclarifiedthatthesesymptomscanalsobe experienced by men.
Associate professor Eastwood said she encourages people to “call first, and decide later” if they are having a heart attack when experiencing symptoms, adding that the symptom of chest pain can include more than just pain in the literal sense.
“[I was] an intensive care paramedic for 25 years, and when we’re talking about pain, we mean any funny feeling in the chest … if you’re
asked about pain by a health professional, they’re using that as an umbrella term for anything different. Just report everything and let the health professional decide what’s important and what’s not.”
She said symptoms in women could include feeling sick for days, having no energy, sleeping on extra pillows because they find it hard to breathe, not being able to walk to the letterbox, back pain, palpitations or sinking feeling in the chest, dizziness, or shortness of breath –including mild shortness of breath.
She said that any cluster of these symptoms together would warrant receiving an electrocardiogram.
“Every minute that they delay, more of their heart can be damaged or even die. And if that happens to enough of the heart, then they will have permanent damage,” she said.
She said calling an ambulance means that paramedics can begin treatment before a person experiencing a heart attack arrives at hospital – helping to prevent the heart attack from advancing – and that the hospital can be notified and prepare for a patient’s arrival, ready to clear a blockage from the heart.
She said people can be proactive with their health by regularly visiting a general practitioner to test blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and have an electrocardiogram to have on file to compare and see what has changed in the case of a cardiac event.
Oscar Parry
Monash University associate professor Kathryn Eastwood led a study that found that women are less comfortable calling Triple Zero
New subsidies will also cut
costs of a progestogen-only contraceptive pill and an IVF hormone therapy.
Creative country women
Locally produced art, preserves, and home cooking will be on display at a CWA Central Highlands art exhibition at Lancefield Mechanics Institute next month.
Celebrating local creativity, the CWA Central Highlands Group Creative Arts Exhibition will present art, craft, and homecooked goods from CWA members across Sunbury and the wider Central Highlands group of branches.
Lunch,refreshments,andsconeswillalsobe available,providingattendeestheopportunity to catch up and discuss their favourite works.
For those looking for a bargain, cheap craft supplies will be on offer at a market stall.
CWA state vice president Amanda Millar
said the exhibition will be a fantastic event, showcasing “the best art, craft and cooking skills,” from CWA branches in the region.
“I look forward to attending this every year, and of course, I make sure I have a scone and a cuppa with a friend while I’m there,” Ms Millar said.
The exhibition will run from 10am–4pm on Saturday, April 16 and from 10am–3pm on Sunday, April 13 at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute, 4 The Crescent, Lancefield.
There will also be an awards ceremony for the entrants at 11am on the Saturday. Entrycosts$5foradultsandisfreeforthose aged under 16.
Contact: Mel Pritchard, 0423 672 719.
Briefs
Car theft safety quiz
Neighbourhood Watch, supported by RACV, has launched How safe is my vehicle? an online quiz designed to help Victorians protect their cars and belongings from theft. New data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency has revealed theft of motor vehicles has increased by almost 8,432 in the last 12 months, up 41.5 per cent. Theft from a motor vehicle also increased by almost 19,000 in the last 12 months, up 33.32 per cent. Both figures represent a ten year high. The free How safe is my vehicle quiz provides practical advice, security recommendations, and step-by-step guidance for vehicle owners to protect their vehicle, including caravans. The initiative is supported by local Neighbourhood Watch volunteer groups who will help raise awareness and provide hands-on guidance to community members.
Sunbury house blaze
A discarded cigarette butt accidentally caused a Sunbury house fire on Thursday, March 20 which severely damaged the home’s roof. Firefighters were call to the Scott Street house early in the afternoon after multiple calls to Triple-0. They arrived to find smoke and flames billowing from the roof. The occupants evacuated safely without injury. The fire was deemed under control at 2pm.
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CWA Gisborne members Chris Caddaye, Kay Maliowski, Christine Edwards, and Kathy Page, and CWA Kyneton Twilighters member Christine Jessup. (Supplied)
SunFest powers through
By Oscar Parry
Despite a washed out Sunday, Sunbury residents braved the heat to enjoy a day of community-focused fun at SunFest, with the committee now preparing for the 50th anniversary next year.
Hosted on the weekend of March 15–16, the Saturday schedule went ahead as planned, uniting the Sunbury community with carnival rides, live entertainment, market and food stalls, roving entertainment, and a grand street parade – featuring 600 children and 250 adults.
There was a Battle of the Bands, with local schools facing off and showcasing their musical talents.
The day ended with a bang with a fireworks display from 9pm and live music until 11pm.
Due to the rainy forecast for Sunday, president Angus McTaggart said the committeemadethedifficultdecisiontocancel the day, due to safety concerns and the risk of damage to the festival audio-visual equipment – which meant that live entertainment could not go ahead.
“Itwasn’tadecisionthatwasmadelightly… [our] group of volunteers … put a whole year’s worth of effort, dedication, passion, and time into putting this free entertainment event on for the community, so it was as devastating for us as it was for everyone else not being able to come and enjoy,” Mr McTaggart said.
“But we had an awesome and … amazing Saturday … we had the whole community [enjoying] the free entertainment, the free stallsandmarketstalls.Theyearlygrandstreet parade was able to go ahead and everyone was able to enjoy the cars and vehicles and people marching down the centre of Sunbury.“
Despite the unfortunate weather and cancellation, Mr McTaggart said the
committee remains steadfast as it begins to prepare for the 50th anniversary of the festival next year.
The committee is currently looking for new members to work towards next year and invites interested people to attend its upcoming annual general meeting, with dates
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to be confirmed on social media.
“Being able to see all of our hard work and families enjoying it, kids enjoying it, seeing everyone’s smiling faces is an absolutely amazing thing and that’s why we all do it,”
Mr McTaggart said.
Details: facebook.com/sunfest.sunbury
Celebrating neighbours
Not everyone knows their neighbours, and a series of community events in Sunbury marking the national Neighbour Day aims to change that.
An initiative of Goonawarra Neighbourhood House, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, Sunbury Neighbourhood House, Multicultural Resources Hub, and Hume, the day will be marked on Sunday, March 30 with a range of community and local business-led events.
The program includes open days offered by Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury and Sunbury Toy Library, free bingo and lunch for LGBTI people aged over 50 hosted by Sunbury and Surrounds LGBTIQ Social Club and Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, and a free lunch barbecue at Redstone Sunbury hosted by Villawood Estate.
There will also be events hosted during the week prior to the day.
Sunbury Neighbour Day coordinator Adelae Bowen said that the event will be a great way to unite Sunbury residents, especially considering the suburb’s growth and population increase.
“It’s a great opportunity to get out there,haveabitoffun,and…strengthen the community … have a chat with someone you’ve never met before, make some connections,” Ms Bowen said.
There will also be a prize giveaway after the event, including a picnic basket, rug, and food voucher – with details available on the initiative’s Facebook page. All events are free but some require pre-registration.
Sod turned on trades hub
Construction is now underway on a new trades hub at Gisborne Secondary College, following the completion of new and improved school buildings and classrooms.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas visited the school to turn the first sod on the new project with college principal Sarah Rose on Friday, March 14.
The event also marked the completion of the first stage of state-funded upgrades to the school, unveiling a new wellbeing centre, administration building, six new portable classrooms, and modernised learning spaces.
The $5.8 million trades hub will include new woodworking and engineering spaces, staff offices, and outdoor learning areas.
There will also be upgrades to the school’s existing electronics, metalworks, visual arts, and media spaces.
Principal Sarah Rose said that the upgrades, such as new flexible walls between classrooms that can be opened and closed for various purposes, have created “a more calm and orderly environment for our students.”
