Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 10th February 2026

Melton roll up your sleeves

Donars are being invited to roll up their sleeves and give blood as Lifeblood hosts a blood donation popup in Melton this month.

Lifeblood spokesperson Aania Tandon encouraged locals to book in now if they are feeling healthy and well.

“A blood donation is a selfless gift that can not only save lives but can improve the quality of lives and give people more precious time with their loved ones,” she said.

Ms Tandon said there are many people who can benefit from blood donations, including cancer patients, women giving birth, and trauma victims. The blood donation appointment takes only one hour, with the donation itself only lasting up to 10 minutes.

“It’s very important donors have had enough to eat and drink the day before and day of their donation,” she said.

“When you are well hydrated, your blood volume is higher which leads to a smoother donation, and it helps your body recover quickly.”

Details: www.lifeblood.com.au/ donor-centre/vic/melton-pop-up-donorcentre

Charging up tourism

By Jack O’shea-Ayres

Moorabool’s electric revheads may soon havemoreoptionsonwheretochargetheir cars across the shire.

Moorabool council moved on implementing plans to investigate the feasibility, costs, delivery models and potential partnerships for installing electric vehicle charging stations in locations across the municipality at its 4 February meeting.

The plans were brought forward by Cr JohnKeogh,whosaidthechargingstations would increase the shire’s rate of visitors.

HURRY, SELLINGFAST!

“Presently, with no EV stations located between Ballarat and Melton, we are missing an opportunity to increase our daily visitor numbers uptake,” he said.

Cr Keogh said installing or encouraging charging infrastructure within walking distance of the Bacchus Marsh and Ballan shopping precincts could support tourism, boost local spending and improve regional connectivity.

“If EV stations were located within easy walking distance of our Ballan and Bacchus Marsh shopping precincts, we would encourage visitors to recharge, explore and spend locally, benefitting

our traders and stimulating employment opportunities.”

The motion was brought forward amid strong growth in EV ownership across Victoria and Australia.

In the first half of 2025, electric vehicles reportedly accounted for more than 12 per cent of all new car sales nationwide, up from 9.6 per cent in the same period the previous year, with June recording a peak market share of almost 16 per cent, according to the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).

“This trend is only going to increase, especiallywithgovernmentincentivesand

a greater awareness of climate change,” Cr Keogh said.

More than 350,000 Australians are now driving EVs, while Victoria alone had just over 50,000 registered electric vehicles as of mid-2024, according to the EVC.

Despite evidence supporting the need for electric charging stations across the municipality, Cr Paul Tatchell criticised the idea on the basis the shire did not have enough power to support them.

“Therealityis,inallseriousness,wedon’t have enough power,” Cr Tatchell said.

 Continued: Page 9.

Calls for grief support

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Moorabool’s bereaved parents may be set to receive more support after council moved on looking into the establishment of a bereaved parents support group.

The motion was brought to the 4 February council meeting by Cr Sheila Freeman andcallsforareportintothepotentialcreation of a non-clinical, community-based peer support program for parents who have experienced perinatal loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.

The proposal was informed by a detailed submission from a local mother, social worker and parent advocate with lived experience of perinatal loss, the mo-

tion noted.

The submission recommends a trauma-informed, peer-led support group overseen by the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health program and delivered in partnership with an experienced specialist organisation.

Cr Freeman said rates of stillbirth were poorly aligned with support systems for families suffering.

“Perinatal loss affects a significant number of families every year, yet many parents are not routinely connected with ongoing support once they leave hospital. National data indicates that the rate of stillbirth in Australia has not decreased over the past two decades,” she said.

“Parents experiencing perinatal loss face an elevated risk of trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide. While clinical care is typically provided at the time of a loss, evidence indicatesthatmanybereavedparentsarenot routinely linked with ongoing support.”

The report is set to explore a range of considerations, including possible delivery models, partnerships with specialist not-for-profit organisations, governance and safeguarding requirements, anticipated demand, eligibility criteria and any resourcing or financial implications for council.

It would also examine whether council facilities could be made available at

Cricket club goes pink to stump cancer

Bacchus Marsh Cricket Club is set to help stump cancer this February as it gears up for its 14th consecutive Pink Stumps Day.

On Saturday 14 February, locals will come together to hit the pitch in support of the McGrath Foundation, raising funds to ensure no one misses out on the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse.

McGrath Cancer Care nurses provide free care and support to those experiencing cancer in their family - originally targeting breast cancer, the McGrath Foundation has expanded to help all those who might be suffering, or know someone suffering, with cancer.

Nominate

Melton is soon to celebrate its local legends, with nominations now open for the 2026 Community Volunteer Achievement Awards. The council’s annual celebration awards locals who make the city of Melton vibrant, welcoming and connected, with residents nominated across five award categories. Local legends can be nominated for citizen and young citizen of the year, disability access and inclusion leader of the year, genderequityleaderoftheyear,andintercultural engagement leader of the year.

Event coordinator Trish O’Loughlin said the annual event remains a big hit, and the club has donated over a hundred grand to date.

“The energy is always high, we usually have between 130-150 women of all ages come out. Mostly local but we get people that come outside of the Bacchus Marsh community, too,” she said.

“This is our fourteenth fundraiser for pink stumps and we’ve donated about $130,000 to date.”

Players will come out swinging, playing

Nominations are open through to Saturday 28 February, with winners set to be announced in May during National Volunteer Week.

Mayor Lara Carli praised the awards for recognising strong members of Melton’s community.

“These awards recognise volunteers who inspire pride and help build a stronger, more inclusive community,” she said.

“Over the years, these awards have celebrated teachers, community leaders, sports-

no cost through identifying external grant funding opportunities.

Cr Freeman pointed out the success of a former support program operating within the shire.

“This group provided connection, validation, and support for bereaved parents, but ceased following staff changes and the absence of formal program resourcing,” she said.

“While hospital-based clinical care is available at the time of loss, evidence indicates a gap in ongoing, non-clinical and community-based support, particularly in peri-regional municipalities such as Moorabool Shire.”

Police Briefs

Shots fired

Police are investigating a firearms incident in Hillside on Monday 2 February. Shots were fired outside a Penshurst Court home about 1am. There were no injuries reported. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Train assault

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a sexual assault incident on a Sunbury bound train last year. It is believed the offender approached the victim on a train travelling between Melbourne and Middle Footscray station about 5.15pm on 15 October. The offender, described as a man in his late 50s to early 60s, is believed to have then sexually assaulted the victim.

Pedestrian dies

A man has died following a collision in Maidstone. Emergency services were called to reports a car had struck a pedestrian near the intersection of Richelieu Street and Ballarat Road about 12.15pm on 29 January. The pedestrian, a 68-year-old Maidstone man, was transported to hospital with critical injuries where he has since died. The driver of the vehicle, a 32-year-old Maidstone woman, stopped at the scene and was not injured.

Police cars rammed

in pink on the day to raise funds to ensure no one misses out on the care or support of the McGrath Foundation, while also raising awareness on how all types of cancer affects people.

“I’m sure there’s not too many people who leave without thinking about care and how early detection, looking after themselves, and using the services that are available can help,” Mrs O’Loughlin said.

Contact Trish O’Loughlin for tickets or to donate.

Trish 0416 024 770

E:trish@youraccounts.com.au

people, and so many others who make a real difference in our city.”

Cr Carli called on residents to nominate anyone they see making a difference.

“Whether it’s someone who encourages community participation, breaks down barriers, or simply shows up for others, nominating them as part of the Community Volunteer Achievement Awards is a meaningful way to say thank you.”

Details: melton.vic.gov.au/volunteer-awards.

Police have charged a teen after two police vehicles were rammed in Hoppers Crossing on 2 February. Officers from the dog squad spotted an allegedly stolen Hyundai Getz parked on Geddes Crescent about 1.30am. Police attempted intercept the vehicle, when it’s alleged the driver deliberately rammed two police vehicles. It is alleged the two occupants fled on foot but were located by a police dog and its handler nearby. The alleged driver, a 16-year-old boy from the Wyndham area, has been charged. His alleged passenger, a 14-year-old boy from the Wyndham area, was cautioned. It is alleged the vehicle was stolen from a Tarneit gym on 31 January. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

How does your MP behave?

