Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 20th February 2024 by Star Weekly

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20 FEBRUARY, 2024

Roarin’ on the reservoir Chasing Cash, driven by Heath Hamilton, took out the top title at the Melton Gold Cup over the weekend. Melton brothers Tate and Blake Ramsay took out second and third in their boats, Reckless and Destiny, respectively. Some of the fastest circuit boat racers in Australia that hit speeds of up to 240kmph competed in five different races at the Melton Reservoir over February 16, 17 and 18, all culminating with the coveted Melton Gold Cup on Sunday afternoon. Melbourne Runabout and Speedboat Club organised the event, which drew in more than 5000 spectators over the weekend. Melbourne Runabout and Speedboat Club Commodore Chris Dynon said it was an incredible show. “It’s one of the best boat racing events that’s ever happened in Australia,“ he said. Turn to page 8 for photos of the action. ■ Turn to page 8 for photos of the action

The Melton Gold Cup took place across February 16, 17 and 18. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Outage shows WRL risks By Liam McNally Storms which wreaked havoc on Victoria’s electricity grid last week have led to renewed calls from community groups to reconsider the proposed path of the Western Renewables Link (WRL). When wild weather ripped through the state on February 13, hundreds of power poles and power lines were knocked down, including six 70 metre-tall high-voltage transmission lines near Anakie, which tripped the Moorabool to Sydenham 500 kv transmission lines. More than half-a-million Victorians were left without power, including thousands in Melton and Moorabool. The incident has lead to renewed calls for the proposed path of the WRL - a 190 km overhead high-voltage electricity transmission line and accompanying 80 metre-tall transmission

towers that would carry renewable energy from Bulgana in western Victoria, through Moorabool and Melton to Sydenham - to be changed. Plumpton resident Barbara Ford, who has participated in a range of community protests against the towers, said the extreme weather event is an example of why the government should consider undergrounding the WRL. “The high voltage transmission tower collapse at Anakie happened in open broad acre paddocks. This is not the first time towers have gone down and it won’t be the last,” she said. “The majority of the land to be impacted by the transmission line through Melton will not be large open broadacre paddocks. The 500kv overhead transmission line will directly impact MacPherson Park, the Equestrian Park, harness horse training facilities, a thoroughbred breeding property,

small rural family lifestyle properties and family homes along with the last few remaining farmers. “It is also difficult to comprehend why it should be acceptable to build the transmission line in close proximity to our local Melton Airfield, they operate a flying school. The risk of light aircraft impact is probably greater than an extreme weather event. “We need the government to seriously consider better options and take notice of the groundswell of opposition to overhead transmission.“ Energy Grid Alliance director DarrenEdwards agreed that the WRL would be susceptible to extreme weather like the Anakie towers were. “The incident highlights the vulnerability of overhead transmission lines to extreme weather events. These types of events are rapidly increasing, amplifying the risks. The

WRL would be a large-scale, high-voltage overhead line, making it susceptible to similar damage,” he said. “ WRL and VNI West towers will be built according to the latest engineering standards. While newer, the WRL towers will likely still be lattice towers, which are inherently susceptible to wind damage if forces are applied at critical points. “While generally more expensive, burying transmission lines underground offers the highest level of protection from extreme weather events. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis must consider the full economic impact of outages, not just upfront construction costs. “There are too many valid concerns surrounding the WRL for governments not to take action and reconsider the future of Victoria’s electricity grid.” Ausnet and Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio were contacted for comment.

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Pool times need a cool change By Liam McNally As the Moorabool community continues to wait on federal funding to provide an indoor pool for the area, some residents have expressed frustration at the opening times of the current outdoor pools. Moorabool council has two outdoor pools - one in Ballan and one in Bacchus Marsh. They are open from December 2 to March 10 each year, but their opening hours heavily favour families with school-age children. The operating hours for the pools are 3.30pm to 7pm on weekdays, and 11am to 7pm on weekends and school holidays. The pools

only open if the weather is forecast above 23 degrees, and open an hour later if forecast above 35 degrees. Lauren Crotty is a Darley mum of a toddler who said the pool times are “boxing out certain members of the community who would otherwise use the facilities”. “In the last couple of weeks there were a few days where we could have gone to the pool and they had something to do locally but because of the opening hours we were stuck at home,” she said. Ms Crotty said she also has another family member with an acquired brain injury and

part of his therapy is to go swimming every day. “During the summer, he could actually do that here instead of having to travel to Melton every single day,” she said. “Some days, he can feel a little bit dizzy, and so he’ll have to miss out. If he was local, I could easily pick him up, drop him off and then pick him up again. “Also with the cost of fuel, it does end up being more expensive, but also for people who don’t have cars and then also elderly people… who still want to be able to go for a swim on a hot day.” One resident took to Facebook to express

frustration at the current set-up, encouraging residents to write to council to encourage it to consider extending the hours. “How does the pool in Bacchus Marsh not open on a 35 degree day until 3:30pm?” she said. “Don’t mums and dads with small children have the right to take their kids swimming, older people that would like to cool down? “We pay enough rates for them to open a pool.” The post garnered 230 comments, with many people venting similar sentiments. Moorabool council was contacted for comment.

Petition to save bridge

Participants in Melton Basketball Association’s Walking Basketball league. (Damjan Janevski) 387975_01

Shoot hoops at your own pace If you love basketball but aren’t up to the demanding physicality of the sport, Melton Basketball Association has set up a league that may be right for you. Walking Basketball is a social basketball league that launched in Melton on February 1. It is a low impact form of basketball for people who are inactive or slightly active as well as people recovering from injury. Tara Schofield of the Melton Basketball Association said everyone is welcome to join. “There are many people within the community who wanted to participate in basketball but were not keen on the fast pace

of traditional basketball,“ she said. “We have young mums through to senior grandmothers and grandfathers participating. “You can play as many times a week as you like... The response has been positive and we look forward to being able to provide more days or times in the future as demand increases.“ The program currently runs out of Cobblebank Stadium on Thursdays from 10.45am to noon and Sundays from 3.30pm to 4.45pm to cater for both working and non-working participants. The sessions begin with 30 minutes of skills including a warm-up, passing, shooting and

dribbling practice, followed by a 30 minute game. Afterwards the group enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some biscuits together. Cost is $3 per session. One participant - 59-year-old Maria Krista said she’s really enjoying the fitness, the fun and the social interaction with people in the community. “It’s great that it caters for all ages and fitness levels. We are all becoming good friends and I look forward to joining in each week,“ she said. Details: https://www.basketballvictoria.com. au/play/programs/walking-basketball

An online petition has been launched aimed at saving the Djerriwarrh Creek Bridge. The heritage listed bridge is more than 170 years old, and while it used to be a popular site for visitors and locals, it has fallen into disrepair over the last 15 years and become a popular site for rubbish dumping. Djerriwarrh Creek Bridge community group founder Lita Kerr Tirkkonen has been campaigning for the area to be revitalised, calling on help from the community and authorities including the Department of Transport and Planning, Melbourne water, and local councils. Mrs Tirkkonen said since the petition launched on February 11 it has reached great momentum, and along with more than 125 signatures in three days, she has been contacted by many people expressing their concern. “I created the petition to not only get our group out in the wider community, but also to let authorities know we mean business, and they need to start taking action,” she said. “There are a lot of community who want to restore and preserve Djerriwarrh Creek and bridge, they just have been continually shut down in the past by authorities, who keep pointing the finger at someone else to fix.” Details: https://www.change.org/p/ save-djerriwarrh-creek-and-bridgemelton-bacchus-marsh

Investing in women’s sport Applications for the 2023-24 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program have opened. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to support community sport and recreation clubs or organisations to increase participation, build capability, promote gender equity and support the professional development of women volunteering and working in community sport. In this round of the program there’s also a strong focus on supporting club or organisation initiatives that encourage the equitable inclusion of women and girls from all backgrounds and experiences. The program is part of the government’s Change Our Game initiative, working to make sport more accessible, increasing local participation and providing opportunities

for all Victorians to be leaders in their local sporting community. Now in its seventh year, the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program has provided more than $2.2 million towards 461 grants that have benefitted community sport and active recreation clubs and organisations across the state. Applications for this program close at 5pm Monday, March 4. Melton MP Steve McGhie encouraged all eligible clubs to consider applying. “The Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program is a fantastic opportunity for our Melton community sport and active recreation clubs to showcase the important roles women and girls play and deserve,“ he said. Details: changeourgame.vic.gov.au

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Solutions wanted for risky roads By Liam McNally Melton council said it’s considering projects that would improve traffic flow to the Becca Way and Lancefield Drive education precinct, but a local parent has said waiting for budget deliberations “isn’t good enough”. Between Becca Way and Lancefield Drive sits an education precinct that includes a high school, two primary schools, childcare, kinder, community centre and football club. Earlier this month Star Weekly reported that Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins had called on Melton council to improve traffic flow in the area. Caron Sanni, who has a son at Springside Primary, said school communities have been calling out for years for roads to be fixed in the area, in August she launched a petition with more than 290 signatures. Ms Sanni said the area is afflicted with heavily congested roads. She has heard from

parents who are arriving at schools forty minutes before children are let out to secure a park, cars are parking over gutters and footpaths, and police were even called to a near-miss incident last year. “Child safety is our number one priority and we’re not getting the sense of the council taking that seriously.” she said. Ms Sanni said that the biggest things needed are more parking spaces, and an improvement to recently installed “drop and go zones” which currently have dividers between them requiring cars to reverse parallel park and slow down traffic. She said more raised children crossings and a higher presence of crossing supervisors are also needed. Council has recently installed a temporary 25-space gravel car park, but has indicated any further works will require approval through the budget, which is released mid-year. Melton council engineering and asset

services acting manager Matthew Hutchinson said Council is committed to improving traffic and safety around the Becca Way and Lancefield Drive education precinct. “Officers are designing three raised crossings on Lancefield Drive and other traffic calming works to increase pedestrian safety in the area,” he said. “A new 50 space car park is also being considered to help reduce congestion. Council will keep the schools and community representatives informed on progress.” Ms Sanni said this is too long to wait for a commitment that might not come. “We have no guarantee that we will get the fixes that are urgently needed to address the child safety issues,” she said. “Even if approved, work will not be undertaken for well over another year to two years. Considering this has been going on now for well over three years, it’s not good enough.”

