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Kororoit Creek Primary School year 6 pupils Ilani and Nuwan with teacher Hannah Simmons. (Damjan Janevski). 281955_04

A Melton school is getting savvy with sustainability by participating in a national recycling challenge to help protect the environment. Kororoit Creek Primary School is joining the Big Battery Rescue, designed to help schools learn how to recycle batteries with a free education program. The challenge is run by The National Theatre for Children and Stockland property group and participating schools receive free recycling kits, an educational program which includes live-in-school and livestream educational theatre performances by professional actors and the chance to win cash prizes by recycling batteries. Kororoit Creek Primary School learning specialist Hannah Simmons said pupils had participated remotely during lockdown and recycled 50 kilograms in batteries last year, but were excited to be able to join in person. “They just get a really big kick out of knowing that they’re making a difference and … bringing in batteries, counting them, talking to their friends about it, talking to their teacher about it,” Ms Simmons said.

School funding cut pain By Olivia Condous A school principal has called out the previous federal government after funding cuts have seen student waitlists skyrocket with the boom of the western growth corridor. Bacchus Marsh Grammar principal Andrew Neal said changes made to federal funding for schools introduced by the Morrison government in 2020 was the main reason the school wasn’t able to take more students. Mr Neal said there were significant waitlists at all year levels at the school, particularly at

prep and year seven. “The number of spots for new students doesn’t equate to the number of people who are looking for spots,” he said. “For prep, where we’re interviewing for 100 students … and we have 600 kids on the waiting list.” Mr Neal said there was an obvious need for new school spots and more funding was critical for schools to build in regional growth corridors. “That change in federal funding has basically meant that we’re not prepared to put on much more additional capacity.”

On social media, dozens of Bacchus Marsh residents vented their frustration on the lack of local secondary schools. Ash Khilani moved his family to Maddingley so that his son could attend Bacchus Marsh Grammar, but he’s been on the waitlist since April 2018. “Every parent has a dream of having their kids go to a good school, we have been saving money for my son’s tuition because we wanted him to go to the school,” Mr Khilani said. “We are here and trying to give him the best education. But we’re still waiting. I don’t know

what to do.” A department of education spokesperson said the amount of funding provided to schools was a set amount for each enrolled student. “Additional loadings are provided for disadvantaged schools and for students that require additional support, such as students with a disability or Indigenous students,” the spokesperson said. “The Commonwealth does not operate schools, and it is a matter for individual schools or school system authorities to determine how many enrolments they offer.”

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New aged care providers named By Olivia Condous Moorabool council has officially named two successors that will service aged care clients in the shire once council ceases its services from July 1. Silver Chain Victoria has to provide aged care services to residents over 65 years of age and Mecwacare has been appointed by the Victorian government to provide care for council clients aged under 65 living with a disability. The council first announced it would transition away from delivering all aged care and disability services in early March, citing

changes in federal government policy as making a continuation of the support unworkable. Elder Rights Advocacy programs manager Debra Nicholl said the transition to the new service providers could worsen regional staff shortages further. “What we’ve seen in other areas, is that that pool of workers themselves are getting close to retirement,” Ms Nicholl said. “We will lose some of those workers to that, they may have continued on with a known and trusted provider like the council may but now they’ll decide they won’t continue working in aged care now.” Ms Nicholl said larger providers may not also

be able to facilitate as wide of a range of services compared to a local provider. “They don’t have the ability necessarily to be as flexible as councils were … so then they have to subcontract [extra services] at a higher cost, usually to the person’s package of care.” Moorabool mayor Tom Sullivan said the council had worked very closely with clients and staff throughout the transition process. “Although local government will no longer be delivering these services, our priority is making sure those in our community who accessed these services continue to receive a very high

standard of care,” Cr Sullivan said. Cr Sullivan said the council would continue to provide resources to support and inform residents and to help existing clients with the transition. “We will continue to ensure open and transparent communication and a smooth transition for clients and staff.” Ms Nicholl urged residents to ensure they made informed decisions about the future of their care. “People have a choice as to who will provide the care … people can access any provider who is providing services in this area.”

Festival fever is in the air

Thomas Woof is a local disability advocate who is excited about the new specialist school coming to Melton.

(Damjan Janevski) 282617

Second specialist school welcomed Disability advocates in Melton and Moorabool were thrilled to discover that the state government planned to fund a new specialist school in Aintree in the latest budget. The new school is one of 13 across the state to receive a share of $527.2 million in funding as part of the state government’s 2022-23 budget. Thomas Woof is a member of the Melton Disability Advisory Committee and was a student at Melton Specialist School. He said a new specialist school for Melton would be a great help for the disabled community. “It will help them so much, I’m glad they’re building a new special school because the

[Melton] one is small and they can’t fit anyone else in,” Mr Woof said. “Another specialist school will help the City of Melton to accommodate this fast growing area.” Mr Woof said he really enjoyed learning life skills during his time as a student at Melton Specialist School, such as gardening, cooking and bike riding. “I had fun with my friends, back in those days,” he said. Mr Woof advocated for more services to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities in the Melton area. “There needs to be more services, like help

with public transport,” he said. “If you need to get a train during peak time there might be no room for a wheelchair because it’s crammed with people.” Thomas’ mother, Anne Woof, said the new specialist school in Aintree would be a great benefit for the students who really need it. “I know the Melton specialist school has been overpopulated for quite a few years now, it has to accommodate Bacchus Marsh also,” she said. “There’s a lot of kids from mainstream schools that end up in a special school as they’re struggling in mainstream schools.”

A shire-wide festival is coming to Moorabool, with a month of live entertainment for residents to enjoy over winter. The Hide and Seek music festival will run from June 25 and will feature more than 60 artists across 20 venues, each Saturday in Blackwood, Gordon, Bacchus Marsh and Ballan. The festival is presented by Live and Local in partnership with Moorabool council and will highlight local artists and unique venues found only in the shire. The events are all-ages and free to attend, aiming to boost tourism in the region. The live acts will include musical genres such as bluegrass, indie folk, rockabilly, blues and pop music inside venues ranging from an antique store, a bowling club, a caravan, a church and a hat shop. Council has partnered with the Live Music Office to deliver Live and Local, a program which seeks to strengthen grassroots live music of local communities. Through the program, council is offering professional development workshops for musicians, an industry forum and the Hide and Seek festival. Mayor Tom Sullivan said the festival would provide a rare opportunity for locals and visitors to discover new music. “This festival will create a fantastic opportunity for locals and tourists to see and hear the uniqueness the region has to offer,” Cr Sullivan said. Olivia Condous

Olivia Condous

Smile Squad is on its way The Victorian Government is making it easier for our kids to get the dental care they need. Find out more at smilesquad.vic.gov.au

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Youth forum for connection Melton council is hosting a free youth forum on June 2, led by the Youth Advisory Committee. The interactive forum will provide local young people and the broader community with a chance to discuss the importance of social connections. The forum will run from 9.45am to 2.15pm at Fraser rise Children’s and Community Centre. As part of the social connection theme, the Youth Advisory Committee are inviting local art lovers to participate in an art competition. Entrants can paint or draw what social connection means to them.

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Local artist and Kamillaroi woman Lucy Webster.

(Supplied)

Writing awards winners

Be brave, get involved Melton council will mark National Reconciliation Week with events to bring the whole community together. Running until June 3, Reconciliation Week is designed to encourage Australians to learn about shared histories and cultures, to explore how they can contribute to achieving reconciliation. Reconciliation is about building better relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider community. Council is holding a musical event on June 2 with Wiradjuri soprano Shauntai Batzke performing operatic arias as well as self-composed pieces in her traditional language. Artist and Kamillaroi woman Lucy Webster will open the event with a talk on her exhibition Winanaga Burruguu, which is currently on display at the Melton library. Webster said it was “absolutely incredible” to be a part of the reconciliation week event.

