Bounce in for adventure
Melton youths suited up as bouncy balls at Hannah Watts Park on Wednesday, January 8, for a friendly game of bubble soccer.
Everyone bounced, rolled, and laughed their way through a challenging adventure on the court.
Bubble soccer is a part of Melton council’s youth holiday activities for young people aged 12 to 25.
Melton mayor Steve Abboushi said the summer holidays are a time for having fun and making memories.
“Our holiday program helps every child learn something exciting and make new friends,” he said.
“The activities are either free or low-cost to make them accessible to everybody.
“I encourage you to check out what’s on offer and join in the fun.”
Council has more activities available until Wednesday, January 22, including reptile encounters at Melton Youth Centre on Wednesday, January 15, from 11.30am-1.30pm; a cooking workshop at Kurunjang Community Hub on Monday, January 20, from 1-3pm; and a sausage sizzle and games afternoon at Melton Youth Centre on Wednesday, January 22.
Bookings required.
Details: www.melton.vic.gov.au/ Services/People/Youth/Youth-HolidayActivities
‘Pressing need’ at station
Inadequate parking at Rockbank train station and limited bus services in the area are adding to the woes of commuters, a Melton councillor says.
Speaking during council’s December meeting, Cr Phillip Zada called on the state government to address parking, amenity and safety concerns at Rockbank station.
He said the station car park is “perpetually at capacity”.
He said he had heard from locals who leave for work at 4am to ensure they can park at the station, while others park illegally along Leakes Road and in nearby streets.
“This creates hazardous conditions,
obstructing visibility and compromising road safety,” he said.
“Moreover, the lack of reliable public bus services leaves residents with limited transport options, intensifying the demand for parking and reducing overall accessibility.
“Addressing these issues is critical as the surrounding areas continue to experience rapid residential growth.”
Cr Zada said the station’s toilets were often locked, depriving commuters of essential amenities, and that a lack of Protective ServicesOfficesatthestationwasexacerbating safety concerns.
He said it was critical that the government
addressed these issues as the suburbs around the station were growing rapidly.
“The minister for public transport is invited to experience the daily reality faced by many hard-working residents by commuting from one of the new estates in Mount Atkinson, Rockbank, or Thornhill Park to the city without the use of a car,” he said.
“This lived experience would underscore the pressing need for improvements and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by our community.”
A state government spokesperson said Rockbank passengers were benefiting from an upgrade to the station delivered as part of the
Ballarat line upgrade, which had created 350 parking spaces. The upgrade referenced by the spokesperson was in 2019.
Also during the December council meeting, Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg suggested council consider creating a temporary car park within five kilometres of the station.
However, the suggestion was knocked back amid concerns about the proposed car park’s distance from the station.
Council will write to Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams and VicTrack to highlight the concerns and request a meeting with mayor Steve Abboushi and chief executive Roslyn Wai
Marie-Claire took part in the bubble soccer session. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 452275_09
New chair’s infrastructure push
By Cade Lucas
Securing infrastructure funding for the western suburbs is the main election year priority for the new chair of LeadWest.
Melton councillor Phillip Zada has taken the helm of the advocacy group that represents the five councils of Melbourne’s west; Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Wyndham and Melton.
Cr Zada said Melbourne’s west had long been short-changed when it comes to government funding and with a federal election due by May, the time had come for the issue to be addressed.
“Theupcomingelectionoffersanimportant
opportunity to redress this funding imbalance, and to invest in Melbourne’s west to benefit Victoria and Australia as a whole,” he said, highlighting infrastructure investment as an area of particular need.
“We want to unlock investment to provide our residents with transport connectivity, equity in health care, education, access to jobs and improved wellbeing.”
Cr Zada said national infrastructure targets couldn’t be reached without significant investment in the west.
“The federal government has a target to build 1.2 million new homes by 2029, and Melbourne’s west is critical to meeting these objectives. As one of the fastest-growing
regions in the country, we have a critical need for infrastructure investment. Our residents cannot afford to wait. We must build the infrastructure now to support this unprecedented growth and ensure the west continues to thrive.”
Among the specific projects Cr Zada wants to see funded are the development of the Sunshine Precinct and the construction of the Melbourne Airport Rail; the electrification of the Melton and Wyndham train lines; upgrades of the Western Highway and Calder Freeway and funding a detailed business case for Creative West, a new large-scale performance venue, library, and cultural hub.
The proposed Western Intermodal Freight Terminal (WIFT) in Truganina, new aquatics and environmental wetlands centres in Hobsons Bay and increasing the amount shade and green spaces across the region are some of the other projects Cr Zada hopes to raise with both federal leaders prior to the election.
He said the benefits of infrastructure investment went beyond just the building of new facilities.
“Investment is vital to supporting sustainable growth, easing the cost-of-living pressures, and breaking the cycle of high unemployment, traffic congestion and poor public transport options.”
Affordable swimming lessons at Melton Waves
The state government has announced the return of an affordable swimming lesson program that will run throughout this month, with classes offered at several swimming centres across Melbourne.
Opening at Melton Waves on Monday, January 6, the VICSWIM Learn to Swim program will provide five 30-minute lessons toparticipatingchildrenagedfourto12,with a choice between three weeks this month.
The lessons will be offered at 170 swimming centres throughout Victoria, including locations in the west such as Keilor East Leisure Centre, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, Melton Waves Leisure Centre, Sunshine Leisure Centre, Werribee Outdoor Pool, Whittlesea Swim Centre, and Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre.
Thecostforfivelessonswillbe$35perchild
plusbookingfees,andifeligible,familiescan use Get Active Kids vouchers to reduce the lesson cost to zero.
In this year’s program, there are 400 extra spots for children with disability and from multicultural backgrounds, with the same
skills provided by specialised teachers.
Lessons for kids with disability will be offered through dedicated programs and children from culturally and linguistically diverse families can attend lessons in Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Sunshine, Werribee, Dandenong and more.
Premier Jacinta Allan said that the program is designed to provide cost-of-living support to families, so that children of “all backgrounds can learn how to stay safe at the beach or around the pool.”
Aquatics and Recreation Victoria chief executive Kathy Parton said that the association was proud to offer the program for its 49th year.
Details: vicswim.com.au
Siblings Kaleb, 8, and Searra, 10, show their swimming skills with pool noodles. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 452451_09
Silverdale sound wall funding case revisited
After Melton council moved to withdraw funding for a sound wall for the Silverdale estate in 2022, the new council revisited the case during a recent meeting.
Cr Bob Turner raised the issue during council’s December meeting, asking for a report explaining the cost involved in constructing a sound wall for the Silverdale estate, including any possible timeline and any other options that may be available.
Cr Turner said the issue needs to be looked
at seriously as residents still struggle with the extreme noise coming from the freeway.
He said he was aware of the extreme noise that is experienced in the area, but did not realise how extreme it was until during his election campaign, when he was giving out leaflets door-to-door in the area.
The estate, developed in 2001, was issued a planning permit by the council, but a permit requirement was not imposed on the developer to provide noise mitigation.
