Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 9th April 2024

Holiday circus fun

Kids got to enjoy school holiday silliness on April 4 and 5 when Mister Ants’ Slapstick Circus Slid into town.

The Slapstick Circus is a slapstick comedy and physical theatre aimed at 3-8 year olds. About 150 kids packed into the first show, filling out the supper room of the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall, before a second show at the Ballan Library the following day.

Moorabool mayor Ally Munari said council’s libraries and youth teams run exceptional school holiday activities locally for kids.

“It’s delightful to see the young ones get involved in an interactive show like this, and it’s great for parents to have this entertainment close by during the school holidays,“ she said.

“I encourage parents and guardians to keep an eye on our social media channels and our Council website every school holidays as there is always plenty going on for kids of all ages.”

Details: https://www.moorabool.vic. gov.au/Events

Melton doctor banned

By Liam McNally

A long-serving former Melton GP has been bannedfromapplyingforregistrationas health practitioner for four years after being caught prescribing opiates and benzodiazepines without “clinical justification”.

Dr Beng Ong, who in recent years had allowed his registation as a doctor to lapse, had worked as a GP at the Melton Medical Clinic for 44 years.

In April 2019 the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) launched an investigation into Dr Ong following a notification from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. A VCAT hearing in late March heard allegations of misconduct on Dr Ong’s behalf, involving six patients between 2015 and 2019. The misconduct was summarised as prescribing Schedule Four and/or Schedule Eight drugs including Oxycodone, Stilnox, and Diazepam when there was no clinical rationale for prescribing them, prescribing Schedule Eight drugs without the necessary permit and, on those occasions when he did have a permit, prescribing in amounts exceeding what the permit allowed.

and-or benzodiazepines in the long-term without appropriately assessing the patients’ pain or documenting a pain management plan, prescribed high dose opiates and-or benzodiazepines without considering the risk tothosepatientsofongoinguseandescalating doses and failed to identify and manage the patients’ drug dependency.

Dr Ong was also found to have failed to notify the secretary to the Department of Health and Human Services that his patients were drug-dependent persons and that he inadequately managed the clinical care of his patients by prescribing opiates

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The tribunal also heard Dr Ong prescribed Schedule Four Drugs when he had reason to believe that the patient was a drug-dependent person who was exhibiting drug seeking behaviour, prescribed other drugs to his patients concurrently, such as anti-depressants, without undertaking mental health assessments or risk assessments for suicide or self-harm and failed to ensure

continuity of care by failing to keep adequate clinical notes.

An AHPRA board submission to the hearing said when the conduct is viewed as a whole, “the Board considers it to demonstrate serious,systemicfailuresthatfallsubstantially below the standard reasonably expected of a doctor of Dr Ong’s training and experience and is inconsistent with Dr Ong being a fit and proper person to hold registration in the profession”.

Dr Ong admitted the conduct alleged and the characterisation of the conduct as constituting professional misconduct. He was banned from applying for registration as a medical practitioner for four years.

Mister Ant with some of the kids who enjoyed his Slapstick Circus. (Damjan Janevski)

New roles mooted for councillors

Moorabool council is going to investigate giving councillors new “portfolio roles” once they are no longer responsible for particular wards.

InFebruarythestategovernmentannounced it had accepted changes to the ward structure of 39 Victorian councils as recommended by Electoral Representation Advisory Panels (ERAPs). The ERAPs were reviewing council ward structures to comply with 2020 changes to the Local Government Act. In elections scheduled for later this year, residents will vote for nine councillors who will all represent Moorabool Shire Council as a single ward.

Under the current set-up, seven councillors represent four different wards within the shire - East, West, Central and Woodlands.

Following a decision at a Moorabool council meeting on April 3, a report will investigate options for councillors to have portfolio responsibilities once they no longer have smaller wards to represents.

Councillor Rod Ward moved for the report and in his rationale pointed to nearby councils that have councillor portfolios for things like Heritage, Arts, Education & Culture, Finance, Audit & Risk or Tourism, Events & Visitor Economy and more.

“...it may cause some concern amongst some

Rugby stars recognised

Two Melton Secondary College students have taken home awards for their efforts in rugby fromthe2023VictorianSchoolSportsAwards.

TheVictorianSchoolSportsAwardscelebrate exceptional commitment and performance from Victorian school student athletes, while also recognising leadership and community contribution through participation in sport.

The 17-year-old cousins Parish Hunt and Lourdez Sakaria were both participants in Melton Secondary College’s cutting edge Rugby Academy which launched in 2022. Parish said being a part of the academy had been a privilege, and it led to one of his sporting career highlights - playing against a New Zealand school boys’ team from Francis Douglas Memorial College. “[Receiving the award] was an honourable experience. [I feel] very humble and grateful,” he said. “I’d like to just thank my parents for

always believing in me and encouraging me to push boundaries…”

Lourdez said that when she was 12 years old she was one of just three girls playing with the boys in her Perth league.

“Theopportunitiesthe[RugbyAcademy]has provided for young females is a huge stepping stone in the right direction for girls in rugby, with more females signing up to play the sport, getting involved and showcasing their skills,” she said.

“…there is so much talent here in Victoria and to be considered for this award was an honour in itself let alone winning it. It’s a blessing that I will always be grateful for.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Education Darren Cheeseman congratulated all the nominees, parents, carers and teachers who have showed incredible commitment to quality education and excellence in sport.

residents in the shire that they no longer have elected ‘ward’ representatives to represent their best interests,” he said. “I consider it important that post the local elections in October 2024 that MSC residents would have anunderstandingofhowtheycanseeksupport fromtheirelectedrepresentativesformattersof concern, to provide feedback, or to seek clarity on issues that may be important to them.”

The report will consider portfolios that best align with council’s Strategic Plan, provide recommendations on the number of portfolios to be considered, and how councillors are appointed.

It will also provide recommendations on the

authorities, roles and responsibilities of these portfolios and clarity over their operational protocols

Cr Ward said the purpose of the portfolio model is to create collaboration with community and stakeholders, and to support the implementation of council’s strategic directions.

“It should also create opportunities for increased partnerships and innovation,” he said. “A further benefit of the allocation of portfolios for councillors is that it would provide streamlined, appropriate and effective working relationships between councillors and the Executive Management Team.”

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2024

Free Kinder is available for three and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services.

Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,500 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school. Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2024. Visit: vic.gov.au/kinder

Lourdez Sakaria and Parish Hunt. (Damjan Janevski) 399044_05

Support for young people drafted

Almost one-third of Moorabool residents are age 24 and below prompting council to draft a strategy outlining how it will assist in providing holistic support to young people within the municipality.

According to a council document the draft Young Communities Strategy 2024-2028 has been created to deliver a birth to 25 life journey plan, while ensuring all life stages of children, young people and their families are supported. The plan incorporates and builds on two previous documents, council’s Youth Strategy and the Municipal Early Years Plan.

The plan is set around four key themesHealth and Wellbeing Services and Supports, Community Engagement and Participation, Education and Learning and Safety and Inclusion.

Within these themes the document outlines about a dozen “key priority areas” and within those more than 80 potential actions.

Influencing the strategy was a ‘have your say’ survey which found young people in the municipality value things like the library, playgrounds, a mix of sport activities, art programs and the YES program.

Biggest things young people identified as concerns or barriers included public transport, mental health, feeling safe in the community and accessing services.

Councillor Tom Sullivan criticised the draft.

“I’m disappointed in the report to be honest with you… There’s this thread of identity politics that runs through this which I find really distasteful, when you start identifying groups individually it stirs division and I just think that I thought we were above it.”

Councillor Rod Ward said he believes putting together a plan specifically for youth is

Step into nature with a great hike

The Great Aussie Hike will march through Moorabool this April 26 and 27.

The Great Aussie Hike is an annual program where groups participate in team and habit-building activities before culminating in a hike of up to 100 kilometers.

This year The Great Aussie Hike offers 30, 50, 80 and 100 km hikes across two days that begin at either the Moorabool Reservoir or Blackwood, traverse the Wombat State Forest and end in Daylesford.

Founder and program director Anna Kelly said The Great Aussie Hike was established during Melbourne’s long lockdown of 2020

as a simple way to keep people connected and supporting each other’s mental health using human connection, goal setting and physical activity in nature.

“It was only ever meant to be a ‘one-off’, however the concept has been embraced by the community we’ve built, so we continue to offer the program and challenge each year,” she said.

“It has also meant we’ve been able to visit and support different regional communities with the different locations our challenge has been held.

“We’ve continued to grow every year since

Interest in new project space

Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open for two major Melton council projects. Non-profits, service providers and commercial tenants can now register their interest in occupying space at the future Plumpton Aquatic and Wellness Centre or the Cobblebank Community Services Hub. The Cobblebank Community Services Hub will be a purpose-built facility to deliver office accommodation for community, allied health services and commercial businesses.

Plumpton Aquatic and Wellness Centre will be a state-of-the art leisure facility, with a designated allied health wing and space for commercial businesses.

The process allows Council to gain a more detailedunderstandingofinterestfromabroad range of businesses in health, community and human services organisations, as well as

prospective commercial tenants, in occupying space at both facilities.

AselectEOIwasundertakenin2022asproof of concept for the Cobblebank Community Services Hub. Organisations that previously took part are invited to re-submit an EOI to provide the most up to date information.

Tenancies could include a broad range of community, education, health and human service needs, shopfronts, café operators, office spaces, education provision and meeting and collaboration facilities.

Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said both the Plumpton Aquatic and Wellness Centre and the Cobblebank Community Services Hub are planned to be state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet the growing needs of Melton.

