Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 11th June 2024

By Hannah Hammoud

For most people awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), a word of congratulations usually follows suit.

But that expression feels misplaced when speaking to Taylors Hill local Allison Burns.

Allison was awarded an OAM on the King’s Birthday in recognition of her service to community health standards through her advocacy in improving safety standards around button batteries.

For Allison, this recognition is one that is bittersweet.

In 2015, Allison’s daughter Bella died at just 14-months-old after a small round battery she swallowed became lodged in her oesophagus. It has been nine years since the death of her daughter, and with it nine years of advocating for change.

In her work to advocate for improved child safety measures, Allison has led the wave for change and inspired many other child safety advocates across the country, and around the world.

“I’ve been able to successfully campaign and help implement the button battery standards here in Australia which have then been taken overseasandwe’venowseenthemimplemented in the US, and the UK is about to implement them as well. It is incredible to know that we were the first to do this and be part of that and inspire others to follow our footsteps,” she said.

Allison also formed Bella’s Footprints, a Facebook group dedicated to ensuring parents understand the potentially devastating effects of button batteries and how to implement button battery safety practices.

“I do this out of love for my daughter, and to protect every other child,” Allison said.

“I promised Bella when I lost her that I was going to change everything I could that was wrong with button batteries.

“I made it my mission, because had a lot of these measures been in place before she passed she’d probably still be here.”

The news that she had been awarded an OAM came as a surprise to Allison, and she is still unaware of who nominated her.

“It is very overwhelming. There are a lot of emotions behind it,” she said.

“It’sanincredibleawardandI’msohonoured … but it’s also bittersweet, I would never have received it had my daughter not passed away.”

In 2021, Bella’s story captured the hearts and minds of the nation as it was aired on the ABC’s AustralianStory series titled ‘Sisters in Arms’, alongside Queensland mother, Andrea Shoesmith, who had also lost her four-year-old

daughter Summer, to a button battery accident in 2013.

“We had the opportunity to campaign and speak to ministers in Canberra which was again another amazing opportunity, I’d never dreamt of being invited there,” Allison said.

“Being able to share our stories with the people running this country and making them realise how important and urgent this issue was – was crucial.”

For Allison it was a race against the clock to achievelawreformsthatwouldpreventanother death from a button battery.

But for all her efforts in ensuring mandatory button battery standards came into effect in 2022, Allison said the changes took too long.

In 2021, three-year-old girl, Brittney Conway, died in the Gold Coast after swallowing a button battery.

“From the first day I approached the ACCC [Australian Competition and Consumer Commission] to the day the law came into effect was seven years. Considering that each week we have 20 children who end up in the emergency department from a button-related injury, that’s more than 1000 children a year. In seven years that’s 7000 children – we knew it wasonlygoingtobetimebeforewelostanother child, and we did. We lost Brittney.

“That was devastating because we had worked so hard to raise awareness and campaign and try to get button battery issues in peoples faces and we still failed to reach somebody. A family who weren’t aware of the dangers. This is the problem we still face. We have 62 million people in Australia. For us, trying to reach 62 million means education is not something you do once, it’s something you

‘‘ I do this out of love for my daughter, and to protect every other child ’’ - Allison Burns

do everyday.

“We constantly have new parents coming along, new children being born, new doctors beingtrained,nursesandpaediatricians,there’s a constant need for education and awareness.”

Allison said the ultimate end goal is to have button batteries banned for good.

“I personally want these batteries banned. I want battery manufacturers to stop making them or to redesign them so they stop killing children. I won’t stop till that happens,” she said.

“At the moment our next option is to make it as hard as we can for these battery manufacturers to get these products so that either they choose to use a different battery or people stop buying their products.”

5.

Taylors Hill local, Allison Burns has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). (Damjan Janevski) 411254_03

Avocados Dimple

Bachar Houli awarded an OAM

Being recognised this King’s Birthday with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), is Altona North’s Bachar Houli, a now renowned figure in AFL history.

He has been awarded the honour for his service to Australian rules football, multiculturalism, and the Islamic community.

Houli, who has a Lebanese background, was born in Australia and grew up in Melbourne’s west, in Altona North and Tarneit.

He attended high school at Al-Taqwa College in Truganina, and played his junior football with Spotswood, before being called up to play for the Western Jets.

Houli’s career is a decorated one, with 232 career games, three premierships, and an all-Australian jacket. However, his career started in a difficult manner.

After four seasons with Essendon where he played just 26 matches, Houli decided to find a new home, and never looked back.

“Essendon is a great football club and Kevin Sheedy was such a great leader, but unfortunately after he left, the environment wasn’t working for me on the field and it was

an opportunity for change,” he said.

“The Richmond coaches and leaders created a culture that encouraged connection and storytelling that enabled me to grow on and off the field and allowed me to get the best out of myself.”

When looking back at his long career, it was the off-field side that he held most dearly.

“There are many great memories, but you can’tgopasttherelationshipsyoudevelopbeing part of a team and the lifelong friendships,” he said. “Winning the first premiership in 2017 wasalsoprettyspecialbecauseitmeantsomuch not only to me but the whole community.”

Houli was awarded the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award in 2020, and the AFL’s Yiooken Award in 2019.

Further, he has been awarded a Victorian Multicultural Commission Award, and an Award for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding by the Australia Day Council.

Although he will always be hailed as a triple premiership hero at the Tigers, his legacy will stem far deeper, with his work with the Bachar Houli Foundation (BHF) supporting more

Umpire ‘ecstatic’ to catch an OAM honour

Hillside resident Leigh Evans is ‘ecstatic’ to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to softball through umpiring.

But it was never part of his grand plan.

“It’s great to have that recognition for something you do that you’re passionate about …butit’snotsomethingyousetouttoachieve,” Mr Evans said. “Achieving your Australian senior levels, international accreditation and attending world championships are all things you set goals for.”

Mr Evans has an extensive resume. An umpire since 1989, he has progressed from local leagues all the way through to the international stage.

Coming from a cricket and football background, Mr Evans wasn’t always involved with softball. He said the journey began when he met his now wife.

“She was very involved with softball at a state level so I went along to watch … then we later had children and they started playing tee-ball and junior ball,” Mr Evans said.

It was a ‘never-ending shortage’ of umpires athiskids’gamesthatdroveMrEvanstobegin umpiring, and he has never looked back since.

“I got on to those junior games to help the kids play and along the way people kept giving me games at senior level and pushing me on to achieve something even more.”

Mr Evans has since become both a Hall of Fame inductee (2015) and a Life Member of Softball Australia (2021).

He has been a national umpire examiner for Softball Australia since 2004 and member of the umpiring committee for Softball Victoria since 1994.

“It takes up a lot of hours when you are involved in all those committees and there are a lot of politics but it’s for the betterment of the sport,” he said.

It’s not just in Australia where Mr Evans has made a difference. He is also umpiring directorforOceania,umpireinchief,umpires’ commissioner, and a member of the rules committee for the World Baseball and Softball Federation.

Outside of governance, he has officiated as chief umpire and deputy umpire for men’s and women’s world championships, Olympic qualifiers, Canada Cup and Japan Cup.

Mr Evans’ invaluable service is driven not only by a love for the game, but the human element of it as well.

“I just enjoy the game itself, but particularly all the philosophies and understandings of where coaches and players come from,” he said.

“They have their own goals to achieve and what stands between them and winning can sometimes be an umpire’s call.”

When it comes to the softball diamond, invisibility is an umpire’s best friend.

“It’s great when you come off a big game and you’ve managed to really not be in the spectators mind, they are just thinking it was a great game,” Mr Evans said.

But that isn’t always easy when the game is played at breakneck speeds, and calls have to be made in the blink of an eye.

“There’s a lot of assertiveness and aggression particularly in the men’s game when they are pitching at 135 km/h underarm.”

than 35,000 people to date.

“I hope I can be remembered as someone authentic who role modelled his Islamic values on and off the field and played a small role in giving minority communities a sense of belonging,” he said.

Houli said it was in 2011 when he felt the Muslim community was underrepresented across the AFL, and young Muslims in Australia lacked sporting role models, leading him to develop the BHF. Established in 2012, the BHF is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to develop young leaders within the Muslim community.

“Itwasachallengingtimeforthecommunity and I wanted to provide opportunities and pathways for our young people through sport.”

He currently runs the Islamic College of Sport in Coburg, but an expansion to Melbourne’s west is in the works, and expected to be open from next year. An information session for students entering year 11 next year is coming up this Thursday, June 13, at the Australian Islamic Centre in Newport, from 6pm to 8pm.

Honorary OAM for dancer

Noelle Shader had tears in her eyes when she found out she would be awarded an honorary Medal of the Order of Australia.

