Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 18th June 2024

Party spoilt for Burras

Romsey spoilt the Diggers Rest party on Saturday in both the senior football and A-grade netball. The Redbacks were able to kick away late in both games to come away with the points. StarWeekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was there to capture some of the action. For more of the action and the rest of sport, ■ Turn to page 20

Big 2051 housing target

Melton will swell by another 132,000 new homes by the middle of the century after the state government announced its proposed 2051 housing target on Sunday.

Under the draft plan, two million homes would be build in metropolitan Melbourne and another almost 500,000 spread across the regions.

Melton will absorb the most new dwellings of the outer ring areas followed by Wyndham (120,000), Casey (104,000), Hume (98,000) and Whittlesea (87,000).

Some 139,800 new dwellings would be constructed in the City of Greater Geelong,

46,900 within the Ballarat City Council area and 37,500 in Greater Bendigo City.

The City of Melbourne would host an extra 134,000 homes.

Premier Jacinta Allan said Victoria has the largest annual population growth of all Australian states and needs more than two million additional homes by the 2050s.

“There are parts of our city that have been locked up for too long,” Ms Allan told reporters at a press conference on Sunday.

The draft council housing targets are largely based on access to jobs, transport and services, the government said.

Opposition leader John Pesutto claimed the idea of issuing the projections couldn’t be taken seriously.

“It’s taxing the life out of investment in residential construction,” he said.

The final council housing targets will be released by the end of 2024 following local government consultation.

Victoria’s metropolitan planning strategy, released in 2017, set a target for 70 per cent of new homes to be built in established suburbs by 2051, with the remaining 30 per cent in greenfield areas.

Since 2014, 56 per cent of new homes

delivered in Victoria have been in established areas.

In one of his final acts as premier, Daniel Andrews set a target to build 800,000 homes across Victoria over the next decade when announcing the government’s housing statement in September.

Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows 11,071 homes were approved for construction in Victoria in the first three months of 2024, putting the state on track to approve fewer than 45,000 this year.

Diggers Rest’s Jaidyn Caruana. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413379_14

Mayor’s message Cr Kathy Majdlik

STAY INFORMED

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

Vacation Care

Join the fun this school holidays at the City of Melton’s winter vacation care program.

Primary school-aged students can get creative in the kitchen, dress up as their favourite book character or show off their tenpin bowling skills.

The program’s diverse activity schedule is inspired by suggestions

Imagination Magic

Young children can enjoy a fun, interactive time at Imagination Magic each month.

The regular performing arts and literacy program is aimed at babies, toddlers and pre-school children and their caregivers.

from children and their families.

All vacation care staff are qualified educators, with many employed in local schools.

Vacation care runs every weekday from Monday 1 July to Friday 12 July. Bookings are essential and close at 5pm on 21 June.

Find out more and enrol via: melton.vic.gov.au/vacationcare

A variety of performers including musicians, dancers, puppets, and drumming provide children with a fun, creative outlet promoting music and movement.

The program is offered at a variety of locations across the City of Melton throughout the month.

Find out more: melton.vic.gov.au/ imaginationmagic

Cambridge Ward with Cr Goran Kesic

The state-of-the-art Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre is continuing to take shape.

Council received a huge response when we asked for feedback on the draft masterplan for the centre during a four-week community consultation period.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the community consultation. It was great to get such a large and overwhelmingly positive response to the centre.

The new aquatic centre will be constructed on Beattys Road in Fraser Rise. It will feature indoor pools, splash

play areas, water slides, spas, a sauna, sensory aquatic space, health and fitness areas, allied health spaces, an outdoor interactive water play area with beach-style access, change facilities and a café.

Council is investigating whether a meeting/function space and a roof top deck can be included through an additional level.

The Centre will offer inclusive and accessible facilities which support a healthy, connected community.

We are going through the feedback and will come back to the community with further information.

Cosy up with a book

The Warm Winter Read is back for another year!

Join the annual reading challenge and curl up with a great book every week throughout winter.

Track your reading using a journal from a Melton City Libraries branch to go into the draw to win amazing prizes.

Each journal includes a reading log and a fun book bingo game for reading inspiration.

The challenge runs until 31 August and is open to those aged 16 and above.

Find out more: melton.vic.gov.au/ warmwinterread

One of the highlights in the capital works program in the 2024/25 draft budget is the $5.3 million that will go towards the duplication of Taylors Road, from Gourlay Rd to Westwood Drive, Caroline Springs, which is in the detailed design phase.

The Taylors Road Corridor Upgrade Plan covers a series of projects designed to improve road connectivity and safety on one of our busiest roads.

Visit melton.vic.gov.au/ taylorsroadupgrade for updates. Please feel free to contact me on 0437 241 436 or goran.kesic@ melton.vic.gov.au regarding any Council issues.

Your Councillors – Visit melton.vic.gov.au/councillors to find your ward

As one of Australia’s fastestgrowing areas, Melton Council’s investment in road infrastructure is crucial to support our City’s rapid development.

With our population projected to grow to 440,142 by 2051, robust road and infrastructure investment is essential to accommodate our significant population increase, reduce congestion, and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

To keep up with the demand on our busy roads, we are upgrading Hume Drive, between Gourlay Road and Calder Park Drive, from two to four lanes, alongside a new road median.

The current single-lane carriageway is prone to congestion during peak hour, and duplicating the road will improve safety and traffic flow. Earthworks, drainage, kerb and channel works have been completed, and street lighting has been upgraded.

Work is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting.

Thank you for your patience while we carry out these important upgrades.

We remain committed to investing in infrastructure to support our growth and ensure a sustainable future for our vibrant community.

To keep up to date with road projects taking place throughout the City, visit melton.vic.gov.au/ majorprojects

With the winter break right around the corner, bookings are now open for our popular school holiday program.

From rock climbing, educational games, trivia nights and special crafts, there is plenty for young people and their families to explore and try.

Find out more and book your place: melton.vic.gov.au/schoolholidays

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

Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik

Deputy Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi Cr Lara Carli Cr Justine Farrugia Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Julie Shannon Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

Accused killer’s story ‘fanciful’

By Emily Woods, AAP

Accused Caroline Springs double murderer

Greg Lynn’s story is a made-up “series of unfortunate events”, prosecutors have told a jury.

“Like a book series of that name, it is a complete fiction,” prosecutor Daniel Porceddu said on Tuesday morning, June 11.

“You can and should reject it beyond reasonable doubt.”

The prosecution closed its case before a Supreme Court jury in Melbourne, five weeks after Lynn’s trial began.

The 57-year-old ex-airline pilot pleaded not guilty to murdering Russell Hill and Carol Clay while camping in Victoria’s alpine region in March 2020, and gave evidence on Thursday as the only witness in his defence.

Lynn claims the two deaths were accidental, with Mr Hill and Lynn struggling over a gun the former took from Lynn’s vehicle.

He tried to get the gun off Mr Hill when a shot hit Mrs Clay in the head, Lynn said.

He said Mr Hill then came at him with a knife and was stabbed in the chest during a second struggle.

But Mr Porceddu said Lynn’s story, which he told police after his arrest in November 2021, was a “fanciful” work of fiction.

“He concocts a version of events that puts Mr Hill as the aggressor and him as the victim in a campsite spat,” he said.

“Over the space of 24 hours, Mr Hill seemingly goes from cordial to homicidal rage.

“The accused’s account makes no sense, it didn’t happen.”

The prosecutor pointed out what he claimed were inconsistencies with Lynn’s allegedly “implausible” story.

He questioned Lynn’s explanation that Mr Hill had taken a gun from Lynn’s car to turn in to police with drone footage of the pilot shooting close to the Bucks Camp, in the Wonnangatta Valley.

“He’sgotthewronggun,”MrPorceddusaid, pointing out that Lynn would have used a rifle to go hunting, but Mr Hill took a shotgun.

“The footage of the gun won’t match and the guns look completely different.”

He queried why Mr Hill loaded the shotgun

with ammunition, if his plan was to take it back to his campsite and hand it to police.

Lynn claimed he tried to get the gun off Mr Hill, who told him to “f*** off” and shot off a few warning shots.

Lynn said he saw Mr Hill pointing the shotgun towards him, over the top of Mr Hill’s ute bonnet.

He claims to have tried to get the gun back off Mr Hill, which led to a struggle and accidental discharge that Lynn said caused Mrs Clay’s death.