Caron Sanni with her son, Shariq (8). (Jacob Pattison) 388615_04

V/Line workers taking action

Moorabool mayor Ally Munari. (Damjan Janevski) 387812_02

Council helping turn gardens native Moorabool council is encouraging residents to introduce native plants into their gardens by giving them away for free throughout autumn. Residents can choose from a variety of plant species that are adapted to Moorabool Shire’s climate and soil conditions and require less water and maintenance than exotic plants. Residents can get up to ten plants per household, while stocks last. Moorabool mayor Ally Munari said this fantastic initiative would help local gardens attract local wildlife and improve garden aesthetic.

“Planting native flora can provide food and shelter for birds, insects and other animals, improve garden structure and aesthetic value, and add a burst of colour to your outdoor space,” she said. “If you are interested in creating a habitat for birds, bees, or butterflies, or just enjoy the beauty of nature, native plants are the way to go, so I fully encourage residents to take advantage of this amazing initiative put together by our environment team. To get your free plants, you can visit Egans Reserve, Greendale on March 3, the environment team stall at the Ballan Autumn Festival on March 17, Lal Lal

Soldiers Memorial Hall on March 24 Gordon Recreation Reserve during the Gordon vs Dunnstown football match on April 13, or Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh on May 5. Each plant give away will take place from 10am to noon. Residents will require ID as proof of Moorabool residency and a bag or box to carry your new plants. Cr Munari said council hopes to see you at one of the locations. “Don’t miss this opportunity to beautify your garden and support our local environment,” she said.

V/Line commuters may need to seek out alternative travel arrangements this week, with staff in the middle of industrial action. Staff at the regional rail network will stop work from 3am to 7am on Friday, February 23 as part of the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) ongoing industrial dispute with V/Line over enterprise agreement negotiations. There will only be a very limited coach replacement service for essential journeys, with delays of two hours expected. Replacement coaches will not stop at Metro train stations. V/Line services Melbourne’s north west through the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines, with commuters in suburbs such as Wyndham Vale, Tarneit, Melton and Deer Park relying on it to reach the city. RTBU Branch Secretary Vik Sharma said he regretted the the disruptions the strike action would cause, but said his members had been left with no option. “If anyone is to be blamed for these strikes, it is the Allan Labor Government, which has forgotten about regional workers. V/Line workers are seeking a fair and reasonable Enterprise Agreement reflects the rising cost of living and addressed key workplace issues such as job security,” he said. “Regional workers and their communities deserve to be treated with respect, but instead they are being treated like mugs by the V/Line and the Allan State Government.” V/Line Chief Executive Officer Matt Carrick said he was hopeful these would be the last disruptions caused by industrial action. “We continue to negotiate with the union in good faith and have made some progress.”

Are you interested in learning about CWA? Would you like to join us in Melton? Melton has a night branch, and we are looking at starting a day branch. All are welcome to attend a public meeting, Saturday 2nd March, 10:00am, Leisure Centre, Brookfield Lifestyle Village, 111-139 Coburns Rd, Brookfield. 12669266-JC08-24

4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 February, 2024

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Urban heat hits the vulnerable Melbourne’s most economically disadvantaged areas are also its hottest, and Melton is a prime example of this according to a new report from the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS). The report, Poverty and the Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect, released on February 12, compared the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2016 Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD) scores against the UHI effect of all 27 ‘city’ local government areas in metropolitan Melbourne and found a strong correlation. Heat islands are urbanised areas that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas.

Structures such as buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes such as forests and water bodies. Urban areas, where these structures are highly concentrated and greenery is limited, become “islands” of higher temperatures relative to outlying areas. According to the VCOSS report, Melton had the 5th lowest IRSD score in metropolitan Melbourne, and was the second hottest, averaging 10.7 degrees hotter than outside the city. The report said extreme heat can have extreme health consequences, pointing to heatwaves in 2009 and 2014 that lead to 374 and

167 excess deaths in Victoria respectively. Along with generally being hotter, the report also said lower IRSD scoring areas also generally have less resources to be able to deal with the health consequences. Melton council and the state government have been trying to address the UHI effect locally by increasing the level of green coverage in the municipality. A Melton council spokesperson said the municipality is a proud participant in Greening The West, a joint strategy between the Victorian Government and councils across Melbourne’s west to plant 500,000 more trees and grow the urban tree canopy to help fight climate change

and the urban heat island effect. “Our goal is to plant 100,000 trees and we are seeking funding support for the additional trees to increase canopy cover to 30 per cent by 2050, as this is the recommended level for a healthy environment,” they said. “A good tree canopy reduces urban heat and encourages people to spend more time outdoors being active. “Council is also working with the Victorian Planning Authority on Precinct Structure Plans which set targets for tree canopy cover and building more climate resilient suburbs and homes.”

BaccChat looks at past At Moorabool council’s next BaccChat event, a week before International Women’s Day (IWD), audiences will have the chance to learn about the experiences of European women during settlement of the Moorabool area. Bacchus Marsh author Jenny Trewhella will bring to life her own family history, discussing her book Over the Log - a Tale of Pioneering Women, which focuses on the life of her great grandmother Betsey Trewhella. “My dad’s family comes from Trentham where his father and uncle established an engineering business making Trewhella jacks,” she said. “For me growing up holidaying in Trentham, hearing the stories of Uncle Will’s inventions, visiting the foundry and hearing the stories going back into the mid 1800s, I wondered about the women and children. In particular Betsey and her family.” A generation earlier than her

inventor-relatives, Betsey and Ben Trewhella left Cornwall in England and ended up in Blackwood, capitalising on the gold rush. Ms Trewhella said she wanted to create a record of what her great-grandmother did and thought. “The book is based on my family history, and is also a work of my imagination to describe day to day true and possible events,” she said. Ms Trewhella said she’s happy to be sharing Betsey’s story for IWD. “Their stories need to be told to reveal their strength and resilience in a time so different from today,” she said. Ms Trewhella’s BaccChat is being held at Lerderderg Library on March 2, and will include a talk on Betsey’s life accompanied by a Powerpoint presentation, a discussion on life in Cornwall England, and the Blackwood Gold Mines, a morning tea, meet and greet, and more.

Jenny Trewhella. (Damjan Janevski) 389014_02

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Young achiever nominated A Burnside teenager has been nominated for a 2024 7NEWS Young Achiever Award for her contributions to fostering a sense of community in Melton and Brimbank. Neerja Singh is nominated for the Spirit Super Connecting Communities Award, which celebrates young individuals who are driving grass-roots, ’real life’ initiatives that demonstrate genuine involvement, long-term value and add to the life of their community. Throughout her teens, Ms Singh has worked with a range of youth leadership organisations in her community, including through Melton and Brimbank councils’ Youth Advisory Committees, Headspace, Western Health, Strive Health and Lakeview Senior College. Standout achievements in her community work include her involvement in the Headspace forum, where she collaborated with others to increase mental health literacy for both adults and young people, and helping organise major annual forums and initiating the Social Connectivity Competition while on the Melton Council Youth Advisory Committee.

Out of all her achievements, Ms Singh said she’s proudest of the personal changes she’s made. “Now I embrace new experiences, have a love for working in groups and running projects, and have a dedication to growing as a person,” she said. “A significant driving force for me lies in being able to pursue my passions, the ability to advocate for the things that resonate with me. But at the same time, it’s about turning those passions into real change… “Receiving a nomination is truly a wonderful and fulfilling experience. For me it serves as a powerful motivator, inspiring me to strive even harder to continue to try to make a meaningful impact within my community.” Finalists will be announced on March 27, and winners will be announced in June.

Neerja Singh has been nominated for a 7NEWS Young Achiever award. (Damjan Janevski) 389232_01

More councillors, no wards for Moorabool shire The state government has confirmed the new ward structure for 39 councils across the state and Moorabool council is one of five that will become a single-ward shire. Over the past 15 months an Electoral Representation Advisory Panel (ERAP) has been figuring out how it to advise the state government to restructure council ward boundaries and councillor numbers to comply with changes to the Local Government Act. Currently, Moorabool council is divided into four wards - East Moorabool Ward covers the area around Bacchus Marsh and is represented by four councillors, Central Moorabool Ward begins at the south-east border of the shire and ends in the middle, encompassing Ballan, and is represented by one councillor. West Moorabool Ward covers the west, and Woodlands Ward covers most of the shire north of the Western Freeway, except for Bacchus Marsh. Each is represented by a single councillor. Following the restructure, at the next local government elections at the end of the year Moorabool residents will vote for nine councillors and the entire shire will be considered one ward. The ERAP’s final report said the

Moorabool council’s new ward structure. (VEC)

recommendation was based largely on Moorabool’s fast growth rate and the growth being unevenly distributed across the shire. “Such rapid and uneven growth means that any subdivided electoral structure cannot be maintained for a long period of time,” it said. “As such, the panel considered an unsubdivided model as the most practical and sensible approach to accommodate and account for changes in the shire’s population. Additionally, the panel found it very difficult to develop a ward-based structure using meaningful boundaries that did not divide any communities.” Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said council encouraged residents to have their say during the consultation stage of the electoral boundaries and wards review. “We thought it important that the community had a say on how council is structured,” he said. “It’s good we now have the certainty of knowing how many councillors we’ll have after the upcoming elections and we turn our focus to encouraging Moorabool residents to consider running for council.” Liam McNally

