Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 5th July 2022 by Star Weekly

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Harry Potter fans rejoice

Librarians Sophie Kuypers, Tiffany Vanderlinden and Stevie Fisher getting into the Potter-ific magic.

(Damjan Janevski). 287642_03

Grab your wands and brooms, with an exciting school holiday program in Moorabool this month that will celebrate the magic of the wizarding world. Moorabool council is hosting Harry Potter Month in July, with activities at the Lerderderg and Ballan libraries for families to enjoy. The Ballan library will host Harry Potter themed crafter-noons each Friday from July 15 from 3.30pm to encourage residents to cast a spell of creativity. The Lerderderg library will hold various magical activities from July 12, including a potions class, wand-making workshop and a Three Broomsticks butterbeer making. To celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday, there will also be a trivia and games day on July 30 from 10am. On the day, young wizards will be able to discover their Hogwarts House with the sorting hat, be matched to their own special magic wand, taste Bertie Bots every flavour beans or have their Azkaban mugshot photo taken by library staff. Bookings for Ballan library aren’t required but are essential for Lerderderg library activities. To book in for trivia call 5366 7100 or for other activities use Eventbrite.

Sound wall budget blow By Olivia Condous Melton council has withdrawn funding for a project committed four years ago, following a heated debate during a meeting last week. In 2018, the council approved $2.1 million in its budget to fund a sound wall at Silverdale estate in Brookfield. However, further scoping works revealed the cost of the sound wall project would actually amount to $6.3 million in order to comply with Department of Transport standards. At a meeting on June 20, Melton councillors engaged in a debate on what should be done

with the insufficient funds allocated to the project. While a motion on the issue provided three options on what to do with the money, including adding an additional $4.2 million to fully fund the project or removing the budgeted funds completely, Cr Sophie Ramsey moved to hold the funds in reserve to contribute to possible future Department of Transport funding. Cr Ramsey moved the motion on the basis that council should not set a precedent of breaking promises made to residents. “We, as a council for the 21 years that I’ve been on, have never budgeted an item and then

when there’s been a change in council come along and taken that money out of the budget. We’ve never done that,” Cr Ramsey said. “I think it’s a low blow for our community that has been waiting since December 2018 for this soundwall.” Crs Lara Carli, Moira Deeming, Steve Abboushi and mayor Goran Kesic voted against the motion to hold the budgeted funds in reserve. Cr Carli argued it was “irresponsible” to hold onto the money and that the responsibility of the sound wall should be left entirely up to the state government to provide. “By leaving these funds in the budget, I

believe that we are giving the residents of Silverdale estate false hope,” she said. “It’s not only Silverdale estate that is in need of a sound wall along the freeway, there’s also also need in Diggers Rest, Punjil Drive and Rockbank, “Are we going to also pay for sound walls for those residents who are also suffering?” A recommended motion to remove the remaining funding for the sound wall and continue to advocate for government investment for the provision of sound walls along freeway corridors was carried, with Crs Carli, Deeming, Kesic, Abboushi and Julie Shannon voting in favour.

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New hearing expert in the Melton community Audiology professional Peter Vuong introduces hearing care to Melton Local qualified Specsavers audiology professional Peter Vuong is delighted to announce the introduction of a new audiology service in-store. Specsavers Audiology Melton is now open to help with any hearing concerns and to protect and support locals’ hearing health, through expert advice and caring service. According to research, approximately 10,355 people in Melton suffer from hearing loss, and it can take 7-10 years for them to act on it. Peter is on a mission to get more people hearing better and provide the community with a supportive care-driven hearing service for years to come. “I became an audiology professional because it is so rewarding when you can help someone who may not be hearing as well as they used to. You can see their confidence grow as they engage in conversation and once again become more connected with

the people around them. I want to be able to do that for the people of Melton, and make sure no one is missing out on connecting with friends, family colleagues and community,” Peter says. “If one cannot hear and as their hearing loss deteriorates over time, so does their confidence to partake and connect with the world and those around them” says Peter. I THINK I MAY BE HARD OF HEARING – WHAT’S NEXT? “At the moment it takes most Australians 7-10 years to acknowledge they have hearing loss before they do anything to help it – if they do anything at all. During these years, I have personally seen so many cases where the individual becomes unable to effectively join in on conversations, so they disengage socially and start to become isolated.” says Peter.

YOU WILL RECEIVE ONGOING SUPPORT At your fitting appointment, we will show you everything you need to know about your new hearing aids and answer any questions you or your family may have. Once fitted, a follow-up appointment will be booked within four weeks to check that you are completely happy with your purchase and make any necessary adjustments to your hearing aids. We also recommend an annual check-up where we reassess your hearing and make any necessary adjustments to your hearing aids. At Specsavers, your 12 months aftercare support is at no cost to you. Peter encourages anyone from the community who thinks they may be hard of hearing to come in store for a free 15-minute hearing check*. If further testing is required, a comprehensive, 60 minute, hearing assessment is then undertaken. During this appointment, Peter will carry out a comprehensive diagnostic assessment and will beable to determine if hearing aids would be beneficial.

I NEED HEARING AIDS WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? “If we find you would benefit from hearing aids, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed choice. We will never recommend hearing aids if you don’t need them or suggest spending more money than you have to. Prices for our full range of latest technology hearing devices are clearly available online or instore so you know exactly

*This is a 15-minute appointment, if further testing is required a fee will be incurred.

Hearing aids shouldn’t have hidden prices Should’ve gone to Specsavers

It’s anyone’s guess, including ours, just how much hearing aids cost elsewhere because many providers don’t promote their prices. We prefer to be upfront. So if you’re being asked to pay more than $3,995 for a pair of latest technology, rechargeable hearing aids, should’ve gone to Specsavers. To see our prices or book an appointment visit specsavers.com.au/hearing

2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 July, 2022

how much you will pay. Our hearing assessments are just the start of your hearing journey and we’re here to support you along the way for years to come,” Peter Vuong says.

The Specsavers Audiology team are locals, professionally trained and qualified and have a passion for hearing care. For more information or to book a hearing check, visit specsavers.com.au/hearing Alternatively contact Specsavers Melton on 8746 2755

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NEWS

Census 2021 offers a snapshot of Moorabool The 2021 Census revealed the changing face of the Moorabool Shire and how it has grown over the last five years. Since 2016, there has been a 18 per cent growth in population, swelling to 37,632 people, and a 18 per cent increase in the number of private dwellings, at 15,453. The most common ancestries of residents in the region are Australian, English, Irish, Scottish, German. According to the Census,

83 per cent of residents were born in Australia or England. The number of residents born in Indian has seen a large uptick, with 729 people responding it was their country of birth. The majority of residents’ parents were both born in Australia, at 61 per cent. There has been a large increase in the number of residents responding that they had no religion compared to five years ago, at 45

per cent of the population, marking a 53 per cent increase on the 2016 number. Catholic and Anglican residents made up 33.5 per cent of the total respondents. Only 10 per cent of residents speak a language other than English at home, with 1.6 per cent responding they spoke Punjabi, with more than four times the number of people last census. Olivia Condous

Head priest Avtaar Singh at Khalsa Shaouni Dal Baba Bidhi Chand Ji temple in Plumpton. (Damjan Janevski) 287711_01

By Olivia Condous Multicultural and religious diversity is flourishing in Melton as new data has shown many new residents of different cultural backgrounds and religious groups have moved to the area in recent years. According to the 2021 Australian Census data, there has been a significant increase in the number of residents of the Melton local government area who were born in India, jumping from 3.8 per cent to 8 per cent. In the 2016 Census, the most common ancestries in Melton were Australian, English and Maltese, whereas recent data has shown the most common now are Australian, English and Indian. There has also been a rise in the number of Vietnam-born residents, increasing from 1868 people in 2016 to 3017 people in 2021. There has been a 4 per cent increase in the number of residents who identify Punjabi as their second language, making it the most common language other than English. In 2016, Vietnamese was recorded as the most common second language, but it has only seen a 0.5 per cent increase in the last five years. More than half of Melton residents responded that both of their parents were born overseas. The Melton area has also seen a significant increase in the number of non-Western religions in the recent years, with a rise in Islam and Sikhism. The number of residents who identify their religion as Islam has doubled from 5424

people to 11,419 people, making up 6.4 per cent of Melton residents. Sikhism has also seen an increase with 5.3 per cent of residents affiliated with the religion. In 2016, the most common religions in Melton were Catholic, Anglican and Eastern Orthodox. The latest Census data reported 31.5 per cent of Melton residents have no religion or did not state their religion, while 27.6 per cent responded they were Catholic. Khalsa Shaouni Sikh Temple volunteer and Caroline Springs resident Manjit Singh first moved to the area five years ago and said he “absolutely loves” living there. “The main thing is the community over here is really together, that’s one thing I’ve found,” Mr Singh said. He said he believed one of the main reasons for the increase in people who identify as following Sikhism moving to the Melton area was they wanted to bring the religious and cultural community together. “Most of the children who either come from India or are born here are losing their mother tongue, losing Punjabi, “That’s why it’s grown around here, people want to be close to their community so children can understand their community and their language.” Mr Singh said the Khalsa Shaouni Temple was working to bring more activities to link the Sikh community so youth could connect with their traditions and religion. According to the census, there are 91,745 people in Victoria who identify as Sikh.

