Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 16th May 2023

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Help kids shoot hoops

A basketball program that works to get kids and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities involved in the sport in Melton and Bacchus Marsh is seeking volunteer coaches.

Specialist Hoops Basketball founder Emily Attard launched the program when she was just 16 years old. In five years it has grown into an organisation with almost 90 players who compete in able bodied and wheelchair basketball weekly at Cobblebank Stadium and Bacchus Marsh Leisure Centre.

“Coaching within our group is such a rewarding experience … If you’ve had a bad week and come to the program every single person is so excited to be there,” Ms Attard said.

Ms Attard said that coaches need a working with children’s check, other than that anyone who can offer consistency, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and meet new people “will always be welcome”.

“We’re all about inclusion and providing a place where no one gets left behind, and if anyone is looking to give back to a community, Specialist Hoops is such a great place to do so,” she said.

VFF predicts ‘rate shock’

By Liam McNally

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has sounded the alarm over Moorabool council’s draft budget which proposes an average farm rateincreaseofover16percent.

VFF president Emma Germano said the proposed increase was another blow to farmers inflicted by the council “which has beenunabletosetaflexibleratingstrategy”.

“Disappointingly Moorabool Shire Council has yet again decided to force a greater rate burden onto the shire’s agricultural sector,” shesaid.

“The increase represents significant rates shock for farmers and will hurt business

growthandproductivitywhichareultimately needed to help create local jobs, and to help protect farm businesses into the future. It also represents one of the highest farm rate increases across all Victorian rural and regionalcouncilsfortheyearahead.”

The proposed average farm rate increase is about five per cent higher than it was at the last budget, and more than four times the average increases in the budgets released in 2019and2020.

However, Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said the average increase is inflated by 31 farm properties that willberezonedinthenext18months.

“These properties have experienced

significant valuation increases based on sales evidence and demand from developers and other buyers in preparation for future development,”hesaid.

“Excluding the impact of these properties, the proposed average increase for farm propertiesis4.7percent.

“Farmpropertiessubjecttorezoningwillbe subject to the new state government Windfall GainstaxfromJuly1,2023.”

Ms Germano said the VFF had proposed a solution in its submission to the council’s budget consultation process, which closed on Wednesday, May 4, to ensure a more “fair and equitable sharing of the rate burden”.

“The VFF has undertaken an analysis of council’s proposed budget and based on our findings we recommend changes that would see farmers, residents and business owners sharing an average 1.5 per cent rate increase. That falls well under the rate cap set at 3.5 per cent for this year,” she explained.

“The farming community cannot be expected to continue to endure the most from continued rate increases that results in less funds available to farmers to invest in their businesses, to create economic activity and to provide local jobs. The VFF implores Moorabool Shire Council to take action to mitigatetheproposedratingincrease.”

Specialist Hoops coaches Kyla Wardley, John McVie and Emily Attard. (Damjan Janevski) 334094_03

Liberals expel Moira Deeming

By Callum Godde, AAP

Banished Western Metropolitan Region Liberal MP Moira Deeming has been expelled from the parliamentary party for good after threatening to sue state leader John Pesutto.

Liberal MPs voted on a motion to expel Ms Deeming for “bringing discredit” to the party, at state parliament on Friday morning.

Ms Deeming was a no-show after lawyers served Mr Pesutto a defamation concerns notice, threatening court action if he did not immediately withdraw the motion, publish an apology to her on his website and pay her compensation and legal costs.

Mr Pesutto entered the party room flanked by Cindy McLeish, Roma Britnell, Georgie Crozier, Michael O’Brien, David Southwick and Matt Bach.

“The party needs to move forward,” Mr Pesutto told reporters.

Ms Crozier, the opposition’s upper house leader, said Ms Deeming’s threat to Mr Pesutto was “extremely disappointing” and wouldn’t be drawn on whether she should be booted from the party altogether.

“There is enormous disappointment from the parliamentary MPs, my colleagues ... and many many Liberal Party members who have contacted me,” she said.

One mum’s war on

On Tuesday, May 9, Allison Rees addressed the Rotary Club of Melton at Tabcorp Park, to share her story and raise awareness about the dangers of button batteries (BBs).

In 2015 the Taylors Hill mother experienced tragedy when her 14-month-old daughter, Isabella, died after a small round battery became lodged in Isabella’s oesophagus.

Since then, Ms Rees has been fighting on behalf of her not-for-profit organisation, Bella’s Footprints, to raise awareness about the dangers of BBs.

Her campaign culminated in 2022 with federal laws introduced to make BB products

Backbencher Beverley McArthur, a conservative factional ally of Ms Deeming, was one of the only Liberal MPs willing to publicly say she would vote against the motion.

Upper house MP Renee Heath was also removed as party secretary Ms Deeming last week demanded the Victorian Liberal leader agree to issue a media statement exonerating her of being a Nazi or Nazi sympathiser or face legal action.

She appeared to back down from the ultimatum on Saturday, saying she never considered suing the Liberal Party and instead contemplated legal mediation as a way

button batteries

require compulsory and improved warning labels, secure battery compartments, and child resistant packaging.

“These changes are nearly everything I proposedtotheACCCeightyearsago,AndI’m honoured to have played an enormous part in making this happen,” she said.

“But it’s also bittersweet for me. My life will never be the same since I lost my little girl, but I’m grateful Bella’s story is helping to protect every child in Australia.”

Ms Rees’ fight is not over though. Twenty children are still being hospitalised a week in Australia from BBs, and as the law only affects

new products, she is determined to continue raising awareness to parents across the country that there are unsafe products in their homes.

On June 12, Bella’s Footprints will be responsible for the first international BB awareness day in Australia.

“Intheleaduptothisdayweneedeveryone’s help to work together to reach as many people as we can to ensure their homes, schools, daycares, workplaces and our local community are button battery safe,” she said.

“We need to continue to educate Australians on the dangers, how to be button battery safe and also how to dispose of BB correctly.”

to settle on the conditions of her suspension.

It is the second time the Liberal party room has considered expelling Ms Deeming after she attended an anti-transgender rights rally earlier this year in Melbourne where neo-Nazis performed the “heil Hitler” salute.

A compromise was struck when the first Mr Pesutto-led motion, supported by a 15-page dossier accusing the MP of protesting alongside people who were “known to be publicly associated with far right-wing extremist groups including neo-Nazi activists”, failed to garner enough support.

The upper house MP will remain on the crossbench as an independent.

Funding for local roads

More than $4 million dollars will be provided to improve roads and infrastructure across Melton and Moorabool by the federal government underphasefouroftheLocalRoadsand Community Infrastructure Program.

Phasefouroftheprogramhasalready delivered $500 million to Australian councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects, which included more than $1.28 million for Moorabool, and more than $1.26 million for Melton.

On Wednesday, May 3, the federal government announced a $250 million boost to phase four of the program, which included an additional $739,315 for Moorabool, and $727,325 for Melton.

Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor said improving roads and local infrastructure is a “top concern for residents in my electorate”.

“These funds will ensure Melton council can fix our local roads and improve the community infrastructure that residents need,” he said.

A Melton council spokesperson said council welcomed the funding boost that will “help us deliver essential infrastructure for our local community”.

“Whether its roads, parks or bike paths,theLocalRoadsandCommunity Infrastructure Program helps councils like ours deliver more infrastructure for our residents,” the spokesperson said.

Councils will be able to access thee phase four funding allocations from July 2023, with projects to be delivered by June 2025.

Allison Rees receiving a gift from Rotary Club of Melton vice president Kevin Harris. (Supplied)

Keep your recycling loose.

Market future in doubt

By Liam McNally

Bacchus Marsh Market will not go ahead this month, and is on an indefinite hiatus until organisers find a new location from which to operate.

Bacchus Marsh Market is run by local organisation Urban Markets and owner Felicity Ashman said the Maddingley Park locationhadbecomeunviablesinceMoorabool council began charging almost $900 per event to use the space.

Fee refund for guide dogs

People supported by assistance animals in Moorabool will have the opportunity to have their animal registration fees refunded.

At a Moorabool council meeting on Wednesday, May 3, council moved to provide a full refund of a domestic animal registration fee for an assistance animal defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) to an owner under.

In Moorabool there are 2353 people living with disability according to the 2021 census, and 381 one of those people own a dog, which is the most common form of assistance animal.

Council calculated that it would cost $25,146 to refund the $66 registration fees for those animals.

The “extremely popular” market has been runningsinceAprillastyear,andhostsupto60 stalls and 1200 visitors once a month, with stall fee proceeds going towards the Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival.

Ms Ashman said they were not charged to use the space by council in 2022.

“I’m not against ‘user-pays’, however that feels a little excessive given that no other council charges us for the grounds we have operatedon,”shesaid.“Thiswouldresultinour fees doubling, which makes it unsustainable to keep the market open for the stallholders.

“Given that we are trying to raise money to support the largest free community event in the shire, that receives no public funding, how are we supposed to do that if the avenue for fundraising is gone or if the fees and charges outweigh what we can make?”

Moorabool council chief executive Derek

MaddensaidcouncilappliesfeesatMaddingley Park for all events to support the maintenance of the park.

According to the last council budget, there is a fee of $450.40 to hold an event that is open to the public at Maddingley Park, and another $420.30 toilet cleaning fee. These fees are proposedtoincreaseby$26.10intheupcoming budget.

Mr Madden added that the market wasn’t charged the fee in 2022 due to an “error” on the part of council and that market organisers “were not charged the fees they should have

been charged for use of the park”.

“This has now been rectified,” he said.

Ms Ashman said the prospect of closing the market is “upsetting” because it feels like the “market family is breaking up”.

“We would love to know if there’s other locationswecoulduseforamarket…we’dlike to ensure that we can keep the market open with a new location so we can continue our fundraising.”

People with suggestions for a new market location can contact Ms Ashman.

Details: admin@urbanmarkets.com.au

Moorabool

Tourism Events Forum

A council document said the “economic and social benefit of supportingpeoplelivingwithadisability far outweighs the cost to council”.

“An assistance animal is not simply a pet but rather a highly trained disability support service that enables a person with a disability to safely participate in personal and public life activities,” it said.

“Supporting people with a disability who reside in the Shire and fully refunding a domestic animal registration fee is a positive step toward removing barriers and creating a more inclusive community which supports the independence of people living with disability.”

Liam McNally

Connect with event industry professionals living and working in the region.

Catered breakfast provided. Hear industry experts discuss the advantages of delivering and attracting high quality events to the Shire and explore future opportunities. Free

Felicity Ashman at the former Bacchus Marsh Market site in Maddingley Park. (Damjan Janevski) 333772_06

‘‘ We’d like to ensure that we can keep the market open with a new location so we can continue our fundraising ’’ - Felicity Ashman

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Neighbourhood events

Melton celebrated Neighbourhood House Week from May 8 to 14, with multiple events at the Hillside Community Centre.

Neighbourhood House Week is an annual nationalcelebration,recognisingtheimportant contribution over 1000 neighbourhood houses make in local communities across Australia.

The theme for 2023, ‘Locals connecting Locals’ recognises the important role Neighbourhood Houses play in a post-lockdown environment, as Victoria aims to re-emerge and rebuild a harmonious and resilient community.

On Wednesday, May 10, Hillside Community Centre held an open house event, with face painting, craft activities and a sausage sizzle.

Community members also got to meet staff, hear about what Hillside has to offer, and provide feedback on what they would like to see delivered at the centre.

ExternalservicessuchasNDIS,ParentsNext,

Care Finder, My Aged Care, Foster Care and the Homeless and at Risk of Homelessness Response (HaRH) program were also there to provide information.

On Thursday, May 11, the centre also hosted a free group singing session.

Singing in a group setting improves mood and decreases stress, depression and anxiety. These effects are often attributed to the deeper breathing associated with singing that is also used in meditation.

Chris Falk, who has led group singing for wellbeing and enjoyment for many years, delivered her easy, inclusive style that drew the crowd in to sing their heart out.

MeltonmayorLaraCarlisaidneighbourhood houses “welcome everyone from all ages and walks of life and bring them together to connect, socialise, and learn”. “We’re proud to celebrate Neighbourhood House Week and the work they do to promote community wellbeing and connection,” she said.

Briefs

Taylors Hill shooting

Police have charged a man following the death of a 31-year-old Craigieburn man in Taylors Hill on Sunday, May 7. A 21-year-old Roxburgh Park man was arrested by police in Mulgrave shortly after 1.35am on Thursday, May 11. It is believed the man was the driver of the black BMW involved in the fatal shooting in Taylors Hill. He was charged with conduct endangering life, conduct endangering serious injury, drive manner dangerous and other related offences. He appeared before Dandenong Magistrates Court on Friday, May 12. The investigation remains ongoing.

Moorabool IDAHOBIT

Moorabool council is celebrating IDAHOBIT Day on Wednesday, May 17 with a flag raising ceremony in Ballan. The Rainbow Flag will also be flown at council’s Darley office with rainbow flags available at the Lerderderg and Ballan Libraries and from council’s customer service centres in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan. Mayor Rod Ward said the community were most welcome to attend the event, where the rainbow flag would be raised. Details of the event will be available on council’s website.

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Hillside Community Centre’s free group singing session for Neighbourhood House Week.

Progress on reserve

Melton mayor Lara Carli and Sunbury MP

Josh Bull toured the ongoing upgrade works at Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve which hit a major new milestone last week.

Steel framework and turf were laid last week withthenewpavilionduetobecompletedbefore summer. The project commenced in 2021, and by the end of 2023, Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve will have a new multipurpose community pavilion, a redeveloped oval, new cricket nets, electronic scoreboard, more car parking and new access road.

