Star Weekly - Sunbury Macedon Ranges - 7th October 2025

Distinctive loss Club is the bees knees

By Georgia Tacey

Distinctive Options has announced it will closefiveofitsservicesacrossSunburyand theMacedonRanges.

In a statement shared with staff, participants and families, Distinctive Options chief executive Andre Carvalho announced five enterprises will close –Do Honey (Sunbury); DO Food Project Cafe (Gisborne); The Goodwill Gardener (Sunbury); DO Good Wood (Sunbury); and DOExperiences–allbyFriday,October10.

“Overthepastthreeyears,we’veoperated 10smallsocialenterprisesacrossSunbury, Gisborne and Bairnsdale, alongside our established disability support services in Sunbury, Brimbank, Bendigo and Bairnsdale,”MrCarvalhosaid.

“While these enterprises have been valued and much-loved, a number are no longerfinanciallysustainable.

“Collectively, they have recorded losses each year, including almost $1 million in the last financial year alone. Continuing in the same way would have placed the wider organisationatrisk.”

He confirmed the remaining enterprises in Sunbury and Bairnsdale, as well as its core disability and residential support services across Sunbury, Brimbank, Bendigo, and Bairnsdale, will continue as normal.

However, Distinctive Options will also step away from providing plan management later this year, which it said is in line with the Disability Royal Commission’s recommendation that plan

J Beekeeping Club has a new meeting spot, and members are ready to welcome some new busy bees into the group.

President Michael Symczycz said the club assists and advises new and existing beekeepers from Hume and surrounding areas.

“We’ve always been there to educate new and existing beekeepers in bee husbandry and managing their apiaries,” he said, adding the not-for-profit group can assist with biosecurity concerns, setting up a beehive in your backyard and other bee-related activities.

“The club offers members loan equipment as far as extractors, wire embedders … so we offer that sort of stuff for new members for when they’re first starting out. We also have a mentoring service for that first year.”

The club will host an introductory beekeeper workshop on Saturday, October 25. J Beekeeping Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month, at the Goonawarra Neighbourhood House in Sunbury from 7pm to 9pm.

management be delivered separately from directdisabilitysupports.

Mr Carvalho confirmed this would end mid-November, with the team working closely with the four affected families in Sunbury.

“Thesehavebeenverydifficultdecisions, and we know they affect people in our community,”hesaid.

“Behind every enterprise are staff, supported employees, participants and families who have given their time, energy and care. We want to acknowledge the disappointment and uncertainty this may bring, and we are deeply grateful for the contributionseachpersonhasmade.

“Our focus now is on supporting everyone impacted and working closely with staff, participants and families

to ensure transitions are as smooth as possible.”

The Sunbury and Macedon Ranges community has been hit hard by the news, especially with the closure of the DO Food ProjectCafeinGisborne.

Apetitioniscurrentlycirculatinginstore by Ruth Mulkearns, who supports her son whoisastaffmemberatthecafe.

In the petition, Ms Mulkearns said the news came as a shock to the cafe’s managementandstaff.

“This cafe has given these participants a chance to learn work place skills, improve confidence, integrate with the community and form friendships with work colleagues and customers,” she wrote in the petition, which will be presented to MrCarvalho.

Get Fire Ready Macedon Ranges Region

Living near bush or grasslands in Victoria means fire risk is real. Understand your risk and take steps to prepare now. Take part in a Get Fire Ready event near you this October. For more information visit cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready

Truck issue goes to VCAT

By Georgia Tacey

Hume council has commenced proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in its efforts to curb the truck problem on Canterbury Avenue, Sunbury.

In a statement mayor Jarrod Bell said the council has formed the view that the ongoing earth works at 370 Riddell Road being conducted are in contravention of the Hume Planning Scheme.

To address this, the council will be seeking both an interim enforcement

order and enforcement order under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 at VCAT.

Council said VCAT has listed council’s application for the interim enforcement order for hearing in mid-October, and saidtheyhaveaskedVCATforahearingas soon as possible and stand ready to go to a moderated hearing if the tribunal is able.

Cr Bell said Hume council shares the community’s frustration.

“It is my belief that these residents are livingthroughanissuenoneighbourhood should have to endure,” he said.

“The ongoing negative impacts to communitymembers’physical,emotional andmentalwellbeingastheresultoftruck movement is unacceptable.”

Cr Bell said that council has learnt important lessons about how they can better respond to issues like this in the future.

“We will also take these learnings to the state government so we can seek to change the legislation that prevents us from taking action against illegitimate activity in our city,” he said.

“We hope by doing this all councils

Sunbury Streetlife is seeking volunteers

AheadofitsreturntothestreetsofSunbury inNovember,theSunburyStreetlifeteamis seeking eager volunteers to help bring the eventtolife.

Committee president Sharyn Snook and secretary Juan Carlos Rodriguez-Deller said the team, run by volunteers, is looking for more volunteers who love Sunbury and want to make this the best event Sunbury hastooffer.

“We’re looking for people who are passionate about Sunbury and want to give

back,” Ms Snook said. “Streetlife is about promoting everything good that’s local, andanybodywhowantstocomedownand give a couple of hours and participate in a celebrationofourtown(iswelcome).”

Ms Snook said there are no set requirements to be a volunteer, just a love and passion for Sunbury, as well as a Working With Children’s Check, which the committeecanassistwithifneeded.

Volunteers are needed across a range of areas, with the team ideally looking for

around20volunteersontheday. Sunbury Streetlife will return to O’Shannassy Street and Brook Street in Sunbury on Sunday, November 23 from 10amto4pm.Expectafulldayofstalls,eats, entertainmentandmore.

The event is a major celebration of the Sunbury community, and one that can’t be missed. Those interested in volunteering for Sunbury Streetlife can email sunburystreetlifeacc@gmail.com with theiravailabilityontheday.

Charity continues Sean’s legacy with fundraiser

Live4Life will be remembering Macedon Ranges local Sean Mckinney as part of this year’sLapitUpswimmingfundraiser.

In 2018, Sean and his daughter Kristen McKinney hosted a 2866-lap swimming challenge at the Gisborne Aquatic Centre –one lap for every life lost to suicide in the previous year. Starting at 6am, people of all ages were invited to swim a continuous relay in memory of those that died by suicide.

This event, and the follow up the next year, both raised vital money for youth mental health and suicide prevention charityLive4Life.

Now an annual event hosted by Live4Life, the charity is proud to continue Sean’s legacy, as Australians dive into pools across the country from October 1 to 28 to swim laps to coincide with World

MentalHealthMonth.

Sean McKinney passed away on October 272024followingadebilitatingillness.This year’seventwillhonourandrememberthe grassroots efforts of the challenge started bySeanandhisdaughter.

will be given the power to act in these situations,whichareunfortunatelynotan issue unique to Hume.

“We support the people of Canterbury Hills Estate and will not stop until a satisfactory resolution is achieved.”

This update follows the passed motion at the September 22 council meeting, which sought for quicker action on the issuetostopthemovementoftrucksalong Canterbury Avenue, which council said was reaching more than 300 a day for the past number of months.

Hume to vote on youth council

Hume young people have been campaigning at schools and in the community as they run for a spot on the municipality’s first youth council in 2026.

The youth council will be formed as part of the Young Mayor’s program, a new partnership initiative between Hume council and the Foundation for Young Australians to support young people aged 12 to 17 in getting elected to a youth council.

It’s a move that seeks to position young people as decision makers on issues that impact their future.

Twenty-six candidates from three wards are currently campaigning for twelve youth council seats and will be voted in by their young peers via ballot.

Once elected, the youth council willworktogethertodefinepriority areas and work with Hume council to implement projects and events important to young people in the municipality.

Candidates have been campaigning for six weeks ahead of the election.

“These young people are our future leaders who are ready and excited to be driving advocacy and leadership activities in Hume,” Hume mayor Jarrod Bell said.

“It’s great to support these young people in their leadership journey. Our council is excited to work with the Foundation for Young Australians to make that happen through the Young Mayors program.”

Elections will take place from October8toOctober15,withballot boxes to be set up in secondary schools, libraries and at the youth centres across Hume.

“Sean was keen for the event to go national. With his and Kirsten’s blessing, the event was re-named Lap it Up in 2022. We have always been conscious to recognise and acknowledge the important role Sean and Kirsten played in the developmentofLapitUpandIalwayskept Sean updated on its progress each year,” Live4Life chief executive officer Bernard Galballysaid.

This year, Lap it Up has teamed up with Macedon Ranges business Josh’s Rainbow Eggs to remember Sean with a weekend of matched funding, starting on World MentalHealthDayonFriday,October10. EverydollarraisedbyLapitUpswimmers will be doubled by Josh’s Rainbow Eggs in honourofSean.

Moreinformation:https://www.live4life. org.au/

All young people aged 12 to 17 years are eligible to vote. The vote count will take place on October 16.

Foundation for Young Australians Young Mayors executive director Tahlia Azaria said it’s clear there is enormous potential for local governments to meaningfully benefit from the participation of young people.

The Hume youth council will serve a 12-month term in office, commencing January. The 12 months will focus on delivering projects,campaignsand/orevents.

For a list of Hume candidates visit, hume.vic.gov.au/YoungMayors-Program

New leases to take flight

By Georgia Tacey

Kyneton Airfield hangar owners will now enter new lease agreements with Macedon Rangescouncil.

The new leases were endorsed at the September 24 council meeting, and will be standardised for all hangar owners at the site, with the previous agreements varying insizeallocationsandterms.

The new terms will be for 10 years, with a 10 year add-on option, an includes negotiations for a lease termination period within a range of two and five years as part offinalisingtheleaseterms.

The new lease agreements have gone through significant community consultation,whichsaw56peoplerespond with 66 per cent of the respondents agreeing with the key terms in the new leaseagreement.

Councillor Cassy Borthwick said negotiations on the lease agreements have been underway for some time in a bid to makethemfaireracrosstheboard.

“Throughout this process, several anomalies have been identified including significant variations in lease rates,” she said.

“Some are under $2 per square metre,

while others are paying over $9. These disparitieshighlighttheneedforafairand consistentapproach.”

The new standardised market rental rate will be $5 per square metre for all lease agreements.

This figure was reduced from $6 after significant community feedback from the hangar owners, to take into account the outgoings tenants must pay for rates and insurance.

Council also said the $5 rate per square metre will yield about $30,000 per annum in rental income for council from the 34 privately owned hangars currently leased

Small acts of kindness can make a difference

Foundshiveringandaloneontheroadside in rural Victoria, tiny Reggie the piglet couldsoeasilyhavebecomeanothertragic statistic.

Instead, he has found sanctuary at Edgar’s Mission in Lancefield, where more than550rescuedanimalslivelivesdefined bycompassion,notcruelty.

Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern was also the Australian ambassador for World AnimalDayonOctober4.

Ms Ahern said the day, which fell in Be Kind to Animal Week (October 1-7), was a reminderthatkindnessbenefitseveryone.

“Every animal at Edgar’s Mission has endured hardship, yet time and again they demonstrate the ability to forgive, to heal, andtothrive,”shesaid.

“Be Kind to Animals Week is about recognising that same power within ourselves — to choose kindness, to take action, and to make the world better not only for animals, but for people and the planettoo.”

