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 fleet and equipment reliability.
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 Cristofaro said.
“You feel frustrated and exposed. You train to respond immediately, and instead you’re dealing with a failure that shouldn’t happen in the first place.”
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 firefighter safety.
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The UFU said the CFA (Country Fire Authority) fleet faces similar challenges, with 792 CFA tankers currently out of date and deemed unsafe, including 230 tankers that are more than 31 years old.
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 direct risk to lives and property,” he said.
UFU reported about one-third of metropolitan fire trucks have been off the road for repairs at any given time due to mechanical faults of ageing appliances.
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, respond from further away.
“The[state]governmenthasbeenwarned repeatedly. You cannot run a modern fire service on ageing, failing trucks and expectthecommunitytobeprotected,”Mr Marshall said.
The UFU is calling on the state government to invest significantly in replacing ageing and failing fire trucks to restorethefireservicetoasafeandreliable standard.
Last year Commissioner Gavin Freeman said FRV’s medium to long-term planning wasbasedonatargetfleetreplacementage of 15 years.
Continued: Page 8.
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 Jack O’Shea-Ayres
The Blackwood community is calling on Moorabool council to purchase a vacant plot of land at 17-19 Martin Street for community use.
The vacant lot, known as Karen Bermingham’s Gratitude Garden by locals, recently landed on the market.
First purchased by Ms Bermingham in 2015, the lot has been used by members of the community for various events, meetings, campaigns, and picnics over the past decade.
The property is especially valued by
Blackwood’s locals because of its size and location right in the heart of town, and has served as a gathering place with a grand outlook over the Lerdederg River valley.
Blackwood locals Brendan Hehir and Jinny Coyle sit at the heart of a petition started to save the community-loved Gratitude Garden, which has received 18 signatures to date and was tabled by Moorabool council at its 4 March meeting.
Mr Hehir addressed councillors requesting they purchase the lot for its value as a community space and tourist attraction.
“We understand that Moorabool Shire owns a small number of residential blocks
in Blackwood and requests that they use these assets to acquire this land, so valuable to the community and its tourist economy,”
Mr Hehir said.
Mr Hehir also suggested the lot be used for a children’s playground.
“Blackwood has no real sizable public land suitable for a children’s playground. This parcel of land is perfect,” he said.
The petition has received strong support from locals, who have all shown the same affection for the land’s use as a community space.
In a letter of support, long-time Blackwood local Noelle Shader said maintaining
Taylors Hill author Nina De Goederen is set to release the next editions of books in her series Johnny the Inventor, inspired by her late brother.
De Goederen’s main character Johnny continues on his adventures and escapades in the second and third books, which went on sale on Friday 27 March.
In Johnny’s next chapter, he invents a healing soap, inspired by a recollection of events which took place while De Goederen and her brother were children.
In book three, Johnny endeavours to create flying shoes.
“He was always tinkering in the garage, making this and making that,” De Goederen said.
De Goederen said growing up reading and working as an English teacher for 39 years inspired her to share her same passion for the creative world with today’s generation of children.
“I just loved the world that the books took me to. You just lose yourself in the story and it just becomes real to me.”
De Goederen said the excitement to launch Johnny’s next chapter is even bigger than the first, as her husband Aran has
joined in on helping to bring the series to life, illustrating the books based on De Goederen’s writing and suggestions.
“I am very excited, I can’t wait for the whole set to be out. It’s always been a dream of ours to work together like this. It was just really good to be able to work together.”
De Goederen will have a stall at Watergardens Shopping Centre from 10-12 April where she and her husband, Aran will be signing copies of all three books in her series that will be available for purchase.
She said kids should also get excited for book four, set to release later this year.
the lot’s value as a community space was especially important in recent times.
“As more regional communities continue to become impacted into relinquishing green space, the township of Blackwood is now a unique asset,” Mr Shader said.
“The beauty of nature and the natural environment cannot be replaced.”
A council spokesperson told StarWeekly the petition is currently being considered.
“Council officers will review the petitions and all relevant matters will be considered prior to advising councillors. No timeframes have been set for this as yet,” they said.
Have your say on Lal Lal plan
Moorabool council is currently developing a master plan for Lal Lal Falls Reserve and is inviting residents to have their say.
Containing one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Moorabool area, the master plan is set to guide future improvements, protect the natural environment, and improve visitor experiences around the reserve.
Scenic views, a large grassed area, a playground, picnic tables, toilets and an undercover shelter make the reserve a fan-favourite spot for visitors to the Moorabool Shire.
Environmentally, the reserve also contains significant vegetation including 13 plant species with regional significance, as well as one species rare in Victoria and Australia-wide.
With the project currently in the development stage, the community survey will form a key opportunity for residents, visitors, and stakeholders to share their views and help guide the direction of the planning process.
Future improvements will be shaped by the final endorsed master plan and the availability of funding. In a bid to ensure the master plan is robust and well-informed, the process includes detailed technical assessments, covering environmental values, access, infrastructure needs, and cultural heritage, alongside community and stakeholder engagement.
Three 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 Staughton College in Melton South, Melton Secondary College in Melton West 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, teachersandfamiliestoresolveissuesand 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.”
“Data shows that 70 per cent of Victoria’smostsignificantallegedyouthoffenders were chronically absent from school before they turned to crime,” Ms Davidson 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 young people getting involved in criminal 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 of the
Melton and Sunbury’s budding track and field stars shared a moment they soon won’t forgett after they received a very special visit from Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist Matthew Denny on Sunday 22 March.
Fresh from an outstanding run of form, the Australian discus champion traded the international arena for local ovals, spending time with the young athletes eager to learn from one of the country’s best.
Denny arrived in red-hot form on the day as one of Australia’s headline athletics stars, with recent achievements in-
cluding an Olympic bronze in Paris 2024, a victory at the 2023 Diamond League Final and a Commonwealth gold in 2022, a resume which drew plenty of wide-eyed admiration from the next generation.
But he wasn’t the only one boasting an impressive list of feats.
The visit came shortly after Melton’s little athletes brought home an impressive 19 medals, including five gold, from the Little Athletics State Championships, while Sunbury’s young competitors also celebrated success with a state medallist among their ranks.
From hands-on coaching tips to one-
schools representing Melbourne’s northwest.
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.
Moorabool council has drafted a master plan for the Elaine Recreation Reserve, set to guide how it is planned for and improved over the next decade, and residents are being invited to share their thoughts.
The draft master plan, assessed by council at its 4 March meeting, presents urgent, short, medium and long term site improvements.
Council is seeking feedback on all elements of the draft master plan, including the concept map and project prioritisation, which has highlighted key considerations in risk/safety, fair access/gender equity, and increased reserve activation.
on-one training sessions, Denny’s visit offered a rare chance for the region’s future stars to gain insight into what it takes to compete at the highest level.
For Denny, his crucial advice to Australia’s next rising stars was simple.
“I think the biggest tip is to learn how to be balanced and stay enjoying what you do,” he said.
“That’s the important point of what Little Athletics does.”
For many, the highlight was receiving medals directly from the Commonwealth Games gold medallist himself.
