Incinerator concern Art gives pause for thought
By Georgia Tacey
The Sunbury community is concerned it will be treated like “Melbourne’s dumping ground” if plans for a waste incinerator on Sunbury Road are approved, a Hume councillorhasclaimed.
HiQ is proposing to build an energy-from-waste facility at its Sunbury Eco-Hubwhichwillprocessnon-hazardous waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill.
According to HiQ, this would include household waste, and pre-sorted materials from construction, building, and business operations.
HiQ said the proposed facility would generateenoughelectricitytopoweratleast 50,000homes.
The development will not require
planningpermissionfromHumecouncilas thestategovernmentwillbetheresponsible authorityfortheapplication.
Hume councillors have called on council officers to prepare a report on the proposal and council’s options for engaging in the applicationprocess.
Councillorsalsowantadviceonhowthey canadvocateonbehalfofthecommunity.
Speaking during the June 10 council meeting, Cr Kate Hamley said the community feared the facility would not be maintained standards to prevent harm, given HiQ’s history of Environment ProtectionAuthoritybreaches.
“There’sasituationonourdoorstepandit stinks,”CrHamleysaid.
“This development will include a huge exhaust column releasing invisible gasses into the air within one kilometre of homes,
farmsandEmuCreek.”
Cr Hamley said there was concern about an increase in the number of trucks travelling along Sunbury Road to the incinerator,withthefacilitylikelytobeable to consume more waste than Hume can createalone.
“Our community out in Sunbury are concernedthatwewillagainbetreatedlike Melbourne’sdumpingground,”shesaid.
“We’ve taken the contaminated [West Gate Tunnel] soil that nobody wanted. We’vedoneourfairsharealready.”
A HiQ spokesperson confirmed the company is finalising applications for the facility.
The spokespersons said HiQ was working with the community and addressing concerns, adding that they are looking at severalwaystoreducethetrafficimpactson
Dromkeen Gallery’s winter exhibition, A Moment’s Pause, has been unveiled, and it features a very important message.
Featured artist Mark Wilson is displaying illustrations from his children’s book, The Last Tree, alongside works from other local artists, in the exhibition that invites visitors to pause, take a moment and connect with the world around them. His story was inspired by his childhood, growing up in East Gippsland in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and watching the surrounding forest he loved grow smaller and smaller.
“It really starts with the tree, with the life in, under it and around it,” he said.
“You see in the distance, in one of the panoramic shots of the tree … you can see a blank space at the other end of the forest, on the horizon line, just sort of hills. Later on in the book as the story develops you see the emergence of a city in that space so its sort of the slow development of a city and how it slowly encroaches on the tree.
The exhibition was launched on Saturday, June 7, at Dromkeen and will run during the winter months.
Sunbury Road by distributing movements across operational hours and proposing multipletravelroutestothesite.
“While Hume City Council is not a decision maker in this process, we know that council plays a crucial role in the approvals and ongoing operations of the SunburyEco-Hub,andwearecommittedto workingwiththem,”thespokespersonsaid.
“We’vealreadyheldanumberofmeetings and briefings with councillors and council officersandwillcontinuetodoso.
“Theproposedenergy-from-wastefacility is aligned with Hume’s waste management strategy and supports efforts to divert waste from landfill. HiQ is committed to supporting Hume’s broader sustainability targets and considers this project a key contributor to local and regional environmentaloutcomes.”
Mark Wilson with his exhibition at Dromkeen. (Damjan Janevski) 482896
Kangan signs for 50 years
Sunbury’s new TAFE is here to stay – at least for the next 50 years.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull announced that the state government has granted Kangan Institute a 50-year lease to develop and operate the new TAFE facility in Sunbury. The lease has the option to be extended for a further 50 years.
“ThisisabigwinforSunbury–securinga long-term home for TAFE means locals can build skills for great careers close to their homes,” Mr Bull said.
“We’re working closely with Kangan Institute and engaging with industry and
communities in Sunbury to deliver a TAFE that meets the skills and training needs of Victoria’s north-west.”
The location of the new TAFE was announced last year, after the state government allocated $25 million towards the campus which will be close to Sunbury’s town centre.
The campus will provide cutting-edge facilities to support practical, hands-on training across a range of skill areas.
Spowers Architects is creating detailed designs for the new TAFE. Kangan Institute and the state government will engage
closely with the campus neighbours and industry in the development of the facility.
“Our investment in TAFE is providing facilities that are built to last, ensuring Victorians can access high-quality training where it is needed most, now and into the future,” Skills and TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney said.
“This new TAFE will be a gamechanger for the people of Sunbury – creating more opportunitiesforpeopletogettheskillsthey need to without leaving their community.”
Kangan Institute is already offering courses in Sunbury through the Hume
A safe place for men to hold conversations
There’s no better place to be during Men’s Health Week than a men’s shed.
Riddells Creek Men’s Shed celebrated theannualweektogether,sharingacuppa and having important conversations.
Running from June 9 to 15, this year’s theme of ’See Your GP’ encouraged timely check-ups and preventative care, with a focus on reducing avoidable illness through early intervention.
Two thirds of Australian men put
off seeing a doctor when they notice a health issue, often trying to manage it themselves or waiting until it worsens.
Riddells Creek Men’s Shed founding member Don Clark said the shed is alwaysthereforblokeswhentheywantto have a chat, and they always encourage each other to take care of their health.
“We discuss and talk about things that we might not even talk about to our wives,” he said.
“About what’s going on with us, you know, or has anybody had this particular aliment… this is a great aspect of men’s sheds where men can open up to each other.
“We’ve probably gotten quite a few members of ours to go and get something investigated and it’s turned out to be an early intervention and maybe saved their lives or at least saved them a lot of drama going forward.”
Global learning Centre, including vocational English and certificate IV in training and assessment.
Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain said it is building futures with the new campus. “With this 50-year lease, Kangan Institute is here to stay – bringing future-focused training closer to home for Sunbury,” she said.
The Sunbury campus is expected to open in July 2028 at 7 Evans Street. For more information on Kangan Sunbury’s courses: kangan.edu.au/campus/ Sunbury
Spotlight on CFA women at awards
Women firefighters have been recognised for their contributions to the WoodendCFAduringitsannualanniversary awards dinner.
Woodend CFA celebrated its 129th anniversary recently, with four of the top six awards of the night going to women.
The Member of the Year, voted by members of the brigade management team, went to Cara Nolan.
TheCaptain’sAwardwaspresented to 2nd Lieutenant Sue Hobbs for her commitment to the brigade, her work inthemrigadeManagementteam,her service as a community safety officer andrehabteammanager,aswellasher overall 14 years of service.
Lieutenant Hobbs highlighted the high female participation in the brigade.
“Women now make up 30 per cent of the brigade’s operational membership,” she said.
“In fact, there are currently 11 womenwhoareoperationalmembers ofthebrigade,turningouttoallofour emergency calls.
“Sofarthisyearwehavebeencalled to a record number of emergencies andourtoptwoattendeestothesecall outs are women.”
Alongside Lieutenant Hobbs and Ms Nolan, multiple women hold important long-standing roles in the brigade.
“It is a very rewarding role, contributing to the safety and welfare ofourlocalandbroadercommunities,” Lieutenant Hobbs said.
Riddell’s Creek Men’s Shed members Don Clarke, Brian Bowe, Bill Hollibone, Geoff Allen, Gary McSwain , Peter Wreaarne and Frank Cassar. (Damjan Janevski) 483018
Kids proud of mum’s AM
Mt Macedon local Rebecca McGrath has been made a Member of the Order of Australia.
Ms McGrath was awarded for her significant service to business through leadership roles in compliance, audit and finance, and has built an impressive portfolio and reputation within the corporate world.
She said it was an unexpected but lovely surprise.
“I feel very honoured,” she said.
“The sort of work that I do, recognition isn’t something you get a lot of, so that’s very much appreciated to be recognised by peers as making a significant contribution to business in Australia.”