Looking back on an extensive career in ballet, Ms Shader said she was ‘humbled’ that her peers had acknowledged her services.

“I’m honoured – it’s a culmination of the work I’ve put in over the years, the experiences I’ve had, and the opportunities I’ve had,” she said. “When you are recognised for the work you have done in the past it makes your career worthwhile because you know that you’ve made an impact and helped people. That was always my goal.”

Ms Shader was a dancer in the New York City Ballet before emigrating to Australia in 1981.

“IwasaperformerinAmericabutsincethen I’ve been involved on the other side of things, like teaching, coaching, and choreography,” Ms Shader said.

The range of roles Ms Shader has performed includeclassicaldancelecturer,balletmistress, rehabilitation facilitator, and rehearsal director, to name a few.

Ms Shader said the major milestones and experiences that have led to this award have all taken place in the country she has called home for over 40 years.

“Everything that’s happened to me has happened here – my life is here and I’m very proud to have contributed to the dance industry in Australia,” she said.

However, ballet is not Ms Shader’s only life calling. She moved to the sleepy town of Blackwood in the late ’90s, and is now a

committeememberforBlackwoodandBarry’s Reef Landcare Group.

“My love of nature has always drawn me up here so my connection to land care is an extension of that – to care for the country and respect the land we live in,” she said.

While Blackwood is still home, in recent times Ms Shader has been making her way to the Top End to take on exciting new projects.

“I gave up being involved in the dance industry for many years but just recently I’ve continued that journey working with First Nations people,” she said.

Now working with Darwin choreographer Gary Lang for his NT Dance Company, Ms Shader has come back to the industry with renewed purpose. She recently returned from an eight week tour, sponsored by BlakDance, through Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Ms Shader said this latest experience is a full circle moment.

“It’s all now combined: my love of country, respect of First Nations people, teaching dance, and wanting to be as helpful as I can be.”

Bachar Houli during his playing days with the Tigers. (AAP Image/Scott Barbour)

Leigh Evans, who received OAM. (Damjan Janevski) 411800_02

Noelle Shader. (Damjan Janevski) 411890_04

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Reward for effort for local clinic

By Eddie Russell

Are you looking to change the trajectory of your business for the better?

Last year, Western Region Health was awarded the Business of the Year Award as part of the City of Melton Business Excellence Awards.

Owner and director Jade Scott, who started the clinic 21 years ago, says people are more aware of her business as a result.

“Winning gave us greater exposure across a multitude of other areas,” she said.

“It also showed how embedded we are in the greater community – we are not just in healthcare, we are a community focused business and that is why winning Business of the Year meant so much.”

Ms Scott said the spotlight was a long overdue nod to the staff at Western Region Health, which is made up of osteopaths, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and clinicians. “You’re only as good as your people, so it was a great recognition of the amazing people that I have around me,” she said.

“You don’t win awards like this on your own, so it was a great testament to our team and it meant a lot to them because it was recognition of going above and beyond.”

The award also allowed the clinic to emphasise the morals that drive the business, including diversity and quality.

“We were able to showcase our core values at a community level,” Ms Scott said.

Ms Scott said she found the application process ‘quite cathartic’ and ‘therapeutic’.

“It was a really lovely walk down memory lane for me. It’s nice to be able to look back and take some time to be proud of how far you’ve come as a business,” she said.

“The process is a great tool of reflection

regardless of whether you win or lose.”

Businesses within the City of Melton can nominate themselves or others they believe

deserve to be commended for their efforts.

The awards provide an opportunity for traders of all sizes to showcase their strengths

and celebrate what sets them apart. Applications are open and close midnight Friday, July 12.

Councillors Lara Carli (left) and Julie Shannon (right) and the Western Region Health team at the 2023 City of Melton Business Excellence Awards. (Supplied)

Renaming backlash gains voices

By Eddie Russell

The voices of those against renaming Elaine Recreation Reserve will be taken into consideration by Moorabool council.

During a meeting on Wednesday, June 5, council accepted a petition led by Elaine Cricket Club secretary Shane Dunne.

As reported by Star Weekly , a petition was put to Moorabool council from Elaine residents to rename the reserve, the Ron Read Recreation Reserve.

MrRead,whodiedin2021,wasthepresident and member of the Elaine Recreation Reserve Community Asset Committee (ERRCAC).

Mr Dunne then created a petition against the renaming.

Now Mr Dunne claims his petition has a majority, registering 120 signatures compared to 106 that are advocating for the name to be changed.

He said further action will be taken if council moves forward with the renaming.

“To go against the majority like that is just

Cotchin boosts morale

Ballan residents turned out in droves to witness former Richmond captain Trent Cotchin run out in the navy blue jumper on Saturday.

After not seeing a home game for two years, more than 2000 people attended the newly renovated Ballan Recreation Reserve.

The help of the superstar, who kicked four goals, was not enough to stop the home side going down by 46 points against Newlyn.

However, the result extended beyond the scoreboard.

Ballan president David O’Hanlon said Cotchin’s presence was the talk of the town.

“Wherever you went for the last month people were asking about it, whether you’d be at the supermarket or down the pub for a quiet beer,” he said.

“It’ll be a big help and I’m sure it’ll be talked about for a long time – the day that Trent Cotchin came.”

Mr O’Hanlon said other clubs involved in The Carlton Draft initiative were looking to

Ballan as an example moving forward.

“I’ve spoken with two of the other clubs, because we were the first ones to have it this year, and they’re asking us for tips and pointers,” he said. “We’ve given them a bit of info that they can use on their day. One club hasn’t won a game for two years so it’ll boost morale a thousand times.”

Mr O’Hanlon said the significance of local football in the community can’t be ignored.

“When you look at clubs like ours, where there is one club per town, everything shuts at lunch time on Saturday because everyone is off to the footy.

“It’s pretty special for someone of his calibre to play country footy. I think he got a real buzz out of it too.”

Eddie Russell

the Ballan crowd on Saturday. (Supplied: Carlton Draught).

The circus is coming to town

Locals will have the chance to step right up this week,withtheGreatMoscowCircuscomingto Melton for a run of shows.

Meltonwillbetreatedtoeightshowsoverthe span of 10 days, starting from June 14.

Touring in Victoria for the first time in over six years, the show features a slew of local and international acts, hailing from places such as Brazil, Greece, New Zealand, and Ukraine, performing a variety of feats.

Marketing manager Mark Edgley said the extreme theme of the show would put an emphasis on hair-raising action.

“This is a brand- new show touring Australia at the moment … which brings the wow factor to the audience,” he said.

“It’s a show for all ages and it really is two hours of non-stop energetic entertainment which will keep you on the edge of your seat.”

not democracy at all,” he said.

“If this happens to go ahead there will be a mass protest at the opening. We are just not happy with this at all.”

Mr Dunne said his petition more accurately reflects the views of the Elaine community.

“The [other] petition was in a store and a lot of those names would have come from highway traffic but our 120 against is all locals and cricketers that don’t want the name changed,” he said.

Honouring the legacy of one over the hard

work of many would be unfair, Mr Dunne said.

“There’s been many people over the years who have helped with the reserve. To name it after one person, I don’t think it’s the right way to go and neither do 120 residents.”

Mr Dunne said there are more pressing issuesthatneedaddressing,includingavermin infestation that is plaguing the clubrooms.

A report, based on all feedback received duringtheconsultationperiod,willbebrought to a future council meeting for a decision.

BMXandproscooterriders,multi-motorcycle cage riders, and trampoline and trapeze acts will perform death-defying stunts as part of the show.

“It has no lull – it’s a free flowing show with lots of excitement as well as great costumes and great production,” Mr Edgeley said.

One highlight to look forward to is the ‘world’s funniest clown’, Mr Edgley said.

“This guy is amazing – he brings people out from the audience and he is hilarious.”

“He is only about 4 foot 11“ but he’s got a big heart.”

Mr Edgley was confident the show would be a smash hit.

“You’re not going to get a circus in Australia better than this. It’s a world class show.”

Eddie Russell

The Great Moscow Circus is coming to Melton. (Supplied: Mark Edgley)

Former Tiger captain Trent Cotchin delighted

Survey is in the house

Neighbourhood house participants are being put front and centre through a new survey to help state government better understand their needs.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria hopes the survey will help it gain insights that will help inform program improvements.

Neighbourhood Houses offer programs and activities such as food banks, community gardens, arts and craft classes, health and wellbeing activities, government services, maternalchildhealthandoccasionalchildcare.

Along with surveys, tech upgrades will also be funded so Neighbourhood Houses Victoria can conduct the surveys more often and improve data collection.

Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence said funding Neighbourhood Houses was important to help keep community spirit high.

“Neighbourhood Houses provide a safe place for people to upskill, get creative, give back to

their community, and most importantly, create meaningful connections with others,” she said.

