Some would say an ultra marathon is the ultimate test of endurance.
But Bob Carey-Grieve, who did the Ultra Perth in June, has endured a lot more than just a long run.
Between 2016 – 2019, he went through two strokes at the same time (one in the arm, one in the leg) , internal haemorrhaging, bowel cancer, six months of chemotherapy, and Lemierre syndrome.
The Ballan local said it was a “miracle” he was still alive after not going to the hospital for 12 hours while having a stroke.
“A piece of brain the size of a pea dies every 12 minutes when you are having a stroke so you have to do something about it very quickly,” Mr Carey-Grieve said.
August 5 – 11 is National Stroke Week, and the Stroke Foundation is urging people to think F.A.S.T – face, arms, speech, and time.
These are the four signs of a stroke, something Mr Carey-Grieve wishes he was aware of prior to the life-threatening incident.
“It’s really important to get that out there because when I had my stroke I didn’t know anything about those things and completely ignored all of them,” he said.
“At 42, I thought I was too young to have a stroke … but they can happen to anybody at any age.”
Mr Carey-Grieve, who works in Point Cook, delayed taking important action because he lacked one of the most obvious giveaways a stroke causes.
“A lot of people recognise that when somebody’sfaceisdroopingthattheyarelikely having a stroke, but my face didn’t so I made the wrong assumption that everything was fine.”
Following years of health complications, Mr Carey-Grieve made a “conscious decision” to get back on track.
“When you’ve got the best part of three years of constantly being in and out of hospital with one thing or another and you feel like the universe is definitely out to get you, it seemed like a good time to turn things around.
“I knew that I needed to work on my mental health and anxiety but I didn’t have the ability to sit still and meditate.”
That was where running came in.
An inability to “sit still” was the catalyst for Mr Carey-Grieve’s first marathon, which helped eliminate his nervous energy and anxiety.
“I found running was a way to do that
Homewares
meditation. It’s essential now – it’s the one thing that keeps me grounded and together and I feel a whole lot better now than I did before the stroke.”
Mr Carey-Grieve said running is an exercise of not just the body but the brain.
“The very action of running, feeling the ground beneath my feet, feeling the tension in my body, being aware of where I am –that’s mindfulness,” he said.
“Concentrating on what you’re doing will keep you running for five hours.”
For his 50th birthday, Mr Carey-Grieve decided to do a 50-kilometre ultra marathon and raise money in the process.
“I did a 50-50 split between the Stroke Foundation and Bowel Cancer Australia because everything has to be 50 doesn’t it,” he said.
Those who donated to the fundraiser got to pick a song for Mr Carey-Grieve’s running playlist, something he said they put more thought into than he did.
“People were being really thoughtful
and asking about what kind of bpm [beats per minute] I wanted, which was more consideration that I had for it,” he said.
“They were giving me stuff to actually spur me on.”
Mr Carey-Grieve has turned a silver lining into a shining example of a positive lifestyle change and is a passionate advocate for the early prevention of strokes.
Bob Carey-Grieve is a stroke and cancer survivor who ran an ultra marathon this year. (Damjan Janevski) 422600_07
Cauliflower
Funding to fight climate change
A program to teach kids in Melton about the links between climate change and food has received $50,000 from VicHealth.
The Melton Food Systems Collective is a recently established initiative by council to informyoungpeopleofhowtheireatinghabits can combat emerging health challenges.
The collective is made up of local neighbourhood houses, community health services, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, faith groups, and food relief agencies.
They will work with at least four schools in the area to teach young people about the benefits of producing and consuming their own food.
VicHealth’s executive manager of Policy,
Strategy & Impact Group Kris Cooney said the initiative would help students learn about the interconnected nature of public health and climate change.
“We know kids are naturally interested in food, so this is an exciting opportunity to take that interest further and support them to explore what’s happening in their local food system and empower them to take action to protect it,” she said.
The program aims to encourage the next generation to increase their climate resilience by developing sustainable habits like composting, gardening, and cooking.
Climateresilienceistheabilitytoanticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous
events, trends, or disturbances related to the environment.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said activities runbythecollectivewouldincreaseawareness within classrooms and allow students to set strategies to tackle the issue.
“This program will help young people to implement practical initiatives to enhance local food security that will also have a positive impact on the environment,” she said.
“It is important to teach the younger members of our community about nutritious and sustainable food and the physical and mental health benefits that come with it.“
Melton MP Steve McGhie said the educational program was an important
Young Elliot swaps hair for smiles
It’s not everyday that a five-year-old gets a $850 haircut, but Elliot Jonas is not your everyday boy.
The Melton local has raised $778 for Cancer Council and $95 for Wigs4Kids, with a goal of $500 for each charity.
Not only that, he will donate his hair to Wigs4Kids for children undergoing cancer treatment to “make them feel better, happy, and brave.”
At11:30onWednesdayJuly31,Elliotshaved offhislusciouslocksinfrontofhisfriendsand teachers at his kindergarten.
Elliot said it feels “spiky and soft” but is a fan of the cut, which “felt good.”
Friends of Elliot clapped and screamed in excitement and the teachers were very proud.
Elliot’s mum, Riki-Lee Jonas, said he had a change of heart on the style after growing it out.
“His other friends have short hair and he wanted to cut it but instead of putting it in the bin it could be put to a good cause,” said Ms Jonas.
“I talked to him about sick kids and he wanted to make them happier and put a smile on their face… it all escalated from that conversation.”
Ms Jonas said the cause hits close to home for her and Elliot’s dad, Jhuden, and made
Elliot’s achievement even more special.
“Supporting these charities is something very close to our hearts – we’ve both lost very important people to cancer,” she said.
“I’m just in awe at how even if you’re little you can do such a big kind hearted thing. We just wanted to show the community what he’s doing and spread the word.”
investment that would create a better future for the area.
“Having healthier kids leads to a healthier community,” he said.
The money adds to the state government’s contribution of $181,500 to the program through the Suburban Revitalisation Program.
Melton was one of 13 councils to receive the VicHealth Leading Healthy Communities grant, which allocated $600,000 to help communities across Victoria to improve their wellbeing through a variety of projects.
Community grants to boost projects
Not-for-profit organisations and community groups in Moorabool can apply for a community grants program.
Moorabool council have allocated $270,000 in funding for the program to help locals deliver projects that benefit the community.
There are five different grant types, including strengthening, arts and culture, events, development fund, and sustainability and environmental engagement.
The Community Development Fund Grant has $5000 to $100,000 available, but applicants must meet a minimum funding threshold requirement to be eligible.
Organisations can apply for up to $3000 for the other four categories.
To access these funds, groups must be able to contribute an equal amount of money as what they receive for help.
The applications will be assessed in October and November following the 2024 council election and successful earners will be told in January.
For those seeking help with their application, three in-person drop-in sessions will be held on Monday,August 5 at the Lerderderg Library, Tuesday, August 6 at Gordon Public Hall and Thursday, August 8 in Ballan Neighbourhood House.
All sessions will go from 2–7pm. Information: moorabool.vic.gov.au/ communitygrants
Strategy serves up a big win for Melton tennis players
Melton tennis lovers could be in for an ace under a new tennis strategy.
a meeting on Monday, July 22, Melton council moved a motion consider the Melton Tennis Strategy in its next budget.
The report provides a guide for the future planning, development, governance and growth of the sport for the next ten years. It includes funding of up to $34.6 million for the development of 18 new courts as well as the upgrading of existing ones.
Councillor Steve Abboushi said the strategy would help council to accommodate for the growth of the game.
“It’s a big deal for our residents because it’s a roadmap for the next decade for how we are going to grow and manage tennis across our city,” he said.
“With the population expected to boom by 2034, we are planning ahead to make sure there are enough tennis facilities for everyone.”
Tennis is currently the sixth most participated sport in Melton with more than 1000 registered participants at eight clubs in the municipality.
It is forecast that a further 620 players will join local tennis clubs by 2034 as well as
thousands more recreational participants.
Cr Abboushi said council would prioritise investment and collaboration with relevant groups to meet the demand for the sport in both competitive and leisurely settings.
“We are aiming to build new courts, upgrade existing ones, and set up new clubs in key areas like the western and eastern corridors of Melton,” he said.
“We are working closely together with Tennis Victoria and local clubs to make sure we get this right.”
Councillor Julie Shannon said residents
should be able to enjoy local sport and that council would look to remove barriers to participation.
“Playing sport should be accessible, inclusive, affordable and close to where you live. That’s what we are delivering with these strategies,” she said.
“Councilhasbeenworkingcloselywithsport clubs across our city as well as relevant sports associations to make sure we are addressing… the needs of future communities.”
Eddie Russell
Elliot triumphantly holds his hair, which will be donated to children with cancer. (Damjan Janevski) 422382
Breastfeeding support for all
By Oscar Parry
WorldBreastfeedingWeekisaglobalcampaign aiming to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and the benefits it provides to mothers, children, and public health.
Running from August 1–7, this year’s theme is ‘breastfeeding for all’ – a vision for increased inclusivity and further efforts in addressing barriers to accessing breastfeeding support.
Macedon-based lactation consultant Samantha Turner-Dunne is passionate about breastfeeding and its broad benefits.
“If you had to introduce one public health program to benefit the health and the wellbeing of your community the most and decrease maternal and infant morbidity – and even mortality – the most successful thing you could do is teach, educate, and promote breastfeeding, because the long-term effects on the health and wellbeing for babies and for people is profound,” Ms Turner-Dunne said.
She said language barriers are just one of the challengesmanyfaceinaccessingbreastfeeding support.
She said in many cases, women may avoid seeking support from resources such as lactation consultants because of several other issues that require time and attention.
Ms Turner-Dunne said breastfeeding also has important protective effects on babies.
“The mothers have less chance of breast cancers and … [It also] helps immunise and vaccinate the babies because it hands over all the immunoglobulins,” she said.
“They’ve realised that there [are] stem cells and white blood cells and enzymes … in breast milkandallthedifferentrolesthattheyplay… it’s profound.”
Ms Turner-Dunne said her job is rewarding, and she enjoys making a positive impact on families and public health.