SubmissionscloseonFriday,April19at4pm.

a “great idea”.

“I’ve taken on board Councillor Sullivan’s commentsandwhileIdon’tnecessarilydisagree with them, what I do think is important is that we do treat everyone equally but we do need to find out in what sections of the community the greatestchallengesliesowecanaddressthose,” he said.

The draft strategy was passed by council and will go out for public exhibition and comment for four weeks, after which council will decide whether to formally adopt the plan in June or July.

Rec reserve renaming advances

TheElaineRecreationReserveisastep closer to being renamed to the Ron Read Recreation Reserve in response to a petition from residents of Elaine.

Ron Read, who passed away in 2021, was the president and a “much

valued” member of the Elaine Recreation Reserve Community Asset Committee (ERRCAC).

In 2022, the ERRCAC submitted a petition to Moorabool council to rename the reserve in his honour.

“Ron was a tireless worker for every community event, from working around the reserve, tending to our beautiful trees, watering them when there were period of no rainfall for months,” the petition read.

our first walk in 2021 with over 1,100 people signing up for this year’s challenge.”

Ms Kelly said the hike embraces the great Aussie spirit of mates looking after each other.

“We love being able to offer lots of different team options so that all your mates can be included in some way… We focus on being extremely supportive along the course and helping all our teams get to the finish line,” she said.

Ms Kelly gave thanks to Kyneton’s Rapid Relief team who are generously traveling along the course providing meals, snacks and hot drinks for our participants over the two days.

“Whenever there was an event he would be seen manning the BBQ. He was so proud of our Recreation Reserve he always put his hand up whenever anything needed doing, he was the driving force around the township of Elaine for many years… we feel that it would be a lasting tribute to a man who put in more than 30 years tending to his much loved reserve for the benefit of the entire community.”

Council opted to wait on the finalisationofaseparatePlaceNaming Policy before deliberation on the petition, but following the adoption of the PNP in March, council has accepted the petition submitted by the ERRCAC.

Council will now conduct a 30-day community consultation process with stakeholders affected by the proposed renaming.

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Hikers during last year’s Great Aussie Hike. (Supplied)

Strawberry, cherry fest returns

Afterayearoff,themuch-lovedBacchusMarsh

Strawberry and Cherry Festival is set to return in 2024.

The festival was canceled last year due to ballooning costs and logistical difficulties, but organiser Felicity Ashman said things are “progressing smoothly” to be able to hold the event in November this year.

Felicity Ashman has been helping to organise the event since 2015, and ran it in 2022 through her company Urban Markets following the closure of the Bacchus Marsh Tourism Association in 2021.

Ms Ashman said not being able to proceed

with the festival last year was incredibly disheartening. “We invested a lot of time and effort into planning,butunfortunately,variouschallenges arose that prevented us from moving forward. Attempting to relocate the event to address traffic management concerns and navigating permit meetings were just a couple of the hurdles we faced. Despite our best efforts, the logisticalissuesprovedtoodifficulttoovercome within the limited timeframe. It was a difficult decision,butultimately,wehadtoprioritisethe safety aspects as well as the overall experience for our community,” she said.

Ms Ashman said there has been logistical changes this year, including meeting with council for permit meetings much earlier, to allowfortimetodealwithplanningchallenges.

“It’s an incredible feeling to be able to deliver the festival this year. Our festival is not just an event - it’s a cornerstone of our community, bringing people together in celebration and joy,” she said. “After the challenges of the past year, being able to bring back this beloved tradition is truly exhilarating. We’re thrilled to once again offer our community a chance to come together, enjoy each other’s company, and create lasting memories.”

Platypus at home in Bacchus Marsh

Ever wanted to know more about the local platypus community?

The next BacchChat event will feature Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance president Dr Jodie Valpied speaking about the work of the group.

“Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance Inc. (BMPA) is a non-profit, volunteer community association which protects, monitors, advocates for and educates the community about platypus in the Bacchus Marsh area, including in the Werribee River through the Bacchus Marsh township,” she said.

“BMPA formed in November 2019, and officially launched in February 2020. It has since grown from five members to over 50 members.”

Dr Valpied will discuss fascinating facts about platypus, updates on what they know about local platypuses in Bacchus Marsh and surrounds, how local residents can help our local platypuses and what Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance has been doing toward this.

“Based on platypus survey results, scientists from the Australian Platypus Conservancy estimate there are at least 30 individual platypuses between Bacchus Marsh Weir (at the westmost end of Werribee Vale Road) and Melton Reservoir,” she said.

“This is a viable population size, but they wouldn’t want the population to decrease any further, as that could affect future breeding.”

Dr Valpied said they want to see more and more people aware that there are platypus in Bacchus Marsh.

“When locals know we have these special creatures living here, they are usually very excited and keen to help protect them.

“We wish more locals knew that their yard and street are directly connected to the platypus’ habitat (local rivers) via stormwater drains.”

The event will be held on May 11.

Details: https://www.moorabool.vic.gov. au/Events/May-BacchChat-Presented-byPlatypus-Alliance-Bacchus-Marsh

Ms Ashman said the Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival is planned for the 14th to the 17th of November.

“On the 14th, we kick off with carnival-only activities for Local’s Night. The festivities continue on the 15th at the Village Green, featuringentertainment,food,andthecarnival.

On the 16th and 17th, the excitement spreads to the Street Market, Public Hall market, and various community activities alongside the carnival, entertainment and performances at the Graham Street community stage,” she said.

“Mark your calendars for four days of fun and community spirit.”

Police lay fraud charges

Police have charged three Brimbank men and a Melton man as part of an investigation into an organised crime syndicate that has been allegedly committing a series of complex frauds and deceptions totalling almost $4 million.

Police will allege the syndicate was fraudulently obtaining or attempting to obtain mobile phones, which were subsequently shipped overseas, primarily to Russia.

During the 18-month investigation, police also uncovered two allegedly fraudulently obtained mortgages and a fraudulently obtained vehicle worth at least $1.36 million.

The quartet were arrested by police on April 3 and were collectively charged with almost 100 offences.

A38-year-oldKeilorDownsmanwas charged with 37 counts of obtaining property by deception, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

A 33-year-old Taylors Lakes man was charged with 37 counts of obtaining property by deception, three counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and three counts of dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

A 32-year-old Sydenham man was charged with negligently dealing with proceeds of crime and dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

A 69-year-old Melton man was charged with 12 counts of obtaining property by deception, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

All four were bailed to appear at a later date.

Ten year, $7 million plan for Wallace Recreation Reserve

A plan outlining a $7 million broad vision for thenextdecadeofdevelopmentoftheWallace Recreation Reserve has been revealed.

The Wallace Recreation Reserve is the primary community open space in the broader Wallace and Springbank district, used primarily by the Springbank Football Netball Club.

The reserve contains an oval, netball court, multipurpose court, two pavilions, a CFA building,playgroundandotherinfrastructure to support the SFNC and other user groups. At a Moorabool council meeting on Wednesday, April 3, the Wallace Recreation

Reserve Masterplan was tabled, outlining the next decade of development and improvements for the reserve.

The masterplan report said that in the reserve’s current form the oval surface deteriorates quickly in rain, the main pavilion has functional constraints including no netball or umpire change rooms, the playground is in need of upgrades, current parking is “largely ad hoc” and the road is narrow and contributes to congestion.

The document suggests 20 upgrade projects that it estimates will cost about $7 million.

The six highest priority upgrades are

rebuilding the oval playing surface and converting the floodlights to LED, resolving the flooding issue, extending and upgrading the pavilion, relocating the reserve equipment and maintenance shed, installing a new playground and modifying the CFA building. The medium priority projects include installing a new oval perimeter carpark, a separate new 80-space carpark with drop-off zone, upgrading the netball court including a LED floodlight conversion, a new enclosed bin store, widen the reserve entrance road, installing a new ticket box, new boundary planting along the Eastern fence line and

installing a new septic system.

The plan lists low-priority projects as installing a centre wicket and practice nets, widening the oval perimeter road and upgrading the asphalt tennis-netball courts.

Councillor Rod Ward commended the user groups of the reserve for seizing the initiative to prepare this master plan.

“I think it gives a very clear direction for the users at the recreation reserve and sets out a plan to attract funding required for identified key projects,” he said.

Dr Jodie Valpied is the guest speaker at the May Bacchchat. (Damjan Janevski). 399011_01

Nominate a top achiever

Know someone making the City of Melton a better place? Melton council is looking for help in celebrating the area’s unsung heroes and high achievers making our communities better.

Nominations are now open for Melton Council’s Community Achievement Awards. Achievements could include volunteering, personal involvement in local clubs or sporting groups, cultural diversity, gender equity, youth groups or advocating for their community.

Melton residents can be nominated across five categories:

Citizen of the Year – recognising ongoing localleadershipandinvolvement,YoungCitizen oftheYear–forleadersinourcommunityaged under 25 years old, Intercultural Engagement Leader of the Year – for leaders who celebrate our diverse multicultural community, Disability Access and Inclusion Leader of the

Year – for commitment to improving the life of people living with a disability and Gender Equity Leader of the Year – for promotion of gender equality and commitment to advancing the status of women.

Melton Mayor Kathy Majdlik said Melton has many dedicated and passionate people in its community who make a big difference in the lives of others.

“Nominating a hardworking resident for a community achievement award is a really special way to say thank you. It might be a local volunteer, a sports coach or someone who goes above and beyond every day,” she said.

“Over the years, awards have celebrated people from all professions and walks of life.”

Nominations close at 5pm on Sunday, May 5.

