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Party time in Eynesbury The second annual A Day in India Festival is returning to Eynesbury on Saturday, February 25. From 2pm, all the way through until 10pm the Eynesbury Quarter will host an abundance of Indian food, entertainment and shopping. There will be a bazaar market, food trucks full of traditional cuisine, cultural dance performances, as well as dance competitions. The entire day will be backdropped by live music and DJ’s, and there’ll also be fun kids activities such as henna, balloon art and more. The date of the festival was picked to arrive at the same time of year as Holi Day on March 8. It’s the second A Day in India event hosted in Eynesbury. Eynesbury Quarter general manager Brad Alton said it’s been added to the yearly calendar after last year’s success. Last year the event saw around 3000 attendees. Mr Alton said the crowd favourite was the school students’ dance performances. Mr Alton said he’s “excited” to see what this year delivers. “It’s definitely a culture that knows how to party,” he said.

Traditional dancers at Eynesbury’s A Day in India 2022. (Supplied)

Threat to asylum support

FSA/DETS1330

For more than 20 years, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) has been providing vital support to people seeking asylum in Australia, but now financial pressures are putting the service at risk. The ASRC is quickly running out of savings, with the executive team warning its only has a month and a half before it will be forced to close its doors. ASRC chief executive and founder Kon Karapanagiotidis said the centre needs the community’s help to keep its doors open after supporting those seeking asylum. “Despite sticking to our budgets, cost of living and inflationary pressures means public donations are down 45 per cent since

July 2022,” he said. “Despite a number of interventions, such as reducing our workforce by 10 per cent in August last year, our savings are running out and we have just six weeks to save the ASRC from stopping to deliver critical services.” ASRC refugee leadership and advocacy director Ogy Simic understands first-hand the importance of services like the ASRC. At four years old, Mr Simic was forced to leave his home in Sarajevo when civil war broke out in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He left with his mother and siblings while his father, a journalist, remained and was killed during the conflict. After years of relocations, Mr Simic’s family was granted refugee visas and settled in

Adelaide when he was 11 years old. He described the “culture shock” of arriving in a distant country, where he didn’t speak the language. “It was organisations like the ASRC that supported us. We had somebody meet us at the airport who provided support for us to be able to enrol in school, to be able to set up a bank account, set up a Medicare, all of those things are really important,” he said. “We have a huge number of people who are in need of organisations like the ASRC in order to get by. “For so many people the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre is their doctor, is their pharmacy, is their supermarket, and that’s so unique for an organisation to be like that.” Donations help the ASRC keep its doors

open and provide food, housing, healthcare, legal support and other essential services to the 7000 people who rely on its services every day. Of the people seeking asylum in Australia, 97 per cent have no access to social support systems, including income, housing as well as educational assistance and legal aid. Mr Karapanagiotidis said the ASRC still has a lot of work left to do. “There are thousands and thousands of people seeking asylum who have been denied their basic rights by governments that seek to dehumanise and harm. “We are asking the community to help save a movement of hope, welcome and compassion.” Details: donate.asrc.org.au/donatetoday

Find a Kinder Program near you. There is still time to enrol for the 2023 kindergarten year. Find services offering approved kindergarten programs by scanning the QR code. Find out more at vic.gov.au/kinder

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By Liam McNally

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Free Kinder is here! Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder is now free across Victoria at participating services — saving families up to $2,500 per year per child. Over the decade, we’ll also transition Four-Year-Old Kinder into Pre-Prep to become a 30-hour a week program, and establish 50 Victorian Government-owned and affordable childcare centres.

2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

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Learn more at vic.gov.au/kinder

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NEWS

Moorabool plans for the future By Liam McNally Moorabool’s population has increased more than 12 per cent faster than the state average in the past decade, and new detailed population data is helping Moorabool council plan for changing communities. The data compiled by population forecast company .id using the latest census information shows Moorabool has had a population increase of 33.8 per cent over the past 10 years, compared to the Victorian average of 21.5 per cent.

The biggest population increases are Maddingley at 140 per cent, Merrimu-Hopetoun Park with 74.9 per cent, Bacchus Marsh 33.2 per cent, and Ballan at 26.2 per cent. Smaller towns including Blackwood, Greendale, Myrniong, Wallace, Bungaree and Dunnstown all recorded double figure population increases over the past 10 years. Moorabool mayor Ron Ward said the significant growth rate is predicted to increase, and council needs to “plan carefully”. “All departments within council are aware of this growth … the work they do plans for

and reflects how different our communities will look over the next 10-20 years,” he said. Moorabool’s average resident is aged 39, with the population age spread concentrated on the elderly, parents in their 30s and teenagers. Melton and Wyndham are the main areas people move to Moorabool from, and after English, the main language spoken is Punjabi. Close to two thirds of Moorabool residents leave the shire for work, and the health of residents shows higher than state average occurrences of arthritis and mental health conditions.

“All of this data is used to advocate to other levels of government for appropriate and better infrastructure and services for our communities,” Cr Ward said. “We are seeing a big infrastructure blitz at the moment, with projects such as the expansion of Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve, West Maddingley Early Years Hub, Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre and Ballan Library and Community Hub. “As the community grows and changes, we need to adapt accordingly.”

Sport grants now available Grassroots sports and active recreation clubs and organisations across Melton are being urged to apply for funding to boost their equipment, skills and administration expertise. Melton MP Steve McGhie announced applications had opened for the state governments latest round of the Sporting Club Grants Program on Thursday, February 16. The program provides payments of up to $1000 for new uniforms and equipment, up to $2000 for training coaches, officials and volunteers and up to $5000 to improve club operational effectiveness. Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said the program is about helping clubs “get back in the game” so more Victorians can “join in the fun and tap into all the sport and career pathways that grassroots community sport offers.” The government said the Sporting Club Grants has invested more than $15.5 million across thousands grants throughout the state since 2015. Mr McGhie said he encourages all Melton clubs to “grasp this opportunity and apply”. “The Sporting Club Grants Program is giving grassroots sports clubs in Melton the support they need to come back better than ever from the recent restrictions, grow their ranks and help more people than ever play the sports they love,” he said. Clubs and organisations in Melton are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Details: sport.vic.gov.au/ grants-and-funding

Phonsy Mullan and his son Bastian. (Damjan Janevski) 319818_02

Superboat crash can’t stop Mullan A Melton family is continuing its reign as Australia’s top V8 Superboat dynasty, cementing back-to-back victories in the Australian Championship, after winnings in each of their divisions in Griffith. Bastion Mullan, with navigator Tahleah Mullan took out first in the LS division, securing their second consecutive Australian Championship on the weekend of February 11 in their boat, Ripshift. Current World Champion Phonsy Mullan raced in Ramjet with navigator Leigh Stuart, the pair came back from a dramatic crash to take home Mullan’s ninth Australian title. During the qualifying rounds Ramjet left the

water at over 120km/h, and spun into a wall. Phonsy said the pair were “extremely lucky” to only suffer minor injuries. With just 45 minutes to patch the boat up, the team were back in the water to finish the qualifiers. Phonsy said after passing, they had the night for more extensive repairs and took out the final heat with a winning time of 36.8 seconds. “It was a pretty awesome feat, it was a big comeback. We were basically down and out,” he said. The Griffith round was sixth out of seven for the championship, but with Phonsy and Bastion both being undefeated all season, the

titles are theirs. The final heat will be at the Keith Diesel and Dirt Derby in March, where Phonsy said he doesn’t plan to take it easy after securing the win. “I’d like to cement my victory, in Keith there’s a lot of spectators that come and see us so we want to put on a show … we’re not going to lay over,” he said. Other drivers under Melton’s GM-Motorsport banner Jody Ely and Nate Mullans will be fighting to secure their own victories in Keith. Liam McNally

