Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 18th April 2023

Ready to remember

On Tuesday, April 25 Caroline Springs

RSL will host a dawn service and Anzac Day event at Lake Caroline. The day will begin with a dawn service at the War Memorial on Lake Street in Caroline Springs at 5.45am, followed by a $5 gunfire breakfast at the Westwaters Hotel, and games of two up.

The morning service is expected to attract around 2000 people, and will feature speeches from local school students from Christ The Priest Primary and Brookside College, and the 1st Caroline Springs Scouts Group.

Caroline Springs RSL President Peter Burquest said he’d “love to see as many of the community along as we can to honour the day”.

“It’s a time for everybody to reflect on all the conflicts that Australians have taken part in, it’s a time for the communities to get together,” he said.

“It’s not just to honour people that died in the war, but everybody who has died since as well. And it’s not just for servicepeople, we have Anzac Day every day, we’re always thinking about other service people, so it’s a day about inviting the community to come and reflect.”

Petition for ‘key’ station

By Liam McNally

A petition with more than 880 signatures is calling for a train station to be added to the Ballarat line in Thornhill Park.

Thornhill Park is a fast growing community in Melbourne’s western growth corridor, which according to Melton council’s Moving Melton prospectus is expecting 17,300 new residents by 2051, resulting in a population of over 23,000.

The suburb sits between Rockbank and Cobblebank stations, which are each about a six kilometre drive from Thornhill Park, and has no regular public bus route.

Petition organiser and Thornhill Park

Working Group member Matthew Pearse said that highway congestion can blow-out driving times to the neighbouring stations to over 25 minutes.

“Both of those stations are at capacity… there’s not a lot of ways to get in and out of Melton… with a train station there would be less pressure on the rest of the municipality,” he said.

“The Thornhill Park train station will be a key part of the growing suburb, it will assist withresidentswhoalreadyhavelimitedaccess to a road network and will provide better accesstopublictransport,aswellashelpthem to move safely around the community.”

Melton council has also advocated for a

train station for Thornhill Park, and said it was provided independent analysis by Clarity Consult that found that construction of a train station on Paynes Road by 2026 would see total benefits of $68 million over 30 years.

It is also estimated that the station would have 4,000 users and reduce total car trips by 1,500 every day by 2041.

Melton Mayor Lara Carli said Thornhill Park residents have “poor access to public transport despite being a rapidly growing suburb”.

“We want to see new residents take up a public transport option when they move into a new neighbourhood,” she said.

“Investment in public transport is critical to getting our residents to and from work efficiently and safely.”

Melton MP Steve McGhie confirmed that once the petition is completed he will present it to the relevant minister.

Kororoit MP Luba Grigorivitch, who is also mentioned in the petition, said the state government is “always looking at ways to improve our public transport network across the state, including in Melbourne’s western suburbs”.

“Locals can also use the FlexiRide Melton South service to link them to other forms of public transport and get them where they need to go,” she said.

Front: students Addison, Inigo and Evie. Back: Scouts Hayden Pemblerton, Mebrie Mouser and veterans John Willis, Murray Lewis, Robert Matthewman and Peter Doody. (Damjan Janevski) 321781_01

Anzac Day plans ready

By Liam McNally

Ballan RSL has been “saved” and is gearing up for its biggest Anzac Day yet, with dawn services in Ballan, Myrniong, and for the first time, Blackwood.

Ballan RSL president Pippa Morris said they’re expecting around 400 people at the Ballan event, which will begin with a dawn service in Mclean Park from 6am, followed by a gunfire breakfast, and at 12.30pm a march from the Ballan RSL to the local cenotaph for an afternoon service.

She said this year’s service will also honour animals that have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) - students from four local primary schools will give speeches on animals in conflict, and the march will have Australian Light Horse re-enactors and a donkey, all with backwards boots in the stirrupstorepresentridersthatlosttheirlives.

Ms Morris said the Ballan branch has gone througharebuildinthelastsevenyears,which

has seen the branch go from considering closure with nine members in 2016, to almost 120 current members.

“We’ve built significantly healthier relationships with the community,” she said. Along with being more visible in the community, Ms Morris said the club has been taking on “significant” projects, publishing volumes of names and biographies of all service people from the area with the Moorabool Historical Society, restoring the RSL Hall, upgrading and restoring the Myrniong War Memorial, and restoring a century-oldAvenueofHonourinBarry’sReef.

Ballan RSL is also in consultation with council to upgrade Ballan Cenotaph and repurpose trees that currently run along Inglis Street as an Avenue of Honour.

Mrs Morris said the RSL is also hoping to reach more veterans, including from police and fire brigades, in the shire who need support.

“These projects have been about the RSL

reaching out into the community, looking for areas of our concern, building partnerships and re-establishing the RSL as a relevant entity,” she said.

“Over the years, particularly post Vietnam War, veterans were fairly forgotten about in Australia… interest in veterans and commemorative services fell away significantly,” she said.

“But that has a fallout effect, it has an impact on government policy, welfare, opportunities for veterans, mental health, theirabilitytogetwork…bringingbacktolife thecommemorativeserviceskeepsveteransin the conscience of our communities which has an impact on outcomes for veterans.

“If we don’t remember these things, or these people, there’s a significant loss of history and the cultures of the communities we live in. Understanding our communities history is needed to understand our present culture, and to be able to build on that for the future.”

Melton ready to march on the 25th

Melton RSL is expecting up to 4000 attendees at its Anzac Day dawn service, and will be hosting a pre-Anzac Day service at the Aintree Walk of Honour in conjunction with Caroline Springs RSL.

The Anzac Day service will begin at 5.30am at the Melton War Memorial, with a 6am dawn service, followed buy a gold-coin gunfire breakfast at the Country Club at 7am.

At9.30am,attendeeswillmeetatAlexandra Street for a 10am march to the Civic Centre Memorial.

Melton RSL President Stephen Cook said that at 11am the service will return to the Country Club for games of two-up “to enjoy the afternoon and show respect”.

The service at the Aintree Walk of Honour will take place on Sunday, April 23 from 10.30am.

Mr Cook said the Anzac Day march has been taking place in Melton for 15 years.

“It has been getting bigger and better each year… as Melton gets bigger we get more all the time,” he said.

Mr Cook said that ultimately, the day is about honouring the “ultimate sacrifice”.

“We live in an amazing country, to have what we’ve got is through the sacrifice of others. If it wasn’t for the men and women out there who precede me we wouldn’t have the community we have today, with its rich diversity of different cultures.

“It’s a time to reflect and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, those who have come back changed from the wars. It’s not about celebrating, it’s about reflection and about making sure we don’t have to go to war again.”

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Victoria police detected almost 8000 traffic offences across the state as part of Operation Nexus.

Easter traffic offences spike

Victoria police detected 180 traffic offences in Melton and 81 in Moorabool over the Easter long weekend as part of Operation Nexus.

The five-day road policing operation saw an increased police presence across the state from 12:01 am on April 6 to 11:59 pm on April 10, in an effort to reduce road trauma.

