Issuu

Established in 1981 as the

proudly serving Melton and Moorabool

12 APRIL, 2022

12496404-AV22-21

FREE DIGITAL EDITION

SIG N U P N O W!

Voices sing out for RCH Students in Caroline Springs sang out for a good cause to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital on April 6. Creekside College held its long-awaited Busking Day event, with students from kindergarten to year 9 getting involved. Creekside College teacher Katia Buriani said the event had run annually since the school opened in 2006. “Students have been so invested in contributing to the day, previous Busking Day celebrations have raised thousands of dollars for the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Ms Buriani said. Students and teachers performed on stage, while others ran market stalls, activities and games for the school community to enjoy. School captains Lana and Michael said they both enjoyed being able to support other children who were in need while enjoying the day with their fellow students. “Supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital is important because we are supporting children who are not as well-off as us health-wise,” Michael said. Olivia Condous Creekside K-9 College students Imogen, Kyra, Omeet, Jai and Sam.

(Damjan Janevski) 275031_01

Highway election pledge By Olivia Condous The Western Highway will receive long-awaited upgrades under a new federal Labor election pledge. The project will see $10 million invested into a business case to work with the City of Melton council on developing solutions for the section of road between Melton and Caroline Springs. The pledge announcement comes after the City of Melton launched the Fix Our Roads campaign on April 4, calling on the state and

federal governments for more investment in major roads in the western suburbs. Opposition infrastructure, transport and regional development spokesperson Catherine King said the Western Highway traffic problems were well-known to all residents in the west of the state. ‘Upgrading this road won’t only get locals home more quickly and safely, but it will allow businesses to move goods from the regions to the city without having to factor in daily road congestion,” Ms King said. According to a media release from the

Labor Party, 77,000 vehicles travel the stretch from Melton to Caroline Springs every day. Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor said the upgrades were a great investment for the local community. ‘Whether it’s building the Deer Park Bypass or planning the next steps here, only a Labor Government will invest in the road upgrades our community needs,” he said. The City of Melton Fix Our Roads campaign identified six major road corridors in need of funding for upgrades, including the Western Highway, Melton Highway,

Christies Road, Hopkins Road, the Robinsons Road, Westwood Drive, Calder Park Drive corridor and construction of the Calder Park interchange. Mayor Goran Kesic said the growing community needed strong and efficient transport and infrastructure to improve road congestion and safety. “In the next 30 years, our population will double to more than 485,000, that’s greater than the size of Canberra today,” Cr Kesic said. Continued page 3

We are OPEN for Take Away and Home Delivery Contactless delivery with Menulog, Doordash, Ubereats,Instore and La Porchetta online. Follow us on Social Media /LaPorchettaMelton /LaPorchettaMelton

Woodgrove Shopping Centre www.laporchetta.com Download our New iPhone or Android App 12505545-JW34-21

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Here’s how you can stay COVIDSafe every day

Wear a mask when required.

Keep windows and doors open.

And get tested if you have any symptoms.

Get your third dose now, to protect yourself and everyone you love.

STAY

COVIDSAFE EVERY DAY CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

12542443-NG15-22

2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Updated transmission timeline By Olivia Condous AusNet Services has announced a revision of the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project timeline, after uncertainty around the timing of milestone updates in the project. The project, a proposed 190-kilometre high-voltage transmission network that will stretch through Melton and Moorabool, has already been delayed significantly due to pushback from the local landholders. In a media release on April 5, Moorabool council called on AusNet Services to urgently

clarify the timeframe of the Environment Effects Statement (EES) exhibition, a major milestone for community participation scheduled for mid-2022. Moorabool council has previously expressed disappointment in the proposed plan for the power line construction and has supported local residents to participate in the feedback process. In response to the council, AusNet released a statement on April 7 that the EES submission date would be extended to late-2022 in order to enable more time for consultation with

landholders. It cited reasons such as COVID restrictions, workforce isolations, additional Technical Reference Group review requirements and regional flooding around the Ballarat area as other reasons for the delay. AusNet was ordered to prepare the EES by the state government in August, 2020. The information provided in an EES enables project decision makers to assess whether a project with significant environmental effects should proceed. As part of the assessment, community

members will be able to access the document for 30 days and lodge submissions responding to the information included. In order to prepare residents who may wish to make a submission, Moorabool council has provided more information at https://www. moorabool.vic.gov.au/About-Council/LargeProjects-Impacting-Moorabool/WesternVictoria-Transmission-Network-Project. To view the updated timeline for the transmission network project, visit www. westvictnp.com.au.

Labor highway cash pledge

Charitable and recycling shops have to foot the disposal bill which is estimated to be around $3.4 million annually.

(Supplied)

Easter charity recycling warning You might think loading bags and boxes of clothes and toys and leaving them outside your local donation bin a harmless and charitable act, but Keep Australia Beautiful Vic (KABV), an environmental group combating littering and illegal dumping, would probably disagree. Of all donations left outside charitable shops or recycling bins, KABV said 90 per cent end up in landfill. Easter and other holiday periods are typically when the bulk of donations happen and KABV’s enforcement training manager Travis Finlayson said those primarily responsible for the waste are often well-meaning donors who unknowingly do the right thing.

“They have just completed their Easter clean-out and head to their favourite charitable or recycle outlet only to discover it is closed for the long weekend,“ he said. “Determined not to waste the trip, they place their donations neatly at the front entrance to the store.“ Without realising it, their donations are subsequently exposed to thieves, who turn a charitable display into a scattered and messy pile of litter, Mr Finlayson said. “This often means those quality items are no longer saleable and most likely end up in landfill,” he said. To reduce unnecessary waste, KABV has

released a series of tips to educate the public and guarantee donations can go to those who need them. The group recommends donating items during working hours and only passing on pieces that are clean, stain free and in good condition. If a charity shop is closed, or recycling bins are brimming, hold on to your donations until the stores are open or the bins emptied. “Let’s aim at diverting as much as we can from landfill this Easter,“ Mr Finlayson said. Fatima Halloum

From page 1 “Yet serious congestion and safety issues plague the City of Melton roads every single day.” The campaign highlights a lack of funding for Melton in the Victorian Big Build projects, while the neighbouring local government areas of Hume, Whittlesea and Wyndham received a share of $4.7 billion in funding. Cr Kesic said the council was calling on the government to address the urgent safety and congestion issues affecting the community, as between 2014 and 2020, nine fatalities and more than 477 crashes resulting in injuries had occurred on the targeted roads. Caroline Springs resident and business owner Tania White said extreme congestion on roads in the Melton area meant travel times were sometimes tripled when making essential trips at peak times. “If we saw some increased investment in roads, time travelled would be less, I’d have more time with my little girl, I wouldn’t need to leave the house so early in the morning to get to meetings and I wouldn’t feel unsafe crossing major intersections just trying to get home,” Ms White said. The council is encouraging residents to participate in an online email campaign in order to reach state and federal ministers. Details: https:// www.fixourroads.com.au/.

City of Melton councillors at the campaign launch. (Supplied)

All-abilities basketball tournament a slam-dunk success Specialist Hoops Basketball held its first all-abilities tournament on Sunday, April 3 and the event was a fun-filled day for all. After the official opening of Cobblebank stadium on Saturday, 60 basketballers filled the courts as six teams competed for a place in the finals. Specialist Hoops executive director Emily Attard said the sportsmanship of the players was a highlight of the day. “The atmosphere was amazing, just the way everyone participated and encouraged everyone, it was a whole day about fun,” Ms Attard said. “We were lucky enough that our tournament coincided with Autism Awareness Day, which

was on Saturday and we had our tournament on Sunday,” Ms Attard said. The organisation was first created in 2017 as a one-day all-abilities basketball camp and has since grown to two locations, in Melton and Bacchus Marsh, with about 80 weekly participants. Ms Attard said Specialist Hoops was all about creating accessible opportunities for people within the disability community. “We’ve always said, ‘no one gets left behind’,” Tournament participant and Bacchus Marsh resident David Jenkins said he was so proud of himself for achieving his first ever basketball medal. “To top it off, I won my first ever basketball

grand final,” Mr Jenkins said. Ms Attard said the group planned to run another tournament next year and encouraged Melton and Moorabool residents to get involved. “Get in contact with us and give it a go, because you never know, it might be something that you thoroughly enjoy or it might not be and that’s okay,” she said. Specialist Hoops are also currently seeking adult volunteers to assist with their programs, to find out more visit https://www. specialisthoops.com/. Olivia Condous

Grant Migani, Johnnie Greer, Lachlan Shaw, Paul Murray, Aldin Emkic, Jason Mercia, Joshua Bakarnis and Matthew McDermott. Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 3

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FREE EVERY WEEK 12477071-CG03-21

FEBRUARY 9, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM

Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Melton Moorabool Star Weekly from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!

.AU

JAf £ fn¹Ǥ

Illustrations light up library

(Supplied)

An exhibition by one celebrated childre of Australia’s most n’s lighting up Melton book authors is library. Never be late for a a striking series of Parade includes book illustrations by award-winning author and illustra tor Shaun Tan (inset). Featuring a collect ion of illustrations from Tan’s best-kn own including The Arrival picture books , The Red Tree, The Lost Thing, Rules Singing Bones, Cicada of Summer, The and Tales from the Inner City, the showcase celebra tes Tan’s unique approa ch As well as being an to storytelling. acclaimed writer and internationally illustrator, Tan has branched out into theatre design and concept art for ﬁlms Horton Hears a Who and Pixar’s WALL-E . He directed the Academ y Award-winning short based on his winning ﬁlm The Lost Thing, picture book of the same name. Never be late for a Parade is showing at Melton Library and Learning Hub until March 7.

Nursing boss ba nned

Benjamin Millar

By Benjamin Millar

Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... •

Bacchus Marsh 7/11 Service Station 28 Baccus Marsh Road

•

Bacchus Marsh Foodworks 1 Bennett Street

•

Bacchus Marsh Coles Supermarket Cnr Bennett and Young Street (The Village Shopping Centre)

•

Bacchus Marsh My Little Mates Convenience Store 151 Gisborne Road (Darley Plaza Shopping Centre)

• •

•

Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh Newsagency 138 Main Street

•

Bacchus Marsh Arbee Real Estate 140 Main Street

•

Bacchus Marsh Sweeney Real Estate 164 Main Street

•

Bacchus Marsh Stockdale and Leggo Real Estate 191 Main Street

•

Bacchus Marsh Moorabool Shire 182 Halletts Way

•

• •

Bacchus Marsh Milk Bar the Avenue 208 Main Street

•

Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh Information Centre 215 Main Street

•

Bacchus Marsh The Village Shopping Centre Main Street

•

Bacchus Marsh Bellbrook Gardens Country Club 168 Underbank Boulevard

• •

Ballan Ballan Newsagency 133 Inglis Street Ballan IGA Plus Liquor - Ballan 135 Inglis Street

• • • • • • • • • •

Ballan Moorabool Shire - Ballan 15 Stead Street Brookfield Lifestyle Brookfield 111-139 Coburns Road Darley Champions IGA Bacchus Marsh Grey Street Diggers Rest FoodWorks 22 Glitter Road Diggers Rest Diggers Rest Post Office 76 Old Calder Highway Gordon Gordon Post Office 65 Main Street Harkness Foodworks 17 Claret Ash Boulevard Hillside Foodworks 595 Melton Highway Kurunjang Kirkton Drive Milkbar 203 Gisborne - Melton Road Melton E-View Real Estate Suite 10, 3 Alexandra Street Melton Blue Nile Groceries 39 Bakery Square Melton Melton Milkbar 44 Burleigh Road Melton Melton Waves Leisure Centre 206 Coburns Road Melton TAB Corp Park 2 Ferras Road Melton Melton Shire Council Offices 232 High Street Melton Sweeney Real Estate 266 High Street Melton Barry Plant Real Estate 273 High Street Melton Advance Stationers 283 High Street Melton Raine and Horne Real Estate 289 High Street Melton Melton Lotto 293 High Street