In 2023, Star Weekly reported council had approved $2.1 million to fund a sound wall at the estate in 2018 but withdrew the funding in 2022.
According to the council, when a new residentialareaadjacenttoanexistingfreeway or main road is developed, it is usually the developer’sresponsibilitytoconstructasound wall if one is needed.
Cr Turner said he hoped council can look into options that can solve the noise problem
RDA saddles up for move
By Faith Macale
Melton’s Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has welcomed a plan to relocate its facilities.
Developer Woodlea has approached Melton council about relocating the RDA from its current site at 939 Beattys Road, Aintree, as it prepares to develop the land for housing.
RDA had approval to run its activities at the site until 2043, making it necessary for the parties to find a new home for its facilities.
It is proposed the RDA make the move to a sports precinct at Newfoundland Circuit in Bonnie Brook.
While the relocation has been labelled as “temporary”, the RDA is expected to call
Tributes flow
Staughton College in Melton is mourning the death of teacher Christopher Onourah.
The 30-year-old Nigerian national was found unresponsive in the water at Rye by a jet ski rider just before 5.30pm on January 3. Emergency services were called, and he was brought to the shore to administer CPR, but he died at the scene.
Mr Onourah was said to have been surfing with friends when he slipped off the board and his friends did not notice.
He had been a teacher at Staughton College for six months.
Staughton College principal Alan Devine said Mr Onourah’s death was a profound loss for the school community.
“Since joining Staughton College last year, he formed strong connections with both students and staff, leaving a lasting
Bonnie Brook home for 10-15 years.
RDA Melton co-ordinator Margaret Behan said members were excited about the relocation.
“Everyone’s quite happy as long as we’re continuing to operate,” she said.
“It’s the same faces, the same horses ... facilities will be exactly the same, they’ll be set up a little different because the land is quite a different shape.
“What we have now is like a long and more narrow in places, whereas we will be on a huge big square.”
Ms Behan said the new area will also be a good environment for the horses and kids as it will be away from noise and dust coming from the road.
for teacher
impression on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed,“ he said.
A fundraiser has been started to assist with the repatriation process to Nigeria, including flights and legal requirements, and to help cover funeral and memorial expenses.
The fundraiser has now reached almost half of its goal of $14,999.
Emmanuel Ado, the organiser of the fundraiser, described Mr Onourah as a beacon of light to all who knew him.
He said Mr Onourah was kind-hearted, full of life, and deeply loved by his family and friends.
Faith Macale
in the near future.
CrAshleighVandenberg,whovotedagainst the withdrawal of funding in 2022, said not having a sound wall in the area has affected residents’ quality of life and impacted their health.
Cr Sophie Ramsey said it was important to have the sound wall funded and built, but thought it should be in partnership with the state government.
Faith Macale
Lights call at Rockbank
Melton council is calling for traffic lights to be installed at a “notorious“ accident hotspot in Rockbank.
Council will write to Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne and Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch to urge the government to fund traffic lights at the intersection of Leakes Road and the Western Highway in this year’s state budget.
Cr Phillip Zada raised the issue during council’s December meeting. He said the intersection was a known accident hotspot.
He said he and Cr Kathy Majdlik witnessed an accident at the intersection during the council election campaign.
CrZadasaiddespitethemanyletters to the state government in regards to theissue,itneededtobereiteratedthat something needs to be done before another life is lost.
Cr Majdlik said there could never be too much advocacy in the area as it is a notorious hotspot.
“The noise from the construction site, and thedust...we’rekindofalloverthatjustalittle bit,” Ms Behan said.
“Somewhere where there is no trucks, no tractors, no construction noise, they’ll all be quite happy with that.”
Melton council said it would work with Woodlea and the RDA to find it a future home once the relocation agreement expired.
However, Ms Behan said the RDA was hopeful the move to Bonnie Brook could become permanent.
Council will now ask the planning minister to amend the Melton planning scheme to rezone the site in Bonnie Brook to enable it to be used by the RDA.
She said council should not stop lobbying for lights to be installed until it received the answers it wanted from the state government.
Council will also request an update on the Western Highway business case which is exploring options to upgrade the Western Freeway between Harkness Road and Christies Road.
Melton council pushes for traffic light at the Leakes Rd and Western Highway intersection. 416353_01
The Melton Riding for the Disabled members are packing up and getting ready to move to a new location. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 452843_02
Enjoy a sunset safari
Werribee Open Range Zoo’s (WROZ) iconic Sunset Safari event is back by popular demand in 2025 and will feature Jabulani, the southern white rhino calf that has stolen the spotlight on the savannah.
For a limited time, visitors to WROZ will be able to tour the zoo’s African-modelled savannah during the evening.
Zebras, giraffes, antelopes and ostriches will be among those species native to the African continent displaying their power and elegance.
In addition to the tour, visitors will be educated on the behaviours of native African wildlife, the issue of endangered species, how to support Zoos Victoria’s conservation efforts and experience authentic African music.
Visitors will also gain access to the zoo’s walking trail where they will have a chance to spot meerkats, monkeys, wild dogs, a lion pride and hippopotamus roam.
Werribee Open Range Zoo director Dr Mark Pilgrim said “It’s a truly unforgettable experience and such a wonderful opportunity to see these iconic animals up close”.
“Through the stories the guides share, we hope to build a connection with wildlife that inspires future conservation heroes.”
Sunset Safari helps Zoos Victoria support sisterzoosandinternationalpartnersincluding the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) which specialises in wildlife research, animal rescues and community education programs.
Theeventissuitableforpeopleofallagesand is held between 5.30pm to 9pm on Saturdays from January 4 to February 22.
Entry costs $62 for adults and $32 for children.
Tickets: www.zoo.org.au/sunsetsafari.
Rideshare driver kidnapped Police are investigating a kidnapping and aggravated carjacking in Melbourne’s north-west on Sunday, January 5 after a rideshare driver was kidnapped and assaulted by passengers. Officers were told that the victim picked up three men from an address in Melton South about 2.10am. Police said it is understood the men threatened the victim with a knife and demanded his wallet and phone before dragging him out of the driver’s seat and assaulting him. The driver, a 38-year-old Meadow Heights man, was taken to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.
Liquor theft charges
A 37-year-old man and 37-year-old woman, both from Bonnie Brook, were arrested after bottles of high value spirits, cartons of illicit cigarettes, and illicit vapes were seized by authorities. Police executed search warrants on three locations as part of an investigation into a syndicate allegedly responsible for stealing and reselling high-end liquor from legitimate businesses. Investigators allege the syndicate has stolen more than $500,000 worth of liquor over the past 12 months.
Sunset Safari is returning in 2025. (Supplied)
DIAMOND antenatal care offered
By Tara Murray
Finding the right place to give birth and be comfortable is something that is near the top of an expecting mother’s lists.
Thehospitalneedstobeclose,havetheright staff and cater for the varying different needs. For many expectant mothers, having larger bodies complicates things with some smaller hospitals not equipped properly to handle possible medical issues.
At Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Sunshine Hospital, Western Health has set up a DIAMOND Clinic, which is an antenatal clinic dedicated to women living in larger bodies with a higher body mass index.