In the Melton, police detected 62 speeding offences, 43 unregistered vehicles, 15 drug driving offences, three drink driving offences, 14 unlicensed drivers, 13 disqualified drivers and carried out eight impoundments.

In Moorabool, there were 63 speeding offences, five unlicensed drivers, four unregistered vehicles, four offences of disobeying signs/signals, two disqualified drivers, and two impoundments.

Across the state almost 8000 traffic offencesweredetectedwithtwofatalities following separate single-vehicle collisions.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said the amount of detections show a blatant disregard for road rules.

“It is extremely disappointing that we’ve detected almost 8000 motorists in a five-day period for a range of traffic offences,” he said.

“This just shows a blatant disregard for road rules and for the safety of all road users.

“Considering the start to the year we’ve had, we would hope that more people would heed the warnings and make a conscious effort to drive safely.” More than a third of the 8000 offences detected were for speeding, and mobile phone offences jumped 31 per cent from last year’s Easter policing operation, with 343 mobile phone offences detected.

Everything has a history. Everyone has their own endeavour. It depends on how they take it, how they overcome each situation and how they will face each circumstance that made their endeavour meaningful. We have created a book to share your memories, moments and a way to record your journey in what has been your life.

Melton RSL president Stephen Cook and senior vice president Russell Pettis. (Damjan Janevski)

Eggcellent holiday fun

On Tuesday, April 11, Lerderderg Library hosted a yoshi egg painting and pom pom craft activity day.

Across two sessions kids were taught to paint their own colourful yoshi eggs and create vibrant pom poms.

It was one of many school holiday activities across Ballan and Lerderderg libraries inspired by inspired by the Super Mario Bros movie which is currently out at the cinemas.

Briefs

Bacchus Marsh RSL Dawn Service

On April 25 Bacchus Marsh RSL is hosting a dawn service from 5.45am on the Village Green next to the RSL. The service will be followed by a Gunfire Breakfast will be provided by the SES outside the public hall. At 9.30am, and Anzac march will commence from outside the hospital carpark, down the main street, and conclude back at the Village Green.

Organised crime bust

Police have arrested five men and seized a large amount of cannabis as part of an investigation into an organised crime syndicate operating in Melbourne. Properties across the city were searched on Wednesday and Thursday by officers of the VIPER task force. Police say a 41-year-old Melton West man and a 30-year-old Kew man, a 37-year-old Coimadai man have been charged with commercial cultivation of cannabis and remanded in custody. A 53-year-old Lalor man was charged with possessing a drug of dependence and the proceeds of crime, and released on bail. A 59-year-old Glen Waverley man is likely to be charged with commercial cultivation of cannabis.

Moorabool mayor Rod Ward said with the holidays being this close to Easter, the library team wanted an activity that could cover both Easter festivities and for families who have been to watch the movie or love the Super Mario video game series.

“The good thing about this craft is that it’s not just a one-time activity but can be used time and time again for imaginative Super Mario play. Let’s-a-go!” he said.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

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Maybelle, 6, and her hand-painted yoshi egg. (Jacob Pattison) 328124_09

Power plan ‘disgusting’

By Liam McNally

AMooraboolcouncillorhascalledthecurrent plan for the Western Renewables Link (WRL) “disgusting” after visiting a Darley property that could have overhead transmission lines built within metres from the owners’ house.

The WRL is a proposed 190km overhead high-voltage electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west, and requires the acquisition of an easement corridor 100 metres wide along the path of the proposed transmission line.

Steve and Holly Harper’s Swans Road residence is in the proposed path of the easement corridor, and runs one kilometre from east to west with a width of 100-200 metres.

Mr Harper has calculated that the plan will require the state government to acquire 40 per cent of their property to install transmission lines and 80 metre-high towers within metres of their house.

The Harpers said with the proposed easement they’re set to lose their orchard, machineshed,watertanksincludingfiretank, barn, workshop, front yard, driveway, and flat paddocks.

“It will essentially make our entire property unliveable and our business unviable,” Mr Harper said.

Ms Harper added their property is home to an estimated 2000 native trees she said are more than 200 years old, and form part of the Myrniong Bio link, which could all be put at risk.

“We have saved our whole lives to be able to buy this property and live a certain lifestyle, and we had a whole plan for our future… We can’t replicate what we’ve done here. Our whole lifestyle will be gone,” Ms Harper said.

Moorabool councillor Tonia Dudzik raised the issue at a council meeting on Wednesday, April 5 to ask what council can do about the matter.

“I’d just like to make the point of how very close those power lines are to people’s houses… this is actually against our policy that we have created,” she said.

“I just don’t comprehend how this can be allowed.”

Council’s High Voltage Transmission Line Setback Policy states a transmission line that is 500kV or greater should have a setback distance of 300 metres from residences, measured from the edge of the easement.

Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said Council had been advocating since 2021 for the WRL to implement setback distances in line with the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner’s recommendations.

“Council would like to again strongly

Bridge funds announced

Two Weir Views bridges are set to receive upgrades thanks to more than $1million in federal funding.

Federal Regional Development Minister Kristy McBain and Hawke MP Sam Rae announced an investment of $1,013,150tosupporttheupgradeoftwo concrete bridges on Exford and Greigs roads in Weir Views.

The funding is one of 31 projects to share in $38 million under the latest round of the Bridges Renewal Program.

This project is aimed at improvingaccess for road freight in Melton, delivering more jobs and makingiteasiertogetcommuterswhere they need to go.

encourage decision makers to listen to the justifiable concerns of impacted landholders and align setback distances with the Commissioner’s recommendations,“ he said.

An Ausnet spokesperson said the WRL project team had been “working closely with landholders to identify easement micro-siting opportunities to mitigate the impacts on properties, including how they function as a business“.

“The impact of easements will be included in the Environmental Effects Statements which is expected to be submitted later this year. The EES process will consider Federal, Stateandlocallegislationandpolicyandmust represent all of the environmental, social and economic potential impacts of the project,“ they said.

The state government was contacted for comment.

Mr Rae said investment in projects like this are “vital to back our local economy in while improving liveability in our area“.

“This project will support much-needed jobs during construction – I can’t wait to see Melton reap the benefits,” he said.

“I’mfightingtomakesureMeltongets the road investment it deserves.”

Ms McBain said bridges are “vital infrastructure in so many of our regional communities, and are critical access points that link businesses to markets and locals to family, friends and services“.

“That’s why we’re investing up to $85 million per year through the Bridges Renewal Program to upgrade and replace aging infrastructure, ensuring bridges are ready for today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth,“ she said.

Steve and Holly Harper live in the pathway of proposed Ausnet towers. The posts in the ground show the easement boundary. (Damjan Janevski) 328486_01

Confusion over cultural training

Melton council has opted not to undertake “foundational” Aboriginal Cultural Safety Training, although councillors and senior officers will undertake Cultural Competence training later in the year.

According to The Maggollee, a website developed by Reconciliation Victoria to support engagement between local councils and Aboriginal communities, Cultural Safety, CulturalAwarenessandCulturalCompetency are three “foundational” areas of training for ensuring local governments are “culturally safe organisations for any work with First

Peoples”.