Now six weeks old, Reggie is living proof what happens when people choose kindness.

Rescued at just ten days old, frightened

Water bill compensation drafted

GreaterWesternWater(GWW)isproposing to waive about $75 million in unbilled charges for usage in 2024 and provide approximately $55 million in customer credits.

GWW has offered the measures as a solution to the Essential Services Commission (ESC), following the billing system issues that have affected many of itscustomerssinceMay2024.

The delays happened because the new billing system couldn’t create bills automatically and GWW had to check the bills it created because of problems with moving the old information into the new system. During this time, GWW still supplied water services to all customers andadvisedmostoftheaffectedcustomers theyhaddelayedbills.

The draft enforceable undertaking includes several measures to compensate

customers forthe inconvenience, including no charges for residential properties and small businesses who had missing or delayed bills. The water supplier is also proposingtoprovidedirectdebitcreditsand returning surplus payments to customers whomayhavebeendoublebilled.

As part of the proposed deal, GWW wouldimplementathree-yearcompliance improvement program to strengthen its billing practices and safeguard against similarissuesoccurringinthefuture.

This undertaking builds on an independent review recently conducted by the Nous Group, an international consultancy firm, which supports a bolstered billing system and appropriate restitutiontoaffectedcustomers.

The ESC is consulting on this and customers can view the draft and share feedbackuntil5pmonOctober22.

atthesite.

Under the proposed lease terms, this rental income will also have an annual increase of three per cent, fixed for five yearswithamarketreviewattheendofthe fifthyear.

Councillor Daniel Young welcomed the resolutionforhangarowners.

“It’s a shame it has taken so long and it has been such an issue for awhile for some of the people at the airfield. It’s been pretty stressfulforthegroup,”hesaid.

“SoI’mgladwe’refinallyatapointwhere we can see some light at the end of the tunnel.”

Free period products in Ranges

Free pad and tampon vending machines have arrived in the MacedonRanges.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced the vending machines have arrived at Woodend, Gisborne andRomseylibraries.

“This rollout means women and girls right across our region will now haveaccesstofreepadsandtampons, closetohome,”shesaid.

The state government initiative will see the rollout of pad and tampon vending machines across Victoria, with more than 100,000 packs of pads andtamponsdispensedinthefirstsix monthsoftheprogram.

Once the rollout is complete, up to 1500 pad and tampon machines will be available at more than 700 publiclocationsacrossVictoria.These include regional libraries, hospitals, TAFEs, train stations and other communityhubs.

and cold on the side of a highway, he has blossomed into a joyful, confident piglet thanks to the care of those who refused to giveuponhim.

“Acts of kindness don’t need to be grand gestures,”MsAhernsaid.

“Whether it’s choosing a plant-based meal, providing water for wildlife, or supporting sanctuaries like Edgar’s Mission,smallactionsaddup.Theyinspire others and change lives — just as kindness haschangedReggie’s.”

Details: https://bekindtoanimalsweek. org.au

Councils across Victoria were invited to nominate sites for the machines as well, with a vending machinealsoinstalledattheKyneton Town Hall. Macedon Ranges council acting director community Amy Holmes said this is an important step in supporting women’s health and easing cost of living pressures on individualsandfamilies.

“This initiative removes a barrier that many in our community face; many people in our community can’t always afford these necessary items,” shesaid.

A full list of locations is available at freepadsandtampons.vic.gov.au

OLD KYNETON PRIMARY SCHOOL –EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST EXTENDED

The Expressions of Interest (EOI) process for a head tenant/operator for the Old Kyneton Primary School has been extended to Monday October 20.

EOIs are invited from parties with a compelling vision and suitable experience to bring the historic site to life and shape it as a thriving hub in the heart of Kyneton that is vibrant, accessible and relevant to the local community.

The Victorian Government welcomes a range of ideas and proposals, including those that will provide opportunities for Kyneton’s creative industries, community groups and local businesses, and will complement and enhance Kyneton’s tourism offering.

Expressions of Interest will be considered from single organisations, partnerships or a consortium of organisations.

Expressions of Interest close at 5pm on Monday October 20. For

creative.vic.gov.au

Soil submitters not happy

By Georgia Tacey

Communitysubmissionsonaproposedsoil washing facility planned for Sunbury Road have overwhelmingly given the proposal thethumbsdown.

As reported by StarWeekly , Australian Recycling Corporation has submitted a development licence application to the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) to construct a soil washing facility at 500 Sunbury Road, Bulla, the site of the BullaTip.

According to the application, the facility will process 230,000-250,000 tonnes of soil annually. The process will remediate

category C and D reportable priority waste soil, with the end soil product being returned to the site of origin or reused in constructionprojects.

CategoryCcontainscontaminants,while categoryDcoverstheleasthazardoussoils.

Community members were able have their say on the proposal until July 9, with theresultsnowreleased.

Of the 171 submissions, 167 people objected to the proposal, one supported the facility subject to conditions, and three supportedtheproposal.

Thesubmissionsdetailstrongcommunity objection to the proposal, especially from Sunburyresidents.

Many submitters were concerned about airemissions,odouremissions,greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, groundwater impacts, human health impacts,wastemanagementpractices,and monitoringandreportingofemissions.

Submitters were also concerned about the effects on waterways like nearby Deep CreekandEmuBottomCreek.

Others were concerned with the site’s proximity to a number of housing developmentsalongSunburyRoad.

ARC intends to broaden its waste management and recycling capabilities at thesitethroughthissoilwashingfacility.

It said in its application it will treat soils

Volunteering a great way to give back

Gisborne Foodbank is on the hunt for new volunteers.

Operating for over five years, the foodbank is open on Wednesdays and Fridays and offers a comfortable place for people to get support in the form of groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat andpersonalproducts,aswellasafriendly earifneeded.

Tokeepthefoodbankrunningsmoothly, organisers are on the lookout for more volunteersanddonations.

ManagerJenAusterberrysaidvolunteers who give their time are essential to the

successofthefoodbank.

“Wegetvolunteersofallages,”shesaid.

“Many of the volunteers that come to the foodbank during the week are retired or semi-retired, however there are also some youngpeoplewhohelpusout.“

Currentlythereisateamof16volunteers, witharoundfourvolunteersrosteredonper session. Many of the dedicated volunteer teamhavebeenhelpingoutattheGisborne Foodbanksincethebeginning.

Ms Austerberry said volunteering at the foodbank is a great opportunity to give back to the local community, and make a

smalldifferenceinpeople’slives.

The Gisborne Foodbank operates on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm and by appointment, and volunteers areneededacrossbothdays.

Donations are also always needed, with multiple drop-off points available around Gisborne.

Ifyou’dliketoenquireaboutvolunteering, you can contact Ms Austerberry on 0492 850520.

Details:www.gisbornefoodbank.org.au/

Milestone achieved: Sport support for Hume youth

Hume council will continue to fund its Sports Aid Grants Program (SAGP) after reaching a record milestone, with more than 150 young people receiving funding supportinthepastyear.

The 2024-25 program, launched in August 2024, attracted the highest number ofapplicationssincetheinitiativebeganin 1993 with 197 total applications received bycouncil,ofwhich150weresuccessful.

The successful grants shared a total of $38,610.91 in funding to help cover costs relating to competition entry fees, uniforms,equipmentandtravel.

The SAGP is designed to assist residents aged 24 and under to participate in sport and physical activity, particularly those facingfinancialbarriers.

Councillor Karen Sherry pointed out the successofthesportsaidgrantsinassisting a large number of young locals to achieve theirgoalsinsporting.

Since its early days as a Broadmeadows councilinitiativeinthe1980s,theprogram has grown to support athletes competing atastatelevel.

Basketball, football, soccer, swimming, tennis and cricket were among the most

with contaminants listed in tables two and three of the EPA’s Waste Disposal Categories:CharacteristicsandThresholds. It will not treat soil contaminated with asbestos or germicides, as well as other toxicsubstances.

The use of contaminated soil washing will allow for low level contaminated soils to transform into products that can be reused,divertingfromlandfills.

The assessment of the application is now underway by the EPA. A decision is expectedlatethisyear.

Details: engage.vic.gov.au/AustralianRecycling-Corporation-Pty-LtdAPP043677

Libs sure the west can turn

The Liberal Party is confident a blue wave from the west can help it win control of Spring Street in next year’s stateelection.

Star Weekly sat down with opposition leader Brad Battin and his envoytothewesternsuburbs.Western Metropolitan Region MP Moira Deeming. at her office in Caroline SpringsonThursday,October2.

Should the Liberals get elected, Mr Battin said his first priority in the westernsuburbswouldbeaddressing crime.

“The first thing I would prioritise is probablythethingeveryonespeaksto me about, crime– it’s got to be about what we are going to do to address crime,”MrBattinsaid.“Wetalkabout it across Victoria, but the west has beenhitthehardestandwehaveseen ittooofteninthemedia.”

The former cop also said a government he leads would invest $100 million in rehabilitation for youthoffenders.

AccordingtoMrBattin,theLiberals are still deliberating infrastructure commitments.

Thepairwasaskedabouttheparty’s previous difficulties attracting voters inthewest.

“Probably point A is being present,” MrBattinsaid.

He said he meets with groups, farmers and attend forums and frequentlystaysintheregion.

MsDeemingsaidpeoplewestofthe Yarraarethirstyforpoliticalchange.

“We all have stakes. I have four children, this isn’t just for political power, I am worried about my children’s future. This is a really seriousfight,”MsDeemingsaid.

The opposition leader said funding youthmentalhealthfacilities,working to cut red tape for small businesses and working with developers to build infrastructure before residents move intonewestateswerepartofhisplan.

popularsportssupportedthisyear,with15 per cent of recipients identifying as living withadisability.

Council noted 66 per cent of successful applicants were male, prompting changes to encourage greater participation from womenandgenderdiverseyoungpeople.

Aspartoftheannualreview,the2025-26 guidelines have been updated to aim for 50-50 gender representation among successful applicants, with the council also working to cap funding to particular sports and categories if necessary in an aimtoensurediversity.

HealsosaidtheAvalonemployment precinct should be the “next big thing”andtheLiberalswouldsupport theprivatesectordeveloptothearea.

StarWeekly asked Ms Deeming what she had achieved since being appointed as the Leader’s Representative to the Western SuburbsinApril.

Ms Deeming said she has been coordinating the party’s strategy in the west for infrastructure and drafting legislation, including a plan tooverhaulthepublicservicesector.

“All the things you want to achieve, youachieveingovernment,”shesaid.

Rates debt tops $45 million

By Jack O’shea-Ayres

Humeresidentsowemorethan$45million in overdue council rates, with councillors urging households to reach out early for supportratherthanlettingdebtsspiral.

Theannualratearrearsreport,presented at Hume’s council meeting on Monday, September 22, revealed 18,623 ratepayers across the municipality were in arrears as ofJune30,2025.

Councilisowed $45.75millioninunpaid rates. The figure has climbed by $6.17 millionfromlastyear.

Of these, 6357 households and businesses have repayment arrangements in place valued at $19.9 million, supported bycouncil’sratesfinancialhardshippolicy whichallowsstrugglingratepayerstomake interest-free repayments, with the aim of easing financial pressure and avoiding furtherpenalties.

“This approach is about supporting our community through challenging times while ensuring council can continue delivering essential services,” the report noted.

