Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 10th January 2023 by Star Weekly

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10 JANUARY, 2023

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Star Weekly signed on to support Melton council’s ‘Fix Our Roads’ campaign ahead of the state election. Melton councillor Goran Kesic is pictured at Christies Road, Caroline Springs, which was one of the roads council wanted upgraded. (Damjan Janevski) 299178_04

A year for community YEAR IN REVIEW ... STORIES OF THE YEAR

Melton and Moorabool roared back to life in 2022 after two years of COVID lockdowns. Community events, stage shows, school fetes and music festivals were held across the region for the first time since 2020, as the pandemic slowly began to fade from the headlines. The community ramped up its fight against the proposed Western Transmission Network Project which proposed to build 190-kilometres of overhead powerlines across the region. Locals also backed Melton council is its campaign to have the municipality’s key roads upgraded.

We look back at how 2022 unfolded in Melton and Moorabool. As we welcomed 2022, businesses across Melton and Moorabool were grappling to find ways to deal with staff shortages due to illness and isolation as COVID cases hit and all-time high. But by February and March, the region had turned its attention to protesting a proposed 190-kilometre high-voltage transmission network stretching through Melton and Moorabool amid concerns it would impact farms, Melton aerodrome and a Toolern Vale school, and lead to an increased bushfire risk in the region. Distressed members of the community, including residents, farmers and landowners, took their fight against the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project to the steps of Victorian Parliament on March 8 in a bid to have their concerns heard.

In April, Melton council launched its ‘Fix Our Roads’ campaign. The campaign, identified six major road corridors in need of funding for upgrades, including the Western Highway, Melton Highway, Christies Road, Hopkins Road, the Robinsons Road, Westwood Drive, Calder Park Drive corridor and construction of the Calder Park interchange. The community didn’t have to wait long for the first win of the campaign, with federal Labor pledging $10 million towards the Western Highway upgrade just days after the campaign was launched. Melton council ramped up the campaign closer to the November state election, securing a $900 million funding pledge from the Victorian Liberals and a $10 million pledge for a business case to upgrade the Western Highway from Labor. In May, Melton mums voiced their concerns

about their inability to access maternal and child health nurses in the municipality. Council restricted the service to infants up to four months of age amid nursing shortages post-pandemic. In June, council had to scale back the service even further, restricting appointments to infants up to eight weeks of age. In October, the state government pledged $650 million to upgrade the Melton train line, including a complete rebuild of Melton station, removing four level crossings and upgrading platforms to allow longer trains to run. The pledge was one of many made by Labor and the Liberals ahead of the state election, with the major parties focusing much of their attention on the Melton electorate. But in the end, Labor’s Steve McGhie retained the seat as Labor’s ‘red wall’ in the west stood strong.

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2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 January, 2023

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Charged over ‘cold case’ killing March 29 A 62-year-old man has been charged with murder, as the investigation into the death of Melton resident Bernard Williams in 1984 continues. Mr Williams was 25 years old when he was found dead on a bush track near Hobbs Road, Bullengarook, about 3pm on March 3,1984. He was found tied up and had been shot a number of times. Detectives believe that it is highly likely several people were involved in Mr Williams’ death, given the Melton Football Club player was known for his physical capabilities as

well as the manner in which he had been restrained. In 2017, police announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for his death. Police charged the 62-year-old with Mr Williams’ murder on Monday, March 21. Victoria Police Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Scarlett said individuals who have any information on the people involved or possible motives for the murder should speak up. “At the time of his death, Bernie was a 25 years old with a young daughter and in the

prime of his life,” he said. “He was a passionate member of the Melton Football Club and was well known within the Melton community for his skills on the football field. “Almost four decades on, his family are still searching for answers as to why their much loved son and brother were killed.” Detective Senior Sergeant Scarlett said police believed the charged man did not act alone. “There may be people in the Melton area who were living there in 1984 who have further knowledge about Bernie’s death, or they may now be living elsewhere in Victoria or interstate given the length of time that has

passed,” he said. “[Mr Williams] was not known to police for any criminal matters, however we’re aware he had a number of personal relationship disputes and that remains an active avenue of inquiry for us. “If you have any piece of information, no matter how inconsequential you may think it is, then I encourage you to come forward and speak to police or Crime Stoppers.”

Roads pledges a campaign win November 22

Mathew Leckie’s step mum Jenny Leckie, father Edward Leckie, brother Damian Leckie and sister Allison Parr have been supporting him from the sidelines. (Liam McNally)

Cheers to homegrown World Cup hero December 6 As Mathew Leckie scored the game-winning goal for Australia against Denmark in the World Cup Qatar, his family were shouting at their TVs, watching his World Cup exploits from their home in Eynesbury. Hailing from Melbourne’s west, Mathew’s goal was enough to secure Australia a place in the round of 16 for just the second time. The Socceroos’ dream run came to an end on Sunday when they lost to Argentina 2-1. Leckie’s father, Edward Leckie has been living in the Melton area for about 30 years, and said watching his son’s goal in the early hours of last Thursday morning was “amazing”. “It took me 10 minutes to calm down,” he said. “He’s been working so hard, and he’s been

close so many times with the Socceroos and he’s finally got his career goal so I’m very happy for him.” Mathew grew up in St Albans in his younger years, before his family moved further west where he attended Kurunjang Secondary College. Edward remembers taking Leckie to his first soccer practices for the Brimbank Stallions, he said Leckie had tried AFL for a year first for St Albans’ under-11’s side. “They wouldn’t pass the ball to him, so he decided he was going to try soccer because he told me that if he gets the ball then they’ve gotta get it off him,” he said. “He decided when he started playing, he said ‘I’m not gonna get a job dad, I’m gonna become a professional soccer player’. I said, ‘oh, are you?’ “I’d have to take him to training and the

minute I’d walk in from work he’d be saying ‘c’mon dad let’s go’, wouldn’t even eat anything or change, and that’s how he’s been ever since, it’s just train, train, train, work hard. He’s done very well.” Brimbank Stallions vice president Robert Di Filippo said the club is not “one bit surprised ”with the goal he scored. “We at the club are obviously very proud of Mathew in both who he is as a person and all that he has achieved throughout his career,” he said. “Mathew started his football career here at the club as a junior, he was a great kid who was clearly very talented and dedicated to the sport. As a player you always remember your first club and we are very proud to be part of his history!”

Federal funding cuts hamper west school’s waitlists May 31 A school principal has called out the previous federal government after funding cuts have seen student waitlists skyrocket with the boom of the western growth corridor. Bacchus Marsh Grammar principal Andrew Neal said changes made to federal funding for schools introduced by the Morrison government in 2020 was the main reason the school wasn’t able to take more students. Mr Neal said there were significant waitlists at all year levels at the school, particularly at prep and year seven. “The number of spots for new students doesn’t equate to the number of people who are looking for spots,” he said. “For prep, where we’re interviewing for

100 students … and we have 600 kids on the waiting list.” Mr Neal said there was an obvious need for new school spots and more funding was critical for schools to build in regional growth corridors. “That change in federal funding has basically meant that we’re not prepared to put on much more additional capacity.” On social media, dozens of Bacchus Marsh residents vented their frustration on the lack of local secondary schools. Ash Khilani moved his family to Maddingley so that his son could attend Bacchus Marsh Grammar, but he’s been on the waitlist since April 2018. “Every parent has a dream of having their kids go to a good school, we have been saving

money for my son’s tuition because we wanted him to go to the school,” Mr Khilani said. “We are here and trying to give him the best education. But we’re still waiting. I don’t know what to do.” A department of education spokesperson said the amount of funding provided to schools was a set amount for each enrolled student. “Additional loadings are provided for disadvantaged schools and for students that require additional support, such as students with a disability or Indigenous students,” the spokesperson said. “The Commonwealth does not operate schools, and it is a matter for individual schools or school system authorities to determine how many enrolments they offer.”

