Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 16th April 2024

Heritage at crossroads

By Oliver Lees

A Melton South resident has voiced his concern over the initial designs released for the new Melton Station, which will see the old building knocked down to make way for a modern replacement.

On March 23 the state government revealed its initial concept for the project, which will also see four level crossings removed.

The train station will be upgraded to four platforms and more infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists to accommodate Melton’s rapidly growing population.

The casualty of this ambitious project will be the current Melton Station building, which has been central to the town’s aesthetic since it was built and relocated to Melton South in 1898.

‘‘ It’s our history, if we start destroying everything none of the young people will understand how settlement came to be here ’’

- Brendan Kitchen

Thestationhasalocalheritageoverlaygiven its historical significance, but is not protected under the Victorian Heritage Register. Brendan Kitchen has lived in the Melton area his entire life.

The 38-year-old said he would be extremely disappointed to see the monument removed.

“It’s our history, if we start destroying everything none of the young people will understand how settlement came to be here and what went on,” he said.

“Melton is very quick to put the pin on something that doesn’t work.

“That old station is the epitome of Melton.”

Meltoncouncildirectorofcityfutures

Sam Romaszko said council would like to see the building maintained, while also acknowledging the need for a more robust transport network.

“The Melton South Railway Station has a local heritage overlay and given its historical value and its important role in the community of Melton South, council would like to see the building retained in some form,” Mr Romaszko said.

design, necessitated by the need for a station with greater capacity, meant the building could not be retained.

“The level crossing removal project has released early designs for the new Melton Station, and we encourage everyone to take a look online and submit feedback, which will help shape the final designs,” they said.

“There are numerous examples across Melbourne where heritage buildings have been relocated and retained during similar projects which provide a good reference point.

“Melton City Council has sought clarification from the Victorian Government on its plans for the future of the existing Melton Station building.”

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However a state government spokesperson said that the expansive layout of the new

“Melton Station will offer passengers with better connections to trains, buses and car parking to cater for one of the fastest growing communities in Australia.”

Feedback on the early designs can be submitted until Sunday April 21.

Visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-melton

Above: Melton Station.

(Brendan Kitchen) Left: Early designs for the new Melton Station. (Victorian Government)

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Navigating war history

With a small but dedicated team of eager volunteers, the Navigators History Club is preparing a special service for Anzac Day. Drawing on the club’s interests in researching the region, the club’s dawn service at the Navigators Community Centre will this year feature a speech from the family of John Daly, who farmed in the Navigators region and served in Gallipoli.

Navigators History Club president Michael Clarksaidtheannualeventwasalwaysaspecial occasion, where all walks of life come together to remember.

“They want to come and honour their soldiers who fought for us.”

Mr Clark’s own family history in Navigators stretches back to the 1860s and he said much of his family still lives in the area.

“I’ve always been interested in history, my great grandfather came here in 1863,” he said, “He had about nine children and a lot of them married their neighbours, so then the next door neighbours became cousins.”

The dawn service will begin at 6am on April

“It’s marvellous these days, you get a lot of children there,” he said. “People seem to want to come more now then they did 20 or 50 years ago.

25 and will be followed by a breakfast at the community centre.

It really is a magic day to get so many people alongandsomanybackforprogress,it’sagreat celebrationforthesoldier’slives,whattheydid.

Elsewhere in Moorabool, a dawn service will also be held at 6am on Main Street in Bacchus Marsh. This will be followed by a parade beginning at Grant Street at 10.30am, with the procession moving to Main Street and then on to Gisborne Road.

A parade will also be held in Ballan from starting in Inglis Street on to Stead Street from 10am to 4pm.

A special day for all to remember

The Melton RSL is welcoming all members of thecommunitytoparticipateintheobservance of traditional ANZAC Day events.

This year, Melton RSL president Stephen Cook said there was a particular focus on engaging everyday people with the story of Australia’s military history and to get more people aware of the RSL’s range of services.

“We’re concerned about a disconnect with the new generation of kids, so we want them to actually be a part of the service,” he said.

“The thing we see with younger members is they’re very committed to their families, familiesaremoreconnectedsowefinditreally difficult for veterans to engage with the RSL itself.

Dawn service at Caroline Springs

Caroline Springs RSL will host a dawn service and Anzac Day event on April 25, at Lake Caroline.

The day will begin with a dawn service at the War Memorial on Lake Street in Caroline Springs at 5.45am, followed by a $5 Gunfire Breakfast at the Westwaters Hotel, and games of Two-up.

The morning service will feature a speech from Commander Jamie Watson from the Royal Australian Navy as a guest speaker from Canberra.

Caroline Springs RSL president Andy Marshall has been part of the RSL for 10 years and said Anzac Day is a time for the community to “gather and remember.”

“Weusuallyexpecttosee2000-3000 people on the day. It’s a solemn occasion during the dawn service because it is a commemoration and a moment of remembrance, and then the gunfire breakfast is a chance to let your hair down,” he said.

“We will have the Melton mayor in attendance as well as children delivering short speeches, and representatives from Victoria University Secondary College, Lakeview Secondary College and Gilson College taking part during the dawn service.”

Mr Marshall said badges can be purchased from the Burnside Pub Shopping Centre, the Caroline Springs Shopping Centre, outside Coles Taylors Hill shopping Centre and Watergardens Shopping Centre.

The RSL will start proceedings on Anzac Day with the traditional dawn service at 6am, with the community encouraged to assemble on High Street outside the Civic Centre.

Everyone is then invited to attend the gunfire breakfast held at the Melton Country Club where there will be an entry fee of $2 for non-members.

The gunfire breakfast refers to the breakfast troops would have prior to entering battle.

The breakfast will be followed by the Anzac march, which begins on Alexandra Street at 10am.

All are then encouraged to return to the Melton Country Club from 11am-2pm to

“We’ve identified this and tweaked our business, so we’re now focused on the welfare of our members.”

mingleandplaythetraditionalgameoftwoup.

Mr Cook said all funds raised will throughout the day will go directly back into veteran services.

“That’s why we do all our fundraising, our fundraising exists so that it costs the veteran nothing,” he said.

“Anzac Day pays tribute to the brave men and women of our armed forces who have given their all, in defence of our nation.”

Melton council deputy mayor Steve Abboushi said council was proud to support the RSL.

“We remember the bravery, tenacity and resilience of thousands of Australians who continue to give the best of themselves in the peace, freedom and democracy,” he said.

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St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School Melton South

Caroline Springs RSL president Andy Marshall and secretary Ross Wildshire, with local students Harper, Harley, Erika, Jessica, Jordan, Archie, and Sitnuli at the Caroline Springs War Memorial. (Damjan Janevski) 400438_01

Melton RSL president Stephen Cook. (Damjan Janevski) 400315_03

Discover your history

The Melton Family History Group will be holding a special event ahead of Anzac Day.

The group meets at the Melton library every Wednesday to help locals discover their family history.

The group will hold a morning tea on April 24 to enjoy while looking up the past or memories that residents may not know about.

The group was formed in 1994 and since then have been helping locals find out about their history.

They use a combination of the internet, special programs and in some cases

micro film.

Secretary Ian Bowey said there had been some really good stories they had found out during this time, including one lady who was able to find her long lost brother.

The group has also had history displays at the library.

The Melton Family History Group will be at the library between 10am-noon on April 24 for the morning tea and research. The group is always looking for new members.

Details: https://meltonfamilyhistory.org/ where-to-start/

Briefs Hockey Melton Hockey Club is opening its doors to anyone interested in giving the sport a go. The club, based at the Bridge Road Sports Precinct, is still accepting players for its women’s, men’s, masters 45s and junior teams. While some teams started their seasons on the weekend, the club has indicated it accepts new players all throughout the season. Details: 0400 181 253.

Microchipping

Moorabool council is offering $15 microchipping with any new cat or dog registration until the end of May. The council will be door knocking from April 15 to help ensure all dogs and cats over the age of three months are registered. “Our animal management team witnesses the stress an animal goes through when impounded,“ the council said.

“This is why, if your dog or cat is wearing an up to date council registration tag, officers will make attempts to contact you to reunite you with your pet directly, bypassing the need for your pet to go to the pound.

“If you have not yet had your dog or cat microchipped, Council is offering $15 microchipping with any new registration until 30 May. Details: https://www. moorabool.vic.gov.au/Services-andsupport/Pets-and-animals/Pets/ Register-an-animal.

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Melton Family History Group, including Deb Slattery, Pauline Stotten and Ian Bowey are holding a special morning ahead of Anzac Day. (Damjan Janevski) 400398_01

Call for pump price reporting

By Oliver Lees

A Kurunjang resident is calling on the state government to create a fuel price reporting scheme, due to growing concerns that pump pricesinMeltonareconsistentlyaboveaverage.

Having lived in the Melton area since 2005, Jordon Mizzi has been keeping a close eye on fuel prices over the last decade.

“My experience with fuel prices in Melton is that they have been consistently higher than surrounding suburbs and I avoid filling up in town at all cost,” he said.

