Fire stops play
Basketball games were abandoned at Sunbury’s Boardman Reserve last Wednesday after a fallen powerline caused a small fire outside the stadium. Police and the CFA were called shortly after 6pm after reports of a blaze near a power pole, which had been struck by a car. A CFA spokesman said a high-voltage line had come loose and fallen onto a metal box, arcing out and causing a lengthy power outage to large parts of Sunbury and as far as Clarkefield and Diggers Rest. The fire was out by the time firefighters arrived.
Lions park damaged
Vandals rode bicycles through wet concrete at Romsey’s Lions Park last Wednesday, causing close to $5000 damage. About 22 metres of concrete had been laid as part of an 18-month Lancefield and Romsey Lions Club campaign to improve the skate park. A police spokeswoman said there were strong leads about the identities of two young people involved.
WayOut gets thumbs up
Cobaw Community Health program WayOut, a youth suicide prevention program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, has won a state government grant of $195,000. Cobaw chief executive Margaret McDonald said it let the youth know they were not alone.
Ranges bereft of Broadband
Macedon Ranges is in the midst of a communications crisis, Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters claims. Slamming the federal government for cost blowouts due to the delayed rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), Ms Chesters said central Victorians were being held back by inferior internet connections. The latest NBN rollout plan lists Gisborne, New Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Lancefield, Romsey, Sunbury and Diggers Rest as areas where work will begin early next year.
Divas officially divine
Sunbury choir members are celebrating after winning a national choral competition. Directed by Adam Przewlocki, the Divine Divas of Sunbury wowed judges at the Australian Choral Challenge in Canberra on August 22, being named ‘best popular choir’. The group is becoming renowned for its performances of pop music favourites.
Environment plan feedback
Residents are being encouraged to help shape Macedon Ranges council’s new environment plan. The strategy, to be developed over the next year, will guide planning and decision-making affecting the environment and communities. Submissions close September 11. For more details, visit goo.gl/GzuNDe
No stopping, move on
Cars will be banned from stopping on Mount Macedon Road, between Pinchoff and Devonshire lanes, from September 1 in a bid to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists. Macedon Ranges council assets and operations director Dale Thornton said a lot of traffic used the narrow road, especially during the Open Garden season in spring. “Recent consultation with residents, VicRoads and police indicated overwhelming support for the new restrictions.”
Awards for young achievers
The many contributions of young people were celebrated at the Macedon Ranges youth awards on August 25. This year’s event at Kyneton Town Hall acknowledged outstanding efforts in arts, community participation, sport, education and mental health. Winners: goo.gl/ZYxelC
