Gathering in memory
Anzac Day services across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges united communities in commemorating those who have served Australia in times of war.
Local stories were shared as attendees paid their respects and remembered those who lost their lives or faced severe and ongoing challenges from the tragedies of conflict.
For an overview of some of the local events, turn to page 8.
Budget ‘back to basics’
By Oscar Parry
Local roads, footpaths, and community venues are some of those marked to receive a boost in the Macedon Ranges draft budget, with ratepayers set for an average three per cent rate increase.
With a concise version released for community consultation until May 8, capital expenditure under the council’s 2025–26 draft budget is planned at $28.46 million, which is an $1.79 million increase from the previous year.
The three per cent rate increase is in line with the the maximum increase allowed under the state government’s rate cap.
Proposed major projects include an $8.68 million renewal of the council’s road network, a $3.66 million renewal of the council’s buildings, $700,000 towards renewal and $370,000 towards construction of footpaths, and $611,000 towards renewal of council drainage.
Also included is upgrading the boiler from gas to electric at the Gisborne Aquatic Centre, renovations to the Gisborne Library, and Kyneton airfield infrastructure upgrades.
Following community submissions to the budget late last year, projects including ramp upgrades and air conditioning at the Lancefield Courthouse, additional water tanks at the Bullengarook Community Hall,
lightingupgradesattheMarketStreetCarpark in Kyneton, toilet upgrades at the Woodend Bowling Club, servery window at the Kyneton Football Netball Club, switchboards and ovens at Macedon Hall, and free passes and two ‘free weeks’ for green waste disposal were added for funding.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said he felt the draft budget had an increased “back to basics” focus, and that “one of the key focuses of this draft budget – and a significant benefit gained from the early consultation process – is addressing the important initiatives that our community have put forward“.
Councillor Daniel Young said that in his first term on council, there were elements
of the budget drafting process he was really impressed by and “other parts of the process that I haven’t been impressed by“. Cr Kate Kendall said she was concerned the current two-week consultation period in this year’s budget would be too short and that she hopes next year the council can move to a longer consultation period.
The community consultation period closes on Thursday, May 8, and feedback can be made on the council’s YourSay platform, sent via mail to PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444, or provided in-person at one of the council’s customer service centres.
Details: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/budget2025-26
Feelers go out for institute home
By Oscar Parry
A Woodend entomologist claims he is hitting “brick walls” in his search for a venue suitable to host an institute of entomology.
Organiser of the annual National Insect Expo in Woodend, Dr Bert Candusio, has been running a National Institute of Entomology online, providing entomology certificate courses.
He also co-manages the Central Victorian Regional Insect Collection.
The search for a Macedon Ranges venue suitable to host practical technicians courses has proven difficult, and according to Mr
Grant
Candusio, has now taken almost five years.
“It’snotthesortof[thing]thatyoucansetup temporarily, pack up, and then do it again” Mr Candusio said.
“We’ve been approaching multiple organisations, including [Macedon Ranges council] for the probability of finding something, and we’ve just been hitting these brick walls.
“Wenowhavenearly200studentsfromevery state in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia and Singapore on standby for when we’re abletodeliverthesecourses…we’llbetheonly institute in Australia that runs them.”
He said he inquired about using part of the
for gate glory
The Malmsbury War Memorial gates are set to be restored to their former glory, helping to remember those who have lost their lives in conflict.
On Wednesday, April 16, the state government announced that the Friends of Malmsbury Gardens and Environs group was one of those selected to receive a war memorial restoration grant.
The group will receive funding to restore the heritage-listed Malmsbury War Memorial gatesandadjoiningrailing,withthegateacting as an entrance to the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens.
Built in 1922 in tribute to those who enlisted in World War I, the soldiers’ names will be regilded, old paint and rust will be removed, and restoration works will be performed on the memorial railings and gate.
FriendsofMalmsburyGardensandEnvirons secretary Paula Needham said part of the grant will be used to cover the expensive prices of
gold for the regilding process.
“As far as I can remember and even further back, there’s always been tributes left at that memorial. It’s become symbolic of the loss of life of people who have gone and not returned from subsequent conflicts,” Ms Needham said.
“There are families that are still in town whose names are on the plate – their forebears are there.”
Ms Needham said the restoration process is quite complex, with laser cleaning tests to be for treating the rust.
She said that the entire memorial includes the adjoining railing, which extends from a post at the corner of the Malmsbury Town Hall to another adjacent to Mollison Street.
The pillars of the monument are made from bluestone with a lintel of Harcourt granite.
The original stonework of the gate was completed by Mr WT Jones and Son, with WT Jones Stonemasons still operating on Piper Street in Kyneton.
WOMEN’S HEALTH MATTERS
Woodend Community Health building with council, but was recently told that this would not be possible.
“That’s apparently a no-go – which to me is ridiculous. Because it’s occupied by one office for the [maternal and child health service] provider and the rest of the building is totally empty,” Mr Candusio said.
“As a last resort, we’ve been offered what we require at … the Shire of Mitchell, and if worse comes to worst, we’re going to seriously consider relocating not only the collections and everything to the facility to what they’ve offered … and if that happens, we’ll be taking the … National Insect Expo with us.“
Mr Candusio said another possibility would be a resident offering a privately owned venue to host the institute.
Council corporate director Adele Drago-Stevens said the organisation “acknowledges the national institute’s passion in establishing a permanent insectarium locally, and the benefits this may offer“.
“At this stage, there are no council-owned buildings available to meet the specialist requirements for housing theiInstitute’s collection. The Woodend Community Hub building is not a suitable location due to existing planning constraints and the intended use of the site,” Ms Drago-Stevens said.
Lauren’s wish is for zero deaths
Lauren Philpot, 24, is raising awareness for a cause very close to her heart having lost her mother, Leigh, to breast cancer.
A lifelong Maribyrnong resident, Lauren is a passionate crusader for breast cancer research having raised more than $142,000 for the Mother’s Day Classic over the past four years.
Lauren’s mum, Leigh, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2017, just five months after her 50th birthday. She beat it only forthecancertoreturninApril2021,asStage4 Metastatic Breast Cancer.
In 2021 Lauren formed, The Leigh Leigh’s to take part in their first Mother’s Day Classic. Around 50 of Lauren and Leigh’s family and friends donned their sneakers to participate in the MDC location at Flemington Racecourse and raised an incredible $15,800 for their efforts.
The following year, Lauren put her hand up to become an ambassador for MDC. She pushed her Mum in her wheelchair around the MDC’s biggest location at The Tan, with the group raising $8,500.
In 2023, Leigh could not make the start line for the Mother’s Day Classic as she was in hospital. Lauren, her brother Max and The Leigh Leighs Facetimed when they crossed the finish line. That year they raised $30,600.
“One of the last events Mum ever attended was the Mother’s Day Classic Media Launch,”
Lauren said. “A few weeks later, she cheered The Leigh Leigh’s on Mother’s Day from her hospital bed only to pass away a couple days after that.
“Don’t cry, she would tell me. She was afraid, but so incredibly brave.
“She kept fighting to stay alive, even when her body had already shut down.”
Leigh sadly passed away in May 2023.
“My Mum and I had a wish that we still share, zero deaths caused by Breast Cancer by 2030,” Lauren explained.
“For that to happen, there needs to be more funds going towards research.”
Last year Lauren led The Leigh Leigh’s in Leigh’slegacy,supportingothersgoingthrough the same thing. More than 100 participants walked in Leigh’s honour, raising $16,200.
This year Lauren is stepping up to host a Mother’s Day Classic event at Maribyrnong, one of 85 locations that will take place on Sunday, May 11. Lauren, a lifetime resident of the area, will stage an MDC event on the banks of Maribyrnong River starting/finishing at CoulsonGardens.Thelocationwillplayhostto a festival hub including market, entertainment and food trucks.
“The Maribyrnong River is very special
to me. It’s a place where Mum and I walked everyday during COVID. Walking the river was the highlight of our day. It wasn’t just because we got out of the house. It was because we would share a special time together and just talk.
“We have lived in Maribyrnong my whole life. Our family has been affiliated with lots of different clubs and communities in the area.
“Sport has also been a major part of our lives, including the Maribyrnong Park FC,Williamstown VFL FC and Rosamond Bowling Club.
“The local community has been so generous supporting this cause and all are behind our MDC event.”
The Mother’s Day Classic is primed for another record-breaking year, with organisers announcing a renewed commitment to funding research to reduce deaths and improve survival for breast and ovarian cancer.
Every day in Australia 63 people are diagnosedwithbreastorovariancancer.Every day 12 people die from those two diseases.
Lauren’s team has already $71,000 raised, with a goal of reaching $100,000 in 2025.
“When I decided to run this event, not only did I want to raise money and awareness for breast and ovarian cancer. I wanted to promote community engagement. So, I am doing that by bringing two councils, numerous clubs, and communities together. Everyone is welcome, dogs too!”
Participants can contest the 8km run 8:30am or 4km walk at 9:30am. Hosted by The Leigh Leigh’s.
You can register at mothersdayclassic.com. au
Lauren Philpot and her late mum, Leigh. (Supplied)
Friends of Malmsbury Gardens and Environs secretary Paula Needham, treasurer Ian Thomas, and president Nea Gyorffy. (Supplied).
Calder upgrade now guaranteed
By Laura Michell
A full diamond interchange will be built at Calder Park Drive regardless of which party wins the May 3 federal election.
On Monday, April 21, the federal opposition pledged $300 million for the project. The funding pledge matches a $300 million commitment made by the federal and state governments on March 31.
As reported by Star Weekly, $50 million was allocated to the Calder Freeway by the previous Liberal government in 2019, with
the state government also committing $50 million.
But the funding was axed by the now-federal government in November 2023, following an infrastructure spending review.
At the time, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the project was not realistically going to be delivered with the available funding, had made little to no progress over a significant amount of time, and did not align with national priorities.
The decision was followed by the state government revealing it would indefinitely
pause funding for the freeway upgrades.
Liberal candidate for Gorton John Fletcher said he had been contacted by residents and road safety advocates about the need to urgently restore funding to the freeway.
