Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 15th December 2020

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Toxic soil protest in Parliament

By Benjamin Millar Planning approval for PFAS-contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel project to be dumped in Bacchus Marsh has narrowly survived an upper house challenge by just one vote.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s approval for amendments to the Moorabool Planning Scheme was challenged in Parliament last week after the state opposition moved for it to be disallowed.

The vote went down 19-18 after Labor MPs were backed by the Reason and Liberal

Democrat parties.

About 50 Bacchus Marsh residents had earlier lined Parliament’s steps waving banners and placards calling on MPs to overturn the approval.

Debating the motion, Opposition MPs outlined the potential risks posed by PFAS to the local environment and nearby communities.

Labor MPs hit back at what they labelled “scaremongering” and argued that sufficient safeguards were in place.

Southern Metro Liberal MP David Davis said while there had been a “bad process” from the

start on the West Gate Tunnel, the merits of placing toxic waste in the Maddingley Brown Coal site right near the town of Bacchus Marsh “is a very poor decision” by the government.

“This decision will expose the community to risk. It will expose the local school, Bacchus Marsh Grammar, to risk,” he told Parliament.

“This is a really dumb idea. We need to find a safe containment facility, a secure containment facility, for this waste.”

Mr Davis said the government ought to have done that several years ago, but it did not and now “it is in a panic”.

“But it is not a solution to dump this waste in a terrible site near a school, near the town.”

Western Metro ALP MP Cesar Melham said while he does sympathise with the people of Bacchus Marsh, he does not get “the scaremongering”.

“What we call an environment effects statement was put together, and that is when we discovered some PFAS,” he said.

“Now, people are trying to compare that PFAS to Fiskville and various other things. On the advice and the evidence I have seen it is actually very low risk – very, very low risk.”

There’s a lotto luck in Melton

Mayor Kathy Majdlik with some of the donations that will be distributed. (Damjan Janevski) 223281_01

Christmas spirit shines through “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has generously donated to our Christmas Food and Toy Drive,” Cr Majdlik said. “This joint effort between the community and council will mean more than 1000 local children in need will receive a present this Christmas.”

The gifts are a true reminder of the generous spirit in the City of Melton, said Cr Majdlik, with about 1200 toys and 300 food items donated.

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“Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year and I think this year, more than ever, rejoicing in the Christmas spirit with our community and the people we care about is just what we need,” Cr Majdlik said.

“On behalf of my fellow councillors, I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.”

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Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik has praised the generosity of locals who made the annual Christmas Food and Toy Drive a roaring success.

Recognising that 2020 has been challenging for the entire Melton community, the council organised collections for non-perishable food and toys to be held throughout November at community connector hubs in Aintree, Kurunjang and Caroline Springs.

Melton is rounding out 2020 with the crown of Victoria’s leading division one lottery hotspot, home to four instant millionaires.

In the 12 months to November 12, four of the 477 division one-winning entries sold across the country were bought in Melton, bringing almost $10.5 million of more than $1.22 billion in division one prize money.

The four division one ticket wins put Melton behind only Cairns with six and Western Australia’s Morley and Mandurah with five apiece is the nation’s luckiest lottery winners.

The Lott’s spokeswoman Bronwyn Spencer said while lottery wins can land anywhere, from time to time pockets of wins emerge in the same region or postcode.

“This year we’ve seen a mix of hotspots, from bustling city centres to regional areas and smaller towns, proving that a winning hotspot can emerge anywhere across the country,” she said.

“Some players flock to hotspots for their entries in the hopes it scores them a major prize, while others avoid them in the hope lottery lightning will strike elsewhere.”

While aware that division one wins are welcomed anywhere and at any time, Ms Spencer said breaking the news to division one winners this year has been especially rewarding.

“In a time of great uncertainty and plenty of challenges, it’s been a joy to hear the hopes and dreams our major winners have for their windfalls.”

3 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

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The Eynesbury Early Learning Centre will open for Kindergarten in February. (Supplied)

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A Moorabool council social support program is helping Active Ageing clients stay connected through a range of online programs including bingo, music and dance and a men’s group.

Mayor Tom Sullivan said the program enabled members of the community who would have otherwise been alone in lockdown time to have some interaction with others and join in on activities via their computers or tablets.

To join a support group contact Wesley Hutchesson on 5366 7100.

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Melton council is calling on people to share the things they think will make a difference to the local community as it prepares for the 2021-22 budget.

Submit your ideas via www.melton. vic.gov.au/budgetinput until 5pm on December 16.

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Kinder-aged children will have a brand new centre to call their own in Eynesbury from the start of next year with the completion of the $4.2 million Eynesbury Early Learning Centre.

Co-located at the new Eynesbury Primary School, which will open at the start of term one next year, the centre will provide kindergarten places for three and four-year-old children.

Melton council provided $1 million in funding for the centre, topping up $1.5 million from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and a further $1.7 million from the government’s Children’s Facilities Capital Program. The centre provides two kindergarten rooms, an outdoor play space, a Maternal Child Health office and a family room.

Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said that with about 50 babies born every week in the city of Melton, new facilities like this one are essential.

“Access to kindergarten and maternal and child health services is so important and this centre will help ensure local kids can get the best start to their early development and education,” she said.

“It’s fantastic to see it ready to welcome Eynesbury’s littlest residents and I’d like to thank the state government for partnering with us on this much-needed project.”

Kinder enrolments are open via melton.vic. gov.au/kinderenrol

Xmas message From everyone at Star Weekly we’d like to wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and say thank you for your support throughout 2020.

We’re taking a short break and look forward to bringing you the latest local news and pictures in the new year with our first editions back on January 12.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Benjamin Millar

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4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

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Spotlight on rider safety

Jail over hotel robberies

By Benjamin Millar When a car suddenly cut into Jo ‘Pinky’ Galea’s lane as she rode her beloved motorcycle at 100km/h down the freeway, all she could do was brace for the impact.

Her protective clothing and helmet saved her life as she skidded and rolled along the road, but the Melton resident’s accident put her into a wheelchair with serious injuries and awareness of just how close the moment could have been to the end.

The long road to rehabilitation and recovery has been slow and painful, something Pinky doesn’t want anyone else to have to face.

She has therefore set herself a mission to do everything she can to help make other riders safer on the road.

“One of my sayings is ‘drive like everyone’s trying to kill you’ and I really think there needs to be more done about motorcycle awareness,” she said.

Pinky has launched a Facebook page dedicated to highlighting and discussing the dangers on the road for motorcyclists when other drivers simply don’t do enough to look.

“I’ve done a lot of research. I thought it was time to challenge the community, it’s a great community here in Melton, but there are drivers who get frustrated and close the gap and others who are just unaware you’re even there,” she said.

The Facebook page has become popular among riders across Australia, who come together to share tips on riding safely and helping to spread awareness around rules and responsibilities for both riders and drivers.

The incident on the Monash Freeway left Pinky badly bruised and with a broken pelvis and throttle hand, but it hasn’t dented her desire to get back on the bike as soon as her

Pinky with the motorcycle helmet that helped save her life. (Damjan Janevski) 223550_03

body is sufficiently healed.

Pinky said despite the dangers and in spite of her accident, hopping onto a motorcycle remains one of the best decisions she has ever made. “It was a long time want and about four years ago I decided to give this a go,” she said.

“It’s one of those life changing events, it’s just

a whole different feeling and it’s just so good for your mental health. You get onto a bike and it’s your freedom, you are connecting more with the world around you. We just need people to be more aware of us.”

Further details: ‘M.A.G – Motorcycle Awareness Group Australia’ on Facebook.

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SPORT

A Melton man who robbed the Golden Fleece Hotel three times in 14 months has been jailed for more than four years.

Shaun Wos, 33, was last month sentenced in the County Court to 50 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of 30 months. The storeman and truck driver entered a guilty plea to the charges, attributing the offences to a gambling and ice addiction and the financial strain of starting a family.

In the first robbery on November 27, 2018, Wos jumped over the TAB counter of the popular Melton hotel armed with a kitchen knife and stole $1100 from the cash register before fleeing in his nearby car. On May 29, 2019, he entered the hotel armed with a large kitchen knife, this time making off with $1500 from the till.

On January 8 this year he returned to the hotel and threatened the manager with a knife before stealing $620 from the cash drawer. Wos was arrested at his Yarraville workplace a fortnight later and made a full confession to the robberies.

He was granted bail on February 21 but returned to custody August 19 pending trial. Judge Peter Lauritsen said the early admission of guilt showed evidence of his remorse.

“Coupled with the expressions of remorse you have made to others, I am satisfied you are remorseful,” he said.

“Overall, your guilty pleas deserve a significant discount on the sentence that would be imposed in their absence.”

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Call to seal ‘unsafe’ road

Charges over shooting An 89-year-old Ravenhall man has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing serious injury, conduct endangering death and numerous other charges over a shooting in Ravenhall last Wednesday. Police allege the man shot a 58-year-old Kurunjang man in the upper body outside a property in Rebecca Drive just before 8.30am.