Details: melton.vic.gov.au/ CommunityAchievementAwards

Briefs

50 arrested

A Rockbank man was charged as part of a police operation focused on young offenders. Police arrested 50 people as part of a concerted approach to target youth gang members and other repeat young offenders ahead of the school holidays. Police conducted arrest warrants, firearm prohibition order checks and bail compliance checks to put known offenders in the area on notice as part of Operation Alliance. The four-day blitz in Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham and Brimbank resulted in 50 arrests, with four offenders remanded, 15 released with intent to summons, four released pending enquiries, and 27 bailed. Four vehicles were impounded and 38 penalty notices issued.

Rubbish changes

Temporary arrangements have been put in place at the Melton Recycling Facility to accept general waste from April 6. Three bays, instead of the usual five, will be in operation so there may be minor delays. All other services remain unaffected.

Good Friday appealt

The Bacchus Marsh Lions Club raised more than $30,000 for this year’s Good Friday appeal. With the help of the local community, the club raised $34,923.60 the past 12 months which will go to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

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Claire Mouser was Melton Citizen of the Year for 2024. (Damjan Janevski) 373549_01

Melton animal cruelty charges

A Melton man has been found guilty of one count of animal cruelty; beating or terrifying an animal.

The man was sentenced to a community correction order for 12 months and banned from being the person in charge of any dogs for a period of 10 years on March 28.

RSPCA Victoria Inspectors began investigatingafterreceivingareportofanimal cruelty, including CCTV footage of a violent animal cruelty incident at the man’s property. The footage depicted the man striking a Boxer-type dog heavily with a shovel five

times on the dog’s head, shoulder, neck, chest, and torso. The man also destroyed the dog’s kennel in the attack.

On attending the property RSPCA inspectors seized the dog for its own safety, and once in RSPCA care, the dog was given pain relief due to the blunt force trauma sustained – thankfully, X-rays found no fractures or other injuries.

RSPCA Victoria inspectorate veterinarian Dr Rebecca Belousoff said the attack was inhumane.

“The video footage shows repeated abusive

blunt force trauma attacks,” she said.

“The overwhelming stress and fear the dog would have felt in the situation would have been extreme, in addition to the pain of being hit repeatedly by a shovel.

“There is no excuse for the systematic abuse this dog endured.”

Magistrate James Henderson stated the need to denounce the conduct and provide general deterrence.

“This is a serious example of animal abuse that will not be tolerated by the courts,” he said.

Speedway reunion is on track

It has been 60 years since Tracey’s Speedway Maribyrnong closed and to mark the occasion a reunion is being held at the original site.

Organiser and old club member Malcolm Berg said the event will be a family fun day filled with all the old show stopping cars and hot rods, bringing back a taste of the good old days.

The reunion will celebrate Fred Tracey and the solo speedway rider’s legacy within the industry.

It is said Tracey helped breathe new life into Australian Speedway by making safer

and more popular cars.

“It opened in 1946 and closed in 1964 following complaints to council about the noise and dust coming from the speedway,” Mr Berg said

“He would always raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.”

To commemorate this tradition, gold coins will be collected on the day of the reunion to donate to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“It was something different and new at the time, it was a place to go on Saturday night,” Mr Berg continued.

“More than 7000 people would come to a quarter mile track and people would bring their cars, hot rods, midgets and more.”

Mr Berg said every year since the closure, Tracey’s Speedway has been remembered with a fundraising reunion.

“We’ve had a reunion every year besides last year because we thought the 60th would be more appropriate,” he said.

“Every year we hold one and it is very popular, so this year we have involved Maribyrnong council.”

The event will be held on Sunday, April 14, at Maribyrnong Reserve on Raleigh Road.

RSPCA Victoria’s chief inspector Michael Stagg slammed the man’s actions and said he hoped the court’s decision highlighted the community’s low tolerance for animal cruelty.

“It’s staggering to see this type of violence and cruelty towards animals, but the reality is it’s happening in Victorian backyards,” he said.

“No animal deserves this violent and inhumane cruelty, and I can only hope this court outcome reinforces the message that RSPCA Victoria, the Victorian community and the courts will not tolerate it.”

Police nab speedsters

A man who was allegedly drunk and speeding with children in the car was one of 216 driving offences detected in Melton and Moorabool as a part of an operation targeting road safety over the Easter long weekend.

Speeding was the most common offence detected during Operation Nexus, with 90 offenders caught in Moorabool and 41 in Melton.

There were multiple high-range offences, including one on Friday night where a man was caught allegedly travelling 61km/h over the speed limit, while drunk and with an overloaded car in Pentland Hills. Four of the five passengers were children and the 40-year-old male driver held a suspended driver’s licence.

His vehicle was immediately impounded and he is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences.

On Saturday evening, police allegedly clocked a white Mercedes ute driving at 175km/h in a 100km zone on the Western Freeway in Deanside.

The 27-year-old Deanside man had his car impounded for 30 days at a cost of $932.40.

There was also one fatality on Melton and Moorabool roads, with a 59-year-old Glen Waverley man dying after crashing his motorcycle on Friday afternoon.

Road Policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said combining alcohol and speed is “terrifying”.

“We saw two separate occasions of people overloading their cars, with children, then driving impaired. This is complete idiocy and it’s lucky none of those children were killed or injured.”

Wednesday 1st May

Thursday 2nd May

Friday 3rd May Bookings are essential.

Members of the club ready for the reunion. (Adam Bigum)

A WICKED production

By Hannah Hammoud

Broadway musical WICKED has returned to its Australian roots, captivating audiences at Melbourne’s iconic Regent Theatre.

More than 20 years since its premiere on Broadway, WICKED continues to reign as one of the world’s most successful and beloved musicals.

Among the ensemble gracing the stage is Caroline Springs own talent, Christian Ambesi.

Christian has taken on the role of Chistery,

the lead flying monkey in the WICKED production.

For Christian, being part of WICKED is a dream come true, tracing back to his first encounter with the musical.

“This is my dream show,“ Christian said.

“WICKED was probably the first ever musical I saw and I would have been around eight years old.“

As WICKED continues to cast its spell on Melbourne audiences, Christian and the cast have enjoyed sharing the untold story of the Wizard of Oz, blending hard-hitting emotions

with upbeat numbers and magical surprises.

Christian’s role involves close interaction with the main characters and even includes adventurous climbing scenes on set pieces.

Despite the demanding schedule – with eightshowsinfivedays–Christianfindssolace in the tight-knit camaraderie among the cast.

“We’re all very close, which keeps the energy high and helps us keep going,“ he said.

“Igettotouraroundthecountry.Wealready opened the show last August in Sydney and we arenowperforminginMelbourneuntilAugust this year before we head off to Brisbane.”

Work to begin on library

Work set to start on Ballan library and community hub.

Moorabool council at its council meeting last week awarded the tender for construction for the library and community hub to AW Nicholson.

The hub will include a state-of-the-art library, community spaces, maternal and child health services, art spaces and an outdoor courtyard.

Moorabool mayor Ally Munari said the library and hub are a very important project, which is being funded by the council, the state government and community contributions.

“Thisisaprojectforwhichcouncilhas advocated strongly for some time, and we’re so pleased to see it kick off, with thanks to the Victorian government for its generous contribution through its Growing Suburbs Fund and to the community for money it has raised to help build the hub,” she said.

Councillor Paul Tatchell said there is a lot of local support for the new facility.

“I know the Ballan community is eagerly awaiting this new facility and we’re very excited to deliver it for them,” he said.

Eureka MP Michaela Settle said libraries were the heart of a community, and the growing community of Ballan deserves the best of the best.

“It’s so much more than just borrowing a book as well; it’s about havingapublicspacethatpeoplecanget together with one another. I’m looking forward to the library and community hub build getting underway,” she said.

Caroline Springs local Christian Ambesi (bottom left) alongside his WICKED cast mates. (Supplied)

Mayor’s message

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Every year, more people call the City of Melton home.

Our greenfield suburbs are undergoing rapid transformation, and people moving into these areas often find communities fast evolving around them.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the Rockbank-Mount Cottrell area along the Western Freeway that includes Thornhill Park, Aintree, Rockbank, Mt Atkinson, Deanside, Ravenhall and Mount Cottrell was the country’s fastest growing region for the second year in a row.

The nearby Plumpton-Fraser Rise area also experienced huge expansion.

With growth comes the need for investments in our public services, public transport, roads, work, and education options. We’ll continue advocating for improved roads and public transport, better health services and other public infrastructure.

Early delivery of community infrastructure boosts social connection, liveability, wellbeing as well as supporting our local economy.

The Victorian Government recently announced a $2 million investment in a new open space precinct in Aintree, encompassing an all-abilities play space, off-lead dog park, community sports pavilion, soccer fields and skate park.

The project will be delivered in partnership with Council, the State Government and developer Woodlea.

We thank the Victorian Government for their support and look forward to working with them in delivering this open space.

You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at kathy.majdlik@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 058.

Disability Advisory Committee

Community members are invited to join Melton City Council’s Disability Advisory Committee.

Expressions of interest are open to people living with disabilities, or disability specific service providers within the City of Melton.

The committee provides advice to Council on strategic direction, policy, and service delivery relating to action

and inclusion for people with disabilities who live, work, study and visit the City of Melton.

Appointments will run from June –December 2024. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 12 April 2024.

Thecommitteemeetseverytwomonths. Find out more, or download the application: melton.vic.gov.au/dac

Short story competition

Calling all storytellers!

Melton City Libraries short story competition is making its 2024 return next month.

Now running for 19 years, the much-loved competition brings together budding creatives from around the City, allowing them to have their work reviewed by popular authors. Entries open on 6 May 2024.

