Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 25th April 2023

Youth are on track

A funding boost of almost $50,000 has given a Melton youth mentoring program that supports teens to get active through bike riding the opportunity to expand.

Edmund Rice Community Services

On Track sessions use mountain bike activities including riding, bike maintenance and building, track and obstacle building to deliver a program focused on social wellbeing, and physical health to support teens.

The program, which began last year in school terms one and four, has received $49,000 from VicHealth’s JumpStart! fund, which will allow the program to be delivered every term during 2023.

The free program runs every Thursday of the school term from 4pm to 6pm from the community centre on Greigs Road, Truganina, and is currently welcoming more teens to join.

The program provides all bicycles and equipment, and operates on 15kms of trails for kids to explore.

Edmund Rice Community Services recreations co-ordinator Michael Naismith the program is “open for teens that are keen to learn more about mountain bike riding, and you don’t have to be an expert when you get started.”

Details: 0466 597 145

Melton cockfighting raid

More than 200 “mutilated” roosters, allegedly kept for illegal cockfighting, were seized from a Melton property on Friday, April 14.

RSPCA Victoria’s major investigations team received a confidential tip-off from a member of the community last week about an illegal cockfighting event at the property.

A warrant was executed on Friday morning as part of an investigation into a suspected cockfighting ring.

According to the RSPCA, many of the roosters were found in poor health. They were found in unsanitary, confined conditions and

did not have access to water.

Roosters had also been allegedly mutilated by having their wattle and comb removed, a practice consistent with the purpose of cockfighting.

Multiple RSPCA Victoria staff were involved in assessing the birds including six RSPCA Inspectors and two veterinarians.

RSPCA Victoria major investigations inspectorate team leader Lisa Calleja said cockfighting is an “abhorrent and inherently cruelactivity”thatleadstothe“severesuffering of the roosters used in this bloodsport”.

“The roosters at this location were highly aggressive, and many were kept in cages without access to food or water,” she said.

“The results from today represent a significant disruption to an alleged illegal animal fighting ring. Our investigations from today are ongoing, and we will continue to identify, pursue and prosecute people who breach animal welfare laws in Victoria and whose actions cause harm or suffering to animals.

“This investigation was initiated in response to a tip-off from the community that resulted

in the execution of a search warrant under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 on Friday morning.”

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, it is an offence to wound, mutilate, torture, abuse, beat, worry, torment or terrify an animal. It is also an offence for a person to keep, use or assist in the management of premises for the purpose of causing an animal to fight or for the baiting or maltreating of an animal. Offences under the act carry a penalty of up to $92,460 in fines or imprisonment for two years.

Recreation co-ordinator Michael Naismith and recreation assistant Andrew Landsdell. (Damjan Janevski) 330003_02

WRL a big ‘mistake’ say experts

By Liam McNally

Two energy policy experts have said if the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) goes ahead with its current plan for the Western Renewables Link (WRL) and VNI West projects it will be the “biggest mistake in transmission planning in living memory”.

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 through Melton and Moorabool.

The WRL would be built to work with the proposed VNI West project, which aims to boost transmission capacity between Victoria and New South Wales.

Former member of the National Electricity Market’s reliability panel and electrical

engineering professor Simon Bartlett and Victoria Energy Policy Centre director Bruce MountainhavesubmittedacritiqueofAEMO’s recent consultation report.

TheyconcludethedevelopmentofWRL-VNI will be a “monumental mistake” by increasing Victoria’s susceptibility to statewide blackouts through exposure to natural disasters, potentially triple transmission charges in

Victoria, and waste up to 50 per cent of renewable energy generated along the corridor due to transmission congestion.

The pair also believe the project will delay the transition to renewable generation while the project is being built, waste existing transmission capacity from the Latrobe Valley toMelbourne,andcauseagreatdealofneedless damage to local communities, individuals and the environment.

Professor Mountain said AEMO is “stuck in the past”, pursuing a “redundant vision that suits its corporate interests”.

“Under the guise of providing solutions for the urgent energy transition, AEMO has pushed for an unchallengeable monopoly and energy ministers have, so far, acquiesced to its demands.

“Instead of making the best use of the wonderful grid we already have, AEMO wants the community and renewable

Movie screening to help Caleb move

A movie screening fundraiser for a Bacchus Marsh boy with a rare genetic condition is being held at Regent Cinemas Ballarat on Saturday, May 27.

Caleb, 6, is one of eight people in the world with the neurological condition that causes him constant pain and requires him to use a wheelchair to get around.

The fundraiser will screen The Little Mermaid from 4pm, for $20 a ticket, which will go towards the purchase of a wheelchair accessible car. Caleb’s mother, Michelle Ross said she’d “love for people to come along and support Caleb”.

“We’re just hoping to make it a fun day out for the kids and let them enjoy going to the movies … Caleb is so excited,” she said.

Caleb’s condition worsened in December which meant he needed to begin using a wheelchair full time. Ms Ross said that the NDISagreedtohelpfundanelectricwheelchair for Caleb, and will help modify a car, but can’t help with the purchase of the car itself.

MsRossisalsocurrentlyonWorkcover,after an incident in which she was stabbed more than forty times with a needle while on-shift, she said the payments aren’t enough for her to purchase a car, and Workcover prevents her from accessing loans.

“It’s really hard and sad … It’s not like we expect our little children to need to be put in

wheelchairs,” she said.

“I’m not doing this lightly asking for donations … I’ve tried every other avenue and there’s just no help out there unfortunately.”

Donations and event details can be found

on Ms Ross’ GoFundMe page. Details: https:// www.gofundme.com/f/calebs-rare-conditionfight?member=18622881&sharetype=teams &utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_ medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

generation developers to wait on it to deliver its monumental plans.”

An AEMO spokesperson said the organisation has run a “transparent and collaborative consultation process” since 2019 to identify a preferred option that maximises consumer benefits while meeting the power system needs.

“It’s needed to help maintain electricity reliability and affordability with the retirement of coal generation.

“While our extensive modelling disagrees with many areas of the VEPC submission, thankfully theirs does endorse the important role of transmission to offset coal-plant retirements.

“Ourfocusnowturnstoassessingmorethan 300 submissions and publishing a preferred option for VNI West.”

The state government was contacted for comment.

Police want your feedback

People who live, work, or socialise in MeltonorMooraboolhavethechanceto have their say on how the police operate in their area until the end of the month.

The annual Victoria Police Community Sentiment Survey is available until April 30, and gives the community the chance to have its say about safety concerns and preferences when engaging with police, as well as experiences of police in your community.

The annual survey acts as a guide for how police in different areas can address safety concerns, community engagement, and where police can focus efforts to prevent and deter crime.

If you live and work in different areas within Victoria, people are encouraged to consider completing two five-minute surveys. One survey for where you live and one for where you work.

Melton Police Leading Senior Constable and Neighbourhood Policing co-ordinator Joanne Mutsaerts said the survey is a “great opportunity for the community to be given a voice”.

“Tell us what you would like done better, differently or how you feel living orworkingintheMeltonLGA,”shesaid.

“Your feedback can help plan police responses and future police tasking by simply spending a few minutes online.”

Details: https://engage.vic.gov.au/ annual-victoria-police-communitysentiment-survey-2023

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.

Caleb and his mum Michelle Ross. (Jacob Pattison) 329783_05

‘‘ I’ve tried every other avenue and there’s just no help out there unfortunately ’’

- Michelle Ross

For almost three years residents along the proposed WRL easement corridor have been protesting the construction. (Supplied)

Concern over river pollution risk

By Liam McNally

A Bacchus Marsh bush regenerator has raised concerns pollution entering the Werribee River from council-owned land could be endangering local wildlife.

Friends of Werribee River through Bacchus Marsh president Ben Courtice said earlier in the month he noticed water entering the Werribee River from the Maddingley Park drain when it hadn’t been raining, and that it looked like “somebody had spewed in it”.

The Environmental Protection Authority

(EPA) confirmed it has been investigating sediment entering the river, and has been in contact with Moorabool council.

Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said council staff are aware of discharge coming from the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Reserve development and are working to ensure “any shortfalls within the sediment controls are immediately fixed“.

Mr Courtice said the “milky colour” turbid water entering the water can have “serious impact” on biodiversity in the river.

“Turbidity blocks light, and when it settles

it smothers things on the bottom so it really affects the life in the river right up to the platypus that live there … It is a serious pollution issue,” he said.

“Having council do it is kind of like adding insult to injury, because we’ve been really worn down, this is a constant thing, usually from developers who have not properly secured their sites with sediment barriers.”

Mr Madden said council is working with Melbourne Water and the EPA to undertake audits of sediment control and “rectify any problems urgently”.

Kirrip now able to offer counselling

Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation in Melton has received funding to provide its first government funded mental health counselling service specifically for Aboriginal people in Melbourne’s west.

The Department of Health and Human Services has delivered a one-off payment to Kirrip, which will allow it to employ three counsellors for three months.

