The Western BACE building in Cobblebank has received a stunning makeover, thanks to mural artist Hayden Dewar.
The artwork, which faces Ferris Road, is 48-metres long and eight metres high. Dewar said the mural was extensive, even for his standards.
“It’s definitely up there in terms of one of my most detailed projects … its got a certain style to it – a degree of realism but more of an illustrative look,” he said.
Among the Melton-specific elements of the design are native flora and fauna found in forested areas around Eynesbury and dingoes – a nod to Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Reserve in Toolern Vale.
One feature people may notice are the faceless hooded characters – these are ‘Solarquins’, original characters created by Dewar who make a regular appearance in his art.
“They are positive figures; guardians of nature in search of a harmonious existence. I include them when I can,” he said.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said the “dazzling addition” will enrich the municipality and captivate the imagination of passersby. “We are thrilled to bring this powerful piece of public art to our community,” she said.
Call to tackle youth crime
By Eddie Russell
Melton council is seeking new measures be put in place to both monitor and rehabilitate youth offenders in the municipality.
At the June 24 council meeting, councillor Julie Shannon asked council write to state government ministers and opposition ministers to advocate for increased funding of prevention and diversionary programs and the adoption of new monitoring and rehabilitation programs.
Cr Shannon said the methods currently in place were not doing enough.
“It’s obvious that the current legal system
is not helping our community and youth offenders to be rehabilitated effectively,” she said.
With the motion, council hopes to address youth involvement in crime and enhance community safety.
Cr Shannon said there were many ways monitoring could be achieved, including through the use of ankle bracelets.
“A lot of young offenders are being put out into the community and they’re being let out on bail and I think that is not always working,” shesaid.“Idon’tthinkit’shelpingthemeitherif they get put straight into jail. That’s not always a solution either.
“There’sdifferentwaystheycanbemonitored so that they can be in the community but also keeping themselves and the community safe.”
Cr Steve Abboushi welcomed the motion, saying that necessary changes needed to be made to existing programs.
“This is fantastic because it focuses on diversionary programs … as opposed to hard line sanctions,” he said.
“There are lots of other things that we can do to divert the anti-social behaviour and make young people more productive in our community.”
On June 18, the state government introduced the Youth Justice Bill 2024. Youth Justice and
Winter Wonderland
Victim Support Minister Enver Erdogan said it would reform the current system.
“The best way to keep Victorians safe is to address the root causes of offending. Our changes will support more young people get back on the right path and put victims’ voices into decision making.”
The bill will create a legislated scheme for warnings, cautions and early diversion, implement more intensive bail supervision – including a two-year trial of electronic monitoring – and introduce new sentencing outcomes that provide more options for accountability and rehabilitation and leave custody as the most severe outcome.
Eddie Russell Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik in front of the recently completed BACE mural by artist Hayden Dewar. (Damjan Janevski) 415915_02
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Council 2024/25 budget adopted
A $223.1 million capital works program is a key part of Melton City Council’s 2024/25 budget.
Highlights that meet residents’ day-today needs include $7.2 million for social care for older people and people living with disability, $10.5 million for maternal and child health, $6.4 million for children, family and youth services, $7.5 million for our state-of-the-art
To view the budget in full, visit melton.vic.gov.au/budget
libraries and funding for festivals including Djerriwarrh Festival, Lakeside Alive and Carols by Candlelight.
The average rates increase is 2.75%, which is in line with the Victorian Government’s 2.75% rate cap.
A $90 pensioner rebate is available for eligible property owners.
Capital works highlights include:
• $17.8 million for Mt Atkinson East Sports Reserve
• $11.9 million to complete the upgrade of Bulmans Road, Melton West
• $9.7 million to finalise design and start work on the Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre
• $10.6 million for construction of the Bridge Road Community Hub
• $14.6 million for the Plumpton Community Centre and Neighbourhood House
• $4.5 million to complete the duplication of Hume Drive, Taylors Hill, between Calder Park Drive and Gourlay Road
Mayor’s message Cr Kathy Majdlik
I’m pleased to say that Council has adopted the budget for 2024/25 that is centred around a $223.1 million capital works program and longterm financial sustainability.
This is a responsible budget that is committed to delivering the high-quality programs, services, facilities and projects that meet the community’s needs. It demonstrates Council’s continued commitment to sound financial management.
Council wants to ensure our community has access to a well-maintained, quality road network and that we continue to rollout upgrades to facilities across the municipality, including new and improved play spaces for children to enjoy.
Coburn Ward with Cr Sophie Ramsey
It’s been a chilly start to winter, so I hope everyone has been keeping warm.
A lot of road upgrades have been taking place around the City and I’d like to thank you all for your patience.
The upgrades are crucial to easing congestion, help to improve safety and delivering the road networks our community need.
Ferris Road is the gateway to the Cobblebank Metropolitan Activity Centre and a major link between rapidly growing residential and commercial precincts. It will also be home to the new Melton Hospital.
– Visit
As one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities, Council is seeking critical investment into Ferris Road to cope with congestion and projected traffic increases.
My recent Notice of Motion asks for the duplication of Ferris Road between Bridge Road and the Western Highway, inclusive of the proposed single lane bridge over the rail corridor and Western Highway interchange.
It was an absolute honour to come together recently and celebrate the amazing achievements of our local volunteers.
Volunteers are the lifeblood and the fabric that hold our community together. We couldn’t deliver the services and programs we do without your support.
Our City is lucky to have so many volunteers and I’d like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you. Your contributions can never be underestimated.
As always, it’s an absolute honour to serve this community.
Don’t hesitate to contact me at sophie.ramsey@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 067. I’d love to hear your thoughts about Coburn Ward.
Highlights include work at the intersection of Caroline Springs Boulevard and Rockbank Middle Road, the Bridge Road Community Hub, $9.7 million to finalise design and start early work on the Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre and completing the upgrade of Bulmans Road in Melton West. On behalf of Council, I’d like to extend my personal thanks to residents and community groups for their contributions as we prepared the budget.
It was fantastic to see the Lake Caroline Masterplan and Activation Strategy and the Melton Weir Parkland Strategy adopted at Council.
Both Lake Caroline and Melton Weir parklands are popular outdoor spots for residents.
These important strategies not only outline the projects that could be delivered at each site, they also identify ways to make Lake Caroline and Melton Weir even greater destinations for everyone in our community to enjoy.
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
Homelessness in council’s sights
By Eddie Russell
Melton council will investigate providing accommodation for people experiencing homelessness in the area.
Councillor Julie Shannon raised a notice of motion during council’s June 24 meeting, asking council to investigate the delivery of short-term emergency accommodation.
She said there were too many residents of Melton sleeping rough.
“In the last year alone, council has received 90 notifications of people sleeping rough in
public spaces,” she said.
“Apart from that, many people in our community that have no safe home or bed will sleep on couches … or they will sleep in cars.”
A report on the proposal will be presented to a future council meeting and is expected to outline the role of existing homeless support services in Melton, including from all levels of government and supporting agencies.
Opportunities identified in the report could be referred to the 2025-26 council budget if further feasibility analysis was
required.
Cr Shannon said while the responsibility for tackling homelessness did not lay solely at the feet of council, it had no choice but to act on the matter.
“While it’s not necessarily a council issue to solve, we can’t turn a blind eye either,” she said.
“This issue seems to be only getting worse and needs to be addressed.”
Cr Shannon said council already had the existing facilities needed to help.
“We are one of the only councils with its
Grotto built to stand the test of time
Paolo Vairo has been a full-time architectural metal fabricator for five years.
His most recent installation, a geodesic grotto of the Virgin Mary out the front of St Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish in Melton South, is his best work yet.
“It has to be number one because it’s the most different looking and cool structure I’ve ever built,” he said. “I’m pretty lucky – they say when you do something you love you never
work a day in your life.”
Mr Vairo said the design is completely unique, at least as far as he is concerned.
“I think it’s the only one like it in the world,” he said.
The grotto was revealed on Saturday, June 22 and was blessed by the Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Andrew Comensoli.
The 500-seat church was at full capacity for the special mass.
Concern over health budget
A Western Health staff member has voiced concern the health service has had its budget cutbythestategovernment.Theunnamedstaff membervoicedtheconcernsonline,amidnews the health service was facing a hiring freeze.
“Significantlyreducedbudgetshavejustbeen given down by the state government which will include closing of some hospital services, job cuts and cancellation of elective surgeries,” the worker said.
“There is an immediate recruitment freeze across every single department at my hospital. This is going to cause the most terrible flow on effects for patients. Our health services are already understaffed and now more will lose jobs.Weareworriedpatientswilldiewithsuch critically understaffed hospitals.”
A Western Health spokesperson said the health service was working with the Department of Health to agree on a final
own housing stock that supports both short and long term housing.”
Currently, Melton council works with support service providers, delivers the state government-funded homelessness program, monitors homelessness in the municipality, and advocates for change.
As reported by Star Weekly, a Council to Homeless Persons report in May 2023 showed homelessness had increased by 134 per cent between 2016 and 2021 in Melton. The short-term accommodation would also consider those with pets.
The structure features a lighting feature so it looks like a glowing cave – something patrons got to see for themselves at the unveiling.
Itisbuiltoutofaluminiumandwasdesigned with longevity in mind.
“This is a monument to God so it definitely needs to stand the test of time,” Mr Vairo said.
“It’s going to outlive us – that was one of my considerations.”
Eddie Russell
NAIDOC Week events will be held throughout Melton and Moorabool to celebrate the culture and history of First Nations people.
For Melton residents, NAIDOC Week, which is from July 7-14, will start early on July 5, kicking off with ‘Meet the Rainbow Serpent’, a session for children to interact with native animals featured in Dreamtime stories. It will take place from 11am-noon at BridgeRoadChildren’sandCommunity Centre in Strathtulloh.
Movie buffs can look forward to the NAIDOC Week Film Festival, which will screen three films about the lives of Indigenous people and their achievements.
Caroline Springs Library and Learning Hub will host sessions on Monday, July 8, at 1pm, and Wednesday, July10,at6pm,whiletheMeltonLibrary and Learning Hub will run a screening at 6pm on Thursday, July 11. Bookings are essential for all events.
In Moorabool, Wurundjeri Traditional Owner Daniel Ross will perform a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at the Village Green at 10.30am on Tuesday, July 9.
On Thursday, July 11, residents can join award winning poet, storyteller, and singer Uncle Barry Gilson for an evening of Wadawurrung stories from 5.30-6.30pm.
Rounding out the celebrations on Friday, July 12, at 2pm is a Murrup Live Art Session at Ballan Neighbourhood House hosted by Wadawurrung woman Jenna Oldaker.
budget that will aim to support the health care needs of the community.
“Healthcare services operate in a complex and challenging setting and we are taking active steps to respond to a constrained fiscal environment, such as recruitment holds, capital expenditure and preventing travel at this time, aimed at having minimal impact in providingbestqualitytreatment,care,research and education for the people of the west.”
A Department of Health spokesperson said the state government ws working with all public health services to finalise the 2024-25 budgets.
Opposition health spokesperson Georgie Crozier said the funding cuts would have a profound impact on hospitals being able to deliver safe patient care.
