Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 1st March 2022 by Star Weekly

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1 MARCH, 2022

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Avoiding a cat-astrophe

(Joe Mastroianni)

The dynamic duo of Amy Stania and Sally Plumb are doing everything in their power to rehome as many cats and kittens across Melbourne’s west as possible. Established in Altona North 16 years ago, Sally’s Cat and Kitten Rescue has since expanded to Melton, where Ms Stania volunteers her home and spare time to put a roof over the head of felines in need. “I tell people it’s like my therapy,” Ms Stania said. “I like helping those who can’t help them help themselves.” “We save probably 90 per cent, if not more, of Melton’s cats around town.” Ms Plumb and Ms Stania’s work is supported by Melton council, and Ms Stania says her work often includes weekly trips to Melton Pound to see if they can provide assistance. Ms Stania said the start of 2022 had also been particularly busy, with 220 cats rescued since January. In addition to the leadership of Ms Stania and Ms Plumb, the organisation has a small team of volunteers who chip in during the week. Ms Stania said these volunteers are crucial and Sally’s Cat and Kitten Rescue is always on the lookout for more helpers.

Amy Stania, Eden and Sally Plumb.

AusNet protest ramps up By Oliver Lees Critics of the proposed 190-kilometre high-voltage transmission network that will stretch through Melton and Moorabool will take their fight to the steps of the Victorian Parliament on Tuesday, March 8. Distressed members of the community, including residents, farmers and landowners, have remained vocal in their opposition of the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP), which is to be facilitated by AusNet Services. Moorabool and Central Highlands chair Emma Muir said the weight of community

concern left no choice but to take their concerns to Spring Street. “If AusNet gets its way, this project will devastate our communities. Bushfire risk will skyrocket, high-value agricultural land that feeds Victoria will be destroyed and land values will plummet,” she said. “This project will cause immeasurable economic damage to local farmers and irreparable harm to the environment and landscape – to say nothing of the amenity and liveability of our region and the wellbeing of residents.” Both Melton and Moorabool council have also expressed their disappointment

at the proposed route for the power line construction. Moorabool council will host an online session on Wednesday, March 9, in a bid to help the community understand how to make a submission towards AusNet’s Environmental Effects Statement (EES). In August, 2020, the state government ordered AusNet to prepare an EES. An EES disclosure process is designed to allow decision makers to make informed conclusions about whether a project should proceed given its relative impact on the environment. The document, which will include details

regarding how the project will affect agriculture, landscape, historic heritage, ecology, is expected later this year. Moorabool council’s community planning and economic development executive manager Henry Bezuidenhout said the EES process represented an “important milestone” for individuals to lodge their concerns with the project. “Acknowledging that most people do not take part in an EES in their lifetime, as well as that an EES is only publicly exhibited for 30 business days, council has invited two expert guests to help prepare its community,” Mr Bezuidenhout said.

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NEWS

Melton unemployment still high By Oliver Lees The jobless rate in Melton remains almost twice that of Victoria despite dropping in the past quarter, according to latest data. New labour market data released by the federal government revealed that Melton’s unemployment rate had fallen to 7.8 per cent for the September, 2021 quarter, down one per cent from the June quarter. Both Melton and Melton South maintained an unemployment rate more than 10 per cent, at 11.7 per cent and 11.1 per cent respectively.

The quarterly data paints a picture of gradual improvement in the municipality, as the jobless figure had steadily declined since its peak (9.6 per cent) in December 2020. The employment figures are representative of a larger trend across the state, as Victoria as a whole saw its jobless rate drop to 4.1 per cent, the lowest it has been since records began in 1978. But Brimbank and Melton Future Connect executive officer Deirdre Hardy said that Melton jobseekers face unique obstacles in their efforts to find solid employment.

“We’ve seen through COVID-19 that a lot of people are being asked to, or are choosing to work from home,” Ms Hardy said. “But these types of jobs are typically white collar jobs. “If people are working entry level jobs or in a trade, there’s no capacity to work, so transport is incredibly important.” She said the local job market also appeared to be recovering in some crucial sectors. “We are seeing a lot of jobs in retail, warehousing and those sorts of transport and logistics type roles are picking up really

well,” she said. Ms Hardy said the pandemic had also presented difficulties for Melton’s younger jobseekers, as they’ve missed structured workplace learning opportunities. Ms Hardy recommended that those looking for work in the Melton community should make use of resources such as the Jobs Victoria Advocates program at Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services. Details: www.djerriwarrh.org.au

Workplace safety data a grim picture

Eight-year-old Edwin at the grand opening of Edwin’s Lemonade Stand. (Supplied)

When life gave young Edwin lemons On February 20, Melton South residents were treated to the grand opening of Edwin’s Lemonade Stand. From 10am to 2pm at a stall set up on Elland Street, eight-year-old Edwin sold his freshly juiced organic lemonade at $2 a glass, all the while blasting his favourite kids party playlist. The idea for the stall came from his mother, Bernadett, who wanted to see Edwin engaging

with his community and taking responsibility for his own project. For Edwin, he was excited to have some pocket change for Pokemon cards. “He’s a very active and social kid, so when the playgrounds were closed [during the lockdowns] and we were homeschooling, he was very keen to get out,” Bernadett said. “I wanted to give him some life lessons,

like doing chores rather than spending all his money on a credit card.” Bernadett even organised for Melton council officers to come out and inspect the family kitchen, who provided a license for the small enterprise free of change. She said given the success of the grand opening, she and Edwin are looking forward to holding another stall soon.

WorkSafe Victoria is reminding employers to take stock of safety at their workplaces, as new data reveals that six fatalities were recorded in the western metropolitan region in 2021. The WorkSafe data revealed a total of 66 workplace deaths, compared with 73 in 2020. The majority of these fatal incidents occurred in the metropolitan Melbourne (40), with the most dangerous sectors proving to be manufacturing, construction and agriculture. So far six workers have died in workplaces in Victoria in 2022. WorkSafe chief executive Colin Radford said it was everyone’s responsibility to make working environments safe for all people. “There is simply no excuse for cutting corners when it comes to workplace safety,” Mr Radford said. “We will deliberately target those workplaces where the worst injuries and fatalities are predicted to occur; addressing the risks and hazards before workers are harmed.” Mr Radford said the organisation’s objective was to make Victoria the safest place to work in Australia, and one of the safest places to work in the world by 2024. “We will deliberately target those workplaces where the worst injuries and fatalities are predicted to occur… addressing the risks and hazards before workers are harmed,” he said. Oliver Lees

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 5

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Melton Christian College house captains participating in an activity.

(Supplied)

Leaders hone new skills Melton’s leaders of tomorrow were treated to a full day workshop at Eynesbury Homestead on February 21. The eight students from Melton Christian College chosen from the program, who represent the school’s senate group, were invited for the near 12-hour program, which included group activities and speeches from guests. The school’s year house captains also took part in the program. Melton Christian College runs the workshop each year to help prepare its new batch of leaders for the upcoming school year. The college’s senate is expected to take part in coordinating events such as the swimming carnival, as well as providing motivation for students to engage in the school’s activities. The students are elected to their positions

through a voting process by senior staff members. Year 11-12 co-ordinator Barry Ibrahim said he was glad to see the students embrace the opportunity. “They’re quite a vocal and talkative group,” Mr Ibrahim said. “It’s always a great opportunity for the sharing of ideas and thoughts, and the students can provide their own feedback too.” Mr Ibrahim said it was a focus of the school’s to make sure it provided leadership pathways to its students. “It’s about developing their character for the future,” he said. “It’s not just about the title. We really encourage them to work together to lead and support the other students, and build some lasting memories in the process.”

Melton residents have an opportunity to get in touch with the outdoors, with applications now open for the Nature Stewards program. The 10-week course allows participants to learn about nature in your area, land management skills, and how to find volunteer opportunities in the field. The program is open to anyone over the age of 18. Details: https://bit.ly/34Vv6EH

Rainbow funding Organisations in Melton and Moorabool that assist the LGBTQIA+ community can now apply for state government grants to assist their work. The grants, announced by Health Minister Martin Foley on February 21, will provide a total $700,000 in funding that can go toward areas such as staff training, strategic planning and operational expansion. Applications are open until March 25. Details: https://www.vic.gov. au FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Oliver Lees

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Follow us on Facebook to find out more. Council is seeking expressions of interest from community representatives interested in joining the Melton Disability Advisory Committee. Term of committee members appointment is June 2022 to June 2024. The Committee advises Council on issues relating to access and inclusion for people with disability within the City of Melton.

