Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 6th September 2022 by Star Weekly

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6 SEPTEMBER, 2022

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(Joe Mastroianni). 297231_01

Lakers break through

Caroline Springs finally has a Western Region Football League women’s division premiership in its hands. After losing the last two grand finals, the Lakers were keen to atone against Spotswood on Saturday night. After an even first half the Lakers took control of the game in the third quarter before running away with the premiership in the final quarter, winning 8.9 (57)-2.7 (19). It was a big day for the Lakers with their division 2 women’s side also in the grand final. ■ For more details, turn to page 23

Outrage over link route Community groups and residents of Melton are fighting back against a proposed route change to the Western Renewables Link, set to begin installation by AusNet in mid-2024. The 190-kilometre high-voltage transmission network project that will provide renewable energy to Melbourne has been met with intense criticism from landholders, residents and local councils, as many have

argued the transmission lines should be installed underground. The proposed route for the project was recently updated, with the plan now including 46-metre high towers installed on the northern edge of MacPherson Park, a reserve used by several community sport and recreation clubs. Melton Football Netball Club president Brian McNabb said the group was concerned about the lack of consultation and safety risks,

Our aim is to take the stress and

as the club uses the grounds multiple times per week for training and games. “There’s nothing positive for the club in any way with these towers to be installed, if anything, it’s a dangerous situation for people involved in local sport,” Mr McNabb said. “The real disappointment is it’s just been a lot of secrets and nothing presented formally until the eleventh hour … Trying to push it through without consulting clubs.” The Melton Greyhound Racing Club and

the Melton Pony Club also use the facilities around the MacPherson Park area, where there will be 80-metre high towers, and the future additional Melton Christian College campus will also be situated a short distance from the towers. “[MacPherson Park] is a seven day a week complex … with a lot of people in that area,” Mr McNabb said. ■

Continued: Page 4

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 3

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EPA revokes company spoil plan By Olivia Condous The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially revoked the approval of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) issued to Maddingley Brown Coal (MBC). The EMP was submitted by MBC for it’s Western Soil Treatment (WST) site as part of its application to receive tunnel boring machine spoil from the West Gate Tunnel Project. Environment Protection Authority Victoria approved the plan in April last year,

after determining there were appropriate measures to keep the environment and community safe. Melton and Bacchus Marsh residents raised strong concerns over the dumping of the soil, after MBC and the Cleanaway site in Ravenhall were both initially approved as possible sites to store the soil. According to the EPA, MBC request the EMP’s approval be withdrawn after its bid to accept the soil was unsuccessful. The withdrawal follows the Victorian Ombudsman condemning the EPA’s handling

of the spoil dumping in a report released in June, stating that the regulator failed to properly engage with the community and lacked accountability. Speaking to Star Weekly in June, Bacchus Marsh Community Coalition member Kat Barlow said the report was “rightly scathing” of the EPA. “It vindicates our longstanding community concerns that we weren’t being considered and no one had bothered to consult with us because they’d decided how we felt,” Ms Barlow said.

She said the community remained concerned about the EPA’s management of environmental issues and feared it’s approach was more reactive rather than responsive. “We certainly remain concerned about community and environmental health,” Ms Barlow said. “The EPA have asserted that they were trying to build trust within the communities, but we haven’t heard from the EPA.” One million tonnes of spoil has been received so far at the Bulla Hi-Quality processing facility in Sunbury.

Outrage over route change ■

The Rehmat Sandhu Foundation is holding a community sports day in Melton to encourage kids to engage in sport.

(Damjan Janevski) 296985_03

Have a ball at free family sports day Melton children and families are invited to a day of active fun with a free community sports day this month. The Rehmat Sandhu Foundation is hosting the event, encouraging local children to get outdoors and get active. The foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that assists vulnerable people in Melton with housing and other support, founded by Ravinder Kaur in memory of her late son Rehmat. “Rehmat always played basketball, that was

his passion and I want to keep his memory alive,” Ms Kaur said. “This day is about giving back to the kids in the community, that’s what Rehmat would want.” The event will include local athletes playing games with children, as well as a barbeque, face painting, music and giveaways. The foundation has also purchased 200 sports balls for children to take home, with support from Melton MP Steve McGhie.

“At the moment after COVID, families and kids are struggling,” Ms Kaur said. “We thought this was the best thing that we could do, to get the kids out, promoting outdoor games and getting kids outside. “At the end of the day, it’s just smiles for the kids and the parents.” The event will run at Hannah Watts Park on September 18 from 11am. For more information contact 0433 498 910.

From page 1

The change to the proposed route was made after the previous proposal impacted operations at the Melton Aerodrome and was reassessed as having “the lowest overall impact”. Druing a Melton council meeting last month, several councillors spoke against the project and unanimously voted to support advocacy efforts for the undergrounding of the transmission lines. Councillor Moira Deeming called the management of the project “despicable”. “This is too little too late, it’s no good to change the name of a project and then do all of this community consultation,” she said. Cr Sophie Ramsey said the 80-metre high towers stretching 21 kilometres across the northern part of Melton would have significant impacts on the community. “The process that it has followed has been poor … it seems to focus more on the cost of the infrastructure rather than the concern of the community.” An AusNet Services spokesperson said the route update in Melton maximised the distance of the transmission line to homes, and would not impact the sporting fields. “There is no established evidence that exposure to magnetic fields from powerlines, substations, transformers or other electrical sources, regardless of the proximity, causes any health effects, but we do understand the community has concerns and questions about this.” Following a booked out community dinner on September 1, AusNet will hold a second dinner on September 6. Details: www.westernrenewableslink. com.au

Olivia Condous

Greens candidate unveiled

www.tyrepowermelton.com.au 146 High Street Melton

Ph: 9743 5592 *Conditions apply

4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 September, 2022

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The Greens Party has announced its new candidate for the Eureka electoral district, a redistributed seat which encompasses most of Moorabool, in the lead up to the state election in November. Sam McColl will run for the seat and advocate for housing reform, renewable energy and anti-corruption standards as key issues. The seat of Buningyong will now be known as Eureka and take in the western suburbs of Ballarat and the seat of Eureka will now be known as Wendouree. The seat of Buninyong, which will make up the majority of the seat of Eureka, is currently held by Labor MP Michaela Settle. At the 2018 state election, the Labor Party won 42.8 per cent of first preference votes counted in Buninyong, while the Greens Party had 10 per cent.

Mr McColl ran for the seat of Mallee in the federal election earlier this year. He works in Ballarat as a venue and events manager at the Ballarat Mechanics Institute. Mr McColl highlighted the impact of rising rental costs on young people, stating that the Greens also planned to strengthen renter rights, control rent increases in line with wage growth and establish a Housing Ombudsman. “My rent swallows up over a third of my weekly income, and I am worried that any rent rise may mean that I can no longer afford to live locally,” Mr McColl said. “This is also the situation for many who live in the area … Victoria needs a housing system that puts people before profit.”

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Strong migration to Moorabool By Olivia Condous The number of people moving from Melbourne to Moorabool has continued to increase, defying the nationwide 16.5 per cent drop in migration to the regions. The latest Regional Movers Index report from Commonwealth Bank and the Regional Australia Institute stated that net migration to regional areas of Australia had dropped 35 per cent since the March quarter this year. Moorabool was the only municipality in

Australia that had been named in the top five “regional movers” to experience a migration increase in the June quarter. In the June 2022 quarter, Moorabool had a 10 per cent increase in the number of people moving into the region from a capital city, while other top LGAs such as Mount Gambier and Port Augusta saw a 40 per cent and 33 per cent decrease respectively. The latest increase means Moorabool had a 54 per cent increase in the number of people migrating to the region in the 2021-22 financial

year and migration in June 2022 quarter was 65 per cent higher than it was during the same period last year. Moorabool mayor Tom Sullivan said the council was not surprised to still be experiencing an increase in migration from the city. “Moorabool Shire is so close to Melbourne and full of beautiful family-friendly towns and surrounded by several State Parks,” he said. “It’s a very natural, green, lovely place to live and we expect it will continue to be in high demand.”

Cr Sullivan said that the council was aware of the increased pressure on services that the rising migration rate created, as the population increased. “There is high demand for council services and services run by other agencies in areas such as aged care, children, health, recreation and education,” Cr Sullivan said. “We will continue to advocate strongly to the state and federal governments to make sure we are adequately funded to cater for the growth we are experiencing.”