“I’m just absolutely honored to be able to get involved in these things.” Webster said her exhibition explores cultural history and significant meanings within the Aboriginal community. “For me, it’s about sharing my culture and bringing awareness that it is still alive today,” she said. Webster said this year’s reconciliation week theme of ‘Be Brave. Make Change’ symbolised taking steps in an important journey. “Reconciliation isn’t just about the Aboriginal community, it’s about everyone else coming together as well, and people being brave, taking that step to get involved.” She said she felt excited that the community was reaching out to involve her in events like those for reconciliation week. Council will also hold a flag raising ceremony event on June 3.

The winners of the 2022 Peter Carey Short Story awards and the Moorabool Young Writers awards will be announced at an in-person ceremony on June 4, at the Lerderderg Library from 2pm. Bookings to attend are free. For more information visit the Moorabool council website.

Music industry forum Moorabool council alongside Music Victoria is holding an afternoon of panels and networking for local musicians and entertainment venue owners. Attendees will hear from local venue representatives as well as successful industry musicians. The free event will be held on June 6 at the Ballan RSL from 1.30pm. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Olivia Condous

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United by the green and black Soccer fans from across the western suburbs and Geelong were dreaming of green and black last week in the lead up to the club’s inaugural grand final. United overcame Melbourne Victory in the A-League Men semi final on May 21 to book a spot in the May 28 grand final against Melbourne City. Star Weekly spoke to fans – many of whom have supported United since its inception three years ago – about their love for the team from the west. The Camilleri family Hillside’s Leanne Camilleri and her daughters Shanae and Sharna have been fans of the club since “the very beginning”. The girls play for Calder United football club. “When something came to the west, we had to start following them,” Ms Camilleri said. She said the last week of anticipation had been “crazy” in the lead up to the final. “They’ve done well every year … but to finally get to the final is great,“ she said. “It’s just really good when we all get together, all the fans get together, we’re all sitting near each other with adrenaline and excitement. It’s fun supporting the team.” Lionel, Michael, Jenni, Stephanie and Jessica Woollam. (Supplied)

The Woollam Family Hilda Vergles with her sons Zane, 11 and Zander, 14.

(Supplied)

The Vergles family Bacchus Marsh’ Vergles family love to support Western United and were so excited to attend the big game. “We are excited for the big grand final, it’s going to be great,” Hilda Vergles said. She said it was great to have witnessed the club grow from the beginning. “It’s been phenomenal, we’re just so proud of all the people involved with the club,” she said. “It is just amazing and gives us

something in the west to be so proud of.” Ms Vergles said she loved supporting the club with her children as it reminded her of her own youth and how soccer brought families together. “It’s a beautiful thing, to share that with my family is even more important because when I was growing up, I had my clubs that I was a part of with my family and I still hold those memories very, very dear to me.”

Hillside’s Sharna and Shanae with their cousins Alara and Jayda. (Supplied)

Jenni Woollam says her family, from Hoppers Crossing, have been members “from day one”. “My husband Michael was a previous Melbourne Victory fan … when he found out that we were going to have a club in the west, he immediately sort of jumped ship and said ’nah, we’re gonna support our local’,” Ms Woollam said. “[He] sort of dragged us along in the beginning … but immediately felt connected to the Western United Football Club, it was something that brought our whole family together.”

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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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The Spiess & Smith Family Point Cook’s Miriam Spiess believes Western United are the A-League’s underdogs. “They wrote off our coach John Aloisi, wrote off our club for the the finals, not oneexpertpickedustobeatMelbourneVictory,” she said.

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“We love being underestimated.” Ms Spiess said she enjoys watching games with her friend, Bec Smith, and both families love the club, and the Unitedfamily. “People in the west should get behind the team so they can say ‘I was there for the first grand final win’,” she said.

Rachael, Aiden, John and Phillip Coumans from St Albans Park in Geelong. (Ivan Kemp)

The Coumans family

Western United fans Roman, 12, Ronald, 8, and Monia Antonypillai. (Max Hatzoglou)

The Antonypillai family The Antonypillai family has been supporting Western United ever its incepetion. Since the beginning United have been using City Vista Recreation Reserve, the home of Caroline Springs George Cross and also Roman and Ronald’s junior club as a training venue. This has given the young fans a close look at the exciting players United have have over the year’s including their favourite, goalkeeper Jamie Young. Asked about what he likes the most about Western United, Ronald said: “That they made the finals and that they’re my favourite team in the A-League.” Mother Monia gave credit to coach John Aloisi who is in his first year as coach of the club. She was proud of the team’s ability to perform without a star player. “Coaches are very good, especially the boys, they are doing very good now,” she said. “We don’t have Diamanti on board but the boys are still giving 100 per cent.” The boys said it was nice to have a team representing where they live doing well in the competition.

The Spiess family with dog Archie and the Smith family.

The Howie family The Howie family from Kurunjang loves to get behind the green and black and had all their best fan apparel ready to go for the big match. Craig Howie said he had fond memories of taking his daughter and niece to a match after they’d attended a school holiday program when one of the players had remembered them and thanked them for coming to watch. “Ever since then, they’ve been hooked,” Mr Howie said. “It’s a great family team.” Howie family kids Leivi, 13, Kinley, 15, Shaylee, 12, Cedar, 12 and Jaxon, 6 were pumped for the big game. (Supplied)

(Tracey Noonan)

John Coumans, 11, was supposed to be on school camp this week, but decided to stay home, fearing he would catch COVID and miss out on attending the game. “He was supposed to go on camp but there’s been a lot of COVID at school and he was worried about getting it and having to be in isolation and not being able to attend the grand final,” mum Rachael said. “He made the decision to lay low this week. He was disappointed but we’ve followed Western since the beginning.” Rachael’s three boys, John, Phillip and Aiden love the atmosphere that The Western Service Crew creates and know all the songs and chants and are more than happy to sit right in the middle of the active supporters group. “They are absolutely stoked,” she said. “We were shocked that we won on Saturday but the result was magnificent. We all agreed it was the best game we have been to.” The boys, from St Albans Park in Geelong, feel welcomed into the green and black family. “We went to Tassie for the two games they had down there,” Rachael said. “The players have just been so lovely. In fact the whole club has been amazing.”

The abuse of older people is hard to talk about. Often, it’s committed by a family member. It could be a daughter, a son, or a loved one. Too many older people suffer in silence. Elder abuse is a form of family violence and it is unacceptable. What starts out small doesn’t always stay that way. Elder abuse is hard to picture, but it happens every day. For further information and for independent advice, contact: Seniors Rights Victoria – 1300 368 821 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491 If you are concerned for your immediate safety or that of someone else, please contact the police in your state or territory or call Triple Zero (000) for emergency services. For more information, please visit www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au

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Melton sporting clubs cash in By Olivia Condous Melton will receive a share of $27 million in funding for upgrades to an array of local sporting facilities as part of a Victorian government program. Three local facilities received funding as part of 81 across the state, with a total of $731,000 for the area. The new Bridge Road Recreation Reserve will gain a multipurpose football and cricket oval, LED lighting and a floodlit, competition-

standard netball court with $250,000 in funding and $231,000 was allocated for sports ground lighting for the soccer pitches at the Mt Atkinson Active Open Space Precinct. Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve will also benefit from $250,000 for oval upgrades. The funding adds to a total of $2.75 million provided by Melton council for the three projects. Mayor Goran Kesic said partnerships with the Victorian government enabled the council to deliver much-needed infrastructure for residents.

“They’re spaces that help communities connect, support local economies and improve people’s health,” Cr Kesic said. Cr Kesic said the expansion of the second oval at Burnside Heights would allow local sporting clubs to include more players. “All three projects will enable new community and sporting groups to grow their participation numbers,” he said. “Expanding Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve’s second oval will enable local clubs to increase participation and encourage even

more girls and women to join. “The Mt Atkinson Active Open Space Precinct will support a growing community and give local sporting groups the flexibility to schedule training or competitions during the day or night.” Melton MP Steve McGhie said that a growing community such as Melton deserved modern and safe facilities. “The new oval and netball court is not only a win for local clubs, but also for the whole of Melton.”

