Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 20th January 2026

Fire ready

As Victoria’s fire season ramps up, the volunteers of Eynesbury CFA are once again standing on the front line, giving their time, strength and skill to protect lives and property when it matters most.

Driven by community, spirit, teamwork and a shared sense of purpose, Eynesbury’s firefighters say the challenges are tough, but the rewards of helping others are even greater.

Story: Page 11

Worship site backed

Melton may soon be home to a new place of assembly and worship, following a highly contested planning application which attracted more than 1100 public submissions.

Melton council unanimously backed the planning application for the proposed place of assembly and worship at 342 Coburns Road in Kurunjang at its 15 December meeting, subject to a range of conditions aimed at managing the site’s amenityimpacts.

The proposal seeks to repurpose an existingsingle-storeydwellingonthe7097 square metre site into a place of assembly, includingaplaceofworship,withincluded carparking.

The site sits within the neighbourhood residential zone and is surrounded by low-density housing, with a child care centrelocateddirectlyopposite.

Council received 811 objections to the application, which largely centred on concerns surrounding traffic, noise, hours of operation, and the suitability of the use inaresidentialarea.

Acouncilreportalsoincludednoiseand traffic mitigation measures in response to objections surrounding the operation of theproposedvenue.

A further 374 submissions were received in support of the site, citing the need for more local community, educational, and culturalfacilitiesinKurunjang.

forthepurposeofamenities.

As part of the decision, councillors amended operating hours for religious activities to 6am-9pm on weekdays and 7am-9pmonweekends.

Councillor Sophie Ramsey pointed towards the use of indoor speakers in mitigatingnoiseimpacts.

“There are no speakers on the outside of thebuilding.Allthenoiseshouldbeableto becontainedwithinthebuilding,”shesaid.

Proposed activities at the site include education classes and youth programs, as well as community events and daily religious sessions in a bid to reflect communitybenefit.

Under the approved plans, the existing dwelling will be retained and refurbished internally, with minor extensions added

Long weekend Live

saturday january 24 - 1pm to 4pm

Councilofficersnotedtheearlymorning use was comparable to the nearby child care centre and unlikely to cause unreasonable impacts, given the small numberofattendees.

Despite strong objection, a detailed planning assessment found the proposal was consistent with state and local planningpolicies,whichallowcommunity and religious uses in residential zones wheretheyservetheneedsoflocals.

Council calls for more cash

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Moorabool council is calling for major reform to the way local governments are funded, warning fast-growing councils are being pushed towards breaking point by rising costs, ageing infrastructure, and limited revenue options.

Councilresolvedtolodgeadetailedsubmission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport as part of a new federal inquiry into local government funding and financial sustainability. The submission argues that sustainably funded councils are well-placed to deliver

local solutions to national priorities, but only if there is a significant increase in untied, non-competitive federal funding.

Central to the submission is a call to reinstate financial assistance grants to the level at which grants were originally set when they were introduced in the 1970s, at 1 per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.

According to council, the value of these grants has steadily declined over decades, falling to just 0.5 per cent of Commonwealth tax revenue in 2024-25.

For almost a quarter of councils nationally, federal grants now make up at least 20 per cent of annual operating revenue.

The submission also seeks reform of the grants distribution formula, arguing the current system favours well-resourced metropolitan interface councils while peri-urban and small councils face a growing financial crisis.

Moorabool’s situation is compounded by rapid population growth, with the shire forecast to grow by 94 per cent, council says the growth is placing enormous strain on roads, community facilities and essential services, while rate capping and limited access to growth funding restrict its ability to respond.

Among other recommendations, council is calling for permanent housing and

New year, new baby for the Torress family

The start of the new year wasn’t the only thing being celebrated by Rockbank locals Nathalie and Chris Torress as they welcomed a new addition to their family on Thursday 1 January.

As most stood together to celebrate the start of the new year, baby Alfie planned his entranceintotheworld,withmumNathalie going into labour as the New Year’s Eve fireworks were still going off.

Labouring until about 5am before headingovertoBacchusMarshhospital,littleAlfie was born via water birth about 11.13am.

“Alfie arrived two days earlier than expected,” Nathalie said.

“Labouring through midnight as New Year’s Eve fireworks lit up the sky made the moment even more surreal, and welcoming our second little boy on the very first day of 2026 was an absolutely elating experience.”

Alfie is a brother to two-year-old Cade, who Nathalie says is already stepping up in his new role as big brother.

“Cade has been absolutely smitten with Alfie,” Nathalie said.

“He’s taken such pride in his role as big brother. Watching their bond begin has been incredibly special for us as a family.”

Nathalie thanked the midwives who

looked after her during the process.

“The Midwifery Group Practice team were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and respectful,” Nathalie said.

“Building a trusting relationship with our midwife, Katy Chui, allowed us to feel confident, informed, and empowered throughout the entire journey.”

With the new year well underway, Nathalie said adjusting has been both “busy and blissful”.

“There’s been a bit of learning and a lot of love as we find our new rhythm, but our home feels fuller than ever and we’re soaking up every moment together.”

Potholes prompt council action to address Griffith Street issues

Moorabool council has formally acknowledgedthedeterioratingconditionofGriffith StreetinBacchusMarsh,followingtheadoptionofanoticeofmotionraisedbyCrJarrod Bingham at the December 17 meeting.

The motion highlights long-standing concerns about extensive potholes and surfacefailuresalongtheroad,issuesresidents say have remained unresolved for several years. Cr Bingham said the dilapidated road in Bacchus Marsh desperately needs upgrading.

“I travel that road every single day and

it’s no secret that Griffith Street desperately needs upgrading,” he said.

“The surface is dilapidated and council has long-been in limbo as we wait for funding to upgrade the road.”

Council noted that while Griffith Street has repeatedly been flagged for future upgrade works, there is currently no confirmed timeline, leaving the road in what was described as an unacceptable condition.

The motion also called for an investigation into pedestrian safety improvements along the corridor, including a pedestrian

infrastructure support programs, new federal growth funds for fast-growing peri-urban councils, equitable distribution of Commonwealth infrastructure funding, and disaster recovery arrangements which allow for “betterment”.

Copies of the submission will be sent to key government and opposition figures, including the prime minister, relevant ministers and committee members.

Council says the submission aligns with its obligations to ensure long-term financial sustainability, warning without meaningful federal intervention, pressures on local services and infrastructure will only intensify.

Briefs

SOG arrests

Two western suburbs men have been charged after being arrested by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Melton West om 13 January. The arrests formed part of several ongoing investigations into incidents, some involving firearms, since October last year. A 29-year-old man from Altona is facing 12 charges including stalking, prohibited use and possession of a firearm, reckless conduct endangering death/life, possessing a drug of dependence, cultivating cannabis and handling stolen goods. The charges relate to an ongoing dispute between parties where it is alleged a tracker was installed onto a vehicle on 7 December, as well as an incident on 28 December where it is alleged several shots were fired at various objects in the street in Altona using a 3D printed firearm and a warrant executed at a property in Altona where suspected stolen goods were seized. A 29-year-old man from Sunshine is facing 10 charges including prohibited use and possession of a firearm, reckless conduct endangering death or life, burglary and theft. The Sunshine man’s charges also relate to the same incident in Altona on 28 December, as well as the alleged theft of a mail parcel on the same day, an alleged burglary and theft at a property in Dromana on 7 December and the theft of food and drink from a convenience store in Dromana on 24 October.

Flat tyres stop stolen truck

A who fled a fast food drive-thru in Altona North in an allegedly stolen truck has been arrested. Police said the truck was stolen from Footscray about 5.15am on 16 January, however, the driver didn’t get very far, making a stop at the yellow arches on Blackshaws and Millers roads. Police deployed stop sticks as the stolen truck left the drive thru. With a warm breakfast – but flat tyres – the driver continued down Blackshaws Road. He came to a stop on Chambers Road where he was arrested. The 39-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was taken into custody.

Demolition site thefts

crossing.

“Elderly residents have been raising that as an issue for quite some time now,” Cr Bingham said.

The motion also called for a refuge island,trafficcalmingmeasuresandotherrelated treatments aimed at improving safety for elderly residents and vulnerable pedestrians who regularly travel along the street.

Council officers will now prepare a report outlining interim repair works already undertaken, along with recommended long-term road and pedestrian safety solutions for Griffith Street.

Officers were called to reports of a theft in progress at a demolition site on Modal Place about 9.20pm on 7 January. . A 50-year-old West Footscray man and a 47-year-old St Albans man have been charged.

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Units a key entry to market

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

The Melton and Moorabool housing market showed mixed results with unit apartment living is continuing to gain traction in the Melton municipality according to latest Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) data.

The December quarter median data shows prices rising for a fourth consecutive quarter across all major market segments, with unit and apartment prices outperforming houses statewide.

In Melton, houses continued to show slow but steady quarterly growth, with the median house price rising 3.2 per cent to

$574,000, while units in the western suburb recorded a median price of $378,000, withaslightannualdeclineof0.5percent.

Melton South recorded more contrasting results, with the median house price dipping 2.7 per cent over the quarter to $580,000, while units showed stronger longer-term performance.

The median unit price in Melton South reached $387,000, reflecting an annual increase of 7.5 per cent and reinforcing growing buyer interest in medium-density housing options.

REIV chief executive Toby Balazs said the latest figures reflect both renewed market confidence and a broader struc-

CFA brigade is fire ready

You may see Rockbank’s dedicated CFA Firefighters coming to your door in the coming weeks.

The hard-working locals are targeting high-risk areas around the community, going door-to-door to raise awareness about what to do in the event of a grassfire.