It’s believed to be one of the most comprehensive services of its kind in Australia.
Established by women’s and children’s clinical services director Associate Professor Glyn Teale in 2016, the clinic brings together a team of experts who specialise in the complications common to this group of patients.
The clinic is a virtual one-stop-shop of specialists, including midwives, obstetricians, nutritionists, psychologists, social workers, fetal monitoring specialists, physiotherapists and endocrinologists.
Diamond stands for diabetes, maternal obesity, nutrition and diet and is held every
Thursday morning.
Access to the clinic is through referral only, with the criteria for admission is a body mass index of more than 50, or more than 45 when women have other comorbidities such as gestationalortype2diabetes,hypertensionor previous complicated pregnancies.
WomenwithahigherBMIareathigherrisk of a range of complications during pregnancy including diabetes, blood pressure problems, blood clots, preeclampsia, miscarriage and pre-term birth. In 2023, the DIAMOND Clinic cared for
more than 200 pregnant women.
Associate midwife unit Manager Kylie Charles, who has been involved in the clinic since its inception, co-ordinates all appointments and is the main liaison between patients and clinicians.
“I love working in this clinic,” she said.
“I have a strong commitment to midwifery practice and I am passionate about ensuring women and their families receive the highest quality best care possible during what is an exciting, but vulnerable time.
“Beingpartofthismultidisciplinaryteamis
so rewarding. It’s a smaller clinic enabling us to provide continual care, as we get to know the women well.
“We have a really dedicated team. I’m so proud that we can provide non-judgmental care that is specific to each woman.”
Obstetrician Dr Nisha Khot is another staff member who has worked at the clinic since the start.
“Theclinicbringsthebestresearchavailable to the day-to-day care of women living in larger bodies. In this clinic, we aim to provide individualised care, free of stigmatisation.”
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 84 already gone. We’re also easing congestion by building better roads and putting the finishing touches on the new West Gate Tunnel, an alternative to the West Gate Bridge.
Ararat
lines
Road disruptions: Closed lanes, ramps and roads
West Gate Freeway, Spotswood Until 5am
Ring Road,
North
L-R: DIAMOND Clinic staff Nisha Khot, Sofia Walker, Clara Chan, Kylie Charles and Annabel Jones, Debbie Gordon. (Supplied)
Embrace your inner animal in our nature play zones.
Swing through rope courses, scamper along discovery trails and slink through tunnels. It’s exciting what a zoo can do.
Plan your visit zoo.org.au *Terms and conditions apply
MY PLACE
Burnside Heights resident Jenny Hill speaks to Faith Macale about her decade spent standing on Taylors Road dressed as Santa to help spread the magic of Christmas.
How did you get started with dressing up as Santa?
It all started as a bit of fun. It started after dressing up as Santa at the YMCA Kororoit Creek family Christmas celebration, then it became an institution for the wider community.Thereactionsfrommotoristsand pedestrians alike had me hooked. I was happy making others happy.
What made it last for 10 years?
Being Santa and watching families slow down with windows down pointing out Santa to their children gave me happiness and joy ... that it’s OK to believe in the magic of Christmas. It’s just like children believing in the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy. I have no doubt that l have appeared on many social media platforms over the years. I became a local hero
I was going to give it up after a few years, then Covid hit. I knew the community needed something to be happy about.
Did the community know that the Taylors Road Santa is a woman?
Those in the community who know me knew that this Santa is a woman. Others have no idea. Knowing me is knowing that l have a sense of joy and making others happy.
What made you decide to retire the jolly red suit?
As l am getting older and my children are older, l decided 10 years is long enough. I feel a little sad, but l am 56 years old this year, and my children have grown to adulthood. They have endured 10 years of my shenanigans and we’re often on the nature strip in elf hats supporting me and making sure l was well hydrated and took time to eat my dinner. It’s time to enjoy the quiet life. I won’t lie, l will miss it, a lot. I have received many gifts from lollies, bottles of wine, and l even received $10 from a gentleman clearly over the legal alcohol limit riding a mobility scooter down the road. I tried to give it back, but there was
Library offers free films
Though school holidays are still upon us, the learning doesn’t stop at the Melton Library & Learning Hub.
The library recently did a film showing of ‘My Mother India’, for its History Through Films with the platform Kanopy.
Kanopy is a free film streaming platform accessible to all members of the library.
Melton Library literacy and learning programs team leader Chelsey Excell said Kanopy has been well received by the community since its inception during the pandemic.
“We’re just really proud to provide this service to the community,” she said.
“The cost of living is affecting everyone at the moment, so we want to make sure that we’re giving everyone we can a free service.”
The platform has at least 30,000 of the world’s best films, documentaries, vintage films, foreign films, and even free courses on
specific topics like Egyptology.
Each month, members receive 30 tickets to redeem movies. Each movie is worth a different amount of tickets, so it averages 10 movies a month.
“You can add everything to a watchlist like any regular streaming service,” Ms Excell said.
Despite libraries still having access to techs of the past like DVDs and CDs, Kanopy is Melton Library’s step towards the ever-changing technological landscape.
“We want to acknowledge that (technology) and try to use it to our advantage,” Ms Excell said.
“We also acknowledge that everyone learns in different ways, and we want to make our service, learning, and knowledge accessible.”
- Faith Macale
no changing his mind.
What was the most memorable part of being Santa?
The most memorable part was the waves, smiles, honks from cars and pedestrians dropping by for a photo with Santa. I was always happy to oblige. I believe that the community will be sad and questions asked about ‘where is Santa?’ on the local Facebook
Burnside Heights Residents Page. I know that there will be people who try to talk me out of retirement.
My message to the community is thank you for the waves, honks, laughs and support. I would be more than happy for someone to pick up where l left off. I am even open to coaching them on how to act when in the Santa suit.
Melton Library literacy and learning programs team leader Chelsey Excell shows off Kanopy. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 452625_01
Jenny Hill has been dressing up as Santa for the past 10 years, bringing smiles to the Burnside Heights community. (Attie Mohebali) 452125_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
Women Working Together
A program connecting women aged 50 above in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Melton.
9655 2131
EmploymentSupport@cotavic.org.au
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, office@life.org.au
Gold panning championships
The Australian Gold Panning Championships is back for 2025 on Saturday, March 1, at the Blackwood Cricket Ground Recreation Reserve Road, Blackwood. The championships aim to promote the skill of gold panning in an air of friendly competition.
vicgoldpanning@gmail.com
Youth pool party
Ballan is hosting a free pool party for Moorabool youth aged 11 to 17 years old on Friday, January 24, from 1pm to 4pm, at 1 Mill Park Street, Ballan. Registration is required. Registered participants will receive free fairy floss and popcorn at the event.
youthservices@moorabool.vic.gov.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 53674390
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, 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
Rose carers of Maddingley Park
The group meets every Wednesday from 10am-noon at the Commemorative Rose Garden, Maddingley Park on the corner of Taverner Street and Grant Streets, Bacchus Marsh. Group members maintain the two rose gardens at the park. Volunteers are welcome and no experience is necessary to join .