Mr Porceddu said Lynn’s explanation, which included him demonstrating to police

exactly how he was holding the gun when he tried to get it off Mr Hill, was “carefully choreographed”.

“You might think it’s because he’s reciting a script, a script he’s had one year and eight months to rehearse over and over again,” he said.

“A script where position of the hands is very important, his hands can’t be over or near the trigger when they’re fighting over the gun.”

He suggested Lynn had forgotten there was a rope stretching from the bull bar of Mr Hill’s LandCruiser to the toilet tent, in coming up with his story.

“He and Mr Hill would have become hopelessly entangled in the rope,” Mr Porceddu said.

“The so-called struggle for the gun is the whole linchpin in the accused’s story - once that falls, like a house of cards everything else tumbles with it, you don’t believe a word of it.”

He said Lynn’s story was carefully constructed after he watched media reports to see what evidence police had on the missing campers.

Lynn has admitted burning the crime scene and taking the bodies of the two campers to a bush track, where he left their remains until returning to burn them in November 2020.

Mr Porceddu said this was designed to “obliterate all evidence” about the manner in which they died.

“The act of burning the bodies is conduct that is so extreme that it could only have been done after their murders,” he said.

Editor’s note: The jury in Lynn’s trial was still deliberating when Star Weekly went to press.

Jury told to imagine being blamed for deaths

Jurors have been asked to put themselves in the shoes of an airline pilot accused of killing two campers when they retire to decide whether he is guilty of their murders.

GregLynn’sbarristerDermotDannKCasked a Supreme Court jury of 14 on Wednesday, June 12 to contemplate what they would have done if their improper gun storage had led to the deaths of two people.

“He thought he was going to be blamed for the deaths and he was 100 per cent correct,” Mr Dann told the court in Melbourne.

“He thought he was going to be wrongly blamed and he is being wrongly blamed.”

Lynn is on trial charged with two counts of murder over the deaths of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay in Victoria’s alpine region in March 2020.

The 57-year-old told police, and the court, that the deaths were accidental.

Lynn claims Mrs Clay was shot in the head afterastrugglebetweenthetwomenashetried

to get his shotgun back from Mr Hill, who he said took it from Lynn’s car.

Mr Hill died during a second struggle over a knife, when Lynn claims he was trying to defend himself.

Prosecutors on Tuesday said this story was a “fanciful” work of fiction and that Lynn had one year and eight months to concoct a script about what had happened at Bucks Camp that evening. But Mr Dann has taken aim at gaps in the prosecution’s case during his closing address, labelling it “a shambles”, “desperate” and “hopeless”.

“You’re being asked to find a man guilty of murder, there’s on the prosecution case zero factualfoundation,zeromotive,justacomplete blank. Does that sit well with any of you?” he asked the jury on Wednesday.

Mr Dann said his client had admitted the charges he was guilty of - improper firearm storage and destruction of police evidence by burning the crime scene and bodies of the

two campers.

He said a gun storage charge would have cost the Jetstar pilot his career, as Mr Dann asked jurors what they would do in that situation.

“He’s left the gun in the car, the magazine in the car, it’s unsecured and he’s failed in his storage of the gun,” Mr Dann said.

“You’ve got to put yourself in Mr Lynn’s shoes, presuming of course that he’s innocent.

“This was a disaster ... of course he’s thinking about himself, of course he’s selfish, of course he was callous.”

As his barrister gave his address, Lynn’s wife Melanie and son Geordie sat in front of him and behind his lawyers on Wednesday, holding hands and nodding along in full view of the jury.

Mr Dann finished closing the defence case on Wednesday afternoon.

Defence barrister Dermot Dann representing Greg Lynn arrives at Supreme Court in Melbourne. (AAP Image/James Ross)

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

Mass arrests in police operation

Almost 70 people were arrested during a month-long operation targeting serious and violent crime in the western suburbs.

As part of Operation Cavalcade, local police teamed up with a range of specialist police to saturate hot spot areas in Brimbank and Melton. Officers targeted busy community locations including Watergardens and Woodgrove shopping centres, as well as parks and train stations such as Sunshine, Melton and St Albans.

Across May, 68 arrests were made. Among themwherethreeteens,aged15,16and17,who were arrested in a vehicle which had allegedly been stolen during a carjacking in Williams Landing on May 30.

Diabetes Victoria’s Jason Tamplin spoke at a recent event at the Melton Men’s Shed. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 411829_01

Men’s Shed puts health at the forefront

Health is a major focus for the men of Melton. Recently, a diabetic information and prevention session was held at both Taylors Hill and Melton Men’s Sheds.

It is one of many sessions organised by the Men’s Sheds that facilitate conversations regarding physical and mental welfare.

Chris Huon, who has been visiting the Men’s Shed twice a week for the last three years, said the health events held by the Men’s Shed have helped reshape attitudes.

“It’s changing a bit now, but males of my generationtendtoviewthedoctorassomeone that you see only if you are feeling a bit off colour – you just don’t ever visit,” he said. In some instances, these talks have proved to be life saving.

“One of our members made the point quite clearly that recently, by virtue of having a check up, he discovered that he needed immediate medical attention for something that could have been life threatening,” Mr Huon said.

“It’s the reminder part of the talk that makes the difference.”

The close-knit nature of the club has created an environment where wellbeing is a priority, Mr Huon said.

“As a group we tend to be supportive and offer suggestions to one another … you do build relationships with these fellows and concern yourself with everyone’s welfare,” he said.

“My greatest satisfaction in being a member of the shed and joining in these discussions is not only receiving assistance, but offering and providing it too.”

All were charged and remanded to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

Two men aged 21 and 23, who were arrested after allegedly attempting to steal cash from a person using an ATM at a Melton West shopping centre on May 23.

Both were charged with attempted robbery, affray and assault causing injury. They were bailed to appear before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on August 22.

Two 21-year-old men were arrested after a vehicle allegedly failed to stop for police in Hillside on May 16 and ran a red light.

One of the men was arrested inside a residential address, and the second man, who allegedly fled on foot, was arrested by the dog

squad shortly after. Police alleged they located a knife and drugs in the vehicle.

Themenwerechargedwitharangeofoffences including reckless conduct endangering life, dangerous driving while being pursued by police, and possessing weapons and drugs.

Two 16-year-old boys were arrested after allegedly stealing a knife from a retail store in Melton West on May 7. They were charged with theft, possessing a controlled weapon and possessing cannabis and bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

Brimbank tasking and co-ordination acting

inspector Scott Williams said the strong police presence will continue.

“Over the last month we’ve had officers from

the public order response team and transit division dedicated to Brimbank and Melton areas every day of the week,” he said.

“Together, we’ve been able to put a real dent in criminal activity by keeping those with links to serious and violent crime accountable.

“Anyone who thinks they can cause serious harm in our community can expect to see a significant police presence waiting for them.”

The local offender management team also carried out a range of proactive enforcement activities to ensure accountability of known offenders, including conducting bail compliance checks, firearm prohibition order compliance checks and executing outstanding warrants.

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Eddie Russell

Moorabool to leave committee

By Eddie Russell

Moorabool council will withdraw from the Committee for Ballarat.

During a council meeting on June 5, a motion to contact the committee and advise them that Moorabool was withdrawing was passed.

It received five votes out of a possible six in favour of parting ways with the committee.

Councillor Tom Sullivan, who raised the motion, said the interests of council and the committee no longer align.

“We have to look after the interests of our

communities now and into the future and ensure that we… get good outcomes,” he said.

“Where Moorabool sits… is a bridge between greater Melbourne and regional Victoria, so our areas of interest are primarily in the peri urban area.”

Cr Sullivan insisted that the move would not impact relations with other councils and was not an indication of any falling out.

“We have very good relationships with all our neighbouring councils – we work collaboratively and collectively on different things and that’s a good way to be,” he said.

The proposed installation of overhead

Club snaps up award

The Bacchus Marsh and District Photography Club has won an award for a competition run by The Australian Photographic Society.

The theme for the competition was ’Sport, hobbies and fun activities’, with the club attending a session run by Young Diggers Victoria in Melton.

The Young Diggers Victoria runs a free training program, providing assistance dogs to veterans of the Australian Defence Force who havebeendiagnosedwithpost-traumaticstress disorder and associated mental health issues.

The team of six submitted 12 images to the competition.

