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A season for giving
St Andrews Uniting Church Bacchus Marsh’s Kylie Lumb and Iris Blythe. (Damjan Janevski)
More than 180 boxes of food are being provided to locals in need through the Bacchus Marsh Uniting Church’s Reverse Advent Calendar program. The program sends boxes out into the community, and in the 20 days leading up to Christmas people are invited to place one item in the box, until the boxes are donated to local food charities. The Reverse Advent Calendar program began five years ago in Ballarat. This year 6000 food relief boxes are being filled across Australia. Church council chair Iris Blythe said the drive has also grown in Bacchus Marsh, beginning with high demand during COVID. “This year, we would have hoped that the problem would have gone away, but inflation and rent increases have meant that many, for the first time, are wondering how they or their families will next have food to eat,” she said. “For many of us, Christmas is a special time for sharing love and caring for others, so this program is a simple way to do just that.”
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Drug ‘wholesaler’ jailed By Liam McNally A Caroline Springs Woman has been sentenced to nine years and two months in prison for trafficking more than two kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine. County Court judge Carolene Gwynn described the defendant, Thi Loan Ngo, as a “wholesaler” who between September 9 and October 19, 2020 trafficked 1430.1 grams of heroin and 777.7 grams of methamphetamine valued at an estimated $833,000 when sold by the ounce. The court heard how Ngo, now age 48,
came to Australia as a refugee from Vietnam in 1983 with her adoptive grandparents. She attended Footscray Primary School and commenced secondary schooling at Melbourne Girls College in Richmond but left after falling pregnant at 14. Ngo’s involvement in the drug trade began after she developed a gambling addiction amassing $120,000 in debt to “loan sharks” she’d met at the casino by 2009. When Ngo could not furnish interest repayments to the loan sharks, she was offered the role of “heroin mule” as a mechanism to pay her debts.
Previous convictions for drug trafficking in 2009, 2012 and 2014 are said to relate to this arrangement. Ngo instructed her lawyers that in 2014 she told the loan sharks she would no longer traffick on their behalf. In response an arrangement was made for her to pay $500 per month without interest accruing. The mother of three, who cares for a daughter with an intellectual disability and autism, said in 2020 she had no work due to the pandemic and still owing $140,000, “stupidly accepted the role of getting involved with drugs”.
Judge Gwynn said the explanation provided context but that she found it difficult to accept. “Your offending demonstrates the ease with which you fell into old habits and a lack of insight of the impact of your offending on the community,” the judge said. Ngo pleaded guilty and was sentenced earlier this month over two counts of trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence and one charge of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. The judge set a non-parole period of six years and two months.
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Council ward changes proposed By Liam McNally Three community members have made submissions for Melton council’s electoral structure review. Currently, 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. A preliminary report proposed three
different single-councillor ward structures for Melton, which currently comprises two Watts ward councillors, three Cambridge ward councillors and four Coburn ward councillors. Models one and two would keep the current number of councillors in charge of Melton, but split the council area into nine wards, while model three would also add a 10th councillor and ward. A final report is due to be presented to the local government minister later in December. The report said introducing single-councillor wards represents a large electoral structure change for Melton and each model addresses the challenge of balancing the two centres of growth at either end of the council area in a
particular way. Model one attempts to keep suburbs together in wards as much as possible, resulting in five urban-focused wards among the number of wards. Model two uses the freeway as a continuous boundary in the west, with two wards extending north and two extending south. Each of these wards combine urban and rural areas almost evenly. Model three with 10 councillors provides six wards confined to the main east-west transport and growth corridor, with each roughly equal in size by area. In the submissions, Diggers Rest resident Shaun McKerral said he supports model three.
“All options present an opportunity for our town to finally have some representation and I look forward to reviewing the feedback, selected option and the proposed implementation,” he said. Eynesbury’s Garrick Oates said model three gives a somewhat better boundary delineation including those areas west of the river and south of the railway line as a whole. Rockbank resident Kaitlyn Menhennet said in her submission that model one is the best suited as it groups the suburbs in the middle area that is in between Melton and Caroline Springs. Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said the council is looking forward to the VEC’s final report.
Police pursuit ends in crash
Ivar (5) and Santa at Woodgrove. (Jacob Pattison) 374682_02
Santa’s Sleigh pulls into Woodgrove Christmas and traditional photos. For the first time, Woodgrove will also be offering Auslan Santa sessions. Children who primarily communicate through Auslan will have the chance to convey their Christmas wishes with a Santa fluent in Auslan on Thursday, November 30. Woodgrove centre manager Kylie Robertson said Woodgrove’s Christmas campaign offers an array of special festive moments that will
delight customers. “With Auslan and Sensitive Santa sessions, festive events, extended trading hours and, importantly, our community and charity initiatives, we’re looking forward to welcoming our community in-store to celebrate this most wonderful time of year.” Extended trading hours will commence from December 16. Details: www.woodgrove.com.au
Authorised by Sam Rae, 100 McKenzie Street Melton VIC 3337
Santa Claus has arrived in Melton and the Christmas celebrations are in full swing. Woodgrove is inviting all shoppers to embrace their inner child, with the launch of the centre’s Christmas campaign, reigniting holiday joy in the lead up to the festive season. Among the fun, families will be able to visit Santa with a number of experiences on offer including pet photography, baby’s first
Police have arrested a St Albans woman and a Taylors Lakes man following a pursuit in Diggers Rest on November 20. It is understood the pair in a white Camry were travelling along Plumpton Road when they allegedly got into an altercation with the driver of a Volkswagen Golf, about 2.25pm. The male passenger of the Camry allegedly threatened the Volkswagen driver with a firearm before they fled towards Taylors Road. Officers quickly responded to the incident and initiated a pursuit. The offending driver allegedly conducted a U-turn heading south on Taylors Road, narrowly missing one of the police vehicles. The pursuit continued towards the intersection of Leakes Road, where the driver allegedly overtook multiple vehicles and ran a red light. Officers successfully deployed stop sticks and the driver lost control, narrowly missing another vehicle and hitting a tree on the other side of the road. The impact forced the car to roll several times, ejecting the male passenger from the vehicle. The 32-year-old St Albans driver and her 35-year-old Taylors Lakes passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital under police guard. The exact cause of the collision is yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com. au
Have a say on Melton’s budget Melton council wants to hear from residents what they want included in the next year’s council budget. The council is inviting organisations and residents to tell us what projects should be considered in the budget with submissions to be made before December 17. Councillors and council staff will be at information drop-in sessions on December 5 at Caroline Springs Library and Learning Hub and Melton Library on December 7. You can also present your ideas to councillors online early next year. To make a pitch, you will need to share details about your organisation together with your proposal for a project, program or service including indicative costs, who it would service and
how it would address a community need and benefit locals. Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said this a chance to tell us what you think should be included in the next budget and help shape the future of our the municipality. “We look forward to seeing your submissions and learning how they’ll make a difference to the local community,” she said. “We want to know what projects or areas are important to our residents and where we can best direct our resources and focus. “Your valuable ideas will inform the preparation of the 2024-25 budget and help councillors understand the community’s priorities.”
Get in touch with Sam Rae MP Sam.rae.mp@aph.gov.au 03 9070 1960
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Road upgrades get underway Two important road upgrades are underway for Melton, with council starting work on the Greigs Road-Mount Cottrell Road intersection, as well as Bulmans Road. The intersection at Greigs Road and Mount Cottrell Road in Thornhill Park, which has a history of accidents, will be replaced with a new roundabout following feedback from residents and road users. Council said the roundabout will make the intersection safer for all road users, reduce road delays by increasing traffic flow and make it easier for heavy vehicles to navigate the area.
Partial closures and detours will be kept to a minimum to limit disruption to residents however they will be necessary at times to complete the project. The project is expected to be completed in April next year. Bulmans Road, about 1.4 kilometres between Westlake Drive and Centenary Avenue, will be sealed, widened and realigned, with new kerbs, underground drainage, median islands, on-street parking, and a shared pedestrian and cycle path. Bulmans Road connects Harkness and Melton West with Melton, Woodgrove
Shopping Centre and the Western Freeway as well as being home to two major local Schools. The upgrades on Bulmans Road will take place in stages and are expected to be completed by March 2025. Stage 1A, which is currently underway, is expected to be completed by the end of January 2024. During Stage 1A upgrades the southbound traffic lane on Bulmans Road will be closed and detours will be in place. Council has worked with nearby schools, childcare centres and community centres to reduce disruptions during drop off and pick up times.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said council has listened to the community’s feedback about traffic congestion and safety issues and council is working hard to improve the city’s road network. “We are working during the holiday period as much as possible to minimise the impact of traffic, but there will still be delays and we appreciate the community’s patience and understanding,” she said. “[Bulmans Road] is one of our city’s most important roads and these essential upgrades will reduce congestion, boost traffic flow, improve safety and reduce travel times.”
Light up your candles Gather your loved ones and join families from across the region to celebrate the spirit of Christmas at the much-loved Melton Carols by Candlelight on Saturday, December 2. The evening of free family entertainment will kick off at 6pm at Hannah Watts Park and will boast performances by schools, community groups, the renowned Mik Maks and a talented live band led by Lee Bradshaw. Sing along with the dynamic performances of traditional and modern Christmas songs, plus Santa Claus will be making a special appearance. Children can enjoy face painting and Christmas craft activities and Santa’s helpers will be on hand to help the little ones send a letter with their Christmas wishes to the North Pole. Residents are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and something to eat. There will also be a range of food trucks on site and a barbecue
hosted by Melton Valley Rotary Club. In the event of severe weather, Carols by Candlelight may be cancelled. Notification of any cancellation will be posted on council’s website and Facebook page the day of the event. Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said Carols by Candlelight is a wonderful way to welcome the festive season and celebrate a very special time of year as a community.’ “This will be a spectacular evening where friends and families can experience the magic and meaning of Christmas together,“ she said. “Bring your best singing voices and come along and join the fun.“ Details: melton.vic.gov.au/carols
Mr and Mrs Claus performing at the last Melton Carols event in 2019. (Supplied)
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ARMSTRONG CREEK Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 5
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Illegal wildlife trader charged A 20-year-old Caroline Springs man has been charged with 104 offences for his alleged involvement in a cross-border illegal wildlife trade syndicate. The charges include the unlawful taking of reptiles from the wild and possession of illegally sourced wildlife. The man was charged following a major investigation by the Conservation Regulator, with assistance from Victoria Police and the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, all part of Operation Pike. It is alleged the man received reptiles from interstate and stored them at his house, before
the syndicate on-sold them to local and interstate buyers. It is also alleged that the man illegally took reptiles from the wild in Victoria. The man faces 100 charges under the Wildlife Act 1975, including 70 charges of illegally possessing wildlife, 14 charges of possessing protected wildlife and 16 breaches of his wildlife licence conditions. He is also charged with four offences of failing to maintain entries of transactions in his record book as part of his licence conditions under the Wildlife Regulations 2013. Authorised Officers searched the man’s house during a warrant in January this year
and seized dozens of native reptiles that were allegedly sourced illegally, including shingleback lizards, eastern blue-tongued lizards, and knob-tailed geckos, and an incubator which contained Boyd’s forest dragon eggs. Chief conservation regulator Kate Gavens said the illegal take and trade of wildlife is “completely unacceptable”. “The Conservation Regulator is committed to tackling the illegal wildlife trade and will continue to work with other authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible,” she said. The man will face the Sunshine Magistrates’
Court on November 30. Native animals, including reptiles, are protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is a serious offence to possess wildlife that has been taken or acquired in contravention of that Act, carrying a maximum penalty of $46,154 and/or 24 months imprisonment per charge. Licence holders who fail to meet record-keeping conditions can also be fined up to $3,846 under the Wildlife Regulations 2013. Anyone with information about illegal wildlife trade or other wildlife crime can make a confidential report to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
A migrant’s journey An Eynesbury film-maker and musician is staging a live show documenting the immigration of post war migrants to Australia, through the Bonegilla migrant camp. Simon Reich was inspired to create his “deeply personal” show, Bonegilla – The Migrant’s Journey after learning about his father’s experience of immigrating to Australia from war-torn Berlin. Mr Reich’s father was one of 500,000 people who passed through the Bonegilla migrant camp, which was outside Wodonga in Victoria’s North-East. Reich said the show is the culmination of many years of research and interviews and takes the form of a 1.5 hour multimedia performance featuring first hand interviews with people from various European countries, migrant’s own photographs and videos, sound design, a string quartet by members of the
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and live grand piano live music. “This show is nothing like a dry and dusty history lesson,” he said. “It is a multimedia presentation, and the migrants tell of their war experiences, why they wanted to travel to the other side of the world and how they fared in their new adopted country. “At times it’s tragic, disheartening and racist, but ultimately, it’s a feel-good story of gutsy and inspirational people who created the backbone of Australian society. “With war in Ukraine and Israel and continuing hostility towards migrants, this project shows that Australia and the world still has a lot to learn about what happened in the past.” The shows will be held on December 7 and 8. Details: www.bonegillamigrants.com.au
Simon Reich. (Damjan Janevski) 338672_01
Phone film snags award A Caroline Springs filmmaker has won an award for his film created entirely on a smartphone at an international film competition in Sydney on November 18. Ronald James Baculo won the The Luma Touch Finished on Mobile award for his film The Art of Living (with a Mechanical Keyboard) at the ninth annual international Smart Fone Flick Fest (SF3). Baculo said the awards were an incredible experience. “I feel so grateful and honoured that my little film was not only selected and screened to an audience that really appreciated it but also won an award,” he said. “It inspired and motivated me even more to make more films and maybe even a feature-length film shot on mobile.” SF3 is an Australian film competition that celebrates movies shot entirely on smartphones
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which this year attracted 458 entries from 60 countries, competing for more than $50,000 across multiple categories. The Luma Touch Finished on Mobile award goes to movies that are also edited and completed all on a mobile device without the help of a computer or laptop, which Baculo said he did for the first time with this project. “I had shot and edited most of the film with my phone on my commute to work everyday and at times even editing in bed in my pyjamas,” he said. “I’d say there’s no excuse really for anyone not to make their own film or tell their story.” Baculo’s short film is about finding passion for life through discovering the wonderful hobby of mechanical keyboards, which he said was mostly created during his commute to work, or in his pyjamas.