Stay tuned for more information on the contest: melton.vic.gov.au/libraries

Coburn Ward with Cr Julie Shannon

This is an important time of the year for our many residents as they come together to celebrate Easter, Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan, and Holi.

These celebrations bring family, friends and the wider community together and are an important part of the fabric of our multicultural and inclusive City.

I hope everyone who celebrated Easter, and our Hindu residents who took part in Holi, had a wonderful time. I’m sure our Muslim residents will enjoy this week’s feast and celebrations to end Ramadan.

It’s April, which means Council’s draft budget for 2024/25 is taking shape.

We have listened to you and investing in infrastructure, roads, programs, services and the facilities our community needs to thrive is high on the agenda. We look forward to sharing it with you soon and hearing your feedback. Follow Council’s Facebook page @cityofmelton or visit melton.vic. gov.au for further information.

I am very proud that our City is home to more than 300 beautiful parks, gardens, recreation areas and playgrounds that help people connect with each other and nature.

Community achievement awards

Nominations for Melton City Council’s Community Achievement Awards are now open.

Achievements could encompass volunteering, involvement in local clubs, cultural diversity, youth groups or community advocacy. City of Melton residents can be nominated across five categories, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Intercultural Engagement Leader of the Year, Disability Access and Inclusion Leader of the Year and Gender Equity Leader of the Year.

Nominations close at 5pm on Sunday 5 May 2024. Find out more: melton.vic.gov.au/ CommunityAchievementAwards

As our community continues to grow, Council is committed to ensuring we have accessible and active outdoor spaces and parklands to help our residents enjoy healthy, happy and connected lives.

Finally, I hope your children have lots of fun and adventures with their family and friends over the school holidays.

Feel free to contact me regarding Coburn Ward or Council related issues on 0499 801 302; email: Julie.shannon@melton.vic.gov.au or like my Facebook page @julieshannonformelton

Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik Deputy Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi Cr Lara Carli Cr Justine Farrugia Cr Goran Kesic Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Julie Shannon Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

Fostering success in students

By Liam McNally

Melton’s African Youth Initiative (AYI) has launched a new program to help young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds develop the tools they need to succeed in VCE.

AYI’s Someone To Aspire After (STAA) program provides free monthly group mentoring sessions for students delivered by high-achieving past VCE students.

ChelseaMaranguisamentorwhograduated from MacKillop College in Werribee last year with an ATAR of 90.9. She said mentoring with STAA since its launch in January has felt like a massive achievement.

“I think so many of the failures in the education system at the moment are due to African students not seeing teachers and role models that look like them, so me being involved in a mentorship program is my way of providing them with a role model,” she said.

AYI has hosted two STAA session at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre with high school mentees from Wyndham, Melton, Brimbank, and even the south-east suburbs, which the program intends on expanding into next.

AYI co-founder and chief executive Robiel Abraham said the response has been really positive from students and community members so far.

“The students said they’ve never been taught thiswayattheirschool,it’sbeenreallypositive,” he said.

“Coming to a new country it’s hard to see people like yourself in certain positions. This program shows there are young African students who have performed really well in their studies and you can be just like them,” he said.

397259_02

“We’re primarily targeting the African community but it’s open to people from all backgrounds.”

Mr Abraham said STAA currently has eight mentors, who all received ATARs of more than

Partnership to ease burdens

Western suburbs charity, West Welcome Wagon (WWW) is facing a daunting financial reality. Currently supporting more than 600 households of 2300 asylum seekers and refugees in the western suburbs, the organisation has found itself with only two months of funding remaining.

In a bid to help the charity’s financial situation and support asylum seekers and refugees in the west, White Possum has teamed up with local producers to launch the Western Melbourne Gin Flight Pack. A portion of the proceeds from each pack sold will be donated directly to WWW.

The collaboration between White Possum and West Welcome Wagon aims to not only offer locally produced gin but also make a meaningful impact within the community.

White Possum founder Paul Peng said the partnership supports local makers while also aiding those making the difficult transition to a new life.

“The work that West Welcome Wagon does is so important for the newest and often most vulnerable members of our community. It’s an honour to have been considered as a contributor albeit in one small way,” he said.

A West Welcome Wagon (WWW) board member said the charity is “incredibly grateful” for the partnership.

“The support generated through this collaboration will help us to continue our vital work of welcoming and assisting newly arrived individuals and families in our community,” he said.

Details: https://shorturl.at/bIOQ6

90, and their is currently plenty of room for more students to join the sessions.

“We want to make a student community that’s inclusive and can encourage students to connect with each other and spur each other

‘‘ We want to make a student community that’s inclusive and can encourage students to connect with each other and spur each other on ’’ - Robiel Abraham

on.Weloveseeingthesuccessofthestudents… it’s so important to us,” he said.

The next session will be held in Tarneit from noon-4pm.

Details: @AYI_Melbourne on Instagram.

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

West Welcome Wagon is a volunteer run not-for-profit providing material aid and support to asylum seekers in Melbourne’s west. Pictured are volunteers Larissa Beech and Melanie Chea. (Damjan Janevski) 354213_01

AYI co-founder and chief executive Robiel Abraham. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Family’s historic ‘labour of love’

Nestled quietly amidst the western suburbs lies Overnewton Castle, a historic gem in Keilor celebrating its remarkable 175th anniversary. Hannah Hammoud discovers more about the castle’s rich past and ongoing journey as she chats with Emma Stott who grew up within its storied walls and now manages the castle.

Originally owned by William James Taylor, a visionary who immigrated from Glasgow, Scotland, Overnewton Castle has stood as a testament to his legacy. Taylor’s masterpiece was originially commissioned a single-storey homestead on 13,000 acres of land in 1849 before it was transformed into a Scottish Baronial Castle in 1859 after Taylor returned from a trip abroad. Taylor came to Australia in 1840 – five years after Melbourne’s founding in 1835 –from Scotland at the young age of 22. It took him and his family six months to arrive on Australian shores, bracing the elements on a tiny boat.

‘‘ As beautiful as she is, the house, she’s just a money pit ... It’s definitely a labour of love ’’ - Emma Stott

Taylor’s influence extends far beyond the castle’s walls, with landmarks like Taylors Lakes and Taylors Hill bearing his name, a nod to his pioneering efforts in irrigation and sheep farming.

Fast-forwardtotodayasEmmaStottreflects on her family’s connection to Overnewton Castle, which spans nearly five decades. “Overnewton Castle is 175 years old which is exciting,” she said.

“The original owner was William James Taylor. When he was here he had 13,000 acres in 1849 and so that’s how Taylors Lakes and Taylors Hill got their name, because he irrigated the water from Taylors Lakes to Overnewton Castle so he could water his gardens.

“All the ‘Taylors’ you see in the Brimbank area are all based on William Taylor. He was a very clever man… he would farm sheep and send the wool back to England and Scotland. When he got to Keilor, he moved here when

he married his wife, then his family were here for 105 years. My family bought the house in 1975 – we’re just the third family to have ever owned Overnewton.”

Despiteitsgrandeur,Overnewtonremained a hidden treasure in the western suburbs until recent years. Emma describes it as a “hidden gem”knownmainlytothoseseekingwedding venues or indulging in high tea amidst its lush surroundings.

Born shortly after her family’s acquisition of the property, Emma’s life intertwines with the castle’s history in a deeply personal way.

“In our 50 years of being here, when we got here the house was quite run down but my parentscouldseethatitwasbeautifulbutthey knewithadalotofwork.Therewere36rooms in the house, as kids playing hide and seek was very fun especially if you were in trouble. Our parents, by the time they found us, they forgot why we were in trouble,” Emma said.

“We embraced sharing the life and legacy of William Taylor. I think the most important thing is to keep sharing history – the thing about history is if you don’t share it, it gets forgotten.

“We love sharing the history because it’s such an important time. William Taylor was known as the father of Keilor for all the things he implemented for Keilor whilst he was working as a councillor. It’s really easy to tell his story because it’s so positive.”

Emma’s parents, both doctors, dedicated themselves to restoring the castle to its former glory. The baton now sits in the careful hands of their daughter Emma, who said it is truly a labour of love to maintain and celebrate Overnewton’s heritage.

“We used to climb out windows and climb off the roof, we were quite naughty kids, five of us all up. Five kids growing up here with my Mum and Dad. Mum and Dad were both doctors. Mum liked Overnewton because she could still see patients while she had us kids close by,” Emma said.

“Being both doctors they had a bit of extra income to be able to put back into the restoration of the house. As beautiful as she is, the house, she’s just a money pit.

“We don’t profit here, every dollar we make we put back into restoration of the house, constantly maintaining 36 rooms of a 175 year old building. It’s definitely a labour of love.”

Emma and her family’s commitment extends beyond preservation, with historical tours, high teas, and Scottish events welcoming the community to share in Overnewton’s timeless charm.

“Wegetthesupportfromourlovelylocalsto help keep our business alive. Our little legacy is just to keep sharing the story and keeping William Taylor happy. We love opening our doors for people to come and share in the beautiful history,” Emma said.

“We’re on four and a half acres of beautiful manicured greens with probably one of the oldest trees in Brimbank, a 175 year old oak tree, the heritage is beautiful. We just love opening up the castle.”

To discover more about Overnewton Castle visit: https://www.overnewtoncastle.com.au/

Decades of history lie behind the doors of Overnewton Castle. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 397022

Emma Stott and Emily Garretto stand outside the 175 year old Overnewton Castle.

departureofHillaryBeall,havingstartedseven games. She’s kept the starting goalkeeper role despite United bringing in Danish goalkeeper

“I’ve been given this opportunity and I’ve stepped up and done my job.”

