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Big summer of tennis The Caroline Springs Tennis Centre has been serving up a series of events this tennis season as a part of the Caroline Springs Summer of Tennis. The centre has held a number of tournaments over summer for more experienced players, but most recently, the courts were open to the community for a day of fun and skill development on Monday, January 23. Coaches from the Caroline Springs Tennis Club hosted two free tennis workshops, a 10am session for kids aged eight to 11, and an 11am session for teenagers aged 12 to 16. The aim was to get kids on the courts to learn some basic tennis skills, providing a pathway to the club for future play. Melton Council facilities activation & engagement officer Catrice Lumley said the event was booked out. “It was a really great day - great turnout, great weather, great fun,” she said. Details: 9747 5327. Giana (7).

(Damjan Janevski) 316479_02

Platypus dirty water risk By Liam McNally Scientists in Bacchus Marsh have raised concerns about the future of platypus populations in the Werribee River, after detecting high levels of water pollution they believe has been caused by local construction activity. The Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance and scientists from Bio2Lab have been using sensors to measure water turbidity (cloudiness caused by fine sediment) along the Werribee River in Bacchus Marsh. Sensors were installed at three sites an upstream ‘control’ site, and a sensor immediately downstream of two construction sites in Bacchus Marsh. Data from the sensors showed that water

turbidity doubled at each of the downstream sensors. The final site recorded water turbidity above the EPA pollution threshold on 95 per cent of the 117 days measured. Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance president Dr Jodie Valpied called the results “worrying”. “As well as looking unsightly, unnatural sediment levels in the water smother and kill macroinvertebrates, the main food platypuses eat,” she said. “Platypuses can not survive long-term if there is too much fine sediment clouding the water. Over the past year turbidity levels in the Werribee River, Bacchus Marsh, have frequently been higher than what platypuses can cope with over time.” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided compliance advice to

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residential development sites along the Werribee River in Bacchus Marsh following concerns sediment from the sites was entering the water. EPA Victoria south-west regional manager Carolyn Francis said EPA is aware of community concerns at Bacchus Marsh regarding sediment from residential development sites entering the Werribee River. “EPA officers were in the area on 12 and 17 January with council representatives. While no sediment was entering the river at that time, they provided compliance advice to the responsible parties on actions they must take to improve the control of sediment on their sites,” she said. “With increasing development across

regional Victoria, it is important that property developers understand the potential impact of their activities on the environment. It is an impact that can be prevented easily, if sediment controls are installed and maintained to the standards required by council permits and EPA Guidelines.” Moorabool council said it is aware of turbidity levels in the river following “heavy rain and runoff from adjacent construction activities at development sites”. “Since then, council has been working with Melbourne Water and the construction sites to improve environmental controls and has increased surveillance in the area to ensure that the sites are following and adhering to their obligations within their environmental management plans.”

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Know the COLOURS

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TAKE THE ACTIONS TO SURVIVE

Across Australia, the Fire Danger Rating system has changed. Using real-time scientific data, it now gives you a more accurate rating of the risk level if a fire was to start in your area. Each colour represents the actions you need to take to stay safe. If it’s orange, the fire risk is Extreme, so you need to take action now and be ready to go. The safest option is to leave early.

Plan. Act. Survive. For more information on the new simpler and smarter Fire Danger Ratings, search Fire Danger Ratings. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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NEWS

Moorabool achievers honoured By Liam McNally Moorabool council celebrated January 26 with an Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony at the Mechanics Institute in Ballan. Moorabool chief executive Derek Madden was the master of ceremonies on the day, and began by acknowledging that the event was taking place on the land of the Wurundjeri and Wada Wurrung people. He then welcomed “distinguished guests” the Hawke MP Sam Rae, Eureka MP Michaela Settle, and Melton MP Steve McGhie. After the Australian anthem was performed, mayor Rod Ward gave an opening speech in which he said that Australia Day is “a time for all Australians to come together, to reflect and celebrate”. “We can and should respect the stories of others and celebrate our great nation. We all have a contribution to make, we are all a part of this story, and we are all a part of the Australian history,” he said. After a speech from Mr Rae and a performance by the Moorabool Light Orchestra, the Australia Day Awards were presented. Ophelia Fernando and Daniel Webb received Certificates of Achievement, the Mayoral Award went to Glenda and Jeff Jones, and Community Event of the Year was awarded Brendan Hehir and Darren Lynch on behalf of the Blackwood Woodchop and Easter Carnival. Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Noah Barlow. Noah is an advocate for young people with disabilities who has raised over $100,000 as the captain of Noah’s Ninja’s for the Mito Movement in The Bloody Long Walk. There are currently 791 Noah’s Ninja’s who have raised more than $236,000.

Top left: A family of new citizens Michael Peel, Lilly, Zac, and Angela Peel. Top right: New citizens going through their affirmation. Left: New citizen Jaswant Dhumi and Jaspal Najzu. Centre: Young Citizen of the Year Noah Barlow and mayor Rod Ward. Right: Citizen of the year Judy D’Attoma. (Pictures: Liam McNally) 317290

Noah is also the co-founder of Voices podcast, was instrumental in setting up the first ever junior wheelchair AFL team, and has contributed to a book by Melissa Doyle called “15 Seconds of Brave: The Wisdom of Survivors”. Citizen of the Year was awarded to Judy D’Attoma. Ms D’Attoma is the driving force

New councillor sets out Watts ward priorities Justine Farrugia will be City of Melton’s newest councillor after the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) announced the results of the countback following Moira Deeming’s departure from council. Ms Deeming was elected to the Watts ward at Melton’s 2020 council election, and in December 2022 was elected to Victorian Parliament as a member of the Legislative Council for Western Metropolitan Region for the Liberal Party. Her departure resulted in an extraordinary vacancy in Melton council, requiring a VEC countback of the 2020 election results. Ms Farrugia was declared the successful candidate on Monday January 23 following the countback. She will be officially sworn in as a councillor representing the Watts ward at a date yet to be disclosed by council. Councillor-elect Justine Farrugia said she was “delighted” to be elected councillor for Melton City Council. “I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and officers to deliver for our community,” she said. “My priorities this term are delivering safer streets, better infrastructure, and more services for our growing population, and I’m excited to work with a team all laser focused on delivering this.” Melton mayor Lara Carli said council is pleased Ms Farrugia has “accepted the opportunity to represent our community and specifically residents in Watts Ward.” “Justine joins us at an exciting time as council plans for our city’s future,” she said. “We welcome Justine to council and look forward to working together for our community.” Liam McNally

behind Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward, which has set up a food voucher service that has raised over $25,000 for people experiencing food insecurity, a community pantry, has provided 30 fruit trees to two primary schools, and has set up a community garden. Ms D’Attoma said receiving the award was “a bit overwhelming”, but was “happy” for the

opportunity to “draw more attention to the charity”. Hawke MP Sam Rae said it was an “honour” to be at the event. “It was fantastic to see so many people from our community come down and celebrate Australia Day but also celebrate our newest Australians,” he said.

Melton Town Centre Revitalisation Plan We asked you in 2022 what is your vision for the future of the Melton Town Centre (MTC) and we have heard what you have said. We have produced a Discussion Paper with issues and opportunities to revitalise the MTC for you to consider. Comments on the Discussion Paper close Wednesday 1 March 2023.

To find out more please visit conversations. melton.vic.gov.au/mtcrevitalisation-plan. Alternative you can call the City Strategy Team on 9747 7200 or visit us in person at the Civic Centre, 232 High Street, Melton.

Justine Farrugia is Melton’s newest councillor following the departure of Moira Deeming. (Supplied)

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Murder charge A 15-year-old Taylors Hill youth has been charged with murder as part of an investigation into a fatal stabbing in St Kilda in December. The teen was was initially charged in December with a range of offences in relation to the incident, including violent disorder and affray, and has remained in custody since that time. Police charged him with murder on Friday, January 20. The charge follows an incident where emergency services were called to St Kilda beach just after 7.30pm on December 4, 2022, following reports of people fighting. An 18-year-old Tarneit man was found with stab wounds on the beach in the vicinity of Pier Road. He was taken to hospital but subsequently died. The Taylors Hill boy will face a children’s court at a later date.

