Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 10th March 2026

Windphone connects

A disconnected rotary phone at Darley Neighbourhood House is helping locals navigate grief in an unexpected way. The phone offers people a quiet space to speak to loved ones who have died, with the initiative opening up conversations around death, remembrance and the importance of connection. Built by a volunteer using a vintage Bakelite phone, the windphone is already sparking reflection across the community.

Story: Page 3

Blue tree of hope

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Moorabool may soon be home to its own blue tree, after council voted to investigate the feasibility of introducing the Blue Tree Project in a bid to boost mental health awareness.

The grassroots initiative began in regional Western Australia in 2019 following the death of Jayden White and has since grown into a global movement, with more than 1400 registered blue trees worldwide.

HURRY, SELLINGFAST!

“I thought ‘what a wonderful initiative’. It got me asking questions,“ Cr Ward said duringthe4Marchcouncilmeeting.

“If we were able to establish a blue tree somewhere in the shire, it gets people asking those same questions, potentially savingsomeone’slife.”

Cr Ward noted the proposal was particularly important given the scale of thementalhealthcrisisinAustralia.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 3307 Australians reportedly died by suicide in 2024 and

The project caught the attention of Cr Rod Ward, who praised the initiative for its ability to spark conversations around mentalhealthawareness.

it remains the leading cause of death for peopleaged15-44.

Despitethealarmingratesofsuicide,the motionwasnotpassedwithoutcriticism.

“To me, this presumes Moorabool Shire does not care or do much in this space,” Cr TomSullivansaid.

“There’s a lot of work being done in this space. I find this belittling to all the work councilhasdone.”

However, Cr Sheila Freeman was quick to remind council the motion meant more thanapaintedtree.

“I strongly support this,” Cr Freeman said.

“We’re not simply discussing a painted tree,wearediscussingthewellbeingofour community and the quiet struggles that toooftengounseen.”

Cr John Keogh also strongly supported theidea.

“If the blue tree can help save the life of one tortured soul, I believe it is worthwhile,”hesaid.

A report will be presented to council at a futuremeeting.

Cr Ward said he hoped the initiative wouldhelpfosteraculturewhereresidents feel more comfortable speaking up and seekinghelp.

Mining sparks park fears

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Fresh gold exploration drilling in the Wombat State Forest has reignited community concern, with local conservation group Wombat Forestcare warning the state government must urgently deliver long-promised park protections before mining rights advance further.

Exploration is underway along Yankee Road, south-east of Trentham, in a section of forest which remains classified as state forest.

The licence is held by Platquest Resources Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Adelong Gold, with the area sitting just outside the

newly legislated Wombat-Lerdederg National Park, which has yet to be converted into regional parkland as previously pledged.

The exploration site lies in the headwaters of creeks flowing into the heritage-listed Lerdederg River and Wombat Forestcare spokesperson Gayle Osborne said approving a mine in that catchment would be “totally inappropriate”

Mrs Osoborne said the group was “very concerned” about the implications if commercially viable gold is discovered before protections are put in place.

The state government previously accepted recommendations from the Vic-

torian Environmental Assessment Council to create regional parks and reserves across the central western part of Victoria, including about 20,000 hectares of the Wombat Forest.

However, Mrs Osborne said four years after an agreement in June 2021, the changes had not been finalised.

“The length of time creating these regional parks is quite disturbing,” she said.

“It’s been a very, very slow process to get the protections that the forest deserves.”

A state government spokesperson said the government was creating the Mount Buangor, Pyrenees and Wombat-Lerder-

Former carpenter swaps tools for trauma

A former carpenter has swapped his toolbelt for a trauma kit, with Sam Matafonov beginning his new career as a graduate paramedic at Ambulance Victoria’s Ballan branch.

Mr Matafonov said he had no regrets about hanging up the tools after completing a carpentry apprenticeship with his father straight out of high school.

While studying paramedicine, he gained valuable on-road experience as an ambulance community officer (ACO) with AV and in non-emergency patient transport with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

“It’s definitely been a little bit of a step up but the team at Ballan have been super supportive and now that I’m settled in, I’m really enjoying the further care and interventions I can offer my patients,” he said.

“This is the best work that I’ve done. When I began working with ambulances with the RFDS and as an ACO, I thought this is the best job ever. Now, I go to work and feel the same way.”

Mr Matafonov’s career change was inspired by a personal tragedy. Just as he became a qualified carpenter, his father was diagnosed with stage four cancer

and died within a year.

“It was extremely challenging at the time but one thing that really stuck with me was witnessing first-hand the impact the nurses, doctors and healthcare workers had on him,” he said.

“The interactions with them left an impression on me and as I moved through the grieving process, I realised healthcare was the next step for me.”

Mr Matafonov hit the road as a graduate paramedic in October and is already looking ahead, hoping to one day join the Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance ranks.

Sporting grants applications open to make activities accessible

Sport is being made more accessible to more people, with applications now open for the next round of the Sporting Club Grants until 7 April.

Melton MP Steve McGhie announced the Melton Basketball Association (MBA) is one of 544 clubs across the state to share in the most recent round of grants on Thursday 26 February.

“We’re backing more clubs, supporting their volunteers and getting behind local sports that are an integral part of local communities,” Mr McGhie said.

MBA President Matthew Brooks said the grants would be used to fund coach qualifications, following an increase in participation.

“We’ve had a huge increase in numbers recently,” Mr Brooks said.

“With that, we’re relying on a lot of parent coaches to get us through. We’re using this grant to upskill them so we can continue delivering a quality program.”

The program provides grants for uniforms and equipment, volunteering and officiating programs, and athlete travel.

derg national parks, the Cobaw and Hepburn conservation parks and expanding the Bendigo Regional Park.

Star Weekly understands the new parks are expected to open by October . Wombat Forestcare is calling on residentstowritetoPremierJacintaAllanand Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos urging them to gazette the promised regional parks before the state enters caretaker mode ahead of the election.

“We need the government to move on this now,” Mrs Osborne said.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Adelong Gold were contacted for comment.

Melton South childcare centre put on notice

A Melton South childcare centre has come under fire after an unannounced visit from the Victorian Early Childhood Regulator Authority (VECRA) revealed multiple breaches of national law and regulations relating to the transportation of children.

Happy Children and Early Learning Centre was slapped with an emergency action notice after a visit from VECRA’s authorised officers on Friday 20 February revealed a child was to be transported to school in an educator’s vehicle without written authorisation.

VECRA’s authorised officers identified the centre had made multiple, serious breaches under the national laws and regulations around the safe transportation of children during the visit, including breaches against authorisation for a service to transport children, a breach of policies and procedures to be followed, and offences relating to failing to protect children from harm and hazards.

Interim early childhood regulator Adam Fennessy said the service had put the safety and wellbeing of children at risk.

“This service put the wellbeing and safety of children at risk due to a failure to follow requirements that are designed to ensure the safe transportation of children by early childhood services,” he said.

Under the emergency action notice, Happy Children and Early Learning Centre has been prevented from transporting children until evidence is submitted to VECRA showing all risk assessments and authorisations required under the national laws and regulations are in place.

The childcare centre’s staff are also required to undertake training to ensure they are aware of and understand the service’s safe transportation policy.

Evidence is required to be submitted back to VECRA within 14 days of the notice, where the childcare centre’s failure to comply with the notice could lead to prosecution, a maximum penalty of $20,400 for an individual or a $103,200 fine in any other case.

Mr Brooks said the extra funding helps clubs to deliver quality programs and get more people involved in sport.

“We want to make sure that we keep basketball accessible to people,” he said.

“Being able to put together a good program that people want to participate in because of it’s quality is important to us.”

For more information about the program, latest recipients and how to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au

“It’s critical that where early childhood services are transporting children either on an excursion or more regularly that it’s done safely under the law with full risk assessments and authorisations undertaken,” Mr Fennesy said.

Moorabool hikes debate

Debate over Moorabool’s outdated 2014 Hike and Bike Strategy dominated discussion at the 4 March meeting, with councillors ultimately voting to investigate the development of a new Tracks and Trails Strategy for the shire.

The motion was carried by a majority vote following discussion about whether the decade-old strategy still meets the needs of Moorabool’s rapidly growing community.

