Melton has welcomed another centenarian after Brookfield resident Jean Clark celebrated turning 100 on Friday, August 23.
Born in Wycheproof, Mrs Clark spent her early years in the dry scrub of the Mallee before moving to Sunshine, where she spent the majority of her life. When asked about the secret to living through economic depressions, a world war, polio epidemics and a COVID pandemic, she remained tight lipped.
“I better not tell you!” said Ms Clark. It appears a sense of humour is the secret, but in reality it is family.
“I’m so, so proud of them … they’ve always been a very caring family and that’s why I’ve got to where I have.”
While she misses her husband Jack, a veteran of the Kokoda Track campaign, she is well supported by her four children, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild. Mrs Clark said it has been “a lovely hundred years” filled with “very happy memories,” including visits to the Melton Botanic Garden.
School student stabbed
By Eddie Russell
The stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in Caroline Springs has sparked calls for stronger action on early intervention of knife crime.
On Thursday August 22, a student from Springside West Secondary College was rushed to hospital after being stabbed during an altercation. It is believed that a group of seven, who were armed with machetes, accessed the school grounds and sought the teen out before fleeing in a black Honda sedan.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said public safety remained a key priority and that efforts would focus on cracking down on knife crime.
“We completely understand the concern felt within the community when knife crime occurs in public places,” the spokesperson said. “That’s why we have boosted both vehicle and foot patrols in the Fraser Rise area, with officers from the public order response team and transit safety division providing ongoing support. On top of this, we have a number of proactive operations coming up in the Brimbank and Melton area to target those in the community who think carrying a weapon is acceptable.”
However, Les Twentyman Foundation general manager of programs Chris Lacey said “You cannot police your way out of this and
having police officers knocking on the door of kids who are seen as ‘at risk’ of offending is not a solution”.
“If we take the stick approach and throw kids behind bars, that will lead to institutionalisation and career criminals who will only become more dangerous to society.
“What is needed are effective, intensive and positive early intervention programs aimed at ensuring that kids do not make the decision to pick a knife or a machete up in the first place.”
The foundation runs an early intervention program at Taylors Lakes Secondary College, something that Mr Lacey believes provides youths with crucial access to help.
“When a child is starting to rebel and make poor decisions … it is incredibly difficult for parentsandteachersandteacherstoeffectively intervene,” he said.
“That’s why providing effective support through schools is so important, with the benefit of a youth worker to build trust and … bring in other support services.”
Mr Lacey said this can come in a variety of forms, “Whether that be in the form of mental health, family support, alcohol or drugs counselling, or simply involving the child in positive activities and mentoring – the youth worker is there to support both the child and the family.”
Brookfield resident Jean Clark has celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends. (Damjan Janevski) 426882_01
Khan makes deputy mayoral bid
By Eddie Russell
Former Wyndham councillor and Melton property developer Intaj Khan is running for deputy lord mayor of Melbourne as second in command to AFL great Anthony Koutoufides.
Last week, ‘Team Kouta’ declared their intention to run in the upcoming City of Melbourne council election in October.
On the ticket is Carlton legend Anthony Koutoufides, who is gunning for the top spot as lord mayor, former Liberal MP Gladys Liu, property developer Zaim Ramani and Mr Khan.
For Mr Khan, the message is simple.
“Our job is to make the city vibrant again… that’s the reason we are running,” he said.
“The [current] leadership has failed. It’s time for ‘Kouta’ to clean up the mess.”
Mr Khan’s experiences as a councillor and committee member for Wyndham council have influenced his goals and helped him identify the big issues.
“The greatest thing I learnt was the importance of affordable housing,” said Mr Khan.
“We really don’t want there to be any council rate increases in the Melbourne city council municipality over the next two years so we can give an opportunity for those struggling with
cost of living.”
Returning the city to its former state of financial ascendency and bringing workers back are major priorities, said Mr Khan.
“In the next four years, I’d like to see Melbourne’sCBDbecomeaplacewherepeople want to invest money.
“We’ve got to understand the Covid era is over.”
Although an unlikely partnership at first glance, the duo “carry the same vision” for their beloved home.
“The one thing about Kouta is… he loves the city so much and when he says that, he means it,” said Mr Khan.
Welcome investment in families
The South Sudanese Christian Welfare Association will receive $80,000 to deliver important programs in its community.
The funding comes from the state government’s Supporting South Sudanese Australian Communities 2024-25 Grant.
Bishop David Manyok said he was “very happy” and that this would help the organisation to empower and educate youth and parents.
“The funding is meant to support South Sudanese families … and now we will deliver more services in Melton,” he said.
Support worker Chol Agany said the grant was significant.
“It’s fantastic for us … the community will be better for the support,” he said.
“We have a lot of elderly people and young people who can benefit from our programs.”
Among these programs are the group’s positiveparentingsessions,whichhelpconnect families with resources and knowledge on how to improve communication and relations at home.
Co-ordinator Anyuat Kur said it was important to address the problems happening in homes and reinforce positive behaviour.
“A lot of issues that South Sudanese families have is from parenting … so what we do is hire councillors and parenting practitioners
Pool plea from Sam Rae
HawkeMPSamRaehaswrittentoMoorabool council urging it to apply for funding through the Thriving Suburbs Program for an indoor pool in Bacchus Marsh.
Moorabool council wants $15 million from the federal government to complete the aquatic facility. Applications for the fund, which can provide anywhere between $50,000 to $15 million to a single project, closed on Monday August 26.
Mr Rae said he had heard “loud and clear” the desire of residents to have access to such an amenity.
“Asalocaldadmyself,Iknowfirsthandhow important this is to our community,” he said.
“I want to work with Moorabool Shire to give our community the best chance of securing the pool funding under the Thriving Suburbs Program.”
As reported by Star Weekly, previous attempts at getting federal support for the pool have been unsuccessful, with the latest effort to apply for the Growing Regions Fund being deemed ineligible. However, council will receive the full backing of Mr Rae in Canberra to strengthen its case.
“I am available to support council in their application, including by supplying a supporting letter. I will continue to enthusiastically advocate across government for this project,” said Mr Rae in his letter.
Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said “Council is looking at the Thriving Suburbs funding guidelines to see if it can assist with the current shortfall in pool funding.”
Council has provided $15 million to the pool and the state government $10 million.
Mr Koutoufides’ AFL background is an endorsement of his character, Mr Khan said, who is a cricket lover himself.
“AFL is a fantastic game that teaches a lot about leadership and working in a team with different skills.
“He’sbeenagreatcaptain.Ithinkcouncillors will be glad to work with ‘Team Kouta’.
Mr Khan said Mr Koutoufides would be a breath of fresh air given his lack of political allegiances.
“You can trust in his leadership because he’s not been affiliated with any party… he brings balance to the table, which is what you need when the city is out of it.”
New schools for Melton
Education in Melton is getting a serious investment after it was announced that two new catholic primary schools will be established in Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park.
They will both receive $6 million throughthestategovernment’sBuilding Fund for Non-Government Schools, which aims to build new schools as well as expand and modernise existing school facilities.
The pair are among 63 catholic schools across the state which will share more than $243 million from the stream of funding.
Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said a new primary school in Mt Atkinson will deliver a quality education with the benefit of being close to home.
“This… is fantastic and will give students access to modern facilities for their young minds to flourish,” she said.
The first stage of construction for the school will include general learning areas, administration, amenities, and associated works.
to come and talk to families,” he said.
“When we do these sessions the parents improve their skills and learn how they can help young people.”
The funding will also support the running of cultural workshops.
“Activities involve the whole community coming together and singing and dancing … are popular amongst young people,” Mr Kur said.
There were two other organisations that received funding from the grant – the African Youth Initiative, who secured $85,000, and theSudaneseMothersCoalition,whoreceived $20,000.
In Cobblebank, St Francis Catholic College will use the money to construct a new general learning building for its year 10 – 12 cohort.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said it was a win for students, parents, and staff of the school.
“St Francis Catholic College is a fantastic and popular local school and this project will mean their teachers have the best facilities to give their students the best education,” he said.
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HRV debt wiped for $100m block
A 93-hectare parcel of land at Melton Entertainment Park, worth $100 million, will be handed over to the state government.
On Tuesday, August 20, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) chair Adam Kilgour said the surplus land surrounding the facility, not Melton Entertainment Park itself, will be forfeited to the state government.
HRV, who bought the land 20 years ago for $3 million, owed almost $42 million to the state government, who have agreed to wipe the debt in exchange for the land.
Ontopofthat,thegovernmentwillprovide $44 million to HRV to balance their solvency funding.
In 2019, a government policy change meant proceeds from any land sale by a government department or agency had to be returned to consolidated treasury funds.
As a government statutory authority, HRV would not be able to keep any money from a sale of that land.
The state government is considering options for the future use of the vacant site.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said any money
made from a future sale of the land should be reinvested back into the area.
“I will be seeking that any sell off will be to Melton’s benefit,” he said.
The land is zoned as special use zone –schedule 7 by Melton council.
Council said any other use of the land that is not specific to the Melton Harness Racing Centre will mean it will need to be rezoned and go through a town planning application process.
In a joint statement released on August 16, the presidents of Victorian Harness Racing
Grammar education stalwart retires
There has been a great deal of change in Bacchus Marsh since the turn of the millennium, but one constant was the education delivered by Kevin Richardson at Bacchus Marsh Grammar.
However, after a quarter of a century at the secondary school, Mr Richardson has decided the time is right to step away.
The executive deputy principal announced last week that he was retiring and looked at his service “very, very fondly.”
“Working here has been a great period of time for me … and also the growth of the area and school,” Mr Richardson said.
When Mr Richardson arrived at Bacchus
Marsh Grammar, there were 300 students at one campus.
Since then, the number of students has increased 10-fold and campuses tripled.
Mr Richardson said he was looking forward to a life of free time and hobbies.
“The capacity to go for a walk or see a movie when you want to are among those leisure routines that start happening again.”
However, his work is not over. Mr Richardson’s commitment to education means he is looking to contribute in ways outside of the classroom.
“Given the current [teaching] shortage
we have, schools are finding it difficult to get staff so my goal is to be involved with assisting with that,” he said.
“[I want to] get involved in workplace management to help schools with staffing and administration.”
MrRichardsonsaidhebelievedtheschool’s focus in his time was to help students become the best version of themselves.
“I’d like to think Bacchus Marsh Grammar has played a significant part in students achieving their goals.”
Mr Richardson will retire after being a teacher since 1988.
Eddie Russell
leading bodies said the loss of this land was catastrophic for not just the sport but workers.
“HRV has put the... the livelihoods of around 5000 industry workers in grave jeopardy,” they said.
“In so doing, HRV has also undermined the $670 million economic contribution provided by our industry to the state.”
As a hospitality facility, Melton Entertainment Park still operates many events and occasions, including live shows, sports bar nights, and a kids zone.
a message in a bottle
Primary school students can lend their voice to an interactive message in a bottle installation at Scienceworks until September 20.
The installation is being created to mark the first anniversary of the launch of Victoria’s container deposit scheme (CDS) and to showcase the importance of recycling.
