Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 5th September 2023

A new top dog in town

Caroline Springs Staffordshire bull terrier Violet has been crowned the top office dog for 2023.

Violet claimed the title as part of people2people recruitment’s #OZTOPDOG competition.

Taking centre stage, the resilient pup was born with a deformed front leg, and was surrendered at just one week old.

The top office dog category had the judges deliberating for hours to decide between the top two entries, Violet and runner-up Australian shepherd Zard.

Violet has emerged as a source of inspiration for her workplace at a local veterinary clinic, where she was first embraced as a baby and bottle-fed by every member of the clinic.

Veterinarian Dr Gloria Perkovic said Violet brings joy to the workplace and is a beloved staff at the clinic.

“She forces people to take a break, and it is sometimes really hard to pull yourself away from work but just having Violet there really encourages staff to take some time away from working,” she said.

“Violet has a really playful personality and is just so joyous. She loves getting people to give her a part or cuddle, and really helps them to feel calmer and take some time to spend with her.”

Moorabool funding blow

By Liam McNally

Moorabool council has been dealt another funding blow upon discovering it is no longer eligible for the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Growing Suburbs is aimed at delivering critical community infrastructure for Melbourne’s fast-growing outer suburbs, which in 2023 was worth $10 million.

In June 2020 the fund expanded from being available to just interface councils, which are a group of 10 municipalities that form a ring

around metropolitan Melbourne including Melton, to peri-urban councils during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peri urban councils are shires that interface metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria’s largest regional cities.

Guidelines for the 2023 fund released on August 25 showed the fund had reverted to focusing on interface councils.

The announcement follows Moorabool council also recently becoming ineligible for the federal government’s $600 million Growing Regions program.

Moorabool mayor Rod Ward said council is extremely disappointed to suddenly be excluded from the Growing Suburbs Fund.

“Therehasbeensignificantunderinvestment in road infrastructure and community infrastructure, and if we don’t plan and addressthisissuenow,wewillbeinasituation where our infrastructure is not in line with our growth,” he said.

“Despite this, we are now not eligible to access a fund that helps pay for such infrastructure.

“Projects such as the expansion of the

Bacchus Marsh Library, Aqualink and a “river walking track in Ballan may need to pushed out beyond what we anticipated due to the impact of the Growing Suburbs changes.”

In the past the fund has supported the BallanLibraryandCommunityHub,theWest Maddingley Early Years and Community Hub, Darley Park Community and Sports Centre and the BMRRR pavilion.

■ Continued: Page 6.

Caroline Springs locals, Gloria Perkovic and her dog Violet.

(Damjan Janevski) 357162_01

‘Stunned’ by crossing decision

By Liam McNally

Land will need to be compulsorily acquired to make way for two road bridges that will replace level crossings in Diggers Rest the state government has confirmed.

Early designs for the two road bridges were released last week. At Old Calder Highway the road will be diverted west over the rail line south of Stan Payne Reserve, before turning north to connect with Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road, between Pepper Close and Welcome Road. The new road bridge will include a separated cycling path over the rail line.

The Old Calder Freeway route is something a number of Diggers Rest residents have previously raised concerns about.

Star weekly reported that residents became concerned about the level crossing removal proposals after a site investigation work notificationlettersparkedfearsthatiftheplan goes ahead certain properties may be up for compulsory acquisition by the government.

These fears led to a town meeting following which preferred alternative routes were presented to the Level Crossing Removal team.

TheDiggersRestresidentwhoorganisedthe

town meeting, Bob Rau, said he was “stunned” by the compulsory acquisition announcement.

“There was a request only a couple of weeks ago encouraging us to write submissions to what we thought for the crossing - of which 92 submissions have been made - none of which have been recognised,” he said.

“Everyone supported the concept of the crossing going, but no one supported the plan which is now to go ahead.

“Everyone thought it would create a traffic catastrophe.”

Mr Rau said the Diggers Rest community has been offered no face-to-face meeting since

SES home on the way for Aintree

Construction is well underway for a new Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) facility in Aintree, and the new unit is currently looking for volunteer controllers.

A new unit to be based in Caroline Springs was announced back in 2017, with plans for the Aintree location at Frontier Park lodged in 2021.

ConstructionbeganinMaythisyearandit’s expected to be fully operational by mid-2024.

The Aintree area is currently being serviced by volunteers from VICSES units in Melton, Wyndham West and Brimbank Units.

Population growth in the Aintree area is anticipated to increase by 121 per cent by

2030, placing increased pressure on existing local VICSES units to respond effectively to the local community and continue to assist Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and fire services throughout the state.

Itisanticipatedtheunitwillrespondtoabout 500 requests for assistance per year from the Aintree, Caroline Springs and Deanside areas.

The unit will have capacity for up to 70 members.

The new facility will have a large training and meeting area, six motor vehicle bays, state-of-the-art communications facilities, administrative offices, kitchen, and modern turn out space.

VICSES chief executive Stephen Griffin said the organisation is excited about the additional capacitythisnewunitwillbringtoMelbourne’s west.

“Once built, the new fit-for-purpose facilities will reflect VICSES’ commitment and dedication to the local community and support the retention and recruitment of new volunteers,” he said.

The Aintree SES unit is currently advertising for volunteer unit controllers and deputy controllers to help establish and run the team, with wider recruitment set for later this year.

Details: www.volunteer.com.au/volunteering/ 199663/unit-controller-aintree

the submissions and he fears the government was just “ticking boxes” by inviting feedback. At Watsons Road a new road bridge with a pedestrian path will be constructed. The new bridges will open and the level crossings will be gone in 2025.

Currently, around 6300 vehicles use the level crossings daily and up to 27 trains travel through them during the morning peak, meaning the boom gates are down for approximately 36 minutes. More trains will be able to to run more often on the Sunbury line when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025.

Reimagining Lake Caroline

Melton council is developing a new masterplan to reactivate Lake Caroline and the surrounding parks and is seeking help from the local community.

Lake Caroline is a hub for Caroline Springs residents, featuring a perimeter of around 1.9 kilometres and includes three distinct areas including exercise equipment at Lake Caroline Waterfront, play equipment and exercise equipment at Boathouse Reserve and play equipment at Lake Caroline Reserve.

Over the next month, council is undertaking planning for the Lake Caroline Masterplan and Activation Strategy, to maximise social and recreational opportunities at the lake and adjacent public space.

This consultation will help determine what facilities would improve the area to promote community use, including on the water.

Residents who live around the area, employees of surrounding businesses, visitors and local sporting and recreational groups are all encouraged to share their thoughts.

Melton Mayor Lara Carli said Lake Caroline is the heart of Caroline Springs and a big part of many peoples’ lives.

“We want to make it even better,” she said.

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

“We want to know what you value abouttheLake,itsfeaturesandfacilities, and what needs improving.”

There’ll be a community drop-in session about the plan at Caroline Springs Library on September 9 from 10am to 12pm.

You can share your thoughts online before September 17.

Community consultation will be reviewed by council throughout late September and into October, and a final strategy is planned to be presented to council for approval in December 2023.

Details: conversations.melton.vic.gov. au/lakecarolinemasterplan.

SES volunteers Finley Marshall, Nic Lakos, Claudelle Dalgleish, Rodney Fraser and Robert Trout at the new Aintree Unit site.

Picture: Jacob Pattison 356963_02

Long wait for buses continues

By Liam McNally

If a resident on Wiltshire Boulevard in Thornhill Park enters Southern Cross Station as their destination on Google Maps, and selects the public transport option, they are recommended a trip that begins with an hour-long walk.

This is because there are no regular bus services for the suburb of more than 3000 people, despite their being built bus stops on their street.

Currently the only Public Transport Victoria (PTV) service is FlexiRide, an on-demand bus service that has no fixed route and only operates when booked.

However, Thornhill Park resident and Working Group member Matt Pearse said the service reaches capacity each day resulting in cancelled trips and long delays.

“Something as simple as using the bus to get to the nearby Cobblebank Train station is a necessity that residents can’t access,” he said.

“The bus stops are ready, we just need the buses and a timetable.”

Mr Pearse said residents rely on goodwill to get themselves around, or use more expensive rideshare providers and taxis.

Mr Pearse raised the issue at a Melton council meeting on August 28, calling on council to seek the urgent rerouting of City of Melton bus routes as per the Moving Melton

Strategy so “all residents have some degree of reliable public transport coverage”.

Moving Melton is a 2022 online transport prospectus set up by Melton council, which identifies solutions to a number of public transport issues in the municipality including bus routes.