Cr Rod Ward said the strategy must respond to significant population growth and changing recreation trends across the shire.

“Community members are looking for

more diverse ways to achieve their physical activity goals and connect with friends and families,” he said.

“At the forefront of this change is an increasing preference to participate in activities that provide greater flexibility, are affordable and inclusive such as cycling, walking, jogging and bushwalking.”

Combined, walking, running, bushwalking and cycling account for 57 per cent of preferred activities, underscoring demand for connected, accessible trails, according to the council report.

Moorabool’s population is forecast to grow by more than 14,000 people to 54,640 by 2035, representing an increase

of 35 per cent.

Growth is expected to concentrate in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan, as well as emerging eastern areas including Merrimu, Hopetoun Park and Parwan Station, where Cr Sheila Freeman said infrastructure had not kept up with trends.

“It is incumbent upon us to plan proactively, not reactively,” she said.

“The anticipated growth in family aged cohorts further reinforces the importance of accessible, flexible, and affordable recreation opportunities.”

Cr Ally Monari called the debate a “deja vu” moment.

“I feel that we continually double up on

A bountiful bash for St George’s Balliang

St George’s Church in Balliang is set to continue a long-standing rural tradition as it hosts its annual Harvest Festival Thanksgiving on Sunday 22 March.

The celebration kicks off at 11am at Balliang Memorial Hall, bringing together locals to give thanks for the season’s bounty and raise funds for Balliang East Primary School’s Kitchen Garden program.

Harvest festivals are traditionally held around the autumn equinox, this year falling on 21 March, as an opportunity to reflect on the goodness of the land and

those who work it.

Anglican Minister Andrew Gifford said the Balliang event had been part of the church’s history for many years and had been revitalised in recent times to give back to the community.

“It’s something that’s happened in Balliang for many years. It’s been a regular part of the church there, and we’ve decided to revitalise it over the past couple of years, to give something back to the community,” he said.

“We want to support and encourage the farmers out there in the local area. It’s

an opportunity to think about the fact that we do have a lot. Sometimes we forget that it requires people to be part of that.”

The all-age friendly service will feature classic harvest songs and puppets, followed by a free sausage sizzle, children’s activities and an auction of homemade and home-grown goods.

Residents are encouraged to contribute items such as jams, cakes, knitting or woodwork to help raise funds for the school.

Mr Gifford said everyone was welcome to attend and take part in the celebration.

reports, or double up on work,” she said.

“I’ve had a gut full of reports that cost ratepayers’ money.”

Addressing concerns a new Tracks and Trails Strategy was a waste of time with the Recreation and Leisure Strategy and Open Space Strategies already existing, Cr Ward said “It’s not a process issue, these strategies have highlighted the need for a Tracks and Trails Strategy”

“Our ratepayers have said they want to do this.”

If progressed, a new strategy would aim to improve trail connectivity, address safety and accessibility concerns, and guide future investment across the shire.

Talking about loss

Darley Neighbourhood House (DNH) is helping people to cope with bereavement and loss using a disconnected rotary phone.

The windphone, an idea which originally started in Japan, gives the chance to have a one-sided conversation with those who have died, with the words being carried to them by “way of wind”.

DNH general manager Amber Gordon said the windphone was installed to start conversations about death.

“It’s about how we deal with grief, how we remember people and where we remember them. Some people need a place, for some it’s within their minds,” Ms Gordon said.

The windphone, built by a volunteer of DNH using an old Bakelite rotary phone and a gossip bench.

“What I’ve loved watching is when you first mention it to someone and they ask what it is and you explain it, some people screw up their nose because we don’t have many traditions around talking about grief in Australia,” Ms Gordon said. “I’ve loved watching people change their minds about it as the conversations have progressed - being able to open up about grief themselves.”

Even though the windphone’s main purpose is to connect the living and the dead, Ms Gordon said it serves as a gentle reminder to have conversations with the people that are still here as well.

Kids vow to forgive, not forget

By Tara Cosoleto, AAP

Lise Muliaga’s five young children had every reason to fall apart after her death.

After all, it was their father Rimoni Muliaga, who took her life at their home in Melton South.

But two-and-a-half years on, their son showed compassion and care as Muliaga faced a pre-sentence hearing in the Victorian Supreme Court.

“Please tell my dad he doesn’t have to worry about us and we are thriving and serving the Lord, just like he would want,” the teenager said in a statement read by senior crown prosecutor Patrick Bourke KC.

“I forgive him but I will never forget what he did.”

Muliaga, 44, stabbed Lise to death in theirMeltonSouthbackyardinSeptember 2023 - months after they had moved from New Zealand and after accusing her of cheating on him with his brother.

But he denied he was guilty of murder and took the case to trial, claiming his diagnosed intellectual disability and depressive disorder impacted his reasoning.

A jury rejected those claims, convicting him of murder in December.

Eight victim impact statements were read to the court as Muliaga faced a presentence hearing on 27 February.

Five came from the children he shared with Lise, ranging in age from seven to 16.

Muliagablinkedawaytearsasoneofhis young daughters described her difficulty

sleeping because she kept thinking about the murder.

Another one of the children drew a picture depicting his mother in heaven with God and his father in jail, while another child illustrated a bloodied woman lying on the ground.

The 16-year-old son told the court the past few years had been traumatic but it made him mature and he was motivated to become a father figure to his younger siblings.

Muliaga’s brother Daniel and sister-inlaw Marama also provided statements to the court.

Defence barrister Michael McGrath accepted it was an objectively grave case, giventhevictimwasMuliaga’swifeandhe used a weapon.

SES invites new recruits to join its ranks

Picture yourself in orange?

The dedicated volunteers at Melton’s SESUnitareinvitinglocalstostepforward and serve, hosting an information night on Wednesday 25 March, between 7-8.30pm.

For deputy controller Peter Swann, joining the SES was about giving back.

“I had spare time and wanted to do something for the community in times of need,” he said.

More than 10 years on, he still balances full-time work with training and responding to request for assistance calls when they come through.

Mr Swann said Monday night training sessions ease recruits into emergency services life, with hands-on experience now introduced earlier in the process.

“When the pager goes off, you learn quickly how to drop what you’re doing and work as a team,” he said.

Alongtheway,MrSwannhasmastered everything from specialist knots to first aid, and developed leadership and organisational skills which carry into his professional life.

Volunteer Riley Dalgleish began as a shy year 11 student inspired by his parents’ service.

Nearly three years later, he credits the SES with building his confidence and helping him to complete VCE before launching a career at the airport.

“I’ve learned first aid, chainsaw operation and how to drive emergency service vehicles,” he said. “But most importantly, I’ve learnt to back myself.”

Both members describe the unit as a

tight-knit family, supporting each other through storm events, callouts and community initiatives.

Prospective volunteers attending the information night can expect to learn about the recruitment process, training

pathwaysandexpectations,meetcurrent members, and tour the unit and its vehicles.

If you’ve ever considered stepping up when your community needs you the most, this could be your call to action.

But Muliaga showed remorse and his moral culpability should be reduced due to his intellectual disability and depression, Mr McGrath said. He had limited capacity to self-regulate his emotions and the morbid jealousy he experienced at the time of the murder was a feature of his conditions, the barrister said.

Mr Bourke argued the jealousy was separate from Muliaga’s diagnoses and while his time in custody would be more difficult, his moral culpability should not be significantly moderated.

Justice James Gorton will sentence Muliaga at a later date.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

13 11 14

Council investigates traffic issues

Melton council has moved on tackling trafficissuesraisedbyresidentsofDeanside Village estate.

At its 23 February meeting, council resolved to undertake an assessment of traffic congestion and safety concerns arising from the operations of two significant places of assembly within the estate.

A traffic and safety assessment will analyse traffic flow and congestion issues, pedestrianandcyclistsafetyconsiderations surrounding the entrances and exits of the two sites, and parking capacity.

Council officers will also engage with the operators of the two places of assembly in a bid to explore collaborative solutions to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for both residents and visitors.

The move comes after multiple reports of safety concerns came from concerned residents of Deanside Village estate, according to Cr Steve Abboushi.

“This is pretty straightforward,” Cr Abboushi said.