“We know the true value of the service Neighbourhood Houses provide is immeasurable – it’s impossible to quantify the way they can pull someone out of the depths of loneliness and into a welcoming and nurturing environment.”

OnWednesdayJune5,MsSpencewasjoined by Tarneit MP Dylan Wight at the Grange Community Centre in Hoppers Crossing to launch the survey.

In 2023 alone, the centre delivered 138 social connection and recreational sessions; 174 health/wellbeingsessions;approximately440kg of food relief/pantry items and approximately $6000 worth of food and grocery vouchers among many other services.

“Grange Community Centre does fantastic work and we’re making sure they can continue supporting the community,” Mr Wight said.

The

Briefs

TV time for Melton Melton will be getting the silver screen treatment very soon. An episode of Postcards, in which celebrity chef and host Shane Delia heads west to see what is on offer, will air on Sunday, June 16, at 5.30pm. The visit will include stops at Latin Foods and Wines, The Melton Men’s Shed, and Hannah Watts Park. Make sure to switch on Channel 9 to catch Melton in all its glory.

Pride Month events

Seven events will take place the next three weeks to celebrate Pride Month, which runs for the entirety of June and commemorates the diversity of the LGBTIQA+ community, identities, and history. A number of these events are run by Melton Rainbow Social, a community group dedicated to fostering connections and support within the LGBTIQA+ community, in partnership with Melton council. Among the array of activities is ten-pin bowling at Xplosions Bar and Bowl on Sunday, June 16, a painting workshop on Wednesday, June 26, and a ‘Cuppa and Chat’ on the morning of Saturday, June 23. Details: www.melton.vic. gov.au/Out-n-About/Events-Activities/ Pride-month-events

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Web: starweekly.com.au

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It highlights kindergartens and long day care centres that offer play-based programs to help children learn and grow, before they start

It also identifies services that are approved for Victorian Government funding.

From left, Helen Allen - Grange Community Centre Board of Governance, Daniel Smith - vice secretary Board of Governance, Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence, Tarneit MP Dylan Wight, Sharon Brown - chair Board of Governance, Cr Marcel Mahfoud, Tamara Watt - acting CEO Grange Community Centre and Keir Paterson, CEO Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (Supplied)

Pilot lied to wife about deaths

By Emily Woods, AAP

Accused Caroline Springs double murderer

Greg Lynn has admitted lying to his wife about his involvement in the deaths of two campers, as he apologised to their families for destroying evidence.

The 57-year-old ex-Jetstar pilot stuck to his story, appearing calm as he was questioned by lawyers from both sides when he testified on Thursday, four weeks into his murder trial.

Almost 100 people filled the Supreme Court in Melbourne for Lynn’s evidence, including his wife Melanie, one of his sons and members of Russell Hill and Carol Clay’s families.

He has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Hill, 74, and Mrs Clay, 73, in the Wonnangatta Valley, in Victoria’s northeast, in March 2020.

Defence barrister Dermot Dann KC said Lynn had offered to plead guilty to a charge of destroying police evidence before the murder trial began.

Lynn admitted he deserved punishment for that charge, as he apologised to the victims’ families.

“All I can say to their families is that I’m very sorry for your suffering,” Lynn told the jury.

“I should be punished for what I did.

“I am innocent of murder.”

Lynn claims Mr Hill threatened to show authorities drone footage of him hunting deer close to their campsite, which led to a struggle over a gun and Mr Hill accidentally shooting Mrs Clay in the head.

Mr Hill then came at him with a knife and Lynn claims he was trying to defend himself when the weapon went into Mr Hill’s chest.

But the prosecution alleges Mr Hill was shot dead by Lynn, who then killed Mrs Clay as she was the only witness to the murder.

two murders.

“It’s a disaster and it would’ve been a disaster if I had’ve gone to police. At the time it seemed the magnitude of disaster was irrelevant,” Lynn said.“Ineverexpectedtobeinthiscourthouse.”

Lynn said he went into crisis mode after both campers died and his training as a pilot helped give him the presence of mind to burn the campsite and dispose of the couple’s bodies.

“I was a panicked person, I’ve been trained to remain calm. I can manage stress,” he told the jury.

He described a bloodied crime scene, which he had cleaned up using gloves used to clean Jetstar planes.

“There was a large pool of blood on the ground,” Lynn said. “The scene was horrendous.”

Lynn put the two bodies in his car’s trailer and took them to the remote bushland of the

Lynn told the jury on Thursday that after the two campers died, he panicked as he realised he could lose his career as a Jetstar pilot over improper gun storage.

MrHillhadtakenashotgunandammunition from Lynn’s car, and he tried to get the gun back but four to five shots went off, with one hitting the side mirror and killing Mrs Clay, he claimed.

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Greg Lynn said he lied to his wife Melanie (centre) to protect her.

Police powers concern

By Rachael Ward, AAP

A leading Aboriginal legal service is concerned expanding police powers under Victorian family violence reforms could have long-term negativeeffectsonvulnerablevictim-survivors.

The $100 million package centres around offenders being hit with intervention orders longer than the current six-to-12 months, harsher punishments and greater protections for stalking victims.

However, Melton legal service Djirra does not support expanding Victoria Police powers to issue longer family violence safety notices, citing concerns for vulnerable women.

The service said about one-in-five Aboriginal women who were victim-survivors was misidentified as the perpetrator of violence, which can have long-term effects including criminalisation, incarceration and the removal of their children into out-of-home care.

Chief executive Antoinette Braybrook said more needed to be done to stop misidentification.

“Right now Aboriginal children are being taken from their mums at rates nearly double the national average,” Ms Braybrook said.

“The misidentification of Aboriginal women as the perpetrator of violence has devastating, long-term impacts on our women and their children.”

The service is also concerned the package is “silent“ on major gaps in frontline services, including access to culturally safe services no more than 100km from home.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said Victoria Police had done work to reduce misidentification and courts would still have oversight.

Shesaiditwasawfulforvictimstogothrough family violence and then be re-traumatised when they faced their perpetrator through

repeat intervention order processes, which was the reasoning behind extending the time frame.

“We are making this change that will still retain the oversight of the magistrate’s court, there will still be that consideration of issues like misidentification but we’re putting the victim-survivor at the front and centre of the process,” Ms Allan told reporters in Ballarat on Friday.

Family Violence Prevention Minister Vicki Ward said misidentification issues were rectified “very, very quickly” once raised.

The comments came as the premier revealed Ballarat will be the first area to be saturated with a violence prevention campaign run under a Respect Victoria trial.

“It’s about making sure when you walk out

onto the street, on public transport, we see those critical messages,” Respect Victoria chair Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon said.

“When you turn on your TV, we’ve got the campaigns, when you go to your sporting club, women, girls, boys, men have access to the same sporting equipment.

“Everyone’s got access to the bathrooms they need, we don’t say things like kick like a girl.”

The saturation model has been rolled out in several low-income countries and there are hopesthefour-yeartrialwillleadtoareduction of violence against women and children.

“We want to be able to stand here in four years time and tell you what’s changed.”

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14 13YARN 13 92 76

Melton marks Refugee Week

Melton council is celebrating Refugee Week with a number of activities, from Sunday, June 16, to Saturday, June 22. Thisyear’sthemeis#FindingFreedom: Family.

Thisyear,thefocusisontheimportance of family during displacement, highlighting the resilience and unity within the refugee experience.

Melton council’s Refugee Week celebrationsextendthroughouttheweek, featuring various events in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. The aim is to engage directly with refugees, asylum seekers, students, and service providers, fostering dialogue and support within the community.

On Tuesday, June 18, the Melton Library is hosting a Journeys of Hope: Refugee narratives explored question and answer session in conjunction with Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services. The free event, from 11.30am to 1pm, will teach people about refugee journeys and challenges.

On Wednesday, June 19, Melton Primary School will have a Lessons of ResilienceShowcase.From10amtonoon, refugees will share stories with school children and celebrate the inclusion and contribution of the refugees to Melton.

On Thursday, June 20, there will be a celebration of finding family hosted by the Melton Interfaith Network, at the Fraser Rise Community Centre, from 10am to 1pm.

All-natural

100%

Djirra chief executive Antoinette Braybrook.

Melton’s best kept secret garden?

It’s a Thursday morning and a group of fluoro-clad, hat wearing volunteers are gatheredunderanexpansive,shadyeucalyptus tree near the lake within Melton Botanic Garden (MBG) enjoying a morning tea break with freshly baked goods and a cuppa. As a volunteer for over a year for the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden, I am but one of many who have played an active role in developing and maintaining the garden.