Mark Brown, who has been involved in the club for over two years, said the group considereditselfunderdogsandwas‘surprised’ with the win.

“We were probably one of the smaller clubs to enter the competition,” he said.

However, there was no doubt about the

quality of the submissions.

“We thought so and obviously the judges thought so too.”

The club’s mages that focused on creating a sense of atmosphere and emotion, reflecting the fun, focus, and energy of participating in an activity.

Mr Brown said the spirit of companionship and connection is what gave the shots such an impactful meaning.

“They’re rescuing the dogs and the dogs are rescuing them,” he said.

“It wasn’t a normal day … it was a special training session.”

TheBacchusMarshandDistrictPhotography Club, which has more than 30 members, meets twice a month at the Lerderderg Library.

The meetings are split between workshop nights and club competition nights.

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

power lines as part of the Western Renewables Link, which the Committee for Ballarat supports, served as the catalyst for the withdrawal.

“We have strongly advocated that they should be undergrounded… to promote the power lines is contrary to the interests of our communities,” said Cr Sullivan.

“This threat… will affect their properties, their farms, and their livelihoods. It’s a great concern for us.”

AusNet Services is planning to run almost a third of its 190 kilometre overhead high voltage transmission line through

the Moorabool Shire. The WRL will carry renewable energy from Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west.

Cr Sullivan said the price tag was being prioritised over the wishes of the people.

“We continually get pushed back and told it’s too expensive… but why should the communities along the way bear the cost of that?”

The Committee for Ballarat is a member based organisation made up of councils, businesses, and organisations in the greater Ballarat region.

New head for health board

Western Health has appointed professor Jill Hennessy as chair of its board.

Ms Hennessy, who previously served as Victoria’s attorney-general, minister for health, minister for ambulance services and minister for workplace safety, takes up the position on July 1.

she said.

MsHennessyreplacesoutgoingchairRobyn Batten who said “Jill’s impressive track record at the highest levels of Victoria’s healthcare and legal sectors make her an ideal leader for our organisation”.

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.

Ms Hennessy said she was honoured to lead the board during an “exciting phase of expansion”.

“This organisation plays a critical role in delivering high-quality healthcare to our community, and I am committed to working with the board, executive team, and staff to continue this tradition of excellence as the service enters an exciting phase of expansion,”

“Her dedication to public service and her strategic vision will be tremendous assets as Western Health continues to expand and innovate.

It has been a privilege to serve as Chair, and I am confident that Jill will continue to drive Western Health forward with passion and expertise.”

The board and staff extended their gratitude to Ms Batten for her dedicated service and outstanding contributions.

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

Professor Jill Hennessy.

Eddie Russell ‘An Offered Reward’ - taken for the competition (Mark Brown)

Explicit images rock Grammar

By Eddie Russell

A teenager has been arrested for distributing a fake nude video which features the faces of female students from Bacchus Marsh Grammar.

The video, which was distributed as late as June 7 via Instagram and Snapchat, used AI to manipulate the photos of 50 students from year 9 to year 12 onto nude images.

Police are continuing to investigate and the teenager has been released pending further inquiries.

Bacchus Marsh Grammar acting principal

Kevin Richardson confirmed those targeted by the video attend Bacchus Marsh Grammar and said the school, which found out about the images on Monday, June 10, would offer its full support.

“Bacchus Marsh Grammar has been made aware of the production and circulation of video content that includes images of students from the school community,” he said.

“The wellbeing of Bacchus Marsh Grammar students and their families is of paramount importance to the school and is being addressed.

Bus boost for students

Four new school bus services will be arriving in Mt Atkinson for term one next year.

The routes will run from Mt Atkinson, as well as the Grandview and Olivia estates in Truganina, to Yarrabing Secondary College, Rockbank Primary, Brookside P-9 College and Lakeview Secondary College.

Mt Atkinson resident Pawan Kaur said it was a step in the right direction for the under-resourced community.

“We haven’t got anything so even if it is a small win we welcome it … parents are delighted,” she said.

“Where 10 people would drive their kids to the same place, now this one bus can take them.

“This will ease the pressure on the roads and give flexibility and freedom to parents.”

Ms Kaur said it will also benefit the young people in the area, including her son, who has to wait for their parents to finish work to get

home.

“My son doesn’t like it because of the time he has to leave in the morning and get home in the evening, but with this new school bus he can get home at least two to three hours earlier,” she said.

However, Mt Atkinson still has no public transport options.

Ms Kaur said the lack of options is putting a strain on residents, both mentally and financially.

“It’s a lifestyle impact … you are stuck here. It’s like a prison,” she said.

“It adds extra pressure on our budget. If my son wants to come home from school and I’m not home, I have to book him an Uber.”

Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch announced the new bus routes to Mt Atkinson residents earlier this month. (Supplied)

Call to adjust 457 bus route

Residents may be familiar with the charity group Melton Stars INC for its tireless efforts in advocating for the local community.

Well, good news: there is no sign of the group slowing down.

A petition from 2022, which was reported by Star Weekly at the time, has resulted in the building of a new bus stop, footpath, and children’s crossing between Rees Road and Wilson Road.

Now, the group is about to release another petition, which will draw attention to the bus service in the Weir Views area and how it can be improved.

Nasim Uddin, founder and operator of Melton Stars INC, says he wants to see connectivity improved by adjusting the route of the 457 bus.

“It will be a great help for those commuters, most of whom walk to a bus stop which is nearly a kilometre and a half away from their

“All students affected are being offered support from our wellbeing staff.”

Mr Richardson said the school would continue to co-operate with police but had not heard further details since Tuesday, June 11.

“Media reports indicate that a teenage boy has been arrested in relation to this matter, however, at this stage the school has not been contacted by Victoria Police with an update,” he said.

“As the matter is currently with Victoria Police, Bacchus Marsh Grammar will not be making any further public comment at this time and request that the school’s privacy and

wellbeing of students be respected.”

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the terrifying issue needed to be confronted in the classroom.

“It’s hard to think of something more frightening or more awful than the use of AI technology to perpetrate these false images and circulate them,” he said.

“There is no silver bullet here but there is a role to play in the classroom that boys and youngmen,inparticular,(needto)understand how important this is.”

area,” he said.

Empathy is a driving factor of the work, Mr Uddin said.

“I live in that area and I put myself in the shoes [of the locals],” he said.

“Even though I drive now, when I came to this country 20 years ago I didn’t have a car and had to struggle to catch a public service.”

Mr Uddin said rather than turn left onto Hume Avenue, the route should be adjusted to go through Rees Road and then turn right on Toolern Vale Road.

“A big portion of the community lives there,” he said.

Mr Uddin said life in Melton would be easier if residents united to improve their local communities.

“If everyone of us can think about the community and chip in whatever we can then we can make it a better place.”

Eddie Russell

Melton Stars INC Founder Nasim Uddin (supplied: Nasim Uddin).

Life-saving donations needed

Blood and plasma donations can be life-saving for the people who receive them, yet only three per cent of Australians are donors, as Jennifer Pittorino reports.

Without weekly plasma transfusions, 13-year-old William Stary would be living in a “bit of a bubble”.

The Kingsville teen lives with a rare blood disease called Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB).

The condition requires William to have weekly plasma transfusions, which his mum Kathryn administers at their home.

He was diagnosed with the condition in 2019 at age eight, after discovering he was unable to walk while getting ready for school one morning.

Kathryn rushed William to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where he began 10 days of testing, resulting in the diagnosis of HIB Common Variable Immunodeficiency, which means his body does not produce antibodies to fight infection.

William is one of 20 people in Australia to be diagnosed with this illness, requiring subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy, also known as donated plasma. He received his first treatment a year ago.

Kathryn said she was extremely grateful for the “life-saving” treatments, which are made possible by plasma donors.

“When he was first diagnosed we really didn’t know what life was going to look like for William, but now with this treatment we are super optimistic,” she said.

“It was pretty terrifying, it feels really scary to have a child who can’t fight antibodies so it instinct is to just want to live in a bit of a bubble.

“But that is not great for an active little boy.”

Since receiving the treatments, William’s quality of life has greatly improved.

Kathryn said he is now able to live a full life.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital has been absolutely fantastic in finding a way for us to live in the world where William can be happy and safe,” Kathryn said.

“For example, he has never been able to attend school camps because the risk of infection has been too great.