Ms McGrath said her husband and her two sons were thrilled to hear the news.
They were really proud of their mum, my boys and my husband’s very proud of me,” she said.
“They felt that it was really nice recognitionforthestuffthatIdoandIthink their reaction was greater than I thought it would be, they were thrilled.”
Ms McGrath has served on a number of boards for different companies and not-for-profits over the past 15 years, and has been recognised for her work for them.
Some of her highlights include her time serving as chair for Oz Minerals, which she served from 2017 until 2023.
“I’vechairedapubliccompanythatwasa large mining company called Oz Minerals and it took me a lot of time engaged in that as we were approached and ultimately we sold the company to BHP so that was a reallybigpartofmyboardcareer,”shesaid.
Currently, Ms McGrath serves as the director of five organisations, including Macquarie Group.
“Another way I serve businesses is I
do mentoring of CEOs and so I do some pro bono work mentoring the CEO of a not-for-profit,” she said.
“The guy who I mentor is the CEO of the Stand By You Foundation, which purpose is to reduce and prevent domestic violence so a very worthy cause, and I also do some mentoringofup-and-comingdirectorsand chairmen… so I really enjoy supporting other leaders to be the best they can.”
Ms McGrath said she has lived in Mt Macedon for the past nine years with her husband, and loves the close small-knit community feel of the town.
“We’ve got to know some really nice people who we love meeting up with,” she said.
Briefs
Students awarded scholarship
Twenty-eight Hume students are set to receive $1000 scholarships to support their education, under a council-backed program designed to recognise consistent effort and academic growth. The 2025 Youth Opportunity Scholarship was endorsed by Hume council at the latest council meeting on Tuesday, June 10, with each secondary school and TAFE across the municipality nominating one student to receive the funding. Councillor Sam Misho, who moved the recommendation, said the scholarship aligns with the council’s broader strategy to improve access to education and leadership pathways and congratulated the recipients.
Road works in Kyneton Macedon Ranges council has advised the Pipers Creek Road and Batters Lane intersection will be upgraded. Works began on June 16 and will be completed by June 30, weather permitting. The safety improvements will include installing an electronic flashing ’give way ahead’ sign and a traffic island, clearer lane lines and reflective markers to guide traffic, vegetation trimming and improved street lighting. This project is funded through the federal government’s Black Spot Program.
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Rebecca McGrath has been made a Member of the Order of Australia
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions:
Sunbury Line
11.30pm 20 June to 4am 21 June 11.30pm 21 June to 7am 22 June
Buses replace trains between North Melbourne and Sunbury
21 JunePassengers change at Footscray Station for Werribee or Williamstown line trains to and from the city
23 to 29 JuneBuses replace trains between Watergardens and Sunbury
8.30 to last train, 30 June Buses replace trains between North Melbourne and Sunshine
Road disruptions: Road, lanes and ramps closed
Calder Park Drive, Calder Park Late June to late JulyClosed at the level crossing
West Gate Freeway At times, July and AugustOutbound lanes and ramps closed
Arden Station
Hume eyes amenity blitz
By Tom Ingleton
A city-wide clean-up is on the cards in Hume as council throws its support behind a proactive blitz on waste, graffiti and unsightly public spaces.
Theproposedprogramincludesfunding for four additional city laws officers and $200,000 in extra contractor costs to ramp up graffiti removal and waste management.
It comes as an interim step toward a broader “amenity blitz” strategy aimed at improvingtheappearanceandup-keepof
entire suburbs in the municipality.
Speaking during the June 10 council meeting, councillor Naim Kurt said the blitz-style approach had delivered results in the past.
“Last year we came up with the idea of an amenity blitz proposal for different parts of the city and it’s something that our council has done before quite successfully,” Cr Kurt explained.
“We’ve done amenity blitzes with shopping trolleys, we’ve done it before with real estate signs – and this is just really taking it to the next level.”
Cr Kurt said the full-scale blitz would cost about $1.5 million, which council is not yet in a position to fund.
However, the interim version focuses on mobilising multiple department s–from the trees and parks team to city laws and waste crews –to improve entire neighbourhoods in a co-ordinated push.
“As an interim measure we have put in for additional hard waste collection, and we will be trailing this to see what difference this does make to our city,” Cr Kurt said.
“We also ran a very successful program
Mates are still kicking on after
The Woodend Masters Football Club has celebratedits10thanniversary.
Whatstartedasbarroombanterbetween Woodend dads’ Friday night drinks to start theirownclubhasturnedintoabigsuccess, with the milestone achievement for the groupcelebratedonSaturday,June14.
Founding member Daron Jacks looked back fondly to the days when the club was formed through talks at the Holgate Brewhouse.
“It’s fair to say back then some robust stories were told of our prowess – you know
‘the older I get the better I was’ beer-driven bluster,” he said. “So when another local dad Steve Crook posted on Facebook that hewasgoingtoheaddowntothelocaloval for a kick to see if there were any others interested in joining him, we did. And then eachweekmoreandmorecamedownuntil wehadover30blokesrunningaround.”
Mr Jacks said what started as a footy club became so much more, with community fundraisers and assisting junior sporting clubs.
“We’ve had amazing sponsors along the
10 years
way such as the Holgate Brewhouse and Macedon Chiropractic who have stood by ustothisday,andit’sfairtosayaftergames wegivebacktothem,”hesaid.
“However, the greatest success has been the improved physical and mental health of men in the community and the lifelong mates who would otherwise have never met.”
The club celebrated its milestone on Saturday, June 14 at the Victoria Hotel, in a daythatsawmanypastplayersandcurrent playersunitetogether.
Chemotherapy care boost at Sunbury hospital
More services are now available at the SunburyCommunityHospital.
Health minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited the hospital recently to announce the doubling of chemotherapy chairs availabletopatients.
“This is about delivering better care, closer to home – and the expanded services at Sunbury Community Hospital mean locals can access the services they need without the need to travel far,” she said.
The state government has been
upgrading the Sunbury Community Hospital to transform the former day hospitalintoamodernhealthservicewith agreaterrangeofservices.
More care options and services for localshavebeenadded,makingiteasierto accessvitaltreatmentclosertohome.
From July, the hospital will open three additional chemotherapy chairs, increase diagnosticimagingbyrecruitingmorestaff and deliver more endoscopy procedures withextradaysurgerysessionsonsite.
It builds on the existing day medical,
in Craigieburn which we were hoping to expandtootherareasaswell…I’mhopeful it does make a difference.”
CrKarenSherrysaiditwasasteptoward restoring pride in Hume’s public spaces.
“Along with the waste management response team, I believe that this interim measure which has been proposed by Cr Kurt will ensure there is more amenity and cleanliness in the municipality,” Cr Sherry said.
Council will track data from the initiative and report back in 12 months to assess its success.
Grant to help council deliver Youth Fest
A new grant is helping bring Youth FesttotheMacedonRanges.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced that Macedon Ranges Shire Council will receive a grant to design, plan and deliver an event duringYouthFestinSeptember2025.
Council will host a Live4Life Community Youth Mental Health First Aid Course, which will deliver a certifiedcourseforeducators,parents andcommunityleaders.
Participants will learn how to identifymentalhealthissuesinyoung people, offer initial support and refer themtoservices.
Theinitiativeaimstoreducestigma, increase local capacity for mental health support, and create a more proactiveandinformedcommunity.
“Congratulations to our local recipients,“MsThomassaid.
“These grants help communities put on inclusive, affordable events to make sure young people – especially in regional Victoria – have access to funandsupport,closetohome.”
Youth Fest celebrates young Victorians by funding fun, creative and inclusive events, designed and ledbyyoungpeoplethemselves.
Schools, local councils and community organisations will use funding to deliver events including artexhibitions,culturalevents,sports daysandyouthawards.
Youth Fest will run from Monday, September1untilTuesday,September 30.
surgical, chemotherapy, haemodialysis and specialist outpatient services already provided by the Sunbury Community Hospital.
