Egg-citement is brewing as kids across Melbourne’s north-west dream of what chocolatey goodness the Easter bunny will deliver this Sunday. Many will spend their weekend filling up on sweet treats, baking hot cross buns and attending Easter celebrations with their families. Emily, 10 (pictured) is ready to hunt down any chocolate eggs the Easter bunny leaves behind and fill her basket to the brim.
By Sam Porter
Firefighters responding to a house fire in Taylors Hill on 18 March battled the blaze withoutsufficientwater,afterthefirsttruck on scene suffered a critical pump failure –raising serious concerns about an ageing fleetandequipmentreliability.
Caroline Springs firefighter Anthony Cristofaro said it was a “frustrating” experience.
“We turned up ready to do our job and the truck couldn’t deliver water. That’s not something any firefighter should ever have to deal with on the fireground,” Mr Cristofarosaid.
“You feel frustrated and exposed. You train to respond immediately, and instead you’re dealing with a failure that shouldn’t happeninthefirstplace.”
After the water pump failure in Taylors
Hill, the Caroline Springs crew was forced to source a replacement truck from Warrnambool, requiring a seven-hour round trip before a fully operational appliance could be brought back into service.
The United Firefighters Union (UFU) claims the incident highlights a statewide crisis of an ageing fleet that is not being replaced, causing service gaps and heightened risks to life, property, and firefightersafety.
In response to the union’s claims, a Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson said the organisation ensures that appropriate equipment is deployed to all emergencies and that FRV was “continuing to make strongprogressinupgradingandreplacing its fleet of more than 200 firefighting vehicles”.
However, according to the UFU, 65 per
cent of Fire Rescue Victoria’s (FRV) fleet –138of213trucks–arepasttheirservicelife.
The UFU said the CFA (Country Fire Authority) fleet faces similar challenges, with 792 CFA tankers currently out of date and deemed unsafe, including 230 tankers thataremorethan31yearsold.
The UFU said Melbourne’s west is where the pressure is most visible, but the underlyingissueisstatewideandsystemic.
UFU secretary Peter Marshall said the Taylors Hill incident was “completely unacceptable”.
“Firefighters are being sent out with equipment they can’t rely on. When that fails, it’s not just a mechanical issue, it’s a directrisktolivesandproperty,”hesaid.
UFU reported about one-third of metropolitan fire trucks have been off the road for repairs at any given time due to mechanicalfaultsofageingappliances.
The UFU said this means stations across Melbourne are increasingly forced to rely on spare or older appliances, redistribute trucks across districts and, in some cases, respondfromfurtheraway.
“The[state]governmenthasbeenwarned repeatedly. You cannot run a modern fire service on ageing, failing trucks and expectthecommunitytobeprotected,”Mr Marshallsaid.
The UFU is calling on the state government to invest significantly in replacing ageing and failing fire trucks to restorethefireservicetoasafeandreliable standard.
Lastyear CommissionerGavinFreeman said FRV’s medium to long-term planning wasbasedonatargetfleetreplacementage of15years.
Continued: Page 4.
Two local schools have been selected to receive early intervention officers as part of the state government’s $5.6 million Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), which aims to provide support for at-risk kids.
VRU officers will work within schools at Copperfield College in Kings Park and Springside West Secondary College in Fraser Rise to identify students who are most in need of support and to provide a case management approach for continuity of care, according to the state government.
The officers will also work to improve school attendance, sense of belonging, andthestudents’relationshipswithpeers.
The program aims to connect schools, teachers and families to resolve issues and achieve positive outcomes, the state government said.
Interim VRU chief executive Andrea Davidson said the VRU is working to stop violence before it starts.
She said this is done “through early intervention, strengthening communities and evidence led action”.
“Datashowsthat70percentofVictoria’s most significant alleged youth offenders were chronically absent from school beforetheyturnedtocrime,”MsDavidson said.
“The evidence is clear that staying
engaged in education and having positive peer relationships at school is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of youngpeoplegettinginvolvedincriminal behaviour.”
On social media, Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said the program provides funding to schools to support their students to participate in positive activities.
“We know that when kids are engaged in sport and positive activities, they stay on track and are less likely to engage in crime,” Ms Grigorovitch said.
In total, 23 schools were announced in March to receive officers, with eight
Greater Western Water (GWW) is inviting schools across its service region to take partinthe2026‘treesforschools’program.
The program will provide tube stock trees, along with stakes, guards, and planting education and advice, to primary andsecondaryschools.
Albion Primary School took part in the programlastyearandhasappliedagain.
Principal Adrienne Williamson said students enjoyed the process of planting andlookingaftertrees.
“[The program] provides select trees that we wouldn’t normally have. We want to keep improving our biodiversity,” Ms
Williamson said. “It’s nice to have extra greenery.”
Delivered by GWW with the support of the state government, the initiative supports schools across Melbourne’s west and surrounding areas including Brimbank.
GWW general manager of strategy and partnerships Kessia Thomson encouraged schoolstogetinvolved.
“Tree planting is more important than everasweexperiencetheeffectsofclimate change,”shesaid.
“Trees are an important part of our ecosystem. They play a crucial role within
our water cycle, by enabling rainfall through water vapour, and they help to strengthen our soil layers with their root systems, essential for sustainable water management.
“Thisprogramisanexcellenteducational opportunityforstudentstolearnaboutthe significant impact and benefit that trees have on our environment, but it’s also a great hands-on way to teach the next generation about how to plant and care for treestoensuregrowthforyearstocome.”
Expressions of interest close Thursday 2 April. Details: gww.com.au/about/ community/trees-schools
of the schools representing Melbourne’s north-west.
Organisations partnering with schools includetheCentreforMulticulturalYouth, Foundation House, Jesuit Social Services and the Les Twentyman Foundation.
The state government said the program builds on the VRU’s Early Intervention Sports and Activities Menu which keeps kids engaged in positive activities to stop them heading down the wrong path.
Citing a reduction of offending among boys aged 10-17 years old, the state government said its VRU programs will maintain the positive momentum to further drive down youth offending.
From page 1.
“ButVictoriansshouldknowthat fire trucks do not expire simply because they reach a certain age. Theseappliancesarespeciallybuilt and can remain in service for long periods, depending on their usage andworkload,”hesaid.
“When a fault is reported, FRV has established procedures to diagnose, triage, and repair the appliance so it can be redeployed assoonaspracticable.”
Mr Freeman said ordering and deploying new trucks into FRV’s fleetwasacomplicatedprocess.
“This process begins with design and consultation before contracts are awarded and the appliance is built to FRV specifications,” he said.
“Once an appliance arrives at FRV, it undergoes rigorous quality assurance checks, and we deliver comprehensive firefighter training before it is allocated to a station anddeployedtoitsfirstjob.”
A FRV spokesperson told Star Weekly the safety of its firefighters, other first responders and the communitywasparamount.
“We continually utilise our full fleet across the state to ensure a high level of availability for emergencyresponse.”
The spokesperson said FRV continues to work with the state government to fund and acquire newtrucks.
“This has seen the Victorian Government investing $40 million over four years towards a rolling fleet replacement program as part of the 2025-26 state budget,” the spokespersonsaid.
The state government was contactedforcomment.
Registered political parties and prospective candidates for the 2026 state election are being urged to familiarise themselves with the regulatory requirementsandavoidcostlymistakesby registering for a series of new information sessions hosted by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
The VEC will deliver a comprehensive program of online sessions designed to prepare both party-endorsed and independentcandidatesfortheNovember state election.
The sessions will cover key topics, including political finance, nomination procedures,how-to-votecardregistration, campaign obligations and election operations.
The program will be delivered in three rounds across the year, with six targeted sessions in each round. Sessions are offered at a range of times, including weekdays and weekends.
ElectoralcommissionerSvenBluemmel is encouraging candidates to take advantage of this opportunity.
“Prospective candidates will be provided with practical guidance, learn how election processes work on the ground, and have the chance to speak directly with our experts about the election processes that involve them,“ Mr Bluemmel said.
“Having a clear understanding of the ruleswellbeforetheelectiontimelinecan help candidates avoid unnecessary errors and compliance issues.“
Candidatescanregisterforanysessions across the three rounds and may choose
to attend multiple sessions on the same topic or focus on those most relevant to their needs.
Recordings will be made available to registered participants who attend following each session. Registered participantsmayalsobecontactedlaterif changes to the law affect what candidates are required to do.