Dall’Oste said they still feel like they are the underdogs entering the finals.

Dall’Oste said she had learnt a lot from Beall in her time at the club, with the pair really

You’re

Bellbrook Gardens Information Session

“Wehaveafewextragamesinthefinalseries too so it will be about game management and we can’t take any team lightly.

“We face Newcastle who we haven’t been able to clinch a win against them. We have something to prove.”

“This is our second consecutive finals series, we can’t we seen as the underdog forever,” she said. “We are still new kicks on the block and we’re still enjoying being underdogs. We’re

Bellbrook Gardens Country Club is excited to invite you to attend our next Information Session to be held at the Club House.

Light refreshments will be served. This will be a great opportunity to visit our wonderful community facilities, view Villas for sale and learn more about retirement living.

Thursday April 18th at 10.30am 168 Underbank Boulevard Bacchus Marsh 3340

Please RSVP online to bellbrookgardens.com.au or FreeCall 1800 633 672

RSVP Essential – Places are limited

For any queries please contact Denise Sniegowski We look forward to catching up with you soon!

young children, yet we go to Hannah Watts parks and Naven Park near Harkness and we don’t miss Djerriwarrah Festivals. Our Sundays are mostly spent in temple where children are engaged in learning and we both Tell us something people would be

It is just a worry on my mind for a while that wehumansarenoteasyonourplanet.Wehave become hardcore consumers and our actions may bring climate challenges for our children and next generations to come. A smaller wardrobe collection, recycling, bicycle riding for short trips instead of driving could be a small lifestyle change if practiced collectively will reduce carbon emissions. I wish global

View.com.au’s stunning rise shown by new data

View.com.au is the fastest growing residential property portal in Australia with a 102 per cent growth in unique audience since October according to new data.

IPSOS released new data which compared propertyportaldatafromOctober toFebruary with the majority of portals have declined or have had very low growth*.

View’s had a 102 pre cent growth increase, while realestate.com.au was the next best with a 2.2 per cent growth.

Domain’sportalhadadeclineof2.6percent, while Allhomes’ portal declined by 9.0 per cent and Homely declined by 0.5 per cent.

View.com.au’s chief marketing officer Paul Tyrrell said it’s fantastic to see such strong audience growth on View as they continue to enhance the product and build the brand.

“Our consumer proposition is unique and features over 136,000 properties for sale, however it offers a complete view of the market with access to nearly 11 million properties Australia wide, with buyers able to express interestinpropertiesevenifthey’renotforsale. All delivered by best in class mapping from Nearmap,” he said.

“The marketing campaign is now in full swing and we’ve seen some massive spikes, particularly from our broadcast partnership with Channel 7’s AFL coverage. To be the fastest growing property portal in the country is a testament to the hard work of the team and a clear demonstration of the need for a competitive alternative in the property portal space.”

“Our agent partners are enjoying the benefit of this audience growth with our premium

to 600,000 with View’s February audience over 80 per cent higher at 1.1 million according to IPSOS data, with users of View spending on average 2.8 times longer on site than they did on Homely.

While internal Google Analytics data is showing nearly 1.7M Users for the month of February on View.

The executive team behind View includes seven ex-Domain executives that successfully took Domain to a $2.2 billion listing on the ASX and the company is headed up by former Domain chief executive Antony Catalano.

“We’re seeing the proposition we’ve built clearly resonating with consumers and we’ve got great momentum,” Mr Catalano said.

“Our freemium model for agents presents a true alternative to the traditional listings model; it’s free to list on View and our low cost premium product is performing incredibly well and delivering strong value for agents and vendors. We can make it free or keep prices low because VMG’s business model is not predicated on listings revenue, where the only option is annual price increases. We’re creating a true property ecosystem that caters to all steps along the property journey.

“While REA continues to cement its number one position, Domain’s audience has stagnated and we’re seeing some agents downgrading or dropping them from their advertising schedule due to high costs, underperformance and questionable return on investment. The industry is fed up with the status quo.

“We are the first genuine challenger to Domain’s number two audience position, having been propelled into the number three

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

Moonlite Theatre shows

Community theatre group Moonlite Theatre is bringing its production Ouch! to Bacchus March. The production incorporates three plays – ABC Murders, No Business Like…

The Stand Off and Birds of a Feather. April 19 at 8pm and April 20 at 2pm and 8pm at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 19 Gisborne Road, Bacchus Marsh. Tickets $20.

■ 0491 179 761 or https://www.trybooking.com/CPFPX

Mens Fella-Ship

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

■ 9747 8576

Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club

Enjoy fun friendship and fellowship at meeting on the first Thursday of every month at Avenue Bowling Club, Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. 10am to noon.

■ bacchusmarshladiesprobus@gmail.com

Melton Bird walks

Join the Eynesbury Environment Group for bird walks to discover the interesting landscape and beautiful creatures that call Eynesbury and surrounding areas home. Bring long pants, walking shoes, water, binoculars (available to borrow), camera, hat and sunscreen. All walks are free! All ages, bird watching abilities and interest levels are welcome.

April 20, Little Blind Creek: Meet at Melton Girl Guides. 1 Pinkerton Street, Melton. 9am to 11.30am.

Ballan Farmers’ Market

The farmers’ and makers’ market, offering local produce, home made and baked goods, will be held on Saturday 13 April 9am - 1pm. Also features a community produce swap and local musicians. The market is held on the second Saturday each month at 73 Inglis Street, Ballan.

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

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

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 guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis.

■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog

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

■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

Parkinson’s support group

The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers are welcome.

■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Bridge Club

The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense 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 Combined Probus Club

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

■ 9746 0271

Melton Friendship Group

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

■ 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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

■ Ann, 0425 705 150

Melton South Knit & Natter

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

■ 9747 8576

Zonta club meets

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

■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

U3A Melton

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

■ 0419 563 016

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/

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

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

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

Melton Cycling Club

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

■ 0403 057 003

Community singing group

If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am.

■ Val, 0418 667 150

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

Garden Club

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

■ Michelle, 0421 106 268

Community band

The Greater Western Community Band holds rehearsals on Thursdays 7.30-9.30pm at the Bridge Road

Community Centre, 260 Bridge Road, Strathtulloh. The group welcomes musicians young and old, to come along and join in with their local band.Woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The group is available to perform at events and festivals.

■ Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582

Over 50s Social Group

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

■ Marlene, 0498 329 290

BusyFeet Hillside

BusyFeet is a dance and movement class for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. Classes create a fun and inclusive environment for kids aged 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/

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is St Leo the Great Primary School students enjoying a colour run. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 399304_01

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.

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 nouns ending in “s”.

2 Where was Australia’s first uranium mine?

3 Which plant family does lavender come from?

4 What is apophenia?

5 What are the three official languages of the landlocked European country Luxembourg?

6 Which country was Sam Neill (pictured) born in?

7 In which Australian state is the town of Wonglepong found?

8 Who was the Emperor of Japan during World War II?

9 What was the first synthetic fabric used in clothing?

10 In which year was the first Australian of the Year awarded?

Planning and Environment Act 1987 MELTON PLANNING SCHEME Notice of the preparation of an amendment to a planning scheme Amendment C232melt

Overview

The amendment proposes to update the Toolern Development Contributions Plan and the Toolern Precinct Structure Plan, and revise Schedule 3 to the Urban Growth Zone, Schedule 3 to the Development Contributions Plan Overlay and other operational provisions to facilitate the delivery of infrastructure within the Toolern precinct.

Specifically, Schedule 3 to the Development Contributions Plan Overlay proposes to introduce revised charges to the Development Infrastructure Levy (DIL), which is paid by developers, and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is paid by new homeowners. For further details, refer to the explanatory report about the amendment.

Details of the amendment

The Melton City Council planning authority has prepared Amendment C232melt to the Melton Planning Scheme.

The land affected by the amendment is in the City of Melton, the amendment applies to land which is subject to Clause 37.07 Urban Growth Zone, Schedule 3 Toolern Precinct Structure Plan, and Clause 45.06 Development Contributions Plan Overlay, Schedule 3 Toolern Development Contributions Plan. The amendment proposes to implement the recommendations of the Toolern Development Contributions Plan Review and Precinct Structure Plan Refresh, February 2024 by amending various provisions of the Melton Planning Scheme.

Specifically, the amendment:

•Amends Schedule 3 to Clause 37.07 Urban Growth Zone.

•Amends the Schedule to Clause 43.01 Heritage Overlay to remove an individual place (HO74).

•Deletes HO74 from 148-200 Abey Road, Cobblebank and amends Planning Scheme Map 8HO.

•Amends Schedule 3 to Clause 45.06 Development Contributions Plan.

•Amends Schedule to Clause 66.04 Referral of Permit Applications Under Local Provisions.

•Amends the Schedule to Clause 72.04 by inserting the following documents:

- Toolern Precinct Structure Plan (including Native Vegetation Precinct Plan), July 2011, (Amended June 2022); and

- Toolern Development Contributions Plan, July 2011 (Amended June 2022).

You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at:

•the Melton City Council website at www. conversations.melton.vic.gov.au/ AmendmentC232melt;

•during office hours, at the office of the planning authority, Melton Civic Centre, 232 High Street, Melton or at the Caroline Springs Library and Learning Hub at 193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs.

•at the Department of Transport and Planning website http://www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation.

Any person may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.

