Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 13th October 2020 by Star Weekly

OCTOBER 13, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

A week of fun for kids

Children’s performer Damian Peck with his sons Toby, 5, and Jeremy, 2. (Damjan Janevski) 217633_02

A week of fun-filled activities later this month is sure to bring a smile to the faces of children during an otherwise difficult year. Melton council is running a series of online events as part of Children’s Week from October 26 to 30, with plenty of things to brighten up the day. The week kicks off with ‘music and movement’ with Damo Music for Kids on October 26, before an interactive animal session with Wild Action Zoo the next morning. There will also be a story time session with the Melton libraries team, do-it-yourself acrylic sticker peelies, and a special show of ‘Imagination Magic presents Kinder Dreamtime’ with Gene Blow during the rest of the week. Council’s families and children manager Brendan Ball, said it was important for the week to have plenty for children to enjoy depsite the social distancing restrictions. “We invite kids and their families to join us for a series of fun activities that will make you sing and dance, imagine, create, and learn,” he said. “We’ll also be sharing play and activity ideas for the whole family to do at home.” A full list of activities is on council’s Facebook page under the events tab. Ewen McRae

Council shunned, again By Ewen McRae Moorabool council is becoming increasingly frustrated about decisions surrounding contaminated soil coming to Bacchus Marsh, after being left out of another major ruling. The Victorian Heritage Advisory Council recently granted Maddingley Brown Coal a permit exemption to go ahead with roadworks on the historic Avenue of Honour. Despite council being responsible for managing and maintaining trees along the

Avenue, and having a heritage overlay on the Avenue under its planning scheme, it was not consulted about the exemption being granted to MBC. The works listed in the permit exemption are for widening and shoulder rehabilitation on the Woolpack Road–Bacchus Marsh Road intersection. Generally, any work undertaken on The Avenue of Honour requires a permit from the Heritage Advisory Council as the Avenue is protected.

Council chief executive Derek Madden said it was frustrating to hear about major decisions after they had been made. “Again, we have to hear about issues relating to MBC’s proposal to store contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel project from a third party,” Mr Madden said. “Council has been shunned throughout this whole process and we’ve had the power to make a decision on our own planning scheme taken away by the state government. “Now we hear about the Heritage Advisory

Council granting an exemption for works on a road we have some responsibility for without letting us know about the application for exemption.” A final decision on whether the contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel project is sent to MBC or one of the other two bidding sites is still yet to be made. A decision on planning approvals still sits with Planning Minister Richard Wynne. Project operator Transurban will make a final decision on which site to award the tender to.

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Restrictions to slowly ease By Ewen McRae Restrictions are set to ease this weekend as case numbers continue to fall locally. However, Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday would not confirm exactly which restrictions would be lightened but insisted they would be “significant”. “The exact nature of those we’ll determine throughout the week and right up until Saturday night,” he said. “A whole lot of outdoor activities is on the table. And we’ll also spend quite a bit of time thinking about what’s a safe group size for people outside to be able to join each other and

to be part of the thing that we crave the most, and that’s some of the connections that we have had to go without for such a long period of time. “That’s where we’re headed and they’re the things we’ll look at carefully.“ Retail, hairdressers and outdoor dining were among the businesses planned to re-open if metropolitan Melbourne reached a rolling 14 day average of five cases. The 14-day average was 9.9, as of Monday. Melton had just 12 active cases as of Sunday, while Moorabool continued to have no cases. Victoria’s chief health officer, professor Brett Sutton, said even if the city did not reach the five case target, the current measures were working

‘‘

can’t discount … might be extraordinarily difficult to drive down - Brett Sutton

’’

and people needed to continue following the rules. “No one’s been to this point with a second wave anywhere in the world,” Professor Sutton said. “We are treading new ground. We can’t discount that it might be extraordinarily difficult to drive down to zero, but I think it’s possible.”

Covid-hotpots in the north and western suburbs last week reported zero new cases for the first time since March. An outcome that community health service Cohealth put down to a community-led response, a joint response from multiple community health services, and culturally specific health efforts. Cohealth chief executive Nicole Bartholomeusz said the success was due to community health providers’ approach of using community expertise and knowledge, developing tailored health information and providing support to make it possible to comply.

Sports loan applications now open Community sport and recreation infrastructure could be set for a boost after the state government opened the next round of a special loan scheme. The scheme provides low interest loans from $500,000 to up to $10 million to councils, clubs, associations, educational institutions and facility managers to develop high-quality community sport and active recreation infrastructure. Eligible projects include the development or upgrade of infrastructure such as aquatic leisure facilities, indoor sports stadiums, community sport precincts, pavilions, sports grounds, skate parks and trails, as well as the packaging of similar projects across multiple sites. Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said the loans were a great opportunity to give community facilities a boost as the pandemic recovery continues. “This is about supporting organisations that deliver our pools and ovals and courts and stadiums – providing more opportunities for people to get out there and get active,” Ms Spence said. “Projects completed through the scheme also help communities to attract and host local and regional competitions and events.” Details: sport.vic.gov.au/

Cynthia Galle at Red Beetle, Caroline Springs. (Damjan Janevski) 217785_05

Alfresco dining on the menu More outdoor dining options are coming for Melton residents, with council ramping up its assistance measures for restaurants and pubs. Council this week launched a streamlined process that will help local hospitality businesses quickly and easily apply for approvals to develop or expand their outdoor dining areas, as they prepare to reopen once coronavirus restrictions ease. Officers will assist business operators with ideas and options for expanding their open-air dining areas and will help with fast-tracking permits and reviewing funding options. It’s in response to the state government’s new

outdoor eating and entertainment package in which businesses can apply for grants of up to $5000 to help them transition to or grow their outdoor dining. The funding can help purchase new outdoor furniture, barriers, heaters, and more. Council chief executive Kelvin Tori encouraged hospitality businesses to make outdoor dining a focus as a safe and sustainable way to reopen. “Outdoor dining is going to be an important part of the post-COVID-19 recovery and we’ll support businesses to make the most of the Victorian government’s new initiative,” Mr Tori said. “Our new process streamlines

assessments so that business owners can concentrate on adapting, thriving and keeping their patrons safe. “Whether you want to add tables to the footpath and use parking space for dining, or you have your own great idea or need some inspiration, we’re here to help. “As the weather warms up and restrictions ease, we look forward to seeing residents enjoy the variety of new and expanded outdoor dining options that will pop up across our city.” Details: melton.vic.gov.au/outdoordining.

Ewen McRae

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Young people have your say on a new youth strategy for Victoria! Have your say by completing a short survey at engage.vic.gov.au/victorian-youth-strategy Or register for a youth or community forum near you at yacvic.org.au/youth-strategy

Steve McGhie MP LABOR MEMBER FOR MELTON 3 Alexandra Street, Melton VIC 3337 E: Stephen.McGhie@parliament.vic.gov.au P: 9743 9825 Authorised by S McGhie, 3 Alexandra Street, Melton. Funded from Parliamentary budget. 5 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

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Budget investment welcomed By Ewen McRae Melton council has welcomed federal government investment in the west, following last week’s budget. While much of the investment in the region is likely to come in the state budget later in the year, the western suburbs did get a boost with more money for the Western Rail Project, among other announcements. Council chief executive Kelvin Tori said the investment was a reflection of the growing need for infrastructure and investment in one

‘‘

our infrastructure needs are significant

’’

- Kelvin Tori

of the fastest-growing regions of the country. “We’re very pleased that an additional $30 million has been allocated to the Western Rail Plan,” Mr Tori said. “We hope this will bring us closer to electrification of the Melton line and better connect our residents to work, education,

and social activities in the future. As we look toward economic recovery, it’s great to see a further $1 billion added to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. “With one of Australia’s fastest-growing populations, our infrastructure needs are significant and we hope that our high-priority projects will benefit from this fund. The new JobMaker and JobTrainer initiatives are hugely welcome, and I hope that for young people in the City of Melton, this will not only aid in post-pandemic recovery, but will help close a pre-existing local employment gap.”