Gerald Lynch
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Father Alex Clemente, Paolo Vairo, and Dr Benjamin Arulanandhu in front of the new grotto at St Anthony’s in Melton South. (Damjan Janevski) 415503_03
Eddie Russell Events to
Lynn found guilty for Carol murder
By Emily Woods, AAP
Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn is facing life behind bars after a jury found he murdered a missing camper, but not her secret lover.
The 57-year-old from Caroline Springs pleadednotguiltytotwocountsofmurderand aweeks-longtrialensuedattheSupremeCourt in Melbourne over the deaths of Russell Hill and Pakenham’s Carol Clay, who disappeared while camping in 2020.
Twelve jurors deliberated for seven days before returning to the court on Tuesday, June 25, with a split verdict.
They found Lynn guilty of Mrs Clay’s murder, but acquitted him over Mr Hill’s death.
The couple went missing from the Wonnangatta Valley, part of Victoria’s alpine region, while camping together.
Lynnclaimedthetwodeathswereaccidental, but admitted burning the crime scene and destroying their bodies.
Mr Hill, 74, was married and the pair were having a secret affair together when they disappeared.
Lynn, Mr Hill and Mrs Clay, 73, were the only people who stayed at Bucks Camp that evening, on March 20, 2020.
Lynn said he had been out deer hunting when he returned to threats from Mr Hill that hehaddronefootageofLynnhuntingtooclose to the campsite and he would hand the footage to police.
Later that evening, he said Mr Hill took a shotgun and ammunition from Lynn’s car.
Lynn claimed he went to get his gun off Mr Hill, who fired off a few warning shots before turning the gun on Lynn.
Lynn and Mr Hill struggled over the gun, Lynn said, when another shot went off and hit the side of Mr Hill’s ute mirror, which ricocheted off and went into Mrs Clay’s head.
Shot fragments were later found, proving that Mrs Clay died in a shooting.
The former pilot claimed Mr Hill charged at Lynn with a knife, with a second struggle ensuing.
Lynn said he was trying to defend himself when the knife went into Mr Hill’s chest. No evidence was shown to the jury about how Mr Hill died.
Lynn admitted burning the couple’s campsite, putting their bodies in a trailer and driving to the Union Spur Track where he unloaded the bodies and covered them with sticks.
He returned twice, including in November 2020 when he set fire to the couple’s remains.
He was arrested a year later, where he told his story to police and led investigators to the bodies,whichhadbrokendowninto2100bone fragments.
Lynn maintained he was innocent of murder and admitted to the jury his actions in covering up the crime, including repainting his 4WD used to dispose of the bodies, were “despicable”.
He had offered to plead guilty to destruction of evidence charges before the trial began.
But the prosecution said Lynn’s story was a work of fiction and his conduct after the killings proved beyond a reasonable doubt he intended to murder the couple.
Twelve jurors began deciding on their two
verdictsonJune17,returningtothecourtafter seven days of deliberations.
Asked for a verdict on Mr Hill’s murder, the jury’s foreperson told the court on Tuesday “not guilty”.
Asked about the murder of Mrs Clay, the foreperson replied “guilty”.
In handing down a split verdict, the jurors decided they did not believe Lynn’s claim that Mrs Clay’s death was accidental.
Lynn, wearing a suit and blue jumper, remained silent and still as the verdicts were read aloud, raising his eyebrows after learning his fate.
Lynn waved to his son Geordie, who was seated in front of him inside the court room, after the jury left the court.
He spoke to his lawyers before he was escorted out, flanked by custody officers, and smiled as the prison van took him away. Lynn, who will be sentenced at a later date, is now facing a maximum penalty of life in prison. He will return to court on July 19 for a mention.
Outside court, Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien praised the “determination and perseverance” of missing persons detectives in bringing Lynn to justice. He said the courage of Mr Hill and Mrs Clay’s families had been “nothing short of extraordinary”.
In a statement, Mr Hill and Mrs Clay’s families said they were both relieved and devastated at the verdicts.
Explainer: Key events in Greg Lynn’s court case
Who was on trial?
• Greg Lynn, 57, who was a Jetstar pilot at the time of the deaths.
What was he accused of?
• Killing missing campers Russell Hill, 74, and Carol Clay, 73, at Bucks Camp in the Wonnangatta Valley in Victoria’s northeast on March 20, 2020.
• He admitted disposing the bodies in remote bushland of the Union Spur track before returning in November 2020 to burn the remains.
When did the trial start?
• The trial started on May 13 and the jury started deliberating on June 17.
What did the prosecution allege?
• Lynn killed Mr Hill after a disagreement, possibly over Mr Hill’s drone.
• Lynn then shot dead Mrs Clay because she was a witness to the first murder.
Lynn’s version of events
• On March 20, 2020, Mr Hill threatened to
send drone footage to police of Lynn deer hunting near Bucks Camp.
• Later that evening, Lynn claims Mr Hill took his shot gun from his open car door.
• A struggle between Lynn and Mr Hill ensued over the gun and it accidentally discharged, striking Mrs Clay in the head.
• Mr Hill dropped the gun and Lynn returned it to his vehicle but then Mr Hill came at him with a knife, yelling Mrs Clay was dead.
• Lynn told police he tried to defend himself and when he fell, the knife went into Mr Hill’s chest.
• He then cleared and burned the campsite, before taking the bodies and dumping them in remote bushland.
• Lynn returned again in November 2020 to burn the remains.
What did Lynn say during his evidence to the jury?
• Maintained he was telling the truth to police in his record of interview.
• He used Jetstar-supplied gloves to clean
blood from the campsite before burning the tent and other items.
• He took cash from the couple’s wallets, as well as their phones and Mr Hill’s drone.
• “The whole plan was for me to disappear”.
• Conceded his actions to conceal the deaths was “despicable”.
• “All I can say to the families is that I am very sorry.”
• Conceded he trained as an airline pilot to remain calm under pressure – “A better result is always achieved without panic”.
• But maintained he was panicking when he realised Mr Hill and Mrs Clay were dead
– “I have never been faced with two dead people”.
• Maintained he was innocent of murder and manslaughter – “I didn’t kill anyone”.
What did the prosecution say in closing arguments?
• “The accused’s story is indeed a series of very unfortunate events. Like the book series of that name, it is also a complete fiction.”
• “The accused murdered Mr Hill and Mrs
Clay and immediately embarked on an elaborate plan to obliterate any evidence that would establish that.”
What did the defence say in closing arguments?
• “(Lynn’s) account was supported by prosecution witness after prosecution witness … the prosecution are not in a position to demonstrate one single lie.
• “(The prosecution) have got the wrong charge. They’ve overcharged him. He should be charged with destruction of evidence. He’s offered to plead guilty to that charge.”
The jury’s verdicts
• On Tuesday, June 25 Lynn was found guilty of murdering Mrs Clay but not guilty of killing Mr Hill.
Where to from here?
• Lynn will front the Supreme Court on July 19 for sentencing.
Tara Cosoleto, AAP
Greg Lynn was found guilty of murdering Carol Clay.
(AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
Behind court doors in Lynn case
By Emily Woods, AAP
The jury in the Greg Lynn case found him guilty of murdering Carol Clay and not guilty of Russell Hill’s killing.
It was a trial rife with scandal, intrigue and at times absurdity, much of which the jury was not told but can now be revealed.
Two elderly people go missing together, one of them married, and it’s revealed they were childhood sweethearts who have been engaging in a decades’-long secret affair.
Before the trial began, prosecutors said they were speaking with Australia’s defence force to borrow a Chinook helicopter - one of only two in the country - to transport the jury to the remote location of the campers’ deaths.
Defence barrister Dermot Dann joked: “I take it Mr Lynn is not required to fly the plane?”
The plan did not go ahead.
Lynn’s wife Melanie, who attended every day of the weeks’-long trial, blew kisses and made heart shapes towards her husband from the upstairs public gallery.
She and Lynn’s son Geordie were moved to be seated in front of the jury in the final days, his head resting on her shoulder and their hands intertwined.
Donning a suit and reading glasses, Lynn diligently scribbled notes into a journal every day of the trial.
Media outlets were banned from taking photos of him next to custody officers.
ZoomedinversionsofLynnwerepermitted, cropping out the guards, after a rare verbal ruling was made because his lawyers argued it would be “very prejudicial” despite the jury seeing him seated next to officers in court each day.
Prosecutors almost did not get to play Lynn’s police interview to the jury.
He was probed over four days, maintaining his right to silence for two-and-a-half days before telling his story.
Officers tried to convince Lynn that confessing would be good for his mental health, even offering to go camping with him as if to suggest he’d be free once he told his story, pretrial hearings were told.
Police admitted pressuring Lynn to tell them where the bodies were in order to provide closure for the families, offering a helicopter to get him to the remote bush.
Officers claimed they’d pushed for a confession and made a hasty arrest out of concern for Lynn’s mental health, although once in custody he was not offered
Service providing relief
Jesuit Social Services has launched a new mental health and wellbeing facility in Sunshine, offering support for carers of people withmentalillhealthorsubstanceabuseissues.
Aimed at addressing the important role played by family, carers, kin and supporters in contributing to the wellbeing of people who are experiencing mental health challenges, psychological distress, mental illness, or substanceuseissues,theprogramoffersarange of support options including information, resources, counselling, individual support, and group programs.
Program manager Nick Pace said the new program is run exclusively by people with their own lived experiences as carers, allowing them to provide meaningful and relevant support.
“A lot of care and support offered in the community already is largely targeted towards people who care for those with physical or intellectual disabilities, and nothing up until now that is tailored and nuanced to the experience of caring for someone with mental health or substance abuse issues,” he said.
“The initiative began in May 2023, but now we have formally opened the Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect
program at the Sunshine site.
“Our group of support workers can help families and carers with real practical tasked based support needs.
“That might mean helping them with referralsorapplicationsforCentrelinkorNDIS funding, or access to brokerage for financial or material aids, housing options … these are all things we can walk alongside people with to explore for themselves.
“As carers, we often dedicate all of our time, energy,andresourcesintosupportingtheother person,andweputourselveslast…thisisabout shifting the lens back onto themselves, which can be really difficult for most participants because they’re not used to it.”
The program is available to anybody in the western metropolitan area, without a referral or booking, and outreach services are available for participants who live further away from Sunshine.
The group encourages people to take the help that is available, and either call, email, or just walk into the new permanent centre in Sunshine to start receiving support.
Gerald Lynch
psychological support.
Justice Michael Croucher made a pre-trial ruling to ban prosecutors from using the interview against Lynn, due to “oppressive” police conduct, but the jury was shown parts of that video.
Prosecutor Daniel Porceddu closed the case by labelling Lynn’s story “a series of very unfortunate events” – and like the book series of that name “also a complete fiction”.
He tried to introduce a number of theories he claimed proved Lynn’s version of events to be untrue, including that there was a rope tied to Mr Hill’s car which “ruins the whole account” as the men would’ve become entangled during the struggle.
Justice Croucher lambasted the prosecutor once the jury left for the day, saying he “winced” and was “flabbergasted” by Mr Porceddu’s closing address, calling one of the theories he put forward “frog***”.
In Mr Dann’s closing, he labelled the prosecutor as “Inspector Clouseau” – the inept detective from The Pink Panther –and called police blood splatter expert Mark Gellatly “gelati … given the way he melted in the witness box like an ice cream in the sun”.