Liberal candidate for Hawke Simmone Cottom took aim at Labor for axing the funding during a visit to Hillside on April 21, alongside opposition leader Peter Dutton and Mr Fletcher.
“This overpass could be finished and open right now if Labor had delivered it when originally budgeted,” she said.
Lovely landscaping brings Sarah joy
Demonstrating the community spirit of Sunbury, a local landscaping business donated a complete backyard overhaul to a local mother living with stage four breast cancer and her family.
The second part to an initiative of Love It Landscaping, the giveaway involved two backyard renovations valued at over $100,000 for two local homes.
After a social media post calling for nominations of deserving locals, Ms Roberts was named by her friends and family.
According to a spokesperson for Love It Landscaping, Ms Roberts continues to work
and give back to those around her while living with stage four breast cancer, and the company took the opportunity “to give something back to her – a peaceful, accessible outdoor retreat where she and her children can create beautiful memories together“.
Revealed to her and the family on Monday, April 7 – following a holiday funded as part of the initiative – Ms Roberts said that she was “speechless.”
“They’ve put in a basketball court – we’ve got three kids so they were pretty happy with that … an infrared sauna for my treatment which has been really great … [and] a really great
entertainmentarea,builtinbarbecue,woodfire pizzaoven,andreallyjustcreatedaspacewhere we can entertain [and] have friends and family over,” Ms Roberts said.
“[We’re] really appreciative to the team at Lovett and everyone that jumped onboard, and it’s a gift that was really overwhelming to receive and we’re incredibly grateful,“ she said.
Love It Landscaping director Troy Lovett said he and the team managed to complete the backyard 10 minutes before the surprise reveal to the family.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be in a position to give back,” Mr Lovett said.
“John Fletcher and I have listened to our local communities’ needs, and it’s time for change.”
Calder Action Group president Russell Mowatt said the Liberal party’s pledge meant a “massive weight has been lifted off our group’s shoulders”.
“We can finally breathe a sigh of relief and the cloud of uncertainty has parted and the sun is shining,” he said.
“A heartfelt thank you to both sides of politics with their future funding commitment to the Calder Freeway.”
Support for IDAHOBIT Day
Local businesses and community members are being encouraged to decorate their shopfront, home window orfoyerinrainbowcoloursinrecognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
IDAHOBIT is marked globally each yearonMay17anddrawsattentiontothe violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people, and all of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
In recognition of the day, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH), Macedon Ranges and Hume councils are hosting the Rainbow Windows competition, inviting residents and businesses to decorate their shopfronts or windows in rainbow colours – with prizes available for the most creative entries.
SCCH staff member Rhani Dean-Talbett said that the competition helps to raise awareness about how the communitycancometogethertoaddress discrimination and rights violations still experienced by LGBTIQA+ people.
“Byembodyingthethemeandentering the rainbow windows competition, the community can demonstrate their creativity and support for LGBTIQA+ people. Last year’s competition was highly contested, and we hope this year will be too,” Ms Talbett said.
To register your business or window in the competition, visit the Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health website.
There will also be a free online workshop prior to the event.
Details: sunburycobaw.org.au
Love It Landscaping owner Troy Lovett, Sarah Roberts, son Max, 4, and Dale Roberts with the family’s new backyard. (Damjan Janevski) 472913_04
I’m a dad, a local volunteer and your Federal Labor Member for Hawke.
Labor has delivered cheaper medicines, energy bill relief, a tax cut for every taxpayer, and bulk-billed two Medicare Urgent Care clinics here in Hawke. But there’s more to do.
Labor will invest in more free GPs in Hawke, make free TAFE permanent, cap the cost of PBS medicines at $25, and build the Calder Park Drive Interchange.
This election is a choice. We can’t afford Peter Dutton’s cuts to Medicare. I’m fighting to make sure that our community doesn’t get left behind.
How to vote for Sam Rae & Labor
Where to vote FEDERAL ELECTION 2025
Early voting in Sunbury
St Anne’s Catholic Church Hall 101-103 Riddell Rd, Sunbury
For opening hours visit: aec.gov.au/election/voting.htm#start
Election Day voting- Saturday May 3rd
Diggers Rest Primary School
Sydenham-Hillside Primary School (Hillside Campus)
Killara Primary School
Sunbury College
Goonawarra Primary School
Sunbury Downs College
Scan this QR code for all times & locations
More bulk-billing so you can see a GP for free
Another tax cut & more energy bill relief
Even cheaper Medicines -capped at $25 for PBS scripts
Cheaper childcare Permanent Free TAFE & cutting 20% off HECS Debt
SAM RAE LABOR FOR
Kismet Park Primary School
Sunbury Primary School
St Anne’s Catholic Church Hall
The tragic and wide-reaching effects of conflict were in focus at this year’s Mount Macedon Anzac Day dawn service, drawing a crowd of about 1000 attendees.
Emceed by Kyneton Royal Australian Navy veteran Luke Bordonaro at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross and starting at 6am, this year’s theme was titled The Unseen Wounds of Conflict.
School captains from Kyneton High School presented the story of veteran James Gardiner Daniel, who fought in Gallipoli and whose parents lived on Bowen Street in Kyneton.
Captains from Braemar College shared the story of the late Colonel John Charles Barrie – known to most as Charlie – formerly from Kyneton.
Charlie’s granddaughter and a large group of his extended family travelled from interstate to attend the service.
Gisborne Secondary College students told moving story of Woodend resident Francis Donovan, who served as a medic in an infantry unit in the Vietnam War.
Francis also performed their song, ‘Bleed on
Down’, which spoke about the on-going effects of war on service people and their families.
Wreaths were officially laid on behalf of a wide range of organisations and community groups, and the service concluded with a flypast by Kyneton AeroClub.
Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service
committee president Leona Latcham said that thisyear’stheme“wasaveryimportantonethat we hope resonated with those who attended.”
“The impacts experienced by people who serve can run deep and continue through generations of families long after the time of service has passed. By sharing powerful local veteran stories,
we acknowledge those deep and long-running impactsincludingphysical,mentalandemotional wounds,” Ms Latcham said.
Diggers Rest remembers
Thousands gather to reflect at Memorial Cross Sunbury gathers at dawn
By Oscar Parry
On a mild Sunbury morning, the sound of bagpipes greeted those approaching the Sunbury War Memorial for the beginning of the town’s Anzac Day dawn service.
With about 1500 attendees, the beginning of the service was marked with the completion of the overnight Sunbury Anzac Youth Vigil, wherelocalyouthfromSunburyScoutgroups, St John Ambulance, Sunbury Lions Football Netball Club, and the CFA and SES took turns in shifts throughout the night to maintain a continuous silent watch at the memorial cenotaph.
This was the fifth Anzac Youth Vigil in Sunbury since it was introduced as part of the town’s Anzac Day services.
The Sunbury RSL’s dawn service began at 6am, with vice president Dieter Jankovic addressing the silent crowd, thanking them for their attendance.
“On the morning of 25th of April, 1915, the Australian and New Zealand troops landed under fire at Gallipoli. It was then, and in the battles which followed, that the Anzac tradition was formed,” Mr Jankovic said.
“On this day above all days, we remember those who served our nation in times of war and peacekeeping. We remember with pride their courage, their compassion, and their comradeship,” he said.
“We honour those who died, or were disabled, in the tragedy of war – they adored our nation’s history.”
The guest speaker at the dawn service was
Sunbury veteran David Jordan, who shared the story of two local Sunbury brothers –Harold and Norman Benzley – who were raised on Barkly Street and fought in World War I.
“Their family faced hardship even before the war. In 1911, their father was accidentally killed at the Sunbury Train Station,” Mr Jordan said.
“Harold, the youngest, enlisted at just 19 … He fought at Gallipoli – a name that still resonates deeply across Australia and New Zealand. Harold’s military journey didn’t end at Gallipoli. He went on to France, where he was wounded in action and died on [August
6], 1916,” he said.
Mr Jordan said that Harold’s older brother Normanenlistedat32,risingthroughmilitary ranks and receiving a Belgian Croix de Guerre award that made news in Sunbury, and wrote a haunting letter home saying “I am still going well, but you can never tell when your number is going to be up.”
Norman was severely wounded after being shot in the shoulder and was listed as dangerously ill, but recovered and returned home, marrying and then living until 73.
“The legacy of Anzac is not a distant chapter of history. It is here. It is local. It is ours,” Mr Jordan said.
Wreaths were laid at the cenotaph, and the attending crowd remained silent for The Last Post.
Talking with Star Weekly after the service, Mr Jankovic said that the dawn service and the crowd it drew “reflects on the love the Sunbury community have for our dawn service.”
“I’d like to thank all the people of Sunbury – and particularly the people of the Sunbury Youth Vigil, who [stood] by the cenotaph for the previous 12 hours,” Mr Jankovic said.
Mr Jordan said that it was “great to see the number of people from the local community turn out, especially on the back of identifying those two locals as part of the Anzac Day address.”
The Sunbury RSL’s Anzac Day services continued with a march to the memorial on Stawell Street from 9.50am, followed by a morning service from 10.15am.
Rest residents gathered at the town’s cenotaph on Friday to mark Anzac Day with a community service. Organised by Mary-Anne Rovers and the Lions Club of Diggers Rest, the 9am service was a chance for locals to remember those who gave their life to serve for Australia. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC attended the service.
Diggers
The Diggers Rest community gathered around the town’s cenotaph.(473471)
Locals pay their respects. (473471)
Tim Welshe was part of the official proceedings. (473471)
Wreaths were officially laid on behalf of several local community groups and organisations. (Supplied)
Woodend veteran Francis Donovan and Kyneton navy veteran Luke Bordonaro. (Supplied).
The day included a march to the memorial on Stawell Street.
Floral wreaths were laid at the Sunbury War Memorial cenotaph. (Oscar Parry).
Candidates battle for Bendigo
Candidates from 10 parties across the political spectrum will face off for the seat of Bendigo – an electorate including part of the Macedon Ranges.
