Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 18th October 2022 by Star Weekly

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18 OCTOBER, 2022

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Weekly Specials available Wednesday 19/10/22 until Tuesday 25/10/22. Pictures used for illustration purposes only. While stocks last. Retail quantities only. No trade supplied. All prices include GST where applicable. Some products or varieties may not be available at all stores. IGA Liquor supports the responsible service of alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol not sold to under 18’s. We reserve the right to correct printing errors. 2W MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 October, 2022

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Teaching the future

Hillside resident Teresa Livoti with Monmia Primary School Prep pupils Jordan and Ayla.

In celebration of the Victorian Seniors Festival this October, EdConnect is recognising the commitment and passion of volunteers who give their time to support students and schools. EdConnect is an intergenerational volunteering charity assisting schools by offering learning support and mentoring programs. Hillside resident Teresa Livoti has been supporting prep students at Monmia Primary School. “Walking into the classroom in the morning and hearing the students calling out my name to say hello is just the best feeling,” Ms Livoti said. EdConnect trained her for the role, which involves helping in the classroom with various activities and listening to students read for 15 hours per week. “Sometimes I encourage the students to practise reading at home,“ she said. “When they come in the next day and tell me they have practiced, it makes my heart jump with joy. Ms Livoti said she felt “very welcomed” by the school community. “Volunteering in this school has been so personally fulfilling and has given me something to look forward to each week,” she said.

(Damjan Janevski) 303219_01

Default risk for business A credit reporting agency has named Melton as the region in Victoria with the highest likelihood of businesses defaulting on loans in the next 12 months. CreditorWatch’s Business Risk Index (BRI) analyses the credit information of more than 5000 registered Australian businesses across 300 regions to provide a snapshot of the best and worst performing regions for the month of September. This month’s report reveals the risk of default over the next 12 months has increased

in almost every measured region across Australia. The three worst performing regions in Victoria were all in Melbourne’s outer west. Melton-Bacchus Marsh businesses had the highest chance of default at 7.2 per cent, followed by Tullamarine-Broadmeadows at 7.04 per cent, and Wyndham at 6.84 per cent. The analysis said the Melton region is the seventh most likely to record defaults in the country. CreditorWatch chief executive Patrick Coghlan said business-to-business trade payment defaults showed a dip this month

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however, these remain well above levels seen in September last year during COVID, and are a lead indicator of future defaults. “Payment defaults are hugely significant and are a key indicator of coming delinquency for the debtor. Approximately 25 per cent of businesses with a default end up in administration within 12 months,” he said. “Additionally, it puts pressure on the supplier who will now have to shoulder that bad debt. A business with a trade payment default [is] seven times the default risk compared to a business with a clean payment record.”

CreditorWatch chief economist Anneke Thompson said the September BRI data broadly reflects the conditions of the wider economy, where trade activity is very strong, but medium- and longer-term risk is heightened. “Markets are very reactive to any and all data points, both domestic and global, as businesses and investors try to get a read on what the global economy could look like in 2023. Central banks have been on a warpath against inflation for some months now, and there is growing fear that this could tip some economies into recession,” she said.

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Illustrations light up library

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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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Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh Newsagency 138 Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh Arbee Real Estate 140 Main Street

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

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

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

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2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 October, 2022

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Moorabool will fly rainbow flag By Liam McNally Moorabool council has adopted a new Flag Flying policy which includes the use of the rainbow flag. The policy codifies a schedule for which flags will be raised at what times at council’s principal office in Stead Street, Ballan, and civic office in Hallets Way, Darley. Council moved to adopt the policy at a meeting on Wednesday, October 5. It follows a council decision in April 2021 to reject a flag flying policy which would have allowed the rainbow flag to be flown at council buildings on LGBTIQA+ awareness days. The rainbow flag is the only new addition to

the policy, which is to be flown at each office on May 17 in recognition of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. The policy also includes an application form, which groups can use to apply to have their flag flown at the council offices on particular days. Currently the council flies the Australian National Flag, the Victorian State Flag, and the Australian Aboriginal Flag at both offices, as well as the Moorabool Shire Pennant at the Darley office. When flags other than these four are raised to recognise certain events, they will replace the Victorian State Flags.

Speaking at the council meeting, Victorian Pride Lobby Rainbow Local Government Campaign policy advisor Dr Sean Mulcahy said the campaign to fly the rainbow flag has received wonderful support from the community. “What struck me from my time working with the community here in this campaign is that this is an incredibly diverse and welcoming community,” he said. “We ask that you listen to the community and support the flying of the rainbow flag.” Council received 46 submissions on the policy from community consultation, which was made available for the between September 8 and 27.

Council highlighted two key items from the submissions, one was “broad support for the policy,” and the other was asking why the Torres Strait Islander flag was not included. Moorabool mayor Tom Sullivan voted against the recommendation. Cr Sullivan’s main concern was that the inclusion of the rainbow flag in the policy, doesn’t follow the process that the policy itself set out for new flags. He said that the number of submissions has set a “very low” threshold for new flags. “We may end up with more flags than the United Nations out in New York with such a low threshold,” he said.

Fun activities for children

MP Steve McGhie, cafe owner Godfrey Attard and mayor Goran Kesic enjoy a gelato to celebrate the courthouse’s future.

(Joe Mastroianni)

Gelato on the courthouse menu mayor Goran Kesic visited the site on Tuesday, October 11 to announce that Godfrey Attard will be opening an Augustus Gelato there by the end of the year. The lease was awarded to Mr Attard after an expressions of interest process that council said was “competitive.” This week, council also awarded the contract for building a new $600,000 Kids Zone next to the Courthouse. This will also be funded in partnership with the state government. Cr Kesic said council’s partnership with the Victorian government in delivering the Melton Town Centre Revitalisation project is bringing jobs and breathing new life back into our main streets.

Chicory kiln heritage grant Bacchus Marsh’s iconic chicory kiln will benefit from restoration works following a $33,000 state government heritage grant announced on Wednesday, October 12. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the Living Heritage Program grant gave communities the resources they needed to protect heritage sites and significant objects. “The Bacchus Marsh Chicory Kiln is an iconic building; these restoration works will ensure it continues to be part of our local community for future generations,” he said. The Bacchus Marsh Lions Club is set to use the grant for conservation works which include repairs to the roof, rainwater goods, windows, doors and brickwork, as well as a treatment proposal for the exterior historic signage. The chicory kiln at Maddingley, south of the Werribee River, at Bacchus Marsh

“The Courthouse has been a local landmark for years and I’m so proud we can keep it going for years more,” he said. “We’re investing in Melton to make it a destination of choice for business, locals and tourists alike. “We welcome Augustus Gelatery to Melton and look forward to seeing this business bring more activity to the Melton Town Centre.” Liam McNally

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is a large brick structure built in 1885 to dry chicory roots. Chicory was grown in Bacchus Marsh from at least 1867 by Thomas Pearce. The Living Heritage Program supports the repairing and conservation of some of Victoria’s most significant heritage places, while also supporting traditional trades and local tourism. It is estimated that heritage provides about $2.4 billion each year towards Victoria’s tourism industry.

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The Melton Courthouse will become home to a major ice-cream franchise by summer. The 130-year-old building underwent a $260,000 structural upgrade that brought the building up to standard for hospitality retailers. Upgrades included electrical works, plumbing, new doors to decking area and a mechanical exhaust to the kitchen. An additional $200,000 is funding a new alfresco dining space and deck, with works currently underway. The funding for the building came from Melton council and state government revitalisation projects. Melton MP Steve McGhie and Melton

Melton’s children will have a wide variety of fun activities to enjoy next week as part of National Children’s Week activities. Running from Saturday, October 22 to Saturday, October 29, this year’s activities will centre around the theme of ‘All Children have the right to a standard of living that supports their wellbeing and healthy development’. The Melton Community Hall is hosting a range of activities on Tuesday, October 25 from 10am to 12.30pm, including painting pots, meeting animals at the petting zoo and enjoying a concert with Damo Music for Kids. Council staff and local service providers will also be on hand to provide information and answer families’ questions about the programs and supports available to them. Free child car restraint fittings are also available with pre-booking required. The Caroline Springs Library will then host activities on Thursday, October 27 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, including badgemaking, creating a team banner and taking part in an African drumming workshop. Melton mayor Goran Kesic said the activities will support the council’s ongoing efforts to support and celebrate the city’s young people. “For kids, these activities are so much fun, and for their families, it’s a time to play together and celebrate the joy that children bring,” he said. Details: www.melton.vic.gov.au/ O u t-n -A b o u t / E v e nt s -A c t i v i t i e s / Childrens-Week-2022-Melton

Tuesday, 18 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 3

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Funding for children’s literature By Dora Houpis Young readers are set to benefit from an added $32,062 in funding for Melton and Moorabool libraries as part of the state government’s Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund. Local Government Minister Melissa Horne and Melton MP Steve McGhie announced the funding on Monday, October 10 that will enable libraries to purchase books on the suggested reading list for the 2023 Premiers’ Reading Challenge. Mr McGhie said the funding would be a

boost for local libraries. “I’m excited this funding will help the local libraries in Melton and Moorabool purchase even more books for young readers to enjoy so they can develop a lifelong love of reading,” he said. Ms Horne said visiting libraries and reading books were favourite childhood memories for many Victorians. “I’m proud that we can support public libraries so that no child misses out on the Premiers’ Reading Challenge – or the joy of books,” she said.

“The Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund builds on the Victorian Government’s strong commitment to local libraries and communities.” Each year, the Premiers’ Reading Challenge encourages children and students to read a set number of books and record their efforts online. The challenge includes a published list containing books suited to different reading levels. Public libraries play an important role during the challenge, with many young readers

visiting their local library to access the books included on the list. This week’s funding announcement will help libraries to purchase the books listed, allowing them to grow their collections for young people. Since the Premiers’ Reading Challenge began in 2005, it has helped teachers and parents inspire more than 3.5 million young Victorians to read more than 54 million books. The Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund allocations are provided to local councils, regional library corporations, My Community Library (Myli) and Vision Australia.

Darley Park funding boost

Melton MP Steve McGhie attended the first aid session offered by Kidsafe and Emergcare.

