Curry, jaffle top dishes
A Sri Lankan tasting plate was the star of this year’s Edgy Veg Awards. Throughout April, Macedon Ranges residents supported local venues by tasting and scoring vegetable-based dishes at 46 pubs, cafes, and restaurants across 12 villages in the region.
“Gone are the days where you would go out and get a plant-based dish and it would just be a potato on a plate,” Edgy Veg Awards co-ordinator Claire Rowland said. “A lot of people want to eat more veg, they want to eat healthier and they want it to be delicious.”
The project, delivered by Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group’s Veg Action, is in its fourth year and attracted more than 750 votes. The Ranges were home to two of the five winners.
Kyneton’s Fook Shing won the restaurant, bar and hotel nod with its taste of Sri Lanka curry plate, featuring coconut cream cashew nut curry, sweet and sour pineapple curry, and jackfruit curry, served with a coconut sambal.
“I think that dish had the highest number of votes and the highest average score,” Ms Rowland said.
Macedon Ranges Wholefoods in Gisborne took out the cafe category with a mushroom jaffle, filled with market-fresh mushies and vegan feta.
Stink over road spill
By Laura Michell
A Sunbury resident is facing her car being written off after driving through a spill on Bulla Road, which she suspects was sewage.
Marnie Webber was driving up the hill from Bulla to Sunbury in the far left lane about 7.45pm on Monday, April 28, when she drove through a “huge spill” of sludge.
“It was dark and raining … the whole car slid to to the left,” she said.
Unaware of what she had driven through, Ms Webber got the car home with the help of her husband.
“It smelt putrid straight away,” she said.
The next day, her husband took the car to a car wash but that made no difference.
“It still stunk. It was so bad we couldn’t have it in our garage, in our driveway. We could still smell it from inside [the house],”
Ms Webber said.
Ms Webber then took the car to a manned car wash, where a power hose was used to clean the door seals – but the smell remained.
“I rang up my panel beater and I brought my car around there. He rang me and said ’I can’t fix it, it’s a bio hazard, it need to go to a licenced bio hazard treatment place’.
“There was all toilet paper undeath my car; all sludge underneath my car.
“I was so sick from being in the car.”
Ms Webber said she her insurance company was trying to figure how to get the car cleaned, but warned her it would be written off if it couldn’t be cleaned.
“I just want my car clean, I’d lose money on insurance if have to buy a new car,” she said.
Ms Webber said that in the two weeks since the incident, no one had taken responsibility for the spill or its clean up –and she is no closer to knowing what she drove through.
She said she contacted Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and was told it was a Hume council issue.
Council said it was Department of Transport and Planning issue, she said.
“I’m just disappointed that nobody really cares,” she said.
“Somebody could have been killed on that road it was such a big spill.
“No responsibility is being taken.”
Council told Star Weekly that it had not received any reports about a sewage spill on Bulla Road.
“VicRoads is the co-ordinating road authority responsible for the management of Bulla Road,” council said.
EPA and the department were contacted for comment.
Representatives from Edgy Veg Award winners Fook Shing and Macedon Ranges Wholefoods with awards co-ordinator Claire Rowland, sixth from left. (Damjan Janevski) 476179
You might think putting on the safety gear will take longer than doing the job.
It could be that you’ve done it a thousand times before. But that doesn’t reduce the risk. You may not come back in one piece.
Check you’ve got the right safety gear for the job, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-gear-farm
It’s never you, until it is.
Spine chilling defib resuscitation
By Tara Murray
Defib For Life started in 2010 following the death of Stephen Buckman after he had a sudden cardiac arrest while at football training at Rupertswood.
There was no defibrillator at the club and Buckman died after arriving at hospital despite CPR attempts, with the nearest ambulance 22 minutes away.
It led to the push to have defibrillators placed in sporting clubs across the state, with Rupertswoodamongthefirstofthoselocations.
‘‘ There should be a policy that a game doesn’t start if there is no defibrillator. Anyone can have a cardiac arrest ’’ - Andrew White
On Anzac Day, East Sunbury reserves player Kane North collapsed after a contest early in his side’s game against Rupertswood at that same ground.
Quick action was taken by trainers of both sides with trainers using a defibrillator to save his life.
North doesn’t remember any of the day.
While he has a long journey ahead of him, he is out of hospital on the road to recovery.
“I’m good now,” he said. “I’m a lot better and I have to take care of myself and slow down a little bit.
“I have a three-week plan to get back to getting into exercise. Honestly, I’m just happy to be here.”
North said it was a traumatic experience for his partner and family, who were there to
witness the drama unfold.
One of his mates started giving him mouth to mouth.
“Itwasamazinghowmanypeoplewerethere tohelp,”hesaid.“Ithankeveryonewhohelped.