Circus skills at school Students at a Melton school will soon be learning how to juggle, hula-hoop and walk on stilts thanks to government funding to help Victorian kids to get creative. The Community and Learning Melton (CaLM) school was one of the successful applicants for the Creative Learning Partnerships Victorian government program, which provided the school with $35,000 in funding to join with Dream Big Circus Inc through Creative Victoria. CaLM is a flexible learning options program created to support high school students who have disengaged from traditional schooling pathways due to learning difficulties, challenging behaviour, attendance issues or social, mental and emotional issues. The circus arts organisation will provide a learning program for students called ‘Circus Plus’, designed to explore themes of belonging, celebration and identity by combining circus, music, dance, video, projection, photography and street art.

CaLM assistant principal David Reid said the school had witnessed significant improvement in student confidence and self-esteem when participating in the creative arts program previously. “We’ve identified in the past that it can help to improve our engagement and attendance at school, when they know that these programs are operating, there’s a better chance of them coming through the school gates,” he said. From June 9, the students will participate in a wide range of activities as part of the program, including plate-spinning, juggling and stilt-walking. “Even some of our most disengaged students in the past got right into it, so it is quite unique and the students in the past have really responded to it,” Mr Reid said. The Circus Plus project will aim to encourage students to develop a love of creative self-expression while improving their literacy and numeracy skills, culminating in a showcase at the end of the year.

CaLM assistant principal David Reid with students Zedekhai and Jayde.

(Damjan Janevski) 282278

What’s the real story about underground transmission lines? The underground option for the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project needs to be properly investigated. It is important that community members, stakeholders and decision makers have access to the most accurate information available on costs and impacts as the project progresses through the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process.

✘ Underground would be 16 times more expensive ✘ Undergrounding would require a 30m easement Overhead construction causes less disturbance to agriculture, ✘ flora, fauna and Aboriginal cultural heritage lines have smaller construction and operational ✘ Overhead footprints and can span over sensitive areas like flora and fauna cropping or excavation deeper than 300mms within the 30m ✘ No easement for underground cables

✔ Underground HVDC option is only six times more expensive ✔ HVDC cable would require only a 3m easement ✔ Underground HVDC can avoid areas of sensitivity would be less than for the transmission towers, hard stands ✔ Disturbance and access tracks required for overhead does not need to run in straight lines ✔ Undergrounding Unlike overhead transmission, undergrounding does not require a 100m ✔ easement and has much fewer restrictions on farming practices

The Albanese Labor Government has recognised that the environment and community will have to bear the true cost of an overhead transmission line. The government recently committed to reforming the planning process behind projects of this type, which will give communities a say from the very beginning. Visit Council’s website to view the independent review into overhead and underground construction options: moorabool.vic.gov.au/transmissionlines or call us on (03) 5366 7100 for more information. 12552408-NG22-22

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

‘‘

It’s nice to think other people are benefiting - Trudy Smith

’’

Give blood so others may live Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is putting a call out for new and former blood, plasma and platelets donors across the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne to step up as cancellations remain at 50 per cent and need for blood products is the highest it has ever been, as Matthew Sims discovers.

ifeblood donor services executive director Cath Stone said the past two years had been difficult for the organisation. “It’s definitely pretty challenging at the minute and probably has been since the start of the pandemic,” she said. “As lockdowns have eased off … donors have found other places to be, people have been sick with COVID, they’re now getting sick with the flu, flying and visiting relatives.” Ms Stone said there have been a number of shifts coming out of the pandemic in terms of the availability of donors to come in and donate. “What we’re seeing during the pandemic is certainly a change in the seasonal behaviour of our donors,” she said. “There hasn’t been a lot of cold and flu the last couple of years because we’ve all been locked down. “We know we’ve got, I think, a particularly challenging winter ahead of us.” Ms Stone said while demand requirements were about 29,000 donations a week two years ago, the organisation now required about 33,000 donations a week. “That jump has been quite astronomical in the last couple of years,” she said. “What we are keeping an eye on is just that ongoing demand as people are still catching up on the surgeries that they deferred during the lockdowns. “Our need for whole blood is the highest level that we’ve seen it in over 10 years.” Ms Stone said the organisation aimed to have three days of supply of all blood types in its manufacturing centre in Melbourne’s west. “We hold it so that we can meet patient demand at the minute,” she said. Ms Stone said 11 million Australians were currently eligible to donate but just 500,000 donate blood, plasma or platelets. “We would like to grow that number this year by about 150,000 new donors to really help ease off some of the pressures, particularly on our whole blood donors,” she said. Trudy Smith began donating when she was 18.

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

Plasma donor Trudy Smith made her 220th donation at the Airport West Donor Centre on Monday, May 23. She was joined by Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs trainee Ulysses. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 282132

“I think they had the mobile blood banks at university,” she said. Ms Smith said she saw her donations as volunteer work. “I like to do it because it’s helping other people,” she said. Initially donating blood, Ms Smith has now been donating plasma for the past 15 years at a number of donation centres, including the Airport West centre. “I find it very easy to do,” she said. “It’s nice to think other people are benefiting.” Ms Smith said almost anyone can donate and it is quick and painless. “The staff are very helpful,” she said. Donors can make three different types of donations when they visit a donation centre.

Whole blood donations take about 15 minutes, but donors must wait three months between donations. In terms of plasma, donors can donate for about 45 minutes every two weeks because the red blood cells are transported back into the body and less recovery time is needed. Plasma products last for about 42 days, while platelets only last for seven days. Platelets are used for trauma events, clotting issues and cancer treatments and can only be given by men who have donated plasma before. Ms Stone said they were hoping for a number of donors to roll up their sleeves across the Werribee, Airport West and Bundoora centres during June, as well as at the Sunshine, Melton and Williamstown pop-up centres. “We need just over 3000 whole blood appointments on its own,” she said. “You can almost double that if we’re thinking about plasma as well. Ms Stone said donated blood could travel anywhere in the country. “You may come in and do a donation at Werribee, it could end up at Royal Melbourne,” she said. “Just as equally, it could be sent right up to far north Queensland depending on your blood type and what availability is needed.” Ms Stone said centres were still experiencing a 50 per cent cancellation rate of appointments. “What is very difficult to do is to replace appointments on the day,“ she said. Ms Stone said everyone should consider donating blood if they are eligible to do so. “One in three of us will need it our lifetime,““she said. “You don’t want it to be today that you find out need it, but you didn’t know that it was part of the critical supply of the nation’s healthcare system.” Ms Stone said the Lifeblood team was looking forward to National Blood Donor Week [June 13-19] and World Blood Donor Day [June 14]. “What we do see is a rally cry around blood donation and education,” she said. “It’s always a good week for us in June and it really gives us a bit of a lift.”