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Lal Lal assault

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Club culture recognised Melton Rugby Union Football Club was celebrated at the Good Sports Awards at Parliament House in Canberra on February 16, after being named the 2022 Victorian Good Sports Club of the Year. The national Good Sports Awards celebrate Australia’s best community sporting clubs and volunteers, for their commitment to building healthy and inclusive club environments, and their work with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Good Sports program in tackling topics like alcohol, illicit drugs, smoking, mental health and safe transport. The rugby club was recognised for adopting practices and strategies to improve the wellbeing of their members, inspiring positive change and building a healthier and more family-friendly club. Club secretary Priscilla Maiava said the club was “overwhelmed” by the recognition. “It’s a testament to all the hard work we have put in as a committee, as volunteers, and as players for the past, present and future,” she

said. “A big thankyou to everyone that has contributed to the football club. We’re here today because of all their hard work.” After being impacted by COVID-lockdowns, the club said it had placed a strong focus on mental health and wellbeing. It has encouraged activities such as cultural cooking classes and school holiday rugby clinics. Additionally, the club has set up a donation pantry of rugby boots. This year, the club plans to run workshops around mental health and Legal Aid support. Members will also have the chance to volunteer at a homeless shelter. “Rugby life is a journey not a destination. We’d like to think we have created an environment where everyone feels welcome and is able to be themselves. There’s no judging on anyone’s physical abilities and capabilities. We learn and grow stronger together,” Ms Maiava said.

Police are investigating an assault at Lal Lal on Saturday, February 11. Investigators have been told a 29-year-old woman was running through a forested area near the Blast Furnace Picnic Area when she was approached by a man sometimes between 4-5.30pm. The offender struck her in the head with a hand-made weapon, knocking her unconscious. The victim woke to find the offender had fled and reported the incident. The woman was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening facial injuries. The male offender is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance and was wearing black jeans, a cap and no shoes or shirt.

NBN upgrades Households and businesses in Ballan and Sunbury will be able to order an upgrade to a full-fibre broadband connection as part of the Australian Government’s plan for a better NBN. An upgrade will be available on-demand where an eligible household orders a higher speed plan than would currently be available to them over copper. NBN Co expects eligible premises announced today will be able to access a full-fibre upgrade from 2024.

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4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

‘‘

strongly encourage residents to complain to the ACCC

’’

- Steve McGhie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NEWS

New hope for youth housing By Liam McNally Hope Street Youth and Family Services, a leading Melton youth-housing support service, has welcomed recent government investment but hopes it’s the “first step” of many in addressing youth homelessness. On Monday, February 13, Housing Minister Colin Brooks announced a $50 million investment that will build more than 130 new homes for young people across Victoria. “The stability of having a roof over their head will support these young people to learn and develop, setting them up for success in the rest

of their lives,” Mr Brooks said. The investment will be shared between eight registered housing providers and community service organisations to build 10 new housing projects across the state. Successful providers include Hope Street, Melbourne City Mission, The Salvos, Kids Under Cover, Beyond Housing, Mallee Accommodation and Support and the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Hope Street Youth and Family Services chief executive Donna Bennett said she’s “delighted” that the state government has invested in “such worthwhile youth-specific projects across the state for disadvantaged young people and

young families experiencing homelessness”. “After such an extended period of time where youth investment hasn’t kept pace with other social housing investment it’s positive to see some change,” she said. However, Ms Bennett said that with 6000 young people experiencing homelessness at any one time, “this has to be the first step”. “The Youth Housing grant round of $50m is .94 per cent of the Big Housing Build’s $5.3billion, yet 16 per cent homeless people in Victoria are aged 15 to 24,” she said. Ms Bennett noted that “As a specialist youth homelessness organisation, Hope Street is steadfast in exploring new housing and support

models to prevent youth homelessness.” Hope Street is working in partnership with the Health and Community Services Union, the Australian Manufacturers Union and a local developer to create a youth modular housing micro-community for young people consisting of around 12 houses in the City of Melton. Ms Bennett said a submission to the state budget for the project will be made. “There is a lot of work to do to ensure young people are not left behind with housing and homelessness resources and Hope Street is committed to working in partnership with government and local communities to secure future Big Build investments for this purpose.”

Pavilion concrete pour The new multipurpose pavilion at Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve too is a step closer with the first of the concrete foundations poured last week. The pavilion is the centrepiece of a suite of upgrades at the reserve including redeveloping oval two, installing new cricket nets, an electronic scoreboard, public toilets and building more car parks. Approximately 200 cubic metres of concrete (about 30 trucks worth) went into the slab for the first section of the southern half of the pavilion, with remaining sections to follow in coming weeks. Melton mayor Lara Carli said the three “ageing” buildings are being replaced with a “new, multipurpose pavilion with spaces for sports, social activities and community building”. “Our community at Diggers Rest is growing

fast and our investment is making sure they’ll have the community infrastructure they need to thrive,” she said. More than $8 million has been invested by Melton council to deliver the project, and the state government has an additional $4.1 million through the Growing Suburbs Fund and Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program. The project commenced in November 2021, and the old buildings were demolished in April 2022. Council said that the pavilion and oval works were progressing after prolonged wet weather delayed some of the construction works. Locals can look forward to the newly upgraded Recreation Reserve being fully operational by the second half of the year. Details: melton.vic.gov.au/ DiggersRestpavilion

Approximately 200 cubic metres of concrete were poured for the new Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve pavilion last week. (Supplied)

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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

The Gap on Graham

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

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. ■ Val, 0414 769 605.

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

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. ■ 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.

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of George Naylor, Chris Tabone and Barry McBride from Westside Slam.

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

(Damjan Janevski)

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

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

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

10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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

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6 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

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NEWS

‘I will not neglect’ voters: Luu New Western Metropolitan Liberal MP Trung Luu has vowed not to forget the people who elected him to Parliament. Mr Luu, a former Brimbank councillor, was elected to Parliament at the November 2022 state election, making him the first Vietnamese-Australian to represent the Liberal Party in Australia. Mr Trung said getting elected was a “great privilege.” “I greatly appreciate my opportunity, and it’s something that I will cherish and I will not neglect the people who selected me to be the western metropolitan region member,” he said.

‘‘

My main agenda ... is to advocate and voice for the minority - Trung Luu

’’

Mr Luu and his family fled Saigon for Australia in the 1970’s, when he was just five years old. The journey saw the Luu family’s boat being attacked by pirates, and taking on water forcing his family to swim to shore in Malaysia, where they spent time in a refugee camp before being given refugee status in Australia. Mr Luu’is family settled in east Melbourne, and after school he made a career as a police officer. He said it was moving to Melbourne’s west in 2003 that began to shape his political identity. “Living here I see the difference between east and west and access to services out in the west. That’s when I started speaking up,” he said. “My main agenda always has been, because of what I’ve gone through, and what I’ve experienced, is to advocate and voice for the minority, to advocate for those groups who

Trung Luu was elected to the Upper-house for the Western Metropolitan Region. (Damjan Janevski) 319829_10

cannot speak for themselves.” Mr Luu’s served as a Brimbank councillor from 2020. Now, as a Western Metropolitan MP, and the Liberal party’s parliamentary secretary for multicultural affairs, he said he wants to help maximise opportunity for the multicultural community in the west.