For the last five years, Kirrip has been providing some counselling on a volunteer basis, and Kirrip chief executive Peter Webster said the organisation is “very excited” to be able to bolster the service.

“We’ve not had any paid mental health

counsellors for Aboriginal community in the west before. I’ve been arguing for this funding for some time,“ he said.

“It’s particularly important for kids living in out of home care who are traumatised, but it could be for just about anything and we’re now able to support the community with this free of charge to them.”

Lita Kerr is a qualified counsellor, who has previously been employed by Kirrip in admin, and said she is excited to move into a paid counselling position.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity that Kirrip can provide this councelling to Mob for free,” she said.

“It’ll be great to meet the demand of people when they require it instead of having to wait.”

A DHHS spokesperson said the funding comes as a part of a decade-long mental health system reform.

“… We are working hard to ensure our new mental health system provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with access to safe, inclusive, respectful, and responsive services they deserve,” the spokesperson said. “This investment will deliver social and emotional wellbeing supports for the Aboriginal community in Melbourne’s western metropolitan region.”

EPA southwest regional manager Carolyn Francistheflowofsedimenthasbeenstopped.

“EPA is looking into the extent and source of the flow, and whether any other regulatory actions are needed,” she said.

“Reportsandpicturesprovidedbymembers of the public have been helpful in the investigation.“

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline or providing details online.

Details: epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/ reporting-pollution or 1300 372 842

Heritage fest gets under way

Council’sannualcelebrationofallthings historyandheritagehasreturnedwithan excitingslateofactivities,workshopsand talks for residents and visitors to explore the shire’s rich cultural history.

The Heritage Festival began on April 18 and will continue through to May 18, with highlights including family history digitisation workshops at Melton Library, Eid celebrations, and tours of Melton Cemetery guided by the Melton Family History Society.

Acclaimed author Amanda Hampson will attend to discuss her new historical cosy mystery novel, ‘The Tea Ladies’, and Lorretta Smith will explore her biography of mechanical mastermind, Alice Anderson.

Melton will also welcome Dr Mia Martin Hobbs to discuss her research on the lives of Australian veterans in her book ‘Return to Vietnam’.

MeltonmayorLaraCarlisaidtheevent offers a chance for people to celebrate the area’s diverse history.

“There is something for everyone in this year’s Heritage Festival, with activities for kids, families, and adults alike,” she said.

“Ourdiversecommunityhavesomany stories to tell and our Heritage Festival is a chance to uncover all those stories and bring them to life.”

Details: melton.vic.gov.au/ heritagefestival

Petition calls for public toilets at Arnold’s Creek Reserve

A petition for a toilet facility to be built on Arnold’s Creek Reserve has been launched by community members who frequent the park. ArnoldsCreekReservecurrentlyhasnotoilet facility open to members of the public, after one was removed in April 2020 due to privacy and security issues created by dual access via both internal and external access doors.

One of the petition leaders, Ravinder Kaur, said she has been hearing demand for from her community for “quite some time”, and that she’s heard reports of people with health issues having accidents at the reserve.

“…Andthekidsaswell,theyjustcantrunto theirhouseswhentheyaredesperatesothey’ve

been taken around the bushes somewhere hiding which is again not very sanitary,” she said.

“That’swhenIthoughtthishastobebrought to the council.

“I think that public toilets are part of basic needs and it’s essential within parks … the impact for users is significant, for people living with health conditions, women, parents, children, these users need to feel confident.”

When the petition ends its signature-taking phase, Melton MP Steve McGhie has agreed to present the petition to council.

“Local residents have raised a genuine issue and I am happy to support and present their

petition to the Melton council,” he said.

MeltoncounciloperationsmanagerBrendan Sell said council accepts the need for a new toilet facility in the reserve since the last one was removed.

“Council is aware of the need to build a public toilet at Arnolds Creek Reserve and has allocated funds for this project, with works expected to begin in the 2023-2024 financial year,” he said.

Community members interested in adding theirnametothepetitioncancontactRavinder via phone. Details: 0433 594 807

Liam McNally

Ravinder (front) with some members of local community who signed the petition. (Damjan Janevski) 329526_02

Melton councillors exploring Melton Library exhibits during last year’s Heritage Festival. (Supplied)

Kirrip chief executive Peter Webster, councillor Lita Kerr and First Nations healing practitioner LJ Phoenix Singh. (Damjan Janevski) 326492_02

Memories of ‘the Marsh’

Over the last half-century Bacchus Marsh fruit producer Glenda Jones has witnessed the growth of her town from a rural farming community to a bustling regional town, and will share her insight into the changing community at a BacchChat event on Saturday, May 6.

Ms Jones moved to Bacchus Marsh more than 50 years ago. Her family business, Jeff Jones Plants and Produce, grew and sold apples, pears, vegetables and stone fruits along Bacchus Marsh’s iconic Avenue of Honour.

Ms Jones said she loved “the Marsh” from the moment she arrived, and over the years as shebecamemoreinvolvedwiththecommunity she became more passionate until she truly felt like a “Marshian”.

“Even though its had such enormous growth, it has been able to maintain its status as a country town. When you come over that hill and down into the valley it is like leaving metropolitan Melbourne for the county, I still

love what we’ve got,” she said.

The BacchChat talk will cover Ms Jones’ perspective on the history and culture of BacchusMarshfrom1970’suntilnow,thesmall family farms lining The Avenue of Honour and the Avenue’s role as the gateway to the town and the foundation of its tourism platform, and farm gate sales from beginning to end.

She will also cover the Strawberries and Cherries Festival, which she began with Bacchus Marsh Tourism Association almost 20 years ago, the success of which Ms Jones said amazed her “more than anything else”.

Ms Jones said she’s enthusiastic about the chance to give her talk.

“The word says what I envisage it’s all about, so I’m looking forward to BacchChatting about Bacchus Marsh,” she said.

Details: https://www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/ Events/BacchChat-with-Glenda-Jones

Liam McNally

Briefs

Charges after fatal accident

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have a charged a woman following a fatal car crash in Ravenhall on March 9. It is alleged a Holden utility crashed on Westwood Drive about 9.20pm. The female passenger, a 26-year-old Tarneit woman, died at the scene. The female driver, a 35-year-old Burnside woman, was taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. She has been charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death and reckless conduct endangering life. She was issued a notice of immediate driving ban and faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, April 18.

Building job skills

Melton council’s employment training programs are open for enrolments for term two. The program helps residents get the skills and certifications they need to get jobs in hospitality, construction labouring and more as well as a variety of free and low-cost opportunities specifically for young people aged 12 to 25 to upskill and strengthen their employability. Details: melton.vic.gov.au/employment

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Web: starweekly.com.au

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Glenda Jones is giving a BacchChat talk on Moorabool history. (Damjan Janevski) 330405_01

Great news for the country that won’t cost a cent

An open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the Budget

There’s a crisis in our country you can fix in your first budget, at no extra cost.

Dear Dr Chalmers,

With the stroke of a pen you could help secure the future of critical regional news services, using money already allocated in the budget.

All you need to do is allocate a fairer percentage of the federal government’s advertising budget to local and regional news services, rather than spending almost all of it with corporate capital city media and foreign-owned digital platforms (which don’t produce any content or employ any journalists).

This can be achieved by simply adopting the Victorian Govt policy that mandates a weekly full page government advertisement in every regional and community paper.

Local and regional newspapers connect more than 80% of the country, but they get almost 0% of the government advertising spend.

In an era where false news spreads faster on social media than the truth does, trusted local news services reach more regional Australians than any other medium. And unlike other media, every government dollar spent with a local newspaper is also an investment in regional journalism jobs.

This shouldn’t be controversial.

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for many years.

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a growing problem for regional Australia. A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for the country.

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

You TonyKendall

Tony Kendall President Managing Director Country Press Australia Australian Community Media

Andrew Manuel

Authorised by A Manuel, 9 Howe Street Balaklava SA 5461

Club exiled from home ground

By Liam McNally

Delays to the redevelopment of Ballan Recreation Reserve mean that Ballan Football Netball Club (BFNC) is unable to play on its home ground for at least the first four rounds of the 2023 season.

The reserve is undergoing a $4 million upgrade that was due to be completed in October. The upgrade includes a new sports pavilionwithafunctionroom,kitchenandbar, office space, meeting rooms, storage sheds, and new change rooms.

BFNC said in a statement on April 16 that the club is “frustrated” at not being able to play games on their home field, and that council has advised the club the changeroom pavilion will be ready by round four on May 13.

“We understand that completion of this stage of redevelopment will allow us to play at our home ground and we are hopeful that we can welcome our members home in the coming weeks. With further delays comes further financial implications for the club,” the statement read.

“BFNC and Rec Reserve committees are

doing all they can to seek information on the project, however, we are struggling to get the answers we need … In tough times, only the strong survive and yet we are still here with new members, coaches, committee members and sponsors.

“To our players and families, we completely understand how hard it is playing away from home … Despite the many challenges we face in running our club without a home, we look forward to returning to the game we love this season and when this is over, we will be stronger than ever.”

