Fuel fight continues
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will not launchaninquiryintoMeltonfuelprices, with the response disappointing a local MP.
Melton MP Steve McGhie wrote to the ACCC twice, calling for it to investigate fuelpricesinMelton.
Mr McGhie also commissioned an independent report into Melton’s fuel prices, which he provided to the ACCC, and has raised the issue in state parliament on a number of occasions.
In a response to Mr McGhie, seen by Star Weekly, ACCC interim chief executive Sarah Proudfoot said the ACCC does “not propose to undertake” an inquiry into Melton fuel prices at this time due to limited resources in the context of agency-wide “enforcement and compliance priorities”, and the request requiring “dedicated resourcing to be reallocated from other priority areas”.
MrMcGhiesaidhewasdisappointedby theACCC’sresponse.
“If you suspect you’re being ripped off at the pump, I encourage you to share yourexperiencedirectlywiththeACCC… communityinputcanhelpbuildthecase forstrongeraction,”hesaid.
MeltonresidentandMeltonFuelGroup data analyst Jordon Mizzi said a lot of data research his community group
has performed revealed that areas with independent retailers have cheaper fuel prices.
Mr Mizzi said he feels there is “a bit of scepticism about the efficiency of the ACCCduetoitslackofaction”.
An ACCC spokesperson said the commission is “aware that at times fuel prices have generally been higher in Melton than in surrounding areas”, however, “higher fuel prices are not against the law unless there is evidence of behaviour such as collusion in setting prices”.
“Where information is available to us indicating that a breach of competition or consumer laws may have occurred, we can investigate specific concerns about potentially illegal anti-competitive behaviour in fuel retailing, and we can take action,” the spokespersonsaid.
“The lack of price competition from independent fuel retailers appears a key factor influencing price outcomes in Melton.”
Star Weekly understands that a planning application for an independent service station at 136-144 Coburns Road, Melton was submitted to Melton council April 25, with the site sold by Pear Real Estateagency.
A council spokesperson said the application is currently under assessment.
Winter joy in Melton
Melton council is hosting a range of winter school holiday activities this month, offering a cure for school holiday boredom.
Running from July 7 to 18, activities include a free winter disco at Xplosion Bowling in Melton on July 18, a cooking workshop at Taylors Hill Youth and Community Centre on July 9, and a hoop shooting session at the Caroline Springs Leisure Centre on July 10.
There are also discounted Winter Youth Show Bags on sale for $15, including a movie ticket, a Melton Waves day pass, an Xplosion bowling pass, and a casual play pass. These can be collected at the Melton Youth Centre on weekdays from 10am–5.30pm or the Taylors Hill Youth & Community Centre, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am–5.30pm during the holiday program. Details: melton.vic.gov.au/YHA
Melton Ignite Productions Committee members Alex, Heven and Raelyn. (Damjan Janevski) 484712_01
Moorabool rates debate
By Oscar Parry
Rates were at the core of Moorabool council’s conversation on the annual budget last week, with ratepayers set for a 3 per cent average rate increase and the council optingtoinvestigateamunicipalchargein next year’s budget process.
Although the council chose to adopt the budget with an average 3 per cent rate increase, some councillors opposed this increase – with one councillor pitching an amendment to the way rates are collected.
At the June 25 council meeting, Cr Tom Sullivan requested an amendment that
council implements a municipal charge of $360 per tenement.
He explained this would set aside a fixed charge on the rate assessment while the rest is variable and unable to exceed 20 per cent of council’s rate.
“So, it’s not as if it’s being implemented … taking the place of rates, it doesn’t add any more to the rate cap that council has … it’s basically a housekeeping charge for every ratepayer,” Cr Sullivan said.
Hesaidthiswould“bringsomebalance into all of this” and it “doesn’t give us one dollar more than what we already have”.
The council meeting was suspended to
discuss whether this could be considered, with councillors realising that it would require community consultation and there was not enough time to do this before June 30 when councils are required to adopt their annual budget.
Instead, the council will investigate the municipal charge in next year’s budget process.
Prior to this, councillors debated the 3 per cent rate rise in this year’s budget, which Cr Rod Ward defended as “essential to the current and future wellbeing of Moorabool”.
“Towns and communities outside of
College
‘Generous’ makeover for school cafe
StudentsofaCarolineSpringsschoolhave been benefitting from a newly renovated cafe and education space this term, with the rework provided through the generosity of local businesses.
Running for eight years, the The Hands On Learning Cafe program at Brookside College is a student-run engagement program that aims to teach transferable skills for further education and employment opportunities.
Operating four days a week and involving 20 students across years six to nine, participantsmake,bakeandsellfood,coffee, and other drinks to school staff.
During the last school holidays, Ravenhall business Highmark Homes and some of its suppliers including Truganina business Claytons Group, Brookfield business JHB Plumbing, MCS Tiling, Ravenhall business CTP Electrical, and A+ International Lighting completed an overhaul of the cafe, improving its facilities and performing a complete fit out.
Hands On Learning Cafe program colead and artisan teacher Sonia Martinovic said that the project had created “a more homely space” for students. “The renovation, generously donated by Highmark Homes, means so much to us all … the
workflow is more streamlined now with longer bench space now available and additional storage allows for easier access to our everyday items,” Ms Martinovic said.
She said the lighting was also greatly improved.
HighmarkHomesconstructionmanager Dylan Cuff said the idea for the initiative came from a conversation with one of the company’s concreters, who is a parent of a Brookside College student.
“Obviously, we were interested in helping a local school out … we were in a position to be able to help [the school] immensely,” Mr Cuff said.
Wine not? Council explores way to boost winery tourism
Melton council will explore how to boost the tourism potential of the local winery industry through partnerships or experiences, aiming to support local producers and attract tourist visitation.
A motion raised by councillor Brandi Morris at the June 23 Melton council meeting called for officers to brief councillorsonhowthetourismpotentialofthe local winery industry can be enhanced through partnerships or experiences.
Cr Morris said the region “is home to
a growing number of boutique wineries and cellar doors.“
“I believe that this presents a unique opportunity to promote local producers ... celebrate our agricultural heritage, and attract visitors seeking authentic experiences close to Melbourne,“ Cr Morris said.
“This...hastheabilitytoenhancelocal tourism economy and job creation. Other regions, including Rutherglen and Yarra Valley, have shown great success through
Bacchus Marsh rely more heavily on ratepayer contributions for capital infrastructure improvements,” Cr Ward said.
“Moorabool, not surprisingly, is able to … more successfully secure grants for Bacchus Marsh because politicians at state and federal level see that as higher … population base,” he said.
Cr Sheila Freeman said she believed opting for a zero rate increase would be “totally irresponsible … to the entire community”.
On the other hand, four councillors – including mayor Paul Tatchell – voted against adopting the budget.
Concerns over nominations
A Moorabool resident is unhappy with council’s community asset committee nomination process and has questioned its “democratic process.”
Community asset committees (CACs) have been operating since the implementation of the Local Government Act 2020 and were formerly known as ‘committees of management.’
Community meetings are held by council for each of its CACs prior to nominating members of the committee, in order to establish community support for nominees.
Elaine Recreation Reserve Committee member Shane Dunne said that at a community meeting for the Elaine Recreation Reserve, he was informed by council officers that those interested in joining the CAC would need over 50 per cent of support from those in the room in order to be nominated. He said two members nominated by council did not receive this support.