At a council meeting on Monday, March 27, council moved to undertake Cultural Competency training based on a recommendation from the Reconciliation Advisory Committee (RAC), building on Cultural Awareness Training undertaken as a part of councillor’s induction in 2020.

Later in the meeting councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg moved a separate motion, which includedtherecommendationthatcouncillors undertake Cultural Safety training as well as Competence Training.

Community with heart

When Aintree resident Simone Nithsdale’s son was just 12 days old, medical staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) told her to “prepare to say goodbye”.

However five months later Brodie is still fighting, diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a condition preventing his heart from pumping blood around his body effectively.

His heart is being supported by a machine at RCH and he is waiting to be put on the waitlist for a heart transplant.

TheNithdalefamilyhassetupaGoFundMe, whichMsNithsdalesaidhastakenoffinaway she couldn’t have “dreamed of”.

“Although Brodie’s treatment and hospital stay is covered by Medicare, there are so many costs we didn’t think about and unfortunately bills don’t stop just because your child is in hospital,” she said.

“The funds we have raised, allows me to spend less time at work and more time

as a family.

“Heissuchastrongandhappylittleboyand we are so thankful for every second we get to spend with him.”

To support the Nithdale’s journey Aintree developer Woodlea hosted a Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser on Saturday, April 15.

More than 250 community members gathered at Littlewood Pop Kitchen to support Simone and her family by purchasing baked goods, barista-made coffee, and other beverages. Nearly $2,000 was raised by the community, which was matched by Woodlea to ultimately generate $4,000.

Ms Nithsdale said the event was an “incredible success thanks to all the hard work from the team at Woodlea”.

“The show of support from our community was overwhelming in the best way possible… the amount of people who took time out of their weekend to come down, give me a hug and wish Brodie well, was just beautiful.”

The Western Renewables Link is a proposed electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from western Victoria to homes and businesses across the state.

In the coming weeks we’ll be hosting pop-up information stalls so you can ask questions and learn more about the project. All members of the community are welcome, bookings are not required.

Where When

Bacchus Marsh

The Village Shopping Centre

Ballarat

Stockland Wendouree

Taylors Lakes

Watergardens Shopping centre

Melton

Woodgrove Shopping Centre

� PO Box 638, Ballarat VIC 3353

28 & 29 April

5 & 6 May

10 & 11 May

17 & 18 May

“The community is asking for councillors to complete Cultural Competency and Safety Training and I would also just like to raise that as an elected First Nations woman on council I understand the challenges many non-First-Nations people face when engaging with First Nations community,” Cr Vandenberg said.

“As a result I’ve heard statements made that aren’t culturally appropriate including that Aboriginal people want their own nation.

“The reason why I have put up this motion is to support decision makers including

councillors to better understand the importance of First Nations’ issues.”

Councillor Kathy Majdlik said she was “confused” by the motion, citing the training undertaken by councillors in 2020, and the Competence Training adopted by council earlier in the meeting.

“I hope when I ask questions about traditional owners and reconciliation it’s not taken out of context. It is a true desire to learn more and not in a derogatory way so I’m not quite sure I understand Cr Vandenberg’s comments around that,” she said.

Simone Nithsdale with community members and Woodlea representatives. (Provided)

Empowered lay the foundations, so you can build a life

Empowered Liveability was founded to create tailored living solutions for people with complex requirements, including young people forced into aged care. With a plethora of lived and vocational experience in complex care provision, including direct care, support coordination, training and counselling within disability, mental health, and aged care, the team is made up of passionate advocates that believe in people with disabilities living life on their own terms.

Combining expert disability knowledge with property expertise, the Empowered Liveability team supports participants to choose where, how, and who they live with and who they are supported by.

With over 40 SDA funded properties on large blocks throughout Australia, Empowered homes are considered equivalent to large luxury homes. Working with ethical and heart centred investors, who often have a connection to the disability or mental health sectors supports the Empowered Liveability purpose of empowering people to thrive through independent living options.

The Empowered team are also able to facilitate complete choice and control in aiding participants and families to build their very own dream home. With a view to create many options for disabled people to choose from, the team is adamant that co-creation of Specialist Disability Accommodation is the way of the future, working hand in hand with participants to encompass every possibility of creating life-long homes, not workplaces.

Empowered Liveability ensures the process of finding or creating your forever home, is enjoyable and an empowering process end to end.

Close

Empowered homes are considered equivalent to large luxury homes. (Supplied)

Build your dream home at Atherstone by Lendlease

Build your dream home at Atherstone by Lendlease, a masterplanned community in Strathtulloh. Your future home will be just a few 100 metres from a village playground, a few minutes from the local gym or sporting facility, and only 40 minutes^ to Melbourne CBD from Cobblebank Train Station.

Everything your family needs to thrive is already here, ready and waiting from the

day you move in. And there’s still so much more fantastic amenity to come.

The latest addition to this flourishing community is Palara Village Park, opening this month. Appealing to children of all ages, Atherstone’s newest playground includes a half-basketball court, slides, swings, skate boarding elements, sand play and more. It’s the perfect place to host a gathering with friends and family,

coming complete with BBQ facilities, bench seating and pavilion shelter. Help us celebrate this milestone at Palara Village Park’s official opening event on Saturday 22 April for free activities and entertainment.

And while your here, visit our sales team at the Atherstone Sales and Information Centre off Hollingsworth Drive and ask about our range of land lots now selling.

For a limited time, you can secure your preferred land lot with just $5,000*. Then there’s no more to pay until settlement day. It’s the perfect chance to fast track yourself to owning your dream home.

Learn more at atherstone.com.au

^ Indicative time sourced from Google Maps *Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 30 June.

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Atherstone’s newest park, Palara Village Park, will appeal to children of all ages. (Pictures: Supplied)

Moorabool joins tourism push

By Liam McNally

Moorabool council plans to boost tourism to the shire through a new partnership between neighbouring councils, the state government and tourism industry representatives.

Council has agreed to pay $30,000 a year forthenextfouryearstojoinBallarat,Golden Plains and Pyrenees, shires in the newly formed Central Highlands Tourism Visitor Economy Partnership (VEP), with Hepburn expected to join later in the year. The organisation will operate to attract and support visitors to the region, provide

business support, and fund marketing and products.

The VEP aligns with the state government’s Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan which was commissioned by the in March 2019 to supports the transition of the existing network of regional tourism boards into a new network of VEP’s and ensure regions receive the support and opportunities they need to grow in the tourism market.

A council document said that membership of the new VEP entity has the potential to “unlocksignificantbenefitsandopportunities

Ramadan food drive

For Ramadan this year six community organisations have come together to host a food drive to give big to community members in need.

Together members of Melton Sisters Picnic, Human and Moral Development Centre (HMDC),SupportingSistersFoundation(SSF), Melton Madina Musalla (MMM), Australian Multicultural Muslim Association (AMMA), andMeltonMulticulturalCommunity(MMC) organised the drive which ran from February 22 to April 20.

In this time the organisations helped donate over400kgofnon-perishablefoodamongmore than 20 muslim and non-muslim families in the Melton community.