One of Rockbank’s biggest hazards at the moment is the vast, vacant and unmaintained land which backs onto residential neighbourhoods and properties, homing dry grass and weeds, according to third lieutenant Todd Healy said.

“Ample late spring rain and high temperatures have made grass fuel loads exceptionally high in our area and we want people to be as prepared and informed

as possible as the heat increases in the south of the state,” Mr Healy said.

CFA has suggested if there is a grass fire in a residential neighbourhood, you should move two streets back from where the fire is and avoid driving, so emergency services have access to the fire.

“We are also urging residents to download the Vic emergency app and stay up to date with real time information about events so they are informed,” Mr Healy said.

You can check the fire danger ratings daily and get more information at www. cfa.vic.gov.au.

To all those Unsinkable Guys out there –

tural shift in housing preferences.

“Unit and apartment living is no longer a secondary option - it is a core part of Victoria’s housing mix, providing a more affordable entry point into the market,”he said.

“With constrained land and housing supply and sustained population growth, medium-density housing is an increasingly sought-after option.”

Other Melton municipality towns to have median price increases in the December quarter included Caroline Springs (six per cent), Hillside (0.5 per cent), Rockbank (4.4 per cent) and Burnside Heights (4.2 per cent)

Units across Bacchus Marsh also proved an easier feat for first-home buyers, where houses increased by 3.2 per cent to $619,000, while units were 3.8 per cent cheaper at $448,000 compared to the last quarter.

In Ballan, the median house price incresed by 7.7 per cent to $630,000.

Mr Balazs said while the improving market conditions were encouraging, addressing supply constraints and affordability would be critical to maintaining momentum.

“Effective tax reform and investment incentives will be essential in sustaining this growth,” he said.

You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the life jacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions.

But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men.

Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

Maddingley study approved

Moorabool council has adopted a longterm planning vision for land south of Bacchus Marsh with councillors voting in favour of the Maddingley Planning Study and a related planning scheme amendment at its December 17 meeting.

The Maddingley Planning Study was finalised in October last year and examines future land use options across a large area south of the Bacchus Marsh township, including the state-significant Maddingley Waste and Resource Recovery Hub.

The study area also encompasses existing industrial land in the west, along with farming activities and areas associated with coal mining, landfill and composting.

According to a council report, the study provides the strategic foundation for changes to the Moorabool Planning Scheme to be rolled out over three phases across coming decades.

Several submissions to the draft study raised concerns about the continued application of outdated planning controls, particularly the special use zone linked to historic coal mining, which captures land not used for mining and limits development options for residents.

While the updated study acknowledges these issues, actual rezoning changes would only occur in later phases and largely at the request of individual landowners.

Recycling is a family affair

A Caroline Springs family has turned the act of recycling into a game, a valuable life lesson and a way to give back to the community.

The Jassal family has recycled bottles and cans as part of Victoria’s container deposit scheme for nearly two years now, donating money earned from collections.

Mum Sonia Jassal said her sons, Armaan and Aryan Singh, enjoy the recycling process.

“They rush up to me saying, ‘mummy, mummy, look, I’ve found another one we can recycle’,” Sonia said.

Sonia said while living in India, she used to separate containers with her family before collection.

“We’ve seen the effects of pollution

and waste, and we know future generations will suffer because of it. If we start now, we can do our part for society and take pride in it,” Sonia said.

She has now turned the initiative into a teachable moment.

“We have a Sikh practice called Dasvandh, where we give 10 per cent of our income back to the community. It’s something I teach my kids, and when they return containers, it helps them to learn about the importance of giving back to the community,” Sonia said.

The children donate money raised to the local Gurudwara, a tradition Sonia learnt from her parents.

“We have been in this position several times,” frustrated resident Christine Levy said.

“Various reviews, planning studies, municipal strategic statements. The language changes but the outcome has not.”

In implementing the vision, council sought to progress a planning scheme amendment which represented the first phase of the study’s recommendation, proposing the introduction of a Maddingley-specific local policy and framework plan into the planning scheme, providing long-term guidance for land use decisions and future rezoning proposals.

The proposed change comes after years

of disappointment for residents living within the special use zone.

Christine’s partner Robert Levy said locals “sit waiting” and “watch the degradation of the land” around them.

According to council the study provides clarity and certainty for landowners and industry, while balancing economic development, environmental protection and long-term planning needs in one of Moorabool’s most strategically important areas.

There will now be a formal public exhibition process, allowing the community and stakeholders to make submissions on the study.

Local pride shines through

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

A decade after its first homes were built, Woodlea is being held up as a case study in how early investment and community engagement can shape life in Melbourne’s fast-growing west.

New independent research shows residents of the master-planned community, delivered by Victoria Investments & Properties and Mirvac, report high levels of local pride, strong engagement and above-average satisfaction with parks and open spaces.

The findings come from the Good Neighbours Western Suburbs Survey, which gathered insights from more than 800 residents across 17 western growth

suburbs, including Aintree, Rockbank, Thornhill Park, and Caroline Springs.

The research looked into pride, safety, transport, infrastructure and community participation in rapidly expanding neighbourhoods.

At the heart of Woodlea, Aintree recorded the highest level of pride in the region, with 69 per cent of respondents saying they feel proud of where they live, outperforming neighbouring suburbs right across the western corridor.

Woodlea project director Matthew Dean said the results reflected a long-term focus on delivering key amenities early.

“From the beginning, the vision for Woodlea was not just to sell lots, but to build a complete community,” he said.

Workshop for willing women

A much-loved local women’s choir is inviting the community to raise their voices and experience the joy of singing together, with a free workshop next month.

Hosted by the Willin Wimmin Choir, the workshop will be held on Wednesday 11 February at and is open to anyone who identifies as a woman - no auditions, no prior singing experience required.

Local residents Leanne Ivory and Ally Lacey both attended the workshop last year and joined the Willin Wimmin Choir soon after.

“The singing is fun, but the people especially are wonderful,” Ms Ivory said of the choir.

“You meet lots of different people and it’s just a really nice time.”

Ms Lacey said she hadn’t sung since high school and nearly talked herself out of coming until she saw a flyer.

“It was the little push I needed,” she said.

Ms Lacey described the choir as supportive and encouraging, with structured learning that still allows singers to challenge themselves.

The Willin Wimmin Free Singing Workshop takes place from 7.30pm-9.30pm at Dennis Reserve Centre, Williamstown.

While the workshop is free, bookings are essential.

Details: www.trybooking.com/DGEZS

“People can see the place taking shape around them, and that builds trust and pride.”

Parks and open spaces emerged as a clear strength and across the broader survey, green spaces were consistently rated as one of the best-delivered aspects of local neighbourhoods.

For Woodlea residents, 79 per cent said parks and open spaces were “done well”, compared with 56 per cent across the wider western corridor.

Frontier Adventure Park was the most frequently mentioned local destination in the survey, while the newly opened Hazelwood Adventure Park also rated highly for its family-friendly design and wetland views.

The research also found Woodlea residents report higher-than-average engagement, with more than 29 per cent attending community events.

However, the report also highlighted ongoing challenges across Melbourne’s west, including traffic congestion, slow delivery of road upgrades, public transport access and safety concerns.

GoodNeighboursMovementco-founder Kate Stewart said Woodlea’s experience offered lessons nationally.

“The findings show that early delivery and genuine commitment can build pride and connection,” she said, “but region-wide issues still require collaboration between developers, councils and government.”

West is best this Midsumma

Midsumma Westside is back again, with plenty of events happening across Melbourne’s western suburbs between 18 January until 8 February. Georgia Tacey dives into all the events happening over the festival, including a chat with First Nations drag artist Cerulean, who is cohosting Blak & Fabulous in Footscray.

Over 22 jam-packed days, Midsumma Westside will take over Melbourne’s western suburbs in one of the biggest celebrations of the LGBTQIA+ community in Victoria.

With 25 events across the west, expect to find performances that move you, exhibitions that inspire and conversations that matter, all falling under this year’s theme of ‘Time and Place’; exploring the past, current and futures of the community, including First Nations voices.

Venues like Pride of Our Footscray are set to host a variety of events, with one of its most popular highlighting an important section of the community.

Blak & Fabulous will bring an intimate evening of performance and discussion featuring drag and variety performers who will share both their talents and stories, in this showcase celebrating LGBTQIA+ First Nations performers.

CohostedbyFirstNations(Meriam/Erub Kebi and Torres Strait Islander) drag artist Cerulean and Kija drag artist and singer 2JOOCEE, a variety of performers will take the stage for a night celebrating culture and community.

Cerulean has been involved with the showcase for a number of years, and was excited to host the event for the second time.

Cerulean said this event will not only be a teaching moment, but also a space for the community to celebrate black joy in the queer community, alongside plenty of drag and performance.

“This is a really cute event where we get to discuss being queer and First Nations within Melbourne.

“I feel like there aren’t many (queer) First Nations events around, so it’s really cool to see that Pride of Our Footscray is supporting that.

“I’ve done it for the last few years and every year it’s been amazing. It’s been sold out as well, so make sure to get tickets.”

Cerulean has been heavily involved with Midsumma, performing at some of the biggest events like street party in Melbourne.

“I love the community. I feel like Midsumma is a great time for the queer community to come out together.”

The Melbourne-based artist said Tarsh Jago, a proud Palawa woman and standup comedian and Tharawal and Yorta Yorta artist and dancer Jyden Brailey will also take to the stage for Blak & Fabulous, with more First Nations artists to be announced.

“This is a really cool opportunity to be able to hear First Nations voices within this space and also to see up and coming First Nations drag artists as well,” Cerulean said.

