Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 13th June 2023

Dreaming big for Diggers

By Zoe Moffatt

A new advocacy group has launched in Diggers Rest to address the needs of the growing community and its concern surrounding infrastructure and services shortfalls.

The group, which launched in September 2022, said its goal is to ensure the town is self-sufficient to support the growing community and advocate for the required investment where necessary.

Group member John Verdon has lived in Diggers Rest for eight years with his wife and two children.

Hesaidthethreemainconcernsofthegroup surround connectivity, and delivery of council infrastructure and services.

“[One main concern is the] unequitable delivery of council infrastructure across the municipality but particularly in Diggers Rest [and] the community centre and district level play spaces,” Mr Verdon said.

“[There is also a] lack of connectivity to the rest of the municipality and the tyranny of distance to access local government services … without [much] acknowledgement or support from council to remedy this.

“Lack of locally delivered council services,

poor understanding of the suburb of Diggers Rest and the rapid growth occurring here [is another main concern].”

Mr Verdon said the group is advocating for immediate action for the community hub, which will complete the ‘town centre’ of Diggers Rest.

“Many other suburbs have had their community centres funded when their population figures are far lower than ours is now. Mt Atkinson as an example just opened their community centre last weekend with a population of 1500, Diggers Rest now has [population of] 6500.”

Mr Verdon said the group is also advocating for swift action in regards to the funding of stagetwooftheDiggersRestRecreationreserve master plan, which he said is almost two years behind schedule.

Melton engagement and advocacy manager Sean McManus said council is undertaking an $8.2 million Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve upgrade which is on track for delivery by the end of 2023, and a community centre to be operational in 2028. Mr McManus said the state government is responsible for public transport and council will request additional bus services for Diggers Rest.

Giuliano Maiolo, known by friends and teammates as ‘G’, is a 16-year-old from Taylors Hill who on his way to Berlin to represent Australia in basketball at the 2023 Special Olympics Summer World Games from June 17 to 25. Before G left for Germany on Sunday, he spoke to Star Weekly about his sporting journey. ■ Story: Page 10.

Coach Nathan Freeman and Giuliano Maiolo. (Jacob Pattison) 339631_06

Moorabool clears Redline Raceway to light-up

Redline Raceway has been permitted to keep the lights on following a Moorabool council decision that drew multiple objections at a meeting on Wednesday, June 7.

Redline had submitted a planning application to council requesting a permit for six new, 12 metre-high light poles, and to be able keep those lights on until 11.59pm.

The application drew 30 objections during thepublicconsultationphaseandfiveobjectors spoke at the meeting.

Jane Robson said she has lived in close proximity to Redline for 40 years.

“To imply there’s any safety issue is ridiculous, more lights are not needed,” she said.

“The current lights are already intrusive to neighbours, are a safety issue for road users, andupsetstock,poultryandnativefaunainthe area. Additional lighting or longer operating hours will only intensify these problems.”

ThetwomainlightsatRedlinehaveacurrent curfew of 11pm, and the hour-long extension comes with the condition that they are only to be used in an emergency.

Other objectors complained about the noise

of the raceway and accused Redline of using the emergency as a guise to hold races later.

Councillor Paul Tatchell said the motion before council was “purely about the lights”.

“We are not a judge and jury … our role is a planning role,” he said.

Redline Raceway president Mick Purdie told Star Weekly that it’s “only in an emergency that there will be lights, no one wants to run until one or two o’clock in the morning”.

“I don’t know why they’re jumping up and down complaining about us, we’ve been here for 60 years,” he said.

Mums feel abandonded

By Liam McNally

Melton mothers are worried about health issues going undetected until later stages of their child’s development amid the municipality’s shortage of maternal and child health (MCH) nurses.

While council tries to hire about 10 equivalent full-time MCH nurses, it’s currently prioritising support from birth to eightweeksoldandvulnerablefamilies,which comprises less than half of the 10 key age visits recommended on the council website.

Ashleigh Brown is a Diggers Rest mum who had her four-month visit cancelled last year, and was told she would no longer be able to see an MCH nurse.

It wasn’t until she took her 12-month-old to day care that an early childhood educator identified developmental health issues.

Ms Brown said her child is now undergoing “painful” physiotherapy she was told by her physio the situation would have been “significantly different” with regular MCH visits.

“It made us question whether we want to have more children if we don’t have that support,” she said.

“Knowing we’re on our own changes our whole family plan.”

Fraser Rise mother, Meryl Lefort, said she received “amazing” support in Melton when her first child was born six years ago, however, after her second child was born last year she had two early MCH visits cancelled last-minute, and was told her eight-week appointment would likely be her last one.

Ms Lefort said “you need reassurance” that your baby is developing correctly, or you “feel like you’re in the unknown”.

Ms Lefort said she would also refrain from callingforMCHadviceaboutmilderconcerns because she didn’t want to put extra pressure on a stressed out system, and would opt for out-of-pocket GP visits when she was really worried.

“It feels very alone … [MCH visits are] also important to check in on the parent and I

didn’t have anyone to ask me if I was OK like I did with my firstborn,” she said.

Council has indicated the shortage is due to a high local birth rate and a shortage of MCH nurses across the state.

A state government spokesperson disagrees that the shortage is affecting all of Victoria.

“While the pandemic has placed significant

pressure on our healthcare workforce, there is no statewide shortage of MCH services,” the spokespersonsaid.

“We know that while there is no statewide shortage there are some challenges in Melton, which is why we’ve invested more than $10 million to help councils with shortages recruit more maternal child health nurses.”

“It’s only a minority of locals, the majority of locals enjoy the speedway … We try to respect the neighbours as much as we can and we try to work with council as much as we can.. We bring millions of dollars into the economy of Ballarat.

“We are appreciative of the council. They’ve been good with us and good with the locals, they see both sides of the story which is understandable but this time they voted on our side.”

Liam McNally

Police hunt for home invaders

Policedetectivesareinvestigatingahome invasion in Melton that left a man in his 90s injured.

It’s believed three unknown males approached the house on Henry Street just after 11pm on May 26.

Police said the trio climbed over the fence before kicking in the front door.

The two occupants, a 92-year-old man and an 88-year-old woman, were asleep at the time, when one of the intruders entered their bedroom.

The man pinned the male occupant down on the bed by grabbing hold of both his wrists with such force that it caused him to bleed, according to police.

The man demanded drugs and money before punching the victim in the face and leaving the room. After a short time, all three all left the house.

Theyclimbedbackoverthefrontfence, oneofthemfellandmayhavesustaineda leg injury, police said.

Melton Crime Investigation Unit Detective Acting Sergeant Mick Conway told radio station 3AW that it “appears to be a mistaken identity” case.

“It’s our belief that they’ve gone there looking to do a drug rip-off, probably a hydrocannabisplants,butthey’vepicked the wrong house,” he said.

“They must’ve known they’d picked the wrong house pretty much straight away but continued on with their little rampage through the place, searched it and then left, and left these people obviously distraught.”

“We would like to see would that someone come forward, if they can put two and two together with this car and someone that’s been injured in the leg around that time, that’s information that’s really important to us … ”

Meryl Lefort is a mum who has been affected by the maternal child health nurse shortage. (Damjan Janevski) 339835_03

New Scout hall saluted

The Ballan Scout Hall officially opened with a launch event on Sunday, June 4. Theprojectwasdeliveredthroughmorethan $1 million in state and federal funding, with an additional $100,000 from Moorabool council.