“We feel really lucky. The school has been in need of modernisation for a really long time, and the fact that we’re now able to have these …modernfacilitiesisarealbenefitforourstaff and is much more … conducive to learning,” Ms Rose said.
“It gives us an environment that we can be really proud to call our school.”
With work beginning early this year, MsRosesaidthatthenewtradeshubisexpected to be completed in time for the beginning of the 2026 school year.
Oscar Parry
Gisborne Secondary College students Summer (Year 7), Tess (Year 12), Lily (Year 12), Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, students Eden (Year 12), Lilah (Year 12), principal Sarah Rose, and Emily (Year 7). (Supplied).
SunFest 2025 attendees Toni Plumb, Kayce, Neve, Jaida, Noah, and Melinda Plumb. (David Thomas)
Navy veteran to MC dawn service
A Macedon Ranges Navy Veteran will emcee this year’s, Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service, with the event’s theme relating to the wide impacts of warfare.
Set for Friday, April 25 at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, the theme of this year’s Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn service is The Unseen Wounds of Conflict –referring to the broad impacts that war has on those involved in warfare, including physical injuries, mental health impacts, and wider repercussions for families.
Kyneton Navy veteran Luke Bordonaro, who joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2003, will lead the service.
Mr Bordonaro served on HMAS Newcastle, Cerberus, Maitland, Ararat, Sydney IV and HobartIII–attainingtherankofpettyofficer.
He said that the theme of the service is particularly close to his heart and that he is “honoured” to be involved in the event.
“The unseen wounds of conflict and service can leave lasting scars on a veteran’s mind and soul, often resulting in struggles that extend
Pi can’t believe it...
In a mind-boggling feat, a Sunbury Downs Collegestudentrecited667digitsofthenumber Pi to mark Pi Day this month.
International Pi Day is hosted on Friday, March 14 as the date matches the three first digits of the mathematical constant Pi, 3.14 – and is aimed at promoting and celebrating mathematics.
Marking the event, Sunbury Downs College hosted a Pi recital competition, where year 11 student Joel placed first after sitting down to correctly recite 667 digits of the number in about 15 minutes.
While it is difficult to imagine how someone could remember this many consecutive numbers, Joel said that strategy is key.
“I memorised all the digits in groups of three and then I tried to connect as many of the groups as possible to each other,” he said.
Even more impressive is that Joel only began practising for this competition a week in advance after it was announced – but also competed in the college’s contest in a previous
year and successfully remembered 333 digits.
He said that it was a “relief” when staff confirmed that he had correctly recited the digits, as he was worried he might have made a couple of mistakes.
College numeracy learning specialist Lauren Jackson said that staff “could not believe it” when Joel completed the recital.
“It had probably been a couple of years since we last did it, and he did 333 digits back then … to come back with even more just blew us all away really … we celebrated that in the staff room as well,” Ms Jackson said.
As part of Pi Day celebrations, the school also hosted a maths-related scavenger hunt and activities involving the investigation of circles and tessellations.
Oscar Parry
Sunbury Downs College principal Warwick Beynon, Pi Day recital contest winner Joel (Year 11), and numeracy learning specialist Lauren Jackson. (Supplied)
far beyond the deployments,” Mr Bordonaro said.
“Personally, the ability to regulate my acute stress response, once essential for survival in my role, became a challenge in everyday life – leading to hypervigilance, anxiety, and difficulty in high-stress situations,” he said.
“Additionally, adapting to civilian life presented its own battles, as the structure, camaraderie, and purpose found in service was hard to replicate.”
The dawn service will start at 6am at the
Mount Macedon Memorial Cross and run for about an hour, with free shuttle buses from TonyClarkeReserveinMacedonfrom4.15am – as roads to the cross will be shut to public traffic throughout the morning for safety purposes.
Attendees are encouraged to dress according to the weather and to bring a water bottle and torch.
A sausage sizzle will also be provided, with a gold coin donation appreciated.
Details: mtmacedondawnservice.org
The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to find a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.
The Kinder Tick recognises kinder programs that are led by a qualified teacher.
It highlights kindergartens and long day care centres that offer play-based programs to help children learn and grow, before they start school.
It also identifies services that are approved for Victorian Government funding.
Rollercoaster of rarer dementia
Little is known about a form of dementia that affects more than 100,000 Australians but researchers are looking to build knowledge on the debilitating illness as Melissa Meehan explains.
Two years ago, Annette was running a thriving small business and planning her next solo holiday.
Today she’s mostly confined to her aged care facility, unable to go out unchaperoned.
She can no longer trust her legs to keep her upright, relying on a four-wheel walker or sometimes a wheelchair to move around. Her ability to swallow her favourite foods is gone, she cannot control her body temperature or blood pressure.
When she is tired, her body slumps and speech is slow and slurred.
Annette’s memory is pretty good for the most part. She recognises the faces of loved ones and can hold a conversation. But sometimes she talks to people who aren’t there.
She does her hair and puts on make-up every day, but cannot always remember why she’s sick and the reason for her new limitations.
Such is the rollercoaster of a Lewy body dementia diagnosis for Annette, one of 100,000 Australians living with the condition that affects memory, thinking and bodily functions.
For members of Annette’s family, a rollercoaster is the only way to describe it.
Somedayssheseemsreallywell,likeshewas beforeshegotsick.Otherdayssheexperiences hallucinations, cognitive decline, a range of movement issues and other symptoms that make the condition so challenging.
But those good times can change in a moment, and Annette can go from walking and talking to a frail, confused version of herself.
“It (the diagnosis) has been difficult to get my head around, because most days I feel good and I don’t remember the bad days.” she said.
“So with that in mind, I get really frustrated with the limitations I’m now living with - like not being able to go out on my own, I really value my independence and that feels like it’s been taken away from me.
“But I also understand that I am not well, and it’s a constantly changing beast. It’s a horrible diagnosis and I’m just trying to live my life the best I can, while I can.”
To everyone that knows her, it’s understandable that Annette sometimes feels like a prisoner.
In 2023 she took herself on solo trip to Tasmania and Queensland after closing her local business a year earlier. She played pickleball weekly, cared for her grandchildren
‘‘ I get really frustrated with the limitations I’m now living with ... I really value my independence and that feels like it’s been taken away from me ’’ - Annette
and was always out and about.
But over the course of 2024 she suffered as many as eight strokes, more than 20 mini-strokes and spent much of the year in hospital. In November she was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and the symptoms came on thick and fast.
Lying in a hospital bed after another stroke, Annette lost strength in her left side, was unabletomoveherleftlegandspoketopeople who weren’t there.
She could not stay awake long enough to finish a sentence and whatever she said was slow, slurred and nonsensical.
Months later, her neurologist marvelled at her recovery and said he did not expect her to leave the hospital alive.
Lewy bodies are a protein that attack and then eat away at the brain, affecting memory, thinking, behaviour and bodily functions.
The prognosis isn’t great for those who are
diagnosed. Life expectancy is around seven years and many die before the disease takes hold from infection, falls or other illness.
It is not as well known as Alzheimer’s disease but more than 100,000 Australians live with it, according to Dementia Australia.
And while not the same as Parkinson’s disease it shares a number of symptoms including hand tremors, slowness, stiffness and walking problems.
There is no cure and Annette has been prescribed dementia and Parkinson’s drugs to slow her decline and relieve some symptoms.
FloreyInstitutefellowPratishthaChatterjee isamongAustralianneurobiologyresearchers who attended a recent international conference on Lewy body dementia held in Amsterdam.
She is working on blood biomarkers to enable timely diagnosis, prognosis and long-term study of the disease, and says such co-operation and sharing of knowledge matters.