Ms Stone said the Lifeblood team was grateful for donors in Melbourne’s west. “The key message from us is always a thank you for the support,” she said. “We need to make donation accessible. “Most of our metro centres are now open seven days a week, later in the evenings.” Ms Stone said anyone who may have been ineligible a few years ago should look again at the eligibility requirements. “If you thought you were ineligible, always check. “We are constantly reviewing and updating our eligibility rules. “If you’re between 18 and 76, feel fit and healthy, check online or give us a call and we’d love to see you in centre if you are eligible.“ Lifeblood spokesperson Genevieve Dobson said increased accessibility to a donation time slot for people in Melbourne’s west has arrived, with the Werribee donation centre now open every day of the week. “Werribee has been operating six days a week but the feedback we’ve had from donors is they would like more opportunities and flexibility,” she said. “We anticipate the extended opening hours will enable Lifeblood to collect an additional 50 to 60 donations every week, which is great news for patients.” Ms Dobson said there were about 500 appointments to fill in the first week of June. “The centre has recently undergone a facelift, with additional couches and an open and inviting space to help enhance the donation experience,” she said. The Williamstown pop-up donation centre at the Williamstown Town Hall will be open every day from Monday, June 20 until Friday, July 1. The Melton pop-up donation centre at the Melton Community Centre will be open every day from Monday, June 6 until Friday, June 17. The Sunshine pop-up donation centre at the Croatian Catholic Centre will be open from Monday, July 4 to Friday, July 8. Details: lifeblood.com.au or 13 14 95

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Boost for crisis support By Olivia Condous

Cr Julie Shannon, Cr Steve Abboushi, Cr Kathy Majdlik, Rotary International District governor Dale Hoy, Cr Sophie Ramsay, WERN chair Tony Ebejer and Ross Butterworth at the new warehouse opening. (Supplied)

Tony Ebejer said the new warehouse meant WERN had an “exceptional” opportunity to raise their support level for clients. “WERN has been delivering emergency relief in the form of household goods across the west of Melbourne for the past seven years and

to date has assisted over 7000 Australians with over 61,000 re-gifted items,” Mr Ebejer said. “WERN is extremely pleased to partner with the City of Melton to deliver material aid to those in crisis within our community.”

Indoor pool funding call Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden has called out the federal government over a lack of funding pledged for an indoor pool in Bacchus Marsh. The Victorian state government pledged $10 million in funding earlier this year and the council has committed $15 million, but more funding is still needed to fully fund the project. Mr Madden said he thought the pool would have received a federal funding pledge after a funding commitment was made by the Labor party in the previous federal election. “It can’t happen without a $15 million commitment from the federal government,” Mr Madden said. “[The Labor government] will be hearing from us very soon after to reiterate our need for this funding.” Mr Madden highlighted that another council area in Melbourne’s east had received a $15 million funding pledge for a second indoor pool, while Bacchus Marsh had missed out. “The project is so important for our community,” Mr Madden said. “It’s time for the feds to come to the party.” Recently elected Hawke MP Sam Rae said he was supportive of the Bacchus Marsh pool. “Living up the road in Ballan, I want my kids to learn to swim right here in our community,” he said, “I’ll continue to work with council, the Victorian government and the Albanese Labor government to advocate for our pool.”

12544962-AV15-22

An organisation working to support disadvantaged residents across the western suburbs has expanded its services with a new facility in Melton, in order to help even more families. The Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) is a not-for-profit organisation that supports people experiencing homelessness, family violence, mental health issues, refugees and those impacted by fires or floods. WERN has gained a new, larger warehouse in Ravenhall supplied by Melton council, in order to continue working to help vulnerable people across the west. The organisation has helped families since 2015 by giving them quality second-hand furniture, whitegoods and electronics. The support service assists families and individuals in several council areas including the Melton, Moorabool, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Hume and Wyndham. The organisation was originally set up by the Bacchus Marsh, Melton, Wyndham and Sunshine Rotary clubs and is now supported by 10 more clubs from across the western suburbs. Melton council has offered WERN a low-cost lease on the new warehouse for 20 years. Melton mayor Goran Kesic said WERN was an incredibly important not-for-profit organisation that provided essential emergency services to communities in the west. “These services are in even greater demand since the impacts of the pandemic and the increased cost of living has hit every household over the last few years, “Emergency relief is absolutely critical, and I’m very pleased that we can play our part to support a key organisation in its important work,” Cr Kesic said. Western Emergency Relief Network chair

NEWS

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

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YPA 2021/2022 AWARDS NIGHT

Congratulations YPA MELTON Top Office Number of Sales - 1st Place YPA MELTON 9746 8899 272-274 High Street, Melton 14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

ypa.com.au

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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YPA 2021/2022 AWARDS NIGHT

Congratulations SHANE SPITERI Director of the Year - 1st Place YPA MELTON 9746 8899 272-274 High Street, Melton

ypa.com.au 12551506-HC22-22

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

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YPA 2021/2022 AWARDS NIGHT

Congratulations KATE McGLONE Highest Number of Testimonials - 2nd Place YPA MELTON 9746 8899 272-274 High Street, Melton

ypa.com.au 12551508-SG22-22

16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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YPA 2021/2022 AWARDS NIGHT

Congratulations JULIE HEDLEY Business Development Manager - 1st Place YPA MELTON 9746 8899 272-274 High Street, Melton

ypa.com.au 12551509-JC22-22

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

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YPA 2021/2022 AWARDS NIGHT

Congratulations ANGELA ATTARD Property Manager of the Year - 2nd Place YPA MELTON 9746 8899 272-274 High Street, Melton

ypa.com.au 12551510-SG22-22

18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SECTION

YPA 2021/2022 Congratulations DANIELLE FREW

12551511-JW22-22

AWARDS NIGHT

Property Manager Rookie of the Year - 1st Place YPA MELTON 9746 8899 272-274 High Street, Melton

ypa.com.au Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

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YPA 2021/2022 AWARDS NIGHT

Top Office Dollar Value - 1st Place YPA MELTON 9746 8899 272-274 High Street, Melton 20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

ypa.com.au

12551512-SG22-22

Congratulations YPA MELTON

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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YPA 2021/2022 AWARDS NIGHT

Congratulations YPA MELTON & YPA BACCHUS MARSH YPA MELTON 9746 8899 272-274 High Street, Melton

ypa.com.au 12551513-NG22-22

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

National storytime branches out More than a million parents and children across the country, including those at the Caroline Springs Library, took part in this year’s National Simultaneous Storytime by reading the picture story book, ‘Family Tree’ by Josh Pyke. Melton council held an event to celebrate the day, with many local families attending to enjoy some reading fun. The event is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association with a picture book, written and illustrated by Australians read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places every year. This year marked the 22nd year of the event which aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children’s book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for foundation to year 6. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski captured the library magic on the day.

1/ Sisters Zaina, 5, and Farya, 3, sharing a book. 2/ Eli, 3, showing a favourite book. 3/ Aleeha, 2, enjoying the library time. 4/ Mikayla, 3, at the National Simultaneous Storytime event at Caroline Springs Library. 5/ Brothers Zakriya, 2, and Zyan, 4, enjoying books together. 6/ Carla, 2, getting into some arts and crafts. 7/ Ryan, 4, chooses a book. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 282471

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

Take weight off naturally

Melton Friendship Group

Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton. ■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

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 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

Food Handling course Melton South Community Centre is running its next Food Handlers (HLTFSE001) course, along with Food Safety Supervisor (HLTFSE005 & HLTFSE007), on Saturday, June 4. These nationally recognised qualifications are valid for three years, and are essential for anyone working with food. Cost: Food Handlers – $65/$60concession, Food Safety Supervisor – $90/$85 concession. ■ 9747 8576

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

Sunshine Community Brass Sunshine Community Brass is looking for new members to join its vibrant band of musicians. With over 90 years of history, the band is looking to grow for the future. Sunshine Community Brass is currently looking for trumpet and percussion players. 22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

Zonta club meets Srimathumitha recently released a yoga album. It rehearses Tuesday from 7.30pm, 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine. ■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

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

Melton Bridge Club The Melton Bridge Club has recommenced weekly social Bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come

(Damjan Janevski) 282190_01

along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817 or Ros at the library.