Mr Tori said council would continue to advocate for further investment to help the region recover from the hard impact of the ongoing pandemic. “With many of our residents and businesses experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis, we also welcome the inclusion of significant tax concessions for individuals and businesses in this budget,” he said. “We will continue to advocate … to ensure that the City of Melton’s vital infrastructure, employment and liveability needs are known and equitably prioritised.”

Virtual course to teach first aid for pets

Carter and Skye. (Damjan Janevski) 217453_01

Vision to find a cure A Caroline Springs family is on a mission to raise awareness of bone marrow failure and its related conditions, by partnering with charity Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision. The Savage family has joined the charity in raising money during ‘Maddie’s Month’, which was launched last week. The charity was founded by the Riewoldt family, including AFL players Nick and Jack, and is named after Nick’s sister who lost her battle with a rare bone marrow condition in 2015. Carter and Skye Savage both have conditions linked to bone marrow failure, and mum Karen

said it has taken its toll on their family over the years. “When Carter was born he was a perfectly normal baby, but it wasn’t long before he was unwell all the time,” she said. “He would get colds, but it would take him two months until he was better. We were battling for answers for two-and-a-half years, and when Skye came along we just knew that whatever was wrong with Carter, Skye had the same thing.” The children were eventually diagnosed with Shwachman–Diamond syndrome, which meant they were not producing enough white

blood cells to fight infection. It meant they would both later require a bone marrow transfer. Ms Savage said working with Maddie’s Vision had helped their family immensely, and she encouraged those who could to donate to the worthy cause. “I was so excited when Maddie’s Vision came about because here was an amazing opportunity for researchers to get funded to find cures or other treatments.” Details: www.mrv.org.au

Ewen McRae

The abuse of older people is hard to talk about. Often, it’s committed by a family member. It could be a daughter, a son, or a loved one. Too many older people suffer in silence. Elder abuse is a form of family violence and it is unacceptable. What starts out small doesn’t always stay that way. Elder abuse is hard to picture, but it happens every day.

6 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

Many pet owners would panic if their pet was involved in an accident, however, learning basic first aid skills for pets can mean the difference between life and death. To help pet owners learn the skills that could save a furry friend’s life in an emergency, RSPCA Victoria is launching its first-ever virtual animal first aid course, Focused First Aid for Pets. The course will be held on November 24 at 7pm. The course is focused on providing participants with the best information available to be better placed to help a pet in an emergency and will be led by RSPCA Victoria education and learning officer Belinda Marchbank. “Focused First Aid for Pets will teach pet owners the basics of pet first aid, providing people with important knowledge that will support them to act without panic and do the best they can for their pets in the case of an emergency,” Ms Marchbank said. Participants will hear about CPR, bandaging, how to monitor a pet’s vital signs and react appropriately, along with the importance of pet first aid kits and how to improvise with common household items, and the basics of caring for a pet that has been injured by a car. The Focused First Aid for Pets virtual course costs $49. Bookings: rspcavictoria.weteachme. com.

For further information and for independent advice, contact: Seniors Rights Victoria – 1300 368 821 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence – 1800 755 988 Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491 If you are concerned for your immediate safety or that of someone else, please contact Triple Zero (000) for emergency services. For more information, please visit www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au

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JobKeeper cuts hit workers hard Workers in hard-hit areas in Melbourne’s west stand to miss out on millions of dollars in fortnightly payments with the JobKeeper supplement dropping from $1500 to $1200, a recent study has shown. The federal government JobKeeper program – a support measure that subsidised $1500 of eligible employees’ wages each fortnight – has been extended until March next year with payments to reduce over time.

The first $300 drop in the subsidy for employees working over 20 hours per week came into effect on September 28, with the payment slashed to $750 for employees working less than 20 hours per week. The report, Crossing the Fiscal Cliff, recently released by The McKell Institute’s Edward Cavanough, revealed that Caroline Springs would be among the most heavily impacted by the payment reduction, with workers facing a reduction of $3.66 million. Melton workers face a hit of $1.6 million,

while Taylors Hill ($2.6 million), Hillside ($2.4 million) and Diggers Rest ($185,000) were also worse off. Moorabool will be less severely impacted, with many businesses already back open under eased COVID-19 restrictions. Bacchus Marsh faces a loss of just over $1 million, while Ballan faces a cut of $199,000. Other Brimbank suburbs including Deer Park, Albion and Delahey faced a reduction of between $1.5 million and $2.3 million in fortnightly payments.

United makes key signings

Support for regional youth

Western United have continued their momentum from a strong debut season, signing three key players ahead of the next campaign. Experienced defender Andrew Durante headlines the re-signings, with the A-League games recordholder committing to the club for the 2020-21 season. “I’m really excited to be signing on for another season,” Durante said. “We have a really special group of players and staff here and for me, it’s a joy and a privilege to come into training every day and push myself and the others around me.

‘‘ ’’

Durante’s record speaks for itself - Ante Kovacevic

“I can’t wait to get going again and continue to help grow this football club to achieve success both on and off the park.” The 2008 Joe Marston Medallist is set to add to his 339 game tally in what will be his 16th A-League season. General manager of football Ante Kovacevic said it was an easy decision to re-sign the experienced defender. “Durante’s record speaks for itself. His longevity in the game is a benefit to the club on and off the field,” Kovacevic said. “He was ever-present in the starting 11 throughout last season, and it was a simple decision to ensure Andrew was part of our team for a second year. “His professionalism, experience and

Andrew Durante of Western United. (Supplied)

leadership qualities are important amongst our younger players and the team as a whole as we continue to develop and strive for finals football once again.” United has also secured the services of

“The JobKeeper program has been essential in enabling employers to retain staff in preparation for a return to a degree of economic normality once the worst of COVID-19 has subsided,” Mr Cavanough, the institute’s policy director, said. “Payments will again be reduced in January 2021… to $1000 a fortnight – a decision expected to have real consequences on employment, significantly impacting aggregate demand and ultimately dampening and slowing the pace of economic recovery.”

defender Tomoki Imai for another season, while Lachlan Wales has also joined the club, from Melbourne City, on a two-year deal.

Young people living in Moorabool who are experiencing poor mental health will soon have access to extra support. A new partnership between youth mental health organisation Orygen and the RACV will establish extra support for regional youth to achieve their education and employment goals. The partnership will also establish a Youth Individual Placement and Support Centre of Excellence at Orygen, which will expand and drive the implementation of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programs for young people at sites across regional Victoria. Orygen employment and education partnerships associate director Gina Chinnery said IPS was the most effective form of employment support for people experiencing serious mental illness but was out of reach for many young Australians. RACV social impact and corporate communications general manager Louise Steinfort said: “This partnership with Orygen aims to expand services and support young people who are experiencing mental ill-health with finding employment and educational opportunities.” Ewen McRae

Ewen McRae

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By Ewen McRae

7 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

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13 October 2020

STAY INFORMED

COVID-19 UPDATE: Melton City Council

Melton City Council: melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19 facebook.com/cityofmelton Customer Service: 9747 7200

Department of Health and Human Services: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus COVID-19 Hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 hours)

Another step towards reopening As State Government restrictions ease, some Council services are beginning to reopen in the City of Melton and additional community activities are allowed. We recently reinstated the libraries click and collect service, reopened the Melton Recycling Facility to the public for green waste disposal only, and resumed childcare services for all children. This adds to earlier changes which included Council reopening outdoor playgrounds.

