Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 4th October 2022

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Housing lists balloon By Tara Murray

A hopping good time

The number of Melton and Brimbank residents needing public housing continues to grow, according to The Victorian Public Tenants Association(VTPA) According to housing wait list data, close to 30,000 Victorians are on top priority lists for urgent public housing placements as of the end of March. Brimbank and Melton, which are both managed out of an office in Sunshine, are recording some of the highest waitlists across the state and sitting in the top five longest wait times. As of the end of March, there were 4510 applications in the area for public housing. VPTA chief executive Katelyn Butterss says some vulnerable Victorians in terrible situations are being forced to wait close to nine months for a property – however, there is no long-term solution to a problem that is only going to get bigger. She said there was a number of reasons for increase in people seeking public housing and it was worse in some areas like Brimbank and Melton. “It’s difficult to get into the housing ownership market,” she said. “People are relying on the private rental market and landlords are putting up the rent. “People are paying more that they can’t afford and it’s forcing them to seek public housing.” Ms Butterss said the cost of living wasn’t helping and many people were finding themselves in tough situations. She said many people were couch surfing, sleeping in hotels or in their cars, while some had nowhere to go at all. The VPTA is calling on the state government to commit to a long-term public housing plan as waitlists continue to rise at rapid rates. “We need 60,000 new social housing places in the next 10 years,” Ms Butterss. “We need a good portion of that to be social housing. “We need both sorts of public housing, we also need a growth in community housing, otherwise the most vulnerable will be left behind.”

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Cute and cuddly animals took centre stage at The Village Bacchus Marsh last week. As part of its school holiday program, the centre hosted Animals 4 Ewe, who brough along barnyard full of bunnies, chickens, goats, guinea pigs and more. Children of all ages enjoyed picking up and petting the little critters during the second week of the school holidays. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski visited The Village Bacchus Marsh on Thursday, September 29 to capture some of the school holiday fun.

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Hours spent wasted on the road Melton residents have been writing into the Fix Our Road campaign to share stories about hours spent commuting and stuck in traffic – and the impact this has on their lives. The lack of local jobs and irregular crowded public transport and the poor standard of highways across the municipality mean locals are commuting long hours. Poor transport options have led to high car dependency, with 85 per cent of weekday trips and 93 per cent of weekend trips being made by car. New research from Melton council has revealed that residents take over 60,000 car trips a day just to get to work, and almost all

of these are by car. Melton resident Stephanie Thorpe said: “How do you have time to lead a life when you’re stuck in a car 20 hours a week just to get to work?

“That’s 20 hours of missed time with kids, missed socialising, missed unwinding. How do you get dinner on the table at a reasonable hour or make sure the kids are picked up from childcare at a reasonable hour?” Kerrie-Ann Hovey has lived in Melton for nearly 40 years. “My husband’s drive to work would take 30 minutes. Now he leaves at 5am to avoid the traffic jam but can’t avoid it on his way home. He spends over an hour in traffic every afternoon.” Melton mayor Goran Kesic said that residents are facing long commutes, less time spent with families and driving on roads that

Helping to alleviate growing pains Melton will soon welcome new and updated play spaces and community centres thanks to a $5.65 million investment as part of the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund program. Local Government Minister Melissa Horne visited Blackwood Drive Recreational Reserve in Melton South on Tuesday, September 27 to announce the allocation from the $50 million fund dedicated to infrastructure in fast-growing outer suburbs. “This will really help kick the city of Melton along,” she said. “We’re supporting our fastest growing suburbs to thrive by investing in the community infrastructure that is needed. “Over the last eight years we’ve been building a legacy by upgrading parks, playgrounds and libraries for Victoria’s growing communities.” Blackwood Drive Recreational Reserve would receive a share of the funding for a redevelopment, along with two more play spaces and three community centres. Another project receiving a share of the funds would be the Weir Views community centre, with a $1.5 million investment from the state government set to help it provide early childhood, family, community and health services to the Weir Views community. Melton mayor Goran Kesic said the funding allocation would contribute to future-proofing play spaces and community centres. “The Growing Suburbs Fund has delivered better community infrastructure for our rapidly growing urban fringes for nearly a decade and I look forward to working with the Victorian state government on making sure no community is left behind for years to come,“ he said. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the funding would upgrade sporting facilities, park facilities, play spaces and community centres. “This is infrastructure that growing communities need, this is what this fund is all about,“ he said. Ctsaid the council made its top priority this

Melton MP Steve McGhie, Local Government Minister Melissa Horne and Melton mayor Goran Kesic welcomed an announcement of a $5.65 million investment towards six projects in Melton as part of the state goverment’s Growing Suburbs Fund program. (Star Weekly) 301008_02

grants round to fund new community centres. “Our community needs better access to health and human services near to where they live – and quality open spaces that they can enjoy with their family and friends. Statewide, councils supported by the Growing Suburbs Fund represent more than

31 per cent of Victoria’s population. Since the fund’s creation in 2015, Melton has been successful in receiving more than $47.5 million and delivering 42 projects.

are in urgent need of being upgraded. “The longer we spend in the car going to work and back every day is time away from our families, our friends, and away from doing the things we enjoy the most,” he said. “We launched Fix Our Roads earlier this year calling on all major parties and candidates to commit to upgrading these key roads. We just want our residents to have the quality of life others around our city get.” To add your voice to the campaign, visit: fixourroads.com.au

Faster nbn rolling out Faster internet speeds are now available in Melton, Melton South and Brookfield. Delivered through the National Broadband Network [nbn], the new connections will be able to deliver download speeds close to one gigabyte per second. The Fibre Connect program delivers Fibre to the Premises upgrades to eligible customers through their preferred phone and internet provider. The nbn’s customer experience and products executive general manager Joe Lathan said with more connected devices than ever before, there is increasing demand for faster and more reliable internet from homes and businesses. “The last couple of years have shown us just how critical the nbn network is,“ he said. “We want more people to reap the benefits of fast and reliable internet, now and into the future.“ Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said eligible local residents and businesses in Brookfield and Melton South will now be able to take advantage of higher speed services. “Expanding fibre access will ensure Australians are at the forefront of digital connectivity and will help bridge the digital divide,“ she said. Users wanting access should check the nbn website to see if their address is in an eligible area, then contact a participating phone and internet provider.

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Reservoir boating boost

Have your say on hospital

By Matthew Sims

There is less than two weeks left for residents to have their say on the construction of the new Melton Hospital. The Victorian Health Building Authority is inviting the community to have its say on what it means to build a hospital for the outer west and what they want from key indoor and outdoor spaces. The survey has questions about community values, stylistic preferences, preferred transport options and offers an opportunity for people to ask their own questions. Community input will be provided to shortlisted bidders who will design and construct the hospital. The state government has committed more than $900 million to deliver a new Melton Hospital by 2029 to support the growing communities of Caroline Springs, Rockbank, Melton and Bacchus Marsh. Once completed, the new Melton Hospital will have the capacity to treat 130,000 patients each year. The emergency department will have the capacity to see almost 60,000 patients. It will be Victoria’s first fully electric hospital and will include a 24-hour emergency department, more than 100 medical and surgical beds, an intensive care unit, maternity and neonatal services, mental health services, radiology services and ambulatory care. The survey closes on Sunday, October 16 at 11.59pm.