(Damjan Janevski) 302632_02

Free first aid courses at Woodgrove Kidsafe and Emergcare teamed up to deliver a first aid training session providing attendees with essential skills and knowledge around injury prevention and paediatric first aid training at Woodgrove Shopping Centre on Wednesday, October 12. The one-hour session was the first of a number of events which Kidsafe is delivering as part of the Woodgrove Shopping Centre’s Mini and Me program. The free classes are aimed at helping parents and carers to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to respond if an emergency does arise. More than a dozen people participated in the session, including Melton MP Steve McGhie.

Preventable injuries are the leading cause of death for Australian children aged between one and 14 and are one of the leading causes of hospitalisation. Kidsafe Victoria chief executive Melanie Courtney said that every second counts in an emergency. “Having first aid knowledge is invaluable for parents and carers and helps to ensure they are equipped with the skills to respond if an emergency does arise,” she said. The event also offered free child restraint fittings as part of the Safe Seats, Safe Kids campaign. The Safe Seats, Safe Kids program offers free fittings and safety checks by accredited professional child car restraint fitters.

The program is run by Kidsafe Victoria in partnership with Neighbourhood Houses Victoria and is supported by the Victorian Government. According to Kidsafe Victoria, 90 percent of child car restraints are incorrectly installed or used, which can increase the risk of life threatening injuries by four to six times. Upcoming events include free child care restraint fitting and checking days, on Wednesday, October 26 and Wednesday, November 23 and a first aid session on Wednesday, December 7. Details: woodgrove.qicre.com/ Campaigns/2022/09/Mini-and-Me

Moorabol residents will have more places to enjoy the outdoors following the announcement of $200,000 in state government funding towards a planned park and playground at the Darley Park Reserve. Suburban Development Minister Melissa Horne, Regional Development minister Harriet Shing and Melton MP Steve McGhie announced the funding for the Darley Park play space development project on Wednesday, October 12 as part of the government’s Living Local Fund. The project includes the construction of a new play space , landscaping and park furniture aimed at encouraging physical activity and promoting community connection at the Grey Street reserve. Moorabool mayor Tom Sullivan said it was a good initiative for a growing municipality. “There are a lot of young families in Moorabool and Bacchus Marsh,” he said. “It’s good to have these sorts of playgrounds.” Mr McGhie said he also welcomed the funding. “The government is supporting Bacchus Marsh and Darley residents with the Darley Park Play Space Development project because our community deserves good parks and play spaces,” he said. As part of the Living Local Fund, councils and community organisations have received grants of up to $200,000 for things like upgrades to shopping strips and playgrounds, public art projects, and minor refurbishments. Dora Houpis

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4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 October, 2022

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Roads are top priority Transport has emerged as a key issue for Melton residents, with the latest Melton council community satisfaction survey showing residents’ priorities are improving roads and traffic management. Council said this is considerably higher than the metropolitan Melbourne average and a change that has not been seen in other growth area councils. It said the result supports council’s advocacy to all parties to commit to major road and rail upgrades in the lead up to the state election. Public transport and roads have consistently been key issues facing the City of Melton community and this year’s survey results are a clear sign of growing dissatisfaction among residents of the state of their transport networks, council said. “A growing dissatisfaction with traffic and transport above the rest of Melbourne further highlights the need for investment in the City of Melton,” mayor Goran Kesic said. “This resounding result from the survey shows council is on the right track with the ‘Fix Our Roads’ campaign. We’ve had thousands of signatures on our petition and now hard evidence that busting congestion is the number one concern for our residents.” Recent independent research commissioned by council has revealed Melton residents take over 60,000 trips a day just to get to work, and almost all of these are by car. Council said sustainable investment in our transport infrastructure will make the city’s

Traffic management is a key issue for Melton residents. (iStock)

roads safer, commutes shorter and allow for more consistent and reliable service on public transport. “Our residents are facing long commutes, less time spent with families and driving on roads that are in urgent need of being upgraded,” Cr Kesic said. “We’ve been calling for more state and federal investment in transport across the region – with our major roads, rail and bus networks all

in desperate need of upgrades.” Council is calling on all major parties to commit to a roads package across six major arterial roads – Western Highway, Melton Highway, Christies Road, Hopkins Road, Calder Park interchange and the Robinsons Road, Westwood Drive and Calder Park Drive Corridor. To support the campaign, visit: https://www. fixourroads.com.au/

NEWS

Sign up for Relay for Life to beat cancer Melton residents of all ages are encouraged to support the fight against cancer by putting on their runners and starting training for the Relay For Life event in November. Sponsored by the Cancer Council, the relay will be held in conjunction with the Melton City Runners and is open to residents of all ages, with teams as well as individuals able to compete. People can do as little as an hour or the full 24-hour relay. Relay For Life was started by American colorectal surgeon Dr Gordy Klatt in 1985 as a fundraiser and to raise cancer awareness. Beginning in Australia in 1999, the relay is now held in every state and territory, with more than 134,000 participants raising more than $14 million each year. Money raised goes towards funding the Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support programs. The local relay will be held at the Bridge Road Recreation Reserve at 132 Bridge Road in Melton South. The event will start on Saturday, November 12 at noon and will end on Sunday, November 13 at noon. Cost for adults is $35, $25 for six to 17-year-olds, while children younger than six can enter for free. Details: www.relayforlife.org.au/ register/meltoncityrunners-2022

Apply now Madelyn, 12, is excited to make some pocket money at the upcoming Garage Trail.

(Damjan Janevski)

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On the trail of bargains The Eyenesbury Garage Trail is back and bigger than ever in 2022. During the community event on Sunday, October 23, a network of Eynesbury residents will be opening their garages to bargain hunters. Between 8am and 2pm customers have the opportunity to discover a plethora of pre-loved goods, knick-knacks, furniture and more. The annual event is returning back for the first time since COVID, and has more than 40 garages registered so far. Registrations are still open, so if you have garage goods you’re ready to dust off and pass on, make sure to sign up by Wednesday, October 19. Everyone who signs up will also receive a $25 dollar Ms Peacock voucher and a bottle of sparkling wine. The event was started by locals, but this year demand has been so great Resimax Group has

stepped in to help organise the day. Resimax Group chief executive Steve Hooker said the Garage Trail provides an opportunity for Eynesbury residents to come together as a community and connect. “The event is a win-win for buyers and sellers alike,” he said. “Sellers are sure to see that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. They’ll nab a bargain, save things from going to landfill, and have a fun day out meeting other members of the community. Everyone wins.” The opportunity to register a garage is open to homes within Eynesbury only. Information will be collated, published and shared to locals attending the garage sales, providing descriptions of what each garage is selling and what payment methods are accepted on the day. Liam McNally

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

AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST QUIZ

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World record trivia event to help cure hepatitis C Trivia buffs brush up on your general knowledge as Australia’s Biggest Quiz is coming to Melton on Wednesday, October 26. Australia’s Biggest Quiz is a community event which aims to raise awareness of hepatitis C and its cure. Australia aims to find and cure 50,000 people of hepatitis C by 2023 and this quiz can help spread the word to achieve that goal. The quiz is a national trivia event where participants test their general knowledge on topics such as sport, history, music, geography and much more. Organisers are aiming to break a world record and raise awareness of hepatitis C and its cure along the way. Participating in Australia’s Biggest Quiz will be a lot of fun, but it’s likely that you probably know more about sport, history, music, culture and countries than you do about hepatitis C. You aren’t alone. Many people don’t know the facts or even that there is a cure, one that is easily accessible, affordable and has few side effects. Here’s some other hepatitis C facts that might surprise you: ■ Untreated hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer, the fastest growing contributor to cancer deaths in Australia. ■ Hepatitis C often doesn’t display symptoms until it causes liver damage. ■ Most people still living with hepatitis C either don’t know they have it, or that it can be cured. ■ Since a cure became available in 2015, 50% of Australians living with hepatitis C have been successfully treated.

Together, we have the unique opportunity to eliminate hepatitis C, and significantly reduce hepatitis-related cancer deaths in Australia. Anyone can register to participate in Australia’s Biggest Quiz. From Burnie to Bundaberg, Mundaring to Melton you are invited to join the fun online or at a live event. It’s FREE to register! There are 16 live event locations to choose from, including one at Tabcorp Park in Melton, or you can participate online and be part of the world record breaking attempt! The live event will be hosted by Jan Fran, a Walkley-winning journalist, TV presenter and social commentator. Jan co-hosts Question Everything alongside Wil Anderson on ABC TV and appears regularly on The Project on Network Ten. The live event pre-show starts in Victoria at 7pm followed by the trivia action from 8pm. To sign up or for more information go to australiasbiggestquiz.org

Jan Fran will host Australia’s Biggest Quiz.

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HISTORY? Australia’s Biggest Quiz is a world-record-breaking-history-making event. Sign up today and help raise awareness of hepatitis C and its CURE. Together, we can do something BIG and end hepatitis C in Australia.

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Tuesday, 18 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 7

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Council satisfaction rating falls Moorabool residents are less satisfied than the average Victorian about the performance of their council. The community satisfaction survey runs across the state, and for 23 years has been asking residents about key areas of life in their local government area. The results are graded out of 100 against a statewide average, and an average of similar communities. This year Moorabool’s overall satisfaction result dropped four points, to the lowest it has been in at least the last 10 years. This year 400 responses gave an insight

into residents’ views on council performance, value for money, community consultation and engagement, customer service, local infrastructure, facilities, services, and overall council direction. Moorabool received an overall score nine points below the Victorian average, and five points below average in the “large rural” category. Moorabool scored lower on every measured topic than the state and large rural, and scores also declined from last year’s results for every metric except customer service.

The report said Moorabool graded “significantly lower” than the state average in local streets and footpaths, recreational facilities, and sealed roads. Moorabool graded “significantly lower” than the large rural average for aged care services, local streets and footpaths, and recreational facilities. The biggest declines in perceived council performance were in aged care services, and local streets and footpaths. The report was raised at a council meeting on Thursday, October 5, and councillor Rod Ward moved a recommendation to look at

increasing resources toward some of the lowest performing areas. “The message from the ratepayers in Moorabool is loud and clear, that more needs to be done on our sealed roads and maintenance, and our footpaths and walking tracks,” he said. A report to council stated that contributing factors for the declining scores may be council’s decision to exit aged support services and the storms and floods affecting roads in late 2021 and early 2022.

CFA and FRV team up to improve skills

Krystle Sheppard is battling a serious illness but is still determined to give back through a mentoring program.