The 1st Ballan Scout Group committee secretary Lisa Sparkes said the Scouts are “loving” the new building which “plenty of space to run around inside”, along with indoor toilets, a new kitchen, and a separate meeting room.

“They can all fit in one hall, we used to have to hire a church hall because ours wasn’t large enough to fit everybody,” she said.

“It’s just been a really long time coming with a lot of hard work from volunteers to get us to this point so it’s really exciting to get this brand new facility that will be used for generations to come.”

Ms Sparkes said about 200 people attended the launch event, including community groups and businesses that have supported Ballan Scouts, along with local MPs and councillors. Oneofthe1stBallanVenturers,JessicaJones, organised a community time capsule that was officially sealed at the opening ceremony and will be opened in 50 years time.

Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman had the honour of officially opening the building.

“I’m delighted we could contribute funding foranewfacilityfortheBallancommunityand help encourage young people to enjoy all that scouting has to offer,” she said.

Ms Sparkes said 1st Ballan Scouts have also secured grants from local businesses that enable them to purchase furniture and install flagpoles and a new campfire area. Liam McNally

Briefs

Arts committee

Moorabool council has appointed its public art and collections advisory committee. The committee is made of local artists, community and industry representatives that will provide advice to council on the commission, acquisition and deaccession of public art. Appointed were Jinny Coyle, Lou Callow, Lauren Matthews, Alison Durham, Victoria Jones and Anindita Banerjee.

Sunshine stabbing

Police have charged another two people following the fatal stabbing of a teenage boy in Sunshine last month. An 18-year-old Burnside Heights boy and a 17-year-old Caroline Springs boy were arrested by police on Monday, June 5. The 18-year-old has been charged with intentionally causing injury, conduct endangering serious injury, affray and possessing prohibited weapon. The 17-year-old has been charged with conduct endangering serious injury, affray and possessing prohibited weapon.

New parkland

Over 500 hectares of new parkland will be added to Melbourne’s outer-west and north-west. Kororoit Creek Reserve in Melton and the Werribee Township park in Wyndham are among the 6500 hectares of new green space being created.

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The 1st Ballan Scouts with MP Natalie Suleyman, MP Michaela Settle and Scouts Victoria chief commissioner Rod Byrnes. (Supplied)

Honours for service, dedication

Six locals have been recognised for their service to the community, sport, law and the public service during this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List. Liam McNally reports.

Antoinette Braybrook

Antoinette Braybrook has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to the law and to family violence prevention. Ms Braybrook is a co-founder of Djirra, an Aboriginal family violence prevention and legal service, and has been the chief executive since 2001.

She has also been National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services Forum co-chair and national convenor since 2012, is on the Ministerial Advisory Panel on Family Violence, is a member of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Forum and the Victorian Indigenous Family Violence Partnership Forum. Ms Braybrook was awarded the Law institute of Victoria Access to Justice/Pro Bono Award, 2015, inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2020, and was a Victorian recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership, 2022. Ms Braybrook said she is honoured to receive the award.

“I am honoured to be acknowledged together with many other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and indeed all women, who have been recognised for the work that we do,” she said.

“I am only recognised in this way because ofthetrustandbeliefthatAboriginalwomen place in our fierce organisation, Djirra.”

Donald and Jennifer Rickerby

Donald and Jennifer Rickerby, a Bacchus Marsh couple, have each been awarded Order of Australia Medals for service to horticulture.

They have been married for 60 years, and have dedicated a great portion of that time together dedicated to horticulture.

They became involved in the Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria in the 1970s.

Mr Rickerby is a past society president and Mrss Rickerby has been secretary since 2008. The pair work in a variety of volunteer roles together including as display organisers

for the Melbourne International Flower Shows Great Hanging Basket Competition, members of the Australian Horticultural Judges’ Association, roles in the Royal South Street Society, and volunteers at the Ballarat Lyric theatre.

The pair have also assisted in disaster relief through the Loddon Region flood recovery effort in 2011, and the Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria, Disaster Fund in 2012.

Mrs Rickerby said the couple are “joined at the hip”.

“We’ve done it all together,” she said.

Victoria Hudson

Ballan’s Victoria Hudson received a Public Service Medal for her contribution to economic reform.

Ms Hudson has made a significant contribution to a wide array of complex economic and public sector reforms in Victoria, including on the Hilmer report, an inquiry which led to competition reform.

Her work on competition policy and budget efficiency led to real benefits for the Victorian economy. She also led improvements to government services which have assisted

It’s up to all of us

Mr Rickerby said the couple are “very pleased someone thought to say ‘well done’”.

“Like many volunteers we live and breathe it … I don’t know if it’s passion or mania.”

Hesaidthepair’s“primefocus”throughthe society is to support and give an environment for other people and groups to succeed.

“Gardening is a very positive thing. During COVID gardening was a real bright spot, people found something they could do while lockedup,andit’sstillgoing.Peoplearepretty enthused, and we want to keep that up.”

Antoinette Braybrook was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

vulnerable Victorians, and public sector reforms which have increased government accountability and the representation of diverse communities. Ms Hudson is a trusted and sought-after source of advice throughout the Victorian Public Service on reform, governance and administration. She is recognised as a leader with integrity, sound judgement, commitment, humour and a genuine care for her colleagues and staff. Ms Hudson said the award is a “humbling surprise” to be recognised for more than 20 years of public service.

“It’s certainly not something I expected, I know a lot of really good public servants. I’m honoured and flattered that someone chose to recognise me,” she said.

“It is very affirming having spent a lifetime inthepublicservice,havingsomerecognition is great because a lot of the time you’re doing things for the benefit of the community but you don’t always get a lot of positive feedback as a public servant.”

Ms Hudson said she left the public service last year and is looking forward to spending more time in her garden in Ballan.

Donald and Jennifer Rickerby. (Damjan Janevski) 339542_03

Victoria Hudson received a Meritorious Public Service Medal on the King’s Birthday Honours List 2023.

Michael Ryan

Ballan’s Michael Ryan has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to the communitythrougharangeoforganisations.

Mr Ryan has served in more than 20 roles across more than 10 groups and organisations, including in football clubs, cricket clubs, and parishes.

He was a Horsham councillor for seven years, including one as mayor, has undertaken significant committee work for Federation University, and is currently St Vincent de Paul Ballan regional president, and the Ballan Chamber of Commerce president.

Mr Ryan said some of his proudest work has been on Horsham council through big projects around performing arts, and using his career skills as an accountant to give clubs confidence in management, including

helping one sporting club he said was about to go out of existence, now 25 years later is “really successful”.

Mr Ryan said volunteering is a community service “but on an individual level its a great way to get involved in the community”.

“I’ve got a lot of joy working with people in the community over the years … They are the salt of the earth, they do things because they care about people,” he said.

“[People should] get involved, you learn a lot of life skills, and you don’t have to stay forever, you do your best and move on when you’ve done what you need to do.”

Mr Ryan said he’s “proud” somebody nominated him.

“I feel pretty proud that someone thought enough of what I’ve done over the years to propose me,” he said.

Dorothy Elmer

The late Dorothy Elmer has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal.

The Bacchus Marsh woman was awarded forservicetonetball.MrsElmergotinvolved in netball at 16 years old with the Rovers in Glenroy.

