Double the fun at school
Stacey and Adam Tait welcomed a set of fraternal twins during the pandemic and now, five years later, the twins are gearing up for their first day of primary school.
The Tait twins, Florence and Henley, are excited to start school at Eynesbury Primary School.
Ms Tait said she is both nervous and excited.
“I have the confidence, in a way, that they have each other,” she said.
“I just hope that they can lean on each other if they need each other.”
She said seeing them in their school uniforms was surreal.
“Florence is excited that she can wear her little skort, and her school dress, and Henley’s just excited to look like his older brother, Lincoln,” she said.
Ms Tait said it will be very different not having them around almost all of the time.
“I’m excited to see their personalities come out,“ she said.
“I just hope they keep that connection that they’ve always had of being best friends.”
Faith Macale
Micic’s Aussie Open run
By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs’ Elena Micic grew up wanting to spend her Januarys on the courts at Melbourne Park.
Having started playing tennis at age three, making the Australian Open draw has long been a dream for the now 20-year-old.
She made the 2022 Australian Open junior event after winning through in qualifying, with a senior draw the next aim.
That dream was almost a reality for this year’s Open, falling one win short of the
main draw after making it through to the final round of qualifying.
“It was a great experience,” she said. “I was super grateful for the opportunity to play and compete.
“With my first two matches and even my last match, I was happy with how I played.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better first slam experience.”
Micic, who started the year ranked just outside the world 400, received a wildcard into the qualifying tournament following her improvements last year.
She beat Elena Pridankina in the first
round of qualifying 6-3 3-6 7-5, before leading Darya Astakhova 6-2 3-1 when her opponent retired. Number six seed Polina Kudermetova ended her run with a 6-4 7-5 win in the final round of qualifying.
Micic said for her she didn’t focus on where her opponents were ranked once she was on the court, it was about making sure she concentrated on the game.
Beingherhomegrandslam,Micic’sfriends and family were out in force to support her in action.
“I was excited to play in front of them,” she said. “I grew up training on these courts.
“I played relatively well and felt like I was at home and felt confident.”
Micic, who is going into her third full year on the senior circuit, said she gained more confidence and belief with the matches that she’s played.
After finishing 2023 ranked at 879 in the world, Micic finished last year at 403.
She currently sits at 425.
Micic said she wanted to continue to build and improve her ranking. She said seeing her ranking improve so much last year really gave her a lot of confidence.
Continued page 4
Twins Florence and Henley, 5, are ready for their first day of school at Eynesbury Primary School (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453716_03
STAY INFORMED
Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial
Road works and temporary closures
The following temporary road closures are currently in place due to road works: Plumpton Road: Closed at the intersection of Taylors Road until late-February. Detour in place via Melton Highway, Gourlay and Leakes Roads.
City Vista Court: Closed at the intersection of Taylors Road until 30 January. Detour in place via Hume Drive.
Bulmans Road: Night closures from 6pm–6am until 26 January for asphalt and line marking. Detours in place.
Tenterfield Drive: closed at Westwood Drive until 28 January. Detour in place.
We thank you for your patience as we work to improve the condition and safety of our roads. For information and updates, visit melton.vic.gov.au/roadworks
Pocket Pets
Council wishes to advise that our Animal Pound located at 90-92 High Street Melton is no longer accepting ‘Pocket Pets’ such as Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Mice, Reptiles or caged birds from the community.
For information on other specialist rescue groups that may be able to assist in rehoming or surrendering them, visit melton.vic.gov.au/ animal-pound
Coolibah Ward with Cr Brandi Morris
Here we are in 2025, and I’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year. As your new Councillor for Coolibah Ward, I am very grateful to represent our wonderful growing community.
In just two months, I’ve already attended 15 community events, 10 Council meetings and briefings, and connected with many residents. Over the next year, I look forward to representing Council as Chair of the Intercultural Committee. I will also be a Council representative on our Arts and Culture, Safe City, Youth Advisory, and Melton Weir Development committees.
There’s much I love about our City, from the delicious eateries and convenient shopping precincts to our beautiful weir, nature trails, and historical landmarks.
As a growth corridor, however, we’re not without growing pains – especially road congestion and increased traffic. There are many current, and planned, road improvement projects taking place across our City which will improve access to services, facilities, education, and employment opportunities.
On a final note, I’d like to thank Member for Melton Steve McGhie MP,
Melton Night Markets
Melton Town Centre will come alive over the next few months with vibrant night markets inspired by the flavours, rhythms and traditions of Asia, Europe and Oceania. Enjoy traditional cultural performances, market stalls and mouthwatering cuisines.
• Asian market Friday 7 February
• European market Friday 7 March
• Oceania market Friday 4 April
From 5pm to 9pm. For information, visit melton.vic.gov.au/night-markets
and the Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams MP, for delivering the new 452 bus route which connects Eynesbury and Weir Views with Melton Station for the first time, a great outcome for our residents. It’s also pleasing to see construction well underway on the new Weir Views Primary School which is set to open in 2026. Feel free to contact me regarding Coolibah Ward or Council related issues on 0418 999 577; email: Brandi.Morris@melton.vic.gov.au or follow my Instagram page @ crbrandim
I’d like to welcome you all to 2025 and hope you enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends over the Christmas break.
I’m looking forward to what this year will bring, with many great projects and events currently underway and in the pipeline.
We continue to focus on improving our roads and making them safer for all road-users. Key works are progressing at Caroline Springs Boulevard and Rockbank Middle Road intersection, and the Plumpton and Taylors Road intersection. I thank you all for your patience and understanding as we complete these important works. For updates visit melton.vic.gov.au/roadworks
We will continue to advocate strongly to the Australian and Victorian Governments for funding for roads, transport and other key infrastructure which our rapidly growing City desperately needs.
As we continue to review and update our Community Vision and other plans, and develop our 2025/26 Budget, I remind you to register your interest for our Community Panel or submit your ideas for the Budget at conversations.melton.vic.gov.au
Finally, I am thrilled to welcome nearly 1,000 new Australian’s over three citizenship ceremonies we will be holding at Cobblebank Indoor Stadium; two on the 24 January and one on Australia Day. As I have mentioned before, our cultural diversity is what makes our wonderful City so unique.
With school holidays nearing an end, no doubt, many of you are preparing for the school year ahead. I wish you all the best for a wonderful school year.
You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at Steve.Abboushi@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0437 231 680.
Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi
Deputy Mayor Cr Lara Carli Cr Kathy Majdlik
Cr Brandi Morris Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Julie Shannon
Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg Cr John Verdon
Phillip Zada
Residents call to stop plans for place of worship
Kurunjang residents are calling on Melton council to reject an application to repurpose a shed into a place of worship in the area.
Petitioner Charlie Portelli said his family moved to Kurunjang two years ago in search of a peaceful residential area after a place of worship was built near his former home. He said that place of woships resulted in increased traffic and noise and he is worried his family will have the same experience if Melton council approves the Kurunjang
permit.
“It got too much, so we had to move,” he said.
“We’re not very happy. We paid a bit of moneytogetwayfromthattohavesomething nice and quiet for a long time.
“The noise, pollution, and increased traffic this will bring can significantly disrupt the serene environment we have come to know and love.
“We all know and have seen that these
places always start small and then grows into a big community.”
Mr Portelli said places of worship should built in “appropriate areas” to avoid causing “significant disturbances to residents”.
The petition had been signed by 234 people as of January 17, but has not been lodged with council.
The permit application said site is currently used for residential purposes.
Council city growth and development
manager Blake De Alencar Angus said the proposal is to use the existing dwelling and shed as a place of worship for a maximum of 30 patrons with parking for two days a month on a weekend.
Hesaidtheapplicationwouldbeconsidered at a future council meeting.
The architect who submitted the permit application to council was contacted for comment.
Faith Macale
Sail into the Melton Library Store closes its doors
By Faith Macale
Melton Produce has closed its doors after 24 years, after VicTrack took back possession of the land and building as part of its plans to upgrade Melton train station.
VicTrack owns the land the Melton Produce buildingison,andthebuildingitself.Itleased the site to Melton Produce owner Peter Earl.
The store is housed in a 20th century pre-fabricated frameless steel shed built in 1964 as a storage shed for the Grain Elevator Board.
It originally had a distribution auger/ elevator on the side facing the road, and a chute on the other side facing the tracks.
Mr Earl modified the building to let cars drive through the front door, load sacks of produce in the vehicle, and drive out the
backdoor.
In 2018, the Melton council tried add the building to the heritage list but failed because of how little of the original infrastructure was left after the land was re-developed over the years.
“I was only little then, but I remember when it was built,” Mr Earl said of the shed.
“I used to drive a truck here with my grandfather bringing grains here.
“When the council tried to heritage list it, the railways opposed it, which pretty well indicated that there was going to be infrastructure changes.”
Despite plans to demolish the shed as soon as Melton Produce closes, Mr Earl remains hopeful the building will be saved.
“I think in Australia, there’s only this one and another one still existing,” he said.
Rockbank plans in place
Rockbank Major Town Centre is one step closertobecomingareality,withallnecessary permits and approvals in place.
Melton councillor Phillip Zada shared the news on Facebook, stating that this is a key milestone, and that council is thrilled to see progress moving in the right direction.
“The ball is now in the developer’s court to bringthismuch-anticipatedprojecttolife,”he said.
“This town centre will be a fantastic addition to Rockbank, and I look forward to seeing it take shape.”
Council city growth and development manager Blake De Alencar Angus said the permit includes a supermarket and specialty stores, as well as parking.
“Council has been working closely with the developer to satisfy conditional requirements
of the planning permit and can confirm all approvals are now in place for the developer to proceed with the project.”
In September 2015, the Victorian Planning Authority unveiled the urban design and framework concept plan for the town centre in the Rockbank Precint Plan.
The plan described the town centre will be a a vibrant mixed-use centre with the retail core supported by a range of commercial, entertainment, education, recreation, civic and community uses.
A Level Crossing Removal Project spokesperson said work at the site was part of the state government’s plans for a new Melton station featuring improved platforms.
Mr Earl, now 70, said he was devastated abouthavingtoclosehislivelihood,butwould take the opportunity to retire and visit family interstate.
He said his customers and community members were devastated to hear the news
“I worked five-and-a-half days, sometimes six days a week, so it’s a pretty full-on business,” he said.
“A lot of customers, they’ve been coming herethemselvesfor20yearsandit’sconvenient to a lot of people.
“Now, I’ll probably go to Queensland and visit my daughter, and start watching Hawthorn win premierships again.”