“It underscored the importance of a multidisciplinaryapproachinadvancingLBD research and care, highlighting the need for continued collaboration among clinicians, researchers and stakeholders,” Dr Chatterjee said.
More funding is needed for research into Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris said.
“Currently, there is no cure for LBD and
Dementia | Explainer
Range of symptoms signal onset of Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia is relatively unknown despite more than 100,000 Australians living with the diagnosis that affects both the brain and body. Lewy body dementia is a disease associated with abnormal protein that eats away at the brain and causes issues with thinking, movement, behaviour and mood. There is no cure and little is known about the disease, with no definitive way of making a medical diagnosis until an autopsy is performed, leaving doctors to diagnose sufferers based on medical history, a physical exam and symptoms.
What is lewy body dementia?
• “Lewy body dementias” is an umbrella term describing two forms of dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia
• Lewy body dementias cause changes in thinking, movement, behaviour and bodily functions
• There is no known cure for the Lewy body dementias yet, but the conditions are manageable and some symptoms can be treated. What causes Lewy body dementia?
• Anyone can develop Lewy body dementia, but it becomes more common as people get older
• More than 100,000 Australians have Lewy body dementia
• Right now, it’s not known why Lewy bodies form
Signs and symptoms of Lewy body dementia
• Changes in thinking, behaviour, movement and bodily functions are symptoms of both types of Lewy body dementia
• Symptoms depend on which brain area is affected and the stage of the dementia. They can change over time
• Many of the changes can come and go, which are called fluctuations. There can be changes to abilities that last a few hours or a few days
• It can also change the way an individual thinks, concentrates and their behaviour
• Some also suffer from hallucinations that can feel very real for the person at the time - it can include loved ones, spiders or snakes
Source: Dementia Australia
Parkinson’s Australia strongly supports investment in research to help us improve our understanding of the condition, to improve treatment and care for people living with LBD and their families and hopefully to find a cure,” she told AAP.
* AAP journalist Melissa Meehan is Annette’sdaughter.
Lewy body dementia sufferer Annette.
(Melissa Meehan, AAP)
Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.
Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting.
Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.
This month, Stephanie is creating an Easter Bunny mask.
Materials
1 piece of grey cardstock
1 piece of pink cardstock
1 piece of white card stock
1 white pom pom 40 cm elastic
Equipment
Template
Scissors
Stapler
Craft glue
Step 1: Using the downloaded templates, cut out the bunny mask from grey, pink and white cardstock.
Step 2: Attach the white cardstock piece to the grey mask. Then glue the pink inner ear pieces onto the grey ears.
Step 3: Glue the white pom pom onto the bunny nose.
Step 4: Staple one end of the elastic to the mask, aligning it with the eye cut outs. Measure the elastic to fit the child’s head, then staple the other end in place.
Stephanie Martinez.
The finished creation.
Scan the QR code and follow the links to download the template.
Marching to combat melanoma
A community march in Woodend this month will raise awareness about melanoma and the importance of regular skin checks, while raising funds for vital research.
To support melanoma prevention and research, local skin cancer and general practitioner clinic SkinGP Woodend will host a local Melanoma March each year, with the first set for Sunday, March 30.
The Melanoma March initiative was started as a community fundraising event in 2012 by James Economides, who wanted to raise awareness and funds in honour of his son,
Michael, who died from melanoma in 2008 at age 20.
It then expanded to a national campaign, now acting as Melanoma Institute Australia’s major annual fundraising campaign.
SkinGP founder and doctor Ashvin Arul said the goal of the initiative is to work towards zero deaths from melanoma, with attendees helping to ensure “everyone survives.”
“I’ve always known about it since I started being a skin cancer doctor … I’ve always been aware of [it], and having the
opportunity to bring it locally gives us the opportunity to raise awareness in a local community in regional Victoria,” Mr Arul said.
“It addresses melanoma, which is the national skin cancer … we’ve got the highest rate of melanoma in the world – so if we can do anything to … prevent melanoma or detect it early, we should,” he said.
According to the Melanoma March website, each event aims to “bring together melanoma patients, their families, and local communities to raise awareness and funds for
Calling for kindness from volunteers
The Kindness Collective Kyneton is calling for more volunteers to assist with its relief services following a “sharp” increase in demand in the past two months.
Collective manager Hugh Vardon said that while demand for the organisation’s services has been increasing steadily since the start of last year, it has risen sharply this year.
“We require at least another six volunteers spread over the following areas: [the] soup kitchen, sorting room, and drivers for picking up food from Sunbury and Kyneton,” Mr Vardon said.
“Most of our clients are very pleased and …
happy with our services but we are stretched to our limits in [many ways],” he said.
Mr Vardon said that the organisation’s food and relief bank operates like “a mini supermarket,” with staple food products, meats, pulses, healthcare and personal hygiene products, clothing, and hot meals available for visitors.
Being connected with the organisation for several years, Mr Vardon said that he enjoys “being able to deliver to the most vulnerable part of our community.”
“To ensure that they have an opportunity to be able to access services and staples and to
just be a part of that … [it] is a joy to serve our fellow Australians,” he said.
“We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our current team of volunteers who give somuchselflesslyandtothankourdonorswho give us products [and] financial donations, food,ourhomegardenerswhogiveusbeautiful organic grown vegetables, and our farmers.”
Tobecomeavolunteer,visittheorganisation’s website to submit an expression of interest or visit the organisation at 60 Mollison Street, Kyneton, and ask for Hugh or Lisa.
Details: tkc.org.au
research to reach our goal of zero deaths from melanoma.”
Starting at 8am, the march will be officially opened by Health Minister and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas as a guest speaker at 8.45am, where attendees will then complete a 5-kilometer walk or run through the park.
Attendees must register as an individual or team on the Melanoma March website, where a donation can be made towards research efforts.
Details: melanomamarch.org.au
Sleep with dinosaurs
Get batty, experience the Melbourne museum at night and prepare for all the laughs when the autumn holidays hit Museums Victoria from 5 April.
A world of egg-citing adventure and hands-onworkshopsawaitsatMelbourne Museum: crawl into the amazing world of insects, get to know your inner bat detective, hunt for delicious chocolate Easter eggs, and giggle at hilariously gross gags. Embark on a journey to the depths of the Indian Ocean to swim with magnificent blue whales, dolphins and orcas at IMAX.
At Scienceworks, young creatives can jump into the world of engineering and design with quirky hands-on activities in Tinkertown, spark their imagination with STEM workshops, catch new shows at the Melbourne Planetarium, and be wowedbythespectacularMuseumofthe Moon - a stunning 4-metre installation that brings the lunar surface to the Planetarium foyer.
Good Vibrations Amphitheatre show 5 April – 21 April | Daily | 12.00pm and 2.00pm | Included with Scienceworks entry Immerse yourself in the mysteries of sound with our free 20-minute live scienceshow.Learnhowsoundiscreated and detected, watch voices take shape in laser form, and discover the strange ways humans and animals make noise.
Fulldome Flicks
5 April – 28 June (every Saturday) | 4.30pm–5.30pm|Children$14/Member children $10 / Member adult $15 / Adult $19. Join showman extraordinaire ‘The Great Schiaparelli’ as he takes you on a death-defying space-time adventure within his wondrous Observatorium.
Oscar Parry
The Kindness Collective Kyneton supervisor Lisa Jackson and manager Hugh Vardon. (Damjan Janevski) 436178_01
Welcome aged care addition for the Romsey community
After months of anticipation, Romsey Community Aged Care is on the verge of opening its doors.
Local residents have watched with growing excitement as construction has progressed on this much-needed home that promises to fill a significant gap in our community’s care services.
Theimpressivenewagedcarehomefeatures
125 beds and numerous welcoming lounge areas designed to create a genuine home-like atmosphere. Each resident’s room comes complete with a private ensuite bathroom and outdoor access, important features that support independence and dignity for senior community members.
