OCTOBER 6, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Small steps forward
(Damjan Janevski) 217142_02
Paul and Sue Kelly took advantage of beautiful weather and eased coronavirus restrictions to sit back and enjoy a drink in Bacchus Marsh last week. There were plenty of people enjoying the chance to take in all that Bacchus Marsh has to offer. Photographer Damjan Janevski caught up with a few of them. ■ More pictures: Page 9
Report backs power fight By Ewen McRae A report by an independent consulant has supported Moorabool council’s call for high-voltage transmission lines associated with the proposed Western Victoria Transmission Network Project to be placed underground. Plans are under way for nearly 200 kilometres of overhead power lines to be installed through Moorabool and Melton to transfer power from wind farms in the state’s west to metropolitan Melbourne.
While project operator AusNet has said that overhead lines are the only option being considered, council and numerous locals have pushed for the lines to go underground to protect farmland and maintain the visual aesthetic of the region. Council engaged the consultant to conduct a comparative assessment of the impact of 500kV overhead transmission lines with 500kV underground transmission cables. The report, based on literature reviews and data modelling, found that the undergrounding
of powerlines is a viable alternative for the proposed project. Council chief executive Derek Madden said the report supports council’s campaign to put the transmission lines underground. “There is no reason these lines can’t be placed underground,” he said. “With this independent report to back us, we’ll continue to push for this to occur.” The report stated that even if not all of the route was able to go underground, the possibility of putting as much of it as possible
underground should be explored. “If it is not commercially viable to install the entire route underground, certain segments could be installed underground, although this would require an aboveground transition station at each end. To install a portion of the route underground is not a simple solution but it is a technically feasible option. “Another option is to install some or all of the new overhead line adjacent to the route of the existing overhead line easement (SydenhamMoorabool-Elaine-Ballarat).”
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‘Stay the course’: Premier urges By Ewen McRae Active cases of coronavirus continue to fall in Melton and Moorabool. Moorabool had zero active cases of the virus as of Sunday, while active cases in Melton improved with just 21 cases. Victoria recorded 12 new cases on Sunday, with the total number of cases now at 20,209. The average number of cases diagnosed in the past 14 days for metropolitan Melbourne is 11.9 and regional Victoria is 0.2. At the weekend, Premier Dan Andrews
implored Victorians to continue following the lockdown rules as hundreds of people flocked to beaches. “We’ve just got to stay the course on this. The trend is with us, the numbers are coming down, once we get them low, we can keep them low and we can open up again,” Mr Andrews said. “And if you want to spend summer at the beach, then that will be the time to do that. If we don’t do anything silly or anything selfish right now.” Mr Andrews also did not confirm whether the five kilometre radius rule would be wound
back on October 19. “Those rules serve a really important purpose and they’ll be in place as long as that purpose is relevant and proportionate,” he said. “There’ll be a time when that can come off, but exactly when that is, or might be extended, when that is, we can’t be certain now.” In another step toward ‘COVID normal’ thousands of students prepare to return to on-site learning next week. Chief health officer Brett Sutton said schools were now able to open safely. “We’ve gotten to a point where the levels of
transmission in the community now are so low that that makes schools, really, a very safe place to go,” he said. “It does mean that you can still get a community case who turns up in school, but we’ve got a really good program to minimise the risk of transmission within that school setting. “We just need to make sure that it’s not just a case of back to normal at school, but all of those things we’ve been working … with the Department of Education around, like ventilation, and making sure that anyone who is unwell and who has symptoms doesn’t come to school.”
Post won’t hinder elections
Student Joanne Joseph has written a poem about COVID-19. (Damjan Janevski) 216474_01
Poem reflects on 2020 Joanne Joseph is in year 7 at Bacchus Marsh Grammar, and as part of a recent creative writing assignment, she turned her mind to the current COVID-19 situation. The Hillside resident wrote a poem to the tune of the famous Don McLean song American Pie, summing up what this crazy year has been like for so many. She said creating a new version of one of her favourite songs was part of the appeal when she started the project.
“American Pie by Don Mclean is one of my favourite songs and a super hit worldwide,” she said. “I choose that as a title as my whole poem was about saying goodbye to COVID-19 and was a good metaphor. “I knew that by using Bye, Bye Mr Covid-19 as the title there is an immediate connection from any reader to this famous song.” An avid reader, Joanne said exploring the events of the year and getting them down on paper was a big part of the fun in the project.
“I was always attracted to good, smart and concise writing,” she said. “The ideas were mostly based on personal experiences and everything that is happening around me. “The harder part was the rhyming and it took a lot of time and research to find words that would rhyme while conveying the message.” Read Joanne’s poem at meltonmoorabool. starweekly.com.au
The government agency responsible for this month’s local government elections has moved to reassure voters that delays in the delivery of postal votes won’t impact the election process. The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) was last week granted the authority to extend the postal voting timeline for the current Victorian local council elections if needed, to ensure any possible delivery delays by Australia Post won’t negatively impact voter participation and election results. All but three of Victoria’s 79 local councils are holding elections by postal vote this October. Electoral commissioner Warwick Gately said the changes provide an appropriate contingency option in light of community concerns about extended mail delivery timelines arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. “The VEC is engaging regularly with Australia Post and will be using the priority paid mail service for all postal ballots mailed and returned, but I accept there may be some delays,” he said. Mr Gately said the strict timelines for the mailing and receipt of ballot packs is prescribed in law. “The authority provided to me by the regulatory amendments allows me – if required – to mitigate the impact that any possible delays could have on the integrity of the elections.” Mr Gately noted that the changes won’t necessarily mean the timelines will change, but do provide flexibility if there is any evidence that delays in the postal network are impacting the integrity of the elections. Voters in each council will receive a ballot pack in early October.
Ewen McRae
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Consultation ‘a must’: Council By Ewen McRae Melton council has urged the planning minister to consult the community before making a decision on an application that would help facilitate Cleanaway’s bid to accept contaminated West Gate Tunnel soil at its Ravenhall facility. It came as council’s joint campaign with Brimbank council reached a milestone of more than 2000 community supporters. Council’s request was part of an official submission to the minister on Cleanaway’s application for a planning scheme amendment
to expand its Ravenhall landfill with a soil management and reuse facility. If approved, the amendment would remove the need to consult the public on the proposal. Both councils have expressed concerns over the permanent nature of the proposed facility. Melton council has called for it to be decommissioned once it is no longer required for the West Gate Tunnel Project. Melton chief executive Kelvin Tori said the community deserved to have its say on a proposal that would have a lasting impact. “The impact of this facility going ahead would be long-lasting and our community
should not be denied the opportunity to have their concerns heard,” Mr Tori said. “What’s proposed here is not just a facility to process the West Gate Tunnel soil, but a permanent facility that would be able to accept other contaminated soil projects indefinitely. “As proposed, it has the potential to hinder planning for residential and commercial growth in the surrounding area, and negatively impact amenity and safety for people who live and work nearby. “Compliance issues with the existing facility have also raised alarm, and added to concern over environmental impacts.
Hume Tennis Centre staff are keen to see players back on court. (Supplied)
Tennis ruling slammed Tennis courts remain closed across metropolitan Melbourne, much to the shock of coaches and players. There had been some hope that tennis could resume as some COVID-19 restrictions eased last week, but coaches were left stunned when restrictions on playing weren’t lifted. Hume Tennis and Community Centre’s Tim Connelly said they were disappointed that they still couldn’t return to the court, while people in regional Victoria were allowed to play tennis. “It’s quite ridiculous,” he said. “Tennis Victoria and Tennis Australia have been advocating to open [courts] back up. We thought it was a great opportunity for the government to have some wins and allow people to get back to doing something that helps their mental health. “It’s completely COVID safe. We
are just frustrated.” Mr Connelly, who is also the president of the Tennis Coaches Association of Victoria, said both Tennis Australia and Tennis Victoria had implemented first class COVID safe plans and all clubs had digital tracking. “In regards to where tennis is seen with other daily activities, tennis is safer than a lot of them,” he said. “Tennis is so easy to segregate. “Tennis courts were never closed anywhere else but in Victoria, which is quite significant.” Mr Connelly said as tennis coaches fall under the fitness wage and conditions award, they could potentially set up a portable net in a public recreation area and coach from there, but they couldn’t do the same on a court which is fenced off. Hume is also home to the largest wheelchair
tennis hub in Australia. Sunbury’s Steve Woodman said his son Jin is part of the Hume Tennis Centre’s wheelchair tennis hub. “It’s been his exercise for all those years,” Mr Woodman said. “There’s not many places where you can use a wheelchair to get exercise over the last few weeks. “We’ve tried to exercise on footpaths, but we’ve had a couple of prangs. He’s pretty keen to get back into it.” Mr Woodman said he had seen his son’s desire to play tennis wane a bit while he is struggling physically. Mr Woodman said it was frustrating to see parks full of families, but tennis players couldn’t hit the court socially distanced.
