Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 29th August 2023

Ovarian cancer hope

By Liam McNally

For Bacchus Marsh mum Rochelle McKenry, ovarian cancer is a deeply personal topic that reaches deep into her family history, but a new blood test currently in development may change the way she looks at the illness.

Ms McKenry’s family are five-generation BRCA2 carriers, a gene mutation that puts carriers at increased risk of developing certain hereditary cancers including breast, prostate and ovarian cancers.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all cancers affecting women in Australia, and a silent killer.

The current five year survival rate is 49 per cent and this has not changed substantively in 50 years, according to the Hudson Institute of Medical Research (HIMR).

Research Foundation (OCRF), has developed a new diagnostic test for ovarian cancer which, pending regulatory approval, may be available for triage use by 2025.

The blood tests will be underpinned by a patented novel biomarker, CXCL10, which is produced early and at high levels by ovarian cancers, but not in non-malignant disease.

The blood test is now being commercialised by ASX-bound Australian company Cleo Diagnostics Ltd, and HIMR chief executive Professor Elizabeth Hartland said Hudson InstituteisdelightedtobepartneringwithCleo Diagnostics to take work on ovarian cancer one step closer to delivering a much-needed diagnostic test.

CLEO Diagnostics lead medical advisor Professor Tom Jobling said this new test will help ensure that an optimal management plan can be put in place early, which will streamline the referral process and provide the best care for patients.

“This also extends to patients with benign conditions, where early identification will permit direction to more appropriate use of resources,” he said.

Ms Mckenry said a diagnostic test would be brilliant.

- Rochelle

Currently, there is no accurate and reliable detection test for ovarian cancer.

Invasive surgery to remove the ovaries remains the only way to definitively diagnose the presence of malignant disease.

Ms McKenry lost her great grandmother to ovarian cancer, and upon learning they were BRCA2 positive, her mother and aunty made the choice to undergo risk management surgery.

Ms McKenry is also due to undergo the surgery in September, saying she weighed the decision over two years.

“I didn’t want someone telling me that I needed to get rid of parts of my body to live a longer life,” she said.

“I’d only just had my second daughter and it was a confronting time.”

In the near future, a new blood test may be available to improve ovarian cancer diagnosis, with the potential to reduce unnecessary surgery.

HIMR, funded by the Ovarian Cancer

“The prevention of unnecessary risk management surgery is amazing,” she said “Going through that change early in life is hard…yesyou’reremovingtheriskbuttohave this choice through this blood test, it’s a major breakthrough.

“If this was available to us earlier, I wouldn’t have had to go through two years of trying to come to terms with the reality of taking away my body parts, it’s an emotional rollercoaster.”

MsMcKenrysaidthetesthasthepotentialto be important for her children when they grow older.

“Our children legally can’t test for this gene untilthey’reofage…Forthem,Ihopethatthis gene won’t change their life,” she said.

“I hope they will live a long and prosperous life, life is filled with worries but that shouldn’t be one of them.

“The world of BRCA2 is changing, people, the government, and the health system are becoming more aware. I hope that by the time [they’re older they’ll have] tests like this blood test, and I hope they will have something like this for breast cancer as well.”

Rochelle McKenry (middle) with her mother Beverley Butler (left), her aunty Glenda Cusack (right) and her daughters Matilda, 5 and Lillian, 8. (Supplied)

‘‘ I didn’t want someone telling me that I needed to get rid of parts of my body to live a longer life ’’

McKenry

Last week I had the honour of joining the Minister Natalie Hutchins MP, State Member for Sydenham, to open the newly upgraded Banchory Green Reserve in Hillside. The $704,000 upgrade was made possible thanks to a Victorian Government Growing Suburbs Fund grant that matched dollar-fordollar Council’s investment in the park.

The upgrades deliver a muchimproved community space with passive recreation opportunities for all age groups and improved amenity. The upgraded park features new landscaping, new playground equipment, seating and shade structures. The tennis court and basketball court have also been resurfaced.

With so much new play equipment from a big basket swing to cubby houses in addition to picnic facilities, shade structures and upgraded sports surfaces, Banchory Green will be a place to enjoy for families and kids of all ages.

On the topic of our beautiful open spaces, over the next month, Council is undertaking planning for the Lake Caroline Masterplan and Activation Strategy.

Lake Caroline is the heart of Caroline Springs and a big part of many peoples’ lives. We want to make it even better.

The strategy will help us determine what you value about the lake and what needs improving. We’re especially keen to hear about what we could add to encourage more community use – including on the water.

We are inviting everyone to help shape the exciting future for Lake Caroline.

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

Melton Learning Festival

Discover the full program and details on how to book, visit our website: melton.vic.gov.au/LearningFestival

Rates notices

Our annual rates notices went out this month. Your rates support everybody in our community – from newborn babies to our older residents. Rates allow Council to provide a range of services, programs, facilities, and community infrastructure, from footpaths, streetlights, local roads and bins, to parks, gardens, libraries, sports facilities, and community centres. The rate increase for 2023/24 is

Bookings have opened for over 30 free workshops at this year’s Melton Learning Festival from 2 to 9 September. From young adventurers to seasoned knowledgeseekers, this festival has something for everyone.

The festival takes learning out of the

classroom and into kitchens, gardens, community centres and libraries. Help us kick the festival off on Saturday 2 September at Melton Library and Learning Hub, with live music, face painting, henna painting, a magic show, live butterflies and complimentary food and coffee.

Love Where You Are

3.25% (below the State Government rate cap of 3.5%) and equates to an average rate increase for our residents of around $1.05 per week. Nearly half of all households will actually see an increase that is less than that. An $85 pensioner rebate will again be available to eligible property owners. The easiest way to pay your rates is online, visit melton. vic.gov/rates for payment options and hardship support information.

Coburn Ward with Cr Bob Turner

The City of Melton Business Excellence Awards is on again for its 16th year and I wanted to congratulate all the finalists showcasing the very best in business, innovation and resilience in our community.

These awards are one of many Council initiatives helping local businesses thrive.

Twenty-seven outstanding businesses from hospitality, trades, professional services, and creative industries are now in the running to win a business excellence award in nine categories. All nominated businesses will receive

feedback from our judges who are experienced business professionals. Our economic development team will also offer them opportunities for mentoring, training and access to the Venture Melton Business Network. At the end of the day, everyone wins, especially our local businesses and their customers.

Find out more at melton.vic.gov.au/ businessawards

I invite everyone to come down to Melton Library and Learning Hub between 2 and 9 September to take part in our annual Learning Festival.

Love Where You Are, a new exhibition at the Melton Civic Centre from Tess Angala, features quirky illustrations, inclusive themes and abstract portraiture that represent the diversity of our local Melton community. The exhibition will be open in Melton Civic Centre from August 2023 until February 2024. You can find out more at melton.vic.gov.au/ LoveWhereYouAre

We’re kicking off on Saturday 2 September with live music, face painting, henna painting, a magic show, live butterflies and complimentary food and coffee – and over 30 free workshops and activities will run all week from the library. To find out more and to book free tickets, go to melton.vic.gov.au/ LearningFestival

I am available to meet with residents most Saturday mornings from 9am, by appointment. Please contact Barb McKenzie on 9747 7200 to book a time, or contact me on 0412 584 224 or bob.turner@melton.vic.gov.au

Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Deputy Mayor Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Justine Farrugia

Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

Alignment for link road released

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has announced its preferred road alignment for the proposed Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road.

Work on the Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road planning study started in May 2017. The road, if built, would divert heavy vehicles and through-traffic from the centre of town to ease congestion and improve safety.

Option B Alternative, which is about 11 kilometres in length, begins at an upgraded Gisborne Road/Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road intersection and would intersect with the Western Freeway at a new central interchange, approximately midway between the Gisborne

Road interchange and Bacchus Marsh Road.

DTP regional director for the Grampians RegionSimonGrantsaidthedecisionwasbased upon a series of major technical investigations and community consultation.

“We’ve completed a $3 million planning study to identify a preferred eastern link road alignment in Bacchus Marsh that will improve traffic flow and safety,” he said.

“We’ll now seek direction on what planning pathway is required going forward.”

TheDTPsaidtheroutewaschosenasitmeets the project’s objectives to divert heavy vehicles and through traffic away from the Bacchus Marsh town centre, improve efficiency and

safety, reduce congestion and provide a direct connection to the Western Freeway for freight transportation between the Port of Geelong, Ballarat, Adelaide and the Calder Freeway.

As reported by Star Weekly , Moorabool council had expressed frustration that the government was due to announce a preferred option in early 2023.

Moorabool mayor Rod Ward said on Monday, August 21 council was notified of the preferredrouteviaaletteraddressedtoaffected landowners and nearby properties.

“Councilwillreviewtheinformationreleased by DTP to gain a full understanding of the implications, including community impacts,

Historic kiln restored to former glory

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

The Chicory Kiln in Taverner Street, which servedasacrucialelementofthelocalindustry in the early 1900s, was listed as a heritage site in2016,followingthehardworkoftheBacchus Marsh Historical Society.

The works included roof repairs to prevent the building’s roof from collapsing, repairs to rainwater goods, doors and brickwork, as well as a condition assessment report and treatment proposal of historic signage on the building’s exterior.

The Chicory Kiln was built in 1885 by the owners of the first general business store in Bacchus Marsh, the Pearce family.

The building provided a drying facility for their chicory crops which were processed as a coffee substitute.

A community viewing of the kiln was held on August 25 with 100 attending with lunch was provided by the Lions Club.

Bacchus Marsh Lions Club member and project co-ordinator Russ Hendry said the restoration will ensure the community can understand the history behind the building.

“It was a great community project …

Hopefully many will visit the kiln to see how it operated 140 years ago,” he said.

The project was supported by a $33,000 state government grant, match funded by the property owner, and fundraising efforts by localcommunitygroupsincludingtheBacchus Marsh Lions Club, Bendigo Bank and Bacchus Marsh Rotary Club.

Eureka MP Michaela Settle said the Chicory Kiln is the oldest intact example of its kind and the largest known chicory kiln in Victoria.

“We’re ensuring it remains part of the landscape and the community’s history for decades to come,” she said.

traffic congestion and future development outcomes,” he said.

MrGrantsaidthattalkswithrelevantparties will continue as the planning process for the road progresses.

“We’ll continue to consult with key stakeholders to ensure this aligns with other significant projects planned for Bacchus Marsh,” he said.