“I love my job – lactation consultants are reallypassionateaboutbreastfeeding,andthat’s why we go and study and make a specialised career out of it. We try [to] create safe spaces … we just want good emotional attachment between mothers and babies and the best health outcomes for all,” she said.
She said it is important to have widely accessible support, and that while breastfeeding is not an option for many women, lactation consultants will try to help where they can.
“When breastfeeding is successful, it’s one of the most enjoyable bonding experiences of their life … for 30 per cent of women, it is a challenge and they do need support … and we’re here for them. Sometimes it doesn’t work because it can’t.”
“They’ve become refugees, or they’re so busy focussing on trauma that [breastfeeding] is just another challenge that they’ve got to put further down the food chain, [and] because they’ve got other really important things that they’re trying to deal with, they are less likely to get … support,” she said.
performing assessments.
Ms Turner-Dunne said lactation consultants sometimes have access to interpreters and interpretive services to help with their consultations, but if these are not available, consultants will still do their best to help through other forms of communication and
Low milk supply links
Low breast milk supply is being linked with low breast growth during pregnancy in a new study.
LaTrobeUniversityresearchersledasurvey of almost 500 women in Australia, the US, and the UK.
They found that women with low milk supply often did not notice an increase in breast size during pregnancy; could have breast hypoplasia; or might have been overweight as a teenager.
La Trobe PhD candidate and study lead Renee Kam said it had long been suspected by breastfeeding specialists that a lack of breast growth during pregnancy could be associated with low milk supply, but this study was the first to show evidence of this link.
“This study showed that 72 per cent of women with low milk supply reported that their breasts did not change appearance during pregnancy,” Ms Kam said.
“Most pregnant women notice that their breasts increase in size as their pregnancy progresses, so lack of change could now be considered a sign to health professionals that milk supply may become an issue after the baby is born.”
The study, conducted with the universities of Cincinnati and Bristol, also connected high body mass index around the time of puberty and a low milk supply.
Ms Kam said this was the first time such a link was made, and its connection needed to be confirmed in population-based studies.
She said the researchers did not know how many women in the study had breast hypoplasia, but more than two-thirds (about 70 per cent) reported at least one irregular-shaped breast.
Breast hypoplasia is not the same as small breasts, but refers to breast tissue that is underdeveloped and might give the breast a tubular shape or asymmetry between the breasts.
Study participants shared their experience of not being able to produce enough milk for their babies, despite seeing lactation consultants, expressing breast milk, taking lactation cookies, and drinking lactation teas.
Professor Lisa Amir from La Trobe’s Judith Lumley Centre said some women had physical andphysiologicalreasonsthatpreventedthem from producing a full milk supply.
“Like every other organ, the breast may not be fully functional in some people,” Professor Amir said.
“Weneedtosupportwomentoachievetheir optimum milk production, and make sure people don’t equate successful breastfeeding with being a good mother.”
“Part of the way that … women learn to breastfeed, there’s some intuitive basis to it. There are also demonstrative [ways] you can learn things … and there can be no speech. So there’s a lot of demonstrative work that can be done that … is helpful if English is a second language.”
On the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s (ABA) website, it reports that many mothers feel a deep sense of loss, grief, and remorse when they are unable to breastfeed, and that families, friends, and counselling could be forms of support.
Ms Turner-Dunne said other resources provided by the ABA that could assist mothers include online multi-language information flyers and a network of volunteers who can provide peer-to-peer support.
Laura Paterson Personal Injury Lawyer
Lactation consultant Samantha Turner-Dunne.
(Damjan Janevski) 411622_02
Unemployment begins to fall
Unemploymentin Mooraboolhashitan equal record low.
New data from the National Skills Commission shows Moorabool recorded an unemployment rate of 3.4 per cent in March 2024, a slight drop from 3.5 per cent in the December 2023 quarter.
It is just below the Victorian average of 3.8 per cent.
Theunemploymentratewasalso3.4percent in September 2023, the lowest in Moorabool since data was first collected in 2010. Meanwhile in Melton, unemployment
this most recent quarter was 5.3 per cent, a decrease of 0.3 per cent or 218 people.
Despite the drop, the unemployment rate still remains well above the state average.
The suburb of Melton West recorded the highest level of unemployment in the municipality at 7.6 per cent.
Neighbouring LGAs Hume and Brimbank had the highest level of unemployment in Victoria with 7.1 and 6.4 per cent respectively.
Future Connect is a not-for-profit organisation that helps improve education, training,andemploymentpathwaysforyoung
people in Melbourne’s west.
Chief executive Deirdre Hardy said there are a number of barriers that contribute to a higher unemployment rate amongst youths in Melton.
“There’softensituationswhereyoungpeople don’t have the social capital or networks to easily find full time employment,” she said.
“Young people whose parents are born overseas don’t have the networks where the parents can assist them to find work they’re interested in, whereas people with that greater social capital have a lot of networks.”
Rock’n’roll stars gear up for big gig
In 2022, Jayden Vermeend took to the stage at the Ballan Neighbourhood House for the Young and Local program.
Now, he returns as the program co-ordinator, helping aspiring young musicians in Moorabool to hone their musicianship and stagecraft.
Participants in the program will play live at the Hide and Seek Festival in Ballan later in November this year.
These types of opportunities are rare for budding performers in the region, Vermeend said.
“It’s something you don’t get to see very often. Your main music events tend to be less in regional areas, so it’s really nice to have
something super local and super young,” he said.
Vermeend is from Morrisons, a town of about 128 people.
Hesaidtheprogramwasanopportunityfor young people like himself to not only pursue pathways in music but meet like-minded people.
“Your next door neighbour is a couple of kilometres away, so it’s really nice to have this all in one place that everyone can go to.
“I want to be able to give what I lacked while I was learning to become a musician… and help to further develop the next generation.”
In the Young and Local program,
participants will learn things like audio engineering,eventmanagement,songwriting, marketing, and more.
For Vermeend,thebenefitshavebeengreat.
“Being a part of this program has allowed me to develop not only my musicianship, but also my leadership skills and my knowledge of how everyone’s involvement in an event is important.”
For Vermeend, there is one universal truth that being involved in this initiative has affirmed to him.
“The world will always need the entertainment that musicians provide.”
Eddie Russell
Ms Hardy said that a strict hiring criteria and lack of consideration contributed to the difficulty young people in the area face when looking for jobs.
“There are opportunities for work in the area, but sometimes even entry level positions still want experience… or they may have a requirement for a driver’s licence.”
“I think employers can be a bit set in their ideas of what they’re looking for from an employee, and they’re not always able to be flexible in their approach to recruiting.”
Town centre consultations now underway
Moorabool residents are encouraged to take part in community consultations for the Bacchus Marsh Town Centre Structure Plan.
The plan sets out a framework for land use, development, and design of public and private spaces over the next 15 years.
This includes bolstering the economic hub of the main street and side streets to attract commercial use and supply the needs of the wider regional community.
Locals can contribute to the strategic vision, which aims to strengthen the role of the town centre as the primary civic, employment and retail precinct in Moorabool.
According to council, the purpose of the plan is to deliver on community objectives of sustainability, vibrancy, accessibility while retaining the rural charm and history of Bacchus Marsh.
Positive outcomes for residents are also prioritised, with convenient public transport, parking options, safe walking and cycling infrastructure, and maintenance of parks all a focus.
Feedback from the 2023 consultation highlighted the need for a ‘nice place to spend time’ and a place that was ‘easy to get around safely’ as important in the structure plan.
Once this round of consultations are complete, the final structure plan will be adopted.
The consultations close Sunday August 11.
Have your say: https://www.moorabool. vic.gov.au/About-Council/Counciladministration/Consultationsand-engagement/Bacchus-MarshTown-Centre-Structure-Plan-HaveYour-Say
Police make crime breakthroughs during Operation Cavalcade in July
Police are satisfied with the results of a month-long operation aiming to catch and reduce crime in Brimbank and Melton.
In part two of Operation Cavalcade, local police teamed up with a range of specialist officers to saturate hot spot areas in Brimbank and Melton throughout July.
Officers honed in on busy community locations including Watergardens and Woodgrove shopping centres, as well as parks and train stations in Sunshine, Melton and St Albans.
Threeteenagerswhoallegedlyevadedpolice in an unregistered vehicle were among the 30 arrested during an operation targeting serious and violent crime in the western suburbs.
DuringpatrolsonJuly11,officersattempted to intercept an allegedly unregistered vehicle on Bulmans Road in Melton, but the vehicle allegedly sped off.
The air wing tracked the vehicle to an address in Brookfield and three boys, two aged 15 and a 16-year-old, allegedly fled on foot.
All three were arrested a short time later without incident.
Earlier that day, police were patrolling a shopping centre in Melton West when they received reports of a boy allegedly threatening people with a weapon.
Officers arrested a 14-year-old boy before seizing a knife. No one was injured during the incident.
Throughout the operation, the local crime reduction team carried out a range of proactive enforcement activities to ensure accountability of known offenders, including conducting bail compliance checks, firearm prohibition order compliance checks and executing outstanding warrants.
Police also patrolled roads, checking more than 1000 vehicles, and issued more than 20 penalty notices for a range of traffic offences.
Brimbank tasking and co-ordination
Acting Inspector Nick Di-Mieri said he felt the increased number of officers in hot spots worked well.
“Our highly visible and proactive presence certainly worked to deter crime at our most busy community locations,” he said.
“We know how much the community appreciates seeing us at their shopping centres and train stations, so rest assured that presence will continue.
“We will continue to work with specialist police including PORT [Public Order Response Team] to deter crime and make sure our community feels safe.
“We hope the message is now loud and clear – if you seek to cause harm or trouble you can expect to see police and you will be held to account.”
Jayden Vermeend is helping young locals prepare for a live show. (Damjan Janevski) 422188_03
Sign up as a volunteer
The Uncle Bob’s Club is calling for volunteers to join its state committee.
The term is a 12-month position, beginning in October of each year and consists of monthly meetings that can be attended remotely. Committe members also participate in strategic planning and committee work and occasionally represent UBC at events throughout the year.
