Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 19th April 2022

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19 APRIL, 2022

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Picnic time for teddies A Bacchus Marsh mother is helping to raise funds for a cause close to her heart by organising a teddy bear picnic. Emma Dwyer’s daughter Hannah was born with half a heart and had open heart surgery when she was 24 hours old. Hannah, now 11, has suffered from health complications her whole life, but support from the charity HeartKids has made the journey much easier. “HeartKids came knocking on our ward door at the hospital and brought along smiles, cuddles and offered anything we needed,” Ms Dwyer said. To give back to the charity, Ms Dwyer has partnered with Webbs Event Group to hold a teddy bear picnic at Peppertree Park in Bacchus Marsh on Saturday April 30. The free event will include market stalls, food trucks, carnival rides, live music, arts and crafts, face painting, teddy bear story time and more. Ms Dwyer said HeartKids had been her backbone while supporting her daughter through medical challenges. “Whenever I’ve needed a voice, someone to help me understand what’s going on or a shoulder to lean on, they’ve been there,” she said.

HANNAH, 11, VICTORIA, 9, AND ANNALISE, 9

Tip vouchers on the way Moorabool Shire residents will soon receive transfer station vouchers as part of a new waste management trial, despite some councillors voting against the initiative. At acouncil meeting on April 6, the motion to conduct a three year tip voucher trial from July this year was carried. The trial will also include two new waste initiatives, ‘free green waste month’ and ‘half price mattress month’. Residents will receive a voucher for one cubic metre of waste in each annual rate fee notice, with an $26 increase per tenement for

ratepayers to account for expenses. According to a council report, there were 582 incidents of illegal dumping in the Moorabool area since July 2021. The council vote on the trial was divided, with three out of seven councillors, including Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan, voting against the motion. Cr Rod Ward said the high level of illegal dumping in the area was a “blight” on the Moorabool Shire. “I’m quite keen to see this trial run and let the ratepayers and residents of Moorabool

vote with their feet on whether they want this service,” Cr Ward said. Cr Tonia Dudzik said tip vouchers had been wanted by the community for the ten years that she’d been on the council. “This is one way to fight illegal dumping, it’s also giving the community what they’ve been asking for many years,” Cr Dudzik said. Cr Mayor Tom Sullivan spoke against the motion and argued that the tip voucher trial would send the wrong message about illegal dumping.

“The fundamental premise of what we have here is that giving out these tip vouchers is going to stop illegal dumping in this municipality and I can’t see that happening,” Cr mayor Sullivan said. Cr mayor Sullivan noted that according to the council report, only two of the thirteen illegal dumpings that were able to be identified were from residents of the Moorabool Shire. “I think this is a case of the many having to pay for the actions of the few and I think it’s not reasonable and it’s not equitable,” he said.

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Run a small business? Free advice is available. The Victorian Government is supporting you with business advice, financial counselling and mental health support from Headway – the free, small business wellbeing initiative.

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Council welcomes road pledge By Olivia Condous The Melton council has welcomed Labor’s election pledge to fund Western Highway upgrades. On April 11 Labor pledged $10 million for a business case to work with the City of Melton in order to improve the stretch of the Western Highway between Melton and Caroline Springs, if the party is successful in the upcoming federal election. The pledge followed the City of Melton Fix Our Roads campaign launch on April 4 at which the council advocated for upgrades to

roads in Melbourne’s west. City of Melton mayor Cr Kesic said the council was delighted with Labor’s commitment towards the highway. “Now is the time to invest in the Western Highway and we hope that other major parties will also make strong commitments towards this key road,” he said. Mayor Cr Kesic said the Western Highway was a rural standard road that desperately needed more interchanges, overpasses and lanes. “The Western Highway is a critical arterial road link that functions as an important

economic driver at a metropolitan, state and national level,” he said. “A business case will provide a clear direction on how to upgrade and future-proof this highway in one of Australia’s fastest growing areas. “It’s an opportunity to address a critical need for tens of thousands of daily commuters, including those getting to and from work and those moving goods across the state.” Caroline Springs resident Tania White said congestion at exit points around the area often pushed back into local roads and affected simple daily activities.

“It means that I have to get in the car earlier with my little girl to make sure we’re getting to school on time and it means we’re spending more time in the car as opposed to the family events we’re planning,” she said. Ms White said she has no choice but to use the intersection at Christies Rd and the Western Highway to get to work, which she described as “horrible”. “The roads are getting more unsafe, you can see it at the peak hours in our suburb,” she said. To find out more about Melton council’s Fix Our Roads campaign, visit https://fixourroads. com.au.

BushBank needs helpers

Tina Ma.

(AJ Taylor Photography)

Squash title for rising young talent A young Melton athlete has won the title of Under 13 Australian squash champion at the 2022 Australian Junior Open. Tina Ma won the final on Monday April 11 and took home her first national title, after winning ACT and Victorian state titles in the past year. Squash Logic Melton coach Richard Cagliarini said Tina had worked to an intense training plan in the lead up to the competition and the hard work all paid off. “She’s got the best attitude and such drive, it’s just incredible,” he said. Tina began her squash training as a five-year-old trying out the OzSquash

program at Squash Logic Melton and never looked back. “We had no idea that she was going to aim for something like this but she just kept on taking on challenges and looking forward to even more challenges every time,” Mr Cagliarini said. “It’s been a massive pleasure to watch her grow, it’s just amazing.” Tina said she was a little nervous to play her opponents but had a fun day and was happy to have achieved the win. “I really just believe in my coach and I trust all hard training will be rewarded in the end, as he once said there’s no success without

failure,” she said. The competition was particularly special for Tina as it was the first time her family in China were able to see her play, via livestream. Tina said her two big goals were to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games and she hopes she’ll be selected to compete at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics if squash is included as a sport. “I’m so lucky to have a great coach, Richard Cagliarini and the Squash Logic Melton team, I couldn’t have achieved this without their support and encouragement.”

The government has invited expressions of interest to be a part of effort to revegetate and restore the Victorian landscape. Announced on April 4, Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio called for people to partner with the BushBank program to restore 20,000 hectares of private land and create more than 100 jobs across Victoria. The revegetation program will provide Aboriginal Traditional Owner corporations with the opportunity to lead efforts on Country, with $7 million in grants available. “We’re regenerating our precious biodiversity, restoring native habitats and creating regional jobs while capturing carbon to help Victoria reach net-zero emissions by 2050,” Ms D’Ambrosio said. “The partnerships are providing landowners and Traditional Owners with new income streams to emerging carbon markets, as well as regenerating land to safeguard Victoria’s rich biodiversity.” A government statement on April 4 said the nearly $31 million investment would revegetate with “millions of trees and shrubs, delivering unique habitats for Victorian wildlife and storing more than 4.5 million tonnes of carbon thanks to the program”. The project is supported by the $15.3 million Victorian Carbon Farming Program. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams said First Nations Victorians know what is best for looking after community and Country. “Through supporting the traditional management of our natural environments, we support better outcomes for everyone,” Ms Williams said. Details: https://www.environment.vic. gov.au/bushbank Elsie Lange

Olivia Condous

More green space on the way for Melton locals to enjoy Melton is one of three areas to receive a new park as part of the state government’s investment into providing outer suburbs with green spaces. In late 2022, construction will commence on the new Kororoit Creek Regional Park in Deanside. The funding will also provide upgrades to the existing Toolern Creek Regional Park in Melton South. Environment, energy and climate change minister Lily D’Ambrosio revealed draft plans for the new parks, also allocated for Wyndham and Clyde, and a $19.5 million investment to commence initial works such as walking trails,

car parks and fencing once plans were finalised. “These new parks will make Melbourne even more liveable, create local jobs and provide open outdoor spaces families and their pets can enjoy for years to come,” Ms D’Ambrosio said. The state government will work with Traditional Owners and local councils to ensure the parks meet the need of expanding communities and preserve and enhance natural and cultural heritage. The parks will feature nature playscape, picnic and BBQ areas, revitalised creeks, wetlands and frog habitats, developed following an initial round of community consultation in 2021.