What’s allowed right now under State Government guidelines: • Socialising or exercising with up to five people from up to two households. Must be in a public outdoor space, for up to two hours, and within 5km of home • Outdoor personal training with a maximum of two clients and one trainer, keeping 1.5 metres apart • Using outdoor playgrounds • Childcare is available for all children

Find out more at melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19

• Religious gatherings of up to five people plus a faith leader, outdoors, for up to two hours, and within 5km of home

Do you have a ‘hot’ idea for a new business? Local entrepreneurs are invited to pitch their business idea to us 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. Participants will have access to highly experienced and qualified mentors and they’ll receive

8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

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. Registrations to pitch your idea are open until Sunday 8 November, and an online information session will be held on Tuesday 27 October for anyone who would like more information. To find out more and register your interest in The Hot House Season 3, visit melton.vic.gov.au/hothouse

• Private inspections for residential real estate within the metropolitan Melbourne area, with 15 minute limits • Shopping at your nearest retailer for essentials, with people from your household only • Getting takeaway from local restaurants and cafes • Visiting an intimate partner or maintaining shared parenting arrangements for children • If you live alone or are a single parent, you can create a social bubble with one other person • You can leave home if there is an emergency, including family violence

When you leave home, please remember to wear a fitted mask, only leave home if you feel well, keep 1.5 metres from others, and wash your hands regularly.

Council services • You can now dispose of green waste only at the Melton Recycling Facility if you live within 5km of the site (the facility remains closed for all other purposes) • You can now use the libraries click and collect or click and deliver service (libraries remain closed for all other purposes) – melton.vic.gov.au/ clickanddeliver

Customer service Our customer service centres remain closed, however you can find the answers to your questions about waste, rates and payments, animal registrations, children’s services and more, by simply searching our website at melton.vic.gov.au

Easy access to information and support 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 including changes to Council services and facilities, financial support for ratepayers, business support and resources, information on community support services, and restrictions updates. Simply visit melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19

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More women vie for election By Ewen McRae A record number of women have nominated for local council elections in Victoria, with strong numbers of candidates locally. A century on from the election of Victoria’s first woman councillor, Mary Rogers in Richmond City Council, the rise of female representation in local government continues with 39 per cent of all candidates in this month’s elections women. This is an increase from 34 per cent at the 2016 elections.

‘‘

it’s fantastic to see so many women standing for council - Shaun Leane

’’

Local Government Minister Shaun Leane said it was a huge positive to see more women represented on the ballot sheet, with the state government aiming for women to eventually make up 50 per cent of all elected councillors. “We know the value that women bring to leadership and it’s fantastic to see so many

women standing for council,” Mr Leane said. “Local councils should truly represent their communities and I’m pleased to see so many people putting their hands up to serve. “I wish all candidates the best of luck over the rest of the campaign and urge all Victorians to vote and have a say in who represents their local community.” For Moorabool, which had just just one woman on council in the last term, roughly half the candidates for this year’s election are women, while in Melton there are 16 female candidates out of a total of 42.

This year marks the first election where all candidates have completed a mandatory Local Government Candidate Training Course through Local Government Victoria. The online course about councillor roles and responsibilities, introduced through the new Local Government Act, was completed by more than 3000 people. Ballot packs were mailed out last week, including statements and photographs supplied by candidates, voting instructions and a reply-paid envelope. Votes must be posted by 6pm on Friday, October 23.

Storage King turns pink

Support Local

“Everyone’s been touched by cancer at some time in their life,” she said. “Whether it’s a friend or a family member, and McGrath Foundation provide such a good support network for families and help out with the nurses.” Storage King Melton will be raising money until the end of the month. Ewen McRae

Daniel Williamson and Sally Gardner at Storage King in Melton. (Damjan Janevski) 217704_01

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Tune in daily in October to listen to a wonderful mix of programs from the 2020 Victorian Seniors Festival. • Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday - 8am to 10am • Wednesday, Thursday Friday - 2pm to 4pm

Music specials: • Golden Days Radio Specials • Music From The Hearth - Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier • In Dark Times Elizabeth Drake and Karen Cummings

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3RIM 97.9fm Melton October Schedule

Series: • Bing Crosby and Friends • At The Picture Palace • A Night At The Theatre

386 High Street Melton

For Appointments Ph: 9746 6882

979fm provides a community radio service, broadcasting across the City of Melton, broadcasting 24 hours a day 7 days a week for nearly 40 years by our valued volunteers. Programming includes specialist and generalist music programs, local community news and talk back, and culturally and linguistically diverse programs.

• Vika and Linda Sunday (The Gospel According To Iso) • Jessie Lloyd - Mission Songs • Mindy Meng Wang and Vinod Prasanna • Adam Simmons with Komeda, jazz and pierogi • Aura of the Whitethorn - Love Songs of the Irish - Deborah Kayser - Nick Tsiavos • Multoicultural Arts Victoria music specials featuring Nela Trifkovic, Amadou

Souso & Ajak Kwai & Nela Trifkovic • Monica Karo – musical poems • Radio 88FM music features – roots, rock and blues Radio plays: • Daniel Keene Plays Kaddish and The Rain • Dear Ida by Lisa Petty • The Carer by Alan Hopgood • Melbourne City U3A scriptwriters Dialogues

• Agatha Christie Radio Mysteries - Butter In A Lordly Dish & Rats Spoken word: • Uncle Dennis Fisher Poetry • A Good and Pleasant Thing - short story by Melanie Cheng • Allara Pattison poetry • Stories From The Pier • Telling Tales • Tony Birch reads Painted Glass

12465553-JW42-20

Visitors to Storage King in Melton will be met with a wall of pink, as the store takes part in its annual McGrath Foundation fundraiser. The annual event is held at Storage King’s across Australia to raise money for the foundation and its work providing breast cancer nurses to areas of need. Store manager Sally Gardner said they were proud to raise funds for a cause that helped so many people. “We’ve been doing this for years, every October every store in Australia gets behind this cause,” Ms Gardner said. “Storage King has a close relationship with the McGrath Foundation who do such great work with breast cancer nurses and families living with cancer.” Ms Gardner said cancer had so many wide-ranging impacts that playing a small part in the response was an important responsibility for everyone.

All Festival radio programs also available now at www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/ festivalsandawards/listen-now

9 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Bike chase Police have charged a 40-year-old Melton man with dangerous driving following a pursuit through the town last week. Police said a motorbike was spotted travelling at a significant speed and running a red light on High Street about 4.20am on October 4. Police said the bike was displaying false registration plates. The man was arrested and charged with dangerous driving while being pursued by police, reckless conduct and various other traffic offences. He was remanded in custody to appear in court at a later date.

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Scam warning

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Police are warning the community to be wary following a recent spate of telephone scams. Police have received reports of people receiving a phone call from someone claiming they have an outstanding tax debt. Often the number displayed on the caller identification is that of a local police station or other government agency, such as the ATO. The scammers ask for personal information or bank details, and in some examples request the victim purchases online music vouchers to pay supposed fines. Residents who recieve these calls are urged to hang up and contact police. Report scams to Scamwatch via https://bddy.me/2GgzwJG

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ LISA KORYCKI lisa.korycki@starweekly.com.au GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

Damjan Janevski’s ‘photographer’s choice’ for this week is of rocks “hanging in the air, stuck between two boulders” at Hanging Rock. Even though it is a landscape/still life photo it has some dynamism. The use of black and white adds to its abstract visual quality.