One last show for Brendan Hains

Acclaimed musician, and Caroline Springs School of Music founder and principal Brendan Hains is playing one final show at Marian College on April 30 before he retires from gigging.

Hains is an acclaimed guitarist who, after picking up the instrument at age seven, has been refining his expertise for almost fifty years.

His career was kickstarted in the late 1980s whenheattendedGuitarCraftcoursesoverseas with legendary King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp, and has always been drawn to a style influenced by jazz and progressive music.

In the years that followed, Hains said some

of his biggest achievements were launching his solo album at Melbourne Town Hall in 2007, and being invited to play in Fiji with master musician Nathan East in 2017.

Hains is performing his final show with teachers from his music school who he said are “some of the best” he’s ever played with.

“We’redoingfunrocksongswithimprovised and extended guitar sections…it’s been a lot of fun. Almost to the point where I don’t want to quit, but not quite.

“I feel like my playing is at a really good level at the moment and I’d just like to go out while it’s still good… I’m happy with what I’ve achieved, and I’m happy to call it a day.”

Hains said he’s happy to give up the performances and focus the “thriving” music school.

“I really enjoy seeing all the kids improving, we’ve produced a lot of professional musicians ourselves at the school and a lot of them have gone on to be teachers and great players and it’s justsosatisfying,”hesaid. “They’llbewheeling meoutofherewhenI’m100yearsoldIreckon.”

Details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ brendan-hains-the-cs-music-ensemblethe-stop-being-melodramatic-tourtickets-542609980057

Liam McNally

Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said council is “working closely” with the builder to have the change room pavilion open for round four.

“We are working with BFNC to find alternative venues for the first two home games. The original building company is still contracted to build the facility and council is working closely with them to complete it as soon as possible,” he said.

RoundonefortheBFNC’sCentralHighlands Football League began on Saturday, April 22, with the team playing in Bungaree.

Vics claim power bonus

The state government has helped ease the cost of living for more than 1 million Victorian households with $250 directly into their pockets through the fourth round of the Power Saving Bonus.

The latest round of the program has seen 40 per cent of applicants find a better energy deal – with thousands of Victorians choosing to switch and save by changing their energy deal through the Victorian Energy Compare website.

“The best way to lower energy bills is to look for a better offer - that’s why we’re encouraging Victorians to take advantage of another round of the Power Saving Bonus to make sure they are on the best deal ahead of winter,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.

The Victorian Energy Compare website is an independent comparison website, making it easy for Victorians to find a cheaper offer and keeping big energy retailers in check.

In addition to Victorians comparing their energy online, more than 17,000 households have received the $250 Power Saving Bonus through a community outreach partner, with 73 per cent of these applicants receiving additional energy affordability advice.

Applications for the payment can be made through the Victorian Energy Compare website, where customers can quickly and easily find the best energy offers in their areas.

To access the $250 Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov. au or call 1800 000 832. To speak to an Energy Assistance Program advocate, call 1800 161 215.

Brendan Hains is playing his final show on April 30.

(Damjan Janevski) 329807_02

Builders hit by ‘a perfect storm’

The manager of a west Melbourne building company said that rising costs, COVID delays, and trade shortages have created a “perfect storm” of pressure in the building industry, but there is “light at the end of the tunnel”.

The Melbourne building industry has taken significant hits this year, with Porter Davis going into liquidation and leaving more than 1500 homes unfinished, and Hallbury Homes and Lloyds Group also entering into administration.

Keogh Homes is a family owned custom builder based in Hoppers Crossing that

servicesMelbourne’sCBD,west,north,andout to Geelong and Ballarat. Keogh Homes general managerPatrickKeoghsaid“buildersaregoing bust left, right and centre” due to fixed-price contracts being outpaced by inflation.

“I won’t sugar coat it, it’s affecting every builderinthestate,”hesaid.“[Thecosttobuild] a house with four bedrooms, two living areas, has gone up between $120,000 and $150,000 in the last four years.

“Working on fixed price contracts we’ve got nowiggleroomifthere’spriceincreasesthatget passed on from material suppliers or trades.”

Kiln restoration starts

Bacchus Marsh Lions Club has begun restoring the town’s heritage listed Chicory Kiln.

The Chicory Kiln in Taverner Street, which served as a crucial element of the local industry in the early 1900s, was listed as a heritage site in 2016, following the hard work of the Bacchus Marsh Historical Society.

The Bacchus Marsh Lions Club will lead the project, which will be overseen by a heritage architect to ensure compliance with the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter.

Restoration works already completed include the replacement of missing building tie rods, the roof vent has been removed for repair, timber work around the doors has been stained and repaired, and a a paint conservators assessment has been done to being the process of restoring the faded Dr Morse Indian Root Pills sign.

Other critical works to be undertaken include the repair of all timber work on

windows and chutes, and is expected to be completed in the next couple of months.

Bacchus Marsh Lions members are hopeful the restored Chicory Kiln will serve as a beacon of local history.

The public will have access to the kiln through open days, which will provide details on how the kiln operated and the uses of chicory, and local educational facilities will also have access for history projects.

Bacchus Marsh Lions Club member and project coordinator Russ Hendry said the restoration of the Chicory Kiln represents a “significant milestone in the preservation of local history, and the Bacchus Marsh Lions Club is proud to lead the charge”.

“We thank our funding partners for their support and look forward to showcasing the restored Chicory Kiln to the wider community,” he said.

Liam McNally

Mr Keogh said secondary issues were worker shortages and COVID-delays.

“There is just a lot of work out in the ground atthemoment,andnotenoughtradesoutthere to do it,“ he said.

“Thevolumebuildersrelyonsmallermargins but greater volume of work, and they rely on getting through jobs quicker… But because of all these delays on site that’s obviously pushed them out and they’ve felt the pain from that.”

Mr Keogh believes that with such large companiesgoingunder,theindustrywillbegin to correct itself.

“With what’s happened to the other builders who have gone bust recently there is going to be a bit more of an influx of trade availability so in the next few months that’s going to make things a lot easier and get jobs moving.

“And then obviously every contract that we’ve signed in the last six months has been based on current prices and inflated prices that we expect to come through in the next few months. Unfortunately that means increased prices that we have to pass on to the clients but obviously that’s what we need to do to remain viable.”

Get singing voices ready

Melton and Moorabool boys and girls are encouraged to warm up their singing voices, as the Australian Boys Choir launches a number of training programs.

The Australian Boys Choir’s non-auditioned Early Learners program for both boys and girls aged four to seven is now up and running, with expressions of interest now open for boys aged seven to nin to join the Probationer level of the formal training program from the third term.

Early Learner classes for girls and boys are running on Mondays during school terms at the Koomail Tardy Community Centre at 117 Alcock Road in Truganina.

Australian Boys Choir artistic director said they are “thrilled” to be offering the Early Learners program in Truganina and the Probationer program in the western suburbs for the first time in the choir’s 84-year history.

“Early Learners commenced at Koomail Tardy Community Centre in Truganina in Term 1 and have been so well received that we

are now in a position to consider offering our auditioned Probationer program as well,” he said.

“It is tremendous to potentially be able to provide access to this training for boys in the western suburbs.”

Early Learners teacher Rachael Joyce said the classes focus on teaching a number of skills through exploration and play.

“Our students learn music-specific skills, such as keeping time, matching pitch, and melody recognition, and on top of this, pick up countless other transferable skills,” she said.

“Theyexpandtheirmemorycapabilitieswith remembered songs; develop fine motor skills through playing different instruments each week; improve their language and subsequent reading competence; and build confidence in connecting with their peers through singing together.”

Details: www.australianboyschoir.com.au/ our-programs/join-us

Australian Boys Choir Early Learners teacher Rachael Joyce is excited to offer the program for singers in the western suburbs. (Supplied)

Bacchus Marsh Lions Club president Bill Richards and and coordinator Russ Hendry. (Damjan Janevski) 324321_07

Toontastic school holiday fun

For the last week of the school holidays Caroline Springs Library and Toonworld hosted a Toontastic cartooning workshop. On Thursday, April 20, kids were invited on a creative journey to meet fun characters and design their own heroes – all while defending the lands against the evil Rubbix and his army of stick-people!

Cash injection welcome

Melton Performing Arts Centre and Caroline Springs Scouts group have been awarded a share in $5000 in grants as the 2023 recipients of residential AVID Property Group’s Carolina community grants.

AVID Victoria Project Director Danny Boubli said the team are “delighted” to be supporting these two important community groups.

“We are proud to be supporting the Caroline Springs Scouts for the second year running and also be providing funding to Melton Performing Arts who were only recently founded in 2022,” he said.

Caroline Springs Scout Group recieved $3000, Secretary Nicole Buck said it was a welcome surprise to receive funds for the second year in a row.

“Our scout group is 100 per cent managed and run by a team of volunteers so grants, like this one from AVID, truly help lift some of the financialpressuresandtimeconstraintsonour families, volunteer leaders, and fundraising team,” she said.

