Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 19th May 2026

Fix Leakes Road

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Residents in Melbourne’s west are calling onthestategovernmenttomakeimmediate safety upgrades to Leakes Road and the WesternFreewayinterchangeinRockbank.

Concerned residents are calling the stretch of road a “critical danger zone”, stating it lacks essential safety infrastructure, including traffic signals on thefreewayrampsandadequatelightingon theoverpass.

DonnaSouthernisheadingthecampaign for a revamp of Leakes Road, originally calling for lights to be installed at the interchange back in February last year after starting the Leakes Needs Lights communitygroup.

Requests to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) resulted in a 10km/h speed reduction and the installation of stop signsalongtheinterchange.

The potential consequences of continuing delay are catastrophic. How much is a life worth -

“Merely the Band-Aid …residents have grown more disheartened and frustrated,” MsSouthernsaid.

According to VicRoads crash data, 23 collisions where emergency services attended have occurred at the Rockbank section of Leakes Road since the beginning of2024.

“Road safety at the Leakes Road interchange has been a major concern for localresidentsformanyyears,”MsSouthern said.

“We are one of the fastest-growing corridors in the country and our road infrastructure is not keeping pace, it is deteriorating, full of potholes, not fit for purpose and is downright dangerous,” she said.

“There are not enough temporary or short-term safety measures being implemented, and little regard for residents inthisrespect.”

Campaigners have also called for adequate lighting to be installed along

the Leakes Road overpass, stating current infrastructure leaves drivers blinded by other commuters’ lights in pitch-black conditions.

“It is pitch black at night … It is difficult to see the road markings at night or during rain,”MsSouthernexplained.

The campaign also calls for repairs to potholes along the roads, described as a “moonscape”wherepotholesarerepeatedly fixedandreopenedbycommutingvehicles.

“They get patched once and reopen the nextmonth.It’sgettingworse,”MsSouthern said.

The federal government has committed $50 million in this year’s budget to upgrade the Western Freeway, with discussions

currently underway between the federal and state governments to identify and prioritiseupgrades.

A state government spokesperson said upgrade works will make a number of improvements which address residents’ concerns,withconfirmationpending.

“The Western Freeway upgrade will improve safety, road capacity and freeway access, including around the Leakes Road interchange,”thespokespersonsaid.

“The project is currently undertaking site investigations and planning work, with the scope to be confirmed over the coming months.”

But Ms Southern believes time is crucial toavoidseriousinjuriesordeath.

“The potential consequences of continuing delay are catastrophic,” Ms Southernsaid.

“How much is a life worth, and weigh this upwiththecostofinstallingtrafficlights.” Campaignersareaimingtoreceive10,000 signaturesinsupportoftheproposedsafety implementations.

Concerned residents will also rally in support of road upgrades on Sunday 24 May from noon at 11 Commercial Road in CarolineSprings.

Petition: https://www.parliament.vic. gov.au/get-involved/petitions/improveroad-safety-and-infrastructure-at-leakesroad-and-western-freeway-interchangerockbank/

Petition for improved parking

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

A petition signed by 263 residents is calling on Moorabool council to improve parking and accessibility conditions along Russell Street in Gordon, near several key community services.

The petition, started by Milla Place, was formally received at council’s 6 May meeting and details residents raising concerns and urging council to review parking arrangements near the town’s post office, pharmacy and nearby medical services, citing ongoing concerns about safety, accessibility and pedestrian access.

According to the petition, the area currently has no formal parking spaces, resulting in vehicles parking on the grassed nature strip and across footpaths.

“Currently, there are no formal parking spaces available, which results in vehicles parking along the grassed nature strip and sometimes partially on the footpath,” the petition said.

Petitionerssaidtheissuebecomesparticularly problematic during wet weather, when the ground becomes muddy, uneven, and slippery, creating “difficult and potentially unsafe conditions” for pedestrians accessing the essential community services.

“This area is frequently used by many elderly residents, families and people visiting medical services, and the current parking conditions raise concerns regarding public safety, accessibility and pedestrian access,” the petition stated.

Community members also raised concerns about vehicles obstructing footpaths, limited accessibility for disabled residents and traffic safety issues near the intersection during busy periods.

The petition calls on council to undertake a site assessment and consider installing formal angled parking and accessibility improvements along Russell Street in a bid to improve safety and ac-

(Damjan Janevski) 548880_01

Acts of kindness help fill shelves in Ballan

The shelves at the Ballan Neighbourhood House are filling up with more than food and second-hand treasures this year, as community spirit fills both its shelves and the hearts of its volunteers.

As cost-of-living pressures continue to bite, the neighbourhood house has launched an initiative aimed at helping locals doing it tough.

The neighbourhood house’s ‘give what you can, take what you need’ food bank encourages residents to donate non-perishable groceries wherever they can, with organiserssuggestingshoppersaddalittle extra to their trolley before dropping it off

at the Inglis Street hub, with the aim of giving a little more to the community.

The initiative reflects a growing demand for practical support across regional communities, where food relief services are increasingly relied upon by families, pensioners, and individuals facing financial hardship.

The neighbourhood house is also celebrating a major milestone, with its popular Steptoes op-shop permanently relocating under the Ballan Neighbourhood House roof at 143 Inglis Street. The move is expected to help secure the long-term future of the much-loved community op-

shop while creating a more centralised support space for locals, with community donations already beginning to flood in.

However, due to manual handling concerns, the op-shop is no longer accepting furniture or large household items, with residents encouraged to check with managementbeforedonatingoversizedgoods.

The Ballan Neighbourhood House is hoping 2026 will become a year of practical generosity, where small acts of giving help keep the wider community connected and supported.

Details: www.ballanneighbourhoodhouse.com.au/

cess for the local community.

As part of the resolution, council officers were directed to receive and note the petition and respond accordingly.

A written submission from Ms Place was also provided to councillors as part of the meeting proceedings.

The issue highlights broader concerns around infrastructure and accessibility in growing regional communities like Moorabool, particularly in areas where essential services attract regular traffic but lack formal parking facilities.

Council has not yet indicated a timeline for any assessment or potential works on Russell Street.

Residents to weigh in on proposed budget

Moorabool residents will have the chance to weigh in on council’s proposed 2026-27 budget.

The proposed budget outlines more than $21.9 million in capital works projects across the shire, alongside an avergae rate rise of 2.75 per cent in line with the state government’s Fair Go Rates System cap.

Among the major projects proposed under the 2026-27 budget is $2 million for stage two aquatic infrastructure at the Bacchus Marsh Indoor Sports Facilities, an $1.805 million road reseal program, and upgrades to roads including Ballan-Meredith Road in Morrisons and Spargo Creek Road in Spargo Creek.

Other proposed works include new CCTV, fencing, gates, and signage infrastructure, upgraded seating at the MARC grandstand stadium, and a playground renewal at White Avenue Recreation Reserve in Bacchus Marsh.

Cr Rod Ward gave praise for the amount of work put into the budget planning process, following what he called “disappointment” over council’s last budget.

“Whether we agree with what’s in it or not, we cannot say there was a lack of consultation.”

Waste service charges are proposed to increase, with the waste management service charge to rise from $113 to $144, while the overall waste collection charge to increase from $253 to $262.

Residetns can have their say until 5pm on 4 June.

New Diggers Rest hub name linked to place

Melton residents will soon have the chance to help name a new community facility in Diggers Rest.

Melton council unanimously endorsed a shortlist of five proposed names for public consultation for the new community building at its 27 April meeting.

Expected to open in January next year, the new hub is set to include kindergarten facilities, maternal and child health services, and a library lounge.

Council resolved to adopt the naming theme “Linking the name to place” before endorsing five shortlisted options for community voting.

The proposed names include Diggers Rest Community Centre, Golden Sun Children’s and Community Centre, Volcanic Plains Children’s and Community Centre, Goldfields Community Centre - Diggers Rest, and Vineyard Road Children’s and

Community Centre.

“It’s going to be the first of its kind in the City of Melton and the intention here, I’m hoping, is it will support the lack of secondary provisions in the Diggers Rest community,” Cr John Verdon said.

Community engagement undertaken between 5 March and 3 April attracted 16 votes on the preferred naming theme, with “Linking the name to place” receiving 50 per cent of support.

Residents also submitted 24 naming suggestions, with officers narrowing the list to five compliant options after assessing them against Geographic Names Victoria rules and council policy.

Community members will be invited to vote for their preferred name during a consultation period of at least 30 days, with the final decision to return to council at a future meeting.

Join Hillside Probus Club

The Hillside Probus Club is on the hunt for newmembers.

