By her own admission, Zofia Lickova is a hobby painter. She has painted “on and off“ throughout her life but never found the time to pursue her passion –until covid. Now, the Melton resident is showcasing her paintings – a collection of landscapes from three countries significant to her life: her upbringing in Slovakia, past experiences in Scotland, and her current settlement in Australia –at the Melton Library and Learning Hub. Lickova’s ’This is Freedom’ exhibition is on display until September 30.
■ Story: Page 15.
Live-baiting guilty verdict
Three Melton men have been found guilty of animal cruelty charges after an RSPCA Victoria investigation into live-baiting.
The investigation was opened after the inspectorate received a cruelty report regarding two dogs attacking a pair of live domesticated rabbits.
The report included footage of the two dogs chasing, attacking, and killing the rabbits the men had procured and released for the specific purpose of being hunted by the dogs.
At one point during the incident, an injured rabbit was almost allowed to escape,
however the dogs were encouraged again to attack and kill it, RSPCA Victoria said in a statement.
RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michael Stagg said this case was a shocking example of deliberate cruelty the inspectorate investigate across the state.
“No animal deserves to suffer like this, but unfortunately these cases still occur in Victoria,” Mr Stagg said.
“These dogs were trained for the specific purpose of hunting and killing live domestic animals with no regard for the overwhelming
pain, suffering, and distress these animals experienced.
“We will not allow this type of senseless cruelty to go by unpunished and we urge all Victorians to report acts like this online or by phone so our inspectors can investigate.”
The men were aged 19, 20, and 22.
The first man was ordered to complete an 18-month community corrections order, perform 100 hours of unpaid community work, and was disqualified from owning any animal for 18 months.
The second man was disqualified from
Winter Wonderland
owning any animal for five years, was fined $1000 as part of an aggregate order, with the fine reduced due to time already served, with ownership of his dog transferred to RSPCA Victoria.
The third man received a six-month good behaviour bond without conviction and was fined $500. The man had already surrendered ownership of his dog to RSPCA Victoria.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals can make a report at rspcavic.org/ cruelty-report/ or 9224 2222.
(Damjan Janevski) 416703_05
$223m build funding shortfall
By Laura Michell
Developers have warned Melton council that its plan to increase developer contribution levies in the Toolern precinct will impact housing affordability and the viability of new housing estates.
Melton council has identified a $223 million funding shortfall for infrastructure in the precinct,coveringsuburbssuchasCobblebank, Weir Views, Strathtulloh and Thornhill Park.
A council review of the Toolern developer contributions plan (DCP) and precinct structure plan (PSP), first prepared in 2011, foundagapbetweenthedevelopercontribution levies currently collected by council and the amount council will need to fund land costs and construct transport and community and recreation infrastructure in the area.
A report to the June 24 council meeting stated that the current levy is collecting about $374.8 million for land acquisition and construction but updated land acquisition costs and construction costs for the Toolern PSP area total about $598 million, resulting in a $223.2 million funding shortfall.
Council wants to increase developer contributions for the precinct in a bid to recover some of the funding gap.
The report to council stated that the developer contributions for Toolern were first calculated in 2010 and were based on an expected future population of 55,000. The precinct is now expected to grow to 68,000 people, the report stated.
In a submission to the review, developer Growland stated that the proposed levy increase would result in an increase of $10,000
per lot to homebuyers, which would “erode housing affordability”. When combined with changes to the national construction code requiring seven-star efficient homes, the increase to homebuyers would be $25,000, it said.
Insight Planning Consultants, who made submissions on behalf of developer Miravor and Australian Unity Funds Management, said the levy increase would need to be passed onto homebuyers as an increased land cost, at a time when there is an “affordability and housing supply crisis”.
“Council and the state government should be doing more to minimise the cost of developing land to facilitate increased supply,” the submissions said.
In submissions made on behalf of Thornhill Gardensestate,AwesomeDeerParkandBurke
Grant boost for St John CPR skills
St John Ambulance Victoria have received a boost to fund its CPR education program and continue saving lives in Melbourne’s in Melton.
St John received $5000 from AVID Property Group as part of its 2024 Carolina community grants program.
With heart attacks on the rise, St John Victoria chief executive Gordon Botwright said the grant will not only allow St John to expand into more communities, including Deanside, but also help with the roll-out of its existing training and education programs, including CPR Lab, a free, 10-minute CPR workshop.
“We are delighted to be the recipient of this grantaswekeepstrivingtowardsourvisionof ‘more lives saved,” Mr Botwright said.
According to St John, cardiac arrest incidences are rising in Victoria but having CPR knowledge increases the chances of survival by over 200 per cent.
Mr Botwright said it is important people learn what to do in an emergency.
“Everyone should be learning CPR, and CPR Lab is an accessible way for people to be exposed to these skills. Carolina is a young community, with lots of new families who might not have done first aid training yet.”
CPRLabisamobilevanandteamofexperts
providing fun and informative workshops all over the state.
AVID Victoria acting general manager Bruce Harper said the team are excited to be supporting this invaluable community service group, providing medical assistance to Victorians for more than 141 years.
“This group wholeheartedly embodies the AVID spirit of bringing people together for good and we are looking forward to seeing the fantastic educational benefits they bring to our Carolina residents and the surrounding community.”
Matthew Younan
Leading, Human Habitats warned council the viability of estates was at risk.
“The changes to the [developer levies] will have an impact on the viability of the development within the context of an already high development cost environment” the submissions stated.
“The change … will have an impact on the delivery and diversity of housing product across the Toolern DCP area.”
Speaking at the June 24 council meeting, Cr Sophie Ramsey said the PSP was well over 10 years old and needed to be reassessed.
“We are continually growing … there is so much demand for quality council services and quality council infrastructure that we need to bring things into line,” she said.
Council will refer the submissions to an independent planning panel for review.
Moorabool council has adopted its budget for the 2024-25 financial year.
The council passed the budget at a special council meeting on June 28, with no changes made to the draft budget.
Councillor Tom Sullivan abstained from voting, while councillor Paul Tatchell wasn’t in attendance.
As reported by Star Weekly, road maintenance and reconstruction is front and centre of the budget.
Council’s budget outlines a $46.48 million capital works program.
The council is proposing to spend $22.007 million on new capital works in 2024-25.
Projects highlights by the council include a reseal program worth $2.165 million; replacement of the Woolpack Road, Bacchus Marsh bridge ($1.5 million); re-sealing and re-sheeting Ballan-Meredith Road, Ballan ($1.099 million); reconstruction of Yendon No.2 Road, Yendon ($2.45 million); re-sheeting of the gravel Doyles Road, Elaine ($688,000); shoulder renewal along Ballan-Meredith Road, Fiskville ($580,000); and $750,000 for works on Clarendon-Lal Lal Road, Lal Lal.
Council is also proposing to spend $730,000 on the Bacchus Marsh Bowls Club pavilion and bowling green, and $975,000 on the Ballan library.
Council is planning to lift rates by an average of 2.75 per cent in 2024-24, in line with the state government’s rates cap.
Council said it did not apply for a rate cap variation because it is “very aware of the cost pressures on individuals and businesses”.
Aintree man among two jailed for failed drug import scheme
An Aintree man is among two jailed for attempting to import almost $100 million worth of illicit drugs into Australia.
The29-year-oldanda39-year-oldMelbourne man were sentenced in the Melbourne County Court last Friday, June 28, after pleading guilty over their failed attempts to import a total of 488 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia.
In two separate consignments sent from Thailand and Malaysia in 2020, the men attempted to import more than $97.7 million worth of methamphetamine into Australia, hiding it inside tins of coconut milk and four air compressors.
Following a six-month investigation
into a series of air-freight deliveries from South-East Asia, Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers charged the men, together with a 36-year-old Aintree woman who were part of a Melbourne-based crime syndicate.
TheAintreemanwaschargedwithtwocounts ofattemptingtopossessacommercialquantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, two counts of trafficking in a drug of a dependence, namely cocaine, and failing to comply with an order.
The Melbourne man was charged with two counts of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug and dealing in proceeds of crime offence, money or property
worth $10,000 or more.
The AFP executed a search warrant at a business in Ravenhall, and several warrants across Melbourne, where they located and arrested the two men on November 12, 2020. Police seized several electronic devices, bank cards and documents containing fraudulent identification.
During the search warrants, police seized multiple electronic devices, $682,000 in illicit cash, two clip-seal bags containing 90.7 grams of pure cocaine and two bottles containing 929g of 1,4-butanediol.
The woman was sentenced to two years’ imprisonmentintheMelbourneCountyCourt in May for supporting a criminal organisation
but was released on a $1000 good behaviour bond for three years.
The Aintree man was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of 10.5 years and the Melbourne man to 17 years’ imprisonment with a non-parole of 11 years.
AFP Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher said methamphetamine was an extremely addictive illicit drug and caused immense psychological, financial and social harm to users and those around them. She said she was grateful for the hard work the investigators did.
Matthew Younan
AVID Property Group representative Joshua Barak and the St John’s Marjorie Devereux. (Supplied)
Change to TAFE pays off for Mollie
By Matthew Younan
A year 10 high school student unsure of what to do with her life and feeling like traditional school didn’t suit her, Mollie Testro was about to drop out.
Hating school, she’d lost self-confidence and was confused about the direction of her life.
“I’ve always suffered from anxiety and low self-esteem, I wasn’t sure what to do,” Mollie said.
“COVID hit and I hated online schooling. School wasn’t my thing. I thought I’d rather work and earn some money. I didn’t like doing standardschoolsubjectslikemathsandEnglish every day. I wanted variety and a challenge.”
‘‘ School wasn’t my thing ... I wanted variety and a challenge ’’ - Mollie Testro
Enter her mother, Sharyn Testro, and a careers adviser at Mollie’s school, Melton Christian College.