Name

Telstra plans to co-locate low-impact radiocommunication infrastructure at an existing mobile phone base station featuring a 30m monopole at 799 High Street, Melton West, VIC 3337 (Lot 1 on TP138527) www.rfnsa.com.au/3337020

2.The proposed co-location includes the following activities:

Extension of the existing fenced compound and associated site establishment works including groundworks and fence work

Installation of six (6) panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m long), three (3) ‘Air’ antennas (no more than2.8mlong)andassociatedancillaryequipment (including but not limited to three (3) remote radio units (RRU)) on a new mid-tower headframe to be attached to the existing 30 monopole

Installation of one (1) new equipment shelter (not more than 3m high and with a surface area not exceeding 7.5m2) and associated internal equipment at the base of the existing monopole on ground level

Installation of two (2) subsurface power pits (with a surface area not more than 2m2), one (1) than 2m2) and associated ancillary equipment including new underground submains for power base of the facility

Constructionofanewaccesstracktoprovideaccess to the extended compound area from High Street 3.Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the above description.

4.In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about this proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Matilde Tobon, Aurecon Australasia Pty. Ltd. (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: Matilde.TobonMaya@aurecongroup.com or via post to: MatildeTobon,AureconAustralasia, PO Box 23061, Docklands, VIC, 8012 by 5pm on 23/04/2024.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Who did the Australian men’s soccer team defeat 5-0 recently in Canberra?

2. Which car manufacturer supplies the Red Bull Formula One team’s power unit?

3. Which famous action star competed as a diver for England in the 1990 Commonwealth Games?

4. Which IPL cricket franchise won the title in 2023, its fifth in total?

5. And which Indian batsman is the all-time leading runscorer in the competition’s history?

6. How many drawn grand finals have there been in the history of the VFL/AFL?

7. Thomas Bach is the president of which major international sporting body?

8. Which Australian motorcycle racer competes in the MotoGP competition

How many Australian Open men’s singles titles has Novak Djokovic won?

Which Super Rugby Pacific club has won the competition’s last

In which year did North Melbourne last win a premiership?

Which former child actor and contestant I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! competes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series?

13. Kane Cornes and Caroline Wilson are Monday night hosts for which AFL television program?

14. The Adam Sandler film HappyGilmore features which sport?

15. Jonah Oliver is a leading Australian expert in which field?

16. Which athlete is the all-time leading scorer in the history of NCAA Division I basketball?

17. Which team sport has the largest playing field?

18. Ilia Malinin recently won the 2024 World Championship title in which sport?

19. What is a perfect score in Olympic archery?

20. Which Matildas and West Ham player has had their season cut short due to injury?

21. Jack McVeigh was awarded the 2024 NBL Finals MVP playing for which team?

22. Which nation’s rugby league team is known as the Kumuls (birds-ofparadise)?

23. Which US boxer provided Tim Tszyu with his first professional defeat?

24. Jackson Hastings plays for which NRL club?

25. Kansas City Chiefs running back Louis Rees-Zammit played 32 internationals for which national rugby union team?

26. Favourites to win the 2024 women’s NCAA basketball championship, the Gamecocks represent which US college?

27. The UFC 305 mixed martial arts event is set to be held in which Australian capital city?

28. Favourites to win the 2024 men’s NCAA basketball championship, the Huskies represent which US college?

29. Which team defeated Chelsea 1-0 to win the 2023–24 FA Women’s League Cup final?

30. Melbourne United basketballer Matthew Dellavedova played for which US college team?

Review: the Mitsubishi Eclipse

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

I read somewhere that the government was going to drop financial incentives for plug-in hybrids in April next year.

I’m not surprised. While PHEVs look good onpaper,withtheirultra-lowfuelconsumption figures - the reality is very different.

For example, vehicles such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV are good for a claimed 1.9L/100km. But to achieve this figure, you need to recharge the battery every 100km, or the final figure is liable to be considerably higher.

Basically, the battery provides 45km of petrol-free travel for the first 100km travelled, 45kmforthenextandsoon.Don’trechargethe battery and you won’t reap the benefit.

Styling

With seating for five occupants, Eclipse Cross sits between ASX and Outlander in terms of size.

There are three plug-in hybrid versions from which to choose: ES, Aspire and Exceed.

Prices start from $47,290 for ES, $51,240 for Aspire and $55,990 for top of the line Exceed.

All PHEVs come with an auto and all three are underpinned by all-wheel drive.

Standard kit includes cloth trim, two-zone climate air conditioning, 18-inch alloys, push buttonstart,LEDdaytimelights,cruisecontrol and rear parking sensors.

Aspire adds suede and synthetic leather trim, heated front seats, power-adjust driver’s seat, LED headlights, front parking sensors, along with adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, blind spot warning, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.

Exceed adds full leather, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjust passenger seat, built-in navigation, head-up display and a double sunroof – plus an ultrasonic mis-acceleration mitigation system.

The PHEV received some minor updates earlier last year, including a power tailgate for Exceed and V2L (the ability to power external equipment) for Aspire and Exceed. latest USB-C ports or a 12-volt socket in the cargo area. Ditto rear air vents.

It’scoveredbya10-year200,000kmstandard warranty, provided that it’s always serviced at a Mitsubishidealership,otherwiseitdropstofive years and 100,000km.

So be wary if you’re consistently averaging more than 20,000km a year.

The battery warranty is for eightyears/160,000km battery warranty.

Infotainment

Infotainment comprises a now small 8.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth with voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired Apple CarPlayandAndroidAutoandaneight-speaker Mitsubishi-branded sound system.

Engines/transmissions

The powertrain comprises a 2.4-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, one for the frontandoneforthebackaxle,plusa13.8kWh battery.

The engine produces 94kW of power and 199Nm of torque, while the electric motorsdeliver60kW/137Nmand70kW/195Nm apiece.

A combined figure is not provided, but throttle response is sharp thanks to the instant torque from the electric motors. Drive is to all four wheels through a single-speed transmission and is remarkably smooth.

Safety

Standard safety includes seven airbags, rear view camera, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, plus an ultrasonic mis-acceleration mitigation system. The latter reduces the chance and severity of hitting obstacles when the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator when stationary or at speeds of up to 10km/h.

Driving

Eclipse has grown a little in size since

launch. It now offers a pleasant, comfortable environment, with more rear legroom and a larger boot.

The cool two-piece rear window has gone, replaced by a conventional and probably cheaper one-piece unit.

A revised instrument cluster displays engine speed as well as EV charge levels and battery use - but alas no digital speedo.

Thefrontseatsandsteeringwheelareheated, but cooling would have been a better option given our climate.

Although larger overall, plug-in hybrid versions have a smaller boot than the standard model because of the space occupied by the battery pack. At the same time the spare wheel has been replaced by a tyre repair kit.

The PHEV system is ‘EV-biased’ and prioritises EV mode wherever possible, but can deploy series or parallel hybrid modes when required.

In EV mode (available from 0-135km/h), the PHEV is powered by the front and rear electric drivemotors,drawingcurrentfromthebattery.

In series hybrid mode (available from 0-70km/h), the car continues to use the battery to power the front and rear motors, while the petrol engine is engaged to run the generator to charge the battery while driving.

This mode is also automatically activated when the driver wants maximum acceleration, or for example when driving uphill or when battery charge is low.

In this mode, the vehicle will attempt to revert to EV Mode as often as possible for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions.

In parallel hybrid mode (available above 70km/h), the PHEV operates like a traditional hybrid.

This means the petrol engine drives the front wheels in tandem with the front electric motor via the multi-mode front transaxle, while the rear electric motor drives the rear wheels.

Once again, the vehicle is configured to revert to EV mode or series hybrid mode whenever possible.

There are five steps that add drag when you take your foot off the throttle, sending energy

back to the battery.

But, unlike other vehicles of this kind, you still need to apply the brakes. A button marked ‘SAVECHRG’suggestsyoucansavethebattery charge for use later, but it’s a bit confusing.

The whole PHEV thing might sound a bit complicated, but there’s no need to worry because the car takes care of everything — everything that is apart from charging.

ThePHEVhasACType2andDCCHAdeMO style input sockets.

Using the supplied cable and a regular 10A powerpoint it takes seven hours to fully charge.

It’s also supplied with a second cable for faster Mode 3 charging using a wall charger which takes four hours, while 0-80 per cent with a full-blown commercial DC charger takes 25 minutes.

The Mitsubishi Remote Control app allows drivers to plan and activate battery charging remotely via the app, to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs.

Mitsubishiclaims55kmofelectricrange,but that’s under the old NEDC standard. Under the newer, more stringent WLTP system, it’s actually 45km - but 55 sounds better.

Basically, if you live in the ‘burbs, Mitsubishi claimstheelectricrangeissufficienttopopinto the city and back without needing to recharge. We reckon it’s a costly option and a lot of mucking around for little in return.

The cynical might suggest it has more to do with satisfying emissions requirements across the range rather than delivering real world benefits.

At the same time, because it’s a plug-in hybrid, you don’t need to worry about being stranded. When the juice runs out, the petrol engine kicks in.

Hybrid questions aside, the PHEV is a heavy car and this has implications for ride and handling.

There are five drive modes: tarmac, snow, gravel, normal or economy.

Normal or Eco are what most urban motorists will use, while tarmac is in effect a sport mode in which the car becomes tauter, sportier and more responsive.

The ride is harsher on anything apart from smooth bitumen, even though they’ve done a bit of work on the rear suspension. You feel all the little imperfections and the car can take longer than normal to settle as it continues to bounce up and down on the suspension.

That weight means and the fact the car sits relatively high and also means it has a tendency to run wide in corners, with squeal hard brakingandlift-offoversteerwhenbrakinglate and hard into corners.

Thesteeringlacksanysortoffeel.Infact,you can waggle the steering wheel (technical term) from side to side with little or no effect on the direction of travel.