Some of the projects include formalised car parking within the reserve, upgrades to the reserve’s entrance, the installation of a new cricket pitch, additional picnic tables, and an oval perimeter fence, and upgrades to sports storage. Community consultation in August last year revealed how the Elaine community used the reserve and their ideas for its future. The proposed projects have been made in response to calls for wider recreational options, more sporting opportunities, and better infrastructure in lighting and drainage throughout the reserve.
By Taylah Xuereb
AstategovernmentMPiscallingforthereturn of the Growing Suburbs Fund in the 2026-27 budget.
Melton MP Steve McGhie is backing the Outer Melbourne Councils Alliance in its pushforthefundtobereinstated.
The Growing Suburbs Fund, formally known as the Interface Growth Fund, was a state government-funded program to assist councilswiththebuildingcostsofcommunity facilities including parks, playgrounds, public toilets,changeroomsandsportsgrounds.
Whenestablishedin2015,thefundwas$50 million. Eventually the government stripped backthefundinguntilitwasworth$5million, andentirelyde-fundedinthe2025budget.
The alliance, which comprised nine municipalities on the outer-edges of metropolitan Melbourne including Melton, Hume,
Whittlesea and Wyndham, wants the state governmenttocommittoa$50millionannualGrowingSuburbsFund.
“Melton council has got about $50 million over the last seven years out of [the] Growth Suburbs[Fund]andI’dliketoseethatcontinue,”MrMcGhiesaid.
The Cobblebank Community Services Hub,andPlumptonAquaticandLeisureCentreeachreceived$15milliontowardstheirdeliverythroughthefund.
“If we don’t have sporting grounds for kids, whatdokidsgetupto?Iftheydon’thavegood schoolfacilities,whatdotheydo?
“They have to have these modern, upgradedfacilities,andhavinggoodsportingfacilities keeps them engaged, keeps them out of trouble. Councils can’t build facilities… without support.”
The state government was contacted for comment.
Arnolds Creek has received a much needed spruce-up thanks to a small community initiative made up of local lads looking to serve their community.
Melton’s 37th boys’ brigade conducted a clean-upofArnoldsCreekonWednesday25 March, picking up litter and rubbish to do their part for the local environment.
Captain Derek Bendall said the whole point of the brigade is to help the boys grow into strong community-driven adults.
“Our aim has always been to help boys grow into confident, kind and responsible young men,” Mr Bendall said.
Focusing on the theme of serving the community, the brigade has explored simple ways to help others, deciding to clean up the creek as a sign of respect and care for the local environment.
“The boys dedicated time each week to planning and preparing for the clean-up, learning about teamwork, organisation,
and the importance of caring for their surroundings,” Mr Bendall said.
“We dedicated our last boys’ brigade session to the actual physical clean-up, giving the boys a hands-on opportunity to make a real difference in their community.”
Benji, year seven, said the boys’ brigade has supported him to do more than he’d ever thought.
“AtfirstIcameheretoimprovemychances togetintothearmy.ButIhaverealisedthere issomuchmoretotheboysbrigadeasIhave made some life long friends and learnt a lot of good lessons along the way.”
For others like Kaleb, year four, the brigade offers quiet connection and fun.
“I like reading, learning the bible and playing in all the activities,” Kaleb said.
Details: 0448 612 299 or westernregion@ bbvic.com.au
Moorabool road closures
Moorabool’s motorists are being advised to plan ahead, with several road closures and night works scheduled across the shire in the coming weeks due to planned works and community events. Site investigation and service proving works will be undertaken at the north-west corner of the Griffith and Grant streets intersection in Maddingley from 7pm on 31 March through to 5am on 1 March. Blackwood’s Easter woodchop event will result in road closures on 4 April. Martin Street, Whalebone and Golden Point roads will be closed between 10.30-11.20am, Greendale-Trentham Road will close for 20 minutes between 11.20-11.40am, and Simmons Reef Road will close for pedestrians going to the recreation reserve from 11.20am-12pm. All roads are set to open and resume normal traffic operations from 12pm.
Historic cemetery walks Take a journey through Moorabool’s rich and layered history, with a self-guided trail through its historic cemeteries, each offering a window into the people, stories, and early settlement life that shaped the region. Popular spots include Blackwood , Hopetoun, and Ballan cemeteries, all full of rich history, local stories and heritage. Details: moorabool.vic.gov. au/historic-cemeteries FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
out more about how to apply for a grant, how you can be involved in the assessment process, or to register for a workshop, scan the QR code, email grants@westernrenewableslink.com.au or call
(Damjan Janevski)
533892_01
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 carton of Big M.
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 up in Victoria as the footy siren or a hot pie with sauce; all which pair perfectly, 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 Melbourneis it Melton?
Big M’s story begins back in 1978, when the drink first hit shelves across Victoria.
Born not in a corporate boardroom, the classic milk drink was part of an ambitious government-backed experiment of sorts.
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 banana flavoured.
Big M was the result of a milk flavoured drink designed to compete with Coca-Cola and its carbonated peers.
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-table reputation, and it worked.
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 million in sales.
Over the decades that followed, Big M embedded itself in Victorian culture.
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 consumers had become.
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 remained constant.
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 stands for Melton”.
The assertion has been widely circulated in recent years, bolstered by references in the City of Melton’s 150th Anniversary material and its online heritage exhibition, curated by Melton City Libraries.
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 in photographs of local students at Coburn Primary, Melton West Primary and the then-new Melton Technical School.
ForagloballyrecognisedVictorianbrand at the forefront of milk sales to be carrying Melton’s name, it feels like a fitting legacy of the era.
Yet as with many good local legends, the story is not without its challengers.
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 poster questions whether the response was 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 “Big H”.
From this very perspective, “Big M” is simply shorthand for “Big Milk”: bold, marketable and deliberately ambiguous.
But current owners of the famous brand Begadidchoosetoweighinonthetopic,as ambiguous as their stance might be.
“We love a good mystery almost as much as Victorians love a choccy Big M,” Bega Group’s flavoured milk brand manager Adele Tarquini said.
“We can’t confirm or deny what the ‘M’ really stands for. What we can say is that Big M has a big history of flavours, fun, and Victorian energy.
“Whether you’re team Melton, team Mordialloc or just team flavoured milk, we love that Victorians are still debating it almost 50 years on!”
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 has blurred with fact.
“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 keep the mystery alive?
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 the state’s history.
As debate continues online and in lunchrooms, one thing is certain; Big M has done exactly what it was designed to do back in 1977 - spark conversation, stand out, and keep Victorians coming back for another sip.
As with the drink itself, the story is layered, sweet, and unmistakably Victorian.
Previous Big M owner Lion Corporate was contacted for comment.
By Jack O’Shea-Ayres
The Moorabool Environment Group (MEG) is calling on Moorabool council to save a disused water channel and adjoining walking track in Ballan from being sold to a property developer.
A petition containing 69 signatures was tabled at council’s 4 March meeting, asking council to maintain the land as a walking and cycling track as it is currently used.
The old, disused aqueduct runs from opposite Crossroads through to the Western Highway and sits on land currently owned by Barwon Water.