“For families across our region, the upgraded Sunbury Community Hospital means better care closer to home –expanding critical oncology services to ensure Sunbury families can receive the care they need locally,” Sunbury MP Josh Bullsaid.
Theservicesdeliveredarecomplemented bythenearbySunburyUrgentCareClinic.
Woodend Masters players Cardin Ledrke, Aaron Cavric, Trent Davey and his daughter Violet (4), Daron Jacks, Nigel Marinkovic and Andy Scicluna have marked 10 years. (Damjan Janevski) 483718
Ground broken on arts hub
Construction has begun on the new SunburyCommunityArtsandCulturalPrecinct.
On Saturday, June 11, Hume mayor Jarrod Bell, alongside Sunbury councillor Kate Hamley, Hawke MP Sam Rae and SunburyMPJoshBullbrokegroundonthe newartsandculturalprecinct.
As part of the project, buildings 22 and 24 at the Sunbury Asylum site on Jackson’s Hill will be transformed into an art, community and cultural hub, which will openlaterthisyear.
The work follows an extensive community consultation process on how the iconic site would be restored for community use while also preserving its heritage.
“Jacksons Hill is significantly linked to Sunbury’s history, and it was important we honouredthisasweembarkedoncreatinga newlegacyatthissite,”CrBellsaid.
“The contributions from our community and their continued involvement on the project, from
workshops with the architects right through to being active Community Advisory Board members, speak to the passion and drive of our local arts community.”
The works will transform buildings that werecreatedtoconfinepeopleintoaplace that brings communities together through creativeexpression.
The works will include transforming the formerdininghallintoanewmultipurpose theatreandperformancespace,buildingan
Kyra reaches for the stars at space camp
A Salesian College Sunbury student has receivedanout-of-this-worldopportunity.
Year 10 student Kyra Loft-Morrow is one of four students selected nationally for a partial scholarship from the One Giant Leap Foundation to attend Space Camp in Huntsville,Alabama.
Kara, who is set to head off to Space Camp later this year, said she couldn’t be moreexcited.
“IrememberIjustcalledmynanstraight away and I called my mum and I just told
them all about it, I was just ecstatic,“ she said.
“I feel so privileged to be able to experiencesomethingasincredibleasthat, like its not every day that an Australian studentgetstogotoAlabamatoexperience spacecamp,itscrazy.”
Kyra said she found her calling within engineering and aerospace through Salesian, and credits STEAM leader Nadia Baker as instrumental in securing the opportunity.
“She ran a rocketry class which I participated in. It kind of inspired me to go for space camp and focus on that career path,”shesaid.
Kyra will travel to the US at the end of October,stoppingbytheCaliforniaScience Centre, Griffith Observatory and more, beforeheadingtoSpaceCampforfivedays.
The scholarship will cover some of her expenses, but to cover the rest, Kyra is holdingaraffletohelpraisefunds.
annexe as a front of house for the theatre, creatingagalleryspacetoexhibitartworks, converting the former workshop into a maker’s space and creating communalspacesforculturalgatheringand co-workingstudios
“Sunbury is a growing town with a vibrant, creative and engaged community, and this precinct is going to nurtureourcommunitylongintothefuture –notjustforSunbury,butforallofHume,” CrBellsaid.
The state government is making it easier for apprentices and trainees to get the support they need to succeed thanks to the new ApprenticeshipsVictoriaHelpdesk.
Skills and TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney launched the Apprentice Helpdesk,afreeservicethatprovides advice and support, including information about wages and entitlements,trainingcontracts,rights and responsibilities, and health and wellbeingatwork.
Staffed by trained apprentice case supportofficers,thehelpdeskcanalso help apprentices and trainees report serious issues such as bullying and harassment to the right regulator or authority.
The helpdesk is a two-year pilot beingdeliveredaspartofa$9million investment package to improve fairness, safety and mental health for apprentices and trainees, supporting them to complete their qualification so they cangetagreatstarttotheircareer.
This central service will make starting and completing an apprenticeship easier to navigate for almost 74,000 apprentices, as well as theiremployers.
Establishing the helpdesk is one of the initiatives being implemented by the state government in response to the recommendations from the ApprenticeshipsTaskforce.
The taskforce’s final report, released in October 2024, provides 16 recommendations to improve support, safety and fairness for apprenticesandtrainees.
The helpdesk is available 9am5pm,MondaytoFriday.
Kyra Loft-Morrow is setting off to Space Camp. (Supplied)
Social media devours hope
By Georgia Tacey
Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by eating disorders and body dissatisfaction, with social media having disastrous effects say experts.
Eatingdisorders,likeanorexia,bulimia, bingeeatingdisorder,unspecifiedfeeding or eating disorder and more affect over 1.1 million Australians, with almost two thirds being women and girls, according to the Butterfly Foundation.
On top of this, 15 per cent of women will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, and women and girls are two times more likely to experience eating disorders than men and boys.
Venessa Nadolnik, an eating disorder accredited psychologist, said there are some common signs to look out for if someoneyoucareaboutmaybestruggling with an eating disorder.
“(Look out for) changing behaviour around food, like not wanting to participate in social events like going out for a meal or attending family meal time,” she said.
“Skipping meals, reducing portion size or cutting down on certain food groups… talking a lot about food, dieting and exercise.”
She also said some individuals may present with mood swings, irritability or are quick to anger, alongside social isolation and withdrawal.
Ms Nadolnik said she has seen more and more young people struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating, and believes social media is playing a significant role.
“Unfortunately, I feel like many women
unfortunately are struggling to some degree with body image and eating,” ms Nadolnik said.
“It’squitecommonforpeople,especially when we’re looking back in the ‘90s… it was quite normal for everyone to be on diets and I think it’s still a thing, but it’s (turned into) fitness culture and wellness, so people are more obsessed with healthy, clean eating and exercising.”
Health and wellness content has found its place on social media, with curated images of thinness, “clean” eating and extreme fitness posing as health.
The Body Kind Youth Survey, an annual
report by the Butterfly Foundation that provides a nationwide snapshot of body imageamongAustralia’syouth,foundthat over half of young people reported that social media makes them feel dissatisfied with their bodies.
Seven in 10 young people also agreed that social media platforms should do more to promote positive body image, and over 75 percent of youth surveyed aged between 12 to 18 wish they were thinner.
Ms Nadolnik said getting help is possible, with your first point of call being your GP.
“I would say for parents, to just act as
soon as possible, even if they just have a concern(abouttheirchild),orsomething’s alittledifferent,thoseverysubtlewarning signs, it’s just better to go and seek help and talk to someone to verify before it could become a severe problem,” she said.
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:
Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or support@ butterfly.org.au
Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 23
For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
Venessa Nadolnik.
Lasting impressions at fascinating GVL exhibition
Step into a unique celebration of craft, creativityandcommunitythankstoGlobal Village Learning (GVL).
The Last Exhibition: Lasting Impressions transforms old wooden shoemaking tools, once used by master craftsman Emmanuel Camilleri, into stunning works of art.
Created by artists, students and locals, each piece tells a personal story of memory, identity and imagination. This exhibition honours the extraordinary legacy of Camilleri, a shoemaker whose clients ranged from European royalty to Australian jockeys.
Join the Global Village Learning community for this special event. GVL is a learner-led environment where young people develop real-world skills through hands-on projects that impact their communities.
As part of the school’s Entrepreneurship and Social Impact Hub, one GVL young person has created scent-based candles and other young people are putting together beautiful food platters for the exhibition opening.
“It’s not about shoes, it’s about story. About what we carry, and what we leave behind.”
The exhibition will be held at the Old Auction House, 52–56 Mollison Street, Kyneton, from June 26 – July 14.
It is open daily 10am–4pm. Entry is free. For more information email admin@ theoldauctionhouse.com.au.
Find out more about Global Village Learning at: https://gvl.vic.edu.au/
Students with some of the lasts that form part of the exhibition.
Winter arts
the best yet
AnotherWoodendWinterArtsFestivalhas come and gone, but artistic director and founder of the festival Jacky Ogeil won’t be forgettingthisoneanytimesoon.