Beginning as a humble community group offering unlimited possibilities in retirement to its members just last year, the Hillside Probus is all about friendship, fellowship, and fun for senior members of the community who are retired or semi-retired.

Probus clubs are open to members from the community in support of promoting healthy minds and active bodies through social interaction activities and outings with retirees from across the community, with the initiative looking for members across Australia and New Zealand including in Deer Park, Bacchus Marsh andMelton,whichofferladiesonlyclubs.

Hillside Probus media representative Grace Di Meglio said the group is open to anyone who is keen to join in and around Hillside.

“Weonlystartedlastyearandwe’veonly

got25members,sowe’realwayslookingto increasethat,”MsDiMegliosaid.

“Anyone is welcome. There are no upper or lower age limits and our club is for men andwomen,couplesandsingles.”

Hillside’s Probus Club opens the door to new experiences and friendships, where members are given the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, stay active by participating in a wide range of activities and explore what the community has to offer.

Attendance at monthly meetings is required, with the next monthly meeting being held on Thursday 4 June at the Watergardens Hotel, located at 431 Kings Road, Taylors Lakes. The meeting will commence at 10:30am and run through to 12:30pm.

“Comeandjoinusforacuppaandchat,” MsDiMegliosaid.

Details: www.facebook.com/ groups/1169055811860330/

Briefs

Ravenhall company fined

The company operating the Melbourne Regional Landfill in Ravenhall has been ordered to pay nearly $7 million in underpaid landfill levy contributions following a Supreme Court ruling. The court upheld arguments by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria that Landfill Operations Pty Ltd (LOPL), which runs the site also known as Cleanaway Ravenhall, failed to correctly include nondescript crushed rock used as daily landfill cover in its levy calculations during the 2017-18 financial year. The Supreme Court ruled the material met the definition of waste under the Environment Protection Act 1970, ordering LOPL to pay $6,936,892.05.

Car Park closure

Temporary car park closures, pedestrian detours and relocated bus stops will be in place at Melton station as level crossing removal works continue. From 19 May to mid-June, sections of the station car park will close intermittently for construction works. A free shuttle bus will run between the Brooklyn Road car park and the temporary station from 18 May to 10 August on weekdays between 6-9am and 3-6pm. Bus routes and V/ Line replacement coach bays have been relocated, while pedestrians are advised to follow signage and traffic controllers through the precinct. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Children sail into creativity

A new picture book called ‘Sailing, Sailing’ transformed a local playgroup’s favourite toys into characters, their artwork into vibrant designs and their songs into a narrative. The book launched in Dallas on 1 May and Courtney Black joined in to hear the story behind Sailing, Sailing.

In Dallas, a partnership between a local playgroup and a non-profit arts organisation has helped a group of neurodivergent and diabled children create their own vibrant story.

Artists and writers from Kids Own Publishing (KOP) engaged with children from the Dallas Playconnect+ playgroup to create a book, ‘Sailing, Sailing’.

Playgroup facilitator Cheryl Paine said creating the book was a personal, meaningful journey for children and families.

“The concept of Sailing, Sailing is actually based on a song that I sing each week with our children,” Paine said.

“When the children are a bit unfocused I’llsay,‘haseveryonegottheirsailinghand ready?’ then I’ll start singing.”

While moving her hand like a boat over waves she would sing, ‘Sailing, sailing, over the ocean – Sailing, sailing, over the sea – Sailing, sailing, over the ocean – Sail back home to me.’

“I think it just captured the hearts of the KOP team.”

Theplaygroupwasabletocreatethebook after being offered a $20,000 Hume council grant from the Dallas Brooks Community Hub.

“The book has given us a purpose and an outcome,” Paine said.

“Over five weeks the KOP team came in andengagedwiththechildrenintheirplay.

“They made special allowances for our children in how they directed and participated in the activity of art, because a lot of our children won’t sit for very long.

“We had our big plastic stand-up tray with all different lots of paint in it and our children were doing a sensory play experience with the paint.

“Then at the end of it they took these great big sheets of paper, laid it on top and lifted it up and then created these fabulous big pieces of art.”

On each page of Sailing, Sailing there are vibrant layers of paint which KOP lead artist Viet-My Buiveit said speaks for itself.

“All the artwork in the book is made by

All the artwork in the book is made by the children’s hands, they are expressing themselves so beautifully and so vibrantly through artwork

- Viet-My Buiveit

the children’s hands, they are expressing themselves so beautifully and so vibrantly through artwork,” she said.

“The way KOP works is that all the books are children-led, so the narrative and the artwork is all by the kids, and we don’t direct anything.

“It is a bit more challenging when they’re non-verbal but we wanted to really champion the fact that Neil and Lincoln communicatebeautifullyintheirownway.

“We wanted to try to put a book together that seemed true to them.”

Buiveit and her team led finger-painting, water play, and collage activities, encouraging the children to make their own artwork.

“Lincoln loves water play so I thought to combine art-making with the thing that he already naturally gravitates towards,”

she said. “He was just obsessed, he almost wanted to climb in and swim in the paint. He was just making so much art, and I didn’t really have to demand anything different of him.”

Buiveit said she observed the children playing and communicating by pointing, jumping and making noises.

“We noticed that the kids gravitated towards certain toys, so we thought, we can make those toys the characters of the story.

“We wove together a narrative based on snippets of conversations we heard and that’s how the book came to be.”

Paine said while the words appear random in the book, there is a larger story around them.

“A lot of our children are non-verbal, so they might just say random words like, ‘what, what, what’, or ‘splash, splash, splash’, which really came in through the book,” she said.

One of the pages was entirely inspired by how Neil, 2, played with Velcro fruit toys.

“Neil started cutting the fruit toys and saying ‘that, that, that’s an orange’, and then he chopped a green Kiwi - so that’s what’s on his page.”

Neil’s mum Meg Talekar said creating thebookwasanewanduniqueexperience.

“At home, he normally doesn’t do the type of things that we did so it was quite eye-opening for me to see that. It gave me something to sort of take home and learn from,” Talekar said.

“Neil was so interested in the fruit platter,sowestartedputtingtogethersome art around the fruits, we used paper to put the different colours together and make a game out of it.

“I’m hoping that it is a memory [for Neil] that no photo or video can capture.

“I hope the book that he has helped put together will become one of our favourites at home for bedtime stories.”

Talekar said participating in the Dallas PlayConnect+ playgroup has been really valuable as a first-time mum with a non-verbal child.

“Since coming here it seems like his speech is starting to improve and get better,”shesaid.“It’sanicesettingtocome in and have a bit of a break, spending time with people and sharing experiences and the roadblocks that they have experienced and how they overcame those.”

This Dallas playgroup is facilitated by Playgroup Victoria and one of the many federally funded PlayConnect+ playgroups for children aged up to six with a disability and/or developmental concerns.

Playgroup Victoria programs and social impact manager Louise Buckle-Smith said PlayConnect+ playgroups are a safe, accessible space for families.

“It’s challenging for somebody that’s had a baby and things can be flowing normally and then all of a sudden there’s a bit of a halt, where something’s not quite right,” Buckle-Smith said.

“The highest emotional journey from there on is where they’ve got to connect to services and get a diagnosis, a lot of them are going through that period.

“PlayConnect+ really is for families to haveanunderstandingofwhatservicesare in their community that can also support them.”

Buiveitsaiditwasapleasuretocreatethe book with PlayConnect+, and she hopes to work with children from all backgrounds.

“People might think that neurodivergent kids have limitations when making something like this, and I just want to totally dispel that.

“Your child might not speak in a conventional way, but they are so rich internally.

“All children are innately creative, and they just choose to express themselves in totally different ways.”

TheKOPcommunitypublishingprogram is open to communities and organisations workingwithupto20childrenaged12and under.

Kids Own Publishing: https:// kidsownpublishing.org.au/

PlayConnect+: https://www.playgroup. org.au/playconnect/

Lego masters and plant giveaways in Moorabool

There was something for everyone across the Moorabool Shire on Thursday 14 May. From Lego creations at the weekly Lego Makers event in Bacchus Marsh to council’s annual native plant giveaway at the Ballan Library, imagination, creativity, and sustainability was running wild. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski captured the aspiring Lego masters and greenthumbsinaction.

4-Year-Old Kinder. More free hours for families.

Kinder shapes everything from social skills to curiosity and confidence. With up to 20 free hours per week, children in 4-Year-Old Kinder will have more time to play, learn and grow.

Free Kinder means families pay no out-of-pocket fees at a standalone kinder, or get a bill reduction for kinder in long day care. To find

MY PLACE

Eynesbury local Amy Montague made history as a decorated author after bringing home third place in the 2025 Furphy Literary Award. Jack O’Shea-Ayres caught up with Amy, who shared what life is like in her quiet Eynesbury paradise.