Ronald James Baculo accepting his award at the gala in Sydney. (Supplied)
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Parks are needed ‘immediately’ Conservation group Victorian National Parks Association has penned an open letter calling on Premier Jacinta Allan to legislate promised national parks including the Wombat-Lerderderg and ending native logging in the state’s west. In June 2021, the Victorian government agreed to create three new national parks in Victoria’s central west - the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park, Mount Buangor National Park and Pyrenees National Park. Among the more than 60 signatories to the letter is Wombat Forestcare. Wombat
Forestcare convenor Gayle Osborne said it’s critical to legislate the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park to protect wildlife. “The Wombat Forest provides habitat for a large number of plants and animals that are threatened with extinction,” she said. “Strong populations of greater gliders are found in our lush gullies and the recently discovered endangered mountain skink inhabits some of the drier areas.” While the government has decided to end native forest logging in the state’s east from January 1, the letter calls for an end to more
than 60,000 hectares in the west open for logging. Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel said a new premier means a fresh start. “Precious habitats and endangered animals are at risk every day we wait for a 2021 commitment to gather more dust,” he said. “We know what the cost of further inaction is – the irreversible destruction of some of Victoria’s most precious remaining natural habitat.” According to the state government,
community forestry operations are generally small scale, low intensity operations that primarily produce firewood and some high value products such as furniture and musical instruments. Community forestry operations are able to continue until the licences expire on 30 June 2024. A state government spokesperson said work is underway to map out the three future parks. “We are investing $4 million to help create the new national parks which cover 65,000 hectares - along with seven new and expanded parks and two new conservation parks.”
Fingers on the Pulse Two Year 12 students passionate about art, have founded a group to exhibit student art at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona. Aidan Doyle and Mak Woltsche both attend Williamstown High School and together founded Pulse Art Collective, aiming to promote community through youth based contemporary art. “We are in the process of planning and curating our first exhibition at the Louis Joel Gallery in Altona for early next year,” said Aidan. “Anyone between the age of 15 and 25 located in the western suburbs can submit any art form, from digital, paint, installations and more. “All they need to do is submit their work through the google form link or QR code.” The boys said they were inspired to create their own exhibition after noticing a gap in the market.
“Compared to the northern and eastern suburbs we noticed that the west doesn’t have much of an art scene,” said Aidan. “There are a few galleries but nowhere near as much as the north and south. “In addition to the fact that at school there are a lot of people who feel like their voices and opinions aren’t heard. “We think art is very powerful and a great way to express your opinions, we thought the best way to do that would be with a community focused exhibition.” With this exhibition the boys hope to engage with young people and those with an interest in art and expressing their experiences. All pieces need to be submitted by December 10. The exhibition will run from January 12, to February 1. Mak Woltsche and Aidan Doyle. (Jacob Pattison) 368159_
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Residents taken for a ‘free ride’ By Hannah Hammoud Residents in Melbourne’s west are calling the state government’s bluff, demanding urgent reform to the bus route network. The Sustainable Cities collective has been actively campaigning for better buses in the west for two years. Now armed with a petition of more than 200 signatures, organisers are insisting the state government commit to a pilot reform in the west. In May this year the state government announced changes to the process for recontracting bus companies, moving away from one-on-one negotiations to instead putting contracts out to a public tender for bus companies to bid on. Sustainable Cities Collective coordinator Elyse Cunningham said the changes were highlighted by the state government as a way to make reforms to the bus network easier. “The state government said that something they identified as a blocker to bus reform in the past was the fact that there were so many different bus operators that were running one to two routes across different parts of the network,” she said. “In some parts of metropolitan Melbourne that was the case and we could see how that could be an issue that might make reform more difficult. But in the western suburbs, one company – CDC Victoria, runs the majority of the bus routes. So now we’re asking, if this one company is dominating most of the network in the west, why can’t the state government work with that contractor to reform routes in the west so that we can get bus reform now?” Ms Cunningham said the organisation is calling for a “complete overhaul” of the bus network in the west. “We don’t just want one or two new bus
Sustainable Cities Collective coordinator Elyse Cunningham at the Sunshine bus interchange. (Hannah Hammoud)
routes, we want a complete reconfiguration of the routes so that they will run along logical straight and direct paths and actually connect people to where they need to go.” Ms Cunningham said for residents in Melbourne’s west, the average bus trip can take twice as long or more in comparison to other parts of Melbourne. “In our experience the blame is always shifted from the state government, to the department,
to the bus company, and they all just point the finger at each other and really we just think it’s come down to a matter of political will,” she said. “We think that consecutive Labor governments have taken the west for granted for decades now and it’s getting to a point now where the community in the west are starting to get really frustrated with this and they’re really sick of being taken for granted.
“That’s why we’re working with communities in the west to build that momentum for better buses and demonstrate to Labor that people aren’t going to let them take advantage of them …they’re sick of being taking them for a free ride.” Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams and former Transport Minister Ben Carroll were contacted for comment.
YOUR SAY Wind farm concerns I am writing regarding the government proposal to erect wind farms across Victoria and southern Australia to generate electricity as a replacement for coal and gas powered turbines. The proposal is to link these farms with thousands of kilometres of transmission lines carrying 500Kv of power and feed into the existing distribution lines of towns and cities across the region. My family, like thousands of other families, have lived and worked in this area for almost three millennium and left their marks on involvement with farms, schools, churches, volunteer organisations, sporting groups etc and although most have now gone, their spirit remains in their descendants, their neighbours and the effect that they had on the creation of the district. Everything that we do is influenced by our earlier generations, our current families, the environment in which we live or the lessons learned in our own lifetime. This is our spirit, this is our legacy. Once embarking on this renewable energy tack, it will be extremely difficult to turn off. The 80 metre towers that are coming will spread across the region like varicose veins ferrying wind power from the north to the cities and towns who will be 100 per cent reliant on electricity, with gas, firewood and other energies banned. The United States EPA calculate that wind towers are 20 per cent to 40 per cent effective which makes them 60 per cent to 80 per cent ineffective. Does that mean that the 500Kv 12651825-ET48-23
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transmission lines will carry a 20 per cent load, or will they need to build up to four times more wind towers to make up for the inefficiency of the system? What legacy and what spirit will the current generation leave for their future generations? Will it be a rusting hulk of foreign made wind and transmission towers, owned overseas, producing 80 per cent inefficient electricity and subsidised by you and me through increased state taxes and levies? Once the coal and gas are shut down and every new house is electric only, we will be looking for a substitute system that provides energy at night, on still days and in every other variation of weather and circumstance. Please express your concerns on this ill thought out proposal. Ken McDonald, Long Forest
HAVE YOUR SAY Star Weekly welcomes letters to the editor as well as comments and story tips on our websites and Facebook pages. Post: Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Email: westletters@starweekly.com.au Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
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suburbs Western Health honoured Good for families Western Health has taken out the prestigious Excellence in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Award at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. Western Health’s Babaneek Booboop Program promotes cultural safety for First Nations children and families as they engage with healthcare services, supporting more than 350 children and their families since its inception in 2017. Babaneek Booboop works with Western Health’s Melton Paediatric Community Services to offer paediatric and allied health assessments, link children and families with local cultural organisations, and facilitate access to playgroups, kindergartens and early years services. Western Health was also a finalist in the Excellence in Values-Based Healthcare category for its innovative same-day discharge initiative for surgical patients. Taking inspiration from successful projects overseas, Western Health’s Perioperative and Critical Care Division led an initiative to improve access to surgery, reduce lengths of stay and make surgery less disruptive for patients. In one year, more than 300 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hernia repair surgery who would have stayed overnight were instead able to get home safely on the day. Western Health chief executive Russell Harrison said that the awards were a great recognition of the high quality of healthcare in Melbourne’s west. “I’m so proud of our Babaneek Booboop Program and our Integrated Community Health Service in Melton for their critically important work helping First Nations children and families access the services they need. Our Aboriginal Pathways workers keep cultural safety firmly in
Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc chief operating officer Jim O’Shea, Babaneek Booboop Program Aboriginal Pathway worker Annie Sowter, and Babaneek Booboop Project lead Charry Owens. (Supplied)
view, promote self-determination and ensure appropriateness of services,” he said. “Congratulations also to our Perioperative and Critical Care Division for their work in providing best care to our patients by getting them home safely without the need for an overnight stay. It’s great to see the exceptional care and culture of innovation at Western Health acknowledged.” The Babaneek Booboop Program is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing through Korin Korin Balit-Djak
funding. It is co-designed and co-produced with the local Aboriginal community and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. The West Metro Health Service Partnership, of which Western Health is a key partner, was also recognised and nominated for Health Service Partnership of the Year. Since its establishment two years ago, the partnership has built strong connections with more than 280 stakeholders and delivered significant impact through 13 collaborative projects.
Burnside Heights and Taylors Hill are among Australia’s premier suburbs for family living according to a new report. The Property Credit report named Burnside Heights the second best suburb to raise a family in Victoria, and Taylors Hill the sixth best. The report described Taylors Hill as boasting lush landscapes and community amenities within reach of Melbourne’s hub ensuring families have access to nature’s tranquillity and urban sophistication. According to the report, the average median sale price for houses is $755,500 in Burnside Heights and $891,000 in Taylors Hill. The report said this research sifted through extensive market data to select 20 standout suburbs that offer the perfect concoction of affordability, community ethos and access to urban amenities, conducive to family dynamics. According to the report, the chosen suburbs exemplify an ideal mix of suburban tranquillity and urban proximity, ensuring families can enjoy a peaceful lifestyle while remaining connected to the vibrant heart of the city. Property credit chief executive Giordano Stepancic said electing a family home is a decision that transcends the physical space. “It’s about choosing a community, investing in a lifestyle, and considering the legacy we leave for our children,” he said. “Our report is meticulously designed to guide families towards suburbs that are not just places to live but spaces where life’s best moments can unfold.”
