Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 17th October 2023 by Star Weekly

Established in 1981 as the Established in 1981 as the

proudly serving Sunbury and Macedon Ranges proudly serving Melton and Moorabool

17 OCTOBER, 2023 17 OCTOBER, 2023

Birthday

Sale! $ Australian Chicken Thigh Fillets

999 kg

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Australian Lamb BBQ Chops

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Australian Kensington Pride Mangoes

Celebrating

52 Years

Melton Tuckerbag 1971

J k & Audrey Jack A Pioneers 1989

On Sale Wednesday 18th October until Tuesday 24th October 2023 Melton

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$ Golden Circle Drink 6x250mL Selected Varieties $1.99 per Litre

Bertocchi Champagne Ham

Cadbury Sharepacks 144-180g Selected Varieties

McCain Pizza 490-500g Selected Varieties

99 kg

Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups, Wafer Stick or Nutrageous 42-47g or Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Crème 40g

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115

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1999

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Jarlsberg Cheese

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FOR YOUR CHANCE TO SHARE IN OVER $6,000 IN PRIZES $100

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n a c S YOUR IGA REWARDS

CARD WITH ANY PURCHASE TO ENTER*

Melton

Sunbury

Gisborne

Glengala

Delahey Supa Valu

331-345 High St,

Cnr Station & O’Shanassy, 9744 4290

Cnr Brantome & Robertson, 5428 3200

Cnr David Drive & Fitzgerald Rd, 8390 6988

Delahey Village Shopping Centre, Taylors Rd, 9362 1207

9743 4600

Weekly Specials available Wednesday 18/10/23 until Tuesday 24/10/23. Pictures used for illustration purposes only. While stocks last. Retail quantities only. No trade supplied. All prices include GST where applicable. Some products or varieties may not be available at all stores. IGA Liquor supports the responsible service of alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol not sold to under 18’s. We reserve the right to correct printing errors. 2W MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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VIC res. 18+ who are IGA Rewards members and make a purchase in their participating primary store only. Starts 18/10/23 9am AEDT. Ends 14/11/23 11:59pm AEDT. Limit 3 entries/person/day. es/person/da Ma Max 1 entr entry/transaction. /tran an Max 1 prize/person. Draws: 1pm AEDT, 21/11/23, 5691 Thomas Holt Drive, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. See https://igarewards.com.au/morgans-birthday-terms for Terms and Conditions. Entries not valid if only purchasing tobacco, gift cards or electronic recharge.

Established in 1981 as the

proudly serving Melton and Moorabool

17 OCTOBER, 2023

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Connecting cultures The Melton Bhutanese Community is inviting the public to join the Dhasara and Deepawali Festival celebration 2023 on Sunday, October 22. Professional Nepalese folk singers Chanda Aryal and Dinesh Thapa will perform at the free event. There will also be a diverse range of cultural performances from Bhutanese, Nepalese, Macedonian, Indian, and local Melton community groups. Bhutanese Community Melton secretary Dal Khadka said “Many of our senior members don’t speak English, and the younger generation often struggles with their mother tongue”. “This project acts as a bridge, helping our generations to learn and carry forward our culture while also gaining an understanding of the local area’s diverse cultures.” The event will take place from 10.30am to 3.30pm at the Melton Community Town Hall. Melton Bhutanese Community secretary Dal Khadka. (Damjan Janevski) 366375_01

Call to delay crossing By Liam McNally Diggers Rest advocacy group DREAM has launched a petition seeking public support to close the Old Calder Highway level crossing in 2025, so that the state government has more time to reconsider routes for the proposed bridge that will replace it. The government announced in September the path for the bridge that will replace the level crossing at Old Calder Highway - the road will be diverted west over the rail line south of Stan Payne Reserve, before turning north to connect with Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road, between Pepper Close and Welcome Road. The route has been met with concern from a number of Diggers Rest residents due to the

current proposed path including compulsory acquisition of private property, increased noise and traffic flow in a growing area. The bridge was originally scheduled for completion in 2026, but has been fast tracked for a 2025 delivery. DREAM would like to see the government return to the original schedule so that other routes may be considered, and have launched a petition to garner public support for the crossing closing for 12 months and having a detour in place to allow for this. Group member John Verdon said if the bridge goes ahead in its current form the community has grave concerns over the safety and division it is likely to create in the suburb. “To ensure the best long term outcome for the safety of our residents we want to provide

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an opportunity for the government to have its initial extended deadline for completion of the road bridge to be available,“ he said. “Given the need to have the city loop and fast trains operational this will require the crossing to be closed in 2025. We seek to petition support to have the crossing closed in 2025 and the completion of the proposed road bridge complete as per the initial deadline in 2026. “The intention would then be to pursue what other reasonable compromises can be made to get a safer and more long term traffic solution in place for our community. This might include extending the road bridge a further 220 metres through other land parcels that required more investigation prior to a solution being put up as viable.”

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The petition had 212 signatures at the time of writing. An LXRP spokesperson said the authority has removed 72 level crossings across Melbourne. “As we do with every project, we always consider the full range of solutions and have found that a road bridge is the best solution to remove both Diggers Rest level crossings,“ they said. “This provides safer access for all road users, while minimising disruption to the local community and impacts on essential services. “We have just four more level crossings to make the Sunbury Line level crossing free to prepare for the Metro Tunnel opening in 2025, when we’ll be able to provide more trains more often for people living in Melbourne’s north.“

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2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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Sports hub finally open

Free family Melton fun

By Liam McNally The $5.2 million Darley Sports and Community Hub was officially opened on October 14. The long-awaited upgrade includes three new multipurpose community spaces, office space, storage spaces, a kitchen and other amenities to allow for large scale events. The new facilities include accessible and inclusive spaces and amenities as well as female-friendly player and umpire change rooms. DFNC president Mark Shelley said he was glad to see the hub finally launched, but the building was “a long time coming”. “It’s probably more a relief than anything. A lot of parties were under a lot of stress but we’re finally in there,” he said. The project began in 2021, with an initial completion date planned for August 2022. Multiple delays resulted in the building being completed in September this year. DFNC expressed frustration during the delay process, however Mr Shelley said getting to use the pavilion once this season for the team’s final against Ballarat was a good experience. “It was a real good buzz,” he said. “There was an outstanding crowd there and getting utilise the new facilities was great.” Eureka MP Michaela Settle, Melton MP Steve McGHie, Moorabool mayor Rod Ward were all present at the official opening over the weekend. Cr Ward said council was delighted to see this project come to fruition. “There were a few delays along the way but the certificate of occupancy has now been handed over and we’re welcoming community groups to use this wonderful space,” he said. Eureka MP Michaela Settle said the Darley

Children of all ages are invited to celebrate National Children’s Week at two free events in Melton that are jampacked with fun and will entertain the whole family. From 10.30am to 12.30pm on October 24 at the Melton Community families with children aged 0-5 years can join in arts and crafts, sports, sensory play, visit the animal farm, enjoy a story time and a musical performance by Paul Jamieson the Music Man. Families can also meet local service providers and early childhood professionals and learn about the programs and services available to your family. On October 26 Caroline Springs Library is hosting an aftenoon fun session from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Attendees can join in an African drumming workshop, create a Kokedama with artist Emma Grace, play with OSMO and much more. No bookings are required for the events and all activities are free. Children will need to attend with a responsible adult. Melton Mayor Lara Carli said “Children’s Week is a great way to celebrate the future leaders of our community”. “These free events allow kids to learn new skills and helps them reach their full potential – all while having fun.’’ Details: melton.vic.gov.au/ childrensweek

Representatives from state government, Moorabool council and DNFC outide the new pavilion. (Provided)

Pavilion was a wonderful state-of-the-art home for community events and sporting groups. “We know sporting clubs are at the heart of regional communities, and it’s important they have top-notch facilities to continue enjoying the sport they love,” she said. “This new pavilion is a great addition for Darley and may just help support the growth of the next Zac Butters.” The project was supported by $2.5 million

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in state government funding, $2.3 million from council and $363,000 from DFNC and Darley Junior Football Netball Club. Anyone associated with a club or community group who would like to express their interest in using Darley Park Community and Sports Centre can contact Council’s community and recreation team. Details: 5366 7100 or info@moorabool.vic. gov.au

Do you have questions about the proposed Western Renewables Link? AusNet is holding community information sessions and webinars to answer questions and explain recent project developments. We thank landholders and communities for their input on the project and we will continue to listen and keep them informed.

Scan the QR code for details of upcoming Western Renewables Link information sessions and webinars.

Landholder feedback

Compensation

Bushfire

As a result of feedback, we’ve made 95 changes to the proposed route so far and have designed the proposed 500kV transmission line with a higher minimum ground clearance of 15m. This will allow vehicles and equipment up to 5m in height to travel and operate under the lines. In addition, vehicles and equipment with a height of between 5m to 8.6m may be permitted to travel and operate under the Western Renewables Link lines subject to an AusNet safety assessment.

We’ve started sharing compensation offers with landholders on the proposed route. Compensation will vary for each landholder and is assessed by an independent and experienced valuer. The valuer considers the impact of the easement and infrastructure on the property, and any difference in market value. We will cover reasonable professional fees to support landholders during this process including valuation advice.

We recognise bushfire is an ongoing community concern. We are designing the Western Renewables Link to withstand bushfire and other hazardous conditions. We’re also working with the relevant authorities to ensure firefighting can occur safely around the transmission line.

Landholders with existing transmission lines with queries about safe operating heights should contact LMG@ausnetservices.com.au or PTW@ausnetservices.com.au .

desktop westernrenewableslink.com.au phone 1300 360 795 � info@westernrenewableslink.com.au � PO Box 638, Ballarat VIC 3353

The proposed 500kV Western Renewables Link transmission line is needed to carry renewable energy from western Victoria to homes and businesses across the state. The project is expected to unlock an estimated $9 billion of renewable energy projects in western Victoria and create 6,500 jobs over the next 15 years.

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 3

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Planning for four years of growth By Liam McNally Moorabool council has set out a plan to guide the economic development of the shire over the next four years. The Economic Development Strategy (EDS) outlines the aims the council has for the local economy from 2023 to 2027 and focuses on employment growth, investment attraction and business development within the shire as it prepares for the population to almost double over the next 20 years. The strategy was brought before council at a meeting on August 2 but knocked back, with councillor David Edwards saying he wanted an economic plan that targeted more large

businesses to promote local employment. On October 4, the EDS was brought before council again. The goals of the plan were not changed, however it was edited to prioritise the development of a Business Investment Attraction Plan and Prospectus as the first action to be implemented from the Economic Development Strategy and allocate funds for its creation in the next budget. Moorabool mayor Rod Ward was pleased to see the EDS approved. “This is a very important strategy with a focus on attracting investment in the shire, supporting business growth and development, local workforce attraction and retention, and improving transport

links,” he said. According to the report, Moorabool has more than 37,500 residents and a total economic output of $2.8 billion, with the largest sectors being construction, real estate, manufacturing, and agriculture. There are 10,233 local jobs, and they are growing at a slower rate than populations, contributing to “relatively high” unemployment. There is a low rate of economic containment for the municipality, as most workers commute to Melbourne or Ballarat, and also spend a high proportion of their money outside the shire. The report suggests a number of projects

to address potential issues, mainly around supporting local jobs, and providing for a surging population. Local jobs projects include developing a business association, a remote higher education hub, and developing a plan to attract workers and diverse and emerging industries to the shire, and supporting the existing agriculture industry through a strategy to develop growth and creating a “local brand” to promote local produce. Infrastructure projects include an “integrated transport strategy” to help overcome road and public transport issues, a housing strategy focused on affordability and availability.