A veteran traditional sail maker will be teaching the techniques of the traditional sailor’s craft at Melton Library next month.
Participants in Rick Mitchell’s workshop will learn simple hand sewing skillsandthreedifferentseams,enabling them to make a sampler.
Mid-19th century sail makers would make a sampler to take with them on their travels to showcase their work, Mr Mitchell said.
“Going back to the mid-19th century, thesailmakerswerefairlyitinerant,”Mr Mitchell said.
“They’d travel around, so they’d be obliged to make themselves a sampler, which they then take around.“
MrMitchellmadehisfirstsailin1988, including a replica of the Enterprize, a colonial-style schooner that sails out of Melbourne, and two sets of sails for the Duyfken, a replica of the first European ship to touch the coast of Australia.
“I really enjoyed the process of researching the appropriate historical techniques because techniques change over time,” he said.
“The Enterprize was an 1830s ship, and the Duyfken was an early 17th century ship, so I enjoyed the process of researching that, then actually putting it to practise.”
He hopes those joining his workshop will appreciate the experience of hand sewing.
“It’s not a very common experience for peopletosewbyhandthesedays,”hesaid.
“More importantly, hopefully they’ll get some enjoyment of actually making something with their own hands, and some of the pride that people can take away with actually physically working with their hands, rather than tapping keys on a keyboard.”
The workshop will run on February 1 at 10.30am.
Peter Earl will close Melton Produce’s doors after 24 years. (Faith Macale)
Moorabool ready for Aust Day
With Australia Day just around the corner, Moorabool Council is busy getting the festivities ready.
Everyone is invited to the council’s official Australia Day celebrations on Sunday, January 26 at the Ballan Mechanics Institute, 143 Inglis Street, Ballan.
Festivities will include musical entertainment, a town crier, Australia Day awards presentation and an Australian citizenship ceremony.
Moorabool Shire Council Mayor Paul Tatchell said: “Australia Day is a time for us to welcome our newest citizens and acknowledgetheimportanceofwhatitmeans
to become a full member of the Australian community.“
“Our annual Australia Day event not only acknowledges the citizens’ commitment to Australia’s values of freedom, democracy, equality and respect, but it also celebrates the achievements of our Moorabool Shire residents who have made a remarkable difference in their communities.“
The Australia Day awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals and community groups in the shire.
The prestigious awards are one of the highest honours a council can bestow to
publicly acknowledge local heroes, whose dedication and contributions may otherwise go unnoticed.
AwardswillbegivenforCitizenoftheYear, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year.
For those who can’t make it, the event will also be live-streamed on Facebook.
Meanwhile, Melton City Council has a jam-packed Australia Day, with three citizenship ceremonies to hold this year to welcome the city’s newest citizens.
Nearly 1,000 residents will officially become Australian citizens during the ceremonies to be held at Cobblebank Indoor
New show offers artistic healing
Paspunuri has always been the artistic type. Whether it is drawing, painting, singing or dancing, she can do it all.
After her second pregnancy, she turned to making mandala art in order to keep herself engaged and avoid post-partum depression.
Little did she know that her new hobby would lead to an exhibition at the Melton City Library.
“Iwassohappyandexcitedtheopportunity was given (to me),” she said.
“I was so grateful.
“Myhusbandencouragedmealot.Hemade sure I had all the materials, he researched everything that I needed.
“Sometimes some materials are not in store here, so he got me some things from India, as well.”
Ms Paspanuri created a dozen new pieces for her exhibition Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam meaning The World is One.
“I had to do everything from scratch again,” she said.
“When I told my clients that my art had been selected for the exhibition, they were excited and even offered to take my art from their home to put in the exhibit.”
The World is One explores healing, peace of mind, and the teachings of the Hindu God Lord Krishna.
“I am a healing mandala artist, and in most cases, my clients take my art because they feel they get peace of mind in it,” Ms Paspunuri said.
“In today’s life, people are too busy and they hardly get any time to meditate and do otherstuff. Havingthiskindofart(mandala) at home increases their peace of mind.”
With The World is One exhibition, Mind Australia heard of her healing artworks and purchased one of her pieces to display in its Cobblebank office.
Stadium - Stadium Drive, Cobblebank, on Friday, January 24 and Australia Day, Sunday, January 26.
City of Melton mayor Cr Steve Abboushi said: “Australia Day is a time to celebrate the people who make the country we are blessed to call home so special.’’
“It’s great to see so many conferees being sworn in this year in the City of Melton and reflects the amazing diversity of our wonderful City.”
“I’m looking forward to congratulating our new citizens and coming together to enjoy the community spirit that makes our City so special.”
Micic’s Aussie Open run
From page 1
“Last year was better than the year before,” she said. “I was getting that experience of playing more tournaments and matches.
“Hopefully I can get the ranking up and keep going and playing plenty of matches.”
Micic said her first aim this year was to get her ranking into the early 200s which would give her the opportunity to automatically qualify for qualifying for the grand slam events.
Her long term goal is to make the top 100.
“Each tournament is different,” she said. “It [being in the 200s] might get me into the main draw at some higher events as well.”
Micic heads to Brisbane for two tournaments at the end of this month.
She said said was still planning her 2025 but would hopefully head overseas later in the year for more tournaments.
Push for more secondary schools in fast growing Melton
As one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities, Melton Council has called on the state government to ensure there are enough secondary schools in the pipeline to meet ever increasing demand.
At the December council meeting, councillors requested information on all future planned public secondary schools, and a review of the provisions of secondary schools in Melton considering the rate of growth and the number of babies born.
Councillor Sophie Ramsey said that more secondary schools are going to be urgently needed in the not-so-distant future.
Currently, there are only four public secondary schools in Melton, and one senior college.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said 73 babies are born every week in the municipaliy, which equates to three classrooms full of children every week by the time they are five years old.
“While Council is appreciative of the investment in early childhood education and schools,weseekassurancesthatthisinvestment will continue in line with growth,” he said.
“The need for a pipeline of secondary provision is critical when you consider the secondary school population (12-17 years old) is forecast to grow by 61.4 per cent between 2021 and 2031.
“This indicates eight new schools will be neededtoprovidetheeducationfoundationfor our students to reach their full potential.”
A spokesperson said the state government had invested $16.9 billion to build, upgrade and expand schools across the state since 2014.
“More than 50 per cent of the schools that have been built across the whole of Australia in the past ten years have been built right here in Victoria, by our government and we will continue to build the schools needed for Victorians,“ the spokesperson said.
Yarrabing Secondary College in Aintree opened in 2024 and a new secondary school will open in Cobblebank in 2026.
Beyond this, sites for several proposed government secondary schools in the City of Melton have been identified in Precinct Structure Plans.
said “I think the state government has done a great job for primary schools in our community, but where do our kidsgowhentheyneedthosesecondaryschool options?”
Cr Kathy Majdlik said it will be interesting toseetheplansforMelton,consideringitisone of the municipalities with the highest expected growth rates.
“Education is something that I’ve always been passionate about,“ she said.
“It will also be interesting for our residents to see what the plans are from the state government in regards to secondary schools.”
Cr Lara Carli
Faith Macale
Elena Micic. (Tennis Australia)
Snehika
Faith Macale
Snehika Paspunuri is the healing mandala artist behind The World is One. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453377_01
MY PLACE
Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre president Gandhi P Bhattarai spoke with Faith Macale about establishing the Diggers Rest community centre, the first of its kind in Australia.
What’s your connection to the ANMC?
I am president of ANMC until Sunday, February 23, then Dr Tilak Pokharel is taking over as president. It was back in 2007 when I first joined the community group of 50 families. That group was raising $100 a month from every member to build a temple and community centre. Going through different stages of life’s ups and downs, our group formed the Victorian Nepalese Community Centre and later ANMC was registered in 2014 and then in 2015 we became a group of 100lifetimemembersbycontributing$75,000 to ANMC. Like minded leaders have had thoughts since 1997 that it was an absolute need for initiative like ANMC but wasn’t possible to start back then. What do you like about the ANMC? For me personally, when I go to ANMC I feel peace, ease of mind and relief. Also a similar sort of version I have heard from community members. They say they feel like home. What, if anything, would you change about the ANMC?
If we were able to have better facilities at ANMC that would improve community participation, their experience and engagement to the next level. That will result in better community harmony and their improved holistic wellbeing.
What is the favourite thing you do or experienced at the ANMC?
Celebrating festivals authentically and being able to go a Nepali temple with thousands of other community members is the significant thingIlikeandappreciatethemost.Especially outside of my home country being able to have large gatherings and celebrate culturally, I enjoy it the most. It’s very inspiring for the
community when they attend and meet up with others. They say it’s like back home and they feel peace. Because it’s achieved through huge efforts and thousands of families have contributed financially, they feel very happy to be able to have a place such as ANMC.
What is something about you that would surprise the ANMC community?
It may not be an exciting answer to this question, but I would like to share the very important fact that in 2020 I suffered horrific work place injuries followed by ongoing medical treatments over the years and still going through medical procedures. ANMC is the second reason after family that gave me reasons to smile, even in pain. I would like to request you all to work safely, adhere to manual handling procedures and, most importantly, take your time. I would encourage everyone to enjoy life in the present, stay safe and healthy. What is your message tp the Nepalese Community in Australia?
Let’s join hands together and work together to achieve. If you haven’t been able to come to the centre yet, we heartily request you to come and visit. We are thankful for your ongoing support that brought us here, many kudos to you all.
Common recycling contaminants
Up to 24% of Moorabool Shire’s recycling bins contain the following incorrect materials, known as contamination.
These items belong in your red lid rubbish bin:
Household garbage Cartons, takeaway coffee cups Textiles and shoes
Switch off and read
Melton children’s author Shev Kelly wants to inspire kids to switch off their devices and head outdoors.
Kelly, a mum-of-two, has written a book, The Day my Tablet Broke, with the help of her friend, Kurt Anniss, which includes games andactivitiesthewhilefamilycandotogether.
The book follows the story of a boy named Hendrix who felt like his day was ruined because his tablet broke.
“It’s all about inspiring kids to get off technology and think outside the square,” she said.
“IrememberwhenIwasakid,weusedtogo out on our rollerblades, our skateboards, and have the best time.
“Wewouldcomehomewhenthestreetlights turned on, and I really think that’s missing these days.
“I’ve just started to realise that kids are getting really addicted to technology in a very unhealthy way.
“I really wanted to show my kids, and hopefully share with other children, that you don’t have to be on technology to have fun.”
On Monday, January 16, Kelly received the firstcopyofherbook,andopenedthepackage with her kids.