Census 2021 confirms that Melton is booming Melton is known as a booming region, filled with diversity and hopeful families finding their homes. The Australian Bureau of Statistics Census survey has shed more light on the people who make up the City of Melton. According to the 2021 Census data, the average Melton resident is a married female aged between 35 to 39 years old, who was born in Australia but both of her parents

were born overseas. She is of Catholic religion and has children. The average Melton resident has a household income of $1887, lives in a house with four or more bedrooms and has a mortgage. Olivia Condous

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The changing face of Melton

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Melton a doctor desert: study By Olivia Condous Melton residents are suffering the consequences of poor government city planning, leaving them without easy access to vital services such as doctors clinics, a new study has found. A new study from the Australian Urban Observatory (AUO) at RMIT University highlighted the suburbs with the worst geographical access to GP clinics, with Eynesbury recording the worst result of the Melbourne suburbs where data was gathered. According to the study, the average distance Eynesbury residents had to travel to the nearest GP clinic was 12.5 kilometres.

AUO director associate professor Melanie Davern said the way the government planned new suburbs was to blame for poor access to essential services. “A new area is developed but the houses go in first and any other service comes later,” Associate Professor Davern said. “That’s where the issue rises, because the houses go in but the people who first buy those houses are really living in an area that is serviced by nothing.” Associate Professor Davern said the government provision of infrastructure such as shopping centres, which often housed GP clinics, and schools was based on population growth. “That’s why you might see a 10-year delay

A healthy anniversary Western Health is commemorating the one year anniversary of the successful merging of local health services in the west. Western Health amalgamated with the former Djerriwarrh Health Services on July 1, 2021, bringing together 11,000 healthcare professionals to provide care for the communities of Melbourne’s west. Djerriwarrh Health Services became the Bacchus Marsh, Melton and Caroline Springs campuses of Western Health, including the Bacchus Marsh Hospital, Grant Lodge Aged Care and community centres in the three areas. In the first year of the merger, more than 100 staff have been recruited for the newly added health facilities and there have been a series of building upgrades.

In the last 12 months, local parents have welcomed more than 500 babies at the Bacchus Marsh maternity unit, including Colson Millson who was born on July 1, which was the first day of the merger. Western Health chief executive Russell Harrison thanked staff across merged health services for their hard work, commitment and dedication. “Thanks to all of our staff, both those who have recently joined and our long-term staff members, for your ongoing commitment,” Mr Harrison said. Together we aim to provide the best possible care for families and communities right across the western suburbs.”

between a new suburb being developed and a school going in,” she said. “There’s such a delay in time that the people who first adopt a new area, they’re suffering and they’re being penalized for being the early adopters and movers to those areas.” The suburb of Eynesbury is secluded from the rest of the Melton area and while it has a primary school and some other facilities, there are no healthcare services nearby. Associate Professor Davern said that doctor clinics often won’t open in small population suburbs as they prioritise areas with a sufficient customer base. “They’re looking to put themselves in place where the need is and where people are already living,” she said.

For residents located several kilometres from the nearest clinic, there were multiple barriers that made doctor visits much harder. “They have to obviously really plan when they’re going to see a doctor,” Associate Professor Davern said. “Transport is the next issue, if you can’t get on public transport to get there, you need to be able to drive there. “If you’re sick or if you have pre-existing health conditions, getting to a doctor is actually harder in those doctor desert areas. You’ve just got these double layers of disadvantage occurring.” The study did not record data on other newer suburbs in the City of Melton, such as Thornhill Park or Fieldstone.

Colson Millson celebrated his first birthday on July 1. He was born at Bacchus Marsh Hospital on day one of the amalgamation with Western Health. (Supplied)

Olivia Condous

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SES warning after bush rescues By Olivia Condous The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) has put out a warning to hikers and bushwalkers after several recent search and rescue operations at Lerderderg State Park. VICSES has reported there have been seven incidents over the last two months at the same location in Lerderderg State Park, taking up valuable volunteer time and resources. The organisation is urging those who decide to venture into the forest this winter to exercise extra precaution and be wary of the slippery

and wet conditions that can cause serious injury from slips and falls. Hikers and bushwalkers should also be wary of early dusk in winter, reducing visibility and increasing the likelihood of incidents. VICSES Bacchus Marsh unit controller Bill Robson said the evening of June 25 marked the seventh time local volunteers had conducted a search in the Lerderderg forest since the start of May. “Slips and falls are quite common but it’s also very easy to get lost,” Mr Robson said.

He urged residents and visitors to the forest to not underestimate the terrain. “There are trees down in certain areas and washed-out tracks following recent rain. “Our volunteers are always committed to the safety of our community and are ready to respond 24-7, but we’d love people to be well prepared and take appropriate precautions.” According to VICSES, each search and rescue operation requires about eight volunteers in three vehicles, for an average of four hours, amounting to thirty-two hours of volunteer time for each rescue.

Parks Victoria district manager Jodi Heath said while winter was a wonderful time to experience nature, extra planning was needed to account for shorter days and cold, wet weather. “Research your hikes using trusted information sources, hike within your abilities and follow marked trails and signage to reduce your chances of getting lost or injured. Also, you cannot rely on your mobile service, as some areas do not have mobile coverage.” For more details on how to stay safe when hiking, visit the Parks Victoria website.

Trading fees removed

Friends Holly and Ava, 12, have been selected for the Victorian state school netball team. (Damjan Janevski) 287856_03

Young duo pivoting to state team Ava said she was “quite shocked” when she found out she’d been selected for the team. “I just started screaming and I was super excited,” she said. She loves the sport and has played for most of her life, since she was five years old, and said she loves the friendships she’s made along the way. “It’s a team sport and I’m really glad I’ve got lots of friends from it,” Ava said. Holly said she jumped up and down for joy upon hearing of her selection for the team. “I was very happy and excited,” she said. She’s looking forward to the opportunity to

travel while getting to play plenty of netball. Both girls said they hoped to continue playing netball into the future, with hopes of playing on a professional level one day. “Whenever I watch netball at the higher levels, I think that’s what I want to do one day,” Ava said. She said she was most looking forward to making lifelong friends from the experience. “Honestly just the experience itself is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.” Olivia Condous

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A duo of young Caroline Springs students have been selected to represent Victoria for netball at a national competition this year. Springside P-9 College student Ava and Brookside P-9 College student Holly have been selected for the School Sport Victoria Team 12 years and under netball team. The selection is special for the two girls, who are close friends and thrilled to be selected together. They will compete with the Victorian team at the School Sport Australia Championship in September.

Melton council has given local businesses a boost by removing some trading fees from next month. As of July 1, footpath trading permit fees will not apply with the annual fee of $110 removed. Permits will still be required to ensure businesses comply with disability access standards and outdoor trading guidelines. Mayor Goran Kesic said council made the decision in order to support businesses and bolster the local economy. “By using footpath space in front of their business, operators can attract more customers and strengthen their income stream,” Cr Kesic said. “We’re doing what we can to help businesses generate more activity such as outdoor dining and boost the city’s economy as a whole. “Once customers and patrons are already on the street, it encourages them to linger and browse for longer which can result in them spending more time and money in businesses than they otherwise might. “To further encourage this activity, council supported the removal of the Footpath Trading Permit application fee.” The Footpath Trading Permit application process will continue in order to encourage responsible footpath trading through registration and compliance requirements. Details: https://melton.vic.gov.au/ businesspermits

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Get your rods out for some holiday fishing Residents of Melton and surrounding suburbs will be able to enjoy some fishing fun these school holidays with a local lake stocked with fish. The Victorian government has released thousands of catchable-sized rainbow trout into 19 lakes across greater Melbourne, including 600 fish in the lake at Navan Park in Melton West. The fish stockings have been funded by recreational fishing license fees and are part of the state government’s Go Fishing Victoria initiative, designed to encourage residents to partake in recreational fishing. The rainbow trout used were grown by the Victorian Fisheries Authority at the Snobs Creek hatchery near Eildon. There is a daily bag limit of five on the number of fish and only two trout taken can exceed 35 centimetres. Fishing Minister Melissa Horne said the stocking of local lakes with the trout provided the perfect opportunity for families and kids to get outdoors and try their luck at fishing. “Rainbow trout are ideal for fishers of all ages and skill levels as they’re relatively easy to catch, making it a great day out on the water,” Ms Horne said. Melton MP Steve McGhie said it was great to see local waters stocked at Navan Park Lake in time for the school holidays. “This is a wonderful way for families and kids to get active and enjoy their time outdoors with loved ones, while landing their first ever fish, so close to home.” Details: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout

Briefs NAIDOC Week Melton council is hosting a NAIDOC Week celebration on Wednesday, July 6, from 2pm. There will be a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, live cultural performances and light refreshments. The event will be held at the Melton Community Hall. RSVP to Shane Evans on 9747 5915.