The council report also noted issues raised relating to queuing vehicles, a lack of parking, and safety concerns for children and elderly residents.

“Given the growing population and ongoinguseofthesefacilities,itisimportant for council to proactively address these matters to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors,” Cr Abboushi said in his preamble.

Abriefingwillbereportedbacktocouncil following the findings, recommending actions to improve traffic management and safety within the estate.

Exhibition to showcase local talent

Melton’s local artists are being called on to submit their artwork for a special community exhibition set to be showcased at CS Gallery in Caroline Springs.

The inaugural exhibition, Common, will run from 6 May to 14 August and will showcase the local talent from a range of artists across Melton and surrounds.

Emerging and established artists who live, work, play, or study in the Melton and surrounding areas are invited to submit their work for consideration by 5pm Monday 16 March.

Mayor Lara Carli said Melton’s local art scene plays a pivotal role in the community.

“Art plays such an important role in bringing people together and helping to

share stories that reflect who we are,” she said.

“CS Gallery is a fantastic space to showcase the talent and creativity of our local artists, and for them to have an opportunity to share their work with the community.”

CS Gallery is looking for drawings, paintings, collage or photography pieces completed between January 2025 and February2026tofeatureintheexhibition showcasing Melton’s local pride.

“If you have a piece of work you’re proud of—whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience I encourage you to submit it and be part of this fantastic Exhibition,” Cr Carli said.

Details: melton.vic.gov.au/Common

Quilts make connections

A simple idea stitched together by friendship is now warming hearts across the community, with Melton’s Craft and Chat group at the Melton Library and Learning Hub completing a major blanket driveforthoseinneed.

The long-running group has knitted and crocheted a collection of handmade blankets, with half already donated to the Peter MacCallum Centre to be used as lap blankets for patients undergoing treatment.

The remaining blankets are set to be delivered to Hope Street youth and Family Services at the First Response Youth Refuge in Melton, offering comfort to the community’svulnerableyoungpeople.

For the more than 20 regular group members, the project was community-drivenfromthestart.

Participants meet weekly to work on individual craft projects while enjoying

conversation and companionship, but oftenuniteforsharedcauses.

Over the years, members have also createdbeaniesforneonatalintensivecare units, alongside other collaborative efforts aimedatsupportingthosefacinghardship.

Beyondthetangibledonations,members say the social connection built through the group has been invaluable. What began as a casual gathering has gradually grownintoaclose-knitnetwork,providing a welcoming space to relax, create and connect.

Craft and Chat runs every Thursday between9amandnoonatMelton’sLibrary andLearningHub.

Nobookingsarerequired,andanyoneis welcome to bring along their current craft projectandjoinin.

For those involved, it’s proof that small acts,andafewballsofyarn,canmakeabig difference.

Briefs

Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden monthly meeting Garden lovers are invited to the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden monthly meeting on Wednesday 11 March. Guest speaker Sue Parker, president of the Ballarat Cactus and Succulent Society, will explore the fascinating world of cacti and succulents, sharing tips on caring for these hardy, drought-tolerant plants. The free session will also include updates on garden activities. It will be held at the Botanica Springs Community Centre, 249 Clarkes Road, Brookfield, from 7.30pm. Supper will be provided, with a $1 raffle on the night. RSVP via friends@fmbg.org.au or call John Bentley on 9743 3819.

Epic performance

Music lovers are invited into a world of fantasy and mystery when the Moorabool Light Orchestra presents Epic on Sunday 15 March. The afternoon concert will feature sweeping, dramatic works inspired by imagination and intrigue. Returning musical director Reuben Morgan will conduct, with guest soprano Helen Ling appearing as soloist. The performance will be held at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall, 207 Main Street, from 2pm–4pm. Tickets are available via TryBooking, from Bacchus Marsh Florist, or at the door if not sold out.

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Cafe’s purposeful blend

Soulful Spreads is a social enterprise cafe located in Tarneit that helps young women and people with disabilities gain hands on experience. Jaidyn Kennedy paid the cafe a visit and learned its story.

Coffee, catering and confidence might sound like an strange brew of concepts, yet they are exactly what a local cafe in Tarneit serves to its customers and team.

Tucked away near the Julia Gillard Library is Soulful Spreads, a social enterprise that supports young people and women with disabilities by providing hands-on hospitality training.

Put simply, a social enterprise is a business that reinvests the majority of its earnings into a cause it supports rather than chasing profit.

Founded in July last year by Samira FazalwiththehelpofhersisterNoshi,the purposealwaysstemmedfromapersonal calling.

“It is a bit of a personal story, because I have two sisters with disabilities, and I have always wanted to work to help people,” Ms Fazal said.

“Until last year, I worked in the corporate world and in community service, but I just didn’t feel much fulfilment from it.

“Then I gave up my job in April last year and that is where this came about.”

Everything staked on one sentiment.

“I have always said disability is not inability,” Ms Fazal said.

There are lots of fancy cafes out there–don’t expect fancy and that’s because there is a bigger cause you are supporting

- Samira Fazal

Which is where the name was born.

“My sister and I were just chatting about, and it is the spread of abilities we wanted to be looking at – instead of just looking at disabilities that people have.”

Now in the swing of things, the cafe provides five-week programs, opportunities for volunteers and community catering services.

The program is designed as a stepping stone to confidence, independence, and a pathway to meaningful employment.

Everything on the menu – from cappuccinos to toasties – is deliberately capped at $5.50 to make it affordable for locals.

The weekly menu is also designed by those participating.

“They select what they want to put on the menu, so I get them the ingredients and we cook it together,” Ms Fazal said.

“Our menu is very simple on paper but changes all the time.”

She was asked why designing and implementing a menu is an important operating feature.

“They need to be able to decide things and exercise that decision making power, because not all of them have it yet.

“Peopleneedtohaveabitofcontroland autonomy over their space, I want them to be able to have that control because when they go out in the real world, they have to make a lot of decisions.”

Program participant Anjali Manral is currently learning on the job.

“I love coming to the cafe because it helps give me lots of confidence that I am able to do something,” Ms Manral said.

“I really enjoy meeting people, making coffee and learning different skills.

“My skills have improved, if someone orders multiple choice, I’m confident withallthepricesandknowI’mnotgoing

to make a mistake.

“AndifIdo,it’sokaythere’snopressure on me, so it’s good like that.”

Silky Somani volunteers and gains something slightly different from her involvement.

“It has played a major role in my life because I have two kids and so back home I’m occupied with them most of the time, but here it is just me time.

“Which gives me a lot of satisfaction, happinessandIlookforwardtoMondays, so I can come and make some coffees.

Learning has not been a one-way street.

“I have learned a lot, but I think the most important thing I have learned is just being patient,” Ms Fazal said.

“I put a sign up in the cafe saying please be patient.

“I have become very humble and patient, so personally I have grown learning from them, too.

“There are lots of fancy cafes out there– don’t expect fancy and that’s because there is a bigger cause you are supporting.”

Ms Fazal wants to carry on the momentum she and her sister have built.

“The goal for the next year is to get more people in the program.

“My vision for the next five years is to open a cafe and employ more people.

Integraltothatvisionistakingthesting out of the word disability.

“Ihavecomefromabackgroundwhere disability is hidden, it’s a taboo, but I want to be able to talk about it,” Ms Fazal

said. “As mothers, sisters and daughters we need to talk about it.

“I strongly believe that everyone has a purpose and something they can give back to the community.

“It’s just human nature to focus on what we can’t do— and not what we can do.

“So why don’t we build on the abilities we have and build that up for them.

“It’s made a huge difference, not only for me but for the community.”

Soulful Spreads certainly seems to have the community part of the equation down pat, with a mixture of youth and experience showing an interest in their mission.

On Mondays, many retired residents have made a bit of a tradition of gathering at the cafe.

“For them it is really about getting out and avoiding isolation, they come and socialise– so a big part of this is providing that safe space for the community.

“Most of them come from the retirement community next door or pop in after their Tai Chi sessions.

“They see it as a nice place to chat instead of just going back home.”

“There is storytelling, there is knowledge sharing – we gain so much learning from them through their stories and experiences.

“Someone taught us how to make scones, which are now on the menu.”