He was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Police believe the parties were known to each other.

Information to Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic. com.au.

By Benjamin Millar Police are investigating another car roll-over on an unsealed stretch of Troups Road South as more than 500 people have signed a petition calling for the road to be urgently sealed.

A 25-year-old man from Bundoora was taken to hospital with neck injuries about 7am last Wednesday after rolling his car on the Mount Cottrell dirt road. The incident is the latest in a series of accidents a resident says are becoming more common as traffic increases – a seven-day average traffic count in October 2019 recorded 1852 vehicles per day.

Michelle, who asked not to use her last name, has started an online Change.org petition to convince Melton council to fast-track the planned sealing of the seven-kilometre stretch of unsealed road.

“This car roll-over reinforces the reasons we are so anxious about getting something done; council’s response is that the road is going to get sealed but that doesn’t absolve them of better maintaining the road in a safe condition now,” she said. “This road is 80km/h, but if you are doing the legal limit it is still unsafe.”

Crumbling shoulders and poor visibility from plumes of dust are the key safety risks, along with the rough and loose surface.

Michelle, who has lived alongside the road with her family for almost 30 years, said the completion of estates in Tarneit has drawn far more traffic onto the road than ever before as trucks and cars seek to avoid using busy Hopkins Road. She welcomed the council setting aside $500,000 for design works, but wants sealing to begin as soon as possible.

“If someone dies in this current state then the council will have blood on its hands.”

Engineering services manager Sam Romaszko said the upgrade of Troups Road

Police briefs

Speedster caught An 18-year-old Kurunjang man has had his car impounded after being caught speeding at 148km/h in the 110km/h zone on the Western Freeway last Tuesday night. He was intercepted

by Melton Highway Patrol and had his vehicle impounded for 30 days.

Car impounded

There has been a series of accidents this year on Troups Road South. (Pictures: Supplied)

South from Boundary Road to Greigs Road is a priority project for council with design works to be completed by July. He said the estimated cost to construct Troups Road South to a sealed rural standard is $5.8 million.

“Troups Road South is inspected on a weekly basis and maintenance works undertaken as required,” he said.

“Due to current traffic volumes, council is undertaking maintenance on a weekly basis to

ensure the defects are managed appropriately.”

Mr Romaszko said commuters using Troups Road South have alternate options such as Hopkins Road to the east. “We understand that a proportion of traffic using Troups Road South do so to avoid congestion of Hopkins Road which is managed by the state government.”

The council is awaiting a response from the Department of Transport on a request to reduce the current 80km/h speed limit.

A 20-year-old Werribee woman is facing a number of charges after police intercepted her car on Barries Road in Melton West last Tuesday. Police noticed the car didn’t have proper working headlights or brake lights and an ANPR camera noticed that the registration was allegedly suspended.

Police discovered the driver was a suspended learner with no L-plates displayed and no accompanying driver.

The vehicle was impounded for 30 days and a defect notice was issued for the lights to be fixed.

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Artist’s impression of Amazon Australia’s new fulfilment centre in Ravenhall, to open next year. Inset: Amazon Australia operations director Craig Fuller. (Supplied)

By Benjamin Millar More than 300 new jobs will be delivered to the Melton area when global retail giant Amazon Australia opens a huge new local distribution centre next year.

Amazon Australia announced on Friday it will open a second Melbourne fulfilment centre in Ravenhall in late 2021, creating about 200 jobs during construction and 300 ongoing roles on completion.

The new centre in Dexus’ Horizon 3023 estate will be 37,000 square metres – almost double the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground – and capable of holding up to six

million items.

The new centre will be Victoria’s second Amazon site, joining Dandenong South, and helping Amazon more than double its local operating footprint.

Amazon Australia operations director Craig Fuller said the new site will enable Amazon to expand its range and speed up shipping to local customers.

“We’re proud to have played a unique role in supporting our Victorian customers during this unprecedented time, helping them to get the items they need for their families without leaving their homes,” he said.

“Furthermore, we are dedicated to

enriching and giving back to the communities in which we operate and we look forward to working with Melton City Council, and the surrounding schools and local community groups, to create impactful community programs.”

Melton council chief executive Kelvin Tori said having Amazon in Ravenhall would benefit all involved, including local residents.

“Amazon’s decision to base its new fulfilment centre here makes great business sense and is a massive win for local jobs growth,” he said.

“To have an industry leader and major employer like Amazon invest in the City of Melton demonstrates the outstanding

opportunities our city’s prime location and highly skilled workforce provides.

“As one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, it’s investment like this that will strengthen our economy and help ensure more local families can find work close to home.”

Economic Development Minister Tim Pallas said Amazon’s investment in a second fulfilment centre is providing welcome new job opportunities in a suburban growth area.

“We welcome this investment as a clear indicator of confidence in the state and attracting investment from significant global companies, such as Amazon, is critical to drive our economic recovery,” he said.

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Amazon delivers jobs

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Buying cheaper than renting

By Benjamin Millar Melton suburbs are among Victoria’s most affordable for home buyers compared to renting in the same area, according to a new report.

The Buy vs Rent Report 2020, commissioned

by Aussie Home Loans, found it was cheaper to buy a unit in Melton and Bacchus Marsh than to rent one, while mortgage repayments on houses in Melton and Melton South also came in lower than the cost of renting, behind only

Hastings for the state’s best comparison.

Kurunjang and Melton West rounded out the top five suburbs for buying rather than renting houses, requiring mortgage repayments only marginally more expensive than rentals.

Cobblebank came in at 10th.

The report found that the median value of a Melton house is $481,041 and the average monthly rental cost is $1629.

Monthly repayments on a three-year fixed rate are $1677 – $48 below the rental price.

The median price of Melton South houses is

$417,770 and average monthly rental costs are $1490, whereas three-year fixed rate payments are $1456 – $34 lower than renting.

Loan repayments were also found to be just $7 more per month than renting in Melton West, $10 more in Kurunjang and $48 more in Cobblebank.

The report found a larger proportion of suburbs are approaching the tipping point where mortgage costs are less than rental costs, especially within the unit market where there are now 64 suburbs where that is the case.

Aussie chief executive James Symond said despite the uncertainty of the pandemic, a key factor is that home loan interest rates are the lowest in Australia’s history.

“The research in this report shows that if you have your heart set on a house, it could cost less to own than rent,” he said.

“While this is a really good indication of the suburbs where it could be cheaper to buy than rent, there are a lot of current market rates well below these averages, so the savings and range of suburbs is potentially even greater.”

Building commuity skills A team of Melton students has been busy beavering away on creating safe homes for wildlife affected by last summer’s devastating bushfires.

Melton Christian College teacher Elizabeth Sfameni said the year 10 applied learning students have been working hard since the return to in-school learning to build wildlife nesting boxes and water stations to assist birdlife recovering from the extensive loss of habitat.

“I wanted to do something to help, and through a women’s woodworking page on Facebook found out that women would be doing workshops to make them,” she said.

“I called out to see if they would like some help and explained that I was a teacher that would like to get her students involved.”

Mrs Sfameni said her students were inspired by the idea and were happy to band together to make as many as they could.

“Students have managed to build over 20

during the time we have been onsite learning,” she said.

“We are proud of what they have accomplished in such a short time.”

The wildlife boxes are now being sent off to bushfire affected areas around Gippsland and other areas in need.

Student Lachlan Clark said he was proud to have been involved in the project and he hopes it will help birdlife to begin new families.

“Birds usually nest on branches of trees and the nests are usually made out of twigs, rocks and bit of grass,” he said.

“All the twigs and grass have been burnt therefore us building these bird boxes will help the birds giving them a home and raising their chicks.

“I think it’s just good to give back to the community that’s has been through a lot this year, they deserve to have a helping hand.”

Benjamin Millar

Melton Christian College’s applied learning class has been making wildlife boxes for the bushfire affected areas. (Damjan Janevski) 220696_06 12468655-CG51-20

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Wyndham Grange Village extends our best wishes to our community of retirees as the year draws to a close.

May you all enjoy a happy, healthy and peaceful Festive Season and New Year.

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Green cover improving

By Benjamin Millar Efforts to increase tree coverage across City of Melton are bearing fruit but the area still remains well behind average for green cover, according to a new study.

The Where Will All The Trees Be? 2020 report

by Greener Spaces Better Places has ranked the City of Melton as having the second lowest “green cover” percentage of similar places across Australia at just eight per cent, ahead of only neighbouring Wyndham at 5.4 per cent.

The third study in Australia’s only national

tree canopy benchmarking series, the report found the area covered by trees and shrubs had increased by 1.3 per cent since 2016, but remains “significantly below” comparable places.

“This means there is a ‘high’ challenge rating for Melton in maintaining and growing future green cover,” the report stated.

It noted that while grass can be great for recreation, green cover creates many of the other big benefits such as keeping suburbs and homes cool and giving shade for walking, running and active transport.

“It also brings wildlife into suburbs and makes them more appealing to the eye which, in turn, can make them more valuable.”

