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Wordy Week 11/11/2025 Challenge
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Weekly Sudoku Puzzle Week 11/11/2025 Challenge
Sudoku puzzle of the week
How to play Sudoku
The objective of Sudoku is to fill each row, column and sub-grid with exactly one of the possible entries (usually, the numbers 1-9). A conflict arises if you repeat any entry in the same row, column or sub-grid.
Play Sudoku together
Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this sudoku puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)
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Weekly 15×15 Crossword Week 11/11/2025 Challenge
Crossword puzzle of the week
How to play 15×15 Crossword
You can solve the clues in any order. Click or tap on either a clue or a box in the grid to start entering an answer. You can also use the arrow keys, enter/shift-enter or, tab/shift-tab to move around the grid. The clues for words that have been entirely filled in are marked gray, whether the answer is correct or not.
Play 15×15 Crossword together
Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this crossword puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)
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Inland invasion
RESIDENTS and business owners in Wandong and Broadford are voicing growing frustration over the impacts of the Inland Rail project, citing safety risks, poor consultation, and major disruptions to daily life.
Concerns have been particularly strong around the replacement of the Broadford–Wandong Road bridge, which many locals say has created unsafe conditions for pedestrians. Residents report that construction works have blocked off pre-existing routes to the school, train station and shops, forcing them to walk on live roads.
Wandong resident Ashleigh Edge, whose home is close to the works, said she now faces unsafe conditions walking her daughter to and from school.
“I was informed by the senior engineer of the Wandong Bridge project (John Holland) that they cannot and will not provide safe pedestrian access for us from Broadford–Wandong Road onto Rail Street during the project,” Ms Edge said.
She added that a representative from the contractor told her the company “would prefer that the family did not walk through the construction site,” despite the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and Regulations 2017 requiring safe pedestrian access during such works.
Online community discussions reflect similar frustrations, with one resident describing the bridge replacement as “overkill for a country town,” while another noted that there is “no proper area to walk along” the road. Others have criticised the over reach of traffic control management, claiming that cars are unnecessarily stopped to allow construction vehicles unfettered access.
In Broadford, businesses near the construction of three new bridges, at Hamilton Street, Short Street, and Marchbanks Road, have been hit by detours and access restrictions. Two businesses have closed, and others say they are struggling.
Road closures and detours, particularly due to access over the Hamilton Street bridge have made it difficult for families to access schools, childcare and shops. Many questioning whether the long-term benefits will outweigh the immediate strain on the town’s residents and infrastructure.
Tracey Waterfall, owner of All Things Uniform, said she has been under pressure since the works began but she praised Mitchell Shire Council and its engagement officer for providing consistent support to affected local traders.
“Council is doing what it can to help businesses with regular meets to help address our concerns,” she said.
In response to questions from this masthead, an Inland Rail spokesperson said the site access point from the High Street service road is essential to ensure safety for road users, pedestrians and its workforce, adding that the contractor provides updates on planned works near the Hamilton Street site.
Concerns over Broadford development
AT the Mitchell Shire Council’s Community Questions and Hearings Committee (Q&A) in Broadford, three residents aired concerns on a residential development PLP294/21 for a staged multi-lot subdivision, removal of native vegetation and removal of easements at 85 Reservoir Road, Broadford.
Despite the address, 85 Reservoir Road has no direct street frontage (to Reservoir Road) however, it is located approximately 800m from the Broadford Train station or 2km using the road network via High Street.
The development proposes 57 lots for residential living across 5.54ha in an area that is zoned accordingly.
Vehicle access to the site is provided through two roads (Alexander Drive and Tass Court) and access to these is via Lake View Drive which connects to Reservoir Road. There is no alternative sealed entry or exit, however the road networks have been assessed as satisfactory by a traffic engineer and the CFA.
The Q&A proceeded on Wednesday, November 5 at 7.05pm, following apologies from Cr Andrea Pace, Nathan Clarke and Ned Jefferies, and no conflicts of interests were heard from other Councillors.
Council received eight objections, and one was presented by proxy.
