New grocer in town
Melton residents now have a new, affordable market on their doorstep for their fruit and veg shopping, with the Community Grocer launching in the area.
The Community Grocer is a not-for-profit social enterprise that runs weekly pop-up fruit and vegetable markets across Melbourne.
Chief executive Georgia Savage said the grocer increases access to affordable, high quality, fresh and culturally-relevant fruit and vegetables for all, at prices averaging 35 per cent cheaper than surrounding fresh food outlets.
“Our markets are not only about food insecurity but also a place for social and community connection,” Ms Savage said. “Our marketplaces are vibrant and engaging with lots of fruit and veg on offer but also lots of opportunities to connect with neighbours and friends, with our market team and a range of services.”
Residents who can’t make it to the market can pre-order boxes for pickup. The community grocer is also working to establish after-hours hubs across Melton.
Everyone is welcome at the Melton market, happening every Friday from 8.30am to 12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Hub.
Katya Ewing
$25 million pool splash
By Laura Michell
Labor has pledged $25 million to build a long-awaited indoor pool in Bacchus Marsh if it is re-elected.
A federal election is due to be held by late May.
Hawke Labor MP Sam Rae announced the funding pledge for the indoor pool on Monday, March 17.
Moorabool council has committed $15 million for the project, while the state government has put forward $10 million.
The pool will be part of the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Taverner Street.
Moorabool council and the community have been advocating for an indoor pool in Bacchus Marsh for a number of years.
As reported by Star Weekly, Bacchus Marsh only has an outdoor pool, which is open in summer.
Community advocacy group MooraPool formed in 2024 to urge the federal government to provide funding for the project.
The project has repeatedly missed out on federal government grant funding.
Mr Rae said this week’s funding pledge would be welcome news for Bacchus Marsh families.
“This project is so important to the Bacchus Marsh community, and I’m thrilled that we’ve
secured the funding to make it a reality,” he said. “This investment will ensure Bacchus Marsh has the pool facilities it needs for generations to come.”
The indoor pool will provide essential services such as learn-to-swim, water safety, rehabilitation therapy, and recreational swimming, promoting health and wellbeing across the region, Mr Rae said.
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell welcomed the funding and called for the Liberal Party to match the commitment.
“We have had a federal Labor election commitment on this project before so we are also asking the federal opposition to make the same commitment so our indoor pool will
be built regardless of which party wins at the upcoming election,” he said.
The Labor government pledged $7 million fortheindoorpoolin2013butthatfundingwas cut under the following Coalition government.
“This project is something council and the community have been advocating strongly for over many years,” Cr Tatchell said.
“Council has already committed $15,000 to the project and the state government $10,000, so to receive the missing piece of the funding puzzle and see this become a reality would be fantastic for our community. It will help finally put the ‘aquatic’ into Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC).”
TheLiberalPartywascontactedforcomment.
The Community Grocer’s Jemma Cannon, Georgia Savage and Daisy Brundell. (Damjan Janevski) 465415_01
Theft a recurring crime problem
By Gladys Barreta
Theft and breaches of family violence orders remain among the most commonly recorded crime offences in Melton and Moorabool, according to new data published by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA).
Crime rates have significantly increased in the Melton region, with a total of 15,234 recorded offences by the end of December 2024, a 19.4 per cent rise from the previous year, which recorded 12,763 offences. In contrast, Moorabool’s crime rates show more positive statistics, with 2592 offences
recorded by the end of December 2024, marking a slight 0.1 per cent increase from 2,590 offences in the previous year.
Other theft and theft from a motor vehicle were the most frequently recorded offences in Melton for 2024, with 1867 and 1831 offences, respectively.
Melton Inspector Pat Cantone said theft from motor vehicles is the most commonly reported and detected crime across the state.
“Local and specialised police units continue to patrol hotspots in Melton and Moorabool to detect and deter offences,” said Inspector Cantone. “There are also simple measures the
community can take to prevent falling victim – always lock your car, remove valuables, never leave your car unattended while running, and, where possible, park off the street.”
InspectorCantonealsoencouragedresidents to use anti-theft screws, as about a third of all thefts from cars in Melton involve the theft of number plates.
“Police continue to work with local councils to enhance crime prevention measures, including improved lighting and CCTV, to detect and deter offences.”
Moorabool recorded a slight decrease in breaches of family violence order offences
Have a kick in an all-inclusive team
Melton will be back in the Reclink Victorian Football League this year. The league is welcoming back a Melton team as part of an all-inclusive and free program that aims to make sports and recreation accessible to people from all backgrounds. Reclink senior sport and recreation coordinator for metro west and Mitchell shire CooperMacDonaldsaidtheteamwillcompete in the Reclink Victorian Football League, which is a league set up around Victoria, with
teams competing all the way from Geelong to Frankston to La Trobe out to Ballarat.
The all-inclusive team is open for those above 16 years of age of all genders and backgrounds.
“Each team is set up to engage those that are socially vulnerable and socially disadvantaged through physical activity while also forming meaningful social connections with people in the community,” MacDonald said.
Games will be scheduled every second week,
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alternating with training sessions, which will take place on Wednesdays from 11 to about 2pm. The sessions are set to be at Melton Recreation Reserve.
Member agencies interested in getting involved with the team are encouraged to reach out to MacDonald, enabling more groups to access this program.
Details: cooper.macdonald@reclink.org
Katya Ewing
in 2024, with a 0.05 per cent drop from 355 offences in 2023 to 354 offences in 2024, although this offence remains the most recorded in the region.
However, Melton experienced an increase in breaches, rising from , 625 in 2023 to 1684 in 2024.
Inspector Cantone said police will continue to work to apprehend family violence perpetrators and bring them before the courts to ensure the safety of victim-survivors.
“We encourage victims to seek help from police or a support service—when you’re ready, speak to us or speak to someone you know.”
boost
Shared bicycle and walking paths will be built in Burnside and Caroline Springs to provide alternative travel options for locals.
The federal government will provide $2.1 million for the paths from its active transport fund.
Threekilometresofsharedpathswillbe built along the eastern side of Westwood Drive, from Rockbank Middle Road to Quinn Street in Burnside, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely through to Ballarat Road
The project is anticipated to cost just under $2 million, with $969,527 covered by the federal government and the remainder to be funded by Melton council.
Shared use crossings will be installed along both sides of the Caroline Springs Boulevard and Gourlay Road corridor and existing zebra crossings will be modify to become shared use crossings, at a cost of $2.3 million.
The government will provide $1.15 million for the project, with council to provide the rest.
This work will pedestrians and cyclists to safely travel along the 8.5-kilometre stretch and connect to Caroline Springs station, schools, shops, and sport and community facilities.
The designs for both projects will be undertaken in 2025-26, with construction expected to commence in 2026-27.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said the funding would help reduce reliance on carsandgiveresidentstheoptiontowalk or cycle to schools, shops or work dnd improvetheirhealthandwellbeingwhile doing so.
Hub to deliver health services
Construction on the six-level Cobblebank Community Services Hub will begin later this year, with the facility set to deliver much-needed services to Melton.
The 5 Green Star rated hub is expected to be operationalbylate2026andwillprovidearange of services including employment support, family violence prevention, disability, mental health, family support, drug rehabilitation, refugee support and other culturally specific services for Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
The federal government recently announced $15 million for the hub through its Thriving Suburbs Program, while the state government contributed $4.6 million from the Growing Suburbs Fund.
Melton mayor Steve Abboushi welcomed the funding.
“The new Cobblebank Community Services Hub will make it easier for people to attend regular appointments to get the support they need,whentheyneedit,closetohome,”hesaid.
“The Cobblebank Community Services Hub is a great example of council along with the Victorian and Australian governments working in partnership to ensure important health,wellbeingandeducationservicescanbe accessed locally.”
Hawke MP Sam Rae, who visited the hub site with Cr Abboushi recently, said the facility would improve access to health and community facilities.
“Local, accessible community and health services are so vital to our growing suburbs, and I can’t wait to see this project delivered,” he said.
Details: melton.vic.gov.au/CCSH
Melton will have a Reclink team again this year.
IVF, endometriosis help cheaper
By Luke Costin, AAP
A new treatment for a common painful condition and two other drugs will be made cheaper to improve thousands of Australian women’s lives.
About 8500 Australian women are expected to benefit annually when Ryeqo is listed on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme on May 1. The drug is a new endometriosis treatment option for people who have experienced moderate to severe pain and cannot get adequate relief from other hormonal treatments and painkillers, according to the federal government.
About one in seven Australian women suffer from endometriosis, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, affecting fertility and causing debilitating pain.
Symptoms are variable and contribute to an average delay in diagnosis of six-and-a-half years, according to Endometriosis Australia.
New subsidies will also cut the costs of a progestogen-only contraceptive pill and an IVF hormone therapy.
Women with low levels of specific hormones will be able to access Pergoveris for $32 per treatment cycle from their first IVF cycle, rather than having to wait for multiple failures. Each unsubsidised cycle costs about $3500.