As the state election campaign nears its end, Melton council’s ‘Fix Our Roads’ campaign has resulted in promises from the major parties. Earlier this year, council launched ‘Fix Our Roads’ to secure funding commitments from federal and state parties to upgrade the Western Highway, Melton Highway, Christies Road, Hopkins Road, Calder Park interchange and the Robinsons Road, Westwood Drive and Calder Park Drive corridor. The City of Melton community backed council’s campaign, with more than 5400 people signing a petition, and responded on social media by echoing calls for better and safer roads. The issue also took centre stage at a transport forum in the Kororoit electorate and candidate forums in the Melton electorate. Shortly after the campaign launch in April this year, federal Labor committed $10 million towards a business case for upgrading the Western Highway and the Victorian Government announced $14.9 million in the budget to duplicate the Melton Highway between The Regency and Crown Drive. In October, the Victorian Liberals committed, if elected, to deliver to a $900 million roads package for Melton which includes the $700 million upgrade of the Western Highway to urban freeway standard between the Western Ring Road and Melton and new or upgraded interchanges, $117 million to duplicate the Melton Highway between Melton and Hillside, and $91 million to duplicate Taylors Road between Kings Road and Gourlay Road. This week, state Labor committed, if elected, to invest $10 million towards the business case to upgrade the Western Highway between Melton and Caroline Springs, adding to the earlier federal commitment. Council has welcomed these commitments and continues to call on all parties to commit to a roads package that would fully-fund all six key roads projects outlined in the ‘Fix Our Roads’ campaign. Melton mayor Lara Carli said council is proud to have strong working relationships with state and federal representatives and those partnerships are critical to fixing Melton’s roads. “We had hundreds of residents reach out to council with their own horror stories of congestion, dangerous driving conditions, near-misses and tragic accidents on our roads,” she said. Tuesday, 10 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 3

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Outrage over power link route September 6 Community groups and residents of Melton are fighting back against a proposed route change to the Western Renewables Link, set to begin installation by AusNet in mid-2024. The 190-kilometre high-voltage transmission network project that will provide renewable energy to Melbourne has been met with intense criticism from landholders, residents and local councils, as many have argued the transmission lines should be installed underground. The proposed route for the project was recently updated, with the plan now including 46-metre high towers installed on the northern edge of MacPherson Park, a reserve used by several community sport and recreation clubs.

Melton Football Netball Club president Brian McNabb said the group was concerned about the lack of consultation and safety risks, as the club uses the grounds multiple times per week for training and games. “There’s nothing positive for the club in any way with these towers to be installed, if anything, it’s a dangerous situation for people involved in local sport,” Mr McNabb said. “The real disappointment is it’s just been a lot of secrets and nothing presented formally until the eleventh hour … Trying to push it through without consulting clubs.” The Melton Greyhound Racing Club and the Melton Pony Club also use the facilities around the MacPherson Park area, where there will be 80-metre high towers, and the future additional Melton Christian College campus will also be situated a short distanc

efrom the towers. “[MacPherson Park] is a seven day a week complex … with a lot of people in that area,” Mr McNabb said. The change to the proposed route was made after the previous proposal impacted operations at the Melton Aerodrome and was reassessed as having “the lowest overall impact”. Druing a Melton council meeting last month, several councillors spoke against the project and unanimously voted to support advocacy efforts for the undergrounding of the transmission lines. Councillor Moira Deeming called the management of the project “despicable”. “This is too little too late, it’s no good to change the name of a project and then do all of this community consultation,” she said.

Cr Sophie Ramsey said the 80-metre high towers stretching 21-kilometres across the northern part of Melton would have significant impacts on the community. “The process that it has followed has been poor … it seems to focus more on the cost of the infrastructure rather than the concern of the community.” An AusNet Services spokesperson said the route update in Melton maximised the distance of the transmission line to homes, and would not impact the sporting fields. “There is no established evidence that exposure to magnetic fields from powerlines, substations, transformers or other electrical sources, regardless of the proximity, causes any health effects, but we do understand the community has concerns and questions about this.”

Moorabool’s hot property June 28

Mouhammad Cheaib began mowing Settlers Creek Park so that his son Zaine would have a safe place to play.

(Supplied)

Man makes short work of park mess November 15 A Melton South man has cleaned and mowed his local park after becoming frustrated about council’s effort to maintain parklands within the municipality. Mouhammad Cheaib, who lives near Settlers Creek Park, said he sent emails to council on two occasions after he was unable to play with his 16-month-old son in the park due to long grass and mess. “It was just shocking, I’ve never seen anything like it. The grass was overgrown, beer bottles and all sorts of things were in the grass. It was really unsafe,” he said. “We just packed up and went home, my son was really disappointed.” After getting no response to his emails, Mr

Cheaib eventually took matters into his own hands and spent 12 to 15 hours cleaning, raking, and mowing Settlers Creek Park. He did the work over three days, beginning on Monday, November 9, in the mornings before he worked his 12-hour shifts as an industrial cleaner. Mr Cheaib said the grass was up to his knees. “It was just shocking and upsetting to see how the parks have become because of lack of maintenance and no one caring,” he said. “What got me really freaked out was that when I was mowing the lawns there were rats and mice jumping out of the grass. “For the people that do pay rates every year, that $1200 to $1300 we pay a year, I would like to know where that money is going.” In recent months council has been posting

a daily schedule of areas that have been recently mowed, or will soon be mowed on its website. Melton mayor Lara Carli said council is working hard to address the grass growth in the municipality. “Recent weather has created the ideal conditions for grass to grow quickly which has increased mowing and maintenance requirements,” she said. “We’re making mowing a priority and appreciate everyone’s patience at this time. The team continues to work extra time, including during wet weather when it is safe to do so. “Additional workers are also providing temporary support, and more people are being recruited to undertake mowing and other maintenance.”

Moorabool has been named as one of the ‘big movers’ in Australia, recording a 56 per cent increase in the migration of people to the area since March last year. The shire is in the top five regional local government areas across the country with the highest percentage increase in people moving to the region in the 12 months to March 2022, according to a new report from the Regional Australia Institute and Commonwealth Bank. Moorabool also recorded the highest migration increase of any region in the state. According to the data, gathered from 10 million Commonwealth Bank users, the number of people migrating to the regions in Australia increased by 16.6 per cent to reach a new five-year high in the March quarter, almost doubling pre-pandemic levels. In Moorabool, the majority of the people moving in were in the 24-to-40-year-old age bracket at 52 per cent, followed by those aged between 40 to 56 years old, at 24 per cent, while the age group 24 years and younger made up 12 per cent. Regional Institute Australia chief economist Kim Houghton said while the pandemic had seen the trend of moving to the regions accentuated, it was nothing new. “For at least the last 15 years in Australia, we’ve seen a general flow of people from the cities to the regions,” Dr Houghton said. Moorabool mayor Tom Sullivan said council wasn’t surprised by the report findings.

Council services ditched in wake of federal support services shakeup March 8 Moorabool council will terminate its delivery of aged and disability services, citing changes in federal government policy as making the continuation of the support unworkable. From June 30, council will transition away from delivering all services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program and the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People. These two umbrella programs include a diverse range of supports, including delivered meals, flexible respite care, domestic 4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 January, 2023

assistance occupational therapy. Under the transition, council will also remove itself from delivering Regional Assessment Services, which are used to assess if an individual and their carers are receiving the appropriate support. Council’s confirmed exit from providing aged care and disability support follows an in-principle agreement made in December 2021. In arriving at the decision, council officers ‘recommendations referred to the “inherent service cost, financial constraints, competition policy and other structural

challenges” that were to emerge following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. There are currently 38 council staff who work with aged care and disability clients. According to council data, 20 per cent, or 8100 people in the shire live with a disability. Moorabool mayor Tom Sullivan said council will work to manage the transition with the federal government to ensure people can continue to access necessary services. “Our priorities are the residents of Moorabool who use or may require aged care and disability services and making sure they

continue to receive the same level of service they are currently receiving under council’s programs, noting that these service providers can provide a suite of services outside of council’s capacity to ensure older community members are supported,” Cr Sullivan said. “With our aged care and disability clients in mind, council has undertaken a confidential expression of interest process looking at values-aligned successors. Council will make recommendations to the commonwealth as part of the process, noting that other service providers can provide a suite of services above and beyond council’s current service delivery.”

