Come and try softball
Ever wanted to play softball?
The Red Sox Fastpitch softball team, which plays in Werribee, is hoping to increase participation in the Melton region and is holding a come and try day in Aintree.
The event will be held at Aintree Recreation Reserve on Saturday, April 26, from 10.30am-12.30pm for anyone aged eight and above.
Redsox junior development coordinator John Ballestrino said Melton is a region that hasn’t had much exposure to softball as a sport.
“We’re encouraging anyone who’s keen to come along and enjoy a day out,” he said. “We thought it would be good to get the kids outside and off the computers.
“It’s an inexpensive sport to get involved in. The cost of other sports can be a major barrier, but softball is more accessible, and most families can participate.
“Softball is a great family sport, and there are pathways for development, even to the point of representing Australia.”
The event is open to kids as young as eight years old, but everyone is welcome — including parents. Those interested can register by contacting Janine Culph at jculph@gmail.com or John Ballestrino at jballestrino@gmail.com
‘Justice has been done’: Dad
By Tara Cosoleto, AAP
Phillip Crossthwaite was the one to discover his daughter’s lifeless body after she had been shot dead in her own home.
Close to two decades on, he is relieved Cindy Crossthwaite’s estranged husband Emil “Bill” Petrov has finally been sentenced to 26 years behind bars for her murder.
“Justicehasbeendoneandnowwecanfinally get on with our lives again,” Mr Crossthwaite told reporters outside the Victorian Supreme Court on Wednesday.
“It’s been so hard knowing that he was guilty from the time I found her body ... knowing that he could walk around and live a normal lifestyle while we have been suffering.”
Petrov, 61, maintains he did not kill Ms Crossthwaite, 41, at her Melton South home in June 2007, but a jury in December found him guilty of her murder.
They believed the prosecution’s case that either he fired the fatal shot or enlisted another person to do so as part of a “joint criminal enterprise”.
In sentencing, Justice Christopher Beale said he was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Petrov was the perpetrator. But the judge said he believed Petrov provided the gun to another person to carry out the killing.
“At the very least, you were a party to the premeditated execution of your estranged wife,” Justice Beale said.
Following their separation in 2005, Petrov
and Ms Crossthwaite had been going through Family Court proceedings over property at the time of her death.
The court case was adjourned to July 2007 and prosecutors argued Petrov was aware his financial interests would be adversely affected when the proceedings resumed.
On the morning of June 21, Ms Crossthwaite brought her two older children to primary school before returning to her Melton South home.
Herfriendtriedtocontacthermultipletimes that day and even attended the property but received no answer.
Phillip Crossthwaite instead went to his daughter’s home about 4pm and let himself inside to find her lifeless body, half-covered
with a blanket on the lounge-room floor. She had been choked and shot in the head from close range, while her 13-month-old baby Jonas was found alive in a bedroom a few metres away.
Petrov was arrested the next day but he told police he had an alibi and he was released without charge.
Itwasanother12yearsbeforehewasarrested again and charged with Ms Crossthwaite’s murder.
Central to the prosecution’s case was witness Brian O’Shea, who avoided a murder charge by testifying against Petrov about providing him with a gun for $3000.
Continued: Page 3.
A come and try softball day is being held in Aintree. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 470512_01
Funding pledges for Moorabool
By Gladys Barreta
The Liberals have pulled out all the stops ahead of the fedearl election to woo voters in Moorabool.
If elected a Liberal government would commit funding to improve the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre’s (MARC) new multi-use stadium as well as Bacchus Marsh’s historic avenue of honour.
Hawke Liberal candidate Simmone Cottom said $500,000 would go towards a retractable seatinggrandstandforMARC,while$100,000 would go towards a walking trail at the
avenue of honour.
Ms Cottom said feedback from the Bacchus Marsh community highlighted the need to provide modern facilities that encourage greater participation in local sport and to ensure that more people can appreciate the significance of the avenue of honour.
Bacchus Marsh Netball Association president Matt Hawkins said the stadium seating for the Bacchus Marsh Netball Association would enhance spectator experience by providing comfortable, elevated views of the courts.
“It would improve crowd capacity, create a
moreprofessionalatmosphere,andpotentially attract larger events, boosting community engagement and support for local netball,” he said.
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell said the two projects are among those on council’s advocacy list.
“The retractable grandstand seating at MARC stadium and a walking trail along the Bacchus Marsh avenue of honour will both improve existing amenities – MARC is a new much-needed facility in Bacchus Marsh and a grandstand will be a terrific addition to the stadium,” he said.
Buddhist event a time of reflection
Members of the Buddhists of the West group are hosting a community event to mark the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.
The group is inviting the community to come along and celebrate those key moments together — with the event a promotion of interfaith and cultural harmony.
According to the Buddhists of the West’s Nina Toh, the program is rooted in inclusivity and shared human values.
She said it’s about bringing “communities togetherinasharedspiritofpeace,compassion, and reflection”.
The celebration will include multicultural performances, light chanting and blessings, guest speakers, food stalls, and interactive activities for all ages.
There will also be time for quiet reflection, incense or light offerings, and community sharing.
“The event blends tradition and culture with a warm, welcoming atmosphere,” Ms Toh said.
Ms Toh encouraged all residents to come along to the event.
“The event is open to everyone — regardless of background, religion, or experience with Buddhism,” she said.
Digging down for rail bridges
Piling is underway for the foundation of two rail bridges to separate trains and vehicles at the Melton level crossings.
The rail line at Coburns Road and Exford Road is being elevated and a new accessible Melton station with four platforms is being built as part of the project.
These level crossing removals aim to ease congestion and improve safety on local roads by permanently separating road and rail traffic.
At Coburns and Exford roads, crews are using a 75-tonne piling rig to dig 40 holes up to 9 metres deep, forming the concrete pillars that will support the new rail bridges and station structure.
Once piling is complete, construction will continue on the rest of the bridge structures and the elevated station.
Piling underway for Melton rail bridge. (Supplied)
“The avenue of honour is one of our most significant assets in the shire and a walking trail will enable people to safely appreciate the beauty and significance of the historic avenue.”
Both major parties have pitched funding for Bacchus Marsh with Labor having previously committed $25 million to build the Bacchus Marsh Indoor Pool.
Labor has also committed to an investment of$4millionforanewsportsfacilityatBacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve and $1.8 million for a new pedestrian and bike path along Griffith Street in Maddingley.
‘Justice has been done’ says dad
From page 1.
In the months before the murder, Mr O’Shea claimed Petrov said he would kill Cindy and showed him a black wig and dark-coloured clothing inside his car boot.
Justice Beale noted Petrov maintained his innocence and the case was not the worst example of murder but it was aggravated by legal dispute.
The now-convicted killer had been on bail before his verdict and the judge accepted he had not committed any further crimes while out in the community.
Justice Beale found Petrov had good prospects of rehabilitation as he jailed him for 26 years, with a non-parole period of 20 years.
The 61-year-old looked straight ahead as the sentence was read out while members of Ms Crossthwaite’s family hugged and gasped “yes”.
Outside court, Ms Crossthwaite’s daughter Jesmine said she had dreamt of this moment.
“Families, individuals, and community members of all ages are warmly welcome.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate together in a respectful, inclusive setting.”
Ms Toh said it would also offer locals an insight into Buddhism.
“It’s a chance to learn about Buddhist values, enjoy diverse cultural expressions, and connect with others,’ she said.
“Many leave feeling grounded and uplifted by the shared spirit of compassion and joy.”
The event will be held at the St Albans Community Centre on May 10 from 10 am onwards.
“He’s in there for good now, pretty much the rest of his life,” she said. “But it’s still not enough - for the last 20 years nearly we’ve suffered quite immensely.”
Ms Crossthwaite’s son Jonas, who she had with her partner Daniel Hinds, said there was a sense of relief the ordeal was over.
“But I’m still without my mum so nothing’s going to help me with that,” he said.
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Buddhists of the West’s Nina Toh is encouraging west residents to attend the event. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 470502_02
The new Melton station will feature dedicated platforms for trains starting and terminating at Melton, while also accommodating Ballarat line services.
Batteries don’t go in household bins
Putting batteries in your bins poses fire risks to your property and to the people who collect your recycling and waste.
Take used batteries to your local drop-off location to keep harmful materials out of your bins and the environment.
Free battery recycling at:
Council offices (small household batteries only):
182 Halletts Way, Darley
15 Stead Street, Ballan
Lerderderg Library, 215 Main Street Bacchus Marsh
Moorabool Shire Transfer Stations (household, car and computer batteries):
51 Osborne Street, Maddingley
118 Monteville Lane, Ballan
Ballan-Egerton Road, Mount Egerton
Stockland pushed on road work
By Gladys Barreta
The highly anticipated link between Kirkpatrick Boulevard and Highline Boulevard at Mt Atkinson is set to begin in mid-2025, developers say.
However, residents are skeptical, believing that the promised road infrastructure from private developer Stockland may never be delivered.
Residents of Mt Atkinson have long raised concerns with Stockland about traffic issues expressing how the absence of adequate road connections to other communities has negatively impacted their quality of life with some journeys taking 15 minutes longer than necessary.
These concerns come as new schools are set
to open in the area, with parents and students hoping the critical alternate route will ease congestion and improve accessibility.
Councillor Phillip Zada tabled a notice of motion at the March 24 council meeting requesting the work be fast-tracked.
Director of City Futures Sam Romaszko said the council would write to Stockland “as a matter of priority” urging that the construction be expedited.
Star Weekly contacted Stockland for a construction timeline and a spokesperson confirmed that work should begin in the coming months.
“Subject to approvals, construction of the Mt Atkinson Road, Kirkpatrick and Highline Boulevard intersection is expected to start in mid-2025 and is expected to open in 2026,”
the spokesperson said.
Resident Maria Carrubba is skeptical of the many promises Stockland has made to residents, having been disappointed in previous occasions.
