There was double joy for Diggers Rest on Sunday as it claimed two Riddell District Football League premierships. The reserves saluted against Wallan first to win their fourth premiership since 2016, before the seniors were in action against Woodend-Hesket in the main game. The Burras, who lost just one game for the season, led from start to finish to claim their third senior top grade premiership.
For more, turn to sport.
Vandalism across Moorabool shire including graffiti, broken windows and tyres ripping up paths and landscaping is costing ratepayers tens of thousands of dollars in repairs.
Most recently, motorbike riders caused damage when illegally accessing the Telford Park All Abilities Trail at Darley leaving deep marks in pathways, landscaping at Mill Park in Ballan was torn up with tyre marks, a window at the new Darley Park Community and Sports Centre was broken, and damage was done to the Aqualink pathway in Bacchus Marsh and cabling at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve.
A newly-laid footpath at Grantley Drive
in Bacchus Marsh was marred by graffiti, which follows a newly-laid footpath along the Werribee River towards McGrath St receiving the same treatment.
Over the last year Star Weekly reported on a fire at the rotunda in Maddingley Park that scorched its floor and repeated damage resulting in broken slats, seats and fret work.
Ballan resident Corey Hall has been living opposite Mill Park since 2019. He said early last week he saw that newly laid soil had been torn up and spread across the car park and footpath, and it appeared as if the damage was caused by cars doing burnouts.
“It was disappointing, it looks bad,“ he said.
“It’s frustrating, with a project that’s been going on so slowly for years, they’re trying to
beautify the area and as a resident that lives across the road I’ve been looking forward to having it completed… so it’s frustrating that it’s taking so long and then things get wrecked when they do get done.“
Moorabool mayor Rod Ward said these public spaces were developed, improved and maintained for residents to enjoy.
“By damaging paths, public buildings such as toilets and other council assets you are really hurting the community, as ratepayers have to carry the cost of repairs,” he said.
“We urge anyone with information on any of these incidents to contact Crimestoppers or council.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson said police investigates instances of criminal damage
graffiti and vandalism that occur in the community.
“There is no place in the community for criminal damage to public or private property,” they said.
“We regularly liaise with the local council to respond to incidents and conduct proactive patrols of known hot-spots to deter this form of offending.
“Victoria Police encourages members of the community to report any instances of graffiti, vandalism or any form of criminal damage via the Police Assistance Line. Anyone who witnesses a crime or has information which may assist in an investigation can also contact Crime Stoppers.”
Details: 1800 333 000 (Crime Stoppers)
The Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance (BMPA) is asking the community to join them at the Werribee River to help locate local platypus populations.
Throughout September BMPA is assisting the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) with the Platy-Project, a citizen science project that encourages members of the community to record observations of platypus in their local waterways. Platypus are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in Victoria and this information helps researchers to prevent further declines in their numbers.
BMPA secretary Natasha Evans said the the findings will help understand how many platypuses are using the Werribee River in the survey area through Bacchus Marsh, which direction they are travelling, and when.
“We know that the platypus population in Bacchus Marsh has declined over time from the anecdotal stories of long-time locals who
used to see many more of them,” she said.
“The individuals that have been caught in catch and release surveys over the past couple of years have been healthy. Ecologists believe the local population size is viable but that it wouldn’t want to get any smaller.”
BMPA already held one platypus siting event on September nine, and will have more on September 23, 27 and 30.
MsEvanssaidtheeightvolunteersatthefirst event had two positive sightings.
“It was very exciting to spot a platypus. The volunteers involved couldn’t keep the smiles from their faces,” she said. “I love being in nature and even better if I can be contributing to the protection of local species.”
Details about the platypus spotting events canbefoundontheACFwebsite.BMPAisalso looking for ongoing volunteers.
Details: www.acf.org.au/platy-project or www.facebook.com/platypusalliance
This year’s Melton Seniors Festival will feature close to 50 events – nearly triple the number run in previous years – and while many of the events are free, bookings are essential.
The festival is part of Victorian Seniors Festival and is a celebration of the City of Melton’s senior residents and the vital role they play in our community.
Seniors are invited to start a journey to discover their family history, watch the Yacht Rock Revival Concert, join the Paint a Kingfisher workshop or get involved in multiple Tech and Tea sessions at Melton and Caroline Springs Libraries. The Melton Seniors Festival will run for the month of October. Details: melton.vic.gov.au/ seniorsfestival
Sculpture trail
A new all-abilities sculpture trail linking Telford Park with the Bacchus Marsh 1000+ Steps at Bald Hill was officially opened by Regional Development Minister Harriet Shing on Thursday. The wheelchair-accessible all-weather trail includes seating, tables, a shelter and an accessible toilet. This project was made possible by the Victorian Government, with $1.6 million funded by Regional Development Victoria, on top of $500,000 in state funding provided for the first stage – the construction of the steps. Details: moorabool.vic.gov.au/baldhillproject FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Diggers Rest resident Tracey Vella said that since she saw the state government’s concept design for the bridge that will replace the level crossing on the Old Calder Highway, she hasn’t slept properly.
“Many residents feel they’re going to have thenoiseofthetrafficrightbehindourhouses, the traffic flow in the area will get worse and I won’t be able to get in and out of my property safely. It’s going to become more dangerous,” she said.
The state government released early designs for the bridge earlier in September which require the road 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 route will require compulsory
acquisition of a number of privately owned properties, concerns about the path were raised by residents before its official release and alternate paths had been submitted through community consultation.
Approximately 6300 vehicles travel through the Old Calder Highway level crossings each day.
Ms Vella said a property next to hers is to be acquired, and a roundabout will be placed out the front of her home to service the busy arterial road.
“We feel like we’re an island on our own, like no one’s listening, you can see the disaster coming and then they’re going to walk away and say ‘we removed the crossing for you’, but we’ve got to live it,” she said.
“And it’s not just me and my house that will be affected, it’s the whole community.”
Digger Rest advocacy group DREAM has written to deputy premier Jacinta Allan to urge her to reconsider the proposed pathway ofthebridgethatwillreplacethelevelcrossing on the Old Calder Highway.
The letter, signed by John Verdon on behalf of DREAM group and seen by Star Weekly,
Football clubs throughout the Melbourne’s north-west will receive an $8 million boost over the next four years.
A pool of $2 million will be distributed each year starting in 2024, under which eligible metro footy clubs will be able to apply for grants up to $20,000.
The AFL in collaboration with Telstra announced its footy country grants program on Thursday, September 14.
Theaimoftheprogramistohelpstrengthen, sustainandgrowlocalfootythroughupgrading facilities or services the club needs.
Caroline Springs’ coach and AFL great Brian
Lake said these grants will have lasting effects on clubs like his, Caroline Springs.
“It’s fantastic… we’re a lucky club,“ the three-time premiership Hawk said. “We have 23 teams at the moment, but what happens is you outgrow your facilities very quickly.
“We are probably in desperate need for an upgrade in our lights, so we can play a lot more Friday nights, Sunday twilight as well, to fit in all these sides that we’ve got.
“It’s been amazing… we probably have six or seven sides of women playing football so it’s about putting them in the right time slots.
“That’s been the hardest thing, sometimes
they’re playing at 10 o’clock on a Saturday morning, when the senior men and under-18s are playing, so to have enough people helping out, is tough. So to open up some more time slots like a Friday night or a twilight, even if it’s the under 18’s playing then, is crucial.”
AFL chief executive Gillion McLachlan said this initiative follows the league’s commitment to increase investment in local footy: “Targeted directly at clubs to make volunteering easier, diversify and broaden participation and ensure our game is truly welcoming and inclusive.”
Harper Sercombe
was sent on September 10.
“As entirely expected… no alternate options were proposed for the location of the bridge. To make matters worse it appears very little if any of the consultation informed any of the design,” it said.
The letter called on the government to survey alternate locations as informed by community consultation, and if alternatives are not viable explain why, and also for Ms Allan to attend the next round of community consultation.
Further community consultation sessions are being held on September 23, 25 and 27. Registration is required.
Details: https://engage.vic.gov.au/ lxrp-diggers-rest
TraceyVellaisnotamemberoftheDREAM group.
Jacinta Allan’s office was contacted for comment.
The sun has come out just in time for the spring school holidays, and Melton
and Moorabool councils have a range of activities on offer to get kids out and about.
Melton mayor Lara Carli said the school holidays are the perfect time for kids to get out and have fun with their mates at their action-packed holiday program.
“We have a range of activities where kids can learn new skills and let their imagination run free while keeping active and healthy,” she said.
“Withartworkshops,cookingclasses, craft shows, magic shows, and the chance to play a variety of sports and more, there is something to keep kids of all ages entertained these holidays.
“Don’t forget your local library either, where there will be Storytime and visits from the Western BACE STEM squad that will entertain and expand your tech skills.”
Moorabool chief executive Derek Madden said their school holiday program also has something for everyone.
“…From a silent disco to a movie nightinBallan,LegoMasterschallenges and a bushwalking and barbecue event at Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area,” he said.
“The libraries in Ballan and Bacchus Marsh also have a range of spring-themedeventsonoffer,including creating your own bird feeders to attract and nourish local wildlife and how to build a bug hotel to provide shelter and habitat for beneficial insects.”
Most activities are free but many require bookings. Full programs can be found online.
Details: melton.vic.gov.au/ schoolholidays or moorabool.vic.gov. au/events
Moorabool council has expressed disappointment that once again Bacchus Marsh has been classed as urban and therefore ineligible to apply for the federal government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP).
The rPPP is a $400 million fund aimed at transformative investment in regional, rural and remote Australia, with $100 million available in 2023-24.