The report revealed that 67 per cent of suburbs and cities across the country will face significant challenges in growing and maintaining green cover in the future, as cities grapple with a rising population and grey spaces expand with urban development.

Melton council city design and strategy manager Darren Rudd said the City of Melton has always had less vegetation cover than other parts of Melbourne due to its location on the

volcanic plains and extensive clearing for farming.

Mr Rudd said the council is committed to increasing green cover for the benefit of the community and environment, with a number of strategies in place to this end.

“Our tree planting and removal policy requires one nature strip tree per lot and two per side lot in residential and industrial development,” he said.

“We’re also the first council in Australia to require that developers install passive irrigation for all new street tree plantings.”

Move to crush rock plan Plans to crush and sell more than 70,000 tonnes of rocks stockpiled on a Parwan property where illegal clearing took place have raised the ire of objectors who say the site owner shouldn’t be able to profit from illegal behaviour.

A planning application seeking permission for the Nortons Road rock crushing operation states that the main purpose of the proposed stone extraction is to supply crushed rock for the Western Water Maddingley Sewer and Water infrastructure project and commercially.

“The extent of stone extraction is limited to the crushing of stone which has been stockpiled on the land as a by-product of its agricultural function,” it states.

But objectors have raised concerns that the applicant may be profiting from illegal land clearing that was hit by a $150,000 fine in the Federal Court in 2012.

The court found that property owner John Debono illegally cleared and ploughed 45

hectares of land in 2010 that was home to a native grassland population, damaging a threatened ecological species.

City of Melton planning services manager Bob Baggio said the council has received four registered objections and there have been complaints of rock crushing on the land.

Mr Baggio said the council asked the applicant to provide a Flora and Fauna Assessment as part of the application, but the request was declined.

A letter from the applicant argued the assessment wasn’t necessary as there were no plans to remove vegetation.

Neighbour David Marnie, who has lodged an objection to the plan, said it would be inappropriate for the site owner to profit from selling any rocks that had been illegally dug up when the site was cleared.

Melton council is yet to make a decision on the application.

Plans to crush and sell more than 70,000 tonnes of rocks stockpiled on a Parwan property where illegal clearing took place have raised the ire of objectors. (Supplied)

Book Now and Celebrate Christmas with a Feast the whole family will love.

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Drop in or phone us to order at La Porchetta Melton - Woodgrove Shopping Centre Res 01, 533 High St, Melton Ph: (03) 9747 6777 * T’s & C’s: Only available at La Porchetta Melton. Take Away Only. Extra toppings/ ingredients will incur additional costs.

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11 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

15 December 2020

Mayor’s message Cr Kathy Majdlik

STAY INFORMED Reopening of council services and facilities: melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19 COVID-19 restrictions: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Holiday opening hours Civic Centre The Melton Civic Centre remains closed however the customer service team is available at csu@melton.vic.gov.au, on 9747 7200 and at libraries.

Libraries Open 24 December, 9am – 12pm.

Closed 25 – 28 December, and 1 January. Open 29 – 31 December, 9am – 5pm. Open 2 January 2, 10am – 4pm, and 3 January, 1pm – 4pm.

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year and I think this year, more than ever, rejoicing in the Christmas spirit with the people we care about is just what we need.

Quickly and easily connect with us online melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial

This past year has taught us all to truly cherish and support the people we care about most.

Free green waste disposal Both homeowners and renters in the City of Melton can drop green waste at the Melton Recycling Facility for free during December.

At Council, we’re also taking the time to reflect on what was achieved over the last 12 months.

Despite a very challenging year, we’re proud to have delivered a long list of capital works, important programs and essential services.

Please bring proof of your address. No mixed loads (green waste only), limbs and branches should be less than 30 centimetres in diameter, no commercial operators or trucks. Details at melton.vic.gov.au/greenwaste

Watts Ward with Cr Moira Deeming

Bin collection Collections that would normally fall on Friday 25 December will instead be collected on Saturday 26 December. All other collections will occur as per usual.

Melton Recycling Facility Open 8am – 4.30pm every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Animal pound Open 24 December, 9.30am – 11am. Open 27 December 9.30am – 11am and 3pm – 4.30pm. Closed all other days from 25 December – 1 January.

For urgent animal management, a ranger will be on call and can be contacted on 9747 7200.

Urgent enquiries For urgent enquiries, call our 24 hour phone service on 9747 7200 or visit our website melton.vic.gov.au

Firstly, I’d like to say how honoured I am to have been elected as a Watts Ward Councillor, and take this opportunity to thank everyone who entrusted me to be their voice over the next four years.

I love playing sport. I was captain of the Northern Puma’s women’s soccer team, and played indoor and outdoor soccer for many years. It will come as no surprise then, that one of my major interests is promoting female participation in sports.

Our city has come a long way in promoting female participation in sport. I want to help make sure that women of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate in sport safely, to enjoy what their bodies can do and experience the thrill of friendly female competition. I know that playing sport helps us individually in building fitness and self-discipline,

The festive season is a chance to reflect and celebrate with friends, family and loved ones and I hope you all create some great family memories.

but it also helps us as a community because the friendships and networks of volunteers create a more connected and resilient neighbourhood.

This is just one part of my vision for our city, and I’m looking forward to all the different ways that I can serve our community.

In closing, I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. As a Christian, this is a very special time of year for me and my family, and I hope each of you has the opportunity to celebrate with loved ones. May God bless you and keep you safe now and into the New Year.

Feel free to contact me about Watts Ward or Council issues on 0499 801 198 or email at: moira.deeming@melton.vic.gov. au or visit my Facebook page at: CrMoiraDeeming

Among the highlights, we completed Fraser Rise, Timbertop and Melton Central community centres; made significant progress on Cobblebank Indoor Stadium; and introduced our FOGO service to ensure more waste could be turned into compost.

We also saw our efforts in advocating for the Melton Hospital pay off with the State government announcing $75 million to purchase the land, and start planning and early works; provided hardship support for those impacted by the pandemic; and we implemented a zero per cent rate rise.

In the New Year, we look forward to continuing our work to help make the City of Melton an even better place to live and raise a family.

On behalf of my fellow councillors, I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

You’re welcome to contact me regarding council matters at kathy.majdlik@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 058.

Your Councillors – Visit melton.vic.gov.au/councillors to find your ward Councillors and their contact details

Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik

Deputy Mayor Cr Goran Kesic

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Lara Carli

Cr Moira Deeming

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Wind farm nears completion

By Benjamin Millar Construction of the Moorabool Wind Farm has hit a key milestone with the installation of all 104 wind turbines now complete.

Situated near Mount Wallace to the south of Fiskville, Moorabool Wind Farm will produce up to 312 MW of electricity when fully operational – enough to power about 228,000 Victorian homes emission free.

The wind farm’s construction began in July 2018 and the first turbine was connected to the energy grid in July. Commissioning and

project completion activities are now under way to connect all turbines to the grid.

Goldwind Australia senior project manager Dusan Hadzi-Nikolov said the completion of installation was a significant milestone for a $370 million project, which had a high level of community involvement and ongoing local benefits.

“Moorabool Wind Farm saw up to 300 local and regional people employed during the construction phase and will see up to 20 permanent full-time maintenance roles once operational,” he said. “We are very pleased to

continue partnering with the local community in delivering benefits over the operational life of the wind farm.”

This includes regular community fund grants, which recently saw $125,000 distributed to 11 local community groups.

Site manager Dean Tonkin said the selection panel, made up of members of the local Community Reference Group (CRG), reviewed more than 24 worthy applications from community groups.

CRG chairman Dave O’Hanlon said he was excited to see support being provided to so

many groups across the wider community.

“This was the first round of grants provided under the Moorabool North Community Fund, and there were many great projects submitted,” he said. “ The CRG look forward to being involved with the fund and seeing more successful projects throughout the community.”

The community groups receiving funding for their projects included Ballan Cricket Club, Ballan Bowling Club, Ballan District Health and Care, Ballan RSL sub-branch, Gordon Primary School and Gordon Football & Netball Club.

Green focus for Maccas McDonald’s has hit a national milestone in Melton South, opening its 1000th Australian restaurant.

The Exford Road outlet is also the country’s first-ever sustainability flagship for the restaurant, incorporating a host of sustainable elements and operating with 100 per cent renewable energy.

The new restaurant, officially opened last Thursday, features 25 sustainability initiatives including Happy Meal toy recycling, carbon neutral McDelivery via Uber Eats and DoorDash and a bespoke PlayPlace made with recycled content.

A rooftop solar system is expected to generate about 42,000kWh per year and the site also features smart daylight harvesting lighting and two electric vehicle charging stations.

The restaurant has incorporated energy efficient air-conditioning systems, hydrocarbon equipment and a building

monitoring system to help reduce carbon emissions and energy use.

McDonald’s Australia national director of development Diana Grosmann said the site will be an important testing ground for being able to design and build commercially practical sustainability solutions into every new future outlet.

“We are proud to be continuing to find new and innovative ways to help make a positive difference to the communities we operate in.”

