Issuu

Established in 1981 as the

proudly serving Melton and Moorabool

22 SEPTEMBER, 2026

Business of the year ELITE TYRE & AUTOCARE MELTON

PRESENTED BY

MAJOR PARTNER

PARTNERS

MEDIA SPONSOR

Above: The winners of the 2026 Melton Business Excellence Awards. Centre: MC Catriona Rowntree. (Pictures: Supplied)

A winning night for the City of Melton’s best businesses Innovation, creativity, and business excellence was on full display in Caroline Springs on Wednesday 16 September, as local businesses were celebrated for their achievements at the 2026 Melton Business Excellence Awards night. The outfits were dazzling, smiles shone bright, and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight, as 10 outstanding businesses across retail, trade, health, professional services, and more took home top honours as they were recognised for their exceptional work,

innovation, and commitment to excellence. The entrepreneurial masterminds behind Elite Tyre & Autocare didn’t know what to say as they took out the coveted Business of the Year award right off the back of winning the Industry and Trade Services Award, while Melton Physio was honoured with the Mayoral Achievement award. The Rehmat Sandhu Foundation won the Community Impact Leadership Award, while Discovering Strength was recognised with the Disability Inclusion Initiative Award,

and Only About Kids Occupational Therapy received the Health, Wellness and Care Award. ARK 7 Real Estate won the Professional Services Award, with Protech IT Solutions taking out the Retail Services Award. Swisse Wellness was recognised with the Sustainability Excellence Award, while Madame Dolce Café won the Visitation and Hospitality Award, and Springs Dental Group received the Workplace Engagement Award.

Whether it’s helping drive a moving city with fresh rubbers for your tyres, providing guidance and leadership to Melton’s growing youth, support for those less-abled, or helping newcomers find their place in Melton with a new home, it’s Melton’s businesses which help keep Australia’s fastest growing municipality performing at its best. Now in its 19th year, the Melton Business Excellence Awards celebrates businesses of all sizes, from family-owned enterprises through to major employers.

Proud to be part of Melton Creating opportunities for people with disability to belong, develop and succeed. From building life skills and connecting with the community to employment pathways and meaningful work, Mambourin supports people to pursue what matters to them.

Proud finalist in the 2026 Melton Business Excellence Awards. Thank you to our participants, families, employees, partners and the Melton community for being part of our story.

Get in touch to discuss how we can support you hello@mambourin.org 12898354-AG39-26

2W MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

A Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly Feature

Message from the

Mayor It was such a pleasure to celebrate the achievements of our local business community at the 19th annual City of Melton Business Excellence Awards last week. Our businesses do so much more than provide products and services. They create local jobs, support community groups and sporting clubs, contribute to our economy and help shape the vibrant, connected and prosperous City we are proud to call home. The diversity, talent and entrepreneurial spirit across our business community is something that continues to drive our City forward and make it a great place to live, work and invest. These Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the individuals and organisations that are leading the way, demonstrating excellence, resilience and a commitment to making a positive difference in our community.

I am incredibly proud that the City of Melton is home to so many exceptional businesses. The high calibre of entries this year made the judging process no easy task. Congratulations to Elite Tyre & Autocare – Melton, recipient of the coveted Business of the Year Award, and Melton Physio, winner of the Mayoral Achievement Award. On behalf of Council, I would like to extend our appreciation to our valued award partners, Amazon, Opalia Plaza, and Metcash, and our official media partner Star Weekly, for helping to make these awards possible. Congratulations to all finalists and winners and thank you to every business that entered. Your success helps shape a stronger and more prosperous future for our City. Cr Lara Carli Mayor, City of Melton

Discovering Strength is proud to be a finalist in the

Melton Business Excellence Awards Category of: Disability Inclusion

Finalist in 2021 and 2022 winner for Disability Inclusion in 2023 Through hard work and innovative ideas and our business has expanded!! If you are a Psychologist, experienced Speech Pathologist or a graduate Occupational Therapist we would love to have you part of our team to meet our wait list demands.

21D Yuille St, Melton VIC 3337 0408 181 986 12893186-AD39-26

Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 3W

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Elite Tyre & Autocare – Melton Elite Tyre & Autocare stands out through strong people leadership, innovation and genuine community impact. Warren and Linda Stevens are highly involved and passionate about the business, creating local employment and opportunities for people of all abilities. This includes workplace placements for Melton Specialist School students, with some progressing to full-time employment, and a remarkable 92-year-old team member who continues to undertake deliveries. The business has evolved beyond tyre sales to provide comprehensive mechanical services and caters to a diverse customer base, including local families, farmers and trucking companies. Investment in advanced wheel alignment technology, a customised website, flexible payment options and products not commonly stocked by competitors demonstrates their ability to adapt and stay ahead of customer needs. Their sale of quality used tyres and precision alignment services also supports more sustainable practices. Community contribution is central to the business, with strong support for sporting clubs including Melton Football Netball Club, Melton Hockey Club and Melton Bowls Club, as well as

Elite Tyre & Autocare - Melton took home the Business of the Year award.

schools and community organisations. Their involvement reflects a genuine commitment to giving back and

strengthening the community. Overall, Elite Tyre & Autocare combines passionate leadership, innovation,

employment opportunities and meaningful community contribution, making them a highly deserving Business of the Year.

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4W MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

A Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly Feature

MAYORAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND CARE

Melton Physio

Only About Kids Occupational Therapy

Melton Physio is a locally established allied health practice committed to delivering high-quality physiotherapy, rehabilitation and long-term health outcomes for the Melton community. While the practice opened in 2020, its founder has almost 20 years’ experience providing healthcare in the region, having previously operated Caroline Springs Physio. Starting as a solo practice, Melton Physio has grown to a team of nine and now offers a comprehensive range of services under one roof, including clinical physiotherapy, a purpose-built 300m² rehabilitation gym, Pilates and exercise programs, and hydrotherapy. The practice supports patients throughout their entire recovery journey, from acute injury through to long-term rehabilitation and independent health management, while also contributing to the local economy through employment and strong community engagement.

At Only About Kids Occupational Therapy, parents are partners, not bystanders. Through family-centred, neuroaffirming occupational therapy, families take part in every session, receive clear written guidance and carry practical strategies into home, school and everyday life. This approach builds children’s confidence, independence and essential life skills while strengthening the families around them. Only about Kids Occupational Therapy is a place where families are empowered, where clinicians flourish and where everyone is known, setting a powerful new standard for paediatric care in Melton.

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Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 5W

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

VISITATION AND HOSPITALITY

The ARK 7 Real Estate

Madame Dolce Café

The ARK 7 Real Estate is redefining boutique real estate through trusted advice, personalised service and genuine community connection. In just over three years, the locally owned agency has grown into one of Melton’s most awarded real estate businesses. Led by Jaya and Rajat Kapoor, The ARK 7 combines market expertise, technology and a client-first approach to deliver exceptional outcomes. With strong 5-star reviews, a commitment to local employment and mentorship, and a focus on helping clients make confident property decisions, The ARK 7 is proving that independent businesses can achieve outstanding results through integrity, innovation and relationships.

Opened by sisters Holly and Kelly during the pandemic, Madame Dolce Café has grown into a much-loved destination in Cobblebank. Building on its success, the business has since expanded with the launch of a thriving sister venue in Aintree. At Madame Dolce, regulars are welcomed by name, favourite coffee orders are remembered, and seasonal breakfast and lunch dishes blend cafe classics with Asian influences. Cakes, donuts and signature cinnamon scrolls are baked in house, with one social media feature attracting more than 150,000 views. Madame Dolce combines creative food, warm service and genuine community spirit.

HS PLACE IS YOUR PLACE. 2026 Melton Business Excellence Awards Finalist • BLONDES • BALAYAGE • COLOUR • CUTS • SMOOTHING • EXTENSIONS • STYLING • BRIDAL • UPSTYLES • BARBERING HS PLACE HAIR STUDIO Since 2004 ONLINE BOOKINGS • AFTERPAY • ZIP PAY

(03) 9746 9001 @hsplacehairstudio www.hsplace.com.au 41 McKenzie St, Melton VIC 3337 12897537-KF39-26

6W MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

A Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly Feature

RETAIL SERVICES

INDUSTRY AND TRADE SERVICES

Protech IT Solutions

Elite Tyre & Autocare – Melton

ProTech IT Solutions makes technology more affordable, sustainable and dependable. From refurbished devices and electronics repairs to managed IT support, its Ravenhall team serves customers across Australia and New Zealand while providing rapid assistance to local businesses. With a focus on developing a circular economy within the tech industry, ProTech IT Solutions has grown from a physical store to an online destination servicing customers throughout Australia and New Zealand. By extending the life of technology and keeping businesses productive, ProTech delivers practical solutions with measurable impact.

From humble beginnings in a family garage to three thriving locations, Elite Tyre & Autocare has become a trusted automotive partner across Melbourne’s west. Supporting everyone from everyday motorists to commercial fleets, the business combines specialist expertise with outstanding customer service and innovative technology. Committed to developing local talent through apprenticeships and work experience, including opportunities for students with disabilities, Elite Tyre & Autocare is driving growth, creating local jobs and proving that a family-owned business can compete with the industry’s biggest names.

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Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 7W

SUSTAINABILITY EXCELLENCE

DISABILITY INCLUSION INITIATIVE

Swisse Wellness

Discovering Strength

At Swisse Wellness, sustainability is built into The Hive, its 17,000-square-metre operations centre in Ravenhall. A 433-kilowatt solar array has generated more than 562,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity, avoiding around 286 tonnes of emissions. Rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and circular recycling programs further reduce its footprint, with 120 tonnes of cardboard and soft plastics diverted from landfill. By combining cleaner energy, smarter infrastructure and lower-emissions freight, Swisse turns wellbeing into measurable environmental action.

Discovering Strength provides psychology, occupational therapy, support work and group programs for children, young people and adults with additional needs. Through initiatives such as Cook, Create and Connect, participants build practical life skills, confidence and independence. Partnerships with local sporting clubs also create pathways into mainstream competition, with participants achieving black belts, joining teams and returning as paid mentors. By focusing on strengths and real-world participation, Discovering Strength is helping people contribute, belong and thrive across the City of Melton.

Impact Motors

We are a Trusted Name in Auto Industry

WHERE THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE We are a family-owned dealership providing outstanding customer service. Our success has been built on our reputation for selling quality pre-owned vehicles. We have a large number of customers who have bought multiple vehicles from us and constantly refer us to their family and friends.

Please give us an opportunity to show you why! We are a Licensed Motor Car Trader based in Melton, Victoria. We maintain a fair and informed marketplace in Melton by protecting the rights of consumers, enhancing industry professionalism and ensuring fair, honest and open competition for registered motor vehicle dealers.

Welcome to Our Financing Department Our friendly team have access to all major banks and finance companies tailoring a finance package to suit your needs. Bad credit history? Receiving a pension? or have previously been knocked back for a loan? We understand that everyone has different circumstances and our experienced finance consultants are always available to discuss your application and assist with any finance queries you may have.

• No application refused • Pensioners

• Bad Credit • Single Parent payments

• Family Tax Benefit • Casual employment

Do you fit into this category? If so, call us today and our consultants are ready to help you out. Our previous happy clients didnʼt believe they would be eligible for finance or approval until they spoke with our dedicated experts. You could be driving home in one of our quality used vehicles today.

2026 Me lton Busines s Excellen ce Awards

Apply Today www.impactmotors.com.au

03 9746 8585 154 High St, Melton VIC 3337

impactmotorsmelton@gmail.com

www.impactmotors.com.au

LMCT 11739 12898800-CV39-26

8W MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

A Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly Feature

WORKPLACE ENGAGEMENT

COMMUNITY IMPACT LEADERSHIP

Springs Dental Group

Rehmat Sandhu Foundation

Springs Dental Group turns workforce diversity into a genuine strength. Its multicultural team reflects the community it serves, while formal equality policies, cultural awareness training, open communication and flexible work arrangements create a respectful and supportive environment. A standout initiative is its mentoring of overseas trained dentists, helping them gain local experience, prepare for Australian registration and adapt to clinical practice. By investing in capability, confidence and clear career pathways, Springs Dental Group is building a stronger and more inclusive healthcare workforce.

Founded in memory of Rehmat Sandhu, the Rehmat Sandhu Foundation is creating lasting change across the City of Melton. Through its Community Wellness Project, it provides free workshops in nutrition, mental health, physical wellbeing and preventative care, helping remove cost and cultural barriers to vital information. Alongside disability support, crisis assistance and inclusive community events, the Foundation is reducing isolation, strengthening independence and helping vulnerable families access support before problems reach crisis point.