Those two conversations changed her life. They told the Bacchus Marsh pupil about a vocational major and a certificate III in dental assisting at Chisholm TAFE, mostly online.
“My school never really offered that before so when my work offered it, I approached my school and said is this an option. I asked if they’d be willing to help me with this.
“They said they’d give it a go.”
MollieenrolledatChisholmandhasn’ttaken a step backwards.
“We did classes with the teacher via Zoom one night a week and finished the course in six months, half the time it normally took.”
Rather than work at the local burger joint or supermarket like some of her classmates, the
then 16-year-old chose to be a junior dental assistant at her local dentist, Dental House Group at Bacchus Marsh.
Doing typical mundane cleaning duties such as mopping the floors and cleaning the bathrooms, Mollie took it in her stride.
New support vehicle in for Bacchus Marsh fire brigade
Firefighters in Bacchus Marsh will no longer need to wait for special equipment to arrive from other areas in the event of an emergency, after the fire brigade officially received the keys to a new breathing apparatus (BA) support vehicle.
The vehicle, which assists firefighters at incidents where breathing apparatus is needed, such as hazmat incidents and major structure fires, was jointly funded through a grant from the Victorian Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), the Bendigo Bacchus Marsh Community Bank and Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade.
Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade captain Ryan O’Shannessy said it was a handy addition as the brigade had traditionally relied on other BA support brigades as far away as Eltham or
Ballarat to replenish its used air cylinders.
“Weweregratefultohaveotherbrigadeshelp us with our BA requirements but we were also consciousthatitwouldtakethemvaluabletime to go back and forth,” Mr O’Shannessy said.
“Having our own vehicle not only makes things easier for our brigade but it also helps ease the demand within our patch.
“Another benefit is that the future growth of the brigade is secured because as key operational members decide to scale back they can still have a meaningful place within CFA performing some of these support functions.
“It’s not just about getting out to a fire, it’s also the team behind the scenes that help reinstate getting back to normal.”
Matthew Younan
Two years later the now 18-year-old has managed to turn her life around.
Having overcome adversity and graduating at the top of her dental assisting course, Mollie flourished, and has already become the head nurse for general anaesthetics at the surgery.
Mollie won trainee of the year award at the annual Chisholm Awards on June 25 after being nominated by her lecturers at Chisholm TAFE for her willingness to have a go, positive attitude and building a student community in the TAFE classroom.
“I was juggling full-time work and full-time school because I was there two days a week, but I had to use my weekends to catch up on everything I missed,” she said.
“I did all that and finished year 12 and my certificate in October last year.”
Notonetorestonherlaurels,shehasenrolled in certificate IV in dental assisting, and is currently working with general anaesthetics and enjoys working with dental implants and major mouth rehabilitation.
“I knew I had to finish school and I made it happen.
“At the end of year 12, I won the subject achievement award for VCAL.”
Mollie said she couldn’t have done it without the support from her family and the guidance from her teachers and work colleagues.
“My teacher at Chisholm, Jill, was amazing and supported me through my journey.
“Bacchus Marsh Dental have been supportive, and they continue to support me and help me succeed with all my goals.”
After six months of working there, she was offered a traineeship on the condition she completed her year 12 studies.
Mollie said she was working 11-hour days, three days a week and on Saturdays at the dental clinic.
Her advice to anyone thinking about trying an alternative to high school is “give it a go, follow your passion and do what you enjoy. You’ve got nothing to lose.”
Mollie Testro was named Trainee of the Year at the Chisholm Awards. (Supplied)
Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade members with Eureka MP Michaela Settle. (Supplied)
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Engineered stone ban ‘too late’
By Matthew Younan
A state government ban on the manufacturing, supply and installation of engineered stone benchtops is “too little, too late”, according to thefamilyofaSydenhammanbattlingsilicosis.
The government introduced the ban on Monday, July 1, to prevent workers from being exposed to deadly silicosis.
The family of Fawzy Tawadros has been calling on the government to act for years.
Beshoy Tawadros said his dad is battling silicosis, an incurable disease meaning he must fight for every single breath he takes.
‘‘ Specialists told me, “I’m looking good on the outside but inside I am cooked” ’’
- Fawzy Tawadros
He has also been diagnosed with a much rarer condition, scleroderma or systemic sclerosis which is scarring fibrosis throughout the whole body, not just the lungs.
Both conditions are a result of working with engineered stone.
Beshoy said it was tough seeing his dad suffering.
“Dad’s had his heart impacted, his lungs, his bowel, his colon, his oesophagus, his skin, his eyes and mouth, so it’s a very far reaching and devastating disease. And there’s no cure for it,” he said.
“He has pulmonary hypertension and scarring in his lungs both caused from silicosis and scleroderma, so he has a double whammy in that aspect.
“Dad’s digestive system doesn’t work from his oesophagus to his bowels.
one, I lost them all,” he said.
“I was feeling constantly tired, fatigued very quickly, had a runny nose badly. My hands and legs felt cold. My fingers and hands were really painful.”
In 2016, Fawzy was diagnosed with scleroderma after having shortness of breath and heart issues.
In 2019, the then 59-year-old collapsed while out with his family. Fawzy’s family rushed him to hospital.
AfterbeingreleasedfromFootscrayHospital the next morning, Beshoy took his father to The Alfred where he stayed for more than five weeks while the scleroderma was investigated.
The 64-year-old said he continues to suffer.
“I’ve done five operations on my fingers in the past 12 months, they remove excessive calcium – they had to cut really deep to remove it,” he said.
The stonemason’s lungs have also been destroyed by tiny toxic dust particles
“It’s a terrible disease,” Fawzy said.
“Specialists told me, “I’m looking good on the outside but inside I am cooked.”
“Icouldn’tswallowfoodproperly.Ionlyhave onemealadaytoreducethepainbecauseevery time I eat, it is very painful.
“I take 38-42 tablets every single day.”
He said the government’s decision will help younger tradies.
“Unfortunately, it’s too late for me.”
“He is now on oxygen as well due to the damage on his lungs due to exertion. He’s had five heart procedures and a pacemaker installed.
“What dad is going through is very life changing. One day he was fine and then the next day, he was hospitalised for months.
“He is on constant medications to try and help him, he’s lost his teeth and had several dental treatments.
Phoning in a winner
The smartphone flick festival (SF3) is back for its 10th year, and a Caroline Springs local is looking to go back-to-back.
The festival has a number of categories centred around films shot and in some cases editedpurelywithamobilephone,submissions are open until September 1 and finals will be held in Sydney later this year.
Fresh off of winning the ‘made on mobile’ awardforhisentrylastyear,madefullywithhis phone, Caroline Springs’ Ronald James Baculo has upped his game this year, shooting the film on his phone but moving to the computer to edit his five minute film.
His new entry, ‘The Multiverse Syndrome’, features a young woman who can access multiple versions of herself across a Multiverse, as she is on the run from various malicious forces out to get her while trying to overcome
her greatest struggle: loneliness.
“In the end, it’s more kind of symbolic of mental illness, particularly schizophrenia,” he said. “It highlights how someone with a mental illness can feel alone and have no support.”
With a cast of one main actress, two extras and Ronald and his wife, the small team completed the filming process over an intense weekend of hard work.
Heencouragesanyonewithapassionforfilm to get involved with SF3, and said the beauty of this festival is that just about everybody has a phone in their hands and can get started.
“They even have a category for kids … some of the stuff they showed at last year’s awards, we had an 11-year-old with a horror movie,” he said. “Anyone can just pick up a phone and tell an interesting story they have.”
Gerald Lynch
“The only thing that hasn’t been impacted is his kidneys, liver and brain – essentially everything else is effected. His whole body is effected.”
Fawzy said he was suffering for years before doctors diagnosed him.
“From the early 2000s, I suffered symptoms. SometimesIcouldn’teatbecausemyheartburn wastoobad.Myteethallcamelooseandoneby
While welcoming the decision to ban the manufacturing, supply and installation of engineered stone, Beshoy said the government should have acted sooner.
“It’s about time they made this decision,” he said. “We had the asbestos epidemic, and it took them a long time to ban that. You would think we would learn from the past. But it also took a long time to ban the manufacturing, installation and fabrication of engineered stone.”
Fawzy Tawadros has silicosis as result of working with engineered stone. (Damjan Janevski) 417262_01
Ronald James Baculo encourages anybody interested in film to get involved. (Supplied)
Boost to women’s health hubs
Women in Melbourne’s north-west will have improved access to sexual and reproductive health, following the announcement of four healthcare hubs in the region.
The women’s sexual and reproductive health hubs will be established in Kyneton, Melton, Wyndham Vale and Broadmeadows and will join Victoria’s network of 20 women’s healthcare hubs across the state that are providing free or low-cost care including contraception, medical abortion, referral for surgical abortion and sexual health testing and treatment.
The Kyneton hub will be operated by Central Highlands Rural Health, while Western Health will operate the Melton hub and IPC Health will run the Wyndham Vale hub. DPV Health will operate the
Broadmeadows hub.
Thestategovernmentsaidthehublocations were selected following extensive sector consultation and are expected to help at least 4000 more girls and women access sexual and reproductive health services every year.
Part of a $153 million women’s health package, the hubs will transform the way women’s health issues are treated – breaking down barriers women and girls face in accessing affordable and comprehensive care, the government said.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the hubs would help women to feel safe and supported when accessing the care they need, including medical and surgical abortion
The workforce supporting the hubs will also benefit from the government’s Women’s
Health Scholarship program, helping to address existing skills and knowledge shortages when it comes to women’s health.
More than 100 scholarships will be delivered, offering chances to upskill in areas like IUD insertion, sexual and reproductive health, pelvic physio training, menopause and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The scholarships will also fund training to promote cultural safety and remove existing barriers for First Nations women, women from migrant and refugee backgrounds and LGBTIQA+ communities.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the hubs would help to bridge the gender health gap.
“With these hubs, we’ll help make sure more women can get the affordable and accessible care they need,” she said.