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Family brings lights to new level December 13 Kurunjang is going to shine bright this December with the return of the Melrome Court light show. Brett and Amy Greenland had been displaying Christmas lights outside their house for years, but in 2018 a family tragedy inspired them to use their light show as a way to work through grief, and give to other families going through similar situations. Four years ago the Greenlands welcomed twins, but due to a serious genetic condition one of their sons, Jonah, passed away at just 90 minutes old. It was during this time that they formed a close relationship with Very Special Kids, a service that provides holistic palliative care to

children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and tailored support for their family through life, death and bereavement. Mr Greenland said when his family was facing “very dark times”, the help from Very Special Kids was “unbelievable”. “Each decision they supported us, listened to our family and still today are alongside us to help provide counselling and regular meetings,” he said. Mr Greenland said at the end of 2018, they didn’t feel like setting up their Christmas lights, but they decided to push through and set it up anyway, and use it as a way to raise money forVery Special Kids. “Griefs not an easy thing to travel with,” hesaid. “We wanted to put out a message of hopeand inspiration that you can go through a

badstorm but you can come out the other side of it,even though we probably weren’t out the otherside of it then.” The Greenland’s have raised over $10,000for Very Special Kids, and this year, theirChristmas light show is bigger than ever,comprising more than 45,000 programmableindividual LED lights that can be set to music. Mr Greenland said he wants as many peopleas possible to come down and share in the show. “Jonah has become the centre and light ofour life and via our lights display we get theprivilege to honour his story every year … Wedo it for the community and to raise hope andawareness that no matter what you’re facingthere can still be joy and light in the darkest ofplaces,” he said.

A previous year’s Melrome Court light show. (Supplied)

Colourful message to weed out pests August 16 A Moorabool landcare group is spreading an important message in a colourful way. Blackwood and Barry’s Reef Landcare Group have created a film featuring watercolour artworks to educate residents on the importance of weed control. Landcare member and artist Kathy Holowko was the painter behind the film and said the group wanted a creative, engaging piece in order to draw attention to the message behind it. “So often these calls to action and awareness can be a bit dry, so the aim was to make it really visually interesting, so that people will

want to watch the full three minutes and listen to the message,” Holowko said. The ‘Caring For Our Patch’ short film was funded by a $7000 grant from Melbourne Water, with the initiative to promote healthy waterways. The film details the dangers of spreading weed seeds and advises residents on how to combat weed infestation, with animated watercolour artwork captured by video producer Daniel Williams. Holowko said her work as an artist was all about educating people on ecology, so working on the film came naturally. “It fits perfectly in many ways, as I’m from the area and care about it deeply.”

Landcare group member Shane Scanlan wrote the grant application for the project, but sadly passed away before the films completion. “It’s a lovely legacy of his contributions to the Landcare group,” Holowko said. Watch the film: https://vimeo. com/735278839

Artist Kathy Holowko’s watercolour artwork features in the Blackwood and Barry’s Landcare short film ‘Caring for our Patch’. (Damjan Janevski) 293737

RISK E R I F YOURODAY IS T

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ON ACTI E K A T

Take action now to protect your life and property. On Extreme rated days, fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous. Leaving bushfire risk areas early in the day is your safest option.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Tuesday, 10 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 5

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

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Lerderderg rescues Walkers are being reminded to remain vigilant when bushwalking, or hiking after two people had to be rescued from Lerderderg Gorge. Bacchus Marsh SES members, along with paramedics, police and Parks Victoria rangers were called to the Gorge, near Bacchus Marsh, twice in as many days. On December 29, SES crews and paramedics hiked more than an hour to an injured hiker, who had fallen on a steep and isolated section of track. The following evening, volunteers returned to the Gorge to assist police in locating a lost hiker.

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Parwan and Eynesbury brigades recently staged a joint training session.

(Supplied)

Fire danger period declared

CFA brigades The inter-brigade relationship between Parwan and Eynesbury brigades is going strong after 10 years. Eynesbury brigade members were recently invited to join Parwan brigade for a training session at the newly completed Central Highlands Victorian Emergency Management Training Campus (VEMTC) near Ballan. Situated south-east of Bacchus Marsh, Eynesbury Fire Brigade was first registered with CFA in July 2012, following significant residential growth in the area. Parwan brigade members were integral in the establishment of the Eynesbury Fire Brigade, supporting future Eynesbury members with training and mentorship and ensuring they were fire ready by the time construction of the new fire station in Eynesbury was completed. Parwan lieutenant Lisa Cruickshank said the opportunity to come together across district boundaries has been invaluable.

“We have seen positive working relationships between the two brigades, both in training and when responding to emergencies,” she said. Eynesbury captain Kylie Newton agreed, saying members have really embraced the relationship between the neighbouring brigades. “Training together really helps members learn from each other, build skills, and identify future learning opportunities,” Kylie said. “It’s wonderful to have such a solid relationship, which not only benefits both brigades, but also has a positive impact on the wider community. “As captain, I’m proud that our brigade has maintained the connection that was started 10 years ago. It also makes it easier to support each other on the fire ground, as we work together to protect life and property.”

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) began at 1am on Monday, January 9, for Melton. During the FDP residents are prohibited from lighting fires in the open air unless they have a permit. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au

Number plates smarten up A new in-built security feature to reduce crime and number plate theft across Victoria, is rolling out across the state. New security markings will appear on about 430,000 new number plates per year including all general issue standard car number plates, trailer number plates and government official number plates. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here PRINT AND ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE

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Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark salescareers@starnewsgroup.com.au

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6 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 January, 2023

YEAR IN REVIEW ... HEALTH

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Child health concerns unheard May 10 Melton mothers are struggling to get vital health check ups for their children, with Melton council’s maternal and child health service still severely restricted in the wake of the pandemic. Local governments provide free regular health checks with a qualified nurse for infants and children up to the age of six years old, in order to ensure every child’s development is on track. On January 28, Melton council announced it was making temporary changes to its maternal and child health nurse service due to the pandemic ‘Code Brown’ in the public health system.

The council sent a letter to parents stating that appointments were only available to infants aged from 0-8 weeks and Indigenous infants and children. Three months later, the service is only providing appointments for infants up to four months of age. Melton resident Marie Goizet hasn’t been able to get a check up appointment for her 11-month-old son since he was 12 weeks old. “I definitely worry, the sense of feeling supported isn’t there.” Melton mum Rebecca Farrugia McGinley’s daughter was born at the beginning of the pandemic, and at eight months old, nurses suspected that her daughter had mild hip

dysplasia. After her daughter turned one, she was turned away by the council for her next check up. Neighbouring local council areas, such as Moorabool and Brimbank, have returned their maternal and child health services to regular operations and are offering appointments for children up to six years of age. “I think the problem is that Melton council hasn’t accommodated the growth of all the council suburbs, plain and simple,” Ms Farrugia McGinley said. “But then they can’t just go, ‘too bad,’ … It’s not right.” Municipal Association of Victorian chief executive Kerry Thompson said the

organisation was aware of a small number of councils that were “experiencing trouble” lifting maternal and child health services back to full capacity and were working with the Department of Health and Safer Care Victoria on strategies to help councils. Melton council cited the scaled-back service was caused by an “unprecedented” increase in the local birth rate, low availability of fully qualified nurses across the state and the impact of the pandemic. “Melton council is driving an ongoing recruitment campaign to attract more qualified maternal and child health nurses, however there is a known shortage of qualified nurses,” Ms Wai said.