“If we had … known if it’s not really an election, then we wouldn’t have turned up. There’s no point,” Mr Dunne said.
“There’s no reason to add two extra people when there’s plenty of people on that committee already.
“If we can’t have the basic principle of democracy in these elections, then what is the point of having an election?
“What authority have they got to just go and add more members at their will? It all comes down to governance and governance is not followed.”
Moorabool chief executive Derek Madden said council “conducted an expression of interest process consistent with its Community Asset Committee Guidelines 2025”.
“The community vote forms only part of the committee process, with the final decisions on memberships to the CACs remaining a council decision,” Mr Madden said.
“This process was made clear at all community meetings across all 10 CAC locations. Two nominees fell just short of the [50 per cent] community vote in Elaine but council made the decision to include them on the recreation reserve committee,” he said.
coordinated promotion,“ she said.
Councillor Julie Shannon said that this could “easily dovetail into broader tourism initiatives for visitors to spend a good amount of time in our wonderful city and out in the west.“
Councillor Sophie Ramsey said that tourism is “vital for our municipality.“
“We’ve been recognised as a day experience for a number of years – I think it’s time Melton takes that next step,“ Cr Ramsey said.
“Council remains committed to transparent and inclusive community engagement and thanks all community members who participated in the process.”
A total of 14 people were nominated for the Elaine Recreation Reserve Community Asset Committee at Moorabool’s June 4 council meeting.
Brookside
Hands On Learning Café program participants Tahlia, Maddison, Caitlin, program co-lead and artisan teacher Sonia Martinovic, and program participants James, Sahaana and Leana. (Damjan Janevski). 483655_02
Environment Effects Statement
Public comment invited
Overview
AusNet Transmission Group Pty Ltd (the proponent) has prepared an Environment Effects Statement (EES) and a draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) GC209 for the proposed Western Renewables Link project.
The EES and draft PSA are now available for viewing and public comment for a period of 40 business days.
Written submissions on the EES and/or draft PSA can be made between Monday 30 June 2025 and 11.59pm on Friday 22 August 2025.
Project description
The proposed Western Renewables Link project comprises the construction and operation of a 190km overhead double circuit 500kV transmission line between Bulgana in Victoria’s west and Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west, and approximately 2.5km of 220kV single circuit transmission line between the existing Bulgana Terminal Station and a new 500kV terminal station near Bulgana.
The project will be capable of carrying more than 3,000MW of clean energy.
Once operational, the proposed transmission line will be located within an easement that is predominantly 70 to 100m wide.
Environment Effects Statement (EES) process
In August 2020, the Victorian Minister for Planning determined that the Western Renewables Link project required an EES under the Environment Effects Act 1978 (Vic).
In 2023 a new referral was submitted to reflect changes to the project, which excluded the construction of a new terminal station north of the existing Sydenham Terminal Station. The Minister reconfirmed in August 2023 that an EES would be required for the project, in its changed form.
More information about the project’s referrals, the Minister’s decisions and the EES scoping requirements is available at https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/environmentalassessments/browse-projects/western-renewables-link
Draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) process
The project’s construction and operation is subject to provisions of the planning schemes of six Local Government Areas (namely, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Ballarat, Hepburn, Moorabool and Melton).
Due to the number of planning schemes affected and permit triggers under each planning scheme, approval under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) will be sought through a Group of Councils PSA rather than separate planning permits.
The draft PSA will allow for the simultaneous amendment of the six planning schemes by the Minister for Planning. The Group of Councils PSA would introduce a Specific Controls Overlay and Incorporated Document specific for the project into each of the six planning schemes.
Draft PSA GC209 is attached to the exhibited EES for public consideration and comment. You may make a submission on the draft PSA by making a submission on the EES.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act process
The project was also determined to be a ‘controlled action’ by a delegate of the former Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water on 2 September 2020 (EPBC Referral 2020/8741) requiring assessment and approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). This decision was reconfirmed in a variation approval on 20 November 2024.
The controlled action decision was due to the project’s potential for significant impacts on listed and threatened species and communities (Sections 18 and 18A of the EPBC Act).
The EES process is an accredited assessment process under the EPBC Act to assess impacts on Matters of National Significance (MNES) through a Bilateral Assessment Agreement that exists between the Commonwealth and State of Victoria. The Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water will make a separate decision under the EPBC Act after considering the Victorian Minister for Planning’s assessment under the Environment Effects Act
You can make a submission on matters being assessed under the relevant provisions of the EPBC Act, by making a submission on the EES.
How to access the Environment Effects Statement (EES) and exhibited documents
The project’s EES and draft PSA are now available at www.westernrenewableslink.com.au/ees or by scanning the QR code below.
Hard copies of the EES and draft PSA will be available to view at the following locations during the exhibition period:
• State Library, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne
• Stawell Town Hall, 59-69 Main Street, Stawell
• Beaufort Community Resource Centre & Library, 72 Neill St, Beaufort
• The Phoenix Building, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat
• Creswick Hub, 68 Albert St, Creswick
• Daylesford Library, 33 Albert St, Daylesford
• Ballan Council Office, 15 Stead St, Ballan
• Lerderderg Library (Bacchus Marsh), 215 Main St, Bacchus Marsh
• Melton Library & Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie St, Melton
Free copies of the EES summary report and USBs containing the full EES and draft PSA will be available at the public exhibition locations or directly from AusNet.
Please note: AusNet is encouraging access to digital copies of the EES as it is made up of many large documents. If electronic copies are not practical and hard copies of sections are required, or you need other assistance, please contact AusNet by phoning 1800 WRL WRL (975 975) or emailing info@westernrenewableslink.com.au
How to make a submission
Anyone can make a submission on the EES and/or draft PSA. Submissions must be made in writing and be received by 11.59pm on Friday 22 August 2025.
Submissions must be lodged via the Victorian Government’s Engage Victoria website: https://engage.vic.gov.au/WesternRenewables-Link-IAC
If you are unable to lodge a submission online, contact Planning Panels Victoria (PPV) through the Customer Call Centre on 136 186 (select Option 6) and request a hard copy submission coversheet.
Submissions will be treated as public documents and will be published on the Engage Victoria website.
The submission collection process is independently managed by PPV, and any enquiries regarding the management of submissions or the Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) and hearing process should be directed to PPV through the contact details provided at the end of this notice.
Inquiry and Advisory Committee process
The Minister for Planning will appoint an independent IAC to conduct a public hearing, which will commence in the week beginning Monday 27 October 2025 and is expected to run for seven to nine weeks (as required). If the hearing cannot be concluded before Christmas it will continue from midJanuary 2026.
The IAC will hold a directions hearing on Monday 15 September 2025 to consider the arrangements and timetable for the public hearing.
If you would like to present to the IAC you will need to make a written submission, and mark on the online submission form that you would like to be heard.
The IAC will review all submissions, the EES and draft PSA before providing advice to the Minister for Planning. The scope of the IAC is guided by Terms of Reference issued by the Minister for Planning.