“My dad went down to Rupertswood and
thanked everyone. I’m still getting names of everyone involved to thank them.”
North, who is 37, said it would be the end of his football career, saying he needed an excuse to hang up the boots.
For Defib for Life co-founder Andrew White
hearing about the medical episode on Anzac Day brought back memories.
An off duty paramedic, he was at Rupertswood the day Buckman died, and gave him CPR.
“It happened at our club nearly 15 years to the day, when Stephen passed away,” he said
“A lot of the old [Defib for Life] committee members were there and they witnessed that, for them to witness that and what we had achieved, it was really significant.
“Some of the old committee members said they had chills down their spine.
“We formed this committee 15 years ago to avoid these circumstances and they were able to save this person this time.”
White started Defib for Life with Stephen’s mum,SueBuckman,inthememoryofStephen.
They said they didn’t want any other family to go through what the Buckman’s had.
“Seeing people die due to sudden cardiac arrest due being a paramedic, I knew the only ones we could save were the ones we got to quickly and were able to put on a defibrillator shortly after the cardiac arrest,” said White.
“A lot of lives have been saved with the defibrillators.”
North has already spoken to White and said he was keen to help wherever he can to help save other lives.
When Defib For Life started, the group understandonlythreetofivepercentoffootball clubs had defibrillators in Victoria. White said now that number was more than 90 per cent.
White said they wanted the AFL to ensure that every football club in Australia has a defibrillator.
It’s something North and East Sunbury support too.
“There should be a policy that a game doesn’t start if there is no defibrillator,” White said. “Anyone can have a cardiac arrest.”
Defib for Life founders Andrew White and Sue Buckman. (Damjan Janevski) 476432
Health services to unite
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and Nexus Primary Health will form one community health service from January 1, 2026.
The two organisations are joining forces to deliver a more resilient community health service for people who live in the Hume, Macedon Ranges, Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogie local government areas.
Joint board chair Peter Donlon said the decision was made after an exploration phase confirmed uniting the services would improve access to healthcare and community services.
“This is just the beginning of a significant journey, one that will strengthen the way we deliver care to the communities we serve and ensure our sustainability long into the future,” he said. “Over the coming months we will begin the process of integration. This will be a
comprehensive process involving consultation with staff and key stakeholders, including the development of a new name for the unified entity.”
SCCH chief executive officer David Wild said staff will play a critical role in the merger.
“We will keep our teams informed at every stage and invite them to contribute to both the operational aspects of the merger, and the values and the brand of the unified entity,” he said.
Nexus chief executive officer Daniel Ciccosillo said that clients and the local community will be engaged to work on the final design of the new organisation.
“While we are in the early stages of the process, we are excited about working together to deliver high quality care into our local communities,” he said.
Briefs
Bulla fire
A significant grass fire started at Bulla to the west of Melbourne Airport last week, as a result of the dry start to autumn. The grass fire on Loemans Road started about 2.50pm on Tuesday, May 6, and spread towards Deep Creek and Melbourne Airport. About 50 appliances and 150 firefighters responded to the blaze at its peak, with crews battling the fire for several hours before brining it under control about 9pm. CFA district 14 commander Michael Campbell said it was “hard to say” how large the fire was, but estimated it covered about 50 hectares. He said there had been a “run of fires for this time of year” in Victoria, which was unexpected.
Dating app arrests
More than 30 youths have been arrested across Victoria, including in Hume, over violent attacks targeting men lured through dating apps. Police allege boys aged 13 to 20 posed as users, then robbed, assaulted and abused victims, sometimes filming the incidents. Victoria Police said they’re committed to protecting the LGBTIQA+ community and urged victims to come forward.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Nexus Primary Health chief executive officer Daniel Ciccosillo and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health chief executive officer David Wild.
Ashes history headed to Lords
By Tara Murray
A piece of important and forgotten Sunbury and Ashes history is headed to England to be displayed at Lords.
While the Ashes urn has been seen by millions of visitors from across the world, the Ashes bail letter opener has been locked away in a bank vault in Melbourne.
The urn was presented to English cricket captainIvoBlighduringthe1882-83tourwhen the English team were guests of Sir William Clarke and his wife Lady Janet at the Clarke’s
property, Rupertswood in Sunbury.
England and Australian cricket teams still play for the urn, with Rupertswood recongised as the birthplace of the Ashes.
Ian Metherall, whose wife is Lady Janet Clarke’s great, great granddaughter, said the letter opener was an important part of Australian sporting history.
It’s the only bail from the first Ashes series that is known to exist today.
“No one really knows about the bail,” he said. “Its a critical component along with the urn.
New tanker for Woodend
Woodend Fire Brigade welcomed a new medium tanker and rehab unit vehicle to its engine bay on Friday, May 9, celebrating the official handover with brigade members and local dignitaries.