Mum’s worst nightmare
By Jennifer Pittorino
Solo mother Michelle Galea’s worst nightmare is her son losing his only parent. In September last year, she was forced to confront that fear after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The mother was 49 when she discovered a pea-sized lump while scratching her breast one morning.
She said she knew immediately that something was wrong.
Shetriedtomakeabreastscreenappointment but was advised to see her GP instead because of the lump.
“Icouldtellitwaspositive,youcantellbythe way people talk to you,” Michelle said. It took a week for Michelle to get the results, which filled her with anxiety.
When Michelle heard that she had breast cancer, she began to worry about her son, Charlie.
“My first thoughts went to my son,” Michelle said. “Who would look after my child if I died? What would happen to him? Who would care for him?
“Being a solo mother, these thoughts come into our minds earlier than most two parent families.”
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in 57 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every single day, equating to over 20,000 Australians each year.
“I was quite shocked, I didn’t think I would be in that position to be quite honest,” Michelle said. “I thought it was something that happens to everyone else.”
The next several months were filled with scans, visits to a surgeon, and surgery to remove the cancer.
“I had the lump removed and I also had some lymph nodes removed out of my arm,” Michelle said
“Because they took some lymph nodes out , I had a lot of problems with my arm swelling.”
After surgery, Michelle met with her oncologist to work out the next steps.
“The surgeon organised an MRI done on both breasts to check if it was anywhere else,” she said.
“After it is removed, that is when you see the oncologist who works out your plan of action.”
Michelle’s oncologist recommended a test, known as an Oncotype DX test, which determines whether further treatment is needed.
Michelle said the test isn’t funded in Australia and her test needed to be sent to the US for analysis. It recommended she start chemotherapy.
‘‘ I have created a great village for my son ... I know my village will be there for my son in case I die ’’
- Michelle Galea
“Unfortunately to do that test, it’s $5000 out of pocket, Medicare does not fund it at all,” she said.
“I reckon I am close to $20,000 out of pocket because I went private,” she said. “My surgeon alone was $5000 out of pocket. That is just one bill. I haven’t even added it all up.”
Michelle underwent chemotherapy and radiation and is battling ongoing problems with her arms due to the lymph node removal.
“Ihadtoseeaspecialphysiotwiceaweek,and again that is not funded by the government,” she said. “I couldn’t afford that. The average person couldn’t afford it. We are talking about $150 each time you go.
“The government only gives you six sessions subsidised through a care plan.”
Withthesupportofherparents,wholenther money for several tests, and the support of her siblings who attended her appointments with
her, Michelle has come out on the other side.
“I am on hormone treatment now, which is a tablet which I take everyday. I am on that for [the next] 10 years,” she said.
In the midst of her battle, Michelle was also running a nationwide support group she started in 2013, called Australian Solo Mothers by Choice. It has more than 3700 members across the country.
“Itwashardespeciallyasasolomother,when you get diagnosed with something like that it takes a couple of weeks for you to get your head around it,” she said.
“Luckily, I have created a great village for my son. I have made sure he is connected and lovedbyfamilywhowillcareforhim,andmost importantly, I know he will feel safe and not scared to live with them.
“So I know my village will be there for my son in case I die.”
GPs are calling for greater action to better address women’s health issues. It follows the release of the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) guidelines for preventive activities in general practice.
Known as ’the Red Book’, the guidelines were first published in 1989 and supports preventive activities in general practice.
The latest edition strongly focuses on women’s health issues, including new content on pregnancy, conception, perinatal mental health and post-menopause care.
RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins welcomed the release of the guidelines and called for action.
“On the women’s health front, Australia has come a long way, but we also have a long way to go,” she said.
“As a special adviser to the Albanese Government’s National Women’s Health AdvisoryCouncilandaGP…addressing health inequalities for women and girls in Australia is something I’m passionate about. There are so many areas where we can and should do better.
“Too many women are still suffering severe effects from endometriosis and not being properly listened to, let alone given the care they need. Change must happen now, too many girls and women are missing out.”
Red Book executive committee chair Danielle Mazza said the latest edition contained key guidance on women’s health issues.
“We want all pregnant women to have their first antenatal visit within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Regular antenatal care that starts early in the pregnancy is associated with better maternal health and positive outcomes for the child. Unfortunately, just over 20 per cent of women don’t access antenatal care in their first trimester, and mothers are more likely to fall into this category if they are younger than 20 years of age, smoke during pregnancy, use illicit substances or live remotely. So, compared to most countries around the world we are doing well, but we still have room for improvement,” Professor Mazza said.
“Our Red Book contains useful guidance for GPs conducting this care, including screening for mental health concerns, smoking status and exposure to second-hand smoke, and clinical risk factors for pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous complication characterised by high blood pressure.”
Solo mother Michelle Galea was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. (Damjan Janevski) 412955_01
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and Premier Jacinta Allan. (Supplied)
Young artists lauded
Moorabool’s 2024 Youth Art Awards has shone a light on the rich degree of talent in the area.
Following an exhibition at the Lerderderg Library from June 11–19, the awards were presented in the Supper Room at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall.
Natalia Misiti and Natalie Seeger took out Young Artist of the Year, while Tilly Grant and Ruby McLeod shared the Rotary Moorabool Shire Spirit Award.
Natalia, a Myrniong local, said practice makes perfect.
“Artplaysquitealargeroleinmylifebecause I do it almost daily. I do art most days at school asasubject,aswellasathomeforfun,”shesaid.
“The inspiration I had for the artworks was the colour scheme of pastel colours, tying both paintings together… it allows me to be creative in each piece while keeping a common theme.”
Nataliesaidhercrochetwork,titled‘Nature’s picnic’ drew from an affinity for wildlife and a sense of independence.
“I was inspired by wanting to make my own things and loving animals,” she said.
ThePerspectivesofYoungPeopleAwardwas split between Vaishnavi Poduri and Jack Clark. Jacksaidhispaintingwasalsoinspiredbyhis favourite interests.
“I enjoy painting and creating art centred aroundthingsIlove,inthiscasebasketballand Michael Jordan. It was a fun project,” he said.
Mayor Ally Munari said the range of skills on display was fantastic.
“It was great to see such a variety of work, including sketches, painting, photography and crochet – we have some talented young artists in our shire and I congratulate everyone who submitted their work,” she said.
Briefs
Firearms charges
Police have charged a Gordan man and seized a firearm, ammunition, drugs and fireworks as part of an investigation into the manufacturing of firearms. The 47-year-old man was arrested at his rural property in Gordon on Wednesday, July 3. During the search of the property, police located and seized a longarm, ammunition, 29 cannabis plants and commercial fireworks. An initial investigation by the Illicit Firearms Squad into firearm manufacturing led to a Criminal Proceeds Squad investigation into the assets of the 47-year-old man suitable for restraint. On June 18, a confiscation act restraining order was issued in the County Court for the property. The man was charged with several firearms and drugs offences.
Caroline Springs car thefts
Police are investigating a series of theft from motor vehicles and attempted theft from motor vehicles in the Caroline Springs area on Saturday, June 29. A suspicious male was reported for trying car door handles between 4am and 10am. If you reside in Caroline Springs, East of Caroline Springs Boulevard, police are seeking any CCTV footage or dash camera that depicts this male. Anyone with CCTV can contact Senior Constable Scott Perry at Melton volume crime team on 9747 7971 or scott.perry@police.vic.gov.au. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Award winner Jack Clark with his painting of Michael Jordan. (Supplied)
Ready, set, race
Budding engineers gathered at Melton Library and Learning Hub last week to build balloon-powered cars.
Run by Melton council in partnership with the Western BACE Stem Squad, the Balloon Car Grand Prix, gave youngsters a chance to create the cars while learning fundamental physics principles such as air pressure, force, and motion. StarWeekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic stopped by to capture the air-powered fun.
Winter wonderland
Eynesbury has been transformed into a winter wonderland for the annual school holiday Eynesbury Winter Festival. Until July 14, kids of all ages can enjoy ice skating and a carnival, while a winter night market will be held on Saturday, July 13.
Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janveski stopped by the festival last week to capture some of the icy fun.
Ivy, 8, gave ice skating a go. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 415733
Lisa Mielicki and sons Sammy, 7, and Rieley, 8, took to the ice.
Brett Libardi and Audrey, 5, on the ice.
Sandy Lin from Rainbow Fairy Floss.
Nikita,11, enjoyed the festival.
Eynesbury was transformed into a winter wonderland.
Eliza and Manha testing the speed of their cars.
Sayuni enjoyed the workshop.
Jade, 9, Pardhu, 9, Anaiyah, 8, Sayuni, 9, Eliza, 13, Manha, 12, and Scarlette, 8, with their cars. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 416543
Anaiyah with her balloon car.
Western BACE’s Josh Quinal and Mark Corrie.
Jade works on her creation.
Renaming of reserve deferred
By Laura Michell
Moorabool council has deferred making a decision on the renaming of the Elaine Recreation Reserve in honour of former chairperson, Ron Read.
As reported by StarWeekly , a petition from the Elaine Recreation Reserve Community Asset Committee (ERRCAC) to rename the reserve the Ron Read Recreation Reserve was accepted by Moorabool council in April.
“Ron was a tireless worker for every community event, from working around the reserve,tendingtoourbeautifultrees,watering them when there were period of no rainfall for
months,” the petition read.
Council launched a 30-day community consultation process, during which 312 submissions were received.
A report to the July 3 council meeting stated that 82 per cent of submission were against renaming the reserve, with 255 people objecting. Council also received one petition against the proposal, which was signed by 113people.Fifty-sixsubmissionswereinfavour of the proposal.
Councillorsoptedtodefermakingadecision about the proposal until the next council meeting, in the hope of finding “middle ground” between supporters of the proposal
and those objecting.