“Our community is advancing and developing, but there are opportunities that we are missing out on relating to our multicultural community. We need to harvest their talents within the community,” he said. Mr Luu said his appointment to the Liberal party has “historical meaning” as it was the

policy of the Fraser government that allowed him to settle in Australia. “After all these years, one of those refugees that they opened the door for to arrive in Australia actually turned up to be a member of parliament for that party. It’s kind of full circle in a way.”

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Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 7

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Emily challenges brain cancer Emily Cooke’s brain cancer journey began nearly six years ago when she was just three years old. Peace of Mind connected Emily’s family with support worker Jonathan Muller, who has made a big difference in their lives. Now Emily is Peace of Mind’s Ambassador for Challenge Brain Cancer, an event that seeks to raise money to provide more brain cancer support workers like Jonathan. Allison and Jonathan spoke to Matt Hewson about Emily’s journey so far.

or many parents, being told their child has brain cancer is their worst nightmare. For Allison Cooke, it became a terrifying reality in October 2018. After years of health issues, appointments and tests to find out what was wrong with Emily, Allison and Liam Cooke were told their daughter had a lesion on her brain stem Emily had glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable form of brain cancer. “It was really shocking, and for us it was just, what does this mean?” Allison said. “What does this mean for Em’s future, what does this mean for our family’s future? “The hardest space to sit in was one of the unknown. And it’s the same for all brain cancer families, it’s such an unknown space about what the future looks like.” The Cookes engaged with Peace of Mind, a not-for-profit organisation that gives support to brain cancer patients and their families, in 2020.

‘‘

I think it would have been a really lonely walk for us if Jonathan and Peace of Mind weren’t in the picture - Allison Cooke

’’

Allison said Peace of Mind had a hugely positive impact on her family from the beginning. “Peace of Mind are just amazing,” she said. “Initially they provided us with financial support to do some small renovations, pay for parking costs and fuel, that kind of thing, which was great. “And then they connected us with Jonathan.” Jonathan Muller is a specialised brain cancer support worker employed by Peace of Mind who deals with anywhere up to 50 patients and their families at a time. “Jonathan does a mix of things, but for us he’s an emotional resource and also a practical resource,” Allison said. “The thing I love most about Jonathan is he sits outside her medical team. I can give him a call about what’s happening and how I’m feeling, and he’s invested in us as a family, as opposed to Emily’s medical treatment. “He’s got a great relationship with Em. He takes her surfing with his dog Mudgee, he helps her with lots of things. “He helps her with her emotional regulation, helps build her capacity, but more than that, he’s giving her fun, moments where her life is not about having cancer.” Jonathan, who has a professional history as a nurse in palliative care, engaged with the Cookes shortly after beginning his role at Peace of Mind. “My first contact with Emily was being over at their place and just mucking around with her,” he said. “We just had fun and she was climbing all over me. I can be very serious when I need to be, but I’m also very good at just being a kid. “That’s where I really try to engage Em, I just really try to get on her level.” Jonathan said having his role sit outside the medical sphere allowed him to provide a different kind of care for Emily and the Cookes. “Even though I’m a health professional, I try not to be in that space, particularly with young folk,” he said. “And with Allison, my job is really about backing her up emotionally. I tend to be the person that takes the call when her back’s up against the wall or she’s feeling massive 8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

Challenge Brain Cancer ambassador Emily Cooke and her support worker Jonathan Muller. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 317686

frustration or going ‘where to from here?’. “One of the skills I bring is, what do you do when there are no options, when you can’t do anything? The health system’s really good at providing treatment and solutions, but so much brain cancer is unsolvable, untreatable. “I try to reorient the focus on living, not so much on the next medical appointment or the next scan, because that can drive people crazy, particularly when it goes on for a reasonable period of time.” Now, Emily is Peace of Mind’s Ambassador for Challenge Brain Cancer, an annual event to raise funds for and awareness of brain cancer, a disease that kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. Peace of Mind Foundation chief executive

and founder Rebecca Mallett said helping patients like Emily was the organisation’s mission statement. “We’re the only organisation of its kind in Australia, supporting 700 families every year impacted by brain cancer that reach out to Peace of Mind for assistance,” she said. “Having Brain Cancer Support Workers nationwide is our ultimate goal, and we’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact that someone in this role has in providing hope, compassion and quality of life to our patients facing this very serious diagnosis.” Challenge Brain Cancer will be held on February 25 at Westfield Geelong, where teams will compete in an Amazing Race event.

“The role of someone like Jonathan is really significant,” Allison said. “I think it would have been a really lonely walk for us if Jonathan and Peace of Mind weren’t in the picture. “The reality for brain cancer is that only two out of every 10 people diagnosed survive past five years. “Organisations like Peace of Mind are invaluable, and if the community can get behind them and help provide more support workers like Jonathan, it helps families like us immeasurably.” To register a team for Challenge Brain Cancer or find out more go to peaceofmindfoundation.org.au/challengebrain-cancer-2023.

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COMMUNITY

Participants, including Liam McEwen (left) and Matt Penkethman (far right), created a wide variety of art work created during the workshop. (Pictures: Joe Mastroianni) 319418

Artists take inspiration from the natural world Keen artists or those interested in the intersection between the natural world, art and artificial intelligence are encouraged to take part in the Machine Imagining arts project. During the workshops, artist Kate Geck invites participants to draw creatures from the local area, such as plants, animals and insects or bring in natural objects to be photographed. The drawings and photos created will then be used to produce a community database of observations of the natural world around Maribyrnong, which will then be used to train machine learning models to generate new

machine creations depicting the Maribyrnong area. The machine imaginings will be arranged through collage into large hanging textiles, and will finally be finished with hand embroidery. Star Weekly photographer Joe Mastroianni visited one of the workshops on Tuesday, February 14 to capture some of the creations. Future workshops will be held on Tuesday, February 21 and Saturday, February 25 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Details: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ Events/Machine-Imagining-WorkshopsJanuary-February-2023

Artist Kate Geck with her artwork, and an image made by a digital loom.

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Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

25 years ago

20 years ago

15 years ago

February 24, 1993

February 25, 1998

February 25, 2003

February 26, 2008

A swing of 17 per cent to the Labor Party at Saturday’s Doutta Gala by-election has been simultaneously hailed and played down by the major parties.

CSR Timber Products’ hardboard factory in Bacchus Marsh will close on April 3, throwing more than 130 people out of work.

Melton South residents are rallying to stop a concrete median strip being removed from Exford Road, saying the road will be “dangerous” without it.

First it was members of the Diggers Rest Residents Association who lived outside the township who lost their right to vote last year.