The youth volunteers are certainly contributing to that sense of community.

“We have a bimonthly book club which encourages young people to come– that is open to everyone,” Ms Fazal said.

“Last holidays, they ran three workshops, including origami and arts and crafts– everything was organised by them.”

She said she hopes to see more social enterprises pop up to have more of this community spirit in Wyndham.

“It is not a competition, we should worktogethertomakeWyndhamaglobal village instead of competing with each other.”

In the meantime, there is plenty to do.

“We are always looking for volunteers, especially on the days we have cooking classes,” Ms Fazal said.

There’s even a way for customers to feed into spirit of giving.

“We have a pay it forward model in where you buy a coffee for someone else, and then they buy one for the next person,” Ms Fazal said.

“Giving back to the community is very fulfilling – knowing someone is not going to sleep hungry or start their day.”

Me Fazal said she is eternally grateful forthosecommunitymembersandwants everyone to pop by if they get the chance to see the work they do.

“If we work together, we can make so many changes, and the community support is what makes this happen.”

Soulful Spreads is open 8.30am-noon onMondays,WednesdaysandThursdays. Details: https://soulfulspreads.com

FULL LAUNDRY LOADS SAVE WATER

Smarter water use starts with everyday choices. Run full laundry loads, take shorter showers and turn the tap off when brushing your teeth.

Winning hands at Darley Neighbourhood House

It’s all skill, strategy and luck at Darley Neighbourhood House, as Bacchus Marsh’s U3A group hosts Mahjong for its members between 12.45 and 3pm every Thursday. StarWeeklyphotographerDamjanJanevskicapturedtheintriguingandchallenging Chinese game, as members went head-to-head to arrange their tiles. New members are most welcome. For more information visit https://u3abacchus.org.au/.

International Women’s Day

morning tea

DarleyNeighbourhoodHousecelebrated International Women’s day with pride on Thursday 5 March, inviting the community to come together in celebration of women over the world, while sharing the dignity through their periodproductcollectioncampaign. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski captured the celebrations.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Moorabool light orchestra

Come along to a concert of fantasy and mystery. Held at 2pm on Sunday 15 March at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall. www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1529296

Cultural Fiesta

Djerriwarrh Community & Education

Services will host a vibrant Cultural Fiesta event on Wednesday 18 March at 12.30pm. This free community event celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Melton through music, dance, and traditional expressions from around the world. Community members are encouraged to wear their cultural dress and join in the festivities. The event is open to all ages. 241 Station Road, Melton 8746 1000

Volunteer opportunity

Help a disadvantaged young person gain essential driving hours by becoming an L2P volunteer driving mentor. A few hours a week, in your own time, can make a life changing difference. Full training and support provided, with the car and all expenses covered.

L2P@djerriwarrh.org or 8746 1000

Sewing in Melton

If you love sewing, head on down to the Melton South Community Centre. Bring along your machine and materials and make new friends as you swap tips and work on your own projects. 9.30am–3pm each Tuesday. Each session costs $5. 9747 8576

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

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.

rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

Melton Over 50s Social Group

Join a friendly group of people aged 50 and older who enjoy each other’s company while attending events such as dinners, shows,

(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

Melton Men’s Group

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Thin Ozone studio, which is holding a Japanese drumming event in Footscray. Pictured: Gerda Widjaja, Sayako Ohno, Alejandra Díaz and Junko Sakamoto. (Damjan Janevski) 537660_01

dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you.

Marlene, 0498 329 290

Rose carers of Maddingley Park

The group meets every Wednesday from 10am-noon at the Commemorative Rose Garden, Maddingley Park on the corner of Taverner Street and Grant Streets, Bacchus Marsh. They maintain the two rose gardens at the park. Volunteers are welcome and no experience is necessary to join .

Elaine, 0400 052 857 or Judy, 0428 463 538

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

Fifteen day luxury cruise

Imagine sailing down the Mississippi and the Ohio Rivers for 16 days taking in the sights of colourful New Orlean, musical MemphisandlovelyLouisville.

Viking have announced their new itineraries for the region for 2027 and bookingsarenowopen.

Sailing on board the Viking Mississippi, guests can choose the new fifteen day Bayous, Blues and Bluegrass itinerary, which operates between New Orleans and Louisville, with ports of call along the MississippiandOhiorivers.

A shorter option is the eight day Mississippi and Ohio River Explorer itinerary which offers a journey between MemphisandLouisville.

Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen believes wherever they are in the world, Viking guests are interested in the history, culture and culinary traditions of thedestinationstheyvisit.

“The towns and cities along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers are close to home for quite a few of our guests and are fantastic destinations that many have yet todiscovering,”hesaid.

He believes the new itineraries expand the company’s destination-focused offeringsontheMississippiRiver.

The itineraries explore the rich heritage of the American South, birthplace of some ofthecountry’smostbelovedculinaryand musical tradition with the 2027 Bayous, Bluesand Bluegrass15dayNewOrleansto Louisvillecruise.

Along the Mississippi River, grand homes preserve the South’s past. Step into Civil War history at Vicksburg and feel the rhythm of the blues in Greenville. Further north, sample smoky barbecue in Tennessee and discover Kentucky’s legacy of craftsmanship, from the powerful Louisville Slugger to smooth bourbon.

Also new for 2027 is the eight day Mississippi and Ohio River Explorer from Memphis to Louisville. Sail on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as they wind past scenic wetlands, quaint towns and storied cities.

Classic American musical genres with the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and bluegrass arose along these waterways. Discover the legacies of icons such as BB King and Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. In Kentucky, Louisville’s baseball museum preserves the spirit of America’s favourite pastime while its bourbon distilleries honour generations of craftsmanship.

The 22-day Mississippi River Odyssey from New Orleans to St Paul gives guests the opportunity to revel in the charm of “America’sGreatRiver”astheshipsetssail alongtheMississippi.

Admire the historic mansions and grand homes atop its bluffs, and delve into America’sCivilWarhistory.

Delight in the region’s famed Southern cuisine and sample Memphis’s renowned barbecue, alongside artisan beers. Birthplace of American music, blues, jazz and soul, the Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the towns and cities thatlineitslegendaryshores.

The eight-day Mississippi Delta Explorer from New Orleans to Memphis allows guests to discover Darrow, the gateway to the grand homes of the Lower Mississippi and explore the fascinating towns along the banks of the Mississippi that preserve the memory of the American South’s early history.

Learn about Natchez’s French and Acadian heritage and pay respects at the Vicksburg battlefield. Savour delicious Cajun and creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue, as you celebratemusicallegendsinthebirthplace ofrock’n’roll.

Discover the Heartland of America over eightdaysfromStLouisto StPaulasguests journey along the Upper Mississippi and hear stories of intrepid pioneers and the LewisandClarkExpedition.

Enjoy the view as the luxury ship navigates through the river’s intricate lock system and experience the region’s many culturaltreasuresfromragtime,polkaand NorwegianfolkmusictoWisconsincheese, craftbeerandheartystews.

On the eight day New Orleans and Southern Charms leaving New Orleans for a roundtrip, discover the Lower Mississippi’s rich charm, history and hospitality. Explore historic estates and visitnotableCivilWarsites.

Sample the bustling French-flavoured port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Sway to the tempos of Dixieland jazz, gospel and blues. Savour gourmet

Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as traditional Southern fare. Join this special VikingcruiseandseewhylocalCajunssay, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the goodtimesroll).

The Viking Mississippi hosts 386 guests in 193 all-outside staterooms. The state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships and features elegant Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. The ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities make the Viking Mississippi the first truly modernshipintheregion.

For further information please phone 138747orvisitwww.viking.com.

EUROPE

$5,695* pp

Book now and choose your preferred offer valued up to $5,000 per couple: Free economy class flight offers, upgrade to business class with an airfare credit, or save on your cruise fare.

Available until sold out on select river, ocean and expedition voyages*.

ROMANTIC DANUBE

Budapest to Regensburg or vice versa

Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centres and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots.