Since its founding in 1942, UBC has raised vital funds for children’s hospitals and medical equipment across Victoria with the mission of ensuring no child in Victoria goes without the medical equipment they need.
UBC raises money through hosting events suchasgaragesales,morningteasandsausage sizzles, while aiming to keep the funds in the area they were raised.
Being a grassroots charity with only one paid staff member and no government
funding, UBC relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to continue its mission.
Fundraising and volunteer manager Stacey Ramadge described the ideal volunteer as being anyone passionate about raising funds to help the children of Victoria.
“Everything that we fundraise goes directly to children’s health, either through local hospitals or the Good Friday Appeal,” she said. Despite the abundance of donations that pour in, the shortage of manpower limits the work UBC is able to do.
UBC recently started a new group in the western suburbs, with ambitions to launch twomoreinthenorthernandeasternsuburbs.
More details: https://ubcvic.org.au/ get-involved/volunteer-2/ Jaidyn Kennedy
Briefs
Petition extended
The petition to get Mt Atkinson a train station has been extended until August 9. The petition was originally meant to stop accepting signatures on Thursday August 1. It has now received more than 4750 signatures and will be tabled in Parliament on August 13 by Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch, who is sponsoring the petition. Mt Atkinson residents are hopeful that the building of a train station will give them a better alternative than driving to work and ease congestion on the roads.
Health survey
Star Weekly wants to hear from you about the health issues affecting women in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. Our 16-question Women’s Health Matters survey will help inform our reporting during our 12-month women’s health campaign. The confidential survey will take less than five minutes to complete and can be found by scanning the QR code.
History top performer
FormerKurunjangSecondaryCollegestudent
Giovanna Zurzolo has etched her name into the history books.
On July 17, Ms Zurzolo won the prestigious VCE Premier’s Award for the subject of Australian History.
However,itwassomewhatofananti-climax.
“When I got it, I was midway through uni exams so I couldn’t focus on it. It was very unexpected,” Ms Zurzola said.
But that’s not to say that the learnings from theclassdidnotleaveanindeliblemarkonthe 2023 graduate.
“It was probably the best subject I’ve ever done, including uni now. It influenced what I wanted to study and I’m very glad I did it.”
Ms Zurzola is now attending Monash University and completing a law degree, majoring in human rights.
She said the class opened her eyes to past and present injustices happening on our own soil and motivated her to tackle them.
“We studied a lot of activism and I realised
there’s so much more that needs to be done,” she said.
“Ourscopeofstudyendedintheearly2000s but you could see how much is still wrong and how much was hidden for so long.”
“I know a lot of school do revs [History Revolutions] instead but its a very important subject.”
Ms Zurzola’s biggest supporter was her teacher, Dominic Snape.
“He wasn’t surprised at all. He was very supportive, engaging, and confident in me,”
Ms Zurzola said.
It was also with the help of her friends that allowed Ms Zurzola to push herself and absorb the vast amount of knowledge needed to do well.
“We studied together after school until 6.30 doing timelines on the whiteboard. Without that I wouldn’t have remembered anything.”
Eddie Russell
Premier Jacinta Allan presents Giovanna Zurzolo with her award. (Supplied)
Paulm Etherington and Stacey Ramadge with her daughter Sadie, 3. (Damjan Janevski) 420649
MY PLACE
Diggers Rest author Chiz Dee has just published her first children’s book, titled ‘I Imagine . . . Safari’. Oscar Parry talks to Chiz about her connection to Diggers Rest and her new book.
What is your connection to Diggers Rest?
I moved to Australia 10 years ago with my now wife. We moved to the Diggers Rest area six years ago due to its country family feel. We now have many friends in the area and are proud to call it home. Our daughter has lived here since birth and she will be starting [at] Diggers Rest Primary in the New Year.
What do you like about where you live? We love it here, everyone is so friendly. We regularly attend the bowls club throughout the summer and watch the Burras play during the winter. The events the town put on for the community are great, such as the town garage sale, CFA Santa visit, the memorials at the cenotaph, [and] Halloween. The community feel is second to none.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Honestly, there really isn’t much I would change. It’s quiet but we have what we need. We are lucky that Sunbury is just a short drive away.
Tell us a bit about your new children’s book
‘I Imagine . . . Safari’ takes you on a journey through the African Savannah and lets your imagination run wild. The Big Five are a wonder, so why not imagine what it would be like to be them? Ever thought what being a Giraffe would be like, or maybe a Lion? Children have such creative imaginations and this is what I had in mind when I wrote it.
How did the idea come about for this story? TheideacameaboutasIwasreadingastoryto mydaughter.Ithoughttomyselfthatthestory didn’t allow for much imagination and made me think ‘I could do that.’ Maybe I could put pentopaperandcomeupwithsomethingthat could help children learn about something [while] at the same time having fun. I started with the African Big 5 as most children love to visit the zoo and love those animals – it seemed like a good place to start.
What do you enjoy about writing children’s literature? The thing I enjoy most about writing for children is knowing that you are making a difference.Childrenlearninsomanydifferent ways and whether a child can read yet or not, they can make their own story through the
pictures. A children’s book can last for such a long time, from it being read to a child, to a child storytelling from a picture, to a child learning to read. I love to do rhyme and repetition as this helps with children’s understanding of words and grammar, and ‘I Imagine . . Safari’ follows this style.
Rugby players storm in to inspire
Junior players at Melton Broncos Rugby got a taste of the big leagues at a Tuesday night training session.
On July 30, Tyran Wshart and Ativalu Lisati from the Melbourne Storm went down to MacPherson Park to host a special training session.
Kids from the under-6s, under-8s, under-10s, and under-12s all joined in to do drills, talk to the players, and get photos.
After the session, Ativalu Lisati said giving back to the community plays a big role in remembering where his career started.
“It’s good to remind yourself of this journey you have taken from your roots and what makes you the player you are today,” he said. Lisati said the occasion was filled with fun.
“It was heaps good; I love when kids have smiles on their faces and [you know you are] making a big impact on the kids who want to be where you are today.”
After a run around, photos and signings came thick and fast. (Saskia Taylor)
A sign of the times: boot signings were extremely popular (Saskia Taylor)
The juniors were tuned in to learn how to be better players. (Saskia Taylor)
Junior players from the Melton Broncos Rugby League Club enjoyed hosting their special guests. (Saskia Taylor)
Thumbs up for the Melbourne Storm and Melton Broncos. (Saskia Taylor)
Diggers Rest childen’s book author Chiz Dee holding her new book, titled ‘I Imagine ... Safari’. (Damjan Janevski). 422460_01
Get healthy outdoor help
By Eddie Russell
Informal carers in Moorabool and the Macedon Ranges will now be able to access nature-based mental health programs.
Not-for-profit organisation Out Doors Inc has received funding from the state government to offer its free services in the region.
Informal carers are people who look after and support people – often loved ones – with a disability, medical condition, mental illness, or age-related frailty.
According to Out Doors Inc, one in nine Australians are informal carers.
Programs run by Out Doors Inc include nature-based recreation, like bushwalking, canoeing, or campfire lunches, and creative programs, like bush art and music.
The initiative aims to give carers an outlet for stress relief through social connection, physical exercise, and creativity.
Acting program manager Christian Orellana said carers in the Moorabool and Macedon communities could briefly step back and focus on their own wellbeing.
“We see that moving away from things that might increase or heighten people’s conditions – loneliness, anxiety, depression — and focusing on other things is a respite from the brain,” he said.
“Coming out with us, having a break from their caring role, and having an adventure is a real opportunity to disconnect for short periods of time.”
Mr Orellana said many people did not identify as carers because they took care of loved ones, neighbours, or friends.
He hoped that people would acknowledge the sacrifice they made and make the most of the chance to take a well-earned chance to
relax.
“It doesn’t matter how much time you spend, at the end of the day you are caring.”
“Given that carers do so much work and spendtimethinkingaboutothers,ourservices are a great link to support them.”
A gap in services for informal carers is what spurred the creation of these programs.
Mr Orellana said collaboration was key to improving the coverage of support for informal carers who would benefit from
mental health and wellbeing support.
“Our aim is to work with current services in those regions and offer something they might not,” he said.
“Now we’ve got a program to expand into those areas and remove boundaries like distance and access.”
Informal carers must be over the age of 16 and from Moorabool and the Macedon Ranges.
Details: outdoorsinc.org.au/carers/
Money for community
Community groups in Melton can get help for their projects through the Mayoral Charity Fund.
In a meeting on July 22, councillors agreed to allocate a one-off $40,000 fund to local, not-for-profit community organisations and groups in the Melton municipality. Applicants can secure up to $2000 for small scale community projects, activities, events, and purchase of vital equipment.
Theeligibilitycriteriameansapplicants must have an ABN, demonstrate not-for-profitstatus,havenooutstanding debts to council, and Public Liability Insurance of $20 million.
Funding is only available to those groups hosting an event within the City of Melton, in the approved time frame, that directly benefits residents.
Applications close on Sunday, August 11. To apply, groups can visit SmartyGrants and choose Mayoral Community Projects Fund from the list.
From there, they must login or create an account to begin a submission, of which only one can be made from each organisation. Successful applicants will be announced on September 6.
According to council, The Mayoral Charity Fund aims to celebrate diversity, develop civic leadership, and encourage community participation and social connection. It is an acknowledgement from Melton council of the contribution that local groups, clubs, and organisations make to the community. Details: melton.vic.gov.au/ communityfunds
Cyclist clips in for ride
Melton resident Penny Byron will tick off a “bucket list” item when she takes on the Great Vic Bike Ride later this year.
From November 23 to December 1, cyclists like Ms Byron will ride more than 500 kilometres through the High Country of Victoria.
Along the way, participants will stop in Wodonga, Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Mansfield, Alexandra and Marysville.
Ms Byron said the ride gave her the chance to do something she could not do by herself.
“I have wanted to ride in and around the various locations using the existing rail trails but have been a bit nervous doing this on my own,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to being supported by a well-oiled team who have prepared and practised for this over so many years.”
Theopportunitytoseenewplacesandmake new friends were also high on the agenda for
Ms Byron.