What’s your connection to Eynesbury?

I’ve lived in Eynesbury for eight years now and spend most of my time here. I work as a writer alongside my full time role in marketing which allows me to work from home some days.

What do you like about where you live?

There’s a quiet here that’s hard to find elsewhere. I’m surrounded by open land, with only one neighbour to one side, so my house looks over parkland instead of fences for brick walls. I love the wildlife, the birds and kangaroos, even the rabbits (I know, they’re a pest). I remember when I first drove through the forest to inspect the house I ended up buying I said to myself “I want to live here“. You leave your troubles at the top of Eynesbury road and feel refreshed by the time you make it past the homestead. I also love that I’ve made friends here, whether it’s been through our local bookclub or the school pick-up and drop off. We have a friendly community that I’ve never enjoyed anywhere else.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

The area is growing quickly, but the infrastructure and long-term planning haven’t kept pace. I’d want to see more considered planning in regards to housing lots, something that respects the community rather than just reshaping it to fit demand. Housing is being built fast,

but we still don’t have a high school or any shops beyond the general store. I know I’m not the only resident who’d say it would be nice to be able to pick up the groceries without driving for over 15 minutes.

In the broader Melton aspect, if the state government could do something about our roads, that would be great.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

At home. Honestly, besides sitting poolside in a tropical island resort, I’m a total home-body. When I’m not in the office, running errands or looking after my kids, I’m glued to my desk until midnight most daysoftheweek.Outsideofthat,I’llusually be found at the Eynesbury recreation reserve playground with my kids.

What’s life like after the Furphy Literary Awards?

The Furphy Awards gave my writing a lot of momentum, which has been useful, but the day-to-day hasn’t changed at all really. Writing is and always has been my passion. I’ve stepped away from competitions to pursue more challenging opportunities. I’m currently seeking grant funding to adapt a story into a series pilot that will require interstate travel and First Nation collaboration. And I’m still heavily entrenched in my manuscript work which I hope to have ready for the 2027 Clunes Book Festival.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago 15 May, 1996

The number of homes being burgled in Melton each month has increased by more than 40 per cent during the last 10 months, in a wave of crime that has baffled Melton police.

20 years ago 16 May, 2006

Roads were the biggest winners in last Tuesday’s federal budget, with Melton Shire to receive an additional $468,792 this financial year as part of the Government’s Roads to Recovery program.

15 years ago 17 May, 2011

Landowners say Melton Council is forcingthemoffthelandwithamassive rate rise which could have them paying thousands of dollars more than last year.

10 years ago 17 May, 2016

Hundreds of corellas and cockatoos haveruledtheroostatCarolineSprings Square for long enough, business owners say.

Win for Yankee Flat wildlife

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

A long-running community campaign to reduce speed limits on a dangerous stretch of Yankee Flat Road in Navigators has succeeded, with new limits and wildlife warning signs to be introduced.

Thechangescomeaftermorethanayear of advocacy led by Koala Alliance president Jessica Robertson, who described the decisions as a “rare and hard-won win for wildlife” in a Facebook post on Tuesday 5 May.

The road has long been regarded as one of the worst wildlife strike zones in the Ballarat region and is known as a key koala corridor.

Ms Robertson explained she had attended numerous koala rescues along the route over the years, but none of the injured animals had survived due to the severity of their injuries caused by high-speed collisions.

Moorabool council originally received a petition signed by 35 residents living near or on the road in April last year from the Koala Alliance calling for the council to reduce the speed limit on Yankee Flat Road and collaborate with Victorian Police to install a permanent speed camera to reduce the incidence of koala injuries.

Residents raised concerns not only about wildlife deaths, but also about road safety, reporting incidents of being tailgated or nearly hit while entering and exiting driveways around blind corners.

In support of their case, Ms Robertson submitted five years of koala fatality data, while residents gathered traffic data showing speeding was most severe at dusk, when koalas were shown to be most active.

Councillors wrote to the Department of Transportrequestingthereductioninspeed limits, however an application for a fixed speed camera did not occur as Yankee Flat Road is on the mobile speed radar program.

Under the approved changes, the speed limit between Navigators Road and Ramage Road will drop from 100 km/h to 80 km/h, while the section between Ramage Road and Yendon No.1 Road will be reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h.

“I’m pleased to have been involved in the

Primary students unite for leadership camp

School leaders across Sunbury and Diggers Rest have come together for a special leadership camp.

Students from Diggers Rest Primary School, Sunbury Primary School, Goonawarra Primary School and Kismet Park Primary School came together for a student leadership camp, designed to provide authentic leadership experiences and develop life-long capabilities for students in a collaborative environment.

Held at Gilwell Park and the Yarra River on 6 May and 7 May, Diggers Rest Primary School assistant principal Brad Kemp said the first camp of its kind for students was a big success.

“The goal for the camp was for student leaders to communicate and problem-solve effectively, as well as demonstrate exemplary levels of responsibility,” he said.

“We are hopeful that our future leaders

are capable of leading themselves, leading others and leading in the community.”

Mr Kemp said the camp was supported by local businesses and community groups around Sunbury and Diggers Rest, including HiQ, Sunbury Connected Communities and the Diggers Rest Lions Club.

Sunbury MP Josh Bull also came out and did a leadership workshop with the students about their leadership capabilities and practical tools they could bring back to their own schools.

Diggers Rest Primary School student Yusef attended the camp, and said it was a great experience.

“This camp was an amazing experience and a great opportunity to collaborate and work together with the leaders from the Sunbury and Diggers Rest network,” he said.

“The camp definitely enhanced my own leadership skills and capabilities.”

process to have the speed limit reduced on this section of road,” mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor said.

“Not only was the higher speed a hazard to wildlife, it was also dangerous for motorists and residents.

“There is a three-kilometre stretch of Yankee Flat Road that has blind spots and is tree-lined so the reduction in speed will create a safer environment for everyone.”

Koala warning signs will also be installed along key locations, with all changes to

come into play by September.

“Wildlife rarely wins like this,” Ms Robertson said in a post on Facebook.

“Our koalas, wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas will all be better off from this change.”

Ms Robertson said the next step would be advocating for enforcement measures through Victoria Police to ensure drivers comply with the new limits.

“This will save lives, both wildlife and human. But enforcement will be key,” she said.

Faces of the west and north

Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s western and northernsuburbs.

Boosting women’s health

By Christopher Carter, CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

Even though Australia has one of the best andmostaccessiblemedicalsystemsinthe world,it’simportanttonotethatsometimes overtheyearsithasn’tbeenwithoutfault.

One substantial area in which it was for decades less than ideal was women’s health. A combination of lack of focused funding, inadequate training and policy priority meant that conditions such as endometriosis, menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) didn’t always receivetheattentiontheydeserved.

AcrossMelbourne’snorthandwestthere are these days, thankfully, plenty of GPs very well aware of the pain and discomfort causedbywomen’shealthconditions.There are also specialist women’s health services availableatMeltonHealthandCommunity Services and the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’scentreatSunshineHospital.

Now, too, though, we have a whole new facility dedicated to the field. Funded by the Australian Government, there is a endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic in the west, one of 33 operating around the country.

Based at Werribee Medical and Dental Care, it provides expert, multidisciplinary services for endometriosis, PCOS, and other conditions. It also supports women experiencing symptoms of perimenopause andmenopause.

And that’s important, because it means women can discuss these matters without theanxietythatsometimesmayarisewhen talking about them with their regular GPs. It also means that for thousands of women and girls in the outer western suburbs they

can find help and support much closer to home. Endometriosis affects at least one in seven, often causing chronic pain and fertility issues. Many women can endure years waiting for a diagnosis, which may have a devastating impact on their daily lives. Stories for other conditions are distressinglysimilar.

Consider a relationship legal health check-up

Rodriguez Family Lawyers urges residents to consider a relationship legal health check-up, highlighting how early legal advice can protect families, finances and futureplanning.

Much like regular visits to doctors or accountants, staying in good “legal health” can prevent costly issues later, says principal lawyer Leticia Rodriguez, whobringsmorethan18years’experience in litigation, court appearances and settlements.

Located in the heart of Bacchus Marsh, the practice is encouraging individuals and couples to assess their legal position at every stage of a relationship — before, during and after. This includes reviewing how relationships affect wills, powers of attorneyanddeceasedestates.

The firm notes several situations where a legal health check is strongly recommended. These include couples approaching the two-year mark who may unknowingly fall into a defacto category, parents who have had a child outside marriage, and partners preparing to move intogetherormarry.