It covers an area of 6178 square kilometres, with some of the Macedon Ranges towns within its borders including Kyneton, Malmsbury, Tylden, and Carlsruhe.
The seat is currently held by Labor MP Lisa Chesters, who has maintained it since 2013.
Ms Chesters said it is an honour to be the federal member for Bendigo.
“This election represents a clear choice: Labor’splantokeepbuildingorPeterDutton’s promise to cut everything,” Ms Chesters said. “Laboriscommittedtohelpingwiththecost of living, offering better access to affordable healthcare and medicines, permanent tax cuts for every taxpayer, more energy bill relief for households and small businesses as well as
relief for those who have student debt,” she said.
In the upcoming May 3 election, Ms Chesters will defend the seat against Liberal candidate Matt Evans, along with the eight other candidates who have thrown their hats in the ring.
These are Family First candidate Evelyn Keetelaar, Greens candidate Avery Barnett-Dacey, One Nation candidate Heather Freeman, National Party candidate Andrew Lethlean, Libertarian candidate Matt Bansemer, Victorian Socialists candidate Rohan Tyler, independent candidate David Vincent, and Legalise Cannabis candidate Wayne Taylor.
MsKeetelaarsaidsheis“along-termresident dedicated to restoring core family values and democratic rights in our community.”
“Guided by my Judeo-Christian principles,
Nine candidates vie for tightly held McEwen
McEwen is where Melbourne fades into rolling hills and fast-growing townships– and once again, it’s shaping up as one of the key battlegrounds for the federal election, May 3.
Held by Labor’s Rob Mitchell since 2010, the electorate covers 2288 square kilometres across Victoria’s north and north-east, sweeping through Gisborne, Macedon, Wallan, Whittlesea and Diamond Creek.
Followingarecentredistributionthatshifted 7400Kilmorevotersintotheneighbouringseat of Nicholls, the Labor margin has increased slightly– from 3.3 per cent to an estimated 3.9 per cent.
But with its mix of outer suburbs and regional towns, McEwen remains a seat that could swing.
Nine candidates have put their hands up to
represent the electorate this year, each hoping to appeal to a diverse voter base.
Rob Mitchell returns for Labor, facing Jason McClintock for the Liberals, and a crowded field that includes Greens candidate Marley McRae McLeod, Legalise Cannabis’ Tom Forrest, Animal Justice’s Chloe Nicolosi, and One Nation’s Jeremy Johnson.
Other contenders include Julio G Valencia for Family First, Erin McGrath for the progressive FUSION Party, and Ali Antoniou fromGerrardRennick’snewlylaunchedPeople First movement.
McEwen is no stranger to close contests–withMrMitchelllosingbyjust31votesin2007 and winning in 2013 by 313 votes – and 2025 is shaping up to be no different.
Tom Ingleton
What the candidates for McEwen say
Hello, I’m Erin, a proud resident of McEwen. At 37, I combine my experience in customer service and disability advocacy to drive meaningful change. As a firsthand NDIS user, I understand the system’s gaps and am committed to reforming it for better support. My priorities include tackling the cost of living, improving healthcare access, upgrading road infrastructure, and championing Indigenous rights. I believe in ensuring every voice is heard, from those in aged care to diverse communities. When you vote for me, you’re choosing a dedicated advocate for a supportive and inclusive future. If it matters to you, it matters to me—it’s that simple.
Marley McRae McLeod - Greens
Jason McClintock - Liberal
I love my community, and want to give back. In McEwen, there are so many communities that have been neglected, and I believe we need a change in local advocacy to ensure we get our fair share. Only a Coalition government led by Peter Dutton has a plan to provide sustainable cost of living relief. We will deliver most Australians up to $1200 in tax relief when they lodge their tax return for the upcoming 2025-26 financial year, and we will cut the petrol tax by 25 cents a litre, saving families with two cars approximately $1500 a year. Australians cannot afford another three years of Labor. It’s time to get Australia back on track.
I’m a student and mental health peer worker, deeply committed to community, justice, and meaningful change. In McEwen, I see firsthand the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, mental healthcare inaccessibility, and climate inaction. McEwen is diverse and growing, yet we are too often overlooked by politicians lacking the ambition to create real change. The public transport and local infrastructure is inadequate and mental healthcare remains out of reach for many. I believe in the power of lived experience—listening to those most affected, means we make better-informed decisions. The Greens’ plan will transform our community. We must vote for change.
I stand for protecting life, upholding parental authority, and ensuring women’s spaces and definitionsarerespectedinlaw.Iampassionate about reforming the national curriculum to focus on essential learning and removing radical ideologies, as well as tackling the cost of living and housing challenges facing local families,” Ms Keetelaar said.
Mr Taylor said the federal government was “holding regional Victoria back with its impact on industrial hemp farming“.
“The Legalise Cannabis Party introduced an Industrial Hemp Bill in 2024 calling for an easierpathwaytoestablishathrivingindustry. Furthereffortsareongoingtolobbythefederal government, and this is my priority,“ he said.
Six of the remaining other candidates did not respond before the deadline.
The contact details of one of the candidates could not be located online.
Rob Mitchell - Labor I’m Rob Mitchell, a proud local and your member of Parliament. As a young apprentice, I chose to call our community home. It is where I raised my family. I know that families are doing it tough – that’s why Labor is working to make it easier for everyone with: Expanded bulk billing, tax cuts for every taxpayer, $300 in energy bill relief, more investment in local roads, cheaper childcare, 20 per cent off HECS debts and fee free TAFE. Tackling the cost of living is my number one priority and I am committed to working everyday to deliver for our community.
I’m a lifelong advocate for animals and a proud candidate for the Animal Justice Party. With a background in tech, law, and psychology, I’m passionate about using smart, compassionate policy to protect animals, our environment, and our communities. I’m fighting to end live exports and factory farming, support ethical innovation like cultivated meat, and push for real solutions to the housing crisis. I’m deeply committed to the people of McEwen and ready to be a strong voice for the region; one that stands for justice, sustainability, and kindness for all.
Map of the electoral division of Bendigo. (AEC)
Erin McGrath - FUSION
Map of the electoral division of McEwen. (AEC)
Chloe Nicolosi - Animal Justice Party
Bidding for hall upkeep
Carrying on a tradition held since the early 1900s, the Darraweit Guim War Memorial Hall committee will host the annual Sale of Gifts, raising important funds for its upkeep.
Set for Saturday, May 3, a broad range of donated items will go under the hammer, with attendees able to bid on homemade preserves, baked goods, craft pieces, and home grown produce.
Profits made from the auction help to cover the upkeep of the hall, including bills and insurance.
Hall chairperson Viki Spedding said the community always “digs deep to support their hall,“ and the auction helps to keep the rent price for its user groups affordable.
“The record is $50 for a jar of fig jam some years ago, so there are few bargains to be
had … on average, we raise about $4000 on the night with all the proceeds going to cover costs and maintenance of the hall,” Ms Spedding said.
“Thisyear,wearehopefulforagoodturnout with plenty raised – as the hall committee [is] saving for some improvements to assist the community during times of emergency.
“It’s a very traditional event. The bulk of the community would know that it’s happening, and often people will donate even if they can’t come along.”
Ms Spedding said the sale is open to anyone who would like to attend, from within the town or beyond.
The doors to the Darraweit Guim War Memorial Hall will open at 7pm on Saturday, May 3, with the bidding beginning at 7.30pm.
Briefs
Sunbury Mulching Days
Hume council is hosting a free mulching day this month, accepting clean, freshly cut tree branches. Hosted on Sunday, May 18, a maximum of four cubic metres of accepted material applies per household. Some materials cannot be accepted for mulching, including branches with fruit, dry timber, vines, grass clippings, thorny plants, roses, palm trees. yuccas. bracken, and succulents. Material containing bricks, concrete, wire, plastic bags and/or pots also won’t be accepted. Free mulch will be available if requested when you drop off your branches. You will be asked to return between 2.45pm and 3.45pm on the day to collect your mulch.
Good Friday drive
Gisborne placed ninth on the Good Friday Appeal’s 2025 regional tally board, raising $94,726. With the final updated counted at 10.45pm on Good Friday, the Ballarat region raised the most at $247,282, followed by Albury/ Wodonga at second with $237,526 raised and Devenish Dookie & District third with $235,662 raised. This year, a grand total of $23,822,792 was raised, which will go towards The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, including assisting the hospital to deliver care to patients and their families, supporting its staff, and funding research.
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Darraweit Guim War Memorial Hall chairperson Viki Spedding holding some of the donated items that will be auctioned on the night. (Damjan Janevski) 473716_01
Artist’s whirling waters of calm
Greenvale artist Nur Terzi is presenting an exhibition at the Sunbury Hume Global Learning Centre titled Whirling Waters, expressing physical and spiritual motion across Turkish ebru paper marbling, illumination, and Islamic calligraphy. Oscar Parry spoke with Terzi about ebru and the influences behind her works.
As whirling colours spread across the surface of water, ready to be transferred to paper, Greenvale artist Nur Terzi feels a strong sense of calm.
Thisispartofthenatureofebru–alsoknown as Turkish paper marbling – a traditional and meditative art form where intricate patterns are created by floating paints on the surface of water.
Terzi explained that ebru as we know it today originated in central Asia and travelled through Persia, before flourishing in Ottoman Türkiye – particularly from the 15th century onward.
It is achieved by thickening the water with a natural substance called kitre, made from tree sap or carrageenan, which helps the paints made by mixing earth pigments with ox gall float and spread across the water.
She said brushes made of rose branches and horse hair, combs, or styluses shape this paint to create patterns, which are then carefully transferred onto paper that is often handmade or specially treated.
“The beautiful thing about ebru is that no one paper … is the same. Once you pick it up, that’s it. There’s no residue left. So it’s a monoprint … which is a very unique form in itself,” Terzi said.
‘‘ That idea of releasing control and becoming a vessel for beauty, that’s very Sufi ’’ - Nur Terzi
“I don’t know how it’s going to be reflected on the paper, depending on … what kind of day I’m having, or what I’m experiencing, a totally different artwork can come out. So there’s a lot of … patience … and being in the present in the moment,” she said.