She began managing teams for Netball Victoria in the 1960s and went on to serve many roles for the organisation, including as vice president and president, and was also heavily involved in Netball Australia, the Northern Married Ladies Association.

Mrs Elmer was a recipient of the All Australian Umpires Badge, 1973, had a netball region named in her honour, the

Elmer region, received the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, and was inducted into the Netball Victoria Hall of Fame in 2006.

MrsElmeralsoateacheratStChristopher’s in Airport West for 26 years and lived in the Melton-Bacchus Marsh region for almost 60 years until her death last year.

Her husband, Wally Elmer, said he doesn’t know who nominated her but would “really like to thank them”.

“I was quite happy, disappointed she didn’t get it before she passed away but it wasn’t to be,” he said. “She certainly deserved it for the things she did in netball, I’m really happy that she has been recognised now.”

Wally Elmer with a photo of Dorothy. (Damjan Janevski) 340118_03.

Michael Ryan. (Jacob Pattison) 339697_02

‘G’ shoots for basketball gold

By Liam McNally

A Taylors Hill teenager is on his way to Berlin to represent Australia in basketball at the 2023 Special Olympics Summer World Games from June 17 to 25.

Giuliano Maiolo, known by friends and teammates as G, will be the youngest player on his side, but he said that prospect “doesn’t phase me at all”.

“When I first received the selection in the envelope I had a massive grin knowing what was inside. I’m really ecstatic that I got selected … I’m extremely determined,” he said.

When G’s basketball journey began at eight

years old with the Caroline Springs Lil Devils the Olympics wasn’t on his mind. His father, Eugenio Maiolo even said he “didn’t want to get on the court”.

Eugenio said it was forming a “very special” connection with Lil Devils co-ordinator Nathan Freeman that got G enjoying the sport, who has still been his primary coach leading up to the Special Olympics.

Nathan said he was only 19 when G joined up, and hadn’t taught anyone on the autism spectrum before, but in small steps they built skills and trust, learning how to communicate and what works best for G, until he was ready to hit the court.

Andrew builds a career

Andrew Steel is a Melton man who is “loving” his first full-time job he found with the help of APM Employment and YMCA Rebuild.

Mr Steel, who has an intellectual disability and has found it difficult to find full time work, was referred to APM after a jarring experience with a previous employer.

APM helps people with injury, illness or disability, children and older adults, unemployed people, and those facing hardship or harm.

In January, Mr Steel was placed in full-time employment with YMCA Rebuild in Braybrook, a paid transitional program that mentors and teaches trade and employability skills while they work.

Mr Steel said the work he’s doing is “fantastic”.

“I’m big-time loving it,” he said.

“I’m out of the house, working full-time,

earning money … It’s made me more free.”

Mr Steel said APM “helped a lot” in helping him find work, and that he wants other people to know they can do it too.

“If people were in my shoes, I’d say to them don’t give up, try your hardest and keep on going to find a full time job,” he said.

YMCA ReBuild case manager Micheala Ralston said in the coming months Andrew will be ready to move on to employment for one of the program’s partner organisations.

“Andrew, is a complete breath of fresh air, he brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the program - he’s gone from having no experience in trade skills whatsoever to now being trusted across multiple job sites doing landscaping and carpentry,” she said.

Me Steel’s first goal with the money he’s earning to save for a car and get his L’s.

“Seeing him go from someone who wouldn’t want to go on a court at all to the person he is today is amazing. Not just on the court – he’s open and outgoing and doesn’t shy away from being centre attention and makes others in his community feel more special, and welcomed,” he said.

“Now seeing him go play in Berlin … all the hard work, determination that he’s shown, especially in the last eight months of training … He has shown a lot of pride in representing his country and his community.”

G was selected for the Australian team after competing for Victoria in Tasmania last October, which he almost didn’t attend after

his mother, Grace, died of cancer just a month before the game.

Eugenio said the family were “in two minds” about whether to travel to Tasmania or not, but G formed a “strong bond” with his teammates during the experience, who all wore black armbands to commemorate the loss.

Eugenio said G “played out of his skin” at the event scoring 102 points across seven games, the most in the B-grade men’s division, and winning the bronze medal with his team.

“He’s doing this for Mum, that’s his whole purpose … He’s putting it all out there and making her proud,” he said.

Liam McNally Andrew Steel at YMCA ReBuild in Braybrook. (Damjan Janevski) 338663_01

The Village expansion rejected

By Liam McNally

Moorabool council has rejected a planning application to modify The Village Bacchus Marsh Shopping centre.

The proposal included a double storey commercial building on Bennett Street, intended for office space, a new east-west road access way near Gell Street, and a 1100 square metre retail premises over most of the existing car park near main street.

The proposal drew 27 objections during public exhibition and Elms Medical Centre

general practitioner Dr Woodrow Wu spoke in opposition to the application at council’s June 7 meeting.

Hesaidtheproposalhasthepotentialtolimit pedestrian access, as well as a reduction of car park space including the removal of disabled access parking and emergency vehicle parking.

“The proposal will cause disadvantage to patientsoftheElmsFamilyMedicalCentredue toissuesofsafety,access,parking,visibility,and amenity,” he said. “It will disadvantage users of the Bacchus Marsh CBD by worsening traffic flow and diminishing parking availability.”

Help count local kolas

A Moorabool koala expert is encouraging people to get to know their local koalas to help measure their population within the shire.

Brisbane Ranges Landcare Group secretary and koala researcher Allan Bartholomew gave a talk on koalas to the Lal Lal Landcare group at the Soldiers Memorial Hall on Monday, June 5.

The Lal Lal Landcare group is undertaking a long-term project repopulating koala-friendly trees along the Two Mountains Koala Trail, to eventuallyconnecttwocoloniesofkoalas,which encourages genetic diversity and population resilience.

Mr Bartholomew encouraged the group to get to know the individual koalas they see during their work by using a nose identification method invented by Koala Clancy Foundation president Janine Duffy.

Mr Bartholomew said each koala has a slightly different pattern on its nose “much like a human fingerprint”. The Brisbane Ranges

Landcare Group has been participating in the Moorabool Koala Count, which is part of a National Koala Monitoring program – which is being undertaken to address data gaps in koala populations. Mr Bartholomew said that while the evidence is mostly anecdotal until the count is done, koala populations in Moorabool seem to be in decline.

“One constant comment we all hear is that everyone can remember when koalas were numerous but they are now very hard to find,” he said.

“Recent research and the results from many hours of looking for koalas confirms that Victorian koalas are struggling with the loss of prime habitat and reduced nutrient and moisture content of the leaves they rely on. “Hopefully this monitoring program can collect knowledge about the distribution of our furry Australian icon and help improve their future.”

Liam McNally

A patient of Elms, Richard Bradfield, agreed with Dr Wu.

“We’re older patients in our late 70’s and we need to have that access there, it’s convenient, we can drop off in dedicated parking spaces for people visiting the Elms clinic,” he said.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen if Elms has to move or something like that, there’s a lot of patients like us, older people that have been going to that clinic for over 10 years and it’s going to be very difficult if things are changed.”

A council report recommending against the application said the proposal “would

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contribute to local commercial infrastructure and economic growth through expanded retail and commercial offerings and creation of additional job opportunities”.

“However,growthmustbebalancedwiththe needfornewdevelopmenttorespondpositively to its local context, including urban design and amenity,” it said.