By Jaidyn Kennedy

Federal politicians are used to the public and pundits scrutinising their every word, but now AIhasjoinedthelonglistofwatchdogskeeping tabs on our elected officials in Canberra.

AMPLIFY, styling itself as an independent community-led organisation working to rebuild broken political promises, analysed how MPs in Melbourne’s north and west spent their parliament speaking privileges. According to the data, veteran MPs Andrew Giles and Rob Mitchell spent more than half their time engaging in partisan attacks or spruiking their own party’s accomplishments. As skills and training minister and Scullin MP, Mr Giles spent 54.6 per cent of his time on political theatre, while Mr Mitchell spent 51.5 per cent doing the same on behalf of the McEwen electorate.

Mr Giles said it was a privilege to speak on behalf of the people of Scullin in the parliament.

“AsaMP,Iusemyvoicetocelebratethebestof thecommunity,highlighthowourgovernment is delivering for Scullin, and progress the work I do as minister for skills and training,“ he said. ChiefgovernmentwhipandLalorMPJoanne Ryan was a distant third at 40.6 per cent.

When it came to discussing actual policy, Assistant Treasurer and Fraser MP Daniel Mulino came out on top with 59 per cent of time at the lectern spent discussing legislation.

Hawke MP Sam Rae also fared well in this regard, spending 54.8 per cent of his time on policy.

Mr Mitchell (25.4 per cent) and Gellibrand MP Tim Watts (25.7 per cent) spent the least amount of time on this category.

Recognition, defined by paying tributes, community recognition, shout outs and

promotion, was another category measured.

Mr Watts emerged as the region’s master of the shout out, using 36 per cent of his time to praise others.

First-term MPs, Maribyrnong’s Jo Briskey (29.3 per cent) and Calwell’s Basem Abdo (26.1 per cent) were the next likely to give acknowledgements.

AMPLIFY’s report also scanned for bad behaviour, based on what was perceived as personal insults, attacks or heckling.

Compared to the rest of the country, all MPs across the north and west were relatively well-behaved.

OutofthepackBendigoMPLisaChesterwas the worst behaved, spending 2.9 per cent of her timefeuding,whileMrRaewasthebestatonly 0.1 per cent.

First-time Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird’s split was 36.2 per cent on policy, 38.4 per cent on political theatre, 23.5 per cent on recognition, 1.1 per cent on bad behaviour and 0.7 on formalities.

“When I’m in parliament, I’m fighting for the issues that matter most to our wonderful community in Melbourne’s western suburbs,” she said.

“I’vespokeninparliamentabouttheneedfor improved infrastructure in the west, including upgrading Calder Park Drive interchange and the Western Freeway – because westerners deserve to spend less time on the roads, and more time at home with their families.”

AMPLIFY used AI to categorise more than 625 hours of speeches from mid-July 2025 and December 2025 to compile the data.

MrMitchell,MsRyan,DrMulino,MrRae,Mr Watts, Ms Briskey, Mr Abdo and Ms Chesters were contacted for comment.

Details: https://www.amplifyaus.org/ our-work/housemonitor

Did you experience child sexual abuse in a Victorian government school or certain non-government school prior to the year 2000?

The Forum is a safe space for you to share your experience and contribute to the public record. Help Victoria better prevent and respond to child sexual abuse in schools now and into the future. The Forum is open until 18 March 2026.

Feeding tubes nourish life

February 1-7 was Feeding Tube Awareness Week, which aimed to increase the understanding of tube feeding. Jena Carr spoke with two women with feeding tube experience - one who lives with a permanent surgical tube and another who is the mother of a toddler who relies on a feeding tube.

Tess Swift, 31, was diagnosed with gastroparesis, which means her stomach is partially paralysed and can’t digest food properly, after a trip to Thailand more than 10 years ago.

“The gastroparesis was caused by a really rare parasite, and it has done a lot of damage to other parts of my body as well,” Tess explained.

“I first got sick in 2015 after a family holiday to Thailand and battled with hospitals and doctors for the first two and a bit years before I was diagnosed with gastroparesis.

“I got my first feeding tube in 2018. I thought it would just be short-term, and hereIameightyearslater,soitwasapretty big adjustment in the early days.”

Tess now has a permanent surgical tube that goes into her small intestine so that her stomach doesn’t have to try so hard to digest food.

“I’ve got some pretty gnarly scars now, butIguessthebiggestthingformewasjust reminding myself that without having it, I wouldn’t be alive,” she said.

“I enjoyed not having it visible on my face, but I had to go through a large open abdominal surgery for that, and I was only 23 at the time, so it was a big change to my body.

“Unfortunately, my health is still in a pretty terrible position as, on one hand, having a feeding tube is great because it has helped keep me alive this long.

“In terms of tube feeding, it’s very up and down as it is kind of hard to live with a medical device that you need to survive, but can also cause a lot of problems at the same time.”

Tube feeding, also known as enteral nutrition, provides essential nourishment for people who are unable to eat or drink orally, or who require additional nutritional support.

Tesssaiditwasimportanttohelpeducate the wider population about feeding tubes, and there were a lot of different reasons why someone may need a feeding tube.

“There’sprobablyalotmorepeopleinthe world who have feeding tubes than people realise,” she said.

“I have no issue if people out in the real world or on social media want to ask questions because humans are curious by nature.

“I would so much rather have a conversation about my feeding tube and why I have it and what it’s for than deal with people speculating or judging.

“My advice for people who have either recentlystartedorarestartingonafeeding tubejourneyisnottobeembarrassedabout it, as everybody needs to eat and drink; it just looks different for some people.”

People of all ages may use feeding tubes, including babies, children, teenagers, and adults, with nutrition delivered directly intothestomachorsmallintestinethrough a feeding tube.

Two-and-a-half-year-old Alfie was born premature and developed an undiagnosed geneticdisorderthatmimicscerebralpalsy and requires him to live with a feeding tube.

Mum Jessica Willder said Alfie has had a feedingtubeforabout12monthsashehad trouble eating and drinking.

“What he doesn’t drink orally goes down his tube, which some days could be all of it and other days could be half or a quarter of it,” she said.

“His feeding tube goes down the nose andthebackofhisthroatintohisstomach, whichhastobereplacedeverytwotothree months.

It shouldn’t be a taboo subject...and it shouldn’t be something that people stare at or make assumptions about - Jessica Willder

“Then with all the tape on his face, we havetochangeitwheneveritstartstocome off, which could be every couple of days or once a week if we’re lucky.

“It’s rather traumatic as we have to wrap him up so that he can’t get his hands on the feeding tubes and pull them out while we’re changing all his tape.

“It takes me, my husband, and then my twodaughterstohelpholdhimstillandget allthetapeoffandputmoretapebackonto keep the tube in place.”

Jessica said it was important for people insimilarsituationstoknowthattheywere not alone and encouraged people to reach out to others.

“It shouldn’t be a taboo subject...and it shouldn’t be something that people stare at or make assumptions about,” she said.

“You take each day as it comes, and each daywillbeslightlydifferent,butitcanhelp to link in with other parents who have that experience.

“The number of times that I have been asked what sort of cancer my child has has been a lot, but he doesn’t have cancer.

“Most people think feeding tubes are for people that have cancer...and there are so many other reasons why people need feeding tubes.”

ManylocationsacrossAustraliaandNew

Zealand lit up blue and purple for Feeding Tube Awareness Week (1-7 February), which is held by charity ausEE.

Chief executive Sarah Gray said the annual week aimed to increase the understanding of tube feeding, share reliable information and resources, and foster connection and support within the community.

“Purple is a common colour of feeding tube supplies, while blue represents what flows through the tube; whether that’s formula, blended foods, breastmilk, or water,” she said.