“We are strongly opposed to Cleanaway’s proposal and we hope the planning minister will consider the issues council has outlined in response to this proposal.” The council submission outlined several reasons why it would be inappropriate for the minister to approve the planning scheme amendment, including the scale of the proposed expansion, off-site amenity impacts, ability to operate indefinitely, and lack of community consultation. The planning minister will consider council’s submission as part of his final determination on Cleanaway’s application.
Seniors festival with a twist Moorabool’s senior residents won’t miss out on the annual Victorian Seniors Festival this year, with the festival going ahead online. As part of this year’s festival, council will celebrate and acknowledge the valuable contribution senior residents make to communities. Council is distributing showbags to senior residents until October 9 when they present their Victorian Senior Citizens card at Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh or Ballan Library, along with local traders Darley Bakery, Zest Café (Ballan), Bungaree General Store, and Gordon Post Office. There is also the chance to win one of 10, $30 Coles/Myer gift cards, hidden in 10 showbags. Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said that despite COVID-19 restrictions, locals can still safely celebrate the festival. “This year continues to test our community’s spirit and determination. As we take further steps towards a COVID-normal, this is our opportunity to recognise our older residents in a fun, positive way,” Mr Madden said. To access the online events head to www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/ festivalsandawards. A number of festival events are also being held over the airwaves, with Apple 98.5 broadcasting events and local features throughout the festival. Ewen McRae
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Boost to regional telehealth services Moorabool residents will receive more specialist medical care sooner and closer to home, following a big boost to telehealth services. Thirteen local health services in the Grampians Regional Area Health Partnership – which includes Moorabool – will deliver more services via telehealth as part of a $4.5 million investment. The expansion of telehealth services will help ensure regional Victorians can continue to keep their appointments and get the
medical care they need during the coronavirus pandemic. Melton MP Steve McGhie said it was a big win for Moorabool locals and their health needs. “We’re making it easier for locals to see a specialist because delaying that appointment can have devastating health consequences,” Mr McGhie said. “Please do not delay getting the care you need – it could save your life.” The coronavirus pandemic has led to the
widespread adoption of telehealth by doctors, nurses and allied health providers to deliver acute, chronic, primary and specialty care that does not require face-to-face services. Each region will receive a regional telehealth lead and local telehealth support officers who will train clinicians and support patients on how to use telehealth, as well as fund equipment such as webcams, computers, tablets and headsets. Former health minister Jenny Mikakos said it was important for telehealth services
Walking for awareness By Ewen McRae For people living with epilepsy and their family, experiencing a seizure can be an all too common and scary part of everyday life. Bacchus Marsh teenager Connor Manning, 16, has spent half his life living with the condition after he was first diagnosed at eight years old. It’s something his mum, Caroline, said has meant some difficult and stressful times. “Connor has uncontrolled seizures, which we have not been able to manage with medication,” Ms Manning said. “We are still, all these years after his diagnosis, trying to work out where his seizures come from, why he has them. We just don’t know the cause.
‘‘
help spread the word about what epilepsy is
’’
- Caroline Manning “Connor has had seizures on school camps and even on top of the Pinnacle at the Grampians. They can happen at any time and are often severe. “Recently, he had a different kind of seizure that was very scary. We had three ambulances and a micro-paramedic attending to him, which resulted in a visit to the emergency room.” In October, Connor will be going into The Alfred Health’s First Seizure Clinic for a week-long video EEG to help determine which part of his brain is affected by epilepsy. “We are hopeful that if they can identify where his seizures are occurring in the brain, he might be a candidate for surgery,” Ms Manning said. The Manning family and friends, including friends in New South Wales and Queensland, are taking part in this year’s Epilepsy Foundation Walk for Epilespy – a virtual fundraising walk from October 1 to 25 in support of the 1 in 25 Australians who will have
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Caroline and Connor Manning. (Supplied)
epilepsy in their lifetime. “We are very grateful for the services we received from the foundation in the early days of Connor’s diagnosis and now. With Connor about to enter the workforce we will be looking for more assistance with workplace training to ensure he is supported at work,” Ms Manning said. “So, we are walking to raise awareness
of epilepsy and help to spread the word about what epilepsy is, and where to get help if you need it.” The Epilepsy Foundation is hoping to have participants clock up more than 25,000 kilometres as part of this year’s virtual event. To register, visit: www.walkforepilepsy.org. au.
to keep up with demand in regional Victoria, with many residents having to travel to see a doctor in person. “Telehealth was already widely used in regional and rural Victoria to help people get the care they needed without a long car trip before the pandemic and it’s become a vital tool in our response – protecting doctors and their patients from being exposed to the virus.” Ewen McRae
Deadline to register pools nears With summer fast approaching, the state government is reminding pool owners they only have until November to register their private pool or spa. The government introduced new regulations in December last year to make swimming pools and spas safer and prevent young children from drowning. The regulations include new requirements for owners to register their swimming pools and spas with their council by November 1, with a one-off fee of up to $79. Failure to register within this timeframe may attract a council infringement notice of up to $330. Planning Minister Richard Wynne said the measures were an important part of keeping people safe this summer. “We understand there have been many challenges for families this year but these regulations are about saving children’s lives and all owners have a responsibility to make their pool safe,” Mr Wynne said. “Non-compliant pool safety barriers are contributing to the deaths of too many of our kids – this is a small ask with life-saving consequences.” Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the deadline for registration was extended by five months to acknowledge the extra pressure on families and the increased workload on councils. Pool owners who complete their registration will be contacted by their council and informed of how they can organise an inspection of their safety barrier by a registered practitioner and for a compliance certificate to be lodged. Details: vba.vic.gov.au Ewen McRae
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Stitt steps up to cabinet By Ewen McRae Western Metropolitan MP Ingrid Stitt will step up to the state cabinet, following a reshuffle of positions last week. The change followed the recent resignation of former Health Minister Jenny Mikakos. Ms Stitt will take on the workplace safety and early childhood portfolios in the new-look cabinet. It will the first time Ms Stitt has held a cabinet position, after winning a place in the upper house of parliament at the 2018 election. In a brief statement on her Facebook page, Ms Stitt said she was excited to be moving into
‘‘
Safety of workers has never been more important - Ingrid Stitt
’’
the new role. “I’m humbled to have been sworn in yesterday as Minister for Workplace Safety and Minister for Early Childhood,” she said. “The safety of workers has never been more important as we see more Victorians return to the workplace. Early education and the roll-out of three-year-old kinder is a life-changing
reform that I’m proud to take on. “Huge thanks to my friends and colleagues the Hon Jill Hennessy MP and the Hon James Merlino MP for their incredible work and reforms in these portfolios.” Other changes to the ministry include new positions for Deputy Premier James Merlino, as well as Danny Pearson and Gayle Tierney. “I know Ingrid Stitt will be an outstanding contributor to our cabinet, bringing her dedication to delivering safer workplaces and overseeing those critical early years for our youngest Victorians,” Premier Daniel Andrews said. “Rebuilding our mental health system is
one of our most important priorities. It’s why I’ve asked Deputy Premier James Merlino to take charge of this reform and deliver on every one of the recommendations of the Royal Commission. “Our creative sector is a big part of what makes Victoria so special – and Danny Pearson will do a terrific job leading its recovery and reinvention after tough times. “Gayle Tierney is one of our most experienced upper house members. Together with Jaclyn Symes, she’ll play a vital role in delivering our reform agenda as part of our Legislative Council leadership team.”
Online courses cut red tape
Scott Friswell, owner of Little Sister Cafe in Keilor East. (Damjan Janevski) 217108_02
A salute to the daily grind Many months of lockdown have not deterred Brimbank coffee lovers from enjoying their morning, midday or afternoon fix at their local cafe. Little Sister Cafe in Keilor East has continued selling takeaway beverages throughout the pandemic and marked International Coffee Day last Thursday. This year’s theme, Coffee’s Next Generation, focused on a global initiative targeting talented and motivated young people and entrepreneurs in the coffee sector. Little Sister Cafe owner Scott Friswell said
that the pandemic had impacted the business but he is choosing to focus on the silver lining. He said the cafe employs a number of young staff, from teenagers through to their 20s. “We only have 20 to 30 per cent of our staff on board compared to pre-COVID,” Mr Freswell said. “We never class people by their age but we employ a lot of people who are in a transitional phase … working for the cafe is a step in their journey and not necessarily their destination. “The crop of young workers we have at the moment is really good.
“They are committed and they turn up to work. “As the pandemic has progressed our sales have dropped but I like to look at the silver lining. “We’re a bit blessed here and we’re in a good location and we’ve had a tremendous amount of support from our local community, people have been dropping in for their morning or mid-morning coffee with the kids. “The support has been amazing.”