Helana Shehadeh used Pergoveris during her second IVF cycle in 2023, which resulted in the birth of baby Zayn.
“Anyone who has been through IVF understands the agony of multiple cycles,” she said. “Earlier access to this fertility treatment will alleviate some of the burden for women undergoing IVF.”
‘‘ Fewer financial and logistical hurdles mean more families can focus on what truly matters - having a baby ’’ - Petra Wale
amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis,” Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand president Petra Wale said
“Fewer financial and logistical hurdles mean more families can focus on what truly matters - having a baby.”
The listings would improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Australian women, Health Minister Mark Butler said.
“Womenhaveaskedgovernmenttotaketheir health care seriously, and we have listened,” he said. “These listings could save women and their families thousands of dollars across their lifetimes.”
He dismissed criticism about delayed action after a government advisory committee recommended in March 2024 that Ryeqo be added to the subsidy scheme.
“They’ve all been dealt with expeditiously,” Mr Butler told Weekend Today.
“Over the nine years of (the coalition) government, not a single new pill, not a single endometriosis treatment, not a single menopause treatment (was added).”
The opposition said it was not good enough toleavewomenwaitingformorethanayearfor “potentially life-changing medications”.
“Prioritising women’s health remains a top priority of the coalition, as we remain strongly committedtoourlongstandingpolicyoflisting allPBAC-recommendedmedicinesonthePBS, and in a timely manner,” opposition health spokeswoman Senator Anne Ruston said.
The price of a contraceptive pill used by about 80,000 women will also be slashed.
The announcement was welcomed amid Australia’s birth rate falling to a record-low 1.5 babies per woman.
“The cost of assisted reproduction remains a major barrier for many families, particularly
Under the PBS, the annual cost of Slinda will drop from about $320 to about $94 for general patients or $22 for concession card holders.
The absence of estrogen in the pill makes it particularly suitable for older women, smokers, women at increased risk of blood clots and those who suffer migraine attacks.
New subsidies will also cut the costs of a progestogen-only contraceptive pill and an IVF hormone therapy.
Study finds women are reluctant to call triple-0
A new study found that women are less comfortablecallingtriple-0whenexperiencing symptoms of a heart attack, providing a possible reason why women who have heart attacks have a worse outcome than men.
The study by Monash University researchers involved more than 34,000 Australian men and women, questioning whether they would call triple-0 if they suspected they were having a heart attack and their actual use of these services.
Conducted by Monash University honours studentAnnieShiandledbyassociateprofessor and former mobile intensive care paramedic of 25 years Kathryn Eastwood, the study found that while women were more likely to call triple-0 if experiencing heart attack symptoms, they were significantly less comfortable to make the call.
In their responses, over a third of women saidtheydidnotwanttoburdentheambulance service compared to a quarter of men.
More women than men said that they wanted to be certain that it was a heart attack before calling, preferring to instead contact their general practitioner.
Women were also more likely to hesitate calling because they believed that they were at low risk of having a heart attack.
Associate professor Eastwood said that for some women – especially older women – the fear of burdening the ambulance system is due to previous medical experience.
“There is plenty within the literature already around why women in particular feel like they might be a burden … when you think how some of the older women might have been treatedinmedicalcareinthepast…according to the research, there’s a bit of a sense that they’ve been made to feel silly and that they’ve had a bad experience – ‘there, there, you’ll be OK, stop being hysterical,’” associate professor Eastwood said.
She said that symptoms of a heart attack in women can often be more subtle than those experienced by men.
“When a lot of research has been done in the past, it is generally done on men and that is just because they were concerned about causing anyharmtowomenintermsofreproduction... so unfortunately when we’ve all been told what a heart attack is, we’ve been taught the more traditional male symptoms of a heart attack … the central chest pain, sudden onset crushing
moving into the left arm, that sort of picture that you’ll see on TV,” she said.
“For women, chest pain can present in their back, not in their chest. It can present in betweentheirshoulderblades…itcanactually come on a little bit more slowly and just be a little bit less debilitating, and the problem with that is when things come on more slowly, you tend to acclimatise to them and tend not to register them.”
Sheclarifiedthatthesesymptomscanalsobe
experienced by men.
Associate professor Eastwood said she encourages people to “call first, and decide later” if they are having a heart attack when experiencing symptoms, adding that the symptom of chest pain can include more than just pain in the literal sense.
“[I was] an intensive care paramedic for 25 years, and when we’re talking about pain, we mean any funny feeling in the chest … if you’re asked about pain by a health professional, they’re using that as an umbrella term for anything different. Just report everything and let the health professional decide what’s important and what’s not.”
She said symptoms in women could include feeling sick for days, having no energy, sleeping on extra pillows because they find it hard to breathe, not being able to walk to the letterbox, back pain, palpitations or sinking feeling in the chest, dizziness, or shortness of breath –including mild shortness of breath.
She said that any cluster of these symptoms together would warrant receiving an electrocardiogram.
“Every minute that they delay, more of their heart can be damaged or even die. And if that happens to enough of the heart, then they will have permanent damage,” she said.
She said calling an ambulance means that paramedics can begin treatment before a person experiencing a heart attack arrives at hospital – helping to prevent the heart attack from advancing – and that the hospital can be notified and prepare for a patient’s arrival, ready to clear a blockage from the heart.
She said people can be proactive with their health by regularly visiting a general practitioner to test blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and have an electrocardiogram to have on file to compare and see what has changed in the case of a cardiac event.
Oscar Parry
Monash University associate professor Kathryn Eastwood led a study that found that women are less comfortable calling Triple Zero and more likely to hesitate when they experience symptoms of a heart attack. (Supplied).
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Celebration of diversity
Thornhill Park Primary School students celebrated their multicultural community last week to mark Harmony Week.
The annual celebration ran from March 17-21 in recognition of diversity.
ThornhillParkstudentstookpartinarange of activities throughout the week to celebrate the school’s diversity.
Student engagement officer Tamyrha Tuaoi said each classroom had the opportunity to researchaspecificcountryandcreateaunique display to showcase some of the students’ cultural backgrounds.
The displays were exhibited during the
school’s assembly for students, staff and the wider community to admire.
On Wednesday, March 19, the school choir, and rock band performed during lunch time, performing an Indigenous song.
Ms Tuaoi said a special dress-up day was held on Friday, March 21, with students encouraged to wear traditional dress or orange to show their support for diversity and inclusion.
Grade 6 class captain Ishrat said Harmony week reminded her about respecting each other’s nations and being proud of her own culture.
Briefs
Melton pursuit
Police have charged a man following a pursuit in Melton. Officers spotted a grey Toyota with alleged false registration plates on Mavi Avenue in Melton about 4.20am on Sunday, March 23. Police found a man was slumped over the steering wheel and appeared to be unresponsive. Police used tyre deflation devices and attempted to arrest the driver but the Toyota sped off on its rims. Police ended the pursuit after the man allegedly drove the car onto the wrong side of the Western Freeway at the Ferris Road intersection. Officers once again pursued the vehicle managing to box the Toyota in on the freeway between Hopkins Road and Caroline Springs Boulevard, bringing it to a stop. The driver, a 32-year-old man of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with several offences.
‘Shaun’ the sheep rescued A lost sheep was shepherded to safety by emergency services in Mount Cottrell. The ewe fell about two metres down an open manhole at the intersection of Sewells and Leakes roads shortly after 5pm on Sunday 23 March. Dubbed Shaun by rescuers, the emergency workers created a make-shift sling and managed to lift her from the pit. It’s not known where ‘Shaun’ came from but she’s now in the hands of the council ranger.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
(Back from left) Lanston, Iverson, Maneet, Anaiah, Tarson, Angad, (front) Isaiah and Jeyc took part in a Harmony Week dress-up day. (Supplied)
$5 million road pledge
By Gladys Barreta
A game-changing investment of $5 million to improve Victorian roads is one of the election promises the Liberal Party has pledged to deliver.
Moorabool Shire Council has welcomed the news of the duplication of Griffith Street in BacchusMarsh,sayingthepromiserecognises the growing needs of the region.
The Griffith Street project involves duplicating Griffith Street between Cassina Boulevard and Grant Street, along with the addition of a new signalised pedestrian crossing, bus bays, and service roads.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Development
Senator Bridget McKenzie said there would be no time wasted in getting the Griffith Street
road duplication project up and running if the Coalition wins the next election.
“The Coalition, over the past three years, has been working with the people on the ground and has a well-planned approach to getting road infrastructure projects back up and running across the country, including the duplication of Griffith Street here in Bacchus Marsh. This project is a no-brainer,” she said.
Liberal candidate for Hawke, Simmone Cottom, said Bacchus Marsh is one of the fastest-growing peri-urban areas in Victoria which has brought an increase in residential housing and industry, which, in turn, has placed additional demand on the road network.
“With such a fast-growing population, we need to ensure the demand for services can be met, providing for the Bacchus Marsh
community for years to come,” Ms Cottom said.