“The proposed layout and design of the development would compromise pedestrian safety and amenity and does not adequately address the need for safe and convenient car parking and vehicle access.”

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Brisbane Ranges Landcare Group secretary and koala researcher Allan Bartholomew. (Supplied)

Sediment controls satisfy EPA

By Liam McNally

Moorabool council’s investigation into sediment entering the Werribee River from nearby development sites found several factors contributing to turbidity, but measures implemented now meet expectations of responsible authorities.

Council launched an investigation into large amounts of sediment running into the Werribee River from the storm water pipes at the rear of 270 Werribee Vale Road, Bacchus Marsh, following a council meeting on February 1 this year.

Moorabool council noted the investigation report at a meeting on Wednesday, June 7, with councillor Moira Berry moving for council to provide an updated report in six months because of “anomalies” mentioned by the EPA and Melbourne Water “not included in this report”.

The four sources of river contamination identified in the report were the removal of the Southern Rural Water Channel, discharge from active construction sites, new non-compliant construction, and sodic soils. Prior to the commencement of the Stonehill development the Southern Rural

Grand opening for cafe

Killara Cafe, an Indigenous social enterprise, celebrated its official grand opening on Saturday, June 4.

Killara Cafe is a project created in partnership with Stockland Mt. Atkinson, the Killara Foundation and Edmund Rice Services Mt. Atkinson (ERSMA) on McKinley Drive in Truganina. The cafe is a social enterprise run by the community, providing opportunities for employment, on-the-job training, and education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The cafe officially opened its doors during National Reconciliation Week, with elders hosting a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.

The community enjoyed free coffee in the new space, which includes a large round table created from reclaimed redwood timber representing a Yarning Circle, as well as themed arts and craft sessions, face painting,

reptile experiences, and games.

Stockland development manager Philip Wan said it was “great to see the cafe come to life alongside the community and our partners”.

“Killara Cafe has been designed to support and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It will be a social hub for the growing Mt. Atkinson community and act as a shared space for storytelling, knowledge sharing, connection to place, education, and respect,” he said.

“Thank you to The Killara Foundation and Edmund Rice Services for their work alongside Stockland on this project. We look forward to seeing the Mt. Atkinson community enjoy its newest cafe.”

The cafe is located behind the new playground at Stockland Mt. Atkinson Sales and Information Centre in Truganina, on Wurundjeri Woi Wurung Country.

Water Channel played a role in intercepting overland flow and diverting it downstream in the Werribee River. The report said this issue had been addressed through the use of water basins that now capture and treat the water in line with Melbourne Water guidelines.

The report investigated three Stonehill and one Queensbrook construction sites, which were identified in another 2021 investigation as EPA compliant but needing to strengthen controls. The 2023 investigation found the EPA is satisfied with the current controls, and council will monitor the sites daily and undertake weekly audits.

The report included multiple instances of new constructions non-compliant with EPA guidelines in Stonehill and Queensbrook whichwereaddingtothesedimentload,which have been passed onto council’s enforcement team. The investigation concluded that from the EPA’s last inspection in February 2023, “the EPA are satisfied with all controls in place and no further action was required from the contractor.”

“Council will continue to work with the developer, contractor, Melbourne Water and the EPA to ensure compliance against EPA guidelines and the EMP are upheld,” it said.

Crisis support offered at VU

Lifeline will open its first crisis support and suicide prevention call centre this month at Victoria University’s (VU) St Albans Campus.

Lifeline and VU recently signed a five-year partnership to establish Lifeline Western Melbourne, the first Lifeline service in the state to operate from a university campus.

Lifeline general manager Jason Doherty said there was an identified need for a support service in the region, which has experienced a 35 per cent surge in demand from residents facing emotional distress or battling cost of living pressures since the pandemic.

Nine volunteers have completed their initial crisis supporter training and are ready to take live supervised calls on 13 11 14 as part of a 12-month internship to become accredited crisis supporters. The service will aim to have 40 crisis support volunteers answering calls in the centre by the end of its first year.

Mr Doherty said it was important that Lifeline crisis supporters came from all walks of life, age groups and cultural backgrounds, including students and young people.

“Crisis supporters do not need to have experience in counselling as we provide extensive training and support to help

empatheticpeoplebethereforothers–tolisten and offer hope,” he said.

VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said VU was honoured to support Lifeline’s critically important work.

“Wewanttobepartofasolutionthatensures ourcommunitiesdonotfacetheirmostserious challenges alone,” he said.

“That is where the crisis call centre comes in – and we couldn’t be prouder to host it at our St Albans Campus.”

Lifeline crisis supporter training is done online alongside other trainees over four to eight weeks, before the internship stage commences at the centre.

A trained crisis supporter then commits to a minimum four hour shift per fortnight. There is flexibility in both training times and volunteering rosters.

Lifeline will hold an online information session for anyone interested in training as a crisis support volunteer at Lifeline Western Melbourne on Monday, July 3.

Details: https://bit.ly/ CrisisSupporterInfoSession.

Hannah Hammoud

Victoria

Lifeline and community representatives launched the opening of a

The Killara Foundation chief executive Kyle Vander-Kuyp, Killara Cafe manager Leeann Nguyen, Wurundjeri Land Council’s Uncle Bill Nicholson, Stockland development manager Philip Wan and Mt. Atkinson community centre executive officer Mark Monahan. (Supplied)

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There is lots of open space at Atherstone for children to play. Inset: An aerial view of the master planned community.

Donors give precious gift of life

Paul Jenkins started donating blood a few days after his 19th birthday, on February 23, 1971, and knows the process all too well. It is a routine he completes every two weeks.

“Here in Australia [you can donate] whole blood every 12 weeks… [and] every two weeks for plasma and platelets,” Paul explains.

“I used to sit with a calendar at the start of the year and I’d work it all through with the school holidays.

“I’ve even come back from holidays specifically … to donate.”

When asked why donating blood is so important to him, Paul’s eyes flooded with tears.

“Up until my 750th [donation] ... no family member of mine has ever needed blood … it’s just something I got into,” he said.

“On my 800th donation they brought a lady in … who had lost the ability to walk, but through products which are derived from blood donors … she regained that ability.

“She came in and gave me a special hug.”

The federal government reports that about one in three Australians will require blood or blood products in their lifetime, which means that it will touch almost everyone through friends or family.

Julie Seddon is one such resident from Melbourne’s north-west whose life has been impacted by blood donations.

“I started donating blood [in around 2016] when someone I knew had been diagnosed with an illness,” she said.

“Then my mum was diagnosed in February this year … with acute myeloid leukaemia.”

Julie said her mother’s life was transformed after she received blood donations.

“They call it Lifeblood and essentially that is exactly what it is … it gave her life back,” she said. “With her leukaemia she had very low haemoglobin, so [she was] very pale, very tired and breathless.

“After having some blood, immediately you could see the colour come back into her face, she had more energy, she could breathe properly.

“She was more herself.”

Julie said it was amazing to see this change in her mother, and she recommends anyone who is considering donating blood to give it a go.

“It’s something that you can do for your community, it’s selfless, it doesn’t cost you anything, [and] there’s no negatives about it, it’s all positive.

“There’s a lot of families that are in the position where someone is unwell and needs those products in order to survive.

“You just never know when it’s going to be you.

“You can walk around thinking that everything’s great and then all of a sudden somebody gets a life changing diagnosis.”