ThenewpavilionwillbeahubfortheDiggers

Rest community and fast-growing local sportingclubs.Itwillbecentrallylocatedatthe reserve and will replace three aged buildings that are no longer fit for purpose.

Council has invested $8.2 million in delivering these upgrades, supported by an additional $4.1 million contribution from the

state government. Mr Bull said the upgrade was a “fantastic“ project for the Diggers Rest community.

“The two-storey building and realigned second oval will provide players and spectators first class facilities which they rightfully deserve,”hesaid. “Ilookforwardtothisproject being delivered for the betterment of Diggers Rest and the wider community.”

Cr Carli said community sports is “such an important part of our lives“.

“Good local community infrastructure delivers what our community needs to stay active and connected,” she said.

“Council is making sure this project is delivered as fast as possible while ensuring a safe worksite and a quality and sustainable build.”

Liam McNally

Melton mayor Lara Carli and MP Josh Bull at the site of the new Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve. (Supplied)

Sharing a cuppa to cure cancer

Australians have been sharing a cuppa and cake to help fight cancer for 30 years thanks to Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. Hannah Hammoud spoke to two hosts determined to do their bit for a cancer-free future.

Last year, Bethany Riebl was sat on her couchplanningherfirstBiggestMorning Tea with her husband Max who she was caring for during the final stages of his illness. In the business of organising the event, Max took a quiet moment to share with Bethany that he hoped her first morning tea would be a good one.

“Yes of course, it’s going to be really great. Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Bethanyreplied.

“Well,” Max said, “I don’t think I’m going to be here and I really hope that doesn’t overshadow the morning tea.”

Bethany’s husband, Max was in palliative care at home with a rare form of brain cancer. He had an incurable brain tumour called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

“As always, he was right,” Bethany said. “He wasn’t there for the morning tea. He passed away about a week and a half before, and so our first morning tea ended up being in his memory.

“It was bittersweet.”

This year, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea (ABMT) will mark 30 years of the initiative across Australia. During the months of May

or June, Australians are encouraged to make a cup of tea to support the Cancer Council’s mission of a cancer-free future. Research from the Cancer Council reveals that one in two Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

Bethany said she was proud to fulfil her husband’s wishes to be cared for at their home in Brooklyn during his palliative care.

“The decision to do that and to be with him every step of the way was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. In saying that, it was also the

hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she said.

“Emotionallyitwasextraordinarilydifficult during the time period of caring for him and looking after him. Seeing the person that you love and the father of your children die was extraordinarily emotionally difficult.

“ … I was just doing everything I could to really try and save him. I still held onto hope until the very last second.

“At the time I had been so busy, I was looking after two kids. I was still working, I was caring for him full-time, I was up around the clock looking after him.

“It wasn’t until after he passed away and looking back on that time period that I realised how emotionally hard that was.

“ … However, in saying that, I would go through that time a million times over if I could just to have time with him again.”

Last year Bethany raised $20,000 for ABMT. She said that she will continue to host a fundraiser every year as a tribute to her late husband.

“As soon as Max died the most important thing for me was to keep going with his legacy,” she said.

While the day rehashes difficult memories, Bethany hopes that by sharing their story she can help others experiencing something similar know that they’re not alone.

“The reality is that I think about him every second of every day,” she said,

“If I can use the pain that we’ve been through as a family, whether it be raising vital funds for cancer research or just letting another family know … that they will be OK in a different way of being OK than what they’re used to, then it’s worth it for me.”

Bethany and Max Riebl with their children. (Supplied)

‘‘ To be with him every step of the way was the easiest decision I’ve ever made ... it was also the hardest thing I’ve ever done ’’ - Bethany Riebl

This year the national fundraising goal is $13 million.

“It’s just been amazing to see the number of hosts getting behind Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea each year. We’ve had over 500,000 hosts in those 30 years,” she said.

“What we do know sadly is that all of us will be affected by cancer at some point in our lives, and as a result of that I think hosts and guests really do feel that personal reason to get involved and be part of it.

“We get to celebrate those that have managed to fight off cancer, we also get to

remember those that sadly haven’t at this event, whilst at the same time bringing everyone together.

Danielle Calvi and her husband Robert will be hosting their first morning tea this May at their work place in Keilor Downs, to give back to the Cancer Council and celebrate Robert’s recovery from cancer.

In 2021, a routine colonoscopy discovered that Robert had a large tumour in his colon. Within a month he was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer.

Danielle, who at the time was five months pregnant, said that on the way to the appointment she and Robert joked that everything would be fine as long as it wasn’t stage 4.

“ Then just hearing that he had stage 4, we were very scared. At the time we had three other little kids at home that were all under five,” she said.

Ahead of their first morning tea, Danielle said that she and her husband hope to host every year for as long as they are able to.

“Every day is a celebration for us now,” she said.

Danielle said that for families dealing with cancer, the information available to them from the Cancer Council is a vital resource in their journey.

“When you go into this you’re completely blind, it’s not something that you deal with day to day.

“Being told that you have cancer is gut

wrenching, you don’t know what to ask when you go in for your oncology appointments, you go blank at the doctors, they throw words at you that you don’t understand.

“When you get to go home and reassess everything and you’re still sitting there with questions you’re able to get that extra bit of information. You can call or visit the [Cancer Council] website.

“The website is very informative especially considering my husband was given a 16 per cent chance of living. We were thinking, well, where do we go? What do we do?”

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea will officially be held on Thursday, May 25 however, people can register to host an event any time throughout May or June.

Things todo

Left: Cancer Council Victoria fundraising manager Natalie Gibbs. Centre and right: Danielle and Robert Calvi with their four children, and Robert during his treatment. (Pictures: Supplied) Cancer Council Victoria fundraising manager Natalie Gibbs said that ABMT fundraising goes toward supporting people withcanceraswellasresearchandprevention.

Farewell Keith Harrison

By Liam McNally

Melton council’s flag flew at half-mast after local business pioneer Keith Harrison died in his sleep on his 80th birthday on May 4.

Fifty years ago Mr Harrsion sold his first car, a yellow Toyota Crown to Melton’s local post mistress, and spent the next half-century as the head of what is now Melbourne’s oldest family-run car dealership.

The Rockbank-born man’s journey into the motor industry began at 21, when after completing a motor mechanics course he opened a motor car repair business that would later become the Shell Service Station on the Western Highway. It was located across the road from the site that was to become Melton Toyota and Harrison Ford.

Women gather to network

As part of its commitment to business creation and development Moorabool council is running a Women in Business Lunch this month, one of a series of network opportunities within the shire.

The Women in Business Luncheon will be a free event, from 10am to 1pm ,on May 24 at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall. Now in its third year, the Women in Business Luncheon is a networking opportunity for the female business community.

