Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 21st May 2024

What’s in a place name?

By Oliver Lees

Rockbank residents have voiced their confusion and frustration over Melton council’s use of the title Rockbank North in its draft budget paper, as the allocation of resources will go toward a project in Aintree.

Last month Melton council delivered its draft budget, which detailed $220.7 million in capital works.

Among the many proposed projects within the draft document was a $3.7 million contribution toward the Rockbank North Sports Reserve.

This reserve, however, is not planned for

Rockbank but for Aintree, which is located north of Rockbank.

Aintree falls within the now completed Rockbank North Precinct Structure Plan, but there is no suburb that carries that name. Rockbank falls in the Rockbank Precinct Structure Plan.

Generally, community facilities and open space reserves use the name they were given in the precinct structure plan, prepared by the Victorian Planning Authority.

In 2021, Kaitlyn Williams moved to Rockbank with her family as one of many populating the newly built Bridgefield and Hillgrove estates.

Ms Williams said council’s use of Rockbank North to describe a project in Aintree was confusing to residents, who are also awaiting a similar project in the area.

“There are so many who are frustrated and thinking that Rockbank will never get any funding,” she said.

“It’s giving false visibility as to what Rockbank is actually getting.”

Council has indicated its intention to commencemasterplanningfortheRockbank East Active Open Space and Rockbank East Community Centre in the next financial year, which is in close proximity to the two

densely populated residential estates.

Ms Williams said young families such as hers are currently without conveniently accessible public spaces.

She said there are such spaces north of the train line, but this requires a long walk or car journey because there is no overpass or walkway.

Council’s city futures director Sam Romaszko said community infrastructure delivery within the Rockbank area is a priority for council and planning for the community centre and open space precinct is expected to begin next financial year.

Melton South students, Cheyenne (front), Luisa, Gabrielle, Zun, Nesandi and Emilly. (Damjan Janevski) 405941_01

Mayor’s message Cr Kathy Majdlik

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Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial

Caroline Springs signalised crossing

Melton City Council is installing a new signalised crossing on Caroline Springs Boulevard.

The upgrades between College and Lake Streets will improve accessibility and safety for the local community, as well as nearby schools and shops.

Improvements will include raised crossings, the installation of pedestrian-operated signals, new safety bollards, updated landscaping and public lighting and the widening of footpaths to accommodate outdoor diners.

Work will begin in late May and is expected to last three months, with measures in place to maintain access to the area.

Construction will mainly occur during off-peak hours and at night, with measures in place to maintain access to the area.

To keep updated with upgrades, visit melton.vic.gov.au/CSCrossing

Watts Ward with Cr Lara Carli

It’s fantastic to see people coming together and enjoying the new Diggers Rest Sports and Community Pavilion.

The double-storey pavilion was opened last month and was part of a major redevelopment of the Diggers Rest Reserve.

I am really proud of the way this space in one of our fastest-growing suburbs has been transformed into a major community and sporting hub.

The community section of the new pavilion is for everyone and can be booked for a range of activities including social and corporate functions, cultural gatherings, and community programs. It boasts two large rooms equipped with audio visual equipment and a large commercial grade kitchen.

Other upgrades at the reserve included new cricket nets, a redeveloped oval, electronic scoreboards, public restroom facilities, more car parking

– Visit

and a new access road.

Our City is home to a large number of parks that residents can enjoy, and we are always looking for ways to improve them and make them more accessible.

Upgrade plans have been finalised for two of them, Hillside Recreation Reserve in Hillside and Barwon Street Reserve in Taylors Hill. Work on both is expected to start this year. We are also installing a hit-up wall on the tennis court at North Terrace Reserve in Taylors Hill as part of our improvements program.

Visit conversations.melton.vic.gov.au for more information on these and other projects.

Feel free to contact me about Watts Ward or Council related issues on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton.vic.gov.au or visit my Facebook page at: facebook.com/Cr.LaraCarli

Special Persons Day

Celebrate the carers, support workers and special people in your life at an all-abilities event at the Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre.

Bring along someone you love, enjoy a high tea, make friendship bracelets, enjoy free food, and make amazing memories.

This event is being held in partnership between Melton City Council, NDIS provider Cocoon and Limitless Adventures.

Festivities kick off from 10am on Thursday, 23 May. Find out more: meltonlearning.com.au/events

Have your say on St George’s Reserve

Give your feedback on a new play space at St George’s Reserve, Caroline Springs. The proposed upgrade includes a half-court basketball area and the planting of more trees.

Further stages in concept plans form part of another potential development. Final designs will be determined in June, following public consultation.

Feedback closes on Sunday, 26 May. View plans and have your say: conversations.melton.vic. gov.au/st-george-avenuereserve-upgrade

The Victorian Government recently handed down its annual Budget, confirming funding commitments for several critical local projects.

We welcome funding for four new schools, upgrades for two others, and confirmation of commitments to build the Melton Hospital and our new TAFE.

In recent years, more than $2 billion has been committed locally, which is great for our growing community. However, our City has experienced strong expansion, meaning there’s more work to do.

We were disappointed the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, which supports developing communities, was reduced to $5 million from $10 million.

This important program has allowed us to fast-track critical projects like community centres, kindergartens and play spaces.

Council also recently missed out on public transport investment via the State’s Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) funding.

This fund, collected by the State Government from developers, also funds infrastructure development. We were hopeful that these projects would be funded through the State Budget.

While we’re grateful for recent $67 million investment through GAIC, our City has the highest funding shortfall of any area, with more than $142 million of locally collected funds still unallocated.

As Australia’s fastest growing municipality, we need more investment in our community.

We’ll continue to advocate to the State and Federal Governments for more infrastructure investment in our region and to ensure the City of Melton remains a great place to live, work, visit and invest in.

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

Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik

Deputy Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Lara Carli

Cr Justine Farrugia Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

Hope Street welcomes federal budget funding

Hope Street Youth and Family Services has declared the federal budget as a big win, following policy announcements for homelessness and housing.

Budget announcements delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers recognised the importance of more shelter for young people experiencing homelessness.

As part of the Home Time campaign, Hope Street welcomes $1 billion from the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF) being allocated to young people with no home and women and their children escaping violence. This funding is set to increase the supply of

socialhousing,ofwhichHopeStreetisastrong advocate for in the north-west.

As a leading youth homelessness organisation, 22 per cent of young people that use Hope Street services have experienced family and domestic violence in the last financial year. This has a significant impact on their sense of wellbeing and sense of safety.

Hope Street chief executive Donna Bennett said young people deserve a seat at the table in the homelessness conversation.

“It is time that young people be recognised as their own cohort when experiencing homelessness and fleeing domestic and family

violence,” she said.

“Currentlyonly0.4percentofsocialhousing andpublichousingisprovidedtoyoungpeople, although they make up the largest cohort of homeless people in Australia. In Victoria, 25 per cent of people experiencing homelessness are under the age of 25.”

According to the Home Time campaign, the new National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness (NASHH) needs to prioritise children and young people with no home and ensure that dedicated tenancies for youngpeoplearelinkedtosupportservicesand payments to cover the rental gap for providers.