Information on the hearing process and timetable will be published as it becomes available at https://engage.vic.gov. au/Western-Renewables-Link-IAC
Questions
In relation to the project and the Environment Effects Statement (EES) documentation and draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA)
Western Renewables Link Project Team
PO Box 638, Ballarat VIC 3353
Phone: 1800 WRL WRL (975 975)
Email: info@westernrenewableslink.com.au
In relation to the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process under the Environment Effects Act
Department Transport and Planning
Impact Assessment Unit
Phone: (03) 8572 7980
Email: environment.assessment@transport.vic.gov.au
In relation to making a submission or the Inquiry and Advisory Committee process
Planning Panels Victoria Phone: 136 186 (select option 6)
Email: planning.panels@transport.vic.gov.au
WRL neighbour payments
Neighbours of properties along the proposed 190–kilometre Western Renewables Link (WRL) may be eligible for a one-off payment – if the project is approved.
AusNet announced that neighbouring landholders with a place of residence within one kilometre of the proposed easement may be eligible for a one-off paymentof$20,000or$40,000–depending on proximity to the transmission line – under a program called the Near Neighbour Benefit Program.
According to AusNet, the program recognisesthat“neighbouringlandholders often have similar experiences to those hosting infrastructure directly on their
land but have not traditionally received benefits.”
AusNet general manager of major projects and Western Renewables Link lead Gerard Carew said the organisation’s “engagement on the proposed Western Renewables Link project has highlighted that neighbouring landholders are seeking greater recognition.“
“This new program responds to that feedback and reflects the important role communities play in supporting the delivery of critical infrastructure,“ Mr Carew said.
Neighbours will be invited to apply online for the benefit program, and their eligibility will be verified by AusNet in
accordance with VicGrid’s emerging policy.
The program will be adjusted as required to align with the final VicGrid criteria once released.
The environmental effects statement (EES) for the WRL was released to the public on Monday, June 30, and will be exhibited for 40 business days from that date.
Prior to its release, Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell said that the community has “waited years for the full impacts of Western Renewables Link to be made public.”
“This is an important opportunity for anyone to have their say about the
project, including council,” Cr Tatchell said.
“We continue to support community members who are being impacted by WRL … [Moorabool] intends to make a submission and will be releasing information in the coming weeks to help our community further during this time.“
Physical copies of the EES can be viewed at Lerderderg Library, 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh and Ballan Council Office, 15 Stead Street, Ballan.
The council said the display of EES documents at these council-owned facilities should not be taken as council endorsement of the project.
Fresh food and friendship grow at new community garden
Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services unveiled a lush community garden, providing free fresh food and a new community space.
Unveiled at an official opening and produce swap event on Thursday, June 26, the garden offers a centralised location for the community to access produce, herbs, and fruit– as well as provide a venue for socialising and outdoor learning.
The new garden is an extension of a former garden at the site, with the expansion project funded by a Melton council grant, which is led by the voluntary Good Thymes Garden Group, consisting of five Melton women.
Djerriwarrh neighbourhood house coordinator Rebecca Harris said that the garden had “quickly become a valued community asset.”
“It’s actively used by a diverse range of community members throughout the week, and importantly, the garden has begun addressing local food insecurity through our bi-monthly produce swaps,” Ms Harris said.
“As the garden matures, it will provide a sustainable source of fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables for the community
to harvest directly.
“Djerriwarh is really excited to see this garden grow and mature.”
Ms Harris said the community is encouraged to harvest the produce as
they need and take part in the produce swaps.
The organisation will also run horticultural and vegetable gardening workshops at the site.
ACCC backs need for local journalism as publishers face the power of tech giants
Country Press Australia has welcomed the release of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s final report from its Digital Platform Services Inquiry, describing it as a landmark moment that recognises the systemic challenges facing regional and local news publishers in the digitalage.
CPA President Andrew Schreyer said the report confirmed what independent publishers had known for years, that global tech giants are using their market dominance to control how journalism is accessed, valued and monetised in Australia,tothedetrimentoflocalnews.
“This report confirms what our members have experienced for a long time,” Mr Schreyer said. “Local and regional publishers continue to face deeply entrenched power imbalances in their dealings with the major digital platforms. This has real consequences for the sustainability of journalism in our communities.”
Mr Schreyer said the federal government must now move quickly to implement the News Bargaining Incentive legislation, especially in light of Meta’s refusal to renew deals with publishers since announcing their withdrawal from news arrangements lastyear.
“Meta has walked away from compensating publishers entirely, and others like TikTok have never come to the tableatall,”hesaid.
“The incentive legislation is essential to
ensurethatallmajorplatformsarerequired to contribute to the journalism they benefit from, either by negotiating in good faith or bymakingafairpayment.”
He also emphasised that public funding support for journalism, including through the News Media Assistance Program (NewsMAP), must be directed to publishers who are actively producing local public interestjournalism.
“Fundingshouldgotothejournalistsand newsroomswhoareonthegroundcovering councils, courts, community stories and localsport,”MrSchreyersaid.“Thesearethe voicesthatholdlocalinstitutionstoaccount andhelpcommunitiesstayconnected.They needdirectandmeaningfulsupport.”
The ACCC report draws attention to a range of broader issues threatening journalism, including a lack of dispute resolution options for small publishers, harmful practices by dominant platforms, and the growing use of AI tools that can devalueordisplacecrediblenews.
“Wesupportstrongerplatformobligations to prevent scams and fake reviews, and we also support enforceable transparency requirements that ensure fair treatment of newscontent,”MrSchreyersaid.
“We need to see the major platforms treated as gatekeepers with clear responsibilities when it comes to how news isranked,labelledandmonetised.
“We urge the government to consider the
rise of AI and its use of publishers’ content and the need for publishers to be fairly compensated for this as part of the News BargainingIncentiveframework.”
He said the rise of AI-generated content andthecontinuedspreadofmisinformation on social media made it more important than ever for Australians to understand whatcrediblejournalismlookslike.
“Improving digital literacy must be a nationalpriority,”MrSchreyersaid.
“Australians need the tools to distinguish fact-basedjournalismfrommisinformation, especially in an environment where AI and algorithms are shaping so much of what peoplesee.”
Country Press Australia represents almost 240 independently owned newspapers that serve regional, rural and suburban communities across the country. These publishers are embedded in the communities they serve and continue to providevitalpublicinterestjournalisminan increasinglydisruptedmediaenvironment.
Mr Schreyer said the ACCC report providedaclearpathforwardandurgedthe governmenttoact.
“We strongly support the ACCC’s push for a new digital competition regime and externaldisputeresolutionsoourmembers canoperateonalevelplayingfield,”hesaid.
“Our regional, rural and local news outlets are the backbone of Australia’s democracy and they must be supported through practical reforms and fairer digital marketconditions.”
Andrew Schreyer is the president of Country Press Australia, and publisher of the Warragul and Drouin Gazette.
Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services neighbourhood house coordinator Rebecca Harris, chief executive Trish Heffernan, volunteers Annette Frost and Jeanette Gatti, and Melton MP Steve McGhie at the official opening event (Damjan Janevski). 486346_05
The community garden is located between the Djerriwarh head office building and the Melton Central Community Centre at 239–241 Station Road, Melton.
Largest capital works ever
Alargecapitalworksprogramandprojects were a focus in Melton council’s annual budget adopted last week, with residents setforanaverage3percentrateriseinline with the state cap.
The budget’s $225.8 million capital works program is Melton’s largest ever, whichwillgotowardsplanning,designing, and constructing projects including leisure facilities, community buildings, road upgrades, and improved pathways.
Highlights include the Cobblebank Community Services Hub and Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre, which are scheduled for completion in late 2026 and 2028 respectively.