Melton Sisters Picnic committee member Nura Rashid said Ramadan is a time to think about “how we’re going to contribute to the community and how to better ourselves and to make a difference in the lives of others”. SupportingSistersFoundationcofounderLiz

Darwish said this is what led the organisations to come together and help donate during this time, because Ramadan “isn’t just about abstaining from food”.

“We have to reflect collectively on our souls, those less fortunate, you fast and it reminds you of those that are hungry and so we came together to collaborate and work with each organisation within our local area,” she said.

Ms Darwish said the food drive followed the spirit of a quote from the Quran, “You will not achieve righteousness until you donate some of what you cherish and whatever you give is certainly well known to Allah”.

With the current climate of economic pressure, Ms Darwish said there’s a “big demand” for these types of donations, and the organisations are hoping to expand their collaborative work throughout the year with food, clothing, and toy drives.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

■ Val, 0414 769 605

Melton Men’s Group

Melton Men’s Group meet every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on Senior Men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis.

■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog

Sunrise Social Groups

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/ or mental health challenges.

■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

Bacchus Marsh Market

Bacchus Marsh rejoice! There will be a monthly market at Maddingley Park. On

the second Saturday of every month there will be a variety of stallholders and food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket and invite your friends and family for a lovely market day out.

Take weight off naturally Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere?

Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the

for Council in realising the economic benefits of the visitor economy”.

The document stated advantages of the new partnership model include bringing a clear sense of purpose and defined responsibilities to member-councils, encouraging local and industry leadership, including all regions, leveraging benefits of scale, and having flexibility with the “broad geographic coverage to deliver region-wide initiatives”.

Moorabool Mayor Rod Ward said joining the partnership would result in “great benefits” for Moorabool in the tourism and visitor economy space.

“We have so much to offer in our shire, active and passive recreation on our walking trails and in state parks, Lal Lal Falls, Kryal Castle, historic towns, art galleries, there are so many things to experience, and this partnership will provide an opportunity for operators to expand and attract more visitors to our great region,” he said.

“I am very pleased Council voted to sign on.”

Council is currently developing its own Visitor Economy Strategy which will be available for public exhibition following Council endorsement.

or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

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

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

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 Ladies Probus Club

Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.

■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

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

The Melton Ladies Probus Club meet at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month, at the Melton Country Club and are welcoming new members. Contact Diane.

■ 0438 611 552

Melton South Knit & Natter

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

■ 9747 8576

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Bill Marshall as ‘Captain Fish’, who is a producer of a surrealist festival. (Damjan Janevski) 328234_01

Liam McNally Ramadan Food Drive organisers Haji Mohamad Rashid (front) with Eman Hayek, Liz Darwish, Suhana Salim, Nura Rashid, Ayu Johan and Kharil Latiff. (Damjan Janevski) 328778_01

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Drafted Russian cavalry soldier (7)

5 Windfall (7)

9 Inherited from one’s family (9)

10 Exactitude (5)

11 Pick (6)

12 Going in (8)

14 Greek oracle (6)

15 Nasty (4)

19 Paradise (4)

20 Type of brandy (6)

24 Relating to cultivated land (8)

25 Maximum (6)

27 River flowing from Tibet to the Arabian Sea (5)

28 Incapable of being seen (9)

29 Vote in again (2-5)

30 Gnawing animals (7) DOWN

1 Opportunity (6)

2 Aid (6)

No. 129

3 Appraised (8)

4 Grunge musician Cobain (4)

5 Personal items (10)

6 Medical professionals (6)

7 Nightwear (8)

8 Haughty (8)

13 Expert (10)

16 The way one acts (8)

17 Resent someone’s pleasure or good fortune (8)

18 Being admitted to a church (8)

21 Fictional castaway (6)

22 Spindle for thread (6)

23 City of the 2004 Olympic Games (6)

26 Declare (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 345678910111213

12 25

726813549

831954762

162349857 615497283

987125634 394268175

549672318

278531496

896427513

478356129

962718354

721935468 287549631

543681297 659173842

easy medium hard

135294786

314862975

E Today’s Aim:

251394687

384965712

572481963

453786921 927638145

436827591 165742839

C I E D 3 LETTERS ALL AYE EGG END ERA GEE GYM HER IVY KIT LEG LIE NIL ODE ORE OVA PEA ROE ROT RUE SLY UPS WAS WON 4 LETTERS CLAP DASH EARS EBBS LIMP LYRE NEAR NEST ONES PAWS STOW TREK VASE WEBS

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1415 1617181920212223242526 J V T G Q C H L U D Y A B Z M R F W P N E I X K S O Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

cent, codeine, coin, coined, concede, conceit, CONCEITED, cone, coned, conic, decent, denote, dent, dine, dint, docent, done, donee, encode, entice, enticed, icon, into, need, nice, niece, node, note, noted, notice, noticed, occident, once, tend, tine, tone, toned, tonic

No. 129

QUICK QUIZ

5 LETTERS ADAGE ADEPT ALGAE ALIEN ANTIC AORTA ARENA BIPED BOOED BRINE DINER EATEN EAVES EGGED ELITE ELUDE ERASE ERROR ESSAY HALON HELLO

INANE IVIES KNEES LINES LIVES LUNGE MINCE NERVE OUTED PETAL PLOYS PRESS RENEW SASSY SAWED SEEDS SEEDY SENDS SOLVE SPIKE STARE STRAW

SUGAR TEEMS TENDS TRIPE TWEET VEERS WEEDY 6 LETTERS GRASSY NEARED PASTEL SIERRA

7 LETTERS ENGRAVE GENTILE ILLEGAL INSERTS SOPRANO STATION 8 LETTERS DILATING GREETING LENIENCY LESSENED

21-04-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

1 An acre is how many square metres: 4047, 4247 or 4447?

2 Video game storefront Steam is owned by what company?

3 The ‘evil Santa’ Krampus has the horns of what animal?

4 What is the title of Susanna Clarke’s 2020 fantasy novel?

5 What is the heaviest organ in the human body?

6 The world’s oldest tree, a bristlecone pine, is located in which US state?

7 The condor is the common name for which two species of bird?

8 Which of the following authors does not have a Nobel Prize: Alice Munro, Peter Carey, Albert Camus or Gabriel García Márquez?