The government reports that just one in 30 Australians roll up their sleeves to donate blood, which means that 10 times the amount of Australians who donate, will require blood or blood products in their lifetime.

World Blood Donor Day, which occurs annually on June 14, aims to increase this awareness of the need for blood and blood products, while thanking donors for their life saving gift.

SunburyresidentRobertIrvineispassionate about donating blood, and achieved 196 donationsbeforebeingdiagnosedwithcancer.

“The blood bank is very, very careful, so there’s a whole range of things which will stop you donating,” Robert said.

“With cancer it’s a five year hiatus and then you can go back [in most cases].”

Robert said he felt disappointed when he found out he could not donate blood due to his diagnosis and looks forward to donating again.

“Every step of the way in my treatment I said to the surgeons ‘can I give blood now’?

“Before all of this I actually decided that I would go to the blood banks all around

Victoria, so I’ve donated in Warrnambool, Ballarat, Bendigo.

“I thought that’s pretty cool, you’re camping in Warrnambool, got some time and you can go to the blood bank in Warrnambool.”

Robert said he encourages anyone who can donate blood to go and they will also receive a health check in the process.

“One slight consequence [of donating] is you get a little health check, you find out

what blood type you are, they do a test for haemoglobin, blood pressure etc.

“You know, it’s not just about take, take, take all the time … it’s very altruistic … it’s just a good feeling.”

As Australia continues to progress further into winter, Lifeblood is also urging Australians to donate blood.

They said the cold and flu season, with ongoing COVID-19 cases, has created a perfect storm for blood donor shortage.

At the start of June Lifeblood said about 2000 donors a week are cancelling and rescheduling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms, and it is expected to get worse.

Lifeblood donor experience executive director Cath Stone said Lifeblood data shows that higher numbers of people are cancelling orreschedulingduetocold,fluandCOVID-19 symptoms when compared to last year.

“We are expecting those cancellations to increase over the coming weeks,” Ms Stone said.

“So are asking people with O and A blood types to book a donation … [as] more than 80 per cent of the population has an O or A blood type.”

To make an appointment to donate Australians can call or visit the Lifeblood website.

Details: 13 14 95 or lifeblood.com.au

Julie Seddon’s mother who has acute myeloid leukaemia. (Supplied)

‘‘ They call it Lifeblood and essentially that is exactly what it is … it gave her life back ’’ - Julie Seddon

Paul Jenkins has donated blood 850 times. (Damjan Janevski) 339036_06

Nestled in a black armchair at the Lifeblood Airport West Donor Centre, Paul Jenkins, 71, settles in to complete his 850th blood donation. Victoria’s highest donor and Australia’s second highest chats to Zoe Moffatt about World Blood Donor Day and the importance of donating.

SOURCE: The Australian Government department of health and aged care.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago

June 16, 1993

Melton councillor Ron Russell is set to become the crusader of the public transportcauseinMeltonandthewestern suburbs.

25 years ago

June 17, 1998

Two landslips in Anthony’s Cutting last week blocked the west-bound lane of the Western Highway for five hours.

20 years ago

June 17, 2003

Environment Victoria has joined the call for an extra rail track to be built between Melton and Deer Park. to ease train congestion on the Ballarat to Melbourne line.

15 years ago

June 17, 2008

Transport-starved residents have welcomed the state Opposition’s promise tospend$15milliononbuildingarailway station for Caroline Springs, saying the project is well overdue.

YOURNEWCAREER ...startshere

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

EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

The

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT

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.

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

The Gap on Graham

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

n Val, 0414 769 605

Melton Men’s Group

Melton Men’s Group 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.

n meltonmensgroup.home.blog

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.

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

Parkinson’s support group

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

n Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Bridge Club

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

n Rosemary, 0407 894 817

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.

n 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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

n Ann 0425 705 150

U3A Melton

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

n 0419 563 016

Melton South Knit & Natter

All are welcome to join this social crafting

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

n 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.

n Suzanne, 0417 512 420

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.

n 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.

n 0403 057 003

Community singing group

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

n Val, 0418 667 150

Melton Combined Probus Club

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

n 9746 0271

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, Melton. n 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.

n 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. n https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

Garden Club

The 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 or $15. New members welcome.

n Michelle, 0421 106 268

Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens

Join to play cards, bingo, indoor bowls or pool. Visitors are encouraged to come and

see how much you will love the activities and the company. After two weeks, you’ll be anxious to become a member. Meet at the Andy Arnold Centre, 10 Bennett Street, Bacchus Marsh. Different activities at different times.

n Hope, 0417 905 364

Community Band

Greater Western Community Band, (founded 1991) is based in Melton. Rehearsals are on Thursdays 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Blackwood Drive Hall, Melton South. They welcome musicians young and old to come along and join in with the band. Also available for performance at events and festivals.

n Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582

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, June 24. Call the centre for information (including times and prices), or to enrol.

n 9747 8576

Dip Powder Nails workshop

Learn to do your own SNS-style manicures in Melton South Community Centre’s upcoming Dip Powder Nails workshop, happening on Saturday, June 24, 10am to 4pm. In this fun and hands-on one-day course, you’ll learn all about natural nail and tip application, nail repair, removal, refills and jewel nail art. Students receive a kit of materials and a certificate of participation. Cost: $150 or $145 concession. Call the centre for information and enrolments.

n 9747 8576

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 Point Cook residents Eden, 10, and Mason, 8, who are competing in the World Ninja Championships in Florida in July. (Damjan Janevski) 339089_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 36 7 159 9345 6

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Type of nut (6)

4 Country of Southeast Asia (8)

9 Cover story (5)

3 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

5 Human manifestation (6)

6 Common name for the US (7)

7 Rummaged (9)

8 Dissect (7)

4 7521 126 8 84

10 Neighbour of Mexico (9)

11 Popular aquarium fish (5)

12 Elusively (9)

13 Native American tribe (8)

15 Hang (6)

16 Hymn tune (6)

18 Fades back (8)

23 Forming a mental image of (9)

24 Used to speak (5)

26 Artworks (9)

27 Father of Beau and Jeff Bridges (5)

28 Adorn (8)

29 Suppress information (6)

DOWN

1 In a state of disorder (7)

2 Woman’s garment (5)

10 Australian rugby league player and former Senator, – Lazarus (5)

14 Pathological self-admirer (9)

16 Broke off a small piece (7)

17 Pilot (7)

19 Spurs on (5)

20 Town in southern Spain (7)

21 Slim (7)

22 Type of finch (6)

25 Idols (5)

easy 25 8 159 93 1

DECODER WORDFIT

61 2 658297

379826 9 84

21 4 75 18 5

medium 7512 47652 3249

hard

56 3 59 63 2

9-LETTER WORD

U N I

A E

20 words: Good 30 words: Very good 40 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: 3

D T S E E

A

axed, axes, dash, date, dates, death, ease, eased, east, eats, exeat, exhaust, EXHAUSTED, hades, haste, hate, hated, hates, haute, head, heads, headset, heat, heated, heats, sate, sated, seat, seated, sedate, seta, setae, shad, shade, shea, stead, taxed, taxes, tease, teased