8 DAYS • 3 COUNTRIES • 5 GUIDED TOURS

JUN-NOV 2026; 2027; MAR-NOV 2028

From $5,695pp in Standard Stateroom From $6,695pp in Veranda Stateroom

PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE

Bucharest to Budapest or vice versa

Sail the Danube’s Iron Gate, witness Hungary’s Puszta horsemen, and behold Budapest’s grandeur—Eastern Europe unveiled.

11 DAYS • 5 COUNTRIES • 8 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; 2028

From $7,595pp in Standard Stateroom From

in Veranda Stateroom

CAPITALS OF EASTERN EUROPE

Bucharest to Vienna or vice versa

Discover the “City of Waltzes,” Austria’s elegant capital and European centre of classical music. In Bratislava, view grand palaces from the Hapsburg era.

17 DAYS • 7 COUNTRIES • 12 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; 2028

From $11,495pp in Standard Stateroom From $16,795pp in Veranda Stateroom

Introducing our 2026-2028 River Voyages brochure. Uncover the immersive experiences that await you along the world’s waterways with Viking.

MY PLACE

Diggers Rest local Brett Beattie told Jack O’Shea-Ayres about sport, neighbourly connections and why he loves where he lives.

What’syourconnectiontoDiggersRest?

For 24 years we drove past Diggers Rest on our way home to Woodend, coming from the city or after watching the mighty Richmond Tigers play at the G. My wife and I would always say “we would be home now if we lived in Diggers Rest“. So here we are, we downsized in January 2018 ‘til now and love it.

What’s your favourite thing about DiggersRest?

My favourite thing about Diggers Rest is the locals and sporting clubs. Through the Diggers Rest Football Netball club Burras and the Diggers Rest Bulla/Village Cricket Club Burras. We moved here before Covid hit the world and during that time, I got to meet many neighbours including a long-time local Les Elso. It’s been a true pleasure having him next door and in my life with all my other neighbours across the road. As a mad footy lover, the local footy club has been a fantastic place to enjoy our game, the club has welcomed me and allows me to volunteer on some game days. This has allowed me to make many new friends and enjoy our new facility.

Tell me about your passion for local sport and your connection to it in DiggersRest?

I was asked to come down and play at the Burras Cricket Club at that time I was playing for Sydenham Hillside Cricket Club and previously played at Woodend. It’s been the best recruit that Diggers Rest CC has signed in the last 2 decades I’m

hearing now. I’m now not far off 100 games in the next season and will be so proud of my achievement when I reach it, a home game would be the best opportunity with an open invitation to the locals to enjoy. Get in early as it’s predicted to be 2 or 3 rows deep in the carparking spots. I’m a true believer of playing where you live to give back to my town. I had the privilege to drive a bus once for Cricket to our away game, all the way to Kilmore - it was a long drive and the second time I was captain at the Burras.

Where is your favourite local place to spendtime?

I love to spend time at the local sport clubs and have a chat making new friends as I’m shy at times .I have made so many new friends since moving into Diggers and that is what clubs reward locals with. I invite anyone new and our locals that stay home, drop in on a Saturday from lunch time and talk to the volunteers working.

Tell us something people would be surprisedtoknowaboutyou... I took up cricket when I was 40 years old to help Woodend Cricket Club as they needed players, never played a game before that. If I had known back then, how good would I be today? I just might have started decades earlier, who knows I could’ve been the first Shane Warne?

Brett (Trout) Beattie, pictured with club teammates Tristan (Trisso) Krizanic, Alex (Shrek) Hassett, and Ben (Welshy) Walsh. (Supplied)

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago 6March,1996

A blaze raging 10 metres under-ground lastweekforcedpolicetoevacuateeight houses in Boyd and George Streets, Bacchus Marsh.

20 years ago 7March,2006

Twenty early childhood intervention places were last week announced for Melton, in a welcome boost for the shire’s physically and intellectually disabled children.

15 years ago 8March,2011

Mayor Justin Mammarella is willing to take to the steps of State Parliament to get a hospital for Melton.

10 years ago 8March,2016

The victim of a vicious dog attack that was caught on CCTV cameras wants irresponsible dog owners held accountableiftheylettheirpetswander the streets off-leash.

A fun-filled day by the lake

One of Melton’s favourite annual events is set to return to Lake Caroline this month, with Lakeside Alive celebrating the city’s richculturaldiversitybythewater.

This year’s event on Saturday 21 March will coincide with Harmony Day, an annual celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity,andoffersplentyofentertainment for the whole family with intercultural performances, market stalls, roving performers,livemusicandfireworks.

The whole family is being invited to the day of fun, where children can get creative at Lady Mohawk’s Craft Tile Workshop, enjoy the Bebop Circus, or have their faces

painted, while Melton’s older kids can join inontheexcitementofthe10-minutedance parties.

Parents and friends can explore the event’s broad range of market stalls, while roving fire twirlers, circus performers, and giant puppets make their rounds showing off their impressive talent throughout the event.

Live music will also feature throughout the day across two stages, with rock band The Vanns and indie-folk singer Didirri featuringonthemainstage.

A new, second stage dedicated to Harmony Day celebrations will showcase

intercultural performances from Melton’s diversecommunity,withaspecialHarmony Daywalkfeaturingworkshopsandactivities suited to all ages and an international food market showcasing a variety of cultural cuisines.

Mayor Lara Carli said the event is set to feature diverse, free entertainment with a picturesquebackdrop.

“Whatbetterwaytospendadaythanwith familyandfriends,enjoyingsomedelicious foodandfreeentertainmentbypicturesque LakeCaroline,”shesaid.

Lakeside Alive runs from noon to 8pm. Details:melton.vic.gov.au/LakesideAlive

Artists come together to inspire through the power of art

Six local artists, based at the Hunt Club and Community Arts Centre, have come together to host an open day and foyer exhibition to inspire locals through the powerofart.

The foyer exhibition will feature works by Brimbank council resident studio artists Lee Agius (Artful Warrior), Lukas Kasper, Fiona Clarke, Kenneth McKean, AmraPajalicandElzetteBester.

Theworksshowcaseeachartists’unique discipline and artistic voice, which contributetoBrimbank’sculturallife.

Artists will also run free community workshops on their different creative practicesatanopendayon14March.

Curator and studio artist Lee Agius came up with the open day idea last year.

“I just thought, people don’t realise that the artists are at the Hunt Club. [The event] would be a good way to bridge that

Faces of the west

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

gap between the studios upstairs and the communities,”shesaid.

“Even though we all work individually, we’vealldonecommunityworkbefore.”

Ms Agius, a qualified creative arts therapistandmentalhealthanddisability practitioner, has worked in creative arts therapyformorethantwodecades.

“I found that working in a creative context with other people was a bit more satisfyingtome,”shesaid.

Artist Elzette Bester is a graphic designer and illustrator who has worked inthecreativeindustryfor25years.

She said she wants locals to know the studioartistsareaccessible.

“I think [locals], apart from doing something creative, can take away that there are some exceptional artists in

Brimbankcouncilthatarereadytobepart of the community, be part of community projects,”MsBestersaid.

“Come and have a coffee with us. We want some engagement so we can continue to do what we love and help the communityatthesametime.”

The ‘Creative Ground - From Studio to Community’ exhibition, supported by Brimbankcouncil,willbeondisplayuntil 2 April at Hunt Club Community and Arts Centre,775BallaratRoad,DeerPark.

The exhibition open day will run from 12.30-4.30pmonSaturday14Marchatthe samelocation.

Registration for free workshops is essential,andspacesarelimited. More info and registration: shorturl.at/ kVflK

They

Email:

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

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

1 Assimilate (6)

4 Leads an orchestra (8) 10 Complementary item (9) 11 Throw (5) 12 Chits (abbr) (4) 13 Message (4) 14 Colouring matter (5) 16 Humming sound (4)

Musician, Jim – (8) 20 Provided (8) 22 Declare (4) 25 Beautiful maiden in Muslim paradise (5)

26 Web addresses (abbr) (4) 28 Black mineral (4)

Hat (5)

Harmony (9)

Gifted (8)

Large rope (6)

1 A Middle Eastern language (6)

Yield; submit (7)

Corrosion (4) 5 Contradictory or incongruous phrase (8) 6 Be full of censure (10) 7 Commentators (7)

8 An instance of seeing something (8) 9 Minute skin opening (4) 15 Central Asian nation (10) 18 Ban (8) 19 Embezzle money (8) 21 Unbiased (7)

23 Forest workers (7)

24 English city on the River Exe (6)

27 Old stringed instrument (4)

29 Self-referential (4)

3 LETTERS

5

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

17 words: Good 26 words: Very good 34 words: Excellent

toil, tonic, topic, tulip, tunic, unclip, uncoil, unit, unlit, until

1 Steve Carell (pictured) and Timothée Chalamet play father and son in which 2018 film?

2 What is the title of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s debut cookbook, released in 1999?

3 Convallaria majalis is a woodland flowering plant better known by what name?

4 Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats was based on the 1939 poetry collection Old Possum’s Book ofPracticalCats by which author?