9 Justice Smith and Herizen F. Guardiola (pictured) starred in which musical drama Netflix series?

10 Which former Hawthorn player has the most AFL Premierships?

13 26 KO ANSWERS: 1. 4047 2. Valve 3. Goat 4. Piranesi 5. Liver 6. California 7. California condor and Andean condor 8. Peter Carey 9. The Get Down 10. Michael Tuck (with seven)

No. 129

No. 129

Marsh Bacchus Marsh Information Centre 215 Main Street

• Bacchus Marsh The Village Shopping Centre Main Street

• Bacchus Marsh Laurels Education & Training 229 Main Street

• Bacchus Marsh Bellbrook Gardens Country Club 168 Underbank Boulevard

• Ballan Newsagency 133 Inglis Street

• Ballan IGA Plus Liquor - Ballan 135 Inglis Street

• Ballan Moorabool Shire - Ballan 15 Stead Street

• Brookfield Ingenia Gardens Village 23-35 Coburns Road

• Brookfield Lifestyle Brookfield 111-139 Coburns Road

• Darley Pharmasave Darley Pharmacy Shop Shop 5, 151 Gisborne Road (Darley Plaza Shopping Centre)

• Darley My Little Mates Convenience Store Shop 12, 151 Gisborne Road (Darley Plaza Shopping Centre)

• Darley Champions IGA Grey Street

• Darley Moorabool Shire 182 Halletts Way

• Darley Bacchus Marsh Gold Club Links Road

• Darley Vans Milk Bar 1 Sheldon Ave

• Diggers Rest Pharmacy 2 Farm Road

• Diggers Rest FoodWorks 22 Glitter Road

• Diggers Rest Post Office 76 Old Calder Highway

• Gordon Post Office 65 Main Street

• Harkness Foodworks 17 Claret Ash Boulevard

• Hillside Foodworks 595 Melton Highway

• Hillside United Petroleum Hillside 821-899 Melton Highway

• Keilor Park Star Weekly Office Unit 6/1-9 Thomson Road (Cnr Keilor Park Drive)

• Kurunjang Kirkton Drive Milk Bar 203 Gisborne - Melton Road

• Kurunjang Village Store 51 Kurunjang Drive

• Maddingley Bacchus Marsh West Golf Club Bacchus Marsh-Ballan Road

Highway upgrade pledge

• Melton Milk Bar 44 Burleigh Road

• Melton Waves Leisure Centre 206 Coburns Road

• Melton TAB Corp Park 2 Ferris Road

• Melton OP Shop 4/86 High Street

• Melton Shire Council Offices 232 High Street

• Melton Australia PostOffice 340 High Street

• Melton Sweeney Real Estate 266 High Street

• Melton Advance Stationers 283 High Street

• Melton Raine and Horne Real Estate 289 High Street

• Melton Lotto 293 High Street

• Melton Harcourts Real Estate 306 High Street

• Melton Professionals Real Estate 317 High Street

• Melton Freddy’s Fruit & Veg 393 High Street

• Melton Toyota 143-147 High Street

• Melton YPA Real Estate 272-274 High Street

• Melton Amcal Pharmacy 308-312 High Street

• Morgans Supa IGA 335-345 High Street

• Melton MGS Melton 358 High Street

• Melton Pharmacy Superstore 383-385 High Street

• Melton NQR Melton 405-407 High Street

• Melton FoodWorks Shop 1, 415-429 High Street

• Melton Woodgrove Shopping Centre 533-555 High Street

• Melton EGF Solution - Woodgrove Shopping Centre Shop R30A, 533-555 High Street

• Melton Woolworths Supermarket 523-531 High Street (Coburns Shopping Centre)

• Melton Woolworths Supermarket 533-555 High Street (Woodgrove Shopping Centre

• Melton Coles Supermarket 533-555 High Street (Woodgrove Shopping Centre)

• Melton Tatts Kiosk 533-555 High Street (Woodgrove Shopping Centre)

• Melton Allan Mance Holden 1 Holland Drive

• Melton Library 31 McKenzie Street

• Melton Country Club 28-30 Reserve Road

• Melton Indoor Sports Centre 65 Reserve Road

• Melton Coles 11 Station Street (Melton Station Square)

• Melton Lee Merchants 29 Wallace Square

• Melton South Woolworths Supermarket Opalia 179-253 Exford Road

• Melton South Yes Yes Indian Supermarket 201 Exford Road

• Melton South Hume Milk Bar 55 Hume Avenue

• Melton South Shell Coles Express 1-9 Station Road ( Cnr Brooklyn Rd )

• Melton South MGS Melton 8B Station Road

• Melton South Australia Post Office shop 9/ 11-17 Station Road

• Melton South Station Square Shopping Centre 25 Station Road

• Melton West Melton Indian Grocery Store 533-555 High Street ( Woodgrove SC )

• Melton West Your Chemist Shop 533-555 High Street ( Woodgrove SC )

• Melton West Australia Post Office Shop 80 / 533-555 High Street ( Woodgrove SC )

• Myriong Plough Inn Hotel/Motel 17 Main Street

• Rockbank Newsagency 1157 Leakes Road

• Taylors Hill Gilson College 450 Taylors Road

• Toolern

PROPOSAL TO INSTALL A NEW MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AND 5G ON AN EXISTING FACILITY AT 178-248 MURPHYS RD, EXFORD VIC 3338

1.The scope of the proposal consists of:

The installation of nine (9) new 4G & 5G panel antenna on a new headframe on existing telstra tower

The installation of six (6) Remote Radio Units (RRU’s)

The installation of four (4) bay Outdoor Units

The installation of ancillary equipment such as cable trays, feeders, cabling and other associated equipment necessary for the proper function of the facility

2.Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

3.In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Ventia.

Name:David Hodgkinson, Town Planner

Phone:0437015282

Email:community.consultation@ventia.com

Web: www.rfnsa.com.au/3338003

Address:Ventia Pty Ltd, Ventia Pty Ltd, 167-169 Cremorne St, Cremorne VIC 3202 Submission due by COB on Tuesday 2nd May 2023

RELAXATION MASSAGE 7 days, 10am - 8pm. St Albans. Phone 0458 891 066or0438842866.

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• All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.

• After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.

• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.

BMW X1 is sporty, self-assured

By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring

TheBMWX1xDrive2.0iisanimpressivepiece of machinery from the upmarket German company that has been at the forefront of automotive engineering for many decades. TheX1isthesmallestmodelinBMW’sSUV range with five larger models on offer. Some of these are what we would call SUV bodies, others are coupe-like in their shape. It’s quite large, indeed being it’s almost the size of the BMW X3 of a few generations back.

Styling

It’sanattractivevehicle,withaverylargefront grille that’s split vertically down the centre to follow the design theme that has been used for many BMW generations. On either side of this grille are headlights that run well back beside the bonnet, gradually increasing height as they get closer to the windscreen.

The roof is almost flat from the top of the windscreen to the rear of the X1 and the rear window is close to being vertical, hence our placing it into the SUV class rather than the coupe class.

Below the upper grille is a large black lower section that’s a little wider than the upper grille. Outside of this lower area the colour of the rest of the body is used. It all ties in very nicely.

Interior

Styling inside the X1 is excellent, with a standout dash area that extends almost two thirds of the way across the front. This looks great and was praised by all who rode with us during our test week.

The front seats have side supports designed to provide hold the driver and front passenger nicely when the X1’s taken for spirted driving in twisty roads. Okay so it’s not a sports machine, but it comes pretty close so these seats make a lot of sense.

There is seating for five, with the rear seats in a 40:20:40 setup. Seating for three average sized adults in the rear is fine, but if there are five largish people back there it’s a bit tight.

The backrests of the three rear seats can be folded down individually to give a choice

of passenger / luggage space. They backrests don’t fold completely flat, which would rule it out for us because we have dog and he could not lie on a flat floor.

Infotainment

Display is through what BMW calls its Live Cockpit Professional using a combination of a 10.25-inch instrument display in front of the driver and a 10.7-inch high-resolution curved touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard.