“The extra funding from Carolina will allow us to purchase two locally made, wheelchair friendly outdoor picnic tables.”

Melton Performing Arts Centre received $2000, President Dom Wolfram said he was pleased to see developers prioritising the wider community with the funding going towards creating a skills workshop for local actors.

“Melton is a booming area for property development, it’s great to see a company like AVID taking a holistic approach to developing the area, by supporting the wider local community,” he said.

“We started the Melton Performing Arts last year, but so far community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with people eager to see the new arts projects and what they might mean for the future of arts in Melton.

“We’re looking forward to developing stage productions, skills workshops, and live music events for our growing local community.”

Liam McNally

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

Caroline Springs Scout Group’s Nicole and Sophie Buck, AVID Property Group community development officer Marita Loel and Melton Performing Arts President Dom Wolfram.

Left: Facilitator Fur Wale during the Toontastic cartooning workshop. Centre: Ruhi, 8. Right, top to bottom: Mateo, 9, Charlotte, 6, and Ruben, 10. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 330128

Kaitlyn, 10, shows off her artwork (left), and Tomas, 7, gets creative.

Mayor’s message

Cr Lara Carli

Lest We Forget.

This Anzac Day we commemorate the 108th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli and remember the sacrifice of Australia’s servicepeople in the horrors of war. Australians of all stripes have answered the call to serve, here and abroad, and Anzac Day is an important time for everyone to come together and hold those sacrifices in their hearts.

Your councillors are attending Anzac Day ceremonies across our city. I look forward to seeing many of you there as we thank our brave veterans for their service. Our community’s connection with the armed forces is an important part of our city’s heritage. This month is Melton’s Heritage Festival and an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the city they call home.

Running alongside the National Trust Australian Heritage Festival, our festival recognises the cultural heritage of our First Peoples, as well as the historic buildings, places, landscapes, and stories that contribute to City of Melton’s history.

Today also marks the last day of the autumn school holidays for many and the start of term two. Our school holiday program was very successful and well attended, with African drumming, hiphop dance lessons and more.

There’s still plenty to do in term two with a range of free and low-cost courses available for all ages via meltonlearning.com.au

Feel free to contact me about Watts Ward or Council related issues on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton.vic.gov.au or visit my Facebook page at: facebook.com/Cr.LaraCarli

Keep up to date with roadworks and closures in your area

Did you know that you can look up roadworks and road closures in your area to help plan your travel around the City of Melton?

Whether it’s closures due to planned works or weather conditions like flooding, we have a map that shows the location of works that may cause delays. You can also see a list of roads that are closed or recently reopened. Visit our website at melton.vic.gov.au/roadworks

Learn something new – enrol in a course!

Activities, workshops and courses for term two are now open on the Melton Learning Directory. Learn how to cook delicious recipes, new arts and craft skills, get active, use computers or a sewing machine, or even a new language Find out more at meltonlearning.com.au

Join a free parent group

Parents of babies and toddlers, join us as at a free parent group. If you want to know if your child is reaching their milestones, wonder about your toddler’s behaviour, are looking for new play ideas, need help with fussy eating or are ready to toilet train, we can help. Our face-to-face sessions provide lots of opportunities to hear from other parents and ask questions.

STAY INFORMED

Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au

facebook.com/cityofmelton

Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial

Explore our local history at Heritage Fest!

Melton Heritage Festival, our annual celebration of all things history and heritage, runs until 18 May with an exciting slate of activities – from family history digitisation workshops at Melton Library and tours of Melton Cemetery guided by the Melton Family History Society.

For more information, go to melton. vic.gov.au/heritagefestival or call your local library on 9747 5300.

Cambridge Ward with Cr Steve Abboushi

Council has certainly hit the ground running since the start of the year with our draft 2023/2024 draft budget really taking shape.

We’ve been deep in the development phase for the past several months and are looking forward to sharing the details with residents when we go out for consultation in coming weeks.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the residents, community groups and sporting clubs who put in submissions as part of the budgeting process and for providing input on the types of projects, services and facilities community really needs. Check melton.vic.gov.au for more information about community budget consultation next month. This is your budget, and we want to hear from you.

With Anzac Day falling this week, it was an honour to attend the dawn

service in Caroline Springs with my fellow Councillors, and many members of our community. It was a humbling opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by fallen and scarred servicemen; and to demonstrate our respect for those who gave the best of themselves in the pursuit of peace, freedom, and democracy, in conflicts and peacekeeping missions since WWI. Lest we forget.

Finally, I hope our Muslim residents enjoyed their Eid al-Fitr celebrations and feast over the weekend, to mark the end of Ramadan. I hope you had the opportunity to join with family, friends, and neighbours to mark this very special occasion.

Please feel free to contact me for Cambridge Ward or Council related issues on 0437 231 680 or steve.abboushi@melton.vic.gov.au, or like my Facebook page @AbbsMelton

Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Deputy Mayor Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Justine Farrugia

Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

MY PLACE

Blackwood sculptor and Fungi Town artist Kathy Holowko tells Zoe Moffatt about her work in the community and connection to Moorabool.

I am a sculptor and work on all sorts of art forms including public art and installations for galleries or events. I also enjoy creating and running environmentally informed creative learning workshops for children and families.

What’s your connection to the Moorabool?

I’ve had my lovely little spot in Blackwood for over 20 years now. I have come and gone over the years but can’t seem to tear myself away from that forest and river.

What do you like about where you live?

Ienjoylivingbytheforestedgewiththeanimal visitors, exploring the forest and discovering things like fungi, playing in the river, the sense of space, the sounds, and the quiet. I love knowing my neighbours, having room to grow veggies, and exploring the region’s natural places and beautiful townships.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

I’d have better light and insulation in my house to get through the winters, and I would like a place where the community could gather and meet in Blackwood.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

I really like spending time in the forests, waterways and in my garden, listening to birds and frogs, harvesting organic veggies or makingartworkinmystudio.Ialsolikevisiting Trentham for yummy bread, the markets and driving the country roads.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.

Iguessalotofpeoplewouldnothaveacluethat

I’m an artist or that I get to take it to amazing places like the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens, or the State Library, they just see me tinkering around in the yard.

Tell us about your artwork with Moorabool council.

In May I will have a large digital print included in the Moorabool Paste Up project. It is an image of superb fairy wrens and was made as a three dimensional image that has been photographed.

The fairy wren is a local resident that provides us with ‘encounter value’ – a scientific term used to describe the meaningful worth in chance meetings with wild animals.

This artwork includes illustrations captured in the pristine environment of 18th century Australia and utilises the museum trope of the diorama to create a replica of an ecosystem.

The three dimensional composition is a contemporary interpretation that reflects upon the idea that a healthy waterway is the life blood of a habitat that allows plants and animals to flourish... including the human animal.

Tell us a bit about your connection to art. I studied fine art as an adult and it opened up a whole new world to me, I really love it. I use art as a way to connect people to ecological cycles and create a deeper connection to our understandingofournaturalworldinthehope we can build a positive future together.

Kathy Holowko enjoys living by the forest edge and discovering things like fungi (Daniel Williams/ Mossy Rock Photography).

...starts

PRINT AND PRINT AND PRINT AND ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

Hoping for a place to call home

Young people aged 12 to 24 make up 23 per cent of all homeless people across the country. On Wednesday, April 19, Youth Homelssness Matters Day is encouraging discussion and awareness of issues relating to youth homelessness. Matthew Sims spoke to a number of people experiencing youth homelessness and those supporting them.

Anne Margaret lives at the St Albans Youth Residential Recovery (YRR) centre after experiencing homelessness. This is the first time the 23-year-old has fully lived away from her family home.

Ms Margaret said she is hopeful that with support she can still achieve her goals, despite the uncertainty of her current predicament.

“It’s the best thing, just to have a place that feels like home,” she said.

“I feel good living here and I hope that things work out for me.”

Across three locations, including a site in St Albans,cohealth’sYouthResidentialRecovery (YRR) program is providing a home for young people where they can be themselves and work on their recovery goals in a supported, inclusive environment.

The nine-bedroom St Albans site provides a safe space for people aged 16 to 25 years to pursue their mental health recovery.

With their own room, shared spaces and the opportunity to take part in all kinds of activities and group events, the residents work side by side with their mental health and wellbeing coaches to set and meet their personal goals.

Residents are required to pay a service fee of $80 per fortnight for program costs.

Ms Margaret said walking into the unit is like walking into someone’s house.

“You have your personal space and your freedom,” she said.

“It’s helping me not rely so much on other people but to be more independent and to be the best version of myself.”

Ms Margaret recommends the YRR program to other young people in the area.

“If you’re not social, it will help you be more social and more active in the community,” she said.

“It will help you be positive about life.”

Fellow YRR client Cass (they/them) said they feel “relaxed and safe and included” by the YRR team.

St Albans YRR youth mental health and wellbeing coach Maya Sheppard said the program welcomes people of all backgrounds.