Furtherdetails,includingsessiondates, times and topics covered are available on the registration page at vec.vic.gov.au/ se26-info-sessions
By Jack O’Shea-Ayres
Teachers and staff from schools across the west joined a statewide teacher strike on Tuesday 24 March, amid a wages dispute with the state government.
About 30,000 teachers, principals and education support staff walked out of public school classrooms across Victoria, seeking an increase in wages and better working conditions.
Up to 500 schools across the state closed or were significantly affected by the strike, with many students told to stay home amid class cancellations.
The Australian Education Union (AEU) is seeking a 35 per cent rise over four years for its members, arguing Victorian teachers are paid far less than their interstate counterparts.
Many striking staff marched to state parliament in protest of a 17 per cent offer by the state government.
Education Minister Ben Carroll said the government’s initial offer equated to $2.6 billion in extra wages and would immediately lift educators’ pay by up to $11,000.
“This is a very strong offer,” Mr Carroll said.
Hesaidthestategovernmenthaddone “everything we could” to avoid Tuesday’s strike.
Premier Jacinta Allan pleaded for the AEU to cancel the action and return to negotiating to prevent the disruption.
Abanob Saad, a third year historyandeconomicsteacheranddeputy president of Melton Secondary College’s AEU sub-branch, said Victorian teaching
staff can’t be expected to deliver quality education with the current standards.
“The government expects A-level results but they’re giving D-level investment,” Mr Saad said.
“If you don’t have a safe workplace or fair pay you’re not going to get an education that works for students.”
Mr Saad said stress and unsustainable workloads have made working environments unsafe, leading to mental and physical sickness and staff resignations.
“We have a right to protect our conditions and the safe conditions for students too. This is not just about pay, it’s about conditions and sustainability.”
Melton Secondary College’s AEU sub-branch president Ryan Everest said staff’s working conditions directly affected their students.
“Our working conditions are the students’ learning conditions,” Mr Everest said.
Melton Secondary College kept its doors open for general supervision on the day, however all classes were cancelled, according to Mr Saad.
“We can’t be known as the education state if we’re the lowest paying state for teachers,” Mr Saad said.
“We’ll keep fighting until teachers get the fair deal they deserve. We can’t be expected to give up our rights and work on glue-sticks and goodwill.”
Tuesday’s strike was the first teacher strike in 13 years, with the last major statewide strike taking place in February 2013.
For decades, Aussies have cooled off in summer with the sweet taste of flavoured milk, flowing from a carton of bold colours and bold flavours, donning the letter ‘M’ right across the front. But it’s that same capital M which has fueled debate around Victoria. Jack O’Shea-Ayres dives into the true origin of Big M, and whether Melton might be its true home.
On a hot summer’s day in Victoria, few things feel as instinctively right as folding back the spout on a cartonofBigM.
Cold, sweet and unapologetically Australian and nostalgic, the flavoured milk has been a fixture of school bags, servos and beach esky lids for nearly half a century –it’s as much a part of growing upinVictoriaasthefootysirenorahotpie withsauce;allwhichpairperfectly,too.
But behind the familiar carton sits a surprisingly passionate question that refuses to go away, a “rabbithole” of “hearsay” and debate; what does the “M” in Big M actually stand for? And more importantly for locals west of MelbourneisitMelton?
Big M’s story begins back in 1978, when thedrinkfirsthitshelvesacrossVictoria.
Born not in a corporate boardroom, the classicmilkdrinkwaspartofanambitious government-backedexperimentofsorts.
The newly formed Victorian Dairy Industry Authority (VDIA) established the previous year to replace the Victorian Milk Board, was tasked with ensuring a stable milk supply while protecting the livelihood of dairy farmers. At the same time, soft drinks were booming while milk consumption was lagging and falling behind.
The solution was bold, big-bodied, and was chocolate, iced coffee, strawberry and bananaflavoured.
Big M was the result of a milk flavoured drinkdesignedtocompetewithCoca-Cola anditscarbonatedpeers.
From the outset, it was marketed as fun, refreshing, and youthful. Early advertisements leaned heavily into summer imagery; beaches, sunshine, and carefree living. Advertisements featuring bikini-clad models suggestively sipping Big M in the heat were everywhere. It was a far cry from milk’s conservative, breakfast-tablereputation,anditworked.
Within a year of launch, flavoured milk salesjumpedanimpressive16percent,and
Big M held 13 per cent of the non-alcoholic beverage market share, reaching $1.5 millioninsales.
Over the decades that followed, Big M embeddeditselfinVictorianculture.
Chocolate, strawberry and banana became staples, with limited-edition flavours generating fierce loyalty. When the chocolate Big M recipe was changed in 2014, the backlash was immediate and vocal, forcing the manufacturer to take note of just how emotionally invested consumershadbecome.
Ownership of the brand has shifted over time û from the VDIA to National Foods, then to Lion, and more recently to Bega Cheese, which acquired the brand in 2020-21. But the affection for Big M has remainedconstant.
The mystery of the “M” has been long debated, particularly in online forums. Many assume it simply stands for “milk”, while others argue it references its place of origin - either Melton, or Mordiallac, both of which housed dairy factories that processed milk during the late 20th century.
For Melton’s locals, the claim carries special weight. According to Growth, Progress and Community Spirit: a history of the Melton district, published for Melton council in 2018, Big M’s former
manufacturers confirmed the “M in Big M standsforMelton”.
The assertion has been widely circulated in recent years, bolstered by references in the City of Melton’s 150th Anniversary materialanditsonlineheritageexhibition, curatedbyMeltonCityLibraries.
It’s a tantalising detail, especially for a community that grew rapidly during the same decades Big M rose to prominence. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Melton was expanding, building new schools, infrastructureandidentity,atimecaptured inphotographsoflocalstudentsatCoburn Primary, Melton West Primary and the then-newMeltonTechnicalSchool.
ForagloballyrecognisedVictorianbrand at the forefront of milk sales to be carrying Melton’s name, it feels like a fitting legacy oftheera.
Yet as with many good local legends, the storyisnotwithoutitschallengers.
Online forums, particularly Reddit, tell a more sceptical tale. One highly viewed post argues the “Big Melton” explanation restslargelyonasingularcustomerservice message from Lion Dairy & Drinks, which owned the brand for two decades. The posterquestionswhethertheresponsewas based on historical fact or a quick google search.
Others point out that while Melton and Mordialloc both had dairy factories operating at the time, Big M was produced atmultiplesitesacrossVictoria.TheVDIA’s head office, meanwhile, was located in Hawthorn, prompting critics to ask why, if location mattered, the drink wasn’t called “BigH”.
From this very perspective, “Big M” is simply shorthand for “Big Milk”: bold, marketableanddeliberatelyambiguous.
But current owners of the famous brand Begadidchoosetoweighinonthetopic,as ambiguousastheirstancemightbe.
“Weloveagoodmysteryalmostasmuch as Victorians love a choccy Big M,” Bega Group’s flavoured milk brand manager AdeleTarquinisaid.
“We can’t confirm or deny what the ‘M’ really stands for. What we can say is that BigMhasabighistoryofflavours,fun,and Victorianenergy.
“Whether you’re team Melton, team Mordialloc or just team flavoured milk, we love that Victorians are still debating it almost50yearson!”
Unlike many corporate brands with meticulously documented origins, Big M emerged from a unique moment in Victorian history - when a government authority decided to fight cola with chocolate milk. Records are incomplete, memories conflict, and marketing myth hasblurredwithfact.
“Since 1977, Big M has been the trusty sidekick for beach days, bakery pit-stops and everything in between,” Ms Tarquini said.
In that way, it’s perfect for the Big M brand - continuous debate is the perfect low-effort marketing strategy - why not keepthemysteryalive?
What is clear is that Big M belongs to Victoria as a whole. It is a product of state pride, dairy innovation and decades of loyal drinkers. Whether the “M” stands for Melton, milk, Mordialloc or marketing genius may ultimately matter less than what Big M represents: a shared cultural touchstone.
For Melton though, the claim is worth savouring.
Even the possibility of one of Victoria’s most notorious brands carrying the town’s name is a reminder of the region’s place in thestate’shistory.
As debate continues online and in lunchrooms, one thing is certain; Big M has done exactly what it was designed to dobackin1977-sparkconversation,stand out, and keep Victorians coming back for anothersip.
As with the drink itself, the story is layered, sweet, and unmistakably Victorian.
Previous Big M owner Lion Corporate wascontactedforcomment.