Melton MP Steve McGhie has welcomed the state government’s $3.45 million commitment to Melton’s boating and fishing infrastructure. (Joe Mastroianni). 301203_04

water.” The state government has also allocated a further $1 million towards its Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program grants, which would support managers of public boat ramps to facilitate dredging works and deliver projects to provide better access to

boat ramps. Projects and programs identified for funding have been prioritised based on boating demand, project readiness, boating safety needs and equity of distribution of funds. Details: www.betterboating.vic.gov.au

FSA/DETS1029

Melton’s fishing and boating community has taken a step closer to welcoming a new public boat ramp at the Melton Reservoir. Melton MP Steve McGhie announced a $3.45 million commitment to Melton’s boating and fishing infrastructure as part of the Victorian Recreational Boating Action Plan 2022-23. The improvements would include replacing ramps, pontoons and jetties, improving parking and upgrading access roads to make it easier to access the Melton Reservoir. Mr McGhie said a new public boat ramp at Melton Reservoir was a much-needed piece of infrastructure for Melton fishers and boat users. “Our community have been advocating for a public access and a new boat ramp at the Melton Reservoir,” he said. “I am pleased to see the first stage of planning and design will be delivered to make this a reality for Melton residents in consultation with all stakeholders.” The state government has invested more than $42 million as part of the plan, which also included $3.3 million towards continuing its program to remove fees at public boat ramps and a further $2 million towards the Recreational Boating Structural Maintenance Program to support managers of public boat ramps in maintaining the facilities. Fishing and Boating Minister Sonya Kilkenny said the action plan would help improve the safety of the boating experience across the state. “We’re continuing our investment in recreational boating across the state,” she said. “We’re upgrading boat ramps across the state to create more opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors by hitting the

NEWS

Giving Victorian children the best start in life Free Kinder from 2023 will give Victorian children the best start in life. Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder will be FREE across the state at participating services. In 2022, funded Three-Year-Old Kinder continues to roll out across the state. And over the decade, we’ll transition Four-Year-Old Kinder to Pre-Prep and establish 50 Victorian Government-owned and affordable childcare centres. Learn more at vic.gov.au/kinder

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Getting relay ready Melton residents of all ages are encouraged to support the fight against cancer by putting on their runners and starting training for the Relay For Life event in November. Sponsored by the Cancer Council, the relay will be held in conjunction with the Melton City Runners and is open to residents of all ages, with teams as well as individuals able to compete. The relay will be held at the Bridge Road Recreation Reserve start on Saturday, November 12 at 12pm. Details: www.relayforlife.org.au/ register/meltoncityrunners-2022

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Teenagers arrested Dr Penny Hocking with Murray Marshmallow and Dr Jenny Wang with Ewok. (Damjan Janevski)

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Desex your cat says vet Melton cat owners are encouraged to take advantage of a low-cost initiative struck between a veterinary clinic and the council to desex their cats. The not-for-profit Westside Community Desexing Inc, in Sunshine, will desex, vaccinate and microchip one male or female cat for $150. Melton council will pay for the remaining costs. Veterinary nurse Livana Raczynski said the clinic had desexed 1500 cats since it opened in November last year and expected the number of cats to increase further in the west. “Because they can breed quickly,” she said. “They are companion animals and they should be safely indoors, especially if they are not desexed.” Ms Raczynski said the clinic worked with

animal rescue groups and councils, including Melton Council, to desex cats. Westside Community Desexing opened in November, with the aim of providing low cost desexing to help with a growing issued of cats not being desexed. Many end up in the pound or shelters, with tens of thousands of cats being put down each year. Ms Raczynski said the clinic also provided education on cat care to pet owners. The $150 offer is ongoing and in partnership with Melton council. Residents need to provide proof of their address to access the offer. Details: www.westsidedesexing.org.au or 9364 8742.

Two teenagers from Brookfield and Melton South were arrested in an allegedly stolen car travelling double the speed limit in Kalkallo on Monday, September 26. Police spotted an allegedly stolen Mitsubishi Lancer travelling at more than 140km/h on the Tullamarine Freeway at Moonee Ponds shortly after 12am. Police then spotted the car on Hume Highway at Somerton allegedly travelling 150km/h in an 80km/h zone 30 minutes later. With the assistance of the Air Wing, officers were guided to Patterson Street in Kalkallo where the two occupants fled on foot and were arrested after a short foot chase.

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Melton needs a new TAFE: Mayor By Dora Houpis Melton mayor Goran Kesic is calling on the state government to build a TAFE in Cobblebank and attach a school of medicine to the planned Melton Hospital to train health workers and support the area’s health needs. However, the state government has said it is working on a business case for a new TAFE in Melton and was planning an “education and training hub” as part of the new Melton hospital. Cr Kesic told Star Weekly the city’s youth

need to take advantage of future jobs through projects like the Melton Hospital and the rail freight terminal and warehousing precinct, the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal, which is planned for Truganina. “We need a TAFE in Cobblebank and a School of Medicine attached to Melton Hospital to train the thousands of health professionals needed to support the hospital and the broader health precinct,” he said. “By delivering these new tertiary education offerings locally, health professionals will be embedded in the community they’ll serve all

through their training.” There is no dedicated TAFE or post-secondary education provider in Melton. Construction on the $900 million Melton Hospital, at 245-267 Ferris Road in Cobblebank, is expected to start in 2024. Mr Kesic said access to higher education facilities will ensure locals have access to broader job options. “Our young people do not have local access to tertiary education and spend hours commuting each week to Werribee, Footscray or the CBD just to finish their

education,” he said. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the government had invested a record $3.5 billion into higher education and is continuing to deliver training options close to home. “We’ve funded a business case to explore options to establish a TAFE campus in Melton,” he said. On the issue of a medical school at Melton Hospital, a government spokesperson said it is delivering “a new education and training hub for doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers” as part of the new hospital.

Zine’s message of hope Youth mental health services headspace has launched a new community zine showcasing young writers and artists from Melbourne’s west. In Your Head Space is a compilation of 10 works of creative writing and visual art centred around the themes of hope and growth. Matt Richardson, a Melton local who works at headspace’s youth advocacy group, compiled and edited the zine. He said holding the final product in his hand for the first time was “overwhelming”. “Helping young people with mental health issues has always been something that I wanted to do in some form, and to be able to combine that with one of my biggest passions was amazing,” Mr Richardson said. “Writing is one of the best ways to explore mental health and mental health issues, to put your feelings down onto paper. Just to show someone what you’re talking about, how you’re really feeling.”

The launch took place at Caroline Springs Library and featured arts activities and guest speaker Ruby-Rose Pivet-Marsh, artistic director and co-chief executive of the Emerging Writers’ Festival. Ms Pivet-Marsh said it was a “really special” event to be invited to be a part of. “Putting together a publication like this takes a lot of time, skill, and patience. People forget young people are really talented, and this is proof of that,” she said. Tamara Bellion contributed a visual art collection called Glowing Through, which she says is symbolic of different aspects of her journey, life, and recovery. She said art is an outlet for people going through treatment. “Having these types of activities for them to take their minds off other stuff that is going on, I think is really important,” she said. Liam McNally

Senior editor Matt Richardson recognised contributors for their efforts during a speech at the event.