WoodendBrigadecaptainSteveRitchie,who has been involved with the brigade for 31 years, said members feel proud to have a modernised firefighting fleet.
The medium tanker is a state-of-the-art firefighting vehicle, equipped with a 2,650 litre water capacity that allows for rapid and controlled suppression of fires directly from the vehicle.
“Our old tanker served us well for 25 years, but this new vehicle provides advanced capabilities and ensures safe transport to and from incident sites,” Mr Ritchie said.
“It’s a game changer for us. This tanker is a four-wheel drive and comfortably seats a crew of five, whereas our old tanker was a two-wheel driveandhadourcrewssquishedintogetheror
travelling on the back of the truck.”
The new rehab unit will replace the existing one and is better equipped to monitor and maintain firefighter health on the fireground.
“We’ve replaced our makeshift unit with a purpose-built vehicle that provides enhanced safety and comfort for our team,” Mr Ritchie said.
“It comfortably seats four crew members with its twin cabin and is better configured to store health monitoring systems, lighting, cool chairs, water, wash facilities, salt and sugar boosters, and first aid kits
“It will significantly improve onsite health support for firefighters ensuring our members have a safe space to rest and recover during prolonged incidents.”
Woodend Fire Brigade captain Steve Ritchie and dignitaries, including Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, celebrate the arrival of the new tanker and rehab unit vehicle. (Supplied)
“People don’t understand the Ashes is also a love story, not just a cricket story and the letter opener was a crucial part in that.”
Bligh had the bail turned into a letter opener for Mrs Clarke as he wanted to keep writing to her female companion Florence Morphy, who he was in love with.
Despite him being a lord and her a pauper, Bligh eventually came to Rupertswood to marry Florence. They had three children.
TheClarkefamilystillownstheletteropener.
Some of the Clarke family still live in the towns surrounding Sunbury.
The bail is being loaned to the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) for the next four yearsandwillbeondisplaywiththeAshesurn.
Former MCC president Stephen Fry first heard the story and set about the process to have it on display.
“It’sbeenalongjourney,butit’sanimportant part of Australian history,” Mr Metherall said. “Stephen Fry came to know about the bail and it wouldn’t have happened without his support.”
Details on the bail: https://www.ashesbail. com.au/
Dine on world-class art
By Casey Neill
A Jane Austen descendent is just one course in a feast of music, film, words and ideas being served in Woodend on the King’s Birthday long weekend.
TheWoodendWinterArtsFestival(WWAF) will return for its 20th year from Friday 6 to Monday 9 June, with more than 40 events for audiences to devour.
To celebrate 250 years since Jane Austen’s birth, the author’s fifth great niece, Caroline Jane Knight, will share memories of growing up where Jane lived, wrote, and published her most celebrated novels.
She’samongmorethan90artiststakingpart in the internationally-recognised showcase.
“Have a feast and do it locally,” co-founder and organiser Jacqueline Ogeil said.
“Just run from one thing to another.
“It’s really magical and you’ll be inspired by the level of talent we’ve got out there.”
World-class classical musicians Ms Ogeil and husband John O’Donnell found the house of their dreams in Woodend.
“We’d travelled the world. We thought ‘why
not bring the world to Woodend?’” she said.
“I got the idea from French village festivals.
“I had wanted to do a summer festival, but because of our bushfire season I thought it was too risky.
“TheQueen’sBirthdaylongweekendwasthe quietest weekend of the year for Woodend.
“The shops would close early and it would rain. People would huddle inside and enjoy a bottle of red.
“Classical music and literature and words and ideas and all those sorts of things are very prevalent in countries with bad weather, where you need to stay indoors and entertain your mind.”
She soon discovered the town’s St Ambrose Churchhad“reallygoodacoustics,onthesame level as any concert hall” and the rest is history.
They held the first festival in 2005, since missing only 2020 due to lockdowns.
“We work as a committee of volunteers all year round on the festival,” Ms Ogeil said.
“It’s pretty hectic, but I really believe in what we’re doing.”
WWAFboostslocalbusinessesandsupports classical artists “in a changing world that is not
very kind to them”.
“They really appreciate getting a gig,” she said. “Whilst we’re all recording artists - we’re on Spotify, we’re on Amazon, we’re on Applewe don’t get anything from what we do.
“ThatistheproblemwithAIintherecording industry and being a modern day artist.”
More than 80 percent of WWAF audiences are repeat attendees.
MsOgeilsaidthosedippingtheirtoeintothe classical music pool found the festival cheaper and less intimidating than major concert halls - with the same calibre of performers.
“We’ve got international artists that are exclusive to the festival,” she said.