Finalist 2026 Melton Business Excellence Awards Built in a garage. Trusted by 10,000+ customers. ProTech IT Solutions started in 2016 in a garage in Caroline Springs, with one simple belief: quality technology should be accessible to everyone. Today our Ravenhall facility refurbishes and dispatches over 18,000+ laptops, tablets, phones and computers every year. Every device is inspected, tested and prepared by our team, so you get the reliability you expect for a fraction on the new device price. That approach has earned the trust of more than 10,000 customers and the Innovation Award at the 2021 Melton Business Excellence Awards. Every device we refurbish is one kept out of landfill and given a second chance.

ProTech IT Solutions Customer Service

(03) 9361 2803 info@protechintl.com.au | www.protechintl.com.au 1/80-82 Rebecca Dr, Ravenhall VIC 3023 12902171-KA39-26

Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 9W

Excellence on show The 2026 City of Melton Business Excellence Awards winners were celebrated at a ceremony at WestWaters Entertainment Complex on 16 September.

2026 Melton Business Excellence Awards Finalist Rehmat Sandhu Foundation Empowering Lives, Building Futures Rehmat Sandhu Foundation is a registered NDIS provider, dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through personalised care, inclusive programs, and safe housing — helping every individual live with dignity, independence, and choice

Our Mission Deliver personalised, participant focused services Provide safe and accessible housing solutions Promote independence, wellbeing & social inclusion Tailored NDIS Services We understand every journey is unique. That’s why we offer services designed around you: • Assistance with Daily Living • Community Access & Social Participation • Supported Independent Living (SIL) and (SDA) • Respite & Short-Term Accommodation • Development-Life Skills • Physiotherapy & Allied Health

Contact Us 7 Summer Court, Harkness VIC 3337 | 1300-092-857 info@rehmatsandhufoundation.com.au | www.rehmatsandhufoundation.com.au 12900021-EA39-26

10W MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

A Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly Feature

FINALISTS CATEGORY: COMMUNITY IMPACT LEADERSHIP Finalists: Rehmat Sandhu Foundation, Twinkle Driving School, Waypoint Digital Winner: Rehmat Sandhu Foundation CATEGORY: DISABILITY INCLUSION INITIATIVE Finalists: Discovering Strength, Hey Dee Ho Music Melton, Mambourin Enterprises Winner: Discovering Strength CATEGORY: HEALTH, WELLNESS AND CARE Finalists: KDP Fitness, Melton Physio, Only About Kids Occupational Therapy Winner: Only About Kids Occupational Therapy CATEGORY: INDUSTRY AND TRADE SERVICES Finalists: Elite Tyre & Autocare – Melton, Jassal Construction Group, Keen Cleaning Pty Ltd Winner: Elite Tyre & Autocare – Melton

CATEGORY: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Finalists: Jim’s IT Melton, Social Sites, The ARK 7 Real Estate Winner: The ARK 7 Real Estate CATEGORY: RETAIL SERVICES Finalists: Impact Motors Melton, Matthews Liquor, ProTech IT Solutions Winner: Protech IT Solutions CATEGORY: SUSTAINABILITY EXCELLENCE Finalists: ABMT Group, DM Roads Melton, Swisse Wellness Winner: Swisse Wellness CATEGORY: VISITATION AND HOSPITALITY Finalists: Chingu Korean BBQ Caroline Springs, Madame Dolce Café, Roger Roger Deli Winner: Madame Dolce Café CATEGORY: WORKPLACE ENGAGEMENT Finalists: HS Place Hair Studio, Springs Dental Group, StarKids Salon Spa Winner: Springs Dental Group

PROUD MEDIA SPONSOR OF

MELTON BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2026

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Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11W

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Established in 1981 as the

proudly serving Melton and Moorabool

22 SEPTEMBER, 2026

Calling all green thumbs

Join mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor for Moorabool council’s official Tree Planting Day at Telford Park in Darley. (Damjan Janevski) 578954 07

Moorabool council is calling on the community to roll up their sleeves, chuck on their gardening gloves, grab a shovel, and get planting at Telford Park in Darley. Residents and community members are being invited to join council for a Community Planting Day on Thursday 1 October, as council endeavours to enhance the important piece of local green space by getting native plants in the ground. Plants, equipment, seeds, guidance, lunch, and snacks are all provided on the day - so those looking to get involved have been asked to bring with them a hat, sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen, and a keenness for preserving natural local landscapes. The event will take place between 9am and 3pm at Telford Park, at 88 Wittick Street in Darley. Council is encouraging those who are short on time to drop in and lend a hand anyway, as every plant will make a difference. Whether you’re an experienced green thumb, or you’re giving planting a go for the first time, everyone is invited to lend a hand.

Urgent cost review An independent assessment into the cost of the Western Renewables Link (WRL) has been ordered by Premier Ben Carroll, just a day after Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny delivered her assessment that environmental concerns would not halt the transmission line project. Mr Carroll announced the cost review on Tuesday 15 September, stating the project had been planned almost 10 years ago and Victorian taxapyers deserved updated and transparent costings. The proposed high-voltage electricity transmission line is planned to stretch about 190 kilometres from Bulgana in western regional Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west. The high-voltage project was originally

costed at $479 million in 2019 but a PWC document from 2024 put the figure at $1.53 billion. Its proposed route passes through Labor seats, including parts of Melton, Ripon and Eureka. Victoria’s opposition has vowed to review and potentially scrap the WRL project, which has faced major scrutiny from many landholders who live along the project’s proposed route. Opposition energy spokesman David Davis suggested WRL’s ultimate cost could be higher than $1.5 billion, pointing to a 2025 report that listed its price tag at about $4 billion. The independent assessment is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with its findings made public. Mr Carroll said the project still had several

stages to clear, including the state and federal agency approvals and parliamentary considerations. He also reassured affected communities that no compulsory acquisitions would occur while the assessment was underway. The announcement follows Ms Kilkenny’s assessment of the WRL project released on Monday 14 September, following the project’s environmental effects statement process. Ms Kilkenny said the project would have a significant impact on eight protected matters in her findings, including Grey Box grassy woodlands, Natural Temperate Grassland, Golden Sun Moth, Southern Greater Glider, Striped Legless Lizard, Swift Parrot and Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon. However, her assessment concluded the

impacts could be acceptably managed through recommended environmental performance requirements, mitigation measures, and appropriate offsets. The assessment found the project was not likely to have a significant impact on the Matted Flax-lily, Small Golden Moth Orchid, Swamp Fireweed, Growling Grass Frog or Grey-headed Flying-fox, subject to mitigation measures. Ms Kilkenny’s assessment concludes the accredited state assessment under the Environment Effects Act and will inform the federal environment and water minister’s decision on whether the project receives federal approval and under what conditions. Turn to page 4 for more on the Western Renewables Link

Helloworld Travel Bacchus Marsh

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Search and rescue drills By Jack O’shea-Ayres Emergency services will undertake search and rescue exercises in Moorabool this October. Residents may notice an increased emergency services presence across parts of the municipality next month as local agencies come together to participate in a multi-agency search and rescue exercise. The exercise, coordinated by Moorabool council’s Emergency Management team in partnership with local emergency service agencies, will take place on Sunday 4 October in and around the Darley, Mackenzie’s Flat and Lerderderg State Park areas.

The exercise will focus on practising access to remote areas of state parks in response to a missing person incident using the Lerderderg and Werribee Gorge Search and Rescue Plan, testing the roles, responsibilities and capabilities of participating agencies using joint and agency-specific operating procedures, and exploring and refining communication methods used during multi-agency search and rescue operations. The scenario will test how agencies work together to respond to a missing person incident in remote and challenging terrain, helping to strengthen local search and rescue capabilities and coordination.

Participating agencies include Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria State Emergency Service (VicSES), Country Fire Authority (CFA), Parks Victoria, and Moorabool council. Mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor said exercises such as this play a vital role in ensuring emergency services are prepared to respond when the community needs them most. “While we hope these situations never occur, planning and practising for them is essential” Cr Venditti-Taylor said. “These exercises allow our emergency services and partner agencies to test their systems, communications and response

Sod turned on dog park improvements Major upgrades have begun for Navan Park Dog Park in Melton West. The much-loved community space is set for a major upgrade, giving residents and their furry friends more space to exercise, socialise, and enjoy the outdoors. Mayor Lara Carli marked the commencement of construction on the upgrades to the dog park with an official sod turn on Thursday 3 September, along with fellow councillors Sophie Ramsey and Bob Turner, and Melton MP Steve McGhie. Council said the planned upgrades will significantly expand the space available for dogs and their owners and provide a much larger area for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Earlier this year, council undertook community consultation to gather feedback on the proposed upgrades and hear residents’ ideas for the future of the dog park. The dog park will be re-located west of the existing site and will feature additional tree planting, improved landscaping, a sheltered seating area, natural play elements for dogs, expansive grassed areas for running and accessible circuit paths. Cr Carli said the community space represented more than just a dog park. “It’s a valued community space where people meet, connect and enjoy the outdoors. These upgrades will ensure even more residents can benefit from this important local destination.” Mr McGhie said the upgrades would provide greater options for exercise for local pooches. “Dogs will have new places to climb and play, while better paths, more shade and sheltered seating will make visits easier and more comfortable for owners,” he said. The upgraded dog park is expected to open to the public in early 2027.

Melton councillors Sophie Ramsey, mayor Lara Carli and Bob Turner officially turned the sod with Melton MP Steve McGhie on Thursday 3 September, marking the start of the new upgrades for Navan Park in Melton West. (Supplied)

Duncan Street section proposed for renaming to stop confusion A section of Duncan Street in Ballan could be renamed Shamrock Court in a bid to reduce confusion for residents, emergency services, and other road users. Moorabool council unanimously backed a 30-day community consultation period at its 2 September meeting, which is seeking feedback from the community on the proposed renaming of the northern section of Duncan Street. The section of road is physically separated from the remainder of Duncan Street by Inglis Street, creating two non-contiguous sections that share the same name. Council officers said the arrangement

had caused ongoing confusion for residents, visitors, emergency services, delivery drivers and service providers. The proposal follows a request from a community member, with the Shamrock Court name also carrying historical and cultural significance in Ballan. Shamrocks feature prominently on the entrance gates of St Brigid’s Church, which were crafted by E. Wheelahan and installed in 1912, shortly after the church opened. Three residential properties are expected to be affected by the proposed change. If the renaming proceeds, property

2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

owners would be required to update their address details with relevant government agencies and Australia Post. Community feedback will be sought through a 30-day consultation period, with adjoining residents and landowners to receive direct letters. Residents are being invited to have their say on council’s community engagement website by Sunday 4 October, where a further report will be presented to council after consultation concludes. Details: https://haveyoursay.moorabool.vic.gov.au/duncan-street-proposed-renaming.

capabilities in realistic conditions, helping ensure they are ready to act quickly and effectively in a real emergency.” The training exercise forms part of council’s commitment to emergency preparedness and is being conducted in accordance with the Moorabool Municipal Emergency Management Plan and local search and rescue plans. “It is incredibly valuable to bring multiple agencies together to train side-by-side,” Cr Venditti-Taylor said. “Exercises like this build strong working relationships, improve coordination and ultimately help deliver better outcomes for our community when every minute counts.”

Academy promised A police training academy will be opened in the western suburbs, if Labor is re-elected in November. Premier Ben Carroll made the announcement on Sunday following calls from council’s across Melbourne’s northwest for a regional police training academy. Melton council had joined Brimbank, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Hume councils in calling on the state government to establish the academy, arguing more needed to be done to tackle police numbers and crime. The mayors and chief executives of the six councils wrote to Mr Carroll and Police Minister Paul Edbrooke, stating the facility would make it easier for locals to pursue a career in policing. They also said an academy would strengthen the collective push for greater investment in crime prevention, outreach and specialist support services. On Sunday, Mr Carroll said the government had heard that the Glen Waverley police academy was too far away from where many people want to train, and so a re-elected Labor government would open a second metropolitan academy in Wyndham. The announcement is part of a plan to add 1500 police to the force. Melton mayor Lara Carli said the new academy would address the significant police workforce shortages being faced by the booming north-west as it continues to grow. “We need long-term solutions that not only attract more police officers to our region but to also build a local police workforce,” Cr Carli said. “A north-west metropolitan police academy would create opportunities for local people to enter policing, strengthen the local recruitment pipeline and help ensure our growing communities have the police presence they need now and into the future.” The push for a north-western metropolitan police academy came amid growing concern about community safety in the west, following the death of Sunshine trader Van Viet Truong, who was assaulted outside his store in early August. The incident sparked renewed debate about youth crime and the need for a stronger police presence across the region. On 5 August, mayors from councils across the west released a joint statement requesting more police and stronger protection for communities. In response, the state government announced it would expand frontline support for the west, increasing the presence of Protective Service Officers (PSOs) across Victoria, with Sunshine and St Albans among the areas to receive additional coverage. The government also expanded its Community Connectors program, homelessness outreach, community safety grants.