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New bin days New bin collection days began in Moorabool on Monday, November 27. Around 50 per cent of residents are affected by this change. All affected residents should received a personalised letter outlining their new bin collection schedule. From this time Council will provide new and replacement bins at no cost to residents. To check if your property is affected go online. Details: https:// www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/Waste-andenvironment/Animals-and-wildlife/ Household-bins/Find-your-bincollection-day
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Ballan Cricket Club president David Leach, Cr Moira Berry, mayor Ally Munari and Eureka MP Michaela Settle. (Supplied)(
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The new cricket training facility and football safety nets at the Ballan Recreation Reserve are now open and ready to use. Moorabool mayor Ally Munari joined Eureka MP Michaela Settle and councillor Moira Berry in Ballan to officially open the new features on Monday, November 21. Members of the Ballan Cricket Club, Ballan Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and AFL Central Goldfields were part of the celebrations to acknowledge the completion of the $266,000 nets and training lanes. The project included three cricket lanes (two club lanes and a public lane) with fully enclosed nets and the installation of football safety nets behind the north end goals, to stop footballs going on the road and into neighbouring properties. Cr Munari said she was delighted to attend the opening of the new additions to the Recreation
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Reserve. “This is a great addition to Ballan Recreation Reserve, which is still celebrating the opening of their $4 million new pavilion,” she said. “The cricket and football clubs, other users and the public had less than ideal facilities here for so long, so it’s so exciting for everyone to have access to these modern, purpose-built facilities. “We thank the Victorian Government for their investment in the Ballan community with the makeover to Ballan Rec Reserve.” Funding for the cricket nets was provided by $94,740 from Sports and Recreation Victoria, $94,749 from Moorabool council and $30,000 from Cricket Victoria. The football safety nets were funded by Sports and Recreation Victoria and Council each putting in $21,275.
Sports hub feedback Moorabool council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from clubs, associations, schools and community groups for use of the sports grounds and netball and tennis courts at the new Active Sports Hub at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve (BMRRR). The Active Sports Hub will be serviced by a multi-sport pavilion, which will include meeting rooms for community use, and is currently planned for construction. In the meantime, Council is exploring the installation of temporary amenities as an overflow to the existing facilities. Details: https:// moorabool.engagementhub.com.au/ bmrrr-eoi FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
We’re planning for a potential upgrade of the Western Freeway to improve safety, freeway access and road capacity to help accommodate growing demand. Options being explored to upgrade the Western Freeway between Harkness Road and Christies Road include: – additional road lanes – new interchanges and overpasses – upgrades to existing interchanges – upgrades to walking and cycling paths – traffic signal and street lighting improvements – public transport priority facilities. A business case is currently being developed and our planning work is anticipated to be complete in late 2024. To help inform our planning and shape the development of project options we’d like to hear from you. To have your say, scan the QR code or visit engage.vic.gov.au/wfu by Sunday 3 December 2023. For more information, or to request that a hard copy survey be mailed to you, please contact 1800 105 105 or email contact@bigbuild.vic.gov.au
10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 November, 2023
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CHRISTMAS CHEER
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Get bang for your festive buck with DIY crackers It’s one of the most beloved Christmas traditions: pulling a cracker with a loved one and seeing who ends up with the funny hat. But Christmas crackers are often the last thing on the shopping list and after buying the presents, trimmings and food, pockets feel a little less than flush, espcially with 2023’s cost of living crisis. Why not try making your own? It’s easy and economical, using everyday items you probably have at home already. Best of all, you can fill them with trinkets that mean something to your guests, rather than plastic titbits that are likely to go in the bin at the end of the meal. Now that’s ‘bang’ for your buck!
You can customise your crackers to suit your Christmas table settings.
For a personal touch, add a name tag and use each bon bon as a place setting for the table! Here are some ideas for entertaining cracker fillings: • If your guests have a bit of a sweet tooth, buy a box of chocolates and divvy them up amongst the crackers. For the adults in the
room, you can purchase liqueur-flavoured chocolates to match guests’ favourite tipples – or perhaps even mini bottles of their favourite spirits. • Instead of the cheesy jokes we’ve all heard a thousand times before, write some positive affirmations or messages for the New Year and slip those inside. People love to know they are cared for!
• Are you a romantic at heart? If your beloved loves Christmas as much as you do, a cracker might be the place to hide the ring. Just make sure they get the right bon bon to pull or things could get awkward. • For the kids, include something they’ll actually use. Colourful hair ties or clips, badges, marbles or spinning tops make cute gifts for the little ones.
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Here’s how to put them together: First, purchase some cracker snaps from your local craft store, like Spotlight. That will give you the authentic bon bon bang! Next, place a cracker snap in a cardboard tube, say a toilet roll tube or a paper towel tube cut in half. If you don’t have any tubes handy, you can find these at craft shops, or cut pieces of flexible cardboard into rectangles and roll into cylinders. Secure the snap with a piece of tape or glue. Then, choose your paper wrapping! You can wrap your bon bons in colourful tissue paper to match your table setting, Christmas wrapping paper, or even light fabric that can be washed and reused again next year. Cut it to fit the tube, with enough overhang to cover the ends of the snap. Roll around the tube and stick down with tape. Pinch one end and tie it down with a ribbon of your choice. Fill the other end of the tube with your trinkets and fillings (see following for some ideas on what fillings to use!) then tie the last end shut.
Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11
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Desperate walk for visa equality Twenty-two refugee women were welcomed home on Sunday, November 19, after walking 640km from Melbourne to Canberra calling for an end to 10 years of visa uncertainty for 10,000 refugees living in Australia. Liam McNally went to the homecoming and heard about their plight and hopes for a permanent future in their adopted home.
H
arini Rathnakumar, spent her formative years in Melbourne’s west - going to school, making friends and working in Sunshine, which she calls home. It wasn’t until after high school when she attempted to attend university to become a doctor that she learnt the difference between a “normal” Australian citizen, and someone going through the Fast Track visa system. “That’s the moment that I realised that I’m not a complete Australian,” she said. “That’s when I came to know that Australia didn’t really want me here.” Now 21, Harini fled the Sri Lankan civil war with her family when she was just three. Her Tamil family first sought refuge in India where they were constrained to what Harini called a “limited, poor life” and at 10 years old she left her siblings and mother behind to come to Australia with her father. She hasn’t seen her mother and siblings since. Despite having been in Australia for nearly a decade, when she wanted to apply for university she was asked to pay the international student fee of $95,000. Even with the expensive fee and not having access to loans, Harini managed to enter a biomedical science degree, but due to rising costs and her father falling ill, she fell behind on payments and had to pull out of the course four months before finishing. “The only thing I had was my education… I was going to give back to Australia by becoming a doctor but they didn’t give me the opportunity,” she said. “We want to be a part of this country, it is our home.” Early this year the federal government announced it would provide a pathway to permanent residency for 10,000 refugees with Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV). At the time, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said it makes no sense - economically or socially - to keep people who pay taxes, start businesses, employ Australians and build lives in our communities “in limbo”. However the Resolution of Status (Ros) visas offered to these refugees was not offered to Harini, and about 10,000 others on Bridging Visas and engaged in the ’Fast Track’ visa process. Once it became clear to Harini her family would not be offered RoS under the change, she found it difficult to speak to her family in India, who were expecting to finally see her. “That kind of caused a drift between me and my mum because I didn’t want to shatter her hope,” she said. “I kind of distanced myself from my family. They would ask me when they can see me. I used to talk to them very often. I used to be very hopeful. I used to give my mum hope that she would be able to see me very soon… I don’t talk to them as often now.” It was these experiences that inspired Harini to join the Refugee Women’s Action for Visa Equality group, made up of 22 Tamil and Iranian women united by living under the limitations of short term bridging visas, in walking for 27 days from Melbourne to Canberra.
Harini Rathnakumar. (Barat Ali Batoor)
On September 22 they embarked on the walk because of the desperation they said that they and about 10,000 others affected by Australia’s ’Fast Track’ visa policy feel after waiting for more than a decade for permanent visas. The group battled blisters, snakes and weather along the way. Harini said that there were days she woke up dreading another 30km walk, but she was determined to finish the journey. “It was very physically challenging, but my will pushed through all that, I wanted to bring it out into the light, I wanted our voices to be heard,” she said. On their arrival to Canberra on 18 October, the women met with a number of politicians to express the devastating impacts caused by the lack of permanent visas. Independent Senator David Pocock spoke about their plight in parliament shortly after meeting them. “An hour ago I had the privilege of meeting a courageous group of women who’ve just finished an epic 640 km journey on foot from
Refugee Women’s Action for Visa Equality on their 640km walk. (Barat Ali Batoor) 12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 November, 2023
Melbourne,” Senator Pocock said. “They have come to this place, parliament house, the people’s house, to ask us for safety, security and certainty to rebuild their lives. “Here with them are their daughters and granddaughters, many of them born
in Australia. After 10 years living in our communities, working, learning, and growing together with all of us, their home is here. “…so many young people who have grown up here feel like they’re not being appreciated despite wanting to contribute, desperately wanting to be part of Australia and contribute.” On November 19 a homecoming event was held for the group at Trades Hall in Carlton co-hosted by the Refugee Advocacy Network, Rural Australians for Refugees and the Health and Community Services Union, three of the groups which supported the women. The evening included speeches from Greens Senator Janet Rice, Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele O’Neil and a discussion around how to continue momentum and advocacy action. Samira Zadeh, an Iranian refugee from Mill Park, said she came to Australia in 2013 because of the lack of freedom and safety for women in Iran. “It breaks my heart that I have not been able to see my mother for 10 years. Without permanent visas, my children will never be able to meet their grandmother,” she said. “We all have such pain in our hearts. Without permanent visas, none of the 10,000 can ever be reunited with family overseas. We worry every day about whether we will see them again. “Our three beautiful children were born in Australia but they don’t have access to Medicare. My 4-year-old twins don’t even have bridging visas and can’t attend childcare.” Harini said she had a message for Andrew Giles. “We were forced to flee our countries… I have come to call Australia home, and I don’t want to be separated from this country. I want to belong here,” she said. “This has become our country, we have friends and families and we’re a part of this community. Why does he not see that? “I want him to step into our shoes for a minute… It just takes him one signature to change all our lives.” Andrew Giles was contacted for comment. Below: The 22 women pictured with Senator Janet Rice, Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele O’Neil, HACSU state secretary Paul Healey and Human Rights Law Centre acting director Sanmati Verma.
BUSINESS IN FOCUS
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Kyneton on the Riverside, built for an idyllic lifestyle In the heart of Kyneton, where the Campaspe River meanders gracefully through historic landscapes, a vibrant community is flourishing - Kyneton on the Riverside (KOR). Suzana Bojkovski, marketing manager at KOR, expresses her excitement as the KOR vision comes to life with more new homeowners moving into the community. Kyneton, known for its historical significance, now stands as a testament to a blend of country living and modern convenience.
The allure of Kyneton lies in its sought-after location, offering country living without sacrificing proximity to essential amenities such as schools, shops, hospital, and more. Ms Bojkovski highlights the most recent Village Green Release, Stage 10, which has only has 5 lots remaining. The Stage 11 Postmaster Release introduces generously sized lots that provide direct access to the Kyneton train station. This not only enhances the community’s connectivity but also offers an easy commute
to Melbourne or Bendigo, a feature that undoubtedly adds to the appeal. “The remaining lots in Stage 10 and 11 present an opportunity to become a part of this thriving community” said Ms Bojkovski. Residents new to KOR are embracing Kyneton for its strong local community and for its art and culinary offerings. Ms Bojkovski notes, “Residents love Kyneton for its strong local community, good food, and how easy it was to settle in.“ It’s a testament to the welcoming
atmosphere that permeates Kyneton, making it a place where newcomers seamlessly become part of the fabric of the town. As the vision of KOR continues to unfold, it invites you to be a part of the story. Whether you explore the charm of the historic town or savor the conveniences of contemporary living, KOR promises anew lifestyle. For those eager to explore the possibilities that Kyneton on Riverside offers, visit kynetononriverside.com.au.