Lotto win A group of eight lucky Bacchus Marsh locals have won big with a share of $2.86 million in the Saturday, June 25 TattsLotto draw. The eight people were part of a store syndicate, which held one of seven division one winning entries. The winners will each score $358,361 as their share of the prize. The shares in the winning syndicate were purchased at the Bacchus Marsh Newsagency on Main Street.

Power saving bonus Concession card holders in Melton and Moorabool can apply for two rounds of the state government’s $250 power saving bonus.Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the new power saving bonus will be available to all Victorians due to the rising cost of living. Details: www.victorianenergysaver.vic.gov.au or 1800 000 832.

Melton MP Steve McGhie helping to release rainbow trout into Navan Park Lake. (Supplied)

Olivia Condous

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Pricing under the pump

Pricing under the pump By Benjamin Millar

‘‘

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.

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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. “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.”

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West tourism hit hard Tourism in Melbourne’s west was hit harder by COVID-19 disruptions than many other areas, a new report has revealed. The western suburbs lost a cumulative 5.1 million visitors and $2.7 billion in spending after tourism shrunk by two thirds during 2020 and 2021. Conducted by Victoria University, Victoria Tourism Industry Council and Western Melbourne Tourism, the study found the municipalities of Melton, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham and Moonee Valley would have to tackle unique challenges to recover. These obstacles include an “image problem” where the west is perceived as having low aesthetic value compared to other areas of the state, a reliance on overseas visitors whose numbers remain constrained and relatively poor regional infrastructure in accommodation and public transport due to years of underinvestment. Husband and wife team Rozenn Blouin and Abdulazize Hussen, who run the Konjo cafe in Footscray, struggled to make ends meet as they were forced to only allow for take-away orders and had to deliver orders themselves. Ms Blouin said she was hopeful that Footscray’s rich mix of cultures and cuisines would be a major drawcard for the west’s tourism to recovery. VU’s School for the Visitor Economy director Dr Joanne Pyke said the pandemic was a wake-up call to take a new look at the issues that have slowed the potential of the area, and to identify new ways to build a stronger, sustainable tourism sector for the region. “This study highlights the need for government at all levels, businesses, and industry to work together to make Melbourne’s West more resilient in the interests of jobs

Konjo Ethiopian Cafe owner Abdulazize Hussen. (Damjan Janevski). 287296

growth, economic recovery and community wellbeing,” she said. “It would be a wasted opportunity to return to a business-as-usual approach once the sector recovers from the aftershocks of the crisis.” The study also suggest the western suburbs has any new opportunities to strengthen the tourism sector, including significant

infrastructure megaprojects planned for the region, including Melbourne Airport rail link, Sunshine precinct project and the new Footscray Hospital. It also lists the population growth of young adults, families and diverse communities and the potential to boost cultural tourism in the area due to vibrant multiculturalism present in the west.

NEWS

Big capital works budget Moorabool council officially adopted its 2022-23 budget last week, with a big jump in the capital works spending for the year. Council spend $61.48 million – a $23.86 million increase on the previous year. The council identified 13 key projects to be funded through the capital program for the upcoming year, including $6 million for the second stage of the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve. Councillor David Edwards spoke in favour of the proposed budget and said it was “really exciting”. “Councillors have listened and adapted to its community’s requests … I think it’s a pretty impressive achievement by the council,” Cr Edwards said. Cr Paul Tatchell agreed that the budget was “one of the best ones we’ve seen”, but was not in favour of an increase in rates and was the only councillor who voted against the budget. But Cr Edwards argued that the high spending in the budget would actually alleviate potential problems. “Spend money, create jobs, help the community get through that tough time… we’re going to set ourselves up, right across our shire for the next 30 to 40 years, which is a terrific thing.” For the 2022-23 Moorabool budget, rate increases were capped at 1.75 per cent in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System.

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Esta, 11, Bianca, 12 and Purva, 13, playing in the snow.

(Damjan Janevski) 287751_01

A winter wonderland festival A month-long winter wonderland festival is currently running in Eynesbury, for the local community to revel some school holiday winter fun. The Eynesbury Winter Festival will warm the west until July 24, with a celebration for all ages. The free-entry festival includes an ice-skating rink, food trucks, magic shows, family-friendly

movies, Disney character parties and trivia nights. There are daily events for the duration of the school holidays and each Friday, Saturday and Sunday once classes return. Attendees can warm up at the Winter Village Square fire pits, take a spin on the ice-skating rink while a DJ plays groovy tunes, enjoy Micky Magic’s tricks or test their trivia knowledge at

Print and Online Sales Executive Star Weekly Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication

Ms Peacock’s Restaurant and Bar. The festival will also include a special solstice celebration on July 16, which will feature a bonfire, African drummers, fire performers and a fireworks display. The festival is hosted by Resimax Property Group, who manage the housing estate in Eynesbury. Details: eynesbury.com.au

Lilith, 6, decided to dress as a winter princess for the festival. (Damjan Janevski) 287751_06

SEE IT SNAP IT SEND IT Send through your videos and pics on news or community events......

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Mandy Clark Group Advertising Sales Manager mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 July, 2022

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Dragan Vranjes and his kids Layla, 2, and Leo, 4, rugged up in their winter woollies. (Damjan Janevski) 287751_05

Above: Charlie, 4, Henry, 6, Oliver, 5, Pearl, 10, Maddison, 6, and Indie, 5, enjoying the festival. (Pictures: Supplied)

Left: Maggie, 9, and Talisha, 7, keeping warm in the igloo. Right: Scarlet, 7, and Madeline, 12, enjoying ice skating together. (Pictures: Damjan

12556941-ET27-22

Janevski) 287751

Tuesday, 5 July, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 9

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5 July 2022

Mayor’s message Cr Goran Kesic After careful consideration and planning, we adopted our 2022/2023 Council budget last week.

STAY INFORMED

This family-friendly budget has been developed to ensure our community has access to a well-maintained, quality road network, that our local sports clubs are supported, upgrades continue to be rolled out across the municipality and importantly, our children will enjoy new and upgraded play spaces. I’m pleased to tell you that we’re investing $89.03 million in capital projects across the City of Melton, which will create hundreds of l ocal jobs. We’ve also capped rates at 1.75 per cent, and once again, an $85 pensioner rebate will be available to eligible property owners. Major projects in the 2022/2023 budget include construction of the Rockbank Murray Road Children’s and Community Centre, construction of the Mt Atkinson Children’s and Community Centre and a major upgrade of Bulmans Road, West Melton (from High Street to Centenary Avenue). Last financial year we completed significant upgrades, expansions and new building projects at many recreation reserves across our city, and this financial year will be no different. We have committed to a substantial recreation infrastructure program including a new Diggers Rest Pavilion, new Mt Atkinson Active Open Space Precinct and Stage 2 of the Bridge Road Recreation Reserve redevelopment. The budget also prioritises $182 million to provide high-quality community services. On behalf of Council, I’d like to extend my personal thanks to the residents and community groups who shared their local knowledge and ideas for our city as we developed the budget. Please feel free to contact me on 0437 241 436 or goran.kesic@melton.vic.gov.au regarding any Council issues.

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

Council budget prioritises services, capital works and jobs

$26.1 million road upgrades $37.05 million buildings

The Melton City Council Budget 2022/23 was adopted by Council last week. It prioritises $182 million on high-quality community services and an $89 million capital works program that will create about 350 jobs.