Custodians of history A small group of Bacchus Marsh residents have a passion for the past that they’re keen to share. The Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society (BMDHS) has been preserving the region’s history for the last 54 years, collecting newspapers, photos and artifacts that date back to the 1800s. BMDHS president Barbara McMillan, who has lived in Bacchus Marsh for more than 50 years, said she loved learning about the history of the town. “It was settled in 1836 which was one of the very early settlements in the area … so we’re just preserving the history of the district,” she said. The group does extensive archival work digitising newspapers, some being more than 150 years old, and sell historic books on the history of the region. Ms McMillan said the group was always happy to hear from residents who were interested in helping with the archival work,

as well as receiving donations of artifacts from the community. “Anything related to Bacchus Marsh that people come across, whether they’re clearing out their parents house or old minute books from cricket clubs or footy clubs, we’re quite happy to take that as it helps us with our research,” she said. “We’ve got to preserve it for future generations.” Olivia Condous

Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society president Barbara McMillan and member Christine Bronchinetti. (Damjan Janevski) 296774_01

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 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

Community information sessions As part of our current round of community information sessions we’re holding a webinar on 8 September and have also added another in-person dinner discussion for the Melton area to meet high demand. These events are a chance for you to learn more about the Western Renewables Link and discuss any queries or concerns. For full details and to register please scan the QR code or visit westernrenewableslink.com.au NEW dinner discussion Melton and District Pony Club, 734 Bulmans Road, Harkness

6pm–8pm Tuesday, 6 September

Webinar

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 5

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Free soccer program Football Empowerment is running free soccer clinics in Melton at Mt Carberry Recreation Reserve. The program will run each Thursday night until the end of November. The program allows players to develop their skills, have fun and keep active. Details: info@ footballempowerment.org.au

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Drum beats workshop Melton council is offering a a free drumming and team building workshop, in collaboration with Melton Specialist School and Young Communities. Council engagement officer Frank will lead the group through a variety of beats and rhythms to create fun tunes with djembe drums. The workshop will be held on September 7 at 11am at the Melton Youth Facility.

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Women’s Health Week film night

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Greater Western Water managing director Maree Lang with strategic partnerships manager Jakin Ravalico. (Supplied)

Big tree planting effort

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Melton is a little bit greener after 500 Indigenous trees were planted in the municipality on August 28. Greater Western Water (GWW) partnered with volunteers in a planting effort at the Melton Recycled Water Plant site. The 500 new trees contributed to the 10,000 tree goal that GWW has committed to plant across the three of its wastewater treatment sites in Melton, Werribee and Altona, supporting the goal to achieve net zero carbon by 2030. The planting day was also part of the Victorian government’s More Trees for a

Cooler, Greener West program. GWW managing director Maree Lang said expanding tree canopy cover in the west allowed for a more climate resilient future. “These additional 10,000 trees will improve environmental health, increase biodiversity, reduce emissions and create habitat and nature corridors for wildlife,” she said. “We would like to thank the volunteers who took part in the event and for continuing the important work of improving the biodiversity of this area and supporting our ambition to care for Country.”

Celebrate Women’s Health with a movie night run by Moorabool council. A free screening of ‘Brazen Hussies’ will run at the Lerderderg Library on September 8 at 6.30pm. The documentary film centres on the Australian women’s libreation movement of the 1960s and 70s. A light supper will be provided. Bookings: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/womens-health-week-2022movie-screening-brazen-hussiestickets-396321246517

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Healthy eating advisors

Feedback open for pets in public

By Olivia Condous Education on healthy eating for children is set to be more accessible through a new initiative that is being rolled out across the state. Melton is one of 13 Victorian municipalities to be selected for the Healthy Kids Advisors initiative, in which dedicated advisors will teach residents and their children about healthy eating for young people. The initiative is run by the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation on behalf of the Victorian government as part of the Vic Kids Eat Well movement.

‘‘

We want to support our children and young people to enjoy active, healthy - Maryann Barsoum lifestyles

’’

The new Healthy Kids Advisor for Melton Maryann Barsoum and Western Health health promotion officer Jessica Law. (Damjan Janevski) 296738_01

“I’ll also show simple ways local schools and organisations can add fun and flavour to their food and drink environments.” Western Health Bacchus Marsh and Melton acting general manager Kellie Vivekanantham said the organisation was proud to partner with the Healthy Kids Advisor and the Vic Kids Eat Well program to improve the food environments for children and families in Melton.

“Forming good habits of healthy eating when we are young reduces the risks of many diseases later in life as well as providing the proper nutrition to learn, play and grow now,” Ms Vivekanantham said. To learn how you can get involved, contact Maryann on maryann.barsoum@ kitchengardenfoundation.org.au. Details: https://www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au/ healthy-kids-advisors

Melton council is reaching out to residents to gain feedback on a new Dog Off-Lead strategy for the municipality. The council is calling on dog owners and non-dog owners to share their thoughts and concerns, to create a better experience for everyone. The strategy will consider where where additional off-lead areas might be needed, if fenced off-lead areas or unfenced off-lead areas are more appropriate, if owners generally control their dogs appropriately and if compliance with leashing regulation is being enforced adequately. Currently, all dogs must be on a lead in all public places within the Melton municipality, unless they are in one of the six, fenced off-lead areas. Melton mayor Goran Kesic encouraged residents to have their say. “We want to identify off-lead and on-lead opportunities for dog owners and their dogs, while considering the needs of everyone who spends time in our open spaces,” he said. “To help us strike the right balance, we want to hear from everyone, whether you own a dog or not, to understand your interests and concerns when it comes to dogs in open spaces.” Residents can complete a survey or write a submission until September 18. Details: conversations.melton.vic. gov.au/dogs

FSA/DETS1029

Maryann Barsoum is the Healthy Kids Advisor for Melton and said she will work closely with the local community, including in partnership with Melton council and Western Health. “As a community, we want to support our children and young people to enjoy active, healthy lifestyles,” Ms Barsoum said. “I’m here to listen and collaborate with local voices to make the changes our families and young people want to see.” Examples of how Ms Barsoum will engage with the community include community workshops and classes or working with schools and sporting clubs to help them promote healthy eating. “I’m excited to share easy, nourishing recipes that excite children to experiment with all types of ingredients,” she said.

NEWS

Giving Victorian children the best start in life Free Kinder from 2023 will give Victorian children the best start in life. Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder will be FREE across the state at participating services. In 2022, funded Three-Year-Old Kinder continues to roll out across the state. And over the decade, we’ll transition Four-Year-Old Kinder to Pre-Prep and establish 50 Victorian Government-owned and affordable childcare centres. Learn more at vic.gov.au/kinder

Tuesday, 6 September, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 7

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Radio with a distinctive voice With every new voice on community radio, a listener who may never have thought themselves a communicator or radio personality is given someone to look – or listen – up to. DO Show in Sunbury is doing just that, elevating the voices of people with disability and making them centre stage, as Elsie Lange reports.

ochie Baillie from Distinctive Options (DO) in Sunbury is thrilled to present a show on the local community radio station, Sunbury Radio, every Friday morning. The DO Show airs weekly, and is a vibrant, music-packed segment filled with interviews, news, the weather, shout outs and songs, all curated and presented by participants of DO, an organisation supporting people with disability. “I love Sunbury Radio so much. They are amazing people, they are all amazing staff on the radio – they are just unreal,” Lochie says. “I love doing this program so much. It helps me to speak clearly and nicely. “[I like] talking about the songs and the music, all different sorts, from Guy Sebastian to One Direction [and more].” The radio program started about two years ago, when a former Distinctive Options disability support worker got in touch with the station to explore the idea.

‘‘

We’re a part of the community and they’re a part of the community, they are entitled to it just like - Steve Tyers anyone else

’’

It was then that Steve Tyers, a Sunbury Radio volunteer and technician, got involved. “I thought here’s an opportunity to get these guys on air,” Steve says. “We’re a part of the community and they’re a part of the community, they are entitled to it just like anyone else.” DO disability support worker Tamara Collins now helps with the program, and says all the presenters “absolutely love Steve”. “They can’t wait to see him, which is really great, and he’s been teaching them about the radio, it’s such a great opportunity for them,” Tamara says. About every fourth Friday, the participants take a break and go out to get their interviews for their upcoming shows. They chat to interesting locals – Sunbury MP Josh Bull even made an appearance. “It was fantastic to sit down with Jess, Lochlan and Robert recently who asked some important, hard-hitting questions about our local community and my role as the member of parliament,” Josh says. “I was extremely honoured to be asked to be a guest on the show. “Listening to the experiences of people with disability and showing up are a fundamental part of making Victoria the most inclusive and accessible state.” All the participants have a go at presenting, with one of the presenters also operating the control panel and the microphones on their own. From producing, to interviewing, to back announcing – they’re learning the ropes of it all. Participant Jessica Opie says it’s been great to meet compelling people as they put their shows together, as well as “listening to different music”. Corrine Morgan also fronts the program, and says she loves presenting the weather, “like Livinia [Nixon]”, the Channel 9 weather presenter. “I do my own songs, my own shout outs,” Corrine says. “Sometimes I do Imagine Dragons, sometimes I do One Direction … or U2.” The crew even had to navigate presenting their show remotely during the pandemic – Steve says it was a lot of hard work. “It’s better when it’s live. During COVID-19 we did it via Zoom, I’d record the programs,