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

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

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

PUZZLES

9 9

9 4 6 1 8

3 8

7 5 4

4 3 1

2 hard

5 8 9 9 7

1 8 5

2 8

10 11 12 13

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

2 21

Today’s Aim: 22 words: Good 33 words: Very good

1 7 3 5 2 4 6 9 8

8 4 9 6 1 3 7 2 5

4 2 6 3 5 7 1 8 9

7 4 8 5 9 2 1 3 6

No. 083 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

M E N D

A S I S R E N A O W A N

4 LETTERS CRAG DISC ERGO IOTA LESS PAWS POET POPS SAWS SEEM SICS SNAP TRIO TRIP 5 LETTERS ADMIT AGILE

OTHER PARKA PASTE PENCE POSED RABBI RADAR RARES RESTS RHINO RUSES SHEEN SIGNS SKATE SNEER SPASM STEAL STEEL STING STRAW TIMES TOMBS TRAIT

TRIAL WINCE

SPANNER TURBINE

6 LETTERS BLASTS MESSES RAFFLE SPADED

8 LETTERS ATTEMPTS UPRIGHTS VAGRANTS VARIANCE

7 LETTERS AMATEUR LATRINE PERKIER SHINIER

03-06-22

O A R

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

A R E

7 8 5 9 4 1 2 6 3

2 1 7 4 9 5 8 3 6

3 9 8 1 7 6 4 5 2

3 5 6 7 4 1 2 8 9

6 3 2 8 1 5 9 7 4

1 8 7 9 3 4 5 6 2

dense, denser, dent, deny, dyne, DYSENTERY, ends, enter, enters, entry, erne, need, needs, needy, nest, nested, nester, nets, rend, rends, rent, rented, rents, resent, seen, send, sender, sent, sentry, sneer, stern, styrene, teensy, teeny, tend, tender, tenders, tends, tense, tensed, tenser, tern, trend, trends, trendy

9 3 1 8 6 2 5 4 7

ALIBI ALLOT ANGER APPLE ARIAS AROSE ASIAN AUNTS AWARE BANDS BRAKE CABIN CIRCA DIETS ELOPE FATAL FEELS FETED GEESE INANE KOALA MANES OKING

QUICK QUIZ

Who was the first Aboriginal member of parliament in Australian history?

Nguyen Tat Thành was a Vietnamese revolutionary better known by what name?

In which house did he serve: Senate or Lower House?

Which state did he represent?

Which area of land was the subject of dispute in the High Court case Mabo v Queensland (No 2) in 1992?

The Mau Mau Uprising was an anti-colonial war against British rule in which African country?

Who starred as the titular Irish revolutionary leader in the 1996 film Michael Collin?

Who was the first prime minister of India upon independence?

The daughter of India’s first PM also served as prime minister. Who was it?

5 7 4 1 3 8 6 9 2

5 6 2 7 8 9 3 1 4

. 2 $ / $

1 8 6 2 9 4 5 7 3

9 2 3 5 7 6 1 8 4

4 9 7 8 5 2 3 1 6

2 3 1 6 4 7 9 5 8

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6 4 9 7 2 1 8 3 5

3 1 2 4 8 5 7 6 9

7 5 8 9 6 3 4 2 1

4 9 5 2 7 6 8 1 3

5 2 1 4 6 7 3 9 8

8 6 3 1 2 9 4 5 7

9 7 4 3 5 8 6 2 1

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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”.

45 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

9-LETTER WORD

3 7 6 5 9

8 6

6 8

Q L

R J P GN C B A S MOH T

5x5

E X F V K I Z Y DWUQ L

3 LETTERS ADO AGE APE ARC ASS ATE EBB ELK FBI HAS HEN HUE KEN MAD NIT OFF OLD OWE PAS SOP TEN TOT WAG WIT

No. 083

10 Bobotie (pictured) is a national dish of which country? ANSWERS: 1. Neville Bonner 2. Senate 3. Queensland 4. Kenya 5. Jawaharlal Nehru 6. Indira Gandhi 7. Ho Chi Minh 8. Murray Islands 9. Liam Neeson 10. South Africa

6 1

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WORDFIT

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3 4 6 7 8 9 14 16

ACROSS 1 5 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 24 27 28 29 30

No. 083

) ( ( / 6

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

$ * , / (

No. 083

5 $ ' $ 5

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FREE EVERY WEEK 12477071-CG03-21

FEBRUARY 9, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM

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

.AU

JAf £ fn¹Ǥ

Illustrations light up library

(Supplied)

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

Nursing boss ba nned

Benjamin Millar

By Benjamin Millar

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

Bacchus Marsh 7/11 Service Station 28 Baccus Marsh Road

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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

• • • • • • • • • •

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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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Shayna Jack won the final in what event at the Australian Championships held in Adelaide?

6. What Grand Slam tennis event traditionally takes place in September? 7. Which Australian basketballer currently plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBL?

2. Which team won the 2021–22 English Premier League title? 3. Who won the 2022 Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix?

8. What Australian city was recently announced as host of the 2022 FINA World Swimming Championships?

4. What is the annual AFL Indigenous round match between Essendon and Richmond known as?

9. What sport gets its name from the soft, squeezable ball used in play?

5. Luka Doncic plays for which NBA team?

10. What country will host the 2026 Winter Olympics? 11. Which popular Indigenous AFL player has retired with immediate effect at the age of 29? 12. In April, which former tennis champion was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment on charges of hiding assets relating to bankruptcy? 13. Which Australian has taken up the post of England cricket coach for the shorter formats?

Luca Doncic

14. Which French soccer club recently won its eighth Women's Champions League title, which is twice as many as the next most?

Jesse Owens

15. At the completion of round 10, how many matches had AFL team Melbourne won in a row, including the end of the 2021 season? 16. In which year did Australian Cadel Evans win the Tour de France cycling race? 17. Australian tennis legend Rod Laver won how many Wimbledon gentlemen's singles titles in the 1960s? 18. At which Olympic Games did track and field athlete Jesse Owens famously win four gold medals? 19. Which aggressive South African wicketkeeperbatsman recently scored 140 not out in an IPL cricket match? 20. Geographically, which is the northern-most team that competes in the English Premier League?

21. The 400m women's freestyle world record is now held by which Australian swimmer? 22. The 200m men's breaststroke world record is now held by which Australian swimmer? 23. Sam Fisher last played for which AFL club?

28. Which two teams are set to play off in the 2022 A-League Men Grand Final? 29. West Coast Fever posted the highest ever Super Netball score in a recent 82-77 victory over which team?

24. Which golf professional won the 2022 PGA Championship? 25. Who is the current interim coach of Australia’s women’s cricket team? 26. How many clubs are in Australia's National Rugby League?

27. Eritrean road cyclist Biniam Girmay won stage 10 of the Giro d'Italia, but didn't compete in stage 11 after what incident?

30. Leeds United are playing a pre-season friendly match in Brisbane next month against which other Premier League club?

0306

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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

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Ford Escape features a large grille and headlights that run almost halfway to the windscreen. (Pictures: Supplied)

Ford powers into the EV market By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring Our most recent road test review was of a Ford Escape SUV plug-in hybrid, which is usually tagged as a PHEV (Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle). It is the first Ford vehicle to be sold in Australia with any form of electrification. Ford is working hard at reducing future vehicle emissions in many ways. Amongst these will be the addition of electric power to all models, in the form of as well as standard and plug-in petrol/electric hybrids as well as pure electric EVs. Escape PHEV comes only in the ST-Line spec level, priced at $53,440 plus on-road costs. The petrol-only ST-Line sells for $38,490

Styling Ford Escape has a sensible shape that looks attractive without losing interior and luggage space by having a semi-coupe shape at the rear. This makes it relatively unusual in this class. The front is big and bold with a large grille and headlights that run almost halfway to the windscreen. The lower edge of the window line sloops up to meet the down sloop of the upper edge.

Interior The seats on our test Escape ST-Line were in a soft looking black colour with red stitching that gives a real upmarket feeling. Versatility is good as the second row of seats can be moved forwards or backwards to juggle between legroom and boot space.

However, there’s the common problem of loss of signal on the radio when the landscape and buildings get between you and a direct signal.

Wireless charging is standard in all Escapes, so compatible devices are ready to go at all times. The advanced 10-speaker, 575-watt set-up has been specifically developed and fine-tuned for the Escape ST-Line Plug-In Hybrid & Escape Vignale by specialist B&O sound engineers. A powerful set up lets you hear music as it’s meant to be heard. We certainly enjoyed this during our 447-kilometre week in the Escape Plug-In Hybrid.

