Lalor goes number one
By Tara Murray
Sam Lalor is the toast of Bacchus Marsh after being taken at pick one in the AFL draft on Wednesday night.
The 18-year-old was widely tipped to be taken by Richmond first in the draft in the lead up to the night.
It became a reality as the draft kicked off, much to the joy of the Bacchus Marsh community.
The Bacchus Marsh football and cricket clubs, where Lalor has spent a lot of time growing up, hosted a community gathering at Maddingley Park to watch the draft.
There were a few nervous moments before the draft, as the broadcast stream buffered, but they were soon forgotten when Lalor’s name was read out.
In the room were friends and family, along with teammates.
‘‘ He is such a naturally gifted player, but had the work ethic to go with it ’’
- Shannon Nixon
The Cobras’ senior team wrapped up pre-season training early to come in and watch Lalor be drafted.
All erupted every time Lalor was on the scream and then finally when his name was called out.
Lalor had been at the club two days out from the draft watching training.
Cobras senior coach Dennis Armfield, who played 145 AFL games after being taken at pick 46 in the 2007 draft, said it was different to his draftnightwhenhedidn’tevenwatchthedraft.
Football manager Shannon Nixon said it was pretty exciting for the club.
“We are really proud,” he said. “He’s just a wonderful young man.
“His family have been involved with the club for a long period of time and we’re just really proud to have such an impressive, not only footballer, but person who will represent the club over the coming years.
“Hopefully he’ll have a very long career with Richmond.”
Nixon said that in very early days, he along with others around the football club could see Lalor making it to the highest level.
“He is such a naturally gifted player, but had the work ethic to go with it,” he said.
“He had all the attributes and hard work has
helped him to capitalise on his natural talent.”
While a talented footballer, Lalor was just at home on the pitch at Maddingley Park.
Having represented Victoria in under age cricket, he made the decision to just focus on football, which proved to be the right decision.
Nixonsaidtheydidn’ttrytoputanypressure on him.
“He has loved his cricket forever,” Nixon said. “Excelled at a high level.
“It was very much a personal decision. It come down to his joy from playing footy.
“I don’t think it was an easy decision. Every young boy’s dream is to run out on the MCG in front of a packed house.
“Hopefully, he’s one step closer to achieving that dream.”
Lalor said the day after the draft he’d seen someofthefootagefromtheclubs’celebrations.
“They loved it,” he said. “They were up and about. They’ve been awesome for me, footy and cricket club. I can’t thank them enough.”
It was a big night for the Cobras, with number three draft pick Jagga Smith’s father Michael Smith a former Cobra.
Laloristhelatestinalonglineofplayersfrom the Bacchus Marsh and former Maddingley football clubs to make it on an AFL list.
Carlton’s Harry Vallance and 1963 AFL premiership captain Fred Wooller are two of the biggest names.
More recently, West Coast co-captain Liam Duggan was drafted from the club.
Current AFL players Aaron Cadman and Zak Butters were drafted from cross town rivals, Darley.
With Lalor going at pick one, it means the two local clubs have had two number one draft
picks in three years.
“I think Bacchus Marsh and Darley community have a very strong representation at the highest level,” Nixon said.
“It speaks volumes for the community and theloveforsport,whichisaroundthiscluband this team.
“Sam and Aaron are good representatives of our community and really good young men.” Lalor said there’s a special bond between all the local players that is only set to grow.
“I think we are doing pretty well,“ he said. “Obviously Aaron Cadman and Zak Butters and Liam Duggan.
“Hopefully we keep producing out of there, makestheDarleyversusBacchusMarshrivalry pretty good.
“It’s pretty exciting and we all stay in contact and train with each other over the off season.”
Above: Sam Lalor presented his jumper by Trent Cotchin. (Michael Willson/AFL Photos) Top right: Sam Lalor in the Cobra colours. (Supplied)
Right: The crowd at Maddingley Park. (Tara Murray)
Fellowship to stop exploitation
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Laura-Jane Singh has been selected as one of 17 Indigenous and Pacific changemakers for the 2025 Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) fellowship program.
Targeting Melbourne’s west, Ms Singh’s plan is to develop a culturally specific framework thataddressestheincreasedrateofchildsexual exploitation of Aboriginal young people in residential care.
A proud Wiradjuri woman, Ms Singh currently works for the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance where
she is tasked with creating an Aboriginal-led framework for kinship care.
“My hopes are to create an Aboriginal healing centre, so the victims and survivors of childsexualexploitationhaveaplacetogo,”she said.
Ms Singh herself was a victim of sexual exploitation while she was under the care of child protective services.
“That has probably played a big impact into the why.
“Sexual exploitation, alongside trafficking, it takes a lifetime to recover from.”
Ms Singh said that many of the minors
she works with are deprived of educational opportunities and subsequently stop going to school as young as 12 or 13 in many cases.
“I believe that young people should have the opportunity to access therapeutic support alongside education.”
Having analysed case studies of child sex exploitation both in Australia and abroad, she said, “I think the system doesn’t work,” and that the model of residential care can leave young Aboriginal people disconnected from their communities.
MSSinghmovedtothewesternsuburbswith her husband and two daughters
Artistic impression of the new Melton Hospital project. (Supplied)
Designs unveiled for Melton Hospital
A first glimpse of the future Melton Hospital wassharedtothepubliconSaturday,November 23.
Health Infrastructure Minister Mary-Anne Thomas unveiled the latest designs for the $900 million project.
“Melbourne’s west is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and it is critical that families moving to the area can rely on 24-hour world-class health care right on their doorstep,” she said.
Upon completion in 2029, the new Melton Hospital will be able to treat 130,000 patients each year and almost 60,000 patients in its emergency department.
Set to become Australia’s first all-electric
hospital, designs reveal key internal and external spaces, including the main entrance, façade and patient rooms.
Itwillincludea24-hourED,atleast274beds, an intensive care unit, maternity and neonatal services, mental health services, radiology services,outpatientcare,andteaching,training and research spaces.
Another important milestone for the project is that exclusive negotiations to establish a public-private partnership are now complete.
Western Health will operate the service, while Exemplar Health consortium is officially confirmed to design, construct, finance, and maintain the new hospital for a period of 25 years.
More trees to cool
the west
With this partnership now formally established, the consortium will work closely with the Victorian Health Building Authority and Western Health to continue developing detailed designs.
The project will also create more than 2400 jobs during construction and is expected to generate more than 3975 health-related jobs on-site in the hospital’s first year.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said this is a significant milestone for the massive Melton Hospital project.
“It is exciting to be another step closer to transforming Melton into a major hub – it will make a big difference to the community when it opens in 2029.”
Previously living in Brisbane, Ms Singh moved with her husband to Melbourne’s western suburbs, where they now reside in Wyndham Vale with their two daughters.
The goals of Ms Singh’s work extend beyond her own generation, with a focus on leaving the world in a better place
“If I can address this now, I hope this isn’t a fight my children have to fight on after me.”
She also sits on the board of The Koling Wada-ngal Aboriginal Corporation and is the deputy chair of Western RAJAC. The Albanese Labor Government is helping with the cost of living
New study hub for Melton
Melton will be home to one of 10 new suburbanuniversitystudyhubs,bringing university closer to home for people in Melbourne’s west.
A recommendation of the Universities Accord, the hubs will help more people from the outer suburbs get the opportunity to get a tertiary education, according to the federal government.
Education Minister Jason Clare said almost one in two young people in their 20sandtheir30shaveauniversitydegree today, but not in the outer suburbs and regional Australia.
“That’s why we are doubling the number of university study hubs to bring universities closer to people in our outer suburbs and regions,” he said.
“We know they work. The evidence is that they increase the number of people going to uni and finishing a uni degree.”
According to government data, about31 per cent of Melton residents in their 20s and 30s have a university degree.
Hawke MP Sam Rae said the new study hub is a game-changer.
“This is about delivering for Melton and providing the next generation with the support they need to achieve their education goals right here in our community,” he said.
“Education shouldn’t be limited by where you live. This new study hub will give Melton residents the chance to study, grow, and succeed locally.”
The hub will provide student support and campus-style facilities for students who are studying a university or TAFE course without having to leave their community. The new hubs are expected to be operational by mid-2025.
A new round of applications are open for new trees to be planted across Melbourne’s west.
Throughout Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham, schools, parks and reserves can apply for some of the 90,000 trees available over the next 18 months.
Part of the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program, which has already seen 410,000 trees planted since 2021, this round of applications is the final of its kind.
The new trees will consist of a mix of tube stock and advanced tree plantings.
Thislatestroundoffundingwillhelpprovide more green open spaces, vital new habitats for local wildlife and reduce the urban heat island effect which means more shade and cooler streets and parks in summer.
Applications for local councils, public land managersandTraditionalOwnerCorporations
are now open, and close on December 3, with trees ready to be planted throughout 2025 and 2026.
Schools will be invited to apply for native trees to plant on their grounds early next year.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said they are after more schools and local organisations to put their hands up for the last 90,000 trees available.
“More trees means less pollution and more green spaces for Victorian families to enjoy for years to come,” he said.
Details: environment.vic.gov.au/more-trees
Tatchell re-elected mayor
By Faith Macale
Moorabool’snewmayorhasvowedtomakethe shire’s voices heard in Spring Street over the next 12 months.
Returning councillor Paul Tatchell was elected as mayor during the council’s first official meeting on Monday, November 18, with Cr Rod Ward elected deputy mayor.
Cr Moira Berry was also nominated for mayor, but Cr Tatchell won with majority of the votes.
Cr Tatchell said he would champion Moorabool during his term as mayor.
“I think every council in rural Victoria has been undersolved for a very, very long time,” he said. “The reality is our roads are horrendous, everythingseemstobealittlemorecity-centric than it should be, so I’ll be pushing really hard to get the local pollies – I know there are two votes to one with city pollies versus country pollies, but I’ll be certainly supporting them.
“We’re trying to get Moorabool back into Spring Street and making sure their voices are heard very, very loudly.”
Cr Tatchell said he would also focus on economic development, creating local jobs and protecting Moorabool’s agricultural industry.
He said it was important the shire’s agricultural industry continued to thrive because it was “probably one of the most wonderful places to do agriculture”.
This will be Cr Tatchell’s fifth stint as mayor, having first served in the role in 2013-14.
Cr Tatchell said it’s been a while since he had led the council – he was last mayor in 2018-19.
He said he was a little anxious to move forward, but he was ready to address problems and challenges with the rest of the councillors.
“I think all councils, both rural and peri-urban councils, are under a lot of stress at the moment,” he said.
“I’madifferenttypeofmayor.I’malittle bit more direct, not quite as colourful, and maybe not as eloquent as some, but I certainly get to the point.”
Despite the challenges ahead, Cr Tatchell said they’ve got a great council even though it is unusual to have no wards.
“That gives us all the focus rather than when we were focused on our own areas, so it’s an exciting time, but also a difficult time,” he said.
“We try to work as a region as opposed to an individual.”
Grants for veterans open
The state announced two new rounds of funding that will support veterans in Victoria.
Announced on Monday, November 18, the Veterans Capital Works 2024–25 grants will provide between $5000 and $50,000 to fund projects that build or improve buildings and facilities for organisations that deliver services to veterans, their families, and communities.
Funded projects may include the upgrade, development or improvement of facility spaces, accessibility, sustainability or other aspects of venues.
Additionally, the Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour 2024-25 grants will provide up to $30,000 to restore or change war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour.
The program supports local war memorials that commemorate Victorians who served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman said that the investment in “accessible, safe and improved facilities for organisations will directly help veterans and veteran communities across the state.”