Ted Bown is a Wyndham local and a member of the Sunshine Fly Casting Club. He recently stepped down from his role as the club president after serving for 20 years. He spoke to Sam Porter about his fishing and his community.
What’s your connection to the western suburbs?
I originally moved down here [to Werribee] in 1981 because I was in the Air Force, so I was stationed at Laverton. Four years later in 1985, when I retired from the Air Force, we bought a house and stayed local. My kids were brought up here and I’ve been here ever since in the same house. After I left the Air Force I ended up working at RMIT [Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology] as an instructor, teaching electronics and computer programing, and one of my students was a fly fisher and fly tyer and he talked me into coming into the club one night and that was the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Wheredoyouliketogofishing?
There’s a stack of lakes between [Werribee] and Ballarat, all trout fishing. I’m really into chasing carp on a fly and we go up to Cairn Curran or Eppalock. I like the [Sunshine Fly Casting] Club because it’s a communal atmosphere and everybody gets along and everybody’s got the same idea. Everybody fits in with each other. It’s a really good environment. But quite often whenyouflyfish,you’redoingitbyyourself so it’s a personal sport. It’s just you and the fish.
What did you love about being club president?
It wasn’t really an onerous job. It was easy to do. I was doing it quite easily while I was working full-time in RMIT.
The reason why I’m stepping down as president is because my circumstances have changed. For the last seven years I’ve been a full time carer for my wife who was
Ted Bown. (Damjan Janevski) 537006_02
disabled. Unfortunately she passed away in October so now there’s just me at home. And my daughter passed away 18 months ago with breast cancer. It’s changed everything. That’s why I’m starting a new life. So I’m going to get out fishing more often. What I’m going to do is I’m going to go fishing overseas. I’d love to do Canada and there’s lots of places in North or South America. There’s spots everywhere. There’s Christmas Island in the middle of the
Pacific just south of Hawaii. And one of the local clubs does a trip over to Cocos Islands.
What’s something people would be surprisedtoknowaboutyou?
I’m also a JP (Justice of the Peace). The local police station has a document signing station so I help out with that. That keeps me going. Not many people realise that I’m a JP.
Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the western and northern suburbs.
What are your hopes for the club moving forward?
Our new secretary is looking at setting up sessions with the local schools so we can get in and teach the school kids. The club has a [fly-tying] session where we sit inside [Sunshine] Bunnings. Half a dozen of us tie flies and talk to the public as they walk past. We’ve done it two or three times but with our new secretary, she’s proactive and she’ll probably get us there more often.
Women in the west will soon be able to access new a pelvic pain clinic, opening in Sunshine and Bacchus Marsh this year.
Western Health (WH) operation manager, women’s health, Kathleen Murphy said the expansion of services, focusing on women’s health, will help many locals.
“Followingthepelvicpaininquiry,ofthe women surveyed 90 per cent experience pain,andofthat50percentonadailybasis.
Pelvic pain is a huge issue, and something we’re happy to be able to support women with,” Ms Murphy said.
“Pain isn’t normal, but talking about it and seeking treatment is. We want women to be able to find care and treatment for their pain.”
WH said the new clinics are designed to be a comprehensive service, bringing together specialists in a coordinated
• Coworking & Serviced Offices with 24/7 Access and NBN connectivity
• Catering for individuals to large enterprises
• Fully furnished with desks and chairs
• Includes all outgoings and internet
• Amenities include phone booths, meeting and boardrooms, large training & conference rooms, kitchen and dining, breakout and quiet areas
• Flexible lease terms
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setting to address the many causes of pelvic pain.
This may include, but is not limited to, dieticians,physiotherapists,psychologists, occupational therapists and pain specialists.
“It’s about helping women manage the pain that they have and then making that decisiononthenextstepsforthem,whether that’s medical or surgical treatment that’s needed,” Ms Murphy said.
“Surgery may not always be the best treatment, so these pelvic pain clinics will be able to explore different options as first line treatment rather than waiting to see gynaecologists unnecessarily.”
AccordingtoWH,theclinicisplannedto open in July.
WH said women experiencing pelvic pain should visit the GP as the first step in the treatment process.
House temporary closure
Sydenham Neighbourhood House will be temporarily closed from Wednesday 1 April to Sunday 10 May (inclusive) due to maintenance. Brimbank council said staff will not be on site during this time but will still be available to assist residents via phone at 9249 4224 or by email at sydnh@brimbank.vic.gov.au. The centre will reopen on Monday 11 May at 9am. Council thanked residents for their patience and understanding.
holiday hours
Brimbank Aquatic and and Wellness Centre (BAWC) and Sunshine Leisure Centre (SLC) have announced the public holiday timetable for the Easter long weekend. On 3 April (Good Friday) both centres will be closed. On Saturday 4 April, BAWC will be open from 8am-7pm with pools closing 6.30pm and slides open from 10am-5pm. On the same day, SLC will be open from 8am-5pm with pools closing at 4.30pm. On 5 April (Easter Sunday) and 6 April (Easter Monday), BAWC will be open from 9am-5pm with pools closing 4.30pm and slides open from 10am-4pm. The SLC will be open from 9-3pm will pools closing 2.30pm on the 5 and 6 April. Members at both centres will still get access to 24-hour gym outside of these times throughout the Easter period.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Premium co working and private offices now available on the fifth floor of an A grade building close to Sunshine Station. Excellent views, natural light and flexible options for individuals and teams. Contact us now for more information and to book an inspection.
Cr Lara Carli
On behalf of Council, I would like to wish all those celebrating a great Easter.
Easter is one of the most important dates on the Christian calendar, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Christians around the world, this is a time of reflection, prayer and celebration.
If you’re travelling this Easter, please take care on the roads. Remember to rest when needed and allow a little extra time for your journey.
I hope you get the chance to slow down, spend time with family and friends, and reflect on what this time of year is all about.
It feels like only yesterday that we started construction on the new Community Services Building in Cobblebank, and now we have just celebrated the completion of the building’s structure. This marks an important milestone for the project and brings it another step closer to reality.
This fantastic facility will deliver vital allied health and social support services to our growing community.
Voting on the name of the new building has just closed and the final proposed name will be presented to Council for consideration in the coming months. Council has invested $53 million in the project and has received $15million through the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program and $4.6 million from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburb Fund. I look forward to sharing further progress on this exciting project.
Feel free to contact me about Sugar Gum Ward or our City more generally on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton.vic.gov.au
Our offices will be closed on Friday 3April (Good Friday) and Monday 6April (Easter Monday).
The City of Melton libraries will be closed over the Easter weekend fromGood Friday and will reopen Tuesday 7 April.
Bin collections will be as follows:
• Good Friday – There will be no kerbside collections. Bins will be collected on Saturday 4 April.
• Easter Monday – No changes, binswill be collected as usual.
The Melton Recycling Facility will be closed on Good Friday and will be open all other days from 8am –4.30pm.
For information visit melton.vic.gov.au/Public-Holidays
Registrations are now open for Sons of the West, a free, health program, designed to improve physical, mental, and social wellbeing of men in the City of Melton.
Delivered by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, in partnership with Council, Sons of the West is a 10-week program for men
aged 18 years and over, covering fitness, nutrition, mental health, and more.
The program will run from April to June in two locations: Brookfield and Taylors Hill.
For information and to register, visit melton.vic.gov.au/sonsofthewest
Explore flavours, rhythms and traditions found across our great community over five unforgettable nights!
Join us from 5pm – 9pm at the following locations:
Friday 10 April: HomeCo. Woodlea Town, Aintree
Friday 17 April: Opalia Plaza, Weir Views
With Easter and the school holidays approaching, you’ll find a great range of activities are on offer for families, children and young people across our community.
From Easter activities taking place across the City, to cooking, sport and creative workshops, there are plenty of ways to stay active, try something new and connect with others close to home. Our community centres and libraries will also host activities throughout the holidays, so be sure to visit Council’s website or Facebook page for full details.
The Melton Heritage Festival also returns from 24 April to 9 May, offering a chance for everyone to explore and celebrate the rich history of our community through a diverse program of free events and activities.
Featuring workshops, exhibitions, guided tours and family-friendly sessions, the festival highlights local stories, traditions and creativity, with something for all ages to enjoy. Many events are hosted through our local libraries and community venues, providing a great opportunity for residents to connect with the past andeach other.