“But last year because he had commenced the treatment he was able to go on school camp.”

Kathryn went to the camp with William, staying in a nearby Airbnb. William was able to enjoy the day’s activities before staying with his mum at the Airbnb at night.

“This treatment has afforded him the opportunity to be able to do things that we otherwise would not have been able to do,” Kathryn said.

“He plays soccer now, training twice a week, he is absolutely living the life that he wants. And that is through the donated plasma.”

According to Lifeblood, plasma has overtaken whole blood donations as the type of donation most needed by patients

and hospitals, with more than 6200 plasma medications and transfusions sent to hospitals across the country every day.

It can take up to 15 plasma donations to make some plasma medicines, which is why so many plasma donors are needed.

As part of National Blood Donor Week, whichranfromJune10-16,Lifebloodisurging Australians to roll up their sleeves and donate blood or plasma.

Kathryn said she would encourage anyone who is able to donate to do so.

“It is so easy. It takes no time. It doesn’t hurt,” she said.

I know that people can be a little bit fearful of needles, but the staff at Lifeblood are amazing.

“It really is a small thing but has a huge impact on not only us, but thousands of other people in Australia.

“Wearesogratefultoeveryonewhodonates plasma because they are keeping William happy and healthy.

“It is never lost on me that every time I administer the treatment, it takes 12 to 14 people to donate per treatment.

“They are life changing treatments for us, this keeps William alive and enables his body

to be happy and fight infections.”

Westmeadows’ Linda Salerno is one of Victoria’s 160,000 blood and plasma donors.

SheisamongthethreepercentofAustralians who donate, according to Lifeblood.

Linda began donating when she was 18, followinginthefootstepsofherfather,Robert, who was a lifelong blood donor.

“As a girl I used to go in with [my father]

‘‘ He is absolutely living the life that he wants. And that is through the donated plasma ’’ - Kathryn Stary

occasionally when he donated blood. And that’s probably what inspired me to start,” she said.

Hermother,Nita,alsoworkedasavolunteer at the bloodbank, donating when she could.

To date, Linda, 52, has made 263 donations, visiting Lifeblood at Airport West every fortnight to donate plasma.

“My initial goal was 50 donations, my aim now is to get to 350 donations,” she said.

“I have only ever worked part time so I do it every second Friday as part of my routine.”

Linda encouraged all who are able to donate to roll up their sleeves, because you never know you are going to help.

“You never know who you are going to save, your family might need it, which has just happened to us,” she said.

“Just recently my daughter gave birth and she needed a blood transfusion, so it is handy there are blood banks around which can help because she was quite sick.

“I figured I could have worked volunteering at an op shop or something but this is my way of helping people, this is what I do as a volunteer.”

To donate, visit: https://www.lifeblood.com. au/blood

William and Kathryn Stary. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 412269_02

Linda Salerno has made 263 donations. (Damjan Janevski) 412279_01

A focus on youth safety

By City of Melton mayor, Kathy Majdlik

Recently, instances of violence have been top of mind for many.

Unfortunately, the issue of violence is not unique to our city alone.

As mayor, when I have spoken with young people, some of them have told me that safety is a top concern of theirs. As a parent this is heart breaking as everyone, especially our young people, deserve to feel safe - whether out in the community or at home.

At the recently held Melton Youth Forum, young people came together to discuss key issues and concerns that they hold.

Youth crime and violence were the main

areas of concern, followed by mental health, public safety and safety in schools.

Council continues to support and work in partnership with Victoria Police to assist people who are in need or at risk and I am calling on the state government to do more in this space.

There are a range of programs and services that young people can get involved with and we encourage people to seek these out if they are interested. More information can be found on council’s website.

The City of Melton is a vibrant and diverse community and one I am very proud to be mayor of. Let us all unite in our commitment to help and respect everyone in our community and ensure people feel safe at all times.

Briefs

Expensive gardening

A person is more than $200,000 out of pocket after Melton council successfully prosecuted them for destroying native vegetation. The accused was convicted and fined $120,000 on one charge and fined $30,000 on the other charge at a hearing at the Sunshine Magistrate’s Court on June 11. They were also ordered to pay council’s legal costs of $60,000.

Bad drivers booked

Speed demons were nabbed on the roads in Melton and Moorabool over the King’s Birthday long weekend, with more than 100 drivers being booked by police for speeding. As part of Operation Regal, police targeted high-risk behaviour on Victorian roads from June 7 – 10. Across the Melton Police Service Area and Moorabool Police Service Area, a number of offenders were picked up, including eight drink drivers, seven drug drivers, 12 disqualified drivers, and 15 unlicenced drivers. On top of this, 13 disobeyed signs/signals, 34 were detected driving unregistered vehicles, and 120 speeding offences were recorded. Across Victoria, 7,099 offences were detected, with speeding making up over 40 per cent of these offences.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik. (Supplied)

Little waterbuck melts hearts

she stays close to the other waterbuck herd. Some of her favourite places are in the middle of the savannah eating lots of grass or hanging out in an area called the ‘keyhole’, which is behind a large group of trees.”

Nziza arrived from Monarto Safari Park in South Australia and is thriving in her surroundings at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

There’s a lot of love at Werribee Open Range Zooforapreciousnewarrival–alittleantelope with a special heart-shaped nose who leaves a trail of hearts wherever she goes.

Nziza [pronounced: N-zee-zah], a one-year-old waterbuck who arrived at the zoo last month, is making a distinct mark on the zoo’s savannah by imprinting heart-shaped prints on the ground with her dainty hooves. Werribee Open Range Zoo Savannah keeper

“Nziza is really beautiful, she’s super confident and bold and she’s really keeping the keepers on our toes,” Ms Gray said.

“She’s noticeably smaller than the other waterbuck and getting along with the other animals on our savannah including herds of rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, ostrich and other antelope species.”

Common waterbuck are native to the forests, savannah, shrubland and grasslands of

Arecent trend has emerged where individuals turning to fullmouth dental implants for a Hollywood smile, but is it worth sacrificing your retirement savings? While implants are a valuable tool for oral health, the surge in their use for purely cosmetic reasons raises concerns about accessing super for unnecessary procedures.

The pressure to achieve a perfect smile is leading some people to have healthy teeth extracted and replaced with implants, often at a hefty cost. Dipping into super for such procedures can significantly impact your financial security in the long run. Fortunately, there are more affordable alternatives like bridges and dentures that can restore function and aesthetics. Additionally, remember that healthy habits like brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can prevent many tooth problems in the first place.

Before resorting to expensive and potentially risky procedures like full-mouth implants, consider all your options and prioritize natural ways to maintain a healthy smile.

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

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

if you have early or late-stage dental implant failure, signs of a complication include difficulty chewing, gum inflammation, gum recession, increased swelling, loosening of an implant or a severe pain or discomfort. Looking for a trusted local dentist to restore your smile? Dr. Saba and her team at MSDP offer a comprehensive range of procedures, including dental implants, veneer dentures, and crowns. Make a appointment at MSDP today to schedule a consultation and create a personalized plan for regaining a beautiful,functional smile. Call 03 5367 5355 mobile 0423 530 208

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, June 29. Available courses include HLTAID009 (Perform CPR), HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) and HLTAID012 (First Aid in an Education & Care Setting).

■ 9747 8576

Community band

The Greater Western Community Band meets Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Rehearsal venue is the Bridge Road Community Centre, Strathtulloh (Melton South). The band is available for events. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are always welcome.

■ Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582

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

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

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.

■ Janet, 0421 080 923 or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au

Bacchus Marsh CWA

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Emmanuel College students Jarryd, Johnny, Seth, Chidi, Ella, Ninarika and Omar, who are having a winter sleepout event to raise funds for homelessness. (Damjan Janevski) 412434_01

of the month and craft day is the fourth Thursday of the month.

■ bacchus.cwa@gmail.com

Cancer Support Group

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

■ Grenville, 0412 741 865

Chatty Cafe Melton

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

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

Women’s Support Group

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

■ https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42

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

Caroline Springs Rotary

The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall

from 7pm.

■ rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

Melton 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

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.

A film full of action and comedy

By Jennifer Pittorino

After sold-out screenings at Monster Fest, Hot Dad Productions will be debuting a special event screening of ‘The Emu War’ at the Sun Theatre.