Checks are also urged for those experiencing family violence, recently separated couples navigating property or parenting arrangements, and individuals who remain legally married despite long-term separation. Even after divorce, unresolved issues involving property or childrenmayrequireurgentlegaladvice.

Rodriguez says that proactive conversations can safeguard accumulated

wealth, clarify rights, and help break negative cycles — particularly in matters ofsafetyandfamilywellbeing.

Community members concerned about their legal position, or those who know someone who may benefit, are encouraged to book a relationship legal health check-up. The firm offers in-person and online consultations, supporting both private and Victoria Legal Aid matters while continuing its mission of ‘Providing AccesstotheLawatBacchusMarsh’.

Now,though,thingsarelookingup. Patients don’t need a formal diagnosis of endometriosis or a referral from another doctor to visit the Werribee Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic (as it’s formally known).

The focus is firmly on early access to intervention and support, to make sure treatment and management is as easy as possible.

And if Werribee is too far away to reach easily, telehealth appointments are available.

Werribee Medical and Dental Centre is a fully bulk-billing clinic. It is located at 1-5StationPlace,Werribee,3030. Call (03) 8734 0333 or visit werribeemedicalcentre.com.au for operating hours and to book an appointment.

Short story competition returns

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Melton City Libraries’ short story competition is making its return in 2026.

Aspiring writers, storytellers, and creatives are invited to let their imaginations run free as the competition opens for entries.

Celebrating its 21st year, the competition provides the opportunity for entrants to have their work judged by popular authors and go in the running to share in over $3000 in prizes.

Entries can be presented in text, illus-

New route to connect the west

Families in Melbourne’s western suburbs will soon have better public transport, with a new bus route connecting Mt Atkinson to Rockbank Station from late June.

The new route 140a service will connect people in the growing Rockbank and Mt Atkinson communities to the rail network for the first time, starting from 28 June.

The 140a will run seven days a week in a bidtosupportthosegettingtowork,school, shopping centres, and community services.

Services are scheduled to run every 20 minutes for most of the day on weekdays, and every 40 minutes for most of the day on weekends.

Later this year, the route will also extend through Tarneit station once local roadworks are complete, helping to connect a new public transport option for thousands of locals living across the west.

Inthecomingmonths,theservicewillbe joined by newer and upgraded bus routes for Melbourne’s growing west, including Tarneit, West Tarneit, Aintree, Deanside, Cairnlea, Thornhill Park, and the Kings Leigh estate in Werribee.

Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said the fast-tracked delivery of the new bus route came after the community called for better public transport options across the municipality.

“We’ve been listening to the community and I know firsthand how much we need public transport here in Mt Atkinson.”

“This new route will connect families in these growing estates to public transport for the first time.”

tration, video, verse, voice, or a combination of formats across three categories, in junior, teen, and adult.

“The Short Story Competition is a fantastic opportunity for emerging writers, illustrators and creative storytellers across our community to share their work and have it recognised by professional authors,” Melton mayor Lara Carli said.

Written entries are capped at 1500 words for juniors and teens, and 3000 words for adults, while non-written entries should be no longer than five minutes in length.

A judging panel, made up of bestselling children’s author of Real Pigeons and Hello Twigs Andrew McDonald, award-winning young adult author of Living on Hope Street and Growing Up Muslim in Australia Dermet Divaroren, and acclaimed crime author of Wimmera, The Rip, and Eden Mark Brandi, will review the entries.

There’s also be a chance to meet the judges at Melton Library and Learning Hub and Caroline Springs Library and Learning Hub throughout the competition period in a series of special author talks, where they’ll be sharing their best tips on

Public and Active TransportMinister Gabrielle Williams with Brimbank resident Poonam Singh, and Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch. (Supplied)

Under the recently announced state budget, investments are also being made to improve bus services across the west, including funding to deliver two new routes in Melton South and a new connection to

Woodgrove Shopping Centre, more Sunday services between St Albans Station and Highpoint Shopping Centre, and more services between Moonee Ponds and Watergardens.

writing a winning entry.

There’s also a number of prizes up for grabs including gift vouchers, new-release books, and tools to help inspire writers on their storytelling journey.

Entries close Friday 10 July and can be submitted online. Authors must live, work or study in the City of Melton.

“As we celebrate 21 years of the competition, we’re inviting anyone who has a story to tell to give it a go - whether you’re picking up a pen for the first time or refining your creative craft,” Cr Carli said. Details: melton.vic.gov.au/MCLShortStory

Business award nominations open

Applications are now open for the 2026 Melton council business excellence awards.

Local businesses across Melton are being encouraged to step into the spotlight and be recognised for the impact they make on the community.

The awards celebrate businesses which go above and beyond in their operations, from delivering outstanding service and driving innovation, to creating inclusive workplaces and giving back to the community.

“The City of Melton Business Excellence Awards program shines a light on the hardworking businesses that help our community thrive,” Melton mayor Lara Carli said.

“These awards are about recognising the innovation, passion and commitment that sit behind the businesses across our city.”

The 2026 award categories include health, wellness and care, professional services, visitation and hospitality, retail,industryandtradeservices,sustainability excellence, disability inclusion initiative, workplace engagement, and community impact leadership.

Category winners will also be considered by the judging panel for the business of the year award.

Applications close Thursday 9 July, with winners set to be announced at a special awards night in September.

“I encourage all eligible businesses to put themselves forward, if you know of a business that is doing amazing things, make sure you encourage them to apply for this year’s awards,” Cr Carli said.

To submit an application, visit: melton.vic.gov.au/MBEA

PUZZLES

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.

ACROSS

1 Office of the Pope (6)

4 Understood by a select few (8)

9 Fault (7)

11 Reindeer (7)

12 Quality of being experienced (11)

13 Determined (3)

14 BLT, e.g. (8)

16 Become liable to (5)

19 US city (5)

20 Tissue death (8)

22 ‘Born’ (3)

24 One who studies the development of words (11)

26 Tsar’s wife (7)

27 Flyer (7)

29 Faith (8)

30 Biological molecular catalyst (6) DOWN 1 Boll (3) 2 Baltic region (9)

3 Made well (5) 5 Football (6) 6 Defeating soundly (9) 7 Picture puzzle (5) 8 Fake (money) (11) 10 Jerk (6) 12 British parliament (11)

15 Bleaching (9)

17 A physical science (9)

18 Buddhist temple (6)

21 Electrical generator (6)

23 Cyber message (5)

25 Commonly used edible bulb (5)

28 Cereal (3)

16 words: Good 24 words: Very good 32 words: Excellent Today’s Aim:

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”. C A D N T E D A I

3

1 Which Russian playwright wrote TheCherryOrchard, Three Sisters and UncleVanya?

2 Greenware is the term for pottery that has not yet undergone what process?

3 What was the name of the moon in BearintheBigBlueHouse? 4 Fleetwood Mac’s three principal songwriters were Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and which other member?

5 The headquarters of the UN are located in which city?

6 Which British singer topped the 2026 Triple J Hottest 100 with the song Man I Need?

7 Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs were originally bred to hunt what animal?

8 Which conflict is widely recognised to have ended with the Good Friday Agreement of 1998?

9 Name the three countries whose national flags feature a dragon.

10 Caleb McLaughlin (pictured) plays Lucas Sinclair in which scifi TV show?

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

Melton South Community Centre

Melton South Community Centre is offering free lawyer appointments for immigration, family law, or JP every Tuesday, 2.30pm or 3.10pm, or join its Water Colours ClubBYO materials to this friendly, encouraging club on Wednesdays. Cost is $25 or $20 concession. Runs from 9.30-11.30am, or 12.30-2.30pm.

9747 8576 or msccentr@bigpond.net.au

Pipe Band

North Western District Pipe Band

The North Western District Pipe Band meets every week in 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

Bacchus Marsh SES Sausage Sizzle

Join the Bacchus Marsh SES Unit on the last Saturday of every month for a classic sausage sizzle. Say hi to the people who work to keep the community safe, get a photo with the truck for the kids, ask questions, and see what happens behind the scenes. All funds raised support the local SES Unit in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan. 11 Gisborne Road Bacchus Marsh.

Volunteer opportunity with L2P Driving program

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

L2P@djerriwarrh.org, or 8746 1000

Sewing in Melton

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

Melton South Community Singers

Singers of all levels are welcome at the Melton South Community Singers. This free and friendly group meets at the Melton South Community Centre and rehearses to perform at local venues and events. The group meets from 12.15-2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month. No bookings are required.