In 1973 Mr Harrison opened Melton Toyota with help from his wife Joan. In the years that followed the successful endeavour he would also open Harrison Ford, Melton Suzuki, and Harrison Hyundai under Harrison Motoring Group.

Mr Harrison took great pride in having almost 100 employees, who are primarily Melton residents.

Having been raised in the Melton community, Mr Harrison was aware of its needs and was always prepared to help a plethora of organisations and clubs whether in person or via sponsorship.

Outsideofhiswork,MrHarrisonwasagilded circuit-boat racer, having won Australasia’s most prestigious speedboat racing event, the

EC Griffiths Cup, three times, and overseeing his team win eight more and two world titles.

Inhisfinalweek,MrHarrisonwasstillatthe boat shed helping his son, Grant, tinker on the race boats.

Melton Toyota dealer principal Grant said his father left a “lasting legacy for the family –for my brother, my sister, and myself”.

“And also for so many staff and managers that he employed over the last 50 years, some of

whom have gone on to manage and even own Toyota dealerships,” he said.

“Also for the people of Melton for his support with sponsorships and charity donations, people will be forever grateful and appreciative.

“He is a man that had no real ego or self promotion, he was there to be successful, but also very very humble and never forgot his origins from a service station in the late 1960s.”

Guests will hear from inspiring women in the shire and keynote speaker Kimberley Furness, founder and editor ofOAKmagazine.Theeventwillinclude a panel discussion hosted by Ms Furness with Grown Not Flown co-founder and chief executive Nikki Davey, and She Will Shine founder Danielle Price. Facilitated workshops will provide an opportunity to bring a community of women in business in the shire together to work collaboratively on ways council can support their business goals.  Moorabool deputy mayor Ally Munari said the event is an excellent opportunity for women in Moorabool to network and listen to “fabulous guest speakers“.

“This will be an amazing free event, and I encourage all women in business to register and come along to meet other business people and listen to the wonderful women we have speaking,” she said.

Bookings are required and can be made online until May 17.

Details:moorabool.vic.gov.au/Events/ Women-in-Business-Luncheon-2023

‘‘ He was ... very very humble and never forgot his origins ’’ - Grant Harrison

Keith Harrison. (Pictures: Supplied)

Round four of the Auscycling Victorian BMX state series races. (Provided)

More than 1000 spectators and riders hit the Bacchus Marsh BMX track on Sunday, May 14, for the fourth round of the Auscycling Victorian BMX state series races.

The 450 competitors were split into age groups from toddlers, all the way up to over 55’s to compete in rounds of three-heats followed by a final for the top eight.

Thetopeventsforthedaywerethesuperclass heats – which run for junior men, junior women, and open men and open women.

In the men’s superclass Bacchus Marsh resident Jai Copland came third, Joshua McDermott was second, and Josh Swiatek took home the gold.

In the women’s superclass Jennifer Alcott was third, Julie Urben Di Giaimo came second, and Bella May took out the top spot.

A number of Bacchus Marsh BMX Club riders placed well in other heats, including

Kaitlyn Odgers placing 2nd in the 15-16 girls, Bailey Stewart winning the 25-29 men, and clubpresidentBrianSlatterwinningthe40-44 men.

Bacchus Marsh BMX Club secretary Juliette Holland said race day was “spectacular” and they “couldn’t have asked for better weather”.

“It went really smoothly … We got a lot of feedback from the participating clubs who said it was a fantastic day and great event,” she said.

“We’d like to thank all of the club members who volunteered and sponsors who kindly donated money.”

The event was the third Auscycling event heldattheRacecourseandRecreationReserve BMX Track since the Bacchus Marsh BMX Club took over its operation in 2019.

Liam McNally

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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/

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

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

Melton Ladies Probus Club

The Melton Ladies Probus Club meet at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month, at the Melton Country Club.

■ 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

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

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

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

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 reusable 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/

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

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am at the Melton Country Club. New members welcome.

■ Ann, 0425 705 150

Free first aid courses

Melton South Community Centre offers a range of First Aid courses, including HLTAID009, HLTAID011 and HLTAID012, and is now taking enrolments for Saturday, May 27.

■ 9747 8576

Candle workshop

Learn how to make your own soy wax candles in Melton South Community Centre’s upcoming workshops. Beginners can book into the session on Monday, May 29, and discover the fundamentals of creating unique candles, or more advanced students can book into the flexible workshop on Sunday, May 28, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase wax and get more tips from the tutor as you use your own jars and other materials to make your own candles.

■ 9747 8576

St Vincent de Paul Soup Van

St Vincent de Paul Soup Van is in Melton on a Tuesday evening. Stop one is at Melton Town Centre on the corner of High Street and Palmerston Street from 6pm to 6.45pm. Stop two is at Melton South Shopping centre outside headspace from 7pm. The van supplies pantry items for those that need them and has home-made soup, tea, coffee and ham and cheese or plain cheese rolls or sandwiches. Staff are happy to have a chat.

Western Budgerigar Club

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

■ Don, 0414 975 862

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Nick Athanasiou from ‘Studio Skunk Control’. (Damjan Janevski) 333472_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 133

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Melodious (7)

5 From Stockholm, say (7)

9 Herald (9)

10 Donated (5)

11 Amazement (6)

12 Oral doctors (8)

14 Creations (6)

15 Scottish island (4)

19 Idly lounge (4)

20 – scholar (6)

24 Clouded eye (8)

25 Immune system organ (6)

27 Get to (5)

28 Incapable of being seen (9)

29 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

30 Settle (7)

DOWN

1 Native American hairstyle (6)

2 Thread (6)

3 Yardsticks (8)

4 Records (4)

5 Image taken of an electronic display (10)

6 Octave (6)

7 Backer (8)

8 Large Australian spider (8)

13 Alluring (10)

16 From the menu (1,2,5)

17 Seasoned smoked beef (8)

18 Fierce storms (8)

21 Chicken breed (6)

22 Small rodent (6)

23 Sternutation (6)

26 Confirm (4)

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 345678910111213

DECODER WORDFIT 9-LETTER

12 25

183694527

957182463

378421695 215367849

649758132 736849251

462573918

894215376

659781342

436897125

521364798

783452961 397528614

142639587 265143879

easy medium hard

978215436

814976253

B Today’s Aim:

216738495

427913586

361584927

521936784 679851243

893145672 532479168

745296831 184362759

958627314

1415 1617181920212223242526 Y J E I C N R S M O P F V U B T A Z W G D X L H Q K 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

Good ADORE ALIKE ALPHA ARISE CASTE CAWED COLON CRAVE DOLLS DONOR DROSS EDGES ELECT ELUDE ENROL EVENS FONTS GOUGE GREEK HEAPS

Very good HORSE HOTEL INANE IVORY MATHS MATTE NOTES OPERA PANEL REVEL RIVET RULED SEEDS SLEEP SPREE STAVE STREW TRILL TRITE TROUT