Seventeen community-driven projects, totalling $3.6 million, have also been funded, and include road projects, park enhancements, sportsground upgrades, facility improvements and footpath upgrades.
Other projects in the capital works program include $8.4 million to complete construction of Weir Views Children’s and Community Centre, $7.6 million to commence construction of Deanside Community Centre and Neighbourhood House, $11.17 million to upgrade 26 local playspaces, $5.9 million for the redevelopment of the sportsground at Taylors Hill Recreation Reserve, and $3.8 million to com-
pletetheMacphersonParkRugbyPavilion.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said the budget will “ensure our fast-growing community has access to the modern facilities, improved roads and vibrant public spaces they need to thrive”.
“We’re also continuing to invest in the everyday services that matter most – from wastecollectionandlibrariestocommunity events, and more than 100 services that support residents of all ages and abilities,”
Cr Abboushi said.
“This budget is grounded in extensive community consultation. Every project and initiative has been informed by communityfeedback–whetherit’sbetterroads,
Local documentary selected for festival
An Eynesbury resident’s documentary, sharing filmed interviews of post-war migrants who arrived at Bonegilla, was selected from thousands of entries to be screened as part of the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.
Created by Eynesbury podcaster, filmmaker, and musician Simon Reich, ‘Bonegilla: The Migrant’s Journey’ features filmed interviews led by Reich, sharing the stories of post-war European migrants who have experiences with the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre camp in north-east Victoria.
Reich said hearing of the nomination – with his documentary one of 30 selected from thousands of entries – was “incredible”.
“Forme,it’snotjustaboutme,butI’m really excited for all of the people that I haveinterviewedbecausetheyhaveheld onto these stories all their lives and have notfelttheywereheardor weretootraumatised by war to talk about it,” Reich said.
Reich said the documentary is a culmination of seven years of interviewing.
Hesaidthereisachancehisfilmcould be selected to win an award at the festival.
His inspiration for creating the documentary followed a podcast he made about his father – who immigrated to Australia from war-torn Berlin – titled ‘Up from the Rubble’, during which he discovered his father’s link to Bonegilla.
As part of the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival – running from July 1 to 31 – a screening of the documentary will be presented at 7.30pm on Friday, July 25
at Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton. Reich will soundtrack the touching
Council knocks back service station plan
The plan to redevelop a service station in Toolern Vale was knocked back by Melton council, with the application receiving 27 community objections.
A planning application was made for building and works associated with an existing service station at 1486–1490 Diggers Rest–Coimadai road in Toolern Vale.
Theapplicationproposedturningthesite into a service station, convenience store, and food and drink premises, with other additions including internally illuminated pylon signage. The site contains the Toolern Vale General Store.
The application proposed a service station, convenience shop, a food and drink premises with 22-patron capacity, and a drive-through proposed to operate 6am to midnight seven days a week.
Melton director of city futures Sam Romaszko said that council officers believed
the proposal “does not appropriately respond to the rural … character of the area, and would adversely affect the amenity of the surrounding … residential area.”
At the June 23 council meeting, councillor Sophie Ramsey rhetorically questioned how the applicant “actually think that the hours of operation can go to until midnight in a low-residential area?”
Councillor Julie Shannon said the current service station is “used quite a lot,” and that it is in need of repair or replacement.
“I would love to see something happen there…Iencouragetheapplicanttocontinue with another permit and work on something maybe that’s a little bit smaller or … that would actually fit in with the area [and] that is also something that would be beneficial,” Cr Shannon said.
The councillors voted in favour of rejecting the planning application.
upgraded community centres, expanded green spaces, inclusive programming, or local events that bring people together.
“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this year’s budget. It will allow us to continue to deliver on the needs of our community, while ensuring our financial stability over the longer-term.”
The budget was adopted with unanimous support of councillors at the June 23 council meeting.
At the council meeting, Cr Majdlik said that it is “a robust budget for [a] fast-growing city such as ours”.
Shesaidthatcommunitymemberswere “very involved this year.”
New data from the The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) has suggested there continues to be a higher percentage of children in the Melton municipality considered ‘developmentally vulnerable’ than state and national averages.
An initiative of the federal government, the census provides data about the developmental health and wellbeing of children in the community in their first year of school.
According to the AEDC, the census provides evidence to support health, education and community policy and planning and the data aims to highlight “what is working well and what can be improved to support children and their families”.
Dataiscollectedeverythreeyears,and the sixth collection took place last year.
The data is measured across five ‘domains’ – physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills, and communication skills and general knowledge.
Inthe2024census’Meltoncommunity profile – involving the suburbs of Brookfield, Burnside, Caroline Springs, Diggers Rest, Eynesbury, Hillside, Kurunjang, Melton, Melton Rural North East, Melton South, Melton West, and Taylors Hill –15.3 per cent of children involved were considered developmentally vulnerable in two or more of these domains.
This is greater than the state average of 11.8 per cent and national average of 12.5 per cent.
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stories of the documentary with his own piano playing alongside a violin accompaniment.
Eynesbury musician and filmmaker Simon Reich at his studio. (Damjan Janevski). 485997_01
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With Wi-Fi, port charges and gratuities all taken care of, this truly is a seamless, luxuryexperience.
Entries close noon, Thursday 14 August 2025, so don’t miss your chance to set sail onthisonce-in-a-lifetimejourney.
Lookforthefullpagecompetitionadvert in this edition for all the details, or visit: https://starnewsgroup.secondstreetapp. com/Win-a-European-river-voyage-withViking/
Briefs
Multi-vehicle collision
A 59-year-old man was airlifted to hospital after emergency services responded to a multiple-vehicle collision in Gordon on Thursday, June 26. It is believed up to 12 vehicles drove through black ice on the Western Freeway resulting in several vehicles colliding at about 6.10am. Paramedics assessed four patients, and one of the drivers, a 59-year-old man, was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with serious injuries. The others were transported by road to Ballarat Base Hospital with minor injuries. Victoria Police urged motorists in the area to take care over winter and be aware of black ice on the roads.
Melton dumping petition
A petition tabled at a Melton council meeting called for an investigation into local satellite drop-off hubs in identified illegal dumping hotspot areas. Containing 66 signatories, the petition called for an investigation into the feasibility of establishing local satellite drop-off hubs, which would be small-scale, strategically placed disposal sites that aim to make it easier for residents to do the right thing, reduce the inconvenience barrier, and promote proper waste disposal. The creators of the petition said they believe this approach “would complement council’s existing education and enforcement efforts.“ FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
A Viking Longship passes the Gymir Bridge Towers in Cologne.
Dear Melton community,
This year marks a very special milestone for Melton Optical Services as we celebrate 40 incredible years of serving you. We truly couldn’t have reached this point without your unwavering support, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Since 1985, our family-owned practice has been dedicated to caring for the eyes of the Melton community. From the very start, our focus has always been on deliveringprofessionalandcompassionate care with a personal touch that makes our patients feel truly valued.
I’m Mario, and it feels like just yesterday that I opened the doors to Melton Optical on Alexandra Street at the youthful age of 23. Shortly thereafter, my wife Stefani joined our journey, bringing her expertise inopticsandherwarm,caringdemeanour, which has been at the heart of our practice ever since. Together, we’ve been honoured to work alongside our four children, ensuring that our family values remain front and centre.
Over these four decades, it has been our joy to care for three generations of many local families. I fondly recall my very first patient from 1985, who remained with us until his passing - a testament to the lifelong relationships we’ve built together.
