Overcoming disadvantage

Sacred Heart principal Craig Holmes, student Mitchell Cole, Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, Senator Jacinta Collins, Federal Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, school captain John-Joe Wilson, student Rhys Morton, and school captain Rauri Barker met this week as part of Ms Collin's Kyneton visit.

Kylie Kitchen

Better disability assistance was promised by the Parliamentary Secretary for School Education when she visited Kyneton schools on Wednesday.

Senator Jacinta Collins and Federal Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, met with teachers and students at Sacred Heart College, Kyneton Secondary College and Kyneton Primary School.

Ms Collins discussed how the schools will benefit from a nationwide share in $100 million extra into the More Support for Students with Disabilities initiative in 2014. 

"You'll see some good examples here - better support for students with disabilities to make transitions into employment and further education, and assisted technology," she said.

"The new funding means teachers at Sacred Heart will be able to continue providing additional support for students with disabilities to transition effectively between stages of school and from school into further education, training or employment. 

"While school principals and school leaders at Kyneton Primary and Kyneton Secondary will receive more professional development to build on the excellent work they have already been doing in supporting students with autism."

Sacred Heart students, Mitchell Cole (year 11) and Rhys Morton (year 9), shared their personal experiences with Ms Collins and Ms Chesters. They asked how the Government will improve disability access and services to students at school and in employment and further education prospects. 

Sacred Heart principal, Craig Holmes, welcomed the extra support for students with physical, mental and learning disabilities. 

"Certainly we want to have more disability access for those with mobility issues and also for students with auditory processing issues to be catered for," he said.

"That means providing the technologies they require to assist them in their learning so they are not disadvantaged from their peers.

"And certainly as a school we want to see students' ability rather than their disability."

Mr Holmes said disability funding will affect not only physically disabled students but those with social/emotional issues, autism spectrum disorder, and hearing impairment.

"We hope that with funding we can identify more resources that will overcome disadvantage," he said. 

"Their future prospects for employment and on going study are important.

"In the end, we want students to have full access to the education opportunities we offer."

Hawks relive glory days

Woodend/Hesket's Senior captain Jesse Sheppard and Under 18.5s star Darcy Lupson showcase the jumpers to be worn on Saturday against the Sunbury Kangaroos.

Woodend/Hesket Football Netball Club will celebrate the joint reunion of the 1983 Senior premiership and 2003 Under 18 premiership teams tomorrow at the Gilbert Gordon Oval as the current day Hawks face the Sunbury Kangaroos. The club will celebrate the day by unveiling a special jumper to commemorate both teams and inspire the players. The Hawks take great pride in their premiership heroes. 
"They say you make lifelong friends through sport, and the bonds and memories that you form with premiership teammates is something special, and something you will never lose," Woodend/Hesket Football Netball Club president Jock Allan said.
The club will be hold some ceremonial duties at 1.30pm at the social rooms and will present the original premiership flags to the coaches, captains and former presidents. After the matches, they will screen both Grand Final DVDs. Roast beef rolls and salads will be on offer for dinner, so there is no need to leave the venue. 
Tune in to the Sports Wrap tonight from 6pm on 100.7 Highlands FM as the team chats with club representatives about the big day.