Mayor of Moorabool Shire Council Paul Tatchell said safety is the number one priority, which has lagged behind development and growth, so the investment was a welcomed announcement.
“While we accept that the announcement is an election promise, it’s fantastic that Senator McKenzie and Simmone Cottom recognise the growing needs of Bacchus Marsh,” Mr Tatchell said.
Labor has not matched the funding commitment to duplicate Griffith Street, but reiterated its commitments to provide $25 million for an aquatic centre for Bacchus Marsh, and has achieved $4 million for a sports facility and $1.8 million for a new bike and pedestrian path along Griffith Street.
The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to find a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.
LED BY A QUALIFIED TEACHER
The Kinder Tick recognises kinder programs that are led by a qualified teacher.
PLAY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM
It highlights kindergartens and long day care centres that offer play-based programs to help children learn and grow, before they start school.
Sleep with dinosaurs
Get batty, experience the Melbourne museum at night and prepare for all the laughs when the autumn holidays hit MuseumsVictoriafrom5April. Aworld of egg-citing adventure and hands-on workshopsawaitsatMelbourneMuseum: crawl into the amazing world of insects, gettoknowyourinnerbatdetective,hunt for delicious chocolate Easter eggs, and giggle at hilariously gross gags. Embark on a journey to the depths of the Indian Ocean to swim with magnificent blue whales, dolphins and orcas at IMAX. At Scienceworks, young creatives can jump into the world of engineering and design with quirky hands-on activities in Tinkertown, spark their imagination with STEM workshops, catch new shows at the Melbourne Planetarium, and be wowedbythespectacularMuseumofthe Moon - a stunning 4-metre installation that brings the lunar surface to the Planetarium foyer.
Good Vibrations Amphitheatre show 5 April – 21 April | Daily | 12.00pm and 2.00pm | Included with Scienceworks entry Immerse yourself in the mysteries of sound with our free 20-minute live scienceshow.Learnhowsoundiscreated and detected, watch voices take shape in laserform,anddiscoverthestrangeways humans and animals make noise.
Fulldome Flicks
5 April – 28 June (every Saturday) | 4.30pm–5.30pm|Children$14/Member children $10 / Member adult $15 / Adult $19. Join showman extraordinaire ‘The Great Schiaparelli’ as he takes you on a death-defying space-time adventure within his wondrous Observatorium.
It also identifies services that are approved for Victorian Government funding.
Moorabool Shire Council Cr John Keogh, Cr Moira Berry, Liberal Candidate for Hawke Simmone Cottom, Senator Bridget McKenzie and Mayor Cr Paul Tatchell. (Supplied)
Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.
Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting.
Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.
This month, Stephanie is creating an Easter Bunny mask.
Materials
1 piece of grey cardstock
1 piece of pink cardstock
1 piece of white card stock
1 white pom pom 40 cm elastic
Equipment
Template
Scissors
Stapler
Craft glue
Step 1: Using the downloaded templates, cut out the bunny mask from grey, pink and white cardstock.
Step 2: Attach the white cardstock piece to the grey mask. Then glue the pink inner ear pieces onto the grey ears.
Step 3: Glue the white pom pom onto the bunny nose.
Step 4: Staple one end of the elastic to the mask, aligning it with the eye cut outs. Measure the elastic to fit the child’s head, then staple the other end in place.
Stephanie Martinez.
The finished creation.
Scan the QR code and follow the links to download the template.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Melton Men’s Group
Melton Men’s Group meet 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, table tennis, cards and chess.
Trevor, 0404 494 649, or meltonmensgroup.home.blog/
Lights of Wisdom
The Bahá’ís of Moorabool invites you to Lights of Wisdom, a monthly event providing an opportunity to relax in a tranquil environment and reflect on inspiring themes. First Friday of every month, 7.30-8.30pm, at Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh. This is a free community event open to all.
mgilsant9@gmail.com
First Aid course
Melton South Community Centre is offering engaging and informative First Aid courses on Saturday, March 29 for anyone seeking to obtain or renew a nationally-recognised certificate. Available one-day courses include HLTAID009, HLTAID011 and HLTAID012.
9747 8576
Melton Friends Group
An over-50’s singles friendship group for social catch-ups for dinners, movies, chats, walks and shows. Nothing but fun friendships,
Vera, 0406 493 734
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, or office@life.org.au
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with
meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more. 0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com
Melton Over 50s Social Group
Join a friendly group of people aged over 50 who enjoy each other’s company while attending events such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you.
Marlene, 0498 329 290
Rose carers of Maddingley Park
The group meets every Wednesday from 10am-noon at the Commemorative Rose Garden, Maddingley Park on the corner of Taverner Street and Grant Streets, Bacchus Marsh. They maintain the two rose gardens at the park. Volunteers are welcome and no experience is necessary to join .
Elaine, 0400 052 857 or Judy, 0428 463 538
Zonta club
Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Meetings include guest speakers. Janet, 0421 080 923, or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au
Darley Neighbourhood House
The Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre is at 33-35 Jonathan Drive, Darley. It offers free and low-cost activities for all. There is a monthly repair cafe, a community pantry, a fortnightly chatty cafe and venue hire is available. www.bit.ly/DNHnow, or 5367 4390
Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club
Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10am to noon at the Avenue Bowling
Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com
Community band
The Greater Western Community Band meets Thursdays from 7.30 – 9.30pm. Rehearsal venue is the Bridge Road Community Centre, Strathtulloh (Melton South). The band is available for events. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are always welcome.
Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582
Melton Valley Ladies Probus
Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Friday each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome.
Ann, 0425 705 150
Melton Concert Band
Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Bridge Road Community Centre, Bridge Road, Melton South. Musicians of any age who able to read Music are welcome to come along with their instrument (oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion). Please contact the number provided if you are intending to visit.
0401 474 582
Cancer Support Group
MelMarsh Prostate Cancer Support Group is for prostate cancer patients and their carers and meets on the first Thursday of the month, from 12.30-2pm, at Melton South Community Centre. Attendees are encouraged as members share their journeys through what could be a very traumatic time of their lives. Explanations of medical terminology used in the treatment of this cancer are given in this group.
Grenville, 0412 741 865
Chatty Cafe Melton
Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton.
www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331
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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Samarth, Parth and Inyraah who are gearing up for colourful fun at the Women in Brimbank Colour Festival on April 5. (Attie Mohebali) 466942_01
‘Haunted’ by dead mum
By Emily Woods, AAP
A heartbroken son and daughter have confronted their father after he was found guilty of killing their mother almost two decades ago.
“She gave me her eyes, and lucky she did because you took hers,” Nicholas Crossthwaite-Petrov said, as he turned to look back at his dad.
“Remember?”
He was aged seven when his mother, Cindy Crossthwaite,41,wasfounddeadinherMelton South home, on June 20, 2007.
Her 13-month-old baby, Jonas, was found alive metres from her body.
Jesmine was nine years old and her mother had been due to pick her up from school that day.
She saw a pool of blood and matted hair through the window of their home after the murder.
“The image of her has haunted me my whole life,” she said, between tears.
“Sometimes it’s all I can see when I close my eyes.”
It took 17 years for their father, Emil Petrov, to be convicted over the murder.
The 61-year-old man, who had been on bail since 2019, was thrown behind bars after being found guilty by a Supreme Court jury on December 11.
The jury verdict indicated Petrov either commissioned someone else to commit the murder or committed the murder himself, the court was told.
Petrov,whomshehadseparatedfromin2005, was fuelled by a hatred for Ms Crossthwaite amid a bitter court battle to separate their assets when he killed her, prosecutors said.
She was left for dead after being choked and shot in the head at close range.
Her best friend Julie Burfurd said Ms Crossthwaite had feared Petrov would kill her before the murder.
“I felt angry that her voice fell on deaf ears,” she told the court.
“She was sure the police thought she was crazy.”
Defence barrister Ashley Halphen said Petrov, who continues to deny his part in the killing, acknowledged the jury’s verdict meant he was likely to spend a “substantial portion” of his remaining years in prison.
He said Petrov had met his current wife more than a decade ago and she said he was a “good husband and very good father” to their four-year-old son.
Mr Halphen said his client spent years living under “uncertainty” as police did not charge him until 2019, and said this delay should mitigate the length of his sentence.
However, prosecutor Mark Gibson said the delay meant Petrov got to “live his life for all those years”.
Prosecutors were only able to pursue charges against Petrov once key witness, Brian O’Shea, agreed to testify about providing him with a gun.
Mr Gibson said Petrov’s actions fell into the worst category for the offence of murder.
Avalon Airshow set to take off
The southern hemisphere’s premier airshow and aerospace and defence expo is ready for takeoff.