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Tackling family violence Two Salvation Army specialist workers have been embedded in Victoria Police’s family violence investigation unit at Caroline Springs in a bid to better support families affected by family violence. Victoria Police and The Salvation Army have expanded their Alexis Family Violence Response Model to include Caroline Springs. The program brings together police and specialist workers to support victim-survivors who are at serious risk following repeat and escalating family violence. It also supports people experiencing mental health concerns, drug or alcohol addiction, and housing instability. Each year, the program supports about 150 family violence victim-survivors, according to Victoria Police.

It also works with about 150 offenders to address their use of family violence, reduce risk and support them to change their behaviour. Through the program, Salvation Army specialist workers are embedded within Victoria Police’s family violence investigation units, where they work alongside detectives to provide support and resources to high-risk victim-survivors. The program works with all parties, including victim-survivors and offenders, to address risk factors, improve safety and help reduce family violence-related offending. Melton Acting Inspector Scott Williams said police would work closely with the Salvation Army to “give families who are at serious risk after experiencing high-harm

family violence the support they need“. “We’ve had many victim-survivors report to us in Caroline Springs with mental health and accommodation difficulties as a result of suffering the crime – so through the program it means we can address the risk and support them with the relevant services and resources to improve their safety. The program is here to help,“ he said. The Alexis Family Violence Response Model was first established in Melbourne in 2014, before being rolled out to police stations in Bayside, Prahran, Bass Coast and Latrobe. Police said that in just the first two weeks of its expansion to Caroline Springs, the program has helped four victims and five offenders. Some of the support and resources pro-

‘Fish hotels’ installed at Melton Reservoir Melton fish have received a much-needed upgrade to their homes. Avid anglers from the Melton Sportfishing Club and national fish habitat charity OzFish this month used boats to drag 10 purpose-built ‘fish hotels’ out into Melton Reservoir, top them with river rocks, and sink them, after dumped cars were removed from the waterways. Made from repurposed native timber, fish hotels are wooden structures designed to mimic the woody fish habitat that local fish like Murray Cod, Yellowbelly, and Estuary Perch need to feed, shelter, and breed. “Fish hotels provide shelter, and a food source, growing microalgae and attracting things that Murray Cod love to eat like water bugs, shrimp, crustaceans and other fish,” OzFish Victoria program manager Andy Foudoulis said The shelters are expected to help support the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s (VFA) native fish stocking program in the reservoir while also supporting local fishing. Melton Reservoir’s low water levels in recent years have reportedly exacerbated challenges such as invasive populations of European Carp, elevated water temperature, and occasional algal blooms. The new fish hotels will provide local fish species with the proper habitats they need to thrive, after years of seeking shelter in the rusted car bodies previously dumped into the waterways, according to Mr Foudoulis. “Recreating the kind of habitat that fish

Members from Melton Sportfishing Club and OzFish used their own boats to deliver 10 purposebuilt fish habitats into the Melton Reservoir. (Supplied)

would find in healthy, natural waterways is one of the best ways to help native fish populations remain resilient under periods of intensive pressure – and thrive once conditions improve.” Melton Sportfishing Club president Steve Gale said local fishers became worried about fish populations when members heard of the dumped cars, being removed

from the waterways. “...You’re also taking away fish habitat. We didn’t want to see that happen with nothing else being put in its place,” he said. “We thought ‘What if we could find a grant and some resources to really deal with the problem? The final result of that was, out with the cars and in with the natural structures.”

vided includes safety planning, family violence risk assessment and management, brokerage, emergency accommodation and connection with housing, mental health, alcohol and drug, medical and other specialist services. Crisis support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps on 1800 015 188. If someone is in immediate danger, always call triple-0 If you are concerned about your own behaviour or the behaviour of someone you know, the Men’s Referral Service (No to Violence) can help people who use violence to change their behaviour. Call 1300 766 491. For more information about what Victoria Police is doing to protect victim-survivors and children, visit police.vic.gov.au/ family-violence.

More time teaching Toolern Vale and District Primary School in Melton is set to benefit from a new central water and sanitation program. The program aims to give back time to teachers as currently, not every school has access to public water or sewer mains. The new program aims to prevent teachers and principals from performing time-consuming administrative work like testing and treating drinking water and desludging wastewater management systems. Instead, schools will no longer be responsible for making sure their water systems are maintained under the new program, as water maintenance at local schools will be managed centrally by the Victorian School Building Authority. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the program would free up more time for local teachers to focus on their students. “We’re giving teachers in Melton more time to focus on local kids,” he said. “We’re lightening the administrative burden on our teachers and principals, giving them more time to teach local kids.” Water Minister Michela Settle said the new program aimed to provide safer drinking water and water security for local schools. “This program is strengthening the protections around drinking water and giving communities greater certainty that their water is safer,” Ms Settle said. The safer drinking water program is set to be fully implemented by 2028.

Help shape a vision for Moorabool libraries Moorabool residents will soon be invited to have their say on the future of local library services as council prepares a new strategy to guide planning through to 2032. Moorabool council approved a community engagement plan at its 2 September meeting to help develop its Library Strategy 2027-2032, with consultation to take place throughout September and October. The five-year strategy is set to establish a shared vision, strategic priorities, and action plan for library services, responding to current and emerging community needs while aligning with Moorabool’s Council Plan 2025-2029. Residents and library members will be able to provide feedback through online and hard-copy surveys, council’s Have Your Say portal, postcards, phone concierge services, and during in-person feedback opportunities. Council will also consult with communi-

ty groups, neighbourhood houses, seniors groups, service providers, and advocacy organisations as part of the consultation process. Following the consultation period, council officers are expected to prepare a draft strategy for council consideration, which will then be placed on public exhibition for further feedback to shape the final document and strategy. Consultation opens on Monday 14 September, with feedback accepted until Saturday 10 October. Residents are also invited to attend dropin sessions at the Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh, the Ballan library and Community Hub, council’s outreach van, and multiple community events to learn more about the proposed strategy throughout the consultation period. Details: https://haveyoursay.moorabool. vic.gov.au/library-strategy. 12849128-EB11-26

Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 3

NEWS

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Council flags WRL assessment By Jack O’Shea-Ayres Moorabool council has criticised aspects of the state government’s assessment of the controversial Western Renewables Link (WRL) project, questioning the treatment of cumulative impacts on the Darley and wider community. Council’s response follows Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny’s assessment of the 190-kilometre transmission project, which was handed down on Monday 14 September. The assessment found significant environmental impacts could be managed through mitigation measures and environmental performance requirements, despite having what council described as concern-

ing effects on the Moorabool community. The AusNet-led project would run from Bulgana in western regional Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west. When operational, the 500 kilovolt transmission line would be capable of carrying more than 3000 megawatts of electricity, enough to power over one million homes. Moorabool council acted as the principal local government participant in the project’s inquiry and advisory committee hearing, presenting expert evidence on bushfire risk, planning, and social impacts across 53 sitting days. Council chief executive Derek Madden said the council acknowledged the importance of the independent process, but was disappointed the minister did not adopt a

recommendation concerning Darley. The committee found cumulative impacts on the Darley community were likely to be unacceptable and recommended part of the proposed route be removed while an alternative was investigated. He also questioned Ms Kilkenny’s reasoning, pointing to a statement that even an individual project impact being deemed unacceptable in Darley would not have changed the overall conclusion when weighed against the benefits of the project. “We hold particular concern about the basis on which that conclusion was reached,” he said. Council also raised concerns over the lack of planning for a temporary workforce accommodation facility in Ballan, which is

expected to house up to 350 construction workers while the transmission line is built. It claimed wastewater arrangements and detailed operational and emergency management plans had not been resolved at the time of the assessment. “A facility housing 350 workers needs its basic servicing and operational arrangements resolved before approval, not worked out afterwards,” Mr Madden said. The development comes as Premier Ben Carroll ordered an independent cost review just a day after Ms Kilkenny’s assessment, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project was initially costed at $479 million in 2019, while a 2024 PwC document put the figure at $1.53 billion.

Link delay warning By Jack O’shea-Ayres

Mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor, Liberal Candidate for Eureka Emma Muir and local residents who are affected by the proposed 190km transmission line. (Damjan Janevski). 578954 06

Western Renewables Link explained By Jack O’Shea-Ayres The Western Renewables Link (WRL) project has been a controversial renewable energy proposal for landholderst. The contentious project came under the spotlight after the project’s developer, AusNet, applied for compulsory land acquisition powers earlier this year, and again when Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny handed down her assessment of the project’s environmental impacts. What is the Western Renewables Link (WRL)? AusNet’s Western Renewables Link (WRL) project culminates in a proposed high-voltage electricity transmission line stretching about 190 kilometres from Bulgana in western regional Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west. The project is designed to transport renewable energy generated in Western Victoria into the state’s electricity grid, forming a key part of the state’s broader energy transition as coal-fired power stations progressively work to retirement over the coming decades. What does it mean for landholders along its route? The project’s transmission line requires an acquired easement width of about 70 to 100 metres across affected properties, with large steel, high-voltage towers up to 50 to 80 metres high planned for construction on the properties of farmers and

landholders. The project’s towers require specific foundational footprints, with a central buffer of 35 to 50 metres applied on each side of the towers’ lines, which strictly forbids any dwellings, schools, or permanent buildings due to safety concerns. Approximately 60 kilometres of the proposed 190-kilometre high-voltage transmission line runs directly through Moorabool from east to west. What’s an environment effects statement? An environment effects statement (EES) is a rigorous and transparent environmental impact assessment process for major projects like the WRL. It works to hear from the project’s stakeholders to assess the project’s social, economical, cultural, and cumulative effects or impacts, avoid and mitigate potential consequences, and inform approvals through public and government participation. It is then used to inform the decision on whether a project will go ahead. What are compulsory acquisition powers? Compulsory acquisition powers allow governments and authorised bodies to take private land or property rights without the owner’s consent for a public purpose, which includes things like building roads, railways, and utility infrastructure, like AusNet’s WRL project. On 6 May, landholders were informed

4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

AusNet had formally applied for powers to compulsorily acquire easements on properties affected by the project. What did the planning minister’s assessment find? Ms Kilkenny’s assessment found the project would have a significant impact on eight protected matters, including Grey Box grassy woodlands, Natural Temperate Grassland, Golden Sun Moth, Southern Greater Glider, Striped Legless Lizard, Swift Parrot and the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon. However, her assessment concluded the impacts could be acceptably managed through recommended environmental performance requirements, mitigation measures, and appropriate offsets. The assessment found the project was not likely to have a significant impact on the Matted Flaxlily, Small Golden Moth Orchid, Swamp Fireweed, Growling Grass Frog or Greyheaded Flying-fox, subject to mitigation measures. What’s next? Following the handing down of the EES ministerial assessment, the project moves into a review, approval, and political phase. Ms Kilkenny’s assessment concluded the accredited state assessment under the Environment Effects Act which will inform the federal environment and water minister’s decision on whether the project receives federal approval and under what conditions.

The International Renewable Energy Alliance (RE-Alliance) and Environment Victoria have joined forces to warn the state government against delaying the Western Renewables Link (WRL) following Premier Ben Carroll’s announcement of a new assessment into the project’s cost. RE-Alliance policy and engagement manager Tony Goodfellow said after years of planning, a further delay to the project would create uncertainty for regional communities and put additional pressure on Victoria’s energy system. “[The WRL] is a long-established project that’s been studied, consulted on and planned over many years,” Mr Goodfellow said. “Communities across western Victoria have been asked to participate in that process and prepare for the changes and opportunities it will bring. “They should not now be thrown back into uncertainty because the politics has become difficult in Melbourne.” Mr Goodfellow said RE-Alliance had consistently called for better consultation and fair treatment of affected landholders in the project’s proposed route. He argued a further delay would not deliver any benefits. “...those legitimate concerns will not be resolved by another delay. They will be resolved by delivering the project properly, with communities at the table,” he said. “Victoria does not have time to keep reopening decisions that have been years in the making.” Plumpton resident Barbara Ford said she and other landholders had experienced mental strain since the project was first mooted. “I would say nearly every person along the route has been mentally impacted,” Mrs Ford said. “The fact it’s taken such a long time hasn’t been a good outcome - we’re one of the last farmers along the route trying to still make a living through our farming.” Environment Victoria chief executive Jonathan La Nauze said delivery of the transmission project was crucial to ensure lower energy costs for Victorians. “Without transmission you don’t have wind and solar. Without wind and solar you don’t have affordable power and you can’t keep the lights on. It’s as simple as that,” he said. “What we need now is facts and certainty – not risky delays.” Premier Carroll defended the cost review saying “This project was planned almost 10 years ago and Victorian consumers deserve updated, transparent costings”. “If we can save money on the costs of building, we can help reduce the cost of living.”