The Victorian Civil and Administrativ The director of nursing e The allegations at Djerriwarrh Health Tribunal last week returned a Service during a included inadequ ruling disqualified Ms cluster of perinat ate formal reviews Meek from applyin that education and training al deaths registra at Bacchus Marsh of overall clinica l practic for nursing and g for midwifery tion for a period of Hospital has been perinatal deaths as e and staff and that 10 years. banned from working as they occurred. The ruling been aware of deficien Ms Meek should have a nurse or midwif Ms Meek ceased workin e for a of former follows last year’s disqualification decade. cies in midwifery skills. g at DjHS in 2015 maternity “She failed and surrendered The Nursing and her Little for a 10-year services manager Mary the deficien to take adequate steps to ensure Midwif and midwife in 2016. registration as a nurse cies period ery were identified and Board of during for her failures Austra lia sought a remedied,” the same period. 10-year ban for Julia the tribunal found. Djerriwarrh Health Meek in the wake of reports Services chief executi A 2015 review by identify ing “catastr Presiding VCAT membe professor Euan Wallac ve ophic” identified failings behind a r Wendy Boddison Belinda Scott said while she was e and series of “avoidable” “catastrophic and unable to comment deaths systemic and other adverse unprecedented Hallymembers Pamela Barry and Bernad patient outcomes ette Djerriwarrh on individual practitioners, also found Ms Meek at DjHS obstetric governance failings” with the from 2013 to 2015. has implemented failed to ensure shift by shift presenc services at DjHS during e of a midwife compet the change” across the health service “profound External reviews identifi the period. Ms Meek, 63, faced in foetal surveil ent since 2015. ed that the perinatal “It has robust clinica allegations in the tribuna lance monitoring mortality rate was that she had failed l govern l in birthin ance significantly higher the process g suite. systematic trainin to take adequate the state average and than deliver effectiv g, continued profess es, The tribuna much higher than e systems and process steps to ional be expected for a low would in her role es at DjHS for ensurin l found there was no clear criteria development and strong leaders as director of nursing risk unit. hip that ensures Djerriwarrh g only maternity , which she had the cases suitable held since 2005. is a safe, level of the capacit y of DjHS were accepte to fully-functioning health service secure and There was also found to be inadeq d. of Bacchus Marsh, Melton for the people and Caroline uate Springs,” she said.

CNR KEILOR MELT

Your bigger and be tter Melton East is now open ON RD AND HIGH ST,

MELTON EAST

5-Lane Drive-thru

Timber Yard

•

Melton Harcourts Real Estate 306 High Street

•

Melton Kurunjang Village Store 51 Kurunjang Drive

•

Melton Professionals Real Estate 317 High Street

•

Melton Melton Library 31 McKenzie Street

•

Melton MGS Grocery Store 358 High Street

•

Melton Melton Country Club 28-30 Reserve Road

•

Melton Freddy’s Fruit & Veg 393 High Street

•

Melton YPA Real Estate - Melton 272274 High Street

Melton Melton Indoor Sports Centre 65 Reserve Road

•

Melton Morgans Supa IGA 335-345 High Street

Melton Coles 11 Station Street (Melton Station Square)

•

Melton Foodworks Shop 1, 415-429 High Street

Melton Lee Merchants 29 Wallace Square

•

Melton Woodgrove Shopping Centre 533-555 High Street

Melton South Station Square Shopping Centre 25 Station Road

•

Melton Woolworths Supermarket 523531 High Street (Coburns Shopping Centre)

Melton South Coles Express Shop 1-9 Station Street & Brooklyn Road

•

Rockbank Rockbank Newsagency 1157 Leakes Road

•

Melton Woolworths Supermarket 533555 High Street (Woodgrove Shopping Centre)

•

Melton Coles Supermarket 533-555 High Street (Woodgrove Shopping Centre)

Rockbank Sundowner Rockbank Caravan Park 2057-2083 Western Highway

•

Toolern Vale Toolern Vale General Store Lot 23 Diggers Rest Road

Scan this QR code to Subscribe for FREE now! Or visit: meltonmoorabool.starweekly.com.au/subscribe 202102118060_1-NG08-21

4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Housing, mental health worries By Olivia Condous Housing affordability and mental health are the top concerns for residents of the federal electorates of Ballarat and Gorton, according to new reports. The Salvation Army National Social Justice Stocktake Report (NSJSR) surveyed more than 15,000 Australians across each state and territory to compile comprehensive research on which concerns are most important to different communities. At a statewide level, the top three issues were mental health, housing affordability and alcohol and drug misuse. For the federal electorate of Ballarat, 59

per cent of surveyed residents indicated that mental health was the most important issue, with housing affordability and alcohol and drug misuse following. The Salvation Army report indicated the high number of residents concerned by mental health issues was a result of the extensive COVD-19 lockdowns the electorate endured. According to the report, 27 per cent of Victorians have experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress, which was almost 10 per cent higher than the rest of Australia. According to the North West Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN), there is significant demand for mental health services

across the western suburbs. The primary concern for the federal electorate of Gorton was housing affordability, as 50 per cent of respondents said this was a pressing issue, followed by mental health and family violence. According to the Salvation Army report, the region has a housing shortfall of 600 homes and an estimated 2800 people in Gorton are currently experiencing homelessness. Forty-six per cent of Gorton respondents marked family violence as one of the top issues in their community, which was 10 per cent more than the statewide results. Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor said the report findings were concerning and the Labor

Party planned to combat these issues if it wins the upcoming federal election. “Labor has a plan for cheaper childcare, cheaper power bills and more secure, well-paid jobs,” he said. “We will create a $10billion dollar Housing Australia Future Fund to build social and affordable housing now and into the future.” Mr O’Connor also addressed the rising issue of family violence in the Gorton electorate and said Labor planned to fight for paid leave for victims. “We will legislate 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave, because women experiencing family violence should not have to choose between leaving a violent relationship and keeping their job.”

Library fines abolished Overdue library book fines will no longer apply for Melton residents after the council decided to remove them permanently from July. In a council meeting last week, councillors unanimously voted to abolish all overdue fines with the hope to increase engagement with libraries. After many libraries waived overdue book fines during the COVID lockdowns, reports from other local councils have shown that the permanent removal of fines have caused a greater number of books to be returned. City of Melton general manager of community services Troy Scoble said the council report found that library fines did not encourage meaningful compliance. “Fines undermine the core principles of public libraries, which is to provide free and

universal access to information,” Mr Scoble said. Cr Sophie Ramsey said it was good to see a positive initiative come out of the pandemic. “People are going back to libraries, they’re reading for enjoyment after two years in isolation,” Cr Ramsey said. “I think this is going to get the libraries more activated now.” Cr Julie Shannon said it would be interesting to see if the libraries would receive an influx of book returns after the fines are waived. “It’s really encouraging to see the actual statistics from other councils, I’m looking forward to hearing how this affects us and how our library membership increases,” Cr Shannon said. Olivia Condous

Cr Steve Abboushi welcomed the abolition of library fines. (Damjan Janevski) 275820

Join us for our

y a D n Ope

MELTON & MOORABOOL

Like us on Facebook

Take a tour of our independent seniors rental community and enjoy a free coﬀee and live entertainment with Five Good Friends. RSVP essential, call 9747 9778 for more information.

12489683-JW14-21

RADIOLOGY SAVES LIVES Don’t delay your medical imaging.

SAT 30 APRIL

We accept referrals from all medical imaging providers

12544794-SN15-22

10am - 2pm

*Bulk billing available to eligible patients for Medicare rebated examinations

12544326-JC15-22

Bulk billing available*

23 COBURNS ROAD, BROOKFIELD ingeniagardens.com.au Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 5

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Bacchus Marsh Easterfest A fun-filled community festival will be held at Maddingley Park on Good Friday, April 15. The event will feature egg hunts throughout the day for all ages, as well as performers on stage, an animal farm, amusement rides and 60 market stalls. Entry is free, egg hunts tickets are available online with 100 per cent of proceeds donated to the urgent care department at Western Health Bacchus Marsh Hospital.

PHONE \ 03 8318 5777 LOCATION \ Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au

ADVERTISING GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

Woodchop and Easter Carnival GENERAL REAL ESTATE INQUIRIES reads@starweekly.com.au

Parks Victoria education officer Vanessa Wiggenraad with students Leo, Tanisha and Alex. (Bacchus Marsh Grammar)

EDITORIAL GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au

Standing up for wildlife

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

Bacchus Marsh students have helped to protect important habitats for native wildlife by teaming up with Parks Victoria. New signs designed by Bacchus Marsh Grammar environmental science students for the Lerderderg State Park and Brisbane Ranges National Park were officially launched earlier this month. The project was part of an initiative from Parks Victoria and the Department of Land, Water and Environment (DELWP) to create more habitats for wildlife by repurposing aging trees that posed a risk to park visitors. Parks Victoria area chief ranger Stuart Lardner said the goal was to make visitors safer and provide more nesting opportunities for wildlife. “Old trees provide more food and nesting sites than younger trees so it is important to protect as many as we can,” Mr Lardner said.

The Bacchus Marsh students designed a range of signs to inform visitors on the importance of ‘habitat trees’ and one final design was selected for display across the parklands. Parks Victoria education officer Vanessa Wiggenraad helped to teach the students about designing an effective sign and worked with them throughout the process. “The students were really interested to learn about the different animals like the vulnerable Brush-tailed Phascogale who regularly breed and live within the habitat trees,” she said. “The students were thrilled to see their work printed for display throughout the park, it was a great opportunity for the local community to make a positive impact in their neighbourhood, The class did an amazing job.”

The town of Blackwood will hold the 120th year of the festival at the Blackwood Recreation Reserve on April 16. The event will be highlighted by axe cutting, carnival fun, a parade, live music, market stalls and more. Attendees can also try their luck at gold panning with help from the Gold Panning Association. More information is available on the Facebook event or council website.

Children’s sand art workshop Artist Lucy Webster will run a free workshop on April 14 and 21 to help children learn about the importance of Country, culture and community through exploring sand art. Children will be introduced to the stories, symbols, plants and animals that that Lucy uses in her artwork, currently on display in her exhibition Winanga Burruguu at Melton Library. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Olivia Condous

Print and Online Sales Executive Star Weekly

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

Digital Edition

FREE FEBRUARY 2, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FEBRUARY 2, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Pricing under the pump By Benjamin Millar

By Benjamin Millar Melton’s petrol prices are coming under greater scrutiny with a local MP vowing to help take action to bring prices in line with neighbouring areas. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the area’s families are being unfairly hit with higher prices than people in neighbouring suburbs, often paying more than 20 cents per litre extra at the pump and spending at least $10 more every time they fill up.

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit meltonmoorabool.starweekly.com.au/subscribe 12518321-AV43-21

6 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

Pricing under the pump Melton’s petrol prices are coming under greater scrutiny with a local MP vowing to help take action to bring prices in line with neighbouring areas. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the area’s families are being unfairly hit with higher prices than people in neighbouring suburbs, often paying more than 20 cents per litre extra at the pump and spending at least $10 more every time they fill up. “I have had many constituents raise concerns regarding the prices of petrol in Melton being noticeably higher than in other areas,” Mr McGhie said. “I am deeply concerned that families in Melton are paying more than they should be.”