The comedy-action hybrid is a comedic take on one of Australia’s true stories, co-directed and created by locals Jonathan Schuster and John Campbell, and starring Yarraville local Damian Callinan and Sunshine actor Aaron Gocs.

Based on the infamous Great Emu War of 1932, the film follows a ragtag platoon of soldiers driven into a brutal and bloody battle against Australia’s deadliest flightless beasts. Haunted by the kidnapping of his son by

the Emus, Major Meredith leads the platoon behind enemy lines to confront the emu leader, the Queen Emu.

“This film is a good combination of action and comedy and gets people to start talking about a real Australian event,” Gocs said.

“The term emu war is what we call a cull of emus , however the real war is different to our depiction. It is nowhere near accurate.”

Gocs said the filmmakers thought it would be funny if the emus fought back, giving the film the comedy it needed.

“There is a lot of action and it was very fun to do those scenes,” he said.

What originally started as a skit seven years ago, has now been turned into a film made on a property in Bendigo.

“It is a project we have been working on together for a while, it was originally going to be a series, but it was eventually made into a movie which took four years to make,” Gocs said.

The movie will premiere at the Sun Theatre on Saturday, June 22, at 7.30pm. It will be followed with a question and answer session afterwards with the cast and crew.

Details: https://suntheatre.com.au/ wp-cinema/movie/S24EMUWAR/ THE+EMU+WAR/

Musical postcard live from Werribee

The Werribee Concert Band is gearing up for its annual major concert this weekend, and fittingly, this year’s show will pay homage to the local community.

“It’s called Postcards from Werribee,” said Werribee Concert Band member and treasurer, Evan Thompson, about the theme of the show this Saturday night at Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing.

“We’ve selected a number of places around Wyndham to celebrate through music. We’ve got the Werribee Mansion, we’ve got the zoo, the rose garden and sprinkles ice cream shops in Werribee and Point Cook.” said Thompson explaining how the show will work.

“To give you an idea, the music to represent the zoo is a selection of songs from the Lion King,” he said before adding that the songs matching the other places were less well known.

As well as celebrating the local area, Postcards from Werribee will also serve another purpose for the concert band, with Thompson hoping members of the audience will be inspired to join themselves.

“Perhaps people who’ve played an instrumentinthepastandmaybearethinking of taking it up again,” he said of the type of band members they were looking for.

“It’s not always easy to find members for a concert band. Music education in schools is not as popular as it was in the past and we’re starting to feel that.”

Describing the concert band as basically an orchestra without string instruments, Thompson said the Postcards from Werribee show won’t just involve the usual 30 members, but 10 members of the training band as well,

making it their biggest show of the year both in audience numbers and musicians.

For those unable to make the show this Saturday night, the Werribee Concert Band has a children’s show scheduled for October.

Tickets for the show on June 22 will be

Be awakened to

Coming to the Sunshine Library this month is the Wild Awakenings art exhibition.

Join Contemporary Melbourne artist Ana Hanson for the opening the exhibition and experience an unique celebration of contemporary Australian landscape art that fuses bold colours, stylised patterns and unconventional media.

Hanson is particularly proud of the way her pieces connect viewers with the natural environment.

“In this body of work I hope to further expand upon some of the themes and ideas I have recently been exploring in my focus on mixed media landscape artworks. My art infuses an urban artistic sensibility with an appreciation for the natural environment and a love for one of the oldest and most enduring artistic traditions - landscape art,” she said.

“My work reflects the duality of our modern existence—a world where screens often dominate our attention, while nature is too often relegated to the periphery.

“Withinthistensionliesacollectiveyearning to rediscover our connection to the wild.

Exhibition is Clear Cut

The Old Auction House in Kyneton is hosting a group exhibition called ‘Clear Cut’, showcasing a series of traditional printmaking works.

Theexhibitionfeatureslinocut,etched, and monoprinted works, with many of the prints focussing on Australian landscapes and animals.

Traditional printmaking differs from modern printmaking in that designs are hand processed rather than reproduced using electronic printing methods

To make the prints, traditional printmaking artists cut, etch, and carve designs which are then transferred using ink.

Printing can be repeated several times, with each print considered an original artwork called an ‘impression’.

The Old Auction House owner and gallery director Rhain DiPilla said traditional printmaking is a unique medium and process.

“It’s a medium that allows you to make copies of each work and each copy is still unique – it’s not sort of a photocopy where each one is exactly the same,” DiPilla said.

available on the door. Details: http://www.werribeeconcertband. com/

the beauty of landscapes

Wild Awakenings’ beckons viewers to reconcile this dichotomy, to embark on a journey of ‘rewilding,’ and to take a few momentstocherishthesplendouranddiversity of the world we live in.”

Opening night of the exhibition will include a multimedia installation and a chat from Hanson, as well as refreshments to enjoy.

ItkicksoffonThursday,June27,from6pmto 8pm, inside the learning centre at the Sunshine Library.

The exhibition will stay on display until July 26.

Free tickets: https://shorturl.at/2FwVv

Gerald Lynch

“[It is] very hands-on – you’re involved with every step of the process. You have to design it, you then have to carve it or etch it in, you then have to print it … you’re quite involved as an artist”.

Many of the prints at the Clear Cut exhibition also feature colourful hand-painted elements.

“A lot of works in this exhibition are hand coloured - so they’ve printed the base layers and then come back and coloured over the top or painted,” DiPilla said.

DiPilla said that many of the works featured are from local artists, emphasising Kyneton’s strong art scene.

“It’s a really good artistic community,” she said.

Held at the Old Auction House, 52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton, the exhibition will run until Saturday, July 29. Details: https://www.theoldauctionhouse.com. au/gallery

Oscar Parry

Writer Jonathan Schuster and actor Aaron Gocs. (Damjan Janevski) 413332_01

Cade Lucas

Werribee Concert Band members Jacqui Ladd (front), Evan Thomson, Holly Silvester, Kevin Bergin and Victor Cilia. (Damjan Janevski) 413145_01

‘Clear Cut’ showcases a broad range of prints created using traditional methods.

(Rhain DiPilla)

‘Lilac Blossoms on the Mountain’ is one of many pieces that will feature in the exhibition. (Ana Hanson)

Telstra plans to co-locate radiocommunication facility at the existing mobile phone base station comprising a 40m monopole located at 4300 Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road, Parwan, VIC 3340 (Lot 1 on PS445615) www.rfnsa.com.au/3340023

1.Telstra Limited (A.C.N 051 775 556) proposes to colocate radiocommunication equipment at the existing mobile phone base station located at 4300 GeelongBacchus Marsh Road, Parwan, Victoria 3340. As part of this co-location, Telstra proposes the installation of LTE700(4G), LTE1800(4G), LTE2100(4G), LTE2600(4G), NR850(5G) and NR3500(5G) technologies at the Parwan service area.

2.The proposed co-location requires extension of the existingOptuscompoundtoaccommodatenewTelstra ground equipment including a new equipment shelter (not more than 3m high and with a base area of not exceeding 7.5m2 and associated cable pits (each with a surface area of not exceeding 2m2). Fence work has been proposed to realign the existing boundary fence with the new compound footprint and to provide a pair of new 3m wide double access gates on the northern compound boundary. The new access gates will provide site accessviaaproposed3mwideaccesstrackextension from an existing driveway within the same property to the north.

3.As part of the co-location, a new mid-tower triangular headframe has been proposed to provide structural support to radiocommunication antennas (each no more than 2.8m long) on the existing structure. These include six (6) new panel antennas and three (3) new ‘Air’ antennas. Ancillary equipment including three (3) new remote radio units have also been proposed to enable the new antennas to perform their intended functions.

4.Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the above description.

5.In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about this proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Garrett Wong, Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: garrett.wong@aurecongroup.com or via postto:AureconAustralasia,POBox23061,Docklands VIC 8012 by 5pm on 2/07/2024.

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

ACROSS

1 Ribbons (5)

4 Enchanted (9)

9 Sooner (7)

10 Burdensome (7)

11 Illicitly distilled liquor (9)

12 Buffalo (5)

13 US tech company (1,1,1)

14 Body of water to the east of Italy (8,3)

16 A baptism (11)

19 Hint (3)

20 Varnish (5)

22 Broadening (9)

25 Wayne –, head coach of the Dolphins (7)

26 First (7)

27 Substances discharged (9)

28 Opponent (5)

DOWN

1 Load-bearing bar structure (1,4)

2 Actor (9)

3 Hides, pelts (5)

4 Obstacle (7)

5 Aboriginal spear-throwing device (7)

6 Quivering (9)

7 Rings (5)

8 Release (9)

13 Terminal (illness) (9)

14 Yes-men (9)

15 Offering (9)

17 Prefix with 'magnetic' (7)

18 Suggests (7)

21 Egyptian peninsula (5)

23 Din (5)

24 Expression of surprise (5)

letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 Who won the 2000 AFL Grand Final?