Last year, Ballan RSL Sub-branch received more than $29,000 to preserve andreplacetreesattheBarrysReefWW1 Avenue of Honour site, giving new life to the memorial planted over 100 years ago. Applications for grants in both programs are open until February 3, 2025.
Moorabool Council elects Cr Paul Tatchell as mayor. (Pictures: Faith Macale)
Time is right for Abboushi
By Faith Macale
“It’s about time”.
That was the sentiment from some of Melton councillor Steve Abboushi’s colleagues as he was elected mayor on Thursday night.
Cr Abboushi has served as deputy mayor twice – 2019-20 and 2023-24 – but has never put his hand up for the top job because he had a young family.
“I’ve been encouraged over the years to be mayor, but the timing wasn’t right for my family,” he said.
“Now is the time, I suppose. My kids are a little bit older and they understand the sacrifices of being there.
“They’re coming along on the journey with me, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Cr Abboushi said the biggest challenge the new council will face in the next 12 months would be keeping up with infrastructure.
“It’s going to be about making sure that when we’re doing infrastructure projects, our community understands that we need to do this work, and there will be inconveniences along the way,” he said.
“The outcome at the end when the infrastructure is delivered is going to be much better and it’s going to be able to cater for our growing population.”
He also spoke about working with the municipality’s youth.
“Personally and more importantly, I’m looking forward to empowering the young people in the City of Melton to work hard and be productive members of the community, and to achieve the dreams that they’re hoping for,” he said.
Cr Abboushi said there was a “good team” of councillors.
“We’ve got some very experienced, seasoned councillors who form the majority of the
new council, and then we’ve got a couple new councillors who I’m looking forward to hearing some new ideas, fresh vision, and a new perspective,” he said.
“I think it’s a great balance in wisdom from the councillors who have done it before and been around a while, and some new dynamic councillors to bring a new approach.”
Cr Lara Carli was elected as deputy mayor.
Cr Ashleigh Vanderberg self-nominated for the position of mayor and deputy mayor.
Despitethebigchallengeahead,CrAbboushi
Join the 16 Days of Activism
Melton council will hold a range of events to help raise awareness and support the campaign for this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
The international campaign aims to strengthen action to end violence against women and girls around the world.
More than one in three women have experienced men’s violence. On average, a woman is killed by a man she knows every 10 days, and in 2024 that number is much higher.
Melton council chief executive Roslyn Wai said everyone has a role to play in putting an end to gender-based violence in the community and creating a respectful and supportive culture, free from violence against women.
“All women and children in our community have the right to feel that they can go about their lives feeling safe and valued,” she said.
“Council has collaborated with some wonderfulcommunitygroupswhoareworking hard in this area to help raise awareness of gender-based violence and provide support to those who may need it.
“I encourage everyone to get involved in the events taking place during this year’s 16 Days of Activism and help take a stand against violence against women.”
ThecampaignbeginsonMonday,November 25 to coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on Tuesday, December 10, which marks Human Rights Day.
Council encourages residents to participate in the various activities being held throughout the campaign and help drive support for the elimination of violence against women and children in our community.
Details: melton.vic.gov.au/16days
said they have a good team of councillors ready to work together towards it.
“We’ve got some very experienced, seasoned councillors who form the majority of the new council, and then we’ve got a couple new councillors who I’m looking forward to hearing some new ideas, fresh vision, and a new perspective,” he said.
“I think it’s a great balance in wisdom from the councillors who have done it before and been around a while, and some new dynamic councillors to bring a new approach.”
Lynn appeals jail sentence
Airline pilot Greg Lynn will appeal his 32-year jail term for the murder of missing camper Carol Clay. Lynn filed the appeals against sentence and conviction late on Monday November 18, the Victorian Supreme Court confirmed.
He also lodged an extension of time application.
Lynn, 58, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars for murdering Mrs Clay, 73, at a high country campsite in March 2020.
A jury found he shot her in the head and then placed her body - and the body of her lover Russell Hill, 74 - into a trailer before driving them to a remote bush track.
Lynnreturnedsevenmonthslaterafter the COVID-19 lockdown lifted to burn their remains into more than 2000 bone fragments.
He admitted burning the bodies but denied the two charges of murder, claiming the two deaths were accidental. The jury returned split verdicts in June, finding he killed Mrs Clay but not Mr Hill.
Soon after the verdicts, Lynn’s barrister Dermot Dann KC flagged his client would be appealing the murder conviction. Mr Dann maintained that position after Justice Michael Croucher sentenced Lynn on October 18. The appeal against Lynn’s conviction and sentence will be heard in the Victorian Court of Appeal at a later date.
AAP, Tara Cosoleto
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Melton council has a range of activities planned for 16 Days of Activism.
Melton new mayor Steven Abboushi, and deputy mayor Lara Carli. (Supplied)
Branch out into recycling
By Faith Macale
It started with seeing a Christmas Tree on the side of the road, and this sparked an idea for Fraser Rise local Tiarne Riley to save it from going to landfill.
OnMonday,November11,MsRileyposteda calloutonFacebookforpeopletogivehertheir old Christmas trees that will not be in use this year so she can make a Christmas forest in her front yard.
“We like to decorate with lights typically, but we wanted to do something a bit more sustainable,” she said.
“Realising that everyone’s throwing out all of their old Christmas trees this time of year, we thought what better way to partake in being sustainable so we’re going to do that.”
So far, Ms Riley has collected 11 trees with more to arrive in the coming weeks.
“We’reacceptingtreesuntilDecember9,soit would be very fun,” she said.
“We are going to get everything together and decorated before the ninth and then we’ll launch on the 10th.”
“We’re inviting anyone that wants to come and decorate a tree. We’ve got lots and lots of decorations.”
Ms Riley said it is important for them to be mindful of the environment, which is why they chose to use donated Christmas trees this year.
“We use a lot of pre-used products around the house,” she said.
“We try to have options that are a bit better for the environment.
“For us, it’s just a bit of a no-brainer to try and do something like that.”
Although a Christmas forest is the big picture for Ms Riley, she just wants it to be a great memory for her kids, and the children in the neighbourhood.
Funds for a strong start
More children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds will receive support to access and attend kindergarten across 25 councils including Melton.
Children Minister Lizzie Blandthorn announced $7.47 million in CALD Outreach Initiative grants for councils including Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Melton, Hume, and Whittlesea, to help children from multicultural families access and attend kindergarten.
“Every parent wants to give their child thebeststartinlife.We’redeliveringmore support to families from multicultural backgrounds so more Victorian children can access Free Kinder and more parents have the freedom to go back to work if and when they choose,” she said.
Under the CALD Outreach Initiative, CALD teams employed by councils work directly with local families to support kindergarten enrolments, lead information sessions to build a better understanding of kindergarten, enable families and educators to maximise attendance and help families with the transition from kinder to school.
Besides the Christmas forest spectacle, Ms Riley will also be raising funds for the Cancer Council alongside the lighting up of the Christmas forest.
“I’m just going to be shaking that big old bucket outside,” she said.
“It’s something that they can look back on andthink,‘Oh,Irememberthattimethatmum did that crazy thing out the front’,” she said.
COMMUNITY
GRANTS: Applications now open!
Not-for-profit community organisations within the City of Melton are encouraged to apply for grants delivering projects that:
• support creativity through arts
• encourage an active community through sports and hobbies
• celebrate diversity though festivals, events and culture
• promote healthy and safe living
• care for environment and nature
Grants of up to $5,000 are available to eligible groups.
For further information, including to download the Community Grants Guidelines, visit melton.vic.gov.au/communitygrants
You can also contact the Community Grants team on 9747 7247 or email the team at: communitygrants@ melton.vic.gov.au.
“I’m just hoping to get some from anyone with loose change or anyone can come by and just donate. “I know that everybody, especially out here in the west, is doing tough this year, so to be able to put something out there that just brings a bit of easy joy … if we get to share a bit of Christmas spirit, we’re very happy with that.”
CALD outreach teams have helped more than 6000 children with multicultural backgrounds enrol and attend kindergarten since the initiative started in 2021, according to the state government.
Coach nets a nomination
The 2024 Netball Victoria Community Award nominations were announced on Wednesday, November 20, and Western Warriors’ coach Tracy Howard is in the running for the Coach of the Year.
Howard, who is coaching the Western Warriors’23&Underteam,saidit’salwaysnice to be nominated and recognised for a job well done.
“It’s something that I’m very passionate about,” she said. “I love coaching netball. I love seeing the girls move through the pathways.
“For me, it’s a nice way to get recognised for the work you put in.”
Howard said she found out about the nominations online, and shared the exciting news on her social media.
“I think it’s a really good thing to appreciate that you have been nominated,” she said.
“Lots of coaches are very supportive, saying congratulations.
“It’sahugeachievementjusttogetnominated and recognised through Netball Victoria.”
The Western Football Netball League is also up for an award.
“I think being such a small rural country area, it’s really good to see that there is a pathway,” Howard said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are from the country, you can still excel at what you’re doing, whether you’re coaching or whether you are a netballer coming through the pathways.
“It just gives a lot more opportunities to players and athletes on this side of Melbourne.”
Winners will be announced on Thursday, December 5 on Netball Victoria’s Facebook and YouTube channels at 7pm.
“I’m just really excited that I’ve been nominated and recognised for the work that I’m doing,” Howard said.
“Whoever wins is always and well truly worthy of what they’re doing because we’re all in the same bracket of being nominated.
“I’msureanyonewhowinsisverydeserving.”
Faith Macale
Netball coach Tracy Howard with Netballer Manon Muir, and assistant coach Olivia Templeton, with their bronze medals from the National Championships 2024. (Supplied)
Tiarne Riley is collecting Christmas Trees to make a Christmas Forest that will bring joy this holiday season. (Faith Macale)
Amal’s butterfly book
Nine-year-old Amal has celebrated the publishing of her first picture book ‘Butterfly Girls’.
Currently a year 4 student at Al-Taqwa College in Truganina, the keen storyteller’s ideas have come a long way in the literal sense.
“I’ve been writing stories in my notebook since third grade, but I’ve loved telling stories for as long as I can remember,” Amal said.
Citinghermotherandsisterastheinspiration for her becoming an author, the young writer said they encouraged her to persevere with the hobby and publish her work.
‘Butterfly Girls’ is a story of three young school girls who are best friends, but often find themselves in conflict due to their very distinct personalities.
A story of tolerance and understanding, the
protagonists find themselves having to learn to appreciate those they love for who they are.
The characters’ friendships eventually triumph as they learn to appreciate each other’s differences and move past the little things in life.
“Amal’s success is inspiring for our students and community and is a great example of the calibre of students we have,” Al-Taqwa spokesperson Hamdi Koyu said.
“We congratulate Amal on her success and look forward to working with her to achieve her dreams.”
The young author has no plans of slowing down and holds great ambitions.
“I hope to become a global author just like J.K. Rowling,” she said.
Jaidyn Kennedy
Briefs
Greendale water tank dries up Moorabool council has announced that the Greendale Concrete Water Tank on Ballan -Greendale Road will no longer be in use due to the natural spring running dry. The natural spring or aquifer ran dry and is no longer feeding into the tank. The tank will now be locked for firefighting purposes only. Council said the tank will need to be manually filled by agencies for emergency services use. To find alternative standpipe locations within the municipality, visit: moorabool.vic.gov.au/Buildingand-planning/Council-assets/ Standpipes
Have your say
Parents and carers to help shape services for children and their families into the future by taking part in a new state government survey. The survey includes questions about how Victorians find parenting information, what services they use, which services are most useful, what barriers exist to accessing services, and how services may be further improved. The survey is open until Monday, December 2 at: engage.vic. gov.au/project/Children-in-VictoriaSurvey.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Amal with her book ‘Butterfly Girls.’ (Ljubica Vrankovic) 439927_08
Witness testifies to avoid charge
By William Ton, AAP
A key witness against a man accused of killing his wife almost 20 years ago admits he has helped himself avoid a murder charge by taking the stand.
