Local input sought

Ballarat East MP, Geoff Howard is deputy chair of the state parliament Rural and Regional Committee, which is now commencing an inquiry into best practice in e-business and remote working policy.

With the Federal Labor rollout of the National Broadband Network, regional Victoria, including Kyneton, Castlemaine and Romsey, is now becoming closer than ever to Melbourne and other sites across the world.

This means that the disadvantages presented by distance are now no longer so limiting to economic opportunities for regional communities and regional Victorians can have broader work options.

The state parliament Rural and Regional Committee is now commencing an Inquiry into best practice in e-business and remote working policy.

Ballarat East MP, Geoff Howard, is deputy chair of the committee. Mr Howard said that there's no doubt that teleworking is growing more popular across the world as economies change from traditional models to become more information based. 

"At present we have a significant number of people who commute to Melbourne for work daily," he said.

"Not only does this see much time and stress added to the working day of commuters but it adds to traffic congestion and costs governments more as the pressure to build more freeways and upgrade public transport to meet this demand.

"Governments in other countries, including USA and many European countries, have taken action to require government departments and private businesses to set targets for more staff to be able to work from home for one or more days per week.

"Workers from home often say they are more productive and have a better work-life balance. Also the potential benefits of getting cars off the roads and keeping people in rural and regional Victoria are enormous while the opportunity to attract more people to come and make that lifestyle move away from Melbourne.

"This Inquiry will look to determine the best way to ensure rural and regional Victoria is prepared for the opportunities provided by the broadband rollout."

Mr Howard said he believed that many people who presently commute or who already work from home would have useful insights to share regarding what government could do to promote increased telecommuting and e-business.

"Our committee is calling for submissions to the Inquiry and I would encourage anyone prepared to share their views to contact me or go to the committee's website to register their interest," he said.

"We are interested in hearing from experts who can provide advice and information on the inquiry's Terms of Reference. We are also interested in people in regional areas who have first-hand experience of teleworking or establishing their own e-business."

To view the full Terms of Reference and information on how to make a submission to the Inquiry, visit www.parliament.vic.gov.au/rrc or phone Geoff Howard on 5331 7722.

Miranda is impossible to stop

The week's Macedon Ranges Guardian Sport Star of the week is 11-year-old Miranda Jones of Kyneton. The grade five Kyneton Primary School student is making giant strides as one of the rising young guns in the sport of basketball. 
Miranda is an enthusiastic member of the Kyneton Basketball Association. She is an emerging young gun who possesses great speed, agility and a little bit of extra height to give her an edge over her opponents. She plays in a variety of positions and is a great offensive and defensive rebounder. She started playing basketball three years ago and loves any chance that she has to go out and shoot some hoops. She started playing thanks to her dad who played a lot of basketball while growing up and she naturally took the game on through his great love of the sport.
"She took to it straight away," proud dad Rob said, "she was around very enthusiastic people."
Miranda started her basketball journey when her family lived in Northcote. She joined a development program in Collingwood and that gave her the skills to get her going in domestic competitions. Her family moved up to Kyneton two years ago and she slotted in comfortably in the exciting environment of the Kyneton Basketball Association. Last year she played in the Under 12s and Under 14s at domestic level. Basketballers were encouraged to get as much court time as possible to assist them with the confidence and team building to play representative matches. 
Miranda has had a stellar run in recent seasons. She won the Most Valuable Player award in the Under 12 Girls premiership team that competed in Ballarat over the Queen's Birthday weekend. She was a clear stand-out across the tournament and deserved her award in a very strong team that featured many outstanding stars. She was a valuable member of the team that won the premiership in Traralgon earlier this year. The team is coached by Alan Simmins and has worked wonders for Miranda and the team. The squad was on the receiving end of some heavy losses 12 months ago and they have since grown to be one of the most feared teams in the state. Alan has implemented a terrific defensive game plan that has made them very hard to score against. Miranda has learned lots of valuable tips from him as coach in order to be a better team player and sports person. 
"He has been a good influence on Miranda," Rob said.
Outside her love of basketball, Miranda has played tennis in Kyneton for the last 12 months. She is coached by Marcus Wills who has been terrific in her development of skills as a tennis player. She loves being in the outdoors and has a great group of friends.
"She is pretty fun, has good character, lots of energy and looks out for people," Rob said.
Miranda would love a career in sport but she also has a great love of animals and nature that might encourage her to follow a career path in nature.
For being featured as our Macedon Ranges Guardian Sports Star of the week, Miranda wins a $40 gift voucher to Amped Skate n Surf in Kyneton and may call in to our Market Street in Kyneton to collect his prize. If you would like to nominate any youngster doing their best in their chosen sport, contact our sports desk by calling 5422 1488 or email - sport@elliottmidnews.com.au
The award seeks to recognise sporting achievements and is as much as for those just doing their best as it is for those who reach great heights.

Working Woodend

Greens lead senate candidate, Janet Rice, and candidate for Bendigo, Lachlan Slade, in Woodend on Wednesday.

Greens lead senate candidate, Janet Rice, and candidate for Bendigo, Lachlan Slade, hit the campaign trail in Woodend on Wednesday, focusing on planning issues and the fears many residents hold that their community will be absorbed into Melbourne's suburban sprawl.

Mr Slade explained he wants to see Woodend keep its charm and beauty and remain a welcoming place to live, work and visit.

"I work here and love the place. The peace, tranquillity and atmosphere of the Macedon Ranges beats many places in Victoria," Mr Slade said. 

"I want to see sensible planning decisions made to ensure Woodend keeps its village lifestyle, ensuring access to the best facilities and services.

"Individuals and families move here to enjoy the lifestyle and community, all the while being surrounded by stunning mountain forests, not to see Woodend become an outer suburb of Melbourne."

Ms Rice is a strategic transport planning consultant, former councillor and mayor of the City of Maribyrnong, and former chair of the Metropolitan Transport Forum.

"People-friendly green development and safe streets mean people can get around by walking, cycling, and public transport," Ms Rice said. 