G O O E N A 3 LETTERS ADO AND ARE AVO DOE DON EKE ELF ERR FAT ICE NEE NOR PAP RIP ROE RUE SEA SUE THE TIN USE WHO 4 LETTERS AYES DENT DESK DROP GETS ICON MEAL ODES PAYS SEES STEP STEW VICE YENS YOUS 5 LETTERS ACHES

BOOMERANG, borage, brag, brogan, embargo, ergo, game, garb, gear, germ, german, gnome, gone, goober, gore, grab, gram, groan, groom, mange, manger, mango, monger, moorage, ogre, omega, orange, oregano, organ, rage, ragmen, rang, range

among, anger, argon, bagmen, bang, barge, began, berg, bongo,

No. 133

TWEET TYING VENUE WIRES YELLS 6 LETTERS DEATHS DEEPER EASIER GENTRY 7 LETTERS CAPSULE COMFORT CREMATE

OVERATE SAUSAGE VIEWING 8 LETTERS ARMOURED DISALLOW SERENEST TETHERED 11 LETTERS COMMISERATE VACATIONING

19-05-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

1 How many teeth does a crocodile typically have: 66, 77 or 88?

2 An Aussiedor is a hybrid of what two dog breeds?

3 By what names are Saudi Arabia’s Makkah and al-Madinah better known in Australia?

4 In which ocean would you find the Mariana Trench, the deepest place on Earth?

5 In 1935, cane toads (pictured) were introduced to Australia to control what insect?

6 Traditionally, on which day during Easter would pancakes be made?

7 According to the song My FavouriteThings, what comes next: 'Cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudels, Door bells and sleigh bells and ...'?

8 Beefsteak, cherry and dwarf are all varieties of what?

9 What name is given to someone who studies reptiles and amphibians?

10 Who wrote TheShockDoctrine: TheRiseofDisasterCapitalism?

13 26 HK ANSWERS: 1. 66 2. Labrador and Australian Shepherd 3. Mecca and Medina 4. Pacific Ocean 5. Scarab beetles 6. Shrove Tuesday 7. Schnitzel with noodles 8. Tomatoes 9. Herpetologist 10. Naomi Klein

No. 133

No. 133

No. 133

ADVERTISERS,

4G/5G PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT: TELSTRA EXCHANGE BUILDING ROOFTOP AT 58-60 BARRIES RD, MELTON VIC 3337

1.The proposed facility is driven by the Federal Government funded Regional Connectivity Program and comprises:

Three (3) 4G/5G panel antennas measuring 2.68m long

Three (3) 5G AIR antennas measuring 0.793m long

Two (2) support mounts each 5m high (with horizontal mount supports) accommodating the panel antennas on the roof top Ancillary works include three (3) Remote Radio Units, three (3) Junction Boxes and six (6) Tower Mast Amplifiers mounted onto the mounting support structures, one (1) GPS antenna, cabling, and cable trays and internal Works within the existing Telstra Exchange Building.

2.Telstra regards the proposed installation as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018.

3.In accordance with Section 6 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or submissions should be directed to: Emily Wardlaw on behalf of Telstra, 0422 685 472, consultation@acquirecomm.com.au by Wednesday 7th June 2023 Further information can also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3337012

Isuzu genie delivers to the Max

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

It seems that like the Genie of the Lamp a customer’s wish is Isuzu Ute’s command, for a new model has elbowed its way into the top echelons of its rugged pick-up truck ranks.

The Japanese manufacturer has slotted the D-Max LS-U+ in between the well-presented LS-Udoublecablifestyleuteandflagshipofthe updated third generation for those who want a touch of luxury without the ‘shouty’ styling of the X-Terrain.

The new D-Max LS-U+ Crew Cab 4x4 Ute features similar equipment to the MY22 LS-U variant,butwiththeadditionofpremiumblack leather-accented upholstery and interior trims.

Convenience is also enhanced by the addition of a Smart Key, providing keyless entry, push button start, welcome light, and walk away door lock. Similar to the system in theX-Terrain,thewelcomelightilluminatesthe cabin when it detects the key is within 2 metres of the vehicle and the latter automatically locks thevehiclewhenthesmartkeyisdetectedmore than 3m away.

Also available is a genuine canopy, which adds a combination of convenient lockable pop-outorslidingwindows,makingtheLS-U+ a versatile load carrier.

Pricing reflects the added creature comforts and convenience, with the LS-U+ priced at $61,900 plus on-road costs, $2500 more than the regular LS-U, but considerably $4000 cheaper than the range-topping X-Terrain.

Warranty is six years or 150,000 kilometres; seven years roadside assistance, provided servicing is with an Isuzu Ute dealer, and seven years capped price servicing.

Styling

The LS-U+ comes exclusively with a double cab and style-side high tensile steel body on a ladder-frame chassis.

The front is lifted from X-Terrain extremes with a dark coloured grille broken up by dual chrome cross pieces, the latter considered a badgeofpremiumquality,especiallyinEurope.

Flanking this are automatic bi-LED headlights, incorporating LED daytime running lights, with auto-levelling and automatic high beam control. Below are LED fog lights.

LEDs sign off the rear with combination taillights. On a sad note, large heated door mirrors are poorly positioned up front to produce a niggling blind spot.

A versatile factory-fitted tub liner is installed inside the 1570 mm long, 1530 mm wide, 490 mm deep tray. A selection of tonneaus and canopies is available from the Isuzu Ute GenuineAccessoriescatalogue.Thetestvehicle was fitted with a manually operated lockable roller tonneau cover (see Summary below).

The D-Max LS-U+ rolls on 18 inch machined-face alloy wheels with 265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres. There’s a full-size spare.

Interior

The cabin is modern and comfortable, with black leather-accented upholstery, eight-way power assisted driver’s seat with power lumbar support and a premium-leather bound steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment. Dual zone air-conditioning allows driver and front passenger singly to control the temperature. Rearpassengersalsobenefitfromrearairvents.

Infotainment

High on the central dash is a 9-inch high-definition infotainment system, featuring voice recognition, in-built satellite navigation, DAB+ radio, and the latest in smartphone mirroring, with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Occupants can take advantage of a premium eight-speaker surround sound system.

Engines / transmissions

The LS-U+ is powered by Isuzu’s 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine, developing 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

InlinewithallMY22D-Maxmodels,theLS-U+ takes up a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes standard with Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System, a suite of advanced driver safety and assistance technologies, including a state-of-the-art 3-D stereo camera that detects other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. .

Standard with IDAS are autonomous emergency braking with turn assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, plus eight airbags including a knee and centre-airbag.

Driving

Sharing its engine and chassis with the Mazda BT-50, there is considerable clatter from under the D-Max LSU+ bonnet. There’s little excuse these days for this amount of diesel rattle and here the motor shows its age.

The six-speed transmission handles most situations but can be a tad tardy in dropping down a cog under hard acceleration.