The gardens encompass a 25-hectare area of natural beauty and endless discovery made up of indigenous plants and exotic plants from similar climatic conditions. Melton Botanic Garden can be discovered tucked in between Melton’s High Street and the freeway. The land on which the garden is developed is on Kurun jang balug land of the Wurundjeri-willam clan, a clan of the Woi wurrung people. These rich, diverse gardens celebrated their 20th anniversary earlier this year.

The garden is very popular with dog walkers, people exercising and young children exploring the nature space playground which is beautifully designed with natural materials and overlooking the lake. Many community groups visit on a regular basis to enjoy the peaceful public space.

I work in the Koori Student Garden, a space originally designed by a team made up of a landscape designer and a group of Melton primary and secondary Aboriginal students. The garden is designed around a serpentine-typeshapewithgravelpathsleading into circular spaces and planted throughout with indigenous species of Melbourne’s Western Plains.

A typical day might find me pruning the correas, cutting back the rampant salt bush varieties and mulching the garden beds with the pruning cuttings in a method called ‘chop and drop’. There is very little irrigation throughout the garden and plants are watered only during their establishment phase, for the first year or so.

While it is impossible to do justice to the variety and expansiveness of the whole garden, some of the plant collections include: Dryland Eucalypts, West Australian, South Australian, EasternAustralianDryland,SouthernAfrican, Mediterranean region, Californian, Central and South American, Victorian Volcanic Plains and Bushfoods.

A fantastic resource developed in 2011 is the Garden Explorer | Melton Botanic Garden on which you can explore the specific name and details of all the plants found within the garden.Thereisevenanextensiveplantnursery

on site where you can pick up plants for your own garden. Opening hours for the nursery are 9.30am-12.30pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, and 2nd and 4th Sundays.

In the South African beds, you can find Cussonia paniculatas or Highveld Cabbage Trees.Thisdistinctiveevergreentreeisstriking in the garden, especially against the backdrop of rocks and boulders. The cabbage tree has an unusual shape, interesting, gnarled bark and stunning, large, grey-green leaves. The tree is primarily from South Africa and can grow up to 5m in height although it tends to be slow growing. Did you know that the Zulu name, Zoeloekiepersol, refers to the cabbage tree as goats’ food?

From January to April cabbage trees bear small, green, stalked flowers; in short dense spikes, making up a large, branched inflorescence at the end of the trunk or branches. Flowers are followed by fleshy and purple-maroon fruits, which mature in May to June. The flowers produce a sticky nectar that birds love to devour. The thick root can be peeled and eaten raw as food or as a source of water (Van Wyk & Gericke 2000).

Pruning is completed in autumn and the new growth of leaves emerge from the pruning wound on the plant. The best method of

propagationisbymeansofseedharvestedfrom fresh ripe fruits. Remember to allow room for the tubers to develop in the propagation pots. Seedlings can be transplanted at about 4

months but be very careful not

when

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

In the South African beds, you can find Cussonia paniculatas or Highveld Cabbage Trees. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 411705

to damage the fleshy roots

transplanting. Melton Botanic Garden – A Public Car Park is located at 40 Lakewood Boulevard, Melton.

Family’s twin fight for Kiwi rights

Tarneit’s Mackay family moved from New Zealand to Australia 20 years ago. The family is now fighting for the right for their twin daughters, who were born in Australia, to access the NDIS and disability support pension, Cade Lucas reports.

July 1, 2023, was a bittersweet moment for Tarneit’s Angela Mackay.

Originally from Auckland, Angela, her husband, Jeremy, and then 10-year-old daughter, Stella, emigrated to Australia in 2004 and have lived here ever since.

However, like scores of others from across the Tasman, the Mackays were disadvantaged by the 2001 law passed by the then Howard government which established a new Special Category visa for New Zealanders in Australia, allowing them stay, but restricting their access to some government payments and obtaining citizenship without first being granted permanent residency.

But at the start of the last financial year, the “direct pathway to citizenship” changes brokered by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his then New Zealand counterpart, Chris Hipkins, came into effect, allowing the 350,000 Kiwis living in Australia to become citizens after four years of residency. The right to vote and access to government benefits were among the other rights Australian-based Kiwi’s now had access to that they previously didn’t.

Well, not quite.

While the path to citizenship for New Zealanders has been made quicker and easier, the so called ‘stand down’ periods required for them access to some government services and welfare payments, remain in place.

Effectively waiting periods introduced as a means to collect enough taxes from people in order to offset possible future social security claims, stand downs can range from one to 10 years depending on the type of payment being sought.

For New Zealanders like Angela , who’ve spent years working and paying taxes in Australia as permanent residents before becoming citizens, the stand downs can come as a particularly rude shock.

Knowing that shock was coming for many of her fellow Kiwi’s tempered Angela’s joy on July 1 last year.

“A lot of Kiwis will be in our same situation and don’t even realise it, and won’t until they need help,” she said. “This goes against the equalityandfairnessthatAustraliapridesitself on by looking after its citizens.”

Angela is speaking from experience.

While Jeremy and Stella, are now in the process of becoming Australian citizens and Angela - due to having lived here in the 1980’s and having a return residency visa – was able to become a citizen in October 2023, there are two other members of the Mackay family who became Australian citizens long before any of them.

“In 2007 we had identical twins born in Australia with a rare chromosome deletion, they both have a intellectual disability,” said

Angela of her daughters Kyah and Luca, who as a result of their birthplace, became Australian citizens upon turning 10.

But as Angela explains, this was no cause for celebration.

“Because of our immigration status (both being Kiwis) our children were not granted citizenship at birth. Although my husband paid taxes and paid taxes into the NDIS our children could not access the NDIS until 10 years old as they were not citizens, missing out on years of valuable therapy.”

Turning 17 later this month, Kyah and Luca have been citizens and had access to the NDIS for seven years and have attended Warringa Park Specialist School’s Werribee South campus since they were in prep.

Yet rather than being a figment of the past, standdown periods blocking their access to much needed public support is now a more acute problem for the Mackay twins than ever before.

“They’re now finishing their schooling years so we have applied for the disability pension,” said Angela.

“Both girls qualify under the medical side

ErinaMorungaisanAdelaide-based migrationagentwhosaidex-patKiwi’s make up an increasing amount of her business.

“Over the past seven years, most of our work has focused on assisting New Zealanders who are eager to become Australian citizens because they or theirfamilieslackfullrights,privileges, and entitlements – despite paying full taxes for one or two decades,” said Erina who has assisted the Mackay’s.

She said the 10-year stand down period for access to the DSP should be scrapped and that more consideration should be given to the needs of long-term ex-pats.

“These should be taking into account the unfair legislation that have occurred over the past two to three decades which has unilaterally disadvantaged all New Zealanders who came after February 26, 2001, including those who have been tax-paying, law-abiding, community-driven, English-speaking, often skilled, long-term residents of Australia,” Erina said, pointing out that those who paid thousands of dollars in visa charges under the old scheme, should be reimbursed.

The Mackay’s case has been referred to Federal NDIS Minister Bill Shorten and the Department of Social Services (DSS).

A spokesperson for the DSS said Australia’s social security system was a non-contributory, residence-based system and to qualify for the DSP, a person must generally have resided in Australia as a citizen or permanent visa holder for 10 years and at least five continuously.

but were declined on residency status.”

Access to the disability support pension (DSP) still requires a 10-year stand down periodfromthemomentcitizenshipisgranted.

Despite being Australian born and citizens for the best part of a decade, Kyah and Luca still fall three years short of eligibility.

“This is ridiculous,” said their mother who is worried about what the twins will do without full-time education, but unable to perform full-time work.

“When my girls finish school they can possibly get the jobseeker (which has a shorter stand down period). If they do get the jobseeker, they will have to actively look for full-time employment and report every two weeks which is ridiculous when having a learning disability. Worse case they will getnothingandmyselfandmyhubbywillhave to fully support them until the age of 20,” she said.

The Mackay’s might be an extreme case, but they’re far from the only Kiwi’s who’ve spent years living and working across the ‘ditch’, but who’ve found their rights don’t match their contribution.

The spokesperson said anyone who meets the residence, disability/early intervention and age criteria under the NDIS Act will receive supports through the NDIS.

NZ immigrant Angela Mackay says a loophole has meant her disabled twin daughters Kyah and Luca (inset) have been denied a disability pension despite being born in Australia and being Australian citizens. (Damjan Janevski) 404992_01

Immigration agent Erina Morunga says ex-pat New Zealanders make up an increasing amount of her work. (Pictures: Supplied)

1 Suns (5) 4 Stages (9) 9 Sneak (5)

10 Bite-sized appetiser (5,4) 11 Work of Charles Dickens – Twist (6) 12 Nullify (8) 14 Preferred things (10)

15 First book of the Christian Bible (abbr) (3) 17 Pile (3)

19 Self-centred (10)

23 Women’s underwear and nightwear (8) 24 Doctor (6) 26 Happen (9) 27 Smooth transition (5)

28 Settler (9) 29 ‘Not on your – !’ (coll) (5)

Aid (6) 2 The A in USA (7)

Highest rank (coll) (7)

Pontiff (4)

Exercises (10) 6 – contract, a standardised forward contract (7) 7 Rampaging (7) 8 Scalpel users (8) 13 First concerns (10) 16 Logical (8)

Arcade game involving steel balls (7) 19 1970s band, – Lake and Palmer (7) 20 Treachery (7) 21 Against the law (7) 22 Throughway (6)

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”.