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Breaking the crime cycle As part of an ongoing series examining the causes and solutions to crime in the west, Sebastian Conidi spoke to Professor Kelly Allott about the influence of mental health on youth crime. “There is a really high association between mental health and crime. Particularly in young people,” Professorial Research Fellow and clinical neuropsychologist, Professor Kelly Allott said when asked about the impact of mental health on crime. Professor Allott leads the cognition research team at non-profit organisation, Orygen. She said while mental health was a complex issue there is a strong connection between the mental wellbeing of young offenders and crime. “There are extremely high rates of mental ill-health and neuro-developmental difficulties in the youth justice system. These are things that can affect cognitive and emotional development. Together, they increase the risk for a young person and can put them in a situation where they may commit crime,” she said. When discussing potential approaches, Professor Allott said it was vital to build positive communities where young people could develop strong social connections. “Addressing the underlying risk factors is key. Young people need social connection programs that support positive social relationships,“ she explained. Professor Allott also highlighted the importance of community organisations, whether they are centred around sport, religion, the arts or other activities. “The main priority is supporting young

people, families and communities when dealing with these situations.” On the topic of increased police presence, Professor Allott acknowledged that while it can help the broader community feel safer, it does not address the underlying causes of youth crime. Instead, she said up-skilling police to better understand and respond to mental illness was vital to ensuring young people and the wider community are better protected. “Police presence helps the general community feel safer, but I don’t think it solves the issue of young people committing crime. That’s a deeper, more complex issue.” Professor Allott said breaking the cycle of offending was crucial. “A lot of young people who commit crime have experienced some form of victimisation or trauma themselves. It’s a vicious cycle, so it’s important to break that cycle,“ she explained. The impacts of the pandemic were also a central theme when discussing mental health and youth wellbeing. “The current generation of youth had a long period of disconnection. Social connection is so critical: positive social relationships, social inclusion, feeling part of a group.” Professor Allott called for greater support services in Melbourne’s west, saying the region often falls behind other parts of Victoria. “In the west the service system is not always as strong as other parts of Melbourne. Greater emphasis on youth services, opportunities for connection and positive role models is really important.”

Professor Kelly Allott. (Supplied).

Western Freeway Upgrade Gunmay a voice for Gorton’s young people Sixteen-year-old Gunmay Bhargava has wrapped up his time as federal youth member for Gorton at this year’s National Youth Parliament. A year 10 student and an active member of his local youth council, his school political interest group, and at his local MP’s office as a volunteer, Gunmay was selected to represent his local community at this year’s National Youth Parliament in Canberra over five days last month. Alongside youth delegates from across the country, Gunmay took part in leadership activities, committee discussions, policy debates and simulated parliamentary proceedings. Gunmay said his favourite part of the program was building connections with peers who shared the same passion for local advocacy and civic engagement. “We also had valuable experience drafting and debating bills together, meeting pol-

iticians and experiencing what life is like for professionals in the field,” he said. Gunmay’s official counterpart, Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird, said she was thrilled with the opportunity to meet Gunmay as the youth member for Gorton in Parliament House. “It’s so important to give our youth the tools to advocate for what they believe in,” she said. Ms Jordan-Baird said she believes it is vital to foster civic engagement amongst Gorton youth. “Every time I speak with young people in our community, I’m reminded of how much enthusiasm and potential we have here in Melbourne’s west,” she said. “Advocacy takes on many forms, and programs like National Youth Parliament give young Australians the knowledge, confidence and opportunities to find their voice and make a difference.”

We’ll upgrade the freeway between Ferris Road and Ballarat Road, including adding extra lanes, upgrading the Ferris Road, Leakes Road and Hopkins Road interchanges, and building a new half interchange at Mount Cottrell Road.

Once we have progressed pre-construction activities, the project will enter the procurement phase to appoint a construction partner to deliver the upgrades. Construction timelines will be confirmed once preconstruction has further progressed.

Ahead of this work, temporary traffic lights will be installed at Leakes Road. The traffic lights are expected to be operational by early 2027.

Pre-construction and next steps The project is in the pre-construction phase with work underway to progress the upgrades towards construction.

We encourage you to visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/roads-subscribe and sign up for email and SMS updates, so we can keep you informed as the project progresses. Leakes Road Interchange – Artist impression subject to change

bigbuild.vic.gov.au/roads 1800 105 105 (call anytime)

11044

Youth member for Gorton Gunmay Bhargava with Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird. (Supplied)

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12902410-MS39-26

Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 5

BEHIND THE NEWS

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Macedon Ranges council manager econmic development and visitor economy Lydia Sorensen and strategic planning and environment heritage planner Dannielle Orr at the Malmsbury Viaduct. 577657 06

Digging into our golden past After decades of planning and advocating, the bid for World Heritage status is inching closer for the Victorian Goldfields. With 15 Victorian councils advocating for the project, there’s golden stories found all over the state, including right in the Macedon Ranges’ backyard. Georgia Tacey caught up with Macedon Ranges council’s manager economic development and visitor economy Lydia Sorenson and strategic planning and environment heritage planner Dr Dannielle Orr to discover the region’s ties to the goldfields and what World Heritage status will mean for the Macedon Ranges community.

en years ago, a golden opportunity was presented to Macedon Ranges council. A chance for some lesser known stories to be told, and the opportunity to see the region’s rich history on the world stage. Macedon Ranges alongside Greater Bendigo, Ballarat, Moorabool, Hepburn, Mount Alexander, Ararat, Baw Baw, Golden Plains, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Indigo, Loddon, Northern Grampians and Pyrenees councils joined forces in the fight to recognise the stories, communities and regions that come from the Victorian Goldfields. The 15 councils, alongside regional organisations, academia and the private sector are all part of the wider push that hopes to see the Victorian Goldfields receive World Heritage status. Council became involved with the project in 2016, with the collaborative bid between the councils officially commencing in 2019. In 2025, the green light was given to the project by the federal government to seek World Heritage Listing, with its successful inclusion on Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. “Each of the 15 local governments that are involved – Macedon being one – all have a story to tell,” Macedon Ranges council’s strategic planning and environment heritage planner, Dr Dannielle Orr, said. Dr Orr has been part of the goldfields bid long before Macedon Ranges has. She previously worked at Greater Bendigo council, which along with Ballarat, have spearheaded the project, with both areas holding deep ties to the goldrush era. But Dr Orr said there is plenty of goldrush history steeped deep into the Macedon Ranges. “[The bid] will have implications and benefits for the whole shire, and there are different aspects of the story represented at

different places,” she said. “There will be stories all over Macedon that will actually contribute to the wider bid.” One of the greatest stories of goldfields in the Macedon Ranges is the story of the water for the gold, which can still be seen today at the Malmsbury Reservoir. “The Coliban Water Supply System was an engineering structure that was built in the late 1800s, and it was built to take water from Malmsbury to Bendigo,” Dr Orr said. First conceived in 1862 by Joseph Brady, the water supply system built from 1866 is still largely in operation today. The technological accomplishment that helped establish civil engineering as a profession and industry and delivered water through a dry landscape over 100km long. “You can still see it at Malmsbury … you can still go and see the whole heritage in the landscape today,” Dr Orr said. “It’s brilliant, brilliant engineering, 100 and more years on.” While Malmsbury’s historic significance to the goldfields isn’t one of the six spots currently listed on the tentative list, it is noted in the World Heritage Listing. But Malmsbury isn’t the only part of the shire with goldrush roots. “The whole of the shire did contribute to the goldfields in different ways,” Dr Orr said. “You know, you look at things like the Calder Freeway that’s built on the old pathways that the goldfields travellers would have taken, that’s a major route through our shire that has history and a heritage that goes back to those days. “Kyneton developed as the service centre to help travellers along the way.” Alongside Kyneton, Lancefield and Romsey became gateways for services to travellers to the goldfields.

6 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

Lydia Sorensen and Dannielle Orr at the Malmsbury Reservoir, where you can still see the history of the goldrush today. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 578880 02

Lancefield, Lauriston, Malmsbury and Romsey also served as the grazing and farming areas that grew and manufactured food for the goldfields, while the Ranges’ Caroline Chisholm shelters became a place for women and children who came to join their diggers. There are the stories from the Traditional Owners of this Country from the goldrush. The Ranges even had its own gold mining rush in Black Forest, Bullengarook, Lauriston, Macedon and Malmsbury. “Woodend had a lot of bush ranges, for instance, because the gold that was collected from the goldfields, would travel back down to Melbourne to get sold in the Melbourne market, and going through the Black Forest was a bit of a hairy experience,” Dr Orr said. “The beauty of the listing is that it’s an opportunity for these communities to actually tell their stories, because there are so many different aspects to this heritage, and it’s really how we came to be here today, and how we developed as a state really, and then as a nation today. “The goldfields’ wealth really built Australia as a nation.”

Now, it’s almost time to see if the advocacy of the councils’ and the bid team has paid off. “Next year is the confirmation of the short listing,” council economic development and visitor economy manager Lydia Sorenson said. “We’ll know next year whether we are actually going for this World Heritage Bid … whether the 15 councils along with the bid team will be going forward.” The councils, she said, will need to work simultaneously together to give this opportunity the best possible shot at success, targeting the community. “We already know that our visitor economy is quite strong, but it’s strong in a different way, it’s not strong in the historical sense,” Ms Sorenson said. “We’re known as a shire that’s beautiful, it’s about the environment, it’s about coming here for an experience. “And I think that’s what we’re leveraging is that we can actually add to that visitor [experience].” As research and consultation continues, it’s still only just the beginning for this long-standing project, but Dr Orr remains hopeful that we will see it eventuate. “We’ve got a really, really good chance,” Dr Orr said. “It’s really strong, heritage wise, tourism and economic development wise, everybody has worked really hard together collaboratively to get the bid up this time. “This case has been built very solidly from day one, and everyone has joined together to work together and I think that means we will be successful.” Council and the bid team will host an information session at the Malmsbury Town Hall on Tuesday 20 October from 5pm for the community to hear more about the project. Details: https://tinyurl.com/3hknhm4s

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Jean celebrates 102 years

Briefs

A much-loved Brookfield local has celebrated a remarkable milestone, with Jean Clarke marking her 102nd birthday surrounded by family, friends, loved ones, and members of her local community. First making the move to Lifestyle Village in Brookfield back in 2005 at the age of 85, Ms Clarke became one of the village’s founding homeowners. Despite being one of the community’s oldest residents, Ms Clarke has remained an active member of village life over the years, taking part in line dancing, happy hours, barbecues and a range of social events. Lifestyle Village carer Teresa Butcher described Ms Clarke as a well-valued and active member of the retirement village community. “Jean is a respected and valued member of our community and is loved by everyone,” Ms Butcher said. Ms Clarke continues to live independently at her home in the village, supported by her family, closer neighbours, and carers. Ms Butcher said she still manages to attend a lot of the village’s community events, including alongside her son Gavin. “It is wonderful that she still manages to attend some of our events with her son Gavin.” On Friday 11 September, the Lifestyle Village came together to celebrate Ms Clarke’s 102nd birthday and remarkable life. The milestone event brought together her close and extended family, neighbours, carers, and friends, who gathered to mark the special occasion and celebrate Ms Clarke’s long and wonderful life. The milestone birthday provided an opportunity for those closest to Jean to

A 70-year-old Melton woman died following a three-vehicle crash in Balliang on Monday 14 September. Emergency services were called to Bacchus Marsh Road, near Granite Street, about 5pm after a silver Holden sedan collided with a black Ford Escape utility before hitting a white Ford Ranger. The woman was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries but later died. Her 85-year-old Melton passenger was also taken to hospital with serious injuries. The occupants of the other vehicles were uninjured.

Woman killed in Balliang crash

Man arrested over hit-run

Jean Clarke celebrated her 102nd birthday at Village Lifestyle Brookfield on Friday 11 September. (Supplied, Glenn Wilson)

reflect on her longstanding connection to the Brookfield community and the friendships she has built since moving into the village more than two decades ago. The community wished Jean a very happy 102nd birthday, along with many more happy years ahead.