12544962-AV15-22

30 years ago

10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPECIAL REPORT

End near after a decade in limbo Last week the federal government announced a pathway to citizenship for thousands of asylum seekers. Liam McNally reports.

hen Nayran Tabiei heard the news, she sat in her St Kilda cafe and cried tears of joy. On February 13, Immigration Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Minister Andrew Giles announced the federal government was delivering on Labor’s election promise to abolish Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEVs), and provide a pathway to permanency for refugees that have been held in a state of limbo for a decade. For Ms Tabiei, getting the new Resolution of Status Visa means she may soon be reunited with her three sons for the first time in 12 years. In 2011 Ms Tabiei was forced to leave her home, her business and her life when war broke out in her home of Damascus, Syria. Ms Tabiei, her husband, and her four-year-old daughter ended up in Jakarta. She said as a last resort they boarded a smuggler’s boat to Australia. “The way we came here was not normal. We saw a lot of people killed on the way, being eaten from sharks, the boats were broken. None of the people know how many people die on the way because we don’t have evidence,” she said.

‘‘

A lot of people really work hard to show people that we didn’t come here to take any money. I came here for a safer place

’’

- Nayran Tabiei

‘‘

I want to be able to travel freely, I want to really feel freedom for the first time in the past ten years. I want to feel free

’’

- Obaidullah Mehak After her journey, Ms Tabiei spent a year in detention on Christmas Island, before being settled in Braybrook on a bridging visa. Her three sons ended up in Iran. In the years since, Ms Tabiei has been on a cycle of temporary visas that left the future uncertain, and restricted her from certain freedoms, such as reuniting with her family. She was still determined to work, first as a volunteer cooking teacher, English teacher, and playgroup facilitator. Ms Tabiei has given speeches on human rights, and in 2021 was a recipient of the Victorian refugee award. Eventually she began a catering business, which was paused during COVID but has since been reborn as a successful cafe, Flavours of Syria, where she employs many newcomers to Australia. Ms Tabiei is passionate about her work, getting to present her culture and “putting a smile on the face of people when they eat the food”. “It’s so great to see people that love the food, love the environment, I’ve built a community here,” she said. “I feel I’m a mum, and I support my children, and I show them we can do things, even in war times … I tell them you are alive, you are breathing, you should do work. Keep going. “A lot of people really work hard to show people that we didn’t come here to take any money. I came here for a safer place.” Mr Giles said all people on TPVs and SHEVs have been found to be refugees, and are “owed Australia’s protection”. “TPV and SHEV holders work, pay taxes, start businesses, employ Australians and build lives in our communities – often in rural and regional areas. Without permanent visas however, they’ve been unable to get a loan to buy a house, build their businesses or pursue further education,” he said “It makes no sense, economically or socially, to keep them in limbo.” For others, like Obaidullah Mehak, the announcement was welcomed, but after a decade of uncertainty their faith in the system

Nayran Tabiei at her cafe, Flavours of Syria. Inset: Ms Tabiei was a recipient of the Victorian refugee award in 2021. (Pictures: Supplied)

has diminished. “Today I feel like I can start living again and that this is the end of the torture of uncertainty,” he said. “But to be frankly honest, you don’t believe it until it happens, so unless I see permanent residency in my hands, it all looks like a dream because 10 years we have lived like this.” Mr Mehak, a lawyer and human rights activist, was forced to flee Afghanistan in 2013 after falling foul of the Taliban and powerful warlords. His work in his home country was extensive. He had advised the Afghanistan government on policy, electricity, telecommunications, and was instrumental in setting up a justice system to address the opium trade. Later, he moved into human rights, specifically advocating for the rights of women and children in Afghanistan. He said he had also “risked his life” to free two Australian soldiers who had been kidnapped. Less than a month before Mr Mehak was due to speak at a United Nations conference in Indonesia on behalf of the Afghan Civil Society in 2013, he was shot twice. Once in Indonesia he realised that if he returned to his home his death was “certain”. “I never wanted to leave Afghanistan, I was doing well, I had name, fame, and was passionate about the lives of so many,” he said. But with no other choice, he left without his

The plight of refugees has been divisive in Australia. Many support them being allowed to stay permanently, while others worry about border security. (Shutterstock)

family on a boat to Australia. After being held in detention in Darwin, Mr Mehak arrived in Melbourne’s north-west. Mr Mehak said he was “grateful” for being allowed to stay Australia, but had become frustrated at being so restricted. He said he was living in overcrowded housing, became sick, depressed, and experienced racism that he was scared of reacting to, because he was afraid of the attention of the justice system. “That visa brought hell upon us,” he said. “There are days that I wouldn’t go out because I was scared of being perceived as doing something wrong, my life was frozen, it

was imprisonment. “The door was shut, and I was in absolute darkness.” For 10 years he was unable to pursue his goals, first being unable to work, then being unable to afford the $70,000 international student tuition for further study, and unhirable his field of expertise because of his temporary visa. “Between 30 and 40, that’s where you either make it or you fail. I don’t have a house, I have nothing. I had much bigger dreams,” he said. Mr Mehak is still hopeful things can improve if he obtains a PoS visa. “I want to complete a higher education degree. I want to establish a business as well as work for a really good cause. I want to bring my family over, I want to live with my family after all these years,” he said. “I want to be able to travel freely, I want to really feel freedom for the first time in the past ten years. I want to feel free.” Asylum Seeker Resource Centre advocacy and campaigns director Jana Favero congratulated the federal government on the decision, but was now “eagerly awaiting” details on how the transition will be handled. “After 10 years of bravery and struggle, people seeking asylum and refugees have prevailed against an unjust system, they will now be able to rebuild their lives with the rights they were so long denied,” she said.

Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

PUZZLES QUICK CROSSWORD

No. 121

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

3 6

3 8

5 2 7 6

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

25 27 28 29 30

DOWN

DECODER

No. 121

7 9

8 6 4

Band member (8) Book of the Hebrew Bible (8)

1 2

medium

4 1 3

German city (6) Asseveration (6) Master (Indian) (5) Exaggerate (9) Finishes (9) Popular aquarium fish (5) Presentations (6) Cicatrice (4) Sulk (4) Rub out (6) Beautiful woman in Muslim paradise (5) Case holding explosive charge (9) Heights (9) Japanese graphic novels (5) Make certain (6) Hurry (Spanish) (6)

9 4 3 1 2 2 7 6 8 4

4 3 2

9 5

3 3 9

hard

7 9

10 11 12 13

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim: 23 words: Good 35 words: Very good

AMASS APRON ARENA ARGUE ATLAS AVAIL AWARD CACAO CADET CAVES CEASE CHASM CLEAT DRESS DWELT EASEL EDGES EERIE GOUGE HONES HOUSE

START SWEET TENET TEPEE THERE TRIBE WEAVE

7 LETTERS DISCARD ERASURE LANTERN MOISTER PULSATE ROUTINE

6 LETTERS DEAFER EITHER SENDER WINGED

8 LETTERS EIGHTEEN EVILLEST NOBLEMAN TOMORROW

Is gluten a protein or a carbohydrate?

In which county of England is Windsor Castle (pictured)?

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

The domesticated cultivation of wheat began in 9600 BCE in which part of the world?

Who famously read out the wrong winner for Best Film at the 2017 Academy Awards?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

Which is the majority sect of Islam in Iraq: Sunni or Shia?

The 1954 film 12 Angry Men is set inside a what?

In which film was the constitution of Australia referred to in terms of its ‘vibe’?

What is the highest legal court of appeal in the Australian court hierarchy?

Bonnie Elizabeth Parker was one of which infamous pair?