“I can’t wait to see and explore our wonderful country from a bicycle in the fresh air with so many like-minded people.”
Cycling provides many physical and mental health benefits for Ms Byron, who learnt to rideoutofnecessitygrowingupinthesparsely populated areas of country Victoria.
“I plan to ride for my entire life as I love the freedom it gives me, the closeness to the environment, and to share a ride with a friend or two.”
This upcoming Great Vic Bike Ride will retrace its roots back to when it first took place 40 years ago in Wodonga.
Chief executive Alison McCormack said thisyearwasa“nodtotheride’sextraordinary history” and expected 3000 cyclists to take part.
Eddie Russell
DRIVERS NEEDED
JoinOurTeamasaDeliveryDriver!
Are you an early bird with a small van or good size car?
We are preparing for future needs and looking for dedicated drivers to join our team!
Position: Delivery Driver
Location: Ravenhall Warehouse
Task: Ongoing delivery of newspapers/magazines to key local outlet locations
Hours: Early start, possible multiple days week
Requirements:
Own a small van or good size car
Reliable and punctual
Strong knowledge of local area
Interested? Email us at Fermax to learn more and apply!
Melton resident Penny Byron will take on the Great Vic Bike Ride later this year. (Supplied)
Informal carers Debby Fraumano, Irene Hogan and Bronwen Davenport in the Brisbane Ranges in June. (Out Doors Inc)
Judge pushes parole for killer
By Tara Cosoleto, AAP
A man who bludgeoned his own grandmother todeathduringanepisodeofcannabis-induced psychosis could be released from custody within months.
Hayden Kidd, 22, believed Shirley Kidd was his abusive former stepfather when he attacked her with garden pick at her Darley home in regional Victoria on May 28, 2022.
He was initially on trial for murder but a Supreme Court jury was discharged after two psychiatrists found he did not have the intent
to kill because of his psychosis.
Kidd instead pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter.
Justice Michael Croucher on Thursday describedthecaseas“horrible”ashesentenced Kidd to five years behind bars.
Kiddwillbeeligibleforparoleaftertwoyears andsixmonthsbuthe’salreadyservedjustover two years in pre-sentence detention.
In his sentencing remarks, Justice Croucher detailed the years of sadistic abuse Kidd suffered at hands of his former stepfather.
The 22-year-old genuinely believed his
grandmother was his stepfather and his seven-year-old cousin was his younger self, the justice said.
He grabbed the boy, who was sleeping in the same bed as Mrs Kidd, and carried him to the garage with the woman following.
Kidd then grabbed a garden pick and hit his grandmother at least three times in the head, killing Mrs Kidd.
Justice Croucher noted Kidd’s moral culpability was either very low or almost non-existent because his mental state was so distorted at the time of the killing.
Tune up for free guitar lessons
Guitarist and vocalist Andrew Borg has been a musician for 45 years.
In that time, the Gordon local has played countless gigs as a solo act and with bands, and even released an album in 2022.
Now, he is offering free music lessons for young people aged 11-17 in Darley.
If you are going in for a lesson with Borg, don’t expect to churn out three-chord wonders.
“I strongly feel the need to teach because unfortunately kids are only learning the basic chords.”
His background in blues informs Borg’s teachings and means he places a high importance on the learning of scales and rhythm.
Thisisessentialtohaving‘feel’–anemotive sound unique to each musician.
The sessions take place every Tuesday at Studio 22, inside the Darley Civic and Community Hub, and run from 4-5.30pm.
The musical interests of young people in Moorabool varies, but the guitar is a versatile instrument, Borg said.
“I’ve got a couple of kids who want to learn
country style because of Taylor Swift, but I’ve also got two young blokes that are into [Jimi] Hendrix.”
Borg said knowing the history is an important element of understanding, and ultimately mastering, the guitar.
“A lot of those people have been influenced by someone in the past… so I teach them all of that [background] so they understand what’s going on,” he said.
• Details: shorturl.at/9Utjh
Eddie Russell
“I know there’s nothing this court can do or say to lessen (the Kidd family’s) grief,” the justice said.
“The sentence imposed does not reflect (Mrs Kidd’s) life.”
Justice Croucher urged the Adult Parole Board to release Kidd as soon as he was eligible, noting there was a risk he would be institutionalised in custody.
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• beyondblue 1300 22 4636
• 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732
Police target road trauma
A police operation is targeting roads in Moorabool to reduce road trauma.
Operation Cosmo will see police highly visible and enforcing on roads until the end of October.
Police will be targeting major highways and arterial roads that run through Moorabool, Golden Plains and Hepburn and will be on the lookout for speeding and distracted drivers.
Senior Constable Jason Allison said the operation was an effort to make roads in the area safer for commuters and prevent more tragedies.
“This part of the state has experienced a significant amount of road trauma, with 13 lives lost last year and a further nine to date in 2024,” he said.
“We’remakingroadpolicingapriority throughout these three shires to deter and detect any driving behaviour that puts road users at risk of being involved in a serious injury or fatal collision.”
Senior Constable Allison said speeding was a particular issue in the region and stressed the danger it posed to motorists.
“There are several major highways and arterials throughout these shires that have 80-100km/h speed limits, and yet we continue to catch motorists travelling well over this.
“Travelling at excessive or inappropriate speeds puts you and everyone else on the road in danger of beinginacollision,sospeedingwillbea major focus throughout this operation.”
In July alone, police have detected more than 20 speeding offences and impounded two vehicles.
One drink driver allegedly blew more thandoublethelegallimitat0.131blood alcohol limit.
Julia, 11, Andrew Borg, and Thomas, 11, get ready to play. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 422357_06
Tips to keep kids engaged when the family is dining out
When dining out at a restaurant with kids, it’s essential to have a few tricks up your sleeve to keep them entertained and engaged. Here are some creative ideas to ensure a pleasant andenjoyableexperiencefortheentirefamily:
Bring quiet activities: Pack a small bag with colouringbooks,crayons,stickers,andpuzzles. These quiet and portable activities can keep kids occupied while waiting for their food or during lulls in the conversation.
Play interactive games: Engage the kids with interactive games that require minimal materials. For example, play ‘I Spy’ or ‘20 Questions’ to encourage observation and critical thinking skills. You can also create a restaurant-themed scavenger hunt by giving them a list of items to find in the restaurant.
Storytelling: Encourage storytelling by taking turns telling a story. Start a story with a sentence, and each person adds a sentence to continue the narrative. This game not only entertains the kids but also stimulates their imagination.
Tablecloth doodles: If the restaurant provides paper tablecloths, let the kids unleash their creativity by drawing and doodling. It’s a fun and mess-free activity that keeps them occupied.
DIY placemats: Create personalised placemats for the kids using plain paper or colouring sheets. They can decorate their placemats with drawings,stickers,ortheirnames.Thisactivity adds a personal touch and keeps them engaged during the meal.
Memory games: Play memory games by listing items on the table and challenging the kids to remember as many as they can. You can make it more challenging by removing an item and seeing if they can spot the missing one.
Conversation starters: Keep the conversation flowing by using conversation starters. Ask
thought-provoking questions like, “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?” or “What’s your favorite thing to do on weekends?” This not only keeps the kids engaged but also encourages communication and bonding. Origami or paper folding: Bring a pack of origami paper and teach the kids how to fold simple origami figures. There are numerous tutorials available online, ranging from easy to
more complex designs.
Portablegames: Bringalongtravel-sizedboard games or card games that the whole family can enjoy. Classics like Uno, Connect Four, or Spot It! are compact and suitable for restaurant settings.
Engage with the menu: Involve the kids in the menu selection process. Ask for their input on what they would like to order or encourage them to try new foods. Discussing the menu
notonlykeepsthemengagedbutalsopromotes their decision-making skills. Remember, it’s also crucial to set expectationsandestablishgoodbehavioratthe restaurant.Encouragegoodmanners,patience, and gratitude towards the waitstaff. With a combination of these entertaining activities and proper behavior, dining out with kids can becomeapleasantandenjoyableexperiencefor everyone involved.
‘‘ Homelessness can be much closer than you might think ... all it could take is one unfortunate circumstance ... to fall on tough time ’’ - Nic Marchesi
Homelessness hardships
Amid a cost-of-living crisis, homelessness and poverty is picking up in prevalence, and support services are feeling the demand pinch as much as ever, Gerald Lynch discovers.
It’scloserthanyouthink.That’sthemessage this National Homeless Week, which runs August 5 to 11.
As Australians struggle to afford basic needs, defer crucial healthcare and work extra hours to keep afloat, homelessness support services are reporting a surge in demand for their services.
Recently released research by free mobile laundry and shower service, Orange Sky, revealed that 57 per cent of Australians struggle to make ends meet annually, with 27 per cent struggling as often as monthly.
The new research came as government data indicates household inflation rates have skyrocketed by 3.6 per cent over the past 12 months, with housing, food and health costs climbing by over 3 per cent in the same period of time.
The research reveals three in five (59 per cent) Australians have had to moderately or significantly adjust their lifestyle due to the rising cost-of-living.
Orange Sky St Albans team leader Ben Campbell originally joined the organisation during covid as a way to get out of the house, but four years later he couldn’t imagine not being involved.
“When everyone was locked down, I was like OK, I need to get out of the house, and one of the loopholes essentially, to do that was volunteering,” he said.
“It really helped open my eyes to appreciate what I had, because of course through the pandemic, we all thought it was an extremely tough time but then on the other side of it, people were living on the streets not having a place to live or living in potentially dangerous situations who were having it a lot worse than I was.
“So it gave me this fresh perspective. It gave me a greater appreciation for what I have and what others have and just trying to help them
make it through the weeks.”
Mr Campbell is mainly involved with the Orange Sky’s laundry service, a mobile service that washes people’s clothes and also provides meals.
He said while the service is used less in the winter,justasmanypeoplecomedowntohave a chat and a smile, a service that is intangible yet invaluable.
“Not all the attendees use our service but it doesn’t really matter, they … just come for a conversation where they can feel heard,” he said.
“Mostofthetimethehomelessfeelinvisible, feel like they’re ignored by society and not really appreciated in any way shape or form. So we’re just there to kind of give them that support.