Cindy Crossthwaite, 41, was found dead on June 20, 2007, in the lounge room of her Melton South home with a Victorian Supreme Court jury told she had been choked and shot in the head from close range.
Brian O’Shea testified on Thursday November 21 as a witness in the murder trial of his former friend Emil “Bill“ Petrov, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mrs Crossthwaite.
The couple, who were married for almost 10 years before their separation in 2005, faced hearings in the Family Court in May 2007 as they tried to divide up their assets, crown prosecutor Mark Gibson said.
Mr O’Shea described a deep-seated hatred
Petrov had for his ex-wife whom he believed had been unfaithful, was pregnant with another man’s child after they had separated and that she wanted to inherit Petrov’s properties in the divorce.
He told the jury he had provided Petrov with a gun for $3000 in 2006 or 2007 believing it was for the protection of his friend’s family after their house was broken into.
A couple of weeks later Mr O’Shea said he went to Petrov’s home in Footscray to help move a cupboard when he came across his friend’s open car boot which contained a black beanie, a dark blue jacket, black gloves and a short curly black wig.
“He saw me look and I asked what he was doing,” Mr O’Shea told the court.
“’I’m going to kill that c*** Cindy. I’m going to take a week off work. I’m going to kill her’,” Mr O’Shea alleged Petrov told him.
Mr O’Shea said he told Petrov he was off
his “f***ing head” and needed to see a doctor because he was taking things too far.
“He grabbed me in a headlock and said he was just mucking around,“ the witness said.
It was revealed in court Mr O’Shea had pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in a previous trial into Mrs Crossthwaite’s death that was discontinued and no findings were made against him.
“Sir, by giving evidence today, you have helped yourself avoid facing a murder charge haven’t you?” defence barrister Ashley Halphen asked on Thursday.
“Yes,” Mr O’Shea responded.
He confirmed his murder charge was droppedinAprilafterprosecutorsapproached him to make a statement and give evidence in Petrov’s trial.
But the defence queried him on evidence in his 2024 statement which they claimed was missing in his earlier statements and police interviews in 2007, 2017 and 2019.
“Nothing said in previous occasions of Mr Petrov hating Mrs Crossthwaite?” Mr Halphen asked.
“Yes,” Mr O’Shea responded.
“Nothing said in previous occasions of Mr Petrov threatening to kill or get rid of Mrs Crossthwaite?” the defence asked.
“Yes,” he responded.
“Those matters were only raised in a statement to bring about discontinuation of your murder charges,” Mr Halphen said.
“That’s correct,” Mr O’Shea said.
The defence suggested Mr O’Shea, having sat through his first trial in 2023, used information from that to put together a version of events that did not occur, including information Petrov had taken days off work before Mrs Crossthwaite was found dead.
“No, it did occur ... 100 per cent,” he said. The trial continues.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
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Health service celebrates treatment anniversary
Western Health is marking its one year anniversary since it introduced a new procedure that repairs the heart of stroke survivors.
One in five people have a patent foramen ovale (PFO), which is a small hole between the upper right and left chambers of a heart.
For many, there are no symptoms of this condition and it may not be discovered, but for others, it can lead to a stroke – especially in those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Sunbury resident Bojan Jankovic, who is in his 30s, was one whose condition led to a stroke earlier this year.
“I had some chest pains in January and went to see a local GP and had some scans, and the stress test – they scanned my heart and arteries in a CT scan,” Mr Jankovic said.
“In June, I ended up having a stroke, they investigated further and found … the hole in my heart,” he said.
After receiving medical attention, Mr Jankovic said he was provided the options of open heart surgery or a treatment being trialled at Western Health called PFO occlusion.
Melton City Council election Declaration of results
and preventing blood flow between the two chambers.
Mr Jankovic said that the treatment took
one hour, where he then stayed at the hospital overnight and was put on his “merry way the next day”.
“Comparedtohavinganopenheartsurgery, I wouldn’t have been back to work until next year, and having a young family, I didn’t really want to not be able to pay the bills … this procedure helped me to get back to normality and get back to what I was doing before the stroke,” he said.
WesternHealthcardiologistSamerNoaman said the team has performed 10 successful procedures since it was introduced in October.
The team consists of both neurologists and cardiologists.
“Part of my training was to close the holes of the heart with keyhole surgery rather than open heart surgery, which would save the patient the time, recovery, as well as making the experience less traumatic,” Dr Noaman said.
According to Western Health, Dr Noaman introduced the procedure to the hospital because he thought it was unfair that the communities in the west did not have the same access as others.
New funding model mooted
The following candidates were elected to Melton City Council at the general election held in October 2024:
Bullum Bullum Ward
ABBOUSHI, Steve
Cambrian Ward
TURNER, Bob
Coolibah Ward
MORRIS, Brandi
Hilltop Ward
VERDON, John
Jackwood Ward
VANDENBERG, Ashleigh
Lake Caroline Ward
MAJDLIK, Kathy
Mount Atkinson Ward
ZADA, Phillip
Stringybark Ward
SHANNON, Julie
Sugar Gum Ward
CARLI, Lara
Watts Ward
RAMSEY, Sophie
Further details about the results are available at vec.vic.gov.au
Priscilla Mayne
Election Manager 11 November 2024
New data from the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) shows that one-in-five Australians face inadequate access to doctors, schools, sports facilities and other basic infrastructure.
The research by the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA), the peak body representing outer-metropolitan suburbs, known as Growth Areas, found concerning infrastructure gaps across all capitals in places like Melton, Hume, Whittlesea and Wyndham.
Whencomparedtoestablishedcommunities in capital cities, Growth Areas have significantly lower rates of access to healthcare (48 per cent), education (21 per cent) as well as important third spaces across arts and culture (44percent)andsportsandleisurefacilities(68 per cent).
NGAA chief executive Bronwen Clark said these infrastructure deficits are affecting Australians’ lives nationwide, and are only set toincreaseasgrowthareasplayacentralrolein fixing the housing crisis
“Growth areas are currently home to 5.6 millionpeoplewhohavecometothesecitiesand suburbsonthepromiseoflivingtheAustralian dream of home ownership with room for kids to play in the yard,” she said. “Without proper access to basic social infrastructure, these families are being set up to fail.”
On Thursday, November 21, NGAA launched a new funding model at Parliament
House which included guidance for both major parties in how to commit to meeting the needs ofthesecommunitiesandwintheirvotesinthe run up to the federal election.
Hawke MP Sam Rae said where one lives shouldn’t limit access to quality education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
“The Albanese Labor Government is investing in local jobs and services to address these gaps,” he said. “We’ve opened two bulk-billed Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Sunbury and Melton, and people in Hawke have saved over $5.5 million through our Cheaper Medicines Program.
“We’re kickstarting the Western Freeway upgrade, and the business case is due to be released soon.
“We’re also delivering on free TAFE and opening a new University Study Hub here in Melton to ensure our community has access to tertiary education close to home.”
This treatment involves keyhole surgery and inserting a small device called a PFO occluder into the hole in the heart, filling the opening
Faith Macale
NGAA proposes new funding model for Growth Areas like Melton.
Western Health cardiologist Samer Noaman holding a PFO occluder device (Supplied).
Conversations are key to change
By Gerald Lynch
As White Ribbon Month gets under way, the organisation is working harder than ever to prevent violence against women by engaging men and boys in the solution.
White Ribbon Australia social policy and advocacy partner Ilana Rohwedder explained that the month is about creating real change through meaningful dialogue and education.
“This year, we are really stressing the need to get men and boys talking about violence against women,” she said. “Despite all the work undertaken by governments, advocacy organisations, and national campaigns, the message just isn’t landing with many men and boys.Theydon’tseewhatithastodowiththem or what they can realistically do about it.”
She said one of the key challenges is bridging the gap between awareness campaigns and personal connection.
“This doesn’t mean they don’t care about the women in their lives,” she said.
“But the broader movement to end violence against women isn’t connecting with many men and boys in a way that reflects their personal experiences.
“We need to be able to respond to where they are and not just tell them where we think they should be. People won’t change their beliefs or attitudes by someone telling them what they should think—we have to be able to have a dialogue.”
This year, White Ribbon is focusing on starting that dialogue.
“We are asking men and boys to tell us where they are in this movement. How do they understand the issue? What do they need to see to understand the vital role they play in preventing violence against women?”
Ms Rohwedder highlighted the importance of engaging young people early, describing
White Ribbon’s You Can Ask That workshops as a key example. The sessions give students the opportunity to ask anonymous questions and engage in open dialogue about sensitive topics like family violence and respectful relationships.
“Listening to young people in this way enables us to facilitate meaningful discussions and explore their knowledge of gender, relationships, and the gaps in their understanding of how gender inequality relates to family and domestic violence,” she said.
“This approach really shifts the format from a lecture to a conversation, and we have found that to be an effective way of engaging with instead of talking at men and boys.”
Theorganisationhasfaceduniquechallenges in recent years. Feedback from their Youth
Advisory Group revealed a widespread issue in schools, where lessons on gender equality and respectful relationships are often limited to a single lecture or delivered by teachers disconnected from the content.
Ms Rohwedder said this approach highlights misconceptions about how change occurs.
“Even when we say we want to get men and boys talking, we’ve had pushback that we shouldn’t be hearing from men and boys at all and instead we should just be telling them what to do,” she said.
“But that approach just doesn’t work. We can’t just talk at men and boys, we need to get themtalking.Theongoingconversationiswhat provides an opportunity to generate a moment that shifts their understanding and creates moments for change.”
The most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics personal safety survey found that one in four women in Australia has experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in her lifetime.
“The importance of this figure is not just the staggering number—it’s also the differences in the reactions I get from men and women,” Ms Rohwedder said.
“When I have talked to men, some seem to really question this figure—they just can’t visualise that one in four women have experienced it.
“With women, I get a totally different reaction. There’s an immediate ‘that tracks’ because they have their own personal experiences or know other women who have gone through something. It’s not just the statistics that demonstrate that this work is crucial—it’s the disbelief and stark disparity of experiences between men and women that reinforces that there is still a lot of work to do.”
For those wanting to make a difference, White Ribbon offers a range of resources, from educational toolkits on recognising the signs of violence to training programmes in schools and workplaces.
These initiatives focus on addressing the root causes of violence, particularly gender inequality, to prevent it before it starts.
Ms Rohwedder also stated the importance of starting conversations at home.
“I’d really challenge anyone to go home and talk to the men and boys in their life to get a sense of how they understand violence against women,” she said.
“They may not have a perfect answer, but even that tells you something and gives you a starting point for an ongoing conversation.”
White Ribbon Month is ongoing until December 13. Details: whiteribbon.org.au/ white-ribbon-month/
White Ribbon Australia social policy and advocacy partner Ilana Rohwedder. (Supplied)
Old fashioned but not obsolete
With the rise of AI threatening to put many employees and their professions out of business, Cade Lucas talks to two tradesmen whose jobs are endangered, but not extinct.
When it comes to choosing a career path, some follow their dreams, some follow their parents, some fall into careers by accident, while the vast majority choose occupations based on their education, qualifications, where they live and what they can get.
And then there’s people like Justin Nemeth who one day in 2015 needed to get one of his knives sharpened.
“I couldn’t find anyone and I just thought bugger it, I’ll learn it.”
The 45-year-old was true to his word.
Almost a decade on, Mr Nementh is a professional sharpener, operating his own business, Hone Sharpening, out of a workshop at his home in Bacchus Marsh on Melbourne’s north-western outskirts.