No. 121

B O D E

A G A S R A S H A T I O

S T R

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

5 LETTERS ALOUD

LARVA LATHE LATHS METRE OASES OLIVE OPALS OPERA OVALS PETTY RANGE REELS RESIN ROLLS SALTS SANDS SILOS SLEET SNEER SOLES STAGS

24-02-23

A R E

cede, ceded, cedes, clue, clued, clues, cuddle, cuddles, cues, deduce, deduces, deed, delude, deludes, deuce, deuced, duel, duels, educe, educed, educes, else, elude, eluded, eludes, heed, heeds, heel, heels, held, huddle, huddles, hued, leech, schedule, SCHEDULED, seclude, secluded, seduce, seduced, seed, shed, slue, slued, sued, suede, used

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

4 LETTERS ACNE CASE CEDE CORN COST NEST ORAL PAID PATS PUCK SARI SEES SINK USER

QUICK QUIZ

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

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

No. 121

7 ( 1 ( 7

9-LETTER WORD

T R

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G R

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

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

47 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

easy

3 LETTERS ALE APT ASH AVO BEE BRA BUT DEN ERA FBI HAT HEW IRE NOR NOT OAR ODE OVA REV RYE SHE SUE TWO URN

WU O N I K J S M Y R P Q

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

E V Z L D B A X H F T G C

WORDFIT

10 The River Clyde flows through which Scottish city? ANSWERS: 1. Protein 2. Middle East 3. Shia (approx 65 per cent) 4. Jury room 5. High Court of Australia 6. Bonnie and Clyde 7. Berkshire 8. Warren Beatty 9. The Castle 10. Glasgow

Roughly assembled (7) Caller (7) Phantasm (6) Latitude (6) Harbour (4) Ill from ocean movement (7) Candied citrus peel (7) Large Italian island (8) Love-song (8) Hint (7) Supervisors (7) Group of words (6) Fancy hotel rooms (6) Corrosion (4)

3 5 6 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 26

ACROSS 1 4 10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 24

No. 121

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SUDOKU

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SIG N U P

NOW!

Castle ba in busine ck ss

Kryal Castl e chief

executive Bart

Hamilton. (Damj

an Janevs

Highway

ki) 30839

By Liam

6_05

McNally

upgrade

The team at Kryal Cast months durin le spent long g COVID improvem quietly ents with a live-i and practicin making g world cham n skeleton crew their craft that inclu pion joust ded Post-lock er Phill Leitc h. park has down, the medieval boomed theme back into and has been action, with a nom rewarded for its efforts Attraction ination for Best Tourism Tourism in Victoria by the Industry Victo rian Coun chief exec utive Bart cil. Kryal Castle nominati on feels “amHamilton said the “It’s been azing”. coming back quite a long journ ey from from COV been for ID , as it most touri has the team sm has put in entities, but amount of such an incre work dible over the months to last now,” he get us back to wher12 to 18 said. e we are Since 1970 , Kryal Cast to provide le has medieval guests with an imm aimed experienc Within the e for kids ersive the highlightcastle walls you and adults. can witne s of the ss jousting, sword fight middle ages – wizards, ing, potio an n-making dungeon, executioner, a tortu and re The awar a maze. at the Melb ds will be decided Decembe ourne Conventio at a gala n Centre r 1. on Liam McN

ally

pledge

Labor has Melton coun business casepledged $10 milli on federal gove cil has been callin if it wins to upgrade the Wes dollars for a Our Road rnments to help g on state and Novembe the state election tern Highway s’ camp critical need fund in its r 26. State Tran aign. ” on Satur ‘Fix Last week In October for Melton commute day, Jacin sport Infra , the the Liber ta Allan structure announce state al Party rs. said a Minister million to upgrade governme d major arter re-elected commitm it would match Labor party part of a nt will the Western pledged $700 ial ent from and $1.5 billio Labo “More than road to standard. deliver improved federal Laboa $10 million in the year. n west road Highway, as safer road r elected. 5000 peop traffic Melton. “We Fix Our r made earli s package, The busin Melt ’re doing flow for families s er bette if our com Roads petition le have signed the what matt r road in pleas on mayor Lara and I’d like munity for along the ess case would explo ers, delivering Carli ed with Labo to safer,” she s to get Victorians stretch of re the r’s election said council is important to them showing all parti thank hom Melton throu that said. need Western e sooner and there s es what com behind the . Ther High Melt case will is more work need mitment, but The Westerngh to Caroline Sprin way from High on MP Steve McG campaign e’s still time to ’s provide a everyone ed. “A busin gs. get way was Highway hie and I’d said the Wes upgrade and to add their clear ess is one of the a “crit encourag voice “We look tern future-pro direction on how e six roads candidate for Koro ical road link” forward to . of this high to the . Labor of Australia’s faste said the busin roit Luba State and working way in one st growing “While Grig ess case woul closely Fede election d help addrorovitch not deliv we acknowledge areas,” she said. to ensure ral governments after with ess “the this er Melton get key for, it is an the critical upgrades funding will the attention roads in the City the important of they deser first step we’re asking ■ ve.” in bringing More Fix Our Road this s coverage : Page 5

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. How many cricket World Cups did retired cricket player Aaron Finch win? 2. Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is the third driver for which team in 2023? 3. What colour is the triple 19 on a standard dartboard? 4. In what sport is the term ‘a-frame’ relevant?

14. The 2023 NBA All-Star Game is set to be held in which US city?

5. What is the name of the Australian Women’s cricket team captain who took an extended break from the sport in 2022?

Venus Williams

15. Former AFL player Ben Graham played for how many NFL teams during his career?

6. How many father-son captaincy duos has the Collingwood Football Club had?

16. Which retired NBA great held the record for most career points scored, until it was broken by LeBron James?

7. Harry Souttar plays for which English Premier League side?

17. How many total points did the aforementioned NBA great score in his career?

8. Travis Head has a world Test batting ranking of what?

18. Which two Australian tennis players were known as ‘The Woodies’?

9. What is the name of the new team entering the NRL competition this season?

19. Which two NFL teams did former AFL player Saverio Rocca play for during his career?

10. Which team did Philadelphia Eagles beat to get into the 2023 Super Bowl?

20. Sam Waardenburg won the 2022-23 NBL Most Valuable Player Award playing for which NBL team?

11. Which Australian fighter was defeated by Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in Perth?

21. Which team won the 2023 NFL Super Bowl?

12. Super Bowl LVII was held in which US state?

22. Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann plays for which state?

13. Xavier Cooks won the 2022–23 NBL Most Valuable Player Award playing for which NBL team?

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30. Kevin Durant was recently traded to which NBA team?

26. Quadball is another name for a sport that has its origins as which fictional game? 27. Spinner Todd Murphy took how many wickets in his Test debut against India? 28. Channel Nine recently announced they had secured the broadcast rights for how many future Olympic Games?

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Corolla crosses into a new era By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring You could in all likelihood be looking at the successor to the evergreen Corolla hatch and sedan as the market continues its move away from traditional styles. Corolla Cross joins the Yaris Cross, C-HR, RAV4, Kluger, Fortuner, Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 300 Series in Toyota’s ever-growing lineup of SUVs. And, like many of the aforementioned models, it is available with a fuel saving hybrid petrol-electric powertrain -- one that importantly recharges itself. It’s the right-size and the timing couldn’t be better, but it’s going to cost you almost $5000 more to get into one and there’s sure to be a long wait. But hey?