Locals are again being asked to provide feedback on the long-term visions for the parks, specifically layout, visitor and environmental areas, and accessibility. “We’re excited to hear how Victorians would like to see these three fantastic new parks come to life as part of 6,500 hectares of new and upgraded green space for Melbourne’s growing outer suburbs,” Ms D’Ambrosio said. Residents can share feedback on the draft plans through online surveys on Engage Victoria or by speaking to the Parks Victoria team during community pop-ups in April and May. The parks are part of the state government’s

$315 million investment into creating and upgrading accessible green spaces in Melbourne. Friends of Kororoit Creek president Jessica Gerger said the organisation welcomed the announcement of the new park. “It is an exciting opportunity, in the face of gigantic development expansion, to create a much needed and conservation focused open space on what is currently severely degraded land,” Ms Gerger said. “We hope that the funds will follow the announcement to see the plan through and create the best habitat corridors and protected areas for wildlife.” Details: https://engage.vic.gov.au/parks Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 5

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Anzac Day set to dawn By Olivia Condous (Unsplash)

Local RSL clubs are gearing up for a big return to ANZAC Day activities, after restrictions from the pandemic prevented regular commemorations for the past two years. Melton RSL Sub-Branch president Stephen Cook said this April 25 would be about the well-loved ANZAC Day being back to normal. “It’s mainly about the fact that we’re back, for the last two years things were different and the driveway services were lovely and wonderful,” “But being able to march with your mates and kids being able to march with their parents on a day that honours their sacrifice and service to Australia is something that people look forward to,” Mr Cook said.

Book to heal families of war The Melton RSL will host a special book launch of a Victorian author’s commemoration to families impacted by the Vietnam war in the lead up to ANZAC Day. Melton & Districts Vietnam Veterans and The Partners of Veterans will partner with Melton RSL in the book launch at the Melton Country Club on April 19. Bendigo author Dianne Dempsey wrote ‘When He Came Home’ to spread awareness of the impact of the Vietnam War on veterans and their families. Ms Dempsey’s narrative recognises the work of the partners of veterans who worked hard to hold their families together in a time when there was little recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental illnesses. The book also focuses on how the issues of PTSD and suicide affect contemporary veterans, including intimate interviews. Ms Dempsey will attend the book launch, where signed copies of the book will be available for purchase. For more information, visit the Melton RSL Facebook page.

‘‘

As a veteran, I love it, it’s my day and every veteran feels the same way - Stephen Cook

’’

The Melton RSL will hold a 6am dawn service on High Street outside the Civic Centre, with several thousand residents expected to attend. The service will be followed by a traditional Gunfire Breakfast, where all are welcome to attend. The ANZAC Day parade will finally return, with veterans, members of the Australian Army, the Sunshine Band and more marching together to the cenotaph, followed by another service. Mr Cook said the Melton RSL were looking forward to connecting with new veterans and the community engaging with local veterans on the day. “A lot of the time we have veterans in the

The Melton RSL Sub-Branch president Stephen Cook.

community that we don’t know about, so that’s a great chance to engage with them on the day,” he said. “As a veteran, I love it, it’s my day and every veteran feels the same way.” Melton RSL will also sell badges outside Coles Woodgrove and Bunnings to go towards further support for local veterans. The Caroline Springs RSL Sub-Branch will also hold a dawn service on Lake Street at 6:30am as well as a Gunfire Breakfast afterwards.

Melton Town Centre Revitalisaton Plan Melton Town Centre is set to be revitalised with support of the Victorian Government’s Suburban Revitalisation program. Council is preparing a long-term Revitalisation Plan that will guide future development and identify actions that will transform the Centre into an active and vibrant space.

(Damjan Janevski) 273567_04

The dawn service held by the Ballan RSL Sub-Branch will be at 6am at Mclean Reserve, as well as a commemorative march to the local cenotaph. Mr Cook encouraged residents from the Melton & Moorabool Shire areas to get involved and join in on the day. “Please come out and be a part of a wonderful Australian tradition, honouring our past and present military personnel, be a part of the fantastic commemoration that is ANZAC Day.”

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y a D n Ope 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.

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Little Blind Creek planting day The City of Melton is holding a tree planting day on April 26 at Little Blind Creek as part of the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West initiative. Residents are encouraged to join in to help improve the local environment by planting trees. Participation is free and plants are supplied. For more information visit the City of Melton website.

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Movies in the Marsh Gardening competition winners Tony and Carmen May. (Supplied)

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Prize for green thumbs

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Two resident Aintree green thumbs have been awarded a big cash prize as the winners of a local gardening competition. Carmen and Tony May were the winners of the Woodlea Estate inaugural front garden competition with a $10,000 prize. The competition was launched in September 2021 and designed to encourage residents to have fun and learn gardening tips and tricks, while maintaining local streetscapes. Aintree community organisation Eat Grow Garden partnered with Woodlea Estate for the competition. Eat Grow Garden director Jono Ingram supported participants over the six month competition period in learning to grow and maintain their gardens and encouraged all residents to get involved. Competition winner Carmen May said she and her husband were over the moon to be awarded first prize. “It was amazing, we opened our front door and there were balloons and a massive cheque

right there, we were immediately jumping up and down,” she said. The couple designed their front garden with a woodlands theme to match the architectural style of their home. “I have to give my husband credit, Tony would be out in the garden every weekend pruning trees and bushes, cutting the grass and edging,” Ms May said. The couple plan to use the prize money to visit family in the United Kingdom this year. “Every few years my husband travels back to the UK to visit his father, there have been lots of teary phone calls throughout the pandemic with him not being able to see his ageing father, now 84,” Ms May said. “Now having won the money, we are definitely going to book flights to visit this year with our daughter.”Woodlea Estate will open entries for the 2023 gardening competition in July.

Connect over a shared love of movies with Movies in the Marsh. This free club is held on the last Friday of the month at the Lerderderg Library. Bookings are made on Eventbrite, check the Moorabool Shire Council website for more information. Call the library on 5366 7100 to find out this months movie.

Calling all local musicians The Moorabool Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from local musicians who would like to take part in a paid performance opporwtunity as part of the Live and Local Program. The Shire will be hosting a series of micro-festivals from late June to mid July 2022. The program aims to build the capacity of local music communities by providing paid opportunities, professional development workshops and local industry forums. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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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.

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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

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Creating connections By Olivia Condous Melton youth will receive further support to engage with their local community through new government funding. VicHealth announced the community group program partners who will receive a share of $5 million as part of The Big Connect program, go towards supporting the wellbeing of Victorian young people. The Edmund Rice Community and Refugee Services (ERCRS) in Truganina is one of the 27 partners to receive the funding. The ERCRS run a range of services in the western suburbs predominantly for residents from refugee, migrant and disadvantaged backgrounds. The organisation will use the funding to bolster the We Connect mentoring program, designed to re-engage children aged 13 to 16 with their community to reduce youth disengagement in the Brimbank-Melton area. ERCRS team leader and We Connect program supervisor Georgia Weymouth Large said the program also supported youth to empower themselves to become young leaders. “Young people, particularly post-COVID, are feeling a sense of disengagement within their communities and with their peers,” she said. “The aim of this mentoring program is really just to reestablish those connections that they may have lost during that time, with themselves, their peers, their local communities and families.” The funding for ERCRS will go towards community and social youth engagement, employment pathways, as well as re-engaging youth back in school after a difficult period of remote learning during the pandemic. The program will also seek feedback from young people within the community to learn

Edmund Rice Community and Refugee Services team leader Georgia Weymouth Large and Nour. (Supplied)

what goals and outcomes they would like to see. Ms Weymouth Large said the organisation was really excited to receive the funding and be able to expand the We Connect mentoring program.

“That’s a big thing for us, really ensuring that we’re getting the voice of the young people into the program, what they think would work best for them,” she said. “To support young people in the community and their families, that’s really important to us.”

Melton history goes on show Melton residents will have a chance to learn about the area’s 150-year-old history at the upcoming Heritage Festival. Throughout April, the City of Melton will host a variety of events and exhibitions to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the municipality. The festival will recognise the cultural heritage of First Peoples, as well as the historic buildings, landscapes, places and stories that make up Melton’s history. Local events will include the Melton 150th anniversary online exhibition, a dingo history lesson for kids, a dinosaur exploration with Museums Victoria, a guided tour of the former Mowbray College, a guided river walk at Lozzbert Reserve and more. Mayor Goran Kesic encouraged residents explore the different parts of Melton’s rich heritage. “This is an opportunity to learn more about Melton’s past, from its early pastoral history and the gold rush, through to post-war growth and suburban development,” Cr Kesic said. “There’s so many fun and varied activities for all ages, whether you want to find out about dinosaurs, historic buildings, or local experiences.” The official festival launch will take place on April 21 with a twilight event at Melton Library and Learning Hub and will include a first look at some historic displays documenting the experience of early Melton residents and a performance from local Australiana band Drongo and the Crow for kids to enjoy.

