Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 17th August 2021 by Star Weekly

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17 AUGUST, 2021

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Mystery COVID cases By Benjamin Millar Melton remains a COVID-19 hotspot of concern for health authorities, with mystery still surrounding the infection source for a local family and more than thirty locations identified as exposure sites. There are now 27 active cases across the City of Melton, including a child and his parents identified as mystery cases. The cases come as Melbourne’s latest lockdown was extended by a further fortnight on Monday, with a 9pm to 5am curfew introduced and playgrounds closed. Premier Daniel Andres said the number of mystery cases and chains of transmission had forced the extension and tougher rules. “This is spreading in an undetected way across the community, we are at tipping point,” he said. Victorian authorities say they are “very concerned” about COVID-19 spread across multiple Melbourne suburbs in which the source of the infection remains known, with more than 500 exposure sites now listed. Chief health officer Brett Sutton said it’s important to trace how the mystery Melton cases were transmitted and find out if there are any other unidentified cases in the area. “Our epidemiologists are working really hard to try and identify that particular family in terms of the shopping precinct or any other likely exposures,” he said. Victoria’s COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar said Melton’s High Street retail area remains an area of significant worry. “Please come forward and get tested if you have any symptoms or have been to any exposure sites,” he said. Melton area exposure sites include Tabcorp Park, Woolworths at Coburns Central Shopping Centre, Tasman Butchers, VicRoads Melton, Bunnings Melton and a number of locations within Woodgrove Shopping Centre. Mr Weimar said he also asked Bacchus Marsh Grammar to close its Maddingley campus despite it being in a regional area because of the number of students travelling from various western suburbs metropolitan areas to access the school. Moorabool currently has no active cases linked with the latest outbreak, which forced a sixth citywide lockdown almost a fortnight ago.

A number of exposure sites have been identified at Woodgrove Shopping Centre.

Melton exposure site Lady and the Hair.

Melton VicRoads.

(Damjan Janevski) 247143

COVID testing at Melton fever clinic.

(Joe

Mastroianni) 245320

(Damjan Janevski) 247143

Victoria recorded 22 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 on Monday, 17 of which were linked to known outbreaks. Of the new cases, 14 had been in isolation throughout their infectious period. Health Minister Martin Foley said multiple outbreaks have created multiple exposure sites right across Melbourne. “Whilst we have genomic links, we still

don’t have a source of infections for a number of these positive cases,” he said. Testing capacity has been increased across the west including a new testing site at the Melton Seniors Community and Learning Centre and a new drive-through testing site located at the Melton Football and Netball Club in Toolern Vale. A total of 6643 tests were undertaken in

Melton last Tuesday compared to 814 on the same day the week prior – an eight-fold increase. The state government has praised the response to the new Melton drive-through vaccination site, with more than 1500 doses already administered. ■

COVID-19 outbreak: page 3

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17 August 2021

STAY INFORMED

Mayor’s message

Council services and facilities: melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19

Cr Kathy Majdlik

COVID-19 restrictions: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

As lockdown continues, I’d like to again take the opportunity to acknowledge our community’s efforts in trying to stay safe and stop the spread of COVID-19.

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

So many of you have been proactive in getting tested and isolating, and this sort of care is what will help us come out of this situation, so thank you.

Online classes and activities for everyone Whether you’re into cooking or dancing, want to increase your fitness, or try some arts and crafts with the kids, we have just the thing to keep your mind and body active during lockdown.

Please also make sure you’re informed of exposure sites as they’re listed and follow the health advice if you’ve been impacted.

You’ll find a suite of online classes and activities on our Melton Learning YouTube channel or you can sign up at meltonlearning.com.au to join us for new classes in:

• Group singing

• Rock n Roll dance

• Fitness and strength for beginners

• Yoga (general and advanced) • Zumba • Art for pre-schoolers

To register for a class, go to meltonlearning.com.au, or view our existing classes at youtube.com/c/MeltonCityCouncilLearningDirectory

Library books home delivered With our libraries currently closed to the public, we’re offering a free home delivery service to City of Melton residents. It’s a great way to continue to enjoy our books, talking books, magazines, DVDs and more, or to

To easily find special deals from local businesses, both in and out of lockdown, download the Melton City Much More app in the app store on your device or visit facebook.com/ meltoncitymuchmore

start borrowing for the first time. Simply go online and order a minimum of five items. You can sign up to be a library member and place a free order at melton.vic.gov.au/ clickanddeliver

Watts Ward with Cr Moira Deeming It’s been a tough fortnight in Melton. I’ve heard heartbreaking stories from small business owners shutting down, casual workers being laid off, families struggling with bills and remote schooling, people who live alone feeling trapped and abandoned, elderly people fearful for their health and our youth struggling with anxiety and loneliness. But I’ve also heard inspiring stories of neighbours exchanging veggies and flowers from their gardens, snail-mail care packages sent back and forth across the 5km mark and offers of free help on Facebook community groups. The lovely people of the City

of Melton are really proving we have what it takes to stick together and get through these difficult times. Council’s 2021/2022 Budget featured our largest ever capital projects investment, $153.5 million. We’ve funded upgrades and traffic lights along Taylors Road at Westwood Drive, Sinclairs Road and Plumpton Road, the redevelopment of the Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve and Stage Two of the MacPherson Park redevelopment project. We’ve also provided households with an additional At Home Hard Waste Collection and green FOGO (Food Organics. Garden Organics.) kerbside bin.

Finally, I’m pleased to advise that I, along with my fellow Councillors, recently met with Dr Niki Vincent, The Public Sector Gender Equity Commissioner, and have invited the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Ro Allen, to attend a Council Briefing, to discuss the Gender Equality Act 2020, to determine what impact the new legal definitions of sex and gender will have on Council services and facilities, such as communal toilets and changerooms. 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: facebook.com/crmoiradeeming

As you will be aware, the lockdown does affect some Council services and you can visit the COVID-19 page on our website to find out about any changes and to also find out about the support available during this time (melton.vic.gov. au/COVID19). Above all else, please take care and stay safe. Council meetings are operating online and at the August meeting we endorsed the draft Council and Wellbeing Plan. This is an exciting plan that highlights our key priorities for the next four years and it’s now open for your feedback. The plan will help Council to deliver the key programs, services, and infrastructure you need to thrive in the City of Melton. It will guide the development of all operational plans, organisational strategies, resource plans and annual budgets. Work like this is helping us continue to create environments for you all to live happy and healthy lives, and I’d urge you all to have your say via our conversations page, conversations.melton.vic.gov. au/cwbp 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

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Lara Carli

Cr Moira Deeming

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

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2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 August, 2021

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CS Square virus outbreak grows By Benjamin Millar and Tara Murray The Caroline Springs COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow with more than 30 cases now linked to the cluster. Three new cases were linked to the outbreak at the CS Square Shopping Centre on Sunday as infection spread to household contacts of people connected to YPA Real Estate and the Jolly Miller Cafe. The outbreak stems back to a staff member who worked at the Spectacle Hub in the shopping centre while infectious. All staff who worked at the centre between August 2 and 5 have been classified as tier one contacts and are isolating.

The whole centre is listed as a tier two site between July 27 and August 6, while a number of stores are also listed as tier one sites. Caroline Springs exposure sites include The Jolly Miller Cafe, Gloria Jean’s, The Reject Shop, Anytime Fitness, Coles, The Coffee Club, NAB, Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse, Target, New Oriental Cafe, YPA Real Estate, Caroline Springs Childcare & Kindergarten and 7-Eleven. A number of other shopping centres including Watergardens, Taylors Hill Village, Cairnlea Town Centre and Burnside Hub Shopping Centre have also been listed as exposure sites. Victoria’s COVID commander Jeroen

Weimar said late last week that testing rates have increased threefold across the western suburbs compared to the week before, but more testing is crucial. “People are coming out in droves and we are working very hard to get to the bottom of these latest outbreaks,” he said. Mr Weimar said despite the high number of cases associated with the shopping centre, CS Square has undergone a deep clean and remains “safe to visit”. A new COVID-19 testing site was set up at the Keilor Park Basketball Stadium on Thursday to help with demand. It will operate 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

CS square in Caroline Springs is one of the sources of the current COVID-19 outbreak. 246738 (Damjan Janevski)

Vaccine access expanded

246770 (Damjan Janevski)