A 23-year-old Wendouree man has been charged following an alleged hit-run in Delacombe in April after being arrested at a Ballan property on Monday 14 September. Police allege three people attended a tow yard on Elizabeth Street about 9.20pm on 28 April, where the man attempted to unlock a Ford Ranger before fleeing with two women. A staff member, 23, was allegedly struck by a cream-coloured Skoda as he followed the women, but escaped serious injury. The arrested man faces numerous charges, including reckless conduct endangering life, driving while disqualified, drug trafficking and possession, theft and handling stolen goods, threats to kill, and stalking. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 7

NEWS

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The victorious Melton Lions team. 578938 05

Melton’s Jason Pearce McMillan kicks forward with support from teammate Archie Lalor. (Pictures: Valerius R. Boenawan) 578938 02

Melton Lions player Jsson Frazier celebrates after the grand final. 578938 08 Right: Melton Lions supporters were in full voice at Werribee. 578938 13

Melton’s Reclink rapture Reclink Australia’s 2026 Footy Grand Final series wrapped up at Werribee on Wednesday 16 September, with about 350 enthusiastic supporters cheering on the four teams that played on the day. The Werribee event was the final leg of Reclink’s grand final series, which this year was taken beyond its traditional central locations and closer to the communities and regional teams that made up the competition. Teams and support staff from Melton, Maryborough and Bendigo joined local Wyndham participants at Werribee Football Club, bringing together players ranging in age from 16 to 65. In the opening game, Maryborough Ravens came out firing against Melton Lions and established an early lead before

Melton worked its way back into the contest and eventually closed out a narrow victory. The second match featured hometown heroes Wynbay Tigers against Bendigo Gold, with the Tigers jumping out of the blocks early and maintaining their advantage to run out eventual winners in front of their enthusiastic local fans. Reclink Australia CEO Dave Wells said there was also plenty happening beyond the actual football, with the Victoria Police Band, folk singer Vin Healy and acclaimed opera singer Julia Allsop performing. The commentary box also had plenty of personality, with Essendon VFL great Simon Madden and Des Dowling joining the coverage and medal presentations, while young commentator Archie Burley took on the job of calling all the action.

Melton Lions ruckman Riley Oakley contests in the centre. 578938 22

FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago

20 years ago

15 years ago

10 years ago

18 September, 1996

19 September, 2006

20 September, 2011

20 September, 2016

A record 40,000 are expected to take part in this year’s Djerriwarrh Festival in Melton, with at least 20,000 tipped to turn out for the High Street parade alone.

Bacchus Marsh Primary School is planning a multimillion dollar upgrade to catapult the ageing facility into the technological age.

Melton council’s decision to support an application for a new packaged liquor outlet in High Street has been slammed by the town’s residents association.

Victoria Police is highly likely to ask the state government for more frontline members in coming months after senior command conceded police stations in growth suburbs were “stretched”.

8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

FEATURING ... ROAD SAFETY

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Operation Scoreboard targets road safety over the long weekend RoadSafe Westgate is proud to support Operation Scoreboard 2026, the statewide road policing campaign led by Victoria Police ahead of the AFL Grand Final long weekend. 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 Scoreboard 2026? Operation Scoreboard will run from Thursday 24 September to Sunday 27 September 2026, covering the entire long weekend, a traditionally high-risk period for serious and fatal crashes on Victorian roads. Why This AFL Grand Final Long Weekend 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 of non-compliance and basic driving errors 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 Scoreboard 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

Senior Sergeant Stephen O’Connell says police will be out in force over the long weekend. (Damjan Janevski) 576403_01

■ 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. The operation will be conducted throughout all operational Police Regions and Police Service Areas during the four days” 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. “Speed is a factor in most serious crashes. Driving safely isn’t just about obeying the law. It’s about respect — for yourself, your passengers, your family and the broader community,” Mr Giddings said. 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 AFL Grand Final long weekend 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 the break with family and friends and travel so you arrive safely.

DRIVING IS NOT A GAME! SPEED KILLS! Don’t make a Grave Mistake Speed is the largest single factor in fatal road crashes on our roads. RoadSafe Westgate and your local council support reporting speeding drivers to Crime Stoppers.

REPORT SPEEDING DRIVERS

1800 333 000 RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council is a road safety advocacy group that implements road safety programs and is supported by the municipalities of Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham. 1092275-HM38-13 1204680-HM44-15

Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS

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Questions remain over death By Jack O’Shea-Ayres It’s been more than 15 months since 34-yearold Getahun Zigta died after being found with critical injuries alongside the Western Freeway in Cobblebank, but many questions still remain. Mr Zigta’s family members attended a Coroner’s Court summary inquest hearing into his death on Monday 31 August, led by coroner Sarah Gebert, where it was confirmed Mr Zigta had succumbed to his inju-

ries after he was found lying on the side of the freeway by a passing motorist. Mr Zigta was pronounced dead at the Royal Melbourne Hospital on 12 May last year after police believe he was struck by a motor vehicle while walking alongside the Western Freeway between Mount Cottrell Road and Ferris Road in Cobblebank on Thursday 8 May. The court heard from Major Collision Investigation Unit Detective Acting Sergeant Brandon Levin, who led the investigation

into Mr Zigta’s death. Detective Levin said police believe Mr Zigta was struck by a motor vehicle travelling at least 70km/h in a north-west direction on the southern side of the Western Freeway. It’s believed Mr Zigta was hit by the vehicle between 5.52am and 5.54am. He said the vehicle failed to stop after hitting him. However the court heard police had failed to find any suspects in relation to the incident, despite investigations into multi-

ple vehicles seen travelling along the freeway at the time. “We were hopeful that the investigation would lead us to a suspect, which it did not unfortunately,” Detective Levin said. “This fatal hit-run collision remains unsolved, with no pathway into resolution currently known to investigators.” Ms Gebert is yet to give her final findings into the investigation of Mr Zigta’s death, but said further information may lead to the investigation being reopened.

Stories of service and sacrifice as students remember Year nine students from Springside West Secondary College have brought the stories of the First World War to life. Stories of Service, Sacrifice and Remembrance is currently on display at the Melton Library and Learning Hub, as it showcases the historical research and creative work completed by the college’s year nine Humanities students during terms one and two as part of their First World War History unit. The exhibition was developed in partnership with the Caroline Springs RSL Sub-branch and is on display until 12 November. Divided into three important sections, the exhibition showcases propaganda posters of the First World War, Sydenham Soldier Primary Records Profiles, and War Memorials in the Victorian Landscape. Humanities teacher Caroline Torode said the exhibition was designed to give students an authentic audience for their work beyond the classroom. “Throughout our study of the First World War, our students had produced some outstanding research and creative work, and I believed it deserved to be shared with the wider community rather than simply being assessed and returned to students,” she said. The soldier profiles saw students investigate servicemen connected to the Sydenham area using primary sources, including original Attestation Papers and Service Records. Students also researched local memorials including the Sydenham War Memorial, Aintree Walk of Honour and Melton Cenotaph, as well as the significance of Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. Year nine student Emina said researching soldier John Frederick Hughes allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of individual servicemen. “My favourite part…was

Year 9 Students at Springside West Secondary College’s “Stories of Service” is now on display at the Melton Library and Learning Hub. Students Kayla, Amy, Helina and Nurin with principal John Goodman. (Damjan Janevski) 578869 04

learning more about what soldiers experienced and learning about my soldier – John Fredrick Hughes,” she said. Fellow student Liorah said the project gave her an opportunity to explore Australia’s role in past conflicts, while also informing the community on what she learned. “I could use my research and findings to inform our community on the greater impacts that Australians had in the First World War and many other con-

flicts and how it shaped Australia today,” she said. Kayla shared the same feeling. “It gives me the opportunity to educate others on the importance of the First World War and inform them about the sacrifice many soldiers made,” she said. Ms Torode said the project helped build on students’ practical skills like research development, source analysis, critical thinking, literacy, and communi-

cation skills, while also encouraging them to consider the human impact of war and display it in a creative way. “Projects like this demonstrate to students that history exists beyond textbooks and classrooms,” she said. “By sharing their research and work with the wider community, our students become contributors to our collective understanding of Australia’s wartime and local history.”

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10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

PUZZLES

easy

7 5 1

8 9

7 8 5

16 12

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9 8 5 4 1 2 6 3 7 2 7 1 3 8 6 9 4 5 3 6 4 5 7 9 2 8 1 8 1 6 9 2 7 4 5 3 5 3 7 6 4 8 1 2 9 4 9 2 1 5 3 7 6 8 6 2 8 7 3 1 5 9 4 1 5 3 2 9 4 8 7 6 7 4 9 8 6 5 3 1 2

9 3 7 6 1 8 2 5 4 8 1 5 3 4 2 9 7 6 6 2 4 9 7 5 1 3 8 3 4 2 8 5 7 6 1 9 5 8 6 1 2 9 3 4 7 1 7 9 4 3 6 5 8 2 4 6 1 7 9 3 8 2 5 7 5 8 2 6 1 4 9 3 2 9 3 5 8 4 7 6 1

T E

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

Today’s Aim: 15 words: Good 22 words: Very good 30 words: Excellent

N Y

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No. 415 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

C O M B S A P A R T R E C U R A R E N A T A S T Y

17 20

26 27

No. 308

A L I B I

5 LETTERS ACHED ADULT ALIBI ALIKE AMUSE ANNUL AORTA ARCED ARISE AZURE BANAL BLARE BUTTE CAMEO CORAL EASED ETHIC FETES GREEK HALTS IDEAS INANE

4 LETTERS ATOM BOGS BURP DOES EBBS EDDY HILT LAUD LOGO SEEK SICS SNOB SOIL TEST

digit, ding, dining, dint, dirt, during, gird, girt, grid, grin, grind, grit, INTRUDING, inuring, riding, rigid, rind, ring, ruin, ruing, ruining, tiding, tiring, trig, tuning, turgid, turning, unit, uniting, untiring

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

10 11

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No. 340

9-LETTER WORD medium

9 9 6 7

easy

5x5

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Y A U B G X Z L M I N W O

5 4

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S J D C Q F K R P V H T E

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DECODER

2 3 4

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Attacking, as a magpie (8) Width of a circle (8) Head servant of a household (6) Partner (9) Speaker’s platform (4) Harmony (6) Land mass surrounded by water (6) Supervisors (7) Flower (9) Pigeonholed (7) Wide view (8) Keep (8) A poetic unit of three lines (6) Mature zucchini (6) Accommodations (6) Plummet (4)

1 2 3

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9 3

26 28 29 30 31

5 3 9 3 6 7 1 5 1 9 7 9 5 3

5 2 9

12 13 14 15 20 21 25

4 5 9

10 11

2 3

Credenza (9) German automobile manufacturer (4) Eggs (3) Formal statement about another’s character (11) Bearing (8) Reply (6) Desideratum (4) Preserved with sugar syrup (7) Gala (7) Just (4) Glossy type of glass applied to surfaces for protection (6) Poisonous (8) Reciprocal (11) Tune (3) Borough (4) Visible features of an area (9)

1 6

DOWN

5 4

ACROSS

No. 308

KORAN LUNGE NOTES OPTIC OZONE PACED PASTA PICKY PRAYS PREEN RANTS ROBOT SCARE SEEPS SHEAR SORRY SPATE SPAWN SPELL SPEWS STRAY SWELL TEETH

TITLE TOTED TOWER TRASH TWIRL

EMINENT GREATER INNARDS SERPENT

6 LETTERS ALLEYS PETTED REARED TATTLE

8 LETTERS LEVERAGE LONELIER PALATIAL PARENTAL

7 LETTERS ACCRUED EASTERN

25-09-26

QUICK QUIZ

Mission Beach is a coastal town in which Australian state?

The hongi is a traditional greeting in which country?

How many hectares are in one square kilometre?

True or false: The Rolling Stones were formed before The Beatles?

Which Netflix show set in Europe stars Lily Collins (pictured)?

Who released the classic rock-and-roll song Johnny B. Goode in 1958?

Which of these toy lines is not made by Hasbro: G.I. Joe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Transformers?

The liqueur triple sec is flavoured by the peel of what type of fruit?

What second language did Queen Elizabeth II speak fluently?