“I work near Melbourne Airport and drive

past every service station along the entire Melton Highway every week for the past 10 years.

“Without fail, I find cheaper fuel options, often priced between 10 to 50 cents per litre lower at service stations in Hillside and next to Watergardens.”

Fuel price reporting systems are currently in place in all states in Australia except Victoria.

These systems create a mandate for petrol stations to notify the government about changes to their prices.

This information is then made available for the general public to allow motorists to make

Young gun’s big dreams

One of the North Western Titans young guns is set to get to play on the national stage.

Levi Emery and his side, the Mets Little Leagueimmediatelittleleagueteam,qualified for nationals earlier this month,

A GoFundMe page to help get Levi to the event which is next month.

Levi said it feels great that all the hard work that he and his team have put in the last few months.

“We had three tryout days where we were put through a number of skill tests and then a game simulation to see who was the best to be selected for the team,therefore after this the final team was selected,” Levi said.

He said the whole team would continue to work together to do their best to progress to the next stage.

Levi took up the sport after making a primary school T-Ball team and he really enjoyed the game.

It was love at first pitch.

“I decided to quit cricket and give baseball a go in 2023,” he said. “This is my second year playingbaseballfortheNorthWesternTitans.

“I made the Mets development team in my first season. And this year I made the intermediate state team and we have progressed to the National Championships.

“My goal for baseball is to be the very best I can be at baseball and put my heart and soul into baseball because I love this game so much and to go pro in the future.”

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informed decisions on where to fill up.

In 2017 an inquiry was held into establishing such a system, but instead of installing a governmentmandatedsystem,itrecommended that road users use private websites and apps that serve a similar function.

But Mr Mizzi said these private services are inadequate.

“On average only 80 per cent of service stations per day have accurate data reported by drivers, some days more than 30 per cent of reported service stations have out of date or inaccurate prices,” he said.

“When the nearest service station outside

Melton is a 15 minute drive, you would want to be certain the reported price is accurate before you make the trip.”

Melton MP Steve McGhie did not directly voice support for a reporting scheme managed by the government, but said it was important that Melton residents were treated fairly at the pump.

“My community deserves fair fuel prices, and I’ll continue to advocate on their behalf and speak out against price gouging,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing to engage with Minister Williams on fuel price reporting in Melton.”

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Pushing for Calder commitment

Melton council is backing Brimbank council’s ‘Fix the Calder’ campaign.

Brimbank council is calling for all hands on deck at it once again rallies for both the federal and state governments to fix the Calder Freeway.

The council will host a community event on Saturday, April 20, at Overnewton Gatehouse Hall, Keilor, from 9.30am to launch a new advocacy brochure on ‘Improving the Calder Highway’.

The Council said the Calder is one of Australia’s most dangerous roads and safety upgrades are “urgently needed.”

The brochure has been produced by the Calder Highway Improvement Committee (CHIC), which consists of a number of councils, including Melton council and outlines the group for improving safety on the Calder Highway. Since Brimbank council first launched the Fix the Calder campaign in April 2021, the state government has made a range of announcements including, a $50 million investment for minor upgrades, planning and investigative works, the level crossing removal at Calder Park Drive, due for completion in 2025, and a now completed business case to investigate a diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive.

to go.”

Council expressed it’s disappointment with the federal government’s decision to withdraw the $50 million promised by the previous government, noting that it was only a “fraction” of what is required.

Brimbank council is now calling on the federal government to reassess the project and provide adequate funding to make the Calder safe, while calling on the state government to increase its $50m funding commitment and release the findings and recommendations of the Calder Park Drive Interchange business case.

gederal governments for upgrades along the Calder Freeway.

“We welcome the planned level crossing removal at Calder Park Drive, and business case to investigate a diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive as important first steps to fix one of Victoria’s busiest roads,” he said.

“Council is advocating for the construction of a new train station at Calder Park Drive to provide more accessible public transport options in an important growth area.

Council said while these are important and welcome first steps, there is still “a long way

Melton deputy mayor Steve Abboushi said the council supports advocacy to the state and

Sports club volunteers get a leg up

Darley Football Netball Club president Mark Shelly is overjoyed at the news his club will be the beneficiary of a grant program that will give club volunteers the chance to upskill.

Darley was announced as one of the recipients of the Telstra Footy Country Grants earlier this month, with clubs from around Australia set to benefit.

In Darley’s case, this funding will go toward development courses for its unpaid helpers, which make up the bulk of its workforce.

Darley president Mark Shelly said the funding would go a long way.

“Youcouldn’tcounttheamountofhoursour

volunteers put in on a weekly basis,” he said.

“Any support for the volunteers is unbelievable, clubs such as ours don’t run without volunteers.”

Everyone from team managers, assistant coaches, interchange stewards and bar staff are volunteer positions at most football clubs including Darley.

“It’s not just game day but also ongoing management,” Shelly said. “Even in the offseason we need a lot of people getting things organised for the upcoming season, we’ll make sure the funds are put to good use.”

According to the details provided regarding

Your say on plan changes

Melton residents are invited to have their say on proposed changes to the Toolern Precinct Structure Plan and Developer Contributions Plan.

The council has proposed changes for the plans, which cover areas around Cobblebank, Strathtulloh, parts of Thornhill Park and Weir Views.

The proposed plan was one of the first of its kind in Victoria when it was initially adopted in 2010.

In the 14 years since it was developed, the Melton municipality has experienced unprecedented growth.

To ensure the Toolern PSP area is supported with the essential infrastructure it requires such as roads, bridges, foot and bike paths, drainage, public and community spaces, the council undertook an extensive review process of the documents.

The review found significant shortfalls in funding and land being reserved for key transport, community and recreation infrastructure.

To address these issues, the council has proposedasubstantialincreaseindevelopment infrastructure levies, paid by land developers. Melton deputy mayor Steven Abboushi said as the fastest growing region in Australia they know there are challenges.

“We are confident the amendments to the Toolern PSP and DCP will ensure the suburbs of Cobblebank, Strathtulloh, Thornhill Park and Weir Views are liveable, prosperous and vibrant.”

Submissions close May 16.

Details: conversations.melton.vic.gov.au/

the outline of the grant, the grant money can be used to finance courses in bookkeeping, governance, barista training, responsible service of alcohol and food handling.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic key advocates for community sport such as Sport Australia were concerned club volunteer numbers could lapse following the strict lockdown period.

However Mr Shelly said volunteer numbers have remained strong at his club.

“We’ve been pretty good,” he said.

“Of course you’re always looking for more volunteers to lessen the load.”

“Urbanisation of the increasingly busy Calder – Vineyard Road interchange in Sunbury would also help improve road safety and ease congestion.

Hot House returns

A popular business mentoring program helping local entrepreneurs realise their dreams is making its 2024 comeback.

Expressions of interest are now open for season six of the Hot House Project, offering five weeks of intensive training by highly qualified and experienced mentors, masterclasses and workshops designed to help participants transform their bright business idea into a sustainable model.

During the past five seasons, the project has helped more than 100 people build on their proposals with many continuing to grow those business ideas today.

The program is held annually and fully funded by Melton council for participants who qualify.

Participants also get free access to personal mentoring support, the Venture Melton Business Network, special events, workshops and Hot House pop up shops.

They attend five master class sessions, both online and in person, and they receive a local business partner to support setting up the business.

Melton deputy mayor Steven Abboushi said the project supports local entrepreneurs to develop ideas into a sustainable business model before they invest.

“Participants are given access to support from experienced and qualified mentors,“ he said.

“It’s a fantastic way to discover your own potential and find out how to take a business idea to the next level.”

Details: www.melton.vic.gov.au/ hothouse

Darley Football Netball Club volunteers. (Supplied)

$5.2 million illicit tobacco haul

More than 2700 kilograms of illicit tobacco was seized from a property in Pentland Hills last week.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), with the support of the Australian Border Force led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce (ITTF) and Victoria Police’s VIPER Taskforce, seized and destroyed the tobacco after officers visited the Penland Hills property as part of Operation Bonnybridge.

The officers located four acres of illicit tobacco crops with an estimated excise value of $5.2 million. They also found and seized numerous electronic devices and CCTV

footage and collected intelligence to assist with their inquiries.

ATO assistant commissioner Jade Hawkins reiterated the importance of community tip-offs in the fight against illicit tobacco.

“This successful outcome is the result of a tip-off to the ATO,“ she said.

“Not only were we able to bring this criminal operation to a halt but we were also able to disrupt distribution to the retail sector and collect intelligence to help target future operations.“

Ms Hawkins has also encouraged the community to be aware of the signs that illicit

tobacco is growing nearby.

“Some of the signs to look out for include intense labour production between November and May, suspicious enquiries about land for lease, unexplained use of water resources and large crops of leafy plants that may resemble kale, cabbage or corn,“ she said.