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Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13
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Rhino opens wide for check-up ‘‘ Stress-free dental checks are a humungous success at Werribee Open Range Zoo with Kifaru the Southern white rhino mastering the skill of voluntarily opening his mouth. Responding to verbal cues and a tasty treat, the 14-year-old male presents rows of large, impressive teeth for keepers and veterinarians to easily and safely monitor his oral health. Werribee Open Range Zoo Savannah keeper Resistance Manyepera said that it’s a huge healthcare achievement to be able to check his teeth and gums without any anaesthetic required. “The first thing we do is ask Kifaru to enter a behind-the-scenes training area that is purpose-built to ensure both the animals’ and keepers’ safety,” he said. “We then ask him to touch a target, before the clicker sounds and he opens his mouth for some tasty hay and pellets. “Kifaru is able to leave at any time which aligns with our ethos of choice and control for the animals.” As herbivores, Southern white Rhinos have a distinctive flat, broad mouth and large teeth designed for grazing short grasses on the savannah. My Manyepera said Kifaru’s curious and calm personality really shines through during his open-mouth training sessions. “Kifaru is a fast learner and enthusiastically participates in his own healthcare,” he said. “He voluntarily keeps his mouth open for
Kifaru is able to leave at any time which aligns with our ethos of choice and control for the animals
’’
- Resistance Manyepera
Male Southern White Rhinoceros, Kifaru. (Jo Howell)
a few seconds while we check for fractures, decay or any medical issues, which is an incredible achievement in under a year. “He has also been trained to participate in voluntary blood draws from his ear and injections in his foot.” Animals of all shapes and sizes are participating in the open-mouth training
program at Werribee Open Range Zoo –from large animals such as giraffes and gorillas, to smaller species including monkeys, meerkats, reptiles and tortoises. The animal training program is a Zoos Victoria-wide initiative that also occurs at Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park.
There are fewer than 20,000 Southern White Rhinoceros remaining in the wild with populations under serious threat from illegal poaching and habitat destruction. The rhinos at Werribee Open Range Zoo form part of a regional breeding program to maintain an insurance population in the fight against extinction.
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MY PLACE Sixth generation Sunbury resident and ABC journalist turned author, Erina Reddan, chats to Zoe Moffatt about living in Diggers Rest and Sunbury and her new book. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do? I am a Walkley Award-winning ex ABC foreign correspondent who now writes crime novels. What’s your connection to Diggers Rest? My family on both sides have lived here for six generations. I grew up on a farm between Diggers Rest and Bulla and after living in Sydney for over 12 years and travelling the world as a foreign correspondent, when we had our two kids we decided to bring them up here. What do you like about where you live? I love its old wineries and bluestone buildings, its bike paths and cafes. How many small towns get a book shop and a cinema? We’re so lucky. What, if anything, would you change about where you live? I do not like the cranky magpie that is a terrible swooper, just outside our gate in spring. I’d also love to have a kind of culture club in Sunbury where artists, musicians, writers and people who are interested in story telling can get together. Where is your favourite local place to spend time? The bush along Deep Creek up past the Wetlands. Pure Magic. Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you? I was the only Australian journalist invited to the nuclear test site just minutes after a nuclear bomb was detonated in Muroroa, French Polynesia.
Author Erina Reddan with her book. (Damjan Janevski) 371085_01
Your book, Deep in the Forest, is now available in bookshops. Tell us about it and your writing journey? Deep in the Forest is all about secrets, lies and cults. Charli is an ostracised young woman, desperate to get out of Stone Lake, an imagined town in the Victorian highlands, but before she can leave, she gets this cryptic message
14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 November, 2023
from somebody who lives behind the locked gates of The Sanctuary, a local closed religious community nestled in the forest. The town’s people love The Sanctuary because its organic produce and artisanal furniture bring a lot of tourists into the town when so many rural towns are dying. But the message leads to Charli making a grisly discovery. Being an outsider, Charli’s an
easy target to frame so she has to do her own investigation into what has really happened, uncovering dark and terrible secrets. She ends up not only happening to prove her innocence but running from a fate worse than death. Deep in the Forest was inspired by a local religious community in the Macedon Ranges. It’s a book with a lot of twists and turns with a shocking conclusion that nobody sees coming.
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NEWS
Ambulance wait times improve By Liam McNally Ambulance wait times have come down in recent months for Melton and Moorabool residents, however they are still trailing behind state averages, according to the latest data from Ambulance Victoria. Ambulance Victoria aims to respond to 85 per cent of code one incidents within 15 minutes. Between July and September this year, 50.7 per cent of the 566 code one incidents in Moorabool were responded to within 15 minutes, and the average wait time was 18.13
minutes. This is an improvement on the previous quarter in which 45.1 per cent of incidents were responded to within 15 minutes, but the average wait time had increased from 17.41. In Melton, there were 3005 incidents between July and September, making it the seventh busiest in Victoria. Of those incidents, 57.2 per cent of incidents were responded to within 15 minutes and the average wait was 16.40. The number of code one cases responded to within 15 minutes in Melton improved having been 51.4 per cent in the previous quarter,
while the average wait time also improved from 17.45 minutes in the previous quarter. Ambulance Victoria metropolitan regional and clinical operations director Narelle Capp said despite high demand, it’s positive that ambulances arrived at ‘lights and sirens’ cases across the state arrived faster than the previous quarter. State wide, the percentage of code one cases responded to within 15 minutes went from 61.7 per cent to 66 per cent. “We are proud of our hardworking paramedics and it’s great to see performance improving in Melton and Moorabool
following unprecedented pressures on the health system due to COVID-19,” she said. “It is also great to see people in Melton and Moorabool embracing the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) for non-urgent cases to avoid unnecessary trips to our emergency departments.” Response times are influenced by many factors including traffic, road and weather conditions, distance required to travel, availability of ambulances and demand for our services.
Campaign to end gendered violence
Melton Christian College student George. (Shawn Smits)
Students’ Ascent into the art world An exhibition showcasing some of Melton’s top young creatives has launched at Caroline Springs Gallery. Ascent 2023 was launched on November 23 and will run until December 18. Ascent profiles 25 emerging artists at the year 10 level working across drawing, painting, ceramics, mixed media and photography. The annual exhibition provides arts industry experience to young artists and encourages the leap into future studies and career pathways in the arts. This year’s exhibition includes works from students of five Melton schools - Catholic Regional College, Lakeview Senior College,
Melton Christian College, Melton Secondary College and Springside West Secondary College. Melton Secondary College student Akwak created a portrait of dance and singer Lee Know using pencil and graphic fine liner on paper for the exhibition. Akwak said she was shocked, honoured and confused to learn her work would be exhibited. “I didn’t understand why one of my artworks had been chosen but I was so proud of myself and have the motivation to keep creating more,” she said. Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs
student Alyssa’s piece Systematic Oppression explores the issue of global hierarchies and the suppression of women within them through an appropriation of a piece by photographer Tommy Ingburg . “To be able to showcase my photograph in a community setting means a lot to me as I have hope that young girls and women will view it and be able to reflect on my message. I hope that it will influence them and can bring them confidence for their future,” she said. Details: https://www.melton.vic.gov. au/Out-n-About/Ar ts-cu lture-heritage/ A r t-E x h ibit ion s/Cu r rent- e x h ibit ion s/ Ascent-2023
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign, which aims aims to end violence against women and girls around the world, began on Saturday, November 25. The campaign started on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on December 10, which marks Human Rights Day. Melton council is a supporter of the campaign began their activism events by supporting ‘Walk With Her’ on Sunday, November 26. On Friday, December 8 Caroline Springs library will host an author talk with Danielle Scrimshaw about her book She and her Pretty Friend. On December 10, Zonta Melton and the Melton Centrals women’s cricket team are holding the UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls event. Spectators are invited to wear orange and watch the women’s cricket teams play at Reynolds Place Cricket Ground from 1pm. The Orange Ladies campaign is also running - the ladies will be dotted around the Melton and Caroline Springs to spread awareness of the 16 Days of Activism. Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik encouraged everyone to get involved in the events planned and help create a respectful and supportive culture for all people in Melton. “Violence is not okay. Let’s challenge the attitudes that allow family violence to exist by calling out comments or behaviour that is disrespectful towards women,” she said.
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Seedling milestone celebrated Landscape restoration organisation Grow West is celebrating two decades of work, and the planting of 1.4 million seedlings in Melbourne’s west. In 2003, Grow West began working toward its vision to rejuvenate 10,000 hectares of land by connecting the Brisbane Ranges National Park, Werribee Gorge State Park and Lerderderg State Park through a mosaic of restoration works on private property. Now hosted by Melbourne Water as the region’s Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Grow West has stayed true to its vision
– working together to create productive and healthy landscapes in the west. In its 20th year, 1.4 million seedlings have been planted, more than 2500 hectares of land have been revegetated, 18 community planting days have been staged and it’s engaged with more 3000 committed volunteers. Grow West implementation committee chair Justin Horne said he’s proud of the relationships formed and the work undertaken to improve the land. “A lot of passionate and engaged people have worked with Grow West over 20 years to achieve a wide range of very
positive environmental results,” he said. “I’m particularly proud of the sense of community between landowners and Government staff that we’ve been able to cultivate. “Grow West would not have been the success that it is without the strength of relationships, with so much of this due to the great work done by Grow West coordinators over the years.” To complement its rejuvenation work Grow West’s long term focus is to also reduce the spread of noxious weeds and pest animals by educating landholders on sustainable land management
approaches, protect profitable farming land, reduce erosion and improve local services. Looking ahead, Mr Horne said Grow West intends to increase their engagement and continue building relationships with Wurundjeri and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. Grow West is a partnership between Moorabool and Melton councils, Moorabool Landcare Network, Southern Rural Water, Greater Western Water, Parks Victoria, the state government and Melbourne Water – the Catchment Management Authority.
Money to help Vic veterans
A recent Moonlite Theatre production. (Provided)
A morning with Moonlite Theatre Moonlite Theatre and Moorabool council are teaming up for a BaccChat event on Saturday, December 2. From 10am-noon guests are invited to a morning of play readings, songs, improvisation and morning tea for all ages. Moonlite Theatre is an amateur theatre group that began in 2017 and takes its name from one of Bacchus Marsh’s most infamous residents the 1860s, bushranger Andrew George Scott or, Captain Moonlite. The group will be performing two radio plays written by a Melton playwright Alex
McMurray, titled No Business Like... It’’s all relative and No Business Like... Strike While the iron is hot. The cast will also do some live improvisation, which will allow for audience participation. Theatre vice-president Tim Hawthorne said the event is a positive opportunity to show the value of having an amateur theatre company in the Bacchus Marsh and Melton community. “We are excited to be part of BaccChat, it is a mainstay in our event calendar each year,” he said. Moonlite Theatre typically perform two shows a year outside BaccChat. Mr Hawthorne
said the group is limited in the plays they can produce due to only having a small pool of actors to call upon. “We will encourage anyone, regardless of experience but with a passion for theatre, to come down to BaccChat to discuss how you can get involved with our group or follow us,” he said. “We are always looking for new actors/ actresses, directors, playwrights, front of house, backstage, sound and light technicians.” D e t a i l s : ht t p s : //w w w. f a c e b o ok .c om / moonlitetheatre/
The state government is honouring the service and sacrifice of veterans in Victoria, including Melton and Moorabool, with new grant programs to make sure veterans receive the support they deserve. The veterans capital works program gives local organisations funding to upgrade their buildings and facilities, for Victoria’s veterans. Interested organisations can apply for grants from $5000 to $50,000 for projects that can be completed within a year. The Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour program provides grants of up to $30,000 for projects that restore community war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour and closes on January 29. Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman announced applications are open for two grant programs to fund building and facility upgrades for community organisations. “These grants provide organisations with support for their work honouring and supporting the veteran community and deliver meaningful projects right across the State,” she said. Ms Suleyman also announced the recipients of the The Anzac Day Proceeds Fund and the Victoria Remembers grant program which supported 19 organisations and 27 projects respectively. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the funding will help ensure we continue to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of the veteran community in Melton and across the state.
See the Legends in Concert... on us! The original, largest and widely regarded as the world’s greatest live celebrity tribute show, Legends in Concert is returning to The Palms at Crown Melbourne in January 2024.
