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SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Licence tests resume

Learner Ebony Benger and Ron Perry.

Learner drivers in Moorabool can start clocking up the hours again. Testing was put on hold earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but the easing of restrictions last week has meant learners can start booking in their tests. Roads Minister Ben Carroll said it was an exciting step for many eager drivers. “A driver’s licence opens up a world of possibility for people in regional Victoria – and we’re now in a position to safely resume testing so that they can access employment, study and other activities,” Mr Carroll said. “We’ll work through the backlog of appointments as quickly and safely as possible.” VicRoads will first clear the backlog of 5000 tests that had to be postponed in regional Victoria before new bookings are opened up, which is expected to occur in November. The Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services L2P program will also resume in Moorabool, with mentors from the community helping learners get their 120 hours of driving under safe conditions. Mentor inquiries: 8746 1000.

(Damjan Janevski) 216394_01

Ewen McRae

On the road to reopening By Ewen McRae The roadmap to COVID recovery is now clearer, with case numbers continuing to fall and a number of restrictions lifted this week. On Sunday, Premier Dan Andrews outlined the restrictions that would be eased as part of step two on the roadmap to reopening, including the end of the nightly curfew. On-site schooling will resume for VCE, VCAL and primary school students from October 12, while childcare will also reopen to all families in metropolitan Melbourne.

More than 127,000 workers will return to work, with increases to the capacity of food distributors, manufacturing and construction. Public gatherings are allowed outside with a maxium of five people from two households, more than one person can leave home for four essential reasons and outdoor weddings can resume with five people and the couple. “Seven weeks ago, our average case numbers were peaking at more than 400 every single day, today, Melbourne’s rolling case average is 22.1,” Mr Andrews said. “It’s a remarkable thing – and an achievement

that belongs to every single Victorian. “Because with grit and with guts and with heart – we are beating this thing.” Mr Andrews also announced that moves to the third and last steps of the recovery will no longer be defined by dates. Instead, the “trigger point” for review by the public health team will be based solely on reaching the case number targets. As of Sunday, Melton had just 31 active cases, while Moorabool had a single active case. New state Health Minister Martin Foley said he would work hard to ensure the current

state government measures continued to reap positive results. “I will be working every day with the outstanding public servants and health professionals and the people who bind the health system together,” Mr Foley said. “I will be working with all of those professionals to make sure that we suppress this virus, and that we then are in a position where we contact trace, we quarantine and isolate where we need, and we keep this virus at the lowest possible levels. “We are nearly there.”

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Crime offences spike in Melton By Ewen McRae Crime is up across the Melton region, according to latest Crime Statistics Agency data. Despite months of lockdown limiting movement outside of households, Melton experienced a jump of 15.3 per cent in recorded incidents in the year to June 2020, with 9615 incidents per 100,000 members of the public. Overall, Victoria recorded a 4.2 per cent increase in incidents per 100,000 people, with a 6 per cent rise in overall crime. Crime Statistics Agency chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said that while COVID-19 had

reduced the numbers of some crimes, others had seen a high jump through the lockdown period as police enforced the chief health officer’s directives. “In the last six months there have been significant impacts from COVID-19 and the public health response,” Ms Dowsley said. “Over 6000 offences were recorded for breaches of chief health officer directions in the year ending 30 June, 2020. However, pandemic impacts will carry through to future crime statistics and be the subject of further CSA analysis.” More than 6000 fines were handed out across

the state for breaches of the chief health officer’s orders. Melton and Melton West were the hardest hit suburbs for crime, while Melton South saw a small improvement in overall numbers. In Morrabool, there was a 6.3 per cent increase in criminal incidents during the reporting period. Bacchus Marsh recorded the highest rate of incidents with more than twice as many incidents as second-placed Darley. Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations Rick Nugent said that the introduction of a new police assistance and

5G network in Diggers Rest

Shantae, 10. (Damjan Janevski) 215903_01

Tutoring program hits the mark As Victorian students bunker down for the remaining weeks of remote learning, Woodlea is offering a complimentary online tutoring program for primary and secondary school-aged residents. Funded by Woodlea to support both students and parents, the online ‘At Home Tutoring Support Program’ aims to fill the gap that parents may not necessarily have the time or skills for. Woodlea sales and marketing manager Lora Armstrong said the program seeks to provide additional support to students as they navigate the online classroom environment. “We understand that these periods of remote

online reporting service over the past 12 months had seen a number of under-reported crimes experience jumps. “For various reasons people decide not to report crimes, and we know that,” Deputy Commissioner Nugent said. “So these areas are often underreported, and what the assistance line and online reporting does is provide the community an opportunity to report crimes without coming into police stations. “We are very keen, and very eager to see all crimes reported so we can better understand the environment that we’re operating in.”

learning have not been easy for families, both for parents looking to teach their kids and also for students who are missing the benefits of face-to-face learning,” Ms Armstrong said. “Not only do the sessions offer the chance for students to be engaged with the teachers, but it also provides parents working from home with 40 minutes of child-free time to focus on their own tasks at hand.” The program successfully launched in August, with all spots in the program snapped up within a matter of hours. Each session is capped at a maximum of 12 students to ensure adequate one-on-one time for each student.

Woodlea resident Melissa Borg jumped at the opportunity to boost her daughter Shantae’s confidence with the extra support and enrolled the grade 4 student in both English and maths. “There is only so much guidance I can offer since I am not a teacher and can only explain the work to a certain point, which is why having someone there to rely on for guidance is invaluable and a fantastic initiative by the community,” Ms Borg said. Due to the success of the program, Woodlea will continue the complimentary tutoring program into term 4.

Diggers Rest is the latest suburb to have access to state of the art technology services, with Optus recently switching on its 5G service in the area. The service is the latest upgrade to the broadband network, giving residents faster internet to help with streaming services as well as increased numbers of people working from home. Optus head of 5G, Harvey Wright, said it was exciting for Diggers Rest locals to have access to the latest tech. “One of the key advantages of Optus 5G Home Internet is immediate access to fast broadband,” Mr Wright said. “We have eliminated the need to wait for a technician to install the service as you can do it yourself at home, whenever it suits. “Optus 5G will bring fast download speeds and the ability for mum and dad to stream HD movies in their lounge, while the kids stream Netflix in their bedroom, or stream music across multiple devices in multiple rooms with unlimited data.” Mr Harvey said the need for faster internet was growing every year, and the need for technology companies to keep up with household demands was high. “Currently our customers are experiencing average download speeds of 138Mbps with some customers achieving download speeds closer to 400Mbps,” he said. “Our Optus 5G Home Internet service has been designed for optimal download speeds with data telling us that video streaming is a very common use case for residential households. “Diggers Rest residents can visit their local Optus store to check out the Optus 5G home internet device firsthand and find out if their home is serviceable.” Ewen McRae

Ewen McRae

Eighteen people charged over alleged car re-birthing Police have arrested 18 people and charged them with more than 300 offences as part of a nine-month investigation into car re-birthing in Melbourne’s outer northern and western suburbs. The group is believed to be linked to a Melbourne organised crime syndicate, and allegedly stole vehicles and machinery before taking them to rural properties to be dismantled, re-birthed and sold for profit. It’s alleged the syndicate was involved in the supply of vehicles to criminal groups and offenders, with many of the seized vehicles subsequently linked to other incidents such as pursuits. Between May and September, police

executed 32 warrants across residential, rural and business properties, where they seized motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, vehicle engines, high-end bicycles, earth moving machines, a tow truck and a boat. More than 70 vehicles were seized. Police also seized four high-powered firearms and ammunition, cash, drugs including methamphetamines, cannabis, GHB and cocaine, and hundreds of stolen power tools and auto parts. More than 800 items of property valued at more than $2.5 million were seized by investigators. Twelve men and six women have been charged with a range of offences.

4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

They include a 33-year-old Doreen man, a 30-year-old Thomastown woman, a 46-year-old Sunshine West woman, a 39-year-old Taylors Lakes man, a 61-year-old Lancefield woman and a 36-year-old Romsey woman. A 44-year-old Sunshine West man, a 33-year-old Lancefield man, and a 38-year-old Melton West man were also charged and remanded in custody. A 37-year-old Hillside man was charged and bailed to appear at court in December. Detective Superintendent Peter Brigham, who oversees the Crime Command’s State Anti-Gang Division, said these results were the culmination of months of committed investigation by the Vehicle Crime Squad.