Friday 1 May: Melton Town Centre Amphitheatre, Melton
Friday 22 May: Atherstone Traffic School, Strathtulloh
Friday 12 June: Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve, Diggers Rest
Find out more at melton.vic.gov.au/night-markets
Also, with Anzac Day approaching, Iencourage everyone to come together to honour and remember the bravery, service and sacrifice of our veterans. Local commemorative services will provide opportunities for reflection and respect, and residents are welcome to attend and pay their respects.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone asafe, happy and relaxing Easter.
Feel free to contact me regarding Cambrian Ward, or our City more generally, by calling 0412 584 224 or by emailing bob.turner@melton.vic. gov.au
By Taylah Xuereb
Crime in Brimbank has risen 1.5 per cent in the year ending 2025, with 18,798 offences recorded, in comparison to 2024’s 18,524 offences, according to the latest Crime Statistics Agency data.
Moreover, Brimbank recorded its highest rate of offences since a crime influx during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The latest data demonstrate theft from a motor vehicle continues to be the municipality’s most common crime, recording 3250 offences, an increase of 650 from the 2600 offences recorded the previous year.
Othertheft(1532)andbreachesoffamily violence orders (1506) were the next most common offences recorded in Brimbank.
Motor vehicle theft (1295) and criminal damage (1294) rounded off Brimbank’s top five crimes in 2025.
St Albans remained the most crime densesuburbinthemunicipality,recording 4066 offences, an increase of 457 offences. Sunshine recorded 3284 offences, followed by Deer Park (1540), Sunshine North (1357) and Taylors Lakes (1353).
Houses(5141)arestillthemostcommon location for offences, however this number is lower than the 5589 offences recorded in
Brimbank youngsters can access a range of free programs at neighbourhood houses, community centres and libraries during the upcoming school holidays.
At West Sunshine Community Centre, the energy is set to lift with a West African drumming workshop, offering a handson way for children to engage with traditional rhythms.
Over at the Hunt Club Community and Arts Centre, pottery workshops will provide young minds a chance to slow down and learn the art of shaping clay.
The centre will also host ‘Danceability’ , a program dedicated to ensuring the joy of dance is accessible to children of all abilities in a supportive environment.
Westvale Community Centre will be hosting a ‘Wild Action’ session where
participants will get to meet wildlife and learn about their habitats, behaviours, and their important role in ecosystems.
The centre will also host ‘Family Play Days’ , providing an open outdoor space for families to connect, play and interact.
Sydenham Neighbourhood House is preparing a mix of active workshops and creative crafts to keep older kids engaged, while Delahey Community Centre and Cairnlea Community Hub remain as go-to spots for family connection, featuring inclusive play and song and dance groups like ‘Cairn-Glee’
Brimbank Libraries will host a range of activities to inspire learning and friendship.
Details: learning.brimbank.vic.gov.au and brimbanklibraries.gov.vic.au
the previous year.
Offences committed on a street/lane/ footpath(3437)werethesecondmost-common, followed by single-level carparks (1038), court (684) and a driveway/carport (619).
Victoria recorded 630,592 offences in the past year, an increase of 25,250 offences or 4.2 per cent.
Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said while crime rates appear to be stabilising in the state, he cautioned “it will take time before offending reduces to levels more traditionally seen in Victoria.”
“With 230,213 different victims of crime, we are seeing far too many innocent community members harmed,” Deputy Commissioner Hill said.
“We are also in the process of rolling out significant organisational changes that are geared towards having more police in the community preventing crime.
“This includes transferring administrative duties performed by officers to nonsworn staff, as well as delivering technological advancements that allow police to conduct everyday tasks, such as interviewing and charging offenders, while on the road.”
Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspireandsparkcreativity.
Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting.
JoinStephanieassheexplorestheendless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materialsintosomethingextraordinary.
This month, Stephanie is creating an Easterchickbonnet.
Easter chick bonnet
Materials
3x A4 yellow sheets of paper
Orange paper
White paper
Black paper
Coloured feathers
Equipment
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors
Glue stick
Step 1: Create the brim and strips
Place a yellow A4 sheet in portrait.
Measure 6cm in from one long edge and draw a straight line from the top to bottom to form the brim. On the larger section, draw vertical lines every 3cm to create 10 strips. Cut along the lines up to the brim, then cut off every second strip. Repeat with the second sheet.
Step 2: Form the hat base
Glue the sheets together side by side, slightly overlapping one sort edge. Curve to fit your head and glue the ends together to form a circular hat.
Step 3: Create the bonnet top
Bend the strips up and over the top, glue them together in the centre, then continue with the remaining strips.
Step 4: Decorate your chick
Scan QR code and follow the links for more creative fun.
Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
40 years ago 2 April, 1986
A bearded bandit wearing a green cap menaced a Sunshine service station attendant with a knife early last week, justbeforerobbinghimofcash.
30 years ago 3 April, 1996
Labor Party powers are calling for the removalofSunshineMPIanBakerafter comments he made about the ALP’s chances of winning days before the stateelection.
20 years ago 4 April, 2006
Copperfields Community Centre in Delahey is in a rapid state of decline, accordingtoalocalparent.
Cut out circles for the eyes (white and black), an orange beak, and glue them onto the chick. Cut two yellow wings and glue them to the sides and add some feathers to the top.
10 years ago 5 April, 2016
Pit bulls could be back on the streets if the recommendations of a state parliamentaryreportareadopted.
Locals are invited to view a participatory light and sound installation in the form of videoandprojectionatBrimbank.
The artwork ‘Hayakal al Noor’, Bodies of Light,aspartofBrimbankcouncil’sWriters and Readers Festival, explores text, light andexistence.
Sydney-based artist Narjis Mirza said her artwork was inspired by the works of two Persian Muslim philosophers Shihab ud Deen Suhrawardi, who presented the philosophyofillumination,andMullaSadra Shirazi’sconceptofgradationofreality.
“In medieval Islamic philosophy the phenomenon of light and existence are together,”Mirzasaid.
“Existence is described as gradations of a singularreality,asingularlight.”
The artwork features a light projection of sacredArabiclettersfoundintheQuran.
Mirza said the letters feature in the opening of some Quran chapters, either alone,inpairs,orintrios.
She added that the letters are known as the ‘disjointed letters’ and do not form any words.
“They are read as independent letters and hence their enunciation is important,” Mirzasaid.
While the Brimbank projection doesn’t includeaudio,thevisualsinMirza’soriginal versionofthework,aninstallationdeveloped as part of her PhD, are accompanied by a woman’svoicepronouncingtheletters.
Mirzasaidthevoicehintsphilosophically athowenunciation(tovoiceortosay)isone oftheprimaryactsofcreation.
Seaworks in Williamstown is preparing to welcome one of the most immersive historical experiences to hit Melbourne: PirateFest, a spectacular exhibition charting the true history of pirates from the ancient world to the infamous Golden AgeofPiracyinthe18thcentury.
Opening for the Easter school holidays from 4 April, PirateFest will transform the heritage waterfront precinct into a swashbucklingvoyagethroughcenturiesof maritimelegend,mystery,andadventure.
Visitors will wander through atmospheric sets including dark taverns, pirate hideouts, and treasure-filled chambers, each meticulously crafted to
transportguestsbacktothemostnotorious eraofthehighseas.
Attheheartoftheexhibitionaregenuine historical artefacts — including maps, maritime relics, weapons, and glittering plunder — carefully curated to reveal how piracy shaped trade, exploration, and the greatstrugglesforpoweracrosstheworld’s oceans.
Thirteen remarkable treasures are amongthehighlightsondisplay.
PirateFest has been designed with families firmly in mind, making it an ideal destinationoverEaster.
Young buccaneers can embark on a swashbuckling treasure hunt, follow clues
through the exhibition, and dig for hidden lootinthededicatedPirateTreasureDig.
Visitors of all ages can have their photo taken with the pirates and hear rousing talesoflifeatsea.
Seaworksisaheritagemaritimeprecinct locatedat82NelsonPlace,nextdoortothe Williamstown Police Station and a short walkfromWilliamstowntrainstation.
FormoreinformationonSeaworks,goto: www.seaworks.com.au
To find out more about the PirateFest, go to:www.piratefest.com
PirateFest is coming to Seaworks in Williamstown over Easter. (Supplied)
“[The woman’s voice] is significant because ‘creativity’, in the works of the philosophers,isafeminineact,”shesaid.
Aseachletterisenunciatedintheoriginal installation, the letters appear as the light descends.
Mirzainvitedlocalstoalsoviewthework on her website where they can hear the soundaspartoftheoriginalpiece.
‘Hayakal al Noor’ (Bodies of Light) is on display at the wall behind the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre, 301, HampshireRoad,Sunshine.