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Speed boats in action Some of the best speed boat racers in the country are set to descend on the Melton Reservoir for the Melton Gold Cup for three days of action this February. The Melbourne Runabout and Speedboat Club will host one of the country’s major circuit boat races on February 3, 4, and 5. Competitors can enter in events for around seven different classes of boats, from the junior to the unlimited level. The three major races over the weekend are the Cavenar Trophy for six-litre boats, the Keith Harrison unlimited, and the coveted Melton Gold Cup. Winners of the races will receive a trophy board and prize money of up to $6000. Races will get underway between 5pm and 7pm on the Friday, 10am and 5pm on the

Saturday, and 9am and 5pm on the Sunday. Spectator tickets will be $20 per day that will grant them access to a special viewing area, there’ll be food trucks, and a portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to Beyond Blue Australia. Melbourne Runabout and Speedboat Club vice commodore Chris Dynon said he’s “over the moon” about the event. “I’ll hopefully be racing my own boat over the weekend, I’m pumped… It’s exciting to be able to represent and race at your own club,” he said. “[Spectators] will absolutely be so impressed and excited, and become addicted to circuit boat racing. It’s one of the biggest kept secrets in motorsport, and if you come down and have a look you’ll be blown away at one of the country’s best venues.”

Motorised mobility device info Moorabool council is running motorised mobility device information sessions for people who use, or are likely to use motorised scooters and powered wheelchairs. The next sessions are being held on February 1 at the Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh, and March 2 at the Ballan Council Chambers. For more information contact the Aged and Disability Liaison Officer. Details: 5366 7100. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Pricing under the pump

Pricing under the pump By Benjamin Millar

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.

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As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Sunbury Line to allow bigger, more modern trains to run on the line. We are also building Melbourne Airport Rail, connecting Victorians to Melbourne Airport for the first time with a new rail service. Buses replace trains in both directions on the Sunbury Line 8.30pm 3 February to last train 5 February

North Melbourne to Sunbury

8.30pm 8 February to last train 12 February

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Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Melbourne Airport Rail is developed with the Federal Government Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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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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Electoral structure review of Moorabool Shire Council Notice of preliminary submission period Notice of preliminary submission period

Making a submission

An electoral representation advisory panel is reviewing the electoral structure of Moorabool Shire Council under the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act).

You are invited to make a preliminary submission to the panel to have your say on the electoral structure of Moorabool Shire Council. Submissions open at 9 am on Wednesday 8 February 2023.

The electoral representation advisory panel is an independent body appointed by the Minister for Local Government to make a recommendation to the Minister on electoral structures for councils requiring a review. The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is providing administrative and technical support to the panels. Under the Act, all rural shire councils must now have electoral structures that are either: • unsubdivided • divided into single councillor wards • divided into multi-councillor wards with an equal number of councillors per ward. The review of Moorabool Shire Council will consider the appropriate: • number of councillors • electoral structure. If the council is subdivided, the review will consider the appropriate: • number of wards • ward boundaries • number of councillors per ward • ward names.

You can view a submission guide and council factsheet to help you write your submission on the VEC website. The website also features a public submission tool, which you can use to map your proposed electoral structure and make a submission. The panel will consider these submissions before releasing a preliminary report, outlining possible options for the electoral structure of Moorabool Shire Council. You must make your submission by 5 pm on Wednesday 1 March 2023: • online at vec.vic.gov.au • by email: Moorabool.ERAPSubmissions@vec.vic.gov.au • by post: VEC, Level 11, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Public information sessions Online public information sessions to explain the processes and open the preliminary submissions period will be held on Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 February 2023. For more information please visit vec.vic.gov.au

Public information sessions: • 12 pm, Monday 6 February 2023 • 6 pm, Tuesday 7 February 2023 Please visit vec.vic.gov.au to register

Preliminary submissions close 5 pm on Wednesday 1 March 2023

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8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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AUSTRALIA DAY

Melton welcomes 200 new citizens on Aust Day On January 26, Melton City Council hosted a special citizenship ceremony and recognised the winners of the 2022 Community Achievement Awards at The Willows Historical Park. Around 200 people were sworn in as new citizens, with a sausage sizzle and live entertainment by Alexi Cola Duo. Koti Ivaturi said it “felt great” to be sworn in as an Australian citizen at the event. “It’s been about 4 years waiting for this day so I’m really glad it’s happened. It’s on a beautiful day as well… nothing beats being in person here in front of everybody celebrating with friends,“ he said. Four community achievers were recognised on the day. Daphrose Tuyisabe was awarded Intercultural Engagement Leader of the Year, John McVie received Disability, Access and Inclusion Leader of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year went to Shilpa Kumar and Les Chitts was named Melton’s Citizen of the Year. Over the 43 years he’s spent in Melton Mr Chitts has been involved in more than a dozen charities and community groups, and has given enormously to ensure that Melton is inclusive and accessible for people living with disability. He said he felt “very privileged” to receive the award. “You don’t do these sort of things to be recognised, you just do it because you’re helping people, and that’s what I’ve always done,” he said. “I feel very privileged to be able to help people at my stage in life, and to be recognised for it I’m truly gobsmacked, and I’m proud to be a Meltonian.” Federal Hawke MP Sam Rae said it was an “honour” to attend the event. “Melton is one of the most diverse communities in Australia and it’s such an

Melton City Council’s January 26 special citizenship ceremony. Top right: Melton MP Steve McGhie, Cr Steve Abboushi, Cr Kathy Majdlik, mayor Lara Carli, deputy mayor Julie Shannon, Cr Sophie Ramsey, MP Sam Rae, and Cr Bob Turner. Bottom left: New citizens Koti Ivaturi and Ramya Kandregula. Far right: Citizen of the Year Les Chitts. (Pictures: Liam McNally and supplied) 317280

honour to be here today to welcome so many new Australians as we also celebrate our great country,” he said. Melton MP Steve McGhie said it was a

lovely to see the “multiculturalism of Melton” out on a “beautiful day”. “Obviously, Australia Day is not a day of celebration for all and we have to respect and

recognise that, but for the new citizens I wish them well and I thank them for coming to the melton electorate,” he said. Liam McNally

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31 January 2023

Mayor’s message Cr Lara Carli

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

Last week Council made a submission to the upcoming Federal Budget showing what we need in our city to attract more local jobs and build skills in our community. We’re asking for support on projects that will help create jobs and provide higher education such as building a local freight terminal and delivering a local TAFE and university, as well as better connecting people to new and existing employment and education by electrifying and upgrading the rail network, upgrading the Western Highway, and delivering the Outer Metropolitan Road and Rail Link. We’ll share details with you once we know more about any Federal Budget outcomes for the City of Melton. Right now, we’re constructing park upgrades across our city with play equipment, picnic facilities, seating, shaded areas and barbecues. I’m pleased to tell you that two of the projects, Centenary Park in Kurunjang and Banchory Green in Hillside have begun and are expected to be complete by May. The Victorian Electoral Commission held a countback last week to declare a new Councillor following Moira Deeming’s departure from Council. I’d like to welcome Justine Farrugia to Council after she was declared the successful candidate by the Victorian Electoral Commission. Justine joins us at an exciting time as Council plans for our city’s future and I’m pleased that she has accepted the opportunity to represent our community. Feel free to contact me about Watts Ward or Council related issues on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton.vic.gov.au or visit my Facebook page at: facebook.com/Cr.LaraCarli

Have your say

MTC Revitalisation Council is working to revitalise Melton’s town centre and make the most of the independent retail offering and outdoor space – and we’re asking you to help guide our plans for its future. The discussion paper outlines key issues for the town centre and sets out a vision for the precinct’s revitalisation.

The Melton Town Centre Revitalisation Plan is a partnership between Melton City Council and the Victorian Government. Together we can return High Street to being the vibrant, bustling heart of Melton.