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Funding boost for Parwan area By Olivia Condous The state government has made an investment in the Parwan area to better support agricultural business growth in the Moorabool Shire. Buningyong MP Michaela Settle and Melton MP Steve McGhie announced $200,000 in funding through the Investment Fast Track Fund for Moorabool Council to develop plans to connect power, water and sewerage to the Parwan precinct. The Moorabool Shire Council and Greater Western Water will also contribute $25,000

each to the project. The Parwan Employment Precinct project is an initiative from the Moorabool Shire Council and the Victorian Planning Authority to develop the area south of Bacchus Marsh into an agribusiness hub. The plans to develop further infrastructure in Parwan serve the goal of attracting significant levels of new industrial and agricultural business investment to the region and capitalise on existing business in the area. The project aims to help reduce the number of residents leaving the Shire for employment

opportunities by potentially providing more than 1,500 jobs and will provide an estimated economic benefit of $186 million to the region. The Investment Fast Track Fund is part of the state government’s $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund designed to create more jobs in regional Victoria and support councils to build needed infrastructure. Buningyong MP Michaela Settle said Parwan had the potential to create prosperity for the broader community. “Connection of power, water and sewerage

will help attract new business and those already there to expand,” Ms Settle said. “The Investment Fast Track Fund is taking projects from the ideas phase to be investment and development-ready, as this will help boost our regional economy while creating jobs.” Greater Western Water managing director Maree Lang said the organisation was committed to working with partners to support growth and development in regional communities. “The Parwan Employment Precinct has significant potential to be a thriving agricultural district,” she said.

Darley club vandalised

Killing Heidi lead singer Ella Hooper. (Supplied)

Mystery musicians surprise Melton Surprise star buskers are popping up around the Melton area as a part of the City of Melton Mystery Music Makers monthly event series. There are three more free performances for residents to enjoy, with the mystery artist only being revealed at the last minute. Previous famous faces to perform around Melton have included internationallycelebrated duo Pierce Brothers, Killing Heidi’s lead singer Ella Hooper, Powderfinger lead

guitarist Darren Middleton. The next event will be on April 24 at the Eynesbury Homestead and artist clues will be released on the Melton City Much More Facebook page. City of Melton mayor Cr Goran Kesic said he was thrilled to see so many residents already coming along to the events. “It’s very exciting to have musicians of this calibre perform in the City of Melton,

“We’ve already had performances from some of Australia’s best in the music industry and there are more incredible artists on board and ready to pay us a visit for these fantastic local gigs,” mayor Cr Goran Kesic said. “This is also a great opportunity to support the surrounding local businesses by grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat while you’re there.”

A Moorabool sporting club has been hit with damaging vandalism in the lead up to their first home game of the season. Darley Football Netball Club installed temporary portable buildings on Friday 8 April to accommodate players while their new sports and community pavilion is under construction, but on Sunday evening unknown vandals smashed all of their windows. The Devils club president Mark Shelly said it was unclear if the vandalism of the hired portables would impact the club’s first home game against Bacchus Marsh on April 23. “These temporary facilities were bought in so that season could get underway, we’ve actually got to find out now how long it’s going to take to get them repaired, “We needed to bring these in and we’re actually paying to use them while our own rooms are being rebuilt, it’s really frustrating,” Mr Shelly said. Mr Shelly said the total cost of hire and installation of the portable facilities for the season was $40,000 and now the club would need to spend more on the glass repairs. “It’s really annoying, we’re a community based sporting club trying to provide community sport for all and this is what we’re effectively up against,” he said. “We’d like the offenders to be caught up with and reprimanded or made aware of the inconvenience and how this has impacted a community club.” Darley Football Netball Club is offering a $500 reward for anyone with information that leads to an offender being charged or reprimanded in relation to the damages. Olivia Condous

Olivia Condous

New multi-purpose community hub for the Navigators Navigators will receive a new multi-purpose community hub through funding from the state government as part of an initiative to create more jobs and support community projects in regional Victoria. Buningyong MP Michaela Settle announced $326,000 in funding for the project on Wednesday April 13 through the second round of the Labor Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund. The new community hub will replace the old hall and public toilets and will be designed to hold a range of events and groups from Navigators and the surrounding communities. The facilities will include a multi-purpose space, kitchen, storage and accessible amenities available for the community and visitors to use. 10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

Local groups such as the Navigators Tennis Club will be able to hold community events and use the facilities to support their growth. Ms Settle said the navigators community will now have a new, modern and accessible community space to come together and meet. “Replacing the old and worn out shed and public toilets, this new facility will help give the tennis club and other local groups a major boost,” she said. Moorabool Shire mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said the new community hub was great news. “The Navigators Community and the Committee of Management have worked tirelessly over a long time to make this dream come to fruition,” he said. Olivia Condous

Melton MP Steve McGhie and Buningyong MP Michaela Settle at the Greater Western Water Parwan Water Treatment Plant. (Supplied)

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COMMUNITY

Heathdale Christian College students enjoyed an Easter egg hunt.

Schools hop into Easter fun In the last week of Term 1, local primary schools enjoyed Easter egg hunts, craft activities and parades to celebrate before the school holidays. Take a look at the gallery to see some snapshots of the student festivities. Balliang East Primary School students show off their Easter craft.

Wedge Park Primary Sch ool students enjoyed the Easter bonnet par ade.

Heathdale Christian College students Naomi, Matilda and Kiara with their Easter crafts. Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

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Film maker dials up the horror For any independent filmmaker, getting a film off the ground is hard work, and an immense amount of passion for the craft is needed to continue on the long road ahead. But for David Willing, that possibility became a reality when his horror film ‘Surrogate’ premiered at the Sun Theatre earlier this month. Molly Magennis spoke to the writer/director about his passion for film and making his feature directorial debut.

S

eddon resident David Willing fell in love with cinema when he was five years old. When he was 12, he picked up a video camera and started making films around his house. He eventually headed off to film school, where he learned the intricacies of how to write scripts and piece together a film. “[My] love of cinema grew and grew and I started to learn how to write and direct films,” David said. “Then, over the years, my adult life has just been making, well since film school, short films and documentaries. I’ve written I think about 11 feature films, but this was the first one that actually we managed to find the finance for to make happen.” While horror was a genre that David particularly enjoyed growing up, his work prior to Surrogate mainly consisted of writing crime/thriller scripts, documentaries and a comedy short.

Director/writer David Willing behind the camera. (Supplied)

‘‘

Honest to goodness, someone actually did pass out ... there’s a particularly notorious scene that they got up to leave and she passed out - David Willing

’’

“It sort of came full circle that my first feature was a horror film because I had loved that genre so much growing up,” he said. George A. Romero, a pioneer of the horror genre who is often referred to as the ‘godfather of zombies’, is cited by David as having a significant influence on him from a horror standpoint. He was lucky enough to meet the acclaimed director six years ago at the Melbourne International Film Festival. “Dawn of the Dead I saw when I was 12, it just blew me away,” he said. “I gave [George] a copy of one of my short films I’d made at the time and just had a brief chat with him in the cinema and he signed one of his books for me.” In terms of particularly impactful films, Silence of the Lambs (1991) and David Fincher’s masterpiece Seven (1995) were ‘pivotal’ for the young filmmaker, with the latter having a special influence on Surrogate. “It’s one of the films that I watch, you know, once a year I revisit it, it just gets better each time and the influence of that shows a little bit in Surrogate, not a lot, but there’s a few moments that are clearly inspired by the design of the film.” David describes Surrogate as an ‘intense, paranormal horror’ centred around a single mother named Natalie Paxton who falls mysteriously ill and struggles to save her family from being destroyed. “When she returns home [from hospital], just all these really, you know, crazy, intense and full-on things start happening to her and her daughter, and then she needs to solve that problem,” he said. The film is the result of a brainstorming session he had with his co-writer Beth King back in 2016, where the pair came up with eight story ideas, with one immediately standing out. They spent two years writing and rewriting the story, coming up with five different endings in the process, before officially shooting the film in 2020. Kestie Morassi, best known for her role in the iconic Australian horror Wolf Creek (2005) and as Maggie in Home and Away, was cast to play Natalie, alongside Jane Badler (Mission 12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