DirectfromVienna,Anne-Harvey-Naglwill perform Brahms’ three sonatas for piano and violin.
MsOgeilwilltakepartinfourperformances, including Purcell’s Ode on St Cecelia’s Day.
“I don’t believe Melbourne’s had a performance of that since 1987,” she said.
A family friendly performance of Cinderella by Inventi Ensemble is also on the menu, along with so much more.
Deatails: woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au
Learn about the NDIS
Parents of children with a disability or developmental delay are being encouraged to attend an information session at Woodend Neighbourhood House later this month to gather advice on navigating the NDIS.
Special Voice Disability Law & Advocacy principal Angela Cox will host the session on Monday, May 19, from 1pm.
The aim of the session is to educate parents to effectively advocate for their child within the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) system.
Ms Cox will provide valuable insights into helping parents understand their child’s rights, access support, and advice on how to navigate the complex processes of the NDIS.
Special Voices is a bespoke, private legal practice specialising in helping the parents and siblings of children and adults with autism or intellectual disability solve their problems with the NDIS and substitute decision-making systems.
It was set up by Woodend lawyer Ms Cox, who has a brother with Down syndrome, after she completed a Macedon Range council community arts projects, Me and My Brother’ in 2013. The project told the stories of local people with disability and their siblings and it made Ms Cox want to devote her legal skills to support families to navigate complex systems for their loved ones.
The event is being held as part of Victorian Law Week, which runs from May 19-25.
More than 100 events are being held across Victoria, with some available online.
The Woodend event is free to attend and will include a light lunch, but registration is required: https:// shorturl.at/JIBQV Law Week details: www. viclawweek.org.au/program
Don’t shoot the messenger says Star director
By Paul Thomas Star Weekly managing director
In the final days of the federal election campaign, Peter Dutton’s decision to lash out at the media was not just desperate, it was dangerous. Labelling the ABC and Guardian Australia as “hate media” and accusing journalists of being “activists” rather than reporters echoed the tired, toxic playbook of Donald Trump: when you’re behind, don’t reflect, just shout “fake news”.
Australians saw through that. No amount of spin, deflection or blame shifting could hide the truth. Voters rejected the Coalition’s message. Shooting the messenger doesn’t change the message.
Media scrutiny is not the enemy of democracy; it’s the oxygen that keeps it alive. A free press questions power, challenges spin and asks uncomfortable questions. That’s not bias, that’s journalism.
Sure, when journalists get something wrong, call it out. Point to it. Demand a correction. Any credible newsroom will make one. But blanket accusations, unsubstantiated claims and outright
falsehoods aimed at delegitimising the media are not just cheap politics, they actively erode trust in institutions that underpin democracy.
We see this tactic far too often, not just at a federal level but in local councils, including one our newsroom currently covers. Rather than engaging with the facts or addressing legitimate public concerns, some in power choose the easy path: Attack the media. But in doing so, they expose themselves, not the journalists.
That’s why strong local media matters now more than ever. Local newspapers and newsrooms remain one of the last truly independent and accountable sources of community information. They report on councils, expose local corruption, celebrate community success and give a voice to residents. Yet their very survival is under threat.
Digital platforms and social media have stripped local media of its commercial foundations, and worse, they have helped legitimise the kind of rhetoric Dutton and Trump rely on. By feeding audiences personalised echo chambers and monetising outrage, they have weakened the public’s
trust in credible journalism, while doing little to support its production.
Those who benefit from journalism must also help sustain it, and that includes the massive digital tech companies who have profited enormously from republishing, aggregating and monetising news content without paying fair value.
Now, artificial intelligence platforms are doing the same, scraping content, harvesting the work of journalists and training their models on material they never paid for. It’s the same pattern we’ve seen for years with social media - extract the value, deny responsibility, and undermine the industry you depend on.
Thiscannotcontinue.Everyonewhoprofits from journalism must help fund it. That includes readers, advertisers, governments - and yes, the tech giants and AI developers whose empires have been built in part on the work of others.
On Saturday, Australians made it clear they won’t be fooled by leaders who blame everyone but themselves. Let’s hope they also recognise the essential role of a strong, independent media and are willing to fight for its future. Paul Thomas.
Woodend Winter Arts Festival committee members Madeline Blake, Jacqueline Ogeil and Irene O’Duffy. (Damjan Janevski 475634
Pilates: a path to wellness for rural communities
Pilates, a form of low-impact exercise, offers health benefits, making it an ideal choice for small regional communities seeking accessible ways to improve overall well-being.
With its focus on slow, controlled movements, core engagement, and breathing control, Pilates is a holistic exercise option that enhances strength, stability, and motor control while addressing a range of physical health issues.