“To give them an ear and just listen to them and just make them feel a bit more normal, because they are normal.”
He said there are misconceptions about homelesspeoplethatmakethemfeelunworthy of interacting with other people sometimes, and he hopes to see further education and change in public perception.
“There’s the whole idea of homelessness, I imagine for the general public, that they’ve put themselves in this situation and they can’t bring themselves out of it,” Mr Campbell said.
“The reality is there are so many factors that can contribute (to a person becoming homeless), there is often trauma, domestic violence, mental illnesses and all sorts that can really contribute to people getting into the situation.”
Orange Sky co-founder Nic Marchesi said growing costs and expenses are placing unsustainable pressure on everyday Australians, who are having to make tough sacrifices just to keep up.
“No one deserves to go without essentials,
clean clothes, a hot shower and a safe place to sleep,” he said. “However, rising costs are increasingly forcing everyday Australians to choosebetweenlivingessentials,billsandrent, and people who may have never thought they would be struggling financially are turning to us for help.
“We have seen a 21 per cent increase in demand for our services since last financial year,andthisincreaseiscomingfromfamilies, retirees,studentsandmiddle-agedwomenand men. Even people with current employment are coming to us for help.
“To support the growing number of Aussies experiencing homelessness and hardship, in the last financial year, we launched services in five new locations. In addition to the brand-new services, we launched 36 new shifts in already existing services.
“Concerningly, escalating costs are seeing Aussies not only struggling to afford the essentials, but also to find safety and security, with the research revealing more than one in 10 have had to forego a meal due to a lack of
funds, while over one in six have borrowed money, sold something or taken out a loan just to pay rent or bills.
“Amid a national housing crisis which has seen mortgage prices hit an all-time high in June of this year, weekly rent prices rising by 8 per cent in the past 12 months, and rental vacancy rates sitting at the lowest they’ve been in a decade, it’s no surprise there’s an increase of Australians heading into tough times.
“Homelessness can be much closer than you might think it is. These statistics are people, people that we see each and every day, and people who need our support. Homelessness can impact anyone, and as we see financial hardship escalate, all it could take is one unfortunate circumstance for you or someone you know to fall on tough time.”
Orange Sky receives government funding, but with more and more people being forced to live on the streets, help from those who can afforditisbeingencouragedthisHomelessness week.
Donate at orangesky.org.au
Main: Orange Sky founders Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett.
Above: St Albans volunteers Simon and Ben with a local at a laundry session. Left: Volunteers and users of the service enjoying a chat.
(Pictures: Supplied)
ACROSS
1 Quandary (7)
5 Dead body (7)
9 Demolition (11)
10 Bolt or pin (3)
11 Beachgoer’s two-piece (6)
12 Apotheosis (7)
14 Island of Hawaii (4)
15 Personal items (10)
17 Dwarf (10)
19 Occurring before (abbr) (4)
20 Sink (coll) (7)
22 New Delhi native (6)
25 The Peacock Network (1,1,1)
26 Reciprocal (11)
28 Died (7)
29 Potentially guilty party (7)
DOWN
1 Prank (US coll) (4)
2 Languor (9)
3 Festival, – Gras (5)
4 Group of islands (11)
5 Digitally generated imagery (1,1,1)
6 Jogging (7)
7 White person (5)
8 Disruptive (10)
12 Efficiency increasers (11)
13 Significance (10)
16 Account of events (9)
18 Princess Diana’s maiden name (7)
21 Summary (5)
23 Ties (5)
24 Flesh (4)
27 Dowel (3)
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 Where was Queen Noor of Jordan born?
2 Who directed the 1994 film Muriel'sWedding?
3 Kendo is a Japanese style of:
In which 2013 film does Mark Ruffalo (pictured) play FBI agent Dylan Rhodes?
7 The main ingredients
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
Decluttering workshop
Learn how you can free up space in your home and mind with the new decluttering workshop, 10.30am-noon, Saturday, August 10, at Melton South Community Centre. Discover how you can transform your life using tips and tricks from a professional for $35/$30 concession.
■ 9747 8576
Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club
Meets on the first Thursday of every month from, 10am- noon, at the Avenue Bowling Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
■ Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com
Community band
The Greater Western Community Band meets Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Rehearsal venue is the Bridge Road Community Centre, Strathtulloh (Melton South). The band is available for events. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are always welcome.
■ Sally Hamond, 0401474582
Melton Ladies Probus
Meets from 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Melton Country Club on Reserve Road, Melton. All visitors are welcome.
■ Dianne, 9743 7446
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
Chatty Cafe Melton
Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just
This week’s photographer’s choice is of St Peter’s Catholic Primary School West Sunshine wellbeing dog Tilly, who was celebrating her first birthday (Damjan Janevski) 421792_01
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.
■ www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331
Women’s Support Group
Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help
■ 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
The Gap on Graham
The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10 to 18 years, at 5 Graham Street, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old.
■ Val, 0414 769 605.
Melton Men’s Group
Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday, from 5-8pm, at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis.
■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog
Take weight off naturally
Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.
■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739
Parkinson’s support group
The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm, at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers are welcome.
■ Helen, 0409 186 576
Melton Bridge Club
The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities
of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and socialsetting. If you like playing cards this is for you.
■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817
Melton Friendship Group
An over-55’s singles friendship group for social engagements, fun outings, dinners, movies, dancing chats and walks. Enrich your life, no more loneliness or isolation. Nothing but fun and friendships.
■ 0406 493 734
Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club
The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome.
■Ann, 0425 705 150
Melton South Knit & Natter
All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.
■ 9747 8576
Zonta club meets Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton.
Musicians from across Melbourne’s west will have the chance to shine at the first Western Bands Festival.
ThebrainchildoftheWesternConcertBand, the festival will give concert and brass bands the opportunity to perform locally.
Western Concert Band musical director and conductorHarryMerrifieldsaidhewasexcited for the festival and hoped it could become an annual event.
“It’s been inspired by a previous festival that had happened but it was only for concert bands only,” he said.
“Thistimewehaveexpandedtheprogramto include concert and brass bands.”
Five bands will be part of the first festival. The Western Concert Band will be joined by
Suzanne Cory High School, Western Brass, Sunshine Community Brass and Westgate Concert Band.
The bands will all perform individually before taking the stage for two combined performances at the end of the festival.
Merrifield said a lot of concert and brass bands don’t get the opportunity to perform at concerts.
“It’s a great opportunity for bands to get critical feedback from a clinical professional and network without being in a competitive environment,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity for each of the bands to showoffwhattheycando.Wecannetworkand there could be opportunities to work together in the future.”
YamahaeducationoutreachclinicianDrRob McWilliams and Haileybury College head of bands Dr Joanne Heaton will assess the bands and provide them with feedback.
The festival is on August 10, from 9am-2pm,
Health and wellness at the winery
People in Melbourne’s west who want to take control of their wellbeing are being invited to immersethemselvesintranquillityatStAnne’s Winery.
The Myrniong winery has teamed up with UrbanMarketstoruntheHealthandHarmony Expo on Sunday, August 18. The event will run from 10am to 4pm at 64 Garrards Lane. Iftheexposeemsfamiliar,that’sbecausethis is not the first time St Anne’s has collaborated with Urban Markets to run a wellness event.
Jake Currey, who does a “bit of everything” at St Anne’s, said it was exciting to be “making a comeback after a few years of hiatus”.
Mr Currey said while they were hoping to attract the same crowd, there would be plenty of different things on offer this time around.
“We are trying to make it more of an expo rather than a market where you wander around, there are a few little fun activities for people … to make it more interactive rather than just selling products,’’ he said.
“We’re trying to get a bit of everything – the usual candle and wellness related stalls as well as some tarot card readings.”
Urban Markets owner Felicity Ashman said yoga, meditation, exercise, and natural foods were all on the table for the expo.
“We are looking to promote local businesses that support a balanced lifestyle… and any type of health and wellness,” Ms Ashman said.
MsAshmansaidthecombinationofoutdoor and indoor settings at the winery made it a prime spot for the expo.
“Itisparticularlyexcitingtobebackworking with St Anne’s – it’s such a lovely atmosphere out there and a perfect location to have something like this.”
Wild Dreamers will put on a show dedicated to Linda Ronstadt at Newport Bowls Club on August 31.
Attendees can enjoy a captivating Saturday night immersed in the timeless classics from Ronstadt’s extraordinary repertoire.
Ronstadt is an American singer who has won 11 Grammy awards and has performed in diverse genres, including rock, country, light opera, and Latin music.
Dubbed the “queen of rock” or “first lady of rock,” Ronstadt was the top-selling female rock artist of the 1970s and one of the most artistically diverse recording artists of the last 50 years. Wild Dreamers band will perform 20 to 25 Ronstadt chart-toppers, including When Will I Be Loved, You’re No Good, It’s So Easy, Blue Bayou, and Different Drum.
Wild Dreamers vocalist Lisa Mio said the band wants to pay tribute to Ronstadt for her remarkable contributions as a performer and a great musician.
“I don’t want people to forget what an amazing contribution she made as a vocalist and as ... an activist,” Mio said.
“She’s, you know, very politically minded and always wants to stand up for the ones that can’t stand up for themselves.”
Wild Dreamers band members include Lisa Mio on lead vocals, Jo George on backing vocals, Gary Young on lead guitar, Cres Crisp on keyboards, Nigel Davis on drums, and Phil Smith on bass guitar.
Details: .trybooking.com/events/ landing/1236786
Anne Parisianne
A Maltese tradition
The Brimbank community will come together for a weekend of festivities to mark the 41st year of the Festa Santa Marija Assunta in Deer Park.
The traditional procession is a part of the Festa Santa Marija Assunta, celebrated on August 15 each year and marks the ascent into heaven by the Virgin Mary.
It will take place on Thursday, August 15, from 6.15pm, and the service in Maltese and English will include a presentation of flowers to Santa Marija and the carrying of the statue, with a celebratory mass accompanied by the M.W.F. Philippine Choir.