$14 million leisure and community facilities

Rates have been capped at 1.75 per cent and an $85 pensioner rebate will again be available to eligible property owners. Budget highlights include: • Major upgrade of Bulmans Road, West Melton (from High Street to Centenary Avenue) • Stage 2 of the Melton Recycling Facility upgrade • Design of the Cobblebank Community Services Hub • Design of Bridge Road Recreation Reserve Redevelopment

• Create play space at Sovereign Boulevard Reserve, Melton West

$1.3 million bridges

• Upgrade rugby and gridiron precinct at MacPherson Park Recreation Reserve

$2.6 million footpaths and cycleways

• Pedestrian bridges at Hannah Watts Park and Toolern Creek (Strathtulloh and Melton)

$484,000 library books $452,000 public art

To view the 2022/2023 Melton City Council Budget in full, visit melton.vic.gov.au/budget

Cambridge Ward with Cr Steve Abboushi The past three years have been difficult for our community, facing unprecedented challenges that tested our resolve and resilience. Council, however, was dedicated to supporting residents, businesses, staff, and frontline workers while maintaining essential services. As we now emerge from the worst of the pandemic, Council has worked to ensure we continue to provide local residents and businesses with the infrastructure and services they deserve. To this effect, Council adopted its 2022/2023 Budget last Monday, and it’s packed with great outcomes for

Cambridge Ward. Key infrastructure projects include Rockbank Murray Road Children’s and Community Centre ($7.2 million); Mt Atkinson Children’s and Community Centre, ($8.5 million); and reconstruction works at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve ($500,000). Signalised intersection works have been included on Caroline Springs Boulevard at The Crossing and Rockbank Middle Road; Taylors Road at Plumpton Road and Sinclairs Road, Deanside; along with signalised intersection, road duplication and upgrade works on Taylors Road at both Westwood Drive and Gourlay Road.

Other works include construction of a pedestrian bridge at Modeina, Burnside; and construction of a bridge on Sinclairs Road; construction of a car park in Boronia Drive, Hillside, and the addition of a turning lane at City Vista Court and Mandalay Parade, Fraser Rise. Council has a strong record of sound financial management and I believe the 2022/2023 Budget represents a continuation of those efforts. Please feel free to contact me for Cambridge Ward or Council related issues on 0437 231 680 or steve. abboushi@melton.vic.gov.au, or like my Facebook page @ AbbsMelton

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, 5 July, 2022

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

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Melton’s ‘family-friendly’ budget By Olivia Condous Melton council adopted it’s 2022-23 budget last week, with a total of $89.03 million in spending on capital works projects. The council has coined this year’s budget as “family-friendly”, as it prioritises community services and will create more jobs. The budget has rates capped at 1.75 per cent and an $85 pensioner rebate will be available to eligible homeowners. Capital works expenditure will include $26.1 million for roads, $14 million for recreational,

leisure and community facilities, $2.6 million for footpaths and cycle-ways, $1.3 million for bridges and $452,000 for public art. Road infrastructure projects to receive funding through the budget included a major upgrade of Bulmans Road, extension of Bridge Road and construction on Troups Road South. The budget also included funding for construction of a new children and community centre in Thornhill Park, a new kindergarten in Aintree and the Mt Atkinson Children’s and Community Centre. Several local play spaces also received

funding for upgrades, including those at Sovereign Boulevard Reserve, Parkway Reserve, Earlington Square, North Terrace Reserve, Cobblestone Green Reserve and Stretton Drive Reserve. Melton mayor Goran Kesic said the budget was developed to ensure the community had access to well-maintained road networks, local sporting clubs were supported and local children had access to new and upgraded play spaces. “We have committed to a substantial recreation infrastructure program including a

new Diggers Rest Pavilion, new Mt Atkinson Active Open Space Precinct and stage two of the Bridge Road Recreation Reserve Redevelopment,” Cr Kesic said. He thanked residents and community groups who had shared ideas and visions for their city in budget engagement sessions. “Your ideas and local knowledge have been invaluable and have enabled us to prepare a budget that’s not only fair and equitable, but also strives to achieve the timely delivery of infrastructure, programs and services for our community.”

New kindergarten open A new kindergarten in Deanside was officially opened on Monday, June 20 to provide a new learning space for kids in Melton. State government ministers James Merlino and Ingrid Stitt attended the official opening of the new two-room interim facility. The kindergarten was running from term one of this year to accommodate for the statewide rollout of funded three-year-old kindergarten. The centre is a partnership approach between the state government’s Victorian School Building Authority, Melton council, Sparkways and Deanside Primary school. The co-location with the primary school makes it more convenient for families with young children. The temporary facility will be used to provide services for the growing Deanside community until it’s replaced with a four-room kindergarten and integrated children’s centre in 2026.

In the 2019–20 state budget, the project shared in the $283 million funding allocated to deliver modular kindergarten facilities and more kindergartens on school sites. Mayor Goran Kesic said the facility created a space for local children to start their education journey, from kindergarten to the end of primary school. “This centre will enable us to support many families and our youngest residents through their early development, giving them the best possible start we can,” he said. “I’d like to extend our warmest thanks to the state government for its support of early years’ service provision in the City of Melton.” Olivia Condous Early Education Minister Ingrid Stitt, councillor Lara Carli, former Education Minister James Merlino and councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg with some students of the kindergarten. (Supplied)

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Standing up for NAIDOC Week National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. Olivia Condous spoke to Indigenous people who work and live in the western suburbs about what the week means to them and their hopes for the future.

very year Australians celebrate Indigenous culture during national NAIDOC Week, held on the week of the first Sunday in

Lucy Webster, deputy chair of Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation, with her father Peter Webster who is the chief executive of Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation.

July. The theme for this year is ‘Get up! Stand up! Show up!’, designed to commemorate Indigenous peoples long history of continuing to fight for change. NAIDOC Week aims to unite the country in celebrating Aboriginal culture and advocating for better recognition and understanding. There are many Indigenous figures across the western suburbs who are strong advocates and who work hard to support their community and culture. Melton’s Lucy Webster is a Kamilaroi woman who is the deputy chairperson of Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation and a well-known local artist. To her, celebrating NAIDOC Week was all about Indigenous cultures receiving the recognition they deserve. “It’s all about recognising our culture and how it is still alive today, and it is the oldest living culture in the world,” Ms Webster said.

(Damjan Janevski) 287600_01

‘‘

It’s all about looking for that change, spreading that awareness and taking action - Lucy Webster

’’

“The fact that Melton and a lot of councils are now actually recognising that and seeing the significance of NAIDOC Week is just fantastic. “It’s helping us to share our culture further and get the acknowledgement and recognition that is well overdue.” Ms Webster’s Indigenous art exhibition Winanga Burruguu is currently displayed at the Melton Library, exploring traditional Aboriginal art styles and is designed to bring further awareness of Aboriginal culture among the wider community. Ms Webster said she hoped to see more significant acknowledgment and understanding of Aboriginal culture in the future. “It’s only in recent years that it’s really started being taught more accurately in schools and things, so I would love to see a much more in depth understanding taught within our school system.” She said education was integral to eradicating racism towards Indigneous people in Australia. “A lot of people don’t even actually notice that’s still happening.” Ms Webster said the hopes she held for the future aligned with this year’s NAIDOC Week theme. “It’s all about looking for that change, spreading that awareness and taking action.” Scott Krakouer is a Minang Noongar man who works for Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS), based in the west. He said NAIDOC Week was a great opportunity to celebrate and share Aboriginal culture with all Australians. “It’s not just about Aboriginal people getting involved in NAIDOC events or cultural activities, it’s about the whole community embracing the First People of this country and embracing the culture of Aboriginal people,” Mr Krakouer said. “It’s for Aboriginal people to proudly share that with everyone.“ Echoing Ms Webster’s sentiments, he said the main improvement he wanted to see within the wider community was more education about Aboriginal people and culture. “It’s getting a lot better in my lifetime, but I think we still have a long way to go in terms of just how well educated the general public is about Aboriginal issues and the reasons behind 12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 July, 2022

Left: Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung elder Aunty Julianne Axford with Melton MP Steve McGhie, Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation chair Skye Gooch and Melton councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg. Centre: The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. (Pictures: Supplied) Right: Scott Krakouer works in the western suburbs in youth support work. (Damjan Janevski) 285967_06

those issues, which stemmed from history.” Mr Krakouer said the narrative the harm inflicted on Aboriginal communities happened a “really long time ago” and that Australia should move on was not accurate. “A lot of this stuff kind of happened in my parents’ generation, so it really wasn’t that long ago. “Aboriginal communities are still feeling the effects of some of the policies and the stuff that happened throughout history.” Part of Mr Krakouer’s work is finding cultural mentors for Indigenous youth to help them better connect to their culture and identity. “A big piece of the work is trying to link them with community and culture to help them kind of go on their cultural journey.” Working in youth support services in the west, Mr Krakouer said more Indigenous people had moved to the area in recent years but services and facilities needed to catch up. He commended Wyndham council on the recently opened Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Community Centre. “The new centre in Wyndham Vale is a good start, but having more public spaces in the west where Community can gather and connect with each other [is needed].” Skye Gooch is the chairperson of the Kirrip

Aboriginal Corporation and has lived in Melton for the last 15 years. She said while she felt proud of her Aboriginal culture every day, she felt “super proud” during NAIDOC Week. “It’s this whole celebration of culture, but it’s also for me a reminder of the struggles that our old people have gone through and the struggles that continue to face Mob.” While Ms Gooch said she enjoys celebrating NAIDOC Week, she felt as though the conversations each year weren’t really making progress. “We’re still talking about the same things that have been happening since the beginning of NAIDOC,” she said. “While I see that there are struggles still ahead, I’m really hopeful, especially with all the Treaty talk and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. I’m really hopeful that maybe we’ll see a lot more progress in the next couple of years.” Speaking of the future, Ms Gooch said she hoped that the Australian community, particularly governments, would engage with more truth-telling in Indigenous affairs. “We can’t move forward unless truth-telling is engaged with and acknowledged, the true history of Australia is acknowledged and then healing can begin.”