Moving Melton identifies that bus travel time in Melton is often close to twice that of travelling by car and only one per cent of trips made in the area are by bus. Only five of the 47 bus routes in the City of Melton meet the minimum service level criteria and lack of access to effective public transport from where people live increases financial hardship, impairs health and

Dig in for Darley Sustainability Fair

The Darley Community Art Garden (DCAG) is inviting the community to learn about organic food and sustainability practices at its Sustainability Fair on Saturday, 9 September .

DCAG was established in 2013 by the Bacchus Marsh Baptist Church, as a place for the community to gather and grow.

The garden aims to promote, encourage and educate growing organic food and preparing it, help participants to learn sustainable living practices, model and promote art within and around the garden, recognise therapeutic value of gardening and art for all and engage with anyone and everyone from the

community.

The Sustainability Fair will feature workshops on pruning, worm farming and composting and backyard chooks, as well as ukulele performances, Cans for Cash, free giveaways, community stalls, Op shop, food vans and kids activities.

DCAG committee member Susan Corr said the sustainability fair was created to focus on sustainability as society becomes more aware of the need to reuse, recycle and reduce the amount that goes into landfill and impacts our environment.

“It is also about raising awareness of the

amazing volunteer organisations we have in Moorabool Shire and what they do for our community,” she said.

“Wehavemanylocalvolunteerorganisations which have the same philosophy as us.”

DCAG committee member Jull Johnson said the committee and garden members are excited for the community to come and experience the community art garden and to have the community come together and learn and participate in the many aspects of the fair.

DCAG is located at 31 - 37 holts lane Darley. The fair will run from 11am to 2pm on 9 September.

wellbeing outcomes, and reduces people’s equity of access to services, community, jobs, education and opportunity.

ArecentreportonMelbourne’sbusnetwork by the Committee for Melbourne also found the bus system in the west is exacerbating inequality and called for reconfiguration.

Melton council City Futures Director Sam Romaszko said council wrote to Public TransportMinisterBenCarrollinJune,andhis reply stated that the department of transport and planning is undertaking planning of the network, of which the outcomes of council’s Moving Melton strategy will be considered. Ben Carroll was contacted for comment.

New courts for Melton South

Melton South Recreation Reserve may benefit from more tennis courts as a part of upgrades to the precinct.

An upgrade to Melton South Recreation Reserve is currently in the evaluation stage following community consultation earlier in the year.

Proposed additions mooted in council’s concept plan include a half basketball court, exercise equipment, landscaping works and a playspace upgrade that includes a swing, multi-play unit, monkey bars, climbing bars, a toddler play unit and a cubby house.

At a council meeting on Monday, August 28, councillor Sophie Ramsay moved for council to receive a briefing relating to future planned capital improvements to Melton South Recreation Reserve and refer the construction of two tennis courts to the 2024-25 budget process for consideration.

The courts would be in addition to the two already in place in the area.

Council officers commented that a design allocation for the provision of two additional tennis courts at Melton South Recreation Reserve is included in 2023-24 financial year Capital Works Program.

“A construction budget allocation is proposed to be included in the 2024-25 annual budget process for consideration,” they said.

Adjustments to the plan for the reserve will be made over the next two months based on feedback, and construction is due to commence in April next year.

Moorabool funding blow

■ From page 1

A state government spokesperson said projects that have been funded in previous rounds will continue to be supported to be delivered.

“There are close to 130 projects currently supported by the fund still to be delivered by local councils. We are focused on ensuring these projects get delivered for the benefit of these communities,” the spokesperson said.

“We will continue to work closely with local councils to support projects that enhance their local community.”

Peri Urban Councils Victoria, a group which includes Moorabool council, expressed disappointment in the change.

Peri Urban Councils Victoria chair and

Baw Baw councillor Michael Leaney said the decision would mean important funding required to support fast growing peri urban councils had evaporated overnight.

“We call on the Victorian government to explain to peri urban communities how things like community centres, libraries, pools, parks, childcare centres and sporting facilities can now be built without funding assistance from the state,” he said.

“The Victorian government would appear to not fully understand population growth in peri urban areas - unfortunately peri urban councils, who have limited capacity to raise funds, have fallen through the cracks again and we fear there will be long-term damage from excluding Peri Urban Councils from the Growing Suburbs Fund.”

Darley Community Art Garden committee members Susan Corr and Jill Johnson. Picture: Damjan Janevski 356923_03

Melton’s poverty rate ‘alarming’

The Melton municipality has the fifth highest poverty rate in the state according to new analysis from the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).

VCOSS’sMappingPovertyinVictoriareport foundthatmorethanoneineightpeopleinthe state are experiencing significant economic disadvantage based on the 2021 census data.

In the Melton municipality 28,521 people were found to be living in poverty. The issue was worse in certain suburbs with Brookfield and Melton having more than 20 per cent of people experiencing economic disadvantage.

The Melton South-Weir Views area was

the 8th worst area in greater Melbourne for economic disadvantage with 24.4 per cent of people living in poverty. VCOSS chief executive Emma King said there are compounding reasons for increased poverty levels in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.

“People are living further away from services… More likely to need a new car to get from A to B. Jobs are not in the local area and have far to travel,” she said. “Finding a job that pays enough and has enough hours to make ends meet is hard. People don’t have enough money to pay rent, pay for food or put petrol in the car. Outer suburbs are not close to public

Toolern CFA open day

Toolern Vale CFA volunteers are inviting the community to come and visit their local fire brigadeforanOpenDayonSunday, September 10.

From 10am to noon visitors will have the chance to meet current members, check out the fire trucks and station as well as hear a presentation about being a CFA volunteerincluding requirements, training offered and more.

Toolern Vale CFA captain Jared Watson said he has been a part of the Toolern Vale brigade foreightyears,andhewouldencourageanyone who is wanting to learn exciting new skills, connectwithnewpeopleandplayavitalrolein the community to consider joining.

“I personally joined the brigade because I was new to the area and wanted to meet people who were in the community,” he said.

“I was also wanting to be able to help others - knowing that such a valuable group of people

may one day be there to help myself or those important to me in our time of need.”

Mr Watson said he enjoys undertaking ongoing training as well as having the opportunitytotraveltohelpothercommunities such as during the recent Gippsland fires, which he found especially rewarding.

“To know that what you are doing is making adifferenceandbeingabletodothiswithother like minded people from all over the country and sometimes the world is an amazing experience,” he said.

“Any member can have the opportunity to dothesamethroughouttheirvolunteercareer.”

Call or email the Toolern Vale CFA for more information.

Details: 0498 75 75 70 or toolernvalecfa@ gmail.com

transport, things compound.”

Children in the municipality were more likelytoexperiencepoverty,withsevensuburbs in Melton recording more than 20 per cent of their under-15 population living in economic disadvantag.,withasmanyas30percentinthe Melton suburb. Ms King said it was alarming and can have serious long term effects.

“What it means is that parents are struggling to put food on the table,” she said. “At school if they need an iPad their parents can not pay for it.

“They are getting left behind in every part of life and it shows.

“They are more likely to drop out of high school.Weneedtosupportpeopletohelpthem strive and thrive, which is really tough.”

Ms King said the results of the analysis are not surprising, and the current situation is likely worse than what was recorded in 2021, butunderstandingthedatamayleadtopositive change.

“This is an invaluable tool to help people understand their local areas better,“ Ms King said. “But it will also help government departments, local councils and community service organisations design more tailored social programs to combat poverty.”

Toolern Vale CFA. (Supplied)

Melton retail jobs boost

Harvey Norman and MHG, have teamed up to develop a new $50 million Homemaker Centre for Melton.

A ground breaking ceremony on the 50,000 square metre site on the Melton Highway, Melton was held on August 30 with representatives of MHG, Harvey Norman and Melton council.

Victorian builder, H. Troon Pty Ltd, has started work on the site and expects to complete the project in mid 2024.

Anchor retailer Harvey Norman has acquired 23,500 square metres of the site for a retail centre, while a range of retailers, including Fantastic Furniture, National Tiles, Pillow Talk, Rug Galaxy and other national retailers will make up the other 18,000 square metres in the large format retail centre.

A representative of Harvey Norman said the company is very excited to be developing this homemaker centre for Melton.

“Our research shows there is very strong

demand from families in the area for electrical appliances, furnishings and other items for people’s homes and apartments,“ they said.