Main: DO Show presenters Jessica Opie, Lochie Baillie and Corinne Morgan with Sunbury Radio studio technician Steve Tyers. Above: DO Show presenter Jessica Opie. Top right: DO presenter Lochie Baillie loves Sunbury Radio. Right: DO Show presenter Corinne Morgan is the weather presenter. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 294950

collect their songs, put it all together and then put it up,” Steve says. The role of community radio in facilitating opportunities like the DO Show can’t be understated – it is on these often volunteer-run stations where the most diverse and integral voices are given their first shot at broadcasting. The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) describes community radio as “a vital part of the Australian media landscape”. “Four hundred and fifty plus radio stations broadcast more than 500 services across Australia, and play an important role in

8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 September, 2022

providing a voice for communities that aren’t adequately serviced by other broadcasting sectors,” CBAA says. Hume councillor Jarrod Bell, who grew up in Sunbury, has been involved with the station on and off for over 10 years, and says community radio is a “great way to build new skills, develop confidence and introduce people to world of media“. “It is, for many communities, a lifeline to outside world, especially during an emergency,” Cr Bell said. “That the DO crew is taking part is fantastic.”

Tamara says programs like the DO Show are crucial because people with a disability have so much to offer, and it gives the community an opportunity to better understand that. “It’s just fantastic to see them living out their own dreams as well,” Tamara says. “Like being on radio, how fun is it … they’re able to share information about their own town, where they live and upcoming things. “As far as personal development for them, it’s really important.” Lochie says community radio, and the opportunity to do the show, is “really special”. Corrine says, “it makes us feel special too”.

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Council’s infrastructure wishlist By Olivia Condous Melton council has called on all candidates for the upcoming Victorian state election to pledge infrastructure investment for the municipality. The council identified four main areas that it is advocating for investment, including road infrastructure, public transport, health services and supporting local jobs. Fix Our Roads is a focus of the advocacy priorities, which was a campaign launched by the council in April this year. The campaign outlines six roads or

intersections that require “critical” upgrades in order to ease congestion and improve safety, while meeting commercial and industrial growth demands. The council have also called on the government to provide a clear timeline of the previously promised electrification of the Melton rail line, as well as the provision of new stations at Hopkins Road, Paynes Road and Calder Park. It also stated the eight “dangerous” level crossings between Caroline Springs and Melton Reservoir should be removed.

The council called for several health upgrades for the municipality to help “disadvantaged” families, requiring incentives and scholarships for maternal child health nurses. Melton council also called for a dedicated mental health, drug and alcohol service located in proximity of the future Melton hospital and a tertiary facility near the hospital to train the staff required to support the new health services. Finally, to create long-term local jobs, the council has requested the construction of the Outer Metropolitan Ring Rail Network and the

Western Intermodal Freight Terminal, to open more opportunities for freight. Melton mayor Goran Kesic said the investments were required to meet the growing municipality’s needs, as the population was expected to reach nearly half a million people by 2040. “We need transport investment to get us moving, health and education investment to keep us strong and jobs to help us grow,” Cr Kesic said. “We need concrete commitments for our community this election to build a resilient and thriving city.”

Adopt a can-do attitude Women across Melton are being encouraged to put their health first this month, as a local sporting club is taking part in a statewide initiative to promote women getting active. Melton Phoenix Football Club is participating in This Girl Can Week, an initiative from VicHealth and Football Victoria. The week will run from September 12 to 18, with the club holding a free try-out day on September 17 for local women to give soccer a try and have fun. Melton Phoenix FC women’s ambassador Alexandra El-Khishen said the week was all about encouraging women to attend sport, without feeling that they aren’t fit enough or fear of being judged. “It’s basically an opportunity to reach out to all girls and women … they can have a kick around with a soccer ball and not be a part of the competitive side,” she said. “The main focus was we felt that there was a

gap, we had some young mums wanting to play sport but due to the time commitment with their kids they didn’t have the opportunity to do fitness activities.” The club regularly runs a Go Soccer Mums program, a fun social soccer group designed for women to engage in a healthy lifestyle, learn new skills and make social networks within their community. “All girls and women are encouraged to come along and have a go.” For more information contact: meltonphoenixfc@gmail.com Olivia Condous

Alexandra El-Khishen and Nyssa Boath from Melton Phoenix Football Club, who are participating in This Girl Can week. (Damjan Janevski) 296676_01

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Characters step off the page School students from across Melton and Moorabool dressed up to celebrate the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week, which ran between August 20 to 26. There were witches, warriors, princesses and more, with children dressing up as their favourite characters. Photos from schools across the region captured some of the colourful costumes.

1/ Melton Primary School pupils dressed up for the event. 2/ Grade four teachers from Taylors Hill Primary School co-ordinated their costumes. 3/ Melton Primary School pupils in costume. 4/ Liam, 9, from Taylors Hill Primary School dressed up in a Harry Potter themed costume. 5/ Creekside College students dressed up for Book Week. (Pictures: Supplied)

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Lockdown class action launched By Dora Houpis A businessman in the west who has restaurants in Keilor Park and Bundoora is the lead plaintiff in a class action against the state government that was last week given the go ahead to proceed. More than 1000 businesses, including some in the west, have signed up to the class action. The lead plaintiff is Anthony Ferrara who, according to the eatery’s website owns two 5 Districts NY restaurants, one of which is in Keilor Park and the other of which is in

Bundoora. On Friday, August 26, Victoria’s Supreme Court ruled a class action would proceed against the state government, key ministers, and bureaucrats over the alleged mismanagement of the state’s hotel quarantine program that forced businesses into Victoria’s second lockdown. Justice John Dixon’s ruling followed a two-year battle for businesses to fight for compensation. Quinn Emanuel partner Damian Scattini, who is leading the class action, said more than two years on, business owners were still

paying the price for the lockdown and the court’s ruling was an important win. “When the Victorian government decided to run a mandatory hotel quarantine program, it took on a duty to ensure it was managed properly,” he said. “If the hotel quarantine program had been handled competently by the people in charge, there would not have been a second lockdown.” The second lockdown was in August 2020. “That lockdown decimated businesses and through this class action, we are giving business owners a way to get back some of

what they lost,” Mr Scattini said. He said one gym owner had gone from earning $10,000 a week to $50 a week. A state government spokesperson said the government had noted the decision of the Supreme Court. The spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to comment further while the matter remained before the court. For updates or to register for the class action, go to www.hotelquarantineclassaction.com.au. For further information e-mail HQclassaction@quinnemanuel.com.

Funding boost booked “This funding will provide the Melton and Moorabool communities to have improved access to digital technology and resources, literacy support services, traditional collections, event spaces and workstations.” Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said the program was designed to support learning and education. “This funding will ensure that libraries can continue to provide accessible and engaging resources to communities across Victoria.” Details: https://localgovernment.vic.gov.au Olivia Condous

Melton library staff Ela Blaszkowska and Maresce Jones celebrate receiving the funding. (Damjan Janevski) 296815_01

12544962-AV15-22

Libraries in Melton and Moorabool will receive a funding boosts to continue their services as the learning hubs of the region. The state government has given the City of Melton $1,008,675 and Moorabool Shire $281,655 in funding through the $48.1 million Public Libraries Funding Program, to go towards local libraries. The Public Libraries Funding Program provides annual funding for public libraries across Victoria to support the continuation of their services. The funding will be used to expand library collections, boost online services and provide library and outreach programs. Melton MP Steve McGhie said it was great to see the government continuing to support the Melton and Moorabool councils to deliver high-quality resources for the community, through the Public Libraries Funding Program. “As our community grows, so do their needs,“ Mr McGhie said.

Tuesday, 6 September, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

FEATURING ... SENIORS

Advertising feature

Harness the power of volunteering during retirement When the idea of retirement rolls around, some people are overjoyed by the thought of freedom, others look for the next thing they can do in their life. Volunteering at an organisation has been proven to offer seniors great benefits for their physical and mental health, as well as social connection. A report released by VicHealth in 2012 identified volunteering can help alleviate depression, increase satisfaction with life, lower the frequency of hospitalisation and boost a person’s ability to cope with illness. Volunteering doesn’t only improve the health and wellbeing of the volunteer but for those who are on the receiving end, there are also undeniable benefits. Volunteers help contribute to social change, bridge the gap between young and old, help engage people in the community and raise awareness around certain issues. The State of Volunteering Report released by Volunteering Victoria in 2020 showed the majority of the 2.3 million people who volunteer in Victoria are over the age of 65, totalling 78.9 per cent. The percentage of people who volunteer when they are out of work or only work part time was highest of all employment situations at 74.4 per cent. Programs for volunteers can range from emergency relief, opportunity shop staff members, youth support officers, animal welfare, meals-on-wheels, soup kitchens and in-school support roles for disadvantaged students. Enjoying senior life doesn’t just have to mean travelling Australia in a caravan, it can be finally exploring that hobby or interest that has just been at the back of the mind. Passing on knowledge, skills, expertise and wisdom may be the thing that most rewards you.