"Public transport creates healthier communities and connects people to vital services like health and education."

Mr Slade said the policies of both the Labor and Liberal parties would see Woodend become an outer suburb through sprawl and planning policies that do nothing to protect the parks and other natural areas that make the Macedon Ranges a special place to live.

"A vote for the Greens is a vote for sustainable planning and development that strengthens the livability of towns like Woodend, ensuring there remains a strong 'edge' to the town, making sure it doesn't just get absorbed into urban sprawl," Ms Rice said.

"The Liberals want a 'Big Australia' and the ALP has shown it always sides with developers despite their rhetoric about sustainable development. The Greens are the only party that stands strong with regional communities. We've shown that in parliament and in the community time after time."

A cast of thousands

The Tony Gould Quartet warms up before performing in the St Ambrose Hall. Photo: Chris Fleming

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival over the Queen's Birthday long weekend again drew an audience of thousands to Woodend, with about half of the 2500 tickets going to day trippers from metropolitan Melbourne.

Many more attended the free festival program of exhibitions, children's events, or were engaged through the schools program now run by the festival committee to take performers and authors into local schools. The festival comprised more than 30 events this year.

Six key events - including the headline performances of the Brandenburg Concertos and Bach Mass (two of each at St Ambrose Church), Tinalley Quartet and the The Chamber's landscape artists' panel - were sold out well before the weekend. Most other events were half to two thirds full by the time the festival fireworks signalled the official opening on Friday - attracting upwards of an estimated 2000 people to Buffalo Stadium.

Artistic director, Jacqueline Ogeil, said she was thrilled with every aspect of this year's festival - and planning is well underway for the 10th anniversary of what has become a premier regional arts festival nationally.

"We have the most amazing team of supporters - our committee, support staff and loyal volunteers have worked incredibly hard to make this happen, and of course all the brilliant artists who have come to Woodend to perform, speak and collaborate," she said.

"Even the weather was perfect!"

But Dr Ogeil, an accomplished and highly regarded classical performer herself (with several CDs on the market) said her personal highlight was the opportunity to perform again.

"The Bach' B minor mass was a personal triumph for me - as it is a massive work of great artistic and intellectual merit, something any musician wants to perform in their life. 

"We did it on minimal rehearsal and resources and it went brilliantly. Our audiences are so enthusiastic and it was great to look out into the audience and see their happy faces."

Dr Ogeil also noted that many of the audience are repeat visitors to the festival.

"The feedback forms are pouring in and many have come to all nine festivals. The positive feedback is just sensational."

For Woodend resident - and now published crime writer Andrew Grimes (author of The Richmond Conspiracy) - it was a new perspective - as part of the program and in company with experienced crime authors with significant back catalogues for the 'Life of Crime' panel event.

And while catching up with his newfound peers was exciting, Andrew made the most of his time immersed in the festival - one event simply led to another and he was hooked.

"The highlights for me were the stunning artworks of children's picture book illustrator Ann James, the virtuoso performance of classical pianist Stephanie McCallum and the superb rendition of the Brandenburg Concertos by Accademia Arcadia. I loved the festival and I'm really looking forward to next year," he said.

Committee member and literary visual arts program organiser, Sheila Drummond, said she noticed yet again how attentive and engaged audiences to the literary events. 

"Ramona Koval and Sally Warhaft's discussion on books and reading was an absolute gem; two feisty erudite, articulate women talking to spellbound full house. The panels on various aspects of writing and publishing were given full marks by the attentive audience. Crime writing in its various forms and Australia in the Asian Century were terrific," she said.

Locals and visitors alike were attracted to the newest venue in Woodend which hosted a series of festival events.

"The new, light, bright venue of the Norma Richardson Hall (St Mary's) proved popular as an exhibition space with talks, demonstrations and a film. Many people returned for another look," Ms Drummond said.

Those who booked early were responsible for selling out accommodation in Woodend, with key venues - such as Campaspe House - booked for all meal services a week before the festival - and cafes and restaurants that were open turning tables several times for each service.

In what has become a festival favourite, the Scout Log Cabin Café, run by the 1st Woodend Scout Group, had its best year yet - Committee member and coordinator of the pop-up café Leisa Macartney said business was up by about 50 per cent and meant a hasty restock of food was required by Saturday afternoon.

"The team of about 30 - 40 scouts, cubs and venturers were very enthusiastic waiting tables and serving, but not so enthusiastic about drying the dishes," she laughed. The café happens with the help of the young people, about half a dozen scout leaders and a team of 20 or so parents, with most of the food prepared and donated by scouting families.

This year also saw the café take its first booking - with a phone call before the weekend to ensure a table reservation.

"We couldn't believe it," Ms Macartney said.

"The people who come to the café are just amazing. There is so much goodwill towards the kids, who just love it. Some people came every day for lunch, and some others came three times a day - between events. It's just a wonderful, sometimes crazy, experience. But it's been fantastic - next year we're even thinking about whether we should put on a dinner service."

Budget brouhaha

Kylie Kitchen

A two per cent reduction in the proposed Macedon Ranges rate rise was met with instant community backlash as council adopted its 2013/14 budget on Wednesday night. 

At the special meeting, the adopted budget was amended from the document which was exhibited to residents. 

Residents filled the gallery and expressed dismay over decisions to again propose UL Daly Nature Reserve as the Gisborne Early Years Hub site and to sell four parcels of open space reserve in Gisborne (Wyralla Crescent, Namnan Way and Gardiner Street) to fund a planned netball courts project. 

Cr Henry McLaughlin made the submission to the budget (as a councillor and resident) that resulted in the Daly Reserve decision, and subsequent rate rise reduction. 

"The reality is though council, at the end of the day, we are the ones who have been elected to make the decisions and those decisions are tough decisions," he said.

"The council delivers a number of significant projects. The pockets of ratepayers are not bottomless and neither is the council budget. 

"The budget is about balance. Councillors this is a true balance."

Council cut the rate rise by saving $700,000 on the purchase of a new site for the Gisborne early years hub. 