MHG is a family owned company and acquired the Melton site in 1996 to operate a plantfeaturingstateoftheartroboticpainting, plastic extrusion and injection moulding manufacturingfacilitytosupportToyota,Ford and GMH. The plant closed in 2021.

MHG established the Melton Gateway Centre on another area of the site, featuring tenants including Woolworth’s Petrol, McDonald’s, Chemist Warehouse, The Good Guys, Dulux, Best Friends Pets and Subway, in 2007.

MHG chair Steve Haritos said the company believes there will be strong demand for the goods and services to be delivered at the new centre, as evidenced by the interest of major national retail tenants.

The centre will also feature 504 car spaces and 66 bicycle spaces.

Fatal collision

Two teenagers have been killed and three people seriously injured in a collision in Grangefields on Sunday. Police have been told at least two off-road motorbikes and potentially a quad bike were being ridden on Beattys Road when the collision occurred about 6.35pm. The circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be established. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com. au.

Twelve week road closure

To facilitate road reconstruction, Taverner Street between Fisken Street and Boyes Close, Maddingley will be closed from September 4 for 12 weeks. A traffic detour will be in place during this time, along with warning, speed reduction signs to notify drivers in advance of the changed conditions. Residents living near the road closure, will be notified via a letter drop prior to the commencement of works. To facilitate V/Line’s rail replacement work, a section of Clarendon-Lal Lal Road, Lal Lal will also be closed on Sunday, 10 September 2023 from 7am to 7pm.

Representatives from Harvey Norman, MHG and Melton council. (Supplied)

Call to address overdose ‘crisis’

By Liam McNally

More than 60 people died of unintentional drug overdoses between 2017 and 2021 in the Bacchus Marsh-Melton area, according to a new report by the Penington Institute.

Data from the report, released a few days before International Overdose Awareness Day, shows that unintentional drug overdoses were 90 per cent higher than the 2012 to 2016 figure of 33. Between 2011 and 2021 the population of Melton-Bacchus Marsh increased 59.31 per cent. Western Health Addiction Medicine unit head Dr Jon Cook said the population in Melbourne’s west is increasing rapidly but sadly drug use levels are not declining.

“The statistics in the Penington report are more than just numbers to us. Tragically, 63 families in the Bacchus Marsh-Melton area have lost a loved one in the four-year period covered by the report, and any loss of life through overdose is a tragedy,” he said.

“Addiction can affect people from all walks of life. The sooner we can get people into treatment, the more lives we can save. We can do this by reducing the stigma of drug use, raising awareness of the services and supports available in the west, and boosting service capacity, especially in high growth areas such as Bacchus Marsh and Melton.

“The social stigma of drug use can make people hesitate to come forward. Our message

Bloomin’ beautiful help

To celebrate an $18,000 donation, mecwacare held a dedication ceremony for the group formerly known as the Ballan Lioness Club.

The members of the former Lioness Club of Ballan donated $18,000 towards a new community garden at Ballan Health and Care when the club was terminated.

During a dedication ceremony on August 29 several benches within the community garden were adorned with commemorative plaques thanking the group. A Japanese maple tree was also planted in the garden, honouring the selfless efforts of the former Ballan Lioness Club and members’ dedication to bettering the lives of those in their community.

mecwacare chief executive Michele Lewis said it was delightful to be able to work jointly with the group formerly known as the Lioness Club.

“This beautiful place of calm is somewhere local that people can come to visit and enjoy their time within the precinct,” she said.

Theceremonyalsocelebratedthefundraising effortsoftheBallanAuxiliary,whoraisedmore than $5000 to put towards purchasing a large new dining table for mecwacare’s Ballan aged care residents to enjoy.

Theeventincludedaspeechfrommecwacare

Home and Community Services executive general manager Linda Smart, and an afternoon tea of scones, slices, tea and coffee.

Ballan Lioness Club former treasurer Dorothy Shaw said the group was pleased to attend the official opening of the garden and are delighted to have the plaques on the seats in the garden commemorating the work the Lioness Club did in the community over many years.

to the community is to seek the help that you need,whenyouneedit–whetherit’sforyourself or someone close to you. Remember that help is available to treat long-term addiction, and if you are with someone who you believe has overdosed, call for medical help straight away.”

Nationally, there were 2,231 drug-induced deaths reported in 2021, with a staggering 75 per cent of these deaths being unintentional.

Opioidswerethemostcommondrugpresent in unintentional deaths.

Penington Institute chief executive John Ryan said the report findings are cause for concern for all Australians and called for immediate action to address the nation’s “overdose crisis”.

“Unintentional overdose death in Australia has far outpaced population growth over the past two decades,” he said.

“This shows our response as a nation is simply not keeping up.”

Mr Ryan urged governments, healthcare providers, and communities to take urgent action.

“The time to address this national crisis is now. We already have the tools and know-how to reduce overdose deaths – we just need to do it....byimplementingevidence-basedsolutions, supporting access to treatment, and closing the gap in overdose death rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians,” he said.

Members of the former Ballan Lioness Club with Linda Smart of mecwacare (centre). (Provided)

Melton takes wellbeing action

Melton council has completed 42 actions towards the wellbeing of its residents this year, according to the 2022-23 Annual Action Plan end of year report.

Each year, council produces an Annual Action Plan identifying the activities and initiatives that council will work towards achieving, which respond to the strategies identified in the Council and Wellbeing Plan.

A report tabled at council’s August 28 meeting, indicated Melton had completed 42 of 59 actions, with 16 more on track to be delivered, and just one listed as “not on track”.

Deputy mayor Julie Shannon said the 59

actionsweremajormilestonesandmeaningful achievements.

“It is pleasing to note the many major achievements in 2022-23 including launching the Your Career, Your Way community program - partnering Melton City Libraries and Victoria University’s Skills and Jobs Centre, delivering the 2022 Melton Lifelong Learning festival with over 1000 community members attending 43 events,” she said.

“Achieving some of the council’s key advocacy priorities including launching the awarding-winning Moving Melton transport prospectus, delivering a city-wide pedestrian

and cycling plan, partnering with the local community football leagues and associations to form the Aintree AFL Club at Frontier Recreation Reserve, and helping 19,825 community members participate in 393 community programs over the year.

“These are all significant actions that will continue to deliver for our community.”

Looking forward to the next financial year, Cr Shannon said council has 62 actions planned including undertaking masterplanning, concept designs and stakeholder engagement for the Cobblebank Community Services Hub, commencing

World-first research trial underway

A Western Health researcher is leading a world-first trial to assess whether an existing anti-depressant can also be used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF).

Western Health cardiologist Dr Youlin Koh said the SAD-AF clinical trials will test the effect of a common serotonin-based antidepressant on patients with AF.

Atrial fibrillation is a fast and irregular heartbeat that can increase the chance of a blood clot forming in the heart and travelling up to the brain, where it can cause a stroke.

Dr Koh said symptoms of AF can often lead to people also experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. She said both conditions are controlled by the autonomic

nervoussystem-commonlyknownasthefight or flight system.

Dr Koh said the study is a “two birds with one stone” approach, using a single medication for the treatment of two conditions, which often occur together.

“We already have some evidence that antidepressantscanhelptostabilisethissystem of nerves, and hopefully our study will show that the medication not only works for the mind, but also the heart,” she said.

Dr Koh said if the trial is successful it will help reduce the pill burden for patients, especially those who have multiple, co-existing conditions.

The study recently received approval to begin recruitment across the three trial sites at

WesternHealth,theRoyalMelbourneHospital and Alfred Health.

Dr Koh said they are seeking to target 150 patients,whowillbefollowedduringthecourse of their trial across a period of 12 months.

The study has the potential to deliver significant benefits for those experiencing AF, particularly in Melbourne’s west such as Brimbank and Melton where coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death, and a significant risk factor for the development of AF.

Dr Koh said final results from the study may not be known until 2026, but preliminary results could be available as early as 12 months into the trial.

Hannah Hammoud

construction of the Weir Views, Aintree and Plumpton children’s and community centres, and commencing master planning for the Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

The “not on track” action is the finalisation of the Western Plains South Green Wedge Management Plan which is now planned for delivery by the end of the calendar year. Community consultation was completed in June 2023 with the submissions now being reviewed to inform the final plan.

Aintree PS dance award

Aintree Primary School has received a state award and is being considered for a national award for its Wakakirri performance ‘If everybody looked the same’.

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

Participating schools are inspired by the Wakakirri ethos “great stories inspire change” to create and perform story-dances that reflect students’ thoughts, ideas and aspirations.

