MAY 21, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
news + sport + property guide
Try-out time a Melton hit Melton’s up-and-coming young musicians are being called on to showcase their talents at a new monthly open mic event. Running on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Amphitheatre, the event is open to performers aged 12 to 25. Melton council recreation and youth manager Troy Scoble said the initiative, launched in March, was proving very popular with young performers in the region. “It gives young people an opportunity to showcase the skills they’ve learnt,” Mr Scoble said. “Young people enjoy the freedom to create, collaborate and play music in a safe and social space. “We’re thrilled to give these talented emerging artists the chance to take their music to the stage.” Many of the performers take part in the council’s weekly Back to Basics program, at which young artists hone their skills. Mr Scoble said he hoped the event would continue to grow. “As the word gets out, we expect interest from both young people and the local community to grow,” he said. “The aim of this program is to help young people learn new skills, gain confidence and make new friendships.” Ewen McRae
Mitchell, Munga, Zach and Kasikile are in full voice in their suppoprt for Melton’s open mic event. (Joe Mastroianni)
MPs returned in Labor loss Local Labor MPs Brendan O’Connor and Catherine King have been returned to federal Parliament, but many of their election pledges lie in tatters following the Labor Party’s defeat. In the seat of Gorton, Mr O’Connor experienced a 2.56 per cent swing against him on a two-party preferred basis, but still claimed the seat with more than 65 per cent of the overall vote. More than 50 per cent of first-preference votes went to Mr O’Connor, while Liberal candidate Nathan Di Noia was the closest challenger with 25.56 per cent of first preferences. Mr O’Connor said it was a pleasing result personally, but with Labor set for another three
years in opposition, he said many local projects and services would be overlooked. “I’m very grateful of the overwhelming support that was extended to me in the electorate,” he said. “It was a difficult night for the party nationally, but the support locally for Labor was fantastic. “My great disappointment is for my constituents, who are going to wait longer for surgery or be out of pocket for cancer treatments … I worry for our local schools, who are going to have less resources as a result of the decisions made nationally, not by the electorate. “I don’t have a rich electorate and many people are doing it tough. It’s a great
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community, but we need better services to help those that need it.” Mr O’Connor said all pre-election promises would now be reviewed, including funding commitments to several local sports clubs. “We’ll review all of our commitments, but obviously we made decisions to support them if we were to win,” he said. “Whilst we review decisions, they were well placed and are our priorities now will be up for affirmation, but right now every policy and commitment has to be reviewed. “Locally, Rockbank Football Club lose $1.8 million, Westside Strikers will lose $1 million, and Diggers Rest Football Club will lose $60,000 – all Labor commitments the Liberal government would not match.”
In the seat of Ballarat, Catherine King had a stellar night as she enjoyed a swing of 3.68 per cent to her on a two-party preferred basis. “It’s a real honour to be returned as the member for Ballarat and I want to thank the community for their support this weekend,” Ms King said. “We will now listen to what the electorates have said and try to hold this government to account. “Unfortunately, the Liberals didn’t match many of the promises that we made. “So now my task is to write to each of the ministers to lobby to get these projects up, particularly for Bacchus Marsh and Darley. The lack of recreation space and a hugely growing population is a big issue.” 12418738-DJ22-19 10070720-05
By Ewen McRae
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