It returned to its original proposal to make Daly Reserve the hub site, despite voting not to do so at a November 2012 meeting. The budget now allocates $25,000 for a masterplan on Daly Reserve. 

Cr Jennifer Anderson said there are other ways to reduce rates.

"What we're debating is have we got any other solutions," she said. 

"I have concerns for Daly Reserve and what might happen if we put the hub back on the agenda there."

Cr Russell Mowatt said the council has failed the community in lack of consultation and in going back on a decision made last year. 

Cr Sally Piper called it a good governance issue. 

"No wonder there's so many people in the gallery here tonight, they probably don't even know what's going on," she said. 

"I'm sorry to Daly Reserve and I'm sorry to the parcels of land that have been sold. So no, it's not balanced, it hasn't followed process and I'm very disappointed."

Cr Piper proposed a compromise to sell only one of the four parcels of land, which was lost in the vote. 

"Residents should not have to have their open space taken away from them to fund infrastructure for a town that is growing too quickly," she said. 

"Once our land is built on that's it, the concrete jungle is here to stay."

Cr John Letchford told council there are "$65 million reasons" to praise the budget. 

"My community says 'thank you if you can reduce the rates in the budget'," he said. 

"Councillors I suggest you start singing the praises of the budget.

"The budget is a complex process. We had so many conflicting submissions to judge this on."

Kyneton was a winner in the budget, with joint funding proposals for the Kyneton Bluestone Theatre and the Kyneton Community Park project. The theatre is promised a $90,000 council contribution to support a potential $290,000 government grant. The park will receive a $100,000 council contribution to support an application for a $300,000 government grant.

The budget includes more than $17 million in capital works, with $6.2 million in road and bridge works.

Council confirmed its $550,000 budget contribution to infrastructure upgrades at Hanging Rock, $764,000 to upgrade Woodend's Gilbert Gordon Oval, and $800,000 in playground projects in Kyneton and Romsey.

Other capital works include the Gisborne shire office extension ($800,000), footpath renewal program ($220,000), and the Tylden multipurpose courts ($210,000).

Among the 26 new initiatives is the implementation of the State Government's new residential zones ($40,000), and the Macedon Ranges Climate Change Action Plan ($40,000).

Council voted 5-4 on the budget (including the Daly Reserve decision). Those for were Crs McLaughlin, Letchford, mayor Roger Jukes, Graham Hackett and John Connor. Those against were Crs Piper, Mowatt, Anderson and Morabito.

Council voted 6-3 in the Gisborne land sales decision. Those for were Crs McLaughlin, Letchford, Jukes, Hackett, Connor and Morabito. Those against were Crs Piper, Mowatt, and Anderson.

Local girls light up the courts

(Top) The Macedon Ranges Under 14 Girls basketball team finished runner-up in Ballarat over the weekend - Ellie Neale, Emily James, Sam Turner, Hayley Bourke, Lisa James (coach), Taylah Lee, Jordan Athorn and Yani Dyer.
(Middle) Under 12 Girls Ballarat premiers - Amelia Andrews, Jaimeson Plant, Maddy Lee, Kasey Ward, Miranda Jones, Mackenzie Cameron, Taryn Cairnes, Adrienne Cameron and coach Simmo.
(Above) Under 12 Division Four premiers – BVCC Traralgon - Taryn Carines, Mackenzie Cameron, Maddy Lee, Miranda Jones, Jaimeson Plant, Ellie Torney, April Sims and Adrienne Cameron.

Basketball lifted off into overdrive at the Ballarat Minters Basketball Tournament held over the Queen's Birthday weekend. 
Kyneton entered an Under 12s and Under 16 Girls team while a combined squad of stars from Kyneton and Woodend combined for a Macedon Ranges team to play off in the Under 14 Girls competition.
The Under 12 Girls came out to play and put on a sparkling display of hard running basketball. They lost just one game during the preliminary rounds, to archrivals Castlemaine in the opening game, 23 to 12. This gave the girls plenty to look at in terms of improvement and gearing themselves up for a more polished performance against Ararat in the second game. They swept the floor with the opposition to dominate in a convincing 32-point win, 47 to 15. This gave them lots of confidence in game three where they defeated a strong Altona team by nine points, 22 to 13. They advanced through to the qualifying final full of running and defeated a competitive Bendigo Gold by 10 points in a game in which they had to work hard and show great teamwork against strong opposition. They prevailed 24 to 14. 
The Kyneton girls advanced through to the semi-final against the previously undefeated Kilsyth for a spot in the grand final. This was one of the great games of the tournament as both teams defended well and took strong defensive rebounds to prevent their opponents from getting the follow-up shot. Kyneton persisted hard and won in a thrilling contest by six points, 21 to 15. They advanced through to the decider to take on the determined Wild Cats. The girls were switched on from tip-off and led from the front with a strong 15-point win, 32 to 17 to be crowned the Ballarat tournament premiers. Congratulations to the squad of Amelia Andrews, Jaimeson Plant, Maddy Lee, Kasey Ward, Miranda Jones, Mackenzie Cameron, Taryn Cairnes, Adrienne Cameron and proud coach Alan Simmins. 
This week's Macedon Ranges Guardian Sport Star of the week, Miranda 'Mandy' Jones, was crowned the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Jacki Plant and Lisa James joined forces to coach the merged Kyneton and Woodend teams to form an Under 14 Macedon Ranges team. The girls were amazing with their performances and worked hard as a team. This is a credit to the girls gelling together at training and adapting to each other's playing styles. 
They went through the preliminary rounds and the opening rounds of the finals undefeated before going down to the all-conquering Sunbury Braves by three points in the grand final. The squad consisted of Ellie Neale, Emily James, Sam Turner, Hayley Bourke, Lisa James (coach), Taylah Lee, Jordan Athorn and Yani Dyer. Congratulations to the girls on their efforts and they should hold their heads high. The Kyneton Under 16 Girls were coached by Ash Clarke. They won all of their games except one and missed out on the grand final by percentage only. They should be congratulated on their endeavour to play well as individuals and as a team.
Kyneton Basketball Association has celebrated plenty of great success already this year. It had representative teams in the Basketball Victoria Country Commission Traralgon tournament earlier this year. The Under 12 Girls won the Division Four premiership in a stunning performance. The squad consisted of Taryn Carines, Mackenzie Cameron, Maddy Lee, Miranda Jones, Jaimeson Plant, Ellie Torney, April Sims and Adrienne Cameron. The Under 14 Boys finished runners-up in the competition. Cello Matricardi and Ash Clarke coached the team. Martin O'Sullivan coached the Under 18 Boys in a good performance.
The Kyneton U14 Girls squad had a wonderful tournament also in Bendigo earlier this year and finished the tournament advanced through to Division Three.
The winter season is now underway with the Under 10s, 12s and 15s taking to the court. Contact the association if you wish to play.