217715_01

Through the lens

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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

10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Call for mask freedom

Report council wrongdoing

By Ewen McRae Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur has stepped up her calls for non-mandatory mask wearing in regional Victoria, as virus numbers continue to fall. While much of regional Victoria is free of COVID-19, and with Moorabool back to zero active cases last week, mask wearing is still being enforced in the same way as metropolitan Melbourne. Ms McArthur said it was unfair to treat regional and metropolitan areas the same.

‘‘ ’’

masks should be optional - Bev McArthur

“Masks have a place where transmission is possible with at-risk people – those in aged care, with compromised immune systems, other specific health concerns and of course, in health facilities themselves, if medical experts deem them essential,” she said. “But in almost all other circumstances, masks should be optional. “It is ridiculous that people in COVID-free regional Victoria are walking along country roads on their own, or in parks and gardens but are being forced to wear masks for fear of fines. “This isn’t stopping the spread of the virus – but it might be stopping some people from getting out for vital exercise. “People out walking tell me they feel ill after a short time, including episodes of nausea and shortness of breath.” No other state in Australia has required masks to be worn outside the home mandatorily

Masks are still mandatory in regional Victoria. (iStock)

and have only encouraged or recommended masks for places where social distancing is not possible, where there is known transmission, or when directly caring for someone with the virus, or suspected of having the virus, Ms McArthur said.

NEWS

“States where masks have not been mandatory – the rates of infection and death have remained low,” she said. Chief health officer Brett Sutton and Premier Daniel Andrews say that mask wearing will be around for some time yet.

The state’s integrity agencies want Victorians to know how they can make a complaint or report wrongdoing in local government. As part of a new campaign from the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), the Local Government Inspectorate and the Victorian Ombudsman, locals are encouraged to report allegations of wrongdoing at local council level. A new video, ‘My local council: If something is not right, who do I complain to?’, explains which integrity agency people can complain to about issues and suspected wrongdoing with council matters, councillors, and local government officials. The campaign is particularly timely given the local council elections occurring this month. IBAC deputy commissioner David Wolf said it was important for Victorians to have a place to report corruption and have it acted upon. “Integrity agencies rely on the information provided by citizens to effectively detect and address corruption,” Mr Wolf said. “We want Victorians to know they can safely and easily let us know if they suspect something is not righ.” Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass said it was vital complaints about local councils are taken seriously. Details: https://bit.ly/3iJUNZm Ewen McRae

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. GORDON

BALLAN

DARLEY

MELTON

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

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

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

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

19 COVID-

sions -in ses p o r h d ll A ted wit facilita e b e l f il a w OVID -S e. strict C lac res in p m e a su

Jump online and HAVE YOUR SAY at westvictnp.com.au Alternatively call the team on 03 9021 0674 or email info@westvictnp.com.au 12465317-DL42-20

11 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Foster carers in short supply By Alesha Capone Uniting Vic.Tas says there is a “critical need” for more foster carers across the western suburbs. The organisation is calling for people and families from all walks of life to consider becoming foster carers. Uniting Vic.Tas chief executive Bronwyn Pike said there were many children and young people “who are in desperate need of short and long term care”. Uniting western metropolitan region children children, youth and families services

co-ordinator Sharon Tyrell said that at any time, there could be up to 11,000 children and young people in need of foster care. “Wyndham, Brimbank and Melton have some of the highest rates of child protection involvement with children and young people,” she said. “We could get up to 10 references a day to place a child or young person at any given time.” Ms Tyrell said there was a need for more short-term, long-term, emergency and respite carers. Emergency carers usually care for a youngster overnight, or for a few nights, until a

more permanent carer can be found. “We’re really in great need of emergency carers – these are people who can take a call at 2am in the morning so children aren’t sitting at a police station for hours on end,” Ms Tyrell said. She said that not all children needing foster care have experienced trauma and related issues, but might – for example – have a single parent who is suddenly hospitalised, leaving their youngsters in need of care. Ms Tyrell said Uniting Vic.Tas provided training, ongoing support and upskilling for foster carers.

She said foster carers could be single, in a relationship, working, studying or retired. “We welcome carers of any culture, religion and sexual orientation,” she said. Ms Tyrell said that fostering was “very, very rewarding. “Often when kids come into care, they are not smiling and happy,” she said. “To see a few weeks or months later that they are smiling, fit into a household and can’t wait to tell you about their day, that’s hard to put into words.” To learn more about becoming a foster carer visit www.unitingvictas.org.au/ foster-care or call 5144 7777.

Robot puts safety first Taylors Hill shoppers may think that they have stepped to another dimension where a high tech robot offers them assistance at the supermarket. Woolworths Watervale took a step forward in retail innovation last week with the introduction of a high-tech robot – affectionately named ‘Walt’ by the store team – to help improve safety. Walt will roam the store to identify and alert the Watervale team to any potential hazards on the shop floor. Woolworths Watervale group manager Max Hampton said the supermarket chain had been trialling safety robots in a small number of new stores since 2019. “We care deeply about the safety of our customers and team, so we’re excited to have this cutting-edge technology at our store,” Mr Hampton said. “The team has really embraced the initiative and even given the robot a name - ‘Walt’.

“We expect there will be a bit of a novelty factor for our customers when they first see ‘Walt’, but it’s designed to operate in busy environments and keep its distance from customers. “We’ll be keen to hear the customer feedback over the coming weeks.” On average, the robots are helping detect about 570 potential slip or trip hazards each month. The number of slip and trip incidents reported in these trial stores is about 20 per cent lower than the national average. Walt will also check stock levels on shelves overnight when the store is closed, and occasionally throughout the day in high-demand areas. This will give department managers an accurate read on stock levels so they can prioritise restocking activity and improve product availability for customers.

Walt the robot in Woolworths. (Supplied)

Esther Lauaki

EXPERT MECHANIC • REASONABLE PRICES TRUSTED BY CLIENT • FAST FEATURE DELIVERY • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2/1037-1043 Western Hwy Ravenhall Vic 3023

03 9111 5678 • 0448 448 525 info@quartzautocare.com.au www.quartzautocare.com.au 12455148-SN42-20

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

12463923-NG41-20

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NEWS

Hospital issues burns warning On a cold August night Andrea Pfeffermann-Hegmann went to light her wood fire heater the same way she had each winter night for the past 20 years. She added methylated spirits to the wood as an accelerant and that’s when things went horribly wrong. “There must’ve been a small flame or something still simmering in there because when I added the accelerant it just exploded,” Andrea said. “It exploded into my face, my chest, my

‘‘

the whole experience took a really big emotional toll - Andrea Pfeffermann-Hegmann

’’

jumper, my jeans … one thing just spread to another.” Andrea was airlifted to the Alfred where she spent more than two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She was eventually allowed to return home,

but contracted an infection and had to return to hospital. “It was really hard on my psyche; the whole experience took a really big emotional toll. “I was on lots of medication during my stay, but it was incredibly painful too, it’s amazing how quickly fire can destroy our skin.” Now well on her way to recovery, Andrea hopes her story can serve as a warning to others to be vigilant around fire. “I’ve lived on this property for over 20 years and I’ve always lit that heater the same way.”

“It blew up and did the damage so quickly, there’s nothing that anyone could have done.” Andrea’s story is one of many that burns specialists at the Alfred have seen amid a recent spike in incidents involving accelerants. During the recent lockdown period (June-September), there has been a 15 per cent increase in burns-related presentations. High acuity presentations and ICU/theatre admissions from Emergency Department (ED) are also up, almost double the number from the same period last year.