One of the primary advantages of Pilates is its adaptability – anyone can participate, regardless of age, fitness level, or physical condition. For individuals in rural communities, where access to diverse fitness programs might be limited, Pilates provides a versatile solution. It supports those dealing with chronic pain or musculoskeletal injuries, offering a gentle yet effective way to manage discomfort and improve mobility. This makes Pilates particularly beneficial for those with conditions like fibromyalgia or persistent back and neck pain.
Pilates is also well-suited for older adults who may experience reduced mobility, muscle strength, or balance. By focusing on core strength and stability, Pilates helps improve these areas, reducing the risk of falls and enhancing overall quality of life. Additionally, for those recovering from injuries, Pilates serves as a safe, low-impact exercise method to regain strength and ease back into more strenuous activities.
Evenindividualswithoutpainorinjuriescan benefit from Pilates as a preventive measure, reducing the likelihood of future injuries and supporting daily activities and other forms of exercise.
For those interested in starting Pilates, it’s important to undergo an initial assessment. Macedon Ranges Health offers consultations to determine the best form of Pilates suited to your needs. For individuals with chronic
medical conditions, and for those who have had surgery within the past three months, a written clearance from a GP is required to
ensure safety in a class setting. Try Pilates and discover how it can help improve your health and well-being.
Explore Pilate’s classes at Macedon Ranges Health by visiting mrh.org.au or call (03) 5428 0300
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Sunbury Lions meeting
A meeting will be held to discuss reforming the Sunbury Lions Club. In attendance will be the Lions District governor Des Jones, Lions District membership team leader Barry McDonald and Lions Zone Three chair Gerry Monaghan. The meeting will be held at the Sunbury Social Club on Wednesday, May 21 at 7pm.
Gerry Monaghan 0417 797 727
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
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
Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am.
Leonie, 0401 764 182
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
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
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
Masonic Lodge
The 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
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.
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
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
This week’s photographer’s choice pic is of blacksmiths Steve Phillips (left) and Robbie Alderson preparing for the 2025 Blacksmiths Festival in Footscray on May 17-18. (Damjan Janevski) 475625_01
World-class specialist care, all under one roof
Are you ready to transform your smile?
Experience the Smile Solutions difference with its experienced team of dentists, board-registered specialists, and hygienists –allworkingtogetherunderoneroof.
Smile Solutions offers world-class specialist care for Dental Implants and All-on-4® treatment, ensuring patients receive the higheststandardofcare.
It provides ceramic zirconia with reinforced titanium bars at the same price as you would expect to pay for printed resin or acrylic denture teeth – all with a team of board-registered specialists, not a general dentist.
Smile Solutions is a certified All-on-4® clinic, using only premium, Swiss-made All-on-4® registered products – no inferior alternatives.
Its patients have the option to undergo surgery in the safety and comfort of a private hospital or in its spacious, purpose-designed dentalsuites,providingpeaceofmindduring theirprocedure.
With in-house laboratory and on-site master ceramists, every smile is meticulously designedforoptimalaestheticsanddurability. For complex cases, the team includes oral and maxillofacial surgeons to ensure the best possibleoutcomes.
As Australia’s most awarded dental practice, Smile Solutions has proudly served the community for over 30 years. Its clinic is conveniently located on Collins Street, inside the iconic Manchester Unity Building, offering patients access to premium dental careinaprestigioussetting.
Book a FREE CONSULTATION with one of Smile Solutions’ senior dentists to explore youroptionsfordentalimplantsorAll-on-4®, and take the first step towards a confident, beautifulsmile.
• Option to have your surgery in the safety and comfort of a private hospital
• Hand crafted ceramic teeth –no resin or denture teeth
• In-house laboratory & Master Ceramist
• Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons for complex cases
• Most awarded dental practice in Australia
• Over 30 years of service to the community
• Located on Collins Street in the iconic Manchester Unity Building
At Smile Solutions we provide ceramic zirconia and re-enforced titanium bars at the same price as you would expect to pay for printed resin or acrylic denture teeth. All with a team of board registered specialists rather than general dentists.
Smile Solutions offers Dental Implants and All-on-4® treatment. (Pictures: Supplied)
Smile Solutions is located inside the
iconic Manchester Unity Building on Collins Street.
Better HG care ‘not a huge ask’
By Laura Michell
“We maybe don’t have a cure and the meds might be hit and miss, but it is possible for HG sufferers to receive empathy and care – and fluids!”
That desire to ensure women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) are taken seriously and receive a standard level of care, regardless of where they live, their background orsocio-economicstatuswasoneofthedriving forces behind Caitlin Kay-Smith’s decision to found the charity Hyperemesis Australia.
Ms Kay-Smith suffered HG for the first time when she was pregnant with her daughter in late 2017-18.