As Melton has grown, so have we. In 2001, we moved to our current location at 22 Alexandra Street and expanded our consulting rooms to better serve you.
We’re also proud to have welcomed experienced optometrists Sami Abdulwadud and George Prassinos,both of whom have brought their passion and expertise to our team.
A heartfelt thank you, Melton ! From all of us at Melton Optical Services,
Mario Borazio
years of experience:
currently
Mario Borazio
Mario and Stefani Borazio.
Enter the ghost sign realm
Published last year, ‘Melbourne Ghost Signs’ – created by cultural archaeologist and former Seddon resident Sean Reynolds – presents images of old and often hand-painted signs across Melbourne and the stories behind them. His ghost signs fascination started in the west, where Oscar Parry met him to talk about some of the signs and their significance.
A‘ghost sign’ might sound like something haunted or related to the undead, but in the eyes of cultural archaeologist and former Seddon resident Sean Reynolds, these relics are full of life, humanity, and tales of community.
Ghost signs are old and often hand-painted signs that have been preservedorleftonbuildings,andalthough some are more faded and degraded than others, Reynolds makes sure to keep their stories clear and preserved.
There’s an artistry to them … they’re hand-painted signs, they have … almost a humanity to them
- Sean Reynolds
He created a book called ‘Melbourne Ghost Signs’ that was published by Scribe Publications last year and includes a collection of photographs and accompanying stories behind these spectral signs.
In the book, these have been split into chapters across Melbourne’s CBD and the west, south, east, and north.
It was in the west that Reynolds took his first step into the realm of ghost signs, where he now hosts regular ghost sign photography walking tours with the Footscray Traders Association.
First becoming fascinated with the signs after noticing them on repetitive daily lockdownwalksin2020,hesaidtheybegan to catch his eye.
“I’d walked past a lot of these signs dozens and dozens of times and never thought about them, but then I started noticing them … they’re kind of beautiful in and of themselves,” Reynolds said.
“There’s an artistry to them, and there’s kind of almost like this human touch to them – they’re hand-painted … so many signs now are big vinyl or big plastic signs, but these hand-painted signs, they have … almost a humanity to them,” he said.
“[I] wasn’t happy just photographing the signs, I wanted to know the story behind them, and it just kind of spiralled out from there.”
Creating an Instagram account initially just for his own records, his account now has more than 30,000 followers and has attracted interest for several reasons.
“People will comment, and they’ll tell their stories … they’ll have a family connection…youknow,‘mydadworkedat that factory,’ … ‘hey, that was my milk bar when I was growing up.’ And then, some of it is just kind of collective nostalgia or stories,” Reynolds said.
“The Skipping Girl sign – that’s such an icon of Melbourne, and people … almost without fail, someone’s got a story about it. Andalotofitisfromtheirchildhood–they remember seeing the Skipping Girl sign … they were coming in from country Victoria to visit their grandma or something like that,” he said.
Through sharing ghost signs online, Reynolds has met other enthusiasts, with people from across the globe documenting the signs in their own communities.
AthisFootscrayghostsignwalkingtours, Reynolds said that people of all ages come along for various reasons.
“You look at these old signs and stories and you’d think it skews older because the signs are older, the buildings are older – but I’ve found a lot of young people are interested in their community,” Reynolds said.
“A lot of young people have grown up, and spent their adult lives – and their childhoods now – everything’s digital, so everything’s online … I think there’s a bit of this kind of push collectively for people to really start to understand their community … so I’ve had a lot of young people show up to these tours, or I’ve had people [show up] who’ve never been to Footscray,” he said.
Reynolds said personal stories are often
shared at his tours, such as a man whose parents moved to Footscray in the 1940s and who remembered an Italian-only cinema in the suburb.
“Footscray’s always been a suburb of immigrants, so you had the Irish and then Italians and Greeks moved here and then … Vietnamese people and Chinese people and now we’ve got a lot of people from Ethiopia and Africa and the Middle East … with that has always been industry,” Reynolds said.
He said along the Maribyrnong River, there were plenty of textile plants, wool mills, and slaughterhouses.
“What you start to find is Footscray, in particular, was such a huge part of industrial Melbourne … it’s kind of the rise of that and then by the 1970s, that kind of globalisation takes over and we start to see these places closing down … I try to be fairly agnostic about it – I try not to put too much political spin on it – but there’s no questionthatweusedtoreallymakethings here,andnowwedon’tasmuch,”Reynolds said.
To those interested in hunting for ghost signs themselves, he recommended searching through alleyways and at the backs of buildings, as frontage signs are often painted over or covered up.
“I think it’s important though to document these things to remember the stories behind them, because the stories behind them are very human – they’re human stories,” Reynolds said.
“Just kind of being aware of what was here before, that everything has a story – I think that’s it.”
Details: instagram.com/melbourne_ ghostsigns
A ghost sign on the Yarra Coffee Palace building in Yarraville. (Sean Reynolds)
Cultural archaeologist and former Seddon resident Sean Reynolds in front of a ghost sign for one of the oldest Vietnamese bakeries in Footscray. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 483010_01
$16,190 valuedat including airfares
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ENTERNOW foryourchancetowinan8-day“RhineGetaway”cruisefortwo,departingBaselon 22November2026,includingreturnflights.Therivervoyagewilltakeyouthroughfourenchanting countries,offeringsixguidedtours,allonboardmeals,andenrichingculturalexperiences.
Prizeinclusions:
CruiseDuration:8days,7nights
Accommodation:Standard(CategoryF)Stateroom Destinations:4countrieswith6guidedtours
CulinaryDelights:Allonboardmeals,withbeer&wineservedduringlunchanddinner CulturalExperiences:VisitstoUNESCOWorldHeritageSitesandViking'sCultureCurriculum Amenities:Allportcharges,freeWi-Fi,andallonboardgratuitiesincluded Flights:IncludedEconomyClassreturnflightsfromselectedmajorAustraliancities (upto$5,000percouple)
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Find your amazing every day and every night with Snooze
Every customer who walks into Snooze Melton brings different expectations— whetherit’sthefeelofamattress,theheight of a bed, or the overall look of a bedroom. The team draws on their knowledge and experience to guide each person toward theoptionthatsuitsthembest.
Chetan and Ben lead a dedicated team who are trained to work closely with each customer, helping to identify what’s right fortheirindividualneedsandpreferences.
The Melton store opened in September 2024 at the Melton Homemaker Centre where customers will find a wide selection of mattresses and bedroom furniture on displaytoexploreinperson.
Come in and meet Chetan, Ben and the whole team at Snooze Melton today and take advantage of the Snooze End of Financial year Sale which is extended for oneweekonly!
Save up to 50 percent off selected mattresses including Sealy, Madison and Tempur and save up to 40 percent off selected bed frames. Plus, save up to 30 percent off bedding and linen and 30 per centoffrugs.
Hurry,theSnoozEnd of Financial Year Sale mustendSunday6July 2025!
It’s amazing what a littleSnoozecando!
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
Women’s Support Group
Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help
https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42
Caroline Springs Rotary
The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm.
rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
Melton Men’s Group
Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday, from 5-8pm, at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis.
meltonmensgroup.home.blog
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
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 are welcome.
Helen, 0409 186 576
Melton Bridge Club
The Melton Bridge Club has 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 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
U3A Melton
U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active.