Violent crime operation

By Hannah Hammoud

Brimbank and Melton police have this month teamed up with a range of specialist units to targetseriousandviolentcrimeinthewestern suburbs as part of Operation Cavalcade.

The joint operation has diverted Public Order Response Team (PORT) officers –based in Melbourne’s CBD – to Brimbank and Melton throughout May.

Police are honing in on busy community locations including Watergardens and Woodgrove shopping centres, parks, and other shopping strips to deter anti-social behaviour and prevent crime.

On May 3, police arrested a Sunshine man after he was seen allegedly brandishing a knife inside Watergardens Shopping Centre in Taylors Lakes.

It is alleged the man stole a knife from a grocery store before he began waving it around.Policesaidnoonewasinjuredduring the incident.

The month before, on April 15, police responded to the incident at the Woodgrove Shopping Centre in Melton West, following reports of a group of males fighting, armed with edged weapons, which resulted in two teenagers being arrested.

Another focus of Operation Cavalcade has been train stations – with police and protective services officers from the Transit Safety Division conducting patrols of Sunshine, Melton and St Albans railway stations.

PORT officers are also assisting the local offender management team in putting known youth gang offenders on notice.

As part of this, officers have been conducting regular bail compliance checks, firearm prohibition order compliance checks, and patrol hot spot areas.

The local proactive policing unit and detectives from Brimbank and Melton crime investigation units are also providing resources to the operation.

Brimbank tasking and co-ordination

Acting Inspector Nick Di-Mieri said police are ensuring the community is not only safe, but feels safe.

“We know how much the community is impacted when violence occurs in public places,” Acting Inspector Di-Mieri said.

More overseas-trained GPs for Melton, Bacchus Marsh

GP practices in Melton and Bacchus Marsh can now recruit overseas-trained doctors after the federal government ruled that the region should become a distribution priority area.

According to the federal health and aged care department, the distribution priority area classification system identifies areas with lower levels of GP services, compared with a benchmarklevel.Initiativesthataimtoincrease the supply of GPs are then implemented in these areas.

Distribution priority areas are reviewed annually by the department.

In a joint statement, Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler and Hawke MP Sam Rae said the Melton and Bacchus Marsh region has recorded a rapid population increase of 14 per cent in the past four years.

At the same time, access to GPs in the area has decreased, they said.

Mr Butler and Mr Rae said the distribution priorityareaclassificationwillhelptoboostGP numbers and provide more regular access to GP care to people living in the region without needing to travel long distances to attend an appointment.

“ThisDPAstatuswillhelpaddressworkforce shortages in Bacchus Marsh and Melton,“ Mr Butler said.

“We remain committed to investing in general practice and improving primary healthcare for all Australians no matter where they live.”

Mr Rae said, “Our community is rapidly growing, and we need our health system to grow with us.”

Hope Street is committed to continue to support the Home Time campaign and to raise awareness for Hope Street’s nation leading First Response Youth Service – crisis response model as well as its youth housing foyer-like models operating in Melbourne’s north and west.

With facilities in Melton and soon to be Whittlesea, Hope Street strives to achieve its vision of a society in which all young people and young families have a safe place to call home.

Gerald Lynch

main completed

Greater Western Water has put the finishing touches on Melton’s newest water main.

The Beattys Road water main is 4.7 kilometres long and represents a $12 million investment by the water corporation.

About 450 litres of water will flow through it every second, forming the primary supply for about 16,500 new homes and businesses, and the further developments forecast through to 2029.

The main runs along Beattys and Taylors roads, Fraser Rise, with connections to Melton Highway.

Additional works have also been completed to build a second connection into the Melbourne Water network, increasing reliability and reducing potential disruptions to further secure the water supply.

GreaterWesternWater’sgrowthand infrastructure acting general manager Bri George said the new main would supply areas like Rockbank and Plumpton.

“These are areas that are growing rapidly, so we’re investing in the sustainable water supply our communities need now and in the future,” she said.

“That’s why we have teamed up with specialist police to really bolster our presence in priority locations.

“They’ll also assist us in keeping known offenders accountable through regular compliance checks.”

Operation Cavalcade began on May 6, and will run for the entire month.

“We thank locals for their patience as we’ve built this important asset. Let’s all raise a glass of tap water to its successful completion.”

The new main was constructed by Greater Western Water’s project partner Jaydo.

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Brimbank tasking and co-ordination Acting Inspector Nick Di-Mieri (centre), said police are ensuring the community is not only safe, but feels safe. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 407186_02

A tale of loyalty and courage

Dr Dzavid Haveric is Adjunct Research Fellow at Charles Sturt University, Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation and a leading expert on the history of Islam and Muslims in Australia. He is the author of 13 books and a research associate at Museum Victoria. He speaks with Justin Flynn about his upcoming book that extensively documents the

and their descendants in war.

As I sit down in Dr Dzavid Haveric’s home it is immediately obvious he is looking forward to our conversation. His eyes gleam with anticipation as we settle in to discuss his new book that focuses on Muslim Australians at war. Even his dog Hugo seems to look forward to it as he curls up at my feet in the loungeroom.

Announced as Australian Muslim Professional of the Year in February, the research Dr Haveric put into this labour of love was, according to the man himself, “thousands of hours… endless”.

The book, ‘History of Muslims in the Australian Military from 1885 to 1945’, took Dr Haveric to almost every corner of the country. He spoke to descendants of Muslim soldiers, talked to their friends, visited libraries, museums and RSL clubs, walked through cemeteries, spoke with scholars, and collected diaries, photographs and letters.

The project received the backing of the Department of Defence and Charles Sturt University.

Dr Haveric began researching the book in 2018. A visit to a lonely headstone of a Muslim soldier inspired the project.

‘‘ When they did join, they found a sense of equality and they willingly accepted the call ’’ - Dzavid Haveric

“This is a very original topic,” he proudly says.

“Nothing is written about it and if someone is trying to do the same they can only follow my references. This is why I’m emphasising the originality of my project and if someone wants to do research on that subject, then they can only follow my footpath.

“But on top of everything, my book will be a great reference for all scholars, to universities, to museums, to RSL clubs, to war memorials and on an international level as well.”

Dr Haveric immigrated from war-torn Bosnia in the mid-1990s. His love for Australia and its people from all walks of life and religions is evident.

“My love for the country inspired me and the reason why I decided to do this project is simply because I was very challenged to produce an original piece of work and to enrich Australian social military history,” he says.

“This is a wonderful nation and I wanted to contribute as a professional historian. I wanted to contribute with this project and to show all Australians, not just Muslims, to all fellow citizens and to the world that we are great.”

Dr Haveric shares his name with his uncle, who is a national hero in Bosnia.

“My uncle is the very first Muslim who fought against the Nazis in the Second World War,” he says.

“He is a national hero and I got his name in his honour.”

Not much has been documented of Muslim Australians in the defence force.

“Theywereproudtoserve,”DrHavericsays.

“They were highly regarded by their Australian mates. They got great recognition for their contribution. Some of them lost their life because they wanted to fight for Australia.

“Their willingness to respond to the call and their patriotism and their loyalty and their contribution and their sacrifice was for a noble cause.

“They fought together with other followers of other nationalities or other religions or other cultures, not necessarily religious

history of Muslim Australians

beliefs, but cultures, because there are some atheists as well.

