Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 3rd October 2023

2023

Keeping

Message from the mayor

Local businesses are the lifeblood of the City of Melton and play a pivotal role in the development of the places where we live, work and play.

That’s why it was an honour and a pleasure to celebrate our business community at the 16th annual City of Melton Business Excellence Awards on 27 September.

It has been an exciting year for the businesses in our city. These awards acknowledge and celebrate the amazing contributions hard-working local businesses have made to the growth and development of the City of Melton. This year 27 finalists were shortlisted for the City of Melton Business Excellence Awards.

I’m very proud that our community is home to so many outstanding businesses. All the nominees have been innovative and set high standards, so it was no easy task for our judges from the Small Business Mentoring Service to pick the winners from this high-calibre list.

As one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities, the importance of developing and supporting businesses and the jobs they create cannot be understated.

That is why Melton City Council is committed to creating an environment that encourages, supports and drives opportunities for businesses to grow and be the best they can be.

I would especially like to congratulate Western Region Health for taking out the prestigious Business of the Year award.

I would also like to thank the award sponsors, including platinum sponsor, Atherstone, and official media partner Star Weekly, for helping to make the Melton Business Excellence Awards program possible.

Congratulations again to our winners, finalists, and nominees. May every business in the City of Melton continue to flourish as our community continues to grow.

Cr Lara Carli, Mayor, City of Melton

MAYORAL AWARD

Pecks Road Cafe

Like many other small businesses, Arbi, Angelito and Albin Lawang started theirs in the midst of Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns. Albin Lawang, the youngest of the three brothers, took the down-time to really hone in on his craft and part-time hobby of creating artisan doughnuts. After a great response from family and friends, he enlisted his two brothers to help build Pecks Road as a fully functioning online doughnut delivery business.

“The thought of bringing joy to those stuck at home was what really drove us in the early days of Pecks Road,” said Arbi.

“Fast forward almost three years later, this dedicated service to our customers still stays true to why we started and how we run our business today.

“Growing up in Melbourne’s west, we noticed that a lot of the most popular dessert and coffee spots would be a 30-40 minutes drive away. We wanted to bring that quality and specialty dining experience to the west and create a space that local dessert and coffee-lovers could proudly call their favourite neighbourhood spot.”

With a background in personal training and body building, executive chef Albin believes that indulging in great food is just as important as your fitness goals. Pecks Road is a place you come to truly “Treat yo’self!”

At BudgetNet Plan

The brothers pride themselves on their customer service, attention to detail and the quality of their products.

“Our signature light and airy dough texture is also something we are proud of and have refined over and over again, and continue to improve every day. Our doughnuts are hand crafted and made fresh in-store every morning. But as good as the food may be, we believe the overall customer experience is incomplete without positive human interaction. We’ve worked hard to allow Pecks Road to be considered almost like a second home to not just our regulars, but to our valued team members too.”

We are a compassionate team of NDIS experts dedicated to putting you at the heart of your NDIS plan.

We take the time to understand your unique needs so that your Plan Management is efficient, straight forward, and dependable.

Made for you, and always delivered with care and respect. As a NDIS registered Plan Manager, it is our job to pay your NDIS invoices- freeing you up to live your life and achieve your goals. With no out of pocket costs to you, contact our friendly team and have BudgetNet Plan Management in your corner.

Brothers Arbi, Angelito and Albin Lawang celebrate receiving the Mayoral Award.

Osteopath Dr Jade Scott started Western Region Health when she was just 22 years old. The business recently celebrated 20 successful years looking after the health of patients in the west.

“I was a young girl with a big dream to lift the bar in healthcare. Since then we have grown to multiple locations, an incredible team of 35 staff, a pilates and rehabilitation space, and soon to be new three-storey development to deliver much needed allied health services to the western suburbs,” explained Jade.

The team at Western Region Health encourage, inspire and support the Melton community with their health at every stage of their life. “There is no greater legacy you can leave than to be remembered for the service you have provided others. Our team do that everyday by going above and beyond for our patients and each other,” said Jade.

Over the past two decades, Western Region Health has proudly served over 500,000 patients, making a positive

impact on the health and lives of countless individuals in the community. As the business celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, the team has been able to reflect on the milestones it has achieved and the valuable contributions it has made.

“Western Region Health takes great pride in our role as a nationally acclaimed education and training clinic for both osteopaths and GP interns. Over the last ten years we have had the privilege of supporting over 300 interns, nurturing their growth and fostering excellence in healthcare,” said Jade.

The services offered by Western Region

Health encompass a comprehensive range of treatments and management options, including osteopathy, clinical pilates, physiotherapy, remedial massage, gaitscan, EVolt360, and shockwave therapy. Staff take a holistic approach to care, tailoring their services to meet the unique needs of each individual. By combining evidence-based practices, state-of-the-art technologies, and a compassionate approach, Western Region Health empowers patients to achieve optimal health and well-being. Western Region Health was encouraged to nominate for the Health, Wellness

and Care Award by its many wonderful patients.

Jade said winning Business of the Year is “wonderful recognition for the hard work, dedication, and passion we have for our patients and our work, and acknowledgement that we are achieving great things for the Melton community.

“As we look toward the future, Western Region Health remains dedicated to our mission of delivering exceptional care and support to our community. We continue to grow, innovate, and expand our services to meet the evolving health needs of our patients.”

Larissa Scargall, Catherine Stonehouse, councillor Sophie Ramsey and Michael Mannix. (Melton Council)

In 2018 Janelle Palibrk’s dad suddenly died at just 52. His death affected everyone in the family, especially Janelle’s mum. Janelle used her knowledge from a corporate fragrance career to create a candle that smelt the exact same as her mum’s home did when filled with the flowers friends and family gifted the family before the funeral.

Inside the candle Janelle, a 32 year old mother of two, added rainbow moonstone and black tourmaline crystals to help keep her mum’s energy protected and also to allow her to see new beginnings.

One week later, her mum asked for another candle as she said it was one of the only things that helped her through

such a traumatic time.

“From that moment I knew I needed to create these for other people. And thus, began Myles Gray,” explained Janelle. Organically founded from grief, the company has now grown into a global concern that prioritises customers and only brings ethical products to market.

“I am so proud of the products we offer, all handmade in Australia with intention and purpose. We ethically source our raw materials and everything is made by our small team of women who are all at different stages of their lives but can be supported by a business structure that puts the working woman at the forefront.”

Councillor Steve Abboushi with Janelle Palibrk and Nathan Palibrk who accept Young Entrepreneur of the Year. (Melton Council)

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

DISABILITY INCLUSION INITIATIVE Discovering Strength

Dr Ruchika Gupta and Deepank Gupta started their business with the aim of providing the best possible services while pursuing their passion for dentistry.

Dr Ruchika is passionate about practicing dentistry in an environment where she can facilitate best possible treatments. Deepank is passionate about developing and operating a business with an informed approach to maintain competitive advantage on conventional oral health service providers.

“We were motivated to find new treatment approaches and disrupt the conventional way to manage patients. The business was started in 2011 consequent to proper planning, developing a business

plan, identifying compliance requirements and financial sensitivity analysis,“ explained Deepank.

“We as a team believe that we have a set of talents and skills which can be utilised to manage and develop a successful business. The clinical practices have been upgraded with time. The clinic facilitates digital scanning, panoramic x-ray, intra oral camera, digital forms and automatic patient follow up. Several services have been added such as implants and teeth straightening by removable aligners or traditional braces.”

The clinic provides employment to 5 FTE dentists and support staff and several contractors.

Denise Cran started Discovering Strength to fill a gap within the Education Department. During her time as a psychologist in the local school network, Denise observed many assessments occurring but not a lot of therapy.

“There were not enough Allied Health Professionals in our team to cover the geographical area. I created Discovering Strength to provide therapy to many of those impacted children and beyond. Having a brother with a disability has been a driver behind my passion to help people with disabilities fit in, be accepted in society and believe that a normal life is not beyond reach as long as you can discover your own strength,” Denise said.

Discovering Strength assists children and their families to be included at home, at school and in the community. Denise and her team help parents understand their child’s needs so that their behaviour is interpreted correctly.

“In addition to providing a valuable service to the community, I love watching my team grow and clients achieving goals towards their independence. We are always sharing with each other successes no matter how big or small,” she said.

“I love supporting clients to feel they can move on without the need for our support knowing they can come back if need be.”

Proud finalist of Melton Business Excellence Awards 2023 & Enablement Awards Outstanding Consultants Australia 2023

Our work is embedded in moral practice. We work to ensure that people with disabilities can access opportunities on the same basis as peers without a disability. We advocate, educate and support for our clients in sectors including education, NDIS, AAT, VCAT. We provide Learning Sessions to support the capacity of our clients.

At Autism Goals, we firmly believe that diversity is not just a buzzword; it’s a source of strength. When we embrace the unique perspectives, talents, and abilities of all our clients and employees, we unlock innovation and creativity that propels our people with disabilities further.

Inclusivity is not just a checkbox on a corporate checklist; it’s a fundamental value that guides our decisions, policies, and actions. We have worked hard to ensure that our physical spaces, technologies, and processes promote success and inclusion.. But inclusion goes beyond that; it’s about fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding.

Our commitment to disability is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing journey. We will continue to learn, adapt, and improve. We work passionatley so that our wonderful clients, can thrive and contribute their best.

admin@autismgoals.com.au • 03 8798 9900

www.facebook.com/familiesandautism/ •autismgoals.com.au

Jason Cran, Mayor Cr Lara Carli and Denise Cran. (Melton Council)

Deepank Gupta and Dr Ruchika Gupta with councillor Bob Turner. (Melton Council)

VISITATION AND HOSPITALITY

Ms Peacock Restaurant & Bar

Now a key feature within Eynesbury’s community, Ms Peacock was first introduced to offer a place where people and, more specifically, families could get together. After all, the Homestead was originally a thriving family home and the vision of reinstating the fun and laughter back into the Homestead was a key driver.