“The locals have really embraced us which shows us just how much this is needed,” notes Martin Jones, executive general manager or client services.
“People’s family members will no longer need to be in homes hours away. They can receive quality care right here in their community, close to loved ones.“
Beyond providing essential care services, Romsey Community Aged Care represents a significant economic boost for the region. The opening creates numerous employment opportunities for local residents and those in surrounding areas, spanning roles in healthcare, administration, catering, maintenance, and support services. This injection of new jobs strengthens the local economy while delivering vital care services.
For those interested in seeing this state-of-the-art care home firsthand, an Open Day will be held on March 29 from 9.30amto12.30pm.Thispresentsanexcellent opportunity for community members to tour the home and learn more about the services that will soon be available to our elderly population.
The completion of Romsey Community Aged Care marks an important milestone in ensuring seniors can receive quality care
whileremainingconnectedtothecommunity they call home. With its focus on creating a supportive and dignified environment, this
aged care home addresses a crucial need while enhancing the overall well-being of our community’s most vulnerable members.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Dromkeen Art Show
Dromkeen Gallery in Riddells Creek is hosting an art show titled The Wonder of Nature from April 12–27. More than 30 recognised and emerging regional artists will be exhibiting a range of mediums, from water colour paintings through to indoor and outdoor sculptures. The event will raise funds for the family-owned gallery and bookshop.
Kathy, 0403 332 344 or kmedburyart@gmail.com
Young Voices of Macedon
A community choir for children of the Macedon Ranges and beyond, Young Voices of Macedon rehearses at the House of the Rock, 247 Station Road, New Gisborne. The choir has separate programs for young children aged five to eight and older children. Rehearsals assist children in developing vocal technique, part singing skills, and general musicianship, across popular, classical, folk and music theatre styles. Rehearsals run on Thursdays, from 4.15pm, with afternoon tea and play time.
yvmacedon.org.au
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
Macedon Ranges Photographic Society Are you into photography, just starting out, or a fully fledged professional?
The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Come along to a meeting on the first and second Monday of the month. Doors open at 7pm and the meeting starts at 7.30pm at Jubilee Hall, 52 Smith St Macedon.
www.macedon-ranges-photography.org. au, or info@macedon-ranges-photography. org.au
Insync Entertainment
Insync Entertainment is an all-female community choir, providing the opportunity to meet others who enjoy singing. The group is seeking new members to join the friendly choir. No auditions required. They rehearse at the Sunbury Baptist Church Hall every Monday from 7.15–9.30pm.
insyncentertainment@gmail.com
North Western District Pipe Band
The newly formed North Western District Pipe Band meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Diggers Rest Bowls Club. It is seeking experienced pipers and drummers to join the band and is also offering tuition for learners of all ages.
Hank, 0412 160 576, or nwd.pipeband@gmail.com, or https://www. facebook.com/NorthWesternDistrictPipeBa nd?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Toastmasters
Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20–9.30pm, at the Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org
Sunbury Seniors
Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 10am–3pm. The club is temporarily located at 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury while construction
on a new venue is underway. 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
One Voice Sunbury
The WOV Sunbury community choir is changing the world one voice at a time by providing an opportunity for people to meet and experience the joy of singing, often making friends through the shared experiences of singing and performing; although performing is not required. One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday, from 6.30pm, at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome – just join in on the fun.
sunbury@withonevoice.org.au
Pernaperna Women’s Group
The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday, from 1-3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members warmly welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat, the group would love to meet you.
Joan, 0418 302 676
Jacksons Creek Combined Probus
The club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am. This friendly group of men and women enjoy outings and meetings each
month and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006
Craft and conversation
Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.
https://bit.ly/39BIu2O
Chill Out Sunbury
Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.
https://bit.ly/3lmVgVhv
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 Golf Club. All women are welcome.
cwawoodendeves@gmail.com
Sunbury Badminton Club
The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights, from 7.30-9.30pm, and on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. 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
Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club
Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club invites women to be part of Sunbury Ladies
Badminton Club and enjoy the benefits of physical activity combined with socialisation. Social games are held every Thursday morning, excluding public and school holidays, from 10am–12pm at the Eric Boardman Stadium in Wilsons Lane, Sunbury. You are also welcome to sign up to be part of a team, also playing each Thursday morning. Equipment and coaching is provided.
sunburylbc@gmail.com
LGBTIQ Social Club
The Sunbury and Surrounds LGBTIQ Social Club has an ongoing catch up every third Saturday at the Brown Cow Cafe in Rosenthal at 1pm. They can also be found on Facebook where they have chats, discussions and other events advertised.
https://shorturl.at/jtAO1
Friends of Woodlands Historic Park
Help preserve Woodlands Historic Park and learn about its history by joining the Friends of Woodlands Historic Park. The group consists of volunteers, working one day each month in the park on projects including plant propagation and revegetation, weed removal, litter control and other activities. Some members may also work in the park on projects at other times. Becoming a member of the group is easy and free, and is open to like-minded people who want to take positive action to maintain our environment. You must be 18 or older and enjoy outdoor activities. The group meets on the first Saturday of each month at the Parks Victoria depot off Somerton Road, Greenvale.
Bevan, 0468 469 514 or bevan@keepemail.com
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Samarth, Parth and Inyraah who are gearing up for colourful fun at the Women in Brimbank Colour Festival on April 5. (Attie Mohebali) 466942_01
Kaleidoscope Festival returns
Celebrate Wyndham’s cultural diversity at Point Cook Pop-Up Park throughout April.
The celebrations form part of the KaleidoscopeFestival,whichisrunbyCoLocal, developer Stockland and Wyndham council.
The festival is a colourful celebration of unity and diversity and will feature food, performance and culture.
The festival will have a different theme each week.
On Saturday, April 5, attendees can enjoy a Greek Festival from noon-4pm, featuring dance and music performances by Manasis SchoolofGreekDanceandCulture,foodstalls, kids activities and a photobooth.
A Harmony Day celebration organised by
the Wyndham Volunteers Association will be held on Saturday, April 12, from 11am-4pm, showcasing the talent and diversity of the community.
Activate Youth will host an Eid Festival on Sunday, April 13. Running from noon to 3pm, the event will include market and food stalls and cultural entertainment.
On Saturday, April 19, the Easter Bunny will make an early appearance in Point Cook for an Easter-themed festival from noon-3pm.
Junubi Wyndham will host the Africa Festival on Saturday, April 26, from 2-9pm, featuring love performances and food and market stalls.
The Kaleidoscope Festival will wrap up on
Sunday, April 27 with an Aussie barbecue from noon-3pm.
Stockland senior centre manager John Cooper said Kaleidoscope was created by the community. “We’re looking forward to hosting our third Kaleidoscope Festival here at Point Cook Pop Up Park,” he said. “Each year the event brings together thousands of people to celebrate the cultural diversity in the area.
“We encourage the community to come along with their friends and family and enjoy live entertainment, delicious food and market stalls, as well as activities for the kids.”
Point Cook Pop-up Park is at Stockland Point Cook, Murnong Street, Point Cook.
Details: https://tinyurl.com/22d82rtw
Engraving the beauty of the Ranges
Using his engineering background, Riddells Creek artist Grant Medbury creates intricate laser-engraved artworks – with a range of his work currently on display at Art on Piper gallery in Kyneton.
An electronic engineer by profession, Medbury said he enjoys combining his design and technical skills to create the artworks.
“My wife Kathy is an artist … I’m surrounded by art so I’ve just been experimenting and creating a few things and I
think the guest room at Art on Piper just gives you the opportunity to display what you’ve done,” Medbury said.