This follows the federal government splitting the shire for the Growing Regions Program, rendering Bacchus Marsh ineligible for that fund. In addition the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund is only funding interface Melbourne councils, not peri-urban
Councils such as Moorabool Shire.
While the state fund deems Bacchus Marsh ineligible because it is too far from the city, the two federal funds deem it part of Melbourne, in line with the Australian Bureau of Statistics Greater Melbourne Statistical Area.
The two federal funds have suburban counterparts underwhich Bacchus Marsh is eligible, however it will need to compete with metropolitan councils.
Moorabool mayor Rod Ward said this disadvantages the area.
“We have a situation where in Bacchus Marsh, we are considered urban by the federal government and rural by the state government and stuck in no-man’s land when it comes to
accessing funding for infrastructure for our growing community,” he said. “This puts us at a huge disadvantage and makes it difficult to plan for new developments and provide for our rapidly growing community.”
A spokeswoman for the Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said federal government grants programs for regional and suburban Australia that have transparent,rigorousandconsistentguidelines.
“We are not drawing lines on a map to suit an electoral advantage. We have made sure decisions about eligibility are based on the Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSA) as defined by the Australian Bureau
Students at Diggers Rest Primary School (DRPS) decided to get behind a local family doing it tough by raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).
More than $1500 was raised in support of the Fielding family who have been heavily engaged with RCH since their youngest child, Dexter, was born with a rare heart condition.
On Friday, September 15 students dressed as RCH employees and volunteers, including doctors, nurses, surgeons, or Starlight Foundation volunteers for the fundraiser.
Everyyearschoolcaptainsandjuniorschool council develop an inclusive fundraising initiative that connects with families within the school community impacted by illness
and/or disability.
DRPS school captain Ethan, grade 6, was part of the group that decided on supporting the Fielding family.
“Our team thought it would be a great opportunity to connect, help and support families within our community,” he said.
DRPS assistant principal Bradley Kemp said the student leadership team did an amazing job leading and coordinating this year’s event.
“All DRPS staff and students dressed up, donated and acknowledged the fantastic work that the Royal Children’s Hospital provides for so many of our families, especially the Fielding family,” he said.
“Our inclusive fundraising initiatives like Dress 4 RCH Day have provided our student leaders with an authentic leadership experience, which has a powerful impact on our wonderful school community.”
School captain Aayla, grade 6, said she found organising a fundraiser very engaging.
“It definitely helped me develop my leadership skills,” she said.
Brent, grade 5, said “the day was really successful.
“We are proud of the efforts everyone has put in to raise money for RCH,” he said.
Donations are open until September 30.
Details: https://www.mycause.com. au/p/316516/dress-4-rch-day
of Statistics,” she said.
“For the first time ever, there is now a competitive grants program for every local government in the country.”
“Moorabool Shire receives significant Australian government support through a range of road, community and financial assistance programs including over $8.7 million in 2023-24 under the Financial Assistance Grant program, over $7.6 million across all four phases of the Local Roads and CommunityInfrastructureProgram,over$6.4 million from 2019-20 to 2023-24 under the Roads to Recovery Program and over $2.1 for five completed road safety projects under the Black Spot Program.”
Children with a disability needing emergency crisis accommodation will now be able to access almost immediate support in Thornhill Park thanks to an innovative approach available to public investors
Ethical Property Investments aims to connect investors with organisations such as Kind and Care Supports to provide desperately needed crisis accommodation for children who would otherwise be homeless or locked up.
The new Thornhill Park location has been purpose built to suit children struggling with disability.
It will house four to six children as well as their carers.
Ethical Property Investments owner Goro Gupta said preventing children from being homeless is vital.
“Thiswillbeapilotpropertyoverthe next six months and if it works, I will roll it out to more private investors, including mum and dad investors,” he said.
Kind and Care Supports regional director Joel Scott said the properties will add to the two currently owned by the organisation easing the burden for desperate families who have been forced to have to rely on emergency services for help in the past.
“The crisis accommodation being provided with the help of Goro is extremely critical. It means kids can stay out of the child protection system and out of the justice system,” he said.
The Victorian racing industry, including those trainers, jockeys and support staff based in Melton, were rocked last week when a history of sexual abuse and assualt within the industry were detailed in a report by the Racing Integrity Commissioner.
The Racing Integrity Commissioner handed down his report for the independent review into the Victorian racing industry on Wednesday, September 13.
The report outlined a history of sexual abuse and assault within all three codes of the racing industry - thoroughbred, harness and greyhound - and highlighted the need for support for the most vulnerable racing workers and the lack of an adequate reporting
and complaints process.
The review did not investigate any individual allegations or seek to establish liability for harm caused, and instead was aimed at informing a deeper understanding of the issues within the industry and how to address them.
Inastatement,HarnessRacingVictoriasaid it accepts the need for change in the Victorian Racing Industry.
“Harness Racing Victoria (HRV), on behalf of our industry, apologises to those who have experienced unacceptable behaviour. Importantly,wealsoacknowledgethecourage of those who have stepped forward and shared their experiences,” it said.
“We recognise an industry-wide approach is needed to embed processes that foster safe
and respectful workplaces.”
HRV chief executive Matt Isaacs said the board and executives will review the recommendations and work with the industry to ensure present and future generations are treated appropriately.
“This review paves the way to drive meaningful and enduring change, and we are committed to setting higher standards to promote a safer and more inclusive industry,” he said.
The Commissioner’s recommendations focus on improvements that can be made by all three controlling bodies. They address the need for visible and unequivocal industry leadership and accountability, greater awareness about unacceptable conduct and reporting pathways, an independent
Kurunjang Secondary College held a special event on Wednesday, September 13 to unveil a new Acknowledgement of Country plaque.
The school recently run multiple Indigenous-focused programs, including the The Long Walk’s Koori Art Program delivered by Jenaya Sierra and the pilot Ganbu Gulin program which exposed students to different cultural experiences such as cooking, dance, traditional games.
The programs have culminated in the installationoftheplaquewhichwillproudlybe displayed in the college foyer.
The plaque was commissioned to Aboriginal Artist Lacey Yeomans, who had worked with students during The Long Walk.
The occasion was marked by a special morning tea and plaque unveiling event which was attended by staff and students as well as Melton mayor Lara Carli and Melton MP Steve McGhie and other Department of Education Koori Engagement personnel.
Kurunjang Secondary College Koori engagement officer and careers practitioner
Lucy Taylor said it was a positive event.
“It’s important to have that on entry to the
school,theschoolisaleaderintermsofcultural engagement in the Koori space,” she said.
“The program was very successful in engaging students in a safe space where they couldrelax,workontheirindividualartworks, have a yarn and grab some lunch.
“Ifeelblessedtobeabletoworkinthisspace. To have these programs and see the students develop and take pride in their culture is pretty awesome.
“The college wishes to thank all special guests who attended as well as staff, students and their families.”
reporting and oversight mechanism, and targeted wellbeing support for the Victorian racing industry’s most vulnerable and at-risk workers.
Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll said the stories shared offer a lens through which the industry can critically reflect and examine beliefs and biases.
“They provide impetus for action,” he said.
“Regardless of our role or position, we all share a responsibility to call out harmful behaviour and not be passive bystanders.
“It has been a privilege to be entrusted by all who have come forward. To those courageous victim survivors – I see you, I hear you, and I am sorry for what you have endured.”
A mesmerising celebration of art and culture is coming to the Melton over two nights in October.
Showcasing a mix of performance, music and visual arts, Reimagine Melton will be held on October 6 and 7 and will transform the heart of Melton into a vibrant hub of creativity and family entertainment.
This free, all-ages event will light up the amphitheatre and Bakery Square on Friday and Saturday nights with a series of visual art including animated projections by artist Isobel Knowles. Highlights across both nights include an interactive digital installation that uses AI to create unique portraits of audience members in real time and LED hologram technology that creates the illusionofmovinganimationssuspended in mid-air. On Saturday night there will be entertainment and activities available for the whole family, with interactive exhibits, roaming performers, live music and more. Local food traders will also be open during the event.
Melton mayor Lara Carli said council is excited to present this one-of-a-kind event in the heart of Melton’s town centre.
“I hope residents take up the opportunity to make the most of this fun installation and free entertainment, and support some of our local businesses along the way,“ she said.
The event will be held from 5pm to 10pm each evening.
Details: melton.vic.gov.au/reimagine
Aboriginal community controlled organisation Djirra has welcomed the release of the Yoorrook Justice Commission report into Victoria’s Child Protection and Criminal Justice Systems and joined the commissioners inrequestingtheimmediateimplementationof all 46 recommendations.
The report, tabled in parliament earlier in September, details extensive systemic injustice, racism, discriminatory laws and policy failures that have, and continue to, cause harm to First Peoples.
Djirra chief executive, a Kuku Yalanji woman who grew up in Melton, Antoinette Braybrook AM said the recommendations in thr report come directly from Aboriginal people in Victoria sharing their deepest and
most personal stories.
“The Premier committed to an overhaul of Victoria’s child protection system, and this report highlights why the only way forward is through listening to Aboriginal people. This report is truth telling that the Victorian government must not ignore,” she said.
The report found inadequacies in the child protectionsystemresultinAboriginalchildren in Victoria being overrepresented by 11 to 1.
Ms Braybrook called these statistics alarming.
“The vast majority of Djirra’s work is in supporting mums whose children are caught up in the child protection system. Since opening our centre in Melton two months ago, the number of Aboriginal women accessing our services for support with child protection has increased,” she said.