Isuzuclaimsacombinedurban/highwayfuel consumption of 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

The test LS-U+ used as much as 10 litres per 100 kilometres of diesel in city working and 6.6 litresper100kilometresonmotorwaycruising, so there’s little to complain about here.

I am not alone in having a love-hate relationship with vehicle lane intervention. As part of the IDAS suite, the LS-U+ features the new Lane Support System switch, located

on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to toggle all Lane Support Systems on or off, by a single push of the button for two seconds.

Going off road? Switch to Isuzu’s Terrain Command 4x4 with 2-High, 4-High and 4-Low drive modes, an electromagnetic rear differential lock and ground clearance of 240 mm.

Measuring up among the best in the range, approach, departure and ramp-over angles weigh in at 30.5 deg, 19.0 deg and 23.8 deg, respectively. A water wading depth of up to 800 mm is also up there with the best in class.

With customer surveys detailing that close to half of all Isuzu owners tow with their vehicle, the D-Max LS-U+ has a 3.5 tonne braked towing capacity and is equipped with a factory-fitted tow bar receiver as standard.

Customers can thus tailor their vehicle to specific towing needs, with an optional seven or 12 pin plug, electronic brake controller, tow tongue insert with 50 mm ball and a weight distribution hitch. All are available through Isuzu Ute’s Genuine Accessories catalogue.

Summary

Isuzu’s third-generation D-Max range has successfully muscled in on the highly competitive pick-up truck range in Australia with close to 22,000 examples sold in 2021. Proving popular among families, however, it’s worthrememberingtubcapacityandversatility are seriously limited by the solid roller cover - a bit like comparing a briefcase to a travel trunk.

Isuzu D-Max Space Cab Chassis SX: $46,700 Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab Chassis SX manual: $47,700

Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab Chassis SX: $49,700 Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab Ute SX: $50,900

Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab Ute LS-M manual: $52,000

Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab Chassis LS-M: $52,800

Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab Ute LS-M: $54,000

Isuzu D-Max Space Cab Ute LS-U: $56,400

Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab Ute LS-U manual: $57,400

Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab Ute LS-U: $59,400

Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab Chassis LS-U: $58,200

Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab Ute LS-U+: $61,900

Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab Ute X-Terrain: $65,900 ($62,990 driveaway)

SPECIFICATIONS

Isuzu LS-U+ 3.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 6sp automatic, 4x4 Utility

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

The D-Max LS-U+ . . . Isuzu slips in a spot of luxury. (Pictures: Supplied)

Digger Rest snares win in grand final rematch

Diggers Rest ticked the box and came away with the four points against Riddell in the Riddell District Football League grand final rematch.

While it was the Bombers who got the glory on that one day in September last year, the Burras got the last laugh on Saturday.

The Burras led throughout the game, but weren’t able to break the Bombers, who stayed in touch throughout.

The Burras did enough to get the four points, winning 9.9 (63)-7.6 (48). Burras coach Jamie Lobb said they were happy to come home from Riddell with the points.

“It was a just win, but we put the four points in the bank and away we go,” he said.

“It was a pretty good game. We had five or six that didn’t get up and we knew that it would bring us back to where they are at the moment.

“We had a two to three goal buffer through

most of the game, but it never felt like we were going to lose.”

Lobb said the most pleasing thing from their perspective was guys who have had quieter seasons so far, stepping up and taking the pressure off some of the others.

Jaidyn Caruana kicked three goals for the Burras and was named their best alongside Tommy Schwarzenberg and Lachlan Hickey.

“That was probably Caruana’s best game for the club,” Lobb said. “Since he’s come to the club he’s been injured and COVID. It was nice to get a full pre-season into him and put some games together.

“TommySchwarzenberghasmovedintothe back line and has been good, while Lachlan Hickey, one of the new guys, had his best game for the club.”

The win has the Burras sitting undefeated after five rounds, with four wins and a bye.

Lobb said it was a good starting point for them. “We’ve beaten Macedon at Macedon and Riddell at Riddell,” he said.

“We’re not playing our best footy by any means, we have high expectations of what we want and we aren’t there yet.”

Thisweek,theBurrasfacetheWesternRams.

Lobb said Mark Orr would be back from suspension, while Deven Costigan was a chance to return.

He said Taylor Hine, Josh Flower and Austin Cicero would likely miss again, adding they weren’t going to take any risks with matches against Wallan and Romsey to come.

Lobb said the Rams present a different test this week. “It’s another challenge for us and their focus,” he said. “Western Rams are on the improve, but are still a way off.

“We’ll approach the game like normal and see how they go out there.”

Devils smash the Lions

By Tara Murray

Darley didn’t go to Clarke Oval with many expectations on Saturday, but came away with a big win against the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Football League.

The Devils entered the match undefeated, but the Lions have shown some really good signs in the first part of the season so it was expected to be a tough contest.

The Devils were able to take control of the game in the middle part as the Lions failed to make the most of their opportunities.

With the game in their favour, the Devils finished off strong with six goals to two in the final term to seal an 17.8 (110)-7.12 (54) win.

Devils president Mark Shelly said the leaders really led the way in a good team performance.

“It was a really good win,” he said. “We went there without much real expectations. “We were able to take our chances better than what they did.

“Even though Sunbury scored nine points in a row at one stage, at half time there was a real sense that we had got the game

on our terms.”

Shelly said it was pleasing to be able to finish the game off well and really stamp their authority.

Brett Bewley kicked six goals for the Devils, with Billy Myers getting five of his own.

Shelly said the two of them just made their whole team better.

“You have the calibre of Brett and Billy and I’ve said this before, players walk taller around those types of players,” he said.

“Brett and his work rate to go forward, is a credit to him. I would hate to see his stats if he had one of those data trackers on.

“His work rate is phenomenal and his experience brings others into the game. Billy played a pretty significant role as well.”

Shelly said the two Cadman brothers Joel and Duncan Cadman had good games, while Jake Ancrum had the job on Jake Sutton and did a really good job.

Shelly said the most pleasing thing was they were only going to get better.

“I would still like to think that we’re still improving,” he said. “The really pleasing aspect for us, the young guys in the team are

starting to see the fruits of the time we have put into those players.

“They’ve played a number of games now and areregularsintheseniorteamandIthinkit’sa positive for us, we still had a number of players that didn’t play for us yesterday [Saturday].”

The Devils are one of two undefeated teams after five rounds, with last year’s premiers Melton sitting atop the ladder.

Shelly said they were looking forward to the challenge of playing the Bloods in a few weeks time.

“We’re taking it blocks at a time,” he said. “We have another three games before the Kings Birthday weekend.

“We have two relatively lesser games against Melton South and Lake Wendouree and then thereallybigchallengeisforusinthreeweeks’ time against Melton.

“It’ll be a good indication of where we are at.”

In other results, Melton beat Redan, 20.12 (132)-9.11 (65).