AustralianBorderForce(ABF)Commander Clint Sims said investigators were supporting theongoingworkoftheITTFinthedisruption of criminal groups involved in the illicit tobacco trade across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

“Our highly-trained and motivated

Celebrate Melton’s history this week

A celebration of all things heritage and history in Melton returns this week. The Heritage Festival invites residents to explore Melton’s diverse and rich cultural history through a range of workshops, activities and talks for a month starting April 18.

Highlights include the historical magic show ‘Nine and a Half Things You Did Not Know About Harry Houdini’, the unveiling of the Partners of Veterans Association’s ’Love, Peace, and Unity’

Quilt and the launch of Melton libraries’ new ‘Collecting Family Cookbooks’ program.

The festival kicks off on April 18 with a celebration at the Melton Library and Learning Hub, featuring live music from Drongo and the Crow.

Award-winning podcaster and musician Simon Reich will recount the stories of World War Two migrants at the Bonegilla Migrant Camp through interviews, videos and live music.

All events are free to attend, but bookings are required for some programs.

Melton deputy mayor Steve Abboushi said this is a golden opportunity to explore Melton’s past, with activities for kids, families and adults alike.

“Our diverse community has so many stories to tell, and the Heritage Festival is a chance to uncover all those stories and bring them to life.”

Details: www.melton.vic.gov.au/ heritagefestival or 9747 5300.

investigative teams possess significant operational capabilities – targeting, detecting and seizing all forms of illicit tobacco through innovative measures and ensuring criminals are on the losing side of our efforts,“ he said.

“The ABF is 100 per cent focused on disrupting any attempt by criminals to make money off the harm illicit tobacco causes, especially to the health of young people, in our community.’

If you suspect that illicit tobacco is being grown or manufactured in your community contact, www.ato.gov.au/tipoff or phone 1800 060 062.

Police briefs

Police car rammed

Two men have been arrested following the alleged ramming of a police vehicle in Fraser Rise. Police were called to the corner of Adams Drive and Aspire Boulevard at 8.15pm on Thursday April 11 after receiving reports of a suspicious vehicle. It is alleged a silver Ford Falcon then rammed the stationary police unit. Five offenders fled the vehicle, two of which were promptly arrested. No one was injured in the incident and an investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com. au.

Five charged after evading police Police have charged five men after they allegedly evaded police through Melton on Wednesday. It is alleged a black Volkswagen sedan, bearing false plates, was spotted by police on High Street about 2.30pm on April 10. Officers attempted to intercept the vehicle before it allegedly sped off. The car was followed through Caroline Springs and Taylors Hill before stops sticks were successfully deployed on Main Road East, St Albans, where the car came to a stop and the five occupants were arrested. It is alleged two machetes were seized, as well as a large amount of counterfeit cash. Among those charged were two 18-year-old men from Melton and a 21-year-old Melton man who were all charged with conduct endanger life.

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Council responds to call for speed humps to deter hoons

ResidentsonAlbertStreetinDarleyarecalling for something to be done to stem hooning on their street.

Barry Evans is a 14-year Bacchus Marsh resident who moved to Albert Street last year.

According to Mr Evans peace in the area is regularly disturbed by unsafe driving between the Fitzroy Street and Nelson Street roundabouts.

“We have hoons in these hotted up cars… They’d have to be doing 80 or 90k’s, probably faster,” he said.

“It’s near a school and a fire station. You’ve gotkidsonscootersandpushbikesontheedge

of the road… I can see some day a kid coming out the gate and not looking and getting hit.

“I’ve got a terminal lung disease, there’s days I can’t even walk out the front door from the fumes and smoke.”

Mr Evans said he doesn’t see the point in lowering the speed limit along the street as the people driving unsafely aren’t paying attention to the current one, but he would like to see other measures such as a higher police presence or speed humps installed.

Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said council is hoping to eventually install two raised intersections on Albert

Street, one at Bourke Street, and another between the two roundabouts on Dundas Street.

“Albert St in Darley and surrounding areas were included in stage three of our Local Area Traffic Management Study. Out of that study, which involved extensive consultation with the community, there was a medium priority recommendation to install two raised intersections in Albert Street,” he said.

“These projects have been included in council’s long term capital works program and will compete with other priority projects as part of the annual budgeting process.

“In addition to our capital works program, council was recently selected to participate in the next round of the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program, which will support councils to plan for and invest in strategic infrastructure improvements to make local roads safer. Officers will work with the Department of Transport and Planning to finalise a list of improvements to be delivered over the next two years.” Council said where incidents of hooning or speeding are witnessed by members of the public, it highly recommends them to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Melton Heritage Festival is back this week. (Supplied)

Councils confirm park safety

Both Melton and Moorabool councils have assured residents that their public spaces are safe, after traces of asbestos were discovered in mulch in several parks in the west and north of Melbourne.

As of Friday April 12, traces of asbestos had been found in garden material in parks in the council areas of Hobsons Bay and Merri-bek. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) There had also been concerns about Fitzgerald Square Reserve, Sunshine West but that was given the all clear after samples of mulch were tested for asbestos.

In response to the discovery of asbestos in public spaces, the Environment Protection Authority has urged councils across the state to ensure they are complying with appropriate environmental standards.

The EPA’s director of regulatory services Duncan Perndigh said councils have a responsibility to maintain strong controls to prevent contamination.

“I urge the community to watch out for anyone offering garden mulch who can’t demonstrate they follow appropriate high

The EPA received a clearance certificate on April 14, from an independent hygienist for Fitzgerald Square Reserve, Sunshine West in the Brimbank council area, with inspections showing the site clear of contamination.

Calling Australia home

More than 600 Melton residents become Australian citizens this month.

Melton council held two citizenship ceremonies, with more than 300 people becoming citizens at each of the ceremonies at Cobblebank Stadium.

At each ceremony, new citizens are required to make a pledge of commitment as a citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia.

All new citizens receive a Australian citizenship certificate, which formally represents conferral of Australian citizenship.

Deputy mayor Steve Abboushi conferred the new citizens, saying there was more than 700 new citizens following the ceremonies.

“Becoming an Australian citizen has been aspecialmomentforsomanyofourresidents – and we congratulate all those who officially became an Australian citizen this week,” Mr

Abboushi said.

Hawke MP Sam Rae was among those welcoming the new citizens.

“There’s a massive amount of time and effort that goes into the process of becoming an Aussie citizen - so it’s great to join them on their big day to say welcome and well done,” he said.

“Mums, dads, aunts and uncles, friends, little ones and so many more all came together to mark the day.”

Meltoncouncilwillholdfurthercitizenship ceremonies in July and September.

standards and quality checks to avoid contamination,” he said.

“If the offer seems too good to be true, be wary of it.”

Moorabool council acting chief executive Leigh McCallum said he was confident environmental standards were being adhered to in the shire.

“Our parks and gardens team use recycled mulch produced from trees [and] branches that are mulched through our tree crew chipping machine,” he said.

“To date, we have not had an issue with asbestos in our mulch.”

Melton council city delivery director Neil

Whiteside said Melton works with quality contractors across the municipality and that inspections are carried out each quarter.

“More than 500 cubic metres of mulch is generated from our tree maintenance program each year, stored in a secure compound and returned to our parks and gardens,” he said.

“Within larger parks and playgrounds, we use commercially milled pine bark material that is compliant with Australian standards.” Mulch suspected to contain asbestos or illegal dumping of materials can be reported to the EPA’s contact centre.

Melton citizenship ceremony (Supplied)

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How custom mouthguards can prevent dental injuries

Last week, I had a great time meeting with the Bacchus Marsh Football and Netball team. It was inspiring to see the community come together to support the club.

With the Australian Football season underway, a reminder about preventing dental injuries! I’ve already seen an emergency case of a broken front tooth that could have been avoided with a custom mouthguard. Thisweek,Iwanttohighlighttheimportance of mouthguards for field sports.

Why mouthguards matter

All sports carry some risk, and mouthguards are a vital part of protecting yourself. Facial injuries in sports can be serious, causing concussions, broken teeth, and more. A custom-fitted mouthguard acts like a helmet for your teeth and jaw. It absorbs impact and distributes the force of a blow, significantly reducing the chance of serious injury.

Importance of sports mouth guard

All sports have an element of risk, and as such, participantsshouldtakereasonableprecautions to protect themselves from injury. Facial sports injuriescanbeespeciallythreatening,resulting in concussion and broken teeth, among other things.

A sports mouthguard is a crucial piece of protective equipment for anyone participating in athletics, especially those involving contact or a risk of falling. It acts like a helmet for your teeth and jaw, absorbing impact and distributing the force of a blow to lessen the chance of serious injury.

Here are some of the important reasons why you should wear a customised sports mouthguard:

to absorb some of this force and stabilise the jaw.

• Protects against soft tissue injuries: A mouthguardcanalsohelppreventcuts,bruises, and lacerations to the lips, tongue, and cheeks.

• Reduces the risk of jaw injuries: The force of a blow to the face can injure the jaw joint or even cause it to fracture. A mouthguard helps

• Reduces the risk of broken teeth: A mouthguard cushions the teeth and jaw, preventing them from coming together and absorbing the impact of a blow. This can significantly reduce the risk of chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out teeth.