(Damjan Janevski) 303022_02

Sparkways is seeking new mentors For Krystle Sheppard, it was her own experiences growing up that inspired her to sign up as a mentor. She said her life would be an interesting book to read. “There was a lot of abuse from a relative and his friends, abusive relationships,” Ms Sheppard said. “I guess I listened to their words and made them my own. “That I was useless, that I was worthless.” She said she owed it to her grandma and her uncle and aunt for getting her the help she needed, but thinks having a program like Sparkways available would have been “amazing”. Ms Sheppard spoke to Star Weekly from Sunshine Hospital, which she has been in and

out of for the last couple of years with diabetic gastroparesis. Despite these troubles, and being a single mother, she still wants to find the time to give back. “It’s good to have a distraction from just yourself,” she said. “To me sitting there, I feel like I’m wasting time, and if I can help someone it’s a good distraction and I’m doing something good. Sparkways is a youth service which began in 1883 and has been running a mentoring program in the western suburbs for 20 years. The program connects young people who have been involved with child protection with adult mentors. The pairs catch up every two weeks for 12 months and do activities based around the

young person’s interests, aimed at building confidence and setting goals. Sparkways has seven young people in Melton ready for the program currently but is seeking mentor volunteers to help them. Sparkways mentoring program team leader Fletcher Curnow said the most rewarding part of the program is watching young people come out of their shell and helping them achieve goals. “If you’re an empathetic person who wants to make a difference, particularly in the local Melton community, while doing some fun and interesting activities, we would really love some more mentors,” he said. Liam McNally

Country Fire Authority [CFA] and Fire Rescue Victoria [FRV] teamed up to build on their skills together in the western suburbs. In an emergency, North Western Metro firefighters all respond as one, and so are also working together off the fire ground to enhance their skills. CFA members from Caroline Springs Fire Brigade were invited to participate in a station tour and training exercise at FRV Station 44 in Sunshine on Tuesday, October 4. The brigade undertook breathing apparatus skills maintenance drills by conducting search and rescue exercises in the smokehouse and tunnels system. The drill simulates a structure fire with heavy smoke and allows crews to get experience navigating confined spaces with limited visibility. Caroline Springs Brigade training co-ordinator Anthony Jenkins said the training day was an excellent opportunity for CFA members to build on their existing skills alongside another brigade. “It also gives our brigade the chance to strengthen the positive relationship we have with our neighbouring FRV brigades,” he said. The drills were part of the brigade’s biannual breathing apparatus skills refresher training. The joint training exercise comes ahead of multi-agency emergency personnel briefings across the metro region, including one in Sunbury on October 26, to prepare for the upcoming fire season. CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said these briefings were an opportunity to meet with our emergency service partners and talk about the local risks and the best ways to help the community prepare for the season ahead. “Even though we are expecting an average or lower than average fire season in some areas, the greatest risk for the metropolitan region is grassland along the urban fringe,” he said. Liam McNally

Labor promises to fund more Maddingley bus services Buninyong MP Michaela Settle has promised a re-elected Labor government will expand bus services in Maddingley. Ms Settle visited Maddingley on Friday, October 14, to make the announcement, where she said good public transport is important for kids, young workers, and families. MP Settle is the Labor candidate for the new electorate of Eureka, which will replace 8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 October, 2022

the seat of Buninyong at the November state election. The announcement promised extra services, and that by 2025 every new bus added to the fleet will be a zero emissions vehicle. This is on top of the already delivered Ballarat Line Upgrade, which a Labor press release said delivered an extra 25 train services per week to an upgraded

Bacchus Marsh station. “I am so pleased that a re-elected Andrews Labor government will make it easier for residents in Bacchus Marsh to get to where they need to go, by extending the bus service to Maddingley. Maddingley is a fast-growing community, and we are making sure that our growing regions get the infrastructure that they need,” she said.

Public Transport Minister Ben Caroll said Labor is focused on delivering a modern, accessible, environmentally sustainable bus network. “Maddingley is a fast-growing community, and we are making sure that our growing regions get the infrastructure that they need,” he said.

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$6.42m cash splash for Toolern Vale PS By Liam McNally Melton MP Steve McGhie visited Toolern Vale Primary School on Tuesday, October 11 to pledge more than $6 million to expand the school if the Victorian Labor Party is re-elected this November. The $6.42 million investment would provide funding for a new multipurpose building, an amphitheatre, a basketball court, a playground and a new fence. Mr McGhie said every family deserved a great local school. “A re-elected Andrews Labor government will deliver upgrades to Toolern Vale Primary School, including a new external basketball court and playground, giving students the world-class facilities they deserve,” he said. At the last state election in 2018, Labor committed to building 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026. Labor said that so far 75 have been funded or opened. A Labor Party press release said it has invested more than $12.8 billion in building and upgrading schools in Victoria and have delivered more than 1850 upgrades to schools since coming to government. The release also said the party has supported education by investing in student mental health and wellbeing by putting mental health workers in every government school and by reforming the senior secondary school system. The state government has also combined VCE and VCAL to create the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate. Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said that Labor wanted teachers and students to have what they need to succeed in the classroom.

NEWS

Briefs Closed roads due to flooding Recent heavy rainfall has caused flooding, affecting roads, walking tracks and infrastructure throughout Moorabool. Remember to never walk, ride or drive through floodwaters. Kellys Road, Harris Road, Golden Point Road, North Blackwood Road Bridge, Eaglesons Road, Bradys Lane, Mill Park and Caledonia Park, Spencer Road, (between Roch Court and Densley Street) and Dollys Creek Road remain closed.

Compost support About 1400 households in Stockland’s Truganina estates interested in reducing landfill can access a $120 voucher designed to help them start composting household waste. Home owners in the Mt Atkinson and Grandview Stockland estates in Truganina can use the $120 voucher on products including worm farms, compost bins and garden beds. In partnership with social venture Compost Revolution, the program has been designed to educate and equip Stockland’s residents to better dispose of organic waste. Details: www. stockland.com.au or email support@ compostrevolution.com.au Melton MP Steve McGhie was excited to announce a $6.42 million pledge towards expansions at Toolern Vale Primary School. (Supplied)

“Our teachers do an amazing job educating Victorian students and that’s why we deliver so many new and upgraded classrooms and facilities at schools right across the state,” she said.

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Tuesday, 18 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 9

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School marks 50 years By Liam McNally The Melton West Primary School community is inviting past pupils, teachers and community members to join it in celebrating its 50th anniversary. The free event will be honouring the school’s history and opening their new gymnasium and oval from 3pm on Friday, November 18. The event will begin with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony before Melton mayor Goran Kesic officially opens the gym. There will be an extensive photo display documenting the history the school, as well as staff and students from every year since 1972. Guests can also purchase a personalised brick for $25 which will eventually sit on a commemorative wall at the school. There will be a host of other activities, including free games, food stalls, face painting, a petting zoo, dingo exhibition, photo booth and more. Guests can also join a school tour and enjoy a number of local music performances. Current teacher Liza Dearing was a pupil at Melton West Primary through the first half of the 1990’s, has been a teacher for the past 14 years and is involved in co-organising the event. She said she is over the moon to help organise the event because to her the school feels like home. Ms Dearing said her grandfather was a groundskeeper at the school, and around the time he passed her grade one teacher retired, and passed the position on to her. “Teaching has its hard times and its easy times, but my connectedness to this school has always made sure that this is where I’m meant to be,” she said. “This school feels like home.”

Melton West Primary staff Tolley Cacayas, Maria Robinson, Liza Dearing and Michaelle Costa in the school’s new gymnasium. (Joe Mastroianni) 302684_03

Ms Dearing said she is excited to see her former grade 1 teacher present a guitar performance at the anniversary event. “I think it’s really special,” she said.

“We’d love for any past students and anyone that was involved in Melton West Primary to come along and take the trip down memory lane with us.”

Program to help carers Carers Victoria has launched the Carer Wellbeing and Connection program to further support carers in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Supported by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network, the five-session online program called Carer Wellbeing and Connection, is aimed at helping carers bolstertheir sense of personal worth, share views and connect with others in the community. The online program is especially designed to reignite social connection, combat isolation and reduce the psychological distress the role generates. Led by mental health experts and informed by carer lived experience, the program comprises four 90-minute online group sessions, including a final meet up for reflection and feedback. The University of Melbourne conducted an external evaluation and found the Carer and Wellbeing Connection program delivered real benefits to participants. The program has been extended for another 12 months and is available to carers living, working, or studying in north western metropolitan region of Melbourne, particularly in Brimbank, Darebin, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Wyndham, Macedon Ranges, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Melton, Moonee Valley, Moorabool, Merri-bek and Yarra. There are spaces still available in the next scheduled group sessions, on October 26 and 27.

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10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 October, 2022

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Egg producers fear shell shocks review of the Animal Welfare Legislation. “The standards and guidelines for poultry have been released on a national level as a recommendation, and there is concern of a phase out of cages, and that would be extremely problematic,” she said. A Department of Agriculture spokesperson said the department would be phasing out conventional ‘battery’ cages, the standards would allow the use of larger, furnished cages that provide welfare improvements, including a nest area, scratch area, perch and foraging material. About 50 per cent of egg production in Australia is in cage systems, Ms Cucinotta said, but they aren’t always the harmful, cramped cages people might envision. “Cage systems are not the cages that existed in the’ 80s that you see on social media, cage systems have come such a long way,” she said. “It’s really important because it provides better biosecurity, it provides us with consistent sustainable eggs, so when it’s winter and free range birds stop playing we still have the ability to access a steady flow of sustainable eggs because we have cage environmental sheds. “We can provide a safe protein at a lower cost [to the consumer] essentially.” There are some practices the farm enacts to keep their chickens in egg-cellent condition. “We have foot maps at every entry into our shed, which has certain chemicals on there that ideally kill off any bugs or debris that they’re walking in with,” Ms Cucinotta said. “Our staff have specific uniform that’s only used when they’re on our farm [and] we have washing stations. “We check our birds twice a day, checking their overall health and wellbeing of a chicken daily is important.”

Sisters Danyel Cucinotta and Renay Ahmed.