0419 563 016
Melton Combined Probus Club
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
Community singing group
If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am.
Val, 0418 667 150
Melton Trauma Teddies
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
The team at Snooze Melton. (Pictures: Supplied)
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is Augie, 4, trying out a tiny tots circus class in Footscray. (Damjan Janevski) 486806_01
From film to stage
As Elle Woods says in the cult film Legally Blonde, ‘Believing in yourself never goes out of style’.
Thatsentimenthasbeenfullyembraced by youngWilliamstownperformerArchie Newbegin,whoisamongthecastforanew stage version of Legally Blonde opening later this month.
Newbegin, 18, plays the role of Nikos, a pool boy who is a key witness in the murder trial which is central to the plot.
“It’s a pretty minor role but I’m also involved in the ensemble as well,” Newbegin explained.
“Ive been in the ensemble for a few shows pre-Covid but this is my first with my own role.”
Acting and singing is something Newbeginenjoysasacreativeoutletwhile he studies space science at RMIT.
“I’ve always been into musical theatre but it’s more of a side thing that I do.”
Intheleaduptotheshow,Newbeginand the rest of the cast have been rehearsing three times a week.
The role of Elle is played by Tasmanian Emily McDougall. McDougall and Newbegin join a dynamic cast that brings together fresh faces and seasoned performers, highlighting some of Melbourne’s finest emerging performers.
The award-winning musical follows the journey of Elle Woods as she tackles
stereotypes, defies expectations, and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style!
The powerful messages from the show and film have stood the test of time and elevated the character of Elle Woods to a celebrated feminist icon who defies traditional stereotypes of women - as she rises to the challenges placed in front of her. Elle fearlessly demonstrates that femininity and intelligence can coexist, and that women don’t need to sacrifice their identities to succeed.
“It’s a really fun show, lots of really incredible dance numbers and the cast is absolutely incredible so it will be a really fun experience for the whole family,” said Newbegin.
Legally Blonde: The Musical, is presented at the The National Theatre in St Kilda for a limited season from July 12 by independent musical theatre group Theatrical Inc.
Tickets are now on sale for Legally Blonde:TheMusicalathttps://booktickets. com.au/legallyblonde/
Travel back in time to learn about dinosaurs
Learnabouttheancientworldofdinosaurs at the Wyndham Cultural Centre these schoolholidays.
Dinosaur Time Machine will teach youngsters about the science of dinosaurs throughpuppetry,theatreandcircus.
This fun and educational show is aimed atchildrenagedthreetonineyearsoldand featuresalife-sizedT-Rex.
Twoshowswillbeheldat11amand1pm, running for 50 minutes each. Plus, there will be a hands-on workshop at 2.30pm –sign up for this on the day after the second performance.
Make sure you also check out a special visitor who will takeover the forecourt of thecCentre… a breathtaking 10-metre inflatable plesiosaur, by artists A Blank Canvas.
Dinosaur Time Machine is among the shows gracing the stage of the refreshed culturalcentrethroughoutJuly.
The centre was temporarily closed late last year for refurbishment and maintenance works to the building with a new modern bar, foyer and amenities, upgrades to seating and improvements to the theatre including a hearing loop and new audio-visual equipment as well as refurbished dressing rooms and back of housefacilitiesforperformers.
Powerhouse bands King Stingray and ElectricFieldswillbethefirsttoexperience therevampedcentre,takingtothestageon Saturday,July5t7pm.
Perón and
pirouettes
An upcoming youth ballet productionwillsharethestoryofEva Perón,withrehearsalsinMeltonand aperformanceinMooneePonds.
A group of 38 young dancers from several schools across the western suburbs and rural Victoria will perform EVA – sharing the story of former Argentinian first lady Eva Perón.
Herstorywillbepresentedthrough a blend of classical ballet, tango and Latinrhythms.
Eva Perón, nicknamed Evita, was an Argentinian activist, politician, actress, and philanthropist who served as First Lady of Argentina from1946beforedyingin1952.
AproductionbytheWesternBallet Project, the cast for EVA was formed three months ago and will all meet forthefirsttimeonlyfivedaysbefore show day – an incredible feat from choreographersanddancers.
Western Ballet Project artistic director Sophie O’Donnell said that when choosing the topic for this production, she was first drawn to themusic:tango.
The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra will mesmerise and enchant audiences with performances including the Australian debut of a forgotten concerto and string orchestrahighlightsonSaturday,July12at 7.30pm.
Essence Theatre Productions and Nga Matai Purua Inc will bring audiences a newworkinspiredbyeventsatPortPhillip PrisononJuly26and27.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said, “The opening program kicks off in July and is full of entertaining and diverse shows and performances. There is something for everyone”.
To see the full listing of performances and programs and to book tickets, visit: www.wyncc.com.au
Dance the night away and raise funds for charity
OurLadyofMountCarmelParishwillhost adinnerdancefundrasier.
Proceeds will be donated to two local charities - Give Until it Hurts Wednesday Kitchen and the Winter Night Shelterwhich both assist those in the community whoaredoingittough.
On the night, expect good food, live music from John Curran and plenty of fun entertainment.
Community members can make donationsonthenight,orbeforetheevent, of goods like pantry essentials, toiletries, blankets, beanies, gloves, socks and sleeping bags. The grateful charities will distributethegoodstothoseinneed.
Cashdonationsarealsoaccepted.
“The dinner dance is a great way to
support the activities of GUIH including the Wednesday Kitchen and the Winter Night Shelter, whilst having a fun dinner out with your friends and family,” GUIH president and co-founder Garnet Jacob said.
“It’s a FUNdraiser with a difference, yummy food, live music, dancing, a raffle andprizestobewon.”
The Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, July 5, at 6.30pm at St Anne’s ParishHall,101RiddellRoad,Sunbury.
Tickets will be $20 for adults and $10 for childrenagedsixto12.
Dinner includes rice with black bean beef,currychickenorvegetariannoodles.
For more information, contact Garnet Jacobon0411286428.
“Tango was born in the working-class neighbourhoods and port cities of Argentina. Tango was a danceofthepeople–raw,passionate, andattimes,rebellious.OnceIlearnt of the tango’s origins, Argentina, it instantly made me think of Evita,” O’Donnellsaid.
“After more research, I found I was drawn to the life of Eva – not as a famous figure, but as a young woman who rose from poverty with incredibledetermination.Eva’sstory is about resilience, ambition, and finding your voice in a world that doesn’t always welcome you,” she said.
“I knew this was a message our young dancers, and our audiences, coulddeeplyconnectwith.”
Staying true to the story of Eva, severalofthedressesinacttwoofthe productionareauthenticoutfitsfrom the1930s.
The rehearsals for EVA will be held from 9am–4pm from Tuesday, July 8 toSaturday,July12atGalacticDance andEventsinMelton.
The show will be performed at 6.30pm on Sunday, July 13 at The ClocktowerCentreinMooneePonds. Ticket pricing and options are availableonthecentre’swebsite.
Details: clocktowercentre.com.au/ western-ballet-project-eva
Dance Effects (DFX) Ravenhall dancer Anita (15) at the Melbourne Academy of Performing Arts in Spotswood. (Supplied).