Melton council carved up, councillor added Melton council is one of 30 municipalities to be carved up into single-councillor wards for the next local election. The change will see the number of wards in the Melton council area more than triple and a 10th councillor added. Currently Melton council comprises three wards, all with multiple councillors representing them. Watts Ward is represented by two councillors and covers the northern area of the City including Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Plumpton and Taylors Hill. Coburn Ward covers the main Melton township and the area to the south, from Kurunjang to Eynesbury, and is represented by four councillors. Cambridge Ward represents the south-eastern region of the city from Thornhill Park to Caroline Springs. The new structure will carve these three areas into 10 wards. Cambrian and Watts wards focus on the central parts of 6 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 February, 2024

Melton around the Western Freeway. In the centre-east, the four wards of Jackwood, Sugar Gum, Lake Caroline, and Bullum Bullum focus on suburbs such as Taylors Hill, Caroline Springs, Hillside, and Burnside Heights, while also catering for the growth corridor forming around Aintree and Deanside. The south of the council is divided into two wards. The south-western Coolibah Ward captures the remainder of Melton South and surrounds, including Eynesbury. In the south-east, Mount Atkinson Ward caters for the middle growth suburbs of Rockbank and Thornhill Park, which are grouped with other localities south of the Western Highway like Strathtulloh, Ravenhall, and part of Truganina. The north of the municipality is divided into two wards. The north-western Stringybark Ward captures the northern Melton fringe including Toolern Vale and the north-eastern Hilltop Ward captures Diggers

Rest, Plumpton, and part of Hillside. The panel favoured the recommended model because it captures the large growth corridor running through the middle of the council within six relatively even and compact wards configured along the major transport corridors of the Western Freeway and Ballarat railway line, provides smaller townships and communities along the council’s northern and southern boundaries, namely Diggers Rest and Eynesbury, with a better chance of achieving effective, local representation than other models and makes good use of recognisable features such the Western Freeway, Melton Highway, the Ballarat railway line, Werribee River, Kororoit Creek and Toolern Creek as ward boundaries. Melton council governance head Megan Kruger said council welcomes the VEC’s final report and thanked residents who made submissions during the review process. Liam McNally

Melton council’s new electoral structure. (VEC)

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‘Suspicious object’ reported Police were called to the intersection of Prominent Road and Splendour Circuit, Diggers Rest, after a report of a suspicious device attached to a sign post on February 10. The police response resulted in traffic diversions and a number of residents temporarily displaced until the area was declared safe. The device was assessed by police specialist units and declared not to be a risk. Following a letterbox drop and assistance from the community, three males handed themselves into police. A 27-year-old old Diggers Rest man, a 29-year-old Sunbury man and a 25-year-old Hoppers Crossing man are assisting police with their investigation.

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Bacchus Marsh Ladies Auxiliary president Sarah Tollis. (Damjan Janevski) 388015_01

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The Bacchus Marsh Ladies Auxiliary Op Shop has been run off its feet this summer with an influx of donations and customers, and it’s seeking volunteers to help share the load. The op shop, in Gell Street Bacchus Marsh, is run by the volunteers from the Ladies Auxiliary and raises money for the Bacchus Marsh Hospital and Grant Lodge. Bacchus Marsh Ladies Auxiliary president Sarah Tollis said there has been a surge in both donations and customers. “Demand for our goods has increased, a portion of our customers are telling us they really appreciate having the op shop as an alternative due to high cost of living and the fact that we keep our prices as low as possible,” she said. “We have had a large amount of donations since Christmas, the community seem to do

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an assault at Caroline Springs railway station on February 10. It is believed the offender arrived at the railway station on a V/Line train about 8:28pm and was removed by Protective Service Officers. The offender is described as a Caucasian male with long hair wearing green shorts but no shirt. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

a spring clean so it’s always a busy time of the year for us.” The shop had to put temporary pauses on donations so that the small team has time to process goods. Donations are now being accepted again, but Ms Tollis said they’re looking for extra volunteers to lend a hand. “We would love more volunteers. We need self-motivated friendly people who enjoy working in a shop environment and who would enjoy helping in our sorting room,” she said. Volunteers can apply online or by calling Bacchus Marsh Hospital and asking for the volunteers coordinator. Details: 5367 2000 or https://www. westernhealth.org.au/Careers/Pages/ Volunteering.aspx

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Heroes returning to shore.

Christy, Clint , Paul and David enjoying the day.

Boats roared across the reservoir all weekend.

Action speeds up at reservoir Some of the fastest circuit boat racers in Australia hit speeds of up to 240kmph when competing for the Melton Gold Cup over the weekend. Now in its 28th year, the Melton Gold Cup had Australia’s fastest Blown Alcohol Displacement (B.A.D.) racing boats and 2,500 daily spectators descend on the Melton Reservoir. Photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC visited to snap some shots of the action.

Tom P and Lenny (4) enjoying the action.

Big speed needs big engines.

Spectators perched above the dam.

A warm weekend helped make an enjoyable show. 8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 February, 2024

Racers reached break-neck speeds.

Boats’ whitewash makes for blinding turns.

Racers ready to rumble.

Racers sussing out the competition.

Fibreglass repairs were needed to keep boats water-ready.

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‘Extreme’ rental pain in the west By Liam McNally Rental “pain” is not felt equally throughout the Melton municipality, with different suburbs rating among the best and worst in the west according to new data from Suburbtrends. Suburbtrends releases a monthly “Rental Pain Index” (RPI) which scores suburb groups across out of a hundred on rental pain, the score is derived from measuring rental prices, household incomes, vacancy rates and advertised rentals. The Melton suburb received an RPI score of 93.39, the second highest in Melbourne’s west.

Anything over 75 is considered “extreme” rental pain. More than 60 per cent of suburbs in the west were in extreme rental pain, with other Melton suburb groups Melton West, Hillside, Taylors Hill and Burnside Heights in the bracket. While the report says rental pain is broadly being felt across the west, the best performing suburbs were also in the Melton council area. Eynesbury - Exford was feeling the least rental pain in the west with a score of 28.63, followed by Fraser Rise - Plumpton and Rockbank - Mount Cottrell with scores of

31.07 and 31.2 respectively. Suburbtrends founder Kent Lardner said this month’s Rental Pain Index highlights a concerning trend within the Melbourne market, as we witness a significant uptick in scores, signalling growing distress rather than improvement. “Historically, Melbourne has offered relatively favourable living conditions compared to income levels,” he said. “In Melbourne’s West, the Rental Pain Index (RPI) reveals a pressing narrative of rental market stress, marked by escalating rental prices, dwindling affordability, and

tight vacancy rates. “Kings Park emerges at the forefront of this struggle, with an 11.01 per cent jump in rental prices over the past year, pushing 29.42 per cent of renters’ income towards housing costs, amidst a notably low vacancy rate of 0.41 per cent. “This culminates in a distressing RPI of 93.48. “Close behind, Melton experiences a similar plight, with an 8.82 per cent increase in rents and 32.02 per cent of income consumed by rent, leading to an RPI of 93.39, reflecting a severe affordability crisis.”

A passion for learning Kangan Institute has awarded a passionate learner with cerebral palsy for her outstanding performance. Feona Magtanum, a Fraser Rise resident who studies early childhood education at the Broadmeadows campus, received an outstanding passion award and student of the year. “I’m shocked to be nominated. It’s unreal, but it’s such an honour,” she said. Despite having cerebral palsy, Ms Magtanum was determined to become an early childhood educator after gaining experience in a childcare centre during secondary school. “As soon as I walked in and saw the children, I just knew straightaway that was what I wanted to do,” she said. Ms Magtanum said the teachers at Kangan Institute were a key factor in her success in achieving her dream, helping her navigate challenges such as fatigue and stress throughout

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her studies. “They taught me a lot about their experience and how to overcome challenges,” she said. “They were very flexible with my study and had the support I needed. I feel like I owe them a lifetime. “Everything I’ve learned here is exactly the expectations they have at placement. When I was at the centre I knew exactly what they needed me to do. I was very prepared for everything.” Ms Magtanum has secured work as an early childhood educator and is set to begin in March. Kangan chief executive Sally Curtain congratulated the students and reflected on the vital role of TAFE. “Vocational education and training is absolutely critical right now. Government and industries are relying on TAFE to equip students with the in-demand skills of the future,” she said.

Feona Magtanum. (Supplied)

W : melton.vic.gov.au/hothouse

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Sisters enjoy a day out

Djirra community engagement support officer Hayley Harrisson, chief executive Antoinette Braybrook and senior support officer Lasi Kailea.

Aboriginal-controlled family violence support organisation Djirra held a Sisters Day Out to coincide with Ochre Ribbon Week on February 14. Ochre Ribbon Week is an annual Aboriginal led campaign that runs from February 12 to 19 focused on raising awareness about the impacts of violence against women and children and amplifying voices. Djirra’s event provided cultural and wellbeing activities for enjoyment, as well as opportunity to connect with Djirra’s services and programs and other local services. Djirra chief executive Antoinette Braybrook said the event was a huge success. “With more than 100 women from Melbourne’s west attending, this was a special event for Ochre Ribbon Week,” she said. “The week is an Aboriginal led campaign to raise awareness of the impacts of, and bring voice and visibility to, violence against Aboriginal women. “In the 21 years that Djirra has been in existence, we have only seen the rates of violence against our women increase. It’s time for governments to listen, act and invest in our self-determination.”

Rhiannon Williams, Louise Atkinson, Antionette Vanleeuwen, Melissa Baker, Apryl Wilson and Amielia Wall.

Djirra senior support worker Kylie, community engagement support officer Hayley Harrisson, and senior support officer Lasi Kailea.