HG is characterised by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting that impacts the daily life of sufferers. It often leads to substantial weight loss and dehydration, with sufferers unable to eat or drink properly.
Ms Kay-Smith began struggling with the condition when she was about seven or eight weeks pregnant and was hospitalised for the first time at nine weeks.
She spent the next 30 weeks moving between her bed and the emergency department, never really receiving the care she needed and deserved – and never being told that there was
actually a name for what she was experiencing.
“If I had more energy, I would have been enraged,” she said.
“IwassurprisedIwasexperiencingthisthing that everyone was telling me was absolutely normal or would end soon.”
In the late stages of her pregnancy, Ms Kay-Smith found a Facebook group of fellow sufferers and UK charity Pregnancy Sickness Support – and realised that she wasn’t alone.
“That was a light bulb moment,“ she said,
“There was a name for what was happening tome…anditwasn’tOKanditwasn’tnormal.”
After the birth of her daughter, Ms Kay-Smith turned her thoughts to establishing an Australian hyperemesis charity.
Having emailed a “laundry list of the ways they failed me” to her delivery hospital – resulting in changes to how the hospital managed HG – Ms Kay-Smith realised it was possible to make a difference.
“That made me realise that for every person I had met along the way who had been wilfully dismissive … there were … people who just didn’t know any better,” she said.
Hyperemesis Australia was set up in August 2018 and gained charitable status in January 2019. Since then, Ms Kay-Smith has worked to educate people about HG and empower sufferers and their loved ones to advocate for better care.
“So many of us are told this is a normal thing
Let’s go on a Asian elephant hunt
Nine Asian elephants are running loose in the middle of Werribee and there is a mad rush to confirm their whereabouts. While that first sentence is misleading, it’s not entirely false.
To celebrate the recent opening of Werribee Open Range Zoo’s (WROZ) new Elephant Trail, there are nine elephants hidden in the business windows in Werribee city centre.
Along Watton Street and between Wedge Street and Cherry Street, the tiny counterparts of the multi-tonne grey titans are waiting to be spotted.
The self-guided activity can be done on any date or time during the competition period–and with anyone.
In February, moving the nine elephants that now live in their new oasis at Werribee Zoo took an incredible logistics team of 21 elephant zookeepers, veterinarians and the support of cranes and trucks.
Once you find one of their mini-mes, make sure to scan one of the QR codes in the vicinity and enter their whereabouts on the site.
If you manage to find all nine, you’ll enter
that happens,“ she said.
The charity also provides advice on treatment, diet and nutrition, mental health, postpartum recovery and how to support someone with HG.
Ms Kay-Smith said sufferers often reach out “in the depth of despair” asking for advice. They are directed to the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) guidelines on HG.
While the guidelines are “hard for practitioners to dismiss”, they are not used by hospital, obstetrician or GP around the country.
Ms Kay-Smith said Australia needed statewide guidelines on medications for HG and treatment options such as IV fluids –which sufferers regularly report being refused – to ensure a standard level of care.
She also wants an end to the “doubt or scepticism“ women face when presenting to hospitals, GPs or pharmacies for treatment, and for it to be acknowledged that HG is a condition that needs a significant level of care.
“I would like to get to a place where no womanchangesthenumberofchildrenshehas because of HG,” she said.
“A place where no woman feels the need to end the pregnancy because of HG.
“These are not huge asks.”
Ms Kay-Smith said the HG community was “very realistic” and wasn’t expecting a magical cure to be found, but just wanted to be heard and properly cared for.
“We are just asking for a bag of fluids.”
Details: https://www.hyperemesisaustralia. org.au
Night out for the family
A night out under the stars is set to be a family affair for Sunshine Heights Football Club’s outdoor movie event.
Theclubhasopeneditsjuniorfundraiser onMay24tothecommunityandishoping that people of all ages will come along and enjoy the night. at Ainsworth Reserve.
Junior coordinator Hailey Attard said they want to get their juniors involved in their fundraising event.
“It’s catered for all ages,” she said. “We do junior functions in the past and have done things like trivia nights and have been pretty much for the parents.
“I kind of wanted to do something kid orientated.
“I seen it advertised on line and took it to the committee and they all loved it and we’re running with it.
Attard said all the families at the club were excited and had posted the event in school newsletters as well.
Theyarenowopeningitupforthewider community.
Attard said they were hoping a night like this would encourage more people to get involved with the club.
“Hopefully we can get more juniors involved in the season as well,” she said. “The cut of for registration isn’t after until after the movie night.
the draw to win a family prize pack valued at more than $800.
The ‘staycation’ prize includes a WROZ family pass, a night at Holiday Inn for two adults and two children and $300 worth of vouchers at local restaurants.
It might not be the world-class 21-hectare trail that the crew at the zoo live at, but it is far from shabby.