Visit feedingtubeaware.com.au for more information and support networks.

MY PLACE

Melton local Trevor A. Boyd-King is foundation secretary of the Melton Men’s Group, dedicated to providing support to men in Melton and surrounding areas. Mr Boyd-King spoke with Jack O’Shea-Ayres about community, home life and forging friendships through the Men’s group.

What’s your connection to the Melton area?

My connection to Melton is when I moved backtoMelbournewithmypartnerAnnein 2013. My employment took me to the outer eastern area. We re-located to Melton in 2015 and have made Melton our home. We havebothbecomeactiveinthecommunity all the time and we love the feel and the people of the community.

What do you like most about it?

The thing that I like most about Melton is the people, the friendships that I have madesincewemovedintothearea,andthe opportunitiesIhavebeengivensinceIhave lived here. Firstly, I became the foundation secretary of the Melton Men’s Group which isagroupofgraduatesfromtheSonsOfThe WestMen’sHealthProgramformedin2018. The group is aimed at the cohort of men who are able to get together in a friendly, safe and inclusive atmosphere to forge friendshipswithothermen.Secondly,Iwas given the opportunity to host a weekly jazz program on the local Melton community radio 979fm on a Friday night which gives me the chance to share my love of jazz with listeners.

What, if anything, would you change about Melton?

The one thing I would change is the way in which the numerous local not for profit organisations exist within the community. I feel that a facility needs to be provided within Melton that enables these groups to have a permanent place to meet, share activities and have the storage facilities for their equipment etc. This would result in them having certainty in their continuing operation and location.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

My favourite place to spend time is at home with my partner and our dog. Apart from that I enjoy my time at Melton Men’s Group and at the Community Radio Station.

What’s it like being involved in the Melton Men’s Group? Do you have any stories? Being involved with the Melton Men’s

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago

7 February 1996

The federal government has agreed to spend $6 million buying land surrounding the notorious Anthony’s Cutting in preparation for a $40 million reconstruction of the Western Highway between Melton and Bacchus Marsh.

20 years ago 7 February 2006

A Victorian coroner delivered an open finding last week into the death of a man whose body was found near his girlfriend’s house in Harkness Road, Melton, in 2001.

Group is hard to describe. Firstly, it gives a real sense of belonging to a group that provides friendship and mateship where thereisafeelingthatweprovidesomething in the Community that provides support and a sense of wellbeing to our members. Secondly, there is sense of belonging to a group that is highly regarded within the community through the projects that we undertake: firstly the provision of men’s

hygiene packs that we provide to men in the Melton Community who are doing it tough in these uncertain times, secondly, there is the provision of boys’ scholarships to boys in year 10 at local government secondary schools who are in danger of not progressing to year 11, and finally, being the presenters of an annual International Men’sDaydinnereachyearforbetween120 and 160 community residents and guests.

15 years ago 8 February 2011

A proposed electrical substation for the Mount Mercer wind farm will “unleash a monster“ if it is allowed to go ahead, according to Elaine resident Marcus O’Brien.

10 years ago 9 February 2016

The Bacchus Marsh company at the centre of a recent salmonella outbreak has suspended some farming and processing operations while investigations into its cause continue.

Melton’s big night of racing

Families, racing fans and entertainment lovers alike are being urged to get on track foroneofMelton’sbiggestnightsoftheyear, with a chance to win a brand new car up for grabs.

TheAG Hunter Cup and Great Southern Star returns to Melton Entertainment Park on Saturday 14 February, promising a blockbuster evening of world-class harness racing and festival-style fun.

Gates open from 5pm, with entry by gold coin donation.

Ahighlightoftheharnessracingcalendar, thisyear’seventissettobebiggerandbetter than ever, combining elite on-track action with entertainment for people of all ages. Fromthrillingracesunderlightstoavibrant carnivalatmospherethenightisshapingup as one of the most memorable events of the season.

Young racegoers will be well catered for, withfreekids’activitiesandentertainment, including the popular Kids SplashZone to help beat the summer heat. Parents can relaxknowingthere’splentyonoffertokeep the kids entertained all evening long.

Music fans won’t be missing out either, with a Matchbox 20 live tribute band set to delivercrowd-pleasinghits,whilearangeof foodtruckswilldishuptheirfavouritebites.

With the event falling on Valentine’s Day, couples can enjoy Love Lawn Games or unwind together at the Outdoor Bar, providing the perfect spot to sip, socialise and soak in the electrifying racing atmosphere.

As an added bonus, attendees will go into the draw to win a new Mazda2 valued at $29,000, making this a night not to be missed.

Charging up tourism

“The infrastructure that’s been put in place to power our towns … is barely gonna cover that.

“To be honest, I think this is a waste of time.”

However, Cr Sheila Freeman was quick to remind council the motion merely suggested a report into the feasibility of charging stations.

“This is not about committing to build EV chargers tomorrow. It is about doing the responsible thing today,” she said.

“Good governance means understanding the options before ruling them in or out. Voting against a report is choosing to stay uninformed.”

Cr Freeman also reiterated the potential tourism benefits of the charging stations.

”If Moorabool does not plan for this shift, we risk being left off the mapasEVdriversplantheirroutes,” she said.

“There is currently no public EV charging station between Ballarat and Melton. That gap matters.

“Strategically placed chargers near Bacchus Marsh and Ballan shopping precincts would encouragedriverstostop,givethem 30 to 60 minutes to shop, eat and explore, directly benefitting local traders and hospitality businesses.”

Crackdown on forest raves

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Ravers may need to watch their back as Victoria’s Conservation Regulator cracks down on illegal forest raves across Victoria, including shutting down one in Wombat State Forest last month.

Surveillance has been stepped up to target high-risk forest raves due to ongoing safety risks and elevated fire danger with investigations continuing into the recent planning and staging of illegal rave events in local state forests.

Strengthened surveillance measures include online monitoring for illegal event planning, increasing patrols in locations known for unauthorised rave events, and

deploying aerial surveillance to detect suspicious activity in forested areas.

Without safety planning for large events in forested areas, fires can reportedly ignite from vehicles, generators, campfires or discarded cigarettes, creating increased risk of bushfire events, according to the Conservation Regulator.

In early January, the Conservation Regulator and Victoria Police shut down an illegal rave event in the Wombat State Forest which boasted an estimated 1000 attendees.

Officers managed to seize high-volume sound equipment including amplifiers, mixers and a trailer-mounted generator from the site.

A similar event was also held at the same location near Ballan in the weeks prior.

Director of regulatory operations Brian Hamer said the unauthorised rave events not only posed risks to attendees but put unneeded pressure on emergency services.

“Running an unauthorised music event in state forest without proper planning and safety measures puts not only attendees at risk, but also emergency services who may be called on to respond,” he said.

Planning for a third event in the Upper Loddon State Forest south of Castlemaine on New Year’s Eve was also cancelled after the Conservation Regulator became aware of event preparations, with officers warning organisers they could face prose-

Melton lays out its advocacy priorities

Melton’scounciliscallingforawhole-of-government partnership approach to help meet the demand of its rapidly growing community, unveiling its latest advocacy priorities on Friday 30 January.

The priorities were launched by mayor Lara Carli at an event in Fraser Rise, one of Australia’s fastest growing areas, and included a keynote address from Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Dr Jonathan Spear.

With Melton’s population set to double over the next 20 years, the advocacy priorities outline the community’s current and future needs and set out how council can

work alongside the state and federal governments to deliver the infrastructure and services council believes are required to support the municipality’s growth.

Key priorities include fast-tracking employment precincts in a bid to help generate up to 100,000 jobs by 2050, improving public transport through electrification of the Melton rail line by 2030 and the delivery of three new train stations, as well as major upgrades to key arterial roads across the city.

The plan also calls for stronger business attraction initiatives to support local em-

ployment, more schools, expanded TAFE opportunities and the establishment of a university, along with improved access to local health, wellbeing and education services.