Sport grants now open

Val Turner and Jorja Weitering prepare for the frightfully good party. (Damjan Janevski) 364800_01

A spook-tacular disco for children Its primary aims are to provide a safe venue that encourages young people to engage in positive recreation, reduce crime, harm prevention, foster community relationships and build social cohesion. The GAP on Graham president Val Turner said this is the organisation’s fourth Halloween event, and they have always been exciting nights. “The Halloween discos have always been amazing with the adults getting dressed up as well as the kids,” she said. “It’s a really good chance for the kids to get dressed up and have some fun Authorised by Sam Rae, 100 McKenzie Street Melton VIC 3337

The ghost didn’t go to the party because it had no-body to go with, but don’t let that stop you from getting to a Halloween disco. The GAP On Graham is inviting all young warlocks, witches and ghastly ghouls to come alive for a Halloween Junior Disco on Friday, October 27. From 6pm to 8pm the GAP is inviting Melton’s youth aged five to 10 to arrive in their spookiest costumes for the chance to win prizes, and dance the night away to live music. The GAP on Graham Inc is a not-for-profit organisation that has been established for the youth of Melton.

Sam.rae.mp@aph.gov.au 03 9070 1960

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with their friends. “The discos have always been a lot of fun and we have had a lot of support from other local community groups such as Staughton College’s Homework Club along with 979fm Community Radio keeping the kids dancing and playing the music, Melton Valley Rotary, Melton Men’s Group, Melton CFA and Melton Historical Society.” The GAP on Graham is located at 5 Graham Street, Melton. Tickets are five dollars and can be purchased online. Details: www.trybooking.com/cljkh

Melton MP Steve McGhie has announced that applications are now open for the 2023-24 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund. The Fund helps communities plan and develop sport and recreation facilities through three funding streams by providing up to $300,000 for Community Facilities, up to $250,000 for Community Sports Lighting, and up to $40,000 for Planning. Victorian councils are eligible to apply for funds towards a range of community sports infrastructure and active recreation developments including court lighting upgrades, skate parks, planning projects and more to benefit local clubs and communities. In 2022 the grant supported the delivery of female-friendly facilities at MacPherson Park Recreation Reserve’s Rugby and Gridiron Pavilion. Mr McGhie said sport and active recreation is the heart and soul of Melton. “With more and more women and girls signing up to play in Melton we are getting on with upgrading infrastructure so clubs can keep up with soaring demand, while also making them accessible and more inclusive,” he said. “I urge councils and sporting organisations to partner and apply for projects that will make a real difference to the lives of Victorians.” Interested clubs are advised to contact their local council to help with the application process. Details: sport.vic.gov.au

Place naming debate Moorabool council is inviting members of the community to review and provide comment on the proposed Place Naming Policy which has been updated in accordance with Victoria’s Place Naming Rules 2022. The Place Naming Policy incorporates statutory requirements for geographical place naming in accordance with Victoria’s Place Naming Rules 2022. A number of changes to the rules include notification requirements, changing a road type or numbers, consent, Traditional Owner Language, petitions, objections, community support, a new process to empower Traditional Owners and more. Place naming principles include linking the name to the place, names must not discriminate or be offensive, gender equality, dual naming, using commemorative names and naming features in residential or

commercial subdivisions. Community members can find out more or make a submission online. Feedback will be open until 6 November 2023. Details: https://moorabool.engagementhub. com.au/place-naming-policy

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Council ward changes coming By Liam McNally The preliminary report into a review of Melton Council’s electoral structure is set to be released next week. Throughout 2023–24, 39 Victorian local councils including Melton and Moorabool are undergoing electoral structure reviews conducted by an Electoral Representation Advisory Panel appointed by the Local Government Minister. Following the review, Melton council will be restructured to a single-councillor ward electoral structure before the 2024 local government election. This will be a big shift for Melton council, as currently it comprises two Watts ward councillors, three Cambridge ward councillors

and four Coburn ward councillors. The appropriate number of councillors, wards, location of ward boundaries, and ward names is yet to be decided. Melton council chief executive Roslyn Wai said local government is an important representative body for local communities. “We encourage interested residents to have their say when the VEC’s advisory panel releases its preliminary report into the electoral structure of councils,” she said. The preliminary report for Moorabool council’s restructure was released in May, and narrowed down the new structure to two options. Currently, Moorabool council comprises four East Moorabool ward councillors and one councillor each for Woodlands ward, Central

Moorabool ward and West Moorabool Ward. Model one would turn Moorabool into a single ward council, with nine councillors representing the entire shire. Model two would also have nine councillors, but would form three wards with three councillors per ward. The rural Bungal Ward would cover most of the shire and include the townships of Blackwood and Dales Creek in the north, Gordon, Ballan and Mount Egerton in the central area, and Elaine, Ingliston, Rowsley and Parwan in the south of the ward. The northeast Lerderderg Ward would include the majority of Darley, Long Forest and Hopetoun Park, and a Bacchus Marsh Ward would cover Bacchus Marsh and Maddingley.

The preliminary report said that the advantages for a single-ward Moorabool are that it may respond better to population changes and it could foster a shire-wide focus amongst councillors. However, it was noted that an unsubdivided structure there may result in most councillors coming from the main urban areas, rather than rural and regional areas. The report said a disadvantage of a three-ward structure for Moorabool risks voter numbers becoming unbalanced over time due to forecasts of rapid and uneven population growth, but has the advantage of broadly capturing the communities of interest. The final structure is due to be released soon.

Award for a senior Ballan stalwart Ballan resident Kevin Healey was one of 14 Victorians to receive a Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award on October 11. The 73-year-old was raised in Blackwood, and after a stint in Melbourne, moved to Ballan where he has lived for 43 years and dedicated his time to a number of volunteer organisations. Mr Healey said he feels honoured to receive the award. “It’s not about gaining public kudos, but it’s a good feeling to be recognised,” he said. Mr Healey has worked with the Ballan Men’s Group, the Ballan Community House, Wombat Regional Arts Group, Steptoes Op Shop, marshalls the BAF parade and assists

seniors with physical disabilities. In 2011 he joined the Local Control Facility (LCF) of the Ballan CFA, and since becoming a firefighter in 2014 has responded to 249 callouts. In 2013 he offered to identify and research people from what was then Ballan Shire who served in WW1 as a part of a project towards centenary commemoration of the landing at Gallipoli in April 2015. “Consuming approximately 2500 hours of research over 2 years I identified over 1000 people who enlisted and over 700 who served. This information was printed in a 3-volume book form,” he said. “As well, the names of those who served were later imprinted in bricks and laid in

the garden of the Ballan Soldiers Memorial Hospital.” Mr Healey said his community contributions trace back to role-modelling from his mum growing up. “[She] was a keen contributor to local community activities so I grew up seeing it as the norm,” he said. “It’s pleasing to make a contribution and help out. It’s a warm feeling to be able to help someone.”

Kevin Healey has won a COTA award at the Victorian Seniors Awards. (Damjan Janevski) 366670_03

Seeking nominations for the Melton Heritage Advisory Committee

Community information sessions

The Melton Heritage Advisory Committee promotes local heritage projects, assesses applications for the City of Melton Heritage Assistance Fund and the City of Melton Heritage Awards, and drives programs that encourage an appreciation of heritage in the City of Melton. There are three positions on the committee available for a two year term. Applications for three positions close: Friday 3 November 2023. To apply: melton.vic.gov.au/heritagecommittee For further information: contact Council’s City Strategy Team on 9747 7200 or email citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au

A vibrant, safe and liveable City accessible to all

We are holding community information sessions in your area to answer your questions and explain recent project developments. All community members are welcome to drop in and no registration is required. Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh Public Hall 207 Main Street

1pm –7pm Wednesday, 25 October

Melton Melton Football Netball Club MacPherson Park 783-857 Coburns Road

1pm–7pm Tuesday, 31 October

Scan the QR code for further sessions and information desktop westernrenewableslink.com.au phone 1300 360 795 � info@westernrenewableslink.com.au � PO Box 638, Ballarat VIC 3353 12641566-KG42-23

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 5

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New school is on track for 2024 Education Minister Ben Carroll joined Melton MP Steve McGhie on a visit to a modern state-of-the-art school currently under construction in Brookfield. The state government representatives toured the construction site on Tuesday, October 10, of what will be Binap Primary School, which is set to open its doors in term 1, 2024. Binap will have capacity for 575 students, including approximately 50 places for young people with special needs - these students will receive enhanced support and high-quality, evidence-based education alongside mainstream students.

Mr Carroll said new and modern school buildings contribute to school pride for students, their families and the wider community, building their engagement with education. “Building new schools in areas where we’re seeing rapid population growth is essential for making sure every Victorian child can access a fantastic education close to home,” he said. Some of the features of the new school will include a modern administration and library building, three ‘learning neighbourhoods’, a community hub with indoor multi-use court, canteen and arts/music spaces and a large

sports field. Binap Primary School is one of 14 new schools the state government is opening in 2024, with enrollment for students in Prep to Grade 6 currently open. Mr McGhie said families in Brookfield are going to love Binap Primary School, where every child will receive the support, they need to thrive. “Binap Primary School will deliver high-quality learning spaces for students with disabilities, enhancing their school experience and helping them to improve their learning outcomes,” he said

Melton MP Steve McGhie and Education Minister Ben Carroll with the Binap Primary Construction team. (Provided)

Flood info sessions

Christopher Marshall on the job at Tee & Coffee, Seddon. (Damjan Janevski) 366237_01

Cookin’ job satisfaction By Liam McNally After more than a decade without work, Melton resident Christopher Marshall said he was nervous looking for a job. “I was nervous about how people would think of me, interviews were a little bit intimidating, if I would be good enough for the work I was going for, and whether or not someone would hire me,” he said. Mr Marshall, who has a learning disability, said he was spurred on by a drive to be more independent. “I wanted to save money for a car, for a home of my own one day and perhaps a holiday,” he said. “But I also wanted to have some

independence and freedom of my own, to get out more, and to build more on my life.” To help his employment journey Mr Marshall enlisted the help of employment services provider APM, who he said were amazing. “As soon as I came in and wanted to get work they wanted to help from the get go, they are a truly amazing group of people and the reason I have work right now,” he said. After upskilling with a Responsible Serving of Alcohol and barista course, Mr Marshall was set up with a kitchen hand position at Seddon business Tee & Coffee. Mr Marshall said he was over the moon when he found out he’d been hired. “I have dealt with a lot of setbacks in the

past, to a point where I just about gave up on myself, so to know that there was someone willing to say yes and hire me and give me a chance, I was at a loss for words,” he said. “It’s been incredible really. I’m learning new skills that I never thought I would learn and I have a wonderful boss that’s full of positivity and the team are really great to work with, there are great vibes where I am. “I’ve had some people say to me that I wouldn’t amount to much, and I wanted them to know that they are wrong, and that I did it. I got work, I am happy, I am loving where I work and I am proud of how far I’ve come. I can not wait to see how far my skills and my time at Tee & Coffee take me.”