A total of 55 private landowners would be impacted by the Option B Alternative route. No landowners will lose their homes. Therearecurrentlynoplansforconstruction of a Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road.

Flood funding continues

The state and federal governments are helping Moorabool to restore local recreation areas and facilities damaged by the floods in October and November 2022.

Under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the governments have provided more than $70,000 voluntary committees of management in Moorabool.

Les Martin of the Ballan Golf Club said the club suffered extensive course damage last year due to flooding.

“We’re excited that this funding will allowourgolfclubtocontinuetoprovide the Ballan community, and indeed Moorabool residents, as well as state and interstate visitors, including world travellers with the benefits from our golf course,” he said.

ProjectsintheMooraboolareainclude $29,700 for the Myrniong Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Inc to repair and reinstate driveways and drainage at the Myrniong Recreation Reserve, $19,065 for the Ballan Golf Club Inc to restore and rebuild one of the principal walking tracks linking the north and south of Ballan, $14,800 for the Myrniong Mechanics Institute Reserve Committee of Management Inc to to repair and reinstate the driveway and drainage at Myrniong Mechanics Institute Reserve and $6,840 for the Blackwood Crown Reserves Committee of Management Inc to clean up the Blackwood Mineral Springs and Tourist Camp.

Bacchus Marsh Lions Club members with project coordinator Russ Hendry at the front. (Damjan Janevski) 355633_04

Orange Door opens in Sunshine

Adults and children experiencing family violence in Melton have a new place to turn to for help with a new Orange Door opening in Sunshine.

The Orange Door is a free service for people experiencing or who have experienced family violence to access support, either face to face, or via telephone or email.

It brings together services from specialist family violence, men’s, Aboriginal and child and family services to provide coordinated support, including crisis assistance and support, risk assessments, safety planning,

wellbeing support and community-based services.

The establishment of the Orange Door is part of the state government’s response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence which recommended that 17 Support and Safety Hubs be established, one in each of the Department of Health and Human Services geographic areas, to improve the experience of people seeking family violence services.

The Sunshine site includes a reception area, private meeting rooms, public areas, and secure staff working areas.

The Orange Door in Brimbank Melton is a partnership between GenWest, MacKillop Family Services, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Services, Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd., Western Health and the state government.

Prevention of Family Violence Minister Ros Spence said the Orange Door offers multiple ways for people to access help and be connected to the right services and support.

“With the opening of the Orange Door at Sunshine, more Victorians now have access to this incredible integrated service, wherever

Bag a bargain in Bacchus Marsh

Bacchus Marsh bargain-hunters are invited to hunt hidden gems in their community during the Moorafun Garage Sale Trail this September 9 and 10.

The Garage Sale Trail will be one community garage sale spread across different households in Bacchus Marsh, Maddingley and Darley.

For $20 residents can sign up their sale to be added to a map that treasure hunters will use to explore the area across the weekend.

Moorafun president Natalie Woodley said it’s an inclusive event for anyone and everyone to join in.

“Parents can get involved or kids can get some pocket money,” she said.

“In the days when online sales are popular it’s a good way to get people out in the sunshine, out in the community and find some treasures in the process.”

Moorafun is a not-for-profit run by community volunteers who create inclusive family events within the Moorabool shire.

Moorafun events coordinator Dotty Hazel said she loves seeing people come together for community events.

“Theleadupcanbeverystressful,butwhen it all comes together and you see everyone

having fun and enjoying themselves… I get that sense of pride and achievement and that’s my payment, seeing people happy and enjoying themselves,” she said.

Signing up your garage sale will get you a poster for the front of your home, advertising in the printed booklet and inclusion on the visitor map.

So far, 24 households have signed up for the event, and there’s time to list your own garage sale until August 31.

Households keep all the proceeds from their sales.

Details: www. moorafun.org.au

they are,” she said.

Services began at Brimbank Melton in October 2022 at a site in Cobblebank in Melton West, while construction of the new site was underway.

The Cobblebank site will continue to operate as an access point for the Orange Door.

The Orange Door Brimbank Melton is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

For more information call 1800 271 046, email bma@orangedoor.vic.gov.au or visit orangedoor.vic.gov.au.

Eyes on the Anzac prize

Secondary school students across Victoria, including those in Melton and Moorabool, will be able to enter the 2023 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize competition.

The competition aims to give students an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the Anzac legacy and Australia’s connection to Türkiye.

Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman announced the opening of the prize on August 22, which is an annual award program for Victorian students in year 9 to 12.

“We want to ensure young Victorians understand, appreciate, and respect the Anzac legacy and can pass their knowledge on to their peers and their communities,” Ms Suleyman said.

“The Spirit of Anzac Prize is one way we can ensure that year 9, 10, 11, and 12 students commemorate Australia’s war and peacekeeping history.”

Ten students will be selected to embark on an unforgettable journey to battlefields and commemorative sites in Türkiye.

They will retrace the experience of Australian men and women at war on theGallipoliPeninsulaandsurrounds, while learning about the making of the Anzac legend.

The Spirit of Anzac Prize also offers students the opportunity to participate in a unique educational program that fosters understanding and appreciation for our nation’s Anzac spirit.

Byenteringthecompetition,students can convey their interpretation of the Anzac spirit via written, creative, or digital formats.

Details: vic.gov.au/SOAP

Alleged drug ‘syndicate ringleader’ arrested in Taylors Hill

A Taylors Hill man and a Deer Park woman have been charged and police have seized inexcess of a tonne of cannabis as part of an investigation into an Albanian organised crime syndicate allegedly involved in the cultivation and trafficking of cannabis.

Five warrants were executed on Tuesday, August 22 at residential addresses in Taylors Hill, Rockbank, Greenvale, Taylors Lakes and Deer Park.

A 47-year-old Taylors Hill man, an Albanian national who police will allege is the ringleader of the syndicate, was charged with cultivate and trafficking a large commercial quantity of cannabis and possessing the

proceeds of crime.

He was remanded to appear in court in January.

A 44-year-old Deer Park woman, a Colombian national located at one of the addresses and believed to be a crop sitter, was charged with cultivate and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis.

She was bailed to front court in January.

Police seized approximately $200,000 cash from the Taylors Hill address, more than 260 cannabis plants from the Taylors Lakes property, more than 185 cannabis plants from the Deer Park address, almost 200 plants from the Rockbank property and 100

plants from Greenvale.

A further property in Keilor East was raided on Wednesday with an additional 180 plants seized.

In total, in excess of a tonne of cannabis with a street value of approximately $5 million has been seized during this operation.

Detective Acting Inspector Leigh Howse said as a result of the operation, a tonne of illicit cannabis is on its way to be destroyed.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Dotty Hazel with daughter Nat Woolley and granddaughter Alison. (Damjan Janevski) 354796_03

Tips to keep kids engaged at restaurants and cafes

When dining out at a restaurant with kids, it’s essential to have a few tricks up your sleeve to keep them entertained and engaged. Here are some creative ideas to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience for the whole family:

Bring quiet activities: Pack a small bag with coloring books, crayons, stickers, and puzzles. These quiet and portable activities can keep kids occupied while waiting for their food or during lulls in the conversation.

Play interactive games: Engage the kids with interactive games that require minimal materials. For example, play “I Spy“ or “20 Questions“ to encourage observation and critical thinking skills. You can also create a restaurant-themed scavenger hunt by giving them a list of items to find in the restaurant.

Storytelling: Encourage storytelling by taking turns telling a story. Start a story with a sentence, and each person adds a sentence to continue the narrative. This game not only entertains the kids but also stimulates their imagination.

Tablecloth doodles: If the restaurant provides paper tablecloths, let the kids unleash their creativity by drawing and doodling. It’s a fun and mess-free activity that keeps them occupied.

DIY placemats: Create personalised placemats for the kids using plain paper or colouring sheets. They can decorate their

placemats with drawings, stickers, or their names. This activity adds a personal touch and keeps them engaged during the meal. Memory games: Play memory games by listing items on the table and challenging

the kids to remember as many as they can. You can make it more challenging by removing an item and seeing if they can spot the missing one.

Conversation starters: Keep the

conversation flowing by using conversation starters. Ask thought-provoking questions like, “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?” or “What’s your favorite thing to do on weekends?“ This not only keeps the kids engaged but also encourages communication and bonding.

Origami or paper folding: Bring a pack of origami paper and teach the kids how to fold simple origami figures. There are numerous tutorials available online, ranging from easy to more complex designs.

Portable games: Bring along travel-sized board games or card games that the whole family can enjoy. Classics like Uno, Connect Four, or Spot It! are compact and suitable for restaurant settings.

Engage with the menu: Involve the kids in the menu selection process. Ask for their input on what they would like to order or encourage them to try new foods. Discussing the menu not only keeps them engaged but also promotes their decision-making skills.

Remember, it’s also crucial to set expectationsandestablishgoodbehaviorat the restaurant. Encourage good manners, patience, and gratitude towards the waitstaff. With a combination of these entertainingactivitiesandproperbehavior, dining out with kids can become a pleasant and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

FreeGarlicBread

Helping young students flourish

A free literacy support program for primary school aged students in Melton is keen to expand,butneedsmorecommunityvolunteers to meet demand.

StVincentdePaulSocietyVictoria(SVDPV)

Melton Education Program has been running out of the Melton Central Community Centre for three years, providing literacy support for students from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The program has 36 students enrolled, taught by a team of adult volunteers, as well as highschoolvolunteersfromStFrancisCatholic College, and as the number of enrolments climbs, SVDPV is looking for more adult

volunteers.

SVDPV Melton and Maidstone education co-ordinator Karishma Mohan said she has witnessed incredibly special moments during the program.

“We have seen many of our students going from struggling to recognise their alphabets to confidently reading and writing three to four letterwordsoverthespanofafewmonths,”she said. “However, what makes the program so specialisthesocialandemotionaldevelopment the program facilitates.”

Melton Education Program volunteer Tiziana said her experience volunteering has been wonderful.

Mum appeals for help

AMeltonmumisstrugglingwithadebilitating illness following the birth of her third child, and is calling on the community for support.

After having her first baby in 2017, Shanelle Cauchidevelopedarangeofunusualsymptoms – headaches, tachycardia, numbness and tingling, neck pain, shortness of breath and even seizures.

What was originally diagnosed as POTS was actually a Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak (CBF), which occurs when a hole in the brain’s dura matter allows the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain to leak.