“The arrest of 18 people over the course of the investigation and the seizure of the significant number of vehicles, equipment, firearms, cash and drugs is an enormous win,” he said. “Vehicle theft has an incredibly detrimental impact on the community in a variety of ways, including the use of the stolen vehicles in the commission of other serious crimes and allowing offenders to move around more easily. “This syndicate had no regard for the safety of the community and this is further evidenced by the firearms seizures linked to this investigation.” Tara Murray

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MP questions West Gate Tunnel soil process Western Victoria MP Stuart Grimley has expressed his frustration at recent developments in the West Gate Tunnel soil saga. The Environment Protection Authority recently ticked off an Environment Management Plan from Maddingley Brown Coal to receive and process the soil from the project, but Mr Grimley said more questions were still present.

In Parliament recently, he asked why the state government was unable to “provide assurances that this contaminated soil will not be dumped closer than 400 metres away from 2000 school children and next to waterways that irrigate farm lands that grow produce for all over Victoria”. The proposal from MBC is with the planning minister, who must decide whether to amend

the Moorabool Planning Scheme, before a final decision on the site for the soil is made by tunnel project operator Transurban. “The government have been extremely secretive about the dumping of possibly toxic soil and the Bacchus Marsh community – including the local council – deserve to have all of the facts in front of them,” Mr Grimley said. “It’s frustrating that I’m back in Parliament

talking about the same issues of a lack of transparency and asking for an explanation as to why a site next door to a school is being considered for contaminated soil. “It beggars belief that the government haven’t released the redacted information to the Bacchus Marsh community. The EPA is supposed to care about our environment.” Ewen McRae

Landfill biogas plan approved

Residents are concerned about Maddingley Brown Coal accepting toxic soil. (Mark Wilson)

Council ‘left in the dark’ Moorabool council says it is being kept in the dark by the state government over proposals to dump contaminated soil near Bacchus Marsh. Maddingley Brown Coal is one of three sites bidding to receive, store and process soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project, with a decision on planning approvals currently sitting with state planning minister Richard Wynne. The council has previously expressed frustration on the drawn out nature of the decision, which has now taken several months without a decision. The Herald Sun recently reported that the state government could pay up to $750 million to help dispose of the soil

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lack of consultation, information and transparency - Derek Madden

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A statement from council chief executive Derek Madden last week said this was the first the council had heard of any state government money being offered for the soil disposal. “The lack of consultation, information and transparency with local councils and local communities is becoming an increasing concern,” Mr Madden said. “Council is attempting to get information from the state government on behalf of the Bacchus Marsh

residents. We need to know when we will be told if the planning minister has approved changes to the Moorabool Planning Scheme to allow contaminated soil to be stored close to homes, schools and market gardens.” Mr Madden said it was unclear whether this commitment would result in the state government taking responsibility for the disposal of the soil, as well as granting the necessary approvals or whether it was simply handing an open cheque to Transurban. The Ravenhall landfill and a third site in Bulla are also bidding to recive and process the soil, with residents near all three sites expressing concerns about having contaminated soil brought near houses, schools and businesses.

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By Ewen McRae

Approval for a second biogas facility at Ravenhall landfill, which will eventually double the tip’s capacity to generate electricity, has been granted. The Environment Protection Authority Victoria last week granted works approval for a second biogas facility at the existing Melbourne Regional Landfill. The facility will double the site’s capacity to destroy captured landfill gas generated by the decomposition of wastes within the landfill, by burning it to generate about 68,000 MWh of electricity each year. Landfill gas contains methane – a key greenhouse gas. The destruction of the landfill gas in the proposed facility would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 220,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum at full capacity and generate enough electricity to power 15,000 homes, according to the landfill operators. In addition to standard environmental requirements, the works approval specifies minimum exhaust stack heights and requires one of the eight new electricity generators to be fitted with a device that measures and records the destruction of the methane gas and the resulting emissions. The embattled Melbourne Regional Landfill has faced fierce opposition from nearby residents, as well as Brimbank and Melton councils, who are fighting a state government proposal to dump toxic soil from the Westgate Tunnel project at the Ravenhall site. The landfill’s operator, Cleanaway, sought planning approval last month from the planning minister to construct a soil management and reuse facility (SMRF) to store soil. Brimbank mayor Georgina Papafotiou said the council strongly opposed the bid to dump the spoil in Ravenhall in the interests of nearby families and future investment and job opportunities for locals. Esther Lauaki

5 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

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Burglary appeal Melton police are appealing for information in relation to an aggravated burglary in Melton in July. Police have been told the male occupant of a Chelmsford Way property answered a knock at his door about 7.25pm on July 9. The 21-year-old was confronted by three males, one of them armed with a firearm, forcing him back inside his house where he was assaulted by all three males. The offenders then left in a 2004 white VY Commodore with black rims. The victim suffered severe lacerations to his head requiring staples and bruising to his body. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com. au.

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Paul Rigg. (Damjan Janevski) 216329_02

Job workshops

Support for footy players A new mental health support group aimed at local footballers is set to kick off next month. The group is the brainchild of Paul Rigg and Paul Girardi, who have long-standing relationships with clubs in the Melton region and have gained funding from the Mental Health Foundation Australia to help run the group on a monthly basis. Mr Rigg said the group was a reflection of a growing trend for footballers at all levels to disclose their mental health struggles, with some AFL players even retiring due to ongoing concerns. “It’s not always acute mental health conditions, but certainly episodes of poor mental health seems to be becoming more prevalent,” he said.

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6 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

“Those more high profile footballers coming out and talking about their struggles has definitely seen the willingness for local players to talk about that sort of stuff, and it’s happening at a level that we’ve never seen before. “So we thought it was important to have a support group … to allow local players to come and talk and share and support each other.” The group will eventually meet in person at the Melton library but will meet over Zoom while social distancing regulations remain in force. The group starts a 7pm, October 7. Details: Mr Rigg, 0412 432 067 or Mr Girardi, 0452 442 301. Ewen McRae

Moorabool council’s youth services team is partnering with Laurels Education and Training to run free online Job Skills Workshops. The workshops are aimed at young people who may not have had a part-time or casual job before and will cover topics such as what employers are looking for, how to look for part-time or casual work, how to prepare a resume and how to prepare for an interview. The sessions will run for four weeks from October 6. Register: youthservices@ moorabool.vic.gov.au or 5366 7100. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Big field nominates for council By Ewen McRae A record number of candidates will contest the Moorabool council elections, while Melton’s council seats will also be hotly contested. Moorabool residents will have 20 candidates to fill seven vacancies in next month’s elections, up from 12 candidates the past two elections.

Lawry Borgelt is the only current councillor not seeking reelection, after filling the position for a short time following the death of former councillor Pat Toohey in 2019. Melton will have 41 candidates vying to fill its nine vacancies, with Michelle Mendes and Yvonne Sebire the only current councillors not seeking reelection. The Victorian Electoral Commission also

urged residents to register for free updates as the election unfolded across the next month. Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately encourages all eligible Victorians to sign up for Voter Alert – a free SMS and email reminder service. “Local council elections will be held by post in Victoria in October and we want to make sure everyone knows they’re happening and is

Our little super heroes Tayte and his brother Jax are about to be two of the littlest superheroes. The Caroline Springs bothers, seven-year-old Tatye and two-year-old Jax, live with Limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) Limb girdle muscular dystrophy can be diagnosed early in childhood right through to middle age and symptoms include weakness and wasting of muscles, affecting muscles around the shoulders and hips first. Mum Rebecca Hoban said diagnosis for the boys was a very lengthy process. “Muscular dystrophy is a progressive muscle disease which can vary from person to person,” Ms Hoban said. “Knowing this as a parent with two kids facing this disease is heartbreaking and soul destroying. It can make everyday simple tasks near impossible. “Watching Tayte have difficulties while playing or trying to catch a ball is hard and knowing that Jax will follow the same path is hard to think about.” There is currently no cure and minimal treatments are available. Ms Hoban said the costs associated with regular specialist physiotherapy for both boys is one of the most challenging issues. The family will join thousands of children, families and office workers around Australia who will trade ties for tights, backpacks for capes and coats for costumes in Muscular Dystrophy Australia’s National Superhero Week between October 12 and 18. The annual fundraising effort sees people dress as their favourite superheroes to join the fight against Muscular Dystrophy. Details: bit.ly/2HsP0Lb

prepared to vote,” Mr Gately said. “Voters will be notified when to expect a ballot pack in the mail and when to return their vote.” All council elections will be conducted by post. The VEC will mail out ballot packs from early October. Residents will need to complete and return their votes as soon as possible, with voting closing at 6 pm on Friday, October 23.