“We at YRR welcome young people into the program from all walks of life and I am really proud of this commitment,” she said.

“I feel really proud of the way our staff can support young people to make their houses feel more like their own.”

Ms Sheppard said having a good orientation process allows young people to feel comfortable while they are transitioning out of homelessness or insecure housing.

“Our approach is client driven and collaborative,wherebystaffwilloftenorganise careteamsmeetingswiththeirothersupports, to make sure we are collaboratively working together to better outcomes and support the young person through orientation,” she said.

YRR youth mental health and wellbeing coach Aidan Rossiter said the focus of the program was valuing clients’ capabilities first.

“We take young people as they are,” he said.

“We accept and value all the young people who enter the YRR program.”

TheSalvationArmynorthwestmetroyouth services manager Ralph Salera said the Salvos are actively supporting about 150 young people who are experiencing homelessness across the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne.

“I’ve worked in the sector for over 16 years and certainly today’s housing crisis is the

most difficult we have encountered,” he said.

“Lack of options and cost of living is contributing to family stresses and impacting young people.

“Theyoungpeopleareeithersleepingrough, in crisis accommodation, couch surfing or in temporary supported housing.”

Mr Salera said services were currently stretched across the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne.

“We are seeing wait lists for support increasing,” he said.

“In Brimbank alone, we have 20 plus young people waiting for allocation to support services.”

About 40,000 young people aged 15 to 24 years presented to a homelessness service across Australia in 2021-22, with about half experiencing mental ill-health and more than one third experiencing domestic and family violence.

The 2021 Census data showed there was a 31.26 per cent increase in youth (12 to 24 years of age) homelessness compared to 2006

figures, jumping from 21,945 in the 2006 Census to 28,804 in 2021.

The 2021 rate of homelessness was highest within the 19 to 24 age group, with 91 out of 10,000 respondents indicating they were experiencing homelessness.

Hope Street Youth and Family Services offers the Hope Street in Melton program, which supports transitional housing for young people and young families who are provided with safe, secure and affordable accommodation for 12 months to two years.

Hope Street supported 255 young people and young families in the Melton area in the 2021-2022 financial year across the First Response Youth Mobile Outreach Service and the First Response Youth Refuge.

The family unit at the First Response Youth Refuge in Melton supported two siblings, Ade and Pals, who arrived in Australia in November 2021.

They came from Ethiopia with no English language skills.

Hope Street supported them to access

educational courses to assist with their language development, link them both into the local Ethiopian community, supported them with cooking, living skills and using public transport.

They are now both able to converse in English and have successfully obtained a propertywheretheyarethrivingandcontinue to develop their English and adapt to life in Australia.

IPC Health Homeless and at Risk of Homelessness Response (HaRH) team manager Eliza Mead said the team provided assertive outreach strategies, providing holistic health and wellbeing assessments, facilitating and supporting referrals into IPC Health’s services and/or into external services, such as Melbourne City Mission or the Salvation Army.

“There is a collaborative and co-ordinated service response,” she said.

“We work really closely with those organisations.“

Ms Mead said a number of factors led to people experiencing homelessness, including extreme financial disadvantage, lack of immediate response to critical needs, a lack of local and accessible services and limited technical literacy.

“Since July to March, we had 53 rough sleepers,” she said.

“We do know there are likely a number of other health and wellbeing needs for them.

“We have built some very solid relationships within that community.”

The HaRH program has been successful in registering 280 clients between July 2022 through to March 2023 and in collaboration with Tenants Victoria, IPC Health has door-knocked 96 rooming house properties and engaged with 75 tenants. IPC Health has also held outreach engagement and support activities at Rockbank Caravan Park, the Tin Shed in St Albans, Melton South Community Centre and Salvation Army Social Housing Service in Sunshine.

Details: www.yfoundations.org.au/ yhmd-2023

‘‘ It’s helping me ... be more independent and to be the best version of myself ’’

- Anne Margaret

(Shutterstock)

‘‘ We are seeing wait lists for support increasing ’’

- Ralph Salera

Resident Anne Margaret with youth engagement worker Jarryd Cooper. (Supplied)

Bigotry can be a health hazard

By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary HealthNetwork

Love it or loathe it, the classic Australian soap opera Neighbours has notched up many firsts in its long life. One of these was making a star oftransgenderactorGeorgieStone,whoplayed the role of Mackenzie Hargreaves.

And Georgie herself marked her own first recentlywhenshebecamethefirsttransperson to give a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra.

“Thislastmonthhasbeenincrediblydifficult for us,” she said. “I am holding the hearts of fellow trans Australians in my mind and acknowledge the collective trauma and pain caused by recent events.”

She was referring to some small but noisy gatherings that targeted trans people. When these sort of things happen, they are not just ugly expressions of bigotry – they are genuine and serious health hazards.

The trans community, especially its younger members, is one of the most at-risk groups in Australia. Research has found that among trans and gender diverse people aged between 14 and 25, almost half have attempted suicide and 80 per cent have self-harmed.

In the general population, the proportion who attempt suicide is 3.6 per cent.

In the US, LGBTIQ+ people under 29 make up a quarter of all suicides. Several studies suggestthatthisisbecauseLGBTIQ+peoplein general, and especially trans people, face high levels of discrimination and harassment. As it would for anybody, this leads to mental health distress.

It’s fair to say that many people don’t understand the particular challenges faced by trans, non-binary and other gender diverse members of our community.

Because of this, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network works hard with some wonderful organisations to make sure that they can access mental and physical health care geared to their needs, delivered by people who know what they are going through.

One of these, for instance, is Queerspace, an organisation that provides all kinds of counsellingandadviceforthebroadLGBTIQ+ community, aimed at improving health and wellbeing. Queerspace is part of the amazing community health organisation Drummond Street Services, which in our region has centres in Brimbank, Wyndham, and North

Melbourne.

Another valuable organisation is Switchboard, which provides peer-driven support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual people, their families, allies and communities.

Younger trans people in need of help for mental health or substance use can find it with the Youth Support and Advocacy Service, or YSAS. This mob have an office in Carlton, but operate across the city and beyond.

Finally, there is Thorne Harbour Health, Victoria’s largest provider of health care for LGBTIQ+ residents. We work with them a

lot. Among other services, the organisation runs a dedicated, bulk-billing medical and counselling clinic for trans and gender diverse people. It’s called Equinox, and is located in Abbotsford.

So if you’re trans, don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of these organisations. If you’re not, but you know someone who is, maybe reach out and give them a smile. As Georgie Stone said, it’s been a tough month.

• Queerspace: ds.org.au

• Switchboard: switchboard.org.au

• YSAS: ysas.org.au

• Thorne Harbour Health: thorneharbour.org

NWMPHN works with a number of groups to support transgender people. (iStock)

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago

April 28, 1993

The shires of Bacchus Marsh and Melton, the Macedon Water Authority, and the Romsey-Lancefield Water Board have joined forces to investigate the formation of a western waterways management authority.

25 years ago

April 29, 1998

The mayor of Moorabool, councillor Tom Sullivan, will spearhead a campaign to reclassify local roads used by quarry trucks as regional roads in a bid to attract more state government funding.

20 years ago

April 29, 2003

The federal government has refused to supply a Medicare provider number to allow a third overseas trained doctor to practice in Melton to help alleviate the strain on existing general practitioners.

15 years ago

April 29, 2008

Melton councillors have slammed the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s objection to the councils proposaltorezonetheTruganinaprecinct.

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 Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.

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

Parkinson’s support group

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

■ Helen, 0409 186 576

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 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

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

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

U3A Melton

U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and over who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active.

■ 0419 563 016

Melton Combined Probus Club

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

■ 9746 0271

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

The Rose Carers meet Wednesdays from 10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus

Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens. New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience.

■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119, or 0400 052 857

Garden Club

Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month except January. 7.30pm at The Laurels, 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Guest speakers and supper provided. Yearly membership $15. New members welcome.

■ Michelle, 0421 106 268

Community singing group

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

■ Val, 0418 667 150

Rotary Club of Melton

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

■ meltonrotary@gmail.com

Melton Trauma Teddies

Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need.

■Jean 0412 931 498

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make wreusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House 2pm-5pm. Find out more details on Facebook group their website.

■ https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

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

Sunshine Community Brass

Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players to join its vibrant band of musicians. With more than 90 years of history, the band rehearses at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine, on Tuesdays from 7.30pm.

■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

St Albans senior citizens

St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-1.30pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.