You can have your say at conversations.melton.vic.gov.au/mtc-revitalisation-plan

Keep up to date with roadworks and closures in your area Did you know that you can look up roadworks and road closures in your area to help plan your travel around the City of Melton? Whether it’s closures due to planned works or weather conditions like

flooding, we have a map that shows the location of works that may cause delays. You can also see a list of roads that are closed or recently reopened. Visit our website at melton.vic.gov.au/roadworks

New Kurunjang park – works underway! Works have just begun on Centenary Park in Kurunjang with groundwork for an upgraded play and recreation space underway. After asking the community what you wanted for this outdoor space a design was created and is now becoming a reality. We’ll install fun new play equipment, upgraded picnic facilities and barbecues, shaded areas and seating, as well as new footpaths and beautiful garden beds and trees. Excavation works have been completed and we’re now working on the footpaths. We expect works will be complete by May this year.

Coburn Ward with Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg I’d like to wish all our residents a very Happy New Year! With the challenges of 2022 behind us, I wish everyone good health, wealth and success in 2023. This week, students return to school and I would like to welcome all the preppies commencing this year. I’d also like to congratulate last year’s year 12 students and wish them good luck for the future. This can be a daunting time, so please reach out to your community for support. We’re here for you. For parents, teachers, and students, I hope the next 12 months are more

productive and successful than ever, and that everyone can thrive in our community.

mowing progress, as well as make a report at melton.vic.gov.au/ parksandreservesmaintenance

Council takes the wellbeing of our residents seriously and we want to ensure the new school year is enjoyable for everyone. So, please remember to take care on our roads, particularly around schools and kindergartens where we’ll be seeing increased traffic and pedestrian activity.

Finally, the next meeting of Council will take place on Monday 27 February in Council Chambers, Melton. Interested residents can attend in person or join the livestream on the night. Visit melton.vic.gov.au for more details.

Long grass and mowing requirements continue to be a priority for Council. With improved conditions, our team is working hard to get our city clean and accessible. You can find updates of

Feel free to contact me regarding Coburn Ward or Council related issues on 0499 801 183; email: ashleigh.vandenberg@ melton.vic.gov.au or like my Facebook page @crvandenberg

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

Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Deputy Mayor Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

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NEWS

Flag declares ‘we’re here to stay’ By Liam McNally On the morning of Thursday January 26 the Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation hosted a Survival Day breakfast to remember and mourn. From 9.30am, around 50 attendees met at Kirrip for a smoking ceremony, speeches and food, and spent the rest of the morning being together and sharing stories. Elders Uncle Henry Hill and Aunty Alex Osborne raised the Aboriginal flag, which Kirrip chief Executive Peter Webster said symbolised that “[Australia] is Aboriginal land, it always was and always will be, and that the lands were never ceded”.

Above: Lyn Robinson and Cheetah Toohey. Above right: Catherine, Jack, Lochland, and Kane. Below right: Jack (front), Lynda Southall, Lochland, Jaqui Watkins and John Southall. (Pictures: Liam McNally and supplied) 317220 Kirrip chief executive Peter Webster.

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Whether you’re First Nations people or not, this heritage belongs to - Peter Webster everybody

Kirrip Staff.

’’

“It puts the stamp up there to remind people that we are here, and we’re here to stay,” he said. Mr Webster said the speeches discussed the selection of the term Survival Day as being something that invites people to learn about what Aboriginal people have gone through and why some have a problem celebrating on January 26. “We are the oldest living culture, which is something I like to talk about because I think everyone in Australia, whether you’re First Nations people or not, this heritage belongs to everybody,” he said. “To be living here as a non-Aboriginal person and know that you’re living on the land with a culture that is the oldest in the world

The Aboriginal Flag being raised by Uncle Henry Hill and Aunty Alex Osborne; and Uncle Henry Hill during the Smoking Ceremony.

still living, everybody should be proud of it.” Kirrip youth coordinator Emma James said it was “really good to see a lot of Mob come together” on the day. “It’s not the greatest circumstance, but I think it’s good that we’re all mourning together

Kirrip Survival Day Breakfast.

on a day like today,” she said. “For me January 26 means a day of mourning for my ancestors who couldn’t be here, that didn’t make it through all the genocide and everything else that happened. So for me it’s to come and pay respect to my ancestors that gave me my life

and my culture and everything.” Kirrip board member Jaqui Watkins said the day was about “getting together with community and really honouring our ancestors and elders who have shaped this world.”

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Greg Lynn will face murder trial By Karen Sweeney, AAP Former Caroline Springs airline pilot Greg Lynn has been ordered to stand trial for the murders of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay at a remote campsite in Victoria’s alpine region. Lynn replied “not guilty Your Honour” when asked by magistrate Brett Sonnet on Wednesday 25 January how he pleaded to the two charges of murder. The order that he stand trial follows days of evidence about covert recordings, blood spatter analysis, phone data and a secret but potentially explosive police interview. Lynn was charged in November 2021 with murdering the campers, whose missing persons case became one of Australia’s most high-profile crime stories in March 2020. It’s alleged Lynn, 56, killed the couple on March 20 that year, while they all camped in

the remote Wonnangatta area of Victoria’s alpine region. How he allegedly killed them or what the motive was have not been revealed in a hearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court where prosecutors and Lynn’s defence team have tested the e vidence against him. Lead investigator, Detective Sergeant Brett Florence was the final witness in a committal hearing on Wednesday afternoon. He revealed there was at least one other person of interest when Lynn was first spoken to by police in mid-2020. Det Florence said officers had concerns about Lynn’s mental health on the morning of his arrest, at a campsite at Arbuckle Junction in the high plains, but rejected a suggestion by Lynn’s barrister, Dermot Dann KC, that the pilot had been at “mental breaking point”. The officer also admitted that despite those concerns early in the day they did not seek a

physical or mental health examination of Lynn after his arrest. Following Lynn’s arrest he was formally interviewed by Det Florence and another officer over four days. Details of what was said during that interview, as well as in a conversation with police on July 14, 2020 and a formal statement he made that day have been suppressed after a successful application by Mr Dann. He said the contents of those pieces of evidence could be viewed as potentially explosive and argued they posed a real and substantial risk of prejudice to the administration of justice. Among the details aired over a four-day committal hearing were allegations Lynn killed Mr Hill and Ms Clay - childhood sweethearts who reunited later in life sometime after 6pm on March 20 at their Bucks Camp campsite. In a summary of some of the evidence, police

claimed the circumstances of the couple’s deaths and Lynn’s behaviour afterwards were consistent with him having intended to kill them, or at least cause really serious injury. It’s alleged Lynn contaminated and staged the crime scene - setting fire to the camp to intentionally destroy evidence. He’s also accused of removing evidence and disposing of the couple’s remains, involving burning, dispersing and partially interring them at a separate location near Dargo in May 2020 and/or November 2020. Listening devices were installed in Lynn’s Caroline Springs home and car, and he was allegedly recorded having conversations with himself about the deaths of Mr Hill and Ms Clay. Lynn was formally charged with murder on November 25, 2021. The couple’s remains were located four days later. He has not applied for bail and will remain in custody.

Prison staff ‘challenges’

Cr Tonia Dudzik, BMAM chair Trevor Oliver, Sam Rae MP, Mayor Rod Ward and Cr Moira Berry.

(Supplied)

Aerodrome lands $450,000 grant Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome is ready to fly to new heights thanks to a grant of more than $450,000. The federal government has invested $471,77 under round three of the $100 million Regional Airports Program. The Bacchus Marsh investment will fund runway and taxiway surface treatment works and the installation of a lighting system including Pilot Activated Lighting Control and an illuminated wind direction indicator. Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Management Chairman Trevor Oliver said the lighting control will allow for night flying for flight schools, emergency service, and private flying. “It’s a feather in the cap for everybody on the committee that we’ve been able to obtain this

sort of funding for something that we believe is one of the best kept secrets in Moorabool shire.. it’s a great community asset that can further expand,” he said. The Regional Airports Program has supported 150 projects across regional Australia with nearly $71 million in funding under the first two rounds. Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the program delivers “significant benefits” for regional aviation. “These projects are also an investment in the improved delivery of goods and services, including healthcare and passenger air services,” she said. “Investing in our regional airports is

also critical to supporting the operational requirements of aeromedical and other emergency services.” Moorabool Mayor Rod Ward said the council-owned Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome is an “important facility for our growing area.” “We are looking forward to working with Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Management to deliver this much-needed infrastructure for the shire, and we thank the Australian Government for its valuable support,” he said. The Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome is hosting a Wings Wheels and Coffee event, featuring classic cars and aerial acrobatics from 9am, February 5.