Protect your Smile Wear custom made mouthguards

•Reducestheriskofconcussion: Somestudies have shown that mouthguards may also help to reduce the risk of concussion by absorbing some of the force of a blow to the head.

The Australian Dental Association recommends that all athletes wear a mouthguard, regardless of age or skill level, in

sports that carry a risk of contact or falls. This includessportssuchasAFL,netball,basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, martial arts, racquetball, roller derby, rugby, soccer, squash, volleyball, water polo and wrestling.

Let’s keep our smiles healthy and safe on the field!

DrSabaFarooq,MainStreetDental

Dr Saba Farooq.

IPC Health Care can help you find the care you need

Would you like assistance with daily tasks to help you stay in your home for longer? Are you struggling to understand and access aged care services and don’t have anyone who can help you through the process? The IPC Health Care Finder Service can guide you through all this and more!

The flexible service means that care finders can meet you wherever you feel comfortable – like your home, the local library or your favourite cafe. We’ll help you understand what aged care services and supports are available for you, including My Aged Care.

Your care finder will ask questions to understand your situation, walk you through the assessment process and assist you to connect with services that best suit your needs. We can also help you find other supports in the community to build social connections, working with you every step of the way.

Once your services are up and running, we’ll continue to check in with you to make sure you are getting the support and care you need. If circumstances change or your services are no longer meeting your needs, we can help you make changes to better support your journey.

“The IPC Health Care Finder Service is a great program to connect those older people in our community that would otherwise have fallen through the cracks. It allows for support at all stages of the aged care journey,“ said Lauren, IPC Health Care Finder Service team member.

IPC can get you set up with services that will help you with:

• personal care like showering and getting dressed

• meal preparation

• shopping

• gardening and home maintenance

• transport

• in home nursing or health care

• health and wellbeing services like podiatry, dietetics, physiotherapy and counselling

• community and social activities

The IPC Health Care Finder Service can support people who:

• are eligible for aged care services; that is people aged over 65 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50

years and people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

• Don’t have anyone who is able or willing to help them, or who they can trust

• Find it difficult to understand information, make decisions, need help with reading or writing in English and/or speak a language other than English

• LiveinBrimbank,HobsonsBay,Maribyrnong, Melton, Moorabool or Wyndham.

IPC care finders speak a range of languages and can also organise a free interpreter when needed.

“My care finder Celestine has been wonderfully supportive and has given me easy to understand plain English information about the service system. She made me feel listened to and valued as a person,“ said one IPC Health Care Finder Service client.

Our care finders will support you every step of the way in your journey. Find out more online at www.ipchealth.com.au/services/carefinder-service.Callustodayon1300895589or email the team at carefinders@ipchealth.com. au.

IPC Health is your local community health care provider in the west, offering a range of integrated services to improve and support our diverse communities’ health and wellbeing needs. With six local campuses and extensive community partnerships, we can help you identify and reach your goals through integrated and personalised care.

From mental health and family services to volunteering and GP clinics, we also provide outreach, support groups and group classes.

Visit the website at www.ipchealth.com. au for more information and get in touch on 1300 472 432 to see how we can move your health and wellbeing journey forward, together!

‘Living grief’ confronting families

Gisborne’s Tamara Wilson says watching her daughter battle an eating disorder was a form of ‘living grief’. With eating disorders on the rise, more and more Australian families are confronting this distressing health issue as Zoe Moffatt reports.

When Gisborne mother Tamara Wilson sat with her daughter at the Royal Children’s Hospital in 2012 she felt an overwhelming sense of grief start to wash over her. Grief that she was losing her then 14-year-old daughter Brooke to an eating disorder.

Sitting next to her mother, Brooke would have bruising on her back from sit ups and excessive exercise, her eyes would be sunken in and dark, and her lips would start to turn blue.

For Tamara and Brooke, the next 20 or so monthswouldinclude22hospitaladmissions, regular ambulance rides, feeding tubes, fights atmealtimes,missedschooltimeandcopious appointments with healthcare professionals.

Butthetoughestpartforthemother-of-three was the grief that she was losing her daughter.

“I remember sitting in ward rounds next to Brooke and [she] was just a shell of [a] person,” Tamara said.

“A shell of the person that I had given birth to and brought up and, and loved and continued to love but she just wasn’t there anymore.

‘‘ I was shocked and devastated and felt like I had neglected her, like that I should have seen all of this sooner ’’ - Tamara Wilson

“Therewasalivinggriefthatcomes with it as a carer or as a parent, which is – and took a lot of time to accept –that this was going to be our life.”

While this reality may seem far flung from most Australians, it is a reality that is creeping its way into more and more lives. A recent report from the national eating disorder charity only supports this.

The Butterfly Foundation report released in February estimated 1.1 million Australians, or 4.5 per cent, are currently living with an eating disorder.

The report estimates 10.5 per cent of Australians will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. If there are nine other people near you, take a look around because statistically one of you will be affected.

For Tamara however, this was a circumstance she never thought would enter her life.

When Tamara noticed Brooke was losing a lot of weight quickly she took her to doctors, but after an unhelpful and dismissive appointment, Tamara said she started to do her own research.

“[I felt] more confused and more lost. [Brooke] continued to lose weight.

“I looked up eating disorders, and got an information page that I printed out and read. I then sat down with Brooke and said, ‘I think this is what we’re dealing with’.”

When talking about this timeline, Tamara admits she probably didn’t approach the conversation the best way and was “quite judgemental”.

Two days later Brooke was taken to the emergency department and admitted to hospital for the first time on what became a long journey.

“IwasshockedanddevastatedandfeltlikeI had neglected her, like that I should have seen all of this sooner.

“I honestly thought it would be a case of they’ll pop her on a drip, they’ll rehydrate her, they’ll put some food into her, and we’ll come home and it’ll all be better.

“Completely naive to the journey that we were on.”

Tamara runs Gisborne health promotion charity P.S. My Family Matters.

Tamara said Brooke still struggles with her weight but is thriving.

In the following years Brooke would go on to finish year 11 but not complete her final year of schooling.

“Shespentmoretimeinhospitalinherteens than she did at home. We had an ambulance at our house every week that she was home,” Tamara said.

Tamarawouldalsohavetoshutdownalarge portion of her business to care for Brooke, but thanks to the generosity of one client she was able to keep up with her mortgage.

“They paid for my mortgage for six months, they put a cleaner in my house for six months and they continue to employ me at the same rate.

“I don’t think I would have survived without that support.”

Fast forward to today, Brooke is a registered nurse and has an 11-month-old baby, and

“The pregnancy was particularly difficult for her. She still exercises and she has a very, very rigid routine around food and exercise but she lives a very normal life,”

Tamara said.

“I call her my little miracle. We treasure every second of life with her and celebrate all of our successes.”

While Tamara and Brooke’s experience with eating disorders can be rounded out to two people who are thriving, the same cannot be said for a growing number of Australians who are affected.

The Butterfly Foundation’s report is the second edition of ‘Paying the Price’ after the first edition in 2012, and reveals a 21 per cent increase in the number of people with eating disorders.

In 2023, there were 1273 deaths due to an eating disorder.

It also found 27 per cent of individuals with an eating disorder are aged 19 years or younger, an increase of 12 per cent since 2012.

Tamara said it’s appalling that it has taken more than a decade for another report of this kind to be published.

She said the thing that peaked her interest was that more people died from an eating disorder last year than the road toll, which was 1266 fatalities.

“There is so much put into saving people in the road toll and reducing that, yet eating disorders are neglected. I think it’s terrible.

“I support a lot of families within the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury that have children with eating disorders, and it’s so challenging, they don’t know where to go.”

Tamarasaidtheotherthingthatshenoticed from the report is that early intervention needs so much more attention.

“Trying to get that early intervention is really challenging because you can’t get the really good services until you’re critical.

“I have families that are waiting for admissions… [those affected] are skin and bone and the parents are just watching them die.

“It’s swept under the carpet and there still is a huge stigma – it is a mental illness, there is still stigma around mental health and mental illness.”

Education works hand-in-hand with early intervention, and Tamara said there needs to be education in schools and education to parents on how to model healthy eating behaviours.

If you or someone you know needs support with an eating disorder the Butterfly Foundation can be contacted on 1800 334 673, or via an online chat or email. Details: https:// butterfly.org.au/

Tamara Wilson, and left, Tamara looking at the recent report into eating disorders. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 396886

New signage for track

The Great Dividing Trail Association has launched an innovative, environmentally friendly interpretive signage project along the length of the 87 kilometre Lerderderg Track from Daylesford to Bacchus Marsh.

The volunteer hiking and biking group, has reduced the signage on the track to small placards on top of existing directional posts marking the way.

Each of the placards includes a QR code that links to more extensive information and images on the Great Dividing Trail Association website.