Mr Gellatly was accused by defence of lying underoathandcolludingwiththeprosecution by introducing a “half-baked” vacuum theory during week three of the trial – that blood could be sucked into the barrel of the gun if a person was shot at close-range.
But he conceded he did not know much about the theory as he was not a ballistics expert.
Leading Senior Constable Paul Griffiths –the prosecution’s ballistics expert – was not asked about the theory.
He held up the shotgun Lynn used in court, at one stage pointing it in the direction of media, leading Justice Croucher to tell him “you’re frightening the journalists”.
Senior Constable Griffiths admitted he had no idea what angle the gun would have been facing when it discharged towards Mrs Clay duetoalackofinformationfrominvestigating police.
“I wish I knew,” he said.
Furious his client had not been given the opportunity to respond to the prosecution theories, Mr Dann said he breached legal fairness rules and asked the judge to rectify it.
JusticeCroucheragreedand,beforesending jurors away, told them they could reject the prosecution’s closing arguments and accept Lynn’s evidence.
A court sketch of Greg Lynn. (AAP Image/Paul Tyquin)
Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect program manager Nick Pace, Leanne Acreman, Jesuit Social Services chief executive Julie Edwards, Timm Richardson, Annabel Brebner, Jacqueline Gibson and Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank. (Damjan Janevski) 415798_03
Have your say on women’s pain
According to the health department, submissions can be about experiences of pain and pain care, treatment or services received in Victoria.
Surveyresultsrevealedthatclosetohalfofall women are impacted by issues related to their periods, pregnancy, birth and postnatal care, or conditions like endometriosis.
Women, their family members and healthcare professionals are being urged to make submissionstoVictoria’sInquiryintoWomen’s Pain.
The inquiry will examine systemic issues and solutions and hear directly from women across Victoria and is led by a panel of experts and overseen by the Women’s Health Advisory Council.
The pain can be the result of an injury or trauma, dental pain, joint pain, or musculoskeletal pain, or relate to heart, neurological, reproductive, autoimmune or other health conditions.
The experiences of healthcare workers who have worked with women and girls with pain are also being sought.
The inquiry was launched by the state governmentfollowingthereleaseofalandmark survey earlier this year, which confirmed what women already know: their pain is real – and regularly overlooked.
Nearly 60 per cent of participants reported havinghadpositivehealthcareinteractions.But oneinthreesaidthey’dexperiencedinsensitive and disrespectful practitioners who left them feeling dismissed and unheard.
Findings from the survey included:
• Fourin10Victorianwomenlivewithchronic pain;
• About half of participants reported that period-related conditions (heavy periods, cramping, PMS) affected their health and wellbeing;
• Similarly, about 50 per cent said that
Cultural help for alcohol and drugs
ABraybrook-basedprogramishelpingwomen in the Vietnamese community in Melbourne’s north-west to overcome alcohol and drug (AOD) issues.
The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) offers accessible, community-basedalcoholanddrugtreatment, as well as family counselling and support for clients involved in the criminal justice system. The program also runs in Richmond and Springvale.
AVWAcouncillorAnhBuisaidtheprogram has been running for 10 to 15 years.
“Most of the services in terms of alcohol and other drugs are … recovery-oriented with a holistic approach to making sure the clients receive all the help they need,” she said.
AVWA counsellors speak Vietnamese and English, with the association keen to ensure members of the Vietnamese feel comfortable reaching out for help.
With this in mind, Ms Bui said the association placed great emphasis on confidentiality.
“Keeping clients’ confidentiality is something we prioritise in our services because we know how small [the Vietnamese
community] can be, and everyone knows each other,” she said.
“We try to separate that and make sure the clients feel safe with us in a confidential way with consent.”
Ms Bui said many of AVWA’s clients come from a refugee background, which might “directly or indirectly relate” to their alcohol and drug use.
Counselling sessions are conducted face-to-face, over the phone and rarely over Zoom, with counsellors working with clients for 90-day cycles.
“We mark rehabilitation as an episode, so one episode is 90 days,” Ms Bui said.
“We try to see [clients] every fortnight, or if they require more and want to engage more, we can try for once a week.
“AOD is counted as an episode because they can have urges sometimes and try to abstinent for a while. Usually within three months, that will be the end of the episode. It might be up and down, and they might need treatment again. Some people have an episode for a whole year.
“The longer the episodes are, the slower the progress.
pregnancyandbirthcomplicationscontinued to impact their health;
• About 30 per cent said they were affected by the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause;
• Thirty per cent said conditions such as endometriosis, menopause and chronic pain led to poor mental health;
• One in three have health conditions that affect their ability to work and keep a job; and
• Twentypercentsaidtheymissedoutonsocial connections because of their health.
Submissions can be made until July 31 and recommendations from the inquiry will be used to improve care for women in Victoria.
“Three months is the baseline to see how much help they need and where they are at.”
The AVWA is passionate about promoting good behaviour in the community and has formed strong relationships with other stakeholders, including the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre – a maximum security women’s prison in Deer Park.
“We understand that at a women’s prison like DPFC, there are a lot of women prisoners who have a lack of education in terms of AOD..
“So during the past few years, we occasionally went into the prison to provide them with education sessions.”
The association also runs community events throughout the year, and offers its services to men in the community as well.
“Wereallywanttobringtreatmenttofamilies and friends and alcohol and drug users, but also raising awareness about encouraging good behaviour in the community, we also want to highlight our core value of helping the community,” Ms Bui said.
“It takes time to solve AOD problems but I think we do our best and contribute the best AOD health services for the Vietnamese community.”
Women’s health organisations GenWest and Women’s Health in the North will receive funding boosts from the state government.
The government has set aside $18 million in its 2024-25 budget for 12 women’s health organisations.
The government said the work will be delivered by women for women, including those from multicultural backgrounds, Aboriginal women, women with disabilities, and women in regional Victoria.
GenWest gender equity general manager Kate Phillips said the funding would help the organisation do more work with schools about consent, education and respectful relationships.
“We’llbeabletoexpandthenumber of schools in the different settings that we deliver, that vital health information in, and we’ll be able to do so much more in language, health, education, work in the community,” she said.
“And we’ll also be able to do more workplace training on gender inclusive practice and all of that work really contributes, will really work, is us working towards achieving gender equity in the west and supporting women’s health and wellbeing.”
Women’s Health in the North said the funding would enable it to continue its work in priority areas of gender equity, prevention of gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said women’s health organisations provide a range of services including producing tools and resources to empower women to take charge of their own health, sharing information about women’s rights and service options, as well as initiatives to promote gender equality, family violence prevention and inclusive women’s health policy.
“Women’s health matters. That’s why we are currently delivering a complete transformation of women’s health in Victoria – and supporting these 12 organisation to continue delivering for women across the state,” she said.
“For too long women’s pain has been overlooked, misdiagnosed and dismissed – we’re taking a stand by listening to Victorian women and overhauling how women’s health is treated in Victoria.”
Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association’s Anh Bui and Thao Ha. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413896_01
Fundraising drive result
The Bacchus Marsh Ladies Auxiliary (BLMA) has provided Bacchus Marsh Hospital with a patient transport car as part of its most recent fundraising effort.
The campaign, which took more than 12 months to complete, officially concluded with the handover of the car on Tuesday, July 26.
The vehicle was arranged with Western Health, which runs the hospital.
BMLA president Sarah Tollis said a vehicle for transport was on the wishlist for Bacchus Marsh Hospital.
“Theyneededacarandweraisedthemoney,” she said. “We raise money constantly and we put it to different areas – hospitals, SES, places likethat–andaskthemiftheyhaveawishlist.”
The ladies auxiliary raises money through running an op shop.
Ms Tollis said that while “the ladies are stoked”, it wasn’t just them who should be proud of their efforts.
“Without the community, we couldn’t do this – they’re the ones that provide the items for us to sell so it all comes back to them doing their bit,” she said.
The BLMA is no stranger to raising money for the Bacchus Marsh Hospital. In fact, that is how there is a hospital in the first place.
“The affiliation… goes back years and years. It started after World War II when the ladies sold goods out of a caravan to build the hospital,” Ms Tollis said.
“It was initially built for veterans returning from the war and their families.”
Eddie Russell
Briefs
Designer Projects Liquidation
A Melton construction company has gone into liquidation. On Saturday, June 22, shareholders of Designer Projects Victoria resolved to place the company in liquidation before Simon Nelson was appointed to liquidate the company on Monday, June 24. The liquidation, which is in the preliminary stages, will be led by BPS Reconstruction and Recovery. They will investigate the affairs of the company and attempt to recover any assets and claims available to the company for the benefit of creditors. BPS Reconstruction and Recovery will not be able to complete any outstanding projects of the company and it is likely that these contracts will be terminated.
Pill testing trial this summer
Pill testing – also known as drug checking – will be trialled in Victoria from this summer. There were 46 overdose deaths in 2022 involving novel synthetic drugs. The government said the trial would test different models of delivery, not whether the service should exist long-term. The mobile service is set to begin this summer at the start of the festival season and will attend up to 10 music festivals and events throughout the trial period. A fixed site will also open in mid-2025, located in an inner Melbourne area close to nightlife and transport.
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Denise Woodman, Debra Spiteri, Gayle Wodda, Wendy Cuttler, Sandra Moore, and Sarah Tollis with the patient transport car. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 414625_03
A ray of light in the darkness of loss
There are not many words that can describe the pain of losing a child. Charity organisation Angel Gowns Australia offers grieving families a fleeting moment of beauty amongst the devastation, Eddie Russell reports.
It was almost 10 years ago, at a craft show in Caulfield, where Robyn Lavery came across the work of the Angel Gowns group.
After striking up a conversation with one of the stall operators, Ms Lavery quickly became involved with the organisation.
“Theywerelookingforpeoplewhocouldsew – I said I can sew,” she said.
Since starting out as a seamstress in 2015, the Bacchus Marsh local is now the national vice president, as well as the Victorian state co-ordinator and chair of the seamstress committee at Angel Gowns Australia.
These days her work with the organisation mainly involves contacting hospitals and funeral homes, as well as assessing new seamstresses and packing garments.
Angel Gowns Australia is a nationally registered not-for-profit that supplies free burial garments to families that have had a baby die.
The garments are made from donated wedding dresses and then donated to hospitals and funeral homes.
It was founded in Canberra by Fiona Kirk, who adopted the idea from a similar organisation in America.
Ms Lavery said that a tragedy ignited something in Ms Kirk, and from an act of selflessness grew a national organisation.
“There was a sick child, so she took her wedding dress out of her wardrobe and made a dress for that child, she said.
That child was Isabelle Rose, a 10-month-old who succumbed to her battle with infantile leukaemia.
Ms Lavery said a family will sometimes request a specially-made dress.
“I got a phone call from a midwife, and she asked if I could make a dress for a little baby in Bacchus Marsh. It was the second child the family had lost and I picked up the grandmother’s dress and made it for the family,” she said.
Donations are frequently made in remembrance of lost children, Ms Lavery said.
“A couple of weeks ago, I think it would have beenthegrandfatherwhodroppedinadressin memory of a baby. We often get that,” she said. Other times, people donate because they share a particular resonance with the work of the organisation.