He said he enjoys the contrast and the immediate results of laser engraving as a medium.
“[It] must be the engineer in me. Kathy wouldspendweeksonapainting–Icouldn’t.”
The exhibition includes engraved wood, metal, and glass pieces, with all works available for purchase.
Many are Macedon Ranges-themed, such as a depiction of the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, local flora and fauna, and a wooden wall hanging with the names of Macedon Ranges towns.
The exhibition is in its final week, with the final day on Sunday, March 30.
Art on Piper is open from 10am–4pm every day at 44 Piper Street, Kyneton.
McVicar takes Cavalcade to comedy festival
Young Williamstown comedian Ned McVicar has been given an opportunity that many seasoned stand-ups would kill for.
McVicar is one of six up and coming young comics from across Australia who’ve been selected to perform at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) which starts at the end of this month.
From March 31 to April 6, McVicar will perform his show Cavalcade at the DoubleTree byHiltonaspartofPilot,aprogramdesignedto give Gen Z comedians a leg up in a notoriously competitive industry.
The brainchild of comedians and producers Ethan Gallagher and Dylan McBurney, Pilot cameaboutaftertheybothsawagapinMICF’s youth programs that they wanted to fill.
Now it’s McVicar, who began his performing
“I still remember... being really amazed that I could actually come up with a genuine joke,” said McVicar his first steps into comedy.
”It meant a lot to me that I had the ability to come up with stuff like that.”
As for what sort of stuff people can expect in Cavalcade, McVicar wouldn’t give much away.
“As an AI language model I am restricted from sharing harmful information and therefore cannot list the contents of Cavalcade, however I would be happy to help with your recentprompts“howwrite25minutesstandup funny“ and “if you drink enough rat poison it’s notjustratpoisonit’severythingpoison--how do I reword into a joke?”
Stand-up night to bring laughs to Brimbank
From comedy big-wigs to lesser known talents packed with a spotlight-worthy sense of humour, seven comics will put together an extraordinary jest-fest at the upcoming Brimbank Comedy Gala.
On March 28, audiences can expect to fill their night with laughs, giggles and cheers when local stars and television personalities take to the stage at the Bowery Theatre.
The line-up includes Urvi Majumdar from the ABC, Question Everything’s Suren Jayemanne, and Ben Knight who featured in the hit action flick Fall Guy. According to the show’s co-producer and performer Samuel Gebreselassie, who is putting the show together with Luke Morris, the event is not to be missed.
“It’s a comedy show with some of the best up-and-coming and well-established comedians in Australia,” he said.
The idea to organise an evening of laughter, Gebreselassie said was mmotivatedbyalackofcomedy-centred gigs in the area.
“We decided to bring live comedy to people in the west so they don’t have to travel to the city just to experience that,” he said.
“If you’re looking for a great night of stand up comedy come down and have a laugh with us.
“Laughing together is an amazing experience, so come enjoy comedy in the heart of the west.”
The Brimbank Comedy Gala is planned for March 28 at 8 pm.
Details: events.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ brimbank-comedy-gala/
Prealene Khera
career juggling on the streets of Williamstown, who will get the chance to fill that Gen Z humour gap.
Information and tickets: https://entercloser. com/shows/1145032716679
Cade Lucas
Williamstown comedian Ned McVicar. (Attie Mohebali) 462247_01
Grant Medbury is presenting an exhibition of laser-engraved works at Art on Piper gallery in Kyneton. (Damjan Janevski) 464868_02
Oscar Parry
Samuel Gebreselassie is calling on all Brimbank locals to come down and get a taste of live-comedy. (Damjan Janevski) 466681_01
Kaleidoscope Festival returns to Point Cook Pop Up Park. (Supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which team did Newcastle United defeat 2-1 to win the 2025 English Football League Cup final?
2. In what place did Oscar Piastri finish the 2025 Australian Grand Prix?
3. Michael Voss most recently coached which AFL team?
4. What wind-assisted 200m time did sprinter Gout Gout run at the 2025 Queensland Athletic Championships?
5. Which now-defunct NBL team did NBA legend Magic Johnson join to play a 2002 exhibition game?
6. With the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, how many teams will compete for the 2025 WNBA Championship?
Stuart MacGill began his first-class cricket career representing which Australian state or territory?
Which rugby union competition includes teams such as the Houston SaberCats, Seattle Seawolves and Chicago Hounds?
9. The Indian Panthers are the newest team in which country’s men’s professional basketball league?
10. What is the name of the fictional football team coached by Al Pacino’s character in the 1999 film AnyGivenSunday?
11. What is the most populated city in Australia to not have an AFL team?
12. And what is the unofficial team of that city, scheduled to play three games there in 2025?
13. What is the most populated city in Australia to not have an NRL team?
14. And what was the proposed name for a club in this city, put forward in a 2024 bid?
15. What is the only team across the AFL and NRL not based in Australia?
16. What was the most recent Australian team to win a Super Rugby championship?
17. In a 2025 charity soccer match in front of 90,000 spectators, YouTuber Max Fosh did what with a yellow card?
18. Has the MCG ever had a naming rights sponsor?
19. What is the name of the target ball in lawn bowls?
20. Lewis Hamilton made his debut with which F1 team at the 2025 Melbourne Grand Prix?
21. Who currently holds the title of Women’s Intercontinental Champion in the WWE?
22. Which sport is the focus of the film Moneyball?
23. How many times did Andy Murray win Wimbledon?
24. Megan Schutt plays for which WBBL team?
25. What is the nickname of Cleveland’s MLB team?
26. Who won the Norm Smith Medal in last year’s AFL grand final?
27. Which NHL team does Alexander Ovechkin play for?
28. How many different types of fencing are there?
29. And what are they called?
30. In what year did the Carlton Football Club last win a premiership?
YOUR NEW CAREER
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
HPV vaccine also critical for boys
Cancer Council Victoria is urging Victorian parents to check their children’s human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination status, with new data showing one in three survey respondents are unaware that the HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescent males, as well as females.
The new research from the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer at Cancer Council Victoria surveyed over 850 Victorian women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 about their knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer. Of those surveyed, one in three (35 per
cent)incorrectlybelievedthattheHPVvaccine was only recommended for adolescent females. This misconception was most common among womenagedbetween45and59.Thisagegroup are also more likely to have children eligible for the life-saving vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is given to Australian children for free at age 12-13 through the school-based National Immunisation Program and protects against a range of HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
Kate Broun, head of screening, early detection and immunisation at Cancer
‘Exhilarating’
The southern hemisphere’s premier airshow and aerospace and defence expo is ready for takeoff.
The biannual Avalon Australian International Airshow returns to Geelong this week, showcasing military and civilian aircraft, aerobatic displays and the newest innovations in aviation technology.
With three-and-a-half trade days and three days of public displays, the airshow will transform Avalon into an aviation Mecca from Tuesday March 25 to Sunday March 30.
This year’s attractions include the Friday night flying demonstration Night Alight, performances by the Royal Australian Air Force’s F35A Lightning II and F/A-18F Super Hornet, Matt Hall Racing’s high performance aviation unit and fan favourites the military working dogs.
Council Victoria said that it was a common misconceptionthattheHPVvaccineis onlyfor girls despite the vaccine having been offered to all genders since 2013. “HPV is a very common sexually transmitted virus that is well known for causing almost all cases of cervical cancer, but many people aren’t aware that it can also cause penile, anal and head and neck cancers, as well as genital warts,” Ms Broun said.
“Many people still think of it as the cervical cancer vaccine and may wonder why their sons need it too. That’s why it’s so important for parents to understand the full benefits of
this vaccine in protecting their children from preventableHPV-relatedcancersanddiseases,” Ms Broun said.