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Expressions of interest are open to: •

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carer of a child with a disability and carer of an adult with disability (1 position each)

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Applications close: Friday 18 March For further information or help with applying, contact the Advocacy and Inclusion Officer on 0499 027 473 or email nicolemig@melton.vic.gov.au

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Landcare group on koala watch By Oliver Lees The Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group (MCLG) will take part in a state-of-the-art data collection project, to help improve data monitoring of Victoria’s koala population. Working in collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology and the CSIRO, MCLG will assist teams in using infrared drone surveys across more than 100 hectares of the Moorabool shire. On the land of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, the research teams will work in transects covering the Bostock Reservoir near Ballan. The data will then be

recorded and processed by machine learning technology. The project is announced following a February 12 decision from the federal government to update the conservation status of koalas in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory from ‘vulnerable’ to ‘endangered’. MCLG landcare co-ordinator Jackson Cass said where previously koala data monitoring in the area was purely anecdotal, this research effort will paint a clearer picture the animal’s population density. “Anecdotally in Moorabool [the koala population] has been declining in past

decades, that’s what’s via word of mouth from farmers and landholders who don’t see or hear them as much,” Mr Cass said. “Victoria not receiving an endangered species listing for koalas does not necessarily mean they are not endangered, there is an immense lack of data. “That’s what this project is wanting to address. It’s really hard to look at the population trajectory when we don’t have that data.” The study will be conducted under the federal government’s National Koala Management Program, which earlier this month received a further $50 million to

improve health outcomes for the species. Mr Cass said the project will be carried out with three areas of focus: new technology, Traditional Owner knowledge and citizen science. He said monitoring koala populations is something that everyone can take part in. On iNaturalist, a phone application created to help users track animals, individuals can log sightings of koalas that will help toward the data collection effort. Mr Cass said he had already seen a promising uptake in the usage of the technology. Details: https://www.inaturalist.org/

Moorabool blooms Moorabool has once again come alive with colour of summer as the Pick Your Own Sunflower farm reopened to the public. Located on a 30-acre property in Dunnstown, the popular farm has bloomed with hundreds of flowers with distinctive long green stalks and yellow petals. Now in its third year of operation, founder Laiken Britt said she was ecstatic to welcome the public back. “It’s been going really well, we’ve had high numbers of guests like last year and a lot of return customers as well” she said. Having grown up in Europe where sunflower farms are common, Ms Britt said she was inspired to bring the concept to Victoria. “They’re just so bright and happy,” she said, “My husband is a farmer, so we’re using our land. I’d never seen any sunflower farms in

Victoria, we didn’t even know if they would grow. We just put one bag [of seeds] in and hoped for the best.” After arriving at the farm, visitors are encouraged to bring their own secateurs and a bucket for collecting and taking home their sunflowers. Ms Britt said she encouraged visitors to wear boots and bring sunscreen to protect from the summer heat. Entry into the farm is $5 and the sunflowers are $2 a stem. Details: www.pickyourownsunflowers.com

A family enjoying the Pick Your Own Sunflower farm in Dunnstown. (Tash Leach Photography)

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Dreaming of Eurovision By Oliver Lees When western suburbs resident Erica Padilla graduated high school at the end of 2019, she knew she wanted to try to make a career out of music. The only question was, how? “All my life I’ve been doing music, trying different things like joining the school choir and high school musicals, literally everything,” she said. “I was in a band and playing gigs, but I also wanted to explore my options as a solo artist.” When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in 2020 and restrictions were brought in that made live performance impossible, Padilla shifted all of her attention to growing her presence on social media. Two years later, the 20-year-old last weekend performed on stage in front of a live national TV audience, with the hopes of being selected to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest later this year. Padilla earned her spot as one of the artists on the Eurovision – Australia Decides stage by sharing her talent on the popular video sharing platform, Tik Tok. Since 2020, Padilla has grown her followers from 800,000 to more than 1.2 million users, as the performances she recorded in her bedroom caught the eye of fans across the world. After posting her submission to compete for Eurovision, she woke the next morning with her video having reached more than 24 million views. Speaking before her performance at the weekend, Padilla said she was blown away by the opportuni “I kind of feel as though I’ve manifested this,” Padilla told Star Weekly.

Erica Padilla. (Supplied)

“I have watched previous Eurovisions, and I always felt like I could do that. I think that [Tik Tok] really helps you reach a wider audience. You can be creative and try different things. “At the end of the day, I don’t have a grounding in the Australian music industry. “But I was on Tik Tok already, so once I saw

this competition running, I just put my name down to apply. Now this is my TV debut, and I have a chance to show who I am.” Following the televised competition on February 26, Sheldon Riley was named the winner with his song Not the Same. He will represent Australia at Eurovision in Italy later this year.

Melton events mark IWD Melton council has confirmed its calendar for its International Women’s Day celebrations, with this year’s schedule focused on tackling gender stereotypes. On February 24, council shared its #breakthebias theme for 2022, with a number of events that will start on Saturday, March 5. Melton mayor Goran Kesic said the annual event is a perfect time for reflection. “This is a day to bring friends, colleagues and communities together to think, act and be gender inclusive, and I encourage everyone to get involved in this year’s events,” Cr Kesic said. “I’m proud that our community will take this time to celebrate the achievements of women, whether social, economic, cultural, or political. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to champion women’s equality and be inspired by others’ successes.” On March 7, author Akuch Kuol Anyieth will give a presentation to attendees, sharing personal stories, as well as some of her expertise within her research areas of masculinity and domestic violence. The festivities will also include an introduction to karate workshop on Thursday, March 10 and a job readiness workshop for women the day prior. Details: www.meltonlearning.com.au Oliver Lees

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Pricing under the pump By Benjamin Millar

By Benjamin Millar Melton’s petrol prices are coming under greater scrutiny with a local MP vowing to help take action to bring prices in line with neighbouring areas. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the area’s families are being unfairly hit with higher prices than people in neighbouring suburbs, often paying more than 20 cents per litre extra at the pump and spending at least $10 more every time they fill up.

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Pricing under the pump Melton’s petrol prices are coming under greater scrutiny with a local MP vowing to help take action to bring prices in line with neighbouring areas. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the area’s families are being unfairly hit with higher prices than people in neighbouring suburbs, often paying more than 20 cents per litre extra at the pump and spending at least $10 more every time they fill up. “I have had many constituents raise concerns regarding the prices of petrol in Melton being noticeably higher than in other areas,” Mr McGhie said. “I am deeply concerned that families in Melton are paying more than they should be.”

‘‘

strongly encourage residents to complain to the ACCC

’’

- Steve McGhie

Mr McGhie said he has taken the issue up with the Consumer Affairs Minister Melissa Horne and will be contacting federal Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor to discuss this issue soon, as fuel prices are regulated by the federal government. “In the interim I strongly encourage residents to complain to the ACCC [Australian Competition and Consumer Commission]” he said. The ACCC’s latest petrol monitoring report showed that average petrol prices rose in the 2020 September quarter after a record low earlier in the year. Although the ACCC does not set fuel prices, it does monitor retail fuel prices on a daily basis. A spokesperson said it has the power to investigate where it sees issues of concern. “Where we find sufficient evidence we will take action to protect consumers against misleading and anti-competitive conduct by fuel retailers.” Mr McGhie’s promise to take action was widely welcomed on social media, where some residents said they had seen price differences of up to 50 cents per litre between Melton and Watergardens.

Fuel prices at Melton petrol stations last week. (Damjan Janevski) 226880_01

Melton’s Andre Peters said the lack of independent competition makes it easier for the major fuel companies to keep prices inflated well above those in neighbouring suburbs. “Sadly there is no competition in Melton as there are no independents,” he said. “Generally we pay at least 20 cents a litre more at times in Melton.” A BP spokesman said petrol prices at the pump can be impacted by a number of different factors.

He said while there are currently about 1400 BP branded sites across Australia, about three quarters are owned by independent business partners who set their own retail pricing. “When it comes to retail fuel pricing, our aim is to be competitive and attract customers to our sites,” he said. “Generally speaking, the price at the pump is impacted by a number of different factors. In particular, international product prices and competition between service stations in a local

area. There are also other factors including exchange rates, taxes and local operating costs.” On Monday, unleaded 91 pump prices at Melton’s BP, Coles Express and 7/11 Mobil were all at 155.9 cents per litre, according to price comparison website Petrol Spy, with Woolworths Caltex at 168.9. Meanwhile Bacchus Marsh BP, Coles Express and 7/11 Mobil prices were 129.9 cents per litre – 26 cents less per litre – and independent outlets were just 119.9 cents per litre. 628174

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Storm recovery funds available By Oliver Lees Moorabool council is encouraging farmers to apply for storm recovery grants, as landholders continue their efforts to recuperate following the extreme weather that tore through the shire in June 2021. Valued up to $25,000, the Exceptional Circumstances Recovery Grants are available to primary producers to assist in clean-up and recovery expenses. From June 9 to 11 last year, Victoria was lashed with extreme wind and rain which caused widespread property damage and put a record strain on the state’s emergency services.

‘‘

The January storm impacted the agricultural area significantly

’’

- Tom Sullivan

According to Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) data, June, 2021, was its busiest month on record, with more than 10,000 total requests for assistance. That was followed by another near record-breaking month in October, with 9898 requests for assistance, mainly for fallen trees,

attending building damage and flooding. Moorabool mayor Tom Sullivan told Star Weekly that council immediately established its Storm Recovery Team after the June storm, which is still operational. “The damage to private trees, as well as trees in state forests and parks was unprecedented,” Cr Sullivan said. “Given the scale of the event across the region an incident control centre was established in Ballarat to co-ordinate the response across many local government areas in the days immediately following the storm.” The immediate fall out saw more than 1000 homes lose electricity and broadband

connection. Cr Sullivan said additional major storms events – in October and January – further complicated clean-up efforts. “Further homes were destroyed, as well as further property damage, trees down and flooding impacting businesses,” he said. “The January storm impacted the agricultural area significantly. Assessments are ongoing to determine the most recent storm’s full impact across the shire.” Council is urging affected residents to contact the Moorabool Storm Recovery Team. For further information on the grants, visit the Rural Finance website.