New zine forever west Altona Meadows’ Gabby Bortolot has created the Forever West Zine, researching creative industries in Melbourne’s west, focusing on the music industry. There were 26 participants, including Pride of our Footscray community bar, The Substation, Yaw Faso and Wrangler Studios. “One of the main themes was a sense of community,” Ms Bortolot said. “A lot of people found that it was a lot closer-knit. “The people that you encountered in the western suburbs … just say you lived in Footscray and you went to Yarraville, you’re always going to run into someone you knew that had an idea of what you did and it was just this sense of closeness between the people. “It’s a very diverse area. You’ve got lots of different cultures. “You’ve got great Sudanese restaurants in Footscray and you’ve got great Vietnamese restaurants and this sense of all the cultures

making it a more inclusive area and definitely bringing all the cultures to the table.” The project is called Forever West Zine and has been published as a 36-page zine. “It was a clear theme that everyone who lived further on from Newport - so Newport to Werribee and spanning that way - the culture was a lot quieter,” Ms Bortolot said. “But as soon as you hit Newport and into Footscray, then the people there definitely commented on bars and gigs.” Forever West Zine can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Proceeds will go to Aboriginal action group, Pay The Rent. Goya Dmytryshchak

Gabby Bortolot holding her zine. (Joe Mastroianni). 217695_03

The best in Tarneit retirement living

Established homes now available From

$285K From time to time selected villas become available for sale to new residents of RCA Villages. These are not brand-new units and, on occasion, have additions and/or improvements included.

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No deposit required to reserve your villa. Nothing to sign until you sell your house.

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12465113-LB42-20

• • • • •

Prices correct at publication date.

Featuring

INSPECTION BY APPOINTMENT Social distancing and other safety measures are strictly observed.

For more information about our range of retirement communities visit: rcavillages.com.au 13 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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USED CAR CHECKOUT

Toyota Prado 2009 - 2019 By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring

The 2009 Toyota Prado, 2013 Toyota Prado and 2017 Toyota Prado. (Pictures: Supplied)

their covers. Engines are four-cylinder turbo-diesel and V6 petrol. The diesel in the period being covered here has a 3.0-litre. A new design 2.8-litre was introduced late in 2015, its capacity was increased to 3.0 litres at the end of 2017 as part of a major makeover. Petrols have a 4.0-litre capacity but faded from buyers’ favour when the newer diesels were introduced, though a few continued to be imported until the introduction of the new model of 2017. Toyota is well represented just about everywhere in Australia where there’s civilisation. Spares and repairs are usually readily available, though if you’re in the distant outback you may have to wait for some little ordered parts to be delivered. There’s plenty of underbonnet space so it’s possible to do a fair bit of your own servicing and some basic repairs. Insurance costs are usually towards the lower end of the scale.

Washing Machines

For Sale

GARDEN items, 200 x Bricks and 100 x plastic pots different sizes. Very cheap. Ph: 0478 262 184.

JD WASHING MACHINE REPAIR

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If you suspect a Prado has been off road, check underneath for damage to the protection plates, chassis rails, door sills, and the bumper lower corners. Even gentle off-road running can lead to scratches on the doors, guards and door mirrors because it is a large vehicle that has been squeezed through tight spots. Look for sand underneath the vehicle and in the wheel arches. If you find any, taste it for salt – indicating the Prado may have been playing around in breaking surf. This can lead to rust if any of the body protection has been breached. Check the engine starts easily, idles well, though four-cylinder engines can be comparatively rough due to their big capacity. Engines shouldn’t hesitate when accelerated hard, even when cold. The later diesels are modern units and will start almost as quickly as a petrol engine, if you feel it’s too slow to kick over have it

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

Pets & Services

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

Apprenticeships /Traineeships

Apprentice Bricklayer

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT The land affected by the application is located at:

17 Light Fingers Street KURUNJANG, LOT: 523 PS: 545813R V/F: 10996/362

The application is for a permit to:

Removal of Restrictive Covenant (Instrument No. AF688104H)

The application for the permit is: The application Reference number is: You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at:

PA2020/7132

Apply now: Phone 0411 161 563 gszatbooks@yahoo.com.au V

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Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority. An objection must: • be sent to the Responsible Authority in writing, • include the reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected. The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before.

19th October, 2020

12465268-DV42-20

Positions Vacant

ADVERTISE Forklift Driver

Professional Services

Public Notices and Event

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT: THE WATER TANKS, 721-733 MINNS ROAD, MELTON WEST VIC 3337

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Emily Wardlaw on behalf of Telstra, 0422 685 472, consultation@acquirecomm.com.au and at www.rfnsa.com.au/3337005 by Friday 30 October 2020.

This can be done during ofﬁce hours and is free of charge.

Positions Vacant

Buy, Rent & Sell in the

2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”)

www.melton.vic.gov.au/apa

Vehicles used in the wide open spaces in Australia will often have big miles on their clocks. But easy driving and being warm virtually all the time is good for engines. Choose them on condition not indicted distance travelled.

Phone

1. The proposed works consist of the installation of (3) 5G panel antennas measuring 827mm(h) by 415mm(w) on existing mounts on the structure. Ancillary works including the replacement of (3) Tower Mounted Amplifiers, and installation of (3) Junction Boxes, cabling and electrical equipment. There will be no increase in height to the facility

Mackie Surveying

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with us and get better results

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

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

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Medical/Nursing

REGISTERED NURSES

Phone 0412 155 613

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

BUTCHER Ballan Local Butcher are a family owned, professionally run retail Butcher looking to grow their team. • Experience preferred • Trade qualiﬁcations are not essential • Great team environment • Flexible hours of work, overtime available, weekend work optional • Above award pay rates • Opportunity to take on management tasks if interested For further information please visit: www.inspirehq.com.au/butcher/

or call Ange Connor on 0407 833 152

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Motoring

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Expect to spend from $12,000 to $17,000 for a 2009 Toyota Prado GX; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2009 GXL; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2012 GX; $21,000 to $28,000 for a 2012 Kakadu; $25,000 to $34,000 for a 2015 GXL; $32,000 to $43,000 for a 2014 VX or a 2017 GXL 7-seat; $38,000 to $49,000 for a 2015 Kakadu or a 2019 GX; $42,000 to $55,000 for a 2019 GXL; $46,000 to $61,000 for a 2018 VX; and $55,000 to $63,000 for a 2019 Kakadu.

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General Notices V

professionally checked. Listen for any untoward noises from the differentials, driveshafts and front wheel hubs.

Employment

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Trades & Services

What to look for

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Though it has ‘proper 4WD’ body-on-chassis construction the Toyota Prado is aimed at buyers who will do most of their driving on-road – but who do want to get serious at times in moderate to harsh off-road conditions. Prado has been sold in Australia since 1996, but we will start with the November 2009 introduction of the fourth-generation. Australia is an extremely important market for the Toyota Prado, ours being the second largest in the world. The gen-four is usually a seven-seater. Five seat models are on offer in some. A slightly odd Prado with just two passenger doors was offered, it never took on so was quietly removed from the import list at the end of 2013. However, if you really don’t need back doors very often you may pick one up. November 2017 saw the Prado get a fairly comprehensive restyle forward of the windscreen, with a more standout look to the grille and revised headlights. The rear saw new lights and changes to the bumper. Inside, the dashboard was given a more modern look, the changes included revised instruments and the minor controls. Prado is a large vehicle with plenty of interior space for occupants and a decent sized boot. Parking in tight spaces can be a hassle, but it’s not overly wide so driving in suburban and city areas isn’t a real problem. Naturally, the big Toyota is in its element in the country and in the big open spaces. Handling is safe and predictable but there’s no way you would call it sporty. Off-road Prado is competent and will look after you if you drive it sensibly. Folding the door mirrors in before you go into tight bush can prevent scratches on