“The residents of Mt Atkinson were promised a Westfield shopping center but plans to build it were abandoned last year due to the company citing lack of feasibility,” she said.
“UntilweseetheconstructionofKirkpatrick and Highline Boulevard or see it happening, we can’t believe it,” Ms Carrubba said.
“If we can’t be promised amenities, then how can we trust they will deliver the road infrastructure?”
Ms Carrubba emphasised that improving road infrastructure is high on the residents’
Police want to hear crime concerns
An opportunity for police to engage with the community and stakeholders about crime trends, issues, and statistics will be available at the upcoming Moorabool online Neighbourhood Policing Forum.
The forum will be hosted by a Victoria police panel, with audience members able to submit questions through an online question and answer portal during the event. Moorabool Local Area Commander, Acting Inspector Brett Van Der Vliet said this year’s forum will be different, as it is being held entirely online to improve accessibility.
“It’s an opportunity for the community to ask questions and provide feedback about their concerns, and how we’re trying to counteract the crime trends and issues they’re seeing,” he said.
“Usually, the forum is held as a face-to-face session, but for the first time, this NPF will be run online to provide better access for a broader section of the community, no matter where they are.”
Presentattheforumwillbelocalinspectors, a superintendent, and commissioners from the western region, along with speakers who
will cover topics such as crime trends, crime prevention, family violence, youth issues, road policing, and drug-related crime.
The Moorabool Neighbourhood Policing Forum is also for residents from the Golden Plains and Hepburn shires.
The online forum will be held on Tuesday, May 6, from 5.30-7.30pm.
Registrations are essential.
Details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moorabool -nhp-online-forum-tickets-1303601791049
priority list, particularly for easing the daily routines of parents who have to drop off children at school and go to work.
“It will take a lot of stress off residents’ daily lives and once you take that stress away, people will be more inclined to stay here,” she said.
“We moved here at the start of 2022 and have only seen very slow development in the estate. It’s becoming more populated, and the infrastructure is not catching up with that, which is a bit worrying.
“It’s very conflicting because we’re getting a lot of different information from Stockland. They say they’re building it, but I don’t feel like they are being forthright with their residents. We need to know their intentions and where they are going with everything.”
Detox with free event
Brimbank residents who need to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals from their sheds, cupboards, and under kitchen sinks can drop them off at the free Brimbank Detox your Home event.
Sustainability Victoria’s Detox your Home events are a free and convenient disposal service for residents — helping to keep local families, waterways, animals and the environment safe.
Commonproductssuchasweedkiller, pesticides, bleach, brake fluid and rat poison are all harmful to the environment and should not be placed in kerbside bins or poured down sinks, according to council.
Instead, residents should dispose of them at the event. Common chemicals collected at Detox your Home events cover cleaning formulas, including bleach, rust remover, hydrochloric acid, and oven cleaners.
Gardening items such as fertiliser, fuel (old lawn mower/power tools fuel), weed killers/herbicides, insect sprays and pesticides are also accepted.
Fire extinguishers, cosmetics, empty aerosols and oils, including cooking oil are no longer collected.
These events are staffed by chemists who identify and sort the chemicals for safe transport back to a licensed facility in Melbourne where they are processed for reuse or safe disposal.
TheBrimbankeventwillgetunderway on June 14, from 9am onwards.
Details: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ detox-your-home-keilor-parkregistration-1278913688269
Hindu community welcomes temple funding promise
A Labor Party election promise to fund a new community and education centre at Sri Durga Temple has been described as a significant show of support for the region’s rapidly growing multicultural community.
If re-elected, the federal government has committed $5 million to the temple to develop a multi-purpose Community, Cultural and Educational Centre, supporting a wide range of events and functions for the expanding Indian diaspora in Victoria.
Sri Durga Temple serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Indian community, providing a place for worship, festivals, and community gatherings.
Hawke MP Sam Rae and Gorton Labor candidateAliceJordan-Bairdsaidthefunding would enhance the temple’s capacity to host
religious ceremonies and community events, as well as allow the continuation of its food relief programs.
Vice president of Sri Durga Temple Gary Verma said the new centre would become a vital space for language classes, health programs, youth support, performing arts education, and social services for more than 298,000 members of Victoria’s Hindu community, along with broader multicultural groups.
“Once constructed, the centre will become a vibrant hub for the Hindu community across Victoria, while also providing a space for broader communities to learn, understand, and engage in cultural arts and language education,” he said.
“In addition to offering much-needed
space for the Indian community to host their events, the centre will also allow us to expand our charity and relief programs for the wider Victorian community.”
Mr Verma said the government’s support for multicultural communities is a welcome move and widely appreciated by the Hindu community.
“This is what makes us a truly multicultural society. The Hindu community is now the third-largest migrant and faith community in Australia, and this investment is a hugely welcome step,” he said.
“It will help us preserve our culture, celebrate festivals with the wider community, and continue to practice our faith freely, all while contributing to the broader Victorian society.”
Moorabool Local Area Commander Acting Inspector Brett van der Vliet. (Damjan Janevski) 471368_05
Senate candidate Michelle Anandha Raja, Hawke MP Sam Rae, Gary Verma, Kulwant Joshi and Gorton Labor candidate, Alice Jordan Baird. (Supplied)
GladysBarreta
Candidates circle around Hawke
Candidates from seven parties will battle it out for the seat of Hawke, which was created in 2022 after a boundary redistribution. Covering 1986 square kilometres and including Sunbury, Melton, Bacchus Marsh, and Ballan, the electorate was first contested at the last election.
Hawke is held by Labor MP Sam Rae, who won by a two-candidate - preferred margin of 7.6 per cent at the 2022 federal election.
The seat is expected to be one to watch, with both of the main parties having made a number of election promises in the area.
In this election, Mr Rae will defend the seat against Liberal candidate Simmone Cottam.
Five other candidates are throwing their hat in the ring – Family First’s Melanie Milutinovic, Legalise Cannabis Australia’s Devon Starbuck, Greens’ Sarah Newman, Animal Justice Party’s Fiona Adin-James and One Nation’s Matthew Katselis.
What the Hawke candidates have to say
Star Weekly reached out to the candidates who are standing for the seat of Hawke at the federal election, asking why voters should vote for them. Some candidates did not respond by deadline.
Fiona Adin-James - Animal Justice Party
I am standing as the Animal Justice Party candidate for Hawke to advocate for our community’s urgent need for improved infrastructure, essential services, and a stronger voice for wildlife, and companion animals often overlooked in policy decisions. Having lived in Western Victoria since I was 15, I’ve witnessed Melton’s rapid growth and the growing strain on local road and rail infrastructure. Upgrades are long overdue. I am also proposing Veticare, a Medicare-style system for the animals and I strongly support affordable housing for all. Melton needs smarter planning that ensures residents have safer roads and public transport, protected green spaces, and meaningful measures to safeguard local wildlife.
According to Star Weekly’s election survey, readers in Hume nominated the Bulla Bypass and the construction of the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road to connect the M80 Ring Road and Tullamarine Freeway as the most pressing infrastructure projects locally. Sunbury and Bulla residents have long called for the bypass.
Among the responses from readers of the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges, issues mentioned as most important in the upcoming election included the cost of living, housing, and the environment and climate change.
For those in Melton and Moorabool, many survey responses also referred to the cost of living and housing.
In the 2022 election, Sam Rae won 32,020 votes – or 36.7 per cent of all votes in the electorate – and was followed by Liberal candidate Enamul Haque with 22,960 votes – 26.3 per cent of the votes – and Greens
Sam Rae - Labor Party
I’m a dad with three kids, a local CFA volunteer and your Federal Labor Member for Hawke. Labor has delivered cheaper medicines, energy bill relief, a tax cut for every taxpayer, and bulk-billed two Medicare Urgent Care clinics here in Hawke. But there’s more to do. Labor will fix the Western Freeway, invest in more free GPs in Hawke, cap the cost of PBS medicines at $25, deliver another tax cut and energy bill relief, and make free TAFE permanent. Hawke needs a strong voice to ensure we don’t get left behind - I’ll always fight for our community.
Simmone Cottom - Liberal Party
I’m Simmone Cottom, the Liberal candidate for Hawke—and a proud Sunbury local. I’m running to do politics differently: community-first, action-driven, and focused on delivering real results. I’ve already secured funding commitments for local priorities like Eric Boardman Stadium, Griffith Street, and expanded CCTV. A Liberal government will upgrade the Western Freeway and cut fuel prices by 25 cents per litre—saving families around $1500 a year. I’ll work directly with residents, councils, and community groups to get Hawke the fair go we deserve. It’s time for leadership that listens, acts, and delivers. Let’s get Hawke back on track— together.
of the electoral division of Hawke from 2024.
candidate Lynda Wheelock with 7785 votes – 8.9 per cent of the votes. Hawke is named after former prime
Sarah Newman - The Greens I have lived in Sunbury since I was 10, and I’ve watched our community be taken for granted by the major parties. The Greens want to make big corporations pay their fair share of tax to fund the things we all need like dental and mental health into Medicare and seeing the GP for free. We want free public schooling, childcare and tertiary education, just like our prime minister had. We want families to feel like they can afford both the roof over their head and the food on their table, without having to compromise on either.
Melanie Milutinovi - Family First
As a proud Melton resident since 2001, I am committed to standing up for families and building a stronger and safer community. With over 20 years’ experience in both private and public sectors, and as a parent representative at Wedge Park Primary School council, I understand the real needs of local families. I will fight to protect children, defend parental rights, and ensure every family has a voice in Parliament. I am passionate about practical solutions that foster stability, fairness, and opportunity for all. Vote Family First for genuine representation and policies that put families and the community first.
Voting ad decision “surprising”
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has confirmed it will not place any voting information advertisements in local community newspapers across Melbourne ahead of the upcoming federal election, sparking outrage from local publishers and community leaders.