The free work can be viewed until Friday 29 May. The projection occurs between 7–11pm.
Moreinfo:narjismirza.com
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
Deer Park school holiday activities
Come to commUnity+ Neighbourhood House for gardening, cooking, and kids’ first aid programs. Everything is free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. The Neighbourhood House will also run its ‘sprout and grow’ gardening program on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the April break. Holiday activities will take place at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. tinyurl.com/42d7tedb
Easter Celebrations
Celebrate the life, death and resurrection of the Saviour to the world with Brimbank Presbyterian Church. The church is conducting two services over the Easter period on Friday 3 April (Good Friday) and Sunday 5 April (Easter Sunday). The celebrations start at 10am on both days at Delahey Community Centre, 70 Copperfield Drive, Delahey. Come and learn why Jesus came to earth and became our Saviour. All are welcome.
www.brimbank.church
Village Night Market
The Village Night Market in Keilor is back in April. The market will bring local small businesses to the community, with indoor and outdoor vendors selling original products. Attendees can purchase dinner and drinks at the event too. The market will run from 6-9pm on Wednesday 1 April at the Keilor Bowls Club, 2 Mercedes Street, Keilor. Entry is a gold coin donation with proceeds going to a different charity each month.
B is for Bunny
Sunshine’s much-loved Easter celebration returns for its fourth year. Delivered by Brimbank council in partnership with
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Nick Wilson, who is the co-artistic director of Snuff Puppets. (Damjan Janevski) 542239_01
3-6.30pm on Wednesday 1 April at RT Pollard Gardens, corner of Corio and Hampshire Road, Sunshine.
Women’s only conversation English Duke Street Community House is inviting locals to make friends, learn new skills and practice English in this fun and free women’s social group. Tuesdays during school terms, 9.30am-noon, at Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine. 9311 9973 or dukest@dsch.org.au
Zumba Class in Deer Park
Locals can vibe and move during sessions of Zumba Gold Toning classes at commUnity+ Neighbourhood House, featuring light dumbbells for strength building. Sessions run from 6-7pm on Thursdays at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. No bookings required.
Budding Artists
Whether it’s your first time dabbling in art or you’re fully-fledged, Budding Artists is an art program for all abilities. This term’s theme is Celebrating Women in Art. Sessions are hosted by commUnity+ Neighbourhood House and run from 11am-12.30pm on Thursdays at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. No bookings required.
Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning
Join Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning, a free, evidence-based early education program that combines music, play, and connection for families with children aged 0-5 years. Running for eight weeks, on Tuesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm, this program is designed to incorporate singing, stories, and fun activities to support your child’s development. Running from February 11 onwards at the Sunshine Heights Playgroup Centre, 105 Glengala Road. 9663 6733 or events@ds.org.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. No. 283
ACROSS
1 State of bliss (5,4)
6 Impartial (4)
10 Append (3)
11 Decked out in decorative coverings, as a horse (11)
12 Casanova (8)
13 Marketplace (6)
14 Visage (4)
15 Secure (7)
20 Eurasian country (7)
21 Sport (4)
25 Incarnation (6)
26 Altered (8)
28 Unkempt (11)
29 Business abbreviation (3)
30 Merit (4)
31 Invaluable (9) DOWN
1 Categorise (8)
2 Heavy artillery (8)
3 Tractable (6)
4 Contrive in emergency (9)
5 Corn spikes (4) 7 Yearly (6) 8 Horsemen (6) 9 Chagrined (7)
16 The masses, according to the Greeks (3,6)
17 Bigger (7)
18 Definite (8)
19 Leads an orchestra (8)
22 It might provide light at a vigil (6)
23 Former Roman consul, Julius – (6)
24 Provoke (6)
27 Sub (4)
Today’s Aim:
12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 24 words: Excellent
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”. A T O P L G H Y O
3 LETTERS
5
1 Sadie Sink (pictured) plays which character in the Netflix series StrangerThings?
2 What country has been the birthplace of the most number of Popes?
3 The Jimny is a type of car made by which company?
4 The hyoid bone is found in what part of the human body?
The Australian lake Kati Thanda is also known by what name?
The Kay Scarpetta books are written by which author?
7 Florsheim is a US company that makes what product?
8 Which famous composer wrote the music and lyrics for the musical KissMe,Kate?
9 Approximately how many kilograms does a standard men’s shot put weigh?
10 In the Shinto religion, the Inari Okami is the deity of rice, sake and what animal?
ACROSS
1 Hand-written book (10)
6 Overwhelmed (4)
10 Having good cause (10)
11 Brittle (5)
12 Supreme (7)
13 Not as old (7)
14 Symbol representing an idea rather than a sound (9)
16 Long tooth (4)
19 Lazily (4)
21 Ancestral lines (9)
24 Praise (7)
27 (Of a voice) higher and thinner (7)
28 Upright (5)
29 Angular distance east or west (9)
30 Sword handle (4)
31 Cascades (10) DOWN
1 Grand (8)
2 Epistaxis among the lay population (9)
3 Brilliant (7)
4 German area along the Rhine (9)
5 Rice field (5)
7 Extort (5)
8 Exit (6)
9 Pronounce not guilty (6)
15 Impediment (9)
17 Relating to sacred matters (9)
18 Those who illegally seize power (8)
20 Annual (6)
22 Local law enforcer (7)
23 Friendliness (6)
25 Danger (5)
26 Greek letter (5)
1. Phil Dunster plays which fictional star soccer player in TedLasso?
2. How many colours are on the Seychelles flag?
3. Ag is the symbol for which element on the periodic table?
4. David Bowie played a goblin king in which 1986 movie?
5. In which country was singer Bryan Adams born?
6. Which Puerto Rican rapper made their wrestling debut in 2021?
7. What is the capital of Latvia?
8. How many planets from the sun is Saturn?
9. Florence Pugh (pictured) made her film acting debut in which 2014 drama?
10. LL Cool J held what profession before playing Sam Hanna on NCIS:LosAngeles?
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 words ending in “s”. A T I U Y Q T N I
before
Location: Mildura, Victoria
Position: Full-time
Lead two important regional news brands and help shape trusted local journalism across print, digital and social.
An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced and energetic Editor to lead the editorial direction of the Sunraysia Daily and Broken Hill Times, based from our Mildura office.
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Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri)
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This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing the Sunraysia Daily’s three-times-a-week printed edition, the Broken Hill Times, daily online publishing, and support for content across the company’s social channels.
You will lead the reporting team in Mildura and work closely with the small team in Broken Hill, while being supported by the Group Editor and our production hub team.
This is a strong role for someone who understands the importance of local journalism, can drive quality and consistency across platforms, and is committed to building audience and community impact.
About the role
In this role, you will:
•edit and oversee the Sunraysia Daily print editions published three times a week
•oversee editorial output for Broken Hill Times
•manage daily digital publishing across both brands
•assist with editorial content for the company’s social media channels
•lead, mentor and manage the team of reporters in Mildura and the small team in Broken Hill
•help drive strong news judgment, story generation, planning and follow-through
•work with the Group Editor and production hub team to ensure deadlines are met and quality standards maintained
•help grow audience engagement across print, online and social platforms
•maintain high standards of accuracy, fairness, balance and community relevance
•connect with the community, attend events and meet with key members of the community
About you
To succeed in this role, you will ideally have:
•experience in editing, newsroom leadership or senior reporting
•strong news sense and a passion for regional and community journalism
•excellent writing, editing and headline skills
•the ability to manage competing deadlines across print and digital
•strong people leadership skills and a collaborative approach
•confidence working across websites, digital publishing systems and social platforms
•an understanding of how to build audience through digital content and social distribution
•a commitment to accuracy, ethics and high editorial standards
•a great sense of community
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone who can:
•lead from the front
•support and develop reporters
•produce strong, relevant and engaging local content
•balance the demands of print, digital and social
•work positively with editorial, production and management teams across the group
Why join us
This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in two important regional news mastheads and make a genuine difference in the communities they serve.
You will join a business that values trusted local journalism and supports its editors with experienced group leadership and central production resources, while still giving you the chance to have real editorial impact at the local level.
To apply
Please submit your application, including a cover letter and resume, outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role to paul.thomas@starnewsgroup.com.au
Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...
Deadline for all classifications is 2:30pm Friday.
1. Serbian NBA player Nikola Jokić is famously passionate about his love for which animals?
2. Since 2008, Nintendo and Sega have co-developed a video game franchise about Mario and which other character at the Olympics?