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Pricing under the pump

Pricing under the pump By Benjamin Millar

‘‘

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

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

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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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. “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.”

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Kororoit MP reflects on service By Matthew Sims Kororoit MP Marlene Kairouz gave her final speech in parliament on Tuesday, September 20, marking the end of 14 years of serving the seat. She opened her address by speaking to the loss of her sister Paula in July 2021. “The thought of delivering my valedictory speech without the presence of my soulmate and best friend by my side fills me with sorrow, especially considering how proud she was of me on the day of my (inaugural) speech,” Ms Kairouz said. Ms Kairouz said she served on Darebin council for more than 10 years as a councillor, including two terms as mayor and was elected as junior vice-president of the Australian Labor Party. “Being the first female in Victoria of

Kororoit MP Marlene Kairouz. (Kerri-Anne Mesner)

Lebanese descent to be elected as mayor and to parliament, I hoped that young women in my community were inspired to join political parties and get involved,” she said. “I hope they continue to be.”

Ms Kairouz served as the opposition whip from 2010 to 2014, then as the cabinet secretary from 2014 to 2016. She then took on the Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation portfolio, which she led from 2016 to 2020, as well as serving as the Local Government Minister from 2017 to 2018 and the Suburban Development Minister from 2018 to 2020. Ms Kairouz also reflected on the situation which prompted her resignation from the cabinet in 2020, including a 60 Minutes expose which prompted an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission [IBAC] and ombudsman investigation which made adverse findings against her and former Labor MP Adem Somyurek. Ms Kairouz said overall, the value of her time serving the Kororoit electorate came mostly from representing the people who make up the

Kororoit community. Reflecting on what it has meant for me to be a member of this majestic chamber, I realised that all I ever wanted to do was to improve the lives of those I swore an oath to represent and protect,” she said. “My motivation and my inspiration in my role as a member of parliament has been to be the voice of my community, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds and those from migrant communities that have not lived in Australia for long and who are often afraid and not trusting of government.”

Hope for small business to ‘bounce back’

Melton South couple Sonalika and Vishwajeet Pradhan will showcase international and local fashion as part of the India Fashion Week Australia 2022 event. (Supplied)

Melton South couple firm on fashion A Melton South couple are pulling out all the stops for a showcase of the best of local and international fashion at this year’s India Fashion Week Australia event. The brainchild of event manager and fashion designer, Sonalika Pradhan and her Bollywood star husband, Vishwajeet, the couple first started the event in 2019. Mr Pradhan is a famous Bollywood actor who has starred in more than 200 movies during a 30-year career and said this year’s show is about bringing people together after two years of lockdowns.

“It’s a coming together of people,“ he said. “It’s not just about fashion. “It gives hope and a platform for local talent.“ Mr Pradhan said Australian talent often has to go overseas to get recognised, but their event is giving local designers and artists international exposure. Overseas designers Archana Kochhar, Saisha Shinde and Ivan Tran will join local designers Vicoola Fashionista, Super Nova and Miras. The event will include a fashion show, an

exhibition, performances and awards. Ms Pradhan said the show last year showcased eight Australian teenage designers, with the winner now based in New York. The local couple, who have two children, plan to stage an Indian version of the event, Australia Fashion Week India, early next year. The India Fashion Week Australia 2022 event will be held at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, October 30. Details: www.meilleurevents.au

Victorian Small Business Commissioner Lynda McAlary-Smith has expressed her optimism for Melton’s small businesses to continue to bounce back following the COVID-19 pandemic. She met with Melton council officers and the executive team on Wednesday, September 28 to discuss the needs of the area’s small businesses to recover and remain stronger into the future. “The feeling was broadly optimistic,“ she said. Ms McAlary-Smith said an upcoming Jobs Victoria forum for small businesses in Melton would support small business owners from across the west. She said the City of Melton had a culturally diverse small business base which Melton council should continue to engage with to ensure they remain aware of what business owners need in terms of council support. Ms McAlary-Smith said one of the major concerns for the Melton area and the north-west of Melbourne at large was staff shortages. “Melton is not alone with that challenge,“ she said. “We’ve got heaps of job vacancies.“ Ms McAlary-Smith said another challenge which Melton and the broader Melbourne area were facing was the pressures of inflation and resulting increases in prices. “If the prices go up at a local cafe, that’s not the cafe being stingy, that’s them trying to keep their head above water,“ she said. Details: www.vsbc.vic.gov.au

Dora Houpis

Sirens sound on GF traffic during Operation Scoreboard More than 7000 offences were detected by Victoria Police during Operation Scoreboard over the AFL Grand Final long weekend, including 115 in Melton alone. The most common Melton offences were for speeding and unregistered vehicles, with 53 and 22 recorded respectively. The operation recorded seven drink driving, and nine drug driving offences in Melton. The five-day statewide road policing operation saw police targeting high-risk driving behaviour, with a particular focus on speeding, impaired driving, and distraction. 10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 4 October, 2022

Police also increased their focus on motorcycle safety during the operation following a recent spike in motorcycle trauma, with 238 motorcycle offences detected. Statewide, 224 drink driving offences were recorded from 119,953 preliminary breath tests, and 212 drug driving offences from 3,615 roadside drug tests. Almost 40 per cent of all offences recorded statewide were for speeding. Victoria Police road policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said close to 500 drivers were detected for driving whilst

unlicensed, disqualified or suspended. “This blatant disregard for the rules will not be tolerated, and police will continue to utilise ANPR technology to detect and remove unauthorised drivers from the roads,“ he said. Three lives were lost on Victorian roads during the long weekend operation, with a motorist struck and killed whilst changing a car tyre in Deer Park on Wednesday, September 21. The total number of lives lost on Victorian roads this year is 186, which is 26 higher than last year and well above the five-year

average of 169. “Now is not the time to be complacent,“ Mr Weir said. “We’re experiencing high levels of road trauma not seen since well before the pandemic. “Police will continue to be on high alert for motorists engaging in risk-taking behaviour that puts other road users in danger.“ Operation Scoreboard ran from 12.01am on Wednesday, September 21 to 11.59pm on Sunday, September 25. Liam McNally

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Melton council eyes dump sites By Liam McNally Melton mayor Goran Kesic has called for people illegally dumping waste to think twice. “Illegal dumping is an eyesore, a driving hazard, a danger to pedestrians, a threat to animals and our ecosystem and just makes you a bad neighbour,” he said. These comments have followed on from the council employing a number of techniques to curb illegal dumping in the area over the last year. One method has been offering residents two free hard rubbish pick-ups or two tip vouchers

to get rid of bulky items or larger home waste every year. The more hi-tech method has been the use of cameras in known dumping sites to catch offenders. Star Weekly has previously reported that these cameras have reduced clean-up costs at these sites significantly since August last year. In one location in Melton West, costs were reduced by 52 per cent over a two-month period and in another location in Mt Cottrell, a reduction of 55 per cent was experienced. Cr Kesic said it costs ratepayers $2 million per year for council to remove illegally dumped

rubbish. “It is a really easy process to get rid of bulky rubbish,” he said. “You can book online for council to come to your home to collect the rubbish or you can take it to the Melton Recycling Facility on Ferris Road using a tip voucher.” Details: melton.vic.gov.au/waste Cameras catching litterers have resulted in Council issuing infringement notices ranging from $363 to more than $9000. (Damjan Janevski) 299317_03