The Legends in Concert tribute artists will sing with pitch-perfect live vocals on The Palms stage at Crown Melbourne as they portray Freddie Mercury, Cher, Adele, Elvis Presley, Jon Bon Jovi, Elton John & Shania Twain.
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Direct from Las Vegas, this internationally acclaimed production takes audiences on an electrifying journey through the songbooks of some of music’s most legendary superstar singers with world-renowned tribute artists, a live band, talented singers and dancers, lavish multimedia theatrical sets and authentic costumes.
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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
Chatty Cafe Melton Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton. ■ https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331
Women’s Support Group Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help ■ Caroline Springs Rotary
The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm. ■ rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
Melton Ladies Probus Meets from 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Melton Country Club on Reserve Road, Melton. All visitors are welcome. ■ Dianne, 9743 7446
The Gap on Graham
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of MaryJane Amos who was awarded a scholarship to help her business, Muvebox - a sustainable alternative to cardboard moving boxes. (Damjan Janevski) 374073_01
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
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 Men’s Group
Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club
Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8pm 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 are welcome. ■ Helen, 0409 186 576
Melton Friendship Group Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734
New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience. ■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119, or 0400 052 857
Marsh. Guest speakers and supper provided. Yearly membership $15. New members welcome. ■ Michelle, 0421 106 268
Melton Cycling Club
Community Band
The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome. ■ Ann, 0425 705 150
Melton 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
The Greater Western Community Band holds rehearsals on Thursdays, 7.30-9.30pm, at Blackwood Drive Hall, Melton South. The group welcomes musicians young and old to come along and join in with the band. Also available to perform at events and festivals. ■ Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582
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 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am. ■ Val, 0418 667 150
Over 50s Social Group
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
The Rotary Club of Melton invites new guests to join its meetings, held on the first and third Tuesday of every month, 6pm at Tabcorp Park, Melton. ■ meltonrotary@gmail.com
Melton Trauma Teddies Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need. ■ Jean, 0412 931 498
BusyFeet is a dance and movement class for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. Classes create a fun and inclusive environment for kids aged six to 16 to try new things and build social skills, as well as giving a chance for parents’ respite. It’s held from 11am-11.45am Saturday mornings. ■ Ross, 0411 228 311
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
Garden Club
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.
The Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month except January, from 7.30pm, at The Laurels, 229 Main Street, Bacchus
Sunrise Social Groups
Melton Bridge Club The Melton Bridge Club has 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
BusyFeet Hillside
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/
Melton Combined Probus Club
A friendly group of people aged 50 and older who enjoy each other’s company while attending events and outings such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you. ■ Marlene, 0498 329 290
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/
Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19
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
2
5 9 4 3 1 3 7 1 6 2 9 3 2 4 6 7 5 8 3 2 4 5 1 9 5 3 6 7 9 4 medium
8 2 3 4 9 2 3 6 3 2 2 4 6 9 1 6 9 7 2 8 5 3 4 8 9 6 2 1 6 8
QUICK CROSSWORD
Defeat (9) External forms of something (6) Copies data (9) Pink, wriggly creature that lives in soil (9) Express regrets (9) Official collection of data on a population (6) Jail (6) Machine for shaping wood (5) Fad (5) Pacifier (5)
8 10
ACROSS Plague insect (6) Coffee (8) Open shoes (7) Engine (7) Direction (11) Hormonal disease (8) Circumvent (5) H2O (5) Valuable hand-me-down (8) Keyboard instrument (11) Creates (7) Athletic ground (7) Extremely hot (8) Cure (6)
1 4 9 11 12 13 15 18 19 22 25 26 27 28
No. 161
13 14 16 17 20 21 23 24
DOWN Looped rope (5) Close friend (9) Country (5) Apex (6) Storyteller (9) Seasoning (5)
1 2 3 5 6 7
DECODER
No. 161
hard
8 7 7 5 6
2
1
8 4 8
8
9
10 11 12 13
22
23
24
25
26
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 25 words: Very good
N
E
* ( < 6 ( 5 6
ARENA CANON CELLO COCOA COMAS CORDS DENIM DOUSE DRONE ELUDE ENTER IDEAL INCUR ITEMS MEDAL MELTS NAVEL NOVEL OKING PACED
4 LETTERS DAIS DASH DISC EYES HATS SICS STEP STOW TSAR WRAP 5 LETTERS ABIDE ACIDS ADULT ALIBI AORTA AREAS
QUICK QUIZ
1
2
NOTE: more than one solution may be possible
3
R E A S
20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 November, 2023
Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.
H E S S O R T A A R E S
Y
No. 161
A
A
3 LETTERS ACE ALL APT ARE ASH ASK BAD BAN CAR CAT DNA EBB END GNP HIM ODE RUE TNT TOO USE WOK YEN PASSE PAVED RISEN ROSES SAGAS SCABS SELLS SENSE SLABS SLEWS SMEAR STEAM SWATS TONNE TRADE TREAT TURNS UNCUT URGES WADED
INGRAIN PATTERN VERSING
WASTE WATER 6 LETTERS ACUMEN CEASES NEARER RIGOUR SCORER SNIPES 7 LETTERS DIARIES GEYSERS GIRDERS
8 LETTERS ALLERGIC AROMATIC VENERATE VETERANS 10 LETTERS PRECEDENTS ROTISSERIE
01-12-23
D D L Y
S
S
O
R
O
No. 161
condense, CONDENSED, cone, coned, cones, conned, cons, dense, descend, done, donee, donned, dons, encode, encoded, encodes, ended, ends, need, needs, neon, node, nonce, none, nose, nosed, once, scene, scone, second, seconded, seen, send, sodden
2 4 3 9 5 6 8 7 1 8 1 9 3 4 7 2 5 6 7 6 5 2 8 1 4 3 9 3 9 4 7 6 8 1 2 5 6 8 1 5 3 2 7 9 4 5 7 2 4 1 9 3 6 8 4 3 7 8 9 5 6 1 2 9 2 6 1 7 4 5 8 3 1 5 8 6 2 3 9 4 7
T
C
C A C
8 1 3 2 4 6 5 9 7 6 2 7 8 9 5 4 3 1 9 4 5 3 7 1 6 8 2 7 6 1 9 5 8 3 2 4 3 9 2 4 6 7 8 1 5 4 5 8 1 2 3 9 7 6 2 8 4 5 1 9 7 6 3 5 3 6 7 8 2 1 4 9 1 7 9 6 3 4 2 5 8
5 1 8 6 2 9 4 7 3 4 9 2 3 7 1 5 8 6 6 3 7 8 4 5 2 9 1 2 4 3 5 8 6 7 1 9 7 8 1 9 3 2 6 4 5 9 5 6 7 1 4 3 2 8 8 6 5 2 9 7 1 3 4 3 7 4 1 5 8 9 6 2 1 2 9 4 6 3 8 5 7
S
D
N D
E
1
E
Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
D
21
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”.
34 words: Excellent
hard
R
20
medium
O
19
9-LETTER WORD
4
easy
O
7
S U
1 5
C
6
18
5
C
5
17
4
5x5
4
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
3
9 2 1 5 8 2
3
XQ T J D K A R H L Y Z G
3 6
2
E P O F I N V WM B C S U
6
16
9
15
5
14
4
WORDFIT
4 5
Pedro Pascal (pictured) and Bella Ramsey star in which TV series adapted from a video game? What are the two ingredients that form the Italian cheese burrata? Who is the captain of the Port Adelaide Football Club? Which radio station hosts the annual Hottest 100? Who won the 2022 Australian Open Men’s singles title?
What is the heaviest bird in Australia, weighing up to 76 kilograms? 7 The Great Sphinx of Giza has the head of a human and the body of a what? 8 Who plays Saul Goodman in the TV series Breaking Bad? 9 For which US state did Kamala Harris serve as attorney general? 10 In which year was the luxury sunglasses company Ray Bans first released? 6
ANSWERS: 1. The Last of Us 2. Mozzarella and cream 3. Tom Jonas 4. Triple J 5. Rafael Nadal 6. The cassowary 7. A lion 8. Bob Odenkirk 9. California 10. 1937
No. 161
6 & $ % 6 : $ ' ( ' 6 : $ 7 6 $ / , % , & 2 & 2 $ 0 ( ' $ / ( / 8 ' ( 6 / $ % 6 2 . , 1 * $ / / : $ 7 ( 5 & $ 5 ' 1 $ & ( $ 6 ( 6 5 2 7 , 6 6 ( 5 , ( 7 . * ( < 6 ( 5 6 3 $ & ( ' 5 , 6 ( 1 + $ 7 6 $ 5 2 0 $ 7 , & 6 , & 6 5 8 ( 3 $ 7 7 ( 5 1 9 ( 5 6 , 1 * ( 1 ' 6 7 2: 9 ( 7 ( 5 $ 1 6 ' $ 6 + 8 5 * ( 6 3 $ 6 6 ( , 1 * 5 $ , 1 < ' $ & 8 0 ( 1 3 5 ( & ( ' ( 1 7 6 $ 3 7 ' 5 2 1 ( $ 5 ( % $ 1 , 1 & 8 5 6 7 ( $ 0 1 2 9 ( / $ 2 5 7 $ , ' ( $ / ' 2 8 6 ( 5 2 6 ( 6 0 ( / 7 6 ( 1 7 ( 5
SUDOKU
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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V Trades Business Profile
V Fencing & Gates
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Flawless Fencing Colorbond, Timber, Pool Fences, Gates and Retaining Walls. Call Jarrod for a free quote
Gates & Pergolas Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739
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AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING
Lou’s
REPAIR, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATIONS
JAD COOLING AND HEATING $2800 0425 804 593 or 0425 876 176 AU 21094 Lic 42666 jadhc@live.com.au
Lou 0412
Fencing
Pergolas Gates & 9 3 1 3 9 73 Tony 043 5 4 4 9 33
F & J ROLLER DOORS REPAIRS & REMOTES Roller Door Remote Controls Silent Drive 7 Year Warranty FROM $500 fully installed
9746 7785
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AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / Hedge Trimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals • Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning
Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days
General Notices
KS Heating & Cooling
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Services • Repairs • Maintenance Over 30 years experience, All types of Air Con, Evap Cooler & Gas Heating System AU31693
V Reblocking/Underpinning
Call 0430 332 368
Call 1300 666 808
MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
G6425413AA-dc5Nov
Reg No 8659
12459914-SN36-20
V Antennas
V Bathroom & Kitchens
SAME DAY TV ANTENNA SERVICE • 40 Years Family FR Owned & Operated QUO EE TES • 25 Year Warranty • Senior/Pensioner Discount #1 in MELTON
FAST FRIENDLY EFFICIENT Phone 7am-8pm | installmyantenna.com.au
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Brimbank & North West Star Weekly
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· Plumbing · Tiling · Electrical · Carpentry · Plastering · One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. · Complete service from start to finish, including kitchen 3D design. · Appliance packages available. · Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom.
12499953-AV25-21
Showroom by appointment only Free Quotes & Mobile Ensuite Hire. terms & conditions apply Please note that we specialise in renovations - we do not do repairs or maintenance
ROSSCO ENGINEERING AND SALES
8348 5441
All Types of Bricklaying Restoration Work Brick Fences Repair Work
Contact Adam 0422 250 675
The best Reblocking & Underpinning
- Manufacturing - Metals - Engineering On Site - Hydraulic Hoses & Fittings - Powder Coating - Sand Blasting - Custom Fabrication - Welding - Steel Sales - Engineering Supplies 1229835-ACM22-16
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V Engineering
www.topedgekitchens.com.au
• Full Insurance • Building permit supplied • Pump to be used • 100% Computer leveling • Since 1999
Call Sam for a Free Quote
9324 8575 or 0409 237 487 extremereblocking@outlook.com
13 Reddrop St, Bacchus Marsh PH: 5367 1141 AH: 0418 301 841
V Tree Lopping/Surgery
MELTON TREE & STUMP REMOVALS
www.rosscoengineering.com.au
“Your Local Tree & Stump Removalist” • Fully Insured Tree Lopping • Mulching & Stump Grinding
Employment
Andrew for a Free Quote 0421 836 152
section of Network Classifieds.