Man jailed for high speed chase A man who was detected travelling at speeds of up to 230 kilometres per hour in a stolen Porsche has been sentenced to 15 months in prison. However, Murat Shomshe, 38, will only spend about a month-and-a-half behind bars, after already serving 415 days in pre-sentencing detention. County Court Judge Kevin Doyle sentenced Shomshe last month. Shomshe pleaded guilty to conduct endangering persons, theft of a motor vehicle, possessing a drug of dependence and unlicensed driving. Judge Doyle said that on January 4 last year, two police officers observed Shomshe driving a reportedly stolen Porsche in Hoppers Crossing. The officers followed the vehicle to Laverton, and called the police Air Wing to assist in tracking the Porsche. About 2.13am, the vehicle was observed by the Air Wing entering the Western Ring Road and exiting onto Ballarat Road. Judge Doyle said that in this stretch of road, Shomshe reached speeds of up to 230km/h. The vehicle continued to Deer Park, before Shomshe drove to Hillside and parked in Varna Court. Shomshe was arrested nearby, and found to be in possession of two ziplock bags containing methylamphetamine and Diazepam.

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Esther Lauaki Tayte and younger brother Jax will dress as superheroes for MD. (Supplied)

7 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

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Taking dining to the streets By Ewen McRae Melton residents can expect more options for alfresco dining this summer, with a push to introduce more outdoor dining spaces gathering steam. A push toward more outdoor dining is part of the state government’s plan to help the hospitality sector open up from coronavirus restrictions. Moorabool eateries can already open up for outdoor dining due to reduced restrictions in regional Victoria, but Melton will soon follow suit. Council said they would work with restaurants and other businesses to make the

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council has already waived outdoor trading permit fees - Lara Carli

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transition as smooth as possible. Melton mayor Lara Carli said recently that there were a number of ways for businesses to adapt to the new covid-normal. “We appreciate that outdoor dining is an important part of the post-COVID-19 recovery and we’re working on options to support traders,” she said. “We’ll also actively work with traders to

identify the best possible outcomes to support business recovery. “Council has developed Outdoor Trading Guidelines which provide guidance to businesses looking to set up an outdoor dining space. “While businesses will still need to get an outdoor trading permit to ensure public safety, council has already waived outdoor trading permit fees until the end of 2021 and the application process has been streamlined into a simple online form. “As we look at new ways to activate outdoor dining opportunities we encourage traders to get in touch with us to share any ideas they may

Art reflects life in lockdown Young Rockbank artist Fatema Mukrram has been selected to take part in a prestigious arts project celebrating Australia’s multicultural communities. The exhibition, presented by migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, provides a glimpse into the experiences of multicultural communities through the prism of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibitions is being staged online under the title Heartlands 2020: Stories from the inside. Five artists from a range of migrant and refugee communities have produced photographic or digital artworks for this year’s exhibition. Hailing from countries including Bosnia, Iran, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Ethiopia, the artists’ work gives insights into how the pandemic has affected our diverse communities. Ms Mukarram is a documentary photographer and visual artist originally from Afghanistan, who seeks to challenge the audience’s comfort level whilst providing an empathetic connection to the subject. She said she aims to open a dialogue into the issue she is documenting, with her work allowing her to tear down barriers one story at a time, focusing on social injustice issues such as her current project Belong, an ongoing series about her family’s migration to Australia. “I’m really passionate about photojournalism and documentary making because I see documentary making as tool for change. I like being able to tell people’s stories,” Ms Mukarram said. “I’m really excited about being part of the Heartlands project because being an Afghan, me and my family have faced many challenges. “My images reflect life under current COVID restrictions but also referencing our cultural values and a big part of that is our faith. As a Muslim, I really wanted to capture that.”

have.” Premier Daniel Andrews said finding new ways to help the hospitality sector respond to the challenges of the pandemic was a key plank in the state’s recovery. “We’re the cultural and dining capital of our nation. That means, when it comes to reimagining what eating and entertainment means under COVID normal, there’s no one better equipped than Melbourne and Victoria,” Mr Andrews said. “It will be our innovation, ideas and creativity that will help us find – and maintain – our COVID normal.”

Boost for food relief groups More support is on the way for local food relief services, with the state government announcing millions in stimulus due to high demand. Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan last week announced more than $11.3 million to boost food relief activities for vulnerable Victorians. A new $5 million Community Food Relief Fund will provide one-off grants of up to $75,000 to support local community organisations supplying food to Victorians in need during the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will assist with a range of challenges – such as helping develop innovative food relief delivery models to support COVID safe practices. The government will also increase capacity at food distribution hubs in regional areas, ensuring food gets to where it’s needed by strengthening the link between suppliers and those experiencing food insecurity. “We want Victoria’s food relief system to be able to support people when and where they need it, in a COVID safe way,” Mr Andrews said. “Even as our case numbers fall, we are extending the emergency food relief program for Victorians in mandatory quarantine so that people can still safely stay at home and stop the spread of coronavirus.” A Food Relief Taskforce will also be established to bring together key industry leaders and representatives from all tiers of government to ensure food supply and distribution is co-ordinated and targeted to areas most in need.

Ewen McRae

Ewen McRae Rockbank artist Fatema Mukrram. (Supplied)

Working from home could become the ‘norm’ The sharp rise in the number of people working from home during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown could trigger more urban sprawl and economic disparities between regions, according to a Victoria University researcher. VU’s Centre of Policy Studies (CoPS) senior research fellow Dr James Lennox, said working from home a few days a week could become the norm in many occupations, with two-thirds of surveyed Australians reporting they expected to continue the practice after the COVID-19 crisis.

Modelling on the change in working habits identified that about three in 10 Australian jobs in managerial, professional and clerical occupation groups have high potential to transition to work-from-home (WFH), meaning the distance people live from their office will become less important over time. Dr Lennox said that workers who are commuting less often will be prepared to commute further, which will change patterns of housing demand and labour supply. “Our modelling indicates people in WFH

8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

occupations will be more likely to live further from city centres if their weekly commuting costs are lower,” he said. “The net effect is to shift housing demand outward.” The modelling predicts such a change could see a 3.6 per cent expansion of residential areas on the urban boundaries. Dr Lennox said offices will not entirely disappear, but working two, three or four days a week from home could well become the norm in many occupations. Office spaces in central business districts will therefore become

more affordable for commercial tenants and businesses, drawing more organisations to set up in central city locations. The effect of this will be to boost growth and jobs in Melbourne at the expense of other cities, towns and rural areas. “With there already being significant economic disparities between city and rural areas, and between different regions, these new trends pose a further challenge for policy-makers.” Benjamin Millar

EVERYTHING WE’RE DOING IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Thank you Victoria. As hard as this is, every sacrifice we’re making is making a difference. But we can’t stop now, or lose everything we’ve worked for. We will get through this together.

For details go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Air pollution, health link exposed By Goya Dmytryshchak

Patsy Toop. (Joe Mastroianni). 210586_02

Polluting vehicles should be banned from entering an inner-west “low emission zone” for three hours a day to protect children, a report to the state government recommends. Air Pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West Taking direct action to reduce our community’s exposure was released recently and makes 26 recommendations with 65 suggested actions. It was researched by the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group commissioned by the government in 2018. Recommended actions include enforcement of heavy vehicle bans and restrictions, and the introduction of a “low emission zone” in the

inner west. Polluting vehicles would be banned from entering the zone immediately before and after childcare, kindergarten and school hours. Independent group chair Patsy Toop, a personal injuries lawyer, said it was concerning there was no monitoring of ultra-fine particulate matter from diesel-fuelled vehicles and trucks. “About 80–95 per cent of diesel exhaust particulates are ultra-fine, which are particularly damaging to health and there is no safe level for exposure,” she said. “There is a direct link between diesel fuel emissions and cancer.” Ms Toop said people in the inner west were being hospitalised at higher rates due to poor

air quality. “Air pollution poses serious risks for human health and, sadly, people living and working in Melbourne’s inner west are experiencing higher rates of hospitalisation for heart failure, asthma and heart disease, and a higher incidence of lung cancer compared with the general Australian population,” she said. The report calls for better monitoring of air pollution from transport and industry, including during and after construction of the West Gate Tunnel. It also calls for the government to implement alternative truck routes instead of feeding heavy vehicles onto residential streets.