Ms Peacock forms part of Eynesbury’s wider community strategy ’Destination Eynesbury’, which involves giving people a compelling reason to visit and return.

The team at Ms Peacock is passionate about offering visitors not only a great meal but a great experience that they will remember. After all, people can just as easily choose another restaurant or eat a

meal at home instead. If they make the effort to come to Ms Peacock, the team is dedicated to giving them a fabulous overall experience from the moment they walk into the door through amazing service, dining, venue and ambience.

The team has worked hard in the last few years building the business back up after the devastating effects the COVID closures had on the hospitality industry as a whole. Team members have put in extra hours, covered shifts when required and gone the extra mile to play their part in helping Ms Peacock to become a thriving community hub. They are a dedicated bunch of employees who absolutely love what they do.

Centrally located at CS Square, giving you easy access to all the amenities, shops and entertainment you need. With the CBD only 20 minutes away, this is an ideal spot for both short and long-term stays as well as business trips.

The kids will also be happy as there is Kororoit Creek minutes away as well as Boathouse Reserve Playground.

Husband and wife Glen Reiss and Phoebe Preuss started Living Koko because they wanted to create a ’trade and not aid’ approach that would support people of the Pacific. Phoebe comes from a long line of Samoan cacao farmers and manufacturers. Koko (cacao) is in her blood and she understands the challenges and poverty within the cacao industry.

“We created Living Koko with a shared valued approach ensuring from farm to community everyone who touched or worked with our cacao felt supported and honoured. We also wanted to make the best quality chocolate and cacao products that are good for us and the planet,” Phoebe explained. “We are most

passionate about community, cacao and chocolate. We want to create chocolate and cacao products that are good for those consuming it, good for the farmers and good for the planet.”

Living Koko is a zero waste, solar powered manufacturing space that makes ethical, slave free certified, inclusive (allergy safe and vegan) products.

“We have always tried to balance Western business practices with the Pasifika culture norms and Indigenous practices of those with whom we interact. From a Pasifika sense, we’re acknowledging that we are all part of the eco system and not so much of the ‘ego-system’.”

Bhavani Bhavani, Audrey Moala, councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg, Phoebe Preuss and Glen Reiss. (Melton Council)

Deputy Mayor Cr Julie Shannon, Felicity Avitabile and Brad Alton from Ms Peacock Restaurant & Bar. (Melton Council)

When you choose to stay with Quest Caroline Springs, you choose comfort, convenience and incredible customer service.

INNOVATION AND TRANSFORMATION Aspire Lawyers

A Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly Feature

NEW

BUSINESS/START UP Starboard Games

Aspire lawyer and practice leader Shayne Bedford says he spent more than ten years in the legal world surrounded by “dusty old law firms” where fear and unhealthy competition were the driving forces.

“In those moments, I couldn’t help but think there had to be more, something far brighter on the horizon. My goal was to create a space where the culture within the organisation is strong, all about our team and one where people are excited to get out of bed every day and bring their full selves to work,” he said.

Shayne said Aspire is all about its people. “Our crew, our vibe – it’s not just work, it’s a shared belief. And witnessing

that shared energy spark innovation and belief, that’s the stuff that makes it crystal clear why our people are the heart and soul of what we do. Our core drive is to inject innovation and creativity into everything we do. We’re not just observers – we want to dive into our industry headfirst, stir things up, and make them better. We’re like the rebels of our field.”

He described the Aspire business model as “unique”.

“From shaking up pricing with our value-based approach to crafting tailor-made solutions and riding the tech wave with cutting-edge AI integration –we want to be the pioneers of the modern business landscape.”

Volkan Tezgel and his wife started their online business in 2016 from their garage.

“We started with random items at the beginning but I always loved playing games and was amazed by the technology. I was always curious about the new games and the new gaming devices that’s coming up,” said Volkan.

“Back in my country due to financial hardships, we didn’t have many opportunities to have that technology in our hands so I decided to turn this passion into extra income and that way I was going to be able to feed my addiction to see that technology while I’m supporting my family.”

The couple started selling items they found in opportunity shops and during COVID-19 the online business grew.

“Whilst more and more people were stuck at home in quarantine they looked to gaming to relieve their boredom and they wanted to bring back their childhood memories.”

In February 2022 the couple opened a retail shop in Melton. Today not only is the retail shop a success, but online sales grew to a point where Tezgel rented a warehouse. They are now a team of 10 people with a retail shop and a warehouse location. In addition the couple hope to open a second shop in the eastern suburbs.

Proud Finalist of Melton Business Excellence Awards 2023

WHAT WE DO

Specialist Hoops Basketball breaks down the barriers of inclusion in sports by providing a safe, non-judgmental environment for those with disabilities. The programs have just under 100 weekly participants and continue to grow developing on the goal of NO ONE GETS LEFT BEHIND!

Bacchus Marsh Leisure Centre

5 Labilliere St, Maddingley VIC 3340

Cobblebank Stadium Stadium Drive, Cobblebank VIC 3338

Caroline Springs Leisure Centre

The Parade, Caroline Springs VIC 3023

Special mention to the following Sponsors who enable this program to happen. Freemasons Victoria, Sunshine Wisdom Lodge, BudgetNet Plan Management, Northern Suburbs Street Rods, Tabcorp Park Melton, and a partnership with The City of Melton will see new opportunities at Cobblebank Stadium with Wheelchair Sports in the coming months. Rosenthal Estate & The Millet Family Community Grants have given generously this year. This will allow us the freedom to open up and treat our participants to some adventures that would be generally out of reach.

Paul Green, Zeynep Cakiroglu Tezgel, Volkan Tezgel, councillor Justine Farrugia and Emily Woodley. (Melton Council)

Councillor Goran Kesic, Shayne Bedford and Bianca Parslow. (Melton Council)

Jan 26 stays for now

By Liam McNally

Melton council has opted to continue to hold a citizenship ceremony on January 26, and will step up the size of the event by moving it to Cobblebank Stadium.

The matter was discussed at a council meeting on September 26, following a federal change to the Citizenship Act late last year which no longer requires local councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

Historically, Melton has held a ceremony on January 26 at the Willows. Council officers recommended the date of this ceremony be changedbasedontheassociatedcostofholding an event at the park on the public holiday.

According to a council document it costs ratepayers $59,000 to hold a ceremony that confers citizenship on 200 new Australians at the Willows on January 26, while non-public holiday ceremonies held at Cobblebank Stadium cost $11,400 to confer citizenship on 400 people.

Councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg supported the officers’ recommendation on the basis that the money saved from holding the event on a different day could be put towards holding more ceremonies.

“We often get various emails from residents who are going to become Australian citizens thatthewaitlististoolongandtheyreallywant to become citizens as soon as possible allowing them to get on with their lives,” she said.

Councillor Sophie Ramsay moved an alternate motion to continue holding the ceremony on January 26 but to move it to Cobblebank to reduce the event cost and allow more people to participate.

Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Macedon Ranges councils have all elected to move citizenshipceremonies,asthedayisconsidered as a day of mourning for Aboriginal people.

Cr Bob Turner acknowledge a similar sentiment saying “It’s not a council decision whetherAustraliaDayisonthe26thofJanuary or not. If the government decides it’s going to beonwhateverotherdaythensobeit.Butright now it’s the 26th and I feel we should have our Australia Day celebrations.”

Cr Vandenberg voted against the motion, Cr Steve Abboushi Abstained and all other councillors voted to keep the citizenship ceremony on January 26 and move it to Cobblebank stadium.

Flower Show will bloom

The height of spring means one thing, the Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show is on again.

The annual event will bring the sites and smells of springtime to the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall across October 28 and 29.

Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show chair Kathy Cairns said that during the year the committee have been talking flowers and gardens but the final weekend in October thoughts and plans become a reality.

“This is the exciting part,” she said.

“Entering the hall to see all the bright flowers, the vegetables, preserves etc and smell the perfume from them is something worth coming to witness.”

The competition schedule will include Roses, Cut Flowers, Floral Art, Australian Natives, Junior, Pot Plants, Garden Produce, Jams and Preserves, Photography and Cake Decoration.

Aside from the competitions there’ll also be all manner of stalls and talks and workshops and kids activities to experience.

The show will run from noon to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Admission to the show is $5 per person, with children under 16 free.

Details: www.bmflowershow.org

Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show chair Kathy Cairns. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 361628_09_

Crime rate climbs in Moorabool

By Liam McNally

Recorded criminal offences have increased by 22.6 per cent across Melton in the 12 months toJune,accordingtonewdatafromtheCrime Statistics Agency.

Moorabool recorded 2,378 offences, up from 1,939 in the previous year.

The five most common offences were breach of a family violence order, which rose to 313 from 229, steal from a motor vehicle at 233 up from 137, criminal damage at 203 up from 165, other theft at 180 up from 152, and motor vehicle theft rose to 115 from 65.

The offence rate per 100,000 population

was higher in Moorabool than in Melton, at 6,032.9 and 5,985.8 respectively.

Both crime rates were below the Victorian rate of 7,494.4 offences per 100,000 people.

In Melton offences rose by 0.8 per cent to 12,186 offences from 12,091.

The most common offence in Melton was also breach of a family violence order, although the number of offences dropped 1880 to 1,683.

The next most common offences in Melton were other theft, steal from a motor vehicle, criminal damage and drug possession.