3. Australian tennis coach and former player Marinko Matosevic was recently handed a four-year ban for what reason?
4. Footwork Arrows was a Formula One racing team based in which country?
5. What kind of animal does Frankie Muniz voice in the 2005 sports comedy movie RacingStripes?
Essendon FC recently released a minidocumentary subtitled ‘Spend a day with ...’ who?
Which two races did Australian runner Jessica Hull win medals in at the World Athletics Indoor Championships?
Which team defeated Arsenal to win this year’s Carabao Cup?
After defeating Team USA, which country has won its first ever World Baseball Classic championship?
Tennis world No.1
Carlos Alcaraz was beaten by which player in the third round of the Miami Open?
Moana Pasifika is a team which competes in which sporting league?
12. Which F1 driver scored his first career podium for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix?
13. Which golfer won the Australian WPGA Championship at Sanctuary Cove by four strokes?
14. A MotoGP race descended into chaos after sinkholes were discovered on the track in which country?
15. The Australian Test cricket team will play four matches against which rival for the 2026/27 Test summer?
16. Which Parramatta Eels NRL player will miss the rest of the season due to an ACL knee injury?
17. Which current F1 driver won the 2026 24 Hours of Nürburgring, only to be disqualified after the race?
18. Former Test cricketer Brad Haddin has been named the new coach of which state?
19. During an NRL game at Canberra Stadium, glass shattered in the coaching box, injuring which coach’s hand?
20. In chess, the player with which colour pieces always begins the game?
21. Which nation will Australia play in the Qualifying Round of the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup?
22. Future AFL team Tasmania Devils recently made their debut in which football league?
23. And in what year will the Devils debut in the AFL and AFL Women’s?
24. A large number of injuries to what part of the body have occurred in the opening rounds of the 2026 AFL season?
25. Which nation will host the 2029 AFC Women’s Asian Cup?
26. AAMI Stadium was a former AFL ground located in which state?
Which country defeated
28. March Madness is an annual US tournament in which colleges compete in what sport?
29. Which Matildas player was awarded the Player of the Tournament Award at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup?
30. Approximately, what percentage of an Olympic gold medal is actually gold?
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
There’s a misconception out there that, in late-2021, Toyota was the first manufacturer to launch a petrol/electric hybrid passenger vehicle onto the Australian market.
While the Prius name quickly became synonymous with the emerging powertrain technology, in fact it arrived about six months after the Honda Insight.
The Insight didn’t live up to its name leaving Toyota to dominate the hybrid (HEV) market to such an extent that it now offers them in just about every model in its range. Indeed, many of its most popular models, such as Camry, Corolla and RAV4 are only available as hybrids.
Honda has returned to the fray recently with all five of its current vehicles coming with its advanced e:HEV technology. Unlike the more common parallel hybrid systemwherethebatteryassiststheengine to drive the vehicle the Honda e:HEV has two self-charging motors.
The smaller of the two motors is charged by the petrol engine and in turn charges both the battery and also feeds into the larger motor which drives the vehicle.
The system switches automatically between three driving modes, EV, Hybrid and Engine. In EV Drive the main electric motor powers the car using energy from the battery.
In Hybrid Drive the petrol engine provides the energy to the drive motors as well as replenishing the EV battery. Engine Drive directly powers the vehicle athighspeedwithalock-upclutchdirectly connecting the petrol engine to the wheels for maximum efficiency.
Honda has three small to medium sized SUVs in its range. The ZR-V, launched here in2023wasthefirstbrand-newHondacore model to be introduced here in 20 years. It’s built on the same platform, and is around the same length as the current Civic hatchback. It sits between the two well-established Honda SUVs, the smaller HR-V and the larger CR-V.
ZR-V comes in three petrol-only grades (VTi X+, VTi L+ and VTi LX) ranging in price from $37,900 to $49,000 with our test vehicle, the hybrid e:HEV LX, selling for $54,900. All prices are drive away.
While brand ‘family’ grills are very much in vogue at the moment, Honda has done the opposite with its SUVs. The three designs are quite different, CR-V has the boldest of the three, HR-V gets a slimline full-width style with ZR-V adopting the more conservative look.
The small black grille sits below wide wraparound headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights. The Honda badge in the centre has blue infill to identify its electric component.
The entry-level VTi X+ comes with 17-inch alloy wheels. All other models step up to 18 inches.
The ZR-V petrol models are powered by a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 131kW of power at 6000 rpm and 240Nm of torque between 1700 and 4500 revs.
It is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and is front-wheel drive (FWD) only.
The e:HEV version combines a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol with two electric motors and total system outputs of 135kW and 315Nm.
It is also FWD only with transmission sent through an e-CVT electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
Interior
The cabin of the ZR-V has a quality feel with soft-touch surfaces and a full-width mesh grille that hides the normally exposed front air vents.
Controls are simple and generally easy to use as we have come to expect from Honda over the years.
Physical buttons are offered to the right side of the touchscreen for oft-used functions, with other controls are located lower down for the air conditioning.
The instrument panel can be configured as dials or bars and you can select detailed information to display, but it lacks the bells and whistles of competitor systems.
Standard equipment on the base model includespremiumclothupholstery,a9-inch infotainment touch-screen, eight-speaker soundsystem,wirelessAppleCarPlay,wired Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, eight-speaker sound system, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors front and back.
The VTi L+ adds leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, heated front seats, hands-free power tailgate, rear privacy glass, and metal paddle shifts.
VTi LX in both petrol and hybrid variants get leather-appointed seats, 360-degree MultiView camera system and heated outer rear seats.
Boot size is a moderate 370 litres in the e:HEV with the rear seatbacks in place, expanding to 1302 when they are folded. Nosparewheel,justthedreadedtyre-repair kit.
The 9.0-inch touchscreen is small by present-day standards. It’s located at the top of the dashboard within easy reach for the driver. There is a physical volume knob as well as home and back buttons.
Apple CarPlay is wireless but Android Auto is wired.
The 10.2-inch digital information cluster screen displays a good amount of driver information. There are USB-A and USB-C at the front and two USB-C points at the rear.
The e:HEV LX comes with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system and a Qi –compatible wireless smartphone charging pad in the centre console area.
HondaZR-Vleadstheclassinpassivesafety with 11 airbags, including a front-centre and driver’s knee airbag.
Other standard features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring, intelligent speed limiter, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.
Note that the ZR-V only achieved a four-star rating due to a lower-functioning driver attention monitor and an absence of a Backover feature in its Autonomous Emergency Braking system.
The tall roofline makes getting in and out relatively easy. The driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive with excellent visibility to the front and sides although let
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 7.5/10
Thirst: 8.5/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
downsomewhatbythelimitedrear-window glass.
While it does have the usual suite of warning signals and interventions they are nowhere nearly as intrusive as in many other new cars. Indeed, throughout our two-week test we only rarely found it necessary to turn any of them off Starting in electric or hybrid mode provides the strong and smooth acceleration that we expect. Likewise with the sharp acceleration into a motorway stream of traffic.
Wind and road noise are all-but absent, except in the last case on course surfaces.
Ride and handling are surprisingly good for a squarish mid-sized SUV courtesy of its shared Civic underpinnings.
Body roll on fast bends is minimised and road bumps were ironed out with ease.
Brake regeneration can be adjusted though steering wheel paddles.
Summary
The Honda ZR-V is an excellent addition to the highly competitive small/medium SUV segment. In hybrid mode it competes against vehicles ranging in size from the Toyota C-HR and Kia Kona up to Nissan Qashqai and Toyota RAV4.
At just under $55,000 it’s $6500 dearer than its similarly-equipped LX sibling and it will take quite a few years for its fuel savings to offset that extra cost.
The other issue is the lack of the fifth ANCAP star which is quite rare nowadays.
We’dexpecttheAEBissuetobecorrected in a future upgrade.
Standard warranty on the e:HEV is five years with eight years on the battery, both with unlimited distance.
By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs George Cross put out a strong, honest performance to return to the winners list in the National Premier League on Saturday.
Coming off their first loss of the season, the Georgies were able to respond on Saturday night with a 2-1 win against St Albans Saints.
Georgies’ coach Eric Vassiliadis said it was a much-needed win on their home ground.
“After three tough away games where we only picked up two points, it was a good honest performance,” he said.
“They are a really good team, a team that is established in premier league and were coming off a good result.
“We had a super mentality and outstanding output.”