“One dress that I was making up had a written note from the lass who handed it in. The message read ‘This was made with love. It was worn with love, and I’m donating it with loveforsomebodyelsetowearitwithlove’,”Ms Lavery said.
“That note was pinned [to the dress] so that
girl obviously felt a very closeconnectiontowhat we do. It was nice of her to write it.”
Ms Lavery said there are a range of reasons for the volunteers – of which there are more than 350 across Australia – to get involved with the organisation.
“You don’t know if they’re volunteering because they’ve had a loss in their family. A lot of people are like that … but then a lot of people do it because they have the time,” she said.
The raw emotional nature of the subject matter can be difficult to comprehend even for those trying to help. Ms Lavery said not everyone lasted long.
“Some people can’t cope with it and they don’t continue on. When I first made my samples, it was difficult because you know that they are going to a baby who has lost its life,” she said.
“You have to [get over that] otherwise the group wouldn’t exist.”
Thegarmentscomeinfivedifferentsizesand can be designed for both girls and boys. There is also a “neutral” option – a plainer gown that isn’t as “fancy” as the others.
Ms Lavery said the group spreads awareness of its work by attending major craft shows in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
“We go to these so we can to promote what we’re doing because there’s still a lot of people who don’t know,” she said.
Like Ms Lavery, Sunbury resident Jo Anderton came across Angel Gowns at a craft show.
As a volunteer seamstress, Ms Anderton produces garments with guidance from Ms Lavery.
“Usually they have been deconstructed and Robyn gives us suggestions as to what we should do, so I’ll make them up and then send them back,” she said.
Ms Anderton said the relaxed environment created by the charity aligns with her output ability.
“It’s extremely well run. The co-ordinators give you all the support that you need and you canworkinyourownhomeatyourownpace,” she said.
“That’s what I liked about it. The fact that I could give back and I could do it in a way that fits with my retired lifestyle.”
ForMsAnderton,theworkisrewardingand therapeutic because of her own history with loss.
“I lost a child 38 years ago. Back then, there was little to no support for bereaved women,” she said.
“Mychildwascalledmedicalwaste,products of conception. No mother wants to hear that.”
“So I find it extremely satisfying that I can give back and perhaps lessen the distress of women going through what I went through unsupported so many years ago.”
Ms Anderton is quick to note the number of those that have experienced this particular pain and suffering.
“I’m not the only one. There are so many women who have lost a child and it’s just not talked about,” she said.
“Those ladies need to have their babies acknowledged, and that’s very important to me.”
The feedback from the community is very positive, Ms Anderton said.
“I know it’s well received. The people I have talked to are quite blown away because it’s a selfless act – you’re giving your time and your experience to other women. It’s so, so important.”
Angel Gowns Australia also has a tutu program, making tutus for sick children in hospital from coloured dresses it receives.
Robyn Lavery with one of the many donations made to Angel Gowns Australia. (Damjan Janevski) 408541_01
An Angel Gowns exhibit at Melton Bunnings recently. (Supplied)
Wines to complement the cool winter weather
Winter in Australia brings a unique opportunity to indulge in a diverse array of wines that complement the cooler weather and hearty cuisine. From robust reds to aromatic whites, here’s a listicle highlighting some of the best Australian winter wines to explore:
1/ Shiraz from Barossa Valley: Known for its bold flavours of dark berries, spice, and a hint of pepper, Shiraz from Barossa Valley shines during winter. The cold nights intensify its richness, making it perfect for pairing with slow-cooked lamb or a hearty beef stew.
2/ Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River: With its deep fruit flavours, structured tannins, and hints of eucalyptus, Margaret River’s Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal for cozy winterevenings.Enjoyitalongsideajuicysteak or aged cheddar cheese.
3/PinotNoirfromTasmania: Tasmania’scool climate produces elegant Pinot Noir with notes of red berries, earthy undertones, and a silky texture.Thiswinepairsbeautifullywithwinter game dishes or mushroom risotto.
4/ChardonnayfromAdelaideHills: Adelaide Hills’ Chardonnay offers crisp acidity, citrus notes, and a touch of oak, making it a versatile choice for winter seafood dishes like creamy prawn linguine or grilled scallops.
5/ Riesling from Clare Valley: Clare Valley’s Riesling is renowned for its vibrant acidity, floral aromas, and zesty citrus flavours. Enjoy it with winter salads, seafood chowder, or spicy Asian cuisine.
6/ Grenache from McLaren Vale: McLaren Vale’s Grenache wines feature ripe red fruit flavours, floral aromatics, and a hint of spice.
These wines are perfect for pairing with winter barbecues, roasted vegetables, or even pizza nights by the fire.
7/ Sparkling Shiraz from Victoria: A unique Australian specialty, Sparkling Shiraz offers effervescent bubbles with rich Shiraz flavours of dark fruit and chocolate. It’s an excellent choice for festive winter celebrations and pairs surprisingly well with chocolate desserts.
8/GSMBlend(Grenache,Shiraz,Mourvèdre): ThisclassicblendshowcasesthebestofBarossa Valley and McLaren Vale. GSM wines offer a
Christmas in July
With something as joyful and spectacular as Christmas, why not have it twice a year!?
Experience the magic of Christmas in July!
Join us for a food journey filled with delicious flavours like luscious scallops drizzled with truffle oil, melt-in- your mouth barramundi, and a perfect trio of roast. Save room for our wonderful Christmas cake served with creamy custard and ice cream!
Seniors menu available!
For our cherished seniors, we offer a specially curated menu that promises to evoke the warmth that captures the essence of Christmas.
harmonious balance of red fruit, spice, and earthiness, making them versatile companions for winter casseroles, grilled meats, or hard cheeses.
9/ Fortified Wines from Rutherglen: Rutherglen produces world-renowned fortified wines like Muscat and Tokay, with their rich, complex flavours of raisins, nuts, and caramel. These wines are perfect for sipping by the fire or pairing with rich desserts like sticky date pudding.
10/ Verdelho from Hunter Valley: Hunter
Valley’s Verdelho offers tropical fruit flavours, crisp acidity, and a hint of spice. It pairs wonderfully with winter seafood dishes, spicy curries, or simply enjoyed on its own as an apéritif.
Explore these Australian winter wines to discover the rich diversity and exceptional quality that characterise the country’s winemaking regions. Whether you’re seeking robust reds for hearty meals or elegant whites for lighter fare, there’s a wine to suit every palate and occasion during the winter season down under.
There’s a winter wine to suit every palate.
Council adds $3 million to works
By Eddie Russell
Melton council adopted its 2024-25 budget at its June 24 meeting, injecting a further $3 million into its capital works program.
Initially slated for $220 million, the capital works program will now be $223.1 million.
The extra money will be attributed to footpaths and cycleways, recreational, leisure, and community facilities, and the upgrade of Bulmans Road in Melton West.
The 2024-25budget focused on investing in roads ($70.7 million), recreational, leisure and
communityfacilities($61.5million),footpaths and cycleways ($13.1 million), park upgrades open space and streetscape improvements ($6.5 million), and bridges ($1.7 million).
Highlights of the capital works program include $17.8 million for Mt Atkinson East Sports Reserve, $11.9 million to complete the upgrade of Bulmans Road in Melton West, and $10.6 million for construction of the Bridge Road Community Hub.
Children’s and Community Centres in Weir Views and Aintree will receive $8.3 million each.
Catch a fish in holidays
Budding young anglers in Melton will have a better chance to reel in a catch after 1000 fish were added to local waterways.
Six hundred rainbow trout were added to Navan Park Lake and 400 to Darlingsford Lake by the state government.
Fish Care Victoria treasurer Terry Wells helped put the fish in the lakes on Monday, July 24, something he has been doing for a while.
He said he hoped it would get kids outside and encourage them to adopt new hobbies.
“It is of absolute importance to get in the fresh air and away from screens, particularly during the school holidays,” he said.
“Rainbow [trout] are pretty easy to catch so thekidswon’tgetbored.There’sagoodchance they’ll catch a fish and if they go with a parent who fishes, they will learn the skills quickly.”
Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club operates in Melton and Bacchus Marsh. President Andrew Levett said the initiative
was well received by the group.
“It’s a great idea to encourage kids to get outdoors and teach them how to fish.
Anything that gets young people involved in fishing is always a good thing,” he said.
“As a local fisherman, it’s terrific to see them doing something healthy and physical rather than sitting inside watching TV.”
Melton MP Steve McGhie said the government was working with the Victorian Fisheries Authority to attract more families outdoorsandencouragethemtopickuparod.
“We’ve stocked more fish than ever before intoVictorianwatersinthepastyearsothere’s great fishing, not only for these holidays, but for future generations to enjoy,” he said.
Eddie Russell
Terry Wells casts a line with granddaughter Jade, 8. (Damjan Janevski) 415779_01
YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here
More than $25 million will be poured into the suburb of Plumpton, with $14.6 million for the Plumpton Community Centre and Neighbourhood House and $9.7 million to finalise the design and commence early work on the Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said the budget was aimed at delivering the necessary projects for all people of Melton.
“WeliveinoneofAustralia’sfastestgrowing Council areas, so it’s more important than evertodeliverthehigh-qualityinfrastructure,
programs, and services our community needs to thrive,” she said.
Cr Majdlik thanked locals for shaping the budget with their contributions.
“Feedback from our residents helps us to deliver a budget that is fair, sustainable and strikes the right balance between keeping the cost of living down while delivering better services for a growing community.”
From the 16 community submissions provided in April, 10 projects were funded. The average rate increase is 2.75 per cent.
New road adds to traffic woes
AnewroadhasarrivedinTruganinabutnotall locals are happy.
Grand Boulevard is a 1.7-kilometre arterial road running between the estate communities of Grandview and Mt Atkinson.
there was still a lot to be done to amend the issue.
“It’s a step in the right direction but has it solved the problem? No,” he said.
“It’s been congested from day one. It doesn’t reallymakesenseforittobeasinglelaneroad.”
Mr Usuf said the road was partially helpful but did not unlock local traffic.
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.
The single-lane road, which cost $10 million, was designed by developer Stockland to ease congestion around the Western Freeway and Hopkins Road.
ButMtAtkinsonresidentMelanieBlackman said the lack of multiple lanes only causes traffictobottleneck,somethingthatcouldhave easily been avoided.
“I can’t believe the way they’ve done it … instead of doing it right the first time, it’s a Band-Aid fix,” she said. “It is a disappointing result … they haven’t addressed the number of drivers in the area everyday.”
Osama Usuf is also a Mt Atkinson local. He said that while the road was an improvement,
“It makes life easier and more difficult at the same time. It’s a good thing… but if you use it in the morning it is very congested.”
AStocklandspokespersonsaidthedeveloper would continue to look into solutions to improve the problems faced by commuters.
“We are committed to working proactively andconstructivelywiththerelevantauthorities to help improve traffic flow around the community,” the spokesperson said.
Eddie Russell
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Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
Downsize to a bigger life at Lifestyle Communities
Lifestyle Communities is a world where downsizing your home means upgrading to a more vibrant life filled with unlimited possibilities.