“According to Islamic doctrine it is the duty of Muslims to defend the country, even against a Muslim country.”

Dr Haveric says many Muslim Aussies were denied the chance to defend their country due to the White Australia policy.

“The reason why there is not a larger number of Muslims in the Australian army is because White Australia policy didn’t allow them,” he says.

“(But) when they did join, they found a sense of equality and they willingly accepted the call and they contributed in their way as a minority group. They were very proud and very keen to do their bit.”

Muslim Australians and their descendants weren’t just restricted to combat either.

“A lot of women were also involved in sewing uniforms and some were herbalists who offered their help to heal wounded soldiers,” Dr Haveric says.

“Women also contributed in hospitals. There are also those who gave their last penny.”

Dr Haveric baulks when asked how many Muslims served, insisting it will be revealed at the book launch soon.

Instead he says that he had to approach some topics with extra sensitivity.

“(There are) many stories of Muslims of many different backgrounds, different sects, you have to approach people of different sects (and) it’s not always easy,” he says.

“You have to have cultural sensitivity. You have to have knowledge of other sects because Islam is heterogenic. It’s not monolithic, you know.

“In Islam it’s a complex topic. So I have brought many stories. Some stories are touching stories, sad stories, some are happy stories.”

I go off on a tangent as I am served some delicious cake with strawberries and fresh cream and say that my Italian grandfather,

who served in WWII for Australia, went from Giovanni to John after he immigrated from northern Italy.

Dr Haveric says many Muslims also took anglicised names to fit in and just because they were easier to pronounce and remember.

“Like myself, people calling me David, but I’m Dzavid (pronounced Javid),” he says.

“If someone doesn’t remember my name I just say ‘call me David’, but I love it if someone really calls me Dzavid.

“So many of them were with unrecognised names. Like Hussein was called Bob or they were Jack, Jimmy, John, Mark.”

The book is in its final stages of typesetting and awaiting its launch. Its subtitle is ‘loyalty, patriotism and contribution’.

I wonder whether that goes some way into summing up Dr Haveric himself.

The last thing I ask Dr Haveric is whether this will be his legacy.

“There will never be another book like this ever,” he says.

Left: Dr Dzavid Haveric ahead of the launch of his book

‘History of Muslims in the Australian Military from 1885 to 1945’.

Above: Dr Dzavid Haveric in 2018 as he was about to begin researching his book. (Pictures: Justin Flynn)

Handbag, wallets found at camp

By Tara Cosoleto, AAP

A pink handbag and wallets with missing cards were found at a fire-blackened campsite a day after Russel Hill and Carol Clay were allegedly murdered, a jury has been told.

Mrs Clay, 73, and Mr Hill, 74, were camping together in Victoria’s Wonnangatta Valley when they disappeared in March 2020.

Caroline Springs pilot Greg Lynn is accused of killing the couple at Bucks Camp on March 20 and then dumping their remains in bushland on the Union Spur Track near Dargo.

The 57-year-old man, who was a Jetstar captain at the time, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and is on trial at the Supreme Court in Melbourne.

Camper Andrew Marquardt told the jury he found Mr Hill’s unattended white Toytota LandCruiser at a burnt-out campsite on March 21, 2020.

He saw the charred remains of a camp fire and the ute had been partially blackened by fire, Mr Marquardt said.

He told the jury when he went closer to the vehicle, he saw a pink handbag on the passenger side and there was an Esky with food that “didn’t look old or foul”.

Mr Marquardt also reported seeing some damage to the passenger’s side mirror although there was no further damage to any of the windows or windscreen.

He took photos of the campsite and later reported what he had seen to police.

Another camper, Nicholas Linden, also stumbled across the campsite on March 25.

He told the jury it was “out of the ordinary” and he was initially worried someone had set up their fire too close to their tent and was killed.

When he realised there were no remains in

the fire and no one nearby, Mr Linden left the scene and reported the incident to police.

Leading Senior Constable Christopher Skiba was one of the first officers to attend the Bucks Camp site.

He told the jury there was a handbag and wallets inside the ute, and there was no cash or credit cards located.

Sen Const Skiba said the car was still operational and had an adequate amount of fuel.

“It started with no problems at all,” Sen Const Skiba said.

The jury was told Mr Hill and Mrs Clay died on March 20 after an argument between Lynn and Mr Hill about hunting and the latter’s drone.

Mr Hill had threatened to send footage of Lynn deer hunting close to Bucks Camp to police, defence barrister Dermot Dann KC said.

He said a scuffle ensured after Mr Hill took

a gun from Lynn’s vehicle and Mrs Clay was accidentally shot by Mr Hill.

The barrister asserted Mr Hill then came at Lynn with a knife, and was accidentally stabbed in the chest as Lynn was trying to defend himself.

Lynn then burned Ms Clay and Mr Hill’s campsite, put their bodies in his trailer and dumped them on the remote Union Spur Track, near Dargo, the court heard. The trial continues.

A court sketch of Greg Lynn. (AAP Image/Paul Tyquin)

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Diggers Rest Primary School students are helping to support those in need, through donating non-perishable items to local charity, CareWorks.

The school’s 2024 student leadership team developed a fundraising initiative with competitions and prizes throughout the entire school community to support local families in need.Morethan5000non-perishableitemsare expected to be donated by the June 28 closing date and will go directly to families identified by CareWorks.

Assistant principal Brad Kemp said the schoolgotincontactwithCareWorksoperation manager after it was made aware of the charity through a school parent.

“We engaged with [the operation manager] and she came and met with our student leadership team,” he said.

“They decided it was a great initiative because it connects with people in the Sunbury

InspeakingtoCareWorks,MrKempsaidthe numberofpeoplereachingouthassignificantly increased and CareWorks said its supplies are moving quickly.

“[The students have] definitively shown a strong sense of connectedness with the school community and CareWorks.

“[I] absolutely feel like they’re having a positive impact within the community.”

School captains Devansh and Siaana both agree that CareWorks does an amazing job.

”The student leadership team chose CareWorks because they are an excellent non-for-profit organisation that helps a lot of local people in need from both Diggers Rest and Sunbury,” Devansh said.

Siaana said, “CareWorks is a very important organisation that supports some of the members within our community who are struggling to purchase essentials to survive”.

Diggers Rest Primary School leadership team with assistant principal Brad Kamp and Geoff Cronin from Careworks. (Damjan Janevski) 405312_01

StarWeekly photographer Damjan Janevski headed out to Melton South Primary School to catch some of the action from the school’s colour run last week.

Some Melton South staff. 405941_14

Emilly. 405941_06

Kiram and Matalix. 405941_09

Cheyenne. 405941_02

Grants help the needy

Twenty-three volunteer groups across Melton and Moorabool have received funding from the federal government. The funding is part of the government’s volunteer grants program.

Hawke MP Sam Rae said successful applicants in his electorate planned to use the funding for equipment purchases, training costs, fuel and travel costs for volunteers, and events promoting volunteerism.

The Combined Churches Melton Foodbank received $4000 to fund fuel and transport costs for volunteers, a high-pressure cleaner, a scissor trolley and vacuums.

The foodbank said the funding will mean it can continue to deliver for its clients and give back to its dedicated volunteers.