2 Karl Lagerfeld (pictured) famously said ‘One is never overdressed or underdressed with a little,’ what?

3 Which is the world’s largest island nation?

4 What does the French word ‘oiseau’ mean in English?

5 Who wrote the novel The Bell Jar?

6 Which element is represented by the letter W?

7 What is the name of Fantine’s daughter in the musical Les Misérables?

8 And who wrote the novel on which the musical is based?

9 Lime juice, triple sec and tequila are the main ingredients of what cocktail?

10 What is a common cause of scurvy?

Good things come in small cars

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

The Q2 is the entry-level model into Audi’s five-model SUV range sitting below the Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q8.

Between them they account for around 80 percent of the brand’s total Australian sales. First released in late 2017, and upgraded in February 2021, the Q2 now comes in two variants: 1.5-litre 35 TFSI and 2.0-litre quattro 40 TFSI. At the same time a new high-performance SQ2 was added which will justify a separate review down the track.

Priced at $43,600 plus on-roads, the 35 TFSI has LED headlights, contrasting bumpers and C-pillar, leather-appointed seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, digital driver information display as well as Audi smartphone interface and phone box light wireless charging among its equipment highlights.

For an extra $7000 the 40 TFSI quattro adds new Audi Sport 18-inch alloy wheels, Audi drive select, a powered tailgate, sport front seats, auto-dimming interior mirror, and of course, all-wheel drive.

Styling

Aswithmostvehiclesintheboomingcompact

SUV segment the Q2 treads that very fine line of distinction between hatchback and SUV.

Q2 is fairly conservative in its looks when compared with larger vehicles in the Audi range. Because of its small dimensions it has a boxier, less coupe-like profile than the others.

The large single frame grille with its four intersecting ring badge immediately identifies it as an Audi. The 2021 upgrade gets a more chiselled look that really suits it as do the new pentagonal shape to the front (dummy) air inlets and rear bumper trim.

Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard across the range with different designs.

An optional Style Package includes 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels; matrix LED headlights; extended black exterior and a full body paint finish in the 35 TFSI. It adds $3490 to the price of the 35 TFSI and $2690 to the 40 TFSI.

The Q2 range is available in 11 exterior colours and two interior colour combinations, depending on the model.

The C-pillar in the Q2, called the ‘C-Blade’, can be ordered in a variety of interchangeable

finishes and colours.

All models get LED headlights.

Interior

The interior is neat and functional with the premium feel that we’ve come to expect from Audi. The dash is simple and uncluttered with the controls for the dual-zone climate control in the centre. The front air vents are round and can be swivelled for optimum coverage.

The rear doors are large and so make entry easier. There’s good headroom thanks to the relatively flat roofline but legroom will be very tight for taller occupants. There is no centre armrest or rear air vents.

Storage space in the front is limited with the large infotainment knob ensuring there’s nowhere to leave keys, phones, wallets etc meaning that the two cup holders get used at the bottom of the dashboard.

Boot capacity in the 40 TFSI is a moderate 355 litres (405 in the 2WD 35 TFSI). The boot floor can be set at two levels, to either provide security for smallish objects under it, or for tall cargo. There is no spare wheel of any size, with a puncture repair kit the only emergency option.

Engines & transmissions

The 1.5-litre engine in the Q2 35 TFSI is new and replaces the previous 1.4-litre unit albeit with the same outputs of 140 kW and 320 Nm but is more refined, quieter and with slightly better fuel consumption. As before it comes with a Cylinder-on-Demand (CoD) function that can shut down two of its four cylinders imperceptibly at low throttle load and engine speeds and helps reduce official fuel consumption to just 5.2 L/100km.

The four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine in the 40

TFSI carries over from the previous model. It puts out 140 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque at 1450 rpm.

Both engines are mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic.

Infotainment

TheAudiMMI(MultiMediaInterface)system is displayed via a new 8.3-inch tablet-style screen above the centre of the dashboard. The quality of the graphics is excellent and the system itself is easy enough to operate once you get used to the rotary dial control which we still prefer over the more distracting touchscreens which are very much the norm nowadays.

There is Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Audi connect technology with WiFi hotspot and Google services.

Safety

Audi Q2 gets a five-star rating from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP with standard features that include six airbags; electronic stability program with enhanced ABS brakes; blind spot monitoring; Audi’s pre-sense city with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection; tyre pressure warning; IsoFix child-seat mounts; plus automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.

The SQ2 adds Audi pre-sense basic which initiates protection measures when it senses an imminent collision including tensioning of the front seat belts, activation of hazard warning lights and closing of the windows and sunroof.

The Premium Package is a $3050 option in the Q2 35 TFSI, $2950 in the 40 TFSI and

standard in the SQ2. Among other features it includes adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go; emergency assist; active lane assist; park assist; rollover sensor; and hill hold.

Driving

Our road test vehicle was the Audi Q2 40 TFSI quattro with its 140 kW and 320 Nm outputs. It sits neatly between the entry-level 110 kW / 250 Nm 35 FWD TFSI and the 221 kW/400 Nm quattro SQ2.

Entry is a bit awkward for taller drivers and, once seated, we found it necessary to drop the driver’s seat to its lowest setting to get comfortable thus losing the extra driving height that makes SUVs popular.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive. Rather oddly the Q2 40 doesn’t come with powered seat adjustment, yet it does get a powered tailgate.

Rear seat legroom is borderline for adults and some compromises will have to be made with those in the front if tall travellers are on board. Three adults can sit across the back, but, as is the norm in cars of this size, two and a child makes more sense.

Around town the Q2 was sharp and manoeuvrable. It cruised effortlessly on the motorwaybutoutontoourlocalcountryroads was where it came into its own. Although steering is relatively light it’s nicely weighted and combined with the quattro AWD system provides an engaging, dynamic drive.

Ride comfort is very good and the interior is generally quiet.

There’s plenty of road grip and the car is more assured and stable in corners than most of its similarly-sized 2WD SUV rivals.

At a claimed 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres the AWD 40 TFSI is a fair bit thirstier than the 5.2 L/100 km FWD 35 TFSI no doubt helped along by its Cylinder-on-Demand system. We averaged just on 8.0 L/100km during our week-long test.

Summing up

Audi Q2 is a stylish compact SUV at a reasonable price (for a premium car, that is). It’s easy to drive and park in its urban natural habitat but, especially in AWD mode, can provide plenty of driving enjoyment in more challenging rural conditions.

All Audi models now come with a five year, unlimited distance warranty.

Audi Q2 is a stylish compact SUV at a reasonable price. (Pictures: Supplied)

The weather may have been chilly on Saturday but it didn’t stop StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic getting out and capturing some of the action.

Chilly weekend sporting action

1/ Diggers Rest run out in front of its new facilities. 413379_01 2/ Macedon’s Eve Moait and Kyneton’s Mairead Murphy. 413374_11 3/ Justin Waldron left and Hayden Davis right. 413379_12 4/ Romsey’s Elise Putyra. 413376_04 5/ Romsey’s Charlize Bellette. 413378_22 6/ Sunbury Lions score. 413382_10 7/ Woodend-Hesket and Romsey fight hard for the ball. 413376_07 8/ Romsey’s Hope Hamilton scores. 413378_05 9/ Sunbury Lions’ Fraser Ampulski. 413383_07 10/ The mountains overshadowed Tony Clarke Reserve. 413374_04

Shattock steps up to take on Falcons challenge

Ian Shattock is looking forward to a new challenge after being appointed Caroline Springs coach for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 season.

The Falcons announced that Shattock, who has been part of the club for more than a decade, would step up to the role.

A five-time premiership player in his own right, Shattock’s coaching credentials include multiplerepresentativepositionswhileleading the club’s most successful junior group to four premierships across nine seasons.

Shattock said it was exciting to step up into the role.

“It’s good and I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s a bit of a challenge.

“I’ve been an assistant coach for the last three to four years and this will be my first season as head senior coach.