Melton South McDonald’s customers will be served with new packaging items including paper straws, wooden cutlery and paper sundae cups, as McDonald’s Australia continues to phase out all plastic straws and cutlery.

The site will also trial a new system that recycles eat-in waste into carry out bags and wraps packaging.

Benjamin Millar

McDonald’s has opened its 1000th Australian restaurant in Melton South, the restaurant’s first local sustainability flagship. (Supplied)

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13 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Out and about Residents are enjoying even more freedom as the state took its final step in its roadmap out of the pandemic. Photographer

(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 223039

Damjan Janevski captured these photos as locals hit the heart of Caroline Springs to enjoy the outdoors without masks.

Keep tunnel contamination out of Ravenhall Toxic soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project could be dumped in our community if a proposal

by Cleanaway, operators of the Melbourne Regional Landfill, is approved.

This means that toxic soil would be dumped in Ravenhall, close to Caroline Springs, Burnside, Rockbank and Mount Cottrell.

It would add 460 truck movements to local roads every day, for 16-18 months.

That’s one truck movement every three minutes!

14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

Cr Kathy Majdlik City of Melton Mayor

“The City of Melton is not a dumping ground for toxic waste and our residents deserve better. Dumping toxic soil in an area where families live and work is unacceptable.

I urge you to sign the petition, and contact your local State Government MP and the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne and demand that toxic soil is not dumped in our backyard.”

We need your help.

Act now and make your voice heard!

Tell the State Government that you don’t want toxic soil dumped at Ravenhall.

Visit stopthesoil.com.au and sign the petition today.

We’re upgrading the Ballarat Line As part of Victoria’s Big Build, the Ballarat Line Upgrade will deliver more frequent and reliable services for growing communities in Melbourne’s outer western suburbs, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Ballarat.

Better stations, more services and improved reliability We've built a new station at Cobblebank and upgraded Rockbank, Ballan, Bacchus Marsh and Wendouree stations.

Trains are using the 18km of track duplication between Melton and Deer Park West, helping boost reliability along the entire line.

Locals are already benefitting from two new peak services – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – between Melton and Southern Cross Station.

Following commissioning, critical safety testing and driver training, more than 100 new services will be introduced for communities along the Ballarat Line, including 45 new services during peak periods. This will mean trains every 20 minutes during peak times and trains every 40 minutes during off-peak.

More benefits to come Major construction is now finished but there’s still work to be done to get the new track and signalling ready for more new services.

Benefits for the local economy The Ballarat Line Upgrade has created more than 400 jobs, with benefits for local businesses and suppliers.

The project’s investment in local economies has benefited more than 40 regional contractors and suppliers, including water carters, concrete manufacturers, fencing contractors and equipment rental companies.

Regional Rail Revival The Ballarat Line Upgrade is being delivered as part of the Regional Rail Revival program, which is upgrading every regional passenger rail line in Victoria and creating jobs and local supplier opportunities across the state.

From 28 December to 30 January on the Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough lines for all or part of the journey.

There will also be local road closures with detours in place.

Coronavirus and Victoria’s Big Build Works on the Ballarat Line are progressing with strict COVIDsafe Plans in place.

The health and safety of our workforce and community remains our top priority.

For more information and advice about the coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

For more information, visit regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/ballarat or call 1800 105 105 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Find out if you’re affected at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

719

During the five-week disruption, track duplication will be completed between Bacchus Marsh Station and Maddingley and at two level crossings in Ballan.

These works will allow passengers to begin using the new platforms at Ballan, Bacchus Marsh and Wendouree stations.

They will also give trains more options to pass each other using the new tracks at these stations and new passing loops at Ballan and Millbrook.

Coaches replace trains

12475860-LB51-20

15 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Big Sam guarantees the “Freshest” quality

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THURS 31st

7am - 4pm

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NEW YEAR’S DAY CLOSED

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B&H Seafood

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Don Skinless Cocktail Frankfurters

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15 Stall 12

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16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

Stall 15A

STAR WEEKLY FEATURE

Create some memories this Christmas Christmas is a fun time of year, but for some people it can be very overwhelming, writes Alana Richards.

With monster shopping lists, stretched finances, last-minute gifts and a lot of planning, time and effort going into making the day as wonderful and cheery for the family as possible, it can end up being exhausting.

After a tumultuous year and drawing on the heightened sense of community the pandemic has created, this is the perfect year to do things a little differently and remember the real meaning of Christmas – the spirit of giving and spending time with loved ones.

Here are some ideas to make this Christmas a little bit different …

Quality, not quantity Instead of exchanging gifts with friends, pick a night and go out for a relaxed dinner and overdue catch-up. Some quality time laughing and enjoying each other’s company easily trumps a token gift.

Make your presence their present and catch up with friends for dinner. Right: Let the kids sprinkle some Christmas magic on your to-do list this year; Teach your child the true meaning of Christmas with a reverse advent calendar. (Pictures: iStock)

Think outside the box Sit down and plan your gift list, thinking of something tailored for each special individual in your life. A little thought and effort turns a good gift into a great one, so remove the price tag in your head and aim for the size of the smile instead. A brainstorming session for gifts can not only save you money, but gives you time to add a personal touch by creating something handmade (or getting the kids to), lets you space out your Christmas spend and avoids the last-minute ’that’ll do’ rush around the shops. If your gifts are sorted early, you’ll get to enjoy the fun of the Christmas lead-up instead of missing it.

Take it all in With the time saved avoiding some of the usual Christmas chaos, you’ll be able to take some time out to enjoy the festivities. Take the kids to see a light show, visit the Christmas windows or simply wander around a well-decorated part of your city and enjoy. A night-time Christmas tree hunt is timeless fun for all ages and there are plenty of Christmas-themed activities the kids can enjoy at shopping centres leading up to the big day.

Give a little lesson A reverse advent calendar is a fantastic way

to teach kids the value of giving at this special time of year. Ask kids to pick one of their toys to give away each day for one week, or for the month of December, and put it in a box. At the end, wrap up the box like a present and give it to a local charity or pop it under a wishing tree for the toys to be given to children in need.

Another idea is to fill a sack with toys on Christmas Eve, leave them by the tree and let Santa do the rest. He’s popping by anyway, so being such a kind gesture, he won’t mind delivering the donation toys to children who will love them. Not only will your child feel good helping to make another child’s

Christmas special, it’s a great way to clean out some of the unused toys and give them to a worthy cause.

Play games and be merry Children are easily excited by Christmas, so catch a piece of their magic and join in the fun.

Grab an Elf on the Shelf and watch the kids race to see what funny thing he’s doing each morning when they get up. Involve them in the treat-baking and present-wrapping, have a laugh and worry about the mess later. To you, it’s a task, but to them it’s Christmas – and that just makes everything exciting.

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Trading hours for the 26th , 30th & 31st Dec 10am - 4pm 12442241-DL51-20

17 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

FEATURING ... MY BUSINESS

Personal injury law firm builds on its Melton Services The respected law firm of Saines Lucas has come a long way since it was launched in Ballarat way back in 1939. Established and built up by a husband-and-wife team of solicitors, the firm is still based in Ballarat but now has offices in five other Victorian towns – including Melton.

Saines Lucas Solicitors has expanded its practice in Melton, where it focuses on personal injury law to include family law.

Its Bakery Square office space is shared with WPC Lawyers, established wills, estate and conveyancing lawyers.

Meet the Saines Lucas team Managing Partner Nick Lyons, who has been practising in the area for 30 years, is a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in personal injury law.

Natasha Papaelia, a senior family lawyer, practises from the Melton office and is assisting in the expansion of Saines Lucas’ family law.

Young family lawyer Angela Perugini, who is learning under the guidance of Natasha, is based in Ballarat.

Services Offered exclusively in Melton, services include personal injury law: WorkCover, TAC, slipping and tripping claims, asbestos claims, sexual assault claims, and medical negligence claims, as well as family law, and employment and industrial law. A suite of services at Ballarat and other offices covers business and commercial law; commercial and estate litigation; wills and estates; conveyancing; criminal law; leasing and business and family trusts; farm and business contracts; and sale and purchase of businesses and franchises.

Keeping it local Managing partner Nick says Saines Lucas has a

Nicholas J. Lyons and Natasha Papaelia. (Damjan Janevski)

team of about 25 full-time and part-time staff working across the six offices.

“We strongly believe in supporting and keeping local staff who are then trained with our firm to become experienced staff,” says Nick. “We also work with staff if they have young family or are heading towards

retirement and wish to work part-time. And we all enjoy helping people find a way through the maze that is the law … to our clients.”

Special offers The first appointment is free for all new personal injury clients, as well as a half-hour

free for family law clients with a Law Institute of Victoria referral.

Saines Lucas Solicitors, 33 Bakery Square, Melton. Opens 9am-5.30pm Monday-Friday.