She explained that ebru and this process of letting go and being present aligns with the teachings of Rumi, the 13th-century Sufi poet and mystic, and Sufism more broadly.
“Rumi’s poetry speaks to the heart – it’s about love, surrender, inner transformation, and the soul’s connection with the Divine. These themes are very much present in my work,” Terzi said.
“Ebru and Sufism share a strong spiritual connection. Both embrace flow, surrender, and presence. In ebru, the artist doesn’t fully controltheoutcome–thepaintfloatsonwater, and we guide it gently, but we must also let go and trust the process.
“Thatideaofreleasingcontrolandbecoming a vessel for beauty, that’s very Sufi.”
Terzi uses a form of ebru called dalgali ebru – or wave marbling – which is a technique that generates ripple-like effects in the finished ebru art piece.
She said that in her latest exhibition Whirling Waters, these ripple-like effects form the central theme of “movement – both physical and spiritual“.
This movement is inspired by that seen among Sufi Dervishes performing whirling – a meditative Sufi practice.
“Whirling Dervishes are at the heart of the series. Their flowing motion symbolizes the rhythm of nature, the turning of the universe, and the soul’s journey,” Terzi said.
“I shake the paper in different directions and in different strengths … and different vibrationstogivethatwaveeffect.Eventhough it’s on a 2D paper it gives the effect of a 3D sort of waves and patterns as well … just like the motions, like the rhythms in nature and also the motions of the Dervish.“
Terzi said her approach applies a modern twist to traditional art forms, including in her choice of colours for her ebru works.
“There are a lot of more natural colours
in traditional ebru, like the browns and the greens … it’s very in line with nature, the sky, flowers … whereas with me I’ve used very non-traditional colours, so I’ve got very dark backdrops, it’s almost like it’s luring you in … deep purples and deep greens and golds … to give that sort of hypnotic effect,” she said.
She said ebru and its process has a meditativeandcalmingquality–andsheoften complements the process with the sound of ney – a type of flute used at whirling Dervish ceremonies.
“That effect shouldn’t go unnoticed, because … in Ottoman times, ebru was used as a form ofarttherapy,anditwaspractisedin…houses of healing, sort of institutions that people would go to – usually they were women after giving birth … [or] people who had anxiety, lower levels of depression,” she said.
Her exhibition will also present her works across tezhip – or illumination, a form of intricate decoration involving floral motifs –and Islamic calligraphy.
She explained that ebru, tezhip, and calligraphy “feed off one another,” where ebru artworksareusedasthebackdropfortheother art forms.
Terzi said her history with art spans back to when she was very young, and as both of her
parents were born in Türkiye, she often made visits to the cities of Istanbul, Konya, and Bursa.
“[This] left a deep impression on me. I was always drawn to the patterns, the domes, the tiles, and the spiritual energy in those spaces. Even as a child, I remember being captivated by the beauty and meaning woven into every detail,” Terzi said.
“It wasn’t until university in 2008 that I began to formally study traditional Turkish arts. That’s when I was introduced to ebru –and I instantly felt a deep connection. It felt like a return to something I had always carried inside me.
“Eventually, I made the decision to move to Istanbultopursuethispassionseriously.There, Ienteredintothetraditionalmaster-apprentice system, immersing myself in ebru, and later expanding my practice to include tezhip and Islamic calligraphy.”
She said learning these art forms is a “lifelong path,” and she continues as a student to send homework digitally to her teachers and keep that traditional connection alive across borders.
“It’s a relationship based on trust, discipline, and deep respect – just like it has been for centuries,” she said.
She said her goal is to keep the tradition of ebru alive in a contemporary context, “celebrating it while making it accessible and meaningful to audiences today”.
“Throughexhibitionsandworkshops,Ihope toraiseawarenessofebru’srichheritageandits continued relevance,” she said.
“Ebru is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its cultural and historical importance.”
Terzi received an artist grant from Hume council in 2024, which she said allowed her to ship her ebru materials from Türkiye, further develop her art, and support her to be selected to present her work in an exhibition.
With the opening night held in early April, Whirling Waters is being presented at the Gallery at Sunbury Hume Global Learning Centre until Sunday, July 20.
Terzi will also be hosting workshops on Turkish floral art at Craigieburn Library on Thursday,August14at6:30pm,Broadmeadows Library on Thursday, September 4, and a workshop on sacred geometry at Tullamarine Library on Thursday, September 11 from 5.30–7pm.
Further details on the exhibition are available on the council’s website.
Nur Terzi is hosting an exhibition of Turkish Ebru marbling, illumination, and calligraphy.
(Damjan Janevski) 472925_01
Terzi working on an ebru piece.
(Pictures: Supplied)
Keep local news strong!
Dear readers,
This federal election, more than 240 independent local newspapers across Australia will do what tech giants and capital city media won’t - shine a light on the issues that matter to your town, your family, your future.
Our journalists live in your communities.
They tell your stories, champion your voices, and celebrate what makes your region unique.
But while we work hard to inform anduplift regional Australians, federal government advertising spend in local news has dropped significantly.
Instead, millions are funnelled to tech giants like Google and Facebook — platforms that don’t employ local journalists, don’t publish local stories, and are often home to misinformation and unchecked content.
We’re not asking for more spending.
We’re simply asking for fairness - for regional communities to get their fair share.
In fact, while the government continues to pour its advertising funds into digital and metro platforms, it recently announced just $3 million per year over two years of advertising spend in regional newspapers through the News Map program — a tiny fraction of what was historically spent and far less than what goes to social and digital media.
That money still hasn’tbeen delivered. And even if it is, it falls well short of what’s needed to ensure local news survives and thrives.
Meanwhile, our local newsrooms remain dedicated to reporting during fires, floods, and emergencies; holding councils, candidates, and institutions accountable; covering school events, sports, and community milestones.
Providing accurate, fact-checked journalism — not clickbait or conspiracy theories.
We are the first to show up when your community needs a voice. But we’re being shut out of the conversation.
The Victorian Government has already taken action, mandating at least one page per week of advertising in every local paper - a smart, simple policy that helps protect local jobs, journalism, and democracy.
Now it’s time for Canberra to do the same.
Our independent papers employ hundreds of journalists and publish tens of thousands of stories each year. We hold local candidates to account and ensure every voice has a platform.
This election, stand with local news. Stand with your community. Ask your candidates:
Will you commit to fair, equitable funding for local news? Will you ensure regional voices are not left behind?
Because when you support local journalism, you support a stronger, more connected Australia.
Sincerely,
Andrew Schreyer President, CPA
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
Sunbury Art Society Annual Art Show
Sunbury Art Society is holding its Annual Art Show from Saturday May, 3 to Saturday May, 10 from 10am–4pm at the historic Boilerhouse Gallery, Jacksons Hill, Sunbury. Entry is free. The preview opening night will be held on Friday, May 2 at 7.30pm, with tickets available at the door for $15 per person.
Ken, 0407 062 568
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 Friends group meets on the first Saturday of each month at the Parks Victoria depot off Somerton Rd, Greenvale.
Bevan, 0468 469 514 or bevan@keepemail.com
Sunbury Art Society
The Sunbury Art Society meets every Friday and Saturday, from 10am- 3pm, at the Boilerhouse, Jacksons Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with other like minded people. New members welcome.
Ken, 0407 062 568, or Yvonne, 0429 994 828
Art group
The Woodend Art Group holds classes and workshops in the studios in the Woodend railway station complex. It also has a social Tuesday where members and interested people can come along in the morning, have a coffee and paint together in a social environment.
Colin Robinson, 0407 426 252
Shuttles and pickleballs
Macedon Ranges Badminton Club is inviting residents to come and play badminton, or pickleball, or both at Macedon Community Centre. Badminton is played on Tuesdays from 7.30pm and Thursdays at 9.30am. Pickleball is played on Mondays at 6.30pm, Wednesdays at 10.15am and on Tuesday from 10am at the Romsey Recreation Centre.
David, 0419 589 425, or macedonrangesbadminton@gmail.com
Scottish country dancing
The Macedon Ranges Scottish Country Dancing Group meets every Thursday,1-3pm, at Buffalo Stadium, Woodend. The dancing involves social country dancing, and no special clothes needed, just soft flat shoes.
Meg, 0409 166 783, or Linda, 0408 476 317
Community. Connect. Create. If you are needing support or looking for a social group to join, you can visit Community. Connect. Create, which is an online resource listing support and community groups in the Macedon Ranges. if you would like your group listed or would like to work to help this project grow please email: fiona@communityconnectcreate. com.au
Communityconnectcreate.com.au
Amateur radio club
The Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at the Woodend RSL Hall, 32 Anslow Street,
Woodend, at 10am. If you are interested in amateur radio or already have a call sign, this could be for you.
http://www.mrarc.org.au
Take off weight naturally
Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Off Weight Naturally) every Thursday at 9am at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.
Rhonda, 0409 740 924
Kyneton Badminton Club
Kyneton Badminton Club is a welcoming, fun and social group that plays on Mondays, at 7pm at the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre, Victoria Street. All skill levels are welcome.
kynetonbc@gmail.com
Masonic Lodge
Sunbury Macedon Ranges
Masonic Lodge meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, 73 Main Street, Romsey. New members welcome.
Paul, 0479 127 476, or Rob, 0428 260 647
Rotary club
The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Ball Court Hotel, 60 Macedon Street, Sunbury, from 7pm.
sunburyrotary@gmail.com
Ladies probus
The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of
Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am.
Leonie, 0401 764 182
Sunbury Ladies Probus Club
The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms.
Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142
Sunbury Combined Probus Club
The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am.
Jo, 0410 834 272
Probus Club Of Sunbury
Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to visitors and new members, with a number of great events held each month.
Greg, 0417 593 035
Breast cancer support group
On the first and third Tuesday of the month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group.
Lesley, 0484 691 226
Village connect
Enjoy free coffee and cake while connecting with fellow Macedon Ranges residents 55 years old and older. Happening on
Tuesdays and Thursday at cafes across the municipality.
https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262
Arts and games night
Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre each Wednesday, from 3.30-5.30pm. The free program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old, at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.