■ Roma, 0435 991 064

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

Kids having fun at Albanvale primary school’s cultural diversity day. (Damjan Janevski) 329177_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

341 872 169 3 43 6

No. 27 3 3 156 63 8947

QUICK CROSSWORD

1 Region of South Africa (9)

6 Just (4)

10 Atmosphere (3)

11 Donated (11)

12 Before chapter one (9)

13 Grower of crops (6)

14 – Von Bismarck (4)

15 Islands of the central and southern Pacific (7)

20 From Stockholm, say (7)

21 List of dishes served (4)

25 26 8 76 2

easy 658 9387 975

DECODER WORDFIT

43 9 61 4 89

hard

medium 531 7 67 8 569

9 1785 48

27 9713 5

R E C C R O O R E R D T E T R Y C A R G O H O A R D E R R E D S T E E L T A R D Y E O N C

cere, cheer, chore, coerce, cohere, COHERENCE, cone, core, creche, crone, echo, encore, erne, hence, here, hereon, hero, heron, hone, ochre, once

No. 130

3 Which revolutionary figure was known as El Libertador?

4 Which country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the US?

5 And in what style is the statue?

6 In which region of Italy is the city of Naples?

7 In which country is the endangered eastern lowland gorilla (pictured) found?

8 Which African capital city is found on the opposite shore of the Congo River from Kinshasa?

9 What is the primary ingredient of the Iranian dish pilaf?

10 Who directed the 2012 film Argo?

words: Good 15 words: Very good 21 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: 3 LETTERS AIM ALE AMP ASH ATE AYE BAR BET CUE DIP EAT EVE GAB GUT HEM ICE IDS KEN MRS ODE OUR THE TNT 4 LETTERS AMID BAUD BELT BEST BIDE BRAY CAPS GARB HEAL HOOT MOOT MOPS TEST TOMB USES 5 LETTERS ABUSE ACUTE ADAPT ALPHA AMASS ASIDE ASSET AURAL BAKER BASIN BROTH DEVIL DOGMA EAGLE EASEL ELOPE ERECT GRACE ISLES ISSUE ITCHY MARES MENUS METRE MOUTH NESTS ODOUR OLIVE OUSTS PAPAL RINSE RIOTS RIPEN ROMPS SCENT SLEPT SNAGS STEER STOKE TERSE THERE TIRES TONNE UPPER USUAL WAGER 6 LETTERS CUTEST HANGAR OUTWIT SERIAL 7 LETTERS DREAMER EROSION IMPLORE NOTICED ORPHANS PREPAYS 8 LETTERS DRAMATIC NURTURED PARAKEET THEATRES 11 LETTERS COPPERHEADS PREROGATIVE 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 B Y M O A J E L I N Q S H F W U D T C K P R Z X G V 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 28-04-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 937465821 591348672 319752468 154287396 768129534 825634917 682913745 243576189 476891253 easy medium hard 672139458 524683791 197542836 859264173 983471562 265318947 341857629 716925384 438796215 845319672 638591247 783156924 192647385 529764138 254983716 376825491 417238569 961472853 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 XV ANSWERS: 1. Diego Maradona 2. Argentina and Uraguay 3. Simón Bolívar 4. France 5. Neoclassical 6. Campania 7. Democratic Republic of the Congo 8. Brazzaville 9. Rice 10. Ben Affleck

No. 130

No.

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

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Doin’ the Triton utility two-step

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

The Triton tapped danced up and down the concrete ‘boards’ of the motorway, leaving occupantsshakin’allover.Thankfully,thiswas no polka: ‘three-sixties’ here would have been well out of order.

On minor-road bitumen the terpsichorean bobbing up and down stepped aside for the GSR dual cab ute to settle for the odd bounce when encountering surface blemishes. Let’s face it, most utes exhibit some degree of rodeoriding.However,thereisworktobedone here.

The new Triton is a relative late comer to the dual cab ute segment dominated by the Toyota HiLuxandFordRanger,theMitsubishirelying onvalueformoneyinitsappeal.Unfortunately, this has resulted in Triton being seriously challenged by the likes of the Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max, not to mention Chinese and Korean offerings.

Mitsubishi Australia offers the MY22 Triton in six variants, with the GLX from a bargain basement $44,240 drive away. The range is rounded out by the GSR from $65,740 drive away. The latter was on test.

Accessories across the range are designed to suit most needs. Select from a Work Pack, Tradie Essential Pack, Starter Pack, Polished Pack or Black Pack.

Out in front with its 10-year 200,000-kilometre Diamond Advantage warranty, the maker offers Triton cover, provided all scheduled servicing is done on time and by an authorised Mitsubishi dealer.

Styling

The all-over black GSR test vehicle sported 18-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out grille. clamshell-style doors, platform side steps and grab handles made for easy access.

Efficient LED headlamps and daytime runninglightsareinlinewiththelatestlookin pick-up truck design.

On the smaller side of the segment, the ‘tucked in’ Triton’s less than 12 metre turning circle does make for easier parking than many of its segment rivals.

Interior

The cabin décor certainly makes a statement with orange leather appointed seats, black leather door trims with orange stitching, the latter repeated on the steering wheel, gear shift knob and park brake lever.

The luxe look is let down somewhat by black plastic surrounds, which are present in abundance.

Front seats are heated, while two rear seat passengers are well catered for with generous legroomandareclinedseatbackangleallowing ample, head and shoulder room - three across not so.

The bench seat back folds to expose a slim storage space across the width of the cabin. Storage, in general, is well covered with cup holdersallround,acubbyupfront,deepcentre console and big-bottle door slots.

Out back, the tub dimensions - 1520 mm long, 1470 mm wide, 475 mm deep – are some of the smallest in the segment, while four integrated cargo hooks can safely secure a variety of loads.

Infotainment

In these days of tablet-style technology, a small(ish)touchscreen,coveringAppleCarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio, dwells in the past, while a head-up display on the windscreen, covering speed and legal speed limits, catches up with present-day standards.

Analogue instruments literally dial up memories of the old workhorse, the layout relating to modern times only by a digital display between the two gauges.

Engines / transmissions

The MY22 Triton relies on the tried and tested (ageing) 2.4-litre Mitsubishi MIVEC common-rail, intercooled turbodiesel engine putting out 133 kW of power at 3500 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 2500 revs.

Safety

The five-star ANCAP safety grade won in 2015 would not be up to today’s five-star standards.

However, Mitsubishi Intuitive Technology (MITEC) does incorporate such technical advantages as antilock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution; forward collision mitigation; ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation; blind spot and lane departure warning; lane change assist; hill descent control; all-round monitor; hill start assist; reverse parking camera and sensors; and rear cross-traffic alert.

Passivesafetyiscoveredbysevenairbagsand an audible warning to pedestrians when the vehicle is reversing.

Driving

Constructed in lightweight materials, including an aluminium block, it’s fuel efficiency over performance with the Triton 2.4-litre turbodiesel powerplant. Ponderous off the mark but relaxed and co-operative at cruising speeds.

Note: leave the steering wheel-mounted metal shift paddles alone. They add little to

the driving experience. It’s definitely a case of engine management knows best.

Mitsubishi puts fuel consumption in the combined urban / highway cycle at 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres. On test the GSR recorded 11 litres per 100 kilometres city commuting and 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road.

As mentioned above, a rigid ladder chassis; up front, double wishbones with coil springs and stabiliser bar; and above-axle leaf spring rear suspension had their moments.

Super Select II 4x4 system incorporates four modes - 2H, rear-wheel drive; 4H, full-time power to all wheels; 4HLC, 4WD high range with locked centre differential, minimises wheel spin with low grip; 4LCC, 4WD low range with locked centre diff, maximum traction at low speed. The switch between two andfour-wheeldrivecanbemadesafelyonthe fly at speeds up to 100 km/h.

Tow rating is 3100 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. The test vehicle tonneau cover provided a test of strength to clip it down until it finally surrendered to perseverance. The high-set lined tub (aren’t they all, these days) also offered up a few loading challenges during the test.

Rear seat occupants commented on the efficiencyoftheclimatecontrolbacktherewith its dual air vents in the roof.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Mitsubishi Triton GLX from $44,240 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R from $47,490 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ from $48,490 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLS from $53,240 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton Sport Edition from $60,926 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GSR from $65,740 (Drive away)

SPECIFICATIONS

Triton GSR 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, sixspeed automatic, selectable 4x4 dual cab ute

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

Summary

While lacking in some of the niceties of the modern pick-up truck work-and-play combination, the Triton GSR does not carry the load of premium pricing of some of its opposition.

A six-speed automatic transmission and Super Select II 4x4 system cover the spectrum of on- and off-road capability.

The latest generation Triton GSR is no wallflower when it comes to the practicalities of a dual cab ute. (PIctures: Supplied)

Sharks still searching for first win

Hillside will take some time to click in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division competition,

The Sharks are without a win after the first two matches, but have played last season’s finalists Oak Park and Keilor.

Sharks coach Rob Davis said they were still finding their feet this season.

“It’s been a little bit up and down start to the season,” he said. “We’re coming off a good pre-season, but we’ve had a little bit of mix and match of players available early in the season.

“I didn’t think we would connect straight away, but we are not too far off.

“It might take us half way through the year to find our straps and start pushing for finals, it is what it will be.”

Davis said there had been some changes to the playing list with a few girls dropping out, while some others had joined the club.

He said it would take time for the girls to

adjust, but was happy with how things are going so far.