Cr Sam Misho said overdue rates had become a “chronic issue” since COVID-19 and called on residents to engage with council early on in the process to avoid fallingintodebt.

“All they have to do is call and make a payment arrangement. I understand they may have financial hardship, but please reach out. Talk to our officers. They’ll help you,”hesaid.

“Interest is remitted, and it stops people payingunnecessarycharges.”

Despite the support measures, more than 5300 accounts with a combined debt of $27.16 million were referred to council’sdebtmanagementagencyinJune after repeated attempts at contact were unsuccessful. Of these, 780 accounts were paid in full, while a further 1025 entered paymentplansworth$5.47million.

Council said the referral process applies only to non-responsive accounts, with pensioners and those already on payment plansexcluded.

The report highlighted arrears are concentrated in Hume’s central and northern growth areas, with Craigieburn,

Sunbury, Roxburgh Park, Greenvale and Mickleham accounting for the bulk of repayment arrangements. Craigieburn alone recorded 1634 active agreements coveringatotalof$4.7million.

Cr Ally Watson said rates were the “foundation”ofcouncilservices.

“Nobodylikestogetabill,butratesfund local roads, waste collection, community facilities and parks. Often arrears are not unwillingness to pay, but financial hardship,”shesaid.

Cr Naim Kurt described the arrears as “a canary in the coal mine” of community stress.

“Working families in growth areas are struggling. We need to explore more flexibleoptionstosupportthem,”hesaid.

Cr Kate Hamley encouraged council to explore alternative payment platforms, investigate incentives for early payments, and review its hardship policy once new guidelinesareannounced.

“We should take this opportunity to review our hardship policy and make sure that it’s achieving its purpose. And we’re doing all we can to ensure that rates are

collected in a way that is equitable and fair,”shesaid.“Mostpeoplewanttodothe rightthing.Alotofpeoplejustcan’t.”

While the arrears remain high, Hume’s council believes the trend of more ratepayers entering payment plans is a positiveoutcome.

“Encouraging early engagement and offering interest-free arrangements reduces the burden of additional penalties and helps residents get back on track,” the reportstated.

Council has also reaffirmed its commitment to working with residents to manage debts fairly and compassionately. Flexible repayment options, hardship provisions, and ongoing community engagement through budget consultations and rate notices remain central to the approach.

Councillors stressed that residents facing difficulties should avoid payday lenders and instead contact council to set upaplan.

“These are not just numbers on a page,” CrMishosaid.“Thisispeople’slivelihoods andchallenges.Pleasereachout.”

Entertainment galore as Victorian Seniors Festival starts

The Victorian Seniors Festival kicked off in Hume on Wednesday, October 1 with a one-and-a-half hour live performance by JenandtheCocktailCrewatBroadmeadows TownHall.

This year’s festival was off to a rocking start, with a welcome by Hume’s Mayor Jarrod Bell, before those attending were treatedtosomemorningmelodiesmarking theofficialopening.

The month-long festival brings concerts, tours, social activities and cultural experiences right to the doorstep of older residentslivinginthenorth.

The Victorian Seniors Festival is backed by the state government in partnership with local councils, community groups andculturalorganisationstorecognisethe contribution of seniors, encouraging them to take part in activities close to home and acrossthestate.

The fun doesn’t end there, with plenty more on the cards throughout the whole month.

Exploring Hume’s civic collection

Enjoy a guided tour by a museum collections specialist, learning about Sunbury’s local history and heritage collections. Refreshments are provided; bookings essential. Hume Civic Collection Store,44MacedonStreet,Sunbury,October 14,5-8pm.

Historic cemeteries of Hume tour

Take part in a guided tour through five historic cemeteries by Broadmeadows historicsociety,accompaniedbyamorning tea and lunch. Bookings required; cost is $30. Starting at Broadmeadows Museum,

37 Pearcedale Parade, Broadmeadows, October19,10am-4pm.

For more information on this year’s Victorian Senior Festival, head to https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/ festival-calendar.

To keep up to date with all the events around Hume, check out the 2025 festival booklet. Visit: https://www.hume.vic. gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/ residents/people-services/seniors-festival2025-20pp-a5-booklet-digital.pdf.

CPR skills are critical

With more cardiac arrests in Victoria than ever before, Ambulance Victoria (AV) is encouraging Bolinda and Monegeetta residents to learn or refresh their cardiopulmonaryresuscitation(CPR)skills and sign up to be a GoodSAM responder.

AV Loddon Mallee regional director MattMcCrohanencouragedlocalstolearn CPR, how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and know where their closest defibrillator is located.

“Shocktober is about giving Victorians who have a cardiac arrest a better chance of returning to their loved ones,” he said.

“CPR and defibrillation are critical. Every day, around 21 Victorians suffer the medical emergency but only one in 10 survive. For every minute CPR is delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent.

Briefs

Sunbury crash

Police are investigating a serious injury collision in Sunbury on October 2. Emergency services were called to reports of a car and a truck colliding on Riddell Road, Sunbury about 11am. The driver and sole occupant of the car was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver and sole occupant of the truck was not injured and remained on scene The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision remains ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Wildwood blaze

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, at any age, health or fitness level, and often without symptoms.

“Our message is simple – you don’t need to be a paramedic to save a life, just remember to Call (Triple 000), Push (Perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED).”

Mr McCrohan also encouraged locals to sign up to be a GoodSAM responder.

GoodSAM is a mobile app that connects patients in cardiac arrest with a nearby volunteerwhoiswillingtostarthands-only CPR while paramedics are on their way.

AV will run Call, Push, Shock sessions in Bolinda/Monegeetta during Shocktober and locals are encouraged to attend the Bolinda-Monegeetta CFA Bonfire Night from 5pm, Saturday October 18 to take part.

Clarkefield CFA crews were called out to an out-of-control burn-off on Wildwood Road, Wildwood on October 1. The crews arrived to find multiple large burn piles containing waste materials that are illegal to burn under the law, Clarkefield CFA said in a statement on Facebook. Crews worked for more than four hours to bring the fire under control and make the area safe. They said to stop the fire from flaring up again, crews used Class A foam, which allowed them to secure the piles effectively. Alongside Clarkefield CFA, bridages from Bulla, Riddells Creek, Sunbury, Bolinda and Monegeetta were there to assist in containing the spread.

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Web: starweekly.com.au

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

State of our roads revealed

Macedon Ranges’ worst roads have been revealed as part of the state government’s release of the Australian Road Assessment Program(AusRAP)roadsafetystarratings.

AusRAPisagloballyrecognisedrisk-rating system designed by the International Road Assessment Program (iRAP). Used in about 130 countries, the iRAP protocols help road authorities identify safety upgrades that will reduce road deaths and injuries. AusRAPratingsshowwheretheriskoffatal or serious injury is greatest across the road network.

Thisinformationislaidontoaninteractive online map, which details the ratings of

majorroadsacrossthestate.

Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Road, Gisborne, Cameron Drive, Mount Macedon, Woodend-Lancefield Road and Lancefield-Toborac roads, Lancefield, Tylden-Woodend Road, Tylden, Kyneton-Trentham Road and Burton Avenue,Kynetonallreceivedaonestarblack rating, meaning drivers on these roads are atgreatestrisk,accordingtothedata.

The ratings are calculated using a range of risk factors and information, including average daily traffic, speed limit, number of lanes in each direction, lane width, shoulder width, presence or absence

of roadside barriers and audio tactile markings, gradient and curvature, quality of line-markings, skid resistance, and provisions for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

RACV head of policy James Williams said the release of AusRAP ratings was an important step towards improving road safetyandreducingtheriskofseriousinjury andfatalitiesonVictorianroads.

“We know that some roads are safer than others, and these star ratings give us the evidencetoproveit,”hesaid.

“Each additional star rating halves the riskofdeathsorseriousinjuries.Upgrading

a road from two stars to three stars halves the number of serious crashes likely to occur.

“We know that there are limited funds for road upgrades, and AusRAP provides governments with the data to be more targeted and to make decisions from a safety-firstperspective.”

RACVsaiditsupportsupgradingallmajor roads to a minimum three-star AusRAP safety rating, with all new roads designed andbuilttoatleastfourstars.

Details: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/co llections/98420a25d82542f1b2a9922925972 c28?item=1

Sleepout at the airport to raise homelessness awareness

Melbourne Airport is inviting people to swap their beds for their cars to raise awareness and funds for those affected by domesticviolenceandhomelessness.

On Thursday, October 16, participants will spend a night sleeping in their car atop Melbourne airport’s T4 carpark for a glimpse into the often harsh reality of hiddenhomelessness.

The annual event aims to raise $100,000 in support of Juno Services and McAuley Community Services for Women, which provide vital advocacy and crisis support acrossMelbourne’snorthandwest.

With family and domestic violence a leading cause of homelessness in Victoria,manyareforcedtoseekshelterin vehicles, overcrowded housing or unsafe environments.

McAuley’sCEOsaiddemandforsupport

continuestooutstripsupply.

“EachnightinVictoriaupto200women andchildrenarestayinginmotelswithout the support they need. The Sleepout will help raise vital funds, but also much-neededawareness.”

In 2022-2023 alone, more than 36,000 women and children were reported to have turned to specialist homelessness services after facing domestic/family violence.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the event was a powerful reminder of anoften-unseencrisis.

“Eachyearthousandsofwomenfacethe unimaginable reality of homelessness, with their car often becoming their last resortforshelter,”shesaid.

Juno CEO Tanya Corrie said the fundraisersentamessageofsolidarity.

“Too many women and gender diverse people are forced to choose between returning to violence or facing homelessness,”shesaid.

“The sleepout says ‘I see you’, while helping us walk alongside people as they rebuildtheirlives.”

TheSleepoutwilltakeplaceonThursday 16 October. To register for the Car Sleepout, visit www.melbourneairport. com.au/community.

A boarding pass to history

Australia’s first government-owned domestic airline, Trans-Australia Airlines (TAA), which later rebranded to Australian Airlines, made significant contributions to the aviation industry since its inception in 1946. The TAA museum is the sole aviation museum dedicated to preserving historic domestic aviation development in the country. Sam Porter spoke to museum president John Wren about the airline and his time working for TAA.

Tucked away in a street eight kilometres from Melbourne airport stands an unassuming museum. Models of planes, vintage airline memorabilia,artwork,mechanicalaircraft components and other inventions are displayed in what used to be the TAA/ Australian Airlines computer centre.

Museum president John Wren oversees the museum’s operations. He’s a knowledgeable and passionate spokesperson for the old airline, having worked there for 33 years from 1965.

“Iwassellingalloftheaircraftanddoing the contracts, and then getting the aircraft modified in our workshops, taking the aircraft to America and doing the deal over there, getting the check — the good part — and coming back and doing the next one,” John said.

Through his role selling aircraft, John wasinvolvedinmanyareasofthecompany and had a “good exposure” to TAA. He started in engineering and was eventually seconded to flight operations. He planned ferryflights—thetransportationofaircraft withoutpassengersorcargo—andworked with Japanese pilots to create contracts and run flight ops simulator training for them as well as working in finances and catering too.

Johnofferedatourofthemuseum,which is laid out in chronological order of the airline’s history.