Driving the fight against COVID-19 Hundreds of people have joined the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by receiving their jab at Australia’s first drive-through COVID vaccination hub in Melton. Run by Western Health, the site at the former Bunnings Warehouse site on Barries Road was launched last week, initially taking bookings from Victorians eligible to receive Pfizer. The site has been complementing existing state vaccination centres and general practices participating in the Commonwealth vaccination program. Following detailed advice from ATAGI at the request of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce, careful planning was undertaken to account for the logistical differences between walk-in and drive-through clinics. Drivers and passengers are screened for eligibility and symptoms at the carpark entry before proceeding in batches of 10 cars to an

identification check-in point. After receiving their vaccination they remain in their car for the 15-minute observation period before exiting the site. The state government also announced on Friday that it would be significantly expanding access to vaccines across all state vaccination centres and scaling up capacity across the state-run system with more drive-through and mobile clinics. Premier Daniel Andrews said the aim was to administer one million new doses across the next five weeks. To meet this target more than 200,000 doses will be administered each week until September 19, with sites operating with extended hours and with an additional 150 vaccination booths coming online. “There are a million things that we miss about life before the pandemic – and each of those is

a reason to get vaccinated,” Mr Andrews said. “Victorians have shown us that they are ready and willing to come forward and get vaccinated, with over 98,000 doses administered in our state-run system since Monday and more than 10,000 more doses of AstraZeneca than the week before.” Health Minister Martin Foley said the government is adding more vaccination centres, more booths to existing sites and more bookings in the system for AstraZeneca to help reach that goal of one million vaccine doses in the next five weeks. “We hope this campaign will encourage anyone who hasn’t had their vaccination yet, to come forward and get it done as quickly as possible – you will be protecting your friends, family and your entire community.” Benjamin Millar

COVID-19 set to cause refugee job loses Nearly 19,000 refugees and asylum seekers on temporary visas will lose their jobs because of the current economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic according to a new report. The report released by the Refugee Council of Australia said the pandemic had led to increased unemployment, underemployment and financial stress for many Australians. “Because many refugees and asylum seekers are employed in low-income and insecure jobs, they are particularly vulnerable to the

effects of a recession,” the report said. “Unemployment rates among bridging, safe haven enterprise and temporary protection visa holders are projected to rise from approximately 19.3 per cent to 41.8 per cent. “For those that remain employed, weekly wages could fall by an average of $90 per week, with 92 per cent of workers earning less than the minimum wage.” The report said that refugees and asylum seekers who become unemployed and live below the poverty line, are at higher risk of

poor health and homelessness, along with increased hospital admissions for mental health conditions, heart attack or stroke, injury and drug overdose, self-harm and other socioeconomic factors. Higher unemployment levels are expected to lead to increased demand on the public health system that is projected to cost state and territory governments an additional $23.4 million per year. Tara Murray

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Australia’s first drive-through COVID-19 vaccination hub has opened in Melton.

Under-40s will now be able to get the AstraZeneca vaccination at state-run clinics in the west. Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Friday that the state government will expand the roll-out of access to the AstraZeneca vaccine for under-40s to all state run clinics. “We’ve seen young Victorians turn out in their thousands with AstraZeneca now available for 18 to 39-year-olds in state vaccination hubs – we need Victorians of all ages to mirror that enthusiasm and get vaccinated as soon as they can,” Mr Andrews said. “The Victorian government is significantly expanding access to the vaccine for this age group across all of our AstraZeneca state vaccination centres, and capacity is being scaled up across the state-run system with more drive-through and mobile clinics.” A Department of Health spokesperson said the department was working with councils, health services and community organisations in the western suburbs to ensure every eligible Victorian who wants a vaccine will be able to get one. Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said the council was working with the department to establish additional vaccination sites across the municipality for eligible people in our community. “I’m pleased that so many people have been proactive in getting tested and helping to reduce any further risk of transmission. The safety of our community is council’s priority and I’d really like to thank everyone who is doing their part by adhering to the expert health advice.”

Tuesday, 17 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 3

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Backing for early tip opening By Benjamin Millar Maddingley Brown Coal has been given the green light to open its front gate for trucks at 5am despite almost 50 objections to the plan. The landfill operator applied to Moorabool council for permission to open its external gates for queuing trucks an hour earlier than the currently permitted 6am opening time, arguing the changes would help avoid traffic congestion and vehicle queuing overflows onto the main road. But the request to open the external site gates at 5am attracted 46 objections, citing concerns about vehicle queuing and uncovered trucks. A report by the council’s senior statutory

planner Jyoti Makan recommended the council provide permission for the 5am opening from Monday to Saturday so trucks currently parking along Tilleys Road and Geelong Bacchus Marsh Road could wait inside the property. “Trucks queuing internally would increase the buffer distances to the relevant sensitive receptors,” the report stated. “The application is made to allow for truck queueing only and will not amend the provision for dumping of soil, waste or other materials.” The request was approved at the recent ordinary council meeting, with the proviso that an additional gate at the weighbridge

inside the site will not be opened until 6am. Additional signage will also be required informing drivers that their lights and engines are to be turned off while they wait for the second gate to open. The site is currently used for landfill, materials recycling and production of soil and soil products. Objectors raised concerns that the opening time changes could have impacts on the surrounding area and pave the way for more intensive use of the site, but the council report indicated the intent is to reduce the trucks queuing outside and does not include any other additional activities. “Therefore, it is not expected to increase the impact to the local farms or flora and fauna.”

Maddingley Brown Coal has been given the green light to open its external gate at 5am. (Supplied)

New kinder for Deanside

A two-room kindergarten will open at Deanside Primary School at the start of next year when the new school opens its doors to families. The new 66-place kindergarten, currently under construction on the Conservatory Drive school site, will provide for three-andfour-year-old kinder until a future permanent kindergarten is built on an adjacent Melton council property. It follows a state government pledge that every new Victorian primary school will have a kindergarten either on-site or next door, avoiding the need for a “double drop off” for parents in different locations. Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said the council has contributed $250,000 towards the project. “A permanent community centre and neighbourhood house, including kindergarten, has been proposed and is expected be operational around 2026,” she said.

Avalon Airshow 2021 cancelled

4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 August, 2021

This year’s Avalon International Airshow has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The not-for-profit AMDA Foundation Limited, which organises the biennial airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition at Avalon airport, last week announced that the “increased uncertainty created by the impacts of the Delta variant of COVID” has led to the cancellation. The airshow, which was to be held from December 3 to 5, usually attracts tens of thousands of visitors. This year’s airshow would also have coincided with the RAAF’s 100th year of service in Australia. However, AMDA Foundation chief executive Ian Honnery said that “in order to minimise uncertainty and disruption to attendees and participants, the difficult decision has been taken now that AVALON 2021 will not go ahead”. Mr Honnery said it was “deeply disappointing” for the AMDA Foundation team, its stakeholders, exhibitors, participants and patrons that the 2021 airshow and expo could not proceed. “But public health and safety must be paramount and responsible levels of certainty must be achieved for all involved in or attending such a complex and multi-faceted major event,” he said. Mr Honnery said it while the airshow would not be held this year, the AMDA Foundation was already preparing for the next one, which will be held between February 28 and March 5, 2023.

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Virus triggers ambulance delays By Benjamin Millar Ambulance response times for the most serious medical cases have blown out in Melton and Moorabool over the past 12 months, according to Ambulance Victoria data. Figures showing code one first response performance by local government area (LGA), released last week, reveal a large increase in demand for ambulances triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to response time delays during life threatening emergencies.

There were 2265 code one responses in Melton in the three months to the end of June, with 62.9 per cent achieved in less than the 15 minute benchmark – down from 81.6 per cent for the 1692 call-outs in the same period the previous year. The average waiting time blew out in the same period from 11 minutes and 32 seconds to 15 minutes. Moorabool’s average response time grew from 13 minutes and 42 seconds for 424 code one call-outs to 16 minutes and 45 seconds for 456 call-outs, with just under half of responses meeting the benchmark compared

to two thirds in the year prior. Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill said incredibly high workloads are having a massive effect on the morale of paramedics and ambulance workers. “Paramedics and ambulance workers are exhausted. There is no downtime, they are regularly missing meal breaks and are working dangerous amounts of incidental overtime.” A Department of Health spokesperson said the state government is spending $759 million across emergency departments, hospitals and ambulance services, including $266 million on

additional triage services and non-emergency patient transfers. Ambulance Victoria metro regional director Michael Georgiou said the entire healthcare system was continuing to feel the impacts of COVID-19. “In the Melton and Moorabool regions, we are dealing with an extraordinary workload which is also being experienced by crews right across the state,” he said. “We have already had additional paramedics start on-road within the Melton LGA and a new ambulance station is currently being built in Melton West.”