Ms Gooch said she believed governments used the phrase “self-determination” as a “buzzword”, but did not actually facilitate the true meaning of the word. “I just hope that in the future that the government commits to self-determination and listens to the voices because we have the solutions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the solutions. “It’s just that it’s really hard for governments to listen to us and to let us be the ones leading the way.” As chairperson of Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation, Ms Gooch said she felt privileged to be able to run events for the celebration and talk to the wider community on behalf of the Indigenous community. She encouraged residents of the western suburbs to visit Kirrip House in Melton and get involved this NAIDOC Week. “I’m really proud really of all the work that Kirrip does out here in the west and just encourage everyone in Community, even non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to come down to Kirrip, have some yarns and just get involved this week.” For a guide on local NAIDOC Week events, visit your local council website or https://www. naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-weekevents.

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Garden thrives on volunteer love Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski caught up with volunteers from the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden club out working in the gardens. They work to foster, promote and develop the Melton Botanic Garden. The group is currently seeking more volunteers. Those interested can call 9743 3819 or email friends@fmbg.org.au.

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1/ Carlene Vokotic doesn’t mind getting a bit wet to help the gardens. 2/ Volunteer Viki Hill hard at work. 3/ Volunteers planting near a stream. 4/ Graham Durrant helping out. 5/ Volunteer Kathy Smith. 6/ 79-year-old volunteer Elaine Neely. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 286907

Tuesday, 5 July, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

FUN SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

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Visit Woodgrove Shopping Centre to scoop $15,000 Minions mania is almost coming to an end at Woodgrove Shopping Centre. Over the last few jam-packed weeks, Woodgrove has hosted a Minions meet and greet, a ‘Minions 2: The Rise of Gru’ exclusive screening at Reading Cinemas and a VIP weekend with complimentary popcorn, fairy floss, balloons and more! Don’t miss out on your last chance to play when you shop up a storm at Woodgrove Shopping Centre. To celebrate the release of ‘Minions 2: The Rise of Gru (CTC)’ in cinemas now, Woodgrove is giving one lucky shopper the chance to win $15,000 with its Spend to Play event. Simply visit Woodgrove Shopping Centre, spend $30 or more at participating stores, and enter your details to see if you are a winner! Plus, 50 lucky shoppers per day will win the chance to play the giant PLINKO board and win a share in over $20,000 of amazing Minions prizes. Prizes include new bikes, giant plush Minions toys, Minions 52 pencil packs, $20 Woodgrove gift cards, Reading Cinemas double passes and more. The PLINKO board will be located in front of Donut King from 10am to 4pm daily, and 10am to 8pm on Thursday and Friday. Michy, one lucky winner of the Minions PLINKO board shared the experience she and her daughter enjoyed. “Mia was so excited to win with our purchase,” Michy says. “The lady was so lovely! Thanks, Woodgrove and Minions!” Spend to Play is running until Sunday, July 10, so be sure to pop in, have a shop and meet the friendly team. To find out more visit www. woodgrove.qicre.com. Woodgrove Shopping Centre is located at 533 - 555 High Street, Melton.

Drop in to Woodgrove Shopping Centre to check out ‘Minions 2: The Rise of Gru’ and get a change to play the giant PLINKO board!

Woodgrove Shopping Centre is giving patrons a chance to win $15,000 and a variety of other great prizes. (Pictures: Supplied)

Stay tuned for future events and promotions by signing up to the Woodgrove database via the QR code.

Woodgrove Shopping Centre Craft Village Monday 27 June - Sunday 10 July, 11am - 2pm. Located at Woodgrove Shopping Centre, in front of Woolworths. To celebrate the cinematic release of Minions The Rise of Gru (CTC) we are inviting the little ones to get creative. Week One: Paint your own pet rock Week Two: Colour in sippy cup.

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14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 July, 2022

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Bookings are essential visit woodgrove.qicre.com for more information or scan the QR code.

FEATURING ... SENIORS

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Live life to the fullest in a friendly retirement village In a recent survey conducted by Savvy, it has been revealed that 91.6 per cent of Australians believe that housing prices are becoming ‘unaffordable’ in the current market. Almost a third of respondents are ‘very worried’ that the current housing market is out of the reach of ordinary Australians. This correlates with data from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s December quarter report, which showed that the median house price in 2021 grew 27 per cent. With these prices skyrocketing and making purchasing a home more difficult for first-home buyers, many older people are being pushed out of the market. This is where the benefits of retirement living comes in. First home buyers generally can’t get into retirement villages – unless they are purchasing their first home as a senior citizen. There are a myriad of positives to living in a retirement community. Extensive security measures including gates, vigilant neighbors, security cameras and keycards will put your mind at ease. Many retirement communities possess onsite medical services including nursing staff and GPs, as well as self care services such as hairdressers and nail artists. Facilities also often include a pool and spa, gym room and multi purpose room. There is also the opportunity to meet new people with similar interests and values. Activities such as lawn bowls, golf, bridge and craft groups meet regularly at retirement communities and can make life far more rewarding and inclusive. The federal government has recently made changes to super provisions that may result in an easier path into the market for downsizers. Coming into force on July 1, the changes are contained within the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enhancing Superannuation

Retirement communities are a fun and easy way to maintain your independence and security while downsizing.

Outcomes for Australians and Helping Australian Businesses Invest) Bill 2021. These updates change the rules for existing programs currently in place for Aussies nearing retirement age wanting to use

proceeds from the sale of the family home to top up their super balance. The bill also reduces the eligibility age at which someone can make downsizer contributions into their superannuation from

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65 to 60 years old, with certain conditions needing to be met. If you’re looking to downsize your home but keep living life to the fullest, consider retirement facilities in your community today.

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BUSINESS IN FOCUS

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Ms Peacock serving a delicious food feast in the west Eat, drink and chill. Eynesbury’s atmospheric Ms Peacock Restaurant and Bar is all about celebrating these three pleasures – and everyone’s welcome to join the fun. Tucked inside the stunning heritage-listed Eynesbury Homestead, a sprawling bluestone family home built in the 1800s, Ms Peacock is a modern family-friendly restaurant with an Italian inspired menu that has something to tickle everyone’s taste buds. Gourmet wood fired oven pizzas, mouthwatering pastas, wood oven and rotisserie meat dishes, popular pub classics, kids’ favourites, and to-die-for desserts will have diners spoilt for choice. A must-try is head chef Gagan’s famous Prosciutto De San Daniele pizza that saw him crowned Australia’s number one entrant in Italy’s fiercely contested 2022 World Pizza Championship. Ms Peacock’s jam-packed program of weekly events include Wednesday trivia nights, live music sessions showcasing local talent in the front bar on Friday evenings, and the Winter Warmer Roast every Sunday during the chilly season. For those holding a special occasion – a wedding, milestone birthday, corporate event and everything in between – Ms Peacock and its experienced events manager can help you create a fantastic function. Ms Peacock is open Wednesday to Sunday. Check out the menu and upcoming events at www.eynesbury.com.au/dining-and-events/ ms-peacock/. Ms Peacock Restaurant & Bar sits within Eynesbury – a thriving community just 40 minutes west of Melbourne’s CBD. But there’s more reasons to come visit this amazing township than just award-winning food. There’s the pioneering history, the heritage

Ms Peacock’s head chef Gagan Bhataner showcasing one of his signature pizzas.

listed assets, state of the art 18-hole golf course and amazing natural wonders. It really is one

(Supplied)

of those hidden gems that people come back to time and time again.

Ms Peacock is located at 487 Eynesbury Road, Eynesbury.