Satellite navigation is standard and can be set either through the touchscreen or via the My BMW app.

There are four USB-C ports, two in the front centre console and two in the rear centre console.

There’s a smartphone wireless charging pad in the front console while both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless.

Engines / transmissions

The BMW X1 xDrive20i is powered by a four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine generating 150 kW and 300 Nm.

The X1 sDrive18i has a three-cylinder 1.5-litre engine with outputs of 115 kW and 230 Nm. We’re booked into a road test of the

18i shortly and will provide a full report at that time.

Transmission in the 20i is through a seven-speed double clutch automatic with power being is sent to all four wheels via BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive xDrive system.

Safety

Active protection features include front, side and head airbags, inner-vented front and rear disc brakes with brake-wear sensors, central locking with electronic immobiliser and crash sensor, dynamic braking lights, braking assistant, cornering brake control and dynamic traction control.

Driver assistant safety features add active cruise control with Stop&Go function, head-up display. Driving Assistant Plus adds blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane change warning, front collision warningwithbrakeintervention,rearcrossing traffic warning and rear collision prevention. There’s also parking assistant with front and rear active park distance control, reversing assistant and surround view camera.

The BMW Drive Recorder system films the vehicle’s surrounding for up to 40 seconds to

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

document dangerous driving situations in road traffic

Driving

Ahh, It’s a BMW and I’ve always enjoyed driving them. The engine is good, though a slightly faster response would have been nice at times. Perhaps that’s because I’ve been driving a lot of electric or hybrid vehicles lately and have become accustomed to the instant response they provide when you push that pedal on the right.

On the other hand, I’ve been driving a lot of non-BMW vehicles and their handling is simply not in the same class as that of the BMW.

The BMW X1 xDrive 2.0i is a smallish SUV rather than a sports sedan but has handling that’s delightful. It answers virtually instantly to movements of the steering wheel and sends feedback through the wheel to immediately let you know what’s happening.

It holds the road at speeds well above the speeds most drivers would attempt and simply carries on around the bends almost as though they weren’t there.

Ride comfort is very good, which is something you seldom get in cars with the sporty handling it provides.

Summary

The BMW X1 xDrive 2.0i is an exceptional vehicle with the sort of features that appeal to those who love driving but at the same time need the convenience of practicality that suits them.

The very large front grille is split vertically down the centre and looks great. (Pictures: Supplied)

Challenging times ahead for the Panthers

MeltonSouthissetforarollercoasterridethis year in the Ballarat Football League.

After the departure of a number of key players in the off season, the Panthers have decided to go with youth this season.

Co-coach Jason Hamilton admits there will be some tough times this season, like in round one against Melton when they were heavily beaten.

“We had six or seven players make their senior debuts yesterday [on Saturday],”he said. “We have a really young side this year.

“The average age is 20-year-old. We will have some days like yesterday and there will be days that we will play to our full potential.

“We’regoingtogowithyouth.Afterlosinga few quality players we’ve gone down the track of putting time into the youth.”

Hamilton said they had a number of young players that were already playing key roles in the side.

Captain Cody Chapman, Rhys Lee and Riley Theo are three that he mentioned that he was looking forward to seeing on the field.

Another one Hamilton is looking forward

to seeing is 16-year-old Lachie Pritchard, who made his senior debut in round one.

Pritchard is the son of former coach Heath Pritchard. Hamilton said he and Heath touched base regularly about the side and he had provided valuable advice heading into the season.

On Saturday, the Panthers were no match for reigning premiers Melton in the local derby at MacPherson Park.

TheBloodsjumpedoutoftheblocksandled 8.7 (55)- 0.0 (0) at quarter time.

They were able to build throughout on the way to a 27.22 (184)-3.5 (23).

Hamilton said the Bloods were just way too strong.

“It didn’t go our way from start to finish,” he said. “Full credit to the Bloods, they are the yardstick of the competition.

“They put a lot of pressure on us and we succumbed to that pressure.”

ItwasallsinglegoalkickersforthePanthers. HamiltonsaidfullbackPhillipHoylandwas their best. Lee, Jarrod Bibby and Chapman and Pritchard were the best players.

For the Bloods, Liam Carter and Brody Sullivan kicked three goals apiece as eight players scored multiple goals.

Lachlan Walker and Lachlan Watkins were named the side’s best.

The Panthers this week face East Point.

Hamilton said it would be another big test for them.

“We want to be competitive every game,” he said. “We learnt a lot and we want to put that into next week.”

Around the grounds, Darley got a first up win against Ballarat.

After a low scoring start, the Devils hit the front in the second quarter and were able to staytherefortherestoftheday,winning10.11 (71)-3.12 (31).

Brett Bewley and Dylon Bishop kicked two goals each, with Shane Page named their best.

It was a tough start for Bacchus Marsh, losing to Sebastopol, 19.24 (138)-2.5 (17).

Lakers continue to build

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs is hoping to build on last season’s success in the Western Region Football League women’s competition this season.

After winning their first women’s premiership last season and their reserves side finishing runners-up, the Lakers are going to go from strength to strength.

Lakers assistant coach Alex O’Shea said things had been going well during the pre-season.

“It is going really well and we’ve retained many of the players from last season,” she said.“We’vealsopickedupsomenewrecruits.

“We’re looking forward to round one against the Parkside Spurs.”

O’Shea, who was part of the club’s premiership side last season, has made the move into coaching this year.

With head coach Dean Ellis being ill, she has stepped up in the lead up to the start of the season.

Shesaidthatshewasenjoyingthechallenge.

“We work really well as a team at Caroline Springs,” she said.

“We step in for one another, Dean, myself, Luke Baker, and Alisha Fowler and Terry Azzopardi in the reserves.

“There’s a good group of us and we work with the under-18s too. We are a whole senior women’s program.

O’Shea, who wasn’t going to play last season before changing her mind, said it was unlikely to happen again this year.

O’Shea said the group had come back in a really good mindset.

“It’s really positive and we know that previoussuccessdoesn’tmeanfuturesuccess,” she said.

“We have a really good culture going through the program, it’s one team, one club, “The seniors want to go back-to-back and reserves want to go that one step further and win it this year.”

O’Shea said the majority of last season’s group had recommitted for this season which was a massive boost.

She said a lot of players had stepped up after their first season of senior football and had already shown massive improvement.

The Lakers have added some new faces as well.

Ayyen Au, Lyla Griffin and Stephanie Thompson have provided extra depth in all lines across the ground.

The Lakers started their division 1 season on Saturday against the new side in the competition, the Parkside Spurs.

The Lakers won a thriller, winning 3.3

Sports shorts

RDNL

Woodend-Hesket turned the tables on Diggers Rest in the Riddell District Netball League grand final rematch on Saturday. Both sides had different looking sides to last season’s decider, when the Burras claimed their first A-grade premiership. While the Burras unveiled their premiership flag, they weren’t able to repeat the grand final score line. The Hawks stepped it up in the second half, winning 56-23.