Freezing for good cause June 14

Caleb with his mum Michelle Ross.

(Damjan Janevski)

Companion pet to ease Caleb’s battle May 17 Like many other five-year-old children, Caleb Ross loves jumping on the trampoline, karate and playing outside. But the Bacchus Marsh youngster is different from other kids his age, as he’s one of eight people in the world with a rare genetic disorder that causes him constant pain and leaves him with an uncertain future. Caleb’s condition is caused by a disruption in the protein coding gene called Neurod2, a gene that is located in the brain and has been linked with epilepsy and autism. Caleb’s mother Michelle Ross said as the disorder is so rare, genetic experts are unable to provide an official diagnosis or any information on how it will affect her son’s future. “We’ve got no idea what each day is going to bring, so it’s just an absolute nightmare and because there’s no information out there, it’s so scary,” Ms Ross said. “They just said that he’s going to deteriorate

over his life, from what they can tell.” Expert researchers are currently conducting tests on mice with the gene overseas and have been sent Caleb’s genetic results by the Royal Children’s Hospital genetics team to try to learn more about the disorder. Ms Ross first suspected something was not right with her son when he was four months old, as he started behaving strangely. “He used to roll to whatever he could get to and … bang his head on absolutely everything … so obviously we got that looked into straightaway, because I was very concerned.” Caleb was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, but Ms Ross knew there was something more that wasn’t right. “I just knew something more was going on with him.” The family started the genetic testing process more than two years ago and only received confirmation of Caleb’s rare genetic disorder in March this year. The disorder presents with symptoms

that align with autism and ADHD, but with added neurological, behavioural and physical complications. Ms Ross said her son struggles to sleep, can only walk for a couple of minutes at a time without pain and has ‘silent’ epileptic seizures. “He loves to be active but can’t because he struggles with pain, it’s really hard for him and he gets frustrated because of that,” Ms Ross said. Caleb’s family is currently running a GoFundMe campaign to raise much-needed funds for an assistance dog as well as other equipment he needs. Caleb receives funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), but with his growing needs, he’s already exhausted funds and is currently undergoing an extremely lengthy plan review process. The cost of purchasing and fully training an assistance dog is about $70,000. “We’re doing what we need to do now to get him the support he needs,” Ms Ross said.

The Moorabool community is rallying behind a local family by braving the cold and raising money for a worthy cause. The Bacchus Marsh and Greendale communities are raising funds for the Big Freeze 8, to fight for a cure for motor neurone disease (MND) and support local resident Phil O’Keefe in his battle against the condition. The fundraising efforts culminated in the Big Freeze in the Marsh football match between the Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury football clubs on Saturday, June 11, with many community members going down the slide and into the ice. Mr O’Keefe’s wife, Triss, said the close-knit communities of Greendale and Bacchus Marsh were getting behind the family. “Rather than fighting this battle on your own, it’s so great to have this support and understanding,” Mrs O’Keefe said. Mr O’Keefe was diagnosed with MND in 2015 and has experienced a severe decline in his health over the past two years. “It’s one of the most horrible afflictions one can have,” Mrs O’Keefe said. The community has raised almost $9000 so far, with the money going towards FightMND. Bacchus Marsh Football and Netball Club president Mark Farrell said while the cause had always been embraced by the football world thanks to the advocacy of Big Freeze founder and MND sufferer Neal Daniher, members of the local community had their own personal reasons to get involved. “There’s a few locals at the club who have parents or grandparents who had motor neurone disease as well,” he said. “If we can be part of the solution, that’s really good.” Mr Farrell said former Footscray player Doug Hawkins joined in the fun on the day by going down the icy slide. “He’s well known around the area and he’s areally good guy. People say he’s a celebrity buthe’s really just a local,” Mr Farrell said. The O’Keefe family said it was excitedthis year’s event was going ahead, afterbeing cancelled the past two years due to thepandemic. “Everybody is rallying together for a goodcause and it’s a great way to come out of COVIDand all catch up,” Mrs O’Keefe said. “We’ve been in Greendale for 22 years, it’s such a great community and that extends to Bacchus Marsh as well.” Tuesday, 10 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 7

YEAR IN REVIEW ... PEOPLE

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Expect the unexpected July 19 There’s no denying Melton community radio DJ Duane Zigliotto is passionate about the annual Eurovision Song Contest. The 979 FM radio presenter has run a weekly radio show called Eurozone for the last 30 years, and has broadcast from the famous competition for 20 years. His decades of reporting from the contest was recently recognised with a service award from the European Broadcasting Union. Mr Zigliotto said one of the things he loved most about the event was that one could always “expect the unexpected”. “It’s a crazy event … it’s a huge audience in Europe,” he said.

He recalled many fond memories of interviewing Eurovision artists, such as English singer Cliff Richard, as well as a two-time winner of the competition Johnny Logan. “Johnny Logan, he won it twice for Ireland … but he was born in Frankston, so I say to my friends from the BBC that [Australia] has won it twice because he was born in Frankston,” Mr Zigliotto said. Mr Zigliotto broadcasts his Eurozone show each Monday afternoon on 3RIM radio from 4pm. The show is the only radio program in Australia thatcovers the Eurovision song contest.

So far, he’s presented 1560 shows andinterviewed more than 3000 artists. “When I went in 2000 for the first time, I spoke to some of the Europeans and when I said, ‘I’m from Australia,’ they said, ‘Oh, you’re from Austria?’,” he said. “They never thought of Australia coming when I started, but now it’s more common.” He’s had an illustrious 50-year-long career in community radio and isn’t paid for his coverage of Eurovision, but is happy to do it out of love for the contest. “I do it for the love, for the community stations … [the recognition] is much appreciated.”

Duane Zigliotto was recognised for 20 years of service as a journalist for Eurovision. (Damjan Janevski)

Scruffy Fella business owner and Ballan resident Nigel Bullamore was recognised as an Australia Post local business hero. (Damjan Janevski)

Nigel is one proud fella June 28 Student Gospel Ropeti with his medals.

(Joe Mastroianni) 309957

Gospel a top athlete in his age group December 6 A Melton Primary School pupil has become Australia’s top athlete in his age group for two different events. Gospel, 12, competed in shotput and discus at the School Sport Australia Track and Field Championships in Brisbane, and took home gold from both events.

“I didn’t expect to win, but it came my way,” he said. “I felt nervous, they were big kids.” The primary school community got behind Gospel’s journey by raising over $1500 selling ice-creams to help cover the costs of flights and hotels. Melton Primary physical education co-ordinator Augustine Carty-Cowling said watching Gospel compete at the school carnival, then district, divisional, regional,

state and finally national events had been “unbelievable”. “He’s a bit of a celebrity at the moment at our school. He’s got kids asking for his autograph and kids asking him for tips and advice and photos.” Gospel said it “feels good” coming back to the school and having peers ask him questions. “I tell them, have fun and try your best,” he said.

Top honour for musician February 1 A Bacchus Marsh local and well-known member of the music community in the west has been recognised in the Australia Day Honours List. Andrew Houston, 51, has been awarded a medal of the Order of Australia for his commitment to servicing the community through music. Mr Houston said the award came as a bit of a shock. “I wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “I’ve always been more about a team and working together. “It’s nice to be recognised for what I’ve done but I think the [music] groups … have enabled me to do that.” Mr Houston has been involved with the Western Region Concert Band (WRCB) since 1991, when he started as a musician. 8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 January, 2023

In 2000, he became the music director and manager of the band. “It has been a lot of work over many years. My focus has always been on trying to get music into the community and encourage people to … continue their passion and their hobby,” he said. The band has since played with well-known artists such as James Morrison, Leo Sayer and Christine Anu. He helped to establish the band’s sister choir, SingWest, in 2004. Despite being heavily affected by COVID, Mr Houston has continued to engage with his music community and hopes life will return to normal, including touring around the country and internationally. “I think with music these days you have to be quite diverse in what you’re doing … it’s pretty tricky to do the one thing and you’re lucky if you can do that as a job.”