No. 137

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

QUICK QUIZ

E T Y G U S T S U N T I E I M A G E D A R E D E N T R Y

2 Which famous singer had the nickname ‘The Chairman of the Board’?

3 Which former PM had the nickname ‘The Silver Bodgie’?

4 What is the chemical symbol for silver?

5 Which country’s name means ‘made of silver’?

6 Which city hosts the International Court of Justice (pictured)?

7 The Yiddish language is part of which language group?

8 Which country controls the Suez Canal?

9 What kind of animal is a hellbender?

10 In Dante's epic poem Inferno, which ancient poet guides the author through the layers of hell?

LETTERS ADS AGE ALL APE APT BOA COD DIM ELK EVE EYE GEE ION IRE NIL ODE OPT ORE SIT TIP TON USE WIG YAK 4 LETTERS DEEP EBBS ESKY IDEA MUSS SACS SEAS SEED SODS SPED STEM SWAB TOMB TOSS 5 LETTERS ABIDE ADORE AGREE ALTOS ASSET ATONE BEANS BESET BLANK BYTES CABLE CASTE CASTS CLEAN COOED DELIS HAUNT HOSTS IRATE MEDIA MOSSY MUSED MUSTS ONION ONSET PALER PERKS RIOTS SANDS SANGS SARIS SCOPE SEATS SEEDY SIDED SLEDS SMEAR SODAS STALE STAMP STEWS STOKE TRAIT TRIPE TROOP ULTRA UNCLE UNTIE VESTS WAITS 6 LETTERS COASTS CUCKOO HAMMER REUSES 7 LETTERS ACCEDES MEMOIRS NITRATE ROOSTED STARKER TETHERS 8 LETTERS ABSENTEE ALLERGIC ARTISTIC ATTAINED 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 X T C V G P H I L U B S K A E Z W M D Y F Q O J R N 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 16-06-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 219465387 624159738 492376851 537918264 978623145 783591426 846237519 351784692 165842973 easy medium hard 518642793 859714326 475268931 732189465 347826159 293451687 964375218 126593874 681937542 637958142 194765283 362547918 945126837 286413759 578691324 821374695 753289461 419832576 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 JN ANSWERS: 1. South Atlantic 2. Frank Sinatra 3. Bob Hawke 4. Ag 5. Argentina 6. The Hague 7. Germanic 8. Egypt 9. Salamander 10. Virgil

No. 137

No. 137

No. 137

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team recently qualified for the NBA Finals for the first time?

2. Recently banned for match fixing, Devon Thomas played for which national cricket team?

3. Vinícius Júnior plays for

4. New Zealand professional racing driver Brendon Hartley has won how many FIA World Endurance Championships?

5. Which AFL team was known as Yartapuulti for the Sir Doug Nicholls Round?

Anthony Griffin was recently fired as head coach of which NRL team?

Melbourne Park has been the home of the Australian Open tennis tournament since which year?

Former Australian cricket coach Justin Langer scored how many Test centuries in his playing career?

9. What is the nickname of the Australian women’s water polo team?

10. How many grand finals in VFL/AFL history have ended in draws?

11. Which soccer team does Alexia Putellas play for?

12. Ex-NBA star Scottie Pippen recently criticised which other former teammate and NBA legend?

13. Ken Hinkley is the coach of which AFL team?

14. In which month will the 19th edition of the Asian games take place?

15. And which city will host the games?

16. By what name is the Roland-Garros tournament also known as?

17. What is the nickname for the UK Women’s national soccer team?

18. Which two sports are considered to be the oldest in the world?

19. Which NASCAR driver faced backlash after crashing into Denny Hamlin with a ‘dangerous’ left hook during a race?

20. What nationality is tennis star Garbiñe Muguruza?

21. Carrom and googly are terms used in which sport?

22. Which former West Coast Eagles forward co-hosts an adventure TV show with Ronny Dahl?

23. How many players are on the ice for one team during an ice hockey game?

24. Roy Kent is a fictional character in which sports comedy-drama series?

25. In which year did Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny make his wrestling debut?

26. The Denver Nuggets are facing off against which other team in the NBA finals?

27. Italy will host the Winter Olympics in what year?

28. Which country will hold this year’s Rugby World Cup?

29. How many AFL teams changed their names during this year’s Indigenous round?

30. And what did Fremantle change to?

DISC

IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Marsh Bacchus Marsh Information Centre 215 Main Street

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• 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

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

• Darley Champions IGA Grey Street

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Highway upgrade pledge

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• Melton South Station Square Shopping Centre 25 Station Road

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• Toolern

Lexus SUV shines ever brightly

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

More than 20 years ago Toyota lit up the automotive world with the introduction of the Prius petrol / electric hybrid car. The sedan’s asymmetric hybrid fuel saving system became the mainstay of the automobile maker’s electric vehicles, even becoming the power plant of choice for taxis around the world.

Needless to say, this did not go un-noticed withToyota’sluxeautopartnerLexusplugging in to the development for its range of saloons and SUVs. Latest model to take the petrol / electric path is the fifth (fourth in Australia) generation RX SUV.

The hybrid makes up eight of the 14 variants on offer Down Under and comes in front- or all-wheel drive. Prices start at $87,500, plus on-road costs, for the RX350h Luxury FWD and top out at $126,000 for the RX500h F Sport Performance AWD.

The Luxury grade as standard has bi-LED headlamps, daytime running lamps, front and rear fog lamps, heated and driver’s side auto-dimming exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, roof rails and 19-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke design combining a bright machined finish and dark grey metallic surface treatment. Despite being well equipped for the price, there is a choice of two enhancement packs to add further to the ownership experience.

For example, the test vehicle, an RX 350h Luxury AWD, was fitted with Enhancement Package 1, which consists of Panoramic roof with slide, leather-accented upholstery, driver’s seat memory, easy access entry (seat and steering wheel), heated and ventilated front seats, high-grade instrument cluster and head-up displays, touch sensor-type steering wheel controls, smart key card and wireless smartphone charger. This would set back the buyer an extra $5500.

The Lexus five-years unlimited kilometre warranty applies to all RX models. Capped price servicing has been extended from three to five years and is set at $695 for each scheduled service, with intervals set at 12 months or 15,000 km. All RXs come with a three-year subscription to Lexus Encore owner benefits program.

Styling

ThetrademarkLexusspindlegrillecontinuesto evolve into a more laid-back look with removal of the chrome frame, allowing the edges of the diamond grille to integrate with the vehicle’s body.However,withamoreverticalorientation and wide air intakes flanking, the front end retains the robust theme of the original spindle

Headlight cues come from the seamlessly integrated look of NX and LX SUV siblings, featuring Lexus’s signature L-shaped daytime running lights. and a three-projector high / low-beam lamp with adaptive high-beam technology, while fog and cornering lamps are nicely integrated into the lower side air intakes.

At the rear, the new LED tail-light signature of the Lexus SUV line-up is defined by a full-width LED light along the tailgate, flanked by L-shaped tail lights. L-E-X-U-S lettering, no longer the ‘L’ badge, runs across the tailgate in keeping with the current automobile fashion, while muscular wheel arches taper towards the roof to give the new RX a sporty stance.

Interior

As well as the sophisticated cabin styling we have come to expect from Lexus, and the latest in equipment, the new RX has taken on extra width, and wheelbase has been increased, freeing up more space for occupants.