Elaine, 0400 052 857 or Judy, 0428 463 538
Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club
Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10am to noon at the Avenue Bowling Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com
Community band
The Greater Western Community Band meets Thursdays from 7.30 – 9.30pm. Rehearsal venue is the Bridge Road Community Centre, Strathtulloh (Melton South). The band is available for events. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are always welcome.
Sally Hamond, 0401474582
Melton Valley Ladies Probus
Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Friday each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome.
Ann, 0425705150
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
Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens
The Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens recommences its activities this month, starting with the indoor bowls on Sunday, January 19, followed by bingo and cards on Tuesday, February 4. Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens looks forward to meeting up with new members at the Andy Arnold Centre 10 Bennett Street, Bacchus Marsh.
hopem@optusnet.com.au
Melton Concert Band
Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Bridge Road Community Centre, Bridge Road, Melton South. Musicians of any age who able to read Music are welcome to come along with their instrument (oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion). Please contact the number provided if you are intending to visit.
0401 474 582
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
This week’s photographer’s choice is Australian Heath Davidson in action at Hume Tennis and Community Centre. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Free Australia Day entertainment in Tarneit
Wyndham’s free Australia Day program is back and it is Tarneit’s turn to celebrate.
On Sunday, January 26, Penrose Place will light up for four hours of fun, with live music and activities for kids set to keep everyone entertained between 10am and 2pm.
Headline acts will herald from near in far, as The Mik Maks will rock, The Soul Movers will send you back to the 60s (if you can’t
rememberthem),NBDancewillbringbravado of Bollywood, One Spirit Africa will arrive in just in time with their beats and Woody’s World will show that anywhere is a good place for Ukulele.
On the lawn, free craft activities, face painting, hula hooping fun with Circus Lab, DreamytheDreamBear,theincredibleBubble Brothers, fantastical aeronauts, stilt walkers and the brass band Ballahornication might
help with the age-old challenge of getting kids to go outside.
Revellerscanfeastatthefoodtrucksorbring along their own lunches and make a day of it with a picnic.
Some of the area’s most altruistic members will be recognised during the presentation of the2025WyndhamCitizenandYoungCitizen of the Year Awards.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to
Ultimate girls weekend
Camping is one of the best activities to do in the summer for everyone, but what if you just want an all-girls camping experience?
Glampingisthewaytogo,andtheBohemian Summer Festival is the perfect event to join in. Started last year by siblings Julz Taylor and Kerri MacPherson, the Bohemian Summer Festival hosts about 1000 women at Phoenix Park in Ballan.
“We went to a lot of women’s festivals, and we wanted to do something that was not so much about the wellness,” Ms Taylor said.
“We love all the wellness, but we want to
really make it an ultimate girls’ weekend.
“Think cocktails, movie nights, all the things that you love on girls’ weekend but on a massive scale.”
The event welcomes women aged 15 and up.
Ms Taylor said the festival is an opportunity and space for women to put themselves first.
“You are important too, you’re not just someone’s mother or sister or daughter or caretaker,” she said.
“We always seem to burn ourselves out.
“At Bohemian Summer Festival, we say ditch the routine, put yourself first, and it’s
three days dedicated to doing exactly what you want to do.”
The festival is a three-day, two-night event happeningfromFriday,February14toSunday, February 16, where guests can have the option ofcamping,glamping,bringingtheircaravans, or just enjoy the day with a daily pass.
The event features 120 activities, women-ownedstalls,livemusic,danceparties, outdoor cinema, and many more activities tailored to women’s wants and needs.
Details: bohemiansummerfest.com.au/
Faith Macale
acknowledgeandappreciatetheircontribution in front of their family, friends and the wider community,” Cr Mia Shaw said.
Tarneit’s first Australia Day rodeo, the event will follow on a tradition that has seen the fun travel through Werribee, Point Cook, HoppersCrossing,ManorLakesandWerribee South.
Hobsons Bay’s Billy brothers
Hobson’s Bay brothers, Sebastian, 12, and Luka Serro, 10, are set to take audiences by storm in the regional Victorian premiere of the musical Billy Elliot, taking on a role they describe as “a dream come true.”
Sharing the role of Billy, the brothers will bring their impressive vocal, tap, ballet and acting skills to the stage to tell the story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds as he swaps his boxing gloves for ballet shoes.
“There’s no role like Billy,” said older brother Sebastian, who also played Billy in Cheltenham Light Opera Company’s (CLOC) production of Billy Elliot.
“Iwasonlysevenwhenthelasttouring production came to Australia and too young to audition – I cried in my room for a week when I found out, so playing the role twice now has been the best thing ever,” he said.
Luka played the role of Small Boy in the CLOC production and said he was envious of his older brother.
“I watched Seb rehearse and perform the role for months and part of me wished I could be up there on stage with him, performing the songs Electricity and Angry Dance too, which are my favourite numbers,” he said.
“Performing the role of Billy now though is just so special – I don’t even have the words!”
Audiences will be able to see them at the Geelong Arts Centre for 13 performances from January 17 to February 2. Details: https://geelongartscentre.org. au/
Don your best up-do, dust off your dancing shoes and head on over to the Bowery Theatre next week to experience a cult-classic musical like never before.
Audiences have the opportunity to devour the popular 1988 film Hairspray in a whole new interactive and sensory way –with a scented screening planned for January 24.
Presented by Brimbank council in collaboration with Snivure and Scented Storytelling, the evening is expected to leave your noses and eyes satisfied.
“The screenings are set to be a treat for the senses, with the sound and vision of these movie classics elevated by the release of scents across the theatre,” mayor Thuy Dang said.
“[It’s] a ‘smell-o-vision’ experience that will make you feel like you were really there.”
The upcoming screening is part of the
Midsumma Festival’s Go West program, supported by council.
“These events are a great way for the LGBTQIA+ community to connect in a safe and supported environment, and they are part of the council’s LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024-2028,” Cr Dang said.
Under the same initiative, the Bowery Theatre will also screen the New Zealand and Tongan LGBTQIA+ film, Inky Pinky Ponky on February 7.
The Hairspray screening will start at 6 pm Friday, January 24, at the Bowery Theatre and St Albans Community Centre.
This screening is free but registrations are required.
Details: tickets.midsumma.org.au/ event/396:448/396:1133/
Keen local movie goers are looking forward to attending the Hairspray screening. (Supplied)
Altona brothers Sebastian and Luka Sero will share the role of Billy Elliot in a production in Geelong from January 17 to February 2. (Supplied) 452686_01
Jaidyn Kennedy
Jessica Brugaletta, Bianca Vaszolyi, and Katie Gould at the first Bohemian Summer Festival with co-founder Kerri Macpherson. (Supplied) 453024_02
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Norwegian Marit Bjørgen, the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time, competes in what sport?
2. Where will the first match of the 2025 AFL season be held?
3. In December, Patrick Kisnorbo departed Melbourne Victory after how many games as head coach?
4. US snowboarder Shaun White is engaged to which actress?
5. Asha Centra, the No.1 pick of the inaugural AFLW national draft, will play for which club in 2025?
6. Which former athlete named all five of his sons George, and one of his daughters Georgetta?
In which country did the sport kabaddi originate?