State-wide there were 506,408 criminal offences recorded in Victoria, representing an

increase of 37,259 offences or 7.9 per cent from the previous year.

When compared to pre-pandemic levels, overall crime is lower by 1.4 per cent.

The most common crimes in Victoria were steal from a retail store, theft from a motor vehicle, breach of bail conditions, theft of motor vehicle and burglary/break and enter offences.

Melton police local area commander acting inspector Tim Jacobs said police are out patrolling the community every night, recovering stolen vehicles and arresting offenders, but also ask the community take some simple measures to help prevent their

Queries for community safety forum

Melton residents will have a chance to discuss the community issues that matter to them with local police at a Victoria Police Melton Community Safety Forum.

VictoriaPoliceCommSafeForumswelcome localservicesandcommunitymemberstotalk withpoliceaboutwhatissuesareimportantin the community.

The Melton CommSafe forum will take place on October 18. The event will include discussions on crime trends and crime prevention initiatives, young people, family violence, road policing and drug related crime.

There will be a panel discussion with Victoria Police deputy commissioner Neil

Paterson, divisional commander Acting Superintendent Shane Brundell, and Melton local area commander Inspector Lisa Prentice-Evans who will be joined by other local police members who are subject matter experts in their fields.

Inspector Prentice-Evans said CommSafe forums provide police with the opportunity to talk with local community stakeholders and residents about local and state-wide community issues, as well as established and emerging initiatives.

“The forum is a key part of Neighbourhood Policing where police are able to engage with the community, hear their concerns and provide feedback around what work we are

undertaking,” she said.

“Stakeholders and residents will be able to ask questions of both local police and also police command.”

The Melton CommSafe forum will take placeonOctober18attheMeltonCommunity Hall from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Registration is required for the event and can be done via email.

Refreshments will be offered. If there are anydietaryrequirements,pleaseincludethem in your registration.

Details: Melton-Insp-R2D1-OIC@police.vic. gov.au

homes being broken into.

“Simple home security measures such as locking all doors and windows to your home and car can go a long way to preventing your car from being stolen or home broken into,“ he said.

“Family violence is also a major priority for us – no one should ever have to feel unsafe in their own home.

“The statistics indicate Melton police are continuing to arrest offenders for breaching family violence orders – with an increase of 18 per cent since pre-pandemic.“

Heritage sites protected

Melton council has identified five new sites as important to the area’s heritage and will add them to the Heritage Overlay to protect them from demolition.

The five new heritage-listed sites are The Oaks Homestead in Kurunjang, the Army Housing Estate and Soldier Settlement Housing in Diggers Rest, MinnsRoadTimberBridgeoverToolern CreekinKurunjangandHillviewHouse in Toolern Vale.

The City of Melton Heritage Assessment Project 2020-21 assessed 13 places to determine whether they warrant protection and therefore inclusionintheHeritageOverlaywithin the Melton Planning Scheme. The 13 places assessed were identified in the Shire of Melton Heritage Study 2007 as ‘Conservation Desirable’ places for further investigation.

Of the 13 places assessed, the report found that five places met the threshold for local significance and should be protected via inclusion in the Schedule to the Heritage Overlay within the Melton Planning Scheme.

A council document said local councils play an important role in preserving local history by carrying out heritage studies and permanently protecting heritage through the Planning Scheme. Under the Planning & Environment Act.

“All Planning Schemes in Victoria must act to ‘conserve and enhance those buildings, areas or other places which are of scientific, aesthetic, architectural or historical interest, or otherwise of special cultural value’,” it said.

Diggers Rest Army Housing Estate.

Inspector Lisa Prentice-Evans and Leading Senior Constable Jo Mutsaerts. (Damjan Janevski) 358829_04

New nature play space

AnewnatureplayspacehasopenedatMelton Botanic Garden that will give residents more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with family and friends.

The new space, opened by Melton mayor Lara Carli on Wednesday, September 27, has nature and natural objects at the heart of its design.

The space features natural play equipment, sand and water play areas, climbing opportunities, artistic sculptures inspired by nature, seating, a central pathway, new plants and trees, and turfed areas.

The play space was designed to create an environment that fosters imaginative play for children and followed community feedback from park users, residents and the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden.

This project was by jointly funded by Melton council and the Growing Victoria’s

Botanic Gardens Grants program run by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Cr Carli said the natural play equipment, sand and water play areas and extra seating will make this the ideal place for families and kids of all ages to enjoy themselves.’

“It is a fantastic place to walk, play and be inspired by the artworks and the area’s natural beauty. The play space will breathe extra life into the already popular Melton Botanic Garden,“ she said.

“Upgrades like this to parks and gardens are vital to boosting the physical and mental wellbeing of our rapidly growing community.’

“This is a prime example of what can be delivered when Council and the State Government work together on a shared vision for the benefit of the community.”

Briefs

MAPP program

Moorabool council is seeking expressions of interest for the Moorabool Art Pathway Program (MAPP). MAPP comprises two outdoor gallery spaces at AA McLean Reserve, Ballan and Village Green, Bacchus Marsh. The outdoor galleries provide lightboxes that automatically light up at dusk, illuminating creative works and providing a 24-7 display. Exhibitors will be remunerated $300. Details: https:// www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/Servicesand-support/Arts-and-culture/ArtistOpportunities/MAPP-Up-in-Lights

This Girl Can

This Girl Can activities are back and will take place from October 9-15. Try something new like trampoline fitness, Bollywood dance, tennis cardio, you can even join a social group for teens or adults to learn soccer in a non-competitive setting, plus so much more. Bookings are required for most activities. Browse the program via the Melton City Council Learning Directory. Details: https://meltonlearning.com.au/ programs/?event_topic=this-girl-can

Kindergarten registrations

Registrations are still open for kindergartens in Melton. If your child is turning 3 or 4 years old by April 30, 2024, they are eligible for a funded Kindergarten place. Details: www. melton.vic.gov.au/Kindergarten FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Friends of Melton Botanic Garden president John Bentley and Melton mayor Lara Carli at the play space opening. (Damjan Janevski) 363632_01

Petition urges crossing rethink

By Liam McNally

Melton council has received a petition with morethan300signaturesurgingitundertake athirdpartyreviewoftheproposednewroad link which forms part of the level crossing removal on the Old Calder Highway.

A number of Diggers Rest residents have raised concerns about the state government’s plan for a road bridge over train line to replace the crossing, the path for which was announced at the beginning of September.

Residents have previously told Star Weekly most are content to see the level crossing go, but there are a number of concerns they feel the state government hadn’t listened to concerning the current proposed path including compulsory acquisition of private property, increased noise and traffic flow in

a growing area. Watts ward councillor Justine Farrugia tabled the petition on behalf of Diggers Rest residents, which asks council to review the proposed path and that council form a position on the adequacy of the conceptual designs.

The petition suggested council’s position should be informed by a Melton council 2014 Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) study that recommended a different bypass connecting the Old Calder Highway to Plumpton Road.

Cr Farrugia moved a further motion for council to write to relevant MPs requesting detailed information on the options considered for the Diggers Rest Level Crossing Removal, including impacts on the community and what consideration was

given to the LATM.

“Idohopethattherearesomeconsiderations for the residents of Diggers Rest, many have expressed their dissatisfaction with this outcome,” she said.

Councillor Sophie Ramsey supported the call.

“Thisisaveryemotivesubjectforanumber of residents and they’re feeling a little bit unheard,” she said.

“Jacinta Allan needs to hear this and hear it loudly, so does Mr Josh Bull. I know that crossing is a dangerous one, but we really need to look at all the alternatives and take everything into consideration.

“I know the timelines have been shortened, but at the end of the day, this community has been crying out now. We’ve had a 300-plus jointlettersigned,we’vehadapublicmeeting

Christmas carol helpers needed

As we approach the final quarter of the year, the Lions Club of Diggers Rest is beginning to organiseitsyearlyChristmascarolsevent,and it’s calling on the community for assistance.

The event will be held at the Diggers Rest Primary School (DSPS) on Thursday, December 7. From 5pm the event will be packed with a range of activities including face painting, balloon art, an animal farm, a market and refreshment stalls, all manner of music performances and a visit from Mr and Mrs Claus.

Lions Club of Diggers Rest president Katherine Skinner said the group has about 10 members to organise the event, and is expecting between 2000 and 3000 guests on

the night.

“We would like to invite anyone from the community who has time and/or skills to help us organise this year’s event,” she said.

“They may wish to support us with traffic management planning, permit applications, risk management plans, organising market stalls, decorating, designing advertising flyers or helping to set up and/or pack up on the night.

“We also need people to act as roving advisors on the night, directing people to facilities, medical support, etc.”

MsSkinnersaidtheeventwillincludecarols performed by DSPS students and professional singer Bec Jamieson, who will emcee the

event, but they’re happy to hear from other performers.

“This is a community celebration, we invite all performers to sing and/or dance songs of celebration,” she said.

“Most choose Christmas [performances, but] there are performances that include WelcometoCountryandothermulti-cultural acts… we always invite all educational, community and user groups from Diggers Rest to produce acts too.”

To lend a hand contact the Lions Club via email.

Details: lcdrcarols@gmail.com

of over 80 residents and their concerns need to be listened to.”

Sunbury MP Josh Bull pointed to a government website that includes a rationale for why the current proposed path was chosen, which doesn’t mention the LATM specifically but does say a bridge “connecting to the west of Diggers Rest“ wasn’t desirable as it would increase travel times, divide the town and require more acquisition.

“We have liaised with the community extensively on this matter, and commend their passion and advocacy ensuring that due diligence has been undertaken on the decisions being made for the Diggers Rest Level Crossing Removals,“ he said. Melton council said council will consider the petition and provide a response at a later date.