HarmoniX Vocal Company
All-male singing group happening on Thursday, 7-9.30pm, in Sunbury, with a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday, 7-9.30pm. Rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required.
harmonixvcinc@gmail.com
VIEW Club
Sunbury-Macedon Ranges VIEW Club is a friendly women’s organisation and a valued part of The Smith Family. It meets on the third Friday of each month at 11am at Club Sunbury, Riddell Road, Sunbury. New members warmly welcome
Lee-anne, 0403 047 909
Sunbury Woodworkers Club
Join the Sunbury Woodworkers Club to learn woodturning. No experience or tools required. The club is a welcoming environment open to men and women who wish to learn. Meetings for new guests are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm. Circular drive, Jackson’s Hill, Sunbury. Facebook: Sunbury Woodworkers Club.
Anita, 0417 402 795
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Pouya Salehi who recently helped his adopted home retain the prestigious International Cup team event, by defeating Kaito Yoshioka of Japan. (Damjan Janveski) 473762_01
Sight and perception in Werribee
Café Philosophique is coming back to Werribee in May and this time will be challenging preconceived notions of sight and perception.
Produced by The Little Theatre Company (LTC) and tracing its inspiration from a Parisienne intellectual tradition, Café Philosophique is about exploring the hidden forces shaping our lives.
LTC producer Jess Fairfax said the event provides a space for people in the outer west to come together with others they may not usually encounter to have conversations that push us to see things in a new way.
“I think it’s important to have opportunities to question elements of our lives that have a great impact on us, but we often take for granted,” she said.
“Our event is also about bringing the arts into our everyday lives, through creating a space where we can be reflective and creative, without judgement.”
A performance from magician and illusionist Dazzling Dan and poetry from Tariro Mavondo will help set the atmosphere for prompted creative and reflective writing.
So far exploring sound, transcendence and purpose, Ms Fairfax said the monthly fixture
has made a great return.
“We’ve had sound baths and silent sound walks, wrote a lot of poetry and stories, been privy to beautiful musical performances, had many aha-moments and wonderful conversations.”
“It’s a space for creativity and connection, something our busy lives often don’t afford us the time for.”
To bridge the gap between the known and unknown, make your way to The Bridge Hotel in Werribee on Wednesday, May 14 at 6.30pm.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/cafephilosophique-sight-and-perception
Enjoy musical shopping experience
Shoppers will have their experience enhanced by cinematic soundtracks, with a series of free public piano concerts set to be performed in op shops across Brimbank.
The concerts will be delivered by award-winning composer and musician Ania Reynolds,whowillperformoriginalsolopiano compositions at the Salvos Stores in Taylors Lakes most Saturdays in May.
Ms Reynolds said the unique concept came to her after a staff member at the Sacred Heart Mission Op Shop bought a CD of her solo and found the music calming and soothing.
“I wanted to create live performances that wouldallowopshoppersandthegeneralpublic to have similar experiences,” Reynolds said.
She said she liked performing in op shops because those environments were welcoming, inclusive and accessible to everyone.
“I am passionate about creating work that is free, and also about bringing live music performances to unexpected locations where I can meet and perform for diverse communities,” she said.
“I find op shops to be friendly and fun environments that are a joy to perform in.”
According to Reynolds, other than shopping along to great music, people who decide to attend the concert will also be able to wind down.
“I think live music has a great ability to connect with people through emotion…,” she said.
“I hope to create an ambience in the stores that is lyrical, calming and good for lingering and browsing.”
The concerts will be held each Saturday in May excluding May 31, from 12.30-3.30pm.
Art is illuminated after dark in Footscray
Skeleton puppets, punk photography and a nocturnal film festival are just some of the weird and wonderful attractions that can be found after dark in Footscray next month.
The 2025 Sleepless Footscray Festival takes place from May 2-18 featuring dozens of public art displays, space activations and performances that only begin once the sun goes down.
Among the attractions will be the much loved Footscray institution, Snuff Puppets, who will be hosting Skullies Cinema.
Held at the historic Footscray Drill Hall on May 2 and 4, the cinema will screen a dozen funandexperimentalshortSnuffPuppetfilms, with Skullies - human-sized skeleton puppetsacting as hosts.
From cinematography to photography, Footscray’s Melynda von Wayward will be showcasing images from her youth
in Melbourne’s punk scene in ’Punk a Photographic Journey.’
The installation will be on display at CO-CO Bananas record store for the duration of the festival, with pictures of events such as infamous ’Punk Pub Crawl’ and other punk gigsaroundMelbournebetweentheyears2004 - 2007.
“Come along and see gravity defying hairdos, handcrafted studded jackets, vibrant clothing and the anti-social attitude that goes hand in hand with being a punk,” said Ms von Wayward.
On May 6 and 7, the Melbourne Nocturnal Film Festival (MNFF) will be held in collaboration with Sleepless.
Featuring weird and wonderfully off-beat short films from Australian directors, MNFF will be held at Footscray’s Bluestone Church. Details: https://sleeplessfestival.com/
The Gallery Mount Macedon is presenting the works of local artist Christine Turner in an exhibition exploring the themes of her garden and life drawing.
Titled ‘Impressions in Line and Colour’, Turner’s works push boundaries andrevealhowsheisnotafraidtoconvey to the viewer a sense of the energy ever present in her work.
Turner discovered a love for drawing figures at 16 while studying A level art at school.
Growing up in Stow-on-the-Wold, Turner was actively involved with regional art in England, and soon after moving to Australia, she joined the Woodend Art Group, which provided a golden opportunity to meet local artists and participate in workshops.
This passion stayed with her, and she takes every opportunity to pursue life drawing, mostly rendering the figure in watercolour washes.
Turnerworksfreelyandspontaneously to capture the essence of her chosen subject.
She combines her free-style monochrome drawings with coloured painting and in this exhibition introduces a variety of mixed mediapaint, graphite, chalk, pastel, ink and collage – to help her achieve her varied mark making while often using her beautiful garden plants as a source of inspiration.
The exhibition will be open from Monday, May 5 to Sunday, June 1 at The Gallery Mount Macedon, 684 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon. Therewillalsobeanopeningafternoon from 2– 4pm on Sunday, May 11.
Details: thegallerymtmacedon.com.au
A painting by Macedon Ranges artist Christine Turner set to be exhibited at The Gallery Mount Macedon. (Supplied)
Skullies, human sized skeleton puppets, will be hosting a cinema night as part of Sleepless Footscray Festival which begins next month. (Supplied)
Magician Dazzling Dan, also known as Dan Bingham, Kaarin Fairfax and Jess Fairfax will be at Cafe Philosophique. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 472918_06
Award-winning composer and musician Ania Reynolds will perform in op shops across Brimbank. (Supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which team selected US basketballer Paige Bueckers with the first overall pick of the 2025 WNBA draft?
2. With what number pick of the 2025 WNBA draft did the Washington Mystics select Australian basketballer Georgia Amoore?
3. Which Canadian player led the 2024–25 NBA regular season with 32.7 points per game?
4. The jumper worn by the Gold Coast Suns during a recent AFL Gather Round match was predominantly what colour?
5. Which Lithuanian-American player led the 2024–25 NBA regular season with 13.9 rebounds per game?
British tennis player Harriet Dart has apologised after asking an umpire to tell her opponent to wear what during a recent match in France?
Which US basketballer led the 2024–25 NBA regular season with 11.6 assists per
The fictional Charlestown Chiefs minor league ice hockey team featured in which 1977 film starring Paul Newman?
9. Which Australian basketballer led the 2024–25 NBA regular season with 3.0 steals per game?
The late Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel was born in which country?
11. In April, Oscar Piastri took his second and third F1 Grand Prix victories of the year at races in which two countries?
12. Which former AFL player and premiership coach is known by the nickname ‘Choco’?
13. Running 100m in 10 seconds flat, who became the second-fastest Australian in history at the national championships in Perth?
14. Which Italian soccer club is the reigning champion of the UEFA Europa League?
15. And with seven victories, which Spanish club has won the Europa League title the most times since its 1971 inception?
16. In cycling, what term describes a crash where one fall causes many others?
17. Which French tennis player, nicknamed ‘The Crocodile,’ went on to found a fashion brand known for its polo shirts and reptile logo?
18. Which UK city is UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett originally from?
19. And for what comedic reason does Pimblett claim he can’t be knocked out?
20. Which two teams played in the AFL’s first ‘Opening Round’ in 2024, a week before the traditional Round 1?
21. What colour is the number 13 pool ball in a standard set?
22. Auston Matthews plays for which NHL team?
23. San Jose’s Major League Soccer team goes by what nickname?
24. How many lanes are there in an Olympic swimming pool?
25. And how many metres wide are they?
26. In which year did the Essendon Football Club last win a final?
29.
and long off are positions in which sport?
30. Circuit of the Americas is a motor racing track in which US state?
27. WWE wrestler The Miz stars in which 2013 action movie?
28. Jamie Elliott debuted for the Collingwood Football Club in which year?
Long on
Oscar Piastri
ACROSS
1 Scholarly (8)
5 Practices (6) 10 Breakfast favourite (5)
11 Divide into parts (9)
12 Jolly (6)
13 Squirm (7)
14 Ways of speaking (8)
15 Capital of Czech Republic (6)
18 Bring into being (6)
20 Haughty (8) 21 Sloping type (7)
24 Unfold (6)
27 Bewitch (9)
28 Whinny (5) 29 Lengthy list (6)
30 LAN network (8) DOWN
1 French abbot (4)
2 Alaska’s largest city (9) 3 Boredom or lethargy (5)
4 Rude (8)
6 More irridescent (7)
7 Current (5)
8 Most heartfelt (9)
9 Sketch (4)
14 Dishonest (9)
16 Subtle change by degrees (9)
17 Debate (8)
19 Coaching (7)
22 A useful quality (5)
23 Wound-mark (4)
25 Flinch (5) 26 Informal conversation (4)
1 Which newspaper did Clark Kent work at?
2 If a ship is a collier, what does it carry?
3 Name the ghost in Shakespeare's Macbeth
4 The kina is the national currency of which nation?
5 Who provides the voice for Smaug in The Hobbit:
7 Which was the first Mr Men book: MrHappy Mr Tickle or MrMessy?
8 True or false: bream is a species of bird?
9 What character did Alan Rickman (pictured) play in RobinHood:PrinceofThieves?
10 Jørn Utzon designed which iconic Australian building?
Avenger toughs it out in the city
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Buyer beware: while so-called ‘range anxiety’ can strike fear in the heart of the electric vehicle driver, there is another phrase that is doing just as much to dim EV appeal and that is ‘out of service’.