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15 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

PUZZLES STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Quick crossword 1

Across 1. Restate (6) 4. Weeping (6) 9. Tome (4) 10. Loud, resonant (10) 11. Rabbit colony (6) 12. Effort (8) 13. Set of steps (9) 15. Agitate (4) 16. Rescue (4) 17. Camel species (9) 21. Earliest period of humanity (5,3) 22. Poorly made (6) 24. Of the Christian era (Latin) (4,6) 25. Snare (4) 26. Prairie wolf (6) DECODER 27. Boil with anger (6)

8 9

20 21

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

22 2

22 4

24 22

17 23

24 23

8 23

24 17

23 14

5 17

10 1

24 5

18 6

7 25

17 17

17 19 22 8

24 2

4 LETTERS AWES DYED ELSE FADE FAME FEUD GAIT GAPE NEWT ONTO PALE PREY SHAM TAGS

ABCDE FGHIJKL MNOPQRSTUV WXYZ

8 9 10 11 12 13 G 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 B A

Quick crossword solution

SOLUTION TO DECODER 18:

O P E R A

H O L E S

5 LETTERS ACHED AGENT ALLOT

V 4 T Y W S7 H8 G9 K 10 N 11F 2I 3 5 6 I 14 V15 T16 Y S H G 22 K 23 N 24F 17 W 18 19 20 21 X 16 D Q E L 15 17 18 19 U 20 C 21 P22 B 23 A 24R D Q E L U C P B A R

EASY

SOLUTION TO 19: 1 2 3 DECODER 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 W 6 7 8 9 10 W 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 14 R R SOLUTION TO DECODER 19:

11 11 O O 24 24

12 12M M 25 25O

13 13Z 26Z 26J

6 LETTERS DETAIN SALAMI SCHEME VENDOR 7 LETTERS CRUSADE DETRACT

MEDIUM

HARD

Quiz

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down.

5x5 solution

1. Which TV series featured amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher? 2. Australia’s first lighthouse was built at the entrance to Sydney Harbour in which year: 1818, 1835 or 1851? 3. What was the nickname of William Cody? 4. A human has seven neck vertebrae. How many does a giraffe have? 5. Which two Australians met in the final of the 1998 US Open tennis tournament? 6. Who wrote The Day of the Jackal and The Odessa File? 7. Which alphabet is made from just dots? 8. What is the first element on the periodic table? 9. “And the company takes what the company wants” is a line from which 1990 song? 10. What are an impi, a phalanx and a cohort?

12 13 12 13

ABCDE FGHIJKL MNOPQRSTUV WXYZ ABCDE FGHIJKL MNOPQRSTUV WXYZ

We can only carry out EMERGENCY/Safety Breakdowns and Repairs. But will return to normal Covid 19 regulation servicing after September 19 18

15 15 4 16 21 16 21 15 21 21 14 4 5 4 5 21 10 10 17 24 8 24 8 8 18 14

4 13 23 13 23 15 20 8 19 9 11 1 20 8 19 9 11 1 14 2 4 11 2 4 11 21 2 2 11 5 2 10 2 2 11 5 2 10 17 4 8 11 4 8 11 8 19 26 8 14 18 8 19 26 8 14 18 8 14 25 13 7 25 13 7 14 11 5 8 14 15 14 R 11 O 5 W 8 14 15 22 R O 14 W 24 4 14 24 4 8 3 8 8 6 17 8 3 8 8 6 17 8 6 4 19 14 4 19 14 6 10 8 4 22 21 14 10 8 4 22 21 14 7

15 15 11 11 3 3 14 14 21 21 18 18 8 8

11 11 11 11

5 5 21 21 14 14 14 14 8 8 24 24 4 4

T A A L G L T S R S Y A P N I R K R I L E D E D A D E V E N E T A O I N N E

O C T E T

D A R N S

R O G U E

T O A D Y

K O R E A

C L A S H

R E A R S E M E N D S T E A M

alp, alps, apt, asp ,lap, laps, last, pal, pals, past, pat, pats, plat, plats, sal, salt, sap, sat, slap, slat, spa, spat, splat, tap, taps 1 Murder She Wrote, 2 1818, 3 Buffalo Bill, 4 Seven, 5 Mark Philippoussos and Pat Rafter (Rafter won), 6 Frederick Forsyth, 7 Braille, 8 Hydrogen, 9 Blue Sky Mine, 10 Formations of soldiers/warriors.

20 20 10 10 2 2 24 24 4 4

6 6 8 8 24 24

21 21 18 18 8 8 24 24 13 13

16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

A L C E C A E S P E T E D A M F A E S U S D N R E A W N T

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4 4 22 12 3 12 3 8 3 3 6 21 14 21 14 6 9 7

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

S T E A L

25 26 25 26

8 LETTERS ACCEPTED ASTUTELY DARKROOM YACHTING

Sudoku solutions

Decoder

MILEAGE TACTICS TRIBUTE WRESTLE

SLEPT SPIRE STEAL STEAM TACKS TESTS TOADY TRITE UVULA

LEASE LEECH LEERS LITRE MECCA NESTS NITRE NURSE OCTAL OCTET OPERA OPTIC PIPER POURS RADII REARS REPEL RIVAL ROGUE

T R I T E

F A T A P A M E C K E T I P I T R A C E L S A P E T E E L Y A W E C R A C H E R I T S L I T I N L A G E

O R

N U R S E

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

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 15 Very Good 18 Excellent 23

O C T A L

E L U D E

R I V A L

P O U R S

419

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5x5

WordBuilder WordBuilder

AMASS ANKLE AORTA APACE BURLY CILIA CLASH DARNS ELUDE EMEND FATAL GLARE GRITS GUTSY HOLES HOSTS INLAW INNER KOREA

Across: 1. Repeat, 4. Crying, 9. Book, 10. Stentorian, 11. Warren, 12. Exertion, 13. Staircase, 15. Stir, 16. Save, 17. Dromedary, 21. Stone Age, 22. Shoddy, 24. Anno Domini, 25. Trap, 26. Coyote, 27. Seethe. Down: 1. Riot act, 2. Poker, 3. Arsenic, 5. Rather, 6. Irritated, 7. Glamour, 8. Necessary evil, 14. Inventory, 16. Satanic, 18. Massive, 19. Red tape, 20. Cavort, 23. Octet.

WordBuilder

Quiz solution

K I T

N O S E D

W I N C E

3 LETTERS ACE ADO ALL APE ATE AVE CUR DEN DUN EAR EKE ERA KIT LIP LYE NET OIL ONE RAN RID SEA TIC TRY YAP

WordFit

Down 1. It gets read to the unruly (4,3) 2. Card game (5) 3. Highly poisonous element (7) 5. Instead (6) 6. Annoyed (9) 7. Beauty or charm (7) 8. Something unpleasant which has to be done (9,4) 14. List of items (9) 16. Devilish (7) 18. Huge (7) 19. Bureaucracy (colloq) (3,4) 20. Caper (6) 23. Group of eight (5)

O D O U R

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

R A R E R

B R I D E

Sudoku

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you have found, cross them off the alphabet provided. youDECODER have found, cross them off of thethe alphabet provided. uses all 26 letters alphabet. DECODER uses all 26 letters of the alphabet.