A ‘souper’ fundraiser pandemic is having on our community and it takes enormous efforts like this to support them accordingly.” Diggers Rest Primary School inclusion leader Brad Kemp said the initiative had been embraced by the entire school. “It’s been great to see, especially given that it’s pretty much entirely student run,” Brad said. “With the year we’ve had, you hear stories through the school of families doing it tough, people losing work or having to juggle homeschooling commitments. “The pinch is on everyone. It’s nice to see this generosity really shines through all of that.” The collection drive will run for the entire school term. Details: Salvation Army Sunbury, 9744 2095. Oliver Lees

(Joe Mastroianni) 246594_02

Pupils at Diggers Rest Primary School are showing their can-do attitude by joining forces with the Salvation Army to give back to those in the community that need support. With the help of their teachers, the school’s student council came up with the idea to collect cans of food from their parents and the broader community to donate to the Salvation Army in Sunbury. Through the donation drive, entitled ‘SOUPERHERO’, the pupils rounded up more than 500 cans of food items in the first three days of collection. Salvation Army Sunbury employee Jasmine said she was “gobsmacked” by the quantity of donations. “There is a substantial increase in the number of community members in need of food packages for 2021,” she said. “This clear spike in numbers is directly associated with the increasing toll the

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Calls grow for project rethink By Benjamin Millar Federal Ballarat MP Catherine King has joined growing calls for the controversial Western Victoria Transmission Network Project to be scrapped, labeling it a “disaster” of a project. Ms King, the Opposition spokeswoman for infrastructure, transport and regional development, has demanded proponents of the high-voltage project go back to the drawing board to avoid impacting communities and farming land along the 190-kilometre route from western Victoria through Mooraboool and on to Sydenham. “We know that this is a disaster of a project particularly for our agricultural communities,

but also for the communities around Bacchus Marsh and Darley,” she said. “This is the wrong area for these lines to go in and there needs to be a plan B, a plan B that doesn’t put a transfer station right into the middle of our agricultural heartland and doesn’t take these transmission lines right the way through the Lerderderg Gorge, one of our most beautiful natural assets in this region.” The Australian Energy Marker Operator (AEMO) has identified the transmission project as necessary for bringing renewable energy from the state’s west to Melbourne. But the project has been subject to fierce resistance from the community and is opposed by Moorabool council, with calls for the lines

to be buried underground. State Moorabool MP Michaela Settle recently called for the proposal to be sent back to the drawing board, writing to AEMO to ask for all other options to be investigated including undergrounding and alternative routes. Ms King last week told Parliament that while major infrastructure projects often divide communities, the western Victoria transmission lines project has mostly united the community. “It has united Labor and Liberal MPs, tourism operators, the Victorian Farmers Federation, big businesses like McCain, residents in suburban growth areas and those in regional farming communities,” she said.

“It’s increasingly clear to all of us that the northern corridor proposed to build the transmission lines and the transfer station at Mount Prospect is simply unviable and that it’s time to go back to the drawing board. “AEMO, AusNet and state and federal governments, who need to sign off on this project, need to start again.”

Moorabool council has flagged the need to remove the mature Claret Ash tree in Fisken Street.

Axe poised over ash tree

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The future of a mature Claret Ash tree in Ballan remains in the balance after more than 150 people signed a petition to save it from the chop. Moorabool council has flagged the need to remove the nature strip tree opposite the CFA headquarters on Fisken Street tree due to damage to a section of kerb and guttering and lifting of the footpath pavement. An arborist report rated the health of the tree as fair to good, with a medium remaining useful life expectancy of up to 40 years. A council project brief noted that rectification works to fix the kerb and guttering are unable to be carried out without encroaching upon the tree protection zone, therefore recommending the tree be removed and replaced. “Based on the arborist report construction works to replace and regrade kerb and pavement cannot occur without the tree being removed or risk killing the tree and potentially cause a falling hazard in future,” it states. “It is recommended that the tree be removed and offset by planting two new Pine Oak trees, and kerb and channel and adjacent pavement be removed and replaced to appropriate levels.” But the threat to the tree has met with resistance, prompting resident Carolyn Craggill to lodge a petition containing 159 signatures from residents and visitors of Ballan with the council. “We ask the council to refuse this application and not remove this beautiful, mature tree and to use some other way to fix the guttering, for example box the tree as done in the main street,” it states. “This is a significant and magnificent, mature (40 years plus) deciduous tree, it provides shade in summer, glorious autumn colour, bird habitat and generally enhances the beauty of Ballan which is known as an Autumn Town.” The petition was tabled at the recent ordinary meeting of council, where councillors voted for it to be received and considered as part of the process for determining the planning application to remove the tree. Benjamin Millar

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Study tracks declining health By Alesha Capone The COVID-19 pandemic has caused “widespread deterioration” of people’s health across six municipalities in the north and west of Melbourne, according to a new study. Data collected from 300 SiSU Health stations – which provide users with a free, self-service health check positioned in pharmacies around the nation – compares users’ pre-pandemic health levels (January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020) to post-pandemic levels (April 1, 2020 to June 9, 2021) has been collated and released this month. Altogether, the SiSu stations in Wyndham,

Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Melton, Hume and Whittlesea recorded 17,889 pre-COVID users and 5723 post-COVID users. The machines recorded the following figures across the municipalities: • In Wyndham, the number of overweight or obese users rose from 65.1 per cent pre-pandemic to 70 per cent post-pandemic. • In Hobsons Bay, high blood pressure rose from 12 per cent pre-pandemic to 20.2 per cent post-pandemic. The figure rose to 17.4 per cent in both Wyndham and Melton, compared to below 14 per cent pre-pandemic. • The number of smokers in Hume rose

from 17.3 per cent pre-COVID to 23.8 per cent pst COVID. In Melton, smoking rose from 14.4 per cent to 19.6 per cent. • The risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next five years, based on the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool developed by the Department of Health, increased from 28.2 per cent to 31.9 per cent in Wyndham, 25.2 per cent to 28 per cent in Brimbank and 23.4 per cent to 25.9 per cent in Hobsons Bay. SiSU Health founder and managing director Noel Duncan said that by painting a picture of population health and trends, real-time health data allowed governments

and organisations to invest in information campaigns and research that could make a difference to community health outcomes. “The COVID pandemic has certainly impacted the health of the citizens in Melbourne’s north and western suburbs, like much of Australia,” Dr Duncan said. “Whilst there are differences in risk baselines across these LGAs [local government areas] – the data indicates widespread deterioration in health risk rates. “This will require concerted focus and effort to address and reverse over coming years particularly since these LGAs are home to 1.2 million people.”

Positive ‘flower power’ Hillside’s Ann Wallace-Burleigh never saw her breast cancer diagnosis as a death sentence. Diagnosed in 2008, Ms Wallace-Burleigh tried to take a positive approach to her treatment. “I got it, I dealt with it and I got over it,” she said. “I was one of the lucky ones to get through it with not too many hiccups along the way. I never thought I was going to die. I dealt with it through humor. “I want people to know they can get through it, there’s a lot of different treatments out there.” An average of 951 people diagnosed with cancer in Brimbank each year, according to Cancer Council data. In 2020, 249 people living in Brimbank were supported by the Cancer Council. Ms Wallace-Burleigh, who lived in Sunshine through her cancer battle, held Girls Night in

for 10 years to help raise money for the Cancer Council. Having used the council hotline during her battle, the fundraiser was her way to help others who might be going through what she went through. Ahead of Daffodil Day on August 27, the Cancer Council is encouraging Victorians to use their ‘Flower Power’ to make a positive impact on the lives of people affected by cancer by donating to fund vital cancer research. Due to COVID-19, the Cancer Council lost close to $15 million in fundraising revenue in Victoria last year. To donate: daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85. Ann Wallace-Burleigh with her dog. (Supplied)

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Buses replace trains on the Sunbury Line

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As part of Victoria’s Big Build, works continue to upgrade the Sunbury Line. Buses replace trains in both directions 9pm 3 Sep to 8.30pm 5 Sep Until 8.30pm, 6 to 7 Sep

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Emergency funding The state government has announced $146,400 in funding to be shared between Melton and Wyndham councils to help prepare the municipalities for emergencies. Among other things, the funding can be used for emergency-related education for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. “This is about providing more support to make sure that councils have the staff, resources and tools they need to support their community during and after an emergency event,” Werribee MP Tim Pallas said.