Left: Djirra chief executive Antoinette Braybrook, Jeanette Cutajar, Pauline Cutajar and Proud Nogaar woman Kirby Bently. Centre: Hope Street People and Culture Manager Nicole Misurelli and First Nations Youth Cadet, Gardanya (Gi) Brown. Right: Lawyer Law & Advocacy Centre for Women’s Dani Pallister, Hayley Brandon, Nicole Butcher and Orange Door Aboriginal Practice leader Karla Reardon. (Pictures: Jacob Pattison) 388875

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Shaving off locks to save lives Community spirit has always run deep in the Macedon Ranges. And when twelve-year-old Kai set out on a personal journey to honour his late father, it soon enough transformed into a collective community mission as Hannah Hammoud reports.

ast December, on his final day of grade 6, Kai participated in the World’s Greatest Shave (WGS), to help raise money for cancer research. The World’s Greatest Shave is the single biggest source of income for the Leukaemia Foundation, which uses the funds to provide vital support to blood cancer patients and their loved ones, as well as fund ground-breaking research, in the hopes of one day finding a cure. Kai’s decision to take part in the event stemmed from a deeply personal experience after losing his father to brain cancer when Kai was just seven. While the World’s Greatest Shave raises funds for people living specifically with blood cancer, determined to make a difference, Kai resolved to shave his head and raise money in an effort to prevent others from enduring a similar loss to the one he had to endure. Despite the challenges of organising the fundraising effort, Kai’s dedication proved unwavering. With the support of his school and local community, he managed to raise an impressive $3,000. “I heard about the World’s Greatest Shave after my dad passed. It was an easy decision for me to take part in it,” Kai said.

‘‘

I definitely want to shave my hair again. I feel excellent all round… I feel like it was one of the best decisions of my life - Kai

Left: Kai after the shave. St Ambrose Parish Primary School in Woodend was a beacon of support for Kai’s cause.

’’

“The shave was held in the school courtyard and I had it all in braids. Then I chose some friends, and some of the big donors to chop parts of my hair. Then we had the shaver and everyone got to take a turn and shave a little bit of my hair.” As the clippers buzzed and locks of hair fell, the local community rallied behind Kai’s cause. Lavinia Zirnsak, Kai’s mother, highlighted the overwhelming support Kai received from various quarters of the community. “Some of the kids made posters in class inviting people to come down to the shave and everybody also brought a gold coin donation – some people more than that. On the actual day we had $300 in just gold coin donations,” she said. Ms Zirnsak said a couple of budding student entrepreneurs took it upon themselves to collect marigold seeds to sell at the local organic store. “They actually raised about $157 just doing that, and they decided to donate it to Kai’s cause,” she said. “The school and the wider community were extremely supportive and amazing. The school community was really good with liaising and promoting Kai’s cause in the newsletter. The Wildlife Op Shop was awesome, they had a box out there to take donations, as well as the Macedon Ranges Theatre where lots of people donated. “We’re very lucky that we live in such a beautiful community where people are very generous and supportive.” After growing his hair for three and a half years before eventually shaving it off - Kai said he is sure there is another hair transformation for him on the cards, vowing to again take part in the shave sometime in the future. “The World’s Greatest Shave is an excellent cause. I definitely want to shave my hair again. I feel excellent all round… I feel like it was one of the best decisions of my life,” he said. “If you’re thinking about the World’s Greatest Shave, there is nothing better than the feeling of knowing that someone is going to be happy. With you chopping your hair

Above: Before the big chop, Kai had grown his locks for three and a half years. Below: Annie Dunn said the support of her husband, Mathew, has been immeasurable throughout her journey. (Pictures: Supplied)

off you’re almost immediately saving at least one person with cancer, because every single cent will go towards this wonderful cause. I hope that if you are thinking about doing the World’s Greatest Shave then you should do it.” The World’s Greatest Shave is officially held during March, with this year’s campaign celebrating the everyday heroes in the community doing ‘bloody beautiful’ acts of shaving, cutting, colouring, or donating. The Leukaemia Foundation reports that more than 140,000 Australians are currently living with blood cancer, with more Australians diagnosed with blood cancer now than ever before. Moorabool local Annie Dunn is one of those 140,000 Australians living with blood cancer. Annie works as a kindergarten teacher and has been living with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) for seven years. She said it was an emotional day when she was finally provided with some clarity after her diagnosis. “I was sick for years before we found out I had cancer. There was a long journey trying to figure out what was going on, and probably eight months into that journey I got referred to a haematologist,” Annie recalled. “I remember that meeting, we sat and he told me that I was sick and told me that I had CML... I just remember I cried. I cried for two reasons, one because he told me I had cancer, but not only that, I finally figured out what was wrong with me, and so it was also a bit

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 February, 2024

of a relief.” Amidst her health struggles, Annie remained steadfast in her commitment to her career, at the time pursuing studies in early education. “It was overwhelming,“ she admitted. “I was so busy studying I didn’t have time to stop and think about it until I finished studying at the end of the year.“ Annie found some solace in her diagnosis, recognising the need to prioritise what truly matters in life. “I don’t take crap from anyone anymore, and prioritise things in life and focus on what really matters. A lot of young adults focus on mundane, silly stuff. But this has made me realise I don’t have time for that,” she said. Annie’s journey has been made easier with the support of the Leukaemia Foundation’s Blood Cancer Support Coordinators (BCSCs). Donations made through initiatives like the World’s Greatest Shave, have helped ease the burden for Annie and her family during times of need. “The World’s Greatest Shave is worthwhile, it’s worth being able to do that and contribute to a really awesome cause,” she said. “I shaved my head before I lost my hair. I decided I wanted to be in control of that and it was great. I like having short hair, it’s an easy look to rock. “Thank you to the people who donate and support the World’s Greatest Shave. It is a brave thing to shave your head.”

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Authorities tyred of illegal dumps More than 2100 tyres have been illegally dumped in Moorabool shire in the last 12 months, and council and environmental authorities are urging the community to spare the environment and dispose of their used tyres legally and responsibly. Melton council chief executive Derek Madden said some areas of the shire are repeatedly used to dump tyres, such as Buckleys Road in Merrimu and along Glenmore Road. “Making up a large chunk of the number of tyres dumped was one instance of 1000 tyres left on Buckleys Rd in October last year,” he said.

“Obviously there is a financial cost to council in removing illegally dumped tyres, which is very frustrating for us and ratepayers. There can also be environmental impacts in dumping tyres. “We have had successful court case outcomes against people dumping rubbish in the shire, so we caution anyone against doing the wrong thing as it could also be very costly to offenders.” The Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria recorded at least 60 separate illegal tyre-dumping incidents across Victorian public land in 2023, with the State’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) estimating that

thousands more have been dumped, burned, or stockpiled. Dumped car tyres can have serious impacts on human and environmental health. Old tyres also contain harmful chemicals that leach into the environment and groundwater as they break down, potentially poisoning plants and animals. Discarded tyres also present a serious fire risk, as tyre fires are harder to control or extinguish than regular fires. As rubber burns hotter and more easily, tyres dumped in forests can fuel bushfires with devastating effects. Legal disposal of old tyres reduces these environmental and safety risks, and recycled

tyres can often be turned into other products, including roads and artificial playground turf. EPA Victoria West Metropolitan regional manager Steve Lansdell said waste tyre dumping is a very serious pollution issue, with Victorians generating more than 100,000 tonnes of waste tyres each year and only a small amount bring lawfully reused, recycled or recovered. “Waste tyres contribute to increased fire risks and environmental harm risks and will not be tolerated. EPA will continue to step in to clean up major waste stockpiles in regional areas and will not hesitate to act if it sees communities are at risk,” he said.

State chips in funding boost for local roads

Darcy Ellis (front) with the residents from The Willows. (Damjan Janevski) 388836_04

Willows residents get fighting fit A new boxing program has been launched for residents of the Melton Willows assisted residential service in a collaboration between Smart Body Australia and HitFit boxing gym. About 10 residents at the Willows visited HitFit boxing gym in Melton for a special clinic to launch the new program on February 15. The day included boxing training with Team Ellis’ professional boxers, a talk from HitFit chief executive and boxer Darcy Ellis, and a Facetime Q&A with Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech. Mr Ellis said the first session was a positive

experience. “It’s great to see people from all walks of life fighting to be the best version of themselves despite what obstacles life has thrown their way,” he said. Willows resident and boxing fanatic Matthew Forti also gave the training session and clinic a glowing review. “It was a privilege to meet Darcy and speak to Jeff again. I and the group feel honoured and privileged to train here,” he said. The session is the latest in a series of events Smart Body Australia has been running with

Melton Willows residents focused on mental health through physical fitness. Smart Body chief executive Barry O’Keefe was also happy with the latest event. “[Everyone] thoroughly enjoyed the experience especially when Jeff Fenech Facetimed in from Bangkok,” he said. The group intend to run weekly sessions with the Willows residents, and have them be a part of other HitFit activities including a special event that will coincide with the launch of a new HitFit Gym opening in Hoppers Crossing on March 17.

Moorabool council is one of 11 in the state to receive funding from the state governments lates round of the Safer Local Roads and Streets Program. The $210 million program is working with every Victorian council to deliver upgrades on the highest risk local roads, intersections, and precincts by 2027 – with allocations of up to $2 million issued for priority road safety projects. Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne announced the councils selected for the second round of engagement are Moorabool, East Gippsland, Gannawarra, Greater Geelong, Greater Shepparton, Loddon, Mansfield, Mildura, Stonnington, Swan Hill and Wyndham. “Last year we saw a devastating year on our roads both in Victoria and nationally and we need to do everything we can to drive down road trauma,” she said. “We’re working alongside councils to deliver important road safety infrastructure on local roads today, so our communities are safer into the future.” The Safe Local Roads and Streets Program will be delivered over seven rounds, with all Victorian councils engaging with the program by 2025. It will deliver safer infrastructure upgrades for communities including raised crossings, intersection upgrades, speed cushions, safer speeds, roundabouts, and other vital safety improvements.