Joyce Read addressed the June 3 council meeting on behalf of ERRCAC chair Dianne Cook, saying the group was “surprised and saddened” by the lack of support for the renaming proposal.
She said Mr Read was responsible for a number of upgrades to the reserve and dedicated his time to bettering the ground over three decades.
She said some of Mr Read’s achievements during his time as ERRCAS chairperson included replacing the cubby house, refurbishing the undercover barbecue area, organising upgrades to the cricket pavilion,
installing air conditioning in the cricket room and installing shade sails over the play space.
She said he was dedicated to resurrecting the reserve, which was so overgrown in 2001 that it faced being turned into grazing land.
Elaine Cricket Club secretary Shane Dunne, who created the petition against the renaming, was unable to address the council meeting due to technical issues.
In June, he told Star Weekly that honouring the legacy of one over the hard work of many would be unfair. “There’s been many people overtheyearswhohavehelpedwiththereserve. To name it after one person, I don’t think it’s the right way to go,” he said at the time.
‘Essential’: New community centre takes shape
The $15 million Plumpton Community Centre is taking shape.
The centre will help local organisations and community groups deliver programs and support children and young people to learn, develop and reach their full potential.
MayorKathyMajdlik,PlanningandSuburbs
Minister Sonya Kilkenny and Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins visited the site of the centre last week as construction work continued on stage one of the project.
Council said the Plumpton Community Centre will offer a variety of early childhood and community programs to meet the increasing demands of this newly established community.
Services provided by the centre will include kindergarten, maternal and child health, family and early childhood services, breastfeeding support, parenting support,
playgroups,immunisationsandawiderangeof community programs and activities, according to council.
“With 76 babies being born and 72 families
Desperate for donations
Long-standing local charity. West Welcome Wagon. needs the help of the community this winter, to ensure their doors stay open and residents in need get the help they require.
The charity, based in Sunshine, currently supports 630 asylum seeker and refugee households in Melbourne’s west, with essentials such as food, clothing, and bedding, but as grant funding has dried up, the charity is struggling to keep up with the high demand for help.
West Welcome Wagon chief executive Collette McInerney said as the demand from the community grows, and funding runs out, the need for donations is greater than it has ever been.
“We desperately need monetary donations at the moment … to pay the rent, put petrol in the van, and keep us going,” she said.
After a multi-year grant ended in May, West Welcome Wagon has been propped up
by some smaller grants from council and philanthropies, but the need is ever increasing.
“It’s made things very difficult for an organisation like ours that provides material aid to have a longer financial forecast,” Ms McInerney said.
‘We are looking to our generous supporters toconsiderbecomingregularmonthlydonors.”
For people unable to donate in a monetary way, the organisation is always seeking more volunteers to help out in the warehouse and in an administrative capacity.
Further, the highest items of donation priorityatthemomentarecarseatsandbooster seats,aswellasprams,strollers,andadultsized beds and bedding.
Unopened children’s socks and underwear from sizes six and up are also in high demand.
Donate: https://www.westwelcomewagon. org.au/
Gerald Lynch
moving to the City of Melton each week, building new centres like this is essential to help support our community,“ Cr Majdlik said.
“It is vitally important that families have
access to quality early years education that encourages children to thrive in a nurturing environment.’
“I’d like to thank the Victorian Government for their contribution and for working with us on a much-needed project that our residents deserve.”
“ThiscentreandthenearbyfuturePlumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre will deliver significant educational, health and wellbeing outcomes for residents.”
The facility is funded by state government grants of $1.5 million through the Growing Suburbs Fund, and $9 million from the Building Blocks Fund, coupled with $6.6 million in developer contributions and a council contribution of about $300,000.
The centre on Pear Parade, Fraser Rise, is expected to be completed by early 2025 and open for the first term of kinder.
YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
Sonya Kilkenny, Kathy Majdlik and Natalie Hutchins. (Supplied)
Kate McConville, Dianne Smith, Fay Salem, Mary Barron, chief executive Collette McInerney, Danilla Durante, and Anne Baudinette at the Sunshine warehouse. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 414812_03
Stoney’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike
Stoney’s Club, affectionately known as Stoney’s, is located in the vibrant town of Bacchus Marsh. Whether you’re looking for a spot for lunch, dinner, or just a comfortable place to enjoy a few beers or wines, Stoney’s Club has it all.
Stoney’s Club boasts a menu which caters to every craving, available all day long. From beloved pub classics to chef specials, there’s something to satisfy everyone.
Begin with flavourful starters, indulge in hearty mains like succulent steaks, mouth-watering burgers, and classic Chicken Parmas, and round off your meal with one of the desserts.
For sports enthusiasts, the sports bar at Stoney’s isamajordraw.Withscreensshowcasingthefooty, cricketandeverythinginbetween,it’sagreatplace to catch up on sports action with friends.
Meanwhile, the spacious beer garden offers a relaxed outdoor setting to enjoy a cold drink, making it a popular spot for socialising.
The weekends come alive at Stoney’s with live music every Saturdays. Enjoy the talents of local musicians as you enjoy the venue, adding an extra layerofenjoymenttoyourevening.Thelivelytunes and vibrant atmosphere make for a memorable night out. Make sure you follow them on Facebook so you don’t miss who’s playing when!
Stoney’s Club is known not just for its food and entertainment,butalsoforitsfriendlyandattentive staff who ensure every visit is a pleasure. Whether you’repoppinginforacasuallunch,havingdinner withyourpartner,orcelebratingwithfamily,you’ll be met with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Discover why Stoney’s Club is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. With its mix of great food, friendly service, and lively entertainment, it’s the perfectplacetoenjoygoodtimesandcreatelasting memories.
Visit Stoney’s Club today!
Stoney’s Club is at 59 Grant Street, Bacchus Marsh.
Time for Meta to face the music
By Andrew Schreyer, Country Press Australia president
Just last month, the US Surgeon General called for social media to have warnings attached to it over mental health concerns for users.
It’s one of the great paradoxes of our time that rather than tackle unacceptable elements and accept responsibility for the damage caused by providing the habitat for such scornful matter, Meta has instead opted to diminish the presence of the real news and of truth by continually adjusting its algorithms and rendering public interest news content more and more difficult to find.
The federal government has the News Media Bargaining Code at its disposal, a mechanism established to ensure social media platforms can be held to account and that media organisationsaretreatedfairlyintheirdealings with the social media giants.
Should the government designate Meta under the code, the company is likely to block news sites from its platforms just as it has done in Canada. And in that country, it’s been regional and rural publishers who have been negatively impacted the most.
Inthisinstanceweencouragethegovernment to insert a ‘must carry news’ clause in the code forcing them to negotiate with publishers or impose a 20 per cent tax on Meta’s Australian revenue.
Proceeds from the tax can be used for mental health programs to assist young people negatively impacted by social media, and a component distributed to publishers as compensation for Meta’s use of their content. If Meta refuses, they should be banned from Australia.
Meta is a publisher just like our members; however, their platforms are not subject to laws including defamation and contempt of court,
editorialstandardsandregulatoryframeworks.
If they were, I would not need to write this opinion piece and there would be a lot less social harm and mental health issues in our community today.
Meta’s Facebook has little, if any, checking mechanism prior to content and comments being published. Its algorithms serve up
content based on popularity regardless of what may be appropriate for the audience. It has no transparent complaints process, is not held to account in any way and isn’t required to respond to complaints.
It’s one thing to rip billions of dollars out of our economy, but the social, mental and physical damage caused by what is allowed to
prosper on Meta’s platforms takes things to another level.
We believe that as a corporate citizen, Meta has a responsibility to do what is right, just as we as publishers do. Meta’s commercialisation of the negativity it allows to fester on its platforms is a scourge upon that company and has created significant hardship and misery for many Australians.
To suit its narrative and justify its agenda, Meta claims its users don’t go to Facebook for news, however the University of Canberra’s Digital News Report: Australia 2024 released in June found that 49 per cent of Australian users of Facebook use it for news and one in four rely on it as their main source of news – our trusted, independent and professionally written news Meta no longer wants to pay for.
The digital news report shows this year, there was actually a surge among young people turning to social media to get news.
Sixty per cent of Gen Z say social media is their main source of news, a 17-percentage point increase on last year.
In line with the increase in the use of social media platforms for news, concern about what is real and what is fake on the internet has skyrocketed to 75 per cent. This is an increase of 11 percentage points in the past two years and echoes an increase in the global rise of six percentage points over the same period. It suits Meta to claim Australians don’t use the company’s platforms to read the news and for it to be allowed to continue to ride roughshod over our communities. But it suits the rest of us for Meta to be held to account.
Andrew Schreyer is the President of Country Press Australia, and publisher of the Warragul & Drouin Gazette.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Stoney’s. (Supplied)
CPA executive director Peter Kennedy, committee chair Kate Thwaites MP and CPA president Andrew Schreyer. (Supplied)
Hidden mental health struggle
By Laura Michell
More women than men living in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs experience anxietyanddepression,whiledepressionisone of the top mental health conditions diagnosed by GPs in the region, a new report into the mental health needs has revealed.
The North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) Mental Health – Health Needs Assessment report examined the mental health and care needs of the 1.9 million people living in the network’s 3200 square-kilometre catchment, which comprises 13 local government areas, including Wyndham, Hume, Brimbank and Melton.
The report synthesises data from various sources such as the Australian Bureau of Statisticscensus,mentalhealth-relatedhospital admissions and emergency department presentations, general practice mental health diagnoses, demand for appointments and community health service use and demand.
It also includes detailed insights from conversations with more than 170 people, including community members with living experience of mental health issues, carers and representatives from 68 health care organisations.
The report identified Hume, Wyndham, and Brimbank as having the highest quantified mental health need.
Anxiety and depression were the leading self-reported chronic mental health conditions across the north-west, with depression being more prevalent in adults aged over 80 than any other age cohort.