“I sharpen knives, I sharpen scissors, clipper blades, garden tools,” he said reeling a list of tools and utensils he commonly works on.
It’s an explanation that isn’t really necessary given the job of a sharpener is pretty straight forward.
What’s less obvious though is that there are still people like Mr Nemeth who do it for a living.
Afterall, isn’t sharpening one of these professions that a combination of technology and consumer habits have made obsolete?
Surely people who want to sharpen knives, scissors or tools or anything else with a blade can do so at home. Isn’t there a sharpening machine or device you can buy at the supermarket or Bunnings?
And even if there’s not, it must be cheaper to throw out blunt blades and buy new ones?
The answer to all these questions is, of course, yes.
But while the passing of time has made old industrial era professions like sharpening an endangered species, they’re not yet extinct.
Like Mr Nemeth, there are still people slaving away in suburban workshops and backyard sheds, pursuing careers that most of us assumed only existed in museums.
Another of those working against the dying of the industrial light is Steve Phillips, though rather than sharpening metal blades, he fashions them into shape.
Mr Phillips is a blacksmith at Waterside Metal Art Studio in Footscray, though in a sign
that even the most time honoured professions aren’t immune to change, he prefers are more modern title to describe his job.
“I actually refer to myself as a metal smith now because I don’t just work with steel, but with copper, brass, aluminium, titanium, all sorts of metals,” said Mr Phillips, who originally trained as an environmental scientist, but switched to smashing bits of hot metal while travelling in Europe nearly 20 years ago.
“I had some time off and I went to Europe and I did some sculpture and blacksmithing at night school in Antwerp, Belgium.”
Other than a stint at night school 17 years ago, Mr Phillips, like Mr Nemeth, is largely self taught, with no blacksmithing or sharpening apprenticeships available.
“You don’t need to be officially qualified,” said Mr Phillips of being a blacksmith.
“You can do a TAFE course, but it’s not called blacksmithing, it’s a certificate IV in metal fabrication and there’s only one place in Australiathatdoesit.UltimoTAFEinSydney.”
Despite his own lack for training, Mr Phillips also teaches blacksmithing to others, with classes at his Footscray studio accounting for most of his income.
“Corporate team building experiences and normal classes for the general public,” he said of the types of classes he offers.
“You can come and forge all sorts of unique things at the studio.”
Mr Phillips also runs an annual Blacksmithing festival, but when he does have customers,theycanhavehimdoingeverything from fixing a metal fence bent out of shape, to creating a whole new section.
Like Mr Phillips, Mr Nemeth supplements his income elsewhere, working for an NDIS provider and doing landscape photography when not sharpening blades.
But unlike metal or blacksmithing, demand for his work appears more constant.
“I’ve got chefs, I look after the dog grooming industry, hairdressers and barbers, all the horsey people because they clip their horses in winter,” Mr Nemeth said of his regular customers.
He said for people whose work requires sharp tools, paying a bit extra for his services was worth it.
“It’s $10 a knife to get them sharpened through me and you can’t buy a decent knife for $10,” he said, before adding a rather uncharitableassessmentofanyknifepurchased for that amount.
“It’s gonna be, excuse me, a piece of shit,” Mr Nemeth laughed.
While the job of blade sharpening might be old fashioned, the way it’s done in 2024 isn’t, with Mr Nemeth saying the old hand stone method had been consigned to history.
“It’s all machinery now,” he said.
“Much quicker and gives us a similar result.”
What type of machinery though depends on
what’s being sharpened.
“Yourkniveswillbedoneonavariablespeed belt grinder and that runs specialty belts to keep the steel cool,” he said.
“Scissors are done on what’s known as a flat hone, it’s basically a horizontal spinning disc with specialty arms that are fully adjustable to every angle up to 90 degrees. Clipper blades are done on a clipper machine, that’s another horizontal spinning plate that grinds a hollow into the blade.”
According to Mr Phillips, tools used for blacksmithing have also moved with the times.
“A modern day blacksmith is using all sorts of modern tools such as mig welders and grinders which the old worldy blacksmith didn’t have access too,” he said.
As with sharpening though, modern tools might have advanced blacksmithing and made it easier, but the fundamentals of applying heat to metal to make it malleable and then bashing it into shape, remain the same.
“The day to day activities (of a blacksmith) often incorporate techniques that have been aroundforhundredsifnotthousandsofyears,” said Mr Phillips who, now aged 57, estimates he’s got another 15 to 20 years left before hanging up his hammer and tongs for good.
Mr Nemeth wasn’t sure when he’d retire, but had no doubt that when he did, the job of sharpening blades would continue on without him.
“It’ll be here till the end of days.”
Blacksmith Steve Phillips at his Footscray studio. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 444688
Sharpener Justin Nemeth working at his home in Bacchus Marsh. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 443487
MY PLACE
Melton Citizen of the Year Mary-Anne Rovers chats with Faith Macale.
Tell us more about the work that you do in the community.
I approached the council asking if some sort of knitting-crochetgroupcouldbestartedup as part of the learning programmes in Diggers Rest. They included it in their brochure, and it’s still going. I started a Facebook group for the knit and crochet group, but also, we’ve got buy, sell and swap groups and community groups. I’m a co-admin of the buy swap and sell group.
What do you think was the reason you were awarded as Citizen of the Year?
I think the main reason why I was nominated for the citizen of the year was because a cenotaph was built next to the fire station on the reserve area, and it was a joint thing between the primary school and the Diggers Rest Lions. I saw it there, and I wondered if the school was going to do a ceremony or something there. I spoke to the principal, and I said, ‘Look, you’ve got the cenotaph there. Are you going to have ceremonies?’, and said they haven’t thought about it. I said, ‘Would you like to have a Remembrance Day, Anzac Day ceremony there and the school be involved?’ and they came on board. I would do the ceremony and the orders of service and the posters and put them in the community, promote them on the Facebook groups within the community. It’s been growing little by little.
Paint me a picture on the night that you found out you were nominated and won Citizen of the Year.
A friend was considering nominating me for an achievement award. The nomination was drafted, and it was basically acknowledging that I do the ceremonies, but also that I am involved in Anzac and Remembrance Day periods. It said that ‘Even while she was being treated for cancer, she continued to do the work.’ The council invited me to attend the achievement ceremony awards night. It was only on the night that the penny dropped that I was nominated for the big one. That was the last thing that was presented that night and my name was called out. I sat there, hand in front of my mouth. I had to really control myself so that I didn’t cry. As somebody from Diggers Rest, we tend to be the forgotten little edge of the City of Melton, so to have that acknowledgement is really gratifying.
Why is it important to be advocating for your community?
I think the community has a sense of isolation from Melton, because we’re a little satellite part of the city of Melton, out of sight, out of mind. If we don’t jump up and down to see if we can get things done or get better, it doesn’t happen.
Mary-Anne Rovers Melton City’s Citizen of the Year 2025. (Supplied)
Lifeline offers learning
Victoria University student Kay Bajwa recently found herself at the crossroads of an exciting career transition.
With a professional background in economics, business management, and commerce, and more than 27 years of corporate management experience, the 55-year-old decided she wanted something more personally fulfilling, and made the steps to becoming a full-time psychologist.
As part of her placement, Kay has been volunteering at Lifeline Western Melbourne, located at VU’s St Albans Campus, the first Lifeline Crisis Call Centre in the state to operate from a university site.
“Volunteering at Lifeline has been a meaningful step in my transition,” she said.
“Recently, I was selected to be a student mentor, where I’ll be working closely with students training to become Lifeline counsellors. In this role, I help conduct role-plays and provide feedback. Maintaining my Lifeline accreditation requires completing 90 hours annually, and this commitment is invaluable. It’s not just about fulfilling professional obligations; it’s about giving back to a country that has given me countless opportunities to learn and grow.
“The future I envision is a blend of teaching, practising, and working in an organisation— this academic journey makes that vision possible.TheknowledgeandskillsI’mgaining at VU will also enable me to contribute back home to India, where there is a growing demand for mental health professionals.”
The centre is staffed by approximately 20 student volunteers, answering between 200 to 400 calls per month.
Lifeline team leader Natasa Adamovic started her role in mid-2023 and she said the diverse nature of the job ensures her professional life is always interesting.
“I wear a lot of hats, however my favourite part of what I do is mentoring new student volunteers,” she said.
“I find it extremely rewarding to be a part of someone’s Lifeline journey and watch them become more confident on the helpline and cultivate self-belief within themselves.
“I’m always learning from our staff. Building relationships with my volunteers and watching them grow through the Crisis support workplace training program gives
me a great sense of pride and admiration.
“It’s a real privilege to talk to so many people and play an intricate part in their journey.”
The centre provides real-world placements and opportunities for VU students to train as Lifeline crisis-support volunteers.
This provides valuable experience to students studying youth work, psychology, counselling, community services and social work.
Iconic Lions cakes return
Lions Christmas cakes are back, just in time for the lead-up to Christmas.
Lions Christmas cakes and puddings aresoldbylocalsforlocals.They’restaples of Australian Christmas time with their excellent taste, thanks to their quality, natural ingredients list, containing over 50 per cent fruit.
All the funds received from purchases of the cakes and puddings are redirected to Lions Clubs and their initiatives Australia-wide, from the city to the regions.
The past several years have been extremely tough for regional communities, with a tumultuous global pandemic and devastating natural disasters.
As most of the country heads into bushfire season again, proceeds from Lions Christmas cakes and puddings are vital to funding emergency and disaster relief and assisting locals with recovering from bushfires.
Lions Australia chief executive Rob Oerlemans said the proceeds go to really important causes.
“In the past 60 years, we’ve come a long way from selling our first pound cake. Today, our Lions Christmas cakes and puddings remain proudly Australian-made, and their impact on communities nationwide is immeasurable,” he said.
This year, new gluten-free versions are also being produced and sold.
For more information visit https:// lionsclubs.org.au/get-involved/ fundraising/lions-mints-cakes/.
Victoria University student Kay Bajwa. (Supplied)
Melton enjoys a colourful weekend
Melton celebrated this year’s Djerriwarrh Festival with a bang, on Saturday, November 23.
Thisyear’sDjerriwarrhFestivalwasanother hit with crowds braving the heat to enjoy the day’s activities.
The Dejerriwarrh Festival became a one-stop-shop for all things fun, showcasing many activities like live music, street parade, food trucks, market village, intercultural stage, pet expo, sustainability lane, emergency services display, kids zone, and fireworks.
About 12,000 people enjoyed the live entertainment into the evening with The Superjesus putting on a phenomenal performance and Bachelor Girl proving a crowd favourite.
Familiesenjoyedtheridesandentertainment at the carnival well into the night, and an impressive fireworks display capped off another amazing year of the festival.
Children enjoying story time with fairies in the kids zone.
Parade-goers wave the Aboriginal flag.
The live stage was a hit with festival-goers.
Left: Fireworks capped the night at the Djerriwarrh Festival. Centre: A fiery performance. Right: Emergency services took part in the the parade. (Pictures: Supplied)
Melton celebrated Djerriwarrh Festival with a bang.
Fev is excited to be back playing
By Tara Murray
Former AFL star full forward Brendan Fevola said he can’t wait to take to the field for East Sunbury in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.
Fevola stunned local footy pundits when he announced on his radio show, Fifi, Fev and Nick that he would be playing for the Thunder next year.
Having declared he had retired from football many times before, the latest retirement didn’t last long.
It has since been announced that Fevola had signed on for a second season.
Fevola said he hadn’t been that excited to take to the footy field in a long time.
“Floated it with my wife and she said six months ago I would have said no, you’re stupid,” he told Star Weekly.