‘‘

strongly encourage residents to complain to the ACCC

’’

- Steve McGhie

Mr McGhie said he has taken the issue up with the Consumer Affairs Minister Melissa Horne and will be contacting federal Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor to discuss this issue soon, as fuel prices are regulated by the federal government. “In the interim I strongly encourage residents to complain to the ACCC [Australian Competition and Consumer Commission]” he said. The ACCC’s latest petrol monitoring report showed that average petrol prices rose in the 2020 September quarter after a record low earlier in the year. Although the ACCC does not set fuel prices, it does monitor retail fuel prices on a daily basis. A spokesperson said it has the power to investigate where it sees issues of concern. “Where we find sufficient evidence we will take action to protect consumers against misleading and anti-competitive conduct by fuel retailers.” Mr McGhie’s promise to take action was widely welcomed on social media, where some residents said they had seen price differences of up to 50 cents per litre between Melton and Watergardens.

Fuel prices at Melton petrol stations last week. (Damjan Janevski) 226880_01

Melton’s Andre Peters said the lack of independent competition makes it easier for the major fuel companies to keep prices inflated well above those in neighbouring suburbs. “Sadly there is no competition in Melton as there are no independents,” he said. “Generally we pay at least 20 cents a litre more at times in Melton.” A BP spokesman said petrol prices at the pump can be impacted by a number of different factors.

He said while there are currently about 1400 BP branded sites across Australia, about three quarters are owned by independent business partners who set their own retail pricing. “When it comes to retail fuel pricing, our aim is to be competitive and attract customers to our sites,” he said. “Generally speaking, the price at the pump is impacted by a number of different factors. In particular, international product prices and competition between service stations in a local

area. There are also other factors including exchange rates, taxes and local operating costs.” On Monday, unleaded 91 pump prices at Melton’s BP, Coles Express and 7/11 Mobil were all at 155.9 cents per litre, according to price comparison website Petrol Spy, with Woolworths Caltex at 168.9. Meanwhile Bacchus Marsh BP, Coles Express and 7/11 Mobil prices were 129.9 cents per litre – 26 cents less per litre – and independent outlets were just 119.9 cents per litre. 628174

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Mandy Clark Group Advertising Sales Manager mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Melton Moorabool Star Weekly

12481545-NG07-21

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

Subscribe to the

12477071-CG03-21

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Residents soak up Easter fun Residents of Fraser Rise enjoyed a fun day of Easter festivities on Saturday, hosted by Dahua Australia at the Westwood estate. Star Weekly photographer Joe Mastroianni captured all the colourful action on the day.

1/ Captain America, Yusef (4) and Superman. 2/ Willow and mum Fiona. 3/ Akasha enjoying herself on the ride. 4/ The bubbles delighted all. 5/ Vinon tries the mini golf. 6/ Amelia (4) on the giant slide.

Homes Now Selling

For starters, take offloading all the stuff you haven’t used for years, and a family home you’ve long since grown out of.

There are so many upsides to downsizing No stamp duty No council rates No renters next door

Downsizing to a bigger life at Lifestyle Brookfield gives you the perfect chance to start afresh in a spacious home with fresh rooms bathed in natural light, considered kitchens with quality appliances and beautiful bathrooms. And the biggest surprise is how affordable your bigger life will be at Lifestyle Brookfield with homes selling from $320,000*.

Downsize to a bigger life lifestyle communities brookfield 111-139 Coburns Road, Brookfield I 1300 50 55 60

*Prices correct as at March 2022. Subject to change without notice.

12536809-DL15-22

Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 7

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Final bell after 31 years By Olivia Condous Lyra Benbow has been a teacher at Diggers Rest Primary School since the Plumpton Street grounds officially opened 31 years ago, but now it’s finally time to say goodbye. Ms Benbow is moving on from the school community and into retirement, leaving behind a long and meaningful legacy. Ms Benbow said while she wouldn’t be seeing her students in the classroom, she knew she’d see them around the local community and at school events. “I have no qualms about leaving them, because I know I’ll see them from time to time and I’ll see them at carols and graduation,” she said. Ms Benbow recalled many fond memories of her time working at the school, where she helped to plant the gardens, open a canteen, run a school choir and taught every age group. “It’s been a long, long journey and the kids are just lovely, really lovely kids, “The rapport is right through the whole school, the staff and the students have great rapport,” she said. Ms Benbow said she cared most about fostering resilience in her students and her goal was always to teach them how to make good decisions. “They are so happy to learn and that’s the big difference I’ve found, I’m going to take away that I’ve made an impact on their lives,” she said. Ms Benbow still has students from thirty years ago say hello when they see her out in the community. “I ask how they are, I remember their names, I remember the parents’ names and they say wow!” The school community celebrated Ms Benbow’s teaching career with a ‘colour explosion’ party on April 8. She plans to spend time with her mother and enjoy new adventures in her retirement.

Melton police seek feedback Melton police is encouraging residents to engage with a new statewide initiative for communities to provide feedback on the issues that matter most to them. The new Neighbourhood Policing model has been implemented throughout Victoria over the past year and seeks to engage police with local communities to strengthen relationships. Melton police community engagement officer Joanne Mutsaerts said the initiative was about getting back to the basics of police work and listening to the community. “It’s a chance for the community on a whole to have to have that voice, to feel like they’re going to be heard and have those problems addressed,” Leading Senior Constable Mutsaerts said. As a part of the initiative, police will work with councils, schools and other groups to form a partnership when addressing community concerns while also implementing changes independently. “It’s really important to address that every community’s needs are not going to be the same across the state and there’s no point in us listing what the community needs, we need to hear from the community,” Ms Leading Senior Constable said. Melton police urged residents to engage with the initiative and provide feedback by filling out an online community sentiment survey. To participate and learn more, visit https://engage.vic.gov.au/annual-vicpolcommunity-sentiment-survey-2022. Olivia Condous

Lyra Benbow says goodbye to the students of Diggers Rest Primary School. (Supplied)

ADJUSTABLE MASSAGE BED by

8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Double win for father and son A Melton father and son duo took out the two Australian titles last week at the Australian V8 Superboat Unlimited Championship. Melton resident and superboat world champion Phonsy Mullan claimed an eighth Australian title while his son Bastian Mullan won his first ever Australian title. The competition was held in the South Australian township of Keith and hosted a fierce race for first place in the Unlimited Superboat contest. Mr Mullan said it was amazing to win one title and even better to win two. “Two Melton boys won two out of the three Australian titles on offer, it’s pretty special,” he said. “It was an amazing effort, [my son] drove very well and we got it done as a team.” Mr Mullan said the competition was a tight race for first place and any minor error could have lost him the chance for the crown.

“If you make a mistake, you’re simply eliminated, so there was that pressure,” he said. The father and son pair are the first in the country to win Australian titles in the same year. “It was definitely a bit of a family event, we also had my youngest son there who races as well,” Mr Mullan said. The world champion said the end of the 2021 season didn’t mean there was any time for rest, with the 2022 season commencing in four months and the next world championship event expected to occur in America next year. “We’re already planning what we’ll do boat-wise and engine-wise to keep our competition at bay,” Mr Mullan said. Phonsy Mullan competing in the Australian V8 Superboat Unlimited Championship. Picture: Pureart Creative Images

New early years hub announced for Maddingley Moorabool Shire Council has received an additional $2 million in funding from the state government for a new integrated children’s centre in Maddingley. The funding will allow council to finalise the design for the West Maddingley Early Years and Community Hub, a facility that has long been in high demand for the area. The funding is a part of the Victorian Government Building Blocks Capacity Building Grant stream and will supplement the $3.5 million of state funding granted for the project last year. Moorabool mayor Tom Sullivan said the

council had long planned to construct an early years hub in West Maddingley after a similar one was constructed in Darley. “West Maddingley is growing at a rapid rate and is home to many young families, so to receive this funding and be secure in the knowledge we can go ahead and build another great early years facility is fantastic news,” he said. The new children’s centre will host a kindergarten, maternal and child health services, playgroups, parent groups and consulting rooms for visiting services and community spaces. “So much research has shown how vital

education is in those first few years of life, the pre-school years,” Mayor Sullivan said. “The West Maddingley Early Years Hub will provide integrated, inclusive and collaborative early years services and community spaces that offer access to high quality health, education, care and other child and family services,” “We thank the state government for its investment in this important project.” Construction of the early years hub is set to be completed in the second half of 2023. Olivia Condous

ON SALE

NOW

$59.9

NOW

$ W

NOW

each

$16

.00

18900

NOW

$25.00

$15.00

Order now on www.aussietoysonline.com.au Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 9

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

12 April 2022

STAY INFORMED

Mayor’s message Cr Goran Kesic

Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial

Last week, we launched an important campaign calling on the State and Federal governments to urgently upgrade six high priority roads in the City of Melton. Through the Fix Our Roads campaign, we’re seeking upgrades and additional interchanges, overpasses and lanes for the Western Highway and the Melton Highway; duplication of Christies Road, Hopkins Road, and the Robinsons Road, Westwood Drive, Calder Park Drive corridor; and to have the Calder Park interchange built. As you’ll be aware, serious road safety and congestion issues are rapidly getting worse in the City of Melton. These key roads are aged, rural-standard, congested, and unsafe. It’s is a huge risk and it’s only going to get worse as our population escalates toward half a million people in the next 30 years. We hope to work with the State and Federal governments to fund essential road upgrades to ensure everyone can get to and from work safer, and spend more time with family. You can help get funding for these important upgrades by signing the petition at fixourroads.com.au I’m pleased to tell you we also welcomed a funding announcement from the Federal Government recently, for a freight terminal in the west and the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and Rail project. Together, the projects will help create 39,000 ongoing jobs in the west, unlock commercial investment, and ensure more efficient road and freight movements across the country. Please feel free to contact me on 0437 241 436 or goran.kesic@melton.vic.gov.au regarding any Council issues.

Join the campaign!

We’ve launched a new roads campaign highlighting the urgent need to upgrade six key major roads in the City of Melton, and we need your help! Together with the community, Council is asking the State and Federal governments to: Upgrade Western Highway including additional interchanges, overpasses and lanes

Duplicate and upgrade Hopkins Road Duplicate the Robinsons Road, Westwood Drive, Calder Park Drive corridor

Duplicate and upgrade Melton Highway

Build the Calder Park interchange

Duplicate Christies Road

Major works including additional lanes and upgraded interchanges are needed to support the movement of our booming population, reduce long commutes, cut transport costs, and give people more time with family. You can support the Fix Our Roads campaign by signing the petition at fixourroads.com.au

Watts Ward with Cr Moira Deeming Happy Easter to residents celebrating the oldest festival of the Christian Church, the resurrection of the Son of God, who paid the price for our sins and rose again to reconcile us to God. Also, my congratulations to our Muslim and Hindu residents for commencing Ramadan and celebrating Hindu Nav Varsh. Congestion on our City’s roads is at frustrating levels, which not only poses safety issues, but adds strain on families struggling to spend quality time together.

Other key budget priorities include construction of the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal (WIFT), fully funding Melton Hospital, the Outer Metropolitan Ring (OMR) project, electrification of the Melton Rail Line, and higher education. We’ve had some early success with the Federal Government committing $740 million for the WIFT and $920 million for the OMR, which will create 39,000 ongoing jobs and unlock commercial investment.

Council has been lobbying State and Federal government for overdue investment for our major roads to boost our economy and create long-term jobs.

At the State level, whilst the government’s budget is yet to be released, the opposition leader visited Melton twice this year to announce that, if elected, they will fully fund and commence building the Melton Hospital within 12 months.