“It was such a beautiful experience to share with my child,” she said.
“We’ve been reading the books to my kids and even taking the books to my kids’ day care.”
Kelly said the book is not just for children, but also to inspire parents to help their kids minimise screen time.
“In this day and age, kids have so many mental concerns, and I think it’s the parents’ job to really help their kids and inspire the kids to do things together that aren’t sitting still in the lounge room or a bedroom looking at a screen for four to five hours,“ she said.
Faith Macale
Shev Kelly releases new children’s book ‘The Day my tablet Broke’. (Supplied)
President Gandhi P Bhattarai in the Hindu temple room at the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453600_01
Blessing of knowledge
Saraswati Puja is an annual celebration in February for the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom, Saraswati.
The Shree Shakti Association in Melton will host a celebration in honour of Saraswati on Saturday, February 1, at the Melton Community Hall.
Shree Shakti Association president Sanghamitra Chakraborty said they celebrate traditional Indian festivals in order to let the youngergenerationslearnabouttheirculture.
“Saraswati Puja is the symbol of not just knowledge, it’s also singing, art, drawing, education, everything that we learn,” she said.
“People from all backgrounds come for Saraswati Puja and do meditation, then after that they enjoy a very cultural program where they will see people dance, and we always welcome people with free food.
“We put a Saraswati Murti statue that we brought from India, and we place it and decorate the stage.
“One of the priests will come and do all the performances that need to be done.“
School-aged children will take part in a ritual known as Hatekhori, during which they write their name on a blackboard as a way of receiving the goddess’ blessing.
“The priest performs this ritual from the time that a child is ready to go to school,” Ms Chakraborty said.
“Saraswati puja is not only for school goers, it’s for all walks of life.
“Even when you are entering a medical school or a law firm, Saraswati’s blessing is a must in our culture.”
Details: shreeshaktiassociation.com.au/ Faith Macale
Cold case reopened
Police have reopened an investigation into the death of Alana Cecil in Melton in 1996. The Cecil family informed the public through social media that the case was re-opened on Monday, January 6. A coroner determined Alana’s cause of death was heroin toxicity with acute asthma. Detectives will review the original investigation and the coronial inquest finding, and will investigate whether any new information is available.
Melton pursuit
A man has been charged with a string of offences following a pursuit through Melton. A silver Holden commodore wagon, allegedly driven by a 32-year-old Officer man, was reported driving erratically in Harkness about 1.45pm on Saturday, January 11. Police believed the car was stolen from a Beveridge property about 11.20am and called on the air wing to track the car through Melton. The driver crashed the car into a parked car on Bakery Square but did not stop. A pursuit was initiated after the man allegedly failed to stop for police in Crestmont Street, Melton South. He stopped the car on a pedestrian crossing in the carpark of a shopping centre on High Street, Melton West, before running into the centre. He was arrested soon after and charged with a number of offences.
The Shree Shakti Association’s celebration of the Saraswati Puja is set to be colourful, filled with cultural performances and food. (Santanu Banik)
Bring the new year in with a bang
Melbourne’s west is bursting with excitement this January. From Lunar New Year to sunset safaris, the westside is teeming with fun activities for all to start the year.
Welcome the year of the wood snake with multiple Chinese New year events across the west, including Sunshine, Wyndham, and Williamstown.
The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival 2025 will be on Sunday, January 26, from noon until 10pm at Hampshire Road, Sunshine.
Party the night away at Braybrook with the Quang Minh Tet Festival on Tuesday,
January 28, from 6pm to 1am, at Quang Minh Temple.
Live racing meets Lunar New Year at Moonee Valley Racing Club on Friday, February 7, with gates opening at 5.15pm, and thefirstracescheduledfor6.15pm.Admission tothiseventisfree,butbookingsarerequired.
Wyndham Multicultural Lunar Festival welcomes the year of the wood snake on Sunday, February 9 at Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre, Point Cook, from 11am to 9pm.
Williamstown will close the Lunar New YearfestivitiesinthewestwiththeQiQiLunar
New Year Celebrations on Saturday, February 15 from 11pm to 3pm at the Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown.
Watch Melbourne’s west come alive with Midsumma Westside’s vibrant program of exhibitions, drag, live music, performances, circus, pool parties and walks to Altona, Footscray, Laverton, St Albans and Werribee.
Sit back and relax with outdoor movies this summer at the new Sun Theatre in Williamstown, and at the Movies by the Bay in Hobsons Bay.
Enjoy the magic of the African savannah as the sun goes down with an extended
Grover’s boot drive kicks goals
A twelve-year old Caroline Springs boy has been scoring some remarkable charitable goals, after successfully running a donation drive at his school in support of an important cause.
As a young Aussie rules footy player, GroverHainsneededtokeeppurchasingnew boots to accommodate his rapidly changing shoe size.
But instead of throwing out the old pairs, he decided to step up and help those less fortunate.
To put his plan in action Grover and his mum Natalie reached out to Western Australia-based charity Fair Game, which was developed to provide sporting equipment to some of the most remote and under-serviced communities in the country.
“Grover really liked that idea and so he organised a boot donation dr ive at this school with the support of his classroom teacher,” Natalie said.
“He was really committed to it, he made posters and put up baskets at the school.
“The drive has been very successful.”
More than 35 pairs of boots have been donated to the cause, which Natalie said was an amazing achievement for everyone involved.
“Some of the children put notes of encouragement in the boots for the next owners, so it’s heartwarming,” Natalie said.
“Grover will now be using his pocket money to ship them over to the charity.
“I’mreallyproudofhim,especiallybecause this was entirely his idea. He was also so overwhelmed by how many kids helped out so it was a great experience.”
Safari Tour, cocktails, performances and a traditional African Braai barbeque at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. This year, the event introduces a heart-warming new addition – a Southern White Rhino calf, sure to capture the hearts of visitors. Bookings are essential for this activity.
In the mood for a nice picnic surrounded by nature? The Melton Botanic Garden Walking Tour is the perfect way to do just that. Explore diverse dry climate plants and flowers on a 2.5km self-guided walk at Melton Botanic Gardens with Walking Maps Australia. Details: https://shorturl.at/eBdSk
New women’s health grants
The state announced a new grants program aimed at advancing the understandingofhowdiseaseandother healthissuesaffectwomen.Thewomen’s medical research grants program will offer $1.5 million of Women’s Health Research Catalyst Grants, open to the sector’s best and brightest to apply. Grants between $50,000 and $150,000 will be awarded for one-year research initiatives specifically focused on sex and gender comparisons and underfunded or under-researched conditions impacting women.
Whileallareasofhealthandmedical researchwillbeconsidered,sometarget areas have been identified as requiring greater understanding of the influence sexandgenderhaveontheseconditions – acknowledging that for women they can be experienced very differently to men.
These key areas include sexual and reproductive health, cardiovascular health, oncology, orthopaedics, and chronic pain, among others.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said that many medical conditions unique to women or those that affect women differently or disproportionately “haven’t received the funding or focus they should.”
“For too long, medical misogyny has labelled women too unreliable to study due to fluctuating hormones – but this shouldn’t mean we are excluded, we shouldbemadeafocusbecauseofthese biological differences,” Ms Thomas said. Eligible applicants will need to be from a Victorian Administering Institution and undertaking research in a health and medical field, including discovery, pre-clinical, clinical or lived experience.
Applications for the Women’s Health Research Catalyst Grants open on Monday, January 13.
Free online program empowers multicultural women
A free online 12-week program is seeking to leveltheplayingfieldformulticulturalwomen across Melbourne’s west, including Melton, by helping participants hone their financial acumen and develop key skills.
The Future Fit initiative, a collaborative undertaking between two social enterprises –The Financially Empowered and The Creative Co-operative – is being funded by Bank Australia to empower multicultural and First Nations women, aged between 18 to 45. Itisdesignedtoprovidetailoredsupportfor eligible candidates seeking to either advance in the workforce, or explore entrepreneurship opportunities. According to The Financially Empowered founder Grace Mugabe, the
program serves as a “catalyst” for “societal transformation“, especially for local women.
“It will equip women with the tools and confidence needed to excel in the digital age,” she said.
“The program supports participants with practical [knowledge], facilitating them to achieve economic independence, and overcome workplace barriers.”
Topics expected to be covered in the course include budgeting, cash-flow management, financial goals setting, business planning and use of artificial intelligence to boost productivity. Ms Mugabe said it was essential women from multicultural backgrounds were given an opportunity to increase
their financial literacy to obtain economic independence.
“It is often inaccessible due to systemic barriers like unrecognised qualifications, discrimination, lack of culturally relevant resources and limited job opportunities,” she said.
“By addressing this gap, the program will support women in taking charge of their personal or business finances, supporting their families, and confidently pursuing their career or entrepreneurial goals.
“Mainstream programs do not take into account that many multicultural — and migrant — women have the added responsibility of supporting their family or
relatives overseas.”
Another challenge, Ms Mugabe said, was the cultural difference in attitude towards money.
“Some cultures view debt as a negative and shameful thing to be avoided at all costs,” she said.
“Culturally inclusive programs like ‘Future Fit’ sensitively address such topics, opening up the possibility of considering ‘good debt’ like a house, which can be a good long-term investment.”
Applications are available at future-fit. super.site/ and will close on January 27, 11 pm – spots are limited.
Prealene Khera
Grover Hains has collected more than 35 pairs of footy boots as part of his donation drive.
Let’s talk about intimacy pain
Alex Lopes is a pelvic health physiotherapist, the director of Pelvic Health Melbourne in Altona North, and past national chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Women’s Men’s and Pelvic Health Group. This week she writes about intimacy pain.
One of the major reasons women come into our clinic is due to new or long term intimacy pain.
Intimacypaincanbeamajorsourceofstress for women and their partners. The pain means both partners refrain from being intimate which can lead to guilt, anger, anxiety and miscommunication.
Why do women experience intimacy pain?
Young women may get pain due to tight pelvic floor muscles or because the area is pain sensitised. Pain sensitisation usually involves a nerve problem. This pain sensitisation can develop from excessive painful periods, endometriosis, adenomyosis or polycystic ovaries (PCO) or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
For pregnant or postnatal women hormonal changes may contribute to vagina dryness causing new intimacy pain or from new increasing pelvic floor muscle tension. After childbirth women may experience pain from recovering scarring from birth trauma or tissue dryness.
Perimenopausal women (from 40 - 44 years oldandbeyond)oftenexperiencenewintimacy pains as the vagina shrinks both in length and width as well as vaginal dryness.