Sports grants now available

First Nations athletes in Melton will have more opportunities to compete in the sports they love, with a new grants program aimed at boosting sport participation among First Nations communities backed by the state government.

Melton MP Steve McGhie encouraged local Indigenous sport communities to apply for the program, which provides grants for travel, participation in sport carnivals, uniforms and equipment.

The program offers grants of up to $2,500 per junior team and $1,500 per senior team towards travel and accommodation costs for participating in Victorian or national Aboriginal sporting carnivals and tournaments, as well as up to $1,000 to cover team uniforms and sports equipment.

Eligible individuals can access up to $250 per person to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for travel and accommodation expenses.

Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has providedmorethan430grants,totalling more than $460,000, to community run clubs and individuals.

Mr McGhie said the program is about giving Melton First Nations sport stars the support they need to get in the game and shine.

“I encourage local Indigenous Organisations, sporting clubs, participants, volunteers and communities to take advantage of this program and help nurture our next generation of champions,” he said.

Applications for funding are open until October 20.

Details: sport.vic.gov.au.

Results are in: Melton residents slightly more satisfied than last year

Residents in the Melton municipality are slightly more satisfied with their local council than last year according to the findings of the 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey.

For the past nine years, Melton council has conducted an annual community satisfaction survey through an independent research organisation.

The results, tabled at a council meeting on Monday, September 25, found Melton resident’s overall approval of council rose from 6.5 to a score of 6.9 out of 10, similar to average results for western region councils and metro councils of seven out of 10.

Satisfaction rose for core governance, perceptions of safety, planning and development outcomes and appearance and quality of new development, while it decreased for customer service and community services for babies, children, youths, seniors and persons with disability.

Councillor Justine Farrugia said the survey provides critical insights to what matters to residents and opportunities for improvement.

“It is an important snapshot that helps to tell the story of those who live in the city of Melton,” she said.

“Our waste and recycling services along with our libraries, community events and festivals performed at a high standard with residents rating them as ‘excellent’.”

A quarter of respondents named traffic management as a main issue for council to address, 13 per cent brought up roads and road works and 12 percent raised parks, gardens, and open spaces, and eight per cent raised safety, policy and crime.

“There are a number of issues that are top of mind for our residents… Council continues to advocate for the state and federal government for more investment in

roads and public transport and this financial year council is spending $29.4 million on upgrading local roads and $15.2 million to improve road safety,” Cr Farrugia said.

“Parks, gardens and open spaces are also importantconsiderationsforourcommunity and we will be spending $14.2 million to upgrade local parks and streetscapes and $14.1 million to upgrade recreation, leisure and community facilities in the 2023-24 budget.

This year’s survey comprised 806 face-to-face interviews with residents.

Liam McNally

Bob Cassar and Katherine Skinner of Diggers Rest Lions Club are asking the community for a helping hand with this year Christmas carols. (Damjan Janevski) 362266_01

Best businesses are celebrated

By Liam McNally

On Wednesday, September 27, hundreds fluttered into the Windmill Gardens reception for a night that would celebrate the most outstanding businesses in the area, the Melton Business Excellence Awards. Guestsweregreetedbychandelierlightingin the main room, along with a banquet of food and music in the lakeside gazebo.

By 7pm the crowd settled in their seats, as actor Shane Jacobson, who emceed the event, warmed up the room with Aussie-larrikin humourandafewofhisownfavouritebusiness lessons, before Melton mayor Lara Carli’s opening speech.

“It truly is a pleasure to be here this evening at the 16th annual City of Melton Business Excellence awards where we celebrate you, the leaders of our business community and recognise the outstanding achievements that have stood you apart form so many others,” Cr Carli said. “Your dedication, innovation and determined entrepreneurship and leadership is an incredible asset to our community and is whatmakesourregiononeofthemostresilient and hard working business communities in Melbourne’s west.

“I am truly proud to acknowledge each and every one of you for being here and for making a difference within our community.”

The Melton business community is made up of more than 15,000 diverse enterprises, and on the night 10 were awarded for their success across 11 categories.

The top award on the night was the Business of the Year, which went to Western Region Health and Osteopathy. Earlier in the evening the business won the award for Health, Wellness and Care.

Western Region Health is an Allied Health provider that has provided treatment and management to over 8,000 patients in Melton and Bacchus Marsh across more than 20 years.

With owner and director Dr Jade Scott unable to attend the awards attend on the night, chief executive Michael Mannix stepped in for the acceptance speech and stunned Dr Scott with a surprise video call.

A teary-eyed Dr Scott and her young daughter expertly dealt with being greeted by a famous Australian actor and an applauding crowd to give warm thanks for the award.

DrMannixsaiditwasamazingtoreceivethe two awards and the recognition they bring.

“It’s pretty exciting… It’s great to have recognition within a society and in a community where we want to build people up. These sorts of nights are fantastic,” he said.

“In the last year it has been the focus on getting back to hands-on care. I think that we were so isolated for so long… we’ve realised that our health is the most important and something you need to be able to invest into.

“It’s a testament to the team and everyone’s hard work and the community, we’re thankful for everyone that got us here.”

The Mayoral Achievement Award went to

Are

PecksRoadCafe,anewfamilybusinessserving up artisanal doughnuts crafted by personal trainer-turned chef Albin Lawang, who promotes an emphasis on mixing indulgence into a healthy lifestyle.

“Great coffee and desserts were quite a drive from our area, we want to bring that high standard to the west and make it a place for locals and a destination for people to travel to,” he said.

“[The award] is pretty incredible, we’re super grateful for everyone, our staff, our family, our partners who have been super, super supportive. We wouldn’t be where we are now without them.”

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Myles Gray, the award for New Business or Start Up went to Starboard Games, the Professional Services award went to BudgetNet Plan Management, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award went to Watervale Dental, the Disability Inclusion Initiative went to Discovering Strength, Ms Peacock Restaurant and Bar took out the Visitation and Hospitality award, Living Koko got the Sustainable Product or Process award and Aspire Lawyers was awarded for Innovation and Transformation.

The referendum will be held on Saturday 14 October 2023. Voting is compulsory even if you are 70 years of age or older.

If you can’t make it to a polling place on voting day, you may be eligible to vote early.

For more information go to www.aec.gov.au or call the AEC 13 23 26

Appropriate COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at all polling places.

Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and older. If you don’t vote, you may be prosecuted. Voting more than once is a criminal offence.

Melton councillors with the winners of the 2023 Melton Business Excellence Awards. (Pictures: Supplied/Melton council)

Actor Shane Jacobson on a surprise video call with the owner of the Business of the Year, Dr Jade Scott.

A Lifestyle Community has so much to offer. (Pictures: Supplied)

Create a lifestyle only limited by your imagination

At Lifestyle Communities our homeowners are at the core of what we do.

We’re always so proud when we hear how their lives have changed since making the move. From stories of new-found connection to rediscovered passions, it’s always a joy to witness these transformations. It’s a testament to the genuinely life-changing

power of moving to a community of supportive, like-minded people, that over 50 per cent of our sales come from referrals. When you live in a Lifestyle Community, you get to live life on your own terms. With so much on offer, and so many opportunities open to you, your days are spent however you want. If you’re feeling like a change-up,

wanting more connection, or looking to dedicatemoretimetoyourpassions,Lifestyle Communities is here to make it possible. You can throw yourself into a hobby you’ve been neglecting, or take up a new one. You can head off jet-setting knowing your home is safe and secure while you’re away. And whether you love singing or

sport, trivia or tai chi, there’s an activity to get stuck into and a group to join. You’ll be living amongst people who, like you, are determined to get all the joy and excitement they can from life.

Create a life that suits you, amongst like-minded people, where the only limit is your own imagination!

Major town centre for Aintree

By Liam McNally

A major town centre for Aintree, with a shoppingcentreaboutthesizeofWoodgrove, is edging closer with council preparing to put the draft Urban Design Framework (UDF) out for public consultation.

A UDF is a planning and design document that sets out a vision for an area and guides its land use and development over time, and will guide council for decisions such as planning applications.

The UDF for Aintree plans for a new Major Town Centre that covers approximately 50 hectares of land in the area immediately

north-east of the intersection of Leakes Road and Beattys Road.

The area is planned to include retail, commercial and community facilities that will provide residents with local employment opportunities and easy access to a range of facilities and services.

Melton council principal strategic planner Matthew Milbourne said the UDF seeks to create a retail core for the Aintree area.

“It also contains office and commercial uses, has high density residential areas, three town squares and urban plazas, two civic and community precincts and also delivers

options for the early delivery of a library,” he said. “It also contains two parks and provides detail on any area subject to flooding and how that may be developed into the future.”

The UDF divides the area into four main precincts with different preferred land uses. The ‘gateway’ area along Leakes Road for large format retail premises, indoor recreation, manufacturing sales, offices and emergency services.

The town centre is split into two precincts, the ‘Town Centre Heart’ will be for a broad range of retail, food and entertainment, as well as urban plazas and apartments. The

Advice on tackling ‘tween’ troubles

Raising young children is no easy feat, but for educator, author and award-winning speaker Michelle Mitchell, raising ‘tweens’ can be particularly challenging.

Mitchell authored the book ‘Tweens’ published this year, where she describes the ages of nine through to 12 as the throes of the ‘between’ years, where kids are not quite a child but also not yet a teenager. She says these ‘tween’ years embody a very specific stage of development that once understood will revolutionise the way people parent, educate and support those in their care.

Sharing her wisdom, Mitchell is set to visit Taylors Hill’s Gilson College on October 10, to help guide parents through these turbulent years.