Vassiliadis said he thought the Georgies were the more professional and better of the two teams in the first half.
Jordan Tucker opened the scoring in the 19th minute to give the home side a lead.
But scores were level at half time after the Saints scored in the 38th minute through Nicolas Koek.
Vassiliadis said the goal was against the run of play and it was a bit soft.
His playing group then responded.
“We showed some real resilience,” Vassiliadis said. “It was more of an arm wrestle and St Albans looked the more likely.
“We made some changes. Lucas Byrns in his first real crack got the winner
against his former side.”
Vassiliadis said there had been some players early in the season who might not have had the minutes they would have liked, such as Byrns, but it was about staying ready.
He said it was about making the most of their opportunities when they get them and let their actions do the talking.
“If we’re going to do something special, it requires everyone in the squad to have a squad mentality,” Vassiliadis said.
The Georiges sit fourth on the ladder with one match remaining in round seven. They have a 3-3-1 record.
The Saints sit in 10th spot with two wins, a draw and four losses
Vassiliadis said it had been a solid start to the Georgies’ first season back in the
top flight. He said they know what they are up against now.
“We’ve had a good look at the league after seven games and it’s clearly even,” he said.
“Anybody can pull off a result and early points are even more important.
“We do not care about the past.”
There’s a competition-wide bye in the NPL this weekend, but all teams will kick off their Dockerty Cup-Australia Cup campaigns.
The Georgies will face South Springvale on Thursday night at Warner Reserve.
The following weekend the Georgies will return to NPL action against Melbourne City.
By Tara Murray
It was the win that North Sunshine Eagles needed in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition on Saturday.
The Eagles set high expectations for the season but with five losses in their first six matches, there’s been some early season concerns.
It was a relieved Eagles coach Ben Isai the following day.
“It didn’t matter how we got the three points,” he said. “Thankfully we got it.
“There’s been criticism which was fair after losing five games in a row, which was not what we expected.”
The Eagles hosted Port Melbourne Sharks at Ironbark Stadium in Tarneit on Saturday.
The Sharks entered the match winless, adding the to the pressure on the Eagles who want to finish in the top few sides and be contending this season.
Neither team scored in the first half, putting more pressure on the Eagles.
Dion Muhtari broke the deadlock in the
83rd minute and it was enough for the Eagles to claim a 1-0 win.
Isai said while they got the win, it wasn’t the best game that they had put on the park.
“We were off yesterday [Saturday],” he said, “Port Melbourne did a really good job and made it hard for us.
“We weren’t ourselves and I don’t know whether it was the five losses in a row and game level for huge periods of the game.
”We got the goal in the 83nd minute and that’s what matters. There was relief for the whole club.”
The Eagles now have six points and sit 11th on the ladder as the competition breaks for Easter.
Isai said with plenty of work to do in the break, so it doesn’t come at the worst time.
“There’s a lot of work to do and it’s a good opportunity for that,” he said.
“We’re playing in the cup and it’s a good opportunity for some players who have had low minutes in the last few weeks.”
The Eagles will face Collingwood City in the Dockerty Cup on Wednesday at the home of the Matildas.
Isai said they had never played there before and were looking forward to the challenge.
It was then about trying to get their VPL season back on track.
“We must catch up,” Isai said. “There’s expectations this year and we have to find some positive results in the next month, that is for sure.”
In other matches, Melbourne Knights continued their strong form on Friday night against ladder leaders Northcote City.
The Knights set the temp early and led 2-0 after 28 minutes.
They were able to add an extra goal in the dying minutes to seal a 3-0 win.
The Knights sit in fourth spot after seven rounds, three points off top.
Elsewhere Western United lost to Brunswick Juventus, 3-2.
In the VPL2 competition, Keilor Park lost to Malvern City, 1-0.
The winner came in the 76th minute for the ladder leaders.
Keilor Park sits in seventh spot at the break.
VTCA
Dan Lincoln will call Sydenham-Hillside home for next year’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
“Dan brings outstanding experience to the Storm, having played county cricket with Middlesex and Kent, while also captaining England in the European Championship,” the Storm said. “ A proven leader and quality performer, Dan will add enormous class both on and off the field. We cannot wait to see him in Storm colours and making his mark at the club.”
WNL Albanvale has secured a massive signing ahead of the Western Netball League season. The Cobras will have an Australian shooting circle after announcing the signing of Liam Killey. Killey is currently part of the Victoria open men’s side and the Australian Kelpies men’s team. He has been on three international tours and has played 10 games for the Kelpies. Killey will join fellow Australian shooter Brodie Roberts at the Cobras.
The Western Jets have left Tasmania without the four points after losing to the Tasmania Devils in the Talent League on Saturday. After a first up win, the Jets headed to Tasmania. The Jets led at half time by two points before three goals to one in the third quarter gave the Devils the lead. The Devils were able to extend that lead in the last quarter to win, 11.9 (75)-8.15 (63).
Sydenham Park’s tough start to the FV state league 1 north-west season has continued. After a shock loss in round one, the Reds suffered a 3-0 loss to Altona East Phoenix on Friday night. The Phoenix opened the scoring in the 10th minute before two second half goals to seal the win. In other matches, Westgate lost to Lalor United, 2-1, while Western Suburbs suffered a 4-1 loss to Ballarat City. There is a competition bye this weekend due to Easter, but the fourth round of the Dockerty Cup will be held across the long weekend.
By Tara Murray
Consistency is the key for the Keilor Thunder if it is to finally breakthrough and play in the National Basketball League 1 south finals.
The Thunder has shown when it plays its best basketball, it can match it with the best sides but hasn’t been able to do it week in, week out.
Coach Ash Arnott said that was the biggest focus for the group.
“We are working towards that consistency and that effort in every game,” he said.
“We know our best is really good, but how do we stay there?
“What we are doing at practice and continuing to build, especially on that defensive end.
“We will tweak a little bit offensively but if we can take some huge steps on the defensive end, the pressure and how we work together as a unit, that’s where we think we can make our way into finals.
“That’s the goal, find that consistency and worry about the process and we know the process will take us to good places.”
Arnott said the Thunder was excited about the squad it had put together, being able to keep a number of players, while promoting some players from their youth league.
The Thunder has also looked to add some experience.
“We’ve been getting to work and we had the blitz last week and we were able to get our new bodies on the court,” he said.
“We should have Daniel Foster in at practice this week after finishing his NBL season.
“Our new import Landon Seaman should be arriving tomorrow [Monday] . He’s on a flight as we speak.
“We like how the roster has come together and the style that we are trying to play.”
Deng Dut, Foster, Ryan Philippe and Nic Bannon all return for the Thunder, while Campbell Edwardes has been promoted.
Cooper Kirkman returns to the club after a season away.
Experience-wise, Matty Johns and Tana Kopa – who have both been part of NBL club environments – have joined the Thunder.
“It’s good to get Johnsy back, he’s a Geelong local,” Arnott said.
“He brings his knowledge of the game
By Tara Murray
Keilor Thunder coach Kristi Harrower believes that she has put together an exciting group as the side aims to contend in the National Basketball League 1 South women’s competition.
The Thunder has made back-to-back finals under Harrower and has kept the core group from last season.
“I think it’s going to be exciting once they all get together,” Harrower said. “The biggest thing is having the chemistry and having everyone playing well together
“It will be a bit disruptive at the start but once we get the group together I think it will be a very good group.
“If you can keep six or seven of your players from last year it makes a huge difference.
“It’s about getting back with them, refreshing everything, making some adjustments here and there.”
Harrower said three players were still overseas.
The biggest player missing early is 2024 league most valuable player Issie Bourne who is playing in Europe.
Harrower said it was a good opportu-
nity for other players to step up while she wasn’t there.
One player who will help fill that role is Sydney Flames player Lara McSpadden.
“Lara is really important,” Harrower said.
“We didn’t know what Penina [Davidson] was going to do and she wasn’t ready to make a decision so we had the move on.
“Lara was available.
“She’s a big body that is 6’4- 6’5 athletic player that works hard and I’m really excited about what she can do for us.”
Harrower said she felt like the Thunder had put the right mix together,
“Having [Maddy] Rocci there makes a huge difference,” she said.
“Macey Boyle and Izzy Wightman will have a bigger role this year, they had a taste playing more last season.
“There’s lots of flexibility in the group once it gets together. I have a lot of players that can move to different positions and not just play one position.”
The Thunder will have two new players joining the side once they’ve finished college and overseas commitments.