The hospitality industry will get a boost with important training courses going online to help the industry recover from the pandemic. The Responsible Service of Alcohol course will now be offered online, and will also be nationally recognised, allowing for greater employment flexibility in licensed venues when borders reopen. Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Melissa Horne said the change will begin from October 12 as part of an ongoing Victorian government commitment to cut red tape and help Victorians find work in the hospitality sector. “Moving to new online, nationally recognised RSA training will give Victorians more ability to upskill from home while planning to return to work, in a steady and sustainable way,” Ms Horne said. “The difficulty of relying solely on face-to-face learning has been highlighted during the coronavirus pandemic – this change will make it easier for training organisations to deliver the course, and those in the hospitality industry to complete their RSA training.” RSA training is mandatory for anyone who works in the hospitality industry and intends to sell or serve alcohol with general, on-premises, late night, and packaged liquor licenses. Details: vcglr.vic.gov.au.
Esther Lauaki
Hot House Project open for business Local entrepreneurs are invited to pitch their business idea to Melton council for the chance to be part of a specialist, fully-funded development program. Now in its third season, The Hot House Project offers a nine-week series of masterclasses, mentoring, workshops, special events and networking opportunities designed to help participants transform their bright business idea into a strategic business opportunity. Melton council chief executive Kelvin Tori said it was a great opportunity to gain insights from experts and incubate new ideas. “This program is designed to support entrepreneurs to develop their business idea into a sustainable model before they invest any funds,” Mr Tori said. “Participants will have access to highly experienced and 6 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
qualified mentors and they’ll receive ongoing development and support from council. “It’s an ideal way to discover the potential of your business idea and find out how to take it to the next level. “Now, more than ever, local businesses need our support and this program is designed to help emerging leaders achieve their goals and build thriving businesses.” Over the previous two seasons, The Hot House Project has helped 84 people build on their proposals, with many continuing to grow those business ideas today. Registrations to pitch your idea one-on-one for season three are open until November 8. For more information and to register your interest visit melton.vic.gov.au/hothouse. Ewen McRae
Participants in the second season of the Hot House Project. (Supplied)
Ewen McRae
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Carjacking charges A man and woman have been arrested following an alleged carjacking in Melton. Police allege that a food delivery driver was pulled from his vehicle and threatened by a man with a weapon in Faye Street, Melton about 9pm on September 29. Police have been told two men then entered his vehicle before fleeing. Police monitored the car and a female passenger was observed leaving the vehicle in a nearby carpark, where she was arrested. The driver was arrested at a Plover Street residence. A 26-year-old Melton West man was charged with seven offences including aggravated carjacking.
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Toddler grabbed Police are investigating after a man tried to grab a two-year-old girl in Harkness. A woman told police she was riding her bike along Weeks Avenue with her daughter and son about 9.20am on September 29. The toddler fell behind and when her mum turned to check on her, she saw a man grab her daughter by the wrist and pull her bike in the opposite direction. The mum rode towards her daughter and the offender released the child and ran off. The offender is perceived to be African in appearance, aged in his early 20s and was not wearing a mask. Crime Stoppers:1800 333 000. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
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Through the lens Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski shares his favourite photo from the past week. Taken at Galaxyland Playground, it show Sophie, 11, happily playing. For Janevski, it summarises the general sentiment of kids under lockdown – after a long time they can finally play in the playgrounds and feel the breeze, like they are saying ’free at last’.
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MELTON ANY SYMPTOMS GET TESTED It’s important to get tested for coronavirus at the first sign of any symptom and stay home until you get your result.
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Bookings are required at some testing locations. Opening hours subject to change. Getting tested means you keep yourself, your friends, family, workplace and your community safe. It’s not over yet.
For more details visit vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
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Out and about Photographer Damjan Janevski caught up with some locals enjoying the surrounds in Bacchus Marsh last week.
(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 217142
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Experiences of a pandemic Four people share their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and their hopes and fears in their own words as told to Goya Dmytryshchak.
“Before COVID, I was a fresh high school graduate preparing for the beginning of my university experience as a bachelor of music student at Victoria University. “Socialising was something I did a lot and often spent my days with my friends, either going out or staying in, but nonetheless with my friends. “The pandemic drove my education online, which was initially not the easiest thing to do with such a practical degree like a music course. “The lockdowns took away the ability to see my friends in person, thus it felt at the beginning that they had taken away my support systems too. “As someone who has struggled for a long time with severe anxiety and depression that had been well managed up to the point of the restrictions, this was hard on my mental health. “I had seen a rapid increase in my mood changes as the restrictions were imposed as the pandemic progressed and found myself in a point of having to seek medical support that I hadn’t required for some time. “My fears for myself and my community were that people whose support systems prior to the pandemic focused mainly on people and resources outside of their households would not be able to maintain these services or relationships within the restrictions. “However, I have found that though I can’t see my friends in person to help me through my difficulties, it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. “The hopes I have for the future of
Marc Allwood “I’m a professional photographer. “My main style of photography is landscape photography and I like to take some portraits once in a while. “COVID-19 has impacted me a lot. “With the restrictions it means that I can’t take landscape photos that I like to take. “This limits my creative potential and forces me to try different types of photography. “With trying different types of photography, I have found out that I want to take more portraits – and I also found out that dogs don’t really like to stay still. “I hope that when this lockdown is all over and Victoria starts to open up again I will be able to get more business and continue to progress in my photography journey. “I fear that COVID will continue to impact Victoria to the point where we can’t really recover and life, as we know it, would be different than what it used to be, and will never go back to normal.”
our community, and my own personal experiences in the remainder of the year and within the remainder of the pandemic, is that we can band together to help those around us who are not able to have the connections
and support they require … “As well as all do our part to work together to try and achieve once again a sense of normality in our community post COVID- 19.”
Olivia Kowalyk “I’m a university student, studying psychology with a major in neurology, and prior to COVID-19 I was working in hospitality at the Arts Centre. “Since lockdown began everything around us just came to a halt. “At the end of last year I had started a new chapter of my life. “I had moved out into my own place, started dealing with my health more proactively and I finally felt like I was taking a step in the right direction in regards to my general happiness. “When COVID-19 struck, all of that was renounced and it felt like I was back to square
Georgia Wren “I’m a registered midwife at one of the major maternity hospitals in Melbourne and an avid advocator for women’s health. “I’m a local resident of Newport and have a little sausage dog called Olive. “Being a midwife is such an honour; supporting women through pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond is a very challenging and rewarding experience, ordinarily. “However, the COVID-19 pandemic has added an extra unprecedented challenge to maternity services and to women and their families. “Babies are born at any time of the day or night, even during a global pandemic. “COVID has impacted me in the same way as every other Victorian, being separated from my family and friends is one of hardest parts of lockdown. “I’m lucky enough to still have a job to go
(Pictures: Supplied)
Lily Riggs
to and one that gets me out of the house. “Every day, I’m at work looking after new families, vulnerable women and newborns wondering if today will be the day I come into contact with a positive case, contract the virus and become one of the daily stats. “As a health care worker myself, I find it intimidating seeing my colleagues in full PPE (hair net, face shield, N95 mask, gown, gloves and shoe covers), so I fear how scary it must be for women and their partners to not even be able to see the face/ smile/tears of joy of the person catching their baby. “I hope that women are still able to feel how much midwives care about creating a positive birth experience even with all of our PPE on. “My hope is that the necessary lockdown measures will be all worth it and we will all be able to be with our families and loved
10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
one – back at home in my parents’ house, my mental health exceedingly dwindling, I had no job and no foreseeable future. “Due to the unconditional love of some of my closest friends and family, they helped me to reshape my mindset into a considerably more hopeful one. “Yes, what we are all going through is a spanner in the works but it’s a small period in our lives that will come to pass. “We will be able to blossom again. “Hold on to those you love most during these trying times, it won’t be long until we are out of the woods.”
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NEWS
Above: Yvonne Rolley teaching the learn to swim program, an annual community event by WSLSC volunteers for children in the community. Children would build sandcastles in the sand, lie on them and learn to kick their legs. Then they would learn arm actions and practice them standing up. Then off they would go into the water to practice. Left: 1953: Bobby McKinda, Max Horn, John Peckham and Harrow Morgan. Top right: 1960s: Marilyn Jansen, Christine Martin, Nola Speakman (nee Wilson), Rosa Walton, Brenda Martin, Erica Plowright (nee Bird). Right: March past champions. (Pictures: Supplied)
100 years of saving lives By Goya Dmytryshchak Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club started soon after the Spanish flu and will celebrate its centenary in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. A book detailing the club’s history from 1920-2020, by Jacqui Hewitt and Kaye Tomkins, will be showcased as part of this month’s Hobsons Bay Seniors Festival. The book tells of the dangers of swimming at Williamstown in 1900, including the possibility of being shot from a nearby army rifle range. “Keen bathers who did not wish to competitively swim were more concerned with the dangers of swimming such as shark infestation, rocks, denuded sand, thistles, sewerage, cleanliness, immodesty, and possibly being shot from the close proximity of the Rifle Range,” the book states. President Paul Sullivan said the club started around the time of the Spanish flu and now had to celebrate its centenary online. “Whilst much has changed in 100 years, the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club’s core role, providing a safe beach environment for the community, remains the same,” he said. “What also endures is that our club continues to be a place of community connection, a local treasured landmark and a place where members share their love and respect for the water. “It’s remarkable to think that our club was established in Melbourne as the world emerged
from the grip of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which was estimated to have infected 500 million people worldwide. “Today, as the world grinds to a halt in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to close our club temporarily to members for the first time in 100 years. “This has been a sad but necessary decision for the health of our members and the wider community.