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Plans for the new ‘Eden Academy’ childcare centre in Maddingley. (Supplied) GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

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Childcare centre plans A new 110-place childcare centre could be built in Maddingley to help cater for the area’s booming growth in young families. Development Holding Pty Ltd has lodged plans for the new ‘Eden Academy’ centre to be built on a vacant block of land in Griffith Street. A planning report for the $2 million project lodged with Moorabool council notes the centre would cater for 110 children in total, with 44 spread across three rooms for babies to three-year-old children and 66 spread over three rooms for three-to-five-year-old children. An outdoor play yard would be built and parking for 24 cars would be provided on the east side of the building, accessed from Powlett Street. An acoustic fence would be built to help cut down the amount of noise escaping the centre.

The centre would operate 6.30am to 6.30pm weekdays. “The proposed building is single storey and low key to blend in and maintain the residential environment and character setting of the site facing both Powlett Street and Griffith Street,” the report states. “In the rapidly growing suburb of Maddingley and broader Bacchus Marsh, the provision of childcare centre facilities is fundamental to enable the community to participate in the diverse range of business, education, health, community service sectors etc. that constitute the fabric of our community.” Moorabool council is yet to make a decision on the proposal. Benjamin Millar

A 21-year-old Melton man is one of four people charged after a man allegedly assaulted and robbed in Prahran on August 4. Police allege a verbal altercation took place between several people on Chapel Street about 10.10pm. A number of people allegedly punched and stomped on a 35-year-old man before stealing his mobile phone and fleeing on foot. The man was taken to hospital with serious facial injuries. The 21-year-old Melton man, a 19-year-old Fitzroy woman and a 38-year-old Hampton man have been charged with affray, robbery and recklessly causing injury and drug charges. They will appear before court at a later date. A Coburg boy, 16, was released pending summons. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Still happy 75 years on

Blood donors urged to give

By Benjamin Millar Brookfield couple Jim and Evelyn Oakley have chalked up a remarkable milestone, celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary. Last Tuesday marked 75 years since the couple wed in St Cuthbert’s church in the north of England on August 10, 1946. Evelyn, 96, said the pair have enjoyed a wonderful life together since meeting one another. “We’ve had a very good life together and have lovely memories, my husband is 98 and he usually has a nap in the afternoon and sometimes dreams about those days.” The pair met towards the end of World War II, when Evelyn was working on the buses. “He used to travel from home to work in the shipyards and I was a bus conductress,” Evelyn said. “I had some mates on the bus with us, they were urging me to go and chat her up,” Jim said. A year later the pair wed, setting sail for Australia five years later in 1951 on the RMS Cameronia with a three-year-old son. Evelyn said the journey was inspired by an advertisement Jim saw in the newspaper. “The advert said to ‘come and play in sunny Australia’, it was freezing in the north of England and things were still at a standstill, so we thought we would give it a try. “We came out under the ‘10 pound Pom’ scheme and my husband liked the work out here.” The family spent three years living in a migrant hostel in Brooklyn before building their first home in Sunshine, where they lived for 25 years. When Jim’s work moved to Dandenong they relocated to Vermont South, then moved to Bacchus Marsh upon his retirement.

Jim and Evelyn Oakley are celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary.

After 22 years there they moved to their current home in Brookfield. Over that time their family grew to include four children, six grandchildren and now 10 great grandchildren. The couple put the secret of their long relationship down to shared interests and

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respect for one another. “We get on very well and we both like the same things,” Evelyn said. “We are both fond of dancing, not that we do a great deal of that anymore, we both like to read and go out to the movies and go out for a meal.”

With a continuous need for blood donations, the Australian Red Cross is reminding people that donating blood is among the reasons people can leave home during lockdown. Blood and plasma donations are classified as an essential service and are exempt from all travel restrictions and stay at home orders. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood spokesperson Erin Lagoudakis said the organisation needed donations more than ever. “Lockdowns don’t stop the need for blood – there are patients in hospital who need blood and are relying on people to donate,” she said. “Immediately following Victoria’s previous lockdown announcement, Lifeblood saw more than 45 per cent of Victorian donation bookings cancelled, so we take this opportunity to remind donors they are essential. “Our donor centres remain places of wellness, and we need your help to keep Australia’s lifeblood flowing.” Ms Lagoudakis said the Red Cross took additional measures to ensure the safety of blood donors, including masks for staff and donors, wellness checks, increased cleaning, restriction of non-donating visitors at the centre and implementing social distancing. “Those who are feeling well, not waiting on test results or required to isolate are encouraged to donate,” Ms Lagoudakis said. Bookings: lifeblood.com.au or 13 14 95.

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Mealtime fun for zoo’s giraffes Giraffes tuck in to fascinating new treats made to cater for their super quirky needs.

Mealtime has never been so much fun for the giraffes at Werribee Open Range Zoo, with some clever keepers channelling their inner Masterchef to create new ‘tongue-twisting’ treats – all aimed at keeping the gentle giants active and healthy. The quirky treats encourage the giraffes to ignore common table manners and spend mealtime playing with their food, which helps mimic their natural wild foraging behaviours. Werribee Open Range Zoo savannah keeper Laura Harbridge said some of the fun-filled meals include ‘ice block ‘mushrooms’ with molasses and lucerne chaff, ‘melon mines’ and ‘pumpkin bombs’. “In the wild, a giraffe’s meal can be slippery, spikey or just plain hard to reach, leading the towering critters to forage for some 13 hours-a-day,” Ms Harbridge said. “We want to create an environment that encourages their healthy, natural behaviours. So these challenging treats are designed to keep the giraffes engaged with their food for longer.” The all-natural foods – which also include watermelon, beetroot, carrot and pumpkin ice blocks – are hung from various heights upon a tree in the middle of the Zoo’s Savannah to challenge the giraffes physically and mentally. “Our five giraffes have plenty of space to roam here, which is a major benefit of the savannah habitat,” Ms Harbridge said. “We set up their favourite feeding tree and can see them exercising the natural dexterity

A curious giraffe at Werribee Open Range Zoo. (Supplied/Zoos Victoria)

of their prehensile tongues and lips, which is fantastic.” Giraffe tongues are blue thanks to a concentration of melanin, which provides extra protection against sunburn, can measure up to 50 centimetres long and are

used to grasp branches and strip leaves. Their lips also have the ability to curl around to help seize browse and greenery. Giraffes are native to Africa and are classified as vulnerable in the wild. Their wild population of 68,000 in decline, with habitat

destruction and illegal poaching threatening the species. Visitors to Werribee Open Range Zoo are able to see the giraffes while on one of the savannah bus tours, which run throughout the day and are included in entry.

Giving victims a voice in new true crime book Altona’s Meshel Laurie has gone behind the harrowing scenes to speak with those directly touched by some of Melbourne’s, and the world’s, worst crimes. Her new book, CSI told you lies, tells the stories of victims’ families, forensic pathologists who conduct autopsies, homicide detectives and defence barristers. High-profile cases in the book include David Hookes who died from one punch, serial killer Peter Dupas, Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 shot down over Ukraine, and Eurydice Dixon and Aya Marsaawe who were raped and murdered. Laurie said in the Hookes’ case, the investigator in charge, Charlie Bezzina, had wanted to bring a charge of manslaughter. Hookes had vehemently wanted to be an organ donor. “So, Charlie had to negotiate between David Hookes’ widow and the hospital and the Coroner’s Court,” Laurie said. “It was this extraordinary situation where the forensic pathologist came to the hospital and basically conducted a lot of the autopsy at the same time as they removed the organs for the donation.” Laurie’s unexpected connection to Dupas, convicted of murdering Nicole Patterson, Margaret Maher and Mersina Halvagis, is revealed in the book. “I was working in brothels in the late ’90s as a receptionist,” Laurie said. “I had a beautiful boss called Miss Vick who put on staff meetings for us. “She used to invite guest speakers; she might invite a bank manager to talk about getting a loan and buying a house and then the next month she might invite a legal representative to talk about custody issues and family court issues and things like that that she thought 10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 August, 2021

Atona’s Meshel Laurie has writtten a book on some of the world’s and Melbourne’s worst crimes. (Damjan Janevski) 245697_06

would be helpful for the girls. “One month she invited this young woman who was a psychotherapist to come along and talk about self esteem issues and getting counselling if ever things got on top of you. “This lady’s name was Nicky and Nicky gave us all cards at the end but she was scratching out the phone number on the card and saying, ‘I’ll give you another phone number because I don’t work there anymore, I’m setting up my

own practice at home’. “Within about a week and a half, one of the girls said, oh, I’ve been trying to call Nicky and she’s not answering, she’s not ringing me back. “It turned out that Nicky had been murdered by Peter Dupas and in fact he was the first client to make an appointment to come and see her at home, at the new practice.” Laurie spoke with Nicole Patterson’s sister, Kylie Nicholas, for that chapter of the book.