Thisfestivalmarkedits20thanniversary over the King’s Birthday long weekend, and Ms Ogeil said it attracted the highest turnoutyet.
“We were really delighted that it went according to schedule and better,” she said.
“We aimed at having an international festival again with international artists whichwehaven’tdonesincethepandemic.
“All of that went fantastically, our Moroccan artists, our violinist from Vienna, our harpist from Ireland and our other violinist from Italy, they performed absolutely brilliantly and everybody loved them.”
Ms Ogeil said it was great to see the massivenumberofpeoplewhoenjoyedthe festival, and said many people attended multiple events across the weekend, somethingshehadn’twitnessedbefore.
“The artists were thrilled, they thanked us and they were on a high. They loved the audience engagement with question time and responses to their performances,” she said. “The volunteers were fantastic, they were very engaged and hardworking as wereourcontractors.”
ShethankedStAmbrosePrimarySchool for the use of its facilities as well as the pop-upcafeinthestaffroom.
Thecharityisalwayslookingfordonations andnewvolunteers.Moreinformationcan be found at woodendwinterartsfestival. org.au/
“Here’s to the next 20 years,” Ms Ogeil said.
Early Learning Victoria Enrolments now open for 2026
Early
•
•
• Our centres are welcoming, inclusive and are a part of the
• Many centres also provide additional support services, like maternal and child health, allied health, and playgroups.
Top: Some of the musicians who performed at the festival. Above: Woodend Winter Arts Festival drew huge crowds. (Pictures: Supplied)
Two of the panelists.
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 Lions Club
The Sunbury Lions Club will be hosting an information session on Sunday, June 22 at the Sunbury Social Club 2-4pm. Anyone interested in finding out about Lions and the revitalisation of the Sunbury Lions Club is welcome to attend.
Gerry Monaghan, 0417 797 727, or sunbury@lions201v1-4.org.au
Family history
The Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society continues to meet at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of the month in room five, first floor at the Sunbury Global Learning Centre, Macedon Street. The next meeting is on Thursday, June 19. At each meeting a speaker is invited to talk on a chosen aspect of historical or genealogical interest. Members are also encouraged to talk about their experiences when doing research. Everyone is welcome.
home.vicnet.net.au/~sunburydha1989/ or sunburydha1978@hotmail.com
Gisborne Uniting Church
After a six-year break, The Melbournaires
Harmony Chorus returns to perform at the Gisborne Uniting Church on June 22 at 2pm. Formed in 1991, this all-male chorus ranks amongst the top choruses nationally. Cost is $25 adults and $20 concession/ student, and tickets are available at the door. Afternoon tea will be served following the concert.
Maree, 0423 051 318
Secrets
Four One Act Plays, all linked thematically, to be presented by Cathouse Players at the Kyneton Masonic Centre, 7-9 Yaldwyn Street West for a strictly limited season of four matinees only on June 21, 22, 28 and 29, at 2pm sharp. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Tickets still $25/$20 include sherries, programs and ‘High Tea with Bubbles’ at interval. Companion card is welcome.
0494 166 257 for enquiries, tickets at trybooking.com/DAFXG
Messy Play in Sunbury
Join in the Messy Play fun with this toddler-focused program, including messy and sensory child-led play. The program will run from 10-11.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays and are available to book now for term 2 for an 11-week term.
www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978
Young Voices of Macedon
A community choir for children of the Macedon Ranges and beyond, Young Voices of Macedon rehearses at the House of the Rock, 247 Station Road, New Gisborne. The choir has separate programs for young children aged five to eight and older children. Rehearsals assist children in developing vocal technique, part singing skills, and general musicianship, across popular, classical, folk and music theatre styles. Rehearsals run on Thursdays, from 4.15pm, with afternoon tea and play time.
yvmacedon.org.au
Hume Men’s Shed
The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.
sunburymensshed.com, or 0438 677 425
Macedon Ranges Photographic Society
Are you into photography, just starting out, or a fully fledged professional? The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society
is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Come along to a meeting on the first and second Monday of the month. Doors open at 7pm and the meeting starts at 7.30pm at Jubilee Hall, 52 Smith Street, Macedon.
www.macedon-ranges-photography.org. au, or info@macedon-ranges-photography. org.au
Insync Entertainment
Insync Entertainment is an all-female community choir, providing the opportunity to meet others who enjoy singing. The group is seeking new members to join the friendly choir. No auditions required. They rehearse at the Sunbury Baptist Church Hall every Monday from 7.15-9.30pm.
insyncentertainment@gmail.com
North Western District Pipe Band
The newly formed North Western District Pipe Band meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Diggers Rest Bowls Club. It is seeking experienced pipers and drummers to join the band and is also offering tuition for learners of all ages.
Hank, 0412 160 576, nwd.pipeband@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/NorthWesternDistrictPi peBand?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Toastmasters
Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm,
at the Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.
vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org
Sunbury Seniors
Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 10am–3pm. The club is temporarily located at 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury while construction on a new venue is underway. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat.
0434 400 754
One Voice Sunbury
The WOV Sunbury community choir is changing the world one voice at a time by providing an opportunity for people to meet and experience the joy of singing, often making friends through the shared experiences of singing and performing; although performing is not required.
One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday, from 6.30pm, at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome – just join in on the fun.
sunbury@withonevoice.org.au
Pernaperna Women’s Group
The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday, from 1-3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury
Neighbourhood House. New members warmly welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat, the group would love to meet you.
Joan, 0418 302 676
Jacksons Creek Combined Probus
The club meets on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am. This friendly group of men and women enjoy outings and meetings each month and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed
Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006
Craft and conversation
Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.
bit.ly/39BIu2O
Chill Out Sunbury
Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.
bit.ly/3lmVgVhv
CWA Woodend Eves
The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Golf Club. All women are welcome. cwawoodendeves@gmail.com
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Venkat Ram Upparlapalle, who is raising money for Vinnies by doing a winter sleep out. (Damjan Janevski) 483074_02
Art joins the conversation
Gendered concepts of mastery in art and the internet are two themes explored in MooraboolwriterandGuardiancolumnist VanBadham’snewvisualartexhibition.
Opened on Thursday, June 11 and runninguntilJune26attheQueenVictoria Women’s Centre, Badham is partnering withherartistmentorLaurenMcCartney–once an undergraduate student of hers – to presentGirlMasters.
Badham said that the exhibition is an “intergenerational feminist conversation,” between herself and McCartney, and her ownfigurativeworkstakeinspirationfrom twothings–theinternet,andthepractices of Dutch Masters across portraiture and stilllifepainting.
“I have collections of works that depict me and things said about me in various contextsontheinternet,inordertotryand reclaimmasteryofmyownstory,”Badham said.
“Asajournalist,whoisalsoawomanwho is an opinion writer – you can imagine I’m harassed constantly and have been since I started writing for The Guardian in 2013 … a narrative that positions me as some evil kindoffolkvillainhasbeencreatedaround mypersona–overwhelminglybymen,”she said.
In relation to this theme, just one selectionofBadham’sworksincludeselfies thathavebeenturnedintoelectionposters – inspired by those used by Moorabool
council candidates in the recent local government election – featuring slogans and descriptions that have been used againstherontheinternet.
Badham said McCartney’s watercolour work is “quite extraordinary in that it explores colour and tone and form, and requires absolute mastery of her painting practice,” yet the “very nature of those works are diminished by … old assumptions about what a male artist can doandwhatfemaleartistscan’t.”
Her works use unpredictable chaos and challengetraditionalideasaroundabstract paintingandgender.
Details: qvwc.org.au/happening-events/ girl-masters-badhammccartney
A hauntingly good theatre performance
The Boilerhouse Theatre Company is gearingupforanothershow.
The group will be performing Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe, a play adapted by screenwriter Eric Coble and directed by JessRyan.
The show, focused on Edgar Allan Poe and his most iconic works, finds Eagar trying to prove to himself, and the audience, that he’s not mad, in a haunting andhighlytheatricalstagingoftheworkof thegreatauthor.