It will be on display at Scienceworks from November 1 until January 27.
Primary school students are being encouraged to share a message about why recycling is important. Selected submissions will be included in the installation as a message in a bottle, with visitors to Scienceworks able to read students’ responses as part of the display.
The message in a bottle installation will showcase the recycling process of PET plastic bottles and will be made from recyclable materials that will either be processed into new products, or repurposed at the end of the exhibition.
VicReturn chief executive Jim Round said the CDS is proud to be launching this installation to raise awareness and encourage recycling in the state.
“We’ve already seen kids get excited about returning their eligible drink containers – from watching the containers go into the reverse vending machines and onto conveyor belts at depots, to getting pocket money they can put towards something they would like to buy,” he said.
“Now we’re focusing on ensuring kids and families understand the value of a circular economy and recycling.”
More than 750 million containers have been returned across the state since the CDS launched on November 1, 2023. Put
Criminal responsibility age a ‘betrayal of trust’: Dijrra
Melton Indigenous organisation Djirra in the West has slammed the state government for a “betrayal of trust.”
OnTuesday,August13,PremierJacintaAllan announced the age of criminal responsibility in Victoria will be raised to 12, despite the previous Andrews government promising to make it 14.
Djirra chief executive Antoinette Braybrook said she was “incredibly disappointed” by the change to the legislation and that it would disproportionately affect Aboriginal youth.
“Across this state … Aboriginal children are unfairly targeted and badly let down by racist systems, including over-policing and courts,” she said.
“Children do not belong in the criminal justice system … [they] belong with their families.”
The change is part of the new Youth Justice Bill which was introduced to Victorian Parliament recently.
Ms Braybrook said it was a “knee-jerk reaction” to a “youth crime narrative” that had no basis in truth.
“The Allan Government must not fall into the trap of confusing information from a biased, politically motivated scare campaign as a substitute for evidence and fact,” she said.
“We no longer accept a betrayal of our trust.
Our kids deserve better.”
According to the Crime Statistics Agency, from 2012-2022 in Victoria the number of 10-year-old offenders has decreased from 115 to38whilethenumberof11-year-oldoffenders in the state has decreased from 209 to 120.
A state government spokesperson said Victoria was the first state in the country to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 and that this would create better outcomes for all.
“This legislation is about providing evidence-based and effective Youth Justice responses that keep the community safe, while giving young people the best possible chance to
turn their lives around,” the spokesperson said. Thebillplacesanemphasisonearlydiversion so police are better equipped to de-escalate anti-social behaviour.
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services chief executive Nerita Waight said while the Youth Justice Bill was a “small” step in the right direction, there was significant work to be done.
“The Victorian Government should immediately fund Balit Ngulu to have lawyers across the state that can help Aboriginal children … given they have backtracked on commitments that would have reduced the over-policing of our children,” she said.
Kevin Richardson is retiring from Bacchus Marsh Grammar after 25 years. (Supplied)
Petition sparks transport debate
Thestateoppositionhasusedapetitioncalling for a train station in Mt Atkinson to criticise the state government for failing to fix Melton’s transport issues.
As reported by StarWeekly , the petition received more than 5000 signatures, which is about two thirds of the Mt Atkinson population, and was tabled in state Parliament by Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch on August 13.
Opposition public transport spokesperson Matthew Guy said residents had clearly identified their needs but their voices were falling on deaf ears.
“The Allan Labor Government continues to ignore the people of Melbourne’s west …
Jacinta Allan’s own MPs are now highlighting Labor’s neglect of Melbourne’s growth areas.”
As reported by StarWeekly , almost 50 per cent of people in Melton must leave the area for work but only one in ten have access to frequent public transport services.
Petition organiser Manish Baisoya said he welcomed efforts to improve the current situation.
“I appreciate that all parties are taking keen interest in local transport needs … I think all parties need to think of holistic solutions for a global city like ours,” he said.
Mr Baisoya said places like Mt Atkinson were crucial to the future of the city and closer attention needed to be paid to the area.
A welcome art group
Locals in Melton who want to embrace their creative side can do so through a social art group set up by Edmund Rice Community Services.
WelcomeStudioshavebegunanewTuesday sessionthattakesplaceinAintreeforresidents to learn, socialise, and create.
Areas of disciplines have so far been drawing, watercolour painting, and collage making.
However, recreation co-ordinator Michael Naismith said the group was open to anything that would be of interest to participants.
“Welcome Studios aims to respond to the group’s wishes. If they want to do more drawing, we do drawing, if it’s flow art, we do flow art, if it is knitting or sewing then we do that,” he said.
Mr Naismith said that he was happy for attendees to take charge of the sessions because it created an engaging environment.
“The staff of Edmund Rice Community Services helps facilitate the days but there is often so much talent and enthusiasm in the group that the individual members share and teach what they know.”
Expertise is not necessary and all abilities are encouraged to take part in important social interaction, said Mr Naismith.
“It’s for all creative levels – you don’t have to be a good artist, you just have to enjoy creativity,” he said.
“We can all do our art at home but we find that connecting with other like-minded people is what we all need for our wellbeing.”
Welcome Studios sessions take place in Mt Atkinson on Monday and Aintree on Tuesday, from 10am–12.30pm.
Details: https://ercs.org.au/ welcome-studios/
Be a responsible bee keeper
There was a real buzz about the latest meeting of the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden as they were joined by a special guest.
On August 14, horticulturist Rebecca Light from Diggers Rest honey producer, Bee Responsible, spoke to attendees about the importance of bee health and sustainable beekeeping.
Encouragement and education were her main priorities for the session.
“If people want to beekeep … or learn about sustainability practices … our aim is to tell them how to go about it,” said Ms Light.
“We explain pollination and the role the honeybee plays in your everyday life.”
The Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden met Ms Light in the sustainability lane of the DjerriwarrhFestivallastyearandinvitedherto speak at one of their monthly meetings.
Ms Light said most people do not recognise
“With Melbourne going to be the same size as [current day] London by 2050, it’s growing communities like Mt Atkinson which will contribute significantly by housing more people, creating local jobs, and decentralising the CBD.”
Western Metropolitan Region Liberal MP Trung Luu said those in power needed to strengthen networks in Melton and surrounding areas.
“[This] would greatly improve the lives of all individuals and allow congestion to ease in one of the state’s biggest growing regions,” he said.
“YettheAllanLaborGovernmentcontinues to recklessly spend money on projects that
won’t help those living in Melbourne’s west.”
A state government spokesperson said the government was delivering to the west in record numbers.
“We’re getting on with over a billion dollars in investment on the Melton Line – including making the line level crossing free and… boosting passenger capacity on the line by 50 per cent.
“We don’t shy away from delivering world class infrastructure that Victorians deserve –while Matthew Guy and the Liberals… better transport connections, including cancelling the Metro Tunnel Project in 2014.”
LaborhasheldtheseatofMeltonsince1992.
the integral role bees play in nutrition and sustenance on both local and global scales.
“A lot of us don’t understand where our food comes from – one in three foods we consume has been pollinated by a European honeybee,” she said.
“Without the honeybee, the crops would decline and we’d have less to eat.”
There are two major ways to help out bees –planting flowers and “not killing them,” said Ms Light.
“Plants that are full of nectar and pollen can sustain the bee for pollination, which in turn helps us eat.
“Don’t be scared of them. They aren’t out to hurt you, no honeybee goes out to sting somebody – that’s not their aim.”
Ms Light runs Bee Responsible with her husband Shane.
Eddie Russell
Member John Woof and Rebecca Light from Bee Responsible at the August meeting.
(Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden)
Attendees of Welcome Studios in Mt Atkinson get in touch with their creative side. (Michael Naismith)
Pitch to reverse funding decision
Moorabool council will urge the state government to not cut funding to the Youth Engagement Support (YES) program.
During a meeting on August 7, councillor RodWardmovedanitemofurgentbusinessto writetoChildren’sMinisterLizzieBlandthorn, Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman, and Eureka MP Michaela Settle to reverse their decision to cancel the program.
The YES program is run by council using funds from empower youth program.
Cr Ward said council had received an “impassioned” plea from a participant in the program to avoid undoing significant groundwork in the space.
“[She] talked about how it fostered a sense
of community and reengaged [kids] with education and employment,” he said.
“The termination of the program, in her own words, could lead to an increase in youth crime, disengagement, and reversing the progress made in the last few years.”
The YES program is run by Moorabool council and is possible through funding from the state governments Empower Youth Program.
As it stands, YES will finish in December this year, an unfortunate result which will risk the health and wellbeing of teens who need support.
“It’s devastating to think a program that has brought so much benefit to our community
Help with healthy eating
It is one thing to age gracefully, but even more important to age healthily – something that Ballan residents can learn about thanks to mecwacare and Western Victoria Primary Health Network.
From 10–11.30am on Wednesday August 28, locals can educate themselves on nutrition and sustenance at a Healthy Eating Workshop for Older Adults.
Healthy ageing advisor Louise Mayall said the program gives elderly people a chance to “empower” themselves and “take charge” of their health.
“Giving these community members an education allows them to make the right decisions for themselves,” she said.
“There’s a lot of things that we were told ages ago that are still stuck in people’s heads,” she said.
“We had a lady come in who was calorie counting, but that’s not really healthy.
“For the over 50s, and especially over 65s, it’s good to be a little overweight. If you get sick you will lose weight a lot quicker so you need to have it stored.”
The program is one that was requested by locals – a common approach, said Ms Mayall.
“I ask the community what they want to know about… and this workshop is one of the things that people wanted,” she said.
The session is split between Ms Mayall and dietician Nadiesharni Perera, who informs attendees on how they can shape their pantry to better serve their health.
could be taken away,” Cr Ward said.
MsSettlesaidthegovernmentwasdelivering “a range of programs” in Moorabool to help “young people grow.”
“Grants for the 2025-27 round of the Engage! program are now open and I encourageMooraboolShireCounciltosubmit an application,” she said.
“We’re also recognising the contribution and achievements of young people through our Victorian Youth Fest celebration in September. I look forward to supporting our local young people at the Youth Creators & Makers Market in Bacchus Marsh.”
A state government spokesperson said a raft of services were available to organisations and
councils to apply for.
“We continue to support young people facing challenges through the Advance, Engage!, FReeZA and Youth Fest programs, all of which are delivered across Victoria,” the spokesperson said.
“These programs provide opportunities for young people to expand their skills, gain mentoring and leadership experience, expand their networks and support for youth-led projects and events.
The spokesperson said the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing was working with Moorabool council to ensure continued support for young people.
On a roll in Bacchus Marsh
Kids and parents in Bacchus Marsh traded in their sneakers for wheels as they enjoyed 90 minutes of roller skating this week.
On Wednesday, August 21, participants headeddowntoBacchusMarshLeisureCentre to try roller skating.
Belle Hadiwidjaja, the ‘Princess on Skates’ hosted the session.
She said she was surprised by how well attendees adapted and picked up the skills.
“Many were first timers struggling to even standup,butbytheendofthesession,everyone was rolling by themselves,” she said.
Learning how to fall is the most important thing about learning how to skate, said Ms Hadiwidjaja. “You will fall at some point, so knowinghowtonothurtyourselfissomething your body needs to get used to by doing controlled falling.”