Call to reinstate inspections

Lochinvar Art. (Stuart McCormick)

Lochinvar Art in class of its own Lochinvar Art is tuned to the minute for the Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Cup on October 10 says trainer-driver David Moran, who will now decide whether to propel his stable star straight into the $300,000 feature or step out in this Saturday’s star-studded sprint. The four-year-old was in a class of his own in a quality TAB Minuteman Free For All, the headliner of a 10-race card as metropolitan racing returned to Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday. Lochinvar Art comfortably put paid to two highly-rated threats, Cruz Bromac and

Zennart, before careering away to a 9.3-metre win ahead of Emma Stewart’s fast-finishing Tam Major and Out To Play, and impressive Rackemup Tigerpie for Michael Stanley. “Going into last week he was probably just a little bit underdone for race fitness. He’s been super during the week and he was really good again tonight,” Moran told Trots Vision. His impressive performance has left the door ajar for the $50,000 TAB Smoken Up Sprint at Melton next Saturday. “He probably had the run tonight where he could nearly go around again next week and

possibly just have him rock hard for the Vic Cup, but we need to work out whether we really want to have a speed burn next week for the sake of it,” Moran said. “If you draw bad again, he’s going to have a complete gut buster and you start to think is it necessary? We will sit down and figure out whether we go straight to the Vic Cup with a break or without a break.” Moran rated Lochinvar Art a “50-50 chance” to run next week.

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) is calling on the state government to allow one-on-one inspections of properties to help the real estate industry get moving again. The institute said one-on-one private inspections by appointment were important so that people can physically see the property before they commit to a considerable investment. The real estate industry previously held inspections during stage 3 restrictions, with only one person at a property with an agent to supervise and assist. Properties were disinfected and cleaned before and after inspections, face coverings were worn, the touching of surfaces during an inspection was prohibited, andcontact details of every person inspecting the property were recorded. REIV chief executive Gil King said the industry understood the risks of large gatherings, but small inspections should be allowed. “We understand that the larger gatherings at public auctions and open houses are a risk,” Mr King said. “That is not what we are asking for. Private one-on-one inspections are absolutely safe. “While online auctions can occur, they simply aren’t because people cannot see the house they want to buy. The Victorian property market has come to a standstill with zero auctions over the weekend. “This is about people, buyers, vendors and tenants alike. Allowing private inspections means that the market will be ready for revival when the time is right.” Ewen McRae

Michael Howard

Dance industry ‘left to wither and die’ Amy Citroen fears the dance industry is on the verge of collapse. Signature Cheer and Dance Studio’s doors in Sunbury an Gisborne have been closed for six months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the third step on the roadmap to a “covid normal”, outdoor contact and non-contact sport for people aged 18 and younger can resume in regional areas. Following the first lockdown, dance studios were classified as “creative industries” by the state government and were allowed to reopen with social distancing measures in place. But as regional Victoria emerges from the second lockdown, the state government has backflipped, classing dance studios as “indoor

community sports” that cannot operate until the last step of the roadmap, scheduled for November. “This is the fist time during my forced shutdown of my business that I am truly angry,” Ms Citroen said. “When an entire industry is left to wither and die because no one can make a decision … you are not only killing an industry, you are playing with the emotional wellbeing of an entire industry. “In regional Victoria, a child can play full contact sport outside yet that cannot attend a dance class which is a far more socially distant activity.” Ms Citroen made the switch to online classes

10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

but says the transition had not been easy with internet issues and children already being online during the day for remote learning. She believes many dance schools will not operate in 2021 without funding support. “Many parents are already saying ’we’ll just see you next year’ [but] there won’t be a next ear for a large portion of us,” she said. “There are over 1000 dance schools in Victoria and over half have not received any government support … This inconsistency is leading our industry to a breaking point. “This bouncing around of classification, rules and expectations needs to stop.” Jessica Micallef

Amy Citroen is the principal of two dance/cheer studios. (Damjan Janevski) 211669_06

29 September 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE: Melton City Council STAY INFORMED Melton City Council: melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19 facebook.com/cityofmelton Customer Service: 9747 7200

New online school holiday program School holidays have gone digital, and this spring we have some amazing live, interactive, and pre-recorded sessions that the kids will love.

Department of Health and Human Services: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Join us online for art workshops, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) sessions, children’s shows, cooking demonstrations and more.

COVID-19 Hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 hours)

COVID-19 support and information If you need information about changes to Council services or you’re after additional support during the COVID-19 crisis, Council can help. We have an area of our website dedicated to providing you with the most important and up-to-date information on the impacts to residents and the resources available to you during this challenging time. You’ll find: • Changes to Council services and facilities: Changes to kindergartens, youth centres, family services, libraries, arts, events, programs and activities, Council meetings and more. • Financial support for ratepayers: If you’re experiencing financial hardship, find out how Council can support you in making your payments. • Business support and resources: A hub to keep business owners

updated on changes that affect them and the support available.

Acceptable items include bikes, barbeques, sporting equipment, whitegoods, furniture, mattresses (limit of two).

We’re celebrating spring by making springy, spongy cupcakes – so put your chef’s hat on, wash your hands and let’s get baking. The Melbourne author and illustrator will take you through the process to create the beautiful artwork in his book, Fly, shortlisted in this year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year awards.

• Connector Hubs: Council has established Connector Hubs to help residents understand the types of support available to them, offer guidance on how to access services, and help everyone stay connected, healthy and informed.

Make a pizza shop playset Use old boxes, coloured paper and other supplies to create your very own pizza delivery shop! Native bee house Learn to make a ‘bee hotel’ to attract native bees that pollinate flowers.

• Restrictions update: An overview of the current restrictions impacting the City of Melton.

Grace Fraraccio, the artist behind our current online exhibition Vegetable Soup and Friends, will guide you to observe everyday food items, and turn them into imaginary characters! Herb heads, caterpillars & watercress bugs Spring is the best time of year to sow seeds and watch them grow. We’ll share ideas on how to create fun containers to plant seeds in that the family can enjoy in the kitchen. Bush toy making workshop Work with Taungurung artist Cassie Leatham to create bush animal toys from nature and recycled materials. Bubblemania Create bubbles galore in this crazy exploration of the world of bubbles. Investigate the shape and size of bubbles and sculpt your own bubble mountains! Western Bace Holiday Club Join us for coding and robotic opportunities. This holidays, we’ll focus on STEM, design, and space challenges!

Check out the program at melton.vic.gov.au/springholidays and watch sessions from across the program anytime at facebook.com/ cityofmeltonlibraries and facebook.com/imaginemelton

Have you joined our business community?

Hard waste collection To use it, simply make a booking and place the items out, within your property boundary (not on the nature strip), by 6am on the collection day. Collections can be up to three cubic metres.

Springy cupcakes

Create art with Jess McGeachin

• Help and support: Information on community support services, resources for families and children, information for businesses, and ways to stay connected during the pandemic.

Simply visit melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19

Each household with a Council waste service is entitled to one hard waste collection during the financial year.

New sessions are being rolled out throughout the week, and many of last week’s sessions are also available to re-watch via our libraries Facebook page. Sessions include:

Draw a vegetable character

We’ve just welcomed our 1000th member to Council’s Venture Melton Business Network!

Unacceptable items include: hazardous items, gas bottles, tyres, building materials.

We’re proud to be such a wellconnected business community, providing a service that’s helping to keep local businesses thriving.

To book a hard waste collection visit melton.vic.gov.au/hardwaste (Please note: usually, households also have the option to dispose of unwanted items at the Melton Recycling Facility, however this facility is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions)

Through the network, our professional development, support, and networking opportunities have helped many local businesses grow, learn, and achieve their goals.

Our VMBN members get access to: • Online business resource hub • Professional development: one-on-one specialist business advice, and training and webinars • Network events • High profile guest speakers • Business-to-business engagement Right now, it’s free to be part of one of the most connected and supported business communities in Australia. Become a member today at vmbusinessnetwork.com

Your Councillors – Visit melton.vic.gov.au/councillors to find your ward Councillors and their contact details

Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Deputy Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Ken Hardy

Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Michelle Mendes

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Yvonne Sebire

Cr Bob Turner

11 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

FEATURE STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Creative kitchens By Tara Murray Victorian’s are stepping up in the kitchen and getting creative during lockdown and a new website will make it even easier. The website, Cook Well, Eat Well, has been launched by VicHealth and Nutrition Australia to ensure Victorians are supported in making easy, affordable and nourishing meals. The launch of the website comes after a VicHealth survey revealed one in two Victorians have started meal planning during the coronavirus pandemic, while 28 per cent have been cooking more dinners as they look to save money. Of those surveyed, nearly half were doing more cooking to save money and 57 per cent said it was because they had more time to prepare meals. The site features a range of free healthy eating resources, including simple recipes and videos, for Victorians to use and for organisations to share with their communities. VicHealth chief executive Dr Sandro Demaio said the survey highlights how the pandemic is affecting the eating and spending habits of Victorians. “The coronavirus pandemic has placed enormous financial strain on many Victorians. Households are adapting by planning their meals and cooking more to save money,” Dr Demaio said. “A quick and easy meal can be made from a few simple pantry staples. Lentils are full of vitamins and minerals and can be used in dahl, burgers, soup, bolognese or salad. And rice is another key ingredient used in many delicious dishes, including fried rice, risotto or to accompany a satisfying curry.” Nutrition Australia chief executive Lucinda Hancock said Cook Well, Eat Well will help Victorians with basic cooking tips, food safety and food storage ideas. She said they had collaborated with the likes of Foodbank Victoria and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre to help reach more people.

