Established in 1981 as the
proudly serving Melton and Moorabool
6 MAY, 2025
Mum’s bundle of new love
Rupinder Kaur Rekhi and husband Gagandeep Singh Rehkhi with their 2-day-old son. (Damjan Janevski) 475083_06
While many mothers will be receiving breakfast in bed or handmade cards this Mother’s Day, Rupinder Kaur Rekhi will be spending her Mother’s Day cradling the newest addition to her family– a little baby boy. For Ms Rehki and her husband Gagandeep Singh Rekhi, the arrival of their son has been a heartwarming and emotional experience, bringing a mix of emotions and deep reflection. “It’s mixed feelings when you go into labour of course,” Ms Rekhi said. “But after that it’s all well – when we see the baby, it makes it all worth it.” While Mother’s Day might be a little more low-key this year, there will still be room for celebration. “Grandmother is here so maybe we will go out and have dinner to celebrate,” Ms Rekhi said. For Mr Rehki, witnessing his wife’s labour gave him renewed appreciation for the strength of mothers everywhere. “When I see my wife giving birth, I get even more respect for motherhood. I always have more respect for my mother and for my wife, for every mother in this world,” he said.
Labor retains the west Voters across Melton and Moorabool largely backed Labor at the ballot box at the weekend’s federal election, with the party retaining the seats of both Hawke and Gorton with swings to the government. In Gorton, Labor’s Alice Jordon-Baird was elected as the new MP, taking the seat from retiring Labor MP Brendan O’Connor. Gorton covers Melton and Brimbank – with the electorate including suburbs Caroline Springs, Burnside, Hillside, Fraser Rise, Taylors Hill, Albanvale, Deer Park, Kings Park, Delahey, Sydenham, Taylors Lakes and Keilor. Mr O’Connor had held the seat since its creation in 2004.
According to the Australian Electoral Commission, Ms Jordan-Baird secured 60.40 per cent of votes on a two-party basis, over Liberal candidate John Fletcher – who received 39.60 per cent. In a statement to Star Weekly, Ms Jordan-Baird said that it was “the greatest honour of my life to have been elected to represent the federal seat of Gorton”. “I’m ready to get to work with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver for our community here in the west - for families, for workers and for everyone,” Ms Jordan-Baird said. Transport was a key focus in both the Labor and Liberal campaigns this election, with Labor promising budget funding for both upgrades to the Western Freeway and Calder
Park Drive. The Liberal Party matched the commitment to deliver both projects if elected. Labor’s Sam Rae held on to the seat of Hawke in the electorate’s second term of existence, attracting a small swing. On the two-party preferred count, Mr Rae drew 57.64 per cent of votes, with Liberal candidate Simmone Cottom receiving 42.36 per cent. This represents a 0.02 per cent swing to Labor, with a margin of 12,704 votes. Created in 2022 after a boundary distribution, Hawke covers 1986 square kilometres and includes Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, and Sunbury. In a Facebook post, Mr Rae said that he was “honoured to continue representing our
wonderful community. “ “No matter how you voted, I’m here to fight for our community to get what we deserve,” Mr Rae said. Liberal challenger Simmone Cottom thanked the residents of Hawke who voted for her saying “While it wasn’t the result we had hoped for, I am deeply humbled by your support.” “To everyone I met along the campaign trail that shared their story, their local knowledge, their community spirit and their well wishesthank you. I am grateful to call this wonderful community home,” Ms Cottom posted on her Facebook page. “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to my entire team of volunteers. Thank you for going above and beyond, week after week. “
Helloworld Travel Bacchus Marsh
12736651-MP03-25
By Oscar Parry