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16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 July, 2022

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

■ https://bit.ly/3y8b0Bo Plant Produce Swap and Drop Bring plants, seedlings, cuttings, herbs, veggies or fruit from your garden, or a recipe, to swap with other produce-loving green thumbs at the Sunbury Library. There are two upcoming Saturday dates, on July 9 and August 6, from 10am-noon. To swap means to bring one from home and take one home, and all levels of experience are welcome. ■ https://bit.ly/3Al9TRT

Melton South Community Centre The term three program of courses is available now. To view what’s on at the centre from now until September, go to meltonsouth.org.au or visit the centre at 41 Exford Road. ■ 9747 8576

Melton Over 50s Social Group

Tishya Del Rosario is a Top Model Contestant. (Damjan Janevski) 287161

A friendly group of people aged over 50, who enjoy each other’s company while attending events and outings such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you. ■ Marlene, 0498 329 290

Combined Probus Club Visit or become a new member of the Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club, gathering on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Football Club at 10am. Enjoy evening outings and evenings each month with a friendly group of men and women, and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans. Join them! ■ Doug, 5428 3317 or Teresa, 9746 3402

Bacchus Marsh Market Bacchus Marsh rejoice! There will be a monthly market at the gorgeous location of Maddingley Park. On the second Saturday of every month there will be a lovely variety of stallholders and food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket and invite your friends and family for a lovely market day out.

Cadillac Dance Club Dance all night long at the Cadillac Club, running once a month at the Woodend Bowling Club starting July 15. Tickets are $18, from 7-10.30pm. ■ https://bit.ly/39ZG12I

Take weight off naturally Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton. ■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

Craft and conversation If you’re a passionate crafter and want some company, why not head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older. ■ https://bit.ly/39BIu2O

Parkinson’s support group 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. New members and carers welcome. ■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Eynesbury Market A community market located amongst gorgeous trees and next to the iconic Eynesbury Homestead. The market is on the fourth Sunday of the month. It features a great range of food trucks, artisans, makers and more.

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh makes reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They’re looking for people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. Meets on the first Sunday each month at the Darley Neighbourhood House 2pm-4pm. Find the Facebook group for more details.

Melton Bridge Club The Melton Bridge Club has recommenced weekly social Bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817 or Ros at the library

Chill Out Sunbury

members, to get together and discover the social aspects of the group. ■ Ann, 0425 705 150

New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience. ■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119 or 0400 052 857

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

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club Melton Cycling Club Melton Cycling club meets for regular 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

Get involved with a welcoming, fun, social group of women who have spread the word of ladies badminton since 1999. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am-noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm at Eric Boardman Reserve, Wilsons Lane. ■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

French and Italian for over 50s 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

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

Community singing group U3A Melton offers among its activities a Book Group, Australian History and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and over who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active. ■ 0419 563 016

If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 60’s and 70’s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am. ■ Val, 0418 667 150

Melton Combined Probus Club

Rotary Club of Melton

Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

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

The Rotary Club of Melton invites new guests to join its meetings, held on the first and third Tuesday of every month, 6pm at Tabcorp Park in Melton. ■ meltonrotary@gmail.com

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

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

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.

Melton Friendship Group.

Are you between 12 and 18 years old and want to engage with other young people, participate in activities such as trivia, games, art, music, competitions, personal development and more? Chill Out Sunbury is for you. It’s free and happens every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street. ■ https://bit.ly/3lmVgVh

U3A Melton

Creative life writing Have you ever wanted to learn how to write your life story? Get involved with Annette Subhani’s creative life writing workshop on Tuesday, July 12 at Romsey Library from 6.30-8.30pm. Bookings required.

Come have a chat Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. The key theme for the coming months will be kindness. The chats take place every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30am at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon. ■ Carol, 0431 186 575

Sunbury badminton fun The Sunbury Badminton Club has a new extra playing time on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. All are welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road, with equipment provided and coaching available. Playing for the first time is free. ■ sunburybc@gmail.com

Family History and Heritage Society If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and even your own family history, why not check out the Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society, meeting at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury. ■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6o Tuesday, 5 July, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

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FEBRUARY 9, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM

Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Melton Moorabool Star Weekly from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!

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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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Bacchus Marsh 7/11 Service Station 28 Baccus Marsh Road

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• •

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Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh Newsagency 138 Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh Arbee Real Estate 140 Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh Sweeney Real Estate 164 Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh Stockdale and Leggo Real Estate 191 Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh Moorabool Shire 182 Halletts Way

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Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh Information Centre 215 Main Street

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Ballan Ballan Newsagency 133 Inglis Street Ballan IGA Plus Liquor - Ballan 135 Inglis Street

• • • • • • • • • •

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

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18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 July, 2022

PUZZLES

Hand it over (colloq) (5) Mountain ascent (4,5)

10 11 12 13

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: 21 words: Good 32 words: Very good

1 2 9 4 3 5 8 7 6

5 4 8 7 2 6 9 1 3

3 9 4 5 1 7 6 8 2

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

N T R Y

E Y

A F E S R O N E S I D E

2 8 1 3 6 4 5 9 7

9 7 3 2 5 8 4 6 1

2 3 4 8 5 6 7 1 9

3 6 1 5 8 2 9 4 7

5 4 8 6 7 9 3 2 1

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

O S E D

1 5 6 9 2 7 4 3 8

No. 088

4 6 5 1 7 9 3 2 8

8 9 7 3 4 1 2 5 6

6 7 2 5 (

4 LETTERS ALAS ARSE ARTS AWES BASS BITE CLUE KEYS LASS MISS MULE OBOE RUDE TOOK 5 LETTERS AISLE

LILAC LOAFS MALES MOTOR MOTTO NAVEL OBESE OLIVE OMEGA OPENS OUTDO ROADS SERVE SLEWS SPELL STEAK STEWS STORE STYLE SWELL TERSE

TILED TREES TROTS TRUER UTERI WARTS WOMEN

7 LETTERS ACROBAT AUTOPSY ENAMELS GENTLER SMASHED UNNERVE

6 LETTERS LANCES RECITE SEDATE WAKENS

8 LETTERS EMERGENT LECTURES SHORTEST SUSPENSE

08-07-22

S P A

7 5 6 9 8 2 1 3 4

dilute, duel, duet, dune, dung, dunlin, eluding, eluting, enduing, ennui, etui, glue, glued, glut, glutei, gluten, guide, guild, guile, guilt, gunned, indue, indulge, INDULGENT, lieu, lung, lunge, lunged, lute, nude, nudge, tune, tuned, tuning, unit, unite, united, unlined, unlit, untie, untied, until, utile

8 1 2 6 4 3 7 5 9

7 6 4 8 2 1 9 3 5

2 9 3 6 4 5 1 8 7

4 2 7 9 3 6 5 1 8

1 8 5 2 7 4 6 9 3

6 3 9 5 1 8 4 7 2

8 4 1 7 6 2 3 5 9

3 7 2 4 5 9 8 6 1

9 5 6 1 8 3 7 2 4

7 2 9 4 1 3 6 8 5

9 8 5 7 3 4 1 6 2

6 1 3 2 9 8 5 7 4

4 7 2 1 6 5 8 9 3

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

5 1 8 3 9 7 2 4 6

6 3 7 8 9 1 2 4 5

43 words: Excellent

hard

9-LETTER WORD

$ 3 5 , /

ALIVE APRIL AROMA ARSES ASSES ATLAS BARGE BOAST CHURN CRAVE EARNS EASEL EDGES ENACT ENTER ENVOY ERASE FIRES HAREM INCUR LEPER

medium

easy

4 3

X 18

6 1

/ 2 $ ) 6

QUICK QUIZ

A quintuplet is one of how many babies born at once?

The Woodchuck or groundhog is what type of animal?

When is the next leap year?

Black, green and Rooibos are all types of what?

Cartomancy is the art of divination by what means?

The black dog is a symbolic representation of what?

What nationality is singersongwriter Elvis Costello?

Jamie Lee Curtis (pictured) starred as Laurie Strode in which 1978 movie?

Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo plays for which club in the 2021-22 season?