Inquiries: 5332 1584 or www.saineslucas.com.au

In conjunction with WPC Lawyers

SPECIALIST IN ALL PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS

Nicholas Lyons

Natasha Papaelia

Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law

Senior Family Lawyer

Phone: 5332 1584 18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

(Ask about No Win No Fee) (Personal Injury Only)

12473196-DL51-20

Work Cover TAC – Motor Vehicle Accidents Slipping & Tripping Claims Asbestos Claims

Operation Roadwise kicks off During the 2020 Christmas and New Year holiday period, Victoria Police will be conducting Operation Roadwise from Friday, December 18, 2020 to Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

Road policing adviser Sergeant Marty Wallace from Westgate Highway Patrol says during this road policing operation, Victoria Police will implement a strategically co-ordinated and tactically-focused approach targeting the key contributing factors to road trauma.

Police will be targeting the main causes of fatalities and serious injuries in crashes which are: • Excessive speed • Driver distraction • Restraint and seat belt non-compliance • Fatigue • Impaired driving (alcohol and/or drug) “We’re watching your speed,” Marty says.

“Are you?”

“Motorists will see numerous police units on our major arterial roads during this holiday period and speed cameras will be set up in identified speed and high collision locations throughout the state.

“Those planning to travel during this period can expect to see an increase in vehicles travelling on our major freeways and highways.”

Police will be targeting drivers who attend end of year work functions as it has been identified that some drivers will take risks whilst they are impaired by alcohol and drugs.

Sergeant Wallace encourages drivers to plan their trips, be patient and ensure that they have frequent breaks when driving long distances.

“Road trauma isn’t just about the lives that are lost – it’s about the enormous impact on the community from family members, to the

Senior Sergeant Leemara Fairgrieve OIC and Sergeant Marty Wallace from Westgate Highway Patrol.

(Damjan Janevski)

emergency service workers who have to deal with these tragedies … and to the police who deliver devastating news to loved ones.

“All of the community has a responsibility and a role to play in reducing road trauma.

Travel so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your Christmas and New Year holiday.”

RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council chairman Jim Giddings says it has been demonstrated time after time that speed

is a contributing factor in most road crashes.

“Stay within the speed limit and drive to suit the conditions,” he says. “Speeding increases both the risk of a crash … and the severity of injuries sustained when a crash does happen.”

Mr Giddings said the work of his group, along with initiatives such as Operation Roadwise during the 2020 Christmas and New Year holiday period would hopefully reduce the number of serious road crashes on roads.

“Road safety is not everyone else’s

responsibility. It is yours. If you plan to have a drink, then plan not to drive. The risk of drinking and driving is just not worth endangering your life or those of other road users.”

Before embarking on any driving trips drivers should check their tyres, windscreen washers, indicators, brakes and lights.

Report speeding drivers to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

DRIVING IS NOT A GAME! SPEED KILLS! Don’t make a Grave Mistake Speed is the largest single factor in fatal road crashes on our roads.

RoadSafe Westgate and your local council support reporting speeding drivers to Crime Stoppers.

REPORT SPEEDING DRIVERS

1800 333 000 RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council is a road safety advocacy group that implements road safety programs and is supported by the municipalities of Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham.

1092275-HM38-13 1204680-HM44-15

19 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

FEATURING ... DANCE & MOVEMENT

Fill your dance card

ABOUT PETER FAUX Qualifications: • CICB Fellow Holder of Cecchetti Diploma • VET Dance • APMA Level 4 (Aust. Pilates Method Assoc) • Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy • Advanced Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy • Garuda Mat, Equipment & Contemporary Barre • MDES (Modern Dance Education Syllabus) Performances: Ballet Victoria, Australian Ballet, Jan Rebel Dance Co, Arts Council of Australia, Michael Edgeley Productions, J.C. Williamsons Theatres

(Pictures: Supplied)

Now in its 35th year, Peter Faux Dance Ensemble is no ordinary dance school, with Peter himself bringing extraordinary credentials of a professional dancing career with prestigious companies – including Australian Ballet and Ballet Victoria.

Since he left the stage, he’s harnessed his considerable talents, in collaboration with his professional crew of teachers, to impart the techniques – and joy – of all types of dance styles, as well as Pilates, to students ranging in age from two to adult.

Peter has also appeared in various TV programs and several films and has choreographed a swathe of well-known productions. And his eponymous Dance Ensemble has participated in ArtBeat and the Djerriwarrh festivals.

Dance styles on offer at the studio include Cecchetti classical, MDES jazz, kindy dance, character, and contemporary, tap and floor barre, as well as mat and equipment Pilates.

All students can attend a dance camp in September each year, and senior students can also participate in a backpacking trip to help develop personal skills. And there’s an annual Floor Show, which will return in 2021.

Peter says that courtesy, manners and respect are hallmarks of his studio.

“Our students have lots of fun and form wonderful friendships, but we have a strong commitment to having them respect their teachers, the same as we offer them and their parents.

“We look forward to welcoming new students and having our current cohort return to enjoy another year of dancing, learning and contributing their talents – at whatever level – that makes the Dance Ensemble such a special place.”

Peter Faux Dance Ensemble is at 1/53 Reserve Road, Melton.

Inquiries: 0418 337 810, or www.danceensemble.com and Facebook.

Production appearances: Funny Girl; Fiddler on the Roof; Promises, Promises; No, No Nanette; George M; Oliver; Pinocchio; and more.

Choreography: Grease; The Wizard of Oz; Guys & Dolls; Oklahoma; Oliver; Music Man; Half a Sixpence; The Pajama Game; Oh! What a Lovely War; My Fair Lady; Hair; and others.

Photo: Lawrence Winder

YES, WE ARE STILL HERE Dance Classes resume Tuesday 2nd February 2021 Brochures can be emailed or posted out Classes include: Dance Combo, Jazz, Tap, Dance Fitness, Classical (Cecchetti Method) Details of classes are available on website www.danceensemble.com

REGISTRATION DAY: Monday 1st February 2021 at the studio 4pm to 7pm

PILATES & GARUDA Mat Classes: Commencing 7.30pm Wednesday 20th January 2021 Equipment Sessions (bookings essential): Equipment Sessions include work on Reformers, Cadillac, High Ladder Barrel, Wunda Chairs, Balance Board, Spring Board, Foot Corrector, Freedom Board & Garuda Apparatus.

Day or evening sessions available 4 clients only per session.

ENQUIRIES: 0418 337 810 Email: pjpf49@msn.com STUDIO ADDRESS: Factory 1, 53 Reserve Road, Melton

53 Reserve Road, Melton www.danceensemble.com 12473447-SN51-20

20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 007

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

easy

2 5 4 9

1 8 3

8 7 5 4

7 2 6 5 7 2 9 4 5 1 7 2 8 6

3 2 1 8 4 2 6 medium

3 1 6

8

11 12 15 16 18 20 21 23 25 26 27 28

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 17 19 20 22 24 25

Donated (11) Country with capital Jakarta (9) Suburb of Melbourne (7) Meaning (10) Adolescent (4) Island in the North Atlantic (7) Leaves out (5) Annoy (3) Fruit scooping tool (5,6) Skill of writing by hand (10) Purpose (9) Name of desert in Central Australia (7) Pilot (7) Shine (5) Conceal (4) High tennis shot (3)

DECODER

No. 007

8

9 1 2 3 7 9

6 3

DOWN

Tweeted (7) Capital of Libya (7) Push gently (5) – the Great, Prussian king (1712-1786) (9) Mobile phone sound (8) Kidnap payment (6) Wild ox (5) Exercise machine (9) Change (9) English soccer team, – Villa (5) Aspirations (6) Emblem (8) Key expert (9) Test (5) Equilibrium (7) Associate (7)

1 5 9 10

No. 007

6 7 3

7 4

9 2 6 1 7 1 9 5

5 2

hard

5 6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Y

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

X

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

E

I

Today’s Aim: 19 words: Good 29 words: Very good 39 words: Excellent

C

L

D

C O

O

3 LETTERS ADO ALE ANT APT ARE ART CAM CHI EGO EKE ERA ERR IDS IRS MOO ODE OPT RED REV SAC TNT URN UTE VIA 4 LETTERS EDGE EMIR GEED HINT KING KISS MESS PASS SOBS TIDY USED USES VARY WASH

R

ceorl, cicero, cider, circle, circled, cleric, clod, code, coil, coiled, cold, colder, cole, colic, cooed, cool, cooled, cooler, coolie, cord, core, cored, credo, cried, CROCODILE, deco, decor, dice, dicer, docile, iced, lice, loci, loco, locoed, oleic, recoil, relic, rice