MEGfearsthelandisatriskofbeingsold to a housing developer who has already bought the 90 hectares of farmland east of the aqueduct track.
Council heard from Rose De La Cruz, speaking on behalf of MEG, who said the group is seeking to save the aqueduct and its adjoining track for its historical and environmental value.
“Many of us want this strip of land to be saved and kept as a walking and bike track for the public,” Ms De La Cruz said.
“The aqueduct has historical value … and it provides habitat for frogs and native grasses and all sorts of other wildlife.”
The site is believed to be home to the
endangered Western Burrowing Crayfish which were recently discovered along parts of the Werribee River, according to MEG.
Ms De La Cruz said she believes more researchandstudiesneedtobeconducted before any housing development plans begin to protect the potentially at-risk crays and other species.
“It’s an endangered species and more research and studies need to be done before any housing development starts,” she said.
“It should be kept, protected and not built upon.”
Barwon Water’s general manager for
From chocolate Easter eggs to mountain bike trails, the April school holidays are shaping up to be a whirlwind of colour, creativity and excitement across Melton. Easter festivities kick things off in full swing on Saturday 4 April, with the Easter bunny making multiple appearances throughout the day, hopping in at Melton South and Melton Town Centre with free treats in hand, while the fan-favourite Easter Family Fun Day makes its return to Caroline Springs, promising rides, laughter and a lively community atmosphere.
Beyondthechocolatefuelledexcitement, the school holiday program stretches
into a mix of hands-on and high-energy experiences for Melton’s young people, with a youth cooking session in Taylors Hill giving the perfect opportunity for budding chefs to sharpen their skills.
Perhaps the most exciting and exhilarating event will take place at Cobblebank Stadium on Thursday 9 April, where basketballers can hit the courts for a full-on day of drills, round robins, games and shooting contests. With capacity for up to 200 young people, it’s sure to be a big event.
Adventure seekers are also in for a treat, with a guided mountain bike trip through the scenic You Yangs Regional Park
offering a chance to tackle trails and build confidence outdoors.
But for those chasing something more immersive, Metart World is delivering a multi-sensory indoor experience packed with light installations and interactive exhibits, before a relaxed sports and barbecue session in Caroline Springs brings the holidays to a close.
Whether it’s getting active, getting creative, or simply enjoying time together, this year’s program proves there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the break close to home.
Details: melton.vic.gov.au/ schoolholidays.
planning, delivery and environment Seamus Butcher said there are currently no restrictions in place preventing a preservation of a trail or other community spaces across the area.
“Barwon Water will continue to provide advice to Moorabool Shire Council as needed as part of the planning scheme amendment process,” Mr Butcher said.
“There are no heritage or environmental planning controls that would restrict the future use of the site, for a trail or other purpose.”
Acouncilspokespersontold StarWeekly the petition is currently being considered before any action is taken.
page 1.
“But Victorians should know that fire trucks do not expire simply because they reach a certain age. These appliances are specially built and can remain in service for long periods, depending on their usage and workload,” he said.
“When a fault is reported, FRV has established procedures to diagnose, triage, and repair the appliance so it can be redeployed as soon as practicable.”
Mr Freeman said ordering and deploying new trucks into FRV’s fleet was a complicated process.
“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 and deployed to its first job.”
A FRV spokesperson told Star Weekly the safety of its firefighters, other first responders and the community was paramount.
“We continually utilise our full fleet across the state to ensure a high level of availability for emergency response.”
The spokesperson said FRV continues to work with the state government to fund and acquire new trucks.
“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 spokesperson said.
The state government was contacted for comment.
Victoria wrapped up a first of its kind trial of road monitoring technology along the Western Freeway as of Wednesday 4 March.
The Bridge Weigh-In-Motion (BWIM) system, tested between Melton and Ballan, uses cutting-edge sensors to track how heavy vehicles travel, collecting live data of movements without disrupting traffic.
The data collected gives engineers an insight into how bridges are being used on a day-to-day basis and helps to build a
picture of how the road network is being used.
The more advanced, road specific data helps to create a better understanding of how bridges and roads are coping with heavyvehiclemovements,complementing the existing weigh-in-motion network for a better understanding of a vehicle’s location or onboard mass.
The two-week installation involved attaching sensors under bridges, along with a roadside camera and a smaller solar power unit to monitor loads and
heavy vehicles using bridges.
The 12-month trial was the first time the technology had been used in Australia following successful use in Europe, Asia, and North and South America.
Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne called the technology a game-changer for data collection.
“The new technology is a game changer giving bridge engineers precise information on bridge use – right down to the weight applied by individual axles of individual trucks,” she said.
By Jack O’Shea-Ayres
More than 110 teachers and staff from Melton Secondary College 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.
He said the state government had done “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 history and economics teacher and deputy 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 subbranch 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.
Each week StarWeeklyphotographers are out and about capturing events and people across the western and northern suburbs.
Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
30 years ago March 1996
Rural land zones in Melton shire could be dramatically affected by a five-day hearing which started last week.
20 years ago 28 March 2006
A group of Toolern Vale landowners has lost its fight at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to stop a 250,000-cubic-metre landfill in their town.
15 years ago 29 March 2011
A healthy debate about a hospital for Melton is under way, with several other western suburbs councils supporting the campaign led by mayor Justin Mammarella and residents.
10 years ago 29 March 2016
Red flags were being raised for years about systemic failures of process and practice at Bacchus Marsh and Melton RegionalHospital,anAuditor-General’s report has found.
By Tara Cosoleto, AAP
A jealous man who violently stabbed his innocentwifetodeathinfrontoftheirthree young children could be out of jail in 16 years.
Rimoni Muliaga, 44, admitted he killed his wife Lise but claimed he was not guilty of murder because of his diagnosed intellectual disability and depressive disorder.
A jury rejected those excuses and convicted him in December following a month-longtrial.
In sentencing Muliaga on 25 March, Justice James Gorton described the killing as a serious case of murder driven by unjustifiedandunwarrantedjealousy.
Muliaga attacked Lise in their Melton South backyard on 18 September, 2023, months after the couple and their five childrenrelocatedfromNewZealand.
Muliaga had accused Lise of cheating on him with his brother and he set upon the 37-year-old in a jealous rage, stabbing her fourtimestothechest.
Three of their five children - aged five, sevenand12-eitherwitnessedthestabbing or were in the vicinity at the time of the attack.
“(Lise) had a frightening and violent death,“JusticeGortonsaid.
The couple’s five children each submitted victimimpactstatementstothecourt.
JusticeGortonacknowledgedthechildren were coping better than expected due, in
largepart,totheloveandsupporttheywere receivingfromtheirauntanduncle.
“Nonetheless, your children will spend the rest of their lives without their mother and having to deal with the fact that you, their father, killed her,“ the judge told Muliaga.
Thepresenceofthechildrenatthemurder was an aggravating feature, Justice Gorton said.
But the judge accepted there was a causal connection between the murder and Muliaga’s diagnosed intellectual disability anddepression.
He noted those conditions impacted the killer’s reasoning and ability to regulate his emotions, and he reacted violently while experiencingmorbidjealousy.