Saints bold at home

Troy Adams

Football
What a day it was at Trentham last week for the Trentham Football Netball Club. The Under 12 game started off in brilliant sunshine as the newest edition to our club and the league took to the ground full of energy and enthusiasm. The boys started well scoring an early goal with some quick ball movement and were aided by a strong breeze. The game was a tight tussle all day and went right down to the wire with the Newstead boys getting up by three points. Best players were Mitch Peeler, Tim Brown, Stephan Lendrec and Maurice Nind. 
The Under 15 boys had a good win again. The backline was solid and our ruckman provided the onballers with plenty of opportunities from which they generated lots of run to move the ball forward. The forward pressure was also very good. The best players were Jake Keogh, Callan Wellings, Darcy Meade-Sweet, Robbie Byrne, Ryan Bourke and James Turvey. 
The Under 17.5 boys started well against the breeze with the boys running and using the ball well in what was a fast moving game of footy. Unfortunately the Saints suffered a couple of injuries to their already depleted numbers, and although they battled on well, the boys weren't able to keep up with their opponents. The Reserves featured return of Bob Beare to the fray, and the inclusion of some new players who all got better as the game went on showing some promising signs of things to come. Best were Dan Reeves, Peter Connors and Kevin Hall. 
Netball
The 15 and Under girls were first on court with Zoe Bruton playing well in the centre, working hard to get the ball to the shooters. The girls continued to play well working together to move the ball from end to end increasing their output and improving their teamwork as the game progressed. Best players were Zoe Bruton, Mynette Sundblom and Emma Marples.
The 17 and Under girls started strongly with the defence holding well and applying great pressure. The GS and GA worked really well together. The girls were all talking and passing the ball confidently. Kelly Matheson-Miller was strong in the centre and passing the ball quickly around the court. The girls got close to a win and should be proud of their efforts.
The C Grade girls all put in 100 per cent as the team continued to show signs of improvement against the well-drilled Newstead side. Madelene Sutton played well in defence in a solid team effort.
The B Grade girls played really well and kept their heads up all game. Sophie Forgo and Sophie Darwin were strong in defence. The girls are improving with every outing but the Newstead girls were too good on the day. Best players were Sophie Forgo and Emma Wheeldon.
The A Grade girls were slow out of the blocks but to their credit, fought back into the game. They played a solid second quarter against the strong Newstead outfit. The girls continued to improve and had a stronger third quarter playing well across the court. The fourth quarter was more of the same as the girls fought the game out to the end applied themselves in every contest. In a good team effort.