‘‘
club continutes to be … a local treasured landmark - Paul Sullivan
’’
“Reading this history of our club it is a great reminder of the incredible resilience and strength the club and its members have.” Co-author Jacqui Hewitt, who was the club’s first and only female president to date, said recounting the club’s history had been a wonderful experience. “Some members have done some amazing rescues, some have competed at high levels, and all have contributed to the club at some level,“ she said. “Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club has been a real contribution to the swimming public at Williamstown beach.” The presentation is on Tuesday, October 20, at 6.30pm. Bookings essential. Register via email at library@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.
The new floating pool. (Supplied) 11 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Silver linings in a pandemic Adjunct Associate Professor Chris Carter, CEO North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network From the bushfire smoke staining our skies in January, to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has restricted all our lives, there hasn’t been a time in recent memory that has done more to challenge the mental health of our community than 2020. Particularly in Melbourne, where we are hopefully just beginning to come out of our second wave of the virus, it would be hard to find someone who hasn’t felt a greater level of anxiety, fear, frustration and loss. The massive changes we have all had to make to our lives have left many people struggling, whether they’ve lost their job, become socially isolated, or are having to juggle home-schooling and work. What is also unprecedented is the huge amount of support now coming through from the community, governments and health organisations to help us all get through this pandemic. One of the newest services now available in the north, west and central Melbourne is HeadtoHelp, which provides mental health support for anyone who needs it. You can access the service by calling 1800 595 212. A trained mental health professional will help you find the best service or support for you, either co-ordinating with existing services or at one of the new HeadtoHelp hubs, in Broadmeadows and Wyndham Vale, in our region. Visit: headtohelp.org.au HeadtoHelp is an example of how all parts of the system are pulling together to make things better. Funded by the Australian government, organised and established by North Western
Melbourne Primary Health Network, and operated by a group of community health organisations with strong ties to their local community. All of this up and running within less than a month of being announced, which would have been called impossible before this pandemic began. But if there is a silver lining to COVID-19, it is the way it has made us question what is possible and what isn’t. Telehealth has meant we can now access medical help or mental health support as easily as picking up our phones. The great working from home experiment has shown that maybe shuttling hundreds of thousands of people in and out of our city centres every day isn’t the only option. As much as our lives can feel shut down now, possibilities for the future are opening up. It’s up to us to carry the good things forward. Check in on your friends, your families and your colleagues. And keep doing that next year, and the year after that. Keep talking about mental health, until it’s as normal as chatting about the weather. And let’s keep the community spirit alive, the spoonvilles and rainbow trails andrandom acts of kindness that have kept us all going. If we can do that, then we all have a healthier, happier and more connected future to look forward to. And if 2020 has taught us anything, it is that just about anything is possible.
Adjunct Associate Professor Chris Carter. (Supplied)
Working out at home • Exhale as you push the tins up. Biceps Curl
• This is a ‘pull’ movement. • Exhale as you lift the tins up. Bent Over Row
• This is a ‘hinge’ and a ‘pull’ movement all in one. • Exhale as you pull the tins up and out.
The bath towel Lunge and Twist
SIT DOWN STAND UP
SHOULDER PRESS
Use a sturdy dining chair on a steady surface (even push it up against a solid wall for extra stability) for these exercises: 12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
LUNGE AND TWIST
Overhead Squat Walk
ELEVATED PUSH UPS
BENT OVER ROW
Sit Down Stand Up
• This is a ‘squat’ pattern. • Aim to sit down and stand up without using your hands. • Exhale as you stand up. Elevated Push Ups
The dining chair
• This is a ‘lunge’, a ‘pull’ and a ‘rotation’ movement all in one. • Pull the towel taut in front of you at chest level. • Take this one slowly – exhale on the twist and as you stand back up from the lunge.
(Pictures: Supplied)
With gyms not set to open until the end of October in the current roadmap to easing coronavirus restrictions, many Melbournians are turning to ‘at home’ workouts. While there is a myriad of resources out there for you to follow, working out at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. And you have all the equipment that you need in your pantry and around your house. A basic workout includes a warm up (to slowly raise your heart rate and to prepare your joints for movement), the main part of the workout (where your heart rate will be raised and your muscles will be working) and the cool down/stretch (where your heart rate will come back down and we move oxygenated blood back to the muscles). An overall workout will also include the seven basic human movement patterns – squat, the lunge, a push movement, a pull movement, a hip hinge, a torso rotation and locomotion. And that is what these exercises aim to do – all from the comfort of your home. Of course, please do modify these exercises in consideration of any injuries or concerns that you may have. Take breaks throughout your workout as needed and consult your GP or Allied Health Professional before starting a new exercise program.
• This is a ‘push’ movement. • Exhale as you push your chest away from the chair seat. Elevated Mountain Climbers
OVERHEAD SQUAT WALK
• This is a ‘rotation’ movement. • Exhale as you bring one knee in towards the opposing elbow.
The soup cans Tins of food are generally 400-500g and these offer a great way to add resistance to your exercises: Shoulder Press
• This is a ‘push’ movement.
• This is a ‘squat’, a ‘pull’ and a ‘locomotion’ movement all in one. • Pull the towel taut with your arms extended overhead, slightly in front of your face. • Work along the length of a hallway or a room. • Exhale each time you stand up out of the squat. To turn this into an easy, at home workout, aim to do 90 seconds to 2 minutes of each exercise, resting 30 seconds to 1 minute between each. For a basic warm up, complete three sets of the dining chair exercises at 30 seconds each. To cool down, spend 30 seconds stretching each of the major body parts – front and back of legs, front and back of your torso and front and back of your arms. Any movement that can be incorporated into your day is a positive undertaking. A 30 minute workout, such as this one, is always a great idea, but so is short increments of incidental activity. * https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/ publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strategphys-act-guidelines#npa1864
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
FEATURE
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Lockdown at Werribee zoo Werribee Open Range Zoo is home to hundreds of animals – it’s a place for visitors to connect with wildlife, bond with nature and learn about conservation. While the zoo’s gates are temporarily closed to visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the vets and keepers continue their essential work behind the scenes to provide care for animals of all shapes and sizes. Werribee Open Range Zoo is sharing a series of new behind-the-scenes photos, highlighting the care of its animals through daily training and enrichment programs and the continuing rescue and recovery work with threatened species and injured wildlife. The photos provide a unique insight into current zoo life behind closed doors, and how the dedicated zoo staff are ensuring all the animals are thriving while awaiting the return of visitors. Animal lovers at home can also stay connected with the zoo through Zoos Victoria’s live stream cameras at www.zoo.org. au/animals-at-home.
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1/ One of the zoo’s three silverback critically endangered Western Lowland gorillas feeds on some newly delivered fresh browse on a sunny winter’s afternoon. 2/ Keepers undertake daily monitoring of the health and wellbeing the zoo’s group of meerkats. 3/ An Australian native, critically endangered Plains-wanderer undergoes a health check at Werribee Open Range Zoo’s veterinary clinic. 4/ A foodstore operator chops through boxes of fresh vegetables in preparation for delivery to a variety of zoo animals. 5/ Two ageing Australian native potoroos voluntarily accept daily eye-drops from their keepers to manage a degenerative eye condition common in the species. 6/ A zookeeper on his morning rounds delivering a browse feed to the animals, reveals the stark emptiness of the zoo’s usually busy walking trail. 7/ A dazzle of zebras dig into their morning feed of hay, delivered to them by keepers on the wide open ranges of the zoo’s savannah. 8/ Keepers scatter some fresh greens for the animals, and hide some in challenging places to encourage natural foraging and exploratory behaviours. 9/ Werribee Zoo’s five giraffes are being trained by their keepers to voluntarily present for X-rays in a stress-free way. (Pictures: Supplied/Zoos Victoria) 13 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
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The future will bring new challenges. So we’re prepared. We’re building a modern fire and rescue service, with firefighters working together for all Victorians. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) leads fire and rescue in Melbourne and major regional centres, such as Ballarat, Geelong, Warrnambool and Portland. We are also strengthening and supporting the CFA with new equipment, upgraded stations and better facilities – ensuring our volunteers continue to serve and protect their communities. With world-class technology and highly trained firefighters, we’re ready to meet the challenges we face today, and into the future. For more information about Fire Rescue Victoria visit frv.vic.gov.au
Fire Rescue Victoria. We’re prepared. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12462390-JW41-20
14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
FIRE RESCUE VICTORIA
‘‘
dedication to serving our community remains unchanged
’’
- David Bruce
FRV is a modern fire and rescue service here to serve and protect Victorians. (Pictures: Supplied/Fire Rescue Victoria)
New look, same dedication An important part of Victoria’s Fire Services Reforms, the newly formed Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) organisation stands to serve as a modern fire and rescue service ready to meet the needs of our ever-changing communities. Established on July 1 this year, FRV will be based at fire and rescue stations, offices and facilities across the state, some of which will be co-located with Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer brigades.