Justice Gorton said Muliaga’s moral culpability was therefore reduced and the mental health conditions would make his timeincustodymoredifficult. His deportation upon release would also weigh heavily on Muliaga during his sentence,thejudgesaid.
Justice Gorton said despite those factors, he still had to denounce the serious case of domestic violence and deter Muliaga from committinganotherattackagain. He jailed Muliaga for a maximum 24 years but with time already served, the 44-year-old will be eligible for parole in 16 years.
1800RESPECT(1800737732) Lifeline131114
Men’sReferralService1300766491
As Melton continues as one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities, Melton Historical Society’s secretary
Deb Slattery speaks with Jack O’Shea-Ayres of its historical roots, and how history is made every day.
What’s your connection to Melton?
I grew up and attended school in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges just a bit more hillier than Melton. After getting married I moved to western New South Wales in the mid 1990s where we ended up in a town called Lithgow. Along with my husband and young daughter Bobbi, we owned and ran a motel. What an eye opener that was meeting different people from all around the world whether on holidays or working in the area and the varied thing that they required to make their stay a happy event. Our daughter, having finished her senior schooling, was accepted to do a science degree at VictoriaUniversityinWerribee.Themove to Melton was a bit of a transition from being on call 24 hours a day for guests, to being able to do just what you wanted to do whenever you wished. My parents had residedinMeltonforseveralyearsandwe had often visited Melton on holidays. So, themovewaseasyhavingthatconnection already in place.
What do you like about Melton? Melton is close to Melbourne if required to visit to shop or anything else you wish to pursue. The people of Melton have always been friendly and there is always something interesting going on in the area. If you wish to play any kind of sport you can find it here, and so many more
different and varied clubs if you wish to join, from our youngest members of the Municipality to our ageing seniors.
What, if anything, would you change about it?
We all must adjust to changes, as when I first moved here, we were still a shire and since then we have become a wonderful growing city, which has gone in all directions from the east and west and north and south and a population that
has tripled in size during that period. Our city offers such a wide range of facilities with many more on the drawing board for our growing and already established communities. We have a lot to look forward to in the future, but don’t forget that we have a wonderful history in this great city dating back to the 1830s.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
The Willows Historical Park, which is
situated at the corners of Nixon and Reserve Roads, is just a little bit of the old mixed with the new. A hidden gem in the heart of the Melton township. With beautiful grounds with barbecue and toilet facilities, grounds are open every day of the year. Well worth a visit, stroll around and learn about our local history.
Tell us about your work with the Melton Historical Society? What do you like most about it, and what inspires you to do the work you do?
The historical society is now in its 58th year and was established by a small group of locals who wished to record and collect our local history. There would only be a small number of associations in the Melton District that can aspire being around for that amount of time. I have been the secretary of the Melton and District Historical Society since 2018. Not an easy job sometimes as others who have taken on a position of secretary of any organisation would know. There’s always something that needs your attention.Wewelcomedonationsrelating to local history (photos, papers, maps, local family histories, etc.) to add to our collection. New members are always welcome, regardless of prior local history knowledge. Contact us via email on meltonhistoricalsocietyinc@gmail.com or call 0409 306 640. Remember each day of our lives, history is made.
Life at Lifestyle Communities Brookfield is often described as a welcome shift, a chance to slow the pace without slowing down life itself. Set within a peaceful neighbourhood, the
community offers a sense of ease that comes from knowing everything has been thoughtfully designed to support the way homeownerswanttolivetoday.
Here, days unfold naturally and without pressure. Morning walks through the neighbourhood, time spent in the Clubhouse, casual catch ups with neighbours, or simply enjoying the comfort of a low maintenance home all contribute to a lifestyle that feels balanced and intentional. It’s not about doing more; it’s about creating space for the moments that mattermost.
Many homeowners speak about the freedom that comes with community living. With less upkeep and fewer responsibilities tied to thehome,there’smoretimefor family, hobbies, and personal interests. Whether that means staying active, pursuing long held passions, or enjoying quieter days at home, life at Brookfield is shaped by choice. Connectionisalwaysavailable, but never compulsory, offering the flexibility to join in when it suits or simply enjoy the atmospherearoundyou.
Thesenseofcalmismatched by thoughtful design. Homes are modern, comfortable and easy to live in, while shared spaces are created to encourage connection without obligation. It’s a lifestyle that supports independence while offering reassurance, familiarityandagenuinesenseofbelonging.
To experience it firsthand, Lifestyle Communities Brookfield will be hosting an Open Day on Saturday 18 April from 10am to 12pm. This relaxed event is an opportunitytoexplorethecommunity,tour the Clubhouse, view homes for sale, and gain a genuine sense of what everyday life lookslikehere.
way of living feels right for you. Sometimes, it’s not until you step inside a community thatyourealisejusthowgoodlifecanfeel.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your next chapter or actively considering a move,theOpenDayisachancetoseeifthis
Join us on Open Day from 10am to 12pm on Saturday 18 April and discover how Lifestyle Communities Brookfield could
We’re open for inspection!
Join us for our Open Day to tour the Clubhouse, explore our homes and connect with homeowners who make this community what it is. If you’re thinking about your next chapter, this is a great way to see how the vibrant community can make your next chapter feel easy, familiar and full of life.
Homes from $359,000* Scan the QR code to find out more.
RSVP to 1300 50 55 60 or walk in on the day.
*Price correct as at March 2026. Subject to change without notice.
Saturday 18 April 10:00am – 12:00pm Lifestyle Communities® Brookfield 111-139 Coburns Road, Brookfield
RoadSafe Westgate is proud to support Operation Nexus 2026, the statewide road policing campaign led by Victoria Police ahead of the Victorian Easter holiday period.
With increased traffic expected across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, police will launch a highly visible enforcement and education blitz aimed at preventing road trauma and saving lives.
When is Operation Nexus 2026?
Operation Arid will run from 12:01am Thursday 2 April to 11:59pm Monday 6 April, covering the entire Easter break, a traditionally high-risk period for serious and fatal crashes on Victorian roads.
Why This Easter Holiday Matters
Holiday periods mean more vehicles on the road, longer trips, unfamiliar routes and tighter travel schedules. Historically, the highest risk periods occur when drivers are:
• Leaving for holiday destinations
• Returning home
• Driving while fatigued
• Travelling at speed on freeways and regional highways
Police intelligence shows that single acts ofnon-complianceandbasicdrivingerrors contributed to more than half of fatalities in 2025- including low-range speeding, distraction, drink driving and failure to obey road rules.
What Police Will Be Targeting
During Operation Nexus 2026, Victoria Police will focus on the driving behaviours most closely linked to deaths and serious injuries:
• Speeding- including low-range speeding
• Distracted driving- particularly illegal
mobile phone use
• Seatbelt and child restraint offences
• Fatigue and drowsy driving
• Alcohol and drug-impaired driving
Police will be highly visible across major freeways, arterial roads and regional routes.
Senior Sergeant Stephen O’Connell,
Road Policing Advisor from Westgate Highway Patrol, said “We will be out in force, both educating and enforcing. Our aim is simple: prevent lives lost and serious injuries on Victorian roads.”
He added that drivers should expect to be tested anywhere, anytime throughout the holiday period.