Drumming up support Western United captain Alessandro Diamanti made a heartfelt plea to school principals across the west last week in a bid let students leave class to catch his side’s match against Sydney FC. The former Italian national player penned an open letter requesting that students be allowed to leave school at 3pm, giving them enough time to head into AAMI Park for a 5pm kick off. “I have played football since I was three, football is the love of my life. I hope some of the kids of the west can fall in love too with the game I love,” Diamanti’s letter read. “I have been captain of Western United since the start of the club and what I love is seeing the kids at the games, together with us part of our Green and Black family. “So, as we all know, the traffic in Melbourne – it’s crazy! Mamma mia! So I ask you, if OK, the kids can leave a little bit early so the families can

get to the game on time that would be amazing.” Western United continued its hot start to season in the match on Wednesday, beating Sydney FC 1-0. They currently sit on top of the table, with eight wins, two draws and three losses. Homestead Senior Secondary College principal Danijel Banovic said he was happy to encourage his students to develop an interest in sport. “Our finish time is 3pm and we hope as many from our community can make it out to AAMI Park Stadium to support the team of the west,” Banovic said.

Alessandro Diamanti with Western United fans. (Supplied)

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STAY INFORMED

Mayor’s message Cr Goran Kesic

Council services and facilities: melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19 Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial

From Saturday, our International Women’s Day celebrations will begin. People of all genders are welcome to join any of our upcoming events, or to simply celebrate and be a champion for women in your own way. This is a day to bring friends, colleagues and communities together to think, act and be gender inclusive. It’s a wonderful opportunity to continue to be a voice for women’s equality and be inspired by others’ successes. I’d encourage you to take a look at the events on offer including an author talk, a writing workshop, and classes in Karate, yoga, Zumba and more. You can book your place at meltonlearning.com.au/iwd2022 I’m pleased to share that Council’s advocacy efforts continue as we try to obtain State Government funding for the electrification of the Melton Line, full funding of the Melton Hospital, and funding to upgrade the Western and Melton highways. Last month, I had the opportunity to raise these key projects with Member for Western Metropolitan Region Catherine Cumming MP at a meeting with several Mayors from the west. As our population continues to rapidly grow, completing these projects will help create a more liveable future for our whole community. They are each significant undertakings and to complete them, Council will need to partner with other levels of government. I will keep you updated as we continue to advocate for the City of Melton’s needs. Please feel free to contact me on 0437 241 436 or goran.kesic@melton.vic.gov.au regarding any Council issues.

It’s almost time for Lakeside Alive! Grab your pooch, your family and your friends, lap the lake and discover great music, entertainment, and street performers at every turn! Lakeside Alive will be held on Saturday 26 March from 12pm to 8pm at Lake Caroline in Caroline Springs. Back and bigger than ever, it’s a free, family-friendly, fun-filled day. We’ll have a range of food trucks serving yummy treats and some great live music performing all day. HIGHLIGHTS: • Puppy Pit Stop • Drumming and Hula Hoop Play Space

• Kiddie Korner (face painting, crafts, soft play space and music) • Roving performers and buskers

• Live Music on Stage • Food Trucks • Twilight Fireworks

To keep up to date with Lakeside Alive, follow Council’s event page at facebook.com/meltoncityevents

Coburn Ward with Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg It was this time last year when I, as part of Council’s 2021/2022 budget process, put forward a new initiative to install mobile cameras at known, local litter hot spots to reduce incidents of illegal dumping. The cameras have been extremely effective in detecting and deterring illegal dumping. In fact, we’ve experienced a reduction in clean-up costs of up to 55 per cent in some locations and removed unsafe, unsightly rubbish from our neighbourhoods – a very pleasing outcome for our community. It was also a pleasure to see firsthand how local businesses in Scott Street, Melton, and Staughton Street and Exford Road, Melton South, were transformed as part of Council’s Shopfront Revitalisation Project. The exciting project, jointly funded with the Victorian Government, saw 14 traders receive grants to bring their

shopfronts back to life, while Council made significant improvements to streetscaping, lighting, planting, and infrastructure upgrades. This outstanding project has made a big difference to everyone who uses these shops regularly and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Finally, as COVID restrictions continue to ease, Council is aware that many sectors of our community continue to struggle in the wake of the pandemic. We are therefore developing a COVID Recovery and Resilience Plan, that will help us advocate for the infrastructure, programs and services our community needs to ensure we are well supported throughout our recovery. Feel free to contact me regarding Coburn Ward or Council related issues on 0499 801 183; email: ashleigh.vandenberg@melton.vic. gov.au or like my Facebook page @crvandenberg

Transmission line community meeting A community group is working to help residents understand a proposal by AusNet Services to run a new electricity transmission line through the north of the City of Melton, to deliver renewable energy to Sydenham. Join the group ‘Melton Stop AusNet’s Towers’ for a meeting this week to learn the impacts of the proposal and what you can do about it. While this is not a Council project, Council is working with the community to advocate for a better outcome from AusNet Services. Thursday 3 March, 7pm, Melton Community Hall

Celebrate International Women’s Day International Women’s Day is a great opportunity for people of all genders to celebrate the achievements of women, and to join in a range of local activities. Our events start this Saturday 5 March and run until Friday 11 March. They will include a talk by local author Olivia Omotosho on her first published story, ‘21 girls who made the world a better place’, a job readiness mentoring program, yoga class, Zumba class and more. All genders are welcome to attend. Bookings are required for most events and can be made via meltonlearning.com. au/iwd2022

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

Mayor Cr Goran Kesic

Deputy Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Moira Deeming

A vibrant, safe and liveable City accessible to all 10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Respite service inspired by love By Alesha Capone Marina Ivelja understands the struggle that families in the western suburbs can face when looking for respite care for their loved ones. Mrs Ivelja is 16 years older than her brother, who has autism, an intellectual disability, complex partial seizures and severe self-harming behaviours. While growing up, she witnessed his diagnosis, integration with special schools and all the different services her family dealt with. “We have found that it was very difficult from the beginning to find services and facilities that could cater to his behavioural

and disability support needs,” she said. Mrs Ivelja went on to pursue a career in disability services, including respite care, and has worked in the field for more than 15 years. She is also the advocate of her brother, who is now aged 31. Mrs Ivelja said that initially her parents did not want to use respite care for their son. “It was very hard to get mum to even consider respite,” Mrs Ivelja said. She eventually sat her parents down and talked to them about how respite care for her brother was similar to herself and her siblings going to a school camp for a night or two, before coming home again.

“I can understand the hesitance of families utilising respite, as I have experienced it first hand with my family, who were fearful of ‘what might happen and what are people going to think?’” Mrs Ivelja said. Mrs Ivelja said that people searching for respite care in the west often faced difficulty in finding a facility that suited the particular needs of their loved one. “There are lots of families at the moment who are struggling with care,” she said. Mrs Ivelja said that this motivated her to establish her respite service, Beyond Disability Services, which opened in Bacchus Marsh in November 2021.

“Because of my lifetime of experience and dealing with facilities and families, I’ve decided I’d go out on my own and offer a service where participants can feel at home and families feel at ease,” she said. Mrs Ivelja said she has hand-picked experienced staff for Beyond Disability Services, and for the safety of all participants and staff there are security cameras installed both internally and externally. The service is open to participants of any age for both children and adults on self-managed and plan managed NDIS plans. Details: www.beyonddisabilityservices.com. au

Juniors ready to play Just ahead of the season kicking off, the Burnside Heights Football Club’s junior program has been buoyed by grant funding that has helped to source vital equipment. Established collaboratively between The Dickinson Foundation and The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF), the Active Kid Grants project was developed to assist community sporting clubs that encountered financial difficulties throughout the pandemic. An ASF survey of 70,000 community sporting clubs found that 60 per cent of respondents were worried about player retention, while 42 per cent recorded a drop in their volunteer workforces. An average of $18,000 revenue was lost per club across the country’s surveyed sporting teams. Burnside Heights Football Club president

Justin Peagram said the club received more than $5000 through the grant program, which helped them to purchase goal post padding, first aid kits, footy bags and more. “After a non-season in 2020 and a cancelled season in 2021, it really makes a big difference,” Peagram said. “They’re just small items, but it all adds up and can be costly. “It’s good to know that people want to give back to community sport. We run on volunteers, so everything helps.” In total the ASF distributed $550,000 in grants to 144 community clubs across Australia. Oliver Lees Burnside Heights Football Club. (Supplied)

Go on a caravan adventure with Bluey’s family and friends.