MODEL RANGE Ford Escape FWD (P)

Powertrain Escape PHEV is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated 165 kW petrol engine driving through what Ford calls an eCVT automatic. There’s also a lithium-ion battery and electric motor. These combine to drive the front wheels. When driven solely in EV mode you can expect a range of about 50 to 55 kilometres.

Safety Infotainment

AT A GLANCE

Every Escape model features Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Always scanning ahead, it alerts the driver of potential collisions and applies the brakes if an unexpected danger appears in front of the car. The SYNC3 system works if you’re in a crash that activates the airbags or shuts the fuel pump off, Emergency Assistance uses your paired smartphone to dial emergency services and provide them with your GPS location.

2.0 Escape FWD: $36,490 2.0 ST-Line FWD: $38,490 2.5 ST-Line PHEV FWD: $53,440 2.0 Vignale FWD: $47,090 2.0 ST-Line AWD: $41,490 2.0 Vignale AWD: $50,090

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

information into the driver’s field of vision, so they can keep their eyes on the road with a minimum of head movement. The system in the Escape is far better than that in many other marques because you don’t need to turn your head if you’re wearing polarising sunglasses. The 12.3-inch digital cluster reduces distraction by displaying only the information you need. You can change between unique colour themes according to which drive mode you have selected. The new platform, tagged as C2, means the latest Ford Focus is up to 90 kg lighter than the previous model. The platform provides increased rigidity as well as noise, vibration, harshness improvements.

Driving

Summing up

Escape PHEV can be driven as a pure electric (EV Now) or as a conventional petrol/electric hybrid (EV Auto). The Ford Escape comes with five selectable drive modes to suit varying conditions – normal, eco, sport, slippery deep snow/sand and trail. The head-up display projects key

Ford Escape PHEV is an impressive piece of modern automotive technology. It’s enjoyable to drive, even more so with the instant action when you use the accelerator. The price is a killer and the sooner our various Australian governments do something to assist buyers the better. Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 27

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

The Georgies prepare for their biggest test yet Caroline Springs George Cross’s women’s side has nothing to lose in the biggest game of the club’s female program’s short history. In only their second season, the Georgies will take to the field in the quarter finals of the knockout Nike F.C Cup competition on Wednesday night against National Premier League powerhouse South Melbourne. Playing in the state league 3 west competition, the Georgies are the lowest ranked team left in the competition. Georgies technical director John Floros said they will just look to enjoy the moment. “We are definitely underdogs,” he said. “It’s the biggest match we’ve had. “We want to play the best competition and there is no one better than South Melbourne, an NPLW team. “We’ve told the girls to leave everything on the pitch and give everything they have.” The match is the highlight in what has been a

strong season so far for the women’s side. They were sitting second after five rounds in the state league 3 west competition. Floros said it was a tough competition with five or six teams fighting for promotion. While the results are good for the women’s side, the focus is on the overall development of the club’s female program. COVID-19 has had some impact, with the club set to have a women’s side in 2020, before the season was called off. “The most important thing is focusing on our program,” Floros said. “I came into the role in October and we were still trying to rebuild after COVID. “We want to build the program and get promoted in the league. We want to put standards in place. “We’re trying to get positive results, while also developing girls in senior football.” As well as having a senior side, the club

has under-7, under-8, under-9, under-16s and under-18s girls’ teams. The senior women are invested in those programs, with several players coaching junior teams. Floros said it was about giving the young players something to aspire to. He said while they were thrilled with how the season was going so far, they didn’t want to get too far ahead of themselves, knowing there’s a lot of work to do. “We’re proud of the girls and how far they’ve come in the Nike Cup and what they’re doing week to week,” he said. “We want to continue to build this program over the next three to four years and get more people involved. “We have the facilities here and we’re striving to be the best we can.” Caroline Springs George Cross celebrate a goal.

Tara Murray

Charlotte Baskaran starred this year. (Supplied)

Footy dream is on track By Tara Murray Western Jets star Charlotte Baskaran knows that she did everything she could this year to get picked in the AFLW draft. Having been one of the standouts heading into this year, the Caroline Springs resident enhanced her draft prospects. She led the Jets to their first NAB League premiership, while finishing second in the league best and fairest award and named captain of the team of the year. Baskaran was also part of the Vic Metro squad and the AFLW national academy. Speaking at last week’s AFLW draft combine, she said she was excited about what was to come in the coming months. “It will be a dream come true,” she said of getting drafted. “I’ve thought about this moment for years since I first started footy. It’s going to be the best thing ever. “It’s a nervous wait, but it’s super exciting. I can’t wait. I’ll be doing as much as I can before the draft to get ready.” 28 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

Having been a keen netballer and state athletics champion, Baskaran turned to football when she was 16 and never looked back. She said she loved everything about the sport. “I loved netball and athletics too,” she said. “When I started footy, I loved the team environment and the team aspect of it. I loved training and meeting a lot of new people. I decided to stick at footy and now I’m here.” The Maribyrnong College student soon joined the Jets and was one of the stand out players in the competition. She said it was bittersweet that her time at the Jets was coming to an end. “I don’t think I could have done anything more this year,” she said. “I was really happy and to top it off with a premiership win at the Jets. “I was at the Jets for quite a while. The west has always had a stigma that we weren’t necessarily the best and to cap it off winning the premiership was amazing.” Since the end of the NAB League season, Baskaran has been flat out with her football

commitments. She was part of the national championships, before playing for the academy in an young guns game a couple of weeks ago. An ankle injury in that game meant she couldn’t do the two-kilometre time trial at the combine. “I was looking forward to running the two [kilometres], surprisingly,” she said. “Now it’s about getting my ankle back to 100 per cent and doing rehab and a bit of upper body training. “I’m still doing as much as I can and not lose any fitness. I want to keep that positive mindset.” Baskaran said she had been speaking to AFLW clubs in recent weeks and was enjoying the process. The year 12 student said she was keen to get started in the next stage of her football career. “It’s pretty cool,” she said. “Finding that balance is going to be very important but I think I can do that. I’m just looking forward to getting into a club.”

(Mark Avellino/Supplied)

Key signings for Darley Darley’s hopes of returning to the top of the Ballarat Cricket Association have received a boost with a number of key players recommitting to the club. The Lions, who finished runners-up to Golden Point last season, announced the re-signings of Danza Hyatt, Madushanka Ekanayake, Dilan Chandima and Hasitha Wickramasinghe in recent days. In a social media post, the coach Brian Wheelahan said that Hyatt was keen to return to Australia. He had to leave after round 12 last season. “Former West Indian International Danza Hyatt has made his intentions clear ahead of the 2022-23 BCA Season, re-committing to Darley after post COVID visa issues forced the star all-rounder back to his hometown Jamaica,” the post said. “Hyatt looms as an ominous proposition at the top of the Lions batting order, and his signature alone, this far out from the new season will be unsettling for rival bowling attacks.” Hyatt averaged 49 with the bat last season and took 12 wickets at an average of 14.5. Ekanayake will be back to lead the Lions bowling attack for a third straight season. Wheelahan said that Ekanayake was still hurting from last season’s grand final loss. ‘Ekka’, put simply, is a bona-fide match winner starring with 30+ wicket returns in his first two seasons with the club,” the club said on social media. “The former Sri Lankan under-19 International has the full respect of the wider competition and has been a popular personality around the place with his friendly nature and genuine love for cricket.” The Lions speedster has taken 70 wickets @14.5 in his 39 games with the club. Chandima made an instant impact in his first season at the Lions, winning the league best and fairest award, the Clearly Medal. He made 898 runs at an average of 64 including four fifties and three hundreds. Wickramasinghe, has been a key all-rounder for the Lions for a number of years and had his best season with the bat last season. The signings come following Wheelahan previously re-commiting to the club for another season. In his time, the club has won two premierships and finished runners-up once. Tara Murray