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G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14
EXTREME REBLOCKING
Phone 0401 005 760
12418345-SN21-19
0499 929 222 0401 013 153
PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193
Specialising in ✔ Pergolas and deckings ✔ Fencing ✔ Framing ✔ Home Renovations Free Quotes
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TD CARPENTRY
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12642070-ET42-23
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Lou’s Colorbond Fencing
12639993-HC41-23
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12402755-RA44-18
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(include your name, address and phone number)
Deadline for all classifications is 1:30pm Monday.
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12621309-AP29-23
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29 .00
• All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication. • After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear. • The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item. • Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer. • The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.
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Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21
SPORTS QUIZ 1. What is the mostwatched sport in the US?
4. Emma Kearney plays for which AFLW team?
2. Founded in Germany, the IRF is the international federation for which sport?
5. Why are hockey pucks frozen before games?
13. In what year did David Beckham retire from soccer? 14. Who is the current captain of the Gold Coast Suns?
6. At the Cricket World Cup, Virat Kohli broke the record for most ODI centuries; who previously held the record?
3. The Tour Down Under is a cycling race that takes place in which Australian state?
15. LA King Jordan Spence is the first ice hockey player with what citizenship to play in the NHL? 16. Controversially, who won the 2019 Cricket World Cup final?
7. Name the first Australian to play in the NBA. 8. Ginga is the name of the rhythmic sidestepping footwork in which martial art? 9.
17. And why was it controversial?
19. The Jillaroos are which Australian sports team?
21. How many times has Australia won the Men’s Cricket World Cup?
29. For how many NBA games was Draymond Green suspended, for a recent incident involving Rudy Gobert?
27. From May 2020 until November 2023, Hamish McLennan served as chairman of which national sport governing body?
23. Which bowler took the most wickets for Australia in the 2023 Cricket World Cup final?
12. Travis Head is from which Australian city?
28. Jacob Jackomas most recently coached which NBL team?
30. In which boxing weight division are Dylan Biggs and Nikita Tszyu set to compete for an Australian national title?
26. What year is Football Australia’s recentlyannounced National Second Division set to kick off in?
22. Which batsman topscored for Australia in the Men’‚s 2023 Cricket World Cup final?
1. American Football 2. Rafting 3. South Australia 4. North Melbourne 5. To reduce bounce 6. Sachin Tendulkar 7. Luc Longley 8. Capoeira 9. Right foot 10. Aaron Cadman, GWS 11. Three 12. Adelaide 13. 2013 14. Jarrod Witts 15. Japanese citizenship 16. England 17. The winner was decided by the boundary count-back rule after a tie 18. Senators 19. Women’s rugby league 20. 1999 21. Six 22. Travis Head (137 runs) 23. Mitchell Starc (three wickets) 24. Harley Reid 25. 7-0 26. 2025 27. Rugby Australia 28. Illawarra Hawks 29. Five 30. Super welterweight
General Classifieds V
Public Notices and Event
PROPOSED 5G UPGRADE TO EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION
SUBURB STREET
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HANNAH WATTS PARK FOR CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
1. The proposed works include the addition of new 4G & 5G equipment and associated works including the replacement of 3 existing 4G antennas (less than 2.8m long) mounted to the monopole; the replacement of the existing remote radio units (RRUs) with 9 new RRUs mounted behind the panel antennas; and ancillary equipment including but not limited to GPS antenna, mast head amplifiers, deplixers, combiners, antenna mounts, cable trays, fibre and electrical cabling necessary for the operation or proper functioning of the low-impact facility.
Carols by Candlelight will be held on Saturday 2 December Hannah Watts carpark will be closed from 7am Friday 1 December
Adult Services
Rainbow Club $110/ 30mins Open 7 days
V
V
SWA6566B
48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 0468 693 833 Beauty Services
Hair up & makeup $80 Massage $60 per hour Jacuzzi & Sauna $30pp includes refreshments 2hr sessions. Children under 6 free M: 0497 677 931 www.stylecutsalon.com
22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 November, 2023
12640413-HC41-23
Style Cut Salon
$
CALL 1300 666 808
6cm (H) x 3cm (W)
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Employment V
Pets & Services
ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
NEED
Positions Vacant
BD Truck Driver
We are a medium family owned business in the Western Suburbs, looking for BD Drivers with RefrigV Massage eration experience. Our Therapists company run the Eastern ADVERTISERS, in this sec- Sea Board and specialise tion are qualified practi- in produce and offer great tioners and offer non- working conditions. Contact: Tony sexual services. 0418 579 356 RELAXATION MASSAGE 7 days, 10am - 8pm. St V Professional Albans. Phone 0458 891 066 or 0438 842 866.
12423634-SN31-19
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12653284-HC48-23
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Advertise your GARAGE SALE here
General Classifieds
12652832-AI48-23
4.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: Reinier Hanekom (Plan Consult Town Planning), 07 5430 6632, Suit 6-10, 28 Eenie Crk Road, Noosaville, 4566 or info@planconsult.com.au by 5 pm on 14/12/23.
For further information visit melton.vic.gov.au/carols
12651743-KG48-23
The carpark, rotundas and BBQ’s will reopen from midday Sunday 3 December
HAVING A CLEAN UP OR DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME?
or email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
Rotundas and BBQ will be closed from 1pm Saturday 2 December
2. Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above. 3. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. An EME Report and further information can be obtained at www.rfnsa.com.au/3813003.
ADDRESS
DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.
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Motoring V
Wrecking
FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive
12321532-HM36-16
Address: Monopole - 273 Gisborne-Melton Rd, Toolern Vale 3337 (1\PS411317) Reference: M2129 Gisborne South
CALL:
Garage Sales
12565959-HC35-22
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Public Notices and Event
12644936-SM44-23
General Notices V
25. By what scoreline did Australia defeat Bangladesh in their recent World Cup qualifier?
20. When did Serena Williams win her first singles title?
11. An albatross in golf is how many strokes under par?
David Beckham
24. Which young footballer did West Coast select with the number one pick in the 2023 AFL draft?
18. What is the nickname of Ottawa’s NHL team?
In board sports, does someone who is goofy-footed lead with their left or right foot? 10. Who was the number one draft pick at the 2022 NAB AFL draft, and which team did he go to?
0112
Serena Williams
LMCT 10268W
7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on
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It’s a case of carry on, Corolla By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring When the first Corolla made landfall in Australia in 1966, few people would have predicted half a century later the tiny vehicle, through sedan, hatch and wagon, becoming the world’s most popular car. Former Toyota Australia executive Rex Gilham, one of the men responsible for bringing Corollas Down Under, says just 15 cars were in the first shipment in November 1966, the first vehicles to be exported from Japan. These went on sale in 1967. A year later, first locally produced models left Australian Motor Industries’ plant in Port Melbourne, which previously had built Standard Triumph and Mercedes-Benz vehicles among others. Now, along comes a Cross version, a family-friendly small SUV squatting alongside the C-HR between the smaller Yaris Cross and family favourite RAV4. The all-new Corolla Cross comes to market in three grades – GX, GXL, and Atmos – in petrol and petrol/electric hybrid and two- or all-wheel drive. Prices open at $33,000 for the GX petrol 2WD, with hybrid adding $2500. Then comes three GLXs in petrol and hybrid in two- or all-wheel drive and on to range-topping Atmos, again in petrol and hybrid, signing off at $49,050. All totals are without on-road costs. On test was the GX hybrid at $35,500, which like all Corolla Crosses, is the first Toyota in Australia to feature the new-generation Toyota multimedia system. The Corolla Cross is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage, which offers up to five years unlimited kilometre coverage extending to seven-years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000 km and each 12-month/15,000 km service costing $230.
Something old, something new, there’s no stopping the latest Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. (Pictures: Supplied)
Styling The GX is distinguished on the outside by 17-inch alloy wheels, LED head and tail-lights, automatic high beam, daytime running lights, heated and auto retractable door mirrors and a shark fin antenna. Character lines flow from the bonnet to the taillights. Black wheel arch and sill mouldings denote the vehicle’s SUV intent with a hatch-top spoiler adding a sporty look. The trapezoidal radiator grille is repeated at the rear with the taillight shape, while the rear fenders present a flared and tapered look, not least to the narrowed roofline and shape of the tailgate around the numberplate. A two-tone black-and-silver bumper completes the rear end.
AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Corolla Cross GX Petrol: $33,000 Corolla Cross GX Hybrid 2WD: $35,500 Corolla Cross GXL Petrol: $36,750 Corolla Cross GXL Hybrid 2WD: $39,250
Interior The Corolla Cross cabin mostly mirrors the Corolla hatch and sedan, with a roomier and airier space that retains the sharp styling and convenient layout of its siblings. The GX comes standard with automatic climate control, a 7-inch digital multi-information display, electric park brake, smart entry and start, fabric seats, 60:40 split-folding rear seats and a luggage cover. The interior offers a wide, spacious feel, thanks to extra headroom and greater vision of the Corolla Cross. Compared to the sedan, the eye level for drivers sits 130mm higher, allowing for excellent visibility all round. An extra 43mm of front headroom is available compared to the sedan, with an additional 81mm for rear passengers. Corolla Cross offers 436 litres of boot space with the rear seat-backs in place in GX and GXL petrol models. For Atmos petrol, and GX and GXL 2WD hybrid, rear boot space is slightly less at 425 litres.
Corolla Cross GXL Hybrid AWD: $42,250 Corolla Cross Atmos Petrol: $43,550
Through the myToyota Connect app, owners can undertake such things as remotely checking the status of the doors and lights, access information such as the vehicle’s last known location and recent trips, or start the engine or climate control. The first 12 months are complimentary, thereafter a basic connection fee of $9.95 a month or $12.50 including multi-media functions.
Engines/transmissions Hybrid 2WD versions of the Corolla Cross employ a 2-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine teamed with an electric motor on the front axle for a combined maximum power output of 146 kW. The all-wheel drives add a second electric motor on the rear axle, with consumption, according to Toyota, staying as low as 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test.
Infotainment The Corolla Cross is the first Toyota in Australia to feature the new-generation Toyota multimedia system. This can be controlled via an 8-inch touchscreen display or steering wheel controls, and offers wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio and quality sound reproduction from a six-speaker audio system.
Safety The upgraded Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features new technologies including lane change assist and safe exit assist. Eight airbags and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection adaptive cruise control including curve speed reduction, auto high-beam, lane
departure warning, lane keep assist and lane trace assist (centring), speed sign assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and reversing camera lead to a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Corolla Cross Atmos Hybrid 2WD: $46,050 Corolla Cross Atmos Hybrid AWD: $49,050 OPTION Premium paints $675 SPECIFICATIONS
Driving Family friendly fits the bill here. As mentioned above, driving the Corolla Cross compared to its sibling sedans and hatchbacks takes on a new level of comfort and convenience through extra cabin dimensions and cabin glass. Ease of handling at low speeds adds to the confidence of parking in small spaces. Pity about the absence of parking sensors and 360-degree camera. On the road, the Corolla Cross gets under way under electric power, the petrol motor cutting in to lend a hand with any load increase and to help charge the battery, the latter continues under deceleration and braking. Revving hard the motor is noisy. Mated with a CVT, there’s nothing spectacular, just a competent feel. Fuel consumption of the test GX, with help from only one electric motor, returned values of between 4.3 and 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres over a range of town-and country driving conditions. Needless to say, the maker claims the lower value on the combined urban/
Toyota Corolla Cross GX 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol / hybrid, CVT, RWD SUV
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.
highway cycle. The ride is comfortable and there is a lack of surprises in handling capability. The steering is light but accurate in pointing the car in the right direction.
Summary Issues such as the pandemic, semiconductor chip shortages, plus supply chain problems have stopped manufacturers like Toyota keeping cars flowing into Australia. The Corolla Cross is no exception, with wait times from six months for the 2WD petrol, extending to two years for the range-topping Atmos AWD Hybrid. It’s a far cry from the smooth Toyota terrain of the past, more’s the pity.