Andrew Houston. (Supplied)

A small business owner in Ballan has been given a boost from Australia Post and recognised as a local business hero. Nigel Bullamore was recognised as a 2022 Local Business Hero by the organisation for his business Scruffy Fella, which he has run out of his home in Ballan since 2017. Scruffy Fella produces artisan beard care products with a handcrafted range of beard oils, beard butters, balms and grooming products in small batches. Mr Bullamore was recognised for his business’ unique and valued connection to the Ballan community and strong relationship with the local post office. “The Australia Post Local Business Heroes award nomination was quick as I already have a strong relationship with Mike and Rhanda who run the Ballan LPO,” Mr Bullamore said. “I was absolutely stoked when I received theemail to say that I had been selected, I instantly knew that the exposure opportunity for Scruffy Fella was about to expand into a fantastic network I wouldn’t normally have access to.” Mr Bullamore will receive a prize package worth up to $5000, including his photo featured at the local post office as part of an Australia Post campaign, personalised sending offers and business coaching through Small Business Australia. “To have this opportunity and to be able to get so much exposure is amazing,” Mr Bullamore said. “The community has always been behind me, ever since I launched I’ve had a really good following from the local community.”

YEAR IN REVIEW ... IN PICTURES

Tishya Del Rosario was a Top Model contestant in July. (Damjan Janevski) 313601_10

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

The Wiggles performed at Wyndham Cultural Centre in June. (Damjan Janevski)

Srimathumitha released a yoga album in May. (Damjan Janevski)

313601_02

2022 through Star Weekly’s lens Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janveski shares his favourite pictures from 2022.

Sarah Harvey, owner of Cafe 500 at the Melton airfield posed with her goat for this photo in January. (Damjan Janevski) 313601_07

In April, Star Weekly showcased John Warren’s ‘crazy caravan’ that he built from scratch. (Damjan Janevski) 313601_06

Robin Bootle posed for this pictured ahead of the Sunbury Model Railway Club exhibition in October. (Damjan Janevski) 313601_03

Phung Thanh Nguyen’s animal-shaped hedges caught our eye in August. (Damjan Janevski) 313601_09

This picture of Bilal, 5, praying at the Melbourne Grand Mosque was taken in March. (Damjan Janevski) 313601_16

This photo of Daisy was captured in September to promote Lort Smith Campbellfield’s Mission Adoptable campaign. (Damjan Janevski) 313601_01

James Liotta and Piero Viavatene hit the road with their new show featuring their characters Pasquale Pappagallo and Pippo Siciliano in February. (Damjan Janevski) 313601_08 Tuesday, 10 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 9

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Advertising feature

There’s plenty to choose from on the Red Lantern Melton menu.

Red Lantern plates up your favourite Malaysian and Chinese dishes. (Pictures: Supplied)

The authentic Asian-style decor adds to ambience.

The menu features yum-cha, noodles and special fried rice.

Delicious meals and take-away It’s getting late, the family is hungry but cooking just seems so out of the question. someone suggests ordering some delicious, affordable and carefully cooked Asian-style dishes from right in the heart of Melton. Red Lantern Melton features your favourite traditional Malaysian and Chinese dishes, with yum-cha, noodles, special fried rice, and great lunch specials on offer too.

For those dining in-store, the ambience of the venue speaks for itself, with an authentic Asian-style decor with red and black wall features. For added convenience, Red Lantern also offers delivery to a variety of suburbs across the municipality, including Kurunjang, Melton, Melton West, Brookfield and Melton South.

If you’re having trouble choosing what to order, some of Red Lantern’s top sellers include special fried rice with barbecue pork and shrimp, honey chicken, sizzling Mongolian or crispy pan-fried pork dumplings. To order online, head to www. redlantern-melton.com.au, where the easy to navigate online ordering system has a vast array of delicious meals to choose

from, including seafood options, vegan and vegetarian meals and even a gluten free selection to accommodate your dietary needs. Red Lantern is open seven days a week, with lunch orders starting at 11am to 3pm and dinner bookings from 5pm to 8.45pm. Contact: (03) 9743 3340

Welcome to Red Lantern Offering pickup & delivery we specialise in Malaysian & Asian cuisine with all your favorite dishes; yum cha, noodles & more. Woodgrove Shopping Centre 533-555 High St, Melton West VIC 3337 Order online today www.redlantern-melton.com.au

Phone: (03) 9743 3340 12582275-AI02-23

10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 January, 2023

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Advertising feature

Eat, Live, Love, Italian in Melton By Holly McGuinness Great Italian food at a modern family friendly restaurant, what more could you ask for? La Porchetta Melton manager Vito Ramondetta said that’s exactly what you’ll find in store. “Everything is homemade on-site and nothing is brought in, the dough is made fresh daily along with our sauces, we cut our own vegetables on-site,” he explains. “We aren’t like your normal franchises where it’s made off-site and brought in, we make everything fresh ourselves.” Based in Melton for over 24 years, Vito’s father and franchise owner, Tony Ramondetta, has seen customers grow from children into adults that now bring their own kids in for dinner and birthday parties, a testament to the great service and delicious freshly made food on offer. “We’ve been around for a long time and have seen the thick and thin, we’ve seen the growth of Melton and a lot of good changes.” Vito says after all these years, his dad’s favourite dish is still the marinara. “It’s a seafood dish, dad loves it with the homemade red sauce,” he says. There’s a wide range of pizza, pastas and mains available to order, including a delicious fettuccine mushroom pasta, with mushrooms, spring onion, parmesan and a delicious creamy sauce. Located in Woodgrove shopping centre, La Porchetta Melton is a new concept-style store and Vito says that future La Porchetta franchises will be based on their modern, warm style. Vitoa said the foot traffic and facilities at Woodgrove are great too, adding that as a family restaurant, it’s the perfect place for

Freshly made food authentic Italian.

Come in store for delicious food and visit Kellie from La Porchetta Melton. (Supplied)

(Supplied)

them. “And there’s a new outdoor seating area opening, it all plays a big part in making

Woodgrove a great place. “It looks very colourful and super funky. It’s really inviting, so I think it’ll attract the

younger demographic.” To order online or contact the store, visit: https://laporchetta.com.au/melton

The Family Love Deal 2x Large Classic Pizzas 1x Garlic Bread

$29.90 Add a 1.25L Soft Drink for $4

La Porchetta Melton 12582276-SN02-23

Woodgrove Shopping Centre, 2A/533 High St, Melton PH (03) 9747 6777 LaPorchettaMelton

T&Cs Apply. Addtional extras will incur addtional costs.

www.laporchetta.com Tuesday, 10 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

YEAR IN REVIEW ... BUSINESS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Varcon Group crowned the best November 29

Winner of Business of the Year award, Michael Ahmet from Varcon Group with family members, staff, mayor Lara Carli and sponsor Peter Tubic. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 309827

award tonight, I’m really thrilled, it’s really good acknowledgement from the business community,” he said. Melton mayor Lara Carli offered her congratulations to award nominees. “There were so many deserving local businesses, and it’s an incredible achievement to stand out among what was a high-calibre field. Huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees,” she said. “Our businesses are the lifeblood of our community and council is proud to showcase their innovation, resilience and strength.”