Ms Cauchi wasn’t diagnosed with CSF until after the birth of her third child in May, which caused the hole to tear.

The illness, exacerbated by her most recent birth, has left her bed-ridden unable to work or look after her young family due to a range of neurological symptoms.

MsCauchi,whocurrentlyhasfamilyhelping lookafterherkids,iscallingonthecommunity for financial support to help afford medical treatment and specialist appointments while she is unable to work.

Ms Cauchi said she’s hoping to get treatment so she can be a mum to her kids again.

“The symptoms affect me neurologically so my brain doesn’t work the way it should, meaning I forget things, it affects my vision, my memory, causes me debilitating pain, fatigue, numbness, tingling and dizziness,” she said.

“Any donation big or small would make a world of difference in my life, meaning I’m one step closer to treatment and one step closer to getting back to living life beyond my bed.

“My kids would get their mum back. I’d get to live life without pain. I’d get to live again.”

Details: https://www.gofundme.com

“I love the energy of the kids,” she said. “It brings me joy, seeing them grow over time is especially rewarding.”

Tiziana said she developed a special connection with a student in the program who has an ASD diagnosis.

“Initially he was resistant to working with me. However, one day, we started talking about rainbows and I told him that rainbows make my heart happy,” she said.

“Thisstruckachordwithhimandeversince, we have had a close working relationship. It’s been incredible to watch him flourish in his socialinteractionsthroughoutthecourseofthe program and I am very proud of his progress.”

Hina said having three children enrolled in the program has been a really good experience.

“My children learn a lot and they are very happy doing different art and craft activities. It’s also helping them improve their reading level,” she said.

MsMohansaidyoushouldapplytovolunteer if you have a positive attitude, a passion for helping others and a desire to give back to your local community.

Anyone over the age of 16, and available between 3pm to 5pm on Wednesdays is welcome to apply as a volunteer. Details: https://svdpvolunteers.applynow.net.au/jobs/ SVDP1472-education-program-volunteering

Shanelle Cauchi and her child. (Supplied)

Exploring transgender history

The life of historic Melton transgender figure EdwardDeLacyEvanswasexploredatapanel discussionattheMeltonLibraryandLearning Hub on August 24, as a part of a series of Wear it Purple Day events.

Edward de Lacy Evans was a transgender man living in nineteenth-century Melton and later Blackwood, until he was cruelly institutionalised before being outed in the media.

who researched and facilitated the Bendigo Advertiser’s formal apology for its treatment of De Lacy Evans, and writer, radio host and transgender person Sam Elkin.

Mr Elkin said that the pair provided an explainer on the life of Mr Evans, his experiences in the Melton region and the role of the media in stirring up “moral panic” about gender non-conforming people.

“In his lifetime, he was very misunderstood, he was considered to be a fraud and imposter when all he was trying to do was live his life

quietly and peacefully,” he said.

“He was subjected to very invasive and unfairtreatmentatKewasylum,it’simportant that we remember that history so that it doesn’t happen again.

“I think that gender diversity has always existed throughout human history, and people that we might consider transgender today have always existed. There were many such people in Victoria’s goldfields region and it’s important that we celebrate those people today so that we better understand our

Revved up for car show and shine

The Marsh Rodders Club’s Show and Shine Swap Meet is returning to Maddingley Park on October 15 to celebrate its 35th birthday.

Engines start for the event at 7am with a static car display of hotrods, custom cars, modified bikes as well as vintage and heritage vehicles.

There will also be a swap meet market for anythingfromoldtonewcarpartsandtypical market stalls.

For the clubs 35th anniversary, the theme of the event will be honouring the original

four cars that have been in the club from the beginning, including Marsh Rodders Club president Peter Douglas’ 1933 Ford 3 window coupe, ‘Pablo 1’, which was rebuilt 36 years ago, modified and painted white with red flames.

Mr Douglas said he’s been working on hotrods his whole life, and to him they’re like artwork.

“Meetsareachancetomixwithlikeminded other people and swap ideas, what works and what doesn’t, swap knowledge, and just enjoy

other people’s work,” he said.

In previous years the show has had as many as 700 cars arrive, and Mr Douglas said the whole community is invited.

“We welcome anyone … anyone who has a car that meets those categories is welcome to come and display their car or bike,” he said.

“Weliketothinkofitasacommunityevent, it’s a fundraiser that supports our club for the next12months,anddependingontheincome we get we support local charities.”

Tickets are $5 for pedestrians or $20 per car.

history.”

Mr Elkin said it was a well attended event which attracted local historians, members of the lgbtqia+ community and the wider community.

“It’s a great honour to be able to connect with local people and talk about historical figures from the local area who have not been given enough attention,” he said.

“It’sanabsolutejoy…it’sgreattoseepeople come together for events like this and support each other and learn from each other.”

Join up for cancer relay

After a successful 2022, Melton Relay For Life is back again in September and Cancer Council Victoria is encouraging Melton locals to get involved in the much-loved event to celebrate cancer survivors, remember lost loved ones, to honour their carers, and to fight back against cancer.

An average of 551 people diagnosed with cancer in Melton each year and Relay For Life is a local fundraising event that empowers communities to come together to raise funds for Cancer Council Victoria’s cancer research, prevention, information, and support services.

During the event, teams will complete laps around a track or oval to signify that every day, Melton locals are making strides towards a cancer-free future.

There are several ways you can be part of Relay For Life, including becoming a team captain or joining a team, becoming a member of your local Relay For Life committee or volunteer at your local Relay For Life event.

CancerCouncilVictoriacommunity giving manager Renee Gani said Relay For Life events were a chance for the whole community to unite for a common cause.

“Relay For Life is such a beloved, unique event and allows people to makeadifferenceinthecommunities,” she said.

“2022 showed us that our communities around Victoria are more resilient than ever and still love to be involved in Relay For Life.

“We can’t wait to see Melton locals come together once again for such a special day.”

The Melton Relay For Life will be held at Bridge Road Recreation Reserve, Strathulloh, on September 9. Details: www.relayforlife.org.au.

Paralympic star comes to Bacchus Marsh for a free event

Paralympic gold medallist Matthew Levy will be visiting Bacchus Marsh to share his story of determination, resilience, and community spirit for free at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall on Saturday, September 2.

Levy, who has recently published a new book, ‘Going The Distance’, said he’s focused on inspiring the next generation.

“Bacchus Marsh with its community spirit, welcoming sport-lovers, and picturesque landscapes felt like the perfect venue,” he said.

“Engaging with and inspiring our future athletes, those who will witness a gold medal

up close, maybe even taking home photos with it, is an endeavour close to my heart.”

Levy’s track record boasts accolades from five consecutive Paralympic games, five gold medals, four World Records, and the Order of Australia Medal for services to sport.

Along with personal challenges including cerebral palsy, legal blindness, and over 40 medical operations, Mr Levy’s message resonates deeply.

Levy said no matter how hard the road seems, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

“My main goal with these community

events is to share what I’ve learnt, to improve lives, emphasising resilience and leadership, and fostering a sense of community that helps us face and navigate life’s challenges,” he said.

The event will begin with music from CYNTA at 11.30am, before Levy’s talk.

The event will also include a meet and greet, autograph and photo opportunities, and light refreshments.

Tickets can be secured online.

Details: www.levy.events

Paralympic gold medallist Matthew Levy. (Supplied)

Peter Douglas with Pablo 1. (Damjan Janevski) 353426_06

The panel was presented by Bendigo Advertiser journalist Tom O’Callaghan,

Classic fish and chips

Frilled Fish ’n’ Chip Shop, located in Melton, has established itself as a quintessential culinary destination, offering a delightful array of classic fish and chip dishes. With a legacy spanning several years, the eatery has garnered a reputation for its commitment to quality, taste, and an authentic dining experience.

Nestled in the heart of Melton, the Frilled Fish ’n’ Chip Shop is known for its adherence totradition.Theshoppridesitselfonsourcing the freshest catch of the day, ensuring that each meal is a flavourful masterpiece. The skillful approach of staff to frying, using time-honored techniques, results in a crispy and golden batter that encapsulates succulent fishinside.Accompaniedbyperfectlycooked, hand-cut chips, the meal offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Have a bellissimo meal

What sets the Frilled Fish ’n’ Chip Shop apart is its dedication to maintaining the essence of the classic fish and chip experience while also catering to modern preferences. Frilled keeps its profit margin low but never jeopardises quality.

The shop exudes a warm and inviting ambiance, making patrons feel welcome as they savour their meals.

Beyond the menu, the Frilled Fish ’n’ Chip Shop contributes to the local community by participating in various events and supporting initiatives. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a casual gathering with friends, the Frilled Fish ’n’ Chip Shop continues to be a cherished establishment in Melton, embodying the timeless charm of fish and chips while embracing the spirit of culinary innovation.

La Porchetta has been serving up great Italian food in Melton for 24 years.

No wonder customers love eating in at La Porchetta to soak in the magic Italians so well understand when you mix the delights of conversation with the pleasures of beautiful food and drink.

At La Porchetta staff strive to recreate this wonderful experience between families and friends at every meal. It’s not just the food, but the experience that keeps customers coming back.

La Porchetta is a great choice when it comes to dining out, offering an extensive menu at affordable prices backed by great service.

The restaurant offers a range of menu choices for people who enjoy gluten free, vegan and vegetarian dining.

For those who want to take-away, La Porchetta offers a fantastic bundle deal consisting of two large pizzas plus garlic bread for $27.90, plus 1.25L drink for $5 (pick up only).

In fact you can feed a family of four for as little as $7 a head if you take away from La Porchetta.

Weekly specials change every fortnight so follow La Porchetta on Instagram for your chance to win a $50 voucher.

And don’t forget La Porchetta for your next function. The restaurant has the capacity to cater for large functions so speak to the friendly staff.

La Porchetta Melton is located in the Woodgrove Shopping centre at 533 High Street, Melton West. Phone 9747 6777.

Friendly staff and fresh food are a winning combination at La Porchetta. (Supplied)

A ray of hope for African youth

Robiel Abraham said it wasn’t uncommon to feel unsafe when he was growing up in Melton South. When he was 19, the tragic murder of a friend acted as the catalyst for he and his friends to take matters into their own hands and form the African Youth Initiative (AYI). He spoke to Liam McNally about the organisation’s rise and the future they’re aspiring to help shape.