Girls bowl with the best growing their women’s program over the last few years and wants to continue along those lines. “We’d love to see more and more girls get involved, it doesn’t matter what level of ability you’re at, everyone starts from somewhere, it’s just about getting involved and learning and improving,” he said. Hackney said there is still time for people to get involved in time for the summer season through either Sydenham-Hillside directly or the Play Cricket website. Details: http://sydenhamhillside.vic.cricket. com.au/home.aspx? Liam McNally

Georgia Wareham inspiring the next cricket crop.(Supplied)

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Australian star Georgia Wareham made an appearance at Sydenham-Hillside Cricket Club to help inspire the next generation of female cricketers. The international player visited the club on Wednesday, September 28, where she shared stories about growing up in country Victoria, hanging around the cricket club with her dad and having to mix in with the boys, before all-girl teams were available. The event had to persevere through bad weather, with a meet and greet and indoor games replacing the masterclass and clinic originally planned. Sydenham-Hillside vice-president Warren Hackney said despite the weather, they were still able to made a good day of it. “Everyone loved having an international player up close and personal, it was a fantastic experience for all of them,” he said. Hackney said Sydenham-Hillside has been

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Mirrors reflect wild world at zoo The animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo are being introduced to their own reflection this month, with one important purpose – to stimulate their natural wild behaviours. The thought-provoking activity, that involves zookeepers placing mirrors in animal habitats, is part of the Zoo’s multifaceted approach to provide the highest quality welfare for the animals in its care. Werribee Open Range Zoo Australian natives coordinator, Jacinda Goodwin said mirrors have been introduced to Koalas, Orange-bellied parrots, Vervet monkeys, Slender tailed meerkats and Leopard tortoises to challenge their critical thinking and encourage beneficial social interactions. “In the wild, animals would come across their own reflections when looking into a large body of water, so the mirrors are one of the methods we can use to replicate that experience at the zoo,” Ms Goodwin said. “There are some species, such as the Vervet monkeys, that have the cognitive ability to look in the mirror and recognise their own reflection. “This can be a great challenge for the monkeys; they don’t automatically recognise their reflection as themselves. Like a good brain teaser, we observe them investing considerable time into trying to work out who the other monkey is. “Other animals, like Koalas and Orange-bellied parrots, may perceive their reflection as another member of their species, so

A koala walking along branch to look at its reflection in mirror held by Keeper, Jacinda Goodwin, during Mirror Enrichment. Right: A Leopard Tortoise and Orange-bellied Parrot check themselves out in the mirror. (Pictures: Zoos Victoria)

the reflections can stimulate social behaviours, such as investigation, vocalising or flocking. “For other species, we may see a territorial response to perceiving another animal in their habitat through their reflection. This is a natural behaviour that they would exhibit in the wild when territories overlap, and in some social species, who live in mobs or packs, these experiences can encourage valuable group cohesion behaviours.”

Every animal in the care of Zoos Victoria’s three properties is given the opportunity to learn and encounter new challenges with a variety of enriching experiences offered daily. Zoos Victoria animal behaviour specialist, Sue Jaensch said each experience is carefully and strategically designed, taking into account variables such as species, personality and age, to ensure it is engaging for its recipients. “Zookeepers make sure that the animals

have the choice to participate and monitor their reaction, adjusting the activity for the individual if they need to,” Ms Jaensch said. “They use their knowledge of species and the individuals they work with to continually enhance the lives of the animals in their care.” Zoos Victoria members and Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online. Details: zoo.org.au

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Volunteers fear for the future Volunteers across the state are feeling the heavy strain of increasing service demands and the burgeoning cost of living, and some fear they will soon be forced to give up dedicating their time for financial security, as Fatima Halloum learns.

“Y

ou wouldn’t hit someone’s pet dog while you’re driving and keep going, would you?” It’s a rhetorical question asked by Sue Anderson, a Wildlife Victoria volunteer for more than 22 years. Part of Ms Anderson’s role in the organisation involves responding to call outs relating to hurt or distressed animals, like a displaced kangaroo in suburbia or ones that have been injured by being hit by a vehicle. “A lot of people don’t even bother ringing, they’ll hit them and they leave them, [but] If they saw what I saw, they wouldn’t do that,” Ms Anderson said. “If a vehicle hits them in the face or smashes their jaw, the poor things will starve to death slowly. As they get sicker and weaker I have even seen the foxes starting to eat them alive. “[If] they break their legs, the bones are often protruding or the injury might swell up with infection to double the size and eventually go black and get covered with maggots.” Often joeys are left alive in the pouches of the females and will die from hypothermia if not found in time.

‘‘

It’s almost become a full-time thing because of … the number of rescues we’re getting lately

’’

- Trevor Crawford The Wildlife Emergency Response Line is a free service offered to all Victorians, and volunteers are on call each day, seven days a week. As we move into the busy spring-summer period, the organisation is expecting to receive about 300 calls a day, placing additional strain on an already fragile service. “There’s more people, they’re expecting more from us … there’s not enough [volunteers], because most people have to go to work to survive and pay their bills,” Ms Anderson said. Ms Anderson works with many volunteers across the state, including Trevor Crawford, who says he joined Wildlife Victoria because he loves animals. “I find that it gives me direction and a purpose to be out there helping,” he said. “It tends to take up your entire day most days, but unfortunately that also means no time to work, so you have zero money coming in and no financial support to do these rescues.” Mr Crawford also runs his own security company which he often takes a backseat to his animal rescuing. “It’s almost become a full-time thing because of … the number of rescues we’re getting lately,” he said. “I get calls all the way to Daylesford, through the outskirts of Ballarat, the outskirts of Geelong and Melbourne’s western suburbs.” Altercations with native wildlife was once reserved for dusty gravel roads deep in the Australian outback, but as housing development pushes further into animals’ habitats, their contact with humans is becoming more regular. “Talking to rescuers who have done this for 20-plus years, they all are saying that rescues have never ever been anything close to this busy before,” Mr Crawford said. “We have such unique native animals … people travel from all over the world to see them and yet we look at them as if they’re a pest. “But also they’re suffering, they’re … lovely to be around … and to leave them on the side of the road with their legs smashed to bits, dying slowly over days or weeks, nobody would want that for their family pet.” Mr Crawford believes the volunteers’ work is essential, but says it’s unfortunate their work is unrecognised.

Above: Trever Crawford caring for a distressed wallaby. (Sue Anderson) Right: The organisation responds to calls for many types of animals, such as an Eagle. (Bernie McRitchie)

“The people that take the calls and send the people out is funded by donations, but rescuers aren’t [paid],” he said. “The problem is the only people that are able to [volunteer] are people who have that financial backing behind them already, or people that are retired, so they’re not going to be rescuing for very long anyway.” Younger volunteers tend to rescue until they run out of money, Mr Crawford says, and with inflation affecting food, gas and mortgage, many volunteers are already struggling. “It’s not sustainable for us … I think at a bare minimum costs need to be covered, you’re at least breaking even, then you’re not chewing into your savings,” he said. A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning said the department believes the work that wildlife shelters and foster carers do is “critically important to help rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife”. “To give them a hand helping, the Victorian government is providing $230,000 to support wildlife rehabilitators in Victoria as part of the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants program,” the spokesperson said. “Wildlife shelter operators and foster carers can apply for grants of up to $3000 for equipment, infrastructure, consumables, education and training.” Currently, the organisation relies on funding from, businesses, philanthropic trusts and foundations, bequests, project grants and the kindness of individual donors. There are non-monetary ways people can help too. If you witness an animal in anguish, there are

a few ways to make the rescue process easier for volunteers. “We can search for hours and hours and not find the animal because it’s lying in the grass,” Mr Crawford said. “If you see an animal, stop, mark your location [by] getting a pin drop on google maps or tying something to a tree ... and then call Wildlife Victoria, it makes it a hell of a lot easier for us.” Details: 8400 7300.