Mr Rae said, “Our local volunteers do so much for us. This funding is all about helping them to continue their good work”.

Briefs

Daytime drink drivers caught One in five drink drivers fined in Victoria was caught during daylight hours, new Victoria Police analysis has revealed. Figures show about 1200 of the near 4900 drivers caught drink driving across the state in the last financial year were nabbed between 6am and 6pm. More than 400 were caught between 6am and noon alone. Victoria Police has been scheduling special daytime and early morning operations and remind all drivers police are out testing for alcohol anywhere, any time.

Defibs available at train stations

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are now available every staffed station across Melbourne’s train network. The state government said there are now an extra 71 devices across the Metro Trains network, taking the total to 112 AEDs.

RACV driving reminder RACV is reminding motorists to refrain from, and remain aware of dangerous road behaviours, following a poll asking Victorians what type of road rage behaviour they see most. Results from the more than 4400 respondents showed that 38 per cent saw or experienced tailgating, followed by aggressive driving, abusive behaviour and excessive use of the horn.

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Hawke MP Sam Rae at the Combined Churches Caring Foodbank Melton. (Supplied)

Bedroom smoke alarm warning

A father whose family escaped a fire that destroyed their Truganina home in a matter of minutes is calling on Victorians to install smoke alarms in all bedrooms.

Ramesh Gajurel, his wife and child were finishing dinner in their kitchen when their hallway smoke alarm activated.

A fire had ignited in a spare bedroom and was quickly spreading through the house.

“We had just finished the dinner and were doing the clean-up and all of a sudden we heard the [smoke] alarm in the lounge area,” Mr Gajurel said.

“Wewentthrougheachandeveryroomand we found the second bedroom was already on fire – then we just tried to find a way out.”

The bedroom door had been shut and there

was no smoke alarm inside, so by the time the family was alerted to the fire it was already burning aggressively.

The family safely evacuated, but unfortunately the house was so badly damaged by the incident in November, 2023, that it had to be demolished.

Mr Gajurel said he considers himself as lucky, because if someone had been sleeping in the bedroom when the fire broke out, it would likely have been fatal.

“I think it’s really important to have [smoke] alarms in each bedroom, just in case. When you are sleeping in the night … you can act very quickly,” he said.

The family’s lucky escape has prompted Victorian fire services to once again

emphasise that smoke alarms are a bedroom essential.

FRV community safety deputy commissioner Joshua Fischer said fires that start in bedrooms were the ones most likely to kill you.

“If fire breaks out in your bedroom and the door is shut, the hallway smoke alarm will not activate until the fire has burned through the door, which will be too late,” he said.

“Smoke will not wake you – in fact, it will put you into a deeper sleep and render you unconscious – so it’s crucial that you have a smoke alarm installed in all sleeping areas.

“Think about all the items we now find in bedrooms that could catch alight – from rechargeable battery products to electronic

Helping students look to the future

Students from Catholic Regional College got a glimpse into the future last week.

The school’s Caroline Springs campus held a year 10 pathways industry workshop on Thursday,withpeoplefromdifferentindustries coming to chat to students about their jobs.

Student pathways director Adam Ray said it had been eight or nine years since they’d had something like this.

He said there was a real sense of anticipation from the students and plenty of questions were asked.

“It’s good to get people from all different industries that are here and give the kids another voice,” he said.

“Wethoughtitwasaveryvaluableexperience and we were able to get some contracts to come out and deliver a really good day.”

Pathways program co-ordinator Anneliese Mazniovski said they were guided by the students to which industries they were interested in.

A lawyer, engineer, physiotherapist, journalist, people from the local trade school, architect, nurse, psychologist and a lash academy business owner all spoke with the students.

“We had the kids fill out a form and they indicated what kind of pathways they were interested in,” Ms Mazniovski said.

“We kept it quite broad. Then we kind of did some pickings of the types of people that we were getting in but all of the people today are industries that the kids chose.

Ms Mazniovski said they would look at running more days like this in the future.

“I think it’s really important for kids to have a really strong expectation of what particular jobs entail and what industry standards are,” she said. “I think some of them maybe had a bit of a reality shock but it’s in a good in a good way, a positive way that they can make decisions now that will help them get to where they want to be later on.”

devices and heaters.

“Without a working smoke alarm, you may not get the chance to safely escape. Quite simply, they could save you and your family’s lives.”

CFA deputy chief officer Alen Slijepcevic said a smoke alarm costs as little as $20, with a range of other types on offer depending on your housing and financial situation.

“Concerningly, FRV and CFA’s most recent survey of Victorians revealed just 17 per cent of Victorians have smoke alarms in their bedrooms. About 47 per cent of people do not have a smoke alarm in any living room.

“This is why we really encourage all Victorians to install smoke alarms in all bedrooms, living areas and hallways.”

The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants are now open, with $450,000 available for projects that involve young people actively caring for the state’s biodiversity and natural environment.

Schools, kindergartens, childcare centres and youth groups can all apply for grants of up to $5000 for projects that encourage young Victorians to learn more about the state’s plants, wildlife and nature through hands-on activities or classroom learning.

More than 47,000 young people have been a part of the program involved in 1100 nature-based excursions and conducting 270 biological surveys through biodiversity focused learning activities.

Junior Landcare Biodiversity Grant recipients have also planted 99,000 Indigenous plants across numerous landscapes to help maintain ecosystem health.

Past projects funded by the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants include the creation of a walking trail aimed at promoting opportunities for studentstocareforindigenousplantsand animals on Phillip Island, transforming land with indigenous flora in Bundoora and biodiversity-focused excursions to learn about local wildlife in Yarra Glen. Applications for the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants will close at 3pm on Friday, June 14. For more information and to apply, visit https://juniorlandcare.org.au/ grant/2024-victorian-junior-landcareand-biodiversity-grants/

Catholic Regional College’s year 10 pathways industry workshop. (Supplied)

Arecent trend has emerged where individuals turning to full-mouth dental implants for a Hollywood smile, but is it worth sacrificing your retirement savings? While implants are a valuable tool for oral health, the surge in their use for purely cosmetic reasons raises concerns about accessing super for unnecessary procedures. The pressure to achieve a perfect smile is leading some people to have healthy teeth extracted and replaced with implants, often at a hefty cost. Dipping into super for such procedures can significantly impact your financial security in the long run.

Fortunately, there are more affordable alternatives like bridges and dentures that can restore function and aesthetics.Additionally, remember that healthy habits like brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can prevent many tooth problems in the first place. Before resorting to expensive and potentially risky procedures like full-mouth implants, consider all your options and prioritize natural ways to maintain a healthy smile.

If you’re scheduled to have dental implant surgery, or if you currently have an implant, here’s what you need to know about associated risks and limitations of Dental Implants before surgery. Possible complications can include Allergic reaction to anaesthesia, Excessive bleeding from the surgical site, infection, lower jaw fracture, nerve damage, speech problems,, bone loss, loose implants

Dental Implants may not be suitable for children younger than 17 years old, pregnant women, people who experience certain medical conditions, smokers.

if you have early or late-stage dental implant failure, signs of a complication include difficulty chewing, gum inflammation, gum recession, increased swelling, loosening of an implant or a severe pain or discomfort.