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The rise of Larajay Farms helps support charity The rise and rise of Larajay Farms was not only reinforced at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday but has also produced an outstanding return for a trots-supported charity. Replete in the Pacing For Pink silks, Greg Sugars amassed victories number 23, 24 and 25 for the month, benefitting the campaign that raises money and awareness to help the McGrath Foundation support those with breast cancer. The reinsman was a dominant front runner in winning with La Captain, Momentslikethese and Triple Eight at Tabcorp Park Melton, with each victory drawing a Pacing For Pink donation from Geelong Harness Racing Club members. And Sugars announced on TrotsVision that he and wife Jess Tubbs wanted to go a step further, with the stable donating $1000 to the fundraiser after tonight’s success. “It’s been a sensational month,” Sugars said. “The Pacing For Pink campaign is phenomenal and thankfully I’ve had a sensational month and so has our stable. “Jess and I did say leading into tonight we

Momentslikethese

(Stuart McCormick)

had a few good chances, if we were able to get the score on the board … we’re happy to donate an extra $1000 to Pacing For Pink campaign. It’s been a terrific month not only for me as a driver but for the stable as well, so more than happy to put the hand in the pocket and add a bit more to the tally.” La Captain kicked it all off in the first

when he continued his vastly improved season by adding the richest win of his career in the Group 3 Alabar Vicbred Platinum Metropolitan Pace Final. It’s his sixth victory in seven starts this year, having saluted in only three of his preceding 26 outings, and Sugars said it had been very rewarding to see the penny drop.

Bloods keep on winning

Sports shorts WRFL Caroline Springs continued on its winning ways in the Western Region Football League division 1 competition. The Lakers put in a strong four quarter performance to beat Point Cook, 30.20 (200)-4.4 (28). Brian Lake kicked seven goals in the win, while Joshya Vilinskis was named best on ground. The Lakers sit one game clear on top of the ladder.

By Tara Murray Melton will face its biggest challenge of the Ballarat Football League season on Saturday against East Point. While the Bloods are the only undefeated team after seven round coach Aaron Tymms said that second placed East Point remains the benchmark of the competition. “East Point is still the yard stick in the competition,” Tymms said. “They have won the last two premierships and travelling along pretty well. “We’re playing them at home which is a bit of a bonus, but we’re yet to beat them at home since I’ve been at the club. “We have beaten them on the road. It’s a big game this weekend and it will tell us where we are at.” On Saturday, the Bloods beat Lake Wendouree, 20.15 (135)-8.6 (54). Tymms said while they played some good football, it wasn’t their best performance of the year. “We weren’t great on the weekend, but we were still able to win by a good margin,” he said. “Lakers are a pretty tough team and speaking with Fitzy [Jack Fitzpatrick] after the game, we both agreed they were on top of the contested football by half time. “We were better in the second half and we were a bit more potent in the forward line and that was the difference.” Luke Heaney kicked five for the Bloods, with Liam Carter kicking four goals and Ryan Carter and Braeden Kight kicking three each. Tymms said Jaycob Hickey was best on ground, with Liam Carter, Heaney, Jordyn Cotter and Kyle Borg all having good games. The win has the Bloods remain two games clear on top of the ladder. Tymms said they weren’t doing anything different this year than they had in the last couple. “It’s the best start you can go with,” he said. “Nothing has really changed and we’re playing some good footy at the moment. “I’ve been here five years now and we’ve got structures in place. They don’t really need to coach them, as they’re coaching themselves. “I pretty much don’t need to speak with them a lot on game day.” While Melton got the win, it was a much tougher day for Darley, Bacchus Marsh and Melton South. The Devils slipped to fourth after losing to Ballarat, 14.7 (91)-9.19 (73). The Swans took control of the game in the third quarter when they kicked 4.2 to 1.7. The Devils were again wasteful in the last quarter,

“To see him stand up and be counted in that quality of a field is really pleasing moving forward,” he said. Sugars was also rapt to have been able to notch a number in Momentslikethese’s win column with a comfortable all-the-way victory in the DNR Logistics Pace, her first success since the Queensland Oaks in July 2021. “She’s run into some ripping fields but hasn’t been able to win, so to get her back in the winners’ list for such a great group of owners is a big weight off our shoulders,” Sugars said. “(The four-year-old mares’ class) is just phenomenal and we’ve seen the last couple of months a lot of horses like Momenslikethese, who have been well and truly in the shadows of a lot of the headline acts … now starting to come through their grades and shine themselves. “Shapes for a very bright future in our open mares racing as they get older and hopefully into the breeding barn later on to further strengthen the industry.” Michael Howard

Ballarat NL Melton South and Sebastopol couldn’t be split in the Ballarat Netball League on Saturday. The Panthers led at every change, but the Burras came home strong with the two sides finishing 50 apiece.The Panthers sit second on the ladder. Bacchus Marsh had a tough day against East Point losing 66-28, while Darley beat Ballarat 57-50.

FV Caroline Springs George Cross came out on top in the top of the table clash with Banyule City in FV state league 1 north-west. The Georgies scored once in the first half, before putting the game to bed in the second half with a dominant display. The Georgies won 4-1. They now sit seven points clear on top. In state league 4 west, Spring Hills lost to Melbourne City 4-2 and Westside Strikers drew 1-1 with Gisborne. In state league 5 west, Melton Phoenix beat Maribyrnong Greens, 4-0.

VNL

Jordyn Cotter was one of Melton’s best on Saturday. (Joe Mastroianni). 275568_06

kicking 4.7. Nick Rodda kicked three goals for the Devils. Duncan Cadman and Brett Bewley were named their best. Bacchus Marsh had a tough day out against East Point at Eastern Oval. The Kangaroos got on top early with 11 scoring shots to four in the first quarter.

Aaron Willitts kicked four goals for the Cobras in the loss. Serafino Crea and Willitts were named the Cobras best. Meanwhile, Melton South lost to Sebastopol, 18.11 (119)-14.6 (90). Dylan Conway kicked four goals for the Panthers, with Dylan Jones named their best.

The City West Falcons nutted out a hard fought win against the Hawks in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday. Having lost the first matchup between the sides, the Falcons were keen to get one back this time round as they start the second round of matchups. The Falcons would do enough in the last quarter to seal the 59-54 win. Falcons coach Marg Lind said it wasn’t the best performance they had ever put out on the court, but was happy to take the win.

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Falcons swoop on win with a gutsy performance The City West Falcons nutted out a hard fought win against the Hawks in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday night. Having lost the first matchup between the sides, the Falcons were keen to get one back this time round as they start the second round of matchups. The Falcons would do enough in the last quarter to seal the 59-54 win. Falcons coach Marg Lind said it wasn’t the best performance they had ever put out on the court, but was happy to take the win. “It was a lot of up and down the court,” she said. “It wasn’t until the last quarter that we were able to get the flow going. “It was a really good matchup for us. The first time we played them we caved too easily, so it was a gutsy win by us. “The Hawks would have been disappointed not to win, as they played well for three quarters.” Lind said the key to them getting on top in the last quarter was being more patient in attack. She said they used the circle edge a lot better

and made it easier for goal shooter Jane Cook to get the ball, as they were giving too many chances for her opponent to the win the ball. Lind said wing defence Soli Ropati had a really good start to the last quarter which helped. “We were going to take Soli off and put on Lucia [Fauonuku] at three quarter time,” she said. “In hindsight we made the right call and kept faith in her. Soli couldn’t get an intercept all game and there was a three minute period where she got two or three. “That changed the vibe, after struggling to turn ball over.” The Falcons had their whole squad available for a rare time this year, with both Collingwood Super Netball players Maggie Lind and Jacqui Newton both taking the court. While they had their whole squad, Lind said they were a bit more conservative with their rotations with so much on the line. She said Montana Holmes was the standout especially in the second half, keeping her foot to the pedal all night.