(Supplied)

FSA/DETS1029

If there’s ever been a time third generation egg farmer Danyel Cucinotta has been worried for the future of the industry, it’s right now. The Werribee South farmer runs L.T’s Egg Farm with her sister, and the pair are responsible for the care of about 30,000 chickens. “We mostly service our own Wyndham community. We do quite a bit in the western suburbs of Melbourne, cafes, delis, fruiterers [and] butchers,” Ms Cucinota said. It’s estimated by not-for-profit group Australian Eggs that the nation consumes about 18 million eggs a day, and Ms Cucinotta says most of these eggs are domestically produced. “The next time you’re out for brunch at a cafe and you order eggs, you’re supporting local farmers,” she said. But with the ever present risk of Avian Influenza, biosecurity fears, and the reviews of the Animal Welfare Legislation, Ms Cucinotta said there are many factors that threaten to impact the supply of eggs. “Avian Influenza is carried by migratory birds and as you can imagine, because we don’t have border patrol for birds, and as they migrate, they could be carrying disease with them,” she said. “Birds fly over certain farms, they defecate, we might step in poo and then we go into a shed and take Avian Influenza in, and wipe out our whole flock. “In Werribee South because we have such beautiful parkland across from us, as lovely as it is, it creates a huge biosecurity risk for us, we’ve gotta be really careful about the people we let on our farm, the way we let people on our farm and the kinds of biosecurity rules we use.” But right now, Ms Cucinotta said the “big risk” for the industry is the outcome of the

Free Kinder: the best start for 2023. Enrolments are now open for Free Kinder. Free Kinder will be available for all Victorian three and four-year-old children at participating services in 2023. Free Kinder will be available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings across the state, saving families up to $2,500 per year, per child. In 2022, funded Three-Year-Old Kinder continues to roll out across Victoria. Find your local kindergarten services at vic.gov.au/kinder

Tuesday, 18 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

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A memoir with a great punchline Renowned Australian comedian Shaun Micallef is known for his exaggerated characters, but in his new memoir, he has looked back at the narrative of his life and career, as he tells Matthew Sims.

omedy has been the means and ends driving Shaun Micallef, but his new memoir reflects on how his tunnel vision caused him to sometimes lose sight of what was important. ‘Tripping Over Myself’ details Micallef’s Maltese heritage, his early years in Catholic schools and early career as a lawyer and then onto appearing in television shows such as The Micallef P(r)ogram(me), Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation and Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell. Currently based in Williamstown, Micallef moved from Adelaide to Melbourne in 1994 and got to know the western suburbs during his time filming Seachange. He said despite living in Melbourne for a number of decades, he still only knows a relatively small grid. “I can do my hook turns,” Micallef said. “I refuse to use a sat nav, just because it annoys me and I’ve got an old Gregory’s from 1994.” Micallef said writing a memoir was not something which came naturally to him.

‘‘

I did feel it was beneath me, which is a terribly arrogant thing to say, when the truth was it was actually beyond me

’’

- Shaun Micallef

“I don’t ever really give anything of myself when I’m performing,” “I’m just a vehicle for jokes that have nothing to do with me personally. “I regard my own personal views on politics and things as not terribly interesting.” Micallef said he was inspired about the books about comedy and the lives of comedians he read when he was 18. “If people are interested in comedy and they want to hear a story about how you get from A to B to C to D, here’s a version of that,” he said. “A little bit of personal private life comes in just to show you how important, for me anyway, comedy was to get you through some tough times and vice versa. “When the comedy’s not working, then, hey, it’s alright, you’ve got a full, rich life involving family, so that’ll get you through that.” Reflecting on his time hosting a Vega radio show alongside Denise Scott, Micallef said while he was excited to do it, he soon discovered the format did not suit his comedic style. “I was very, very happy to embark on that, but I wasn’t very, very good at it,” he said. “I did feel it was beneath me, which is a terribly arrogant thing to say, when the truth was it was actually beyond me. “I tried to write everything that I was doing on morning radio, which is impossible.” Micallef said he got into comedy because of radio show programs such as The Goon Show. “I instinctively understand the power and the great palette that it is,” he said. “I just couldn’t bring myself to do that,” he said. “I felt it was the worst thing in the world.” Micallef also addresses the low points he experienced whilst filming the Channel 10 show Mr & Mrs Murder, which he balanced along with seasons of Mad as Hell and Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation. The book details the madness which ensued with him rewriting the scripts and directing new scenes. “I had no time really to devote what it deserved,” Micallef said. “The whole book is full of stories of why things have fallen apart.” Micallef said the things which fell apart were often as a result of not having love for the project.

Now at 60 years of age, Shaun Micallef is looking forward to spending more time with his family after the end of Mad as Hell in September. Inset: An 18 year-old Shaun. Below: Mad as Hell lampooned Australia’s media and political landscape for 15 seasons. (Pictures: Supplied)

“One hundred and ten per cent of your energy has to go into it,” he said. “I do think you have to be in love with it and with the people you are working with.” “I don’t see how else people can do it, I don’t think you can fake it.” Coming off a 15-season run of Mad as Hell, Micallef said he was enjoying some time to settle back in to family life before setting a course towards a new project. “I haven’t regretted it yet,” he said. “I would like, with whatever time I’ve got left creatively, to be able to do things that involve a bit more time and crafting.” Micallef said he hoped the ABC would give younger comedians screen time into the future. “Part of the reason that I’ve decided to hang up my gloves for Mad As Hell is so that other younger comedians can have a chance to use the resources at the ABC,” he said. “I am interested in seeing what someone else is going to be doing. “I tend to just keep my head out of other people’s comedy, unless it’s very, very different comedy.” During his time with the ABC, Micallef said he met and collaborated with a number of young and up-and-coming comedy acts, such as Aunty Donna and Kate McCartney and

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 October, 2022

Kate McLennan. Reflecting on his life as a whole, Micallef is humble about his accomplishments. “Actually putting something down in writing makes you be a little bit more honest about it and it invites a certain amount of analysis,” he said. “At the end of it, I thought to myself, well, I haven’t really done anything.

“I’ve learnt things about myself, but that’s such a solipsistic way of looking at life.” However, Micallef said he is hopeful he still has time to work for the good of others. “It’s not ever yet, I can actually turn myself around a little bit and be a little more thoughtful and helpful to other people. “That’s a project that I’ve got, I think in my time left.” Micallef said he is not alone in becoming absorbed in work. “I think that’s a problem we all have,” he said. “I think we’re all distracting ourselves ... so we don’t think about death.” “We allow ourselves to be get a bit too absorbed by the minutiae of our work or our day-to-day life.” Micallef said he hopes he is a better person than he was 30 years ago and the ink has not yet dried on his tale. “We’re all involved in the act of becoming, aren’t we?” he said. “We’re all a work in progress.” Micallef will be talking about ‘Tripping Over Myself’ and his career at a special one-night-only event at The Capitol in Melbourne on Saturday, November 5. Details: my.wheelercentre.com/7663

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Melton Weir wakeboard action By Liam McNally Melton Weir played host to the season opener of the Wakeboard Victoria summer series on Saturday, October 15. After a couple of interrupted years due to COVID-19, people were excited to see the action return. In the Rookies event Indi Larkin placed third, Massie McDonald second, and Alexa Edwards first. Straight Air under-14’s Taj Barnett placed third, Lexi Howard second, and Seth Cowpar first. The Straight Air competition saw Rubi Kitchen come third, Jack Browne second, and Tom Jeffreys first. In the Inverter competition Noah Piastri came third, Joel Kitteringham second, and Brae McCormack won. The advanced division saw Caiden May come third, Liam Dinnage second, and Cooper Howard first. The Shred 18+ division Adrien Zulian placed second and Paul Howard won. In the Open, Cooper Armstrong came second, and Thorry Heaney won the day.

Thorry Heaney won the open division.

(Joe

An aerial manoeuvre by Paul Howard.

(Joe Mastroianni)

(Joe

Mastroianni)

Liam Dinnage riding the wake.

(Joe Mastroianni)

Adrian Zullan.

(Joe Mastroianni).

Cooper Armstrong (14) came second in the open event. (Joe Mastroianni)

12544962-AV15-22

Mastroianni)

Liam Dinnage getting upside down over the water.

Tuesday, 18 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

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

Eynesbury Garage Trail Sunday, October 23, 8am to 2pm. October is ‘Buy Nothing New’ month and Eynesbury residents are helping you find a second-hand bargain. Eynesbury residents are opening their garages to bargain hunters, selling everything from quality used furniture to Christmas decorations. Save the date and save your coins and come along to a fun day out.

Relay for Life Saturday, November 12 at noon to Sunday, November 13 at noon. Melton City Runners are taking up the challenge to fight cancer through Relay For Life, a fun and moving experience raising funds for Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services. Relay for Life is a chance for the community to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, those going through a cancer experience and their carers, to honour and remember loved ones lost and to raise money to help save more lives. ■ www.relayforlife.org.au/register/ meltoncityrunners-2022

Walk Werribee River at Exford Saturday, October 22 from 10.30am. Pinkerton Landcare & Environment Group [PLEG] invite the community to join them in for a springtime walk along the beautiful Werribee River, starting from the Exford Reserve at the Greigs Road and Exford Road intersection to see a display of wattle blossoms and a variety of local birdlife. BYO walking boots, water and food for barbecue.

Eynesbury Market Sunday, October 23, 9am to 2pm. Come along and enjoy the relaxed surroundings of Eynesbury Market to enjoy a wide range of stalls from farmers, produce growers, fruit, jams, sauces, cakes, breads and moving along to our artisan craft stalls and food vendors. Free parking is available in the car park located at Homestead Golf Club, and along the road, the large paddocks just past the market site are also available for parking. Eynesbury is a dog friendly market. Please ensure your dogs are on a lead and you pick up any parcels left.