Looking for a trusted local dentist to restore your smile? Dr. Saba and her team at MSDP offer a comprehensive range of procedures, including dental implants, veneer dentures, and crowns. Make a appointment at MSDP today to schedule a consultation and create a personalized plan for regaining a beautiful,functional smile. Call 03 5367 5355 mobile 0423 530 208 .

Neighbourhood and community houses in Melton were full of activities last week for Neighbourhood House Week. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski visited the Fraser Rise Children’s and Community Centre tocapturesomeoftheaction.

Dhara Sarvaiya. 407341_01

Connie Orero. 407341_04

Dina Maslic. 407341_03

Maria Deneic. 407341_02

Judith Beattie. 407341_05

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Bacchus Marsh CWA

Baking, crafting, day trips, local dining, market stalls and fundraising are just some of the things that the ladies do within the branch. From time to time it hosts guest speakers, morning and afternoon teas and special occasions. Catering is available by request. Jams, pickles,toys, handmade items and wearables are available for sale, as well as the CWA’s famous cookbooks. Open Monday-Wednesday, 9am-noon, for morning or Devonshire Tea ($5-$8) at Darley Community and Civic Hub, Halletts Way (enter from Wittick Street). New members and visitors are welcome. Branch meetings are held the second Thursday of the month and craft day is the fourth Thursday of the month.

■ bacchus.cwa@gmail.com

Horticulturist chat

Horticulturist, author and presenter Craig Castree will speak at the June Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden meeting on June 12. Those at the meeting will learn about soil microbiome, which is about learning how to improve your soil. Castree’s talks are down to earth, informative and entertaining. The June meeting starts at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend the monthly meetings, at the Botanica Springs Community Centre, 249 Clarkes Road, Brookfield.

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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Cole

at Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges.

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

An over-55’s singles friendship group for social engagements, fun outings, dinners, movies, dancing chats and walks. Enrich your life, no more loneliness or isolation. Nothing but fun and friendships.

■ 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

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 the local band. Woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The group is available to perform at events and festivals.

■ Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582

Trikojus

(Tom Trikojus)

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team defeated Melbourne City 1-0 to win the 2024 A-League Women grand final?

2. What year did the Gold Coast Suns play their first match in the AFL?

3. Australian basketballer Bec Allen plays for which Arizona-based WNBA team?

4. Australian boxer Jason Moloney previously held the WBO world title in which weight division?

5. Rugby league broadcaster Phil Gould is General Manager of Football for which NRL club?

6. How many teams compete in the Professional Women’s Hockey League?

Which racing driver's first F1 win was the 2024 Miami Grand Prix?

Which A-League Men team defeated Lebanese team Al-Ahed 1-0 to win the 2024 AFC Cup final?

How many games did the New Orleans Pelicans win in their 2024 NBA playoffs series versus the Oklahoma City Thunder?

Gumbo the Dog is a costumed mascot for which NFL team?

Which grand slam tennis champion is set to retire at the end of the year after a run of injuries?

Which two AFL clubs changed their names for the annual Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round?

13. Denver Nuggets NBA player Jamal Murray was fined how much money for throwing objects onto the court during live play?

14. In which year was the Melbourne Cup handicap horse race first run?

15. Which Australian Test cricketer was left out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad?

16. Which team has won more State of Origin matches overall: New South Wales or Queensland?

17. Wrigley Field is the home stadium of which Major League Baseball team?

18. By what margin did St Kilda win their only premiership in 1966 against Collingwood?

19. Which major sporting event will be held in Canada, Mexico and the US in 2026?

20. Which West Indian cricket superstar has scored 22 centuries in the Twenty20 format?

21. Travis Boak was captain of Port Adelaide for which five year period?

22. Which athlete was the first pick in the 2024 WNBA draft by Indiana Fever?

23. What type of event was NFL veteran Tom Brady recently the subject of on Netlix?

24. Gold Coast star Matt Rowell went viral in 2023 for eating what during a pre-season ritual?

25. Erin Molan was a host on which show from 2014–2018?

26. The Japanese mens national rugby union team is known by what nickname?

27. Which NBA player had a cameo appearance in the 1980 film Airplane!?

28. In which sport is Magnus Carlsen a five-time world champion?

29. At which NRL club did Ivan Cleary retire as a player, before returning as a coach?

30. Which Australian athlete debuted for both the national cricket team and soccer team at age 16?

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

ACROSS

1 Possibility (6)

4 Oblation (8)

9 Fierce animals (5)

10 Originating city of The Beatles (9)

11 Australian rugby league player and former Senator, – Lazarus (5)

12 Grant (9)

13 Diplomatic representative sent on a mission (8)

15 Smear (6)

16 Nakedness (6)

18 Positions in a hierarchy or scale (8)

23 One half of Oxbridge (9)

24 ‘Not on your – !’ (5)

26 Point above focus of an earthquake (9)

27 Dwelling (5)

28 Number in fluid mechanics, symbol Re (8)

29 Hurries (6)

DOWN

1 Toiletry (7)

2 Sun-dried brick (5)

3 Gambling buildings (7)

5 Act of kindness (6)

6 Made of fired clay (7)

7 Quarantine (9)

8 Theatrical partners – and Sullivan (7)

10 Vital organ (5)

14 Insurance; immunity (9)

16 Atomic (7)

17 Sink (7)

19 Skyfall theme singer (5)

20 Relatedness (7)

21 Reserve (7)

22 Revised and corrected (6)

25 Cad (coll) (5)

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”.

1 What is the capital of Hungary?

2 In which country is the beer Stella Artois brewed?

Where in Australia would you find the Nan Tien Temple?

Hayley Williams (pictured) is the lead vocalist of which American alt-rock group? 5 What does IMF stand for?

6 How many moons does Mercury have?

7 Which singer’s real name is James

8 What was the name of the first bank to open in Australia? 9 Who directed the movie Fight Club (1999)?

What is diegesis?

No. 186

No. 186

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 9/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 8/10

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 6/10

In a word, impressive

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Could it be that auto giant Audi has grasped the Holy Grail of the industry with its most popular vehicle, the Q5?

The most desirable, yet elusive, automotive properties claimed by the Q5 plug-in petrol/ electric hybrid – outstanding performance coupled with miserly fuel consumption – stand as the chalice of Arthurian legend.

The new Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line showcases the manufacturer’s expertise in electrification and highly efficient internal combustion engine technology with a claimed sprint from zero to 100km/h in a sizzling 5.3 seconds, while, on average, sipping a mere 2 litres of fuel per 100km.

The upgraded vehicle comes to market in a choice of SUV or Sportback styling, starting from $102,900 and $110,200, respectively, without on-road costs. Metallic paint adds $1990 to the price; 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels are a no-cost option. On test was the latter at $112,190.

Like all new Audis in Australia the Q5 55 TFSI e is covered by the maker’s five-year unlimited kilometre and 12-year body corrosionwarranties.Thebatteryisguaranteed for eight years.

Styling

The Q5 PHEV takes on the robust character of the standard Q5, which is enhanced by the inclusion of the S line features including S front and rear bumpers and grille, plus tailgate spoiler.