The volunteers say many rescues take place in areas with high development.

(Sue Anderson)

Tuesday, 4 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Animal magic in Bacchus Marsh The Village Bacchus Marsh offered children a chance to meet some new furry friends at their school holiday animal farm. A whole manner of barnyard critters provided by Animals 4 Ewe were on display inside the shopping centre. Kids got up close and personal with bunnies, goats, chickens, guinea pigs and more as a part of the centres school holiday activities. The rabbits and guinea pigs proved to be crowd favourites, while the chickens did not seem quite as keen on cuddling up. Overall for the week, getting to feed the baby goats Mini, Rusty, Ivy, and Rose was the bleating heart of the free event. One attendee, Morfoula Anna Karadis commented on The Village’s Facebook page after the event that her granddaughter loved interacting with the animals. “The animals seemed happy and so relaxed, one of the best we have seen,” she said. The petting zoo ran inside The Village Bacchus Marsh in the second week of school holidays. Liam McNally

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14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 4 October, 2022

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Nixon, 6. (Damjan Janevski) 300063_05

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STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Melton South Community Centre Melton South Community Centre’s term 4 program of courses and events is now available and enrolments are now open. To view the program, go to meltonsouth.org. au or visit the centre at 41 Exford Road, Melton South. ■ 9747 8576

This week’s photographer’s choice was taken at the Julia Gillard Library where an animal farm was set up for school holidays.

Power Saving Bonu If you haven’t yet applied for the $250 Power Saving Bonus from the Victorian Government, Melton South Community Centre can help with the online application process. ■ 9747 8576

(Joe Mastroianni) 301306_01

Tech & Trivia session As part of Get Online Week 2022, Melton South Community Centre is holding a free Tech & Trivia session for seniors or anyone else wanting to gain confidence with digital technology. Learn how to use tablets and smartphones efficiently and safely, then use your new skills to win prizes in a fun trivia game. Afternoon tea is provided. Bookings are essential. ■ 9747 8576

Eynesbury Heritage Trail Eynesbury Heritage Trail junior parkrun takes place at the Eynesbury Heritage Trail, 479 Eynesbury Road, Eynesbury (next to the Discovery Centre), every Sunday, at 8am. Registration free. ■ www.parkrun.com.au/register

Bacchus Marsh Bahai As part of International Day of Peace celebrations, the Bahá’í Community of Moorabool will hold a free presentation by Dr Miguel Gil on his recently-published book, The Concept of Peace in the Bahá’í Faith, at the Lerderberg Library, 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, on Thursday, October 6 at 6pm. Light refreshments provided. Copies signed by the author available. ■ 0411 080 799

The Gap on Graham The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10 to 18 years, at the centre, 5 Graham St, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old. The centre will hold car boot market days on Saturday, October 8 and Saturday, November 12 from 10am. Proceeds go towards supporting local youth. ■ Val, 0414 769 605

Melton Men’s Group Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8pm at The Gap on Graham, 5 Graham Street, Melton. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. The group invites new members to come for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in our activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis. ■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog

Melton Over 50s Social Group A friendly group of people aged over 50, who enjoy each other’s company while attending events and outings such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you. ■ Marlene, 0498 329 290

Bacchus Marsh Market Bacchus Marsh rejoice! There will be a monthly market at the gorgeous location of Maddingley Park. On the second Saturday

of every month, there will be a variety of stallholders and food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket and invite your friends and family for a lovely market day out.

singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

Take weight off naturally

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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

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

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

Zonta club meets

Melton Cycling Club

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

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

U3A Melton

French and Italian for over 50s

U3A Melton offers among its activities a Book Group, Australian History and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and over who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active. ■ 0419 563 016

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

Bacchus Marsh U3A

Community singing group

Bacchus Marsh U3A holds weekly, fortnightly and monthly activities for active retirees. They include a coffee club, painting, tai chi and table tennis. Full timetable on www.u3abacchus.org.au. ■ Sharon on 0407 480 207 or email info@ u3abacchus.org.au

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. It meets Tuesdays at 10am. ■ Val, 0418 667 150

Melton Combined Probus Club

Rotary Club of Melton

The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. ■ 9746 0271

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

all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

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 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

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 2-4pm. Find the Facebook group for more details.

Eynesbury Market A community market next to the iconic Eynesbury Homestead. The market is on the fourth Sunday of the month. It features a great range of food trucks, artisans, makers and more.

Melton Friendship Group Join the Melton Friendship Group for

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

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus Visit or become a new member of the Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club, gathering on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Football Club at 10am. ■ Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 9746 3402 Tuesday, 4 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

PUZZLES No. 101

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.

easy

8 5 7 4 2 3 2

Distress caused by being away from residence (8) Take (6) Components (5) Beatles song, — Wood (9) Polynesian island (6) English musician, Phil — (7) Lively (8) Respiratory disorder (6) Scattered (6) Fish that swims in an upright posture (8) Stand (7) Long, narrow strip of fabric (6) At the beginning (9) Show amusement (5) Form of sound reproduction (6) Turkish symbol (8)

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

8 3 1 2 9

Cocktail containing tequila and citrus juice (9) Japanese dish (5) Think about (8) Mildly irritates (7) Evidence of being elsewhere (5) Visible features of an area (9) Reptile of NT waters, briefly (4) Hired killers (9) Produce pleasing combination (9) One who exposes another (8) Holiday destination (7) Oily fruit (5) High ground (4) Foundation (5) Relish (4)

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16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 4 October, 2022

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The Hate U Give (2017) and On the Come Up (2019) are novels by which US author?

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Illustrations light up library

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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

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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 5. For the annual AFL Mad Monday celebrations, what did premiership winners Geelong Cats dress up as?

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11. After winning the 2022 title, how many times has Australian professional surfer Stephanie Gilmore been crowned World Champion?

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Hyundai moves people in style

There’s nothing subtle about the styling of the Hyundai Palisade large SUV / people mover. (Pictures: Supplied)

By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring Hyundai Palisade is a large Korean-built SUV, or people mover to use the older definition for a vehicle in this class. It has received major upgrades as well as substantial styling changes for the 2023 model year, so it’s worth us taking a look at it again with a full road test. A major feature in the Palisade is the Hyundai Bluelink system that can be connected to the from anywhere via a smartphone. Owners can send planned routes and receive emergency assistance automatically after an accident. They can even remotely lock or start their car with their preferred climate settings, therefore have their Palisade sitting waiting for them all warmed up and ready to go.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Palisade Elite 3.8-litre petrol 2WD: $65,900 Palisade Highlander 3.8-litre petrol 2WD: $75,900 Palisade Elite 2.2-litre diesel AWD: $69,900 Palisade Highlander 2.2-litre diesel AWD: $79,900 SPECIFICATIONS Hyundai Palisade Highlander 2.2-litre diesel AWD

Styling Palisade is a large vehicle with styling that is in the look-at-me class – nothing subtle here. Styling changes for 2023 include a parametric shield grille design flanked by vertically stacked LED headlights. The Highlander variant we reviewed has exclusive design touches, including a satin chrome finish to the grille with matching logo badge and skid plate finishes. There are hidden-type turn signals, body-coloured cladding and exclusive 20-inch wheels with a 15-spoke turbine design.