The Lifestyle Communities team are leaders in community living. They’re not just builders; they’re architects of unforgettable experiences, creators of lifelong connections, and designers of homes filled with an undeniable sense of belonging. They cater to the young at heart in their 50s and above, whether still working, retiring to reinvent, or just ready for a change. Lifestyle Communities is a place where neighbours become lifelong friends and where warmth, laughter, and fun never get old.
Twenty years of enriching lives
Two decades of passion, innovation, and commitment have shaped Lifestyle Communities into a haven for those seeking a purposeful and joyful way of living.
Managing director and co-founder James Kelly shares, “Our homeowners are the
heartbeat of our community. From day one, our mission has been clear: to be a ’business for purpose’ that enriches lives and fosters meaningful connections”.
“We set out to create a different experience for downsizers, to offer a space that strikes the perfect balance between connection and privacy, independence, and activity. With a clearly defined purpose and a steadfast commitment to this goal, 20 years later, we’re proud to say that we still lead the market in our product offering.”
Elevate your lifestyle
Enter a world of beautifully designed, low-maintenance homes surrounded by state-of-the-art amenities. The Clubhouse is the pulsation hub of the communities and will become your home away from home. It’s a sophisticated arena of leisure, social mingling, and wellness designed to make every moment a cherished memory. Communityfacilitiesincludeafullyequipped gym, croquet or pickleball court, a dog wash,
games room, private cinema, heated indoor and outdoor pools, a workshop, shared electric cars and a fishing boat available at coastal communities. You can join friends for a delightful lunch, break a sweat in the gym, or unwind by the pool.
Timeless excellence
With over 25 communities across Victoria, Lifestyle Communities sets itself apart with its unwavering long-term commitment to looking after its communities. They’re not just building communities; they’re nurturing them for the long haul.
“We reimagine, revitalise, and reinvent, ensuring that each community is aligned withour pursuit of excellence. Lifestyle Brookfield, our inaugural community, stands tall as a testament to our enduring dedication,” Mr Kelly said.
Holiday your way
Fuelled by passion, the dedicated Lifestyle team are constantly striving to exceed
expectations and create unforgettable experiences for their homeowners. They were proud to recently launch Club Lifestyle at Lifestyle Bellarine, which offers free seaside escapes to all Lifestyle Communities homeowners across Victoria. Homeowners can choose to stay in a cosy villa, bring their caravan down and enjoy one of the premium-powered caravan sites, or embark on a road trip in a fully equipped Lifestyle Motorhome.
It’s a Lifestyle revolution
For those yearning for a lifestyle that screams ‘cool’, a home that wraps you in luxury, recreation, and conscientious living, then Lifestyle Communities is calling your name. It’s not just a community, it’s a vibe where ‘unlimited’ is so much more than just a word – it’s a lifestyle!
Watch out for whooping cough
By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, things such as staying at home, wearing masks in public and social distancing were essential for reducing the spread of the virus.
A happy by-product of this was that many other infectious diseases were also impacted, resulting in record low case numbers.
You’ve probably already heard how, now that peoplearemovingabout,conditionssuchasflu andcolds(andcovid,bytheway)areincreasing again.
But another illness making a big and unwanted comeback is whooping cough – a bacterial infection that can be really serious and, in all cases, pretty unpleasant.
Whooping cough is also known as pertussis. In first six months of last year in Melbourne’s north and west there were 85 recorded cases. In the first six months of this year, that number jumped to 904 . That’s pretty much back to pre-pandemic levels.
Whooping cough generally starts like a mild cold – some snot and sneezing, a mild cough and maybe a fever. After a week or two the cold symptoms tend to get better, but the cough gets worse . And worse. And worse.
Atitspeakitcanfeeldifficulttocatchabreath between the coughs – which is why people end up making that ‘whoop-whoop’ sound as they quickly inhale.
In most cases, the worst of it will go away after a couple more weeks, but the coughing can linger for months. This why another name for pertussis is “the 100-day cough”.
MY PLACE
Whooping cough can be particularly harmful to babies and young children. For this reason, the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program provides free vaccinationsagainstthebacteriumattwo,four, six and 18 months, and four years.
Kids aged 12 and 13 can also receive a free vaccination though schools-based programs.
Lots of other people can also get either a free initial vaccination (if they missed out in childhood) or a booster. These include anyone under 20, humanitarian arrivals, health care workers, childcare workers and teachers, and
pregnant or breastfeeding women .
Of course, it’s important to remember that these vaccinations (like many others) won’t necessarily prevent someone from catching whooping cough, but they will lessen the chances of doing so and lessen the chances of things turning really nasty of they do.
For this reason, it makes sense to err on the side of caution if you or your children develop whatlookslikeamildcoldwithabitofacough and make an appointment to see a doctor.
Given the rise in cases, GPs are now looking at cold symptoms with what’s called “a high
index of suspicion”. That means they will consider pertussis in cases where there has been a prolonged cough, and then test for it.
The good news is that the infection can be treated with antibiotics, which will make life a bit easier, although they might not make it any shorter. Pertussis is very contagious, so people with it should stay at home, away from work or school, for at least three weeks after the cough starts, or until they’ve finished the course of antibiotics.
That can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Eynesbury’s Lenny Pearce is DJ who makes electronic remixes of classic children’s songs and viral online video content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He spoke to Eddie Russell about his connection to the local community.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do? Lately I’m most known for my nursery rhyme remixes and production. I’ve gained plenty of followers on TikTok and Instagram in the last year and I’ve released an EDM album with The Wiggles, which is the first in history. I’ve got my almost sold out Little Ravers tour coming up and my first performance is at the Eynesbury Winter Festival.
What’s your connection to Melton?
I live in the estate of Eynesbury. I shoot a lot of my content around here – it’s home to my content, especially what’s happened in the last year for my career and presence on social media. It has been heavily involved with this area, which is really cool. My step son goes to school and my daughter goes to day care in the area.
What do you like about where you live?
I grew up in Sydney, so coming out here, it is really nice to be away from all the chaos. It’s really peaceful with cows and the farm and the really nice houses. It’s pretty open; it feels like you’re in a different country. And I think that’s got a lot to do with my all processes. Every day, driving in and out of Eynesbury, I’m just staring into the cows. The homestead is really nice too.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Putting a shopping centre in, but I don’t know if that’s going to change the country aesthetic, somaybejustabiggergeneralstore.ButIthink that’s going to happen eventually anyway.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
I’m mainly just at home, but when we go out I love Miss Peacock. The restaurant itself is really nice and the food as well – we love it as a family.WeordertheProsciuttodeSanDaniele pizza basically every week.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about
I was in a dance crew called Justice Crew back in the day. We won Australia’s Got Talent in 2010 and had a string of hit songs after. I am also in the Little Athletics Australia Hall of Fame. Me and my brother John, who I was in Justice Crew with, were Australian champions.
I did triple jump and long jump and our aim was to go into the Olympics until Justice Crew started and I took that path. The long jump pit and the high jump mat is where we learnt to do our flips. Athletics was a huge part of our life growing up and it was my dream at one point.
(Damjan Janevski)
414660_02
Whooping cough vaccinations are available.
Help to send housing message
The Victorian Homelessness Network (VHN) are calling on the community to help send a strong message to the state and federal government.
To highlight the scale of Victoria’s housing crisis ahead of Homelessness Week, which takes place from August 5 to August 11, the VHN is calling on the community to assist it in its Houses at Parliament campaign, by folding 60,000 origami houses in a show of support for the homeless community.
The campaign calls for both state and federal
governments to invest in constructing at least 60,000 social homes in Victoria, and to implementaNationalPlantoendhomelessness. Localcampaigneventsanddisplaysofhouses will be occurring across Victoria between now and Homelessness Week. All community members, schools, and community agencies are encouraged to join the Campaign.
On July 31, 6000 origami houses will be presented at state parliament in preparation for Homelessness Week.
The Western Homelessness Network
Discount pet desexing
Westside Community Desexing is lending a helping hand to seniors who may be struggling to pay for their pets.
In a state government-supported initiative, the Sunshine not-for-profit organisation is offering $20 desexing services for cats, for ownerswithavalidpensionorconcessioncard.
Westside Community Desexing founder Penny Hocking said the cost of living crisis has seen a record number of pet surrenders as people face not being able to afford pet care, and she hopes this service will keep as many cats as possible in homes and out of shelters.
“We are well aware that the cost of living crisis for age pensioners is particularly acute, with 40 per cent of single age pensioners who are renting living in poverty,” she said.
“They are forced to make very difficult choices to make ends meet at the moment, and this can impact the welfare of their companion animals in the form of poor nutrition, lack of health checks and preventative treatments of fleas and worms, and a complete inability to afford desexing and microchipping everyone needs to do.
“That’s why we developed the project to help our older community members. We all know that owning a pet brings enormous benefits to senior people, providing them with companionshipandaffection,itimprovestheir mobility, and of course it gives them someone to talk to.”
Ms Hocking also said she understands transport can be an issue for many seniors due to both accessibility and affordability, so the organisation has committed to picking up cats to desex them.
“We are working with community leaders who work with senior people who may live a distance away,” she said. “We can go out to the community and pick up cats with some help from the community, take them to our clinic and then return them, because we know organising transport can be tough.”
Regular desexing costs can be upwards of $250, providing a strong financial relief for those in need.
spokesperson Sarah Langmore, said a show of community support in the form of origami houses will go a long way to helping more Victorians receive shelter.
“Homelessness is not inevitable. With enough public and community homes and the right support, everyone in the community can be permanently housed,” she said.
“The first step to ending homelessness is ensuring people have access to housing they can afford. There is a dire shortage of housing in Victoria and this crisis is unacceptable.”
“We are calling for action now. Everybody has a right to a safe home to live in – it’s a human right. Nobody should be homelessness. Housing ends homelessness”.
As per the 2021 census, homelessness in Victoria increased by 24 per cent to over 30,000 people, and nearly one fifth of people experiencing homelessness in Victoria are in Melbourne’s west.
Thethemeforthisyear’sHomelessnessWeek is: “Homelessness Action Now”.
Details: vhn.org.au/housesatparliament
Grant boost for reserve upgrade
An upgrade to Carberry Drive Recreation Reserve in Hopetoun Park has been given the green light. Moorabool council received $50,000 to install a new picnic area, seating and a shelter at the park, as part of the state government’s Tiny Towns Fund.
The fund is available to community groups, non-profits, and councils in places with less than 5000 residents.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said the project would help to strengthen the area and connect community members.
“The Tiny Towns Fund empowers smallcommunitiestothrive,ensuring projects that locals are passionate about can become a reality,” he said.
Moorabool mayor Ally Munari said council was “pleased” and would work to deliver its overall masterplan for the reserve.
“We’re looking forward to being able to deliver this for the community of Hopetoun Park, and thank the Victorian Government for its contribution.”
Regional Development Minister Gayle Tierney said the funding would ensure smaller towns could better utilise their spaces.
“We’re helping our tiniest towns reach their full potential with so many community-driven projects that will upgrade local facilities and encourage more visitors to Victoria’s vibrant regions.”
Eddie Russell
Gerald Lynch Emma Kieryczuk from Westside Community Desexing with Mochi. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 415508_01
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
Melton South Community Centre
Melton South Community Centre’s term three program is available now and all courses are open for enrolments. Get the program at meltonsouth.org.au or pick up a copy at the centre, located at 41 Exford Road Melton South.