Cr Carli said the priorities were heavily shaped by community feedback and reflected what residents want for the future.

Hawke MP Sam Rae said he welcomed council’s advocacy and would continue to work with it to advocate for funding opportunities.

Premier Jacinta Allan was contacted for comment.

cution and seizure of sound equipment if the event proceeded.

“Seizing items associated with illegal music events and prosecuting those involved in the coordination is designed to disrupt the progress of these events and reduce the likelihood of similar events in the future,” Mr Hamer said.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action requires permits for any event on Crown land involving 30 or more people, or infrastructure including stages or marquees and applications must include detailed safety, environmental, and traffic management plans and be lodged at least eight weeks before the event.

Melton council is seeking feedback on designs for a new Diggers Rest Children’s and Community Centre.

The modern space is being built to support the growing needs of the Diggers Rest community, and will include kindergarten facilities, maternal and child health services, and a library lounge which will be the first of its kind in the municipality.

The Diggers Rest community is invited to have their say and help shape this new space for the community, with ideas sought to help influence the services and features offered in the new library lounge.

The community can leave feedback on how they might like to use the library lounge, what sort of programs that would be included like book clubs, craft or hobby groups, early years programs, or community information sessions on topics like health or housing.

You can also have your say on the concept designs for the site and its design.

Community consultation on the project is open now, and will close on 8 February. Feedback will be considered as part of the final plans for construction, which is subject to take place between August 2026 and August 2027, before the Diggers Rest Children’s and Community Centre is set to open in January 2028.

Details: https://tinyurl. com/43z29cx4 Have your say

Crushing for 60 years

Queensland’s Granite Belt comes alive this month for the long-running Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival - a celebration of food, wine and community.

The event, starting on Friday 27 February and running through to Sunday 8 March, marks its 60th anniversary this year, making it one of Queensland’s longest-running and most successful festivals.

For 60 years, the festival has celebrated what makes Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt so special – cool-climate wines, apples at their peak, passionate growers and producers, and a community that knows how to welcome visitors and put on a proper celebration.

The biennial event is a celebration of the GraniteBeltregion’sproduceandbooming wine industry, which attracts an average of 70,000 people, making it arguably Australia’s leading harvest festival.

The Diamond Jubilee honours that history while inviting people to experience it first-hand.

The main festival weekend brings the energy to the streets of Stanthorpe, with the town buzzing from morning to night.

TheQueenslandCountryBankthree-day Food and Wine Fiesta fills the park with Granite Belt flavours, 18 local wineries, breweries and meaderies, local producers and live music, while the streets host the much-loved Grand Parade, a vibrant

street carnival, bustling markets, and the challenge of the Ergon Energy Mt Marlay Run.

As the sun sets, the weekend is capped offwithcrowd-favouritefireworks,lighting up the Stanthorpe sky.

Across the full 10 days, festival-goers can also enjoy live music, Open Gardens broughttobyBraesideHomestead,cooking demonstrations, creative experiences like Bubbles and Brushes, orchard and farm tours, and hands-on harvest moments.

The festival has something for everyone, including things you might not expect – like the Australian National Busking Championships.

Buskers will be dotted along the street

on Saturday 28 Feburary with “Busking Tokens” available to drop in a favourite performers bucket and judges wandering the main street.

This all culminates in the Winners Concert at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre for announcement of the Grand Open Champion and all the other winners and a chance to enjoy more fabulous entertainment.

Then there’s the iconic Balancing Heart Grape Crush. This event is already nearly sold out, with only limited places remaining for those keen to take part in one of the festival’s most memorable experiences.

The foot stomping, grape crushing fun is

aniconichighlightoftheStanthorpeApple and Grape Festival with the community grape crush on Friday 6 March and Celebrity Crush just after the main parade in the main street near the Stanthorpe Post Office on Saturday 7 March just after the big Grand Parade.

Sponsors are Balancing Heart Vineyard – voted Best Small Cellar Door by Gourmet Traveller Wine – just one of the many Vineyards worth a visit while in the area for the festival.

The 60th anniversary is a significant milestone for both the festival and the region, according to the event’s president, Russell Wantling.

“This festival has been shaped by generations of volunteers, growers and community members, and reaching 60 years is something we’re incredibly proud of,” he said.

“The Diamond Jubilee is about celebrating our history, our harvest and the people who continue to make this festival what it is.”

With accommodation filling quickly and ticketed events close to capacity, visitors are encouraged to plan now.

Many experiences have limited availability and will sell out. Tickets, program details and the full festival calendar are available at www.appleandgrape.org.

7 Nights

Island Tour

Dec 2026 - Mar 2027

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

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, 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

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

MEDITERRANEAN’S ICONIC SHORES

Barcelona to Istanbul or vice versa

29 DAYS • 8 COUNTRIES • 23 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL • JUL, AUG 2026; FEB-MAY, JUL SEPT 2027; MAR, APR, JUL, AUG 2028

From $24,595pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $30,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

ANCIENT ADRIATIC TREASURES

Venice (Chioggia) to Istanbul or vice versa

15 DAYS • 5 COUNTRIES • 12 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAR, APR, JUN, AUG 2026; MAR-MAY, JUL-OCT 2027; MAR, APR, AUG 2028

From $12,995pp in Veranda Stateroom From $15,795pp in Penthouse Veranda

MEDITERRANEAN ODYSSEY

Barcelona to Venice (Chioggia) or vice versa

13 DAYS • 6 COUNTRIES • 10 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAR-OCT 2026; FEB-NOV 2027; APR-SEP 2028

From $10,995pp in Deluxe Veranda From $12,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Melton South Community Centre

Computer Classes

Computer classes starting at the Melton South Community Centre. Absolute Beginners Computers, Being Safe Online, Canva and more.

 9747 8576

First Aid classes

Update your First Aid qualification on Saturday 21 February at Melton South Community Centre. This course includes CPR (HLTAID009), which is required to be updated annually, as well as training on asthma and anaphylaxis.

 9747 8576

Charity Golf Day

Rotary Caroline Springs will host its Inaugural Charity Golf Day on Friday 20 March, featuring a full day of golf and networking with breakfast and lunch provided. The event brings together golfers, sponsors and local businesses to build connections while supporting Rotary community projects. Sponsorship opportunities are available, with limited places allocated on a first-come, first-served

 rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

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

Friendship Group

For all aged 60 and older – are you looking for some new friends? Then this group is for you. The Melton and Surrounding

areas Friendship Group meets fortnightly for a coffee and chat night and organises affordable outings such as dinners, movie nights and many social events – plus occasional weekends away, and local or overseas holidays.

 Shirley, 0419 006 525 or Vera, 0406 493 734

Cancer Support Group

MelMarsh Prostate Cancer Support Group is for prostate cancer patients and their carers and meets on the first Thursday of the month, from 12.30-2pm, at Melton South Community Centre. Attendees are encouraged as members share their

journeys through what could be a very traumatic time of their lives. Explanations of medical terminology used in the treatment of this cancer are given in this group.

 Grenville, 0412 741 865

Chatty Cafe Melton

Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton.

 https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331

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

Over 50s games and cards

Melton Club 50+ runs a games and cards afternoon every Sunday from 2-4pm at Kurunjang Community Hub, 33 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. Join this friendly group and make new friends over games and a cuppa.

 Denise, 0403 840 241 or Sharon, 0407 461 069

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

Aussie icons head west

Powerhouse vocalist Casey Donovan will join a star-studded season of entertainment at The Clocktower Centre in a year that will also bring some of our country’s best-loved and most enduring performers to the north-west.

Morethan20yearsaftershewonhearts as the winner of Australian Idol, Casey Donovan has amassed an impressive theatricalresumeandcementedherselfas an icon of New Year’s Eve entertainment. Her new show, ‘THIS IS ME’, features highlights from The Sapphires, We Will Rock You, Chicago, 9 To 5, & Juliet and Sister Act, alongside NYE favourites and

never-before-heard original songs.