The report found that Melton had higher rates of social disadvantage across multiple indicators that can affect mental health and wellbeing, specifically, housing stress and food insecurity, when compared to the rest of Victoria.
Melton was also found to have a high level of needrelatedtoriskfactorsassociatedwithpoor mental health, in particular, developmental vulnerability, family violence and high rates of children living with obesity highlighting a
Lake use masterplan approved
It’ll be a bright future for one of the largest and most significant passive open spaces with the Melton municipality.
Melton council at its June council meeting, passed the final Lake Caroline masterplan which details plans for the lake.
The development of the masterplan and activation strategy was identified to provide a vision and principles to guide the future development and activation of the lake and its surroundings.
The lake is 20 years old and the bridge and many original design elements need to be renewed in coming years.
More than 500 submissions were received during community and stakeholder consultation undertaken in 2023.
A further 300 people provided feedback on the draft plan with nearly 60 per cent strongly supporting it and more than 90 per cent supporting it.
Elements with the highest levels of support were the tree plantings (91 per cent) and boathouse cafe and toilet (92 per cent).
Proposed projects outlined as part of the plan include a mid-lake crossing, dedicated event lawn, playspace upgrade, a shared zone along Lake Street for markets and festivals, and new viewing platforms.
Seven different precinct zones have been identified within the reserve focusing on environmental, leisure and activity based activation strategies.
CouncillorSteveAbboushisaiditwasoneof
the most popular open spaces within Melton.
“Local residents enjoy exercising around the lake, catching up with family and friends who are just taking in the beautiful surrounds and wildlife,” he said.
“Our council understands the importance of the lake and the potential opportunities to make it an even greater destination for residents and visitors alike
“Last year we set out to create a strategic vision for the site’s long term future, we carried out extensive public consultation.
“This strategy provides a vision to reinvigorate Lake Caroline … And turn it into a vibrant and inviting community space.”
Tara Murray
need for support specified towards childhood development and family.
The report found that Melton experiences significant shortages in the healthcare workforce, particularly in the availability of GPs and psychologists.
“The low liveability index, reflecting deficiencies in public transport and overall health infrastructure, in combination with workforce shortages poses environmental barriers that may contribute to low utilisation of essential services, including mental health services,” the report stated.
NWMPHN service development and reform executive director Jag Dhaliwal said the report was a key tool in understanding where mental
Weir plan adopted
Melton Weir could be the jewel in the crown of the sea of Melton according to one councillor.
The council at its June meeting voted to adopt the Melton Weir Parkland Strategy to provide direction on the future development of the parkland.
Recommendations for amenity and infrastructure improvements have been included in the plan.
Thefeedbackfromthecommunitywas overwhelmingly positive in favour of the plan, but some changes were made to the plan from the draft plan.
Wording on interpretive signage to explain the weir and its significance to local Aboriginal groups will now be developed collaboration with Wurundjeri Woiwurrung and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
There will be a review of the existing access road car park at the end of Clarkes Road and investigation into the opportunity for accessible walking tracks in that part of the weir instead of just removing vehicle access, while the half court basketball court will be altered to become a multi-sport court.
Councillor Bob Turner said it was about time this happened.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “The weir strategy has been in action for many years. It has been reactivated in the last three years.
“It’ll be good to see this adopted and see the next step and spend some money on it and actually make it happen.
“It could be a jewel in the crown of the sea of Melton, it’s sitting there not doing much.”
Lakeside Alive is one of the big events at Lake Caroline. (Supplied)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
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, 0401 474 582
Melton Ladies Probus
Meets from 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Melton Country Club on Reserve Road, Melton. All visitors are welcome.
■ Dianne, 9743 7446
Fishing club
Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome. Upcoming events will be listed on this page.
■ Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366
Lights of Wisdom
The Bahá’ís of Moorabool invite you to Lights of Wisdom, a tranquil space to share the insights from the great spiritual traditions of mankind. Sessions will be held at the Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh, every first Friday of the month. Starting time: 7.30pm. Entry is free.
■ mgilsant9@gmail.com
Seniors’ lunch
Deer Park Branch of National Seniors Australia hosts a lunch on the third Friday of each month at different venues. The group also arranges activities each month, sometimes to the theatre, morning melodies, train or bus trip. The group also holds a general meeting at The Club in Caroline Springs on the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm. Locals are invited to join in for lunch or just attend the meeting and make new friends.
■ Pamela, pcostello46@hotmail.com
Cancer Support Group
MelMarsh Prostate Cancer Support Group is for prostate cancer patients and their carers and meets on the first Thursday of the month, from 12.30-2pm, at Melton South Community Centre. Attendees are encouraged as members share their journeys through what could be a very traumatic time of their lives. Explanations of medical terminology used in the treatment of this cancer are given in this group.
■ Grenville, 0412 741 865
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,
This week’s photographer’s choice is of ringmaster Allanah Le Du, hand balancer Tiffany Lee and clown Jojo from Circus Latino in Watergardens. (Damjan Janevski) 416384_02
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
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
Caroline Springs Rotary
The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm.
■ rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
Melton Men’s Group
Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday, from 5-8pm, at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior
men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis. ■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog
Take weight off naturally Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.
■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739
Parkinson’s support group
The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm, at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers are welcome.
■ Helen, 0409 186 576
Melton Bridge Club
The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you.
■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817
Melton Friendship Group
An over-55’s singles friendship group for social engagements, fun outings, dinners, movies, dancing chats and walks. Enrich your life, no more loneliness or isolation. Nothing but fun and friendships.
■ 0406 493 734
Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club
The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome.
■ Ann, 0425 705 150
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 South Knit & Natter
All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.
■ 9747 8576
Zonta club meets
Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton.
■ 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
Fashion flourishes in The Dress
By Cade Lucas
Independent theatre company, Essence Productions, is back with another historical play at Werribee Mansion.
Set in late 19th century Melbourne, The Dress is on at the mansion on July 20 and 21 and again on August 24 and 25.
Essence Productions is well-known for performing another historical play, WhatWas That? , at Werribee Mansion.
“It’s a period piece but it’s very different from the WhatWasThat? show said Essence Productions chairperson, Alaine Beek, of The Dress, which she wrote and also stars in.
“This one is performed seated downstairs off
the grand hallway at Werribee Mansion,” said Beek who added that unlike WhatWasThat? , this play could be performed elsewhere too.
“We wrote it so it’s not dependent on being at the mansion. We have performed it for a few runs at Werribee Park but also performed as part of a spectacular masquerade ball event at Hotel Windsor in the CBD in March.”
Beek plays Hannah Bryden, a widow who lives alone in sprawling mansion where her dressmaker,theflamboyantandsharptongued Bertin (played by both Scott Jackson and Scott Middleton), is her only company.
When changes in the fashion industry threaten Bertin’s livelihood, he hatches a plan to save both of them from obscurity. Hannah
will relaunch herself as one of Melbourne’s leading socialites at an upcoming masquerade ball by wearing the most jaw-dropping dress Bertin has ever attempted.
As its name suggests, Beek said fashion was one of the main attractions of the play.
“The one unique part about The Dress is the costuming. Because it’s set in the late 19th century, it’s about the Melbourne fashion industry at that time.”
“You don’t have to be a professional to create art.” That’s the message Zofia Lickova hopes people will take away from her exhibition at the Melton Library and Learning Hub.
The Melton resident’s This is Freedom exhibition is on display at the library until September 30, showcasing paintings she has created in recent years.
The exhibition features artworks offering Lickova’s unique perspective on landscapes through geometric shapes.
Theartisticjourneytraversesthreecountries significant to Lickova’s life: her upbringing in Slovakia,pastexperiencesinScotland,andher current settlement in Australia.
Lickova said painting has always been a part
of her life, “on and off”, but she found there were always something “more important than hobbies”.
That all changed during covid, with Lickova allowing herself the time to explore her art.
Lickova said she wanted to exhibit her work locally to ignite community interest in local art and celebrate hobby painters.
She began researching local opportunities after visiting Melton library soon after moving to the area about 18 months ago from Scotland.
“I saw paintings on the wall and I was way too shy to ask the librarian how I could get my paintings on the wall, so I did some research,” she said.
The result is ThisisFreedom, a collection of works primarily created with acrylics.
The collection invites viewers to delve into the beauty of colour palettes and experience a visual journey influenced by renowned abstract masters, from W Kandinsky to the Cubism of Kazimir Malevich and Frantisek Kupka, as well as the expressionism of Lyonel Feininger. She also draws inspiration from her uncle, Blazej Balaz, an art professor.
This is Freedom can be viewed at Melton Library and Learning Hub, McKenzie Street, Melton, during the library’s opening hours.
Details: https://shorturl.at/Mg6lI
Laura Michell
Screening celebrates 10 years of dance
To celebrate 10 years of L2R Dance, a documentarywillbescreeningattheendofthe month in St Albans, showcasing the journey of the group.
L2R is Australia’s only youth hip hop and street dance not-for-profit organisation, providing free hip hop dance programs, arts education opportunities and employment pathways for young people throughout Melbourne’s western suburbs and beyond.
L2R offers culturally safer, creative spaces for young people aged between six to 25 experiencing barriers to entering creative opportunities.
L2R nurtures creativity, transforming lives through the power of dance.
The documentary was directed, shot, and edited by local creative Kimberly Summer, and interviews group founder Jacinda May on the
trials and tribulations of running a grassroots community group, which started at Western English Language School, and has now expanded to a thriving community of young
Experience the magic of ‘Odyssey’
The Inner West Symphony Orchestra (IWSO) invites you to its upcoming concert, Odyssey , on August 3. Odyssey explores the evocative landscapes of Nordic nationalism and the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos.
The concert will feature masterpieces by legendary composers Jean Sibelius, Edvard Grieg, Camille Saint-Saëns and, the highlight of the evening, Gustav Holst’s, ThePlanets Andrew Leach will lead the performance.
Leach is a conductor, trombonist and pianist who has recently served as the director of music and performing arts at Westbourne Grammar School.