A Community Responsibility
Chair of RoadSafe Westgate Jim Giddings reinforced the importance of shared responsibility.
“Speedisafactorinmostseriouscrashes. Driving safely isn’t just about obeying the law. It’s about respect — for yourself, your passengers, your family and the broader community.”
Road trauma does not only affect those directly involved. It impacts families, friends, emergency services and communities — often for a lifetime.
If you witness dangerous driving, report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you plan to have a drink then plan to not drive, taking a big risk like drinking and driving is just not worth endangering your live or that of other road users.
Fatigue remains one of the leading contributors to serious crashes. If you are tired, stop and rest.
Enforcement will be high. The stakes are higher.
Speedsters and drivers who flout the road rules have been put on notice.
This Easter break, enforcement will be visible and sustained - but the ultimate goal is not fines. It is preventing tragedy.
Road safety is not someone else’s responsibility. It is yours.
Enjoy your Easter breakwith family and friends and travel so you arrive safely.
RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council
Victorians are throwing away thousands of dollars in potential refunds every day, with many eligible drink containers still ending up in household rubbish bins instead of being returned through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic)
NewresearchshowsoneinfiveVictorians are missing out on refunds because eligible containers such as flavoured milk bottles and juice boxes are often overlooked and discarded.
Since CDS Vic launched in November 2023, almost three billion drink containers have been returned, putting nearly $300 million back into Victorians’ pockets. But with millions of eligible containers still being thrown away, there is a significant opportunity for Victorians to claim even more.
Flavoured milk cartons and bottles are among the biggest offenders. Despite being eligible for a 10-cent refund through CDS Vic, almost half (49 per cent) of Victorians put these in their household recycling bin. Another 10 per cent say they throw them in the landfill bin.
Juice boxes and poppers are also frequently misplaced. Around 40 per cent of Victorians put them in household recyclingand14percentinlandfill,despite these items also being eligible for a refund through CDS Vic.
At the same time, almost one in five Victorians (18 per cent) attempted to return containers through the scheme that are ineligible.
Confusion about eligibility remains one of the biggest barriers to recycling through thescheme,saidMattDavis,chiefexecutive of scheme coordinator VicReturn.
“Many everyday drink containers, including flavoured milk bottles and
juice boxes, can be returned for a 10-cent refund, but they’re still often ending up in household bins instead.”
He encouraged Victorians to check container labels for the 10-cent mark and remember that most aluminium cans, plastic bottles and small beverage cartons are eligible for refunds through CDS Vic.
“Every container returned through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme helps reduce litter and keep valuable materials in the recycling loop and remade into new drink containers,” Mr Davis added.
What’s eligible through CDS Vic:
• Aluminium, glass, plastic and carton drink containers 150mL to 3 Litres
• Fruit and vegetable juice bottles, cans and cartons 150 ml to 1 Litre
• Flavoured milk and coffee bottles and cartons 150ml to 750ml
• Water, soft drink, sports drink, energy drink, beer and cider bottles and cans 150ml to 1 Litre
Tip: Keep the lids on as these can be recycled too!
What’s not:
• Plain milk bottles and cartons
• Flavoured milk, fruit or vegetable juice containers over 1 Litre
• Wine and spirit bottles
• Cordial bottles
• Drink containers under 150ml
• Crushed containers
To learn more about what can be returned through the scheme, visit cdsvic.org.au/eligible-containers.
WANT
L2P volunteers wanted
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
Computer classes
Computer classes starting at the Melton South Community Centre. Absolute beginners computers, being safe online, Canva and more.
9747 8576
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. From 9.30am–3pm each Tuesday. Each session costs $5.
9747 8576
SES sausage sizzle
Join the Bacchus Marsh SES Unit on the last Saturday of every month for a classic sausage sizzle. Say hi to the people who work to keep the community safe, get a photo with the truck for the kids, ask questions, and see what happens behind the scenes. All funds raised support the local SES Unit in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan. 11 Gisborne Road, Bacchus Marsh.
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
Community band
The Greater Western Community Band meets Thursdays from 7.30-9.30pm. The rehearsal venue is the Bridge Road Community Centre, Strathtulloh (Melton South). The band is available for events. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are always welcome.
Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582
Lights of Wisdom
The Bahá’ís of Moorabool warmly invite you to ’Lights of Wisdom’ – a monthly event providing an opportunity to relax in a tranquil environment and reflect on inspiring themes. The event is held on the first Friday of each month from 7.30–8.30pm at the Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh. This is a free community event open to all.
God, movie and chat
A free community event is held every second Friday of each month with a film with spiritual themes screened followed by discussion. All thoughts are welcome. Bring your own sandwich. Tea, coffee, and popcorn are provided. The event is hosted at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 19a Gisborne Road, Bacchus March. bacchusmarshanglican.org.au
Probus Club of Melton Ladies
The Probus Club of Melton Ladies meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am at the Melton Country Club. It is a social club where all ladies are welcome. Glenda, 0418 504 616
Women Working Together
A program connecting women aged 50 above in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the
western suburbs, including Melton. 9655 2131, or EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au
Zonta club
Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Meetings include guest speakers. Janet, 0421 080 923 or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au
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, 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
Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club
Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10am-noon at the Avenue Bowling Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com
Melton Valley Ladies Probus
Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Friday each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome.
Ann, 0425 705 150
Melton Concert Band
Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7.30-9.30pm at the Bridge Road Community Centre, Bridge Road, Melton
South. Musicians of any age who are able to read music are welcome to come along with their instrument (oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion). Please contact if you are intending to visit.
0401 474 582
Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens
The Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens look forward to meeting up with new members at the Andy Arnold Centre, 10 Bennett Street, Bacchus Marsh. hopem@optusnet.com.au
Melton Bridge Club
The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you.
Rosemary, 0407 894 817
Melton South Knit & Natter
All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.
9747 8576
U3A Melton
U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay
mentally and physically active. 0419 563 016
Melton Combined Probus Club
The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. 9746 0271
Community singing group
If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am. Val, 0418 667 150
Melton Trauma Teddies
Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need. Jean, 0412 931 498
Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh
Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House, 2-5pm. https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/
Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club
The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month except January, from 7.30pm, at The Laurels, 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Guest speakers and supper provided.New members welcome. Michelle, 0421 106 268
The Bacchus Marsh Easter Fest (BMEF) is hopping into town this Good Friday 3 April for its eleventh annual instalment at Maddingley Park.
The volunteer-run family Easter Festival raises funds for the Bacchus Marsh Hospital Urgent Care Department and has raised more than $65,000 since its induction in 2015.
From 9.30am to 4pm the event will offer a wide range of family-favourite events in-
cluding egg hunts throughout the day for multiple ages, an adults only egg hunt, an Easter bonnet parade on the main stage, local performers, rides and amusements, an animal farm, face painting, and everything in between.
And for those who love markets, there’s set to be a line-up of 60 plus market stalls to appeal to anyone and everyone.
Local performers and entertainment is set to appear on stage throughout the day,
so everyone’s invited to take a seat, lay out a picnic rug, and enjoy a cuppa or a bite to eat with the sound of local talent delivering the perfect soundtrack.