The biannual Avalon Australian International Airshow returns to Geelong this week, showcasing military and civilian aircraft, aerobatic displays and the newest innovations in aviation technology. With three-and-a-half trade days and three days of public displays, the airshow will transform Avalon into an aviation MeccafromTuesdayMarch25toSunday March 30. This year’s attractions include the Friday night flying demonstration Night Alight, performances by the Royal Australian Air Force’s F35A Lightning II and F/A-18F Super Hornet, Matt Hall Racing’s high performance aviation unit and the military working dogs.
The 2023 event was a huge success, drawing more than 80,000 members of the public through the turnstiles from Friday to Saturday, but traffic jams created hours-long waits for some.
Petrov appeared emotionless as he faced a pre-sentence hearing on Friday, as five of Ms Crossthwaite’s loved ones read out statements on the impact of her death.
Phillip Crossthwaite, who found his daughter’s lifeless body covered in a blanket, said he always suspected it was Petrov.
“I refused to give Cindy away at her wedding as I had an instant dislike of Petrov,” he told the court.
He said having to identify her body, with eyes and teeth missing, was “the worst thing I ever did”.
Justice Christopher Beale will sentence Petrov, who is facing up to life in prison, on April 16.
Outsidecourt,NicholasCrossthwaite-Petrov saidhelookedhisfatherdeadintheeyeandgot “nothing” back.
“If my child was suffering, I’d give a limb to help him, but nothing from that man, it’s not human,” he said.
“It makes you lose faith in the world. I just want to be able to heal and he won’t let me do that.”
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
In response, the airshow announced it had revamped its transport and parking systemstoimprovethevisitorexperience this year, including a park-and-ride shuttle bus option.
Chief executive of organisers AMDA Foundation Justin Giddings said the “With exhilarating flying displays, interactive experiences, and the chance to get up close and personal with aircraft on the ground, we look forward to welcoming visitors from across Australia and the world to one of the world’s great airshows.”
Jesmine Crossthwaite-Petrov, the daughter of Emil Petrov and Cindy Crossthwaite, leaves the Melbourne Magistrates Court in 2019. She is still haunted by images of her dead mum.
(AAP Image/Erik Anderson)
Rollercoaster of rarer dementia
Little is known about a form of dementia that affects more than 100,000 Australians but researchers are looking to build knowledge on the debilitating illness as Melissa Meehan explains.
Two years ago, Annette was running a thriving small business and planning her next solo holiday.
Today she’s mostly confined to her aged care facility, unable to go out unchaperoned.
She can no longer trust her legs to keep her upright, relying on a four-wheel walker or sometimes a wheelchair to move around. Her ability to swallow her favourite foods is gone, she cannot control her body temperature or blood pressure.
When she is tired, her body slumps and speech is slow and slurred.
Annette’s memory is pretty good for the most part. She recognises the faces of loved ones and can hold a conversation. But sometimes she talks to people who aren’t there.
She does her hair and puts on make-up every day, but cannot always remember why she’s sick and the reason for her new limitations.
Such is the rollercoaster of a Lewy body dementia diagnosis for Annette, one of 100,000 Australians living with the condition that affects memory, thinking and bodily functions.
For members of Annette’s family, a rollercoaster is the only way to describe it.
Somedayssheseemsreallywell,likeshewas beforeshegotsick.Otherdayssheexperiences hallucinations, cognitive decline, a range of movement issues and other symptoms that make the condition so challenging.
But those good times can change in a moment, and Annette can go from walking and talking to a frail, confused version of herself.
“It (the diagnosis) has been difficult to get my head around, because most days I feel good and I don’t remember the bad days.” she said.
“So with that in mind, I get really frustrated with the limitations I’m now living with - like not being able to go out on my own, I really value my independence and that feels like it’s been taken away from me.
“But I also understand that I am not well, and it’s a constantly changing beast. It’s a horrible diagnosis and I’m just trying to live my life the best I can, while I can.”
To everyone that knows her, it’s understandable that Annette sometimes feels like a prisoner.
In 2023 she took herself on solo trip to Tasmania and Queensland after closing her local business a year earlier. She played pickleball weekly, cared for her grandchildren
‘‘ I get really frustrated with the limitations I’m now living with ... I really value my independence and that feels like it’s been taken away from me ’’ - Annette
and was always out and about.
But over the course of 2024 she suffered as many as eight strokes, more than 20 mini-strokes and spent much of the year in hospital. In November she was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and the symptoms came on thick and fast.
Lying in a hospital bed after another stroke, Annette lost strength in her left side, was unable to move her left leg and spoke to people who weren’t there.
She could not stay awake long enough to finish a sentence and whatever she said was slow, slurred and nonsensical.
Months later, her neurologist marvelled at her recovery and said he did not expect her to leave the hospital alive.
Lewy bodies are a protein that attack and then eat away at the brain, affecting memory, thinking, behaviour and bodily functions.
The prognosis isn’t great for those who are
diagnosed. Life expectancy is around seven years and many die before the disease takes hold from infection, falls or other illness.
It is not as well known as Alzheimer’s disease but more than 100,000 Australians live with it, according to Dementia Australia.
And while not the same as Parkinson’s disease it shares a number of symptoms including hand tremors, slowness, stiffness and walking problems.
There is no cure and Annette has been prescribed dementia and Parkinson’s drugs to slow her decline and relieve some symptoms.
FloreyInstitutefellowPratishthaChatterjee isamongAustralianneurobiologyresearchers who attended a recent international conference on Lewy body dementia held in Amsterdam.
She is working on blood biomarkers to enable timely diagnosis, prognosis and long-term study of the disease, and says such co-operation and sharing of knowledge matters.
“It underscored the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in advancing LBD research and care, highlighting the need for continued collaboration among clinicians, researchers and stakeholders,” Dr Chatterjee said.
More funding is needed for research into Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris said.
“Currently, there is no cure for LBD and
Dementia | Explainer
Range of symptoms signal onset of Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia is relatively unknown despite more than 100,000 Australians living with the diagnosis that affects both the brain and body. Lewy body dementia is a disease associated with abnormal protein that eats away at the brain and causes issues with thinking, movement, behaviour and mood. There is no cure and little is known about the disease, with no definitive way of making a medical diagnosis until an autopsy is performed, leaving doctors to diagnose sufferers based on medical history, a physical exam and symptoms.
What is lewy body dementia?
• “Lewy body dementias” is an umbrella term describing two forms of dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia
• Lewy body dementias cause changes in thinking, movement, behaviour and bodily functions
• There is no known cure for the Lewy body dementias yet, but the conditions are manageable and some symptoms can be treated. What causes Lewy body dementia?
• Anyone can develop Lewy body dementia, but it becomes more common as people get older
• More than 100,000 Australians have Lewy body dementia
• Right now, it’s not known why Lewy bodies form
Signs and symptoms of Lewy body dementia
• Changes in thinking, behaviour, movement and bodily functions are symptoms of both types of Lewy body dementia
• Symptoms depend on which brain area is affected and the stage of the dementia. They can change over time
• Many of the changes can come and go, which are called fluctuations. There can be changes to abilities that last a few hours or a few days
• It can also change the way an individual thinks, concentrates and their behaviour
• Some also suffer from hallucinations that can feel very real for the person at the time - it can include loved ones, spiders or snakes
Source: Dementia Australia
Parkinson’s Australia strongly supports investment in research to help us improve our understanding of the condition, to improve treatment and care for people living with LBD and their families and hopefully to find a cure,” she told AAP.
* AAP journalist Melissa Meehan is Annette’sdaughter.
Lewy body dementia sufferer Annette. (Melissa Meehan, AAP)
Kaleidoscope Festival returns
Celebrate Wyndham’s cultural diversity at Point Cook Pop-Up Park throughout April.
The celebrations form part of the KaleidoscopeFestival,whichisrunbyCoLocal, developer Stockland and Wyndham council.
The festival is a colourful celebration of unity and diversity and will feature food, performance and culture.
The festival will have a different theme each week.
On Saturday, April 5, attendees can enjoy a Greek Festival from noon-4pm, featuring dance and music performances by Manasis SchoolofGreekDanceandCulture,foodstalls, kids activities and a photobooth.
A Harmony Day celebration organised by
the Wyndham Volunteers Association will be held on Saturday, April 12, from 11am-4pm, showcasing the talent and diversity of the community.
Activate Youth will host an Eid Festival on Sunday, April 13. Running from noon to 3pm, the event will include market and food stalls and cultural entertainment.
On Saturday, April 19, the Easter Bunny will make an early appearance in Point Cook for an Easter-themed festival from noon-3pm.
Junubi Wyndham will host the Africa Festival on Saturday, April 26, from 2-9pm, featuring love performances and food and market stalls.
The Kaleidoscope Festival will wrap up on
Sunday, April 27 with an Aussie barbecue from noon-3pm.
Stockland senior centre manager John Cooper said Kaleidoscope was created by the community. “We’re looking forward to hosting our third Kaleidoscope Festival here at Point Cook Pop Up Park,” he said. “Each year the event brings together thousands of people to celebrate the cultural diversity in the area.
“We encourage the community to come along with their friends and family and enjoy live entertainment, delicious food and market stalls, as well as activities for the kids.”