9 1 3 8 2 5 6 4 7

9 4 2 6 3 1 5 8 7

3 1 7 4 5 8 9 6 2

5 6 8 2 9 7 4 3 1

6 5 9 3 1 4 2 7 8

7 3 1 8 2 5 6 4 9

2 8 4 7 6 9 1 5 3

4 7 5 9 8 2 3 1 6

8 2 3 1 4 6 7 9 5

1 9 6 5 7 3 8 2 4

6 8 5 9 4 7 1 3 2

4 7 2 1 6 3 9 8 5

1 4 7 6 5 2 3 9 8

2 9 8 4 3 1 7 5 6

5 3 6 7 9 8 2 1 4

3 2 4 5 1 6 8 7 9

8 6 9 3 7 4 5 2 1

7 5 1 2 8 9 4 6 3

6 9 5 4 2 1 7 8 3

8 1 2 9 3 7 5 4 6

3 7 4 5 8 6 2 9 1

9 3 6 8 1 5 4 7 2

4 5 8 7 6 2 1 3 9

1 2 7 3 9 4 6 5 8

7 8 1 2 4 3 9 6 5

5 6 9 1 7 8 3 2 4

2 4 3 6 5 9 8 1 7

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

5

18

hard

4

17

medium

3

16

easy

2

15

4 3 8 9 6 3 5 6 8

1

G S N F Q P J Z B H C A V

1

T D LWKO R I ME U Y X

4 3 6

14

9 7 3 2 6 4 9 5 8 1 7 2 8 6

WORDFIT

5 LETTERS ADAGE

ALIAS APPLE APTER ATONE AWAKE AWARE BELCH BESET DETER DODGE DOERS DREAD EDGED EDGER EERIE EGGED GENRE GIDDY HANDS HARMS IDIOM KARAT

No. 007

LAMER LASER LEDGE MADAM MOANS NOBLE OKING OLIVE PLIES POSED PRESS REEDS RIOTS SADES SALAD SENDS SMELT SPARE STAIN STARE STAVE TENTS

TIARA VERGE VISTA WASPS WEIRD

FONDEST LISPING MONSOON REVVING RIBBING

6 LETTERS REELED REMADE RESIDE SENDER

8 LETTERS AVERAGED DEFINITE DWINDLED MOLESTED

7 LETTERS EDDYING

18-12-20

DUNLOP AUTO SERVICE CENTRE 161 High Street Melton

WE ARE STILL TRADING AS NORMAL We are also following the Government advice for social distancing and sanitising.

•฀Full฀range฀of฀Goodyear,฀Dunlop฀ Branded฀tyres฀&฀all฀major฀brands฀ Including฀Monsta฀Extreme฀MUD,฀ MUD฀Warrior฀&฀Street฀Series 161 High Street Melton

9746 0088

•฀All฀Mechanical฀Repairs฀ •฀Log฀book฀servicing •฀Car/Small฀Truck/4WD฀ •฀Car฀&฀4WD฀Suspension฀&฀ Alignments www.dunlopmelton.com.au 12446748-SN16-20

21 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

KIDS’ CHRISTMAS CORNER

ALL CONTENT ©PAGEMASTERS PTY LTD, THE PUZZLE MASTERS

KIDS’ QUIZ

Junior crossword

1

Which vegetable is known as a kumara in New Zealand?

6

Which dinosaur had three horns on its head?

2

What are the names of the twins Dove Cameron played in the Disney TV show?

7

What’s the name of Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s new single?

8

3

True or false: dolphins are mammals?

Tiramisu is a cold, layered dessert, but what flavour is it?

4

In which country would you find the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

9

Who (pictured) plays the role of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games?

5

Earth is located in which galaxy?

10 What country did Christmas trees originate from?

Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.

ANSWERS: 1. Sweet Potato 2. Liv and Maddie 3. True 4. Italy 5. The Milky Way galaxy 6. Triceratops 7. Rain On Me 8. Coffee 9. Jennifer Lawrence 10. Germany

WORD WREATH Can you work out what the missing letter is that spells an 8-letter word? It could read either clockwise or anti-clockwise.

?

N

E

I

R E

Joyful, smiling

5

2

St Nick’s sleigh is full of precious _____

Child’s toy, name of famous country singer

6

Mr. Claus

3

What you do to a candle

7

Mmm, delicious!

4

Short-legged breed of dog

8

Presents

ANSWERS: HAPPY, CARGO, LIGHT, CORGI, DOLLY, SANTA, YUMMY, GIFTS (HOLIDAYS)

D

1

EASY SUDOKU

R

1 2 4 8

ANSWER

2 3 5 7 9 8 4 1 6

4 8 9 3 6 1 7 2 5

8 6 3 9 1 2 5 4 7

5 9 2 6 4 7 8 3 1

7 4 1 8 3 5 2 6 9

6 2 7 4 8 9 1 5 3

9 5 4 1 7 3 6 8 2

3 1 8 2 5 6 9 7 4

All blank squares must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks.

1 7 6 5 2 4 3 9 8

ANSWER: The missing letter is E and the 8-letter word is REINDEER.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

6 9 4 2 5 3 2 7 9 1 2 6 8 4 8 5 7 8 2 6 2 4 9 3 2 4 6 5

ANSWERS: 1. Star on tree 2. Left present colour 3. Gift tag colour 4. Bauble missing 5. Right present ribbon colour

WORD STEP SALE ____

Q. What do elves do after school?

A. Their gnome-work!

____ ____ GIFT

22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step.

There may be more than one solution.

ANSWERS: SALE, SALT, SILT, SIFT, GIFT

christmas cracker joke

ALL CONTENT ©PAGEMASTERS PTY LTD, THE PUZZLE MASTERS

ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

T

H

WORD FIND

DOWN US reality series, Blood, Sweat & – (5) 3 Originally presented

by Peter Cundall, – Australia (9) 4 Maeve O’Meara’s Food – (6) 5 2017 Claire Foy film, the directorial debut of Andy Serkis (7) 6 The voice of Bart Simpson, – Cartwright (5) 8 Recurring character in Riverdale, Sweet – (3) 9 Jack Black and Michael Cera’s 2009 comedy movie, – One (4) 11 Character played by Gerard Butler and Klaus Kinski (7) 12 Dome-headed supervillain in The Lego Batman Movie (7) 13 This French premium TV channel is a plus (5) 16 An upcoming BritishAmerican action TV series, – of London (5)

2

SOLUTIONS ALL PUZZLES ©PAGEMASTERS PTY LTD

24 11

25 12

26 13

CODEWORD WORDFIND Secret message: wake up

4x4 ACROSS

DOWN

1 Adolescent 5 Suffix with soft or hard 6 Egyptian god 7 Chap

1 Stick 2 Simplicity 3 Irish girl’s name 4 Bird’s home

ANSWER: ACROSS: 1. Teen, 5. Ware, 6. Isis, 7. Gent.

DOWN: 1. Twig, 2. Ease, 3. Erin, 4. Nest.

4. In which war is Catch-22 set?

A. Gulf War B. Vietnam War C. World War I D. World War II

10

2. What was the name of Clooney’s character in ER? A. Ross Dean B. Dave Reid C. Ryan Douglas D. Doug Ross

23

3. What are the names of Clooney’s twins?

A. Elthan and Alexandra B. Anna and Edward C. Ella and Alexander D. Evan and Ally

SOUP TEA WAFFLE YOGHURT

9

1. How many times has Clooney won ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ title?

A. One B. Two C. Three D. Four

22

GEORGE CLOONEY

MUESLI MUFFIN OATMEAL ORANGE JUICE PORRIDGE SNACK

8

CROISSANT EAT EGGS HAM LOX MILK

7

BACON BRAN BUFFET COFFEE CORNFLAKES CREPE

21

Secret message:

20

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

6

30

12

19

29

11

5

27

10

18

23

9

4

22

8

17

19

7

3

17

6

16

15

5

2

14

4

15

12

3

C Q F L Y VM Z P X E K G

10

2

1

7

1

AWU B R I J DN S O T H

5

Colourful entertainers (3,7) Matt Damon’s (pictured) amnesiac assassin (6) Quiz show where contestants answer with a question (8) Creator of Bridget Jones, Helen – (8) Couples look to – to the Country (6) Home town of North Norfolk Digital radio DJ Alan Partridge (7) Ben Kingsley’s 1982 bio-pic (6) London’s famous film studio (6) Kim’s “second best friend” (6) Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short played the Three – (6) Eric Bana’s 2000 Australian movie (7) Featured guest stars Kate Winslet and Samuel L. Jackson (6) Harrison Ford’s 2006 American-Australian crime thriller (8) 1979 horror film remade in 2006, When a – Calls (8)

32 The third Mad Max movie, – Thunderdome (6) 33 What are Embry, Quil and Leah in the Twilight Saga? (10)

Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?

14

1

18 Gimme Some Truth is a doco about the making of which famous album? (7) 19 He’s off to see the Wizard, if he can remember (9) 20 Animated US TV comedy series that first ran in 1965, – Ramjet (6) 21 Cold country in which Trapped is set (6) 24 2010 US legal drama starring Jimmy Smits (6) 25 Louis C.K. animated comedy, The Secret Life of – (4) 26 Erik Thomson’s 2005 Aussie drama series, The – (5) 28 Kevin Costner golf comedy, – Cup (3) 31 Crime series starring Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh, Killing – (3)

ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD

ACROSS

CODEWORD

23 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

ANSWER: 1B, 2D, 3C, 4C.

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at YPA Melton!