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MY PLACE Moorabool resident David Hookey has been a CFA member for a half-century, and a member of Ballan Rotary for 21 years who in January was the recepient of the Mayor Award at Moorabool council’s 2024 Australia Day awards. He spoke to Star Weekly about his connection to the area. Tell us about yourself. I have a great work-life balance here in our town. I’m lucky to enjoy my work days at Ballan Hardware and my free time riding my bike, working on my jobs at home and helping out in different ways where I can. It’s a nice pace. Tell us about your involvement with Ballan Rotary. Ballan Rotary was very active in our community for almost 30 years. It was a fantastic way to develop some life long friendships and importantly, to give service to the community both local and abroad. It’s been a privilege to be able to give back and to continue doing so.

Tell us about your connection to Ballan. Growing up in Bacchus Marsh, Ballan was always on my radar. I moved here in 1987, began working at Ballan Hardware in 1993 and was lucky enough to have built on a block of land in town that I love. Ballan is home. What do you like about where you live? Ballan is still a country town at heart. I like

(Damjan Janevski) 388929_01

Tell us about the Mayor’s Award 2024 how did it feel to be recognised. So many people in our community help quietly behind the scenes in a variety of different ways, making a big difference. I’m only one of these people. It’s true that the benefits of helping out and contributing to something bigger, comes back to you. I’m very grateful to have been nominated and grateful for the experiences I have had. the people – those I meet through work and through the different activities I am involved in. I love the streetscape and our coffee shops. I like the art that continues to pop up in our main street. I like the effort put into our beautifying our railway station and parklands. People care. I like being able to ride my bike to work and be home in about three minutes. I love living by the river. I like

knowing people. We are a very lucky community and a sense of community is now more important than ever. What would you like to change (if anything) about where you live? Not too much because we’re fortunate. A secondary school would be great for our youth.

What is your favourite local place to spend time? Fantastic Flowers is always a great place to go for a coffee, a treat and some friendly banter. We’re lucky we have so many quality venues to visit for food and drink in our area. I enjoy riding in the Blackwood area through the forest. It’s a special place. It’s quiet, rugged, challenging and there’s always something new to see.

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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

Terrarium workshop

Community singing group

Create your own unique living centrepiece in Melton South Community Centre’s upcoming Terrarium workshop. Students attending on Saturday, February 24 from 10am to 11.30am will discover how to create an indoor botanical feature under the expert guidance of a qualified horticulturalist. $70 or $65 concession, everything is provided. For enquiries and enrolments, call the centre. ■ 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

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

Beginner cake decorating course Those new to the world of baking are invited to sign up for Melton South Community Centre’s four-week Beginners Cake Decorating course. Create your own sponge cake and discover how to decorate it using fondant and buttercream, with the opportunity to practice your new skills on cupcakes. $145 or $140 concession. For enquiries and enrolments, call the centre. ■ 9747 8576

Melton Trauma Teddies Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need. ■ Jean 0412 931 498

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House 2-5pm. ■ https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

Men’s Fella-Ship The free Men’s Fella-Ship social group returns to Melton South Community Centre for 2024, meeting each Wednesday at 1pm. Men of all ages are invited to come along for a cuppa, a chat and the opportunity to make new friends. No bookings required. For more information, call the centre. ■ 9747 8576

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

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of Cathy James and her dog Heidi who was voted people’s choice dog of the year. (Damjan Janevski) 388318_01

guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis. ■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog

Take weight off naturally 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 ■ https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42

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

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 Bridge Club 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 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.

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 of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Melton Friendship Group. Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

Melton Men’s Group 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

Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month except January, from 7.30pm, at The Laurels, 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Guest speakers and supper provided. Yearly membership $15. New members welcome. ■ Michelle, 0421 106 268

Melton South Knit & Natter All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576

Zonta club meets Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

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

The Greater Western Community Band holds rehearsals on Thursdays 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Bridge Road Community Centre, 260 Bridge Road, Strathtulloh 3338 (Melton South). The group welcomes musicians young and old, to come along and join in with their local band. Woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. They are available to perform at events and festivals etc. ■ Sally Hamond 0401 474 582

Over 50s Social Group

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

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, 0498329290

Melton Combined Probus Club

BusyFeet Hillside

U3A Melton

The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. ■ 9746 0271

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park The Rose Carers meet Wednesdays from 10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens. New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience. ■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119, or 0400 052 857

Melton Cycling Club Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

Community band

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

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 11-11.45am Saturday mornings. ■ Ross, 0411 228 311

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

Tuesday, 20 February, 2024 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

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16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 February, 2024

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which two teams will face-off in the first ever AFL Opening Round match?

4. In which sport would you watch the Pittsburgh Penguins play the Philadelphia Flyers?

2. Which country knocked Australia out of 2023 Asian Cup contention in the quarter-finals?

5. Which Super Rugby Pacific team recently entered voluntary administration with estimated debt over $10 million?

3. By capacity, what is the largest stadium in the world?

11. Which Australian basketball legend announced she will not play for the Opals at the 2024 Olympic Games? 12. What team has won the past two AFC Asian Cup soccer tournaments? 13. What sport does Australian Molly Picklum compete in?

6. Lewis Hamilton made a bombshell announcement that he was departing Mercedes and moving to which team?

14. Ex-supercars team owner Roland Dane said which team had a “toxic workplace”, resulting in Brodie Kostecki's request to leave?

7. In which year did Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson first retire from the WWE?

15. Which retired cricketer has agreed to coach America’s Major League Cricket franchise the Washington Freedom?

8. In which year were full body swimsuits banned from competition, due to providing an unfair advantage?

16. Which team has won the most A-League Men’s Championship titles? 17. Teams based in which New Zealand and Australian cities will join the A-League Men’s competition in 2024-25?

9. The film The Iron Claw tells the tragic true story of which wrestling family?

18. 1960 marked the only year Australia had a team qualify for what event at the Winter Olympic Games?

10. What American state are the Kansas City Chiefs based in? Dwayne Johnson

25. The Australian U19 Men’s cricket team have won the World Cup how many times?

20. What retired Australian swimmer has said he will come out of retirement for the proposed upcoming Enhanced Games?

26. The Emeralds play what sport for Australia?

21. How many AFL teams will be taking part in the season’s Opening Round? 22. The Perth Wildcats hold the record with how many NBL titles?

27. How many NFL teams have never made it to the Super Bowl? 28. Which sport is the oldest at the Winter Olympics? 29. Who is current captain of the Fremantle Dockers? 30. VAR in soccer stands for what?

23. Which team are the reigning champions in the NHL?

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PROPOSAL TO INSTALL A NEW MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION IN RAVENHALL Vodafone & Optus plan to install a new telecommunication facility at the following address: RFNSA Ref: 3023030 – northwest corner of 11 Rockﬁeld Way Ravenhall VIC 3023 1.The proposed new telecommunications facility will comprise: • One (1) new 25 m high monopole with an overall height 27.4m (+/- 100mm) which includes future structural capacity for carrier co-location on the facility; • One (1) triangular headframe on the monopole; • Six (6) TPG (Vodafone) panel antennas attached to the headframe on top of the monopole, including three (3) 4G/5G antennas; • Nine (9) Optus panel antennas attached to the headframe on top of the monopole, including six (6) 4G/5G antennas; • The installation of associated ancillary equipment, including remote radio units, combiners, feeders etc; and • An equipment shelter of 3.15m L x 2.38m W x 2.94m H adjacent to the proposed monopole within a 2.4 m high security fence 2. This proposal requires town planning approval from the City of Melton. However, as per Clause 52.193 of the Melton Planning Scheme, the application is exempt from public notice and review rights. Therefore, to ensure carrier obligations are met regarding notiﬁcation of communities, consultation is being conducted under Section 6 of Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code C564:2020. 3. Further information can be obtained from Scott Sibly, Service Stream, 0455 214 172 or TPG.Submissions@servicestream.com.au and at www.rfnsa.com.au/3023030 4. Written submissions should be sent to: Scott Sibly at PO Box 14570 Melbourne VIC 8001 or TPG.Submissions@servicestream.com.au by 5pm Thursday 14th March 2024

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General Notices V

24. WWE wrestler Dakota Kai is from which country?

19. The Brisbane Bandits and Adelaide Giants are teams in what Australian sporting league?

1. Sydney and Melbourne 2. South Korea 3. India’s Narendra Modi Stadium 4. Ice hockey (NHL) 5. Melbourne Rebels 6. Ferrari 7. 2004 8. 2010 9. The Von Erich family 10. Missouri 11. Lauren Jackson 12. Qatar 13. Surfing 14. Erebus Motorsport 15. Ricky Ponting 16. Sydney FC (Five titles) 17. Auckland and Canberra 18. Ice Hockey 19. Australian Baseball League 20. James Magnussen 21. 8 22. 10 23. Las Vegas Golden Knights 24. New Zealand 25. Four 26. Baseball 27. 4 28. Figure skating 29. Alex Pearce 30. Video assistant referee

2302

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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

PUZZLES QUICK CROSSWORD

No. 173

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.