15 words: Good 23 words: Very good 31 words: Excellent Today’s Aim:

3 LETTERS

3 Who is trapped in the ninth and final circle of Dante’s hell? 4 Which US state is the only one with a single-syllable name?

5

No. 189

No. 189

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

First Aid courses

Enrolments are now open for Melton South Community Centre’s next round of first aid courses, scheduled for Saturday 29 June. Available courses include HLTAID009 (Perform CPR), HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) and HLTAID012 (First Aid in an Education & Care Setting).

■ Melton South Community Centre, 9747 8576

Healthy living information

Melton South Community Centre and Western Health are holding a free community information session on healthy living and how you can achieve more each day. Catered event; bookings required.

■ Melton South Community Centre, 9747 8576

Vanilla slice class

Save money without sacrificing treats and learn how to make your own decadent French vanilla slices at home. Taught by a French-trained chef, this one-day workshop to be held 10am-2.30pm on Sunday 16 June at Melton South Community Centre will have you creating your own mille-feuille in no time. $65/$60 concession.

■ Melton South Community Centre, 9747 8576.

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

Fishing club

Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome. Upcoming events will be listed on this page.

■ Andrew, 0407 303 438 or Wayne, 0414 785 366

First Aid Course

Enrolments are now open for Melton South Community Centre’s next round of first aid courses, scheduled for Saturday 29 June. Available courses include HLTAID009 (Perform CPR), HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) and HLTAID012 (First Aid in an Education & Care Setting).

■ 9747 8576

Lights of Wisdom

The Bahá’ís of Moorabool invite you to Lights of Wisdom, a tranquil space to share the insights from the great spiritual traditions of mankind. Sessions will be held at the Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh, every first Friday of the month. Starting time 7.30pm. Entry is free.

■ mgilsant9@gmail.com

Seniors’ lunch

Deer Park Branch of National Seniors Australia hosts a lunch on the third Friday of each month at different venues. The group also arranges activities each month, sometimes to the theatre, morning melodies, train or bus trip. The group also holds a general meeting at The Club in Caroline Springs on the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm. Locals are invited to join in for lunch or just attend the meeting and make new friends.

■ Pamela, pcostello46@hotmail.com

Bacchus Marsh CWA

Baking, crafting, day trips, local dining, market stalls and fundraising are just some

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedian Deborah Barrese dressed up as ‘Carmen’, a character from her upcoming live comedy. (Damjan Janevski) 410912_01

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A journey of Vietnamese history

By Hannah Hammoud

Embark on a cultural journey with Bach Viet Danceastheypresent‘TheEmperorCity(From Past to Present)’, a captivating performance showcasing the rich history and traditions of the imperial city of Hue in central Vietnam.

This cultural show will feature a blend of traditional court music, contemporary music, and poetry recitations, brought to life through costumes, singing, and traditional dance. Di Tran, the passionate organiser behind this cultural showcase, emphasises the importance

ofsharingVietnamesehistoryandculturewith the broader community.

“To understand our culture is to appreciate its beauty, and this applies to all cultures,” Tran said.

“I have always had a personal passion for introducing Vietnamese history and cultural aspects into the mainstream so that children and people from other ethnic backgrounds can understand and appreciate our heritage.”

Since its establishment in 2019, Bach Viet Dance has been dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and cohesion within the

community.

The group, consisting of 14 members aged 36 to 62, has previously collaborated with other organisations and continues to receive strong support from the community.

Last year’s cultural show focused on North Vietnamese culture and attracted a diverse audience. This year, the group is excited to expand their reach and share the beauty of Vietnamese culture with even more people from various backgrounds.

“It’s been about five years now since we started and we’ve done a number of events that

14. (Supplied)

Cultural performance coming soon

Bukjeh’s performance, Hakima, is coming to Broadmeadows.

Hakima means ‘Wise woman’ in Arabic, and embodies the essence of strength, wisdom and resilience of women.

The performance brings together local poets with roots in Africa and the Levant to honour and uplift the stories of women in times of war and displacement.

Through stories, poetry and songs, Hakima shares the experiences of mothers of survivors and martyrs, of women who couldn’t say goodbye, and mothers who are amplifying

their voices and drawing inspiration from their resilience, faith and unwavering fortitude.

It’s an exploration of the wisdom that emerges from challenges, offering a platform for these wise women to share their invaluable life lessons and tales of perseverance.

The performance has support from Hume council’s arts grants program, and will take place on Friday, June 14, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at Town Hall Broadmeadows.

Also coming to the Town Hall is a Hakima exhibition in the gallery.

Opening up on June 14 and staying until

Friday, September 13, the multimedia installation that transports visitors into a sensory experience of the bustling markets, kitchens and serene landscapes of the Levant, inviting an exploration of the connections between the food we savour, the stories we tell, and the art that transcends time and borders.

The exhibition celebrates the artistry of preparing traditional dishes, as well as the communal spirit of sharing meals with loved ones.

Free tickets: https://bukjeh.org/etn/hakimaexhibition-opening-performance/

Stockroom visual art spectacles on show

Kyneton Stockroom is hosting two new visual art exhibitions – ‘Dystopia’ by Guillaume Dillée and ‘Homage’ by David Doyle. French-bornandself-taughtartistGuillaume Dillée moved to Australia with his family 10 years ago, and was confronted by the harshness of the Australian natural environment.

“When we arrived in Australia, we had to face almost every day hearing the news about all the climate change issues with the huge fires we had ... with all the issues with water, with the air, with pollution, with climate change,” Dillée said.

From observing this, Dillée was inspired to begin creating artworks that reflected the link between humans and the Australian natural landscape.

“I started to understand that nature was struggling against all types of human activities and also humans were struggling against nature – so that balance was very inspiring for me and it was one of my main concerns,” he said.

In his exhibition statement, Dillée said that the title ‘Dystopia’ refers to the dreamlike

quality of his work and a “conceptual world where the relationship between man and nature is perpetually at odds”.

David Doyle is a Barkindji/Malyangapa man based in Broken Hill, NSW, and presents his

benefit the community,” Tran said.

“This year we’re lucky enough to continue to be supported to produce this cultural show focussing on Vietnamese culture. We have been rehearsing relentlessly every week, twice a week.”

TheEmperorCity(FromPasttoPresent)will hit the stage at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans on Saturday, July 6, from 7-9.45pm. Tickets are $15, or $10 for children 12 years and under. The show will be presented in both English and Vietnamese.

Details: https://shorturl.at/KMLYr

Art honours Mother Earth

Hopetoun Park local Tanisha Quilliam is probably one of the most accomplished 15 year olds in Victoria.

The Bacchus Marsh Grammar year 10 student has displayed her artwork in the LUME Melbourne and spoken at the United Nations.

Now, the three time Koori Heritage Trust winner is displaying her art in an exhibit for the Moorabool council as part of Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.

Quilliam said she is proud First Nations artists are getting a spotlight.

“It’s really amazing that they wanted to include more Indigenous people in exhibiting art and I just love sharing my culture with everybody,” she said.

Titled ‘The Art of Destruction and Rejuvenation’, Quilliam’s exhibit explores the different understandings that Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians have with nature.

“I’ve noticed that the Indigenous community is struggling with trying to show that burning off the land is a way to rejuvenate it and bring back the natural growth and cycle of the land,” she said. “I really wanted to showcase that because I’m very connected to Mother Earth.”

Quilliam said her favourite part of the exhibit was the end piece.

“It’sa3Dfacewhichhastheillustration ofpartoftheWerribeeRiveranditshows her beauty after all she’s been through.”

Quilliam’s father, Wayne, is a renowned photographer and curator. She said he inspires her in organic ways.

“He helps me grow in my creative ability but he pushes me in a way that creates my own sense of what I want to do.”

The outdoor exhibit, at The Village Green, 197 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, will be open until Monday, July 29.

exhibition ‘Homage’ covering three different series: Glass Coolamon, Unbroken Shields and Curved Parrying Shields.

In The Glass Coolamon series, Doyle uses the glass art medium to pay tribute to his grandparents, ancestors, Barkindji country, and his Malyangapa heritage.

The two shield series communicate his cultural identity and the struggles of preserving it, with some designs hailing from his ancestors.