Mitchell’s book uses the results from her own survey of more than 2000 parents and tweens, along with interviews with experts whose insights are used to touch on the friendship issues, mood swings, confidence crises, technology habits, sibling rivalry, body image concerns and seemingly inexplicable behaviour of ‘tweens’.

Mitchell describes the ‘tween’ years as the most rapid period of development for children since toddlerhood.

“Right now, before the full pressures of high school hit, you have a window of opportunity that can change the trajectory of adolescence andbeyond,“readspartofherbioforthebook.

Gilson College wellbeing coordinator Andrea Farquharson said the ticketed event is open to the entire community in Melbourne’s west. She said the presentation will benefit anybody who is navigating the terrain of raising a ‘tween’.

“Tweens can be a tricky time as children are heading up towards those teenage years and are trying to work out who they are without their parents,” Ms Farquharson said.

“As they start to individuate though this time frame, we want to support them to do so

in a healthy way. This presentation is all about equipping a trusted adult to be able to support children through these years.” Ticketstothepresentationeventare$30and will take place at Gilson College Taylors Hill

on Tuesday, October 10 from 6pm. Details:https://michellemitchell.org/parentevent-tweens-gilson-college-melbourne/ Hannah Hammoud

wider ‘Town Centre’ will include similar retail and entertainment options, with more room for local parks.

The fourth precinct, along the south and east sides of the UDF area, will be residential. Development company Woodlea owns about two-thirds of the area the town centre will be built on.

Mr Milbourne said council will work with the Woodlea to provide information on when the precinct will be delivered, and what retail shops will be delivered during community consultation.

The draft is intended to be released for stakeholder engagement in October.

Seniors fest is back

The Melton Seniors Festival is back and bigger than ever.

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 Melton’s senior residents and the vital role they play in our community.

Seniorsareinvitedtostartajourney 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.

Melton mayor Lara Carli said this year’s festival features an amazing selection of social activities and fun experiences for seniors to enjoy or try their hand at for the first time.

“We want all of Melton’s seniors to come out, have some fun, catch up with old friends – and make some new ones – during a packed month of events that are free or low cost,“ she said.

“Melton’s Seniors Festival has something for everybody, with opportunities to get involved, enjoy live entertainment, learn something new or just catch up with old friends.“

The Melton Seniors Festival will run from 1 – 31 October.

Details: melton.vic.gov.au/ seniorsfestival or drop into the Melton or Caroline Springs Library.

Tap of kindness: Rotary club’s gift of care to Timor-Leste

Remote areas of Timor-Leste are getting improved access to clean water and working toilets thanks to a project managed by Rotary Club of Caroline Springs president Vijay Susarla.

The project is being delivered through Rotary International’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs, in which Rotary’s people of action mobilise resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.

Since 2017, the Timor-Leste WASH project has delivered 62 water tanks and seven toilets.

Through late August and early September

Mr Susarla with consortium member Justine Paragreen visited Timor-Leste on a scoping trip for the next stage of the WASH project to assess 12 potential sites for toilet blocks and water tanks in several villages, as the project expands from the Baucau District, into the Manatuto and Viqueque Districts.

In this next stage, the consortium is hoping to fund the installation of a further 20 5,500L water tanks and three toilet blocks - made up of three cubicles, with handwashing facilities and WASH training.

The team met with the chief of each village, members of the Ministry of Health and Timorese government, committees, religious leaders, teachers, and community members, as well as Engineers Without Borders (EWB).

Along the way, the team visited Manlala, where 42 of 124 houses which host an average of 20 residents were without toilets, and infection is common, as well as schools including Liaholiho School in the village of Afalocai which has no toilets, water or hand washing facilities for their 30 students.

Mr Susarla said his fifth trip to Timor-Leste was a a rewarding experience.

“It is a very tough place to travel around, moving 20kms can take three hours,” he said.

“It is a very hard area, but the reason we go back is because we are helping.

“People say they appreciate us being their to care for people in the remote areas…It is definitely rewarding, at the end of the day.”

Mr Susarla said he hopes construction will begin for the latest round of tanks and toilets by June next year.

Liam McNally

Liaholiho School in the village of Afalocai. (Supplied)

Gilson College wellbeing coordinator Andrea Farquharson and teacher librarian Kamini Woods. (Jacob Pattison) 360085_01

MY PLACE

Andrew Marshall is a Caroline Springs resident and the senior vice president of his local RSL. He spoke to Star Weekly about his connection to the local area.

What’s your connection to Caroline Springs?

I am a resident within the Melton Council area of 18 years, albeit on the border, prior to this I was a resident in Brimbank for 36 years.

What do you like about where you live?

The area where I am residing is a reasonably low-traffic area with good neighbours and with the local councillors being readily available and willing to listen and act when the need arises.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

The only thing I would change is the roads and footpaths. They are managed by another council and although they’re prompt to respond to complaint, they are very slow to act.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

Being retired I find it enjoyable to meet and spend time with other RSL members at our monthly morning teas at our Taylors Hill officeandourFridaynightraffleatWestwaters Hotel in Caroline Springs.

Tell us about your time/work with the Caroline Springs RSL?

As a past president of the Caroline Springs RSL Sub-branch and its current senior vice president I am kept fairly busy with upcoming 10th anniversary celebrations - with a Dinner

Dance to be held at Westwaters on October 14, as well as coordinating our Remembrance Day commemorations at Caroline Springs on the November 11 and Aintree on the November 5. The Sub-branch is also in the process of filming a documentary regarding the formation and the growth of the RSL in Caroline Springs.

Do you mind telling us a little bit about your military history?

At the age of 18 I enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces as a Musician for a period of three years then enlisted in the regular Army for a six year period as a Medical Assistant serving overseas in Malaya, Thailand and Vietnam, after that I transferred to the Army Reserve for another eleven years.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.

During my reserve service I also spent a number of years with St. John Ambulance at Deer Park, Melton and Laverton, providing first aid coverage at local and country events including the Ash Wednesday Bushfires.

YOUR SAY

Keep fighting

Earlier this month the MCHPA, trading as the Regional Victoria Power Alliance, took Lily D’Ambrosio, the Victorian Energy Minister, to the Victorian Supreme Court in defence of our communities, our regions, and livelihoods.

The MCHPA asked the court to overturn Lily D’Ambrosio’s Ministerial Orders which give AEMO approval to accelerate the VNI-West and WRL transmission lines. The MCHPA believes these orders to be unlawful and a gross overreach of ministerial power and driven by ‘market greed’, i.e. what is in the best interests of energy generators and transmission providers; rather than an a ‘customer’ view, i.e. what is best for consumers, communities and the environment.

No matter how much spin, AEMO, AusNet or Lily D’Ambrosio puts on these projects, I believe they are both fundamentally flawed.

The final rebuttal from the MCHPA’s barrister was commanding and skilful and left all confident that we are ‘definitely in the game’.

But while the community waits for the judge’s verdict, AEMO and AusNet keep pushing on. Just this week, new announcements and softly worded flyers in our mailboxes… AusNet has not quit or gone away, so as a community we cannot rest on the strength of reaching this legal milestone. We must continue to resist their inducements and attempts at appeasement, and keep planning our next actions, and prepare to counter theirs.

Ms D’Ambrosio might be forced to rescind her orders, but will she send the WRL and VNI-West back to the drawing board, or is she just as likely to try another tactic to bulldoze these projects through?

Lily D’Ambrosio.

As a community, the reality we must face is that our campaign must continue. To win in the end, we need to remain united in our resistance and keep fighting the current battle, while planning the next.

Jim Phasey Myrniong

HAVE YOUR SAY

Star Weekly welcomes letters to the editor as well as comments and story tips on our websites and Facebook pages.

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Giant school holiday fun

School holidays in Caroline Springs were a new type of “massive” with Giant Games and Sports coming to the the Caroline Springs Leisure Centre and Cobblebank Indoor Stadium. Among the array of oversized games kids could test their soccer skills on the four metre by four metre inflatable soccer dart kickball game then see how many goals they could score in 15 metre by 10 metre inflatable Soccer Pana Cage.

Charlotte, 6, on the big connect 4. Above right: Clement, 6, on the giant chess board.

Left: Jordan, 9, testing her skills on the soccer dart board. Centre: Alex, 9, taking his shot. Right: Axl, 9, defending the big goal. Above right: Jeremiah, 9, lines up for a goal. (Damjan Janevski)

Lachlan, 9, defending the goal.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Flower and Garden Show

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

Sewing courses

Develop your sewing skills in Melton South Community Centre’s range of pre-accredited sewing courses. Running for 8 weeks, with courses available for beginner, intermediate and advanced sewers, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of hand and machine stitching, which can be used in the home, the workplace or to start a business. BYO sewing machine. $30 or $20 concession. For information and enrolments, call the centre.

■ 9747 8576

Website building

Discover how you can build and tailor your own website in Melton South Community Centre’s 8-week Build Your Own Website course (6.30-9pm, Tues 17 Oct-12 Dec). Using the popular WordPress platform, students will have the chance to create their own webpage, suitable for any purpose they wish including a personal blog or portfolio, a community resource or even an online shop. $30 or $20 concession; course manual included. 6.30pm to 9pm on Tuesdays, October 17 to December 12.

■ 9747 8576

Guitar and keyboard courses

Discover the joys of playing music in Melton South Community Centre’s 8-week Acoustic Guitar and Keyboard courses. Available on either Tuesdays or Fridays for students 8 years and above, these half-hour classes are a chance for people of all experience levels to gain new skills under the guidance of an ARIA-nominated instructor. BYO instruments. $95 or $90 concession.

■ 9747 8576

First aid courses

Melton South Community Centre offers a range of First Aid courses, including HLTAID009, HLTAID011 and HLTAID012, and is now taking enrolments for Saturday, October 14. Call the centre for information including times and prices or to enrol.