The benefits of volunteering are endless. (Picture: UNSPLASH)

Head to the Volunteering Victoria website to find an opportunity to suit your interests, https://www.volunteeringvictoria.org.au/ for-volunteers/search-for-volunteer-roles/

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FEATURING ... WOMEN’S HEALTH

Advertising feature

Women urged to take time for pelvic floor excercises They’re easy, free and completely discreet, yet most women of all ages neglect the most effective method of preventing, treating, managing and even curing incontinence. According to a survey of more than 15,000 Australian women, less than two out of 10 (17.6 per cent) do their pelvic floor exercises daily, despite incontinence affecting one in three women who have ever had a baby. And while incontinence can certainly affect men, 80 per cent of those reporting living with incontinence are women. In the lead up to Women’s Health Week from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 September, 2022, the Continence Foundation of Australia wants to remind women of all ages there is much they can do to reduce their risk of incontinence. And that doesn’t just mean older women or mothers. A 2018 Australian study found that one in three netballers experience incontinence and many women may stop exercising after giving birth due to incontinence. Specialist shysiotherapist Shan Morrison says “I see a lot of women who have reduced their engagement in exercise and other enjoyable activities and have withdrawn from life physically, emotionally, socially, and sexually“. “Incontinence is preventable and treatable in the majority of cases,” says the chief executive of the Continence Foundation of Australia, Rowan Cockerell. “The key to preventing or better managing incontinence comes down to protecting and strengthening the pelvic floor and adopting a few healthy lifestyle habits,” she said. Apart from pregnancy and childbirth, there are several risk factors for developing incontinence. These include age, being overweight, smoking, menopause, conditions such as diabetes and following bladder and/or

can be done anywhere, any time. “You can do them on the bus, at your desk, while you’re standing in line for a coffee, and nobody will even know you’re doing them,” she said. And the exercises don’t just help with continence. They can also improve sexual function. Information on how to do pelvic floor exercises correctly can be found on the Pelvic Floor First website at pelvicfloorfirst.org.au. “The other important thing to remember, is that there is help available,” Mrs Cockerell said. “We have a national continence help line staffed by nurse continence specialists, as well as specific sections on our website with simple instructions on how to perform pelvic floor exercises, and links to resources designed with younger women in mind.” The Continence Foundation was established to promote bladder and bowel control health, and to reduce the stigma and restrictions of all aspects of incontinence across the lifespan. “Many people are embarrassed about any incontinence issues. We know that it can lead to some people limiting their social and sex lives and then we start to see it having an impact on their mental health,” Mrs Cockerell said. “People think it’s just a normal part of ageing, but it absolutely isn’t, and nobody should feel they just have to put up with it. And given it’s such a common issue, there really should be no stigma attached to it. Our resources and experts all take a very commonsense and practical approach to helping people. We offer a completely safe space for people to discuss and seek help for this problem.”

Pelvic floor exercises are important for women of all ages.

pelvic injury and surgery. Leaking while sneezing, coughing or exercising can hold young women back but can also be easily treated. The Go Against the

Flow website is specially designed for young women to learn more - www.goagainsttheflow. org.au Mrs Cockerell, said pelvic floor exercises

Visit continence.org.au for information, including videos, on how to do pelvic floor exercises, as well options for further help and treatment.

RADIOLOGY SAVES LIVES WOMEN’ S HEALTH WEEK 2022

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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. 628174

12481545-NG07-21

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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COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

The Gap on Graham The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre currently holds a girls night on Wednesday evenings for 10 to 18 year olds and a drop-in night for all aged between 12 to 25 years old. The centre runs on donations and will be holding fundraising car boot market days on September 10, October 8 and November 12 from 10am. Proceeds will go towards supporting local youth. ■ Val, 0414 769 605

Melton Men’s Group Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8pm at The Gap on Graham, 5 Graham Street, Melton. Focusing on Senior Men’s mental and physical wellbeing. The group invites new members to come for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in our activities including; carpet bowls, pool or table tennis. ■ https://meltonmensgroup.home.blog/

Melton Over 50s Social Group 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

Sunshine hedge artist Phung Thanh Nguyen between his creations. (Damjan Janevski) 296275_01

Digital spreadsheet course

Zonta club meets

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.

Learn the essentials of Microsoft Excel in Melton South Community Centre’s eight-week beginners course, designed for people not familiar with the program. Create your own spreadsheets and discover how to make your life easier. Cost: $30/$20 concession; ■ 9747 8576

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

Take weight off naturally

Asian cooking classes

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

Melton South Community Centre is offering Thai and Vietnamese cooking classes for anyone wanting to make some new friends and create a variety of delicious Asian dishes. Cost: $65/$60 concession. ■ 9747 8576

Bacchus Marsh Market

Melton Bridge Club

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

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

Eynesbury Market

Melton Friendship Group

A community market 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.

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

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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 2-4pm. Find the Facebook group for more details.

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

Sewing classes

Melton South Knit & Natter

Beginners Sewing courses return to Melton South Community Centre in term three, available on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons. Learn all the basics of machine sewing in this eight-week pre-accredited course and make your own fabric creations. Cost: $30/$20 concession. ■ 9747 8576

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

Parkinson’s support group

14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 September, 2022

U3A Melton 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

Melton Combined Probus Club The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. ■ 9746 0271

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

Tuesdays at 10am. 0418 667 150

■ Val,

Rotary Club of Melton 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

Maltese Folklore club Join Maltese Folklore Club Klabb Ghannejja Maltin for their special family night event on Saturday, September 3. They are also open for dinner on Wednesday and Friday nights from 6.00pm for dinner with traditional Maltese singing (ghanna) and guitarists where everyone is welcome ■ George, 0412 187 49X - DIGIT MISSING

We Are Brimbank Awards Between now and 5pm on Friday, September 2 nominations are open for the We Are Brimbank Awards. The awards include six categories and will be judged by a panel of Brimbank community leaders with winners announced Friday October 28. ■ www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/waba

Community governance workshops

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

Brimbank Council is hosting a series of community governance training workshops plus ongoing access to a range of resources aiming to support community groups and small organisations with planning, operations, and decision-making. Attendance is free but registration is required. ■ https://bit.ly/3Q8nBww

French and Italian for over 50s

Spice workshop

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

Ever wanted to learn how to make your own beautiful spice blend? Then come on down to the Braybrook Community Hub on Tuesday, September 13 at 10am. The spice blend will also be used in a lentil soup on the day for participants to enjoy. Participation is $10. ■ https://bit.ly/3Qncakw

Melton Cycling Club

Community singing group 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

Deer Park Lions Club Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new members. It meets at Deer Park Senior Citizens, 119 Station Road, Deer Park. ■ Michael, 0417 307 572

PUZZLES

5 6

9 8

4 1

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

9 5 3

DECODER

No. 097

1 5 hard

7 1

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: 18 words: Good 27 words: Very good

7 3 9 2 5 4 6 8 1

1 5 6 8 3 7 9 4 2

4 6 7 5 2 1 3 9 8

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

5 LETTERS ABATE AGREE ALERT ALIBI AMASS AMAZE AMBLE ARIAS ASIDE AVERT AWARE BERET BLACK BRAWN CACHE CLOAK CREST EDGED EDGER ENEMA

EXERT FARED FLUTE GLINT HENCE INANE IRATE LANCE LIBEL LIVED MAMAS MANES MERIT MIRED OATHS OCCUR OFFER OILED OTTER OUTER PRONG

QUICK QUIZ

7 LETTERS AMAZING APPAREL CURTAIN DEPLETE ENRAGES ZEROING

SOARS SORER SPLAT TABBY THESE TRIOS WALTZ WEEST YESES 6 LETTERS COPPER GIANTS PECKED TASSIE

8 LETTERS CLARINET MALTREAT REALISES RELIANCE

1. What team won the 2020 NRL grand final?

7. Before the Euro, what was the currency of Greece?

2. Oat, almond and soy are three types of what?

8. Pedro Pascal (pictured) plays which character in the Star Wars universe?

3. The Queensland city of Bundaberg is famous for what spirit?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

E R S V E D

A D E D E R I E R O D E

No. 097

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

$ 0 $ = , 1 *

09-09-22

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

4 LETTERS AGES DISC ESKY IDEA KITS MAZE OGLE REDS SAME SLEW SPEW STOW TREK WART

No. 097

dish, dough, gosh, gush, hind, hong, horn, horsing, hosing, hound, hounds, hour, housing, hugs, hung, inrush, nigh, nourish, onrush, roguish, rough, roughs, roundish, rush, rushing, shin, shod, shogun, shoring, shorn, shroud, SHROUDING, shrug, shun, sigh, sough, unshod