Masters storm home over Geelong

Florsy in action

By Woodsy

The Gisborne Masters Football Club 35s played at home against Geelong on Sunday. Inclement weather conditions made the ground look more like Skilled Stadium than Gardiner Oval, with lights required from the first bounce. Slow starts have been the story of the year thus far, so it was pleasing to get the jump early. The forward line of Darren 'Snake' Taylor, Danny 'the silverback' Klaaysen and Ryan 'fireman Sam' O'Meara were dominant from the outset. Each of the aforementioned bagged a couple of majors in the first quarter. This ensured the Dogs took a handy lead into quarter-time. The second quarter featured a more competitive Geelong team emerge from their huddle. Strong defence however, led by Cameron 'Duke' Ducas, Dave 'Martian' Kraljic, Michael 'where's the bottle shop' Woodier and Gisborne's very own leprechaun (we think his name is Dave, very hard to understand), made it difficult for Geelong to make the most of their forward attacks. At the long break, coach Brett 'election speech' Taylor made a few changes; Shannon 'Nollsy' Nolls (yep, the famous dude) up forward was having an immediate impact. Mike 'I have my own golf course' was carving up the flanks and wings and hitting the scoreboard with some majors. The other Penny (Dean) was at his best in the ruck, constantly putting the ball on the chest of the onballers. What write up would be complete without a mention of Mr Irresistible himself, Rossy Johns, another top game. Thank you for the gift you left us in the sheds, the memory will linger in our nostrils for many a moon. The final quarter had the Dogs get off the leash with numerous goal scorers blowing the margin out at game's end. The better players for the Dogs were Johnsy, Dean Penny, Snake, Richard 'Dickie' McKibbin and BT. The last quarter also produced two of the best Falcons you are ever likely to see in football. Firstly to Ant 'Florsy' Flores, who did well to still be standing after the incident (he also is quietly blaming Dave Griff for the deflection). The second, to Snake, whose lip now has its own postcode. Well done boys, much laughter was had at our own expense. Once again to all the people who helped out, Tony and Nicko, our trainer Kelly, Sticks and Luca who braved the weather in goals, your efforts are much appreciated. Next game is at Ballarat on Saturday the 15th. Go Doggies!
Gisborne 25.18 (168) defeated Geelong 3.0 (18)

Well-known faces

Lauriston actor, Dave Maxwell, who is well known for his performances at Sunbury's Boilershouse Theatre, is set to captivate Chewton audiences.

Excitement is building for Cathouse Players' first production - Trap for a Lonely Man - at Chewton Senior Citizens Centre this month.

The murder/mystery opens next Friday, June 14, at 8pm and runs for two weekends only. 

Directed by Bette Sartore, Trap for a Lonely Man by Robert Thomas is set in a chalet in the French Alps in the 1950s. It tells the story of Daniel Corban, who has reported his wife missing to the police. 

A priest arrives and tells him that he has found Madame Corban alive and well. He brings the woman in but Daniel insists it is not his wife. Several people arrive and say that she really is Madame Corban and Daniel starts to feel as if he is losing his grip on reality.

All will be revealed in the last few moments of the play in what is a cracker ending!

The play features a terrific ensemble cast including: Frank Sartore, Jan Maxwell and Maggie Browne.

Lauriston actor, Dave Maxwell, who is well known for his performances at Sunbury's Boilerhouse Theatre, has been preparing for his colourful role as an artist in Trap for a Lonely Man.

"It's a terrific play and so well written - I think people are going to love it," he said. "The ending is amazing - the great reveal is held up until the very last minute." 

Trap for a Lonely Man will be performed on June 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 8pm. There will also be a special matinee performance on Sunday, June 16 at 2pm.

Tickets are $20/$15 concession for all shows except for Gala Night (June 22) when all tickets will be $25 and include a supper, wine and a chance to chat to the cast after the show. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/CSRW and some tickets (cash sales only) will be available at the door.

Around the Clubs!

A Grade stroke winner Lance Carracher with Romsey Golf Club president Anthony Lakey.