The Sportback is upgraded from the SUV by headlamps with LED Matrix lights, with washers,anddynamicfrontandrearindicators. Twenty-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels have a part polished finish which goes to showing off red painted brake callipers.

Optional roof rails on Sportback feature electronic stability control detection, which adjusts ESC when heavy loads are carried on the roof altering the vehicle’s centre of gravity.

Interior

Welcominguptofiveoccupants,Nappaleather wrapped seating, with diamond stitching, up front is power adjustable, heated and with four-way lumbar support. The driver’s side boasts memory function.

Sliding rear seats have 40:20:40 separation and the three-zone climate control air-con has its own display back there. The mood can be subtly altered with one of 30 shades of ambient lighting.

With seat backs in place there is 460 litres of boot space, extending to 1400 litres with the backs folded. The 14.4kWh battery is stored under the luggage compartment.

Infotainment

Accessed by a 10.1-inch dash-mounted touchscreen, the Audi MMI interface puts a mass of information, including navigation, at the driver’s fingertips. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Digital radio DAB+ is played through a 180W sound system with 10 speakers and sub-woofer. Wireless mobile phone charging also is standard in addition to two USB outlets front and back.

Engines/transmissions

A 2.0 litre TFSI turbo engine works with an electric motor to put out a combined 270 kW and 500 Nm, which is fed to the road through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission and Audi quattro all-wheel drive.

A 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, located under the rear cargo area, can be fuelled up to 7.2 kW AC for a full charge in around two-and-a-half hours.

The vehicle is supplied with all charging gear, including 240V three-pin standard plug, 230V 32 Amp industrial plug and wall bracket mount, plus a Type 2 cable for use at public charging stations.

The new Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line showcases the manufacturer’s expertise in electrification and highly efficient internal combustion engine technology. (Pictures: Supplied)

ANCAP rating, which ran out in January –not that safety is now second class. Passive features include eight airbags – dual front, dual front-side, dual curtain and dual rear-side.

Active safety includes autonomous emergency braking (up to 85 km/h) with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring (side assist), collision avoidance assist, exit warning, automatic high-beam, hill descent control,lane-keepassist,rearcross-trafficalert, tyre pressure monitoring, turn and swerve assist, predictive efficiency assistant, driver attention monitoring, plus rear-view camera and active bonnet.

Parking is given a wider perspective thanks to 360-degree cameras, plus park assist, hold assist and hill descent control.

Driving

UnlikeotherICE/electricmotorhybrids,which generally make all the decisions about power generation, the Q5 55 TFSI e gives the driver a greaterinputintohowthetwosourcescombine by choosing one of four operating modes via the touchscreen.

Hybrid mode operates automatically through the route guidance in the navigation system and can be also selected manually. Here the battery charge is optimally distributed across the route to maintain minimum fuel consumption.

In stop-start traffic the Q5 Sportback e quattrorunsmainlyonbatterypowerbasedon a large amount of data from on-board sensors. On the open road, when the driver releases the accelerator engine management decides whether to coast with the engine off or use power regen to convert into electrical energy. All these functions are switched on and off with the minimum effect on the driving performance – the rare engine note in no way being a negative intrusion to cabin occupants.

A further three modes are at the driver’s fingertips. In EV mode – the default setting whenever the car is started – the car is powered by electricity alone, so long as the driver does not depress the accelerator pedal past a certain variable pressure point. The Sportback can run as far as 53km up to 135km/h on the emission-free electric motor alone.

In Hold mode, battery capacity is held at the current level. In Charge mode, the drive management system increases the energy in the battery using the internal combustion engine. As it does during regeneration, the electric motor charges the drive battery.

Summary

The Audi Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro S line? In a word, impressive.

Weekend action across the west

StarWeekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic braved the elements on Sunday to capture someofthesportingaction.

Aguak Chok. 407999_01

Werribee Hockey team. 407988_01

Jasmin Day. 407999_06

Mellisa Barnes. 407987_04

Nicholas Di Grazia. 407984_09

Meekness Payne. 407984_05

Werribee celebrate a goal. 407988_22

Melton Phoenix’s Shea Cain. 407992_08

Epping’s Cindy Turnbull kicks goal to level the scores. 407987_15

Melton Phoenix’s Sarah Bender. 407992_04

Bloods improve as the players ‘turn it around’

Melton is slowly building into the Ballarat Netball League season.

After a slow start with a new side, the Bloods are showing that they will be no easy beats this season.

After managing to get their first win of the season in round five against Ballarat, the Bloods were again in the mix on Saturday against East Point.

While East Point got the win 51-43, the margin has decreased from what it was last season.

Speakingbeforetheweekend’sgame,Bloods coach Nichole Gleeson said she was thrilled with the signs they are starting to show.

“To be honest, we didn’t have the best start to the season,” she said. “I think we have a new side and expectations and things around round one and things didn’t go how we wanted to.

“The girls have turned it around and we have played some strong sides.

“It’s a great testament to how they are progressing and looking at the games from last year and score differences to this year.

“I’m really pleased.”

Gleeson said the side was still building and would get better as the season goes along.

She said they were playing the way that they wanted to and they were taking plenty of learnings out of all their matches.

“The scores are close and what we want to do is continue that and really make other sides work for wins,” she said.

“Every week we are prepared and we’ve getting better. It’s credit to the girls how quickly they are coming together as a side.

“As a coach I’m super proud with seeing what the girls can put out on the court.”

Gleeson said they are keen to get a few more winsontheboardastheyprogressthroughout the season.

She said there was a real positive attitude among the playing group and they were

hungry to get better.

“There’s opportunities to progress on the ladder and hopefully we’re around the mark at the pointy end of the year.”

Overall, Gleeson said they were seeing some good signs across all their grades despite a few injuries.

On Saturday against East Point, the Bloods wore a special Indigenous dress designed by footballers Max and Chase Scoble, who are both Yorta Yorta men.

Kim Phillips shot 32 goals for the Bloods in the loss.

In other netball results on Saturday, Darley remains undefeated after beating the Sunbury Lions.

In the top of the table clash, the Devils won 44-40.

MeltonSouthmovedtosecondontheladder with a 62-24 win against Bacchus Marsh.

Tara Murray

Lakers continue to win

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs overcame a slow start to get its fourth straight win in the Western Football League division 1 competition.

The Lakers were at home against Spotswood and had a fight on their hands early on.

The Woodsmen led by six points at quarter time, before the Lakers started to get going and had a three goal lead at half time.

After the break, the Lakers had complete control of the game to run away with a 17.8 (110)-7.8 (50).

Lakers football manager Shaun Rainer said they were able to clean their game up after quarter time.

“It was good to get the win,” he said. “We have got some young kids in the side and it was nice to overcome Spotty’s early pressure.

“We were able to adjust to the pressure and overcome it which was good.”

Rainer said with the pressure put on them there were a lot of turnovers early in the game.

He said once they were able to clean up their ball use it made a real difference.

“We are going to make mistakes,” he said. “We had three under-18 boys in the team.

“They will make some mistakes and we were able to overcome the pressure and get on top.”

Rainer said one of the most pleasing things out of the performance was the spread of contributors.

Playing coach Brian Lake kicked four goals, while Lukas Hare and Tate Wood kicked three goals each.