GEO Group Australia, which runs the Ravenhall Correctional Facility, has admitted it is experiencing “staffing challenges”. Ravenhall is a medium security prison located near the Western Highway, Ravenhall in the City of Melton. It has the capacity to house over 1300 prisoners. A GEO Group spokesperson said that “like many businesses and industries impacted by COVID-19, GEO is also experiencing staffing challenges”. “GEO’s commitment to the safety and security of Ravenhall Correctional Centre – our staff, prisoners and visitors – is our top priority,” the spokesperson said. “Ravenhall Correctional Centre continuously recruits to ensure adequate levels of staffing are maintained for a safe and secure environment.” A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson confirmed that staffing pressures are occurring at prisons across Australia. “Like many industries, we are managing staffing pressures at some of our medium security prisons and are putting in place appropriate arrangements to ensure the safety, security and good order of the system,” the spokesperson said. “The safety and wellbeing of our staff and prisoners is our highest priority. Corrections Victoria regularly reviews and updates our operational arrangement across the state to ensure the needs of staff and prisoners are met. “We are continuing to recruit new corrections staff where there are vacancies.”

Liam McNally

National Disability Insurance Scheme providers banned Two west-based businesses have been banned from providing services to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Kurunjang-based Australian Home and Community Care and Millennium Disability Care in Williams Landing have been issued banning orders, permanently prohibiting them from providing NDIS supports and services to people with disability. Five associated individuals were also issued banning orders, with prohibitions ranging from five to 10 years. The action was taken by the NDIS Quality

and Safeguards Commission in coordination with the Fraud Fusion Taskforce, which was recently established to investigate fraud against the NDIS. Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten said the NDIS Commission obtained evidence of the submission of falsified and inappropriate claims for payment to the NDIS, which had serious adverse effect on NDIS participants’ mental and physical wellbeing He said the banning orders send a “strong message to any provider trying to take advantage of the NDIS and Australian

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

taxpayers”. “For too long, rogue providers have been able to make use of a lack of communication and coordination between government agencies. Australians relying on the NDIS are some of our most vulnerable, and any organisation taking advantage of their safety net must be stopped,“ he said. “The Fraud Fusion Taskforce’s work is well underway and any provider looking to rip off the NDIS should know – the music has stopped.” NDIS Commissioner Tracy Mackey said The

NDIS Commission will take “swift action where NDIS providers and their key personnel fail to meet their obligations and in circumstances where they are no longer suitable to deliver NDIS supports and services”. “The NDIS Commission continues to work closely with the NDIA and other government agencies to identify and address quality and safeguarding concerns, including those arising from engagement in fraudulent activity. NDIS providers have very clear obligations and we will take action when providers do not meet those obligations,” she said.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

Audrey, Ace, Oliver, Axel and Lenni.

Janever and Jiane. Below: Ray and Natasha.

Summer slidin’ on Australia Day On January 26 Eynesbury hosted its annual Australia Day Party and Waterslide Day at the Eynesbury Homestead. Kids played on three different waterslide features while parents ate, drank and relaxed in the park while listening to live music. General Manager of Eynesbury Quarter Bradley Olsen said he was feeling “positive” about the turnout as guests began packing in from midday. “We’re excited to get as many people out here as possible,” he said. Zita, Charlie, Ashton, and Mia. Right: Ryan, Brad, and Nathan.

Veronica Murphy, Amy Yelverton, Cillian, Jackie Yelverton, and Darren Murphy.

12544962-AV15-22

Oliver and Lenni tearing down the water slide.

(Pictures: Liam McNally and supplied)

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

‘Life changing’ rare diagnosis More than 7000 rare diseases are currently known by experts worldwide. Fatima Halloum hears the challenges faced by sufferers, their families and professionals whose lives are affected by a rare disease. Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency Wyndham councillor Adele Hegedich wants people to know that for all intents and purposes, her family was completely normal before their lives were turned upside down ten years ago. “Rare disease can affect anyone at any time. That’s what happened to us,” she said. “We didn’t discover it until 2012, when my brother Eduardo had a hyperammonemic episode. As a result of that we were all genetically tested and that’s how we discovered mum and my sister also have it.” Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency affects the liver’s ability to create the enzymes that remove ammonia, more commonly known as waste, resulting in high levels of ammonia remaining in the body. “It’s something that they were all born with but they were what is known as adult late onset,” Adele explained. Because Adele’s family were unaware they carried the illness, doctors initially believed her brother’s episode was drug induced, and by the time he had been diagnosed, the elevated levels of ammonia had caused irreparable damage to his brain. “It was almost four days before they were able to diagnose it and by then the damage had already been done,” she said. “Had we known that my brother was having a hyperammonemic episode, the doctors would have intervened earlier with medication. “As a result of his episode, he suffered a severe brain injury. He requires 24/7 care, and lives in specialist disability accommodation.” Adele says that one of the difficulties of the disorder, is how differently it can present between people who have the disease. “In my brother’s case he was very hyperactive, in my sister’s case, she suffered migraines and low mood, and mum, she’s got no symptoms,” Adele said. “People we’ve spoken to are in the same boat, they’ve only discovered it because one person had an episode and the rest of the family had been tested. “Unfortunately it’s the worst case scenario before people know that they have it.” Adele and her father were not found to carry the disorder, but she says she definitely believes that they have a responsibility to raise awareness about the life-changing disease. “Sometimes I think there’s a stigma attached, they’re not bad things, they’re just things we need to understand. It’s making it okay to talk about it rather than there being this negative stigma because it can happen to anyone at any time,” she said. Adele’s mother, Nancy, said that as a parent, she feels guilty about what her children have endured. “At 24 when he got diagnosed, he had a life ahead of him that was exceptional, now his life is changed,” Nancy said of her son. Nancy said she hopes people don’t feel frightened, but need to be made aware of the disorder. “I’ve been to so many doctors and said ‘my son has OTC’ and they look at me like I’ve come from space because they have no idea what they’re dealing with,” Nancy said. “There are rare diseases, and people just living in our community have got them.”

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Most 11-year-olds wouldn’t know what Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia is, but when little Catherine Kruljac found out she had it, the Sunbury resident wasn’t surprised. The now 53-year-old had spent so much of her childhood in and out of hospital, the foreign-sounding words doctors often used were familiar to Catherine. “I had recurrent chest infections and I had half a lung removed when I was four,” she said. “It was constant exacerbations and having a cough, coughing up phlegm, which just sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? I knew it was something I was going to have for the rest of my life.”

Elliott was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome when he was 14 months old. (Damjan Janevski) 266764_02

with Angelman, with physical and intellectual issues, as well as severe epilepsy. People with the syndrome are also known to have a happy demeanour. “When he starts giggling, he’s makes you smile, he wins people over pretty quickly,” Chrissy said. “He helps you enjoy the finer things in life.” Chrissy hopes to normalise Angelman, so that it can be diagnosed more quickly in other children in the future. “It’s all about increasing awareness in the medical field. We were at the child and maternal health nurse quite frequently and they just didn’t know,” she said. “And listening to the parent’s concern, the mother’s gut is a strong thing. When we say ‘There’s something going on with my child’ to take it seriously.” Elliott now goes to Glenroy Specialist School, he does occupational therapy and physical therapy and visits the children’s hospital often because of his complex severe epilepsy. “I feel as though the community has a long way to go when it comes to inclusion, it’s the simple things of accessibility,” she said. “Elliott’s now in a wheelchair, we’ve had it since October and I didn’t realise how out of my way I need to go. “The level of accessibility in our community is rather limited.”