Donovan will take to the stage in Moonee Ponds on Sunday 24 May.

The 2026 Clocktower season will open on Friday 27 February when guitar virtuoso Slava Grigoryan joins Melbourne Chamber Orchestra for ‘Flexible Sky’.

On 27-28 March, musical theatre’s Rachael Beck will perform ‘In Their Own Words’, weaving anecdotes from the likes of Ita Buttrose, Marcia Langton and Carlotta, with the music of famous Australian songwriters such as Missy Higgins, Kate Miller-Heidke and Kate Ceberano.

In April, Na Djinang Circus will bring together Indigenous Australian, migrant, and colonial histories in one physical theatre performance; ‘Of the Land on which We Meet’, while on 1-2 May, audiences will have the chance to experience playwright Tom Holloway’s ‘Beyond the Neck’, a profoundly compassionate portrait of a community living with loss.

In August, music lovers will get the change to see a different side of The Whitlams’ frontman Tim Freedman at an intimate solo show, ‘Moonlit Deck’. As part of the show, Freedman will explore

Fleetwood Mac tribute band hits Melton

TUSK: The Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show is rolling into town on Saturday 28 February with a golden anniversary celebration that promises to be a night of pure dreams.

In 2026, TUSK is marking 50 years of Fleetwood Mac, turning back the clock on five decades of iconic harmonies, mystical lyrics and relationship drama that perfectly still lives up on vinyl - and even better live. With new songs, new moves and a fresh gypsy spirit, the show transforms the milestone into a full-scale

celebration that’s equal parts nostalgia and dancefloor therapy.

Fans can look forward to wall-to-wall hits in Go Your Own Way, Little Lies, Rhiannon, Landslide, Edge of Seventeen and of course, Don’t Stop.

It’sonebigFleetwoodMacfestival,and where better than Mac’s Hotel in Melton?

Lead vocalist Penni Jones embodies the true essence of Stevie Nicks on stage, and said TUSK has been evolving for more than a decade, sparked by a throwaway commentthatledtothebirthoftheiconic

tribute act.

“A sound engineer once told me I sounded like Stevie Nicks after hearing me sing Dreams. I had no idea how significant that would be 15 years later,” she said.

Jones will be joined on stage by James Towers, Dalys Timpanaro, Grant Canterbury, and Marty Grech, who bring the same booming talent as their Fleetwood Mac counterparts.

TUSKcomestoMac’sHotel,Meltonon Saturday 28 February. Doors are 8pm.

Experience live Celtic music with instrumentalist Rennie Pearson

Multi-instrumentalist Rennie Pearson is bringing the warmth and mystique of Celtic music back down the highway to Little River and Geelong this month.

Channelling the traditions of Ireland, Scotland and Maritime Canada, the virtuoso’s wooden flute, Irish whistles, guitar, fiddle, bodhrán, and voice will tell tales old and new.

He was down this way last year, but this time a new layer will be added to his sound.

“These will be the first two performances withapercussionistinvolved,”Pearsonsaid.

“I have been quite excited about doing something with percussion for a while, we have had a flute playing melody, keyboard doing harmony and now the percussion will

be driving the rhythm.

“Ithinkitisgoingtobeareallyfullsound.

“The reason why I chose this guy is becauseheisveryfamiliarwithCelticmusic and he is very sensitive.”

The intimacy of the music will not be

the untold stories behind some of his most loved songs.

Everyone’sfavouritesisteract,Vikaand Linda, will bring their signature blend of harmonies and storytelling back to the Clocktower stage on 4 September, before ‘Temple of Desire’ – a sumptuous and subversive Indian dance piece that even audiencestostaybehindfortheafterparty – takes over on 6 November.

Schoolholidaysprogrammingincludes Junkyard Beats in April, a visit from Spot thedoginJuneandTheTeenyTinyStevies in September. Details: clocktowercentre. com.au/clocktower-theatre-season/

Who are these Australians?

The iconic ‘Three Well-Known Australians’ has made its way to Melbourne’s west for a limited time.

Thework,paintedbyMartinShawin1982, depicts three figures – a blue, a red and a green person – against a yellow background. Shaw invites viewers to record who they think the figures are in the yearbooks, with some of the public’s answers displayed as part of the exhibition.

He described the touring exhibition as a “passing parade” of Australia which forms a portrait of the country over time.

“When I did the painting, I did have three Australians in mind, or Australian themes,” Shaw told Star Weekly.

But he has never revealed who the identities are.

The touring exhibition has been travelling acrossthecountrysince1983,withitsstopin Brimbank marking its 267th visit.

“Some people put contemporary names, some have put the past. Some have given me realistic opinions, some are more abstract themes,” Shaw said.

“Some people have put down the Reserve Bank, some put Bondi Beach. Other people put down political parties.

“Ned Kelly, he’s the most prominent person to be recorded in the book.”

Among those who have provided answers is Premier Jacinta Allan who guessed Lauren Jackson, Uncle Jack Charles and Julia Gillard for the blue, red and green figures respectively.

Last year, the first person to ever record their responses died.

lost with the thudding of drumsticks, but it’s probably better to let Pearson try and describe what it’s like.

“The melodies have these ethereal qualities that go beyond the mortal realm, and the driving rhythms are dance music through and through.

“Another one is the connection with ancient times, it’s kind of got this otherworldly element where the tunes and songs have been passed down.

“It’s an absolute joy to be a part of.”

The music will flow at the Door Gallery Cafe 8pm on Friday 20 February and at the Little River Mechanics Hall 3pm on Sunday 22 February. Tickets: www. renniepearsonmusic.com/

On30April,1983IanGude,asolicitorfrom Mannerim, wrote his guesses of Malcolm Fraser, Andrew Peacock and John Halfpenny as the blue, red and green figures.

Shaw said members of the public, especially those who are younger, may not recogniseanyofthenamesguessedbyGude.

Theonefigureinthepaintingthatdoesn’t remain a mystery is a small black and white dogpaintedtowardtherightsideofthework. The dog is Shaw’s beloved Pea who died in 1991.

“I’ve told you who Pea is, now you have to tell me who the Australians are,” Shaw said.

‘Three Well-Known Australians’ can be viewed for free at the Brimbank Gallery and Sunshine Library, 301 Hampshire Road until Friday 27 February.

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Pakistan has announced that it will boycott its 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup group stage match versus which team?

2. Who won the 2026 Australian Open women’s singles title?

3. Which NBA player was recently suspended for 25 games for violating

4. What sport was at the centre of the 2017 ABC television series The Warriors?

5. Kylian Mbappé and Sam Kerr were the cover athletes for the Ultimate Edition of which FIFA video game?

6. Usman Tariq bowls rightarm off-spin for which country’s national T20 team?

Rocky Elsom represented Australia internationally in which sport?

8. Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding represented which country at the 2002 Winter Olympics?

Which men’s singles title did Carlos Alcaraz win to become the youngest man to complete a ‘Career Grand Slam’?

In 2025, which performer headlined the Super Bowl LIX halftime

What does it mean to ‘free solo’ a skyscraper, as recently demonstrated by Alex Honnold?

12. A triple axel is a signature move in which sport?

13. At the Australian Open, how much does a singles player earn for losing in the first round of the main draw?

14. As Swans fans celebrated Buddy Franklin’s 1,000th goal at the SCG, two supporters honoured their late grandmother in a very unusual way: what did they do?

15. In surfing, what is the term for catching a wave that another surfer is already riding, breaking surf etiquette?

16. Australian Open semifinalist Jessica Pegula’s father is the billionaire owner of which NFL team?

17. Mafaufau Tavita Lio Mafaufau Sanerivi Talimatasi is the birth name of a retired Samoan-New Zealand boxer, better known as who?