‘‘

Households are adapting by planning their meals and cooking more - Sandro Demaio

’’

A new website is helping Victorians get creative in the kitchen during lockdown. (iStock)

Here’s two of the recipes that are included on the new website:

Lentil Dahl (Serves four)

Ingredients

Fritters

Method

(Serves four)

1. Drain can of corn kernels into a sieve and rinse under cold water. Set aside 2. Grate the zucchini 3. Add all ingredients except for olive oil into a large bowl and mix until combined. 4. Heat olive oil in a frypan over medium-high heat. Pour 1/4 of mixture into the pan at a time to form a fritter. 5. Fry each side for 2 minutes or until brown. Repeat with remaining mixture. 6. Serve with a dollop of greek yoghurt.

Ingredients 1 x 420g can of corn kernels 1 zucchini 2 cups of plain flour 1 teaspoon of baking powder 2 eggs, whisked 1 cup of milk 1 tablespoon of olive oil Greek yoghurt to serve

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

2 cups dried red lentils 4 cups water (to cover lentils) 2 teaspoon ground turmeric 2 tablespoons butter 1 brown onion 2 tomatoes 1 tablespoon ginger 1 green chili 2 teaspoons cumin seeds 2 teaspoon ground coriander 1 cup brown and/or wild rice combined Greek yoghurt, to serve (optional) Fresh coriander, to serve (optional)

Method 1. Add red lentils, 1 1/2 cups water, turmeric and butter to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to boil, then remove from heat and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, peel onion and dice. Dice tomatoes. Set aside. Grate ginger and finely slice chili. Set aside. 3. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium – high heat. Add cumin seeds and ground coriander. Fry for 1 minute. 4. Add onion, tomato, chili and ginger. Fry for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and spices are fragrant. Set aside. 5. Return saucepan with lentils to medium-high heat. Add fried spices, onion, tomato, chili and ginger. Add remaining water and stir through to combine. Bring to the boil. Place lid on saucepan and take off the heat and allow to rest for 10 minutes, until lentils are tender and water has absorbed. 6. Meanwhile, cook rice according to packet instructions or refer to our ‘how to cook rice’ video. 7. Plate lentil dhal with rice. Serve with a dollop with Greek yoghurt and fresh coriander.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FEATURE

Lockdown a silver lining for pets By Laura Michell Some lucky cats and dogs in Melbourne’s north and west have found a new home during the pandemic. Shelters across Melbourne are reporting a surge in pet adoptions during lockdown, but are warning potential pet owners to remember that their pet will be part of their family long after lockdown has ended. Star Weekly asked for readers to send in photos of cats and dogs which they have adopted since the first lockdown began in March. The Hegarty family is among those who decided to adopt a pet during lockdown, recently adopting a cat named Queenie from a shelter in Echuca. Mum, Melody, said she was planning to adopt a cat for her daughter Lyrix’s 5th birthday in February but decided to adopt one sooner because of lockdown. “We thought it was a good time for Lyrix to spend the time properly at home learning how to look after Queenie without the distraction of having plans and heading out of the house and leaving Queenie at home,” she said. The Lost Dogs’ Home recorded 566 adoptions in May – its largest single-month adoption total since January 2018 – while 453 animals were adopted in June and 371 in July. Spokeswoman Suzana Talevski said the organisation encouraged would-be adopters to make careful choices when adopting pets to ensure they stayed with their family for the long-term. She said The Lost Dogs’ Home asked potential adopters to consider their living environment, lifestyle and those that already exist in their household when deciding whether to adopt a cat or dog and make a responsible decision for all parties involved. “Our shelter staff work tirelessly to prepare our beautiful animals for adoption. When our four-legged visitors leave us we want to make sure it’s for the first and last time,” she said. Under pandemic restrictions, Victorians are allowed to collect a newly-adopted pet from animal shelters, as long as the new owners go straight to the shelter and then home. The Lost Dogs’ Home is conducting adoptions by appointment only during the stage four lockdown. Dogs and cats available for adoption can be viewed online. Due to the large number of adoption inquiries the shelter is receiving for dogs, its team are assessing up to the first 20 applications to find a match. Details: https://dogshome.com/

Bayce, 2, and Lyrix, 4, with their cat Queenie. (Damjan Janevski) 212410_01

Above: Kimberley adopted Nash from Australian Working Dog Rescue. He is nearly eight months old now.

Above: Lulu Blu, a British shorthair, who now lives with Michelle and her family.

Charlie with her cat Frostbite.

Nurse Mia recently adopted Pablo. She found Pablo at her workplace, and was going to give him to a rescue group, but the kitten captured her heart – so she gave him a home. “I rescued Pablo back in May and we are on an adventure together,” Mia said. “I have another three rescued older cats as well.” Mia said adopting a pet was “a responsibility and a commitment to do the best you can”.

Madeline and Julie with Luna the cat. (Joe Mastroianni) 212258_01

Above: Rhiannon and her family adopted a new dog recently. “A nine year-old Staffy who my kids and our other dog love to bits, Stella is the girl in front,” she said. Buster (behind Stella) is another rescue dog, whom the family has had for about 10 years.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Lidia, along with her mother, father, sister and brother, adopted a rescue Kelpie x Border Collie, named Mitch, in March. Lidia said: “After living with two dogs who both recently passed away the last year, our home was feeling very empty and sad, particularly going into lockdown.”

13 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

29 Reserve Rd, Melton 03 9329 4024 Opposite the Melton Country Club

12463366-SG40-20

14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Sudoku

Quick crossword

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

9 10

Across 1. Looking, but not buying (6-8) 10. Obliterate (5) 11. Purpose (9) 12. Routine (7) 13. Afternoon social gathering (4,3) 14. Conditions (5) 16. Weaken, gradually destroy (9) 19. Canine copper (6,3) 20. Unforeseen drawback (5) 22. Buying and selling (7) 25. Income from an investment (7) 27. Persecuted (9) 28. There it is! (Fr) (5) 29. The spreading of rumours and fearDECODER (14)

Down 2. Opening, introductory (9) 3. Inhabit (5) 4. A collection of money (colloq) (4-5) 5. Setback (5) 6. Eulogy (9) 7. Fool (5) 8. Upper edge of a ship’s side (7) 9. Confidential (6) 15. Blasphemy (9) 17. Situation where people ruthlessly pursue their own interests (3,3,3) 18. Instinctive understanding (9) 19. Poignant, moving (7) 21. At the peak, in your prime (6) 23. First letter of Greek alphabet (5) 24. Enthusiasm (5) 26. At no time (5)

DECODER

Decoder

WordFit

Each number represents a different letter of the alphabet. Write the given letters into all squares with matching numbers. Now work out which letters are represented by the other numbers. As you get the letters, write them into the main grid and the reference grid. Decoder uses all 26 letters of the alphabet.

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

17 26

2 14

12 12

E 4

1 14

15 12

13 4

17 1

3 LETTERS ADO ANY AVE AXE DIM DYE EAR EMU EWE HEN IRE LOW NAG NET NUT PAN RED ROE RUE SHY SKI SUE TOE USE

17 6

19 1

12 7

2 5

ABCDE FGHIJKL MNOPQRSTUV WXYZ

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 F E SOLUTION TO DECODER 16:

Quick crossword solution

SOLUTION TO DECODER 16:

Across: 1. Window-shopping, 10. Erase, 11. Intention, 12. Regular, 13. High tea, 14. Terms, 16. Undermine, 19. Police dog, 20. Catch, 22. Trading, 25. Annuity, 27. Oppressed, 28. Voila, 29. Scaremongering. Down: 2. Inaugural, 3. Dwell, 4. Whip-round, 5. Hitch, 6. Panegyric, 7. Idiot, 8. Gunwale, 9. Secret, 15. Sacrilege, 17. Dog eat dog, 18. Intuition, 19. Piteous, 21. Heyday, 23. Alpha, 24. Gusto, 26. Never.