■ 9747 8576
Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club
Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10am – noon at the Avenue Bowling Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh ■ Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com
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, 0401474582
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
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
The group does crafting, baking, day trips, local dining, market stalls, fundraising and supports not-for-profit organisations. From time to time it hosts guest speakers, themed morning or afternoon teas and special occasions. Jams, pickles, toys, handmade and wearable items are available for sale, as well as the famous CWA cookbooks. Enjoy morning tea, a Devonshire Tea or hot soup during these colder months. New members, visitors and junior members (under 25 years) are welcome to attend events. The CWA is open Monday to Wednesday from 9am-noon and are based at the Darley Community and Civic Hub. Branch meetings are held every second Thursday of the month and craft day is every 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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
U3A Melton
U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active.
■ 0419 563 016
Melton Combined Probus Club
The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. ■ 9746 0271
Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park
The Rose Carers meet Wednesdays from 10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens. New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience.
■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119, or 0400 052 857
Melton 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
(Pictures: iStock)
Maltese comedy a laugh for all
By Jennifer Pittorino
You don’t have to be Maltese to find Deborah Barrese’s comedy funny. She has found her Maltese alter ego Carmen resonates well with everyone.
Now getting ready for her first solo show, the Altona residents is excited to showcase her Maltese heritage.
“Both of my parents were born in Malta, so I think Carmen is a combination of my parents and my grandparents,” she said.
“Everyone I know has a little bit of Carmen in them.”
What originally started as an outlet for her creativity during COVID, has now turned into more than a comedy sketch.
“I came up with Carmen the character out of frustration for Carmen because she couldn’t leave the house,” she said.
“She couldn’t do all of her favourite things like go to bingo, go to the shops or even make and sell her pastizzi.”
Resonating well with people online, Barrese said her Carmen had taken off overnight.
Taking inspiration from her own childhood, Barrese said she began creating sketches of Carmen and her granddaughter Deborah.
“Every Maltese person that I’ve come across including relatives, the conversations, the arguments I put those into sketches,” she said.
“I think that’s why it’s done so well, because people can relate to what I’m producing.”
WithoneofhertwoMelbourneshowsalmost sold out, Barrese said the westies need to get in quick to see the show at the Williamstown Centenary Theatre.
“There will be two shows in Melbourne, as well as Brisbane , Sydney and Adelaide.”
The shows will be held on September 13 and 14. Details: https://www.carmenthemaltese. com.au/
Blending urban and nature
Art enthusiasts in Melton can visit emerging local artist Mollie-Rose Chislett’s latest exhibit ‘Urban Birds’ at the Melton Library and Learning Hub.
The exhibition, which opened on Friday, June 21 and runs until the end of September, is an exploration of the impact of urbanisation on animals and features a series of bird sculptures.
Chislett said her upbringing in Sunshine and Caroline Springs, with its blend of urban infrastructure and natural landscapes, was the source for the project.
Circus is in town
Circus Latino is in full swing in Taylors Lakes, and will stick around until the end of the school holidays.
If you’ve driven past the large tent at the Watergardens Shopping Centre until July 14, you’d have noticed that the circus is in town, offering a taste of South American thrill and entertainment at an affordable price.
Described as a dynamic and exciting show, it aims to thrill and captivate audiences of all ages.
Featuring talented performers from South America and Australia, get ready to be blown away by daring aerial acts, tricks performed with fire and hoops, and to laugh at the hilarious clown.
Be warned, though, the interactive show will have members of the crowd coming up on stage to join in on the act.
Argentinean dancers and Latin music throughout give Circus Latino its South American flavor, this combined with artistic
and dramatic acts and circus favorites make Circus Latino a unique and entertaining experience for all.
After 16 years, the circus is making its return to Watergardens, with tickets starting from $20.
Throughout the holidays, the show will run six days a week excluding Tuesdays, with shows at 3pm and 6.30pm each day, offering options for every family’s situation. Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CSKBM
Firefly to illuminate Tarneit again
The award-winning Firefly Night Market will return to Tarneit.
Part of the Wyndham council’s ‘Meet Me in Tarneit’ series, Tarneit Suburban Revitalisation Program in partnership with the Victorian Government, the free event takes place on Saturday, July 6, at Penrose Place on the corner of Wickford Road and Tarneit Road.
Featuring more than 70 market stalls, live music, cultural performances and glowing interactive art, the 2025 edition is anticipated to be every bit as successful as last year’s which attracted an estimated 18,000 people and was named Australia’s Best Small Event at the 2023 Australian Event Awards.
Runningfrom3pmto9pm,thenightmarket will include the lighting of a hand-crafted fire sculpture at 5.30pm and roving fireflies that will start glowing at 7.15pm.
Food from every continent will be on offer, both from stalls and food trucks. The entertainment line-up will feature a mix of multicultural performances on stage, ranging from Bollywood to Polynesian, reflecting Wyndham’s rich diversity.
There will also be free circus performances and a collaborative canvas on which patrons can express their creativity using with UV paint.
The Firefly Night Market is delivered by Wyndham council and the Tarneit Suburban Revitalisation Program in partnership with the state government.
The night market is alcohol free, but BYO food is permitted.
Parking is available but patrons are encouraged to catch public transport via the 167 bus, or walk.
In order to accommodate the night market, Wickford Road will be closed between Penrose Promenade and Tarneit Road, Tarneit from 12pm to 11pm on Saturday, July 6.
Details: tarneitnightmarket@wyndham. vic.gov.au
“I wanted to capture the relationship betweentheurbansprawlandthenatural world, using the local environment,” she said.“Toseeitdisplayedinthehomethat they reflect, the home that I share, it’s an incredible feeling.”
Chislett said the significance of the exhibition was not lost on her.
“Urban Birds is my first ever solo exhibition, so to have such an achievement displayed where everyone who has supported me can visit is absolutely wonderful,” she said. “It’s up there with graduating with my honours degree… It showed me that my art does mean something to other people.”
Taking a step back and slowing down is something that people can take away from the artwork, Chislett said.
“I hope that people who visit my exhibition will take notice of birds around their neighbourhood, from seeing how these sculptures link the urban and the natural, and start to see that in their own lives.
“Once you become aware of the birds around you, there’s this moment of peace in bustling suburbia, the chance to slow down for a moment, perceive where you are, and how we share this environment with countless other species.”
Deborah Barrese dressed up as ‘Carmen’. (Damjan Janevski) 407722_01
Ringmaster Allanah Le Du, Hand balancer Tiffany Lee and the clown Jojo. (Damjan Janevski) 414796_03
Performers on stage at the 2023 Firefly Night Market in Tarneit. (Supplied)
Mollie-Rose Chislett at the launch of her exhibit. (Supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Australian cyclist Ruby Roseman-Gannon won the final stage of the 2024 Tour of Britain Women when a competitor from which country celebrated too early?
2. Which American golf professional won the 2024 US Open?
3. Pakistan was defeated by which of the co-hosts of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup in a group stage match?
4. What medal did Spanish 20km race walker Laura García-Caro miss out on at the 2024 European Athletics Championships after celebrating too early?
5. Joseph Sua’ali’i received a four match suspension for his high hit on which Queensland player in game one of the 2024 State of Origin series?
6. Which current GWS player was the inaugural Kevin Sheedy Medallist in 2012?
7. Which Spanish tennis professional defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev to win the 2024 French Open men’s singles title?
8. Which Polish tennis professional defeated Italy’s Jasmine Paolini to win the 2024 French Open women’s singles title?
9. Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd played for how many NBA teams?
10. Australian boxer Liam Paro defeated which Puerto Rican fighter to win the IBF junior welterweight title?
11. Which Italian cities will be the joint hosts of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games?
12. What type of injury is a ‘corky’?
13. During AFL Round 14, who kicked the opening goal in Dustin Martin’s 300th game?
14. Which two nations played in the Euro 2024 group stage upset victory of the Falcons over the Red Devils?
15. What is both the title of a Best Picture Oscar-winning film and a nickname of pro skater Tony Hawk?
16. The Ashes urn is believed to contain what?
17. What is the maximum amount of clubs you are allowed to carry in golf?
18. Tiki-taka is a style of play in which sport?
19. Which Australian NBA player won a championship with the Cavaliers in 2016?
20. In which olympic sport might you observe a 360 kickflip?
21. In which country is the UEFA Euro 2024 soccer tournament currently being played until mid-July?
22. And which country won the previous edition of the competition in 2020, their first title since 1968?
23. In which year did bottomof-the-ladder AFL team North Melbourne last win a premiership?
24. Which retired Aussie women’s tennis champion will be playing an exhibition doubles match at Wimbledon?
25. Briton Adam Yates won which recent men’s cycling event for UAE Team Emirates?
26. Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn will be competing in which new sport at the Paris Olympic Games?
27. Which spinner recently became the first Australian cricketer to take 100 wickets in T20 Internationals?
28. In Game 2 of the Women’s State of Origin, by what margin did the Maroons defeat NSW?
29. Which Hollywood actor is set to star in a 2025 movie about Formula One? 30. In golf, three strokes under par on a hole is called a what?
PUZZLES
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 Nonchalant (6)
4 Black birds (6)
10 Video effect (abbr) (3-2)
11 Storage tank (9)
12 Covered with plants (9)
13 Egyptian capital (5)
14 Continues to live (6)
15 Drop (4)
19 Needy (4)
20 Grab (4,2)
24 Abscond to marry (5)
25 Pleasure seeker (9)
27 Objects relating to the US (9)
28 Stage player (5)
29 Northern Ireland (6)
30 The capital of Spain (6)
DOWN
1 Buyer (8)
2 European country (8)
3 In the midst of (7)
5 Stone fruit (7)
6 Foreign; exciting (6)
7 Pulpit discourse (6)
8 Group of three (4)
9 Quake-triggered sea wave (7)
16 Row of computer icons (7)
17 Short-distance athlete (8)
18 Made an entrance (8)
19 Childish (7)
21 Buddhist ultimate state (7)
22 Illusion of having experienced something before (4,2)
23 Bumpkins (6)
26 Male pig (4)
foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 Where on a house is a fascia found?
2 Which country in Africa has the largest population?
3 Is a spinet a surgical tool, musical instrument or hair accessory?
4 Who was the leader of the Confederacy during the American Civil War?
5 In how many films did Pierce Brosnan (pictured) play James Bond?
6 What legendary creature appears on the Welsh flag?
7 Which Disney character famously sings When You WishUponaStar?
8 Cynicism was an ancient school of philosophy from which culture?
9 Which US composer and pianist was dubbed ‘The King of Ragtime’?
10 The Sydney Opera House was opened in October of what year?
No. 192
No. 192
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 9/10
Thirst: 8/10
Practicality: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
High hopes for new Toyota Koba
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Toyota has a storied modern history of innovation: remember the World Rally-based Celica GT-Four, the quirky Tarago ‘egg’ people mover and the revolutionary Prius petrol/electrichybrid?
Now, the Japanese auto giant has continued carrying the stylish high-tech torch with the C-HRGRSport.