ROMSEY
Saturday June 1 was day one of the Romsey Open played as a 4BBB. Very heavy rain from Friday afternoon through to midday Saturday had a number of players have second thoughts about taking to the course, however all those who took up the challenge found that the drizzle cut out after the second hole and conditions improved throughout the day. By mid-afternoon, the wet weather gear, umbrellas and jumpers had been put away and golfers enjoyed the balmy conditions. There was plenty of casual water on the fairways and on some of the greens so relief, through the green, was given. The day's results featured Rob and Tony Freeman winning the men's pairs with 37 points, Lorraine Robb and Burt Quigley winning the mixed pairs with 41 points from Beryl Cole and Dean vanDenHeuval with 34 points. John and Andrew Laing won the relative pairs event (a Romsey Golf Club shield event) with 43 points from Dave Richardson and Adrian Poulton with 41 points. NTPs went to Andrew Laing on the 1st and Chris Lingard on the 15th. 
Sunday June 2 was day two of the Romsey Open Day 2 that was played as a 24-hole stroke event. Misty rain met players as they registered and then lined up to enjoy an egg and bacon breakfast and catching up with people they may not have seen since The Romsey Open in June of last year. By 9.30am, the drizzle had moved on to light rain, assisted by steady winds from the south-west. The par 45 course was challenging enough without these tough conditions. Fortunately the rain lifted after a few holes but the occasional shower and gusting wind did roll across the park during the morning. The highlight of the first 12 holes was a hole-in-one by Dave Richardson from Romsey on the 110m par 3, 10th. By 12.15pm, all players were in the clubhouse enjoying a roast lunch, a quiet drink and a good chat with other players. Halfway clubhouse house leaders were - 
A Grade
Stroke - Lance Carracher from Euroa and Danny BellChambers from Lancefield with 47
Handicap - Lance Carracher with (2 2/3) 44 1/3 from Phil Constable with (3 1/3) 44 2/3
B Grade
Stroke - Anthony Freeman from Romsey with 54 ahead of Mal Mottram from Romsey with 56
Handicap - Anthony Freeeman with (11 1/3) 42 2/3 and Mal Mottram (11 1/3) 44 2/3
C Grade
Stroke - John Freestone from Romsey with 56 and Ian Reynolds from Goonawarra with 60
Handicap - John Freestone with (12) 44, Ian Reynolds with (12 2/3) and Dave Richardson with (14 1/3) 47 1/3.
The afternoon round got underway with drifting showers that moved to steady drizzle then clear, cold conditions. During the day, players were reinforced with cups of hot soup and other refreshments from the mobile kitchen staffed by RGC veterans Peter Scanlon and Bruce Robb. Many players were extremely happy to see these two as the wandered around the course. By 3.30pm, all competitors were back in the rooms and chewing their way through the warm savouries and the many homemade slices and other desserts. 
The day's results were - 
AM Handicap - Mal Mottram with (11 1/3) 44 2/3 
PM Handicap - Mark Corradin from Euroa with (- 3) 42
C Grade
Stroke - John Freestone with 119
Handicap - Ian Reynolds with (24 2/3) 98 2/3
B Grade 
Stroke - Anthony Freeman with 108
Handicap - Graham Drummond from Northern with (22 2/3) 95 1/3
A Grade 
Stroke - Lance Carracher with 94
Handicap - Mick Prorock with (12) 89
NTPs were John Loney from Melbourne Airport on the 1st, Ian Richardson from Euroa on the 8th, Mick Corcoran from Northern on the 9th and Dave Richardson on the 10th. 
- Anthony Lakey
KYNETON
Wednesday May 29 was a stableford event. The winner was Mark Sciberras with 39 points. Scoring then dropped away with Paul Kristian the runner-up on a count-back with 33 points ahead of Frank Evans who also had 33 points. Karel Turang and John Dawson each had 32 points. Adrian Hanks had 31 points. David Bath, Noel Alldis, T Woods and Trevor Glanfield each collected a ball with 30 points. NTPs was John Dawson on the 4th and Mark Sciberras on he 9th. Saturday June 1 was a stroke round for the monthly medal and also the first round of the James Rennick Trophy. The long-awaited and much-welcomed overnight rain had changed playing conditions considerably for players. The medal winner from A Grade was Jesper Hansen with 80-10-70 from Neil Ford with 80-9-71 nett and Adrian Hanks with 79-8-71 nett. The B Grade winner was Noel Alldis with 85-13-72 nett from Brett Treloar who had 84-11-73 nett. Trevor Glanfield was the C Grade winner with 87-16-71 nett from Damien Summers who had 95-22-73 nett. Adrian Hanks had the best putting round with 27 for the day. Tuesday June 4 was also a stroke round for the medal, inclusive of the third Silver Spoon and Joan Kimberly Trophy and fourth BD Cup. Scores suggested that the ladies found the changed conditions difficult to adjust to. There was no run on the fairways and slower greens impacted on scoring for the round, Grace Parkinson won the medal with 94-19-75. She also won A Grade from Marg Scoble who had 77 nett. The B Grade winner was Virginia Dalton with 122-41-81 nett. NTPs were Marlene Richards on the 9th, Vicki Nettleton on the 17th and Beth Murray on the 18th. Robyn MacRae had the best putting round with 32 putts. Saturday is the second round of the James Rennick Trophy and will be for a stroke. Ladies will play stroke on Tuesday for the first round of the Min Ferris Memorial Trophy.
TRENTHAM
Scores were good in the midweek stableford considering the steady rain that persisted and surprisingly only eight players pulled out midstream. Lindsay Perrin won A Grade with 35, Ray Marks did the best in B Grade with 36 and Carol Bot, Kevin Sheedy and Chris Hansen were all on 34. NTPs were P Martin, R Wilson, P Axton and C Wilson. The heavy rain on Friday night kept a lot of players at home but they would have found it hard to topple the medal winner, Allan Schroder with 82-17-65 and runner-up Dan Nugent with 77-10-67. The closest to them were John Hudson with 88-17-71, Ron Dunbar with 86-14-72 and Mick. Kaufman 78-6-72. NTPs were D Doty, A Schroder and G Varley (2). Kerrin Hynes won the playoff for the previous monthly medal. This Saturday is the second round of the KO and par while the women have stableford. 
- Dogleg

Rangers triumph over rivals

Kyneton enjoyed a great win over Castlemaine in the Under 16s.

Under 16A 
Kyneton District versus Castlemaine
Kyneton hosted Castlemaine at Barkly Square on Saturday on a very wet first day of winter. The Rangers began well with Lachlan McKenzie opening the scoring after 10 minutes. Castlemaine drew level midway through the half, but Kyneton took control with goals two goals to Shaun Dukic, one to Ben Plant and another to McKenzie to give the boys a strong 5-1 lead into half-time. The second half began with Kyneton on top with goals to both James Kennedy and Mitch Lee in the first 10 minutes. Castlemaine was still fighting and added another soon after. Kyneton then dominated with another goal to Ben and one to Luke Knight, before Castlemaine drew one back through a penalty. McKenzie added another to the total to complete his hat-trick, followed by another to Ben. Castlemaine put another in the back of the net before Ben finished the game with two quick goals in the last minutes of the game to lead his team off the park with a 13-4 victory.
Division Six
Light United versus Kyneton District
Kyneton continued its good form with a strong 3-1 victory over Light United. Justin McDermott scored his first goal for the club and Luke Knight scored once again to make the half-time score 2-0. Luke Brien added a third as Rangers youngsters, Ben Plant, Shaun Dukic and Rhys Sartori, benched up their teammates with solid performances. Light scored a late penalty for consolation as Rangers went on their winning way.
This week - catch up round
Metro league six - Kyneton versus Brunswick Zebras at home from 12pm on Sunday.