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Queensland powerhouse claims another title The Queenslanders have conquered Victoria for a second time at Group 1 level with exciting trotter Not As Promised and now they’re plotting a hit-and-run mission on our Trans-Tasman rivals. Trainer Graham Dwyer and driver Nathan Dawson combined for victory in Saturday night’s Breeders Crown final for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings, one of eight elite-level features on the blockbuster card of harness racing from Melton Entertainment Park. Last month’s Victoria Trotters Derby champion was given a great run in front by Dawson and easily outgunned his rivals in the dash home to win by nearly 9m on the line. While Dwyer was celebrating his third career Group 1, he was quick to pass the credit to 16-year-old son Layne who has been staying with the horse throughout his campaign down south. “I’m incredibly relieved and incredibly proud because I had to hand the reins over so to speak. I can’t be everywhere and my boy’s just done the best job with Dennis Grieve. It’s very, very satisfying,” he said. “He had to take responsibility – he has had good help as well – but he was a man doing the job and that’s what I wanted from him, so he’d grow himself. And he’s more than growing,
Not as Promised (Stuart McCormick)
he’s pulled it off.” Layne Dawson, who already has 30 winners to his name as a driver, will now partner his father across the ditch for Not As Promised’s shot at the New Zealand Trotting Derby on December 10.
“It’s been a very good few weeks, but there’s a lot of pressure and I’m just so glad to get it over and done with. We got the job done, which is the main thing,” Layne said. “New Zealand is next week and hopefully we can do the same there.”
Not As Promised has now won nine of 15 career starts for more than $100,000 in prizemoney. Dawson’s 381st winner this season was also the fifth Group 1 of his career. “He’s pretty casual and only does what he has to, but I thought I could outstay them and it was probably the best asset I had,” Dawson said. “It’s quite unexpected what he’s done, but I’m very grateful to be apart of it and let’s just keep having fun.” A short time later, Monegeetta trainer-driver David Miles produced a brilliant steer to help Rockinwithattitude claim a fourth Group 1 success in the Hyland Harness Colours Breeders Crown final for three-year-old trotting fillies. With Shesawish holding the front from gate one, Miles was able to dive in behind one of his main rivals and save the star daughter of Aldebaran Eagle for a shot along the sprint lane. And she simply exploded when given clear air in the home straight, charging clear as Miles raised the whip in glory to score by more than 10m over Shesawish and Shes Ruby Roo. Tim O’Connor
Father-son duo success
Major Delight’s connections (Stuart McCormick)
Delightful title defence By Tim O’Connor Major Delight once again showed her greatness with an outstanding performance to defend her Breeders Crown title at Melton on Saturday night. The star daughter of Bettors Delight completed a clean sweep of the pacing finals for trainer Emma Stewart when she sat parked to stablemate Joyful and charged clear of her in the home straight to win the showdown for three-year-old fillies. Mark Pitt has been the horse’s driver throughout her 19 career starts and struggled to add any more superlatives to the Major Delight conversation. “She ticks all the boxes and I can’t praise her any more than what she’s been praised,” Pitt said. “She can be very tricky and very unpredictable with the way she races, but she raced super tonight and when it was time to go, she meant business. “I just think the better horses she races, the better she will race herself too. I can’t wait for her to come back and bring on the next
season with her.” Major Delight has drawn comparisons to Ladies In Red for her amazing two and three-year-old seasons, and actually has a better career record than the millionaire mare after their back-to-back Breeders Crown triumphs. Owner-breeder Peter Gleeson’s pacer has now won 16 races, four Group 1s and almost $600,000 in prizemoney as she heads for a well-earned break. Earlier, Very Pretty overcame a flat tyre in the home straight to extend her unbeaten record to five starts with success in the Pebble Beach Breeders Crown final for two-year-old fillies. Pitt went straight to the front with the daughter of American Ideal and she never looked in any danger until Lux Aeterna clipped her wheel approaching the home straight. But, despite the blowout, Very Pretty had enough of a margin on her rivals and coasted home to score by over 4m. “She was super, especially with that fast 43 (second) lead time. It can take a lot out of these babies, but she showed us how good she
24 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 November, 2023
is,” Pitt said. New South Wales reinsman Luke McCarthy made a flying visit to Victoria and teamed up with Perfect Class to win the Woodlands Stud ‘Lather Up’ Breeders Crown final for three-year-old colts and geldings. An early mistake from favourite and stablemate Oliver Dan prompted some fireworks, with four different leaders inside the formative stages of the race. Perfect Class proved the last of those and from there was never headed on his way to victory over fellow peg-line runners Final Collect and Little Louie. David Moran and Timmy Rictor kick-started the Stewart-trained Quaddie when they found the front and sizzled home in a 55.2sec last half to beat Some American and The Bigboss. The result completed a flawless IRT Breeders Crown series for two-year-old colts and geldings, with the son of Modern Art winning his heat, semi-final and final throughout November.
Father-son trainer-driver duo John and Matt Newberry combined on Saturday night to win the Mimosa Homes Breeders Crown final for two-year-old trotting fillies. “We haven’t had to many horses over the years that are good enough to go to that grade and for it to be a real family affair, it’s really special for us in a lot of ways,” Matt, 29, said. “In a lot of ways it’s not just the fact that it’s a Group 1 but with everyone that’s involved. It’s very special.” The bond that Matt and his father have shared has been tested in the past, but being able to finally breakthrough in the $100,000 showdown is very special. “Dad and I have definitely had our moments over the year’s where we haven’t seen eye-to-eye,” he said. “At the end of the day he has always worked very very hard to try to keep the stable going as best as he possibly can to get the horse of this quality to race like that. “For us to have that opportunity to have a Group 1 winner together, It’s very special.” Nordic Reign started from a very favourable gate three giving Matt the opportunity to dictate terms. “I saw it panning out through the early stages, it turned out exactly how it did. She’s a lovely filly,” he said. “She is very well-mannered off the gate and good gate speed and I expected her to find the front very comfortably, which she did. “It was just going to be a case of if she was good enough from there once she found the top, she’d be extremely hard to beat. As it panned out, they weren’t able to get her in the end.” The Breeders Crown win moves Matt to 99 careers wins, while his 65-year-old dad John has trained over 500 winners through a long career in harness racing. Lachlan Mitchell
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Bilszta is tough under pressure Rosie Bilszta competes in a sport that is only fed into our lounge rooms every four years. The 15-year-old competes in artistic swimming, which is formerly known as synchronised swimming, and recently returned from Greece after competing in the 2023 FINA Youth Artistic Swimming Championships where Australia finished 14th out of 36 teams. “I was one of 12 selected to represent Australia following a series of training camps,” she said. “It was an amazing experience, one that I will build on to fulfil my dream of representing Australia at the Olympics.” Bilszta loved gymnastics, dance and swimming as a young girl growing up in West Footscray but wanted to try something different and fell in love with artistic swimming. She has an infectious tone and is full of passion for her sport. She said that it’s anything but easy. “Two girls in the championships had to be saved by pool lifeguards after getting into difficulty completing the routine,” she said. Like aerial skiers, artistic swimmers do most
of their training on land with a typical week consisting of four nights a week. All of the water routines are practiced on land. “We are then into the pool for two to three hours of rehearsal and practice,” Bilszta said. “Once in the water our warmup includes sprint training and then sync based routines called sculling, which is treading water and using your arms to stay afloat making figure eight patterns.” Bilszta’s strength is her strength with her role in the team to push or lift up the support swimmer with the performer on top of her. What she doesn’t tell you is for the whole routine her feet cannot touch the bottom of the pool. “If our feet touch the bottom of the pool we are immediately disqualified,” she said. “My body strength is required to push others up and out of the water.” Bilszta is part of a team based at Victoria University run by Anna Nepotacheva. Bilszta’s success has come off the back of some very hard work and undeniable talent. In the past two years alone, her team has won
state and national titles in the various forms of artistic swimming, including first place in the free routine 13-15 year old state championships earlier this year. “My aim is to represent Australia at an Olympic Games, whenever that might be,” she said. “The current Australian team consists of team members who range in age from 18 to 25.” Bilszta currently attends the Maribyrnong Sports Academy where her coaches work hand in hand with strength and conditioning staff at the college to help her develop her performances. The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bendigo Bank, the Deer Park Club, Medway Golf Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact wrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631. Peter Howe
Rosie Bilszta. (Supplied)
Thoroughbreds are primed for finals
Logan Morris (Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos)
Morris is heading north By Harper Sercombe Brisbane has added to its forward stocks securing the Western Jets’ Logan Morris at the AFL draft. The Lions picked up the dynamic forward with pick 31 of the draft on Tuesday night. “It’s pretty surreal to be finally on an AFL list, that’s something I’ve dreamt of my whole life and to finally be on one doesn’t feel real but it’s unbelievable,” he said. With the first round of the draft wrapping up on Monday night and Morris’ not selected after the 29 picks, it was a long wait in between rounds. Although he did have an inkling the Lions would pounce on him early. “Not going on the first night and then having to wait another 24 hours, it was the longest 24 hours of my life,” Morris said. “I didn’t get much sleep that night, but for it now to be finally over, it’s a big relief. “Going into the draft I knew the Lions were interested, with their first pick being early in the second round, it was on the table that they might pick me. “I didn’t really think anything of it until
they actually read my name and then it kind of felt real.” The Werribee Districts 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 displayed 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. Now with a move up north imminent he couldn’t be happier. “I’m super excited to be up there, I’ve already got my living sorted and all the boys have been getting around me and making me feel welcome, so I can’t wait,” he said. “We’re flying up on Tuesday and then we come back over the Christmas holidays, but we go up for a couple of weeks and get stuck into pre-season.” Morris will be moving in with fellow draftee and hybrid forward Luke Lloyd from the Sandringham Dragons.
The Lions have been the attacking powerhouse of the competition over the last few seasons, with superstar forwards such as Joe Daniher, Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood and former Western Jet Cameron Rayner. “To learn off the likes of Hipwood and Daniher, I’ll definitely learn a lot and it’s great to have such experienced forwards to learn off,” Morris said. “Cam Rayner sent me a text the other day, he was a Jets’ boy and he’s pretty keen that he’s got another Jets’ boy coming up, so I can’t wait to meet him and train with him. “I’ll be leaning on him for a bit of advice or if I’ve got any questions or anything, it’s good to have people like that at the club.” Brisbane national recruiting manager Stephen Conole said the club was pleased with securing Morris early in the second round. “Logan is a competitive young man who adds some versatility to our forward group,” Conole said. “He is a terrific contested player, strong mark, presents well and reads the drop of the ball well, and is a forward who can play high or deep.”
Melton Thoroughbreds men locked up their finals spot, while the Thoroughbreds women sealed a top two spot in the final round of the Country Basketball League north-west season. The men finished their season against the Macedon Ranges Rockies with both teams entering the final round hoping to lock in a final spot but it was the Thoroughbreds which came out on top and kept their hopes of back-to-back titles alive. The Thoroughbreds took an early lead and were able to take control of the game with a 29-10 second quarter. The second half was closer with the teams scoring the same amount of points to give the Thoroughbreds a 90-66 win. Milan Savic top scored with 21 points. The Thoroughbreds ended up finishing fourth and and will play the Mildura Heat for a spot in the grand final. The Bacchus Marsh Lions finished their season with a 120-82 win against the Echuca Pirates. Deng Kuol top scored with 41 points. The Lions finished in sixth spot. In the women’s competition, the Thoroughbreds finished with two massive wins. On Saturday night, the Thoroughbreds beat the Swan Hill Flyers, 118-38. The Thoroughbreds started off with a 30-7 first quarter and kept the momentum going throughout the game. Ameir Majur top scored with 31 points as every player got on the scoreboard. The Thoroughbreds backed it up the following day against the Rockies, winning 87-55. The Thoroughbreds led throughout with the margin out to nearly 39 points at the last break, before the Rockies won the last quarter as the Thoroughbreds shared the minutes around. Ruby Murphy top scored with 23 points. The Thoroughbreds will host the Bendigo Braves for a spot in the grand final. The Bacchus Marsh Lions finished their season with a win. After losing to the Mildura Heat on Saturday night, 82-68, the Lions beat the Swan Hill Flyers on Sunday, 83-43. The Lions finished the season in sixth spot.