All Luxury grades include heated, eight-way adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar adjustment, synthetic leather trim, three-zone climate control with air purification, auto-dimming rear view mirror, carpet floor mats, four cup holders, cargo cover and power tailgate. As well, the driver enjoys easy access to and from a steering wheel with electrically adjustable steering column, and paddle shifters,

Infotainment

Standard is the latest Lexus multimedia system courtesy of a 14-inch high-definition touchscreen, with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, plus 12-speaker Panasonic sound. Audio aficionados need to shell out for the higher Sports grades to take advantage of 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound.

The info system offers in-built satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and Lexus Connected Services, providing further convenience and peace of mind. Five USB-C ports are scattered throughout the cabin, along with two 12V sockets and one USB-A port to support multimedia connection and smartphone charging.

Engine and transmission

The heart of the hybrid powertrain is the RX 350h featuring Lexus’ signature series-parallel hybrid system teaming a 2.5-litre aspirated petrol engine to either one or two motor generators, depending on front or all-wheel drive configuration.

Tuned to produce 140 kW at 6000 rpm and 239 Nm between 4300 and 4500 rpm, with the hybrid unit, maximum combined power output is 184 kW. The petrol engine drives the front wheels via an e-CVT, with a six-step sequential mode.

Safety

Lexus Safety Sense+ active safety features are included across the RX range, including the pre-collision system with intersection collision avoidance support, emergency steering assist

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

Lexus RX350h Luxury FWD: $87,500

Lexus RX350h Luxury AWD: $92,000

Lexus RX350h Luxury FWD + Enhancement Pack: $92,600

Lexus RX350h Luxury AWD + Enhancement Pack: $97,500

Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury AWD: $111,900

Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury AWD + Enhancement Pack 1: $114,900

Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury AWD + Enhancement Pack 2: $115,800

Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance AWD: $126,000

SPECIFICATIONS

Lexus RX 350h Luxury 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol, electric motors, CVT automatic, AWD

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

and low-speed acceleration suppression, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, parking support brake, blind spot monitor, plus rear cross-traffic alert. New is a driver monitoring camera which keeps track of the driver’s concentration, warning of any lapse. All new-generation RX models feature safe exit assist, incorporating new electrically activated door handles which

detect cyclists or vehicles passing close to the vehicle and keep the door shut.

Driving

A lightweight permanent magnet synchronous motor is housed within the transaxle, capable of producing an instant 134kW / 270Nm, improving acceleration from rest.

A second motor generator is placed on the rear axle, providing eFour all-wheel drive in low-traction conditions. This is tuned to produce 40 kW and 121 Nm.

The RX 350h employs a newly developed nickel-metal hydride battery, placed under the rear seat, which with Improvements to motor technology, have almost doubled top speed in EV mode from 68 km/h to 125 km/h. With the downsizing of the petrol engine from a 3.5-litre V6 to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit, fuel economy has also improved, with the RX 350h AWD claiming as little as 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 123 g/km. The test car, on recommended 95RON petrol, averaged 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres in varying driving conditions over a week.

Driving aids have been built into the body design with the front edge of the bonnet raised to make it easier for drivers to note the vehicle extremities, while the height of the bonnet bulge has been optimised to help the driver pick the right line on cornering.

Summary

Withtheadditionofworthyenhancements,the RX 350h Luxury AWD delivers everything we havecometoexpectfromasmart,sophisticated Lexus sports utility vehicle. Time to invest?

With minor upgrades the RX 350h Luxury hybrid keeps Lexus at the forefront of the large luxe SUV segment. (Pictures: Supplied)

Strikers build on encouraging start

Westside Strikers know they can’t slip up if they want to consolidate their spot in FV state league 3 north-west.

At the halfway mark of the competition, the Strikers sit seventh on the ladder with four wins and three draws from their 11 matches.

The competition though is incredibly close with just seven points separating third placed Diamond Valley United and 11th placed Point Cook.

Strikers coach Simon Vasconcelo said there hadbeensomereallypositivesignsintheirfirst season in this division.

“It has been a challenge, rebuilding and having a whole new team,” he said.

“The first goal was to put out a team and be competitive and we are doing that.

“Sometimes the results aren’t as good as we feel like we deserve.

“The boys are playing some good football,

we need to take a few more chances and it will create a few more points.”

Vasconcelo said they had been able to gain some respect in the first half of the season which was important for them.

He said they wanted to play in a good spirit and get some good results.

Vasconcelo said the aim for the second half of the season was to turn some of those close results into more points.

He said there were some encouraging signs for the second half of the season, but there was plenty of hard work to do.

“The pressure is on even the third placed team can not relax,” he said. “They need to look over their shoulder, a couple of wins or a couple of losses changes things.

“It’s one of the tightest leagues going around.

“It makes it exciting and you want to be part ofthecompetition.Thepressureisonthewhole

time, you’re always fighting.”

Vasconcelo, who was one of the Strikers inaugural players, said it was a different challenge stepping up into the head coaching role.

“It’s different to reserves and juniors,” he said. “You always want to win, but the pressure is on to win every game as the club depends on the senior team to get results.

“We’ve gone up a division and you don’t want to make the wrong choices and the club is down the bottom.

“You’re always thinking, it’s a 24-7 job.”

The Strikers were set to face the Sebastopol Vikings on Saturday, after deadline.

The Strikers lost the first time round with Vasconcelo saying they believed they were better prepared to take the points this time round.

Sports shorts

Futsal

The inaugural F-League and State Futsal League will kick off in September with hopes it will unite and elevate Futsal in the state.

Football

Victoria announced that the F-League will serve as top-tier competition for Open men and women, while the State Futsal League will cater for boys and girls in the under-12, under-14 and under-16 age groups. The start date for both competitions has been proposed as September 23, with a 10 round season to follow that concludes on the weekend of November 25.

Cricket

Cricket Victoria is making changes to the junior player pathway. In metro regions, the existing Victorian Premier Cricket representative competitions of the Dowling Shield and Marg Jennings Cup will be shifted to younger age groups. Additionally, a new Premier Cricket under-18’s competition will be created, ensuring the top age of the pathway aligns with the state’s highest level of club competition. Country regions will have a new competition called the ‘Country Cup’, catering to the same age groups as the Dowling Shield and Marg Jennings Cup competitions. The revamped Cricket Victoria Player Pathway will replace the Youth Premier League.

VNL

Mixed results for Lakers

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs’ up and down start to the Western Region Football League division 1 season has been reflected in the results so far.

The Lakers entered the weekend’s King’s Birthday bye with a 4-4 record and in fourth spot, after a number of close results in recent weeks had tested them.

Lakers coach Brian Lake admits that it hasn’t been the ideal start to the season.

“It has been an up and down two months,” he said. “We had three season ending injuries to key players.

“We started off well, but the last four weeks we’ve been balancing availability and injuries and what not, but that’s footy.”

LakesaidthelossesofMitchellBongiovanni, Courtenay Dempsey and Timothy Speirs, who are out for the season, hurt the side with all three senior experienced players.

He said at the same time it opened up opportunities for other players to step up.

“We played a lot of younger guys last year and they’re getting more opportunities,“ he said. “We’ve been lucky with how many guys we have. We have a thirds side as well.

“Not just in the senior side, we’ve had injuries in the reserves as well. Our depth had been terrific.

“Some clubs have been struggling since after COVID to field sides, we’ve been pretty lucky with numbers.”

Sitting mid-table, Lake knows that they still have plenty of improvement left in the squad.

He said they would hopefully get some guys back from injury, while others would start to hit form.