Sue, 0400 082 413

Over 50s games and cards

Melton Club 50+ runs a games and cards afternoon every Sunday from 2-4pm at Kurunjang Community Hub, 33 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. Join this friendly group and make new friends over games and a cuppa. Denise, 0403 840 241, or Sharon, 0407 461 069

Melton Men’s Group

Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8 pm at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre at 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join them for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including, carpet bowls, pool, table tennis, cards and chess. Trevor, 0404 494 649, or https://meltonmensgroup.home.blog/

Parkinson’s support group

The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm, at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and

carers are welcome. Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Bridge Club

The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you.

Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Melton South Knit & Natter

All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. 9747 8576

Melton Trauma Teddies

Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need.

Jean, 0412 931 498

U3A Melton

U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active. 0419 563 016

Melton Combined Probus Club

The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. 9746 0271

Community singing group

If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am.

Val, 0418 667 150

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House, 2-5pm. https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

Garden Club

The Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month except January, from 7.30pm, at The Laurels, 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Guest speakers and supper provided.New members welcome. Michelle, 0421 106 268

Fishing club

Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome. Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366

Darley Neighbourhood House

The Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre is at 33-35 Jonathan Drive, Darley. It offers free and low-cost activities for all. There is a monthly repair cafe, a community pantry, a fortnightly chatty cafe and venue hire is available. www.bit.ly/DNHnow, or 53674390

Soccer at The Substation

The Substation in Newport is about to play host to a new billboard art project that puts women’s soccer front and centre.

‘Grassroots Never Dies, Worldwide’ is an exhibition of photography and embroidery from London-based textile artist Nicole Chui made in collaboration with local Melbourne soccer club, Brunswick Zebras.

The exhibition is an extension of Chui’s original project ‘Grassroots Never Dies,’

which was based on the London-based grassroots team she co-founded; Baes FC; a grassroots football community for women, trans, and non-binary people of Asian heritage to play soccer.

The title of both exhibitions is inspired by the community organising involved in local grassroots soccer, especially during periods of transition, and the difficult yet necessary changes needed to build a strong founda-

tion for the future.

Known for artwork that is messy, brash, and disruptive, Chui’s work explores her identitythroughsoccer,butalsoothersports forms of movement, especially dance.

Before focusing on art, Chui spent 10 years training to be a ballet dancer.

Grassroots Never Dies, Worldwide will be launched The Substation on Thursday 21 May alongside fellow artist Megan Stread-

Jackson returns home in new exhibition

Hume artist Kim Jackson’s exhibition has arrived at Sunbury’s Hume Global Learning Centre.

Jackson’s collection of works, titled Return, spans over a series of mediums, as she returns to her own past ideas and images as a means of quarrying deeper insights into changing feelings and exploring the potential of her imagery to communicate with the shifting emotions of her viewers. Featuring florals and plants, the series of pieces are designed to work together as a cohesive group, Jackson said.

“My hope was that each piece would strengthen the other and that I could create a sense of resonance through colour relationships and repetition of motifs,”

she said. “This was important because the art works are quite different in their composition - I’ve incorporated installation, soft sculpture, embroidery, drawing and painting.”

The Westmeadows-based artist said she was inspired by her recent return to the area where she grew up.

“Moving back to Westmeadows and returning to the area I grew up in brought back a lot of memories, particularly of being at my grandparents, where being in and tending to the garden and being surrounded by flowers were central,” Jackson said. “My uncle would grow orchids, and most of the vegetables we would eat, and the memories of being in that garden still

hold so much emotional weight for me.

“When I was making the work last year, I was grappling with grief related to my own health situation and some family circumstances, and making work related to plants and flowers provided an anchor and a lot of comfort.”

Jackson said being in the studio and creating was a way for her to stop and slow down. “I found myself making things that required me to work really slowly and deliberately, so that being in the studio felt like a way into a sense of contemplation, where I could really explore and enjoy the physicality of the material I was working with and also have a space to process what was going on,” she said.

Catch the finest work-in-progress at Wyndham Cultural Centre

If you want to see some of Melbourne’s best creatives in action, then Werribee is the place to be on Friday 19 June.

The Green Room Project Showcase will be on full display at the Wyndham Cultural Centre from 7-9pm.

This initiative unleashes a new wave of emerging writers, each delivering original 10-minute plays that ignite the stage with raw emotion, striking originality, and unforgettable voices.

A collaboration between Wyndham Cultural Centre Theatre and Melbourne Writers’ Theatre offered the opportunity

for local playwrights to develop a fulllength play.

Participants were supported at every stage by an experienced dramaturg, which is a literary adviser, researcher, and editor in theatre, opera, or film who guides a playwright, for those who might not be familiar with the term.

Throughout the process, the emerging talent tried their hands at hands-on writing workshops, a script development session, a rehearsal and a live showcase.

In this showcase evening, you will have the rare opportunity to see these

pieces as work-in-progresses, and experience stories that are on the path to becoming complete, finished plays– theatre in its most daring stage.

The show is suitable for audiences aged 18 years and older due to adult themes and strong coarse language.

It is also worth noting that this performance may contain smoke, haze and strobe lighting.

Tickets: https://www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/whats-on/green-room-projectshowcase-emerging

er’s latest work ‘A Residual Pulse.’

Both exhibitions will be launched from 6pm and will be followed at 8pm with a screening of the art installation ‘Margaret and the Grey Mare’ in The Substation Main Space.

The launch event is free, but bookings are essential.

Details: https://thesubstation.org.au/ program/grassroots-never-dies-worldwide

West idol superstar to perform at the Royal Hotel

Fresh from a standout run on Australian Idol, hometown favourite Jacinta Guirguis is heading back to Bacchus Marsh for a special live performance that has already sent local fans into a frenzy.

Better known by her many fans as Cynta, she will perform a second show by popular demand at Royal Hotel on Sunday 24 May following a string of impressive performances which landedheraspotinthetopsixonthisyear’s season of Australian Idol.

Demand for a first show on Saturday 17 May saw tickets fly out the door, with organisers revealing tickets sold out before the show could even be officially posted online.

The show is expected to draw huge crowds, with the venue preparing for capacity attendance and advising ticket holders to arrive early.

Local performers Paul and Nath will kick off the afternoon’s entertainment from 1pm ahead of Cynta’s highly anticipated appearance later in the day.

Fans lucky enough to secure tickets have also been told there may be queues while staff check ticketing and issue wristbands for those staying beyond 4.30pm for the main performance.

For Bacchus Marsh locals, the performance marks a homecoming celebration for one of the region’s rising music stars after her breakout success on national television.

The show kicks off at 6pm on Sunday 24 May, and tickets are priced at $15.

Details and tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/cynta-second-hometownthank-you-show.

Ask

Planning and Environment Act 1987

MELTON PLANNING SCHEME Notice of Approval of Amendment Amendment C231melt

The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment C232melt to the Melton Planning Scheme. The Amendment comes into operation on the date this notice is published in the Victoria Government Gazette (May 8, 2026).

The Amendment implements the recommendations of the Toolern Development Contributions Plan Review and Precinct Structure Plan Refresh, February 2024 (Toolern Review) by updating the Toolern Development Contributions Plan (DCP) and the Toolern Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), and amending Schedule 3 to the Urban Growth Zone (UGZ3), Schedule 3 to the Development Contributions Plan Overlay (DCPO3) and making other consequential changes to the Melton Planning Scheme.

A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge, at the Department of Transport and Planning website at www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the Amendment.

A copy of the Amendment can also be inspected, free of charge, during office hours, at the offices of the Melton City Council, Melton Civic Centre, 232 High Street, Melton and on the Council website at www.melton.vic.gov.au 12868446-CV21-26

SPORTS QUIZ

1. This year’s Giro d’Italia started in which country?

2. Adidas recently unveiled a FIFA World Cup advert starring Lionel Messi, David Beckham and

3. Name the current world No.1 women’s tennis player.

4. Padel is a combination of which two other sports?

13. Players have threatened to boycott which major tennis tournament due to pay disagreements?

y

face left or right?

14. Which Australian cricket all-rounder scored a halfcentury and took four wickets in this years PSL final?

Is the Melbourne C trophy awarded to th jockey, the owner or the horse?

15. Soccer player Mary Fowler competes for which English Women’s Super League club?

NBA player Victor Wembanyama’s conventional offse training included tim with which group?

16. Which F1 driver has taken pole position and won each of the last three Grands Prix?

Stars from which TV series were selected torchbearers for the Milano Cortina Winte Games?

17. Which 22-year-old Australian batting allrounder scored a century in the current edition of the IPL?

22. Which Australian cyclist recently suffered a raceending crash in the Giro d’Italia?

27. How many weight divisions are officially recognised in professional boxing?

After the MCG, whi AFL stadium has the highest capacity?