■ 9747 8576

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

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

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, 0425 705 150

Melton South Knit & Natter

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

■ 9747 8576

Zonta club meets

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

■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

U3A Melton

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

■ 0419 563 016

Melton Combined Probus Club

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

■ 9746 0271

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

The Rose Carers meet Wednesdays from

10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens. New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience.

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

Melton Cycling Club

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

■ 0403 057 003

Community singing group

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

■ Val, 0418 667 150

Rotary Club of Melton

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

■ meltonrotary@gmail.com

Melton Trauma Teddies

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

■ Jean, 0412 931 498

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh

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

■ https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

Garden Club

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

■ Michelle, 0421 106 268

Community Band

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

■ Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582

Over 50s Social Group

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

■ Marlene, 0498 329 290

BusyFeet Hillside

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

■ Ross, 0411 228 311

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Elvis tribute artist, Sean Spiteri who is helping to raise money for St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Caroline Springs. (Damjan Janevski) 362808_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No.

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Trophy (3)

3 Great playwright (11)

9 Finger-end guard (7)

10 Tedious conversation (7)

11 Follower of Martin Luther (8)

12 2000 Olympic city (6)

14 And not (3)

15 Free (11)

17 Body of water to the East of Italy (8,3)

19 South (Span.) (3)

20 Royal male (6)

21 Original (8)

24 Drank (7)

25 Porch (7)

26 Anarchy (11)

27 Gosh (3)

DOWN

1 Disputed Spanish region (9)

2 Hint (7)

3 Cavalry sword (5)

4 Mediterranean port of Egypt (10)

5 Catch sight of (4)

6 Excessively optimistic person (9)

7 Progress (7)

8 Before time (5)

13 Punctuation mark (10)

15 Showing a tendency to be easily angered (9)

16 Group of three taking part in an activity (9)

18 Colourful arc (7)

19 Voyaging on water (arch.) (7)

20 Small bottle (5)

22 Classifies (5)

23 Combines (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

8

Today’s Aim:

19 words: Good 28 words: Very good

O D R

E V

O O D H B

L

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

behold, beholds, bled,

E D R G L A S S R A D I O O D D E R P E E V E E N D E R

1 How many rovers are in operation on Mars?

2 What is the main religion in China?

3 Formosan languages are indigenous languages of which island nation?

4 Bifanas (pictured) are a traditional dish of which country?

5 Explorer Vasco da Gama was the first European to sail to which ocean?

6 Collins class refers to what kind of sea vessel?

7 'Typhoon' is used to describe weather events in which hemisphere?

8 How many legs does a prawn have?

9 Which two countries start with an 'A' but do not end with an 'A'?

10 What grape variety is the most grown in the world today?

No. 153

No.

blood, blooded, bloods, BLOODSHED, bold, bole, bolo, boodle, dole, doled, doles, doodle, doodles, held, hold, holds, hole, holed, holes, lobe, lobed, lobo, lobs, lode, loos, loose, loosed, lose, oleo, slob, sloe, sold, sole, solo, soloed

DISC

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SPORTS QUIZ

1. What is the name of Super Netball’s newest team to debut this season?

2. Who was St Kilda’s first and only premiership coach?

3. West Ham defeated which team 3-1 in the Europa League Group A match?

4. Discussions have been raised for which accolade to be renamed after the late AFL legend Ron Berassi?

5. What position does Ellie Carpenter play in the Matildas national team?

6. What has been said to be the most-anticipated player match up in this year’s AFL preliminary final?

Which song plays each time Brisbane’s Charlie Cameron kicks a goal at a home game?

Which current AFL coach is the longest-serving in the league?

Which US ice hockey teams have come Down Under for a special game in the Global Series?

GWS defeated Collingwood by how many points during the 2019 preliminary final?

Two NHL teams appeared in the Global Series games played recently in which Melbourne venue?

12. Who defeated the Wallabies 40-6 in the Group Stage of the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

13. Which team won the 2023 VFL Grand Final?

14. Former Collingwood AFLW star Chloe Molloy joined which team for the 2023 season?

15. Which year did 2023 AFL Grand Final teams Collingwood and Brisbane Lions previously play off in a grand final?

16. Australian Tom Carroll is a former champion of which sport?

17. Before this season, when was the last time the Brisbane Broncos played in an NRL Grand Final?

18. What event did actor Jason Statham compete in for England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games?

19. How many points did Collingwood defeat the GWS Giants by in the 2023 AFL preliminary final?

20. Which NBL team plays its home games at MyState Bank Arena?

21. Brisbane overcame a 30-point deficit to beat Carlton by how many points in the preliminary final?

22. Which two teams qualified to play in the 2023 NRL Grand Final?

23. In what position did Oliver Piastri finish the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix?

24. Which two teams qualified to play off in the 2023 NRLW Grand Final?

25. Which Victoria-based Super Netball team withdrew its licence from competition at the end of the 2023 season?

26. Charles ‘Chas’ Brownlow played for which VFL/AFL club?

27. How many marathons has women’s world record holder Tigist Assefa competed in?

28. Herbert Henry ‘Dally’ Messenger played rugby league for which Australian state/territory?

29. Which team won the 2023 A-League Men’s Grand Final?

30. Which team won the 2023 A-League Women’s Grand Final?

Ellie Carpenter

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Real Estate Agents Everywhere

Impressive SUV at bargain price

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Although Korean carmaker SsangYong has been in the Australian market for the past 20 years it has never been able to get close to the success of its compatriots Hyundai and Kia.

The company has gone through financial difficulties over the years and been taken over at different times by SAIC, Daewoo, Mahindra and, earlier this year, by a new entrant in the automotive scene – KG Mobility.

SsangYong currently has three models in its range, the Musso ute and two SUVs, mid-sized Korando and, this week’s test vehicle the medium-large Rexton.

Rexton languishes near the bottom of the large SUV segment well below the big hitters like Toyota Prado and Kluger, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, which is a pity because, after our week behind the wheel, we came away highly impressed.

Drive-away prices starting from $47,990 makeitafairbitcheaperthanthesecompetitors with a seven-year warranty adding to the value equation.

Like the ute-based Everest and MU-X, the Rexton sits on the same platform as the SsangYong Musso.

Three variants are offered, ELX, Ultimate and Ultimate Sport Pack, formerly sold as the Black Edition.

A third variant, called Adventurer, will be addedlaterthisyearthatwillslotbetweenELX and Ultimate in terms of both specs and price.

All come with seven seats, a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and 3500kg braked towing capacity.

Styling

The constraints of fitting three rows of seats don’t allow for much flexibility in the roofline of large SUVs and Rexton has the same conservative profile as its rivals. Most of the work therefore gets done at the front and rear.

Rexton has an attractive intricate diamond-style grille with the company logo, which few people recognised, at the top/centre.

Both variants come with quad-style LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED front fog lights.

At the rear the tail lights and number plate lights are also LED.

The high-mounted stop lights are integrated into the rear spoiler.

Wheels are 18-inch diamond-cut alloys.

Rexton Ultimate adds privacy glass, powered sunroof and tailgate and iIlluminated front door scuff plates.

There are six colour choices: grand white, Atlantic blue, fine silver, marble grey, pearl white and space black.

The limited Black Edition is based on the Ultimate model and comes with a re-designed front with diamond-shaped grille elements, deep gloss black finish and new-style LED fog lights.

Other dark touches include black 20-inch alloy wheels and black painted roof rails.

There are only two colour options: space black or pearl white.

Interior

Like most in its class Rexton has a fairly high stance which can challenge shorter occupants, but on the positive side the high seating position provides ideal viewing.

There are thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) leather-look seats in all three rows.

The front seats are powered, comfortable and supportive as well as being heated and ventilated.

Attractive quilted trim can be found on the seats and around the front console.

Storage space is good with sliding covers for the drink holders and phone charging bay.

The rear seats are finished in the same quilted trim while the second-row seats can tilt backwards to about 50-degrees – subject of course to the approval of any third-row occupants.

Thesecond-rowalsohasafold-downarmrest with two cupholders and small storage area.

Ultimate adds driver’s seat and door mirror memory system, touch-sensing front door locks, heated leather steering wheel, ambient interior mood lighting and third row airconditioning controls.

Access to the third-row seats and space once there provides the usual challenges and are best left for children.

Even then the seating is low and there’s only small, triangular windows which provide a claustrophobic feel.

Boot space with all seats in place is limited.

Engine/transmission

The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel generates maximum power of 148kW at 3800 rpm and healthy peak torque of 441Nm from 1600 revs.

Fuel consumption is listed at 8.7L/100km.

The eight-speed automatic comes with the convenience of steering wheel mounted shift paddles.

It has part-time 4x4 with low and high range and an automatic-locking rear differential.

Safety

Although Rexton hasn’t undergone ANCAP crash testing it does come with a good range of safety equipment in both variants.

They include nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning, lane change collision warning, safety distance warning, blind spot warning, smart high beam, front vehicle start warning, rear

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Rexton ELX: $47,990

Rexton Ultimate: $54,990

Rexton Ultimate Sport Pack: $56,990

SPECIFICATIONS

SsangYong Rexton 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-door wagon

cross traffic warning, tyre pressure monitoring system, Isofix child seat anchors for the outer centre seats and trailer sway control.

There are front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, with a 360-degree camera in the Ultimate.

Infotainment

The larger of the two screens is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which can be customised to suit different situations.

At just eight inches, the infotainment touchscreen is smaller than we’re used to in the latest vehicles.

It’s also relatively basic and doesn’t include built-in satellite navigation in either variant.