So how can I fix my intimacy pain?
It depends on the cause, so getting help from an excellent women’s health GP, gynaecologist or pelvic health physiotherapist is ideal to diagnose the cause and address all the factors that are contributing to your pain.
But some good tricks to try at home include:
• Forvaginaldrynesstryasiliconbasedlubeas this does not absorb into the tissue like water
basedlubesdo.Itcanalsoincreaseyourtissue sensitivity for the mature woman.
• For just a little bit of pesky scar tissue don’t be afraid to gently feel your bits and you can massage that scar tissue away just like you would on any other part of your body. If you are unsure see your pelvic health physio for guidance.
• If you are perimenopausal talk to your GP about the merit of a topical oestrogen cream which can bring back the bounce in your vagina making the tissue stretchier and improves your natural lubrication significantly. Please note the cream needs to be applied to the outside as well as inside. Ovestin cream is better than the vaginal pessaries.
Finally a word of caution. If you have pelvic pain, which means your intimacy pain is burning and lasts for the duration of intimacy and continues afterwards beyond minutes, then this is normally a nerve issue and needs treatment.
Conditions such as vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, clitorodynia, vaginismus, anal pain, proctalgia, perineal pain and abdominal pain are all under the umbrella term pelvic pain.
Come along and view our beautiful community, tour our Clubhouse and view the homes for sale.
Whether you’re considering a move, simply curious, or looking for a welcoming community to call home, our open day is the perfect opportunity to see the vibrant and engaging lifestyle we offer.
Where: 111-139 Coburns Road, Brookfield
Date: Monday 3rd February
Time: 1pm
The team at Pelvic Health Melbourne.
Winning start for GDCA women
TheGisborneandDistrictCricketAssociation’s inaugural women’s team got off to a winning start on Wednesday night.
The women’s side faced a Ballarat Cricket Association side, in the first of its two matches.
The BCA, which had already played a Castlemaine District side in the first game of the competition, decided to bat at Alfredton Recreation Reserve.
Ballarat got off to a strong start, putting on 62 for the first wicket. The fall of a couple of wickets slowed things down and it was restricted to 4-108.
Ninna Harbinson, who became the first women’s ticket taker for the GDCA, finished with two wickets as eight bowlers were used.
The GDCA also got off to a good start with the bat, putting on 50. Megan Farrell and Kim Bessell continued to push the tempo.
Farrell lost her wicket with victory in sight, but the GDCA was able to easily get the runs,
finishing 2-111 in the 15th over.
Bessell made 49 not out off 22 balls in an innings which included nine fours and a six. Farrell made 44.
The GDCA will be back in action on February 19 against the Castlemaine District side.
Meanwhile, the GDCA has announced a men’s squad for Melbourne Country week starting on February 10.
Some of the competition’s best players have put their hands up to be part of the squad.
Those named are Gisborne’s Matthew Barake, Jarryd and Riley Vernon, and Josh Willis, Romsey’s Chris Burkett, Ben Way, Taylor Stevenson, Aaron Paterson and Louis Moor, Macedon’s Alex Browne, Sunbury United’s Damien Edwards, Wallan’s Nathan Fowler, Broadford’s Gareth Sharp and Woodend’s Harrison Sheehan, Marcus Stewart and Xav Tadd.
Paint the town pink
Eynesbury Cricket Club is preparing to paint the town pink for Pink Stumps Day on Saturday, February 15.
Junior co-ordinator Briony Shearson said the event is predominantly a ladies’ day, but this year, more men are joining in to learn about breast cancer.
“Wehavesomehusbands,andgrandfathers at the club coming down to enjoy the day with us, which is great,” she said.
“It’s promoting prevention, and promoting the resources available to people going through this.
“I think it’s really important that everyone’s aware, especially being a cricket club – it’s predominantly male, but they are also impacted by this.
“Their wife, or mum, or sister has gone through it. It’s good for them to know how to support people going through it as well.”
This is the third year the Eynesbury
Cricket Club has raised money to support the McGrath Foundation, and the club is expecting 100 guests to join in the event.
Ms Shearson said the event will be filled with many activities like games, raffle prizes, and live entertainment.
“We’ll get to watch a game of cricket. One of our junior teams are playing for the day,” she said.
“We pride ourselves in being a club that is very family-orientated and encourages everyone to get down.
“All of the ticket sales are going straight to the McGrath Foundation, and the money we raised on the day through raffles and silent auctions, and our money on the bar will be going to the foundation, as well.
“There’s also a link on our website if you can’t come and you want to donate.”
Details: https://tinyurl.com/3fv3z5x9
- Faith Macale
Lauton’s magic moment seals win for United
By Tara Murray
Western United young star Jordan Lauton never in his wildest dreams could have imagined what his first A-League Men’s goal would have been.
Not a known goalscorer, Lauton produced some magic with a bicycle kick to give United a dying seconds win against Perth Glory earlier this month.
Many have said the goal is amongst the best in A-League history.
“Ithassettleddownalittlebit,”hesaid.“You rarely expect one of those goals to happen.
“The ball came to me and the next minute it was in the back of the net. I wasn’t thinking at all.”
Lauton said he hadn’t scored a goal at any level in the past six years, making it even more special.
He said it was a bit strange to find his name on the goalscorers list.
“I ended the goal scoring drought,” he said. “It was very different for me.
“Hopefully I can score a few more.”
The aftermath resulted in Lauton getting his second yellow for the game and being sent from the field.
While he then missed the next game through suspension, he doesn’t regret his celebration.
“I didn’t realise,” he said. “Obviously I’d scored and then fell to the ground before being sent off.
“It’s one of those moments you have to enjoy.”
The goal is the big moment that has been a whirlwind 12 months for the 21-year-old.
Hemadehisdebutlastseasonbeforeearning his first A-League contract this season.
Lauton, who grew up in Ballarat, said if it wasn’t for United he doesn’t know where he would be.
“It Western didn’t happen and become a club, this opportunity to play wouldn’t have
happened,” he said.
“Ithelpshavingateaminthewestformyself and other people like Abel Walatee, who have grown up out here.”
Lauton is part of a young United group is growing in confidence.
Only a week after the win against Perth Glory, United beat Melbourne Victory, with two goals in injury time to come from behind again.
Lauton said the group was starting to find their feet.
“It was a great win against one of the biggest teams in the competition,” he said. “We’ve shown that we can come back despite how long is left and whatever is happening in the game.
“We’ve got that fight and I’m glad to be part of it.”
Lauton said being a young group they’ve got plenty of legs which was showing when it was needed too.
Many of the young group had come through the United Academy together many they had played a lot together in recent weeks.
“Everyone is starting their journey into the senior side,” he said. “It is good to progress and there’s been a lot of hard work.”
Lauton said his season had so far exceeded his expectations and he’s played more minutes than he thought he would.
For now, he wants to keep working hard and take his opportunities.
“Hopefully I can help the team as high as we can.”
The Eynesbury Cricket Club is painting the town pink again for Pink Stumps Day (Supplied) 453481_01
Jordan Lauton. (Western United/Getty Images)
First GDCA women’s side. (Supplied)
Discover your next adventure at cruise expo
Geelong Travel’s highly anticipated Travel and World Cruise Expo returns to the city on Sunday, February 2, at GMHBA Stadium.
The annual event promises to be packed with fantastic holiday ideas, exclusive travel deals and expert advice – all with free entry.
With more than 25 engaging travel presentations covering everything from luxury ocean and river cruises to outback Aussie adventures, this expo is your one-stop destination for travel planning.
It’s your chance to meet representatives from the world’s top travel companies, who are ready to help you design your dream itinerary and secure exclusive offers.
Among the expo guests will be celebrity chef Gabriel Gate who will serve up a French cooking demonstration and highlights of Scenic Tour’s luxury European river cruises.
Stuart Coffield, who heads up the family-owned and operated Geelong Travel company, said the popular event’s winning attraction is its lineup of expert travellers.
“We don’t have people reading from brochures or clicking on YouTube links,” he said.
“You get to talk to people who have been on the tours and have real experience – their presentations are amazing.”
Geelong Travel’s 20 experienced team memberswillbeonhandtohelpexpovisitors with enquiries and bookings.
And there’s a travel experience to suit everyone. Among the exciting presentations will be:
· The Ghan and Indian Pacific – Australia’s Great Rail Journeys;
· The wonders of Canada and Alaska with APT and Travelmarvel;
Explore the new world of Viking’s Ocean, Rivers & Expeditions;
Trafalgar’s Tour Differently – the experts, the icons, and hidden secrets of travelling with ease;
Bucket list adventures including The Kimberley, Africa, South America and Asia with APT and Travelmarvel;
· Mustsee places and Immersive cultural experiences throughout Asia and beyond with Wendy Wu;
· TravellingtoAntarcticaandtheArcticwith Quark Expeditions;
· New Zealand coach tours with Grand Pacific Tours; and Small group fourwheeldrive expeditions throughout Australia with Outback Spirit.
Don’tmissthechancetomakeyourultimate travel plans a reality.
Visit the Travel and Cruise World Expo from 10am to 4pm. To register, visit geelongtravel.com.au, or call the Geelong Travel team on 5244 3666.
To all those Unsinkable Guys out there –
You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the life jacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions.
But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men.
Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.
RETHINK TAKING RISKS AROUND WATER UNSINKABLE GUY
The Cinque Terra.
Gabriel Gate will serve up a French cooking demonstration and highlights of Scenic Tour’s luxury European river cruises. (Supplied)
Santorini.
Reforms for patient transport
A range of reforms and improvements to Victoria’s non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) sector is set to be introduced by the state government. It follows an extensive review of the sector undertaken by Melton MP and former paramedic, Steve McGhie, with the review reporting that service demand had increased significantly since 2019 — averaging 400,000 individual transports each year.
“It was an honour to lead this review and consult with the entire sector and health services, to learn what works well and where we can make improvements, so we can ensure Victorians have the high-quality, well-resourcedNEPTservicetheydeserve,“Mr
McGhie said.
In response to the review, the state government will implement improvements to the existing model, with licensed private providerstocontinuedeliveringservices.These include better integration and coordination of NEPT within the wider health system, strengthening monitoring of performance and patient experience, and improving staff conditions, governance and oversight.
To be considered for future contracts, private providers will be required to address the casualisation of the workforce through the implementation of permanent employment targets by 2027-28.
Enjoy a musical 2025
With the new year underway, some people are finding new ways to keep themselves busy and entertained. Some turn to sports, or games, but another fun way to spice up your 2025 is through making music.