Styling Looking much like a smaller version of the RAV4, there’s three versions from which to choose: GX, GXL and Atmos. There’s also petrol or hybrid powertrains, and front- or all-wheel drive, with pricing starting from $33,000 plus on-roads for the front-drive, petrol-powered GX. For $2500 more you can have the same car with a fuel-saving hybrid. AWD is another $3000, but available only with GXL and Atmos. GX comes with 17-inch alloys, LED head and tail lights, automatic high beam, daytime running lights as well as heated auto folding door mirrors. Inside, you’ll find cloth trim, single-zone climate air, smart entry and start, an electric park brake and a 7.0-inch driver information display. GXL, priced from $36,750, adds combination leather and fabric upholstery, dual-zone climate, leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel, auto dimming rear view mirror, better LED headlights, front fog lights, roof rails and rear privacy glass. To this Atmos, priced from $46,050, adds 18-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof and a power-operated tailgate. There’s also leather-accented upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, eight-way power-adjust driver seat, fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, Nanoe X air filtering, illuminated entry and a wireless phone charger.

Engines / transmissions While the 1.8-litre setup in the hatch puts out 103kW, the Cross with a larger 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine and an electric motor for the front axle, delivers a combined 146kW of power at 6600 revs. Torque? Toyota never puts a figure on combined torque for its hybrids. Never really been quite sure why. The petrol engine alone however produces 190Nm between 4400 and 5200 revs. The electric motor -- another 206Nm. A second electric motor is added to the rear axle in all-wheel drive versions, helping among other things to correct any oversteer or understeer. Drive is through a CVT-style continuously variable style transmission.

Safety Corolla Cross gets a full five stars for safety. With eight airbags and a reversing camera, Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover), a lane support system with lane-keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard on all versions. GXL and Atmos add a 360-degree camera. Automatic Collision Notification can notify emergency services in the event of a collision triggering an airbag, who can attempt to speak with vehicle occupants to determine the seriousness of the situation.

Infotainment Infotainment consists of an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with voice control, Bluetooth,

Heir apparent ... the Corolla Cross could replace the long serving hatch and sedan in the long run. (Pictures: Supplied)

AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay but wired Android Auto and six-speaker audio -- but alas no navigation. For that you need to fork out for one of the more expensive models. Voice activation is enabled with the words “Hey, Toyota!“ and you can use the new multimedia system as a web browser. There’s a 12-volt outlet in the console box and single USB-A port at the front of the centre console, while GXL and Atmos grow two extra USB-C ports in the back.

AT A GLANCE

Driving

Atmos Hybrid AWD: $49,050

Having driven hundreds of Toyotas over the years breeds a certain familiarity. Getting into the Corolla Cross for the first time, it all feels, looks and even smells the same -- at once familiar but different. The cabin looks like Marie Kondo has paid a visit. The fit out is not quite spartan, but the emphasis is clearly on functionality and practicality. It’s all there - but with nothing to spare. In fact, it reminds me of the old joke that if Toyota could find a way to charge for the air in tyres -- it would do so (apologies). There’s also a certain sameness to the way

SPECIFICATIONS

16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

MODEL RANGE GX Petrol 2WD: $33,000 GX Hybrid 2WD: $35,500 GXL Petrol 2WD: $36,750 GXL Hybrid 2WD: $39,250 GXL Hybrid AWD: $42,250 Atmos Petrol 2WD: $43,550 Atmos Hybrid 2WD: $46,050

Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos FWD 2.0-litre hybrid, CVT automatic, five-door SUV

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

the Cross drives. The feel and sound of the hybrid powertrain is straight out of the Prius playbook. Cross sits on the same platform as the Corolla hatch, along with the C-HR and Lexus

UX, but gets a larger, more powerful hybrid in recognition of the extra size and weight that it carries -- 120kg more than the petrol version. Handling is confident for an SUV, up to the point where the higher centre of gravity starts to generate some body roll, but the average driver is unlikely to find that point. The brakes are excellent, consistently pulling the car up quickly after repeated hard braking. Fuel consumption from the 36-litre fuel tank is a claimed 4.3L/100km, or 4.4L/100km for the all-wheel drive -- and it takes standard unleaded.

Summing up It feels a bit underdone, but we like it. Corolla sells on price and value. The Corolla Cross ticks one of those boxes. A top of the range hybrid hatch is $37,620. Our top of the range, two-wheel drive Atmos is $46,050 -- a whopping $8430 more. Atmos is the pick. We wouldn’t worry about all-wheel drive which doesn’t warrant the extra $3000. The real breaker however is that you can get into a larger front-drive RAV4 Hybrid XSE for $46,375 -- yes, just $325 more?

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Westside Strikers set their sights on new goals It will be a brand new Westside Strikers in the FV state league 3 north-west season. After spending the last couple of seasons trying to get promoted, which they achieved last year, the club has set different aims for this season. President Sam Raniolo said having achieved their goal, they were now focused on what the team can do the next three to four seasons. “We are looking to have a squad for the next three to four years,” he said. “A group aged around 23-24. “We want to consolidate then try and push into state league 2.” With that new goal, the Strikers have virtually a brand new side, along with a new coach. Raniolo said it was a mixture of the club looking to bring in new players, while other players decided to go elsewhere. He said they had focused on their more experienced players to get them promoted, but now needed others to step up. “We have a whole team, we’re recruited some pretty good players,” he said. “It is

Westside Strikers’ Caio Da Silva. (Joe Mastroianni) 320088

taking some time to gel. “We needed to start looking at building a squad for the next few years.” Raniolo said they had added a couple of Brailizans in Caio Da Silva and Fabio Albuquerque while a couple of other South Americans had also joined the club.

Raniolo said they had also added some local players to the squad. Simon Vasconcelo, who has been part of the club for the last five years, will coach the senior side this year. Vasconcelo has coached a number of the club’s junior teams in recent years, while he

Greer spikes for glory

coached the club’s reserves side the last two years. Raniolo said he had been really good so far. “He’s really keen and energetic, it’s been non-stop,” he said. “Sometimes I have to tell him to slow down.” The Strikers were in action on Saturday in the second round of Australia Cup, after having a bye in round one. Raniolo said it had been disappointing to have a bye first up as they had been keen to get out there and have an official game. Chisholm scored once in each half to come away with a 2-0 win. Meanwhile, the club continues to go from strength to strength. After having 20 junior sides last season, the club has seen an influx of numbers and will have 30 sides this year. Meanwhile, Melton Phoenix is through to the next round of the Australia Cup after beating Heidelberg Stars. Spring Hills is out after losing to Lara United 1-0. Tara Murray

New chief for the EDFL

By Peter Howe By Tara Murray If passion, laughter and a relaxed demeanour are some of the personality traits required in elite performance, then newest Don Deeble Sports Star nominee Luella Greer has it in spades. Greer, a year 12 student at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy, is combining her burgeoning volleyball career and her final year of school, with no plans to step back from either. “I am loving school at the moment, I am excited to be there and being challenged,” she said. “I have an eye towards college in America, but let’s see how I go.” Greer took up a scholarship with MSA in year seven after playing soccer and netball in primary school. After testing, MSA suggested Greer should consider rowing, athletics, or volleyball. “I was quite tall for my age, so I decided on volleyball. I currently stand at 1.80 metres.” The rest is now history. Greer began her volleyball playing career in grade six at Kingsville Primary School prior to going to MSA. It took Greer less than three years of competitive volleyball to make a Victorian and then an Australian team. She has represented Victoria in indoor volleyball in under-15 and 18 age groups. She was also selected for the under-16 and under 17 teams, but they were cancelled due to COVID-19 Her under-18 team played in the national carnival in Bendigo last year where they took out the second place. The Yarraville resident has also represented Victoria in beach volleyball. “We haven’t missed a season because Australia opened up over summer in both 2020 and 2021.” Greer won the most valuable player award for the tournament in 2021 and also received “The blue and white jacket” in 2022, an internal award presented to the best male and female athlete in the Volleyball Victoria contingent. Greer said it’s hard at times juggling all her commitments. “I can’t play in them all due to the cost of travel and accommodation,” she said. “I play where I can. In 2021 at the national titles, I was voted the MVP and in 2022 we finished third.” Greer attended the 2022 AIS Volleyball camp where athletes were chosen for the Australian under-19 team. During the camp the body responsible for international volleyball changed the age groups. “Suddenly I was training for the under-18 Australian team to play in Thailand. I was the only Victorian chosen in that team,“ she said.