More than once, I have been rebuffed by a public fast DC charging station with this uncontrollable (by me) message showing up on the information screen.
For example, driving the new Jeep Avenger Summit, down to 40 per cent battery charge, had me facing disappointment and scrambling to find the closest compatible ‘fuel pump’.
MyEVappsuppliersaidthemachineneeded fixing by the maker, who had gone belly up in 2023, by the way. The owner, in this case the local council, was responsible for getting the machine up and running again.
Months went by with council assuring me they were working on it. No wonder EV sales are stuttering along with public charging infrastructure as it is. However, I digress. I did get a decent crack at the Avenger (irony noted) after tracking down a top-up.
Here goes. The Avenger, Jeep’s first electric vehicle, is sold as a city-centric small(ish) crossoverwitharangeofupto396km.However, the Jeepsters could not help themselves, slipping in specs normally found in off-road bush bashers, such as Selec-Terrain drive modes, Hill Descent Control, plus 200mm ground clearance, 20-degree approach angle, 20-degree break-over angle, and a 32-degree departure angle.
To match its dimensions the Polish-designed and built compact is set at three models –Longitude, Limited and aptly-named Summit for the top-of-the-range model on test. As for pricing, Jeep has already trimmed launch prices, it says, because of cost saving materials and manufacturing efficiencies.
The entry-level Longitude opens at $49,990, plus on-road costs, the Limited is $54,990 and
Summit
Options include Premium paint ($990) or Avenger Bi
Tone paint, $495.
Warranty is Jeep’s five years unlimitedkilometres,withthebattery attracting an eight-year, 160,000km stretch
Styling
The looks tend on the lite SUV side, yet with unmistakable Jeep DNA. This includes functionalall-roundplasticcladdingprotection covering lower sections of the vehicle.
The vehicle has been lifted to maximise ground clearance off road and offer protection to the high voltage battery and improve aerodynamics with a flat underbody.
Aerodynamics plays a part in fuel efficiency, hence long range, thanks to a frontal area of 2.25sq m and drag co-efficient of Cd 0.33. A turningcircleof10.5metresmakestheAvenger ideal in tight city centre conditions, too.
The flagship Summit features Jeep’s trademark glossy black seven-slot grille, plus bi-colour roof. The grille is flanked by the latest LED projector headlamps and LED foglights with cornering function.
LED taillamps share a prominent place with heated windscreen, privacy glass, hidden rear door handles, and last but far from least, 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.
Interior
At 4.08 metres long, the most compact Jeep can take five adult occupants in reasonable comfort and offers 34 litres of storage, while a one-metre-wide boot and height adjustable cargo floor, with rear seatbacks up, has room for up to 380 litres of luggage, expanding to 1277 litres with them folded. No spare wheel, only a puncture kit.
Leather accented seats include six-way power driver’s seat adjustment with two-way power lumbar support with massage function. Generous front seats are heated.
Wide opening doors make for easy access and headroom is good, even with the sunroof. Missing are air vents and door bins. Just seatback map pockets.
Infotainment
Going down the digital road in an Avenger is no sweat, with a 10.25-inch Uconnect infotainment screen and a similar-sized digital instrument cluster as standard. Both displays are clear and easy to read.
Uconnect has access to embedded satellite navigation,withlivetrafficupdates,orwireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Short-cut buttons are situated below the screen, with climate controls and audio volume button.
Jeep Connected Services, via smartphone app, include door unlocking, battery charge checking, charging schedule and more.
Centre console is home to transmission controls, with four buttons – park, reverse, neutral and drive. Press twice to alert brake regeneration providing added engine braking.
Engine/transmission
Under the bonnet is an electric motor driving the front wheels, supported by a 54kWh nickel manganese cobalt lithium-ion battery under
the floor. Producing 115kW and 260Nm kit’s enough for a maker’s range claim of 390km for the Summit.
Jeep claims charge time for 11kW is 5hr 34min (0-100pc); 50kW 43min (est 10-80pc), 100kW 24min (20-80pc). The test Summit charged 20 to 90per cent on a public machine in close to 45 minutes.
Safety
The Avenger EV has no ANCAP rating as yet. But a laundry list of safety systems includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, driver attention assist, rear parking sensors, rear view camera with dynamic guidelines, frameless auto dimming mirror, and automatic high beam headlamps.
Selec-Terrain and hill descent control are welcome aids for off-road adventuring.
Drive
It must be said straight off that for a Jeep, the lack of noise from engine and road, inside the cabin, was a real wake-up. The front-wheel drive Avenger rode and handled with similar refinement. Thanks, rigid body.
Steering can be a bit ‘missing’ for feedback at speed but, with the Jeep’s skinny turning circle, is a capable parker at a crawl. Off the mark, the Avenger was instant ‘action’ and overtaking was encouraging. Six-mode Selec-Terrain of Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Mud and Snow are capable of matching almost anything out of the bush.
Summary
For a car maker whose reputation has its roots in the production of off-roaders capable of taking on the most challenging of terrain (the Rubicon Track, no less) in the US, the smooth transmission into electric powered on-road vehicles is a credit to its designers and engineers. Pity about the prices.
the
$60,990.
The looks tend on the lite SUV side, yet with unmistakeable Jeep DNA. (Pictures: Supplied)
North Sunshine breaks its long losing drought
Afteralmostfouryears,NorthSunshineisback on the winners list in the Western Football League.
Havingmadethedecisionintheoffseasonto drop down to the thirds competition and field just one side, the Roadrunners decision seems to be the right one.
It only took one round into the thirds season for the Roadrunners to get a win on the board, beating North Footscray on Anzac Day.
Coach Paul Rossiter said it was a pretty special moment not just for the 24 players, but the whole club. The side’s last win came in May 2021.
“It was massive,” he said. “It was just electric and it was just amazing for the people of the club who have been there over the years who haven’t seen that for a long time.
“ItwasAnzacDayandabigoccasionandthe women’s side played before us and we had our junior launch night.
“There were a lot of people around.”
While getting at least a win on the board was always a focus for the Roadrunners they weren’t sure it would come this quickly.
AwinagainstHoppersCrossingintheirfinal practice match gave the group some confidence going into Friday night.
The Roadrunners did the damage in the first half and led by 42 points at the main break after keeping the Devils scoreless in the second quarter.
While the second half was closer, the Roadrunners had done more than enough to come away with an 11.17 (83)-5.9 (39) win.
Rossiter said he knew they were switched on early by the way they warmed up, but couldn’t breathe a sigh of relief until late in the game.
“Our warm up had been a lot better than what it had been,” he said. “We had done quite well in all three of our practice matches.
“There was some belief. It was only when there was 30 seconds to go that I could enjoy the win.
“We played some good footy.”
Rossiter said they had been able to increase their inside 50 count from the practice matches and that had helped.
Just Cameron Howitt and Rhys Briggs had sung the song for the Roadrunners before and it’sthefirsttimethey’vewoninroundonesince 2017.
Rossiter said the club was really starting to find some momentum after making the decision to drop a division.
“We have 47 blokes on the list now,” he said. “There are 25 to 28 at training every night, before Christmas there were nine or 10.
“Culture is the number one thing and if you can get the culture right, the results will come.”
Rossiter said he had given the guys until Sunday to celebrate and then it was about focusing on round two against Glen Orden.
“We don’t expect it to just happen.”
Sharks face a challenge
By Tara Murray
Hillside is keen to test itself against Aberfeldie thisweekendintheEssendonDistrictFootball League women’s premier competition.
The two sides are the only undefeated sides left in the competition and have both beaten reigning premiers Oak Park in the first three rounds.
Sharks coach Blaise Ferraro said they had gotten off a really strong start and were hoping that would continue this week.
“We already have our eyes on next week,” he said on Sunday. “We’re just fascinated to see how it turns out.
“Until you play them, you don’t know how it will turn out. The Aberfeldie result against Oak Park caught everyone’s eyes.
“You don’t know whether it was one of those days or the match up really suited them.”
Ferraro said they couldn’t afford to get off to a slow start to the season with match ups against last season’s finals in the first four rounds.
He said a win against Oak Park in round
one had really given them confidence after being knocked out of the finals in straight sets.
On Saturday, the Sharks came away with a big win against Essendon Doutta Stars.
Ferraro said it was a weird game being on the smaller oval, but felt that their fitness in the end allowed them to run away with it, 17.9 (111)-1.2 (8).
The Stars only goal of the game came in the first quarter.
Caitlin Sargent kicked five goals for the Sharks. She has 10 goals in two games.
Ferraro said while they would love to have her available against Aberfeldie, he said he didn’t think it would be long before she gets a Victorian Football League women’s call up.
Kiara Rigg, Lisa Parisi and Natasha Campbell were named the Sharks best.
The Sharks received a boost on Saturday with Emily Paterno playing her first game of the season.
Paterno,whowaspartofNorthMelbourne’s VFLW premiership last season, is back at the Sharks full time this year.
Ferraro said you can’t buy the sought of
Mixed results for Thunder
Keilor Thunder’s women’s side had a successful trip down to Tasmania but it was a bit more difficult for the men’s side in the National Basketball League 1 South season.
The Thunder had the Tasmanian double starting on Anzac Day against the Hobart Chargers before the women followed up against the Launceston Tornadoes and the men against North West Tasmania the following day.
The women’s side started the action with a 76-50 win against Chargers, despite missing reigning league most valuable player Isabelle Bourne.
The Thunder led by four points at quarter time before increasing it to 18 points at the main break.