YPA MELTON 9746 8899 272-274 High Street, Melton 24 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

ypa.com.au

2020! WHAT A YEAR? Ending the year with a bang! The Melton market has been very strong this October, November & December. A big thank you to all our clients this year! Here are some of our sales…

Brookfield 24 Brookfield Avenue

$675,000 Harkness 1 Eliana Close

Weir Views 13 Longford Crescent

$607,500 Brookfield 27 Carissa Road

$625,000 Kurunjang 2/74 Greenhills Drive

$460,000 Kurunjang 8 Merrijig Court

$470,000

$473,000 Weir Views 5 Shackell Street

$410,000 Melton West 24 Linlithgow Way

$590,000

Kurunjang 17 Thrice Lane

Brookfield 2 Nicholas Place

$745,000 Melton West 3 Scarcroft Terrace

$600,000 Harkness 4 Northgate Drive

$650,000 Harkness 16 Borrowdale Road

$744,500 Melton West 41 Carlyon Close

$550,000 Weir Views 62 Oldbridge Boulevard

$585,000 Harkness 49 Long Forest Avenue

$525,000

$605,000

Thinking of selling? Call your most trusted agents on 9746 8899.

YPA MELTON 9746 8899 272-274 High Street, Melton

ypa.com.au 12475605-JW51-20

25 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Be a

...

and treat your family this

It’ll be Smiles all round with your chance to

WIN one of FOUR $500 Woolworth’s gift cards!

Take your family shopping for all those scrumptious foods and delicious treats for your family to enjoy on the big day... on us!

00 $5 $500

$500

$500

But, you must be in it to win it!

Go to starweekly.com.au/competitions and register your details NOW! Entries close Noon Friday December 18, 2020

Spread the cheer and invite your friends to enter too!

12471355-SN48-20

26 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SECTION

12474518-SG51-20

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!

Call 0432 597 001 WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR

Shop 2A 533-555 High Street, Melton West (03) 9747 2030 | (03) 8560 0404 www.gingerclubonline.com.au

• Personalised party printables • Balloons + Party supplies • Prints + Wall art 12474592-NG51-20

www.moremotalaosteopathy.com.au hello@moremotalaosteopathy.com.au

MoreMotalaOsteopathy @moremotalaosteopathy MoreMotala Osteopathy

Mondays closed

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Affordable

Clinic Closure: 23rd Dec - Jan 10th.

Call/text: 0404 582 968 / 03 9012 7301 2 Farm Rd, Diggers Rest, VIC 3427

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 15% Off All Mains

Brigitte’s Brigitte’s Dog Dog School School

• Milestone boards only $5 for a digital file • $1 prints (instant download)

MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE 25% OFF

12475332-DL51-20

Shane Browne Carpentry Joinery Maintenance

Take a step into the gourmet tastes of India and enjoy your next meal at Ginger Club, serving authentic Indian food with fresh ingredients and family recipes.

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CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

using the code PARTY25

Where quality is all sewn up

We would like to wish all our clients a

www.bargainboxfabricsmelton.com.au • Fabrics • Haberdashery • Crafts • Patchwork • Knitting Yarns • Accessories • Sewing Machines and Overlockers

Merry Christmas

Wishing All Our Loyal Customers A Happy Christmas And New Year.

Thanking you for all your support during the last 9 months.

Willows Historical Park, Reserve Road, Melton

Visit our website to make a booking:

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www.brigittesdogschool.com.au

* Mention this ad for 15% off Birch Haberdashery. Valid until 31st Dec 2020.

BEAUTY: • SNS Nails • Massage

HAIR: $30.00 $55.00hr

• All Types of Waxing

The Sta aff at Style Cut Sallon n wish hess our clients a Merry Christmass and a Safe and Hap ppy New Yearr

• Eyebrow Waxing

$8 (SPECIAL)

• Eyelash & Brow Tinting $13.50 each • Spray Tanning

$30.00

Haircuts Colour Half Head Foils Full Head Foils Perms Set Up-do’s & Curls Keratin Treatment

Please visit the new website at: www.stylecutsalon.com

from $10.00 from $40.00 from $50.00 from $65.00 from $30.00 $45.00 $45.00 from $60.00

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Training selected courses coming soon!

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Puppy Classes Starting 9th January. Book Now!

M: 0497 677 931

Moorabool Shire Councillors and staff would like to wish all readers a happy and safe

Christmas and New Year 12471877-FA51-20

Our office will close on Thursday 24 December at 12.30pm and re-open Monday 4 January 2021 at 8.30am.

Offices: 15 Stead St, Ballan 182 Halletts Way, Darley Lerderderg Library - 215 Main St, Bacchus Marsh

Moorabool Shire Council Moorabool Shire

27 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

Place your ad in print and online www.networkclassifieds.com.au V Fencing & Gates

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V Painters/Decorators

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0411 860 973

& AIR CONDITIONING - DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

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Specialising in: Tiling Baths Vanities Shower Recesses & Screens Painting Plastering FOR FREE QUOTE CALL MAX ON

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Ph: 0438 999 188

MURF’S TURF

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฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ “Your Local Tree & Stump Removalist” ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 0421 836 152

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28 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

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V Bathroom & Kitchens

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29 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

SPORT AFL draft dreams come true for Brand, Ford

Eddie Ford has been drafted to North Melbourne. (Shawn Smits)

Calder Cannons defender Cody Brand and Western Jets gun Eddie Ford were kept up late last Wednesday night, but it was worth it as both realised their AFL dreams.

The draft went until nearly 11.30pm, keeping possible draftees and their families on tenterhooks well into the night.

Brand, who was a Next Generation Academy [NGA] member with Essendon, had a few nervous moments when his name was called out at pick 53.

The Western Bulldogs selected Brand, with Essendon able to have the opportunity to match the pick. After what seemed like an eternity, it was announced the Bombers had matched the bid for the defender.

Speaking before the draft, Brand, who played for the Sunbury Lions, said playing for the Bombers would be a dream come true.

“I grew up supporting Essendon and we’re an

Essendon family through dad’s bloodline,” he said. “It would honestly be a dream come true to play for the Bombers … but I’m open to any club.

“Anywhere would be a dream come true for me to play the sport I love, and do it professionally at the highest level. I dreamt about it as a little kid running around the backyard.”

Brand, a key defender, models his game on his mentor and Essendon legend Dustin Fletcher.

Just three picks later, Ford’s name was called out by North Melbourne at pick 56.

North national recruiting manager Mark Finnigan said they were excited to get Ford.

“Eddie is an exciting forward who performed well on Grand Final day in 2019 in the Futures game,” Finnigan added. “He has speed, power and clean hands while having the ability to take a big mark and kick bags of goals.”

There were only 59 picks on the night.

Earlier in the draft, two other Cannons found their way onto draft lists.

Matt Allison, who played for Strathmore, is headed to St Kilda after being taken at pick 26.

Josh Eyre, like Brand, was an NGA player with Essendon meaning the Bombers could match any bid on him.

Richmond picked him at pick 39, with the Bombers quickly matching the pick.

Eyre is a key forward from Kilmore, who moulds his game on Joe Daniher.

Connor Menadue, who signed with Werribee for the 2020 season, gets a second chance on an AFL list after being taken by North Melbourne in the rookie draft.

Originally from Spotswood, Menadue played 39 games for Richmond across five years.

Tara Murray

Burns takes on Sunbury Lions challenge

Western United and Calder United have joined forces. (Western United)

A winning partnership

By Tara Murray Western United has shown its commitment to the growth of female soccer, forming a partnership with the top female team in Melbourne’s west, Calder United.

Western United, which has applied for a W-League license for the 2022 season, will work with Calder United, sharing resources and expertise to grow participation in the sport and talent pathways for females of all ages.

The partnership vision includes programs from juniors, through the transitional youth years and on to the high performing Women’s National Premier League (NPLW) in the hope of producing the next crop of young and senior Matildas, as well as forming the core of a future Western United W-League team.

The Keilor Park-based Calder United claimed all three trophies on offer in 2019, winning the National Premier League women’s title, the Nike FC Cup and the 2019 Premiership.

It’s the only team in Melbourne’s west in the NPLW. Western United chairman Jason Sourasis said they wanted to nurture and develop the

football talents of all people from Melbourne’s west. “This partnership will be the first of its kind in Australian female football,” he said.

“It will enable participants to have consistent programs within one clear, robust development pathway right through to the W-League.

“Without it, we felt we weren’t truly representing our region and diverse fanbase.

The club is committed to supporting FFA’s target of 50:50 male-to-female participation in the sport by 2027, and today’s announcement is a big step towards achieving that vision.”

Calder United president Amanda Stella said the partnership would not only benefit her club, but other clubs in the west. She said discussions had started 18 months ago.

“I’m very excited,” she said. “It’s about the full picture and Calder is at the forefront and will look to bring everyone on the journey.

“Calder is looking forward to being able to continue with the development of female footballers while working closely with Western United to build a platform for the successful transition of players through mini Roos, NPLW and the W-League.