Visual Snow Syndrome

Left: Adele Hegedich’s family has been devastated by OTC. Her sister Leonora and brother Eduardo De Crescenzo are sufferers. Right: Catherine Kruljac spent much of her childhood in and out of hospital receiving treatment for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. (Damjan Janevski) 300521

Despite needing physiotherapy twice a day, requiring the use of a nebuliser to bring up all the phlegm and mucus that Catherine’s lungs couldn’t naturally filter, she still works full time. “People just think you’re normal, when you do cough people might think you’ve got a really bad cold, or you’ve got COVID so people give you odd looks,” she said. “You have to explain to them, ‘I’m not infectious, you can’t catch what I’ve got’, not unless genetics can fly out and hit people in the face.” Ten years ago, during a stay in hospital, Catherine decided she wasn’t seeing the services that herself and other PCD sufferers needed and she became a founding member of PCD Australia. “I just wanted to have something that people could go to once they’re diagnosed, they know that there are other people out there going through the same thing as them, and they’re not having to walk that path alone,” she said. “It might not make it any easier, but at least they know they can check in with people or ask somebody something.” Catherine also hopes to help spread the word about PCD not only amongst the broader community, but medical professionals too. “There are a lot of people that haven’t been diagnosed that are walking around with a condition that some GPs are not aware of,” she

14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

said. “I came across someone who’s just joined our group and they were forty years old when they found out and he had a lot of questions. He had to rethink everythin that he did.”

Angelman Syndrome Six year-old Elliott is a cheeky, loving boy according to his mother, Chrissy Cimino. Even as a baby she said Elliott was very smiley and easy-going. “He was known to be the perfect baby. Everyone used to say ‘look how much he smiles’,” the Wollert mum said. “Aren’t babies meant to cry though?” By about six months of age, Chrissy said Elliott hadn’t hit his typical milestones. He couldn’t sit up and wasn’t able to hold himself up very well. “That’s when we started to ask questions. We took him to a paediatrician, who said he was fine he was just a ‘happy baby’ but by that time, he was ten months old and still not looking like other kids in my mother’s groups,” she said. “We did our own research and stumbled across Angelman Syndrome Association Australia which is the big major support and advocacy group. We watched the information video and we went ‘Oh my goodness, Elliot has Angelman Syndrome.” Elliott is missing a little part of his chromosome 15, which leaves him, and others

Joanne Fielding doesn’t have a rare disease herself, but much of the associate professor’s time has been dedicated to researching Visual Snow Syndrome. People with the disorder see static, similar to what you would see on an old TV, flickering tiny dots that fill an individual’s entire visual field. Through Joanne’s research, 200 people with Visual Snow Syndrome have been tested but she says researchers are still at the beginning of finding out what the disorder is exactly, and how it is caused. “We see an unusual pattern of responses in people with Visual Snow Syndrome, that you don’t see with anybody else, demonstrating definitively that the brain is abnormal in the sense that there’s a change in function,” she said. “It’s that filtering mechanism that’s broken in effect, so the brain isn’t getting rid of what you’re seeing.” Using a highly advanced 7T MRI scanner, Joanne and a team of researchers have found a signature, a tiny detail that differs between people with the disorder and people without it. “It was simple changes. If I put up a suddenly appearing object in the visual field, somebody with visual snow responds to it more quickly, which is odd, considering that you’ve got snowy vision,” she said. “If I’m asking you to not look at something popping up in your visual field, someone with visual snow has difficulty not looking at it.” Joanne says people with the disorder have varying levels of discomfort and anxiety about what they’re experiencing, which can be further worsened by a lack of awareness of the disorder by healthcare professionals. “Some people are very comfortable with it, they’ve had it all their lives and they have a curiosity, for other people it’s incredibly disabling,” she said. “You’re being told there’s nothing wrong with you, of course you think you’re going crazy. “How can you diagnose this thing? You can’t see it, you have a brain scan, you have your eyes tested, normal, normal, normal, so we’re looking for those very subtle changes. As far as experts are aware, Visual Snow Syndrome won’t result in blindness, but “entirely crucial” funding needed to continue the research can be difficult to obtain. Joanne says the team is always collecting data, and individuals who have the disorder can assist by completing surveys or participating in MRI studies. Details: visual.snow@monash.edu

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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

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 5 Graham Street, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old. ■ 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 activities including carpet bowls, pool and table tennis. ■ https://meltonmensgroup.home.blog/

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 lovely variety of stallholders and food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket and invite your friends and family for a lovely market day out.

Take weight off naturally 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

Liahona, 5, and organisers of the Pacifika Festival Tonya Toi, Vicki Kinai and Jone Temo at the Tarneit community garden. (Damjan Janevski) 316428_01

Parkinson’s support group

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

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

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

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

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

mainly from the 60’s and 70’s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am. ■ Val, 0418 667 150

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

U3A Melton 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

Melton Trauma Teddies

Melton Combined Probus Club

Melton South Community Centre

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

Melton South Community Centre’s term 1 program is now available and offers a variety of affordable activities for all ages, including government-funded computer and bookkeeping courses, pre-accredited industry pathway courses, first aid courses and recreational classes such as music, cooking and much more. To find out more and enrol, call the centre. ■ 9747 8576

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

Melton Cycling Club

Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need. ■ Jean, 0412 931 498

Travellers Aid A free information session will be held on Wednesday, February 8 at Melton South Community Centre, covering the many resources that Travellers Aid offers to public transport users with additional needs. Running from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, this event is a great opportunity to learn how you and your loved ones can travel to the city safer and more comfortably. Afternoon tea is provided. Bookings essential. ■ 9747 8576

First aid courses First Aid courses are running at Melton South Community Centre on Saturday, February 4, including CPR (HLTAID009), First Aid (HLTAID011) and First Aid for Education & Care (HLTAID012). If you need to obtain or renew your certificate, call for information and enrolments. ■ 9747 8576

Bee and Honey Festival J Beekeeping Club is holding its annual Bee and Honey Festival on Sunday, March 5. There will be Beekeeping products, honey for sale, wax and produce stalls, live music and food vans. If weather permits there’ll be a bee beard demonstration and a honey extraction demonstration. It’s a fun family day and runs from 10am until 4pm at 35 Duncan’s lane Diggers Rest. ■ www.jbeekeeping.org.

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

Community singing group If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs

(iStock)

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

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

PUZZLES

10 11 12 13

ALIVE AORTA AROMA AROSE ATONE CASTE CEASE CHINA DENIM DENSE DETER DRESS EASED EDGES EERIE EMAIL ERODE EVENT EXUDE GOOSE HOSES

9-LETTER WORD 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”.

Today’s Aim: 24 words: Good 36 words: Very good

3 8 9 5 4 7 1 6 2

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5 LETTERS AISLE

LIMPS MAXIM NINES OILED PLANT POETS REAMS RESET RESTS RHINO RIVAL SAFES SALAD SCRAP SEEDS SHIRE SITED STATE STAVE TEENS TENOR

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7 LETTERS BATSMAN FERRIES LISTENS MASSAGE RAMMING TRACING

6 LETTERS EASIER GALAHS GANGED PREFER

8 LETTERS AVERAGES ENTITLES SOMETIME STRAINED

03-02-23

No. 118 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

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16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

ante, anti, arena, arrant, avian, earn, entia, errant, inert, inter, intra, invert, naive, narrate, NARRATIVE, native, nave, near, neat, nitre, rain, rani, rant, ranter, raven, ravine, rein, rent, reran, retain, retina, retrain, riven, tarn, tavern, tern, terrain, tine, train, trainer, trine, vain, vainer, vane, variant, vein, vent, vine

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QUICK QUIZ

What is the capital city of Afghanistan?

What is the sacred language of Hinduism?

In what city was the world’s first formal stock exchange?

In 1992’s My Cousin Vinny, what is the profession of the titular Vinny (pictured)?

Phobos is a moon of which planet?

What is the Flavian Amphitheatre more commonly known as?

1 4 8 9 5 7 2 6 3

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In cooking, what term describes adding alcohol to a hot pan and creating a burst of flames?

Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded which company in 1998?

Which of the seven ancient wonders of the world still exists?