Following the service, The MMG Concert Band of Victoria will be playing Marian Hymnal Marches. This will be held at the St Peter Chanel, 800 Ballarat Road, Deer Park.
ThenonSaturday,August17,theLuxor function centre on Sydenham Road will play host to the annual Santa Marija Assunta dinner dance from 6.30pm. MusicwillbeplayedbyDJDominicand traditional Maltese band Philharmonic Society inc.
On Sunday, August 18, the festivities will return to the St Peter Chanel, for a FestaDayserviceat2pm,andaprocession parade from 3.30pm.
Organiser Frank Galea said the celebrations pay tribute to the Maltese culturesomanylocalsfeelgreatnostalgia, with a strong Maltese community in the area.
Joanne George and Lisa Mio from Wild Dreamers. (Damjan Janevski) 421523_05
at the Suzanne Cory High School auditorium, 225 Hoppers Lane, Werribee. Entry is via gold coin donation.
The Western Concert Band will perform at the Western Bands Festival. (Supplied)
Jake Currey. (Damjan Janevski) 422618_01
A previous celebration in Deer Park. (Supplied)
Get crafty for Children’s Book Week
Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.
Stephanie starred in the first season MakingIt on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting. Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.
This month, Stephanie is creating monster bookmarks in honour of Children’s BookWeek(August17-23). Happy crafting!
Monster bookmarks
Materials: Googly eye
Marker
Coloured cardboard
Coloured yarn 30cm x four pieces
Equipment: Template
Glue stick
Scissors
Hole puncher
1/ Can the QR right to download and print the template for the monster bookmark and nose.
2/ Use the template to cut out the monster and the nose.
3/ Create a hole at the top of the monster. Fold the pieces of yarn in half, thread through the hole and tie a lark’s head knot.
4/ Glue googly eye in place. Fold the top of the nose and glue the folded part to the monster.
5/ Glue some colourful strips at the bottom of the monster.
6/ Draw an eyebrow and a mouth for the monster. Cut out a tooth and glue it in place.
7/ Give the monster some spots by hole punching some cardboard and randomly gluing them.
Instagram: Steph It Up with Stephanie Tik Tok: Steph It Up with Stephanie
Is this Honda’s best ever Accord?
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Few vehicles can match the Honda Accord for longevity.
On the road in Australia since 1977, the award-winning sedan, now in its 11th generation, shows no sign of going away anytime soon.
Surprisingly, despite it being one of the maker’s most important nameplates, the latest Accord, a petrol-electric hybrid, stands alone in its bid to keep the opposition at bay. In doing so the Accord e:HEV RS – touted as the best Honda Accord ever – claims to deliver an unbeatable combination of style, efficiency, performance and connectivity.
But does it?
Hondahasturnedtotweetypeofphilosophy to describe the essence of the new Accord, saying the development team wanted to create a vehicle that allowed the ‘passionate achiever’ to express their status and help them change their mindset as they headed to their next destination.
However, when it comes to choice of models and pricing the sedan comes down to brass tacks: a single model with an eyewatering sticker price of $64,990, far above most of the opposition. The Accord e:HEV RS is covered by Honda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty with eight years for the battery.
Styling
Honda is at it again, opining that a ‘creative black tie’ concept combines individuality with thebasicsofformalwearatahighlevel,making the driver appear accomplished and appealing. Sorry, Honda, the look is just bland.
Today’sAccordissoyesterdayinappearance, evenwithits‘long,cleanbodylinesandastrong powerfulfrontend,blackedoutheadlights,and wide upright grille flanked by air curtain inlets routing cooling air through the bumper and around the front wheels’.
Longerthanitspredecessor,afactemphasised by a ‘sharp upper character line’ and swoopy roof culminating in a fastback rear with distinctive LED flush tail lamps highlighting a wide stance. Machined matte black 18-inch wheels aim for a sporty appearance but fail to elevate it to the ‘black tie’ level.
The most modern feature up front is out of sight. The active shutter system behind the upper grille, commonplace on EVs these days, opens and shuts to control the amount of air flowing through the engine radiator and air-con condenser. Keeping shutters closed cuts aerodynamic drag, hence energy consumption.
Interior
While reasons for the Accord’s exterior is obscure, the cabin, happily, comes down to reality with up-to-date design using premium materials, highlighted by a honeycomb metal mesh strip across the dashboard separating audio and information displays and climate controls, while concealing the air vents.
Front seats are designed to stabilise the body, especially in spirited driving, enhance comfort and reduce fatigue on long journeys. Bigger exterior dimensions than before ensure more rear leg room and make space for 570 litres of luggage with the single rear seatback (no 60:40 split) up.
However, head room is limited by the sunroof and steeply sloping rear, and because of the hybrid set-up, there’s only room out back for a tyre repair kit.
Infotainment
The driver is the focus of the 10.2-inch instrument display with a new interface, which includes an energy flow meter in place of the tacho.TheupdatedHondaSensingisoneofthe user-selectable features.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen gives access to a revamped range of menus including audio and air-con. Honda says fewer embedded menus are easier to access. There’s still room for improvement here.
One nice touch, however, is the ‘Experience Selection Dial’, which has a circular display defaulting to a digital clock, providing quick controlsofair-conditioninganddriverprofiles.
The new Accord features Honda’s first application of Google built-in, which includes Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play, plus satellite navigation and live traffic updates at the spoken request ‘Hey, Google’.
New-generation Honda Connect features a refreshed app interface, improved response time and other new features. Over The Air software updates are a feature of the audio/ connectivity ECU.
An 11.5-inch windscreen head-up display incorporates speedo, navigation and driver assist features. A dial under the screen allows the driver to call up pre-selected mood profiles while driving.
Quality sound comes from the standard Bose 12-speaker audio system developed by engineers working closely with Honda from early in the design process, while Dynamic Speed Compensation automatically adjusts volume and tone based on vehicle speed.
Engines/transmissions
A fourth-generation dual-motor hybrid system is made up of a refined two-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine developing 108kW of power mated with a pair of more powerful electric motors mounted side by side. The E-CVT traction motor puts out 135kW of power and 335Nm of torque, while the generatormotorchargesthebatterypack.Total power output is 152kW. The E-CVT features high and low speed lock-up for direct drive, a help on steep inclines.
Fuel consumption is claimed by the maker to be 4.3 litres per hundred kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle. The test car recorded five litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburbs and 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the motorway. With a 48 litre fuel tank this adds up to around 1000 kilometres range, depending on driving style.
Safety
The Accord features the latest iteration of Honda’s ACE body structure through the use of high-strength steel and structure designed to dissipate crash energy efficiently around the cabin.
HondaSensingsafetyanddriverassistance has been made possible by updated front camera and radar. Four-wheel disc brakes incorporate a four-channel anti-lock system, electronic brake distribution and brake assist.
Eight airbags include driver and front seat passenger, driver and front passenger knee airbag, front side airbag and side curtain airbags.Anouterlapbeltpretensionerisusedon front seats, with a load limiter to prevent chest injuries.Intherear,outboardpretensionersare used, along with load limiters.
Driving
The hybrid system features a shift control which apes the gear shifting on a conventional drivetrainwhentheacceleratorisfullypressed. Half a dozen levels of slowing are available
through the shift paddles on the steering column.
The vehicle automatically switches seamlessly between EV, Hybrid and Engine drive modes optimising performance and efficiency. An ‘e’ button has the driver switching between Auto from to EV mode for pure electric driving and Charge mode which keeps the engine running longer to keep the battery fully charged.
New drive modes include Normal for balanced fuel efficiency and performance; Econ, which shifts to lower fuel consumption; Sport, for sharper throttle response with additionalsportysound;andIndividual,driver choosing the settings.
The new petrol-electric hybrid system has pushed the Accord top speed up to 200km/h. There’s no doubt much work has been done on the suspension and steering, combining a more engaging, yet comfortably smooth and quiet drive, while NVH is complemented by a quietened exhaust note.
New soundproofing and active noise control keep out intrusive cabin noise and construct ideal surroundings for the audio and passenger conversation.
Summary
There’s no denying the new Accord has a laundrylistofthelatestautomotivetechnology, driver aids and safety systems but do they add up to the $65K asking price? I’ll leave the potential buyer to make that decision.
Accord e:HEV RS is touted as the best Honda Accord ever, but it will cost you. (Pictures: Supplied)
Local results at Olympics so far
Here’s how the locals went at the Olympics during the last week.
Archery
After shooting the highest individual ranking round by an Australian since the current 72 arrow ranking, Laura Paeglis was drawn to face Caroline Lopez in the round of 32 elimination round. Paeglis led early with four points from the first two sets, but it was all Lopez after that taking the win 6-4.
Athletics
LongjumperChrisMitrevskicouldn’treplicate his form of the Australian championships at hisfirstOlympics.Havingjumpedajumpthat would have medalled in every Olympics since 1992, Mitrevski could only jump 7.79 metres in the qualifying rounds to miss the final. Amy Cashin was also in action in the 3000 metres steeplechase. She finished ninth in her heat, which included two runners breaking national records and another two getting personal bests.
Basketball
Both the Boomers and Opals are through to finals of the basketball competition. The Boomers had to rely on other results for them to qualify after losing to Greece in their final pool match.
In that match against Greece, Josh Giddey had nine points and Dante Exum had six. The Aussies now face Serbia in the quarter finals. The Opals had to win their final match with France to play finals, which they did 79-72. Tess Madgen led the way with 18 points, while Ezi Magbegor has 14 points.
Beach Volleyball
Thomas Hodges and his partner Zachery Schubert made it through to the lucky loser round of the men’s volleyball before losing to Americans Miles Evans and Chase Budinger 2-0 on Sunday, Australian time.
SPORTS QUIZ
1. How many Australians have won Formula 1 grand prix races?
2. Australian NBA player Josh Green was recently traded to which team?
3. How many points did New South Wales beat Queensland by in Game 3 of the 2024 State of Origin series?
Boxing Marissa Williamson was knocked out in the round of 16 in the women’s 66 kilogram competition. Anna Luca Hamori won 5-0.