Concerned residents expressed spoke about the integrity of First Street, Govett Street, and Hawden Street as residents said these are way underdeveloped for its current residential capacity.
No street lighting and no engineered footpaths in these nearby roads cause one elderly resident to wear a high visibility vest each evening when she checks on a family member as pushing a pram or a shopping trolly on grassy nature strips is exhausting.
Council heard that the gravel verges on First Street are washed away when there’s a heavy downfall of rain.
Another resident raised similar concerns for young people using Hawden and Govett Streets and the resident also said her neighbours were not given notice to object.
A shared theme between nearby residents included the removal of wildlife habitat, (fauna and flora) and the issue of losing privacy and vistas (Mount Hickey and the Strathbogie Ranges), and real estate devaluation.
The property owner was also in the room and representative, Simon Merrigan used his allocated five minutes across the zoom platform to reassure residents that the design reflects current planning controls around vegetation and bushfire control.
“There’s about 1.5 acres of open space which equates to 12 per cent of the total area and that’s significant given the previous application had no open space, and there is no requirement for the developer to provide additional open space here.”
Six areas of the reserve will be created to primarily retain high value vegetation. The majority of the reserves are located adjacent to Colin Officer Reserve, the Broadford Golf Club and Council managed land (to the North of the site).
“There is an opportunity for a connection in the future, however there is not a lot we can do considering we don’t own any of that land.”
“This proposal now has perimeter roads [Alexander Drive and Tass Court and] as well as interconnecting roads.
The estate was always designed to provide access from those courts. There’s also a link to the Broadford Golf Club and to the abutting reserves [Colin Officer Reserve].”
PLP294/21 includes the removal of 60 Eucalyptus Macrocarpa (Grey Box) trees, five Eucalyptus Polyanthemos (Red Box), five Eucalyptus Macrohyncha (Red Stringybark) and, three Eucalyptus Obliqua (Messmate) and the number of indigenous trees to be retained equals 42.
Regardless of the development, perhaps it’s time to lobby their local members of Parliament for more funding for its rural road networks to also be a priority as the common content of the forum was based around the integrity of First Street, Govett Street, and Hawden Street as residents said these are way underdeveloped for its current residential capacity.
The forum closed at 8pm with a recommendation that the outcome from the Q&A forms a report to Council.
A wet round five upset
SATURDAY’S inclement weather, quite arctic conditions for spring, saw most cricket games across the Gisborne and District Cricket Association (GDCA) washed out and some under the call of the its clubs captains to proceed.
The enormous geographical area that makes up the fixture resulted in its utmost northern games going ahead while its southern games were called washed out.
The GDCA called off the McIntyre firsts two-day series between Wallan and Romsey at Greenhill Reserve. Romsey were chasing 154 runs to claim their first win of the season.
Across the divide at Salesian College, Rupertswood and Woodend stayed dry along with Gisborne and Sunbury United, who had them chasing 192 runs for a percentage win.
It was a captains call; Riley Nolan for Broadford and Cameron Clayton for Macedon to proceed with their match at Harley Hammond—Macedon chasing 227 runs to win.
Broadford’s phenomenal fielding cut their innings short.
Nathan Woods and Sikander Sharma claimed four wickets each, four of those were attributed to fielding catches from Jeremy Bradshaw, Joshua Nolan, Riley Nolan, and Samraat Sharma.
Broadford had a short innings also, as Macedon had the gaps covered and the pressure on.
Joshua Nolan contributed 28 as its opening batter. Braden Hickey (18), and Riley Nolan made 25 runs, however Broadford also had a short innings, they left the pitch with an additional 89 runs.
Would Macedon have time to chase 316?
Cadel Howlett certainly wanted to, he claimed five wickets and two of those were assisted catches by Gareth De Rosayro.
The strong arm of Clayton claimed four, he was the trouble maker for Hickey, Lezaz Ul Hassan (3) and Blake Jones (3) with a momentous LBW.
In front of a very focused, albeit indoor home crowd, seven overs into the innings its umpire Kevin Oakley called it a day.