“It’s a really even competition,” he said.

“We played Point Cook Centrals on the weekend and they’re a side to come up to division 1, it’s a big jump and they are a really competitive side that pushed us.

“Is the competition better than last year or are we a little bit down? It’s probably a bit of both.”

Lake said the bye came at the perfect weekend for the group, with a number of sore players in need of a rest.

The coach himself is one of the most thankful for the break.

“There’s a point where I have to slow down and I didn’t expect to play that many games,” he said. “You are a long time retired and I still love footy and can’t help myself.”

The Lakers this week face bottom side Hoppers Crossing.

Lake said this was an important part for their season.

“We play Hoppers Crossing and Yarraville Seddon both at home,” he said. “It’s an important stretch and we should get some guys back and get other players into form.

“The aim is to make the top four. We’ll keep aiming for that and see what happens from there.”

Yarraville Seddon was set to host Point Cook in the only WRFL match on Saturday, after deadline.

The City West Falcons winning ways continued on Wednesday night in the Victorian Netball League championship division. The Ariels proved no match for the Falcons in the 82-47 win, with the Falcons heavily rotating their players in the win. Jane Cook shot 54 goals in 44 minutes of court time, while Uneeq Palavi shot 20 goals. The Falcons remain on top of the ladder.

Football Bacchus Marsh’s Lucca Grego has made the final Vic Metro squad for the AFL under-18 boys National Championships. Grego was named in the 36-player squad to compete at the championships. Vic Metro was set to start their campaign on Sunday against South Australia, after deadline.

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Tara Murray Westside Strikers Caio Da Silva. (Jacob Pattison) 326659_03

Braedon Mclean. (Jacob Pattison)337307_12

Ivory scratches an itch and steps up to coach

New Melton South Royals coach Blake Ivory had the itch to step up and coach again.

Having previously coached the Victorian Turf Cricket Association club, Ivory has stepped back and just captained the club’s second XI in recent seasons.

But with Dean Pirro stepping down as coach due to work commitments, Ivory found the urge to coach again.

“I’ve been in the role before,” he said. “I came to the club in 2015 and coached for five years.

“I’ve always had a strong interest in coaching, but I needed a break and I had a young son.

“I stepped away from it for a few years, but the passion and the bug is back and I’m ready to get back into it.”

Ivory said he enjoyed captaining the second XI for the past four or five seasons as it allowed him to continue in a leadership role, with the team making grand finals and semi finals.

In a positive sign for the Royals, Pirro will remain at the club and continue to play a key role in their senior side.

“Dean has been a very integral player for the club since juniors,” Ivory said.

“With work commitments, it made it a little bit difficult at the end of the year. He works night shift.

“He will continue to add leadership.”

Ivory said the core group from last season had already re-signed led by division 5 competition beat and fairest winner Sameera Vithana.

The club’s other two Sri Lankans Thiwanka Kekulawala and Sachika Udarahave headed home but are returning in August ahead of next season.

Ivory said they believed they had one of the stronger squads in the division and they would look add a couple more pieces

Ivory said the team was determined to improve on the last couple of seasons and

finally earn promotion into division 4.

Hesaidtherehadbeensomedisappointment the last couple of years, having fell just short in division 5.

“We feel like we’ve been in the top two to three teams both year,” he said. “It’s a matter of moments, things here or there that could have gone either way.

“We feel like we deserve the opportunity. We have to do the basics a bit better. East Coburg beat us by three runs in the semi final, they were a good side and ended up winning the grand final comfortably.

“It was bittersweet and hopefully we can build on that this season.”

Outside of the seniors, things are going well for the club as it approaches its second season back at the Melton Recreation Reserve.

The club’s junior program is continuing to grow with the club having four sides last season.

Thoroughbreds hoping their luck changes

MeltonThoroughbredsaregoingtokeep working hard as they look to turn their Big V men’s division 2 season around.

The Thoroughbreds haven’t won a match since before the Easter break, but could consider themselves unlucky not to have a few more wins on the board.

The Thoroughbreds have had four losses four points or less since Easter, including their most recent loss in overtime to the Altona Gators.

Thoroughbreds coach Mick McCallum said they wish they knew the reason why they couldn’t get across the line.

“We keep stumbling at the last minute,” he said. “We’re not sure what it is and we can’t put a finger on it.

“We’re doing everything right and doing all the hard work, but we can’t get over the line.”

McCallum said there were a lot of positives in what the group is doing, it just isn’t showing in the results.

He said the group was pretty resilient, but the close losses were starting to take their toll.

Panthers stick to plan

By Tara Murray

Melton South is sticking to the plan despite the departure of co-coach Jason Hamilton during the Ballarat Football League bye break.

Hamilton made the call to move on after being told he wasn’t in the club’s future plans, leaving Ryan Hoy as the Panthers sole coach.

Hoy said it had been tough on the playing group, but they continue to stick together.

“We have to move on,” he said. “They are gutted as they had a good relationship with Jason.

“I heard the news about Jason but decided to stay. I had brought in five or six blokes to the club and I couldn’t leave them behind.

“We’ll look to keep working hard at the back end of the season and try and get something out of it.”

The Panthers are yet to win a match this season, with an average losing margin of more than 100 points.

Having lost several of their top players

in the off season and then with a number of injuries it was always going to be tough for the side.

Hoy said the playing group’s spirits were still really good despite the nature of the season so far.

“The vibe is still good,” he said. “We had a pool session last night [Tuesday] and we had 40 blokes come down.

“Most of the players have been around the clubtheirwholelives.Notmuchphasesthem.”

Hoy said the departure of Hamilton was a speed hump in the journey, not a stop sign.

He said the focus on giving the younger guys opportunities would continue.

“I’ll look to add a few things I believe that might need to be done going forward,” he said.

“We worked well together with the same coaching style. I won’t go away from what we set out to do at the start of the season.”

Hoy said they would continue to play the young kids with another two under-17s set to get their chance this week.

He said the young talent in the group was one of the massive positives out of the season so far.

“We’re going to play guys who will be senior footballers for years to come,” he said.

“There’s definitely a lot of young talent at the club. I’ve coached under-19s, I’ve coached Dane Swan, Brendan Fevola and Aaron Edwards.

“I’ve never seen such a young group connected to a club. The club has so much untapped potential, it’s about making sure they have the right coaching.

“They are under no illusions where we’re at. They brought in for the next two to three years and so have the recruits.”

Hoy said for the group the second half of the season the scoreboard is irrelevant, it’s about focusing on the individual growth of players and the group overall.

The Panthers this Saturday are on the road against Bacchus Marsh, which is coming off its first win of the season.

“We’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing,” he said. “We will work hard on what we need to work on and hopefully the wins will come soon.”

The Thoroughbreds had the weekend off due to the King’s Birthday long weekend bye.

McCallum said that it had come at the right time with a number of players playing big minutes.

He said they always knew this season would be a rebuilding season and all the signs show they are heading in the right direction.

The Thoroughbreds this week face ladder leaders the Whittlesea Pacers and the Mornington Breakers.

The Thoroughbreds youth league side has also had an up and down season.

“They had a few injuries,” McCallum said. “They are starting to gel together. They were always going to take some time to piece it all together and are heading in the right direction.”

Tara Murray

Blake Ivory. (Supplied)

Mitch Fino. (Jacob Pattison )331334_07

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