Lind said Uneeq Palavi continues to improve playing at goal attack. She played most of the game there on Wednesday, with Maddy Gray still feeling the effects of the flu. The Falcons sit second on the ladder, two games behind the Geelong Cougars. Lind said the win gives them more scope going forward. “All three ladders are tight,” she said. “We can’t afford to slip up.” The Falcons division 1 side also had a good win on Wednesday night, turning around their early season loss. The Falcons won 48-41 and sit third on the ladder. The under-19s missing two key players lost 61-47. They slipped from first to fourth. The Falcons this week face the North East Blaze. In their first match up, the Blaze got the win in the championship division. Lind said they would take a different approach this time. Soli Ropati turned the game in the second half.

Tara Murray

(Robbab Photography)

Thoroughbreds open their account

Dylan Clarke was one of Melton Centrals best on Saturday.

(Luke Hemer)

Centrals hold on for win By Tara Murray Melton Centrals were able to hold off a fast finishing Lancefield to get its second win of the Riddell District Football League. It was a tale to two halves at Lancefield Park, with the Centrals controlling the first half before the Tigers fighting back late. Centrals though did enough to come away with the 15.5 (95)-11.15 (81) win. Centrals coach Mark Pederson said it was good to get the win, but there was still a lot of room for improvement. “The first half was really good and the second half was pretty ordinary,” he said. “We lost our method in the second half and it’s something that we will have to work on. I’m happy to get the win though.” Pederson said the big difference in the second half was the mental side of the game, saying it seemed like the group had thought the game was over. He said playing four consistent quarters was part of the learning process. 30 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 May, 2022

Sam Apineru kicked five goals in the win. Pederson said skipper Jarrod Spry had a really good game, as did Apineru, Dylan Clarke, Kyle Rodgers and Ariek Lual. The win has Centrals sitting in seventh spot. They are two games outside the top five. Pederson, in his first season at the club, said the first part of the season had been a little bit disappointing. “The Romsey game got away from us,” he said. “We could have won that game and should have won against Woodend and Macedon. “They are the games that really hurt us. It’s going to be an uphill battle to play finals. Pederson said they always thought they would improve as the season went along with a new group. He said if they don’t make finals, it will be about getting themselves in a good spot for next season. The side this week faces Riddell. Pederson won’t be on the track during the week due to work travel.

He said the Bombers would be another test “If we play the way we played in the first half, we will be really competitive. Meanwhile, Diggers Rest issued a statement with one of its best performances in recent years. In the top of the table clash with Wallan, the Burras played a consistent four quarter game on the way to the 15.9 (99)-8.11 (59) win. The Burras set the tone early and were able to build throughout the match, despite missing seven senior team players. Coach Jamie Lobb said this was now a reference point for the group going forward. The Western Rams lost to Macedon at Tony Clarke Reserve. It was a solid start for the Rams, who trailed by 11 points at the first break. The Cats blew the game open in the second quarter with 10 goals. The second half was all the Cats, with the Rams kept scoreless. The Cats winning 20.10 (130)-3.3 (21). Romsey was the other winner, beating Woodend-Hesket.

Melton Thoroughbreds finally broke through for their first win of the Big V men’s division 2 season on Saturday night. After a tough start to the season, there was some joy for the Thoroughbreds against the Surf Coast at Cobblebank Stadium. The Thoroughbreds started the game well and it set the tone for the rest of the game. They led by eight points at quarter time and extended it to nine at half time. The third quarter is known as the premiership quarter, and it was just that with the Thoroughbreds putting the game to bed with a 20-8 quarter. They would go on to win, 85-65. Maluk Adut top scored with 17 points as five players scored double figures. The side didn’t have long to celebrate as they were back on the court on Sunday against Maccabi Warriors. The Warriors started the better of the two teams, leading by six points at quarter time. The margin was then seven at half time and 14 at the last break. The Thoroughbreds didn’t give in and while they won the last quarter 20-17, they still fell short losing 86-75. Adut was again the stand out on the score sheet, with 25 points. The Thoroughbreds remain on the bottom of the ladder, but now only sit one game behind the Surf Coast. The Thoroughbreds youth league men’s division 2 side had two good wins on the weekend. On Saturday night they beat Western Port, 86-73. Six players scored double figures as they shared the points around. They backed it up on Sunday with a 97-89 win against Maccabi. Zak Martinez top scored with 33 points. The Thoroughbreds sit fourth in their pool. It was a tough weekend for the women’s youth league 2 side which lost to the Albury Wodonga Bandits, 129-24. Tara Murray

United makes A-League history Tara Murray In just three short years, Western United has become the kings of the A-League men’s competition. Often criticised both on and off the park, United has continued to build and prove their critics wrong. They did exactly that on Saturday night in the A-League grand final. Under first year coach John Aloisi, United beat Melbourne City 2-0. Aleksandar Prijovic was the key man as he flicked on a header that ended in a Nuno Reis own goal in the first two minutes before scoring a second goal on the half hour mark. Neither team would score in the second half, with United able to celebrate a significant achievement that not many people predicted. There were heroes all around the ground. Prijovic would win the Joe Marston Medal, but Neil Kilkenny in the midfield and captain on the day, Josh Risdon, came up big when needed. Chants of John Aloisi rang out around the ground and even by players gate crashing the after game press conference, as the former Socceroo star’s return to coaching was capped off with his first A-League title as a coach. “The club is only three years old, so to be able to do that, what we did, not only tonight, from the beginning of the season is amazing,” he said. “It’s an amazing feeling, amazing night so happy for the football club as a whole.” All season Aloisi and the playing group spoke about belief and the feeling that they could create something special. While they believed it, not many others did, as they went in as the underdog against both other Melbourne teams in the finals. Aloisi said they just focused on what they could control. “We never spoke about nobody believing us, we spoke about us believing in ourselves more and about us working towards something,” he said. “Mindset, process, preparation. We didn’t care what others were saying, if we did I don’t think we would be in that position now. “We just worried about ourselves, worked hard everyday and we get the reward.” Having opened the scoring with the quickest goal in grand final history, Aloisi was weary of how the game would play out. He need not worry, with his side doing as they had so many times this season after scoring early. Aloisi said they looked dangerous going forward, while also limiting City’s chances. Prijovic, who signed with the club on a multi-season deal, said there was a real belief in the squad right from the start. “I would say individual awards are always important as they are achieved as a team,” he said. “The team has been amazing from the coaching staff to everyone to the fans. “Everything went our way, we believed in it from the very beginning. As soon as we reached the final it’s going to be tough but we have to take it. Not many believed in us. “But this is life we believed and it has been a very long way a long year, the game went in our favour. “We did a fantastic job today and I think everyone today in the stadium agrees we fully deserve this victory.” Kilkenny got to share the victory with his family. He had only seen them three weeks in the last six months. “It’s been a hard slog,” he said on the broadcast. “A lot of sacrifice but we are glad to be here now and to win it. “To share it with your family it’s one of those things. “The club wants to improve, they’re a club that wants to invest … it’s one of the best clubs I’ve been at.”

Western United celebrate its first championship.

Took Imai.

(AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

For Aloisi, there was a sense of joy and relief at getting the victory. He admitted that he had his doubts it would ever happen. “I was sitting in my hospital bed nearly three years ago saying I want to coach, I need to coach, I have a lot more in me,” he said. “I believed that. I was waiting for the right opportunity and someone giving me that opportunity to coach. “Once you’re in a job then it’s not about you,

(Supplied/Getty Images)

Aleksandar Prijovic tries to get past Connor Metcalfe.

it’s about the team, the club and where we are going as a club. “It’s more satisfying when I see all the hard work that goes into a new club. It’s not easy.” While the celebrations will last for a few weeks, Aloisi said a win like this will only help in the journey of the club. “What I loved about the players we signed this year, it wasn’t just because they didn’t have anywhere else to go, it’s because they

(AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

wanted to create history. They wanted to come and felt that we were going to build something special and we were going challenge and create history and they are their reason we were able to do that. “Now it might be easier, people will see that we mean business we don’t want to be here just to make up numbers.”

Tuesday, 31 May, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 31

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