3 1 5 9 8 6 4 2 7

5 7 1 3 9 8 2 6 4

9 8 3 4 6 2 1 7 5

6 4 7 9 3 5 2 8 1

5 9 1 8 7 3 6 2 4

4 7 8 6 9 2 1 3 5

J E E

8 1 7 2 9 3 5 4 6

2 4 8 6 1 9 7 5 3

D I

E N 17

3 4 5 8 7 6 2 9 1

2 6 9 4 5 1 7 3 8

4 9 2 7 1 8 6 5 3

2 3 6 4 5 1 7 9 8

8 6 5 1 2 7 3 4 9

7 1 4 3 8 9 5 6 2

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

37 words: Excellent

1 3 8 5 6 2 9 7 4

5 7 6 9 3 4 1 8 2

7 2 4 1 8 9 3 6 5

6 5 1 3 4 7 8 2 9

9 8 3 6 2 5 4 1 7

9 2 3 5 4 6 8 1 7

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

medium

3 LETTERS ACE AGO AIR AMP ASH ASS ATE BET COO EGG HUE LAD LAP NIP NOR PRO SAP SET TEA UTE WAX WEE YES ZAC

V D B OK F Y S TWC J H

easy

9-LETTER WORD

hard

5x5

L P G R XMZ I U AQ E N

5 4 6

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

WORDFIT

4. Which US author created the character Jack Reacher? 5. What does a barometer measure? 6. Letter to You is a 2020 album by which artist?

9. Artist Vincent Namatjira won which major 2020 prize? 10. What does the K in K2 mountain stand for? ANSWERS: 1. Melbourne Storm 2. Plant-based milks 3. Rum 4. Lee Child 5. Air pressure. 6. Bruce Springsteen 7. Drachma 8. The Mandalorian/Din Djarin 9. The Archibald 10. Karakoram

Categorise (8)

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26 28 29 30 31

$ 0 $ 6 6

medium

20 21 25

% / $ & .

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

14 15

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& $ & + ( 2 , / ( ' 3 5 2 1 * $ 3 $ & ( 3 ( & . ( ' 3 5 2 $ 2 * / ( 5 7 / $ ' ( 5 2 , 1 * / , $ 1 & ( 2 7 7 ( 5 $ 6 + 7 6 $ 0 ( ( ' : $ ; , 1 $ 1 ( 6 2 5 ( 5 & 5 ( 6 7

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3 4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 27

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Fellow student (9) Verge (4) Atmosphere (3) Wary (11) Wizard (8) Larger or more extensive (6) Accomplishment (4) Exchanging something for money (7) Warning (7) Ballet skirt (4) Arbitrary; unplanned (6) Swollen vein (8) Earthly (11) Oneself (3) Black quartz (4) Game birds (9)

% , ( ' 7 ( $ : $ 0 / ( 7 5 = , 7 < ( * 6 , $ : 1 ( 7 ( 6

easy

Relating to cultivated land (8) Cavity (6) Contract (9) Flightless birds (4) Deepen (6) Restaurant (coll) (6) Appoints (7) Doppelganger (4-5) Forbidden (7) From Europe (8) Many (8) Cave (6) Pizazz (6) Bears (6) Straddling (4)

ACROSS 1 6 10 11 12 13

No. 097

6 2 $ 5 6

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

$ * 5 ( (

No. 097

7 $ % % <

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 6 September, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which team did BBL legend Chris Lynn sign with for the 2022 season? 2. Which Australian Formula One star will leave McLaren at the end of the 2022 season? 3. Where is the FIFA World Cup 2022 going to be held? 4. Which three AFL clubs are yet to win a Premiership?

5. What is the largest and heaviest of the three weapons used in the sport of fencing?

14. Which reigning Bathurst 1000 champion has announced he will be retiring from Supercars at the end of the 2022 season?

6. Who invented the game of basketball?

15. Hayley Miller, and Emma Swanson are the respective captains of which AFL Women’s clubs?

7. Which professional wrestler plays the role of Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

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8. What position did actor Terry Crews play when he was in the NFL?

17. Jaime Echenique was first player from which South American country to play in the NBA?

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21. What two non-Victorian teams made their AFLW debut in 2022?

18. Which two-time Brownlow medallist is set to return to Australian rules football in a November match for Northern Territory club Palmerston?

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24. How many medals did Emma McKeon win at the 2021 FINA Swimming World Cup?

20. Which British boxer retired on August 12, 2022, but later said ‘However, I will come back but it has to be for obscene amounts of money.’?

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25. What Australian capital city hosts the Supercars Championship event known as the Triple Crown?

28. Townsville recently played host to a One Day International series between Australia and which nation? 29. How many Victorian teams qualified for the AFL Finals Series in season 2022? 30. The Comets are a cricket team which are located in which Australian state or territory?

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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.

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

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18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 September, 2022

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Small moves for happy families By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring It may be short on words but ‘family car’ is long on the desirable characteristics of a passenger vehicle: affordability, space, versatility, comfort and convenience, power reliability, fuel economy, safety and last, but not least, looks, all jostle to be taken into consideration. This goes a long way to explaining the success of the five and seven-seat sports utility vehicle, or Mum’s minibus, the eight-seater people mover, which can take the kids and all their kit. However, there is another side to family life. Sons and daughters leave home and start families of their own. It is often left to Mum and Dad to bring the family together with visits to their offspring. A gas guzzling minibus is the last thing the downsized duo needs. This is where a small economical runabout comes to the fore. something like the Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport hatchback, a versatile compact capable of carrying four adults, or a couple and all their luggage, the latter on a considerable road test distance. At an affordable $22,130, plus on-road costs, the car is the entry level to the Yaris line and the only variant with a six-speed manual transmission. The others, including petrol/ electric hybrids, have a direct shift CVT, which adds just $1500. A CVT-equipped hybrid on SX and ZR attracts a further $2000 over their equivalent petrol variants. Ownership costs include a five-year warranty, extendable to seven years, up to 10 years on the hybrid battery and five annual services capped at $195 each. Conveniently to hand on Ascent Sport is standard equipment which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED daytime running lamps, tail and stop lights; auto retractable door mirrors with LED turn signals; and power windows. For the first time on a Toyota vehicle in Australia there are safety features designed to make Yaris the world’s safest compact car. They include front-centre airbags, sensors that can detect vehicles or pedestrians at intersections when making turns and secondary collision braking. A long road . . . the Yaris Ascent Sport hatchback passes the family test.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Styling The all-new Yaris is shorter and lower than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase (40 mm). Despite the lower roofline, interior headroom is not compromised, the driver and passengers sitting lower thanks to the new Toyota B-platform. A sporty exterior boasts a stand-out cascading grille, longer bonnet, sculpted door panels, character lines and a shorter rear overhang. There are 12 exterior colours, including Cherry Blossom in the case of the test vehicle, which elicited compliments from onlookers who marveled at the subtle change of hue from off-white to lavender, depending on the light.

there’s access to Sir, Eyes Free, Google Now voice commands. AM / FM / DAB+ digital radio is in the hands of six speakers, while USB video playback is on offer when the vehicle is stationary.

Engines / transmissions The new direct-injection three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine’s 88 kW and 145 Nm forge gains of 10 per cent and 2.7 per cent over the previous 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, the result of a lighter block and crankshaft, reduced frictional losses and high-speed combustion technology.

Interior

Safety

Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport has an all-black interior, offering an open, spacious and comfortable cabin with ample headroom and an up-market ambience with high-quality seat fabrics. Despite a wider centre console, there is no room for an armrest, hence no leaning post for the driver. Gearshift and cup holders take up the space. However, the new platform allows the driver’s seat to be set lower and further back towards the centre of the car, creating an appealing driving position and helping to lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity by around 15 mm. The steering wheel is set closer to the driver, with wider tilt and telescopic adjustments. Electric steering is tuned for a light feel at low speed and responsive feeling at high speed.