Ms Hadiwidjaja said that it was her passion to teach all ages and abilities.
“You’re not too young or too old… I love helping people get started on roller skating.”
Louise Mayall and Nadiesharni Perera are ready to educate those in Ballan on eating well. (Supplied)
Above: Instructor Belle Hadiwidjaja gracefully poses at the Bacchus Marsh Leisure Centre. Below: Belle helps Robin to put on his skates.
Belle lends a hand to Zara.
Above: Kate Richards with her daughters, 6-year-old twins Zara and Florence. Left: Learning how to fall means wearing plenty of protective gear for Emma, 9. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 424011
New white rhino at zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is celebrating the birth of a southern white rhino.
The 60-kilogram male calf was born in the earlyhoursofSunday,August18to15-year-old father Kifaru and 11-year-old mother Kipenzi following a 16-month pregnancy.
The calf’s birth is a major milestone for the zoo and breeding efforts for the species in Australasia.
Native to southern Africa, it is estimated as few as 10,080 southern white rhino remain in the wild.
Kipenzi’s gave birth to a calf in March 2023 that unfortunately died hours after its birth.
Despite being hand-reared, Kipenzi’s is forming a strong bond with her calf in her second chance at motherhood.
Werribee Open Range Zoo director Dr Mark Pilgrim said staff were thrilled to see the calf thrive.
“Kipenzi is taking extremely well to
motherhood and has been very gentle, attentive and calm. She also calls him back if he strays too far.”
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos welcomed the news.
“We’re delighted to celebrate the birth of a southern white rhino calf at Werribee Open Range Zoo. I encourage families to take advantage of their free entry for kids this school holidays and learn more about the critical work being done to protect these treasured animals into the future,“ he said.
Southern white rhinos are classified as near threatened, facing threats such as poaching, habitat destruction and fragmentation as human populations and infrastructure grows.
The calf will be named in coming weeks through a voting competition for Zoos Victoria members and donors.
More information: https://www.zoo.org.au/ werribee
Briefs
Feedback sought Melton residents will be able to provide feedback on the development of four new recreation reserves in the area. Melton council is seeking consultation from the community on its master plans for future sports facilities and open spaces. The spaces are planned for Plumpton North, Weir Views East, Deanside, and Thornhill Park. Community drop-in sessions will start next week with two in Caroline Springs – one at the leisure centre on Tuesday, August 27, from 4–7pm and one at the library on Wednesday, August 28, from 10am–noon. The other three sessions are on Wednesday, August 28, from 6–8pm at Cobblebank Stadium, Thursday, August 29, from 11am–1pm at the Melton Library and Wednesday, September 4, from 9.30am–noon at Thornhill Park Community Centre.
Slow down on roads
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir urged road users to slow down and be aware of their surroundings after a woman was airlifted to hospital following a collision. “We are seeing a high number of serious injury collisions where in some cases people are receiving life altering injuries,” he said. The woman sustained serious injuries following a collision in Bonnie Brook on Sunday, August 18 at the intersection of Leakes and Tarletons roads.
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Lifestyle Woodlea Open Day
Discover the very best that downsizing in Melbourne’s West has to offer at Lifestyle Woodlea.
Explore our display homes and tour the multi-million-dollar Clubhouse. There’ll also be a presentation at 12pm from My Pension Manager on Age Pension applications and dealing with Centrelink.
Scan the QR code to find out more. Call 1300 50 55 60 to RSVP or walk-in on the day!
Kipenzi and her calf. (Supplied)
Fungi farmer looks to the future
Bulla Park in Diggers Rest is Australia’s largest organic mushroom farm and uses indoor vertical growing and artificial intelligence-informed farming practices. Oscar Parry spoke with Bulla Park chief executive Georgia Beattie about the future of indoor food production and the role of artificial intelligence at her farm.
Georgia Beattie said her decision to buy her farm was not just to learn how to grow food – but how to grow food indoors.
Bulla Park’s indoor mushroom facility is vertically-integrated, meaning mushrooms are grown in stacked layers.
The farm grows mushrooms for food and health purposes, with Coles recently providing it funding to produce an Australian-grown dehydrated range.
Georgia said that as indoor-grown produce is protected from outdoor climate-related threats, pests, and diseases, she believes supermarkets will become increasingly interested in partnering with indoor growers.
“If you have a look at the supermarkets, they’re wanting to make sure that they’ve always got a range of food on the shelves. So rather than have these dips if there’s a major floodintheareaoramajordroughtandthey’re unable to get products, I think that they’ll always have anywhere between 10–30 per cent of their [supply] base grown indoors – [where] they know that regardless of what’s happening, they’ll be able to draw down some products,” she said. “The benefits of [growing] indoors is that we’re able to … control the environment.”
Georgia said while indoor-grown produce is pricier in the short term, she believes that as the indoor growing industry expands, costs to consumers will reduce.
She said the vertical farming techniques used by Bulla Park, and historically used for growing mushrooms, could be applied to a broad range of produce.
“There’s no reason why we wouldn’t set up similar farms in each state, close to high consumption areas, so that we can efficiently get nutrients to people,” she said.
“What I want to do is … deeply understand howtofarminAustralia.Sothat’sfromanasset perspective … and how we most efficiently are able to get products to shelves, [and] there’s also a people and training perspective.”
Georgia said that over 60 per cent of her staff have an IT background, proving useful in understanding and contributing to the company’s data focused approach to farming.
“They have that systems mentality of scaling products, and the benefit of growing indoors is that in any one minute, I’ve got thousands of data points … we’ve been recording these in the grow rooms for the last 30 years, but I’ve … added another 2000 data points since I’ve taken over the farm,” she said.
Using Google Gemini, a generative artificial intelligence chatbot, Georgia said the company is constantly using this data to analyse and experiment with growing conditions and practices.
“Staff are thinking in this way – they’re not going to do something unless we are capturing that data point. And then we need to think about how we are capturing it – where does it go? Where is it stored? How do we [access] it later? So that systems thinking is … really important going forward,” she said.
“It’s critical that agriculture starts to have this data and intelligence so that they’re building up this muscle. Because it does take time, and you’ve really got to invest in cleaning up the data, but it is going to be critical.”
Georgia said that she hopes to investigate educationpipelinesandhowtoincreaseinterest in people with IT and robotic engineering skills in indoor food production.
“I think we’ve got a generation coming up that really cares about the environment, they want to align their careers with purpose.”
Victorian Farmers Federation vice president Danyel Cucinotta said artificial intelligence, alongwithothernewtechnologies,areproving to be important tools for food producers.
“Artificial intelligence, or any technology for
that matter, is vital for agriculture – whether that’s horticulture or any type of commodity … it’s all about becoming more efficient, more effective, about producing food through lower costs, lower emissions, better soil health … [it] will be part of the future and already is,” she said. “Drones are being used to identify soil health, moisture levels, rainfall, and [capture data] … traditional farming is across acres and acres of farmland … so [farmers are] using drones to capture a much larger look at their farms and the way that they’re working.”
Georgia Beattie is passionate about vertical farming and uses data and AI to improve the farm’s processes. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 425097
Mum ‘can’t go back’ to life of pain
By Laura Michell
Alice Davy has lived with chronic, life-limiting pain for most of her life.
The Eynesbury mum-of-two was diagnosed with endometriosis 12 years ago and in that time has had “countless” operations and organ removal procedures.
Three years ago following the birth of her second son, she was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis (MS).
However like her battle with endometriosis, Alice’s journey to diagnosis wasn’t straight forward.
The new mum’s condition was initially written off as postpartum psychosis because her MS symptoms began five or six weeks after her son was born.
“The symptoms would start on the first day of my period,” Alice said. “In the end it turned out I had 100 symptoms of MS.
“I know it wasn’t mental health – I could recall everything that happened.”
Alice’ssymptomsincludedvertigo,footdrop, tremors, rapid eye movement, urinary issues, cognitive issues which prevented her from communicating clearly and sleep deprivation.
“The longest I went was three and half days without being able to sleep. I had a nine-year-old and a baby but it wasn’t them keeping me awake,” she said.
DoctorsalsosuggestedthatAlice’ssymptoms were the result of her overusing medicinal cannabis.
Alice began using medicinal cannabis about a year and half earlier to treat the chronic and debilitating endometriosis pain.
Eventually, she was diagnosed with MS.
Alice said life has been rough since her MS diagnosis, but she believes it would have been even worse if she wasn’t already taking medicinal cannabis.
The suggestion to try medicinal cannabis
Inquiry tackles stigma around menopause
More needs to be done to reduce the stigma aroundmenopause,asenateinquiryintoissues relating to menopause and perimenopause has heard.
The Senate Community Affairs References Committee is conducting the inquiry which is examining the economic consequences of menopause and perimenopause, their physical health impacts, the mental and emotional wellbeing of people experiencing menopause and perimenopause and the impact on caregiving responsibilities.
The inquiry is also considering medical professionals’ awareness of menopause and perimenopause symptoms and treatments and cultural and societal factors influencing perceptions and attitudes.
During an inquiry hearing in Melbourne, Women’s Health in the North sexual and reproductive health co-ordinator Tilly Mahoney said perimenopause and menopause are often not talked about within society, due in part to the pervasive stigma and taboo that surrounds reproductive health issues.
“Ongoing stigma can lead to isolation, ignorance, delays in seeking help for physical and mental health impacts, reduced workforce participation and discrimination,“ she said.
“Normalising menopause and emphasising the positive or neutral aspects of this life stage can combat that narrative of loss or decline, which is tied to the intersection of sexism and ageism.”
Ms Mahoney said that while there has been plenty of work done to explore the relationship between the experiences of menopause and workforce participation, there is little research on the impact of menopause on participation in arenas other than employment.
She said key contributors to good mental
health include social independence, feeling valued, physical activity, good nutrition and having faith and belief, adding that further understanding of whether these areas are impacted by menopausal symptoms could inform approaches to holistic, clinical and social support and the prevention of mental ill healthamongpeopleexperiencingmenopause.
“While physical symptoms may contribute in part to this mental ill health for women and gender-diverse people who experience menopause, we also need to consider the social determinants of mental ill health: social connectedness; freedom from discrimination and violence; and economic participation, which are all influenced by the broader context of gender inequality.
“Attributing mental ill health solely to the biology of the menopausal transition renders this social context irrelevant and risks further entrenchingtheviewsofwomen’sunsuitability for the workforce or lack of resilience due to ’biological needs’. Interventions focused on improving the mental health of persons experiencing perimenopause and menopause need to be coupled with investment in broader strategies to address gender inequality.”
The inquiry is expected to table its report to Parliament on September 17.
“Withinsixmonthsmylifestartedtochange.
“Iknownowthatmedicinalcannabisdoesn’t have the same effect as [cannabis did] when I was younger.”
Prior to taking medicinal cannabis, Alice was maxed out on opioids to manage her pain and antiemetics to subdue the nausea.
Her pain was so severe that she also had a spinal cord stimulator implanted in her spine. This required surgeons to cut her back open in two places and sow a TENS machine into her spine.