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$48.00 WAS $59.95

Bluey’s Caravan Adventures Playset with Jean Luc Buy now from aussietoysonline.com.au Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Hospital funding upsets voters By Oliver Lees New data has revealed voter despair at the lack of funding for public hospitals, as Western Health battles “extremely high levels” of demand. Released by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) on February 8, the Essential Report drew on 1069 respondents to gauge voter opinion in the lead up to the federal election. The study found that a third (34 per cent) of surveyed participants were “less likely” to vote for the coalition, given its allocation of funding toward public hospitals. Specifically in Victoria, 21 per cent of respondents felt the federal government’s allocation of funding has made them more

Sunshine Hospital has been under the pump. (Damjan Janevski)

likely, or much more likely to vote for the coalition. These figures have surfaced as the state

continues to battle high demand for hospital services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star Weekly reported on February 3 that state Opposition leader Matthew Guy that if elected his government would start work on a new hospital in Melton on Ferris Road within 12 months of the election. In a social media post on February 23, Western Health shared that its emergency services at Sunshine and Footscray Hospitals were experiencing sky-high demand for hospital beds. “Anyone presenting with less severe illness will experience longer than usual wait times and therefore we recommend you consider seeking care through your GP,” the post read. “This update is provided to enable you to make an informed decision on whether you

need to attend the emergency department at this very busy time.” The AMA’s data comes as the organisation launches its ‘Clear the hospital logjam’ campaign, which is aiming to tackle the under-resourced sector. AMA president Dr Omar Khorshid said the recent data was emblematic of a systemic issue. “The distressing picture we are getting of our hospital funding crisis should be a warning shot to all politicians that they need to pledge they’ll fix public hospital funding if elected,” Mr Khorshid said. “The only way we will ever resolve this problem is to fundamentally change the way governments fund public hospitals and it needs to happen now.”

Find your healthy habits A free program designed to help men improve their physical and mental wellbeing is returning to Melton. Established by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, the Sons of the West program will be run for 10 weeks from Tuesday, March 15 as a joint effort with Melton council. The course, which is available to anyone over 18 years of age, will include expert advice from physiologists, dieticians and psychologists on how to develop healthy habits. Western Bulldogs Community Foundation general manager Kashif Bouns said there was something for everyone at this unique course. “I encourage any man of any age to take the plunge and get involved,” he said.

“Bring a friend, brother, father or uncle and follow in the footsteps of thousands of men who have already benefited from the diverse range of sessions offered.” Melton mayor Goran Kresic encouraged the community to get involved. “This is an engaging program that combines guidance from men’s health experts with fun fitness activities,” Cr Kesic said. “Over the years, Sons of the West has helped local men make some really positive changes for better health. “It’s a great way to get clear advice and support for living a healthier life, and make some new mates too.” Early registration is recommended. Details: https://bit.ly/3LlYV1m

The Sons of the West program will run from March 15.

(Supplied)

Free

$790.00 Gifts

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

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COMMENT

When local learning goes global By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network Melbourne is celebrated as a city in which diversity is matched by tolerance, acceptance and love. Yet sometimes national or international pressures can make the city’s at-risk communities feel unfairly targeted as others publicly debate their worth. When this happens, people become more susceptible to stress, anxiety and are at higher risk of self-harm. When it comes to help, one size doesn’t fit all. Mental health programs need to be culturally appropriate, recognising the importance of community-defining factors such as language, faith, custom or sexuality. For a long time, members of the LGBTIQ+ community have been disproportionately at risk of mental illness. Multiple studies confirm higher than average numbers of suicides and suicide attempts. Other research found that many LGBTIQ+people are reluctant to use regular physical and mental health services. North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) operates on the principle that everyone deserves the right care at the right time. This commitment drove our teams over the past couple of years to lead three suicide prevention trials – two, centred on Melton-Brimbank and Macedon Ranges, were funded by the state government and the third, a national pilot focused on the LGBTIQ+ community, was funded by the commonwealth. We looked at gaps in the system and how they might be filled, working with GPs, hospital clinicians, nurses, and LGBTIQ+ organisations. Critical to this process were the voices of community members who had experienced suicidal thoughts, survived a suicide attempt, cared for someone through suicidal crisis, or been bereaved by suicide. We looked at factors such as the role of

NWMPHN’s suicide prevention work has been recognised by the World Health Organisation. (iStock)

LGBTIQ+ support groups, cultural awareness training for clinicians, the development of LGBTIQ+ centred services following discharge after a suicide attempt, and other factors. All three of the trials conclude in June. However, lessons and training modules arising from them are now being incorporated into health service responses around the country. And, indeed, the world. We found that in the matter of post-discharge mental health support (known as ‘postvention’ in the

jargon) there was almost no comparable work being done anywhere else. It is a tribute to all the people in the medical sector, community organisations and LGBTIQ+ community that, just a couple of weeks ago, the World Health Organisation acknowledged the NWMPHN suicide prevention work for its excellence and innovation. The trial findings and recommendations are now incorporated in the global body’s officialtext, The WHO Live Life: An

implementation guide for suicide prevention in countries. It seems that Melbourne’s reputation for diversity, tolerance, acceptance and love has not only been reaffirmed, but also recognised around the world. If this story sparks concerns for you, please contact: Switchboard, a peer-driven support service for LGBTIQ people and their friends and family, 1800 184 527; switchboard.org.au (3pm–midnight daily) Lifeline: 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au

FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago

25 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

February 26, 1992

February 26, 2002

February 27, 2007

February 28, 2012

Melton teachers have dug into their own pockets to help students who cannot meet the cost a state education.

Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court was unable to sit last Friday after fire destroyed the registrar’s office.

The tiny Chartwell CFA station, in Melton Shire’s south, will become the first in Victoria to use stored recycled water to fight fires.

Much more than pigments of the imagination, tattoos embody rich cultural and social tradition, with lines frequently redrawn to ensure relevance to the modern tribe.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

‘‘

You can have the biggest genuine hug, it’s an open-mouth-style kiss. It’s very unique

’’

- Chrissy Cimino

Chrissy Cimino’s son Elliott, 4, was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome when he was 14 months old.

(Damjan Janevski) 266764_06

Test unlocks genetic mysteries A new screening test for three rare genetic disorders in babies is giving hope to parents like Wollert’s Chrissy Cimino, as Elsie Lange discovered.

ollert mum Chrissy Cimino might have avoided many months of waiting and worry had new genetic screening technology been available for her son, Elliott, five years ago. Elliott has Angelman’s syndrome – a rare genetic disorder affecting about one in 15,000 live births – but Ms Cimino didn’t find this out until he was 14 months old. As an infant, Elliot struggled to put on weight. At six months, he couldn’t sit or hold his head up properly. At 10 months, they saw a paediatrician, who said Elliot was just “placid”, and should “catch up”. “But being a first time mum, you just work things out,” Ms Cimino said. “You don’t know anything different.” The new screening technology, developed by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and funded by the state government, could have identified Elliott’s condition and 14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

sidestepped the anxiety Ms Cimino and her husband Ben endured. The screening by the technology can identify Prader Willi, Angelman and Dup15q – disorders that can lead to varying degrees of intellectual disability, autism, behavioural problems, seizures and severe obesity. Ms Cimino said getting Elliott diagnosed wasn’t cheap or easy. People with Angelman’s syndrome are renowned for their upbeat personalities and big smiles – sometimes to their detriment. “Everyone said that I had the dream baby,” she said. The diagnostic method involves a commonly used ‘heel prick’ test, which allows researchers to look at the number of chemical markers to affected genes. Ms Cimino is on maternity leave from her job as a nurse and she wishes there was more support for families of people with disabilities. Her mum has been helping to look after the kids, because she isn’t able to get enough help from the National Disability Insurance Scheme for a support worker. “That’s not the role of a grandmother,” Ms Cimino said. Elliott’s been having undiagnosed seizures since he was seven months old and if he had the diagnosis, the “electrical storm” in his brain would have been controlled. And not only is it underdiagnosed, Angelman’s syndrome is also misdiagnosed – sometimes as autism, because they are

non-verbal, or as cerebral palsy. Had they found out earlier, Ms Cimino would have been able to access the equipment necessary to make Elliott’s life easier, but because they only found out when he was 14 months old, she felt like they were on the backfoot. When Elliott was diagnosed, Ms Cimino was pregnant with her second child. “From the newborn screening, what can happen is that we could have gone and done the newborn screening and know that our other two daughters are fine,” Ms Cimino said. Before the new screening was the developed, Ms Cimino said the only other way she could have found out about her other babies were more “invasive” forms of of testing, and she said the new testing means she would not have to “run the risk of miscarriage”. “There’s a whole anxiety around that procedure,” she said. She describes her four-year-old boy as affectionate, loving and full of laughter – but this is not always easy for his parents when he’s unwell. “You can have the biggest genuine hug, it’s an open-mouth-style kiss. It’s very unique,” Ms Cimino said. “Full of absolute love and joy.” “But it can be really hard as well, because we can present [at hospital] and he can be really sick but he’s still happy.“ The mother of three said she’s grateful for

the support networks supporting Angelman families, because without them, she wouldn’t have known Elliott had the disorder for a long time to come. It was when Ms Cimino stumbled across an organisation online, Foundation of Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST), and watched a video called ‘What does Angelman look like’, that she and her husband saw their son represented for the first time. “I said to my husband ‘Oh my god, Elliot has Angelman syndrome,” She said it was a relief and after further research, the family came across Angelman Syndrome Association of Australia (ASAA), connecting Ciminos to other families and providing support. For Ms Cimino and the Angelmans syndrome community, it’s exciting to see further research and therapeutics to do with the disorder coming to Australia. “That’s super exciting, and to improve their quality of life, and that’s all funded by the Angelman community,” she said. “The future is bright for them.” She says that if parents think their child might have Angelmans, to go into the process with an open mind, and that the community will support them. “If you think your child’s got Angelmans syndrome, go to the FAST website, go and see the ASAA, because we’re the ones that live this everyday,” Ms Cimino said. “And we will guide you through it, and it will be okay.”