WordBuilder WordBuilder

417

E V I R L

4 LETTERS AMID APED BEAR CASE DIAL DOZY DYES EDGE GENE GNUS JUDO SEEP SPUD STAY 5 LETTERS ADULT AGONY AIDES

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word. Good 7 Very Good 11 Excellent 16

S P U D

AMASS AMIGO ARCED AURAL AWARE BEIGE CROSS DEEDS DENSE DESEX DRESS EMBED EMEND ENDUE ENSUE EXCEL FLUNG FRANC INANE

IMMENSE MUSICAL PANDORA RANSACK

SLEDS SLYER SPRAG STEEP TONAL UNITE UVULA WARMS ZEBRA

IVORY JAMES LANCE LEMUR MINDS NEAPS OOMPH ORATE PUREE REELS RENAL SAMOA SAXON SCENE SEAMY SEATS SHARE SINCE SLABS

8 LETTERS BARNACLE ELEVENTH EMERGENT HARANGUE

6 LETTERS CAESAR CREASE GLOSSY NAILED 7 LETTERS ANAEMIA DYNAMIC

Sudoku solutions

Decoder S

15 2

16 3

17 4

18 5

19 6

20 7

21 8

22 9

T O N A L

S L A B S

R E N A L

F L U N G

S E A M Y A W A R E A M I G O

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

E W A E I D E S D Y N A M I C

J A U V D E O S P D U I D A L E M E R G E N T

I M M E N S E M U S I C A L

E S L A E X V O E N N T H A P G E N D U S S S E U E E P

D O Z R Y E D I N R A A N N E S A N C A K I L E D

R E S S O M P H E B R A E A R E D G E M E A P S N G U E D O R A N E T D Y E S Y E S A R I R E A N C E X C E L E E D S

WordBuilder

A U R A L

C R O S S

WordFit

PUZZLES

G evil, ire, lei, lev, lie, lire, live, liver, rev, riel, F rile, rive, veil, vie, vier, vile, viler, vlei

EASY

MEDIUM

HARD

SOLUTION TO DECODER 17:

L D

V S

I N

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down. Note: more than one solution may be possible.

Pepsi was originally sold as a cure for what? In what year was Australian outlaw Ned Kelly arrested and later executed? Which country gave the Statue of Liberty to the USA? What famous black basalt slab was the key to the translation of Egyptian hieroglyphics? 5. Which instrument represents the cat in Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf? 6. Whose 1987 horror novel is titled Misery? 7. What is a peloton? 8. Kim Carnes sang about which film star’s eyes? 9. Who partnered John Newcombe to win 12 men’s doubles Grand Slam titles? 10. Which female film star’s first starring role was in National Velvet, aged 12, in 1949? 1. 2. 3. 4.

DUNLOP AUTO SERVICE CENTRE 161 High Street Melton

E L I T E

S L I N G

5x5 solution E I D E R

Quiz

B R A V E

5x5

O G R E S

Quiz solution

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

We can only carry out EMERGENCY/Safety Breakdowns and Repairs. But will return to normal Covid 19 regulation servicing after September 19 •฀Full฀range฀of฀Goodyear,฀Dunlop฀ Branded฀tyres฀&฀all฀major฀brands฀ Including฀Monsta฀Extreme฀MUD,฀ MUD฀Warrior฀&฀Street฀Series 161 High Street Melton

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9746 0088

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15 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

1. Dyspepsia, 2. 1880, 3. France, 4. The Rosetta Stone, 5. Clarinet, 6. Stephen King, 7. The main group of cyclists in a race, 8. Bette Davis, 9. Tony Roche, 10. Elizabeth Taylor.

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REPAIRS & REMOTES Roller Door Remote Controls Silent Drive 7 Year Warranty FROM $500 fully installed

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

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F & J ROLLER DOORS

TRADES & SERVICES

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

12398667-SN37-18

We accept payment by:

V Garage/Garage Doors

12380413-RC10-18

(include your name, address and phone number)

Deadline for all classifications is 1:30pm Monday.

12401756-CG42-18

Reliable & Experienced Removalist | 2 men - from $85 per hour.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

Long, low and very fast By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

Having four-door practicality in a full-on sportscar is a clever bit of engineering from Bayerische Motoren Werke in Germany. To make the extra space for the back seats the Gran Coupé is longer than the 8 Series Coupé and Convertible and rides on a 200mm greater wheelbase. It’s more likely to be purchased by those looking for a fast long distance cruiser than a sports machine, but the choice is there thanks to the ability to select from variable suspension choices. BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé is offered in two models, the 840i and M850i xDrive. The latter is the subject of this road test.

3.0 840i: $204,900 4.4 M850i xDrive: $277,900 4.4 M8 Competition: $354,900

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local BMW dealer for drive-away prices.

front passenger, head airbags for front and rear seats, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts on all seats, belt latch tensioner and belt force limiter. BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé uses the latest driver assistance systems.

Driving Styling

Multifunctional seats for the driver and front passenger with additional adjustment functions for superior comfort, are trimmed in BMW Individual Extended leather ‘Merino’ upholstery. The two rear seats are individual units and have high levels of lateral support in case the driver gets over enthusiastic during cornering. A fifth passenger can be accommodated, without a great deal of comfort in the squeezy

middle rear seat. As a true passenger car the Gran Coupé has 440 litres of luggage capacity. There are folding rear seat backrests with a 40/20/40 split. These can be folded independently of each other.

Infotainment BMW Operating System 7.0 has a 10.25-inch infotainment display which can be operated via the iDrive Controller, also by steering wheel controls, touchscreen, gesture control or voice control. BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, enables interaction and command operation through voice command.

Trades & Services V

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฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ FREE QUOTE - FULL INSURANCE

CAMERON LOPEZ 0419 644 838 E: Cameron.lopez619@gmail.com 12411669-SN09-19

MSZ TREELOPPING ▲ Treelopping and felling ▲ Stump removal ▲ Pruning ▲ On site mulching ▲ Mulch for sale ▲ Full insurance cover

MICK 9747 1322 - 0418 994 320 V

Washing Machines

JD 12436763-JV03-20

WASHING MACHINE REPAIR Call out $40

Mob: 0414 484 932

General Notices V

Safety As well as excellent ability to avoid having a crash the big Bimmer has airbags for driver and front passenger, side airbags for driver and

Public Notices and Event

Notification for Publication of Final Preliminary Documentation under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) The following notice is published pursuant to Section 95B (4) of the Commonwealth EPBC Act, and follows the recent public comment period during which no comments were received.

Find it in the

General section of Network Classifieds.

The proposed action is identiﬁed as the Parwan to Melton Recycled Water Pipeline, for a proposed pipeline located between Parwan and Melton, Victoria (EPBC 2018/8260). The proposed action is to be undertaken by Western Region Water Corporation. The proposed action is a controlled action under the EPBC Act. The controlling provisions are listed threatened species and communities (Sections 18 and 18A). The relevant matters of National Environmental Signiﬁcance are one fauna species, Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana and one ecological community, Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain. The proposed action involves the removal of Golden Sun Moth habitat and Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain to facilitate the pipeline project.

Massage Therapists

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer non-sexual services.

Pets & Services

If requested, hard copies can be posted to individuals. Due to current closures of local council (Melton City Council) and state government ofﬁces (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning), hard copies will not be available at these locations. Persons with special needs (i.e. for whom English is a second language or who have a vision impairmentmay contact Claire Ranyard at cranyard@ehpartners.com.au or 0437 980 490, for assistance in accessing the documentation.

12463081-DL40-20

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

CALL 1300 666 808

Medical/Nursing

REGISTERED NURSES

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

Garage Sales

ICU/PICU nurses wanted for home care in Sunbury Minimum of 2 years ICU/PICU experience. Must be Ventilation and Tracheostomy competent. For more information contact Patrik on 041 094 2230 or email patrik@intensivecareathome.com 12417413-FA19-19

Positions Vacant

HAIRDRESSER Award-winning boutique hairdressing salon is seeking an experienced Hairdresser/Colourist with skills in all areas of hairdressing to join our outstanding team in Gisborne with immediate start. Full or Part-Time.