The decision means crucial details about where and how to vote will be absent from dozens of free local community newspapers that serve Melbourne’s diverse and often disadvantaged outer suburbs.
The AEC claims that information for these areas will be “covered by the metro papers.” However, this ignores the fundamental role local community newspapers such as Star Weekly play in reaching culturally and linguistically diverse communities, newly settled residents, and those who may not access or trust mainstream media.
“Our democracy relies on everyone knowing how to vote correctly and being informedabouttheiroptions,”saiddemocracy campaigner at the Australian Democracy Network, Ray Yoshida.
“Local community newspapers can be a vital source of trustworthy information, so it’s surprising to hear that the AEC has cut election advertising to these outlets.
“Given a number of seats in Melbourne’s westcoulddecidetheelectionoutcome,whyis the AEC cutting down on advertising in local papers that serve those areas? These voters –including many first-time voters – need more information about the electoral process, not less.”
Star Weekly managing director Paul Thomas said the move was discriminatory and undermined democratic values.
“The AEC’s decision effectively disenfranchises the very communities who need support the most. Our local community newspapers are trusted, local voices— cutting them out of the electoral process is indefensible,” he said.
Many publishers of local community newspapers have expressed frustration at the AEC’s unwillingness to reconsider the move, noting that fringe suburbs are home to large populations of migrants, elderly voters, and young first-time voters—groups traditionally under-represented at the ballot box.
Communitygroupsandmediaorganisations are calling on the AEC to reverse its decision and include local community newspapers in its election advertising campaigns, ensuring every Australian has fair and equal access to voting information.
Requests for clarification from the AEC were not answered directly.
Map
(AEC)
minister Robert James Lee (Bob) Hawke –Labor’s longest serving prime minister who held the office from 1983–1991.
Candidates have transport say
By Tara Murray
Several Melton road and transport promises have been made in the lead up to the federal election but much of the council’s ’Let’s Get the City of Melton Moving’ campaign calls have been ignored so far.
The council’s campaign called on all major parties contesting the federal election to commit to further investment in rail and roads as a matter of urgency.
The council’s top priority is the electrification of the Melton rail line, and new train stations at Mt Atkinson, Thornhill Park and Calder Park.
The campaign also pushes for investment in three major roads urgently in need of upgrades. Melton Highway, Hopkins Road, and the Palmers Road corridor (including Robinsons Road, Westwood Drive, and Calder Park Drive) are at the top of the prioritylist,withresidentsfedupwithunsafe and congested thoroughfares.
Star Weekly asked all the candidates standing for the seats of Hawke and Gorton, which cover the Melton municipality, whether they had or would commit to funding the projects on Melton’s campaign wish list.
Hawke MP Sam Rae and his Labor colleague, Gorton candidate Alicia Jordan-Baird, highlighted promises of $1 billion to fix the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, which will include added lanes, upgraded overpasses and interchanges, and $300 million to build theCalderParkDriveinterchange,whichwill decrease congestion on the Calder Freeway.
TheysaidLaborhadalsoincreasedfunding to electrify the Melton line.
All three promises are understood to be budget promises, not election promises.
Mr Rae said Labor was investing in local roadsprojectssuchasupgradestoMtCottrell Road and Exford Road.
HawkeLiberalcandidateSimmoneCottom didn’t respond to the question, but said the Liberal Party would upgrade the Western Freeway.
Gorton Legalise Cannabis Party candidate Xavier Menta said he would continue to pressure government to fully implement the Western Rail Plan and the Western Bus Plan.
“I’ve been a vocal advocate for the urgent
improvements needed to our bus services. A better bus network can be rolled out almost immediately.”
Hawke Family First candidate Melanie Milutinovic said she strongly supported Meltoncouncil’scallforanurgentinvestment in local infrastructure. “Electrifying the Melton rail line and building new stations at MtAtkinson,ThornhillPark,andCalderPark are essential for our growing community. I also back upgrades to Hopkins Road, Melton Highway, and the Palmers Road Corridor.
These projects are vital to reduce congestion, improve safety, and support Melton’s future growth,” she said.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said that while the promises made so far were welcomed, more investment was needed for the community.
“Our residents are spending more time travelling than what is needed, meaning less time spent with family and friends. Our growing community needs efficient, frequent public transport to get our them, where they need to be sooner and safer.”
Melton council is calling for federal government support and funding. (Supplied)
Bert’s screen odyssey
Kingsville filmmaker and projectionist Bert Murphy’s career has come full circle, or in keeping with the theme, full reel as Cade Lucas reports.
It was Murphy’s love of going to the cinema and watching movies that first got him into being a projectionist and then a filmmaker.
And it was that love of film and film projectors that eventually led him to making a feature length documentary, one that finally saw him projected onto screens rather than being the one doing the projecting or sitting in the cinema watching.
That documentary is Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey, originally released in 2022, but which is now streaming on SBS On Demand where it will remain for the rest of the year.
Part biography, part cinematic and cultural history and partly a tale of how one of the world’s most famous directors and his newly released blockbuster were lured to an independent Yarraville movie theatre, Splice Here is centred on the movie business’s early 2010’s transition from film to digital.
“I guess, in a nutshell, it’s about the survival oftheprojectedfilmexperience,”saidMurphy who as a projectionist - the person in bowels of the theatre operating the arcane machinery that transports a movie from a film reel to a cinemascreen-hadbothavestedinterestedin and a ringside seat to, the most consequential change in motion picture history.
“Itreallycoversthe10yearsofthetransition from protecting film to digital, so it goes into all of the arguments that occurred at the time, and still carry on, about what’s the difference, why is it better or why is it worse and why should we hang on to it?”
Such arguments are hardly unique to cinema. From music to photography to television and even journalism, the 21st Century has brought about a change from analogue to digital formats and the array of pros and cons that come with it.
But with film, this change is much more definitive.
Given the size, expense and complexity of analogue film making and projecting equipment, the scarcity of theatres able to accommodate them, and the fragility of the film reels themselves, the move to digital has meant vast swathes of movie making history, quite literally, being thrown in the bin.
And while most movie goers were unaware this fundamental change was occurring, for a film nerd like Murphy, it was a moment in time that just had to be captured.
“When the transition to digital started, I kind of felt like I just wanted to document what we’re about to lose.”
At the time Murphy was working as a projectionist and filmmaker at Yarraville’s Sun Theatre, a role he still has today and which proved pivotal in allowing him to make the documentary.
The owner of the Sun Theatre, Michael Smith, would eventually become executive producer of Splice Here and remembers working alongside Murphy when he first had the idea.
“My memory of it is that the project came about organically because when we started removing film projects - I have another business installing projectors - and all of a
sudden we found ourselves going around removing machines in some cases been around for 50 years to replace them with electronic projectors that we knew wouldn’t last as long,” recalled Smith.
“Bert, as an inquisitive filmmaker, thought thatthiswasamomentoustimeinfilmhistory and it needed to be recorded.”
With assistance from producer and cinematographer, Joanne Donohoe-Beckwith, Murphy set about doing just that while weaving in his own story and a potted history of Australian cinema, as well.
The film begins by retracing Murphy’s own path into film making and projecting, from a Star Wars obsessed teenager living on Melbourne’s outskirts in the late 70’s, to later becoming a regular at grand old Melbourne theatre houses such as the Valhalla in Richmond and the Astor in St Kilda, in the 1980’s and into the industry proper in the 1990’s
Murphy then ventures back further still to the halcyon days of the 1940’s and 50’s and venues like the Regent Theatre on Collins Street, which was the only Australian theatre equipped with cutting-edge ‘Cinerama’ technology that used 35mm projectors to project images onto a deeply curved screen, turning movie going into a theatrical event.
He also travels around Australia and overseas to interview fellow projectionists and film industry luminaries such as director Douglas Trumbull and reviewer Leonard Maltin.
And of course there’s footage of Murphy and his fellow projectionists on the job, performing the precise, labour intensive and complex work of projecting a film onto a screen.
But according to Smith, the crucial point in the development of the documentary and the story it tells came in 2016, courtesy of one of the world’s most famous directors.
“The turning point is Quentin Tarantino deciding that film need to be saved at all cost and the Hateful Eight came along and turned everything round again.”
A western thriller starring Samuel L Jackson and Kurt Russell, the Hateful Eight was Tarantino’s ninth movie and in keeping with the director’s enigmatic, Hollywood history buff reputation, he decided a longer
Western suburbs filmmaker
has made a documentary about the end of film which features Quentin Tarantino’s visit to Yarraville’s Sun Theatre in 2016. (Damjan Janevski) 468099_04
versionshoton70mmfilmwouldbesubjectto a limited, roadshow release in select theatres worldwide.
Murphy was determined for the Sun
Theatre to be one of them and the latter half of the documentary follows his quest to find and install a 70mm projector in order to secure a screening and, hopefully, an appearance from Tarantino himself.
As the documentary shows, he also had to overcome Smith’s pessimism.
“I was enthusiastic, but we were doing it not even knowing if we would get a print, so we proceeded cautiously,” said Smith, who was also preparing for a solo flight around the world at this point, also the subject of a documentary.
Fortunately, Smith returned from his round the world flight to good news; they’d secured a 70mm projector and a screening.
The Hateful Eight screened at the Sun Theatre in January 2016, with Samuel L Jackson and Quentin Tarantino making the trip as well.
“Ohmygoodness,diditworkout,”declared Smith almost a decade on.
“It put us on the map.”
After the screening, Tarantino made his way up to the ‘box’, the booth where Murphy had been at work on the 70mm projector, putting the Hateful Eight on screen.
“He came up and said hello afterwards and I had 15 minutes alone to chat with him, which was lovely,” said Murphy of his conversation with Tarantino, some of which was filmed for the documentary which the man himself showed great interest in.
“Hesaid,‘thedocumentarysoundsfantastic and if you can get over to LA, you know, I’ll give you an interview,’ recalled Murphy.