“Systemic racism is a key contributor to child protection reports being made against Aboriginal mothers. Over 60 per cent of these reports are not substantiated. Our women have a genuine fear of this system and it must change. Our women must have access to our specialist work for theirs and that of their children’s safety.”
The report includes support for Djirra’s key call for the Victorian Government to establish and fund a mandatory child protection notification referral system, recommending that the government invest in providing free early legal help and holistic support for Aboriginal women.
Ms Braybrook said Djirra has advocated for many years at the national and state levels for the establishment of a child protection notification and referral system.
“We welcome the recognition Yoorrook has given to the critical importance of early access to legal representation and holistic support to preventchildrenbeingtakenfromtheirMums, families and communities,” she said.
A state government spokesperson thanked the commissioners for their historic, truth-telling work.
“We will continue listening to and working with the Commission in an open, transparent and genuine way and will carefully consider all 46 recommendations,” they said.
Djirra is hosting an all-day community information session on the Voice referendum on Thursday, September 21 at its Melton premises at 1927-1937 Gisborne-Melton Road, Kurunjang. Registration is required.
Details: trybooking.com/events/ landing/1106818
By Liam McNally
Morethan30capitalworksprojectsallocatedin Moorabool’s 2022-23 budget were incomplete by the end of the last financial year, according tothefinalquarterlyreportofcouncil’sCapital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Although there were 119 capital works allocated in the budget, the council report revealed 24 projects were either “on hold”, “multi-year”, or “added during the year”, leaving64projectsoutoftheremaining95that were completed.
“Factorscontributingtothelowercompletion rate included the availability of adequate design resources which delayed a number of drainage projects, re-advertising projects due to tender prices, contractor availability delaying contract starts, and material supply chain issues extending contract periods,” the report stated.
Some of the biggest projects still to be completed include Gordon Park stage two which is expected to be completed in December, Wallace kindergarten asbestos remova,l which is expected to be completed
“R U OK?” was the question on everyone’s lips at Brookside P-9 College last week, with the school holding a range of events on the theme and launching a new mural.
Throughout the week the school held Circle Time activities, held mental health presentations with Australian Institute of Sport, Batyr Mental Health and Brainstorm Productions, as well as peer teaching workshops lead by year nine students for year six students.
On of R U Ok? Day, Thursday September 14, the school held a celebration which began with student ambassadors asking R U Ok? to students and families arriving at the school gates followed by activities including arts and crafts, bean bag toss, yellow hair spray, a photobooth, planting, and chalk drawings.
There was also music by the No Bull youth group, and prize giveaways for students and a special performance by Gamilaraay
man Mitch Tambo who will delivered a presentation to promote awareness of history and culture of First Nations people that included songs and spoken word.
Brookside P-9 College school counsellor Kristienne Martin said the mission was to create awareness, inspire and empower young people to support anyone who is struggling with their mental health.
“We want to enhance connection within our school community as an early prevention to mental health issues and suicide,” she said.
“Ourgoalsfortheeventaretobooststudent confidence to seek help early, facilitate connection to others and to build support systems, strengthen the sense of belonging by creating a supportive school environment that is open to conversations around mental health and provide students with a sense of leadership and responsibility by taking active roles in the delivery of mental health awareness at the school.”
in January, the new playground for Darley Park, the Mill Park splash park and Navigators Community Centre renewal are expected to be completed in May, and female friendly facilities at Dunnstown Reserve are expected to be completed in June.
TheDarleyParkpavilionprojectiscomplete, however council is working with Greater Western Water to resolve the fire service non-compliance, which is currently expected for completion by September 23.
The Darley Park pavilion was also one of 13 projects that the report identified as being
more than 10 per cent over budget.
The final expenditure for the projects came in over budget by $584,077, representing a 1.1 percentoverspendforexpenditurefortheyear.
Highlights of works completed in the last financial year include the Telford Park car park, stage three A of the Gordon township, therefurbishmentofpavilionandconstruction of new storage shed at Masons Lane Reserve, new change pavilion, cricket practise nets and oval goal netting at Ballan Recreation Reserve, the Harry Vallance Drive reserve upgrade and stage one of the Jonathon Drive reserve.
affected ESS Home Batteries may overheat and catch on fire and cause injury or death and/or damage to
Demand for volunteers has never been greater, however those putting themselves forward to help out the community is falling. Cade Lucas speaks with volunteers, young and old, bucking that trend.
Volunteers are crucial in times of need. Whether it be CFA, SES, St John’s Ambulance or Salvation Army, so many people who help out when disaster strikes or times are tough, do so for free.
So it’s grimly ironic then that the cost of living crisis that is leaving many in need of help, is preventing people from volunteering to provide that help.
That’s one of the takeaways from the latest volunteering report released by employment website SEEK.
Covering the 12 months to June 2023, the report found 25,700 volunteer opportunities were advertised on the SEEK Volunteer site –Australia’s largest – an increase of 7 per cent.
But while demand rose, the number of people volunteering to meet it went the other way, with applications dropping by 3 per cent, followinga7percentreductiontheyearbefore.
Head of SEEK Volunteer Rebecca Miller said the unusual combination of tough economic times and low unemployment, meant people couldn’t afford the time or the money to volunteer.
“In the current climate, with Australians suffering under increasing financial stress, and morepeopleinworkthaneverbefore,timeisat a premium, and volunteering work is naturally being deprioritised for paid work,” Ms Miller said.
It’s a point the sector’s peak body, Volunteering Australia, made earlier this year.
“Financial strain is a significant barrier to volunteering in Australia,” began VA’s submission to a Senate Select Committee on the Cost of Living in April.
The submission said 16.6 per cent of people didn’t volunteer in the previous year because of financial concerns and was even worse in younger age groups.
“Financial barriers were more significant for young people, with 25.5 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 years indicating that they did not volunteer for financial reasons.”
According to the submission, it’s a malaise that long pre-dates inflation and COVID-19.
“The rate of volunteering has decreased considerably over the past two decades. The rate of formal volunteering has been gradually declining from around one-third of adults in 2002 to around one-quarter currently.”
As the SEEK report is a pains to point out though, the decline in volunteer numbers isn’t necesarilly because less people want to.
“Visits to volunteer.com.au increased by 8 per cent indicating that there is still interest in volunteering but this interest is not being converted into applications.”
Changes in lifestyle rather than finances would appear to explain why.
As noted elsewhere in the report, volunteers are more than twice as likely to apply for one-off volunteering opportunities, yet 75 per cent of volunteer roles require a minimum six-month time commitment.
On top of that, only 12 per cent of opportunities could be undertaken remotely, down 4 per cent on the previous year.
However, given the range and diversity of volunteer roles – from emergency services to op-shops, to sporting clubs – broad figures don’t reveal the full story.
“Over the past year, opportunities and applications have grown in most states and territories,” said Rebecca Miller, pointing out that outlier results dragged the overall
numbers down.
“Applications in New South Wales, which has one of the largest proportions of opportunities, saw a significant rise over the past year, whereas application volumes halved in Tasmania year-on-year.”
Western Australia also recorded a 20 per cent drop in applications while Victoria rose in both categories; 12 per cent in volunteer opportunities and 1 per cent in applications.
Among some cohorts volunteer numbers are actually experiencing a spike.
JasvinderSidhurunsWyndhamfoodcharity
Lets Feed, with many of his volunteers coming fromthelocalIndiancommunity,includingan increasing number of elderly Sikhs.
“It started with 4 or 5 volunteers and now we have 20,” said Mr Sidhu of the influx which includes his 80 year old father Gurnam.
“AsanelderlySikhvolunteer,Ifindimmense strength in Sikhism through our core principle of‘Seva’orselflessservice,”saidGurnmaSidhu about how his faith drives his volunteering.
“This tradition (Seva) teaches us that helping others is a source of spiritual growth and fulfillment.It’satestamenttoourcommitment toequality,asweservewithoutdiscrimination, regardless of one’s background. Through
volunteering,IexperiencethepowerofSikhism in action, fostering strong communities, promoting compassion, and leaving a positive impact on the world.”
While many elderly Sikhs are taking up volunteering, many other long serving volunteers are also elderly and in the case of Werribee’s Pat Pititto, looking after the elderly too.
“I just keep rolling up every year and they keep opening the door and letting me in” said Ms Pititto, 80, who has been volunteering at WyndhamLodgeagedcarefacilityfor20years and has no plans to stop anytime soon.
Volunteers are considered vital to future of the aged care sector as Australia’s population grows older and Ms Pititto said their role was important, both for residents and staff.
“Because the nursing staff are very busy, we’ve got the time to go into their (residents) rooms, sit down have a chat, and listen. There’s no time limit. You might spend 10 mins in one room and less in the other because some don’t want to chat on a certain day.”
MsPitittosaidworkinginagedcarefacilities wasn’t for everyone and, with the exception of work experience students, younger volunteers were harder to come by.
This hasn’t been a problem though for the Werribee Historical Society, whose vice president Lisa Heinrichs explained how the organisation is reaching young volunteers.
“We’ve actually started a social media presencewhichwehaven’thadbefore,”saidMs Heinrichs.
“We’re doing Tik-Tok videos and Facebook and Instagram accounts and so we’re getting the attention of younger people in the community who are thankfully coming in and signing up as members and volunteering their time”.
Among them are Jacob and Amy who have recently joined to help digitise old newspaper clippings and photos.
These examples demonstrate how volunteering covers as broad a range of roles as it does people and attracting and keeping them is an ever evolving challenge.
As SEEK’s Rebecca Miller said, the only certainty in volunteering is that it will always be needed.