HPV vaccination coverage has been declining in Victoria since 2020, with coverage for 15-year-old males declining from 86 per cent in 2020 to 83 per cent in 2023.
Ms Broun said she was concerned that HPV vaccination coverage hadn’t yet returned to previous levels and urged parents of adolescent boys to check their HPV vaccination status and to arrange to catch up as soon as possible if they missed their dose.
airshow flies in for thrills in the sky
The 2023 edition of the event was a huge success, drawing more than 80,000 members of the public through the turnstiles from Friday to Saturday, but traffic jams created hours-long waits for some.
In response, the airshow announced it had revamped its transport and parking systems to improve the visitor experience this
year, including a park-and-ride shuttle bus option.
Chief executive of organisers AMDA Foundation Justin Giddings said the “sheer scale” of the event meant it couldn’t go ahead without great support from the community.
“We are indebted to the Victorian state government and the City of Greater Geelong for their long-term support of this event, and the teamwork that makes it successful,” Mr Giddings said.
“With exhilarating flying displays, interactive experiences, and the chance to get up close and personal with aircraft on the ground, we look forward to welcoming visitors from across Australia and the world to one of the world’s great airshows.
“We are proud of the Avalon Australian International Airshow, and Geelong should be too.
Matt Hewson
Left: The Skycats wing walking display. Top right: F/A-18F Super Hornet in the air. Right: A Hercules aircraft and crowd. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 322448
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Alarm (7)
5 Instructs (7)
9 Aloofness (11)
10 Formerly (3)
11 Oration (6)
12 Activators (7)
14 Wading bird (4)
15 Hostile (10)
17 Law-maker (10)
19 Book ID (1,1,1,1)
20 Reticence (7)
22 A seat for riding an elephant or a camel (6)
25 Hearing organ (3)
26 Containing an abstract meaning (11)
28 Depressants (7)
29 Those who derive pleasure from inflicting pain (7)
DOWN
1 StarWars:EpisodeIII –Revengeofthe – (4)
2 Complying (9)
3 Honorific (5)
4 Pottery (11)
5 Digitally generated imagery (1,1,1)
6 Whenever (7)
7 Follower of the main Indian religion (5)
8 Identifying (9)
12 Ancient coffin (11)
13 Partner (10)
16 Lengths (9)
18 Family name (7)
21 Virago (5)
23 Hyper (5)
24 In addition (4)
27 Guitarist, – Paul (3)
1 In The Chronicles of Narnia series, which Pevensie sibling is granted the regnal title of 'The Just'?
2 What is the national flower of the US?
3 Which act
7 Saoirse Ronan (pictured) starred opposite Emory Cohen and Jim Broadbent in which period drama film?
8 How many constellations are recognised by the International Astronomical Union?
9 According to urban legend, how long does it take to digest a piece of gum?
10 Apteryx are a species
Nissan X-Trail passes the road test
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Petrol/electric powered vehicles have been around for nearly a quarter of a century when Honda and Toyota launched their Insight and Prius models respectively.
Over the years more hybrids have arrived to the stage where now almost every brand has a variety of them. Indeed, most Toyota passenger vehicles are only available as hybrids.
Along the way batteries and electric motors have evolved while the price surcharges have made them much more affordable than the early models.
Although Nissan was an early adopter of fully-electric cars, mainly the Leaf hatchback, it didn’t offer hybrids until 2023 when the Qashqai and X-Trail e-Power variants were added.
There is a significant difference between the conventional petrol/electric powertrains of other hybrids and that of the e-Power models.
Where others use the battery-powered motor to drive the car at low speeds before switching over to their relatively large petrol engines, the e-Power operates in reverse where two large motors always drive the wheels and are constantly being charged by a smaller engine.
It’s a bit like an electric car with a range extender, minus the capacity to store the power generated. Because the engine is always running it sounds like a petrol car but drives like an EV.
It delivers responsive performance thanks to the fact the electric motor powers the wheels, providing EV-like instant, linear and smooth throttle response. The power for the electric motor is generated by a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder advanced variable compression turbocharged petrol engine.
Our test car was the X-Trail hybrid or, to give it its full name, the X-Trail e-Power e-4orce with the latter tag describing the all-wheel drive system that controls torque and braking for each wheel individually.
The X-Trail hybrid comes in three variants, ST-L, Ti and Ti-L, priced at $50,765, $55,465 and $58,465 respectively plus on-road costs.
Styling
The fourth-generation X-Trail follows the distinctly Nissan angular design direction, sharing several sharp lines with the Pathfinder and Qashqai. Only a revised V-Motion grille and badging distinguish the e-Power hybrids from the petrol variants.
Lighting is up to present-day standards with auto LED headlamps, LED tail-lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.
ST-L rides on 18-inch alloys wheels, Ti and Ti-L have 19-inch alloys as standard while Ti-L gets the option of 20-inch alloys.
Depending on variant, there are 13 colours from which to choose. Only one, red, is standard; all others are cost options including a number of two-tone.
Interior
All X-Trail hybrids are five-seaters with the two extra rear seats only available with the petrol variants.
Inside,thesurroundingsareablendofquality craftsmanship and materials highlighting comfort and convenience all round. Comfort is covered by 10-way power-adjustable (and heated) front seats, three-zone climate control, six-speaker audio (with digital radio), leather-accented trim and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Specialattentionhasbeenpaidtoergonomics and tactile feel of the switchgear and buttons used in the cabin to lend them a high-quality feel.
A two-tier centre console provides plenty of space to stash items, with a charge pad in more expensive models for mobile devices. Move to the back and the first thing you notice is the rear door opening to 85 degrees,
which makes it easier to get in and out. The rear seats (split 40/20/40) can slide forward for more boot space, or back for maximum passenger room.
Withallseatsupright,cargospaceis575litres andtoaround2000litres.Apowertailgateeases loading. Note that these dimensions are to the roofline rather than the normal seat height. There’s no spare wheel of any sort, only a puncture repair kit.
The centre console has a floating design, with room for large items in a rubberised section underneath. A shift-by-wire gear selector is compact and user-friendly. Also on hand are buttons for EV and e-Pedal modes, as well as a rotary dial to access drive and terrain systems.
Infotainment
The entry level X-Trail hybrid ST-L comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker audio (but no navigation).
TiandTi-Lgetalarger12.3-inchtouchscreen with satellite navigation, and wireless charging.
There are four USB ports: USB-A and USB-C in the front and charge only USB-A and USB-C in the back, with 12-volt outlets in the front and luggage area.
There’s also a 10.8-inch head-up windscreen display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with customisation of information clearly and easily accessible.
Smartphone integration has been upgraded withwirelesssmartphonechargingandwireless Apple CarPlay for seamless connectivity, along with additional USB-A and USB-C charge ports for keeping smartphones and tablets topped up.
Engines/transmissions
As mentioned, the e-Power system uses motors at the front and rear. Outputs are 150 kW and 330 Nm at the front and 100 kW/195 Nm at the rear for a combined 157kW.
The 2.1 kWh electric motor delivers power
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 7.5/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
directly to the wheels, using energy stored in the battery pack.
The e-Power with e-4orce system consists of a high-output 2.1 kWh battery together with a power generator, inverter and twin electric motors – 150k W for the front and 100kW for the rear (with a combined system output of 157 kW).
The turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder charges the battery pack or the electric motor, the petrol engine and so eliminates the need for an EV charger.
Like most SUVs it operates predominantly in two-wheel drive most of the time with drive to the front-wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.
Towing capacity for the e-Power models is rated at 1650 kg, compared to 2000 kg for petrol versions.
Safety
The X-Trail hybrids earn a five-star ANCAP rating under 2021 test conditions and added information and testing.