There are six physical buttons and a round knob below the screen for the most commonly

used functions and more buttons and another knob for the air conditioning controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wired and a wireless smartphone charger is added for the Ultimate.

Driving

Despite its modest 148kW power output, 441Nm of torque means the combination of 2.2-litre diesel engine and eight-speed auto transmission pulls the big vehicle along in a smooth, relaxed and surprisingly quiet manner.

It certainly loses nothing in comparison with its better-known and more expensive competitors.

Steering is relatively light and there’s a fair bit of body roll through corners, but that’s par for the course with large SUVs.

During our test we averaged 9.3L/100km, reasonably close to the listed 8.7 L/100km.

Summing up

We haven’t tested a SsangYong Rexton for quite a long time and came away pleasantly surprised.

It’s very well priced but not at the expense of safety equipment, convenience features or technology.

It not only beats competitors on price but comes with a seven-year unlimited warranty together with seven-year roadside assistance. Certainly worth a comparative test drive.

SsangYong Rexton is an affordable alternative in the family SUV market. (Pictures: Supplied)

Note: These are drive-away prices and include all government or dealer delivery charges.

Hard work pays off for winners

Finals fever hit Melbourne’s north-west the last six weeks with sporting finals across a number of different sports including, football, netball, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, tennis and the list goes on. Here’s some reader snaps of some of the sporting achievements in the finals.

Left: Caroline Springs under-14 premiers. Centre: MRTA association open winter pennant season winners Lancefield. (Supplied) Right: Under-16s grand final between Tarneit and Caroline Springs. (Robert Nichol)

Riddells Creek under-14 DF premiers in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Riddells Creek under-14 LN runners-up in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition. (Pictures: Supplied)

Riddells Creek under-12 BW premiers in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Riddells Creek under-19 MA runners-up in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Riddells Creek under-16 girls MD div 1 Sunbury Basketball Association winter season premiers.

Riddells Creek under-16 GB premiers in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Riddells Creek under-12 RG runners-up in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Riddells Creek under-16 BW runners-up in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Storm ready to bowl over the senior divison

Sydenham-Hillside is ready for the challenge of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season.

It has been a rapid rise of the VTCA for the Storm, winning premierships in four of the last five seasons, resulting in it climbing from division 4 in the 2018-19 season to senior division for the upcoming summer.

NowtheStormisreadytohitthecompetition once again said new coach Warren Hackney.

“It’s going to be a big step but we’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

“We’ve been pretty fortunate and been able to hold onto most of the guys and top up a little bit by adding what we thought might help our push in the higher grade.

“So we’re hopeful of being competitive.”

One of the Storm’s big signings for the

summer is Scottish fast bowler Adrian Neill.

Neill has a number of international appearances under his belt and has recently been involved in World Cup qualifiers where Scotland fell agonisingly short of qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup being held in India

later this month.

“We’re excited by the fact that he’ll be able to offer us something a bit different to what we’ve had with his extra height and bounce,” Hackney said. “So we’re looking forward to having him on board.

“We’ve also got a couple of guys who we’re looking to bring in who are not as big of names… but they’re guys that we envisage will help us improve.”

It’s Hackney’s first year at the helm of the Storm,afterbeingachampionplayeroftheclub being the all-time leading first XI run-scorer, a five-time premiership player, a former captain amongst other accolades.

Now as he sets to lead the club he loves to senior division glory, Hackney is not setting a ceiling at what his side can accomplish.

Lions aiming to build

By Tara Murray

Melton has added some more experience as it hopes to turn some close losses into victories in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west.

After not winning a game in the 2021-22 season, the Lions fell just short of a finals berth last season.

Coach Mitch Stephens said they were hoping to build on what they did last season.

“I’m looking forward to it and hoping it will bring better results than last year,” he said.

“We’ve lost a few players from last year but we’ve been able to bring in some like for like players, it’s a big bonus.”

Stephens said it had been really pleasing that they had been able to attract some talent to the club, after having lost a number of players the last few years.

He said the work they were doing in building the culture at the club off field had been paying off.

“The on field performance happens with that as well,” he said.

“We want to be a destination club over the next few years.”

Stephenssaiditwasacoupleofexperienced recruits that they were really looking forward to,

Rhys Berry joins the club from Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s Diggers Rest Bulla, while Brenton Cook joins the Lions from Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division side, St Albans.

“We’re pretty excited,” he said. “Rhys Berry is new to the club and is a loopy bowler and will be vital for us.

“There’s the opportunity for Brenton Cook to go hard early in the order. We’ll see what these boys can bring from their old clubs and competitions.”

With both having had leadership roles at their old clubs, Stephens said the leadership and experience will prove vital on the field, especially in close matches.

“We’ve got a bit more age depth on the list this year,” he said. “We’ve been very young the last few years.

“To add some guys who are in their late 20s and 30s, it’s a bonus for us in close games.”

While the Lions have added some more depth to the squad, Stephens said most of their improvement will come from within.

He said they were keen to see what the younger guys could do with another season under their belt.

“The guys are the club have been able to get the opportunity to play and train with the first and second XI [in the pre-season] and it’s exciting.

“They want to get that experience and go to the next level.”

Stephens said Alex Kerr, who was their third leading run scorer last season was one he expected to go to the next level, while Joel Mitchener and Joshua Luca were a couple of

others he highlighted.

After last season just wanting to get some wins on the board, Stephens said they weren’t setting the bar too high this season.

“We don’t want to go to outrageous setting high standard ,” he said;

“We’ve got a new group again and we want to tick off the bases.

“Performance will come as we play more and more cricket together.”

The Lions start their season in a two-dayer starting on October 7 against Brunswick.

“The first goal is to stay up,” he said.

“But we’ve been fortunate enough to climb through the grades fairly quickly, so each year we’ve not wanted to set any limit in what we thought could be achieved.

“Although this year is a much bigger step I feel than those we’ve taken in the last four or five years, we’re not wanting to put too much pressure on ourselves.

“So who knows if we do manage to get things right, the sky’s the limit, anything’s possible.

“We’d be wrapped to think we could make finalsandifyoucandothat,anything’spossible from there.”

The Storm will face last year’s grand finalists Deer Park when the season kicks off on October 7.

Harper Sercombe

Cobras appoint Armfield

Former Carlton player Dennis Armfield has been appointed Bacchus Marsh’s coach for next year’s Ballarat Football League season.

The Cobras announced on social media on Thursday, that Armfield would be the man to replace Jason Williams after he got a coaching job with Port Adelaide.

“The Bacchus Marsh Football Netball Club is proud to announce the appointment of Dennis Armfield to the position of senior men’s football coach,” the club said on social media.

“In a stellar career comprising 145 AFL games for the Carlton Football Club, Dennis was the embodiment of courage, team and determination. These qualities have carried Dennis to post-AFL success in business and as a successful community coach with the Park Orchards Football Netball Club.

“Dennis also has a strong record in elite talent development, having been head coach of the AFLW Academy and an assistant coach with the North Melbourne Kangaroos AFLW team. This capacity to develop youthful talent will be crucial to our club in the coming years as we look to provide our junior body and young senior list with opportunities to grow as footballers and community members.

The BMFNC Cobras welcome Dennis, his wife Abby, daughter Steele and their whole family to our club with warm embrace. We cannot wait to get to work on building further a successful, inclusive, community culture which will provide a place to belong and celebrate for our footballers, netballers, supporters and friends.”

The club said they would make further announcements in regards to pre-season planning and player signings will follow in coming weeks.

Dennis Armfield has been appointed Bacchus Marsh coach. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)

Rhys Berry. (Shawn Smits) 203926_11

Ben Green. (Joe Mastroianni) 273069_02

Young Socceroo: Lisolajski’s Australia call up

This time last year, Zach Lisolajski had just finished the FV state league 1 north-west season with Sydenham Park.

Fast forward 12 months, and the teenager is getting ready to represent Australia as part of the Young Socceroos squad at the Marbella Week of Football in Spain.

The Marbella Week of Football is bringing together some of Europe’s top young international sides, with Australia joining the party for three matches across the week in mid-October.

Lisolajski said it was a very exciting opportunity.

“It’s a bit unexpected,” he said on Monday.

“ThelastcoupleofdaysI’vehadallthesethings

I’ve had to do.

“I’m pretty shocked and overwhelmed to get this opportunity. I’m really excited, not just for me, but for my family too, for my name I guess and put my name up there.

Lisolajski, who started playing soccer at Sydenham Park in under-7s before progressing up the ranks making his senior debut when he was just seven.

He spent last season with the Newcastle Jets, learningtheA-LeaguesystemaspartoftheJets academy.

Lisolajski said he couldn’t have dreamed of the last 12 months he’s had.

“Iwouldn’thaveexpectedtobewhereIamat the moment,” he said. “But I guess with all the hard work, you can get as far as you want to, if you go for it.”

Lisolajski said he enjoyed being up at the Jets having the opportunity to train full time with the A-League side while playing with the club’s National Premier League side.

Hesaidhe’sadifferentplayertowhenheleft.

“It was very good to learn how the system works, compared to say going back to Sydenham Park training.

From training three nights a week, to five times a week, every day, solid hard, high intensity and with good players.”

Kaing’s getting his kicks

By Peter Howe

Theodore Kaing returned from Bosnia as any 13-year-old teenager would, excited about whathehasseen,talkingaboutthefunthathe had and the experiences he had.

The difference between Kaing, who is also known as Teddy, and other tourists was that he had just represented Australia in the 2023 Cadet World Taekwondo Championships.

“The fighting was so different to anything I had experienced,” he recalls. “I was supported by the other 17 athletes and coaches from Australia, it was a great team environment to be part of.”

Kaing’s bronze medal finish at the Bosnian Open, which he also competed while overseas also offered illuminating perspectives.