TAA was established by the federal government in 1946 after it recognised a need to form a national domestic airline network post WWII. It was at this time that John’s father began working for TAA as an engine shop inspector.

“My father, he was here on day one in September ‘46 when the first flight went, and he did 33 years,” John said.

John’s brother also worked for the airline for 43 years.

“He was in sheet metal, and he was making or repairing bits of the aircraft. Anything that had aluminium on it,” John said.

Displayed in the first section of the museum is a large, framed poster of the illustrated Nola Rose, the design slightly surrealist. Nola Rose, a model who was discovered at Bondi Beach, became the face of TAA in the 1950s and for decades to follow. At the bottom of the poster reads the airline’s famous slogan, ’Fly TAA the friendly way’.

TheRoyaltourin1954markedahistorical moment for TAA as the first airline in the country to fly ruling British royalty. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip took six TAA flights as part of the tour. A signed photograph of the royal family is displayed next to a letter sent on behalf of the Queen.

Further into the exhibition, John pulled out what he said is one of the most fascinating items in the room. It’s a radio navigational sextant, also known as a periscope sextant, used to navigate flights over water in the 1950s and 1960s.

The device, fitted with an eyepiece, extendedupthroughtheroofoftheaircraft, and allowed planes to be navigated by the stars.

“Captain Cook, he used a less modern version [of the periscope sextant] but it was the same principle,” John said.

AnotherniftyinventionJohnhighlighted was the black box, invented in Melbourne in the 1950s.

TAA marked many firsts for the aviation industry across Australia and the world, however not all of them are bragworthy.

John pointed out an old newspaper clipping. The headline read ‘Bomb threat to airliner.’

During the last Brisbane to Sydney flight on July 19, 1960, a hijacker armed with a bomb and a rifle fired a shot into the aircraft ceiling after the first officer tried to calm him. Forty-three passengers and six crew members were on board and it would become the first skyjacking in Australia. The captain aided the officer with the intervention and successfully restrained the hijacker.

John seemed keen to move on with the tour.

“Notproudofitbutthesethingshappen,” he said.

Around the corner stands a row of mannequins dressed in brightly-coloured airhostessuniforms,fittedwithminiskirts and blazers. The arrival of a new decade.

Museum volunteer Elizabeth Watkins, more frequently known as Libby, worked as an air hostess for TAA and QANTAS from 1968 to 1971.

“I had to leave because I got married, which was the rule at the time. You had to leave when you got married or retire at

35,” Libby said. “We were very happy and choofed along in those days. One day you might have the prime minister on and the next day you’ve got some drunk in the back seat.”

LibbyservedSirJohnGorton,SirWilliam McMahon and Gough Whitlam during her time as an air hostess — a period when the prime minister travelled via domestic airline carriers.

“You always had to be on your best behaviour. Everyone got good service but they had to get extra special service.”

The airline’s acquisition of the Airbus A300 in 1981 brought about significant change.

John said the capacity jumped from 130 people on TAA’s previously largest aircraft to over 300 on the Airbus.

“We all got pagers to have ready if anything went wrong, to keep it going, because being a new aircraft type we wanted to give a good impression,” John said.

“The thing went for a whole year with absolutely nothing going wrong with it. It was a marvelous aircraft…and then a guy from catering [driving a forklift] ran the

forks into the door sill at the back and he ruineditsowehadtomanufactureanother one,” John said.

Five years after the Airbus acquisition, in 1986, TAA became Australian Airlines, which was subsequently purchased by QANTAS in 1992 and merged with the private company the following year.

John described the people he worked with at TAA “like a big family.”

“I got up in the morning and always was happy to come to work…and the people were ultra friendly,” he said.

The museum was started by members of the TAA/Australian Airlines 25 Year Club whowillgathernextyeartocelebrateTAA’s 80th anniversary.

“That’ll be a really big celebration from interstate and overseas too,” John said.

“We’re keen to have people come and see the history that we’re trying to keep here and explain to people if they’ve got questions.”

The TAA/Australian Airlines museum is located at 7 York Street, Airport West and is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdaysbetween10am-2pm.Admission is by a suggested donation of $5.

MY PLACE

New Gisborne Foodbank manager Jen Austerberry recently caught up with Georgia Tacey to tell her about her recent appointment, and why volunteering at the Gisborne Foodbank is a worthy cause.

What’syourconnectiontoGisborneand theMacedonRanges?

We moved from Melbourne to Gisborne four years ago as my husband and I are both originally from country Victoria and wanted to move more regionally. I have friends across the Macedon Ranges and have always thought Gisborne in particular would be a lovely place to live. Having lived in Melbourne for over 35 years it was the right time to make the move and so as soon as the ring of steel post Covid was lifted we started house hunting.

Whatdoyoulikeaboutwhereyoulive?

There are lots of things that I enjoy about living in the Macedon Ranges. As a passionate gardener the Macedon Ranges isawonderfulplacetogrowawholerange of plants. There are wonderful nurseries scattered across this area, amazing gardens to visit and a spectacular autumn display of colour. The choice of eateries is extensive, the community feel and choice of clubs, sporting groups, theatre and music productions makes Macedon ranges interesting and a fun place to call home.

Tell us a bit about the Gisborne Foodbank and what you enjoy most aboutvolunteeringthere.

The Gisborne Foodbank has been operating for over five years. It meets a real need in the area for people facing difficult circumstances to come along on a Wednesday or Friday to a comfortable environment and get support in the form

of groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat,personalproductsandjustafriendly ear if needed. We can also direct them to other services that may support and help in their time of need. All of this is offered free of charge. The foodbank is able to do this thanks to the generous support of the community of Gisborne including schools, supermarkets, businesses, individuals and the many volunteers who provide so much support in the day to day running of the foodbank. It is wonderful

to see the community working together. Why did you decide to volunteer with GisborneFoodbank?

I have just recently retired from my full time employment at La Trobe University as a nursing academic. I heard that the twodayvolunteermanagerpositionatthe Foodbankwasavailableandfeltthatitwas time that I gave back to the community and this seemed a great opportunity to do so. I am able to undertake this role while still working part time as a clinical

pilatesinstructoratSportzPhysioandasa registered nurse at Kyneton Hospital.

Is there anything happening with the Gisborne Foodbank you would like to highlightorshoutout?

I think it’s really important that we continue to provide this service to the community and that those who might be struggling at the moment know about us and feel comfortable to come along and get the support they need.

Playground finished

Mount Macedon Primary School students can now play all day thanks to the opening oftheschool’snewplayground.

Theschooloriginallysecured$268,942in fundingthroughtheinclusiveschoolsfund in 2023 to deliver an inclusive playground andsensoryarea.

“It was one of the final things our previous principal did,” principal Joseph Flynnsaid.

The new play equipment was officially opened on Thursday, September 11, with former principal Trish Hyland there to see theprojectcometofruition.

The students at the close knit school were involved every step of the way with designing the new playground, which replacedthepreviousoneinstalledin1999.

“We got all of the kids in the school to draw their dream playground and then we had a look at what similar elements they were that would actually work in the playground,notjustwaterslidesandthings likethat,”MrFlynnsaid.

“We collated them all and sent them off to the architect who was working on the project and they came back with a playground that was one of the biggest playgrounds I’ve ever seen in a school before.”

MrFlynnsaidthestudentslovetheirnew playspaceafterbeingsuperpatientwhileit wasbeinginstalled.

“It was hard to watch the kids standing at the fence during that recess and lunch watching the old playground get taken down,” he said. “The kids stood there and watchedtheentiretime.

“They did have to wait three weeks with (the playground) looking completely finished…butthekidsweresopatient.

“The day all the fencing actually did come down, it poured with rain so they were stuck inside all day. It was bad timing but the next day, it was still raining but we

tookthemandtheygottohaveagoonit.”

Mr Flynn said he had enjoyed seeing the wider community make use of the new playgroundfacilitiesattheschoolaswell.

Grants to tackle motorcycle safety

The state government has launched a new round of grants to help improve motorcyclesafetyonVictoria’sroads.

The Safer Motorcycling Grants Program will kickstart projects across three categories including technology and intelligent transport solutions (ITS), education and research, and policy and law to make road safer for thesedrivers.

Motorcyclists are overrepresented in road trauma in Victoria, with 46 riders losing their lives on the state’s roadssofarthisyear.

Among them was a rider who was killed in a crash near the Princess FreewayinAltonaonJune19.

The grants program will include projects to educate and empower riders to buy high safety rated protective gear, deliver new rider and driver training and undertake research into rider behaviour and vehicledesign.

Head of Road Safety Victoria Marcelo Vidales said the grants would fund road safety projects and initiatives that have proven to be effective. “We know through rider and driver education, wearing the right protective gear and investment in innovative solutions, we can make the roads safer for one of our most vulnerableroadusergroups.”

Undertheprogram16organisations will receive a share of $3.5 million to deliver motorcycle safety projects, with the money coming from the state’sMotorcycleSafetyLevy.

Fun school holiday activities

Youth across Hume and the Macedon Ranges have been making the most of the springschoolholidays.

In Macedon Ranges libraries, plenty of activities have been running to keep the kidsentertained.

Romsey Library manager Raewyn Good ran a school holidays event at the local library,whichshesaidwasalotoffun.

“As part of the spring school holiday program, Romsey Library ran a couple of sessions around worry dolls on Tuesday, September30,”shesaid.

“The sessions included a reading of Anthony Browne’s picture book, Silly Billy, some background on the Guatemalan tradition of worry dolls and a craft activity, with children making their own colourful

worry dolls to take home and share their worrieswith.

“Goldfields Libraries have many free activities on offer over school holiday periods. These holidays in our Macedon Ranges branches, we made insect hotels, minecraftpapercraft,hadalegochallenge, teen junk journalling and a couple of movies,tonameafew.“

Hume council hosted a Youth Fest takeover at Townhall Broadmeadows on Tuesday,September30.

The day featured a fun day out for youth aged up to 26 to enjoy live music, games andfun.

Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski was there to capture the holiday fun.

An election to remember

Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the tale of a tense tussle over the seat of Melbourne Ports at the 1931 state election.

In 1931, politicians were making life miserable for everyone, what with diminished exports, government cutbacks, and Premier Lang’s reluctance to cough up the cash required to pay interest to Britain. The Great Depression was gnawing away at Australia, and Williamstown felt its bites keenly. However, when the legendary Phar Lap romped home to win the Underwood StakesatWilliamstown, everyonecheered up, though some gloomy souls predicted that this would be the last excitement for the year.

Their predictions were proved true and life resumed its dreary course. And then - William Howey came marching in from Port Melbourne, bursting with confidence that his credentials would ensure him glory in the forthcoming election. He was a returned soldier and a member of the recently formed United Australia Party. TheseatofMelbournePortshadbeenheld by Labor since 1906, but Mr Howey was 100 per cent certain that the electorate wouldgivethemthebootatbothstateand federal levels, and joyfully install him in the former.

WilliamstownTownHallwaspackedfor a meeting on 8 December. Amongst the usual hecklers was an intoxicated Martin Moore, loudly interjecting, much to the annoyance of Mr Howey, other speakers and the audience. Told by Constable Browne to behave himself, he stacked on such a turn that he had to be dragged outside kicking and biting. He was handcuffed to the Town Hall steps, where he sat swearing at Constable Morgan. He was duly hauled off to the police station, where he immediately attacked the watchhouse keeper, Constable Jones. At the Williamstown Court on 15 December, with just four days left until the voting stampedes began, Mr Moore had three charges to answer to: insulting words, obscene language and assaulting Constable Browne.