The signage tells the stories of the people who lived along the track and gives insights into the geology, the flora and fauna and the place names that track users encounter along the way.

GDTA publications manager Gib Wettenhall said this approach has minimised theenvironmentalfootprintoftheinterpretive signage.

More than 40 people gathered at the Garden ofStErthinBlackwoodtocelebratethelaunch of the signage project.

Guests including GDTA patron Steve Moneghetti and Mountain bike ambassador, Lisa Jacobs, who praised the project for bringing the history of the track to life and making it easily accessible to track users.  Moorabool mayor Ally Munari remarked on the importance of the project.

“Projects like this make it more attractive for people to get out into our beautiful natural surrounds and keep active and healthy,” she said.

The interpretive signage project is the second stage of the GDTA’s work to refurbish the Lerderderg Track.

The track was built by the GDTA as the final stage in the 310 kilometre Great Dividing Trail Network, which includes the Goldfields

Track from Ballarat to Bendigo.

In recent years, the Lerderderg Track had fallen into disrepair.

The GDTA obtained a substantial grant

Diggers pavilion open

The $16.63 million redevelopment of Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve’s Sport and Community Pavilion was officially opened on April 13, to provide crucial community infrastructure.

Melton council and the state government jointly funded the project, which features more than 550 square metres of community meeting spaces, including a social room, community kitchen and canteen.

The state government said the project has delivered a modern, purpose-built space for the community and local sporting clubs that includes gender-equitable amenities and female friendly facilities to encourage greater female participation.

Other important improvements included a redeveloped oval, new cricket nets, electronic scoreboards, public toilets, more car parking and a new access road.

Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said these

upgrades have transformed the Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve into a major sporting hub for a rapidly growing community.”

“The new pavilion is more than just a place to celebrate local sport, it’s a hub for the wider community with a dedicated space to host a wide range of events,” she said.

“Council will be hosting a community open day to showcase facilities soon, so keep an eye out for details of that event.”

Sunbury MP Josh Bull said it is essential to give local clubs and community groups the facilities they deserve, while catering for the immense demand in community sport.

Suburbs minister Sonya Kilkenny said the Growing Suburbs Fund, which provided the funding, supports local community connections and services.

“[It helps] residents thrive and adapt to change through adopting healthy lifestyles,” she said.

New grants available now

The state government is calling for organisations and groups that support Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ communities to apply for grants that will help them strengthen their work and grow.

Applications are now open for LGBTIQA+ Organisational Development Grants until April 30.

The annual grants program established by the state government in 2016 helps organisations and groups grow their capacity to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex,queerandasexual(LGBTIQA+) communities across Victoria.

Recipients are supported to run a range of activities including training and mentoring for staff and volunteers, expanding their work into regional Victoria, and plan for the future of their organisations.

Established groups and those with demonstrated experience in serving LGBTIQA+ communities can apply for grants of up to $40,000, while newer organisations or those with limited experience can apply for grants of up to $20,000.

Applications are particularly encouraged from groups that support engagement with diverse LGBTIQA+ communities, including regional and rural communities across Victoria.

in 2018 to renew posts, signage and other infrastructure along the Track. This first stage of the refurbishment was completed in 2020.

Equality Minister Harriet Shing said she encourages all eligible organisations keen to see their LGBTIQA+ communities thrive to apply for these grants.

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

Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve opening (Supplied)

New signage of the Lerderderg Track has been installed. (Supplied)

April events in the west

April is packed with live music, top-notch comedy, and heaps of family activities in Melbourne’s west.

Lead singer Tim Freedman’s alt-country project The Whitlams Black Stump has just released its debut album Kookaburra. The band will bring their nationwide Kookaburra

2024 Album Launch tour to Kindred Bandroom, Footscray for one night only on Friday, May 10.

ARIA award-winning Australian rock legends Eskimo Joe are embarking on a national acoustic tour, stopping at a number of theatres across Australia, including at the Wyndham Cultural Centre on April 28.

International comedy phenomenon The Umbilical Brothers will pay a visit to the Wyndham Cultural Centre on April 17, for their performance, The Distraction: enabling your screen addiction.

Connect with the past during this year’s Australian Heritage Festival running up until May 18.

Melbourne’s west is humming with events as part of this nationwide program, with exhibitions, workshops, tours, presentations, children’s programs, and events. Visit local haunts, step back in time, and discover the stories behind our iconic and common places and spaces.

Visit iconic photographer Steve McCurry’s showcase of more than 100 large-format photographs as part of international exhibition ICONS. The exhibition is on display at Seaworks, Williamstown until May.

Check out The Altona Pier Revue Art Prize featuring the work of emerging and established artists from the west. The free exhibition runs between April 26, and May 16 at the Louis Joel Arts Centre, Altona. Head on down to the St Albans Community Centre for a community festival

to commemorate Buddha’s Day, an alms giving, ethnic gifts, food stalls, multicultural performances, special blessing ceremonies and more. April 27, 10am-3.30pm.

Tickets are on sale for captivating theatre ‘Inner Sanctuary’, an experience of poetry, music and projection. Set in the western suburbs, the theatre explores community, ecology, and freedom in a chaotic world. April 27, 6-7.30pm at Bowery Theatre, St Albans.

Enjoy school holiday fun with Fulldome Flicks at the Scienceworks Planetarium as it returns with 321 LIFTOFF! An adventurous

animated film featuring a hamster scientist and damaged robot, about the courage and wits you need to go to space. It runs every Saturday in April at 4.30pm.

For something different, take your nature-loving family down to the annual bonsai exhibition and sale at Footscray Community Arts Centre. Experience the world of bonsai with hundreds of miniature trees on display from April 20-21.

Details: https://melbourneswest.com.au/ about/our-region/

Youth survey now underway

Young Victorians aged 15-19 are encouraged to have their say in Mission Australia’sthe23rdannualyouthsurvey. The Youth Survey is an opportunity for young people to share what they view as the key issues impacting the country and highlight their own personal challenges. Mission Australia’s Nada Nasser said the survey provides a rare insight into the challenges facing young people.

“AtMissionAustralia,weworkhardto support young people through what can be a tough time in their lives,” she said.

“We know young people thrive when they have a stable and safe environment inwhichtheycanbethemselves,andour programs aim to be a welcoming space for all,” Ms Nasser added.

Results of the survey will be published in November and are shared with government and non-government organisations, schools and the public.

The survey focuses on a wide range of topics, including questions on mental health and wellbeing, sources of support and community connections, housing and financial situation, climate change, and personal concerns such as body image, bullying, discrimination and stress. Young people are also asked to provide solutions to the personal issues they face. Additional focus areas for 2024 are social media use, loneliness and opinions relating to alcohol and drugs.

Youth Survey 2024 is open from April to August and takes 20 minutes to complete.

Details www.missionaustralia.com. au/youthsurvey

The Australian Heritage Festival is running up until May 18 featuring iconic landmarks of Melbourne’s west. (Supplied)

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

Community program

Melton South Community Centre’s term two program is out now and open for enrolments, with options for all the family. To view the program, go to meltonsouth.org. au or pick up a copy at the centre.

■ 9747 8576

Cancer Support Group

MelMarsh Prostate Cancer Support Group is for prostate cancer patients and their carers and meets on the first Thursday of the month from 12.30-2pm at Melton South Community Centre. Attendees are encouraged as members share their journeys through what could be a very traumatic time of their lives. Explanations of medical terminology used in the treatment of this cancer are given in this group.

■ Grenville, 0412 741 865

Chatty Cafe Melton

Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton.

■ https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331

Women’s Support Group

Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help

■ 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 Friendship Group

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

■ 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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

■ Ann, 0425 705 150

Melton South Knit & Natter

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

■ 9747 8576

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

■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

U3A Melton

U3A Melton offers among its activities a

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

■ 0419 563 016

Melton Combined Probus Club

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

■ 9746 0271

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

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

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

Melton Cycling Club

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

■ 0403 057 003

Melton Trauma Teddies

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

■ Jean 0412 931 498

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh

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

■ https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

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 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

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 of comedian Lisa Gatenby AKA ’Winni Wizard’. (Damjan Janevski) 399755_01

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Richmond player will miss a portion of the 2024 AFL season after sustaining a hamstring injury in a round three match?

2. After a recent contract extension, which surfing competition will continue to be held at Bells Beach until 2028?

3. What is the name of the NRL’s centralised in-game

4. This year, Jeff Dunne and Rachael Gunn will become the first Australians to compete in which sport at an Olympic level?

5. Who is the current Minister for Sport?

6. Is Mitchell Johnson a former fast bowler or spin bowler?

7. The Brisbane Bandits, Canberra Cavalry and Melbourne Aces all play in which sporting league?

How many balls are used in a game of snooker?

How tall is Chuanxing Liu, the tallest ever man to play in the NBL?

An injury common in tennis and volleyball players, adhesive capsulitis is also known by what other name?