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Melton businesses were recognised for their innovation, creativity, inclusivity and professionalism at the 2022 City of Melton Business Excellence Awards Night. Eight of the best in companies in retail, trades, tourism, services, and more were awarded top honours for their outstanding work in their respective fields. The iconic Shane Jacobson presented the awards as the sun set over Russo Estate Winery on Friday, November 25. Now in its 15th year, these awards are about recognising and rewarding the great contributions local businesses make to the City of Melton. The Varcon Group took out the prestigious Business of the Year, as well as an award for Sustainability Leadership. Varcon Group is a family-owned and operated construction company with nearly 50 years of heritage in the City of Melton. Varcon Group managing director Michael Ahmet said he was “ecstatic” about the win. “To accept this award and to even be considered for it, I’m lost for words to be honest. It means that all our good work over the years people have actually recognised it,” he said. “I’ve grown up in Melton, we’ve worked a lot with the Melton council, we provide a lot of housing for the homeless, and that’s what it’s all about, it’s a good feeling.” The Mayoral Achievement Award was given to Ravenhall gaming lounge Pro Gamers. Owner and manager Emanual Cachia said that the business’ apdaptabilty during COVID, and bounce back since then is what got it recognised for the award. “I’m absolutely stoked, I did not expect to win an

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 January, 2023

Shane Jacobson was the MC for the night.

Mayor Lara Carli addressing the audience.

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

The Gap on Graham The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10 to 18 years at 5 Graham Street, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old. n Val, 0414 769 605.

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

Bacchus Marsh Market Bacchus Marsh rejoice! There will be a monthly market at the gorgeous location of Maddingley Park. On the second Saturday of every month there will be a lovely variety of stallholders and food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket and invite your friends and family for a lovely market day out. 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. n Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

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. n Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Bridge Club

(iStock)

Take weight off naturally

book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and over who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active. n 0419 563 016

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

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

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

Melton Friendship Group.

Melton Cycling Club

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

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

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

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. n Ann, 0425 705 150

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

U3A Melton U3A Melton offers among its activities a

The Grange Community Centre would like to invite the seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every Friday 11am-12.30pm, at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing. n Vanessa, 8742 800, or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au

Bingo for all The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday, except public holidays. Eyes down from 12.30-2.30pm. n 0403 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars. n 0403Don, 0414 975 862

Seniors club The Werribee Senior Citizens Club Inc meets at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing. The group is open to all people 55-plus, and it runs on Wednesdays, 10am- noon. Entry: $2, includes morning tea. n 0403 041 499

Wyndham Ladies Probus

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips. n 0403 0407 856 519

Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month. n 0403 Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

AL-ANON meets U3A Werribee

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

Melton Trauma Teddies

Lions Club

Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing,

Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club at 2a Synnot Street, Werribee, on

Rotary Club of Melton

the first and third Wednesday of the month, from 6.30pm for a 7pm dinner meeting. n Lou, 0409 331 271

Seniors House of Fun

The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes/activities specifically designed for Seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes/activities are held at Wyndham Community Centres. n 0403 Rick, 0402 299 220.

Zonta club meets Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. n Suzanne, 0417 512 420

or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need. n Jean, 0412 931 498

AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee.

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. n 04039747 8576

Tuesday, 10 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

PUZZLES

No. 115

4 7 8 3

7 1 3 6 9 9 1 7 5 8 3 1 8 9 hard

7 9 3 6 9

2 1

8 7 8 1

10 11 12 13

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

H 18

8 5 3 7 4 9 6 1 2

4 9 2 3 8 5 6 7 1

3 1 5 4 6 7 9 2 8

7 6 8 9 2 1 3 4 5

8 2 7 6 9 4 1 5 3

Today’s Aim: 23 words: Good 34 words: Very good

No. 115

WORDY WRATH

IMPENDS ORDERLY STIRRED

6 LETTERS ACORNS APPEAL MALTED MEREST SCARCE SEDATE

8 LETTERS ACREAGES ASSENTED ASTEROID CONCOCTS 10 LETTERS EVERYWHERE REFLECTORS

7 LETTERS ADVERSE CLAMPED ENTWINE

QUICK QUIZ

Who plays Eve Polastri in the UK spy series Killing Eve?

What type of tea is processed the least?

And what book series is Killing Eve based on?

Who is the author behind the Red Rising trilogy?

In fan fiction, AU stands for what?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

The Oort cloud is named after which Dutch astronomer?

Ariana Grande (pictured) released what album in 2020?

10 The study of mosses and liverworts is called what?

What three main ingredients are used to make arrabbiata sauce?

In what decade was the National Heart Foundation of Australia established?

T H E R

O N E D R I T Y A C H E

T A C

2 7 4 8 1 9 5 3 6

6 8 9 5 3 2 4 1 7

9 6 1 5 3 2 8 4 7

4 7 2 6 1 8 3 5 9

6 3 5 2 7 4 9 8 1

2 8 7 1 9 6 5 3 4

1 9 4 8 5 3 7 2 6

3 2 8 9 6 1 4 7 5

7 1 9 4 8 5 2 6 3

5 4 6 3 2 7 1 9 8

7 6 4 9 5 8 2 3 1

9 2 1 7 3 4 6 8 5

1 9 2 3 4 7 5 6 8

8 3 6 5 1 9 7 4 2

4 7 5 8 6 2 1 9 3

5 8 7 1 9 3 4 2 6

6 4 3 2 7 5 8 1 9

2 1 9 4 8 6 3 5 7

14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 January, 2023

5 LETTERS ACORN ANGST ANKLE ANTIC AORTA APRON

PROBE RAISE REARS RISER SABRE SCENE SCOOT SEEDS SKATE SLEDS SOLED STAFF STAID STEAL STYLE SWEET TOAST TREED URINE WASPS

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

E R S

BASER BASKS CIRCA EMAIL ENDED ENDER ENEMA ERROR GENIE GLOAT LANES LASER LASTS LOUSE MANES NIECE OCTAL ONION POISE POLAR

4 LETTERS DOGS EARN EARS ERAS NEAT SALE SLED STEM TONE TYRE

13-01-23

1 5 3 7 4 6 2 8 9

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

6 . $ 7 (

attire, earn, entrain, entrant, inert, inertia, inner, inter, intern, intra, irate, ITINERANT, natter, nattier, near, nitrate, nitre, nitrite, rain, rani, rant, rate, ratite, rein, rent, retain, retina, rite, tanner, tare, tarn, tart, tear, tern, tertian, tetra, tier, tinier, tinnier, titre, train, trait, treat, triennia, trine, trite

9 3 1 2 5 8 7 6 4

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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”.

46 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

9-LETTER WORD

6 9

5x5

Z N R O P X B E I WUMK

7 4

V S Y F GDQC A T L H J

4 7 2 6 7 8 4

3 LETTERS ANT ARE DIE ELF ERR GEE GYM ICE KIT LYE MAN NEE NOR ODD ODE OIL ORE PLY RAP TAN TIP TOO

No. 115

ANSWERS: 1. Sandra Oh 2. The Villanelle series by Luke Jennings 3. Alternate Universe 4. Positions 5. Garlic, tomato and dried red chilli peppers 6. 1950s 7. White tea 8. Pierce Brown 9. Jan Oort 10. Bryology

WORDFIT

6 & $ 5 5 $ & 3 (

4 9 6

DECODER

6 7 $ ) )

4 1 6

Transparent (5)

$ 1 . / (

DOWN 1

% $ 6 ( 5

7 9 1 6

26 27 28

8 5 , 1 (

medium

19 20 22 25

2 & 7 $ /

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

14 15 17 18 21 23 24

/ $ 6 7 6

2 5 5 6 4 3 1 9 9

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

5 3

$ 6 1 7 7 ( 0 * < : 0 $ 6 3 6

1 8 9

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

4 6

Matchmaker (5) Workers (9) Lift (7) Of sufficient quality (2,2,3) Thinks deeply (9) Edgar – Poe (5) Weapon (3) Body of water to the East of Italy (8,3) Conspicuously oldfashioned thing (11) Male sheep (3) Follow in order (5) Speed of pulse (5,4) Avoiding contact with others (7) Print process (7) Complementary item (9) Meditators (5)

. 6 , & 7 ( 1 / ( $ 6 ( ( $ 5 5 1 ' , 0 ( $ / $ 7 5 ( ( '

easy

Inflammation of the lung (9) Empty; use up (5) Voter (7) Former German state (7) Social exclusion (9) Force out (5) Bully (9) Republic in Central America (9) Track and field (9) Flowing (9) Shakespeare character (7) Visuals (7) Unmoved (5) Sticky (5) Rims (5)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12 13 14

No. 115

3 5 2 % (

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

3 2 / $ 5

No. 115

$ 1 * 6 7

SUDOKU

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Western United celebrate its first championship.