Moorabool council is hosting a series of flood and storm information hubs in Mt Egerton, Myrniong and Clarendon suitable for the whole family. Representatives from council, VicSES, Red Cross, and the Department of Health will be on-site to answer questions and provide information on how to prepare and stay safe in emergencies. Moorabool mayor Rod Ward said the three events would be community focused. “This is a great opportunity to come along, learn about recovery works in your area and discuss emergency planning and preparation with emergency services,” he said. For any children attending, Council’s outdoor staff will have a machinery and signage display used when responding to storm and flood events across the shire. A free barbecue will be provided and coffee will be available through local outlets and an on-site coffee van. The first hub will take place on October 20 at Myrniong Hall from 4pm to 6pm, followed by two more on October 21 at Mount Egerton Mechanics Institute from 9.30am to 11.30am and Clarendon Recreation Reserve from 1pm to 3pm. No RSVPs required – just come along. These hubs have been made possible through funding from Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV). Details: moorabool.vic.gov.au/ events

Flooding from 2022 flooding in Ballan. (Facebook)

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‘Dignified’ help for the homeless By Liam McNally Melton council is looking into supporting the rising number of people experiencing homelessness in the municipality with the provision of a mobile shower-bus. At a recent council meeting Melton mayor Lara Carli moved for council to investigate options to engage or attract a shower bus provider for people experiencing homelessness in the community “It’s heart-breaking to see people sleeping in tents at our local parks and sleeping just around the corner in the amphitheatre…

hopefully [a shower bus] is something we can have here in the city of Melton. I know that other municipalities do it and it’s a huge success,” she said. The motion followed a Council to Homeless Persons report in May that showed homelessness increased by 134 per cent in Melton between 2016 and 2021. Donna Bennet, chief executive of leading Melton youth homelessness service Hope Street, agreed that a shower bus would be an amazing addition to the community, as it’s hard for people sleeping rough to currently get a free shower.

“One person said when he was sleeping in his car, very quickly his mental health dropped and hygiene dropped. He didn’t want people to see him that way, because he couldn’t wash and wasn’t feeling good about himself,” she said. “…so having a bus to go to where they are with no one else around is a great idea, and more dignified.” Shower buses are already in operation in other areas of Melbourne, One Voice is a provider that began in Melbourne’s CBD in 2014 and has since expanded to several locations.

Along with a place to wash, One Voice provides clean clothes and information on nearby homelessness services. Councillor Steve Abboushi said a shower bus for Melton would be a fantastic initiative. “I’ve seen this in operation in the city and it’s very, very popular,” he said. “It’s also a safe place, it’s structured, the participants use it, it’s monitored, it’s secure, and it’s a place where they know that they can rely on the service and the service is always there.”

Students live on radio “We did a lot of training to get prepared and then we went officially on the air on August 17 with our first show. A lot of people listened and were very grateful… we have had a lot of positive Instagram messages. Zac said they play a range of music on the show and they both hope to enter the media industry after school. “We play a lot of music that you typically wouldn’t hear… a lot of everything, everything from every side of the room,” he added. “In my future I want to aim towards filmmaking and the media field… My dream is to do some directing. “They are usually songs that mean a lot to us. “I’m interested in both filmmaking and radio, I enjoy them both, it’s good I can find something I enjoy.” Details: instagram.com/self_titled_fm/ Zoe Moffatt

Max Augoustakis and Zac Main at Sunbury Radio Station where they do a weekly segment called ‘Self-Titled’. (Damjan Janevski) 356860_08

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For most high school students Sunday night means dinners, homework, or hanging with friends, but for two young locals it means heading down to the radio station to host their weekly show. Sunbury resident Zac Main, 18, and Diggers Rest resident Max Augoustakis, 17, have a passion for all things media and officially launched their show Self Titled FM on August 17. “We started one day with Zac messaging me saying ‘hey do you want to be on a radio show together’,” Max said. “Since then I think we’ve come a long way… I like where we are now… [the show is] 9pm to 11pm every Sunday.” Zac said they both have a great passion for the community and have received a very positive response to their show. “Sunbury Radio were very open and polite and kind to us, making us feel at home,” he said.

Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 7

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

New e-scooters go the distance By Liam McNally Beam’s e-scooters have travelled about the distance it takes to drive from Melton to Townsville in their first month of operation within the municipality. On September 12, 150 of Beam’s e-scooters hit the streets of Melton and since then more than 2,400 kilometres spanning 300 hours has been ridden during the first month of shared e-scooter operations in Melton. Beam is a service that allows users to ride its electric scooters for a fee within the municipality through the use of a phone app. Beam’s Victoria operations manager Ned Dale said the first month of shared e-scooter operations in Melton shows huge potential for shared micro mobility to provide transport

connections to residents and visitors in Melton, and replace trips that would otherwise be taken in a car. “The vast majority of riders are doing the right thing, and we’re pleased to see riders engaging with our Beam Safe Academy and following the rules,” he said. “However, our three-strikes policy is in place and riders face suspension and permanent bans for bad riding and parking offences. “We want riders to know that riding and parking safely is their responsibility, and that our team is out there enforcing the rules.” While Beam is trying to enforce proper parking within the municipality, one user, Shamus Treadwell, had an issue with the parking system. “When it comes to the Beam scooters they

have two issues, their map is very limited and having to park in designated areas makes them pretty much useless,” he said. “They need to take a lesson from Lime scooters and have it so you can park anywhere within the map. Until then they’re just junk on the footpath.” In an Australian first, the fleet of e-scooters was fitted with AI “Pedestrian Shield” technology, with the e-scooters able to detect and correct illegal footpath riding by slowing the vehicle down, accompanied by verbal warnings. As part of an Australian-first study to determine the best way to influence e-scooter rider behaviour, Beam and Drover will utilise a unique three-group testing approach, evaluating the effectiveness of differing

real-time rider feedback in influencing rider behaviour. Fifty e-scooters have full Pedestrian Shield technology, featuring both audio alerts and real-time speed adjustments on footpaths, delivering a warning about illegal footpath riding and slowing the e-scooter down. Another 50 e-scooters have partial Pedestrian Shield technology, delivering audio alerts only should the rider attempt to ride on the footpath, but with no speed change. The final 50 e-scooters serve as the control group, with the technology detecting rider interaction with differing road surfaces but delivering no real-time feedback. Beam’s standard rider enforcement and education program will be in place across all 150 e-scooters.

Police target off-road bikes

Caroline Springs CFA volunteers Joshua Bokos, Ryan Baker, Jake Busuttil, Brad Nithsdale and Julie Wright. (Damjan Janevski) 352788_01

Doors open at Caroline Springs CFA On Sunday, October 22 the Caroline Springs CFA is opening its doors to the community for its annual open day. CFA open days help Victorians learn more about what brigades do for their local community, and to help people prepare for summer and the coming fire season. The Caroline Springs event will get under way at 11am, and will include fire truck and fire fighting equipment displays, a barbeque lunch, kids entertainment including jumping castles and fairy floss. The CFA volunteers will also be joined by their friends from Victoria Police, Ambulance

Victoria, SES and Rotary who will also be available to meet the public and share information. Caroline Springs CFA firefighter and community safety coordinator Ryan Baker said he’s excited for an opportunity post-COVID for the community to come back together and see who supports the broader community. “The open day is an opportunity for us to open up to the community, allow them to come and visit, check out the station, the trucks, equipment and the volunteers that donate their time to support our

community,” he said. “...An opportunity for the public to come and engage, ask questions, and learn through a variety of physical demonstrations, exposure and awareness.” As the weather warms up Mr Baker reminded the community to check smoke alarms and change batteries post daylight savings if they haven’t done so already. He also reiterated the importance of having a home fire safe plan and an extinguisher, fire blanket and an exit route in the case of an unlikely event.

Ballarat and Moorabool police are heading off road in October as part of Operation Endo, an initiative focusing on off-road motorcyclists. Police will increase enforcement efforts around the region’s state forests and national parks where off-road motorcycling is a popular pastime. October to December is traditionally a high-risk period for motorcyclist trauma, and police are anticipating the warmer spring weather will see many riders returning to off road riding. Ballarat Highway Patrol acting sergeant Ben Hay said off-road motorcycling is an activity that is continuing to gain popularity, particularly within the region’s national parks and state forests. “Unfortunately, with an increase in motorcycling activity at this time of year, we tend to also see an increase in motorcyclist trauma,” he said. “We’ll be conducting Operation Endo throughout October in an effort to reduce off-road motorcycle trauma. Our intelligence shows that these collisions are most likely to occur on weekends, and predominantly in our national parks and state forests, so we’ll be focusing on these times and locations.” Motorcyclists will be required to undergo alcohol and drug testing, and police will conduct registration and licence checks. Police will also be engaging with riders to educate them on safe riding practices. “We’ll also be enforcing against high-risk riding behaviour, and riders should expect to see police and be intercepted while riding, as we’ll be conducting compliance checks and alcohol and drug testing.” Police are urging riders to be mindful of fatigue and take regular breaks, especially before travelling home after spending the day riding. Riders are also encouraged to plan ahead and check the conditions prior to riding.

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8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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Youth social exclusion concern An alarming 60 per cent of young people experience social exclusion, which is a key determinant of poor mental health, according to a newly released study by Orygen and Mission Australia. Orygen is a youth-focused mental health organisation that provide specialist mental health services for young people aged 15 to 25 who reside in the western and north-western regions of metropolitan Melbourne, including through headspace Melton. The 2022 Mission Australia Youth Survey found that of the 18,800 people aged 15-19 surveyed, 60 percent had experienced social exclusion in the last 12 months and these people showed significantly poorer mental

health and wellbeing scores compared to their peers who were not socially excluded. ‘Social exclusion’ refers to a lack of available resources and opportunities needed to participate in society in a meaningful way, and is divided into relational difficulties, financial hardships, housing challenges and edu-employment issues. Orygen senior research fellow and report co-author Dr Kate Filia said experiences such as loneliness can have lasting effects on things like academic achievement, cognitive functioning, physical health, social functioning and mental health, and the impacts can last a lifetime. “To prevent this, we need to get better at

identifying and addressing social exclusion at an early stage, and the action cannot be piecemeal – it requires the full engagement of individuals, communities, educators, governments and service providers,” she said. The survey also found 25 per cent of young people experienced social exclusion in multiple domains, young people who identified as gender diverse, Indigenous, living in lower socioeconomic areas, regional or remote areas, or who reported speaking a language other than English were excluded more often across the domains and edu-employment issues was the domain in which social exclusion was most commonly experienced at 39 per cent. Young people who reported going through

any of the four domains of social exclusion reported high psychological distress at more than double the rate of their peers. The survey results and study have prompted Orygen and Mission Australia to recommend seven key actions to address the issue investing in in enhanced social connections, funding a trial of the F-SIM16 social exclusion measurement tool, addressing financial barriers to mental health, a national trial of a social prescribing approach for young people experiencing mental ill-health, develop support resources, address the impact of housing exclusion on young people and support young people’s engagement in education.