Williamstown performer Archie Newbegin. (Damjan Janevski) 481115_03
The event will help support the Wednesday Kitchen, supported by volunteer Levitt De Andrade. (Damjan Janevski) 485859_01
Learn about dinosaurs at Wyndham’s libraries with librarians Damion Monk and Ruth Terry. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 483588_01
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which car manufacturer recently won the Le Mans 24 Hour race for the third consecutive year?
2. Which Australian rock band played at Game Two of the State of Origin series in Perth?
3. Which New Zealand batter scored 151 from 51 balls for the San Francisco Unicorns in a Major League Cricket T20 match?
4. Which team defeated Essendon by 95 points in Round 14 of the AFL season?
In baseball and boxing, what is the name for someone who uses their left hand more than their right hand?
Which Mercedes F1 driver won the Canadian GP, the team’s first victory of the season?
Which English former soccer player was recently knighted?
Which Australian cricketer dislocated his finger during the World Test Championship final at Lord’s?
Which former Sydney and Brisbane forward has been banned from AFL matches after alleged inappropriate behaviour at last year’s Grand Final?
10. In ancient Greece, the messenger Pheidippides ran from where to Athens to deliver important news?
11. Who was the first Aboriginal footballer to play 200 AFL games?
12. How many current NRL clubs have never played in a Grand Final?
13. Who has replaced Ange Postecoglou as coach of the Tottenham Hotspurs?
14. Cactus Jack, Mankind and Dude Love are personas of which former professional wrestler?
15. Since 2003, Patrick Johnson has held the Australian record in the 100m dash with what time?
16. What is the most populous country to never win an Olympic medal?
17. In which sport would you use a foil?
18. Which country won the last two Rugby World Cups?
19. After converting to Islam, what did athlete Lew Alcindor change his name to?
20. Western Bulldog Tom Liberatore has tattoos featuring characters from which TV series?
21. Formerly of Russia, tennis player Daria Kasatkina will represent which nation at Wimbledon?
22. Jed Stuart recently debuted for which NRL club?
23. Justin Longmuir is the current coach of which AFL club?
24. In what year did Australia last play Zimbabwe in a Test cricket match?
25. Nicolas Cage will play which NFL legend in an upcoming biopic?
26. St Louis was awarded the 1904 Summer Olympics after which other US city had to relinquish them?
27. Which team was victorious in the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs?
28. Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds recently became co-owners of a team that competes in which sport?
29. Which State of Origin coach was forced to apologise for recent comments he made in the media?
30. In what year was the first Wrestlemania event held?
provided by Council. These are summarised in the Road Management Plan- Review Report.
The Road Management Plan (RMP) 2024 – 2029 and the Road Management Plan Review Report can be accessed via Council’s website at www.melton.vic.gov.au/PublicNotice
Alternatively, you can review the RMP or RMP Report from the following locations:
• Melton City Council Civic Centre at 232 High Street, Melton
• Melton Library at 31 McKenzie Street, Melton
• Caroline Springs Library at 193-201 Caroline Springs To make comment or discuss any item listed under the Review Report, please contact:
Colin Marshall Manager Engineering and Asset Services - colin.marshall@melton.vic.gov.au or Glen Holschier Coordinator Asset Management and GIS - glenh@melton.vic.gov.au 12781478-EA26-25
Daria Kasatkina
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Vehicle propelled by explosive thrust (6)
4 Send (8)
9 Relation (5)
10 Outsiders (9)
11 Smell (5)
12 Speak impiously (9)
13 Irritated skin bubbles (8)
15 NSW capital (6)
16 Get the better of mentally (6)
18 Lacking footwear (8)
23 Central American country (9)
24 Spotless (5)
26 Protected (9)
27 Sun-dried brick (5)
28 Brought together (8)
29 Actor, – Irons (6)
DOWN
1 Common crumble ingredient (7)
2 Chocolate tree (5)
3 Refined (7)
5 Cerumen (6)
6 Extensive collection (7)
7 To that (arch) (9)
8 Stockings and socks (7)
10 Sword (US) (5)
14 Travelling (2,7)
16 Continuing (7)
17 Frozen sheet (3,4)
19 Give (5)
20 Place or group different from those surrounding it (7)
21 Leather factory (7)
22 Farm animals (6)
25 Summon (5)
1 Robert Downey Jr. played Larry Paul in which TV series?
2 Who became president of the US after Richard Nixon resigned?
3 What weapon appears on the flag of Barbados?
4 True or false: The Whale (2022) is based on a true story?
5 Julianne Hough (pictured) played which character in the 2011 version of Footloose?
6 The 1930 Salt March, an act of civil disobedience, took place in which country?
7 Ni is the symbol for which element on the periodic table?
8 What is the name of Ed Sheeran’s 2023 album?
9 Which ancient city is adjacent to the mountain of Jabal Al-Madbah?
10 The Tatra Mountains form a natural border between Poland and which other country?
Q4 e-tron offers top value
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
I had zero expectations of the Audi Q4. I hadn’t driven one before, let alone an electric one.
I later learned Q4 comes only as an EV and is available in compact SUV and Sportback coupe form.
Launched in 2021, the five-seater shares a platform with sibling the Q5 e-tron along with cousins the Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.4.
Interestingly, the Q4 e-tron is the first Audi to be built in the city of Zwickau since the pre-war era of the company. It is here that Audi and its predecessor Horch were founded before the two brands merged to become Auto Union way back in 1932.
There endeth the history lesson.
Styling
Audi says the Q4 e-tron is more than just a new model; “it represents the future of driving”. It also happens to be the smallest and most affordable of its EVs so far, and as such has a big job to do.
The Q4 was a long time in gestation and Audi has played with the spec so it could duck the Luxury Car Tax and qualifies for an exemption under Fringe Benefits Tax. As a result of this manoeuvring the price is enticingly low, starting from $84,9000 plus on roads for Q4 45 e-tron (524km); the Sportback from $86,500 (540km).
The Sportback is extra presumably because it gets the S line treatment. Moving further up the ladder we come to the higher performance Q4 55 e-tron quattro (488km), priced from $105,900; Sportback 55 e-tron quattro (503km) from $107,500.
Our test car the Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron was also fitted with the optional $2200 Comfort package which adds electric front seats, 360 degree camera, adaptive cruise assist with stop and go, active lane assist and emergency assist, park assist plus, with memory settings for driver’s seat and exterior mirrors, bringing the price to $88,700 plus on-roads.
The S line interior package is a no cost option, consisting of sports front seats, combination fabric and artificial leather, black cloth headliner, dark aluminium inlays, stainless steel pedals, illuminated front door sills and a flat bottomed sports steering wheel. Metallic paint is also a no cost option.
The Sportback is a sexy beast, with a stubby front end, sloping back and a muscular stance.
The coupe-like roofline adds a healthy dose of style, finishing in a spoiler that splits the rear window horizontally – a la the first Eclipse Cross.
Our test vehicle was finished in pebble grey and rides on 20-inch, five-spoke alloys, with the S line body kit, a radiator grille finished in titanium black with horizontal aluminium slats, and lower air intakes in matt platinum.
Although it’s an EV, the design of the Q4 has not made the complete transition to electric vehicle as it retains a blanked out radiator grille. Why? Ditto the old style instrument cluster and inset touchscreen inside which remain separate entities. And the instrument cluster is somewhat cluttered and difficult to read.
Range could be a deciding factor, stretchingfrom488kmto540km(thelatter for our Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron).
Standard equipment includes leather appointed upholstery, three-zone climate air, twin-spoke leather steering wheel, power-adjust driver’s seat, heated front seats with four-way lumbar
support, ambient interior lighting and a power-operated tailgate.