Melton South had another tough day, losing to Lake Wendouree, 24.18 (162)-8.12 (60)

RDNL

Romsey and the Western Rams played out a thrilling draw in the Riddell District Netball League on Saturday. The Redbacks led through the first half, before the Rams led by four goals at the last break. A 12-8 goal final term was enough for the Redbacks to snatch a 49-all draw. Rebecca Hicks shot 34 goals for the Rams, while Amalani Fauonuku shot 26 goals for the Redbacks. Woodend-Hesket, Riddell and Macedon were the other winners.

RDFL

Macedon made it two in row in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition on Friday night. The Cats were too strong for Romsey, winning 9.1 (69)-0.1 (10). Woodend-Hesket got its second win of the season beating Melton, 5.11 (41)-4.1 (25), while Kyneton remains undefeated after beating Mount Alexander, 12.12 (84)-2.1 (13).

Big V

The Melton Thoroughbreds fell agonisingly short of ending its losing streak in the Big V men’s division 2 competition. Having not won since before the Easter break, the Thoroughbreds faced the Surf Coast on Saturday night at home. The Thoroughbreds led by nine points at the main break, but that was cut in the third quarter, with the Surf Coast hitting the lead. The Thoroughbreds pushed through the last quarter but fell short, losing 103-102. Koby Skenderis top scored with 33 points.

Tim Tyler jumps above Joel Muir. (Jacob Pattison) 334037_09

Jai White (Jacob Pattison) 329132_11

Sports shorts

Nyibol Akec (Jacob Pattison)

Timmy Rictor with strong early season form

David Moran has plenty of special memories with the progeny of sire Modern Art and he looks set to make many more if the early-season form of gun juvenile Timmy Rictor is anything to go by.

Moran trained and drove another son of Modern Art, the great Lochinvar Art, during a glorious period through 2018 and 2022, picking up multiple Group 1 wins and two Victorian Horse of the Year titles along the way.

And while Emma Stewart prepares Timmy Rictor, Moran will still enjoy this ride from the best seat in the house.

MoranwasatthecontrolsonSaturdaynight at Melton as the young pacer scored a brilliant win in the Prydes EasiFeed 2YO Pace. He led easily from barrier six, controlled things at the head of affairs and then dashed home in a sizzling 26.9sec final quarter to beat Dee Roe by nearly 20m.

“He honestly done it in second gear,” Moran said after the 1:54.2 triumph.

“He was absolutely jogging. There’s not a lot

of times you can go to the wire in a 26.9sec quarter and you’ve got a pretty strong hold on them.”

An amazingly cheap $7000 buy, Moran said the bay colt was a “ready-made” two-year-old pacer.

“I’ve always found the Modern Arts, they do seem to get better with a bit of age so if he’s got improvement in him, it’s quite promising,” he said.

“There’s a couple of really nice horses at Emma (Stewart) and (partner) Clayton’s (Tonkin) stable at the moment going through those two-year-old races…

“It’s probably a little bit hard to match them up until he really races some good ones and has got to do a bit of work, but I think he’s pretty special.”

The horse is out of a mare by the name of Bettors Package, who before Timmy Rictor had only produced the modestly-performed Moreartsthanclass, Shoobee Gotcha and Shoobees Spirit.

Timmy Rictor won his debut start in a heat

of the Bathurst Gold Crown and produced a big run for second in the Group 1 final during March before Saturday night’s result at Melton.

He’slikelytoforeverliveinhislittlebrother’s shadow, but Yambukian put his name up in lights on Saturday night with a dominant front-running success in the inaugural staging of the Allied Express Lennytheshark Free For All.

Trained by Andy Gath and driven by his wife Kate, the five-year-old defeated his fast class rivals in what was his first start since January.

He strolled to the front and was never seriously challenged as Kate clicked up the tempo in the final lap with closing quarters of 29.8sec, 28.2sec and 27.1sec for an overall mile rate of 1:56.8min (2240m).

Second was Courageous Saint, with Julie Douglas-trained stablemate Kosimo third.

Tim O’Connor

Devils win in a thriller

By Tara Murray

Darley overcame a slow start to come out on top against the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Netball League on Saturday.

It was a match that promised a lot and it lived up to expectations with the match going down to the dying minutes.

The Devils’ experience shone through late as they sealed a 45-42 win and kept their unbeaten start to the season alive.

Devil coach Di McCormack said while there were a few nervous moments, she was happy to walk away with the four points.

“It was a really good game,” she said. “For a little while there I thought we were going to let our errors take away a win for us.

“Inthefirsthalfwewerealittlecarelesswith the ball and didn’t do what I wanted them to do against that style of defence.

“The biggest improvement was Mon [Nagle] actually starting to draw defenders. I’m really proud of how we were able to stay calm and fight back.”

McCormack said she thought that the Lions were the better team in the first half, despite her team taking a two goal lead into the main break.

She made a number of changes that had an impact. Shannon Blackman moved into centre in the third quarter and she started to halt the influence of Taylor Honey.

The defenders switched positions, while Jaimee Smith came on in wing defence to bring some pace to the court.

“What we were trying to do was try and feed our goalers off one pass, instead of waiting for it to open up and then using the mids for that ball,” McCormack said.

“Butweweren’treallystoppingTaylagetting her hands on the ball and it caused us a bit of an issue. “It was just that patience, to open up.

“The defenders settled in and I think changing Grace [Markovic] back a little bit, Tilly [Matilda Elloit] can run GD.

“We settled down, got our mojo going and we played a good solid game in the second half.”

The match also saw the return of Olivia Cawthray to the court on her return from injury.

She only played a few minutes in the second quarter, but managed to score four goals.

McCormack said having Cawthray back wouldgivethemanotheroptioninthegoaling circle.

“It’s going to be a big bonus,” he said. “We’ll have her back next week, but we’ll have to limit her game time until she gets the total 100 per cent clear to play.

“Having a third goaler, it changes the whole dynamic.”

Young, Lacroix leave United

International star Leo Lacroix and goalkeeper Jamie Young will depart Western United this off season.

The A-League club announced on Mondaylastweekitsinitialchangestoits men’s squad for next season.

Lacroix will depart the club after spending two seasons in Green and Black, amassing 50 appearances.

TheSwisscentre-backwasakeypartof United’s 2021-22 championship-winning team, earning recognition in the PFA team of the season.

Also pivotal players in United’s run to the title, Jamie Young and Neil Kilkenny will depart the club at the conclusion of their contracts.

Young started all 56 league matches since he joined the club, keeping 16 clean sheets and producing a number of stunning saves along the way.

Kilkenny totalled 47 league games for United and was a key leader in midfield. Goalkeeper Ryan Scott will depart United having been a part of the club since its inaugural season signing in November 2019.

Scott played 21 times for the Green and Black and became a fan favourite, developing a special connection with the cub’s supporter base in the stands.

After becoming part of Western United’s inaugural academy side in 2021, Ben Collins, Adisu Bayew and Ajak Deu will move on from the club.Representing the first crop of United’s academy graduates, Bayew played 25 times in the A-League and scored two goals.