“It was a real even spread,” he said. “We had a spread of goalkickers and we had a midfield spread with a few different players through there.

“To get hands on footy, we didn’t have any oneplayerstandoutforus,whichwaspleasing.”

The win takes the Lakers to 4-1 and sitting second on the ladder, only behind an undefeated Werribee Districts.

Rainer said getting wins on the board early was important.

“It wasn’t the most ideal start against Yarraville Seddon, but we’ve won the last four games which has been good,” he said.

“It’s a very even season and coming into any game if you don’t play well you won’t get the win.

“Every game is against a potential finalist, so they’re all important.”

The Lakers this Saturday face Point Cook at Point Cook

Rainer said the Bulldogs are always dangerous at their home ground.

“Brian and the team will do a fair bit of work to negate Point Cook’s strengths. Hopefully we can produce some strong footy and get the win we’re after.”

The Lakers women’s side had a bye. Indivision2,theWesternRamshadatough

Sports shorts

RDFL

It was a tough day out for the Melton Centrals in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday. Facing an undefeated Riddell, Centrals trailed early on with the Bombers not making the most of their opportunities. The margin was 29 points at three quarter time before the Bombers kicked away in the final quarter to win, 14.15 (99)-5.7 (37). Caleb Higgins was named the Centrals best. Centrals remain sitting in eighth. Diggers Rest had a bye.

EDFL

Burnside Heights had to come from behind to get the win against Glenroy in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition. The Bears led at quarter time before trailing at both half time and three quarter time. The Bears kicked three goals to two in the final quarter to get the 10.13 (73)-11.4 (70) win. In division 1, Hillside had to fight hard to get the win against Oak Park. Both Burnside Heights and Hillside remain undefeated in their respective divisions.

FV

Melton Phoenix had a day out against Barwon in the FV state league 4 west competition. The Phoenix scored three first half goals before matching it in the second half to come away with a 6-0 win, despite going a man down due to a red card. Lachlan Stafford scored two of those goals. The Phoenix sit in third spot despite playing a game less than most sides. Meanwhile, Westside Strikers had a 2-1 win against Moonee Ponds United.

VPL

Caroline Springs George Cross had a tough hit out against Melbourne City in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition. City was able to claim a 3-0 win to jump above the Georgies on the ladder. After 14 rounds, the Georgies sit in 11th. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Melton’s A-grade team in the Indigenous dress. (Supplied)

outing against the Suns on Saturday. The Suns dominated from start to finish in a 34.18 (222)-6.1 (37) win.

Damon Lewis and Matthew Land were named the Rams best. The Rams this Saturday host Albanvale.

Tate Wood kicked three goals on Saturday. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Stallions are focused on their promotion target

Spring Hills has its eyes focused on more success, this time in the Victorian Premier League Women’s competition.

Afterastrongfirstseasoninthecompetition, the second highest in the state, where it just missed promotion, Spring Hills is keen to make sure it doesn’t miss out this season.

The side has started the season with a 7-0 record, one of two teams to be undefeated at this stage of the season.

Coach Tom Markovski said things were going along OK at the moment.

“The girls are putting in the hard work and it’s paying off,” he said. “We are in a good position at the moment.

“The girls have gelled pretty well this year. The pre-season has gone well and bonding as a group.

“It’s been really good and everyone has bought into what we want to achieve.”

Markovski said they bought in some players

in their early 20s to the squad to add more depth to their existing playing group.

He said they wanted to have a whole squad that could step up, not just a starting 11 and a bench.

“People are putting in the hard work at training,” he said. “They want to be there.

“We had a number of decent pre-season games and we’ve worked on things from there.”

Markovski said promotion was their focus this season after going so close last season.

SpringHillsisalsostillaliveintheknockout

Nike F.C Cup.

The side beat National Premier League team Essendon Royals to make it through to the round of eight.

Spring Hills has been drawn at home to face PrestonLionsinthequarterfinals.Thewinner will either either Keilor Park or Bundoora United in the semi finals.

Speaking before the draw, Markovski said they had been hoping for a home match as they juggle their other matches.

“It has been great for us, but for me it’s about the league,” he said. “It’s been a good experience playing in the cup.”

Markovski said they were confident that their style would stack up now matter what team they played and their division.”

Spring Hills was in action on Friday night againstSouthYarra,whichsitssecondbottom.

Markovski said before the match they couldn’t take the match up lightly with every team capable of knocking off the other.

Spring Hills ended up having a night out, winning 13-0.

Kelly Hei Lam, Dayna Stevens and Kate Spiteri scored three goals each for Spring Hills.

Tara Murray

Glen Craven’s big night

By John Dunne

Glen Craven appeared set for a big night on paper and duly headed home with a personal best winning quartet at Melton on Saturday night.

The 34-year-old Craven took the reins behind five favourites and saluted on four commencing with short course specialist Jillibyjacksparrow, who led all the way in the Hyland Racing Colours Pace.

Talented mare Aldebaran Vera scored a tough first up win in the Prydes Easifeed Trot after sitting parked outside Aldebaran Miley. Later in the night Craven played his role in the run of the night when Imperial Monarch scored a last stride win in the Aldebaran Park Trot.

Imperial Monarch galloped out settling more than 50 metres off the lead and was still second last on turning for home. When pulled to the outside, the son of Trixton stormed home and got the verdict by half a head as five horses crossed the line locked together with only a head separating

the quintet.

Lightly raced four-year-old mare Isthisjustfantasy capped off Craven’s memorable evening when she led all the way in the COGS Pace.

“It was a good night on paper so it’s great when a night like this comes off,” Craven said.

“I’ve had some good Group 1 nights but tonight’s one of my best nights as I haven’t driven four down here,” he said.

ChampionracemareLadiesInRedrestored rightful order of proceedings after taking out the Richmond Lass Mares Free For All

The Emma Stewart trained mare suffered a rare defeat at her previous start when narrowly beaten by Aardies Express in the Group1QueenElizabeth11MileatMenangle.

Sentoutasfavoruite,LadiesInRedassumed the front running from her main danger Rakero Rebel inside the final lap of the race and was untroubled to score by three metres from that mare with First Dance a metre away third in a mile rate of 1.52.3.

Driver David Moran said Ladies In Red is inclined to conserve her energy on the

Thoroughbreds lose to Sharks

The Melton Thoroughbreds proved no match for the Southern Peninsula Sharks on Saturday night in the Big V men’s division 2 competition.

After a week off, the Thoroughbreds were slow out of the blocks, trailing by six points at quarter time.

After an even second quarter, the margin was reduced to five points at the main break.

The Sharks did the damage in the third quarter, winning it 30-17, to take an 18 point lead into the final break.

The Thoroughbreds fought hard in the last quarter and were able to win the term, but it wasn’t enough, losing 105-91.

Milan Savic put up a massive 35 points for the Thoroughbreds, before fouling out late in the piece.

The loss was the Thoroughbreds second in a row and third of the season. The side remains in second spot.

The Thoroughbreds are at home this Saturday against the Collingwood All Stars.

In the youth league men’s division 2 competition, Melton suffered a loss to the Whittlesea Pacers.

The Thoroughbreds led after the first three quarters before a 30-4 final quarter in favour of the Pacers turned the game.