Ema spreading the spores of fungi knowledge The spores of knowledge will be spread at Moorabool council’s next BaccChat event, with a talk from local mycologist Ema Corro. Ema Corro is a mycologist with experience in mushroom cultivation and fungal ecology. She is coordinator of MYCOmmunity Applied Mycology which is a citizen-science group that organised the Moorabool Mushroom Festival. Ms Corro will teach about fungi, their roles in the ecosystem and how people can be involved in fungal ecology and conservation through citizen science. “The field is really understudied,” she said. “Only about five per cent of fungi have even been named. This means that there’s just so much to be discovered… There are at least a couple of extremely rare species of mushroom forming fungi that have been discovered in Wombat Forest. Whether we’re talking about

fungi as food, medicine, in agriculture or ecology, there’s an endless supply of interesting questions. There’s also a lot of interesting stuff that can be done with fungi like creating alternatives to plastic or improving soils and crop production.” BacchChat is a free community presentation held on the first Saturday of each month. The Fungi, fungal ecology and conservation BaccChat with Ema Corro will be held on Saturday, November 4 at the Lerderderg Library from 10am to noon. Applied Mycology does citizen science as well as workshops on things like mushroom cultivation in Moorabool and other areas and people can get involved online. Details: https://www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/ Events/BacchChat-with-Ema-Corro-Fungifungal-ecology-and-conservation or www. myco.org.au

Ema Corro is a fungi expert doing a BaccChat event for Moorabool council. (Damjan Janevski) 366362_01

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 9

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Help when every minute counts As October continues to creep by, Zoe Moffatt talks to a cardiac arrest survivor and paramedics to learn how an app is saving lives and changing the way people respond.

n an overcast day in the Macedon Ranges, nine people gather outside the Gisborne Ambulance Branch. They were all brought together through an unlikely meeting involving a health scare, chance and an app called GoodSAM. The first time the cohort met was on a gloomy winter’s night on June 21. Damian Fewster had just suffered a cardiac arrest and nearby resident Helen Barker was the first to respond. “I was in my pajamas, I had just got into bed and [was] scrolling [on my phone] before going to bed,” Helen explains. “Then this noise went off. I hadn’t heard it before, it’s like a real loud siren.” Helen’s app GoodSAM had just gone off, alerting her that someone nearby had suffered a cardiac arrest and was in need of help. “It’s probably just 17 years of intensive care unit experience, I was just like ‘I have to go’. “In my pajamas, I grabbed my coat, grabbed my keys and I saw it was only around the corner. I guess it’s like an instinct to go and help.”

‘‘

I always feel that if you can make a difference in someone’s life [you should], maybe it’s the nurse in me or the innate [desire] to help - Helen Barker

’’

When Helen arrived she saw Damian with his two young kids. “When I got there and it was just two young boys and Damian, it took me back a bit, especially because they were frightened. I knew by looking at him and years of nursing that I just needed to start CPR. “I know that every minute counts. When looking at the kids, it sounds silly, but I was like ‘he can’t die on me’.” While Helen has had the app for years, the experience was one laced with chance and timing. “This is the first time [the app has] gone off. It won’t send you notifications if you haven’t updated it with your registration – I literally had only done it a couple of weeks before,” Helen said. This feeling of chance and opportunity was one shared by Damian, who was only staying in Gisborne for six months while the family home in Bullengarook was being renovated. “I was very lucky for Helen to be there. If that had happened at any other time, there would have been no one around,” Damian said. “My son Liam, 10, called my wife, Donna, and then she called the ambulance. It was only my two younger sons at home when it happened.” Damian is back at work now and said he is feeling good, but doesn’t remember the details of the night very well. “I went to the gym that afternoon and then I had chest pains when I got home, and then I basically just rolled over and that was it, I was out. “All these other guys sort of know what happened more than I do, I’m just being relayed stories. “It’s good to meet everyone, since it’s happened I haven’t tried to wipe it from my memory but I’ve just moved on with life. “I have young kids so there’s no time to really standstill and assess what’s happened.” Damian’s story is one synonymous to many people around the state, with about 20 Victorians suffering a cardiac arrest each day. However, only one in 10 survive. Last year there were more cardiac arrests

Damian Fewster and GoodSAM responder Helen Barker. (Pictures: Star Weekly)

Damian and his family meet paramedics Emily Wilson and Jack Sullivan, and GoodSAM responder Helen Barker.

than ever before in Victoria and paramedics responded to 7361 patients, which is a six per cent increase. GoodSAM has saved more than 55 lives, thanks to more than 12,000 GoodSAM responders across the state. For Damian, the GoodSAM app and Helen’s quick response made a big difference to his recovery and life. Paramedic Emily Wilson attended to Damian and said the app probably saved his life. “Having somebody there doing good CPR five or seven minutes before we got there meant that he had circulation happening in his body and he had oxygen going to his brain,” she said. “That’s really important.” Fellow paramedic Jack Sullivan agreed and said it makes an enormous difference to the survival chance.

10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

“Increased survival from GoodSAM is huge,” he said. “Being first on the scene and able to establish CPR from the get go prior to our arrival is amazing.” For Helen downloading the app was a no-brainer and one way for her to make a difference. “I always feel that if you can make a difference in someone’s life [you should], maybe it’s the nurse in me or the innate [desire] to help,” she said. “I just know that a few minutes can make the difference between Damian now and having severe brain injury or death.” Anyone over 18 years old, who knows hands-only CPR can become a GoodSAM responder, and accepting an alert is voluntary. Details: www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/ shocktober

The life-saving app GoodSAM app.

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NEWS

Support in navigating the NDIS Students at Melton Specialist School will soon get the help they need to make the most of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding and support available to them, with the addition of an NDIS navigator for the school. NDIS navigators will provide direct support to families and carers to help them to navigate the NDIS, including how to access the NDIS, prepare for plan reviews and access the right supports. Education Minister Ben Carroll announced on October 12 that more than 30 schools state-wide now have the funding to hire an

NDIS navigator. “Our investment in special school infrastructure, support and the nation-leading disability inclusion reforms are giving students with disability the support they deserve,” he said. Melton Specialist School principal Brooke Brody said the school is very excited for the creation of this position. “Navigating the NDIS can be challenging for our amazing families. The aim of the position is to provide support and advice to families and carers to build their capacity to understand, advocate for and access

appropriate NDIS funded support services available to their children,“ she said. “Our students are most successful when the goals are set around a young person’s independence, functional skills and interpersonal skills. This ensures are students move beyond our school and live and contribute successfully in the community. “Access to a NDIS Navigator will support our students to achieve these goals. It also supports our most vulnerable families, often at very difficult times, with important options. We can’t wait to share this valuable staff member with our school community.“

The $21.2 million fund will ensure there is an NDIS navigator in every one of the state’s 86 specialist schools by the end of 2025. Melton MP Steve McGhie said having this extra assistance in school will make it easier for parents and carers to access resources which will help build on a student’s strengths and abilities and thrive in their education. “Our nation-leading delivery of inclusive education across the state is about making sure all students get the chance to learn, grow and play in world-class facilities and are able to reach their full potential – no matter their needs,” he said.

Performing arts, literacy program in the running Melton council’s Imagination Magic program has been nominated for an award at the Victorian Early Years Awards 2023. Now in their 18th year, the awards celebrate the ongoing contribution of the early childhood sector in delivering services for children to learn and thrive and for families to get key support they may need. The Imagination Magic program is one of three finalists nominated in the Supporting Parents to Build their Capacity and Confidence category. Imagination Magic is a monthly performing arts and literacy program for babies, toddlers and pre-school children, along with their parents and caregivers. The program was developed to support vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community, predominantly culturally and linguistically diverse residents. Imagination Magic supports the language

development of children through a creative, stimulating experience filled with music and movement and includes multicultural and indigenous performances. Melton mayor Lara Carli said council is thrilled that its innovative Imagination Magic program is a finalist. “Imagination Magic is a free program that has supported and helped shape the lives of nearly 17,000 children and families in our community since 2008,” she said. ‘’This nomination is recognition of the incredibly vital work Imagination Magic does to lay the foundations that give kids and parents in our community the best chance to grow and Thrive.’’ The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on November 9. Jackson (4). (Provided)

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

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Refugee visa reform welcomed The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) has welcomed the federal government’s announcement of extra resourcing to fix the “broken” visa processing system, which the refugee sector has been calling for as a critical step towards restoring a fair refugee status determination process. The $160 million package will address visa processing delays by investing in new members for the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and judges at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and funding for legal representation. The government will also increase resources for the Department of Home Affairs to reduce delays in processing protection visa applications.

ASRC principal solicitor Hannah Dickinson said the previous system sets people up to fail. “Complexity, delays and hostility have made it inaccessible to most people without legal support. As a result, refugees are up to seven times more likely to have their status recognised at review stages if they are represented by a lawyer,” she said. “We regularly witness refugees being denied protection visas because of defects in the system. This includes victim-survivors of severe gender-based violence and people from countries such as Afghanistan and Sudan. “Comprehensive reform is urgently required. Addressing delays and a lack of support is a key first step, but to succeed, it

is critical the government ends the untenable politicisation of refugee policy.” The ASRC has urged the government to continue reforming unfair policies that harm people seeking asylum, such as providing work rights to people seeking asylum as they are vulnerable to exploitation without these protections. Saajeda Samaa is a former refugee who has experienced long delays while waiting for protection who said sheI has family members who are still waiting for their permanent visas after 10 years. “The immigration system is designed to punish people who come to Australia in search of safety. No one would leave their home and families behind until

that’s the only choice they have to make,” she said. “The immigration system is complex and expensive as people cannot afford to have lawyers. It breaks my heart to see what communities are going through in the indefinite years of limbo and uncertainty that is causing severe mental health issues, financial hardships and years of family separation. The government needs to understand that their policies are causing suffering to thousands of human beings who are losing their hopes and dreams and in some cases their lives too. “There is an urgent need of humanising refugee policies to allow people to live a meaningful life.“

Food and fundraising by the book Kon Karapanagiotidis has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of people seeking asylum and refugees, founding the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), and now he has found a new passion in cooking. Together Kon and his mother Sia developed a Greek vegetarian and vegan cookbook, released October 4, and titled Philoxenia: A Seat At My Table. All the proceeds from the sales will go back to the ASRC. “I created this cookbook because I wanted to have the chance to share this with my mum,” Kon said. “I wanted to be able to create something beautiful with my mum because I lost my father at 17 and regretted all the things I never learned about my dad or asked my dad about.

“I thought her recipes and her stories would be great to pass them on generations to come.” In addition to creating this keepsake for his mum, Kon said he wanted to raise money for the ASRC. “All the money I’m making from this cookbook I have donated back to the ASRC to provide food security to refugee families.” Kon sold 6,300 copies of the book during the presale period from February to June. Including those sales, so far Kon has raised over $211,000 on the book, which Kon said was created to celebrate and encourage people to be kind and compassionate towards those doing it tough and to be welcoming in the power of food.

“My mum and I are really proud of how it’s turned out, I hope this will also encourage men to get to the kitchen and step away from gender roles.” - Jennifer Pittorino

Kon Karapanagiotidis. (Sarah Pannell)

FEATURING ... MY BUSINESS

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Gaming business booms Starboard Games started out at the beginning of 2016 as a little idea to earn extra cash, but it’s now grown to become a thriving retail store in the heart of Melton. Owner and founder of Starboard Games, Volkan, said Starboard Games started “purely out of necessity”. “As newlyweds my wife and I moved to Australia as international students and we needed every extra dollar,” he said. “When we learned about websites like Gumtree and Ebay, we started selling items that we found in local opportunity shops. We sold totally random items at the beginning, then we decided to focus on one type of item - the type of items we knew the best, gaming consoles and their accessories.” At first the couple operated from their own garage as they didn’t have the money to lease a shop. “When COVID-19 started many retail shops

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TODAY

had to close, but we were able to continue to run our business from our garage,” Volkan said. “During this time, our business grew. While more and more people were stuck at home in quarantine, they looked to gaming to relieve their boredom. “People started buying more and more consoles, games and gaming accessories.” Volkan said something that attracted them to Melton was that the community and that the local shops were very active. He is grateful for how business has grown and how the local community has supported the store. “I’m excited about the future. Who knows? Maybe we can open a second shop?” Check out the wide selection of games, gaming consoles and gaming accessories at the Starboard Games website, or visit the store at 35 Bakery Square Melton, Monday to Sunday 10am - 5:30pm.

kidswest

Paul Green, Zeynep Cakiroglu Tezgel, Volkan Tezgel, councillor Justine Farrugia and Emily Woodley. 363875_07 (Melton Council)

FEATURING ... CARERS WEEK

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Verley and Bob MacGregor in their Mount Martha retirement unit.