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Food handling courses Accredited food handlers and food safety courses are being run at Melton South Community Centre on Saturday, March 5. The community centre will also be running a breadmaking for beginners workshop on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6. ■ 9747 8576

Photographer’s choice, artist Rebekah Cole with her artwork. (Damjan Janevski) 269383_01

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets at 10am on the second Tuesday of each month at the Melton Country Club. The group is open to everyone, new and old members, to get together and discover the social aspects of the group. ■ Ann 0425 705 150

Singing group Do you enjoy singing and want to meet fellow singers in your area? Join the Melton South Community Singers at the Melton South Community Centre. Rehearsals are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413

Melton South Knit & Natter All are 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 Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

Mahjong group Interested in learning to play Mahjong? The game is a tile-based game that is derived from China where it was developed in the 19th century. U3A Melton has a group who play on Tuesdays at 10am. ■ u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

Melton Men’s Probus Club The Melton Men’s 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 welcome. ■ 9746 0271

Sunday rides. There are three different riding groups to cater for different abilities starting at 7.30am. The rides finish at Lazy Moe’s for a cuppa. ■ 0403 057 003

French and Italian for over 50s Over 50, retired, or semi-retired and wanting to learn a language? U3A Melton offers French and Italian classes for beginners and those with more advanced skills. ■ www.u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

Keilor probus The Keilor Combined Probus Club is back in business following the lockdowns. The group meets the third Monday of every month at Keilor Pub. New members welcome. ■ Steve, 0408 193 793, or Keith, 0409 494 801

Women’s Day The Rose Carers meet Wednesdays from 10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens. New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience. ■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119 or 0400 052 857

The Women’s Support Network will be launched at an International Women’s Day event in Brimbank on Tuesday, March 8 between 10am and noon at Deer Park Hall, Station Road, Deer Park. All women are welcome to attend, with bookings open until March 3 ■ https://www.trybooking.com/BXMGS or info@wsn.org.au

Melton Parkinson’s support group

Writers and Readers Festival

The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. ■ Helen, 0409 186 576

The Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival (BWRF) is an annual event that encourages a love of reading and literature, celebrates creativity and diversity, and promotes lifelong learning in Brimbank. The free festival which runs from March 17-26 includes workshops, author talks, panel discussions, writing, storytelling and more. ■ https://www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/ writersfestival

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

Melton Friendship Group Are you single, over 55 and a resident living in or near Melton? Looking for some new friends? Then the Melton Friendship Group is the right group for you.The group meets fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

Melton Cycling Club Melton Cycling club meets for regular

suit the needs of the participants and will be in a casual setting. ■ 9311 9973

Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Combined Probus Club Football Taylors Lakes Football Club is seeking male and female players for all age groups from under-8s to under-18.5s. To be eligible, children need to be born between July 1, 2003, and April 30, 2015. ■ Julie, 0409 259 389

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am. Visitors and new Members welcome. ■ Carmel, 0416 477 271

Garden club Deer Park probus 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 welcome. ■ Don, 0409 191 580

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

Senior citizens club The Whittlesea Garden Expo is on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6 at Whittlesea Showgrounds, Whittlesea-Yea Road, Whittlesea, 9am-3pm. Featuring stallholders, presentations, entertainment and kids’ activities. Cost: $8 for adults (prebooked) or $10 at the gate. ■ https://bit.ly/3rMNvfp

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 are offered – carpet bowls, cards, snooker, darts, board games or just a cup of coffee and a chat. If you’re 55 years or older and would like to meet new people, come along. ■ Frank, 0423 392 884

Rotary club

Community outings

The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club from 7pm. ■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Hikoi Brothers is for men of all ages in the western suburbs. The group meets fortnightly on Sundays for walks, talking about a range of topics while enjoying the different tracks in Wyndham. ■ http://ow.ly/JpJR50HOVuN

Garden expo

Ladies probus The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45 am. The club is based on fun, friendship and fellowship and enjoys monthly outings, an annual trip away and a lot of fun meetings. ■ Val, 0418 138 214

Join Landcare The Friends of Presidents Park meet on the first Thursday of the month, 10am–noon. This is a new conservation group. No prior knowledge required. Meet in the carpark near the river and Shaws Bridge. ■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

Women’s group

Toastmasters

Werribee River lovers required

Duke Street Community Centre has set up a women’s social group to give people a place to interact. The group will run every second Friday, from 1pm, as a way to connect with other women in the community in a safe, fun and social way. It will be developed to

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior

A new family-friendly conservation group is forming to support the Werribee River in central Werribee. The next event is Tuesday, March 8, 5.30–7pm, river end of Edgar Street, Werribee. ■ maryann.weatherill@werribeeriver.org.au Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

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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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• • • • • • • • • •

Ballan Moorabool Shire - Ballan 15 Stead Street Brookfield Lifestyle Brookfield 111-139 Coburns Road Darley Champions IGA Bacchus Marsh Grey Street Diggers Rest FoodWorks 22 Glitter Road Diggers Rest Diggers Rest Post Office 76 Old Calder Highway Gordon Gordon Post Office 65 Main Street Harkness Foodworks 17 Claret Ash Boulevard Hillside Foodworks 595 Melton Highway Kurunjang Kirkton Drive Milkbar 203 Gisborne - Melton Road Melton E-View Real Estate Suite 10, 3 Alexandra Street Melton Blue Nile Groceries 39 Bakery Square Melton Melton Milkbar 44 Burleigh Road Melton Melton Waves Leisure Centre 206 Coburns Road Melton TAB Corp Park 2 Ferras Road Melton Melton Shire Council Offices 232 High Street Melton Sweeney Real Estate 266 High Street Melton Barry Plant Real Estate 273 High Street Melton Advance Stationers 283 High Street Melton Raine and Horne Real Estate 289 High Street Melton Melton Lotto 293 High Street

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.

CNR KEILOR MELT

Your bigger and be tter Melton East is now open ON RD AND HIGH ST,

MELTON EAST

5-Lane Drive-thru

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Melton Harcourts Real Estate 306 High Street

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Melton Kurunjang Village Store 51 Kurunjang Drive

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Melton Professionals Real Estate 317 High Street

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Melton Melton Library 31 McKenzie Street

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Melton MGS Grocery Store 358 High Street

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Melton Melton Country Club 28-30 Reserve Road

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Melton Freddy’s Fruit & Veg 393 High Street

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Melton YPA Real Estate - Melton 272274 High Street

Melton Melton Indoor Sports Centre 65 Reserve Road

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Melton Morgans Supa IGA 335-345 High Street

Melton Coles 11 Station Street (Melton Station Square)

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Melton Foodworks Shop 1, 415-429 High Street

Melton Lee Merchants 29 Wallace Square

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Melton Woodgrove Shopping Centre 533-555 High Street

Melton South Station Square Shopping Centre 25 Station Road

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Melton Woolworths Supermarket 523531 High Street (Coburns Shopping Centre)

Melton South Coles Express Shop 1-9 Station Street & Brooklyn Road

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Rockbank Rockbank Newsagency 1157 Leakes Road

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Melton Woolworths Supermarket 533555 High Street (Woodgrove Shopping Centre)

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Melton Coles Supermarket 533-555 High Street (Woodgrove Shopping Centre)

Rockbank Sundowner Rockbank Caravan Park 2057-2083 Western Highway

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Toolern Vale Toolern Vale General Store Lot 23 Diggers Rest Road

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16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 070

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

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

6 8 1 1 7 9 3

6 5 9 4 1

ACROSS 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24

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

No. 070

DOWN

System without private property (9) Tie-on labels (4) Extension (3) Group of islands (11) Outlines (8) Orb (6) Falsehoods (4) Gives (7) From Stockholm, say (7) Sulk (4) Uniform (6) Material for floors (8) Anarchy (11) Qld city, Mount — (3) Masculine (4) Food (9)

2 medium

QUICK CROSSWORD

Surgeons’ instruments (8) Calms (8) Wattle (6) Made greater (9) Primary (4) Handsome nursery plant (6) Oral (6) Counter (7) Bankrupt (9) Bestowed (7) Definite (8) Still (8) Zigzag (6) Affirmation (6) Art of dwarfing shrubs or trees (6) Book ID (1,1,1,1)

DECODER

No. 070

hard

3 2 6

4 2 5 1

10 11 12 13

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

3 3 8

M G 16

6 4

3 LETTERS ADO ADS ARE ECO EGO EMU EYE FOR GAR GOT HOT IDE MBA MIR ODE ONE OUT OVA RAT TEA TIE TOE TVS ZED

I O T UNQC S X H V E D 6

4 LETTERS APSE BIDE CASA FAIR FRED HANS INTO ISPY LOAM ORBS RACE SAIL SARK SKIM

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: 17 words: Good 25 words: Very good 34 words: Excellent

P M

No. 070

5 LETTERS ABASE ACRES ADORE ADORN AGAPE AGATE ALIAS ALIVE ALLEN ANGEL APPLE AVAIL BRING CASEY CEDAR COCOA CORSE COSTA DRESS ELIDE