5 In which year did construction on the Sydney Harbour Bridge commence?

6 If something is ephemeral, it is what?

7 Which four African countries border the Red Sea?

8 Which band released the 2010 album The Suburbs?

9 What is the name given to the Catalonian sauce made from tomato, garlic, nuts and capsicum?

10 Who wrote the 1985 novel OrangesAreNottheOnly Fruit?

Is H7 aimed at ‘blokes’?

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Haval has gone for a rugged, almost retro-look with its new the mid-sized H7 Hybrid, emphasised by bolt-on mudguard flares.

Well,theylookliketheybolton,butdespite the rugged exterior it is actually front-wheel drive and shares its underpinnings with the softer H6 plug-in hybrid that we tested recently – though you can’t plug this one in. Which is kinda funny, we had planned to grab a charge spot across the road from the Orpheum Theatre in crowded Cremorne –until we discovered it doesn’t have a charge port.

Nope.PlanBturnedouttobearatherlong hikebacktothetheatreandalonglinetoget in.

In any case, H7 is designed to bridge the gap between the H6 and larger Tank 300 (which is designed to go off-road with low-range four-wheel drive).

Haval claims the H7 strikes the perfect balance between weekend adventure and everyday versatility, and it has the best-selling Toyota RAV4 in its crosshairs.

Styling

There’s just the one H7 Vanta HEV, priced from $44,990 plus on-road costs, although there’s talk of an AWD and PHEV to come.

That’s only $5000 more than the similarly-equipped H6 Ultra HEV. Any colour but white adds $495 to the price.

H7’s squared-off proportions and upright stance create a rugged appearance, with assertive design elements like the round LEDheadlightsandabold,squared-offface.

Thegrilleandroundheadlightsremindus of something (an early Mitsubishi perhaps) while the hanging tail lights channel those of the Mazda CX-3 and CX-30.

Add to this 19-inch machined alloy wheels and a suite of blacked-out finishes, including the badging, front grille, mirror caps,windowtrims,roofrailsandtaillights.

Standard equipment includes artificial leatherwithrealleathergarnishes,two-zone climate air with rear outlets, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats, with driver-seat memory.

There are also 19-inch alloys, with 235/60 profile tyres, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, LED lights all-round, auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, with side blinds, along with an electric tailgate and electric, panoramic sunroof.

Not to mention push-button, automatic parking.

H7isconvertedbyaseven-yearunlimited kilometrewarranty,alongwithaneight-year unlimited-kilometrebatterypackwarranty.

There’s also five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a 14.6-inch touchscreen powered by the GWM’s Coffee OS.

There’s Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, plus eight-speaker audio – but alas no built-in satellite navigation.

For that the general idea is to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, depending on your poison – both connect wirelessly.

Two USB-A ports are provided, one in front and another in the rear, plus a 12-volt socket in the front, along with wireless phone charging.

It also misses out on telematics which

The H7 looks like it will go off road, but really doesn’t have the necessary credentials

provide remote access and control of various vehicle functions.

Safety

H7 carries a full five-star safety rating from ANCAP. However, during the full-width frontal test, the head restraint dislodged from the driver’s seat back.

While ANCAP says this does not affect scoring under 2023-2025 rating criteria, it may increase the risk of injury to the driver.

Asaresult,GWMhasinitiatedavoluntary safetyrecallforvehiclesbuiltbeforeOctober 15, 2025.

Seven airbags are standard, including a centre airbag to stop those in the front from banging heads in a side impact crash.

A 360-degree camera with 180 degree overhead transparent chassis view is fitted.

Autonomous emergency braking applies to car-to-car, vulnerable road user and junction assist scenarios.

There are also blind spot alert and a lane support system with lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and emergency lane keeping,plusanadvancedspeedassistance system that keeps to current speed limits. Head-up display is part of the deal, but as we have pointed out on many occasions it does not work very well if you happen to wear polarised sunglasses.

Engines/transmissions

The self-charging hybrid powertrain is the same as that in the H6 and produces 179kW of power and 530Nm of torque in front-wheel drive form, with a dual-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.

Driving Inside the H7

blends versatility, comfort,

andtechnologytosupportanactivelifestyle.

The boxy, upright design and five-seat configuration deliver plenty of head and shoulder room, along with excellent visibility.

A removable boot floor reveals a tyre repair kit but no spare wheel in the event of a puncture – not very off-roady.

But Haval reckons you can use the boot floor as a picnic table – we’d like to see that.

Pseudo studs reinforce the utilitarian feel inside,withadigitalinstrumentclusterthat is inset rather than freestanding.

A forward-tilted top section displays the current gear but little else, while its major role appears to be as a sunshade for the lower section. Smart thinking.

A panoramic sunroof has a retractable shade that is power operated.

With a 61-litre fuel tank, it takes standard 91unleaded,withclaimedfuelconsumption of5.7L/100kmandaCO2outputof131g/km. We were getting 7.1L/100km after 450km of driving.

There’s the usual drive mode options: Normal, Eco, Sport or Snow.

Steeringweightcanalsobeadjusted,with comfortable, sport or light settings.

The regenerative braking also adjusts, right down to one-pedal driving, although it does not bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

With plenty of torque, the H7 gets up and going pretty smartly, with well weightedsteering,butbrakesthatarealittle touchy.

Althoughtheridequalityisnotasgoodas the Australian-tuned H6 PHEV, it’s not too bad either.

With 210mm of ground clearance, it rides a bit higher than the H6 and as such

doesn’t handle as well, but again it’s okay for an SUV.

Front-wheel drive means dirt roads are okay, but we wouldn’t be taking it any further off road than that.

More worrying was the throttle which failed to respond at all for two or three seconds when we punched the accelerator hard on two occasions.

Obviously, this could become an issue in some situations.

Lots of beeps and warnings from drive assist, but not as bad as some.

The eight-speaker sound system is interesting, with a DTS setting that makes a huge difference to the sound quality, so be sure to tick it. But getting the volume right can be an issue.

There are no physical controls provided, and control from the steering wheel is a bit hit and miss – perhaps missing?

Fortunately hitting the mute button brings up a slider on the touchscreen after you un-mute it, allowing the volume to be adjusted.

It does leave the front passenger at a loose end, however.

There’s no physical controls for the air-conditioning either.

Summing up

You get the feeling the H7 is targeted at blokes.

My wife wasn’t fussed on the styling, but styling is as they say a very personal thing. Other than the minor quibbles that we have identified and lack of satellite navigation, it looks like being another winner for Great Wall which incidentally is doingagreatjobrespondingtothedemands of the market.

Finals action aplenty

There was plenty of finals action across Melbourne’s north-west on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.

Williamson joins Mustangs

By Tara Murray

New Melton coach Troy Williamson wants to help the side go even further in the Hockey Victoria Vic League 3 competition.

TheMustangshavebeenoneoftheteams to beat in recent seasons having made the last two grand finals, but that first top flight senior men’s premiership has gone begging.

Williamson, who has coached against the Mustangs the past couple of seasons, will now lead them this year.

“It’s such a good opportunity with all the growth throughout the whole region,” he said. “I’ve played against them and they’re an exciting team.

“I’m humbled and honoured to be part of it.”

Williamson brings extensive coaching experience both locally and internationally to the Mustangs. He’s coached from premier league down to Vic league 3, while he coached Vietnam’s national team and lived in Vietnam during that time.

Williamson is the coach of the Australian masters over 50s team that is looking to go one better than 2024 when they won silver at the world cup. The 2026 will be held midyear.