“We’ve got a new generation of drag artists that are coming through that we hope to see on the night at Blak & Fabulous, so make sure to come down and support them.”

Find a full list of events at: midsumma.org.au/whats-on/events/queer-westside-studios-session/ Your guide to Midsumma Westside Stand Out Exhibition, 18 January- 8 February, Altona Meadows Skatepark, Altona Meadows

Presented by Hobsons Bay artist Tara Mathews, this exhibition brings bright colours and their distinctive style, in a display dedicated to queer women and gender-diverse individuals who feel like they don’t fit in.

2099: Messages to Our Queer Future, 20 January- 4 February, Louis Joel Gallery, Altona

This exhibition invites artists, creatives and makers of all ages to create a love letter, in any medium, to the future of queer community, exploring the hopes of queer liberation in the future and showcases a time capsule of the unique intricacies of queer culture today, curated by The Artist Known as Foot.

Stories for All Seasons, 20 January - 21 January, 100 Story Building, Footscray Open for LGBTQIA+ teens aged 12 to 17, these creative writing workshops offer fun writing exercises, creative activities and guidance from experienced facilitators. Participants will develop confidence, explore identity and connect with like-minded peers.

Queer Comedy Gala, 7pm, 22 January, Pride of Our Footscray Community Bar, Footscray

The gala features a stacked line-up of seven LGBTQIA+ comedians ready to make you laugh, hosted by the iconic MC Dolly Diamond and Reuben Kaye.

All Star Pride Drag Bingo, 7pm, 23 January, Pride of Our Footscray Community Bar, Footscray

Join four fabulous drag hosts for an evening of fun bingo games, camp drag shows, comedy, cocktails, prizes and much more. Balls drop 7.30pm sharp, so please ensure you arrive with plenty of time before the show starts.

Pride Pool Party, 10am, 24 January, Sunshine Leisure Centre, Sunshine Celebrate Brimbank’s vibrant LGBTQIA+

community with a fun day out in Sunshine, featuring activities, inflatable slides for the little ones, live music, catering and much more in this inclusive event.

Save the Bears!, 6.30pm, 28 January, Pride of Our Footscray Community Bar, Footscray

‘Save the Bears!’ is the pilot episode of a new animated show Summontown by Jimmy Twin, inspired by fantasy role-playing games and 1980s sitcoms. Come and have a drink while viewing the pilot episode, followed by a Q&A. A small exhibition of concept artwork and select artworks by Twin will also be on display.

Queer Westside Studios Session, 5pm, 5 February, Newport Community Hub, Newport Open for LGBTQIA+ youth aged between 15 and 24 years, this special Midsumma Edition of Westside Open Studios is a chance to create, connect and chill in a fun and supportive space. Youth can hop on the mic, jam with others, perform for peers or just catch a set.

TheSelfPossessed,5-7February,Bluestone Church Arts Space, Footscray

The Self Possessed is a showcase of performance and vocal repertoire from over three centuries, featuring works written by Handel, Gluck, Scarlatti, Gilbert and Sullivan, Noel Coward, and Billie Eilish.

Snuff Salooon, 6-7 February, Footscray Drill Hall, Footscray

Step into the shadowy heart of Snuf Puppets’ workshop turned salooon, where spectacle descends into fun chaos. The first half of the night unleashes chaos: queer performance art, live music, puppet shows that shouldn’t be left unsupervised. Loud DJ music takes over and the whole room transforms—giant puppets loom over the dance floor, live drawings flicker overhead liketransmissionsfromanotherdimension.

(Mon to Fri: 9 am – 5 pm)

Community cleans-up lake

A group of Caroline Springs residents are taking action to clean up rubbish left around Caroline Springs Lake.

Local Nimita Alphonse, who has lived in the suburb for 15 years, said she became fed up seeing large amounts of litter on her regular walks around the lake.

“It’s been more of an issue in recent times,” Ms Alphonse said.

She decided to call on the community to tackle the issue.

“With the amount of rubbish that’s around I knew I couldn’t do it on my own. So I posted in the [Facebook community group] a while back,” Ms Alphonse said.

She was joined by locals for the first clean-up event in October when they filled about 10 large garbage bags with litter in the first two hours.

“It’s just sad really for people that love taking care of the environment. Having a bunch of rubbish around is really bad. You can’t even see the landscaping properly,” Ms Alphonse said.

“People have started to say Caroline Springs is in decline … It kind of feels like someone comes into your home and chucks rubbish there.”

Now, the group meets monthly to clean up rubbish at the lake.

Residents are currently deciding the January date for the next clean-up.

Ms Alphonse said she hopes more locals join the group.

Locals interested in joining the clean-up group can find more information on the ‘Caroline Springs Community’ group on Facebook, and can reach out to Ms Alphonse directly as well.

Caroline Springs resident Nimita Alphonse. (Supplied)

Sports shorts

Australia Day awards

Residents are invited to take part in Moorabool’s official Australia Day celebrations, with council hosting a community event recognising local achievements and welcoming new citizens. The event will feature live music, a town crier, an Australia Day awards presentation and an official citizenship ceremony. A highlight of the day will be the Australia Day awards, which honour individuals and community groups whose contributions have made a positive impact across the shire. Awards will be presented for citizen of the year, young citizen of the year and community event of the year. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend, with the celebrations also live-streamed on Moorabool Council’s Facebook page.

Tumbleweeds

Residents across Melbourne’s west are being urged to prepare for possible tumbleweed impacts this summer after higher-than-average rainfall in recent months. The City of Melton warns tumbleweed events may occur across the municipality, particularly during strong winds, with past incidents affecting suburbs including Hillside, Aintree, Eynesbury and Kurunjang. Council officers are working with landowners to manage weed overgrowth and reduce risks.

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Mayor’s message

Cr Lara Carli

Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed quality time with family and friends over the Christmas break.

I’m looking forward to the year ahead and seeing further progress on major projects, including the Cobblebank Community Services Building and the Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Fraser Rise— fantastic assets that will serve our growing community.

This year, we will also continue to focus on improving and making our local roads safer. During the school holidays, we have been taking advantage of quieter roads to complete some important projects. To see what’s happening in your area, visit melton.vic.gov. au/roadworks

Summer is definitely here now, and with the recent weather events I’d like to thank our local CFA’s and SES for going above and beyond to support and protect our community. Your commitment and hard work don’t go unnoticed.

It’s a timely reminder to look after yourself in hot weather. You can also visit Council’s libraries to stay cool if you need. If you live or work in a high risk fire area, ensure you have a plan in place. For more information, visit melton.vic.gov. au/heatwave.

Finally, on Australia Day we’ll proudly welcome 400 new Australians at a citizenship ceremony at Cobblebank Indoor Stadium followed by a community event including a BBQ and entertainment for families. Our cultural diversity is one of our City’s greatest strengths, and I look forward to celebrating this special day with our community. Feel free to contact me about Sugar Gum Ward or Council related issues on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton.vic.gov.au

Community Volunteer Achievement Awards now open

Nominations are open for Melton City Council’s 2026 Community Volunteer Achievement Awards. The annual awards recognise volunteers who inspire pride, strengthen community spirit, and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive community. Residents can be nominated across five award categories:

• Citizen of the Year

• Young Citizen of the Year

• Disability Access and Inclusion Leader of the Year

• Gender Equity Leader of the Year

• Intercultural Engagement Leader of the Year

Nominations close Saturday 28 February 2026, with winners to be announced in May. For information, visit melton.vic.gov.au/ volunteer-awards

Hilltop Ward with Cr John Verdon

Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing break over the holiday period. Things are starting to pick up for 2026, and I know I’m looking forward to another big year.

What a wonderful festive season we had across our community to round out 2025. Council supported two great community Carols by candlelight events, at Diggers Rest and Caroline Springs, with large turn outs at both events. The Sydenham Hillside Cricket Club held its own community Christmas party which is always wonderful and we had Council’s Carols by Candlelight event that rounded out a great holiday season calendar of festivities.

I’d like to acknowledge the terrific work that went into coordinating our incredible Christmas decorations. Residents have been asking for more festive displays for a long time, and it

was exciting to see the first year of this new program come to life. I’m looking forward to watching it grow in the years ahead.

There are plenty of exciting projects to look forward to in Hilltop Ward. This year will see the start of community consultation for new recreation spaces and a community centre in Diggers Rest, so keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved.

Finally, if you have a great idea for a project or initiative you’d like Council to consider as part of our 2026/27 Council Plan and Budget process, I encourage you to share it on Melton Conversations. Submissions close Tuesday 27 January.

Feel free to contact me regarding Hilltop Ward or Council related issues on 0418 444 883 or email at John.Verdon@melton.vic.gov.au

Hard waste collection or drop off

If you have been busy decluttering or cleaning out your home over the holiday period, don’t forget to take advantage of your hard waste collections or drop-off entitlements. Each household receiving a Melton City Council kerbside bin service is entitled annually to:

• Two free Council hard waste collections (up to 3 cubic metres each), or

• Two free drop-offs at the Melton Recycling Facility (up to 1 cubic metre each), or

• A combination of one of each.

These entitlements apply to both tenants and property owners. For information or to book a collection, visit melton.vic.gov.au/hard-waste

Australia Day operating hours

Our offices, libraries and animal pound will be closed on Monday 26 January. There is no change to kerbside bin collections, so please put your bin out Sunday night if Monday is your usual collection day.

The Melton Recycling Facility is open 8am – 4.30pm. For information or to report an issue visit melton.vic.gov.au

Firies give back to community

By Jack O’shea-Ayres

Recent fires in Harcourt and Ravenswood have underscored just how demanding and unpredictable the season can be, but for the volunteers at Eynesbury CFA, the motivation to serve runs deep.