“I look back and think, ‘how did I not die with all the drugs I was on?’” Alice said.
“My life before, even though I worked two or three jobs to support my then only child, I was in severe pain all day.
“If I went out anywhere, I was in bed for three days. I was parenting from bed.
“I couldn’t plan in advance because I didn’t know when I would have [an endometriosis] flare up.”
Alice said she uses medicinal cannabis safely and feels less impaired on it than she did on opioids.
And while she still needs to take pharmaceuticals from time to time, she said medicinal cannabis has given her back her life. She boxes regularly and is training to complete a half marathon – something that would have been impossible to do before.
“Life is very different now.
“I do still have pain but not as much
came from a friend who was battling cancer.
Alice said that while she was aware of the drug’s pain-relief benefits, she was also skeptical about taking it.
“I smoked twice when I was younger and it was a horrible feeling … but I also knew how beneficial medicinal cannabis was. I was a bit skeptical because I didn’t want to feel like that,” she said.
“I can only imagine this is how life would have been for the last 15 years if my endo was treated the way it needed to be.
“I lost my entire reproductive system, had a bowel resection and lost part of my bladder.
“It is wild how this disease has affected my body.
“I can’t go back to my life before [medicinal cannabis]. I don’t have a choice.”
Star Weekly wants to hear from you about the health issues affecting women in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs.
Our 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.
Alice Davy is living with endometriosis and MS. She takes medicinal cannabis to manager her pain.
(Damjan Janevski) 424779_02
Mayor’s message Cr Kathy Majdlik
It was a great pleasure to officially open Black Knight Way Reserve in Kurunjang last week following an extensive revitalisation project.
The $992,000 revitalisation project has transformed the reserve into a quality recreation area for the ever-changing face of the local community.
Jointly funded by Melton City Council, developer contributions and the State Government through its Suburban Parks Program, the upgrades will boost physical activity and deliver improved social interaction and community connections.
The new play equipment was specially designed to encourage exploration and discovery for children and extra plants have enhanced the natural environment. Coupled with new exercise equipment, shelter, barbeque facilities and furniture for families to enjoy, this a great place for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
Last week we also celebrated the conclusion of the Empowering Communities Program. This important program was a wonderful initiative designed to reduce crime and improve our community’s sense of safety and wellbeing in public spaces around the City of Melton.
Running for the past three years in collaboration with local community organisations, it developed and implemented activities to empower our residents with opportunities to thrive. These activities helped residents connect with neighbours, and nurtured a sense of security, belonging and resilience.
I’d like to thank the Victorian Government for funding this project through the Department of Justice and Community Safety. It’s a great example of what can happen when we work together.
You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at Kathy.majdlik@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 058.
Have your say on reserve master plans
Melton City Council is developing master plans for four new recreation reserves across the City – and we want your help.
Council is committed to providing sport and recreation facilities and open spaces that meet the needs of our community now and into the future. The master plans will provide clear direction for the future development at each reserve. Each draft master plan includes proposals for additions such as football and cricket ovals, soccer pitches, or tennis and netball courts, new pavilions, facilities to support local sports clubs, play spaces, car parks and landscaping. We want to hear your ideas on what facilities and elements you would like to see in each plan.
The four spaces are at Courteney Boulevard in Plumpton North, Kingdom Boulevard in Weir Views East, the corner of Taylors Road and Meadows Drive in Deanside, and Charlbury Street in Thornhill Park
Visit conversations.melton.vic.gov. au to tell us your thoughts online or find out the details of a series of drop-in sessions where Council staff will answer your questions on the master plans. The consultation period runs until 6 September.
Cambridge Ward with Cr Steve Abboushi
It’s great to see the revitalisation work at The Parkway Reserve in Caroline Springs is progressing well and expected to be finished for the summer holidays.
The wide range of recreation reserves and parks dotted around the City of Melton are vitally important for the community and we want to ensure residents of all ages and abilities can enjoy time outside and maintain healthy habits.
Local parks and reserves bring so many physical and mental health benefits to our residents. The upgrades to The Parkway Reserve will enhance accessibility, boost
physical activity for children of all ages and abilities and help improve social interaction and community connections.
The work includes expanding the play space by adding extra play equipment, including nature play elements, a basketball court, upgrading footpaths, grass areas and picnic facilities, and landscape work.
Another project progressing well is the ongoing signalised pedestrian crossing on Caroline Springs Boulevard between College Street and Lake Street.
Approximately 26,000 vehicles travel along Caroline Springs Boulevard per day and a signalised crossing will
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns throughout October and is a great time to celebrate ageing well across our city.
Bookings open on 26 August, so have a look through the program now and decide what you would like to attend. With concerts, garden tour, painting, high tea, animal experience and so much more to choose from, you’ll find something for you.
To find out more visit melton.vic. gov.au/seniorsfestival
provide a secure way for pedestrians to cross between the school and library to the retail precinct.
Works include the installation of pedestrian signals, raised pedestrian crossings and extending the footpaths to accommodate permanent outdoor dining spaces.
This is an important project to ensure Council meets the needs of our growing community now and into the future.
Please feel free to contact me for Cambridge Ward or Council related issues on 0437 231 680 or steve. abboushi@melton.vic.gov.au, or like my Facebook page @ AbbsMelton
Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik
Deputy Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi
Cr Lara Carli
Cr Justine Farrugia
Cr Goran Kesic
Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Julie Shannon Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg
Ballan Red Cross celebrates 110 years
The Ballan Red Cross has celebrated its 110th anniversary in style.
From 11am to 1pm on August 20, branch members were joined by locals, politicians, community figures and the Red Cross Victoria director at the Ballan Mechanic’s Institute building – the original meeting place of the group more than a century ago.
Branch chair Anne Eskdale said the special occasion was “fantastic.”
“The hall was full. We had more than 100 people there and we raised nearly $5000 on the day for Red Cross,” she said.
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There were three particular guests who represented the commitment and dedication of the branch, said Ms Eskdale.
“We had three people there whose great grandmother was a founding member. One of them is still a member today so we’ve had continual membership from that family.”
The Ballan and District Bendigo Bank contributed $1000 through a grant which helped make the day possible.
Ballan’s is the second oldest Red Cross branch in Victoria, setting up a week after the first branch in Melbourne.
Empowering independence through the Paralympic spirit
The Paralympic Games have long been a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
These athletes not only excel in their respective sports but also challenge societal perceptions of disability, proving that physical or intellectual limitations do not define one’s potential.
The Paralympics serve as a powerful reminder that with the right support, individuals with disabilities can lead full, independent, and productive lives, making invaluable contributions to society.
Speedy Care Health is inspired by the same spirit that drives Paralympians to greatness.
Its mission is to empower people with disabilities,providingthemwiththenecessary tools and support to live independently and achieve their personal goals.
By offering a range of NDIS services, including assistance with daily tasks, personal activities, community participation, and specialised support employment, Speedy Care Health is committed to enhancing the quality of life for NDIS participants.
Independence is more than just a concept—it is a fundamental human right. The Paralympics highlight how, with determination and support, individuals can overcome obstacles that many perceive as insurmountable.
Similarly, Speedy Care Health believes that with the right support, every individual has the power to shape their own destiny.
It strives to create opportunities that enable our clients to participate fully in their communities, pursue meaningful employment, and live life on their own terms.
The success of Paralympians on the global stage is a source of inspiration for many, but it is also a call to action for all of us. It challenges us to reconsider how we view disability and to
Speedy Care Health empowers clients to shape their own destiny. (Supplied)
recognise the potential in every individual.
Speedy Care Health is proud to be part of a movement that values independence, dignity,
and the right of every person to determine their own future.
For more information on how Speedy Care Health is supporting NDIS participants, visitwww.speedycare.com.au - Together, we can make independence possible for all.
Members of the Ballan Red Cross branch celebrate the milestone. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrabkovic) 423925
Above: Locals participated in the occassion, which included a cake for the ‘birthday’ of the branch.
Above right: Red Cross Victoria state director Nichola Krey and branch chair Anne Eskdale
Below: Moorabool major Ally Munari, Carolyn Ratnik, and Anne Eskdale.
Left: Marion Coulson, Kim Trawn, and Carolyn Ratnik from the Community Mobilisation Team. Above: Decorations were aplenty in the Ballan Mechanics Institute.
Paralympians are ready for Paris
Four local athletes are competing for Australia in the Paralympic Games starting August 28. Tara Murray chatted with them about their journey and what they’re hoping to expect come the Games.
Jess Gallagher Cycling
The realisation that she’s competing in another Paralympics won’t settle in for Seddon’s Jess Gallagher until she gets to the velodrome in Paris.
The 38-year-old, who is the only Australian to have won a medal at the summer and winter Paralympics, has been selected as part of Australia’s cycling team for 2024.
“IthasbeeneightyearssinceIlastcompeted at the Paralympics and having attended five Paralympics in the eight years prior to that I’m proud to be back on the team having experienced some challenges throughout this Paralympic cycle,” she said.
Gallagherwonbronzeatthe2016Olympics in the tandem time trial B and was on track to compete in 2020 at Tokyo. She won a silver medal in 2019 at the world championships leading into the Games.
But it wasn’t to be for the Seddon resident.
“At the time my tandem pilot made the decision to retire and consequently the sports system was unable to find a replacement leaving me with no ability to participate in track cycling let alone aspire towards Paralympic selection,” she said.
“It was devastating and was the catalyst for deciding to try rowing. I had one simple goal of giving myself every opportunity of making the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
“Over those years of learning to row, I also found a tandem pilot as well. It led to the unique privilege of representing Australia concurrently in two sports across 2022 and 2023 culminating in qualifying the Women’s tandem (cycling) and PR3 4+
‘‘ It was devastating and was the catalyst for deciding to try rowing. I had one simple goal ... making the 2024 Paris Paralympics ’’ - Jess Gallagher
(rowing) for the Paralympics.”
Gallagher, who won .two golds at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, decided to focus on cycling for the Olympics.
It was a hard decision.
“Unfortunately, with direct schedule clashes at the Games I was forced to choose which sport to prioritise for the Paralympics with track cycling being my decision.
“I’m proud of the work I have put in to ensure the circumstances outside of my control would not dictate my ability to compete at another Paralympics. It will be special to see that work come to fruition in Paris.”
Gallagher said for her personally she has the expectation to deliver her personal best, but knows there’s an array of external variables that could impact it.
“I focus on what is in my control and ensuring I finish the race feeling that I have done everything within my control to deliver my personal best,” she said.
“So far, our preparation has been pretty smooth. There are always challenges and bumps along the way however I’m in great condition and looking forward to the opportunity to put my best performances out on the track.”
Gallagher is currently with the Australian Paralympic Cycling Team in France to the lead up to the Games.
The track cycling program begins day one of competition so there won’t be much time to rest once they get to Paris.
“For the women’s tandem our one kilometre time trial qualifying and final are Friday, August 30,” she said. “We’d love you to cheer us on.”
Nathan Pellissier Para-table tennis
Making the Paralympics the second time round is more exciting for Williamstown’s Nathan Pellissier.