“It’s not something that I always wanted to

do, but it’s something that will be good to help the club.

“It’s something exciting and I can extend myself a little bit.”

Shattocksaiditmakesitalittleeasierhaving already been at the club.

He said he already had an idea of the ins and outs of the club and has an idea what works.

“We’ve had three coaches in three years,” he said. “They’ve all had some good points and I’ll put my spin on it.”

Shattock takes over a side that had a strong 2023-24 season. The Falcons spent much of the season on top, before a poor finals series meant they missed the grand final.

Shattock said they should have gone better than they did in finals.

One area that Shattock said excites him is the youth that they have in the club.

“There are a lot of boys who have come up

in seconds and firsts,” he said. “It’s really good to see those boys take the next step. Each club relies on experienced players and imports, but you need young boys coming through and stepping up.

“This year will be a good challenge for them.”

Shattock said the club had signed a couple of recruits, but the club is still to announce them.

He said some players had moved on, including former playing-coach Shiran Rajakaruna.

“We’ve got some exciting recruits and some talented boys to help the younger boys coming through.

“Hopefully a couple of the younger boys I coached through under-17s come back as well. They’ve left to play at other clubs, but it would be nice to have them back.”

Tara Murray

Warriors fall just short

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors were thinking what might have been after a close loss to the North East Blaze in the Victorian Netball League championship division on Wednesday night. Going for their fourth win in five matches, the Warriors had their chances to come away with the points.

Two poor periods proved costly for the Warriors, with the Blaze winning 60-58. Warriors coach Kim Bailey said there were positives, but their inability to play four quarters hurt them.

“We did have a lot of chances,” she said. “There were just too many unforced errors to be honest, some really uncharacteristic errors.

“We made three breaks. I think we never have a break, little things that are coach killers.

“We were 11 goals down and to lose by two, but we can’t get ourselves in the position. “Whenwegetarunon,weneedtocontinue on with it.”

The Warriors trailed early in the first quarter. They had runs in both the second and third quarter to bring the margin back to one.

The Blaze finished the third quarter really strongly to lead by 11 goals at three quarter time.

“When we did recover we let them get away a couple of times again,” Bailey said. “You take some good stuff out of it though.

“You look at the last quarter and last quarter was amazing. We won that quite convincingly.

“We just can’t get ourselves into that chase position. But you think how we went compared to the same game 20 goals last time it was much better.

“A couple little turnovers at critical times might have been a difference. A pretty good performance against a quality team.”

Bailey said midcourter Vanessa Augustini played her best game. Olivia Ellis against her old side also had a good game, while the shooting combination of Kim Borger and Julia Woolley played well.

Abbey Ellis made her debut for the Warriors.

“Justsortofbringherinandshe’llhopefully stay with us around next season,” Bailey said.

“She’s really dynamic. She hasn’t played netball for a little while as well, but awesome footwork and a really great netball brain.

“Add her in with her creativity. There’s so much creativity with Kim and Julia and that’s another person you can bring in to be a different voice.”

The Warriors sit in ninth spot, not three games outside the top four.

The Warriors under-23s had moments in their match against the Blaze, but ended up with a 69-45 loss.

Redbacks knock off the Burras

Romsey produced its best performance of the Riddell District Football League season to knock off Diggers Rest on Saturday. The Redbacks have been building and on Saturday showed why the side was full of confidence heading into the back half of the season.

The Burras led by seven points at quarter time, before the Redbacks led by a goal at half time.

The game was still on the line at three quarter time with the Burras leading by three points. It was all the Redbacks in the final quarter, kicking 5.5 while keeping the Burras scoreless to run away with a 11.13 (79)-7.5 (47) win.

Jack Jedwab kicked five goals for the Redbacks in a best on ground performance.

Ryan Mullen was the only multiple goal kicker for the Burras with two goals. Ruck Hayden Davis had another good game.

The win moves Romsey to second on the ladder, with the Burras slipping to fourth. In the other matches, Riddell was too strong for Lancefield, winning 13.8 (86)-5.3 (33). Dylan Tarczon kicked four goals in a best on ground performance for the Bombers.

Macedon had no issues at all against Melton Centrals at Tony Clarke Reserve.

The Cats led 55-2 at quarter time and it was already game over.

The Cats continued to build the lead throughout, winning 18.9 (117)-3.5 (23). Jason Cooke starred up forward kicking eight goals.

Jake Armistead was named the Centrals’ best. The Cats move into the top five with the win.

A Wallan side with former Collingwood star Heath Shaw was too strong for Kyneton.

The Magpies got the win, 13.16 (94)-6.10 (46).

Shaw was named among the best for Wallan. Cody Young was named Kyneton’s best.

New Caroline Springs coach Ian Shattock. (Supplied)

Bailey said it was the same story as it’s been for much of the season, a lack of consistency across all four quarters.

The Warriors this week face Boroondara Express. In championship, the Warriors led all match last time before falling short.

Vanessa Augustini (Grant Treeby/NV)

Jack Jedwab. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413379_20

Adam Miller ready for senior coaching challenge

New Melton South Royals coach Adam Miller is looking forward to the chance to lead his own side.

Miller has been coaching at Sunshine Heights since he was 16, coaching a number of junior sides and having been the club’s junior development coordinator.

The new Royals coach said he was looking forward to getting into it at the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 club.

“It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time, take on a senior coaching role,” he said.

“I’ve been coaching since I was 16 and it was time for a new challenge.

“I’m moving closer to home which is nice and it’s a different challenge.”

Coaching is in the blood for Miller, with his dad Wayne Miller, the long term coach of Sunshine Heights.

His uncle is former Australian player Colin Miller.

Millersaidmakingthemoveisbothexciting and nerve wracking at the same time.

He said he didn’t know many people at the club yet, but having been involved in the competition gives him some idea of what to expect.

“I have a bit of an understanding somewhat from where they were last season and where they want to improve.

“My club was in division 3. I know the standards that have been set at higher clubs and I want to help set them here.”

The Royals finished last season in seventh spot, two games outside the top four.

Miller said the club was happy with how they went last season in terms of being competitive in their first season back in division 4.

But they know they could have had a much better season,

“They were disappointed they didn’t play finals as they had a lot of games that were

close and they should have won, it’s the mental side of things.

“Just getting beaten by four or five runs isn’t fun and we want to stop that from happening each week.”

Miller said they would stick with the playing group that they’ve got which is full of experience.

He said he would meet with all the players from the senior sides in the next few weeks.

“It’ll be good to get an understanding of what each individual gets out of the club.”

In other news, the Royals are looking to form a women’s side for the first time.

Miller said he would help out with that side if they’re able to get it up.

“We want to try and build a side,” he said.

“Most clubs should have a women’s side.

“We want to try and get people in the community who want to come to the club.”

Tara Murray

Henry loving new home

By Tara Murray

The AFLW season hasn’t even gotten underway,butAdelaidedrafteeTamaraHenry is already loving her time in the Southern Australia capital.

Henry was taken by the Crows in the draft late last year, seeing her make the move from playing with Darley to one of the premier teams in the AFLW competition.

Henry, who moved over in February, said she was loving her time in Adelaide so far.

“It has just been a really great vibe,” she said. “Adelaide is much quieter than Melbourne.

“Coming into the club all the girls have been so good and so welcoming. It’s a good environment for me.”

Henry said the decision to make the move over earlier in the year was aimed at helping to settle into life easier.

She was able to train with the girls before pre-season while also get a taste of senior football in the South Australian National Football League.

“It was good to bond with everyone and to

get an idea of what was coming,” she said.

“It was pretty similar [actual pre-season] to what we are doing now. I was able to get an understanding of what we are doing.”

Henry said the actual pre-season made it feel a bit more real that the AFLW season will soon be here.

She had the opportunity to play two SANFL games, which was a new experience.

“It was my first opportunity to try and play that level,” she said. “I didn’t get to play back home.

“There were more older women and a bit better standard.”

For Henry, the dream has always been to play AFLW since she started playing football and the introduction of the national competition.

She played some of her junior football at Bacchus Marsh, before making the move across to Darley.

She played in Darley’s first women’s premiership last season.

“I got to see both sides of the fence,” she said of playing with the two cross town rivals. “That was my first premiership win.