Point Cook Pop-up Park is at Stockland Point Cook, Murnong Street, Point Cook.
Details: https://tinyurl.com/22d82rtw
Engraving the beauty of the Ranges
Using his engineering background, Riddells Creek artist Grant Medbury creates intricate laser-engraved artworks – with a range of his work currently on display at Art on Piper gallery in Kyneton.
An electronic engineer by profession, Medbury said he enjoys combining his design and technical skills to create the artworks.
“My wife Kathy is an artist … I’m surrounded by art so I’ve just been experimenting and creating a few things and I
think the guest room at Art on Piper just gives you the opportunity to display what you’ve done,” Medbury said.
He said he enjoys the contrast and the immediate results of laser engraving as a medium.
“[It] must be the engineer in me. Kathy would spend weeks on a painting – I couldn’t.”
The exhibition includes engraved wood, metal, and glass pieces, with all works available for purchase.
Many are Macedon Ranges-themed, such as a depiction of the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, local flora and fauna, and a wooden wall hanging with the names of Macedon Ranges towns.
The exhibition is in its final week, with the final day on Sunday, March 30.
Art on Piper is open from 10am–4pm every day at 44 Piper Street, Kyneton.
McVicar takes Cavalcade to comedy festival
Young Williamstown comedian Ned McVicar has been given an opportunity that many seasoned stand-ups would kill for.
McVicar is one of six up and coming young comics from across Australia who’ve been selected to perform at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) which starts at the end of this month.
From March 31 to April 6, McVicar will perform his show Cavalcade at the DoubleTree byHiltonaspartofPilot,aprogramdesignedto give Gen Z comedians a leg up in a notoriously competitive industry.
The brainchild of comedians and producers Ethan Gallagher and Dylan McBurney, Pilot came about after they both saw a gap in MICF’s youth programs that they wanted to fill.
Now it’s McVicar, who began his performing
“I still remember... being really amazed that I could actually come up with a genuine joke,” said McVicar his first steps into comedy.
”It meant a lot to me that I had the ability to come up with stuff like that.”
As for what sort of stuff people can expect in Cavalcade, McVicar wouldn’t give much away.
“As an AI language model I am restricted from sharing harmful information and therefore cannot list the contents of Cavalcade, however I would be happy to help with your recentprompts“howwrite25minutesstandup funny“ and “if you drink enough rat poison it’s not just rat poison it’s everything poison -- how do I reword into a joke?”
Stand-up night to bring laughs to Brimbank
From comedy big-wigs to lesser known talents packed with a spotlight-worthy sense of humour, seven comics will put together an extraordinary jest-fest at the upcoming Brimbank Comedy Gala.
On March 28, audiences can expect to fill their night with laughs, giggles and cheers when local stars and television personalities take to the stage at the Bowery Theatre.
The line-up includes Urvi Majumdar from the ABC, Question Everything’s Suren Jayemanne, and Ben Knight who featured in the hit action flick Fall Guy. According to the show’s co-producer and performer Samuel Gebreselassie, who is putting the show together with Luke Morris, the event is not to be missed.
“It’s a comedy show with some of the best up-and-coming and well-established comedians in Australia,” he said.
The idea to organise an evening of laughter, Gebreselassie said was mmotivatedbyalackofcomedy-centred gigs in the area.
“We decided to bring live comedy to people in the west so they don’t have to travel to the city just to experience that,” he said.
“If you’re looking for a great night of stand up comedy come down and have a laugh with us.
“Laughing together is an amazing experience, so come enjoy comedy in the heart of the west.”
The Brimbank Comedy Gala is planned for March 28 at 8 pm.
Details: events.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ brimbank-comedy-gala/ Prealene Khera
career juggling on the streets of Williamstown, who will get the chance to fill that Gen Z humour gap.
Information and tickets: https://entercloser. com/shows/1145032716679
Cade Lucas
Williamstown comedian Ned McVicar. (Attie Mohebali) 462247_01
Grant Medbury is presenting an exhibition of laser-engraved works at Art on Piper gallery in Kyneton. (Damjan Janevski) 464868_02
Oscar Parry
Samuel Gebreselassie is calling on all Brimbank locals to come down and get a taste of live-comedy. (Damjan Janevski) 466681_01
Kaleidoscope Festival returns to Point Cook Pop Up Park. (Supplied)
Planning and Environment Act 1987
MOORABOOL PLANNING SCHEME
Notice of the preparation of an amendment to a planning scheme Amendment C103moor
the Farming Zone to the Neighbourhood Residential Zone and applies and removes various Overlays to facilitate the future subdivision and residential development of land in Hopetoun Park North. The subject land has been identified as forming part of a growth precinct in the Planning Scheme at Clauses 02.03-1 (Settlement) and 11.011L-02 (Bacchus Marsh), and in the Bacchus Marsh Urban Growth Framework. The planned residential development would consist of approximately 400 dwellings on minimum size lots between 800m and 1500m, active open space, community facilities, a local retail centre, local parks and shared trails. For further details, refer to the explanatory report about the amendment.
Details of the amendment
The Moorabool Shire Council planning authority has prepared
Amendment C103moor to the Moorabool Planning Scheme. The land affected by the amendment is shown in Figure 1 and described as:
• 124 Hopetoun Park Road comprising: Lot 2 PS604556J; Lot 2 TP604721H; Lot 3 TP604721H; 150 Hopetoun Park Road: Lot 1 PS604556J; • Cowans Road comprising the eastern portion of lots: Lot 1 TP681605Y; Lot 1 TP749719H; Lot 1 TP414231K; TP303309S.
The amendment proposes to:
• rezone the subject land from Farming Zone to Neighbourhood Residential Zone Schedule 8.
• apply the Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 7 (ESO7) delete the Significant Landscape Overlay Schedule 2 (SLO2)
• delete the Design and Development Overlay Schedule 2 (DDO2) and apply the new Design and Development Overlay Schedule 17 (DDO17) in its place.
• apply the Development Plan Overlay Schedule 7 (DPO7).
You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at:
• the Department of Transport and Planning website www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation. the Moorabool Shire Council website at www.moorabool.vic.gov.au and During office hours at the following places:
° 15 Stead Street, Ballan
° Darley Civic and Community Hub, 182 Halletts Way, Darley
° Lerderderg Library - Customer Service, 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
To learn more, you may wish to attend one of the drop-in sessions scheduled for the following dates at the Lerderderg Library, 215 Main Street Bacchus Marsh:
• Thursday 3 April 2025 11am to 2pm
• Thursday 3 April 2025 4pm to 7pm
• Tuesday 29 April 2025 4pm to 7pm
Any person may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.
Name and contact details of submitters are required for the planning authority to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend planning authority meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions.
The closing date for submissions is Sunday 4 May 2025
A submission must be made:
• Online: Via Council’s ‘Have your say’ website at: haveyoursay.moorabool.vic.gov.au
• Email: info@moorabool.vic.gov.au with subject “Submission Planning Scheme Amendment C103moor Post: Moorabool Shire Council, PO Box 18, Ballan VIC 3342, with the subject “Submission Planning Scheme Amendment C103moor attention Manager Growth and Development”.
The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or on its website for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.
KATE BARCLAY Manager Growth and Development
MECHANIC WANTED
Qualified mechanic needed for Busy Shop in Melton. No Saturdays.
We are looking for an experienced Automotive Mechanic to join our expanding team. Our shop runs 8:30 to 5:30pm Monday to Friday.
We are flexible with your needs if you need to work different hours.
Located on High Street Melton we specialise in Brakes, Suspension and Air Conditioning. We pay above award rates and depending on experience even higher. If you are looking to increase your knowledge base and learn new skills such as Air Conditioning, Suspension upgrades we will allow you the time and pay for the training.
If required we will keep your application confidential.
Please Contact us if you have any questions or send your Cover Letter and CV to meltonmechanic@gmail.com
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
Figure 1: Land affected by the amendment outlined in yellow
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3
ACROSS
1 Alarm (7)
5 Instructs (7)
9 Aloofness (11)
10 Formerly (3)
11 Oration (6)
12 Activators (7)
14 Wading bird (4)
15 Hostile (10)
17 Law-maker (10)
19 Book ID (1,1,1,1)
20 Reticence (7)
22 A seat for riding an elephant or a camel (6)
25 Hearing organ (3)
26 Containing an abstract meaning (11)
28 Depressants (7)
29 Those who derive pleasure from inflicting pain (7)
DOWN
1 StarWars:EpisodeIII –Revengeofthe – (4)
2 Complying (9)
3 Honorific (5)
4 Pottery (11)
5 Digitally generated imagery (1,1,1)
6 Whenever (7)
7 Follower of the main Indian religion (5)
8 Identifying (9)
12 Ancient coffin (11)
13 Partner (10)
16 Lengths (9)
18 Family name (7)
21 Virago (5)
23 Hyper (5)
24 In addition (4)
27 Guitarist, – Paul (3)
1 In The Chronicles of Narnia series, which Pevensie sibling is granted the regnal title of 'The Just'?
2 What is the national flower of the US?
3 Which act represented Finland in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Cha Cha Cha? 4 What is the scientific term for the shoulder blade? 5 Who wrote the 2018 essay collection titled How to Write anAutobiographicalNovel
No. 262
No. 230
Nissan X-Trail passes the road test
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Petrol/electric powered vehicles have been around for nearly a quarter of a century when Honda and Toyota launched their Insight and Prius models respectively.