Behind the scenes on the filming of Surrogate. Kestie Morassi (top left) plays mother Natalie Paxton, and Ellie Stewart (right) plays Ava Akard. (Pictures: Supplied)

Impossible) and Louise Siverson (Prisoner). David said Morassi was looking to star in another horror film around the time she finished up on Home and Away. She had been offered a lot of horror scripts following Wolf Creek, but none had grabbed her attention, that was until she read Surrogate. “What’s interesting with her role is that she’s in almost every scene of the film…so [we] just kind of needed to see that she’d be right for the character,” he said. “But then she sent me a tape of one thing in particular, and just was like, oh wow, she’s going to be perfect for the role, and yeah, it’s quite an incredible performance.” While the rest of the cast and crew is made up of over one hundred talented creatives, Surrogate does have a particularly local flavour, with many of those involved based in the west. Renee Schulz, David’s housemate, was behind the film’s gruesome makeup, the chilling soundtrack was composed by Footscray resident Mark Buys, cinematographer Ben

Luck resides in Sydenham and Producer Haris Fazlic’s studio is based in Sunshine. “The other [person who] was just incredible was our production designer Bianca because art departments feel the lower budget more than anyone because, you know, they have to dress certain sets and do certain things, and her work is extraordinary on [the film], it looks beautiful,” David said. Surrogate had its world premiere at the Sun Theatre in Yarraville on Wednesday April 6, followed by a Q&A with Jane Badler and Kestie Morassi. David said the response to the film has been really positive so far, with some audience members getting more than they bargained for. “Everyone’s just found it quite intense and [they’re] gripped as they’re watching it,” he said. “We actually had at our premiere, honest to goodness, someone actually did pass out….. there’s a particularly notorious scene that they got up to leave and she passed out.

“I said to the makeup artist who did the special effects, that’s the best compliment you’re ever gonna get for your work.” The film’s swift success was equally as clear when David was told it was the Sun Theatre’s number one film for two weeks, and that it outsold new releases The Batman and Morbius just last week. “I would say a lot of indie filmmakers would kill to get what we’ve got, you know, part of that has just come through that real hard work and tenacity,” David said. There are still plenty of opportunities for horror fans and movie lovers to see Surrogate on the big screen, with the Thornbury Picture house holding screenings on April 20, and the Sun Theatre hosting three more sessions over the school holidays with dates yet to be announced. For sessions times and more information visit https://suntheatre.com.au/wp-cinema/ movie/S21SURROGATE/SURROGATE/ or https://www.surrogatefilm.com/

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COMMENT

Support wild gorillas in APE-ril

Western Lowland Gorilla in afternoon sunlight. (Supplied)

Anyone can collect and donate 10 mobile phones at a time by booking a free courier through Zoos Victoria’s website, and will go into a draw to win an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience for four people at Werribee Open Range Zoo. The experience includes a tour of the Zoo’s plantations to learn about what gorillas eat and how they are cared for by keepers, as well as an accommodation voucher for an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn in Werribee.

There are four sub-species of gorillas that are native to Africa. All are impacted by illegal poaching and habitat destruction from logging and mining, with conservation work of critical importance. Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo are home to seven Western lowland Gorillas, who form part of an international and regional breeding program to maintain a genetically diverse troop that can support conservation of gorilla populations.

For more information about Zoos Victoria’s They’re Calling On You initiative, visit www.zoo.org.au/phone Zoos Victoria members and Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au and all ticket holders 18 years and over are required to provide proof of full vaccination and follow current Victorian Government directions at www.coronavirus. vic.gov.au.

12544962-AV15-22

Victorians are being asked to ‘dial up’ their support for the conservation of wild gorillas, by donating 1000 mobile phones this APE-ril. The drive by Zoos Victoria aims to recycle 1000 phones containing the metallic mineral ‘çoltan’, reducing mining in habitat shared by gorillas, while also raising funds for life-saving medical care of fragile, wild gorilla populations in Africa. Zoos Victoria conservationist and reproductive biologist Dr Marissa Parrott said recycling 1000 phones will provide enormous support for Gorilla Doctors, the only organisation in the world dedicated to saving Endangered Mountain gorillas and Critically Endangered Eastern lowland gorillas through veterinary medicine and science. “By simply donating your old mobile phones, you can make such a difference to the future of gorilla species,” Dr Parrott said. Gorilla Doctors Field Veterinarian Dr Noheli Jean Bosco said Gorilla Doctors conservation work has contributed to the restoration of 50 per cent of the current Mountain gorilla’s wild population. “In the 1980s, these Gorillas were at the brink of extinction. So, together with others, we have started to restore the number of wild gorillas,” he said. “But we are not able to succeed alone. This is achieved through the work everyone is doing together with us all around the world. Thank you to the people of Australia who have accepted this call and are recycling their phones through this initiative.”

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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 Friendship Group. Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

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

Lumen Christi Catholic Primary School, students reinacted the Stations of the Cross in the lead up to Easter. Pictured are Sebastian as Jesus with Bianca and Joshua. (Damjan Janevski) 276332_01

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

group meets fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

French and Italian for over 50s 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

Over 50, retired, or semi-retired and wanting to learn a language? U3A Melton offers French and Italian classes for beginners and those with more advanced skills. ■ www.u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

Community singing group

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

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 Men’s Probus Club

Rotary Club of Melton 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

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 14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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

take part in this interactive workshop to support organisations to build resilience and re-activate programs. On Thursday, May 5, 10am-noon at the Goonawarra Community Centre, 20 Dornoch Drive, Sunbury, the workshop will provide insights to take with you to your group, with opportunities to learn what support is available. ■ https://bit.ly/3vcvSpK

Lancefield Swap Meet If you’re a lover of cars, bikes, bric a brac and collectables, the Lancefield Swap Meet & Car Show, run by the Lancefield Football Netball Club, will be heaven for you. It’s happening on Sunday, April 24 from 7am at Lancefield Park. ■ Pam, 0414 491 749

Let’s Get Neighbourly Sunbury Celebrate the beauty of community with Let’s Get Neighbourly Sunbury, a free training and event program bringing neighbours together. The initiative is open to all in Hume, with the first session on Saturday, April 30. ■ https://bit.ly/3LRAoRk

Bulla Garden Club ANZAC DAY Bacchus Marsh Market A monthly market will return to Bacchus Marsh starting from this Saturday. Bacchus Marsh Alive will host a variety of stalls, food trucks and family fun at Maddingley Park Reserve for residents to enjoy. The market will run on the second Saturday of every month from 9am until 2pm. Residents are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and invite their family and friends for a fun day out.

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 our bags. Meets on the first Sunday each month at the Darley Neighbourhood House 2pm-4pm. Find the Facebook group for more details.

Re-engage, Re-activate, Resilience! Hume council invites the community to

The Bulla Garden Club ANZAC Day memorial service is happening on April 25 at 8.30am, with morning tea provided. Head to 1 Green Street, Bulla. ■ Jo, 0499 922 061

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

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 Dr, Sunbury, with the first on Saturday, April 30, 2pm-4pm. Register your interest at the link below. ■ https://bit.ly/3jcan2D

Lancefield park run relaunch Lace up your runners and join the relaunch 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 St, Lancefield, and remember to register. ■ https://bit.ly/3IEDB4L

Sunbury Seniors 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

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

Family History and Heritage Society

Sculptures and wine

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

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

Sunbury Art Society Annual show

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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

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Bacchus Marsh Foodworks 1 Bennett Street

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

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

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Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh Newsagency 138 Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh Arbee Real Estate 140 Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh Sweeney Real Estate 164 Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh Stockdale and Leggo Real Estate 191 Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh Moorabool Shire 182 Halletts Way

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Bacchus Marsh Milk Bar the Avenue 208 Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh Information Centre 215 Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh The Village Shopping Centre Main Street

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Bacchus Marsh Bellbrook Gardens Country Club 168 Underbank Boulevard

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

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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.