10 Where in the human body is the sternum located? ANSWERS: 1. Queensland 2. New Zealand 3. 100 4. False 5. Emily in Paris 6. Chuck Berry 7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 8. Orange 9. French 10. Chest

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

R A N T S S P E W S P A S T A O Z O N E C A M E O E T H I C A L I B I T E E T H B U T T E O R E K O R A N L E T A L E T E S T F E T E S R E A R E D O A F I N N A R D S S P A W N A T O M H I L T P A R E N T A L B U R P D U O A C C R U E D S E R P E N T L A U D L E V E R A G E T E E E D D Y L O G O E A S E D E A S T E R N A N Y T A T T L E S E E P S S I C S R OW L A B A L I K E N OW A R I S E O P T I C B L A R E G R E E K B A N A L S T R A Y H A L T S S O R R Y S P E L L

No. 308

S I D E B O A R D A U D I W I U S A F N S O V A T E S T I M O N I A L O M L O S R S A P R E S E N C E R E J O I N I T R I M N D C A N D I E D N E E D G R L T A N P P P A G E A N T F A I R T M B D H N E E N A M E L V E N O M O U S R R L F L T R E C O R R E L A T I V E A I R E O D L O L M V T OW N L A N D S C A P E

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication. Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show Save the date for a local family event on the weekend of 24 and 25 October. Flowers, Produce and Photo Competitions, Plant Sales, Children’s Activities and more! ■ https://www.bmflowershow.org/ Menopause Support Group A welcoming space where women can connect and share experiences, and explore practical ways to navigate this stage of life with confidence. The group meets weekly on Mondays from 1-2.30pm. ■rebeccah@djerriwarrh.org or 8746 1000 Origami Club Discover the art of transforming simple paper into beautiful shapes and designs. A welcoming group to slow down and craft with others. The group meets fortnightly on Fridays from 10am-noon. ■ rebeccah@djerriwarrh.org Melton Sew Creative Group The Melton Sew Creative Group meets at the Arnolds Creek Community Centre every second Wednesday from 10am to 2pm. People can come along to socialise with like minded people for a chat whilst doing their own craft work over a cuppa. You can bring along your own machines and equipment to make something creative. Participants can learn from each other whilst making new friends in a relaxed setting at Arnolds Creek. ■ meltonsewcreative@gmail.com Zonta Club of Melton Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support women and girls in the Melton area. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Meetings include guest speakers, projects on the go and other social events. ■ Jane, 0447 291 049 or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au Bacchus Marsh Philosophy Club Bacchus Marsh Philosophy Club is a welcoming discussion group exploring life’s big questions in a thoughtful, relaxed, and respectful way. No background in philosophy is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to listen, reflect, and share ideas. These facilitated sessions encourage people to think more deeply about topics that matter, hear a range of perspectives, and enjoy meaningful conversation in good company. They take place every second Saturday at the Lerderderg Library, 215 Main Street, 10am-1pm. ■ Andy, 0498 549 177 andy@p4e.au Hillside Probus Club Hillside Probus Club is currently open to new members. Membership is open to retired and semi-retired professional and businesspersons and others with a similar background. The group meets from 10.30am-12.30pm every first Thursday of the month at the Watergardens Hotel, 431 Kings Road Taylors Lakes. There are no upper or lower age limits and the club is for men and women, couples and singles. ■ hillsideprobus@gmail.com

This week’s photographer’s choice pictures is of the West Gate Bridge – captured on a bright spring day. (Damjan Janevski) 579216

North Western District Pipe Band The North Western District Pipe Band meets every week at the Diggers rest Bowling Club and are looking for any pipers or drummers out there retired or beginners for social play outs. ■ Hank, 0412 169 576 Volunteer with L2P Help a disadvantaged young person gain essential driving hours by becoming an L2P Volunteer Driving Mentor. A few hours a week can make a life changing difference. Full training and support provided, with the car and all expenses covered. ■ 8746 1000 or L2P@djerriwarrh.org Computer Classes Computer classes are available at the Melton South Community Centre. From absolute beginners, to 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. 9.30am–3pm every Tuesday. Each session costs $5. ■ 9747 8576 Melton South Community Singers Singers of all levels are welcome at the Melton South Community Singers. This free and friendly group meets at the Melton South Community Centre and rehearses to perform at local venues and events. The group meets from 12.15-2pm on the first and third Tuesday of every

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413

four Program is now available. ■ 9747 8576 or msccentr@bigpond.net.au

Community band The Greater Western Community Band meets every Thursday from 7.30-9.30pm. Located at the Bridge Road Community Centre, Strathtulloh (Melton South). The band is available for events. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are always welcome. ■ Sally Hamond, 0401474582

Lawyer appointments Melton South Community Centre is offering free lawyer appointments for immigration, family law, or Justice of the Peace matters every Tuesday at 2.30 or 3.10pm. ■ 9747 8576 or msccentr@bigpond.net.au

Lights of Wisdom The Bahá’ís of Moorabool invite you to Lights of Wisdom, a tranquil space to share the insights from the great spiritual traditions of mankind. Sessions are held at the Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh, every first Friday of the month, 7.30pm. Entry is free. God, movie and chat A free community event is held every second Friday with a film with spiritual themes screening followed by a discussion. All thoughts are welcome. 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 Melton South Community Centre Melton South Community Centre’s term

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 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 Rose carers of Maddingley Park The group meets every Wednesday from 10am-noon at the Commemorative Rose Garden, Maddingley Park on the corner of Taverner Street and Grant Streets, Bacchus Marsh. They maintain the two rose gardens at the park. ■ Elaine, 0400 052 857 or Judy, 0428 463 538 Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club Meets first Thursday of every month, 10am-noon at Avenue Bowling Club, 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. ■ bacchusmarshladiesprobus@gmail.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Grab a drink and settle in for a villainous musical caberet Sit down and settle in for a night of the most villainous, gleefully evil songs from the greatest musical theatre shows, as Melton Performing Arts takes you on a trip through some of the most villainous musical theatre soundtracks over three nights in October. The cabaret-style production will take audiences on a villainous musical journey, featuring some of the most memorable songs from shows like Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables, The Lion King, Hamilton,

Matilda, and much more. With a talented cast and a dastardly MC at the helm, audiences can expect to be treated to plenty of theatrical fun with audience interaction and participation on the cards for a truly nefarious night. The show offers a relaxed cabaret experience, with audiences seated at tables of up to 10 people and able to choose their own table for a truly immersive experience. Guests are also encouraged to make a

night of it, with Bring Your Own (BYO) food permitted, or the option to pre-purchase one of the production’s Goody-Boxes for a hassle-free dinner experience. While beverages cannot be brought from home, the bar will offer a selection of wine, beer, soft drinks and non-alcoholic options, as well as snacks for those who work up an appetite. Programs can also be pre-purchased at a discounted price or bought on the night at full price.

Ruby Mae brings powerful sound to Be Bold Festival

Fun is on the menu Emma Memma is bringing her Jungle Picnic Tour to Moonee Ponds. (Supplied)

By Laura Michell What do pineapple pizza, cucumbers, elephants and pet rocks all have in common? No, this isn’t some obscure riddle; they are all the stars of some of the catchiest songs on Emma Memma’s Jungle Picnic album – the inspiration for her latest tour. Emma Watkins and her ‘Memma Mates’ will bring their Jungle Picnic fun to Moonee Ponds on Wednesday 23 September as part of the Victorian leg of a tour that began back in April. According to Watkins, it is the best – and most fun – tour yet. “I feel like we’ve developed Emma Memma over a period of about four-and-a-half years and I feel like it’s the best of everything that we’ve learned so far,” she said. “We had a beautiful tour last year of ‘Dance Island Party’ ... and then we basically kind of tried to get as much feedback as we could from children and parents about what they really loved

about the show and then we essentially refined it.” Through her shows, Watkins strives to bring together spoken language and Auslan to make the experience inclusive for the whole audience. Shows feature a dedicated Auslan interpreter while Watkins and fellow performer Elvin Lam – perhaps better known as Elvin Melvin – signing as part of the choreography. Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin also take the time during the show to go out into the audience and connect with the children – something Watkins said she receives a lot of feedback about. Among the other highlights fans can expect at the Clocktower are acrobatic skills, lots of crocodile snaps complete with “tiny little screams” and plenty of dancing – from the grandparents and parents too! “We have a song called ‘Picnic Basket Picnic Rug’ and it’s a dance for everybody in the audience. It’s quite early on in the show. It’s just a chance for everyone to dance and we kind of pick people out and it’s hilarious

Organisers have warned this production contains coarse language and adult themes, and that a wicked MC will keep spectators on their toes throughout the evening. A Villains Cabaret will take place on Thursday October 1 at 7pm, Friday 2 October at 7pm, and Saturday 3 October at 2 and 7pm at the Melton Community Hall, 238 High Street, Melton. Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ DOPIM.

seeing people’s interpretation,” she said. “Mostly, I try and pick grandparents out because I think it’s a fun moment.” Having spent most of her 20s completing “the world’s best apprenticeship on how to be an entertainer” as part of the Wiggles, Watkins said beginning the Emma Memma journey was “kind of like jumping off a cliff”. “You know, Ollie [husband and producer/songwriter Oliver Brian] and I kind of said to each other, ‘If it doesn’t work in 12 months, we have to become teachers’ … so, you know, we let ourselves try it and then people just wouldn’t stop writing,“ she said. “People are invested in Emma Memma now, and now it’s just really finding a way to bring more sign language and basically just the best party ever to more children.” Emma Memma’s Jungle Picnic Tour is at the Clocktower Centre, Moonee Ponds, on 23 September for three shows: 10am (limited tickets), 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Details: https://clocktowercentre.com. au/emma-memma-jungle-picnic-tour/

Proud Wiradjuri singer-songwriter Ruby Mae will bring her distinctive sound and energetic live performance to this year’s Be Bold Festival in St Albans. Described as a “vital voice in the Australian music landscape”, Ruby has been steadily building a name for herself through a combination of honest songwriting, powerful performances and an independent approach to music. Her debut album, Baby, produced by ARIA Award winner Stephen Mowat, marked an important milestone in her career. Her singles have received airplay on Triple J and Triple M, while her music has also begun attracting attention in the United States. Ruby is particularly at home on stage, where she brings an openness and confidence to her performances. Her sound moves from the intimate songwriting of Missy Higgins to the full-bodied rock energy of Powderfinger. Since her debut, Ruby has performed at Queenscliff Music Festival, including both solo and band shows, appeared on the main stage at St Kilda Festival and supported a sold-out Emma Donovan performance. She has also sold out venues across Melbourne, helping her establish a growing and dedicated audience. Festival-goers will have the chance to see Ruby perform live when she takes to the Be Bold Main Stage at 4.15pm on Saturday 3 October. Be Bold Festival runs from 3pm to 7pm at the Bowery Theatre, St Albans Community Centre and surrounding areas.

Fringe Festival scheduled to stop at Footscray Station Artist David Jennings will be performing at Footscray Station during the upcoming Melbourne Fringe Festival, and then will be continuing on with weekly performances afterwards too. In fact, those who can’t make it to any of Wells’ three performances during the festival 1, 8 and 17 October needn’t worry at all, as they’ll surely have the chance to catch at least one of his Weekly Ticket Footscray performances between now and 2031. Yes, that’s right. Wells will be performing at Footscray

Station once a week for the next five years, just has he’s done for the last 10 years. That’s because Wells’ show Weekly Ticket Footscray is a 15-year durational performance that began in 2016 and has since made him an institution at the western suburbs’ busiest train station. Each week Wells heads into Footscray with his iconic chair and becomes ’The Artist at the Station’, improvising, dancing, talking and collaborating with commuters and other artists. For his three fringe festival performances,

Wells has arranged new collaborations with musician Moses Carr (Plastiq) and dancers Hillary Goldsmith and Arabella Frahn-Starkie (Polito). The free 90 minute shows will transform Footscray Station into performance environment as artists committed to a lifetime of improvisation and collaboration interact with audience members and commuters alike. For more information and to book, visit: https://w w w.melbournefringe.com.au/ whats-on/events/weekly-ticket-footscray

Ruby Mae. (Supplied)

Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

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The application is to:

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Although she is Russianborn, what country does Elena Rybakina represent in tennis?

3. Which country did the US defeat to win the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup?

2. And who did Elena Rybakina defeat in the 2026 US Open women’s singles final?

4. Which Italian Formula One driver won the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix?

11. Zac Bailey officially re-signed with the Brisbane Lions, ending speculation he would move to which other club? 12. The site of the Gabba was first used for a cricket match in which year: 1896, 1906 or 1916?

5. Where are the 2027 Pacific Games set to be held?

13. What is the title of controversial Olympian Raygun’s recent documentary?

6. Which Hollywood actor was criticised for appearing in a controversial sports betting commercial?

14. Tennis player Mirra Andreeva is from which country?

7. In which movie of the Air Bud series does a dog named Buddy play American football?

15. Which two NFL teams played the kickoff game of the 2026 season? 16. And which two teams played the first ever NFL game held in Australia?

8. Which Spanish professional racing cyclist won the 2026 Vuelta a España?

17. Who won the men’s singles title at the 2026 US Open? 18. And who did that player defeat?

9. The Detroit Gems became the Minneapolis Lakers, who in turn became which NBA franchise?

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19. Zak Butters recently announced his intention to sign with which AFL team in 2027? 20. The New Zealand Warriors hosted their first final at what venue during the 2026 NRL Finals series?

10. What position does Melbourne's Isaac Woodhouse play for California’s Bakersfield College football team?

21. Which NBA team was recently fined $30 million for a salary cap scandal? 22. Australian runner Jess Hull won what medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics? 23. What sport is considered Canada’s national summer sport? 24. How old was Tiger Woods when he won his first major golf championship?

27. What sport is being played at Gotham City Stadium when it is blown up in the 2012 film The Dark Knight Rises? 28. Which name is commonly used by football clubs to show they originally did not have a fixed home ground? 29. And which A-league club has this in their name?