Bob MacGregor (right) with Rex Roberts enjoying activities at Uniting AgeWell Andrew Kerr Care Day Centre in Mornington.

Even a brave Sea Wolf needs regular breaks! Caring and taking a break from caring, looks different to everyone. And time out for Verley MacGregor is running into the waves at a Mount Martha beach early each morning with a group of women friends all howling like wolves! Verley, who cares for her husband Bob, is a member of Sea Wolves – a group of up to 80 fun-loving women who do just that.

“It’s exhilarating!” she says. During National Carers Week (October 15-21), Uniting AgeWell is highlighting the range of supports it offers carers, like Verley, in what can be a difficult and exhausting journey. Knowing there is support every step of the way can bring carers a sense of relief and peace of mind. “Our families are scattered across the world, so when it comes to looking

after Bob, I’m it!” she laughs. “But of course I couldn’t do it without Uniting AgeWell in my corner. They’re great!” Bob, 83, has Alzheimer’s disease and receives services through his home care package with Uniting AgeWell. While he’s receiving personal care in the morning, Verley nips out for her swim, and when he attends the social connections program at Uniting

AgeWell Andrew Kerr Care Day Centre in Mornington twice a week, Verley has time to sort things out at home. When Verley was recovering from surgery, Bob was able to access longer stay respite at the Andrew Kerr Care residential care facility. No matter where you live in Melbourne, there is help at hand. See www.unitingagewell. org or call 1300 783 435.

Support for those who care for someone in the community Caring for a loved one can be challenging. Uniting AgeWell’s carer respite services give carers time to themselves, while supporting the person being cared for in a stimulating and caring setting. We provide a range of carer supports including:  In-home respite  Centre-based respite, including day outings  Residential respite, when a longer break is needed To ﬁnd out how we can support you and the person you care for, call the Uniting AgeWell team on 1300 783 435. www.unitingagewell.org/our-services/ respite-and-carer-support

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

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Nominations open Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year - these awards are integral to Moorabool’s Australia Day celebrations in 2024. Nominations are open to recognise and honour our outstanding community members and their contributions within the shire. Nominations are due by Friday, November 10. Details: moorabool.vic. gov.au/Australia-Day

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Moorafun organisers gearing up for the big event. (Provided)

Spooky scavenger hunt Moorabool’s scariest scavengers are being invited to join the hunt on October 28 during Moorafun’s Halloween Fun Fest. The event will be centred around Rotary Park in Bacchus Marsh and will begin with a scavenger hunt around the town centre from 9am. The scavenger hunt theme is Bacchus Marsh History, and it is recommended scavengers get hunting no later than 3pm to be finished by 5pm. Prizes will be awarded for best individual and team costume, fastest time, most points and more. Back at the park there’ll also be a boutique pets and kids market from 10am with a food court and an animal farm and later on a Halloween family friendly movie. Moorafun marketing manager Dotty Hazel said it will be fun dressing up in costumes and seeing everyone come out and enjoy their

local community. “Halloween Fun Fest is a fun way to learn a bit about Bacchus Marsh’s History,” she said. “The scavenger hunt is the type of event where everyone can take part without large crowds and at their own pace. Get your friends together or get the family out and about, off those Xboxes and Playstations. “This is the first Halloween event we have run, and would love to make this an annual event for the community.” Scavenger hunt entry is $10 per person, $50 for a group of six, or free for children under nine. Moorafun is also keen to hear from businesses looking to advertise before the movie screening. Details: www.moorafun.org.au or https:// w w w.t icketebo.com.au /moor a f u n-i nc/ halloween-fun-fest-2023

Eligibility to the state governments Solar Homes Program has broadened. The Solar Homes Program offers eligible Victorian households solar panel (PV) rebates and the option of an interest-free loan, hot water rebates, and an interest-free loan for solar batteries. Details: https://www.solar.vic. gov.au/solar-homes-program

Indigenous Business Month Indigenous Business Month is held each October to celebrate the Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses achieving success around Australia. This year, Australia’s First Nations communities and businesses are being called ‘To Gather, Together’ for Indigenous Business Month. Details: https://www.indigenousbusinessmonth. com.au/2023event FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

FEATURING ... HEALTHY LIVING

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A guide to children’s early intervention orthodontics Early intervention orthodontics is the treatment of orthodontic problems in children before all of their permanent teeth have come in. This is typically done between the ages of 7 and 10, when the jaws are still growing and developing. Early intervention can help to correct a variety of orthodontic problems, including: ■ Crowding ■ Crossbite ■ Underbite ■ Overbite ■ Open bite ■ Thumb sucking ■ Tongue thrust Early intervention can also help to prevent more serious orthodontic problems from developing later on. For example, if a child has a severe overbite, early intervention can help to prevent the development of jaw problems such as TMJ disorder. There are a variety of different early intervention orthodontic treatments available, including: ■ Space maintainers: These devices are used to keep space open for permanent teeth that are not yet erupted. ■ Expanders: These devices are used to widen the upper jaw. ■ Functional appliances: These devices are used to help guide the growth of the jaws and teeth. ■ Myofunctional therapy: This is a type of therapy that helps to retrain the muscles of the tongue and lips. The specific type of early intervention treatment that is best for your child will depend on the individual problem that they are facing. Your child’s orthodontist will be able to assess their needs and recommend the best treatment plan. The benefits of early intervention orthodontics include: ■ It can correct orthodontic problems early,

before they become more serious. ■ It can help to prevent more serious orthodontic problems from developing later. ■ It can improve the function of the teeth and jaws. ■ It can improve the appearance of the teeth and smile. ■ It can boost a child’s self-confidence.

■ If you are concerned about your child’s teeth or bite, it is important to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist or a general dentist who has special training in early orthodontics as soon as possible. Early intervention can help to ensure that your child has a healthy and beautiful smile for a lifetime. At Main Street Dental Bacchus Marsh

principal dentist Dr Saba Farooq has extensive training and special interest in early intervention orthodontics. Feel free to book an appointment for your child with her to find out all the treatment options available. If you have a question please call the friendly team on (03) 5367 5355 or 0423 530 208.

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Probe into rising homelessness By Liam McNally Moorabool council is getting ready to conduct a report into the extent of homelessness within the shire, and how it may change over the next decade. According to the ABS, the number of people considered homeless or marginal in Moorabool increased by 67 per cent between 2016 and 2021, from 115 to 193 people. Moorabool councillor Moira Berry said she’d heard “shocking” accounts of people turning to sleeping in disabled toilets within the shire. Moorabool mayor Rod Ward first moved

for council to conduct the report at a meeting in September, the wording of which was slightly revised at the October meeting. Cr Ward said the purpose of the report is to understand the issue in order to investigate how council can collaborate with state and federal governments to address it. “The purpose is fact finding - we have figures on homelessness and those living marginally over the last few years and given the population growth I thought it may be appropriate to do a projection on the future number of those who may be homeless or living marginal in Moorabool,” he said. “It does not commit council to any

actions. It certainly doesn’t imply and should not imply council has responsibility to address the issue of affordable housing and homelessness in Moorabool, but what has been recognised… is that all levels of government have a role to play in this.” The final version of the report will include statistical data on those currently considered homeless or marginal, project the expected extent of homelessness in Moorabool into the future, demographic profiles of people living without a home, data about the reasons people are seeking assistance from homelessness services, local information about the housing

market drivers of homelessness and provide local examples of non-housing responses to homelessness. It will also outlines how council can most effectively collaborate with state and federal governments, identify what mechanisms are available to council to reduce homelessness, provide Information on services and assistance that is available to support those people experiencing homelessness and identify how council can best support these organisations and Identify how council can advocate for the provision of additional social and affordable housing options.

Plea to plan for asthma events

Ronald James ‘RJ’ Baculo showing off his fimling set-up. (Damjan Janevski) 363082_07

Filmmaker focuses on fone award A Caroline Springs filmmaker has been named a finalist for the 9th annual international Smart Fone Flick Fest (SF3). SF3 is an Australian film competition that celebrates movies shot entirely on smartphones which this year attracted 458 entries from 60 countries, competing for more than $50,000 across multiple categories. Ronald James Baculo is a finalist in the main award and the Luma Touch Finished on Mobile award for his film The Art of Living (with a Mechanical Keyboard). The Luma Touch Finished on Mobile award goes to movies that are not only filmed on

smartphones, but also edited and completed all on a mobile device without the help of a computer or laptop. Mr Baculo said this is the first time he’s made about a dozen films over the past decade, but this is the first time he’s done an end-to-end production entirely on his phone. “I was literally editing this film while on the train commute or even in bed,” he said. “I’m also a big advocate for mobile filmmaking because it democratises the process of filmmaking, empowering ordinary people to tell their stories without the need for expensive camera gear or going to an exclusive

film school. “I feel really honoured to have my little short film selected at SF3 especially since it’s one of the biggest smartphone film festivals in the world and it supports local Australian filmmakers.” The SF3 Gala Finals take place in Sydney the weekend of November 18. Then, Friday November 24, the festival arrives in Melbourne for a co-screening with another of the world’s largest smartphone film festivals - MINA at ACMI in Federation Square.

Victorians, including those in Brimbank, are being reminded to protect themselves and their loved ones from the risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma by using Victoria’s world-class risk forecasting system this grass pollen season. Grass pollen season, which typically runs from the start of October until the end of December, brings with it a seasonal increase in asthma and hay fever – and the chance of thunderstorm asthma. Epidemic thunderstorm asthma occurs when many people develop asthma symptoms over a short time caused by high amounts of grass pollen and a certain type of thunderstorm. Victoria’s forecasting system, which is operating from October 1, until December 31, enables people who have asthma or seasonal hay fever – and who are at risk – to plan ahead and reduce their risk. The forecasting system, launched in 2017, gives a three-day forecast showing the risk of this type of event, from low (green), moderate (orange) to high (red) risk, across the nine Victorian weather districts. The epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast is available daily through the VicEmergency website and app, and community members can set up a watch zone to receive advice and warnings for their area. The forecast is also on health.vic.gov. au and the Melbourne Pollen website and app.

Festivals galore in the west in last quarter of ‘23 As we enter the last quarter of the year, the west of Melbourne is abuzz with festivals and Western Melbounrne Tourism has been curating a festival season hit-list. Western Melbourne Tourism executive officer Richard Ponsford said the coming shows and festivals feature big names and emerging performers alike. “There is a rich tapestry of activity always across the region with some many great venues, driven by our diverse arts community and multicultural population,” he said. “As we emerge out of the pandemic there is more and more happening. Melbourne’s west has an ever- expanding program of what’s on. We are working hard on the engagement of the

west in the Melbourne major events calendar. For this month in October, the west has a strong ‘sub-programs’ as part of the Melbourne International Jazz festival (Jazz Westside) Melbourne Fringe (Fringe Westside) and the Always Live program later in November. “ In the coming days there’s still a chance to check out some Fringe Westside between October 19 and 22 including Puppet Mayhem at Williamstown Seaworks, The Astonishing Comet Box at Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray, or fly high above Footscray station with Swing. For lovers of beer, connoisseurs and casual enjoyers alike can head to the Westie Beer Festie for tastings on October 21.