“And of course, that didn’t happen because of COVID-19 and so forth.”
Even getting Tarantino to sign a release form allowing his image to be used at all, proved difficult, until a chance encounter that reads like a movie script.
“I tried for years, and I could not get to him (Tarantino) and then, quite by chance, I was in LA, and I got into an Uber, and the guy who was driving said ’I used to work for WME’ which is Tarantino’s agency. And he said, ‘ I can get this for you.’ And he did!”
It sounds like scene out of another of Tarantino’s movie’s : Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey is streaming now at: https://www.sbs.com.au/ ondemand/
Bert Murphy
Top: Producer and cinematographer Joanne Donahoe-Beck at work on the documentary. Centre: Bert Murphy pictured on set during the filming of his documentary Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey. Bottom: A picture of a projector taken during the filming of Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey, which depicts the phasing out of such machines during the transition from analogue to digital film making.
(Pictures: Supplied)
Zoo mourns lion cub
TheAfricanLioncubrecentlybornatWerribee Open Range Zoo (WROZ) has died from kidney issues after its mother unexpectedly stopped producing maternal milk.
Atthreeweeksold,thecubwasshowingsigns of lethargy, weakness and poor weight gain which prompted an emergency examination under anaesthesia at the zoo’s veterinary hospital on Sunday, April 13.
Following extensive care that included fluid therapy and high density oral supplements, the veterinaryteamconcludedtherewasnochance of recovery and made the decision to euthanise the cub to prevent suffering.
WROZ director Dr Mark Pilgrim said staff were heartbroken but had done absolutely everything possible to support first-time-mother Asali and her cub during its critical early life phase.
“Although the early signs after birth were encouraging, the early life stages of a cub can be quite delicate and present some natural challenges for lionesses,’ Dr Pilgrim said.
“First-time mothers can sometimes
experiencedifficultieswithlactationwhilethey navigate the demands of motherhood.
“The labour and post-birth interactions were monitored remotely via 24-hour cameras, disturbing the natural bonding process.”
Intervention was a last resort, only made when the cub’s health was at risk, separating it from its mother carries a high risk of maternal rejection.
A necropsy was conducted on the morning of Monday, April 14 and confirmed the lack of milk supply.
Further tests are expected in the next few weeks to rule out any other cause of death.
Dr Pilgrim said this is an extremely sad time for the entire zoo community.
“Our thoughts are with them and all who cared for this precious cub, and especially with our keepers and vets who worked tirelessly to care for the cub,” he said.
The cub was born on the evening of Sunday, March 23 to seven-year-old mother Asali and eight-year-old father Sheru, marking the first single-cub litter in the zoo’s history.
Briefs
Reserves light up at night
Two sporting reserves will have their lights on in the evenings for anyone wanting to keep active in the colder months thanks to Melton council. The lights at Bridge Road Athletics Track in Strathtulloh will be illuminated on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 7-9pm. Brookside Recreation Reserve synthetic pitch in Caroline Springs will have its lights switched on on Fridays from 6-9pm. The trial program will run from April to October.
Tobacco raids
Warrants were executed at 12 tobacco stores across Melbourne, including one in Weir Views, in early April as part of the investigation by Taskforce Lunar into organised crime syndicates linked to the illicit tobacco trade. The taskforce was assisted between April 7-11 by staff from the Australian Taxation Office and Therapeutic Goods Administration. Police seized 14,593 e-cigarettes (vapes) with a street value of over $729,650, 681,368 cigarettes representing $953,915 excise avoided, more than 305 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco worth $650,388 excise avoided and more than $22,500 in cash. Fourteen people were arrested and interviewed in relation to the offences of possessing tobacco and possessing proceeds of crime. They are expected to be charged on summons. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Lioness Asali with her late cub. (Supplied)
I’m Sam Rae,
I’m a dad, a local volunteer and your Federal Labor Member for Hawke.
Labor has delivered cheaper medicines, energy bill relief, a tax cut for every taxpayer, and bulk-billed two Medicare Urgent Care clinics here in Hawke.
But there’s more to do.
Labor will fix the Western Freeway, invest in more free GPs in Hawke, make free TAFE permanent, and cap the cost of PBS medicines at $25.
This election is a choice. We can’t afford Peter Dutton’s cuts to Medicare. I’m fighting to make sure that our community doesn’t get left behind.
Moorabool ready for Anzac Day
By Gladys Barreta
Bacchus Marsh RSL Sub Branch will commemorate the sacrifice of servicemen, women and civilians with an Anzac Day dawn service on Friday, April 25.
The dawn service and wreath-laying ceremony will begin at 5:45am and will be followed by a commemorative march and service.
The SES in conjunction with the RSL will provide a gunfire breakfast following the dawn service.
A gold coin donation is appreciated for those who wish to attend.
Thecommemorativemarchwillcommence at 10am from the Bacchus Marsh & Melton Hospital grounds on Grant Street, Bacchus Marsh, and will be followed by morning tea at the RSL hall.
Secretary of the Bacchus Marsh RSL Iris Roberts said the service is important to veterans and the broader community.
“It is a service to remember those who served and sacrificed their lives for the country, and those who still continue to serve,” she said.
“The Last Post is played toward the end of the dawn service. It was traditionally played in army camps to mark the end of the day and is now played on Anzac Day to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“We have excellent support from the Bacchus Marsh community and all local schools, so we know the legend of the Anzac will live on.”
The dawn service will be held at The Village Green, 197 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, from 5:45am, followed by the commemorative march and service.
Shire Council website: moorabool.vic.gov.au/ scheduled-road-closures.
For inquiries related to the services or road closures, contact the Bacchus Marsh RSL on 5367 1855.
Anzac Day services across the shire:
■ Bacchus Marsh RSL Dawn Service - Village
There will be road closures in place in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan on Friday, April 25 to accommodate the services and parades. Full details are available on the Moorabool
471244_01
Ready to remember
The Caroline Springs RSL Sub-Branch will host its annual Anzac commemoration and dawn service on Friday, April 25.
The dawn service will begin at 6am at the RSL Memorial on Lake Street, Caroline Springs, followed by a gunfire breakfast and two-up, at WestWaters Hotel.
The Anzac Day march will include veterans, current serving personnel, community groups, and families wishing to take part in this important annual event.
Caroline Springs RSL president Andrew Marshall said this year marks the 10th service held in Caroline Springs and is an important day to commemorate the sacrifices of those who have served Australia during times of war.
“It’s a time for the community to come together and remember anybody who served in the Defence Force,” he said.
“This is a chance for veterans to connect and reflect, with our community coming from all different countries.
■ Ballan RSL Dawn Service - Ballan Fire Brigade from 5.45am; commemorative march and service - 12pm from Ballan RSL Sub Branch to the local Cenotaph
■ Blackwood Dawn Service - Blackwood War Memorial from 5.45am
■ Bungaree Service and gunfire breakfastBungaree Recreation Reserve Memorial from 8am
■ Lal Lal Service and sausage sizzle - ANZAC Memorial Park from 11am
■ Coimadai Service - Coimadai Memorial at Merrimu Reservoir from 11.30am
■ Yendon Memorial Service - Yendon Avenue of Honour from 5pm
The day will also be supported by local students, school groups, volunteers, sponsors, and community supporters.
Around the region, the Melton RSL Sub-Branch will commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings with a service at the Melton Shrine of Remembrance (located outside the front of the council offices).
The dawn service will begin at 6am, and attendees are encouraged to arrive around 5:30am.
AgunfirebreakfastwillfollowattheMelton Country Club from 7am.
Business attire is encouraged, and veterans are invited to wear their earned honours and awards (medals) on the left-hand side of their chest.
Family members are also encouraged to wear the honours and awards of their relatives on the right-hand side of their chest.
“It’s a service that is open to everyone and a time to honour those who have suffered through past battles and wars.”
Caroline Springs RSL vice-president Paul Terawskyj and president Andrew Marshall. (Damjan Janevski)
Green from 5.45am; commemorative march and service -10am from the Bacchus Marsh & Melton Hospital Grounds on Grant Street
President of Bacchus Marsh RSL Alf Hawken. Photo by Damjan Janevski. 472598_02
Najdovski is beginning to grow
By Tara Murray
The start of the Victorian Premier League 1 season came at the perfect time for Western United’s Jake Najdovski.
Najdovski, who is part of Western United’s squad for a third straight season, was getting minutes off the bench for the A-League team. With the club’s academy side kicking off action in March, Najdovski has had the chance to go go back and play some minutes in the VPL.
“It was a good time in the A-League season that I could drop down,” he said speaking earlier this month. “I’d been training for a while and I was getting some minutes in the first team.
“It was good to drop down and get into some good form and score goals as well.”
Najdovski scored eight goals in five matches for the academy side, including a hat-trick in one game.
“I always like to score goals and help the team,” he said. “I’ve had some good seasons in the VPL with the academy and I always go out there and try my best in the academy.”
He said the extra time on the pitch had allowed him to come back into the top side fitter and stronger into the A-League.
“I did get some minutes in the previous year,” he said of the A-League. “Things have been really positive and after a good pre-season I’ve been getting 10 to 15 minutes off the bench this season.”
Najdovski’s confidence is starting to show through for the A-League side, recently contributing his first goal assist.
He said it was something that he had been working on for a while. A few more assists are hopefully on the cards for him in the rest of the season.
“I definitely want to have a good back part
of the season,” he said. “Hopefully I can help them win games and be in a good position to play finals.”
Najdovski is part of the young brigade at Western United with many having come through the club’s academy.
He said it’s really exciting to see what they can all do.
“There’s a good mixture of youth and some experience,” he said. “We’re learning off the
boss [John Aloisi] and he’s putting in a lot of time into the young boys.
“It’s a good environment and everyone is learning and putting games together.”
With a young side, Western has surprised many people this season.
After 21 games, Western sits in second spot.