18. Which two countries are banned from competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

19. Name any of the three 2000 Sydney Olympics mascots.

20. Paul McBeth has accumulated over US $867,000 in prize money playing which sport?

21. Netflix show FindingHer Edge follows characters in which sport?

22. In which year was the stand rule introduced in the AFL?

23. How many darts is a perfect leg in a single game?

24. Australian Peter Siddle is known for what coincidental achievement?

25. How many bird-themed teams are there in the NFL?

26. And what are they?

27. In which year did ice hockey make its Olympic debut?

28. What is the nickname of Premier League team Brentford?

29. Who won the women’s WWE 2026 Royal Rumble?

30. And who won the men’s?

PUZZLES

13 Nations (9) 14 Flagrantly bad (9) 15 Grumpy (9) 17 Resident of Jerusalem or Tel Aviv (7) 18 Mildly irritates (7) 21 Opinions (5) 23 Shifts (5) 24 Small

1 How many legs does a butterfly have?

2 Which European country’s major cities include Brest, Grodno and Mogilev?

3 Who hosted the 2025 Logie Awards?

4 Harper Lee won the Pulitzer Prize for which novel, and in what year?

5 Swimmer Ian Thorpe (pictured) has won how many Olympic gold medals?

6 What does the term Terra AustralisIncognita mean?

7 Name the hurricane that passed through New York City in August 2011.

8 What abnormality do the words fly, myth and rhythm have in common?

9 Who was the first president of Türkiye, from 1923?

10 Who released the album Mayhem in 2025?

Tucson hybrid quick yet quiet

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Hyundai’s mid-sized SUV Tucson has been around since 2004.

The current (fourth generation) was released here in February 2021 with the latest (MY2025) upgrade launched here in mid-2024 and adding a hybrid variant for the first time.

Tucson comes with a choice of 17 variants with Tucson, Elite, Premium and N-Line equipment levels and the choice of 2.0-litrenaturallyaspiratedpetrol,1.6-litre turbo-petrol and 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid powertrains as well as two or all-wheel drive.

The Tucson has plenty of pull, boasting a 1900kgtowingcapacity,plusafirst-in-class panoramiccurved12.3-inchinfotainment/ driver display backed by wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluelink, connected car services and over-the-air remote software updates.

The maker’s SmartSense safety system now has Highway Driving Assist, while a new head-up display presents important driving and navigation information. On test was the Tucson Elite Hybrid N Line front-wheel drive, selling for $48,600, plus on-road costs.

The new hybrids are covered by Hyundai’s five-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and eight-year 160,000 kilometre high-voltage battery warranty, as well as Hyundai’s Lifetime Service Plan, Premium Roadside Support and satellite navigation updates.

STYLING

We love the adventurous styling route that Hyundai has taken with the Tucson.

The large hatched grille gives a bolder look than before and is fringed by five LED daytime running lights in a crescent formation. The headlights are full LED and automatically adjust to the sides for improved cornering visibility.

Our test vehicle came with the optional NLinepackconsistingofexclusive19-inch wheels, grille, front bumper and skid plate, plus N Line badging. The rear sports a new rear bumper, skid plate and twin exhaust outlets.

Interior

The MY25 cabin has been given the once-over to especially appeal to the lifestyle active family. The steering column has a mounted drive-by-wire shift selector and floating centre console.

The Elite and Premium variants feature classy leather appointed seats for up to five while the N Line pack goes further with black leather and suede, red stitching, plus exclusive N Line seat and steering wheel emblems.

General storage includes large door pockets and a deep lidded console box. Cargo space runs from 582 litres to 1903 litres depending on the seats in use. The spare wheel is a space saver variety. A height and speed adjustable tailgate is operable via a button on the key fob or by simply standing at the back of the vehicle with the key.

Infotainment

A 12.3-inch touchscreen, introducing Hyundai’snextgenerationuserinterface,is standardacrossthe2025Tucsonrangeand comes up with four times the computing power and 15 times the graphical processing power of the previous system.

A host of functions is led by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/ FM/DAB radio, Hyundai Bluelink, Bluetooth multiconnection, USB-C input, quick control (swipe down) menu, and over-the-air updates.

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 8/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 8/10

Elite and Premium variants add Bluelink sat nav with turn-by-turn directions, live trafficupdates,voicecontrol,SMSplayback and split screen function. Bluelink connectionisfreeforthefirstfiveyearsand includes automatic collision notification, emergency call access, remote control climateandvehiclefunctions,amongother things.

A similar-size configurable digital instrument cluster takes on a classic look with needle-style gauges. Hybrid versions canbecustomisedtodisplayapowergauge or tachometer. Depending on the drive mode.

Engines/transmissions

Tucson Elite N-Line test vehicle was powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol/electric hybrid system, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, drivingthefrontwheels.

The petrol motor put out 132kW of power and264Nmoftorque.

The electric motor contributed a further 47.7kW of power, making a combined maximum of 172kW. The latter made use of

a lithium-ion polymer battery of 1.49kWh and270volts.

Safety

The Tucson Hybrid has a five-star ANCAP safety rating on 2021 testing. The vehicle body features high-strength, lightweight constructiontomaximisetorsionalrigidity.

Active safety comes with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite, which includes forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, blind spot collision avoidance, safe exit warning, driver attention warning,highbeamassistandsmartcruise control.

A surround 360-degree view of the car and rear-view monitor, plus distance warning,areagreathelpwhenparking.

Driving Quick, yet quiet is the best way to describe the Tucson hybrid’s behaviour. The turbo dialsupthepower,whiletheelectricmotor plays its part in smooth going, as does the six-speedautotransmission.

Road noise on coarse road surfaces is the only intrusion into the cabin. The

suspension coped with generally few complaints, while the brakes had their sharpsideifrushedintoaction.

Gear selector is a twist-shift to the right of the steering column which takes some getting used to but clears the way for an uncluttered centre-console controls such asdrivemodes.

These include Eco and Sport, of which the latter added sharpness all round to the drive.

Smart mode switched the car between Eco and Sport to ostensibly maximise economy and performance, if that’s possible.

Hyundai claims combined urban/ highway fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100km. The test vehicle came up with 4.6 litres per 100km on the motorway and averaged up to 9 litres per 100km during a week’srunningaroundtown.

Summary

It’s anybody’s guess whether buyers will take the hybrid route to Tucson electric vehicles. It’s a veritable traffic jam in this segment.

The season’s heating up

Diggers adds Moore power

By Tara Murray

Existing connections within Diggers Rest led to the signing of a powerhouse forward for the RIddell District Football League season.

The Burras announced that Callum Moore would be joining the club, crossing from Aberfeldie in the Essendon District Football League.

Moore came to Aberfeldie after a successful local football career after playing with Carlton and Richmond in the AFL.

In the Ovens and Murray Football League, he won a league best and fairest, best on ground in grand final media and a leading goal kicker award.

Last season, Moore claimed the Reyn-

olds Medal as the league’s best player while also winning the league goal kicking in the EDFL’s premier division.

Burras coach Shaun Campbell said it was pretty pleasing when signings like that fall into place.

“He’s always had a close association with the club with a few boys he’s friends with playing here,” he said.

“We banded together and tried to get him over the line. He’s played a decent standard of football, he now just wants to come and play with his mates.

“He’s come off a really good season in a really good league.”

ThesigningofMooreisoneofjustafew for the Burras.

Jarryd Bonello joins the club from

Greenvale, while Tristan Mancusio comes across from playing top flight football in the Essendon District and Northern leagues.

Bonello is no stranger to the RDFL having previously played with Wallan.

The Burras said that Mancusio is a hard-running player comfortable on the wing or across half-back.

DylanWattsalsojoinstheclubfromthe EDFLhavingplayedwithTullamarineand Greenvale.

Watts can play in midfield or across half back and brings leg speed to the Burras.

Campbell said that was about all the players they were looking to add for now.

“We wanted some more quality players which we think we have done.”

Stewart takes out Deeble award for 2025

By Tara Murray

Don Deeble winner for 2025 Jobe Stewart was left speechless on Wednesday night as he was awarded the honour.