Wakakirri Festival director Adam Loxleysaidthestandardofperformance and the stories being told by schools this year was exceptional and Aintree Primary School should be very proud of their award.

Aintree Primary School’s story is about diversity and finding your own tune to dance to.

Aintree Primary School performance coordinator Adam Devenish said the school’s first Wakakirri experience has been a raging success.

“The year five-six students have worked together so well. I have enjoyed the sense of community and identity the Wakakirri community offers. I’m so proud of our students at Aintree Primary School who have shown confidence, commitment, resilience and courage throughout our Wakakirri journey,” he said.

Free information sessions to tackle diabetes in the west

Across Victoria, diabetes is most prevalent among locals living in Melbourne’s west including in Brimbank, Melton and Wyndham.

Victoria University has partnered with the Wyndham Health Foundation to provide a series of free, health information sessions to educate the community in Melbourne’s west about the issues most affecting them. The first of these series is a diabetes informationsessionfeaturingapanelofhealth experts who will share their latest findings and practical tips on managing diabetes, including the role of exercise, nutrition, and

other interventions in preventing or treating the disease.

The Western Health Chronic Disease Alliance reports that 35 per cent of all inpatients at Western Health have diabetes, the highest in Melbourne.

Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos said the information session aims to educate the communityandenhancetheirunderstanding of both type-1 and type-2 diabetes.

She said for many in the west who are living with type-2 diabetes, they are unaware of just how damaging the effects of unmanaged diabetes can be.

“People don’t think about the long-term effects of diabetes and what it will mean for them in the future. They tend not to think about that, but research shows that diabetes is linked to heart disease, kidney failure, increased risks of depression and a lot of other effects that can result long-term,” she said.

Professor Apostolopoulos said type-2 diabetes is widespread in the west due to a range of factors including the low socio-economic status of households, and lackofaccesstoqualityfoods.Type-2diabetes is also often concentrated in areas that are

further away from access to recreational spaces such as ovals, parks and bike tracks. She said it is important to understand that when diabetes is first diagnosed, it can be managed by small changes in lifestyle, exerciseanddietwhichcanmakeasignificant difference to the impacts of diabetes.

The free information session will take place on September 12, from 6-7.10pm at Victoria University Lecture Theatre Werribee Campus. Registration is required.

Details: https://shorturl.at/DJPR8

Hannah Hammoud

Western Health cardiologist Dr Youlin Koh is leading the SAD-AF clinical trials. (Damjan Janevski) 356688_01

Aintree Primary School performing ‘If everybody looked the same’.

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Sensory overload a dogged issue

With finals fever spreading throughout Victoria, Zoe Moffatt talks to AFL fans about Marvel Stadium and how its

is affecting spectators with sensory sensitivities.

oing to an AFL game is a ritual for many Victorians. Throwing on your team’s guernsey, indulging in some hot chips and sipping on beer is a weekend familiar to hundreds of thousands of fans across the state.

Western Bulldogs supporter Chris Von D is no exception, he loves the game. He lives and breathes red, white and blue, and once he starts talking about his team you can hear the passion bubble out.

However, for supporters like Chris who have epilepsy or other health conditions, the lighting and post goal celebrations at Marvel Stadium are throwing doubt on their future as beloved spectators.

play

“Footballisareallyimportantplaceformeto go to,” Chris said.

“My whole leg is inked up red, white and blue, bulldogs everywhere over me. So yes, I’m a big Bulldogs supporter.”

For Chris, who is a diagnosed epileptic, going to watch games at Marvel Stadium –which he calls ‘the kennel’ – is a risk, but one he’s willing to take.

“I was diagnosed with epilepsy 10 years ago … medication way I take about seven morning tablets [and I] take another five at night time.

At the end of October last year I ended up going in for brain surgery.

“With everything over the years that’s gone on I just find going to a Bulldogs’ game is just my place.

“I can have a bad week and my wife knows thisandshewilltakemetothefootballbecause

I can just switch off you know, you forget about everything.”

Chris said he has noticed the lighting and noise at the stadium increase, and he now chooses to look away from the lights.

“Over time I’ve noticed that they’ve tinkered with the game day setup. The music went up a

bit louder, then they put the Bulldog running on the scoreboard [where] he comes running and charging and stuff.

“Me and my wife were sitting there for a game and as the first goal kicked, they flicked the lights and my wife straight away put her hand over my head.

‘‘ Football is trying to entertain the supporters I guess, but I don’t go there to see the lights, I go to see my team

’’ - Chris Von D

“I asked what she was doing and she said ‘look, it’s flashing lights. It’s not good. We don’t need you having a seizure here.’

“There’s the Bulldog side of me that’s like ‘I want to watch this’ but I do look away … I put my head down and look at my knees.

“There’sbeensometimeswhereI’vebeenata game and … I just sort of zone out.”

Chris said he understands that the AFL is trying to make the game more entertaining, but it should not come at the cost of excluding supporterswithhealthconditionslikeepilepsy, anxiety or autism.

“I just feel they don’t put much thought processintoit.Ithinkit’smoreofa,dowewant to surprise 90 per cent of our supporters [and the] 10 per cent can just close their eyes or look away.

“Footballistryingtoentertainthesupporters Iguess,butIdon’tgotheretoseethelights,Igo to see my team play.”

Consultant Neurologist at Austin Health Comprehensive Epilepsy Program Dr Saul Mullen said light sensitive epilepsy is relatively uncommon.

“Light sensitivity happens in people who have generalised seizures… and in a practical sense, is really only a minority of those people with generalised epilepsy,” he said.

“People are likely to be provoked by fast flicker… more than eight flashes per second… brightness matters… the size of the flash matters… and very fine patterns matter.”

Dr Mullen said for people with light sensitivity epilepsy, sunshine, reflections and flickers are problems and sunglasses and medication can help.

“We don’t see a lot of people who have

seizures at concerts and venues in general… polarised sunglasses make a big difference… [and] medication helps.”

For people with anxiety and on the autism spectrum, Dr Mullen said it is a different set of problems, and bright lights and loud noises can be uncomfortable for people with physical problems.

“People with various levels of autistic spectrumdisorderaregoingtobeuncomfortable in various kinds of sensory environments depending on the contact,” he said.

Marvel Stadium, which is set on the banks of the Yarra River in Docklands, is also the home ground for Essendon, Carlton, North Melbourne and St Kilda.

The stadium has a retractable roof, and in 2009itrecordeditslargesteverAFLattendance with 54,444 spectators.

FellowBulldogsfanAmberHollanddescribes herselfasalonglifedie-hardsupporter,andhas three kids on the autism spectrum and with varying levels of anxiety.

Amber said she would like to see more information given to spectators about what they can expect at the game, but said the introduction of a sensory room is a “fantastic initiative”.

“Ihonestlydon’tthinkit’sunfairtothelarger population at football games, to enjoy these sorts of celebrations after a goal or upon entry to the ground,” she said.

“What could possibly be done before a game is to announce or put up a warning on the screen perhaps to allow people that may not be aware of what happens during a game, so they can be better prepared.

“I do also believe that Marvel Stadium does now have a sensory room that people with such issues at loud and noisy events, can escape to.

“I think it is a fantastic initiative by the stadium to be inclusive and also embrace disabilities, [but] ... perhaps more awareness of the existing sensory room could be beneficial to some, as it’s not well known about or advertised.”

Marvel Stadium partnered with non-profit KultureCity to make the stadium sensory inclusive with a sensory room and sensory inclusive training for stadium staff.

KultureCity USA director Uma Srivastava said sensory sensitivities can include bright lights, sounds, crowds, smell of concession foods and more.

“It truly depends on the person… [but these aspects]canallbeoverwhelmingandcancause a sensory overload,” Ms Srivastava said.

“One in four of us has a sensory need and we want to make sure that all venues, big and small, are welcoming to everyone, regardless of their ability.”

Sensory bags, noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, visual cue cards and weighted lap pads are available to guests who feel overwhelmed by the environment.

The AFL said it has not received complaints about lighting at the stadium.

Western Bulldogs were contacted for comment.

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Die hard Western Bulldogs supporter Amber Holland (right) celebrating Marcus Bontempelli’s 200th game; Amber with her son who got to run through the banner with the team; Amber (left) with club supporter and legend Irene Chatfield. (Pictures: Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

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

Melton Ladies Probus

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

■ Dianne, 9743 7446

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

The Gap on Graham

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

■ Val, 0414 769 605

Melton Men’s Group

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

■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog

Take weight off naturally

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

Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.