10 Pop singer John Paul Young had a 1978 hit with what song?

ANSWERS: 1. Five 2. 2024 3. Tea 4. Depression 5. Halloween 6. Manchester United 7. Marmot 8. Reading a deck of cards 9. English 10. Love Is in the Air

5x5

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

5 2 9

R E Y A U B P V F S K N T

7 ( 5 6 (

7 5 8 ( 5 2 8 7 ' 2 2 0 ( * $ $ . 5 ( ' 1 0 , 6 6 7 :2 $ 7 / $ 6 2 5 7 ( 6 7 8 7 2 3 6 < 7 6 ( ( / $ 5 6 ( ( / 6 : $ . ( 1 6 ( 1 5 $ 3 & 5 $ 9 ( ( $ 6 ( / 6 : ( / /

' ( 1

9 4

4 1

, 1 & 8 5

$ , 6 / ( :2 0 ( 1 ( 1 $ & 7 ' 6 6 7 ( ( & + 8 5 1 7 / ( 5 5 8 ' ( % 2 ( 6 + $ 7 $ 1 6 ( $ 5 0 8 / ( 7 ( 1 $ 0 ( $ 5 1 6 $ 5 * ( . 6 ( 5 9 ( ( 1 9 2 < 6 7 ( : 6

7 , / ( '

% 2 $ 6 7

2 5 9 ( $ & , $ 7 * ( ( 2 2 % 3 ( ( 6 1 ( 6 % 0 $ ( 6 : 6

2 / , 9 (

7 , / ( '

0 $ / ( 6

M C H D QW L Z O G I X J

8 1

2 / , 9 (

7 2 2 $ . 1 7 : $ 2 5 8 7 7 6

hard

0 $ / ( 6

6 0 $ 6 + ( '

5 8 9 6 3 2 9 4 8 7

3 LETTERS AGE ANT ASK BAN DEN EEL EVE EWE IDS ION KEN MEW NET ONE OPT OUT OVA RAP RAW RED RUM TEA TWO VOW

No. 088

% $ 1

5 8

WORDFIT

7 ( 5 6 (

No. 088

, 1 & 8 5

DECODER

% 2 $ 6 7

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

DOWN 1 2

5 8 ( 5 8 7 ' 2 0 ( * $ 5 ( ' 0 , 6 6 2 7 / $ 6 7 ( 6 7 2 3 6 < ( ( / $ 5 6 ( 6 . ( 1 6 5 $ 3 5 $ 9 ( $ 6 ( / : ( / /

medium

18 21 23 24

( / : $ ( 1 & ( 6

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

14 16 19 20 22 25 26 27 28

/ ( ( 1 & 7 7 ( 8 5 5 ( 6 + $ $ 5 / ( $ 0 6 . 9 ( 2 < : 6

11 12 13

8 1 1 ( 5 9 (

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

$ , :2 ( 1 6 & 7 / 5 8 2 ( 7 6 ( 0 ( 5 * ( 1 7

7 ( $ $ 5 6 ( 6

Size (5) Insipid (9) Engine (7) Most long-suffering or submissive (7) Meet (9) Following (5) Digitally generated imagery (1.1.1.) Ancient (11) With excessive effort (11) Come together (3) “Not on your — !” (5) In part (9) Dawn (7) Witticism (7) Silver medallists (7-2) Nordic (5)

2 5 9 ( $ & , $ 7 * ( ( 2 2 % 3 ( ( 6 1 ( 6 % 0 $ ( 6 : 6

easy

Japanese verse form (5) Surgery chamber (7) Japanese warrior (7) Gracefully (9) Discharge (5) Tongue-in-cheek (9) Settler (9) Political policy (5,4) Evenly (9) Greek musician who visited the underworld (7) Distribute (food) (5,2) Flaxen cloth (5) Mediterranean island (5) Arab state (5)

3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 17

ACROSS 1 4 9 10

No. 088

6 7 2 5 (

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

$ 3 5 , /

No. 088

/ 2 $ ) 6

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 5 July, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. By what scoreline did the Australian men’s cricket team lose its 2022 fivematch ODI series against Sri Lanka? 2. During that series, which Aussie left-arm spinner impressively took six wickets in his first four games?

4. Which Italian player did Novak Djokovic defeat in last year’s Wimbledon men’s singles final?

12. Roger Goodell is the commissioner of which major North American sports league?

5. The Matildas soccer team suffered a 7-0 defeat against which European nation in a recent match?

13. Which team selected Australian teenager Dyson Daniels with the eighth pick of the 2022 NBA Draft?

6. In which year was the Women’s Interstate Challenge rebranded as the Women’s State of Origin?

3. Which Penrith Panthers player scored two tries for New South Wales in Game 2 of the State of Origin series?

14. Rob Manfred is the commissioner of which major North American sports league?

7. How many times has Australian basketballer Lauren Jackson won the WNBA Most Valuable Player Award?

15. Which team did the Colorado Avalanche defeat four games to two to win the 2022 Stanley Cup? 16. Adam Silver is the commissioner of which major North American sports league?

8. Which English middleorder batsman has scored four Test centuries so far this year, including 162 against New Zealand in the third Test?

23. Which team had the first pick in the 2022 AFL Women’s national draft?

18. Gary Bettman is the commissioner of which major North American sports league? 19. Which two teams qualified for the 2022 Super Netball Grand Final?

10. Who was the first indigenous AFL player to win the Brownlow Medal?

20. Australia’s national men’s soccer team has been drawn in Group D of the 2022 FIFA World Cup with which three other countries?

11. Which team selected young Perth Wildcats basketballer Luke Travers with the 56th pick of the 2022 NBA Draft?

21. The Matildas recently drew 1-1 in a friendly against which European nation? 22. How many weeks was Geelong player Tom Stewart suspended for after his hit on Richmond player Dion Prestia?

17. Anthony Jerome Webb is the real name of which former US athlete?

9. How many times has tennis player Andy Murray lost the Australian Open men’s singles final in his career?

Andy Murray

Lauren Jackson

24. Which Australian tennis player played Novak Djokovic in the second round of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships?

26. Which country will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup? 27. Harmony Tan defeated what tennis champion in the first round of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships? 28. Australia recently announced a team of 73 athletes to compete in what event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games? 29. The Triple Crown is a prestigious award given out in which sport?

25. Which two AFL clubs also have teams that compete in the Super Netball competition?

30. What country will host the 2023 One Day International Cricket World Cup?

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CHOOKS FOR SALE Hyline/Isa Brown pullets Sexed and vaccinated.

Public Notices and Event

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The following animal has been impounded from within the municipal district of the City of Melton by Council’s Authorised Ofﬁcers. 1 X Black and White male pig. No ear tags or brands Impounded on Friday 24 June 2022 from Leakes Road Plumpton. If not claimed and fees paid by 14 July 2022, this pig will be sold at public auction at Melton City Council’s Livestock Pound on Monday 18 July 2022. All enquiries regarding the above-mentioned animals or auction process should be directed to Council’s Animal Management Unit on 9747 7200. Attention John Fleming Team Leader Ranger Services.

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Tuesday, 5 July, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21

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Citroen C4 shines for the price By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring The Citroen C4 may look like an SUV, Citroen describes it as a blend of car, hatch and a coupe. Whatever floats your boat. There’s just the one model coming Downunder, the C4 Shine, priced from $37,990 plus on-roads.

Styling It sits high enough to be an SUV and has, lower protective plastic cladding, and it’s categorised as an SUV for statistical purposes. But the rear hatch and steeply sloping rear roof line lend an athletic, coupe-look to the profile. The front with its slimline lights’ highlights “Citroën LED Vision“ technology, with daytime running lights, headlights with three elements and LED fog lights with static corner lighting. The interior features a wide, minimalist dashboard, bookended by large air vents, with easy-to-use controls that does away with unnecessary clutter. It has a minimalist 5.5-inch digital instrument panel. You won’t find any cool navigation graphics here. In fact, cycling through the small screen and its retro graphics produces hardly any visual change at all. A flip-up style, head-up information panel is standard. It’s visible through polarised sunglasses. Excellent! It does the job, but is a little large and intrusive. Rear seat comfort was given plenty of attention during the design process, but legroom still feels a little tight. Advanced Comfort seats, designed for long distances, incorporate a high-density layer covered by 15mm-thick textured surface foam, providing a padded effect. Standard kit includes 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and start, dual climate air conditioning, partial leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and a four-way power driver’s seat with massaging. There’s also automatic lights and wipers, automatic high-beam, dimming rear-view mirror, LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights, static cornering lights, along with front, rear and side parking sensors, electric parking brake, rear privacy glass and heated, power-folding exterior mirrors. Curiously, the physical volume control for audio is located on the furthest side from the driver, whether it’s the right or left-hand drive model. There’s one 12V power outlet in front, along with one USB Type-A socket for charging and one USB Type-C socket for data. The second row has just the one USB Type-A socket for charging. Citroen C4 is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with service due every 12 months or 15,000km.

C4 . . . it’s fun, stylish and doesn’t cost a bomb. (Pictures: Supplied)

There’s also blind spot monitoring, active lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, driver attention alert, colour head-up display and a reversing camera with top-down 360-degree image.