Stewart was the last of 10 monthly winners nominated for the award run by the SunshineandWesternRegionSportsClub.

Theaward,namedafterbaseballlegend Don Deeble, recognises young sporting talent from across Melbourne’s west.

Stewart was awarded the $5000 first prize, ahead of co-runners up Smrithi Adepu and cricketer Jackson Martin, who were awarded $2500 each.

Cyclist Nicola Morris and the youngest monthly winner Louis Kiang were awarded encouragement awards.

Stewart, who is making his mark in taekwondo, said it was pretty special to win the award.

“I’m forever grateful to the people around me and the people in this room,” he said.

“So many people I’ve gone to school with, teachers, sporting staff. I’d like to thank the Western Region Sporting Club and all the sponsors making this happen.

“I had high confidence. I was a bit shocked that I had my name called and I came up and won the award.”

Stewartsaidforasportthatdoesn’thave a lot of funding and backing, this money would have a massive impact for him.

His 2026 schedule is already packed with tournaments across the world.

“We’re having a Europe trip coming up, this will be a massive help going over there and competing,” he said.

Having started taekwondo when he was just eight because his mum said he had too much energy, he has risen through the gradings and achieved his black belt.

Stewart soon made inroads and representedAustraliainhisfirstWorldTaekwondo Championships in China in the 80-87 kilogram men’s competition last year.

Hewasoneoftheyoungestcompetitors.

Stewart also competed at the under-21 World Championships in Kenya in December.

While only having just turned 20, Stewart isn’t shying away from the big goals.

“Next year I’m hoping to go to Kazakhstan for the World Championships and be world number one,” he said.

The Burras enter 2026 having come off two straight set finals exits.

Last season, they didn’t lose a game untilthepenultimateroundoftheseasonand then went on to lose their last four games.

“Going out in straight sets twice is not ideal,” he said. “There is definitely motivation to go better this year.

“Wary that you can have a good list, you’re not always going to get success in September.

“We need to get through the home and away season first and then get to finals.”

Campbell said they would start practice matches in the coming weeks ahead of the season kicking off.

TheBurras start theirseasonon 11 April against Melton South.

Loss for GDCA

The Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s side fell short in its opening game of the season in the Central Highlands Women’s Representative Competition.

The GDCA side travelled to face the Castlemaine District Cricket Association at Newstead on Wednesday.

Many of the side had been part of the team last season, while some players got their first opportunity to represent the competition in its second season of representative senior women’s cricket.

The GDCA, led by Gisborne captain Brianna Woodburn, decided to bowl first in good conditions.

Castlemaine got of to a flyer but the GDCA side was able to pin them back, as it finished 8-144 off the 20 overs.

Woodburn took 2-12 and Luzanne de Kock chipped in with 2-13.

“I’m more focused on myself and the World Champs ... but definitely the Olympics along the way.”

Stewart, who owns his own business, said his parents had been massive in influencing his career and helping him get to where he wants to be.

His other big inspiration is his sister, Reba Stewart, who has represented Australia at the Olympics at taekwondo.

Reba was a monthly winner of the Deeble award in 2019.

Jobe joked he would hold it over her that he won the overall award.

“I started young and she was my sparring partner,” he said. “I followed her and made my own path.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies, Team 639, Ray White Werribee, Noone Imagewear, Sims Sports, Anaia restaurants, Medway Golf Club. and Star Weekly Newspapers.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail. com or 0408 556 631.

Kim Bessell and Brooke Jeffrey went for 0-8 off their two overs each to help reduce the run rate and get the GDCA back into the game.

All of the GDCA top order managed to get runs, but no batter was able to go on and get a big innings.

It would be the difference in the end with Castlemaine restricting the GDCA to 9-115 from its 20 overs.

Sarah Bamford top scored with 19 as six batters reached double figures.

The result means Castlemaine joins the Ballarat Cricket Association with one win for the competition.

The GDCA will face Ballarat on 11 February at Maddingley Park, in the association’s second and final game of the competition.

Leap To Fame on track

By Paul Courts

ChampionpacerLeapToFamehasachieved so much during his illustrious career, with records seemingly falling at his mercy.

For example, the Grant Dixon-trained son of Bettors Delight holds the mantle as the southern hemisphere’s richest standardbred, is the only triple Cranbourne Cup winner, has established 10 track records, and is the only pacer drawn wider than barrier six to win the Miracle Mile since its inception in 1967.

Now Leap To Fame is on target to collect the biggest bonus ever paid in Australian harness racing history thanks to his Kilm-

ore Pacing Cup success on Saturday night. In a phenomenal promotion, Harness Racing Victoria has offered the mouth-watering sum to the connections of any pacer which captures four of the six specified cups.

One of those wins has to be in this weekend’s A G Hunter Cup at Melton.

Leap To Fame’s latest triumph follows his wins in Ballarat and Cranbourne’s flagship events, meaning the stallion has satisfied the ‘country cups’ aspect of the challenge.

Tuesday’s barrier draw for the Grand Circuit event will be crucial to say the least. Victory in the Hunter Cup will also see

Leap To Fame equal the record for the most Group 1s by a pacer bred on this side of the equator.

Asitstands,WestburnGrantandLazarus sit at the top of the table with 16.

But that’s for this weekend; for now it is all about Leap To Fame’s performance in Kilmore.

Given time to settle into his stride from his second row draw, Leap To Fame was sent forward to take the lead from New Zealand raider Republican Party.

Striding clear during the latter stages, the stallion completed a three-metre win from Republican Party, with War Dan Buddy a metre away third.

Hasitha Wickramasinghe. (Jacob Pattison) 372629_07

Lions fight back for much needed victory

By Tara Murray -

It had been hard going for Darley after the Christmas break but Lions got their Ballarat Cricket Association season back on track on Saturday.

The Lions picked up their first win since before Christmas, as they chased down Buninyong’s total of 8-228 set on day one of the match.

“It was good to get back on the winners circle and help cement our spot in the top four,” captain-coach Nathan Yates said.

“Our batting had been letting us down the last couple of games and I’d spoken to the boys about application when we’re batting.

“Dig in for the fight, like we did yesterday [Saturday].”

Yates said he had asked the boys to respond in a certain way and they were able to do exactly that which was the most pleasing thing from the performance.

After losing an early wicket, the Lions were able to steady with the rest of their

top and middle order all getting starts.

The Lions managed to get the winning runs in the 77th over, finishing 6-229.

Hasitha Wickramasinghe was the key in the innings making 99 before he was run out. He and Jarrod Burns (47) put on 126 for the third wicket.

The win has the Lions sitting in third position with two matches remaining.

Second and fourth are on the same points, while fifth and sixth are just six points behind in what is proving to be a tight competition again. Mt Clear is the runaway leader at the top of the table.

“It was a much needed win to keep in the finals conversation,,” Yates said. “Hopefully we can win the last two games and cement our spot in finals and hopefully go from there.”

The Lions face Napoleons Sebastopol in this round before finishing the regular season against local rival Bacchus Marsh.

While the Lions are still in the finals mix, the Bulls hopes of going back-to-back are all but over after losing to Wendouree.

“As always my initial feeling is relief that everything went right when he crosses the line,” Dixon said. “It was good to be able to back off a little during the middle and use his sprint home.

“He always gives a good feeling during the run and I was very happy as I hit the post as he wasn’t ready to stop and felt strong.

“The $1million bonus dream is still alive, which is amazing. It’s going to be super hard to do, but we’ll give it our best.”

Rating 1:55.2 over 2180 metres, Leap To Fame took his record to an imposing 64 wins and 16 placings from 82 starts for a bankroll of $5,254,859.

Busy week awaits exciting mare

By Paul Courts

Although it developed into a case of “all’s well that ends well”, Jilliby Ballerini was in the bad books during the first attempt at Saturday night’s Kilmore Trotters Cup.

Breaking stride just before the release point, Jilliby Ballerini caused a false start, which resulted in the stewards handing the Marg and Paddy Lee-trained squaregaiter an “out of the draw” citation.