“When creating these works, I made sure to do extensive research into shields and designs pertinent to my Aboriginal heritage,” Doyle said.

“A shield is like an ID, individual to the owner, so I didn’t want to take the identity of anyone else … I made small changes to ensure they were unique but still followed the Barkindji design principles.”

The shields are part of a larger story that can be viewed on the Kyneton Stockroom website.

Details: https://stockroomspace.com/gallery

Oscar Parry

Eddie Russell

Tanisha Quilliam in front of her exhibit. (Supplied: Moorabool council).

A painting from Guillaume Dillée’s exhibition ‘Dystopia’. (Magali Gentric)

Bukjeh’s Hakima performance will take over Town Hall Broadmeadows on Friday, June

General Notices

Notice of intention to construct Rockbank Diversion Sewer

Greater Western Water Corporation

11 June 2024

This is a notice under section 175 of the Water Act 1989 (Vic).

Due to population growth

Greater Western Water intends to construct a new sewer main along Greigs Road east of Troups Rd North in Rockbank. The construction works required to owners and occupiers on Greigs Road from the intersection with Troups Road North to approximately 500 metres west of Mt Atkinson Road.

You can inspect information about the plans for the intended works on Greater Western Water’s website at yoursay.gww. com.au/rockbankdiversion

If you wish to make a submission about the proposed construction, you can send your submission to Greater Western Water either by: M: Locked Bag 350, Sunshine VIC 3020 E: engagement@gww.com.au W: gww.com.au/contact-us

Submissions must be received no later than close of business Wednesday26 June 2024

If no submissions are received, Greater Western Water intends to carry out the construction works on and from Monday 1 July 2024.

For general enquiries regarding this notice or the proposed works please connect with us via gww.com.au/contact-us or call 13 44 99 and we will get back to you as soon as possible during business hours Monday to Friday.

Notice given with the authority of Greater Western Water Corporation by:

Cathy Bourke Head of

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

Toyota banks on stylish new BEV

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

What’s in a name? Plenty if you happen to be one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers pumping out products by the boatload.

Take Toyota, for example. Nothing goes better to describe the Land Cruiser as a prestigious go-anywhere off roader; then there’s the Prius, relating to its being the first mass produced petrol/hybrid car.

Now comes Toyota’s first wholly electric SUV, the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) bZ4X. The what? Surely that’s an internal maker’s code. Where’s the snappy showroom moniker? Was the marketing department on leave? ‘Oh, what a feeling’ . . . not!

So, what have we got? To say the car is simply a plug-in RAV4 is to undersell the bZ4X. Drawing on more than a quarter of a century of the company’s leadership in hybrid vehicle technology, this is the first Toyota in Australia to make use of the new BEV-dedicated e-TNGA platform, integrating battery and motor into the vehicle’s structure, providing extra rigidity and a low centre of gravity for stable driving dynamics.

The bZ4X is a midsize SUV that comes in two versions – front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive – priced from $66,000 and $74,900, respectively. A standard Toyota five years/ unlimited kilometres warranty applies, or seven years on motor and driveline with logbookservicing.Alsoofferediscappedprice servicing for the first five years/75,000km, witheach12-month/15,000kmservicecosting $189.

An optional full-service lease, covering maintenance, mechanical repairs, replacement tyres, roadside assist, Toyota Comprehensive insurance plus registration and third-party insurance, is on offer through one single monthly payment.

The FWD version is equipped with LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels and a list of convenience and safety features, synthetic leather trim, heated front seats, the driver’s eight-way adjustable and dual zone climate control.

The AWD bZ4X (the test vehicle) is taken to the next level with roof spoiler, panoramic sunroof, roof rails and gloss black bonnet highlight.

Styling

Designers were tasked with combining the character of a BEV with the stylish and functional look of an SUV. The bZ4X is the first model Down Under to display Toyota’s hallmark ‘hammerhead’ front, with the bonnet surface reaching out to the nose and each corner.

A spoiler above the horizontal tail-light line contributes to aerodynamics, along with the diffuser surfaces below the rear bumper. Other details that contribute to the car’s 0.279 coefficientofdragincludeafrontgrilleshutter that closes when limited cooling is needed, front air curtains that promote airflow down the body sides, and a fully covered underbody.

ThebZ4X20-inchdoublefive-spokewheels, with contrasting black and machined finish and grey resin accents for a three-dimensional detailed look.

One of six exterior colours, the test car’s was Feverish Red – or as one would-be influencer put it: ‘ A bit like a winter red nail polish.’ –with gloss black roof and bonnet panel.

Interior

The e-TNGA platform has allowed the wheels to be extended outward to the front and rear, making more room for occupants, and optimising the traction of all-wheel drive off road.

The AWD variant gains a nine-speaker JBL premium audio, Premium SofTex seat trim, Qi-compatible wireless charger, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel driver’s seat memory function and power tailgate with kick sensor.

Boot capacity is 441 litres for the AWD3, thanks to clever packaging of the AWD rear

e-Axle and JBL sound system. A further 10-litre storage space under the cargo floor houses the included charge cables and tool kit And. don’t go looking for a glovebox. There isn’t one. A large space under the floating centre console takes its place.

Infotainment

The latest Toyota multimedia technology is harnessed through a 12.3-inch touchscreen with access to DAB+ radio, wireless Apple CarPlay,andAndroidAuto.Voicerecognition, called up by the command ‘Hey, Toyota’, will control a range of functions such as opening windows.

This multi-media system provides access to the latest Toyota Connected Services online features, including the myToyota smartphone app, which is complimentary for a 12-month period.

BEV specific features include charge station locations and charge management. Over-the-air updates, cloud navigation and live traffic information are included.

A 7-inch driver multi-information display is cleverly situated directly behind the steering almost up against the windscreen but below the bonnet line, making it almost a head-up display and is visually sharp and easy to read.

The 350mm steering wheel, smaller than on other Toyotas, also aids visibility.

Powertrain

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

TheFWDmodelincorporatesafront-mounted e-Axle combining transaxle, motor and inverter into an integrated, compact unit, while the AWD variant uses front and rear 80 kW e-Axles with maximum combined outputs of 160 kW and 337 Nm.

Providing the power is a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery that is extensively tested for 20 days before being fitted to the vehicle.

Safety

As well as seven airbags, up-to-date Toyota Safety Sense, a combination of technologies is designed to protect passengers, the battery and other vehicles and pedestrians.

A pre-collision system can detect vehicles, motorcycles, cyclists in daytime only, and pedestrians even at intersections. Other features include active cruise control, emergency steering assist, lane trace assist, emergency driving stop system, road sign assist with speed signs only, and parking support brake.

Features above those of FWD include driver attention and blind spot monitors, safe exit assist, intelligent parking assist and 360-degree panoramic view of the vehicle.

Driving

The bZ4X set off almost in silence (road noise taking its place) with just a gentle push in the

back. The 337 Nm of torque was put to good use in all driving conditions, from stop/start city going to the freedom of an open-road rush.

Rideandhandlingqualitywaswhatwehave cometoexpectovertheyearsfromToyota,the small steering wheel outwearing its gimmicky introduction to come into its own, especially during tight manoeuvres.

Regenerative braking (using the electric motor to slow the car) was more ‘hands-off’ than some similar systems and needed brake pedal back-up to bring the car to a complete halt.

Energy efficiency is put by the maker at 18.1kWhper100kilometres.TheAWDontest averaged 18kWh per 100 kilometres.

Charging was a breeze at the local public fast charge station, with the tester going from 30 to 90 per cent in 45 minutes. I could live with that.

Off road, the all-wheel drive variant is helped by 212 mm ground clearance and dedicated X-Mode driving aids that optimise traction in snow/dirt or deep snow/mud and take in crawl and downhill assist.

Summary

For more than 25 years Toyota led the electrification way with the Prius petrol/ electric hybrid. I wonder if the bZ4X can do the same for the BEV.

Now comes Toyota’s first wholly electric SUV, the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) bZ4X. (Pictures: Supplied)

Storm places firm focus on female development

Melbourne Storm is targeting Melbourne’s north-west as it forms its inaugural Storm female development program.

Following the success of the Female Footy Festival held at the State Rugby League and Community Centre in Broadmeadows, the Storm is now establishing a new pathway for female players in Victoria.

The Storm is holding three combines, the first which was in Broadmeadows on Sunday.

TheStormwesthubwillbeheldinWyndham on June 16, while the southeast hub combine will be held on June 23.

Storm’s female pathway program manager Pauline Poloai said it was exciting.

“There are 1300 females playing the game of rugby league in Victoria,” she said. “We know there are girls wanting to aspire to play NRLW.

“This Is a starting point of introducing females to our Storm family.”