Another chapter was written with Anthony Maslin (Maz) and wife Marite Norris (Rin), who lost three children in MH17. “They had so much to say about not just surviving after something like that but actually living after it, and about making the decision to have another child because as they said, ‘we were still parents but we had no children’.” Goya Dmytryshchak

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BEHIND THE NEWS

The home office is making a comeback. (iStock)

Pandemic house design rethink Homebuyers are prioritising amenity and comfort as families spend more time at home. Alesha Capone finds out how the COVID-19 pandemic has altered design trends for new homes. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to different design trends emerging as priorities for many who are buying and building a new home. Since March last year, developers have noticed people are looking for ways to maximise amenity and comfort as they spend more time at home, particularly during traditional working and schooling hours. Peet Limited chief executive and managing director Brendan Gore said the company was seeing requests made to its builders “to ensure homes become a workplace, an escape and a spacious family-friendly zone”. He said the houses at Peet’s newest display village in Newhaven, Tarneit, have been constructed to reflect this vision. Representatives from two building companies with homes in the display village – Langdon Building and Simonds Group – said they have seen a rise in requests for more space in new residences to cater for families. Simonds Homes national design manager Dave Clynk said interest in play areas and separate areas for parents and children has grown. “Growing families are looking for more private spaces for family connection,” he said. “The need for an indoor-outdoor connection, where the internal living areas blend seamlessly with the outdoors, has also never been more popular.“ Langdon sales manager Tamara Chan said homes with parent, child and family zones were popular. “Older kids and teenagers often retreat to their bedrooms, so having separate space for gaming, theatre, or streaming entertainment comes in handy,” she said. “Over the past month I’ve also seen increased inquiries for large single-storey and small lot double-storey homes, showing the need for space, and a home that has separate breakout areas.” Another noticeable trend since the pandemic began is an increase in buyers looking for two master bedrooms, as opposed

Above: An artist’s impression of a Cayenne design from Simonds Homes. Right: Homes with an indoor-outdoor connection are popular, such as this Herberton design from Simonds’ range; A SOHO Living townhouse bedroom. (Picturse: Supplied)

to the traditional single master bedroom. “The need for a guest bedroom with an ensuite has largely stemmed from the rise of multiple generations of family members living under the same roof,” Mr Clynk said. He said many families were looking for home offices to be incorporated into their future houses. Burbank’s head of research and design, Damjan Jeremic, said the home office “is making a comeback”. “What we found pre-COVID, for a lot of customers with smaller homes, they did not want a dedicated study space – we could always provide study nooks as option,” Mr Jeremic said. However, he said studies with a doorway entry were now incredibly popular with people

who worked from home and needed to be able to take work calls or engage in online video meetings, away from the noise generated by the rest of their household. “Definitely since the pandemic, we have found a lot of people want a study with a door that can shut,” he said. Mr Jeremic said a “study nook space” incorporated into a kitchen or family living area, which could cater as a work area or a spot for home-schooling, was another popular option. He said Burbank was now offering inbuilt desks for study nooks, allowing homebuyers to select a surface that matches the laminate on their kitchen benches. When it comes to smaller properties, AVID Property Group said there was still a strong

demand for townhomes in Victoria, often for first home buyers wanting to get their foot on the property ladder. AVID general manager Victoria, Peter Vlitas, said that during the past 12 months, the company has launched 10 individual townhome projects on the Melbourne market, the majority of which sold out within the first week. “One of the reasons we’re finding townhomes are becoming so popular is that there’s no backyard to maintain,” Mr Vlitas said. “Our landscaped parks, walking tracks and recreational facilities within the master planned community offer such a high-quality outdoor environment and essentially replaces the conventional backyard.“ Tuesday, 17 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Singing group Join the Melton South Community Singers at the Melton South Community Centre on the first and third Tuesday of each month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413

Melton South Knit & Natter All welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576

Zonta club meets The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

Tax return help Mahjong group

(iStock)

Melton South Community Centre is now booking appointments for members of the community wanting help with their 2020-21 tax returns, as well as eligible households wanting to claim the $250 Power Saving Bonus. ■ 9747 8576

Sewing classes in Melton South Intro to Sewing is now open for enrolments at Melton South Community Centre. Beginners can learn how to use their sewing machine and work on some simple projects. Weekly classes run on Tuesdays until September 14 or on Thursdays until September 16, 9.30am to noon. The cost is $50.00/$30.00 concession. ■ 9747 8576

First aid courses Melton South Community Centre offers a number of first aid courses for people wanting to learn or renew these valuable skills. One-day classes are held on Saturdays throughout the year. ■ 9747 8576

Melton Probus Club The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63A Reserve Road, from 9.45am. New members and visitors are most welcome. ■ 9746 0271

Interested in learning to play Mahjong? U3A Melton has a group who play on Tuesdays at 10am. ■ https://u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

encouraged to design their own world and alternative universe using LEGO and send through a photo to enter the competition.

Blacksmithing class Join Blacksmith Rob Nansen on Saturday, August 21 at Dromkeen for a ‘blacksmithing class’. Students will be making a square handled fire poker. All materials supplied, including safety equipment. A delicious morning tea will also be available. The cost for adults is $140 and the event runs from 10am to 1pm at the studio at 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek. ■ 0432 282 704

The Deer Park Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at The Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, from 10am. New members and visitors are welcome. ■ Don, 0409 191 580

Knitting and crochet group A keen knitter and want to find some people to knit with? This is the group for you. The social group meets on Tuesdays between 10am and 12pm at the Keilor Community Hub. The group will run until September 14. ■ keilorcp@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Webinars Brimbank and Melton councils along with the Department of Education and Training are running a range of workability webinars. The webinars are to help young people learn about local services which support young people with diverse-abilities to develop skills for employment. The webinars start on August 18 and run through to September 15. ■ https://workabilitylive.eventbrite.com.au/

The Sunbury Neighborhood House Social Sewing Group meets on the first Saturday of each month to chat, share ideas and sew. Beginners through experienced welcome. Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury 12.30-3.30pm.

Brimbank libraries are holding an online LEGO challenge in August. Participants are 12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 August, 2021

Altona Day View Club (Voice Interest Education of Women) meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. ■ Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176

AL-ANON meets MyTime at Tweddle Newport is a peer support group for parents and carers of children with additional needs. The group meets each Friday at 10am during term three in the community room at Newport Gardens Early Years Centre, 51 Maddox Road, Newport. ■ kim.mace@tweddle.org.au

AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, from 7.30pm, and on Tuesdays at the St Mary’s Tennis Club rooms, 204 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough. ■ 0412 432 760

Diabetes support group

Laverton Community Choir

The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

All welcome for a friendly singing get-together, suitable for all ages and abilities on Thursday nights from 7pm during school term at the Laverton P-12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton. ■ Ada, 0419 116 013

Additional needs support

Free computer workshops

The Sunbury Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month. There is a guest speaker at each meeting, which starts at 7.30pm at the Sunbury Football Club. ■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

Williamstown Community and Education Centre is running free computer workshops on how to use Zoom (September 7), internet banking (October 6) and setting up a MyGov account (November 7). Workshops are at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Renee, 9397 6168

Senior citizens club

Hobsons Bay band

Senior citizens are welcome to visit the Sunbury Senior Citizens’ Club on Mondays and Fridays, from 10am-3pm at 8 O’Shannassy Street. A variety of activities offered – carpet bowls, cards, snooker, darts, board games or just a cup of coffee and a chat. Lunch subsidised. If you’re over 55 years of age and would like to meet new people, come along. ■ Frank, 0423 392 884

Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join the community band. Rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 7.30pm at Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com

MS volunteers The Multiple Sclerosis Community Visitors Scheme is seeking female Maltese and Italian volunteers to make a weekly visit to aged care residents in Altona Meadows and Point Cook. ■ Sue, 9845 2744 or volunteer@ms.org.au

Bridge lessons LEGO challenge

Friendship Group

Sewing group

Garden club Deer Park probus

10am-12.45pm at Hobsons Bay Sport and Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Road, Altona. First two lessons free. For those wishing to continue for a further six weeks, the cost is $80 and includes a workbook. ■ Serita, 0410 599 323 or seritamudford@hotmail.com

Williamstown Bridge Club is offering lessons in learning to play bridge from September 3. Lessons are on Fridays from

Rotary club Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. Visitors welcome. ■ Pam, 0418 347 691or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Fibro/CFS Support Expressions of interest to start a Fibromyalgia and CFS Support Group in Manor Lakes and surrounding areas. Connect with real people and share information, experiences, problems and solutions. ■ wyndham.fibrogroup@gmail.com

Altona North combined probus The Altona North combined probus club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 9369 1785

Women’s choir The Willin Wimmin choir meets Wednesdays during school terms at Church of Christ hall, corner John Street and Douglas Parade, Williamstown, from 7.30-9.30pm. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. ■ willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Fundraising book sale The Werribee Hospital Foundation is holding a fundraising book sale to purchase a new palliative care bed at Werribee Mercy Hospital. All proceeds will be donated to the hospital, with single books selling for $2 and six going for $10. The foundation asks shoppers to bring the correct cash and their own carry bags. At 27 Cambridge Crescent, August 28 and August 29, 9am to 4pm.

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Illustrations light up library

(Supplied)

An exhibition by one celebrated childre of Australia’s most n’s lighting up Melton book authors is library. Never be late for a a striking series of Parade includes book illustrations by award-winning author and illustra tor Shaun Tan (inset). Featuring a collect ion of illustrations from Tan’s best-kn own including The Arrival picture books , The Red Tree, The Lost Thing, Rules Singing Bones, Cicada of Summer, The and Tales from the Inner City, the showcase celebra tes Tan’s unique approa ch As well as being an to storytelling. acclaimed writer and internationally illustrator, Tan has branched out into theatre design and concept art for ﬁlms Horton Hears a Who and Pixar’s WALL-E . He directed the Academ y Award-winning short based on his winning ﬁlm The Lost Thing, picture book of the same name. Never be late for a Parade is showing at Melton Library and Learning Hub until March 7.

Nursing boss ba nned

Benjamin Millar

By Benjamin Millar

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The Victorian Civil and Administrativ The director of nursing e The allegations at Djerriwarrh Health Tribunal last week returned a Service during a included inadequ ruling disqualified Ms cluster of perinat ate formal reviews Meek from applyin that education and training al deaths registra at Bacchus Marsh of overall clinica l practic for nursing and g for midwifery tion for a period of Hospital has been perinatal deaths as e and staff and that 10 years. banned from working as they occurred. The ruling been aware of deficien Ms Meek should have a nurse or midwif Ms Meek ceased workin e for a of former follows last year’s disqualification decade. cies in midwifery skills. g at DjHS in 2015 maternity “She failed and surrendered The Nursing and her Little for a 10-year services manager Mary the deficien to take adequate steps to ensure Midwif and midwife in 2016. registration as a nurse cies period ery were identified and Board of during for her failures Austra lia sought a remedied,” the same period. 10-year ban for Julia the tribunal found. Djerriwarrh Health Meek in the wake of reports Services chief executi A 2015 review by identify ing “catastr Presiding VCAT membe professor Euan Wallac ve ophic” identified failings behind a r Wendy Boddison Belinda Scott said while she was e and series of “avoidable” “catastrophic and unable to comment deaths systemic and other adverse unprecedented Hallymembers Pamela Barry and Bernad patient outcomes ette Djerriwarrh on individual practitioners, also found Ms Meek at DjHS obstetric governance failings” with the from 2013 to 2015. has implemented failed to ensure shift by shift presenc services at DjHS during e of a midwife compet the change” across the health service “profound External reviews identifi the period. Ms Meek, 63, faced in foetal surveil ent since 2015. ed that the perinatal “It has robust clinica allegations in the tribuna lance monitoring mortality rate was that she had failed l govern l in birthin ance significantly higher the process g suite. systematic trainin to take adequate the state average and than deliver effectiv g, continued profess es, The tribuna much higher than e systems and process steps to ional be expected for a low would in her role es at DjHS for ensurin l found there was no clear criteria development and strong leaders as director of nursing risk unit. hip that ensures Djerriwarrh g only maternity , which she had the cases suitable held since 2005. is a safe, level of the capacit y of DjHS were accepte to fully-functioning health service secure and There was also found to be inadeq d. of Bacchus Marsh, Melton for the people and Caroline uate Springs,” she said.

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Rockbank Sundowner Rockbank Caravan Park 2057-2083 Western Highway

•

Toolern Vale Toolern Vale General Store Lot 23 Diggers Rest Road

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Tuesday, 17 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 042

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.

easy

2 3

8 4

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

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

1 5

QUICK CROSSWORD 3 4 5 6 7

ACROSS Public assembly (5) Metallic element (9) German-speaking country (7) 10 year periods (7) German city (9) Result from (5) Sound of indigestion (3) Wielding (11) Evaluations (11) Knight’s title (3) Non-PC (5) Terrible beating (9) Clique (7) Attack (7) Utilises (10) Objects (5)

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 19 20 22 25 26 27 28

8 13 14 15 17 18 21 23 24

DOWN Dreads (5) Materials (9)

1 2

No. 042

Deserve (5) Southern US state (7) Modernised (7) Adds to (9) River flowing from Tibet to the Arabian Sea (5) Envoy (9) Sadness (9) See (9) Establish (9) Things of consequence (7) They conquered England in 1066 (7) Soak (5) Seaweed wrapped rice (5) People who favour black clothes and makeup (5)

DECODER

No. 042

2 7 3 7 9 8 2 3 9 8 4 hard

7 6 9

9 8 5

10 11 12 13

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

P 17

4 LETTERS AWES BYES CEDE CENT CYST EARN LAST MASS OMEN SLIM STIR UTES WATT WEST

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”.

Today’s Aim: 12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 25 words: Excellent

E E

No. 042

5 LETTERS ABACK ABBEY ABUSE ACRES ADOBE ADORE ADULT AGAIN ARISE AROSE ASIDE ASPEN CALVE CEDAR COALS COBRA DUNNO ENTER ENTRY ERASE

ESSAY GAUNT IDOLS INERT INPUT KNEES LEARN LEMON LUNAR MAMAS MIAOW NINNY NOISE NOTES OKAYS ONSET PEDAL RESET SABRE SCANS SENDS

SENSE SKIMS SNIPS SPACE SPICE STAIN TENSE TERMS TILES 6 LETTERS CHEATS ERECTS SLEETS WHILST

7 LETTERS ASHAMED BESEECH BLOCKED IMPINGE RELENTS TENABLE 8 LETTERS COUNTESS DELUSION RELOADED SUBURBAN

cede, cere, creed, decree, deer, defence, defer, DEFERENCE, erne, feed, feeder, fence, fenced, fencer, fend, fender, fern, free, freed, need, recede, reed, reef, reefed, rend

7 5 9 3 1 6 4 2 8

2 9 4 3 7 1 5 6 8

5 7 6 8 9 4 1 2 3

8 3 1 6 2 5 9 4 7

6 1 8 2 4 3 7 5 9

3 4 7 9 5 8 6 1 2

9 2 5 1 6 7 8 3 4

1 5 3 7 8 2 4 9 6

4 8 9 5 3 6 2 7 1

7 6 2 4 1 9 3 8 5

1 3 4 2 5 8 6 9 7

2 6 8 7 4 9 3 5 1

4 9 7 8 6 2 5 1 3

5 8 2 1 3 7 9 6 4

3 1 6 5 9 4 7 8 2

6 2 1 9 7 3 8 4 5

8 4 3 6 2 5 1 7 9

9 7 5 4 8 1 2 3 6

5 3 7 9 2 8 6 1 4

6 2 9 5 4 1 3 7 8

8 1 4 6 3 7 2 9 5

3 6 2 4 8 9 1 5 7

7 9 8 1 5 2 4 3 6

4 5 1 7 6 3 8 2 9

9 4 3 8 1 5 7 6 2

1 7 6 2 9 4 5 8 3

2 8 5 3 7 6 9 4 1

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

hard

medium

easy

3 LETTERS AGE AID ART ASH BEE CAM CAR CHI DAB EAR EGO EKE EVE EWE GEE LET LSD NAB NEE ODD PEN RYE SEE URN

WO E L AMG V F U T X Q

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

B Y K H C I Z DN R S P J

WORDFIT

20-08-21

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14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 August, 2021

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Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! Tuesday, 17 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

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General Notices

ALL AROUND

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

Colorbond, Tubular & Timber Fencing & Gates

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0412 184 772

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T HE U LTIMATE F ENCE F ACTORY

TD CARPENTRY

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V Carpenters

*conditions apply

12442464-SG09-20

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G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14

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Contact Adam 0422 250 675

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar won silver for Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in what event? 2. What Australian city is hosting the third Bledisloe Cup match this year? 3. What country is NBA star Luka Doncic from?