AYI is a not-for-profit organisation that is committed to reducing the barriers African-Australian young people face in Melton and across the west and helping them reach their full potential.

The group aims to empower the community throughayouth-ledapproachtorole-modelling and a range of initiatives including workshops, mentoring programs, men’s and women’s groups, weekly basketball games and is currently working on a documentary.

In the past month the group was awarded a $150,000 grant from the state government, and also held its biggest event to date, the African Youth Forum.

Robiel Abraham and Aken Angok were still teenagerswhentheyfoundedthegroupin2020.

Robiel said Melton was a difficult place for young people to feel safe growing up, and the feeling of danger culminated after the tragic murder of a friend.

“That was the awakening moment for me and my best friend Aken,” he said. “When that happened we were just devastated. We met up andwerejustthrowingthisgridironballaround and talking about what we can do.

“Seeing our whole community grieve, it helped us think ‘We’ve got to do something, We’ve got to help out in any way, because we can see that this might become a cycle’.”

Robiel said the issues facing his community are complex, but the most common problems he sees stem from identity crisis, mental health and a lack of resources.

Identity crisis, Robiel said, stems from cross-cultural interaction between parents

and their children, young people not really embracing or knowing their culture, as well as feeling unwelcome in the culture in which they are raised.

Hecanpointtoarangeofinstancesofracism in his youth, from his brother being called the ‘n-word’ walking home from school, to his neighbour who displayed a swastika flag, his

mother having police instead of an ambulance called her after a car accident, or being followed around shops by staff when shopping with his little sister.

The affected ESS Home Batteries may overheat and catch on fire and cause injury or death and/or damage to property.Incidentshave occurred and caused damagetoproperty.

AYI co-founder and chief executive Robiel Abraham and AYI creative director Abak Dhieu. (Jacob Pattison) 353959_02

The African Youth Forum on August 12. (Supplied)

“It really impacts you as a young person… You felt like in your own community no one wants you there or no one trusts you,” he said.

“Our young people struggle with their identity, some of them were born here, but they don’t feel Australian, some of them mimic other cultures, because they don’t feel accepted by the culture they’re in here.

“It feels like ‘oh, if this is what I’m being judged as, why don’t I just act this way then?’”

“There’s also a lot of young people doing phenomenal, there’s a lot of high achieving young Africans and we would love for these young people to be celebrated… But there’s negative outcomes that stem from those issues.”

Robiel said that the biggest factor in the solutions they’re providing is that they’re youth-led, by the people from the local community.

“Young people know it’s safe when it’s created by young people that actually care

about them,” he said.

“And because we know these people that are disengaged we reach out to them on a personal level like, ‘hey man, come to this workshop, I know you’re looking for a job, come, we’ll help you out.’

“It’smakingsurethattheyfeelsafeattheentry level, we’re not trying to be the be-all-end-all… It’s the environment we’re creating, not just as an organisation but that the young African community are creating together.”

The group’s efforts were recognised when about 90 people attended the African Youth Forum that AYI ran with the Department of Justice and Community Safety and the Commission for Children and Young People at the Kurunjang Community Centre.

Robiel said the primary focus of the event was to amplify young people’s voices directly to those in power.

“It was an amazing turnout,” he said.

“We had people there that are disengaged,

we had people as young as 14 years old… They said they felt like they had a voice.

“We were the bridge between the young people and those in power. That was a tremendous success.”

Sheladi Nsengiyumva agreed that it was a powerful event.

“We explored many things like trauma, financial disadvantage, African youth in prison, and it was the first time for a lot of African youth to express emotions that they’ve been experiencing,” he said.

“I think it was a day of healing for a lot of people.

“It was really a safe space for people to open up and share their experiences and not just speak about issues but delve into solutions.”

Before the 21-year-old became a media advisor for AYI, Sheladi knew the team for a long time and saw them as friends from the communitywhohadhelpedhimwithguidance, getting jobs and getting into basketball.

“I always saw them as role models, and kind of a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

“I guess I’d experienced first hand a lot of the issues African youth were facing in Melton.

“From 2015 to 2019 it was getting progressively worse… [I was] seeing friends go to prison, seeing friends ruin their lives. It moves you to want to help and do something.

“When I saw AYI was really making a difference and they were really serious and pushing for change in our community, that inspired me to be involved as well and be a part of that change.

“They really inspired me to do what I’m doing now. I think it inspires a lot of people in the Melton community to see someone that looks like me trying to make a change, not a 40 year old white man who doesn’t really understand what we’re growing through.”

Robiel said it’s a privilege to be able to serve his community.

“It’s been a blessing, we’re thankful to God that the community has been able to support us, that we’ve got opportunities,” he said.

“Everything that we do, we do for our friends, our relatives, and just anyone else that has had a similar experience to us growing up as an African Australian, facing the identity crises and the accusations, and all the stuff that our community has been through.”

‘‘ Young people know it’s safe when it’s created by young people that actually care about them ’’

- Robiel Abraham

Welcome to Cobblebank campus

St Francis Catholic College’s long-awaited new Cobblebank campus opened to students on Wednesday, August 23.

More than 140 students and 25 staff moved in to the $23 million facility to begin a new chapter in the school’s history.

Principal Marlene Jorgensen said the opening had been a long time coming. Cobblebank campus students have spent the first two-and-a-half terms at the college’s Melton Campus and were extremely excited to move into their new learning spaces.

“Today’s opening has been brought to fruition by the hard work, resilience and optimism of a dedicated team led by our deputy principal and head of campus Kerrie-Ann Matthews,” she said.

Kids want big change

Arnolds Creek Primary School has received a state award and is being considered for a national award for its Wakakirri performance ‘Never too little to bring about big change’.

Wakakirri is Australia’s largest performing arts event for schools with over 200 schools taking part in 2023.

Participating schools are inspired by the Wakakirri ethos ‘great stories inspire change’ tocreateandperformstory-dancesthatreflect students’ thoughts, ideas and aspirations.

More than 50 students between grade three and six performed on August 2 at Clocktower in Moonee Ponds.

Their story is about how children can control their destiny and bring about change in the world.

Wakakirri ambassador Christopher Politis congratulated the Arnolds Creek students on a brilliant performance.

“[It was a] was a super well rehearsed production with a lot of elements and exciting

moments,” he said.

“[They] fit a complicated storyline into a shortpiecereallywell.Thestudents’individual talents were showcased well.”

Assistant principal Karen Calleja said the story was important for the school to tell.

“The students have done such a wonderful job bringing the story to life,” she said.

“Their creative talents are phenomenal, and we are so proud of how hard they have worked together as a collaborative group. Their teamwork and ability to bring out the best in one another is heartening. We wish the team well as they compete in the finals”.

Wakakirri festival director Adam Loxley said the standard of performance and the stories being told by schools this year was exceptional and Arnolds Creek Primary School should be very proud of its award.

Arnolds Creek will perform again, and find out if it is nominated for national finals on September 8.

Arnolds Creek Primary’s Wakikirri performance. (Supplied)

Stage one of the school is complete, with stage two due to begin construction next year. (Shawn Smits)

The first day of teaching at the new campus. (Shawn Smits)

Gurnoor, Ashanti and Kulman. (Shawn Smits)

Principal Marlene Jorgensen welcoming students, including Rihanna, to the new campus. (Shawn Smits)

Heran and Juliana inside the new school building. (Shawn Smits)

Students Harsh, Gurajeet, Jaspar, Eshaan, Pawanpreet, Lewis, Aaymaan and Tejas on their first day at the new scool campus. (Shawn Smits)

Say a friendly “G’day”

Eynesbury Rotary is inviting families and friends to come and say ‘’G’day” to to their neighbours Sunday, September 10, at The Homestead.

Rotary’s Meet Your Neighbours Day is a chance for new and ‘newish’ residents in Eynesbury to meet each other in a safe, social, fun setting.

EynesburyRotarymemberRossButterworth said following feedback from the community the club found that since COVID it has been difficult for some people in the community to reach out and meet people on a social footing.

“More examples of people stuck at home or increasingly busy at their employment had people reaching out to find out what was on in our township, where they could meet people, how they can get involved in activities and thesequestionswereincreasinglyappearingon

social media,” he said.

“The Rotary Club of Eynesbury had previouslysupportedapopularcommunity-led get-together where more than 40 locals came together in 2019 and we believe it’s time to re-introduce the concept for our wonderful community to come together and decided to establish regular ‘Meet your Neighbours’ days.

“It’s the first of many more hopefully with The Homestead and potentially local parks hosting future events.”

Supported by The Homestead and the Resimax Group, drop in and say “hi” between from 2.30pm to 4.30pm for a grazing platter, a free drink and a 20 per cent Homestead discount voucher.

Bookings are essential for the free event, to book, contact Ross by September 3. Details: butterworth.8@bigpond.com or 0411 228311

Briefs

Stolen Jewellery

Police have charged a woman following a string of jewellery burglaries across multiple properties, including in Burnside Heights. It is alleged the 32-year-old woman broke into six properties across the suburbs of Burnside heights, St Albans, Essendon and Point Cook over July and August.

It is alleged approximately $100,000 worth of items across the burglaries were stolen. Police intercepted an allegedly stolen vehicle along Fitzgerald Road in Laverton and discovered the stolen jewellery inside on August 14. A 32-year-old West Footscray woman has been charged with four counts of theft, five counts of burglary, attempted aggravated burglary, attempted burglary, obtaining property by deception, two counts of handling stolen goods, possess a drug of dependence, driving while disqualified and two counts of theft of motor vehicle.

Banchory Green Reserve upgrade

Major upgrades have finished at Banchory Green Reserve. The upgrades deliver an improved community space with passive recreation opportunities for all age groups and improved amenity. The upgraded park features new landscaping, new playground equipment, seating and shade structures as well as resurfaced tennis court and basketball courts.

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

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Eynesbury Rotary president Loryn Clark, waitress Natalia Farndon and Ross Butterworth. (Damjan Janevski) 355476_05

Melton hungry for NBN data

Melton residents have snatched the title of Victoria’s biggest NBN data users as new statistics reveal they

used an average of 542 gigabytes (GB) in March 2023.

The 542 GB average is the equivalent of streaming Netflix in HD for 241 hours, or 803 hours of video conferencing for work, and also ranked Melton seventh nationally for average data use over the nbn network.

CityofWyndhamandCityofCasey followed closely with an average use of 515 GB and 505 GB of data used by residents in March this year.