The Pacers ended up running away with a 73-60 win.

Flynn Pettitt was the top scorer for the Thoroughbreds.

racetrack.

“She’s pretty casual in front and she doesn’t really run away from them at electric speed and just does what she needs to do,” Moran said.

“And she didn’t have a complete gut buster first time back from Sydney which is good, she did it pretty easily and could have gone a lot quicker,” he said.

Ladies In Red is likely to head north for next month’s The Queensland Constellations where she will contest 150,000 Garrards The Golden Girl.

She will be at long odds on to maintain her unbeaten status at Albion Park having beaten the boys in the Group 1 The Rising Sun two years ago at her only start in the track.

Enigmatic trotter One Over All was on his best behavior when he rounded up his rivals in the I Didn’t Do It Free For All.

Greg Sugars made a three wide move on his own behind One Over All and the son of Angus Hall loomed up three wide around the home turn before reeling favourite Ollivici down the straight with Hephaestus Phoenix in third place.

The Thoroughbreds sit bottom with one win.

Michael Thompson (Jacob Pattison) 326150_07

Spring Hills are undefeated. (Supplied)

Jillibyjacksparrow. (Stuart McCormick)

Cobras women are getting reward for effort

Bacchus Marsh has seen some reward for hard work in the Ballarat Football League Women’s competition.

After just two wins last season, the Cobras won two matches in a row bringing plenty of confidence to the group early in the season.

Coach Alan Johnson said it was nice for the playing group to get the opportunity to sing the song.

“I think it’s just reward for hard work,” he said. “Since November they’ve been working really hard.

“It’s been a different game plan than in the past. We’ve worked hard on skills. It’s so pleasing to see them bolstering the song out, it’s just a reward.”

Johnson, who is in his first year at the club, said while he had looked at the results of previous years, he had never seen the side play before.

He said from what he’s been told there had been big improvement across the board.

“Getting Jacinta Reid and Jamie-Lee Speakman back into the side has been really good,” he said.

“Rita Azzopardi and Imogen Farrugia have come back to play again and there’s been a couple of others helping out.

“There’s some under-19s coming through into the side and getting some opportunities.”

The return of Reid has been a big one for Cobras.

The former Victorian Football League Women’s player is also development coach at the Cobras this season.

“She’s helping out a lot with the young girls as well,” he said. “She’s been working with the 19s and coming down before training and helping teach them how to kick, mark and handball.

“They are really learning and it’s following through into the women’s side.”

Johnson said while thrilled they have a couple of wins on the board, they don’t change their focus.

He said he, Reid and the under-19s coach Leigh Bradbury are all on the same page of what they want to achieve.

“We want to be competitive,” he said. ”It’s a journey that we are working on.

“We know it’s not just for this year, it’s a two or three year journey for us.

“We want to be a strong women’s club. We have a good group and have youth coming through.

“We want to improve on results from last year, that is the aim.”

The Cobras played a win less Carisbrook on Sunday. Carisbrook was the only team the Cobras beat last season.

UnfortunatelyfortheCobras,theirwinning streak ended with Carisbrook winning 6.6 (42)-4.5 (29).

Azzopardi was named the Cobras best.

While Darley suffered its first loss of the season, losing to Redan, 3.9 (27)-2.5 (17).

Warriors back on track

By Tara Murray

AweekoffdidtheWesternWarriorstheworld

of good as they returned to the winners list in the Victorian Netball League championship on Wednesday night.

After a tough last hit out, the Warriors put out a strong four quarter performance against the Casey Demons, winning 71-56.

Warriors coach Kim Bailey was pretty happy with the performance.

“It was an improved win from the last time we played them,” she said. “I think the margin was 10, we’ve pushed it out to 15.

“I think we most probably look like we’re going to control that game for the get go. It was a bit of a slow first quarter.

“But I think we had Simona [Di Filippo] who had an outstanding game. When Simmy plays well we seem to play well and we get that really fast forward movement and we had that back up from Ruby [Shannon] and Vanessa [Augustini] who we just kept rotating to and had fresh legs the whole time.”

Bailey said they had winners all over the court in the win.

ShethoughtGeorgiaBerryhadagreatgame on Emma Ryde, doing everything they asked her to do.

At the other end of the court, Bailey said she thought it was the best game that Kim Borger and Julia Woolley had played together. Borger shot 57 goals.

“So we had sort of strength over the court and Liv Ellis, that girl just keeps delivering week after week after week,” Bailey said.

“It’s nice to be back on the winner’s list.”

Bailey said the performance had a bit more of that consistency they had been seeking across four quarters and all players.

“It’s something that we’ve really worked at, worked at our intensity,” she said.

“We’ve worked at that drop of intensity in the third quarter. By creating that sort of environment in training and then translating that out on the court works really well for us.

“We have gone back to what our values are and we have to keep referring back to them. It’s alright to say we have values but you have to live them and we’re starting to live them.”

The Warriors now sit eighth on the ladder with three wins.

It was disappointment for the Warriors under-23s who lost to the Demons, 42-41.

Baileysaidtheyhadthatgamebeforehaving vital errors at vital times.

“We have to learn how to win,” she said.

Akira McCormack, who dropped down from championship to get some significant minutes on court, was their best with 28 goals.

The Warriors didn’t have a long break between games, with the side back in action on Sunday, after deadline.

Shock loss for Bloods

Melton suffered its first loss of the Ballarat Football League season to East Point on Saturday.

The Bloods were at home to the Kangaroos in what was a game with swing of momentums.

The Kangaroos led by nine points at quarter time, before the Bloods led by 11 points at half time.

It was East Point that led at the final break after four goals to two in the third quarter.

There was nothing in it in the last quarter with the teams kicking four goals each.

The Kangaroos slight three quarter time margin would prove enough to win, 12.11 (83)-12.6 (78).

Luke Heaney kicked four goals for the Bloods with Lachlan Phillips named their best.

TheBloodssliptosecondontheladder behind the Sunbury Lions. Darley was also on the losers list on Saturday, going down to the Sunbury Lions.

The Devils led all day at Clarke Oval, with the margin 21 points at the final break.

The Lions let the shackles go in the final quarter and were able to kick five goals to one to come away with a 10.10 (70)-9.8 (62) win.

Joel Cadman was the only multiple goal kicker for the Devils with two goals. Zane Le Huray and Luther Baker were named their best.

The Devils sit in third spot with four wins and two losses.

Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh made it two in a row with a big win against Melton South.

The Cobras took control of the game early on and were bale to build the lead throughout, coming away with a 20.11 (131)-3.4 (22) win.

Kade Hilton kicked five goals for the Cobras, while Josh Huxtable kicked four goals.

The Warriors made the trek up to Bendigo to face Melbourne University Lightning as part of the Super Sunday round. The match was a close one with the Lightning getting across the line, 56-50. Borger shot 44 goals for the Warriors.

Hilton and Tyson Shea were named their best. For the Panthers, Daniel Zajac kicked two goals.

Jarrod Bibby and Zajac were named their best. The win moves the Cobras up to sixth, while the Panthers remain in bottom spot.

Tara Murray Alan Johnson and Jacinta Reid (Supplied)

Simona Di Filippo (Grant Treeby)

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