16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

On October 29 Jazz Westside returns to Maribyrnong with a take over of Footscray’s hidden civic square for an afternoon of incredibly diverse, hip-swinging rhythms and beats flowing out of Africa including NIASHA, Yusupha Ngum and The Affia Band and Sylent Nqo and The Experience. Moving into November, on the 2nd Werribee Racecourse has a Breakfast With the Stars, and the following Staurday is the Seaworks Food and Wine Festival. On November 11 Melton’s Djerriwarrh Festival kicks off, the huge program of family friendly events and activities will be headlined with massive music acts including Regurgitator, Pseudo Echo, FOOLS, Jess Hitchcock and

Lotte Gallagher. November 25 Footscray hosts a Diwali Festival of Lights event, and as November ends the Always Live festival kicks off, beginning with rap star ILLY performing at Plaza Tavern in Werribee. On December 2 the Jamaican Music and Food Festival hits Williamstown seaworks, with Soul Trains featuring Lee Fields & The Expressions on at Mama Chens in Footscray the next day. Williamstown will round out the Always Live Festival with End of The Line at Commonwealth Reserve featuring Alex Lahey, Alice Skye and Meghna & Philly. Details: www.melbourneswest.com.au

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show

■ Michelle, 0421 106 268

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

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

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

A friendly group of people aged over 50 who enjoy each other’s company while attending events and outings such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you. ■ Marlene, 0498329290

Melton Ladies Probus

BusyFeet Hillside

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

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

Caroline Springs Rotary

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.

affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

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

Take weight off naturally Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton. ■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

Parkinson’s support group The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am–12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers welcome. ■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Bridge Club The Melton Bridge Club has recommenced weekly social Bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

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

Sunrise Social Groups

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Angela Cooper and other performers in a show at the Bluestone Church Arts Space. (Damjan Janevski) 365578_01

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/ or mental health challenges. ■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

or 0400 052 857

Melton Cycling Club The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome. ■ Ann 0425705150

Melton 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

Melton South Knit & Natter

Community singing group

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

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

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

Bookkeeping course Learn the essentials of accounting in Melton South Community Centre’s eight-week Manual Bookkeeping course. Perfect for upskilling in your career or business, moving on to further study or even just budgeting at home, this course covers GST, payroll, bank reconciliations, balances and much more. $30 or $20 concession; course manual is included. Thursdays October 26 to December 14, 10am to 12.30pm or 6pm to 8.30pm. For information and enrolments, call the centre. ■ 9747 8576

Rotary Club of Melton 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,

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

MYOB course Upgrade your accounting knowledge in Melton South Community Centre’s seven-week MYOB for Beginners course. This course uses the cloud-based version of MYOB, and covers both daily and endof-financial-year financial processing. This course does not include Payroll and students must have basic computer and bookkeeping knowledge to enrol in this course. Laptops provided for class use, and course manual is included. $35 or $25 concession. Tuesdays October 24 to December 12, 10am-1pm or 6pm to 9pm. For information and enrolments, call the centre. ■ 9747 8576

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/

Belly Dancing Course

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

Discover the joys of belly dancing in Melton South Community Centre’s fun eight-week courses. With evening sessions available for both new and experienced dancers, this is a great way to keep fit, meet new people and embrace your artistic side. $120 or $115 concession. Mondays October 23 to December 11. For information and enrolments, call the centre. ■ 9747 8576

Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

PUZZLES To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

easy

8 1 6 7 4 1 3 5 1 4 6 7 2 6 4 1

2 9 5 7 7

8 1 5

4 8 5 6 9 3

medium

8 4

6 8 2 3 2 5 2 9 9 1

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Scanty (6) Large quantities or numbers of people (6) In the midst of (5) Urban dwelling (9) Assertion (9) Fat (5) Wired (6) Conjectural (4) Ridge of rock, sand or coral just above the surface of the sea (4) Dairy product (6) Collector’s book (5) Invigorating drug (9) Place in new arrangement (9) Live (5) 14-line poem (6) Grain (6)

1 3 9 11 12 13 14 15 19

20 24 25 27 28 29 30

No. 155

Photograph (8) Cute (8) Male name (7) Natives of Stockholm (6) Long seat (6) Labyrinth (4) Breed of dog (7) Inexperienced (coll) (5) Poor labourer of low social status (7) Calming (8) Abstaining from liquor (8) Regret (7) Place of residence (5) Seal’s tusked cousin (6) Get (6) Wild mountain goat (4)

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 10 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 26

DECODER

No. 155

5 3 2

4 6 8 4 3 8

6 hard

3 8

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

S 17

ALOUD AORTA ASKED ATONE BORES BRATS BRAVO CARGO CARPS CARTS CODED CRUDE EDGED EDICT ESSAY FREER FURRY GEESE GONNA IDEAL MEETS

8 1 6 5 9 7 4 3 2 7 4 5 2 1 3 8 6 9 9 3 2 6 4 8 1 5 7 5 2 1 4 6 9 3 7 8 3 8 4 7 5 2 9 1 6 6 7 9 3 8 1 5 2 4 2 6 8 9 3 5 7 4 1 4 9 3 1 7 6 2 8 5 1 5 7 8 2 4 6 9 3

7 1 9 2 5 4 3 6 8 3 6 5 8 7 9 2 1 4 4 8 2 3 6 1 5 7 9 6 7 4 1 8 2 9 5 3 8 5 3 6 9 7 4 2 1 2 9 1 4 3 5 6 8 7 5 3 7 9 1 6 8 4 2 9 2 6 7 4 8 1 3 5 1 4 8 5 2 3 7 9 6

5 4 7 9 3 8 2 1 6 3 6 2 1 5 4 7 9 8 1 9 8 2 6 7 5 4 3 7 2 5 8 9 6 1 3 4 4 8 3 7 1 2 9 6 5 6 1 9 3 4 5 8 2 7 9 7 1 4 8 3 6 5 2 2 3 6 5 7 9 4 8 1 8 5 4 6 2 1 3 7 9

9-LETTER WORD 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”.

Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good 16 words: Very good

C A

4 LETTERS DABS DEAD DIPS DISH DOGS DUES LYRE ODDS RODS SEEM SLED SWAM TOSS TSAR

What term is more commonly used to refer to a socket wrench?

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

Sophie Okonedo (pictured) played Tatiana Rusesabagina in which film?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

Is Lake Argyle a natural or artificial lake?

Who has appeared the greatest number of times in Time magazine’s annual list of most influential people in the world?

No. 155

N T

R O A S T A C U T E M E D I A

18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

QUICK QUIZ

N O T

SNAGS SPEED STEAM STYLE VENUE WASN’T WHENS

7 LETTERS DRAWERS ERECTED HALTERS SENSORY TRESTLE WHISPER

6 LETTERS CIRCLE CLIENT HEATED SCREEN

8 LETTERS CURTAINS SERVANTS SHRAPNEL TRINKETS

20-10-23

MESSY NEEDS OBOES OCTAL ODOUR OFFER OILED OTHER OZONE PAGAN REUSE ROUGE ROUND ROUTE RUING SAUNA SAVER SCENT SCRAM SIEVE SLEPT

calm, camp, cilia, cilium, claim, clam, clamp, clan, clap, clip, clump, cumin, iliac, laic, manic, mica, MUNICIPAL, panic, pica, uncap, uncial, unclip

D O

T T

No. 155

6 ( 1 6 2 5 <

5 LETTERS ALONE

A C

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

22 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

3 LETTERS ACT ADO AND ARE CAB CUE DOT EBB ERR EVE EWE GUN HOE IDS ILL INN IOU SAC SAP TNT TOT URN USE ZAC

VUHN B E K Y OX R L Z

easy

T J WM G P D I A F Q S C

7 5 4 9 1 8 3 7 2 9 6 9 4 7 1 6 9 8 6 2 9

WORDFIT

Who wrote the 1971 novel The Day of the Jackal?

Yerevan is the capital of which country?

Ashkenazi Jews are those descended from medieval Jewish communities in which country?

What are the four stages of a butterfly’s life cycle?

Which is the richer source of vitamin A: a) egg, b) mango or c) broccoli leaf?

10 What derogatory term is used to refer to the alien population in the film District 9? ANSWERS: 1. Ratchet 2. Hotel Rwanda 3. Artificial 4. Oprah Winfrey 5. Frederick Forsyth 6. Armenia 7. Germany 8. Egg, larva, pupa, adult 9. c) broccoli leaf 10. Prawns

No. 155

& $ 5 7 6 2 & 7 $ / 6 , ( 9 ( ) 8 5 5 < & 2 ' ( ' $ / 2 1 ( 5 2 8 7 ( ) 5 ( ( 5 5 8 , 1 * * 8 1 0 ( ( 7 6 ( : ( & 8 ( % 5 $ 7 6 + ( $ 7 ( ' 2 ' ' 6 & $ % , / / , 1 1 2 % 2 ( 6 1 ( ( ' 6 ' $ % 6 7 5 , 1 . ( 7 6 ' , 3 6 7 2 7 6 ( 1 6 2 5 < + $ / 7 ( 5 6 ( 9 ( ' ( $ ' 6 + 5 $ 3 1 ( / 5 2 ' 6 & 5 8 ' ( * ( ( 6 ( $ & 7 ( 5 5 8 6 ( & , 5 & / ( 6 $ 9 ( 5 ' 2 * 6 $ ' 2 , ' 6 : $ 6 1 7 ' 2 7 5 ( 8 6 ( : + ( 1 6 2 = 2 1 ( $ 2 5 7 $ 6 $ 8 1 $ 3 $ * $ 1 0 ( 6 6 < 6 & 5 $ 0 6 / ( 3 7

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1. The proposed facility comprises the swap out of six (6) redundant panel antennas (2533mm L) with seven (7) new panel antennas (4 x 2533mm L and 3 x 810mm L); ancillary equipment to be upgraded including tower mounted amplifiers, remote radio units, cabling and feeders; and internal works within the equipment shelter, to improve Telstra’s mobile phone network (including 4G / 5G). 2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a ‘Low impact’ Facility under the Telecommunications (Low Impact Facilities) Determination 2018, based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra, via email to planning.vic@servicestream.com.au, phone: 03 99376555, via post to Planning Consultant, Servicestream, PO Box 14570, Melbourne, VIC 8001 by 5pm 31st October 2023. Service Stream Ltd ABN 46 072 369 870 Telstra Ltd ACN 086 174 781 12641825-HC42-23

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COMMENT

Prescription changes explained By Christopher Carter, CEO Of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

you won’t need a change of dosage for the next couple of months. If they consider that you are doing well on the meds, then they may issue 60-day scripts, with repeats. The 60-day prescriptions look different to the normal monthly ones, so your pharmacist can identify it at a glance. And, of course, your pharmacist might ask you a couple of gentle

questions, to make sure you’re comfortable with the new arrangement. These new rules, the government says, will save many Medicare card holders up to $180 a year, and concession card holders up to $43.80 a year. They don’t affect the PBS Safety Net in any way. So, patience is probably the key here. Remember that your current repeat scripts –

even if the medication is on the list - are still monthly, and there is nothing your pharmacist can do to change that. Once the time comes to see your doctor for some more, however, ask them if you can have the two-month versions. And remember, even with them, i you can still pop into your local pharmacist as often as you like for great advice!