Najdovski said the playing group had confidence in what they could do.
“I’m not surprised,” he said. “We all know within ourselves we are on the right path,” he said. “The boss said to us in the pre-season that people will talk and use that as motivation.
“We’re on the right path and doing the right things at training.”
Najdovski said they were taking it game by game as they head into the back half of the season.
Jake Najdovski. (Western United)
Egg-cellent Easter entertainment
The Lerderderg Library hosted an Easter story time and egg hunt on Thursday April 17. Youngsters listened to Easter tales and songs and then created a special basket to go on an egg-citing hunt through the library. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski hopped on over to capture the action.
2, enjoyed the egg hunt. 472424_09 Seth, 6, with his Easter egg hunt bounty. 472424_04
Sofia, 3, with her paper basket and eggs.
Magnificent family home
Stunning Family Home at 18 Corfu Street, Fraser Rise
Welcome to your dream home! Nestled in the heart of Fraser Rise, this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom house at 18 Corfu Street is a perfect blend of modern elegance and comfortable living.
**Key Features:**
Four generously sized bedrooms, this home offers ample space for families of all sizes. Each room is designed to maximize comfort and privacy, ensuring everyone has their own sanctuary.-
Stylish Bathrooms: Enjoy the convenience of two well-appointed bathrooms, featuring contemporary fixtures and finishes that elevate your daily routine.
This property boasts a unique layout that enhances both privacy and outdoor space, perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings.
Elegant Interior Design: Step inside to discover a beautifully designed interior that combines functionality with style. The open-plan living areas are perfect for entertaining, with natural light flooding through large windows.-
Gourmet Kitchen: The heart of the home, the kitchen is a chef’s delight, featuring laminated wood cabinetry and ample counter space for meal preparation. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, this kitchen will inspire your culinary creativity.
This property is perfect for families looking for a peaceful yet vibrant community. With local parks, schools, and shopping centers just a stone’s throw away, you’ll enjoy the convenience of suburban living without sacrificing access to city amenities.
18 Corfu Street Fraser Rise
Raine & Horne: 289 High Street Melton 9743 6866 | rh.com.au/https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/melton
Rachael Condon with her son Noah and Lucie Maaten with her daughter Evie. 472424_03
Siblings Harvey, 6, Norah, 3, and Phoebe, 2, enjoyed the Easter fun. 472424_02
Clay,
472424_08
Lerderderg librarian Sam Hartwig entertains with an Easter tale. 472424
Adison ,10, participated in the egg hunt. 472424_06
Brooklyn, 6, had a successful egg hunt.
Harness nature’s power to heal
Recently I went on a walk through the majestic Melbourne Botanic Gardens with a friend. We were so busy talking much of the time that I forgot to observe my surroundings. It got me thinking about the fact that during the times when we are in peaceful, verdant settings, we are calmer.
Slowly, we have made the connection between contact with nature and positive health outcomes and now have labels for this type of health practice. The Japanese brought us ‘forest bathing’ or ‘shinrin-yoku’. From this approach, forest therapy has evolved. This is an evidence-based approach where the restorative power of nature is harnessed to heal modern day illnesses.
In fact, at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens you can sign up for a two-hour forest bathing experience on Sundays in upcoming months.
Just check out: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/ melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/ forest-therapy/
Research has shown that forest bathing can support a boosted immune system, reduced stress levels,regulatedpulseandbloodpressure and better sleep.
Interestingly, an Australian research project which asked participants to tap computer keyboards in response to repetitive questions found that the first group who took 40 second breaks to gaze at a flowering green roof made far fewer mistakes than the second group who were asked to view a concrete rooftop instead.
(Lee, K.E., et al., Journal of Environmental Psychology, Vol. 42, No. 1, 2015).
Let’s now consider how committed an urban dweller like yourselves might be to forest bathing and how they might incorporate that into their daily life. There are plenty of urban green and blue environments to be sourced amongst the city hustle and bustle.
Could you take your breakfast outside at a table in your courtyard instead of eating it in
the kitchen and just soak up your surrounds while you eat? Might some friends join you at lunchtime for a park walk or a riverside lunch?
Perhaps you’ll just take an impromptu break during the day and lie down on some grass and soak it all up with your senses?
We tend to simplify the concept of forest bathing to being in green spaces but a whole host of benefits also come from immersing yourself amongst water environments and vast
Mother’s Day craft made with love
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 a Mother’s Day card.
Scan the QR code to view more of Stephanie’s crafty projects.
blue or cloudy skies. Every time I swim laps at the pool, my closing ritual is to just float on my back and soak up the cerulean skies above. It’s bliss!
I am very much of the approach where I like to immerse myself in the nature surrounding me – whether that means walking barefoot, lying under trees and studying their canopies or rolling down grassy slopes. My dog also encourages me to slow down and see the more subtle signs of life and vibrancy – a lone butterfly fluttering on a Hebe hedge, armies of ants ascending the eucalypt, buds unfurling on a hibiscus shrub.
Ahippishtermforconnectingbareskinwith the ground would be ‘earthing’. When you are earthed you are making physical skin contact with the ground. As stated on https://www. barefoothealing.com.au, when your bare feet or skin encounters the earth, free electrons are taken up into the body. These electrons could be referred to as nature’s biggest antioxidants and help neutralise damaging excess free radicals that can lead to inflammation and disease in the body.
I was lucky enough to swim in the Dead Sea in Jordan some years ago. I smothered myself with the mineral rich earth mud that lines this astounding feat of marine nature. The whole immersive experience was relaxing, fun and memorable. I think these are the nature experiences our bodies and minds secretly crave. Observe any group of kids completely absorbed in sand play or mud pie creations or evendambuildingalongcreekbeds.Fromthis, youwillunderstandalittleofthemindlessflow state that such an experience can put you in.
I, for one, will be eating my breakfast in my small, front garden tomorrow and all going well, I’ll spend barefoot time, wherever possible, throughout the day. What forest therapy practices might you try this week?
Mother’s Day card
Materials
White card stock (for the card) Red paper strips (for quilling)
Equipment
Craft glue
Scissors
Craft knife
Pencil
Quilling tool (optional)
Step 1: Fold a piece of white card stock in half to create the card base.
Step 2: Draw a heart shape on the front of the card and cut it out with a craft knife or scissors to create a heart window.
Step 3: Cut thin strips of red paper (about 5mm wide) for quilling.
Step 4: Use a quilling tool or roll each paper strip into a tight coil by hand. Apply a small amount of glue to the end of the strip to secure the coil in place.
Step 5: Arrange the quilted coils into a heart shape on the inside of the card, aligning it with the cut-out window.
Step 6: Once satisfied with the placement, glue each quilled piece in place. Let it dry completely.
Step 7: Close the card, and your beautiful quilled heart design will be visible through the heart-shaped window.
Stephanie Martinez.
Keeping women’s hearts healthy
By Oscar Parry
Australia’s national heart health awareness week Heart Week, May 5–11, is a chance for people to consider their heart health and take steps to reduce their risk of heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of illness and death among Australian women, taking more women’s lives than breast cancer each year.
Almost every hour, an Australian woman dies of heart disease and women are more likely to face worse outcomes after a heart attack compared to men.
Heart Foundation senior manager of healthcare programs and clinical strategy
Natalie Raffoul said that while chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women, data shows that women are more likely than men to have non-chest pain symptoms, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; pain that radiates down thearm,shoulders,back,neck,orjaw;dizziness or a faint feeling; sweating or cold chills; and nausea or vomiting.
“We know that women are less likely to be recognised in terms of their symptoms of heart attack,” Ms Raffoul said.
“These symptoms often are overlooked or are not triaged as fast as they are for men … so,
as a woman, you experience greater delays in accessing treatment when experiencing a heart attack compared to men,” she said.
“Sadly,wealsoknowthatwhenwomendoget treated after experiencing a heart attack, they are more likely to experience worse outcomes – higher rates of mortality and complications compared to men.”
Ms Raffoul said that while further research is needed, possible reasons for these worse outcomes could be under-recognition of symptoms, delay in getting to hospital, or possible complications relating medicines and
procedures that are used to treat heart attacks that need to be studied further.
“Historically, not a lot of women are represented in clinical trials in this research area.So,someofitmighthavetodowithbetter understanding how women respond to the treatment strategies available in hospitals,” she said.
She said that while research has improved in this area, there is still room to improve.
Ms Raffoul said this could be anything that helps researchers prioritise the presence of women in their clinical trials and “research that’s funded to specifically answer questions about how women respond to treatments,” includingthoseatriskorpronetocertaintypes of heart conditions.
She said that risk factors among women for a higher chance of cardiovascular disease down the track may relate to complications during pregnancy – including a life-threatening high blood pressure experienced during pregnancy called preeclampsia, which can put women at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease even years later.
“Another complication experienced during pregnancy is gestational diabetes, and now there’s some really strong data to suggest that … if you experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy, your risk of developing a heart condition yourself is significantly higher down the track. Even five to ten years down the track,” Ms Raffoul said.
She said that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has also been linked with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and premature menopause or early menopause put women at higher risk of cardiovascular conditions in
the future – due to the changes in hormones that women experience at that time, impacting their cholesterol levels and heightening their heart attack risk.
Ms Raffoul said the “traditional risk factors for heart disease absolutely apply to women too,” including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and being overweight or obese.
As part of Heart Week, Heart Foundation is calling on anyone aged over 45 to see their GP regularlyfora20-minute,Medicare-subsidised heart health check – with some people eligible for these checks earlier, including First Nations people from 30 years and people living with diabetes from 35.
“For women, we’re absolutely calling out that if you have or do experience any of those conditions mentioned above … it’s even more important for you to see a doctor for that heart healthcheck,andthatmightmeanseeingthem earlier than the age of 45,” Ms Raffoul said.