Advanced safety technologies include a pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, automatic high beam, and technologies to assist with cornering, staying in the intended lane and detecting speed signs. A reversing camera and a full suite of brake assist and traction-control systems, including active cornering assist are also standard. Eight airbags include driver, front passenger, two front centre, two front side, two curtain shield. The new front-row centre airbags - a first in class - are designed to offer additional protection in a range of accidents. They can act as energy-absorbing cushions between the driver and front passenger in side crashes, or in passenger-side crashes when the driver is the only occupant. They can also provide safety benefits in rollover accidents.

Infotainment Driver information is sourced through a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster. Bluetooth connectivity includes phone and music. With enhanced voice recognition,

Driving The initial plan was for the Ogdens to visit their daughter in Sydney from south-east Queensland without getting caught in the

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Yaris Ascent Sport: $22,130 (manual), $23,630 (CVT) Yaris SX: $27,020 (CVT) Yaris ZR: $30,100 (CVT) Yaris SX Hybrid: $29,020 (CVT) Yaris ZR Hybrid: $32,100 (CVT) OPTIONS Premium paint: $500 Two-tone paint: $450

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for driveaway prices.

domestic air travel chaos, or risking catching COVID-19. Fortunately, the kind folk at Toyota Australia found a spare Yaris lying around and offered it up for the drive. As we, the intrepid pair, were about to set off, came the news that an old family friend had died in Melbourne and the funeral was to take place while we were in Sydney. What were the chances of driving on to Victoria and back in the Yaris? Following a phone call to Toyota, every chance. The result was a 3700-kilometre round trip in a vehicle that would have been far from the top of the list in which to tackle such an exhaustive exercise. How wrong we would have been. The entry-level Yaris Ascent Sport had the last laugh, lapping up the highway kilometres, or taking on heavy traffic in the country’s two largest (and congested) cities. Although the lack of factory-fitted sat-nav was a drag. Google is no competition here.

The new 1.5-litre petrol engine produces more power and torque, while using less fuel than the 1.3 and 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines it replaces. Tagged with the ‘Sport’, engine performance is not all that impressive. In slow city traffic high revs are the key otherwise stalling is the downfall. Toyota claims the new Yaris manual uses just 5.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle. The test car clocked 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres while flitting around towns on the route and 3.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road. Total fuel bill came to $286.47, thanks, Toyota. The little motor was quiet enough at low revs but let out a raspy reply when urged to work higher up the scale. The manual gear shift at times was not of Toyota’s usual high standards and needed firm handling to avoid connecting with the wrong gear. On the upside, the new platform underpins a significant increase in body rigidity, which contributes to agility, stable handling, ride comfort and lower noise and vibration. A 270-litre cargo area incorporates a two-level deck board. Big items - two large suitcases in the case of our excursion - can be accommodated with 60:40 split-fold rear seat backs folded flat. Front door pockets take up to a dehydration-beating 1.5-litre bottle, rear door pockets up to a 600ml bottle.

Summary The test took place mostly under clear winter skies, all on sealed roads, the Yaris also coping with early morning frost in the Southern Highlands and being rain bombed on the Hume, all the way to drawing together relatives and friends - a genuine family car.

Tuesday, 6 September, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

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Burras in the grand final after finding its groove After a lull leading into finals, Diggers Rest has found its groove and earned another Riddell District Football League grand final appearance. One of the premier teams in the competition for a number of years, the Burras had to find something special after two straight losses against Riddell and Wallan. After accounting for Macedon last week, the Burras got revenge for the earlier finals loss against the Magpies on Saturday in the preliminary final. The Burras led throughout the 12.5 (77)-6.9 (45) win. Burras coach Jamie Lobb said for the group it was ensuring that they regained their focus to get their season back on track. “We aim for nothing less than a grand final,” he said. “There’s a lot of hard work and to get four sides there, it’s some reward for all the volunteers. “The guys fell into a bit of a lull leading into finals, which wasn’t ideal. They knew what we needed to do. “The focus during the week was really good.

They were professional and got the job done.” Lobb said despite having set the game up in the first three quarters, they knew that the Magpies would come at them late. He said the group was able to stay focused and get the job done. “All the planning we put into place was executed well,” he said. “The little things everyone knows how to do. “It’s pleasing what we have put into place all year was executed. “It was nice being four to five goals up, but Wallan would try and storm home. We knew if we kicked one or two goals, it would be out of their reach.” Mitch Jensen kicked six goals in the win, while Thomas Schwarzenberg and Mitchell Day kicked two goals apiece. Lobb said Matthew Krul in the ruck was outstanding, while Jensen was hard to stop up forward. Marcus Calvaresi and Luke Delahey were others to stand up according to Lobb. The injury concern out of the game was a knock to the knee of Taylor Hine, but Lobb

expects him to be right for the grand final. The Burras reserves also won on Saturday, beating Melton Centrals, 7.15 (57)-4.0 (24). Lobb said it would be a tough week at the selection table. “Austin Cicero didn’t play on the weekend and he will be available this week for selection,” he said. “We made four changes this week. Jarrod Rowan, Sean Egan and James McMahon all played reserves on the weekend. “It’ll all depend on how we are going to play and match ups.” Lobb said with four teams across football and netball into grand finals it would be a good week at the club. In the seniors, the Burras renewed their rivalry with Riddell. “It seems to be a trend,” he said. “We want to play against the best and they have been the best all year. “They will be hard to stop.” Diggers Rest coach Jamie Lobb. (Joe Mastroianni)

Tara Murray

Diggers through to final By Tara Murray Diggers Rest believes it is peaking at the right time having made it through to the Riddell District Netball League grand final. After losing in the first week of the finals to Woodend-Hesket, the Burras beat Riddell and then minor premiers Macedon back-to-back, to get another crack at the Hawks in the grand final. Speaking after Saturday’s win against Macedon, Burras coach Pam Strong said it was really good for the club. “I don’t know if the A-grade side have won a premiership before,” Strong said. “The girls were really good. “We hadn’t beaten Macedon at all this year. All the girls did their homework. Each week the girls watch the five minute snippet of the RDFNL show to get some information on the opposition. “We’re peaking at the right time.” The Cats started the better of the two teams, before the Burras hit the front by one at quarter time. The margin was out to eight at half time and 10 at the last break. The Burras were able to maintain momentum, winning 39-31. Strong said they always knew it was going to be a tough match up. “Macedon is so hard to play as they know each other so well,” she said. “We were in control for most of the game. “The plan was to stick to the game plan and work from there.” Amy Starzer shot 22 goals for the Burras, while Alexandra Ball shot 17. For the Cats, who were without star shooter Chloe Williams, Ciara Stewart shot 24 goals. The Burras win though was soured by a couple of injuries. Stefanie Symes went off injured in the last quarter, while Shelby Strong also has an injury concern. Pam Strong said both girls would get treatment throughout the week and they would work around the injuries if they needed to. The Burras now face Woodend-Hesket on Sunday in the grand final. The Hawks, who are playing in their first grand final, had the week off. Strong said they would look to enjoy the week leading into the grand final. “I think it’s the two most consistent teams in the grand final,” she said. “I hope it’s sunny and there’s no wind and the two teams can show some skill. Whoever wins it’ll be really good.” It’ll be a big day for the Burras with their B-grade side also through to the grand final. On Saturday they beat Melton Centrals in the preliminary final, 33-31. “Heidi [Cole] was away so we only had eight

Alexandra Ball shoots for goal.

(Joe Mastroianni). 297233_06

players,” Strong said. “Rachel [Reeves] went down in the first minute and we thought she had done her knee. “Emma [Rodger] came on into goal shooter and was amazing coming off the bench. “The score went up and down all day and we

20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 September, 2022

managed to pull it out at the end.” The side will face Macedon in the grand final. The Burras C-grade side was knocked out of finals, losing in the preliminary final 30-21 to Macedon.