Girls battle hard in wet

Jessica Larsen

The first Sunday of winter brought with it freezing temperatures and light rain which eventually soaked through to the bone. Despite the wintry conditions, Gisborne Soccer Club still managed to put on a good show for those who braved the chill. The State Four women's team started the day off hosting the league's ladder topper, Lara FC. The game was always going to be hard one, especially with the knowledge that the opposition had planned on an easy thrashing. Those plans however were stunted as the home side only trailed by five goals at half-time. This improvement from the previous time the two teams met continued through to the second half as Gisborne only conceded one goal. The game ended in a 0-6 loss, with Lara sitting comfortably on the top of the ladder, two points clear from second. 
The State Three team experienced a little more success this week against Melbourne University, also at Dixon Field. Gisborne hit the lead early as goals went to both Gill McDermott and Helen Smith. Melbourne University fought back and scored a first goal before Gill McDermott secured another. By half-time the scoreboard read 3-1 Gisborne's way and the home team was keen to extend the lead. Kat Karatsoris scored an incredibly skilful goal from her own corner kick that left everyone watching on in awe. The next corner provided another goal opportunity for Gisborne and defender Kim Hutt scored from another corner kick. As the game continued, Melbourne found spark and soon added another two goals to its tally, these however were won back as Gisborne steadied and Jessica Larsen and Gill McDermott both found the back of the net. The game ended as a fruitful 7-3 win for Gisborne, with Gill McDermott earning a hat-trick. The State Three team sits fourth on the ladder. Both women's teams have a bye this week and games will resume the following weekend, as both teams play at Dixon Field.

Tiger netballers roar loudly

Kyneton persisted with a strong win against Kangaroo Flat in a flawless display in A Reserve.

The Kyneton Football Netball Club enjoyed a successful day on the netball courts against Kangaroo Flat on the weekend.
UNDER 17s
The girls didn't have ideal weather conditions on Saturday with the weather starting clear but then pelting down with rain once the girls took the court. They faced the second-placed Kangaroo Flat side which has only lost one game for the season. The girls came out strong with one of their best first quarters yet. The girls were drenched when they came off at quarter-time but were only three goals down. Jess Mangan and her sister Rachelle teamed up in goals for the day, with Zoe out for the day with basketball. Jess and Rachelle were both on, shooting accurately and putting on some great holds. Katelin Turner had a brilliant game again providing that hard driving link up and down the court and had some 'freak' intercepts. Lauren Page was in action from the moment she stepped on the court, passing in some magic passes to the goaling Mangan sisters. Miky Fleming and Jenna Davies are both improving in the WD position, both starting to obtain intercepts and putting on some hard drives to bring the ball down court from defence. Brooke Mangan and Mads Kelly are really starting to work each other out in the defence ring, both put on a lot of pressure to the Kangaroo Flat goalers to keep them from shooting from far out in the ring. They maintained that pressure all day. As the game went on, the girls were clinging on to that glimpse of hope of their first win for the season. They were down by seven goals at half-time and were down by eight at three-quarter-time. The girls went on in last quarter pumped up to fight back with some hard-earned intercepts but unfortunately it was their passing that let them down. They finally lost by 15 goals. The girls should be very proud of their effort with this game, a few passing errors to work on, but they are definitely getting closer to snapping that first win. The Electric Wave Incentive Award went to Rachelle Mangan for her brilliant front holds, accurate shooting and improvement of her movement around the ring.
B RESERVE
The girls have finally settled and are starting to have some success. They took away their second win for the season on Saturday and there is no doubt that this is in part due to the return of Karlie Plowman to netball who is appearing to be the saving grace for this team. The team missed a number of players and had to fight with what they had and give it their all. The first quarter was used to find their feet and condition themselves to allow for the rain, puddles and slippery ball. They were down by one at the end of the quarter. In the second quarter, Katelin Turner came into the game to give some much-needed flow through the mid court, allowing Kyneton to go into the half-time break six goals up. Katelin continues to prove that she is capable and ready for senior netball. In the third quarter, Kyneton made some small errors and was a little adventurous shooting from too far out and not following the shots but still managed to hold onto the lead to go into the final quarter three goals up. Loryn Savoia really impressed throughout the entire game, especially in the last quarter, causing deflections, intercepting and turning over numerous balls giving the girls extra scoring opportunities. Her defensive pressure was fantastic and she gave 100 per cent for the entire game. Kyneton finished off the game defeating Kangaroo Flat by three goals. The Stratford Hair Incentive Award went to Loryn.
It's great to see this team working well and getting the much deserved results. Let's hope this is the pattern for the remainder of the season.
B GRADE
Saturday was one that Kyneton had been speculating over as the side sat in equal third position on 20 points, even with Kangaroo Flat. Despite the weather, the Flat girls came out with the pedal to the metal, out-scoring Kyneton 10-16 in the first quarter. Kyneton needed to make some changes and the girls were asked to "want it more". With that in mind, they managed to win the second quarter and reduce Flat's lead to two at half-time. Kyneton was outscored in the second half, out-played and finally defeated by 10 points. Charlene Dowling was awarded the BJB Hair Award for the game. She wanted the ball, she put up the best defence she could and she continues to have faith in her ability to jump high enough to make a difference. Her efforts should be and were recognised for the day. Kyneton had a strong team in B Grade and has what it takes to be successful this year. They just need to continually learn from each game and develop as the year goes on to hopefully keep themselves in the top four and give themselves the best opportunity to still be in it come finals.
A RESERVE
The senior girls were keen to take on a slightly unpredictable Flat after a week off and a good training run through the week. The girls had a blistering first quarter with the defenders forming an absolute brick wall that had the ball rebounding into attack over and over again, giving them a 10-goal lead at the first change. The second quarter, with no changes made, saw Kyneton drop intensity and give away three goals for the quarter. A change in wings with Lexie Clark into attack and Liana Tunzi into defence instantly gave a boost and a return to control. Rachael Marshall and Jess Seddon continued their smothering pressure and Tegan Beckerley added to the intercepts and brilliant defensive play from her centre position. Michelle Fletcher and Hayley Page combined well in goals, gaining the overall ascendancy, shooting above 80 per cent in accuracy and working hard for the balls that were turned over. They ran out winners by 14 goals. The best on court was tough to pick with none of the girls having an off day. Tegan was edged out slightly by the hunger of defender Jess, who gets the Naturally Hair Award. This win has them third on the ladder. They face an undefeated Golden Square this week that will give them a great indication of where they are at and test this strong side.