Davis said the opening two rounds had been mixed for the club.

“The first game we didn’t come to play until half way through the game,” he said. “The game against Keilor was a competitive game, but we didn’t have umpires so it wasn’t a real reflection of where the two teams are at.

“We are going okay. It takes a few weeks for every side to adjust to the competition, but that’s no excuse.”

The Sharks, like many other sides, have a number of Victorian Football League Women’s players in their sides, but Davis said that isn’t something they worry about.

The Sharks had the bye on the weekend, having played on Good Friday. Davis said it came at a good time.

“The girls ran pretty hard on the weekend,” hesaid.“Theyhavealittlebitoftimetoreflect on the game and adjust for the next game.”

The Sharks face Aberfeldie this Saturday. In other women’s results, Burnside Heights made it two from two in the division 1 competition.

The Bears were able to build throughout the match on the way to a 9.9 (63)-0.1 (1) win.

Kayla Ravenello continued her good form up forward kicking four goals.

In the men’s division 1 competition, Hillside is undefeated after beating Craigieburn.

The Eagles led at quarter time before the Sharks started to find momentum. They continued to build throughout on the way to a 17.18 (120)-10.15 (75) win.

The Sharks have a bye this week having played their round three match on Good Friday.

Thoroughbreds fall short

Melton Thoroughbreds suffered a second straight loss in the Big V men’s division 2 competition against the Altona Gators.

The Thoroughbreds were back on their home court and took the early lead, to lead by three points at quarter time.

The Gators were the better side in the second quarter, winning the quarter 21-13, to take a five point lead into the main break.

The third quarter was one of the scorers, with the Thoroughbreds winning the quarter 32-27 , to level the scores heading into the final break.

The Thoroughbreds weren’t able to keep the momentum going, with the Gators going on to win 92-81.

Liam Allison top scored with 19 points for the Thoroughbreds, while Koby Skenderis had 18 points.

Blake Allison made his first start for the season as he continued his return from injury. The Thoroughbreds now sit sixth on the table with two wins from their first six matches.

The Thoroughbreds face the Wallan Panthers in their next match on Sunday.

United is ready to strike

By Tara Murray

It’s business as usual for Sydney Cummings andherWesternUnitedteammatesinthelead up to the A-League Women’s grand final.

In what has been an incredible season so far, the United girls are just now one win away from the fairy tale of a championship in their first season.

For Cummings, it’s a pretty exciting place to be in ahead of Sunday’s grand final.

“It’s everything that the team is fighting for,” she said.

“You want to be rewarded for the sacrifices that you have made as a team and as individuals.

“We were all really excited and there was a bit relief as soon as the whistle blew.

“We are stoked to achieve what we set out to do. It’s nice to be there.”

Cummings, one of four internationals at United this season, said from hearing about the stories of the core group of players, who have played together previously, she said they’re not shocked how far they’ve come from.

She said many had played against talented

A-League players in the National Premier Leaguepreviouslyandweremorethancapable of holding their own.

For Cummings, the opportunity to come to Australia was one that was too good to refuse. She said it was her first time having the chance and didn’t hesitate.

“I thought it was a great opportunity,” she said.

“Australia had been a league before COVID that players would flip flop from the NWSL [National Women’s Soccer League] and the A-League.

“It was a reputable league back home. I was excited for the opportunity to come and play and the idea of a new team and the expansion really excited me.

“It’s one of the best leagues and anyone can beat anyone.”

Cummings said playing for a new team meant they could help form things and build from the beginning.

She said while nothing surprised her about the league, having done her research, but she was pleasantly surprised about how United went about things.

“People want to make things work,” she

said. “You can have an opinion or problem even when things are going well and the likes of Mark [Torcaso] Amanda [Stella], Chris [Pehlivanis] and Mal [Impiombato] are listening to you.

“They’re treating us like people which can get lost in the transition. At the end of the day we are still people.”

Cummings said the other thing that stood about United was the culture that had been set up. She said that it was intimidating coming into the club at first.

“This group of girls is like a family,” she said “The way they accepted me with open arms, not only the internationals but the girls from interstate.... We were accepted from the start.

“It’s a privilege to be part of.”

Cummings said for the group they had no choice to continue to take things as normal with the majority of the group having never played in an A-League grand final.

She said they were just preparing for another game.

“There is a good vibe there,” she said. “It’s a privilege to still be training and playing. We’ve raised the intensity at price, the vice is still the same.”

In the youth league men’s division 2 competition, it was a mixed weekend for the Thoroughbreds.

OnSaturdaynight,theThoroughbreds had a big win against the Chelsea Gulls, winning 117-80.

The Thoroughbreds set the result up with a 33-13 first quarter.

The Thoroughbreds shared the points around, with seven players scoring double figures.

On Sunday, the Thoroughbreds lost the Maccabi Warriors, 95-82.

Tyson Hamilton top scored with 23 points.

Tara Murray

Yana Taylor (Jacob Pattison)328702_10

Sydney Cummings (GAZiPHOTO)

Positive signs for Lakers after convincing win

Caroline Springs is slowly building in the Western Region Football League division 1 competition.

The Lakers have claimed the points in their first two matches, but there’s still plenty of work for the side.

On Saturday, the Lakers beat Point Cook Centrals, 16.11 (107)-9.8 (62)

Caroline Springs jumped out of the blocks, kicking the only five goals of the first quarter.

The Sharks finally hit the scoreboard in the second quarter kicking five goals, but the Lakers stuck with them, with four of their own.

The lead blew out to 52 points at the last break.

While the Sharks won the final quarter, the damage had already been done with the Lakers winning 16.11 (107)-9.8 (62).

Lakers football director Shaun Rainer said theSharkspushedthemforthefirstpartofthe game. “They’re a side coming up from division 2, they were really good and competitive,” he

said. “We have a few new players in the side and it’s been about coming together and gelling.

“We kicked a goal in the first 20 seconds of the game, after quarter time the Sharks made a few changes and we had to adapt to that.

“It was a more positive performance than the first weekend. We are slowly getting there.” Ryan Allan and Billy Crofts kicked three goals apiece for the Lakers.

Mitch Bongiovanni was the Lakers best, while Stephen Brewer continued his good form since returning to the club.

Rainer said they had five or six new midfielders so they were trying to get that group together, while they had also added Tyson Hartwig into the defensive line up.

The side was also adjusting to the new coaching style of Brian Lake.

“Brian has been around the club for a while now,” he said. “He’s actually brought in a different coaching approach.

“He’s calm on the side lines and in the box.

We’ll see him back on the field shortly as well.” TheLakersthisweekfacetheYarravilleSeddon Eagles.

Rainer said they were still figuring out where they sit in the competition, having yet to play any of the top sides.

“It’salwayshardasyouwanttoseewhereyou are at,” he said.

“We’re getting games under our belts. We improved a bit on last week and hopefully we’ll have further improvement this week.”

The Lakers also had a win against the Sharks in women’s division one competition.

TheSharksledatquartertime,butwouldfail to kick a goal after that point.

The Lakers were able to build a lead throughout the rest of the game, winning 7.9 (51)-1.4 (10).

CaitlinPrettykickedfivegoalsfortheLakers.

Kyah Tessari was named best on ground. The Lakers this week face Werribee Centrals on Friday night.

Tara Murray

Emily runs on ambition

By Peter Howe

A love for long distance running sets the April Don Deeble Sports Star, Emily Mifsud apart from her peers.

“From a very early age I just loved to run around, run everywhere, whenever I got a chance to get outside, I ran,” said an effervescent Mifsud.

Mifsud has turned that love into a blossoming career having started when she wasyoungfollowinginhermother’sfootsteps.

She started at Little Athletics, where she found her love of running.

“I competed in every event when I was in little aths including the discus and shot put, but running was all I really wanted to do,” reflected Mifsud with some satisfaction.

“I was never a winner of championships, I just loved to compete.”

Mifsud graduated to running at Aberfeldie with Athletics Essendon.

She started running 1500 metre events and graduated to 3000m as she got older and developed more strength.

Mifsud puts her success to joining the Maribyrnong Sports Academy and training under Gregor Gojrzewski, and combining her athletic ambitions with her studies.

A typical week for Mifsud involves a training and competing program of six days a week with only Friday away from any athletic pursuit.

A typical Monday is a slow, eight kilometre run, Tuesday’s work is a threshold session including four six-minute repetition runs.

There’s another eight to 10 kilometre easy run on a Wednesday, followed by a speed endurance session on Thursday, that caps off her week. Add three gym sessions early morningwithafocusoncoreandlegstrength and you can see she is a driven young person.

Misfud results resulted in her representing Victoria at the 2022 Australian Cross Country Championships and competing at the 2022 Australian Track and Field Championships.

Mifsud was then selected to represent Australia at the annual Simplot Games held in Salt Lake City in February.

Athletes from the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia competed in the largest indoor high school track and field event of more than 2000 athletes competing in the carnival.