In support, Council launched the Fix Our Roads campaign to remind politicians Melton deserves and expects a fair share of funding for roads. You can find out more and sign the petition at fixourroads.com.au

Feel free to contact me about Watts Ward or Council issues on 0499 801 198 or email at: moira.deeming@melton.vic.gov.au or visit my Facebook page at: facebook.com/crmoiradeeming

COMPLETE

New soccer pavilion complete The construction of the MacPherson Park Soccer Pavilion is complete. Constructed across two buildings, the works have doubled the size of the previous facility. The pavilion now includes undercover public viewing stands for around three-quarters of the length of the pitch, disabled access down to the fence line, a new kitchen, bar and social rooms, and four home and away and two referee changerooms. We look forward to seeing clubs and community groups make the most of this outstanding space.

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

Mayor Cr Goran Kesic

Deputy Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Moira Deeming

A vibrant, safe and liveable City accessible to all 10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

BEHIND THE NEWS

Giving thanks for a ‘special place’ Families from across the west talk to Olivia Condous about how the Royal Children’s Hospital has impacted their lives for good ahead of the Good Friday Appeal on Friday, April 15. Emilia, 23 months One morning in February, Stephanie Milton noticed her daughter Emilia’s leg was shaking. After being discharged from Sunshine Hospital, Stephanie knew something was still wrong and took Emilia to the Royal Children’s Hospital. “I never for a moment thought that she had cancer, I was quite distraught but they were very lovely and assured me that everything was going to be OK.” Emilia was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on her left adrenal gland and had to start treatment immediately. Stephanie said the oncology team at the hospital went above and beyond to get Emilia’s surgery fast-tracked despite COVID-19 restrictions, even presenting her case at a statewide oncology conference in order to advocate for the lifting of surgery limits. After a successful surgery, Emilia has been able to return home, where hospital physiotherapists and occupational therapists visit her.

Stephanie and her daughter Emilia who is currently being treated at the RCH. (Damjan Janevski) 275722_01

Charlotte, 10 months Stephanie said all of the Royal Children’s Hospital staff had been “absolutely amazing”. “We are so thankful, they’ve been so comforting, they’ve made this journey that’s incredibly hard, just a little bit easier.”

Recently, Emilia has been able to start walking again. She’ll celebrate her first birthday on May 5. “She loves to dance,” Stephanie said. “Hopefully she’ll be dancing again soon.”

Ali, 6

Nate had open heart surgery when he was 10 days old. (Damjan Janevski) 275757_06

Nate, 8 Christie Welsh remembers the moment she realised there was something wrong with her premature-born son, Nate. “I remember going into the hospital one morning and he wasn’t in his crib, he was usually in there but that day he was off in another room and surrounded by doctors,” Christie recalled. The doctors told Christie they had to quickly transfer her son to the Royal Children’s Hospital because he was “drowning in his own blood”. Nate was born five-and-a-half weeks premature with three holes in his heart. Christie said when she finally sat down at the hospital, the doctors and specialists that surrounded her somehow managed to make the room feel calm. “It’s like they kind of wrapped around us as soon as we got there,” she said. Shortly after, hospital staff introduced Christie to other parents who also had a baby in a similar condition to help her feel less alone. “We were immediately able to have that connection with another parent who really understood and that made a massive difference, suddenly it didn’t seem as scary, “The hospital staff truly understood and connected with us as a family and that made all the difference.” After a successful series of treatments over the years at the hospital, Nate’s doctor said his heart was completely healed. Nate loves to go to karate and has loved making lots of friends at his school.

Katie’s daughter Charlotte is currently being treated at the RCH. (Damjan Janevski) 275879_03

In May, 2021, when Marlyn Torres rushed her feverish five-year-old son Ali to the Royal Children’s Hospital, she knew something wasn’t right. “I remember as soon as I went into the nurses area, I just started to cry,” Marlyn said. “The nurse took one look at me and said ‘Look, mum, whatever it is, we’re gonna work it out,’ and from that moment they took me in and were so supportive.” About nine hours later, an oncologist gave Marlyn and her partner the news. “She just said to us, in the sweetest, calmest voice, ‘We have found leukemia cells in your son’s blood’.” Ali was diagnosed with type B acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a form of blood cancer that is high-risk in young children. Ali has since spent more than half of the past year at the Royal Children’s Hospital undergoing treatment. Marlyn said the level of care the hospital provided her son and for her blew her mind. “The hospital became a second home, we got to know all the nurses and they know my son really well,” she said. “They are absolutely amazing, every person that we have had contact with from the beginning to now, it’s all been incredible support.”

Ali is currently being treated by at the RCH. (Supplied)

Ali has responded well to treatment and is now back at school in Caroline Springs, attending three times a week. He had his first family outing at the zoo last month.

Lewen, 1 Alecia Aquilina had no idea what a congenital diaphragmatic hernia was until her son Lewen couldn’t breathe when he was born. Lewen’s intestines had been pushed up into his chest due to a defect in his diaphragm, which meant his heart wasn’t able to function properly. He was rushed from Bacchus Marsh Hospital to the Royal Children’s Hospital to have vital surgery. As Alecia had complications from giving birth, she wasn’t able to go with her son, but once she was able to join him she remembered how the hospital staff did everything they could to help her. “They’re so accommodating, they made sure I had a room at the hospital as I couldn’t walk due to an injury, so I could be close to him,” she said. “You don’t realise until you have to use them, just how amazing they are.” Lewen was able to quickly recover and return home to his family after only three weeks. “We were expecting to be there for months, he definitely kicked all of his goals in recovery,” Alecia said. “We can’t thank the

Katie Harrington knew that she’d be spending a lot of time at the Royal Children’s Hospital before her daughter Charlotte was born. Charlotte had a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate, causing her to have an abnormal gap in her mouth. Due to her condition, Charlotte needed extra support for the first few months of her life and visited the hospital most weeks. “She’s very, very familiar with everybody there and she loves it there, it’s a wonderful place,” Katie said. In January, Charlotte gained her “forever smile” with her first surgery. The Royal Children’s Hospital will support her throughout a lengthy treatment plan for the next 20 years. “We’re forever grateful to the Royal Children’s Hospital and everyone involved in Charlotte’s care, we know through their continued care she’ll have every opportunity to live life to the fullest,” Katie said. “She’s already a typical 10-month-old baby girl, she’s bright and bubbly, she’s fascinated with the world around her.”

Robyn Leeds was a patient at the RCH as a child. (Damjan Janevski) 275993_01

Robyn, 59

Lewen was a patient at the RCH when he was born. (Supplied)

Royal Children’s Hospital enough for that, because without them we wouldn’t be here.” Lewen celebrated his first birthday on April 7.

Robyn Leeds has the Royal Children’s Hospital to thank for having the opportunity to bring four of her own children into the world. In August, 1970, she was admitted at seven years old with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes and was in and out of the hospital for the next 10 years. “I remember at night I’d sit up and do jigsaw puzzles with the staff,” Robyn said. Throughout her time as a patient, she became good friends with one of the diabetes specialist doctors at the hospital, who later became her son’s godfather. Robyn recalled how she always felt safe during her time at the hospital as a young child. “It’s just a special place for a child, it was a safe place, I never had any concerns when I was going in there,” she said. “They are a special breed of nurses, they do an amazing job of looking after other people’s children, the doctors are amazing too. Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

20 years ago

15 years ago

10 years ago

April 15, 1992

April 16, 2002

April 17, 2007

April 17, 2012

Thousands of troubled youth will be left to their own devices when the Melton Youth Linkage service closes after it did not receive a much-needed injection of funds.

Grateful parents have thanked volunteers who helped in the successful search for their son after he went missing from their home at Coimadai last week.

Despite reaching an out-of-court settlement with the manufacturer of vodka essence that his son drank shortly before his death eight years ago, Melton father Bruce Clark has signalled his fight for legal reform will continue.

Foul-smelling waste from a wool processing factory in Long Forest must be removed by Anzac Day after locals voiced concerns over chemicals contained in the “stinky slush”.

12544962-AV15-22

30 years ago

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets at 10am on the second Tuesday of each month at the Melton Country Club. The group is open to everyone, new and old members, to get together and discover the social aspects of the group. ■ Ann, 0425 705 150

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

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health held a Puppy Pride Day on April 10. Belinda Brain from the organisation pictured with Coco. (Damjan Janevski) 275243

Zonta club meets Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

Mahjong group Interested in learning to play Mahjong? The game is a tile-based game that is derived from China where it was developed in the 19th century. U3A Melton has a group who play on Tuesdays at 10am. ■ u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

Melton Men’s Probus Club The Melton Men’s Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. New members and visitors welcome. ■ 9746 0271

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park The Rose Carers meet Wednesdays from 10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens. New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience. ■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119 or 0400 052 857

offers French and Italian classes for beginners and those with more advanced skills. ■ www.u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

Community singing group If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 60’s and 70’s. They meet Tuesdays at 10am. ■ Val, 0418 667 150

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets the second Tuesday of each month at Melton Country Club at 10am. New members welcome. ■ 0425 705 150

Melton Parkinson’s support group The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am - 12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers Welcome. ■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Friendship Group Are you single, over 55 and a resident living in or near Melton? Looking for some new friends? Then the Melton Friendship Group is the right group for you! The group meets fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

French and Italian for over 50s Over 50, retired, or semi-retired and wanting to learn a language? U3A Melton

Bulla Garden Club The Bulla Garden Club Anzac Day memorial service is happening on April 25, with morning tea provided. Head to 1 Green Street, Bulla. ■ Jo, 0499 922 061

Sunbury Art Society Annual show Rotary Club of Melton The Rotary Club of Melton invites new guests to join its meetings, held on the first and third Tuesday of every month, 6pm at Tabcorp Park in Melton. ■ meltonrotary@gmail.com

Melton Cycling Club Melton Cycling club meets for regular Sunday rides. There are three different riding groups to cater for different abilities starting at 7.30am. The rides finish at Lazy Moe’s for a cuppa. ■ 0403 057 003

is currently looking for trumpet and percussion players. It rehearses Tuesdays from 7:30pm, 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine. ■ Andrew Wilson, 0419 444 620

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh makes reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They’re looking for people to cut, sew, iron and market bags. Meets on the first Sunday each month at the Darley Neighbourhood House 2-4pm. Find the Facebook group for more details.