This edgy looking cross-over is the flagship of the all-new second generation premium compact, which brings stylish European designandeconomicperformancetogetherin thesmallSUVsegment.
The three-version Coupe-High Rider, says the maker, presents an elevation in luxury and performance compared with the outgoing C-HR, with the pick of two new hybrid powertrains and the introduction of the latest technology in safety, comfort and convenience, appealing especially to younger buyers.
Sitting in the middle ground between the Corolla and RAV4 and updated in late 2019 with a petrol/electric hybrid top-spec Koba model, the GXL gets the ball rolling from $42,990, plus on-road costs. Mid-stream is Koba, from $49,990, with the hero GR Sport, from$54,990,plusORCs.
AllC-HRsarecoveredbyToyota’sfive-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as capped price servicing for the first five years or 75,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, witheach12-month/15,000kmservicecosting $250.
Added is a 12-month complimentary subscription to Toyota Connected Services, providing security and convenience through themyToyotaConnectsmartphoneapp.
Styling
From the base GXL up, the C-HR adopts Toyota’s new ‘Hammer Head’ exterior design
language, with the GR Sport topping off the range with unique gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels, GR Sport grille, with liquid black finish, and GR Sportbadging.
The GR Sport joins Koba with auto-levelling bi-LED headlamps, LED ‘foggies’, power tailgate, premium gloss black accents and rear and rear-side window privacy glass. Adaptive high-beam headlamps dim selectively to prevent on-coming road users frombeingdazzled.
With six exterior colours on offer for GXL, upper grades add visual flair with a two-tone combination of a black roof with Frosted White pearl, metallic Graphite, Stunning Silver, Feverish Red and Sunglow (the test vehicle) or metallic mica Emeraldine.
A Two-Tone Plus finish is also available for the pair, adding the roof’s black finish to the rear and can be optioned with panoramic roof. Buyers can also opt for the all-black Ink micametallicfinish.
Interior
The stylish cabin boasts a range of recycled materialsandnoanimalderivedproducts.
For example, GR Sport front seats have a combination of synthetic leather-accented andsuede-likeupholstery,
While the front seats are comfortable and laterallywellsupportive,rearlegroomistight.
There are GR-branded aluminium scuff plates and floor mats and a perforated GR Sportsteeringwheel,whichcanbeheated.
Boot space is constricted by the steeply sloping back and underfloor mechanical workings.Intheabsenceofasparewheelonly atyrepuncturekitiscarried.
Infotainment
All C-HR variants feature an up-to-date high-resolution 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and voicerecognition.
Koba and GR Sport are singled out for additional tech including a colour head-up display, nine speaker JBL premium audio, wireless smartphone charger, rear USB accessory port and a digital 12.3-inch instrumentpanel.
Engines/transmissions
More than a show pony, the C-HR GR Sport has plenty to play with from the powertrain with its 2-litre hybrid system mated with a dual-motor e-Four all-wheel drive system. Pumping out 146kW combined output, the flagship squeezes the low combined fuel consumption to 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres, themakerclaims.
The 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain uses a lithium-ionbatteryinplaceofthenickel-metal hydride battery in the previous generation hybridsystem.
Safety
AllC-HRscomewithhigh-gradesafety tech through Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which includes the pre-collision system, active cruise control, lane trace assist, parking support brake, speed-sign assist and safe exit assist, as wellaspanoramicviewmonitorand10 airbags.
Driving
From the get-go the C-HR GR Sport has a striking presence, but from then on things fade to a far-from- punchy but, some would say, passable performance; try zero to 100km/h in eightseconds.
Threedrivemodes–Normal,Ecoand Sport – are on hand, tuning the powertrain, steering and air-conditioning systems, along with a Custom mode which allows drivers to dothingstheirway.
Eco is highly forgettable; Sport stiffens ride and handling in taking on the freed-up powertrain. Normal turns the vehicle into a townie with milder manners. Cabin noise is mostlyrestrictedtothetyresunlessthepetrol motorispushedintoalownote.
Toyota puts fuel consumption at 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway. The test car came up with 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres in an urban environment and 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a motorwayrun.
Stopping power is enhanced by larger twin-pistoncaliperfrontbrakes.
Summary
There’s no denying the sharp looking C-HR GR Sport tester attracted more than its fair shareofattentionfromthesub-thirty-year-old cohort but whether this would translate to sales is another matter. Price could be a problem.
2024 Toyota C-HR Koba.
(Pictures: Supplied)
Chilly weekend sporting action
For the first time this winter, sports people were hit by rain and wind for the major Saturday competitions. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was still out there,shootingplentyoftheaction.
Caroline Springs’ Jamie Ristoski. 416136_09
Hillside’s Emma Picone. 416139_05
Hillside’s Brooke Kerrigan. 416139_18
Diggers Rest’s Leona Hristovska. 416140_04
Taylors Lakes’ Ethan Caffari and Burnside Heights’ Joshua Stiles. 416137_18
Caroline Springs George Cross’ Aiden Brown. 416141_11
Macedon’s Tayla Chamra. 416140_11
Hoppers Crossing’s Jed Anderson. 416136_03
Burnside Heights’ Matthew Larkin. 416137_08
Western United gave up a lead late. 416141_13
Captain Hammerhead scores an impressive win
David Moran is waiting on an invitation to contest the Group 1 $355,000 The Rising Sun in Brisbane after his pacer Captain Hammerhead scored an impressive win at Melton on Saturday night.
Moranwastedlittletimeinheadingaround to sit parked outside Jillibyjacksparrow over the 1720 metre sprint trip and the pair increased the tempo with a 27.4 back straight quarter.
Despite racing off the pegs, Captain Hammerhead ($3) dug deep in the home straight to get up and score by a neck from Jillilbyjacksparrow with Kosimo 10 metres away third finishing with a 26.9 last 400 metres to record a mile rate of 1:51.4.
Moran said it was the plan to back the pacer up after being beaten as an odds on favourite last week.
“With the three weeks between runs and being a four-year-old bull he might just have
got away a little bit, so that’s why I elected to back him up this week in seven days,” Moran said.
Moran is confident Captain Hammerhead has staked his claim to play a role in proceedings at Albion Park during the Queensland Constellations.
“Tonight was the decider whether we went to Queensland or not and you’d think on that run he would probably get an invite now that he’s put in a better performance,” he said.
He travelled a lot better this week whereas last week he didn’t travel any good at all, so I gave him a bit of a sharpen up in the warm up tonight.”
Moran believes the winner is yet to realise his full potential.
“I’ve said for a long time that he’s a really really good horse and I think the best is yet to come with him,” he said.
Reformed trotter One Over All took his
stake earnings to more than $300,000 when he outstayed his rivals in the Wagon Apollo Trotters Free For All.
Greg Sugars circumnavigated the field to find the lead with 1200 metres to travel but was joined shortly after by the $3.10 equal favorite Aldebaran Vera.
One Over All withstood the challenges in the home straight to score by two metres from Mercenary and Aldebaran Vera.
Sugars conceded One Over All wasn’t the smoothest trotter in full flight.
“When he really stretches out he’s an ungainly sort of a trotter but very rarely does he make a break in the run or late in a race,” Sugars said.
“For all his quirks he’s a lovely horse, he’s a bit of a character around the stables- he’s a bit different but he’s done a super job,” he said.
John Dunne
Sharks hang on in test
By Tara Murray
Hillside remains undefeated after coming out on top in its toughest test of the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division season.
It was a battle between the top two sides, with Oak Park making the trip out to Hillside Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
The Sharks had a big win the first time the two teams played, but this one was a lot closer. Scoring was tough to come by with the wet weather coming into play.
The Sharks were able to convert better in front of goal and it proved to be the difference, winning 3.1 (19)-2.4 (16).
Sharks coach Blaise Ferraro said it was a match that really tested them.
“It was one of the more brutal games we’ve played,” he said. “The conditions weren’t too bad, it was just very physical.
“It was a little bittersweet with a few girls who went down and it doesn’t look good. It was a really gutsy effort.”
Ferraro said with the conditions, skills went out the window and it was a case of who wanted it more.
Neither team scored in the first quarter and Hillside had the only goals on the board at three quarter time.
The Kangaroos came late, kicking their first goals in the final quarter. The Sharks were able to get one late and it was enough to get the win.
Ferraro said the discipline of his group across the whole four quarters was the difference in the end.
“They stuck to the game plan all game.”
It was all single goal kickers for the Sharks.
Ferraro said Hannah Ibrahim, Lisa Parisi, who moved to fullback, and rucks Tiffany Matthewman and Melissa Higgins did an outstandingjobwithmorethan120stoppages.
He said they would wait to find out how badly injured Nikita Wright is, but Emma Picone is done for the year.
“She’s been vital to us,” he said. “We’ve had four knees for the year, we can’t catch a break.
Sports shorts
VTCA
Caroline Springs has announced some batting strength to its line up for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 season. Rukshan Fernando joins the club having been an opposition player for a number of years. Last season, he made 449 runs and took 18 wickets. Farrukh Shahzad has also committed to the Falcons. He averaged 55.83 with the bat last season. The signs come as the Falcons have already announced a new coach in Ian Shattock.
VSDCA
Melton has welcomed back Jason Hibbert for the upcoming Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season. Hibbert spent last season with Gellibrand and played a key role in its Victorian Turf Cricket Association premiership. Taking to social media, Melton said Hibbert was keen to return home to the club where he played his junior cricket.
National Championships
Bacchus Marsh’s Elise Cook has been named in the Vic Country side for the girls under-18 AFL national championships. Both Vic Metro and County squads were announced on Wednesday ahead on the championships which kicked off on Saturday. Western Jets duo Sierra Grieves and Lou-Lou Field were named in the Vic Metro squad. Victoria Metro featured in the opening match of the championships against the Allies on Saturday.
Big V
“We’ve got some depth in the twos and we’ve been able to keep filling the holes.”
The win has the Sharks sitting two games clear at the top of the ladder.
There’s a division wide bye this weekend, which Ferraro said comes at the right time.
“We’ve got a few niggling injuries and some players who are sick,” he said. “We could not have asked for much more from them on the weekend.
“We’ll enjoy the weekend off, they’ve been greatthroughoutthewholeyear.We’dsecured top two for a while now, it’s a huge difference.
“It’s reward for everything everyone has put in.”
In women’s division 1, Burnside Heights went a step closer to locking in top spot.
Facing Greenvale in the top of the table clash, the Bears won, 9.8 (62)-3.1 (19).
The Bears are now a game clear on top.
In the men’s competition, Hillside beat Rupertswood in division 1, while Burnside Heights lost a thriller to Taylors Lakes.
Melton Thoroughbreds’ tough run continued on Saturday night, losing to Mildura Heat in the Big V men’s division 2 competition. The Thoroughbreds made the long trek up to Mildura and it was the home team that started the better. The Thoroughbreds stayed in touch and trailed by three points at the final break. The Heat finished strongly to come away with a 91-82 win. The Thoroughbreds now sit in fifth spot, with eight wins from 14 games. They face the Wallan Panthers on Sunday.
Captain Hammerhead. (Stuart McCormick)
Kiara Rigg kicks goal for Hillside. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 416139_13
Chan makes a name for herself in volleyball
Taylors Hill’s Denise Chan is still in the early stages of her volleyball career, but she’s already having a big impact.