The inaugural Western United under-23’s captain, Collins made two league appearances for United, while Deu has helped the Academy achieve promotion to NPL 2 Victoria this year.

Midfielders Tongo Doumbia and James Troisi will also depart Western United after spending one season in the west.

Doumbia played 20 matches and scored two goals, while Troisi made 18 appearances and provided two assists across the campaign.

after five rounds.

This week they face Melton South.

On

The unretained players are joined by Alessandro Diamanti and Nikolai Topor-Stanley in departing the club, with the duo having announced their respective retirements previously.

Timmy Rictor (Stuart McCormick)

TheDevilsareoneofthreeteamsundefeated

Saturday, the Panthers lost to Lake

Wendouree, 48-25. Melton suffered a 50-32 loss to Redan in other matches.

Darley’s Grace Markovic looks to get a pass over Sunbury’s Simona Di Fillipo

(Jacob Pattison)334038_11

Vithana takes top honour in VTCA division five

Melton South Royals’ Sameera Vithana’s first season at the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 club has been capped off with a player of the year award.

Vithana, who joined the Royals for Haig Fawkner, was named the Russell Pollock medallist, polling 53 votes, as the best player in that division.

Vithana made 438 runs for the season at an average of 31.29, while also taking 39 wickets at an average of 13.

Vithana said it was nice to be recognised for his season.

“I was happy to see,” he said. “I was pleased with my performance but I was disappointed to lose the semi final.

“It was a really hard season. I’m honoured to win it.”

It’s the first time that Vithana has claimed a VTCA player of the year award.

He finished runners up in the Tony Isaacs Medal in 2013-14 when he played with West Coburg. Vithana also finished fourth in the Russell Pollock Medal in 2019-20 while with Moonee Valley.

The allrounder was named in the team of the year for 2022-23, the second time he has received that honour, having achieved it at Jacana.

Vithana said he had loved his time at the Royals.

“I’ll play again there next year,” he said.

“The club has been very good, the members and president have been a big support for me.

“I wanted to share my experience with the guys having played at a higher level.”

Vithana is already keen to get to work to help the team go at least one step further and make the grand final, which would ensure promotion.

He said that was the continued aim of the side, having been in the mix the last few seasons.

Vithana’s Royals teammate Thiwanka Kekulawala was also named in the team of the year as opener.

Melton Centrals’ Hashan Chamarea was named in the team, while Matthew Saunders was named captain of the team of the year.

Sydenham-Hillside premiership players

Ishan Peiris, Anthony Alleyne and Gayashan Weerasekara were named in the division 1 team of the year.

In division 3, Caroline Springs’ Suri Gurpreet was named in the team of the year.

In the women’s competition, Caroline Springs’ Caitlin Pretty was the runaway winner.

Sinclair joins Stallions

By Tara Murray

Spring Hills women’s program has received a massive boost with Western United’s Aleks Sinclair joining the club.

The Stallions, whose top side plays in the Victorian Premier League, announced the signing of Sinclair last week.

The former Calder United title winning captain was part of Western United’s inaugural A-League Women’s squad, making her A-League debut in round one.

Stallions Tom Markovski said the Sinclair was the biggest signing in the club’s history and were hopeful of having her about for a number of years.

“We’re fortunate to had the opportunity to have her at the club, we’re really rapped to get her on board,” he said.

“She had about a dozen clubs chasing her. We put something to her and it was something that she was happy with.”

Living nearby Sinclair had watched the Stallions in action and she was keen to get

involved and help out her local club.

With such a young squad and big focus on bringing through their own talent, Markovski said Sinclair would be able to help the girls that are coming through.

“We’re getting her in and she’s keen to help the young girls develop,” he said.

“She’s big on the wellbeing side as well which will help the girls.

“They will feed off her experience and learn off.Wespokewentitwasallstillhush-hushand sheknewthesetupandwantedtobepartofit.”

On field, the Stallions first season in the VPL has been a positive experience so far.

Markovski said they would only get better as the season progresses.

“We played the top team on Friday night and lost 4-2,” he said. “I think the results will get better once Aleks gets to know things.

“The top three teams after round eight are Brunswick Juventus, Essendon Royals and us, the three teams that went up.

“The aim is to finish top three or four for this year and then push the year after. If there’s

the opportunity to win the league and get promotion this year, then that’s a bonus.”

Meanwhile, the Stallions men’s side got their third win of the FV state league 4 west season, beating Gisborne.

The Stallions scored once in each half to get a 2-0 win. The Stallions remain 10th spot, but are now four points clear of the Truganina Hornets.

Markovski said it was good for the group to bounce back after their performance the week before.

“John [McAloon] has stuck with them,” he said. “We are now away from the relegation zone.

“We want to consolidate our spot and build on last season.”

In state league 3 north-west, Westside Strikers had a 1-1 draw with second-placed Uni Hill Eagles.

The Strikers sit in seventh spot.

In state league 5 west, Melton Phoenix had a 1-0 win against Surfside Waves with Lachie Stafford the goal scorer.

Pretty was named in the team of the year alongside Alisha Fowler and Myyen Au. Fowler, who captained the Falcons premiership team, was named captain of that team.

Burnside Heights’ Jaime Bradley was also named in the team of the year.

Tara Murray

Pretty the best

Having fun was the main thing for Caroline Springs’ Caitlin Pretty in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s season.

After a season that included three centuries and a best on ground medal in a premiership, Pretty was named the association player of the year.

Despite averaging more than 100 with the bat and taking 10 wickets, Pretty didn’t think her season was overly special.

“It’s not too bad,” she said of winning the medal.

“I had an alright season. It was good fun and I really enjoyed the year. I made some good hits, but I don’t take it for granted.

“I had never made a 100 before this year, so making a 100 was a pretty special moment.”

Pretty finished on 60 votes, the most of any of the senior player of the season medal winners.

The night capped off a good season for the Falcons, which won its first women’s premiership.

Pretty said that was what they had been after.

“The premiership was good,” she said. “I wanted to go whatever it took, “It was good to have a bit of fun, it was a really good achievement.”

Pretty was also named in the team of the year. She was one of three Falcons named in the side.

Alisha Fowler and Myyen Au were also named in the team, with Fowler named captain.

“Alisha and I have a good friendship built through footy and cricket,” she said. “My has started playing footy as well, it’s pretty special to be part of it.”

Pretty didn’t have much time to rest afterherseasonfinished,asshereturned to the footy field for Caroline Springs as it aims to defend its premiership.

As for what her cricket holds in the future.

“I want to continue doing what I’m doing,” she said. “I don’t want to go any higher, I’m too old for that nonsense.

“Hopefully I’ll do more of the same next year.”

Tara Murray

Sameera Vithana. (Joe Mastroianni). 319131_04

Aleks Sinclair (Western United)