Pellissier, who competed at the 2020 Tokyo Games, will represent Australia in the para-table tennis events.
The 28-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, saidhewasexcitedtogetanotheropportunity.
“I’m very fortunate,” he said. “It’s a bit more exciting this time with friends and family getting to come.
“I’m really excited for this one. Mum and dad and four friends are coming and it will be a bit of fun.
“It’s especially good my parents can come, they have supported me throughout my teenage years.”
Pellissier, who is ranked number one in Oceania in his category, felt that he had done enough to be selected.
But said it was still a relief when he heard that his name was called out.
He’s part of a 12 person Australian table tennis team, the largest team since 1968 and the second biggest ever for Australia.
Pellissier said it shows that Australia is becoming more competitive in the sport.
Pellissier said his focus was trying to get the best out of himself at the Games.
He won silver at the 2020 Games in the men’s team event with Lin Ma and Joel Coughlan.
“There’s so many experienced players heading over,” he said. “For myself, if I can
string a few results together, anything can happen .
“I want to keep my mind on the small task at hand at every point the bigger tasks will hopefully fall my way.”
Pellissier will compete in the singles, men’s team and mixed doubles events.
He and Ma won bronze at the world championships last year and take some good form into that event.
“It will be tough,” Pellissier said. “We don’t take in too high expectations, hopefully we can perform really well.”
Paris is a long way for Pellissier from a Paralympic talent day in 2011 when he first picked up a bat.
Table tennis wasn’t his first choice.
“I wanted to play basketball,” he said. “It was wheelchair only so I couldn’t play.
“Table tennis was an option and I never looked back.
“I thought it was to be just a bit of fun and it’s taken over my life and took me all over the world.”
One key piece of Pellissier’s development was getting a scholarship at Maribyrnong Sports Academy.
He said they allowed him opportunities to travel overseas and allow him to be part of a high performance environment at such an early age.
“It has helped my development and results in the last seven years.”
Pellissier took take part in a training camp in the lead up to the Games in Melbourne.
He said he’d work hard those next four weeks, before heading to Paris.
Patrick French Para-Archery
The Romsey community is getting behind Patrick French in his quest for gold at the Paralympics.
French has been named in the six-person Australian archery team for the Paris Games which start next month.
French said it was pretty special to be heading to the Games. Australia didn’t have Para-Archery teams in 2008 or 2012 and there has been a resurgence of the sport.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said. ”It is awesome and it’s been such a quick rise for me through the ranks of the sport.
“It’s been just on two years from when I first started.
“PrettyearlyIsetmyselfalittlechallenge[to make the Paralympics].and thought I would give it a red hot crack.”
French had a workplace accident in 2015 that left him paralysed from waist down and with an acquired brain injury.
Before his accident he’d only done archery a couple of times as a child for a bit of fun.
“I got a bow and I thought I would try my luck with hunting,” he said. “I never did that, I got the bow and got into target archery and it became full on.”
FrenchshotanAustralianindoorrecordlast year, but as he wasn’t qualified it didn’t count.
It’s just more motivation for him to do it again.
French said many people didn’t think he would get an opportunity like this after his accident.
“I’m not amazed that much,” he said. “When something happens like that you can sit around and be miserable or try and enjoy your life despite it.”
French has set big expectations for himself for the Games.
“I want to be up on the podium,” he said. “I’m not going just for the experience.
“I want to put Australia on the map for internationally for archery.”
French’s family won’t be able to make the trip to Paris, but they and the rest of the local community had gotten behind one of their own.
“It has been overwhelming the support I’ve had from them,” he said. “The local pubs in Lancefield and Romsey had a meat raffle.
‘I’ve had support from everyone there. The Romsey Football Club is doing a little fundraiser for me in the next few weeks.
‘It is awesome and they are happy for me, they don’t care if I do well or not.”
Chris Addis Para-table tennis
After taking some time off table tennis, the decision to return to the sport seriously has paid off for Melton’s Chris Addis.
Addis will be part of the Australian para-table tennis team for the Paris Paralympics and will compete in the men’s singles and doubles, and mixed doubles.
Addis said it was pretty exciting to get his shot at the Games.
“It is pretty special,” he said. “I probably thought from a year out or so that I might be a good shot of making the team.
“I trained hard and made all the tournaments. It’s incredible.”
Addis, who was born with Spina Bifida, tried a number of sports growing up before falling in love with table tennis.
He has been playing ever since.
“I’ve been playing for the last 20 years,” he said. “I started in high school and I was playing with a friend and he took me to the local club and I never looked back.”
He said his mum always believed that he couldgofar,buthecouldhaveneverimagined where he would get with his table tennis.
Addis made an Australian team for the World Championships in 2014 having made
Let the Games begin
Thecompellingstoriesof160athletesacross17
sports will form the next chapter of Australia’s Paralympic story at the Paris Paralympic Games.
The 2024 Australian team, co-captained by eight-time Paralympic medallist in athletics Angie Ballard and triple gold medallist in para-canoe Curtis McGrath, features record-breakers and change-makers.
Madison de Rozario and Brenden Hall will carry the Australian flag in the opening ceremony ahead of what is hoped to be a strong Games.
The Aussie team is brimming with the experience of a combined 196 Paralympic Games appearances.
Table tennis player Danni Di Toro will compete at her eighth Games, placing her equal-second only to Libby Kosmala (12) as Australia’s most enduring Paralympian.
The team is 56 percent male and 44 percent female, 61 athletes (38 percent) will make their Paralympic debut, and the average age of the Australian athletes in Paris will be 31.3 years.
Australian Paralympic team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin acknowledged the vast amount of work that has gone into bringing the team together.
“This is a team that all Australians can get behind,” she said.
“They are incredible athletes, exceptional human beings and a wonderful example of what can be achieved with determination
his Australian debut in 2011.
He then took a break from the sport.
“I had some time off to have some kids,” he said. “I had not been playing internationally
for the last eight years or so.
“The kids are a bit older now, nine and six. They have a bit of an idea [what the Olympics are], especially the nine-year-old
“He is pretty proud.”
The 35-year-old takes inspiration not only from his family but Paralympian Kurt Fearnley, who he says became a leader in Para-sport at a time where the sport hadn’t been as prominent.
Addis said the Melton Table Tennis Club has been one of his biggest supporters since he started.
He said his aims for the Games are pretty simple.
“Basically I want to play my best,” he said. I want to really enjoy the experience, try to remember all the training and hope it pays off.”
Addis has one piece of advice for anything thinking of taking up the sport.
“Go and try it,” he said. “Get to a local club and see where it takes you.”
Team mate Nathan Pellissier was full of praise of Addis.
“It was really pleasing to see Chris come back and cement his spot in the Paralympic team. It was a really good moment for the whole team. It’s a shame for Caleb [Crowden, whomissedout],buthe’syoungandhastime.”
and resilience.
“A lot of the team delivery work was undertaken by some of the best operators in their field in the world. Others produced a hugeamountofgruntworkthatwasabsolutely essential to this campaign.
“This team has taken years to assemble and I hope everyone who has played a part in supporting and developing our athletes feels a great sense of pride when they see them representing Australia in Paris. This team is ready and raring to compete on the biggest stage of all and make all Australians proud.”
Among the highlights of the Australian team is the largest table tennis team since 1968 and the largest archery team in 40 years.
Australia’s triathlon squad of 13 athletes is the largest since the sport was introduced at Rio 2016, while powerlifters Hani Watson and Ben Wright will become Australia’s first Paralympians in the sport since London 2012. Cyclist Jessica Gallagher will compete at her fifth Paralympics, which includes two appearances for Australia at the Paralympic Winter Games.
Gallagher also competed in athletics at London 2012.
Patrick French receives his ticket. (Archery Australia)
(Archery Australia)
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
Bacchus Marsh CWA
Bacchus Marsh CWA is opening its tea rooms on Wednesday September 4 for a special afternoon to celebrate Branch Association Day. All funds raised go towards the cost of keeping CWA headquarters running. Supporters, community and fellow CWA members are invited to join from 1.30pm. Enjoy a delicious freshly baked fluffy ‘CWA recipe’ scone with home-made jam and whipped cream, a barista-made coffee (or hot drink of your choice) and a door prize ticket. Only $10 per person! Location is at the rear of the Civic Hub, enter from Wittick Street.
Karin, karin.wilsonexchange@gmail.com
Flower & Garden Show
Entries will soon open for the annual Bacchus Marsh Flower & Garden Show at the town hall. Flower and produce, cake decorating and photo competitions, plant sales, children’s activities and more. Save the date for a local family event on the weekend of October 26-27.
Nicki Paull, 0418 363 305
Melton South Community Centre
• In partnership with the ATO, the Melton South Community Centre is offering free Tax Help from now until October 28. 45-minute appointments are available to individuals wanting to complete their 2023-24 tax return; eligibility criteria apply. Appointments on Monday afternoons only; Hindi-language assistance available.
• Discover how to make simple, elegant French biscuits in Melton South Community Centre’s upcoming French Macarons workshop from 10am-1.30pm on Sunday, September 8. Everything is supplied. $55/$50 concession.
• Learn how to create a variety of classic and delicious biscuits at home in Melton South Community Centre’s new Teatime Treats workshop from 10am-2pm on Sunday, September 15. Perfect for curling up with a cuppa, this assortment of chocolate, jam and iced biscuits are sure to become household favourites for years to come! Everything is provided. $60/$55 concession.
• Get a head start on your spring harvest in Melton South Community Centre’s new Spring Vegie Gardening workshop (9.30am-noon, Saturday, September 14). Ideal for first-time vegie gardeners, this workshop will give you the opportunity to learn all the essentials from a qualified horticulturalist so you can get your produce thriving. Everything is provided, and attendees receive starter packs to take home. $50/$45 concession.
• Melton South Community Centre offers a range of CPR and First Aid courses, with the next round scheduled for Saturday, August 31. For more information, including times, costs and courses available, call the centre.
• Melton South Community Centre’s term three program is available now and all courses are open for enrolments. Get the program at meltonsouth.org.au or pick up a copy at the centre, located at 41 Exford Road Melton South.
9747 8576
Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10am to 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 7.30 – 9.30pm. Rehearsal venue is the Bridge Road Community Centre, Strathtulloh (Melton
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Bulla Park Mushrooms chief executive Georgia Beattie. (Damjan Janevski) 425097_09
South). The band is available for events. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are always welcome.
Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582
Melton Ladies Probus Meets from 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Melton Country Club on Reserve Road, Melton. All visitors are welcome.
Dianne, 9743 7446
Fishing club
Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome. Upcoming events will be listed on this page.
Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366
Lights of Wisdom
The Bahá’ís of Moorabool invite you to Lights of Wisdom, a tranquil space to share the insights from the great spiritual traditions of mankind. Sessions will be held at the Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh, every first Friday of the month. Starting time: 7.30pm. Entry is free.
mgilsant9@gmail.com
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
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 wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton.
Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh
Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42
Caroline Springs Rotary
The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm.
rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
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
Enjoy a delicious taste of Spain
By Eddie Russell
ThoseinthewestcangetatasteofSpainstraight “from the pan to the plate” with Pop-Up Paella on Saturday August 31.