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Melton Professionals Real Estate 317 High Street

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Melton Melton Library 31 McKenzie Street

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Melton MGS Grocery Store 358 High Street

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Melton Melton Country Club 28-30 Reserve Road

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Melton Freddy’s Fruit & Veg 393 High Street

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Melton YPA Real Estate - Melton 272274 High Street

Melton Melton Indoor Sports Centre 65 Reserve Road

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Melton Coles 11 Station Street (Melton Station Square)

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Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

PUZZLES No. 077

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

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

7

9 4 3 4 5 8 2 3 9 2

1 9 2 1 5 6 8

2

5 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 24 27 28 29 30

No. 077

DOWN

Plant of the genus that includes cabbage (8) Opposite of an acid (6) Bush (5) Social exclusion (9) Playing cards (6) Buoyant support (7) Native American tribe (8) A small nation on the island of Borneo (6) Loathing (6) Danger (8) Begins again (7) Reddish-brown (6) Books of memoranda (9) Employing (5) Cerumen (6) Inscriptions (8)

1

easy

9

QUICK CROSSWORD

Outback (4) Consensus (9) Sword (US spelling) (5) Monastic establishment (8) Tyro (7) Type of acid (5) Largeness (9) Over (4) Integration of elements (9) Oslo resident (9) US state (8) West African nation; capital Windhoek (7) Lecher (5) Cease (4) Polecat (5) Roe (4)

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No. 077

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OMEGA OMENS ORATE OVERT OXIDE PINES RETRO ROLES SATIN SCALE SCOPE SEETO SLEEK SPEND STAGE STEPS STONE STOPS TAKEN TAMPA THANK TIMES TWEED

No. 077 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

1

What is the name of Radiohead’s fourth album, released in 2000?

2

What are stratus clouds called when they contact the ground?

3

Which organisation sent a letter to the band Pet Shop Boys requesting that they change their name to 'Rescue Shelter Boys'?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible 4

Raspeball, vareniki and khinkali are all types of what? Philip Seymour Hoffman’s (pictured) first professional acting role was in a 1991 episode of which TV series? In which Australian state is the Moore River located?

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16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

5 LETTERS ADAGE ADDER ADEPT ADORE

No. 077

8 LETTERS DEBONAIR POSTCARD REDOLENT TOLERANT

7 LETTERS AKIHITO BANSHEE EDUCATE ERASURE MAGENTA RANKING

22-04-22

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font, forint, fort, forth, FORTNIGHT, frog, front, froth, frothing, giro, goth, hong, horn, hotting, ingot, into, iron, noir, north, riot, rotting, thong, thorn, throng, tong, tonight, torn, tort, toting, trio, triton, trot, troth

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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”.

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9-LETTER WORD

33 words: Excellent

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ARGOT AWARE BOARD BUCKS CIDER CIVIC DREGS DROOP ELATE ENDED ENEMA ENTER ERASE ERROL HOMES IDEAS KATIE KEEPS LANKY LILAC MAINE MELON MIAMI

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WORDFIT

7

On May 6 of which year did the German rigid airship Hindenburg catch fire, killing 36 people?

8

Palaeography is the study of what?

9

In which year was Helvetica, the sans-serif typeface, developed by Max Miedinger: a) 1932 b) 1945 or c) 1957?

10 What was the only movie to be screened at the very first Cannes Film Festival? ANSWERS: 1. Kid A 2. Fog 3. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) 4. Dumplings 5. Law & Order 6. Western Australia 7. 1937 8. Handwriting 9. c) 1957 10. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

SUDOKU

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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Trades & Services

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739 ฀

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

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

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12435708-LB03-20

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AU 21094

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Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

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General Maintenance 12533949-HC05-22

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12420493-CG25-19

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12533274-HC09-22

KS Heating & Cooling

Froggys

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

Call 0430 332 368

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

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V Carpet Cleaning Fletcher’s Carpet Steam Cleaning

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Motoring

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12519309-CG44-21

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9746 7785

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Contact Info (03) 9314 1003 Email: sales@workingsurfaces.com.au www.workingsurfaces.com.au Showroom: Unit 7 / 17 Felstead Drive, Truganina

12398667-SN37-18

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

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Saga Transport is a reliable carrier based in Melbourne, Australia

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0423 129 648

฀

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

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

12546098-HC16-22

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816 479 Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Trades & Services

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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

Notice of an Application for Planning Permit

s of specialised property Very diverse in all aspect ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

621 Andrew 0425 852

services

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

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PA2021/7743/1

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Employment V Positions Vacant

V Positions Vacant

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

26th of April 2022

Housekeeper

CLASSIFIEDS EARLY DEADLINES ANZAC DAY

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ANTENNA MAN

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Rainbow Dolls

12469374-CG46-20

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ALL AROUND

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

12327446-LN42-16

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12400498-CG38-18

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ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

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977914

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

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Lic 49728

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12543772-HC15-22

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0423 288 893

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12400545-LB38-19

Bashyrr Saida 0416 561 594 Ibrahim Saida 0403 610 782

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1235322622-PB22-17

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SAME DAY SERVICE

WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATOR & ADMIN DUTIES

0428 568 004

OPERATORS AND LABOURER

FRIDAY 22ND APRIL at 1.30pm 12532148-AV03-22

• Painting And Decorating • Timber Repairs • Plaster Repairs • Tile And Concrete Repairs

General home duties, laundry, garden. A regular few hours a week, flexible. Suit pensioner or retiree. Please call James on 0408 104 208 Xen@ trumpetevents.com

12545330-JW15-22

Classified deadlines for Tuesday, 26th April issue of the Melton/Moorabool Star Weekly as follows:

12441118-CG07-20

section of Network Classifieds.

Relieve stress and get help being healed by Reiki Master Ken McKean. Massage also available. By appointment. bekindreiki@outlook.com Call 9310 2545 Sunshine Primary Health, 111 Durham Rd, Sunshine to make an appointment

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.

Call 1300 666 808

Professional Services

Reiki

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

12412038-FA09-10

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The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before.

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

12423634-SN31-19

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The application reference number is:

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The application is for a permit to: The applicant for the permit is:

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

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

12545501-CG15-22

Grow your business with

The land affected by the application is located at:

V Tuition

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0435 904 818 18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

Buy & Sell in our

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STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

Toyota C-HR GR Sport road test

Sporty looks include 19-inch dark alloys with 225/45 rubber. (Pictures: Supplied)

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Some people loathe the dramatic look of the Toyota C-HR. Personally, I really like design and have done since day one. So, I was mildly excited to hear there was now a GR version, the C-HR GR Sport -- inspired by Toyota’s performance-focused GR models. The key word, however, is “inspired” -because there’s no more power on offer and that is disappointing (you might feel differently).

Styling The GR Sport features a more aggressive front bumper and grille, with an aerodynamic lip, a bold lower grille, thick horizontal bar and revised fog light surrounds that sit lower than the standard model. Sporty bits include larger 19-inch dark alloys with 225/45 series rubber, high-grade LED lighting front and rear, piano black finish for the rear lip spoiler, plus mirror caps and door garnishes. Completing the look are white brake callipers with GR logos on the front, and GR emblems at the front, side, and rear. A rationalised lineup now has three models, with a choice of two drivetrains and either front- or all-wheel drive. The hybrid has the same setup as in the Prius, Corolla, Corolla Cross and Lexus CT hatch. Pick the 1.2-litre turbo and you get a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Opt for the hybrid, and it’s front-wheel drive only. The GXL front-wheel drive hybrid, GR Sport comes only as a hybrid with front-wheel drive only. Though the GR Sport sits at the top of the tree it doesn’t get everything. Standard kit includes sat-nav, dual-zone climate air, adaptive cruise, keyless smart entry and star, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto LED lights and wipers, electronic parking brake and a 4.2-inch colour driver display. It dips out on powered driver lumbar adjustment, heated front seats and Nanoe Air Conditioning Technology - all standard with Koba. The latter is designed to send moisture-rich ions into the cabin to reduce odours, pollen and other allergens. It also reduces the dryness associated with standard air conditioning systems. GR Sport is available in five colours, with the $450 option of a black roof with Crystal Pearl,

Hornet Yellow or Feverish Red. An 8.0-inch touchscreen fronts a six-speaker audio system, with AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, voice recognition, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto -- but no DAB+.