Second lieutenant and communication officer Jason McEgan said his decision to join the brigade was inspired by a desire to give back in a meaningful way.

“Growing up, I saw first-hand the impact emergencies can have on people’s lives and how vital the fire brigade is in those moments,” he said.

“The opportunity to help others when they’re at their most vulnerable, while being part of a team that looks out for one another really, really motivated me.

“That sense of teamwork is echoed throughout the brigade.”

Secretary and firefighter Kimberley Briggs said her country Victorian upbringing showed her the importance of CFA volunteers long before she joined.

“CFA is not only about protecting lives and property: it’s also about building strong connections, a sense of family, and lasting friendships,” she said.

“It’s something I am genuinely proud to be part of.”

For firefighter Sarah Beasley, joining the CFA was the fulfilment of a childhood dream.

“Back when it wasn’t something that females did,” she said.

“When I knew females were encouraged to join, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Having emigrated to Australia a decade ago, she said the brigade had become her

family, providing support both on and off the ground.

“I can honestly say that the Eynesbury CFA are my family,“ she said.

Firefighter Brody Cutlack’s path to Eynesbury CFA followed in his father’s footsteps.

“I would go to training nights with him and from there I came up to become a firefighter,” he said.

“I also just want to help people in any way I can.”

Thatcommitmenthasbeentestedduring

recent fire activity, as Mr McEgan described the past week as physically and mentally demanding, but deeply rewarding.

“Seeing crews from different brigades working seamlessly together really reinforces why we do this,” he said.

Ms Briggs said witnessing the devastation of major fires left a lasting impression, but also highlighted the strength of the CFA network.

“We don’t do what we do for the grati-

“We do it for the quiet knowledge that someone is safer because we showed up.”

Eynesbury CFA captain Kylie Newton urged residents to play their part as the season continues, echoing the responsibility to be prepared and informed over the fire season.

“Property preparation is key,” she said.

“Have a fire plan, stay informed through the VicEmergency app, and leave early on extreme and catastrophic days. There will

Discarded on the dump

In December 1949, 12-year-old Ivan Lawson, scrounging in the Footscray rubbish tip for bike parts, got the shock of his life when he found a woman’s body 200 yards behind the Hume Steel Works. In tears, the boy raced home to tell his father, who immediately notified the police. This wasthepenultimatedayoftheyearandthe fourth murder of that week in Melbourne.

The badly battered deceased was Maisie Marsh, nee Oakley, of no fixed place of abode, 26 years old but looking twice her age. Her jacket, dress and underwear had been ripped, and nearby lay a length of bloodstained timber.

The back of Maisie’s head had been crushed, and her throat slashed several times.Therewasafiveinchgashacrossher throat and a broken razor was embedded in the wound. Newspapers had been wrapped around her neck to prevent the blood from leaking, presumably over the killer and/or his car.

Detectives had no doubt that Maisie’s last journey had been in a car, and initially it was theorised that she had been murdered inside a motor vehicle before being discarded in Footscray. A car could have been driven on the track from Dynon Road or from the New Footscray Road end of the dump. Because the body was found where the piles of refuse were largest, thus affording some privacy, they believed that she had met her death at the Dynon Road end.

Police found the cabby who’d picked up Maisie, accompanied by a foreign gentleman, outside the Menzies Hotel that morning, He had driven them to New Footscray Road, where they had alighted near the docks. Maisie had suggested to her companion that they enjoy a stroll in the unsavoury Dudley Flats, near which were piles of garbage from the Dynon Road factories. The couple walked off in the direction of the tip. If the cabby had been at all curious about this unusual pair,- the man was Jamaican – he made no indication of it. He had collected his cash and driven off in search of other fares in the busy pre-new year period.

Apart from their differences in age and colour, the couple’s relationship was somewhat unusual. Oscar Skyers, a crew member on the interstate freighter, SS Amicus, had first met Maisie five months previously in Little Bourke Street. Since then, they had met up at various ports, with Skyers smuggling his girlfriend on board to enjoy several free trips. She had always displayed an enthusiastic interest in him, not, as he would have preferred, for his dashing good looks, but for the plump wallet he carried in his pocket. Somewhere along one of their clandestine voyages, he had paid her generously for services rendered, only to discover that she had also picked his pocket of the thirty pounds which he’d saved for his brother’s widow.

Sadly, Oscar had no immediate opportunity to tackle Maisie with her treachery. Someone, resentful of his shipmate’s onboard capers, had informed the captain that an unauthorised passenger was plying her trade on the Amicus. Maisie was unceremoniously shown the gangway and left to make her ownwaybacktoMelbourneonterrafirma. But now, reunited with his beloved, in the unromantic environs of Dudley Flats, Skyers challenged Maisie with the theft of his hard earned money during their last time together. She admitted it, adding that

she had handed it all to “her man”. Given the nature of the transaction, the fact that she was separated from her husband and that she spent a lot of time around the Melbourne docks, it would appear that she referred to a pimp, if one existed. Skyers called her a cheat and a thief. Taking exception to his manner, Maisie wrenched offashoeandgave Skyersagoodwhacking for his insolence whilst taunting him for his naivety.

Skyers lost control, seized the length of wood and wielded it savagely. Then, horrified by what he had done, he hurried away and caught a train to New South Wales.

Maisie was identified by fingerprints. Twenty five detectives searched the docks and questioned people in the vicinity, whilst the Special Branch guarded the docks on the lookout for a coloured seaman.

At dawn on New Year’s Eve, police from

Footscray and homicide did a sweep from Williamstown to Spencer Street bridge, accompanied by photographers and fingerprint experts.

The post mortem was performed by Assistant Government Pathologist, Dr Flemming, who found that Maisie had died of multiple blows to the head and that her throat had been cut after death.

Skyers was arrested in Newcastle and taken to Sydney. Unlike most homicide suspects, he was so well behaved that he didn’t need handcuffs for his extradition.

On 4 January, 1950, Oscar Skyers, aged 51, married, Jamaican-born but resident of Cardiff, Wales, was remanded at the City Court until 10 January after being refused bail.

Spectators in court included Maisie’s estranged husband, Leo March, of Forbes, New South Wales. The court learned that the couple had two children, aged six and four years, who lived with their father.

Maisie was often seen near the Melbourne docks, presumably touting for business, and had reverted to her maiden name, Oakley, for some years. What had led to their separation, whether drug or alcohol addiction, infidelity, mental illness or domestic violence, is not known.

Skyers resolutely denied using the razor, admitting only to hitting Maisie with a length of timber.

Why?

“She insulted me. She thought because I’m black, I’m a fool and that’s why she took my money.” Then he wept, “I loved her. I lost my temper.”

Evidencewasgiventhattheaccusedwas illiterate and that he suffered mild brain damage from a World War I injury that impaired his judgment.

On 22 February, 1950, Skyers was acquitted of murder and found guilty of manslaughter. After serving his sentence of eight years’ jail, he was deported.

Discovering Dunedin

By Kylie Mitchell-Smith TRAVEL WRITER/ PODCASTER www.travellingsenorita.com

HAVING explored the tourist meccas of the South Island of New Zealand (Queenstown and Christchurch) I thought it was time to venture further afield and head to the more hidden gem that is Dunedin in the SoutheasternregionofOtago.

Dunedin often likened to a mini-Edinburgh (the Edinburgh of the south), complete with Scottish vibes, the four seasons in one day weather and even it’s own castle. And that was our first stop on our ‘Discover Dunedin’ itineraryLarnach Castle perched high in the hills above Otago Harbour.

The surrounding Peninsula is a hilly slither of volcanic land, abundant in flora and fauna – a place to see Sea Lions and Penguins and one of the few accessible places where Albatross nest.

Larnach Castle is like stepping back in time and swapping hemispheres. Commissioned in 1871 by local character William Larnach, the castle is a gothic masterpiece with plenty of stories to tell. The property was derelict for quite some time after William’s passing with a New Zealand couple - the Barkers – buying it in 1967 and bringing it back to life.

Thelibraryanddininghallhostlongtable dinners showcasing all the South Island has to offer. While the tastefully decorated stable and lodge accommodation offers breathtaking views across the harbour. There’s also a garden cafe and exquisite groundstowandermakingthecastleatrue ode to the past.

Following our tour we check into Distinction - a downtown hotel in the centre of the city before we head out again to admire the colourful murals that adorn the streets. We wander the high street and devour a classic cheese roll at Good Oil Cafe, a locals juice at Buster Greens and a hearty pub meal at Speights Ale House. We are getting the sense that this city is all

about bakeries and breweries.

The next day we plan a trip on the Taieri Gorge Train. The train leaves from the Dunedin Railway Station – one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Built in 1906 it’s famed for its renaissance architecture. The train takes us across Otago’s sweeping countryside, with towering viaducts and the gushing Taieri River below-while the onboard storyteller recounts tales of a gold rush era.

As the sun sets over Otago Harbour, we take a short trip to the surf beaches, stopping at St Clair for Cocktails at Piccolo, Pasta at the Esplanade and Dessert at Sorello-housed in an iconic beachfront location. We stroll along the promenade and admire the locals as they brave the newly opened (heated) saltwater pools.

The next day we jump on our trusty e-bikes and take on the newly opened bike and pedestrian path that follows the harbour to Port Chalmers, a quaint port town. From there we book a water (bike) taxiacrosstheharbourtoprettyPortobello, passing Quarantine and Goat Island along

the way.

Lunch is served at the local Portobello Pub, fresh Blue Cod and chips washed down with a local Speights ale and Central Otago wine, which really hit the spot. After lunch we cycle up the road to a new farm gate cafe, Augustine, for the tastiest of scones with lashings of berry jam and local cream.