Cycling Road cyclist Lucas Plapp withdrew from the road race on medical grounds after undergoing abdominal surgery for injuries he sustained in the individual time trial. In the women’s road race, Lauretta Hanson was the best of the Australian’s finishing in 22nd. Judo
4. Which Australian boxer recently announced his next fight would be held in September 2024?
5. What is the only sport to have ever been played on the moon?
6. Who topped the medal tally at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games?
Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar hails from which country?
Mitch Creek recently announced he would be leaving which NBL team?
How many medals did swimmer Cody Simpson win at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games?
Australian runner Jessica Hull recently recorded a world record in which distance race?
UAE Team Emirates won which major recent event in the team classification category?
Aussie McLaren F1 driver Oscar Piastri won his maiden Grand Prix in Hungary at what age?
Aoife Coughlan won her round of 32 match with a golden score before taking on Germany’s Miriam Butkereit in the round of 16. It came down to a golden score again, with Butkereit scoring an Ippon, the highest score in judo, to claim the final and move through to the quarter finals. Katherina Haecker was knocked out of the judo women’s 63 kilogram event in the opening round. Haecker faced Great Britain’s Lucy Renshall losing 11-1.
Shooting James Willett made the final of the trap men’s
13. Which US pop star has been announced as part of the pre-game entertainment for the AFL Grand Final?
14. Which three-time Grand Slam tennis champion will retire from singles tournaments after the Paris Olympics?
15. Which Aussie batsman scored five consecutive half-centuries for Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket T20 competition?
16. Jess Fox and Eddie Ockenden performed what duty at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony?
17. Which Australian city is the favourite to enter the NRL as the league’s 18th team in 2027?
18. Which former cyclist is the chef de mission for Australia’s Olympic team at Paris 2024?
19. Which African country qualified for the Men’s Olympic Basketball for the first time at the Paris Olympic Games?
final but couldn’t match it with the medal winners. Willett finished sixth in the six personfinalwith19pointsandwaseliminated on the second stage of the final. Great Britain’s Nathan Hales’ won with 48 points.
Swimming Johann Stickland finished in 66th spot in the men’s 100 metres freestyle heats. The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre staff member was competing for Samoa. He finished eighth in his heat with a time of 52.94.
20. The Nurburgring motor racing circuit is located in which European country?
21. Which nation did the Matildas defeat 6-5 at the Paris Olympic Games?
22. Isaac Heeney plays for which AFL team?
23. In which year did Roger Bannister break the four-minute mile?
24. Which English bowler recently retired after a 21-year career and 704 Test wickets?
25. Which singer performed on the Eiffel Tower for the 2024 Olympic Opening ceremony?
26. The coaches of which women’s national football team recently received a ban because of a drone spying scandal?
27. Which nation has the second biggest team at the Paris Olympic Games behind the US?
28. Which US city was announced as host of the 2034 Winter Olympics?
29. Emily Bates will captain which AFL Women’s team in 2024?
30. Mitch Creek recently announced he would be leaving which NBL team?
Jessica Hull
Cody Simpson Cody
Tess Madgen. (Basketball Australia)
Fowlie returns home to the Bulls
New Bacchus Marsh female cricket development coach Tomeka Fowlie is keen to give back to the club where she learned to play.
The Bulls announced Fowlie to take on the newlycreatedroleastheylooktofurthergrow and develop both coaches and players in all their female programs.
Fowlie said it was an exciting opportunity.
‘It is good and it’s going to be a challenge,” she said. “I think it’s good for the club and my development as a coach.
“I injured myself last year and I enjoyed the break from playing premier cricket as I had been playing cricket non-stop.
“My sister plays at Bacchus Marsh and I spentalotoftimeherewiththegirls.Idecided to come back originally just to play, but they needed a coach and here I am.
Fowlie came through the junior ranks at the Bulls before heading to play with Essendon
Maribyrnong Park in Victorian Premier Cricket.
She was also a Central Highlands player of the series recipient and a former member of Cricket Victoria’s state emerging players squad.
From a coaching side of things, Fowlie has coached under-18 girls at the Bulls and been anassistantcoachandthencoachfortheEMP in the Marg Jennings Cup, which features the best under-15 players in the state.
Fowlie said it was nice to come back to where she started her cricket.
“It’s my home club and they were a good supportformewhenIplayedpremiercricket,” she said.
“I want to give back to them.”
The Lions finished runners up last season, making the Gisborne and District Cricket Associationwomen’sgrandfinalbeforefalling
short against cross-town rivals Darley. Fowlie said they want to build on that this season. She said the group didn’t really have a coach last season.
“To even make the grand final without a coach was a good effort,” she said. “This year we have the same amount of players and with some more development we are hoping to win the grand final..
“IfIcanhelpwiththat,itwouldbeamazing.”
Fowlie makes a new-look coaching step up for the Bulls.
Sam Crea has been named the new club coach, while James Dickinson has been appointed to assistant coach.
Both have played premier cricket and coached elsewhere.
The club held a meet the coaches night on Friday night.
Tara Murray
Three teams in top comp
The Western Football League men’s competition will remain a two division competition for the next two seasons, but there will be 12 teams in the top tier.
On Wednesday, the league confirmed the structure for the competition for the next two years.
Albion, Sunshine and Newport will play in division 1 next season to increase the division from nine teams to 12.
The three teams are currently sitting in three of the first four places in division 2. Wyndhamvalewasconsideredforpromotion but were deemed to not be in an equal position as to the other three clubs.
Division 2 would also be 12 teams, with GlenOlden,whichdidn’tfieldaseniorsidethis season, included.
There will be no relegation for the 2025 season along with no automatic promotion of the division 2 premiers, with this to return the following year.
In an email from league chief executive
David Jennings to clubs, which has been seen by Star Weekly, the league outlined its plans going forward.
“The Western Football Netball League board has ratified the following senior men’s footballcompetitionstructureforthe2025and 2026 season,” it said. “Three division 2 clubs will be promoted to division 1 to make that a twelve-team competition in 2025 and 2026.
“For the league to return to a three division competition structure, we will need to have twenty-six viable senior men’s football clubs competing with both a seniors and reserves in divisional football.
“This will include the ideal model for our division1premiercompetitiontobecomprised of ten (10) teams and a division 2 and division 3 with sixteen senior clubs divided between both.”
The document said the league hosted a competition structure forum on July 22 to explore the best possible model for 2025.
It said there was a consensus from clubs to
retain a modified two division competition structure for 2025 to ensure stability, an even number of teams division 1 competition and restore a competitive balance for teams in division 2.
“Thereisagenuineneedforcertaintyaround the competition structure beyond 2025 and clarity for clubs in future considerations when and if we return to three divisions,” it said.
“Competitive balance will need to be addressed when fixturing both the division 1 and division 2 competitions.
“It is worth noting that it may not solve all the challenges of the clubs competing in division 2 that are struggling to generate momentum. However, having a division 3 competition would also not solve some of these issues.
“The league will employ a number of fixture equalisationmethodstofacilitateacompetitive draw for all teams across both divisions.”
Tara Murray
It was heartbreak for Melton as a kick afterthesirenwentleftendingitsRiddell DistrictFootballLeaguewomen’sseason against Woodend-Hesket.
Both sides were searching for their first finals win in the RDFL and it came down to the final kick of the day on Saturday night at Gilbert Gordon Reserve.
Melton was awarded a free kick as the siren went in their forward line. They trailed by four points with its season on the line.
Chelsea Lapsley had the ball on the boundary line with the opportunity to be the hero for the Bloods.
Lapsley’s kick went left leaving her side heartbroken and giving the Hawks a hard fought 1.7 (13)-.1.4 (10) win.”
Both teams struggled to hit the scoreboard in the low scoring affair,
The Hawks kicked the only two points in the first quarter before the Bloods kicked the first goal of the game in the second quarter.
The margin was four points heading into the final quarter, with the Hawks finally hitting the scoreboard to take the lead.
KatrinaBauwasthegoalkickerforthe Hawks.MollyConnell,BauandMariam Habib were named their best.
Kareena Jacobsen-Logan was the goal kicker for the Bloods, with Jordyn Syme, RhiannonCarraandKeiraleeDimmick.
The Hawks will now face Kyneton in a preliminary final with Macedon awaiting the winner in the grand final.
Albion and Sunshine will be in division 1 next season. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 418791_01
Tomeka Fowlie (left) is Bacchus Marsh’s female cricket development coach. (Supplied)
Caparello set to spread her wings at the Lions
New Bacchus Marsh Lions women’s coach Monique Caparello is looking forward to a new challenge.
The Lions announced that Caparello would coach the club’s women’s Country Basketball League side this year.
Caparello brings plenty of experience on the court including having played in the Women’s National Basketball League.
Locally, she played several years with the Sunbury Jets helping them win multiple Big V championships.
She took over as the club’s Big V women’s championship coach this season and has also coached and assisted with junior sides with at Sunbury and elsewhere.
Caparello said she was keen to further her coaching career.
“It was my first time [head] coaching at Sunbury,” she said. “I’ve done a little bit of self reflection and I want to get better as a coach.
“Coaching in the CBL, I will be able to
expand my coaching. “
Caparello said it was a conversation with Josiah Smith, who is the Lions director of basketball, that got the ball rolling on the coaching appointment.
Smith coached the women’s side last year.
“He was an assistant coach when I was playing at Sunbury,” Caparello said.
“We’ve had a great connection and we go back and forth and it’s a good relationship.
“Heaskedmetodoanallgirlscampupthat way. He then asked if I would be interested in coaching the women’s program and that’s how it came about.”
This won’t be Caparello’s first foray into the CBL having played in the north-east division with the Wodonga Wolves.
She said she wasn’t familiar with the north-west division but she would quickly learn. There could be some familiar faces on the other side of the court this season, with the Macedon Ranges Rockies coached by Stacey Stewart, who is the youth league
women’s coach at the Sunbury Jets.
Caparello said Smith had set some good foundations in place for the side to continue to build this year.
Last year they finished in sixth spot in the north-west division with four wins for the season. They were just seven points outside the top four.
“With my coaching philosophy and the group nearly all home grown and the foundations set last year, it really attracted me to the role.