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Reigning champion stamps ticket The 2021 Inter Dom champ got his ticket to the 2022 big dance stamped Friday night but the young threats are emerging in the race to Victoria’s Inter Dominion Trotting Championship. Maori Law was a dominant force in winning the Group 3 The George Gath, the second of four Victorian trotting races that carry Golden Tickets into ID22. But while the reigning champ’s start in the series was always assured, Ollivici and Aldebaran Zeus are among those circling for his crown and the four-year-olds were big winners on the all-trotting Tabcorp Park Melton card. Ollivici completed his picket fence this season with a fifth straight win, scoring in the Tornado Valley Trot Final for trainer-driver Chris Lang. The result gifted the reinsman his 1000th Australian driving win and the two-time Trotting Inter Dominion winner was again full of praise for his young gelding. “He’s only four and 15 or 16 starts, he’s never really been fully wound up. We got him going a bit for tonight’s race, I still think there’s more in the tank,” Lang told TrotsVision. “He’s still not proven at the elite level, but I don’t think there’s many I’d prefer to drive in front of him.” Lang was speaking after Ollivici produced a dominant eight-metre win in the $30,000 Group 2, when he worked to the front and then got home in a 28.4-second final quarter to score from Sheza Pleasure. It was a result that only fuelled Lang’s confidence. “The Inter Dominion is our number one goal the way things are planning out at present,” he said. “I still have dreams of going back to Sweden one day, so we need to win that Inter Dominion. It’s a big ask for a four-year-old, but that’s our main game. “He’s a very well gaited animal, he’s got high speed – for where he’s at I’d rate him as good as I’ve ever trained basically.” No small praise from the man that guided Sundons Gift to the 2009 and 2010 Inter Dominions and a European campaign, when he contested The Elitlopp. Michael Howard

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Darley secures a preliminary final showdown Darley put out one of its best performances of the Ballarat Netball League season on Saturday to seal a preliminary final spot. The Devils started strongly against Melton South and were able to continue to build the lead up over the next three quarters. With the game over at three quarter time, the Devils’ switched some players around, with every player getting on the court. They would claim the win 63-27. Devils coach Di McCormack was thrilled with the performance. The last time the two teams played the Panthers had won easily. “We played exceptionally well,” she said. “Melton South had one or two out, but we still played very well. “We came out strong with 20 goals and played to the game plan, we didn’t vary from it and stayed with it all day.” McCormack said the defence work for Grace Markovic and Matilda Elliot was really good early on, with the side getting 10 to 15 goals due to their work.

Another factor McCormack said was the experience of their side compared to that of the Panthers. The Panthers were playing in their first A-grade final series, with a number of younger players. Soli Ropati, one of their more experienced players, sat on the side lines with a hamstring injury. While the Devils are stranger to finals, the majority of the side played together for Rupertswood in the Riddell District Netball League, including winning the 2019 A-grade premiership. McCormack said it was good to get everyone on the court, as it gave them the opportunity to look at different combinations they might need throughout the rest of finals. “It was good to see,” she said. “There was no panic, it was nice solid settled netball.” Speaking before their preliminary final opponent was decided, McCormack said they were confident no matter who they faced.

North Ballarat won the other semi final against Redan earning the first grand final spot. The Devils now face Redan in the preliminary final. It was a mixed day for the Devils with their under-19s also winning through to the preliminary final, while their B-grade and C-grade were knocked out. “The Bs and Cs should have won,” said McCormick. “We had a number of young girls in both of those teams. “In b-grade our average age is 17. We lost our goalkeeper during the game with a concussion and broken arm. “Losing a defender when you’re playing well hurts. Our C-grade has a number of players who are 15-16. “The other teams were a little more experienced. “The 19s had a good solid game and they will be confident this week.” Tara Murray

Matilda Elliot tries to get an interception from Rhys Cater Coleman. 297225_04 (Joe Mastroianni)

Sports shorts Hockey Melton’s Hockey Victoria Men’s Vic League 3 season came to an end on Saturday. Facing RMIT in a preliminary final, the Mustangs weren’t able to match it, losing 5-2. RMIT now plays Frankston in the grand final. The Mustangs pennant E men’s side also lost on Saturday, losing to Essendon 4-0. The Mustangs also had three junior sides in finals, with the under-16 mixed district north-west side having a big 8-0 win.

Ballarat FL It was heartbreak for Darley in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday. The Devils and Ballarat traded the lead throughout their semi final on Sunday. Ballarat hit the front in the 27th minute to hit the front by three points. The Devils would get two further points, but couldn’t get the vital goal to regain the lead. Ballarat holding on to win, 16.9 (105)-16.8 (104). Ballarat now faces Sebastopol for a spot in the grand final.

NAB League Darley’s women’s side.

(Supplied)

Devils hold heads high By Tara Murray Darley’s dream of premiership joy in the Ballarat Football League Women’s competition didn’t eventuate on Saturday. In their first grand final, the Devils took on a strong and experienced Redan side with hopes of upsetting the favourites. Having beat the Lions earlier in the season, the Devils took some confidence into the game. The first half was even on the scoreboard with the side’s kicking one goal apiece. The Lions’ experience shone through in the second half, as they ran away with the premiership, winning 6.4 (40)-1.2 (8). Devils coach Jack Hanneysee said they were disappointed but proud at the same time. “We all believe in the fairy tale and it didn’t come true,” he said. “There’s definitely bigger and better things to come for this group. I’m so proud of them and the amazing job they’ve done. “The growth that has come this year has been amazing.” Hanneysee said they thought they were on

top in the first half, but they couldn’t put it on the scoreboard. He said the Lions defence was too strong. “They have a superior back line and repelled everything thrown at them,” he said. “Our avenue to goal couldn’t change or we would have lost that forward pressure. Apart from that we controlled the first half.” Hanneysee said the Lions’ Victorian Football League Women’s players stepped up in the third quarter and proved to be vital in opening up the game. Scores were locked at one goal apiece at half time, before the Lions kicked away in the third quarter with four goals. They sealed the win with their sixth goal in the final quarter. “In the fourth quarter we tried to revamp but at one time we had six players on bench at one stage with cramp,” Hanneysee said. “Our girls played the game of their life. It was the biggest intensity our young list has played at. We couldn’t sustain it for as long.” Taylor Ford was the goal kicker for the Devils. Hanneysee said there were a lot of positives out of the season for the club. He said the

playing group’s maturity and level headedness had come throughout the season. He said several players had received VFLW offers, showing people were watching what they were doing. The game finished Hanneysee’s time as coach. He announced earlier in the season that he was stepping down. He said he was looking forward to what the group could do. “I’ll still be involved at the club whether formally or informally,” he said. “This year coaching took a toll. “I’m stepping away for now and who knows into the future.” The Devils under-14 girls team also suffered a grand final loss. North Ballarat was too strong, winning 2.8 (20)-0.0 (0). North Ballarat’s Macey Squire was named best on ground. Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh fell short in the under-16 youth girls grand final. North Ballarat claimed their second BFLW flag, beating the Cobras 4.2 (26)-2.5 (17). North Ballarat’s Isabella Davies was named best on ground.

Western Jets’ Logan Morris will be among the best under-17 players from across the country that will play at the MCG on AFL grand final day. The Werribee Districts product was last week named as one of 48 players selected to play in the NAB AFL Futures match. Squad members will come together for a training camp ahead of the match, before being split into two teams. Meanwhile, the Western Jets season came to an end on Sunday with an elimination final loss to the Dandenong Stingrays.

A-League Western United’s A-League Women’s squad continues to take shape with Francesca Iermano signing with the club. This is Iermano’s first full contract having made her A-League debut for Melbourne Victory last season, making three appearances. Iermano said she is delighted to join the green and black and continue to develop her game in the A-League.

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Excitment builds as Bloods through to decider The buses and cars from Melton will be headed down the highway to Ballarat after Melton’s seniors and reserves made it through to the Ballarat Football League grand final day. The Bloods, who finished on top of the ladder in both grades, needed just one opportunity to make it through to the final day of the year. Bloods president Brian McNabb said everyone was pretty excited to have both teams through. “From a club point of view it’s the best thing,” he said. “It’s very satisfying and in reality it’s been a three-year program due to COVID. “To be able to play a full season and get there is amazing. “Every club has had their challenges. Two sides in grand finals means a big couple of weeks for the club and the community of Melton.” McNabb was quick to point out the development of the players, with the majority of them having played their junior football at Melton. Just two players are worth more than one point under the player points system, showing how much local talent they have in the squad. On Saturday, the seniors beat Sebastopol to secure their spot in the grand final. The Bloods had to come from behind to win, 12.14 (86)-8.7 (43).

Lachlan Watkins is tackled by Sebastopol’s Jack Bambury.

McNabb said they were their own worst enemy early, not making the most of their opportunities.

(Joe Mastroianni) 297222_04

“By half time it was an even game,” he said. “The third quarter was the key one and it set it up for the last quarter to take the game.”