“While the level and type of opportunities can vary depending on location and population demographics, there is a collective and increasing need for people to lend a hand.”
‘‘ It’s a testament to our commitment to equality, as we serve without discrimination, regardless of one’s background ’’
- Jasvinder SidhuElderly Sikh volunteer Sardara Singh Gill donating groceries to needy people at Wyndham Park Community Centre. (Damjan Janevski)359119_04 Left: Eighty year old Sikh volunteer Gurnam Sidhu helping with Wyndham food charity Lets Feed. (Damjan Janevski) 359119_03 Centre: Eighty year old aged care volunteer Pat Pititto (L) receiving an award for 20 years service at Wyndham Lodge in Werribee. Right: Werribee Historical Society volunteer Amy helping digitise old copies of the Werribee Banner. (Pictures: Supplied)
Moorabool council will begin consulting with the Dales Creek community to inform the design of new facilities in the area, in response toareportonthepopulationgrowthinthearea.
In 2021, the council began work on a report into the population growth and needs of the Dales Creek community.
The report would consider community need forfacilitiesincludinganactiverecreationspace tocaterforchildrenofthearea,apicnicareaand seating to encourage community relationships, a gathering point during high bushfire danger
periods, a central location for residents to walk or bike ride to, installation of climbing frames and appropriate play equipment to promote active play and consideration and respect for the native character.
When it was handed down at a recent community meeting, the report found that the population of Dales Creek hasn’t increased enough to require a large amount of infrastructure, with population increasing from 345 in 2006 to 403 in 2021, with a peak of 410 in 2011.
There are no plans for medium or large-scale residential development in Dales Creek , so the
The Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden (FMBG) finished planting its 500th tree for the Queen’s Jubilee initiative on Wednesday, September 13.
Planting Trees for the Queen’s Jubilee is a federal government initiative providing funding to community groups to assist them in planting trees to honour 70 years of service of Queen Elizabeth II.
FMBG’s received $20,000 for the initiative. Its planting kicked off with an event on October 20 last year and was completed this week.
The 500 new trees were planted along the eastern boundary of the Melton Botanic Garden, when it is fully developed the trees will create an avenue when approaching from Collins Road to what will one day be the main entrance and the Botanic Garden Centre.
FMBG president John Bentley said the project has given a sense of achievement and
pride to all involved.
“It was sometimes hard work with either mud in 2022 during the rainy days or having ground like concrete during 2023,” he said.
“We are really thankful for everyone’s efforts in helping to achieve the goals of this project.”
Mr Bentley encouraged visitors to take a walk along the eastern track to see the trees and discover what has been planted.
“The Jubilee Avenue is a legacy for future generations to remember the wonderful environmental work the Queen encouraged across Commonwealth nations,” he said.
“We hope one day King Charles III will be able to plant a tree in the Jubilee Avenue.”
The Jubilee Avenue tree collection is documented in FMBG’s plant database IrisBG and is available to the public via Garden Explorer.
Details: melton.gardenexplorer.org
report found that assumes increased growth is unlikely.
According to council’s community infrastructure framework, 1000s of people needtobelivinginanareabeforeittriggersthe requirementforanycommunityinfrastructure.
For example, one community room requires 1400 people, a tennis court requires 2000 people and a cricket oval requires 3500 people.
The report also said a lack of council owned land, and high levels of vegetation on that land provide low opportunities for a great deal of infrastructure.
Despite this, council plans to assess what
can be co-located within the trees in the area, suchasarotunda,seatingandotherfacilitiesas there is currently no infrastructure.
Moorabool council community assets and infrastructure general manager Phill Jeffrey said council will begin co-designing what infrastructure can be provided for the community within the next 12 months.
Deputy mayor Ally Munari moved the recommendation and added a request for it to be expedited as quickly as possible.
“I’m interested in speeding up that process as the Dales Creek community has waited two years,” she said.
September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness
Month and considering it is the most common cancer affecting Australian men (after non-melanoma skin cancer), this is a timely reminder to consider your prostate health or that of a loved one. It is estimated that over 25,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year (nearly 70 each day), sadly resulting in around 10 deaths a day.
Whilst the real cause of prostate cancer is not understood, we know that it begins when abnormal cells within the prostate grow in an uncontrolled way. The risk is higher if you have a family history or relative who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Symptoms include blood in urine or semen andthesuddenneedtourinate.Itisimportantto speaktoyourdoctortodiscusstestingoptionsfor you, which will likely include a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test as a screening measure. GenerallyifPSAiselevated,patientsarereferred to a urologist who often order medical imaging (prostate MRI) for investigation, followed by a biopsy procedure if required.
Lake Imaging invest in cutting edge medical imaging technology to provide accurate high-resolution images. Services are available fromitsclinicsacrossMelton,Sunbury,Caroline Springs, Bacchus Marsh and Kyneton, where highly experienced radiologists are experts in detecting and diagnosing disease.
The caring and compassionate staff ensure all patients are treated with dignity and respect.
Lake Imaging accept referral forms from other medical imaging providers. Don’t delay your health, early diagnosis could save your life.
Talk to your GP today or contact Lake Imaging to make an appointment.
For more information, contact the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia or visit www.lakeimaging.com.au to better understand how radiology saves lives.
If you experience dental anxiety, the team at Main Street Dental Bacchus Marsh can help you feel at ease with sleep dentistry solutions. Don’t let dental anxiety and fear stop you from looking after your dental health - ask the team about sleep dentistry options today.
Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistryortwilightdentistry,isatypeofdental care that uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. This can be a good option for patients who are anxious or fearful of the dentist, have a strong gag reflex, or need to have multiple or complex procedures done in one sitting.
There are two main types of sleep dentistry:
• Intravenous (IV) sedation: This involves administering medication into the vein through an IV drip. IV sedation is the most common type of sleep dentistry and can be used for a wide range of procedures, from simple fillings to complex surgeries.
• General anaesthesia: This involves putting the patient into a deep sleep. General anaesthesia is typically used for more complex procedures or for patients who have severe anxiety or fear of the dentist.
Both IV sedation and general anaesthesia are administered by a qualified dentist or anaesthesiologist. During the procedure, the patient’s vital signs will be monitored closely to ensure safety.
Benefits of sleep dentistry:
• Reduces anxiety and fear
• Eliminates pain and discomfort
• Can allow for multiple procedures to be done in one sitting
• Can help patients with a strong gag reflex
• Can be a good option for patients with special needs
• Risks of sleep dentistry:
All types of sedation carry some risks, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
General anaesthesia carries the additional risk of respiratory depression, which can be serious. It is important to discuss with our very experienced and professional dental team about the risks and benefits of sleep dentistry before deciding if it is right for you.
Sleep dentistry is a good option for a wide range of patients, including:
• Patients with anxiety or fear of the dentist
• Patients with a strong gag reflex
• Patients who need to have multiple or complex procedures done in one sitting.
• Patients with special needs
• Patients who are unable to tolerate local anaesthesia.
If you are considering sleep dentistry, be sure to call Main Street Dental on 03 5367 5355, to see if it is right for you.
Get ready to embark on a journey of imagination and creativity these September school holidays at Woodgrove’s highly anticipated Lego Rebuild the World event!
From 22 September to 1 October, prepare to be captivated by a world where the only limit is your imagination.
Located in front of Woolworths, Woodgrove’s Lego Rebuild the World event is set to be an exhilarating experience for individuals of all ages. Step into a vibrant universe where Lego bricks become the building blocks of endless possibilities. Discover the joy of building, creating, and rebuilding in a space designed to ignite your imagination and inspire innovative designs.
The event invites visitors to:
■ Explore Creativity: Immerse yourself in a hands-onexperiencethatcelebratestheartof building. Whether you’re a master builder or new to the world of Lego, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
■ Add to the Lego World: Over the course of the day, kids are invited to add to the different theme prompts including city andbBuildings, trees and forests, water, a pinkiIsland for unicorns, beach and space.
■ Meet and Greet: Don’t miss the chance to meet Batman and Emmet on the final weekend of the event. Head over to the OutdoorDiningPrecinctforanunforgettable encounter with these iconic characters.
To add to the school holidays celebrations, Woodgroveisexcitedtooffertheopportunity to purchase the exclusive Bundle of Fun tickets. For just $15 per ticket, attendees can enjoy a movie pass to Reading Cinemas and a $25 dining voucher for the Outdoor Dining Precinct. This limited-time offer is available from 18 September - 1 October, providing the perfect accompaniment to
your Lego-filled adventure. Withacommitmenttoprovidingenriching experiences for the community, Woodgrove continues to be a destination that caters to all interests.
Centre manager Kylie Robertson says
“Woodgrove’s Lego Rebuild the World event will be an unforgettable school holiday experience for families, friends, and Lego enthusiasts. Join us at Woodgrove for an extraordinary September school holiday filled with creativity, inspiration, and
endless fun!”
For more information about the Lego Rebuild the World event and to secure your Bundle of Fun tickets, please visit www. woodgrove.com.au.
Judy
Tell us about your work with Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward?
I have been running our community charity for several years and it has been very successful. Monetary donations are collected via charity money boxes in over 40 businesses in town and banked at Bendigo Community Bank. This money is used to provide meal vouchersandwehavedistributedover$20,000 worth in our shire.
We also ran a project between March and April this year called Coin for a Cause. Forty businesses were involved by either directly donating or participating by donating one dollar from each sale for one day.
In total we raised $10,444 in four weeks and were able to purchase Cosy Packs which consist of an Oodie style blanket, thermal socks, gloves and beanies. They were distributed via several organisations in town to those who needed it most during the cold weather. We purchased 120 items of each and catered for young and old alike.