Mifsud made the final of the 3200 metres, an event she had never run before. Following a third place in her heat, she finished fourth

in the final only 0.6 seconds behind third.

“It was the best thing I have ever done,” reflected a very excited Mifsud, “I had never run on an indoor track before, it is steep and only 200 metres long.

“I improved 20 seconds from my heat to the final. It was an amazing experience.”

Misfud said her hero is Australian champion, Jessica Hull.

Hullfinished11thinthe1500mattheTokyo Olympics and more recently finished third at the World Cross Country Championships at Bathurst in February.

Mifsud is hoping to emulate her career.

So what does the future hold for Mifsud?

“I am currently completing my VCE this year,” she said. “Post year 12, I’m considering goingtocollegeinAmerica,myschoolworkis very important to me. I want a high ATAR to get into a physiotherapy course. Naturally I’d love to represent Australia at the Olympics.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsoredbytheYarravilleClubCricketClub, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and StarWeekly . If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner at the Medway Golf Club, contact swrsportsclub@ gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

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Australia Cup

Brimbank Stallions and Keilor Wolves are through to the fifth round of the Australia Cup after wins last week. The Stallions, whose match was postponed after the lights didn’t work, beat Gippsland United 3-0, after Gippsland forfeited the match. The Stallions face Altona Magic in the next round. The Wolves, whose match had to be replayed after the lights went out, beat Ashburton United 4-2. The Wolves will face Hume City in the next round.

Nike F.C Cup

Calder United is through to the next round of the Nike F.C Cup after beating Southern United on Tuesday night. The National Premier League side trailed at half time before two goals within 11 minutes gave Calder the lead and it was enough for the win. Caroline Springs George Cross was knocked out after losing to Essendon Royals, 4-0. Spring Hills was also knocked out in the fourth round

A-League

Angie Beard has been ruled out for the A-League Women’s grand final. Beard was substituted in the 78th minute of United’s 1-0 win in Sunday’s Semi-Final against Sydney FC after hunting her foot. Scans have revealed that Beard has sustained an injury to her foot, which will unfortunately rule her out for the grand final on April 30.

Western Region FL

The Western Region Football League netball competition will grow to six divisions this season, with the season tipped to start on April 28. This season will feature 15 clubs, with 44 teams taking the court in the Friday night competition. Games will be played at both Victoria University Community Sports Stadium at Whitten Oval and Victoria University Aquatic and Fitness Centre at the Victoria University. Yarraville Seddon Eagles will be playing in the competition for the first time, while North Sunshine will return to the competition after being a part of the competition in 2019. The season will run for 16 rounds, with two byes scheduled across the season.

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Caroline Springs’ Ryan Allan and Point Cook Centrals’ Kurt Mayne (Jacob Pattison)330728_04

Emily Misfud and her coach Gregor Gojrzewski. (Supplied)

Devils aiming to go one better in season 2023

Darley’s core group has returned as it aims to go one step further in the Ballarat Netball League.

After a grand final appearance last season, the Devils have started this season with two wins to continue on with their good form.

Devils coach Di McCormack said across the board there was a lot of motivation in the group.

“The girls are happy and they want to be there,” she said. “They want to play together and there is that fire in the belly to improve.

“They’veallcomebacktohaveanothercrack and improve on last year and hopefully win it.”

McCormack, who missed most of the pre-season, said she had been happy with how the group had started the season.

On Saturday, the Devils beat a young Bacchus Marsh team, 95-9.

“The first one was a good win for us,” she

said.“Weelevatedsomeoftheyoungerplayers.

“Ella Closter did a fantastic job. Aleisha [Tainui] came in on Saturday and provided some quality ball.

“We would have liked to have hit the 100

mark as per cent is going to matter come the end of the season.”

McCormack used the opportunity to try some different things against the Cobras, with many of the group not able to train together.

Rebecca Hicks in her first match for the season shot 82 of the Devils goals.

McCormack said if there’s one area that they’re still looking to strengthen in the goaling end.

“Mon [Nagle] is out with a back injury,” she said. “Hopefully she’ll be back next week.

“Ailish [McCormack] can run in the circle if we need her to, she has a good connection with Becca.”

McCormack said their defence end had started really strongly, especially Matilda Elliot.

In a boost Niamh Vahland is back from injury.

Bloods beat the Lions

By Tara Murray

Melton ticked the first box in a month of tough matches in the Ballarat Football League.

After a massive first up win against Melton South, last season’s premiers have a run of matches against sides aiming for the top six.

The first of those matches was against the Sunbury Lions, with the Bloods able to come away with a 13.7 (85)-10.5 (65) win.

Bloods coach Aaron Tymms said they were happy to come away with that result.

“We had a really good game last week and yesterday’s [Saturday’s] game was massive for us.

“We have a really big month of footy and we’re hoping to get wins from at least two of the four. To get the first one out of the four is great.

“To beat Sunbury at Sunbury… I’ve been at Melton seven years and it’s only the second time we’ve beaten them there.”

Tymmssaidthegamewasahighqualityone, which would have been good for the spectators to watch.

In the end, it was 10 minutes of football that proved to be the difference in the game.

“The last 10 minutes of the second quarter, we got a couple of good centre clearances and forward entries,” Tymms said.

“It was three each in the first quarter and when they got the first two of the second game we thought game on.

“We kicked the last five of the quarter. The guys did a really good job.”

After that the teams went goal for goal with two each in the third quarter and three each in the last.

RyanCarterkickedthreegoalsfortheBloods, while Ryan Davis chipped in with two goals.

Tymms said he was yet to watch the tape, but thought that Jordan Kight was their best player.

He said Jack Walker also had a good game, while recruit Johnathan O’Brien was another to have a good game.

Tymms said despite coming off a premiership, nothing had really changed for the group and it was business as usual.

Hesaidwhiletheycelebratedthepremiership for a few days after it happened, they hadn’t really spoken about it since.

Tymms said with a different side this season there were plenty of new faces in the senior team.

“We’re a different side,” he said. “We’re missing eight players from the grand final team.

“Ninety per cent of them are retirements or going to other clubs. We have two at Port Melbourne who we won’t likely see, while

Brett McIntyre played in the reserves.”

The Bloods are backing their depth in, only adding a handful of players to the squad.

Former co-captain Ben Archard has returned, but is yet to play a game due to a calf complaint. He is also on Essendon’s Victorian Football League list.

Brody Sullivan has crossed from Melton South, while O’Brien has come across

from North Ballarat.

Brady Rowles, who was on Sydney’s rookie list,madehisdebutfortheBloodsonSaturday.

The Bloods test’s don’t get any easier with the grand final rematch against Sebastopol this Saturday.

In other matches, Darley beat Bacchus Marsh 13.16 (94)-6.8 (44) and Melton South lost to East Point, 29.18 (192)-6.8 (44).

McCormack said Vahland won’t play A-grade every week.

“She won’t play every week as she returns from an achilles injury,” she said. “She’ll play someB-gradeaswellasshefindsherfeetagain.

“Ellie [Martin] and Tarni [Lopes] will play a bit of B-grade too, to give them more court time and keep them match fit.”

McCormack said they had some strong sides across the board this season.

She said their B-grade side was pretty similar, while the under-19 team which made the grand final is again a strong line up.

The Devils E-grade side has won their first two matches ever in the opening two rounds. In other results, Melton South beat East Point 53-31 and Melton lost to the Sunbury Lions 70-19.

Tara Murray

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Nike FC Cup

Calder United is through to the next round of the Nike F.C Cup after beating Southern United on Tuesday night. The National Premier League side trailed at half time before two goals within 11 minutes gave Calder the lead and it was enough for the win. Caroline Springs George Cross was knocked out after losing to Essendon Royals, 4-0. Spring Hills was also knocked out in the fourth round.

A-League

Angie Beard has been ruled out for the A-League Women’s grand final. Beard was substituted in the 78th minute of United’s 1-0 win in Sunday’s Semi-Final against Sydney FC after hunting her foot. Scans have revealed that Beard has sustained an injury to her foot, which will unfortunately rule her out for the grand final on April 30.

RDFL

The Riddell District Football League women’s season will get underway on Friday night. Romsey will host Kyneton in the inaugural women’s match on April 28 at Romsey Park. The following day Macedon will host Melton, in the Cats first ever game, while Woodend-Hesket’s first match will be against Mount Alexander.

FV

Westside Strikers continue to make progress in their first season in FV state league 3 north-west. The Strikers came away with the win on Saturday against Western Eagles, 2-0, their second win for the season. After five rounds the Strikers are on seven points. In state league 4 west, it was a tough day for Spring Hills against Barnstoneworth United, with Barnstone winning 5-1. In state league 5 west, Melton Phoenix had the bye. In the National Premier League 3 competition, Caroline Springs George Cross couldn’t convert their chances as they drew 0-0 with Melbourne Victory.

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Darley’s Grace Markovic. (Picture: Joe Mastroianni). 297225_05

Liam Carter (Jacob Pattison) 328024_19