“Western United is developing the female

30 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

space, before they have set up a boys [junior] space, which is a big tick for us.

“What we’re doing with it, is putting female football on the map.”

Ms Stella said there were no other programs like this in Victoria and she hoped it would be the start of something bigger. She said they had players who could match it with the international players who play in the W-League.

Several Calder players have signed with Victory and City for the upcoming W-League season.

“It makes sense and it’s a win-win situation,” she said. “It’s a uniformed approach and we’ll work with United to be the number one female team.

“We’re producing players and the opportunities we can give them are getting better.

“Other clubs and their coaches and players will be invited. The journey will be good.”

Western United is also planning several on and off-field programs in the areas of women’s development and leadership, complemented by investments in female football employment and female community scholarships to be announced in 2021.

New Sunbury Lions coach Josh Burns is looking forward to finally getting the opportunity to coach in the Ballarat Netball League.

Burns had been set to coach Melton this year and took the group through the first part of pre-season before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19.

When the club decided to head in another direction, Burns didn’t have to wait long to find another coaching role with Sunbury keen to get him onboard.

Luke Marko Rawlings had been set to coach the Lions in 2020 for the first time.

“They sought me out once they knew that I wasn’t coaching at Melton,” Burns said. “Renee Hulls [Lions coach and player] said to me about it and said that we would love to have you.

“It was a nice easy-going process to get it done. Hopefully this great opportunity that will allow me to showcase my knowledge of the game.”

The Melton job was Burns’ first experience in coaching, but he brings an extensive playing and umpiring background. He first made a state team at the age of 12 and played at a number of national championships. Burns also made four Australian teams, both indoor and full court netball, the most recent the under-23 men’s team four years ago.

Burns’ coaches include City West Falcons coach Marg Lind and new Collingwood Super Netball coach Nicole Richardson.

Burns said he had heard that Sunbury was in a development stage after several A grade players stepped away after the 2019 season when the club decided to change coaches.

“There will be a lot of new faces, which will be good,” he said.

Burns will also coach the B-grade team. Hulls, a premiership-winning coach at the club will coach C-grade, with Tami Hardwick appointed the D-grade coach. Janine Hodgson will coach the under-19s. An E-grade coach is still to be appointed.

The Lions held the first of their trials at the weekend and have another one this Saturday between 10-1pm at Clarke Oval.

Details: tamihardwick@gmail.com.

Tara Murray

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Hatzoglou’s stunning rise It’s been a stunning rise for Peter Hatzoglou – he’s gone from playing for Sunshine Heights in division 3 in Victorian Turf Cricket Association in 2017, to being called up to the Melbourne Renegades squad.

Hatzoglou had played just 10 first XI premier cricket games before being called up as a local replacement player for the Renegades first two matches.

Speaking before the Big Bash got under way last week, Hatzoglou said he was excited about getting the opportunity to be with the squad.

“It’s been a pretty crazy season really,” he said. “I went to Adelaide at the beginning of the season trying to get a gig over there and it’s all sort of happened quickly.

“I got the call last week and was told to fly down from Adelaide as soon as you can.

“I’d been talking with the Renegades and I was involved with South Australia in an emerging program, so I sort of felt like I was in and around the level … I was hoping it would come.

“Maybe it came a bit sooner than I thought it would.”

Hatzoglou will be with the team for the first two games, but was unsure what would happen after that.

He trained with the group for the first time last Tuesday, before practice matches the following day.

He said he was looking to make the most of the opportunity.

“To be honest, I feel like I’m ready to go out there and give it a real good go, if I do find myself lucky to get a game,” he said.

“I’ll try and get a game in the Big Bash and try and lap that up as much as I can. If not, it’s still a great experience to get amongst guys the likes of Shaun Marsh, Benny Howell the list goes on.

“At the minute it’s a two game thing, but I’m hoping it will potentially be more games, if not this season, next season.”

This is the latest achievement in a crazy ride the past few years for Hatzoglou.

He moved to Melbourne University for the 2017-18 season and went from the fifths to be part of a third XI premiership. He was part of a second XI premiership the following season, before making his first XI debut last season as the club finished on top of the ladder.

Hatzoglou said while he would have liked to have made his first XI debut earlier, he was able to learn from former Australian spinner Fawad Ahmed, who was the spinner in the first XI. “He has been enormous for me, he has helped me come such a long way so quickly.”

This season, Hatzoglou and his brother Max have played with Prospect District in the South Australian Cricket Association Premier competition.

Having been named in the Victorian emerging squad earlier this year, he has been given the opportunity to train with the South Australian emerging squad.

“We’ve loved the whole move,” he said.

Tara Murray

Peter Hatzoglou. (Supplied)

Williams returns to AFL

Nicole Richardson, third from the left, is the new Collingwood Magpies coach. (Shawn Smits) 223430_01

Richardson’s super step

By Tara Murray After thousands of hours developing netballers in Melbourne’s north-west, Nicole Richardson will coach the Collingwood Magpies Super Netball team.

The City West Falcons and Altona Netball Association coach, who has spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at the Magpies, will replace Rob Wright as coach.

Richardson has represented Australia in both softball and netball and said she was excited by the challenge of coaching a club entrenched in Australia’s sporting culture.

“I put myself in positions that if opportunity arose, I could look to put my hand up for a role like that,” she said.

“I was fortunate enough to have two years working with West Coast Fever and I’m very grateful for them, backing a Victorian to come along into their coaching environment.

“I’m then very grateful to Rob Wright and the Collingwood Magpies as an assistant coach.

“Four years as an assistant coach across the two clubs, both those experiences I think have put me in a really good position to put a stamp on the Collingwood Magpies netball club.”

The Magpies won just one game this year,

finishing bottom of the ladder in an unusual season. The competition was played in a hub in Queensland because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Richardson said they were competitive, with the side losing four games by less than five goals.

“I’m not hiding away from the fact that the results weren’t good enough, still a lot of work to be done, but there’s still a lot of positives to be taken out of the 2020 season,” she said.

“In particular those young players who got some court time, particularly the likes of Molly Jovic who has come through the Altona Netball Association and City West Falcons, it was great to see her get her opportunity out on court and really flourish within the environment.”

Richardson’s new role means an end to her time at the Falcons. She said it was a hard decision to move on from the club that she describes as a second family. But she will take much of what she learnt to the Magpies.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to learn my craft under Marg Lind and the development that I’ve had in my coaching through the Falcons.

“What I take from them is the winning culture that we have developed at City West Falcons … and being part of a family environment.

“We’re really big on that and when I put

my case forward [to the Magpies] that was one of my big philosophies about developing a winning culture and developing those athlete-coach relationships.

“That’s something that is embedded throughout the City West Falcons and I want to further that and extend that to the Magpies.”

The Magpies started training earlier this month and Richardson said she was excited for the 2021 season.

“You see the likes of Ashleigh Brazill coming back into the line-up and we’ve got Jacqui Newton, who has spent four years in the Vixens environment and has come from a very successful winning culture.

“Kalifa McCollin is coming over and joining us from Trinidad and Tobago. I guess those three add a little flair to our line-up. [I’m] looking forward to seeing what they can do.

“I think one difference between Collingwood and the rest of the teams this year, was we were up against teams that are rather established in combinations. For me, the exciting thing moving forward is we get to spend another year further developing these connections.

“I want Collingwood Magpies to be the choice of clubs for Victorian athletes and fill a stadium, hopefully we can show the supporters an exciting brand of netball.”

Werribee coach Mark Williams is returning to the AFL system after accepting a role with Melbourne.

The 2004 AFL premiership coach, who has been at Werribee the past two seasons, will become Melbourne’s head of football development.

Williams said that he had loved his time at Werribee, which included leading them to the semi finals in 2019.

“The club is strong, well-run and as we have all seen in the last year, resilient,” he said. “I thank the club and the community for making me feel like I could have stayed here for 20 years.”

Werribee president Martin Carter said there were mixed emotions about Williams stepping away from the club.

“Choco is unique in his way of thinking about football and the way he goes about engaging everyone to be part of that,” Carter said.

“His impact at our club will resonate for a long time with coaches, players, staff, sponsors and supporters.

“It is no surprise to see him back in the AFL system. We wish him well and thank him for everything he did in two very different years with us.

“He planted the seeds of success both on and off field that his successor will be able to build on.”

Werribee chief executive Mark Penaluna said the search for a new coach had already begun.

“It is a prime job in the football world and one that offers outstanding opportunities to run your own team in an elite competition in the best facility outside the AFL, working in a club with an exceptional culture and strong community roots.”

Werribee, which has started pre-season training, has announced a number of re-signings for the 2021 season, with the club competing in an expanded eastern seaboard state league competition.

Longstanding skipper Michael Sodomaco leads that list, having signed on for an 11th year, while three-time club best and fairest winner Matt Hanson, 2019 VFL team of the year player Nick Coughlan, wingman Bior Malual and Kye Declase and former AFL ruckman Matthew Lobbe have also re-signed.

Tara Murray

31 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 15 December, 2020

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