Apply now: Phone 0411 161 563

PLACE YOUR

gszatbooks@yahoo.com.au V

Positions Vacant

Forklift Driver Laverton Area Afternoon Shift Truck licence and experience in general freight would be an advantage Phone 0412 155 613

• Ecology and Heritage Partners website at https://www.ehpartners.com.au/projects/meltonrecycled-water-pipeline

12462138-SN39-20

Confession time: Having road tested many thousands of cars over almost 50 years I almost invariably walk away from the vehicle at the end of the week without a backward glance. It wasn’t like that with the BMW M850i Gran Coupé xDrive, if I had a spare $300,000 I would buy one – but I don’t. Sigh …

Employment

Final preliminary documentation will be on display online, free of charge between 25/09/2020 and 23/10/2020 at the following locations: PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS AT MELBOURNE WATER RESERVOIR BLAIR ST DALLAS VIC 3047 (1) 308 MINNS ROAD MELTON VIC 3337 (2) As part of a national upgrade project, Optus plans to upgrade the telecommunications facilities for the sites above. 1.The proposed works for both sites include the reconﬁguration of the existing radio remote units to activate LTE900 technology on the site and any other associated works necessary for the operation of the facility. The purpose of this works is to provide enhanced network capacity. 2.Optus regard the proposed installations as Low Impact in accordance with the Telecommunications Act 1997 and Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above. 3.Further information can be obtained from Mel Tuangthong, 0414 166 870, melt@cpsglobal.com, and at www.rfnsa.com.au, RFNSA reference number 3047002 (1) and 3337016 (2). 4.Written submissions should be sent to: Level 9 – 256 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000 by 5.00pm on Tuesday 13 October 2020.

Summing up

General Classifieds

12400498-CG38-18

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12453988-FA28-20

Allgood Aussie Tree Lopping ฀ ฀

The M850i has a brilliant 4.4-litre V8 dual-turbo petrol engine producing up to 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque. It has the M Performance specific xDrive all-wheel drive system. It accelerates from zero to 100km/h in only 3.9 seconds. The 840i uses a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 250kW and 500Nm peak torque. It drives the rear wheels.

General Notices

Tree Lopping/Surgery

Engines / transmissions

It’s absolutely delightful to drive. Throttle response is virtually instantaneous. It’s so far ahead of any other turbo we have driven to date that it makes the others feel dull by comparison. BMW M850i has xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system with a pronounced rear bias, and Adaptive M Suspension Professional with an active anti-roll stabilisation system. If you get an opportunity to sample that zero to a hundred in under four seconds part of your test drive - take it! The steering reacts the moment you move the wheel and sends excellent feedback so that you know exactly what is happening.

12439677-FA05-20

Interior

Long, low, sleek and very fast, the BMW M850i xDrive. (Supplied)

12423634-SN31-19

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé has a swooping roofline and a tucked-in glasshouse, flared wheel arches and trapezoidal exhaust pipes. The M Carbon Exterior package is optional and includes various M Performance carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) accessories such as M carbon Air Curtain, M carbon mirror caps and single-piece carbon finishers around the tailpipes.

Positions Vacant

TRUCK DRIVER MC/HC Based in Laverton. Full time position. Melbourne to Adelaide. Melbourne to Albury. Wages per agreement.

Phone 0412 155 613

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

Real Estate V

To Share

Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds.

Real Estate

HOPPERS CROSSING Mature female to rent one furnished BR. $150 per week, no bills. Phone 0424 324 420.

Find it in the

General section of Network Classifieds.

Motoring V

Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $600 for all complete cars dead or alive!

Buy, & Sell in our

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

0422 108 512 Also Towing Service Available 12439661-LB05-20

LMCT 10268W

17 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

SPORT O’Keefe makes the transition to Burras coach New Diggers Rest Bulla coach Shannon O’Keefe was keen to give back something to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association club. Having been part of the club for more than 30 years, including playing in four first XI premierships, O’Keefe decided to put his hand up for the coaching role when it became vacant. “I’ve been associated with the club for over the last 30 years now,” he said. “It’s quite an honour to have been there for so long. “It’s good to give something back to them and it’s an exciting time for the club.” O’Keefe said he had always thought about coaching, but had never put his hand up before. He thought it was a good time to make the transition this season.

While he is inexperienced in the coaching side of things, he knows that there’s plenty of support around him. “There’s a lot of support from the volunteers and on and off the field,” he said. “I’ve known a lot of these guys since they were kids. I’ll be looking for their support and I’ll be looking to support them.” O’Keefe replaces Rasika Batepola who has left the club to return to play turf cricket with PEGS. He’s one of two big losses from of last season’s side. Indika Massalage, who is one of the premier players in the competition, has joined fellow McIntyre Cup side Sunbury United as its coach. O’Keefe knows they will be hard to replace. “They’re a big loss for us experience-wise,” he said. “What they have taught the guys the last

few years makes my job a lot easier.” The Burras are hoping to finalise a few recruits in the coming weeks, with O’Keefe saying that they had spoken to a few past players who were of McIntyre Cup level. He is also hoping for some development from the players in the lower grades. “There’s a few guys who were in the seconds last season who are looking to step up,” he said. “There’s a lot of depth and a lot of natural talent in the seconds. There’s a lot of younger players. “Hopefully a few of those guys can become more consistent players in the ones. I’m looking to give them plenty of opportunities.” The Burras will enter this season with plenty of motivation, with the side missing out of the chance to play in last season’s grand final. They were due to play Gisborne in the grand

Tsapatolis’ AFL dream By Tara Murray One of Australia’s rising basketball stars Paul Tsapatolis is turning his back on the sport with his eyes firmly on an AFL career. Despite offers to head to America for college or play professionally in Greece in front of his family, Tsapatolis is set to be on an AFL list before the year is out. He last played football with Yarraville Seddon Eagles in under-13s, meaning AFL clubs can take him as a category B rookie without going through the draft. Tsapatolis said he had started to think about football a lot more over the past two years, despite representing Australia in recent years at underage level in basketball. “From a very young age when I was playing under-13s footy, I always loved footy and I wish I never gave it up,” he said. “Basketball was always trying to push you towards playing one sport. It was a no brainer for me at the time, but if I had the mindset I have now back then, I would have stuck with footy. “When I first started with the footy, mum and dad were like you look so happy and look relaxed and like you’re enjoying yourself. “Basketball I enjoyed, but nothing compared to what I do with footy.” The Point Cook resident has spent the COVID-19 lockdown period working on his skills and getting in plenty of strength and fitness work. He said his skills were terrible a couple of years ago when he picked up the football again, but they had improved out of sight. “With basketball, you have to be at a court, while with footy you can go and kick the footy at the park or an oval. “I’ve been kicking pretty much every day.” AFL clubs have shown interest in Tsapatolis the past 12 months, with Adelaide and Sydney both flying him over to train with them. “When I was in Adelaide and up in Sydney, the environment of the team is so team-orientated. “Even though basketball is a team sport, everyone gets around each other in footy, that’s what I really miss in footy. “When I was training with Adelaide, it was a great experience. I truly figured out what the clubs were like, how the boys reacted in normal day life as I stayed with Reilly O’Brien and Jake Kelly. “I got the true feel of what the day in the life of a footballer is and it blew my mind.” The AFL website recently reported that Adelaide and Geelong are both interested in taking him as a rookie. Tsapatolis said both those clubs and a couple of others had shown interest. A final decision will be made once list sizes and the salary cap are released. He said hearing that club’s were

‘‘

not once have I looked back

’’

- Paul Tsapatolis

Paul Tsapatolis has switched from basketball to AFL. (Joe Mastroianni)

interested in him had started to make the dream feel a bit more real. Tsapatolis said he will treasure the basketball memories including making the All-star five team as Australia claimed gold at the Oceania championships. He has been told that he will

18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

always be welcomed back at Keilor Thunder, should he ever change his mind. But at this stage, he’s just focused on football. “Footy is what I want to do and I knew I wouldn’t regret it and not once have I looked back to say … I should stay with basketball.”

final, before it was cancelled due to COVID-19. Gisborne was awarded the premiership after going through the season undefeated. “The boys are keen to go one better this season.” O’Keefe said the side would look at returning to training as soon as possible. As they are a metro team, they currently can’t train. Regional sides can train and are set to play games for no points from October 17. A proper season will start when all teams can play. “We would love to be training now,” he said. “We should be starting the normal season in two or three weeks. Everyone is keen so we will get out there as soon as we get the call that we can.” Tara Murray