It’sliketryingtochangedirectioninthebilly carts we used to build as kids in the backyard with wood pinched from building sites.

A sports car it is not.

With a 45-litre tank, it takes regular 91 unleaded.

We were getting 6.5L/100km after more than 800km, bearing in mind that the trip computer in Mitsubishis are a law unto themselves.

That’s nowhere near the claimed 1.9L/100km, but unfortunately, we never had the opportunity to recharge the battery after the initial charge had been depleted.

Interestingly, 39 per cent of our time was spent driving in EV mode - not sure how. This compares with 7.7L/100km for the 1.5-litre turbocharged all-wheel drive version of the car.

On a final note, our test vehicle was fitted with Mitsubishi-branded roof racks, which were the source of an annoying hum at speed.

Summing up

At $14,750 more than the regular model, the Eclipse Cross PHEV Aspire is a big ask.

For a little less you can get into something like MG’s ZS Long Range EV, a fully electric SUVwith440kmofrangethatdoesnotrequire charging as frequently.

While buyers might be coming around to the benefits of EVs, they have demonstrated a reluctance to pay the outrageous prices that manufacturers are demanding for them.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. (Supplied)

Melton Centrals hoping to fly high

Melton Centrals are hoping to build on last season but will need a bit of luck along the way in the Riddell District Football League.

Centrals had their best season in a number of years, including knocking off Riddell and Romsey, but still finished outside the top five in seventh spot.

Centrals were able to add some off season signings which they were hoping would provide depth, but a few departures have hindered that.

Centrals coach Mathew Sproule said it hasn’tquitebeenthepre-seasontheyhadbeen hoping for in terms of growing their squad.

“The players have been really good,” he said. “Jimmy Roberts is now captain and has led from the front.

“It’s a little bit disappointing to lose three or four players after thinking we had started to build something last year.

“The young blokes we bought in for depth, now have to come in and play regular senior football.”

Sproule said of the players they bought in four were expected to play senior football, but two younger ones will miss early in the season due to injuries.

BradLayton,fromDarley,andJoshThomas, from Point Cook, are two other key signings.

He said they thought they still had a really good core group of players, that have never been fitter, but would need some luck in terms of injuries this season

Sproule said with the club also struggling for numbers for the reserves, it was making it really hard in terms of depth.

“Some of the fringe players and reserves players will need to step up,” he said. “The main thing is the amount of numbers that we have.

“We’re struggling for twos players as well. Depth is an issue and we know where we are at.”

Sproule said they were still looking for

more players to join the club to play reserves and said the club was feeling the effects of not having under-17s and under-19s the last three years but there was light at the end of the tunnel.

He said there would be no easy games this season.

He said they were confident of having a good season if they could get their best team on the park.

“With the Western Rams no longer there and Kyneton in the competition, every game will be hard, which is a good thing,” he said.

“If we can have a good run with injuries we will be just as good as last year.

“We didn’t lose by more than 35 points and were one point up against [eventual premiers] Diggers Rest at half time.”

Centrals have a bye in round one and will kick off their season on April 13 against Romsey.

Tara Murray

Consistency will be key

By Oliver Lees

Melton Thoroughbreds coach Mick McCallum’s wish for greater consistency from his side was on show on Saturday night in the Big V men’s division 2 competition.

The Thoroughbreds split their two matches beforetheEasterbreak,withawinfirstupand then a disappointing loss.

Speaking before his side’s clash with the Sherbrooke Suns, McCallum said the first two rounds had been up and down.

“We came out really strong in round one and then in round two we did the complete opposite,” he said.

“Ithinkitwasjustalittlebitofcomplacency, we had a good pre-season but maybe we’re getting a little bit in front of ourselves.”

Last season, the Thoroughbreds has similar issues of consistency, finishing the year with five wins and 13 losses after winning two of their first four matches.

On Saturday night against the Suns, the Thoroughbreds led by four points at quarter time and 16 points at half time.

The Thoroughbreds let the Suns back into the game in the third quarter, with the margin just seven at the final break.

The Thoroughbreds finished strongly to win, 118-106.

MilanSavictopscoredwith35points,while import Darian Peterson had 26 points.

Peterson has made an immediate impact.

Peterson played his first match for the Thoroughbreds against Surf Coast, finishing with 29 points, six rebounds and two blocks and then backed it up on Saturday night.

The 185 centimetre guard from Virginia in the United States spent the last four years playing college basketball before deciding to try for a professional contract in Australia. McCallum said the club had been lucky to land him.

“We weren’t looking for him actually,” he said.

“He came out [to Australia] looking to sign for another association, but that fell through. So he went around looking for clubs, I knew theothercoachanditallhappenedfromthere.

“He’s fit in really well, it’s like he’s been around for a few years. It’s not very often you find an American that can fit in so quickly.”

McCallum said another significant change from last season, which was his first in charge, was having more options for him to choose from coming off the bench.

“Last year our depth is where we struggled,” he said.

“If we had starters not not playing well, we struggled, now we go ten deep on the bench and we’ve got guys that can stand up and take on that challenge.”

“Whatever rotation I make I know they can play with each other and I know I’m not going

to lose anything in the rotation.”

The Thoroughbreds youth league 2 men’s side had a 72-52 loss to the Sunbury Jets on Saturday night.

Madiar Chipuowuop top scored with 21

Sports shorts

FV

Westside Strikers have announced the appointment of Robert ‘Parada’ Nedelkov as its inaugural FV state league women’s coach. Nedelkov has spent the previous four years as Sydenham’s women’s coach where he won back to back promotions three years running, taking them from state league 5 to state league 2. The women’s side it part of the continued growth for the Strikers, who have a strong junior program.

Australia Cup

Caroline Springs will face Banyule City in the fifth round of the knockout Australia Cup. Draws for round five and six were released last week. The Georgies drew Banyule, which plays in FV state league 1 south-east. If the Georgies win, they will face the winner of Altona City and Manningham United Blues.

AFLW

Western Jets Lou-Lou Field was part of an under-23 all stars team that played against the AFL National Academy Girls side on Saturday. Made up of the top 18-year-old talent across the country, the academy girls squad showcases players eligible for the 2024 draft, while the Under-23 All Stars side is comprised of select talent playing in Victoria, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, as nominated by AFLW clubs. The Jets girls and boys teams both had byes on the weekend.

Nike F.C Cup

Spring Hills won through to the next round of the Nike F.C Cup in emphatic fashion on Thursday night. Facing Manningham United Blues, Spring Hills claimed the win 12-0 to move onto the next round. Danya Stevens and Saki Nagal scored four goals each. Caroline Springs George Cross was knocked out, losing to the Noble Hurricanes, 2-1. Spring Hills next match will be on Saturday, with the opponent yet to be decided.

Evan Donoghue (left) will play a big role for Melton Centrals. (Jacob Pattison)323330_06

points.

The senior Thoroughbreds host the Wallan Panthers on Saturday night.

Liam Allison (Jacob Pattison)

Storm legend steps away after a stellar career

Sydenham-Hillside legend Warren Hackney has announced he will step away from his major responsibilities at the club.

For the past 17 years Hackney’s influence has spilled out across all aspects of the club, but next season Hackney will no longer act as head of cricket or senior coach of the senior men’s team.

When he arrived at the club in 2008 Sydenham-Hillside had never made finals in the top league of the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association.

Since then the club has won multiple premierships and last year made the move to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.

As a player, Hackney is the club’s all-time leading run scorer and has been part of four first premiership winning sides.

Last year after a lengthy career as a player and a two-year stint as club president Hackney took up the role of head coach of the senior men’s side while also acting as head of cricket.

It was an impressive first season for Sydenham-Hillside in the VTCA senior division, as Hackney led the team all the way to the grand final.

Hackney’s long time friend and current Storm president Bob Kunesevic said no one had done more for the club.

“What he’s done no words can describe, we owe him a great debt,” he said.

“When he started we’d never made a finals series, so to now be playing in a VTCA final is a real testament.

“He’s done a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes… he just works hard every day from every aspect of the club.”

Kunesevic said some of Hackney’s most profound contributions have come through his work as an administrator, including his work to build the women’s program from scratch.

“Hewentandstartedaprogrambyhimself, running clinics in the local community and come-and-try days in local cricket

centres,” he said.

Hackney also contributed to the club’s efforts to refurbish its pavilion at Hillside Recreation Reserve as well as pushing for funding the improve the training nets.

In a social media post made by the club, many people from the community have paid tribute to Hackney’s contribution to the community.

Kunesevic said Hackney’s tireless efforts as a senior official will be missed, but that he will remain a presence at the club.

“Everyone understands it’s family time [for Hackney], he’s really dedicated and sacrificed his private life for the club, especially over the last six or seven years,” he said.

“Great thing is he won’t be a stranger, he’ll still be around the club.”

Georgies bounce back

By Tara Murray

After so many close misses, the Georgies were able to come away with the points against Northcote City on Friday, winning 1-0.

For coach Eric Vassiliadis the biggest feeling after the win was a sense of relief. It’s the club’s first win since round one.

“It’s been about seven weeks,” he said. “I think certain things haven’t gone our way which has been frustrating.

“There was a real determination there to get the result. We deserved it on the day and we hadtoovercomethingswhichwedid,I’msuper proud of the group.”

Vassiliadis said heading to Northcote City was one of the more daunting tasks in the competition, but the group didn’t shy away from it.

He said they were always expecting it to be a massive challenge that is in the top part of the ladder.

“In the end we dominated the first half and were unlucky not to be more than 1-0 up,” he said.“Wescoredoneinthebackhalfofthefirst half.