ACROSS

easy

5 2 3 7 3 9 1 4

2 3

9 9 1 4

6 7 2 5

6 9 8 4 1 6 3 1 7 8

6 3 2

Remains (5)

Artworks (9)

System of principles (5)

Soaked (9)

Not mature (6)

Haughty (8)

Unfaithful (9)

Pride (3)

Donkey (3)

TV advertisement (10)

Number comprehension (8)

Computer network linking newsgroups (6)

Items of great worth (9)

Seance board (5)

At least (coll) (9)

Fashion (5)

Salt (7) Steamed (7) Surgeon’s instrument (7) Sit for an artist (4) Gatecrasher (10) Fears (7) A salt or ester of nitric acid (7) Insurrection (8) A thin noodle (10) Circus (8) Country in Horn of Africa (7) Dried fruit (7) Traditions (7) Yearly payment (7) Lolling (2,4) Island (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 16 18 19 20 21 22 25

9 medium

DOWN

DECODER

3 6 7 5 8 5 9 5 1

5 7 3 1 5 4 1 9 8 7 3

No. 173

3 4

hard

10 11 12 13

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

Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 26 words: Very good

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

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

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

L E R

A S P S D I O T O D K A

R I V

18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 February, 2024

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

E R S

No. 173

C V

acre, acute, care, caret, carr, cart, carte, carter, carve, carver, cater, cave, crate, crater, crave, cruet, curare, curate, cure, curt, CURVATURE, curve, cute, cuter, ecru, eruct, race, racer, react, recta, recur, trace, tracer, truce, verruca

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

D E

S D

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

35 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

3 LETTERS ADD ADS AGO AIL APE AVO EAT ERA GOO HAT HID HUH IRS LEE LEG OLD OWL PEP RAP ROE SEE SIN SIX THE

AWARE BASTE BOOST CATCH CHASM CHUTE CLUES CREPE DUCTS EDGES ELECT ERASE ERROR EVENS EXERT HAVEN HERBS HOONS INEPT MIRTH OASES OBOES PAUSE

4 LETTERS ARMS ASKS BASS BIAS BOOR CAVE EDIT HENS ICES MACE PACE SETS SINE TACT 5 LETTERS ADEPT AGILE AIMED AURAL

QUICK QUIZ

No. 173

& / ( $ 1 6 ( '

R T D B S U C F H G L P W

medium

E K A O M N I Z J V X Q Y

easy

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

WORDFIT

POPPY PREEN PSALM RADII RAGER RINSE RISEN RIVER ROOTS SANER SENSE SLING SMILE SPENT STEAK TABLE TENDS TENET TESTS THEME USAGE VOTER YESES

6 LETTERS ENDERS ENTRAP INSURE MISHAP

8 LETTERS CLEANSED DETONATE MATUREST TRAVERSE

7 LETTERS DRESSES ERUDITE OPERATE OVERRAN TITTERS TRASHED

23-02-24

Missy Peregrym (pictured) plays a gymnast in which 2006 film?

How many times has Ron Paul unsuccessfully run for president of the United States?

Tallinn is the capital of which European country?

Who played Roger Thornhill in North by Northwest?

What number appears on the neck of a Heinz Ketchup bottle?

Blue Dome Church is located on which Greek island?

How many countries use the Euro as their official currency?

The Genpei War took place in Japan during which century?

Which island nation was hit by Severe Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin, within 48 hours of each other, in March 2023?

10 Who hosted the original run of the US version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

ANSWERS: 1. Stick It 2. Estonia 3. Cary Grant 4. Santorini 5. 12th century 6. Vanuatu 7. Three (1988, 2008, 2012) 8. 57 9. 20 10. Regis Philbin

No. 173

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

SUDOKU

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

Alfa SUV off to a bright start By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring I’m over electric vehicles, monster utes and sleek SUVs. They all have their place – these days highly prominent – in the automotive pantheon, but range anxiety, truck-style fossil fuel pollution, or squeezing into the third row of a seven-seater . . . poof! I’ve had ’em. All is not lost, however. There are all-rounders out there that fit the bill of what is expected, without going over the top. One such creature is the Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid SUV. Named after one of Italy’s highest mountain passes Alfa says the compact five-seater encapsulates the organic curvatures, bends and lines found in nature. And Alfa’s first foray into the so-called C SUV segment, one of the most competitive in the automobile market, needs something to stop potential buyers in their tracks. There’s plenty of Alfa essence – power and driving precision – to attract attention. It is available in two trim levels – Ti and Veloce – which arrived in Australian priced from $49,900 and $56,400 respectively, making it a rival for the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus UX and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. The Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 joined the team late last year in a highly specified Veloce trim offered from $77,500. Two options include the Technology Pack, for $2500, which takes the Ti up to Veloce safety standard and Lusso Pack, at $4500, the latter adding seat upgrades, heated steering wheel and 14-speaker 465 W Harman/ Kardon audio system.

Styling Sourced from the Turismo Internazionale (hence the Ti) has traditionally been identified with the most exclusive, elegant and comfortable Alfas. Signature features include the V Scudetto grille, offset rego plate and 18-inch diamond cut five-circle spoke wheels, echoing the classic Alfa Romeo. Conversely, the present is to the fore with full LED Matrix headlamps, topped off with wave-pattern daytime running lights, which, as red lights are repeated at the rear, flanking the hands-free power liftback.

Interior Front seats have a wide range of adjustment and offer good visibility all round.

Alfa Romeo’s entry into the compact SUV segment is off to a positive start. (Pictures: Supplied)

However, tall occupants soon put rear leg room at a premium, but generally the cabin is spacious and comfortable. Perfect for pottering around town with two up front. Boot space is a usable 500 litres, which can be ‘pumped’ to 1550 litres with second row backs folded. A space-saver spare finds a home under the floor.

Infotainment Infotainment is accessible via a 10.25-inch touchscreen, incorporating embedded satellite navigation, mounted in the central dashboard. Images are clear and quick to call up. Unlike many of its ilk the screen is shaded well from bright light. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are on tap, while Alfa Connected Services enables control of a range of functions via an app. Centre console storage includes a wireless charging station. Also standard features are digital radio, voice command, USB-A and USB-C inputs, plus steering wheel controls.

Engines/transmissions The 118-kW turbocharged engine plus mild hybrid technology enables pure electric drive and regenerative braking, stop / start operation, plus added boost to petrol power. Paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and 48 V 15 kW / 55 Nm electric motor make it possible for the 1.5 litre petrol engine to propel the wheels even when the internal combustion power is turned off. The transmission enables the start-off and travel in electric mode at low speeds and when parking or cruising. The result is the

performance of a petrol engine but with fuel consumption of a diesel motor.

Safety All Tonale variants have earned a five-star ANCAP rating at 2022 standards. Passive safety features include dual front, side chest and head protecting airbags as standard across the range. Active safety is covered by adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, intelligent speed assist, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines.

Driving With keyless entry, getting underway presented a few problems, the main, how to start the engine. An extended search finally came good: the start / stop button was attached to the steering wheel rim. Stupid boy! Alfa’s mild hybrid electric system can drive the wheels alone up to 40 km/h, so the slow stuff can be done as a full electric vehicle before the petrol motor chimes in. The 1.5 litre variable-geometry turbocharged unit handles the 1491kg of the Tonale Ti as well as can be expected under the Natural drive mode. Expect the Tonale to average premium petrol consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres over a range of driving conditions. Advanced Efficiency is the money saving mode, with sporty performance sacrificed at the altar of economy. The dual clutch here showed its characteristic choppy changes. Time to wind up the Alfa to its zenith in Dynamic mode.

Gear shifts were at their snappiest delivering a satisfyingly sporty driving experience. A 12.3-inch digital cluster is located directly in front of the driver, while those wanting to get their hands on the outsize aluminium paddle shifters behind the steering wheel will need to step up to the Veloce variant. Ride is a not-uncomfortable experience on the 18-inch wheels with chubby rubber.

Summary While not exactly causing the hairs on the back of the neck to stand up – I’ll leave that to the Veloce – the Tonale Ti could be for many what they always hoped for in an Alfa – a handsome model (tick), a sporty driving experience (tick) and technological team leader (tick). AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Alfa Romeo Tonale Ti Hybrid from $49,900 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce Hybrid from $56,400 Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV from $77,500 Options: Technology Pack $2500; Lusso Pack $4500 SPECIFICATIONS Alfa Romeo Tonale Ti Hybrid 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 7sp automatic, FWD SUV

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

Tuesday, 20 February, 2024 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Shimona Jok playing for Collingwood. (Pictures: AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Jok reaches out for a new start City West Falcons new shooter Shimona Jok, who moved to Australia from Jamaica to pursue her love of netball, has ridden the highs and lows of professional sport in recent months as Tara Murray discovered.

t might have been the off season, but for new City West Falcons shooter Shimona Jok her first steps on the Altona netball courts were anything but easy. Having been through the wringer with her Suncorp Super Netball team, the Collingwood Magpies, pulling the pin on the competition and then not being offered a contract for 2024, it’s been a tough few months for Jok, nee Nelson. It tested her love for the sport which had seen her move from Jamaica to Australia to pursue. “I don’t even think hard can describe how it has been and how it has been and how it is currently going,” she said. ‘Hard is probably the best word you can use right now. Depression, anxiety, just all the negative emotions… Not wanting to go outside, not wanting to see the world. “It was a bit hard for me. I felt like I didn’t feel valued, no one wanted me. I felt like a nobody, I just felt like I wasn’t good enough for anyone. “I wanted to stay away.” Jok, who got married late last year, wanted to stay in Australia despite her uncertain netball future. While she didn’t have a Super Netball contract, she did have an offer from Victorian Netball League club, the City West Falcons. The Falcons, who had won last season’s championship title, had kept their three key shooters, but were more than happy to welcome Jok into the playing ranks with open arms. “It has been really good,” Jok said of

‘‘

I questioned if I could even play the sport. No one recognised or even tried to reach out. I felt so belittled. I felt like a nobody

’’

- Shimona Jok the Falcons. “I think everyone has been welcoming with big arms. “I was a little bit nervous at first, but wasn’t too nervous cause I’ve always been around the Falcons…three or four years now. “I think it’s easy. Personality wise who I am, quite relaxed. I love down to earth people, the environment and with the Falcons that