10 What is the main ingredient in Vegemite? ANSWERS: 1. Kabul 2. Sanskrit 3. Amsterdam 4. Lawyer 5. Mars 6. The Colosseum 7. Flambé 8. Google 9. The Pyramid of Giza 10. Yeast extract

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Castle ba in busine ck ss

Kryal Castl e chief

executive Bart

Hamilton. (Damj

an Janevs

Highway

ki) 30839

By Liam

6_05

McNally

upgrade

The team at Kryal Cast months durin le spent long g COVID improvem quietly ents with a live-i and practicin making g world cham n skeleton crew their craft that inclu pion joust ded Post-lock er Phill Leitc h. park has down, the medieval boomed theme back into and has been action, with a nom rewarded for its efforts Attraction ination for Best Tourism Tourism in Victoria by the Industry Victo rian Coun chief exec utive Bart cil. Kryal Castle nominati on feels “amHamilton said the “It’s been azing”. coming back quite a long journ ey from from COV been for ID , as it most touri has the team sm has put in entities, but amount of such an incre work dible over the months to last now,” he get us back to wher12 to 18 said. e we are Since 1970 , Kryal Cast to provide le has medieval guests with an imm aimed experienc Within the e for kids ersive the highlightcastle walls you and adults. can witne s of the ss jousting, sword fight middle ages – wizards, ing, potio an n-making dungeon, executioner, a tortu and re The awar a maze. at the Melb ds will be decided Decembe ourne Conventio at a gala n Centre r 1. on Liam McN

ally

pledge

Labor has Melton coun business casepledged $10 milli on federal gove cil has been callin if it wins to upgrade the Wes dollars for a Our Road rnments to help g on state and Novembe the state election tern Highway s’ camp critical need fund in its r 26. State Tran aign. ” on Satur ‘Fix Last week In October for Melton commute day, Jacin sport Infra , the the Liber ta Allan structure announce state al Party rs. said a Minister million to upgrade governme d major arter re-elected commitm it would match Labor party part of a nt will the Western pledged $700 ial ent from and $1.5 billio Labo “More than road to standard. deliver improved federal Laboa $10 million in the year. n west road Highway, as safer road r elected. 5000 peop traffic Melton. “We Fix Our r made earli s package, The busin Melt ’re doing flow for families s er bette if our com Roads petition le have signed the what matt r road in pleas on mayor Lara and I’d like munity for along the ess case would explo ers, delivering Carli ed with Labo to safer,” she s to get Victorians stretch of re the r’s election said council is important to them showing all parti thank hom Melton throu that said. need Western e sooner and there s es what com behind the . Ther High Melt case will is more work need mitment, but The Westerngh to Caroline Sprin way from High on MP Steve McG campaign e’s still time to ’s provide a everyone ed. “A busin gs. get way was Highway hie and I’d said the Wes upgrade and to add their clear ess is one of the a “crit encourag voice “We look tern future-pro direction on how e six roads candidate for Koro ical road link” forward to . of this high to the . Labor of Australia’s faste said the busin roit Luba State and working way in one st growing “While Grig ess case woul closely Fede election d help addrorovitch not deliv we acknowledge areas,” she said. to ensure ral governments after with ess “the this er Melton get key for, it is an the critical upgrades funding will the attention roads in the City the important of they deser first step we’re asking ■ ve.” in bringing More Fix Our Road this s coverage : Page 5

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SUV in step with hybrid energy By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring With electric vehicles making landfall Down Under like lightning strikes in a tropical summer storm, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid stands out from the deluge, being one of the few family-size sports utility vehicles to take up EV status. It’s not the ‘Full Monty’ electric model but retains in tandem an internal combustion power plant. Until recently the only seven-seater SUV hybridised was the Toyota Kluger. Now the Santa Fe joins the Kia Sorento hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid in adding to the mix. No plug-in hybrid here, with its interminable search for external charging points, the Santa Fe hybrid has the brains to charge its lithium-ion battery through conversion of kinetic energy while working in conjunction with the petrol engine and regen brakes when on the move. Available only as upper-crust Elite and Highlander variants, the hybrid is kitted out essentially like its petrol- and diesel-powered cousins. However, an electric shock comes in the price differences – a high voltage $6500 over the petrol and $3000 the diesel, which equates to $63,000 for the Elite and $69,550 for the Highlander, the test vehicle, without on-road costs. Both are seven-seaters but can be reconfigured as a six-seater with two captain’s chairs in the second row instead of the bench. With seven seats, the third row is fit only for littlies’ use in comfort, although it does have its own air-con.

Switched on . . . the Santa Fe has taken on petrol / electric hybrid guise with Elite and Highlander models. (Pictures: Supplied)

Interior With the Hybrid in the higher-grade Elite and Highlander corner, the interior has a classy look and feel, with Nappa leather in the latter and other quality materials shared. An option for the Hybrid is six seats, in which the second-row bench is replaced with a pair of captain’s chairs. With seven seats, the third row is fit only for littlies’ use with comfort. Head room is restricted by the intrusion of the sun roof workings. The boot has a spot for a full-size spare wheel under a flat cargo area with third row folded, there’s room for family shopping or a stroller. With five seats in use there is up to 782 litres on offer. A power tailgate takes away the trauma of loading in the rain.

Styling

Infotainment

What’s new? Not much. A major facelift three years ago saw the Santa Fe put on a fresh face and interior. The new Hybrid differs from the petrol and diesel versions only in the wheels – smaller 19-inch alloys with different design here – said to be more aerodynamic and save fuel. The shapely Santa Fe exterior is well known for its so-called cascading grille, which in the Hybrid case covers a yawning chasm of a radiator. In profile, looks are toned down a tad in readiness for a robust, yet shapely rear.

There’s a configurable 10.2-inch instrument display, which features a digital energy meter and a 12.3-inch infotainment dash-mounted touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and digital radio. A 10-speaker Harman / kardon premium audio is standard.

Engines / transmissions Under the bonnet a 1.6 litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine with a combined output of 169 kW and 350 Nm are hitched up to a six-speed automatic transmission and

20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

AT A GLANCE

monitor and reverse automatic emergency braking.

MODEL RANGE Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite $63,000 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander $69,550 SPECIFICATIONS Santa Fe Highlander 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder petrol, 44.2 kW electric motor, 6sp automatic, AWD

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

all-wheel drive. While this compares favourably with petrol and diesel performance, when it comes to towing, the hybrid is left behind with 1650 kg to the internal-combustion pair with 2500 kg.

Safety The Santa Fe Hybrid comes with all the latest safety systems from Hyundai. These include automatic emergency braking, which operates at intersections, blind-spot warning, lane keeping assist, rear- cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert automatic high-beam head lamps and adaptive cruise control. The Hybrid Highlander also takes on 360-degree surround-view camera, blind spot

Driving At a whisker less than 4.8 metres long, the Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander is on the cusp of bursting out of the mid-size SUV mob into the big time. However, a well-sorted suspension and responsive steering come up with relaxed ride and handling. Off the mark, there’s more than a hint of sporty performance, while a centre console dial is in charge of driving modes from Eco to Smart to sand, snow or other obstacles thrown up of road. In a fraction of more than 400 kilometres of mixed urban / highway going the Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander recorded fuel consumption of 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres, in line with the claimed 6 litres per 100 kays. More buttons than the pantomime Cinderella’s eponymous family servant, known for having rows of gilt buttons down the front of his tunic, the floating centre console controls offered up a few missteps. However, familiarity came with repeated use.

Summary Not exactly early adopters, Santa Fe Hybrid buyers get the latest in hybrid technology at a price. But what’s new about bidding for a pollution-free climate.

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Lions batting collapse reality check Melton was given a bit of a reality check on the first day of its clash with Box Hill in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west competition. Coming off four straight wins, the Lions have shown their most consistent cricket in a number of seasons. The Lions on Saturday though, showed there was still room for improvement, following an innings of two halves. The Lions made 210, bowled out in the 70th over, having been well on top at 2-175. Ben MacRae scored a second straight 100, making 116, but outside the two openers no one got going. Lions coach Mitch Stephens said while they were in a solid position, they were left disappointed by how the day finished. One of the Lions main focuses this season

has been to bat out their overs. “It was a good day, but we were a bit disappointed with the afternoon,” he said. “We batted really well in the early afternoon with Benny and Dilshan [Kanchana], who went up to the top of the order. “We had a good strong partnership at the top and then we lost our way a bit towards the end.” Stephens said the move of Kanchana to the top of the order was part of trying to find their best combinations. He said Kanchana had opened the batting in red ball cricket before, while it allowed Conrad Farrigua the chance to find form in the middle order. It’s something they will look at continuing. Stephens said they would work with the group to try and make sure the lower order

collapse doesn’t happen again. “The feedback I got, we were looking for runs too much,” he said. “We had a bit more time than we thought at the back end of the day. “We needed that composure and be happy with those extra 30 to 50 runs, then slogging our way to an extra 100 runs. “The group will learn.” Box Hill will resume at 0-5 having faced eight overs. While disappointed, Stephens knows in past years they wouldn’t have 200 on the board at this stage, He said they backed their bowling group in to get the wickets and continue their winning run. It was a tough day for the rest of the Lions sides.