SPORT ‘‘

I needed development and needed to play

’’

- Dejan Vasiljevic

Vasiljevic returns home By Tara Murray Dejan Vasiljevic hadn’t planned on returning home to Australia to play basketball after finishing college. Having had a successful four years at University of Miami, he was keen to test himself in the NBA summer league and try and earn a spot on an NBA squad. But COVID-19 changed all of that. With so much uncertainty in the world and basketball, Vasiljevic decided to head home to Australia. Despite growing up in Tarneit in Melbourne’s western suburbs, Vasiljevic signed with the Sydney Kings for the National Basketball League season which is scheduled to start in the new year. Vasiljevic said knowing that the NBL would go ahead was the major reason behind his change of plans. “They said the Australian league would go forward and there’s been very little cases in Australia,” he said. “I think the certainty of being able to play and having a job was a key. “If the whole corona thing didn’t happen, I wouldn’t have come back to the NBL. “I think I would have had a good shot making a summer league team, there was a high level of interest. “Nine to 12 NBA teams wanted me to come in for a workout and do an interview. “The NBA is still questionable when it starts. I think we’ll be a couple of months in before the NBA season starts.” The 23-year-old looked at other NBL clubs, including the two Melbourne teams, but said he thought a move to the Kings would be best for his career. The Kings were runners-up last season. He signed a three-year deal. “I’m really close with assistant coach Adam Forde,” he said. “He’s done a lot for me in the past at the university games and I’ve been speaking a lot to him. “Will Weaver [Kings coach] is a great coach and coached in the NBA and G-League and I

Dejan Vasiljevic playing for Miami. (Pictures: Josh White / Miami Athletics) Right: Vasiljevic back in his junior days. (Damjan Janevski)

just felt comfortable there and they do a great job of player development. “I wanted to do what was best for me and I needed development and needed to play and I think going to the Sydney Kings was the right choice.” Vasiljevic arrived back in Australia from America six weeks ago. He spent the first two weeks in quarantine, which he said wasn’t too bad. Due to restrictions, he’s yet to see his family. “It’s good to be back,” he said. “Not being able to see my mum and dad and my sister, it kind of sucks, and my girlfriend is still over in America so I’m kind of missing everyone. “The last four years I’ve only come home for one month of the year.” Vasiljevic returns to Australia having had a successful university career. The renowned three-point shooter averaged nearly 10 points and three rebounds a game. He captained the side for three years.

“To be honest it was an up and down learning experience,” he said. “To be able to learn from the veteran guys that were there and then take a major role in season two and improve dramatically and become captain in second year. “I met a lot of people and connected with a lot of people around the world. I created a lot of friendships that will last a really long time and I met my girlfriend, who I’ve been with for just over two and half years.” Vasiljevic said while it surprised some people over there that he was named captain so young, it was something that he was comfortable with having had experience with state and junior Australian teams. While he’s home in Australia for the next step of his basketball career, Vasiljevic still has dreams of playing overseas. Playing in the NBA is at the top of that list. “That’s the number one goal and Adam and Will know that,” he said.

“I’m currently in Canberra as it’s our week off. The Kings have brought me down here and putting me through a one-week training camp. “I want to try and stay on the top of my game even when I have time off. “I want to become a better version of myself that kids look up to. “I want to keep on developing my game and help the Kings win a championship first.” Vasiljevic said he would love the opportunity to represent the Australian Boomers. He has represented Australia at under-17, under-19 and the university games. “I would like to represent them at an Olympics or a world cup and help them get a medal finally,” he said. “I think I have proven over the years that I can be part of a team, with my scoring ability and my experience. “I’ve won a silver medal at a [junior] world championships and won a bronze medal at university games and I think I deserve a shot with these guys and just play my role.”

17 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Ellard hoping to inspire Roadrunner women A post on Facebook was enough to grab Tom Ellard’s interest in the North Sunshine women’s football senior coaching role. Ellard, who spent six years playing in the VFL, applied for the role and was appointed earlier this month. Having achieved what he wanted on the footy field, Ellard said he wanted to give back and help some others learn at the Western Region Football League club. “It’s a bit of a challenge and a bit of change up,” he said. “I have a bit of time on my hand and I decided I wanted to use my knowledge and try and help. “I had a bit of a chat with Prokick and my dad. As long as it didn’t interfere with my footy

and the club was happy knowing that I might have to fly out to America at some stage, I was keen. And here we are.” Having come from a footballing family, which includes Richmond premiership defender Alex Rance, Ellard has always been at home on the footy field. He spent six years in the VFL, including a number of years at Werribee, and won an NEAFL premiership recently with the Southport Sharks. Ellard wants to bring some of that experience to the Roadrunners. The Roadrunners have had a women’s side since 2018. They won two games that year and three games in 2019. The 2020 season didn’t go ahead due to COVID-19.

He has already joined the side’s Facebook group and is starting to plan for the pre-season. “The vision that I have for my coaching role is to teach the women all about AFL and the different areas in AFL,” he said. “I’m wanting to create a family environment where the girls enjoy every second playing football, I can’t wait to crack in and get started. “There hasn’t been a lot of success around the club in recent years and hopefully I can help bring some. AFLW is a big thing at the moment and it’s an awesome thing to try and bring out the best in the girls. “Hopefully they’ll enjoy it and I can take their football a bit further.” For Ellard, the move into coaching comes as

he steps away from football with his eyes on a new career, punting in America Football. Ellard has joined Prokick Australia, which was developed in 2007 to help guide and transition Australian athletes to perform at the College/ NFL level. He said it was a challenge he was enjoying. “I’m trying to land a scholarship in America through Prokick,” he said. “It’s taken a couple of months to get the gist of it. “It’s a bit of a change up coming out of a professional system where I’d achieved everything I wanted to achieve. “This is about focusing on schooling as well.” Tara Murray

Waiting game for bowls By Tara Murray Werribee bowlers are playing a waiting game ahead of the Bowls Victoria pennant season. Bowls Victoria has scheduled the season to kick off on November 7, but that is dependent on COVID-19 restrictions being lifted to allow games to go ahead. Werribee Bowls’ Steve Weston said it had been tough for the bowlers not being able to hit the green. “As soon as all this is over, the first thing we will do is to get back together doing what we do best and that is – playing bowls and celebrating the fact that once again we can put real meaning into the current topical words ‘we are all in this together’. “The club and its members are so keen to get back out there and enjoy this camaraderie we have at the club, that is why we are one of the successful bowls clubs in the west. “The game involves social interaction, relative closeness during games and provides an important opportunity for those, among our senior members who live alone, to enjoy the sense of community it and the club provides.

‘‘

Darley and Melton Centrals were both part of the AFL Goldfields competition.

New women’s competition

We are hoping the season will go ahead

’’

- Steve Weston “Only through the volunteer spirit that has got the club to the stage of being within two years of its centenary will its future be secure.” Weston said they had about 100 bowlers wanting to play in the upcoming Saturday pennant competition. The Bees will have six sides, with their top side playing in division 1. Weston said most of the playing group from past season had returned. This season there will only be eight teams in each section, with less travel than previously. In the draft fixture, Werribee’s opposition is Sunbury, Moonee Valley, Bacchus Marsh, Werribee, Aberfeldie CBC, FlemingtonKensington, Glenroy and Altona Sports. Weston said they were expecting a really competitive section. “There’s not as much travel as last season,” he said. “All the sides in our division, with the exception of Bacchus Marsh, are pretty much a lot of the teams we’ve played in the past few years. “Last year was fairly close and finals spot came down to the last round. Three or four teams could have got in. “Everyone was competitive and around the one standard.” While the season is scheduled to kick off next month, Weston said they were aware it could just as easily not be the case due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Restrictions could mean we don’t get a start before Christmas,” he said. “Places like Altona Sports and Altona have pokie machines, so they even might not be allowed to open.