NPL

Caroline Springs George Cross fell just short of sharing the points against Geelong in the National Premier League 3 competition on Saturday. Geelong scored in the dying minutes to take a 2-1 lead and were able to maintain that to win the game, after scores had been locked at 1-1 at half time. Dan Brammall was the goal scorer for the Georgies. The Georgies now have two wins and three matches for the season.

Hockey

Melton started the Hockey Victoria men’s Vic League 3 season on a winning note. The Mustangs were on the road in round one against the Latrobe Valley. The Mustangs were able to come away with the win 3-1. In the Vic League 2 women’s competition, the Mustangs lost to Frankston, 1-0.

WRFL

Caroline Springs started its Western Region Football League division 1 story with a win against Hoppers Crossing. The Warriors jumped out of the blocks and led by 11 points at quarter time. The Lakers hit the front in the second quarter and led by a goal at the last break. Three goals to two sealed the 11.16 (82)-10.5 (65). Cooper Pepi, Ryan Allan and Max Tessari kicked two goals each for the Lakers. Billy Crofts was named the Lakers best in his first game for the club. Point Cook, Werribee Districts and Altona were the other winners.

(21)-2.8 (20).

“IplayedtherebeforeIplayedwithCaroline Springs,” O’Shea said.

“We know they are a new team coming in and we don’t take them lightly. We’re looking forward to having them in the competition.

“It’s always good to have new teams in the competition and it’s great for the women’s program and the WRFL.”

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Cody Chapman gets a kick away. (Jacob Pattison) 328024_16

Mia Tournas was named the Lakers best. The Spurs, who were formerly known as the VU Western Spurs, join the competition from the Northern Football League.

Sabrin Nyawela and Jordin Williamson in the ruck on Saturday. (Jacob Pattison) 328702_02

A new star emerges from the drizzle

A star emerged from the relentless drizzle that soaked Melton, where District Attorney displayed top tier talent with a withering sprinttocapturevictoryandaffirmtherewere many more to come.

Blake and Ted Caruana’s brilliantly bred four-year-old, a half-brother to million-dollar horse Cruz Bromac, understandably cost a pretty penny but is rewarding that investment and bringing plenty of delight.

That was certainly the case Saturday night wheninMickBellman’shandsherippedhome from last to first to capture the Download The TAB App Pace and zero in on triple-figure stakes earnings.

“He really showed his colours tonight,” Bellman told TrotsVision. “He was phenomenal to come that far from behind on a wet track and finish off in 27 and a bit – he’s gone sensational.”

District Attorney was three deep in the three-wide train with 800 metres to go and Bellman showed patience before setting him alight off the home turn, briskly demolishing all in his path to score.

The widest runner on a rain-soaked track, he got home in a 27.2-second final quarter to win by 1.6 metres from La Captain.

“I think if he was on a dry track he would have gotten home in 25 the way he felt,” Bellman said.

“He was jogging around the turn. I thought ‘I’ve got to go now, there’s no opportune time, I’m going to be wide and deep’. I just had to use that good 200 that I know he’s got in him.

He’s as quick as anything over that distance if you can save him up.

“It’s a good thrill to be able to back him that he’s going to put you into the race when you need to and be able to use his speed.”

It was also “a good thrill” for connections, with Ted Caruana not only co-trainer with son Blake but also the owner.

AndaccordingtoBellmantheirlovingevery minute of District Attorney’s emergence, with tonight bringing his ninth win from his 19th outing.

“They love it. Every win’s like their first and they treat it like their last. They don’t leave anything in the locker with their celebrations and they just make it special,” he said.

“(District Attorney’s) starting to round up and look a bit more mature in himself. Great to Blake and Celeste and Ted for giving him that time, you can get fooled into the trap of racing him too much too early, but I think it’s going to pay dividends by not going in everything early days.”

Michael Howard

Melton South wins derby against Melton

Despite not getting a win, it was a positive start for Melton in its return to the Ballarat Netball League A-grade competition on Saturday.

After not having a team last season due to a lack of numbers, the Bloods pushed Melton South all the way in the local derby.

The Panthers, who played finals last season, were able to sneak home, winning 34-30 despite missing captain and last season’s league best and fairest winner Soli Ropati through a knee injury.

Loia Tuafafo shot 18 goals for the Panthers, with Akira McCormack named their best.

Maryrose Vitale shot 19 goals for the Bloods, with Emma Vitalone being named their best.

Darley started the season with a big win against Ballarat.

Last season’s runners-up had no issues at all in the match, winning 52-27.

The Devils weren’t at full strength and turned to a couple of under-19s goalers to get the job done.

Ella Closter and Greta Gorman-Jacobs teamed up in the circle, showing the future is bright for the club.

Bacchus Marsh had a tough start to its season, losing to Sebastopol 72-14.

Rebecca Power shot nine goals for the Cobras.

In other matches, North Ballarat was able to hold off the Sunbury Lions in their return to the A-grade competition.

The Lions, who were missing several players, pushed last season’s premiers, but lost 53-47.

Redan had no issues at all against Lake Wendouree, winning 40-17. East Point had the bye.

Next week, the local derby between Darley and Bacchus Marsh is on, with the Devils to enter the match as favourites. Melton South will play East Point, while Melton will play the Sunbury Lions.

United in the grand final

By Tara Murray

Western United is daring to dream as it moves one step closer to an A-League Women’s championship in its first season.

United only took one match to show it wouldn’t be easy beats this season, but that underdog mentality remained throughout the season.

On Sunday, United despite having 12 players in their squad who had never played A-League, let alone A-League finals took it to minor premiers Sydney FC for a spot in the grand final.

Golden Boot winner Hannah Keane gave United the lead in the 26th minute and that was the margin at half time.

The Sky Blues continued to put the pressure on,having26scoringshotstoeightandhaving 12 shots on target to United’s three.

But United’s defence stood tall as it had all season, continuing to block out Sydney’s attack. Goalkeeper Hillary Beall showed why sheisoneofthebestplayersinthecompetition, denying Sydney that equaliser.

United would still lead 1-0 at the end of 90 minutes, but with eight minutes of injury time it needed to hold on.

It did, securing a remarkable grand final spot.

United coach Mark Torcaso said in the post

game broadcast that he never imagined being in this position.

“Weworkedextremelyhardintheoff-season to get this team right and this club right in regards to the girl space,” he said.

“To be in this moment right and to be playing in a grand final is absolutely amazing.”

Speaking in the post game press conference, Torcaso said it was pretty incredible to see where the group had come from.

Torcaso along with players Alana Cerne, Adriana and Melissa Taranto, Emma Robers, Julia Sardo, Aleks Sinclair, Natasha Dakic, Alyssa Dall’Oste, Stacey Papadopoulos, Raquel Deralas and Harriet Withers were all with National Premier League side Calder United, this time last year.

“It’s unbelievable because a lot of these girls come from an NPL set up and have never been exposed to this,” he said.

“Twelve girls have never been exposed to an A-League environment. I love it just for them that they get that opportunity to play in a big game like today and another big game in two weeks time.

“It’s an amazing achievement for the club and those individuals.”