ELUDE ERRED EVITA FACTS GENII HEARD IBIZA ISSUE LAPUP LEONE LOSER LOTUS MACRO NURSE OMEGA OWNER PANIC PESTS PRIOR RALPH RIVEN

SAUDI SEEDS SIREN SNEAK SOLAR STEPS STUDY SUPER TRUER 6 LETTERS CENTER GERALD METALS SEEMED

7 LETTERS BREAKER LOCATED PUERILE RAUCOUS SUPREMO WARRIOR 8 LETTERS PASSABLE PROCURES SIDESTEP SORCERER

COMPETING, cope, coping, epic, incept, inept, mope, moping, open, opine, optic, opting, pectin, pent, peon, picot, pigeon, pigment, pimento, pine, ping, pint, pinto, pitmen, piton, poem, poet, poetic, point, tempi, tempo, tope, topic, toping

3 5 9 7 1 4 6 8 2

1 3 8 7 6 2 9 4 5

4 6 7 3 5 9 2 1 8

9 2 5 4 1 8 7 3 6

7 8 4 2 9 6 1 5 3

2 1 3 5 7 4 6 8 9

6 5 9 8 3 1 4 2 7

3 9 1 6 2 5 8 7 4

5 4 6 1 8 7 3 9 2

8 7 2 9 4 3 5 6 1

4 1 8 3 6 2 9 7 5

7 2 6 9 5 8 4 1 3

1 4 3 6 2 7 8 5 9

8 6 2 5 9 3 7 4 1

9 7 5 8 4 1 2 3 6

2 9 7 4 3 5 1 6 8

6 3 4 1 8 9 5 2 7

5 8 1 2 7 6 3 9 4

3 9 7 2 5 1 6 8 4

2 8 5 6 4 9 7 3 1

6 4 1 7 3 8 5 2 9

7 6 9 3 8 5 1 4 2

8 2 3 4 1 6 9 7 5

1 5 4 9 2 7 3 6 8

4 7 2 1 9 3 8 5 6

5 1 6 8 7 2 4 9 3

9 3 8 5 6 4 2 1 7

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

hard

medium

easy

6 3 7

4 7 9

AWB L K R Z P J F YMG

2 5

1 9 7 8 8

WORDFIT

04-03-22

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

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

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Call Paul 0412

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12519309-CG44-21

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Domestic - Commercial - Industrial s Slate s Exposed s Plain s Colour s Stencil s Restore Driveways Seal and Concrete Cutting Free quotes Call Ricky on 0431 261 855

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NATHAN FENECH CONCRETING

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing

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Showroom by appointment only Free Quotes & Mobile Ensuite Hire. terms & conditions apply Please note that we specialise in renovations - we do not do repairs or maintenance

0499 162 272

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FREE QUOTES Mobile: 0478 129 330 | ABN. 43462185813

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12402111-RA43-18

12420493-CG25-19

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TD CARPENTRY

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12402755-RA44-18

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12533880-DL05-22

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12337176-LB03-17

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KS Heating & Cooling Services • Repairs • Maintenance Over 30 years experience, All types of Air Con, Evap Cooler & Gas Heating System AU31693

฀

12533949-HC05-22

JAD COOLING AND HEATING

12523264-CG47-21

REPAIR, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATIONS

Jad 0425 804 593 or 9336 1996 Rami 0425 876 176

AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES

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• EVAPORATIVE COOLERS • SPLIT SYSTEMS • HOT WATER SYSTEMS • DUCTED HEATING

9746 7785

12362816-ACM35-17

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12398667-SN37-18

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CALL 1300 666 808 18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

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12532148-AV03-22

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BOILER MAKER Move to Gold Coast We are looking for a skilled boiler maker for interesting, varied work, including TIG. We don't do heavy structural. Regular overtime is available. Permanent position after satisfactory trial period. Australian Flexible Joints, Currumbin, Qld. Email: gavinphillips@afj.com.au

Labour Day 14th March Classified deadlines for

Bashyrr Saida 0416 561 594 Ibrahim Saida 0403 610 782

Tuesday, 15th March issue of the Melton-Moorabool Star Weekly as follows:

JL & M Painting

Handyman Services

Friday 11th March at 1.30pm 12537306-JW09-22

฀

Need cash?

฀

฀฀

12364637-HM37-17

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Burnside Retirement Village is seeking an experienced person to complete Handyman services. 12–20 hours per week (flexible). Award rate.

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Ph 0412 472 213

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Are you retired but looking for some added income? Are you looking for employment that provides the perfect work/life balance? Do you own your own business and are looking for additional sources of income? BusBiz are actively searching for school bus drivers for casual or permanent employment! If you have a heavy vehicle licence contact us today! Applicants must be able to pass a medical/police check and must be willing to obtain a Victorian Drivers Accreditation and Working with Children’s Check before commencement of employment. Applicants with HR Licence may be presented with additional work opportunities. Please email hr@busbiz.net.au with a resume or details of experience.

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A TEACHER Available for tutoring. Mathematics, Science, Chemistry, Chinese and Japanese. Phone 0418 871 203

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12423634-SN31-19

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Beware of falling in love with the Jolion

The Jolion has a fair way to go to beat rivals in ‘love’ match. (Pictures: Supplied)

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Jolion sounds like one of those decent chaps in a Billy Bunter or Tom Brown’s Schooldays caper - a young toff in a starched collar and a top hat. It is, in fact, a compact sports utility vehicle from a Chinese company generally known for its cheap-as-chips workhorse utes. To add to the incongruity, we are told by the maker, Haval Great Wall Motors, Jolion is Chinese for ‘first love’. I suppose with a price range in the mid $20k, what’s not to love about the SUV. The ‘school bell’ first rang for Jolion in Australia with two variants - mid-grade Lux and range-topping Ultra, priced from $27,990 driveaway and $30,990 driveaway, respectively. These were later joined by an entry-level Jolion Premium model from $25,490 driveaway. The Lux was on test. Haval GWM continues to offer one of the best after sales and customer care packages in the industry with a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five years roadside assist and an attractive capped price servicing program.

Styling There is a touch of Hollywood about this ‘first love’. The spotlight falls brightly on a grille with sparkling finish and horizontal accents to create a bold, if flashy, show. The ‘main event’ is flanked by LED headlamps, foglamps and a most striking set-up of daytime running lights. The car’s profile is standard SUV lines, while the back is plain, if a little hunchbacked.

Interior Soft touch surfaces, aluminium-style accents and leather wrapped steering wheel give a premium look to the cabin on the surface, but hard plastic buts in to cheapen the image, not to mention the rubber surround of the rear-view mirror coming adrift at a touch. Seats, in Comfort-Tek material, are heated up front, the driver getting a six-way adjustable 20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

Engines / transmissions Power is delivered to the front wheels by a re-engineered 1.5 litre turbo-petrol engine with 110 kW of power and 210 Nm of torque mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Safety

AT A GLANCE MODEL LINE-UP Haval Jolion Premium from $25,490 (driveaway)

Safety is expansive with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic alert standard across the range.

Haval Jolion Lux from $27,990 (driveaway)

Driving

Haval Jolion Ultra from $30,990 (driveaway)

New from the ground up like its larger sibling, the new H6, the Jolion, a replacement for the H2, is underpinned by Haval’s new global lightweight modular platform to appeal to a wide range of driving needs. The 1.5 litre petrol engine, with the turbo slow to catch on at times when setting off, delivered up to 110 kW and 210 Nm to the test car front wheels smoothly through a the seven-speed dual clutch transmission once the vehicle was up to speed.

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

spot. The rear has class-leading leg and shoulder space. Storage is taken care of by a central bin and a pair of cupholders in two sizes in the centre console, while door pockets can fit bottles. Boot space is not left behind, checking in at 430 litres, expanding to 1133 litres with the 60:40 second row stowed. A space-saver spare nestles under the floor.

Infotainment Connectivity is front and centre with a 10.25-inch colour multimedia touchscreen linked to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 7-inch LCD instrument display carries range of system info. The position of the touch screen on the centre dash of the test car had its problems, with air-con controls underneath easy to catch accidentally while resting the palm on working the screen. Audio is handled by a six-speaker system, while dual-zone air-conditioning keeps occupants in relative comfort.

As far as fuel consumption is concerned the claimed combined urban / highway cycle of 8.1 litres of premium unleaded per 100 kilometres, compared with the 10 litres per 100 kilometres recorded on test in a range of driving conditions. For those interested, four different drive modes - standard, eco, sport and snow - are available on demand. With eco snail-like and sport highlighting the small engine syndrome, standard was an acceptable all-rounder. After a serious bout of gardening, my back was worse for wear. I don’t think I could have enjoyed a long(ish) journey in the Jolion Lux. Despite looking good, the seats were hard and generally unsupportive. Loading from the rear had its problems with the tailgate not lifting enough to get the cargo cover out of the way, making it a prime target for a whack on the head. The dim boot surroundings did not help. The keyless entry also had a mind of its own - at times not unlocking the driver’s door to the touch of the handle. The key fob button was the back-up. Don’t get me on about the ‘spy’ camera with its constant eye on the driver from its elevated spot on the A-pillar. Whatever motivated the Chinese to come up with this Cyclops of a driver fatigue monitoring system? This one-eyed monster supposedly checks the driver’s concentration level and if it deems it to have elapsed, flashes up the message on the multimedia screen “Hey, don’t stray”. Other warnings included one about the position of the vehicle ahead (which wasn’t there). It all became a niggling bore.