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

Parkinson’s support group

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

■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Bridge Club

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

■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Melton Friendship Group.

Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events.

■ 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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

■ Ann 0425705150

Melton South Knit & Natter

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

■ 9747 8576

Zonta club meets

Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton.

■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

U3A Melton

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

■ 0419 563 016

Melton Combined Probus Club

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

■ 9746 0271

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

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

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

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

Melton Cycling Club

Melton Cycling Club meets for regular Sunday rides. There are three different riding groups to cater for different abilities starting at 7.30am. The rides finish at Lazy Moe’s for a cuppa.

■ 0403 057 003

Community singing group

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

■ Val, 0418 667 150

Rotary Club of Melton

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

■ meltonrotary@gmail.com

Melton Trauma Teddies

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

■ Jean 0412 931 498

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

■ https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

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. 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

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. 11-11.45am 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/

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Nick Wilson with the ‘Snuff Puppets’, appearing in a new show called ’Swamp’. (Damjan Janevski) 356507_01

SUDOKU

No. 19 76 85 659 82

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DECODER WORDFIT 9-LETTER

G A C I A L

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No. 149

D A S E A

S

QUIZ

O A I E

2 In medical science, what is the equivalent of gynaecology for men?

3 Panama is bordered by which two countries?

4 What word in English is formed by two words that end in -gry, and is also a combination of their meanings?

5 The astronomical theory that the planets revolve around the sun is known as what?

6 Dhivehi is the official language of which country?

7 Viola, Olivia and Sebastian are all characters in which Shakespearean play?

8 The city of Darwin (pictured) has had to be almost entirely rebuilt twice as a consequence of what two events?

9 Which religion follows the Eightfold Path?

10 And what is the country of origin of that religion?

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SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which popular AFL star recently retired after a final game against Collingwood?

2. And which team did he play for?

3. How old was Conor McGregor when he made his mixed martial arts debut?

4. Which of these FIFA women’s teams do not have an official nickname: a) Canada, b) Sweden or c) Argentina?

5. Fourteen-year-old Sky Brown is best known for what sport?

6. Which 2009 sporting film has recently resurfaced over a legal battle between real-life athlete Michael Oher and his parents?

In which round was the United States eliminated in the women’s FIFA World Cup?

Which Australian state is tennis star Alexei Popyrin

Who will Damien Hardwick replace as the new head coach for Gold Coast?

10. And for which team were these coaches premiership teammates in 2004?

11. How many AFL/VFL premierships has Collingwood won in the last 60 years?

12. Social media star Olivia Duane is known for which sport?

13. Which Australian city will host the Matildas’ 2024 Olympic qualification matches later this year?

14. Which Australian tennis star recently announced a return to the court at this year’s US Open?

15. Australian Nina Kennedy recently agreed to share a gold medal with a competitor when taking part in which track and field event?

16. Which state recently announced a short-lived ban on Melbourne Victory fans for the upcoming A-League Men’s season?

17. What is the surname of Australian boxer siblings Nikita and Tim?

18. What is the lowest position Geelong has ever finished on the AFL/VFL ladder?

19. Sam Burgess recently left a coaching position with which NRL team?

20. Hannah Priest is the captain of which AFL Women’s team?

21. Luis Rubiales was recently asked to resign as the soccer federation president of which country?

22. Retired NFL quarterback Tom Brady is a minority owner of which NFL team?

23. Which national men’s rugby team inflicted New Zealand’s heaviest ever loss, a 35-7 defeat?

24. Laura Kane is the executive general manager of football in which Australian sporting league?

25. Which national men’s team defeated Australia 85-82 in their second game of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?

26. Which team finished last on the 2023 AFL ladder?

27. Which national men’s team did South Sudan record their first ever FIBA Basketball World Cup victory against?

28. Which Polish tennis professional won the 2022 US Open Women’s Singles title?

29. Which Spanish tennis professional won the 2022 US Open Men’s Singles title?

30. How far did Australia progress through the 2019 Rugby World Cup before being knocked out?

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Plugging the generation gap

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Mazda sports utility vehicle sibling rivalry just got hotter, with a reborn five-year-old CX-8 refitted out and snapping at big brother CX-9’s heels, while fending off the challenge of the mid-size CX-5.

Available in six grades - Sport, Touring, Touring Active, GT SP, Asaki and Asaki LEwith petrol or diesel power front or all-wheel drive, the entry-level Sport FWD petrol comes to market at $42,060, plus on-road costs, while the Asaki LE diesel AWD tips the scales at $71,410.

Rearranging the chairs, the Touring Active takes over where the old Touring diesel stood, while the GT SP fills the gap left by the absence of the petrol and diesel Touring SP and GT models. On test was the GT SP petrol, which takes in premium touches such as power sliding and tilting sunroof and burgundy or black leather seat trim.

Mazda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with roadside assistance, applies across the model range, with service intervals of 12 months or 15,000 kilometres.

Styling

Mazda designers have modernised the CX-8 exterior with bold new front and rear bumpers, and tailgate, LED headlamps and tail lights, while a new front grille maintains the company’s Kodo - Soul of Motion design tradition.

New signature wings add a premium quality feel, a metallic finish reflecting light in motion, enhancing vehicle dynamics, maybe the colour too,inthiscaseSoulRedCrystalMetallic.Black metallic and machined finish 19-inch wheels give a lift to the sleek styling and sophistication of the GT SP.

Interior

Three rows of seats, with quality finishes, offer enough space to fit all but the most broad-beamed family members comfortably on short trips or long journeys. Massive rear doors open to almost 90 degrees - there are sun shades too - but there’s still some clambering to do to settle in the third row.

Once in, the upright back rest and the cramped knee situation are not conducive to long-distance comfort. There’s limited head room here but the GT SP does have the power adjustment and rear seat heaters of upper

specced variants.

A non-too generous 209 litres of cargo space is available with all seats in operation.

A removable base boots capacity to 242 litres. With the third row folded the total rises to 775 litres.

Infotainment

Call me out of touch but I remain a fan of the switch-and-knob style of control of in-cabin tech. There is nothing worse than sticky fingerprints on the touchscreen. The CX-8 centre-console rotary control set-up is my kind of connection.

Some previous CX-8s had only half-smart levels of phone mirroring. Mazda has fixed this and updates now offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. Also newly included is wireless device charging and 10-speaker Bose audio.

Engines / transmissions

On offer is the choice of two engines - a 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol or 2.2 litre turbodiesel - both mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The test vehicle included the former, which came up with maximum power of 140 kW at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 252 Nm at 4000 rpm.

Diesel versions boast all-wheel drive, while petrolmotorshavetomakedowithfront-wheel operation only.

Safety

The Mazda CX-8 was a five-star rating when it was introduced in 2018. As little has been significantly changed the Australasian New

Mazda CX-8 G25 Sport FWD: $42,060

Mazda CX-8 G25 Touring FWD: $48,960

Mazda CX-8 D35 Sport AWD: $49,060

Mazda CX-8 D35 Touring Active AWD: $56,910

Mazda CX-8 GT SP G25 FWD: $58,560

Mazda CX-8 Asaki G25 FWD: $61,810

Mazda CX-8 GT SP D35 AWD: $65,560

Mazda CX-8 Asaki D35 AWD: $68,810

Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE D35 AWD: $71,410

SPECIFICATIONS

Mazda CX-8 GT SP 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol, 6sp automatic, FWD SUV

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

Car Assessment Program says it will not be retesting the latest version.

Includedareblindspotmonitoring,lane-keep assistance, rear-cross traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic sign recognition and Isofix child seat anchors for two of the rear seats.

A reversing camera is standard across the range but only in the Asaki and LE is there a full 360-degree system.

Driving

The 2.5 litre four-cylinder motor sends a

maximum 140 kW of power and 252 Nm of torque to the front wheels only, putting the brake, so to speak, on top-notch towing.

Maximum rating is 1800 kg.

The six-speed transmission is left behind by rivals with more cogs but it doesn’t seem to affect the CX-8 unduly, producing a smooth run through all but the upper echelons of the rev band. Engine noise is the downside here.

Fuelconsumptionisclaimedtobeanaverage of8.1litresper100kmforthepetrolfront-wheel drive on the combines urban / highway cycle. The test vehicle came up with 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburban work and 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres on motorway cruising. With a bit of heft to handle, the ride can be hostage to some bumps and bangs over bad roads. Steering responds with feeling and is particularly efficient in parking manoeuvres at lower speeds.