The defendant told a different story. He was the victim of police brutality having been punched and batoned by three burly policemen for no reason at all, and beaten to jelly by Constable Browne who had never heard of freedom of speech. It did him no good whatsoever. He was fined two pounds for insulting words, five pounds for obscene language and three pounds for assaulting police. Failure to pay would net him 21 weeks in the clink.

One the eve of the election, Mr Howey andhissupporters,decidingthatthe open air was better suited to spruiking than the TownHall, bellowedtheircampaignfrom a truck parked in Ferguson Street. One of thesesupporters,ThomasBriggsofLenore Crescent, walked into Ferguson Street to cheer for the UAP candidate.

This produced a very strange effect on Ernest Roberts of Rennie Street, who had just enjoyed wrecking an Electra Street political meeting with much jeering and howling down of various speakers. He spotted Mr Briggs standing near the lorry and stopped. Ernest Roberts harboured an intense dislike for Thomas Briggs and, followed by hundreds of men, headed straight towards him. Raising his voice above the racket made by the UAP, he screamed “Have you got Brother Briggs

there? The Christian brother with the Christian spirit?”

Briggsfacedhim.Robertsthengotdown to business by accusing Briggs of bringing sectarianism into Williamstown by virtue of having attended no fewer than seven different churches. “You’re a mongrel! A sectarian mongrel!” This he repeated several times loudly, albeit inaccurately, apparently confusing sectarianism with ecumenism.

Noting the army of heavies behind Mr Roberts, Briggs wisely said nothing. He may have been a Christian, but he was not willing to forgive and forget rude Mr Roberts of Rennie Street. He took him to court charged with insulting words.

Awitness,RobertFaulknerfromHannan Street who had been standing behind Briggs on the night, had seen Roberts near the truck and heard his accusations of bringing sectarianism to Williamstown. Briggs had merely replied, “Don’t be silly.”

Then anther witness, Robert Johnston of OsborneStreet,statedthathehadbeenon the lorry, and had seen Roberts confront

Briggswiththebackingofseveralhundred men behind him. Yes, Roberts accused Briggs of sectarianism, and mentioned several churches, but he hadn’t heard the word “mongrel”. In fact, the racket made by the spruikers and audience was such that it was a miracle that anyone could hear anything. Other witnesses agreed that the hellish hubbub made by Mr Howey, the shouts of his supporters, the clanging of bells and the jeering of political foes made it wildly improbable that Briggs could have heard a thing.

Mr Jackson, Justice of the Peace, had the wisdom of experience and allowed for tempers heating up at political meetings. He believed that the words had been used, but dismissed the case as a trifling matter, with each party to pay their own costs.

Disappointed by the anti-climax, the crowd filed out, but then Sergeant Ellis, keeping the peace at the court door, heard Robertssuddenly kickingupafearfulfuss about something. He rushed to report this to the Bench, and Roberts was recalled.

“What’s this all about?” demanded a

very fed-up Mr Jackson.

Mr Roberts was incandescent with rage. As he had left the court, Robert Johnston hadhissedintohisear,“Whydon’tyougive Briggs a nice kiss and become friends?”

Mr Jackson understood why this constituted an intolerable provocation and again demonstrated his wisdom by declaring the incident closed.

Mr William Howey, having learned what Williamstown could be like in the grip of political passions, was deeply demoralised. Rather than hankering for UAP gentlemen to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity, the locals seems to prefer tokickpolicemen, screamdrunken threats , wreck meetings, and haul one another into courts and police stations.

Mr Howey had done his utmost and nobody could blame him for all that had transpired. After all his heroic efforts, it would be pleasant to report a landslide win, but alas. The damage was done. So, who won the seat of Melbourne Ports? Jack Holloway, for the ALP and Mr Howey abandoned Williamstown to its fate.

Community connections are key to mental health

World Mental Health Day (October 10) is a good opportunity to reflect on not only your own mental wellbeing, but that of your mates, family, children, parents, co-workersandneighbours.

With that in mind, Mental Health Australia’s theme for World Mental Health Day this year is ‘Connect with your Community’. This timely theme is backed by studies that show that people who have positive connections with their community are less likely to experience anxiety, depression and other mental healthchallenges.

But what are some ways you can make and build connections with others? Some people volunteer with their local sports team or environmental group, while others prefer joining a book club to forge new friendships with like-minded people. Running clubs, choirs, men’s sheds and community gardens are all great ways to connect with your local community too. But you don’t necessarily need to join a formal group to build connections. Sometimes something as small as calling anoldfriendorsharingasmileandstarting a conversation with your neighbour can makeabigdifferenceinourlives.

TheMacedonRangesSuicidePrevention ActionGroupiscommittedtoempowering and uplifting every member of the communitybyfosteringmentalhealthand suicidepreventionacrosstheregion.

If you’re feeling the need to connect, shareandreceivesupportfromtrainedpeer supporters, the group’s volunteer-run,Safe Space in Woodend is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 5.30pm – 8.30pm. You don’t needanappointmentorreferral–justdrop in for a chat and a cup of tea if you’re in needofalisteningearandfriendlyface.

Regular events run by the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group alsoprovideanopportunityforconnection. Allmenintheregionarewelcometojoina Men’sWellnessBBQandForumonOctober 23 at the Mount Macedon Golf Club from

6pm – 9pm. The free event will bring men together for honest conversations about health, connection and resilience in a safe, relaxed setting. Guest speaker Mark Thomas, former police Sergeant turned mental health advocate, will speak on the night about his experience with PTSD and recovery.

Visit the website to learn more or book your spot at the Men’s Wellness BBQ and Forum: https://www.mrspag.com.au/

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

“Love Letters”

A. R. Gurney’s beloved play comes to life

onstage by Cathouse Players in a pop-up theatre in the Kyneton Masonic Centre, 7-9 Yaldwyn Street West for a strictly limited season of four matinees only, on October 18,19,25 and 26 at 2pm sharp. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Tickets still $25/$20 include sherries, programs and “High Tea with Bubbles“ at intervals. A companion card is welcome.

 0494 166 257 for enquiries, tickets at trybooking.com/DFLOD

Free Men’s Night

The Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group will host a free Men’s Night, designed to provide a safe, relaxed setting for men of all ages to come together, build community, and have honest conversations about mental health. Former police sergeant and mental health advocate Mark Thomas will talk on the night. The free Men’s Night will take place at the Mount Macedon Golf Club, Thursday, October 23 at 6pm. A free barbecue dinner will be provided, with meat tray giveaways and free merchandise.

 https://tinyurl.com/mtzupdnb

Energy saving upgrades

Learn about Hume City Council’s Home Energy Upgrades program offering quality, good-value energy saving products to Hume residents: split system cycle heating and cooling, heat pump hot water, rooftop solar and batteries, induction cooking, insulation and draught proofing. The program offers no obligation quotes through vetted supplies, help to access government rebates, plus additional Council rebates for eligible concession card holders. Happening Saturday, October 25, 11am-12.30pm at the Sunbury Global Learning Centre, 44 Macedon Street, Sunbury. Free event and all welcome with light refreshments provided.

 www.hume.vic.gov.au/energy

Fire n Friends

The Kerrie ‘Fire n Friends’ Bonfire is Back by Demand! Mark your calendars — Saturday October 25 is the night to gather around the flames with a family-friendly event for all ages planned. Come and enjoy live local entertainment, the BBQ menu and foodvan, or BYO food and drink. Entry will be through donation. Bring your friends/ families and come along for a warm night of community, connection, and celebration. Happening Saturday, October 25 from 5pm-11pm at the Kerrie Hall.

 https://www.facebook.com/KerrieHallinc

SNH Annual General Meeting

The 2025 AGM for Sunbury Neighbourhood House (SNH) will be held at the SNH premises at 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury at 7pm on Tuesday October 28. Phone 9740 6978 OR email win@sunburyhouse. com.au to register interest in attending.

 www.sunburyhouse.com.au

CWA Sunbury

CWA Sunbury meets second and fourth Mondays at St Mary’s Church in O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury. All women are welcome, bring your grandchildren if you are caring for them, there is a playground available.

 Bev Goodman, 0402 988 954

Neighbourhood garden

Become part of Sunbury’s Neighbourhood Garden and grow edible and useful plants in a social group at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. All skill sets are welcome.

 www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

Malmsbury Farmers and Makers Market

Locals and people from afar get along to this wonderful Farmers Market. Always the third Sunday of the month….fresh produce, wine, hot food, coffee, plants, artisan foods and crafts that are special. Musical entertainment whilst you shop and catch up with friends. Located at the picturesque Malmsbury Cricket Ground from 9am-1pm.

 Amy, 0423 726 695

Messy Play in Sunbury

Join in the Messy Play fun with this toddler-focussed program, including messy and sensory child-led play. The program will run from 10–11.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.

 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

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

Yoga in Sunbury

Yoga classes at Sunbury Neighbourhood House focus on supporting participants to slow down and move well. Special attention is given to mindful awareness of movement that builds strength in a healthy and safe way, Monday mornings, Thursday evenings and Friday mornings.

 www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

Hume Men’s Shed

The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.

 sunburymensshed.com or 0438 677 425

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 9.30am–2.30pm. They are temporarily relocating to 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. 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

Craft and conversation

Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.

 https://bit.ly/39BIu2O

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

Chill Out Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.

 https://bit.ly/3lmVgVhv

CWA Woodend Eves

The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Golf Club. All women are welcome.

 cwawoodendeves@gmail.com

Sunbury Badminton Club

The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights, from 7.30-9.30pm, and on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Monday night is a round robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All are welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road.  sunburybc@gmail.com

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club

Come along and be part of Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am- noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm, at Eric Boardman Stadium, Wilsons Lane.  sunburylbc@gmail.com

Art follows the curve

Delve into the inner psyche of artist Ned Brook in a free exhibition that gives internalstatesformthroughsculptures.

Brook creates his works by drawing flowing forms and then inputting them into3Dsoftware.

He then brings the art to life through 3D printing and the manipulation of metal — contorting, bending and twisting the materialintocurvedstructures.

Brook said his work is informed by his experiences living with mental illness, whichislinkedtolanguage.

“Some people meditate. I can’t meditate so I use art as a tool for expressing stuff

that’s difficult to explain with words,” Brook said. “If I can work in a space that involvesverylittlelanguagethenit’sagood spaceformetooperatein.”

Brook has experience in cattle farming, volunteer firefighting, and has worked as anarborist.

Hesaidthenaturalworldheavilyinspires hiswork.

“Ispendalotoftimeoutdoors...It’smore curves rather than straight lines. The city doesn’t really inspire me at all because it’s just concrete and steel and everything’s square because humans seem to like squarethings,”Brooksaid.

“Each exhibition for me is like a step in a newdirection.It’sanexampleofwhereI’m at at the moment… I’m always looking for thenextmove.”

‘In Plain Sight’, supported by Brimbank council, is showing at the Bowery Gallery, 33PrincessStreetStAlbans,untilSaturday, October18.