Entries close at 10am on Saturday, May 31. Fill in your entries at: https://www. visitwerribee.com/findtheelephants
“Hopefully they all come to the ground and they see hey this is actually family orientated club. They are more likely to join our junior sides as well.
The decision on what movie will be shown is still to be decided, but there were hoping it would be a movie that caters for all ages.
Tickets are $15 per person and it includes a bean bag, some popcorn and fairyfloss.Ticketshavetobepurchasedby May 17. Details: 0450 998 456
Hyperemesis gravidarum is usually treated with a range of medications and IV fluids.
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 One who believes in sharing evenly amongst the community (9)
6 Majestic (4)
10 Possessive pronoun (3)
11 Notorious dispute (11)
12 Of cooking (8)
13 Situate (6)
14 Without (arch) (4)
15 Hitchhiker'sGuide author, – Adams (7)
20 Enterprise (7)
21 Not genuine (4)
25 Invisible (6)
26 Tied up (8)
28 Offender (11)
29 Special effects (1,1,1)
30 US university (4)
31 Not at all sleepy (4-5)
DOWN
1 Patience (8)
2 US state, North – (8)
3 Climb (6)
4 Closest to the centre (9)
5 Duration (4)
7 Package (6)
8 Wild dog native to North America (6)
9 Infested (7)
16 Clothed (9)
17 Erased (7)
18 US actress who portrayed Allison Dubois, – Arquette (8)
19 News title (8)
22 Provide, furnish (6)
23 Of the stars (6)
24 Himalayan mountain person (6)
27 The bow of a ship (4)
No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised
1 Who wrote the novel ACuppa
?
The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, UK is home to which annual tournament? 3 In Norse mythology, what is the name for the world tree?
4 Elizabeth Barrett Browning was an English a) poet, b) singer or c) actress?
5 What does the phrase ‘per contra’ mean?
6 TheJazzSinger (1927) starring Al Jolson was the first of what kind of movie?
7 In what year did the division of Korea take place?
8 Which famous gem was extracted from the Kollur Mine in Guntur, India in the 17th century?
9 What is the name of the town in the Netflix TV series StrangerThings? 10 Karen Gillan (pictured) plays which character in the Marvel cinematic universe?
The sun was out and so were the fans as local sport seasons continued to heat up. StarWeeklyphotographer
was out shooting some of the action.
The perfect weather for sport
Ljubica Vrankovic
Hume City’s Erdeniz Yildiz. 458912_07
Whittlesea United’s Mert Tuna. 476969_09
Keilor’s Ruby Gibson. 476974_17
Hoppers Crossing’s Dylan Lee. 476972_03
St Albans’ Fletcher Mcfarlane and Hume City’s Josh Bingham. 458912_17
Plenty Valley Lions’ Daniel Peluso. 476972_11
Bundoora’s Liam Kolar. 476968_15
Keilor’s Olivia Lacy. 476974_07
Whittlesea United’s Jack Marth. 476969_01
St Albans’ Gideon Arok. 458912_01
South Morang’s Brandon Compt. 476968_12
Bundoora’s Liam Mallia. 476968_01
Tigers’ hard work is starting to pay off on court
Lancefield has already beaten its win tally from last season but isn’t getting ahead of itself in the Riddell District Netball League.
Having gone four from four to start the season,theTigersfindthemselvesinaposition they haven’t been in for a long time.
Coach Ciara Stewart said they don’t take for granted the situation they are in after a number of tough years.
“It’s only been the last three minutes of the game the last two weeks, I’ve been able to go, ‘oh we’re going to win another game’,” she said.
“It’s a really nice vibe and we’re winning, we are stoked. We are celebrating the wins while we can.
“We are nearly double the wins of last season. We’re hoping we can stay injury free and keep on building.
Eight of last season’s squad has returned this season and has played a big role in the turnaround.
Stewart said there were a few key elements which meant they were now getting the results that they missed out on 12 months ago.
“We have 10 players, who are just playing A-grade and not doubling up,” she said. “We are finishing games a lot better and we are shooting a lot better because of it.
“Missed shots have made a big difference for us, we were getting it in the circle just not converting last year.
“There are no holes in our team.”
Stewart said with more players it meant they were able to take their training to the next level as well, which was paying off.
On Saturday, the Tigers played the Gisborne Giants for the first time.
The Tigers led at every break but couldn’t break the game open with the Giants keeping the game close.
The Tigers did enough to win, 48-43.
Shanae Brundell, who Stewart said had
really stepped up this season, shot 37 goals from 42 attempts.
For the Giants, Emma Winfield shot 32 goals.
While happy with the start to the season, Stewart knows there are still bigger challenges ahead having faced only one of last season’s finalists.