The show will be starring four local talents, Glen Armistead, Ryan Edmends,
NickLintonandJoRains.
Glen has been involved in theatre locally for quite some time, described as being “trained amidst stone walls and candlelightattheBoilerhouse”.
Nick is a primary school teacher who has enjoyed performing in the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges for the past 15 years, performing in a variety of musicals, plays, cabarets and original works. The company said he is very excited to join the Boilerhouse talents, and hopes he won’t butcheranywell-knownpoetry.
Jo has been involved in theatre in
Sunbury since she was young, both on and off the stage, from performer to director. Thoughinrecentyearsshe’sfoundherspot in directing and stage management, for Nightfallsheseesherselfcomingbackinto thelimelightforthisspecialperformance.
Ryan currently serves as vice-president of the Boilerhouse Theatre Company, and is ready to take a spot back on the stage. After a decade of directing some of the company’s finest shows, he’s excited to treadtheboardshimselfonceagain.
Tickets: trybooking.com/events/ landing/1397710
Jonathan Butler to teach tracing lost histories
Those with a love of history, and especially the researching and writing of it, are in for a treat on June 19 when Hobsons Bay Libraries hosts acclaimed author Jonathan Butler for a presentation and workshop on tracinglosthistories.
It’s a topic Butler is well versed in given it formed basis of his award winning 2022 debut, ‘The Boy in the Dress’ which investigatedthe1944murderofhisrelative, WarwickMeale,inTownsville.
A young soldier based in Townsville duringWWII,Meale’ssexualitywasknown to have raised suspicions among local police, suspicions that were noticeably absent when he was later found murdered and police were responsible for finding his killer.
In fact, neither the police nor the army conducted a proper investigation into Meale’s death and his murder remained
unsolved for nearly 80 years until his descendent,Butler,dustedoffthecase.
In investigating Meale’s death, Butler also uncovered secrets about life on the
Tapestry of culture returns
Comealongandhelpstitchthenext chapter of Wyndham’s ‘Tapestry of Culture.’
Taking place at the Saltwater Community Centre on Saturday, July 12, guests will learn how to make amazing art with the help of anexpert.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll beguidedbytextileartistPhongChi Lai Studio to explore the expressive world of improvisational hand stitching.
Phong Chi Lai is a Melbourne-based textile artist, makeranddesignerwhospecialises in contemporary quilts and soft sculptures through improv patchwork.
Previously a shoe designer and maker, he took the opportunity to work in textile-based social enterprises in Asia, reinforcing his artisanethos.
Taking inspiration from these experiences, he developed his textile practice upon returning to Australiain2018.
Using upcycled and deadstock fabrics and natural dyes, he prioritisessocialandenvironmental careinhispractice.
He also takes a considered and intuitive approach, responding to materials and his surroundings, applying the traditional techniques of hand-quilting, assemblage and patchworkwithanovertlyfreehand approach.
Working with remnant and repurposed fabrics, you will learn the basics of quilting without the needforrulesorrulers.
home front, including state-sponsored homophobia,rampantviolence,substance abuse,liesandcorruption.
In his workshop, Butler will explain how he did this and how to go about tracing the stories of other marginalised or erased figuresfromthepastsuchashomosexuals, refugees, convicts, Indigenous peoples, adopted children and children born to unmarriedparents.
TheworkshopwillbeheldattheNewport Mechanics Hall inside the Newport CommunityHub,from1-4pmonThursday, June19.
Entry is free but bookings are required and participants are advised to bring a laptopornotebook.
Bookings: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/tracing-lost-historieswith-jonathan-butler-tickets1363684831039?aff=oddtdtcreator
Inspired by the traditional log cabin quilt block, everyone will hand craft a unique textile composition and be able to pour their personal expression into the piece.
From there, the group will dive into simple yet beautiful hand embroiderytechniquestoembellish your patchwork with thoughtful details.
Along the way, ideas around upcycling, visible mending, and textile care will be touched on to encourage a sustainable and creativemindset.
By the end of the session, participants will take home a hand-stitchedimprovquiltblock. Thepriceofentryis$15anditisan adultsonlyevent.
Moorabool writer and artist Van Badham is hosting an exhibition titled Girl Masters. (Supplied)
Cast members at a recent dress rehearsal. (Supplied)
Acclaimed author Jonathan Butler will teach a workshop on tracing lost histories at Newport Mechanics Hall on June 19. (Supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which two ice hockey teams are playing off in the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals?
2. Which Belarusian player did Coco Gauff defeat to win the 2025 French Open women's singles title?
3. Which team did Portugal defeat to win the 2025 UEFA Nations League final via penalty shootout?
4. Australian swimmer Summer McIntosh recently broke the women's freestyle world record over what distance?
5. Which Italian player did Carlos Alcaraz defeat to win the 2025 French Open men's singles title?
6. Which Twenty20 cricket team did Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeat to win the 2025 IPL final?
Which former Packers and Jets quarterback is set to wear No.8 for the Steelers during the 2025 NFL season?
8. Tom Thibodeau last coached which NBA team?
9. The Broncos' uniform for their Round 14 NRL match versus the Titans was predominantly what colour?
Boomer is the panther-costumed mascot for which NBA team?
Name the newly appointed head coach of the Matildas.
12. The namesake of the French Open, was Roland Garros a French military general, fighter pilot or combat medic?
13. Of the 116 French Open matches Rafael Nadal played in his career, how many did he win?
14. An ACL tear in their Round 12 match against Richmond appears to have signalled the end of which Greater Western Sydney veteran’s career?
15. Which Australian comedian appears in a recent Nintendo advertisement alongside AFL stars Patrick Cripps and Marcus Bontempelli?
16. Are more NHL teams based in Canada or the US?
17. Felix Baumgartner is best known for which historic sporting feat?
18. After the marathon, what is the second longest distance running race in the Summer Olympic Games?
19. How many extra minutes are played if an NRL game goes to golden point?
20. With a total of seven, which NRL player has scored the most golden point game-winners?
21. What is the name of the NBL documentary that recently premiered on Disney+?
22. Which football club did Ben Keays begin his career with?
23. In wrestling terms, what does MITB stand for?
24. What is the name of Boston’s MLS team?
25. Alyssa Healy dressed up as which iconic fictional Australia character for Big Freeze 11?
26. What kind of ball becomes the main character’s best friend in the film CastAway?
27. How many games did David Beckham play for England?
28. And how many goals did he kick?
29. Which sport does Clark Kent play in Smallville?
30. What is Collingwood forward Bobby Hill’s real first name?
Carlos Alcaraz
Coco Gauff
To
once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Squirm (7)
5 Progress (7)
9 Provider of information (9)
10 Pliant (5)
11 Resulted from (6)
12 Aircraft pilots (8)
14 Say or do again (6)
15 Intend (4)
19 Electrical unit (4)
20 Vigour (6)
24 Income streams (8)
25 Motorcycle brand (6)
27 Passenger ship (5)
28 Accept reluctantly (9)
29 Noisy dispute (7)
30 Reprieve (7)
1 Composes (6)
2 Brew; steep (6)
3 Accumulated (8)
4 Web auction site (4)
5 Exercises (10)
6 Country houses (6)
7 Gas that makes up 78 per cent of the Earth’s atmosphere (8)
8 Evening prayer (8)
13 Grow worse (10)
16 Flood (8)
17 European country (8)
18 Relating to cultivated land (8)
21 As snug as a bug – – – (2,1,3)
22 US state (6)
23 Just (6)
26 Prefix meaning water (4)
1 What was the first bridge to be built across the River Thames in London?
2 Pachinko is a popular form of gambling in which country?
3 What type of animal is a Bastard Trumpeter?
4 Hank Azaria (pictured) supplies the voices for many of the characters in which US animated series?
5 The Treaty of Paris in 1856 ended which war?
6 Where does a croupier work?
7 Which classic musical features the character Officer Krupke?
8 True or false: the leek is a national emblem of Wales?
9 Do stingrays give birth to eggs or live offspring?
10 In which Australian state is the Pyrenees Wine Region located?
New HS is a step up for MG
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
The MG HS has a new spring in its step, in the process, leaving its somewhat lumpen predecessor, first seen Down Under in 2019, well and truly behind.