Over the years more hybrids have arrived to the stage where now almost every brand has a variety of them. Indeed, most Toyota passenger vehicles are only available as hybrids.
Along the way batteries and electric motors have evolved while the price surcharges have made them much more affordable than the early models.
Although Nissan was an early adopter of fully-electric cars, mainly the Leaf hatchback, it didn’t offer hybrids until 2023 when the Qashqai and X-Trail e-Power variants were added.
There is a significant difference between the conventional petrol/electric powertrains of other hybrids and that of the e-Power models.
Where others use the battery-powered motor to drive the car at low speeds before switching over to their relatively large petrol engines, the e-Power operates in reverse where two large motors always drive the wheels and are constantly being charged by a smaller engine.
It’s a bit like an electric car with a range extender, minus the capacity to store the power generated. Because the engine is always running it sounds like a petrol car but drives like an EV.
It delivers responsive performance thanks to the fact the electric motor powers the wheels, providing EV-like instant, linear and smooth throttle response. The power for the electric motor is generated by a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder advanced variable compression turbocharged petrol engine.
Our test car was the X-Trail hybrid or, to give it its full name, the X-Trail e-Power e-4orce with the latter tag describing the all-wheel drive system that controls torque and braking for each wheel individually.
The X-Trail hybrid comes in three variants, ST-L, Ti and Ti-L, priced at $50,765, $55,465 and $58,465 respectively plus on-road costs.
Styling
The fourth-generation X-Trail follows the distinctly Nissan angular design direction, sharing several sharp lines with the Pathfinder and Qashqai. Only a revised V-Motion grille and badging distinguish the e-Power hybrids from the petrol variants.
Lighting is up to present-day standards with auto LED headlamps, LED tail-lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.
ST-L rides on 18-inch alloys wheels, Ti and Ti-L have 19-inch alloys as standard while Ti-L gets the option of 20-inch alloys.
Depending on variant, there are 13 colours from which to choose. Only one, red, is standard; all others are cost options including a number of two-tone.
Interior
All X-Trail hybrids are five-seaters with the two extra rear seats only available with the petrol variants.
Inside,thesurroundingsareablendofquality craftsmanship and materials highlighting comfort and convenience all round. Comfort is covered by 10-way power-adjustable (and heated) front seats, three-zone climate control, six-speaker audio (with digital radio), leather-accented trim and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Specialattentionhasbeenpaidtoergonomics and tactile feel of the switchgear and buttons used in the cabin to lend them a high-quality feel.
A two-tier centre console provides plenty of space to stash items, with a charge pad in more expensive models for mobile devices. Move to the back and the first thing you notice is the rear door opening to 85 degrees,
which makes it easier to get in and out. The rear seats (split 40/20/40) can slide forward for more boot space, or back for maximum passenger room.
Withallseatsupright,cargospaceis575litres andtoaround2000litres.Apowertailgateeases loading. Note that these dimensions are to the roofline rather than the normal seat height. There’s no spare wheel of any sort, only a puncture repair kit.
The centre console has a floating design, with room for large items in a rubberised section underneath. A shift-by-wire gear selector is compact and user-friendly. Also on hand are buttons for EV and e-Pedal modes, as well as a rotary dial to access drive and terrain systems.
Infotainment
The entry level X-Trail hybrid ST-L comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker audio (but no navigation).
TiandTi-Lgetalarger12.3-inchtouchscreen withsatellitenavigation,andwirelesscharging.
There are four USB ports: USB-A and USB-C in the front and charge only USB-A and USB-C in the back, with 12-volt outlets in the front and luggage area.
There’s also a 10.8-inch head-up windscreen display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with customisation of information clearly and easily accessible.
Smartphone integration has been upgraded withwirelesssmartphonechargingandwireless Apple CarPlay for seamless connectivity, along with additional USB-A and USB-C charge ports for keeping smartphones and tablets topped up.
Engines/transmissions
As mentioned, the e-Power system uses motors at the front and rear. Outputs are 150 kW and 330 Nm at the front and 100 kW/195 Nm at the rear for a combined 157kW.
The 2.1 kWh electric motor delivers power
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 7.5/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
directly to the wheels, using energy stored in the battery pack.
The e-Power with e-4orce system consists of a high-output 2.1 kWh battery together with a power generator, inverter and twin electric motors – 150k W for the front and 100kW for the rear (with a combined system output of 157 kW).
The turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder charges the battery pack or the electric motor, the petrol engine and so eliminates the need for an EV charger.
Like most SUVs it operates predominantly in two-wheel drive most of the time with drive to the front-wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.
Towing capacity for the e-Power models is rated at 1650 kg, compared to 2000 kg for petrol versions.
Safety
The X-Trail hybrids earn a five-star ANCAP rating under 2021 test conditions and added information and testing.
Active safety is covered by forward autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian and cyclist), adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and ProPilot lane keeping, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, and reverse autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian).
In Ti and Ti-L variants, pedestrians close to the vehicle are alerted by an external audible warning when it is in almost silent EV mode. Seven airbags include a centre airbag between front seat occupants.
Driving
Aswithallvehiclesthatstartoffwithanelectric motor the Nissan X-Trail e-Power delivers smooth and almost instant acceleration off the mark. Add excellent noise cancelling measures within the cabin, it’s almost silent.
When called on for more power, the petrol engine and generator chime in with a non-too unpleasant hum, keeping the battery pack
charged and, if needed, directly powering the electric motor.
EV or e-Pedal controls are instigated by means of buttons on the centre console. EV is what it says – no petrol engine input here – and can be operated for a short distance.
Ontest,pressingtheEVbuttonwasanswered byamessagesayingthebatterywasnotcharged enough to sustain electric-only operation.
The e-Pedal had no such impediment, leaving the accelerator to apply the brakes automatically when the foot was lifted off, calling on the regenerating capacity to slow the car almost to a halt.
A drive and terrain mode selector offers five different modes: Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow and Off-Road.
With a 55-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1L/100km using premium 95 unleaded and it generates 139g/km of CO2. Nissan claims combined urban/highway fuel consumption of 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres using 95 RON fuel. The test car recorded 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres in urban driving where the battery is dominant but jumped up to 7.1 L/100km on a motorway due to the extra engine usage.
Summary
The X-Trail hybrid is an outstanding long-distance cruiser with the benefits of an electric vehicle but without any range stress. The instant response delivers fast and safe acceleration to make overtaking or merging onto a motorway easier.
In its performance it does lean more to the full electric vehicle rather than the hybrid SUV. However, there’s the added running cost of buying petrol.
Thepremiumpurchasepriceoverpetrol-only models is covered somewhat by the increased Ti/Ti-L equipment
As of 1 February 2025 all new Nissan vehicles come with a 10-year, 300,000km standard warranty but with the stipulation that all servicing is carried out at dealerships.
The X-Trail hybrid is an outstanding long-distance cruiser with the benefits of an electric vehicle but without any range stress. (Pictures: Supplied)
The new lot of cricket premiers were crowned on Saturday, while other teams started their finals round as the FV state league seasons kicked off. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting the action.
Premiers crowned, shocks galore
Woodend’s Harry Lawson. 466957_01
Tarneit Central’s Pradeep Ajara. 466964_16
Sunbury United’s James Hughes. 466957_25
Romsey’s Jamie Taylor. 466960_01
Mernda celebrates a wicket. 466962_07
Laverton’s Matias Arriagada and Sunbury United’s Ubeyde Cicek. 466967_08
Laverton’s Cristian Segura. 466967_02
Mernda’s Michael Edwards. 466962_04
Merrifield’s Talwinder Prince. 466964_06
Rivergum’s Matthew Perri. 466962_02
Gisborne’s Matthew Barake. 466960_08
Fans enjoy the again at Gardiner Reserve. 466960_21
Mernda supporters. 466962_09
Bacchus Marsh claims overall division 2 title
Bacchus Marsh added the icing to the cake to an already good season as it claimed the Bowls Victoria division 2 overall title.
Having claimed the division 2, section 1 title, Bacchus Marsh beat Ringwood and Diamond Creek to win through to the overall grand final against Port Melbourne 2.
After having dominant performances in the previous two matches, it was another big win in the final as it won 80 (16)-61 (1).
Bacchus Marsh’s Tanner Dickson-Arthur said it was a pretty special moment for the club.
“It was a good feeling,’ he said. “Five years ago was the last time we played in a grand final and missed out on playing for the big flag because of Covid.