O’Sullivan steps back at Romsey Outgoing Romsey coach Corey O’Sullivan believes the club can have success in the Riddell District Football League in the next couple of years. O’Sullivan, who has coached the side for the past four years, has been instrumental in helping the club return to being a premiership contender. Despite what looks likely to be an exciting future, O’Sullivan decided that his time as coach was up. “I couldn’t make a commitment at the moment and I didn’t want to stuff around the club while I made a decision,” he said. “I’ve always wanted the club to advertise every year I’ve been the coach, as there’s potentially someone out there better. I couldn’t give them an answer now and they’ve advertised.” O’Sullivan looks back at his time as Redbacks coach as a successful one, which saw the club finish sixth in 2018 and second in the 2019 regular season, before being knocked out in straight sets. He said while they didn’t win a final, it didn’t tell the whole story on and off the field. He said the club is close to having cleared its debts, if not debt free. “We made finals and while we didn’t win one it might look like a fail, but it doesn’t represent the changes that have been made. We went into every game with 23-24 player points, which is really good for a local club. “Romsey is used to success and everyone wants to win and play finals. While we won premierships in 2014-15, it set the club back financially. “The committee was fantastic to stand up and make a decision to take a different direction. “I’m pleased and there are a lot of young fellows coming through.” O’Sullivan, who is planning to help out when he can, said the club could have success soon if it could keep the list together. He said the club had the right mix of players. “It is a fantastic list and experienced senior players who are fantastic fellows at 22-23 years old. “Then you’ve got blokes in the middle of their careers and 16, 17, 18-year-olds coming through.” The club has also advertised for coaches in all netball grades. Tara Murray

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Hawks Fastpitch named softball club of the year Forty years of hard work has paid off for the Hawks Fastpitch Softball Club after it was named the Softball Victoria club of the year for 2019-20. The Hawks, who play in the Werribee Softball Association, were named the club of the year earlier this month, recognising the hard work of volunteers. A change of direction in the last 12 months, which included the club rebranding from Altona Hawks to Hawks Fastpitch and moving from Hobsons Bay to Wyndham, resulted in a 49 per cent increase in membership growth last year. While the award recognises the work the committee has done over the the past 12 months, president Jason Kriehn was quick to say it goes a lot beyond that. “We’ve been so successful over the last years, rather than just a single season,” he said.

Hawks Fastpitch softball players. (Supplied)

“This is for everyone who has been involved over the years. I’m so happy for everyone. “With it being our 40th anniversary last year, the award has come at a perfect time. We can’t celebrate the award now, but we will look to later on.” Kriehn said he believed it was the first time

that the club had won an award such as this. The club fielded eight teams last season– three juniors, three women’s and two men’s sides – and showed some really good signs on the field. Kriehn said much of the growth last season was getting former players back to the club. “We reached out to a lot of past players,” he said. “A lot said that they wouldn’t mind coming back for a bit of a hit and which then led to a lot of others then coming back too. “We want to build on the ideas we have for the future, and hopefully after this pandemic period, we’ll be able to get more people involved in softball.” The club has also increased its social media presence to connect with current and former players. As well as being named Victorian club of the year, the club finished third in the Softball

Pritchard’s AFLW dream

Western Jets Isabelle Pritchard. (Shawn Smits) 205915_08

access to coaches and really great facilities and get all this wisdom which is amazing. “We had access to the coaches throughout the year, but it’s more than that. “The friends I made at the academy, they’ve been really good to have contact with and I’ve been able to see what they’re up to in terms of footy and their lives.” Pritchard has been selected for the AFLW state combine. While hopefuls are still unsure if they will test, being selected shows that clubs are interested in them.

Tara Murray

Cricket season inches closer

By Tara Murray Western Jets’ Isabelle Pritchard is starting to feel the nerves ahead of the upcoming AFLW draft. Having played just three NAB League games before the season was cancelled, Pritchard like many other draft hopefuls have had a year like no other. The Spotswood player is trying not to think too much about what might be ahead. “It’s pretty scary,” she said. “I’m just trying to keep busy with school work and stuff like that to keep my mind off it, so I don’t get too nervous. “It is pretty nerve-racking as we get closer and closer.” Pritchard, who started playing football in 2016, put her name on AFLW recruiters list as a defender the last couple of seasons, with her performances earning her a spot in the AFL Women’s National Academy. In the few games that Pritchard did play for the Jets this year, she showed her vertistility by playing in the midfield. “I moved into the midfield this year from the backline,” she said. “I really enjoyed playing there and being around the ball a bit more. “We were doing really well as a team which was really encouraging, it’s kind of a shame the season ended up getting closed off. “What we were doing was really exciting, I would have loved to see how we went this season.” Pritchard said while she feels more comfortable in defence, she would like to continue working on playing in the midfield.” With no football due to COVID-19, Pritchard has focused on her year 12 studies as that ramps up. For her, football has been an outlet. “I’ve been trying to keep as fit as I can,” she said. “Now the combine is approaching I’m trying to get ready for that, which is a bit hectic. “As I’m in my office all day, doing school, going down to the park for an hour is my favourite part of the day. “It’s really weird as I haven’t been able to practice, but it’s been good I’ve got a friend [Emma Keily] from the Jets who lives in my street, so I’ve been able to go down to the park with her and trying to keep some of my fitness and skills up.” While she only got to play three games this year, Pritchard did manage to get away with the academy early in the year. The academy has proven to be a valuable asset this year. “We went on a camp at the start of the year to Darwin during the summer which was really fun,” she said. “Got to train in the heat and got to practice with some really good coaches. We had [Geelong footballer] Aasta O’Connor as our head coach, which was really cool. “Being in the academy, you get such amazing

Australia’s Homeplate Ladder Program, which recognises clubs and associations for implementing best practice governance and management, as well as membership growth and retention. Kriehn said the club was starting to plan for the upcoming season. With restrictions due to COVID-19, they were unsure when they would start. He said anyone was welcome to come down and join the club. “Normally the season starts at the start of October,” he said. “We’re in the process of planning for the season and hopefully building on last year. “It’s a good opportunity for players that didn’t get to play winter sport and want to play a sport over summer.”

Pritchard has had interviews with several AFLW clubs. With a spot on an AFLW list possible in the near future, Pritchard admits she never thought she would get this far. “For me it’s always been about being with my friends and enjoying it and trying to be the best I can and try and improve. “I never expected any of this to happen when I first started a few years ago … Playing AFL is the dream and it’s amazing, but if I can keep improving and keep trying hard, that’s the goal.”

Cricket matches are a step closer for both regional and metro zones, with season start dates starting to be floated. Teams and competitions in regional zones are set to kick off as soon as October 17, with step two restrictions allowing them to start training. The Ballarat Cricket Association, which includes Darley, has set a season kick-off date of October 17. Darley has already started training. The Gisborne and District Cricket Association will have games start on the same date, however, with several of their teams based in metro Melbourne, the first four rounds will only be for regional teams and not played for points. Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, Woodend, Riddell, Wallan, Macedon, Kyneton, Malmsbury, Hanging Rock, Blackwood, Lancefield and Trentham are all based in regional areas. Players from regional teams who live in metro Melbourne will have to wait until metro teams are allowed to train and play before they can join their teams. GDCA president Rob McIntyre said it’s important that the association commences some form of competition now while waiting for the metro region. “Players are desperate to play sport after being starved of community competition for the past six months. “Our clubs have already seen increased interest in people wanting to play cricket and this is reflected in the 73 senior teams nominated for this season, up from 66 last season.” In metro Melbourne, a start date in late November is the aim with some associations aiming for November 14 and others November 21. It gives players three weeks training from October 28, when it’s hoped restrictions will ease to step two. The start dates come as Cricket Victoria released a 25-page document of guidelines for a return to train and play for clubs and associations to adopt last Friday. It is recommended that all matches be played as one-day fixtures. Training will be conducted in groups of 10 to ensure any infection is confined to a particular group and does not impact all players in a club. Matchday and training session protocols require participants to turn up just before a game or training starts and leave immediately after it finishes. Players will be limited from using changerooms and there will be limited access to social facilities. Tara Murray

19 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

PLANNING IS UNDERWAY

Unlocking Western Victoria’s renewable energy to grow businesses and communities for the region GET INVOLVED

Drop-in Sessions We want to hear from you. Come along and meet the team, ask questions and provide feedback about the project. BALLARAT Tuesday 6 October CE Brown Reserve, Dowling St, Wendouree

GORDON Wednesday 14 October Gordon Recreation Reserve, 18 Willunga Ave, Gordon

BALLAN Thursday 15 October Ballan Football Club, Atkinsons/Cowie St, Ballan

DARLEY Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 October Darley Park Sports Club, Cnr Grey and Fitzroy St, Darley

MELTON Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 October Melton South Football Club, Reserve Rd, Melton

Drop in between 2.00pm – 6.30pm at a convenient location listed above.

Your input is important Jump online and HAVE YOUR SAY at westvictnp.com.au Alternatively call the team on 03 9021 0674 or email info@westvictnp.com.au 12463322-JW40-20

-19 D I V CO sions

s -in se d with p o r d ate All acilit -Safe f e b will OVID lace C t c i r st in p ures s a e m