“I was a bit heavier and I’ve lost a fair bit of weight and I was on a diet. She said this would be so good for you and I’m excited.
“My kids who probably didn’t watch my last grandfinalIplayedin,they’veseenitallbefore, they’re like can we come and watch.
“My five-year-old Tobi, who hates that she hasneverseenmeplayfooty,alwayssaysIwant to see you playing footy.
“She’s pumped. I’m really excited and I don’t think I’ve been that excited for a long time.“
After being approached about playing for East Sunbury, Fevola said he took to Google to find out a bit about the club.
He said what excited him was helping a club that had been struggling and get them back on track.
BUSINESS PROFILE
Fevola said he had met several of his new teammates, while a few mates who he had played footy with over the journey were also joining the Thunder.
“Some really good footballers that are
Fevola said he was hoping to see some more big crowds at John McMahon Reserve as well, with his co-stars keen to watch him in action as well.
“A lot of people have been messaging me on Instagram and a lot of people around Sunbury and East Sunbury are saying they can’t wait to watch,” he said.
“Thebuzzisreal,hopefullywe can perform. We are expecting to go pretty well. We brought a bit to Sunbury with Fifi, Fev and Nick, the people were great.
“I think Fifi and Nick team will come out as well,maybeforthefirstgame,thatwillbehuge.
Fevola said he was hoping to kick a few goals for the Thunder but would look to have an impact either way.
“I’m not there to do nothing and if I don’t get a kick I’ll do something stupid.”
Fevola said he signed on for a couple of years to help build a winning culture around the club, and that it can’t just be done in one year.
While pre-season gets underway this month, Fevola said he would hit the track early next year to make sure he’s right for the season. It’s not just on field he wants to have an impact.
coming across, we’re going to be a competitive side.”
Last time Fevola was in Sunbury was for the Fifi, Fev and Nick’s Brekky in the Burbs show which attracted a big crowd at Club Sunbury.
“Hopefully we should get some big crowds,” hesaid.“I’llgettothekidstrainingandAuskick and try and do a fair bit of stuff.
“I’ll get there to training on a Thursday, the juniors train a bit earlier and I’ll come down early and it should be good.”
Compassionate care for seniors and NDIS participants
Nurse Next Door is proud to bring professional and compassionate care to Melbourne’s western suburbs, supporting clients with disabilitiesandseniorswithpersonalisedhome care services.
With three dedicated franchises — Melbourne West led by Garvita Patel (RN), Werribee led by Eugene Martin and Shalini George (RN), and Sunbury led by Amandeep Kaur (RN) — Nurse Next Door combines clinical expertise with a genuine commitment to making lives better.
For NDIS clients, Nurse Next Door provides a wide range of services tailored to individual needs, including personal care, support with daily activities, and specialised nursing care. The goal is to empower individuals with disabilities to live confidently and independently, with care that is as flexible as it is reliable.
For aged care clients, Nurse Next Door is proud to be approved Home Care Package (HCP) providers, offering some of the lowest fees in the market. This means seniors can
maximise their funding to receive high-quality services that allow them to remain in the comfort of their own homes. From personal care to complex nursing needs, care is designed tomeeteveryrequirementwithprofessionalism and compassion.
At Nurse Next Door, every care journey begins with a free, two-hour, non-obligatory Caring Consult conducted by a registered nurse.
This consult ensures that every aspect of the client’s needs is carefully assessed, allowing us
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Whether it’s NDIS or aged care, our team is committed to providing the highest level of support to clients of all ages.
If you or your loved ones need reliable, compassionate care in Melbourne’s west, contact us on 1300 600 247 to learn more about how we can help.
Because care isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.
Brendan Fevola. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) Inset: Brendan Fevola (left) when he was in Sunbury with the Fifi, Fev and Nick show. (Supplied)
West bus wish knocked back
By Gerald Lynch
After having his free bus proposal blocked in state Parliament, Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank is vowing to continue a fight for better buses in the west.
The Braybrook based, Legalise Cannabis MP, called for a 12-month trial of free buses to ease cost of living pressures coupled with the bus route review.
“Unfortunately, the government and opposition shot down this sensible proposal, with the Liberals arguing that there’s no such thing as ‘free’ yet all Victorian MPs get free public transport for life – this is hypocrisy,” Mr Ettershank said.
“If Queensland can introduce 50 cents
public transport fares for all trips, why can’t Victoria have free buses?
“In the western suburbs, studies have found a $100 million investment could deliver a frequent bus service to more than one million people for a year – what a great investment. I will continue to fight for a fair go for everyone in the west.”
Mr Ettershank said a review of the path buses travel hadn’t taken place for more than a decade, and in that time new suburbs such as Mount Atkinson had been established which have limited public transport.
“In Mount Atkinson, your choice is a 40-minute walk to the bus stop along unsealed pavements and through paddocks
or 75-minute walk to the Rockbank Station, that is atrocious,” he said.
“We have far too many people in Melbourne’s west who do not have access to decent buses and that needs to change. Put simply it should be no more than 15 minutes to walk to your bus stop, and no more than 15 minutes to wait for a bus.
“Access to public transport is a critical factor to many people, particularly in outer suburbs where cost of living pressures are huge. Typically, we see houses with three to four cars simply because people can’t access public transport.
“No one wants to sit on a bus for an hour that takes you to a place you could drive to in 10 minutes, these need to be rerouted.
Werribee Cup entertainment boost
Nextmonth’sWerribeeCuphasreceivedacash injection from the state government.
Racing Minister Anthony Carbines visited Werribee Racecourse on Wedneasday, November 20, to announce the state government would provide $20,000 for trackside entertainment at the race day on December 8.
The forecasted 5000 racegoers are set to enjoy a range of activities, including live music, fashions on the field and children’s entertainment such as face painting and a mobile play centre.
A free shuttle bus service will run from Werribee’s city centre to the racecourse so that patrons can get safely to and from the track, according to the state government.
The Werribee Racing Club will contribute more than $90,000 towards the race day, while Country Racing Victoria will provide $8000.
Werribee Racing Club chairman Bob Jarvis said the club is “lifting the standard of offering for patrons attending the Werribee Cup”.
“Running the cup isn’t all that easy, frankly, and the contributions are just so important to us,” he said. “Without it, we would be in trouble.”
MrCarbrinesracingeventsliketheWerribee Cup. bring the community together and support local jobs and the economy.
“We’re giving people and families, who are at the time, a bit under the pump, a little bit more when they come along,” he said.
“It’s not just the racing, it’s an event for the day.”
Tarneit MPDylanWightsaidhewaslooking forward to race day.
“I look forward to seeing the entertainment come alive at this year’s cup and I hope everyone has a fantastic time on and off the track,” he said.
“Our inefficient and unreliable public transport entrenches social disadvantage and isolation, increases cost of living pressures and generates more traffic congestion on our roads and pollution.”
A state government spokesperson said the government was committed to improving the delivery of bus services.
“We offer a range of generous concessions, including two-hour and daily capped fares, student concessions and our Early Bird initiative for free train travel if you touch off before 7.15am,” the spokesperson said.
“We are giving communities across Melbourne better access to buses - delivering more than $550 million in new and improved bus services across the state since 2014.”
WFNL up for caring award
When Jordan Dalliston stepped into Western Football Netball League’s (WFNL) netball operations co-ordinator role, she knew a goal she wanted to achieve, and that was to provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ members to play the sport they love.
Almost a year later, her efforts came to fruition as the WFNL was announced as a finalists at the 2024 Netball Victoria CommunityAwardsforInclusiveNetball Community award.
“In the last year, inclusivity has been a big focus of mine, because foremost, I care about participation in our league,” Dalliston said.
“At the start of the year, I had one club ask me to have a trans player play, and I told them that I was all about that.
“I was happy for everyone to be included.”
Dallistonsaidnetballisabouteveryone, no matter what a player’s background is, or what gender they identify with.
“It’s not about what you identify as or how people view you or if it’s a sensitive subject, I wanted to be above that.
“I wanted to show to our clubs that we care about everyone, that we shouldn’t be turning players away, that growth is important to us.”
Dalliston said that one girl came to her and said she couldn’t be happier for WFNL.
“That’s really important,” she said. “It lets me know that I’m on the right track and that people do feel safe to come here on a Friday night and play.”
According to the state government, the racing industry in Victoria generates $4.7
The Werribee Cup is one of the highlights of the region’s calendar and a popular destination for end-of-year functions.
Faith Macale
Jaidyn Kennedy
Werribee Racing Club general manager Adam Wilkinson, Racing Minister Anthony Carbines, Tarneit MP Dylan Wight and Werribee Racing Club chairman Bob Jarvis. (Jaidyn Kennedy) 445072_01
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Christmas canapes
Practise making a variety of sweet and savoury nibbles, perfect for the festive season, in Melton South Community Centre’s upcoming Christmas canapes class. Learn how to dazzle loved ones and guests with an array of tasty treats made with accessible ingredients and methods. Everything is provided. Cost: $65/$60 concession.
9747 8576
Over-50s Sunday games
Life Activities Club Victoria is running a games and cards afternoon every Sunday from 2-4pm at Kurunjang Community Hub, 35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. A newly-created friendly group which enjoys sharing a laugh and making new friends. Everyone is welcome because “life is better together”.
Deb, 9614 3017, or office@life.org.au
Darley Neighbourhood House
The Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre is at 33-35 Jonathan Drive, Darley. It offers free and low cost activities for all. There is a monthly repair cafe, a community pantry, a fortnightly chatty cafe and venue hire is available.
www.bit.ly/DNHnow or 5367 4390
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at The Club in Caroline Springs, with meals available to purchase. The branch also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004 or lesley1.collins@outlook.com
Zonta club
Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Meetings include guest speakers.
Janet, 0421 080 923, or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au
Melton Over-50s Social Group
Join a friendly group of people aged over 50 who enjoy each other’s company while attending events such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you.
Marlene, 0498 329 290
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
Christmas workshops
Choose from a range of fun Christmas workshops at Melton South Community Centre this festive season. Learn to make sweet and savoury treats, floral arrangements and handmade Christmas cards. At 41 Exford Road, Melton South.
meltonsouth.org.au or 9747 8576
Community band
The Greater Western Community Band meets Thursdays from 7.30 – 9.30pm. Rehearsal venue is the Bridge Road Community Centre, Strathtulloh (Melton South). The band is available for events. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are always welcome.
Sally Hamond, 0401474582
Melton Valley Ladies Probus
Meets from 10am on the second Tuesday of each month at Melton Country Club on Reserve Road, Melton. All visitors are welcome.
Ann, 0425 705 150
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
Cancer Support Group
MelMarsh Prostate Cancer Support Group is for prostate cancer patients and their carers and meets on the first Thursday of
the month, from 12.30-2pm, at Melton South Community Centre. Attendees are encouraged as members share their journeys through what could be a very traumatic time of their lives. Explanations of medical terminology used in the treatment of this cancer are given in this group.
Grenville, 0412 741 865
Chatty Cafe Melton
Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton.
https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331
Women’s Support Group
Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help
https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42
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
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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Wyndham resident and AFL Pakistan Men’s and Women’s coach Michael Gallus. (Damjan Janveski) 445430_01
Giddy-up for heavy horse display
The National Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival is returning to Werribee South on January 18-19.
More than your typical equestrian escapade, the public will be treated to Australia’s largest display of heavy horse breeds.
Among the gentle gee-gee giants will be Clydedales, Shires, Percherons, Drum Horses, Gypsys Cobs, Haflingers, Highland Ponies, Friesians and Fjords.
‘Hands on’ interactions with horses, a photo scavenger hunt, show ring activities and the chance to sit in a horse-drawn vehicle will be just some of the ways to have fun.