The event brings people together from all over each year, with those from the local community and afar returning each year to join in on the spectacular Easter celebrations.
Founder and event organiser Dotty Hazell said excitement is brewing for the big
Trash with a Porpoise is ready to prove that a serious issue such as waterway health can be presented in a fun way.
Coming to the Wyndham Cultural Centre on Tuesday 14 April, the sketch comedy is designed for children and families to discover new ways of keeping waterways healthy.
Packed House Productions and Trash Puppets employ animal puppets to deliver short, punchy— and at times hilarious - sketches while exploring themes of marine waste.
Before we go any further, yes, a trash puppet is exactly what it sounds like, a
puppet made out of trash!
The all-star puppet cast include crabs, sea slugs, penguins, a sea horse and a puffer fish, who will join the main characters: Porpoise and Merf.
Students can expect to be mesmerised by the diversity of sea creatures and the stories, songs and jokes they share.
The show includes participatory elements, where students will be called upon to help, including call and response, and even inviting some audience members to help in the show!
With a cross curricular focus on sus-
tainability and the performing arts, this performance is suitable for school students in years prep to six and their families.
Please note the performance may contain smoke, haze and strobe lighting.
The show runs 11am-12pm on and tickets are $5 per person.
Tickets: https://tickets.wyndham. vic.gov.au/Events/Trash-with-a-Porpoise
Seaworks in Williamstown is preparing to welcomeoneofthemostimmersivehistoricalexperiencestohitMelbourne:PirateFest, a spectacular exhibition charting the true history of pirates from the ancient world to the infamous Golden Age of Piracy in the 18th century.
Opening for the Easter school holidays from 4 April, PirateFest will transform the heritage waterfront precinct into a swashbuckling voyage through centuries of maritime legend, mystery, and adventure.
Visitorswillwanderthroughatmospheric sets including dark taverns, pirate hideouts, and treasure-filled chambers, each meticu-
lously crafted to transport guests back to the most notorious era of the high seas.
At the heart of the exhibition are genuine historical artefacts — including maps, maritime relics, weapons, and glittering plunder — carefully curated to reveal how piracy shaped trade, exploration, and the great struggles for power across the world’s oceans.
Thirteenremarkabletreasuresareamong the highlights on display.
PirateFest has been designed with families firmly in mind, making it an ideal destination over Easter.
Young buccaneers can embark on a
day, but volunteers are needed to keep the community event alive.
“We’re very excited to keep on delivering this formidable festival, but we need more volunteers to be able to keep bringing this and other events to Bacchus Marsh and Moorabool,” she said.
Forthosewantingtolendahelpinghand, visit www.bacchusmarsheasterfest.org.
For hunt tickets, go to www.ticketebo. com.au/bmef
Locals are invited to view a participatory light and sound installation in the form of video and projection at Brimbank.
The artwork ‘Hayakal al Noor’ , Bodies of Light, as part of Brimbank council’s Writers andReadersFestival,explorestext,lightand existence.
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 philosophy of illumination, and Mulla Sadra Shirazi’s concept of gradation of reality.
“InmedievalIslamicphilosophythephenomenon of light and existence are together,” Mirza said.
“Existence is described as gradations of a singular reality, a singular light.”
The artwork features a light projection of sacred Arabic letters found in the Quran. Mirza said the letters feature in the opening of some Quran chapters, either alone, in pairs, or in trios.
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,” Mirza said.
While the Brimbank projection doesn’t include audio, the visuals in Mirza’s original version of the work, an installation developed as part of her PhD, are accompanied by a woman’s voice pronouncing the letters.
Mirza said the voice hints philosophically at how enunciation (to voice or to say) is one of the primary acts of creation.
swashbuckling treasure hunt, follow clues through the exhibition, and dig for hidden loot in the dedicated Pirate Treasure Dig, while Visitors of all ages can have their photo takenwiththepiratesandhearrousingtales of life at sea.
Seaworks is a heritage maritime precinct located at 82 Nelson Place, next door to the Williamstown Police Station and a short walk from Williamstown train station.
FormoreinformationonSeaworks,goto: www.seaworks.com.au
To find out more about the PirateFest, go to: www.piratefest.com
“[The woman’s voice] is significant because‘creativity’,intheworksofthephilosophers, is a feminine act,” she said.
As each letter is enunciated in the original installation, the letters appear as the light descends.
Mirza invited locals to also view the work on her website where they can hear the sound as part of the original piece.
‘Hayakal al Noor’ (Bodies of Light) is on display at the wall behind the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre, 301, Hampshire Road, Sunshine.
The free work can be viewed until Friday 29 May. The projection occurs between 7–11 pm.
More info: narjismirza.com
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)
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
I have lost my pure white Turkish Ancora
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.
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
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
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?
2005 sp Racing Essend release docume t Austral win A Champ 8 Whic Arsena Caraba Aft USA, w cham 10 Te Carlo beate in Miam 11. M team which Frankie Muniz
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?
27. Which country defeated the
to
its
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.
EngineDrivedirectlypowersthevehicle athighspeedwithalock-upclutchdirectly connectingthepetrolenginetothewheels 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
ThecabinoftheZR-Vhasaqualityfeelwith soft-touch surfaces and a full-width mesh grille that hides the normally exposed front airvents.
Controls are simple and generally easy to use as we have come to expect from Honda overtheyears.
Physical buttons are offered to the right side of the touchscreen for oft-used functions, with other controls are located lowerdownfortheairconditioning.
The instrument panel can be configured as dials or bars and you can select detailed information to display, but it lacks the bells andwhistlesofcompetitorsystems.
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 andparkingsensorsfrontandback.
The VTi L+ adds leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, heated front seats, hands-free power tailgate, rear privacy glass,andmetalpaddleshifts.
VTi LX in both petrol and hybrid variants get leather-appointed seats, 360-degree MultiView camera system and heated outer rearseats.
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.
Infotainment
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 aswellashomeandbackbuttons.
Apple CarPlay is wireless but Android Autoiswired.
The 10.2-inch digital information cluster screen displays a good amount of driver information.ThereareUSB-AandUSB-Cat thefrontandtwoUSB-Cpointsattherear.
The e:HEV LX comes with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system and a Qi –compatible wireless smartphone charging padinthecentreconsolearea.
Safety
HondaZR-Vleadstheclassinpassivesafety with 11 airbags, including a front-centre anddriver’skneeairbag.
Otherstandardfeaturesincludeadaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, driver attentionmonitoring,lane-keepassist,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 EmergencyBrakingsystem.
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 necessarytoturnanyofthemoff
Starting in electric or hybrid mode provides the strong and smooth acceleration that we expect. Likewise with the sharp acceleration into a motorway streamoftraffic.
Wind and road noise are all-but absent, except in the last case on course surfaces.
Ride and handling are surprisingly good forasquarishmid-sizedSUVcourtesyofits sharedCivicunderpinnings.
Body roll on fast bends is minimised androadbumpswereironedoutwithease. Brake regeneration can be adjusted thoughsteeringwheelpaddles.
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 QashqaiandToyotaRAV4.
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 savingstooffsetthatextracost.