Interior Hyundai Palisade can be optioned with either a seven-seat or eight-seat layout, the former offering two individual captain-type chairs in the middle row. This was our test vehicle and it has a real feeling of luxury of the type normally only offered in a limousine. Additional luxuries for Highlander variants include heated and ventilated front and second-row seats now for both seven- and eight-seat variants. Highlander also gains exclusive interior finishes, quilted seat inserts, quilted and perforated door trim inserts, suede headlining and stainless-steel front speaker grilles, and door/cargo area scuff plates. Every Highlander variant is available with Black Nappa leather with luxury quilting and Gloss Black/Pinstripe trim, with the further options of Warm Grey and Dark Khaki Nappa leather with unique wood-look trim dependent on the exterior colour. 20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 4 October, 2022

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

Infotainment A 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system is now standard on all Palisade models. Features include wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; six USB-C and one USB-A ports; Bluetooth message playback; embedded satellite navigation with live traffic updates; wireless smartphone charging; and a voice memo function with up to 70 minutes recording time; There’s also AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio although the latter cuts out when driving through cuttings or when there’s multiple trees in the centre island or simply in country driving. The 12-speaker Infinity audio system in our Palisade produced excellent sound quality and could be adjusted to suit our needs.

Safety Hyundai Palisade has lap-sash safety belts for all occupants. This isn’t as common as it should be because too many competitors have a lap-only belt in the centre-rear spot. An expanded suite of SmartSense driver assistance and advanced active safety features is used in the 2023 Palisade. It now incorporates forward collision-avoidance assist with junction turning function, intelligent speed limit assist, a multi anti-collision

braking system. There’s a surround view monitor, a reverse light guide function as well as reverse parking collision-avoidance assist. The latter a real bonus when you’re reversing a large people mover out of a tight spot in a shopping centre. It was also handy in the underground carpark in our apartment block where roof pillars and other vehicles are pretty close. With Bluelink, the 2023 Palisade has automatic collision notification and SOS emergency call function. There’s a natural language server-based voice control and server-based connected routing navigation.

Driving Getting into the front and two middle-row seats is easy. As you would expect the rearmost seats are a bit of squeeze to get in and out. But as that’s the area normally used by the littlies in your family there’s little hassle. And the juniors are more than happy to be as far from mum and dad as possible… Yet again I had problems seeing the information that’s displayed on the windscreen. My polarising sunglasses could not see it unless I tilted my head slightly to one side or the other. Obviously, I could look at the instruments in their normal position, but that’s a little less safe

than having a view of the forward traffic and the dials at the same time. Other car brands have solved this problem so it’s time Hyundai did. Palisade is impressive in the way that it drives, all the more so when you remember this is a five-metre-long vehicle where its main aim in life is to carry up to eight people. It’s certainly not sporty but you do feel that it wants to follow your directions through the steering wheel and throttle pedal. There’s some bump-thump over the joints on the road but we have felt worse. And some road roar on concrete surfaces, but on bitumen it’s nice and refined. Fuel consumption was in the nine to 11 litres per hundred kilometres around town in the suburbs and on hilly and winding roads. This dropped dramatically to just five to seven litres during easy paced driving on level roads and on 110 km/h motorways.

Summing up Hyundai Palisade is a reasonably priced, high-quality people mover that’s does everything it’s intended to do with plenty of aplomb. It’s significantly cheaper than upmarket European vehicles in the same class and certainly deserves a place on your short list of models to consider.

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The Thoroughbreds embrace new opportunities It was a winning start to life in the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League for Melton Thoroughbreds’ men’s side. With the club entering sides for the first time, Saturday night was a big night for the association. The men’s side had a big win, beating the Echuca Pirates 84-45 in the north-west conference. The Thoroughbreds jumped out of the blocks to lead by 10 points at the first and it was extended to 18 at half time. The Thoroughbreds best quarter was the third, which they won 28-7, to put the game beyond doubt. The last quarter was even, but the damage had already been done. Liam Allison top scored for the Thoroughbreds with 15 points as six players hit double figures. Speaking before the game, Thoroughbreds men’s coach Mick McCallum said it was an exciting time for the club. He said they wanted another development

Melton Thoroughbreds’ men’s CBL side

(supplied)

pathway for the club’s juniors who are nearly ready to make a leap into the senior level “It’s awesome, ”he said. “It is so good for the club to be able to give the players another option to stay and play In Melton and not have to look elsewhere for the same opportunity. “When in our try out stages there was a big

focus on finding players that want to stay on and play Big V in Melton next season. The Thoroughbreds inaugural side is full of familiar faces that have played in Melton’s Big V side previously. Bol Bak, who played for Keilor Thunder in the National Basketball League 1 South

competition this year, is one player returning to the club. McCallum said their side is one that could be around for while. The side we have put together is a reasonably young side to try and give them the experience they need to make the next step in the Big V program,” he said. “The speed that the team can play at will mean they should be an exciting team to watch play. I’m expecting big things from my five senior players in Blake and Liam Alison, Jackson Jones, Koby Skinderis and Bol Bak. Not only to lead the way but to help with the junior players.” McCallum said while winning was always the goal, they were aiming to be competitive this season and improve the group for future Big V and CBL seasons. The women’s side also started the season with a win, beating the Pirates 64-56 after scores were level at three quarter time. Jessica Kivimets top scored with 22 points. Tara Murray

Sports shorts Ballarat CA It was a less than ideal start for Darley in the Ballarat Cricket Association on Saturday. Last season’s grand finalists were easily beaten by East Point on the first day of the season. The Lions won the toss and elected to bat and got off to a solid start before finishing 8-180. Hasitha Wickramasinghe top scored with 42. East Ballarat made the runs with ease, finishing 1-182 with eight overs remaining. The Lions this Saturday face Brown Hill.

EDFL There could be two new teams in the Essendon District Football League next season. The EDFL board last week approved the applications of Deer Park and St Albans to join the competition for 2023. The Western Region Football League, where the two teams currently play, has a period of 10 days to decide whether to object to the two applications, with AFL Victoria to have the final decision. Both teams have been playing in WRFL division 1.