After making the grand final against last year, Williamson saying he thought they were an even better team the year before.

“That is what attracted me to the role,” he said. “There’s a group of young kids, young men that play a great brand of hockey.

“Their offensive side is incredible. They can turn anything into goals.They scored 13 goals in a game.

“They need to develop a stronger hockey IQ. Defense is crucial and they need to build on their defensive side.

“The club is clear they want promotion and they want a premiership, that is what we’re about in 2026.”

Williamson said the previous coaches who are integral parts of the club had done an amazing job and it was now about taking that next step.

A focus on local players remains the focus.

Three players from last season aren’t returning with Williamson saying it gives more opportunities to the next generation

Melton Phoenix fields a new look side

By Tara Murray

It’ll be a new challenge for Melton Phoenix in the FV state league 4 north-west competition this season.

After an off season restructure, the competition will be closer than ever with top sides from state league 4 north and west combining in one division.

Throw in a new coach and virtually new squad, things look very different for the Phoenix.

Coach Sergio Lunderi said they were looking forward to the season ahead. Lunderi crosses from Newport Storm, where he guided it to the state league 5 title in its first season.

“It’s still early days,” he said. “It will take some time and hopefully we’ll get to where we need to be as close to round one.

“The squad is coming up really well and we have a lot of depth.

“We’ve got to go on the pitch and get results.”

The Phoenix has just five players from last year meaning some big changes to the

playing group. Among those returning are Bo Williamson and Jason Moody.

The squad last season finished third in state league 4 west, five points off top and promotion.

Lunderi said it would be interesting to see how it all played out this season.

“We’re starting from zero,” he said. “We don’t have the core from last year.

“It will be a challenging year and it might take some time and we’ll look to build in the first few rounds and get it together.

“We’ve improved since we started preseason in January and will keep improving.”

The Phoenix showed good signs in its Dockerty Cup-Australia Cup round two match.

After scores were locked at 0-0 at half time before scoring six second half goals to claim a 6-0 to beat Glen Iris.

The Phoenix got a forfeit in the opening round of the competition against Fortuna 60.

Lunderi said they weren’t the best conditions but they were able to still come along with a big win.

of Melton players.

“If we can build the players at the club, why can’t we be a premier league club?” he said.

“We’re in a growth corridor and why should families have to travel.

“We’ve been able to attract a couple of players back and there’s an exciting opportunity for the pathway and the kids.

“We’ve got an good opportunity to develop the group of 15-16boys. They have flourished in the pre-season.”

The club is celebrating its 50th season with Williamson saying that want to grow the club even more.

He said anyone interested in playing hockey was encouraged to come down to the club.

Melton’s Billy Crofts is part of Footscray’s leadership group for the Victorian Football League season. Premiership Bulldog Dan Orgill will continue as captain in 2026 with Crofts, the club’s reigning best and fairest winner elevated to vice-captain along with Norm Goss Medallist Cooper Craig-Peters. Coach Alex Johnson said the appointments were great reward for the trio. “Having Billy step into the co-vice captaincy alongside Cooper shows the calibre of leaders we have at our disposal,” Johnson said. “It’s great recognition for all three guys to be handed formal leadership titles for 2026 and we’re really excited to see what they do.”

AFL

Former Western Jets captain Tom Burton has been rookied listed by Richmond. Burton, who missed out on being drafted last year, has trained with the Tigers throughout the AFL pre-season. On Monday, the Tigers gave him the news that he would be added to the club’s list. Richmond national recruiting manager Rhy Gieschen commended Burton’s ability to train strongly across the summer after the difficulty of being overlooked in the draft.

Talent League

“We were away from home and playing onaSunday,”hesaid.“Itwaswetconditions and we got a good win. We started slow and then scored six second half goals.

“Still a work in progress and we had a lot of players out.

“A win is a win.”

Melton will face Albion Rovers in the third round on the weekend of 14 March. The winner of that match will face the winner of Heatherton United and Upfield in round four on Easter weekend.

Then the Phoenix will kick off its state league 4 north-west season on 21 March against Moonee Ponds.

Lunderi said it would be a tough competition.

“Every game will be difficult,” he said. “We’ve got the best sides of state league 4 [north and west] merged together.

“It will be a challenging season and way different from other seasons. There’s normally one or two easier games.

“It will be similar to state league 3 where anyone can beat anyone and you have to be on your game.”

The Western Jets have announced their boys squad for the Talent League season. The Jets have a mix of new and experienced players in their squad. Among the squad are, Bacchus Marsh’s Zac Dalli and James McDaid, Caroline Springs’ Bradley Podolczak and Ballan’s Kobe Williams. Williams is also on Footscray’s Victorian Football League list.

VTCA

Melton Centrals has announced the retirement of Warren Haffenden and Andy Cristofaro. Haffenden has also stood down as coach of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association club. “Both guys have been instrumental in our club’s development and bringing our juniors through to play senior cricket in the last few years,” Centrals said on social media. “You will both be sorely missed.” Centrals top grade finished bottom of the Russell Pollock Shield this season without a win.

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Strikers ready to go again

By Tara Murray

Westside Strikers have been able to maintain some consistency as they seek to be among the contenders in the FV state league 4 north-west competition.

The Strikers finished second last season in state league 4 west but with the west and north combining this season it will be a new challenge.

Coach Simon Vasconcelo said it had been a good off season for the club.

“It is looking good,” he said. “We’ve been able to retain most of the boys from last year and a few new faces have joined us.

“This year will be tougher than ever

with the new state league 4 structure. Anyone can beat anyone.

“We know with the west that we were competitive, the north is a different task and we’ll find out in the first few weeks.”

Vasconcelo said after having to rebuild the past few off seasons, it was nice to be able to have some consistency within the squad and not have to rebuild again.

He said they had been able to be selective with the players that they had bought in and they looked to fill some gaps and strengthen what they already had.

“We’ve been able to add a couple of new forwards and we’re hoping to have a different dynamic,” he said.

The Strikers are through to the third

round of the Dockerty Cup-Australia Cup.

After a bye in round one, they won their second round match with Greater Dandenong forfeiting and leaving the Strikers without a match that weekend.

The Strikers face Epping City in round three with a potential clash with Oakleigh Cannons in the fourth round.

If they were to get that far, Vasconcelo said it would be one of the biggest matches in the club’s history facing a National Premier League side.

He said they wouldn’t get ahead of themselves and were focused on the Epping City match this weekend.

The state league 4 north-west season

kicks off the following weekend with the Strikers facing Watsonia Heights in the opening round on 21 March.

Vasconcelo said the matches don’t get much bigger than that with both sides in the promotion battles last season.

“We could not have drawn a harder team,” he said. “They finished second in the north and were only 30 seconds away from promotion.

“Fawkner scored in the 96th minute to win promotion.

“Watsonia are the most difficult team in the division and have the best form from last season.

“The two runners up starting the season, that will be interesting.”

Waters feels right at home at the Devils

By Tara Murray

New Darley women’s coach Danyel Waters already feels at home at the Ballarat Football League club.

Waters steps into the women’s coaching role bringing an extensive football ground.

Having been part of AFLW, Victorian Football League women’s and Talent League programs, Waters is keen for a new challenge.

“I’m absolutely loving it,” she said. “It’s quite a unique experience having such a club that embraces the women’s program and the team as well.

“It’s been like home already. I’m a fresh face and half the team is new, it’s been really good.”

Waters said she was keen to coach her own senior side this season.

She’ll still be involved in the Calder Cannons under-16 program, but now has the time to commit to a senior role.

Waters said early conversations with Darley felt like the Devils would be the perfect club for her.

“I kind of put the feelers out at the end

of last year to see what was out there, and went for a few different ones,”she said.

“The conversation with Darley just immediately felt good and felt like somewhere I can sink my teeth into and kind of bring my flavor of football, which is a little bit of highperformancelens,adevelopmentlens.

“It was a good fit.”

Waters said one of the big things that drew her to the Devils was that even though they were coming off winning the last three premierships, they wanted to do better.

She said there had been no pressure to make it four in a row.

“They were still looking at how we can do this better,” she said.