How does it stack up? Without a stint behind the wheel of the superseded model I can only assume ‘okay’.
For example, the top-specification Essence, while now carrying a $7000 excess on the price of the previous model, has had an extensive restyle on the outside and boasts more kit under the skin.
The latter includes more cabin space for occupants, at the same time being assured by the cutting-edge safety suite MG Pilot (more of that later); MG iSmart, remotely operating key functions from a smartphone; and last but not least, Australia’s leading 10-year manufacturer’s vehicle warranty, plus roadside assist over a similar period.
Prices start at a midstream $33,990 for the entry-level MG HS Vibe, then comes the MG HS Excite at $36,990 and finally the MG HS Essence at $40,990. All prices are driveaway. My test took place in the range-topping Essence.
Styling Longer and wider than before and with extended wheelbase, the 2025 mid-size SUV speaks the new MG design language in keeping with the brand’s latest MG 3, MG 4 and MG ZS models. Standard looks for this segment.
The 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels not only look good, appear to have been made to measure for this car, keeping the vehicle in touch with the road no matter how the car is driven.
Interior
Withextendedwheelbase,thecabinmakes space for ample leg and headroom and leads to a generous boot capacity, from
507 litres with the rear seatbacks up, to 1484 litres with them folded. Tailgate is conveniently a powered version.
Entry to the rear seats is good thanks to wide opening doors and there’s room for threeacross,themiddlespotflatandnotas comfy as the outer positions.
Surroundings are decidedly more premium than the selling price would suggest. Seats are clothed in leather-like materialthatissoftandcomfortable,while the square-style leather bound steering wheel is touch friendly.
The driver’s seat has power adjustment and similar lumbar support. Surrounding surfaces are soft, or look soft, while the sturdy gear lever has a leather finish. Storage is solid, with cupholders, bottle cups in the door and cubby in the centre console.Herecanbefoundachargingpad.
Infotainment
While the Essence sports a 12.3-inch touchscreen with access to wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Satellite navigation is native as are Bluetooth and AM/FM and DAB digital radio.
While the screen has clear displays, the software is not the swiftest and controlling some of the systems via separate shortcut buttons, control of some systems requires more than a single tap on the screen.
The front seat passenger is left with no meansofadjustingtheeight-speakeraudio volumeandmustrelyonacompliantdriver to do so via a steering wheel mounted switch.
The MG iSmart system is worth a mention, with its ability to seek out a ‘missing’ car in a parking spot. Horn and lights can be activated at a mere tap. Then remotelysettheMG’sair-contocoolbefore getting in (or seat heating in winter).
Engines/transmissions
Under the bonnet there’s a revised 1.5-litre four-cylinderturbochargedengineputting
out more power (125kW) and torque (275Nm), mated with a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission designed to improve low-speed operation.
Safety
A five-star ANCAP safety rating, plus seven airbags is just a start, with MG Pilot intelligent safety systems which automatically intervene when occupant safetyisthreatened.Theseincludeforward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keepassistandautonomouscruisecontrol. More help is supplied by blind spot
detection,rearcrosstrafficalert,trafficjam assist, driver monitor, plus the curiously titled unsteady driver warning.
Driving
It’saquiet,refineddrivingexperiencefrom the MG HS Essence with gear changes hardly noticeable, even when dropping down a gear under load.
Sport mode has individual gears held longer, with the accompanied engine rev-up without more action on the street. Efficient cabin insulation cuts out the majority of engine and road noise.
It’s a different story with safety functions in the infotainment screen overbearing and the driver attention monitor most annoying. The 12.3-inch driver’s digital instrument display is effective most of the time but sections can be obscured at times by the steering wheel.
Speed limit signs caused a problem for the MG, with lower limits being shown on passing motorway on-and-off ramps. The niggling overspeed beep was manually turned off but reactivated after starting up again.
Welcome assistance came from front parkingsensorsandsurroundviewcamera with transparent chassis.
Fuel consumption on the combined urban/highway cycle is claimed by the maker to be 9 litres per 100 kilometres, while the test vehicle came up with 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres in built-up areas and 5 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway. Premium unleaded is the recommended petrol.
Towing is set at 1500kg with a braked trailer and 750kg with unbraked.
Summary
Totting up the heap of useful and safety-oriented equipment eased into this mid-size SUV by the maker MG, it’s not hard to justify the hefty price rise, especially in the range-topping Essence.
It’s a quiet, refined driving experience from the MG HS Essence. (Picture: Supplied)
It might have been chilly in terms of temperature but the action was heating up on the fields and courts on Saturday. Star
Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Cool winter competition
Gisborne-Kyneton United’s Shannon White. 484130_03
Gisborne-Kyneton United’s Stephanie Brancatisano tackles Sunbury Lions’ Nikki Waldron. 484130_19
Gisborne-Kyneton United’s Ayesha Nicholson. 484130_10
Melton’s Dillon Manning. 484129_14 Gisborne’s Bradley Bernacki. 484133_21
Gisborne’s Elijah Bretherton. 484133_07
Woodend-Hesket’s Akira McCormack. 484136_19
Melton South’s Jessica Watkins. 484136_01
Gisborne’s Kirby Elliott. 484134_13
Gisborne’s Torie Skrijel. 484134_03
Melton’s Liam Allison. 484129_01
Sunbury United seeking consistency in second half
By Tara Murray SunburyUnitedishopingtomakeLangama
Parkawinningplaygroundinthebackhalf
of the FV state league 3 north-west season.
Sunbury’s home ground had been an unhappyhuntinggroundinthefirsthalfof the season with just one win at home.
That inconsistency has seen some mixed results for Sunbury after having played everyone once.
Sunbury was sitting fourth at the bye weekend.
Coach Jason Hayne said consistency had beentheirbiggestissueearlyintheseason.
“Ithasbeengood,”hesaid.“Thefirsthalf of the season is done and dusted and we’re in fourth.
“We’ve won every game on the road, but we have struggled at home and we have to become better on the bigger pitch.
“That is what we are trying to do. Put all the pieces together and get the exact
same game style at home and have that consistency.”
Hayne said they were playing really well one week and then not so much the next when they’ve had a bit of a drop off.
“I’m not sure if it’s a mental game,” he said. “It’s something we have to be better at.”
Haynesaidtheyhadshownsomesignsof improvement after some big losses earlier in the season.
They had been conceding three, sometimes four goals in games.
“We had been in the negative [goal difference] pretty much from the start,” he said.
“We’ve become more consistent.
“We’ve been scoring more consistently and our defence has been a lot better as a team structure and defensive unit.
“Our backline has been playing well and our midfield has been more defensively sound.
“The second half of the first round of
matches has been a lot better.”
Haynesaidtheyhadaddedanewsigning into the midfield which they were hoping was going to help as well.
Hayne said the bye came at a good time for his side.
Sunbury enters the second round of matches against teams, six points off second place.
Hayne said the focus for them is to continue to stick to their standards.
“We want to play our game style and everything we stand for at Sunbury,” he said.
“We have our eye on the prize and week by week we have to be more consistent across the board.
“We have not played against a team that has outplayed us and I’m worried about going into the second half.”
Sunbury has a big clash on Saturday against Laverton in round 12.
Warriors net a win
By Tara Murray
TheWesternWarriorsproducedoneoftheir strongest performances of the Victorian NetballLeagueseasontogettheirfifthwin of the season on Wednesday night.
Comingoffaheartbreakinglosstheweek before, the Warriors came out strongly and led by six goals at quarter time.
Theywereabletostayinfrontandgotthe margin out to as much as 10.
With the game in control, the Warriors threw things around in the last and rested players which allowed the margin to come back in.