Broadford claimed victory and the icing on the cake is it defeated the top team on the ladder by 159 runs.
The seconds second turn
As always, in the McIntyre seconds the draw is reversed, and only Woodend and Rupertswood continued their game at Kyneton, and it was a close one.
Woodend were chased down and defeated by three runs, 145 to 148.
The result sees Rupertswood step up into the top spot on the ladder.
Fans can anticipate the start of another two-day series in round six next Saturday.
In the firsts, at Gardiner Reserve Wallan are playing Gisborne and Romsey will host Rupertswood.
Broadford travel to play Sunbury United at Langama Park and Macedon will host Woodend and its visa versa for the McIntyre seconds.
Following on from that the last round (8) for 2025 will be played on December 13.
Johnstone Shield firsts
Across the divide the sun was shining, at times, and the two-day match between Harkness and Kilmore continued at Arnolds Creek Reserve for a short time.
Kilmore needed 45 runs to win following a great start to their innings. The rain most likely called the game off; the final result was 138 to three out for 93.
The Eastern Hill and Diggers Rest Bulla Village match at Diggers Rest was abandoned, Eastern Hill finished 10 out for 264 however each side scored the points.
Eynesbury needed 252 runs to win against East Sunbury at Eynesbury. The rain called the game off.
Lancefield and Sunbury’s game went ahead for a short time only, Lancefield 128 across the series and Sunbury 200.
Johnstone Shield seconds
As always, the draw is reversed and one day games between Sunbury and Lancefield were abandoned.
Eastern Hill and Diggers Rest Bulla Village played at Kings Park in Seymour.
The home side won the toss and chose to bat first.
Billy Cox was splendid (114) in the early order and Josh Speechley (40) as opening batter. Richard Grant was just warming up; he finished on the pitch with 37 runs each assisting the team to post 211 demoralising runs for Diggers to chase.
Its opening batter, Cameron Morris had a crack (35) and later Andrew Knight made 28 runs. A pair of wickets each from Tim Rudd-Schmidt, Sam Brown, Brayden Speechley and Eric Loweke signalled the end for Diggers, 8 out for 145.
Kilmore hosted Harkness, and the game was clearly abandoned.
East Sunbury and Eynesbury at John McMahon Reserve was also abandoned.
Next week, the firsts commence their second series of two day matches and the seconds commence their first.
Whittlesea residents Green thumb rewarded
AT 91 years young, Eric Sinclair has proven that passion for gardening only grows stronger with time, taking out the Champion Exhibitor award for Garden Produce at this year’s Whittlesea Show.
A resident at Estia Health in South Morang, Eric is a familiar face around the facility’s extensive vegetable and flower garden, which he lovingly tends year-round. His green thumb has flourished over the years, producing an abundance of fresh vegetables for the kitchen and bright blooms that bring joy to residents and visitors alike.
This year marked Eric’s third time exhibiting at the Whittlesea Show, and his most successful yet. He entered 16 classes across the Farm and Garden and Horticulture sections, showcasing a remarkable range of produce and floral displays that impressed judges and visitors alike.
“Eric is extremely proud of his achievements, and so he should be. It takes months of effort to plant, grow and prepare for the show, and his dedication truly shines through,” said a fellow Estia family member.
Eric’s love of gardening stems from a lifelong connection to working with seeds and flowers, a passion he’s maintained throughout his time at Estia. His enthusiasm has also inspired others at the facility who share a similar passion for entering show competitions.
Adding to the celebrations, the Farm and Garden Pavilion, where Eric’s entries were displayed, was awarded Champion Pavilion for 2025. Pavilion Superintendent Stephanie Collins accepted the honour alongside her husband Harrison and Whittlesea Show President Jayson Munro.
Eric’s story is a reminder that dedication, patience and love for the land can bloom at any age. His success not only reflects personal pride but also the strong community spirit that continues to make the Whittlesea Show a local highlight each year.
Cold case breakthrough
MORE than 30 years after the death of Whittlesea woman Melinda Freeman, her husband has been charged over the long-running cold case.