Not too late for Sinclair By Tara Murray Calder United captain Aleks Sinclair could have been forgiven for giving up on her opportunity to play in the A-League Women’s competition. At 34, most players are thinking about winding down their careers, but not Sinclair. Instead she will get the opportunity to pull on the green and black as part of Western United’s inaugural squad. Sinclair said it was pretty crazy to think she’s finally got her opportunity at this level after being one of the top players in the National Premier League Women’s competition for a number of years. “It’s finally settling in,” she said last week. “It was a bit surreal the first few days after the announcement. “I knew that the opportunity was there to take [with United] … but I wasn’t sure whether I would get it at my age. “I played with everything that I have and it shows. It’s all pretty crazy.” Sinclair said she had previously had the opportunity to train with Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City, but the timing had never been right to join those clubs. She said she doesn’t regret not taking those chances. “There were just things happening in my life that I couldn’t run away from at the time,” she said. “I don’t regret not taking them. It’s led me to where I am today.” Having been born and bred in Melbourne’s west, the Melton resident said it was exciting to be able to represent the area she is from. She said this was something she never had growing up and she was keen to grasp it in both hands. Sinclair has been part of the United set up as part of their development squad the last 12 months. She said it had given her and some of the other girls the opportunity to get an idea what they might be in for. “The extra training sessions have been good,” she said. “They included us on girls and took us on trips. We connected with the men’s team and it was really good to see what it would be like in that environment and that level. “The majority of the girls are Calder players. Others are friends from in the league, it’s been great to see them be able to showcase her skills.” Sinclair said she was just keen to make the most of her opportunity at United. She said despite her experience, she enters the A-League

Aleks Sinclair. (Supplied)

season, which starts in November, as an unknown. “I’ll learn as much as I can,” she said. “I’ve never been at this level so I have a lot to learn. “I’m keen to enjoy it, it’s a once in a life time achievement.” With having put pen to paper with United, Sinclair can focus on finishing out the season with Calder United. Calder has already claimed the Nike F.C Cup and finished on top of the National Premier League Women’s ladder. They will now be hoping to add a third

22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 September, 2022

championship this season, with the NPLW finals starting on Saturday, after deadline. The mention of Calder fills Sinclair with emotion. She said this season had exceeded all expectations after the club decided on focusing on youth. “My team means so much to me and I’m so proud to do this with them,” she said. “The girls work hard every season. “They are a talented young bunch of girls and I’m proud of them. When I put on that captain’s arm band I have a responsibility to protect them. They are like a bunch of little sisters.”

After the main break, they kicked six goals to one to seal the win. Liam and Ryan Carter kicked three goals apiece. Liam Carter, Riley Walker and Brett McIntyre were named the Bloods best. The Bloods reserves are also through to the grand final. They also beat Sebastopol, 8.7 (55)-6.5 (41). McNabb said their seniors had got through unscathed and they would have a full squad to pick from for the grand final. “We’ll have a full squad plus a couple more to pick from for the seniors,” he said. “I don’t envy the coaches who have to make the decision. “One way or another most players are likely to get a game, but there will be some in the reserves who would have liked to have been playing seniors. McNabb said the group would keep things as normal the next two weeks, with this weekend off. He said with everything working there was no need to change anything. McNabb said having hosted finals the last two weeks they had seen a number of new people come down and their supporter base was growing. Tara Murray

German steps down as the Cobras coach Bacchus Marsh is on the hunt for a new coach with Tom German stepping down from the role he has held the last three years. The Ballarat Football League club announced on social media on Wednesday morning, that German had decided not to continue on next season. In the post, German said it had been a tough few years with COVID-19 overshadowing his coaching tenure. The Cobras finished this season in eighth, a game and percentage outside of finals. “I have made the decision to step away from the senior coaching role for season 2023,” he said. “Over the last three years, there have certainly been some hurdles with COVID being one, but I have been immensely proud of the guys that have stuck with the club through thick and thin and the development of the younger players coming through. “We have certainly been close every year and been in contention right up until the end of both seasons and there have been some very memorable games. “Looking forward the club is in good hands, and the work that Mark Farrell and his committee have put in over the past three years has provided a great platform to work from going forward. I thank you all for that, and thanks to Mark for your consistent support.” German thanked his assistant coaches, the players, support staff, leaders and supporters who had helped him through the journey. “I am incredibly grateful for the time that they put in and the support and I will get round to those over the coming weeks,” he said. “To round it off, the club although not playing finals this year, looks to have an exciting future with some great youth coming through, some veterans who keep putting in and a good vision towards the future.” Tara Murray

Lakers get a second chance after finals lesson Caroline Springs will be better for its first Western Region Football League division 1 final ahead of a preliminary final. The Lakers, who finished on top of the ladder, will need to make the most of the second chance if they’re to bounce back and win through to the grand final. On Saturday, the Lakers fell short against Altona in a cracker game of football in their semi final. The Lakers started the better of the two sides, before the Vikings stepped up in the second half. The game could have gone either way in the dying minutes, with the Vikings winning, 11.5 (71)-9.11 (65). Lakers football manager Marc Raak said it was a good game of football. “We fell a bit short in the end,” he said. “Full credit to Altona who got the job done. “It was anyone’s one with a few minutes left,

hopefully we can bounce back and play Altona in two weeks time.” “We said to the boys that we’ve got the double chance and we need to know how to use it.” The Lakers were playing their first final since claiming the division 2 grand final in 2016. Raak said playing in a division 1 final was a new experience for most of the playing group. “We had seven or eight kids who are still 19 and under,” he said. “It was a good experience for them. “We’re disappointed at the moment. We’ll look to work on a few things throughout the week and review the game and the areas that we have to work on.” Raak said they were happy with the start of the game and continued their trend of starting games well.

He said it was the third quarter that proved to be costly. “It let us down,” he said. “The way we moved the footy wasn’t what it should have been. “We had a really good last quarter by all our indicators.” The Lakers will face Werribee Districts in the preliminary final on Saturday for a spot in the grand final. They will be joined by their reserves side which lost their semi final to Werribee Districts, 6.9 (45)-6.7 (43). The Tigers had led by 32 points at half time. Raak said both teams would hit the track together with the same aim, a grand final spot. “We’re not dead and buried just yet.” Mitchell Bongiovanni tackles. (Joe Mastroianni).

Tara Murray

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Third time lucky for the Lakers By Tara Murray It was third time lucky for Caroline Springs in the Western Region Football League women’s competition. Playing off in a third straight grand final, either side of COVID-19, the Lakers were hoping that it was finally their turn to hold the trophy aloft. The day started with the club’s division 2 side finally short to Point Cook Centrals. The division 1 side had to wait until later in the day to get their shot against Spotswood. In a rematch of the 2019, the last grand final before Saturday, the Lakers were able to turn the tables and come away with a 8.9 (57)-2.7 (19) win. Lakers coach Dean Ellis was still in disbelief the following day about what they had achieved. “It’s a bit surreal actually,” he said. “I still don’t think that it happened. “It is awesome for the club and it’s such a good football club. The mission was achieved. “This is more for the girls who have played in the losing two grand finals. It’s a nice reward for effort.” The Lakers were the top team all season, before slipping up in the first week of the finals against the Wolves. Now with another shot at the Wolves, it was a very different game. The Wolves kicked the only two goals in the first quarter to lead by 10 points at quarter time. From there it was all the Lakers. They kicked two in the second quarter to reduce the margin to two points at half time. After the break they kicked six second half goals to run away with the win. “It was a tight first half.” Ellis said. “We changed a few things at half time and we were able to get the game on our terms. “The third quarter was huge for us to get in front and from there we went.” Ellis said they knew once they kicked the first couple of goals in the last quarter that the win would be theirs. He said having gone through all the emotions the previous week as the division 2 side won through to the grand final, this week was something different. “We were able to reflect and see what we had done,” he said. “There was pandemonium as the siren went with such a large crowd there. “It’s still pretty surreal. Nikki Perrett was awarded the best on ground medal for her performance, which included two goals. Ellis said Perrett was touch and go whether she was going to play at all.

Caroline Springs celebrate a Jessica Francke goal. (Joe Mastroianni). 297231_09

“She did her calf a few weeks ago,” he said. “She played last week and was still sore, so we weren’t sure if she was going to play. She didn’t train. “She wanted to play and pushed through the pain. She’s said she has six months to recover now. Alex O’Shea, who wasn’t going to play this year, Stephanie Asciak and Hayley Herring were the other standouts. Ellis said not one player dominated with everyone playing their role. While it was premiership joy for the division 1 team, the Lakers division 2 team fell short against Point Cook Centrals. The Sharks entered the grand final with just one loss for the year, in the final round of the season to the Lakers. There would be no repeat this time round, with the Sharks winning, 9.8 (62)-4.1 (25). Mary Seath kicked five goals for the Sharks while Mary Daw was awarded the best on ground medal. Ellis said they were so proud of that group.

Final siren joy.

(Joe Mastroianni). 297231_05

“Point Cook Centrals were the best side all year, losing just one game,” he said. “Our girls are young and inexperienced. Point Cook flexed their muscles. “While our girls tried they couldn’t get there. “To get into the grand final after putting the side together a week before the season was an achievement in itself to get there.” Several of the Lakers stars were recognised

by their peers being named in the team of the year for both divisions. In division 1, the Lakers had the most players with six players selected in the team. Half of those in the forward line. Ellis was named coach of the year in division 1. In the women’s division 2 competition, the Lakers had four players named in the team.

Tuesday, 6 September, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

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