Tylden goes down in a thriller!

Tylden and Gisborne Blue battle it out last week at Sankey Reserve. Photo: Chris Fleming

Craig Dudley

The Tylden Tigers took the field on Sunday in wet and muddy conditions, led by captain, Kristian Knight-Hills, celebrating his 50th game. They faced the Gisborne Blues at Gisborne. Both teams came out playing hard in the first quarter. Despite the mud, it was a fast game with both defences put under constant pressure as the ball moved around the ground. Tylden scored first with points followed by a goal. The Blues responded with a goal of their own just before quarter-time. The closeness of the game was evident with Tylden leading by only two points. The second quarter was just as tight. 'The General' Charles Pritchard, together with David Ash, showed their usual best in defence. The two are becoming a formidable defence force with strong marks and ball control. They were well supported by a number of younger players including Tristan Newman. Tylden stood tall with only three points scored between the two teams for the quarter.
Determined to give their leader a win for his 50th, Tylden ran out after half-time in pouring rain. Kristian led by example, constantly pushing the ball into Tylden's attacking half. His wing men, Carlin Arumets-Smith and David Dudley, were on fire, stepping up and taking on their opposition, determined to win the ball. It was a drawn game at three-quarter-time with everything in place for an exciting fourth quarter.
Both teams were determined to win. Halfway through the quarter both teams had kicked a goal and scores were still tied. A late goal by the Blues in the dying minutes pushed them into the lead. Tylden pushed the ball forward, again putting pressure on the Blues' defence and kicking a point. Desperately looking for that winning score, Tylden pushed forward again. Despite their best efforts, time ran out for Tylden and the Blues took the points with the final score - Blues 3.3 (21) to Tylden 2.4 (16).
It was a hard-fought muddy match and both teams should be proud of the quality of the 'real' wet weather football that they played. Coach Grant Hills was again impressed with what he saw. 
"The team fought hard all game," Hills said, "everybody did their best and rose to the occasion."
"No-one stopped until the final siren and that was evident in the final score. It was a hard but exciting game and I'm pleased with how the team is developing."
The goal scorers for Tylden were vice-captain, Justin McKeone, and Salvatore Amenta. Kristian Knight-Hills received the Subway Best Player Award for his outstanding 50th game. Adam Donnelly and Mitchell Kirley received the All Conditions Driving School Mars Bar Awards. The Opposition Player of the Day, awarded by Gisborne Blues, went to Tristan Newman for his fantastic game.
All teams will have a bye with the interleague played over the weekend. Tylden's next game will be Sunday June 16, kick off at 11.30am, at home. Everyone welcome. The Tylden Tigers would like to thank all their sponsors for their ongoing support this year.
See next week's Macedon Ranges Guardian for more scores on all other games in the competition.

'Infrastructure for the future'

Labor's fibre-to-the-premises National Broadband Network scheme, promised to deliver to Kyneton and central Victoria within three years, will be the answer for rural homes, says Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters said.

Rachel Wattie

The Federal Coalition's fibre-to-the-node broadband plan, relying on a decaying copper network, has been branded inadequate.

Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, says Tony Abbott's scheme, which promises to deliver earlier and cheaper broadband to Australia, is "like building the Calder highway with dirt roads for off ramps", and Kyneton NBN Action leader, Andrew Hedge, says the copper network is "not up to the task".

The fibre-to-the-node plan has failed to address central Victorian residents' problems with internet access, Ms Chesters said.

But Labor's fibre-to-the-premises scheme, which is currently being rolled out, promising to deliver to Kyneton and central Victoria within three years, will be the answer for rural homes, Ms Chesters said.

"It means that more people can move into Kyneton and central Victoria, and bring their small business with them."

Kyneton residents would be able to 'telecommute' (work from home), or from a local 'hotspot', rather than having to commute all the way to Melbourne.

The Coalition's promised download speed of between 25 and 100 megabits per second by the end of 2016, and 50 to 100 megabits per second by 2019 is not fast enough, Ms Chesters said.

Labor's NBN, promising 100 meg this year and 1000 meg next year, is essential for healthcare, business and education opportunities.

"The future of our economy depends on homes and businesses being able to connect to the world in a faster way," she said.

"It's infrastructure for the future."

Kyneton NBN Action leader, Andrew Hedge, said the most important thing people in Kyneton want is to feel that they are on an equivalent service to people in the major cities.

Kyneton's current internet connection, ADSL2+, doesn't get half the top speed the technology should be able to get, he said.

"The copper is clearly not up to the task."

Meanwhile, Kosmac & Clemens Optometrists' senior optometrist Ed Kosmac, residing just eight kilometres out of Kyneton, doesn't have a copper line at all for internet, and has to rely on mobile broadband to access the internet - paying $59 for only 10 gigabytes per month.

"That's pretty much the maximum we can get," Mr Kosmac said.

The 10 gigabytes usually only lasts about two weeks, he said.

"So we are constantly going two weeks without internet."