Werribee Bowls’ Peter Yasar. (Mark Wilson) 217743_01

“We’re hoping the season will go ahead if restrictions are lifted soon.” Weston said game day could also be a bit different, with the possibility of rinks being staggered to reduce the number of people around at the one time.

18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

“Everything is up in the air,” he said. “We just want something to do.” Weston said despite the difficulties they had still been able to keep the club in a sound position due to donated funds, membership fees and government grants.

There’s a new beginning for female football in the Ballarat region. The Ballarat Football League has announced it will have a women’s competition for the first time next season, which will be called BFLWomens, or BFLW. Previously clubs in the region had played in the AFL Goldfields women’s competition which was run by the region’s governing body. Both the BFL and neighbouring Riddell District Football League have made the decision to step away from AFL Goldfields from next season. BFL general manager Shane Anwyl said it made sense to align the women’s competition with the existing men’s, junior and netball competitions. “It will be one of the leading competitions in regional Victoria,” he said. “It will have its own identity and structure and it will help clubs be able to recruit players. “It’ll be a very strong competition.” Anwyl said two clubs had already expressed interest in joining the competition. The new competition is open to all women’s teams that were involved in the AFL Goldfields competition. Melton, Melton Centrals, Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh and Darley were all part of that competition and have been invited to the new competition. In consultation with existing clubs, the competition structure, bylaws and rules will be developed to ensure a long-term and sustainable BFLWomens. The league will also have junior girls’ competitions. Tara Murray

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Velardo stunned with football rise New Collingwood AFLW draftee Amelia Velardo is still in disbelief that she is on an AFLW list, having played just three games of football. Velardo entered the draft as a relative unknown after the NAB League season came to an abrupt end. But Collingwood had seen enough of the Western Jet star and selected her at pick 25. Velardo said she was struggling to put into words how she’s feeling. “I’m trying to come to terms and wrap my head around the last 24 hours,” she said. “I’m rapt to be going to such a great club. I always had the goal of playing AFLW since I started playing football. “After the season was cancelled this year and with only three games under my belt, I didn’t think [I would be picked] this quickly or that early in the draft.” Velardo said she had fallen in love with the sport the minute she picked up the football

after searching for a change from basketball. “I think playing basketball for so long, that I had lost the love for it,” she said. “Footy was more prominent in my environment. I played a few school games and started the pre-season with the Jets and there was the fire in the gut and real passion. “Before that, I had only kicked the footy in the backyard with my dad and brother. “I have a real love for the game.” Velardo joined her local club, Essendon District Football League side Keilor, with many of her friends already playing there. Ambitious with her football dreams, she made a phone call to the Western Jets. “I made contact with the Jets to see whether they had any spots open to train,” she said. “They were full at first but there was an opportunity to join the girls in January. “I did quite well at the training sessions and they selected me for the squad. It was a pretty short pre-season with the Jets and I was starting

to find my feet and the game plan.” The three games were enough to get Velardo selected for the state combine and she had several interviews in the lead-up to the draft. She said she was shocked, but over the moon to be selected. It was a whirlwind few hours after the draft. “We had a Zoom meeting with the whole team and they got to know me,” she said. “Steph Chiocci gave me a call and I’m so excited to play and learn off her in an elite environment.” Many people have described Velardo as an undersized ruck, while she sees herself as a midfielder but admits she’s still to lock down a position. Velardo was one of two Jets selected. Isabelle Pritchard was taken by the Western Bulldogs at pick 16. Pritchard, a Spotswood junior, has spent most of her time in defence before moving into the midfield this year. Tara Murray

Amelia Velardo. (Supplied)

Saints look to build

New Kyneton coach Paul Chapman. (Damjan Janevski)

Chappy becomes a Tiger By Tara Murray New Kyneton coach Paul Chapman this year realised that he wanted to stay involved in football. Chapman started playing football when he was six, before launching an AFL career. He has been coaching ever since he retired. He started the year as Greenvale’s coach in the Essendon District Football League premier division, but stood down in June due to work, family and travel commitments. The three-time AFL premiership player said he soon realised that he wanted to stay involved with football. “I missed footy this year. I was hoping that I would miss footy. I loved coaching and loved the boys at Greenvale, but with travel and work it was too much. “I had started up my business and it was a bad time to start a business. I just wanted to make sure I got it off the ground and things are now looking good with the business. “I have moved up to the Macedon Ranges,” he said. “Being relatively close to Kyneton, I’m

looking forward to it. “I’m now excited to meet the boys and get to work.” Chapman comes to the Tigers having coached at Greenvale and previously Werribee Districts, after finishing his 280 game AFL career with Geelong and Essendon. He took Greenvale to the 2018 grand final. Chapman said the closeness of Kyneton to home and the quality of the Bendigo Football League were two of the main reasons for him signing with the club. “Nathan Thompson has a lot to do with the club, being his local club, and I caught up with him and the committee. “It sounded like an exciting time and a good time to be a part of it.” Chapman said that like Greenvale, Kyneton was focusing on bringing through young and local talent. It was something that excites Chapman. “What I loved about Greenvale was the number of local boys and most weeks we played with 25 points. “Being young and local guys at Kyneton,

hopefully I can help them improve individually and collectively. “I’m looking forward to going down to meet the boys.” Chapman said he was yet to get into the details about recruiting and training, but he said he would look to be guided by Thompson on any gaps they have. “I can’t wait to get into it.” New football manager Thompson said they were all pretty excited to have Chapman on board. Thompson was going to coach the senior and under-18 sides this year, before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19. “It’s very exciting and everyone around the club is ecstatic,” Thompson said. “He’s a good fellow. He moved up here and we’ve had conversations the last couple of years about him coming to the club. “He’s a great person to have around the club.” Meanwhile the club is advertising for a netball director and A-grade coach for next season. To register interest in the roles, email kfnc.secretary@gmail.com. Applications close October 21.

New St Anthony’s coach Wayne Turner is looking to continue to bring youth through the Gisborne and District Cricket Association club. Turner, who has been involved in the club as a player since the 2015-16 season, has stepped up to take on the coaching role this season after the departure of former captain-coach Cam Clayton. Turner coached outdoor cricket teams a number of years ago, before turning his attention to coaching indoor sides. He has been coach of the Victorian Women’s indoor cricket team for a number years and played for both Victoria and Australia in indoor cricket. He said there were some slight differences between the two. The departure of Clayton is a big loss for the club, with him scoring 428 runs last season and taking seven wickets. They’ve also lost Alex Kerr and Conrad Farrugia, who have gone to test themselves on turf cricket. As a result, the Saints requested to drop down from the top grade McIntyre Cup and play in the Johnstone Shield. The Saints finished second bottom last season in the McIntyre Cup with just one win, coming against bottom side Riddell. Turner said they needed to keep focusing on rebuilding and bringing through younger players. “We just didn’t have the cattle,” Turner said of this season’s side. “From initial thoughts, the departures aren’t as bad as we thought they would be. “The team will be a mixture of older players and young players coming through. We’ve got a few juniors going to play at Melton. I will always encourage players to live the dream and play on turf to further their careers.” Turner said they expected to be competitive in the Johnstone Shield. He said they were still looking for players and anyone interested in playing can come down to the club once training starts. With St Anthony’s dropping down a division, the McIntyre Cup will have just seven teams this season. GDCA president Rob McIntyre said they had spoken to some teams in the Johnstone Shield about stepping up a grade, but they all felt they did not have the players to compete at that level. It means the McIntyre Cup will have a bye this season. Tara Murray

19 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

PLANNING IS UNDERWAY

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Support 300+ jobs across the project

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

MELTON

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

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

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

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

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