It was very successful thanks to our incredible community and business owners who never hesitate to come on board to assist the vulnerable. We also have a food donation box at Champions IGA, a Community Pantry and our own vegetable garden at Paul Sadler Swimland.
What’s your connection to Moorabool?
I remember driving through Bacchus Marsh many times as a child when my parents used to visit friends in Ballarat. I always loved the Avenue of Honour and felt a connection
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with the rolling hills and open spaces. It was a no-brainer to move here, it is just beautiful.
What do you like about where you live?
I absolutely love where I live, near the hills and across the road from a short walk to the river. The air is clean and it is very quiet especially after moving from a very busy area. There is an abundance of wildlife and I really love that. Everyone is friendly and although it is growing at a fast pace, it still feels like a small community especially when others are doing it tough. People always seem to pitch in.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
The speed at which it is growing, I have concerns it will lose its town feel.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Definitely by the river at the Gorge. It is so peaceful and I feel very connected to nature. I also enjoy going out for lunch or a coffee at one of our many wonderful cafes in town. The relationships that have been formed because of the charity makes it feel like I’m visiting family instead of a business.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I am a semi-professional vocalist in a band and we have been working together for more than 20 years doing private and public gigs in various locations.
High Skilled Training and Education Australia is based in Melton. (Supplied)
High Skilled Training and Education Australia is based in Melton and owned and operated by local resident Hayley Sygidus. Overthepast25yearsHayleyhassuccessfully operated an early childhood education service inMelton.ManymayknowHayley’sfaceasshe has looked after a lot of children and families over the years.
Hayley has an early childhood background and is passionate about early childhood education and care.
After many years of supporting training within her services, Hayley decided to expand her passion and dedication for the training sector into the RTO space, where driven from her early childhood background, Hayley can help support the highest quality of training for the early childhood sector and First Aid. HighSkilledTrainingandEducation,deliver the following qualifications:
•HLTAID011–ProvideFirstAid
•HLTAID009- CPR – Provide CardiopulmonaryResuscitation
•HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in and EducationalandCareSetting
•CHC30121 – Certificate 111 in Early ChildhoodEducationandCare
•CHC50121 – Diploma of Early Childhood EducationandCare
High Skilled Training and Education Australiaisregisteredtodelivertothedomestic and the international markets. “We look forward to taking our first international intake laterintheyearatourwonderfulnewequipped campus,” said Hayley. “We are excited to be delivering our training with a combination of online, blended and face to face delivery, depending on the students’ needs.”
Meet the team at High Skilled Training and Education Australia, 1/3 Glenville Drive, Melton.
Follow High Skilled on social media: www.highskilledtraining.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/
highskilledtraining/
RTO #45857 CRICOS #04022F
12627883-JC38-23
D’Attoma is a Bacchus Marsh mother and grandmother who believes community, love and family are the most important things in life. She is also the 2023 Moorabool Citizen of the Year and runs a successful charity. She spoke to Liam McNally about ‘Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward’ and her connection to Moorabool.Judy D’Attoma. (Damjan Janevski) 356883_02
Hidden cameras are revealing what Werribee Open Range Zoo’s family of Western lowland silverbacks get up when they think no one is watching.
The gorillas are seen expressing their instinctive playful, curious and territorial behaviours in unusual ways, from making grass ‘angels’ to playing tug-of-war with a branch.
Werribee Open Range Zoo gorilla keeper Kieralie Braasch said these actions show that 39-year-old Motaba and his two 23-year-old sons Yakini and Ganyeka, are comfortable within their island home.
“Ganyeka makes angel shapes in the grass most likely because the grass is wet and he likes the feeling of it on his skin,” Ms Braasch said.
“The chest-beating we see is normally a territorial behaviour, but in this case it’s a playful practice.”
In one of the scenes revealed by camouflaged cameras, Ganyeka hides from the rain using a plant-fibre blanket placed on his back.
Ms Braasch said that gorillas often dislike the rain, and Ganyeka is no different.
“Sheltering with available materials is a behaviour we see Ganyeka doing quite often when he goes out to forage while it’s raining,” Ms Braasch said. “He either hides under the blanket or stays undercover.”
As for play fighting over a branch, that is importantinstinctivebehaviouramongagorilla troop.
“Yakini and Ganyeka occasionally engage in brotherly tug-of war, which is a playful way to exercise their strength and territorial instincts,” Ms Braasch said.
The gorilla troop’s quirky antics are common behaviours, so visitors may be lucky enough to see them go ape in person.
Western Lowland Gorillas are one of four gorilla sub-species, and are classified as Critically Endangered by the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Wild populations are threatened by habitat loss from logging and the impact of mining for coltan, a mineral used to make mobile phones.
Zoos Victoria’s ‘They’re Calling On You’ initiative encourages the public to donate unwanted mobile phones that can be recycled to raise funds for wild gorilla care and
conservation. Visitors to Werribee Open Range Zoo can drop off their old mobile phones and accessories into the specially marked collection bins located inside the zoos’ entrance.
By Christopher Carter, CEO of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network
You may remember that earlier this year there wasanadvertisingcampaignontelevisionand radio and online urging us to get a booster vaccination against COVID-19.
If you hadn’t had a jab, or a case of coronavirus, for at least 6 months, the adverts said, it was time to “top up”, “pump up” and “keep your guard up”. It was useful and timely advice - resulting in just shy of 4 million booster doses being administered around the country between January and August.
You know what? It’s now more than 6 months since that advertising campaign started running - so is it time to go and get the needle again?
Well, on September 1, 2023, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the body that makes these decisions,
The Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show is returning across October 28 and 29. The competition schedule includes roses, cut flowers, floral art, Australian natives, junior, pot plants, garden produce, jams and preserves, photography and cake decoration. There’ll be a number of stall, talks and kids activities. Saturday noon-4pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Admission $5 for adults, under 16’s free. Bacchus Marsh Public Hall, Main Street.
■ www.bmflowershow.org
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
Community centre term 4
Melton South Community Centre’s term 4 program of courses is now available. It features a variety of short courses, workshops, groups and community resources. To view the program, head to meltonsouth.org.au or visit the centre at 41 Exford Rd, Melton South, and collect a copy. For enquiries and enrolments, visit the centre or call.
■ 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/
Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club
The 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, 0498329290
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. 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/
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 publicationThis week’s photographer’s choice photo is Ljubica Vrankovic’s shot of Parkside’s Darcy Kennedy Thomas Markey celebrating after winning the WRFL division 2 premiership. (359359_51_11)
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
Where: Burnside Retirement Village
Duties:Administrative - bookkeepingpublic relations
Position: Permanent Part-Time - hours negotiable Selection Criteria:
• At least three year’s relevant work experience
• A demonstrated working knowledge of XERO
•A post-secondary schooling business qualification
• A practical knowledge of Word and Excel
• Motivation to achieve
Contact: Jenny Obradovic
Burnside Retirement Village
16 Nicol Avenue Burnside VIC 3083
T: 8361 0490 | E: officeadmin@bvrsa.com.au
Please contact the office for an information package.
1. Western Australian punter Lou Hedley was announced as the NFL's newest recruit for which team?
2. And which celebrity former wrestler and actor called themselves a fan of the Aussie?
3. Prior to 2023, which year
4. Australian James Webb broke the eating world record in New York after devouring which food:
a) chicken wings,
b) hotdogs or
c) hamburgers?
5. What is the mostviewed sport in New Zealand?
The iconic shoe brand Converse was first created for which sport? Which two AFL teams feature a native Australian animal as their mascot?
During the Women’s US Open semifinal between Karolina Muchova and Coco Gauff, what was the reason the match was delayed for 50 minutes mid-play? Which AFL star was announced as the sole All-Australian ruckman?
And which team do they play for?
11. Which nation won the 2023 FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup?
12. And what position did Australia finish at the same tournament?
13. After winning the US Open, Novak Djokovic equalled which tennis player’s record of 24 grand slam victories?
14. Which Canberra Raiders player was cited for biting in week one of the NRL Finals Series?
15. Australian golfing star Minjee Lee was born in which capital city?
16. Which Melbourne star suffered a concussion in the Demons’ AFL qualifying final loss to Collingwood?
17. Which AFLW team recently played its first home game at the spiritual home of its club, Windy Hill?
18. Which nation did the Wallabies beat in their 2023 Rugby World Cup opening game?
19. How many teams compete in the men’s National Basketball League?
20. And how many teams compete in the Women’s National Basketball League?
21. Which team did Germany defeat 83-77 to win the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?
22. Which team did Canada defeat 127-118 to finish third at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?
23. Which Australian was named the Rising Star of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?
24. Which national rugby union team is known as Os Lobos (The Wolves)?
25. Which middleweight fighter defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 293?
26. Wallabies captain Will Skelton plays rugby union professionally in which country?
27. 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup MVP Dennis Schröder plays for which NBA team?
28. Which team did Australia defeat 35-15 in their first match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
29. Which Belarusian did Coco Gauff defeat to win the 2023 US Open Women’s Singles tennis title?
30. Which national rugby union team is known as Stejarii (The Oaks)?
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Where has the time gone?
It’s been five years since we last drove the Civic Type-R.
It was incredible then and it’s still an amazing car to drive, engineered to deliver a thrilling driving experience and without doubt one of the best hot hatches in the world.
Even so the Type-R’s days are probably numbered as the world moves with increasing speed towards an electric future where all cars will be lightning quick.
Think about that for a moment.
Styling
Type-R is priced from $72,600. That’s a national driveaway price and Honda says no negotiations will be entered into. It’s also $12,000 or so more than the previous Type-R by the time you add in on-road costs.