“We sat back and thought that we could have won it. It would have been three or four more games but we thought we had the side that could go the whole way.
“We knew that we would win it this year and for the club to see us win it was fantastic.”
Bacchus Marsh travelled to Glenroy for
the grand final on March 16 to face Port Melbourne.
Despite missing Simon Cornock throughout the sectional finals, Bacchus Marsh had the depth to cover it
Dickson-Arthur said they put out a strong performance and they just wanted to have the opportunity to show the rest of the competition what they could do.
“It was pretty good,” he said. “We did what
Royals get premiership
By Tara Murray
A number of hard years of work has paid off for Melton South Royals, who have claimed their first Victorian Turf Cricket Association top grade premiership.
While the final day of the Evans-Clark seasondidn’tpanoutashowtheRoyalswould have hoped, with the grand final against East Coburg ending in a draw, the outcome was something they had dreamed of.
Less than 12 overs were bowled on Saturday when the game was called off after heavy rain during the week left the wicket wet.
The Royals, who were the higher ranked team having finished in third, was awarded the premiership.
Opener Blake Ivory said it was a pretty weird feeling.
“It’s a hollow feeling, you don’t want to win it that way,” he said. “We wanted to win it or lose it on the field.
“We had a lot of rain on Thursday and Friday and it was dangerous.”
East Coburg was 4-19 in reply to the Royals’ 171 when the match was called off. Ivory said they had worked all morning to try and get the pitch dry.
Saman Kumara Muthuwadige took 3-6 for the Royals.
Ivory said had it been a regular season match they would have called it off completely.
He said the premiership was something they had been building towards for a number of years and felt it was something they deserved.
“We felt it was a reward for a consistent season, a couple of pretty consistent seasons,” he said. “We finished in third. We lost the last three games for various reasons but we were able to beat everyone but Sunshine YCW throughout the season..
“We felt like we couldn’t have done much more.”
The premiership is the club’s first top grade flag since joining the competition. Ivory, who has been there through the highs and lows, said the club had come so far in that period of time.
we did in the other games, we got out to a good lead and were able to hold on for the rest of the day.
“Phil Minniti’s rink was fantastic. They would have had a massive percentage for the finals after a number of big wins.
Minniti’s rink won 27-10, Justin Webster’s rink won 18-14 and Glenn Sargent’s rink won 23-15 for Bacchus Marsh.
Matthew Young’s rink fell short, losing 22-12.
Dickson-Arthur said after a long season they were keen to have a bit of a break after having had finals, delays and then sectional finals on top of the normal season. He said it had been a really rewarding season for the club.
“The club won the big flag in division 2,” he said. “We are promoted in division 4 and one of our midweek teams won the grand final and are promoted as well.
“Three out of our six teams are promoted and we’ve won a couple of grand finals as well, we’re pretty happy.”
Tara Murray
Devils, Cobras start with wins
The Darley and Redan match up again delivered with the reigning premiers coming out on top in the opening round of the Ballarat Football League women’s competition.
The women’s season started with a bang, with three back-to-back matches on Saturday to highlight the competition.
The grand final rematch between Darley and Redan was the final of those three matches and delivered a thriller.
The Devils led at each of the breaks, but the Lions stayed within touch.
The margin was just two points at the final break after the Lions kicked the only goals for the third quarter.
Three goals to two in the final term sealed an 8.3 (51)-6.8 (44) win for the Devils.
Lusiya Azina and Lilli Condon kicked two goals each for the Devils as they had six different goal kickers.
Condon, who missed last season’s grand final with illness, was named best on ground. Charlotte Hill, Azina and Sarah Tabone were other standouts.
Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh kicked off its season with a massive win against East Point in the first game of the day.
The Cobras, who are coming off a finals appearance last season, dominated from start to finish in the 15.8 (98)-0.0 (0) win.
Isabella Faralla kicked four goals for the Cobras, while Jazmine Dalli and Remy Day kicked two goals each.
“It’sahugeachievementfortheclub,”hesaid.
“I’ve been here for 12-13 years.
“We really struggled those first few years I was here and the amount of work put in is amazing.
“We were in the Williamstown competition and cellar dwellers there. We slowly built the club up and we’re now in division 3.
“We have got a turf wicket, new club rooms and juniors.
“I’m so proud of the side. What happened in the grand final is only a small part of that.”
While the Royals top side claimed the premiership, their second XI fell short against Footscray Angliss.
It’s the fifth time in seven seasons they have lost the grand final.
Ivory said they were beaten by the best team all season.
Now with a new challenge ahead of them in division 3, Ivory said they were looking forward to it.
“We’re heading in the right direction,” he said.
Chloe Walker, Melanie Freeman and Tara Keenan were named their best.
Thisweek,DarleyhostsLakeWendouree and Bacchus Marsh is away to Carisbrook, both on Sunday.
Lilli Condon. (Supplied)
Bacchus Marsh’s division 2 champions. (Supplied)
Im Ready Jet cruises to second impressive win
With the box sufficiently ticked, Im Ready Jet will head across the Tasman to take her place in next month’s TAB Trot slot race at Cambridge after completing back-to-back wins in the Group 1 Aldebaran Park Sumthingaboutmaori Trotting Mares Free For All at Melton on Saturday night. Sent out favourite, Im Ready Jet was given time to balance up before assuming the front running with two laps to travel while her main danger Queen Elida settled at the rear before joining the leader at the bell.
The race was never in doubt and Im Ready Jet cruised to the line holding an eight-metre advantage over Aldebaran Acrux in a mile rate of 1:59.5 for the 2760 metres.
The eight-year-old scored a first-up win at Melton last week and owner Pat Driscoll indicated a trip to the North Island would depend on Im Ready Jet “ticking the box” this week.
After the race, Driscoll confirmed the Haras Des Trotteurs slot will be allocated to his
multiple Group 1-winning mare.
“It was a really good performance and unless Andy says ‘no’ and assuming she pulls up okay, I believe she’ll be there,” Driscoll said.
Im Ready Jet has made the Sumthingaboutmaori Free For All her own in recent years, winning three of the past four editions while finishing runner-up behind Queen Elida in the other.
“She was a phenomenal horse Sumthingaboutmaori and she’s actually in the paddock at home and I can’t believe Im Ready Jet has now won three of them. It’s been a top effort by Kate and Andy to get her to this third win” he said.
“One of the things that has held her in good stead is that I don’t think she’s ever seen a vet in all her time, she’s a very sound mare and I think she has got a little bit stronger as she’s got older.”
High-class trotter Arcee Phoenix also booked himself a flight to New Zealand for the TABTrotafterheeasilyaccountedforhisrivals
in the Scotch Notch Memorial.
Trainer Chris Svanosio was quietly confident the favourite would prevail from his favorable front row draw.
“I was confident that he was really well, but anything can happen in these small fields. He did get crossed at the start which I thought might happen, but I wasn’t too stressed and it worked out perfectly,” Svanosio said.
The six-year-old, who ran fourth in the race last year, will compete under the slot held by Aldebaran Park.
“It was fantastic that Duncan (McPherson) asked us to go last year and we were rapt with his run, he probably had his chance to finish a bit closer,” he said.
“We’re hoping he can go a bit better this year. He’s had a couple of trips over there now, so he’s had a bit of experience, (and) we’re hoping he’s feeling good in about 13 days in Cambridge.”
John Dunne
Bulls in a strong position
By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh dug deep to put itself in a good spot to claim the Ballarat Cricket Association premiership this weekend.
The Bulls weren’t able to deliver their best performance with the bat or ball against Wendouree on the first two days, but were still able to do enough to lead by 61 runs after the first weekend.
Bulls coach Sam Crea said they would have taken that after the first two days of play.
“It feels weird having a first innings lead and knowing that we could still not win the game,” he said.
“We spoke on Saturday before the game on what we would have liked and if you said 60 runs in front we would have taken that, that’s for sure.”
Wendouree won the toss and decided to bat at Eastern Oval.
It was bowled out for 178 in the 64th over. Mick Nolan top scored with 49. Crea and Josh Calvitto took three wickets each for the Bulls,
Crea said it wasn’t their best performance.
“We dropped a few chances,” he said. “We let them get away early and they were 2-100, around that mark.
“We bowled well in patches, but bowled a lot of boundary balls. It’s something that we have to fix for this Saturday.
“It wasn’t a great performance but to keep them to 178 after dropping a couple of chances, we are happy.”
After losing an early wicket, the Bulls were able to set a good foundation with the bat through Ian Spiteri and Alex Porter, who top scored with 54.
At 1-125, the Bulls were on top.
“We were looking at a relatively big total,” Crea said. “They took that first wicket and were able to restrict the runs.
“It was difficult to score and I think we lost 4-10. We managed to get to 9-182.”
Havingsecuredfirstinningspoints,theBulls were keen to try and give themselves as big a lead as possible.
Matthew Crea, who dislocated his finger on day one, and number 11 Calvitto stuck around to push the score to 239.