‘The Paella Guy’ – chef Nathan Inglis – will return to St Anne’s Winery in Myrniong to deliver a culinary experience.
A chef since he was 15, Mr Inglis has put together an extensive resume, having worked in revered Spanish restaurant Bar Nacional in the CBD as well as living in Spain for four years.
He said that his time abroad was transformative.
“When I went over there, I couldn’t even say helloorhowareyou.ButbytheendIwasfluent and I carried back with me the cuisine and the passion for Spanish culture,” he said.
This is not the first Pop-Up Paella session Mr Inglis has conductedat the winery –he said the last one was a “raging success” and it is clear there is an appetite for more.
“It was fantastic. We exceeded my expectations… St Anne’s is the epicentre for people from Melbourne, Geelong, and Bendigo to go,” said Mr Inglis.
Food lovers can look forward to traditional paellas with mixed meats and seafood as well as vegetarian and vegan options.
If there is room left in hungry stomachs, churros are also on the menu.
St Anne’s Winery employee Jake Currey said he hoped the collaboration would continue in the future given the demand.
“The first one was so successful that we are going to try and make it a bi-monthly thing,” he said.
This September, the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray turns into a hub of dark humour and stinging social commentary with Lana Schwarz’s latest show, The Term-inator.
The award-winning western suburbs performance artist is back with another subversivelookatmodernlifethattellsastory intertwining songs and shadow puppets.
The second in Schwarcz’s trilogy of “unsellable shows”, The Term-inator is theatre about abortion and comedy.
“I was inspired by the election of Trump in 2016, and I think I saw the writing on the wall, and I just went. I don’t like the look of this, and I could see where it was going,
and I was not very happy to be correct. But, ultimately he stacked the supreme court and Roe v Wade was reversed,” Schwarz said.
She explains while the show is a spectacle for entertainment purposes, the audience should walk out feeling more educated on a taboo subject.
“Yes, it’s the show I was most deeply concerned about,” she said.
“I really didn’t want to put people off, I didn’t want to create more division. I was really conscious about not making jokes about something that should be serious, it’s a subject that is very close to my heart and close to a lot of people who own a uterus’ heart and it was very important I didn’t screw it up.”
Schwarz spoke about the depiction of dark humour in the show as a tool to help flesh out the intricacies surrounding abortion.
“It’s a magnificent tool to use and it has proven to be successful in a lot of ways, and let’s not beat around the bush there are a lot of people who do get upset when you seem to be making light of something but in no way is it making light of anything, it’s finding that humour to be able to allow us to discuss the deeper things.”
Locals and visitors are invited to The Wyndham Learning Festival, which is set to run from September 1-7, across the City of Wyndham.
The Wyndham Learning Festival is an annual series of events, led by Wyndham Community and Education Centre with support from Wyndham City Council. This year’s theme, Empowering Communities Through Lifelong Learning, promises an enriching experience and lifelong learning for all.
The festival provides a broad range of opportunities that match the needs, interests, and aspirations of the vibrant and varied
Wyndham community.
The festival launch will take place on August 31, from 12.30pm-4pm, at Encore Events Centre, Hoppers Crossing. As part of the festival launch, Dr Karl will lead an eco-expedition into sustainable science and climate.
There will be a cultural learning showcase to discover Wyndham Community and Education Centre, held on September 4, from 2pm-4pm.
Hannah Moloney will host Green Living Series on September 7, 10am-11.30am, at Italian Social Club in Werribee.
Meanwhile locals can join for an epic family
Art
exhibition a family affair
Light Touch, an exhibition featuring the compelling works of Dr Varga Hosseini and his father, Fari Hosseini, is on display at Altona’s Louis Joel Gallery until Septebmer 13.
Dr Hosseini, an academic and artist, explained that the title “Light Touch” reflects the techniques used in the creation of the pieces and the unique themes they explore.
“I suppose there are different elements to light that I’ve been interested in such as the physical element of visible light, and also there’s the metaphysical aspect, and the spiritual aspect of light,” he said.
“We are really looking at how it reacts with texture, paste, gloss and sudden varnish and the kind of effect it has on the viewers.”
The Brimbank artist said art helped him to bond with his father.
“My father comes from, I suppose, a more traditional generation. I’ve been raised in this country, so for many years we struggled to find common ground,” he said. “But, painting is where we found a link to kind of create a dialogue and discuss different aspects of creativity. I think it’s at that level of beauty and aesthetics that we have managed to find common ground.”
Visitors are encouraged to absorb the artworksonmultiplelevelsandengagein self reflection.
“I would like the works to be reflective in two senses of the term. On the one hand they attempt to reflect the effect of light. But, on the other hand, it is hoped that the paintings would create an opportunity for people to contemplate things. So reflection is contemplation or meditation on those profound moments thatyoulookattheworldandyou’rekind of led to think about, you know, your place in it, or just think about how light makes you feel.”
game night extravaganza with Kip McGrath Education Centre in Werribee, on September 6, 7pm-9pm.
There will be business learning presented by Westend Business Hub and Wyndham CEC on September 5, 9am-4pm, at Hoppers Crossing.
ME Bank senior mobile bank manager Craig Archer will give an economic and property market update, providing further information on business at Hoppers Crossing, from 1.30pm-2.30pm on September 5.
Details: wynlearnfestival.org.au/ Afraa Kori
Nathan Inglis, ‘The Paella Guy’ cooking up a storm at St Anne’s in July. (Supplied)
Dr Karl will launch the festival on August 31. (Supplied)
Lana Schwarcz’s The Term-inator, will show at the Bluestone theatre in September. (Damjan Janevski) 425268_03
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Dustin Martin announced his retirement on August 6 after playing how many AFL games?
2. Due to her husband’s job at the club, which NRL referee has controversially been banned from officiating South Sydney Rabbitohs games?
3. Historically, what aquatic sport is Mexico’s most fruitful Olympic event?
4. Nina Kennedy, Australia’s first female field event
Olympic gold medallist, competes in what sport?
5. Aussie cyclists pipped Great Britain for gold in the men’s team pursuit when Britain’s Ethan Hayter made what error?
6. Rachael Gunn (Raygun) became an overnight sensation after her Olympic debut in which sport?
12. Which NRL fullback is at the centre of a recent white powder photograph scandal?
13. What was the motto of the 2024 Paris Olympics?
14. What name is given to the two rods either side of a volleyball net that serve as a vertical extension of the court boundary?
15. Alexei Popyrin recently claimed his maiden ATP Tour title at which tennis competition?
Leading up to his 16th season in the NBA, which team did Patty Mills recently sign with?
Champion racehorse Black Caviar died earlier this month on the eve of which birthday?
And how many races did Black Caviar win in her career?
What was the most recent Australian city to host the Commonwealth Games?
And in what year did that Commonwealth Games take place?
21. What is the name of the Australian national wheelchair rugby team?
22. Port Adelaide’s traditional black and white home guernsey is known by what nickname?
23. How many total medals did Australia win at the 2024 Paris Games?
24. And how many of those were gold medals?
25. American-born Keegan Palmer won back-to-back gold medals for Australia in which sport at the Paris Olympics?
26. Which cricket venue may not host Test matches from the 2026–27 season onwards?
27. Gold Coast Titans player Kieran Foran recently hit what game milestone?
28. Who currently sits on top of the Women’s WTA Tennis tour rankings?
29. Corey McKernan, Chris Grant and Jobe Watson all won but were ineligible to receive which AFL award?
30. Which African country won its first ever Olympic medal at Paris 2024?
Alexei Popyrin Alexei
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Officiate (abbr) (3)
3 The study of knowledge (10)
10 Distribute (food) (5,2)
11 Web surfer (7)
12 The wedded state (9)
13 Luxurious (4)
15 Units of mass used for precious metals and gemstones (4,6)
17 Box (4)
19 Possesses (4)
20 Impersonation (10)
23 Just (4)
25 Colloquial (9)
27 Libyan capital (7)
28 Paraguayan monetary unit (7)
29 Ionised part of Earth’s atmosphere (10)
30 Headed (3)
DOWN
1 Picking up from where you left off (10)
2 Oldest child (9)
4 Process of producing a suggestive mental state (9)
5 Vestibule (5)
6 Gradually (6)
7 Mexican coins (5)
8 Story (4)
9 Evaluation (6)
14 Child of one’s child (10)
16 Forerunner, omen (9)
18 Colourful team shooting sport (9)
21 Relating to Samoa (6)
22 Soldiers (6)
24 Unearthly (5)
25 Hibernian (5)
26 Needlecase (4)
1 Dar es Salaam is the largest city in which country?
2 Which female artist released the album We Are Born in 2010?
3 Australia’s Great Dividing Range runs through which states?
4 What is the name of Sonic’s sidekick in the platform game SonictheHedgehog2?
5 What was invented by Scottish mechanic and inventor Alexander Bain?
6 Who is the main character in the children's book Where theWildThingsAre?
7 In the film Now and Then, Rosie O’Donnell (pictured) played Roberta Martin as an adult; who played the young Roberta?
8 Who wrote Invisible Man, published in 1952?
9 Which US soap opera centres around the fictional fashion house Forrester Creations?
10 What is the capital of Massachusetts?
Winning Kia EV a quiet achiever
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Quiet (tick), achiever (tick) – quiet achiever: withlittlemorethanthehumofthemotors,the EV9 carried off a couple of the most prestigious prizes of 2024 – World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle.
A jury of 100 distinguished automotive journalists representing 29 countries, shouted out the innovative design, spacious seven-seat interior and competitive pricing of Kia’s first triple-row, all electric flagship SUV as being world beating.
Now Australia has the opportunity to find out, with the recent arrival of three variants, named with a nod to sustainability and the natural environment, Air, Earth and GT-Line.
The single motor, rear-wheel drive Air leads off, with dual motor, all-wheel drive Earth and GT-Line topping out the trio.
Prices range from $97,000, plus on-road costs for the single motor, front-wheel drive Air through the dual motor AWD powertrain Earth clocks out at $106,500 and the GT-Line $121,000.
The Air motor produces 160kW and 350Nm for a range of 443km, while the latter pair punch out 283kW and 700Nm for a range of up to 512km, with the GT-Line able to scoot from rest up to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Earth variant was on test.
The SUV continues to set the standard for Kia’s sustainable theme with the use of eco-friendly recycled and natural materials, such as bioplastics, recycled PET fabrics and carpet, plus bio-paint all aimed at the company achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.
The EV9 is covered by Kia’s generous seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus seven years for the battery. Pre-paid services range from $706 for three years or 45,000km up to $1997 for seven years or 105,000km.
Styling
Kia says it’s a matter of ‘opposites attract’ in designphilosophywithacombinationofrugged capability and serenity and sophistication. At five metres long and almost two metres wide there’s plenty of the former and a hint of what the latter has to show inside.
The front looks to the future for all Kia EVs with confident, clean lines. A bold body colouredgrilleisflankedbyverticalheadlamps forming the company’s signature Digital Tiger Face, and innovative LED daytime running
lights, which will be carried by all Kia EV models.