Infotainment Infotainment comes in the form of a frameless, ultra-thin, borderless 10.0-inch touchscreen together with six-speaker audio, built-in satellite navigation, voice recognition, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, DAB digital radio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto -- with the support of high-level acoustic insulation.

Engines / transmissions Power comes from a perky 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that delivers 114kW of power at 5500 revs and 240Nm of torque from 1750 revs. Driving the front wheels is an eight-speed auto, with paddle shifters. The engine stop-start that delivers excellent fuel consumption.

Safety Safety is disappointingly rated at four stars, narrowly falling short in some areas. It extends to six airbags, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with low light pedestrian and cyclist detection. 22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 July, 2022

Driving The sloping roofline, although it looks terrific, makes backseat entry and exit more difficult and reduces rear headroom. The cabin features a hollow form dash and soft touch armrest trim, with high-gloss black accents for the air vents, steering wheel, instrument panel, air conditioning fascia, infotainment controls and centre console. The centre console offers plenty of storage space with lots of other storage available around the cabin. The front seats are comfy, a good size and heated too. The driver’s seat features four-way electric adjustment but manual fore and aft adjustment as well as a massage function. The passengers’ seat has multi-way manual adjustment with electric lumbar adjustment. The rear seat has a split/fold backrest. Its rear area has rear air vents and USB charging. The doors feature a curious, angled strip of cloth trim as ornamentation. Doubling as a rear-view camera, the screen offers poor vision when it comes to reversing in low light at night.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Citroen C4 Shine: $37,990 (automatic) SPECIFICATIONS Citroen C4 Shine 1.2-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon

Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Citroen dealer for drive-away prices.

Turbocharging the car basically brings performance up to the level of a 2.0-litre engine. It also delivers maximum torque earlier in the rev range, giving it more thrust, especially away from the line. Being a three-cylinder engine, it adds a thrummy feel and note to proceedings. Gear selection is accomplished via a fingertip type push-pull toggle, with separate buttons for park and manual mode and another switch for drive modes. The toggle works okay, but is virtually invisible at night and can be challenging as your fingers search for it, with backlighting for only the park and manual buttons. Gear change paddles are fun for more spirited driving. The three-cylinder turbo delivers a surprising amount of punch for its size, zipping away from

the lights and developing a healthy rasp under hard acceleration. The eight-speed auto is often jerky in execution and reminds us of the dead but not forgotten robotised manual the company once offered. The brakes are grabby too. Much is made of the ride quality which is enhanced by pressurised hydraulic shock absorbers with progressive damping front and rear. The resulting ride is firmish and not altogether unpleasant, but nothing special otherwise. Over the shoulder vision is compromised by the roof structure and rear pillars. Rated at 6.1L/100km, we were getting 6.7 from the 50-litre tank after 720km of road testing.

Summing up I worry for the future of Citroen in this country. Although it makes some fun and sometimes exciting cars, for some reason no one wants to buy them. I guess it can be compared to GM trying to sell Holdens to the French. They’d be suspicious at least. I’m not saying the C4 is a great car, but it offers plenty for the price. It’s fun, super stylish and is an interesting alternative to the lookalike, drive-alike competition.

Queen set for a break after another classy run Queen Elida will be sent for a break and set for some of the big features at the back end of the year after another classy display at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night. Brent Lilley’s emerging megastar cruised to an 8.3m victory in the Group 2 IRT Australia Matriarch Trot and the Bolinda trainer told thetrots.com.au that the mare would now be given a short spell. Driver Chris Alford was asked by TrotsVision host Rob Auber if the four-year-old was the most exciting trotter he’d ever driven, but the champion reinsman stopped short of declaring her that just yet.

“Ever is hard to say. I’ve driven some good ones over my time, but if she keeps going, she’s going to be good enough to win an Inter Dominion I think. Just driving her quiet with her electric speed,” Alford said. “In 12 months, we might be saying that she’s the best one around.” While Queen Elida won well to register her 14th victory at start 24, Alford felt she was below her best. “She was a bit snaky tonight in the pre-race warm-up and even before the race,” Alford said. “When she got sort of 6m in front, I could just feel her ease up and just wait.

“So she probably wasn’t 100 per cent tonight, but still got the job done really easily.” Queen Elida’s four runs this preparation included a second placing to Mufasa Metro in the Group 3 Vulcan Trotters Free For All and wins in the Group 1 La Coocaracha, Group 3 Carlotta’s Pride Trotters Free For All and the Group 2 IRT Australia Matriarch Trot. The daughter of Love You was named the 2021 Victorian 3YO Trotting Filly of the Year at Sunday’s awards night at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Queen Elida and driver Chris Alford.

Tim O’Connor

(Stuart McCormick)

Laura Elliott. (Shawn Smits) 286532_01

Maddy Gray in action. (Robbab Photography)

Falcons score a huge win

Charlotte Baskaran.

(Supplied)

AFLW dreams realised By Matthew Sims Two Western Jets players have had their football dreams come true, with Charlotte Baskaran and Laura Elliott joining the Hawthorn Football Club’s women’s team. Hawthorn picked Baskaran at number nine, while it picked Elliott at number 26. Baskaran led the Jets to their first grand final win earlier this year with an average of 27.6 disposals, 6.6 tackles, 5.3 clearances and 4.2 inside 50s. A Hawthorn spokesperson said Baskaran was also named captain of the NAB League Girls Team of the Year and was runner-up in the competition’s best and fairest award. “The highly impressive teenager not only possesses leadership capabilities but incredible football smarts and a high work rate all over the ground,” the spokesperson said. “The NAB AFLW Academy member has also represented Vic Metro on multiple occasions, averaging 16 disposals, 12 tackles and 3.3 clearances as well as making the under 18 All

Australian team in her most recent campaign.” Having been a keen netballer and state athletics champion, Baskaran turned to football when she was 16 and has never looked back. Baskaran previously told Star Weekly that her focus was on recovering from an ankle injury. “Now it’s about getting my ankle back to 100 per cent and doing rehab and a bit of upper body training,“ she said. “I’m still doing as much as I can and not lose any fitness. “I want to keep that positive mindset.” Elliott said she and her family celebrated the good news while watching the draft announcements together. “It still feels surreal,” she said. Elliott said she was looking forward to starting training with the other Hawthorn players on Saturday. “Hawthorn is a great club,“ she said. Elliott averaged 13.8 disposals, 4.7 rebound 50s and 3.8 marks at the NAB League level. A Hawthorn spokesperson said her most

impressive performance was in the grand final, in which she surpassed 20 disposals for the first time in 2022 and achieved 12 rebound 50s. “At the 2022 NAB AFLW National Championships, she averaged 9.3 disposals and 2.7 marks,” the spokesperson said. “Elliott’s aerial ability is second to none thanks to her immense composure and exquisite positioning around the contest.“ Hawthorn AFLW list manager Mitchell Cashion said the club was thrilled with the results of the draft. “Coming into our inaugural AFLW draft with seven of the first 13 picks meant we were confident in our ability to select the best talent available,” he said. “To come out of the draft with some of the most exciting prospects in the country is a huge achievement for our entire Hawthorn community, who I’m sure will really enjoy watching these players develop their skills and craft over years to come. “With our AFLW list now completed, we are ready to propel into the season and have exciting upside for the future ahead.”

After a tough couple of games, the City West Falcons have come back firing on all cylinders, with a huge win in the Victorian Netball League championships division. The Falcons made light work of the Peninsula Waves on Wednesday night, winning 93-47. The score is the highest of the season for the Falcons, who are currently sitting second on the ladder with their eyes set on the finals in three weeks time. Falcons coach Marg Lind said the key to the team’s recent success was a strong focus on defence, which showed in their win against the Waves. “We’ve been doing a fair bit of focus on overall team defence, because we feel like we’re the highest scoring team in the league, but we’ve had a fair bit scored against us,” Lind said. “The key was just really good defensive pressure right across each position, not just our defenders.” Shooter Jane Cook had a stellar night on the scoreboard, despite recently returning from an ankle injury. Supporting Cook on the court was Uneeq Palavi and Madelyn Gray, who both did a really great job, Lind said. Lind also commended centre Montana Holmes and goalkeeper Sarah Szczykulski on a solid game. With the finals around the corner and Falcons in the top four in all three divisions, the teams are well placed for the rest of the season, but Lind said some points were tight and they needed to keep winning. The scores are particularly close in the under-19 division, where the Falcons are placed on top of the ladder but only have six points separating them from the rest of the top five. It was a less exciting result for the under-19 team on Wednesday, as they drew with the Waves 49-49. But Lind said the draw was still a good result as the team came back from being down 10 goals. The Falcons will take on the Ariels next week on their home ground, followed by a clash with Melbourne University Lightning on July 13. Tuesday, 5 July, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

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