“People appreciate that heart disease is terrible and it might be our leading cause of death, but often they don’t recognise how personally relevant the condition is to themselves until it’s too late – until they’re unfortunately having an incident themselves,” she said
“We know only about half of eligible adult Australians even have their risk factors screened as they regularly should … people need a sort of a prompt to get them thinking about their heart health and prioritising it.”
Further details about Heart Week and other resources, including a heart age calculator, are available on the Heart Foundation website.
Details: heartfoundation.org.au/heart-week
New health clinic now open at Sunshine Hospital
Women across Melbourne’s west can access free, comprehensive care and support under one roof as part of the new Women’s Health Clinic at Sunshine Hospital.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas toured the clinic on Monday April 14.
The new Western Health clinic will provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ experience – enabling women to receive services or advice on issues from contraception to menopause and pelvic pain. The clinics will facilitate access to interdisciplinary care for women, girls, and gender diverse people.
The Sunshine clinic is already improving access to outpatient gynaecologist appointments and medical abortion via specialised GPs.
These services are delivered by health professionals including gynaecologists, urologists, specialist GPs, specialist nurses and allied health support – all under the one roof, for medical abortion, conditions including
pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, prolapse and incontinence, contraception and menopause services.
St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman, who accompanied Ms Thomas, said the new
additiontoWesternHealthwouldbebeneficial for all local women.
“The new clinic at Sunshine Hospital is already improving access to care for women in the west and will help to remove the barriers
many women face for different health concerns throughout their life,” she said.
Theclinicsarepartofa$153millionwomen’s health package that includes a mobile women’s health clinic, Aboriginal-led clinic and virtual women’s health clinic.
As part of those virtual clinics, women and gender diverse people accessing the service via phone or video consultation will be connected to a specialist nurse who will provide an initial health assessment and treatment, and, if required,connectpatientswithaGP,specialist, or other health practitioner as close to home as possible.
Thevirtualclinic,settocommenceoperation in 2025, will provide sexual and reproductive health services including contraception and medical termination of pregnancy.
It will also include specialist services for endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrual health, perimenopause and menopause care, breast health care, and cervical screening.
Heart Foundation senior manager of healthcare programs and clinical strategy Natalie Raffoul. (Supplied).
Dr Corrine Glenn, Daniela Gashi, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, Cynthia Chaffey, Tania McKellar, Kat Theophanous, Russell Harrison, and Lisa Smith. (Supplied)
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 South Community Centre
Sewing lovers are invited to join Melton South Community Centre’s new Sewing Club, running on Tuesdays. Bring your machine and materials and make new friends as you work on your own projects.
$5 per week.
9747 8576
Melton South Community Centre’s term two program of courses and events is now available, with learning activities for all the family. View the program at:
meltonsouth.org.au
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 Melton 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”.
Denise, 0403 840 241
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
Darley Neighbourhood House
The Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre is at 33-35 Jonathan Drive, Darley. It offers free and low-cost activities for all. There is a monthly repair cafe, a community pantry, a fortnightly chatty cafe and venue hire is available.
www.bit.ly/DNHnow, or 5367 4390
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets atthe 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
Zonta club
Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Meetings include guest speakers.
Janet, 0421 080 923, or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au
Melton Over 50s Social Group
Join a friendly group of people aged over 50 who enjoy each other’s company while attending events such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you.
Marlene, 0498 329 290
Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10am to noon at the Avenue Bowling Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com
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
Fishing club
Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome. Upcoming events will be listed on this page.
Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366
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
This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of Iva Rosebud who is starring in Club Kabarett, Melbourne’s bold new circus-cabaret. (Damjan Janevski) 471695_01
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 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.
0419 563 016
Melton Combined Probus Club
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.
https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331
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 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/
Garden Club
The Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Clubmeets 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
Walk and talk in Footscray Park
Footscray Park is a well known part of the inner-west,thoughaccordingtoStevenWilson, it’s not well known enough.
“Itamazesmehowmanypeoplehaven’tbeen down there,” said Mr Wilson, the secretary of the Footscray Historical Society.
It’sasituationMrWilsontakenuponhimself to change, by hosting two hour historical walks through the park on the weekend of April 26 and 27.
Thewalkandtalkswilltakeplacefrom10am to 12pm on both Saturday and Sunday and will involveMrWilsontakingparticipantsthrough the park and through its history from 1911 to the present day.
He said there will also be particular focus on certain features of the park and the stories behind them.
“There’s the Henry Lawson statue and the pagoda built by Footscray tech students and I’ll also talk about the nature of the park,” said Mr Wilson who noted that it was probably the most intact Edwardian Park left in Australia.
“It was built towards the Edwardian Park scheme which includes bluestone edging, wandering paths and secluded alcoves.”
The walks are free of charge, though a gold coin donation is recommended, as are bookings.
Mr Wilson said numbers were limited and encouraged those interested to email the society now.
“There’s a maximum of around 25 otherwise it gets too big for me to talk to people”
To book, email: footscrayhistoricalsociety@ gmail.com
Drop in to the Dromkeen Gallery
DromkeenGalleryisprovidingarangeofevents this month, offering art and entertainment to Riddells Creek residents and beyond.
The beauty of nature is on display at the gallery, with the work of 30 Macedon Ranges artists displayed in a fundraiser exhibition towards repairs of the historic Dromkeen Homestead.
Open from 10am–5pm every day until Sunday, April 27 the exhibition – titled The Wonder of Nature – depicts natural splendor
through a variety of media including painting, woodwork,photography,textilesandsculpture.
A small commission from each sale will go towards restoring the building’s side decking, which has degraded over time.
On Saturday, April 26, travel sketch artist Alissa Duke will provide a nature sketching watercolour pencil class from 11am–1pm.
Attendees can bring along their own sketch pad, watercolour pencils, and brush, but a sketch kit can be bought on the day.
Then, from 7–9pm on Friday, May 2 pop legend Issy Dye will perform two sets of hits by Elvis Presley and Johnny O’Keefe in full costume.
The audience is invited to show up dressed in a rock’n’roll outfit, with a prize for the best costumeofthenightanddoorprizesforothers.
Further details on pricing and booking for these events are available on the Dromkeen Gallery website.
Details: dromkeen.com.au/whats-on/
Yes, Yes, Yes a nod to healthy relationships
A theatre show for young people will take centre stage on May 9 in Brimbank exploring themes around sex, consent and relationships.
Part documentary, part confession, part open conversation, Yes Yes Yes is a showcreatedspecificallyforyoungadults exploring the knotty and necessary topicsofhealthyrelationships,desireand consent.
Featuring in-depth interviews with teenagers, the show is emphatic, empowering and engaging.
Accordingtoperformerandco-creator oftheshow,KarinMcCracken,whileYes, Yes, Yes deals with some heavy issues, it also has lighthearted moments.
“It was made with teenagers in mind, but really it’s for anyone,” she said.
“It’s a solo performance with a lot of laughs in it, despite some of the more delicate material around consent and bodily autonomy.”
Ms McCracken said that viewers will be able to take “lots of things” away after watching the show.
“At the very minimum, we want everyone to walk away feeling they saw a compelling piece of theatre,” she said.
“I think people have a sense that theatre for social good or education generally sucks, so we really tried to make something quality and not-condescending.
“In terms of consent, people will walk away with actual usable skills about talking to friends and family about consent, and what to do if someone discloses sexual violence to you.”
Yes, Yes, Yes will be playing at the Bowery Theatre from 6 to 7 pm. Details: creativebrimbank.com.au/yes-yes-yes
Drums herald the return of Point Cook’s African Festival
Whether you’re tasting your first bite of injera, learning the rhythms of west African drumming, or supporting a local artisan, you will definitely discover something new when the Africa Festival returns to Point Cook on Saturday, April 26.
Presented by Junubi Wyndham, it will cost nothing to immerse yourself in the beating drums, the bright colours of traditional dressesandexperiencethevibrancy,warmth, and richness of African cultures.
From dances that tell ancestral stories, to soulful songs that stir the heart, to the tantalising aromas of African cuisine
drifting through the air, the event is about bringing people together.
Junubi Wyndham program manager Poly Kiyaga said it is a space where conversations are sparked and African-Australian businesses proudly showcase the best of themselves.
“In a world where division can often dominate the headlines, the Africa Festival is a living, breathing reminder of the power of cultural exchange to build bridges between communities,” Mr Kiyaga said.
“This festival is about bringing a piece of Africa to Wyndham, but more importantly,
it’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, seen, and connected. That’s what community is all about.”
In its third year, the festival is quickly becoming a beloved fixture in the city’s cultural calendar.
As Wyndham continues to grow in diversity, events like the Africa Festival remind us that when we celebrate each other’s cultures, we grow stronger together,” Mr Kiyaga said.
The Africa Festival will run between 2-9pm at the Point Cook Town Centre and is part of Kaleidoscope 2025.
Dromkeen Gallery artist and curator Kathy Madbury, artist Robyn McIntyre, and owner Bernadette Joiner standing with works from The Wonder of Nature art show. (Damjan Janevski). 472066_01
Footscray Historical Society secretary Steven Wilson (centre) with Ian and Betty Johnson at Footscray Park. (Damjan Janevski) 470882_01
The Africa Festival will return to Point Cook. (David Mullins)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. With a UFC 314 win, Australian mixed martial artist Alex Volkanovski reclaimed his title in which weight division?
2. Which Northern Irish golfer won the 2025 Masters Tournament?
3. Which Australian state has been home to the NRL's annual Magic Round since 2019?
4. Which Australian state has been home to the AFL's annual Gather Round since 2023?
5. How many points did Luka Dončić score the first time he played against his old team, the Mavericks, in Dallas?
6. Australian golfer Jason Day finished the 2025 Masters Tournament tied for what top 10 position?
Suffering from lingering concussion symptoms, which 27-year-old has announced his retirement from cricket?
And which Australian state or territory did that player represent in first-class
Via Sistina recently matched the record set by Winx with how many Group 1 race wins in a season?