Keilor probus The Keilor Combined Probus Club is back in business following the lockdowns. The group meets the third Monday of every month at Keilor Pub. New members welcome. ■ Steve, 0408 193 793, or Keith, 0409 494 801

Women’s group Duke Street Community Centre has set up a women’s social group to give people a place to interact. The group will run every second Friday, from 1pm, as a way to connect with other women in the community in a safe, fun and social way. It will be developed to suit the needs of the participants and will be in a casual setting. ■ 9311 9973

Musicians wanted Sunshine Community Brass is looking for new members to join its vibrant band of musicians. With over 90 years of history, the band is looking to grow for the future. Sunshine Community Brass

Check out some gorgeous art at Sunbury Art Society’s Annual Show, at the historic Boilerhouse Gallery, Jacksons Hill. The show runs from Saturday, April 30 to Saturday, April 7, from 10am-4pm. Buy a $15 to be a part of opening night on Friday, April 29 at 7.30pm. ■ 0407 062 568

Family History and Heritage Society If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and even your own family history, why not check out the Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society, meeting at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury. ■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Gisborne Bluey walk Take the kids on a Bluey-themed adventure through the Gisborne Botanic Gardens. Pick up a Bedtime Bluey StoryWalk map from the Gisborne Library and enjoy the static display of glow in the dark Bluey stories. The installation is free and runs until April 25. ■ https://bit.ly/3JYWlgM

of Lancefield’s 5km park run, happening every Saturday at 8am at Lancefield Park. No need to be speedy - participants can go at any pace. Make your way to 62 Chauncey Street, Lancefield, and remember to register. ■ https://bit.ly/3IEDB4L

Author talk in Sunbury Presented by Hume Libraries After Dark, much-loved author Robyn Annear will discuss her new book Adrift in Melbourne: Seven Walks with Robyn Annear. Explore the hidden secrets and histories behind Melbourne’s recognisable buildings and streets. The event takes place on April 14, 6.30-8pm, at Sunbury Library, 44 Macedon Street, Sunbury. ■ https://bit.ly/3IEDB4L

Woodend Easter Art Market Up to 80 artists will showcase their work at the Easter Art Market, with mediums ranging from ceramics to sculpture to textiles and more. The market is open from Saturday, April 16 to Monday, April 18, from 10am to 4pm and costs a gold coin. It’s happening at the Woodend Train Station rooms, Urquhart Street, Woodend. ■ https://bit.ly/3NTzMMD

Sunbury Seniors Sunbury Seniors meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat. If you’re 55 or older and would like to make some new friends. ■ 0493 408 890

Sculptures and wine Let’s Get Neighbourly Sunbury This free training and mentoring program is open to everyone in Hume, guiding neighbours in how to support each other and build community. Workshops will be held the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, with the first on Saturday, April 30, 2-4pm. ■ https://bit.ly/3jcan2D

Lancefield park run relaunch Lace up your runners and join the relaunch

For lovers of art and wine, Art in the Vines at Hanging Rock Winery, on until April 25, could not be more of a perfect outing. You can even enjoy a guided cellar wine tasting. 88 Jim Road, Newham. ■ https://bit.ly/3tHZFpz

U3A Werribee U3A Werribee conducts a variety of weekly classes run by volunteers for semi-retired and retired residents of Wyndham. ■ Rick, 0402 299 220 Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

Advertising feature

Police target Easter road safety in Operation Compass Operation Compass is a statewide road policing operation over the Easter holiday period. It aims to increase driver awareness and journey planning, while reducing road trauma during this high risk time on our roads. This five-day road policing enforcement campaign will run from Thursday, April 14 to Monday, April 18. Westgate Highway Patrol road policing advisor, Sergeant Marty Wallace, said the operation will be conducted throughout all operational police regions and police service areas during the five days, using all available personnel from local road policing units, general duties and other regional resources. The police operation will be targeting the main causes of lives lost and serious injuries in crashes which are impaired driving, speed, fatigue, distraction offences and seatbelt compliance Police will be out in force both to educate drivers and to enforce road rules, with a view to preventing lives lost and serious injuries. Motorists are requested to stay within the speed limit, don’t drink alcohol or take drugs and drive, leave your mobile phone out of reach, wear your seatbelt and make sure you are well rested. Fatigue is one of the biggest killers on Victorian roads. Drivers planning to travel during this period can expect to see an increase in vehicles on our major freeways and highways throughout the state. Road trauma isn’t just about the lives that are lost – it’s about the enormous impact on the community from the family members, to the emergency services workers who have to deal with these tragedies on a daily basis, and the police who have to deliver the devastating news to loved ones. All of the community has a responsibility and a role to play in reducing road trauma. Remember, travel safely so that you arrive at

Sergeant Marty Wallace said Operation Compass aims to reduce road trauma and increase driver awareness.

your destination safely and enjoy your Easter holiday weekend. RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council chairman Jim Giddings said the work of his group, along with initiatives like

Operation Compass during the Easter holiday period, would hopefully reduce the number of serious road crashes. Holiday driving has its challenges and drivers should drive in the hours they are

(Damjan Janevski) 274429_01

normally awake, take regular breaks to reduce fatigue and allow extra space between vehicles. Report speeding drivers to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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

REPORT SPEEDING DRIVERS

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

14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

SECTION

12544642-JC15-22

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Glenmore 1403 Glenmore Road

Dream Country Living On 52.9 Acres (Approx) • Perfectly nestled with sweeping views of Rowsley Valley • Short drive to Bacchus Marsh, an hour from Melbourne • Four BRs, 2 with BIRs, back BR offers direct external access • Central bathroom set upon slate flooring & separate toilet • Well-appointed kitchen, meals area, main living area • Driveway encircles the homestead & extends into paddocks

YPA MELTON 9746 8899 272-274 High Street, Melton

• Large powered shed and undercover area • Currently used for a pasture raised chicken egg business • The business will be sold separately to the property • There is also a large private dam situated on the property • Features town water, hardwood flooring, split systems • Ceiling fans, high ceilings, wood fireplace, sec doors & gates

Private Sale $1,299,000 - $1,349,000 Inspect

By appointment Photo ID required

Contact

Shane Spiteri 0488 980 115

ypa.com.au Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

holiday puzzles COLOUR BY NUMBERS

JOKE CORNER

1 2

yellow

grey

blue

Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter egg a joke? It might crack up! What’s the Easter Bunny’s favourite kind of music? Hip-hop! What do you call a rabbit with fleas? Bugs Bunny! Why did the Easter egg hide? It was a little chicken!

red

pink

What should you do to prepare for all the Easter treats? Eggs-ercise!

EASTER FACTS

green

The first story of a rabbit hiding eggs in a garden was published in 1680. The tallest chocolate Easter egg ever was made in Italy in 2011. At 10.39 metres high and weighing 7200 kg, it was taller than a giraffe and heavier than an elephant!

EASTER QUIZ

Which character did Hugh Jackman (pictured) voice in the movie Rise of the Guardians?

In America, does Easter occur in autumn or spring?

What name is given to the Friday before Easter?

What is the official flower of Easter: white lily, violet or daisy?

And what food is traditionally eaten on this Friday?

What instrument does EB play in Hop?

Which religious figure is associated with Easter?

Which team won the Geelong-Hawthorn Easter Monday game last year? True or false: the Easter weekend occurs on the same dates every year?

10 What animal delivers Easter eggs in Switzerland?

Florida in the US hosted the world’s biggest-ever Easter egg hunt in 2007. The Easter egg is said to represent joy, celebration and new life.

1. E. Aster Bunnymund 2. White lily 3. Drums 4. Spring 5. Good Friday 6. Fish 7. Jesus Christ 8. Geelong 9. False 10. Cuckoo bird

In 2007, an Easter egg covered in diamonds sold for almost £9 million ($AU15.7 million)!

SOLUTIONS

EASTER 9-LETTER

4 6 3 2 7 1 9 8 5

8 2 9 6 4 5 7 3 1

1 7 5 8 9 3 2 4 6

9 4 6 1 2 8 3 5 7

3 1 7 9 5 6 8 2 4

5 8 2 7 3 4 1 6 9

16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

SOLUTION 7 3 8 5 6 9 4 1 2

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

You are given a 9x9 grid which has been divided up into nine 3x3 boxes. The aim of the game is very simple: to fill each row, column and 3x3 box with the numbers from 1 to 9.

6 9 1 4 8 2 5 7 3

3 6 8 3

2 5 4 3 1 7 6 9 8

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

AIM 17 words: Good 25 words: Very good 34 words: Excellent

E L

B T

R E

SOLUTIONS abet, able, abler, bale, baler, bare, bate, bear, beat, beater, beer, beet, beetle, belt, berate, beret, beta, betel, blare, blear, bleat, brace, bracelet, bract, brae, brat, caber, cable, CELEBRATE, crab, rebate, rebel, table, treble

EASY SUDOKU

PUZZLES AND PAGINATION ©

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 076

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 6 8 5

23 24 26 27 28

2 1

medium

9 5

10 11 12 13 15 16 18

8 2 1 2 6

No. 076

DOWN

Plunger (6) Sanctions (8) Rolling in the Deep singer (5) Social exclusion (9) Monetary units (5) Relating to the body (9) Perverse (8) Plant, 'Rose of Sharon' (6) Upmarket (6) Donated to; bestowed upon (4,4) Variety of nut (9) One of the Ionian islands (5) Capacity (9) Observing (5) Japanese game company (8) Thin outer coating (6)

1 4 9

easy

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

Tableland (7) Wipe (5) Supervised (7) Constitution (6) Winning streak (2,1,4) Photographic presentation (9) Country in Horn of Africa (7) Transpire (5) Pulls apart (5,4) Skipper (7) Holiday destination (7) Sun-dried brick (5) Defecate (7) Not as old (7) Must (6) Lift up (5)

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 14 16 17 19 20 21 22 25

DECODER

No. 076

WORDFIT

No. 076

3 LETTERS AWE

3 2 1 6 5 3 7

AXE CAR DID

3 5 7 1 8 7 2

6 2 3 7 4

DUO ETA EWE FEW GAS GEE GEL

8 6

HAM HAS IRA

hard

ISA

9 2

8 4 3 2

5 4 9

LAS ORB PRE

10 11 12 13

RPM TAR

TRITE

NEATEST

MEDAL

TULSA

REFEREE

4 LETTERS

ANELE

NASAL

UNITE

SIDECAR

DREW

ARENA

NASTY

VIRAL

STUMBLE

9-LETTER WORD

EASE

ARISE

OBESE

WHERE

ERIK

BELIE

OPERA

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

ETNA

CAMEL

PANEL

6 LETTERS

AMERICAS

EVAN

CASIO

PARTS

APPEAL

EPITASIS

HIFI

CUBIT

PLANT

EATERY

TEETOTAL

IOTA

ELEGY

PRATE

ELATED

TOLERANT

KIRK

ENEMA

PRICE

PEBBLE

MATH

EXERT

RECUR

Today’s Aim: 22 words: Good

OSLO

FIRST

RELET

7 LETTERS

STEADFASTLY

SINE

HOSTS

SCALD

CENTRES

TEMPERATURE

STEP

IDEAS

SLOTS

MEMENTO

TUTU

IDOLS

THETA

URGE

ITALY

TIMES

KATIE

TOTAL

5 LETTERS

LUNAR

TOTEM

ADORE

MALAY

TRASH

WEB

5 7 2 1 8 9 4 6 3

6 1 4 5 2 3 9 8 7

7 9 5 3 1 8 6 2 4

U E

8 LETTERS

11 LETTERS

begun, bruin, budge, bunged, burden, BURDENING, burg, buried, burin, burn, burned, burning, debug, drub, drug, dune, dung, during, enduing, enduring, ennui, enuring, gerund, grub, guide, gunned, gunner, indue, inure, inured, nude, nudge, rude, rued, ruin, ruined, ruing, rune, rung, unbend, unbind, under, urge, urged, urine 15-04-22

No. 076 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

O R E

QUICK QUIZ

What is the first name of Dr Watson, partner of fictional detective Sherlock Holmes?

What film contains the line 'Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room!'?

Doc Holliday is commonly associated with which infamous figure of the American ‘Wild West’?

What does the Fremantle Doctor refer to?

How many actors have played The Doctor in the long-running BBC show Doctor Who?

What is the abbreviation PhD short for?

R A C K

R A S H E L L O T T I C

C H A

3 4 1 2 9 6 8 7 5

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

2 1 7 3 4 6 8 9 5

9 8 3 6 7 4 1 5 2

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

1 6 9 4 5 2 7 3 8

4 5 7 8 3 1 2 9 6

2 6 4 1 7 3 5 8 9

6 5 9 3 1 7 2 4 8

7 4 1 8 2 9 3 6 5

T R

H L

3 6 5 8 9 7 1 4 2

9 8 4 5 1 2 6 7 3

6 5 2 1 7 3 4 8 9

3 8 2 5 6 4 9 7 1

8 9 7 6 4 2 1 5 3

4 3 6 9 5 1 8 2 7

A E

33 words: Very good

8 9 1 2 6 4 5 3 7

4 7 3 9 5 8 2 1 6

7 3 8 6 2 1 9 5 4

5 4 6 7 8 9 3 2 1

1 2 9 4 3 5 7 6 8

1 2 5 7 3 8 4 9 6

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

45 words: Excellent

hard

MARCO

AMISS

medium

TUG ALICE

easy

TIL

9 1 4 7 3 7

3 1 4 9

5x5

A K O L J D S I NMQ T C

TEE

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Who did prime minister Paul Keating unexpectedly defeat in the 1993 federal election?