A strong SUV profile takes cues from an aircraftfuselage,whichtogetherwithaKia-first 3-D underbody cover, front air curtains, retractable flush door handles and jazzy aerodynamic 19-inch alloy wheels, achieves an exceptional drag co-efficient of Cd 0.28.
Fine detail is a complement to the fuss-free power tailgate in the form of three-pronged LED lamps that follow the lead of headlamps up front. New premium colours Iceberg Green and Pebble Grey are available across the range.
Interior
A ‘Technology for Life’ pillar was Kia’s way of getting the best out of space, comfort and technology while reimagining the family SUV. There’s a completely flat floor, thanks to the company’s award-winning modular platform, which allows occupants to relax in lounge-like surroundings.
Standard features for comfort and convenience include heated and ventilated synthetic leather front seats with lumbar support and heated synthetic leather trimmed steeringwheel.Entrytothethirdrowofseatsis made easy by remote folding of the second row.
A cantilevered centre console, while including limited storage, allows for a large open storage area at floor level underneath. It also houses vehicle start, park and driveselection functions, freeing space for more storage,chargingsocketsandwirelesscharging pad.
Boot space ranges from 333 litres, with all seatbacks up, to 2318 litres with second and third rows folded. There’s also a 52-litre cubby under the bonnet, which doubles as a charging cable store.
Infotainment
The dashboard is dominated by twin 12.3-inch touchscreens integrated with a 5-inch display producing a futuristic interface for the control of vehicle functions such as infotainment and instrument systems.
There’s no such thing as a perfect vehicle, trust me. And the EV9 has its little quirks. For example, the climate control information is displayed on the wide screen between the info and instrument cluster and is almost totally obscured by the steering wheel.
EV9 does debut Over-the-Air updates for its Kia Connect system, which enables continuous ‘wireless’improvementstomanyofthevehicle’s inboardsystems,andaHighwayDrivingAssist 2 system.
Engines/transmissions
The EV9 Earth all-wheel drive model is powered by twin electric motors putting out a total of 283kW and 700Nm with the capability of a six-second sprint to 100km/h and a range of up to 512km on a single charge.
Safety
The wellbeing of World COTY occupants, inevitably, looms large, so it’s no surprise that the development of the EV9 involved focusing on safety, hence the top five-star rating reigns across the model range.
Kia Advanced Driver Assistance makes up the basis of this, which also extends to travellers in other vehicles and pedestrians and includes such features as Highway Driving Assist 2 with hands-on detection, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2 with Junction Crossing, Lane Oncoming and Lane Change Side functions.
Backing these up are Lane Keeping and
Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Go, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, front and rear Park Distance Warning and rear-view monitor.
EV9 Earth adds Blind-Spot Monitor, SurroundViewMonitor,plusParkingCollision Avoidance Assist – Reverse, while GT-Line chips in with Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist –Reverse. Front, side, curtain and front centre airbags add up to nine.
Driving
As mentioned in my introduction, the EV9 really lives up to the claim as a quiet achiever.
Little noise – motor, road or wind – intrudes into the passenger cabin. The same cannot be said for a plethora of audible safety warnings and intervention. All become a bit wearing. Turn them off and let the driver drive.
The other side of the coin is the ride and handling, which like most Kias has had the attentionofAustraliansuspensionexpertswith vast experience of our country’s roller-coaster road quality. And there’s no shortage of oomph when accelerating – zero to 100km/h in six seconds, to be exact.
Size does matter here with the bulky SUV showing some unsteadiness on changing direction at speed. Toning down the enthusiasm did the trick, while three braking regen and a one-pedal mode were as good as a new best friend.
Brakes were sharp enough to confidently pull up the two-and-a-half tonne wagon under normal circumstances. Towing is rated at 2500kg with a braked trailer, a 750kg rig with no brakes. Watch out here for a compromised driving range.
Over a week of work, from driver alone to a ‘full house’, the energy consumption averaged 20.2kWh (better than the maker’s combined claim of 22.3kWh). As for charging, the test carwastoppeduponapublicfastchargerfrom 30 to 80 percent, giving a range of 482km. The time taken was 46 minutes at a cost of a tad over $17. I could live with that.
Summary
The Kia EV9 the best car in the world? More than a hundred motoring writers can’t be wrong . . . can they?
The Kia EV9 the best car in the world? More than a hundred motoring writers can’t be wrong . . . can they? (Pictures: Supplied)
Finals football and netball was front and centre on Saturday in Melbourne’s north-west. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.
The competition is heating up
West Coburg’s Donnacadh Cleary gets a kick away. 427096_06
Jake Carlisle marks in front Jacob Langborne and Mitch Brockwell. 427092_08
Riddell’s Meredith Ball. 427091_16
Wallan’s Riley Gilchrist. 427092_01
Burnside Heights’ Antonio Vitalone and Taylors Lakes’ Christian Petersen. 427093_17
Hillside’s Jackson McMenamin. 427096_10
Riddell’s Madison Brown. 427091_02
Diggers Rest’s Shaun Campbell. 427092_05
Wallan’s Genevieve Carboon. 427091_05
Taylors Lakes’ Ethan Caffari. 427093_05
Injuries prove very costly for Burnside Heights
A brave Burnside Heights fell just short of its first Essendon District Football League division 2 grand final on Saturday afternoon.
The Bears and Taylors Lakes put on a show for the crowd in the qualifying final and it was the Lions that just got over the line, winning 18.6 (114)-16.7 (103).
BearscoachColeHarveycouldn’tbeprouder of his group and the way they fought through adversity.
“They were brave,” he said. “We lost [Lachie] Evans in the first quarter, he did his hamstring. “Matthew Larkin did his hamstring in the first quarter and Dion Lawson strained his hamstring as well.
“We basically had one on the bench from quarter time onwards.”
TheBearsstartedthebetterofthetwoteams, kicking the only five goals of the first quarter.
The Lions managed to lead by two points at quarter time and it was the Bears leading by that margin at three quarter time.
The margin grew to 20 points in the last quarter, but the Bears ran out of legs on what was a warm day for football.
“We just ran out of rotations on the bench,” Harvey said. “We kicked the first three of the last quarter and they got us in the end.
“Could not be prouder of them, they were unbelievable.”
Harvey said the group would be better for the experience and that they felt they were really well prepared.
He said their preparation had been brilliant but there wasn’t much they could do after having those injuries which meant some plans went out the window.
Harvey said it was a really good game to watch and in the end it was a war of attrition and the Lions deserve their spot in the grand final.
Jayden Stiles kicked four goals for the Bears, while Nick Gregson, Lawson and Adam Sullivan kicked three goals each.
Harvey said Stiles was sensational up forward, Mason Bawden was fantastic and Sullivan was great.
The Bears will now face Westmeadows in a preliminary final.
Harvey said they would go and watch that game saying they know what they’re up against no matter who they face.
He said they had a couple of players come back in, including captain Jordan Hughes, and they would be better for the run.
Harvey said they would maybe get a couple backforthepreliminaryfinal,withkeyforward Daniel Hovey among those.
“We have to pick ourselves up and go back to Rupo and have another crack at it,” he said.
“Getting a really high pressure finals game was good.
“We hope we can have one more crack at Taylors lakes in a couple of weeks.”
Tara Murray
427096_03
Sharks fight to the end
By Tara Murray
Hillside pushed West Coburg for all but five minutes and it proved the difference in the Essendon District Football League division 2 qualifying final.
With five minutes left on the clock, West Coburg led by one point and seemed like it would be anyone’s game.
West Coburg kicked the last three goals of the game to seal the win, 15.15 (105)-12.13 (85).
Sharks coach Chris Daley said he was proud with how the playing group stood up.
“I’m proud of how they went about it and how we fought it out,” he said. “It was one point with five minutes to go.
“It seemed like it would be on those games, whoever was in front at the end won.
“It was a little bit disappointing [the end], as we thought we had done enough.”
While it was a final, all the attention early was on Sharks forward Josh Covelli. He needed just two goals to make it 100 for the season.
It came early in the second quarter. He finished with five for the game.
Daley said they had spoken about Covelli possibly kicking his 100th and they would look to handle it.
“It was enormous,” he said. “We had hoped that he would get it early in the game.
“There was a 10-12 minute stoppage with all the crowd coming onto the ground.
“Josh was almost at the point of giving the game away last year. He hasn’t come from a higherlevelandcomedown,hehaschallenged himself.
“To get 100 goals is an enormous effort for someone who is a local footballer.”
Daley said the group was able to keep their composure after the stoppage in play, with the side leading at half time.
Despite not getting the win, Daley said they would take a lot out of the game.
“We fought it out against a quality team,” he said. “If we play them again, we’ll go in with lots of confidence.”
Daley said midfielder Tristan Rudic was their best in probably his best game for the
Rams on the hunt for coaches
The Western Rams are on the hunt for a new senior football coach for next year’s Western Football League division 2.
The club announced on social media that senior coach Ash Pritchard and reserves coach Chris Arnold would ‘unfortunately’ no longer be part of the club’s coaching staff next season.
“Western Rams would love to extend a huge thank you to our senior coach Ash Pritchard and our reserves coach Chris Arnold,” the club said on social media.
“Both men were crucial parts of our 2024 season and we wish them both the very best in the future.
“There will always be a place at the club for the both of you.”
Pritchard joined the club this season having coached back until the early 2000s. His most recent coaching stint came at Lismore Swans, where he led them to their first finals appearance in 20 years, before joining the Rams.
Under Pritchard, the Rams returned to the winners list for the first time since 2018 when they beat North Sunshine. They also beat Tarneit to finish with two wins in their first season in the Western league. They were competitive in a number of other matches as well.
Arnold coached the reserves side the past two years and played his 250th and final game in the final round of the season.
season.
He said the performances of youngsters Riley Way and Noah Asciak had impressed him.
Captain Anthony Prestia also had a strong performance.
The Sharks will now face St Albans in a knockout semi final. The Saints beat Oak Park in an elimination final on Sunday.
Daley said they are likely to get Zak Wunhym and Lachlan Pettigrove back into the side.
The pair, who are in the Sharks leadership group, were both big outs on Saturday, Daley spent Sunday afternoon watching the elimination final between St Albans and Oak Park.
“We know what to expect with St Albans, we’ve played them a few times the last couple of years,” he said.
West Coburg will face Maribyrnong Park in the other semi final with a grand final spot on the line.
Maribyrnong Park had the weekend off.
The club has put out an advertisement seeking a senior coach, reserves coach and assistant coaches for next season.
Ryan Lojko takes a mark. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Marcus D’Angelo. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 427093_11
Western Rams are looking for new coaches. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413385_31
Coote growing in confidence on the diamond
Inthesummerof2017,RomanCootewasasked by one of his primary school friends to come play baseball at the Williamstown Baseball Club and the rest is now history.
Hemadehisfirststateteamin2021whichhe didn’t get to play due to Covid.
In 2023 as a bottom age player he made the under-16 team and again as top ager this year.
“Baseball try outs are a little different to other sports,” Coote said. “Anyone can go and try out for a spot in the Victorian team.
“I wanted to get chosen, it was my single focus, I was driven, motivated and disciplined.