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New divisional changes for west football league The Western Region Football League is set for divisional changes but not as first thought. A report commissioned by the league and reported on by Star Weekly in September proposed division 1 change to a 10-team competition. The report named the Western Region Football Netball Review Draft Recommendations also called for division 3 to be scrapped. However, Star Weekly understands the report’s recommendations are not going to be fully endorsed by the league, with multiple clubs confirming to this masthead that division 1 will instead be a nine team competition. Hoppers Crossing coach Jared Polec confirmed his side would remain in division 1 despite finishing bottom this year. Division
2 premiers Parkside will make the jump up, but unlike in the proposal Albion will remain in division 2. Division 1 teams are set to play 16 matches, with every club playing each other twice, and the top five playing off in finals, up from the top four system that has been in place this year. For the 2025 season the league is expected to increase the top flight to 10 teams with 2024’s division 2 premiers to make the move up. The number of teams in division 2 next year is still yet to be determined if it remains two divisions. Currently there are 13 teams, however there are two teams making a push to enter the league. Glen Orden is attempting to return to the WRFL after a hiatus in 2023.
Riddell District Football League club the Western Rams have also expressed their interest in having a senior side in the league next season. Current WRFL clubs are set to vote on if the Rams join the league at its annual general meeting on December 5. As reported by Star Weekly, the report said the WRFL will work closely and provide club development staffing resources to those clubs that may need extra assistance if they are to move from division 3 into division 2. “It is evident that youth football must be a key area of focus of the league for the future sustainability of clubs of the WRFL,” it said. “There are some clubs with no pathways from juniors to youth football at all, some that require strengthening of relationships between juniors and seniors and others that require assistance in recruiting
and retaining players. “There was an overwhelming amount of feedback that the grading for junior grades of football is currently not working as well as it could be.” As of November the current proposed division 1 teams are, Werribee Districts, Point Cook, Altona, Yarraville Seddon Eagles, Caroline Springs, Spotswood, Point Cook Centrals, Hoppers Crossing and Parkside. Division 2 would consist of Albion, Newport, Sunshine, Wyndhamvale, North Footscray, Braybrook, Suns, Albanvale, Sunshine Heights, West Footscray, Tarneit, Laverton Magpies and North Sunshine. The WRFL was contacted for comment. Harper Sercombe
Briefs Ballarat CA Bacchus Marsh won a low scoring affair against cross town rival Darley in the Ballarat Cricket Association. Facing each other for the first time in the BCA, the Bulls had made 111 on day one of the match and with the Lions to resume at 3-53 on Saturday. The Bulls bowlers got the job done with the ball, bowling Darley out for 104. Jared Taylor took 4-37. The Bulls were 0-26 in their second innings when the game was called off. After six rounds, Bacchus Marsh sits in sixth and Darley in seventh, both with three wins each.
Ballarat NL Bacchus Marsh has appointed Lisa Tyrell as coach for next year’s Ballarat Netball League season. Tyrell played for many years in the SA Districts Netball Association at representative level, picking up four A-grade club premierships for Strikers Netball Club. As well as a stint in the South Australian state league with Newton Jaguars, Tyrell also played for her state in the Indoor National titles. “Lisa has a great passion for the Cobras and is keen to see our netball program develop to ensure our local girls are given opportunities to learn and grow within our netball program,” the club said.
VSDCA Sammy Vithana took seven wickets on Saturday and will be important with the bat on day two. (Joe Mastroianni). 319131_04
Royals seeking a win By Tara Murray Melton South Royals are hoping to find some consistency in the lead up to the break in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Evans-Clark Shield. The Royals have been in every match so far this season, but haven’t been able to put a full innings together with the bat or ball, winning just one match so far. Royals coach Blake Ivory said a little bit more consistency would help the side take another step forward. “We’re bowling well, but we’ve had lapses,” he said. “We haven’t been as consistent with the bat and ball as we would have liked. “We felt like we should have had the win last week against Bellbridge and we let that slip. We were good for 80 per cent of the game, but that 20 per cent we dropped off. “Yesterday [Saturday] we were good for 80 per cent again.” Ivory said having played many of the teams in division 5 the past few seasons, they felt
confident at this level. He said the biggest difference in the higher division was the depth, with less of a gap between the top and bottom sides. “There’s no easy games,” he said. “We’ve been competitive against the top sides.” Ivory said play was pretty even after day one of their match with Gellibrand. Gellibrand was bowled out for 157 in the 62nd over with the Royals finishing day one at 3-26. “We were pretty happy with the bowling,” he said. “We were able to peg them back and we were happy with where we ended up. “The only disappointing thing was a couple of late wickets. We’re confident we can chase them down.” Sameera Vithana was the star with the ball, taking 7-57 off his 22 overs. Ivory said they were confident that they could get the job done this Saturday. The side will also be in action on Sunday against Moonee Valley, in a rescheduled round one clash.
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He said they were hoping some key moments would go their way and help set up their season as they look to add to their one win for the season. “Gellibrand and Moonee Valley are the two sides to beat,” he said. “It’s a good test for us and if we can get a couple of wins and then there’s one more game before Christmas, it will give us a good springboard.” In the Russell Pollock Shield, Burnside Springs United is on top after day one against Jacana. Burnside bowled Jacana out for just 77. It will resume at 0-4 after facing one over at the end of day one. Melton Centrals have a chase on their hands against Barkly St Uniting. Barkly St made 8-314 from its 80 overs. In senior division, Sydenham Hillside is 1-43 in reply to Sunshine United’s 113, while in division 3, Caroline Springs was bowled out for 212 against Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s.
Melton’s Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association continues to go from bad to worse, with an outright loss to Hoppers Crossing on the weekend. The Lions were bowled out for 115 before the Cats made 8-206. The Cats sent the Lions back in and bowled them out a second time for 53.
EDFL Hillside has locked in Nat and Fort Caruso for next year’s Essendon District Football League division 1 season. The pair join the Sharks from premier side Greenvale, where they have played for a number of years having previously been at the Northern Saints.
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Undefeated Saints are growing in confidence After a tough few years for St Anthony’s in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association, it is back and in a big way. Last season the Saints finished eighth in the Jensen Shield, now they are undefeated after the first six rounds. On the weekend the Saints played fellow finals contender Melton South in a one day clash at Mount Carberry Reserve. The Saints were sent in to bat and were able to put up an healthy score of 8-250 after 40 overs. After losing skipper Zac Giblett early for zero the Saints were able to build their innings thanks for a 140 run partnership between Manpreet Randhawa and Mandeep Singh Aujla. Randhama scored a ton off 118 balls but was dismissed in the 40th over with the delivery after raising the bat. Aujla was even more attacking, falling
agonisingly short of triple figures, scoring 95 off just 75 balls, smashing 13 boundaries and four majors. “We were pretty happy with the score, it was really good, they’re undefeated which has been a big change around, even our twos are second on the ladder too, the club’s going pretty good this year,” president Marc Turner said. “We’ve got a few new faces who are all going pretty well so that’s been pretty good.” The Royals were competitive in the chase falling just 16 runs short, at 5-234 after their 40 overs. Anthony Yates top scored for the Royals with an undefeated 70. Simarjeet Singh was the pick of the Saints’ bowlers taking 2-19 off eight overs. “He’s always right on the money when he’s bowling and he’s pretty good and pretty consistent, we’ve got a lot of good bowlers down there,” Turner said on Singh.
As the Christmas break nears Turner is setting his expectations high for the back end of the season. “I think this team can take it out, they’ve looked pretty good against the teams they’ve played so far,” he said. “Everything’s going good and I think the boys are pretty confident, they’re looking for big things out of the season.” “The main competition is Aintree, about seven of the players from our ones were picked up from Aintree in the pre season, just before the season started so it should be interesting. “There might be a bit of rivalry there but it’s good to see.” Aintree is the only other undefeated side in the competition, so there will be more than just bragging rights to play for on Saturday, when the sides take to Arnolds Creek Recreation Reserve for their round seven, one day clash.
Jason Orr (Shawn Smits)
Lalor named in academy Bacchus Marsh keeps By Harper Sercombe
One of 2024’s highest rated draft prospects Sam Lalor has signed with Bacchus Marsh in the same week he was named in next year’s AFL National Academy squad. Lalor is both a talented cricketer and footballer, with his football traits on display in recent years for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the Coates Talent League and also in the Vic Country program. Now, he is boarding at Geelong College and said he is excited to take the next step in his football career. “I’m pretty grateful for the opportunity, it’s a surreal feeling,” he said about being selected as part of the National Academy. “There’s obviously a lot of things to do to get here and I can’t wait to have a go at it. “I think the most important thing for me will be the coaches and staff around you, helping you get to your end goal and they really drive our own career and I’m also really excited to train a week with an AFL club.” Lalor hails from a strong family of cricketers and he has been a part of Cricket Victoria’s elite junior programs, however he said he is happy with his priorities firmly set on a life in the AFL. “I had a really good season last season and it’s really taken off my footy at the moment, it’s made me change from being a cricket preferred player to footy,” he said. “This year was really enjoyable at the Rebels and in school footy, I can’t wait for next year. “I was playing a lot of cricket and it was really enjoyable at the time but I think I just got a bit sick of playing so much. “Footy would take my mind off it and I enjoyed it a lot more. I’m still playing school cricket, just a couple less games, I’m just loving playing it for fun.” With the AFL draft happening just last week Lalor is full of determination and motivation to get his name read out this time next year. Experts have already rated him among the top prospects. “It’s an end goal for me next year, to see four of my Rebels teammates and a lot of my Vic Country teammates get drafted is really motivating and hopefully I can be in their situation next year, but there’s obviously a lot of work to go,” he said. “To play every game for Vic Country and hopefully get the Rebels to win a flag in the Coates League are also goals of mine for next season.” At 187 centimetres and 87 kilograms at 17, the powerful inside midfielder is clean at the contest and enjoys using his strength to his advantage.
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Sam Lalor (supplied/ Facebook)
“I want to keep building my strength of being an inside player but then I want to learn a bit more forward craft and hopefully get deep forward and kick some goals,” he said. Being at boarding school makes it tough for Lalor to get home to the Cobras much, but with holidays just around the corner he is keen to get stuck in and meet new coach Dennis Armfield.
“The Bacchus Marsh Football Club is awesome for me, they’ve helped me along my journey and made me be better, I’ve got a lot of mates and family there, it’s a very supportive club,” he said. “I’m looking forward to when I get home in the holidays to get down and meet him and meet a lot of the new players.”
Bacchus Marsh has continued its undefeated run in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 2, section 1 competition. Bacchus Marsh has now equalled the amount of wins it had for all of last season in division 1. The club continued on its winning ways on Saturday, defeating fellow top four side Werribee. Bacchus Marsh won three of the four rinks, to claim an overall victory, 86 (16)-63 (2). Matthew Young’s rink won 23-17, Phil Minniti’s rink had a 21-15 win, while Justin Webster’s rink won 28-9. However, William Blake’s rink lost 22-14. Bacchus Marsh this week faces Melton 2 in a local derby clash. Bacchus Marsh sits in a dominant spot at the top of the ladder, seven points clear from second. Melton 2 suffered back to back losses Saturday, losing to Club Sunbury 2, 95 (18)-64 (0) All four of Melton’s rinks lost with Harry Plias losing 27-16, Karen Duffin going down 21-9, David George was narrowly beaten 21-20 and Lisa Trewarne went down 26-19. The side now sits in sixth spot with a two win, four loss record. Melton’s top side though had a big win against Ivanhoe in division 2, section 2. Last season’s runners-up had no troubles at all, winning 82 (18)-64 (0). This is the second week in a row Melton has not conceded a rink. Todd Trewarne’s rink just won 18-17, Flynn O’Shaughnessy’s won 19-13, Todd Blackburn’s rink won 21-20 and Chris Barritt Eyles’ rink won 24-14. Melton sits at the top of the section 2 ladder after six rounds with a 5-1 record. The top seven players on the player ladder so far are all from Melton. Melton are back at home this week against Moonee Valley 2.
Tuesday, 28 November, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 27
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