Tess Barnes, who is from Gisborne, has
and athleticism and we will have some highlights from him.
“We’ve gone across the country to WA to get Tona. I think fans will be excited by the style that he plays.
“He’s a really good shooter and we’re excited to add that piece into our offence.”
Foster also comes back into the side after a season with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Arnott said that he wasn’t surprised to see the impact Foster had at the Phoenix.
“The little conversations that I had with his head coach Josh King, spoke about how easy that he was to coach,” he said.
The Thunder kicked off of its season against the Knox Raiders on Saturday night, after deadline.
The Western Jets have announced their girls squad ahead of their season kicking on 11 April.
Players from 16 clubs have been named in the Jets’ girls’ squad. Caroline Springs continues to have a strong representation, with nine players from the club named in the squad: Mylee Lake, Paige Hutchison, Leilani Petaia, Lilly Neralic, Matilda Melrose, Madison Donoghue, Aaisha Cutajar, Adelina Demirovski and Rhylee Driscoll. Williamstown CYMS, Point Cook and Yarraville Seddon are among the others with high numbers of players in the squad.
Alana D’Ambrosio, Tannah Pawlowski, Jessica Kennedy, Piper Kenneken and Ruby Knight are from the Bulldogs.
been in Finland after her college season finished and we part of the Thunder line up.
Tess Heal joins the Thunder after her college career. She’s a Keilor junior.
Harrower said they had set the goal of finishing top four this season.
“For me it’s definitely top four,” she said.
“The biggest thing try and win as many games as we can at the start until the whole group gets together.
“I think top four for us for sure, we will have some losses along the way and we will learn from them.
“It’s really important with the core group that we should be able to win games that we can.”
The Thunder kicked off the season on Saturday against the Knox Raiders, after deadline.
Meanwhile, it’s been a tough few weeks for Harrower after departing WNBL club Southside Flyers.
The Flyers announced that the club and Harrower had agreed not to renew her contract after two seasons as coach.
Harrower said she wanted to make it clear that the decision “wasn’t mutual”
The Eagles’ Ruby Jones, Ruby Colebatch, Armani Mauriohooho and Xanthe Chard, along with the CYs Addison West, Jacinta Eteuati, Grace Hemsley Wooley, Zara McIntosh and Chloe Maticevski are also in the squad.
Keilor’s Tayla Olivieri; Jennifer Hedjes; Werribee Districts’ Giselle Saxon-Jones; Westbourne Grammarians’ Taya Delaney and Nartasha Elbayeh; the Suns’ Bonnie Brown, Alexis Madden and Aluk Kuol; Melton South’s Tahlia Hodges; Maribyrnong Park’s Piper Dixon, Evie Fitzgerald, andTamika Fabri; Aberfeldie’s Kiara Boyd and Jenna Hurring; Bacchus Marsh’s Miah Bradbury; Hillside’s Makaylah Brne; Darley’s Charli Parsons-Jones, Leivi Lane and Tahlia Attard; and Krystal Williams and Shakalia Gardiner-Dunn are the others in the squad.
The Jets will kick off their season against the Northern Knights.
By Tara Murray
TheCityWestFalconsareontheboardinthe
Victorian Netball League after a strong performance against the North East Blaze on Wednesday night.
After losing their first two matches of the season, the Falcons got an important win against the Blaze to kick start their season.
TheFalconsjumpedoutoftheblocksand led by 10 goals at quarter time, and that set the tone for the rest of the match.
They were able to maintain a double figure lead throughout the rest of the match on the way to a 72-53 win.
Falcons’ coach Marg Lind said they knew how important it was to get a win on the
board.
“We are definitely happier than last week,” she said.
“Having Liv Cameron back made a massive difference and we felt like that was what we needed in wing attack.
“We had tried a few others but it wasn’t what we needed with Maggie [Lind] out.
“She had that connection and chemistry. The second ball she got was straight into Jane [Cook].”
Lind said Cameron, who was the grand final most valuable player last year in goal attack, had signed on this season to play when they needed her.
She said while they were mindful of giving younger players an opportunity, the ab-
sence of Maggie Lind had forced their hand.
Maggie Lind is set to be back after Easter.
Cook continued her high volume shooting and put up 60 goals in the win.
Despite losing their first two games, the Falcons had the second highest scoring rate.
Lind said they needed to tidy up their attack end a little bit and keep working on their defensive end.
Shesaidtheywerecontinuingtoseepositive signs out of their younger players.
“We were able to put Lani (Fauonuku] and Achol [Yout] on for bits and pieces and we’ll keep doing that throughout the season,” she said.
“Maddison McKiernan came in as we were concerned they had a smaller goaling
end and we were quite tall.
“Lara [Turner] turned the most ball over for us last week, so she got the start. We thought she would be a 23 and under player, but we were forced and she’s doing well.”
Lind said their defensive end continued to show some positive signs while Montana Holmes had a strong performance in centre.
It was a good night for the Falcons, with their 23-and-under side beating the Blaze, 48-46.
Lind said they did a really good job and used the rolling subs really well to stay on top.
TheFalconsnowfacetheBendigoStrikers in the last round before the Easter break.
By Tara Murray
Not too much has changed for Keilor in the Essendon District Football League premier division.
The Blues have kept their strong core group together and added a couple of pieces as they look to remain as one of the contenders.
Coach Mick McGuane said it had been a pretty good off season. He said they knew they didn’t need to add too much to the group.
“Obviously we had to restore some health after some carnage at the back end of last year which didn’t help our cause,” he said.
“We are gradually getting them back to where they should be, which is exciting.
“The previous four to five years told us we’ve won 100 out of our last 112 games, we’re doing a lot right as a footy club.
“Our reserves won the grand final against a pretty strong Aberfeldie team so we think we have a lot of growth within.
“It’s all about continuing our path of winning, we think we have a formula that works.”
The Blues have welcomed back Jack Brown full time from the Victorian Football League while Andrew Vavra crosses from Strathmore.
Riley Ormerod is the other recruit.
Vavra will add a different ruck option for the Blues having used Blair Wylie as an undersized ruck the past couple of years.
“Specifically you can say on the day [grand final] last year that mattered, but if youhavesupportbehindtheballnotinthe grandstand, irrespective if you lose stoppage doesn’t mean that is the problem.
“We’re a turnover team so we don’t necessarily have to win stoppage.
“We intercept and counter and Blair Wylie’sathleticismonthegroundbecomes a really critical factor in how we play.”
With some players returning from injuries as well, the Blues will have some selection dilemmas.
Defensively they have a number of players who are hoping to play a lot more games this season.
“To only get 21 games out of [Riley] Ham, [Stefan] Radovanovic and [Brad] Xavier as a defensive combination will test anyone’s ability to compete especially in
the back end against some quality forward and forward lines in the competition,” McGuane said.
“We’re hopefully those guys, along with the continuing emergence of a Will Burke and some other young kids that can certainly work into the season.
“Kade Long played in a grand final probably before his time, based on necessity we had to go with a kid that we thought would be a long term project.”
The Blues will have six players on VFL lists this year, with McGuane saying they thought they had the right balance.
While some competitions have made changes to make it harder for VFL to play in local finals, McGuane said he thought the EDFL had the mix right.
Keilor will kick off its season on Good Friday against Strathmore in the traditional Good Friday clash which is also the grand final rematch.
“It’s always a good way to start the season and it’s an advertisement for the competition,” McGuane said.
“Not many people walk away with the standard of play irrespective of who wins and losses.”
The Western Football League women’s competition has expanded to 11 teams and will have a new finals structure.
The women’s season will include 16 home-and-away rounds with the number of participating teams increasing from nine to eleven this year. North Footscray will field a side for the first time, while Laverton’s side will return from a one-year hiatus.
Yarraville Seddon’s reserves side will also compete in the competition alongside its top side, having played in the Essendon District Football League last season.
Caroline Springs’ second side will play in the WFL competition, with the top side, the competition’s reigning premiers, playing in the EDFL.
As reported by Star Weekly, North Sunshine has withdrawn from the competition after not able to get the numbers to get a side up.
At the conclusion of the homeand-away season, the league will introduce a new finals structure designed to provide additional finals opportunities for teams.
The top four teams will play in a division 1 finals series and teams that finish fifth through to eighth will play in the division 2 finals series. Both grand finals will be played on the same day on Saturday 29 August.
The league will again not have an under-19 girls competition with Altona, Point Cook and Caroline Springs having teams in the EDFL under-19 competition again.
The women’s season will kick off on 10 April.