11. Which English Premier League club famously won the premiership at long odds in 2015–16?

12. Before joining Port Adelaide, footballer Aliir Aliir played 64 games for which AFL club?

13. Which former Australian Test cricket wicketkeeper recently retired from the first-class format?

14. In which year did Australian cyclist Cadel Evans win the Tour de France?

15. Which Argentine soccer player won the 2023 Laureus Sportsman of the Year award?

16. How many majors did Australian golfer Greg Norman win in his career?

17. What is the nickname for the Australian women’s rugby league team?

18. What nationality is 2024 Australian Open tennis champion Jannik Sinner?

19. In which year was the Monaco Grand Prix motor race first held?

20. Cricketer Glenn Maxwell has scored how many T20 International centuries for Australia?

21. Which men's Under-18 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 Albert Schweitzer Tournament?

22. Tanzania-born teenager Nestory Irankunda plays for which A-League Men's club?

23. The foal of which champion racehorse sold for $10 million at the 2024 Inglis Australia Easter Yearling Sale?

24. Which women's 3x3 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup?

25. Which men's 3x3 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup?

26. Australian runner Oliver Hoare competes in which middle-distance event?

27. Welsh-born Australian rugby league footballer Keith Barnes was known by what nickname?

28. The Hawthorn and Geelong AFL match on Easter Monday was halted due to what weather event?

29. Briony Akle coaches which Super Netball team?

30. Broden Kelly, member of surrealist comedy group Aunty Donna, barracks for which AFL club?

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”.

Good

Oscars did EverythingEverywhere All at Once win in total?

2 Established in 1839, which suburb is the oldest in Melbourne?

3 Who wrote and directed TheShawshankRedemption?

4 The meaningless repetition of spoken words or phrases is known by what term?

5 What is the national plant of Ireland?

6 Which country was the footwear company Crocs founded in?

7 Painter Frida Kahlo died in Mexico in what year?

8 Who wrote the poems Funeral Blues, TheAgeofAnxiety and AsIWalkedOutOneEvening?

9 Florence Welch (pictured) is the lead vocalist of which indie rock band?

10 What do tulips, daffodils, irises and hyacinths have in common?

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 9/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 5/10

Practicality: 6/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 7/10

Get in quick for Audi RS Q3

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Oneofthemostpopularpastimesintheworld, Monopoly, and the Audi RS Q3 sports utility vehicle have much in common.

The board game deals with high finance and real estate, the SUV high performance motoring; both rely heavily on figures.

Thelatterhasjustaddedalotmoreofthelatter to the list with its RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years, as the suffix suggests with reference to its decade of success. Audi is making only 555 specials in celebration, with a ‘healthy number’ slated for Down Under.

“This edition pays great tribute to the best of SUV performance in the RS Q3 Sportback,” saysAudiAustraliadirectorJeffManning,who has no doubts about the sales success of the anniversary edition in this country.

“Australia as a market is so performance focused and I have no doubt that owners will enjoy exclusive RS touches in this special model,” he adds.

The RS Q3 Sportback 10 Years is based on the storied RS Q3 with a raft of unique features inside and out, not least the award winning 2.5 TFSI turbocharged five-cylinder motor, producing an unrivalled bass note.

Inkeepingwiththisisanexclusivecollection of accoutrements such as black 21-inch alloy wheels, matching Audi badging and brake callipers, plus race-inspired front bucket seats with contrasting copper honeycomb stitching.

TheRSQ3SportbackEdition10Yearscomes with Audi’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus 12-year manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion. Owners also receive membership during the warranty period to the Audi Experience with access to exclusive events, Ambassador experiences and premium partner offers.

Styling

Stand-out exclusive colours are Dew Silver matt or metallic Chronos Grey, the latter providing a strong base for darkened matrix LED headlamps, with dynamic turn indicators and matching wing mirror housings. A glossy black roof frame, window rims, and doortrimpointthewaytocopycatfrontspoiler blades and diffuser insert. The Audi four rings

clingtothesingleframeradiatorgrilleandrear together with the model lettering.

Interior Race-style front bucket seats have a lot going for them – big bolsters for snug lateral support (handy on dramatic direction changes) and covered in leather and Dinamica, black with contrasting copper coloured honeycomb stitching and backrest in matt carbon.

Here’s the bad news: while both seats are heated,theyarereducedtomanualadjustment; nopowerhere.Thisisnotwhatwehavebecome used to in a $100,000 car.

Never mind, the RS sport steering wheel makesupfortheabsence,beingclothedinsexy suede-style Alcantara with copper stitching, which is repeated in the gear lever gaiter. Ambient LED lighting adds the finishing touches to the luxe surroundings.

TheRSQ3EditionTenYearsleavesitsunique signature with illuminated door sill trims and a red 3-D diamond projected onto the ground when the door is opened.

Saying the car is a five-seater is stretching things; the rear is short on width. The boot will take 530 litres of cargo with the 60:40 rear seat backs up, expanding to 1400 litres with them folded. An electric tailgate includes gesture control.

TheRSQ3EditionTenYearsleavesitsunique signature with illuminated door sill trims and a red 3-D diamond projected onto the ground when the door is opened.

Infotainment

The set-up features MMI navigation through a 10.1-inch touch screen, Audi Connect Plus, Audi phone box light and wireless smartphone charging.

There are two USB-C power outlets up front, along with a 12V plug down by twin cup holders.

Audi virtual cockpit plus with a 12.3-inch display can be configured to present the driver with several layers of easily accessible information to maximise the driving experience, or not.

Engines/transmissions

The award winning TFSI five-cylinder engine pumps out 294 kW of power, 17 per cent more than the previous RS Q3 motor. Maximum torque of 480 Nm, on tap between 1950 and 5850 rpm runs the quattro permanent all-wheel drive via a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission.

Safety

ANCAP safety is not rated, as is the case with many sports specials. However, there is no skimping on active safety, with adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go function, Audi pre-sense front with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.

The 360-degree cameras, plus rear and front parking alarms instil confidence when faced with crowded car parks.

Driving

AndsototheAudiRSQ3SportbackEdition10 Years figures. The Car can hit 100km/h from standstill in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h. Audi claims fuel consumption of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle.

Thetestcarrecordedjustover10litresper100 kilometres in city stop/start motoring and 6.4 litresper100kilometresonamainlymotorway run. That apart, it’s the accompanying exhaust note that really takes the cake.

The odd number of cylinders with their unique firing order of 1-2-4-5-3 deliver a deep sonorous sound via twin barrels with exhaust flap control and gloss black oval tailpipe trims. The RS sport suspension with adaptive dampers has the car on best behaviour around city streets but still gets a grip when things are set loose on fast bends or sharp corners.

Bits to play with include driving modes, powertrain monitoring and performance tracking.

Positive steering is backed up by Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, while braking has the heft to pull up the vehicle with the assurance the driver demands of a high-performance sports car.

Summary

TheanniversaryRSQ3isavailableinSportback only, the SUV not given a guernsey, which is how it should be. Buyers will have to be quick to join the celebrations.

Audi is making only 555 Audi RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years vehicles. (Pictures: Supplied)

Narrow loss to Boroondara

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors are wondering what might have been after nearly ending the Boroondara Express’ unbeaten run in the Victorian Netball League championship on Wednesday night.

Afterasolidperformancethepreviousround against last season’s champions, the City West Falcons,theWarriorstookplentyofconfidence into Wednesday night with the Express.

The Warriors led throughout the game but were never able to break the experienced Express line up.

That experience shone through late, with the Express sneaking home, winning 56-55.

For Warriors coach Kim Bailey, it was a real bittersweet feeling after the match.

“One goal to the team that hasn’t lost yet is really pleasing but heartbreaking at the same time because we had that game

“I suppose it showed that it’s only our sixth game together.

“I think if you look at it when we play next time, it’ll be a much different game as well and we’re getting better at reading each other every single week.

“Disappointingwiththelastbutmaybewe’ve scared some teams.”

Bailey said the result showed that they can match it with the top teams. She said they tried somedifferentthingsthatworkedwellforlarge parts of the game.

“They played a wall really well on us and we knew that they were going to play a wall, so we went back and we trained for it,“ she said. “Then we actually trained to do the box

properly ourselves and it’s just knowing when to do the switch from a wall of the box to one on one

“Wehadacoupleoflittleerrorslikesomeone got a falcon and just little things that didn’t go our way, but you have to live with those.”

Bailey said it was a bit of a mixed bag with player performances for her side.

Kim Borger put up 42 goals to again be the main target up front.

“One of the big improvers in our team… is Jasmine Fraser,” Bailey said.

“First year playing championship, and she’s justbuiltweekonweekandtoplayon[Isabelle] Hodgson and do such a great job there was really good.

“To have Nat [Tommasini] come in and having Ruby [Barkmeyer] taken off her, I thought it was awesome as well.

“Julia [Woolley] just run and ran and run tonight.

“Our goalers are they’re not the youngest goalers in the world, but I’ll tell you what their the most skilful.”

The Warriors under-23s had another tough night, losing to the Express 64-45.

Bailey said that side was still a work in progress, they just can’t gel yet.