FRV will work alongside the CFA to deliver a strong and agile fire and rescue service, drawing on decades of knowledge and expertise to continue to serve and protect with an ongoing commitment to keep Victorians safe. There are 41 fire stations within FRV’s North and West Operations region. FRV Deputy Commissioner North and West Operations, David Bruce said: “FRV firefighters will deploy to incidents
GRASSFIRES
within FRV’s boundaries from fire stations that are staffed by firefighters 24 hours a day, seven days a week. FRV crews also deploy into CFA areas to support volunteer crews, who will continue to play a vital role. “While a new logo will be displayed on all FRV fire stations, appliances and uniforms, FRV’s operational response, along with our commitment and dedication to serving our community remains unchanged.
“The community can remain confident that highly-trained and experienced local firefighters from FRV and CFA will be there when they need them most. “Victorians and visitors to our state will continue to receive an exemplary fire and rescue service.” Residents of Melton and Moorabool shires are covered by both FRV and CFA response areas including FRV’s Western District 2 and North Western Regional District. FRV’s Western District 2 has 10 fire stations located in the suburbs of St Albans, Deer Park, Sunshine, Taylors Lakes, Keilor, Tullamarine, Sunbury, Greenvale, Caroline Springs and Melton. North Western Regional District has six stations located in Ballarat City, Lucas, Warrnambool, Portland, Mildura and Bendigo. More information on FRV can be found at www.frv.vic.gov.au
DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT Grassfires start anywhere Grassfires cancan start anywhere and spread quickly. and spread quickly. On thethe urban fringe... On urban fringe... If If you live you livenext nexttotograssland grasslandand and aa grassfire streets grassfirestarts, starts,walk walkat at least least two two streets back from the fire. back from the fire. If If you live you livetwo twoorormore morestreet street away away from grassland and a grassfire starts, from grassland and a grassfire starts, stay where you are - grassfires are stay where you are - grassfires are unlikely to spread into built up areas. unlikely to spread into built up areas. Never drive if you can see smoke or fire. Never drive if you can see smoke or fire. Thick smoke will make it hard to see Thick smoke will make it hard to see and traffic jams and accidents are likely. and traffic jams and accidents are likely. Keep the roads clear for emergency Keep the roads clear for the emergency services.
VicEmergency Hotline VicEmergency 1800 226 226 Hotline
1800 226 226
services.
cfa.vic.gov.au
cfa.vic.gov.au
15 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
FEATURING ... HEALTH & WELLBEING
Looking for just a little help - or more Healthy ageing means continually reinventing yourself. It means learning to adapt to change, finding new things to enjoy, staying physically active, taking care of yourself and your home, and staying connected to your community and loved ones. Paul Ostrowski, chief executive of Care Connect, believes that few people find it easy to make lifestyle changes. “Change can be especially difficult for people who may need a little help as they pass through landmark ages such as 60, 70, 80 and beyond,” he says. “This is not only because a lifetime’s worth of routines have set in, but also because they may feel that asking for help could be a first step towards losing their independence.” And that’s where Care Connect steps in – an organisation with more than 25 years’ experience providing in-home care to more than 40,000 Australians. “If you, or your loved one, need support while engaging in physical activity, staying connected with the community, or managing daily tasks, Care Connect can provide trusted advice, care and support to enable you to remain as independent as possible while you keep on top of your health and wellness goals.” Mr Ostrowski says that maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for anyone, especially now with COVID affecting our degree of social interaction, wellbeing and exercise. “The health and wellness of all Australians is our priority. Our carefully selected, expert team is passionate about providing people with the care they deserve and understand the barriers that individuals and their families meet while applying for, and receiving, care.” In Victoria, Care Connect’s services can range from Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Program
Care tailored to your needs. (iStock)
management, caring for those under 65 through the Linkages program, to bringing together older householders and younger home-sharers who are prepared to lend a hand in return for affordable accommodation, through its ‘Homeshare’ program. “Whether just a little help – or more – is
needed, we build close relationships with clients and the families who choose us to manage their care. We work alongside them to provide person-centred care, support and encouragement to empower them to remain independent and achieve their individual health and wellness goals.”
Mr Ostrowski offers encouragement: “Stay positive, stay well, and stay connected, and enjoy the tomorrows you’ve waited for!” Get in touch today and start your wellness journey by calling 1800 692 464, email info@ careconnect.org.au or visit www.careconnect. org.au (Please quote ‘Star Weekly’.)
A little help goes a long way Staying healthy and feeling your best is important at any age.
You don’t have to be an internet expert to find the support you deserve. Our advisers are real people who take the time to get to know you and your loved ones, building genuine partnerships. We provide trusted advice, care and support to enable you to remain living independently in your own home, while you keep on top of your health and wellness goals. From shopping and help around the house, to staying connected with your community – make Care Connect your first choice.
Connect with our expert care team today for independent advice that you can trust.
1800 692 464 info@careconnect.org.au careconnect.org.au 12462734-DL41-20
16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
FEATURING ... HEALTH & WELLBEING
Fertility care close to home Dr Russell Dalton, medical director at Ballarat IVF, teamed up with another fertility specialist, Dr Michael Bardsley, to launch Greenfields Fertility last year. A high-quality, personalised fertility care for Melton residents and the wider region, Greenfields Fertility offers consultations in Melton twice a month. Dr Dalton says this is an invaluable service, with women wanting to get pregnant able to easily access the full range of fertility options, delivered by an expert team – and all close to home. “People are choosing Greenfields Fertility by Ballarat IVF for many reasons,” he says. “For starters, they get their own fertility specialist to manage their care from start to finish. “We also cover gynaecology and obstetrics services, which means all antenatal and postnatal consultations, as well as the birth of a new bub, can be managed by a team the pregnant couple already knows.” Other advantages of consulting the Greenfields team include full-service IVF (at comparably lower cost); and access to public IVF egg collections – with no cost and no waiting times.
Easy access to expert public laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis is also offered, while resources of the outstanding laboratory services of Ballarat IVF are also on tap. Fertility services include ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF and complex laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and fibroids.
About Ballarat IVF The clinic’s team of scientists, specialist doctors, nurses, midwives and admin has gained a reputation for delivering a highly personalised, very respectful service. “I believe we bring an individualised and personal approach,” Dr Dalton says. “In fact, Ballarat IVF is the only clinic in Victoria that exists as a ‘stand-alone’ – that is, one not under management by a corporation.” Men’s fertility issues are a focus as well, and there’s a sperm and egg donor program. Greenfields Fertility by Ballarat IVF has specialist consulting rooms at 438 High Street, Melton. Inquiries: 5339 8200 or www.greenfieldsfertility.com.au
Dr Russell Dalton and Dr Michael Bardsley. (Supplied)
We want to help you achieve your dream of creating a family. We offer: • Personalised care • Full access to nursing staff • Counselling & support • Gynaecological fertility specialists
Dr Russell Dalton Dr Michael Bardsley Specialist Consulting Rooms, 438 High Street, Melton
P: 03 5339 8200
www.ballarativf.com.au 12462584-CG41-20
17 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
PUZZLES STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Sudoku
Quick crossword
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Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
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Down 1. Money put aside as a reserve (4,3) 2. Clumsy, graceless (9) 3. Lowest point (5) 4. Glasses held to the eye by a long handle (9) 5. Imprecise (5) 6. Effrontery (5,4) 7. Audibly (5) 8. Component (7) 14. Transfix (9) 16. Showing no emotion (colloq) (5,4) 17. Walkway for VIPs (3,6) 18. Undermine (7) 20. Doubter (7) 22. Former prisoner (2-3) 23. Cautious (5) 24. Beneath (5)
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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
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3 LETTERS ANY ASK ASS BOY CAB CAT EAT EEL ERA EWE FEE FEY HIT KEN NOR OPT PEG PUS RAW ROE SAD SOD SON TAD YES ZIT
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ABCDE FGHIJKL MNOPQRSTUV WXYZ
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Quick crossword solution
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SOLUTION TO DECODER 17:
Across: 1. Nominal, 5. Vibrate, 9. Solid, 10. Rigmarole, 11. Endurance, 12. Sidle, 13. Gloom, 15. Top-secret, 18. So to speak, 19. Kudos, 21. Breve, 23. Circulate, 25. Enchilada, 26. Depot, 27. Tannery, 28. Erratic. Down: 1. Nest egg, 2. Maladroit, 3. Nadir, 4. Lorgnette, 5. Vague, 6. Brass neck, 7. Aloud, 8. Element, 14. Mesmerise, 16. Poker face, 17. Red carpet, 18. Subvert, 20. Sceptic, 22. Ex-con, 23. Chary, 24. Under.