Flavour Fest Discover a delicious blend of fiery, sweet and smoky sensations at Flavour Fest – a music and food festival celebrating community, culture and cuisine. Listen to sweet sounds from some of the best bands, enjoy tasty treats from Melbourne’s most popular food trucks and restaurants, including live music from Australia’s favourite bands, cooking demonstrations from Melbourne’s best chefs and delicious international food served from Melbourne’s favourite eateries. Saturday, October 22 from noon to 9pm at Frontier Park in Rockbank. ■ www.eventbrite.com.au/e/flavour-fest2022-tickets-403298846707

WordPress Course Learn to create and maintain your own WordPress-based site in Melton South Community Centre’s eight-week Build Your Own Website course from Tuesday, October 18 to Tuesday, December 13. At just $30 or $20 concession, this is an affordable education opportunity for anyone wanting to learn skills for the workplace, a business or their own personal use. ■ 9746 8576

Garment Course Discover the joys of creating your own garments and household items in Melton South Community Centre’s eight-week sewing courses. Learn the basics of machine and hand stitching in Intro to Sewing, build on your basic skills in

Sunbury Model Railway Club president Robin Bootle. (Damjan Janevski) 302433_01

Intermediate, or work independently on your own project in Advanced. BYO working sewing machine – other requirements discussed on enrolment. $30 or $20 concession. ■ 9747 8576

Online Course Learn the essentials of building your own online business in Melton South Community Centre’s eight-week Start Your Business Online course. Ideal for new businesses or existing businesses wanting to expand online, students will learn about website creation, laws and regulations, social media and much more. $30 or $20 concession. ■ 9747 8576

Eynesbury Heritage Trail Eynesbury Heritage Trail junior parkrun takes place at the Eynesbury Heritage Trail, 479 Eynesbury Rd, Eynesbury (next to the Discovery Centre), every Sunday, at 8am. Registration free. ■ www.parkrun.com.au/register

Bacchus Marsh Bahai As part of International Day of Peace celebrations, the Bahá’í Community of Moorabool will hold a free presentation by Dr Miguel Gil on his recently-published book, The Concept of Peace in the Bahá’í Faith, at the Lerderderg Library, 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, on Thursday, October 6 at 6pm. Light refreshments provided. Copies signed by the author available. ■ 0411 080 799

The Gap on Graham The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10 to 18 years, at the centre, 5 Graham St, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old. The centre will hold car boot market days on Saturday, October 8 and Saturday, November 12 from 10am. Proceeds go towards supporting local youth. ■ Val, 0414 769 605

14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 October, 2022

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. ■ 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

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

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

Eynesbury Homestead. The market is on the fourth Sunday of the month. It features a great range of food trucks, artisans, makers and more.

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

Melton Bridge Club The Melton Bridge Club has recommenced weekly social Bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am to 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

Melton Friendship Group 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

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

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

Eynesbury Market A community market next to the iconic

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

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 103

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

easy

8 9

2 6 1 4 9 3 9 6 2 5 5 3 9 2

Takes without permission (8) US city known as ‘The Windy City’ (7) A group with a common interest (9)

4 9 8 5

6 7 3 5

1 9 2

hard

9 2 9 7

9 3 5 1

10 11 12 13

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

Q K

9 7 2 8 4 6 3 1 5

7 2 9 6 5 3 4 8 1

8 3 5 4 1 7 2 9 6

1 6 4 9 2 8 3 5 7

9 1 7 5 6 2 8 4 3

Today’s Aim: 8 words: Good 12 words: Very good

I G

No. 103 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

D G E D E N U E

P O R T I K E R L I V E

7 LETTERS DRASTIC ICEBERG IDOLISE INHABIT INTERNS PARSECS

6 LETTERS LEASES NEEDLE SPIDER STATER

8 LETTERS ENSEMBLE ENTWINED EPILEPSY PRIORITY

21-10-22

S H A

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

STYLE TENSE TIGHT WHEEL WHINE WOUND YABBY

QUICK QUIZ

In what year did boxer Kostya Tszyu (pictured) win his first professional world title?

In 2007, which anniversary did the Cannes Film Festival celebrate?

Which office is of the highest rank in the diplomatic service?

What insect has the largest brain, relative to its size?

Since Federation, how many double dissolutions of the Australian Parliament have there been?

On the Richter scale, what magnitude might an earthquake be if it produced vibrations similar to that of a passing truck: two, three or five?

Which poem by Edgar Allen Poe begins 'Take this kiss upon the brow!'?

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

MEETS MERES ODOUR OGLED ORALS PIANO PILLS PUREE READS SALES SARIS SCARE SEEDS SEEDY SENDS SHEAR SIREN SNOTS SNOWS SORES SOWED

DIFFUSING, digs, ding, dings, find, finds, fundi, fungi, fusing, gins, nisi, siding, sign, sing, sniff, suing, using

2 5 8 1 3 4 7 6 9

6 8 2 3 4 1 9 7 5

4 9 1 2 7 5 6 3 8

6 2 3 4 5 8 7 1 9

9 7 4 8 6 5 1 2 3

2 5 6 7 1 3 4 9 8

I G

1 4 5 7 3 9 6 2 8

6 8 3 2 5 1 4 7 9

8 9 7 6 1 2 5 3 4

1 3 8 2 9 4 6 7 5

4 8 9 3 2 7 5 6 1

3 1 2 5 4 6 9 8 7

T E

4 LETTERS ANON BARS EYED LADS LENS OWLS RAIN ROBS SASH SAWS SEAL STAB STEP TSAR 5 LETTERS ABYSS

O I

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”.

3 2 1 5 9 4 8 6 7

5 6 4 3 8 7 1 9 2

2 1 9 4 6 5 7 8 3

7 5 8 1 2 3 9 4 6

4 3 6 9 7 8 2 5 1

7 6 5 1 8 9 3 4 2

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

5x5

9-LETTER WORD

17 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

8 5

3 4

ACORN AISLE ALLEY AMBER APPAL APRON ARENA AREN’T BORNE BRAIN DOTES EVERY EVILS HALOS INANE IRATE LEASE LIVES LOSER MAPLE MEDIA

MY N B V I LWT U C AG

P D Z J E OX R S F HQK

1 2 8 7

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Where would you find the calcaneus bone in a mammal?

In which constellation does the Sirius star reside?

10 On which Velvet Underground album did the song Sweet Jane first appear? ANSWERS: 1. 1995 2. Ambassador 3. The ant 4. Three 5. The heel 6. Canis Major 7. 60th 8. Seven 9. A Dream Within A Dream 10. Loaded

5 1

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No. 103

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medium

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, 6 1 7 6 ( 3 + $ 0 / ( 2 5 6 ( 6 6 $ / ' ( $ / 6 6 ( ' 6

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26 27 28 29

, 1 $ 1 (

4 6 3 1

Foot covers (5) Rash; hasty (9) Parallel (7) City in northern France (7) Skull (7) Perform maintenance on (7) Pathological self-admirer (9) Speak hypocritically (4) Island (4) Not seasonal (4-5) Arrives at a place (7) Town in France with a shrine to St Bernadette (7) Marine bird (7) Playhouse (7) Divide into parts (9) Jobs undertaken (5)

3 8 5 ( (

2 5

3 6 9 7

Compensation (9) Due respect (5) 10th US president (5) Address (7) English county (6) Quack (9) Stout (9) Protagonist of Homer’s Iliad (8) Reading or copying machine (7) Make something more modern (7) Support (4,2) Beautiful woman in Muslim paradise (5) Egyptian peninsula (5)

4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 22 25

No. 103

6 1 2 7 6

QUICK CROSSWORD

Tuesday, 18 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

RJ GUTTERS ฀ ฀ ฀

★ New & Existing ★

Homes

- Manufacturing - Metals - Engineering On Site - Hydraulic Hoses & Fittings - Powder Coating - Sand Blasting - Custom Fabrication - Welding - Steel Sales - Engineering Supplies

13 Reddrop St, Bacchus Marsh PH: 5367 1141 AH: 0418 301 841 www.rosscoengineering.com.au

V Fencing & Gates

L.T.J Fencing The real deal in timber and colorbond fencing ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

Call Leigh 0409 098 910

Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations · Plumbing · Tiling · Electrical · Carpentry · Plastering · One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. · Complete service from start to ﬁnish, including kitchen 3D design. · Appliance packages available. · Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom.

T HE U LTIMATE F ENCE F ACTORY

Call: 0415 337 192

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing

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

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739

12398667-SN37-18

F & J ROLLER DOORS REPAIRS & REMOTES Roller Door Remote Controls Silent Drive 7 Year Warranty FROM $500 fully installed

V Builders & Building Services

Froggys CONTRACTING

Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services Pergolas • Decks • Retaining Walls • Renovations • Landscaping

12533274-HC09-22

9746 7785

Andrew 0425 852 621 | Froggys.com.au | info@froggys.com.au

Call Andrew 0417 385 483 www.doorservicesvic.com.au andrew@doorservicesvic.com.au

V Carpenters

Phone 0401 005 760 G6638978

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

12568118-AV37-22

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

0409 888 228

12469374-CG46-20

V Tiling

ASAP.E TILING • Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilet Renovation • Small Extension • Carpentry / Plastering • 20yrs. Plus Building Experience ** call Hill now for a free quote **

Find your Local Professionals in our

Tel 04 3277 4645

Trades & Services section of Network Classiﬁeds.

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

฀ ฀

฀

฀฀ ฀฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ FREE QUOTE - FULL INSURANCE

CAMERON LOPEZ 0419 644 838 E: Cameron.lopez619@gmail.com

V Painters/Decorators

Melton Tree & Stump Removals

SAIDA’S PAINTING Top Quality Guaranteed EST. 2008

Call for a Free Quote

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

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

General Notices

V Plumbing

LOCAL DRAIN CLEARING 0423 288 893

Lic 49728

V Reblocking/Underpinning MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

Reg No 8659

฀

General Classiﬁeds

0416 561 594 0403 610 782 www.saidaspaintingau.com

NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE

ALL SUBURBS ★ RAISING ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING ★ RESTUMPING WITH CONCRETE OR REDGUM STUMPS ★ COUNCIL PERMIT ★ ALL WORK GUARANTEED

TD CARPENTRY Specialising in ✔ Pergolas and deckings ✔ Fencing ✔ Framing ✔ Home Renovations Free Quotes

24/7 Emergency Locksmiths Mention All Suburbs 0418 534 201 or 0414 930 586 this ad for Shop located at 36 Grant St, 10% off Bacchus Marsh 12557329-NG27-22

• Blocked Drain & Emergency Plumber • Drains Reline

DOOR SERVICES VICTORIA • Garage doors • Repairs and New Doors • Remotes and Motors • All Types of Servicing • 24hrs 7 Days • Eftpos Available

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

BACCHUS MARSH LOCKSMITHS

0412 184 772

12567069-JW37-22

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

Call 0430 332 368

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

• Domestic • Commercial • Interior • Exterior • New Homes • Renovation • Plaster Repairs • Home Repairs

V Garage/Garage Doors

Motoring

SAME DAY SERVICE

Allgood Aussie Tree Lopping

Fencing & Gates, Sliding Gates, Solar Panel Sliding Gates No Job Too Small, No Job Too Big Free Measuring Quote larryfranklin561@gmail.com

12486015-NG11-21

12420493-CG25-19

ANTENNA MAN

12453988-FA28-20

V Bathroom & Kitchens

FREE QUOTES

0421 421 640

12327446-LN42-16

jadhc@live.com.au

V Television/Video/Audio

V Locksmiths

12337176-LB03-17

JAD COOLING AND HEATING Jad 0425 804 593 or 9336 1996

฀

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

12402755-RA44-18

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

฀ ฀ ฀

V Heating

ROSSCO ENGINEERING AND SALES

12563025-JC33-22

REPAIR, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATIONS

฀

We clean them all!