“For me, 2023 was certainly my breakout year. I went from just your average player to making the under-16 Australian team.
“I was selected to attend the under-16 national camp in Canberra at the AIS.“
In September, Coote will fly to America to play baseball for Team Australia in the Under-16 Perfect Game World Series.
“I was never a gifted player, but I know how to work hard for what I want,” Coote said before flying out.
“Footy never really gripped me, baseball had a winter and summer season, so I played all
year round.
“The baseball club is like family. The senior players are like my older brothers and my coaches just got involved to make us all better. It is a good place to be.”
Cooteplayscentrefieldand listshisstrengths as being fast, a good catch and throws hard.
When he bats, his base running is fast, something that coaches are looking for.
“Arm strength is something I’m working on,” he said. “I injured my shoulder in January while making a base run.
“I dived to make the plate and got caught up in play. I was pretty frustrated and I have spent many hours in rehabilitation.”
Coote is part of Baseball Victoria’s pathway program which trains three times a week. They work through a three hour program focusing on strength, throwing, hitting and fielding drills.
Coote then has his Maribyrnong Sports Academy and club training which rounds out a very full week.
BaseballisafamilyaffairfortheCootes’with his mother and brother involved.
Coote said he’d had some fabulous coaches
throughout his career so far.
“All of them have had the players’ best interests at the centre of their work,“hesaid.“Theyhavecertainly helped make me who I am today.”
Coote still plays with Williamstown in the summer, while he plays the junior winter season with Essendon.
Long term, Coote would like to achieve an MLB contract but his major focus is to represent Australia.
“In the short term I’d like to earn an ABL [Australian Basketball League] contract and make the under-23 Australian team and perhaps the Olympics in the long term.”
The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.
If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.
Peter Howe
Panthers vote to move
By Tara Murray
Melton South members have voted in favour of the club making the move to the Riddell District Football Netball League for next season.
The Ballarat Football Netball League club held a special general meeting on Wednesday night to discuss the future of the club.
President Matthew Collins said the members made it clear that they wanted to move to the RDFNL for next year.
“It’snotaboutwinningflags,it’saboutbeing competitive,” he said. “We haven’t won a lot of [football] games in the last 10 to 12 years.
“Thevotewasunanimous.Itwas100-plusto one. The club needs this and we hope Riddell accepts us.
“The clubs have to vote on it.”
Collins said after some members came to them about the future of the club about two months ago and they then put together a sub-committee to look at the benefits of the Riddell, Ballarat and Western leagues.
He said that the committee came to the decision that the RDFNL was the best league for the club.
Collins said netball not being on the same day as football was one of the main reasons why the WFNL wasn’t seen as an option.
“It didn’t match with us,” he said. “We lose one team [in Riddell], E-grade.
“A lot of girls are playing two games to fill the teams so we shouldn’t lose too many players.”
The senior club previously played in the RDFNL before moving to the BFNL in 1997.
The club’s juniors are still in the Riddell league.
“It’s a good alignment for the club being in the same league,” Collins said.” In the Ballarat league we’re playing clubs with some having 20 junior sides.
“We have four or five. With the points system you need to have plenty of juniors coming through.
“Most of the clubs in Riddell have five or six which makes it a bit better.”
Having not won a senior football game in the past two seasons, Collins said they were under no illusions that they’re not going to come in and win a premiership straight away if the move to the RDFNL is successful.
RDFNL chief executive Jordan Doyle said the board felt Melton South is a natural fit geographically and from a competitive standpoint as well as satisfying the netball component, similar to Kyneton FNC when they entered at the end of 2023.
“The Melton South Football Netball Club
have written to the RDFNL requesting to join the league,” he said. “The RDFNL will write to our member clubs advising them that a special general meeting will be called to discuss the matter and then a vote will take place on the acceptance or non-acceptance.
“The RDFNL Board upon request from the RDFNL clubs have been open to clubs looking to join the league who are a natural fit from a geographical and competitive point of view. The RDFNL is also a football netball
Wallan through
Diggers Rest wasn’t able to hold on against Wallan in the Riddell District Football League qualifying final on Saturday.
The battle between second and third was a topsy turvy one with both sides having their periods of dominance at Romsey Park.
The Magpies led by 13 points at quarter time before the Burras kicked six goals to no score in the second quarter to take a 28 point lead into half time.
The Magpies chipped away at the lead in the third quarter and managed to get the margin back to 11 points heading into the final quarter.
Wallan did most of the attacking in the final quarter and was able to put it on the scoreboard.
It kicked 4.3 to three points in the final quarter to come away with a 12.8 (80)-9.13 (67) win.
Chris Stewart kicked four goals in a best on ground performance for the Magpies.
Brodie Gilchrist and Reuben Rode were other standouts for Wallan.
For the Burras, Marcus Calvaresi and Brodie Meyers kicked two goals each.
Jaidyn Caruana, Calvaresi and Shaun Campbell were named their best.
The Magpies now face Riddell in a qualifying final, with a grand final spot on the line.
The Bombers had the weekend off after finishing first.
In the knockout semi final, the Burras will face Macedon.
The Cats surprised Romsey in the elimination final, 11.6 (72)-6.12 (48).
The Burras have won both clashes with the Cats this season, winning by 19 and 10 points respectively.
league so that does rule out some clubs as well.
“The Melton South Junior FNC have always been a RDFNL club and the Melton South FNC were previously apart of the league as well, so the league thinks the move ticks a lot of boxes. The final say will be with the member clubs and the SGM will reveal that.”
The Panthers will have all six netball teams play finals this year.
Roman Coote. (Supplied)
Melton South is moving to the RDFNL next season. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Diggers Rest’s Justin Tenaglia is tackled by Lachlan Inness. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 427092_12
Allison returns to coach Melton
A familiar face is taking on the head coaching role for Melton Thoroughbreds men’s Country Basketball League side.
The Thoroughbreds announced that John Allison would coach the side, with Mick McCallum having coached the team the past two seasons.
AllisonisnostrangertotheThoroughbreds.
He coached the club to a women’s Big V division 3 championship in 2008 before coaching the men’s side in 2017 and then becoming the club’s director of coaching.
Allison said everything just fell into place for him to take on the CBL role.
“Just through some general inquiries and conversations with people who supported what I had in mind,” he said.
“I live in Melton and I’m always done there seeing my kids playing and watching the Big V. I thought it might be time to get back into
coaching in this area.”
Allison said he knows a lot of the kids coming through the program in Melton along with several other people in the program having been around Melton for a long time.
Allison will be assisted by his two sons, Liam and Blake Allison.
Both were part of the Thoroughbreds CBL championship side in 2023, while are part of the club’s Big V program.
While John has coached the pair in juniors before, they’ve never coached together before.
“Itwillbeinteresting,”Johnsaidofcoaching with his sons. “They’re very opinionated on the basketball court.
“It’ll be something a bit different. They will bring different ideas. They’ve played at higher levels and they will bring some modern ideas to the game.”
John said his two sons would just be
coaching, not stepping onto the court.
He said when he discussed it with them they wanted to give the young guys a chance to show what they can do.
“A lot of them learn by making mistakes,” he said. “You want to develop and evolve them as basketball players.
“There’s some players I would love to see playing.”
Allison said he was unsure who from last season’s squad would return to play this year.
He said they were hoping to see a number of their under-18s and under-20s players turn up for try outs.
“Hopefully they get there,” he said. “It wouldbenicetohaveafewoldefuturesaswell to help out, but we’ll see what happens.
“Hopefullytheythenstayandplayingyouth league or Big V men’s side.”
Centrals stay in the race
By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals’ young guns kept their Riddell District Netball League season alive with a hard fought win against Macedon on Sunday. In tough conditions at Diggers Rest Recreation with plenty of wind, the Centrals were able to lead at every break in the 41-34 win.
Centrals coach Randy Pereira said it was really windy conditions which made it hard to score.
“It was a terrific game,” he said. “We were a bit worried when our goal shooter turned up without her runners.
“She wore her sister’s runners and she borrowed a pair from someone else. It was a good game, it was a tough game.
“There were a lot of heavy hits. The umpires warned both teams at half time to be a bit more careful.”
It was a four goal margin at quarter time before increasing to seven at half time.
The Cats hopes weren’t helped when playing coach Katie Clarke fractured her wrist after a
heavy collision early in the game.
Centrals were able to maintain the lead in the second half, with not much between the two teams.
Helen Aumua shot 31 goals for Centrals. She was named Centrals’ best along with Aavana Hobson and Hayley Hill.
PereirasaidElisaButterworth-Gonebaleand MariahVankerkvoortinthemidcourtalsodid really good jobs.
“I was really impressed with everyone,” he said. “Everyone that came on did their job.
“There wasn’t one player that didn’t contribute. The defence was brilliant, Avana was sensational and Hayley was right in there with her.
“The wing defences also did their job. It was a real team effort.”
Pereira said at the start of the season making finals was a minimum for what they wanted to achieve this season. It’s the first time the club has made A-grade finals since 2017 when they made a preliminary final.
“Whilst they’re young, they’ve got the ability,” he said. “They’ve been really good.
Cobras out of the finals
Bacchus Marsh fell just short of a grand final appearance in the Ballarat Football League women’s competition.
Hoping to make the grand final for the first time, the Cobras had to get through Redan in the preliminary final onSunday.TheLionslosttheirfirstgame of the season in the first week of finals, were on a mission. They led five goals to one at quarter time and extended the margin to 29 points at half time. It was all the Lions in the second half as they ran away with a 13.13 (91)-3.1 (19) win.
The Cobras had no multiple goalkickers. Jamie-Lee Speakman, Jacinta Reid and Erin Keenan were named their best.
The Lions will now face Darley in the grand final. It will be a third straight year the two teams have faced off in the decider, with both sides having claimed a premiership each.
The Devils, who had the week off, will be going for back-to-back premierships. Meanwhile, Darley’s Lilli Condon claimed the BFLW best and fairest award on Friday night. She goes one better after finishing second last year. Bacchus Marsh’s Jacinta Reid finished in second.
Condron was one of six Devils named in the team of the year.
“Our kryptonite between now and the end of the year will be if it rains, we will be in trouble. We tend to still try to play dry weather netball and look for cross court passes.”
Centrals will face Riddell in a knockout semi final on Sunday at Gilbert Gordon Reserve, Woodend.
The Bombers lost the qualifying final to Wallan on Saturday, 32-29.
Last time they played, Centrals were in front before they lost a couple of players and the rain started to fall and the Bombers ran away with a solid win.
Pereira said he thinks it should be a good game.
“Hopefully they bring the same intensity as today [Sunday],” he said.
Wallan will face Woodend-Hesket in the other final for a spot in the grand final. The Hawks had the week off this weekend.
Centrals under-19 netballers also won their elimination final on Sunday, beating Woodend-Hesket, 36-15.
Centrals now face Romsey in a knockout semi final.
Emmeron Hitch, Sarah Tabone, Kim Bessell, Jaye Dalgleish and Madalyn Clarke were the others. Bessell also won the leading goalkicker award.
Reid, Speakman and Amy Garofalo werethethreeCobrasnamedintheteam of the year.