18. Which NFL player has the most touchdown passes in the sport’s history?

23. Swimmer Alexa Leary recently missed out on selection for which upcoming sporting event?

28. In 1993, what type of animal was infamously released onto the field during a Sydney Swans match?

10 Which NBA tea won the lottery for first pick in the 202 Draft?

19. How much did the AFL fine Carlton over the Elijah Hollands on-field mental health episode?

24. Which site in Melbourne will be a hub for fans to gather and watch the Socceroos during the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

29. Which nation traditionally marches last during the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony?

11 What colour j does the leader o general classifica of the Giro d’Ita wear?

20. Which Australian city is constructing a golf course in order to host the LIV Golf and Australian Open tournaments?

25. A domestic cricket team in which country recently encouraged fans to work at their games rather than at home or the office.

30. The 2027 Cricket World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Namibia and which other nation?

12 Which co has won the Men’s Rug World Cu

21. The Melbourne Victory FC AWT soccer team exclusively features players from which country?

26. Actors Kevin Costner, Tom Hanks and Sydney Sweeney have all recently attended matches of which sporting league?

New MG IM is superb driving

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Another week, another new brand name, although in this case it’s actually a new sub-brand.

It’s called IM and it’s the new premium electric division of MG. Think Lexus to Toyota,GenesistoHyundai,etc.

And just to confuse matters further we’re told that its complete name is ‘IM Presented by MG’. Good luck with anyone actually adhering to that. To keep things simple, we’ll just stick with the IM nametag here.

ThetwofirstmodelsaretheIM5andIM6, notto be confused with MI5andMI6which aretheUKgovernment’sSpyCatchers.

IM5 is a sedan, IM6 is an SUV, both around the same length with variations of fastback styling but with the IM6 around 200mmtaller.

IM6 comes in three variants. The entry-level Premium has a 75kWh lithium-ion battery charging a single, rear-mounted battery. It’s priced at $60,990 driveaway.

The mid-spec Platinum model uses a 100kWh Nickel-metal hydride (NMC) battery, also with a single rear motor. Driveawaypriceis$69,990.

Top of the range is the IM6 Performance, priced at $80,990. It uses the same 100kWh NMC battery as the Platinum, but has a second, front-mounted motor providing all-wheeldrive.

Styling

Design of the IM6 is very smooth with none of the boxiness that used to identify SUVs. In that respect it can easily be mistaken for what’s likely to be its closest competitor, the TeslaModelY.

The most common feature that attracted attention from passers-by was the unfamiliar badge that sits on the front and rear of the vehicle. It features two bars at a 45-degree angle with small round dots on either side. Just for fun, we checked and found that dot-dash-dash-dot in Morse CoderepresentstheletterP.

Whilewecouldn’tfindanysignificanceto this,thereisafunctionalaspecttothebadge at the rear where, pushing the left-hand dot openstheboot.

TheonlycluetotheIM’sfamilyconnection is also at the rear where the ‘MG Motor’ badgeappearsontheleftside.

There’s a patterned black plastic trim along the side and also at the rear below a fullwidthlightbar.

As expected, all lighting is LED with the front wraparound headlight assemblies incorporating the turn indicators sitting aboveverticaldaytimerunninglights.

There’s much more character at the rear of the car than what we found a fairly bland front.

Afull-lengthfixedpanoramicglassroofis standard on all variants. It’s double-glazed butdoesn’tcomewithaslidingsunblind.

Entry-level Premium runs on 20-inch alloy wheels, with Platinum and Performance step up to 21-inch alloy with differingdesigns.Performanceincludesred brakecalipers.

Fiveexteriorcoloursareavailable.Athena White is standard. Ares Black, Rembrandt Grey, Raphael Beige and Nevis Blue are $1000options.

Interior

The dashboard has two screens. Spanning most of the top of the dashboard is a 26.3-inchscreenthatcombinestouchscreen multimedia features on the left and an adjustable driver’s instrument cluster on theright.

A smaller, 10.5-inch, touchscreen sits on an angle at the base of the dashboard within easy reach of the driver. Virtually every feature that operates the vehicle is controlled from here, many in combination with two rollers on the steering wheel. Even adjustingthesidemirrorsisdonehere.We’ll lookatthisissuelaterinourDrivingsection.

There is a choice of two quilted soft-touch syntheticleatherseatsineitherDoverBeige orHighlandGrey.

A ventilated wireless smartphone chargingpadisstandard.

Boot space in the IM6 Performance is 646 litres with the rear seatback folded, expanding to 1600 litres when they are folded. There’s also a 32-litre front storage space, ideal for keeping charging equipment. No spare wheel, only the typicallyunreliabletyrerepairkit.

Both driver and front passenger get poweredseatswithheating,ventilationand adjustablethighsupport.Rearseatsarealso heated.

Powertrain

IM6ispoweredbytwomotorsthatcombine to provide outputs of 572 kW and 802 Nm from The IM6 Performance is based on the same 800V architecture that’s been used in vehicles such as the Kia EV 6 and Hyundai Ionic 5. That higher voltage provides greater powerdeliveryandfasterchargingtimes.

Driving range on the WLTP combined cycle starts at 450km from the Premium 75 kWh up to 555km in the Platinum 100 kWh, dropping down to 505km with the heavier Performance.

The CCS Type 2 charge port is located at the rear left-hand side with an 11kW onboardchargingunit.

Maximum DC charging power from the 100-kWh battery is listed at 396 kW with a claimed DC charge time from 30 to 80 percentof15.2minutes.

There is a Vehicle to Load (V2L) feature withamaximumof6.6kW.

Infotainment

There are only two USB ports in the IM6, oneinthefrontandoneintherear.Bothare USB-C.

Audio in all variants is through a bespoke 20-speaker system that includes four sky speakersintheheadlinerthatcanbepaired with the vehicle’s 256-colour ambient lightingsystem.

IM6 is compatible with the MG iSMART smartphone application to remotely control functions monitoring, charging and checking vehicle location and route planning.

Safety

MG IM 6 was tested by ANCAP in July 2025 and received the maximum five-star rating. All three variants get the same features includingtheMGPilotsuite.

In addition to seven airbags there is a comprehensiveAdvancedDriverAssistance System(ADAS)withalargerangeoffeatures include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane support system, hill hold, blind spot detection, rear cross-trafficalert,drivermonitoringsystem, 360-degreecameraandsensors,rainynight mode,andautomaticparkingassistance.

Driving

Entry through the pop-out flush door handles is keyless either by touching the door handle, pressing on the key fob, using an NFC key card or the MG iSmart mobile app.

Large windows and side mirrors provide excellent visibility in these directions enhanced by side camera images that are projected onto monitors on either side of the dashboard when turn indicators are activated.

The big problem, and it’s quite serious, is rear vision. Although the rear window is quite large it lies at such an angle that it only provides a narrow slit from the driver’s mirror.

To compensate, there is a rear-pointing camera that is activated from the steering wheel buttons and displays the view onto a third monitor, this one in the centre of the dash. There are three timing options, 10 seconds, 30 seconds and two minutes after whichtheimagedisappears.

Call me old-fashioned, but I want to be abletoseewhat’sbehindmeatalltimes.

8

7

8.5

7

9

6

7

The IM6 Performance model comes with air suspension that is operated by buttons on the side wall of the boot. It can adjust ground clearance across a range of 70mm.

There’s bi-directional steering that can turn the rear wheels up to 12 degrees of rear-wheel articulation that allows a low-speed ‘crabwalk’ mode to assist access totightparkingspots.

Turning circle is a class-leading 10.2 metres. By way of comparison the MG ZS smallhatchbackneeds10.4metres.

With virtually every feature controlled through one or other of the touchscreens, we were faced with the usual dilemma of having to locate and adjust even the most basicoffeatures.

There is no start/stop button. All that the driver needs to do is depress the brake pedal, select either Drive or Reverse and moveaway.

Being an EV acceleration is instant and spectacular, to such an extent that the zero to 100km/h sprint can be done in just a claimed 3.4 seconds. That’s supercar territory.

Acoustic glass windows, active noise cancellation and soft-touch materials combine to provide an impressively quiet cabinridequalityintheIM6Performance Summary

ThenewMIbrandtakesMGintoalevelthat the ex-British, now Chinese, brand could hardly have envisaged a decade ago. Gone isanysuggestionofthe‘cheapandcheerful’ tagthatearlyMGmodelscarried.

Technophiles will love the IM5 and IM6 and will revel in working through the myriadofhigh-techfeatures.Traditionalists –guiltyascharged–willbefrustratedbythe relianceonthesamethingandbythelackof physicalcontrols.

To keep it in perspective there is plenty of scope for creating shortcuts including the ability to turn off some ADAS features with a single touch as well as voice activation to minimise using the screens and the annoyingalerts.