The exhibition is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 12.30pmeachSaturday.

Suspenseful thriller in Bacchus Marsh

A thrilling drama filled with suspense and mystery will be performed by a local community theatre group in Bacchus Marshthismonth.

Moonlite Theatre will perform Rope –the classic suspense play by Patrick Hamilton–acrossseveraldatesthroughout October at the Holy Trinity Anglican ChurchHall.

The play, based on a true story, is full of thrilling and edge-of-your-seat moments and follows two friends who believe they have gotten away with murder and decide tohostadinnerparty.

Moonlite Theatre vice president Tim

Hawthorne said there will be eight cast membersintheplay.

“We thought we’d do a thrilling drama ... we’vedonequiteafewcomediesasoflate,” MrHawthornesaid.

“It follows the same theme of the play –two of the main actors who think they’ve committed the perfect murder, they’ve decided to hold a dinner party … to see if anybody would pick up on the clues from what they’ve committed a few hours before,”hesaid.

“[Itwill]leavetheaudienceontheirseats withallthetwistsandturnsofwhether[the charactershavebeen]foundoutornot.”

Mr Hawthorne said that the group is always looking for new members for a variety of roles – including actors, backstagecrewmembers,orwriters.

Rope will be performed from 8pm on Friday, October 17, and Friday, October 24, and from 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, October 18 and Saturday, October 25 at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 19 Gisborne Road, Bacchus Marsh.

The production is by Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical on behalf of Samuel French,aConcordTheatricalsCompany. Details:trybooking.com/DBPIV

Exploring the urban landscape together: Teens

There is nothing lame about going on a walk when you do it in style– and tap into yourtalents.

On Friday, October 10, folks from Wyndham,thewestandtheworldoverare invited to Werribee for a night walk that promisesintrigue.

Nightwalks with Teenagers is a walking performance created with local youth who plan, design and lead a public walk through Werribee at night, exploring the urbanlandscape.

Focused on the power of walking together,theperformanceinvitesteensand adults to have a unique social experience

in a shared place and time, where people letlooseandarefreertobethemselves.

Theaimofthissessionistoembracethose coming on the journey with and sharing moments of silence that are not awkward butofferthechanceforcontemplation.

Developed through workshops and rehearsals with the internationally renowned Mammalian Diving Reflex, each performance is co-created with local teens, drawing on their stories, talents and personalperspectives.

MammalianDivingReflexisagroupthat crafts performances by creating theatre productionsandsocialeventswiththeaim

Don’t miss the Sunbury

Show

Show up and show out for the Sunbury Show.

The annual show put on the Sunbury Agricultural Society is keeping Sunbury’s country charm in town with a jam-packed entertainment and fun day scheduled.

On the day, expect to find plenty of animals, with the animal farm, Wild Action Zoo, the pet parade and small dog dash.

Horses, cattle, sheep and poultry will all be part of the show’s competitions, with displays taking place on the grounds.

There will also be the battle of the school choirs, where Sunbury’s young talent will take the stage and battle it out to decide which primaryschool’schoiristhebestof the best.

Entertainmentwillbehappening all day, with multiple local groups taking the stage like the Divine Divas Show Choir, Rainbow Voices and more showcasing their talents. Homecrafts will also be on display as part of the competitions, with homemade goods, quilts, scarecrows and more on show.

Allcompetitionswerealsofreeto enter this year, making it easier for the community to get involved.

There will be plenty of rides for thrillseekers, making it a perfect day out for the whole family to enjoy.

TheSunburyShowwilltakeplace from 8.30am-5pm on Saturday, October 11 at the Sunbury Recreation Reserve.

Tickets will be $20 per adult, $5 per child, and $40 for a family of up to two adults and four children.

Details:https://sunburyshow.au/

to lead a night walk

of bringing people of diverse backgrounds together.

The group and mission is named after a reflex found in mammals, which increases the chances of survival when plunged into a cold watery environment, a metaphor for surviving difficult times by trusting the body.

The group will meet out front of the Wyndham Cultural Centre for a 7.30pm start and commence the two-hour walk fromthere.

More: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov. au/whats-on/nightwalks-teenagersmammalian-diving-reflex-0

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Wallabies halfback is expected to miss the rest of the season due to surgery on his injured hamstring?

2. An uproar broke out at the Brownlow Medal ceremony when which St Kilda player received just two votes during the Round 20 section of the count?

3. 2025 Ballon d’Or recipient Ousmane

4. After the US, which country finished second in the medal tally of the 2025 World Athletics Championships?

5. And how many medals in total did Australia win at the event?

6. Which WNBA player received her fourth MVP award this year, the most in league history?

7. Bad Bunny was recently announced as the headliner for which sporting event?

Which country was the winner of this year’s Women’s Rugby World

And what nickname does that country’s team go

A volleyball match consists of how many players per team?

Which Matildas star recently made her catwalk debut at Paris Fashion Week?

12. Williams driver Carlos Sainz, once with Ferrari, achieved what result at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

13. Who won the 2025 AFL Brownlow Medal?

14. And who won the 2024 NRL Dally M Medal?

15. Which Swedish former tennis player, who played in the ‘70s and ‘80s, retired at the age of 26?

16. In the preliminary final, Brisbane Lions player Dayne Zorko was fined for grabbing Collingwood’s Mason Cox’s what?

17. Which South African cricketer has ‘un-retired’ from white-ball formats and is available for international selection again?

18. Which discarded opening batsman scored a century for Australia A against India A in a first-class match?

19. Which Australian singer performed the national anthem at the AFL Grand Final?

20. Before this year’s Grand Final, how many premierships did Geelong and the Brisbane Lions each win this century?

21. The 2025 Ryder Cup golf tournament was recently held in which US state?

22. What milestone did AFL Women’s players Ebony Marinoff and Ally Anderson both become the first players to recently celebrate?

23. Which veteran Aussie cricket allrounder recently suffered a broken forearm during training, looking set to miss the T20 tour to New Zealand?

24. Which cricketing nation won the 2025 Asia Cup?

25. Which English cricketer will replace Ollie Pope as vice-captain for the upcoming Ashes tours?

26. Who won the 2025 Norm Smith Medal for best on ground at the AFL Grand Final?

27. And how many players have won the Norm Smith Medal more than once?

28. What positions did NRL Grand Finalists Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos finish on the ladder at the end of the premiership season?

29. The UFC recently held Fight Night 260 in which Australian city?

30. And which Australian stadium still holds the record for the two highest ever attendances at a UFC event?

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.

1 Scarcity (6) 4 Swiss family who were marooned (8) 10 Extravagant (9)

11 Vision (5) 12 Reflected sound (4) 13 Sulk (4)

14 Of birth (5) 16 Ancient harp (4)

17 Members of a trust (8)

20 Shoeless (8) 22 Widespread reputation (4)

25 Beneath (5)

26 Facial features (4)

28 Passport endorsement (4)

30 Once more (5) 31 Social exclusion (9)

32 Weather (8) 33 Facade (6)

1 Fuel oil (6) 2 Inebriating spirit (7) 3 Probe (4) 5 Proposal (8)

6 Of Jakarta, for example (10) 7 Ghost (7) 8 Anonymous (8)

9 Storage container for grain (4) 15 Choice (10)

18 Inflexible (8)

19 Pole marking scoring area (8)

21 Spread from the centre (7)

23 Building (7)

24 Tack whacker (6)

27 Container for flowers (4)

29 Faux (4)

1 What is the largest state by area in the

2 In which year was the planet Neptune discovered?

3 Esther Summerson is a character in which novel by Charles Dickens?

4 Located in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is a Catholic church designed by which famous architect?

5 What is the name of the traditional Korean dish typically consisting of fermented cabbage?

6 Recipient of the 1976 Archibald Prize, SelfPortraitintheStudio is an artwork by which Australian painter?

7 Who is the artistic

8

10 Known for its canals and

Cheap low emissions travel

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Toyota’s small but practical Yaris is often overlooked in the rush to buy larger more powerfulmodels.

But for environmentally conscious buyers the hybrid-powered pocket rocket offersaveryrealalternativetofullyelectric vehicles.

The three cylinder hybrid powertrain offerssuperlowfuelconsumptionandwith itincrediblylowengineemissions.

In many ways, you could say it is the perfectcitycar.

Styling

Yarishascomealongwaysincethedebacle over its name when introduced as the ToyotaEchobackin1999.

It is now one of the most popular cars on the road with more than 360,000 sales over fourgenerations.

There are three grades to choose from: Ascent Sport, SX and ZR - priced from $28,990.SXtakesthepriceto$32,390while the sporty ZR enters the ledger at $34,590allpricesbeforeon-roadcosts.

The high performance, three-door GR Yarisispricedfrom$55,490.

Premium paint adds $500 and two-tone paint(blackroof)is$450.

YarisCrossisbasedonthesameplatform and starts from $31,790 plus on-roads in front-driveform.

All grades apart from the GR are poweredbythesamethree-cylinderhybrid powertrainthesedays.

The new 1.5-litre three-cylinder powertrain develops more power than its four-cylinder predecessor, while using substantially less fuel and cutting emissions.

In fact, it offers the best fuel economy of any Toyota, using just 3.3 litres of fuel per 100km and producing just 76 grams of CO2 perkilometre.

Standard kit includes cloth trim and manual aircon, 15-inch steel wheels, analogue speedo, built-in navigation, active cruise control, automatic high beam andspeedsignrecognition.

There’s also LED daytime, tail and stop lights, auto-fold mirrors with LED turn signals,andrearprivacyglass.

SX adds 16-inch alloys, climate air, premium steering wheel and shift knob, LED headlights, indicators and rear combination lights, keyless smart entry, smart-start ignition button and soft-touch instrumentpanel.

Top-of-the-line ZR gains 16-inch alloys, sports front seats, rear spoiler, head-up display,sportsfrontseatsaswellasNanoe-X airfilteringtechnology.

SX and ZR feature a 7.0-inch digital instrumentcluster.

Auto lights are standard, but the wipers are manual and so is the rear-view mirrorsowediscovered.

Toyota seems to have adopted the approach - if it’s not present then best not tomentionit.

Yaris is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometrewarranty.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of an 8.0-inchtouchscreen,withBluetooth,voice recognition, built-in navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with genericsix-speakeraudio.

What it doesn’t get is a wireless charge pad.

TherearetwoUSB-Cportsinthefrontbut noneforrearseatpassengers.

Allgradescomewith12monthsofaccess

to Toyota Connected Services, including Safety and Security features, Multimedia Connect and Driving Insights - all accessible through the myToyota Connect app.

Safety Yaris gets a five-star rating for safety with eight airbags including a centre airbag for thefront.

It has a reversing camera plus sensors that can detect vehicles or pedestrians at intersections when making turns, active cornering assist and a secondary collision braking.

Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car and Vulnerable Road User) as well as lane keep assist (LKA) with lane departure warning (LDW), emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are fitted as standardonallvariants.

There are also front and rear parking sensorsandaparkingsupportbrakesystem that can warn the driver of objects around the vehicle and even apply the brakes if necessary.

ZRvariantsgainBlindSpotMonitor,Safe ExitAssistandRearCrossTrafficAlert.

Engines/transmissions

The 1.5-litre three-cylinder powertrain drives the front wheels through a CVT-style,continuouslyvariableautomatic transmission.