25. Where will the Wallabies play South Africa for a one-off Test on September 27?

30. Athletes of the Mongolian sport Bökh often move overseas and switch to what similar sport?

26. English twins Jamie and Craig Overton are set to play for which Big Bash League cricket team?

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GEOGRAPHICAL NAMING PROPOSAL Melton City Council is proposing to name the future Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Fraser Rise. The naming of this feature is required as it is a new feature. The feature will be located on Beattys Road in Fraser Rise, identified in red on the below map:

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The shortlisted name for the new aquatic and leisure centre, is “Tides Fraser Rise”. You are now invited to vote for or against the proposed name. You may also choose to make a submission on the proposal. You can cast your vote or make a submission by completing the online survey on Melton City Council Conversations Page, at the following link: https://conversations.melton.vic.gov.au/naming-fraser-risesnew-aquatic-and-leisure-centre-1

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Submissions may also be emailed to Council at placenaming@melton.vic.gov.au Consultation will be open until 5pm, Sunday 4 October 2026. Following the closing of the consultation period, Officers will consider the response, which will be considered at a future meeting of Council.

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Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

Hilux is no longer low rent By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring The latest and ninth generation Toyota Hilux arrived late last year. Just like Toyota’s other models it is available with a hybrid powertrain, but not just any old hybrid – this one’s a diesel hybrid. That’s a step in the right direction as is the fully electric version which is now available, soon to be joined by a hydrogen-powered fuel cell model – we kid you not. The world is changing and the Hilux is changing along with it. It has to or die. Our test vehicle, the 4x4 SR double cab 48-volt mild hybrid, sits at the heart of the range, one up from the entry level Workmate – but still surprisingly swish. The SR is aimed primarily at tradies, fleet buyers and families who want a no-nonsense dual cab that still scrubs up reasonably well after hours. It’s the spec that has to do it all: carry tools during the week, tow on the weekend and occasionally play family wagon.

Styling Hilux is available in five grades and 16 variations, not as many as the old days, but more than enough. They include cab-chassis or pick-up configurations, 4x2 or 4x4 drivelines, and single, extra and double-cab body styles. Prices kick off from $33,990 for the 4x2 Workmate single cab-chassis with a manual transmission, but more than double by the time you reach the top. The 4x2 double cab Workmate with an auto is priced from $47,990 and the 4x2 SR double cab pick-up from $52,990. It’s followed by the 4x4 grades, including Workmate, SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged X – the latter priced at $71,990. A further step up is the fully-electric Hilux BEV, priced from $76,490. The hybrid kicks in with SR cab-chassis from $57,990, followed closely by our test vehicle, the SR double cab pick-up 48V at $59,490 with an auto. Premium paint adds $675; the premium interior pack adds $2500. Bear in mind on-road costs must be added to these figures. Equipment is pitched to suit its working brief without feeling too vinyl. SR is differentiated on the outside by 17-inch alloy wheels, silver painted lower front bumper, black painted door handles, side mirrors and hood moulding, LED front fog lights, side steps, locking rear tailgate and a choice of six exterior colours. Owners of double cab automatic versions can also choose to change their 17-inch alloy wheels to steel wheels if they prefer. Inside, there’s manual aircon, while the SR adds greater front-seat bolstering and high-grade fabric upholstery, leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel, a 300W inverter, and smart entry and start. A simple 7.0-inch digital instrument panel delivers clear, easy to read info – but obviously lacks the bells and whistles of higher grades. Hilux is covered by Toyota’s standard five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, with the possibility of extended coverage on the drivetrain if you stick to dealer servicing. Service is due every six months, not 12 months, and although services are capped at $395 per visit – that’s two visits or $790 per year. The cap comes off after five years.

Infotainment A new free-standing 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard across the range, offering

We were getting 9.3L/100km after about 330km of mixed driving. On the road, the SR remains very much a ute, more truck than car. WorkMate and SR grades retain a heavy-duty suspension tune designed for carrying loads or towing Unladen, the leaf-spring rear suspension is firm, and on choppy backroads the ride can border on harsh, particularly over sharp bumps and corrugations. With a few hundred kilos in the tray it settles down noticeably, riding with more composure and reminding you that it has been tuned to work best when working. The front end uses a more RATINGS sophisticated setup that keeps steering feel and body control respectable for a Looks: 7.5 ladder-frame vehicle. Performance: 7 Steering weight is well judged: light enough for easy parking and city work, Safety: 7.5 yet with enough heft on the highway Thirst: 7 to feel stable. Practicality: 8 It’s not brimming with feedback, but Comfort: 7 Toyota Hilux SR dual cab utility doubles down on what has made the nameplate a it’s predictable and consistent. fixture in Australia. (Supplied) Body roll is controlled, and although Tech: 7 the Hilux will never be mistaken for a sporty SUV, it can be hustled a better interface, greater resolution, look rather than a ‘show truck’ Value: 7.5 Overall: 7.3 along a country road without feeling enhanced voice recognition, AM/FM and vibe. The front end is broad and DAB+ digital radio and compatibility with wayward. wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, upright, with a simple grille treatment and Brakes are strong and confidencewith wireless charging and eight-speaker practical headlights. inspiring, though as with any heavy vehicle Our test vehicle was fitted with an you still need to allow for stopping distances audio system. There’s cloud-based navigation across optional bullbar that incorporates a light when towing or fully loaded. the range, with four USB-C ports and two bar and serves to enhance the tough visage. It’s off-road, where the Hilux SR really There’s less chrome than the SR5 and earns its stripes. 12 volt sockets in this model. But read the fine print because access to more hard-wearing plastic where you’d Ground clearance, approach and some features expires unless you take out a expect it to get knocked around. departure angles and underbody protection In dual cab form it’s a sizeable vehicle, are all tuned for serious work. subscription. stretching more than five metres in length, Low-range gearing, hill-descent control, but with no larger footprint than the main a proper rear diff lock and sensible Safety traction-control calibration give it the tools Hilux carries a five-star safety rating. Extra competition. Getting in and out is easy enough for most to climb, descend and crawl through the safety equipment on SR includes tyre pressure monitoring and a panoramic view adults, helped by side steps, though shorter kind of tracks that would stop a soft-roader monitor, while 4x4 automatic grades bring passengers will still notice the height. dead. Once aboard, you’re greeted by a cabin additional off-road capability with a locking The suspension offers good wheel travel rear differential, Multi Terrain Select and that is more site office than lounge room, and keeps tyres in contact with the ground with seats trimmed in a hard-wearing more often than not, which is exactly what downhill assist control. SR customers are also able to remotely fabric. you want when things get gnarly. Hard plastics dominate, but they lock and unlock their vehicle through the Noise levels are acceptable rather than feel robust rather than cheap, and the plush. myToyota Connect app. switchgear is logically arranged. The diesel clatter is obvious on cold start Everything is where you’d expect it and and under hard throttle, but it fades into the Engines/transmissions Under the bonnet sits Toyota’s 2.8-litre can be operated with gloved hands, which background at cruising speeds. is exactly what many buyers want. four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Wind and tyre noise are well contained Front seats in the SR have evolved beyond for a vehicle of this type, though you’re In its current tune it produces around 150kW, with torque output depending on the flat perches of old, with more bolstering always aware you’re in a commercial-based the transmission – manuals get a little less, and better thigh support – but they’re still a ute rather than a luxury SUV. snug fit with little elbow room. autos a bit more, up to about 500Nm. The driving position is upright and Summing up In the mild-hybrid, a 48-volt system adds a small motor-generator and compact commanding, with good forward vision The Hilux SR dual cab utility is not trying to and large mirrors that help when towing or be the most glamorous or hi-tech ute in the battery. This doesn’t turn the Hilux into a full reversing into tight spots. car park. The rear bench is adequate for shorter hybrid, but it can assist the engine briefly at Instead, it doubles down on what has low revs, smooth restarts and capture a bit trips and a better fit for kids, though the made the nameplate a fixture in Australia: backrest is fairly upright and the base a durability, capability and a sense that it will of energy under braking. Drive is sent either to the rear wheels (in little short, reminding you this is still a cop punishment without complaint. 4x2s) or through a part-time 4WD system commercial vehicle at heart. In that sense it’s better than the sum of its Missing are rear air vents. with high and low ranges. parts, because the combination of engine, Out the back, the tub accepts standard chassis, safety electronics and dealer A rear differential lock is available on 4x4 pallets and typical worksite loads, but backing delivers low-drama ownership that SRs and key for serious off-road use. The gearbox is a six-speed manual or there’s no liner or cover. many buyers prize above all else. However, tie-down points, a damped six-speed automatic, both well proven. Toyota has clearly chosen to prioritise tailgate and easy step-up access make toughness, towing and off-road ability over loading reasonably straightforward. luxury-grade comfort and cutting-edge Driving SR has a braked tow capacity of 3500kg interiors. The big news with the SR is V-Active technology and that starts with this version, and accepts a payload of 1125kg (that figure And, for a large slice of the market even though it doesn’t wear a hybrid badge. is surprisingly difficult to find). that trade-off still makes perfect sense, Performance is modest rather than including tradies, farmers, fleets and It’s a 48-volt mild hybrid system that consists of an 8.5kW/65Nm electric motor exciting: you’re looking at roughly anyone who regularly loads up or ventures generator, lithium-ion battery and DC/DC mid-teens 0-100km/h times when loaded off-road. up, a bit quicker when unladen. converter. While rivals such as the Ford Ranger, But this engine is more about pulling Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50 and Mitsubishi It is designed to provide smoother stop-start functionality while also power than sprint times. Triton have lifted their game, the Hilux SR With a largish 80-litre tank, fuel remains a default choice for buyers who providing improved driving feel when consumption with this version is a claimed value proven hardware and a huge dealer accelerating from standstill. The latest Hilux SR has a tough, functional 7.2L/100km. network over the very latest platform.

16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Caroline Springs celebrate. 579506 01

Caroline Springs fans. (Rana Sajid Hussain)579506 04

Sharing the moment. 579506 10

Werribee Districts made hard work of it. 579506 14

Harrison White gets ready to lay a tackle.579506 15

Lakers’ premiership joy Caroline Springs claimed its first Western Football League division 1 premiership on Saturday, beating Werribee Districts. Star

Benjamin Davey celebrates. 579506 22

Weekly photographer Rana Sajid Hussain was out shooting some of the action.

Coach Brian Lake starts to celebrate with one of the trainers. 579506 16

Alexander Paech is awarded the best on ground medal. 579506 25

Werribee Districts watch on. 579506 27

Premiership captains and coaches. 579506 33

Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORT

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Women’s competition to grow By Tara Murray The Riddell District Football League women’s competition could have four new teams next season in a massive boost for the competition. After having just four teams this season, four existing RDFL clubs are aiming to field women’s sides in the competition. The league released a statement saying it was pleased to see clubs continuing to invest in opportunities for women and girls to play football. As previously announced, Wallan has moved its women’s program from the Northern Football League. The Magpies men’s football and senior netball are already in the competition.

Melton Centrals is aiming to reform its women’s side having not had one since Covid-19. The club previously told Star Weekly it was about providing a pathway for their juniors so they can continue to play at the club. Diggers Rest is aiming to have a women’s side for the first time. Burras’ president Shane Bishop said they had a group of youth girls coming through and they wanted to have somewhere they could play and if they didn’t do it know, it would likely be another three or four years before they had the players ready. They have advertised for a coach. Melton South last week announced

that former Sunbury Lions women’s coach Daniel Brady had been appointed its women’s coach for next season. Brady previously played at Melton South and was a former reserves and assistant coach at the club as well. Gareth Ryan has been named his assistant coach. The Panthers tried to get a women’s side up and running this year but didn’t have the numbers. The clubs will join Macedon, Lancefield, Riddell and Mount Alexander which were in the competition this year, having had six teams in 2025. Melton and Romsey both withdrew after not having the numbers. “We are really encouraged by the interest we are seeing from clubs across the

league,” league operations general manager Grace Bibby said. “The growth of women’s football is important to the future of the RDFNL, and we want to work closely with our clubs to support them in establishing sustainable and successful women’s programs. “With several clubs taking positive steps towards entering teams in 2027, we are hopeful this will provide further opportunities for women and girls across our region to play football and contribute to the continued growth of the competition.” The RDFNL said it will continue to work with clubs throughout the off-season to support their preparations for the 2027 season.

Sports shorts EDFL Caroline Springs has announced the signing of Mia Spiteri for the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division season. “Having played every game with the Darebin Falcons in the VFLW [Victorian Football League women] this year, Mia has an extensive footy resume that also includes experience at the Western Jets and a 2025 premier division premiership with the Hillside. We’re excited to watch her bolster our midfield group with her speed and footy IQ next year.”

EDFL The Essendon District Football League premier division teams of the year have been revealed. The women’s team included Caroline Springs’ Caitlin Pretty, Jacinta Kondis and Caitlyn Volpe, while Hillside’s Annie Gray also made the team. Hillside’s Nick Fluke was named in the men’s premier division team of the year.