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(Supplied/Getty Images)

United makes A-League history May 31 In just three short years, Western United has become the kings of the A-League men’s competition. Often criticised both on and off the park, United has continued to build and prove their critics wrong. They did exactly that on Saturday, May 28 in the A-League grand final. Under first-year coach John Aloisi, United beat Melbourne City 2-0. Aleksandar Prijovic was the key man as he flicked on a header that ended in a Nuno Reis own goal in the first two minutes before scoring a second goal on the half hour mark. Neither team would score in the second half, with United able to celebrate a significant achievement that not many people predicted. There were heroes all around the ground. Prijovic would win the Joe Marston Medal, but Neil Kilkenny in the midfield and captain on the day Josh Risdon coming up big when needed. Chants of John Aloisi rang out around the ground and even by players gatecrashing the after game press conference as the former Socceroo star’s return to coaching was capped off with his first A-League title as a coach. “The club is only three years old, so to be able to do that, what we did, not only tonight, from the beginning of the season is amazing,” he said. “It’s an amazing feeling, amazing night so happy for the football club as a whole.” All season Aloisi and the playing group spoke about belief and the feeling that they could create something special. While they believed it, not many others did, with United going in as the underdog against both other Melbourne teams in the finals. “We never spoke about nobody believing us, we spoke about us believing in ourselves more and about us working towards something,” Aloisi said.“Mindset, process, preparation. We didn’t care what others were saying, if we did I don’t think we would be in that position now. Having opened the scoring with the quickest goal in grand final history, Aloisi was weary of how the game would play out. He need not worry, with his side doing as they had so many times this season after scoring early. Aloisi said they looked dangerous goingforward, while also limiting City’s chances. Prijovic, who signed with the club on amulti-season deal, said there was a real belief in the squad right from the start. “I would say

Aleksandar Prijovic tries to get past Connor Metcalfe.

individual awards are always important as they are achieved as a team,” he said. “The team has been amazing from thecoaching staff to everyone to the fans.“Everything went our way, we believed init from the very beginning. ““As soon as we reached the final it’s going to be tough but we have to take it. Not many believed in us. But this is life we believed and it has been a very long way a long year, the game went in our favour. “We did a fantastic job today and I think everyone today in the stadium agrees we fully deserve this victory.” Kilkenny got to share the victory with his family. He had only seen them three weeks in the last six months.

16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 January, 2023

(AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Took Imai.

(AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

“It’s been a hard slog,” he said on the broadcast. “A lot of sacrifice but we are glad to be here now and to win it. “To share it with your family it’s one of those things. “The club wants to improve, they’re a club that wants to invest … it’s one of the best clubs I’ve been at.” For Aloisi, there was a sense of joy and relief at getting the victory. He admitted that he had his doubts it would ever happen. “I was sitting in my hospital bed nearly three years ago saying I want to coach, I need to coach, I have a lot more in me,” he said. “I believed that. I was waiting for the right opportunity and someone giving me that opportunity to coach. “Once you’re in a job then it’s not about you, it’s about the team, the

club and where we are going as a club. “It’s more satisfying when I see all the hardwork that goes into a new club. It’s not easy.” While the celebrations will last for a fewweeks, Aloisi said a win like this will only help in the journey of the club. “What I loved about the players we signed this year, it wasn’t just because they didn’t have anywhere else to go, it’s because theywanted to create history. “They wanted to come and felt that we were going to build something special and we were going challenge and create history and they are their reason we were ableto do that. “Now it might be easier, people will see that we mean business we don’t want to be here just to make up numbers.”

YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

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Melton’s flag after long break September 20 The focus on local talent has finally paid off for Melton in the Ballarat Football League with the club winning its first premiership since 2005. In the wettest and lowest scoring grand final in recent years, the Bloods held on late as Sebastopol threw everything at them. With scoring hard to come by at Mars Oval, every point was important in the biggest game of the year. The Bloods managed to do enough, winning 5.9 (39)-4.10 (34). Bloods coach Aaron Tymms said this is what they had been working towards for a number of years. “I’m pretty stoked,” he said. “A lot of hard work has gone into this. “We’ve been talking about this since day one and it’s nice that the hard work is getting rewarded. “Last night was fantastic. We couldn’t move when we got back to the joint when we got back. “It’s a pretty close club.” The wet and cold conditions in Ballarat weren’t what the Bloods had wanted as they headed up the highway. Tymms said it made the task of ending their premiership drought just a bit harder. “The conditions weren’t really flash and the ground was under water. It wasn’t great for the guys. “It played a little more in the favour of Sebastopol. We’re a side that likes a clean ball and are a real running side.” The Bloods kicked three goals to one in the first quarter and extended their lead to 19 points by half time. The Burras started to find their game in the third quarter and reduced the margin to just six points heading into the last break. The final quarter proved to be a hard slog. Both teams were separately seeking a goal. Neither would find one, as the Bloods hung on to win. Tymms said had he any hair, he wouldn’t have had any left after the game. “We kicked three goals in the first quarter and then two for the rest of the day,” he said.

(Mandy Borg- Daydream Photography)

“Sebastopol started to peg us back, they were pretty hungry. It was one of those things that you had to set back and watch. “It was a toss of the coin who was going to win.” The Burras had two chances late in the piece to have shots on goal to get the win. The first was touched, the second they passed but was spoiled by the Melton defenders. Tymms was full of praise for the backline group with a waterlogged ball meaning kicks were falling well short of what they normally would. “The defence really stood up,” he said. “In the third quarter they had 16 inside 50s to our

four. They were just really resilient all day. “There were some really scary moments. I’m proud of them.” Blake Soutter was awarded the best on ground medal. Tymms said he was clearly best on ground. Tymms said the three Walker boys, Jack, Lachlan and Riley, along with Jaycob Hickey were also good as everyone had their moments. The win comes on the back of focusing on the players who have come through the club’s junior system. Under the player points system, just two players are worth more than one point. One of those Lachlan Watkins is from Melton as well. Tymms said the club knew this was the best

way for the long term success of the club. “It’s one of those things we spoke about,” he said. “Try and bring the kids through and hope for the best. “Adrian Monitto has played every game this year and has won a flag as an 18-year-old. The oldest player yesterday was 26 or 27. “Hopefully there’s still plenty of success to come.” The Bloods reserves weren’t able to add their own premiership to the cabinet, losing to the Sunbury Lions. The Lions, who also won the 2019 reserves premiership, won on Saturday 6.5 (41)-2.5 (17). Tymms said the Lions were the best team all year.