We take in the sights of the University of Otago - billed as a leader in education it ranks in the top 200 Universities in the world. There’s a vibrant student population living on the outskirts which has attracted cafes like Strictly Coffee - a roaster with one of the best brews around.

We take a bespoke tour to the tip of the Otago Peninsula with local guides, ClearwaterWildlifeTours.Walkingthrough a working farm to the rugged clifftops and pristine beach of Cape Saunders, spotting sealions and yellow-eyed penguins along the way.

A trip to Dunedin isn’t complete without a visit to the Otago Farmers Markets, held each Saturday in the carpark adjacent to

therailwaystation.WetasteDunedinCraft Distillers Gin made from bread scraps and sample a delicious Short Black chocolate from local makers Ocho (Otago Chocolate Company).

Rug up and discover the delights of Dunedin, it’s the ideal stopover to explore the South Island, with direct flights from the East Coast it’s fast becoming the next ‘go to’ New Zealand destination. EAT-

LarnachCastledining PortobelloHotel

• PiccoloStClair

• NobleDunedin

PLAY-

• Speight’sbrewerytour

• ClearWaterWildlifeTours TairiGorgeTrain OtagoFarmersMarket STAY-

• LarnachLodge

• DistinctionHotel

Iconic Experiences, Expertly Escorted

Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase

National Park

Full-Board River Elegance

3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray

Princess with all meals and sightseeing

Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse

Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat

Taste Riverland food and wine

Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour

Hand-Picked Hotel Stays

3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast

1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner

2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm,

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Army Duck tour of the rainforest

and dine service and entertainment Iconic Experiences, Expertly Escorted Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway tour including^: Kuranda Village, Rainforestation Nature Park, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, Tropical Fruit Orchard, Dreamtime Walk, Koala and Wildlife Park, and Amphibious

‘Reef Magic’ Great Barrier Reef cruise, including: Airconditioned catamaran transfers, 4 hours of reef time, marine life touch tank, underwater observatory, and fish feeding presentations

Hand-Picked Hotel Stays

1 night four-star hotel stay in Brisbane at the Amora Hotel Brisbane

5 night four-star hotel stay in Cairns at the Crystalbrook Bailey

All hotel stays include breakfast

All Flights & Taxes

EUROPEAN SOJOURN

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Budapest to Amsterdam or vice versa

15 DAYS • 4 COUNTRIES • 12 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAR-NOV 2026; APR-NOV 2027; MAY-DEC 2028

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From $7,195pp in Standard Stateroom From $9,095pp in Veranda Stateroom

MY PLACE

Meet Melton local Faryal Rizwan, who will soon embark on an educational trip to Malaysia as she explores the way Islamic values shape education and community. Faryal is studying a bachelor of Islamic studies at the Charles Sturt Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation and is one of three Charles Sturt University students to receive a New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship. She spoke with Jack O’Shea-Ayres.

What’s your connection to Melton?

I’ve lived in Melton for over 10 years and have loved watching it grow. It’s become increasingly diverse and multicultural, withgreatparksandstrongpotentialforthe future.

What would you change about where you live?

I’d love to see more regular community events, local markets, creative forums, and more local cafes and brunch spots, places where residents can connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate across cultures. There’s already great momentum, and expanding these spaces would strengthen socialcohesionandlocalpride.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

Ilovegoingforwalks,especiallyaroundthe lake at Navan Park and the Melton Botanic Garden. And as a student, the local library is definitely a favourite. It’s spacious, calm, and the perfect place to catch up on some study.

What inspired you to pursue a bachelor of Islamic Studies, and what does studying abroad mean to you?

My interest in Islamic studies comes from a desire to better understand how faith and ethics inform daily life, learning and character - I wanted to be empowered in my understanding of Islam, particularly in a world where the faith is often misunderstood. Studying in Malaysia, a country that demonstrates how Islam can flourish within a modern, multicultural society, will give me valuable insights I can bring back to Australia. Through the scholarship, I hope to contribute to community education, interfaith dialogue, andinitiativesthatpromoteunderstanding,

harmony,coexistence,andsharedvaluesat a local level. As a student of Islamic Studies atCharlesSturtUniversity,thisopportunity allowsmetotakemylearningbeyondtheory and into real, lived experience. I’m excited to learn in this environment and to engage

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago

17 January, 1996

Melton council faces an aged care crisis over the next 15 years because of a combination of government funding cuts and a predicted blowout in the numberofresidentsover65.

20 years ago 17 January, 2006

The man accused of the rape and murder of Melton real estate agent Lorelle Makin has been ordered to stand trial, follow a committal hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court lastFriday.

with perspectives that will stretch how I thinkabouteducationandcommunity.

What is one thing people might be surprised to know about you?

At 18, straight out of high school, I travelled

solo to northern Pakistan near the Himalayas and fell into an icy lake while hiking, an early crash course in resilience andadaptability. Luckily, it didn’t put me off international adventures!

15 years ago

18 January, 2011

Emergency service crews and residents have rescued a 14-year-old Ballan boy who was almost washed away by rising floodwatersinGordon.

10 years ago

19 January, 2016

A community picnic, called to help unite Melton around its Muslim community last Sunday, was called off by police and organisers because anti-Islamgroupsindicatedtheywould gatecrashtheevent.

Faces of the west

Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the west.

527247_04

Melton Waves staff Courtney O’Keeffe, Jackson Eekelschot and Tahlia Rogerson. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 527206_04

Maddison, 4, Derinda and Lilly-Jade, 9, at Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 526798_03

missing ad:

WRL contractor appointed

By Jack O’shea-Ayres

Construction on Victoria’s Western Renewable Link (WRL) is one step closer after Ausnet announced last month the appointment of a joint venture between ACCIONA and Genus to undertake works for the proposed 190-kilometre long transmission line.

Oncecompleted,the500kvtransmission line will connect new renewable energy generation projects and transmit electricity from near Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west.

The announcement came soon after Moorabool Shire Council’s closing state-

ment after it gave evidence at the WRL Environment Effects Statements (EES) public hearing in early December.

Approximately 60km of the proposed overhead high-voltage line will run directly through Moorabool Shire from east to west, with council arguing a full or partial undergrounding of the line to be a more feasible and future-focused approach.

“Despite the additional costs, Council considers the undergrounding full or partial to be a feasible, future-focused approach that reduces unnecessary impacts,” Moorabool’s mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor said.

Gerard Carew, AusNet general manag-

er, major projects and lead for the Western Renewables Link project, said the appointment a huge milestone.

“This appointment is a big step forward for the project, enabling the WRL team to continue important preparation work so that construction can move ahead if the project receives the necessary planning approvals,” he said.

Council wants AusNet Services to further investigate several aspects of the EES before any decisions are made about the project, including social, economic, bushfire, agricultural and visual impacts.

Tristan Walters from ACCIONA Genus Joint Venture said the project is a “transfor-

Help keep donations flowing at charity

Big Group Hug (BGH) is calling for new volunteers this year, to help with an influx of donations.

BGH volunteer manager Francesca Ligabo said she needs extra hands to keep donations moving.

“We always get a lot of donations in the lead up to Christmas and then they just wait there for the new year for volunteers to have the time to go through them,” Ms Ligabo said.

“We have to make sure that the quality control stays very high and therefore many hands and many eyes need to go through each item and make sure that they’re really in good condition.”

Ms Ligabo said there are many roles availableforvolunteers,withflexiblehours.

“There’s various roles in sorting, packing and checking the toys, sending and receiving requests as well as greeting caseworkers and donors at the door.

“You’re welcome to just show up any day… that we are open, any time for any amount of time.

“This distinguishes us from some other organisations that have a strict roster.”

Ms Ligabo said there are also remote roles that volunteers can perform.

You can apply to volunteer at BGH by visiting https://biggrouphug.org/ support-us/volunteer/join-our-volunteer-family/

mational piece of infrastructure for Victoria”, with safety and respect prioritised in its delivery.

“Our team is committed to delivering this project safely and with respect to all communities. This award underscores our commitment to enabling Australia’s energy transition and demonstrates our capability to deliver large-scale, complex energy infrastructure.”

EES hearings are set to conclude in March.

Detailed information about the EES, next steps and daily hearing recordings can be found at engage.vic.gov.au/Western-Renewables-Link-IAC.

Transport blitz now underway

Major transport upgrades are now underway across Melbourne’s west with a 14-day construction blitz kicking off over the weekend.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams announced on Thursday 8 January that train services will receive a huge boost to capacity and reliability as two brand-new stations begin construction and the removal of congested level-crossings get underway.

Platforms at Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations will also be extended to accommodate longer nine-car VLocity trains from 2027 as part of the Melton Line Upgrade, increasing capacity by up to 50 per cent.

Melton MP Steve McGhie said “Delivering a new Melton station and upgrading the Melton Line to boost passenger capacity by 50 per cent will be a game changer for locals, making it easier to access public transport.”

Signalling works for the new Cobblebank stabling yard are also set to be completed.

Meanwhile, works are continuing on removing four level crossings in Melton and Truganina, including new rail bridges at Coburns and Exford roads and road bridges at Ferris Road and Hopkins Road. Coaches and buses will replace some train services during the works, with passengers along the Geelong and Ballarat lines urged to plan ahead and check Transport Victoria for updates as service changes are underway between Sunday 11 January to Friday 23 January.