0419 400 025

“Couldn’t recommend any more highly, prompt and friendly service!”

1232632-ACM26-16

KS Heating & Cooling

V Engineering

1229835-ACM22-16

AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING

฀ ฀

฀

FREE QUOTES Mobile: 0478 129 330 | ABN. 43462185813

V Air Conditioning

12499953-AV25-21

฀

Find us on

FREE SMOKE ALARM

PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193 Registered Building Practitioner

V Public Notices and Event

CLASSIFIEDS EARLY DEADLINES MELBOURNE CUP Classiﬁed deadlines for Tuesday, 1st November issue of the Melton/Moorabool Star Weekly as follows:

12573744-AV42-22

All • Footings • Slabs • Foundations • Concrete Paving • Concrete Restorations NO JOB TOO SMALL!

12435708-LB03-20

Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 1:30pm Monday.

12479887-JW04-21

Residential - Commercial - Industrial

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

Lachlan Ivers

V Guttering

NATHAN FENECH CONCRETING

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofﬁce)

Biocycle Aqua Nova Taylex Systems

12567906-MS37-22

We accept payment by:

IVERS LIQUID WASTE

SEPTIC TANK CLEANING SERVICE

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

V Concrete Products & Services

(include your name, address and phone number)

8348 5441

Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / Hedge Trimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals • Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning

NDIS Screened, Fully Insured Ovens, Windows no problem $55/hour (including GST) 0499 905 720 e:timhbelc@icloud.com www.showerglasscleaningandpolishing.com

Online: networkclassiﬁeds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

V Septic Tanks

AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES

House Cleaner

Placing your classiﬁed advert is so easy...

AU 21094 Lic 42666

V Garden Services

12559990-AV30-22

V Cleaning Services

12543772-HC15-22

V Deadline

MONDAY 31ST OCTOBER AT 12 NOON

G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14

with us and get better results

CALL 1300 666 808 16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 October, 2022

12514849-JW40-21

ADVERTISE

SPORTS QUIZ 1. What is the AFL mascot for the Essendon football club?

5. Who is the current captain of the Melbourne Storm soccer club?

2. At what age did legendary NBA player Michael Jordan retire?

6. What are the team colours for the NRL Panthers?

3. How many players are on a soccer team? 4. What fictional sport from the Harry Potter series is now played competitively?

7. What sport is Adam Scott best known for? 8. Which NFL star recently had a physical altercation with a cameraman after his team's loss? 9. Which veteran Geelong football player recently announced their retirement? 10. Aaron Finch currently captains which cricket team? 11. Which European side did the Matildas recently defeat 3-1 in an away friendly? 12. What country is hosting the current Rugby League World Cup? 13. What Australian batter was accused of possibly obstructing the field in a recent Twenty20 match against England?

14. Which Victorian regional city is hosting matches in the first round of the 2022 ICC Twenty20 World Cup? 15. Jason Horne-Francis was recently traded to which AFL club? 16. Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander recently won which Supercars Championship event? 17. Bryce Cotton plays for which NBL team? 18. Which AFL club’s training facility is known as The Hangar? 19. What three AFL clubs did TV presenter and Logie winner Tony Armstrong play for during his career? 20. The Constellation Cup is a series of Netball Tests contested by which two countries? 21. Which horse won the 2021 running of The Everest weight for age thoroughbred horse race? 22. A driving team backed by which car manufacturer won the 2022 Bathurst 1000?

Paige Spiranac

23. Victor Wembanyama is a 2.20m (7’3") tall teenage professional basketballer from which country? 24. Former Collingwood footballer Brodie Grundy was traded to which AFL club? 25. In which sport is social media personality Paige Spiranac a former professional?

28. CBR Brave is a semiprofessional ice hockey team based in which Australian state or territory? 29. New Zealand’s women’s national basketball team is known by what nickname? 30. Des Hasler most recently coached which NRL club?

26. Which 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup team defeated Australia by a score of 41-17 after initially trailing 0-17? 27. What is the name of the projectile used in the sport of badminton?

Michale Jordan 2110

1. Moz “Skeeta” Reynolds 2. 40 years old 3. 11 players 4. Quidditch 5. Jesse Bromwich 6. Black, red, yellow, green and white. 7. Golf 8. Davante Adams 9. Joel Selwood 10. The Australian cricket team in T20I 11. Denmark 12. England 13. Matthew Wade 14. Geelong 15. Port Adelaide 16. Bathurst 1000 17. Perth Wildcats 18. Essendon 19. Adelaide, Sydney and Collingwood 20. Australia and New Zealand 21. Nature Strip 22. Holden 23. France 24. Melbourne 25. Golf 26. New Zealand 27. Shuttlecock 28. Australian Capital Territory 29. Tall Ferns 30. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Employment

section of Network Classifieds.

Required to work full time in a cheese factory from 2am till 11am. • Fast paced environment. • Some heavy lifting involved. • Must be reliable, enthusiastic, able to work unsupervised, and keen to work.

12570274-HC40-22

EARLY MORNING START Phone only between

General Classifieds Adult Services

Rainbow Club 12561969-JC32-22

$110/ 30mins Open 7 days

9am-3pm Monday-Friday 9338 6644

Massage Therapists

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services. RELAXATION MASSAGE 7 days, 10am - 8pm. St Albans. Phone 0458 891 066 or 0438 842 866.

PROCESS WORKER

• Fast paced environment. • Some heavy lifting involved. • Must be reliable, enthusiastic, able to work unsupervised, and keen to work.

Clairvoyant /Psychic

CLAIRVOYANT Tarot card readings etc. Past, present, future. I can help with problems, jealousy, marriage & bad luck. Phone readings and party bookings available. Call Anna 0433 135 150.

Need cash?

Sell it local

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

9am-3pm • Monday-Friday 9338 6644

Real Estate

section of Network Classifieds.

Positions Vacant

NEED 12565959-HC35-22

ROB'S SHEEP MANURE, 40 litre bags, $7.00 per bag, minimum delivery 15 bags, sms preferred, 0429 954 259

EARLY MORNING START

Pets & Services

12423634-SN31-19

For Sale

NEW STAFF?

Positions Vacant

HC/MC Licence Drivers Required Seeking both local and interstate drivers. Must have experience and be able to drive a manual. Located in Bacchus Marsh. Contact 0419 673 139

• Animal handling • Petting Zoo • Micro-business • Aquarium maintenance $25 p/h equiv. Please note these are supported jobs and internships offered to young Victorians with neurodiverse barriers. Neurodiverse and intellectual disability applicants encouraged to apply at: www.neurodiversity.org.au/careers Or phone (03) 5261 4172 Neurodiversity Victoria

www.networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

OPERATORS/ LABOURER /WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATOR Excavator Operator Loader Operator and Labourer required. Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc.

Admin and adhoc duties, full time position, computer knowledge is essential. Saturdays required.

Find it in the

Trades & Services

Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

section of Network Classifieds.

0428 568 004

SEMI DRIVER – LOCAL/REGIONAL DELIVERIES A semi driver is required by VTW Australia Pty Ltd local/regional deliveries. All loads are fork on & fork off. We are looking to attract an applicant who can show a stable work history. We offer good conditions & above award pay rates & overtime.

Find work locally in the

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

TIMBER PACK DOCKER / FORKIE VTW Australia Pty Ltd require a person to operate a new Holtec Vario-Cut pack docker - training will be provided. Forklift license is required. The position offers a top hourly rate with good conditions. Apply via 0407 342 319 hr@vtw.com.au or in person at 95 Fitzgerald Rd Laverton

Motoring V

Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive LMCT 10268W

Fill your position online

Positions Vacant

Weighbridge Operator

Required to work full time in a cheese factory from 6.00am till 3.00pm.

48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B V

Positions Vacant

SUPPORTED JOBS and sponsored internships in:

PROCESS WORKER

Many great specials visit the website: www.stylecutsalon.com

12321532-HM36-16

Professional Services

Positions Vacant

12573514-JC43-22

0497 677 931 Massage 1hr $55 Haircuts from $10

Find it in the

12573132-ET42-22

Hairdressing

12573131-DL42-22

12566160-ET36-22

Celebrations

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7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on

0435 904 818

Buy & Sell in our

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CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE! networkclassifieds.com.au

Tuesday, 18 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Toyota HiLux Rogue from $68,990 SPECIFICATIONS Toyota HiLux Rogue 2.8L 4-cylinder diesel, 6sp automatic, AWD Utility

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

The Toyota HiLux ute goes rogue By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Cars, computers and lawnmowers - when they go, they are great, when they don’t, they’re about as useful as a hip pocket in a singlet. That brings me to the HiLux Rogue. Among the varied dictionary definitions of ‘rogue’ comes ‘an individual deviating from the normal, usually inferior’. My time with Toyota’s MY21 top-dog ute had a niggle or two. For a start the Aussie-designed and developed motorised roll-top tub cover pulled up short, literally, on my first attempt to store it, jamming inches away from being fully retracted. No amount of pressing opening and closing buttons freed the pesky piece of apparatus. A little less annoying was the key fob, which was erratic with its door locking and unlocking functions activating only when a few metres from the cabin. Equivalent automotive security systems usually can be operated from greater distance to the vehicle: often handy in a crowded car park. Over to you, Toyota. Anyway, enough of this negativity, the Rogue deserves its HiLux ‘halo’ in some respects. Generally, it’s a credit to local engineers and designers, who were tasked with producing a combination of toughness, complemented by a more recreational focus for a vehicle designed to go anywhere and be sold in markets around the world. Toyota Australia’s role in developing and evaluating the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, rear suspension and hydraulic power steering was supported by teams from Japan and Thailand, as well as representatives from other markets. The Rogue sells for $68,990, plus on-road costs and options. The HiLux, in general, continues its reign as the best-selling vehicle in Australia and like all Toyota vehicles is covered by Toyota Service Advantage, with each of the first scheduled services costing just $250 each.