Front-wheel-drive versions of the CX-8 miss out on the Mazda Mi-Drive switchable driving modes allowing the driver to choose between Normal, Sport, Off-Road and a towing mode. All-round vision for the driver is limited by large rear-view mirrors and a slim rear window but I do rate the clarity of the head-up (any head-up) windscreen display.

Summary

Fitting in can be a challenge to anyone going through adolescence. Doing a person’s best for elders can be elusive and so could be the case of the CX-8. Thankfully Mazda has taken the large SUV and planed off some of the prickly sides to its character, leaving an acceptable member of a growing family.

The upgraded Mazda CX-8 does well fitting into the shape of Mazda’s range of SUVs. (Pictures: Supplied)

Lakers do the hard yards to get into grand final

After finishing without the double chance Caroline Springs is through to the Western Region Football League women’s division 1 grand final.

Aiming to make a fourth straight grand final, the Lakers had their work cut out for them against Werribee Centrals, who were aiming to make their first grand final.

Shekeine De Satge and Caitlin Pretty kicked two goals in the win, while Ashlee Wallis, Alana Ellis and best on ground Jordin Williamson all kicked one.

The Lakers came home strong on Sunday morning winning, 7.10 (52)-4.5 (29).

“It was a great team performance today against a strong opposition,” Lakers’ coach Alex O’Shea said. “During the game when we were challenged, it was positive to see a range of players stand up and play their role for the team.

After beating Spotswood in the 2022 grand final the Lakers will be keen to repeat history on Sunday night at Yarraville Oval. Spotswood won the 2019 grand final between the two sides, with both teams keen to move ahead on the ledger.

“[We’re] very excited to be in the grand final,” O’Shea said. “Obviously, each team’s end goal is to play in that final game of the season and to have that opportunity this year

we are beyond grateful and can’t wait.

“As a team, we were proud to be in finals contention again. We knew that finishing

third meant no second chances.

“Our focus has been one week at a time, and knowing that there was no ‘next

End of road for Hillside

By Tara Murray

Hillside couldn’t repeat the heroics of the first week of finals, knocked out of the Essendon District Football League division 1 finals on Sunday.

Facing Rupertswood in the battle of the Sharks, it was the Hillside variety that took the early control and led at quarter time.

Rupertswood kicked six goals to nil in the second quarter to take control of the game and had it for the rest of the game.

Rupertswood progressed through to the preliminary final with a (114)-6.8 (44) win.

Sharks coach Charlie Denaro said they were beaten by a better team on the day.

“We knew we were going to have a hard game,” he said. “We were a little bit worried wehadspenttoomanyticketslastweekbutwe still believed in our boys.

“We came out in the first quarter and thought, yep we’re on and a couple of things we looked at worked pretty well.

“As Rupo tends to do it to us, another 6 goal to zero quarter and they blew us away. We went in at half time knowing we had a job to do.

“We tried and gave ourselves some good looks in the third quarter, we couldn’t capitalise and in the end they outplayed us in all facets.”

Hillside suffered a setback before the game with Zak Wunhym ruled out after tweaking his hamstring on Thursday night at training.

It left Hillside a midfielder down, but gave 17-year-old Riley Way his senior debut.

DenarosaidafterquartertimeRupertswood just played good football.

“I think the goals that they kicked they were no flash in the pan, no boundary stuff, some really good basic football stuff and they worked hard for each other,” he said.

“They beat us on the inside and they got us on the outside… Rupo is a really high scoring team and if they can get a run on, they can do some serious damage.”

The Sharks had their chances in the third quarter and won the inside 50 count for the day but weren’t able to convert.

Denaro said they had to work hard for their inside 50s as Rupertswood continued to run hard all day.

Josh Covelli kicked two goals for Hillside, with Koby Young and Ryan Schiavone named their best.

For Denaro, who was coaching the club

for the last time, he walks away a happy man knowing the club is in a better place than when he started.

“We made and I personally made some hard calls two or so years ago,” he said. “We needed to move on some people from the club and that is what we did and the committee was incredibly strong and we copped a bit of backlash and we had 20-25 players walk out.

“We brought in a group of guys that really wanted to be part of something special. They are only just starting. We had a 17-year-old make his debut, three 18 year olds and two 19 year olds and they are walk up starts

“The club is in a good spot and it was fantastic to be able to win our first finals in division 1 final, onwards and up from here.”

Denaro said he would still be involved in the club on the junior side.

week’ without winning.

“Eachweek,theteamhascontinuedtoshow the Lakers style of footy, persisting through the challenges that were presented.

“As a coach that’s all that you can ask for.”

Spotswood has sat at the top of the ladder all season and fresh off a week off following their win over Werribee Centrals in the first week of finals.

“It’s a grand final, last game of the season, pretty much says it all. It’s going to be another tough, competitive game,” O’Shea said.

“We will prepare for the game, like we have all year, and be ready to go from the first bounce.”’

The sides have met three times this year, with the Wolves getting the better of the Lakers on the first two occasions.

However, the last time the sides met was in round 13 at Taylors Run Oval, the Lakers got the best of the Wolves, winning by five points.

In women’s division 2, West Footscray defeated Spotswood’s second team to put it into the grand final.

The Wolves were down by 27 points at three quarter time and came within a goal of the Roosters in the 6.11 (47)- 5.11 (41) match.

The Roosters will now face Wyndhamvale in the grand final on Sunday morning.

- Harper Sercombe

Butters named coaches’ best

Former Darley star Zak Butters’ breakout AFL season has resulted in him winning the AFL Coaches’ Association AFL Champion Player of the Year Award.

The Port Adelaide midfielder polled votes in 16 of the 23 matches this season to finish with 109 votes, earning maximum coaches votes in seven rounds.

The Power star beat Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli (102 votes) and fellow Brownlow fancy Nick Daicos (99 votes) to take home the coveted award at the AFL Awards night in Melbourne last Wednesday.

The midfielder averaged career-best numbers for disposals (27.5 per game), marks (five) and clearances (4.6), and ranks elite for score assists and score involvements this season.

Butters will have to take a bigger suitcase back to Adelaide following the awards night.

As well as winning the coaches award, Butters claimed the Robert Rose Most CourageousAwardasvotedbyhispeers. He finished third in the Leigh Matthews Trophy for the Most Valuable Player voted by the players, behind Bontempelli and Daicos.

Hewasalsonamedasafollowerinthe All-Australian team, his first selection in the team.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was thrilled to see his midfield star take out the coaches award.

“Zak is an exceptional person and the ultimate professional, and we are seeing the rewards this season of all the work he puts in,” he said.

“Considering his size, he is fearless with the way he attacks the ball, and he’s got this amazing ability to make special things happen for our team and to influence a game like not many others can.

“I believe that being voted by the coaches as the league’s champion player is one of the highest honours a player can receive, and I could not be prouder that Zak has been recognised with this award.”

- Tara Murray

Stephanie Thompson (Jacob Pattison)328702_01

Tristan Rudic (Ljubica Vrankovic) 353250_21

Panthers on the hunt for new coach

Melton South will have a new football coach for next year’s Ballarat Football League season with Ryan Hoy departing the club.

Hoy and Jason Hamilton were appointed co-coaches for this season, with Hamilton departing the club in early June after being told that he wasn’t in the club’s plans going forward.

Hoy stayed on telling Star Weekly at the time that he had brought in five or six players to the club and he couldn’t leave them behind.

While the Panthers haven’t publicly announced the departure of Hoy, Black Rock has announced him as its senior coach for next season.

“Black Rock Football Netball Club is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ryan Hoy as the new Senior Men’s coach for 2024.

‘This decision marks a significant step forward for the club. We aim to build on the

2023 season, which was a rebuilding phase.

“Numerous young players joined the club and showed improved performance in the latter half of the year.”

The club said that Hoy was looking forward to a much shorter commute as he lives in Cheltenham.

For the Panthers, they will now be looking for a third senior coach in as many years.

It was a tough year on field for the Panthers that failed to win a match.

After losing a large group of numbers in the off season and a number of injuries on top of that, the Panthers struggled to be competitive suffering several 200 point losses.

The Panthers averaged just 29 points per game, while conceding on average a massive 187.5 points.

Hoy said back in June there were good signs for the future.

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

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

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

“Theyareundernoillusionswherewe’reat.”

Onthenetballcourt,thePanthershadthree sides in finals.