An endocrinologist is an expert in which medical field?

Former US basketball champion Shaquille O’Neal (pictured) has a PhD in which field?

10 Galen was a historical physician during the time of which empire? ANSWERS: 1. John 2. Wyatt Earp 3. Dr John Hewson 4. Hormones 5. Education 6. Dr Strangelove 7. Cooling afternoon breeze in summer 8. 13 9. Doctor of Philosophy 10. Roman Empire (second century)

1 7

VWG X U R Y Z H E P B F

5 6

Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Place your ad in print and online V Trades Business Profile

V Guttering

RJ GUTTERS

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

฀

Online: networkclassiﬁeds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

Homes

Grow your business with

We accept payment by: (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofﬁce)

12435708-LB03-20

V Air Conditioning

M ANTENNA

AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING REPAIR, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATIONS

JAD COOLING AND HEATING Jad 0425 804 593 or 9336 1996 Lic 42666

jadhc@live.com.au

12541896-AI13-22

• EVAPORATIVE COOLERS • SPLIT SYSTEMS • HOT WATER SYSTEMS • DUCTED HEATING

SAME DAY

SERVICE TENNAS DIGITAL AN S AMPLIFIER S TL TV OU ET

D PERIENCE HIGHLY EX ANS TECHNICI E IC RV SE ANTENNA S ALL AREA

228 0409 888

฀

FREE QUOTES

0421 421 640

General Maintenance 12533949-HC05-22

Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

฀ ฀ ฀

DONE RIGHT

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

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

฀

V Handy Persons

TRADES & SERVICES

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

AU 21094

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

★ New & Existing ★

(include your name, address and phone number)

Deadline for all classifications is 1:30pm Monday.

฀

1232632-ACM26-16

GUTTER & WINDOW CLEANING RUBBISH REMOVAL MOWING, PRUNING, WEEDING, FENCING

0499 162 272

D.B. HANDYMAN

“We advertise in the local paper to reach the local community - and it works for us!!!” - Richard

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ Call Daniel 0417 059 190 ฀

12362816-ACM35-17

V Deadline

V Locksmiths

BACCHUS MARSH LOCKSMITHS 24/7 Locksmiths Mention All Suburbs 0418 534 201 or 0414 930 586 this ad for Shop located at 36 Grant St, 10% off Bacchus Marsh 12380364-RC10-18

6-20

12469374-CG4

KS Heating & Cooling Services • Repairs • Maintenance Over 30 years experience, All types of Air Con, Evap Cooler & Gas Heating System AU31693

Call 0430 332 368

Call 1300 666 808

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

12479050-JW04-21

V Bathroom & Kitchens

V Carpenters

V Fencing & Gates

TD CARPENTRY

3 Standard Rooms for $99 inc GST

M & M BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

ROSSCO ENGINEERING AND SALES

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

- Manufacturing - Metals - Engineering On Site - Hydraulic Hoses & Fittings - Powder Coating - Sand Blasting - Custom Fabrication - Welding - Steel Sales - Engineering Supplies

Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services Pergolas • Decks • Retaining Walls • Renovations • Landscaping

Andrew 0425 852 621 | Froggys.com.au | info@froggys.com.au

1229835-ACM22-16

12533274-HC09-22

V Builders & Building Services

9746 7785

13 Reddrop St, Bacchus Marsh PH: 5367 1141 AH: 0418 301 841 www.rosscoengineering.com.au

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

฀

V Garage/Garage Doors

F & J ROLLER DOORS

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

CONTRACTING

816 479

Call Leigh 0409 098 910

V Engineering

General Classiﬁeds Froggys

20 Years Experience ﬂetcherscarpetcleaning.com.au

Call Paul 0412 1133473-LB19-14

(03) 5367 5853 0403 197 240 - 0403 197 249

*conditions apply

0412 184 772

V Garden Services

AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / Hedge Trimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals • Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

V Painters/Decorators

Saida’s Painting And Handyman • Painting And Decorating • Timber Repairs • Plaster Repairs • Tile And Concrete Repairs

Free Quote

12532148-AV03-22

We also clean: Upholstery and Tile and Grout

12519309-CG44-21

Fletcher’s Carpet Steam Cleaning

The real deal in timber and colorbond fencing ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

L.T.J Fencing

V Carpet Cleaning

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

Specialising in: Tiling Baths Vanities Shower Recesses & Screens Painting Plastering FOR FREE QUOTE CALL MAX ON

G6638978

Buy & Sell in our

12337176-LB03-17

Phone 0401 005 760 12499953-AV25-21

Showroom by appointment only Free Quotes & Mobile Ensuite Hire. terms & conditions apply Please note that we specialise in renovations - we do not do repairs or maintenance

8348 5441

Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739 ฀

12398667-SN37-18

· Plumbing · Tiling · Electrical · Carpentry · Plastering · One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. · Complete service from start to finish, including kitchen 3D design. · Appliance packages available. · Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom.

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing

Specialising in ✔ Pergolas and deckings ✔ Fencing ✔ Framing ✔ Home Renovations Free Quotes

Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations

12402755-RA44-18

12420493-CG25-19

Bashyrr Saida 0416 561 594 Ibrahim Saida 0403 610 782

with us and get better results

CALL 1300 666 808 18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

12514849-JW40-21

ADVERTISE

General Notices

0423 288 893

Lic 49728

V Reblocking/Underpinning

ALL AROUND

David: 0425 811 882 Ash: 0403 619 333 17 Years Guarantee 10% Pensioner Discount Council Permit Supplied Computer Levelling

MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE

Draft Comps Services

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the ofﬁce of the Responsible Authority or alternatively at: www.melton.vic.gov. au/apa

PA2021/7743/1

THURSDAY 14th APRIL at 1.30pm

PLANNING OFFICE, MELTON CITY COUNCIL CIVIC CENTRE, 232 HIGH STREET MELTON Ph: 9747 7200

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority.

★ RAISING ★ RESTUMPING WITH CONCRETE OR REDGUM STUMPS ★ COUNCIL PERMIT ★ ALL WORK GUARANTEED FREE SMOKE ALARM

PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193 G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14

C1093409-JO39-13

V Roofing

LATIN ROOF RESTORATION

Classiﬁed deadlines for Tuesday, 19th April issue of the Melton Moorabool Star Weekly as follows:

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

ALL SUBURBS ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING

Registered Building Practitioner

Variation of a Restrictive Covenant and Development of the land for Two Dwellings.

CLASSIFIEDS EARLY DEADLINES EASTER

t 3FQBJST 3FTUPSBUJPO t $FNFOU 5FSSBDPUUB 5JMFT t )JHI 1SFTTVSF $MFBOJOH t 3FCFEEJOH 1PJOUJOH t "DSZMJD $PBU 4ZTUFN t $MFBO (VUUFST %PXOQJQFT t 'SFF RVPUF t ZFBS HVBSBOUFF

CLASSIFIEDS EARLY DEADLINES ANZAC DAY Classiﬁed deadlines for Tuesday, 26th April issue of the Melton/Moorabool Star Weekly as follows:

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.

V Counselling COUNSELLING On-line counselling. Book your obligation-free 15 minute session today. www.peace beyourjourney.com.au

SAME DAY SERVICE

Buy, Rent & Sell in the

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

V Positions Vacant

Concretor

WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATOR & ADMIN DUTIES

Looking for exp concrete labr in F/path & Drwys must have white card ABN & own transport Contact Rob 0425747157

OPERATORS AND LABOURER 1 x Excavator Operator 1 x Loader Operator and 1 x Labourer required. Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc. Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

Professional Services

0428 568 004

Full time position. Duties will include:Admin work and adhoc duties. Computer knowledge is essential. Saturdays required. Contact Norm after 5pm for further details

0428 568 004 Find it in the

Celebrations

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

General Classifieds

Find it in the

General

Rainbow Dolls 1235322622-PB22-17

12469374-CG46-20

V Adult Services

section of Network Classifieds.

ASAP TILING

Tel 04 3277 4645

12521636-DL45-21

• Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilet Renovation • Small Extension • Carpentry / Plastering • 20yrs. Plus Building Experience ** call Hill now for a free quote **

V Public Notices and Event

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ “Your Local Tree & Stump Removalist” ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 0421 836 152

12327446-LN42-16

Melton Tree & Stump Removals

Cameron FitzGerald Managing Director

Call or visit us online! networkclassifieds.com.au V Positions Vacant

Find it in the

Trades & Services

SEATED WALKER Aspire BL. Hospital approved. As new. $85.00 Ph 8390 7468

Advertise with us and get better results CALL:

฀

V Garage Sales

PLACE YOUR 12544497-DL15-22

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

Southern Rural Water (SRW) wishes to advise of an application to decommission an onstream dam on land described as 193 Brooklyn Road, Brookﬁeld. Southern Rural Water is committed to an appropriate consultation process to ensure the proper consideration of relevant matters as prescribed by the Water Act 1989. We therefore seek comment from any interested person or parties that considers they may be affected by these applications. Submissions on this proposal will be accepted until 4pm on 3rd May 2022 and will be taken into account in determining these applications. Please direct enquiries and submissions to: Trevor McDevitt Manager Applications. P.O.Box 153 Maffra Vic 3860 Telephone 1300 139 510 Please quote reference: CZ1684253

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

NEED NEW STAFF?

section of Network Classifieds.

V For Sale

PUBLIC NOTICE

Employment

Open 7 days 48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

APPLICATION TO DECOMMISSION AN ONSTREAM DAM WERRIBEE RIVER BASIN Find local work in the

$100/ 30mins

V Massage Therapists

12400498-CG38-18

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

V Tiling

฀

A TEACHER Available for tutoring. Mathematics, Science, Chemistry, Chinese and Japanese. Phone 0418 871 203

Employment

Professional Services

ANTENNA MAN

0409 888 228

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

26th of April 2022

V Television/Video/Audio

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

FRIDAY 22ND APRIL at 1.30pm

$BMM (FPSHF PS 4FC

V Tuition

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

Place Your Classified Ads Online

Get 10% Discount Use code: EMPDISC

Fill your position online ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX V Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Motoring V Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive

12321532-HM36-16

Reg No 8659

The application is for a permit to:

V Pets & Services

12400545-LB38-19

Free Quote All Suburbs Insurance Elevation

42 Lomandra Bowl, Harkness Lot: 24 PS: 510468D V/F: 10773/724

The application reference number is:

CDB-L 60362 12532110-SG03-22

177646

ABN 44 021 708 152 Tel: 9309 2351

The land affected by the application is located at:

The applicant for the permit is:

REBLOCKING & UNDERPINNING 977914

Notice of an Application for Planning Permit

12545501-CG15-22

12543772-HC15-22

LOCAL DRAIN CLEARING • Blocked Drain & Emergency Plumber • Drains Reline

V Public Notices and Event

12423634-SN31-19

V Public Notices and Event

12543178-HC14-22

V Plumbing

General Classifieds

12545330-JW15-22

Trades & Services

LMCT 10268W

7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on

Your advert will appear in print and online!