They were able to do enough to finish with a 62-58 win.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey was pretty happy with the result.
“It got out to 10 at one stage I think, but then we made some moves and got some different combinations on,” she said.
“Some girls that haven’t played much we got them on the court. We were really pleased.
“We haven’t had that luxury and we really prepared well for this game.”
BaileysaidtheLightninghadoneoftheir strongest line ups in for the season and it was going to be a good test for them.
She said she was impressed with the composure of her side.
“Stuck to the game plan,” she said. “We match up quite well against them.
“The last few weeks we’ve actually played some good netball. Last week even though we lost, it was by a goal to a quality team.”
Bailey said the next step is not letting sides back into the game when they take players off.
Both Warriors goal shooters Kim Borger and Rebecca Hicks were battling illness making their performances even better.
“To do what they did tonight [Wednesday],” she said.
“IthinkBecmissedonegoalforthegame which was extraordinary.
“The movement that she has is amazing. Forquiteatall,solidgirlshecanjustmove. We’ve seen her develop and flourish as a player.
“That’s why you coach. You coach to see those girls develop and how they can grow and she’s really grown this year.
“I’ve got her for two games each week, it has been really pleasing.”
Eliza Gollant continues to impress in her return from injury in defence. Bailey said thatextraheightindefencehadbeenreally helpful.
Bailey said Jasmine Fraser also had a really good game in defence.
The Warriors sit in seventh spot, six points outside the top six and finals. In the 23 and unders, Bailey said they had a really good first quarter against a quality team with the scoreline reflecting onwherethetwoteamswereontheladder.
Interleague squad named
Gisborne captain Jack Reaper headlines six Bulldogs players named in the Bendigo Football League interleaguesquad.
Reaper captained the Bendigo side last season in its nail-biting result against the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier B to division 3 side, with the VAFA side winningby13points.
Bendigo coach Simon Rosa has named a 41 man training squad for the upcoming clash with the VAFA on July13attheQEO.
Joining Reaper in the squad is his BulldogsteammatesHarryLuxmoore, Shane Clough, Zac Vescovi, Dylan JohnstoneandMatthewMerrett.
Headlining the squad is 2024 Michelsen Medallist and Sandhurst co-coach Lachlan Tardrew who is joined by teammate and reigning Ron BestMedalwinnerFergusGreene.
Tardrew isn’t the only Senior coach in the squad with Castlemaine coach, Michael Hartley, Eaglehawk co-coach Clayton Holmes and South Bendigo co-coach, Jack Fallon also making the trainingsquad.
The training squad features 13 players who represented the BFNL in lastyear’sloss.
South Bendigo lead the way with nine players while Sandhurst (seven), Eaglehawk (six) and Gisborne (six) also have a strong presence in the trainingsquad.
Rosa said they were really pleased with the depth and quality across the boardinthis41-playersquad.
“It’sagreatmixofprovenperformers and emerging talent from all BFNL clubs, and we’re excited to see how they come together in the training environment,”hesaid.
“It’s a terrific opportunity for these players to represent the BFNL and test themselves at a higher level. Interleague footy brings the best out of the best, and I know the group will embracethechallenge.
The training squad will be narrowedtoa23-playerteamplustwo emergencies during the week of the match.
TheWarriorsfacetheCaseyDemonsthis week.
They will be without Fraser and Simona Di Filippo who are competing in the Super Netball Reserves finals series with the ACT and Northern Territory respectively.
The Bendigo league has also announced a reduced 39-man under-19ssquad.
Gisborne’s Campbell Johns, James Gray, Lachlan Evans and Will Elliot havebeennamedinthatsquad.
Nathaniel Fox. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 466967_05
Jasmine Fraser. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)
Bulldogs mark special occasion with a win full of pride
Gisborne-Kyneton United came out winners on a special day for the club in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition.
The Bulldogs played their annual pride round match on Saturday, taking on the Sunbury Lions under lights.
In the lead up to the game, Gisborne heard from Hawthorn captain Tilly Lucas-Rodd on the importance of pride round and the ongoing need for each and every one to become leaders for inclusivity and diversity in our community.
Lucas-Rodd spoke about their journey in football and in life, providing insight into the unique barriers to participation faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
Onthefield,theBulldogscontinuedtheir unbeaten streak as they beat the Lions on Saturday.
Wearing their pride round jumper, the Bulldogs jumped out of the blocks and led 22-0 at quarter time.
The margin continued to grow each quarterastheywentontowin,10.9(69)-1.1 (7) to put another convincing win on the board.
Alexia Todorovic continued her good form in front of goal for the Bulldogs, kicking four goals. She sits second on the goal kicking, just two behind Taylors Lakes’ Charlie Goodwin.
Ayesha Nicholson, Alicia Chadwick and LucyLeniuswerenamedtheBulldogsbest.
For the Lions, Ruby Burnside, Kimberley DeebleandTaylahBradywerenamedtheir best.
The Bulldogs now sit two games clear on top of the ladder, while the Lions sit in fifth spot a game outside the top four.
Elsewhere, the Sunbury Kangaroos got theirbestwinoftheseasonastheyknocked off Taylors Lakes.
It was Taylors Lakes that started the betterofthetwosides,kickingtheonlytwo goals of the first quarter.
The Kangaroos reduced the margin to two points at half time before kicking two goals in each of the last two quarters to win, 6.3 (39)-2.2 (14).
Taylors Lakes was kept goal less after quarter time.
Courtney Snedden kicked two goals for the Kangaroos and was named her side’s best along with Tylah Bell and Holli Cecchini.
The Kangaroos remain in third spot, but are now just a game behind Taylors Lakes in second.
Meanwhile, East Sunbury produced its second highest score ever in its loss to Roxburgh Park.
It was an inaccurate Magpies side which should have had a much bigger win but the Thunder showed some positive signs.
The Thunder kicked multiple goals for just the second time in two seasons in the 7.22 (64)-3.2 (20) win.
The Lions fire early
By Tara Murray
There was no post bye rust for the Sunbury LionsastheystunnedBacchusMarshearly in their Ballarat Football League clash on Saturday.
After a loss two weeks ago to reigning premiers Melton, the Lions had a couple of weeks to stew on the result.
Expecting a hard slog heading into Saturday’s clash with the Cobras, coach Matthew White couldn’t have asked for much more in the first quarter.
The Lions jumped out of the blocks with eight goals in the first quarter to lead by 40 points at quarter time.
That set up the win with a much closer battle for the rest of the match, with the Lions winning 15.8 (98)-9.5 (59).
White was pretty ecstatic with the win.
“It was a nice way to return after the bye,”hesaid.“Thewaywestartedthegame with eight goals in the first quarter into the breeze set us up for the win.
“We were able to settle and get the score on the board.”
Whitesaidafterquartertimeitwasmore ofabattlewithplentyofcontestedballand nothing coming easy.
He said that was what they had expected coming into the game.
“Bacchus Marsh are travelling well even if they’re not going as well as they would like at home,” he said.
“We know at some stage they are going to click and they’ve got some star players. After a bye we thought it would be a dirty game and it turned dirty and into an arm wrestle after the first quarter.”
White said they had a number of contributors across the board which was really pleasing.
JoshGuthrieandDanielJohnstonkicked three goals each.
White said Guthrie was really good in the middle along with Jake Egan while Johnston was on track for a big day early. The Lions had eight goal scorers despite being without leading goal kicker Jake Sutton who was called up to play in the Victorian Football League with Essendon.
“Wewereabletomanipulatetheforward line,” White said. “Jake is an important cog but we were still able to kick 15 goals.
“Having a number of guys kicking two or three goals each makes it more difficult for the opposition and makes it harder to defend.”
Whitewasalsoimpressedwiththegames of Nathan Wood and Tyson Lever down back, while the move of Jordie Tentonello to the wing gave him a new lease on life. The challenges continue for the third
placed Lions this week, who take on ladder leaders Darley.
The Devils are one of only two teams to beat the Lions this season.
White said they were looking forward to this one.