Baliton’s a rising star

Melton’s Ben MacRae.

(Joe Mastroianni). 307768_01

Meanwhile, the Lions under-15 side was knocked out in the quarter finals in the Craig Shield competition. Playing Kew, it was Kew that got the upper hand, making 168. The Lions were bowled out for 78 in reply. Tara Murray

Roadrunners lock in coach

By Tara Murray A new set of golf clubs is on the wish list for Louise Baliton after being named the Sunshine and Western Region Sports Club Don Deeble Sports Star Award. Baliton was named the winner for the 2022 award, after being selected from the 10 monthly nominees. She received $5000 for winning the award. Young rugby league star Suliasi Prescott and taekwondo star Jake Buhagiar finished joint runners up. AFLW player Charlotte Baskaran, badminton rising star Om Neelam and baseballer Jayden Kim all received encouragement awards. Baliton said winning the overall award had come as a big shock. She was recognised for her achievements on the golf green. “It’s very exciting,” she said “I’m shocked honestly. “It’s just a big opportunity for me and I’m so grateful for all the support that I’ve gotten from friends and family, especially from everyone that is involved from this Don Deeble award.” Baliton said when she was first nominated it was exciting as it was another opportunity to get her foot in the door and get her name out there. With several of the other nominees also attending Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Baliton knows how hard they work. “It is like, it’s such a big opportunity,” she said. “I didn’t even think golf was such a big sport, like it’s not that big. I know there’s many people that I go to school with [who were nominated], who have worked much harder than me and I’m just so grateful.” Baliton’s golf career started when she was six and was following her dad around on the practice green at Mt Derrimut Golf Community Club. She started playing when she was seven-years-old and played her first tournament when she was nine, winning that. Now playing off a 0.3 handicap, Baliton is hoping to hit scratch and even better than game. She said that “of course” she’s now a better player than her dad. “He is as surprised and excited as I am,” she said. “I think I know he loved the game and he loved the game and it’s something we share and it’s so special for me.” Baliton said she would look to use the money to go towards playing some more tournaments, while was also keen to get some new clubs. Heading into year 12, Baliton is planning to focus a bit more on her studies as she aims for a scholarship at an American college, preferably in Florida. Long term she wants to go pro. But before then, you’ll likely find Baliton who finished 19th on the Golf Australia’s

North Sunshine has locked in Max De Groot as its coach for this year’s Western Region Football League division 3 season. The Roadrunners had a late coaching change with Andrew Scimone having to step down from the role after taking on the club’s presidency. The club last week said that De Groot brings plenty of experience to the role. “Max brings a wealth of experience in the WRFL with stints at Tarneit, Glen Orden and Manor Lakes,” the club said on social media. “We hope he can help develop our new look youthful playing list into a side that can get the [side back to where we belong, being driven and respected.” De Groot was Tarneit’s inaugural coach when it joined the competition, spending two years in charge. After that he spent several seasons as a reserves coach for Manor Lakes, before the club’s senior men’s program folded. Scimone told Star Weekly earlier this year it was a new beginning for the club. “The club isn’t where we want to be,” he said. “The goal is to get there and set it up for seasons to come. “This year will be a small step and hopefully things start to take shape behind the scenes and we can have a bit more stability.” The club is still seeking more players for both its men’s and women’s senior programs. Pre-season has resumed, with both training Mondays and Wednesdays nights from 6.30pm at Tallintyre Reserve. Tara Murray

Louise Baliton.

(Supplied)

girls order of merit, on the golf course hitting millions of shots. The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park

Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and The Star Weekly Newspapers. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

Max De Groot.

(North Sunshine Facebook)

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Gorton steps up on the national hockey stage Ruby Gorton is quickly getting used to being on the national stage for her hockey. The Eynesbury resident was a key player for the Victorian under-13 outdoor hockey team late last year, while she was also part of the under-13 indoor state team in January. For Gorton, it’s been a few months that she will never forget. “It’s great,” she said. “I’m so proud of myself to get that far after all the hard work that I’ve done. “There’s been lots of hours of training at my club and on my own and also lots of kilometres in the car.” Gorton grew up around hockey, with her father having played and coached for a number of years. After starting at under-eights at Caroline Springs, she moved to Footscray where they had a larger junior program. She has since progressed through the ranks, competing at several state titles and with Victoria in the School Sport Victoria team. The last couple of months have been her

biggest tournaments, something that she has enjoyed. “It was a good chance to meet the girls and make new friends,” she said. “I never thought that this would happen. When I was nine or 10 I started doing state stuff and each year it gets harder. “It gets more challenging as you start getting older.” Gorton was co-captain of the outdoor team, while she was vice-captain of the indoor side. It was a challenge she enjoyed. “It was something I was aiming for,” she said. “It was a really good experience being a leader and helping the girls in my team.” Gorton said the outdoor championships were the biggest event that she has competed in, and they were a really good experience. She said she learned a lot from that event. The indoor titles which were in Brisbane, threw in the challenge of playing in the hot conditions. Both games have some differences. “The indoor game is a faster, shorter game played on a smaller court,” she said. “Outdoor

game you aren’t running as fast. “I probably prefer the outdoor game, I like the game style and there’s more space.” Gorton, who is part of the under-15 Victorian academy which includes the top 50 girls in the state, will soon take part in the trials for the under-15 state team. She’s also got big aims for her season with Footscray when it gets underway. “Footscray has been a really good experience,” he said. “I’m hopefully going to play premier league reserves this season. “Hopefully I’ll be captain for the under-14 team for another season as well.” Tara Murray

Ruby Gorton

(Click InFocus)

Sports shorts Ballarat CA Darley responded from its worst performance of the season with a strong day one against NapoleonsSebastopol in the Ballarat Cricket Association. The Lions made 9-310 with Harry Killoran finishing with 135. Drew Locke also got a half century. The match is important in the context of the season with the side’s sitting second and third.

GDCA Bacchus Marsh won a thriller against Wallan in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup. Having made 8-266 on day one, the Bulls managed to do just enough, restricting the Magpies to 8-263. Meanwhile, Diggers Rest Bulla had no troubles against the Sunbury Kangaroos claiming an outright win. The Burras bowled the Kangaroos out for 80 in reply to their 353 made on day one. The Burras then bowled the Kangaroos out for a second time, for 111 to claim maximum points.

Tina Ma and Joanne Joseph. (Supplied)

A-League

Squash win over Kiwis By Tara Murray Two rising squash stars made the most of the opportunity to represent their country at the 2022 Trans Tasman Test Series. Hillside’s Joanne Joseph and Melton’s Tina Ma were part of the Australian team that took on New Zealand in late December, with the Australian team coming home with the win. For Joseph, it was the chance to finally represent Australia after being selected two years ago, but not being able to play due to COVID-19. Ma was selected to play in the under-15 age group, despite just being 12. Joseph, who started playing squash after watching her father play, said she was thrilled to finally get to play for Australia. “I felt very grateful for being able to represent my country in the first Trans Tasman in the past two years,” she said. “It was an amazing experience and I was so happy to be selected as I was chosen for the Trans Tasman team in 2020 but unfortunately the event got cancelled due to COVID and I never got my chance to play for my country. “Being in the 2022 Trans Tasman team and

contributing to our win against New Zealand was such a significant moment for me and I will work hard to get into the next one. It was a successful tournament for Joseph, being both of New Zealand’s top players in the under-17 age group. She said she took a lot out of the event. “I am very proud of myself that I was able to contribute to our success even though it was my first tournament playing in under-17s,” she said.. “I feel that one of the biggest things I will take away from this is the fact that all my hard work and training leading up to representing my country paid off and I was able to beat two New Zealand girls. “I will definitely work harder now to improve my game and strive to be selected for the national team once again. “ For Ma, representing Australia caps off a big 12 months. She said it was an honour to represent Australia. “I never would’ve thought I would be wearing the green and gold top to represent my country when I was 12,” she said. “I felt very accomplished that all the hard work and training I was doing got

22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

me somewhere I dreamed of when I first started this sport.” Ma faced some big challenges in the titles, facing New Zealand’s top two players in the under-15s. Ma said it was something different for her. “Even though I lost both my matches, I played my best and had nothing to lose, but I still felt like I had a lot to work on and adapt to their style of playing. “Overall, I was fairly pleased with how I played in the Trans Tasman.” Ma said she was keen to represent Australia again this year and would train hard to make that happen again. For both girls, who are part of the Squash Logic Melton’s Oz squad program, the next focus is the Australian Junior Open “My coaches have created a new training plan for me, so I’ll do my best playing in the under-15 girls for the next upcoming tournament, the Australian Junior Open,” Ma said. Joseph said, “ I look forward to playing in under-17s and trying hard to reach a podium place. “Although it is my first year playing under-17s, I am going to go into the tournament with a goal to reach the finals.”