There will be educational workshops such as led stud heavy breeds, heavy harness, working draft, long reining/obstacle course, ridden heavy horse and rider classes.
Equine experts from across the world will be attending to judge the best talent, among the names will be Terry Edge from Scotland, Colin Brown from NSW, as well as Elsa Avery and Kellie Hamblin from closer to home.
Fancy dress and flair will not go unappreciated, as dragons, elephants, circus clowns, Spanish ladies and a Christmas tree have stolen the show in past years.
The festival is not all fun and games, but an
important way to raise public awareness for conservation.
Many of these breeds have found themselves on the World’s Rarest Animal list and are either endangered, almost extinct or severely challenged – not least of which the Clydesdale.
With no entry fee for children under-16 and the free Kids Korner, youngsters will be sure to make priceless memories.
The National Equestrian Centre is on K Road Werribee South the event will kick off at 8.30am on Saturday, January 18, and 9am on Sunday, January 19.
Jaidyn Kennedy
Foamy entertainment at fun run
The much-anticipated 5K Foam Fest fun run is back and kicking off on Saturday, November 30, in Myrniong.
The 5K Foam Fest is set to be bigger and better, with 25 of the most exciting obstacles, including the world’s largest inflatable waterslide, slip-and-slides, mucky mud pits, and the all-new Corkscrew.
Shakespeare will be performed in Footscray with a Christmas twist next month.
The Macbeths is an intimate and tense reimagining of Shakespeare’s original text abridged to just the titular couple.
Set at Christmas, a woman anxiously waits for news of her husband fighting in a bloody civil war. When she receives news that he’s returning home a war hero and supernatural providence has declared he will be king a deadly plan is setinmotionthatwillunitethemandrip them apart.
Starring real life couple and theatre makers Cassandra Hart and Robert Lloyd, The Macbeths is the latest in a series alternative Shakespearan plays the pair have appeared in, including Shakespeare Aliens, Shakespeare Ghostbusters and William Shakespeare’s Reservoir Dogs.
Co-directed by Sharmini Kumar of 24 Carrot Productions and Darby Turnbull of Misfit Toys, The Macbeths will be performed at Footscray’s Bluestone Church from December 11 to 14.
“The Macbeths is our first presentation of a classical text and we’re very excited for our audience to experience the resonance of the pairs character arcs and connectwiththeirdesires,ambitionsand sorrows that are deeply relatable to this day,” said Ms Turnbull of the production which will be performed by (flameless, LED) candlelight.
Compared to a traditional race-to-the-finish run, couples, groups, team builders and families of all ages can enjoy the ‘fun run’ as it’s suitable for all skill levels – from runner to walker.
The5KFoamFestisalsoapivotalfundraising event for long-term partner Make-A-Wish
The obstacles are combined with 2.5 million cubic feet of foam pumped into the course throughout the event.
Foundation. Make-A-Wish receives all money raised through participant fundraising.
Over the past 15 years, 5K Foam Fest have raisedmorethan$5millionforcharitypartners, including $100,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation last year.
The5KFoamFestwillbeheldatSt.Anne’s,64 Garrards Lane, Myrniong. Detials: 5kfoamfest. com/australia/locations/melbourne/
Artist has painting and poetry in city show
St Alban’s Saidin Salkic will soon shine alongside a host of public figures, including South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas and Socceroos legend Archie Thompson in a unique AMES event highlighting refugees.
A filmmaker and artist, Mr Salkic will show off a painting of his as well as recite a poem about life as a refugee.
He said after many exhibitions throughout the local area, he is excited to represent the area on a larger scale.
The event is celebrating the annual launch of AMES’ publication ‘Heartlands - at the heart of our identity.
Migrant and refugee communities across the west are invited to view a range of cultural and artistic pieces, as all contributors’ work is collated into a book.
As a contributor, Mr Salkic is extremely proud to be involved.
“I’m exhibiting a fantastic print of my digital painting called Strawberry lovers base, and I will be reading a poem that I wrote, and my story will be part of the publication,” he said.
For those who can’t travel to the city, Mr Salkic urges them to view his permanent art installation in Sunshine at the RT Pollard Gardens.
He said his project ‘Brimbank Poles’ was created with students of Sunshine Primary School and is a hidden gem in Sunshine.
The Heartlands event takes place on Tuesday, December 3 from 4pm to 6pm.
It will take place at Clayton Utz, on Level 18 of 333 Collins Street.
ShesaidsettingthetheplayatChristmas wouldprovideamorbidalternativetothe traditional entertainment on offer at that time of the year.
“What’s Christmas without a little marital strife, murder, grief and madness!”
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1290434
Cade Lucas
Saidin Salkic with some his art work ‘The Observation’. (Damjan Janevski) 443424_01
The Macbeths co-director Darby Turnbull, outside the Bluestone Church in Footscray where the play will be performed next month. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 438183_01
The 5K Foam Fest kicks off at Myrniong on Saturday, November 30. (Supplied)
Bill Jackson on a horse-drawn cart.
(Kathryn Potempski)
PROPOSED DISCONTINUANCE AND TRANSFER TO COUNCIL OF ROAD AT 137235 SINCLAIRS ROAD DEANSIDE VICTORIA
PUBLIC NOTICE INVITING SUBMISSIONS UNDER SECTION 223
Melton City Council (“Council”), gives notice under section 206 and clause 3 of Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 1989 (“the Act”) that Council proposes to discontinue and transfer to itself part of the road at 137-235 Sinclairs Road, Deanside Victoria, and being part of the land in certificate of title volume 11208 folio 537 and along with part of the hiatus land adjoining its eastern boundary shown enclosed by continuous thick lines and hatched on the plan below.
Further information regarding the proposal can be obtained from Sian Rainford, on 9747 5764.
Any person
address: The Chief Executive Officer City of Melton PO Box 21 Melton Victoria 3337
All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act. No further community consultation process will be undertaken.
Any person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or to be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting to be heard in support of that submission.
Any person requesting to appear in person or to be represented by a person specified in his or her submission will be notified of the day, time and place of the meeting of the Council or of a committee determined by the Council to hear submissions.
Following consideration of submissions, Council may resolve not to discontinue the road or to discontinue the road and either sell the land from that road or retain the land.
ROSLYN WAI Chief Executive Officer
PROPOSED DECLARATION OF PUBLIC HIGHWAY
PUBLIC NOTICE INVITING SUBMISSIONS UNDER SECTION 223
Melton City Council (“Council”), pursuant to section 204(1) of the Local Government Act 1989 (“Act”) proposes to declare part of the road at 137-235 Sinclairs Road, Deanside Victoria and being part of the land contained in certificate of title volume 11208 folio 537 and part of the hiatus land adjoining its eastern boundary shown enclosed by continuous thick lines and hatched on the plan below, being a road in Council’s municipal district, to be a public highway for the purposes of the Act (“the proposal”).
Further information regarding the proposal can be obtained from Sian Rainford, on 9747 5764.
Any person may make a submission on the proposal. Any person wishing to make a submission must do so in writing by 25 November 2024.
Any person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or to be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting to be heard in support of that submission.
All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act.
Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, and can be hand delivered to Council’s Office at 232 High Street, Melton Victoria 3337 or posted to the following address:
The Chief Executive Officer City of Melton PO Box 21 Melton Victoria 3337
Any person requesting to appear in person or to be represented by a person specified in his or her submission will be notified of the day, time and place of the meeting of the Council or of a committee determined by the Council to hear submissions.
Following consideration of submissions, Council may resolve to declare the road to be a public highway or not to declare the road to be a public highway.
Roslyn Wai Chief
DECLARATION
Fire Danger Period
The Chief Officer of CFA will be introducing the Fire Danger Period for all land within the municipalities listed below.
The Fire Danger Period will commence at 0100 hours on the date shown and unless varied by a subsequent declaration, will end at 0100 hours on
MunicipalityDate of Commencement
City of Greater Geelong 25/11/2024
Borough of Queenscliffe25/11/2024
Surf Coast Shire25/11/2024
Golden Plains Shire25/11/2024
Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Danger Period.
Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal FirePrevention Officer.
Jason Heffernan Chief Officer, CFA
1 December 2024. 8am-2pmSaturday. 9am-2pmSunday. Furniture,exercisebike, paintings,cookware, gardentools,television, vacuumcleanerand much,muchmore. Comeandfind abargain!
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every
ACROSS
1 Unfathomable (7)
5 Reprieve (7)
9 Most pungent (9)
10 Facetious (5)
11 The capital of Spain (6)
12 Former US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood – (8)
14 Hate (6)
15 Monarch (4)
19 Musical instrument (4)
20 Leader of the X-men (6)
24 Self-government (8)
25 Bottle for the table (6)
27 Belonging to them (5)
28 From Oslo, eg (9)
29 Broadcast, transmitted (7)
30 Ways (7)
DOWN
1 Undertake (6)
2 Surrenders (6)
3 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)
4 Ogle (4)
5 Alluring (10)
6 One who goes naked (6)
7 Relating to lines on a weather map (8)
8 Large logs traditionally burnt at Christmas time (4,4)
13 Looked again (10)
16 Of no consequence (2,6)
17 City in Québec (8)
18 Deteriorating (8)
21 Liveliness (6)
22 Gambling house (6)
23 Game played on a court (6)
26 Stiffly neat (4)
1 Which US comedian wrote the 2000 novella Shopgirl? 2 True or false: the Venus de Milo was carved with no arms? 3 The Mekong River runs through how many countries? 4 Who was named CEO of Apple after Steve Jobs resigned from the position?
5 What does P.S. stand for?
6 Jenny Shipley was the 36th prime minister of
7 What class of animal is a dugong?
8 Rose Byrne (pictured) played Ellen Parsons in which US legal mystery series?
9 Lent is to Easter as Advent is to what other holiday? 10 Name The Cranberries’ 1993 debut album.
No. 214
No. 213
RATINGS
Looks: 7/10
Performance: 6/10
Safety: 6/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 7.5/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Overall: 6.8/10
Hybrid MG3 drives tiny car value
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
The MG3 is a light hatch and the smallest model offered by the company.
It’s a car built very much to a price, targeted at first time drivers and those who haven’t got much to spend.
Although the latest model scores the same disappointing three stars for safety as its predecessor, ANCAP which tests the cars reveals it narrowly missed out on a four-star result and its comments are encouraging.
With a little work perhaps, the company may be able to turn the result around (although the whole safety thing seems to be lost on buyers looking for a bargain).
Styling
The new MG3 is edgier and sharper-looking than its predecessor.
As always it is difficult to nail down the grades and prices of cars offered.
MG3 now comes with a standard petrol engineandnowalsoasamoredesirablehybrid.
There are two grades, Excite and Essence, priced from $23,990 and $25,990 respectively. Excite + (Hybrid) is $27,990 and Essence + (Hybrid) is $29,990.
Driveaway pricing varies from state to state.
Our test vehicle is the MG3 Essence with a standard petrol- engine, paired with a CVT-style continuously variable auto.
Standard equipment includes cloth trim and single-zone air conditioning, with rear air vents, manual-adjust seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, auto halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, electric auto fold side mirrors and follow me home lights.
Essence adds a sunroof, LED headlights, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, leather steeringwheel,combinationclothandartificial leather trim and a front centre armrest.
On a more positive note MGS is covered by an industry leading 10-year, 250,000km warranty.
Infotainment
Infotainment consists of a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth with limited voice
control, AM/FM radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker audio.
Stepping up to the Essence adds DAB+ digital radio and satellite navigation.
There’saUSB-AandUSB-Cportinthefront, alongwitha12-voltoutlet,plusanotherUSB-A port in the back and another USB-A port located near the rear vision mirror, presumably for powering dash cams and the like.