Fox Dan. (Stuart McCormick)

Fox Dan runs away to seal a convincing win By John Dunne Proven big race performer Fox Dan is on track to gain a berth in the world’s richest pacing event after his win in the Group 2 APG Vicbred Super Series (4YO Entires & Geldings) at Melton on Saturday night. One of five Emma Stewart runners in the race, Fox Dan enjoyed a cosy sit behind the leader and stablemate Storms Collide before Ryan Sanderson eased the son of Art Major into the sprint lane on straightening. Fox Dan charged through along the inside to score running away by four metres from stablemates Last Trip and I Am The Storm in a mile rate of 1:52.3. Already a multiple Group 1 winner, Fox Dan is raced by Team Zav whose principal Danny Zavitsanos announced after the race the winner is likely to take up Team Zav’s slot in the $1.5m TAB Eureka in November. “He is a home bred horse who knows how to win big races and if he keeps ticking all the boxes, he’ll be there (in Sydney) come November,” Zavitsanos said.

Earlier in the night emerging mare The Art Of Success continued to build on her extraordinary winning streak when she chalked up her 10th successive win in the (4YO Mares) Final. Driver Mark Pitt asked the daughter of Art Major to dig deep into her considerable reserves after she was forced to sit parked outside the leader Wicked Confession for the final 1600 metres of the race. The Art Of Success was left a sitting shot for the talented mare Miss Ari who had the drop on the leaders however the winner refused to yield and held on to score by a head in a mile rate of 1:53.9. Pitt believes The Art Of Success has the talent to become one of the country’s premier mares. “I have no doubt she can go on and be one of our best mares as long as everything stays well with her, I’m sure we are going to see her is some great races,” Pitt said. The father and son team of Darren and Blake Pace capped off a memorable night when Sam Nien provided a boilover in tak-

18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 September, 2026

ing out the Group 1 APG Vicbred Super Series (4YO Trotting Entires & Geldings) Final. Sam Nien too enjoyed the run of the race behind the leader before making full use of the sprint lane to grab the leader I Am Spellbound in the shadows of the post. Much to chagrin of punters, it was a case of deja vu for the Pace family and Sam Nien. It was almost 12 months to the day since the son of Volstead last visited the winner’s stall in the Nutrien Equine Classic (3YO Trotting Colts & Geldings) Final at Melton. The win gave both 50-year-old Darren and 22-year-old junior driver Blake their first Group 1 success in the sport. “It’s unbelievable, I can’t believe it and I’m lost for words,” Blake said on returning to scale. “You go into these races and see what Alrighty and I Am Hellbound have been doing over the last few months and you dream a little bit and you always believe it’s going to be a dream,” he said. “But off the back behind the two big guns he was travelling too good not to run on.”

Melton Phoenix has reappointed Rob Spasevski as its FV state league 4 north-west coach for next season. “After taking charge for the final five matches of the 2026 season, Rob made an immediate impact, guiding the Phoenix to two wins, one draw and two losses.” the Phoenix said. “Both defeats came by just a single goal against the top two teams in the competition, highlighting the competitive spirit and determination shown by the squad under Rob’s leadership. “With a wealth of football knowledge and experience, both as a player and coach, Rob has proven to be an excellent addition to the Phoenix family.”

Ballarat FNL Darley dominated the Ballarat Netball League A-grade team of the year. Having gone through the regular season undefeated on the way to another grand final, Anna Lawley, Matilda Elliot, Olivia Cawthray and Montana Holmes were all recognised as they were named the team. Devils’ Brett Bewley and Billy Myers were named in the football team of the year along with Melton’s Jordyn Cotter and Brayden Kight, and Bacchus Marsh’ Luke Goetz and Josh Huxtable. FOR MORE SPORT VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklysport @star_weekly

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Tigers still proud in defeat By Tara Murray Werribee Districts will take plenty out of the 2026 Western Football League division 1 season despite falling short at the final hurdle on Saturday. The Tigers played off in their fifth straight grand final against Caroline Springs at Avalon Airport Oval. It was a day that the Tigers never really got going and were made to pay for not taking their opportunities in front of goal. After being close for most of the day, the Lakers kicked away to seal their first division 1 premiership, 14.12 (96)-8.15 (63). Tigers’ coach Chris Gilham said they were beaten by a better team on the day and full credit to Caroline Springs who got on top early and didn’t allow them back in.

“We didn’t play very well and the opposition were too good on the day, that’s for sure,” he said. “They probably beat us for a bit of speed on the outside and were able to take more of their opportunities than we were. “It was one of those days where we had some periods of play where we were on top, but we couldn’t turn it into any dominance or field position, into scores.” The Lakers led by 10 points at quarter-time and then eight points at half-time. The Tigers had their chances, having had 13 scoring shots to 11 at the main break. “Generally if we have good control of the game for a good patch of it in quarters we would kick four or five in bursts and we have done that all year,” Gilham said.

“It’s been a strength of ours, we just weren’t able to turn any period of possession or field position or any of those strong indicators into the scoreboard reward. “We were always close enough, but weren’t able to convert changes and that was the story of the day. “We didn’t convert any half chances. Not a lot of those chances were sitters.” The Lakers were able to increase the margin to 13 points at three-quarter-time before kicking six goals to three in the final quarter to seal the win. Rani Pavlidis and Lachlan Rainbow kicked two goals each for the Tigers. Pavlidis and Jack Bonnett were named among the best for the Tigers. Gilham said he couldn’t have been prouder of the group and what they had

achieved this season. “We didn’t get the chocolates yesterday [Sunday], but I couldn’t be prouder of our boys to play in our fifth grand final,” he said. “We had a lot of challenges this year, lost a lot of good players along the way. Every guy just kept stepping up. “To finish where we did and make the grand final with all that, was a great effort. We would have loved to have capped it off with a premiership win but still very proud of our season. “Our reserves won a grand final again, which is great plenty to celebrate. It wasn’t a perfect end to the season, but still had a really good year on being up there and giving ourselves really good opportunities. “Other clubs would only love to be up there.”

Nick Hind. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 560115_27

Nick Hind to depart Darley

Darley celebrates its premiership. (Red Onion Creative)

Despite scare, the Devils go back-to-back By Tara Murray Darley overcame one hell of a scare to claim back-to-back Ballarat Netball League titles. Aiming to win their second A-grade premiership, the Devils faced North Ballarat in Saturday’s decider at City Oval. The two sides played out a thriller in the qualifying final in the opening round of finals before both winning through to face each other again in the grand final. The Devils’ only loss for the season came against North Ballarat. It was Darley leading by two goals at quarter time after shooting the last two goals of the first quarter. Both sides had taken a bit to settle with some uncharacteristic errors. The Devils started to open the game up early in the second quarter with star goalshooter Olivia Cawthray starting to get on to pin the circle. North Ballarat started to miss a few with the Devils able to pull in some re-

bounds and convert at the other end. The margin was nine goals at half time, with the Devils in control. The two sides went goal-for-goal early in the third quarter with the margin 10 goals two-thirds of the way through. North Ballarat continued to swing changes to try and get back into the game. It managed to reduce the margin back to five goals at the last break. North kept going and it was back to one goal just three minutes into the quarter. Halfway through the last quarter scores were level with all the momentum with North Ballarat. The Devils though started to steady. They never let North Ballarat take the lead which would prove important in the final result. The Devils got the margin to three goals with less than two minutes on the clock. Darley was able to play around with the ball for the final minute to ensure it remained in front and they would stay there.

The Devils held on to win, 50-48. Devils playing coach Shannon Blackman was named best on court. Blackman said the game was 60 minutes of great netball and they were able to get the job done. She said she was so proud of the playing group and what they had achieved this season, having played another great season. North Ballarat coach Maddie Fitzpatrick admitted that the first half wasn’t their best and it was hard to get back into the game the way they did. She told her players to keep their heads up high and be proud of the fight that they showed. “Darley, you’ve been the benchmark the last two years, that was such a tough match,” she said. Meanwhile, the Devils’ B-grade side lost its grand final to the Sunbury Lions, 42-30, while C-grade lost to Lake Wendouree, 35-32.

One of Darley’s biggest names is on the move and will depart the Ballarat Football League. Hepburn has announced that Nick Hind will be its co-coach alongside his former Essendon teammate Devon Smith next season. The pair spent two seasons together at Essendon. “For 159 years, generations have proudly represented the mighty Burras,” Hepburn said on social media. “It is with much excitement that we announce best mates Nick Hind and Devon Smith will lead us into an exciting new era as our senior co-coaches. “Their energy already has the whole place buzzing as they are bringing new talent to Hepburn, current players have already signed and they have inspired past players to pull on the red and blue once again. “With a wealth of experience from AFL to local footy and extensive knowledge of the game, we are all super excited to see how the Burras fly under our new coaches.” Hind played his junior football in the Central Highlands Football League, where Hepburn plays, while Smith makes the move from the Geelong and District Football League. The move means Hind leaves Darley after two seasons at the club, where he quickly became one of the best players in the competition. He played 39 games across the two seasons, kicking 65 goals and was named in the best players 24 times. Hind won the AFL Victoria best on ground medal in last year’s premiership. This year Hind finished fourth in the league best and fairest award while also being named in the team of the year for a second straight year.

Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

22, SEPTEMBER, 2026

Back-to-back for Devils

Hind’s coaching move

Lakers take flag By Tara Murray Caroline Springs has gone from heartache to absolute joy in the space of 12 months, as it claimed its first Western Football League division 1 premiership. After losing to Werribee Districts in extra time in last year’s decider, the Lakers were able to turn to the table on Saturday. There would be no extra time this time round with the Lakers leading from start to finish on the way to a 14.12 (96)-8.15 (63) win. Lakers’ coach Brian Lake said this year felt different to 12 months ago. “I think, probably a bit more expectation last year with the side,” he said. “There were so many older guys close to the end of their careers, a bit like last hurrah. It was a little bit more tense last year than this year. “Coaching wise I didn’t change anything up. I didn’t do any motivational videos or photos up in the rooms before the game. “I treated it like another game and it was the same preparation on Tuesday and Thursday, the same preparation before the game today [Saturday]. “Most of these guys played last year, there were nine new names, but a lot played the reserves grand final last year. “I didn’t want to overawe them.” Lake said getting off to a good start put any nerves the group had away. The Lakers led by 10 points at quarter time, with the sides having the same amount of scoring shots. It was seven points at the main break, with the Tigers rueing poor kicking as they kicked 2.11 for the half. Lake said his group was able to hold on when they needed to. “They missed some shots and we felt that Werribee Districts shots, they were a bit wide, long shots as well,” he said. “We felt that they controlled the game for a period of time and we were holding on, defensively we were really solid. “It was about riding their waves, they have bursts done it against us before and they will kick four or five, six goals in a row and blow the game apart “We were very conscious of that and my main focus all year and since i’ve been coaching lets get defensive right first.” Lake, a premiership AFL defender, said defence wins finals and theirs stood up strong when they needed to. The margin increased to 13 points heading into the last break. Lake said they were able to make the most of their opportunities going forward after periods of play of dominance from the Tigers. He said they had a spread of contributors up forward which made them unpredictable. “We’ve been on the end of it before where you can dominate play for such a long period of time as Werribee did,” he said. “One inside 50 and we would kick a goal, how deflating that is to the opposition for us how much morale and excitement we would get from that, was massive.”

Caroline Springs. (Rana Sajid Hussain) 579506 08

Caroline Springs kicked the first four goals of the last quarter to increase the margin to a match winning 37 points. The Lakers were then able to enjoy the last half of the final quarter. Jesse Cavanagh, Malik Elfakahani and Jamie Ristoski kicked three goals each for the Lakers. Ruck Alexander Paech was awarded the best on ground medal. “He’s been fantastic, he’s a country boy and he loves the footy club and loves getting around the boys,” Lake said. “He’s probably different than some other ruckman with the way the ruck rules have changed as they haven’t suited him too much at centre bounce, he’s had to evolve a little bit as well.” Lake said Tate Wood played his best game of the season after being moved into the middle for the grand final. He was full of praise for their backline led by Ben Caluzzi and Lachlan Mellon for the job he did on Daniel Nielson. “We don’t rely on two or three guys, we don’t need someone to put the cape on and carry us, We needed 22 guys playing their role and contribution, honestly say they did.” With Cooper Pepi the oldest player at just 27, Lake said they were hoping that they could keep this group together for a long time and have some sustained success.” The premiership is the club’s first senior men’s premiership since 2016, when they won their first premiership, division 2. Lake was part of that premiership, kicking three goals. He said it was pretty special to be involved in both in different ways. Lake said he expected the celebrations to be just as big.

Joshua Puli and Alexander Paech.