Operating on the Atkinson Cycle, the petrol engine’s 67kW and 120Nm are supplemented by a 59kW and 141Nm electric motor-generator and a compact lithium-ionbattery.

Combined system output is 85kW (combinedtorqueisnotstated).

Driving

The all-new Yaris is shorter and sits lower than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbaseformaximuminteriorspaceand stability.

Unlike its predecessor it is available only infive-doorhatchbackform;thethree-door model is reserved for the performance-

flagshipGRmodel.

Duringdevelopmentofthecar,MrToyota himself, Akio Toyoda, stepped in to delay thelaunchofthecarfor12months.

The first draft was initially larger and heavier, which would have made it more expensive,andhewantedthefattrimmed.

A sporty exterior design comprises a prominent cascading grille, longer bonnet, sculpted door panels, dynamic character linesandashorterrearoverhang.

The interior offers an open, spacious and comfortable cabin with ample headroom, a wider centre console and an up-market ambience with combination cloth and pseudosuedetrim.

Ascent Sport has an all-black interior; SX gains silver highlights while ZR is distinguishedbysportyredinserts.

Stepping from the massive Tundra directly into the diminutive Yaris was a professionalchallenge.

The new platform permits the driver'sseattobesetlowerandfurther back, creating a more engaging driving position and helping to lower the centre of gravitybyaround15mm.

The steering wheel is set closer to the driver,withwidertiltandreachadjustment.

It’s reasonably comfortable in front, however there’s virtually no legroom in the back, making Yaris more of a 2+2 proposition.

Electric steering assistance is tuned for a light touch at low speed and a responsive feelingathighspeed.

A 270-litre cargo area incorporates a two-level boot floor, while larger items can be accommodated with a 60:40 split-fold rearseat.

A space saver spare is provided in the eventofapuncture.

Yaris hybrid can be operated in a fuel-saving Eco mode or more responsive Powermode.

As a full hybrid, it can also operate on electric power alone, which contributes noticeably to its urban-cycle fuel consumptionofjust2.8L/100km.

The hybrid transaxle adopts a compact dual-axis structure with the power-control

unit installed directly above it, resulting in asmall,lightweightsystem.

The chassis has been engineered to improve dynamic qualities, reduce body roll and improve braking stability and stoppingdistances.

The revised front MacPherson struts and rear torsion-beam layout includes reduced friction, softer springs and an increase in rearrollstiffness.

Theregenerativebrakesfeatureventilated discsatthefrontanddrumsattherear.

The thrummy three-cylinder engine in combination with the electric motor is surprisingly responsive, but a bit raucous underhardacceleration.

There’sjusttheonegear,buttheBposition provides additional engine braking when travellingdownhill.

Drive mode select offers a choice of three modes: Standard, Power and Eco. EV mode canalsobeselectedwithadifferentswitch.

Power mode is the one you want when there’ssomeoneupyourclacker.

Because of its size elbow room is at a premium. This becomes obvious with a drink bottle in the centre cupholder betweenthefrontseats,whichmakesforan awkwardcombinationwiththehandbrake anddriver’selbow.

Believe it or not ZR even gets head-up display, but of course you can’t see it with polarisedsunglasses.

We discovered this by chance when we happened to tilt our head sideways. Until thenithadremainedinvisible.

With a 36-litre tank, Yaris takes standard 91 RON unleaded, with fuel consumption a claimed3.3L/100km.

We didn’t quite achieve this figure, but 800km at a rate of 4.0L/100km is fairly impressive.

Norangeanxietyhere.

Summing up Yaris ZR certainly packs a lot into its tiny frame. It’s attractive, well equipped, does not usemuchfuelanddoesn’tcostmuchtobuy. Ifyou’rejustlookingforsomethingtorun aroundtownin,whatmorecouldyouneed?

The sun was out and the cricket bats were pulled from the sheds as cricket season got underway. While some competitions were called off, there was plenty of action across the region. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting the action.

Cricket season is underway

Johnstone Shield gets underway with plenty of highlights

There were some big wins in the opening round of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield, while East Sunbury lost a thriller.

It was perfect weather for cricket on Saturday, meaning the season got off on time and there were plenty of highlights.

After originally having seven teams in the first fixture, the Johnstone Shield competition now has eight sides.

Sunbury Kangaroos, who dropped from McIntyre Cup, are now in the Johnstone Shield after originally being drawn in the Jensen Shield.

It means there are no longer any byes.

The Kangaroos got off to a confidence boosting win against Eynesbury on Saturday.

The Eagles decided to bat and never really got their innings going as they were bowled out for 113 in the 35th over.

Shaan Chahal top scored with 21 after coming in at number eight.

Simon Barry took three wickets for the Kangaroos.

The Kangaroos took their time in the chase but a win never looked in doubt as they finished 4-114 in the 38th over.

Captain Corey Woolley top scored with

34 not out.

ChahalandJoshWatsontooktwowickets each for the Eagles.

EastSunburytookitsmatchwithKilmore deep, but fell just short in the end.

The Thunder made 9-156 from its overs with new captain-coach Justin Nelson top scoring with 34.

Liam Williams made 33 at the top of the orderastheonlyotherplayertoscoremore than 20.

At2-118Kilmorewasincontroloftherun chase before losing three quick wickets. Despite losing another one in sight of victory, it did enough to make 6-158 to get the win with one over remaining.

Nathan Dent and Nelson took two wickets each.

Diggers Rest kicked off its season in strong fashion with a big win against Harkness.

A new challenge

By Tara Murray

Woodend is hoping to build on what it did last season in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.

Woodend finished on top last season before exiting the finals without a grand final appearance. It always won the inaugural one-day title.

CoachJoshEastley,whoisinchargefora secondseason,saidlastseasonwasareally good building base for them.

“It was a disappointing end to the season but we still think it was relatively good as we were back in finals,” he said.

“Wehadn’twonmanygamesintheyears beforehand and we won 11 games and returned back to finals.

“It was our skills and knowledge that let us down in that final, not the talent. We know where we need to improve.

“We want to continue to build on that and we’ve taken opportunities to improve and develop the side.

“I’m so excited to see where we end up, the world is our oyster.”

Eastley said they had added five or six players in the 20-25 age group as they look to build for the future across its first and second XIs.

Woodend kicked off its season on Saturday against Broadford.

Eastley said it had been about four years since he played a round one match as the weather was perfect for cricket.

“It was good to get on the park and blow out the cobwebs,” he said. “There’s a few new faces and it’s exciting to see what they bring to the table.”

Jacques Du Toit, a Southern African with an English passport, is the big signing for Woodend.

Eastley said he brings a wealth of knowledge having played a lot of high level cricket overseas. He said with a lot of younger ones coming in across the top two grades, someone with Du Toit’s experience would be crucial for them.

“I think it’s his first time playing in Australia,” he said. “He’ll strengthen our middle order.”

OliverPricewhoplayedhisjuniorcricket at Woodend has returned to the club also played in the first XI on Saturday.

Broadford won the toss and decided to bat.

Broadford was bowled out for just 134 in

Harry Lawson. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 466957)

the 38th over with Du Toit the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.

“We were a little bit scratchy early,” Eastley said. “Once we got into the game we were able to take control and capitalise on our opportunities.”

Woodendgotthejobdonewitheasewith the bat, finishing 2-135 in the 25th over.

Captain Marcus Stewart top scored with 49 not out as all the top order got starts. Woodend faces Wallan in round two.

The Burras made 7-221 from their overs with Nathan Crosland top scoring with 65 at the top of the order.

Simarjeet Singh took three wickets for Harkness.

The Burras bowlers didn’t waste much time with the ball.

After Harkness was 1-27 it quickly crumbled and was all out for just 87 in the 22nd over.

Alex Hassett took 4-32 for the Burras off his nine overs.

Baljinder Singh top scored with just 19 for Harkness.

It was a tough return to the Johnstone Shield for Lancefield as it lost to Eastern Hill.

The two sides played each for the first time on Saturday having been in different divisions last season.

EasternHillmade7-189fromits45overs. Patrick Shanahan took three wickets for the Tigers.

The Tigers got off to a solid start with the bat and were 1-69 before the wickets started to fall.

They finished 9-112. Lachlan Mitchell, top scored with 31 at the top of the order before having to retire hurt.

Darby steps up

Riddell has turned to a two-time premiership player to take on the coaching role for next year’s Riddell District Football League season.

The Bombers announced that Matthew Darby as senior coach just days after announcing two-time premiership coach Arron Bray stepped down.

“Matthew is a two-time senior premiership player with the club, first in 2013 and more recently in 2024,” the Bombers said.

“Matt will bring a wealth of experience to the role having played VFL[VictorianFootballLeague]with Essendon and also captaining EDFL [Essendon District Football League] premier division side Avondale Heights for multiple years.

“After spending last season as an assistant with our under-19.5’s we are looking forward to Darbs continuing the success of our senior program while also focusing on the internal pathways for our talented juniors coming through.”

The Bombers said that they would announce a number of re-signings and recruits in the coming weeks.

While Darby is locked in as coach, some Bombers premiership players are on the move with their new clubs announcing their signings.

Kamen Ogilvie and Josh Reardon, who both played in the 2025 premiership, are joining Lake Boga.

Lachlan Tarczon, who played in the 2024 premiership, is also headed to Lake Boga, which is coached by two-time RDFL premiership coach Dean Helmers.

Ben Borg is also on the move as he heads back to his former club, Rupertswood.

Eastley said it had been a number of years since he played Wallan and had playedagainstalotoftheplayersdadsback in the day.

In other results on Saturday, Romsey got home against Sunbury United with 111 from Taylor Stevenson the key in the run chase.

Macedon beat Wallan, and a Jarryd Vernon century led Gisborne to victory against Rupertswood.

Macedon Ranges Rockies strong squad keen for success

MacedonRangesRockiesbelievetheyhave theirstrongestteaminanumberofyearsin the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball Leaguenorth-west.

The Rockies have been around the mark to make finals without having the success theywereafter.

Coach Michael Ryan said they were excitedheadingintotheseason.

“It’s our strongest team in a few years,” he said. “The group is excited and added a few guys to the squad that have made us stronger,havemoredepth.”

Lucas Impey is the big signing for the Rockies.

Impey made every state team from under-16stounder-20sbeforefullyturning hisfocustoplayingfootball.

He’s part of Williamstown’s Victorian Football League list and recently played in

a premiership with Darley in the Ballarat FootballLeague.

It’s been a few years since he picked up a basketball.

“He’s been focusing on footy, but he’s been keen to have a run,” Ryan said. “He’s huge for us, when Matt Quinn did his achilleslastyearwewereleftshort.”

JackDohmen-Jolly,whohasbeenplaying for the Sunbury Jets youth league side has joinedtheside.

Ryan said he will help in the back court and both Dohmen-Jolly and Impey are expectedtobestarters.

On the other side, Nick Grantham and EthanFiegertaren’tplayingthisyear.

Ryansaidwhiletheywerebiglosses,they felttheywerefurtheraheadthanlastyear.

“We’ve stayed similar and we’ve got some more development into the younger

guysagain,”hesaid.

“Hopefully it comes to fruition. All the guys have improved in the under-25 bracketforsure.”

The Rockies started their season with splitresults.