GDCA

Steven Boyall

(Supplied)

Boyall claims top medal By Tara Murray Wallan’s Steven Boyall didn’t think he had much of a chance of taking out the Riddell District Football League Bowen Medal until his phone started to go hot before the night. A key for the Magpies in their preliminary final run, Boyall made it back-to-back Bowen Medal winners from Wallan on Friday night Boyall polled 29 votes to finish ahead of Riddell’s Mick Edwards who polled 21 votes. Woodend-Hesket’s Jack Arceri finished third on 18 votes. Boyall said he didn’t know what to expect heading into the night. “It was nice to win,” he said. “I try not to think about these things too much. “A lot of messages came in saying good luck and I got a bit nervous. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was a bit of a relief to win after all the messages.” Boyall said he thought he had a pretty consistent season, which was reflected in the voting. He said having no injuries also helped meant

he was fresher heading into games. While the Bowen Medal is nice recognition of his season, Boyall said it would have been nicer if they had a premiership to show for it as well. “That still hurts,” he said of being knocked out in the preliminary final. “We’ll look to move forward and have another crack next year.” It was a big night for the Wallan boys as they made a clean sweep of the football awards. Matthew Traynor won the James Scarbrough Medal as the best and fairest in the reserves, while Spencer Whittington won the Charles Watson Medal was the under-19.5 best and fairest winner. Boyall said it was really good for the club to see that recognition across the board. “Matty Traynor should be playing senior footy,” he said. “Spencer, I haven’t seen a lot of him play. He played one game for us before getting injured. “It’s good for the club and it’s a nice reward. It’s recognition of how good the club is going.” In other awards, Edwards claimed the Steve

Turner rising gun award for the best young player. Boyall said he didn’t realise that Edwards was that young and tipped he would be a gun player for many years to come. Corey Grindlay won the player of the year award as voted by the coaches. Wallan led the way with players in the team of the year, with seven players making the final 22. Boyall and Grindlay were named in the team along with Michael Mannix, Corey Viani, Sean Morris, Matthew Perri and Ricky Schraven. Diggers Rest’s Taylor Hine, Luke Delahey, Mitch Jensen, Marcus Calvaresi and Mitch Day all featured in the team. Riddell also had five representatives, Edwards, Ben Sonogan, Callum Williamson, Josh Grabham and Riley Paterson. There were three representatives from Macedon and two from Romsey. First year Woodend-Hesket coach Josh Pound was named coach of the year. Wallan won club of the year ahead of Diggers Rest and Woodend-Hesket.

Kilmore will make its Gisborne and District Cricket Association debut against Macedon in the Johnstone Shield. The season is set to get under way this weekend across all the men’s grades. In other Johnstone Shield matches, Riddell will host Kyneton, Romsey plays Sunbury United, Gisborne hosts Bacchus Marsh and Eynesbury plays Aintree. In the Jensen Shield, St Anthonys hosts Bacchus Marsh, Hanging Rock hosts the Sunbury Kangaroos and Malmsbury plays Blackwood.

VSDCA Melton has added to its bowling stocks ahead of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west season. The club announced on Sunday it had added American Stephen Wiig to its squad. The club said Wiig is a hard hitting left arm quick and has years of experience bowling to Caribbean Premier League teams. Melton will start its season this Saturday against Noble Park. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly Tuesday, 4 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21

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Lions bolstered by new team talent Bacchus Marsh Lions are hoping to build on their first Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League season. The Lions had some good performances last season and with coach Grace Bibby back on board and with a lot of the same playing group are keen to make further developments in the north-west conference. Speaking before their first game, Bibby said everyone was keen to get back on the court and see what they could do. Of last year’s group, 12 of the 16 have returned this season. “We were one of the first teams back in training for this season,” she said. “A lot of clubs didn’t start late with Big V, football and netball finals. Our fitness is where we want it to be. “We’ve added a few new faces into the team, it’ll be interesting to see how we go.” Among those to join the team include Taylah Lea who has played high level basketball and is expected to bring poise and control to the team.

Layla Iglesias comes from Ballarat and will help in the point guard position. Ella Thompson returns to the Lions team having represented Werribee the last few years and will be one of the side’s main shooters. Jordan Wilson, Molly Young, Tiff Matherman, Shaelee Grundy, Shelby Allen, Lauren Conroy, Chantelle Paris Webb are among others also in the squad. Ella Bradbury and Jess Fisher step up into the squad having been development players last season. Rebecca Marshall is a playing assistant coach. Bibby said they would have more speed this season. With the season being run over six weeks, she said games wouldn’t be based as much on game plans and structures, but on the skills of the group. She said they would be better for last season. “I think a few girls were caught off guard last year early in the season,” she said. “They were fairly young and nervous. Every year the competition gets stronger. We don’t go in with high expectations being a smaller

association. We want to be competitive and improve in the areas we set out to be from last year. We’ll aim for finals and you never know what happens from there.” The Lions started their season on Saturday night with a tough task against the Bendigo Braves. Bibby said they always knew it would be a tough ask with the squad not at full strength. The Braves did the damage in the first half, leading 25-10. Just one point would separate the teams in the second half, with the Braves winning 64-48. Ella Bradbury and Jordan Wilson top scored with 12 points apiece. The Lions men’s side also suffered a first round loss to the Braves. It was a topsy turvy match with the Braves winning 71-63, after taking control after half time. Zak Martinez top scored with 17 points for the Lions. Jordan Wilson

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Ravishing run over distance

Tayissa Coppinger

(Supplied)

Coppinger snares award By Tara Murray Woodend-Hesket’s Tayissa Coppinger is the Riddell District Netball League’s best player after being crowned the Ryan Medallist on Friday night. The medal, which is for the best player voted by the umpires in the A-grade competition, was fought out by the defenders. Coppinger won on 23 votes, four clear on Wallan’s Karina Martin with Macedon’s Katie Clarke a further vote back. The top five poll getters were defenders. Coppinger said she was shocked after it was announced she had won the medal. She had already won the player of the year, which is voted by the coaches. “It was surprising but good,” she said. “People were saying that I would be up there, but I didn’t know. “There were quite a few Woodend people at the presentation night which was good. I had a lot of emotions.” For Coppinger it was her first season at the Hawks. She had played with Macedon a couple of seasons ago. 22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 4 October, 2022

She said for her this season was just about going out and having fun on the court. “I thought I had a pretty good season,” she said. “I was just really having fun playing alongside Meg [Grbac]. Every game was fun and we were always laughing. “Having all those girls around me made it easy.” Coppinger is the second Hawk to win the Ryan Medal, with Grbac winning it last season. The two defenders were named in the team of the year, as was teammate Sarah Duff. It’s the first time the Hawks have had that many players named in the team of the year. Coppinger was full of praise for the club. “Woodend is a really good club,” she said. “Not just the girls in the side, but the whole program, is a great bunch of people. “The club is so supportive of everyone and has been really welcoming.” The awards cap off a big season for the Hawks, with their A-grade side playing in their first finals series and a grand final. While they didn’t come away with the premiership, Coppinger said they were so

proud of what they did. “To even make the grand final was a massive achievement,” she said. “It will make us bigger and stronger next season and make us even hungrier. “The club is super proud and we’re grateful for the support.” Coppinger’s role with the Hawks came as she combined playing in the Victorian Netball League. While it’s a lot of work, Coppinger said the friendships and the social side made it worth it. Joining the three Hawks in the team of the year is Macedon duo Katie Clarke and Chloe Williams, Diggers Rest’s Alexandra Ball, Anica Scherer and Shelby strong, Wallan’s Sidonie Moore and Riddell’s Ellen Close. Diggers Rest premiership coach Pam Strong was named coach of the team of the year. The Burras Brooke Seidel won the B-grade best and fairest, Western Rams Percilla Hetaraka Kelly won the C-grade best and fairest, while Eliza Butterworth Gonebale won the under-19 best and fairest. Butterworth Gonebale also won the rising star award.