Engines / Transmissions The powertrain consists of a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre engine, with 72kW and 142Nm, teamed with an electric motor that puts 53kW and 163Nm. With a combined power output of 90kW, no mention of torque and an undisclosed kerb weight, performance is at best average. The CVT does not provide “steps” or simulated gears like it does in petrol models, with drive and reverse settings plus B for engine braking.

Safety A comprehensive five-star safety package encompasses seven airbags, a rear-view camera and Forward Collision Warning, Brake Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking. There’s also Lane Trace Assist, Auto High Beam, All-Speed Active Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Safety system with pedestrian detection, as well as Blind Spot Monitor, Road Sign recognition and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The latter misses out on auto braking and there’s no overhead parking monitor either -both of which come with Koba.

Driving A GR Supra or GR Yaris it is not. GR Sport is quite clearly more about show than go. It rides on larger flashier 19-inch alloys, with 225/45R19 Yokohamas, and 15mm lower sports suspension and sits 12mm closer to the ground. Shock absorbers, spring rates and stabiliser bars have all been tweaked to reduce pitch and body roll, in the name of better handling. A new centre brace has also been added to strengthen body rigidity and contributes to a more direct steering response. There’s some talk of GR brakes, but apart from white calipers, no further information is offered, suggesting they are otherwise standard. The sporty makeover continues inside with body-hugging, black leather-look sports seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. There are also dark silver highlights around the instrument panel and door garnishes, piano black surrounds for the centre console

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Toyota C-HR GXL 1.2-litre turbo, FWD, priced from $30,915 Toyota C-HR Koba 1.8-litre hybrid, AWD, priced from $35,165 Toyota C-HR GR Sport, 1.8-litre hybrid, FWD, priced from $37,665

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges.

and power-window switches, along with a GR-branded start button. A diamond motif is repeated throughout the cabin, visible on the roof lining, overhead switches and interior light. The dash features a pair of traditional analogue dials that flank a central information panel and while they are clear and easy to read -- they lack the digital pyrotechnics of competitors. Satnav fires up quickly and is easy to use, apart from the predictive text -- but has an annoying habit of taking over the centre information panel where the digital speed is

normally displayed. Cancelling a destination is also difficult. With large rear pillars and a plunging roof line, the design leads to a back seat that is claustrophobic, offers limited legroom and does not have air outlets for passengers. The hidden rear door handles are also difficult to use from some angles. A small boot space hides a space saver spare. All in all, however, the car looks amazing with its gleaming paintwork. It would all be terrific if it just had more power to go with the more purposeful looks -- more chutzpah to push through corners, requiring better handling and stopping power. But the fact of the matter is that it doesn’t, therefore the handling enhancements are somewhat superfluous. What’s more, the type of person who buys this car is unlikely to be from the boy racer fraternity and is hardly about to push the limits. For the most part, the CVT tranny behaves itself, hiding the zoominess that usually marks CVTs. Ride and handling are great, but the steering feels rubbery and the drive experience is far from engaging. We have a long, steep hill near our neck of the woods that tends to sort the wheat from the chaff. You need a run up and it wasn’t kind to the C-HR. All of a sudden, under hard acceleration, it became quite harsh and noisy and the CVT went into overdrive, sounding like a lawnmower about to run out of petrol. On a more positive note, fuel consumption is rated at a measly 4.3L/100km. We were using just 4.7 after more than 600km behind the wheel.

Summing Up I keep wanting to like this car but let’s cut to the chase. There’s not much GRness, not much to get excited about -- certainly no extra power. Frankly, I think for $37,165, the Koba 1.2-litre turbo with all-wheel drive offers a sportier package and you can spend the $500 you save on two-tone paint. Trust me, you won’t miss the sports suspension. But be warned, with more than 60 accessories available to enhance your purchase -- you’re liable to end up spending more than you had planned. Come on Toyota, let’s have a real GR C-HR! Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Young golfer Louise Baliton swinging for glory Who would’ve known that a little seven-year-old girl, following her father around a golf practice area would lead to a blossoming golf career? For Louise Baliton those moments on the practice area would see her fall in love with the sport. “I would follow dad around the practice area at Mt Derrimut Golf Community Club and have a shot or two every now and then,” she recalls. “Dad asked if I would like to learn and so when I was seven, I attended some golf clinics and I fell in love with the game.” Baliton began playing in tournaments when she was nine-years-old, winning the first she one she entered. The win encouraged her to continue playing and she was soon rising up the golf rankings. In 2019 she was the recipient of a Victorian School Sports award “Sporting Blue” for golf and last year she won the girls Victorian Junior Masters. She also won back-to-back ladies championships at her home golf club. In 2021, Baliton was awarded the Golf Victoria Future Champions Trophy and placed

second in the girls Victorian Junior Open. Baliton is a member of The Heritage Golf and Country Club women’s team that competes at the best sandbelt courses in Victoria. “My current Golf Australia handicap is 1.4,” she says quietly, with pride. “My training schedule with Maribyrnong Sports Academy involves technical training every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon between 3.30-7pm at Medway Golf Club. “Following our warmup, we follow an individual program developed in consultation with our coaches. “It may be as simple as playing nine holes with a focus on course management. “At school I have a gym program to complete on Monday and Thursday. It involves resistance training to strengthen my golf swing and core.” Baliton sees her strengths in her short game with chipping and putting making the difference in her game. Her favourite player is Lydia Ko, who she modelled her swing on, until Ko changed her game.

Baliton is currently in Adelaide playing back-to-back tournaments. It means golf during the day and hitting the books during the evenings. Baliton is looking at what is required to enter the American College system on a golf scholarship. “It would be an amazing experience. It is my dream to play on those courses. I will need to achieve a very high ATAR to gain college entry.” Baliton is the April nominee for the Don Deeble Sports Star Award. The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and The Star Weekly Newspapers. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631. Peter Howe

Louise Baliton is this month’s Don Deeble nominee. (Supplied)

Sports shorts VSDCA The next generation has arrived at Melton Cricket Club with Jason Hibbert winning the club’s highest honour. Hibbert, who played in the club’s first XI in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association, was awarded the Butch Gale Medal for the first time at just 19 years of age. Stephan Lalli-Cafini won the best clubman award, while Matt Stead won the club most valuable player award and Faiz Unaid won the club all-rounder award.

Ballarat FL Melton has announced the signing of Daniel O’Leary for the Ballarat Football League season. O’Leary, who played both NAB League and Victorian Football League games, most recently played with Altona in the Western Region Football League. O’Leary is expected to bring toughness, skills and experience to complement the club’s strong midfield group. The Bloods had the weekend off, due to the Easter break. The Bloods next match is against the Sunbury Lions.

EDFL Charlotte Baskaran and Amber Clarke were the top vote getters in the league best and fairest award. (AFL Photos)

Youngsters recognised By Tara Murray Western Jets’ captain Charlotte Baskaran narrowly missed out on winning the NAB League Girl’s top award on Tuesday night. Just days after captaining her side to their first premiership, Baskaran finished runners-up in the league best and fairest award. Baskaran finished on 19 votes, one behind Dandenong Stingrays Amber Clarke. Clarke had already claimed the grand final best on ground medal. Northern Knights Ava Jordan finished third on 14 votes, while Bridget Deed (10 votes) and Reese Sutton (nine votes) rounded out the top five. Clarke said she was so proud to continue her form from a strong bottom age season, to this year. “I think I’ve gone OK,” she said. “I had some games I was pretty happy with how we played. “I was so happy, [but] I feel like I could have done more. I think I worked hard during the pre-season and I hope it paid off.” Premiership captain Baskaran was named 20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

the captain of the team of the year. Baskaran, who was named in the middle of the ground alongside Jets teammate Montana Ham. Laura Elliott was the third Jets player named in the team of the year. Baskaran said she was really proud of her season. “I’m very excited,” she said. “I’m incredibly honoured to be given that title. “I’m just really excited from the season it has been… and to captain a bunch of talented girls, couldn’t be happier. “I’m really proud of myself this season coming into round one, so much hard work had been done make sure I was ready to go and look back now and see all the work has been ticked off. “To all the other girls in my team helped me play my best footy and all the coaches, couldn’t do it without them. “I definitely think that everything this season has come together really well and all the hard work has paid off.“ Caitlin Sargent, who was the competition’s

leading goal kicker, and grand final hero Krystal Russell were unlucky to miss out on being named in the team. Cannons’ Abbey McDonald was named on the half back flank in the team of the year, with Ava Jordan was named in the forward line. Other players named in the team of the year include Tasmania Devils’ Georgia Clark and Claire Ransom, Dandenong Stingrays’ Charlotte Ryan, Mackenzie Eardley, Georgia Foran and Sofi Hurley, Murray Bushrangers’ Zara Hamilton, Zarlie Goldsworth and Keely Skepper, Eastern Ranges’ Mia Busch, Mia Austin and Bridget Reed, Greater Western Victorian Rebels’ Molly Walton, Oakleigh Chargers’ Erin Woodford, Bendigo Pioneers’ Lucia Painter and Geelong Falcons’ Elizabeth Dowling. Meanwhile Tahlia Read was named the Calder Cannons’ best player ahead of Strathmore’s Amy Gaylor on 60 votes and the Sunbury Kangaroos’ Reese Sutton on 58 votes. The Jets boys team was set to be in action on Good Friday against the Cannons, after deadline.