Styling Out of Toyota’s Melbourne design studio comes

a dark vertical grille that cascades from the bonnet down to the prominent lower bumper and under-guard. LED headlamps, with dark internals, combine with bold outer corners of the bumper, which links to strong fog lamp surrounds. An aggressive side profile continues the theme with robust fender flares, unique wheel-arch mouldings and an integrated resin sports bar making its debut. Wheel-arches also are generous enough to take bigger, fatter alloys than the factory-fitted 18-inchers. A new sports bar, made from resin, is easier to mould than steel, allowing it to have a more artistic ‘sailplane’ shape. Out back are redesigned bumper and tailgate. The tub itself is kitted out, up the walls too, like a fully carpeted lounge room, with marine-grade , the liner lifting appearance and coverage. The design makeover is made complete by a chrome Toyota tailgate badge and new decals on the tailgate and sports bar.

Engines / transmissions The upgraded 1GD turbo-diesel engine now develops 150 kW at 3400 rpm and 500 Nm between 1600 and 2800 rpm, gains of 15 per cent and 11.1 per cent respectively. The six-speed automatic transmission was recalibrated to allow earlier lock-up for improved acceleration and to ensure Toyota’s temperature tolerances, especially when towing, were observed.

trailer sway control, downhill assist and an emergency stop signal (hazard lights). Like every HiLux, the Rogue is equipped with seven airbags and a reversing camera.

Driving Driving has been made easier than before by work done on the rear suspension, improving unladen ride comfort while a new variable flow-control power-steering pump offers more help in low-speed manoeuvres such as parking. Braked towing capacity has been uprated by 300 kg to 3500 kg, courtesy of the higher-output engine and a recalibrated six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Toyota claims a combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The test vehicle worked out at 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres in suburban streets down to 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres when on the motorway. Improved ride and handling are all-encompassing with the MY20 Rogue. Leaf

springs and shock absorbers were re-tuned to improve unladen ride comfort without compromising the vehicle’s ability to carry loads over uneven terrain, while low-friction rear shackle bushes add to ride comfort. Rear stability benefits from leaf spring front bushes with increased lateral stiffness. Revised chassis mounts reduce vibrations and noise transfer to the cabin, particularly on rough roads. A variable flow control power-steering pump improves steering feeling on winding country roads and reduces steering effort when parking. Pity about the outsize 12.6 metre turning circle. There’s also a low-range mode for off-road driving.

Summary The Rogue is up against some of the stiffest competition in the premium luxury ute market (the runaway Ford Ranger Wildtrack springs to mind). It’s fair to say the power roll top would be considered an important selling point for the Hilux ‘hero’ and the failure of the accessory on test is not what we have come to expect from Toyota.

Safety The HiLux Rogue carries a five-star safety rating on 2019 testing and is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking and the ability to detect pedestrians around the clock and cyclists in daylight. It is also equipped with high-speed active cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist. Electronic systems include anti-skid brakes, vehicle stability and traction control, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution,

18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 October, 2022

Sticking point . . . the HiLux Rogue tub top on test was low on convenience.

(Pictures: Supplied)

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WRFL objects to Deer Park, St Albans move The move of St Albans and Deer Park to the Essendon District Football League has hit a hurdle. As previously reported by Star Weekly, the EDFL approved the application of both sides to join the competition for next season. The Western Region Football League had 10 business days to determine whether it would formally object to either or both applications. A WRFL spokesperson told Star Weekly on Wednesday that the league had decided to exercise its right to go through the AFL Victoria objection process. WRFL chief executive Matthew Duck had previously said the league is disappointed that the applications have been made from two valued clubs, but equally understand this is the community football landscape they operate in. AFL Victoria will now make the decision on the future of the two clubs. AFL Victoria will initiate an objection hearing where the clubs and both leagues will be given the opportunity to make written submissions in support of their case. Those submissions will be exchanged and a second

submission be requested again from all parties. AFL Victoria then convene an objections hearing panel where parties present in person and elaborate on their submissions and may be subject to inquiry from the panel. The panel will then consider the evidence presented and then determine the verdict of the objection within a few days. Rupertswood, the most recent team to join the EDFL, had to go through that process when they tried to make the switch in late 2020. AFL Victoria later approved the move after a panel hearing after the Riddell District Football League objected to the move. If both clubs join the EDFL it will mean there are 31 clubs with senior men’s teams. Neither club had women’s sides this year, but Deer Park had previously had women’s sides. Tt would be a blow for the WRFL, with both sides in the competition’s top division. Deer Park, which won a seventh straight premiership in 2019, made the semi final this year, knocked out by grand finalists Werribee Districts. St Albans finished in seventh with five wins. The loss of those two teams would reduce the

Deer Park’s move to the Essendon District Football League has hit a hurdle.

number of senior men’s clubs to 23. A St Albans spokesperson said the club was not going to comment until the process is

Payne’s mixed combine

Matthew Payne. (Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos)

understanding what a good game looked like for me. “As the season grew on and with the help of their support and my support network, my form really improved. “I think in the back half of the year I thought I was putting in some good form.” Payne played one trial game with Vic Metro, which he was happy with, but didn’t make the final team.

completed, while Deer Park was contacted for comment. Tara Murray

Cricket called off once again

By Tara Murray Spotswood’s Matthew Payne experienced the highs and the lows at the recent AFL state combine. Payne topped the table in the agility test and finished second in the 20 metre sprint, but his testing ended on a low note. “It was a great experience,” he said. “I was a bit unfortunate, I did all the testing bar the two-kilometre as I strained my hamstring in my last 20 metre sprint I did. “It was hard after all the effort I put in and the two-kilometre is one of the more important ones, along with the sprint. “It’s probably the biggest indicator if you’re been training or not, I’d been training pretty hard for it.” Payne is hoping to get the opportunity to put a time together before the draft to show the AFL recruiters what he can do. Overall, Payne said he had expected to test well having had a bit of an athletics background, having been involved in Williamstown Little Athletics when he was younger. The combine capped off a solid draft year season for Payne. He combined school football with Melbourne Grammar and playing in the NAB League with the Western Jets. Payne said it was a really good experience to be part of both programs. “Most western suburbs boys just play for the Western Jets, but I’m lucky enough to go to Melbourne Grammar as well,“ he said. “It was a good opportunity to get a feel for both leagues which are pretty different in many aspects. “It was good to play with a lot of different body playing boys. At Melbourne Grammar you have the Sandringham and Oakleigh Chargers regions so it was a good opportunity to play with them, but I love playing with the Western Jets as well.” Payne admits to putting high expectations on himself leading into the season and admits to putting too much pressure on himself at times. He said the Jets staff helped him learn so much more about his game. “I probably would have liked to have shown a bit more those things happen and you can’t have the perfect season and the perfect game, it’s pretty hard,“ he said. “As a small forward as well … you can’t always have great games and as the season grew on and I matured, I learned what was a good game for me and that was what really mattered. “Robbie Chancellor, the Western Jets coach, Luke Williams, they were really good for me along with Jack Rhodes the wellbeing coordinator. They all helped me a lot and

(Joe Mastroianni)

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Payne, who models his game on Sydney forward Tom Papley, said football was always the goal like every other kid. For now it’s about recovering from his hamstring injury and preparing for the coming months. “The goal is to get the hamstring right and do well on my VCE exams,” he said. “Come November, hopefully things go my way.”

Most cricket across Melton and Moorabool on the weekend was again on hold due to the weather. With heavy rain across the region last week on top of heavy rain in the previous weeks resulted in the Gisborne and District, Victorian Turf and Victorian Sub-District cricket associations games being called off. GDCA competition manager Rob McIntyre said on Thursday that they had made the decision to cancel both junior and senior matches on the weekend. He said at this stage there were no plans for reserve days to make up for lost rounds, with the first two rounds having been cancelled. “Many grounds (nearly 30 per cent) are unplayable at the moment and could be for weeks to come if there is no improvement in the weather,” he said. Round three is set to be another one-dayer. In round three, the Sunbury Kangaroos are set to host Diggers Rest Bulla, East Sunbury is set to play Rupertswood, Sunbury United is set to host Woodend, Bacchus Marsh is set to host Wallan and Gisborne is set to play Romsey. It comes after the VTCA cancelled play for the third straight week. The association was one of the first to make the call, making it the call on Wednesday to cancel day one of the two-day matches that were scheduled. In an email to clubs, the association said there were 39 grounds not available before Thursday’s heavy rain fall. “The VTCA would like to inform all clubs, players and officials that play for Saturday 15th October has been called off,” the association said on social media. “With a high percentage of grounds unable to get play on, along with the rain, we will continue to ask for updates throughout next week, with the hope of starting October 22nd.” The VTCA has rescheduled round one to December 4, which was the designated catch up day. In the VSDCA, round one has now been abandoned with round two set to be played next weekend.

Tuesday, 18 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

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A poor second half hurts United Western United needs to go back to playing its game for 90 minutes after a second straight loss to start the A-League Men’s season. United showed some good signs in the first half against Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon, but weren’t able to convert on the scoreboard. Down 2-1 at half time, United dropped their heads and let Sydney take control of the game. Sydney would score the sealer in the 69th minute to win 3-1. United coach John Aloisi said it was a mixed performance. “The first half we were really good, exactly the way we wanted to play,” he said. ”We performed really well and we created a number of opportunities, yes we didn’t take them, that was probably the negative. “We made some errors, we ended up giving them a lift, the goal and penalties they ended up getting were from our errors, “Then in the second half we lost our way

and lost our structure.” Aloisi said the second half was the most disappointing thing, as it was something they normally wouldn’t do. He said they could have quite easily been 3-0 at half time, had luck gone their way. “The first half the way we want to play it was excellent in all areas,” he said. “We have to make sure that we don’t lose our way just because we are behind or just because we lost a game of football. “We have to keep playing to our strengths and what we have been trying to work on, which is why I was disappointed for the second half.” Aloisi said it was hard to put his finger on what exactly went wrong, but admits their mistakes let Sydney back into the game. He said the group needs to continue to back in what they’ve done so well the last 12 months.