Poloai said the Storm was preparing to launch an NRLW team for the 2028 season and they wanted to build the foundations now to get more Victorian females playing.

The three combine testing days gives the development squad selectors an opportunity to assess some key areas.

They will identify the top 30 players and they will be part of a 12 week program overseen by

Melbourne Storm coaches and staff, before heading off on a three-day tour of New South Wales for trial matches.

“There will be off field education,” she said.

“We’ll also teach them the Storm system.”

Poloai said they had development programs for the men’s side, now they were looking to

implement that for women.

She said they had targeted areas where they know there’s a lot of females playing the sport.

Poloai said it was important to have Victorian-born players as part of the Storm’s female program.

Just five Victorian-born players have played

Devils focus on success

By Tara Murray

Things are starting to click for Darley in the Ballarat Football League women’s competition.

Last season’s premiers, the Devils lost 11 premiership players in the off season for a number of different factors.

Having brought in some new players, the Devils are still one of the teams to beat, sitting second on the ladder, with one loss. Only Redan, which is has played in the past two grand finals, sits above them.

Devils coach Brett Faulkhead said they were happy with where things are at.

“It was fantastic last year and we put in a lot of work,” he said. “The focus isn’t on the end of the year, it’s on what we’ve been able to do over a 12 month period.

“This year the focus is on everyone getting better than last year. The group is starting to get and understand everyone in the team.

“We can’t expect them to get it right away.

We’re slowly, slowly getting there..”

Faulkhead said every player was stepping up and playing their role.

“In our social group this week I focused on the quiet achievers,” he said.

“Our top player is in the VFLW [Victorian Football League women’s] and we have girls who have played in the VFLW and girls who are playing in their first season.

“Everyoneisgettingagameandplayingtheir role. They’re doing things like a block or giving the handball, that’s all I ask for.

“For every women’s team, they want to be better than the year before.”

He was full of praise for the leaders of the team.

“Emmerson Hitch is my assistant coach and she has been magnificent for me,” he said.

“My right hand person is Ben Skinner and he does a hell of a lot of work.

“I can’t speak more highly of my leadership group.

for the Storm in the NRL. Four are from the Hume municipality.

“Thiscomesoffthebackofthesedevelopment programs,” she said. “These programs give kids a first hand look to see what the Storm program is.

“We have got some good talent in the north and also in the west and south.”

Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said the new development program will help the club lay the foundations for a pathway to NRLW.

“This is an exciting time for the female game in Victoria and we are ready to find the best young talent in the state,” he said.

“We want to give Victorian players the chance to play at the highest level, whether they come from rugby league or other codes.

“We know there is a lot of work to do to get the pathways rights, develop the talent we have in Victoria and have the facilities in place for our girls to train and play.

“We can’t do that alone and will be working with our commercial and government partners to give our female future stars the best possible chance to wear the purple jersey in the future.”

Details: https://tinyurl.com/3bx254m6

Tara Murray.

Mufasa Metro heads north

Veteran trainer-driver John Justice is hoping his six-year-old Mufasa Metro can tick off his first Group 1 victory in Queensland this winter.

The squaregaiter made his first public appearance since winning the Cranbourne Trotters Cup back in February at the Melton trials on Monday.

The field of four comprised globetrotter Aldebaran Zeus, with Mufasa Metro finishing third in a quick mile rate of 1.55.3.

“He went really good. I would have preferred they didn’t go quite so hard,” Justice said. “He probably wasn’t ready to go that speed.”

The 64-year-old is not sure if the gelding out of Paris Metro will target a lead-up race in Victoria before heading off to the Sunshine State.

“He is probably not ready to race for another three weeks,” he said.

“WhetherwetakehimtoQueensland and give him a lead-up race up there or give him a race down here (Victoria), I haven’t quite decided.”

Justice is set to target two of the trotting features as part of the Queensland Constellations series.

“Training sessions are really good and the girls take ownership of what they want to to do and what they want to learn and we develop drills around that.”

Whilefocusedonthisseason,Faulkheadsaid they were also looking at the bigger picture.

“It’s all about progress,” he said. “Women’s footy has come a long way, but it’s still a long way to go.

“For us at development. We have juniors coming through in under-14s and under-16s, but we don’t have under-19s.

“There’s a huge age gap between under-16s and seniors. We want to have the pathway set up.”

The senior side goes down and helps out at junior training, while last season Tamara Henry was drafted to Adelaide in another positive sign for the program.

There was a competition wide by for the Ballarat league on the weekend, due to the King’s Birthday weekend.

The Toolern Vale horseman will aim for the Sunshine Sprint (July 20) and the Queensland Trotters Cup a week later (July 27).

“He will probably go up three to four days before the sprint race and have a quiet week at Vic and Gail Frost’s place,” he said.

“I will probably take him to the beach a couple of times, and he should be ready for the Group 1.”

Mufasa Metro finished second in the 2023 Inter Dominion Grand Final behind the Jess Tubbs-trained wonder horse Just Believe, and Justice thinks the winner of over $370,000 has what it takes to tick off an elite level feature.

“I think he is a Group 1 horse. It would be nice at some stage in his career if he could win a couple,” he said.

Altona Roosters at the Female Footy Festival. (Supplied)

Lilli Condon. (Darley FNC)

Vickery and Kaddour get contracts with United

Luke Vickery and Khoder Kaddour have signed their first professional contracts, signing two year deals with Western United. Both players have progressed through the ranks in the Western United Academy and each made their A-League Men’s debuts in the 2023-24 season.

Vickery’s rapid development earned him a maiden Young Socceroos call-up last month. The 18-year-old has been in electric form with five goals in 11 Victorian Premier League 1 matches this season.

Kaddour made five first-team appearances last season before his season was cut short by an ACL injury.

Kaddour and Vickery said they are ready to step up into an exciting future at Ironbark Fields.

“All my hard work has been building

towards this. I honestly thought this was never going to happen, so for it to happen is a dream come true,” Kaddour said.

“It feels good having my friends who I’ve known for years signing for the same club. That’s the kind of thing you don’t think would happen. It gives the club something to look forward to – a good future with a lot of young players signing.”

Vickery added, “I can’t wait to keep growing both as a player and a person with the club and I’m so grateful for this opportunity – the hard work starts now.

“The fans definitely have to come out and watch us. There’s a lot of youth, a lot of excitement, a lot of energy. It’ll be a very exciting season next year and it’ll be awesome for a lot of fans to come and support us at our home in Tarneit.”

United football general manager Mal Impiombato celebrated the achievements of Vickery and Kaddour.

“We are immensely proud to confirm these two signings – players that have come into our academy pathway, developed as footballers and as people in our system and are now ready for the professional game,” he said.

The pair of youngsters join Abel Walatee in signing their first senior contracts for next season, while Matthew Grimaldi has committed to a three-year contract as Western United.

Meanwhile. Zach Lisolajski is on the move.

The rising star defender has signed a two-year contract with Perth Glory.

Lisolajski, who played his junior soccer at Sydenham Park, made his A-League debut for United last season, playing six games.

Lakers get the job done

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs is taking it week by week in the Western Football League women’s competition.

The Lakers are sitting in third spot with five wins from their seven matches, as they are again set to be one of the contenders come the pointy end of the season.

Coach Alex O’Shea said the season had flown so far.

“There’s been a few challenging games which have been good,” he said. “There are two different types of teams in the competition, but everyone wants to play and have fun and that is why we play footy.

“Every week we take it as it comes and we treat every opponent with respect. It’s been nice to play different teams that we have not played in a while and reconnect in the football community.”

O’Shea said they again had a really good group of girls who were willing to do what they needed for the team.

She said this year they had looked to change things up a bit with some girls playing in new roles.

“We’ve been building consistency with a few girls having moved positions and it takes some time to adjust and learn new roles.

“They are open to feedback. Week by week we change things up and the forward line will go to the backline and the mids to the forward line.”

O’Shea highlighted Ashlee Wallis as one player who had taken on a new role, moving to the back line.

She said Taya Meiers, who joined from Keilor and Nyomi Stowers, who has come from a basketballer ground, as two new players who were having an impact.

“They are learning the game as well,” she said.

“They’ve been of great value to the team and the other players are helping them adapt.”

The Lakers had the weekend off due to the King’s Birthday weekend.

O’Shea said it came at a good time. They have another bye in a few weeks before a big run home.

O’Shea said they would look to head down to junior training during one of the breaks to help the next generation.

The Lakers face West Footscray on Saturday.

“It then starts again with the Werribee Centrals,” she said. ”Everyone wants to play finals.

“We’ll keep doing what we’re doing and work on what we need to improve on and hopefully get a few more wins.”

The Lakers’ men’s division 1 side faces Werribee Districts this Saturday.