WordBuilder WordBuilder
R P D E O 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 11 Very Good 14 Excellent 21
4 LETTERS ACHE ALOE AMMO ANTS BEAT BELT BIAS BROW CLOG CRAM DEAN DINE DRAM EASE FAUN FROM HERO
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LAIR LENT LESS LIMA LOOM LYRE MOSS MYNA MYTH OAFS OMEN OUST PACT PALE RASH REAP RISE ROAR SHED
SIGH SLIT SLOT SWAT TAPE TREE VAMP VAST 5 LETTERS AGAPE ALOHA AREAS ASKER AWARE DENTS DROSS EARTH EASED
ZAIRE ZILCH
EGRET ERASE HAWKS IDLES LORES MODEM ORATE RAINY REARM RESET SLOSH STALL STRAY TESTS TONIC TUNIC WILCO WRITS YEARN
6 LETTERS ESTEEM STYLES UPHELD ZEPHYR 7 LETTERS DEFAULT PEEPING PHANTOM THEOREM
Sudoku solutions
Decoder V
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S W A T A I R E D L E S C A T M O S S Y N T S A U L T N O R R I S E A C H E S H Y R E E L R A S E O R E S E N T S
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D R O S S
WordFit
Across 1. Token (7) 5. Quiver (7) 9. Dependable, sensible (5) 10. Lengthy, complicated procedure (9) 11. Stamina (9) 12. Move furtively (5) 13. Despondency (5) 15. Classified (3-6) 18. As it were (2,2,5) 19. Praise (5) 21. Musical note (5) 23. Spread around, make known (9) 25. Filled Mexican corn tortilla (9) 26. Bus or train station (5) DECODER 27. Place where animal hides DECODER are treated (7) 28. Unpredictable (7)
EASY
MEDIUM
HARD
Z
26
J
13
doe, doer, dop, dope, doper, dorp, drop, ode, ore, per, pod, pore, pored, pro, prod, red, redo, rep, rod, rode, roe, roed, rope, roped
SOLUTION TO DECODER 18:
A
R R
E T
M E
E
S
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.
1. Mount Meharry is the highest in which state? 2. Episodes of which classic 1960s TV series began “Five, four, three, two, one...”? 3. The Rabbittes, said to be the first happy family to appear in Irish writing since 1766, appear in novels by which Dublin-born writer? 4. Which artist painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome? 5. What animal’s name means “river horse”? 6. In a nursery rhyme, where would you go to see a fine lady with bells on her toes? 7. Which river flows through the Grand Canyon in the United States? 8. Is Opuntia a character in a play by Shakespeare, a river-crossing vessel in South Africa or a type of cactus? 9. Which song by an Australian performer has had the longest run at No.1? 10. Barack Obama was a congressman for which US state?
1. Western Australia, 2. Thunderbirds, 3. Roddy Doyle, 4. Michelangelo, 5. Hippopotamus, 6. Banbury Cross, 7. Colorado River, 8. Type of cactus, 9. Dance Monkey, by Tones and I, 10. Illinois.
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Quiz
E M B E R
5x5
B E A S T
Quiz solution
All puzzles © The Puzzle Company
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NOTICE OF INTENTION TO LEASE Melton City Council (Council) gives notice under Section 190 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act) of its intention to enter into a new lease with Djerriwarrh Employment & Education Services Incorporated (Tenant) for part of the premises situated at 237-239 Station Road, Melton (the Lease). The proposed lease is the three areas circled situated on the first floor (above the ground floor) in the plan below:
The principal terms of the Lease will be as follows: 1. Term: 10 years 2. Commencement: 1 January 2021 3. Commencing rent: Peppercorn rental of $1.00 per annum subject to the tenant undertaking upgrade works to the premises to the minimum value of $350,000 4. The permitted use: Provision of employment and education services Any person may make a submission under section 223 of the Act must do so in writing within 28 days of the date of publication of this notice, that is by 5.00pm on 4 November 2020. Any person who wishes to speak at a section 223 Submissions Advisory Committee meeting in support of their written submission must request this in their submission. Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and emailed to legalservices@melton.vic.gov.au, posted to PO Box 21 Melton 3337 or by completing an online form that can be found on Council’s website. All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act at a meeting of the Section 223 Submissions Advisory Committee commencing at 6:30pm on 23 November 2020 via video conference. Following the consideration of any submissions, Council may resolve to enter into the lease as detailed above, or not proceed with the proposal.
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The principal terms of the Lease will be as follows: 1. Term: 10 years 2. Commencement: 1 January 2021 3. Commencing rent: $55,000 per annum inclusive GST 4. The permitted use: provision of employment and education services Any person may make a submission under section 223 of the Act must do so in writing within 28 days of the date of publication of this notice, that is by 5.00pm on 4 November 2020. Any person who wishes to speak at a section 223 Submissions Advisory Committee meeting in support of their written submission must request this in their submission. Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and emailed to legalservices@melton.vic.gov.au, posted to PO Box 21 Melton 3337 or by completing an online form that can be found on Council’s website. All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act at a meeting of the Section 223 Submissions Advisory Committee commencing at 6:30pm on 23 November 2020 via videoconference. Following the consideration of any submissions, Council may resolve to enter into the lease as detailed above, or not proceed with the proposal. Any person making a submission should be aware that the submission including their personal information may form part of the agenda and minutes of a meeting of the Council and be available to the public. Further information regarding the Lease may be obtained from Maree Stellini, Senior Legal Officer 9747 7200 or legalservices@melton.vic.gov.au. Kelvin Tori CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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Lexus CT200h 2011 - 2019 By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring Smoothness and quietness are major features in all Lexus models. Though the CT200h isn’t quite in the same class as its bigger brothers it is still very pleasant to travel in. Interestingly, the Lexus CT200 was the first model to be sold in Australia only as a hybrid, there was no pure-petrol option. Again in the Lexus manner the CT200h’s interior is finished to a high quality both in materials and fit and finish. Interior space is good in the front seat but the back is tight for legroom. The typical mum, dad and two kids family will find it fine. Check the boot, though, as it’s relatively shallow and may not suit full-on family needs. This smallish Lexus is a five-door hatchback with styling that takes its own direction. A facelift in April 2014 added the Lexus ‘spindle grille’ shape at the front. Inside there were changes to the trim designs. Another facelift in October 2017 again saw styling changes, including a fashionable honeycomb grille. The tailgate was renewed to use a similar design to the ‘L’ shaped lights used in larger model Lexuses. The infotainment screen was increased from 7 inches to 10.3 inches. Safety was further improved by a pre-collision warning system and autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning. Lexus CT200h is still on the new-car market after close to seven years. While far from being a hot hatch the CT200h has a touch of sporting flair thanks to the sharp throttle responses that are a feature of all electric, or part-electric vehicles. Lexus CT200h has a 1.8-litre petrol engine assisted by an electric motor and drives the front wheels through a CVT automatic. There
The 2011 Lexus CT200H, 2014 Lexus CT200H and 2017 Lexus CT200H. (Pictures: Supplied)
are four driving modes. EV (electric-only), Eco, Normal and Sport. It can operate on electric power only at speeds up to 45 km/h. But it doesn’t stay in EV only for any real distance.. Reversing is done using the electric power only. Surprisingly there were no changes to the drive system as part of the 2014 or 2017 makeovers. Official fuel consumption numbers on hybrids are often much less realistic than in other powertrain. Lexus quotes 4.1 L/100km for the combined cycle, but in real life most use 25 to 50 per cent more. Lexus CT200h is getting old and the feeling is that it may not last on the new car market much longer. It was pulled of the American market in 2017 due to poor sales. Lexus are generally in the major metro areas quite a few country cities are also covered. Some topline Toyota technicians have been trained to work on Lexus models in case you have troubles. Amateur mechanics should stick strictly to
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We suggest you don’t even consider a car like this unless the service books are up to date. Rough roads can knock the CT200h about as it’s really a city car. If one has been bashed over bad roads there may be squeaks from the body and trim. So it makes sense to find some bumpy stuff during your test drive. As the Lexus is relatively low slung for aerodynamic reasons it can suffer scrapes under the front bumper. If these are out of sight and only minor you may care to ignore them. On the earliest models some build quality problems were reported on overseas cars, these appear to have been sorted by the time the CT200h arrived in Australia. Look over the trim as the CT200h is built down to a price compared with the topline
Budget on spending from $8000 to $13,000 for a 2011 Lexus CT200h Luxury; $11,000 to $17,000 for a 2012 Sports Luxury; $14,000 to $21,000 for a 2014 Sports Luxury; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2015 F Sport; $22,000 to $30,000 for 2016 F Sport; $25,000 to $34,000 for a 2016 Sports Luxury; $28,000 to $36,000 for a 2018 Sports Luxury; and $34,000 to $46,000 for a 2019 Sport Luxury.