He observed distinct differences in fighting styles overseas and realised that his usual strategies weren’t as effective.

This eye-opening experience has prompted him to consider incorporating diverse techniquesintohisrepertoireforfuturebouts.

Among the key takeaways are the importance of proper nutrition and sleep, as well as the need for better preparation for the unique challenges of international competition

Kaing was enrolled into taekwondo by his

parents when he was four years old.

“I don’t think my family wanted me to sit onmybackside,theywantedmetogetactive,” he said.

“I started with the basic moves. It was just the sport for me. I learned about how to kick, it was great and free from strict rules. I tried swimming but I really couldn’t see myself doing lap after lap of a pool.”

Kaing started his tournament competition slowly and he started to improve and by the end of 2018 the then seven-year-old was ranked number one in Victoria and first nationally in his division.

In 2019, Kaing was number one in Victoria but had lost his top national ranking, before regaining that national number ranking before COVID-19 hit in 2020.

To be selected to go to Bosnia in August, Kaing was ranked number one in Australia.

Kaing’s training program is hectic but well planned and supportive of his young age.

“I train four mornings a week at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy under the guidance of their strength and conditioning staff and taekwondo coaches.

“The program focuses on core strength and flexibility.

“My evening training sessions at the club, Notorious Martial Arts, focusses on sparring

for 2 hours a night and Saturdays. My mum makes me swim one afternoon a week to improve my cardio.”

Kaing lists his strengths as his speed and acknowledges that while in Europe he learned that he must develop his upper body strength.

He is currently a black belt with one stripe, calleda‘dan’,andhasheldablackbeltforfour years.

Taekwondo grades its fighters by age, height, and weight.

Kaing fights in the 152cm, 35-47 kilogram division.

“My aim is to represent Australia in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane. “I will be 22 years old and moving into the peak of my career.

“It’s a tough ask because Australia will only select two men and two women to represent us. “Right now, I love everything about my sport.

“I am very grateful for everyone who supports me. I won’t let them down.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsoredbytheYarravilleClubCricketClub, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.

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

With a season in an A-League environment under his belt, Lisolajski has switched clubs in the off season, joining Western United on a youth development agreement.

He said he jumped at the chance to come back to Melbourne’s west.

“It is amazing, going to training every morning, knowing that you’re at home. When I’m at training I’m a different player being back home.”

Lisolajski,whosaidtheYoungSoccerooscall up is a step in the right direction, said he was hopingtomakehisA-Leaguedebutthisseason and be in the squad every week.

TaraMurray

Sports shorts

VTCA

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association fixture has been released ahead of the season kicking off this week. Sydenham-Hillside, which is playing in the senior division for the first time, will start its season against last season’s runners-up Deer Park. There will be three one-dayers and nine two-dayers this season across the senior divisions. In division 3, Caroline Springs starts its season against Williamstown Imperials, while Melton South Royals start their division 4 season against Moonee Valley. The division 5 fixture hasn’t been released.

A-League

Western United has confirmed that the club and Aleksandar Prijovic have reached an agreement to mutually part ways in order for the striker to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The 33-year-old made 44 appearances for the A-League club, scoring 17 goals. Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato thanked the Serbian for his contribution to the club. “We would like to thank Aleks for his time over his two seasons with us at Western United,” he said. “Aleks played an integral part in the club’s championship success in 2021-22 and we wish him every success with his next steps.”

VNL

Western Warriors have secured a Suncorp Super Netball coach as part of their coaching panel. The Warriors announced that Melbourne Vixens assistant coach and Vic Fury head coach Di Honey will be a coaching mentor at the club in its first season. The Warriors have already named Kim Bailey as head coach and Kim Borger as an assistant coach.

Bachar Houli

Six Western Jets players were among those participating when the Bachar Houli Senior Academy took on the Victorian Diversity All-Stars at Victoria Park on Thursday morning. The Victorian Diversity All-Stars team features Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and players from culturally diverse backgrounds who either feature on Coates Talent League lists or have been involved in talent pathways programs. Jets’ players Taaj Assafiri, Abdul Esokni and Hussien Kadour were a part of the academy team while Edwin Nyembo, Kobe Williams and Seth Fawcett played for the diversity all-stars.

Teddy Kaing. (Supplied)

Another medal for Burnside Heights star Trang

Burnside Heights’ Krissy Trang consistent season has been rewarded, with the midfielder winning the Essendon District Football League Women’s division 1 best and fairest award.

Trang dominated the vote count winning by a massive 12 votes, finishing the count on 26 votes from her 16 matches.

She finished ahead of Essendon Doutta Stars’ Neve Crowley, who ended up with 14 votes.

This is Trang’s second league best and fairest award after winning the award in premier division in 2019 and she was also runners up last season.

Trang said this year’s award was a reward for hard work.

“I think I had an outstanding year, so when I got the invite [to the awards night] I wasn’t surprised but it’s always a privilege coming here, I love it,” she said.

“I think I deserve this one more [than the

first] because in my pre season, on and off the field, I worked hard.

“Itriedtoloseabitofweightandmyfitness has gone up and it obviously has paid off with winning the best and fairest.”

Trang said the whole team improved this year, not just herself.

“Coming down from premier division to division one I think our girls were more switched on so I think we were up and about and wanted to get back into it straight away with pre season,” she said.

“This season was a lot better than last season for us girls.”

Burnside had a great season back in division 1 however, it is bittersweet as they had one foot in the grand final, when they lost in a thrilling preliminary final against Greenvale.

Burnside were up 15 points at three quarter time, yet it wasn’t enough.

“There were opportunities that we could

have had that we missed, that last 10 seconds really broke us and all of us girls were heart broken, but it’s a part of footy,” Trang said.

“It’s [motivation] definitely, next year back again, hopefully we make it to the top again and come back with a trophy.”

In the women’s division 1 team of the year, four Burnside players had the 24 player squad. Ebony Stevens was named at half back, while Kayla Ravanello was named on a half forward flank. Trang was named as a rover and Holly McGregor was named on the bench.

Alisa Magri from Greenvale won the goal kicking award with 48 majors, and Jets coach Troy Newton was named coach of the year.

Toman is best in league

Harper Sercombe

Woodend-Hesket’sDanielToman’sblistering season has been recognised winning the Bowen Medal for the Riddell District Football League’s best and fairest.

The midfielder had a fantastic season also being named on the ball in the RDFL team of the year.

“It’s good to get a bit of recognition for a pretty consistent year, so I’m happy,” Toman said.

“You never know really how the umpires are going to vote, but I thought I had a pretty consistent year so I went in with a bit of a chance. I thought I was pretty consistent in most games.”

Toman only returned back to his juniors club,theHawks,forthisseasonafterspending time in the Ballarat Football League.

“It’s been unreal, I’ve got a lot of mates still at the club and my brother Ben was playing there this year,” he said.

“Itwasjustareallyenjoyableyear,probably

Rams consider league change

The Western Rams are weighing up their future within the Riddell District Football Netball League.

The struggling Rams haven’t won a game since 2018 which has prompted decision makers at the club to question whetheritshouldmoveintotheWestern Region Football League.

The club is hosting a special general meeting on October 18 to discuss and vote on the move.

To vote at the meeting one must be a paid financial member 18 years or older, and a player with no outstanding fees, social member or life member.

Since the club last won a match, against Bradford in round four of the 2018 season it has been dominated in nearly every game it has played. Including boasting an average losing margin of 109 points this season.

The side only managed an average score of 15.63 across this season. IftheRamsweretomovetotheWRFL they would be the fourth club to leave the league since the 2018 season, joining Sunbury Kangaroos (left for the 2019 season to the Ballarat Football League), Broadford and Rupertswood (both left for the start of the 2021 season to the Outer East Football Netball League and the Essendon District Football League respectively).

the most enjoyable year I’ve ever had.”

The 2023 season was the Hawks return to finals football for the first time in over a decade, and return to a grand final for the first time in 15 years. Yet fell agonisingly short of a premiership as they were defeated by Diggers Rest in the last match of the season.

“All credit to Diggers, they played really well and were much better than us on the day,” Toman said. “They’ve been building for a couple of years even though the results haven’t been there, they’ve got a good list together at the moment.

“There’s a lot of depth at the club at the moment which is shown by a couple of the blokes who missed out on playing in the grand final.

“One bloke played pretty much the whole year and then got dropped and there’s another young fella who’s going to be something special, and neither of them made it to the grand final team so it shows we have a lot of depth there and big things are on the

horizon, hopefully.”

Whilethebestinleaguemedalissomething Toman will be sure to cherish, he said he would “definitely” be trading it in to have a premiership medallion around his neck.

The Hawks just recently announced that their captain, Alistar Rae, will coach the club for the 2024 season.

Rae was named captain in his second year at the Hawks after moving from Essendon District Football League club Strathmore, and has been assistant coach for the last two seasons under Pound. Rae will be stepping down from his role of captain but will maintain his spot in the starting 22.

“He’s been around the club for six years now and he really buys into the club so he’ll be good, I think he’s going to have some pretty handy assistants too so it’ll be good,” Toman said.

Teammates of Toman Stapleton took out the seniors best defender in the league while Rae and Saxon Gardner were awarded runners up best defenders.

However, the RDFNL is having a new side join the league for the 2024 season with Kyenton coming across from the Bendigo Football League. This would havebroughtthecompetitionbackupto an even 10 sides, if the Rams are to head to the WRFL, a side would continue to have a bye each week within the nine team competition.

Daniel Toman (Ljubica Vrankovic) 360899_53_7

Krissy Trang (Ljubica Vrankovic) 350281_04_5

Luke Roberts (Jacob Pattison)323330_03

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