Retired professional wrestler Jesse Ventura was governor of which US state from 1999 to
Which two clubs started the 2025 AFL season with five losses?
12. US golfer Ryan McCormick used what unusual method to manage his anger at the recent Korn Ferry Tour event?
13. Which current AFL assistant coach is set to take over from Ken Hinkley as head coach of Port Adelaide in 2026?
14. Which new event has replaced equestrian in the modern pentathlon at the 2028 Olympics?
15. Matildas goalscorer Mary Fowler plays for which club in the English Women’s Super League?
16. Why were Gout Gout’s two sub-10-second 100m sprints at the recent Australian Athletics Championships considered ineligible for official records?
17. Which major golf championship forbids the presence of mobile phones on tournament grounds?
18. Which country’s national soccer team lost twice to the Matildas in a pair of friendly games played in early April?
19. Who recently broke Raelene Boyle’s national under-18s record for the 100m sprint, which has been held since 1968?
20. Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith is in hot water after doing what to a fan following a win against the Adelaide Crows?
21. Which NBL team shares its name with a popular fictional movie team?
22. In what year was badminton officially included in the Olympic program?
23. Who won the Brownlow Medal in 2008?
24. Which state won the Sheffield Shield most recently?
25. And after how many years since their last win?
26. Super Rugby team the Waratahs are from which Australian state?
has the nickname ‘The Viper’?
27. Current Collingwood captain Darcy Moore debuted in which year?
28. True or false: regular season NHL games can end in draws?
29. The Cincinnati Reds play which sport?
30. Which WWE wrestler
Orton
Mary Fowler Fowler
Luka Dončić Luka
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Department (6)
4 Sequence (6) 10 Paunch (5)
11 Grant (9)
12 Belonging to a thing by its very nature (9)
13 Sound (5)
14 Habitations (6)
15 Border (4)
19 At the top (4)
20 Dramatics (6) 24 Perfume (5)
25 Tequila cocktai (9)
27 Exhibition rooms (9)
28 Indigenous people of New Zealand (5)
29 Foil (6)
30 Harmony (6)
DOWN
1 Of the Bible (8)
2 Link (8) 3 Whenever (7)
5 Improve (7)
6 Roma is its capital (6)
7 Appeared (6)
8 Video discs (1,1,2)
9 Candied citrus peel (7)
16 Obsolete email service (7) 17 Guests (8)
18 Relating to cultivated land (8) 19 Hobbyist (7)
21 Monty Python member, Graham – (7)
22 Trapped (6)
23 Succeed (6)
26 Flower (4)
1 What is the longest river entirely within the state of Queensland?
2 Which 2008 movie did Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson (pictured) film in Queensland?
3 What is the original national animal of Canada?
4 Steinway is famous for selling which musical instrument?
5 What shape is the national flag of Switzerland?
6 In which fictional town did the characters of Dawson's Creek live?
7 Which season is coming, according to the Starks in Game of Thrones?
8 Dushanbe is the capital city of which Central Asian country?
9 What breed of dog did Queen Elizabeth II favour?
10 Who created the characters Ali G and Bruno, among others?
Big brother gives Prado a lift
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
TheprideoftheToyotaSUVparade,thePrado, is showing off a new stiff upper lip thanks to TNGA-F architecture shared with its bigger LandCruiser300Seriessibling.
Also on board is the latest in the company’s on and off-road driver assistance technology, including a new 48-volt V-active powertrain matedtoaneweightspeedautomaticshifter.
The pedigree has its origins in the iconic LandCruiser with all its on- and off-road capability and functionality. The latest generation consists of five members – GX, GXL,VX,AltitudeandKakadu–allfeaturing the new V-Active powertrain and eight-speed automatictransmission.
Withthestifferladder-frameunderpinnings the LandCruiser family members have grown compared to the previous generation. Wheelbase is now 2850mm, 60mm more than before and front and rear track widened to 1664mm, 79mm and 83mm, respectively, up on previously. Overall length is stretched, providingmorecabinspace.
The range is priced from $72,500, plus on road costs, for the entry-level five-seat GX. Up a notch to the GXL adds a third row of 50:50 split seating for $79,990. The mid-range VX seven-seater (on test) comes in at$87,400,whiletheoff-roadfocusedAltitude ($92,700)issecondonlytotheflagshipKakadu ($99,990.
The Toyota Warranty Advantage sets up each Prado buyer with five years unlimited kilometre cover and five years’ capped price servicingforthefirst10servicesoversix-month intervals or 10,000km, whichever comes first. There is also the option of a full-service lease throughToyotaFinanceAustralia.
Styling
The Prado’s striking exterior draws on LandCruisers of the past, while retro design characteristics offer substantial functional benefits. For example, a low beltline, flat bonnet and extensive glass allow good visibility in tight off-road situations, while chamfered edges and high-mounted lamps keepclearofpotentialdamage.
The VX wears a black vertical grille with Toyota bullhorn branding, body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches, 20-inch alloy wheels and high-grade LED headlights with automatichighbeamandauto-levelling.
Interior
While the cabin has undergone an extensive makeover to ensure up to five or seven occupants, according to the grade, are carried in comfort and safety, it does have a twist. Look, we know the md-hybrid battery needs ahomebutwhybuilditsuchaquirkycorner. Toaccommodatethis,thethirdrowofseats does not fold flat. It sticks up above the load floor leaving a narrow gap to the tailgate. Toyota’ssolutionistofillthegapwithaskinny removable storage box with lid that takes shoppingbagsthreeabreast.Itmakesforquite alifttoloadandunload.
The rear fares no better with occupants. Despite the Prado’s bulk comfort for even the average build occupant is at a premium. However, access is just the opposite, with the single pull of a lever freeing one of the second-rowseatstotumbleforward.
A single USB-C outlet and a pair of cupholders on each side await borders and there’s a 220V/120W outlet in the adjoining boot area. There are also air vents in the roof. There is 182 litres of load space behind the third row, expanding to 906 litres with it folded and 1829 litres with the second row foldedaswell.
The VX boasts leather accented upholstery with black/tan colour schemes, driver’s lumbar support with memory, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, power adjustable steering wheel, carpet mats, refrigerated centre console cubby, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-terrain monitor, 14-speaker JBL premium audio and tyrepressuremonitor.
Infotainment
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 6/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 6/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
All variants are fitted with the latest gen multimedia system accessed via a 12.3-inch touchscreen or via steering wheel-mounted controls.OnhandarewirelessAppleCarPlay or Android Auto, plus Bluetooth, AM/FM/ DAB+ radio and embedded cloud-based satellite navigation.
Engines/transmissions
The Prado is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine putting out 150kW between 3000 and 3400rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1600 to 2800rpm. A new eight-speed automatic transmission has a broader spread of ratios than previously and feeds a full-time all-wheel drive system, dual range transfer case and a lockable centre limited-slip differential.
Safety
Prado occupant safety is testament to Toyota’s Safety Sense technology and Toyota Connected Services which supplies a wealth inbuilt of vehicle information via smartphone app. Driver assistance applies on- and off-road through an improved camera-cum-radar system that scans the road with greater accuracy and at longer distances.
Other advanced technology includes autonomousemergencybrakingpre-collision system, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and departure warning, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, emergency stop and driver camera,
along with front and rear parking sensors and nine airbags.
Driving
The tried-and-tested 2.8-litre diesel donk is given a hand by 48-volt V-Active technology, adding smoothness, driveability and fuel economy to the Prado on bitumen and in the rough. Toyota claims diesel usage of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the VX on the combined urban/highway cycle. The test vehicle managed 9.6 litres over a week of mixed driving, tending towards city usage.
Driver assistance systems span on- and off-road going with vehicle stability control with active traction control, downhill assist and crawl control, while across-the-board trailer sway control and integrated towbar pre-wiring harness frees the Prado’s increased 3500kg braked towing capacity. With double-wishbone front and four-link solid axle rear suspension, enhanced handling and ride comfort have come via the addition of adaptive variable suspensionThebrakingandsteeringsystems showed an improved response and feel, the latter through the debut of electric power steering. Pity about the squeaky brakes in reverse.
Summary
For those who like the idea of genuine off-road capability the new Prado has the goods wrapped in a ‘modern’ retro design to have city dwellers drooling. The mid-range VX is the way to go.
The Prado’s striking exterior draws on LandCruisers of the past. (Pictures: Supplied)
Nile Warriors to provide a new basketball home
A new basketball club has been formed in Melton to give those in the local area an outlet they might not otherwise have.
The Nile Warriors Basketball Club is being launched last week and is set to field 10 to 12 teams in the local Melton competition.
The creation of the club has been a couple of years in the making.
Committee member Ajok Citak said she had spoken with other parents who had come from South Sudan in 2022 about starting a club.
Three years later it has finally come to fruition.
“WeweretalkingabouthowanAfrican-based club would really bring us together,” she said. “Something that brings everyone together. We had the discussion in 2022 and then nothing happened.
“In 2024 I got the idea to open a basketball club and shared ideas with Madiar [Chipuowuop] and other people in Melton.
“It all came together and we started building this club.”
A name and logo were settled on and the group came together to form the club. While it’s a basketball club, it’s bigger than that with a lot of history behind it.
“It’s a reason to unite us, bring us together,” she said. “There’s been a lot of people who support our direction and our community.
Chipuowuop, who is vice-president of the club, said the club wanted to make basketball for everyone.
“We’ll help kids get into the sport,” he said.
“Some kids can not afford fees elsewhere and we will help out without that with sponsors for them.
“We want to get them off the couch and get them off the streets, so they can do something right for themselves.
“We want them to know that people care and there are people there for them. We want to
make the club a community for the kids.”
Citak said the aim for the club was to have playersthatcouldplayinthe2036-38basketball world cups in the future.
She said down the track they might look to add other sports, but for now it’s about basketball.