“I don’t think the trust in each other is there yet,” she said. “We just need to go out there and do it.”

The Warriors this week face the Bendigo Strikers. The Strikers championship team also lost by one goal to the Casey Demons on Wednesday night.

“They’ve done really well,” Bailey said. It’s a really mixed bag this season.”

Julia Woolley. (Supplied)

Phoenix on the board with convincing 7-1 win

It’s been an eventful start to the FV state league 4 west season for Melton Phoenix, which finally got a win on the board on Saturday.

The Phoenix had a draw in round one, before their round two match was called off at half time due to the lights going out.

The match against Moonee Ponds will be replayed at a later date.

On Saturday, the Phoenix put out a performance it knew was coming, beating Melbourne City 7-1.

Phoenix coach Darren Traynor said it was nice to finally be able to get a win.

“It was good, it was a positive result,” he said. “It was our first game away from home and the boys performed really well despite having a couple out as well.

“That performance was coming but we didn’t expect that many goals.

“They got one goal through a penalty, but it was a dominant performance throughout.”

Alex Dimond scored twice for Phoenix with the rest all single goal scorers.

Among them was 17-year-old Lucas Gilmour.

crossbar on a penalty,” he said. “The second week we were the better team before the lights went out.

“To get the win gives belief that what we are doing is the right thing and we need to continue to stick to the process.”

Phoenix is back at home this week, facing Bell Park on Saturday afternoon.

Traynor said it was a bit unknown as they’ve never played them before.

“We’ll continue to build and get the work done on the training track and go from there.”

In other state league 4 west matches, Westside Strikers had a 1-0 loss to Surf Coast on Friday night.

Surf Coast scored in the second half to get the win.

The Strikers are without a win after three rounds.

“He played the last 25 minutes,” Traynor said. “We got a penalty and the others asked if he could he take it and he scored it.”

the off season.

The win is the Phoenix’s first back in state league 4 west after being promoted in

Traynor said the result would just build confidence within the group.

“The first week it was 1-1 and we hit the

Tough start for Lakers

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs was made to pay for its turnovers in the opening round of the Western Football League division 1 season. The Lakers hosted Yarraville-Seddon on Saturday and were in the game for much of the first half.

After half time it was all the Eagles, kicking nine goals to one to run away with a 17.15 (117)-6.9 (45) win.

Lakers football manager Shaun Rainer said it was disappointing way to start the season

“We knew it was going to be a challenge,” he said. “They are a tough side and they had a good year last year and they picked up a couple of good players.

“We had a couple of late outs with VFL [Victorian Football League] so we went in a bit younger than we would have liked.

“We had two under-18s and two nearly promoted out of under-18s, which left us a bit inexperienced.”

Rainer said the biggest issue for them in the game was the number of turnovers. He said while he hadn’t looked at the stats, the Eagles would have scored off a large number of them.

“They had a good start and got goals off our turnovers,” he said. “We were able to regroup through the middle part but they then got on top of us.

“We were coughing up the ball, not just the young kids. It became a little infectious.”

It was all single goal kickers for the Lakers. Keenan O’Shea, Alexander Paech and Ryan Allan were named their best.

After missing finals last season, Rainer said they hadn’t had the off season they would have liked in terms of recruiting.

“Recruiting wise it has been challenging,” he said.

“We spoke to a hell of a lot of players.

“Recruiting wise we didn’t get as many as we would have liked.”

“We’ve got a few boys back like Mitch Bongiovanni, who missed the majority of last year with a knee injury.

“It was his first game back on the weekend and he got better as the game went along. Rainer said they had plenty of young talent coming through the club and were keen to get them into the senior side. He said it was making sure they were given the opportunities at the right time.

“There are a good bunch of kids and they will make mistakes,” he said.

“We’d rather put them in slowly, then through them in the deep end.”

The Lakers this Saturday face Hoppers Crossing.

Rainer said it would be another big challenge.

“They have recruited really well in the off season,” he said.

“They went down to Spotty [Spotswood] on the weekend, but looks like they came

back into the game in the second half.

“The competition is really even this year, you go into each week knowing it will be a challenge.”

Meanwhile in division 2, the Western Rams started its WFL life with a big loss to Newport.

Newport got the win, 21.21 (147)-5.5 (35).

In state league 5 west, Spring Hills suffered a 1-0 loss to Gisborne. The Sky Blues were able to convert in the second half to get their first win of the season.

Spring Hills now has one win and two losses from its first three matches.

Tara Murray

Ladies In Red back in form

Champion racemare Ladies In Red made a one act affair of the $24,000 Blossom Lady at Melton on Saturday night.

Coming off the only unplaced run in her 31 start career in Cordina Sprint, Ladies In Red lobbed along at the rear of the field before driver David Moran made a move to sit outside the leader Rakero Rebel with a lap to travel.

When asked for a greater effort, Ladies In Red ($1.35 favourite) surged clear around the final bend before cruising to the line holding an eight metre advantage over her stablemate Treachery and the consistent Sew What in a mile rate of 1.53.2.

Moran continues to be in awe of the six-year-old mare.

“She’s a once in a lifetime mare, she is very special,” Moran said.

Moran said it was always his intention to secure the spot outside the leader.

“Our first option was to go and sit parked but the leaders had gone pretty hard early,” he said. “We wanted to get in front of the other horses as we thought we had the leader covered with the work it had done early and get around to the breeze and control the tempo and fingers crossed be too good for them.”

Moran said it was likely Sydney racegoers will get the opportunity to see Ladies In Red in the coming weeks at Menangle.

“I would imagine the Ladyship (Mile) will be the main priority with her,” he said.

The Emma Stewart trained Ladies In Red now boasts the imposing career record of 25 wins from 32 starts for more than $1.92m in stake earnings.

It was a relieved Chris Lang after his star trotter Ollivici returned to the winner’s stall in the $24,000 City Of Melton Trotters Free For All.

Ollivici, who hadn’t saluted since winning a heat of the Inter Dominion Trotting Championship last December, was a $2.80 second elect behind Im Ready Jet who was installed a $2.15 favourite.

John Dunne

Alex Dimond (Jacob Pattison) 331336_08

Jamie Ristoski (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Centrals looking to climb all the way to the top

Melton Centrals coach Randy Pereira has his sights set on finals this year in the Riddell District Netball season.

The Centrals had an up and down 2023 campaign that had them finishing in seventh place with five wins from 16 games.

But Pereira said he’s confident they can take the next step.

“I’ll be really disappointed if we don’t make finals this year,” he said. “I think it will be a lot more even than it has been in the past. “It could be a case of who will remain fittest or be injury free.”

Unfortunately the Centrals won’t have a clean bill of health to start the year, as Emma Winzar will miss considerable time due to an ACL injury late last season.

Pereira said there was a chance she could return later in the season.

Mariah Vankervoort will captain the side this year for the first time.

Pereira was full of praise for her work on and off the court.

“She’s a really strong leader, she’ll be terrific [as captain],” he said. “She’s been a

really good midcourt player, I’ve used her mainly at centre.”

The club has also welcomed Helen and Nadia Aumua to the club.

Last season Helen played in the Western Rams under-19s and is one of the options to replace Winzar in front of goals.

Helen also played for the North East Blaze in the Victorian Netball League.

Meanwhile her sister Nadia also played for the Rams in A-grade in a goal scoring position.

Last season the Centrals had an inexperienced roster, with an average of no more than 18 across their squad.

Pereira said he thinks an extra year playing together and the addition of some new players will allow the club too improve.

“Last year we had a really young team,” he said. “We’re still gonna be young, so we’re going make those mistakes young teams make,” he said.

“But I think we’ve shown good stretches in our practice matches.”

Pereira said he had confidence in his young

list.

“We’ve done a lot of work with our systems, more so than in the past,” he said. “Although a lot of our players are young, I prefer to use an under-19s player who’s trying to make a name for themselves because that’s someone who will buy into what the club wants to be.”

Centrals started their season on Saturday against Romsey after a bye in round one.

The Redbacks were too strong, winning 58-31.

Helen Aumua scored 12 goals for Centrals.

Oliver Lees

Season over for United

Western United’s elimination final with the Newcastle Jets on Saturday night in the A-League Women’s competition had everything but the result United was after. Hosting its first final at Tarneit, United was hoping to knock the Jets off for the first time this season and continue deeper into finals.

The Jets opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Alana Cerne levelled the scores for United.

The Jets again hit the lead just after half time, before the lights went out, with a more than 20 minute delay ensuing.

Catherine Zimmerman soon levelled the scores for the home team again.

Scores finished locked at 2-2 at the end of regular time, sending the match into extra time.

Melina Ayres gave the Jets the lead again in the 101st minute, before Sophie Hoban sealed the win for the Jets in the 113th with her side’s fourth goal.

That would be the final score with the Jets winning, 4-2.

United coach Kat Smith said she was proud

of how the group had been able to keep their composure through everything that occurred.

“How about the drama?” she said. “Wasn’t expecting lights out, maybe use it as a metaphor and knocking a team out of the finals.