Community Music Victoria’s Jane York said joining local community music groups is a perfect way to do something joyful and “heartfilling“ in 2025.
“Music making is for everybody and regular participation in group music making is hugely beneficial to your health, wellbeing and connection to your local community,” she said.
“Powerful relationships are formed by playing and singing together and it just makes you feel good!”
In Melton and Moorabool, interested people can join the Melton Singers, the Melton South CommunitySingers,HillsideSingingGroupor the Ballan Community Choir.
If you are interested in the strings aspect of music,thentheGordonUkestramightberight for you.
The Moorabool Light Orchestra in Bacchus Marsh is a little more traditional and is always open to new members.
The Ballan Community Street Band is open to mixed ability players of portable acoustic instruments, like brass, saxophones, and percussion.
“Whether you’re a total beginner and have never played or sung in a group before, or it’s been a long time between fa la la’s, there’s a friendlylocalgroupjustwaitingforyoutowalk throughthedoor,pullupachairandjoininthe fun,” Ms York said.
Music can be an interesting hobby to pick up in 2025. (Supplied)
Work will also get underway to improve timeliness and reliability of services, so planned transports aren’t delayed by crews being diverted to a Triple Zero caller.
To support this, HealthShare Victoria (HSV) – which is already responsible for the procurementofNEPTforhealthservices–will assume responsibility for the procurement of NEPT for Ambulance Victoria.
Contract arrangements will be revised to minimise NEPT responses to Triple Zero callers that, in turn, disrupt planned responses to patients who require clinical monitoring to return home or access health care.
The centralised procurement of NEPT
services by HSV, for both health services and AmbulanceVictoria,willreducetheduplication that currently exists, enable more timely services across the state and keep paramedics free to respond to patients experiencing time critical medical emergencies.
These changes will also focus on giving NEPT providers sufficient transport volumes to support viability and improve access to servicesparticularlyinruralandregionalareas where demand for NEPT is lower.
Additional policy changes in response to the NEPT Review remain under active consideration and are subject to further decisions by the government.
Benevolent bushfire brigade
Founded in the early 1900s and known to be one of the first bushfire brigades in Australia, the Riddells Creek Fire Brigade has always played an active role in protecting and serving the bushfire-prone town and its surrounds. Visiting the brigade during a day of extreme heat and elevated fire danger, Star Weekly reporter OSCAR PARRY spoke with Riddells Creek CFA volunteers about bushfire preparation and the unique role of country fire brigades.
TheRiddellsCreekFireBrigadewasfirst formed in 1904 after a public meeting called by Walter J. Smith from Smith’s Nursery, with no specific incident known to have inspired the meeting.
Backthen,firefightingequipmentwasbasic, where brigade members swatted out fires using branches from gum trees and beaters –a stick with a piece of wet canvas attached.
BrigadecaptainGillMetzhasbeeninvolved with the brigade for 25 years.
She said the brigade was originally formed out of a community need, because without a united effort, fires could not be contained.
This community spirit remains strong in the brigade today.
“Forus,beingontheurbanfringe,we’revery much about needing to be in our community and work with our community to help them be safe,” Ms Metz said.
“We make sure that we are embedded in our community … you need to become trusted – we run the Anzac dawn service for the community so they know us, and it opens up those conversations to be had. The same [with] doing the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal, it’s all about being in the community and part of it.
“We support the school in doing things, we support the kinders, we work with the neighbourhood house … we’re very much involved with the community.”
Riddells Creek Brigade firefighter David Thompson, a member of the brigade for 38 years, said this community spirit often extends beyond just Riddells Creek.
“All of [our] preparation is done with neighbouring brigades, so that we’re all working to a bigger picture … it’s not in isolation, and we have our things that we need to concentrate on, but it all has to fit into a bigger picture,” Mr Thompson said.
Firefighter preparation for the bushfire season begins in September, where brigade members complete skills maintenance training including burnover drills, tree hazard education, and several other training exercises.
MrThompsonsaidthatincountrybrigades, there is still a sense of self-preservation and necessity among landowners – who are often brigade members themselves.
“You still see a lot of brigades today where a lot of it is farmers … it’s all those farmers coming together and saying ‘we’ve got to stop this fire’, and they will come from all their farms … to the one farm where the fire is and put it out because they don’t want it spreading to their crops,” he said.
“It’s exactly the way it still happens in places like Mallee and the Wimmera and the grazing countries now out to the west and the north … they’re using their own trucks, they will go out and they will just get out in their own trucks and they will put the fire out, because they’re just looking after each other and themselves … it still goes on [today].”
Ms Metz said joining a fire brigade offers a chance to learn new skills, make friends, and “dothingsthatyouneverthoughtyouwould”.
“We are always looking for volunteers from the community, because we need succession
planning … some of us have been around in the brigade for a long time, but you need to get people coming continuously in,” she said.
“To grow those skills … it’s not just about getting that qualification, it’s about that experience. Being able to read what’s happening on a bad day, being able to read what’s happening at an incident. Every fire is a bit different.”
Mr Thompson said gaining this bushfire sense is like “an art form on top of a science”.
Ms Metz said preparing a bushfire plan, downloading and setting up the VicEmergency app with alerts, and learning
what you can and cannot do during summer are some of the ways community members can prepare for bushfires.
She said the brigade can offer support with these and regularly hosts community education sessions – including roadside fire preparation information meetings.
“Itdoesn’tmatterwhetheryou’re[on]abush block,afarmblock,orintown.Everybodyhas to have their own plan for fire,” she said.
The brigade encourages expressions of interest from community members interested in joining, with an application form available on the CFA website.
One of the brigade’s fire trucks. (Oscar Parry)
Brigade members performing a truck swap. (Oscar Parry)
Riddells Creek CFA Fire Brigade members at the front of the station. (Oscar Parry)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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, or 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
Australian Gold Panning Championships
The Australian Gold Panning Championships is on Saturday, March 1, at the Blackwood Cricket Ground Recreation Reserve Road, Blackwood.
vicgoldpanning@gmail.com
Youth pool party
Ballan is hosting a free pool party for Moorabool youth aged 11 to 17, 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
Melton Night Market
Ignite your senses at the City of Melton’s vibrant Melton Night Market. Across three unforgettable nights on the first Friday of February, March and April, from 5pm to 9pm, at the Melton Town Centre, immerse yourself in flavours, rhythms and traditions inspired by Asia, Europe and Oceania.
melton.vic.gov.au/Out-n-About/ Events-Activities/Melton-Night-Market
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
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
Caroline Springs Rotary
The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are
held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm.
rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
The Gap on Graham
The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10 to 18 years, at 5 Graham Street, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old.
Val, 0414 769 605.
Melton Men’s Group
Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday, from 5-8pm, at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis.
meltonmensgroup.home.blog
Take weight off naturally
Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.
Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739
Parkinson’s support group
The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm, at Kurunjang
Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers are welcome.
Helen, 0409 186 576
Melton Bridge Club
The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you.
Rosemary, 0407 894 817
Melton Friendship Group
An over-55’s singles friendship group for social engagements, fun outings, dinners, movies, dancing chats and walks. Enrich your life, no more loneliness or isolation. Nothing but fun and friendships.
0406 493 734
Melton South Knit & Natter
All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.
9747 8576
U3A Melton
U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active.
Melton Combined Probus Club
The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am.
9746 0271
Community singing group
If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am.
Val, 0418 667 150
Melton Trauma Teddies
Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need.
Jean 0412 931 498
Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House, 2-5pm.
https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/
Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club
The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month except January, from 7.30pm, at The Laurels, 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Guest speakers and supper provided. Yearly membership $15. New members welcome.
Michelle, 0421 106 268
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Addison, Eva and Olivia escaping the heat at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre. (Attie Mohebali)
Art honours mothers and daughters
A multimedia artwork currently displayed at the Brimbank and Sunshine Projection Galleries is a pictorial ode from a daughter to her mother.
Trước nhà con (at the front of my house) is a projection art piece by Liên Ta that incorporates poetry, photography, animation, and language to depict a familial love story recognisable to many immigrant parents and children.
“I wanted to create something to honour my mother, and also honour Sunshine’s Vietnamese community, where I grew up,” Liên said.
“In mother-daughter relationships with a language barrier, it’s difficult to communicate loveinawaythatseemstotranslate. Thiswork is how I communicate my love, and whether or not it translates, I’m glad I could be able to express it in a way that feels right to me.”
Liên said the work pushed viewers to come out thinking more about the poem and guardian-child relationships.
“The poem itself is intentionally vague, and I hope each person finds their own meaning in it,” Liên said.
“The projection can be viewed at 294 and 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine — the projection at 301 Hampshire Road is at the rear of the building.
A bloomin’ good day out
Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden is promoting sustainable living through a guided tour on Sunday, February 9 at 10am starting at the garden’s depot and nursery.
The guided tour is a part of the National Sustainability Festival, an Australia-wide event that runs through February.
Friends of Melton Botanic Garden president John Bentley said the group operates with a set of underlying sustainability principles.
“Many years ago Sustainable Living Festival, as it was called when it started, we noticed they did garden tours, and we thought that that would fit very well with what we do in the garden,” he said.
“The plants themselves are the main thing that people come to the garden to see, and our
technique for planting plants helps maximise water capture from rainfall.”
The guided walking tour is a gentle 90-minute tour that will showcase the northern section of the Melton Botanic Garden to see plants that tolerate a dry climate and have low water requirements.
The Friends of Melton Botanic Garden has beentakingpartintheNationalSustainability Festival since 2014.
“What they can learn through the tour are plants that are suitable for the Melton area, what we have done around the depot and the garden for reusing and repurposing, and work towards sustainability,” Mr Bentley said.
MrBentleysaidthegardenstrytobecarbon neutral.
“Wehavedonecalculations,andthroughout the extensive planting we’ve done, we’re doing great carbon sequestration in the botanic garden.
“Plus, creating a green environment helps to reduce the temperature, and the other great thing is we increase the diversity of flora and fauna.”
Mr Bentley encouraged others to “consider planting for sustainability, and look at ways that you can personally reduce your cost because sustainability starts with each of us.”
Tickets and bookings available at: https:// fmbg.org.au/
Faith Macale
Pride event at Kelly Park
Park Lounge is returning with pride and glory to Kelly Park in Werribee on Saturday, February 1 as part of Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival.
An evening celebrating queer culture and expression, Park Lounge will showcase a new line-up of LGBTQIA+ artists and allies who promise to dazzle with dance, music and performance between 6-10pm.