PUZZLES

and

of

Accept reluctantly (9)

Gather piecemeal (5)

Talents (9)

Tollway (8)

Lifts balloon (3,3)

Help (6) 18 Emblem of Islam (8)

Relating to the body (9)

Low woody plant (5)

Hosiery (9)

Person of English ancestry (5)

Astonishment (8)

At one (6)

Stubborn (9)

8 Sideboard (7)

10 Startled, disconcerted (5)

14 Storage tank (9)

16 Charges (7)

17 Cue sport (7)

19 Guidelines (5)

20 Support (7)

21 Forbidden (7)

22 Sport (6)

25 Just (5)

1 What is the capital of the Bahamas? 2 Who played Samuel ‘Sam’ Loomis in the 1998 remake of Psycho?

Who won the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix?

What was the name of Julia Roberts’ (pictured) character in the film Pretty Woman?

The MacDonnell Ranges are in which Australian state or territory?

6 Who wrote the 2009 novel Wolf Hall? 7 A waltz is usually danced in what

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Community band

The Greater Western Community Band meets Thursdays from 7.30-9.30pm. The 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, 0401474582

Lights of Wisdom

The Bahá’ís of Moorabool warmly invite you to ‘Lights of Wisdom’ – a monthly event providing an opportunity to relax in a tranquil environment and reflect on inspiring themes. The event is held on the first Friday of each month from 7.30–8.30pm at the Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh. This is a free community event open to all.

God, movie and chat

A free community event is held every second Friday of each month with a film with spiritual themes screened followed by discussion. All thoughts are welcome. Bring your own sandwich. Tea, coffee, and popcorn are provided. The event is hosted at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 19a Gisborne Road, Bacchus March. bacchusmarshanglican.org.au

Melton South Community Singers Singers of all levels are welcome at the Melton South Community Singers. This free and friendly group meets at the Melton South Community Centre and rehearses to perform at local venues and events. The group meets from 12.15-2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month. No bookings are required. Sue, 0400 082 413

Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens

The Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens look forward to meeting up with new members at the Andy Arnold Centre, 10 Bennett Street, Bacchus Marsh. hopem@optusnet.com.au

Melton Concert Band

Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7.30-9.30pm at the Bridge Road Community Centre, Bridge Road, Melton South. Musicians of any age who are able to read music are welcome to come along with their instrument (oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion). Please contact if you are intending to visit. 0401 474 582

Women’s Support Group

Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42

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

Melton Men’s Group

Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8 pm at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre at 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join

them for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including, carpet bowls, pool, table tennis, cards and chess.

Trevor 0404 494 649 or https:// meltonmensgroup.home.blog/

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

The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. 9746 0271

Community singing group

If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am.

Val, 0418 667 150

Melton Trauma Teddies

Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need.

Jean 0412 931 498

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron

and market our bags. The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House, 2-5pm. https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club

The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month except January, from 7.30pm, at The Laurels, 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Guest speakers and supper provided.New members welcome. Michelle, 0421 106 268

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.

Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366

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 53674390

Every hall has a story

Valentine’s Day. Many will spend it over a candlelit dinner or a romantic movie.

If that is not the style for you or your beloved, then why not head down the highway and learn a little about Little River.

Damian Callinan will be delivering his show Hall Stories with his trademark irreverence and cheek.

The celebrated actor, comedian, and creator of the hit Netflix film The Merger will

combine his storytelling skills and stand-up knack to pull back the curtain on his own tour stories.

At the same time, he examines the quirks, traditions, and characters of Australian halls and meeting.

In this particular show, Callinan will also spend time with the local community to delve into the history and characters of the Little River Mechanics Institute Hall, and the

role that it plays in the broader community.

As well as the show, he will later deliver a podcast to document the story of the Little River Mechanics Institute Hall.

There is barely a bakery in regional Australia that hasn’t had one of Damian Callinan’s show posters blu-tacked to its window– and it will be him at his absolute peak in what you could call a comfort zone.

HallStoriesisCallinandoingwhathedoes

Start your engines, Bacchus Marsh

Get set for engines to roar and propellers to spin as Bacchus Marsh Wings, Wheels, and Coffee returns for 2026, promising a high-octane day where horsepower meets skypower.

Taking off on Sunday 1 February, the much-loved and jam-packed event will run from 9am to 4pm at the Bacchus Marsh Airfield on Cummings Road, Parwan, transforming the tarmac into a playground for motoring and aviation fans alike.

This open event welcomes all motorsport enthusiasts, showcasing an impressive mix of classic and modern cars, bikes

and aircraft.

Whether you prefer your machines hugging the road or dancing through the clouds, there’s plenty to keep you grounded in excitement, and occasionally looking straight up.

One of the biggest drawcards is the aerobatic and classic aircraft flying displays, with some of Australia’s top pilots set to put on a show that’s sure to be plane awesome.

On the ground, car builders and enthusiasts will roll in with machines polished to perfection, offering spectators plenty of chrome, curves and craftsmanship to ad-

mire.

It’s not just for rev-heads and aviation tragics. The family-friendly day promises food trucks, activities for kids, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to park yourself for hours.

All car and aviation clubs are welcome, with a simple invitation: drive in or fly in.

Entry is $15 per vehicle or aircraft, and every dollar goes toward supporting local community and health charities, including the Royal Children’s Hospital, Blue Light Disco, Barista Blue, and local sporting clubs.

Clotheslined to clobber Footscray on Australia Day weekend

Inner-west punters should prepare to get well and truly cleaned-up and checked for concussion when five of Melbourne’s toughest and hardest bands take over Footscray this Australia Day weekend.

Headlined by the appropriately named, Clotheslined, the night of ferocious, no-frills rock takes place at Mama Chens on Saturday 24 January. Renowned for blistering live shows, metallic hardcore lords, Clotheslined, top the five-band bill, and if the four bands coming before don’t knock you out, the Mel-

bourne four-piece surely will.

Helping them to kick-off the long-weekend will be local young guns Blackbird, who’ll be keen to demonstrate why their considered one of the best early-2000’s metalcore revival bands around. If hardcore punk is more your go, Lockjaw, will have you covered with tracks from the recent self-titled demo.

Local bands also get a look in, with Footscray’s own, Knifepoint, bringing their heavily New York influenced hardcore to the inner-west. And opening the night with a

best, where he does it best. He knows how to talk over a bubbling urn; wind up when the Country Women’s Association heads into the supper room, and stack the chairs in fives at the end of the night. This gig is better for mature audiences as it may contain coarse language and adult themes. The show starts at 7.30pm on 14 February, and runs for 90 minutes with no interval.

Midsumma festival fun in Brimbank

The Midsumma Festival is coming to Brimbank this summer in a burst of colour and culture.

Running from 18 January to 8 February, the Midsumma Westside program brings events to Brimbank venues, celebrating local LGBTQIA+ stories and community.

Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos encouraged locals to attend.

“We’re proud to be part of Midsumma Westside, supporting our LGBTQIA+ community by bringing the colour, creativity and connections of Australia’s premier queer arts and cultural Midsumma Festival to venues across Melbourne’s west,” Cr Tachos said.

A major highlight is the Brimbank LGBTQIA+ History Exhibition, supported by the Australian Queer Archives.

The exhibition maps and celebrates LGBTQIA+ history, showcasing the rich stories and connections that define Brimbank’s vibrant queer heritage.

“The exhibition contains objects and artworks of notable westies like Leigh Bowery, Kween Kong, Nathan McGlynn, Q West, Sunshine Gay Girl and more!” Cr Tachos said.

Locals are invited to the exhibition’s opening night gala at 6pm on Thursday 22 January at the Bowery Gallery, St Albans Community Centre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans.

While entry is free, bookings are essential for the gala.

The exhibition itself runs from 16 January to 4 April, giving visitors months to explore the exhibition.

Adding to the summer festivities is the pride pool party in Sunshine, an LGBTQIA+ inclusive event taking place on Saturday 24 January at Sunshine Leisure Centre.

thump will be the so-called ‘westside beatdown crew’ Destroyed, with pit-inducing tracks such as their current single ‘Gambler.’

Don’t be fooled by the name though. The local four-piece sound nothing like Kenny Rogers.

The mayhem begins at 7pm and entry is free.

Mama Chens is located at 42 Albert Street, Footscray.

Details: https://mammachens.com.au/2601-24-clotheslined/

The free event will feature inflatable slides for youngsters, live music and catering.

For full event details and free ticket bookings, visit Creative Brimbank or midsumma.org.au.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Actress Lila McGuire portrays which retired Australian tennis legend in a 2026 mini-series?

2. Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young was recently traded to which NBA team?

3. Which Belarusian tennis pro won the women’s singles title at the 2026 Brisbane International?

4. Jessica Hull, Oliver Hoare, Linden Hall and Jack Anstey won World Cross Country Championships gold in which event?

5. Which Russian tennis pro won the men’s singles title at the 2026 Brisbane International?

6. Brazilian professional soccer player Gabriel Martinelli last played for which Premier League

Australian freestyle skier Laura Peel won which women’s aerials medal at the recent World Cup event at Lac-Beauport, Canada?

Which former Socceroo is head coach of the Australian men’s national under-23 soccer

Which country’s premier baseball league is home to teams including the Carp, Swallows, Fighters and Buffaloes?