5. Which country won all three medals in the Women's 100 metres event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

12. How many gold medals did Australia win in total at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games?

6. Which English bowler was recently ruled out of the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup and Ashes Test Series?

13. What natural phenomenon halted play between West Coast and Melbourne in round 21 of the AFL? 14. Australia were all out for what score in their last T20 cricket international against Bangladesh?

7. Which AFL team had their biggest win earlier in the 2021 season with a 128-point win over North Melbourne?

4. Which Super Netball team won the competition's first two grand finals?

15. What is the name of the pole weapon that is used in the sport of jousting?

8. Staples Center is the home arena of which two NBA teams?

16. How many NRL clubs has Benji Marshall played for in his career?

9. Which Melbourne Storm player recently scored his 100th try for the team?

22. Australia's Twenty20 cricket team recently scored their lowest ever total (62) in a recent loss against which team?

17. The first Summer Paralympic Games were held in which year?

28. Which team court sport has launched an official bid to be included in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics? 29. Rugby league commentator and Rugby League Hall of Fame member Peter Sterling played over 200 games for which club?

24. Which gold medallist was Australia's flag bearer at the closing ceremony of Tokyo 2020?

19. What is the nickname of the Australian women's rugby union team? 20. In which European country is the International Olympic Committee headquartered?

11. Which motorcycle racing legend announced that he will be retiring at the end of the MotoGP season?

27. Men's and women's Twenty20 cricket is pushing to be included in which future Olympics?

23. Carlton footballer Marc Murphy has announced he will retire after having played exactly many AFL games?

18. Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting both played exactly the same amount of Test matches for Australia. What was the number?

10. What type of medal did Keegan Palmer win in Men's park skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

Luka Doncic

Staples Centre

25. Which team did the Boomers defeat to win the men's basketball bronze medal at Tokyo 2020?

21. Based on Japanese words meaning 'future' and 'eternity' what was the name of Tokyo 2020's official mascot?

30. What medal did Jessica Fox win in the Women's slalom K-1 event at the London 2012 Olympics?

26. Competition in what athletic style of dance will debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics?

2008

1. Beach volleyball 2. Perth 3. Slovenia 4. Sunshine Coast Lightning 5. Jamaica 6. Joffra Archer 7. Western Bulldogs 8. Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers 9. Josh Addo-Carr 10. Gold 11. Valentino Rossi 12. 17 13. Lightning 14. 62 15. Lance 16. Four 17. 1960 in Rome 18. 168 19. Wallaroos 20. Switzerland 21. Miraitowa 22. Bangladesh 23. 300 24. Mathew Belcher (Sailing: Men's 470) 25. Slovenia 26. Breaking/breakdancing 27. Los Angeles 2028 Olympics 28. Netball 29. Parramatta Eels 30. Silver

ANTENNA MAN

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Tuition

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Pets & Services

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

section of Network Classifieds.

General Notices V

To Share

ADVERTISE

Positions Vacant

0458 919 198 V

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 16 OLD LEAKES ROAD ROCKBANK VIC 3335 with 5G RFNSA reference: 3335002 1.The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows; Installation of one (1) new panel antennas (2.80m long) onto the existing monopole facility Installation of three (3) new panel antennas (0.81m long) onto the existing monopole facility Installation of three (3) new panel antennas (0.51m long) onto the existing monopole facility Add ancillary items including sixteen (16) new remote radio units, and in shelter works 2. Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low Impact Facility in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/ or comments should be directed to: Blessing Nhliziyo of Metasite at Feedback@metasite.com.au, or 1320 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144, by September 02nd 2021. 12509180-HC34-21

We are looking for people from a range of backgrounds, particularly people with experience in operating vehicles and supervising teams and offering accelerated advancement opportunities for people with the aptitude and the drive to fast-track their career in aviation. Swissport has been committed to delivering safe and high-quality services in Australia since 1992. If you want to be part of Swissport’s growth in Australia and take part in the nation’s recovery from COVID, as our border restrictions are removed and the industry ramps up, there has never been a better time to join the Swissport team. Looking for an exciting new challenge? If this sounds like you, and you’re looking for a new challenge, rewarding new career, lots of training and development opportunities, then don’t miss out APPLY NOW! www.swissport.com.au/work-with-us/

with us and get better results

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Positions Vacant

AIRLINE BAGGAGE HANDLING AGENTS

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Public Notices and Event

Must be fit and reliable Must have a driver's licence. No experience necessary Immediate start Call Luke

Employment V

Positions Vacant

CONCRETE LABOURER

TARNEIT 1 Furnished bedroom with own bathroom. $150 pw. Ph 0424 324 420

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General Classifieds

General Classifieds V

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Motoring V

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Wrecking

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Employment

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section of Network Classifieds.

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Trades & Services

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Tuesday, 17 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

The new Tucson is relying on its futuristic looks for attention.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Tucson fits the family SUV bill By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring The best family car, I’ve always said, would be a sporty two-seater that won’t take unruly kids or a slavering pet dog. I jest. But seriously, when it comes to sports utility vehicles, a mid-size five-seater (not seven seats), like the Hyundai Tucson, fits the average family bill. It will take up to five in comfort, plus the family Fido, and a fair amount of kit at the same time. Best of all, lurking under a flat cargo floor, the latest model has a full-size spare, so any encounter, on or off road, with a puncture avoids any cosmic crisis involving a temporary wheel, run-flat tyre or inflation kit. The Tucson range has been simplified for model year 22, with three variants – Tucson, Tucson Elite and Tucson Highlander – on offer, with three new Smartstream powertrains, including 2.0-litre petrol, 1.6-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines. The Tucson surely misses its way with the maker’s tag of ‘Tomorrow’s car today’. Electrification, we are sure, will be the way of the automotive world, including the SUV segment, in the future. The latest Tucson, with no EV or even hybrid model, is literally powerless against rivals such as Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester on the horizon or here already. Hyundai touts futuristic styling, segment leading technology, including the most safety tech in class, and an across-the-board optional N Line package, the latter introducing sporty 19-inch alloy wheels, LED front and rear lighting and 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster and leather and suede upholstery. On test was a Tucson Elite 2.0 MPi six-speed automatic with front wheel drive, which sells for $39,000, plus on-road costs. An N Line Pack adds $2000 to the Elite price, premium paint $595.

AT A GLANCE

Interior

MODEL LINE-UP

The fourth-generation Tucson is bigger than before, with long bonnet and shorter overhangs on an extended wheelbase, which translates to more space in the cabin. The surroundings are generally down-to-earth and even on the bland side. However, there is much to praise, including bridge-style centre console, classy leather upholstery, heated front seats and electrically adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone air-conditioning, smart key and push-button engine start / stop.

Infotainment There’s little of the Marvel-style comic-book exterior carried over inside. While there’s room for the latest in automotive technology, with 10.5-inch LCD digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touch multimedia display. The latter is situated on the top of the dashboard to provide excellent line of sight navigation, audio and other info for the driver and front seat passenger. Users have the option of wide-screen or split-screen view of map or navigation and audio. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity is transposed from handsets to the in-dash multimedia touchscreen. Wireless phone charging is available across the Tucson range.