The B-grade, D-grade and E-grade teams all suffered losses. The E-grade team has a second chance having finished on top of the ladder.

They will face Melton in a knockout semi final on Sunday.

Tara Murray

Women’s cricket back for Melton

Meltonisbringingbackwomen’scricket this season.

Having had a women’s team for a number of years, the Lions had been without one since the 2018-19 season. That will change this season, with the club planning to have one, maybe two teams.

Former player Kareena Jacobsen-Logan will be a playing-coach this season and is excited for the club to have women’s cricket again.

“It is pretty cool,” she said. “I started playing here in 2011-12 as one of my mates played and they were short and asked me to come and fill in.

“I live in Melton so that is handy. The president and committee seem passionate to get a ladies side up and running and keep it running.”

Jacobsen-Logan last season coached St Andrews women’s side and really enjoyed the experience of coaching.

She said having a female coach made a big difference to the players.

“The club had only ever had male coaches,” she said. “They used to have to train with the men.

“They had a lot of enjoyment and we had a good number of training every week wanting to learn.”

Joshua

Flower (Ljubica Vrankovic) 347360_19

Burras up for big dance

By Tara Murray

Diggers Rest had to dig deep to win through to another Riddell District Football League grand final, overcoming Wallan in extra time.

After a week off the Burras faced the Magpies for the first spot in the grand final on Saturday at Romsey Park.

The match had plenty of twists and turns, with scores locked at 15.8 (98) apiece when the final siren went.

Two five minute periods of extra time were then played, with the Burras doing enough to get over the line 17.9 (111)-16.8 (104).

Burras coach Jamie Lobb was relieved that his side could do enough to win through to the grand final.

“We had a great start in the first quarter before they came at us,” he said. “The second quarter they were able to get a three goal advantage on us.

“We played well and got back into the game and then it was goal for goal after that. [Overtime] is something we’re used

to at Romsey.

“It’s pleasing to see the guys get over the line.”

Lobb said while they felt like they were on top in the final quarter, they were never that far ahead to say that the game was over.

Despite being the fresher of the two teams enteringthegameaftertheweekoff,Lobbsaid the game and heat took its toll late.

“It was a high scoring game and either team could score quickly,” he said.

“The first bit of extra time we started to have some players cramp. Our ruck Mark Orr was cramping in both calves and finished on the bench.

“I’m happy we don’t have to play next week and we’ll take the week off and then go again.”

Mitch Jensen kicked six goals in his first senior game since round two and was one of his side’s best.

While Jensen is the skipper, Lobb said it was a tough decision with him having not played for so long.

“He justified his selection,” he said. “It was a

tough call to leave a guy out.

“The way he was training he deserved his spot.”

Lobb said Taylor Hine in the back line was clearly their best player with Orr, Jaycob Hickey and Jaidyn Caruana were the other standouts.

For the Magpies, Michael Mannix, Jacob Langborne, Michael Baccari and Matt Perri kicked three goals each.

Mannix was named their best.

The Magpies will now face either Woodend-Hesket in the preliminary final for a spot in the grand final.

The Burras will have the week off before playing off in their seventh grand final in the last 11 years.

Lobb said it was a good place to be.

“We’re not going to get too far ahead of ourselves,” he said. “We’ve still got things to work on.

“We have the cushion of being able to take our time to prepare for the big dance.”

Jacobsen-Logan said they were hoping to get two sides up and running this season, a competitive team and a more social team.

She said they were unsure what competition they would play in.

“Hopefullywecangetthetwoteams,” she said.

“The boys are really supportive and doing everything to make it happen. The numbers are looking pretty good and we’ve had 16 players show interest. If we can get a few more we will have two teams.”

Amy Hibbert has been named vice-captain of the side having come through the Western Spirit pathway program.

Jacobsen-Logan is already in the ear ofsomeofherformerMeltonteammates to get them to come back and play again at the club.

She said they were hoping that they would be able to play a mixture of T20 games and longer format to suit the needs of all the players.

Long term, she’s hoping the club can have a strong program of junior girls sides, following into senior women’s sides.

Ryan Hoy (Supplied)

Kyneton could be on the move to a new league

Kyneton could be on the move to the Riddell District Football Netball League for next season.

Having moved their juniors and women’s program to the competition this season, the Tigers have now informed the RDFNL of its intentions to move its senior men’s football and netball across as well.

In a statement, Kyneton president Hayden Evans said after careful consideration that the committee has unanimously decided to submit an application to Bendigo Football Netball LeaguetoleavetheleagueandjointheRDFNL.

“We’re hoping this move provides a sustainablefutureforourclub,fairandequitable competition, and an enhanced experience for all our players of which a significant majority have indicated their preference to move to RDFNL,” he said.

Evans said they issued a survey to the players with 84 per cent responding and 86 per cent said yes to moving to the RDFNL.

Only seven per cent said no.

The ability to compete, financial burden, player retention and numbers, community feedback and career pathways, RDFNL culture and governance and a one club theme are among the reasons for the decision.

“We believe that this move will provide us with an opportunity to be a sustainable club with strong and committed players who are desperate for a change sooner rather than later, who have made their views very clear through the survey,” Evans said. “By making this decision now, it will remove any uncertainty and anxiousness and will create shared clarity of the long term vision for our players as we embark on recruitment in the coming months and reduce the unnecessary drain on club finances for 2024.

RDFNL chief executive Jordan Doyle confirmed the league had been approached by Kyneton to move the rest of the club across.

“They notified us on Friday they wanted to join the competition in 2024,” he said.

“TheyhadacommitteemeetingonThursday

night which the committee voted on and then informed AFL Victoria, AFL Central Vic and us.

“We then let the clubs know.”

Doyle said the decision to move the senior program was only recent and came after AFL Central Vic announced they were reviewing the leagues in the region, which the RDFNL isn’t part of.

Doyle said feedback he had heard was that the Kyneton players were keen to come across.

“We started the conversation with Kyneton astheyhavegoodknowledgeoftheleaguewith their juniors and senior women’s teams in the competition.

“They are a natural fit with the geographics andareclosetoWoodend-HesketandMacedon and there rest of the competition.

“Thepathwayisthroughtheleagueswiththe junior teams.”

Having lost four teams in the past 10 years to other competitions said it was nice to have an established team want to join the competition.

United one of eight left

By Harper Sercombe

WesternUnitedisthroughtotheAustraliaCup quarter-finals for the first time after downing Gold Coast Knights 2-0 in a thrilling round of 16 clash on Wednesday night.

The Knights started the match much more comfortably on their home turf, immediately putting United under pressure in the opening exchanges.

It was an end-to-end first half but despite plenty of chances at both ends, the game was stillawaitingitsfirstgoalwhentherefereeblew for half-time.

The opening to the second half was nowhere near as chaotic as the beginning to the first half with United able to calm things down and hold more possession early on.

A brilliantly worked free kick finally found the opening goal at the 72nd minute mark as Lachie Wales clipped the ball to Josh Risdon at the back post and the captain put his header in a brilliant position across the face of goal. A

Knights defender slid in knocking the back to the back of the net as it went down as an own goal.

In injury time young midfielder Matthew Grimaldi put the ball into the bottom right corner thanks to a Michael Ruhs assist following a fast break to give them the 2-0 win.

The goal capped off a good night’s work for United, who navigated a difficult test to come away with the victory.

United midfielder Seb Pasquali said it was a toughtaskbutonethatwasexpectedatthislate stage of the tournament.

“We showed a bit of character, it was a really good hit out for us so early in our pre season preparation, so we’re all pretty happy to move onto the next stage,” he said.

“Theywereputtingafairbitofpressureonus and we just had to sustain it.

“Stick to our structure and ultimately at the end we were able to capitalise on some of the chances we created.”

United will face fellow A-League side Sydney

FC away from home in the last eight as the race for the first trophy of the season continues.

“Sydney are always tough opposition,” Pasquali said.

“We expect nothing less than a tough game. We’ve just got to bring our best and bring the right attitude and mentality.

“Continue with our pre season preparation and view it as another opportunity to win.”

With United’s A-League campaign kicking off on October 21, every win will build momentum as the season gets closer.

“Pre-season’s been great so far,” Pasquali said. “We’ve been training really hard, we’re developingsomereallygoodteamcamaraderie.

“We’re really building on our game style and ourgameplaywithallthenewplayerswhohave come into the club this year, they’re all getting accustomed to the way we want to play and enter the culture that we want to develop.