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You’ve probably heard about Australian government changes to medicine prescribing rules, and how it’s now possible to get your regular pills for two months at a time instead of one. If, like many of us, you usually pop into your local pharmacy 12 times a year for medicines and maybe double that if you also collect stuff for a family member – then this is good news. However, it’s important to remember that this change doesn’t happen automatically, and you can’t just ask for twice the amount from the nice people behind the counter at your pharmacy – even if you’ve been going there for years and they know you well! The main thing you need to know is that the repeats on your current prescription will still be valid only for a month at a time, and, no, you can’t use two of them at once. Strictly speaking, the new scheme covers 60-day prescriptions - which is as near enough to two months to make no difference. The plan is that for certain long-term medications - those for cholesterol or diabetes or endometriosis, as examples – 60-day supplies will be available, but only as long as your doctor thinks it’s a good idea. On September 1 this year, almost 100 common medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme became eligible for 60-day prescriptions. By this time next year the list is expected to have grown to over 300. To take advantage of this you need to talk with your GP, who has to make some important decisions with you. They have to be confident your condition, whatever it is, is well managed by the medications and that

Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21

MOTORING STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Alfa Romeo Tonale Ti road test By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Right now, this is your cheapest ticket into the glamorous, alluring world of the Italian marque Alfa Romeo. The Tonale is a small SUV that is available at the moment only as a fuel-saving hybrid, which could be a real bonus depending on your perspective. Some drivers may hunger for something a bit spicier, say the larger more powerful 2.0-litre turbo from Stelvio. Named after a mountain pass in Northern Italy, Tonale sits on the same platform as the Jeep Compass and is a little brother to the mid-sized Stelvio, but still seats five like Stelvio. It’s also available as a more expensive plug-in hybrid, while a re-badged, re-styled version is sold as the Dodge Hornet in the United States. Styling Tonale is available in three grades: Ti, Veloce and Plug-In Hybrid Q4. Prices start from $49,900 for Ti, $56,400 for Veloce and $77,500 for Plug-In Hybrid Q4 - all prices before on-road costs. Metallic paint is $1600 and our test vehicle, the entry Ti, was fitted with the $4500 Lusso options pack includes perforated leather trim, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, power adjust driver and passenger front seats with driver memory and 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio. Standard kit includes 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and go, anodised brake calipers, auto high beam, electric park brake, auto dimming mirror, auto lights and wipers and front and rear park sensors. You also get a body-coloured rear spoiler and door handles, gloss black painted body kit with satin chrome inserts, black painted power-fold heated exterior mirrors with Italian flag, and automatic full LED matrix headlights with adaptive driving beam and dynamic turn indicator. Inside there’s dual zone climate air with rear air vents, carbon cloth and leatherette seats with ‘Electro’ welded Alfa logo and Biscotto stitching, manual adjust front seats with power lumbar for driver, leather steering wheel with start button, soft-touch dashboard finisher with beige stitching and 3D insert, 60:40 split rear seats with ski-pass, black headliner, front and rear floor mats and aluminium pedals. Colours available in Alfa White, Alfa Red, Alfa Black, Vesuvio Grey Metallic, Misano Blue Metallic and Montreal Green Tri-Coat (Veloce only). Tonale is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with five-year roadside assistance. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km. Infotainment An all-new infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system, with AM/FM/ DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six-speaker audio. There’s also wireless phone charging and front and rear USB A/C ports and 12-volt outlets in the front and cargo area. With the My Alfa Connect app users can remotely access their vehicle using their mobile phone using services such as vehicle finder and remote operations. Engines/transmissions A 1.5-litre four-cylinder, petrol engine coupled with a 15kW electric motor produces 118kW of power at 5750 rpm and 240Nm of torque at 1500 rpm. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Safety Five-star safety includes six airbags, a rear-view camera and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with vulnerable road users. There’s also adaptive cruise control with stop and go, forward collision warning, lane support system (lane departure warning + lane keep assist), driver drowsy detection, traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed

Tonale - you can’t beat that million-dollar style.

assist and tyre pressure monitoring. Driving Tonale sits 4528mm long and weighs 1491kg, with a braked towing capacity of 1500kg. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 8.8 seconds and it has a top speed of 212km/h. With a 55-litre tank, it takes premium 95 unleaded with fuel consumption a claimed 5.6L/100km. Energy is recovered during periods of decelerating and braking, which is stored in the 0.8kWh battery for later use. It can operate on electric power alone at speeds of up to 15km/h, which means silent starts and happy neighbours. The fully independent suspension features McPherson struts and ‘unique’ sway bars at either end, while the 18-inch wheels are shod with chunky Continental 235/50 series rubber. Koni supplies frequency selective dampers that adjust the level of hydraulic damping based on the road surface, improving handling but retaining a comfortable ride. A space saver spare is provided. Matrix LED headlights are able to shut down individual LEDs, keeping high beam active but preventing on-coming traffic from being dazzled, in a kind of halo effect. Unique brake-by-wire technology delivers strong, aggressive braking. The 48-volt mild hybrid delivers respectable performance and fuel economy, but we expected a little more excitement. It is after all an Alfa and that’s why people buy them the last time we checked. The hybrid is happy to comply, with a rasp

22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

when you punch the throttle, but ultimately lacks torque when it comes to firing out of corners. And then there’s an all too familiar ‘jerky’ twin clutch tranny and surprising lack of gear change paddles, which is not exactly encouraging. It smacks of cost cutting and together with the price, suggests the premium brand is looking to pick up a bit of mainstream action. The more expensive Veloce gets paddles, while the plug-in scores a conventional six-speed auto. Switching to dynamic mode is transformative and the engine tries hard with a little help from its electric friend, but it really needs some more get up and go. On a more positive note, ride and handling are excellent, especially the ride quality which sets a new benchmark for the brand. The car corners flat with plenty of grip from the Continentals, on well-formed bitumen at least. Dirt is another story. The brake-by-wire stoppers are similarly impressive, biting hard and fast. But the steering is odd. It’s sharp and responsive and provides good feedback, but is very light and doesn’t seem to weight-up even in Dynamic mode. Of note our test vehicle had a rattle from the instrument cluster which is sure to drive someone crazy trying to figure out where it is coming from. Sometime later the dash began flashing a warning.

Lane Assist was not available - clean windscreen! Is that all it takes? The instrument cluster itself is fully digitised, but offers just the one theme that is designed around analogue-style gauges, with a central information area that can be scrolled, but working out how to do this is a challenge. Physical buttons are provided for the aircon and a roller-style volume control for audio in the centre console. While Android Auto is conveniently wireless, actually connecting to it with our phone was also problematic. The phone told us to follow prompts from the car touchscreen, but there were none and it took a couple of minutes to find Android Auto buried in the menu system. When it did finally hook up, it worked fine. We were getting 6.8L/100km after 360km of mixed driving. Summing Up The Alfa Tonale Ti is a likeable car offered at an attractive price. While there’s no mistaking it for an Alfa, close your eyes and it doesn’t feel like an Alfa. The drive experience is not engaging and we wonder how many corners Alfa cut to get the car down to the price. More power, paddle shifts and the Lusso pack should all be part of the deal – or you could spend $6500 more for the Veloce. Effectively, however, adding the Lusso pack is the only way to get power-adjust seats with either grade.

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SPORT

United lose its season opener Western United suffered defeat in its first match of the 2023/24 A-League Women season, falling 2-0 to Perth Glory on Saturday night. After spurning a couple of chances in the first half, United was punished by Susan Phonsongkham’s opener soon after the restart. As United continued to push for an equaliser, Perth sprung a counter attack and Grace Jale doubled the lead with just over 10 minutes remaining to all but secure the win for the hosts. Mark Torcaso’s first starting 11 of the season featured 10 players from last season’s side with Grace Maher slotting in at the back to make her debut for the Club. Would-be debutants in Keiwa Hieda and Kiara De Domizio lay in waiting on the bench, while Alyssa Dall’Oste made the first start of her professional career in goal. Chloe Logarzo missed due to personal reasons and will return in round two against Melbourne Victory. As the game kicked off It was at high energy as United immediately got on the front and won a corner in the opening seconds before Perth forced a turnover in United’s box and nearly created a chance on goal. The first shot on target came from the hosts after Maher’s delicately lifted ball from a free-kick invited Emma Robers to leap, but her header looped comfortably into Morgan Aquino’s arms. Perth enjoyed a period of dominance early on but United’s threat going forward remained superior with Hannah Keane coming close, forcing a good save after pinching the ball in the box. Adriana Taranto had perhaps the closest chance in the game’s opening quarter when she rippled the side netting with a sweeping effort before she came even closer just before the half hour mark.

United’s Hannah Keane (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

Vlajnic whipped a superb cross into the box and Taranto took up a perfect position in between two Perth defenders, but Aquino was equal to her powerful header to push it around the post. Despite having the better of the chances overall, United was unable to take advantage and break the deadlock in the first period, leaving work to be done in the second half. After the break United’s inability to convert in the first half proved pivotal as Perth came roaring out of the interval to snatch the lead

within five minutes of the restart. It was a turnover from United that sent Perth on their way and when the ball made its way to Phonsongkham on the edge of the area, the Thai-born attacker bent a shot into the back of the net with Perth’s first shot on target of the contest. Torcaso turned to the bench to hand De Domizio a professional debut and one of her first contributions helped to win a free kick on the right wing. Vlajnic saw an opportunity to swing the

dead ball towards goal and couldn’t believe she hadn’t scored when her effort crashed onto the crossbar before falling right on the goal line and being whisked away by Perth’s scrambling defence. A series of corners failed to produce a Western United equaliser and the left the door open for Perth to kill the game off with a second. That’s exactly what they did with 10 minutes remaining as Jale was played through on goal before rifling a strike into the roof of the net.

SPORTS QUIZ 1. F1 athlete Carlos Sainz is known for singing which song post-race, for which fans have also declared his nickname? 2. How old was Jess Fox when she won her first medal at the Olympics? 3. The Geelong Cats play at which stadium, commonly known as ‘the cattery’?

4. In which city was the first Winter Olympics held? 5. For the first time in history, which two Italian cities will host the 2026 Winter Olympics? 6. Which tennis star called her coach’s departure ‘immoral’ following his decision to train Naomi Osaka mid-contract? 7. For the first time, what day will next year’s Australian Open start on? 8. Who won 2022 AFLW best and fairest? 9. Which Aussie tennis player was disqualified at the Shanghai Masters tournament for hitting an umpire with the ball? 10. Who is the only AFL coach to have never played a game of AFL/VFL? 11. Who did Australia lose to in their opening match of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup?

David Beckham

Simone Biles

14. Taylor Adams and Brodie Grundy have joined which AFL side for the 2024 season? 15. How long was the doping suspension served by Australian swimmer Shayna Jack? 16. How many games did the Wallabies win at the 2023 Rugby World Cup? 17. And who will host the 2027 edition of the Rugby World Cup? 18. Who won Collingwood’s Best and Fairest Award for the 2023 season? 19. Who won Penrith’s Player of the Year Award for the 2023 season? 20. Which NBL team plays some home games at the State Basketball Centre? 21. Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum broke the marathon world record competing in which US city? 22. How many balls did it take Jake Fraser-McGurk to make the fastest ever one-day century in a 50-over cricket match?

23. Damian Lillard plays for which NBA team? 24. How many club best and fairest has Clayton Oliver won for the Melbourne Football Club? 25. Husband and wife Adam Elliott and Millie Boyle both play for which NRL club?

28. How many times has American artistic gymnast Simone Biles been crowned all-around world champion? 29. David Beckham played five games during his senior EPL career on loan to which soccer club? 30. Dick Butkus played for which NFL team?

26. Lacrosse, squash, baseball, softball, flag football and which other sport have been proposed for inclusion at the 2028 Olympics? 27. Australian professional baseballer Curtis Mead plays for which MLB team?