Styling

Engines / transmissions

Hyundai’s futuristic foray with the Tucson begins on the outside. There’s nothing

Fitted to the test car was an all-new Smartstream 2.0-litre petrol engine with

18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 August, 2021

between front passengers or the interior in the event of a side impact. The latest Smartsense suite features segment debutants blind-spot collision avoidance assist, blind spot view monitor and remote parking assist, while new for Tucson are surround view monitor, parking collision avoidance assist, lane follow assist, intelligent speed limit assist multi-collision braking and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance.

lightweight about the looks. It’s all bold curves and geometric shapes in metal or metallic-look materials. A jazzy radiator grille is flanked by a distinctive lighting set-up, which sets the story for a futuristic profile with a dominant Z-shaped graphic, fulsome wheel arches and side garnish, plus integrated contrasting black roof rails. A broad back, with wide-set lighting, incorporates a new glass-type Hyundai ‘H’ emblem.

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 MPi FWD $34,500 Hyundai Tucson Elite 2.0 MPi FWD $39,000 Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2.0 MPi FWD $46,000 Hyundai Tucson Elite 1.6 T-DGi AWD $43,000 Hyundai Tucson Highlander 1.6 T-DGi AWD $50,000 Hyundai Tucson Elite 2.0 CRDi AWD $45,000 Hyundai Tucson Highlander 2.0 CRDi AWD $52,000

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.

front-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission – one of three powertrains on offer across the new Tucson range.

Safety Like all new Tucsons, the Elite takes advantage of the latest version of Hyundai’s Smartsense driver assistance and advanced safety systems, some making their segment debut here. Passive safety is taken care of by a Hyundai-first seven airbags, including front, side, curtain and front-centre. The last is mounted in the left of the driver’s seat backrest and stops serious injuries

Driving Unlike most Hyundais, the Tucson has sidestepped local ride-and-handling development by Australian chassis engineers, relying on tuning from its Namyang R&D centre. The maker claims the vehicle was put through gruelling testing on the full spectrum of challenging conditions it was likely to come up against Down Under. Local feeling (mine too) is the new Tucson is highly capable. The 2.0-litre petrol engine, developing 115 kW and 192 Nm is also capable without being a stand-out by modern standards. The Tucson showed some hesitation when asked to get a move on under pressure. Fuel economy could not be questioned, with 9 litres-plus per 100 kilometres in mixed suburban conditions and 5 litres per kilometre when cruising on the open road. The maker claims 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle. As mentioned above, the spacious cabin comfortably carries five adults, plus 539 litres of cargo out back on a flat floor. This can be extended to a voluminous 1860 litres with the second-row seatbacks remotely folded. A rear seat alert reminds the driver to check the seats are empty when leaving the vehicle.

Summary Advantages of the new Tucson are the spacious cabin and wide choice of conventional powertrain. The latest version is left behind rivals in seating capacity (no seven-seater) and the lack of some sort of electric propulsion.

Developer digs deep to keep sport kicking on Grassroots sporting clubs have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with sponsorship evaporating and fundraising all but stopped in its tracks. But a $10,000 community grant from developer AVID Property Group is helping Diggers Rest Football and Netball Club bounce back from the worst of the impact. Club president Ben Morse said ongoing funding and support from AVID over the past seven years has helped the club plan for the future with confidence despite the challenging operating environment. “It has been a rough road for community sporting clubs and finding funding and sponsorship has never been more difficult, so the ongoing support from AVID has been amazing,” he said. “Having this community grant has enabled us to maintain the significant costs involved with running a community sporting club.” Mr Morse said the generous contribution

Diggers Rest Football and Netball Club at Bloomdale.

from AVID takes an enormous amount of pressure off the club’s committees during a difficult time. “It really is a year of consolidation for the club coming out of COVID, so the funding from AVID will be used to support the entire club including netball and football at both

(Supplied)

senior and junior levels,” he said. The club will put the funds towards new training equipment and uniforms, helping reduce operating expenses and keep membership costs as low as possible. “Despite challenging times, our club is growing rapidly, which indicates that

everyone is very excited to be back around the club environment,” Mr Morse said. “It is still early, but we have seen a positive response from members and supporters in terms of match day attendance since we’ve returned, we are feeling confident about the future of the club.” AVID’s general manager for Victoria, Peter Vlitas, said the team at AVID’s Bloomdale community in Diggers Rest was proud to continue their support for the club during such a crucial time. “We know that participating in community sport and being part of a local club is very rewarding and provides a great social outlet for players and volunteers alike,” he said. “These clubs contribute to the physical and mental health of their members and bring people together – that’s something that we feel is worth supporting.” Benjamin Millar

Footy heads into finals

John Aloisi in action at Western United training. (Supplied)

Aloisi up for challenge By Tara Murray New Western United coach John Aloisi is relishing being back on the pitch. The former Socceroos star has returned to the coaching ranks for next season, having previously coached Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar. Aloisi has hit the ground running since joining United a couple of weeks ago. “It’s really enjoyable and it’s good to be back in coaching,” he said. “You realise how much you miss it when you step foot back on the pitch again and start coaching. “The guys have been really good and really receptive to what we are trying to do and so far it has been enjoyable.” Aloisi is aware of the opportunity that he has at United to help the young club make it’s mark. He said those at the club share his ambitious vision. “They have set a good foundation to help grow the club and there’s a lot of exciting things happening and a lot of potential within this football club,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity not only for myself, but for everyone who’s involved with Western United. There is a lot of work to do, we know it’s a process.” United finished 10th last season after playing finals in the first year. Aloisi said the group took a lot out of the disappointing season. It will be a slightly different looking squad this year with a number of changes, including Besart Berisha not returning. The new signings include goalkeeper Jamie Young, Noah Botic, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Ben Garuccio and Dylan Wenzel-Halls. Aloisi said he was expecting to see fast-paced side. “There’s definitely an opportunity,” he said. “We still have some big names. Alessandro Diamanti is still here and some young players who have shown that they have got quality and we have signed a few experienced players. “We will definitely have pace going forward with a lot of quick players and we will play an attacking brand of football. We will be very well organised as well.” Aloisi said he was excited to coach some of

the young guys like Lachie Wales and Dylan Pierias who have just returned from the Olympics. He said those guys have the tools, it’s about taking them to the next level. Josh Risdon, who had an injury interrupted season last year, has been one of the standouts in pre-season, while he expects Víctor Sánchez to be better for having a season in the competition. In short time Aloisi has been at the club, he has been impressed with some of the young local talent on show. “It’s unfortunate that the NPL has been in lockdown,” he said. “A lot of have trained with us and there’s a lot of good young players, but it might take them a few years. “There’s some who have already had a taste, Adisu Bayew who has been impressive so far and one of the younger boys Rhys Bozinovski has just signed a scholarship deal. “There are some good signs for there.” Aloisi first game as coach is meant to in the FFA Cup against Newcastle, but it has been postponed due to the pandemic.

The latest snap lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Ballarat Football Netball League officials to abandon the remainder of the home and away season, proceeding straight to the finals when play is permitted to resume. With Melton and Melton South stranded in the Melbourne metropolitan region and unable to train or play, the FNL board took the decision to call a halt on all games despite an easing of lockdown restrictions in regional Victoria. Rounds 13 and 14 of the 11-team competition have been scrapped, effectively freezing the ladder positions as they currently sit with all teams having faced off against every other team once. Senior finals are scheduled to kick off on August 28 provided Melbourne has come out of lockdown and players are allowed to return to the field. North Ballarat finished top of the ladder with nine wins from 10 matches, followed by Melton with eight wins and East Point with six. Five teams finished with five wins and five losses, allowing Sebastapol, Ballarat and Sunbury to squeeze into the finals on percentages, forcing out Bacchus Marsh and Redan. A BFNL spokesman said the league will continue to show flexibility to ensure all finals can be played where possible, with all clubs who have earned the right to participate given the opportunity. “Further advice and details around finals structure and planning will be provided in due course, but clubs eligible for finals are asked to prepare for the series to commence as of the date advised.” Melton is scheduled to play North Ballarat in the qualifying final at City Oval on August 28, while East Point will play Sunbury at Eastern Oval on Saturday and Sebastopol will take on Ballarat FNC at Eastern Oval on Sunday in the two elimination clashes. Details of the junior and BFLW finals series are being considered separately and will be advised in coming days. Benjamin Millar Tuesday, 17 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

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