Where both parties will agree is on the superbdrivingqualities.

A weekend of big match ups

Tough night for Warriors

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors were no match for the red hot Hawks in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday night.

The Hawks showed why they are the team to beat in the first three quarters to lead by 29 goals heading into the final quarter.

The Warriors showed some fight in the final quarter but the match was already over with the Hawks winning 79-47.

Warriors’ coach Kim Bailey said the Hawks were just too good.

“They’ve got strength all over the court,” she said. “Very, very impressive team and I’ll be surprised if anyone beats them this year, they were that good.

“Our first three quarters, we let them score too many goals and we didn’t shoot enough.

“Our last quarter we have to take something out of it,”

The Warriors had no Mia Lavis due to load management while Sarah Croft was out injured.

Bailey said being short handed made it a little tough, but the Hawks were just clinical.

“You look at our stats, they were relatively low,” she said.

“I think we had 26 errors which is probably too much, but then you look at Hawks errors and they had 11, stats don’t lie.

“Just a quality team, quality ball handlers, we tried and we loved our endeavour and loved how we kept going.

“We tried some different combinations.”

The Warriors hopes weren’t helped with Kim Borger exiting the third quarter with a corkie.

Poppy Douglass played through a thumb

injury she sustained in the second quarter.

Bailey said they would take some positives out of the final quarter.

“I think one of the shining lights was Amanda Umanski who came on and did a really good job,” she said.

“We shot 17 goals in the last quarter, you shoot 17 goals per quarter, compared to 11 you are in the contest.

“Amanda, I think it’s the first time that she has stepped on the court this year, so happy with that.”

Umanski finished with 19 goals.

Bailey said Olivia Ellis was a standout out in defence with a measured performance, while Kali Dolphin had a good game in the midcourt.

The Warriors finish the first half of the season with a 2-1-6 record.

Bailey said they will now start to look at

Sweet Ideal tastes sweet victory by a neck

By John Dunne

The close-knit Terang harness racing fraternity was evident after talented mare Sweet Ideal took out the IRT Pace on Saturday night.

Darryl Lawlor pressed forward on Sweet Ideal, wresting the lead off Soap And Bubbles with a lap to travel, and the pair drew clear of their rivals to fight out the finish, with Sweet Ideal ($5.50) holding on to score by a neck in a slick mile rate of 1:51.9.

Lawlor was charged with emotion after the race, highlighting the mare hadn’t drawn favourably in recent times.

“She has been on her last chance to race truly a few times because they’re just not going fast enough for her,” Lawlor said.

“Jason Lee helped me out during the week and a big shout out to him, and I couldn’t be happier,” he said.

Lawlor and his father Gary, who trains the mare, have been long-time breeders.

“I do pedigree matching and we’ve had the family for 30 years, we just go to top stallions and this is the result,” he said.

“I really think at Menangle she could go 1:50.”

Lee too was in the winner’s circle half an hour later after he partnered the $2.60 favourite Keayang Wasabi to victory in the Mimosa Homes Pace.

Lee wasn’t happy with the moderate tempo and pressed forward on Keayang Wasabi to join the leader Repelling with a lap to travel.

Despite sitting parked, Keayang Wasabi had sufficient in reserve to stave off Clymenus by half a head, with Springfield Affair seven metres away third.

“He was sort of waiting for them when he hit the front, but he has hit a really good patch of form,” he said.

Lee was able to expand on the assistance he provided to Darryl Lawlor during the week.

“Darryl was having a little bit of trouble with his mare getting a bit keen and I was talking to him about a couple of bits he could try and at the trials on Wednesday night he gave it a go and he was really happy,” he said.

“In this game it always goes around that there are times when you might need help in return, and I had a good association with the Lawlors when I drove Bad Billy and

the second half and what they can do to get a few more wins on the board.

“We’ve closed that chapter and we’ll regroup on Monday night and a mid-season review,” she said.

“What has worked and what hasn’t worked you need to think about the context of the losses, we’re had two losses that have been over six goals.

“Every other loss under six goals, even though we have been exposed the last two weeks, we’ve got to be realistic that we’re not far off it.

“What do we need to do to get over the line? That is what our second half of the season will focus on.”

Meanwhile the Warriors 23 and under side continued to show really positive signs as they accounted for the Hawks, 58-50.

The Warriors now sit sixth.

Sports shorts

Nike FC Cup

Spring Hills, Keilor Park and Caroline Springs George Cross are all through to the final 16 of the Nike FC Cup. All three teams won their round four matches on Wednesday night. Spring Hills beat Geelong Galaxy 2-0, Keilor Park beat Altona City 4-1, while Caroline Springs George Cross won the match of the night as it beat Ringwood City, 5-4 on penalties. Meanwhile, Westside Strikers were knocked out after they lost to Beaumaris on Thursday night, 1-0.

Dockerty Cup

Caroline Springs George Cross is through to the final 10 of the Dockerty Cup, while just one win away from the national stage of the Australia Cup. The Georgies had to come from behind to beat Williamstown, 2-1. Jose Arancibia gave Williamstown the lead in the 20th minute. Williamstown was one of the two lowest ranked teams left in the competition along with Uni Hill Eagles. Josh Whiteley levelled the scores in the 54th minute for the Georgies. Callum Pickford put the Georgies ahead in the 69th minute, with what would be the winner. The Georgies will play the Preston Lions in the next round.

Ballarat NL

we’re good family friends.”

The Chris Svanosio-trained Inter Dominion-bound stablemates Lovemeto and Remus Phoenix tuned up for the series when they ran the quinella in the Aldebaran Park Free For All Trot.

Sent out the favourite, Lovemeto worked forward to sit outside another Inter Dominion contender, Im Bobby, who was first up from a spell, and couldn’t go with Lovemeto down the back straight.

In the home running, Lovemeto proved too strong, scoring by seven metres from Remus Phoenix in a mile rate of 1:56.5.

Kerryn Manning admitted Lovemeto had the advantage of race fitness over the leader.

“I knew Im Bobby was first up and my horse was fit and well, so I put a bit of pressure on him down the back and he was too good for them,” Manning said.

“He’s been a lovely horse throughout his career and won some nice races, he’s had a lot of issues along the way which have held him back quite a bit, but he feels really sound and well.

“There are better horses out there coming up to race against, but you can only beat what you’re against and he’s doing it nicely.”

Darley remains undefeated in the Ballarat Netball League. The Devils were in action on Saturday against Sebastopol and were able to come away with a 60-22 win. A 20-7 second quarter set up the win for the Devils. Olivia Cawthray shot 40 goals for the Devils. Elsewhere, Bacchus Marsh and Melton suffered losses.

Ballarat FL

Bacchus Marsh got another win on the board, while Darley and Melton both suffered upset losses in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday. The Bulls were at home against the Sunbury Lions and set the 12.11 (83)-7.13 (55) win in the first quarter. Jake Owen kicked give goals in the win. Meanwhile, Darley lost to Sebastopol, 15.12 (102)-12.8 (80) and Melton lost to Ballarat, 1011 (71)-9.5 (59).

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Two scenarios on the cards

By Tara Murray

As relegation and promotion returns to the Western Football Netball League for next season, the league has two scenarios on the board, including two teams being relegated from the top flight.

After promoting three teams to the men’s division 1 competition at the end of 2024, the league didn’t have relegation or promotion last season as it settled the competition after a number of changes, including going from three divisions to two divisions.

The league in its 2027 senior competition structure (April) said there were two scenarios on the board for next season following its league board meeting in March.

The first scenario is if all current men’s teams were to remain, the division 2 pre-

mier would be promoted next season while the bottom side of division 1 would be relegated.

“This approach ensures stability while continuing to reward on-field performance through promotion and relegation in the absence of external club movements,” the league said.

It would mean that division 1 would remain a 12-team competition and division 2 a 10-team competition.

The league also has a scenario for if a club was to leave the league.

Star Weekly understands multiple clubs have previously considered leaving the league in recent history.

If one team was to leave, the division 2 premiership team would be promoted into division 1, while the bottom two teams of division 1 would be relegated to division

2, excluding any club that exits the league.

It would mean a 10-team division 1 competition and an 11-team division 2 competition.

“Various structural scenarios were presented to clubs and the board, considering the potential for club movement and the league’s broader objective of returning to a ten-team division 1 competition as soon as practical,” the league said in its competition structure update.

“At the club meeting, it was agreed that a ten-team division 1 would be the preferred model, as it provides the most balanced competition for all teams, with nine home and nine away matches, ensuring every team plays each other twice.

“The discussion then turned to steps to return to this model, while acknowledging potential club movements and the impli-

Ruby Gorton.