“It actually happened, given all of those different circumstances that happened within the game.

“Thelightsgoingout,agoaldisallowedafter we’d celebrated and then returned for the kick off.

“A few of those things could really throw a team but the girls remain focused when you know they came over and came up to those hurdles they overcame them.

“I certainly thought that we had enough chances to win the game.”

Smith gave credit to the Jets for the win and their season that they’d had.

Smith said it was disappointing the disallowed goal and such a delay in making that call was unfortunate and said she wanted to understand the process a bit better.

Smith said she didn’t think that they had

run out of legs in extra time.

“We had 15 minutes left to play and we wanted to give everything in terms of giving us an opportunity to go all the way in and win the match,” she said.

“We have had significant injuries but that’s not an excuse. We have a squad for the whole year that we look to prepare and you know, makesurethey’reaspreparedastheycanbeto step up and fill a shirt when their time comes.

“Significant amount of experience not available is a challenge. But you know that’s not a reason why you win or lose.

“We take a lot of learnings away from that and the players have had an opportunity because of those circumstances they’ll be better for it and then as a club will be better for it going forward.”

Smith, who re-signed during the week said they had been really clear on what they need to be successful and there’s a core group that they want to retain.

“The direction of the club is very strong and clear on what they want. We’ve got the opportunity to grow on what we have so far.”

Sports shorts

Ballarat CA

Bacchus Marsh will have a new coach for the next Ballarat Cricket Association season. Paul Baker has moved on and will coach in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association next season. Baker was appointed coach for the 2021-22 season.

A-League

Alana Cerne has become the first player to sign on for Western United’s A-League Women’s 2024-25 season. The 21-year-old was United’s inaugural signing and now becomes the first player to put pen to paper for season three. Cerne has relished the opportunity to shine in the West and will strive to help Western United build further into the future. “I was lucky enough to be given the first contract for Western and start building with the Club. Hopefully next season it’ll be more of an opportunity for me to be a leader.

AFL Vic

Eight Western Jets players played in the 2024 Victorian Diversity All-Stars matches that were held on Wednesday. The teams comprised of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and players from multicultural backgrounds who are currently not part of Coates Talent League under-18 programs. Caroline Springs Leilani Petaia and Nartasha Elbayeh were part of the girls match, while Khaled El souki, Sam Esokni, Adem Muhedin, Isaac Gawne, Hok Marial and Isaac Abbay were part of the boys side.

VPL

Caroline Springs George Cross wasn’t able to keep its winning run going in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition on Friday night. After finally getting back on the winners list in the previous round, the Georgies lost to the Preston Lions 2-1 on Friday night. Morgan Filer was the goal scorer for the Georgies. The Georgies sit in 10th spot after nine rounds.

Mariah Vankervoort (Jacob Pattison)

Stacey Papadopoulos. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Sharks show nerve for second win

Hillside is still a work in progress but has put a second win on the board in the Essendon DistrictFootballLeaguedivision1competition.

After a good performance on Good Friday, the Sharks had a bigger test on Saturday against Craigieburn which also won on Good Friday Hillside started the better of the two teams, leading by 23 points at quarter time.

The middle quarters became a real arm wrestle, with the Eagles reducing the margin to 13 points heading into the final break. The Sharks managed to reload in the last quarter to do enough to get the win, 11.12 (78)-8.9 (57).

Sharks coach Chris Daley said he would have takenastarttotheseasonwhenthefixturecame out. He said they had their moments against the Eagles, but it wasn’t a four quarter performance.

“We started reasonably well and we had the game in hand for a while,” he said. “We kicked five goals to one in the opening quarter.

“Maybe we thought we had it in hand. We kept Craigieburn in the game. We got back to whatwedidinthefirstquarterinthelastquarter to finish it off.”

Daley said their inside 50s weren’t great in the middle couple of quarters and made it hard for their forwards. Josh Covelli finished with seven goalsasthekeytargetupforward.Daleysaidthe midfielders didn’t help Covelli.

“Joshkickedfourgoalsinthefirstquarterand three goals in the last quarter,” he said. “He’s a weapon for us and we need to look after him.

“He’s one of the best one-on-one players up forwardandweneedtounderstandthatandnot make him run as much.”

Daley said Hudson Shaw was best on ground, while Lachlan Pettigrove, Zain Yamak and Mitchell Hearne all had good games. Pettigrove didn’t play after half time due to an ankle injury.

Daley said with nearly a third of their side

being new players this season, they would still take some time to settle.

“We finished equal with inside 50s,” he said. “We are nowhere near a finished product.

“We were beaten around the stoppage on the weekend. We need to create some ball in our half, rather than relying on the transition from the back half.

“It will help with getting more one-on-one contests. We’ll take a few games to work out combinations and players strengths.

The Sharks will get an even bigger test this Saturday,facingWestCoburg. TheBurgershave playedinthelasttwograndfinalsandstartedthe season with win against Maribyrnong Park.

“It’sonewe’relookingforwardto,”Daleysaid.

In other matches, Burnside Heights started the division 2 season with a big win against Hadfield, 18.21 (129)-5.6 (36).

The Bloods kick away

By Tara Murray

Troy Scoble couldn’t have asked for a much better start to his time as coach of Melton in the Ballarat Football League.

The Bloods faced off against local rival Melton South in their normal round one clash on Saturday and showed they meant business.

After a fairly even first quarter on the scoreboard, the Bloods kicked 12 goals to one in the second quarter to blow the game open.

The hurt continued in the second half for the Panthers, with the Bloods winning, 33.13 (211)-3.5 (23).

Scoblesaiditwasnicetofinallygetoutthere and play a game.

“We expected a lot of improvement from them last year from what we had heard going into round one,” he said.

“We went there knowing that we could have to be up for the challenge, especially at their home ground,

“They were really competitive early. We finally got the game on our terms and put what we needed to be put in place.”

Scoble said they were a bit inconsistent early

on before starting to click heading into the first break.

He said once they started to play more ‘Bloods’ type of football, the game opened up and they were able to put their foot down.

Scoble said he was pretty happy with the performance in the end.

“We know going into round one, it’s not going to be perfect,” he said. “We had a strong focus around pressure for the entire time and were able to do that.

“We know there’s still a lot to work on with a new coach. I’m really pleased how we played with a lot of boys having positional shifts, it’s really exciting.”

Braedan Kight kicked seven goals for the Bloods, with Liam Carter kicking five and Kyle Borg and Ryan Davis kicking four goals each,

Scoble said Kight and Carter played well, while it was good to have Borg back from Victorian Football League duties.

Riley Walker at half back was another standout in a strong team performance. ForthePanthersitwasallsinglegoalkickers.

Panthers start on a positive

Melton South got the Ballarat Netball League season off to a winning note, beating cross town rivals Melton on Saturday.

The two teams played in the annual NadineWebberMemorialRoundtostart the season, with plenty of new faces on the court for both sides.

The Panthers proved too strong for a new-look Bloods, winning 49-29.

Panthers young gun Akira McCormack shot 24 goals for her side, while recruit Tahnysha Salanoa shot 23 goals.

Salanoa previously played for the Panthers in the 2018 season and has played on the international stage previously.

For the Bloods, Kimberly Phillips shot 11 goals as they looked at different options, using four different shooters.

Darley started its season with a strong win against East Point.

Withadifferentlookingsidethatmade the last two grand finals, the Devils got the win, 46-37.

Ella Closter, who has stepped up into A-grade this season, shot 22 goals.

Bacchus Marsh had a competitive start to life under Lisa Tyrell against Ballarat.

After a tough 2023 season, the Cobras showed they had improved in the off season.

Broden Collins and Patrick Veszpremi were named their best.

Scoble said the Panthers didn’t give up at any stage.

Having not coached senior football for a number of years, Scoble said it’s something that he is enjoying.

“Definitely not part of the plan,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s a team full of Melton locals and there’s a lot of depth.

“I was excited to coach yesterday and it was a great day and the club is doing a lot of great things on and off the field.”

The Bloods face Sebastopol this Saturday, before North Ballarat the following week in a couple of big tests.

Scoble said this will be a couple of good challenges early in the season.

The Panthers will head to Sunbury to face the Sunbury Lions under lights on Saturday night.

In other results, reigning premiers Darley started the season with a 21.14 (140)-6.8 (44) win against East Point.

Bacchus Marsh fell just short against Ballarat, 11.19 (85)-10.9 (69).

They still lost by 20 goals, 50-30, but that margin would have been much bigger last season.

Victoria Freeman scored 19 goals for the Cobras, while Jaimee Walsh scored 11.

In round two, Darley will head to Ballarat to face North Ballarat in the grand final rematch, Melton South faces the Sunbury Lions, Melton plays Sebastopol and Bacchus Marsh travels to face Lake Wendouree.

Florence Coleman. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Tara Murray Hudson Shaw (Ljubica Vrankovic) 353250_28

Conrad Farrugia (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Bellbrook Gardens Information Session

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!