The Chargers won the third quarter but couldn’t keep the momentum going with the Thunder finishing with a 20-8 final quarter.
Captain Maddy Rocci continued her strong form, finishing with a triple-double. Isobelle Weightman top scored with 21 points.
On Saturday, the Thunder won three of the four quarters on the way to an 89-66 win.
experience that she brings. She kicked four goals on Saturday and was named among the best.
“It was good for her to play her first game,” he said. “She’s a former captain of the club and everyone looks up to her.
“She has a presence on the field and teaches others.”
The return of Paterno and the addition of Ash Thorneycroft and Natasha Campbell have helped give the Sharks more depth.
Ferraro said it was a big difference from last season.
“We’ve now got a spread of goals forward, last year we didn’t have a lot of goal scorers,” he said.
“There is so much pressure for spots and no one can take their feet off the pedal. Everyone knows what they are meant to do.”
In other matches, Keilor lost to Oak Park, 12.13 (85)-2.1 (13).
In division 1, Keilor Park beat Tullamarine on Anzac Day and Burnside Heights lost to Tullamarine.
The Thunder was able to outscore the Tornadoes, 48-26 in the second half to ensure it got a second win on the road.
Rocci finished with 27 points, with six rebounds and six assists.
Maddi Puli scored 20 points, while Tayah Burrows in her Thunder debut, scored 13 points and had nine rebounds.
For the men’s side, it fell just short against the Chargers on Friday.
With only six players, the Thunder ran out of legs in the final quarter.
The Thunder led by 16 points at half time before the Chargers came home strongly with a 30-9 final quarter to win 95-88.
Daniel Poelsma top scored with 24 points.
On Saturday, the Thunder lost 98-53 to North West Tasmania.
Annie Gray. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 416139_16
Tara Murray North Sunshine returned to the winners list. (Supplied)
Three locals star in national championship win
By Tara Murray
Three Macedon Ranges teenagers played key roles as Victoria Country broke through for its first under-18 national championship in 35 years.
Sonny Maxwell, Alex Gray and Sam Haslett, who all play for the Sunbury Jets, were part of the team that defeated NSW Metro in the grand final.
NSW Metro had beaten the Vic Country team earlier in the tournament, but Country was able to turn the tables, winning the grand final, 83-74.
Maxwell scored 18 points in the gold medal run,whilethecommentatorsthoughtGreywas among the best on court.
For all three boys it was a pretty special moment.
“Itfeltsurrealtowinanationalchampionship forVicCountrythathasn’tbeendoneinover35 years,” Maxwell said. “The energy felt electric leading up to the tournament but especially the gold medal game.
“I felt I played pretty well and brought a positive impact to the squad.”
Haslett said it was a really great feeling knowing that they had achieved history.
“We always felt like we could win, never a doubt in our minds that we would finish anywhere lower,” he said.
“We had such a bond with each other. We have been preparing as a group for the past few months so as soon as we stepped out to play we
knew we could win.”
Gray said it hadn’t sunk in what they had been able to do yet.
“We were confident in our preparation and gameplans,thatifweplayedthewaywewanted and were focused on us then it wouldn’t be an easy game for anyone playing us,” he said.
“I think I played well, was very good defensively and believe I contributed a lot to the team’s success by playing in my role as did everyone in the group as it was a whole effort together.”
Having three players from one club in a national championship side is rare.
Showing the talent the Jets have on show, another two Jets, Christian Beecroft and Finn McGinty were emergencies for the team and trained all the way up to the tournament with the team.
Maxwell, Gray and Haslett know it’s special to be able to achieve what they did together and that they can inspire the next generation of players in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.
“It’s crazy to think that I was able to do this withpeopleI’vegrownupwithandplayedwith
Warriors net second win
By Tara Murray
The Western Warriors made it two in a row but know they still have some work to do in the Victorian Netball League.
After getting their first win of the season the previous week, the Warriors came out on fire against the Gippsland Stars on Wednesday night.
The Warriors managed to build up to a 17 goal lead at the final break.
The Stars finished the better of the two sides, but the Warriors had a big enough lead to come away with a 51-41 win.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey said while they were happy with the result, she would have liked to have seen them finish off.
“It was a little bit disappointing in the last quarter when they had a 17-10 last quarter to them,” she said.
“They came back really well but I think we let ourselves down a little bit in the last quarter. In saying that, still missing probably two of the best players in the competition
in Ruby [Shannon] and Tayla Honey, I was really proud of what the girls did.
“There’s still a lot of improvement, we made some basic errors. But nice to get two from two.”
The Warriors had planned to be without Honey, who was away for the week, but were dealt a blow with Shannon suffering a calf injury. She is set to miss a couple more weeks.
It meant the Warriors were able to give some of their other midcourters an opportunity to step up.
“We have six midcourters, we knew the depth was there,” Bailey said. “It was good to drop Sarah Croft into the centre.
“Hasn’t played there really any time. Took her off and put Simona Di Filippo into the centre really injected some speed.
“It was a great opportunity to inject Georgia Hellyer onto the court and she did really well at wing attack and wing defence.”
Kim Borger finished 24 goals for the Warriors, with Rebecca Hicks scoring 22 as they shared the load.
my whole life,” Maxwell said.
“It brings a real positive impact to our community to pave the way for the younger boys in our area.”
Haslett said, “winning with Sonny and Alex is like a dream come true, especially since they’re my best mates.
“That makes it even more special. The talent in the Sunbury-Macedon area is growing and it’s great to see the younger boys and girls developing to be stars.”
Gray said it was nice to see the reward the group had put in over the years pay off.
“It was superb to be able to win the title with two of my best mates, as we’d worked really hard together for so long and to be able to see the work we’ve put in be rewarded and to experience it together was just something special for sure.”
For the trio, the hard work doesn’t end there. All are part of the Sunbury Jets Victorian Junior Basketball League under-18 side which is aiming for a title.
They are also all part of the Jets Big V championship side.
Sports shorts
GDCA
Riddell has announced its first new signing for the next Gisborne and District Cricket Association season. The Bombers have announced that Peter Cashen will join the club. Cashen has played many years with the Heidelberg and after moving to Riddells Creek is now excited to be joining us at the Bombers.
VTCA
Sunbury has announced the signing of Jack Narraway for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield. From England, Narraway comes to the club with a wealth of experience as a wicketkeeper and top order batsmen. He has been captain-coach of Emmbrook and Bearwood for the past seven years, with the senior division tam winning two league titles.
Bendigo FL
Gisborne got back on the winners list with a hard fought win against Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo Football League on Saturday. The Bulldogs led by 23 points at quarter time before the margin was brought back to four points at the main break. Scoring was hard to come by in the second half, with each side kicking three goals each. The Bulldogs managed to do enough to come away with an 8.9 (57)-7.10 (52) win. Braidon Blake and Patrick Trotta were named the Bulldogs best.
RDFL
Bailey said Molly Kennedy was again outstanding in defence saying she had grown and grown as the season has gone on.
Elly Randall came on into defence as well and had a really strong performance alongside Kennedy.
“They just kept trying and trying,” Bailey said. “They did a great job.
“Credit to them. They are a little bit smaller, when you do what the coach tells you to do, work the ball, work the angles.”
The Warriors 23 and under side won its first game of the season, beating the Stars, 56-39.
Bailey said it was a great result and the group played really hard.
“We’ll take the win,” she said. “We were really happy with that.
“Ella Closter back in form. Dash Taylor had a great game and Grace Manserra, a couple of the young kids really stepped up.
“Hopefully gives them a bit of confidence.”
TheWarriorsnowfaceBoroondaraExpress this week.
Macedon and Diggers Rest couldn’t be split on Anzac Day in the Riddell District Football League. One of two Anzac Day matches, the Cats were made to pay for inaccurate kicking as they had to settle for a draw with the Burras, 8.14 (62)-9.8 (62). The Cats scored 1.5 in the final quarter. Kyneton beat Lancefield in the battle of the Tigers in the other Anzac Day match. On Saturday, Wallan beat Romsey, Melton South made it two in a row against the Gisborne Giants and Riddell beat Melton Centrals. Woodend-Hesket had the bye.
FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury
Western Warriors made it two in a row. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)
Alex Grey, Sam Haslett and Sonny Maxwell with Sunbury Jets’ basketball operations manager Will Scatchard. (Supplied)
Jets starting to click with three wins on board
An early season reality check quickly got the Sunbury Jets on the right path in the Big V men’s championship division.
The Jets were smashed in round one by the Hume City Broncos, but have put a nice run of form together to have been 3-1 at the break.
Coach Nathan Heywood said they took a lot out of the poor start, which has showed on the court
“It was a disappointing start to the season, that is for sure,” he said. “To bounce back so quickly was really good.
“We had been disappointed not to put our best foot forward, but we were able to make some small adjustments.
“We were able to get the momentum back andgetto3-1,whichisacredittothecharacter and resilience of the group.
“We’re starting to build into the group.”
Joshua Yorke-Frazer has been a key for the Jets early on this season, averaging nearly 23 points a game.
Having missed a lot of last season with injury, the Jets are enjoying seeing him out on the court.
“He’s a live wire and a spark of energy that we need,” he said “It’s about how we can keep him fresh and firing throughout the whole year.”
The Jets are back in action on Saturday against RMIT University in their first game back after the Easter break. They then faced the McKinnon Cougars on Sunday.
It was the restart to the season for the Jets they were after, losing both games.
On Saturday night, the Jets lost 107-100 to RMIT after it was unable to bring back a 15 point first quarter deficit.
The next day, the Jets lost to the Cougars, 103-85.
Heywood said this block of games would give them an indication of where they sit in the league.
He said they were focusing on what they could control to give themselves the best chance of victory.
“We’ll make small adjustments on how we are playing,” he said. “We want to take away the strengths of the opposition.
“We’ve honed in on that in the last couple of
weeks, how are they going to score?”
The Jets should be able to welcome back Sonny Maxwell, Alex Gray and Sam Haslett, who were part of the Victoria Country under-18 national champions team.
Heywood said the trio brings a spark off the bench and adds depth on the defensive and offensive ends.