Summary So, what’s not to love about the Jolion? Apart from the keen pricing, there is quite a bit, actually. The Chinese compact SUV could best be described as a work in progress.

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Caroline Springs proud of season despite defeat Caroline Springs women’s side will look back on this season as one of positives, despite losing the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s grand final on Sunday. Searching for their first premiership since forming in the 2019-20 season, the Falcons fought until the final ball against Westmeadows in the grand final, but didn’t quite have enough runs on the board. The Falcons, who had previously played in one grand final, made 4-85 from their overs after a slow start with the bat. Caitlin Pretty was the stand out and got the innings going, making 35. The Warriors looked good early in their innings and appeared to be on track. A run out and a couple of other wickets, brought the Falcons back into the game. After a few scary moments, the Warriors made the runs with 14 balls remaining, finishing 5-86. Pretty took two wickets and was named player of the match by the umpires for her all-round performance.

Caroline Springs women’s team

(Caroline Springs Facebook)

Falcons captain Alisha Fowler said the team continued to fight throughout the match. “I think the first 10 overs, Westmeadows was sitting pretty comfortably,” she said. “We pegged it back the next five and with five to go, we were in the game. It was a really good

fight by our girls, they really dug deep. “I’m so proud of them for doing that.” Fowler said Pretty was their best all-rounder and that she stood up when they needed her to. “I’m super happy for her to get some runs today,” she said.

“It’s been a bit of a slog this season, but she deserved her runs. It was a well deserved best on ground.” Fowler said the group had really grown together this season. She said for the older players, it was about providing support to the younger players and giving them an opportunity for the younger players to play cricket. “We’ve got four or five players playing their first year of cricket. Tiana Baba, Zoe Kelty, Kyah Tessari and Emma Meissner are among them. “Tiana took her first wicket a few weeks ago and she’s got four for the season. “It goes to show they’ve put in a lot of hard work and they did improve a bucket load from the start of the season. “We had five of younger girls go on to EMP [Essendon Maribyrnong Park] from from last year, that’s what we’re about.” Tara Murray

Sports shorts GDCA Bacchus Marsh has moved back into the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup top two. On Saturday, the Bulls had a hard fought win against Romsey. The Bulls made 8-152 from their overs with Thomas Wardell top scoring with 35 not out. Romsey was bowled out for 142 with three balls remaining. With Gisborne losing to Sunbury United, the Bulls moved back to second. The Sunbury Kangaroos, Diggers Rest Bulla and Wallan were the other winners.

VTCA Ladder leaders Sydenham-Hillside suffered an upset loss to Keilor Park on Saturday in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 2 competition. The Devils made 8-133 from their overs, before bowling the Storm out for 118. The Storm remain at the top of the table. In division 4, Melton Centrals and Caroline Springs both suffered losses, while Melton South Royals had a big win in division 5.

NAB League Darley’s Madushanka Ekanayaka.

(Shawn Smits) 205415

Darley secure top spot By Tara Murray Darley’s quest for a third straight premiership is on track, with the side locking in a top two spot in the Ballarat Cricket Association. The Lions put together a solid performance against Naps-Sebas to claim the points and ensure a top two finish with two rounds to go. Lions coach Brian Wheelahan said while the group was happy to have secured a top two spot, there was still plenty of work to be done. He said having lost last time they played Naps-Sebas these two teams met, the Lions were keen to even the ledger. “They are a pretty dangerous side,” Wheelahan said. “We played everyone twice, so it was good to even the ledger. It was an important win at home and it gives us confidence.” The Lions made 7-189 from their 50 overs with Dilan Chandima top scoring with 88 at the top of the order. While Wheelahan thought they had enough runs on the board, he said they could have pushed past 200. “We probably left 20 to 30 runs out there,”

he said. “All credit to them, they pegged us back with tight bowling. “Dilan is in super form. He anchored the innings and allowed the others to bat around him. “We were pretty confident in that total.” Wheelahan said it was pleasing to get a decent total on the board, as batting was the one area they were concerned about with Danza Hyatt returning home to the West Indies about a month ago. The total would be more than enough with Naps-Sebas bowled out for 138. Rahmatullah Khwaja was the pick of the bowlers with 5-17. Wheelahan said the bowling group continued to hold the playing in good stead. “They are unselfish and they bowl in partnerships,” he said. “Every week, someone different is cashing in and this week it was Khwaja. I’m proud of them.” The Lions this week face Wendouree in a top of the table clash. Wheelahan said this was the perfect opportunity to test themselves against the

pace setters. “We’ve still got a bit of work to do,” he said. “We’re looking forward to finishing off with momentum. “We’re trying to create history, with a three-peat, which we can’t shy away from.” In good news for the Lions, Wheelahan has signed on to continue coaching next season. He said it was a “no brainer” to stay at the club for a fourth season. “The club is in a really good position,” he said. “We’ve also got new renovations on the club rooms and they’re going to be ready for next season as well.” Meanwhile the Lions women’s side was knocked out of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association finals on Sunday. Facing Lancefield Black, the Lions were bowled out for 55. Kim Bessell top scored with 31. The Tigers made the runs in 12 overs, finishing 2-57. It was the first season the Lions have had a women’s side.

The Western Jets made it four wins in a row, beating Geelong Falcons on Saturday in the NAB League Girls competition. After an even first quarter, the Jets opened the game up in the second quarter with four goals. The Jets continued to pepper the goals in the second half and were able to extend the margin, despite inaccurate goalkicking. The Jets won 7.13 (55)-2.5 (17). Caitlin Sargent kicked three goals. The Jets sit third after six rounds.

Bowls It was a mixed weekend for Bacchus Marsh in Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 1. On Saturday, it had a solid had a solid performance against Glenroy. Despite winning just one rink, it was enough to get the overall win, 76 (13)-69 (5). Phil Minniti was the winning skip for Bacchus Marsh, with Matthew Bacon’s rink having a draw. On Sunday, Bacchus Marsh lost to Essendon 93 (15)-62 (3). FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21

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Former Docker is new Devils captain Former Fremantle player Brett Bewley has made an instant impact in returning to his home club Darley, named the side’s captain for the Ballarat Football League season. Bewley will lead a new look leadership group including Luther Baker, who has been named vice-captain, Joel Cadman, who has named deputy vice-captain, and Darren Leonard and Jake Ancrum. Former captain Shane Page, who had been in the role since 2014, decided the timing was right to step back from the role. Devils president Mark Shelly said Page and Leonard, who had been vice-captain, decided it was time for new leaders. “Shane Page and Darren Leonard decided to step aside, which was a commendable decision on their part. “They decided it was time to step aside and there was a need for some younger guys to step up. “Shane still has a lot of good years ahead

of him.” Bewley, who played 25 games AFL games, has had an instant impact for the Devils providing plenty of leadership. He has come back to the Devils straight out of the AFL system, with Shelly saying previously that his teammates walk taller around him. Bewley is one of three key signings for the club. Nick Rodda, who has been aligned with the club while playing in the Victorian Football League at Williamstown, and Matthew Brett, who was also playing VFL, have committed full-time. Brett has also taken on an assistant coaching role under new coach Dan Jordan. After not winning a game in 2021, the playing group has created the motto, ‘road to redemption’ “The motto is player driven,” Shelly said. “Obviously there is a level of professionalism that Dan Jordan has brought into the group.

“He asked them what we stand for. Road to redemption is a broad spectrum. “Where we are going, analysing ourselves and looking to improve in all facets of the game. “We obviously didn’t win a game last season, but there were a number of games we were in for quite a period of time, but a 10 minute window cost us.” Shelly said he thought the side would be there abouts this season. He said they had retained the core group of players. He said Jordan was keen on bringing through the next generation of players. “One of the things with Dan’s approach is certainly giving the younger players a go and there’s no doubt the under-19s will be a priority and he’ll likely look to give them opportunities early in the year.” The Devils kick off their season on April 9 against Sebastopol on the road. Tara Murray

Brett Bewley has been named Darley captain. (Supplied)

Payne boosts the Bloods’ 2022 line up

Melton’s Brad Jones. Photo by Damjan Janevski.200651

Bright future for Lions By Tara Murray The development of the kids will be the positive out of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west season for Melton. The Lions are without a win heading into the final round, after struggling to match it with the top sides for much of the season. Lions’ Brad Jones said the season hadn’t panned out how they would have liked it to. “We would have loved to have a couple of wins on the board,” he said. “We’ve got games into the young boys, which has been a positive, but we’re not getting the wins on the board.” Jones said the focus of bringing those players through had been an aim of the club the last couple of seasons and they were starting to see some in-roads. He said many of them were 18 or 19 and getting first XI games against much more experienced opposition and the next step was getting wins on the board. “We want to get as much experience as 22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

possible into the young blokes,” he said. “A lot have stood up and got some really good things out of the season. “Alex Kerr has a bit of an injury, so he’s not bowling at the moment but he has stepped up to open the batting. A few more have had debuts, like Jeremy Walker, Riley Norris and Josh Oldfield. “We’re not getting success now, but the future looks good.” Jones, who missed several games which didn’t help the side, said the club was keen to add more experience to the side next season. He said they lacked depth in the bowling, but some experienced top order batters were what they needed most. On Saturday, the Lions lost to Port Melbourne. The Lions were bowled out for 154 in the final over. Conrad Farrugia top scored with 46. Port Melbourne made the runs with five overs remaining, finishing 7-155. John Jensen, Dylan Jobson and Kasun Suriaratchie took two wickets each.