A fantastic stage arrangement will be front and centre, with host Aysha Buffet introducing audiences to performances by Saint Ergo, Barr Bee Doll, Squid Nebula, DJ Gaff E and the Arcoiris Queer Latin Group.
Country and disco will also feature as alt country crooner Leroy Macqueen, Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir and Disco Rodeo Boot Scooting will be strutting their stuff.
Now in its 13th year, the event is by no means confined to colourful performances, providing a little of something for everybody.
A range of craft stalls will allow attendeestotransformtheiroldclothes into interesting pieces of wearable art and jewellery.
Leading the charge will be the Ballarat Trans & Gender Diverse Swap Shop with many new outfits to be swapped or donated, in a bid to help people fit in.
Guests are encouraged to have a picnic, get something from one of the on-site food trucks or sample many of the diverse flavours found in the restaurants of Werribee.
Whilesomeseatingwillbeprovided, guests are welcome to bring their own chairs.
For more information on accessibility: https://www.wyndham. vic.gov.au/whats-on/park-lounge
Summer concert series to pop-up in central Spotswood
A street in central Spotswood has been convertedintoalivemusicvenueforaseriesof free concerts running from January to March.
The Spotswood Summer Sessions began last Saturday afternoon at a pop-up stage on Forrest Street, the first four concerts to be held at the makeshift venue called ‘The Village Spot’.
Organiser Cameron Tait said the concerts will make use of vacant council space on the street.
“I applied for some funding to activate that space and that’s where these concerts have come from” said Mr Tait who received a grant from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund to make the Spotswood Summer Sessions possible.
Once the funding was locked in, he hired local musician Fem Belling and her company Bandwagon Live to put the line-up together.
“She’s booked a range of musicians such as jazzartists,smallpopduosandDJ’sandthey’ll
be doing hour-long sets over four dates,” said Mr Tait of Ms Belling who will also perform at the concert on January 30.
A member of the Spotwood Traders Association, Mr Tait said the summer sessions would do more than just entertain the local community and showcase local artists.
“It’s about the traders giving back to the community and to increase the attractiveness of Spotswood and attract more visitors and celebrate all that Sportswood has to offer,” he said.
And if it goes well, the pop-up stage on Forrest Street could become more permanent.
“The goal would be for this to be an annual series,” Mr Tait said.
The Spotwood Summer Sessions run from 12-4pm on February 8 and March 1 and from 4pm-8pm on Thursday, January 30.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/ share/1FHYXoFMRy/ Cade Lucas.
A band performs on the Band Wagon pop-up stage which will be used for the Spotswood Summer Sessions. (supplied)
Liên Ta’s artwork was created to honour her mother and culture. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453873_05
John Bentley, president of the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden, peeping through the lemon beauty heads (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453707_01
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Recently retired Tohu Harris was captain of which NRL team?
2. Phil ‘The Power' Taylor won a record 16 world championships in which sport?
3. Which Olympics was the first to include synchronised diving?
4. Noah Balta most recently played for which AFL club?
5. Which Australian basketballer was first to reach 1000 NBA games played?
6. Which two US college teams will play off in the 2025 national championship game?
Australia’s Daniel Sanders competed in which vehicle category of the 2025 Dakar Rally?
Luke Sayers was most recently the president of which AFL club?
In what year is a Papua New Guineabased team set to debut in the NRL?
What is the real name of US golf professional Fuzzy Zoeller?
Bernard Tomic made his only Grand Slam quarterfinals appearance at Wimbledon in which
What is the name of Britain’s top level rugby league competition?
13. Which Australian horse race has the highest prize value?
14. Who was the only cricketer to take over 30 wickets in the 2024–25 Border Gavaskar Trophy series?
15. Canadian basketballer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plays for which NBA team?
16. What is the most popular sport in India?
17. The upcoming sports action drama film F1 will star which actor as driver Sonny Hayes?
18. Titleist is a popular brand that manufactures balls used in which sport?
19. Suncorp Stadium is located in which suburb of Brisbane?
20. In which year was the A-League Women’s division founded?
21. Glenn Maxwell plays for which Big Bash League team?
22. What is the title of the recent documentary charting the life of tennis great Jelena Dokic?
23. The Belinda Clark Medal is awarded to the women’s player of the year in which sport?
24. Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam recently received a ban of how many NRL matches?
25. How many matches make up the 2025 Women’s Ashes cricket series?
26. And which ground is hosting its first-ever daynight Test match during the Women’s Ashes series?
27. Who currently sits third on Australia’s all-time men’s Test wicket tally with 539 scalps?
28. How many combined Olympic medals have sisters Jess and Noemie Fox won?
29. The Adelaide Giants, Sydney Blue Sox and Melbourne Aces are all teams that play which sport?
30. In what year was a pink cricket ball first used in Test matches?
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from
ACROSS 1 Postal receipt (5) 4 Female cleaner (9) 9 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)
10 Distribute (food) (5,2)
11 Rear (9) 12 ‘70s dance genre (5) 13 Twenty-first letter of the Greek alphabet (3) 14 Melodramatic (11) 16 Able to be maintained consistently (11) 19 Male sheep (3) 20 Baghdad native (5) 22 Lasting (9)
First (7) 26 Mournful (7) 27 US state (9) 28 Persuasion (5)
1 Scheme (3-2) 2 Qualities of a room that determine audibility (9)
Bit (5)
Wariness (7)
European country (7)
Universal (9)
Satisfies (5) 8 'Not to worry' (2,7) 13 Assumes the worst (9)
Keep steady (9)
Beatles song, – Wood (9)
Attacks with thickened petrol bombs (7) 18 Language of Myanmar (7)
21 Foreign (5)
23 Vigilant; observant (5)
24 Unspoken (5)
1 The prancing horse is the logo for which prestige car company?
2 Brass is an alloy of which two metals?
3 Who wrote the classic children's book TheVery HungryCaterpillar?
4 Name the British monarch that abdicated from the throne in 1936.
5 Which Dutch artist painted TheNightWatch? 6 Christoph Waltz (pictured) won an Oscar for his portrayal
No. 222
No. 221
Nissan’s latest and greatest
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
Meet Nissan’s latest and greatest X-Trail crossover, the N-Trek edition.
Originally conceived as a limited edition of 500 vehicles, X-Trail joins the Navara and Pathfinder N-Trek editions.
Based on the ST-L grade, back then it came with larger 19-inch alloys, built-in navigation, premium Bose eight-speaker audio, smoked coloured bonnet protector, slim line front and rear weather shields, front and rear kick plates and carpet mats in the five-seat version - all standard equipment.
Now it rides on 18s and has six-speaker unbranded audio. Satnav remains but the other nick-nacks have gone - what’s more the car costs an extra $10,000.
STYLING
N-Trek is available in two- and all-wheel drive form, and in five- or seven-seat configuration.
The five-seat is priced from $48,540, the seven-seater (they’re small) is priced from $51,640 - before on-road costs.
That’s around $3600 more than the mid-range ST-L on which it is based.
In effect N-Trek is not much more than a black edition of the X-Trail, with most of the changes of a cosmetic nature.
There’s a new dark finish for the Nissan ‘V-motion grille’, with a black finish for the door mirrors, handles and roof rails, while new and unique 18-inch alloys feature a black-and-silver theme.
Along with a redesign new LED fog lights have been integrated into the lower front bumper which is finished in a gunmetal colour.
Inside, N-Trek adopts the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital dash from the flagship Ti, together with heads-up display.
The seats are trimmed in a new water-resistant synthetic-leather, designed to give owners the confidence to go further and get muddier.
In September wireless charging, walk-away locking, a hands-free automatic tailgate and wireless Android Auto were added, however none of these functions were present in our test vehicle.
Standard equipment includes synthetic leather and two-zone climate air, with rear air vents, heated front seats, power adjust driver’s seat, auto high beam, LED head and tail lights, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control,electricparkingbrake,auto-dimming rear view mirrors, auto lights and wipers, heated auto-folding exterior mirrors, plus front and rear parking sensors.
X-Trail comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five years roadside assistance and capped-price service plans are available to purchase when buying the car. Servicingintervalsare12months/10,000km.
A space-saver spare wheel is provided.
INFOTAINMENT
Infotainment consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen and six-speaker audio, with built-in navigation, AM/FM radio and DAB+ digital Radio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, with voice recognition, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s also wireless phone charging, USB A and C front and back, and 12V outlets in the front console and luggage area.
SAFETY
A five-star ANCAP safety rating applies to all variants.
The rating for the Nissan X-Trail is based on testing of its partner model, the Nissan Qashqai, conducted in 2021.
ANCAP was provided with technical information and additional tests were conducted to show the Qashqai rating is also
applicable to X-Trail.
Dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags are standard.
A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard.
Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard on all variants.
ISOFix child seat anchors are provided for the two outer second-row seats, as well as top tethers for all second row seats.
There are anchor points for the third row.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder engine in the N-Trek produces 135kW of power at 6000 rpm and 244Nm of torque at 3600 rpm, with drive to all four wheels on demand through a CVT-style continuously variable automatic transmission.
That’s an increase of 9kW/19Nm over the previous model.
With two electric motors the ePOWER version produces a combined 157kW of power (no combined torque figure is offered).
The petrol version has eight steps or simulated gears and gear change paddles for the especially enthusiastic driver.
DRIVING
At4680mm,X-Trailhasgrownintoamid-size SUV these days. While the original model was surprisingly adept off road, the latest version with a different mindset and just 205mm of ground clearance has taken a step back.
The only four-wheel driving it is up for these days is the odd dirt road, despite any advertising claims to the contrary.
At least we wouldn’t be venturing too far off the bitumen.
Although our test vehicle is a seven-seater, the pair of seats that comprise the third row are tiny and suitable only for small children and then over short distances.
The second row does, however, slide backwards or forwards to provide more legroom for the second or third row as circumstances dictate.
The seats are reasonably comfortable, with heating for winter and a steering wheel that is both reach and height adjustable, with power adjustment for the driver so you should be able to find a comfortable driving position.
There’s plenty of storage in the front too, with a two-tier console, good-sized bottle holders and a split-lid console box.
Glad to hear Android Auto has gone wireless. The wired connection of our test vehicle suffered from constant drop outs, making navigation difficult.
Meanwhile, built-in navigation could not understand even the simplest voice commands.
X-Trail ST, ST-L and N-Trek are offered in two-wheel drive with five seats or all-wheel drive with seven seats.
Power comes from a 2.5-litre petrol engine, or Nissan’s innovative e-POWER with e-4ORCE technology.