In the women’s competition, the Jets beat the Cougars, 83-80.
The Jets trailed at three quarter time before scoring 22-17 in the final quarter to get the win.
Tara Murray
Kangaroos win a thriller
By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Kangaroos produced a win they will remember for a long time in a two point thriller against Hadfield in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.
The Kangaroos had started the season with two losses to their two crosstown rivals, so there was a bit of pressure on the side heading into Saturday.
Despite a slow start, the Kangaroos worked back into the game by half time. The Hawks had been wasteful in front of goal in the first half, having had 13 scoring shots to six. Not much separated the two teams in the second half.
The Kangaroos finished with four goals to two in the final quarter to sneak home for 10.1 (61)-8.11 (59) win.
Kangaroos football manager Matthew Baird said it was a result that they needed. “We were 0-4 a couple of years ago and after what happened last season, we were thinking what is going to happen,” he said.
“We had played the two Sunbury sides first up. We didn’t think we were too bad, but we kept giving sides starts.
“It was a character building win and the boys will remember this one for a long time with our backs up against the wall.
“We’re pretty stoked.”
Baird said they again gave the Hawks a start which wasn’t ideal having chased tail all day in their other matches.
Having fought their way back in, the match went down to the final seconds. Hadfield missed a shot with 30 seconds to go to take back the lead and get the win.
Shawn Bowden kicked three goals for the Kangaroos and was named their best.
Dean Halliwell and Bradley Collins were others named in the best.
Among those out there for the Kangaroos was Tie Cuffe, who has returned to the side this season.
Baird said they weren’t going to say no to the opportunity to get him back into the team. Cuffe is flying in to play.
“He’s not as fit as he would like to be, but he
brings in poise and leadership and every club would want someone like a Tie Cuffe,” he said.
“We’ve made it work. He’s a four time best and fairest winner, we’re never going to say no to the opportunity to have him. It hasn’t taken him long to fit in.”
The win has the Kangaroos sitting 1-2 in what is proving to be a close competition. Glenroy and Rupertswood, which has played one less game, are the only undefeated teams.
“I don’t think a lot of people expected us to do too much,” Baird said. “Internally we think we’re going OK.
“The competition is so close and every week you have to rock up as there’s no easy matches.”
The Kangaroos play a winless Northern Saints this Saturday.
Baird said they can’t give the Saints a sniff or they grow in confidence.
It was a day of close wins for the Kangaroos, with their women’s side winning by one point against the Sunbury Lions, 3.7 (25)-3.6 (24).
Tylah Bell and Courtney Snedden were named the Kangaroos best.
Positive update on Thunder
East Sunbury has provided a positive update regarding a reserves player who suffered a serious medical episode during Friday’s game with Rupertswood in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.
The episode which happened early in the first quarter of the Anzac Day match saw the reserves game abandoned with the player requiring medical assistance.
The seniors game which was to be played afterwards was also abandoned out of respect to the player, their family, teammates and all those impacted.
On Saturday, the Thunder provided an update on the player.
“The player is currently recovering in hospital and is showing encouraging signs of improvement,” the club said.
“They are now in a stable condition and receiving the best possible care.
“The player’s family has asked us to pass on their heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and kindness they’ve received from across the football community.
“Your messages, calls, and gestures have meant the world during an incredibly difficult time.
“While the road ahead will involve rest and recovery, this news brings a great deal of hope and strength to us all. Our club will continue to support the player and their family every step of the way.”
TheclubthankedRupertswoodandits trainers, along with the first responders, paramedics and everyone who played a role on the day.
“Your actions and compassion will never be forgotten.”
The club said it would continue to provide updates as appropriate.
In an earlier statement, the club said the strength and heart of the football community truly shines through.
Severalotherclubsandmembersfrom EDFL clubs and neighbouring leagues were among those to show support for the player and the club.
The club said the club is incredibly grateful for the compassion and kind words that have been pouring in.
“Your support means more than words can express.
Tara Murray
Dean Halliwell. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 466902_11
Joshua Yorke-Frazer. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 467506_23
Redbacks are elated to finally be on the board
It’s been a couple of years in the making but on Saturday night, Romsey finally got a win in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition.
After going without a win in their first two seasons, the Redbacks finally got to sing the song as they beat Riddell underlights three rounds in their third season.
TheRedbacksledallnightagainstaBombers side, also searching for their first ever win, to come away with a 4.3 (27)-1.4 (10) win.
Redbacks coach Matt Brundell said it was a pretty special night.
“It was pretty exciting for the girls,” he said. “The girls were happy and a lot of them had
been around since day dot.
“They were in their third season and had not tasted success, so it was really good. There was a function after the game and I’m sure a few drinks went down.”
Brundell said they chatted during the week that both sides were entering the match without a win.
He said they wanted to play hard and show the competition who they were.
The win didn’t come easy.
“Riddell played well and it was a good, tough game,” Brundell said. “It was slippery conditions, it was tough.
“Itwasateameffortandthegirlsareplaying
better as a team. We’re gelling well as a team.”
Maddison Dutton Johnson kicked two goals for the Redbacks.
Megan Brundell, Laura Lonergan and Zoe Hardiman were named the Redbacks best.
Mariam Habib, Ruby Ayers and Molly Connell were named the Bombers best.
Brundell said they had seen some real growth in the side this year and they now had some reward for effort.
“We have been close in some other games,’ he said. “Against Melton the week prior they won by 19 points.
“They won that game convincingly last year. We’ve made some inroads and we’ll take a lot
Strong start for Lions
By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions have passed some early season tests in the Ballarat Netball League. The reigning premiers have had their challenges in terms of availability early in the season, but it hasn’t hindered them from banking three straight wins.
Speaking before the weekend’s clash with North Ballarat, coach Kim Bailey said she was happy with how things were tracking.
“We had a really good game against Darley in the first week,” she said. “We had a four or five goal win against Redan, but had a lot of players out.
“We still made some basic errors but it was good to be pushed coming into North Ballarat. Still working with some combinations.
“We’re lucky that fitness got us over the line.”
It’s a little bit of a different line up to the Lions this season, but they have been able to keep the core together.
Bailey said this season they had 10 settled players including having added Abigail Inglis, who is working her way back in after a couple of years of Victorian Netball League.
Caitlin Hill has come in as a third goaling option with Lani Fauonuku crossing to Melton, while Georgia Hellyer steps back up from B-grade having returned from an ACL injury.
Bailey said they would look to bring some of their B-grade players up throughout the season as well.
“Chelsea Amor came up and will use her throughout the season with Caitlin Hill in the SSN reserves,” she said. “We’ll look to bring players up especially until we get Eliza Gollant back, hopefully that is only three weeks away.
“The likes of Em Conn and Macca Wood have really stepped up.”
On Saturday, the Lions got off to a flier against North Ballarat and led by eight goals at quarter time and were able to extend the margin to 20 at the final break.
They were able to finish off strongly to secure a 72-50 win.
Rebecca Hicks shot 63 goals for the Lions, shooting at 92 per cent.
The Lions also had VNL stalwart Ty Coppinger fill in and step into the defence end to help cover the loss of Gollant.
Bailey said things were looking strong across the whole club again.
“It was a good week last week [round two], it was the first time we’ve had all six wins in netball and the two footballs,” she said. “It’s always a good feeling around the club when you get a clean sweep.”
After three rounds, the Lions are one of two undefeated teams left.
In football, the Lions also got the win against North Ballarat.
of confidence out of it
“We know that we can play that brand of footballnowandwe’vegotawinandhopefully we can get some momentum.”
The Redbacks face Macedon this week before facing the Mount Alexander Falcons the following week.
Brundell said the group now had to focus on what was ahead of them and not get carried away with the win.
In other results, Lancefield beat the Falcons on Anzac Day, 3.5 (23)-2.4 (16).
Macedon also got the points on Friday, beating Melton, 6.5 (41)-1.2 (8).
Tara Murray
Special round
The Essendon District Football League and Riddell District Football Netball League are gearing up as part of a record 72,000-player Pat Cronin Foundation round, spanning 120 venues from Melbourne to Bendigo between May 2 and 4.
They will join five other leagues in the 3038 team event in honouring the memory of a 19-year-old Pat Cronin, a promising young footballer who lost his life after he was struck by a coward punch during a night out in Melbourne in 2016.
Every player will wear a yellow armband – the official colour of the foundation – to symbolise a stand against all forms of violence, including the coward punch.
Scheduled highlights of the round include marquee matches on Saturday, May 3, between East Sunbury and Glenroy at John McMahon Reserve, and between Kyneton and Riddell in the RDFNL.
It’s the first time the RDFNL has been involved.
“RDFNL chief executive Jordan Doyle said the league was proud to be part of such a meaningful initiative.
‘’As an organisation, the RDFNL aims to promote positive causes within our communities which can also potentially assist in educating our participants,’’ he said.
“Helping young people understand the consequences of violence and giving them the tools to manage their emotions – especially under pressure –is vital.’’
EDFL chief executive Andrew Johnston said it’s an honour again to be participating in such an important weekend to play our role in eradicating this senseless action in our community.
“It’s vital that the EDFL community continues to receive education and be reminded about strategies for managing emotions.
“We can’t wait to see players from under-8s to seniors wearing the yellow armbands to continue the conversation and education.”
Foundation director Matt Cronin, the father of Pat, said the growth of the round in the past two seasons had been “incredibly humbling”.
“The yellow armband is not just a symbol. It’s a conversation starter about managing emotions on and off the field and walking away from violence – helping to prevent situations that can change lives forever,” he said.
Details:https://patcroninfoundation. org.au/pcf-round/
The Lions did the damage in the first half as they kicked 10.1 to just five points to lead by 55 points. While North Ballarat won the second half, the damage had already been done with the Lions winning, 14.9 (93)-6.9 (45).
Jake Egan kicked three goals, while five other players kicked two goals each. Egan was named their best alongside Tyson Lever and Mitch McLean.
The win moves the Lions to 2-1 ahead of a clash with Ballarat.
Tara O’Grady grabs in a strong ball. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 474082)