“It’s really quite positive and energetic.”

United will face Sydney in the semi finals on Wednesday, September 13.

HesaidthattheybelievedthatKynetonfitted in perfectly and it was a no-brainer for them to join the competition.

The RDFNL clubs still have to vote to accept Kyneton into the competition, with Doyle saying there had been positive reaction from the clubs so far. AFL Central Vic has the opportunitytorefusethemoveandtheprocess still has to go through AFL Victoria to make sure it’s the best move for all parties. While the Tigers could have senior men’s football and netball teams, Gisborne Giants are set to be a year away. The club has under-19 netball and football this season and the plan had been for them to have all senior teams in 2024.

Doyle said that wouldn’t be the case.

“The original plan was for 2024 but unfortunately the delay with the new Gisborne facility was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

“We’re disappointed about it. The club will continue to do the work for another 12 months and hopefully get it up.”

Dominant Warriors win premiership

Melton Warriors capped their incredible season off with a drought breaking premiership win in the Rugby Union Victoria premiership reserves competition.

The Warriors faced the Brimbank Bucks second side in the big dance and were on a roll in the 32-17 win.

The Warriors were undefeated throughout their entire 2023 campaign, dominating sides throughout the year, boasting 296 points more than their oppositions.

The side’s strength was demonstrated in their 72-0 preliminary final win against Kiwi Hawthorn’s second side.

Warriors coach Paul Westerlund said it was a great achievement for the club.

“It was definitely a beautiful day,” he said.

“Playing at that level, our club has never achieved this, so not only that we were able to go through undefeated but it was history made.

“A new group of old fellas, mixed in with the oldies in there, were able to come up with the outcome.”

It’s the first time that the club has won a premiership at this level.

Now the Warriors have their eyes set on reaching the premiership division.

“That’s definitely the goal,” Westerlund said.

“We’re looking at a five year goal at this stage.

“My vision as a head coach is that once we achieve something we just have to look at the next level and just keep moving forward to test ourselves.”

With a group of young talent rising throughtheranksatMelton,Westerlund is confident that his club will be in the top flight of Victoria’s rugby union, the VAILO Dewar Shield, within the next five years.

“We have a lot of young fellas coming through with potential, who are very determined to stay around the club,” he said.

“Loyalty is something that we’re really focused on as a team, building culture and that’s definitely the vision that we have and the players are in the same boat.”

- Harper Sercombe

Seb Pasquali. (David Campo/Western United)

Close loss for Devils, with big game still in reach

Darley will have to make the Ballarat Netball League grand final the hard way, after losing a thrilling qualifying final to North Ballarat on Saturday.

Inareplayoflastseason’sgrandfinal,North Ballarat again had the wood on the Devils, coming away with a 47-45 win.

While disappointed, Devils coach Di McCormack said it was a good quality game of netball that could have gone either way.

“We made a couple of mistakes at the wrong part of the game and that was it,” she said.

“The game could have gone either way and it was a fantastic game of netball. Both teams came out and left little in the tank and played some great netball.”

McCormack said the one area they would look to improve was learning to adjust to the physicality a bit more.

She said they will take a lot of positives out of the game despite not getting the result

they were after.

“Had a pass gone the other way or we didn’t turn the ball over when we shouldn’t have and it could have been a different result,” she said.

“We put too much pressure on ourselves late. We didn’t lose because we played a bad game of netball.

“At one stage we led by four or five goals and we let them come back into it. We are disappointed to lose, but sometimes you rather play all the way through the finals instead of having a week off.”

Rebecca Hicks shot 34 goals for the Devils, while Monique Nagle shot 11.

McCormack said that Shannon Blackman had a really good game in the midcourt, while Matilda Elliot had some really good moments in defence.

The Devils will face Lake Wendouree which upset the Sunbury Lions in 54-52, in a knockout semi final this weekend.

North Ballarat will play in the other semi final, with a grand final spot on the line.

McCormack said they thought that the Lions, who had beaten both the Devils and North Ballarat, would have made it through from that elimination final where they would have faced North Ballarat.

“We will not take the Lakers lightly,” she said. “We know we have to play well to get a better outcome for us than on Saturday.

“It should be a very good day and I think we match up well on them.”

It was a good day for the Lions other sides with their B-grade and under-19 sides both winning qualifying finals and will now play for grand final spots next week.

The Devils C-grade side is also through to the second week of finals after winning an elimination final.

Dragons usher Jets’ boys out of finals

The Western Jets boys Coates Talent League campaign came to a close on Saturday afternoon, while the girls also wrapped up their home and away season.

The boys played the Sandringham Dragons in the wildcard round with a spot in finals up for grabs.

The Dragons were on top throughout the day booting six first term goals to give them a 25 point lead at the first break.

It was more of the same in the second quarter, with the Dragons lead growing to 35 points at half time.

The lead grew by another 10 points at the three quarter time break.

The Dragons were then able to kick away in the last, giving them a 20.11 (131)-11.11 (77) win.

Draft hopeful Logan Morris was again amongst the Jets best, slotting three goals, to go with 19 touches.

Devils step closer to flag

By Harper Sercombe

Darley are one step closer to premiership success after knocking off the minor premiers Melton in the first week of the Ballarat Football League finals series.

The Devils faced the Bloods in Saturday’s qualifying final clash at Maddingley Park to kick off their finals campaign.

The Bloods were on top early leading by seven points at quarter time. In the second term, the Devils bounced back in the tight affair taking a one point lead into the break. The third quarter was all Darley, with the Devils booting five majors to the Bloods two. The Bloods looked threatening in the last term thanks to some accurate kicking from them and the opposite for the Devils.

However, the Devils were good enough to hold on to their lead, winning, 13.10 (88)-12.2 (74).

After beating the Bloods twice earlier in the season, Devils’ president Mark Shelly said they were confident heading into the final.

“Without getting ahead of ourselves we went into the game reasonably confident that

we were certainly up to it,” he said .

“To our boys’ credit, they really stood up, they stood the test of time.

“The game was certainly very physical, like it had been the previous two encounters.

“We got out to a 30 point margin at one stage and in the last couple of quarters it never really looked like the game was in the balance.”

With the Devils down to 17 players for 15 minutes over the end of the second and start of the third quarter, Shelly said the side did extremely well to not let the Bloods exploit their extra man during this period.

“We also were down to two rotations in the last quarter so the effort was outstanding,” he said.

FormerFreemantleDockerandnowcaptain of the Devils Brett Bewley kicked two majors from the midfield, continuing his incredible run of form.

“Hewasclearlybestonground,outstanding again,” Shelly said.

“Generally has two or three holding onto him for most of the game and still manages to rack up 30, 40 possessions each game.

“He’s just a pure leader and clearly a class above the rest.”

Shelly said the players who were on top of their game in Devils last premiership back in 2017 are back to their best football at the moment.

“Darren Leonard had an outstanding second half, he played a fair bit of time in the ruck and then went forward to take a couple of telling marks.

“Harley Inglis came back in and was clearly in our best half a dozen players with a couple of others, Leigh Spiteri and also Jacob Zeestraton,” Shelly said.

Billy Myers booted three goals, Will Johnson and Leonard had two each.

For the Bloods, Kyle Borg, Adrian Monitto and Blake Souter were amongst their best. Borg slotted four majors, while Ryan Davis, Jordan Knight and Brenton Payne had two apiece.

The Bloods will face East Point in a semi final next week, while the Devils will play North Ballarat where the winner will go straight into the grand final.

Lucca Grego and Massimo Raso were the leading ball winners for the Jets with 22 and 21 possessions respectively.

The Jets have now finished their 2023 campaign with a win loss record of four and ten.

The girls were the first to play on Saturday, coming up against Calder Cannons at Skinner Reserve in a round 17 clash.

They were competitive early, trailing by just four points at quarter time. Cannons lead grew to 19 points at the main break.

The Jets showed they weren’t going to just roll over and began to mount a comeback in the third term, cutting Cannons lead to eight with a quarter to play.

However, the Cannons jumped out of the gates adding on three goals to give them the 7.13 (55)-4.2 (26) win.

Tamara Henry from the Jets slotted two majors in the loss.

The Jets leading disposal getters were Zoe Attard with 24 and Stella Cossey with 23.

The Jets finished the regular season in 14th with three wins and 10 losses unable to repeat the premiership from the season before.

Tara Murray Matilda Elliot (Jacob Pattison) 334038_07

Joel Cadman (Jacob Pattison)334037_02

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