Around the Clubs

KYNETON
Wednesday April 24 was a stableford event. The winner was Karel Turang with 38 points from Tom May of Trentham with 37 points. The scores then dropped away with Bernie Frith from Hepburn Springs, Adrian Hanks and Col Cooney all having 33 points. Jim Dwyer from Castlemaine, Hans Herdel, Wally Stys, D Barker from Gisborne and visitor Barb Corkwell each had 32 points. The last ball went to Noel Alldis with 31 points. NTPs were Karel Turang on the fourth and visitor N Bruce on the ninth. A smaller field of players contested the 'Kokoda Trail' stableford event on Thursday, April 25. Len Fouracre was the winner with 34 points, winning on a count-back from Rob Power who also had 34 points. NTPs was Jason McClure on the ninth and Norm Cue on the 11th. Saturday April 27 was the semi-finals of the Singles Knock-out. The first contest was between Jason McClure and Col O'Sullivan. Col advanced to the final with a 3 and 1 win. Brad Cue is the other finalist after defeating Peter Walsh 4 and 3. A stableford was played for the others. A Grade winner was Adrian Hanks with 38 points from Peter Cameron who had 35 points. The best scores again came from B Grade with Chris Kanaris winning with an impressive 42 points. Paul Kristian was the runner-up with 39 points. Other good scores included Damien Summers with 37 points, Arthur Pope and Jim Kavanagh had 36 points, Len Fouracre had 34 points while Neil Ford, Graham Hackett, Karel Turang, Paul Law, R Burge and Tony Dibella all collected a ball with 33 points. NTPs were Adrian Hanks on the fourth, Hans Herdel on the ninth and Mark Sciberras on the 17th. 
The Division Two ladies travelled to Eaglehawk on Monday April 29 where they played Neagar Park and came away with a pleasing 3 and 2 win against a renowned competitive team. Division Three played Heathcote at Bendigo and was again denied an overall win. The side had one win, two squares and two losses to go down 3 and 2. Tuesday April 30 was a stableford. Grace Parkinson was the winner of A Grade with 39 points. During her round, she was on track for a hat-trick of three birdies but she had to settle for a miserly par instead. She was pleased with her round anyway. B Grade winner was Vicki Nettleton with 36 points. Vicki also won NTP on the fourth and Robyn MacRae on the ninth. The ball winners were Maxine Martin with 34 points, Bronwyn Dwyer, Deidre Dawes, Shirley Magnusson, Vicki Hardwick and Joan Eudey all had 33 points. Saturday will be a stroke for the medal. The ladies will play for medal on Tuesday with both days being inclusive of other events.
TRENTHAM
George Osborne had a good win in the midweek stableford with 39. Geoff Varley was closest to him with 37 from Alan Hopkins with 36. Darrin McLean won B Grade with 37 on a count-back from James Hannan. Jim Bradley proved too good in C Grade and showed them up with his modest 33. NTPs were G Osborne, C Wilson, M Walker and K Sheedy. On Saturday, Geoff Varley got serious to score 43 and win from Kevin Wheeler with 39. Mark Fisher survived a count-back to win B Grade with 38 from Ron Dunbar while Allan Schroder needed a count-back before winning C Grade with 39 from Chris Milne. NTPs were C Milne, J Bramwell, B Hawkins and K. Sheedy. Eileen Dutton won the women's A Grade with 34. Lee Nugent needed 35 to win a count-back from Jenny Thomas in B Grade. NTPs were Jenny and Di Hynes. The pennant teams, scratch, division three and four all finished up losing 5/2. The club can all look forward to next year. This Saturday is stroke for the monthly medal. By Dogleg
ROMSEY
Saturday April 27 was the monthly medal for stroke and putts The medal was played under very tough conditions, gusting northerly and north-westerly winds played havoc with all players' shots and made club selection on some holes extremely difficult. Under these conditions, the par threes were vastly more challenging than usual. The strong field featured a number of players in contention late in the round, however, the wind picked up making the final few groups really work for their score. The day's results featured Pat Chisholm being the winner and the April monthly medallist with 85-18-67. Other good rounds came from Daren Freestone with 77-5-72 and Ron Walker with 87-15-72. NTP was John Freestone on the 15th. The least putts was Darren Freestone with 28. - Anthony Lakey
MT MACEDON
Saturday April 13 was a par bisque featuring a field of 27. The winner was G Moore with (15) + 7 and D Hudson was runner-up with (13)+6. Je Langmaid defeated J Edwards 2/1 to take out the 2012/13 match play final. NTPs were P Berkley on the first and 10th, R Windlow on the third and 12th, D Bubeck on the eighth and M Willist on the 16th. Ball competition winners were G Moore, D Hudson, P Berkeley, P Semmens, B Walsh and R Jephson. Saturday April 13 was also the Gisborne Gazette Golf Gala. A field of 27 took to the course in the 4BBB stableford. The winners were K Van Donk and J Wills on a count-back with 46 points from R Jephson and M Langmaid. NTPs were M Willis on the first and 10th, K Van Donk on the third and 12th, M Burrag on the eighth and G Stevens on the 16th. Ball competition winners were K Van Donk, J Wills, R Jephson, M Langmaid, B Close and S Close.

Gisborne and Kyneton Soccer reports

Gisborne Women's Soccer

Jessica Larsen

Round three was played entirely at home this week for the two Gisborne senior women's soccer teams. It was the first time this season that both teams hosted matches on the same day and that brought about a healthy atmosphere and support system. The State Four team began the day playing against a strong Western Suburbs Women. The opposition sported quite a few young players who provided a lot of run and fast ball movement throughout the game, making it a challenge to keep the ball out of Gisborne's defensive half. Despite a few good saves from the keeper, four goals were conceded in the first half. Gisborne improved during the second half, however the game ended as a 5-0 loss, pushing the side to seventh place on the ladder. 
The State Three team added a little light to the day as it played against the Darebin Falcons. The Falcons are an experienced side, particularly skilful with their passing. This didn't stop the Gisborne women as they kicked the first two goals through Gill McDermott and Makala Poole. The two-nil scored remained at the break. The second half was met with plenty of scoring opportunities for both teams, and despite Darebin hitting the net once, Gisborne went on to storm to victory. The game ended in a 8-1 win going the home side's way. Gill McDermott finished with four goals, Kat Katatsoris with two and Chloe Smith and Makala Poole both scored one goal. The State Three team now sits at third place on the ladder with six points.