The latter pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre, three-cylinder variable compression petrol engine with two electric motors - one for each axle.
Top of the range Ti and Ti-L are five seat and all-wheel drive, and both offer the option of e-POWER with e-4ORCE technology.
There are five drive modes: Off-road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sport, selected via a rotary dial in the centre console.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.4L/100km and it takes standard 91 unleaded. We were getting a reasonable 7.5L/100km after more than 570km.
And it can tow a 2000kg braked load.
Performance is adequate without being exciting. Unless you prod the throttle hard enough, forward progress is likely to be sluggish.
Give it the boot, however, and the thing surges forward, albeit with some initial hesitation.
Although not designed to circulate quickly, we gave the N-Trek a bit of stick on the Old Pacific Highway out of Sydney and were pleasantly surprised by the amount of grip it exhibited.
Ditto for the brakes and steering. Let’s just say it’s a lot more fun than many of the Chinese offerings that we have driven. Notably, the electronic assistance systems are refreshingly unintrusive, unlike many cars and SUVs that we have driven in recent times. Hallelujah.
SUMMING UP
To be frank, we expected more. More style, more power and more equipment. At least some decals identify this X-Trail as something special-thefactthatitdoesn’tspeaksvolumes. Foravehiclethatsupposedlyhasanoff-road focus, some clarity is required because none of the additional features support this suggestion.
Those considerations aside, the N-Trek is an attractive offering that is comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive.
And that’s what most people want.
The N-Trek is an attractive offering that is comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive. (pictures supplied)
Weekend sport action heats up
There was plenty of action going on the sporting fields on Saturday, including some local rivalries. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.
Werribee Centrals’ Jacob Russell. 454170_01
Bellbridge’s Henro Dias. 454169_17
Sunshine YCW’s Bailey Williamson. 454170_16
Laverton’s Palwinder Brar. 454169_04
Williamstown Congs’ Joshua Lanciana. 454171_01
Burnside Springs United’s Tim Stephens. 454171_07
Barkly St Uniting’s Raj Aiyappan. 454174_13
Barkly St Uniting’s Raj Aiyappan. 454174_04
Newport Rams’ David Tongue. 454166_09
Williamstown’s Samuel Reale. 454166_05
Darley’s key batters finally find their range
Darley finally produced the performance it had been after with the bat in the Ballarat Cricket Association.
The Lions batting has been up and down this season, without reaching its full potential with several star batters in their line up.
That was until Saturday on day one of its clash with Mt Clear.
After being sent in, the Lions made 342 as they were bowled out in the third last over.
Playing coach Nathan Yates was thrilled with the performance against the top side.
“It was really good and that was the performance we have been hoping to have all year,” he said.
“We have a talented list that has the ability, but hasn’t clicked all year. As great as it was, it should have happened earlier in the year.”
Four of the top five batters had half
centuries. Dilan Chandima top scored with 89, while Yates made 76, Sajith Dissanayaka made 72 and Rockey Hoey made 56.
Yates said they had been working towards this performance.
While the Lions didn’t bat their overs out, Yates said they weren’t disappointed in that.
“Thelastfiveto10overswetriedtogopretty hard to pile on the score,” he said. “When you do that, it’s always a chance that [losing wickets] will happen.”
The match is an important one in the context of the Lions season. They currently sit in seventh spot, eight points behind second placed Wendouree.
“We went into this match like it was a mini semi final,” Yates said. “We can not afford to drop this one or we drop away from the pack.
“Wewinthis,itgetsusbackintocalculations.
At the end of the day, if we can get into the top four, we can win from anywhere.
“We want to make sure we’re in that group and work towards that.”
Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh will have to have a solid day with the bat to beat Golden Point in its match.
Golden Point made 240 and was bowled out in the 77th over after winning the toss. Shanin Silva took four wickets for the Bulls.
The Bulls currently sit in fourth spot, percentage behind second.
The Bulls and Golden Point will also be in action against each other on Tuesday night in the semi finals of the T20 competition.
Mt Clear faces Ballarat Redan in the other semi final, with the final to be held on Australia Day.
Tara Murray
Cricket is a family affair
By Tara Murray
There were plenty of cricket battles between Jack, Daniel and Archie Lalor in their Bacchus Marsh backyard growing up.
The talented trio, who have all represented Victoriaatvariouslevels,haddonebattlemany times against each other, but the trio had never lined up all together on the same team in an official match.
That was until last Saturday January 11. They also played together on Saturday. Theyoungestofthethree,Archie,returnedto the first XI side, joining his two older brothers in the team to face St Kilda.
“I was pretty excited when I found out,” Archie said. “I was with Daniel when I found out and they said I would be in the firsts this week.
“I looked at Dan and I was pretty excited and had a big smile on my face. It will be something that I remember my whole life.”
Oldest brother Jack said it was pretty special. He has been a mainstay in the Dragons first XI for a number of years.
“It was pretty cool, a bit surreal,” he said. “I was pretty nervous and I don’t usually get nervous.
“To play with my brothers that I’ve grown up with and had plenty of battles in the backyard, it was awesome.”
Daniel shared similar sentiments saying he felt comfortable being in the team with his brothers.
“It was awesome,” he said. “I had played with Jack and Archie individually. It was pretty
special and something to aspire to.
“We got pretty competitive when we were younger and there was a fair bit of white line fever.”
Daniel made 27 and Jack eight with the bat, while Archie took one wicket in the loss to the Saints.
Jacksaidtherehadbeensometalksaboutthe three of them all playing in the first XI since before Christmas but it took until the first game back to happen.
DanielstartedtheseasoninthethirdXIafter goingbacktoplayatBacchusMarshlastseason due to injury. He worked his way into the first XI before Christmas.
Daniel said he always wanted to go back to premier cricket.
“It’s been good to get back into premier cricket,” he said. “I was hungry to get back.
“I got the chance after making some runs. I then got the opportunity to open the batting whichhasbeenagoodexperienceagainstsome quality bowlers.
“They’ve backed me in to play the game that I want to play.”
Archie started the season the second XI after an injury and was starting to string some good form together before heading to the under-19 national championships late last year.
He had a strong carnival having last year just falling short of making the Australian under-19 team.
“I was in the squad but I unfortunately got cut,” he said. “From all reports I was thereabouts, but not quite there.
“I want to keep progressing with my cricket
Sports shorts
VTCA
Burnside Springs United proved no match for Keilor in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition. The Blues made 5-133 with Malith Cooray top scoring with 39 at the top of the order Shohan Rangika took three wickets for Burnside. Burnside finished 9-93 with Mathew Sanders top scoring with 31. Sydenham-Hillside got the points with Footscray Angliss forfeiting.
VTCA
Some of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s best players were in action on Sunday as a VTCA team took on the Dandenong District Cricket Association in a representative game. Sydenham-Hillside’s Cameron West, Keilor’s Matthew Gaskett and Ryan Metz, and PEGS’ Shakeem Clarke were part of the VTCA side. Mitch Johnstone was the coach.
Rugby Union
and hopefully I’ll get the opportunity down that path.”
The majority of the crowd in attendance on Saturday were there to watch the Lalor trio.
Jack said his parents had done a lot of the hard work over the years
“There were 60-70 people at the game and about 40 Lalors,” he said. “Dad is one of 10 so we have a big family.
“It was really good for them [parents] as they’ve driven us around the country. It was good for them to watch us all in one spot and save on petrol.”
Daniel said it was nice to have that support network that wanted to support them and something that he cherished.
While the trio play for Northcote now, Bacchus Marsh Cricket Club still remains close to the heart for all three boys.
All three have played for the Bulls as guest players in their T20 campaign this season.
Cousin Will Lalor has played alongside them. Will’s brother, Sam Lalor who was also a talented cricketer, was recently taken at number one in the AFL draft.
“I didn’t realise how many kids had come downtowatchandhowmuchofanimpactthat we’d had,” Jack said.
“It’simportantformetogobackandsupport local.”
Daniel added, “everytime they ask, I put my hand up, while Archie said the club had been huge for all three of them.
All three boys said they wanted to finish the season in the same team and hopefully have some team success together.
The Melton Warriors have appointed Peter Firth as coach for the upcoming Rugby Union Victoria season. Firth brings a wealth of knowledge behind him from around Australia, Scotland and New Zealand, assisting with the Western Force academy and as a past development officer in Queensland and Southland Rugby. “Peter seeks to make rugby attractive, fun and enjoyable for players and spectators.” the Warriors said. “A past player in the countries listed above, Peter will take on the senior squad for 2025 and looks to tighten the bond and make a strong comeback from the past season.
RDFL
Melton South has announced the signing of Alec Goodson for the Riddell District Football League. A natural goal kicker and a great clubman, he has played the majority of his career in the Ballarat Football League with the Sunbury Lions. “Alec is a genuine goal kicking forward, he has terrific leading patterns, good hands and is a sensational kick for goal,” the Panthers said. “Alec has strong ties to Melton South having long known our President and a number of our senior players as well as playing under our senior coach for five seasons.”
Dilan Chandima. (Jacob Pattison) 316219_02
Daniel, Jack and Archie Lalor. (Suppled) (Marco De Luca)
Aiava feels she now belongs on the big stage
By Anna Harrington, AAP
ThelastAustralianwomantofallatMelbourne Park, comeback kid Destanee Aiava believes she’s shown she belongs at the top level of international tennis after going toe-to-toe with world number 11 Danielle Collins.
There are now no more Australians in the women’s draw heading into the third round after Aiava fell heartbreakingly short of her best ever victory but won plenty of admirers inagutsythree-setlossonThursdaytoformer finalist Collins.
Twodaysafternotchingherfirstmain-draw win at a major via a dramatic comeback, qualifier Aiava again showed her resilience, forcing Collins to a deciding set before losing 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-2.
“I showed myself this week that I do belong here,”Aiava,rankedNo.195,said. “I’veknown it for quite a while. But actually putting it into action and doing it is completely different. I think I did that this week.
“Hopefully the rest of the year goes similar. If not, that’s okay, too. At least I’ve had a really good week here. That’s all that matters.”
Former junior prodigy Aiava will play doubles while pondering her next moves on tour. Aaiva has played with Diggers Rest in the Tennis Victoria state league competition
the past two years.
Collins wasn’t surprised by the “very talented” Samoan Australian’s efforts.
“I remember seeing her a couple of years ago, always thinking that she would end up making a good run and having a great career,” she said.
American 10th seed Collins, runner-up to
Ash Barty in 2022, was seething throughout as a parochial crowd cheered her errors and double faults - at one point yelling, “Shut up”.