Buy & Sell in our

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

0435 904 818 Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Jeep says the Compass Trailhawk is set up for tough going. (Pictures: Supplied)

Compass Trailhawk is a rare bird By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Having not ridden the Rubicon Trail, I could be wrong, but I would be loath to tackle the rock-strewn passage in the Sierra Nevada, rated a ten in difficulty, in the Jeep Compass Trailhawk, which the maker says has tamed the track and earned its Trail Rated tag. This small-to-medium sport utility vehicle, the flagship of the Compass range, which was tweaked last year, is a solitary ‘bird’, being one of the few diesel-powered compact SUVs around. One of four Compass models (three petrol powered) that come to market starting at $39,950, plus on-road costs, the diesel Trailhawk sells for $52,650. Premium paint adds $645, while a Premium Package, including twin-pane panoramic sunroof, ventilated and heated front seats, heated steering wheel and Alpine nine-speaker Premium Audio adds a further $3950 to the price, putting the vehicle close to prestige car territory. In keeping with its Trail Rated status, the robust Compass Trailhawk comes with off-road kit including underbody skid plates, 180 Amp alternator, two front red tow hooks, reversible material / rubber cargo area mat, low-range gearing, hill hold and terrain mode selector.

Styling Subject heavily to the designer’s pen, the Jeep Compass has been refreshed across the range. In keeping with its Trail Rated off-road performance the Trailhawk has taken on a unique grille treatment, coloured foglamp bezels, prominent skid plate and stand-alone 17-inch alloy wheels. Functionality comes to the fore with bumpers, foglamps, and camera radar housed in a higher position for greater protection off road. This is further enhanced by full LED daytime running lights, high and low beam, plus fog lamps, having doubled in brightness over the old Xenon headlamps. The rear has followed suit by being given a more modern, bolder look via its sleek taillights.

Interior For many years Jeeps were not known for stylish refinements and easily accessible control 20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

systems. The Compass sets the new standard in this field with a more functional use of space and convenience. A higher central tunnel offers almost five litres of storage under the armrest and an additional 2.4-litre compartment, next to the new gear lever, with space to take a mini-tablet. Convenience extends to the rear, with a new automatic tailgate operated by means of a kicking motion under the bumper providing access to the cargo area. Rubber mats front and centre, plus a rubber / material a double-sided mat in the luggage area stand owners in good stead for carting all the kit needed when making the best of the great outdoors.

Jeep Compass (Petrol) 2.4 Night Eagle (auto) $39,950 2.4 Limited (a) $45,350 2.4 S-Limited (a) $48,350 Jeep Compass (Diesel) 2.0 Trailhawk (a) $52,650

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

with a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Jeep claims combined fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 181 g/km.

Infotainment The Compass debuts the latest generation Jeep Uconnect with its 10.1-inch-highdefinition touchscreen with TomTom navigation incorporated. Upgrades include voice recognition, woken by the phrase ‘Hey Jeep’, to control settings and program the air-conditioning and change radio via voice commands. Wireless smartphone charging is available across the Compass range via a pad in front of the gearshift.

Safety

Engines / transmissions

Driving

The Compass Trailhawk is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 125 kW and 350 Nm and paired

Keyless entry was debatable, failing to respond to the key fob button on several occasions. The mystery was solved when a message on

New advanced driver systems, such as traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, combining the above with adaptive cruise control, drowsy driver alert and automatic braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition. Carried over are forward collision warning, lane sense departure warning, electronic stability control with electronic roll mitigation. Front, side and curtain airbags stay standard across the Compass range.

the instrument screen announced the key fob battery was low. Totally out of order on such a new vehicle. The Trailhawk was slow to respond to the gas pedal and once or twice on an incline, even with foot flat to the boards, the transmission was reluctant to change up and move on smoothly. Jeep rates the fuel consumption at 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle. On test it was more like 8.3 litres per 100km on a combination of city and country driving. As for lane keeping assist, Active Lane Manager in Jeep speak, was heavy handed and rived the steering wheel, causing the Compass to come to heel at the slightest shift from lane centre. Opt out, and the system can be disengaged. Flat firm seats would be far from welcoming on an extended run. But parking manoeuvres are kept well in the picture with the car’s 360-degree camera views. Extra ground clearance and increased approach and departure angles go some way to validating the small SUV’s Jeep Trail Rating.

Summary The Compass Trailhawk would pass for a good-looking boulevard cruising SUV, or on unsealed dirt or in snow, but I retain some doubts, due to its lack of muscle, as to its handling of serious off-road obstacles such as boulders or logs.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Falcons get a championship lesson City West Falcons were taught a lesson on Wednesday night in the Victorian Netball League championship division. While the results shows 55-53 loss, Falcons coach Marg Lind said it was a pretty disappointing result. Lind said it was an important one in the context of their season. “It was pretty disappointing,” she said. “It was a bit of scrappy game, but they were the better team. “Kaylia Stanton was hard to control. We made some mistakes in crucial areas at crucial times.” Lind said they didn’t start the game well and were down by four goals in the first quarter. That margin stayed steady until the final quarter when the Falcons reduced the gap. She said they had their chances, but just didn’t convert. The Falcons chances weren’t helped with Melissa Oloamanu missing the game. She was held out due to the national championships which are coming up. Star shooter Jane Cook played the first few

minutes of the game before heading to the bench, still feeling the effects of COVID-19. Achel Yout came up from the under-19s to provide back up defence. “She payed five or six minutes against Stanton who is really experienced,” Lind said. “She did okay and will benefit from the experience, but she’s probably a couple of years off champ. “Lind said defensively they were out of play too often and weren’t able to attack the ball how they would have liked. “Sarah tried a few different things, but there was a bit of disconnect. Too many times someone out the front was out of the ball and we had the inability to turn the ball over. Lind said Uneeq Palavi was good back in goal shooter, while Montana Holmes and Soli Ropati worked hard in the middle. She said Ropati looked more comfortable in the wing attack position than earlier in the season. The Falcons now sit 1-3 having lost their first two games of the season.

Lind said one of the things the players would learn out of the game was understanding the importance of results in the bigger scheme. “It’s going to be a journey and it will take some time and effort,” she said. “The club is rebuilding its leadership and culture. We had an important game and it’s about getting the players experienced enough to understand that.” Lind said they would consider adding an experienced mid courter to strengthen their squad. Having gone in with a smaller squad than usual they were struggling for options at time. “Speaking to other clubs, there isn’t the same number of adult players looking to play netball, the talent pool isn’t there,” she said. “Sides like Geelong have pretty stable sides. Teams that have not lost players and have got experience are ahead of the others.” Tara Murray City West Falcons. (Supplied)

Phoenix bounce back

Western Jets premiership team

(Darrian Traynor / AFL Photos)

The Jets make history By Tara Murray Western Jets’ ruck Krystal Russell wasn’t meant to be on the goal line in the last minute of the NAB League Girls grand final. While Jet coach Robbie Chancellor is still unsure what she was doing there, he and the rest of the Jets team will be forever grateful. Russell emerged from the pack and kicked a goal to put the Jets in front with what would turn out to be the final kick of the game. The Jets beat the previously undefeated Dandenong Stingrays, 7.5 (47)-5.11 (41) Chancellor said the final moments of the game and the moments afterwards were still a blur. “It’s my best coaching experience,” he said. “With the crowd behind us it was pretty special for the girls to turn that margin around and basically win with the last kick of the game. “There’s not much you can do in those situations. You hope the work you’ve done with the girls throughout the year is enough to stand up and they certainly did, an incredible night.” “I don’t know what I was thinking. I don’t even know what I said in my speech afterwards with the adrenaline and emotions and the

noise of the crowd. The Jets found themselves down by 22 points at half time, with the Stingrays on track to complete the perfect season. Chancellor came out with what will now be a famous half time speech. “I told them a story,” he said. “I often ask the girls a loaded question which I know they will say yes to. “They all feel like they are a part of what I’m about to say. I asked them if they had ever been to the movies, which they have all been to. “I said what normally happens in movies is that you get to know the characters and then usually something bad happens and the second quarter was our bad. Usually in movies there is generally a happy ending, and this is how we get a happy ending if we get these things right.” With an upped effort at the contest and the belief to hang in there, the Jets continued to fight and fight and got the end result. The winning goal by Russell was the first in Jets colours. Chancellor said the rumour is was her first ever goal. Skipper Charlotte Baskaran led the way with 26 possessions despite battling a shoulder injury. Montana Ham, Stephanie Asciak, Trinity

Skenderis and Kate Maxwell all showed their leadership and brought the others along with them. The premiership is the club’s first, with the boys side having never won one. “I didn’t pay for many beers at the after party,” Chancellor laughed. “There were plenty of excited Jets people. “I’m obviously proud to be part of history. I’m so proud of the girls and they’ve paved the way for the next group of Jets girls to come through. “Our region might not be the biggest football region in the state but we can compete with the big ones if we get some things right.” The success is a long way from the past few seasons. The Jets won more games this season, then the rest of the seasons combined. Chancellor, who is in his second year in role, said a lot of people played big roles to get this far. “It’s a credit to everyone in the program. “It felt like the coming together of a number of different things and a bit of vindication of what has been put into the Jets program. I’m very proud of the region and that finally gets to experience the ultimate success.”

Melton Phoenix bounced back in a big way in the FV state league 5 west on Saturday against the Deakin Ducks. Coming off their first loss of the season, the Phoenix responded in the best possible way with a 3-0 win. Matthew Pernasilici opened the scoring in the third minute of the game to set the momentum. Skipper Lachlan Stafford doubled the margin with 30 minutes. The icing on the cake came in the 62nd minute through Alex Dimond. The Phoenix sit third after four rounds. Meanwhile, in state league 1 north-west Caroline Springs George Cross continued its winning start to the season. Facing neighbouring Sydenham Park, scores were locked at 1-1 at half time. A Jason Hart goal in the 77th minute would put the Georgies in front for the first time and it was enough to seal the 2-1 win. The Georgies are one of two undefeated teams after four rounds. The Georgies sit on top with four wins, compared to Altona City which has two wins and two draws. In state league 4 west, Westside Strikers sit second on the table after a good win against Laverton. The Strikers did most of the damage in the first half through goals to Mateusz Kowalski, Raffael Origlia and Jordan Borg. Milan Savic put the icing on the cake in the second half to seal a 4-0 win. At the other end of the table, Spring Hills remain without a win. The Stallions lost 1-0 to Greenvale United, with United scoring the win in the dying minutes. All state league competitions will be in action across the Easter weekend. Tara Murray

Melton bounced back on the weekend.

Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Keith Cotchin claims Alabar Vicbred Classic win Keith Cotchin left rival trainers to fight among the minor prizemoney when he landed an Alabar Vicbred Platinum Home Grown Classic Final double at Melton on Saturday night. It was the Elmore-based Cotchin’s first metropolitan training double at Tabcorp Park and he executed the feat with a couple of maiden performers Denny Rocks, courtesy of a brilliant drive by John Caldow, and Diamond Shooz. Unsuccessful in 12 previous attempts, Denny Rocks appeared unlikely to break the drought when he was buried five back along the pegs heading into the back straight on the final occasion. Caldow saved every inch of ground before easing into the running line with 700 metres to travel and the son of Rock N Roll Heaven gained a saloon passage through the field before peeling four wide around the home turn. Cotchin conceded the stars aligned for Denny Rocks, who finished sixth in his heat, after Spring Line was scratched from the $50,000 final. “We were first emergency and then gained a run when Steve Duffy’s horse came out and

then everything fell into place, getting a soft run along the pegs in a fast-run race and then John (Caldow) did the rest getting a great run through the field,” Cotchin said. Purchased outside the sale ring by John Senior, Denny Rocks had been the medium of bad luck in several outings according to Cotchin. “There have been excuses made for him not being driven right and probably not trained right,” he said. “We always thought he was all right with a good turn of speed.” Cotchin completed a Group 2 double when the well-backed Diamond Shooz speared to the lead and was never headed thereafter in the Alabar Vicbred Platinum Home Grown Classic Final for three-year-old fillies. Diamond Shooz arrived at Cotchin’s place after being transferred from the NSW stables of James Rattray six weeks ago. “James sent her down as she is Victorian bred and eligible for good races such as this,” he said. Cotchin admitted his confidence level with the filly was significantly greater than his charge in the three-year-old colts final. “I thought if she found the front without

Denny Rocks

(Stuart McCormick)

having to do too much work then she would be hard to beat,” he said. “She has improved with each run since arriving and it was her first time in front and

Work to do for Centrals By Tara Murray Melton Centrals will use their loss to Diggers Rest as a learning curve in the Riddell District Netball League. After a strong first up win against Rockbank, Centrals were no match for an experienced Burras line up on Saturday. The Burras, who had a bye in round one, led by double figures at quarter time and while it was reduced in the second quarter, they were able to hold a steady lead throughout before blowing out the margin to win 58-37. Centrals coach Randy Pereira said they were beaten by a better team, who knew how to make the most of their opportunities. “We played a fairly experienced Diggers Rest side,” he said. “We gave them the ball over and over again. “We had plenty of chances, but we allowed them to dictate terms and allowed them to dictate positioning. “They were the better team on the day.” Pereira said the result and how they played would be a learning curve going forward. With the average age of the team in the early 20s, the group is still getting used to playing at this level together. “We had four 17-year-olds and and 18-year-old,” he said. “Our average age would be about 20. “Last week against Rockbank they were brilliant. When they’re up and running, they’re really good. “We were hesitant on Saturday and turned over the first three centre passes. In the second quarter we played with free abandonment and made up seven or eight goals, but then we started to throw balls away. “When you’re young you start to second guess yourself.” Pereira said they weren’t helped with one of their goalers missing the game, after being their best player in round one. They threw around players to fill that void, with former A-grade star Bec Morabito, who came up from B-grade, playing the second half to provide some more experience in the circle. Pereira said they missed several shots of goal, while the Burras only missed a couple which didn’t help the end result. He said the side and overall program this year was a work in progress. Pereira said they wanted to continue with the young talent and bringing players through the ranks. “We were young last year and we’re even younger again this year,” he said. 22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 April, 2022

Melton’s Faith Malasia flies for ball.

(Joe Mastroianni). 75575_01

“Our B-grade is still strong and our C-grade is struggling a little bit. We’ve got some very different lines up from last year. “In our under-19s we have two players from last year. “It’s a long term focus.” In other matches, Woodend-Hesket made it two from two on Saturday. The Hawks were too strong for Wallan, winning 45-25. Riddell opened its account against Romsey,

winning 63-18. Macedon is also undefeated after beating Lancefield 56-22. There is a competition wide bye this weekend due to Easter. The next round of matches., Riddell will host Woodend-Hesket, Centrals will face Wallan, Romsey will take on Western Rams, while Macedon will host Diggers Rest on Anzac Day.

she may have knocked off a bit over the last 100 metres.” John Dunne

Mustangs on the right growth path Despite not having played a full season in two years, Melton Hockey Club has seen an increase of numbers this season. The committee has been working hard behind the scenes to try and ensure that things are running as smoothly as possible. Mustangs chairperson Matthew Simpson said they were all excited for this season. “The hard working members of the club have driven the sport in the local community and this has resulted in the club having good growth,” he said. “With the past two years of not having any full seasons we have seen the member numbers drop off across hockey as a whole but Melton Hockey Club has gained new members which has allowed us to fill three men’s teams, two women’s teams and six junior teams.” The club’s top men’s side is again in Vic League 3, while the women’s team is in Vic League 2. The club has been working hard to attract juniors to the club as they look to expand that program. “The club assisted HV in the School roadshow program, we were able to get out to six primary schools in our area which led to a great turn out of 40-plus children for the club’s Hook In 2 Hockey program,” Simpson said. “The Hook in 2 Hockey program is now completed with our Stick 2 Hockey program commencing soon. The junior players are also having an impact at a higher level with 10 trying out for the Junior State Championship teams. Three members have been selected already, while some others are still in the selection mix. On the weekend, the men’s Vic League side suffered a 3-1 loss to Latrobe Valley in Churchill after a bye in round one. The Vic League women’s side lost to Casey, 6-0. The Mustangs sit 0-2 to start the season. Tara Murray

Hillside’s new-look side shows signs of promise Hillside showed some good early signs but know it will take some time to play consistent football in the Essendon District Football League division 1. The Sharks have a relatively new side this season with a number of new players having come to the club. Sharks coach Charlie Denaro said in round one against Roxburgh Park they fielded a very different team to the last game they played in 2021. The Sharks lost the game after leading all day, but Denaro said the Magpies were clearly the better team all day. “We weren’t sure what to expect, we hadn’t played since July 30,” he said. “We were good in some parts of the game.

“We had just eight players from the last game against West Coburg, there was some massive turnover. “It’s exciting and we’ve had some good fellows who have come to the club.” Denaro said outside of Josh Covelli, the new recruits who played in round one were in their early 20s and younger. Other key recruits CJ and Paris Grampsas are both out injured with mid to long term injuries and would be five to six weeks from playing. “Lucas Failli is only 20, Carlo Riccardi is 19 and we had a couple of first senior gamers who were 18,” Denaro said. “We’re still a young team. We’ve got a lot of boys who now have 30 to 40 games under their

belts and we’re starting to see them mature.” Covelli made an instant impact at his new club kicking seven goals as he starred up forward. Denaro said that was more than they had expected from him. “Josh is a great bloke,” he said. “We didn’t put too many expectations on him, “He gets questioned by a lot of people. He’s worked his butt off and we saw what he is capable of. “If we get two or three goals out of him a game, that is more than above expectations. It will make him a 50 goal forward. “He was disappointed with the loss.” The Sharks will be back in action on Friday, in their annual Good Friday match.

Melton on top in derby

Sports shorts RDFL Diggers Rest started its season with a big win against Melton Centrals in the Riddell District Netball League. After a bye in round one, the Burras started strongly against Centrals and were never headed, winning 16.10 (106)-9.10 (64). Mitchell Jenson kicked six goals for the Burras in a best on ground performance. Mitchell Day was also handy up forward for the Burras kicking five. In other results, Woodend-Hesket and Wallan played out a draw, Macedon snuck home against Lancefield and Riddell beat Romsey.

By Tara Murray There was some sense of normality on Saturday when arch rivals Melton South and Melton kicked off the Ballarat Football League season. After two years of local football being impacted by the pandemic, fans flocked to Melton Recreation Reserve to see the two old rivals face off. Melton came away with the points in the 21.14 (140)-9.6 (60) win, but the big winner was the local sporting community. Bloods coach Aaron Tymms said for them the biggest thing was being able to get back out there and play for four points. “It was obviously really good to get the win,” he said. “It was good to play football for everyone. “There was a pretty good crowd down there and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, the club rooms were full.” Tymms said while the scoreboard would show an 80 point win, it didn’t tell the full story. He said both teams had their periods of dominance. “We played some really good footy in the first half,” he said. “The first half of the third quarter was alright as well. “I reckon South outplayed us for a quarter and a half. We got some junk time goals that blew the scoreboard out. “Even in the first quarter it was about us taking our opportunities in front of goal.” Tymms said being able to convert was pleating after not being able to that during the practice matches. Ryan Carter kicked five goals up forward, while Jack Walker has started the season really well. Blake Souter was awarded the Darren Stanley Medal as the best player on the ground for his work off half back. Tymms was also full of praise for Lachie Phillips. “He had a huge game on [Dylan] Conway,” he said. “He pretty much kept him to no goals besides a down the field free kick. “He was the leading goal kicker last season.” For the Panthers, Brody Sullivan kicked two goals, with Jarrod Biibby and Sam Hurst named their best. Both sides have the week off due to a split round because of Easter. The Bloods face the Sunbury Lions after the break. It will be the club’s first official match on their new home deck. In other matches, Bacchus Marsh and Darley both started the season with wins. The Cobras won a thriller against Ballarat. The Cobras led at each of the breaks and were able to hold on to win 11.10 (76)-10.14 (74). The highlight of the match was Daniel

This year they will have a new opponent in the Sunbury Kangaroos with Taylors Lakes being relegated. Denaro said they were keen to face the Kangaroos in what is usually one of the biggest games of the year. “We have enjoyed the journey against Taylors Lakes, now we get to face Sunbury,” he said. “Sunbury were very impressive against Tullamarine and we don’t take them lightly. “Leighroy [Sporle] is a good mate of mine and hopefully we can beat him. “There’s always a big crowd on Good Friday.” Tara Murray

WRFL Caroline Springs made it two from two, beating Yarraville Seddon Eagles. Twelve scoring shots to two in the first quarter set the tone, with the Lakers winning 26.22 (178)-4.7 (31). Ryan Allan kicked 11 goals, while Josh Cubillo was named the Lakers best. The Lakers now sit 2-0 to start the season. They have a bye this weekend due to Easter.

EDFL Burnside Heights also got its first win of the season, beating Hadfield in Essendon District Football League division 2. The Bears led at every break in the 12.6 (78)-9.12 (66) win. Keilor, Hillside and Keilor Park all had byes ahead of Good Friday clashes this week. In the women’s premier division, Hillside and Burnside Heights suffered big losses to Maribyrnong Park and Oak Park respectively. Hillside’s men’s side will play this Friday against the Sunbury Kangaroos.

A-League Western United suffered a rare loss in the A-League competition, losing to the Wellington Phoenix 4-1 on Saturday afternoon in Ballarat. United was made to pay for a poor first half, with Phoenix taking advantage and scoring three goals. United reduced the margin early in the second half, but Phoenix hit back with their fourth. United remain in second spot, but has played two less games than run away leaders Melbourne City. Blake Souter was named best on ground.

(Joe Mastroianni) 275568_01

Velden playing in his 300th match. He was set to play that game last season, before COVID-19 interfered. For the Devils, they were able to sing the song for the first time since August 24, 2019. It was a nervous final quarter for Devils fans

as Sebastopol made their run late. The Devils were able to hold on, winning 10.12 (72)-9.12 (66). Mace Cousins, Shane Page and Jack Bowled were named the Devils best. Brett Bewley and Joel Cadman kicked two goals each.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly Tuesday, 12 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

WOODLEA FRESH Opening Hours 7am to 9pm | Monday to Sunday

2 Lim Way Aintree (at Woodlea Town Centre) Red Papaya

299

/kg

Crimson Grapes

249

/kg

5 kg Brush Potatoes

299

/bag

Cauliflower

199

/each

Eggplant

299

/kg

1/2 kg Strawberry

199

Egyptian Mandarin

299

Seedless Water Melon

899

/bag

Baby Bok Choy

149

Sweet Corn

100

299

/kg

Orange

/kg

10 kg Brown Onion

149

XL Rock Melon

100

Lemon

100

/kg

10 kg Red Onion

999

149

Coriander

149

Bananas

149

100

/kg

Tomato

199

/kg

Medjoul Date

249

White Grapes

Tunisian Date

599 /kg pack

Pink Lady Apples

249

/kg

249 /kg

Young Ginger

1499 /kg

Lebanese Cucumber

/kg

box

Spinach

299

Limes

/kg

/bag

Mustered Leaves

XL White Honey Dew

599 /kg

Guava

999 /kg

Gala Apple

249 /kg

WOODLEA FRESH We are open from 7am to 9pm everyday Finest quality fruit and vegetables at competitive prices 2 Lim Way Aintree (at Woodlea Town Centre) | Follow us on 12503803-SG29-21

*Terms and Conditions* Offer whilst stock lasts.

12535568-SN15-22