20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 February, 2024

is what I give. “I felt at home in an instant. I know everyone and I’m joking around and being myself. I think it’s really important to adjust to everyone. “They didn’t really make me feel weird, but they all loved me for who I am. I think that made it so easy to slip right in.” Jok said one of the biggest things for her was feeling valued again and that she could play a role on court. She said the Falcons wanted to have her as both a person and player. “When I got there it was like it’s okay to make mistakes and I want to ensure that you’re okay,” she said. “We see the Shimmy we know, I think that helped me get back into it. “Since August I have struggled, struggled with who I am, I questioned what value I bring to a team. “I questioned if I could even play the sport. No one recognised or even tried to reach out. I felt so belittled. I felt like a nobody.” Falcons coach Marg Lind said earlier in the pre-season Jok, who has played internationally for Jamaica, had been really open with them and had shown courage with her netball career in limbo. She knew that Jok would get the opportunity to play goal attack, a role she didn’t play at Super Netball level. Jok said she was excited for the challenge. “I can’t wait,” she said. “It gives me another range. I have a bit more freedom to move… a lot more to think about, a bit more time to run around, defend, create moves for

everyone around you. “I’ll take on feedback and be positive and have a really good environment. I think that really made me find the love for netball.” With a strong goaling line up, it will be a battle for court time, but Jok said that was the least of her worries. She sees the bigger picture. “I feel like it’s more about what i can give, what i can learn, what we all can learn from each other,” she said. “For me also team first, self last. It’s not an issue if I don’t get court time or not, always going to be a cheer girl whether on the court or off the court. “Whatever the team needs, I’ll be there.” While Jok doesn’t have a Super Netball contract, she has signed on as a training partner for new side, the Mavericks. She said it was a role that she was still adjusting to. “I’m now not really taking it to heart that I’m not good enough to be contracted,” she said. “I’m taking it one training (at a time) and learning what I can and turning in a new chapter. “Do something different, be something different, work on something different instead of saying I’m still the same goal shooter.” After the last few months, Jok said she was focusing on rebuilding herself and getting her love back for the game. Anything else isn’t in her thoughts. “Taking baby steps,” she said. “Try and regain that love for the sport and keep grinding and ticking those boxes where necessary.”

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Chasing consistency, Lions need to dig deep Inconsistency again proved an issue for Melton in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west on Saturday. The Lions have started to get some wins after the Christmas break, after going winless the first part of the season, but are yet to win two matches in a row. On Saturday, on day one of their match against Altona, the Lions were left to rue another poor batting performance. The side was bowled just 114 in the 61st over having won the toss and decided to bat on their home deck. Lions coach Mitch Stephens said it was frustrating day for the whole side. “We are a big up and down at the moment,” he said. “We’re focusing on a few little things as a team, bit they aren’t coming off with the bat. “Benny MacRae showed us again how it

was done.” MacRae top scored with 58 coming in number four with the next highest run scorer, Rhys Berry with 16. There were four ducks in the innings. MacRae, the skipper, has dropped down the order with both Stephens and Brenton Cook in the side in recent weeks. “Benny is just as dominant in the middle or the top of the order,” Stephens said. “Myself and Brenton Cook are both openers who like to hit the ball. “Benny dropped himself in the order, but is itching to get back up there.” With just 114 on the board, the task was always going to be tough for the Lions. The A’s made it through day one unscathed and will resume at 0-20. Stephens said the group hasn’t given up hope about beating a side that is fighting for

a finals position. “Early wickets are the key next week as they did to us this week,” he said. “This group is really good at hanging in there and fighting. “A score of 120 might be below par but on that wicket something will be on offer to us while we’re bowling.” While the Lions first XI struggled on Saturday, their second XI has already sealed first innings points. Stephens said they would go for an outright win this week and could possibly lock up a finals spot with one round remaining. “It’s a really good sign for the club,” he said. “It’s a new twos side this year with only three or four players from last year remaining with that group. “That group has gone really well.” Tara Murray

Chris Hope (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Sports shorts VNL The Western Warriors have added more experience to their squad for their inaugural Victorian Netball League season with the signing of Vanessa Augustini. Augustini, who is from Melbourne’s west, has played in the Victorian Netball League and was previously a training partner with former Suncorp Super Netball side, the Collingwood Magpies. She’s the third player on the squad to have been involved with a Super Netball side.

FV Football Victoria has revealed that all clubs have met the minimum requirements to allow them to compete this season. In November, Football Victoria revealed details of an unprecedented level of club debt. For many clubs, this debt threatened their involvement in FV competitions in 2024. Although there remain a number of clubs completing their final payment arrangements, the league confirmed that all clubs have met the minimum requirements, currently allowing them to continue as participants in 2024 FV competitions.

Cricket Former Darley and Melton cricketer Tom Rogers made his maiden list A century for Victoria against New South Wales on Wednesday. Rogers finished on 196 in the Marsh Cup clash, the sixth highest total in one-day cricket in Australia. It’s the highest one-day domestic score by a Victorian.

Sammy Vithana. (Joe Mastroianni). 319131_04

Royals in driver’s seat By Harper Sercombe Melton South Royals are in a strong position at the end of day one in its Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 clash with St Andrews Footscray. After being sent to the field at home the Royals were made to work hard for their first wicket. Despite Footscray not scoring runs at a fast rate, its opening partnership was able to put on 74 run stand to kick off the innings. From there the Royals began to get into their work taking wickets consistently through the innings with Footscray’s best partnership after the openers, reaching just 20 runs. The wickets were well shared around with Nathan Geisler, Sameera Vithana and Sachika Udara claiming two each to dismiss Footscray for 149 in the 62nd over. “I’m pretty happy after Saturday, the wicket played really well, it was nice and flat so it was really hard work for the bowlers so we felt that

150 was definitely an achievable score to chase down,” Royals’ coach Blake Ivory said. “I think the runs just weren’t really flowing, they were going at about two an over, so we weren’t overly concerned that if we could get some wickets after that we would be right back on top. “The guys just stuck to the plans and the guys bowled really well early on we just couldn’t get that breakthrough. Once we got one or two we were able to take wickets regularly after that.” After dismissing Footscray, the Royals had 15 overs at the crease, with opening batters Joshua Sutton and Nathan Waites doing well to reach stumps at 0-55. “Then when our boys went out to bat late in the day, the goal was to not lose any wickets and we were able to do that,” Ivory said. “So we’ve set ourselves a really solid platform.” “We’ve been in a few positions this year when we’ve bowled teams out and gone in to bat late in the day and lost late wickets, it just

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really halts momentum going into the next week. It was pleasing to be none down, the boys are going to take a lot of confidence in that. “We’re in a pretty strong position, we’ve still got some work to do but hopefully we can get the job done. “Next week we start again, start fresh and treat it as though we’re starting again.” Mathematically finals are still on the cards for the Royals but it is a highly unlikely scenario. More importantly a win on Saturday guarantees the Royals a spot in division 4 next year, which is the first priority for Ivory. “We’ve been low below our best this year, losing a couple of players and had a few injuries, it’s sort of been a stop, start season for us,” he said. “We just want to finish off strong and give us a bit of momentum heading into next year. We know we’re up to the level we just need a bit more consistency in our game.”

Western United has been dealt a blow in the lead up to the A-League Women’s finals with goalkeeper Hillary Beall headed back to America. Beall played her last game on Sunday, after United allowed her to return from her loan early after being traded to the San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The American was an inaugural vice-captain and was named United’s inaugural A-League women player of the season.

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Tuesday, 20 February, 2024 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21

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Stallions building ahead of season under Paglia It’s been a promising start to life at Spring Hills under new coach Sal Paglia. Paglia arrived at the club with a goal to return the club to FV State League 4 west after the club was relegated following last season and early signs are pointing in that direction. “It’s been going really well, we’ve put a blueprint in place, a program to set up the preseason and we’re about four weeks into that and it’s looking good,” Paglia said. The club took its first major stride during the preseason last week, passing Tullamarine with ease in the first round of the Australia Cup. The Stallions defeated the state 5 north team 4-1 earlier in the month. “It’s great for the club, great for the players that have come in, the existing and new ones,” Paglia said. “At the same time it’s a bit of a milestone for the club after some success in our preseason

games and to get over round one. We’re really happy with where we are at the moment.” It’s not just Paglia that has made a good first impression at the club with new recruit Chris Duncan scoring three goals and assisting one. “We’ve brought in a couple of experienced players, Chris Duncan is one of them, he came from Barnstoneworth United, he was the fourth top goal scorer in the league (state league 4 west) last season and he’s been our experienced front man,” Paglia said. “We’ve got some experience around, we’ve got some youth and we’re just trying to find a happy blend between the two.” Results haven’t just been positive in the Australia Cup, with three wins in practice matches happening in the build up to the cup game. “The good thing is we’ve played against some teams that are in higher divisions and we’ve

actually beaten them,” Paglia said. “But it’s not all about the wins, it’s about the unity of the squad, we’re a new squad that has come together. “But the wins are important, they bring confidence within the group and give us a bit of direction. Including the Australia Cup win we’re really on a good path at the moment, but we are five weeks away from the season, we’re still building those blocks, building the foundations and at the moment our preseason looks really good. “It (promotion) is the long distance goal, but I think we’ve got some things that we need to work on to get right first before we go for promotion. We’re building a team not just for the short term but we’re building for the future.” Harper Sercombe

Dylan Vella. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 338854_04

Lions’ finals hopes over

Chloe Logarzo. (Western United/ Getty Images)