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Car buying tip Ownership costs of upmarket vehicles can be a fair bit higher than for everyday cars.
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SPORT Footy players head north By Tara Murray Jacinta Reid.
Williamstown’s Jacinta Reid hadn’t planned on heading to the Northern Territory to play football this season, but one phone call changed it all. After a year with no football due to COVID-19, the Seagulls co-captain decided to make the trip north to get a kick in the Northern Territory Football League. “I just got a call,” she said. “I was talking to an ex-player and a men’s manager at Williamstown and they were talking about it. “Then a coach up here called me and I thought [as] I can’t do anything else back home, that I may as well go. “It was perfect timing. I’d always loved to come up, but never had an opportunity until now.” Able to put her job on hold and living with her parents in Bacchus Marsh, Reid quickly put things into place to head play for Pint. Players from interstate are nothing new for the NTFL, with players flying in and out to play each year. This year though, with most Victorians not getting to play at all, hundreds of players have escaped north for six months to return to the field.
‘‘
(Martin Keep)
the standard will be pretty high looking at all the people … from Victoria
’’
- Luke Delahey Reid is one of five Williamstown women’s players who will be playing in the Northern Territory. Danica Pedersen and Eliza Straford have signed with Waratahs, while Ash Melnikas and Isabelle Porter will play with St Mary’s. “It’s so exciting,” Reid said. “Most are playing for different clubs though, so there will be a bit of a rivalry. But it will be awesome with us all up here.” Reid spent two weeks in quarantine when she arrived in the Northern Territory. There were a few hundred others in quarantine as well. “It’s pretty good,” she said while still in quarantine. “We can go for walks and runs, as many as we want. “I can kick the footy up here with a couple of guys, we’ve just got to wear our mask. “It’s pretty chilled and everyone is friendly, which makes it a lot easier.” Returning to the field once the season starts in October, will be a relief after a long 12 months without playing football. Reid said not being able to play, let alone train, had been difficult. “I had two ankle recos in September last year and I worked really hard with my rehab and everything and I was all set to play my first practice match. Then COVID happened and I didn’t even get to do that. “It was pretty hard at the start to stay motivated and I couldn’t be bothered doing stuff. “One of my good friends Loz does PT [personal training], so I was doing PT three times a week, that really got me motivated and pushed me to the limits.” With plenty of players heading up from the VFL competition, Reid said she was expecting the level of competition to be pretty strong. “We are out [of quarantine] for a couple of weeks and then straight into it. “The team I’m with is pretty good and made it to finals last year. I’ve spoken to the coach a lot and he seems pretty good and they’ve recruited well, so hopefully we’ll go alright.” Among those in lockdown with Reid, was Diggers Rest footballer Luke Delahey. Like Reid, Delahey is from the Bacchus Marsh area. “I actually met her in quarantine,” Delahey
said. “I saw her wearing her Bacchus Marsh singlet and struck up a friendship. “There’s plenty of country footballers up here giving it a go.” Delahey is already out of quarantine and hitting the training track ahead of the season kicking off in early October. He said quarantine wasn’t too bad and likened it to living in Victoria. “You could still exercise as much as you could and I had a mate next door to me. “We just watched plenty of NBA and footy frenzy number two was on, so footy on every night and I brought the Playstation up.” For Delahey, the decision to journey to the Northern Territory wasn’t primarily based around playing football. “It was probably more work to be honest,” he said. “It worked out well. I’m actually a school teacher and with schools closed down south, I thought it would come up here and work. “The club has helped me find work and with flights and accommodation and things like that. It has all sort of worked out well.” A university friend, who had played with Southern Districts Football Club, put Delahey in touch with the club, which has had plenty of players from the Ballarat region play previously. The coach of the Crocs, Matt Cannard is originally from Sunbury, and is also good friends with Diggers Rest coach Jamie Lobb. Delahey said the biggest thing for him was adjusting to the heat and humidity, something you wouldn’t find on a Saturday in the Riddell District Football League. It’s not the first time he’s been to the Top End,
Luke Delahey. (Shawn Smits)
having played the NT Thunder while at school at St Pat’s in Ballarat. Delahey said he expected the quality of the competition to be high. “I will know five or six boys who are coming up here, there’s a lot of fellas coming up to play,” he said. “I think the standard will be pretty high, looking at all the people who were in quarantine from Victoria.
“There’s a lot of state league players as well. It won’t be at VFL standard, but it will be a good country level standard. “Most of the guys up here know how to play and they’re all pretty quick, it’ll be good footy judging from what I saw at the intra club.” Having made the decision to head north to play football, Delahey kept up his skills and fitness while in lockdown in Melbourne, making it easier once he arrived in the Northern Territory. “I sort of kept training throughout the break as there was the hope that we would get back to play, then the second wave hit. “I kept training and kept myself fit, having the idea to come up here in September. “I kept training throughout with a few boys, my ex-teammates at Darley were training with me and a few Ballarat boys as well. “We kept training a few times a week to keep the fitness up as you need to be fit up here to get a kick.” Delahey isn’t the only local who will play up there this season. Dylan Tarzcon, who has been playing at Riddell, has signed with St Mary’s, along with Sunbury Lions player Jack Landt and his brother, former Lion, Dylan Landt. Another couple of Lions, Jake Sutton and James Cree are also heading up. Bundoora big man Matt Dennis is one player who has made a name for himself in the competition, playing with Palmerston Magpies over several years. He is back playing for the Magpies again this year. 21 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
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State bid for Hatzoglou By Tara Murray Max Hatzoglou is hoping some strong performances in Adelaide will put him in the perfect place for a spot in the Victorian under-19 team. Hatzoglou, who previously represented Victoria as an under-17, has been named in the Cricket Victoria’s under-19 male emerging performance squad. He said the prospect of representing his state again was exciting. Hatzoglou started his career at Sunshine Heights before moving to Premier club Melbourne University. “That was awesome to get announced in that and that’s really important,” he said. “If I can get involved at state level and perform really well at that level, it can really propel me and take me somewhere with my cricket. “It’s always been a goal of mine to continue to play at state level and hopefully as I get older that continues and I can have a career in cricket. “If I can continue to train and have a good year who knows where it will take me, hopefully I’ll keep doing well and the rewards come down the track.” Max and his older brother Peter Hatzoglou have headed to Adelaide to get their cricket seasons underway, with cricket still more than a month away in metro Melbourne. The two spent two weeks in quarantine in Darwin before arriving in Adelaide last week. Peter was earlier this year named in the Cricket Victoria 2020 Emerging Performance Winter Squad. “A player agent rang up and spoke to my brother and I and he suggested it might be a good opportunity to play district cricket there and also potentially get involved with the state stuff,” Max said. “My older brother Peter has come with me and is doing some cricket with South Australia and the SACA [South Australian Cricket Association] and he’ll be training with them and potentially playing a few games. “We’re playing together at Prospect Cricket Club which will be exciting and we’re really looking forward to it.” Hatzoglou said at this stage they would play the season by ear before deciding whether to head back to Melbourne later in the season. With both brothers performing well, it wouldn’t come a surprise to many that they come from a cricketing family. Hatzoglou said there were plenty of good games of cricket in the backyard growing up. “Me and my three brothers and my dad all
Max Hatzoglou. (Supplied)
played for Sunshine Heights and mum has always helped out there. “As we’ve gotten older we’ve moved to district level but we’re still involved at Sunshine Heights coaching and dad is still the president and still playing.” Hatzoglou’s love of the sport in general has led him to pursue a career in sports journalism.
“I’m a real sports lover and I’ve been writing articles and I’ve been running a sports radio show, it’s been keeping me busy which has been good fun. “I love sport and to be able to write and talk about sport as a job, that’s definitely something I would like to do, hopefully after a cricket career.”