Mural makes its mark

Christ the Priest Primary School is calling on the local community to show its support in the final voting round of the Haymes Paint and Keep Australia Beautiful inaugural Paint Australia Beautiful competition.

The competition encouraged primary schools around Australia to get creative and design a nature-based mural.

ChristthePrieststudentswereannouncedas

Victorian winners in May 2023 and using the $750 in paint and supplies prize from Haymes Paint, their completed mural was unveiled last week.

They are now national finalists in the running to be crowned overall winner of the People’s Choice Award with $2000 in prize money for their school up for grabs.

Christ the Priest’s mural design features a wedge-tailedeagletohonourBunjil,thecreator

of the Wurundjeri people, on whose land the school stands. The mural also included a lorikeet, yellow-crusted cockatoos, corellas which are abundant in the area, and the endangered Eltham Copper Butterfly.

Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria chief executive Olivia Lynch said the mural not only showcases the beauty of Victoria’s biodiversity and cultural heritage, but aligns with their vision for a more sustainable, resilient, and beautiful Victoria.

“By nurturing artistic expression that honours our environment and heritage, we inspire a new generation committed to preserving the natural treasures that define our state’s ecological and cultural richness,” she said.

The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced on Wednesday, September 6.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

DNHLC events

The Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre has a range of upcoming events and classes including a Wire Sculpture Light Feature Workshop on Sunday, September 10 from noon to 2.30pm, and a Buttercream Icing on Cupcakes session on September 13 from 10am to noon. Prices vary.

■ https://darleylearning.com/ term-3-4-dnh-2023/

Caroline Springs Rotary

The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm. ■ rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

Free tax help

In partnership with the ATO, Melton South Community Centre is offering free Tax Help to individuals looking for help completing their personal 2022-23 tax return. 45-minute appointments are available on Thursdays from July to October. Eligibility criteria apply. Call the centre to find out more or book an appointment with our volunteer.

■ 9747 8576

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, September 16. Call the centre for information or to enrol

■ 9747 8576

Herbal Foot Bath workshop

Discover a new world of relaxation and self-care in Melton South Community Centre’s new Herbal Foot Bath workshop on Saturday, September 2. Learn about the history and ingredients, then make five jars of herbal blends to take home with you. Everything is supplied. $60 or $55 concession. Call the centre for information and enrolments.

■ 9747 8576

Melton Ladies Probus

Meets from 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Melton Country Club on Reserve Road, Melton. All

ChristthePriestartteacherAudreyButtigieg Cardonasaidartclubmembershaveworkedso hard to paint the mural by giving up most of their lunchtime over the past few weeks.

“Their dedication and enthusiasm were transferred into a colourful palette to create the beautiful mural for their school and the community to enjoy,” she said.

“To win the People’s Choice Award and receive$2000wouldbetheultimaterecognition for their hard work.“

To vote, people must ‘follow’ Keep Australia Beautiful’s Facebook page and Haymes Paint’s Facebook page, and hit ‘like’ on the mural of their choice.

Voting will close at noon, September 4. Details: facebook.com/keepaustraliabeautiful and facebook.com/Haymespaint

An NBN customer experience expert Jane McNamara said the NBN network carries more than 87 per cent of Australia’s download data.

“Customers in Greater Melbourne are consuming more data than ever to do the things they love like streaming 4K on multiple devices, online education and next level gaming, or conference calls and uploading and downloading large files for work,” she said.

“It is exciting to see locations from all around Melbourne using large amountsofdata,includingsomeareas that are eligible for fibre upgrades like suburbs in Melton City, where NBN anticipated demand would grow.”

Rehearsals are on Thursdays, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at Blackwood Drive Hall, Melton South. The group welcomes musicians young and old to come along and join in with the band. Also available for performance at events and festivals.

■ Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582

Over 50s Social Group

A friendly group of people aged over 50 who enjoy each other’s company while attending events and outings such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you.

■ Marlene, 0498 329 290

BusyFeet Hillside

visitors are welcome.

■ Dianne, 9743 7446

Garden Club

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

■ Michelle, 0421 106 268

Community Band

Greater Western Community Band, (founded 1991) is based in Melton.

BusyFeet is a dance and movement class for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. Classes create a fun and inclusive environment for kids aged 6 to 16 to try new things and build social skills, as well as giving a chance for parents’ respite. 11am, to 11.45am Saturday mornings.

■ Ross, 0411 228 311

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/

Haymes Paint Shop Sunshine manager, Alaynna Morren, art teacher Audrey Buttigieg Cardona, students Matilda and Mason and Keep Australia Beautiful deputy chair Dick Gross. (Damjan Janevski) 352275_05

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Staughton College school students Violet (front), Darcy Bethany Robin and Madison preparing for the school’s production ‘Alice’s Adventures Absolutely Anywhere’. (Damjan Janevski) 354992_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

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 Plant yielding gingili oil (6)

4 Area; zone (8)

9 Donkeys (5)

10 Heedless (9)

11 Garment (5)

12 Characterised by regular lines (9)

13 Useless person or thing (4,4)

15 Interior courtyard (6)

16 Discharge (6)

18 Moving out (from) (8)

23 Point to be judged upon (9)

24 “I don’t know” (colloq) (5)

26 Undervalue (9)

27 Japanese camera company (5)

28 A city and seaport of Scotland (8)

29 Attempts (6)

DOWN

1 Began (7)

2 Actress, – Sarandon (5)

3 Melodious (7)

5 Use to insert charge into muzzle-loading firearm (6)

6 Harmony (7)

7 Egyptian queen (9)

8 Old name of phone company (7)

10 Spurs on (5)

14 Accept reluctantly (9)

16 Scene of simple pleasure (7)

17 Island in the North Atlantic (7)

19 Skin disease (5)

20 Gnawing animals (7)

21 Sediment (7)

22 Conclusion (6)

25 Mobile phone company (5)

DECODER WORDFIT

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”. I Y

No. 148

QUICK QUIZ

1 For which 1999 film did R.E.M. write TheGreatBeyond?

2 And which US entertainer is the film about?

3 True or false: bull sharks can tolerate both salt water and fresh water?

4 The Swiss food product Cenovis is similar to what Australian product?

5 What is the term for an infant cockroach?

6 What is the most abundant protein in the human body, constituting roughly 25 to 35 per cent?

7 Thessaloniki is the capital of which region of Greece?

8 Name the 2009 advice book for teens written by Kelly Osbourne (pictured).

9 What are the two primary ingredients of marzipan?

10 For which art movement is Émile Gallé known?

No. 148

No.

HI HELENA You ask me directions to Radio Springs Hotel, we talked a lot. I would like to chat with you again. You can reach me (Bob) on 03 54241463TrenthamBFN.

ALL AROUND

General Notices

The proposed 5G upgrade will consist of:

•Replacement of existing headframe with new triangular headframe;

•Replacement of three (3) existing Optus-Vodafone panel antennas with three (3) new Optus panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m long);

•Installation of three (3) new Optus 5G panel antennas (each not more than 0.8m long);

•Installation of three (3) new Vodafone panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m long);

•Installation of three (3) new Vodafone 5G panel antennas (each not more than 0.8m long);

•Replacement of fifteen (15) existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) with twenty-one (21) new RRUs;

•Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment including RRU’s, antenna mounts, GPS antennas, feeders, cabling, combiners and other associated equipment; and

• Works within the existing equipment shelter.

Optus & Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

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

Sophie Deng at Service Stream Limited, 0427 459 605, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or

Zenith Tower B, Level 3 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Thursday 14 September 2023.

If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3340003

mounted on the headframe; global positioning system (GPS); compound fence, mounts, cable trays, cable ladders, fibre and electrical cabling; and

•any other associated works necessary for the operation and functioning of the facility.

2. Optus regards the proposed works as a low-impact facility under Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description. Consultation is being undertaken in accordance with the Section 6 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code.

3. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. An EME Report and further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au site number 3338006.

4. We invite you to make comments on the proposal by 5.00pm on Thursday 21 September 2023. Further information and submissions should be directed to: CPS Technology & Infrastructure –email: planning-vic@cpstech.com.au phone: (02) 9300 1700 or address: Unit 1, Level 15, 356 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 12629195-RR35-23

DISCRIMINATION 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.

Grabacopyof your localnewspaper...

The Big Apple Cafe Bacchus Marsh

Foodworks Bacchus Marsh

Coles Supermarket Bacchus Marsh

Shell Coles Service Station Bacchus Marsh

APCO Service Station Bacchus Marsh

Bacchus Marsh UFS Pharmacy Bacchus Marsh

7/11 Service Station Bacchus Marsh

Baccus Marsh Newsagency Bacchus Marsh

Bacchus Mart Indian Grosery Store Bacchus Marsh

Bacchus Marsh Village UFS Pharmacy Bacchus Marsh

Australia Post Bacchus Marsh

Milk Bar the Avenue Bacchus Marsh

Baccus Marsh Information Centre Bacchus Marsh

The Village Shopping Centre Bacchus Marsh

Laurels Education & Training Bacchus Marsh

Bellbrook Gardens Country Club Bacchus Marsh

Ballan Newsagency Ballan

IGA Plus Liquor Ballan

Moorabool Shire Ballan

Ingenia Gardens Village Brookfield

Pharmasave Darley Pharmacy Shop Darley

My Little Mates Convenience Store Darley

Champions IGA Darley

Moorabool Shire Darley

Bacchus Marsh Gold Club Darley

Vans Milk Bar Darley

Diggers Rest Pharmacy Diggers Rest

Foodworks Diggers Rest

Diggers Rest Post Office Diggers Rest

Gordon Post Office Gordon

Foodworks Harkness

Foodworks Hillside

United Petrolium Hillside

Kirkton Drive Milkbar Kurunjang

Kurunjang Village Store Kurunjang

Bacchus Marsh West Golf Club Maddingley

Champions IGA Maddingley

Melton Milkbar Melton

Melton Waves Leisure Centre Melton

TAB Corp Park Melton

Melton Shire Council Offices Melton

Australia Post Melton Central Melton

Advance Stationers Melton

Melton Lotto Melton

Freddy's Fruit & Veg Melton

Melton Toyota Melton

Amcal Pharmacy Melton

Morgans Supa IGA Melton

MGS Melton

Melton Pharmacy Superstore Melton

NQR Melton

FoodWorks Melton

Woodgrove Shopping Centre Melton

Woolworths - Woodgrove SC Melton

Woolworths - Coburn SC Melton

Coles Supermarket - Woodgrove SC Melton

Tatts Kiosk Melton

Melton Library Melton

Melton Country Club Melton

Melton Indoor Sports Centre Melton

Coles Supermarket - Melton Station Square Melton

Lee Merchants Melton

Woolworths Opalia Melton South

Yes Yes Indian Supermarket Melton South

Hume Milk Bar Melton South

Shell Coles Epress Melton South

MGS Melton Melton South

Australia Post Melton South

Station Square Shopping Centre Melton South

Melton Indian Grocery Store Melton West

Your Chemist Shop Melton West

Australia Post Melton West

Plough Inn Hotel/Motel Myrniong

Rockbank Newsagency Rockbank

Sundowner Rockbank Caravan Park Rockbank

Toolern Vale General Store Toolern Vale

Real Estate Agents Everywhere

Drive away from the mainstream

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Renault Arkana is a stylish mid-sized SUV that arrived here in 2021 effectively replacing the short-lived Kadjar in Renault’s three-model SUV range. It sits between the compact Captur and the family-sized Koleos.