Which sport involves sculling?
Which legendary cricketer is nicknamed the 'God of Cricket'?
Name the two athletes involved in the 2012 Australian Open men’s final, the longest grand slam final of all time at five hours and 53 minutes.
Australia’s 50-over domestic one-day cricket cup was recently re-named after which former cricketer?
12. What is the first name of Lleyton and Bec Hewitt’s 16-yearold son, a rising tennis star?
13. Which Melbourne racecourse was recently subject to a suspicious fire, destroying one of its grandstands?
14. The Australian Grand Prix is set to host the opening race of the 2025 F1 season for the first time since which year?
15. Which two Sydney Thunder players missed the second half of the BBL due to a horrific on-field collision?
16. The Sicilian Defence is a move associated with which game?
17. Three Australian men’s players are seeded at the Australian Open for the first time since which year?
18. Australian Toby Price is a two-time winner in the bikes category of which annual rally event?
19. Seventeen-year-old Luke Littler recently became the youngest world champion in which sport?
20. How many career Test runs has Steve Smith accumulated following the completion of the home Test cricket summer?
21. Campbelltown Stadium is the home ground of which A-League Men’s team?
22. Who was named Player of the Series in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series?
23. The opening day of the Magic Millions racing event was relocated from the Gold Coast to where?
24. Tennis star Iga Swiatek is from which country?
25. Sam Konstas plays state cricket for which team?
26. Tacko Fall, the tallest player to ever play in the NBL, currently plays for which team?
27. The Melbourne Renegades played one home Big Bash League game this season in which regional Victorian city?
28. How many games will each team play in the 2025 AFL season?
29. In what year was South Africa allowed to return to compete in the Summer Olympics after being banned due to apartheid?
30. Which city holds the record for the most Summer Olympic Games bids with nine?
Iga Swiatek
Shaun White
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Fish appendage (3)
3 Persistent (10) 10 Differing (7)
11 Of rocks, derived from magma or lava (7)
12 Harmful (9) 13 Squish (4) 15 Formal university attire (10)
17 Vaulted recess (4)
19 Old stringed instrument (4)
20 Chemical processes in the body (10)
23 Continent (4) 25 Conceptual (9)
27 Biased (7)
28 Everlasting (7)
29 Ordinariness (10)
30 School subject (abbr) (3)
1 Approvingly (10) 2 Compass direction (9) 4 Evening entertainment (9) 5 Parishioners (5) 6 Set of chromosomes in a gamete (6) 7 Gods (5) 8 Huff (4) 9 An illusion (6) 14 Thin noodle (10) 16 Mitigation (9) 18 Artworks (9) 21 Common Irish surname (1’5) 22 Gambling house (6)
24 Piece cut off (5)
25 Flooring tradesman (5)
26 Unsolicited email (4)
1 What is the atomic number of hydrogen? 2 Bob Marley’s Redemption Song originally appeared on which of his albums? 3 Name Allison Janney’s (pictured) character in the 2011 film TheHelp 4 In which Australian state would you find Ozenkadnook?
5 What is the official language of Suriname?
6 A person with cathisophobia has a fear of what?
7 What are the statues of Easter Island known as?
8 How many keys does a piano usually have: a) 92, b) 68 or c) 88?
9 In the TV series Entourage, what is Johnny Chase’s nickname? 10 The three-toed sloth is mainly found on which continent?
MOTOR
Civic service into the future
With a heritage of more than half a century, there is lots that can be said about the Honda Civic.
No navel gazing here, though.
Far from dreamy reminiscences about its-once popular product, the maker says the company is looking strictly to the future with the updated model as a bridge to total electrification of its vehicles.
The entry-level petrol engine has been given the shove, with the new Civic e:HEV L hybrid filling the position, while the e:HEV LX variant is still available. Performance buyers have not been left behind, with the Civic Type R turbo, sans hybrid assistance, still ‘on the grid’.
The e:HEV system combines a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine mated with two electric motors, one that drives the front wheels and the second acting as a generator to charge the high-voltage battery.
Advanced in-car technology updates –including Honda Sensing and next generation Honda Connect with Google built-in – have been added across the range. Prices start at $49,900, plus on-road costs, for the entry-level e:HEV L and top out at $55,900 for the e:HEV LX. As with all Hondas, these prices are non-negotiable.
Every Civic comes standard with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year Premium Roadside Assist, five $199 services and three-year Honda Connect subscription.
STYLING
Back in the day the Civic – as a two-door fast-back sedan and later as a three-door hatchback – was to become one of the all-time best-selling automobiles in the world, with more than 28 million units sold since 1972.
While the MY25 version looks like a sedan in profile, the Civic is a lift-back with a low-profilerooflinethatmakesitlooklesslike an upright hatch. Enhanced sportiness is the theme here, with a redesigned front bumper and body-coloured headlamp garnishes combining to present a more powerful front. New 18-inch alloy wheels suggest advanced athleticism.
INTERIOR
Space inside is abundant. Headroom up front is good and heated seats and dual-zone climate control are joined by a heated steering wheel. Storage is not so good, with a pair of cupholders and a small wireless charge tray. A lidded console offers more storage, and front doors have bottle holders.
Thelegroomoutbackisgenerous,andseats include a fold-down armrest, a pair of USB-C ports and air vents.
Boot space of 409 litres with rear seat backs up rear seatbacks up is accessed by a manual liftback which can be awkward to operate. A space under the floor is enough to hide small items, while missing are a full-size or space-saver spare.
The Civic hybrid comes with a tyre repair kit.
INFOTAINMENT
The 9.0-inch infotainment screen now adds Google built-in services. allowing access to Google Assistant, navigation via Google Maps, link to compatible smart home devices and add apps from the Google Play store.
Honda Connect services also provide a link between smartphone and the car, remotely adjusting the climate control air-con, lock or unlock the car, check the vehicle location, and receive car status checks.
A three-year subscription is included.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, AM/FM/DAB radio, or Bluetooth are on tap, while a 12-speaker Bose audio system punches above its weight with sound reproduction across all genres.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
Powering the Civic e:HEV pair is a 2-litre direct injection petrol engine plus a two-motor hybrid system putting out 135kW
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 6/10
Thirst: 5/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 6/10
of power and 315Nm of torque, engineered for ‘engaging levels’ of performance, response and feedback.
SAFETY
The Civic comes with new and advanced activeandpassivesafetytechnology,including Honda Sensing, driver assistance made possible by better front camera software, while Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure is designed to better protect occupants and pedestrians in an accident.
New-generation Honda Connect features a new user-friendly Connected App interface, improved response time and other new features.
All models come with 11 airbags (with rear-seat side and centre airbags previously not part of the hybrid equipment list).
DRIVING
Get in, press the start/stop button and leave theresttotheCivic.Thepowertrainprioritises electric running, with the ICE chipping in from cold starts, or when battery charge is running low.