“They were looking at adding to the already high standards to try and make sure the girls continued to develop.

“It was one of those things, for a club to already go, we are at the top of our game, how can we do better, that’s the kind of mindset that I’m drawn to.”

With a number of changes to the squad in the off season, the club has been busy recruiting.

Waters said Ben Skinner had done an

amazing job with that.

They said their focus was ensuring that every player who comes in knows they want to help them develop individually and as a team.

One out for the Devils is captain and two-time league best and fairest winner Lilli Condon, who has headed overseas for 12 months.

Waters said she was spewing she doesn’t have the chance to coach her.

While Condon will be a big loss, Waters said it opens opportunities for other players to step up.

“I’ve definitely seen that, had comments from under-19 coach Brett Faulkhead and Ben, some of these girls who were quite quiet are really putting their voices forward now and owning that leadership space which is amazing to see.”

The Devils will also have an under-19 side this season to complete the pathway. Faulkhead, who coached the Devils to the last three premierships, will lead that side.

The Devils are still seeking under-19 players.

Nine teams for premier division

The Essendon District Football League has decided not to promote a team to its women’s premier division to fill the void of Greenvale’s withdrawal.

As revealed by Star Weekly, Greenvale withdrew its women’s team after not having the numbers to field a side this season.

The Jets were set to be part of an expanded premier division competition.

Strathmore earned promotion into the top flight, while Caroline Springs top side has moved across from the Western Football League.

After a strong off season, Maribyrnong Park will remain in the top flight. They will join Aberfeldie, Essendon Doutta Stars, Hillside, Keilor, Moonee Valley and Oak Park in the top flight.

The action kicks off on Good Friday with Strathmore taking on Keilor in a twilight contest, providing a bumper finish to what’s set to be a big day at Lebanon Reserve.

Those two will have the following week off as Hillside unfurls its flag against Aberfeldie at shark park to continue the action, and 2025 grand finalist Oak Park hosts Maribyrnong Park.

Essendon Doutta Stars will commence its season against Moonee Valley at Nipper Jordan Oval, with the bye placing Caroline Springs’ first game against Strathmore in round two.

The grand final rematch between Hillside and Oak Park will come in round four.

Round seven will see Strathmore host Essendon Doutta Stars under Friday night lights, as Oak Park and MooneeValleywillcompeteinDarcy’s Round, a Red Nose fundraiser, playing after the men in a twilight battle.

A three-week finals series between the top four sides is set to commence on the weekend of 15 August, with the grand final currently slated for the weekend of 29 August.

Burnside Springs United into grand final

By Tara Murray

Burnside Springs United has ticked its first goal, sealing promotion in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield.

Having been so close in recent seasons without making the grand final, Burnside was able to get the job done on the weekend against Glenroy.

Captain-coach Ashan Ranaweera said it was pretty special for the club to finally breakthrough for its top side’s first grand final since joining the VTCA.

“It’s a big relief,” he said. “The boys did a really good job.

“Our position was to focus on that game

and now that game is done, we plan the next game.

“That was what was needed [promotion]. They are a good team and I’m so glad that I can be the one to do it.”

Burnside won the toss and decided to bowl on Saturday.

It was able to restrict Glenroy to 152, bowling it out in the 61st over in a strong bowling display.

Mathew Sanders took 6-48 for Burnside.

Ranaweera said they stuck to their game plan and did what he asked of them.

“We were hoping to keep them to about 140 so it was a little bit over,” he said. “But we knew with our batting line that we could do it.

“Everyone contributed.”

Burnside didn’t get off to the start it was hoping for with the bat, losing Mathieson King for a duck late on day one.

The side resumed at 1-37 on Sunday.

Burnside was able to put on a couple of partnerships at the top of the order to take control of the run chase.

It then slipped from 2-108 to 6-147 to have a few nervous moments.

Burnsidewasabletodoenough,finishing 6-155 and claiming a grand final spot.

“We had a plan with our batting and we did what we needed,” he said.

“Sumedha Gamage and Radhakrishnan Venkata Subramanian had a 68 run partnership to settle things.

Falcons through

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs is finally through to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield grand final on its third attempt.

After falling short at the last hurdle the past couple of seasons, the Falcons finally got the monkey off the back on Sunday.

The Falcons put in a strong all round performance against Pascoe Vale Hadfield to win through to the final game of the season.

Falcons’ coach Ian Shattock said it was nice to finally get through to the grand final.

“It was a pretty good weekend with our thirds winning through as well,” he said. “It was a big day for us.

“We’ve still got one more to go.”

Pascoe Vale Hadfield was playing finals forthefirsttimesincethetwoclubsmerged making it a big moment for the club.

The Falcons won the toss and sent the Panthers in on Saturday.

The Panthers were bowled out for 162 in

the 69th over after a strong performance with the ball by the Falcons.

Gavin McCallum took 4-31 for the Falcons.

Shattock said they had rested McCallum in the final round of the season to get him primed for finals and it had paid off

He also highlighted the bowling of Braedon Mulheran, who took two wickets.

The Falcons then faced a tricky period late on Saturday afternoon and managed to get through unscathed, finishing day one at 0-22.

Shattock said they were pleased with how they batted that eight over period with Akeem Springer and Gurpreet Suri putting in solid performances across both days.

The Falcons lost a wicket early on day two but had little trouble in the run chase.

They would lose just one more wicket for the day as they finished 2-164 in the 42nd over.

Salman Alfridi top scored with 90 not out off 99 balls.

“He was a class above,” Shattock said of Alfridi. “He was sensational and got

“All the boys contributed.”

Venkata Subramanian top scored with 46, while Ranaweera hit the winning runs, finishing 25 not out.

The skipper did it was his role to make sure the job got done and get the side into the grand final.

Burnside will now host Roxburgh Park in the grand final this Saturday and Sunday. Ranaweera said for them they would treat it like another game and continue to go out there had have fun.

“The boys like to have fun and enjoy it, that’s how we play.”

Roxburgh Park beat Donnybrook in the other semi final and will also be promoted.

Centrals into granny

Melton Centrals’ women’s side is through to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s B-grade grand final.

Centrals were happy with just one win in their first season back having a women’s side, but on Sunday made it through to the final game of the season.

Captain-coach Kim Gasior said no one would have thought they would be in this position at the start of the year.

She said the group had put in so much work together and individually to get to this stage.

“We’re super excited,” she said.

“There were a few nerves, myself included, but once Rhiannah [Jordan] and Belinda [Guiney] started us off they settled quickly.

“After not fielding a side last year, to a grand final.

“We’ve learned the game from each other throughout the year.”

In the semi final, Gasior won the toss and decided to bat against Broadford.

She said she wanted to put the pressure back on the opposition. It worked with Centrals making 2-135 from their overs.

Both Jordan and Guiney made 50 before having to retire.

Gasior said the pair made a perfect opening partnership.

For Guiney it was her second 50 in as many weeks after taking up cricket half way through the season.

himself in and showed his strokes around the ground.”

Rukshan Fernando was also at the crease when the game ended, finishing 20 not out, with the two sharing the strike around to get the job done.

Caroline Springs will face Point Cook in the grand final, after the Warriors beat Point Cook Centrals in a thriller in the other semi final.

Point Cook won the only match up between the two sides earlier this season.

Shattock said they were edging closer to the result they were after, a premiership.

The club’s last first XI premiership game in 2022-23 in division 4.

“We’ll worry about ourselves to be cherry ripe and ready to go,” he said.

“It’s good to get to the last day of the year and see what we can do.”

Shattock said it looked like they would host grand finals for their first and third XIs making next weekend a big weekend for the club.

“I wanted to see if we could make a high score,” Gasior said. “I wanted them to have to chase it down and it all went to plan.”

Kept Broadford to 7-92 from its 20 overs.

Arshdeep Kaur Bhullar and Jordan took two wickets each for Centrals. Centrals will face Lancefield Yellow in the grand final.

Gasior said having beaten Lancefield earlier in the season they would take plenty of confidence into the grand final.

Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh’s title defence is over in the A-grade competition.

The Bulls made 8-96 from their 30 overs with Kim Bessell top scoring with 40.

The Dragons top order got the job done, finishing 1-99 in 21 overs.