“The core group there already and look like they want to come back and play. It’s pretty good signs.”
Rob Tomczyk has been reappointed the Lions men’s coach for this season.
Burnside Heights were given a bit of a wake up call as it suffered a first up loss in the Essendon District Football League division 1 women’s finals.
Facing Greenvale in a qualifying final for a second straight year, the result was the same with the Jets winning through to the grand final and the Bears having to try and do it the hard way.
Bears coach Michael Davis said it wasn’t the result they were after.
“We didn’t stay in the contest for long enough,” he said. “We had moments and we had opportunities.
“We didn’t stay engaged for long enough. This is the first time that this has happened.
“The first time they beat us, we were with them all day. This was something different, but we don’t want to take anything away from Greenvale.”
The Jets led by two goals at quarter time and increased the margin to 20 points at half time. With three goals early in the third quarter
the margin was back within a goal and the Bears had all the momentum.
That soon changed with the Jets leading by 19 points.
Davis said that was one of the key moments of the game when they weren’t able to keep control of the game.
“We kicked three in a row and they then went down the other end, that was the story of our day.
“Hopefully we bounce back this week.”
The Bears got the only goal of the final quarter, but the Jets did enough to win, 7.11 (53)-6.3 (39).
Bella Negri kicked three goals for the Bears and Kayla Ravanello kicked two goals.
Davis said Abbey O’Mara, Holly McGregor and Krissy Trang were their three best players.
The Bears will face Airport West in the preliminary final.
The Eagles beat Keilor Park in the elimination final, 7.10 (52)-2.3 (15). The Eagles were able to build the margin in every quarter.
Davis said the playing group had learned
Sports shorts
Ballarat FL
It was a tough day for Melton South against the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday. The Panthers struggled to put a score on the board and were held to just one point in the second half. The Lions were dominant in the 30.20 (200)-1.6 (12) win. Cody Chapman was named the Panthers best. The Panther remain bottom without a win. Bacchus Marsh, Darley and Melton all had byes.
RDFNL
Finals venues have been announced for the Riddell District Football Netball League finals. Romsey Park and Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve will host the first week of senior men’s and netball finals on the weekend of August 24, with matches in the second week to be held at Romsey Park and Gilbert Gordon Reserve. Kyneton Showgrounds will host the preliminary final weekend, with the grand final again to be held at Romsey Park. The women’s football grand final will be held at Gilbert Gordon Reserve on August 17.
RDNL
their lessons from last year when they went out in straight sets.
He said the loss to Greenvale had opened their eyes that they need to work harder.
“We’ve worked hard enough to create this opportunity if it did go pear shaped,” he said.
“We reset and wipe out that result.
“Tuesday we’ll have a bit of a chat. Airport West has made it a three team competition after what they’ve done there.
“I think we’re in a different peace of mind this year and we are better for the experience of last year.”
Meanwhile in premier division, Hillside finished the regular season with an 11.10 (76)-1.2 (8) win against Maribyrnong Park.
Coming off their first loss of the season, the Sharks bounced back in a big way.
Caitlin Sargent kicked four goals for the Sharks.
Mia Spiteri and Kiara Rigg were named their best.
TheSharksthisweekfaceOakParkforaspot in the grand final. Aberfeldie faces Essendon Doutta Stars in the elimination final.
Melton Centrals did its Riddell District Netball League finals hopes no harm with an upset win against Wallan. Having already once knocked the Magpies off, Centrals did it again on Saturday, winning 50-40. Chloe Eyre and Romina Barbuto were named Centrals’ best. Centrals sit in fifth spot, eight points ahead of sixth placed Romsey with two rounds remaining. Diggers Rest had a bye.
RDFL
It was a tough day for Melton Centrals in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday against Wallan. The Magpies took control of the game in the first half and continued to pile on the pain in the second to come away with a 25.12 (162)-5.7 (37) win. Samuel Apineru and John Ferri were named Centrals’ best. Diggers Rest had a bye.
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Monique Caparello (Supplied)
Ebony Stevens is tackled by Rhiannon O’Keefe. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 422916)
United lock in youngest signing
Besian Kutleshi has become the youngest player to sign a professional contract at Western United after inking a three-year scholarship contract with the A-League men’s club.
The 15-year-old will arrive at Ironbark Fields after playing an important role in the Joeys’ recent success at the ASEAN under-16 boys championships, featuring in every match and converting in the penalty shootout in the final. Born and bred in the west, Kutleshi played his junior football at North Sunshine Eagles before moving to Melbourne City in the 2022 season.
It was there that Kutleshi has continued to develop, incredibly making his senior Victorian Premier League 1 debut at 14 in February this year.
With all the hallmarks of a modern-day centre-back, Kutleshi possesses physical
attributes and athleticism well beyond his years as well as superb ball-playing ability, whether that be feeding progressive passes for his teammates or driving out from the back himself.
Kutleshi joins his brother Rinor at Western United, who plays in the under-14’s side, and he said he is eager to make an impact after committing his future to his hometown club.
“It’s crazy, a bit unreal. I’ve been growing up my whole life just wanting to sign a professional contract, so it’s quite an unreal experience and a dream come true,” he said.
“Being able to look into the future and see that Western United has a big focus on player development was something that drew me here. It’s exciting and it will ultimately benefit both the players and the club.”
“Representing a club from the west, where I’ve grown up and lived my whole life – it’s
unreal that I’ve signed.”
United football general manager Mal Impiombato hailed Kutleshi as an incredibly exciting signing for the future.
“Besian is without doubt one of the country’s most talented young players and we are ecstatic to be able to bring him to Western United on a three-year contract,” he said.
“Especially being from the west, Besian fits our recruitment and development strategy perfectly and has the personal and footballing qualities to reach his enormous potential.
“I know our green and black family will be rubbing their hands together at the thought of seeing Besian in action. We can’t for them to see him develop and represent the club.”
Kutleshi arrived straight from Indonesia and has joined pre-season training with John Aloisi’s first-team squad while also being registered to play VPL and NPL matches.
Treble for Herbertson
By John Dunne
Leading reinsman James Herbertson capped off a successful week when he took the driving honours with a winning treble at Melton.
Deputising for Greg Sugars who was in Tasmania with Fighting Command, Herbertson launched his night guiding home the Jess Tubbs trained Tilly Jayne to a narrow win in the Waste Sense Mares Pace.
“She just got floating on me in the last 100 (metres), she probably just let them get a bit too close for everyone’s liking but she’s a quality filly with a big future ahead of her,” Herbertson said.
Later in the night Herbertson partnered talentedtrotterHarryStampertoback-to-back wins at Melton when he came from last to outsprint his rivals in the Aldebaran Park Trotters Free For All.
“He’s got his quirks and is a bit of a kid sometimes but at the end of the day he’s got a lovely gait and he’s got the ability to go with it,” he said.
“He’s working through his fitness at the moment and hopefully he has hardened up by the time the better races come around, at
the end of the day if it’s not this year it will be next year that he is up and around that class of horse.”
Herbertson completed a double for Tubbs when he steered Dichotomy home in the APG Trot.
Dichotomy made a sustained run three wide without cover for the last 900 metres but was still able to fend off the challenges scoring comfortably by 10 metres from Meadow Valley Star and Sovereign Tiger.
“She was really good, the further we went the better she trotted,” he said.
“She was quite strong through the line and had plenty of trot left and I couldn’t ask much more with pulling out three wide at the bell to be running through the line as well as she was.”
The win brought up Herbertson’s 15th victory in the sulky in the past eight days, taking his tally to 157 wins for the season.
Meanwhile, Nick Beale enjoyed a career milestone when he landed his first Saturday night win aboard the David Miles trained bolter Rockaway Beach in the Alabar Pace at Melton.
Beale eased Rockaway Beach from his
Locals picked for combines
Three Northern Knights and two Calder Cannons players have been invited to the AFL draft combine, while several others and a couple of Western Jets have been invited to the state combine.
The AFL has selected 65 draft prospects to attend the three-day testing in Melbourne in early October.
The selections were based on nominations from AFL recruiters, with each clubs nominating players they would like to see do the draft testing.
Those with fewer nominations are likely to be invited to respective state draft combines, with the first 25 of that group also notified.
There were 18 players from Vic Metro selected for the national combine.
That includes the Knights’ Jesse Dattoli, Thomas Sims, Gabriel Stumpf and the Cannons’ Isaac Kako and Harry O’Farrell.
Kako, who was one of the standouts for Vic Metro at the under-18 championships, is aligned with Essendon through the Next Generation Academy.
BacchusMarsh’sSamLalor,whoplays for Greater Western Victoria Rebels and Vic Country, was also invited to the national combine. He has been spoken about as a top 10 pick despite having an injury riddled year.
The Victorian state combine will be held on October 6, the same day the national combine finishes.
outside front row draw and settled towards the rear of the field before latching onto a three wide trail in the back straight.
Despite being the $126 outsider of the field, Rockaway Beach forged to the lead half way down the straight and held on to score in a thrilling finish with only a head separating the first three horses across the line.
The 26-year-old Beale, who is the nephew of former prominent horseman Jim Beale, said the race played out as he had hoped.
“It’s really good, he stuck his head out at the right time I had the worst person to be running past in James Herbertson in front as hedoesn’tletthempastveryoften,”Bealesaid.
“We got the right run and the race panned out as I thought in being able to follow out Chappy Streetnorth, he was the one I wanted to follow,” he said.
Beale admitted he made his run earlier than he would have liked.
“I probably went a smidgen early but I sort of had to as he swelled up and felt really good on the helmet and when he came off he gave a good pop, but all the other horses were coming quick and we needed that winning post very soon,” he said.
Jets pair Lucca Grego and Lucas Impey,CannonscaptainDamonHollow and teammates Nash king and Jayden Nguyen, and Northern Knights’ Zak Johnson are among the state combine invitees so far.
Gabriel Stumpf. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 410527_19
Besian Kutleshi (Western United)
Tilly Jane (Stuart McCormick)
Weekend finals action kicks off
Finals action hit several football and basketball competitions at the weekend. Star Weeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic shot some finals action and a couple of key matches in the lead up to finals.