Safety
And now for the big one, safety.
The previous model now in runout remains unrated for safety.
Reading between the lines MG put in some hard yards to lift the safety reputation of the MG3, but it still gets a miserable three stars from ANCAP.
Six airbags and a reverse camera are standard.
Also standard is Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Junction Assist) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), are standard, together with traffic jam assist, steering, acceleration, braking assistance, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
An advanced speed assistance system (SAS) with speed sign recognition is also standard.
Essence ups the ante with a 360 degree surround-view camera system.
Engines/transmissions
A revised 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol- engine produces 81kW at 6000 rpm of power and 142Nm at 4500 rpm, slightly down on the previous model which offered 82kW and 150Nm.
In comparison the Hybrid delivers a combined 155kW and 425Nm which is, quite frankly, amazing.
The engine in our test vehicle is hooked up to a CVT-style auto, with drive to the front wheels.
It replaces a four-speed auto - allegedly.
Driving
When the MG3 was released a couple of years ago, it was difficult to get a drive in one.
Word had it the company was trying to keep itawayfromthemediaandthefewreviewsthat did emerge were far from flattering.
Safety was an issue.
Fast forward and the company says the new model has been completely redesigned, with a newplatform,newinteriorandexteriordesign, superior performance and improved fuel economy.
Our time had come.
MG3 remains a small hatch and as such rear legroom and boot space are obviously limited, but at least rear seat passengers get air outlets.
The seats are reasonably comfortable, but the steering wheel lacks reach adjustment so finding the ideal driving position could be a chore.
The touchscreen and instrument panels have been replaced with more responsive, free-standing units.
However, their operation could be more intuitive, and it took us some time to work out to activate cruise control (it’s the little steering wheel icon on the steering wheel).
Driving the car for the first time, it is impressively quiet inside, making conversation easy.
Our phone took a couple of goes to hook up,
but after that it was reconnected without any dramas.
Although it comes with CarPlay and AndroidAuto,bothrequireacableandwireless charging is conspicuously absent.
Voice activation is also limited to apps, or so the message said, and the built in navigation in Essence would not respond to commands. With a 45-litre tank, fuel consumption is rated at 6.0L/100km and it takes standard unleaded.
CO2 emissions are a claimed 139 g/km.
Performanceisinaword…underwhelming. It’sokayonceitisupandrunning,andnolonger under any kind of stress. But acceleration is a challenge, with little assistance from the CVT whichfeelsandactslikeafour-speedauto-and overtaking is a no, no.
Two drive modes are offered, Normal and Eco, accessed by flicking the transmission lever left or right.
In Eco mode, however, one can change gears manually, by pushing backwards or forwards, with eight steps or gears from which to choose. This is the only mode that brings any joy to the act of driving this car.
TheMG3instandardpetrolguiseatleastwill appeal only to someone who has no previous experience of driving.
It’s okay for getting from A to B, but we’d hate to see what it goes like with four people aboard - pretty slowly at a guess.
On the upside, ride and handling are okay. There’s plenty of body roll in corners, but unlikesomecarswe’vedriven,theMG3doesn’t get out of shape.
It doesn’t use much fuel. We were getting a long-term average of 7.6L/100km and short-term average of 6.7L/100km.
A space saver spare is provided in the event of a flat tyre.
Summing up
Looking forward to driving the hybrid version. Sure, it’s $4000 more, but it sounds like the extra power could transform this car. We’d suggest dropping the petrol-model altogether and lowering the price of the hybrid. Those interested should also check out the Suzuki Swift which is available for around the same price with a hybrid.
The new MG3 is edgier and sharper-looking than its predecessor. (Pictures: Supplied)
Weather presents a different challenge
Temperatures were in the mid-30s on Saturday as the latest round of weekend sport got underway. Many junior competitions were cancelled as were several bowls matches. There was still plenty of action and Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was in the thick of the action.
Left: Tullamarine’s batters wait to bat. (445372_05) Centre: Greenvale’s Benjamin Cliff. (445369_01) Right: Sunbury United’s Senura Perera. (445374_04)
Footscray United’s Frank Hoang. (445370_05)
Club Sunbury’s Mark Cowan. (445373_01)
Above: Nirmana Fernando takes a wicket for the Greenvale Kangaroos. (445369_06)
Gisborne’s Matthew Barake. (445374_06)
Sunbury celebrates a wicket. (445372_09)
PEGS’ Samitha Milinda Sepala. (445370_01)
Club Sunbury’s Glenn Davies. (445373_02)
Burnside Springs United keen for a turnaround
Burnside Springs United is hoping to kick start its season in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield.
It’s been a tough start for Burnside which is hoping to make it into a second straight final series.
Between the weather and a byes and side has completed just one match and sits bottom of the table.
Coach Cass Elorza said it had been a tough start to the season.
“We’ve lost a couple of games,” he said. “Round one we played half a game and even though we were five down overnight we were in a good spot to win.
“Against Donnybrook we had a bit of a batting collapse. We’ve started off this game strongly in tough conditions.
“We are still building and feel we have a good shot this week.”
Burnside is midway through its match with Jacana.
Not surprisingly the Jaguars decided to bat
in hot conditions. They were bowled out for 172 in the 74th over.
Elorza said they were happy with that total.
“It was a really flat track and at one point we were looking at chasing 200-plus,” he said. “We did a good job to peg them back to 170.
It’ll be a good challenge for us and hopefully the weather holds off.”
Shohan Rangika took four wickets for Burnside, while Ishan Perera and Mathew Sanders took two wickets each.
Burnside will resume at 1-1 after Oscar Hodgetts went out for a duck.
Elorza said after the slow start to the season a win is crucial in getting their season back on track.
“With byes as well we have to compete against them,” he said. “Every game counts for us.
“We have our second bye in the last round. We need to get to work and hopefully be in a good spot to push into that top four.”
While Burnside is focused on next week, it will be a big milestone for the club the following week when they finally get to play at home after works on the ground.
“It will be the first time in more than five years we can have two teams playing at the same time,” Elorza said.
Elorza said off field things were going really well for the club with big numbers meaning they’ve had to put a sixth team in.
Elsewhere, there are no scores available for Melton Centrals and Barkly St Uniting.
In senior division, Sydenham Hillside is in control against Sunshine United, 0-55 in reply to 152.
Anthony Alleyne took four wickets for the Storm.
In the Roy Picone Shield, Caroline Springs made 9-254 against Moonee Valley, while in the Evans-Clark Shield, Melton South Royals are 3-48 in reply to Laverton’s 111.
Grego is living the dream
By Tara Murray
Western Jet co-captain Lucca Grego had a feeling he was headed to West Coast in the AFL draft.
While Grego hadn’t been told the Eagles were going to pick him, the Eagles pick 48 was onethathewatchedwithinterestonThursday.
That anticipation quickly turned into excitement as Grego’s name was called out.
“Ihadalittlebitofafeelingandmymanager let me know to be ready around the West Coast picks and see what happens,“ he said.
“I had a little inkling, had a little feeling that West Coast was going to pick me up. I had friends and family around and watching the tv anxiously as well, like me.
“It was awesome to have their support there with me. The lady that was reading out the names didn’t actually get to finish my full name and they jumped on me.
“It was electric, that was the way to describe it.”
Grego said the following day that it was still settling in that he was an AFL player.
While many teenagers are hesitant to make the move from Melbourne to Perth, Grego said he was excited for the opportunity.
He isn’t new to moving, having lived in Queensland before coming down to Victoria, while has plenty of others in use family who have gone through the same experience.
“I feel unreal, I prefer to go interstate,” he said. “I’m very glad I got the opportunity to go interstate.
“Both my parents moved out to play their sports at a young age and I’m excited to travel to West Coast and be around the boys at West Coast.
“It’s a young team that looks like it will be thriving in a couple of years. I’m really excited and keen.”
Grego came from a rugby background and played for Victoria in under-12s before concentrating on football.
He moved his football out to Bacchus Marsh where he now lives. He was at the Cobras until this year, when he decided to join Essendon District Football League premier side, Keilor. Grego was one of two Bacchus Marsh boys taken in the draft, with Sam Lalor going to Richmond at pick one.
“I was super rapt for him,” he said. “He has worked super hard the past three years, bit unfortunate this year with injury, super rapt to hear his name called out.”
Another former Bacchus Marsh player Liam Duggan, is one of Grego’s new captains at the Eagles.
Grego said he’d heard from Duggan and was super keen to go over and see him again. The new Eagle doesn’t have long to let
things settle in as he makes the move to Perth on Sunday.
Grego said he wouldn’t have it any other way. “A lot of excitement, a lot of nerves,” he said of what he’s expecting. “I’m ready to meet a lot of the boys and get stuck into the pre-season
Jets captain is now a Cat
It was a good night for the Western Jets captains with Keighton Matofai-Forbes joining Lucca Grego on being drafted on Thursday.
Matofai-Forbes had to wait late in the draft to hear his name called out with Geelong picking him at pick 69. He started his career with Burnside Heights before playing most of his junior football with Hillside.
Matofai-Forbes joined Keilor last season and has played 11 games for the club.
The Cats said he is a powerful player with great foot skills, a booming left foot and has leadership qualities.
Across seven games for the Western Jets in 2024, Matofai-Forbes kicked 11 goals and averaged close to 12 disposals per game in the Coates Talent League.
Geelong recruiting manager Stephen Wells said the club was happy with its picks in the draft, including Matofai-Forbes
“As each of our selections came, it presented us with a great opportunity to draft four different types of players that we thought would be a great fit for our football club,” he said.
“In the end we were able to pick four players who we think deserve an opportunity at AFL level, and we will get to work with right away to develop them and integrate them into our football program.”
Having experienced his joy of being drafted, Grego said it was pretty excited toseehisco-captainherehisnamecalled out later that night.
“When I head his name, it was like I got drafted again,” he said.
“Keightontobedraftedoutofthesame team is so exciting. He has done so much work in the past three years and had an injury-riddled season this year.
“To see his hard work and dedication pay off, I was super happy for him and have a smile from ear to ear.”
Tara Murray
and hopefully have a big year.”
Grego said the focus for him was to develop himself, have the team win and do whatever the team needs.
He said he was keen to play round one. “I’m there to get the best out of myself and the best out of my teammates.”
Lucca Grego. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 410527_23
Keighton Matofai-Forbes (third from left) is a Geelong player. (Supplied)
Tara Murray Mathew Sanders (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Aldebaran Vera is heading to the Inter Dominion
Aldebaran Vera rounded off her Inter Dominion preparation completing back to back wins at Melton in the APG Mares Trotters Free For All on Saturday night.
Jason Lee opted to leave the one out one back trail on Aldebaran Vera with a lap to travel and the favourite surged to the lead and was never headed thereafter holding a three metre margin on the line from Shes Ruby Roo in a mile rate of 1:55.2.
After the race Lee was buoyed by the mare’s racing demeanour.
“She was good, she did what she had to and her manners were even better tonight so Glen’s Craven) done a good job and he said she was really good last start- she was nice and relaxed tonight and went when she had to,” Lee said. Lee believes the Margaret Lee prepared Aldebaran Vera’s feature race record should read better than it does.
“She has been pretty good since day one
and she should have probably won a couple of Group 1 races as a two-year-old, one night I mucked up and got a wheel and a couple of other times she was a bit green and didn’t really know what she was doing,” he said.
“She has raced at the highest level all the way through and we’ve always had a really high opinion of her, she’s had so much ability that we have persevered with her and she is one of mum’s favorites so she will be really happy.”
Earlier in the night the Emma Stewart trained mare Sweet Bella provided Ryan Duffy with his first win for the state’s leading stable when she took out the Renown Silverware Mares Free For All.