The E-CVT automatic is very un-CVT, with smooth running like an EV at low speeds, using the petrol engine to drive the wheels at higher speeds.
The regenerative braking that feeds power back to the battery when coasting can be adjusted via steering wheel paddles.
The Civic e:HEV features more than one selectabledrivemodelettingthedriverchoose
throttleresponseandfuelefficiencyaccording to preference or driving conditions.
On offer are Normal or Econ, which reduce throttle and transmission sensitivity as well as air-conditioning to help optimise fuel use and Sport which enhances throttle response, steering feel and engine sound.
Finally, Individual mode enables the driver to select preferred settings including engine responsiveness, steering feel and gauges.
While all this was going on the test Civic recorded average fuel consumption of 4,6 litres per 100 kilometres during a week
of family-style motoring. Honda claims a combined urban/highway cycle figure of 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres. Recommended fuel is regular 91-octane unleaded petrol.
SUMMARY
According to Honda the new Civic is the harbinger of sustainable-energy driving, with the sporty Prelude the next cab off the petrol/ electric rank being launched next year before coming Down Under in 2026. Something to look forward to.
Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
According to Honda the new Civic is the harbinger of sustainable-energy driving. (Pictures: Supplied)
Sport is back after festive break
It was full steam ahead as the summer sports returned to action after the Christmas and New Year’s break. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out capturing some of the action.
Footscray United’s James Deasy. 452929_03
Footscray’s Mitchell Jamieson. 452928_02
Sunbury United’s Upul Fernando. 452933_01
It was a tough day in the field for East Sunbury. 452935_11
Hoppers Crossing’s Abbas Faiyaz. 452930_01
Harkness’ Gurinder Singh Grewal. 452932_05
Footscray’s Dylan Brasher. 452928_05
Melton’s Dylan Jobson. 452930_08
The Druids’ Subhan Ramzan. 452929_01
Harkness’s Baljinder Singh. 452932_01
Diggers Rest Bulla’s Darren Quarrell. 452935_01
Woodend’s Warren Else. 452933_02
GDCA women to make representative history
The Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s women will take centre stage with the association’s first women’s representative sides.
The association will play two women’s representative matches against the Ballarat Cricket Association on January 15 and February 19.
Some of the best players in the competition are among those who have put their hands up to be part of the teams.
GDCA president Simon Ovenden said it was a pretty exciting opportunity for the competition and the women involved.
“It is fantastic and it’s a brilliant initiative by the Central Highlands [region],” he said. “The growth in the senior women’s competition has been fantastic and this is the natural progression.
“We’re really looking forward to it and super proud of the first representatives of the association in women’s cricket.
“We think they will do an excellent job.”
Ovenden said the GDCA was focused on makingsuretheyhadaproperrepresentation
of the local community in the competition, and women’s cricket was a big part of that. Women’s representative cricket is rare
in Victoria, making the association one of the few associations to have women’s representative cricket.
Ovenden said there was a lot of interest from the players to be involved in the matches. Some players will play in both matches, while some will play in one.
“There were several clubs and coaches contacting me multiple times wanting to know what was going on,” he said.
“It is really exciting and it’s a great initiative. Kim Bessell from Darley has won two MVPs [most valuable player awards] and Sarah Bamford from Bacchus Marsh have been two of the stars of the competition.
“They get the chance to show their skill set at another level. Nikola Cox is one of the leading wicket takers in the Jensen Shield seconds competition and she now has the opportunity to play with other women in the senior representative side.”
For many of the team, it will be the first time they get the opportunity to play on turf cricket and the games will be played under
Zach Tuohy now a Cobra
By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh coach Dennis Armfield will reunite with his former Carlton teammate Zach Tuohy after getting the Irishman to the Ballarat Football League club for 2025.
The Cobras announced on Friday night that Tuohy, who finished his AFL career after 288 games at the end of 2024, had joined the club. When Tuohy announced his retirement, Armfield reached out to see what his mate was planning to do this year.
“He always knew that I would have a conversation with him when he retired,” he said. “He’s a close mate.
“He’s come on board and for us, he’s a great recruit for the club and the community in terms of the development of the young boys.
“It’s really exciting that I have a great mate that is playing under me.”
Armfield said he wasn’t sure how many clubs had spoken to Touhy about him joining them this year.
He said it was a different experience for the AFL premiership player, who has never played
local football before having come to the AFL from Ireland.
“Knowing Zach, he wanted to play with a mate,” he said. “I wasn’t sure if he was going to play at all.
“We have been mates for 10 plus years. It’s exciting for him and he gets to buy into the local sporting community in Australia.”
Armfield said there had been a massive reaction to Tuohy joining the club since the announcement with many in the playing group and at the club Geelong supporters.
“Hopefully this will build some more momentum for the club,” Armfield said.
The signing of Touhy is the club’s biggest off season signing so far. Nic Dunshea has crossed from South Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League in the other signing announcement from the club.
Armfieldsaidhewasautilityandsomething they were missing last season.
He said they had looked to lock in their existing playing group before adding
lights.
With the association having junior girls representative cricket for a number of years, this provides a continued pathway.
“This is one of the drivers,” Ovenden said. “We want to give junior girls pathways at a community level.
“You don’t have to go downtown to play senior cricket against women.”
The players selected to represent the association are Gisborne’s Brianna Woodburn, Ruby Watts and Ninna Harbinson, Lancefield’s Luzanne Paeglitis, Nat and Brooke Jeffrey, and Anita McMaster, Malmbury’s Nikola Cox, Darley’s Kim Bessell and Brittany Ward, Bacchus Marsh’s Sarah Bamford and Ashley Gillard, Macedon’s Emily Wilkinson, Kilmore’s Taylah Logie and Wallan’s Megan Farrell, Kia Montgomery and Terrie Haydon.
The first game is being held at East Oval Ballarat from 6.15pm on January 15.
Tara Murray
Star Kiwi back
Five years is a long time to wait for redemption.
In racing, entire careers start, blossom and end much quicker than that all the time.
But five years to the day when he last raced and finished unplaced in the Great Southern Star, Kiwi speed machine Oscar Bonavena is heading back to Melton for a another shot at the title.
The title has of course changed. The Great Southern Star was 2760m mobile back on February 1, 2020 when Oscar Bonavena sat parked and finished a brave fourth to Tornado Valley.
He had arrived in Melbourne as trotting’s next big thing, but his mind wasn’t as sharp as his sprint and Oscar wasn’t the first New Zealand horse to be caught out by the Australian hustle and bustle.
So much has happened since. Unsoundness, wildness years, changing stables, changing back, then a Trotter of the Year season in 2023.
Oscar looked to have maybe hit a wall again in the first half of 2024 - a wall called Just Believe - but the real Oscar finally downed the little Aussie hero in theNZFree-For-AllonShowDayandhas been brilliant since, albeit galloping early in this week’s National Trot before a huge recovery for third.
additional pieces.
“Outside of retirements, of our key signings we only lost one or two players,” he said.
“We’ve had a couple of others return to the club. We have two or three more that will potentially come across.
“They are good young talent from other competitions.”
The Cobras still have plenty of growth to come from the existing playing group.