“There’s a rivalry there,” he said. “We
Bendigo NL out of championships
The Bendigo Football Netball League made the call not to field an open side in the 2025 Netball Victoria Association Championships to be played at Parkville.
The league said in a statement that the difficult decision follows a recently enforced Netball Victoria rule that restricts the involvement of individuals aligned with a Victorian Netball League club.
“GiventhenumberofBFNLplayers connected with VNL programs, the rule has significantly impacted the league’s ability to form a competitive Open team for the 2025 Association Championships,” the league said.
“Despite holding the association championships in high regard as a netball tournament, having the quantity and quality of players ineligible for selection has unfortunatelyresultedinthedifficult decision to withdraw from the tournament.
“The BFNL prides itself on having high caliber netballers, and we love seeing them compete on the big stage of VNL. We wish our players competing at VNL level, the best of luck for the remainder of the 2025 season.”
The Bendigo team last won the open competition in 2022.
The league thanked head coach, Gisborne’s Tarryn Rymer and assistant coach Steph Freemantle, for their leadership and commitment during the preparation phase.
“Both coaches played a significant role in engaging potential players in the early stages and despite this decision, their dedication to the programhasnotgoneunrecognised.”
The league’s 17 and under representative team was in action on Sunday in the Northern Netball Victoria Association Championships in Bendigo, with the winning side gaining a spot in the Netball Victoria Association Championships finals.
are not that team yet and want to be like Melton, East Point and Darley that are top two-three teams every year.
“Theyareateamwehavetobeat.We’reat ourhomedeckandafterthewayweplayed on the weekend we are looking forward to it.”
Tarryn Rymer. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 484134_04
Gisborne’s Stephanie Brancatisano. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 484130_16
Jordie Tentonello. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 481368_12
Jesse Sheppard makes history at Woodend-Hesket
Jesse Sheppard made history on Saturday as he became the first person to play 300 games for Woodend-Hesket.
As Sheppard took to the field in the reserves match, he achieved something no otherplayerhaddonesincetheacclamation of the Woodend and Hesket clubs in 1978.
Sheppard said he didn’t even realise he was making history until the club posted it on social media in the lead up to the game.
“It feels good,” he said. “It seems pretty easy to play 300 games at Woodend,” he said. “It’s a massive honour.
“I love the club and it’s somewhere I’ve been since I was 15. I just keep turning up.”
Sheppard played his junior football at
Woodend before stepping into under-18s in 2005 and senior football followed.
He was under-18 captain in 2007 before beingseniorcaptainbetween2011and2015.
Sheppard is a life member at the club with the club’s social media describing himasloyal,fearlessandarespectedHawk through and through.
Sheppard said he wouldn’t have gone anywhere else to play football with him being a local.
“I love playing with mates,” he said.
“We’ve had a few lean years, but playing with my mates is what I enjoy.
“I bring my family down there and my kids love it. My wife wishes I would give it
away but I keep going down there.”
Sheppardsaidbeingpartoftheunder-18s premiership was pretty special moment on the field.
There hasn’t been a lot of success at the club in Sheppard’s time.
He said captaining the senior side was a massive honour. He played about 220 senior games, including playing 156 in a row at one stage.
“Ijustgotluckywithgeneticsandhaven’t had any soft tissue injuries.”
Sheppard returned to the side on Saturdayforhisfirstmatchsinceroundsix.
Sheppard kicked two goals in the loss to Melton South/
Hawks’ big day out
By Tara Murray
Woodend-Hesket christened its new netball courts in the best possible manner with the big win against Melton South on Saturday in the Riddell District Netball League.
After years of having netball facilities that weren’t the best, the hard work to construct new courts down near the club rooms has been completed.
Hawks coach Ty Coppinger said it was a really big day for the club on Saturday as they opened the courts.
“They are so amazing,” she said. “The work Kel [Kellie Duff] and everyone has done to get them open and there for us, is absolutely amazing.
“The courts themselves and the facilities that we do have are second to none, to be down and part of the action has bought everything together.
“It was a really good atmosphere and we could celebrate the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes the last few years.
“Everyone was really excited to get out there and play on the courts.”
On court, the Hawks continued their strong
form that they’ve shown this season, They jumped out of the blocks early and kept building throughout on the way to a 91-19 win.
Coppinger said they didn’t expect a scoreline like that.
“I think we still just took each quarter as it came and tried to make sure that we stuck to what we wanted to do, rather than coming complacent,” she said.
“We weren’t too focused on the score then as it kind of got bigger you look and go, wow 91 is quite big.
“It was more about processes and what we could do, then necessarily the score. The score was a nice reward in the end.”
Natalie McDonald scored 35 goals for the Hawks, as Rebecca Hicks scored 30.
Akira McCormack in her Hawks debut scored 22 goals.
Coppinger said the Victorian Netball League player would be part of their side for the rest of the season.
“Akira came out and her first game for us and we’re super excited to have her part of the team,” she said.
“Weareveryluckywehavealotofversatility and she has been a really good addition to the
He dropped back to playing in the reserves in 2022 and it’s something he enjoyed.
“I’ve enjoyed it just as much, if not more,” he said. “It’s without the pressure.”
Sheppardsaidthiswaslikelyhislastyear of playing as his body doesn’t recover as well as it used to.
While he may not continue playing, Sheppard said he would still be around the club all the time. Speaking before the match, Sheppard said he hoped the club didn’t have too big a celebration planned.
“We’ll see what happens.”
VBL
team so far and excited to have her.”
Coppinger said it was nice to have some younger players including McCormack take on a lot of the load in the second half.
“We had Ange [Angelique Doherty] came up from 19s, so we had quite a young side out there by the end of yesterday [Saturday]
“The whole second half we were quite young and it was really exciting to see, and exciting for the club to have some girls who have come through juniors and some locals could be out thereandplayingA-gradeandgetawinlikethat.”
The Hawks sit on top of the ladder with eight wins from as many games.
Coppinger said they don’t take anyone lightly and take it week as it comes.
She said they want to build on the first part of the season in the back half of the season.
“I don’t really focus on the wins and losses, it’s a great start,” she said. “But anything can happen.
“To keep building and keep building those connections and fine tuning what we want to do and how we want to do it will be our focus moving into the back half of the season, that is for sure.”
Other winners on Saturday were Romsey, Wallan, Riddell and Macedon.
Tara Murray
Club Sunbury eXtreme has announced its side for the next Victorian Bowls League competition. Bryce Young, Curtis Hanley, Mark Armstrong, Brad Janner, Marc Bullows and Sophie Kurzman will represent eXtreme at the competition which runs in August.
Ballarat NL
The Sunbury Lions continued their winning streak in the Ballarat Netball League on Saturday. Facing Bacchus Marsh, the Lions led by eight goals at quarter time and were able to build momentum through the game on the way to a 67-43 win. Rebecca Hicks shot 59 goals for the Lions. After nine rounds, the Lions sit a game and half clear on top.
RDFL
Kyneton got an important win against Romsey in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday. The two finals contenders played a close game with the Tigers winning, 11.15 (81)-7.21 (63). Francis Randall, Bailey Ryan and Cody Young were named the Tigers best. The win has the Tigers in third spot. In other matches, Melton South just beat Woodend-Hesket, Riddell smashed Lancefield, Macedon was too strong for Melton Centrals and Diggers Rest continued on against Wallan. The Burras remain on top ahead of Riddell.
EDFL
Rupertswood won a thriller against Hadfield while the Sunbury Kangaroos and East Sunbury just fell short in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition. The Sharks were at home at Hadfield and despite some poor kicking were able to win, 9.16 (70)-8.9 (57). Adam Bartrop, Clayton Bonello and Bailey Verrall were named the Sharks best, with all single goalkickers. The win moves the Sharks to second on the ladder. The Kangaroos lost by two points to ladder leaders Glenroy, while the Thunder lost to Coburg Districts, by 49 points. The Kangaroos slip outside the top five with that loss, while the Thunder remains last.
Angelique Doherty. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 484136_06