"It certainly isn't adequate living on a mobile broadband service."

What is the National Broadband Network?

- Labor is currently rolling out the National Broadband Network (NBN) to Australia, promising construction will have started for 48855,500 homes and businesses by June 30, 2016.

- Labor has recently expanded its plan to include NBN availability to 4,900 homes and businesses in Castlemaine; 2,400 in Kyneton; 2300 in Romsey and Lancefield; and 1,000 in Maldon by June 30, 2016.

- The NBN provides speeds up to 100 megabytes this year, and up to 1000 megabytes next year.

- NBN replaces the copper network, which wasn't originally built with the internet in mind.

- With NBN, 93 per cent of Australian homes and businesses will have access to broadband with speeds reaching one gigabyte per second via fibre-to-the-premises scheme. The remaining seven per cent will have access to broadband speeds up to 12 megabits per second via fixed wireless and satellite technologies.

- Fibre-to-the-premises delivers broadband to Australians via an optic fibre, which is a thin glass or plastic strand that carries light along its length, and is capable of providing faster speeds than copper or wireless technologies.

- There is an increasing trend across countries such as Japan, South Korea, Denmark and Sweden to roll out fibre-to-the-premises as the preferred technology.

- According to a survey done by Australian-based marketing solutions provider, ExactTarget, 13 million Australians spend over 18 hours a day online, suggesting the government's investment into broadband services is appropriate.

Festival to open with a bang

Catch the Woodend Winter Arts Festival opening night fireworks at Buffalo Stadium tonight. 

But make sure your doggy friends are safe and sound at home when the sound and light show gets underway. This Woodend pooch, Monte, looks a little worried!

Woodend is set to triple its population - and explode with fireworks - over the Queen's Birthday long weekend, thanks to the free Woodend Winter Arts Festival opening night fireworks at Buffalo Stadium tomorrow night.

Food and refreshments will be available from 5.30pm.

And the festival organising committee is urging Woodend residents to make sure their doggy friends (and other pets) are properly secure at home when the fireworks get underway - particularly between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

In addition, traffic in and around Buffalo sports ground will be busy as around 1500 people attend the fireworks - mostly in a lot of cars! Local emergency services will assist in traffic management, but everyone is urged to be patient and careful - there will be hundreds of children excitedly running around the area.

Traffic for most of the festival weekend will be much busier too - about 50 per cent of the festival audience drives from Melbourne to attend events which mean many more cars in and around Woodend.

Finally, ticket sales have been swift since online bookings opened in March. All residents are encouraged to book their tickets in advance - including booking places for the popular free children's events.

The festival box office will be open at St Ambrose School Office throughout the weekend for ticket collection, and bookings/sales (where tickets are still available). Please check the website for opening times (click the Booking Info button on the left of the webpage).

* Bookings at www.woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au or by phoning 0447 570 327.

No ambos on road

A text message sent to off-duty paramedics requesting a return to work to cover the shortfall at Gisborne, Woodend, Kyneton, Castlemaine and Heathcote branches last Saturday night.

Angela Crawford

Local paramedics posted to the southern Calder region have raised the alarm over a lack of resources regularly putting lives at risk.

On two occasions last week, no ambulances were available between Bendigo and Melbourne.

Last Saturday night, Ambulance Victoria's duty manager sent a text message to off-duty paramedics requesting a return to work to cover the shortfall at Gisborne, Woodend, Kyneton, Castlemaine and Heathcote branches.

Steve McGhie, Ambulance Employees Australia (Victoria) secretary, said it is simply not good enough. 

"It just goes to show there are clearly nowhere near enough ambulance resources in those southern areas of the Calder," Mr McGhie said.

"It's clearly putting Victorian lives at risk and we'll continue to raise those concerns with Ambulance Victoria and the government.

"We're constantly contacted by members along that area about the lack of resources, the lack of coverage, and the lack of MICA (Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance) resources in response to cases that require MICA response."

Ambulance Victoria's regional manager, Loddon-Mallee, Kevin Masci, said AV received a higher than normal demand for ambulance resources on Saturday night. 

"In instances such as these where demand starts to escalate, it is part of Ambulance Victoria's standard practices to quickly attempt to implement additional resources via different methods such as recalling off-duty paramedics. Off-duty paramedics who respond to a recall message are offered overtime," Mr Masci said.

"At 10pm on Saturday we had over 10 ALS (Advanced Life Support)/ MICA units working within the area between Bendigo, Kilmore and Melbourne to respond to both emergency and non-emergency patients.

"We are continuing to increase the number of paramedics and services that we are providing throughout Victoria as part of a $151 million State Government commitment.

"As part of our service delivery plan, the placement of MICA paramedics to regional MICA ambulances and MICA single response units (SRU) is strategic and based on sophisticated modelling used by ambulance services in many countries. Advanced Life Support paramedics across Victoria provide a very high level of patient care and where required are supported by MICA."

DISPUTE ONGOING

Mr McGhie told the Guardian that there has been no development in the union's ongoing negotiations with Ambulance Victoria (AV) over wages and MICA placement issues. 

"We haven't had another wage offer since February from the government," Mr McGhie said.

"(The offer) was for five per cent but to get that they expected members to give up some annual leave, some sick leave and some allowances to cover it. (The union is seeking a 30 per cent increase over three years).

"When we did our calculations on that offer, we worked out that if paramedics did give up those entitlements it would have amounted to a $1 a week wage increase.

"We've had 28 meetings with them since August 2012," Mr McGhie added. 

Member for Macedon, Joanne Duncan, said she found it "almost impossible to believe" that no ambulances were available across the Calder corridor twice in the space of one week. 

"I am seriously concerned that whole townships are being left dangerously exposed and lives are being put at risk," Ms Duncan said. 

"The Premier and the Health Minister need to explain why this is happening and provide assurances that our towns will not be left without ambulance coverage again."

Ms Duncan is also concerned about the lack of MICA resources allocated to the region and will lodge a petition on this issue in Parliament next week. 

The union will next meet with AV on June 14.