You can place your order now, but there’s just one hitch. Even at this price, you could find yourself at the end of a rather long waiting list that now stretches out to more than two years. As such we count ourselves lucky to be getting a drive now.
Remarkably, our test vehicle is finished in the same Sonic Grey colour as the previous Type-R that we drove. But if that sounds a bit drab there’s also Rally Red, Crystal Black and Championship White from which to choose.
A colleague prefers the black, but we reckon grey is the perfect foil for the red and black highlights, of which there are many.
At 4606mm new Type-R is 37mm longer, 15mm wider and 13mm lower than the car it replaces, while the wheelbase is 35mm longer.
Andatakerbweightof1429kgweight-saving devices include an aluminium bonnet which is 43percentlighter,aresinbootlidis20percent lighter and smaller wheels reduce unsprung mass by a significant 2.8kg at each corner.
At first sight the latest Type-R looks similar yet different to the model it replaces, with seating for four, a good-sized boot and tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare.
A couple of cupholders are built into the centre of the back seat and while it is quite roomy, rear seat passengers could find it a little claustrophobic, especially with no air vents.
The tail lights are first point of difference, in keeping with the styling of the latest Civic and while the triple signature exhausts remain, the rear spoiler is perhaps a trifle smaller.
Down the front the fascia is similar but different, while the air intake has moved further forward on the bonnet.
Theblackwheelslookprettymuchthesame, but the pinstripe has gone and if you look closely, you’ll see they are now 19s instead of 20s, but wear wider tyres.
MichelinPilotSports,theyareanimpressive 265 x 30 in dimension, increasing the car’s footprint on the road (and presumably grip).
Last time around they were Continentals.
The brakes are from Brembo again, ventilated at front and solid at the rear.
The 350mm front discs are equipped with Brembo four-piston aluminium calipers.
The rears are 305mm in size.
Moving inside, the cabin is at once familiar but different too.
The deep sports buckets would do a Ferrari proud, finished in bright vermilion red, with red seatbelts and foot well trim and other red highlights to match, including red ambient lighting.
The chunky steering wheel has lost some of its red, but is now trimmed in suede leather.
Still not sure whether we like the feel and worry it might stick to some driving gloves.
A metal shifter and foot pedals complete the picture.
Technology has of course moved on and a touchscreen now perches atop the dash, with a digital display replacing the previous analogue instrument cluster.
Standard equipment includes ’suede-style’ fabric (ie fake), two-zone climate air, manual seat adjustment, LED head and tail lights, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming mirror, front and rear parking sensors, radar cruise control,
adaptive suspension and a limited slip front diff.
There’s also a comprehensive data logging system for tracking the car, with expanded capability that displays all sorts of info like cornering G-force.
Civic Type-R is covered by a five-year warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing, with free map updates for five years and a five-year subscription to on-line services.
Service is due every 12 months or 10,000km.
Infotainment
A 9.0-inch Advanced Display Audio touchscreen has been designed to minimise driver distraction, with hard buttons and customisable shortcuts to use functions and audio sources more often.
The system features Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, wireless phone charger, plus 12 volt and 2 x USB-A ports.
No mention of a brand or power output for the eight-speaker audio, suggesting it is not worth talking about.
The previous one put out 160 watts.
Thepreviousmodelproduced228kWofpower at 6500 rpm and 400Nm of torque from 2500 rpm, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and using 8.8L/100km.
Changes to the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine up those figures to 235kW of power and 420Nm of torque, the latter from 2600 revs this time.
They’re not huge gains but combined with a long list of refinements, promise even higher levels of performance than before.
Thedashfrom0-100km/hhasbeentrimmed to just 5.2 seconds and it uses 9.8L/100km, but seriously who cares?
The turbocharged engine is paired with a smooth, easy-to-use, quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching.
Topped with a solid aluminium shift knob,
ithasbeenengineeredtodeliveracrispchange action with very low internal friction.
Driveistothefrontwheelsthroughalimited slip diff.
Althoughthecarhasnotbeentestedforsafety, the safety fit out is extensive, with 10 airbags, a 360-degree reverse camera, two child seat anchor points and a body structure that has been optimised for safety.
The Honda Sensing safety system includes Blind Spot Monitor, Drive Attention Monitor, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Support System (HBSS) and Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR).
It’s difficult to award points for safety without a means of quantifying them.
You can see from the figures that the latest Civic Type-R offers a little more power and torque,butthisisonlyasmallpartofthestory.
The big improvement is in the body which is significantly more rigid, delivering improved dynamics and refinement.
A helical-type limited-slip diff minimises wheel spin, allowing the vehicle to accelerate harder on surfaces with uneven traction.
There are four drive modes as well as with adjustable suspension: Comfort, Sport, +R and a new Individual mode.
An active exhaust valve changes the pitch of the engine depending on mode, but is not loud enough.
The digital instrument cluster reflects the drive mode you chose, with a race style look in +R that prioritises revs and the current gear, with a string of LEDs allowing the driver to time the change up as you near the 7000 redline.
Talk about torque.
In most sports models you spend the time changing from second to third and back again in corner-to-corner twisties, but in the Type-R
Honda Civic Type-R, $72,600 SPECIFICATIONS
the zone moves up to third and fourth, even reaching fifth on longer straights.
An upgraded Electric Power Steering (EPS) system delivers pin-sharp steering, with a stiffer torsion bar and improved software control resolution to enhance steering feel and control.
Steering weight is adjustable too in settings.
The trick for getting the most comfortable, satisfying result is to put it in the new Individual mode, tick all the +R settings then switch the suspension to Comfort which stops the car from crashing through potholes.
And here’s the good bit, the car remembers and retains the drive mode settings between starts.
Grip is phenomenal and the car remains remarkably settled over undulations.
At one point we thought we’d blown a tyre after it crashed through a large pothole, but it survived unscathed.
On the downside tyre noise ramps up quickly when moving from smooth to coarse bitumen.
The Brembos are exceptional and will stand the car on its front wheels if asked to.
All in all, the Type-R is a fantastic car to drive.
Rated at 8.9L/100km, we were getting 9.3L/100km after close to 400km.
Butthisdroppedtojust6.5Lonaneasy,sixth gear run down the motorway which suggests it will be economical over longer distances.
Sure, it’s expensive, but as they say - you get what you pay for.
The Civic Type-R has been refined in every possible way, a work of love that is a testament to Honda’s savvy engineers.
It’s a rip snorter of a car to drive, just as happy to go shopping as it is to blast around a race track, a genuinely thrilling car to drive that is well worth the wait.
The competitors could be faster on paper, but remember this is the car that holds the record for a front-wheel drive production vehicleatthefamousNurburgringracecircuit. Enough said?
Petracca helped ease the heartbreak of his Melbourne-mad owner by providing him with some September finals success on a blockbuster night of harness racing at Melton on Saturday.
The Emma Stewart-trained pacer broke his Group 1 drought with a dominant display in the Vicbred Super Series final for three-year-old colts and geldings, leading and then racing clear to beat stablemates Techys Watching and Perfect Class by more than 10m.
His victory was just the tonic for Danny Zavitsanos, who purchased the son of Captaintreacherous and named him after Demons superstar Christian Petracca.
The triumph was the third of four on the all-Group 1 card for reinsman Mark Pitt, who missed an important family wedding in New South Wales to drive at Saturday night’s $1.5 million meeting.
“He is a lovely little fella,” Pitt said after the race.
“I am surprised that he hasn’t won a Group 1, but he had the draw (barrier one) on the lot of them and it was always good to use that advantage.
“He just travelled so well and when I asked him to go, he went tonight.”
Stewart created a new record for most winners trained at a single Victorian harness meeting when she claimed nine
of last weekend’s Vicbred Super Series semi-finals, and captured five Group 1 deciders - four in the pacing ranks – seven days later.
Petracca’s stablemate Amore Vita became just the second female pacer to complete a Vicbred clean sweep when she backed up her wins at two and three with success in the final for four-year-old pacing mares.
It gave champion reinsman Chris Alford a Group 1 double at Melton after he had previously saluted with Gary and Debbie Quinlan’s Sahara Breeze in the three-year-old fillies’ showdown.
“It’s great that she can join Maajida as the only mares that have won the two, three and fours,” Alford said.
“She maybe was a little bit flat from last week – she ran super – and just sort of felt a bit doughy tonight, but that might have just been because she was in front. She might have just been waiting for them a bit, getting a bit smart.”
Darley did what it needed to do as it sealed a second straight Ballarat Netball League grand final berth.
The Devils A-grade team became the club’s fourth netball side to win through to the decider on Saturday, beating Redan in the preliminary final, 35-28.
The four grand finals builds on the two that the club made last year.
Devils coach Di McCormack said from a club perspective they were extremely proud to have four out of the six netball teams into the final match of the year.
“The club is pretty stoked,” she said. “The whole club was there watching. The girls won the footy grand final and the senior [men’s] football and now four netball teams are in the grand final.
“Hopefully we can come home with at least a couple of premierships.”
Favourites heading into the preliminary final, all the pressure was on the Devils with McCormack saying there might have been some nerves from their end early.
While they led throughout the game, McCormack said she never felt like they were playing their best netball.
“It was an ugly game,” she said. “Whether you win like Carlton did on Friday night or how we did, it doesn’t matter.
“We led by seven all day. We were never challenged and it didn’t drop below that number. It didn’t feel like we controlled the game as we had in previous games.”
McCormack said that Redan threw everything at them and changed their shooting combination heading into the game which worked in their favour.