Torcaso said he had been concerned about jitters entering the match, but there had been noneonshow.HesaidthelikesofAngieBeard and Chloe Logarzo had been really good in

helping the others.

Torcaso said the result highlighted the strength of the state league game in Australia and particularly in Victoria.

Both Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory also made the final four.

“We’ve got a lot of talent here,” he said. “In our first season to be able to have that, have a number of players play in big games.

“[We were] close to the top of the ladder all year. The game has definitely come on leaps and bounds and it’s only going to get better with the World Cup coming up.”

Torcaso paid tribute to the staff that had put together a program that allowed the girls to compete week in, week out,

He said no matter what, they just worked hard each week.

“It was just about grinding out games week in week out, we knew that we would not be overly entertaining in watch,” he said.

“We’re definitely give a fight and we’re going to work hard for each other every game, literally just fight to the end.”

Torcaso said nothing changes for them in the lead up to the grand final which is on April 30. They will face either Sydney or Melbourne Victory.

“Always had this on day, one week at a time and it will be the same.”

Sarah Brennan puts a shot up.(Jacob Pattison)329130_03

District Attorney (Stuart McCormick)

Western United players celebrate after Hannah Keane scored on Sunday. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

Bears hold off Kangaroos to claim the points

Burnside Heights snuck home against the Sunbury Kangaroos in the opening round of the Essendon District Football League division 2 season.

With the Kangaroos coming back to division2thisseason,thetwosidesfacedeach other for the first time since 2019.

The Bears were able to hold their nerve late as the Kangaroos came home late with the breeze, winning 12.11 (83)-11.14 (80).

Speaking before the game, Bears coach Cole Harvey said they didn’t know what to expect against the Kangaroos.

“They are young and fast,” he said. “There are a few unknowns, as we don’t know each other.

“It’s going to be a tough day in terms of not knowing what to expect. They have Rhys Magin, who is the best player in the competition by the mile.”

Matthew Romeo kicked three goals for the Bears, while Liam Mercieca, Jordan Hughes

and Dion Lawson kicked two goals apiece. Hughes, last season’s competition best and fairest winner, was named the Bears best alongside Lawson.

Harvey said while they were coming off a finals appearance last season, this season was a big unknown with a lot of changes to a number of teams

He said his side would be a young one with eight or nine young players joining the club in the off season.

“We will have six kids debut off the back of strong pre-seasons and holding our own in practice matches,” he said before the game.

“Ourdemographicis24andunder.Wehave five or six players who are over 25. Jordie is 30-years-old and one of our older players.

“He is coming off his best pre-season ever. Hopefully the older guys will stand up for us.”

The Bears have lost Anthony Fawcus from the group of experienced players, which is a blow.

The club though has continued to look to bring in pieces, signing players just weeks from the season beginning.

“We plucked a 196 centimetre ruck, who we signed last week,” Harvey said.

“Mason Bawden, who is going to be handy. He’ll start in the twos, but we were struggling a bit for a second ruck,

“He’ll be nice for us, having been a former Western Jet and playing at Vic Metro. He’ll add more flexibility as an extra tall.”

Another key signing for the Bears is Dion Lawson, an experienced inside mid.

The Bears will face Coburg Districts on Anzac Day eve, in a Monday night clash in round two.

Meanwhile, Hillside beat Rupertswood in division 1. After a slow start and trailing by 22 points, Hillside fought back to win 11.11 (77)-9.8 (62).

Thoroughbreds fall just short

A second half comeback by the Melton Thoroughbreds fell just short in the Big V men’s division 2 competition on Sunday.

The Sherbrooke Suns were the stronger team throughout the first half, leading by 14 points at the first break and extending that lead to 22 at the main break.

The Thoroughbreds started to find theirrangeinthethirdquarterandwere able to reduce the margin to nine points at the last break.

The Thoroughbreds continued to comeandhittheleadafterthreeminutes of play in the final quarter.

The Thoroughbreds lead throughout the middle part of the last quarter, with the margin getting no greater than three.

The Suns regained the lead with a 1.47 on the clock and pushed it to four points with 37 seconds to go.

While the Thoroughbreds were able to get one basket, they were able to get a second in a row.

Burras step up for win

By Tara Murray

It took a half for Diggers Rest to blow out the cobwebs, but it didn’t stop the Burras getting a first up win in the Riddell District Football League.

Facing an up and about Woodend-Hesket side which was coming off its first win against Riddell in 17 years, the Burras took their time to get into the game.

Afterleadingbyninepointsathalftime,the Burras were able to kick nine goals to four in the second half to get the 14.12 (96)-8.8 (56) win.

Burras coach Jamie Lobb said they were happy to get the win after a slow start.

“We were a little bit rusty and were getting used to each other,” he said.

“We were very aware that Woodend would be feeling confident after last week, but they played in tough conditions.

“We were confident that we could build and run over them in the second half, which we did.”

Lobb said the biggest difference from the

first to the second half was just being used to playing with each other.

He said while they had played practice and intra club matches, regular season footy goes up a level.

“This 22 had not played together before,” he said. “They were getting used to each other and the running movements.

“We had five new players in the ones and a couple in the twos, who played well and will be pushing for spots,

“We were rotation heavy and were able to keep fresh legs.”

Mitchell Day, Mitchell Jensen and Joshua WallacekickedthreegoalseachfortheBurras. Tayte Pears and Ben Toman kicked two each for the Hawks.

Lobb said they had a really even spread of contributors in the win.

“Ryan Mullen was good,” he said. “Chris Lawtondownback,theHickeybrothers.There was a really even spread across the board and we are really flexible in most lines.”

The Burras now have a nine day break before their second round match. The Burras

faceMacedoninwhatisnowanannualAnzac Day clash.

They then have a short turn around and face Lancefield, before a bye the week after.

Lobb said Anzac Day was a pretty big day for the club.

“When Rupertswood left the competition, we were quick to put our hand up to be part of that game,” he said.

“As a club we go to the dawn service. We’ll then give them a break and then run away. It’s a big day for us.”

In other results, Riddell was too strong for Macedon in the PUKA Up Cup.

After an even first half, the Bombers ran away with it, winning 12.8 (80)-5.4 (34).

Darcy McGrath kicked three goals in the win, while Bradley Cooke kicked three goals for the Cats.

Dylan Tarczon and Jack Kernan were named the Bombers and Cats’ best respectively.

Wallan was the other winner on Saturday, beating Romsey 11.8 (74)-6.5 (41).

The Suns claimed the win 77-74.

Michael Thompson top scored for the Thoroughbreds with 15 points after coming off the bench. Blake Allison, who also came off the bench scored in double figures too, with none of the starters reaching that mark.

The Thoroughbreds sit in seventh spot after four rounds with two wins. This week they face Altona Gators on Saturday night.

The Thoroughbreds youth league men division 2 side had a big win against the Wangaratta North East Bushrangers, 98-70.

Madiar Chipuowuop top scored for the Thoroughbreds with 19 points.

Jordan Hughes (Shawn Smits)

Joshua Wallace (Jacob Pattison) 329132_14

Michael Thompson (Jacob Pattison)326150_07

Tara Murray