“Our second concert, Odyssey , is a journey through the Romantic to late Romantic period,” he said.
“The event provides us another opportunity to grow and retain our audience, inspiring and connecting them with accessible, dynamic orchestral music.”
IWSO assistant concertmaster and violin player, Yilin Wang said, the group has been practicing since after its first concert in April 21.
“It’s going to be full of energy and will definitely take you on a journey, whether you’re a classical lover coming to hear the full suite of The Planets or someone looking to experience a live symphony orchestra for the first time,” Wang said.
“I’m strangely looking forward to feeling those pre-performance nerves and also reliving and sharing concert moments with our friends and family afterwards.
“The audience makes a concert, so we would dearly love your support.”
people and artists celebrating street dance across Melbourne’s West.
“Join us as we commemorate our big 10th birthday and the founding of L2R with a night of reflection, reconnection, food, film and, as always, dance,” May said.
“This night is just as much about us as it is you, our community. We couldn’t have done the last 10 years without you, so please, come and join us.”
Tickets are free, but limited, so booking is heavily encouraged.
ThescreeningisonWednesday,July31,from 6pm to 7.30pm, at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans.
The IWSO, a non-profit organisation, was established in mid-2023 by three Yarraville music teachers.
They founded the orchestra to fill a gap in classical music opportunities in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Since then, the ensemble has grown rapidly, attracting over 60 musicians ofvariousages,skilllevels,ethnicities, neuro and gender diversities, and physical capabilities.
Odyssey will be performed at Williamstown Hall on Saturday, August 3, at 7.30pm.
Planning and Environment Act 1987 MELTON PLANNING SCHEME
Notice of the preparation of an amendment to a planning scheme Amendment C243melt
Overview
The amendment proposes to relocate a horse-riding school operated by the Riding for Disabled Association of Victoria. The amendment relates to land at two sites in the Rockbank North Precinct Structure Plan area, the existing site (Aintree) and the proposed new site (Bonnie Brook). To facilitate the relocation, the amendment introduces a new Incorporated Document into the Planning Scheme and a corresponding Specific Controls Overlay will be applied to the affected land in Bonnie Brook. To cease the use at the existing site, the existing Incorporated Document will be amended to expire at an earlier date, corresponding with the timing of the relocation to the new site.
For further details, refer to the explanatory report about the amendment.
Details of the amendment
The Melton City Council planning authority has prepared Amendment C243melt to the Melton Planning Scheme.
The amendment affects land at two sites in the Rockbank North Precinct Structure Plan area, the existing site and the proposed new temporary site as follows:
Existing site (Aintree)
• Lot A on Plan Number PS828137 at Taylors Road, Aintree 3336 (Standard Parcel Identifier: A\PS828137)
Proposed new temporary site (Bonnie Brook)
The following adjoining parcels of land at:
• 41 Newfoundland Circuit, Bonnie Brook 3335;
• Lot 6 on Plan Number TP956560 at Tarletons Road, Bonnie Brook 3335 (Standard Parcel Identifier: 6\TP956560); and
• Lot 7 on Plan Number TP956560 at Tarletons Road, Bonnie Brook 3335 (Standard Parcel Identifier: 7\TP956560)
The amendment proposes facilitate the relocation of a horse-riding school operated by the Riding for Disabled Association of Victoria to a new site within the Rockbank North Precinct Structure Plan area.
Specifically, the amendment seeks to make the following changes to the Melton Planning Scheme:
•Insert new Incorporated Document titled ’RDAV Melton and District Riding for the Disabled Facility Incorporated Document, July 2024’ in the Schedule to Clause 72.04 (Incorporated Documents).
• Amend the Schedule to Clause 45.12 (Specific Controls Overlay) to list (SCO8) and to refer to the new Incorporated Document.
• Insert a new Planning Scheme Map 9SCO to apply the SCO8 to the subject site.
•Amend the Schedule to Clause 72.03 (What does this planning scheme consist of?) to identify the new Planning Scheme Map 9SCO.
•Revise the Incorporated Document titled ‘RDAV Rockbank Facility Incorporated Document, July 2013‘ and update references in the Schedules to Clauses 51.01 and Clause 72.04.
You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at:
• the Melton City Council website at www.melton.vic.gov.au/planningschemeamendments;
•on request, during office hours, at the office of the planning authority, Melton City Council Civic Centre 232 High Street, Melton 3337;
•the Department of Transport and Planning website www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-schemes/amendments/ amendments-on-exhibition or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation.
Any person may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.
Name and contact details of submitters are required for the planning authority to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend planning authority meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions.
The closing date for submissions is Monday 12 August 2024. A submission must be sent to:
Manager City Strategy
Melton City Council PO Box 21 Melton 3337 or via email to citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au.
The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or its website for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.
ROSLYN WAI
Chief Executive Officer
Melton City Council
ACROSS
1 Cutting tool (8)
5 Germinate (6)
10 Common fruit (5)
11 Gradual and harmful (9)
12 Duty list (6)
13 Bishop’s district (7)
14 Flying hero (8)
15 Capital of Macedonia
18 Sickness (6)
20 Canned fish (pl) (8)
21 German city (7)
24 Oval, edible nut-like seed (6)
27 Publish simultaneously (9)
28 Primitive (5)
29 Building level (6)
30 Game bird (8)
DOWN
1 Bandy (4)
2 Unrehearsed (9)
3 Separate metal from ore (5)
4 Train network (8)
6 Security device (7)
7 Gas layer in the stratosphere (5)
8 Bland (9)
9 Employed (4)
14 Combination into a whole (9)
16 Land jutting into the sea (9)
17 Home of Jesus (8)
19 Learned (7)
22 Tropical fruit (5)
23 Metric unit (4)
25 Holy city for Muslims (5)
26 Joke (4)
The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 Founded in 1925, which weekly US country music stage concert takes place in Nashville, Tennessee?
2 What is the largest state in the US by area?
3 Andrew Garfield (pictured), Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley all starred in which 2010 film adaptation of a Kazuo Ishiguro book?
4 What colour is the beginner belt in karate?
5 In which two months of the year does London Fashion Week take place?
6 Which artist’s No.1 hits include Think Twice, It’sAllComing Back to Me Now and I’m Alive?
7 The animated sitcom The Jetsons originally aired in which decade?
8 What is the official language of the Faroe Islands?
9 What is the longest river in Australia?
10 How many president’s faces are carved into Mount Rushmore?
No. 193
No. 193
Volvo EX30 off on power walk
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
WiththenewEX30electricSUVVolvoappears to be walking the talk toward its being a solely electric vehicle manufacturer by 2030.
The Chinese owned Swedish automobile maker’s smallest sport utility vehicle has the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo to date.
The EX30, the company claims, is the most sustainable model it has produced, with its leather-free interior featuring recycled and renewable materials such as flax, wool, and denim upholstery, the last made from waste fibres of denim recycling.
At the heart of the EV is a high voltage 400V lithium-ion battery, with its three Australian models, incorporating single or twin motors, running on a 69kWh battery, offering ranges of an estimated 480km with the single motor and 460km with the twin option.
The three variants are EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus, at $59,990; EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra $64,990; and EX30 Twin Performance Ultra $69,990. All are plus on-road costs.
The Plus variant is well equipped with digitalkey,wirelesscharging,Harman/Kardon Premium Sound, power tailgate, parking sensors, welcome/farewell light and auto dimming mirrors.
The Twin Motor Ultra adds fixed panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, Park Assist Pilot, power seats, four-way lumbar support, tinted rear windows, heated front seats and steering wheel and 20-inch alloy wheels.
AllEX30sarecoveredbyafive-yearunlimited kilometre warranty, eight-year battery cover and eight-year roadside assistance package and two-year service intervals.
Styling
Five exclusive exterior colours are contrasted withanOnyxBlackmetallicroofandmatching gloss black details. Up front, Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’sHammer’headlampshavebeenupdated in a segmented design with extra width and narrower look.
The new look also extends to the rear with lightingnowfittingflushwiththebody,helping the car stand out in all light conditions on the road.
The fixed panoramic glass roof of the Ultra model adds a further level of prestige to the car, while providing an airy feel to the interior. I’m notafanoflargeglassroofs.Tintedglassmight stop the sun’s rays but heat is a different matter. However, I’m told the EX30 has an insulated retractableroofblindasanafter-marketoption.
Interior
While on the subject of passenger wellbeing, Volvo is famous for its cabin climate control, with a two-zone system filtering hazardous gases from the EX30. Using a Volvo app, the cabin air can even be cleaned before entering.
As well as environmentally friendly surroundings, seating has been designed to the requirements of that in larger luxurious cars. Ergonomics have been applied from shoulder tothightoensurecomfortandsafety,especially on long drives.
Integrated front seat headrests enhance the sporty feeling of the ride, while the seat backs are concave contributing to increased legroom for rear passengers. Storage is particularly inventive, with multi-use areas at floor level between the front seats.
A sliding unit with twin cupholders is part of the centre console and with a soundbar replacingspeakers,doorpocketscanbeutilised to the maximum.
Infotainment
The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch tablet-style full colours touchscreen display
with embedded Google apps at the fingertips (not always the easiest to access). Only minimum controls are on the steering wheel or column. Updates are regularly updated via the Over The Air system.
As mentioned above, a soundbar introduces a new concept to in-car audio. Standard across the EX30 range the Harman/Kardon bar stretches across the top of the dashboard the width of the cabin, producing sound equal to that of many speaker systems.
Near Field Communication technology can be used to access and start the vehicle via a smartphone with a downloaded digital key swiped over an NFC reader.
Engines/transmissions
The Single Motor Extended range delivers 200kW and 343Nm, while the Twin Performance, with motors front and rear pumps out 315kW and 543Nm. Depending on the DC peak charging power, both variants are capable of charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.