“We reset and thought we were doing well. The red card was unlucky for us and they continued to attack.

“It was a massive relief.”

Russell Currie was the goal scorer for the Georgies.

The win has the Georgies in 10th spot after 10 rounds with two wins, three draws and three losses.

Vassiliadissaysthatdoesn’treflecttheseason so far, their first being back at this level.

“We know that we are playing some good football,”hesaid.“We’veplayedmostofthetop teams and outside of Western United, we have been in every game.

Lights out at Melton

Melton Phoenix’s round two match will be replayed in the FV state league 4 west competition, after it was called off in the first half on Friday night.

Facing Moonee Ponds United as it was seeking its first win of the season, the Phoenix’s hopes were put on pause for at least another week.

A pitch light malfunction stopped the Phoenix’s game with Moonee Ponds in the first half.

As half the match hadn’t been completed, the match will be replayed at a later date. That date is yet to be confirmed.

The Westside Strikers are also without a win after two rounds in state league 4.

The Strikers, who were relegated in the off season, lost to West Point on Saturday, 1-0. It was West Point’s first game for the season and it held off a resilient Strikers.

The Phoenix will face Melbourne City in round three on Saturday afternoon, while the Strikers will host the Surf Coast at the same time.

In state league 5 west, Spring Hills were also on the wrong end of the results.

After a win in round one, having dropped down from state league 4 west during the off season, the Stallions faced Wyndham on Saturday.

Wyndham managed to come away with a 1-0 win to open its winning account.

Spring Hills will be at home in round three, hosting Gisborne.

“We need a little bit of luck with injuries and suspensions and on the day.”

Vassiliadis said they were unlikely to get any players back this week, while they’d lose a couple including skipper Tyler James who is heading away.

He said they would have five youth league players in the squad which would be a good opportunity for them at this level.

TheGeorgiesthisweekfacePrestonLionson Friday night. The Lions are also midtable. Vassiliadis said they were keen for the challenge ahead of another one against the Bentleigh Greens.

“We thought it was daunting heading to Northcote, it’ll be another experience against thePrestonLions,”hesaid.“Thatisachallenge.

“Formanyyearsthesehistoricclubshavehad similar journeys and been part of the National Soccer League and now we finally lock horns.

“Louie [Acevski] and I are close friends, it’ll be a cracker of a match.”

Gisborne also dropped from state league 4 in the off season. It has a draw from its first two matches.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix’s women’s top side has been promoted to state league 3 due to league changes.

The side finished third in FV state league 4 last season. The Phoenix’s second side will play in state league 5.

The club is seeking women’s players for both of its teams.

Bob Kunesevic, Melton councillor Justine Farrugia and Warren Hackney. (Supplied)

Russell Currie was the goal scorer on Saturday. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Caroline Springs George Cross is finally back on the winners list in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition.

One division for WFL women’s this season

TheWesternFootballLeaguewillhavejustone women’s division this season.

The league has revealed its fixture with just nine teams down from last season when they had 14 teams in two divisions.

Last season’s runners-up Caroline Springs are back, but will have one team instead of two like the past two seasons.

Werribee Centrals and Parkside Spurs, which also made division 1 finals, will have sides,alongwithYarravilleSeddonEagles,who were also in division 1.

Division 2 premiers West Footscray will be hoping to continue its momentum, while division 2 runners-up Wyndhamvale and North Sunshine are the other returning teams.

The Suns, who are coached by former Point Cook Centrals coach Leanne Meyer, are the one new team in the competition.

Division 1 premiers Spotswood, which had two sides last season, won’t field a side this season.

Glen Smith, who was appointed coach for this season, told Star Weekly in early February that it wasn’t looking good in terms of getting a team up.

A big chunk of the playing group followed their former coaches.

Braybrook announced on Facebook in March that it wouldn’t have the numbers for a side this year, while Point Cook Centrals won’t either.

WFL football general manager Luke Henry said long term they wanted to get the competition back to two healthy divisions.

“Obviously it’s no surprise we’ve gone from two divisions to one with the number of teams,” he said.

“We are looking forward to the season itself and the structure that we have in place for it. We are always about growth and we want to grow footy in the female space up from under-18 level to senior women.

“There’s always some challenges in fielding

teams and sides.

“We’re looking forward to what is ahead and want to branch back out to two divisions.”

Henry said they won’t split the competition during the season, with it to stay one division throughout.

He said one of the big things they’re looking at doing is changing how finals look for senior women and under-18s.

“An exciting thing we are going to do is have senior women’s football and under-19s finals that align.

“We want to show that pathway and have a female football day for the grand finals which we’re excited to do.”

TheWFLwomen’sseasonkicksoffonFriday night with the Spurs hosting the Suns under lights.

Caroline Springs, which will be one of the favourites again, will play Werribee Centrals on Saturday.

Bombers grab first win

By Tara Murray

Riddell will take an opening round win in the Riddell District Football League knowing there’s still plenty of work to be done.

The Bombers faced Macedon on Saturday in the annual PUKA Up Cup, with the Bombers coming home with the four points.

The Cats led early on before the Bombers levelled the scores heading into the half time break.

A five goal to one third quarter blew the match open in the favour of the Bombers and that would be the difference.

The Bombers with the win, 8.7 (55)-6.8 (44). Bombers coach Arron Bray said a win is a win and they’ll take it.

“Macedon was pretty good,” he said. “I think realistically we only played 20 minutes of our football and that was the difference in the day.

“We stuck with what we thought would get the job done.”

Dean Galea kicked three goals for the Bombers, with Bray saying the full forward could have easily had six.

He was the only multiple goal kicker for the Bombers.

Jesse Horton, Jacob Chahine and Trent Stead were the best according to Bray, saying they didn’t really have a standout.

“We had to regroup as a team after quarter time and we were able to do that,” he said.

“We adjusted a couple of things and it paid dividends. It was an arm wrestle for most of the day.”

Another who had an impact was Kamen Ogilvie., Ogilvie, who has won best and fairest medals in the Essendon District Football League, joined the Bombers three or four weeks ago, giving them another boost.

For the Cats, Jason Cooke and Sam Indian kicked two goals each, while Hamish Govan and Matthew Dick were named their best.

The Bombers have a couple of injury concerns out of the match.

Dylan Tarczon went off in the first 10 minutes of the game and will likely have a scan, while Brent Swallow had some hamstring tightness late and they pulled the pin on his day.

Bray, who joined the Bombers in the off season, said they know they have a lot of work to do, with several new players.

He said while many people thought they were premiership favourites, he said reigning premiers Diggers Rest was still the team to beat.

The Bombers face Kyneton this Saturday.

The Tigers had the bye after playing Woodend-Hesket on Good Friday, coming away with a good win.

Bray said he was expecting a good game.

In other results on Saturday, Romsey came away with the points against Wallan.

The Magpies led by 26 points at half time before the Redbacks worked their way

Burras get the points

Diggers Rest started its Riddell District Football League premiership defence in a winning manner.

The Burras headed out to Lancefield to face the Tigers, who had recruited well during the off season.

The Burras started the better of the two teams and led by 13 points at quarter time. The margin stayed steady in the second quarter, with the Burras lead slightly decreased to 10 points at half time.

It was the third quarter where the Burras broke the game open, with four goals to one, increasing the lead to 31 points at three-quarter time.

TheBurrascontinuedthatmomentum in the final quarter to lock in a 14.10 (94)-7.3 (45) win.

Mitch Jensen kicked four goals, while Shaun Campbell chipped in with three and Marcus Calvaresi and Joshua Flower kicked two goals each.

ItwasacoupleofrecruitsinCampbell Wearne and Campbell that led the way.

Riddell and Romsey were the other winners on Saturday.

In the netball, the Burras suffered a first up loss to Lancefield.

The Tigers opened up an early lead at quarter time and were able to extend it to 12 goals at half time.

The margin continued to grow in the second half with the Tigers winning, 54-33.

Leona Hristovska scored 19 goals and was named the Burras best. Brigitte Linares was also named among the best for the Tigers.

Riddell and Wallan were the other winners on Saturday.

The Burras face Wallan this week in round two and Melton Centrals, who had the bye, face Romsey.

back into the game, with seven second half goals to one, getting them a 9.8 (62)-7.9 (51) win.

Darcy Lockens kicked three goals for the Redbacks, with Chris Petroro named their best.

Diggers Rest won the other match, proving too strong for Lancefield in the second half, winning 14.10 (94)-7.3 (45).

Kamen Ogilvie (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Jaidyn Caruana takes a mark (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Tara Murray Stephanie Thompson (Ljubica Vrankovic) 359360_09

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MindChamps is a Global Education Movement.

While the companies featured in my prior books, Mercedes-Benz, The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company and Starbucks, demonstrate impressive brand power, none of them have been in a position to fundamentally shape society on par with MindChamps.

Dr Joseph A. Michelli, No. 1 New York Times & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author “ ”

World leading, award-winning Early Learning Approach now in Melton!

Only MindChamps’ Wholefood Nutrition Programme has been hailed as a Childcare Food Revolution by News Corp!

Our ChampionGold Standard Nutrition Programme gives your child 100% of their daily essential vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre requirements!

Scan the QR code to hear more from Mandy Sacher, MindChamps’ Chief Nutrition Officer!

OPEN DAY!

Enjoy a fun-filled day with your child including: Arts & Crafts Face Painting Farm Animals

4. Gourmet MomentsTM

5. MindSportTM

Date: Saturday, 13th April 2024

Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm

Venue: 63 – 65 Barries Road, Melton Delicious Morning Tea with Healthy Snacks Plus lots more!

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