“We’re always going to be able to create chances, but we ended up becoming too stressed,” he said. “Too much of a game playing into their hands. They’ve got good players going forward with space, if we didn’t give them that space like we did in the first half, they’re not going to create much.” Aloisi said now sitting 0-2 as defending champions was the time to show the character and the culture of the group that is spoken about so much. “Now is the best time to show what we are made of,” he said. “That will show on the pitch if you keep on doing the right things. “You don’t need to panic, you need to keep playing your football, don’t think you have to win the game, you play your football, you perform well, where normally the results will follow.” United will face Macarthur on Friday night.

Chandima masterclass

Sports shorts CBL The Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League north-west and east-west conferences’ matches on the weekend were postponed. With flooding across much of Victoria and throughout the north-west and north-east, Basketball Victoria made the call for matches not to go ahead due to the uncertain travel conditions facing many teams. In round four which is set to be played this weekend, the Melton Thoroughbreds are set to face the Macedon Ranges Rockies while the Bacchus Marsh Lions are set to play the Echuca Pirates.

By Tara Murray Darley’s Dilan Chandima put on a masterclass to help his side get their first win of the Ballarat Cricket Association. After a loss in round one and then round two washed out, the Lions were keen to get on the board against Wendouree on Saturday. While most competition’s called off action on Saturday due to more heavy rain throughout the week, the BCA changed things to ensure there was some cricket for the top grade. Two matches were played on the Saturday, with the other two games on Sunday, using the same two grounds to get all the games underway. Lions’ coach Brian Wheelahan said it was unbelievable that they actually got to play on the weekend. He was glad that they did with Chandima guiding his side to their first win of the season. The Lions made 8-275 from their overs, with Chandima making 158 off 140 balls which included 22 fours and five sixes. “It was an unbelievable individual performance by Dilan,” Wheelahan said. “It was a chanceless knock and it was one of the best knocks I’ve seen. Comments by the opposition were about how classy it was.” Wheelahan said they thought they had left 20 to 30 runs out there, after Wendouree pulled things back late in the innings once Chandima went out. With it being a small ground and Wendouree being a quality side they knew it would be hard work defending that total. Wheelahan said he believed Wendouree were the premiership favourites. Madushanka Ekanayaka got the Lions off to the perfect start with the ball, getting Cole Roscholler out knicking on the first ball. Wendouree was bowled out for 132, with Chandima backing up his batting, taking 4-23. Wheelahan said the win was important with a bye this weekend, with the side evening the ledger and sitting 1-1. He said they believed they were in a good position to be involved at the pointy end of the season, but know they can’t take anyone lightly. The Lions finished runner-up last season after winning the two premierships before that. “Danza [Hyatt] will be right for the next game and Harry [Killoran] played on Saturday,” Wheelahan said. “He’s a class act. “We are pretty confident where we are at. It’s such an even competition and we’re not talking finals or anything, if we play our best cricket we’ll be there at the end.” Wheelahan said they had plenty of depth at the club which they hope will set them in good stead.

Josh Risdon was the goal scorer for Western United. (Supplied)

RDFL The Western Rams have announced two key pieces of the puzzle on field for next year’s Riddell District Football League season. Having announced Leigh Sporle as coach last week, the Rams have announced the signings of Junior Shandley and Fitzroy Greenwool.Shandley joins the club from Western Australia after last playing in Melbourne in 2021. Greenwool joins the club after spending time on Sandringham’s Victorian Football League list in 2022 and playing with the Sunbury Kangaroos in the Essendon District Football League.

FV Westside Strikers will have a new coach for the FV state league 3 north-west season next year. The club announced on social media that Zoran Kitanovski wouldn’t be coaching next season. “After five years of hard work and winning two championships for the club, we would like to thank Zoran Kitanovski for all his effort and dedication in coaching our senior men’s team,” the club said. “Everyone at Westside Strikers would like to wish Zoran all the very best in his future endeavours.”

Gridiron It was a tough day for the Melton Wolves on Saturday in the third round of the Gridiron Victoria round three. Facing the Northern Raiders, the Wolves lost 46-10 at MacPherson Park. The Wolves sit 1-2 after three rounds. This week they face Western Crusaders 2. Dilan Chandima was at his best on Saturday.

(Supplied)

He’s said the future looks bright for the club. “Liam Cornford is a young kid who made his debut yesterday and held his own,” he said. “He bowled beautifully getting 1-17. “Our twos were full of kids last season. The

20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 18 October, 2022

development of most of the kids was really good. Most are between 15 and 22 and they are really striving for improvement. “They’re easy to coach and we’re hopeful the whole club will have a good year.”

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Titans embrace new opportunities The North Western Titans are enjoying a new challenge in the Baseball Victoria Summer League competition. The Titans men’s and women’s sides are both playing in division 2 this season, having both played in division 3 last season. The women’s side earned promotion after winning the division 3 west title last season. Titans coach Andrew Fielden said the men’s side got an opportunity that they weren’t going to turn down. “Springvale decided they didn’t want to be promoted to division 2, so they then offered it to Pakenham, who declined,” he said. “We were next up as we finished third. We accepted the challenge. We were prepared to build in division 3 and the lower grades, but we decided to take the challenge and play a better standard of baseball.” Fielden said this was the highest level of baseball the club had played, which they were

hoping would benefit them in the long term. The Titans have lost their first three games, the most recent on Sunday to Fitzroy, 6-1. Fielden said they had played three of the top six sides in the first few rounds which had been a good test for them and we’re they are at. “We’ve been extremely competitive,” he said. “I’ve been really happy with how the guys have been playing. “There’s still plenty of room for improvement and it will take some time. It’s a big jump from division 3 to division 2.” Fielden said defensively they had started really well, but their bats were yet to get going. He said once that clicks they will be better for it and even more competitive. It wasn’t only the top side that went up a grade with the move of the top side. Fielden said this season was also about helping them compete at the higher level. “We don’t want to get relegated and go

straight back down,” he said. “We want to focus on building the lower grades as well and be more competitive. We’re struggling a little bit pitching wise.” On the women’s side, the Titans division 2 side lost to the Springvale Lions 17-3 on Saturday. The Titans are without a win after three rounds. Fielden said the group had been really competitive. “It’s a big learning curve and they’re enjoying the challenge. It has been really good so far.” The Titans men will face Williamstown on Sunday, while the women’s side will face Sandringham on Saturday. Tara Murray Andrew Fielden

(Supplied)

First up win for Melton

Aldebaran Keepa

(Stuart McCormick)

Farm’s flood challenge By Michael Howard A “stressful” flood ravaged day has ended in a stunning Group 1 success for Duncan McPherson’s Aldebaran Park, whose camp has endured incredible challenges and a significant high. The breeding principal has shared the Nagambie farm’s harrowing morning on Saturday morning, when they were inundated by floodwaters that required their horses to be evacuated. And McPherson has reflected on Saturday night’s extraordinary turn of fortunes, with the breeder’s three-year-old Aldebaran Keepa producing a stunning final sprint to capture the Group 1 Victoria Trotters Oaks. “For her to measure up tonight was just outstanding,” McPherson told TrotsVision. “Very proud of everyone today and the continued work at the farm that Mel and Danny (Thackerey) do up there – to save the horses and then come tonight and win a Group 1 … you just don’t expect these things in life.” McPherson said they thought the farm was “all right last night”, but at 4am “there was a bit of a murmur, and then they were swimming

horses out at eight o’clock” this morning. “It’s not the nicest thing to do, you’re walking breast deep in water trying to get horses out of paddocks,” he said. “You’ve got fences half under water, it’s very difficult to herd and get them, but we managed to get all ours out.” It was achieved with a few setbacks but great effort and support. “The first thing we did was get the horses out of the deep paddock, which were four and five foot deep, and get them up on to the highest ground we could,” McPherson said. “And by the time we got them up on to the higher ground the water just kept coming, so it didn’t matter which paddock we put them in. “And then the cavalry arrived about one o’clock. It wasn’t only us, people were helping the Weidenbachs, people were helping the Flemings, we were all in each other’s properties helping each other. “I can’t thank people enough. I’ve never met these people and the time they gave us and the way they did things was just absolutely outstanding. We couldn’t have done it on our own. “Most importantly they’re all standing on

dry ground tonight. Just a wonderful effort from everyone in the district but also the team at Aldebaran Park.” To then cap the most challenging of days off with an extraordinary win was all the more stunning. Chris Alford took the reins of Aldebaran Keepa for New Zealand co-trainers Bernie Hackett and Michelle Wallis, but not all went to plan in the race and with a quarter to run their filly was buried on the pegs and seemingly with no path home. “Things went really to plan,” Alford joked on TrotsVision, “I really wanted to be four back the pegs at the 400 with no where to go, but she got clear just before we straightened and I thought she may get out and run a place. “To give them four lengths turning in and to win by two running away was pretty special. Tonight she settled really well and I was pretty amazed at how good she was.” And Alford was hopeful it would bring some much deserved satisfaction to the Aldebaran Park team. “They’re all having a tough time up there,” he said. “The farm’s flooded and they had to move 65 horses today, so a little bit of a happy moment on a bad day.”

It was Friday night lights for Melton as it kicked off the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 2, section 1 season. With upgrades to its facilities, Melton’s top side made the most of them as they hosted Moonee Ponds. Melton was able to sneak home, winning 76 (14)-72 (4). Todd Trewarne and Anthony Briggs were the winning skips for the home side. Melton president Conrad Dawson said it was exciting to kick off their season like that. “We were pretty excited about it and it was a great start to the season,” he said. “It was against a strong Moonee Ponds side and it was a big tussle right at the death we pulled away a little bit.” Dawson said they were aiming high this season, with one aim in mind. “The top side we’re looking at promotion, 100 per cent,” he said. “The last two years we’ve made finals but dropped our bundle, losing by five shots the first time and last year by two shots. “The expectation is to go up.” It was also a thriller for Melton’s second side, which plays in division 2, section 1, with Altona 2 winning 78 (16)-72 (2). Keith Matthews was the winning skip for Melton. Dawson, who played in that side, said the aim was to keep the side in division 2, with the hope of having a division 1 and division 2 teams next year. He said things were going really well across the whole club. “The demographic has swung around and we had a lot of youth in the club now,” he said. “There’s a lot of young players which is fantastic. I think that is driven by having a young coach in Todd Trewarne.” Tara Murray

Melton kicked off the season with a win. (Supplied)

Tuesday, 18 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21

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