Three big Good Friday clashes were scheduled to take place in the Essendon District Football League. In premier division, Keilor and Strathmore were set to do battle, in division 1 it was Hillside and the Sunbury Kangaroos, while Keilor Park was to travel to Coburg Districts. For results, head to www.starweekly.com.au.

Soccer The FV state league women’s season gets underway this weekend. In state league 1 north-west, Spring Hills faces Bundoora United, while in state league 2 north-west the Stallions face Ballarat. In state league 3 west, Caroline Springs George Cross plays Maribyrnong Swifts and in state league 4 west, the Melton Phoenix will host the Albion Rovers. The men’s state league competition continued at the weekend, with Caroline Springs George Cross, Melton Phoenix, Spring Hills and Westside Strikers all in action.

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Swim squad on the up after COVID After two years of lockdowns and restrictions, Elite Swimming is focused on the future with a bunch of bright stars in its ranks. Elite Swimming has run out of the Victorian University in Footscray for more than 25 years, with swimmers coming from as far as Williamstown, Altona, Sunshine, Caroline Spring and Sunbury. Swimmers in the squads then feed into the Essendon District Aquatic, which competes in the metro west district to compete. One of the coaches Chris Briffa said they were looking for new swimmers. “Like most sports, swimming was hit hard during the recent COVID-19 lockdown. “Due to pools being shut we could not train like most other sports. Swimmers can join our squads once they complete swim school. “I also get kids from Surf Lifesaving clubs in their off season who also train with us. Some end up competing.”

The club has recently started a multi-class squad, which currently has four swimmers in it. Multi class swimming provides meaningful competition for swimmers with a disability. While things have been tough during COVID-19, two swimmers from the Footscray squad have had successful starts to the year. Mia Misfud won gold at the at the Victorian Age Long Course Championships in March in the 12-year-old 200 metres butterfly. The result met the qualifying time for the Australia Age Championships. Misfud, who lives in Altona, said she had loved swimming since she was young. “My current goal is to improve my 200 metre fly and achieve more national times on all strokes, particularly in long distance events like the 800 metres, and to start training for the 1500 metres.

“Swimming is a mentally demanding, self-motivating sport that requires dedication to early morning and late afternoon training, as well as the support of coaches and family. I love everything about swimming and would not change anything about it.” Josh Spiteri won gold at the 2022 Victorian Metro All Junior Competition. The 15-year-old from Burnside won gold in the 50 metre backstroke, smashing his personal best by more than half a second. He is aiming for the Australian National Championships in Adelaide later in the year and his long term goal is making the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. New members are always welcome at the squad. Details: 9386 8070 or squads@ eliteswimming.com.au. Tara Murray

Falcons back on track By Tara Murray It wasn’t pretty but the City West Falcons did enough to come away with the points against Peninsula Waves in the Victorian Netball League championship division on Wednesday night. Coming off a disappointing loss the week before, the Falcons were able to build the lead throughout, winning 58-49. Falcons coach Marg Lind said it wasn’t the prettiest game, but they were happy to get the points. It was the side’s second win of the season. “With the group at the moment, that’s the main thing,” she said. “We’re still working on the communication with the group at the moment and getting that going. “We were able to build the lead in increments, but we did plateau a bit in the second half.” Lind said there was a little bit of unknown for both sides with Netball Victoria either holding our players or putting them on restrictions ahead of the state championships. It meant that defender Mel Oloamanu missed a third straight game, while other players through their program could only play a half. “They [the Waves] had a couple of players who could only play a half,” Lind said. “We had to work out who they would have on the court, it was pretty difficult and challenging across all the games.” Lind said there were definitely some signs of improvement within the team. She said it was always going to take some time for them to develop. “The lack of communication on court is really important to work on,” she said. “The team is pretty young and they have to work out how to fix things during the quarters instead of waiting until the breaks. “They are young kids who need to work together. There were some signs of improvement.” Jane Cook played her first full game back after COVID-19, allowing Maddi Gray and Uneeq Palavi to settle in goal attack out the front. Lind said they both showed some improvement. One move Lind did make was bring up Toni Lind from division 1. She said it was something they might look at doing, depending on whether they had access to some of the Super Netball players. “We brought her up to bring some experience and communication in the mid-court,” she said of her daughter. “She’s more vocal and was able to provide some more leadership in the mid court.” The win brings the Falcons back to 2-3 and back in the mix. Lind said the competition was proving to be a really close one.

Jane Cook was again strong for the Falcons. (Shawn smits)

“The competition is pretty even besides Geelong, who have been able to keep their staple players,” she said. “You don’t know who you are going to play against. [Melbourne Vixens] Rahni Samson played for Southern Saints, while Nyah Allen

was out due to playing in the SSN competition.” In division 1, had a 56-45 win against the Waves. There is a competition wide bye due to the national championships. The Falcons will be back in action on April 27 against the Southern Saints.

Mia Misfud.

(Supplied)

Attard looking forward to nationals Melton basketball coach Emily Attard is looking to embrace the opportunity to be involved at the Ivor Burge National Championships this week. At just 20, Attard will be an assistant coach for the Victorian women’s Ivor Burge side, a competition for people with an intellectual disability. Attard, who runs Specialist Hoops in Melton and Bacchus Marsh, said she was excited by the opportunity. “During COVID in 2020, I applied to be an assistant coach,” she said. “I was successful in becoming a development coach and was promoted to an assistant coach, but it didn’t go ahead. “I applied again and I was successful. I’ve worked along with head coach Joe Borg to select a team to go to Mackay.” Having started Specialist Hoops to provide somewhere for people with disabilities to play basketball, Attard said she never expected to be coaching at a national championships. She said she was keen to see what the team could do against the best in the country. “I’m expecting a lot of tough games for our girls,” she said. “It’ll be great to see the talent across the Ivor Burge and under-20s. “It should be a really good week.” Attard said now she was part of the program it was something that she wanted to continue to be part of for years to come. She said becoming the head coach is something she would love to do down the track. “Hopefully I rise through the ranks and be the head coach in a few years time, but I need a bit more experience under my belt. “I want to get a bit more experience as an assistant coach with a couple more nationals under my belt.” While she’s focused on the nationals for the time being, the Specialist Hoops program continues to grow. Attard said the last four months a number of people involved had grown. “We are up to 65 at Melton and 20 at Bacchus Marsh.” Tara Murray

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21

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Students at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Supporting sporting stars of the future By Tara Murray Behind the walls at Maribyrnong Sports Academy there is a hive of activity as students start their sporting careers. On this particular night, the school’s female football players were being put through their paces. Many of them still new to the sport were learning kicking techniques and how to kick on their opposite foot. In other locations around the school, coaches and their students were doing activities to help grow their games. Head of the school’s AFL program Robbie Chancellor said the programs run within the academy are about giving students the best opportunity to succeed in their sporting dreams. Having been part of the AFL system before, he has seen what works at the top level. “It’s a massive head start for these guys,” said Chancellor as he was keeping his eye on his charges. “Professionalism is nearly the biggest thing you get from this. It’s a holistic program, you’ve got sport psychs, dietitians and a fantastic high performance program to teach them how to prepare their bodies physically and how to recover. “Combined as a program there isn’t much out there like this.” The academy has come a long way since it started in 2007. With enrolments struggling at Maribyrnong College it was decided to turn the school into a specialist school of some sort. It would become a sports academy. Director Mark McAllion, sitting in his office which is filled with sports memorabilia from past students, said it had taken time for interest in the academy to grow. “At the time the school was dying for a better term,” he said. “School enrolments for the following year were really really low, so it was decided to be a specialist school of some description, then set it on sport. “The first intake was 2007, but trying to attract kids into a specialist sports school with no facilities was actually quite hard. “My predecessors would visit presentation nights, do club visits and all things trying to promote the place and build it up from there. “There’s now 575 student athletes in the academy out of 1300 kids in the whole school.” 22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