Calvitto finished 37 not out off 28 balls.
Sam Crea said it was an innings of a lifetime from him. Calvitto is batting a particularly torn ACL and MCL.
“He made 37 off 28 balls including four big sixes,” Crea said. “He has worked as hard as anyone with the bat, so I’m not surprised that he cleared the fence like that.
“Heisoneofourcleaneststrikersattheclub.”
Crea said they would have liked to have been a few more runs ahead heading into the second weekend, but they would take it.
Alex Porter. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 462439_12
It didn’t take long for Bacchus Marsh’s Sam Lalor to shine on the biggest stage.
Last year’s number one draft pick recovered from a fractured jaw to be selected in round one for Richmond against Carlton at the MCG.
The teenager was one of the stars in the Tigers upset win and he was recognised with the round one rising star nomination.
Lalor had 18 disposals and kicked two goals in the win.
Lalor told the Richmond Football Club website it was a special night.
“I’m happy to get the Rising Star for this week,” he said. “It was electrifying. Never played in front of a crowd nearly as big as that. The Tiger Army were awesome. Hopefully we can see them throughout the year a lot more.”
The teenager also paid tribute to his support network who flocked to the MCG in full force.
There was also a big crowd gathered at Maddingley Park in Bacchus Marsh to watch the game.
“It was really special, to see them in the rooms after the game and to be around them and share those moments with them, (they’ve been there) through the hard times and the good times,” he told the Tigers website.
“I was really grateful for that, and they loved it, too.”
With game one under his belt, Lalor saidheandthesidewerealreadyfocused on round two against Port Adelaide.
“We’ve obviously reviewed the game pretty harshly, because there were some factors that we didn’t do too well in,” he said.
“I think just being consistent over four quarters. We didn’t start the way we wanted to.
“The (positive) thing I do take away was probably our pressure, our forward pressure and pressure all over the ground. It was elite, hopefully we bring that again.”
is a star
Sam Lalor. (Michael Willson/AFL Photos)
Im Ready Jet. (Stuart McCormick)
Improved performance by the Western Warriors
Western Warriors didn’t come away with the points on Sunday but it was a much better performance in the Victorian Netball League.
After a disappointing round one loss to the City West Falcons, the Warriors were home at Cobblebank Stadium against the Bendigo Strikers.
In front of a big home crowd, the Warriors lost 65-50.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey said they would take a lot of positives out of that match.
“It was a much better performance,” she said. “We got it back to five goals in the second half before they blew us out.
“We struggled to negate Gabe Richards who is just so tall. It was much improved on last week.”
The Warriors had the margin within 10 goals at each of the first three quarters, but a
17-10 final quarter put paid to their hopes of getting a come from behind win.
Bec Hicks shot 38 goals for the Warriors, having to take on a bigger role with Kim Borger missing. Borger will be back for round
three.
Bailey said Hicks was outstanding in her second VNL game and forced the Strikers to move Zoe Davies back on to her.
“She should be proud of herself,” Bailey said. “She did some good things out there.
“We’ve still got some new combos and still finding out how we work.”
Abbey Ellis took to the court for the first time this season after returning from playing in the WNBL with the Townsville Fire and will only get better.
Bailey said Molly Kennedy really stepped up at goal defence having only just joined the team before round one.
The Warriors under-23s also suffered a loss, losing 57-40.
The Strikers led at every break and were able to extend the lead in every quarter.
Steph Asciak steps up
By Tara Murray
New Western Bulldogs Victorian Football League Women’s captain Steph Asciak says her younger self would be proud of where she is today.
Asciak has been named the Bulldogs captain for the 2025 season having played 31 gamesfortheclubacrossthepasttwoseasons.
At just 21, Asciak said it came as a shock to have been named captain.
“It’s really exciting,” she said. “Not something I expected this year but really honoured to get the captaincy.
“I was stoked. To take over after Dom [Carbone], is a big job but I’m pretty excited to do it.”
It was Asciak’s teammates that voted her into the role and she made her really happy that the girls wanted her to be in that role.
Asciak said she does feel pretty young to be captain with the rest of the leadership group older than her.
Jaimi Tabb, Bri McFarlane and Millie
Klingbeil have been named co-vice captains with Mali McLeod and a former captain, MarySandral,namedintheleadershipgroup.
“I’ve been voted in for a reason,” she said. “I think I can do the job well.
“I think it will definitely help me out having some really good experienced leaders with me in the group, I think it will be great.”
Asciak takes over from Carbone, who has moved to Collingwood. Carbone won the Lambert-Pearce Medal last season.
Asciak, who still aspires to play AFLW, said that her former skipper is an inspiration.
“She was such a hard worker, very inspirational,” she said. “I think that is something that I want to take and be like her.”
For Asciak, the experience to captain a team in the area that she grew up in is pretty special.
She played her junior footy with Caroline Springs and played for the Western Jets, with both those clubs having a big impact on her football.
“Starting off at Caroline Springs as a junior
Bailey said they were struggling a little bit to come together.
“We’re still finding out some fresh combinations,” she said. “We had a couple debut yesterday [Sunday].
“We’ll keep building. It’s a bit slower start than maybe we were hoping for. It will come over time.”
Bailey said they loved playing in front of their home crowd in Melton, where they had plenty of support.
“It’s such a nice venue,” she said. “We want to give back to the community.
“It’sgoodforthemumsanddadstoseetheir kids play in a community environment and it shows you can have elite sport in Melton.”
The Warriors are back in action on Wednesday against the North East Blaze.
Murray
Sports shorts
Ballarat FL
Melton is sticking with a winning culture after finalising its leadership group for this year’s Ballarat Football League season. Premiership captains Braedan Kight and Jack Walker will remain co-captains this year. Liam Carter, Jaycob Hickey, Lachlan Watkins, Jordyn Cotter and Lachlan Phillips make up the leadership group this season. The Bloods will start their season on April 5 against Darley.
Football
The Essendon District and Western football leagues will have a combined under-18.5 girls competition this season. Spotswood on its social media said there would be a combined competition with a premier division and division one grades. There will be eight teams in division 1. Last season, there were 11 under-18.5 EDFL girls teams and four under-18.5 WFL teams. The season kicks off on April 5. Burnside Heights and Caroline Springs both had under-18 teams last season, while Hillside has been trying to get a team up and going for this season.
RDFL
Lochlan Jones is the newest signing announced for Diggers Rest for the Riddell District Football League season. Jones joins the club from East Sunbury where he held numerous leadership positions. Jones will add to the Burras defensive stocks. The Burras will kick off their season on April 5.
they’ve been so supportive of me, they’ve helped me develop so much,“ she said.
“Then going into the Jets program, I think was a really good opportunity to step up.
“I was actually thinking about the other day. I grew up being a Western Bulldogs supporter and I know little Steph would be so proud right now.
“It feels really good, my parents were stoked as well.”
The Bulldogs come into this season on the back of a grand final appearance last season.
Asciak said they would love to go one step furtherthisyear.Shesaidtheyhadanexciting squad this season with a few new girls, a lot of young players.
“To keep sticking to what we know,” she said. “Rhys [Sullivan] has built a really good foundation and we’ve built our method, set down for us this year.
“I think if we keep sticking to what we know, we will make it there again. Keep doing it and don’t let the other team get back on top.”
Western NL
The Western Netball League has revealed the draw and structure for this season. There will be seven divisions this season, which will kick off on March 28. Spotswood, Glen Orden, North Footscray, Sunshine, Caroline Springs and Werribee Districts will play in division 1. Glen Orden, Yarraville Seddon, Werribee Districts, Altona, Caroline Springs, Albanvale, Wyndhamvale, Braybrook, Spotswood and Point Cook Centrals are in division 2. The competition has more teams than ever, with 33 matches to be played in round one.
Steph Asciak. (Eleanor Jeanne Photography)
Tara
Western Warriors’ Molly Kennedy. (Grant Treeby/ Netball Victoria)
Your new neighbourhood food store
Discover a fresh new bakery, delicatessen, fresh fruit and veg department and more at our fresh new Woolworths Banchory Grove.
We’re excited to announce the completion of our fresh new store. You’ll find our friendly team and a large fresh food department offering everything from Australian fruit and veg to The Odd Bunch range.
We have a great, convenient range that is easy to shop. You’ll fall in love with our new deli, with cured meats sliced to order. We’ve got everything
you need for a party platter, plus a fantastic selection of Australian and imported cheeses.
Walk past our in-store bakery and explore the delicious range of bread, including crusty loaves, sliced white and wholemeal rolls. Our artisan-style breads are divine and are made with Australian
There’s so much to see and try at your new Woolworths, we suggest heading over to the
seafood counter. Seafood is a big part of our fresh food offering and we have a range of great value, locally sourced favourites.
Just a small taste of what you’ll discover at our fresh new Woolworths Banchory Grove.
You’ll find us at 1-15 Banchory Avenue, Hillside.