Jones said they were in the game and had a massive chance, but couldn’t finish the game off, which he put down to lack of experience. Only one of the club’s top four sides, the fourth XI, will play finals this season. It was a big weekend for the Lions, as Kevin Vernon played his 600th game for the club. Vernon, who was the president for more than 30 years, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in recent years, played in one of the club’s all-abilities sides to reach the milestone. The club had a fundraising day for MND on the day. “Kevin is everything to the club,” Jones said. “I’ve been here 13 years and ever since I’ve been here he’s been here every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. “He was president for 33 years and if not for him and Butch [Anthony Gale] we would not be here. “There was a couple of 100 people here. The Lions will finish off their season against Werribee on Saturday.

Melton recruit Brenton Payne is set to add more flexibility to the Bloods for the Ballarat Football League season. The Bloods recently announced the signing of Payne, who spent two years at St Kilda and also played in the Victorian Football League. Most recently he played with Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League. Bloods coach Aaron Tymms said they were thrilled to have Payne on board. Payne played some of his junior football at the club, while his father is a premiership player. “We are wrapped to have him on board,” he said. “Someone of his calibre can help the young blokes with his experience and the understanding of the game. “We’re undecided where he’ll play. He’s a good forward and a good back.” Tymms said Payne would also take on the midfield coaching role. The signing of Payne is one of two key ones for the Bloods, who were sitting second when the season was cancelled last year. Mark Orr returns to the club having been living in New Zealand in recent times. He will take on the ruck duties, with Ben Archard returning to his home club in Cohuna. Tymms said they tried to identify what they needed, but for the most part they were happy with how their list was shaping up. He said there were a number of players who didn’t play much senior football last season that they were expecting to see a bit more of. “Jaycob Hickey didn’t play a senior game,” he said. “Lachie Watkins split his spleen last year and is another one who will come in for us. Ryan Davis had hurt achilles and didn’t play and Anthony Hibbert won our reserves best and fairest award playing five or six games. “He couldn’t commit to training so he didn’t play seniors but he is flying on the track. Luke Heaney broke his jaw. “We get five or six players who are like new recruits. Tymms said he was confident that the side would be in the mix this season. “I think we will be competitive but time will tell,” he said. The Bloods season will get underway on April 9 against arch rivals Melton South.

Majestuoso wins Aurora Australis in photo finish By Tim O’Connor After eight races across almost two months, the Aurora Australis came down to a photo finish at Melton on Saturday night. In the end, the camera showed Majestuoso as the winner of the Group 1 TAB Australian Trotting Grand Prix and therefore overall series victor. The Andy Gath-trained and Kate Gath-driven gelding had led Anton Golino’s mare Im Ready Jet by two points heading into the final race and held off his key rival by a half-head in a grandstand finish to the 2240m showdown. While Im Ready Jet had excuses after being held up behind leader and stablemate Always Ready approaching the turn, all honours went to Majestuoso for his fighting death seat performance in a mile rate of 1:58.1min. He

hit the front entering the straight and then held off the late challenge of Im Ready Jet, who surged late when she got clear running. “Probably 12 months ago he definitely would have got beaten. There’s a couple of races he probably should have won and he didn’t,” Andy Gath said of his horse. “He’s got mentally stronger and sort of wants to get the job done now. “Even though he’s a little fella, he’s really developed in the body. He’s a little tank really. His legs have never grown since I’ve had him, but the rest of him has grown. “He’s come such a long way and he’s nearly the perfect racehorse now.” Majestuoso won four races through the inaugural Aurora Australis series – the V L Dullard Trotters Cup, Great Southern Star Final, The Knight Pistol and Grand Prix – to finish with a tally of 34 points, five clear of Im

Ready Jet, who picked up both the Maori Mile and E B Cochran Trotters Cup. Connections of third place-getter Temporale lodged a protest against the runner-up for interference caused near the 200m mark, but stewards ultimately dismissed the objection and original placings remained. Majestuoso’s win in the Aurora Australis secures owner Norm Jenkin a $50,000 bonus on top of the prizemoney he won throughout the series. In other results, James Herbertson guided consistent mare Aldebaran Crescent to a long-awaited maiden Group 1 success. Herbertson saved the daughter of Majestic Son for one run and it proved the right move as she gunned down favourite Vacation Hill (Andy and Kate Gath) in the straight to win the Lyn McPherson Memorial Breed For Speed Gold Series Final.

Majestuoso.

(Stuart McCormick)

Davies and Holmes join Collingwood

Kevin Vernon during game 600.

(Supplied)

600 not out for Vernon By Tara Murray There was plenty of emotion on Sunday as Kevin Vernon played his 600th game for his beloved Melton Cricket Club. Playing 600 games is remarkable for anyone, but for Vernon the trip to the milestone hasn’t been easy. Vernon was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in June last year and is now in a wheelchair. But that hasn’t stopped the man, who is the heart and soul of the club, as he turned out for one of the club’s all-abilities sides. On Sunday, just days after coming out of hospital, he played game 600 in front of a massive crowd. Vernon said he had never thought about playing 600 games. “I feel proud to have reached 600 games, and pretty relieved, especially after my MND diagnosis during the off-season last June,” he said. “I never really thought about it [playing so many games], I just took it weekend by weekend, day by day.” Vernon said he had played cricket for at least 60 years, starting playing as an 11-year-old at St Albans in the under-16s playing both juniors in the morning and seniors in the afternoon.

He would later find his way to Melton Cricket Club, where he has made a massive impact both on and off the field. For Vernon, there’s plenty of highlights along the way with the club meaning community and culture. “Playing 598 games for Melton Cricket Club has been a major highlight,” he said. “I’ve been able to serve the club for over 40 years and contribute to something bigger than myself. “I retired from sub-district cricket only last season and captained the fourth XI to a win that day; that was a great day. “But each premiership the club has won over the decades has been a major highlight. “Seeing the facility-upgrades at MacPherson Park last season has been extremely satisfying. I reckon we have the best facilities this side of the MCG. “Serving as club president for 33 years has been a privilege and getting to work alongside a mighty bunch of people, like Anthony and Ivanka Gale, Mick Simpkins, and other greats has been very special.” Another highlight for Vernon has been establishing the all-abilities program, which until recently he had been coaching. He said the club’s commitment to ensuring the all-abilities crew had a place to belong and enjoy the great game of cricket has been

a key priority. “Five or six years ago when we got the team together and entered “MACCA” [Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association], I couldn’t have foreseen I’d be bringing up my 600th match in the squad myself. “I am deeply grateful that because of our all-abilities’ team that I was able to reach the milestone of 600 and play alongside a great bunch of people.” Lions president and long time friend Anthony Gale said it was a pretty special day for the club. “Going into last year, we would have thought it was a walk in the park this time last year,” he said. “He was captaining the fourth XI, but the way things have developed we didn’t know if he would get there. “To have played for something like 46 years is phenomenal achievement. To get himself fit to play the game was pretty special.” Gale said Vernon’s presence at the club was unmatched and said that he was determined to make game 600 no matter what. “He loves the game and he loves the club,” he said. “His pride and joy is his family, but the cricket club is a close second. Up until recently he was at the club every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.”

City West Falcons pair Zoe Davies and Montana Holmes will be part of the Collingwood Super Netball set up after earning training partner contracts. The Magpies announced last week that the pair along with Casey Adamson had been named training partners. Nyah and Sienna Allen have previously been named training partners. Davies, who was best on court in the 2018 Victorian Netball League grand final for the Falcons, said her sporting journey was “all over the shop”, due to playing other sports and getting knockbacks and having not come through the Netball Victoria pathways. “I started netball when I was 15 after watching mum on the sidelines,” she said. “I decided it was my turn to give it a go and I haven’t looked back since, and ever since then I’ve set a personal goal to push myself through the ranks and become the best individual I can be. “I have a lot of motivation and dedication to bring. I haven’t had the luxury of being able to go through pathways and have programs written up for me, I’ve had to learn for myself how to get fit and how to get better footwork, how to jump higher all on my own.” Holmes joined the City West Falcons last season and made an instant impact. Stepping into the midcourt role left void with Molly Jovic joining the Magpies, Holmes was right at home. She first played netball when she was 14, having played basketball before that. “I pretty much just played locally and then did all the Eastern Academy Zones, and was lucky enough to make the state side in under-17s,” Holmes said. “After I played state I started playing VNL, started with Boroondara in div 1 and then moved up to champ and made my way over to City West Falcons and now here I am.” While she’s made a name for herself at the Falcons as a midcourter, Holmes played defence growing up in Gippsland. “I’m extremely honoured to be here with these girls and to train with such amazing athletes, I just want to give it everything that I have and to see what opportunities could potentially arise.” The Super Netball season gets under way on March 26. Tuesday, 1 March, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

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