That means the daughter of Majestic Son must complete two successful starts before next Saturday night’s Great Southern Star Final at Melton.

Fortunately, the final is preceded by heats on the same night, so with a trial during the week, Jilliby Ballerini has the opportunity to work her way back into the draw before the $250,000 Group 1 decider.

The Lees are no strangers to this scenario, having performed the same routine with Keayang Chucky ahead of last season’s Great Southern Star.

Keayang Chucky finished third in a heat and the final.

“We were able to get a trial in during the week with Keayang Chucky, and then after a run in the heat, he got back in the draw for the final,” driver Jason Lee said.

“Unfortunately it’s a little bit of a headache, but we’ll just enjoy her win tonight for now.”

Chasing Wendouree’s 249, the Bulls never got going in their innings on Saturday.

They slipped to 4-18 early on and it was soon 7-47.

Harrison Scardamaglia was the only one showing any resistance of the top and middle order.

Matthew Crea (23) and Bradley Croxford (17 not out) put up some fight for the Bulls, who were eventually bowled out for 112.

Scardamaglia top scored with 33.

The Bulls sit in eighth spot, 15 points outside the top four. The Bulls face bottom side Buninyong in the second last round.

Meanwhile, the Bulls women’s side lost a second straight match in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association A-grade competition.

TheBullsmade4-137fromtheir20overs with Sarah Bamford top scoring with 50.

The Magpies got the runs with ease, as they finished 3-138 with nearly five overs remaining.

Better behaved during the second attempt, Jilliby Ballerini led throughout from the pole to score by five metres from her stablemate, Jilliby Dreamlover, which trailed the frontrunner throughout.

At $101, El Resamo upstaged his more fancied rivals to be three-anda-half metres away third.

Rating 1:57.8 over 2180 metres, Jilliby Ballerini is unbeaten from four starts this season, with her overall record sitting on 15 wins and 10 placings from 30 outings for earnings of $291,692.

“She had to burn the candle at both ends tonight and still did it quite easily at the end,” Lee said. “She was switching off late, but I wasn’t asking her for much.”

Spring Hills ready to go

By Tara Murray

Spring Hills got a taste of what the National Premier League women’s competition was like last season, and are keen for more.

Spring Hills showed plenty of positive signs in season number one in the state’s top flight, finishing mid-table.

Coach Tom Markovski said they learned a lot in season number one and were keen to take another step in the right direction this year.

“It’s been good and the squad is looking good and we’re looking to improve on last year,” he said.

“We were mid-table in our season and it was really pleasing to go and with four games to go we were safe but we couldn’t

make finals though.

“It was a good learning curve. This year we want to go better and the aim is to play finals.”

Markovski said they had a different looking group from last season with only six players returning.

He said they had restructured their list for 2026.

“We had Japanese visa players last year,” he said. “We’ve bought in a few Americans this time and we’re trying to gel.

“It’s already a close knit group.”

Markovski said striker Marquax Clarke fits the system they’re looking to play and would work well with reigning Gold Medal winner Aleks Sinclair.

Aubrie Labno is another American who

will add to the defence and Daniela Tobon has added to the midfield.

Youth was still a key focus for the side.

“We have more depth in the squad,” Markovski said.

“We have 11 or 12 experienced players and the rest were young.

“It’s a 26 game season this year, that’s an extra 22 games so we need the extra depth.

“We pride ourselves on the youngsters coming through.”

Spring Hills kicks off its season on 13 February against Keilor Park.

The Eagles are in their first season in the top flight.

“It’s a big local derby,” he said. “For us we want to get off to a good start at home

Centrals take positives from tough season

By Tara Murray

Melton Centrals are taking the positives out of a tough season on field in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield competition.

The side is without a win in the division 5 competition and have been on the wrong end of some big losses.

Centrals’ senior cricket manager Grahame Blackwell said the season hadn’t been what they had hoped for.

“Far from it,” he said. “It’s been a disappointing season.

“Unavailabilities have killed us. Steve Robertson, who is our keeper-bat has only played two games for the season with a bad back.

“Our two main bowlers from last season Kieran Bensley and Chris Willoughby, have both had the year off after having babies.

“Three of our top five players have been missing so that makes a big difference. We really didn’t get to recruit the players we would have liked. Being the bottom side in the bottom division makes it hard to get people to come across.”

Blackwell said while they had struggled at times, there were still plenty of positives with the next generation coming through.

He highlighted Adam Dreaver, Jairaj Chauhan, Charlie Housen, Aranweer Singh and Vansh Sankat as five players who have impressed when given the chance.

“We’ve blooded them in senior cricket, into turf cricket,” he said.

“We had half a dozen or eight players who are 13,14,15, or 16 that have played senior cricket in our ones or twos.

“While it’s been a tough season, we can hang out hats on that.”

Blackwell said they hoped by giving them the opportunity it would help them and the club in the short term and encourage other younger players to come across.

The club’s junior program is thriving and they hope it will only be short term pain.

“We have 25 junior teams this season,” he said. We had one team int he VTCA UNDER-18S last season,this season we have two.

“We’ve got junior girls and got women’s back up and going.”

Centrals played Glenroy on the weekend in a Saturday-Sunday clash.

Blackwell said they were set to have players with missing, with some only available for one day.

It was another tough weekend as the side lost outright.

Centrals were bowled out for just 45 with Adam Housen the only player to reach double figures, with 11.

Glenroy quickly made 7-147 before sending Centrals back in.

Housen was the only player to score above six, finishing with 22 as Centrals

were bowled out for 47.

While the first XI is struggling, Blackwell said their second XI is still n the finals race and could provide a bright light for the season.

In other results, Burnside Springs United got an outright win against Wyndham Vale.

The Vales were bowled out for just 37 with Burnside making 4-175 in reply.

Sending the Vales back in, Burnside bowled them out for 104.

Burnside sits four points clear on top of the ladder with the 10 points.

and win the three points.

“The draw is pretty good for us but we’ll control how we want to play and what we are trying to work on.”

Markovski said they were also hoping to build on the girls results in the junior NPL competitions as well.

In its first season Spring Hills finished second, fourth and seventh across the three age groups making the club one of the best in the state.

Markovski said for a small club it was a fantastic effort.

He said this year all three junior girls NPL sides would be coached by females for the first time.

“Hopefully that will continue on in the 20s and senior women in the future.”

Sports shorts

Bowls

Melton closed the gap at the top of the table in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 2, section 2 competition. Melton beat Rosamond 84 (16)-73 (2) to now sit equal on points with Moonee Ponds heading in the final round. Meanwhile it was tough going for Bacchus Marsh in division 1, section 1 losing to Whittlesea, 107 (16)-57(2). Glenn Sargent was the winning skip for Bacchus Marsh which will finish the bottom of section.

VSDCA

It was a disappointing day with the bat for Melton in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west. Chasing Altona’s 160, the Lions were bowled out for 140 in the 67th over. Archie Cairns was the only batter to score more than 16, finishing with 58. The Lions sit in 11th spot with three rounds remaining. The Lions face Williamstown this weekend in a Saturday-Sunday match.

GDCA

Diggers Rest Bulla put a solid total on the board against the Sunbury Kangaroos in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield on Saturday. The Burras made 226 with Tristan Krizanic top scoring with 53. The Kangaroos finished the day at 0-7. Elsewhere, Eynesbury made 177 against Kilmore with Iffyan Ghazni top scoring with 46, while Eastern Hill made 9-483 against Harkness.

VYCA

Burnside Springs United won through to the semi finals of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 group B competition on the final ball against Kingsville on Tuesday night. Kingsville made 5-139 from its overs with Joshua Kelly taking 2-14 for Burnside. Mathison King guided Burnside to the win as it hit the winning runs off the final ball, finishing 3-140. King finished 64 not out. Point Cook, Barkly St Uniting and Glenroy are the other semi finalists in group B.

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