It’s slightly larger than Kadjar in all exterior dimensions but with almost identical engine outputs.

Renault Arkana comes in three variants: Zen, Intens and R.S. Line. There’s a single drivetrain combining a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.

Styling

Arkana joins an increasing trend in the evolutions of SUVs with a smoother sloping rear profile that emphasises styling rather than all-road performance. With this in mind Renault is marketing Arkana as an SUV Coupe.

Combining the two different components can be challenging but the Renault designers have managed to do it and have put together a very attractive vehicle. One feature is a high (200 mm) ground clearance which lifts the Arkana without making it look too gawky.

Arkana R.S. Line adds comes with a specific front bumper design with an F1-inspired aero blade, 18-inch diamond-cut alloys, , R.S. Line badging, gun metal grey door trims, and front and rear skid plates.

LED lighting is used extensively including the headlights; daytime running lights; tail lights and turn indicators.

A small powered sunroof is optional on the Intens and standard on the R.S Line. There are seven colour options, only Blue is standard the others are cost options.

Interior

Our test vehicle was the Arkana Intens with the optional sunroof which, together with the coupe-like lines, meant that entry proved a bit awkward. The driver’s seat has power adjustment but with a limited height range which, even at its lowest level, meant that my head grazed against the roof.

The R.S. Line has carbon-look interior trim, alloy sport pedals, a perforated leather steeringwheelwithR.S.Linebadging,redand grey contrast stitching, and R.S. badging.

It has a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and a sunroof.

Rear space is excellent with surprisingly good headroom given the sloping roof and, courtesy of the 2720 mm wheelbase, plenty of kneeroom.

There’s leather and suede upholstery in the Intens and R.S. Line as well as electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated seats for both driver and front passenger.

ThecentrepieceoftheinterioroftheIntensis its9.3-inchportraitshapedtouchscreenwhich not only displays the normal infotainment features but also, through its multi-sense system, controls the pre-set Eco and Sport drive modes to adjust the powertrain and steering.

There’s also a MySense feature which allows the driver to customise these settings to suit their own individual preferences.

Directly below the touchscreen are a series of small buttons including quick access to the multi-sense system, front seat heating / cooling and door locking.

Sensibly, the air conditioning is controlled by three large knobs that are easy to reach and simple to operate. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the audio volume controls which require either a series of taps on small tabs at the bottom of the touchscreen or on small buttons on a steering column stalk behind the steering wheel.

There’s a good-sized space at the centre of the front console for storing smartphones and, in the R.S., includes a wireless charging

pad. There are two adjacent USB ports directly above it as well as AUX and 12-volt power sockets.

A small storage box sits below a slide-out armrest in the centre console.

The boot features a split-level floor that can take up to 485 litres at its lower level. With the 60/40 rear seatbacks folded that can be expanded to 1268 litres. A space-saver spare wheel sits beneath the lower floor setting.

Engine / transmission

Arkana has a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol with outputs of 115 kW at 5500 rpm, and 262 Nm at 2250rpm. It drives the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Safety

Renault Arkana comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating with a high level of features in all variants including six airbags; electronic stability control; adaptive cruise control with speed limiter; blind spot warning; autonomous emergency braking including pedestrian and cyclist detection; lane departure warning and lane keep assist; traffic sign recognition; front, rear and side parking sensors; rear view camera; automatic headlights and windscreen wipers; ISOFIX child seat anchorage points; and tyre pressure monitoring.

The Intens and R.S.Line add rear cross traffic alert and speed limit alert.

Renault’s Easy Park Assist is standard in all models and uses a combination of sensors and rear-mounted camera for hands-free parking. Infotainment

Arkana Zen: $37,500

Arkana Intens: $41,000

Arkana R.S.: $45,000

SPECIFICATIONS

Renault Arkana Intens 1.3-litre turbo-petrol

five-door hatchback

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

ArkanausestheRenaultEasyLinkmultimedia system through a 7.0-inch landscape touchscreen in the Zen and a 9.3-inch portrait touchscreen in the Intens and R.S.Line.

Likewise, the higher-spec variants get a 7.0-inch driver’s digital instrument cluster with the option of a full-digital 10.25-inch screen while the Zen has a 4.2-inch display.

Satellite navigation isn’t offered in the Zen but is standard in the Intens and R.S.Line.

All variants get a six-speaker Arkamys AuditoriumSoundsystem,AppleCarPlayand Android Auto connectivity.

Driving

Arkana uses the Renault credit card style key and includes ‘walk-away’ automatic door locking.

Although the rear window is large, its shape together with the broad C pillars do limit side and rear visibility quite significantly.

Arkana is quite sluggish off the mark with

little low-down torque and a jerky dual-clutch transmission. Switching to Sport mode makes a big difference and, apart from motorway cruising, we spent most of our time with it switched on. There is a bit of torque steer to catch the unwary.

Steeringissharpandresponsivewiththere’s only minimal body roll through corners although it is more SUV than coupe in that regard.

Ride provides a nice balance between firmness and comfort.

The extra ground clearance infers off-road capability, however that’s offset by the absence of an all-wheel drive option.

Fuel consumption is listed at 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres, we averaged a fairly good 7.2 L/100 km.

Summing up

Renault Arkana is a classy looking, well-equipped and competent vehicle that’s sure to appeal to lovers of French marques and anyone else looking for something away from the mainstream.

In terms of pricing, Arkana can be assessed as either a budget-priced Euro premium SUV-CoupecompetitoralaAudiQ3Sportback and BMW X2 or as a fairly expensive offering inthecongestedandhighly-competitivesmall SUV segment. The buying public will make that decision.

Renault Arkana comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five years of capped price services with an impressive 30,000km service interval and five years roadsideassistancewhentheservicesaredone by an official Renault dealer.

Renault Arkana is a classy looking SUV Coupe crossover. (Pictures: Supplied)

Caroline Springs edge closer to grand final berth

Caroline Springs is one step closer to the Western Region Football League women’s division 1 grand final after knocking off Parkside Spurs in an elimination final. The Lakers were on top all day, but it took them a little while to get going, only kicking goal in the first term.

The game began to open up in the second quarter with the Lakers booting six goals. It was more of the same in the third quarter. It took until the last term for the Spurs to register their first major of the day. Hannah Herring was named as the best player on the ground for the Lakers.

Inaccuracy was the only negative to come out of the Lakers day with the side booting 16 points in the 12.16 (88)-1.4 (10) win.

Coach Alex O’Shea said it’s always nice to make finals and then to have a win in the first round.

“It was a tough game, especially in that first quarter, when the girls were getting settled, though we were able to play our game and carried it for four quarters,” she said.

“Credit to Parkside, they were competitive

for all four quarters and they were a great opposition to play against, as well as it being their first season in the WRFL, it’s a credit to them that they made it to the finals.”

The Lakers were able to find multiple avenues to goal, with four players kicking multiple majors, Caitlin Pretty (three), Jacinta Kondis (two), Keyona De Satge (two), Ashlee

Sharks turn the screws

By Tara Murray

Hillside claimed its first Essendon District Football League division 1 finals win to keep its season alive on Sunday.

Facing St Albans for the second time in as many weeks, the Sharks were able to turn the table with a strong second half in the elimination final,

The mind games started last week and they continued before the game, with the Sharks adding a late inclusion.

After not being named in the team, star forward Josh Covelli was among those to line up for the Sharks, albeit with a brace on his knee.

The Saints led by two goals at half time having finished the half the stronger of the two teams.

The Sharks changed some things around and the Saints were hit by injury after injury which left them with injured players having to return to the game with no bench.

The Sharks took advantage of that running away to a 12.8 (80)-9.8 (62) win.

Sharks coach Charlie Denaro said for the group it was nice to finally get a finals win at this level.

“We were really mindful as a div 1 team that

we had not won a final,” he said. “We had lost a few years back, maybe five years and I don’t think we’ve played finals since 2018.

“We got in and always thought it would a challenge and once we got in, anything can happen and we were prepared as we can be. It’s a great relief and the the joy in the players evident after the siren.

“We had a job to do and we got over them today [Sunday] and we will quickly get over it and reboot for next week.”

The Sharks added a number of players this week having rested some last week, Denaro said they didn’t want to give too much away last week knowing they were playing each other again in the first week of finals.

Denaro said the first half they allowed the Saints to control the midfield too much and it reflected on the scoreboard.

“That 10-15 minute period in the second quarter they started to get on top” he said.

“We gave them a lot of ascendency and we gave a lot of footy back to them. Poor decision making, the execution and giving away free kicks based on our ill discipline.

“We got to the break and the break come when it needed to come.”

The Sharks made a few small changes at half time to try and shut down the Saints.

Zak Wunhym moved into the midfield, as did Lachlan Henson with both having an immediate impact.

“We did give certain players certain roles,” he said. “The belief is there with our boys and the first goal is always critical in the third quarter.

“We got that one, the boys never looked back from there.”

Denaro said they were aware of the Saints injury problems. Jake Galea was done in the first quarter, while Bailee Revell copped a ball to the face in the second quarter and was unwell afterwards.

Andre Srour, Jack Sims, Patrick Taban, Adem Asani and Joshua Klaromenos all received treatment at some stage as well.

Denaro said the focus for them was to keep putting the forward down.

Covelli finished with six goals for the Sharks, while Bailey Kirkman and Mitchell Hearne were other standouts.