Active safety is covered by forward autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian and cyclist), adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and ProPilot lane keeping, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, and reverse autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian).
In Ti and Ti-L variants, pedestrians close to the vehicle are alerted by an external audible warning when it is in almost silent EV mode. Seven airbags include a centre airbag between front seat occupants.
Driving
Aswithallvehiclesthatstartoffwithanelectric motor the Nissan X-Trail e-Power delivers smooth and almost instant acceleration off the mark. Add excellent noise cancelling measures within the cabin, it’s almost silent.
When called on for more power, the petrol engine and generator chime in with a non-too unpleasant hum, keeping the battery pack
charged and, if needed, directly powering the electric motor.
EV or e-Pedal controls are instigated by means of buttons on the centre console. EV is what it says – no petrol engine input here – and can be operated for a short distance.
Ontest,pressingtheEVbuttonwasanswered byamessagesayingthebatterywasnotcharged enough to sustain electric-only operation.
The e-Pedal had no such impediment, leaving the accelerator to apply the brakes automatically when the foot was lifted off, calling on the regenerating capacity to slow the car almost to a halt.
A drive and terrain mode selector offers five different modes: Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow and Off-Road.
With a 55-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1L/100km using premium 95 unleaded and it generates 139g/km of CO2. Nissan claims combined urban/highway fuel consumption of 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres using 95 RON fuel. The test car recorded 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres in urban driving where the battery is dominant but jumped up to 7.1 L/100km on a motorway due to the extra engine usage.
Summary
The X-Trail hybrid is an outstanding long-distance cruiser with the benefits of an electric vehicle but without any range stress. The instant response delivers fast and safe acceleration to make overtaking or merging onto a motorway easier.
In its performance it does lean more to the full electric vehicle rather than the hybrid SUV. However, there’s the added running cost of buying petrol.
Thepremiumpurchasepriceoverpetrol-only models is covered somewhat by the increased Ti/Ti-L equipment
As of 1 February 2025 all new Nissan vehicles come with a 10-year, 300,000km standard warranty but with the stipulation that all servicing is carried out at dealerships.
The X-Trail hybrid is an outstanding long-distance cruiser with the benefits of an electric vehicle but without any range stress. (Pictures: Supplied)
The new lot of cricket premiers were crowned on Saturday, while other teams started their finals round as the FV state league seasons kicked off. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting the action.
Premiers crowned, shocks galore
Woodend’s Harry Lawson. 466957_01
Tarneit Central’s Pradeep Ajara. 466964_16
Sunbury United’s James Hughes. 466957_25
Romsey’s Jamie Taylor. 466960_01
Mernda celebrates a wicket. 466962_07
Laverton’s Matias Arriagada and Sunbury United’s Ubeyde Cicek. 466967_08
Laverton’s Cristian Segura. 466967_02
Mernda’s Michael Edwards. 466962_04
Merrifield’s Talwinder Prince. 466964_06
Rivergum’s Matthew Perri. 466962_02
Gisborne’s Matthew Barake. 466960_08
Fans enjoy the again at Gardiner Reserve. 466960_21
Mernda supporters. 466962_09
Gisborne Giants are ready for RDFL senior debut
After what seems like the longest pre-season, the Gisborne Giants are ready to make their senior debut in the Riddell District Football League.
The years of preparation for the Giants have all come together as they field a full complement of teams for the first time.
Inaugural senior coach Andrew Hall said it was pretty exciting to now be in sight of round one.
“It has been a wonderful build up for us,” he said. “We’re the new kids on the block and we’ve been talking a lot about how important it is to follow the process and develop.
“We’renotfocusedsomuchontheoutcome, but building a young list with a strong culture.
“We’re grateful to the people that have got us to that point.”
Hall said their group certainly knew the importance of getting off to a good start in a league that is starting to build.
He said the squad they had put together was one that they were really happy with.
“We have a very good mix of players who
can cover across all areas of the ground,” he said. “They are young and keen to learn. We’ve already embedded some learning into the playing group and there’s a bit of structure we’ve been able to build in the first half of the off season.
“We’ve had good numbers at training which is a positive sign.”
With a brand new side there’s plenty of different standouts on the track.
It’s some of the leaders that have surprised Hall the most in what has become a tight knit group.
“Brad Mangan, I knew he’d had a great career before he come here, he has amazed me,” he said.
“Matt Quigley has been outstanding at a similar level to Brad. It’s like having extra leaders on the ground.
“They are driving the program. Matt Wallacehasbeenoutstandingonthedefensive line. I’m buoyed about Dylan Cunningham and James O’Connor.
“Then some local boys like Tom Doyle, Jack
Clough. They have impressed me in the off season and are definitely up to the task.
“[Jiaya] Mitchell, [Josh] Lee have been impressive as well, the list can go on.”
Hall said they are under no illusions that it will be tough this season and are focused on the long term goals.
The Giants have held two practice matches and were playing a third on the weekend.
The seniors and reserves faced the Western Rams, while the under-19s played Keilor.
Then all three teams played Bungaree, which is one of the favourites for the Central Highlands flag, with the seniors having an even game.
They faced East Keilor on the weekend in the last game
Hall said before the match it would be a good test of where they are at.
The Giants face Kyneton on April 5 in round one.
“The enthusiasm of the group, round one, could not come quick enough,” Hall said.
Vernon piles on the runs
By Tara Murray
Gisborne is through to a third straight Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup grand final, as captain-coach Jarryd Vernon got bragging rights over his brother.
Vernon led from the front in the Dragons’ semi final win against Romsey, making sure they didn’t lose a third close one this season to Romsey.
The win was set up with the bat, but the Dragons were just as impressive with the ball.
Vernon said they were relieved to make it through to the grand final again.
“It is awesome, they are pretty hard to come by,” he said. “It was fantastic to play in two the last two years, but there is still work to do.
“It’s nice to be there.”
Vernon said the main aim when they won the toss was to ensure that they batted out the overs. Romsey has proven that they are one side that can regularly chase down scores above 300.
“Even with 400 on the board, we knew they would be up for the challenge and we would have to bowl and field well,” Vernon said.
“We wanted to bat 80 overs and get above
300. To get above 400 was a great effort by the boys.”
Gisborne finished 6-407 from its overs.
Vernon made an unbeaten 217 off 243 balls.
Matthew Bararke made 81 while Riley Vernon made 60.
Jarryd said it was nice to get some runs and help them win the match.
“I feel like I played a test match,” he said.
“I’ll take making 200.
“Tomake200alotgoesyourway,itwasnice to get the runs but I’m more about winning.”
Vernon’s score is the highest by a Dragons player in the McIntyre Cup.
The previous record was held by Riley, who made 210 not out in a final before having to retire hurt after fracturing his eye socket after hitting a ball into his face.
“I definitely knew,” Jarryd said. “The only reason I knew as it was my brother’s and at about 190 I pointed to him and said I was coming for his record.
“It was nice to break the record.”
While Jarryd broke Riley’s record, Hayden Castle’s McIntyre Cup record of 220 not out remains. Vernon said he didn’t realise he was that close, but was struggling to see the ball at the end so wasn’t worried about it.
Sunbury starts with a draw
Sunbury United and Gisborne kicked off their respective FV state league men’s seasons on Saturday, both coming away with at least a point.
Sunbury was at home in its state league 3 north-west clash with Laverton on Saturday afternoon.
Scores were locked at 2-1 at half time, with Sunbury having to do some work after being down.
Laverton ended a man down after red card, which helped Sunbury’s cause. It was able to find an equaliser in the second half to take away a point in the 2-2 result.
Haruki Sakabayashi and Damian Rastocic were the goal scorers for Sunbury.