Chan discovered volleyball when she was in grade 6 in 2020, but due to COVID-19 she only started club training late in 2021.
Since then it’s been a quick progression, making a couple of state teams before making the Australian team for the Thailand Junior Volleyball Championships earlier this year.
Chan said she’s still stunned by what she has achieved so far.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “I was really surprised when I got the invitation for the Australian team.
“It sort of came out of nowhere, I was so shocked.
Chan was identified at an Australian camp late last year. She didn’t realise they were scouting for a team.
When she was in Thailand she had to show her flexibility on the court.
“The whole team really bonded because we all come from different parts of Australia,” she
said. “We just helped each other get through training and all the games as it was so hot and really different to Australia.
“I had to play a different position to what I normally did. I had to play setter as one of the setters pulled out late.
“It was definitely challenging having to adapt to a different role, but I think I did pretty well as I had a bit of experience setting before.”
Chan said having to play a different role shows her flexibility on the court but she did want to show her skill that she had been working on in her normal position.
The teenager didn’t have much time to rest after getting back from representing Australia, she was in action for Victoria at the School Sports Australia Volleyball Championships earlier this month, with the team winning gold.
She played despite currently carrying an injury.
“It was really fun,” she said. “I was named in the all-Australian team.
“All the coaches chose 12 players in the girls
and in the boy desperately announced at the end of the tournament.
“After each game they would take notes. It was good.”
Still new in her volleyball career, Chan is stunned at how quick she’s been able to progress through the ranks.
She said the move to Maribyrnong Sports Academy had made a big difference.
“Just the last year was crazy,” she said. “I never thought I would play for Australia so fast.
“That [moving to MSA] helped a lot. Going intoanenvironmentwheresportwasapriority as well as school, after school I have training and I have to learn how to balance my time with study and sport.”
Chan said as a kid she always wanted to take a sport pretty far and had done multiple sports growing up.
She said with volleyball she had really found a connection and wants to take it to the highest level possible.
Tara Murray
Burras respond to win
By Tara Murray
An understrength Diggers Rest overcame the conditions and a poor start to beat Macedon in the Riddell District Football League.
The Burras have just been doing enough to come away with the points in their recent matches and it was the case against the Cats well.
After giving up a nearly five goal lead at the first break, the Burras were able to do enough to come home with an 11.7 (73)-9.9 (63) win.
Burras coach Jamie Lobb said they would take that win.
“It was a challenging game, we’re a bit depleted at the moment,” he said. “It was good for the reserves to get the win with the team they have in.”
Lobb said the first quarter was below their standards and left them a task to get back into the game.
He said the Cats did exactly what they had plannedfor,buttheyweren’tabletostopthem.
“We kicked the first goal 20 seconds into the game and didn’t score for the rest of the quarter and they had nine scoring shots,” he said.
“We couldn’t get anything going and we were really slow to react. We weren’t zoned in and were made to look second rate.
“We changed a couple of things at quarter time and we applied them after quarter time.”
Lobb said that start was a bit of a reality check that they need to adapt to what is happening out on the field.
After quarter time, the Burras kicked 10 goals to four and played some pretty strong football.
Brodie Meyers kicked three goals for the Burras.
Lobb said Campbell Wearne was really good again, while Justin Tenaglia did the job on Jason Cooke in a really even team performance.
Lobb said they would take a performance like that with the players they’ve got missing at the moment.
Shaun Campbell, Marcus Calvaresi and Luke Delahey all returned to the side.
Mitch Jensen, Mitch Day, Josh Flower, Andre Headberry, Austin Cicero and Taylor Hine are still to come back into the side.
Lobb said that would happen over the next few weeks.
With a number of players out, Lobb has had to put the jumper back on. He played seniors against the Cats and kicked two goals.
“I had to watch my daughter’s grand final and couldn’t make it there for 12pm,” he said.
“I was going to run around in the twos.
“I played instead of pulling up a twos player upandleavingthemanotherplayerdown.The
more players we get back, means I won’t have to pull on the boots again.”
TheBurrassitinsecondspot,agamebehind Riddell.
This week they face Wallan which sits third on the ladder.
Lobb said it would be another good battle.
Lions lock in coach, captain
Melton has locked in its coach and captainfortheupcomingVictorianTurf Cricket Association women’s season.
Having successfully re-established a women’s program last season, the Lions are keen to further the program.
The Lions won three games in their first season in the VTCA, with some improved performances as the season went on.
GavinBoonhasbeenappointedcoach replacing Kareena Jacobsen-Logan, who returned to the club last season to get the women’s side back up and running.
“Gavin’s experience with junior representative coaching and a range of junior age groups hold him in great stead to take on the lead role after assisting the program last season,” the Lions said on social media.
“We look forward to Gav taking our program to the next level.”
Amy Hibbert will take on the captaincy role this season, having been a vice-captain last season.
A junior at the club, she was one of the first players to sign on when the Lions decided to reform a team.
“Amy, a representative player throughoutherjuniorcareerand[Lions] leading wicket taker last season is set to assist Gav on the journey to success and lead the girls with the enthusiasm and passion she has always played with,” the club said.
“Our program is in great hands with these two at the helm.
“We look forward to seeing what the girls are capable of in season 2024-25 under the guidance of Gavin and Amy.”
It’s the second coaching appointment made in a week by the Lions, with Damian Costigan appointed men’s coach.
“They’ve had an influx of players before the clearances closed,” he said. “We’re worrying about us and hopefully we can do a number on them.”
Melton Centrals had the bye.
Denise Chan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 412070_05
Gavin Boon (Supplied)
Justin Tenaglia did the job on Jason Cooke. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413379_18
Western Warriors return to the winner’s list
The Western Warriors put a couple of disappointing weeks behind them to get back onthewinner’slistonSundayintheVictorian Netball League championship.
After giving up some big leads in recent gamesandthenfallingjustshort,theWarriors werefocusedonkeepingthemomentumgoing against Melbourne University Lightning.
The Warriors led for much of the match on the way to a 61-51 win.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey was relieved to see them put it all together again.
“The last couple of weeks have been so disappointing, as we’ve been so close to getting over the edge,” she said.
“To get a nice comfortable win, it’s a bit of a relief with a couple of hard weeks ahead for us.
“Hopefully it can translate into the Hawks game.”
Bailey said they had one small lapse in the second quarter when they led by six and let
the Lightning back in, but they were able to respond.
She said they really spoke about keeping momentum during the week and how they can’t let teams break momentum when they have it.
“We have to work hard on that,” she said.
“We can’t think that it’s over when we turn it over or give up a lead, we have to dig deep and support each other.”
Bailey said they had a number of standout contributors on the day with Jas Fraser named their player of the match.
Kim Borger finished with 41 goals.
“We only had Ruby Shannon for a half,” Bailey said. “We managed her load and was a real spark when we needed it.
“Her and Ness [Augustini] played well together. It’s taken a little while to learn to play together.
“We were able to give Julia [Woolley] a
break and Akira McCormack did a great job.
“Jas Fraser was really brave in defence and she got some tips.”
After 19 rounds, the Warriors sit in ninth spot with six wins.
The Warriors under-23s lost to the Lightning, 62-48.
Bailey said they were happy with that performance.
“They were really good in the first half,” she said. “They were competitive and I don’t think the scoreboard reflected the match.
“Shaud Sasalu had a ripper of a game in defence and Tara O’Grady had a really good game in attack.”
The Warriors are back in action on Wednesday night against the Hawks.
With both Hawks sides inside the top four, Bailey said it would be a tough challenge.
Georiges’ comeback
By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs George Cross pulled off a miracle to upset Western United in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition on Saturday night.
With United leading 2-0 at the 80 minute mark, it seemed it would be on track for a straightforward win as it continues to press its promotion claims.
The Georgies then scored three goals in six minutes to take the lead and ultimately the win, 3-2.
Georgies’ coach Eric Vassiliadis said he’d been on the opposite side of a result like that, but had never coached one.
“It was definitely more reward for the hard work that they’ve put in during the last month,” he said.
“It’s been an interrupted season for us and we’ve struggled to get our best team available to play.
“Over the last month we have been able to do that. Not only are we seeing that in our performances, we’re seeing some reward for
our performances.”
He said they were active in the transfer window, bringing in three players while another three left the club to try and help the side get a few more results.
It’s starting to pay off.
Vassiliadis said in the scheme of things, the result was a massive one for the club.
“We took some risks and the boys coming on from the sub bench started the come back,” he said.
“The effort was immense.
They have the best young talent and they train for longer. It’s difficult to score one against them, let alone three goals in six minutes.
“Once you get that first goal the confidence and belief grows in the group. It was a wonderful celebration for the club and hopefully we can build on it.”
Riki Hosoai, Naoki Miyoshi and Morgan Filer were the goal scorers for the Georgies.
The win was the Georgies fifth for the season and sixth in a row. They are now up to ninth on the ladder.
Cobras win cements spot in top four
Bacchus Marsh further cemented its spot in the Ballarat Football League women’s top four, while Darley fell short in the top of the table clash.
The Cobras faced bottom side Carisbrook on Sunday afternoon and put out a dominant display.
After a slow start, the Cobras opened the game up in the second quarter to lead by 28 points at half time.
They continued to build the lead in the second half, winning 8.10 (58)-0.0 (0).
Tomeka Fowlie and Amy Garofalo kicked two goals each for the Cobras.
Jamie-Lee Speakman and Zali Spratling were named the Cobras best.
TheCobrassitinthirdspotpercentage ahead of East Point.
Meanwhile, Redan continues to hold the advantage against Darley.
The two standout teams of the competition, the Lions have got the wins each time they’ve played.
On Sunday, the Lions jumped out of the blocks and led by 22 points at quarter time.
The margin increased to 38 points at the last break, with the Devils failing to kick a goal in the first three quarters.
For Vassiliadis, he’s continuing to take it one week at a time as they continue to build into the season, their first back at this level.
They are in the middle of a run of playing the top five teams.
ThisweektheyfacesecondplacedNorthcote City, which lost to bottom side North Geelong Warriors on Saturday.
The Georgies won the first time the two teams met early in the season.
“We have a huge game against Northcote City this week which we want to win,” Vassiliadis said.
“I’ve been in the league for many years now and there will be more surprising results this week.
“We don’t intend to let the work we’ve put in be for nothing. We want to finish as high as we can.”
United sit in fourth spot after the loss, five points behind Melbourne Victory which sits top.
After a disappointing first three quarters, the Devils finished off strongly with four last quarter goals to add some respectability to the scoreline.
Redan took the win, 7.8 (50)-4.7 (31).
The Lions now sit two games clear at the top of the ladder.
There are no games this week.
The following week Bacchus Marsh heads to Ballarat to face Redan on Saturday night, before the Devils host Lake Wendouree on Sunday.
In the men’s competition, Melton and Darley both had big wins against Redan and Lake Wendouree respectively, while Bacchus Marsh and Melton South were on the end of big losses to East Point and North Ballarat.
Melton sits top, while the Devils are fourth on the ladder.
There’s no men’s games either this week due to interleague.
Tara Murray Akira McCormack (Supplied)
Tyler James goes after the ball. (Ljubica Vrankovic)_416141_08