Nine players are currently at Coates Talent League sides’ Western Jets and Greater Western Victorian Rebels, while seven players spent time at Victorian Football League clubs during the summer.
Armfield said they know they still have plenty of work ahead of them.
“We are long way off,” he said. “We didn’t finish last year how we wanted to and didn’t get the results we were after.
“The competition will get better and we have to improve a lot.
“We have to knuckle down and do the hard work over the next couple of months to attack the season.”
That was enough to convince trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon that Oscar should go back to Melton to try this back-to-the-future Great Southern Star, which includes two mobile sprint heats in one night like it used to be.
“He deserves another shot over there,” Nathan said. “He has never been sounder and is racing so well even after that little gallop this week.
“So the plan will be to try and race here (Alex Park) again before he goes over, but ifhehastogooverthereforalead-uprace that will be okay too.
“The way he is racing these days, sprinting seems to really suit him and I think the Great Southern Star format will be good for him. “And obviously Just Believe isn’t going to be there.”
With defending champion Callmethebreeze also set to miss the GSS, Oscar Bonavena is at least as good as the locals but will still have to contend with new Inter Dominion champion and natural speedster The Locomotive. Michael Guerin
Zach Tuohy has joined Bacchus Marsh (Marcel Berens)
Kim Bessell (left) is one of the stars of the GDCA women’s side. (Supplied)
Melton City’s successful little athletics relay day
Melton City Little Athletics Centre exceeded all expectations at the recent Little Athletics Victoria relay day.
The centre had 14 teams compete at the state championships in late December, with all sides improving either their qualification timeorrankingtheyhadheadingintotheday.
Among the results were two gold medals, two silver medals, a bronze medal and two state records.
CentrepresidentSuziJohnsonsaidtheyhad been hoping for some good results heading into the event after the results they had at the region titles.
“The under-17s took home three medals and the under-9s in their first time at the state titles won two silver medals,” she said.
“Aftertheregions’eventwehadbeenhoping to win some medals, but we weren’t expecting to have some teams break some state records.”
The under-9 team which won two silver medals was Chayse Johnson, Ari Brown, Vishrudh Aitham and Anaiyah Grenville.
Johnson said one of those sides qualified in fourth spot, so winning silver was a bit of a shock.
The under-17 mixed team of Chris Musa, Lady Elva Tachie-Menson, Saah Falla and Stella Whillance won the 4 x 100 metres and 4 x 200 metres events.
Johnson said they’d had a couple of runners jointheclubthisyeardespitebeingnearaging
out of Little Aths having only done school athletics before which had strengthened that age group.
Lady Elva and Stella were part of the under-17 girls medley relay team that won silver along with Nyandeng Mayanm and Amelia Alford.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for that side “We had someone get injury and pull out
Noah Botic. (Supplied)
United’s stunning victory
By Oliver Caffrey, AAP
Western United have come from behind three times and scored two stoppage time goals to pinch a stunning 4-3 win over Melbourne Victory in a classic A-League Men derby at AAMI Park.
SevendaysafterJordanLauton’sspectacular goal gave United an epic win over Glory in Perth,JohnAloisi’steamcementedthemselves as the comeback kings of the league on Friday night.
Japanese striker Hiroshi Ibusuki was the match-winner, slotting his second goal of the night in the 94th minute to break the 3-3 deadlock and silence the parochial Victory crowd.
“If it was the first time we did it, we’ll say maybe it was a little bit of luck, but it’s not the first time this season that we’ve done that,” Aloisi said.
“It’s the belief that the boys have, and to keep going. They show such resilience, such character.
“We had a big schedule, four games in 12 days, but we were outstanding in that second half.”
It was a brutal way for Socceroo Jason Geria
to end his time at Victory, with the defender on the move to Japanese second division club Albirex Niigata.
“He’s everything this club’s about,” interim Victory coach Arthur Diles said of Geria.
“He’s someone that’s a special human being andabigcharacterofthisclubandtheleague.
“I’m devastated for him tonight that we don’t send him out a winner in his final match at Melbourne Victory.”
Victory surrendered a one-goal advantage in both halves, and then in the 91th minute through a stunning header from United’s Noah Botic.
In a nod to Lauton after he celebrated nhis matchwinner against Perth by pulling off his shirt and earning himself a one-game suspension, Botic also showed off some skin and was given a yellow card.
Botic celebrated hard before a section of Victory supporters, who were further devastated when Ibusuki - who’d equalised 1-1 in the 17th minute - netted a second, match-winning goal three minutes later.
It was a fifth-straight winless appearance for Victory, who last took all three points on December 8 against lowly Perth.
Diles took over as interim Victory boss
and we had to bring in a newbie,” Johnson said. “She was able to hold her own.”
The five medals comes after the centre won one 12 months ago. Johnson said it was one of their best championships in recent years.
Shesaidoneofthebigchangesforthecentre hadbeencoachDamienWapshotttakingover the training for the relays, which had proven successful.
“Itisaboostfortherestoftheclub,”hesaid. “We’ve got regions coming up in February for the individual events.
“They’ll all be trying out to make the state championships Hopefully a few of the young talent start to come through.”
Johnson said they were hoping to have some success at the individual state titles with a number of good results already this season.
She said the centre was continuing to grow with 252 athletes this season . Once the regular season is finished, the club will head into cross country season.
Tara Murray
Sports shorts
Ballarat FL
Reigning premiers Melton has welcomed three players back to the club for this year’s Ballarat Football League season. Coach Troy Scoble revealed on social media that Ben Mcmahon, Mitch Caddy and Billy Crofts were all returning to the club. Crofts will juggle his time at the Bloods with his Victorian Football League commitments with the Western Bulldogs.
VSDCA
Melton had a tough day out to start 2025 in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west on Saturday. The Lions were at home to Hoppers Crossing in a one-dayer to start the new year. The Cats made 219 from their 45 overs, with Dylan Jobson taking three wickets for the Lions. The Lions batters struggled to get going with just two passing 15 as they were bowled out for 97. Jason Hibbert top scored with 25. After nine rounds, the Lions sit last with one win.
BCA
after Patrick Kisnorbo shocked the club by taking up an assistant coaching job in Japan on December 17, only days before their derby against Melbourne City.
Veteran Victory striker Bruno Fornaroli scored for the first time since returning to the starting line-up, tapping in a nice pass from Daniel Arzani in the 39th minute.
It came after centre back Brendan Hamill opened the scoring with a superb hit when Victory started hot.
VictoryconsistentlybrokethroughUnited’s defence in the first half while creating far more chances, and should have been further in front than 2-1 at the break.
United emerged after halftime an inspired unit with Abel Walatee equalising in the 69th minute.
Victory could have gone up 3-1, but a goal was disallowed in the 59th minute after Fornaroli was deemed to have pulled Tate Russell’s shirt.
Brazilian attacker Santos looked to have found the winner in the 79th minute, celebrating his first goal for Victory with a backflip just three minutes after coming off the bench to replace Arzani, before United rebounded.