The Lakers were sitting second before the weekend’s action, with Yarraville Seddon having the chance to over take them if it was

Lisolajski is excited to be part of a new era at Perth Glory.

“After speaking with [Glory Football Director] Stan Lazaridis, whom I admired as a left-sided player, I was impressed with his belief in me,” he said.

“With a lot of hard work and the belief that I have in my ability, I hope to be a starting eleven player and develop more as a footballer with the support from the coaching staff and my teammates.

“I expect Perth Glory to be playing Finals football next year, which is a place where we know the club belongs.”

In other Western United news, Sasha Grove will add to Western United’s growing list of talented youngsters in the A-League Women’s, with the Australian uinder-23 international full-back signing for the next two seasons.

A favourite son has returned home and will take on the coaching role at Diggers Rest Bulla for the Gisborne and District Cricket Association season.

The Burras announced that Rhys Berry will coach the side this season, having spent last season with Melton in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.

Berry, the club’s all time leading wicket taker, has previously been captain-coach of the side, while also winning the competition’s Sullivan Medal as the competition’s best player. Berry said it was nice to be back at the Burras.

“There’s nothing against Melton and I enjoyed my opportunity and I enjoyed that standard of cricket,” he said. “The Burras are home. I’ve got a one-year-old and a five-year-old and this gives me the opportunity to spend more time at home.

“I’m back home to help the home club.“

Berry said his season at Melton was about seeing if he could still compete at that level, which he proved he could.

He said there were discussions about him captaining the side had he stayed at the club for the 2024-25 season.

Berryadmitstomissingthecoaching and captaining side of things.

“I knew they [Diggers Rest Bulla] were looking for a coach and a few conversations started and one thing led to another,” he said.

“They struggled last season and it’s a bit like I’m starting from scratch. I’m looking forward to being back.”

The Burras failed to win a match last season in the McIntyre Cup and will drop to the Johnstone Shield this season.

Berry said this would be a bit of a reset.

“When I first took over as coach we were relegated to C-grade and won the premiership the first year and then won B-grade.

“They did a good job last year of getting games into the young blokes. There’s plenty of talent there.

“We need to just get back to winning.”

Berry said they will start training in August. The club will get to use the new facilities and nets that have now been finished.

“That’s the icing on the cake,” Berry said. “It’s all really exciting.”

Tara Murray

to beat Point Cook, after deadline. In division 2, the Western Rams will face Braybrook.

The Rams are still without a win but have shown plenty of positive signs in the first part of the season.

Ashlee Wallis. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 359360_37

Silky Stallions back on winners list

Spring Hills returned to the winners list in the FV state league 5 west competition on Saturday.

Having not won since April 27, it was a welcome return to the winners list for the Stallions against Ballarat.

Spring Hills scored two first half goals to take an important lead into half time.

The Stallions went a man down in the 60th minute when George Quispe received a red card after getting his second yellow card.

Despite being a man down, Spring Hills was able to hold on to come away with a 2-0 win. Chris Duncan and Matthew Sanders were the goal scorers for Spring Hills.

Spring Hills now sits sixth on the ladder with four wins for the season.

The Stallions will get a bye this week with a week off for a catch up round. After the break, the Stallions will face Tarneit United.

In state league 4 west, Melton Phoenix and Westside Strikers both suffered losses.

ThePhoenixfacedladderleadersSurfCoast.

Surf Coast scored the only goal of the game as the Phoenix had to battle with 10 men after Lachlan Stafford received two yellow cards and was sent from the field.

The Phoenix slip to fourth with the loss.

It will have the chance to move back to third this week as it plays Moonee Ponds United in a catch up game.

The lights went out earlier in the season, with scores level at the time, so the match is being replayed.

Westside Strikers lost their third straight match, this time against Barwon.

Scores were locked at 2-2 at half time with Barwon able to find a winner in the third, claiming the win 3-2.

David Torres Suarez and Mark Saric were

the goal scorers for the Strikers.

The Strikers sit in seventh spot on 14 points.

The Strikers get the week off before a clash with the Phoenix. The sides had a 1-1 draw back in round one in the first matchup between the sides.

Meanwhile, Caroline Springs George Cross suffered another loss in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition on Friday night.

The Georgies were on the road against Langwarrin, with the home team leading 2-1 at half time. They managed to hold on for a win in the second half, winning 3-2. Lochlan Reus and Otman Benhaddou were the goal scorers for the Georgies.

TheGeorgiessitin12thspotafter17rounds.

The Georgies this week face Hume City on Wednesday night in the Australia Cup before playing Bulleen Lions on Monday night in the VPL1 competition.

Triple Eight causes upset

By John Dunne

Veteran sit and sprint specialist Triple Eight

staked a claim for warming his ageing bones in the Queensland sunshine when he outsprinted his rivals in the Lazarus Free For All at Melton on Saturday night.

Greg Sugars made full use of a rare front row draw and managed to slot the nine-year-old into the one out one back trail chasing the leader Curly James.

CurlyJamesandHellavuappearedsettofight out the finish half way down the home straight when Triple Eight unleashed his trademark powerful finale and scored running away by two metres from Hellavu in a mile rate of 1.53.

Sugars said he decided to roll the dice and ask Triple Eight for an early effort to secure a forward position.

“It’s been a very long time since he’s had a semidecentfrontrowdrawsowehadtochance our arm at the start and make the most of that,” he said.

“He hadn’t done that for a long time so there was a little question mark as I could see we were going to get a good run in transit doing that, but whether he could still finish off just as

good after doing that little bit of work early but thankfully he did,” he said.

Sugars admitted the son of American Ideal appeared to be headed for the retirement paddock late last year.

“He’s a nine-year-old and 130 odd starts now andIhavetosayhe’sgoingasgoodaswe’vehad him over the past two or three months which is surprising as about six months ago we thought he was really struggling and getting close to retirement,” he said.

“He’s really resurrected himself.”

Two years ago Triple Eight took out the Group 3 Mr Feelgood Open Pace before finishing fifth behind Majestic Cruiser in the Group 1 Blacks A Fake during the Queensland Constellations.

The win was Triple Eight’s 25th race track success and took his stake earnings to more than $815,000.

Jason Lee is hoping Aldebaran Vera’s soft win in the Carlotta’s Pride Trotters Free For All will extend her career on the race track.

Lee wasted little time in wresting the lead off Shesawish with a lap to travel and proceeded to reel off a 28 second back straight quarter before finishing off with a 28.8 last 400 metres.

Sports shorts

Coates Talent League

Bacchus Marsh’s Sam Lalor has been named in the Victoria Country under-18 squad for the AFL National Championships. Lalor is one of eight AFL National Academy members and Australian under-18 team representatives named in the squad. Victoria Country commenced its campaign Sunday against South Australia.

Coates Talent League

Darley’s Lucas Impey is a late call up to the Vic Metro squad for the boys under-18 national championships. Impey, who switched from basketball to football the past couple of years, was named in the team to face the Allies on Sunday. The ruck was one of two Western Jets players in the team, with Lucca Grego also part of the team in his second season as part of the under-18 Vic Metro side.

VNL

Aldebaran Vera ($4) coasted to the line holding a four metre advantage over Rockinwithattitude with Revelstoke three metres away third.

“We missed out on the bit of a speed burn early which was good and then we just popped around after they had done a bit of work and had a look and Greg (Sugars) came looking, but fair enough we were racing,” Lee said.

“We got out on our own and she got a bit lost, got a bit lonely but she was good and got the job done.”

Lee believes Aldebaran Vera is a better racehorse with a sit.

“She’s always been better from behind, even as a young horse she should have had a couple of Group 1s beside her name but she didn’t like being in front or left alone in front- she’s certainly got a motor,” he said.

The impeccably bred daughter of Kyvalley Aldebaran is owned by the leading Swedish nursery Boko Stables and is leased by the Levarg Racing Group.

“Hopefully we can talk the connections into not wanting to breed from her at the end of the season but we’ll just race her through till then,” he said.

Western Warriors’ under-23 team got their third win of the Victorian Netball League season on Wednesday night. The Warriors had to work hard for the win against the Gippsland Stars, winning 55-52. Leona Hristovska shot 22 goals for the Warriors in the win. The win moves the Warriors off the bottom of the ladder. The Warriors championship side had a bye. Both Warriors sides face the North East Blaze this Wednesday night.

AFLW

Two Western Jets and Yarraville Seddon footballers featured in the AFL National Academy girls Australian squad against a nationals all-stars side on Sunday. The all-stars team comprises of players aged 21 and under from across Australia for the first time, having previously been made up of talent from Victoria, Northern Territory and Tasmania only. Sierra Grieves was part of the Australian team, while Lou-Lou Field was part of the all-stars team.

Damian Brankovic. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 333190_35

Triple Eight. (Stuart McCormick)