On Saturday, the Rockies lost to Mildura Heat,87-84.

Therewasnothingbetweenthetwosides all match, with the Heat doing enough to win.

ThomasScotttopscoredwith18points.

On Sunday, the Rockies opened their account against the Maryborough Blazers.

After leading by three points at quarter time,a22-14secondquarter,openedupan 11pointleadathalftimefortheRockies.

The Rockies continued to build the lead inthesecondhalfastheyranawaywithan

Watt claims medal

By Tara Murray

A mid-season reality check proved the catalyst for Oliver Watt’s Coates Talent Leagueseason.

It was a season of two halves for the Calder Cannon star with a strong second half earning him the club’s top honour, the RobertHydeMedal.

The Woodend youngest said he had no idea he was in contention for the boys best andfairestaward.

“It’s very humbling and a good feeling to get some reward for effort,” he said. “I had noidea.

“I played every game but thought a couple of other boys were deserving of it. I’mhappywithit.”

Watt said he was happy with how his seasonplayedout.

It was a season of two halves where he started to build some consistency in the back half of the year. It led to stronger outputsandmoredisposals.

Watt said all changed in a mid-season meeting.

“To be honest I had a meeting with [regional talent operations lead] Seb [Spagnuolo] and the wellbeing coordinator,” he said. “They put it bluntly therewasnoAFLorVFLinterestedinme.

“It was hard to hear. I spoke to them about it and focused on some goals for the restoftheyear.

“HowIcouldimprovemyleadershipand input to the team, not just focusing on me gettingdrafted?

“Itwastheturningpointformyseason.”

WattsaidtheCannonshadbeenmassive not only in his football career, but also in helpinghimdevelopasaperson.

Spagnuolo said Watt was their most consistent performer for the season and had gone from a small forward to midfielder.

The hard words worked with Watt set to do a VFL pre-season with North Melbourne.

Watt said it was pretty exciting to get a callfromthemandwaseagertoshowwhat hecoulddo.

He said he’s keen to use it as his way to achievingthedreamofmakingtheAFL.

“It’salwaysstillthedream,I’llhavetogo downadifferentroute,”hesaid

“I’m not likely to get drafted as there’s no real interest. Hopefully I get some games there and build some consistency throughouttheyear.”

WhateverlevelWattgetsto,he’llhavethe Woodendcommunitysupportinghim.

He said the two clubs, Woodend Junior and Woodend-Hesket, were like a real big family.

“My senior coach [Al Rae] has been very helpful,” he said. “I played only three

gamesthisyear.

“He communicated everything and asked where I wanted to play to get the mostoutofmyself.

“Gerome Raco who also works at Calder attimes…wasalsohelpfulandsupportive.”

WattwasoneoftwoWoodendboysatthe Cannonsthisyear.

Copper Duff-Tytler is set to go in the top 10 and it comes as no surprise to Watt, who has grown up playing football with him.

84-63win.

Matthew Merrett top scored with 23 points, while three other players scored doublefigures.

Ryansaidfinalsweretheaim.

“Definitely,thatisourgoal,”hesaid.

“I’d be lying if I said I would be disappointedifwedidn’t.”

The Rockies women started the season withmixedresultsaswell.

The women were able to beat the Heat, 56-48,onSaturdaynight.

Scores were level heading into the final quarter,withtheRockiesfinishingstrongly togetthewin.

Kaitlyn Bickerton top scored with 18 points.

On Sunday, the Rockies lost to the Blazers,73-50.

Tara Murray

Strong start for Kyneton

Kyneton kicked off its title defence in the perfect way in the Ballarat HighlandsBowlsRegionHighlands division1competitiononSaturday.

The weather was perfect for the start of the bowls season, with four of the five matches in the top flight proving to be one-sided affairs.

Kyneton was on the road against Gisborne to start the season and were able to come away with a 71 (14)-6 (2) win.

Gregory Podesta’s rink was the big winner for Kyneton, winning 34-10, while David James Thomas’ rink had a one-shot win.

Tim Rogers skippered the winning rink for Gisborne, which won 29-15.

Kyneton Golf also got off to a strong start as it claimed all the points on offer against Romsey, winning 69 (16)-47 (0).

Anthony Barker and Adrian Plowman both had 10 or more shot wins to set up the Golf win to set up the win.

Diggers Rest got the points in the closest match of the day, beating Woodend, 60 (14)-56 (2).

Rod Treweek’s rink had a 10 shot win for Diggers Rest, while Steven Milesi’ rink had a 13 shot win for Wooded.

The rink of Kylie Stafford, which won 21-14, would be the difference in the end.

Lancefield had a tough start to the season against Broadford, losing 69 (14)-49 (2).

Two of the three rinks were close, with the teams splitting three shot wins apiece, with Robert Chapman’s 30-10 win over Aaron Andrews giving Broadford the win to start the season.

“Hopefully it can get the Woodend name outthere,it’sagoodclubandcommunity.”

While keen to have an impact at North Melbourne’sVFLside,Watthasalsolocked in another sporting commitment for the summer.

He has signed to play cricket with Woodend.

“I’m not sure how it will work with football,”hesaid.“I’mexcited.

“I have a few mates down there and my cousinisdownthere.”

In the other match, Kilmore defeated Trentham, 65 (16)-45 (0).

DanielCarrollhada27-16winfor Kilmoretobethebigwinneronthe day.

Division 2 is set to kick off this weekend, while in division 3, Macedon 2, Mt Cottrell, Kyneton 3 and Romsey 3 were the winners on Saturday.

Roar keen to hit the pitch under guidance of Italiano

Sunbury is itching to get its Victorian Turf Cricket Association season underway.

After a big off season under new coach LeoItaliano,theRoariskeentoseewhere it sits this season in the Steve McNamara Shield.

With round one on Saturday against Gellibrand postponed, the Roar is hoping to get underway this Saturday against Newport-Digman.

Coach Leo Italiano said it had been a really exciting off season.

“We’re ready to go,” he said. “We had two practice matches and we’re spewing that round one was called off.

“We weren’t expecting to play, but it would have been good.”

TheRoarhashadafairbitofturnoverin the off season.

Its biggest focus had been on making sure it strengthened its batting. It’s been one area the Roar has struggled with for

a number of seasons and cost them some wins.

“We’ve got a second English fellow,”

Italiano said. “Ethan Connelly, who has played at a high level in England.

“He is an opening batsmen. We’ve picked up Rahul [Singh] who played sub-district last season with Hoppers Crossing where he was a good quality bat in their seconds.”

The Roar’s other import is Jack Narraway, who is vice-captain this season, is a wicketkeeper and top order bat and brings a coaching background.

Another signing is Divjot Singh, a talented young player who made four centuries last season.

The club had announced the signing of Steve Goodwin, but that has fallen through and he wouldn’t be part of the team this season.

Italiano said they were also keen to see what some of the younger players could do.

“It’saboutthedevelopmentofthekids,”

A medal on the fly

By Tara Murray

defender Tilly Shepherd was halfway around the world when she found out she had won back-to-back Ryan Medals.

Shepherd, who is currently in Europe, missed the Riddell District Football Netball League awards night where she made history as the first player to win the top netball award two years straight.

Shepherd said it would have been nice to beintheroomtocelebratethemomentbut it was still very special.

“It’s such an honour to be awarded the Ryan medal back-to-back,” she said.

“I’m so grateful to have this incredible recognition, particularly amongst so many amazing netballers in this league

“As I’m currently eight hours behind Melbourne time, I didn’t realise it was on until I started getting quite a few messages fromfriendsandteammatescongratulating mefortheawardsIhadwon.

“It was really quite overwhelming, a mix of being stunned and thrilled.”

Shepherdsaiditwashardtocompareher two medal winning seasons.

Last year was the first year Shepherd had played in the RDFNL after Kyneton switched leagues.

“Personally I felt like I had a pretty consistentseasonthisyearintheRDFNL,” she said. “Last year the best and fairest wasn’t even on my radar, like I didn’t even consider myself a contender so I can’t really remember.

“I wouldn’t say the second year made it anyeasierassuch,givenKyneton’sA-grade this year was quite different.

“But in some ways yes it was definitely more comfortable having that familiarity, and not being completely new.”

Kyneton missed finals this year with Shepherd saying the team had really developed as the year went on.

It’s been another big year for Shepherd on the netball court.

After making her Victorian Netball League debut last season, she switched between playing in the 23 and under and championship divisions this year. She was named in the 23 and under VNL team of the year, while was named best on court in Melbourne University Lightning’s premiership.

“I’vehadaprettyincredibleyearinterms of my netball achievements, I don’t even think it’s fully sunk in yet,” she said. ”Like it all seems so crazy to be real.”

Shepherd has been promoted into the Lightning’s championship side full time

for next season. It will be another challenge.

“I am so excited to be playing up in champs for Melbourne Uni Lightning next year,” she said.

“AlittlenervousaswellgiventhatIknow it’s quite a step up from the under-23s.

he said. “We had a big pre-season and we started in mid-July.

“We’ve had 20-plus sessions and two practice matches. The feel around the place is fantastic.

“We’ve been able to recruit a lot of new players for the lower grades as well.”

Italianosaidtheclubhadbeenworking on the culture as well to focus on a one club practice instead of focusing on individual teams.

“We’re focused on the one club mentality,” he said. “Our fourth XI played on a Sunday last year, this year all four sides are playing on a Saturday.

“Itbuildscultureandmorenumberson a Saturday. It’s been awesome.”

Italiano said they had six or seven juniorsidesaswellthisseasonalongwith cricket blasters with plenty of numbers across the club.

- Tara Murray

EDFL

Rupertswood has announced its first two signings for next year’s Essendon District Football League division 1 season. Ben Borg returns to the club having spent this season at Riddell where he won a Riddell District Football League premiership. Jarrod Ainsworth crosses to the Sharks from Gisborne with the club describing him as a contested king. “His football honours include a best on ground medal in the Bendigo Football League under-18’s grand final, He enjoys a goal and winning his own ball through the midfield,” the Sharks said.

RDFL

Gisborne Giants have announced two new signings for next year’s Riddell District Football League season. Brad Slater joins the Giants having played in Canberra most recently but has previously played in the RDFL and the Essendon District Football League with the Sunbury Kangaroos. Alex Lancaster will join the Giants from St Albans in the EDFL. With elite leg speed, sharp skills, and high footy IQ, Alex is a versatile talent who can play anywhere around the square,” the Giants said. “Alex brings exciting potential and energy to the group.”

RDFL

Kyneton’s new women’s side has received a massive boost with one of the club’s most talented juniors signing on for next year’s Riddell District Football League season. Ella Jeffrey, who was part of the Vic Country under-18 squad this season, has signed on for the Tigers for next year. She first played for the Tigers back in 2017 in under-10s and has progressed through the ranks. Jeffrey last week tested at the AFLW state combine.

CBL

Kyneton Tigers have pulled their women’s team out of the Country Basketball League north-west competition. One of the more successful teams in the competition, including playing in a grand final last year, the Tigers had entered a side before withdrawing it just before the start of the season.

“It’s also hard not to feel a little bit of pressure as a player who’s been so highly awarded this season in both VNL and the RDFNL, but mostly I’m really looking forward to developing further as a player and just enjoy playing this wonderful sport that I love.”