This week they face Melton South for the first time since they have returned to the competition.
In other matches on Saturday, Woodend-Hesketwonthegrandfinalrematch with Riddell, 42-36.
The Bombers had led by one goal at three quarter time, before the Hawks finished with a 14 goals to seven final quarter to get the win.
Romsey beat Melton South 57-38, Macedon was too strong for Wallan, 59-45, and Melton Centrals snuck home against Kyneton, 42-41. Tara Murray
Giants get their first win
By Tara Murray
Years of preparation came to the fore on Saturday as the Gisborne Giants claimed their first senior win in the Riddell District Football League.
It took five rounds into the season for the Giants to get on the board, as they won a hard fought battle against Lancefield.
Coach Andrew Hall said it was a pretty special moment for the club.
“I’m really proud of the evolution of the program,” he said. “I’m only a small part of a much bigger process.
“I think I said 25 times on Saturday it was an accumulation of hard work.
“The energy around the whole club was completely humble after such a monumental task.
“The club in its entirety is really proud.” Hall was quick to praise the past and current committee members, along with the rest of the coaching group for getting the club to this point.
He said it was more than just about football.
“We know sport brings the people together,” hesaid.“Theculture,thecommunityispivotal
in local sport.
“You gain knowledge and perspective through sport and you build that at the grassroots.”
The Giants season so far has been one about opportunities.
Nine Giants juniors have already made their senior debut in five rounds. Several under-17s have also stepped into the under-19s with the pathway there already.
On Saturday, it was two sides looking for their first win of the season.
The Giants led at each of the breaks including by 32 points at the last change.
Lancefield came home hard late, but the Giants did enough to win, 16.7 (103)-13.10 (88).
“LancefieldwerereallygoodandIthinkthey will be competitive every week,” Hall said. “If you’re off for small periods of the game, we are acutely aware of the consequences.
“It was a really good game of footy and great to watch.”
Skipper Bradley Mangan kicked five goals while Angus McSwiggan kicked three goals.
Matt Quigley was named best on ground.
Sports shorts
EDFL
Gisborne-Kyneton United continued on its winning run with a big win against the Sunbury Kangaroos in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition. In the only division 2 match on the weekend, the Bulldogs won, 11.19 (85)-0.2 (2). Kareena Jacobsen-Logan kicked three goals with Alexia Todorovic named best for the Bulldogs. Lisa Kirby was named the Kangaroos best. The Bulldogs sit clear on top of the ladder.
EDFL
Rupertswood and the Sunbury Kangaroos were both on the winners list in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition. The Sharks returned to the winners list with a 16.12 (108)-11.7 (73) win against Coburg Districts. The Kangaroos made it three wins in a row, with an 8.7 (55)-7.7 (49) win against Burnside Heights. It was again tough going for East Sunbury which lost, 25.13 (163)-9.10 (64) loss to Hadfield. Both the Sharks and Kangaroos sit on 12 points, while the Thunder is one of three teams on four points.
Ballarat NL
Hall said Quigley had been outstanding throughout all of pre-season and into the season, while Mangan keeps getting better.
He also highlighted Oscar Schnoor, James O’Connor and Cameron Freake as other standouts in the win.
Austin Burnell and Lucas Mousley both made their senior debuts in the win.
While excited to get the win on the board, Hall quickly turned his focus to this week and facing Wallan.
The Magpies are again one of the teams to beat this season.
“They have some exceptional guns,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll have a good battle and we’re excited to play another top team.”
In other matches, Riddell remains undefeated after beating Woodend-Hesket, 11.19 (85)-7.4 (46).
Dean Galea kicked three goals for the Bombers, with Lachlan Hay named their best.
Romsey snuck home against Melton South, winning 14.4 (88)-12.14 (86), while Wallan just got the job done against Macedon, 16.6 (102)-12.17 (89).
Kyneton beat Melton Centrals, 21.7 (133)-10.6 (66).
The Sunbury Lions had another big win in the Ballarat Netball League, this time accounting for East Point on Saturday. The Lions led by 10 goals at quarter time and it was a sign of things to come as they powered away to a 76-41 win. Rebecca Hicks shot 72 goals for the Lions. After five rounds, the Lions are the only undefeated team and are on top of the ladder.
Bendigo FL
Gisborne made it three in a row in the Bendigo Football League on Saturday afternoon. Facing Castlemaine, the Bulldogs were front all day in the 11.13 (79)-8.10 (58) win. Pat McKenna kicked four goals in a best on ground performance. Matthew Merrett also had a strong performance. The Bulldogs A-grade netballers had a bye. Both have also have a bye this weekend.
FOR MORE SPORT,
Mia Daly. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Matt Quigley. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 466908_06