Sports shorts

Big V

The Melton Thoroughbreds won a thriller against the Sherbrooke Suns on Saturday night in the Big V men’s division 2 competition. The Thoroughbreds opened up a strong lead through the middle two quarters, but had to watch as that faded with the Suns coming home hard. The Thoroughbreds were able to hold on, winning 71-70. Milan Savic top scored with 33 points. The Thoroughbreds sit second on the ladder.

Ballarat NL

Melton came away with a solid win against Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Netball League on Saturday. The Bloods were keen to stay in touch with the top six and were able to come away with a 69-22 win. The win moves the Bloods to eighth, while Bacchus Marsh remains bottom. Melton South had a rare loss, losing to Lake Wendoureee, 53-51. The Panthers slip to fourth. Darley had a bye.

Ballarat FL

“I had played in a grand final every year besides COVID. It’s been my main program and they really helped grow my skills to where they are now.”

She also spent two seasons with the Western Jets. The second one of those seasons she also made the Vic Metro under-18 squad.

It was an experience that helped give Henry some more confidence.

“With that experience some more clubs started speaking to me,” she said. “It gave me confidence that it might happen.”

Henry admits that she cried when her name was called out for the draft, partly as she was achieving her dream and partly as she was moving away.

Those tears are now smiles and laughs as she’s loved everything about her time at Adelaide so far.

She’s hoping to continue to build her skills in the lead up to the season and hopefully take that next step.

“I just want to get better every session and hopefully get a game or two,” she said. “I want to build connections with the girls and get better.”

The Ballarat Football League has named an initial 32-player squad for its interleague clash with the Hampden Football League. All players named in the squad are 23 and under.Four Bacchus Marsh and Melton South players have been named. Jack Parente, Rye Penny, Josh Huxtable and Isaac Nixon have been selected from the Cobras, while Cody Chapman, Mitch Fino, Broden Collins and Jarrod Bibby are the Panthers selected. Darley’s Brady Wright, Zane Le Huray and Will Johnson, along with Melton’s Conrad Farrugia, Adrian Monitto and Kyle Borg are also in the squad.

FV

Melton Phoenix moved into third on the FV state league 4 west ladder with a win on Friday night against Moonee Ponds United. Playing a catch up game, the Phoenix were able to rally despite a number of players being out, to win 1-0. The Phoenix are now four points off second.

Adam Miller is the new Melton South Royals coach. (Supplied)

Tamara Henry (Adelaide FC)

Tango Tara leads all the way to win Italian Cup

Tango Tara made a belated return to the winner’s stall at Melton when he led all the way in the $25,000 Del Re National Italian Cup.

Favourite backers were delivered an early broadside at the meeting when the favorrite Perfect Class galloped after appearing to be tightened heading into the first turn and settled down at the rear of the field.

MeanwhileKateGathwasallowedtodictate the terms of the race to suit herself on Tango Tara as the leader was joined by stablemate Yambukian before increasing the tempo with a 28 back straight quarter.

In the run to the line Tango Tara was untroubled to score by three metres from Yambukian to give the Andy Gath stable a feature race quinella.

Tango Tara (Stuart McCormick)

The win was the eight- year- old’s first at headquarters since April last year.

“It is really good to get a win with him finally as he’s knocked on the door a few times but hasn’t quite got there, drawing two in the random barrier draw made all the difference,” Kate Gath said after the race.

Gath acknowledged Tango Tara hasn’t won

out of turn in recent months.

“He tends to go best in faster mile rates, he’s a bit of a funny horse as he doesn’t win as often as you think but I thought he was good tonight and it’s probably the biggest winning margin he’s had for a while,” she said.

“He generally knocks off the last little bit or has one get to him.”

Gath said Tango Tara was unlikely to join exodus of pacers heading north for the Queensland Constellations at Albion Park later this month.

“We’ll just stay here as he earns just about every time he goes around even from bad draws, and you can’t complain about that,” she said.

Tango Tara has now exceeded $350,000 in stake earnings and the win was his 16th career success which has been punctuated with 37

Lakers share the points

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs came agonisingly close to inflicting Werribee Districts first loss of the Western Football League division 1 season, but had to settle for a draw.

Coming off a week off, the Lakers pushed the Tigers all the way after a slow start to the game.

After being down by 17 points at half time, the Lakers reduced the margin to eight points heading into the final quarter.

The Lakers came home strongly with five last quarter goals, to get a 10.12 (72)-11.6 (72) draw.

Lakers football manager Shaun Rainer said there’s always a bit of a numb feeling after a draw.

“We probably got off to a slow start,” he said. “They got out to a three goal lead.

“We definitely had patches where we had a little bit of the ball but didn’t make the most of our opportunities.

“We came back in the last quarter and nearly stole it. To go down there against the top side and come away with two points is still a good result.’

Rainer said they had a couple of opportunities in the final quarter to get that extra score needed to get the full four points. He said they were some shots they would normally make, but with a young team pressure will sometimes take its toll.

Despite not getting the result, Rainer said the group would take a lot out of the performance.

“It gives the guys belief,” he said. “They didn’t come away with the win but there’s the belief that if we can maintain it and we feel like we can fix a few things up, we can get the result against them next time.”

Bailey Raak kicked three goals for the Lakers, with Mitchell Bongiovanni and Tate Wood kicking two goals each.

Rainer said Bongiovanni and Max Tessari were good all day in the middle of the ground, while Wood applied a lot of pressure up forward in the last quarter.

“It was a really even team performance,” he said. “It’s been that way for most of the season. “We’re not relying on one player to lift us up.”

The Lakers remain in third spot despite not getting the win. They are two points behind Yarraville Seddon.

The two teams face each other this week.

“It doesn’t get any easier,” Rainer said. “Yarraville this week. They tore us up in round one.

‘They guys learned a lot from round one and we’ve gotten better.

“We stuck with them for three quarters and

they dominated us in the final quarter.”

Meanwhile in division 2, the Western Rams lost to Braybrook, 21.11 (137)-7.8 (50).

The Brookers did most of the damage in the first quarter, leading 51-7 at the first break.

placings.

Racegoers who braved the chilly weather at Melton savoured the win of champion race mare Ladies In Red in the Cinderella Stakes. David Moran let Ladies In Red amble around to wrest the lead off stable mate Soho Historia with a lap to travel and the six-year-old daughter of Mach Three cruised to the line in a mile rate of 1:52.6 for the 1720 metre journey.

Ladies In Red will travel to Brisbane this week in search of the rich spoils on offer with her focus being the $150,000 The Golden Girl where she will clash with NSW mare Aardies Express and fellow Victorian Rakero Rebel. There is speculation that the win, her 16th at Melton, could be her last at headquarters as the breeding barn beckons later this year.

John Dunne

Georgies out

Caroline Springs George Cross’ Australia Cup campaign came to an end on Wednesday night.

The team was aiming to win through to the national stage of the competition for the first time in a number of years.

The Victorian Premier League 1 side hadatoughnightoutagainstHumeCity.

Needing to beat a side in the competition above them, the Georgies found themselves on the back foot early.

Tommy Maricic opened the scoring for Hume in the 16th minute despite Georgies pleas for a hand ball.

Josh Bingham doubled the lead in the 42nd minute to take a 2-0 lead into half time.

Hume continued on its way in the second half.

Michel Platt scored in the 61st minute and then scored a second one in the second minute of injury time to put the icing on the cake.

Hume got the win 4-0.

Hume coach David Chick said the Georgies pushed them early on and gave good account of itself.

Nearby, St Albans had a tough job against fellow National Premier League side, South Melbourne.

Neither side could score in the first half, setting up a big second 45 minutes. Early in the second half, Nahuel Bonada scored for South Melbourne to give it the lead.

South Melbourne and Hume join Heidelberg United and Melbourne Srbija through to the next round.

Oakleigh Cannons will face Avondale forthefinalVictorianspotinthe32team national stage this week.

The Georgies were back in action on Monday night in the VPL1 competition against the Bulleen Lions, after deadline. It was a must win for the Georgies who are one point ahead of second bottom Werribee City.

In the Nike F.C Cup, Spring Hills plays its quarter final against Preston Lions on June 18 with a spot in the final four on the line.

week

be the

Caroline Springs George Cross. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Jared Scott and Damon Lewis were named the Rams best.

The Rams this

face North Sunshine. It will

club’s best chance to beat it’s losing streak, which dates back to May 5, 2018.

Tate Wood. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

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