Captain Ravishing has separated himself from his Downbytheseaside Victoria Derby rivals with a stunning heat performance. And the tantalising thing is there’s so much improvement to come. Clearly green but brimming with potential the three-year-old sat outside lead rival Leap To Fame for much of the long-distance trip and ripped home in a blistering 53.4-second last half to win by two metres, with a big distance to third. “Yes, he is the best horse I’ve driven,” said reinsman Mark Pitt of the Emma Stewart-trained horse. “He’s a very special horse this one. I can’t wait for him to work it out and be a true professional race horse.” It’s a reflection on Captain Ravishing clearly still being exceptionally raw, including hanging in on the final turn that saw Pitt having to correct him and enabled leader Leap To Fame to recover lost ground. But Captain Ravishing had enough raw ability to regain his footing and surge again, crashing the line in a 26.6-second final quarter. While Grant Dixon’s NSW Derby winner finished close behind, there was a significant 15-metre gap to third placed Simply Sam, who qualified for the final along with Bet On The Tiger, Justalittlesip and Codename Marcus. “You can’t take anything away from Leap Of Fame, he’s been there and done that,” Pitt said. “If he has to be driven that way in the final I’ll sure know that he will be real fast. “I still think there’s a bit more improvement in him yet and he’ll be 100 per cent next week.” Many will think Captain Ravishing’s path to victory in the Group 1 $200,000 final was made easier after Catch A Wave, long thought to be a leading candidate, failed to advance from the night’s first heat. He tired after sitting in the breeze but is the likely emergency, having been beaten to the post by long-price winner Major Perry, who pipped Ripp on the line. Michael Howard

Sharks’ early moves snap up key spots Hillside is proving a big player early in the Essendon District Football League silly season with a number of new signings already. Fresh from announcing the reappointment of Charlie Denaro as coach, the Sharks have announced the re-signing of key forward Josh Covelli and that of three new players. The Sharks have announced that Tullamarine trio Anthony Prestia, Alessio Gobbo and Ryan Lojko are joining the division 1 club. Denaro said it had been a few busy weeks since their season came to an end. ‘It’s exciting to get a few players over the line already,” he said. “I see Anthony in the top five midfielders in the competition and I’m glad that I’ll have him on my side next year. “We needed another ruck and Alessio will be fantastic for us.” “All the boys have been fantastic and are starting to meet the other players.”

Denaro said they had signed another three players, while they were still targeting another player to fit a positional need. He said all but one player from this year’s list recommitted so far and the boys coming up from the under-18.5 premiership side, the club was in a good place. Denaro said he was excited to be back on board for next year. The club advertises the role every two years, with Denaro keen to get another shot at coaching the group. “It was a slow start to this year with a new playing group,” he said. “They came together in the second half of the season. “The young guys have not played 20 to 25 games of senior footy and are learning to play together. “Airport West got a hold of us in the last game of the season, but we were really competitive in every game we played.”

Denaro said their back line started to hold up better, while their forward line gelled. A key to that forward line was Covelli. In his first season at the Sharks, Covelli won the league’s goal kicking award. Denaro said they were always confident that Covelli would return next season. “There was a lot of talk about what Josh was doing, but we were always confident as the club is in a good position off field.” Denaro said they were in a good position heading into pre-season training that starts in five weeks. He said they would set high expectations for the group. “We want to finish as high as we can,” he said. “We want to be back in the top four and playing finals.” Anthony Prestia is headed to Hillside.

Tara Murray

(Joe Mastroianni) 292758_04

Aussie squad selection for West stars

Dijana Vasilevska.

(Local Legends Photography)

Vasilevska’s B&F shock By Tara Murray Caroline Springs’ Dijana Vasilevska wasn’t going to play football this year. Having started playing with Melton in the Ballarat Football League in 2019, Vasilevska’s budding football career had been interrupted by COVID-19. “It was my first season at Caroline Springs,” she said. “I wasn’t sure about playing and one of my former teammates was coming to play at the club. “I wasn’t sure whether I still wanted to play as I hadn’t played football a lot. “I decided to come down to one training session and after one training session I was staying there. “I realised that I missed it.” The decision proved to be a successful one with Vasilevska a key player in the Lakers’ first women’s premiership. Vasilevska’s season was late last month

capped off with a personal honour, awarded the Western Region Football League division 1 women’s best and fairest award. Vasilevska finished on 17 votes, five clear of Manor Lakers Jaimi Paten. She was left stunned by the result. “I’m so excited,” she said. “I was not expecting it. “It didn’t really hit me until after I got a medal and walked off the stage.” Vasilevska was quick to pay tribute to the coaches at Caroline Springs for helping her take her game to the next level. She played 16 games starring on the wing. “I think I had a good season,” she said. “I learned a lot from the coaches. At the start of the season, I’m not even half the player I am now.” Having reconnected with the sport, Vasilevska said she is keen to play for as long as she can. She said since winning the best and fairest

award there has been a few people asking whether she would look to play at a higher level. “I think I’ll just keep going and take it seriously and make sure I’m at every training session,” she said. “Every game I will be working on improving. I haven’t thought about playing higher and I’m not sure about it. “But there’s no harm in trying.” Vasilevska wasn’t the only Lakers player recognised with Jacinta Kondis named the female rookie of the year. In other awards, Dillon Vijio-Rainbow won the Barry Priest Medal for the best player in the men’s division 1 competition Shaun Campbell won the division 2 best and fairest for a second straight year, in division 3, Albanvale’s Liam Montrose won the division 3 best and fairest on 17 votes, three votes clear of teammate Reece Duffield. In the women’s division 2 competition, Wyndhamvale’s Mariah Burton was the runaway winner on 25 votes.

New Western United stars Kahli Johnson and Silver Bell Morris have been selected in an extended Young Matildas squad. The pair have formed part of a 31-player squad that touched down in Blacktown, Sydney on Sunday for a six-day training camp. Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato said the selections boded well for United’s inaugural A-League Women campaign. “We’re extremely proud to see Kahli and Silver Bell earn selection for the Young Matildas camp,” he said. “Both have been rewarded for outstanding years so far and this recognition will continue to push their development forward. “As a club, these selections are also proof of our recruitment process for our inaugural A-League Women season. “We have worked hard to identify talented players to fill our roster and we are confident that we are in a position to be competitive, with top talents such as Kahli and Silver Bell.” Johnson was part of the Young Matildas side that went to the FIFA under-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica in August where she featured in all three group games, including two starts. Morris helped the Junior Matildas to claim the AFF under-18 women’s championship title, defeating Vietnam 2-0 in the final. The centre-back started in four of the five matches at the tournament, including in the semi-final and the final as the side conceded just one goal on the way to lifting the trophy. This selection continues a massive 2022 for Morris, who was a key player in Football Victoria Emerging’s fantastic season, leading the side to its first-ever National Premier League Women’s finals berth. Johnson has also had a breakout 2022, debuting in the A-League Women as a 17-year-old with Sydney FC and making a total of five substitute appearances. The pair will spend the week with the squad before returning to Victoria ahead of the beginning of the first A-League Women pre-season with Western United.

Tuesday, 4 October, 2022 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

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