Back in green and gold Western United’s Chloe Logarzo is back in the Matildas squad after being called up by Tony Gustavsson for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan. It represents a return to Matildas camp for the first time since November 2022 and is just reward for Logarzo following the journey that she has been on to recover from an ACL injury over the last 18 months. The United co-captain has been dominating the A-League Women, scoring five goals and adding two assists in her 14 appearances this season. “It’s really nice to be back,” she said. “I don’t really know how to put it into words, I don’t think I am excited, I know that sounds weird, I think it’s just one of those sighs of relief that I was able to get myself back into a position to be back wearing this emblem and representing my nation again, so I’m just excited with the opportunity to be a part of something that I’ve wanted to be a part of for a really long time. “I’m just trying to have fun and I think when there’s no expectations and you play without fear you have this sense of freedom when you’re playing and I think that’s oozing out in my game and is a by-product of what I’ve been enjoying.” Logarzo said allowing herself to believe she

would be back representing her country one day was tough to do, but people at Western United helped push her back into the Matildas’ squad. “My assistant coach Chelsea [Noonan] has really brought it out of me, I know it was deep down inside somewhere that I wanted to be here,” she said. “I never really voiced it or said it allowed myself to voice it so her ability to work with me week in week out to find that desire to be back here has been the only reason that I am here. “So I’m grateful for the club and I’m grateful for the people that have been in my corner pushing me to find the love of the game again.” Logarzo will be hoping to add to her 55 caps for the Matildas as the side takes on Uzbekistan for a place at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The Matildas take on the central Asian nation in a two-legged tie, with the winner earning qualification to the Olympics. The first leg will take place in Tashkent on February 24 before the return leg at Marvel Stadium on February 28. “Every game is important for us and I think it’ll be a really good challenge,” she said. “I know it’s going to be hot in Uzbekistan and I know it’s going to be hot here, so it’ll be

22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 February, 2024

one of those situations where we will be settling into it and for the girls to come together after the Christmas break is going to be really good. “The pressure is always on, we still need to qualify for the Olympics so it’s about putting our heads down and working hard.” Western United sit in second on the ladder ahead of its clash with Wellington Phoenix on Sunday. In the club’s most recent game, against Brisbane Roar, Logaro was pivotal in getting the three points, scoring a brace including the winning penalty in the 92nd minute. “To play in front of our fans is always special and to do it when we’ve got the chase on to get some silverware and towards the back end of the season when we’re coming into form and we’re playing really good football is something that’s really exciting,” she said. “I’m looking forward to playing with the girls and just taking this one day at a time until I get into camp. “My main focus right now is to just worry about the league and do the job that I need to do until I’m not here anymore.” Logarzo has previously played at two Olympics, helping Australia to the quarter-finals at the 2016 games in Rio De Janeiro before reaching the bronze medal match in Tokyo in 2021.

Darley’s finals hopes are officially over in the Ballarat Cricket Association. The Lions had a small glimmer of hope heading into the second last round but that was extinguished with a loss to Napoleons Sebastopol. Napoleons Sebastopol had made 186 on day one of the match, giving the Lions a solid run chase. The Lions started well and were 1-66 before they lost three quick wickets including that of star batter Dilan Chandima to slip to 3-78. A small partnership put the Lions back on top before two wickets without scoring had the Lions in trouble at 6-112. The Lions’ tail fought hard and got to within 15 runs with two wickets in hand. The Lions’ push ended up falling short, with the side bowled out for 181. Chandima top scored with 43 before being run out. The loss had the Lions sitting in sixth spot, 20 points outside the top four heading into the final round. While it was heartbreak for the Lions, Bacchus Marsh added another win to its total, easily accounting for Buninyong. Having made 8-244 on day one, the Bulls were able to recover after a slow start to bowl the Buniinyong out for 134 in the 69th over. The Bulls took the final 6-22 to wrap up the tail. Daniel Lalor took 4-49 off his 20 overs, while Armi Wakefield took two wickets. The Bulls sit in seventh spot heading into the final round, three points behind their cross town rivals. Darley is at home to Golden Point in the final round, while Bacchus Marsh will travel to Wendouree. Meanwhile, the BCA Melbourne Country Week side finished in third place in the division 2 competition. Bacchus Marsh’s Nick Strangio was part of the team.

Dilan Chandima (Jacob Pattison)316219_02

Johnson selected for Young Matildas under 20s Western United’s Kahli Johnson has been selected in a 23-player Young Matildas squad to take part in the AFC under 20 women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan. After successfully navigating rounds 1 and 2 of qualification, Australia were drawn last year in Group A and will feature alongside Korea Republic (March 3), hosts Uzbekistan (March 6), and Chinese Taipei (March 9) during the tournament that runs March 3–16 . Local A-League Women’s talent dominates the selections with 22 of the 23 squad members currently playing their club football in national competition. Tottenham Hotspur academy rising star, Milly Boughton, is the only internationally based player to make the plane for Tashkent. “This squad has been a result of over 12 months of intensive scouting across the country and internationally. With the

Kahli Johnson (Supplied)

significant number of excellent players available, this has been an extremely difficult task to select the final squad,” coach Leah Blayney said upon announcing the squad.

“We are pleased with the final roster not only in terms of depth, but also the versatility, high motivation and form they are all current demonstrating. This is one of the most exciting cohorts that I have worked with over my six years with the national team, and it highlights the fantastic work being undertaken across the Australian football landscape.” Western United General Manager of football Mal Impiombato said Johnson’s form this season and the opportunity for competitive football with the national team were continued positives for her development. “We are continually delighted with Kahli’s progress on and off the pitch. She is maintaining fantastic growth and continues to apply herself and work hard,” he said. “We are pleased for Kahli to have this opportunity to further her development and experience in a competitive international

tournament, with silverware and World Cup qualification on the line. “We wish Kahli, Leah and the squad all the very best in Uzbekistan and look forward to watching their progress.” A top two finish in Group A will not only mean progression to the knockout stage of the tournament, but also qualification for the FIFA under 20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 from August 31-September 22. The Young Matildas will gather for a pre-camp from February 19 – 28 which will take place in Sydney and then Dubai, before the team arrives in Tashkent on March 1 for the tournament. AFC U-20 women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan group action will take place from March 3–9, with the semi-finals scheduled for March 13 and the third-place match and final to take place on March 16.

WRFL’s new umpiring academy

Joshua Knight (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Georgies’ win run ends By Harper Sercombe Caroline Springs George Cross’ 16 game winning streak has come to a close with a draw against Werribee City in the Victorian Premier League 1 on Saturday night. After conceding first the Georgies equalised before half time through a Russel Currie goal. The Bees then went up again not long after the break. The game looked lost for the Georgies until Nicholas Sette put through the game saving, levelling goal during injury time, finishing the game 2-2. “It was a tense affair and in the end we’re content with the one point,” Georgies’ coach Eric Vassiliadis. “Even though we want to win all of our games at home I thought the endeavour of the group and the positivity on the ball meant that it ended up being a slightly open game. “It reinforced how difficult this league is and how much we need to be concentrating for the full term.

“The game was a bit more open than I would have hoped because both teams wanted to win the game, which is great. “We could have definitely lost that game but on balance of play we were very proactive and had an abundance of opportunities. We copped a couple of goals on the break which is football and we need to prepare for that. “I was happy that over the 96, 97 minutes I thought we were the better team but it’s done now and we take a draw and move on.” Last weekend the Georigies’ were able to have an immediate impact in the VPL as they knocked off Melbourne City 3-2, having being promoted in the off season. Vassiliadis said after a trying off-season to kick off the season with a win and a draw is promising. “We were absolutely thrilled because we’ve had a lot of change over the off season, we’ve lost eight players from our starting 11, and we’ve brought in some really good quality,” he said. “It’s going to take some time for the group

to gel and to build that fluidity. “On top of that the pre-season hasn’t been kind to us in terms of injuries. There’s been some challenges so to get off round one against a very good, young Melbourne City side was a massive positive for us.” This week the Georgies are set to face Brunswick City, again at City Vista. Brunswick has kicked off the season in the same way as the Georgies. “We know that this year, every week is genuinely going to be a completely different challenge,” Vassiliadis said. “They’re a big club that has historically done well at this level. They’re coming off a very very good win away against North Geelong so there’s a lot of quality sprinkled through that team. “They’re another team that I think is going to try to take it to us but I think at home we will focus on us and hopefully over the 96, 97 minutes we’ve got enough firepower to get the win but it’s going to be a tough one for sure.”

The Western Region Football League Umpires association is set to launch its fourth umpiring academy. The association has been running three academies MacKillop College Werribee, Hoppers Crossing Football ground and Saltwater reserve Point Cook for a number of years which has produced many umpires to service the WRFL. These operate on Monday nights between 4-5pm and commence for this season on Monday, March 4. The newest addition to the academies is to be based at Hanmer Reserve, Yarraville The new program based in Maribyrnong is designed to cater for all new umpires in the local area, so aspiring umpires aren’t forced to travel too far to get the required training The Yaravillle academy will open on Wednesday, March 6 between 5-6pm and after two weeks it will revert to Thursday nights 5-6pm. The new academy will be led by former AFL field umpire Murray Bird, who officiated 43 top-level games. Bird is also a part of the Queensland AFL Hall of Fame. These are free and experienced staff will teach you the basics ofumpiring. The benefits include communications, management, control and fitness. “The academies are designed to have a bit of fun, and there’s opportunities to earn some money and service football at all levels,” WRFL director of umpiring Steve Keating said. “There are tremendous opportunities for women and girls. We really want to encourage women and girls to get involved. “You can also both play and umpire other games in your area and we endeavour to keep you close to home. “We had quite a number of kids who played Western Jets football but also to improve their fitness also boundary umpired senior footy on a Saturday or ran around in junior footy on a Sunday as well.” Anyone interested males and females, should contact the WRFL offices for more information.

Tuesday, 20 February, 2024 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

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