Once the match was done, the fiery American was happy to play up to her public enemy No.1 role.
In celebration, she cupped her hand to her ear and yelled, “How about that?”
Taranto relishing return
By Tara Murray
It hasn’t been the season that Western United women had been after so far, but one of the highlights has been the return of Adriana Taranto to the field.
OneofWestern’sinauguralplayers,Taranto injured her knee in March requiring her to have a knee reconstruction.
After months on the sidelines, Taranto made her return as a substitute in United’s first match of 2025.
“It was so exciting,” she said. “It had been a pretty long year, a different year.
“I was so happy to be out there again. It’s something you can’t take for granted.
“You want to get back out there and help get the win and get some consistency and hopefully get two wins in a row.”
Taranto said while she was disappointed to be on the sidelines, the break away from the field was kind of a blessing in disguise.
She said you see a different side of things on the sidelines.
“You don’t know how long you are going to be playing at a professional level,” she said. “There’s a lot of credit to the girls and myself that have gone through this, it takes a lot to go through it.
“There’s so many people that threw their support around me.”
Taranto said she was lucky much of her recovery time was in the off season.
“There was a lot of club support,’ she said. “It ended up being a smooth process in the terms of an ACL.
“You hear stories and different things about setbacks. I was able to hit my benchmarks and worked really hard as well.
“Ihadtherightpeoplearoundme.Iwentoff how I felt and I felt good and got used to it.”
Taranto said when she went down injured, she didn’t set a concrete date that she had targeted as her return.
Round10wasthegameshehadbeenhoping for, which is what she achieved.
Taranto’s first game was an extra special game, with her twin sister Mel becoming the second United women’s player to play 50 games for the club.
Adriana said it just happened to be luck that it turned out that way.
“Ididn’tplanthat,”shesaid.“Iwasumming and arring about the week before, but we decided to leave it one more week.
“It just happened to be her 50th which was pretty special. I came on in the 75th minute and she said it gave her an extra boost.”
Having played all their soccer together, Adriana said Mel had felt weird without her sister being there with her.
Adriana had been through that situation when Mel did her ACL a number of years ago.
Now back on the field, Taranto is keen to
She then blew kisses to the jeering and booing crowd, before slapping her backside.
“You know, I was thinking during the match,” she said in her on-court interview. “I was like, if I’m out there, I might as well take that big fat pay cheque.
“(Coach) Coco Vandeweghe and I love taking a holiday, so part of that cheque is going to go towards that. Thanks for that guys.’’
Aiava, wearing a replica of Maria Sharapova’s 2011 French Open dress, took the first set to a tiebreak, which the American won.
Aiava broke Collins in the first game of the second set, then earned a double break and the opportunity to serve for the set.
Collins called for the trainer before receiving treatment on her right foot and taking a medical time-out.
When play resumed, Aiava took five set points across three games to claim the set.
In the decider, Collins pounced when leading 3-2, breaking the Australian to claim the ascendancy.
Collins earned two match points on Aiava’s serve when leading 5-2 and claimed the second to tee up a third-round clash with countrywoman and No.19 seed Madison Keys.
The Burras sneak home
Diggers Rest Bulla just snuck home against Eynesbury in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield on Saturday.
The Eagles were bowled out for 121 with Cameron Price top scoring with 22. Nathan Crosland took three wickets for the Burras.
TheBurraschasedtherunsdownwith one wicket in hand, finishing 9-123. Spencer Connelly was the only multiple wicket taker for the Eagles, taking two.
The Burras remain in fifth spot. Aintree sits one spot above the Burras after falling short against Eastern Hill. Aintree made 7-143 from its overs with Bharathwaj Vasudevan top scoring with 62 not out.
Eastern Hill made the runs with three and half overs remaining, finishing 4-144.
It was all single wicket takers for Aintree.
East Sunbury beat Kilmore. In the next round, Aintree will face Kilmore and Eynesbury will play East Sunbury in two-dayers.
Meanwhile in the Jensen Shield, Harkness lost a tough battle with ladder leaders Riddell.
continue on building.
“I’m trying to find that balance and not putting pressure on myself,” she said. “I want to get my minutes up and get my fitness up.
“It’s important to get the little things right.”
As a team Taranto said they wanted to find that consistency which they know that they have and win some more games to put them into finals contention again.
The Bombers made 172 as they were bowled out with two balls remaining. After slipping to 6-69, Harkness had victory in sight after moving to 7-147. It would then lose its last four wickets for just six to crumble to all out for 153. Captain Mandeep Singh Aujla top scored with 56. Harkness remains in third spot. There is no Jensen Shield action this weekend.
Adriana Taranto. (Supplied)
Jacob Grant. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 452935_21
Destanee Aiava (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)
United star Botic shouldn’t rush overseas: Aloisi
Emerging striker Noah Botic could play for the Socceroos at a World Cup but shouldn’t rush to leave the A-League Men for an overseas move, says Western United coach John Aloisi.
Botic was the star of the show at Ironbark Fields on Friday evening, scoring a bullet header in the 37th minute then unleashing an extraordinary long-range bomb in the 54th in United’s 3-1 win over Newcastle.
The 23-year-old now has six goals and four assists this season.
“People might say that I’m being selfish because I’m coaching Western United, but I’d still love him to stay here a little bit longer,” Aloisi said.
also for Noah Botic, I still think that he still needs to improve his game and work on his game, and we’ll see more and more from him.
“He’s got six goals this season so far, and I know he can score a lot more.”
Botic pulled up sore with an apparent left groin injury and was substituted in the 64th minute, but he and Aloisi played the ailment down as cramp.
Western broke through when Abel Walatee brilliantly slipped through in-form midfielder Angus Thurgate, whose deflected cutback landed for Riku Danzaki to tap home at the back post.
United went two up when Ben Garuccio lifted a wonderful cross to the near post, where Botic steamed in and powered the ball into the roof of the net.
Walatee was substituted at half-time with hamstring tightness.
“If he goes early overseas, which when the opportunity does come, sometimes you can get lost in that period, and then he might not end up going to a World Cup.
“So I’m looking at both sides and then thinking, yes, it would be great for us, but
“I think that if he stays here and has a really good end of the season and even a good season next year, if the Socceroos, which I believe they will, go to a World Cup, I think he’ll be in contention.
“Yeah, (it’s) good. To be honest, I think it’s just a bit of cramp, but I didn’t want to risk it any more,” Botic told Paramount Plus.
“I felt it as I was just pushing on, first couple of steps and I thought, ‘I just don’t want to risk it’.”
United have won six of their past seven matches and rise to third on the tablebehind Melbourne City and Adelaide on goal difference - while the Jets sit 10th.
Burnside in the top four
By Tara Murray
Burnside Springs United moved back into the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock division 5 top four with a big win against the Williamstown Congs.
After slipping out of the finals position in the round before the Christmas break, Burnside was keen for a better start to 2025.
Facing bottom side, the Williamstown Congs, it was a strong performance with both the bat and ball for Burnside.
Coach Cass Elorza said it was nice for it all to come together in the same match.
“We’ve been fielding and bowling well,” he said. “It was nice to put it all together.”
The Congs made 155 on day one, with Burnside finishing the day at 2-66.
Elorza said 155 was a pretty good score to chase down, but on a small ground once you pierced the gap the ball moved quickly. He was full of praise for the Congs.
“They are a quality team,” he said. “They’ve had a bit of a hard time but they’re always a
good chance.
“They acquitted themselves pretty well.”
Burnside declared at 8-197 after 47 overs, having hit the winning runs for the loss of four wickets. Oscar Hodgetts top scored with 66 at the top of the order.
Burnside sent the Congs back in to try and get an outright result. The Congs were 5-124 when the game was called with no chance of an outright.
TimStephenshadthreewicketsforBurnside.
It was a good day for Burnside, with its second XI winning outright and its fourth XI also a chance to win outright.”
The win moves Burnside back into fourth spot with four rounds remaining.
lorza knows their destiny is in their own hands.
“We have three tough games [and a bye],” he said. “We face Barkly St Uniting, Wyndham Vale and Moonee Ponds.
“For us to keep in the four we have to keep doing the right things to clinch a spot.
“Everything is clicking at the right time.”
Elorza said as well as their top side doing well they’re starting to see some of their juniors come through in the lower grades and play some handy roles.
He said even those that were filling in for the senior sides were pushing for permanent spots.
The club is also enjoying having both their ovals operating at the same time for the first time in five years.
Elsewhere in the Russell Pollock Shield, Melton Centrals had a bye.
Around the grounds, Sydenham-Hillside had a big win against Craigieburn in the senior division.
The Storm made 6-305 before bowling Craigieburn out for 249.
In the Roy Picone Shield, Caroline Springs had a disappointing loss to Point Cook Centrals.
In the Evans Clark Shield, Melton South Royals beat St Andrew’s Footscray outright.
The win moves the Royals to the top of the ladder.
Botic gave United breathing space when he received the ball in midfield, burst forward and rifled it into the top corner.
Four minutes later, the Jets pulled back a goal when Will Dobson beat Garuccio to a long ball, then slipped through Lachie Rose to score.
-Anna Harrington, AAP
Melton’s liking for the T20 format continued on Tuesday night as it beat Werribee in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association T20 competition.
The Lions only win this season had come in the final round before the Christmas break which happened to a T20 match.
On Tuesday, the T20 competition kicked off with Melton at home to Werribee.
The Tigers batted first and made 5-103 from their overs. Jacob Knight top scored with 24 not out.
Joel Mitchener took two wickets for the Lions.
The Lions were able to put together a solid innings, hitting the winning runs with nearly four overs remaining.
William Chesterman top scored with 57 not out.
The Lions face St Bernard’s OC in the second round of the T20 competition on Tuesday night.
In the VSDCA south-west competition on Saturday, the Lions lost to Elsternwick.
Elsternwick batted first and made 8-194 from its overs after being in trouble at 4-43.
StephenShieldsandJamesRobertson took three wickets each for the Lions. After losing an early wicket, the Lions got on top as they put on 99 for the second wicket.
Both set batters fell within two runs of each other and the Lions momentum ended.
They crumbled to lose 9-47 to be all out for 150.
Jack Dickson top scored with 52,while Ben MacRae made 42.
The Lions remain bottom of the ladder.
This week they face Altona at home.
Meanwhile, the Lions under-15 J G Craig Shield side is atop its pool after four rounds, sitting undefeated.
William Chesterman. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 452930_02
Noah Botic. (AAP Image/Will Murray)
Oscar Hodgetts. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 454171_03