1. Smooth Operator 2. 18 years old (London 2012) 3. GMHBA Stadium 4. Chamonix, France (1924) 5. Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo 6. Zheng Qinwen 7. Sunday 8. Emily Bates 9. Marc Polmans 10. Chris Fagan (Brisbane Lions) 11. India 12. Shane van Gisbergen 13. West Indies 14. Sydney 15. 24 months 16. Two 17. Australia 18. Josh Daicos 19. Isaah Yeo 20. South East Melbourne Phoenix 21. Chicago 22. 29 23. Milwaukee Bucks 24. Four 25. Sydney Roosters 26. Cricket 27. Tampa Bay Rays 28. Six 29. Preston North End 30. Chicago Bears

2010

12. Richie Stanaway and which other driver won the 2023 Bathurst 1000?

13. Hayley Matthews is a star batter for which cricket team?

Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Spring Hills getting back on track Spring Hills is determined to return to FV State League 4 west under new coach Sal Paglia. Spring Hills only won three out of their 22 matches last season, finishing with a goal difference of negative 51. The poor run of form had them finishing second last and heading into state 5 for the 2024 season, however with a new coach at the helm the club is hoping to turn it around in the not so distant future. “I’m really, really excited to get going and get started,” Paglia said. “It’s a vision that we’ve got over a two, three year plan, to bring these young, quality, Spring Hills kids that are coming through and see if we can expose them to senior football.” Paglia will also be keeping a keen eye over the reserves and under 18’s programs at the club

to ensure that there will be a focus on youth development. Although he said that he will still be looking to recruit players into the club. “It’ll be a blend of both, but the focus will be to get the foundations right and then build the blocks from there,” he said. “It’s having a look at what Spring Hills has developed over the years and really just opening up a pathway for these young kids to come through. “It’s not a short term plan, it’s a long term plan and hopefully by putting in some processes and a foundation that will give us the opportunity to have some success.” Paglia said he understands that the journey won’t be an easy one, however if done right it will bear fruits in the years to come. “Winning is very important, for us it’s about

building a good culture, and building the foundations,” he said. “But my focus for 2024 will be making sure that we’ve got a team to be able to perform at the highest level, and I think our performances will take care of the results and where we want to be. “I’m a coach that’s really driven to win and succeed and I think everything else will fall into place. It would be nice for us to get promoted but I think there are a lot of boxes that need to get ticked [first]. “We need to get our foundations right and performance is the next thing and then we’ll see where we sit half way through the year and then change it from there.” Harper Sercombe

Sal Paglia (supplied) 365311_01

Sports shorts AFL Former Western Jet Zak Butters has capped a breakout year by winning the John Cahill Medal as Port Adelaide’s 2023 AFL best and fairest player. The 23-year-old was remarkably consistent after a slow start, polling votes in all but two of the club’s 25 games. The John Cahill Medal win caps a strong season where Butters earned his first All-Australian blazer and won the AFL Coaches’ Association Champion Player of the Year award among other accolades after a move from the forward line into the midfield. “I’ve put more into myself as I ever have this year,” Butters said in his acceptance speech. “If you keep showing up, you get what you deserve, so the more you put in the more you get out of it. I like to live like that as well.”

EDFL

Act Now (Stuart McCormack) 367076_01

Act Now’s Vic Cup win Act Now’s rollercoaster night at Melton Entertainment Park will go down in harness racing folk law, with the star pacer emerging from dramatic pre-race scenes to be crowned the 2023 Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Cup champion. Trainer Emma Stewart and driver Jodi Quinlan claimed their first Vic Cup success with a horse who looked in serious danger of being scratched from the $300,000 Grand Circuit classic. Act Now got his leg caught over a rail in the stalls early in the meeting, but was eventually passed fit to run by stewards shortly before the start. With his place in the field confirmed, the five-year-old $81 outsider still needed to produce something truly special to win the race. And he did. Act Now settled towards the rear from his wide back row barrier, then came with a scintillating three-wide run to swamp his rivals in the shadows of the post. In a grandstand finish, the son of Somebeachsomewhere scored from Miracle Mile champion Catch A Wave and Queensland freak Leap To Fame, with less than 2m

between the first six horses across the line. “Unbelievable,” was how owner-breeder Bruce Edward described the drama in the moments after the triumph. “10 minutes before the race we didn’t even know whether he was going to run or not. “He had an accident in the stall, but the vets checked him out and said he was fine. “He looked a bit angry going out onto the track and that’s exactly the way we like him.” Like Edward, Quinlan used the word “unbelievable” to describe Act Now’s performance. “What happened before the race I didn’t think he’d be going around when I saw him,” she said. “He just travelled really kind in the warm up and was just trucking in the run.” Defending champion Rock N Roll Doo found the lead after an early burn, but faded late to finish fourth, just a half-neck from the winner. Saturday was one of Stewart’s greatest ever nights at the races, with the Victoria Cup wedged in between wins in two of the state’s most prestigious three-year-old features. The champion horsewoman prepared the

24 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

first five runners home in the Pryde’s Easifeed Victoria Oaks after David Moran combined with Sweet Bella to claim the $150,000 Group 1 over favourite Major Delight in a photo finish. It also capped a huge evening for Edward, who races the filly with his wife Vicki. Earlier, Stewart had the quinella in the Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby after Petracca outmuscled stablemate Perfect Class to prevail in the $200,000 classic. Petracca, who is owned by Melbourne Demons-mad football fan Danny Zavitsanos, backed up his last-start Vicbred Super Series success with a second-successive Group 1 victory in a race that has been run since 1914. “I just didn’t want to do too much work and luckily I was able to just poke around (from the back row). He’s just a beautiful horse to drive, he kept nice and settled for me,” driver Cam Hart said. “It was just a matter of getting the right one to follow and Perfect Class, on paper, looked like it was going to probably move. He did and it worked out all good for us.”

Burnside Heights has appointed a new women’s coach to take them forward in the Essendon District Football League. The Bears announced Michael Davis as their new coach last week. Davis is no stranger to the Bears having been the club’s inaugural under 18’s boys coach back in 2014. Davis has coached previously at both junior and senior levels and more recently was the under 18’s girls coach at Taylors Lakes. On social media the club congratulated Davis. “We congratulate Michael on his appointment and can’t wait to see him lead our Women’s team to success in season 2024,” it said.

BFL Melton South has announced its first big player signing of the Ballarat Football League off-season. The Panthers announced the addition of Patrick Veszpremi, former player for the Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs, to the club. Veszpremi’s impressive background includes being an Australian Institute of Sport Academy player and being selected as pick 11 in the 2008 draft. Veszpremi brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to developing the next generation of talented young players.

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SPORT One of the AFLW’s most exciting prospects It’s been a challenging year for the Western Jets’ Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner, however things are looking promising in the lead up to the AFLW draft. The midfielder who can double as a key forward is an extremely exciting prospect, with undoubtable athleticism and talent. The year 11 student said she is enjoying this exciting time in her life and trying her best to embrace what is being thrown at her. “I’m very nervous but I’m also very excited,” she said. “I’ve just been trying to take it all in and take a deep breath and actually enjoy what’s happening because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Weston-Turner unfortunately suffered a broken wrist after just two games of the Talent League season which saw her miss the next 12

weeks of footy. “At that time I felt really stressed because I wasn’t sure what would happen because clubs hadn’t seen much of my footy,” she said. “They would go off last year a little bit but over summer I really improved on everything that I wanted to and I was really keen. “I felt super fit going into the season and then to have that happen kind of felt like a knife in the back. “But I was just going to focus on what I can do, and that was running, what I can’t do is play footy but I can still sit on the sidelines, I can learn from my games, I can do vision with my coaches. “I didn’t want to let my negative energy impact the team… I always wanted to stay in a happy mood and I think that definitely helped.” Weston-Turner didn’t miss a beat upon

her return to the field, kicking two goals and having 19 touches on her Jets return and then kicking 1.4 for Vic Metro as well as being named amongst the best players. Being a professional footballer has always been the dream for Weston-Turner, from playing juniors in a team full of boys, believing she would grow up to play in the men’s competition, to women’s pathways opening up and her taking full advantage of them. “To be in a professional environment where I get to live out my dream, and eventually and hopefully work full-time just doing it, being a professional athlete would mean the absolute world to me,” she said. “Living out my childhood dream, which my family and friends are all so supportive of and just want the best for me.” Harper Sercombe

Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner (Graham Denholm, AFL Photos)

Baskaran is a rising star

Logan Morris (Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos)

Draft ‘means everything’ By Harper Sercombe Five weeks is a long time in football but for one young gun the next 30 days couldn’t move quicker. With the AFL draft scheduled for November 20, it’s an interesting time in the life of the Western Jets’ Logan Morris, as each day passes, nerves and excitement builds. “I’m feeling pretty confident,” Morris said. “Getting a bit nervous now that it’s getting a bit closer but I’m trying to take it week by week and trying to do other things to distract me and not think about the draft too much.” The Werribee District’s product is a 191 centimetre hybrid player who has proved himself at both ends of the ground, showcasing his range of talents and work ethic. Morris enjoyed a dominant year for the Jets booting 30 goals from his 10 outings for the club. The 18-year-old also applied his craft for Vic Metro, including a four goal haul against Western Australia, and slotted two in his Victorian Football League debut for Werribee. “I feel like I’ve had a pretty good year, off the

back of a massive preseason,” he said. “Trying to set myself up to have a big year and try to play consistent footy. “Setting myself up and going out week by week and just focusing on training, having a big week on the track and then trying to back that up on the weekend.” Playing across a variety of teams throughout the season has helped Morris enhance his football by picking up bits and pieces from across the board. “Training at the highest level and being surrounded with elite players and players that I look up to and try and base my game off, you learn so much,” he said. “And get better as an athlete and as a person, being around an elite environment.” An AFL player that Morris looks up to and said he bases his game around is Collingwood’s premiership key forward, Brody Mihocek. “We’re similar heights and his ability to get up the ground and his work rate, ability to hit the scoreboard and take contested marks,” Morris said. “[Contested marking] is definitely one of

my strengths and I try to use that the best I can in games and ability to hit the scoreboard is probably my other strength.” To further encompass all of what Mihocek does, Morris said he is still working on his fitness, although it’s an area he has seen improvements in. “Definitely trying to build my tank,” he said. “Especially if I do get onto an [AFL] list, that’s probably the main thing that I need to get better at, just to cover the ground a bit more, get to more contests. “That’s the one thing I’m working on this pre-season, just to get as fit as I can leading into next year.” It truly would be a dream come true for Morris if he were to find his way into an AFL club next month. “It would mean everything,” he said. “I’ve been working to this for my whole life, and it’s something I’ve dreamt of since I was a young kid. “To make my family proud and myself as well, just for the hard work I’ve put in and to get the reward for it, I’d be grateful for that and I can’t wait to see what my future holds.”

Former Western Jets’ talent now Hawthorn midfielder Charlotte Baskaran has been recognised as a round six AFLW rising star nominee following a strong outing against St Kilda. In just her 16th game at the highest level, the 18-year-old put in an impressive performance in Moorabbin with 14 disposals, including 11 contested possessions, along with a game-high 12 tackles. Baskaran has shown gradual improvement across her six games this season, averaging 13 disposals, 5.8 contested possessions and 4.3 tackles per outing. Since being drafted by the Hawks with pick nine last year, the Aberfeldie product has played every possible game for the brown and gold, along with balancing her year 12 studies last season. Baskaran joins fellow midfielder Jasmine Fleming as Hawthorn’s second rising star nomination in 2023. Hawthorn general manager of football operations Max Bailey congratulated Baskaran on her recognition. “It’s fantastic to see Charlotte get rewarded for the work she’s done,” Bailey said. “The nomination is a reflection of the hours she’s put in and as the youngest Hawk on our list, we’re excited to see her development continue. “She is the sort of player who is willing to take on any challenge in front of her, which was highlighted by her ability to balance her Year 12 studies just last season. “Charlotte has really leveraged off the senior players around her which we hope will lead to a long and bright future in brown and gold.” Essendon’s Amber Clarke was also nominated for her two goals and 16 disposals in the Bombers’ 10-point win against Geelong.

Hawthorn’s Charlotte Baskaran (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 25

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