Lachie Neale last captained which AFL

11. In which two Australian cities are United Cup tennis matches held?

12. Which NBA team holds the regular-season record with 73 wins and only nine losses?

13. Former Rabbitohs player Keaon Koloamatangi recently signed a fiveyear deal with which NRL team?

14. Seventeen-year-old tennis star Emerson Jones hails from which Australian city?

15. Which Aussie tennis player partnered with Nick Kyrgios during the Brisbane International doubles tournament?

16. Spanning 428 weeks, which men’s tennis player has spent the longest amount of time ranked as world No.1?

17. The recently built NBA arena, Intuit Dome, is the home of which team?

18. Which English Test cricketer was fined $60,000 following an incident at a Wellington nightclub last October?

19. True or false: Major League Baseball stadiums all vary in size and shape?

20. Starring Timothée Chalamet, the 2025 film MartySupreme centres around which sport?

21. Sacramento and Los Angeles teams in the NBA and the NHL respectively share which nickname?

22. How many red balls are there in a game of snooker?

23. And how many colour balls?

24. Which sport is the focus of the 1986 movie Youngblood and its 2026 remake?

25. On a tenpin bowling scorecard, what does a circled number mean?

26. What are the names of the two pieces that slot together to make up the majority of a dart?

27. Which stadium was formerly known as Telstra Dome?

28. Matthew Wade and Brad Haddin are both known for what sporting role?

29. In which year was the first FIFA video game released?

30. And since then, which FIFA release has sold the most copies?

The BYD Shark is coming

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

It’s BYD’s Shark and it’s coming for you.

At least it is if you’re in the market for a ute because the Shark, or Shark 6 to be exact, has been a runaway success for the Chinese company.

BYDhassoldmorethan10,000examples of the dual cab utility since launch 12 months ago and just to set the record straight, it’s not an electric vehicle - but rather a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

That makes the Shark rather special but not quite unique with competitors such as the Ford Ranger and GWM Cannon Alpha which also come as PHEVs.

STYLING

There’s just the one grade offered, priced from $57,900 plus on-road costs. Premium paint adds $700.

Although the styling breaks no new ground, it’s a good-looking bus, especially at night with its full width LED light arrays front and back.

Interestingly, when you see one behind you in the traffic, it’s difficult to make out the brand because the BYD lettering is reversed in the mirror.

LOL.

Standard kit includes artificial leather trim, dual zone climate air with rear vents, a leather-cladsteeringwheelandpower-adjust frontseatsthatareheatedandcooled.

There’s also side steps, 18-inch alloys, head-up display, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, blingy LED head and tail lights, auto-dimming interior mirror, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors.

Shark is covered by a six-year/150,000km warranty.

A separate eight-year warranty is offered on the battery, along with roadside assistance for the duration.

INFOTAINMENT

Infotainment centres on a huge 15.6-inch centre touchscreen, with a separate 10.25-inch digital instrument.

There’s Bluetooth, voice control, FM and DAB+ digital radio, built-in navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound.

The cameras and navigation look great on the big screen, but the computer voice that delivers the directions is diabolical, almost unintelligible at times.

The directions are also a bit hit and miss, sometimes warning you not to take turn outsandatothertimescompletelyignoring side roads.

USB A + C ports are provided front and back, along with wireless phone charging and over-the-air updates.

It also has vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, with three power plugs in the tray and another three-pin plug in the cabin.

SAFETY

Shark gets a full five stars for safety from the ANCAP organisation.

Seven airbags, including a centre airbag are standard, plus reversing and 360-degree cameras and auto braking are standard (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Crossing, Backover and Head-On).

There’s also a lane support system, with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS).

Two ISOFix and top tether child seat anchors are supplied, but it’s a juggling act to fit the tether to the rear anchor.

ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS

The hybrid system consists of a 1.5-litre

turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, together with electric motors for the front and rear axles and a 30 kWh battery.

Combined output is an impressive 321kW of power and 650Nm of torque, with drivetoallfourwheelsviaareductionstyle one-speed automatic transmission.

DRIVING

Shark is 5457mm long with a 3260mm wheelbase, which makes it longer than Ranger.

It weighs a hefty 2710kg, with a big 13.5 metre turning circle, ground clearance of 230mm and a wading depth of 700mm.

Tow capacity falls well short of the mark at 2500kg, while the load capacity is cited at 790kg.

The cabin has an upmarket feel, with artificial leather trim, contrast stitching and bright, metallic orange garnishes.

The seats are reasonably comfortable and rear legroom is good, with aircon outlets for rear seat passengers.

The rear seat flips forward to provide access to child seat tether points, but it is almost impossible to pull the webbing taut to make it secure.

There’s USB A and C ports front and back, with a 12 volt outlet front and a 240 volt outlet in the back - plus wireless phone charging.

The Shark’s hybrid system is a bit of a mixed bag, operating in both series and parallel modes.

Below 70km/h it operates in electric only mode, above this speed the petrol engine kicks in to provide extra grunt to the front wheels.

Like the Nissan e-Power system the petrol engine acts as a range extender, recharging the battery on the go - up to a point.

Shark is surprisingly quick off the mark, with the dash from 0-100km/h taking only 5.7 seconds.

Drive modes include Normal, Eco and Sport, along with the addition of Mud, Sand, Snow and Mountain all-terrain options (not sure what Mountain is all about).

In Eco mode the rear electric motor basically shuts down.

With a 60-litre tank range is a combined 800km, or it can travel up to 80km on electric power alone.

Like most plug-in hybrids it has claimed fuel consumption of 2.0L/100km.

Energy or power consumption is rated at 21.2 kWh/100km.

But this low fuel consumption figure is entirely dependent on the support of the battery, which in effect means stopping and recharging the vehicle every 100km.

The battery takes its charge from the

petrol engine, as well as regenerative braking and of course when it is actually plugged into a wall charger.

That makes it a fairly clever system.

Around town it operates mainly in electric mode, which makes the ute quick and quiet.

But without electrical assistance, fuel consumption will revert to that of a conventional petrol vehicle.

We didn’t have the time or necessary access to recharge the battery. As such we were getting 6.8L/100km after just over 600km of driving, but that’s still pretty good for a vehicle this size.

We’renotsurewhythere’saneedforsuch a big touchscreen? Sure, it’s a selling point, but at 15.6 inches the one in the Shark is almost too big.

The screen rotates between portrait and landscape, but Android Auto and we presume Apple CarPlay doesn’t work in portrait mode.

Nor will you be able to see it in this mode if you are wearing polarised sunglasses. Asmaller,separate10.25-inchscreensits in front of the driver.

Voice control implies that Big Brother is listening and listening indeed it was as we discovered.

We were discussing travel plans and maybe the Cook Islands while driving alongthemotorwaywhenGooglesuddenly piped up, declaring that it could help us with these plans - or words to that effect.

OMG?

Therearephysicalrollervolumecontrols, on the wheel and in the centre console, but for temperature control you have to access the screen.

The Shark impresses with its strong off the mark performance and lack of background cabin noise.

We can imagine passengers turning and saying: ‘Wow. This is all right. How much is it, again?’

It’s not until you get the ute out of town and on to some rougher roads that its poorlysortedsuspensioncomestothefore.

The setup features double wishbones and coil springs front and rear, promising better on-road performance.

But it’s jittery, juddery and crashes over larger bumps in the road.

The Tasman feels like a magic carpet in comparison.

The brakes are ventilated disc front and back and sophisticated for a ute.

They slow the vehicle smoothly, but tend to jerk it to a stop right at the end - it’s quite annoying.

Off-road? That’s another story altogether.

Although Shark is all-wheel drive, it’s an unusual setup without the option of low range.

RATINGS

Looks: 7.5

Performance: 7.5

Safety: 7.5

Thirst: 7.5

Practicality: 7.5

Comfort: 7

Tech: 7.5

Value: 8

Overall: 7.5

The Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) system is designed to provide a balance of power, efficiency and off-road capability, making it suitable for diverse driving conditions. Sure, it turns all four wheels, but without low range any physical connection between the front and rear wheels, there’s no apportioning of torque between the front and rear wheels (nor side to side for that matter).

So, despite the requisite ground clearance and approach/departure angles, this will be a limiting factor off road, with lots of wheel spin and a lack of forward progress.

A lack of suspension travel and what are basically Continental road tyres won’t be any help either.

Long story short, we wouldn’t be planninganymajoroff-roadexpeditionsin this vehicle.

The tub has a liner, but does not come with a tonneau, not just to cover the load buttokeepoutairturbulencefromcreating drag (which drives up fuel consumption).

A basic tonneau is $1162, a sports bar $1382 or a bullbar $3892.

There are six tie-down points, rear tray lights, and a damped tailgate, with three household power outlets for accessories. Afull-sizesparewheelisfittedasstandard.

SUMMING UP

It’shardtogetpastthepriceandimpressive levels of equipment offered by the Shark. It’s a looker too, although we’d gladly dispense with the glitzy, brightly coloured interior trim.

But does the touchscreen really need to be that big? You could attach a keyboard and call it a laptop for God’s sake?

Our main gripe however concerns the woeful ride quality.

There’splentyofshudderandshake,even on relatively smooth, well-formed roads. And without low range and any differential locks, Shark is going to be a bit of a show pony off-road.

Guys, the suspension really needs some work.

Summer sport heats up

Titans focus on top spot

By Tara Murray

North Western Titans stayed focused during the Christmas break as they try to lock in a top spot in the Baseball Victoria regional north west competition.

The Titans entered the break in second spot, behind Mitchell Majors, who the TitansfaceonSundayintheirfirstgameback.

Titans coach Nick Conroy said they’d been happy with the first part of the season.

“We are doing well,” he said before the weekend’s match.

“We’re second on the ladder and it’s a

little over a month until finals. We’re in a good spot and our first game back is against the top side.

“It will be the last time we play them until finals and hopefully we go well.”

Conroy said while most teams had a break over the holiday period, they continued to stick to the task at hand.

He said the players weren’t sure to start with but brought into what they were doing.

“We’ve been doing the extra work and hopefully we will come out with a win,” he said.

“It’s something new and that consistency through the holiday period will help us.