Safety
Volvo has a history of being at the forefront of automotive safety and the EX30 carries on the tradition. Active safety includes lane keeping assist, oncoming lane mitigation, run-off road mitigation, blind spot monitoring with steer assist, intersection auto brake, collision avoidance (braking and steering), plus cyclist and pedestrian detection.
Also included are road sign information, intelligent speed assist, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, lane change assist, park assist camera, rear view and rear door opening alert.
Driving
Spirited acceleration, especially good on overtaking, plus almost silent running was disturbed only by road noise on some course surfaces and the heated steering wheel was a welcome surprise on a rare nippy early morning get-go.
Claimed energy consumption is 18kWh per 100 kilometres. When I last looked, the test car had recorded 18.5kW per 100 kilometres. As for refuelling on a public fast charge station, the EX30 went from 40 percent battery charge to 80 percent in 32 minutes.
Volvo would not say this too loudly but at 3.6 seconds for zero to 100 kilometres per hour, the EX30 is in some very sporty company. Fortunately,thepowertrainandall-wheeldrive handle the excess energy with aplomb. The lane-keeping assist also deserves some praise, reacting to any drift out of the centre of a lane with a gentle (yes, gentle) nudge on the steering wheel, unlike some of its ilk.
Summary
The EX30, Volvo’s smallest (and quickest) car, may be big on style, performance and equipment, but as is the wont with EVs, pricing is out of proportion. However, remember what the WRX of the 1990s did for Subaru?
The EX30, Volvo claims, is the most sustainable model it has produced. (Picture: Supplied)
Capturing the sporting action
There was plenty of action on Saturday both on the field and courts across Melbourne’s north-west. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was in the thick of the action.
Whittlesea’s Taidhg Bland. 417487_24
Mernda’s Lachlan Taylor (right) goes up in the ruck (Ljubica Vrankovic)_417489_01
The Craigieburn Eagles warm up. 417498_13
Mernda’s Zach Racovolis. 417489_12
South Morang continued on its winning ways. 417491_12
Whittlesea United’s Kemal Irdem. 417492_17
Craigieburn Eagles’ Max Viitala. 417498_31
Thomastown’s James Lucente. 417487_05
Whittlesea United’s Facundo Echeverria. 417492_01
Laurimar’s Joel Lawson evades two South Morang players. 417491_07
Timely rest for Bloods amid tragedy
The bye has come at a perfect time for Melton in the Ballarat Football League.
It has been a big few weeks for the club both on and off the field, with the death of player Billy Sullivan.
Coach Troy Scoble said after the emotion of the last few weeks, the chance to reset was much needed.
He said he was so proud of how the club and the playing group had come together.
“The group has really supported each other and at different times have looked out for each other,” he said.
“They’ve done really well and we’ve still got out on the park and played some good football.
“We’ve got through the last three week block and we can now have a bit of a rest and then we can attack the second half of the season.
“We’ll still have a run this week but we’ll look to freshen them up.”
The Bloods entered the interleague break
in the best possible position, sitting atop the table with only one loss.
For Scoble, who is in his first season coaching the club, said the focus this season wasn’t on wins, more about getting their game style right.
“We had a new game style and we wanted tokeepimprovingeachweek,”hesaid.“We’re in the top three and it’s a really good chance to cement a high place going into finals.
“We’ve set a good platform.”
Scoble said the first focus for them was to ensure they seal a finals spot. He said usually you need 10 wins to play finals, they’ve got nine on the board already.
“We want to finish as high as we can,” he said. “We expected to get better in the second half of the season.”
While the Bloods are on top, they’ve continued to blood young players coming through.
Scoble said they had played 33 or 34 players already this season.
“We will keep bringing guys in,” he said. “We’ll get three or four back after the break.
“We’ve been focused on giving younger players an opportunity. When they get a game they’ve really earned it.
“We’ll look to get more in the next six weeks.”
The Bloods this week face the Sunbury Lions for the second time in four weeks.
Scoble knows it will be another tough challenge.
“It took every minute of the game last time to beat them,” he said. “It should be a really good contest again.”
In other matches this week, Bacchus Marsh is at home to Lake Wendouree, Darley will face North Ballarat and Melton South has a bye.
Tara Murray
416137_10
Bears bounce back
By Tara Murray
Burnside Heights went back to school last week and it paid off as the Bears returned to the winners list in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.
Coming off their first two losses of the season, the Bears needed to get back on the winners list against Coburg Districts.
Playing under lights in cold conditions, the Bears were able to set the match up in the first half, keeping the Lions goal less.
While the Lions showed some resistance in the second half, the Bears showed their composure in the second half, winning, 11.8 (74)-5.7 (37).
Bears coach Cole Harvey said it was nice to get back on the winners list.
“It was a pretty good win,” he said.
“We’ve played some quality teams in WestmeadowsandTaylorsLakesandyoulook at the margins there isn’t much between the top three or four teams.
“We haven’t been disappointed with the
calibre of players out of those games.”
Harvey said they studied both of those games the last couple of weeks to see where they went wrong and where they needed to improve.
He said you don’t lose matches, you have opportunities to find ways to learn and get better.
“We executed a lot of things we worked on during the week.”
Harvey said he thought they could be in for a long night in their warm up against Coburg Districts, with the group flat during the warm up.
He would be wrong.
“Wehadcometoplay,”hesaid.“Wechanged a few things up as against Taylors Lakes and Westy we went away from what we had been doing well.
“We got back to playing zone and put on that pressure.”
Harvey said they knew the Lions would come in the second half, but was pleased with how his group was able to respond.
Lalor, Chowna in program
Former Bacchus Marsh gun Archie Lalor and Caroline Springs batter Farzan Chowna have been named as part of Cricket Victoria’s first, talented rookie program.
The new high-performance initiative will further bolster Cricket Victoria’s connection with Premier Cricket, providingemergingplayerswithtargeted individualised programming to enhance the development of the next generation of Victorian rookies.
This will involve tailored individual plans for all identified players, targeted skilldevelopment,analysisandleadership sessions, training and education opportunities with the Victorian senior squad, while also working closely with our Melbourne Stars and Renegades T20 teams and performance managers.
Furthermore, rookies will be provided the opportunity to work closely alongside Cricket Victoria’s specialised sports science and sports medical teams, educating and preparing them for the rigors of playing professional cricket.
Players will also receive the opportunity to play in meaningful T20 games, under-19 and rookie matches and represent Victoria’s second XI, should their performances warrant selection.
He said they were able to run the game out really well.
“We were able to absorb that sort of pressure,” he said. “We got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter and were able to wrestle momentum back.
“The last quarter we changed our rotation and our mids were on top and we kicked away.
“I was pretty happy.”
Nick Gregson kicked three goals for the Bears, while Adam Sullivan kicked two goals.
Harvey said Tyson Iglesias continued his good form and said he’s the best full back in the competition,
Dion Lawson also had a good game, while Lachlan Evans won the battle in the ruck.
The Bears remain in second spot, a game behind Taylors Lakes.
The run of big matches continues with games against the Sunbury Kangaroos and Northern Saints the next two weeks.
Both teams sit a game outside the top four.
In division 1, Hillside proved too strong for St Albans, winning 15.6 (96)-10.7 (67).
Chowna, 20, had a breakout season in Victorian Premier Cricket in 2023-24 with Essendon, earning selection in a Victorian second XI squad. Lalor, who plays for Northcote, is part of a squad aiming for the final Australian under-19 squad. Cricket Victoria’s head of male cricket David Hussey said he believes the new program will provide outstanding opportunities for emerging players to further their development, supporting thestate’sambitionsforsustainedsuccess for years to come.
“TheTargetedRookieProgramisgreat opportunity to enhance the development of some of Victoria’s most exciting young talent. The age profile of our current Victorian playing list has a significant number of players in the mid-twenties meaning we have a great core of players who will hopefully be key figures for Victorian cricket for years to come.
“This initiative is important so that we can keep topping up that core group with young talent, so that our Victorian, Renegades and Stars teams can have sustained success for years to come.”
Tara Murray
Matthew Larkin. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Max Scoble. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Alford guides Aldebaran Zeus to victory
Champion reinsman Chris Alford was a relieved man as he returned after guiding the globetrotting multiple Group 1 winning trotterAldebaranZeusbackintothewinner’s stall in the Aldebaran Park Trotters Free For All at Melton on Saturday night.
Aldebaran Zeus landed on the back of the leader Harry Stamper while the favourite Mufasa Metro was caught leading the outside horses over the 1720 metre sprint trip.
Aldebaran Zeus peeled off and issued a challenge to Mufasa Metro who strode to the lead on straightening and dug deep in the home stretch to score by a metre on the line in a mile rate of 1:54.
Alford admitted he thought it was his race to lose in the run.
“He would have been in a bit of trouble if he hadn’t of been able to win with the run he
had,” he said.
“It was good and he felt a bit like his old self tonight,” he said.
It has taken Aldebaran Zeus four runs back this time in to recapture his best form.
“He had a hard trial where they went 1:55 and he backed up five days later first up and it may have flattened him,” he said.
“So they backed off him and he got a bit fat, he was fair last week but the run probably trimmed him up for tonight.”
Alford believes Aldebaran Zeus isn’t as sharp as he was a year or two ago.
“He has lost a bit of speed now as a six-year-old but he should keep getting better,” he said.
“And he was down a bit in confidence so the win should do him the world of good.”
Alford believes Aldebaran Zeus will still
be a key player in the upcoming feature races.
“He will still be one of the major chances in races like the Inter Dominion later in the year,” he said.
Allan McDonough made the most of a late call up when he steered the Clayton Tonkin trained pacer Like A Wildfire to victory earlier in the night.
Second up following a short spell, Like A Wildfire settled towards the rear of the field from his second row barrier and McDonough was able to latch onto the back of Triple Eight for a cart into the race with 800 metres to travel.