Kyneton Soccer

Kyneton District Soccer Club took to the pitch last weekend. The Rangers were in sublime form in the Under 13A and Under 16A matches. The Under 16B went down by one goal in a thrilling game.
Under 13A
Golden City v Kyneton
Kyneton opened its season with a solid 4-1 win against a good Golden City team. Rangers started the game brightly and were rewarded within 15 minutes by two well-taken goals from midfielder Tom Clough. With both teams playing some excellent football, Kyneton continued to create good chances, but at half-time the score remained 2-0. Golden City pressed hard for the opening 20 minutes of the second half and despite solid Kyneton defending their pressure was eventually rewarded with a goal from a corner. Kyneton continued to push for further goals and Tyler Simpson finished off a nice move with a well-taken goal from outside the box. This was quickly followed by a sharp finish from Sam De Groot to finish the scoring. Overall, it was an excellent all-round performance from Rangers who in the end were deserved winners.
Under 16A
Castlemaine v Kyneton 
Kyneton travelled to Castlemaine on Saturday to play the first game of the championship season. 
Castlemaine started well and opened the scoring after 10 minutes, shortly following with another goal to have the Rangers down two-nil after 15 minutes. Kyneton answered immediately through Shaun Dukic. There were goals to Ben Plant, Lachlan McKenzie and Koshin Mohamed with Castlemaine adding another to its total to see the scoreline 4-3 in favour of Kyneton at half-time.
The Kyneton boys came out firing in the second half with goals to Luke Knight, James Kennedy and Mitch Lee all within the first 10 minutes of the restart. Midway through the half, Saige Gostelow netted one with Koshin adding two more within minutes to complete his hat-trick. With five minutes remaining in the match, Luke added another two to give him a hat-trick as the Rangers ended the game 12-3 victors.
Under 16B
Spring Gully Blue v Kyneton
The Under 16Bs travelled to Spring Gully to play Spring Gully Blue at 12pm. It was an exciting game in the first half with Rangers having numerous chances to score but not being able to find the back of the net. It was nil-all at half-time. 
In the second half, Rangers dominated the game but were inaccurate with kicking at goal. Spring Gully took advantage of some poor defending in the last minute of the game and scored. This was shattering for Kyneton as it was the better side all day. The game ended up 1-0 to Spring Gully. The best players for Kyneton were Rhys Sartori, John O'Sullivan and Mitchell Smith. This week Rangers play Golden City and if they can improve their accuracy in front of goal and play with the same effort as they did last week, there will be a big win around the corner. Go Rangers!
This week
Under 12A versus Castlemaine-home-9.30am
Under 12B versus Colts Unites-home-11am
Under 13A versus Colts United-home-12.30pm
Under 16A versus Golden City-home-11.10am
Under 16B versus Golden City-home-9.30am.