A third flag for Storm after powerhouse season March 22 Sydenham-Hillside has secured its third Victorian Turf Cricket Association premiership in four seasons, capping off a stunning season on Sunday. The Storm claimed the opening two matches of the best-of-three grand final series against Newport-Digman to win the division 2 title. In game one, the Bulls were bowled out for 145 on the final ball of the innings. Alex Barlas and Shehan De Silva took three wickets each for the Storm. The Storm lost two early wickets in the run chase before steadying, making the runs with nearly 10 overs to spare. The Storm finished 2-148. Gayashan Weerasekara finished unbeaten on 80, while Ben Green made 50 not out. Storm coach Geoff Pretty said the team as a whole put in a really strong performance. “We strangled the game with our bowling,” he said. “We then lost a couple of quick wickets, but Gayashan and Greeny batted really well and managed it from a batting point of view. “They were controlled and smart.” It was a similar story in game two. The Gorillas were restricted to 9-132 from their overs. De Silva took four wickets. The Storm didn’t lose a wicket, as they made 0-133 in 33.2 overs to seal the win and

The Sydenham-Hillside premiership team. (supplied)

premiership. Green finished unbeaten on 63, while Ishan Dombagaha Pathirage finished with 55 not out. “Our guys were sensational over the two days,” Pretty said. “Greeny and Ish batted well in game two. “It was a good job restricting them to under 150 on both days and we did a really good job in the field. We would have taken that before the games. “Credit to Newport. They should be commended on their approach.” Ben Green was awarded player of the grand final series for his two knocks. Pretty said the

Sydenham-Hillside’s Dylan Knight is surprised by a direct hit by fielder. (Joe Mastroianni) 273069

club was thrilled to add another premiership to the cabinet and with it, promotion into division 1. The Storm, which has only been in the VTCA for six seasons, will have risen from division 4 to division 1 in that time. Pretty said he could have only dreamed of this when he took on the role ahead of this season. “[President] Bobby [Kunesevic] and [vice-president] Warren [Hackney] have been fantastic support for me,” he said. “You don’t expect to have a list like this when you walk into a club. The list I was given, I only added one player, which was Shehan at Christmas.

“You’ve got the likes of Alex, who bowled the house down for two days. This is his first full season in first XI cricket. Credit to the young man.” Pretty said they would enjoy the off season, before turning their focus to next season and the new challenge of playing in a higher division. “The club is really happy with the premiership and promotion. The club has one eye on the future. “There’s so many juniors coming through the club. Division 1 will be no different, I’m always looking for the next challenge. We’ll set ourselves for that now.

Tuesday, 10 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

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Third time lucky for the Lakers September 6 It was third time lucky for Caroline Springs in the Western Region Football League women’s competition. Playing off in a third straight grand final, either side of COVID-19, the Lakers were hoping that it was finally their turn to hold the trophy aloft. The day started with the club’s division 2 side finally short to Point Cook Centrals. The division 1 side had to wait until later in the day to get their shot against Spotswood. In a rematch of the 2019, the last grand final before Saturday, the Lakers were able to turn the tables and come away with a 8.9 (57)-2.7 (19) win. Lakers coach Dean Ellis was still in disbelief the following day about what they had achieved. “It’s a bit surreal actually,”he said. “I still don’t think that it happened. “It is awesome for the club and it’s such a good football club. The mission was achieved. “This is more for the girls who have played in the losing two grand finals. It’s a nice reward for effort.” The Lakers were the top team all season, before slipping up in the first week of the finals against the Wolves. Now with another shot at the Wolves, it was a very different game. The Wolves kicked the only two goals in the first quarter to lead by 10 points at quarter time. From there it was all the Lakers. They kicked two in the second quarter to reduce the margin to two points at half time. After the break they kicked six second half goals to run away with the win. “It was a tight first half.” Ellis said. “We changed a few things at half time and we were able to get the game on our terms. “The third quarter was huge for us to get in front and from there we went.” Ellis said they knew once they kicked the first couple of goals in the last quarter that the win would be theirs. He said having gone through all the emotions the previous week as the division 2 side won through to the grand final, this week was something different. “We were able to reflect and see what we had done,” he said. “There was pandemonium as the siren

Caroline Springs celebrate a Jessica Francke goal.

Final siren joy.

(Joe Mastroianni) 297231

(Joe Mastroianni). 297231

went with such a large crowd there. “It’s still pretty surreal.” Nikki Perrett was awarded the best on ground medal for her performance, which included two goals. Ellis said Perrett was touch and go whether she was going to play at all. “She did her calf a few weeks ago,” he said. “She played last week and was still sore, so we weren’t sure if she was going to play. She didn’t train. “She wanted to play and pushed through the pain. She’s said she has six months to recover now.”

Alex O’Shea, who wasn’t going to play this year, Stephanie Asciak and Hayley Herring were the other standouts. Ellis said not one player dominated with everyone playing their role. While it was premiership joy for the division 1 team, the Lakers division 2 team fell short against Point Cook Centrals. The Sharks entered the grand final with just one loss for the year, in the final round of the season to the Lakers. There would be no repeat this time round, with the Sharks winning, 9.8 (62)-4.1 (25).

Mary Seath kicked five goals for the Sharks while Mary Daw was awarded the best on ground medal. Ellis said they were so proud of that group. “Point Cook Centrals were the best side all year, losing just one game,” he said. “Our girls are young and inexperienced. Point Cook flexed their muscles. “While our girls tried they couldn’t get there. “To get into the grand final after putting the side together a week before the season was an achievement in itself to get there.”

Falcons fly high to secure division 4 premiership March 22 The reality of winning the Victorian Turf Cricket association division 4 premiership is still settling in for Caroline Springs. The underdogs heading into the best-of-three grand final series with Gellibrand, the Falcons were hoping to push the series to game three. But after winning game one, the Falcons were able to back it up on Sunday to take game two and the premiership. Falcons coach Gary Turner said the following morning that it still felt like a dream. “The club is over the moon, we didn’t expect it to happen that quick,” he said. “They were favourites having lost only one game for the year. We wanted to win the first game and put the pressure on them. “We expected them to respond and push it to three games. To win it in two days was fantastic.” Turner said the keys heading into the two games was being able to stay in the game for longer periods of time and forming batting partnerships. He said that was what proved to be the difference.

Caroline Springs premiership side.

(Supplied)

In game one, the Falcons made 6-195 with contributions throughout the batting order. At 5-80 the Falcons were in control, but Gellibrand were able to respond. Gellibrand fell just short, restricted to 8-192. Gavin McCallum continued his good form, taking four wickets.

18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 10 January, 2023

In game two, Gellibrand batted first and made 9-182 after being sent in. Turner said they backed their ability to chase any total. The Falcons got early wickets, before Jacob McDonald got away from them late to push up the total, before losing multiple clumps of wickets.

Turner admits they were in trouble. But for a second successive week, the Falcons have responded late. “We started well and then lost 2-4 and then 3-1, so it didn’t look crash hot with five overs to go. “Huss [Mujtaba Hussain] and Flynn [Rice] got us over the line. “The guys built confidence from the previous week that you’re never out of the game and that finals can turn so quickly.” McCallum top scored with 45 to cap off a brilliant final series. He was named player of the grand final. It comes after he bowled them into the grand final series the previous round. “His last month has been outstanding,” Turner said. The premiership is the club’s first top side premiership since moving to the VTCA. The win also means the club will move up into division 3 next season. Turner said he didn’t imagine this happening at the start of the season. “It that full credit to Anthony [Rice] and the committee. “When I came to the club it was about getting the club back on track. There’s a lot of young guys at the club and I want to teach them the right way to play cricket.”

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eaGALS end of season trip Bali 2022 with CURRENT players ranging from all ages - EVERYONE is welcome to join our eaGALS family Come Down, give it a go, get fit, meet new friends and have FUN both ON & OFF the Field!

Training commences Tuesday 17th January Tuesday & Thursday Nights McIvor Reserve, Yarraville 6pm - 7.30pm (Enter McIvor Reserve through bowling club carpark) Coach: (3 time premiership coach) Peter Lazzaro All enquiries contact Peter 0417 326 693 or Chloe 0433 010 172 Email - lazzarochloe@gmail.com Like and follow our facebook page - Yarraville Seddon Eagles Tuesday, 10 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

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