The other issue is the lack of the fifth ANCAPstarwhichisquiterarenowadays. We’dexpecttheAEBissuetobecorrected inafutureupgrade.
Standard warranty on the e:HEV is five years with eight years on the battery, both withunlimiteddistance.
By Tara Murray
It will take some time but the Melton Thoroughbreds are excited by the group they’ve put together for the Big V men’s division 2 season.
The Thoroughbreds have had some late changes to their squad which has allowed them to bring in some experience to support their young group.
Coach John De Jonge said when one door closes, another opportunity arises.
“We had a few situations early in the pre-season with some injuries and we’ve had to pivot.
“It gave us the opportunity to bring Anthony Kimble and Eli Davey on board.”
Kimble is no stranger to the Thoroughbreds having played with the side in 2014
and 2015.
He has had a long Big V career since then.
De Jonge said Kimble was an experienced player who would help the young group on the journey.
Davey, played with Kimble previously at the Western Port Steelers with De Jonge saying it was basically a two for one deal with the signings.
“He’s an import,” he said. “I’m quite excited as he’s a pass first guy.
“He can get his numbers but being pass first he will be a key for the younger guys.
“He wants to get everyone involved and it’s important for the other guys that they don’t sit back and watch the imports go about their work.’
Davey missed the opening round while they were still waiting for his visa to be approved.
De Jonge said they hoped he would be on the court in round two but it wasn’t the case.
Daniel Salvatore is another key signing who will give them some side, while Owen Stephens has crossed from the Whittlesea Pacers.
“It’s quite a different line up, an exciting line up,” he said.
“Our young guns performed well.
Nick Hooper is a two-way player with the youth league side but will primarily play in the senior side.
“Will Lord, who was primary youth league last year, has stepped up.
“Four out of the youth side our part of
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 first half 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,” he 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,
the group and will rotate in and out.
“There’s still room on our roster and we can still add another young guy or two.”
While the Thoroughbreds suffered a loss in round one, De Jonge said they knew that it would take some time to build into the season.
“We will get better week in week out as we get used to each other,” he said.
“Beyond the scoreboard we were competitive for large periods against Mildura.
“We’re excited by the group and keen to watch them develop and see what they can to.
“At the back end we’ll be a sneaky chance to unsettle some teams.”
On Saturday night, the Thoroughbreds lost to Warrnambool Seahawks, 99-94 it what was an even game all night.
Talent League
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). The Jets are back in action on Good Friday.
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.”
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.
“They’re a team that we know well and they have gone to another level.
“It will be a really tough game.”
In other results on the weekend, Green Gully had a 1-1 draw with Altona Magic on Saturday night after parting ways with coach David Chick midweek.
Spring Hills was able to claim the points in the National Premier League women’s competition on Friday night. Spring Hills was at home against South Melbourne with scores locked at 0-0 for most of the match. A goal to Aleks Sinclair in the 77th minute would proof the winner for Spring Hills in the 1-0 win. The win was Spring Hills fourth for the season and has it sitting in fourth spot. There is a competition bye this weekend due to Easter.
Two Burnside Heights stars are again trying to leave the club ahead of the Essendon District Football League women’s season. Captain Kayla Ravanello and Sina Mason have put in clearances to join Laverton in the Western Football League. The pair earlier put in clearances to leave the Bears, but those ones were denied, forcing them to put in a second clearance. The Bears have already lost Holly McGregor and Krissy Trang.
By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh fought hard but ran out of legs in its Ballarat Football League women’s season opener on Saturday.
The Cobras were missing several players from their squad which pushed their depth against East Point.
The Cobras scored the only goal of the firsthalfandstillledbyeightpointsheading into the final quarter.
East Point kicked two final quarter goals to come away with a 3.6 (24)-2.3 (15) win.
Cobras’ coach Alan Johnson said it was a challengingfirstupgamewithsevenplayers unavailable.
“We went down by nine points in the end
and we ran out of gas,” he said. “We had no rotations off the bench.
“I was proud of how we went about it. Everyone was exceptional.”
AmyGarofaloandMatildaRawlingswere the goal kickers for the Cobras.
Johnson said the Cobras had four or five new players come into the team this season, with three or four playing their first proper game of football in round one.
He said they all equipped themselves pretty well.
For the Cobras and Johnson, there’s been a lot of work done off field in the off season on their female program.
The Cobras senior women’s side withdrew from finals last season, with a number
of players having to double up in the under-19s and senior women’s side and it took a toll.
“We’ve done work behind the scenes and have a different structure in play for the structure of teams and communication,” Johnson said.
“It has really helped. We’ve started the season structured really well.”
Johnson said the main aim for the group this season was to go out and enjoy their football while also giving it their best.
He said the results would take care of themselves.
“I think the main aim is to get fit and on the park,” he said.
“We haven’t had the best start but there
Gradi Masudi. (Ljubica
By Tara Murray
Melton Phoenix didn’t come away with the points on Saturday in the FV state league 4 north-west, but got an early look at the best.
AfterafirstupwinagainstMooneePonds United in round one, the Phoenix faced West Preston on Saturday.
West Preston has entered the season as one of the favourites this season.
Phoenix coach Sergio Lundedi said while losing the match wasn’t ideal it was a match they knew would be tricky.
“West Preston are one of the teams that arethefavouritestowintheleague,”hesaid.
“We weren’t helped by a lot of players who were unavailable.
“Our captain is on his honeymoon.
“Wehaveafewinjuriesaswell.Thegame was pretty balanced and maybe a draw wouldhavebeenbetterresultforbothofus.”
Lundedi said it was a real scrappy game and both sides battled hard to try and get ascendancy.
The Phoenix had a goal disallowed in
the first half which would prove costly with scores locked at 0-0 at half time.
ThePhoenixtooktheleadthroughSergio Galeano in the 65th minute, with West Preston levelling the scores five minutes later.
Owen Comber then gave West Preston the lead in the 80th minute.
It was then a “crazy end” to the match according to Lundedi.
Three players, including the Phoenix’s Santiago Breton, were given red cards along withWestPrestoncoachAlexGymnopoulos in a three minute period at the end of the game.
Lundedi said he’s still not sure what happened.
Lundedisaidtheyhadchanceslateinthe game to pinch a point but weren’t able to find the back of the net to get the equaliser.
“It is what it is, we lost and we have to be better,” he said.
The Phoenix now have the weekend off with a bye over Easter. The Dockerty Cup will be played on the weekend, by the Phoenix has already been knocked out.
are justifiable reasons and we will keep building and keep building the culture of the group as having the right people at the club is important.
“We have 23-24 seniors registered and this time players are full time not just fill ins.
“Last year we struggled to get players and were using netballers and getting older players back.
“Everyone want to win, but we want to get enjoyment out of playing the game.”
In other matches, Darley kicked off its season with a win against Ballarat.
It was a dominant performance from the Devils, who won 11.7 (73)-1.3 (9).
Leivi Lane kicked four goals with Ruby Thomas named the Devils best.
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.
AsreportedbyStarWeekly,North Sunshine has withdrawn from the competition after not able to get the numbers to get a side up.
Lundedi said it would give them four sessions to work on something before the season resumes with a competition wide bye over Easter.