The program is funded by the state government and is the only school in Victoria that gets that funding. There are 100 spots in each year level, with spots only opening up when students leave the school. As many as 400 students apply each year. Students travel from as far as Craigieburn, Bundoora, Woodend, Werribee, while others relocate to live nearby. McAllion said students are put through tests before they select who will come to the school. “The kids go through some physical testing, some trials with the coaches,” he said. “Then basically a list gets put together of the 100 kids with the most potential to become serious athletes down the track. “It might mean we pick the little kids that haven’t developed yet, but the coaches and staff say they might have attributes that will be really good.” Supporting the students are about 70 staff members ranging from coaches, teachers, rehabilitation, sports psychologists, physiotherapists. Most of the coaches have backgrounds in coaching or playing at high levels themselves, with seven Olympians on staff. “We have footy, athletics, cricket, badminton, basketball, golf hockey, netball, soccer, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, baseball, judo that we actually provide coaching in that coaching happens before,” he said. “If you’re in a sport we don’t offer coaching… They are what we call associate athletes, they still get the benefits of the program with coaching externally. While the coaching happens outside hours, the sport component is a major part of the students daily study with the High Performance Preparation [HPP] program. It’s timetabled into the students’ school calendar, with a varying number of classes depending on what year they are in. The HPP isn’t just about performance, it’s about teaching them how to handle the whole sporting career. Head of strength and conditioning Calvin Pane said while every student will complete similar programs, they individualise the programs as much as they can to best suit the students needs. On this particular Wednesday, some of the older students are going through their paces. Some are squatting, some are doing strength work and others rehab.

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Lucas Plapp is the first Olympic Medalist from the Maribyrnong Sports Academy. (Supplied)

Striving for success

Nathan Pellissier went to Maribyrnong Sports Academy. (Supplied)

“In year seven and eight and middle school it’s a bit more curriculum based and movement competency,” Pane said. “If they’re squatting they’re learning how to squat, they’re learning how to set up. The safety features of it. “It gets built out to a different movement over time and we load the exercise accordingly, as they get older. “There’s literally a heap of exercises we work through all the year levels, we progress them out. “Students who are in year 11 or such, have a little bit more structured stuff. “They have some more personal development stuff. Taping techniques for an ankle or shoulder or they might do a first aid course, different things help them in the sport and potentially on the way out.” The students also have education sessions regularly, while they have access to all the professionals they need. There’s strength and conditioning coaches, athlete wellbeing coordinators, performance psychologists, dietitians, physios and rehab coordinators. Pane said they wanted to set up the students for success if they make it to the higher level. “We have tertiary trained staff with experience in elite environments or environments like here,” he said. “We are prepping them for when they walk out to the Melbourne Vixens, Melbourne Demons or whoever it is.. “So when they go into that environment, there not being held back by their staff as they can’t do a,b, c.” The strength and conditioning staff work closely with the coaches like Chancellor whether it’s setting up plans or working with particular athletes. Chancellor, who is also the head coach at the Western Jets, said the football program was tailored to the development of the students involved. “For young girls, training is focused much more on the fundamentals and the skill

‘‘

We are prepping them for when they walk out to the Melbourne Vixens, Melbourne Demons or whoever it is - Calvin Pane

’’

development,” he said. “As the kids get older and progress to different pathway systems, it becomes how do we apply those skills to the different situations we find ourselves in during the game. “There’s a broad scope of what we teach from kicking techniques, ground ball techniques, to running patterns and body positions. “It encompasses all the different aspects of the game depending on where they are in their development.” There’s four different coaching sessions a week, a mixture of after and before school. During the NAB League season, many of the older students aren’t involved in the academy as they would be in the off season. Chancellor said his dual role meant that he understands much of what is happening outside the academy and how to manage loads. “Ultimately it’s whatever is best for them,” he said. “Fortunately with my position at the Jets, and most of them are Jets girls and same with the boys, it makes it easier for me to have an understanding of how much they are doing and what is too much. “I’ve got really good relationships with the Calder Cannons and Northern Knights coaches as well their kids that they have in the program here. We make sure we communicate with them so we’re teaching them the right stuff, and they’re not doing too much. “It allows us to make sessions and education here a bit more specific as we know them much better as players.” Monqiue Conti, Luke Plapp, Peter Wright, Libby Birch and Nathan Pellissier are some of

the success stories of the academy. For every success story there’s many who weren’t able to reach their sporting dreams. McAllion said they made a big focus of that and setting up other pathways if they don’t reach the level they wanted. While there is a massive high performance focus, students can continue their scholarship as long as they are meeting the demands. “We try and work through with kids, but it’s a really tough and interesting conversation when, if the student still has the dream alive in their mind and we don’t think they’re going to make it,” McAllion said. “What point do you have that discussion with a teeanger. We certainly have things in place in a variety of our programs, for example all the kids in the hockey program did coaching qualifications… they might get umpires or coaching qualifications. “We have worked with Victoria University and tertiary pathways and career pathways and all that stuff, we know they are very sport minded. “There are other pathways, within sport, we work with kids in that, We don’t want to limit their dreams if they still want to have a crack. “We could be producing the next club president of the local cricket and footy club. It’s still a major contribution to sport and I think that is still great. While the school is a successful one, there still plenty more to do. This year they’ve got their first wheelchair athlete in Sunbury tennis player Jin Woodman and the academy is growing a partnership with the Paralympics Australia. The school has started data analyzing more in depth to help better understand their students. McAllion said the motto is continuous improvement which they are focused on. Back on the football field, the girls continue to work through their drills. With the game growing, it’s quite possible that one of the next AFLW stars is among them. It shows exactly what the school is all about.

For Damien Bozinovski and Charlotte Morey, Maribyrnong Sports Academy was where they wanted to do their schooling. Like many others they applied to the academy, as they wanted to focus not only on their education, but their schooling dreams. Damien, who is part of Melbourne Victory’s youth set up, is following in the footsteps of his brothers. “Both my brothers went here,” he said during one of his gym sessions. “They were both older than me and got into the sports academy and I thought I may as well come here and have a go and I got in. “It’s a really good program that is aimed to help you individually, but there’s a team environment as well. “It includes all the strength training, plyometrics training and even outside technical training. “It’s a good school as well.” Charlotte is a budding netballer who is part of the Victorian state under-17 team for the upcoming national championships. Ever since hearing about the academy as a junior, the Point Cook resident decided this was where she wanted to study. “The old coach here at the school was my under-11s rep coach, she kind of told us about it and then I trialled,” she said. “I was pretty excited when I found out about it. It was the only school I was looking at.” Charlotte said while she had benefited on the court from the academy, it was a lot of the other stuff which had been most important. “I’ve definitely benefited from the gym as well, the injury prevention and things like that. With my sport, knees and ankles are pretty common to injure so it has helped me with that. “It’s really cool to get a different coach and a different perspective of how you play and you get to link up with other people.” Both admit at times it can be pretty full on with training, study and travelling to the school, but it’s worth it in the long run. Charlotte said the car is often her desk as she goes from one commitment to the next. While both are focused on their home work, it’s clear that sport is where their interests lay. “At the moment I’m playing for the Geelong Cougars in the VNL [Victorian Netball League], I’m in the 17 and under state team and I play locally at South Barwon,” Charlotte said. “I’d love to play for the Melbourne Vixens, but right now focused on performing well at nationals, hopefully in the VNL and getting up a couple of age groups. For Damien, who lives in Taylors Lakes, “right now by the end of the year the 23s, the senior team and I want to keep pushing with the help of the program.” Tara Murray Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

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