Harry is soaring to greatness

This week's Macedon Ranges Guardian Sport Star of the week is eight-year-old Harry Luxmoore of Gisborne. The Grade three New Gisborne Primary School student is shaping up as a very handy sports all rounder in the fields of swimming, equestrian and football.
Harry is a proud member of the Gisborne Thunder Swimming Club. He started swimming with Gisborne when he started in the 'Learn to Swim' program. He began taking swimming lessons when he was just one. He has grown up with a love of water and loves going for a swim when he can. He progressed to the Gisborne Thunder swimming team when he was just six years old and had a great level of confidence from the outset. He followed his sister Isabelle into the squad and competition area. After six months of training in the squad, he progressed through to competition level.
"Harry loves all sports and puts in 100 per cent whatever the competition arena," proud mum Kate said.
Harry's improvement in the pool has been remarkable. He was the winner of the Gisborne club championship Under 8 boys division in 2012 and 2013. He has represented the Macedon Ranges at the Primary School Sports Divisional Championships this year, he was a finalist in the Victorian Junior Championships to start the year and was a member of the Central District team that battled it out in the age seven to 10 Vic Country Championships in 2012. 
When Harry dives into the pool, he seems to glide beautifully with each stroke. He has a great action for all strokes and showcases a great level of fitness, speed and endurance.
"Harry is very determined and never gives up in the pool, no matter how exhausted," Kate said.
Outside his love for the pool, Harry enjoys equestrian events with the Riddells Creek Pony Club. He has enjoyed a lot of success when he competes in equestrian. He has had numerous wins and placings at the Victorian Interschool Equestrian Championships and was the winner of the Gisborne Pony Club horse trials earlier this year. When he is not swimming or riding horses, he is kicking goals with the Gisborne Rookies. He is a proud member of the Under 9s team and while that level of football isn't competitive, he has developed many great skills to give him the edge of competing in the Under 10s next year. He recently took home the coaches award for the best player in the first round of the season against the Melton Centrals. He showed some brilliant pace and ability that will lay the foundations for a great football career.
As a young star, Harry loves all of his sports. He is very active and always manages to find something sporty to do. It is no surprise that when he finishes school that he wants to take one of his sports to the highest level and there is no doubt that he will.
For being featured as our Macedon Ranges Guardian Sport Star of the week, Harry wins a $40 gift voucher for Toys, Toes and Treasure in Gisborne and may call in to our Market Street office in Kyneton to collect her prize.
If you would like to nominate any youngster doing their best in their chosen sport or sports, 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 doing their best as it is for those who reach great heights.

Facility to close

Kyneton District Health Service board president, Graham Jasper, and CEO, Jennifer Gale, this week announced the impending closure of the hospital's Thomas Hogan Aged Care wing.

Angela Crawford

Kyneton District Health Service has announced the impending closure of its Thomas Hogan Residential Aged Care wing.

The facility's 35 staff were notified on Wednesday morning, and the families of its 15 high-care residents were informed later that day.

It will cease operating as soon as July 1.

KDHS chief executive officer, Jennifer Gale, said the health service is hoping the move will free up about $150,000 operationally a year. These funds would enable the hospital to provide additional services aimed at keeping residents in their homes as long as possible, before they need to enter residential aged care.

"There will also be additional in-hospital services," she said.

"This change is part of an Australia-wide trend for public hospitals to move away from operating nursing homes to instead providing a range of services available to all elderly members of the community."

Ms Gale said that in recent years the facility had seen a steady decline in the number of residents, as people chose to stay at home for longer, or entered residential aged care at low-care stage, moving through to high care at the one facility. 

"At the same time there has been a growth in the number of beds provided locally by both private and not-for-profit operators, to the point where there is really no need for us to provide a nursing home," she said.

"We believe aged care is a service that we should provide to the whole community, and this will be a much better way for us to deliver that service.

"It is more rewarding for people to stay in their own homes, with appropriate support, for as long as possible, and we aim to ensure that is delivered in our region."

A daughter of one of the residents, however, pointed out that the hospital's idea to provide care that will enable more people to stay at home for longer, would actually mean that a higher number would end up going straight into high care.

"My mum doesn't want to move, she's settled in now," the daughter said. "She had the choice of going to three (facilities) and she picked Thomas Hogan because she knew people there and it was attached to the hospital.

"I think it's a shame that this well-equipped facility is not going to be utilised."

Ms Gale said the hospital will work closely with residents and families to enable a smooth transition of its residents to a new home.

"We've been discussing with them the future of our service for the last year, because we've been operating at 60 per cent occupancy with no waiting list (for the past three years)," she said.

"At 15 residents, it was approximately $50,000 a month that we were losing, about half a million a year at our current occupancy levels.

"Commonwealth and state subsidies still left a funding shortfall of about $250,000 a year, even when the facility was full."

Ms Gale said no determination has yet been made about the number of staff who will be made redundant. 

"That will be worked out with them individually over the next two weeks. At this stage, they all have positions until the 30th of June at least," she said. 

"Where we have vacancies within our service we'll look to redeploy them and we're talking to other facilities in our shire and within the Loddon Mallee to see where they may have vacancies so we'll be assisting the staff with transfers if that's what they want."

Kyneton Hospital's executive is currently undertaking a site masterplan which will determine how the Thomas Hogan wing will be used.