“We are setting a strong foundation for the community,” she said. “We want to provide quality support for our kids.
“All the committee members are volunteers who are here to support our community. We not just for the African community, we are inclusive at the Nile Warriors and anyone who likes our direction is welcome.”
Tara Murray
Warriors on the board
By Tara Murray
The Western Warriors have responded after a tough start to the Victorian Netball League season, getting their first win on the board on Wednesday night.
The Warriors had been inconsistent in the firstfourroundswithacoupleofdisappointing results in there.
After a couple of tough weeks on the training court, the Warriors showed positive signs as they beat the Melbourne University Lightning, 58-48.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey was relieved to see her team come away with the points.
“It’s a weight off my shoulders to be honest,” she said. “The girls were on a mission.
“We knew we hadn’t been playing to our full ability, so we really made a conscious effort to gooutandgiveit110percentandjustplaywith tenacity and just take on the leads and take on the drives.
“I was really happy with it.”
Bailey said the start was something that they had focused on in the lead up to the game. She said it was something the group had said they wanted to improve on.
After leading by four goals early, they were alwaysinfront.TheLightninggotitbacktoone goal on a few occasions.
“Weknowandithappenedinthelastquarter at the start, we have peaks and troughs a little bit,” Bailey said.
“We’ve got to make sure that when we have a drop, we continue on and recover from that and that is what we did.”
The Warriors put the foot down in the final minutes to blow out the margin to seal the win, which Bailey said had been a reflection of their training earlier in the week.
The Warriors had the legs late in the final quarter led by Ruby Shannon, who played all four quarters, including three at centre.
Shannon got better as the game went on.
‘She’s a running machine and just goes and goes and is just fearless,” Bailey said.
“We changed our line a little bit, we brought Simona Di Filippo on more this game.
“She played exceptionally well with that speed and Sarah Croft as well.”
Bailey said they rested Tayla Honey, who only played one quarter, which made the win even more impressive.
Kim Borger returned to the line up after missing a couple of weeks with a calf injury.
Bailey said she was fantastic out there. She scored 32 goals with two misses.
“We ran her out at goal attack for a little bit and those fast feet,” Bailey said.
“We’ve been really concentrating on change of direction and fast feet.
“I don’t expect that from Kim and she’s a veteran player, but OMG she’s good.”
Bailey said every player impacted when they came on the court.
Poppy
The Warriors 23 and under side lost to the Lightning,
Sports shorts
Football
Five Western Jets featured in the 2025 Victorian Diversity All Stars matches, featuring emerging Indigenous and Multicultural footballers on Wednesday. The showcase matches for boys and girls provide opportunities for talented players, most of whom are not currently listed by a Coates Talent League under-18 team, to experience a talent pathways program and showcase their ability against talented peers. Kai Malou, Nartasha Elbayeh and Ella Royston were part of the girls Vic Metro side, while Maahi Patel and Isaac Gawne were part of the boys Vic Metro team.
VFLW
The Victorian Football League women’s squads have been released with several locals among them. Bacchus Marsh’s Mia Fuller has signed with Carlton, while Elise Cook is signed with Geelong. Caroline Springs’ Molly Eastman signed at Collingwood along with Hillside’s Caitlin Sargent and Darley’s Tamara Henry. Hillside’s Jemima Woods with Geelong, Darley’s Trinity Skenderis at Footscray along with Caroline Springs Stephanie Asciak . Burnside Heights’ Krissy Trang with Williamstown.
EDFL
The Essendon District Football League has issued a statement following two incidents involving players and spectators in round two matches.“These incidents were both on and off the playing surface and are extremely disappointing,” the league said. “The EDFL continues to detest anti-social behaviour and will remain steadfast in doing everything we can to stamp out anything that brings the game into disrepute. The safety of players, officials, and spectators is vital when attending games in the EDFL and behaviour … is completely unacceptable.”
Australia Cup
Caroline Springs George Cross’s Australia Cup campaign has come to an end. The Georgies faced the Bentleigh Greens on Tuesday night with scores locked at 2-2 at the end of regular time. The Greens found a goal in extra time to seal a 3-2 win and knock the Georgies out.
finding their feet at this level.
Grace Hay was the standout for the Warriors in that performance.
The Warriors face the Gippsland Stars this week.
FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Douglass played her best game of the season, while Molly Kennedy continues to be a workhorse in defence.
56-45. Bailey said they were still
Western Warriors’ Ruby Shannon. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)
Nile Warriors is a new basketball club.
TMPIC/Nile Warriors)
Alleyne steps up as coach for Sydenham-Hillside
New Sydenham-Hillside coach Anthony Alleyne is keen to help the Storm continue to rise up the ranks in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
Alleyne has been named the club’s coach for the next three seasons, which will provide plenty of stability at the club.
“It is exciting,” he said. “I’m going into my fourth season and it’s a good group of guys and club members.
“They have achieved so much since starting in the VTCA structure and getting up into senior division.
“It’ll be good to help them continue as a club to improve their standards and take the next step.”
Alleyne joined the club after having first class experience in Barbados. He has become one of the premier players in the competition.
Alleyne, who was captain in the recently completed VTCA season, was last season the club’s technical director as part of an overall leadership team.
He said he was looking forward to coaching and playing this season. Alleyne has a level 3
coaching certificate.
The club said he would have a major focus on development and performance improvement across the senior grades.
Alleyne said signing for three seasons means theycanhavesomeconsistencyinthecoaching set up having had a few changes in recent seasons.
“It gives us time to work to achieve our goals.” We were unlucky to fall short in the bowling department in the semi final when we couldn’t get a breakthrough to put Deer Park under pressure.
“Hopefully next season we can go two steps further.”
Alleyne said they still see the season as a success after finishing third, after making the grand final last season.
“There’s some other teams like Deer Park
Devils are ‘gelling well’
By Tara Murray
Darley coach Dan Jordan is happy where his side is sitting after a couple of strong hit outs to start the Ballarat Football League season.
The Devils sit 1-1 after first up meetings with reigning premiers Melton and another finalist from last season, the Sunbury Lions.
The Devils had a bye on the weekend due to the Easter break.
“We’re gelling pretty well,” Jordan said. “We have our own ideas of where we are at, but until you get into the season, you’re not sure.
“I think we’re standing up. We’ve played two really good sides and been in both games. On a sample size, we’re looking competitive in some areas and there are other areas that we need to work on.”
Jordan said they are nowhere near their best earlyintheseason.TheDevilslastseasonmade the preliminary final, but Jordan said after that loss they were a bit off the top couple of teams. Hesaidtheyhadshownsomepatchesinboth their first two matches this season, without putting it all together.
“We struggled to get on the board early against Sunbury,” he said. “They sliced us open and were able to capitalise on the scoreboard.”
Jordan said they were able to make some changes and start to play the way they wanted to, with the side able to get reward for effort in the second half.
“We were able to get the first two goals of the third quarter and were able to gain momentum from there.”
ManyoftheDevilsstarshavepickedupwhere they left off from last year. Will Johnson kicked six goals in a best on ground performance. Brett Bewley, Zane Le Huray and Matthew Brett were also strong.
Another to start the season strongly is off season recruit, Nick Hind.
The former St Kilda and Essendon player has been handy in both games.
“He has the break away speed that we have lacked a little bit previously,” Jordan said. “We moved him forward and he kicked two goals in the second quarter and got us going.
“He helped us find the run and carry.”
Jordan said the break would be nice after having two tough taxing matches in the first two rounds.
It doesn’t come any easier for the Devils after the break, as they face cross town rival Bacchus Marsh on April 26. It’s a big day for both clubs, with their women’s sides also facing off after the men. Darley sits on top and the Cobras are in third.
The Cobras men and netballers were in action on Good Friday in one of two matches.
The Cobras were at home against East Point, while the Sunbury Lions will host Redan.
and Yarraville Club, which are really strong,” he said. “It’s our second season in the top flight.
“We’ve had some really good growth in the club.”
Alleyne said from a club point of view things were going really well as the club continues to grow.
There’s also works being done to the facilities at the ground.
“It is great to get wins but being around the club and the social life point of view is really good as well.
“People want to come to the club and it’s just as important as winning flags. We have a good culture to come and play cricket at and play with our mates.
“It’s a good environment to be in.”
Tara Murray
Cobras finally break though
Bacchus Marsh had dreamed of what it would be like returning to the winners list in the Ballarat Netball League A-grade competition, but the reality wasn’t something it ever thought of.
Having not won a match since 2019, when they made the second of back-to-back finals campaigns, the Cobras are finally back on the winners list.
It wasn’t with some drama.
The final scores of the Cobras and Redan match in round two were originally registered as 36-36 apiece.
Two days later the league informed the Cobras that there had been an error and they had actually won 37-36.
“After all these years, that’s not the way that we wanted to celebrate winning a game,” she said.
“The girls had mixed emotions. We thought we had drawn and then we got the message.
“We wanted to win in front of our supporters. It’s been a long time, we wanted to celebrate in front of the club.
“It’s disappointing not to be able to celebrate with them, with them finding out on social media.”
Gleeson said they were ecstatic to have got the win despite the circumstances.
“We got off to a slow start,” she said. “Our key defender was running late.
“We got going and got the momentum going and led the whole way. The entertainment was good.”
Gleeson said the girls joked that they would celebrate the win before training on Thursday. But with a game on Good Friday against East Point, the focus was about getting back on court.
“We’re looking good so far,” she said. “We are restricted by the points system so the majority of players are playing out the whole game.
“It is tough having players play full games, we’re asking a lot from them. Theyareallsteppingupandrepresenting the club really well.”
Gleeson said what was exciting was see the excitement from the rest of the club about the netball program and what they are achieving.
“The other players and even the footy players are coming and getting behind them,” she said. “There’s close games for the first time in a long time and the atmosphere of the supporters is helping get us over the line.
Anthony Alleyne. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 463997_09
Matthew Brett. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 403538_22