Like A Wildfire balanced up on straightening before reeling in Triple Eight over the= concluding stages to score by a metre and a half with the fast finishing Bach a metre away third.
Tough night for Warriors
By Tara Murray
The Western Warriors took a step back on Wednesday night in their loss to the Hawks in the Victorian Netball League championship.
After one of their better wins of the season on Sunday, the Falcons were well beaten by the Hawks.
The Hawks jumped out of the blocks and led early on and were able to maintain that lead through the second quarter.
After half time, the Hawks were able to blow the lead out to win, 71-51.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey was pretty disappointed with the result.
“We had a poor start and the momentum we had built the other week had gone out the window,” she said.
“It was disappointing considering we had a draw the last time we played them. We didn’t think we were out of it at half time.”
Bailey said they needed to take star goaler Kim Borger off in the second half and while it didn’t decide the result, it impacted how they were playing.
“We had a couple of things go against us in the third quarter,” she said. “We took Kim off and it changed the complexity of the game.
“Akira McCormack came on and did a great job, but there was a momentum swing and we didn’t recover from it.
“It’s something we’ve been working on and we couldn’t do it.”
Bailey said the first year side was starting to show some tiredness after a long season which has included a lot of travel the past two months.
Borger still led the goal scoring for the Warriors, finishing with 23 goals.
Ruby Shannon continued her outstanding form and was the Warriors best. Bailey was also pleased with the performance of under-23 captain Eliza Gollant who stepped up into champ.
“She played most of the game,” Bailey said. “With Nat Tomassini out, Eliza stepped up and did a great job and was probably our best defender.
“It’s good to get some championship experience under her belt. She’ll play up against next week.
The under-23s also suffered a loss to the Hawks, losing 68-42.
It was a poor start that proved costly for the Warriors against a quality side.
Bailey said they did some good things with Narena Baker playing her most complete game of the season and Shaid Sasalu did some good things.
Bailey said for both sides it’s a learning curve this season and they would take some good things into 2025.
The Warriors this week face the ladder leading City West Falcons.
The match will again be on the road, this time at Altona Sports Centre but Bailey said
Jas Fraser (Grant Treeby/NV)
with many players living out that way, it wasn’t too far to travel.
“It will be a big challenge,” Bailey said. “We
McDonough said he stepped into the breach after the pacer’s regular driver David Moran was delayed at his Shepparton stables.
“I was heading out onto the track around 3.30 this afternoon when Clayton said there was a change of plans for me to drive the horse after David had an issue with one of his horses,” McDonough said.
Like A Wildfire was beaten into fifth place when resuming in the Italian Cup three weeks ago.
“I got carted back around the home turn but he really hit the line once he got clear and his sectionals were off the chart,” he said.
VTCA
Melton has announced the signing of Harsh Parmar and the re-signings of two of its best players in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association. Parmar has first XI playing experience with Port Melbourne and has spent the past two seasons with Sunshine Heights. The Lions have also announced veterans Brad Jones and Ben MacRae will be back for another season. MacRae was captain last season.
WFL
Caroline Springs continued its good form in the Western Football League division 1 competition. The Lakers faced Point Cook on Saturday and came away with a 13.15 (93)-5.4 (34) win. Max Tessari and Lewis Tudor were named the Lakers best. The Lakers sit second on the ladder. In division 2, the Western Rams had a tough day out, losing to Sunshine, 29.21 (201)-3.3 (21). There were no women’s games on the weekend.
RDFL
Diggers Rest continued its good form with a strong win against Wallan in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday. The Burras led by just two points at three quarter time, before kicking six goals to one in the final quarter to come away with a 12.7 (79)-6.11 (47) win. Hayden Davis was named the Burras best. The Burras remain in second spot. Elsewhere, Melton Centrals had an 11.12 (78)-5.2 (32) loss to Romsey. In the women’s competition, Melton beat the Mount Alexander Falcons.
VPL
played well against them.
“Hopefully it’ll be more positive than last night’s [Wednesday] game.”
Caroline Springs George Cross’ winning streak has ended at two in the Victorian Premier League 1 season. Coming off their best win of the season, the Georgies lost to Northcote City, 2-1, as they finished the game with 10 men after Joe Adoo-Peters received a red card. Nicholas Sette was the goal scorer for the Georgies. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Sports shorts
John Dunne
Devils sitting pretty at the interleague break
Darley doesn’t have much to complain about the Ballarat Netball League competition as it comes to the pointy end of the season.
The Devils sit atop the ladder at the interleague break with one loss for the season, and even that was by one goal.
Devils coach Di McCormack said the bye had come at a good time for them.
“We’re pretty happy,” she said. “The only loss for the season was after the siren.
“The team is gelling really well. The last few games we’ve been one goaler down with Liv or Ella with Victorian Netball League restrictions.”
McCormack said they had been thrilled with how they were performing defensively.
She said Anna Lawley had been a really good pick up and formed a good combination with Matilda Elliot.
They’dmadesomechangesinthemidcourt
which had also worked both offensively and defensively.
“We’ve run Alisha [McCormack] and Jaimee [Smith] through centre,” he said.
“We’ve had Prue [Stanley] in wing attack and those combinations have worked well.
“We’ve also run her in wing defence. Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”
The Devils will be boosted by the full time return of Shannon Blackburn from injury.
She played half a game before Victorian Netball League commitments meant she sat out last round.
McCormack said the inclusion of Blackman would only make them stronger, while Chelsea Mason is back on court as well adding even more depth in the midcourt.
“The girls are all training together and that is helping us gel,” she said.
“I think we are strong but everything resets once you get into finals.”
The Devils keep blooding some young players with Sophia coming up from under-19s and B-grade, and Addy Wright is
Centrals hang on to win
By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals further locked up its spot in the Riddell District Netball League top five, but it wasn’t without a late fright.
Centrals faced sixth-placed Romsey on Saturday with both teams keen to get the win and sit in the top five.
Despite having a couple of players miss the first quarter, Centrals blew the game open and led by 12 goals late in the game.
Centrals let the foot off the pedal and the Redbacks came home strongly but Centrals was able to do enough to win 62-58.
Centrals’ coach Randy Pereira said he was happy with the match, but disappointed with how they finished the match.
“It was nice but disappointing at the same time,” he said. “We have a young team and you are going to get inconsistencies.
“We led by 12 goals with six minutes to go and we should have stretched it out, as our percentage is not great.
“That inexperience you get the inconsistencies, We’re still trying to get them
to go 100 miles an hour for the whole game.”
Centrals’ start to the A-grade match didn’t start well with Nadia and Helen Aumua both leaving their dresses at home and missing the first quarter.
Helen still finished with 33 games for the game despite the late start.
Centrals still led by three goals at quarter time and that was the margin at the break. It was then Centrals started to play the margin out.
Pereira said they had a really strong defensive effort while he felt the way they used their substitutions worked well.
“Avana [Hobson] was outstanding in defence,” he said. “Hayley [Hill] and our captain Romina [Barbuto] were good.
“Maddi [Stewart] came up from B-grade and did the job we asked her to.”
The win puts Centrals six points clear of Romsey in the race for finals.
Having set the aim of playing finals at the start of the season, the club remains on track.
Pereirasaidhewasn’tkeenonjustsneaking in.
another who is stepping up.
McCormack said the only downside this season has been injuries to goalers in other grades.
They’ve had to move players around to fill holes while they’ve started looking at the future as well.
“We’ve had the opportunity to develop and bring up some juniors to work with us,” she said. “We’re trying to train them up and we’re looking forward to seeing them next year,”
This week the Devils have a big test, facing reigning premiers North Ballarat, The Roosters are in the top four.
Elsewhere, Bacchus Marsh hosts Lake Wendouree and Melton is at home to the Sunbury Lions.
Melton South has a bye,
“We want to at least get third spot and get the double chance,” he said. “It opens things up a bit if you can do that.”
Elsewhere, Pereira said they are continuing to blood some young players with a number coming up from their junior program and more to come up next year.
He said they had a couple of disappointing results against the Redbacks, losing some matches they shouldn’t have.
In other A-grade matches, Diggers Rest fell just short against top of the table Wallan.
Not much separated the teams all day with the Burras leading by three goals at three quarter time.
The Magpies finished strongly to win, 52-50, to cement their spot at the top of the ladder.
Brigitte Linares, Leona Hristovska and Ashlee Harrison were the Burras best. Hristovska shot 28 goals for the Burras.
Macedon had a big win against Kyneton and Woodend-Hesket showed its strength against Riddell.
Mixed results for Ballarat, Bendigo FLs
The Ballarat Football League came away with bragging rights in its interleague match, while the Bendigo Football League fell short in its on Saturday.
TheBallaratleaguefieldedanunder-23 match to take on a Hampden Football League match.
Coached by Anthony Koutoufides, the Ballarat team made it back-to-back wins after winning last year clash between the two leagues. It was Hampden that led by four points at quarter time, before the Ballaratteamtookasevenpointleadinto the main break.
Thegamewasbrokenopeninthethird quarter, with four goals to one in favour of Ballarat. The Ballarat team was able to finish off strongly, winning 11.15 (81)-7.8 (50). Melton South’s Cody Chapman was awardedthebestongroundmedal,while Sunbury Lions’ Mitch McLean and Riley Miller also had strong games.
The Bendigo league faced a Victorian Amateur Football Association side featuring players from its premier B to division 3 competitions.
The VAFA opened up a 14 point lead at quarter time and was able to extend its lead to 25 points at half time.
Five goals to three in the third quarter gave the Bendigo league some hope heading into the final quarter.
Both teams finished with three goals each in the final quarter, with the VAFA winning 12.13 (85)-10.12 (72).
James Schischka finished with four goals for Bendigo. Gisborne spearhead Pat McKenna kicked two goals.
Ricky Monti, Charlie Langford and Cooper Smith were named Bendigo’s best. Both Ballarat and Bendigo competitions will resume their normal competitions this weekend.