Bol Kolang kicked five goals at the other end and Matthew Gundry, who set up several of the Saints early scoring opportunities was named their best.

The Sharks now face the other Sharks, Rupertswood, in a knockout semi final on Sunday.

Wallis (two). O’Shea said it was a really pleasing aspect of their game.

“The goal scorers are lucky to finish all the hard work that happens throughout the ground,” she said.

“So as long as we can convert, or play our game in all areas, that’s the main thing.

“SoI’mverypleaseditwasagoodteameffort today and we were able to get the outcome we wanted.”

Next Sunday the Lakers, who are the reigningpremiers,willfaceWerribeeCentrals in a preliminary final.

“We’ve played them a few times leading into the finals,” O’Shea said.

“They finished second on the ladder, they’ve had a good season and we’re just looking forward to the challenge.

“Hopefully, we can just continue to play our game of footy and see how we go from there.” Th winner of that clash will face Spotswood in the grand final after it secured its place in thedeciderafterbeatingWerribeeCentralson Saturday.

- Harper Sercombe

Sports shorts

AFL draft

Caroline Springs Mutaz El Nour has been invited to the AFL state combine. The AFL announced that 55 players had been invited to the combines, including the Richmond Victorian Football League player. The 2023 AFL State Draft Combines will be held in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth on October 8, 14 and 15 respectively. The state Combines will be held following the national draft combine. Selection to attend the state combines was based on the number of nominations provided by AFL recruiters, with all 18 clubs submitting a list of preferred attendees.

Soccer

Western United’s women’s coach Mark Torcaso has been appointed the new coach of the Philippines women’s national team. Torcaso will bring United men’s assistant coach Andrew Durante along with him as an assistant coach, with both men remaining in their respective roles at Western United. Torcaso said the chance to manage on the international stage was impossible to give up, admitting his anticipation to get started.

RDFL Diggers Rest will face Wallan for a spot in the Riddell District Football League grand final spot on Saturday. After finishing first in the home and away season, Diggers Rest got the chance to enjoy a rest this week, while the Magpies took on Woodend-Hesket on Saturday. the Magpies won that game by seven points. Romsey will play Woodend-Hesket in the other semi final.

BNL

Darley, Bacchus Marsh and Melton all suffered losses in the final round of the Ballarat Netball League season. Melton lost 69-30 to Lake Wendouree in its final game of the year, while Bacchus Marsh lost to 83-22, to finish the season without a win.. Top of the table Darley suffered its first loss of the season, losing to the Sunbury Lions, 50-45 game. Finals kick off this week with Darley taking on North Ballarat in a qualifying final.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly

@starweeklynews

@star_weekly

Mia Tournas (Jacob Pattison)328702_05

Rusiate Komaitai has a strong game in the ruck. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 353250_27

Teenage horsewoman races to a dream start

Young teenage horsewoman Courtney Laker enjoyed a dream start to her career when she saluted with her first starter as a trainer after Curly James ran his rivals off their legs in the Centre State Printing Pace at Melton on Saturday night.

The 19-year-old Laker produced Curly James first up since April and the five-year-old didn’t let her down leading all the way and holding off Vanquish Stride and Triple Eight in a slick mile rate of 1:51.3 for the 1720 metre journey.

Curly James was previously trained by David Moran who partnered the son of A Rocknroll Dance to victory and Laker acknowledged Moran’s role in her securing a training licence.

“I worked with David and he has helped me a lot, he’s taught me so much since I’ve been working with him and now I’m 19 and wanted to get my trainers (licence) and he said that I could put Curly in my name,” Laker said.

Laker has spent her career to date working with Curly James. “My nana and my father were lucky enough to buy him at the yearling

sales and I’ve been working him from the start,” she said.

Laker said she was confident of a good first up showing from Curly James.

“He always puts 100 per cent effort into his races and while his track work at home has

been really good, his couple of trials haven’t been the best as he’s been very lazy and I’ve been soft on him at the trials, so I knew when David got on him with a change of gear he’d be hard to beat,” she said.

“He looks good and feels good so we were

extremelyconfidentinhimtonightifhefound the front.” Laker’s transition into the sport comes as no surprise as her extended family is the prominent Mifsud clan.

“I’m related to the Mifsuds so my whole family is in it- there’s Rita, Aussie, Rosie, Josie and Uncle Netto, they’ve obviously been a big support” she said.

“And both David and Kasey (Kent) have been a real big support in my career along with my Dad and Nan, they’ve all made me who I am today.”

Lightly raced filly Shesawish chalked up another feature race win when she led all the way in the Group 3 VHRC The Holmfield at Melton on Saturday.

AnthonyButtensuredtheNevillePangrazio trained Shesawish was up on the bit early in order to hold the lead from the coveted pole position.

“Nev just left it to me really, we knew we had the good draw and we wanted to make the most of it,” Butt said.

John Dunne

Darly is through to the grand final. (Supplied)

Darley goes in favourite

By Harper Sercombe

Darley is through to the Ballarat Football League women’s grand final for a second successive season.

The Devils passed Lake Wendouree with ease in Sunday’s clash and are looking more and more likely to secure premiership success in a couple of weeks time.

The Devils started strong, putting on six goals in the first term and a further three in the second, without conceding a goal, giving them a 56 point half time lead.

The Lakers were able to hit the scoreboard after half time, booting two in the third and last term. However, the game was well and truly over by that point with the devils running away with a 14.6 (90)-4.3 (27) win.

Kim Bessell continued on with her dominant year kicking another nine goals to take her season tally to 119 majors.

Skipper Lilli Conon was named as best on ground which continues her stunning run of form, as being named in the best players for all but one match throughout the year. Young gun Matilda Rawlings had her breakout game

for the club booting three goals, including two of the first three of the day, playing in a forward, ruck roll.

Devils president Mark Shelly said his club was clearly dominant on the day.

“In the first couple of minutes of the game, you sort of understood what was going to happen,” he said.

“Condonhadtwoclearanceswithinthefirst two centre bounces and they resulted in fairly quick goals and that probably set the pattern for the rest of the day.

“There were a number of players that I thought really contributed.

“I thought Madison Lister was outstanding today. Crystal Layton was really, really good. She seems to find space and disposal that is first class.

“Emmerson Hitch across half back, she has a massive influence on the team, she’s a general across half back.

“Matilda Rawlings is a very, very young girl, she’s only 16, 17 playing senior women’s football, she was exceptional.”

Aftermakingthegrandfinallastseasonand losing to Redan, Shelly said they are ready to

writethewrongsoflastyear’sdisappointment.

“The credit goes to the people around the women’s team itself,” he said.

“In particular our senior coaches here… but there’s also people around the team, and I think there’s one guy that deserves a special mention is Ben Skinner, who has stepped up to become the team manager.

“I think that sort of stuff goes a bit unrecognised at this level of football.

“One thing that we’ve noticed as a club this year is that there’s been a massive buy-in from this group of girls.

With a week off the rest up, the Devils will be keen to see who wins in next week’s preliminary final between Lake Wendouree and Redan, with the winner winning through to the grand final

“Hopefully, everybody’s fit and ready to go in two weeks’ time when they chase the ultimate prize,” Shelly said.

Inthemen’sresultsDarleybeattheSunbury Lions 20.4 (124)-11.13 (79), Leigh Spiteri and Will Johnson kicked four goals each. Darley will face Melton in a qualifying final on the weekend.

Pretty

keen to impart wisdom

New Caroline Springs women’s coach Gary Pretty is hoping he can pass on some of his knowledge to the playing group this season.

Pretty, who has an extensive coaching background in both senior and junior cricket joins the club in an official role after watching from the side lines the last few years.

“I’mreallyexcitedandlookingforward to the success they had last year,” he said. “Mydaughter[Caitlin]playsfortheteam and I’ve watched them a few times and thought I could help out.

“The next step is continuing to provide opportunities to make sure it’s a full team effort and they can help each other improve.”

Caitlin Pretty, who was the standout intheVictorianTurfCricketAssociation women’s season last season, has previously said she learned a lot of her cricket from him having played cricket with him in the backyard.

Gary Pretty said this would be his first time coaching female cricket.

“I’ve coached senior men’s, and junior boys,” he said. “I’ve coached my sons in under-11s, under-13s and under-15s over the years.”

Pretty said they would likely compete in the VTCA competition again, where they will be going for back-to-back premierships.

Prettysaidtheywouldlooktofieldone side again as they continue to try and build the program,

“We have got some growing numbers, but I don’t think we have enough for two teams,” he said.

“The club is fielding a junior team as well and the plan the next couple of years to have a second side.”

Gary Pretty (Supplied)

Curly James (Stuart McCormick)

Promotion celebrations for Phoenix players

Melton Phoenix has finally secured its promotion into FV state league 4 west.

To lock in the top two finish Phoenix knocked off West Point on Saturday afternoon in the state league 5 west.

Needing just a draw to finish second, Melton conceded an early goal but dominated from then on, equalising 10 minutes after conceding before adding another one. West Point found the back of the net again in the 61st minute, to which Phoenix scored twice again to give them a 4-2 win.

After falling agonisingly short of the promotion last season after finishing second only by goal difference, the Phoenix can take a sigh of relief according to coach Darren Traynor.

“It’s really, really good for the club,” he said.

“We were a bit stiff last year not to get promoted… so, to bounce back from last year’s disappointment was great and now hopefully onwards and upwards for the club.

“The boys had a really good mindset in preseason and the club was super supportive, so we bear the fruits now.”

With the challenge of state league 4 now awaiting the Phoenix, Traynor said the players and the club can’t wait for what’s ahead for them.

“We’re super excited, I think our brand

of football will hold us in good stead in that league to be honest,” he said.

“Nowlookingforwardtoplayinginahigher league, I think our brand will hold up to that, we should certainly hold our own in there.”

Traynor said the young squad he has, has the capabilities to take the club a long way, but he will still be looking to add some parts to bolster the sides performances.

“You can’t just sit on your laurels,” he said.

“We want to get better, we want to be a progressiveclub,we’vegotgreatinfrastructure at the club, great facilities, a great committee that works their socks off.

“I’m really optimistic of where the club will be in the next couple of years.

“I felt like yesterday was a really good stepping stone for that.

“The boys are pretty young, with an average age of 22… so there’s a really good platform there with some youth… maybe try to add a slightlymoreexperiencedplayerhereandthere.