She said all the lucky tips also seemed to go the Lions way, but they were still able to do enough to get the win.
“We did enough to settle throughout the day on court,” she said. “They had nothing to lose, they were the underdogs.
“They gelled better than they did last week and shot a lot better.”
McCormack said the attacking end didn’t flow as smoothly as they would have liked, missing a few shots they would have normally made. Rebecca Hicks led the scoring with 16 goals.
She said Matilda Elliot continued her good form in defence, while Grace Markovic also had a good game.
Ailish McCormack also had a good game in wing attack, setting up a lot of the attacking options.
The Devils now face North Ballarat in the grand final for a second straight year.
North Ballarat won last year’s decider in
horrible conditions and the first final between the two teams this year, while the Devils won one match during the season and the other was a draw.
McCormack said they were hoping it would be a good day for the club.
“It’s what you play all season for,” she said. In the football, North Ballarat won the preliminary final against East Point to lock in a grand final spot against Darley.
The grand finals will be played on Saturday.
Stewart’s other Vicbred pacing victories came with two-year-olds Draw A Dream and Stormryder for drivers Kerryn Manning and Pitt respectively.
Andy Gath has produced many pieces of brilliance in his time as a trainer, and his efforts with recent stable acquisition Solesseo Matuca are certainly worthy of joining that long list.
Gath and long-time owner Norm Jenkin purchased the son of A Rocknroll Dance following his last start for previous connections in early July, with the horse winless since December 2021.
But he continued a remarkable return to form with his third success at start six for Gath and his team when he sprint-laned to victory in Saturday night’s Ride High Vicbred Super Series final for four-year-old colts and geldings.
Hillside and Burnside Springs stars are among those named in the two Essendon District Football League division 1 teams of years.
The league last released the team of the year for the men’s and women’s seasons, with the captain and coach to be named at the league’s best and fairest awards night on September 29.
In the men’s team, Hillside forward Bailey Ryan was named on a half forward flank, despite missing several games due to Victorian Football League commitments, while Mitchell Hearne was named on the bench and Lachlan Pettigrove in the back line.
It’s the second time Ryan has been named in the team of the year, after being named in the 2021 team when he had a breakout season.
In the women’s division 1 team of the year, four Burnside Springs players had the 24 player squad.
Ebony Stevens was named at half back, while Kayla Ravanello was named on a half forward flank.
Krissy Trang was named as a rover and Holly McGregor was named on the bench. Trang was last season named in the premier division team of the year, and has been named a number of times in teams of the year previously.
Ravenello and Steven had previously been named in teams of the year before as well.
By Tara Murray
Woodend-Hesket has claimed its first Riddell District Netball League A-grade premiership.
After tasting defeat on the biggest stage 12 months earlier in their first grand final, the Hawks came back bigger and better this year.
They knocked off minor premiers Riddell in the second week of finals to win straight through to the grand final.
The Hawks would then face Riddell again in Sunday’s grand final at Romsey Park.
While the record books will show a 46-37 win in the end to the Hawks, it doesn’t tell how close the game really was.
It was low scoring early on with the defensives of both sides on top. Turnovers were made and shots missed.
Both teams made a number of changes throughout.
The Hawks got to a four goal lead in the last quarter but the Bombers weren’t done.
Both teams had chances in the dying minutes to win the game, but weren’t able to convert.
Scores were locked at 33-apiece at the end of four quarters, sending the game into overtime.
From there it was all the Hawks, leading by five goals after the first period of overtime. They kept the momentum going to seal the win.
For Hawks playing-coach Meg Grbac it was a pretty special moment that would take a while to sink in.
“We had a lot of belief that we could do it,’’ she said. “I think the last two weeks have been so difficult for so many people at the club.
“I’m glad that we could get over the line, not just for ourselves, but the whole Woodend-Hesket wide community.
“It means so much to be able to make them proud.”
Both coaches knew going into the game it was going to be a battle of the defences which it proved to be.
Grbac, one of the star defenders of the competition, said that the attackers of both ends were put under a lot of pressure.
“The shooters, they eventually found their
groove and credit to every single person that stepped out on court,” she said.
“I used pretty much the whole squad today [Sunday]. I thought Tilly [Lethlan] was amazing when she came on, Charlee [Duff-Tytler] and Abbs [Gilmore] were equally as awesome when they stepped onto the court also.
“In all, super, super proud.”
While they have the premiership in their hands now, Grbac admits that they were lucky to come away with the win in the end.
She said nerves got the better of the side in the final quarter.
“The last two minutes of the game we were probably lucky they didn’t get another score on the board to be honest with you,” she said.
“I said to them when we went to the bench before extra time, ‘straight away learn from that mistake’ and we’re lucky it didn’t cost us.
“They came on the court in extra time brilliantly and really held composure when it mattered.”
Defender Ty Coppinger was awarded the medal for the player judged best on court.
Melton’s Jack Watkins has been recognised at the higher level, claiming North Melbourne’s Victorian Football League best and fairest award.
Watkins,whocaptainstheKangaroos reserves side, claimed the John Law Medal, averaging 23.1 disposals and 4.1 tackles per match across his 18 games in midfield for the Roos.
In a season that saw the Roos claim an inaugural wildcard round berth after winning 10 games, the onballer polled a leaderboard-topping 77 votes, improving on his 2022 tally of 58.
Watkins, who played his junior football with Melton South, returned to the Ballarat Football League this season after spending time in the Essendon District Football League.
He played two games for the Bloods, where his brother Lachlan also plays, in between VFL commitments.
Young key forward Tyler Sellers came in second place in the Kangaroos best and fairest with 56 votes.
Western United’s Australia Cup campaign is over following a loss to Sydney FC.
United started the game energetically, affecting a couple of turnovers high up the pitch and looking to stretch Sydney’s defence in the early goings.
It was the hosts that had the first effort on goal, and it was nearly a spectacular opener as Luke Brattan thundered a long-range strike against the left-hand upright.
Sydney held the momentum after that and following a couple of set pieces and half chances, the Sky Blues took the lead when Joe LolleypassedtoCacerestofinishstronglyinto the bottom left corner.
United showed flashes of tidy possession play but was largely unable to test Andrew Redmayne in net for Sydney.
That inability to turn possession into clear chances proved to bite United as Sydney looked threatening each time they went forward and doubled their advantage before the half hour mark.
Some indecisive defending from United allowed Patrick Wood to finish from the top of the six-yard box.
Sydney held the advantage heading into
half-time leaving United with work to do coming out of the break in order to progress in the Australia Cup final four.
Western United tried to get going in the second half, aiming to increase the tempo going forward and find a way back into the game.
But with a two-goal cushion and the support of a home crowd, Sydney sought to manage the contest and slow things down to see the game out.
The longer the game went on without United finding a goal, the more it helped the hosts’ plan and a third goal seemingly all but put the game to bed in the 67th minute.
After hitting the post seconds earlier with a free header, Rodwell remained unmarked at the back post and tapped in from Lolley’s cut-back.
It was a frustrating day for United and there was to be no consolation goal, spelling the end of the side’s 2023 Australia Cup campaign.
“Itwasaprettytoughday,Ithoughtwetried the whole game, battled the whole game,” United defender Josh Risdon said on the post game coverage.
“I thought we were pretty harsh to go in at
half time two, nil down. We gave them two easy goals and I thought we had a lot of the play and created some half chances.
“Just a bit tired towards the end and we lost our shape a bit, trying to go for the goal.”
It was a hot evening in Sydney on Sunday, making challenging conditions for the players on the pitch.
“It was pretty tough, doing pre-season in winter and then playing a game in 30 degree heat, it was pretty tough, no doubt about it,” Risdon said.
“But,it’sthesameforbothteams,itprobably drops the quality a little bit especially in the second half.
“Both teams fought well and I can’t complain with the effort from our team.”
With the A-League season not too far away and United bringing in fresh faces over the off season, Risdon said there’s a lot to look forward to.
“We’ve been building really well in pre season, the attitude’s been great, there’s a good belief within the team,” he said.
“We’re building nicely, today’s a bit of a tough one to take, but we can focus now on the season.”
Despite a relatively slow start to the year, Sellers truly emerged as a main inside 50 target in the second half of the campaign and ended up booting 30 goals from 16 games, including three against Casey in Wildcard Round.
One vote behind on 55 in third spot was Ben Davis, who stood out as a rebounding defender. The former Adelaide Crow offered some valuable experience behind the ball and averaged 20.6 disposals and 6.9 marks per game.
Prolific forward Sam Lowson, who averaged two goals per outing, came in fourth.
Lowson kicked off the season in tremendous fashion with nine goals in the opening two weeks and soon formed a damaging one-two punch partnership with Sellers.
Charlie Lazzaro was the highest polling AFL-listed player with 49 votes in fifth place.
The young midfielder collected 26.5 possessions per game and landed a spot in the VFL’s 40-player Team of the Year squad.
When Diggers Rest coach Jamie Lobb was asked at the pre-game function who he thought would win the Doug McIntyre Medal for the best on in Riddell District Football League grand final, he didn’t hesitate to say Jaycob Hickey.
Just hours later after Diggers Rest won its flag, Hickey received the Doug McIntyre Medal for his performance in the grand final.
Lobb even told Hickey before the game that he was backing him in.
“He put the mozz on me before the game when watching the twos before,” Hickey said after the game.
“Having a couple of weeks off at the end of the season was sort of not ideal preparation for me. I went down with a bit of cramping, nice and hot.
“I think there were a few other boys doing the same. It wasn’t too bad, I was happy to get on the scoreboard. I set a couple up and was happy to get the win.