Gorton shows that she is a star on the rise

By Tara Murray

Sixteen-year-old Ruby Gorton attended a selection training session for the Victorian under-21 side, just for the experience.

At no time did the Bacchus Marsh Grammar student think she would make the final team.

Despite still being eligible to make the under-18 team for another two years, Gorton made the under-21 team which won bronze recently.

“I was the rookie in the team,” Gorton said. “It was crazy.

“It was such a good experience playing with some really good quality players around me.

“I was not expecting it at all. I was pretty excited, more nervous than anything.”

Gorton said it was a quality that she had never experienced before.

She said she thought the trial on its own would be good to get a foot in the door.

“When I made the squad I thought wow, this is going to be a good training experience, did not think that I would make the team,” she said.

“I got some quality training in, trained pretty well and made the team and I was shocked.”

Gorton’s teammates included a couple of Hockeyroos players, who she said helped make her under-21 experience quite easy.

She said having played in the Hockey Victoria women’s premier league competition with Footscray also made playing in the under-21 nationals easier.

“I ended up playing [trying out] against a lot of my teammates,” she said. ”I knew what the quality was going to be like.

“I think I did pretty good for my age and experience. I definitely tried to make the most of it when I was on.”

“I played my role for the team.”

Gorton will also play in the Victorian girls under-18 team, having been announced in the team in early May.

Speaking before that announcement, she said that had been her next focus.

“That would be so exciting,” she said.

“I was part of that team last year and fingers crossed get to go again

“I’m still bottom age in the under-18s team, not top age yet.

cations for the promotion and relegation system.”

The league said it considered a number of factors to balance competitiveness, sustainability, and fairness across all divisions.

“These considerations ensure that any changes support the long-term stability of the League, provide equitable opportunities for clubs, and maintain the integrity of the competitions.”

Western FNL chief executive David Jennings said longer term it would be ideal to have a competitive divisional structure that caters to every level of football in the west.

Final confirmation of the 2027 structure will be made once any potential external club movement is known, with the AFL Victoria transfer window closing 30 June..

Double trouble

Melton twins Felix and Piripi Hunt didn’t know much about flag football when they were asked to try out for the state team.

The pair took to the sport straight away and have been named in the Australian Flag Football under-15 team which will compete in America in June.

Flag footy is gridiron’s version of rugby touch footy.

The pair said it was a good feeling to make the team and a bit surreal.

“We’re hoping to gain experience at an international level, meet other talented athletes, and be inspired by as many players as possible and working with elite coaches,” they said.

The pair were first asked to trial for the Vic Eagles by a friend.

“There’s still girls in this team who are more experienced than I am, but I definitely think role model among my peers.

Gorton said the opportunities she’s had come down to the hard work that she has put in.

She’s hoping to have a good competition in July ät the under-18s to earn Australian selection.

“Hopefully I’ll have a good performance at nationals in Darwin and hopefully make under-18 Australian team.

“I made the under-16s last year, that was a great experience as well.”

Before then, Gorton is focused on her season with Footscray.

She’s part of the rising stars at the Bulldogs that have played in the top grade for a few years now.

Gorton said the longer she was in the top grade, the more challenges it presented.

She said while the competition is still tough, she’s more at home at that level.

“It challenges me more as I have more expectations and my ability to perform gets higher.”

They went along to the trials ended up making the state team and fell in love with the game.

“We love the teamwork, learning new skills, and the competitiveness of the game,” they said.

For the pair, while they are new to flag football they bring a rugby background.

“We started off playing rugby union from under-8s to under-12s with Melton Warriors. “Then we moved into rugby league, and this is now our second year playing.

“Flag football is still new to us, so now we really enjoy both sports equally.”

Both twins said they weren’t ready to choose between sports yet.

“We’re happy to see where sports takes us,” they said.

“As long as we’re playing some kind of sport, we’ll be happy.

“Hopefully one day we can make it in either rugby league or flag football. We just love competing and playing sports.”

The boys said they were grateful for the support from the Melton community.

The Lakers are on a roll

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs continue to put the wins together in the Western Football League division 1 competition.

While it wasn’t the four-quarter performance the Lakers were after on Saturday against Point Cook, they were able to come away with a convincing win.

After trailing by nine points at quarter time, the Lakers kicked 20 goals to three in the next three quarters to win, 23.11 (149)-8.9 (57).

Lakers’ director of football Shaun Rainer saidthey’veputtogethersomestrongform.

“We’ve been going OK since our round one loss to Werribee Districts,” he said.

“It was nice to play some good football, whilewestillhavesomethingstoworkon.”

While the rain stayed away on Saturday, it was tricky conditions at Caroline Springs Town Centre Oval.

Rainer said there was a tricky wind blowing straight down the ground, He said it was Point Cook that got off to the better start.

“The first quarter was a real battle and

Point Cook jumped us,” he said.

“They were playing better football and we were fumbling and they were able to capitalise on some mistakes.”

Rainersaidtheyweremuchhappierafter thefirstquarteragainstayoungPointCook side.

“After a poor start it was good to run it around by the boys and finish solidly.”

Malik Elfakahani kicked eight goals for the Lakers, taking his tally to 26 for the season.

He missed last year’s grand final with a hamstring injury with the Lakers not prepared to take the risk.

Elfakahani is part of a different looking forwardlinefortheLakers,withsixplayers scoring multiple goals.

“He has been in a good vein of form,” Rainer said. “The forward line is clicking.

“There’safewnewfaceswhichhavebeen good.

“We’re in a good spot and have had different goalkickers throughout the season and that is pleasing.

“We don’t want to be reliant on anyone.”

AlipateBryantandReeceBlackmanwere

other standouts for the Lakers in the win.

The Lakers sit second on the ladder with a 5-1 record.

This week the Lakers face Sunshine. Rainersaiditwouldbeanotherchallenge for them.

“Sunshine knocked off Parkside a couple of weeks ago,” he said.

“The competition is really even this year and don’t think there is any week that you can take for granted.”

Meanwhile, the Lakers women’s side lost itsfirstmatchoftheseasonintheEssendon District Football League premier division.

TheLakersledatthreequartertimeby13 points before Oak Park kicked three final quarter goals to win, 7.4 (46)-5.8 (38).

Mira Diab and Jacinta Kondis kicked two goals each for the Lakers.

For Kondis, it was a special game as she became the Lakers overall leading goalkicker.

Rainer,whohascoachedKondis,saidshe had started playing when she in under-12s and was a true footballer.

Shock coach change

ReigningpremiersHillsidehavemade a shock coaching change as it tries to ignite its Essendon District Football League women’s premier division season.

After starting the season 1-3 and having lost their last three games, the Sharks parted ways with Chris Daley lastweek.

Daley, who had previously coached the Sharks men’s side, was appointed coachofthewomen’ssidethisyear. Having been an assistant coach of the women’s side last season, Daley replaced premiership coach Blaise Ferraro, who stood down having achievedwhathesetouttodo. Ferrarostepsbackintothecoaching rolefortherestofthisyear.

Despite the midweek coaching change, the Sharks slumped to their fourth straight defeat on Saturday, losing to Strathmore. The Sharks kickedtheonlygoalofthefirstquarter toleadbyfivepointsatthefirstchange.

The margin was reduced to four points before the Mores kicked two thirdquartergoalstotakethelead.

The Mores continued on in the final quarter to come away with a 5.11 (41)-2.7(19)win.

Emily Paterno and Caitlin Sargent werethegoalkickersfortheSharks.

Logan Hearne, Annie Gray and Hannah Ibrahim were named their best.

The loss saw the Sharks unveil their latestrecruit,NyakoatDojiok.

Dojiok, who is a dual Victorian FootballLeaguewomen’spremiership player with North Melbourne Werribee, has won the VFLW goalkickingthepasttwoseasons.

She was also best on ground in last year’sgrandfinal.

Dojiok will play for the Sharks in betweenherVFLWcommitments.

After six rounds, the Sharks sit in seventh spot only ahead of Keilor, which is yet to win a match. The two sides will play each other this Saturday. Meanwhile, the Sharks men’s premier division side pulled off the upset of the season as they beat AberfeldieonSaturday.

The match had periods of dominance from both sides and the Sharkshadtogetthewinthehardway intheirfirstevermatchupwithAbers.

The two sides traded the lead in the final quarter. A goal to Nick Fluke in the 25th minute was enough to put the Sharks in front, deep in the last quarter. They were able to hold on, winning14.7(91)-14.6(90).

Sharks’ coach Mo Kaakour couldn’t beprouderoftheplayinggroup.

“It’s awesome waking up after a win likethat,”KaakoursaidonSunday.