“I’ve definitely seen some improvement in the skills. It’s helped improve the team camaraderie and understand how we all play.”

Conroy said the side was hoping to finish in top spot to give themselves the best chance come finals.

He said last time they played the MItchell Majors, but they will have a full squad on Sunday.

Conroy said the group was focused on the task they had at hand.

Bulls turned a corner but plenty still to do

By Tara Murray

The pressure has been released and Bacchus Marsh is starting to thrive in the Ballarat Cricket Association.

The reigning premiers have found themselves behind the eight ball after a slow start to the season.

The Bulls need everything to go right if it’s a chance to play finals and look to go back-to-back.

After 10 rounds, the Bulls sit in eighth spot, 18 points outside the top four.

Bulls’ captain Alex Porter said they were just focusing on their game and going from there.

“There’s still plenty to do,” he said.

“It’s probably released the pressure for us [not being up the top]. We’re taking each week as it comes as we face some quality teams in the next three to four weeks.

“We’ll stick to what we are about and hopefully upset a few teams and see what happens at the end of the year.”

The Bulls started the new year with a win and backed it up on day one of their clash with East Ballarat on Saturday 17 January.

The Bulls were bowled out for 226 on day one after winning the toss and deciding to bat.

Porter said they had been building towards performances like on Saturday and hoped they would continue for the rest of the season.

“The last three to four weeks we’ve been better with our batting,” he said.

“We’ve been trying to do the work early on and have the results go our way.

“We’ve honed in on a few things and Sam [Crea] as coach is doing plenty of work.

“We’ve looked to be more specific with our plans and it’s stepped up.”

Shanin Silva was the man of the moment as he scored 103 not out for the Bulls. It’s his first 100 for the club.

“We were about 7-163,” said Porter, who made 66 himself.

“Shanin was brilliant. It’s his first 100 on turf which was awesome.

“He’s been a big part of what we have done over the last year. He’s a fantastic player and has done a lot of work.

“He hadn’t played a lot of turf when he came to the club. He got the 100 and it was loved by everybody.”

East Ballarat had to face four overs at the end of the day one.

It will resume on day two at 1-19.

“It was nice to get that reward,” Porter said.

“We’ll see what we can do to get the other nine with about 210.

“They are a quality batting team and see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Darley has work to do in its match against ladder leaders Mt Clear. The Lions were bowled out for 176 after deciding to bat.

“Most definitely helped improve on the field

Much better direction understands that on field is just as important as off field

Conroy said things were going well across the club.

He said there had been some really good improvement from the junior program. As well.

“Ray [Isaac] has done a lot of hard work and we’ve had a lot of kids develop and understand baseball more.

“They have a great chance of qualifying for finals.”

Lions’ run halted

Melton was unable to keep the momentum going in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west on Saturday.

Facing Balwyn in a one-dayer, the Lions were made to bowl at MacPherson Park.

After being in trouble at 4-32, Balwyn was able to recover and put on 210 as it was bowled out with eight balls remaining.

Stephen Shields was the pick of the bowlers for the Lions, taking 4-2 while Lachlan Peterson took two wickets.

The Lions never got going in their run chase and were bowled out for 124.

Jason Hibbert top scored with 24, while Brad Jones (18 not out) and Peterson (17) showed some resistance late in the order.

The Lions slip to 10th on the ladder and are now nine points outside the top six.

Melton will be on the road this week as it faces Mt Waverley in another one-dayer.

It was a tough weekend for Melton, with its four Subbies sides all suffering losses.

Meanwhile, Melton’s women’s side will have to wait another week to resume its season.

The Lions were set to face Point Cook Centrals on Sunday in the first game back after Christmas, but the Sharks forfeited.

It means the Lions last completed game was on 7 December.

The Lions sit 13th on the ladder with three wins for the season.

Melton faces Werribee this Sunday.

In the VSDCA J G Craig Shield, Melton sits second in its pool after the first week of action with three wins.

Harkness is on the board

By Tara Murray

Harkness is finally on the board in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield.

Having stepped up into the Johnstone Shield this season, Harkness has had its challenges at times.

On Saturday, there were plenty of celebrations as the side got over the line against Eynesbury.

Harkness president Marc Turner said it was really good for the group to taste success.

“It’s pretty good and the boys were excited,” he said.

“It’s been a pretty good effort to be up in the higher grade than we were expecting.

“I was a bit apprehensive. They’ve had some really good performances without getting the results.”

Turner said they had been happy with how the group had been playing, but it was about doing it for the whole 45 overs.

On Saturday, the Eagles batted first and made 7-183.

Kayne Jones top scored with 38 for the Eagles.

Vijay Veer took two wickets for Harkness as five bowlers were among the wickets.

Turner said they thought it was a run chase that they could complete.

“We’re always capable of chasing down big scores,” he said. “Sometimes you need a little bit of luck to go your way and this time it did.

“They had ice in their veins and the opportunity was there and they took it.”

Harkness hit the winning runs with 14 balls remaining, finishing 8-186.

Mandeep Singh top scored with 36 at the top of the order.

Harkness remains bottom of the ladder but are now only three points behind the Eagles.

Turner said they were hoping the result would give the group confidence for the rest of the year.

“Hopefully onto bigger and better things,” he said.

“We know they can get it done and this will give them a bit more confidence. Hopefully we’ll get a few more wins in the run home.”

Harkness’ second XI has had a solid

Storm ready for challenge as finals loom

By Tara Murray

Sydenham-Hillside is working hard to make sure it locks in a finals spot in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.

Having made the finals every season it’s been in the top flight, the Storm entered the mid-season break in sixth spot.

It was six points outside the top four and nine points from top spot.

But a loss on Saturday to Airport West St Christopher’s as seen the side slip to nine points outside of the top four.

Speaking after day one of the clash with the Eagles, Storm coach Anthony Alleyne said the first half of the season had been OK.

“It’s not too bad a start to the year,” he said.

“We dropped a few games where we should have got points from but we are still right there.

“The team is working really hard and hopefully we come back and play some good matches.”

Alleyne said the rain interrupting the first half of the season had been tricky with game plans having to change as matches have

been shortened.

“The two-day games mean more time in the middle and more time on the park,” he said.

“We’ve had to adapt game plans and it has been a bit inconsistent.

“We’re not exactly where we want to be but we’re not in the worst position. We’re in and amongst it and if you look at the table there’s quite a few teams on similar points.

“We will look to grab points where we can.”

The Storm resumed their season in a two-dayer against Airport West St Christopher’s on Saturday.

Sydenham-Hillside won the toss and decided to bat.

It made 231 as it was bowled out with five overs remaining.

Alleyne finished 92 not out off 189 balls.

“The game swung in the balance towards the end of the day,” he said. “We lost too many wickets towards the end of the day.

“We’ll have to bounce back and bowl well this week.”

The Eagles survived two overs at the end of day one and resumed at 0-8.

season and is finals contention.

Turner said that group was a solid unit.

In other matches, Diggers Rest Bulla suffered a shock loss to East Sunbury.

After a disappointing performance last week, the Burras were hoping to bounce back against the Thunder.

The Burras made 8-194 from their overs with Nathan Crosland top scoring with 78 at the top of the order.

Shiran Ekanayake Mudiyanselage and Jay Patel took three wickets each for the Thunder.

The Thunder hit the runs with two overs remaining, finishing 5-195. Gurwinder Singh top scored with 55, while Nathan Dent finished 53 not out.

The Burras sit second on the ladder.

Sports shorts

Bowls

Bacchus Marsh suffered a big loss on Friday night as the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 1 competition resumed. Bacchus faced Club Sunbury underlights with Sunbury having no issues at all on the way to a 109 (17)-50 (1) win. Phil Minniti’s rink shared the points after finishing 17-shots each. Bacchus sits bottom after 10 rounds, with two wins. On Saturday in division 2, section 2, Melton defeated Moonee Ponds, 83 (16)-74 (2

Australian Open

Caroline Springs’ Elena Micic has fallen short of the Australian Open main draw for a second straight year. After receiving a wildcard into qualifying for the first grand slam of the year, Micic won her opening match in three sets. Her journey ended in the second round as she lost in straight sets.

GDCA

The Eagles never looked in trouble in the run chase and made the runs with nearly seven overs to spare.

Airport West finished 4-235.

Alleyne was the only multiple wicket taker with two.

In other results, Caroline Springs remains on top in the Roy Picone Shield.

Having made 250 on day one of the match with the Greenvale Kangaroos, the Falcons entered Saturday in a strong position.

The Kangaroos started well before losing quick wickets.

The tail fought hard but weren’t able to stay around as the Kangaroos were bowled out for 202.

Farrukh Shahzad took 5-68 for the Falcons.

Melton South Royals lost to East Keilor.

Chasing 266, the Royals lost early wicket before the middle order settled.

The Royals eventually ran out of wickets, bowled out for 233 with nine overs remaining.

In the Russell Pollock Shield, Burnside Springs United had a big win against Melton Centrals.

The Gisborne and District Cricket Association has announced its men’s representative sides. The women’s side will face off against other regions, with some of the best players from both competitions to step out and represent the association. It’s the second season the GDCA has had women’s representative cricket. Gisborne coach and reigning league best and fairest winner Brianna Woodburn will captain the women’s side. Bacchus Marsh’s Sarah Bamford has been named vice-captain and is one of three Bulls in the squad along with Kim Bessell and Sara Drew.

EDFL

Caroline Springs has announced its first new signing as it makes the move to the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division. Sharni Currie joins the Lakers having previously played against them at Point Cook Centrals and the Suns. She captained Point Cook Centrals to a premiership in 2022 while she finished third in the Suns best and fairest last year and represented the Western Football League.