“There were some great performances today, Calv [Marcus Calvaresi] was awesome, Jaidyn[Caruana]wasawesomeinthere,[Josh]
Flower, Jenno [Mitch Jensen] as well.
“It could have gone to anyone, six or seven blokes. I’m rapt to get that one too.”
The premiership was a second in a row for Hickey, who joined the club from Ballarat
Football League side Melton last off season.
It’s a move he said had been enjoyable.
“I knew that Diggers Rest were going to be really a good side this year,” he said. “They’re always up the top end of the ladder every year.
“I knew that coming across with my brother [Lachlan] and good mate Mark [Orr], we couldprobablydosomethingspecialthisyear.
“To get it done finally will be an awesome feeling and I’ll really enjoy this one tonight [Sunday], I think.”
Hickey said he was keen to have a bit of a change and Lobb and Orr both spoke to him about coming across and he said he’d loved every minute of it.
Hesaidtheywerefullofconfidenceheading into the grand final.
“I think that final against Wallan really set the tone for us,” he said. “We could do anything this year and the sky’s the limit.
“Getting that one done and having the week off was really good for us, able to freshen up and hit the ground running.”
After playing in heavy rainy conditions in his premiership win 12 months ago, Hickey said it was nice to be able to play in perfect football conditions.
He said it was special to be able to share that with his brother and Orr again.
Tara Murray
By Tara Murray
Diggers Rest capped off an almost perfect season with not one, but two premierships in the Riddell District Football League on Sunday.
Grand final day started well for the Burras with their reserves winning their fourth premiership early Sunday afternoon.
The seniors were soon on the field, hoping to follow suit.
After losing just one game all season, the Burras entered the grand final as favourites against a Woodend-Hesket side playing in its first grand final since 2007.
The Burras had won the two matchups between the sides during the season, with the Burras the only side that the Hawks hadn’t beaten.
It was a high scoring start to the game with 10 goals kicked in the opening quarter, with the Burras leading by 13 points at quarter time.
The margin grew to 34 points at the main break, with the Burras in control of the game.
The Hawks started the second half the better of the two teams and had their chances to bring the game back within two goals.
But the Burras had the answers and had extended the margin to 38 points at the last break to all but have secured the win with one quarter to go.
The Burras won 16.9 (105)-9.8 (62).
Burras coach Jamie Lobb said it was an amazing feeling to be at the back of the top
of the table.
“It’s definitely a different feeling to this day last year,” he said. “We definitely deserved and earned this one.
“It was a completely different path to last year when we did it the long way, battling to get guys up each week.
“This year we finished on top and earned the right for the week off and won the first final and the boys were cherry ripe today.”
The Burras had just about a whole list to pick from, with only two players not available for selection.
Lobb had said throughout the back end of the season and finals that they believed they were peaking at the right time.
He was exactly right.
The start was a key for Lobb in trying to get the game on their terms.
“We knew if we were in it at half time that they would fade away a little,” he said “They’ve had hard games every week.
“They’re a bit more bigger bodied than us and we knew that we would get them on the outside eventually.
“We had to stick to our guns and not panic and the guys executed it pretty well.”
Lobb said he would have taken the half time margin if it had been offered to him at the start of the day.
He said they had to grind out the win in the second half and the guys really committed to
everything that they were trying to do.
Marcus Calvaresi kicked four goals for the Burras, while Mitchell Day kicked three, Mitch Jensen and Josh Flower two apiece.
Jaycob Hickey was named best on ground, awarded the Doug McIntyre Medal.
Lobb himself picked that Hickey was set for a big game.
“He’s a big time player and superstar,” he said. “What he did today was one of the reasons we were so keen to get him over.” Calvaresi, Jaidyn Caruana and Mark Orr were also named in the best.
Taylor Hine, Matthew Krul, Cole Laurie, Tom Evans and Josh Wallace became three-time senior premiership players with the club with Sunday’s win.
Lobb played in the first premiership, was a playing-coach in the second one, and now coach for the third one.
Lobb said it was special for the club that both their teams were able to come away with premierships.
Each time the seniors have won the premiership, the reserves have also won it that year.
“It’s amazing,” Lobb said.
“If we’re going well it feeds down. There’s some good players, playing in our reserves that would play seniors in most other clubs in our areas, credit to them they stick at it, credit to them and we’re winning flags like today.
“We’ll enjoy this one for a bit longer than most, refresh hopefully go again.”
The Western Region Football League could be set for massive changes for the 2024 season in a report released by the league.
In a report sent out to clubs on Friday night, the league has proposed divisional changes, to shift its 22 clubs into two divisions.
The report named Western Region Football Netball Review Draft recommendations, which has been seen by Star Weekly, has proposed division 3 be removed. Currently there are eight teams in division 1 and seven teams in each division 2 and 3. There had been 10 teams in division 1 and eight in division 2 previously, but Deer Park and St Albans left thecompetition,whileGlenOrdencouldn’tget a side up this year. Clubs have been told they have up until September 24 to ask questions to the league about the report before it will go to its next stage.
If this was to occur it would mean, division
1 would be a 10 team competition with both of division 2’s grand finalists, premiers Parkside and runners up Albion, move up to the top flight. While division 2 would be a 12 team fixture. Several club presidents have confirmed the report and the proposed changes.
“The WRFL will work closely and provide club development staffing resources to those clubs that may need extra assistance as they move from division 3 into division 2 football,” the report said.
“It is evident that youth football must be a key area of focus of the league for the future sustainability of clubs of the WRFL.
“There are some clubs with no pathways from juniors to youth football at all, some that require strengthening of relationships between juniors and seniors and others that require assistance in recruiting and retaining players.
“There was an overwhelming amount of
feedback that the grading for junior grades of football is currently not working as well as it could be.”
The salary cap and points of each division will be determined in the coming weeks the report said. The proposed division 1 clubs are Werribee Districts, Point Cook, Altona, Yarraville Seddon Eagles, Caroline Springs, Spotswood, Point Cook Centrals, Hoppers Crossing, Parkside and Albion.
Division 2 would consist of Newport, Sunshine, Wyndhamvale, North Footscray, Braybrook, Suns, Albanvale, Sunshine Heights, West Footscray, Tarneit, Laverton Magpies and North Sunshine. The report also recommended the league change names to the Western Football Netball League. The league has had massive growth in netball in recent years, with six divisions this year.
Werribee Districts were able to go one better and claim its first Western Region Football League senior premiership.
It was a hot start at Chirnside Park on Sunday afternoon for the WRFL’s biggest day of the year as Werribee Districts faced Point Cook in the division 1 grand final.
Sitting at 24 degrees and no breeze to speak of,theunderdogsPointCookstartedthegame with a bang, kicking the first goal of the game through Daniel Burton.
The Tigers replied half way through the first term, before the inaccurate Dogs added another of their own, taking an 11 point lead into the first break.
Throughout the first quarter the Dogs’ run, spread and contest game was on full show, moving the ball up the ground with ease.
Former AFL player Luke Dahlhaus was electric throughout the game and was a key contributor to the Dogs fantastic early ball movement. Dahlhaus created great run and poise with the ball in hand, hitting targets at will.
In the second term the Tigers began to take some of this away from the Dogs, getting some ascendency on the game without being abletocapitaliseonthescoreboard.However, the Tigers were able to get the lead back, with the margin being just two points at the break.
It was more of the same in the third term with the Tigers peppering their goals without actually scoring one until the 24th minute mark of the term. With the drought broken by leading goal scorer Trent Lee.
Scoring 1.4, to the Dogs one behind for the quarter, stretched their half time lead to 11 at three quarter time.
With a quarter of the WRFL season left to play, the thousands of supporters at the ground marched on to hear the both coaches’ addresses.
Just as quick as the ball was bounced for the start of the last term the Tigers had again hit the scoreboard, extending their lead to 17 points.
The Tigers looked to secure their first league premiership with back to back goals to Christopher Molivas, to give his side a 20
point lead.
Molivas was later awarded best on ground, for his liveliness up forward, booting 2.3.
The Dogs threw caution to the wind to try and eat away at the lead but failed to capitalise when it went inside 50.
Jack Fletcher sealed the win for the Tigers kicking a goal in the 27th minute to put this side up 29 points.
From there it was just a matter of waiting for the siren to sound with the Tigers claiming their first WRFL senior premiership, winning 9.11 (65)-5.13 (43).
After losing last year’s grand final it’s been a long time coming for the Tigers and skipper Daniel Schibeci. Schibeci missed last year’s grand final through injury.
“Plenty of years of work, that’s what it feels like,” Schibeci said. “We’ve had this group together for five, six years, added one or two (players) each year.
“I’m ecstatic, very, very happy.
“We’ve got a good group, we’ve got a few over 30s, a few mid-20s and then we’ve got some young kids who just take the game on and have dare.
“You need that, you need speed, because us old boys don’t have that anymore, so we needed the young fellas to come through and they’ve just gone on leaps and bounds this year.”
The Tigers only lost the one game throughout the entire season, beating the Dogsconvincinglyonmorethanoneoccasion, including in the semi final two weekends ago, however, they were much more competitive this time around.
“They obviously learnt a lot from that game and they brought the heat and pressure, bad kicking probably let them down,” Schibeci said.
“But our back six was unbelievable, they just held up and held fat, taking the air out of the game when they had to and defending like their life depended on it. You can’t fault them one bit.”
Goal kickers for the Tigers included Molivas, Lee and Fletcher had two each, with Josh Mould, Jack Fletcher, Tim Jenkins and Andrew Panayi all kicking one.