The side is a fairly new side and Lundedi has only joined the club this season, meaning it will take some time.
HesaidhavingpushedWestPrestonwith the players they have missing would give them plenty of confidence.
“There are no easy games,” he said. “Our next game is against Kon Park.
“Hopefully we’ll get two or three players back for that game which will help.”
In other matches, Westside Strikers also suffered their first loss of the season on Saturday.
Away to Laverton, the Strikers lost 2-1 after conceding two second half goals.
In state league 6 north-west, Spring Hills suffered its first loss of the season on Saturday.
Facing West Point, the Stallions conceded a goal in the 80th minute which would prove to be the winner.
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 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 under lights with Werribee Centrals hosting North Footscray. Yarraville Seddon 2 will play Caroline Springs, Point Cook Centrals will host West Footscray, Yarraville Seddon 1 will play Parkside Spurs, and Wyndhamvale will play the Suns. Laverton has a bye in round one.
By Tara Murray
A poor third quarter proved costly for the Western Warriors in their first home clash of the Victorian Netball League season on Sunday.
The Warriors’ hosted the Bendigo Strikers at Cobblebank Stadium on Sunday for three big clashes in round three action.
The third of those clashes was the championship game with the Warriors hoping to get a second straight win.
The Strikers led by one goal at each of the first two breaks before a 16-6 third quarter blew open the match.
While the Warriors won the final quarter 12-7, it wasn’t enough as they lost 4944.
Warriors’ coach Kim Bailey said the third quarter was the difference.
“It was most probably the third quarter that really cost us,” she said. “Sixteen to six they outscored us and were 10 down at three quarter time.
“We had a really good comeback but we let ourselves down in the third quarter.”
Bailey said they were really happy in the first half and thought they would have matched up well with the Strikers.
She said they had opportunities to lead at the main break and had mistakes throughout the whole game.
“Throughout the whole game we threw some silly ball away,” she said.
“The error count was really high from both teams. We need to make sure that we
don’t throw silly ball away.
“Even though we won the last quarter convincingly, we still threw three or four passes away and blazed away instead of going back to what our game plan was.”
Bailey said their shooting stats weren’t where they would normally want them as they shot at only 73 per cent.
She said the Strikers defenders in Charlotte Sexton and Kristiana Manu’a brought a lot of pressure that caused that and saw Kim Borger going to the bench.
Mia Lavis shot 25 goals for the Warriors but missed 10 shots.
Bailey said it would be a good learning curve for them.
“I think they are most likely contenders,” she said. “To come that close to them.
By John Dunne
A slick beginning enabled the Emma Stewart-trained Meteor Moth to complete back-to-back wins at Melton in the Mimosa Homes Pace on Saturday night.
Sent out a $3.60 second elect behind Ghost Of Time, Meteor Moth had sufficient early speed to hold out the favourite who was subsequently caught in the breeze.
Mark Pitt allowed Meteor Moth to bowl down the back in a 27.7 quarter before producing a kick on the turn to score comfortably by seven metres from Ghost Of Time and the fast-finishing Justalittlesip.
Pitt said Meteor Moth felt like he was ready for battle pre-race.
“He was sharp in the warm-up, he was last week too and tonight he was sharp again,” Pitt said.
“I know he can get off the gate, but the right horse has got to turn up and he turned up tonight.
“He had his head up in the score up and I was a bit worried because he hadn’t done that before, but once the gate got rolling he was in rhythm and ready to rock.”
Pitt said the winner was travelling down the back.
“He can be a bit green this fellow and can take a bit of driving, but I clicked him up a couple of times down the back and he felt pretty strong,” he said.
The lightly-raced five-year-old is building an enviable strike rate, winning 10 of his 19 starts after saluting at six of his first seven including in the SA Derby.
Jackie Barker landed a winning double at the meeting after Popcornfriday upset the favourite Isolation in the Eco Timber Group Pace.
Barker was content to allow Isolation to cross Popcornfriday shortly after the start to await her chance along the sprint lane.
Popcornfriday peeled off the pegs around the home turn and the seven-year-old quickly reeled in the leader before surging away to score by four metres in a mile rate of 1:54.
“I knew we might have to do a little bit of work to cross early, but once we landed in the trail, I was pretty confident he was going to get a great run,” Barker said.
“I was confident he was going to give
“We are still learning as a group. There’s lots of new players who are still looking to gel, I think each week, getting better and better.
“There’s lots of good things to look forward to.”
The Warriors 23 and under side had a good first half against the Strikers, before losing 56-46.
Bailey said there had been illness through that group.
She said Ella Closter, who shot 41 goals, was outstanding.
The Warriors face Wilson Storage Southern Saints on Wednesday with a short turnaround.
Bailey said they expected it to be a good match up between the two sides.
Melton Phoenix’s female focus remains as the club seeks ways to cater for women’s players of all abilities.
The Phoenix has re-established its senior women’s program in recent seasons and fielded teams in FV state league 3 and 5 last season.
The club will again field a state league 3 side this season, but is trying to get up a more social side on Friday nights.
Phoenix treasurer John Reithofer said the club was looking at different ways to keep players involved and is searching for more players.
“It’s about trying to keep them motivated,” he said. “Some are quite young. We’re looking at a seven-a-side Friday night team. We’ve got different options for our men’s teams, so we’re now looking to have that with our women’s teams.”
Reithofer said the Phoenix hoped this would attract players or keep players in the sport with the competition a more social one.
He said about 25 per cent of the club’s 700 participants were female and they try to give the female sides the same resources as the male sides.
Reithofer said some people didn’t want to play serious soccer.
James (Herbertson) a shake, but that horse has been going well so he did a good job to run it down.”
The winner is trained by veteran horseman Kevin Sandiford, who celebrated the first Saturday win at headquarters of his career.
“I gave Greg Hargeaves a mare I had and I got out of the game for a while, but I got bored and I asked Greg if he had any horses up at his place and I picked this bloke out,” Sandiford said.
Earlier in the night, Barker partnered the Aaron Dunn-trained Komodo to victory in the Logical Staffing Solutions Pace.
After settling midfield in the running line, Komodo was asked to improve three wide with 800 metres to travel by Barker and the five-year-old sustained a long run to score by a neck from Kia Ora Beauty in a mile rate of 1:53.2.
The Andy Gath-trained mare Pinnie chalked up her first win in open age class when she led all the way in the 2Construct Trot.
Kate Gath said she was able to dictate the terms of the race to suit herself.
“Some of them are only girls and they don’t want to play competitive soccer,” he said. “This is a way with seven aside. Being competitive isn’t the be all and end all.”
Reithofer said their top women’s side, state league 3, was looking forward to a strong season.
He said ideally the side would get promoted but that wasn’t the most important thing.
“We want them to win, but we want them to enjoy it and participate,” he said.
“We’re not putting any pressure on the team. We want them to be successful but it’s about balancing representing the club cell and doing their best they can. Ideally they get promoted and that will demonstrate to juniors that there is a pathway to get somewhere and have success at a higher level.”
Anyone interested can contact: https://www.facebook.com/ meltonphoenixfcofficial
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