It was raining goals on Saturday for Western United in the A-League competitions. In the women’s match with Canberra, United scored five first half goals to set the match up. They would eventually win 5-0. In the men’s match with Macarthur, United had to settle for a 2-2 draw. United played with an extra man for most of the second half, and after hitting the lead in the 60th minute, they trailed with about 10 minutes to go. A goal from Nicholas Milanovic in the 89th minute levelled the scores and gave United a point.

VTCA Sydenham-Hillside has been drawn to face the Druids as it aims to keep its Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 campaign alive. Teams are in groups of four for this stage of the competition, with each match a knockout match. In region 1, Haig Fawkner faces St Francis de Sales and Yarraville Club plays Point Cook. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Hurrican Harley scores first Vic win in two years Hurricane Harley produced a scintillating final 800m to dominate Saturday night’s Allied Express Casey Classic, with his first Victorian victory in more than two years putting his name forward as a major player in next weekend’s Del-Re National A. G. Hunter Cup. The star seven-year-old was only having his second start back for trainer Emma Stewart following a Western Australian campaign and showed he’s still got what it takes to compete at the elite level with a dashing display in the Group 2 feature at Melton. After being unchallenged through the early stages from barrier one, Mark Pitt released the breaks in the last lap and the flashy bay reeled off closing quarters of 27.0 and 26.7 to record a winning mile rate of 1:54.1. He had more than 3m to spare over A Gs White Socks, with Torrid Saint third.

“He felt amazing tonight. He felt like the old Harley again,” Pitt said. “He’s had those couple of runs now, and if he’s lucky enough to get a run in the Hunter Cup, they’re going to know he’s there for sure. “I see tonight he just blew up a little bit over the back, so he’s going to be better again for the run.” The win was Hurricane Harley’s 25th in a 55-start career and his first in this state since December 2020. He has now collected more than $600,000 in prizemoney. The horse is one of 22 nominated for Saturday night’s Hunter Cup, with final acceptances taken for the Grand Circuit classic on Monday at 2pm. The field will be revealed at thetrots.com.au on Monday afternoon before the barrier draw is broadcast live on Sky Racing on Tuesday

morning. Meanwhile, Bob Kuchenmeister was the toast of the industry on Saturday night after landing a special victory with his mare Leanne Leeann at Melton. The 82-year-old trainer-driver partnered his squaregaiter to a narrow win in the Western Ford Trot – a second success at Victoria’s harness racing headquarters. Kuchenmeister holds a rare place in history, with driving wins at the state’s premier tracks of The Showgrounds, Moonee Valley and Tabcorp Park at Melton. “I don’t think there’s very many of us – I think we’re a very small number now and that’s just because of our age,” he said. “37 I would have been when I won at The Showgrounds.” Tim O’Connor

Tough going for batters

Summer of Glory finale

By Tara Murray There were plenty of wickets in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 competition on Saturday. With the exception of one match, both teams batted on day one as teams struggled to bat through their overs. The Melton South Royals are just on top in their vital match with Jacana. Sitting third and fourth heading into the match, a win will go a long way to helping secure a finals spot. Jacana won the toss and decided to bat. They lost two early wickets, before settling in and moving to 2-73. Missing two key middle order bats, the Jaguars struggled to halt momentum when the wickets started to fall. The Jaguars were bowled out for 118 in the 47th over. James Robertson had a day out with the ball, finishing with 6-12 off 10 overs. The Royals started well with the opening pair putting on 37. The Royals would go through a tough period late in the day, losing six wickets. They will resume at 6-73. Aaron Xuereb had made 32 at the top of the order before being run out. Melton Centrals are on the back foot against Footscray Angliss in their two-day match. Centals struggled with the bat and were bowled out for just 138 in the 57th over. Centrals lost their last five wickets for just 18. Steven Robertson top scored with 40. Angliss took a cautious approach as it tried to get through to stumps with wickets in hand. Angliss will resume at 1-18. The East Coburg and Burnside Springs were the exception in the division on Saturday. East Coburg enjoyed its time in the middle making 5-302 from its overs. Dhanushka Udawela Lekamalage took 3-40 off his 16 overs for Burnside. In division 1, Sydenham-Hillside’s good form has continued as the Storm shone with the bat. The ladder leading Storm won the toss and decided to bat on its home pitch. The Storm was in trouble early at 2-16, but from there it would be a day for the batters. The rest of the top order and all the middle order got starts, as the Storm was bowled out for 274 in the 72nd over. Gayashan Weerasekara top scored with 96. Having not batted out its overs, the Storm had to bowl five overs at the end of the day. It would be a successful five overs, with Seddon to resume at 1-10. Stefon King has the wicket for the Storm. In division 3, Caroline Springs will

James Robertson took six wickets on Saturday.

(Mark Wilson)

have to bat well to take the points against Williamstown Imperials. The Falcons got off to the perfect start with the ball, having the Imperials in trouble at 4-3. The Imperials steadied and before slipping to 6-84.

Hurricane Harley (Stuart McCormick)

Despite being on top, the Falcons took a while to get the last four wickets. The Imperials were eventually bowled out for 213 with two overs remaining. Kevin MacLean was the pick of the bowlers for the Falcons, taking 5-40 off 17 overs.

The return of the sport’s next potential megastar provides an added layer of excitement to this weekend’s Summer of Glory finale in Melton. Captain Ravishing has the entire harness racing world talking after a brilliant end to 2022, and the Emma Stewart-trained speed machine will step out for his first race in more than two months this Saturday night at Tabcorp Park. A sizzling trial at Ballarat last week has the four-year-old primed for a big season and fans will get to see him up close and personal when he contests the $100,000 COGS Services 4YO Bonanza. It’ll be the first stepping stone in a campaign that will target the Chariots of Fire and Miracle Mile in Sydney, and likely include a shot at the world’s richest race – the $2.1 million TAB Eureka – in September. Captain Ravishing’s return adds some extra star-power to a night featuring Victoria’s Grand Circuit classic, the Group 1 Del-Re National A. G. Hunter Cup. The $500,000 heavyweight championship is the state’s biggest annual race and this year’s renewal will again feature a field jam-packed with stars. And if the hot racing on-track isn’t enough to get you excited, there’ll be no shortage of fun on the other side of the fence with roving entertainment, bustling bars, food trucks, a DJ on the lawn, the ever-popular after-party and a plethora of children’s entertainment options. While Saturday is poised to be a beauty, the action at Tabcorp Park heats up the night before with the first leg of the Melton double-header. The Woodlands Stud Great Southern Star is one of racing’s most unique events and takes centre stage on Friday. Contested by the trotters, the GSS requires horses to compete in heats early on the card before qualifiers back-up and race in a rich $300,000 Group 1 final later the same evening. The two-night Melton extravaganza is a brilliant way to close the Summer of Glory carnival, with a gold coin donation all that’s required to enjoy the top-class racing on offer. Gates open from 5pm on both nights. Information: thetrots.com.au/events/ tab-summer-of-glory. Tim O’Connor

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

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