“We’ll have a look at that in the off season and get fairly aggressive in recruiting.”

Phoenix will be heading up to state league 4 with minor premiers Balmoral. West Point will play a play off match with Truganina Hornets, which finished third last in state league 4 west.

- Harper Sercombe

Six part ways with United

American Sydney Cummings is the biggest name departure announced by Western United ahead of the A-League Women’s season.

United announced six changes to its list for this season, which kicks off in October.

Cummings departs having been a constant for Mark Torcaso’s side, playing every minute of every match at centre-back and earning a player of the month nomination in December.

CummingsscoredfourgoalsforUnited, including an ice-cold winning penalty against Melbourne City in February.

Francesca Iermano was a starter in Western United’s historic opening match against Melbourne Victory, going on to make nine appearances in total.

Danielle Steer joined Western United halfway through the season and will depart after scoring two goals and providing two assists in 14 appearances.

The attacker’s best performance came against Canberra United where she scored her first ever professional goal and added an assist in a 5-0 win.

Veteran Aleks Sinclair is another who departs the club.

Warriors set to join VNL

Netball in Melbourne’s west has received a massive boost, with the Western Warriors joining the Victorian Netball League.

The Warriors are one of three clubs to join the premier netball competition in the state along with the Bendigo Strikers and Gippsland Stars.

Netball Victoria said the introduction of the Warriors addresses the fast-growing appetiteforthegameinMelbourne’sbooming north-west fringe.

Warriors head coach Kim Bailey said it’s an exciting time for netball in the region.

“It is exciting for netball in our region,” she said. “It will create opportunities for the girls in the west and beyond.

“It’s closer to home and many girls don’t want to travel to Geelong and Casey to play, it’s very exciting.”

Baileysaidalotofhardworkhadbeendone since last year to help set up the club. The St Albans Caroline Springs Netball Association have played a huge role in getting the club up

and going.

The association’s representative side, the Westside Saints, said on their social media that they were thrilled in announcing the side.

“Huge congratulations to the dedicated and hardworking group of individuals who made this dream a reality,” it said.

“Your passion and commitment have brought us here, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our team as it embarks on its Victorian Netball League journey.”

The Warriors will be based out of Cobblebank Stadium in Melton, with Bailey saying it was a big decision where they would be located.

She said that with Melton being one of the biggest growth areas in the state, that it made sense for the club to be based there.

Bailey said they would look across the whole west and the outer areas on the way to Ballarat. Brimbank, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges will be key areas as well.

“We’ll look at Melton up to Ballarat and

beyond,” she said. “We’ll look to have some good relationships with the footy and netball leagues in the area.

“We’ll look at the Ballarat, Riddell and Central Highlands leagues. There’s a big void to fill and we want to give them a chance.”

Bailey, who has coached in the VNL before, said she never thought that she would get the opportunity to be a head coach in this competition.

“I dipped my toe back into coaching with the Sunbury Lions this year,” she said.

“It struck my passion to get into coaching in the VNL again. It’s the best domestic competition in the world and the pathway is great and the opportunity to get involved was too good to say no.”

Baileysaidtheywouldlooktonotonlydraw players from the local area, but support staff as well.

Former Melbourne Vixen Kim Borger has been named an assistant coach.

Tara Murray

The Victorian football icon moved into the professional game for the first time, playing eight times for Torcaso’s side and formed part of the inaugural leadership group.

Tiana Jaber was the last addition to United’s squad, arriving in the west as an injury replacement signing heading into the final weeks of the campaign.

After playing twice in the regular season, Jaber departs with a runners-up medal after playing the final 10 minutes of the grand final off the bench.

It was a difficult season for Harriet Withers was unable to get onto the pitch as she tried to overcome an ankle injury.

Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato thanked each player for their historic contributions to the football club.

“Each of these six players have played crucial parts in building our history as a football club and will each be fondly remembered in the west,” he said.

“We would like to thank each of them for their significant contributions over the course of our first season in the Liberty A-League and wish them all the best with their next steps.”

Assistant coach Kim Borger, head coach Kim Bailey SACSNA president Jan Schulz, Warriors secretary Marleene Matthews and Warriors president Gillian Powell.

Williams headed to new role with Port Adelaide

Bacchus Marsh will farewell senior football coachJasonWilliamsafterjustoneseasonafter he received a coaching offer too good to turn down. The Cobras announced on Friday that Williams had accepted a position with the Port Adelaide Football Club as a development coach for the 2024 season and beyond.

Williams informed the team ahead of its final training session for the season.

“Theclubhasreceivedthisnewswithfeelings of sadness at the loss of an exceptional coach, but also with an immense sense of pride that wehavebeenapartoftheprogressionofJason’s career and pathway to the highest level in the land,” the club said on social media.

“The 2023 season has been one of great challenge and tremendous growth across our whole football program. Jason has reshaped thewayourplayersthinkaboutthemselvesand their club.

“He has empowered players young and old

to believe they could achieve beyond their own expectations and time and again, this belief led to success and improvement right across the playing roster. This growth has been born out on the scoreboard in the latter part of the year with three consecutive wins, culminating in last week’s triumph on the road against finals aspirant, Sunbury [Lions]. This was a win that defined Jason’s year with the Cobras.” Williams said in the club’s announcement that leaving this soon wasn’t what he had envisioned back in November, when he first acceptedtherole. Hesaidtheyhadbeensuccess in laying the foundations that the successes the future will be built on.

“I was confident that I could play a role in turning the club around and create an environmentthatcurrent,new,andpastplayers wouldwanttobeapartof,”hesaid.“Myoverall goalwastocreateanenvironmentthatfostered a sense of love and affiliation to the Bacchus

MarshFootballNetballClub.Iamverypleased to say that with the help of many locals I feel that I can walk away knowing I have done as little as that.

“I have loved every minute spent with the playing group. The demand of high standards and expectations went both ways, I expected and demanded a lot of my guys, they delivered and demanded and expected the same back from me. In reflection, I believe this is what made us good for each other.

“The dynamic of our relationship forced me tobeabettercoach.Itputmeinpositionswhere I had to be clearer with my communication, regulate my emotions and lead with empathy and love and for that, I am forever grateful.”

TheCobrasfinishedtheirseasononSaturday with an 12.10 (82)-12.8 (80) win against Ballarat.

Tara Murray

Lilli Condon finishes runners-up

Darley’s Lilli Condon capped off a strong Ballarat Football League women’s season, finishing runners-up in a thrilling best and fairest count.

Held on Tuesday night at the league’s female best and fairest night the count went down to the wire with Condon, Redan’s Charlotte Linssen and Lake Wendouree’s Jaye Dalgeish all in contentiontotakeouttheawardheading into the final round.

Linseen led Condon by one vote heading into the final round with Dalgeish a further two votes behind.

Condon polled one vote in the final round and Dalgeish polled three votes to tie scores heading into the last round of counting.

Guziak aims for the sky

By Peter Howe

Amelie Guziak has a voracious appetite for competition and the need to test herself against the best in the world.

The 16-year-old reckons she was born on a squash court.

“I have never played another sport,” she said. “I was taken to watch my dad play when I was three or four and fell in love with it right then.

“I have been on the court ever since. I started playing in competitions when I was 10 years old.”

Guziak was identified by Squash Australia early in her career and given a scholarship to the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS). She currently plays for the RACV club and is coached by former world number one squash player Cassie Thomas.

“I didn’t have a coach for nine months which in retrospect helped me grow,” she said. “I had toworkoutmyowntacticstobeatmyopponent and not rely on someone else to tell me.

“I had to become more creative.”

She did however, struggle during this time to combat her mental demons.

“I got very anxious and struggled with my performances,” she said. “I was burned out. I turned to Paul Price, a performance specialist and former squash champion, within three

months I was feeling good and back in control of my game.”

Being selected to represent Australia in the World Junior Squash Championships last month is the pinnacle of her career to date.

It meant she was ranked in the top six players in the country and to make the teams event was even better because she was then ranked in the top four.

Australia finished in the top eight for the first time in 20 years. She is currently ranked number one in Australia in the under 17’s and number two in the female junior rankings overall.

Guziak has a gruelling training regime where she trains and plays five days a week.

She believes that it is the VIS strength and conditioning program that has seen her rise up the rankings.

“I am much physically stronger, have better agilityandendurance,”shesaid.“Ilovenothing better than bringing myself to complete exhaustion following a fitness session.

“I am just the most competitive person! My strengths are my fitness and work ethic. I am skilful and disciplined. My focus and mental strength are also critical for me.”

The world championships was her second big event in a short period of time, having been part of a Squash Australia tour group that went to England to play in the British

Junior Open Squash Tournament last year.

It was her first international experience.

“I wasn’t nervous or intimidated, I had nothing to lose so I went onto the court to test myself against the world’s best,” she said.

“The experience was invaluable.

“I think it definitely helped me during the recent World Championships. I wasn’t nervous, I felt I belonged, and I was driven to succeed.”

The year 10 student at Keilor Downs Secondary College has some big goals in the near future.

“My short-term goals are to knock out a top seed in a Professional Squash Association event and win the under-19 Australian Junior Championships.

“I’d like to go back to the British Junior Open and make it to the final.

“Longer term, I’d like to build my world ranking, and improve in stages to the top 50, top 20 and to be world number one.”

Guziak is the August nominee for the Don Deeble Sports Star Award which is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

Linseen finished the season with a best on ground performance to claim the medal on the final votes of the night, finishing three votes clear of Condon and Dalgeish.

Darley’s Maddy Lister finished in equal fourth spot, 16 votes back.

Condon and Lister were among five Devils players named in the team of the year, with the Devils only behind Redan for players named. Condon was named as a rover, while Lister was named at half forward.

Katie McAloon was named at half back, Emmerson Hitch on a wing and Kim Bessell at full forward.

Bessell, who kicked a massive 105 goals during the regular season, took out the goal kicking award.

Bacchus Marsh’s Amy Garafalo was named on the wing in the team of the year, while her team mate Macy Le Huray was named on the bench.

In other awards on the night, Bacchus Marsh’s Anika Tran claimed the under-14 junior girls most valuable player and best and fairest awards, while the Cobras’ Elise Cook claimed the under-19 youth girls most valuable player award.

Teams of the year for under-14, under-16 and under-19 competitions were also announced, with a number of Devils and Cobras players named in those teams.

Amelie Guziak. (Supplied)

Jason Williams. (Supplied)