Craig Freeman, 63, was arrested at his Greensborough home last week and interviewed by detectives from Victoria Police’s Homicide Squad before being charged with his wife’s murder.
He appeared via video link in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday, where the court heard he was suffering recent health issues and required medical attention. Freeman was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in court in March.
Melinda Freeman, who was 26 at the time of her death, was found dead inside her Yea Road home in Whittlesea at about 11.30pm on October 4, 1991.
The coroner’s inquest at the time delivered open findings in that it did not determine a perpetrator or fully resolve manner or cause beyond assault.
Police said at the time of the alleged assault, Freeman had left the family home for the evening. When he returned, he reportedly found the front door open and discovered his wife’s body lying at the top of the staircase. Detectives said Ms Freeman had been assaulted and that the home appeared to have been ransacked.
For more than three decades, police and Ms Freeman’s family have made repeated public appeals for information. In February 2022, Victoria Police announced a $1 million reward for details leading to a conviction over her death.
The breakthrough follows years of renewed investigative efforts, including anonymous information received in 2018 that helped detectives narrow down several persons of interest.
The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has long haunted the Whittlesea community and the Freeman family.
Police continue to urge anyone with further information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Washed out again
PERSISTENT bad weather has again forced the abandonment of local sport, with both cricket and pennant bowls called off for the second time in three weeks as heavy rain and unsafe conditions swept across the region on Saturday.
Whittlesea’s bowlers were left frustrated on Saturday as they waited in vain for the persistent rain to clear, holding out hope that matches against Yarraville-Footscray and Montmorency could still get underway. Instead, deteriorating conditions forced officials to abandon both fixtures, marking another weekend disrupted by wet weather and denying the Eagles a chance to build momentum across their rinks.
Across the district it was a similar story for cricket, with clubs forced to concede defeat to the relentless weather. Grounds remained saturated, outfields unplayable and pitches unsafe, prompting widespread cancellations before a ball could be bowled. For many teams it marked yet another rain-ruined weekend, adding to growing frustration as the season struggles to gain consistent traction.
Whittlesea Cricket Club has put together an impressive opening block of the 2025-26 campaign, sitting third on the ladder as the senior competition approaches the mid-season mark.
The Eagles have combined disciplined bowling with consistent top-order contributions to position themselves firmly in finals contention. While several matches across the district have been disrupted by wet weather in recent weeks, Whittlesea has capitalised on the opportunities available, banking important early wins to stay within striking distance of the leading two sides.
Club officials say the group’s preparation and squad depth have been central to its strong start, with senior players setting the tone and younger squad members stepping up when required. Although ladder positions are expected to tighten as the summer unfolds, Whittlesea’s current standing places it well for a serious push toward the business end of the season.
With form on the board and confidence growing, the Eagles enter the next phase of fixtures looking to consolidate their top-three position and apply pressure to the competition’s frontrunners.
South Morang and Laurimar find themselves in the middle and lower rungs of the Mash Shield ladder as the DVCA season approaches its midpoint, with both clubs showing flashes of promise but struggling to deliver consistent, four-quarter cricket.
South Morang currently sit sixth on the table after a stop–start run marked by strong openings but uneven finishes. The Lions began the season aiming to push firmly into finals contention, and while their top-order has often laid solid foundations, the side has been hampered by frequent batting collapses through the middle. A recent matchup against Laurimar illustrated the trend: skipper Karl Heckmann anchored a 70-run opening stand, only for the Lions to be bowled out for 158 after losing momentum in the middle overs.
Laurimar, positioned eighth, have endured a slower start to the season but have shown encouraging signs of improvement. Their opening round victory over South Morang was one of their more complete performances, highlighted by Captain Luke Richardson’s incisive spell of 3/8 that helped dismantle the Lions’ innings. The Power then chased down the target with nine overs to spare, showcasing a level of composure and execution they will hope to replicate in the weeks ahead.
The coming weekend (weather permitting) will see Whittlesea will travel to face sixth place Banyule. While South Morang hosts fourth place Lower Eltham and Laurimar looks comfortable against 10th place Mill Park.