Bacchus Marsh held off Napoleons Sebastopol in a thriller in the Ballarat Cricket Association on Saturday. The Bulls made 199 as they were bowled out for four balls remaining. Alex Porter top scored with 70 at the top of the order. The run chase came down to the final over with Joshua Calvitto claiming a wicket on the second last ball to bowl out Napoleons Sebastopol for 198. In other games, Darley fell short against East Ballarat. East Ballarat made 8-238 before restricting the Lions to 172. After 10 rounds, Bacchus Marsh sits in fourth and Darley in seventh.
Baseball
North Western Titans had a big win against Sunshine in the Baseball Victoria summer league women’s regional west competition on Saturday. In the first round back after the Christmas break, the Titans won 13-2. After 12 rounds, the Titans sit in second spot.
The under-17 mixed team won two golds. (LAVIC)
WFNL names interleague coaches for May clash
The Western Football Netball League has revealed its interleague coaches for its clashes with the Southern Football Netball League in May.
The league will play in senior interleague for the first time since 2019, with women’s football and netball interleague games to be played for the first time. The WFNL is seeking to host the match-up on May 17 with football and netball venues still to be confirmed.
Parkside premiership co-coach Chris Muratore will coach the senior men’s football side. He is also currently the backline coach for Richmond’s Victorian Football League team andadevelopmentcoachwiththeclub’sAFLW program.
Caroline Springs’ women’s coach Alex O’Shea will lead the league’s first women’s interleague side.
One of the Lakers original players, O’Shea won four club best and fairest awards before moving into coaching and taking the Lakers to the past two grand finals.
Glen Orden coach Rebecca Hicks will coach the netball interleague side.
Hicks oversaw the Hawks netball program this season, with every side making the grand final, with five teams taking home premierships.
Kirk Heberle will coach the under-19 men’s football side. He is a former premiership player withPointCookandisnostrangertotheleague’s interleague programs having coached under-13, under-14andunder-15interleaguesides.
WFNL operations general manager Luke Henry, said the league was thrilled to secure the services of four excellent coaches.
“Chris is an outstanding appointment with many strong connections with current coaches and players across the league,” he said. “With his knowledge of the league as a player and coach as well as having represented the league previously we’re really excited for what he can provide for the senior men’s interleague program,” Henry said.
“With 2025 being the first year of senior women’s interleague we’re thrilled to have Alex onboardhavingbeeninvolvedinanextremely successful women’s program at Caroline Springs as both a player and now as coach.
“Bec is excited for the challenge of coaching our interleague netball team alongside
Falcons sitting content Falcons sitting con
By Tara Murray
CarolineSpringscouldn’thaveaskedformuch more from the first part of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield season.
The Falcons were atop the table at the Christmas break, one of four teams with a 3-1 record as well as having had three games called off.
Falcons coach Ian Shattock said he was really happy with how the season was panning out.
“‘I think we’ve had a really good start,” he said. “The only disappointing game was against Gellibrand.
“Every other game we’ve played well, even the washout games we were in strong positions.
“We’rereallyhappywithhowwearedoing.”
Shattock said there was naturally some motivation from last season’s finals defeat driving the side, but said it was a different group this season.
He said the biggest thing for the side had been they were playing as a team and not relying on one of two people to get the job done.
“The boys have improved on last year,” he
said. “It’s a new bunch of boys and everyone is contributing and connected to what we are doing.
“We’ve been playing as a team. Rukshan [Fernando]madeacoupleof100sinarow,but we’ve been sharing it around.”
Shattock highlighted Flynn Rice as one of the big improvers this season.
Rice came through the ranks at the Falcons.
“Hehascomeonleapsandbounds,”hesaid.
“He batted a bit lower last year, but he’s moved up the order and played fantastically this year.
“He has been a highlight to watch.”
Shattock said Braedon Mulheran, who has comebacktotheclubthisseason,wasanother younger one performing well as part of a good mix of young guys and experienced guys in the side.
The Falcons are in the middle of its clash with Point Cook Centrals in the first match of the new year.
The Sharks are equal on points with the Falcons.
It’s the first time the two teams have played each other.
The Sharks made 110 after winning the toss and deciding to bat. Gavin Mccallum took three wickets for the Falcons.
three specialist coaches. With the WFNL competition continuing to build year on year Bec is eager to prove a point against a league with a well-established competition and strong reputation on the netball court.”
WFNL chief executive David Jennings said they were excited to bring back senior interleague to the league. “Being a part of a representativeprogramisatremendoushonour for players and coaches and is one of the most rewarding experiences in sport,” he said.
“The program will be integral to strengthening our brand in metropolitan football and netball and will no doubt create a sense of pride within the WFNL when we take on Southern next year.
“We are delighted to have received the commitment from our highly respected and capable coaches which is a testament to how important senior Interleague is to the league and the pathways in our region.”
Tara Murray
New look state league
The FV state league competition division structure will expand from 2026 for both the men’s and women’s competitions.
The same structures as 2024 will be in place for this year, before from 2026 the state leagues will expand from the current five-division structure to seven divisions for the men’s competition and eight divisions for the women’s competition.
Football Victoria said the decision follows extensive consultation with clubs over recent seasons, and introduces a more streamlined and consistent framework for competition. Under the new model, all leagues within each division will be zoned geographically into north-west and south-east regions.
Currently the top state league competitions for men’s and women’s are split into north-west and south-east regions, while the lower state league grades are single regions.
Football operations executive manager Dan Birrell said the move is designedtoenhancethecompetitiveness and growth opportunities within the leagues.
The Falcons finished day one at 4-55. Skipper Roshan Laksiri and Darshil Parikh are the unbeaten batters.
“It will be interesting to see what their strengths are,” Shattock said before the game.
“We’ve played everyone else.
“The key is to keep it going how we have been going in making runs and keep having partnerships.”
Shattock said across the club things were going well with their second XI also near the top of the ladder.
The Falcons women are also on top of the ladder.
The undefeated side had its match with Maribyrnong Park St Marys washed out.
InotherVTCAmatches,Sydenham-Hillside finished day one at 4-275 against Craigieburn in senior division.
In the Evans-Clark Shield, Melton South Royals have already claimed first innings points against St Andrew’s Footscray, while Burnside Springs United is 2-66 in reply to Williamstown Congs in the Russell Pollock Shield.
“These changes will align the entire seniorcommunityfootballpyramid,”he said. “The shift in structure will provide clubs with a streamlined competition format, while the introduction of a two-up, two-down promotion and relegation process ensures increased competitiveness and fairness across all levels.”
The changes will include a standardised promotion and relegation system across all divisions will provide clubs with a clear pathway for progression.
Unclear promotion and relegation has been something a number of clubs have previously complained about. Some divisions have had one side promoted and others have had two sides promoted and it has changed from year to year.
In 2026, the new state league 6 men’s competition will contain teams from this year’s state league 4 and five, while state league 7 will contain teams from the state league 5 competitions.
Further information will be shared once the 2025 final league structures are confirmed late in January.
Rukshan Fernando. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 440866_01
The Western Football Netball League has announced its senior interleague coaches.
(Western FNL)