Luella Greer. (Supplied)

“We didn’t even have time to train together before leaving for the tournament.” “We gelled together in an amazing way, much like we did in the Victorian team. It was certainly an eye opener. We didn’t win a game but we came home so much stronger and better for the experience.” A typical week for Greer includes two training sessions for indoor volleyball and one training session for beach volleyball with Maribyrnong Sports Academy, two sessions with University team the Renegades and one session for beach with VBVA. She has gym workouts for a further four sessions. Amazingly Greer also finds the time to play

netball one night a week with her primary school friends, “I do it because I love it, it’s fun being with my old school friends.” Greer’s goals this year are to try out for the Victorian under-19 and under-23 teams and hopefully make the Australian Team to tour Thailand and New Zealand. The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

The Essendon District Football League has a new boss with the league appointing a new chief executive. The league announced on Monday that Andrew Johnston had been appointed to the role. Johnston is no stranger to the area, having been involved with football in Melbourne’s north and north-west. Johnston arrives at the league with a wealth of knowledge and experience in football, while most recently leading a national sporting organisation. “After spending nearly a decade at AFL Victoria, Andrew was instrumental in the establishment of the inaugural Gold Coast Suns Academy during the early iterations of the club’s history, before assuming the head coach position at the Calder Cannons where he saw eight EDFL juniors get drafted into AFL senior ranks,” the league said in its statement. “In between, Andrew has spent time in various coaching and mentorship roles within football, including in the EDFL.” Johnston joins the EDFL from Little Athletics Australia where he was the general manager of operations. EDFL chairman Bernie Shinners formally welcomed the new chief executive on behalf of the EDFL board. “We’d like to warmly welcome Andrew back to the EDFL who not only brings strong ties back into the league, but a vast array of experience,“ he said. “Andrew was the preferred candidate from a strong list of applicants, and in conjunction with our clubs and major partners, the EDFL has an exciting future that we believe Andrew, in this leadership role, will greatly contribute to the league.” Johnston replaces Ian Kyte as the league’s chief executive. He will commence on February 28.

Andrew Johnston in his Calder Cannons days. (Marco De Luca)

Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Burnside Springs women exceed expectations Despite being knocked out of the finals, Burnside Springs’ women’s team has already come away this season as winners. Playing in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association and on turf for the first time, the women’s side has made it through to finals. Inaugural Burnside women’s VTCA captain Monique French said they never expected to make finals this season. “It’s really special,” she said. “We didn’t think that we would win a game. “We’ve got a really young side and it’s about providing the young girls with a pathway to play turf cricket and this is exciting.” The club has had a women’s program since 2018-19 with sides playing in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association. French joined the club two years ago. The side didn’t make finals last year due to a late wash out. French said the younger girls in the club were the focus of the side. “They’ve played really well,” she said. “The club needed a pathway for them to continue to play local cricket.

Burnside’s women’s team (Supplied)

“We’ve got six girls who are under-18. We’re pretty happy, we didn’t expect this. I’ve been pleasantly surprised.” The women’s side faced reigning premiers Westmeadows in the semi finals. The Warriors are undefeated this season. Westmeadows made 8-117 from its overs with Reannah Bourke taking 4-6 for Burnside.

The match went down to the wire, but Burnside ran out of time. Burnside finished 2-110. French top scored with 50 not out, while Jaime Bradley finished 40 not out. Speaking before the match, French said whatever happens it will be icing on the cake with the long term future of the side looking

The Lions bounce back

Tara Murray

Sports shorts EDFL A new Essendon District Football League division 2 fixture has been released following the withdrawal of Jacana from the competition. There is no longer a bye for teams, but they will play 16 matches over 18 rounds with two split rounds. The Sunbury Kangaroos will start their season against Burnside Heights, while East Sunbury makes their return to senior competition against the Northern Saints.

By Tara Murray Melton showed its maturity as it bounced back from its first loss of 2023 with a strong performance against Balwyn in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west on Saturday. The Lions produced one of the better all round performances on day one against Balwyn to be well on top. Lions coach Mitch Stephens said how the group had bounced back after a poor weekend, showed how far they had come this season. The Lions sit in ninth spot heading into the second last round, but only one game outside the top six. “The confidence has grown in the group,” he said. “From where we have come from the last few years to be in games and our season still alive which is great. “We know that there is still some work to be done to get into finals. We need to win the last two matches and hope results go our way. “We need to get through this game first.” The Lions won the toss against Balwyn and decided to ball with a pretty green wicket. Stephens said it takes a lot of captain Ben MacRae to bowl first, preferring to get out there with the bat. It proved to be the right one with Balwyn bowled out for 145. Joshua Luca, Brad Jones and Stephen Wiig took three wickets each for the Lions. Stephens said they would have taken that score at the start of the day. He said the key was to win the first hour of play, which they did. “We did let it slip a little as we had then 7-80 odd,” he said. “They had some late wicket partnerships and kept us in the field a little bit longer. “We stuck to the plan and didn’t let them get away and get over 200.” The Lions then had to face 17 overs at the end of day one. Dilshan Kanchana made a quick fire 10 before being caught. MacRae and Jason Hibbert steadied, with the Lions 1-48. Stephens said it capped off a strong all round performance from the group, one of their best days of the season. Hibbert will resume on 29 not out, while MacRae, the form batter of the competition, will resume at eight not out. Stephens said it had been a hard wicket to get in on. “To not lose too many wickets was the aim,” he said. “The first step [on day two] is to get 146 and bank the six points. “We’ll then have a look at an outright if the game suits that.” Stephens said their second XI struggled on

strong. “It’s really exciting and we’re quietly confident that our girls will perform on the day,” she said. “This is about the long term future of the club. “My two daughters play with us, the youngest is 13. We need to provide for the young girls at the club.” Caroline Springs is through to the grand final after beating Glenroy-St Andrews PV in the other semi final. The Falcons made 4-153 from their overs with Caitlin Pretty continuing her good form with 55. Glenroy never got close and was bowled out for 66. Hannah Herring took 5-7 off her four overs to be the pick of the bowlers. It means the grand final will be Westmeadows and Caroline Springs, a repeat of last season’s grand final. The grand final will be played at P.E.G.S Sports Field at 10am on Sunday.

RDFL Two more Melton premiership players are seeking to move to Diggers Rest for the Riddell District Football League season. Clearances have been put in for Jaycob and Lachlan Hickey to join the Burras. Jaycob was named in the best eight times last season, while Lachlan kicked 19 goals. The Burras had previously announced that Mark Orr, who was also at the Bloods last season, would be joining the club. Jake Brown and Josh Flower are among the other new signings for the Burras.