Duffy pressed forward at the start taking Sweet Bella to the lead inside the first 400 metres of the race while the $1.50 favorite Rakero Rebel was caught leading the outside horses over the 1720 metre sprint trip.
While Rakero Rebel was placed under pressure approaching the home turn, it was left up to Sweetnikkilou to issue a challenge in the home straight to Sweet Bella ($3.40) who held on to score by a neck in a slick mile rate of 1:51.3.
Duffy said the stable expected the daughter of Sweet Lou to improve on her placing behind Jilliby Willow at Melton a fortnight ago.
“She was doing it pretty well under her own steam, she got it pretty easy early but I’m just thankful to get the opportunity to drive these horses,” Duffy said.
“She stripped fitter for the last run and Clayton and Emma were happy with how she came through that run, they were expecting her to go a lot better tonight and she put the writing on the wall that she’s a good mare,” he said.
John Dunne
Hewett is on a crusade
By Peter Howe
Sliding door moments are as true in sport as in everyday life, just ask this month’s Don Deeble nominee, Astin Hewett.
HewonascholarshiptoMaribyrnongSports Academy for football and he was focused on that dream.
After all, his extended family connections had made AFL lists and he was playing in the Coates Talent League with the Western Jets.
Life was a dream, his targets had been set.
Hewett started Auskick when he was five and played with Point Cook Centrals until under-16s with top five Western Football League best and fairest finishes along the way.
He moved to Keilor to play under former AFL star Mick McGuane and made it to the Jets.
While at MSA, he was introduced to another sport, gridiron. It was when things changed.
“I was big for my age and adapted to the skills required to play easily,” he said. “There was no sport played in 2020 or 2021.
“Gridiron was a summer sport in Victoria but overlapped with the start of the AFL season.”
Hewett joined the Western Crusaders powerhouse gridiron team late in 2021 having found a love for the sport.
“I was still invested in AFL but this new sport was intoxicating,” Hewett reflected.
“Western Jets season started in 2022 at the same time the gridiron season was entering finals. “I chose the Jets, the Crusaders lost their semi final after having a great season.”
While he chose the Jets, Hewett still decided to try out for the Victorian under-19 gridiron team at the end of 2022.
He was unsuccessful but it fuelled a fire within him and his focus became, “I must work harder”.
“The gridiron season 2022-2023 was the most fun I ever had playing team sport,” he said.
“Our under-16 team dominated the season.”
HewettwasnamedintheGridironVictorian team in 2023 and then later in 2024.
Still not sure which sport was for him, Hewett played three games for the Jets in 2023 as a tall defender and by his own admission they weren’t great.
After his best pre-season, it ended quickly when he broke his finger in round three.
“Then through a series of mishaps and a further stress fracture of my foot I was unable to get back into training properly and missed the remainder of the season,” he said.
The two injuries meant that Hewett couldn’t start running until April the following year. Confined to walking only, he decided to put up his hand for Australian Outback gridiron under-20 selection.
“I was full disclosure to my coaches [on my injuries],” he said.
“In the two days of tryouts I completed all of the off field coaching but just threw the ball on field.
“The coaches had seen enough. I made the Australian team.”
Hewett was the second youngest in the team and one of the two quarterbacks chosen.
“I was given the all clear to train,” he said of the lead up.
“I spent four days a week in the gym undergoing a strength and conditioning program to get into the best physical condition I could. Throwing practice was held every Saturday.”
The Australian Outback gridiron team landed in Canada in June to play in the IFAF World Championships.
Hewett was named captain and starting quarterback.
“It was an amazing experience,” he said. “Unfortunately, we only won one of our three games, but it was the first time an Australian
Sports shorts
RDFL
Melton South has announced its first new signing for the Riddell District Football League season and it’s a big one. Former AFL player Sam Darley is joining the club full time next year. “Supporters will remember Sam’s one game for the club this year when he had a BFL [Ballarat Football League] season high 53 possessions and was a class above,“ the Panthers said on social media. “Sam will be full time with us as a playing assistant coach and will guide our young group on field as well as dominating games. He is a powerful runner with A grade running patterns, a super kick and also has elite footy IQ.”
Baseball
The North Western Titans fell just short of their first win of the Baseball summer league state 1 west season. Facing Footscray on Saturday, the Titans lost 13-12. The Titans women’s side had a bye.
BCA
Darley claimed an outright win against Wendouree in the Ballarat Cricket Association on Saturday. Having already claimed first innings points, the Lions declared at their day one score of 9-155. Wendouree was bowled out in its second innings for 132 with Hasitha Wickramasinghe and Sajith Dissanayaka taking five wickets each. The Lions quickly got the runs needed, finishing 0-33. Elsewhere, Bacchus Marsh lost to Ballarat Redan.
Bowls
team had won a game in a tournament for many years.”
Hewett said he’s a dual threat on the field and describes himself as a leader who leads by example.
He tries to set the standards and it’s afraid to hold his teammates to account.
Having decided to focus on just gridiron, Hewett is keen for what the future holds.
“I have just finished my last year 12 exam and hope to be offered a place in the Deakin University sports science course,” he said.
“USA College football would be amazing but let’s see how that all unfolds.”
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
If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact at swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.
Melton lost a thriller in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 1, section 1 competition on Saturday. At home to Kingsbury, Melton lost 76 (14)-70 (4). Oscar Jones and Desmond Carr Junior were the winning skips for Melton. Melton sits seventh after six rounds. In division 2, section 1, Bacchus Marsh lost to Rosamond, 79 (14)-69 (4). Justin Webster and Glenn Sargent were the winning skips for Bacchus Marsh, which sits fifth on the ladder. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Astin Hewett. (Supplied)
Aldebaran Vera. (Stuart McCormick)
Eynesbury Eagles finally get a win on the board
Eynesbury opened its account in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield on Saturday.
After not much luck in the first couple of rounds, the Eagles put in a strong performance with both bat and ball against Diggers Rest Bulla.
President and first XI player Brandon Shearson said it was nice to finally get on the board.
“It has been a lot of hard work with no reward, he said. “We finally for some reward and it was good to get the win.”
The Eagles made 6-303 on day one with Tristan Francis making 152 not out as he batted through the day in hot conditions.
Shearson said having 300 on the board gave their bowlers a decent platform to work with.
The Burras were bowled out for 206. Justin Cleur top scored with 50.
“The bowlers kept it tidy enough,” he said. “They bowled well throughout that day and were able to get the odd wicket.
“The run rate went up and they had to make quick runs and more wickets fell.“
Zach Micallef took three wickets for the Eagles.
The win move the Eagles from bottom to fifth, on the same amount of points at the fourth placed Burras.
hearson said they’d had some good form without getting the results.
He said they were hoping this would kick start their season and they could hopefully work their way onto finals contention.
It was a big weekend for the Eagles, with Francis becoming the club’s second life member.
Shearson said that Francis had done so much for the club.
Francis will play his 100th game for the club this weekend, before he moves to Western Australia.
Shearsonsaidthecriteriaforlifemembership is normally 150 games but said Francis was an
Lions focused on finals
By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh Lions have been building to this moment for the past three seasons in the Country Basketball League men’s north-west.
Having made the finals in their first year of the competition in 2019-20, the Lions haven’t made finals since.
That is until this year, with the Lions having secured their spot before the final round.
Coach Rob Tomczyk said it had been a three year journey to get them to where they are.
“When I took over as head coach there had been some issues,” he said. “It was a struggle to get those players to come back and give me a chance.
“There’s been five or six players that have been here since I have been coaching.
“There’s been some improvement every year. We were a bit unlucky to miss out on finals with the scoring last year.
“This is the best we have looked in the three years I’ve been coaching.”
Tomczyk has worked hard the past three years to get the side to where it is and managed to get the buy in from the players.
He highlighted Mayuol Makuac as someone who showed what the program meant.
“He is a star player but with player points we had to choose between him and Riley Dunn, who is now in America at college,“ he said.
“We couldn’t have both of them in the same team. It was tough as we had two talented players and had to roll the dice.
“He knew where he was and still came to every training session. He trusted me and he’s been outstanding this year and elevated the team with a lot of juniors in the program they get to learn from someone of his calibre.”
The Lions entered the final round with a top two spot on the line.
They started the weekend with a big win against bottom side Kyneton Tigers, 106-65, on Saturday night.
Daniel Salvatore top scored with 21 points as six players reached double figures.
It meant a win against the Castlemaine Cannons on Sunday would give them a chance of finishing with the minor premiership
Despite a late scare, they did enough to win 73-70. Makuac top scored with 23 points including hitting the winning shot on the buzzer.
Bendigo Braves ended up finishing top, just ahead of the Lions. The Lions will now face the Cannons again, this time with a grand final spot on the line.
Tomczyk said they had been aiming for a top two finish and a home final.
“I said to them at the start of the season what did they want to achieve?” he said. “Whether
they wanted to focus on the team or develop as individuals.
“They said they’re here to win and want to take the championship home.”
Tomczyk said the group was eager for the finals challenge and something that they are hoping they can build on.
“It’s a big challenge for such a small club,” he said. “We are only 12 years old and there’s associations that are 40,50, 60 even 70 years old.
exception due to his contributions on and off the field.
“He’s leaving the club and he leaves some big shoes to fill,” he said. “He’s had the coaching and captaincy role on and off and he’s been president.
“When he took over at the club there was a little bit of a reputation. He did a lot of a hard work and we now have a good reputation.
“It was a bit of a surprise, he was honoured by it.”
The Eagles this week face Eastern Hill for the first time.
Eastern Hill is coming off a win against Aintree on Saturday.
Eastern Hill made 9-239 on day one before bowling Aintree out for 176.
East Sunbury was the other winner on the weekend.
Tara Murray
The Riddell District Football Netball League has been announced as a finalist for the Netball Victoria community awards association of the year.
The finalists for the award were named last week, with the RDFNL in the running for association of the year.
RDFNL operations general manager Grace Bibby said they had made some changes to now they managed the competition since 2020 and it had paid off.
“Iamsuretherewouldhavebeenmany very worthy nominations and to be listed in the top four is fantastic recognition for our staff and also our hard working coordinators at club land,” she said.
“Being named a finalist is a result of four years of work that wouldn’t have been possible without the support from our clubs, the RDFNL chief executive Jordan Doyle and Netball Victoria.
“The RDFNL have always tried to be proactive and are strong in the stance of anything we do for football we do for netball.
“Because of that philosophy we have filmed matches, statistics, stages on grand final days, player reports, tribunal and more annual awards than ever which has allowed netball to have a greater presence through our marketing as well.”
Bibby said the league’s participation has continued to flourish and this season with the league introducing D-grade and nine and under competitions along the introduction of new teams.
Kyneton joined the competition this year, while Gisborne Giants fielded their first senior netball team which won the D-grade competition
The Giants are set to have a full senior netball program this year, while Melton South has joined the competition.
Bibby said they wanted to grow and improve their competitions going forward.
“Retaining players and good juniors with other competitive clubs has been hard. It’s a good starting point for Bacchus Marsh.
“Hopefully we can have a Big V youth league or senior program in the future and grow in Bacchus Marsh.
The Lions women, who will play finals for the first time, ended the regular season with a 60-49 loss to Kyneton.
The Lions will face the Bendigo Braves in a knock out semi final.
“We are investing a significant amount of time and resources into umpiring and will be one of the first football netball leagues to have their 19 and under feature in the middle of the day’s play for our senior competition,“ she said.
“This move will allow the RDFNL to take over the 19 and under umpires and allocate umpires from the senior league panel rather than club appointed. “
Tristan Francis. (Shawn Smits) 203262_10
Daniel Salvatore. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 436974_05