Sunbury is at home to Hoppers Crossing in round two. The Reds dropped down a division in the off season.
It was a dream start for Gisborne in the FV state league 5 west competition. Facing Footscray Rangers, who were playing their first ever state league match, the Sky Blues came away with a 7-2 win.
The Rangers scored first before the Sky Blues found three goals before half time through Mattia Girardini, Jason Moody and Daniel Adamo.
On Sunday, Romsey was in trouble early on as it slipped to 4-21.
Chris Burkett and Ben Way steadied Romsey to get it above 100. It struggled to get partnerships from then on before being bowled out for 156 in the 47th over.
Way top scored with 51
Vernon said it was a really good bowling performance.
“We knew the last two games we had played them they had taken it deep,” he said. “We were prepared to go 80 overs.
“Our opening bowlers Leigh Brennan and Josh Wills set the tone with Leigh taking the first three wickets.
“Myself and Riley through the middle chipped it back a little bit. Keeping them under 170 is really good and I could not have been more proud.”
Brennan finished with four wickets.
TheDragons,whoaregoingforback-to-back premierships will face Sunbury United in the grand final after the Bees knocked off minor premiers Woodend.
“They have a lot of experienced guys in the team that have been in grand finals before,” Vernon said.
“We have to be at our best.”
The Rangers scored the first goal of the second half to bring the margin back to one goal, before Adamo reinstated the two goal lead with his second goal.
Jake Powell added his name to the goal scorers before Girardini scored twice late to get himself a hat-trick.
Gisborne plays Ocean Grove in round two.
Damian Rastocic was one of the goalscorers for Sunbury United. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 466967)
Tara Murray Matt Quigley. (Supplied)
Jarryd Vernon on his way to 217 not out. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 466960)
Tigers ready to go as season start draws closer
Kyneton is focused on the task at hand not othersidesasitpreparesfortheRiddellDistrict Netball League season.
New coach David O’Hare doesn’t know much about the league and is focused on what they can do, rather than what has already happened.
He said the pre-season had been really good.
“We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “The pre-season has been really good and we’ve had good numbers at training.
“It’s been pretty positive and the girls have responded pretty well to my coaching style so far.”
O’Hare said he was loving the coaching challenge so far and it was different from he was used to.
He said he had been really embraced by the club.
netball and have fun.
“Wewon’tknowwhattheotherclubsarelike until half way through the season. If the girls keep training the way that they are training, they will improve.
“We’re trying to implement some new things.”
O’Hare said they had added some new players to their A-grade squad.
The Tigers announced last week that the experienced Maddy Kirk had joined the club,
end of the court.
Katie Turner, Kelsey McColl, Brittany Nitschke, Charlotte Zan and Lauren Girvan whoallplayedsomeA-gradenetballlastseason are among those who have re-signed for this season.
Michelle Fletcher returns to the club after a season at Macedon. O’Hare said he was still getting to know Fletcher but was quickly realising what impact having her back has on the playing group with her history at the club and in the town.
Kyneton finished with four wins for the season, but there wasn’t much between all the teams.
“I don’t know what has happened in the last few years,” he said. “My expectation is to play
O’Hare said he wasn’t really paying attention to what happened last year with the team in its first season in the RDNL.
Kirk, who is a defensive midcourter, has playedwiththeNewSouthWalesmixedteams, andAustralianmixedreservesteampreviously and had a connection with O’Hare.
She has moved to Melbourne and has joined the Melbourne University Victorian Netball League championship team.
Reigning Ryan medallist Tilly Shepherd is backfortheTigersinabigboostatthedefensive
The Bees stun Woodend
By Tara Murray
Sunbury United produced its bowling performance of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season to stun Woodend, while earning a grand final spot.
The Bees were the underdogs heading into the final series but that meant little on Sunday as they pulled off an upset win against the minor premiers.
CaptainDamienEdwardssaiditwasapretty insane result.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” he said. “I have not been involved in as good a win as that before.
“Wealwaysknewwehadgoodplayers.We’ve got players littered throughout the team that have been there and done it before.
“We wanted to get into finals and hopefully our best was good enough and it was today [Sunday] it was.”
The Bees won the toss and decided to bat on Saturday. It wasn’t the performance they were
afterastheywerebowledoutfor165inthe65th over. Liam Sherlock top scored with 44 as just three players passed 20.
Veteran Warren Else took 7-38 off nearly 23 overs to be the pick of the bowlers.
“We took in some extra batting and it didn’t go to plan,” Edwards said.
On Sunday, Woodend was in control at 2-52 and even at 4-92 it was still the team in front in the game. But the Bees bowlers stayed focused on the task ahead.
Edwards said the key was not letting Woodend get away from them.
“We kept it tight all day,” he said. “It meant when we got a couple of quick wickets, they started to feel the pressure.
“We were able to build a bit of belief that we could do it.”
Some quick wickets turned the game in the favour of the Bees.
Woodend’s tail fought hard to try and get closetothescore.Edwardssaidhewasnervous, butknewthatalothadtogorightforittocome off for Woodend at that stage.
Woodend was bowled out for 124, with Harrison Sheahan top scored with 36 for Woodend.
James Hughes took 4-42 for the Bees.
Edwards said Hughes just gets it done.
“He has still got it,” he said. “He’s crafty and has been there and done it all before.
“He got us where we needed to be. You can not buy that experience.”
Sunbury United last played in the grand final in the 2022-23 season when it fell short against Romsey. The Bees will face Gisborne in the grand final after it had a big win against Romsey in the other semi final. Edwards said it would be another big challenge.
“They can pile on the runs,” he said. “If we can bowl like we did today [Sunday] it will makeadifferenceandwecanchallengehowit’s been going for them,”
Meanwhile, Wallan claimed the Johnstone Shield premiership as it beat Eastern Hill.
Eastern Hill made 9-150 with Wallan getting the runs in 49 overs, finishing 3-151.
The Tigers start their season against newcomers Gisborne Giants on April 5.
In other round one matches, Melton South hosts Diggers Rest, Lancefield plays Romsey, Riddell is at home to Macedon and Woodend-Hesket will unveil its premiership flag against the Melton Centrals.
Tara Murray
Sports shorts
VNL
Locals have been named in the Victorian Netball League reserves squad. Gisborne star Zoe Davies has been named in the inaugural Melbourne Mavericks reserves squad. Davies has previously been at Collingwood. Gisborne’s Claudia Mawson and Riddell’s Ruby Shannon are part of the Vixens squad, with Tepea Hobson, who has also previously played at Riddell, and new Gisborne Giants goaler Emma Winfield named as training partners.
GDCA
Rupertswood has announced its first new signing for the year Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup. Zach Paterson will join the club after spending several seasons at Riddell. He has decided he wants a change and has joined Rupo.. Paterson is described as a handy bowling all-rounder and expected to play across Rupo’s top two sides. Rupertswood top side finished fifth this year, just out of finals.
RDFL
Lancefield has announced its leadership group for its second Riddell District Football League women’s season. Kirsty Albert has been named the Tigers captain for the first time and will be supported by vice-captains Maddison Coates Cowley, who returns to a leadership role after a fantastic job in her first season and Emily O’Brien. The Tigers kick off their season on April 5.
VFLW
Sunbury duo Abbey McDonald and Grace Azzopardi have been named in Essendon’s Victorian Football League Women’s team. McDonald joins the Bombers from Geelong where she spent the past two seasons with the Cats’ AFLW and VFLW sides. Azzopardi was the Calder Cannons co-captain last season, while also playing at the Sunbury Lions. Chloe Prpic and Maddison Albrecht have also stepped up from the Cannons program to the Bombers.
Laura Girvan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 409291_06
Pulindu Kiriella. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 466957_05