Ballarat CA Darley has slipped from top spot in the Ballarat Cricket Association after losing to Wendouree in the top of the table battle. The Lions had made 169 on day one of the match in a disappointing batting performance. For a while it looked like it would be enough with Wendouree in trouble at 8-110. The ninth wicket partnership managed to put on an unbeaten 60 to get their side across the line, finishing 8-170. Madushanka Ekanayaka took five wickets for the Lions. The Lions now sit in second spot.

GDCA Diggers Rest Bulla got a vital win in the run home in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup. Having made 286 on day one, the Burras were able to bowl Rupertswood out for 105. The Burras were 2-204 in their second innings with Indika Massalage scoring 113. Brad Jones took three wickets (Picture: Shawn Smits)

Saturday after a couple of late outs, while their third XI made 190 after a good fightback. Chris Hope made a 124 not out for the fourth XI. In other east-west matches, Werribee has

18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 21 February, 2023

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already claimed first innings points against Donvale, Spotswood is on top against Altona, Hoppers Crossing made 224 against Croydon and Williamstwon made 7-260 against Taylors Lakes.

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Melton through to its third straight grand final Melton is hoping that it will be third time lucky in Bowls Victoria pennant, division 2, section 2. Having fallen short at the final hurdle the last two seasons, Melton is through to a third straight grand final this Saturday against Aberfeldie CBC. Melton had to do it the hard way after losing its semi final to Aberfeldie CBC on Saturday. Melton bounced back on Sunday, beating Moonee Ponds. Melton president Conrad Dawson said they were thrilled to be back in the final match of the year. “It’s amazing and the emotions are running high,” he said. “The job is not over. Everyone knows what they have to do in the grand final. “We’ve been there before and dropped the bundle. Hopefully this is our year.”

Melton skipper Todd Trewarne. (Joe Mastroianni). 320087_03

On Saturday, Melton was upset by Aberfeldie CBC. While the final margin was 77 (16)-71 (2), Dawson said the match was in Aberfeldie’s control all day. “They came to play from start to finish and

were in front all day,” he said. “We could not fault them. We could not catch them.” Anthony Holland was the only winning skip for Melton, with his rink winning 23-13. While not ideal to lose the first final, Dawson said it was probably the wake up call that the group needed. “It was what the side needed,” he said. ”We went through the season losing just one game. “It showed that we were not unbeatable and it’s been good how things have panned out.” With the second chance, Melton faced Moonee Ponds on Sunday. Melton got the win, 77 (15)-67 (3). Dawson said the match could have gone either way. “It was pretty much level all day,” he said. “Towards the end, our coach Todd [Trewarne] picked up an eight which is a

perfect score in bowls. “It was enough for us to win the match, right at the depth.” Trewarne’s rink won 28-20, Luke Spargo’s rink won 19-13, while Holland’s rink had a tie. With one of the youngest side’s in the competition, Dawson said there was plenty of excitement over what they could achieve. Melton will face Aberfeldie CBC on Saturday in the grand final at Aberfeldie Community Bowls Club. Having fallen to them once in the finals series, Dawson isn’t keen to do it again. “We know what they can do,” he said. “This time we will be better prepared for it. “We’ve been in finals before, hopefully we can learn from that experience and hurt from losing and go through this year.” Tara Murray

Outlaw Man wins again

Melton South Royals’ Sammy Vithana. (Joe Mastroianni). 319131_04

Royals send a message Tara Murray Melton South Royals secured a finals spot and sent a message to the rest of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 competition on Saturday. The Royals were able to hold their nerve against ladder leaders East Coburg to come away with an important win in the context of the season. Royals captain-coach Dean Pirro was thrilled with the result. “It was awesome,” he said. “They have a really good batting line and we knew that from the start, We had the runs on the board. “It was wonderful how it worked out.” The Royals had made 230 on day one of the match, bowled out with 2.2 overs remaining. East Coburg started well and were at 0-60. The wickets started to fall in frequent patches. They would pass 200 with two wickets still in hand and plenty of time. The Royals were able to get the last two wickets to bowl East Coburg out for 205. Thiwanka Kekulawala finished with four wickets for the Royals.

Pirro said there were some nervous moments at times. “They had a couple of key partnerships and it was looking like it would be really tight,” he said. “We were able to fight it out to the end.” The win has the Royals in third position with one round remaining, equal on points with the two teams above them. Now 11 points ahead of fifth placed Sunshine YCW, the Royals are guaranteed of playing finals. Pirro said making finals was the aim every season. He said overall it had been a good season so far. “I couldn’t be happier with the group,” he said. “We’ve been pretty consistent throughout. We have dropped a few close games, which we should not have lost. “We feel we’ve been competitive in every game.” Pirro said while a win against the top side was massive for the group’s confidence, it meant little come finals time.

“We are just taking each step as it comes.” The Royals finish the regular season against Burnside Springs. Pirro said it was a side that they had to be wary of. Pirro said it had been an exciting season across the club, with three of their four sides set to play finals. Meanwhile, Burnside had a good win on Saturday beating Donnybrook in an reverse outright result. Donnybrook made 182 before bowling Burnside out for just 95. Andrew Fraser played a lone hand, making 49. Donnybrook made 4-42 off 6.2 overs before declaring and sending Burnside back in. A better batting performance resulted in Burnside finishing 5-132 to claim the reverse outright result. Melton Centrals kept its finals hopes alive with a win against Sanctuary Lakes. Centrals made 266 on day one, before restricting the Sharks to 195. Wayne Haffenden took 5-49. Centrals sit four points behind the fourth-placed Sharks and fifth-placed Sunshine YCW heading into the final round.

Master trainer Andy Gath has built a reputation on identifying and succeeding with tried New Zealand horses, and a recent buy from across the Tasman might be one of his best yet. Five-year-old gelding Outlaw Man continued a sparkling start to life in Australia when he strung together a seventh-straight victory for new connections at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night. And this triumph was arguably the most impressive of his career. The son of Sweet Lou speared straight to the lead from barrier two and never looked like being caught, with dual 27.2sec closing quarters capping a dominant 7.8m victory in a mile rate of 1:52.5 (1720m). It was a second successive win with Outlaw Man for young reinsman Jordan Leedham, who drove a similar front-running race seven days prior. “Hopefully after tonight a few more people think he’s a lot better than what they probably think he is because he’s just been going through the grades,” Leedham said after the Prydes EasiFeed Pace. “Tonight showed what he can really do, and the whole way he was up wanting to roll so I was happy to just go with him and let him do his thing. “He just showed what he can really do.” Leedham works for Gath Racing and knows all about the success the stable has enjoyed with pacers and trotters from overseas. “All the horses that Andy has purchased and brought over from New Zealand have all done terrific jobs and have all gone on to win a metro or two, but I reckon he’d be up there with one of the better ones that we’ve had come through lately,” Leedham said. “And he’s one of my favourites too, so I’m happy with that.” Outlaw Man won his first start for Gath and new owners in December last year, and after being beaten into third a day later at Ballarat, has prevailed in his subsequent seven runs. The blitz here in Australia has raked in more than $60,000 for connections and taken his career record to 12 wins from 36 career starts. Tim O’Connor

Tuesday, 21 February, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

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