Sikora new Roos coach New Sunbury Kangaroos coach Ron Sikora is hoping to build on the promise the side has shown in the Essendon District Football League in recent years. The Kangaroos have finished third in both seasons they’ve played in the EDFL, but are yet to have an impact in finals. Sikora had a first-hand view of the Kangaroos, having coached against them in 2019 when he took Keilor to the premier division grand final. Sikora was the Blues coach for the 2020 season that didn’t go ahead. He said his departure from the Blues was a little bit unexpected, which saw him seek out other coaching opportunities. It was the Kangaroos that stood out. “One of the things I said to [president] Al [Walters] was in the game [against Keilor] in the finals, the side showed some great promise. “There was something missing and you don’t know what it is until you’re there.” Sikora, who has experience in the VFL system, has previously coached some of the playing squad in juniors at the Sunbury Lions. While there are still a lot of unknowns, Sikora is already starting to get things under way in preparation for pre-seseason. Sikora said he was also keen to get the club’s under-18s girls program back up and running. They tried to have a team in 2020, but didn’t have the numbers. “It goes hand in hand,” he said. “If you have success with the 18s, it’s only a matter of time before you’re successful in the women’s program and helps with longevity.” The Kangaroos role isn’t the only coaching job Sikora has for next season. He’s been named coach of an Australian women’s team which will face a world team in an exhibition match at the World Nations Cup. Sikora said it would be a six week process from the first training session to the match, which will be played on the same day as the men’s grand final. Tara Murray
Watts brothers reunite for Sunbury Kangaroos The five Watts brothers have all signed up with the Sunbury Kangaroos in next year’s Essendon District Football League division 1. All five brothers, Luke, Brandon, Jye, Koby and Tyrell, have played football at the club over the years, but have never been in the senior program together, let alone all play in the same game. Luke, who was part of the club’s division 2 reserves premiership in 2019, said it had always been a dream to play with his four brothers. He was the only one of the brothers involved in the Kangaroos senior program in recent years. “We were just talking a lot about it with each other and we thought it was a good idea and the right time,” he said. “We all love our footy and we want to play together. I’ve always wanted to play with them and it means heaps.” Luke, who has played separately with Brandon and Jye, thought due to the age difference he would never get to play with younger twins, Koby and Tyrell. But with the two stepping up into senior football and Brandon and Jye returning to the 22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
Luke, Brandon, Jye, Koby and Tyrell Watts. (Emma Burnett)
sport after a couple of years off, everything fell into place for the family. Brandon and Jye have also played together, while the twins have played most of their football together. Between the five of them, they bring a wealth of experience which includes league
and club best and fairests, and being part of premierships. Luke said the family was pretty excited by the prospect of them all playing together. “They are all excited … they can’t wait to come down and watch us.” Luke said while all of them play similar roles,
they could play a number of different positions which would allow them to play together. Luke said they all want to try and push into the senior team, which will play in division 1 for the first time. “I think it will be a little bit harder,” he said of division 1. “I like the competition and it makes you a better player playing against better opposition.” The brothers have spent plenty of lockdown time with each other, and have started to prepare for the upcoming season. “We’ve gone for some kicks and a few runs, plus we’ve got a home gym.” The Watts brothers join a number of re-signings at the Kangaroos under new coach Leigh Sporle. Skipper Daniel Gregory, Mitch Streiff, Matthew and Anthony Leonard, John Corso, Jacob Opie, Lachy Kaye, Brenton Sutherland, Dwayne Tate, Chris Redli, Blake Lawson, James Oconnor, Dylan Cunningham, Mitch Kook, Tom Borg, Josh Kanellos, Zach McCasker and William Healy have all signed on for next year. Tara Murray
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Jones keen to create new culture at Melton
New Melton coach Brad Jones. (Damjan Janevski) 200651_05
New Melton coach Brad Jones said the time was right to try and create a new culture at the club ahead of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west season. Jones has been captain the past couple of seasons and was part of the coaching panel last season. A premiership player with the club, Jones said he wanted to use his experiences to build something successful. “It’s a great chance to create a new culture at the club,” he said. “The club is heading in the right direction with the new facilities being built and we want to create a new culture on the field as well. “Ever since we won those grand finals a few years ago, a lot of senior players have left. “I wanted to stand up and show a winning and positive culture.” For the Lions, the past few years have been mixed. Last season the Lions missed finals by three points after a final round loss. Jones admits that they lost a lot of games they
should have won and lost a lot of close games as well. “It’s been about getting experience into the guys and they will be a lot better with that experience. “They’re local first XI players and it’s good to get the younger local players into the team.” Jones said most of the group this year would be from the Melton region. They have lost three key players from last season. Sri Lankan all rounder Dilshan Kanchana is not coming back, while David Dickinson is going to play with his brother. The biggest loss is that of Ben MacRae, last season’s leading run scorer, who is having a year off cricket. Jones said the loss of MacRae is a massive one. “He’s a really quiet person, but has great leadership skills and sets the tone when we bat at the top of the order. The younger blokes need to step up and take the next step.” In a positive for the Lions, Jake Thornton-Gielen is returning to the club after
a season off. Jones pinpointed a number of youngsters he believed could take that next step this season. “Jason Hibbert played a couple of first XI game last season and will hopefully bat around the top of the order and bat some time. Adrian Monitto has been in the first XI for a couple of years and Dylan Jobson is progressing well. “Joel Mitchener has been playing twos the last couple of years and we’re looking forward to him playing a few first XI games this season.” The VSDCA season will be structured differently this year due to COVID-19, with all matches to be played as one-dayers. The Lions are scheduled to kick off their season on November 21 against Hoppers Crossing. Jones said they still want to play finals despite having a younger side. He said they had been a better two-day side the last couple of years so they would need to make some adjustments this season. Tara Murray
Coach search for North Footscray
Amy Smith. (Jamie Morey Photography)
Like father, like daughter By Tara Murray Had you told Amy Smith she would be on an AFLW list two years ago she wouldn’t have believed you. A basketball player with the Keilor Thunder in the Big V, Smith looked on track to be hitting three-pointers not kicking goals. She made the decision to take up football with Aberfeldie in the Essendon District Football League for the 2019 season and hasn’t looked back. Last week she was selected by the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos AFLW team as their first father-daughter pick. Smith’s father Shaun Smith played 47 games for North Melbourne and another 67 for Melbourne, meaning she was eligible under the father-daughter rule for both clubs. Her brother Joel Smith, who also made a late transition from basketball to football, plays for Melbourne. Smith said it was still sinking in that she was an AFLW player. “It’s amazing and it’s still sinking in,” she said. “Two years ago had you asked me if I would have been in this situation I would have said no. “It’s a bit surreal, but I wouldn’t change a
thing and I’m so grateful I made the decision to change from basketball to football.” Smith, who lives in Hillside, said she had seen other girls make the transition from basketball to football which made her want to give it a go after playing basketball for 12 years. She knew a few people already at Aberfeldie and decided to join them and played a key part in their premiership in 2019. Smith said she had to do a bit of work on her skills to get them up to scratch. “When I first started, kicking wasn’t great,” she said. “I put in a lot of work to develop those skills and I’m surprised how quickly they have developed.” If Smith was surprised about taking to the footy field, she said her dad was even more so. He has been one of her biggest supporters in making the switch, getting involved with the Abefeldie women’s program. “If you asked him two years ago whether I would be playing AFLW, he would have said it was a definite no. “He always loves to help. When I said I wanted to play football, he said we have to work on my skills.” Having had a successful first season, Smith looked to make the transition into the VFLW. She spoke to a few clubs, with Williamstown
the standout and she joined them for the 2020 season. “I went down for one training session and it went from there,” she said. “I loved it as soon as I got down. I went down there and it felt like I had been there for years, they were very welcoming and everyone is so nice.” Williamstown VFLW football manager Claudia Davey said they had been impressed with Smith’s work rate in the short time she had been at the club. “Although it has been a difficult year for all, Amy has continued to work hard outside the club and we look forward to seeing her follow in her father’s footsteps at North Melbourne.” While the season didn’t go ahead, Smith tried to keep her skills up as much as possible. Both North Melbourne and Melbourne spoke to her about joining their clubs, with North Melbourne offering her a spot on their list. North has said they will look to play the 21-year-old in the back half of the ground and the midfield. Smith is now just keen to start pre-season training. “I haven’t met anyone in person yet, it’s all been over Zoom,” she said. “I just want to get down there and get started.”
North Footscray believes it’s an unique time to open up its senior coaching role for next year’s Western Region Football League division 2 season. The club had appointed Damien Zanic for the 2020 season, which ultimately didn’t go ahead due to COVID-19, but has decided to look around for a new coach next year. President Jason McCluskey said they thought they needed to advertise the role with all the uncertainty surrounding football as a whole. “We had a bit of a review with where we are at and it sort of dawned on myself and the footy operations manager there is so much coaching movement going on at the moment at higher levels. “People are falling out of systems and people have had a year off given COVID that might not be going around next year as a player, but might be looking at aspects of coaching. “We thought given the unusual circumstances and that we’ve got a list that has been developed by our own operations manager and we don’t have an affiliation with a coach, that we would sort of be negligent not to test the market. “It might sound like a bold move, but it’s different times.” McCluskey said they thought the role was an attractive one with the playing group having no real affiliation with an incumbent coach. “We are quite excited by the prospect of getting out there and taking up the opportunity, we feel it’s a good one.” McCluskey said that Zanic was naturally disappointed with the club’s decision. He said Zanic had indicated that he would have a strong think about reapplying for the role. McCluskey said work was going on to sign the existing playing group and add some new recruits for next season. “It’s been really positive,” he said. “There’s re-signings as we speak and new recruits being signed. “There’s six or seven new faces that signed this year … We just signed another player who is brand new to the club and has a few mates who are coming to the club as well.” Anyone interested in coaching can send applications to nffncadm@gmail. com. Applications close October 8. Tara Murray 23 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 October, 2020
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