There’s also LED exterior lighting, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera,autodimminginteriormirror,auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, plus auto folding/dimming/ heated exterior mirrors with kerb-side dip on passenger side.
Q4 is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with 6-year roadside assistance and eight-year/160,000km coverage for the battery. Service intervals are every 24 months/30,000km.
Infotainment
TheMMIinfotainmentsystemiscontrolled from an 11.6-inch touchscreen with a separate 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
It offers the usual array of features, including Bluetooth, voice control, built-in navigation, AM/FM radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio is provided by an in-house eight speaker 180 watt audio system.
There’s also wireless phone charging, twoUSBportsinthefrontandanotherpair in the back plus a couple of 12 volt outlets (one in the boot).
Notice we didn’t mention DAB+ digital radio – the jury is out on that one.
Safety
Q4 scores a full five stars for safety but we weregobsmackedtoseeitisfittedwithrear drum brakes. Remember them? WTF?
Driver support systems include Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Backover) as well as a lane support system withlanekeepassist(LKA),lanedeparture warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and blind spot monitoring (BSM) are standard.
Not all safety systems are standard, however. Q4 55 comes with a more comprehensive form of adaptive cruise control, as well as active lane assist, 360 degree camera and park assist plus.
The Q4 55 can also be optioned with augmented reality head-up display, projecting new intuitive directions to the headupdisplaywithinthedriver’seyeline.
Powertrain
Motivation comes from a single electric
motor that provides 210kW of power and 545Nm of torque in this model, with drive to the rear wheels through a single-speed two-stage planetary gearbox.
Driving
Sitting between the Q3 and larger Q5, the Q4 e-tron is Audi’s shooting star, quickly becoming its best-selling electric vehicle since its belated launch here late last year.
At 4591mm in length and with a kerb weight of 2240kg, it’s a mid-sized SUV in practical terms if not name, with a flat interior floor, generous legroom and good-sized boot that offers 535 litres of storage – plus underfloor storage for charging cables. However, there’s no spare tyreofanykind–justapuncturerepairkit.
Dark tones produce an unnecessarily sombre atmosphere in the cabin, but this has been a complaint of Audi’s cars since the beginning of time.
Cabin storage is good with front bottle holders that are angled and located high on the inside of the front doors, instead of down low where you can’t see them. However,thefloatingcentreconsolewhich juts out obscures the lower storage area, particularly the USB ports and 12-volt outlet.
The start button is located on the far side of the gear selector, with a similarly sized audio control of some kind on the near side. Further back is a small, difficult to reach drive mode selection button. Gear selection is achieved via a small fore and aft toggle with a separate button for park, but we were never quite sure whether the car was actually switched off when it came time to exit.
The steering wheel controls are touch sensitive and as usual the small cruise control stalk is difficult to see and work
out once you’re driving, and takes some mastering.
Separate air-con and seat heat controls are provided below the centre screen, with separate controls in the back for rear seat passengers. There’s a number of drive modes and regenerative braking can be modulated with paddles on the steering wheel. No, they’re not for changing gear.
Power is stored in an 82 kWh battery (77 kWh useable), with energy consumption thatisratedat16.9kWh/100kmandarange of540kmforthismodel(WLTP).Weclocked up 617km at a rate of 15.7 kWh/100km. Charging from a household power point takes up to 30 hours, while a 7.2kW single phase AC Wallbox reduces this figure to 11 hours. DC charging capacity has been upgraded to 175kW and this means the car can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 28 minutes. Yeah, right.
The Q4 e-tron does not offer V2L functionality.
Rear-drive Q4 45 e-tron, SUV and Sportback, are capable of reaching 100km/h in 6.7 seconds. The all-wheel drive quattro Q4 55 e-tron does it in 5.4 seconds.
It’s not what you’d call lightning quick, but it’s quick enough to be a bit of fun. Ride quality is good, but tends to the wrong side of firm which becomes quickly apparent on our deplorable back roads. Handling is also pretty good, but there’s thosedrumstoconsider,sowewouldn’tbe going in too hard.
We’re surprised adaptive suspension is not fitted, but bearing in mind this is primarily a city-focused car, it’s hardly surprising.
Remember too Audi was focused on reducingtheprice–something’sgottagive.
Summing up
Ifnothingelse,theAudiQ4e-tronisagreat alternative to Elon Musk’s best-selling Tesla Model Y.
The range is almost on par with the Tesla and it is stylish, unlike Tesla’s lookalike range, particularly the bulbous Y.
The dynamic Q4 Sportback e-tron has come a long way since the first Audi to carry the e-tron tag.
It’s surprisingly spacious and sporty to drive, and quite frankly, we expected it would cost a lot more.
If nothing else, the Audi Q4 e-tron is a great alternative to Elon Musk’s best-selling Tesla Model Y. (Pictures: Supplied)
The sun was out and the wind was calm making it the perfect day for football on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer
LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Perfect weather for footy
Werribee Districts’ Daniel Nielson and Newport’s Sam Macafee go for a mark. 486901_06
Hoppers Crossing’s Anarkiikonda Van Wills. 486904_13
North Melbourne-Werribee’s Charlotte Blair. 486895_08
North Melbourne-Werribee’s Nyakoat Dojiok and Williamstown’s Georgia Howes. 486895_29
Point Cook Centrals’ Corey Muscat and Jalen Jaimangal tackle Hoppers Crossing’s Thomas Rowland. 486904_03
Werribee Districts’ Joshua Puli goes for a fly. 486901_13 Western Jets’ Chloe Kropman. 486897_02
Western Jets’ Grayson Lafaialii. 486900_03
Western Jets’ Rani Pavlidis. 486900_15
Western Jets’ Tayla Olivieri. 486897_05
Sharks rebound to come away with a convincing win
After its toughest period of the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division season, Hillside showed the form that has it in the top four on Saturday.
The Sharks entered Saturday’s match with Moonee Valley having lost two of their last three matches.
They were able to put that behind them as they accounted for the Fog, 5.8 (38)-2.2 (14).
Sharks coach Blaise Ferraro said they had been able to take things out of the last few weeks and put them into play.
“We haven’t lost too many games the last couple of years,” he said. “When we lost last year it was our season over.
“This time the losses have come during the season and the challenge has been to regroup, which we have been able to do.”
Ferraro said Saturday’s contest with the Fog was a hard battle all day.
He said the addition of some of their VictorianFootballLeagueWomen’splayers had boosted the Fog line up.
“They were more competitive,” he said. “We got back to basics and laying tackles.
“We were ruthless all day.”
Emily Paterno kicked three goals for the
Sharks and was one of their best.
Ferraro said the star forward was starting to work her way into the season having returned from VFLW this season.
“She’s been able to hit the track a bit more,” he said. “She seems settled and is
stepping up and helping our leaders.”
Ferraro said Melissa Higgins was best on ground in the ruck, while Brooke Kerrigan and Natasha Campbell were strong in the middle of the ground.
InanotherpositivefortheSharks,Chanel
Devils sneak home
By Tara Murray
Darley rode its luck on the way to a thrilling win against Melton in the Ballarat Football League top of the table clash.
Having played out a thriller back in round one, there was even less separating the two teams this time run.
The Devils led throughout the first half, before the Bloods responded to take a one point lead into the final break.
The match would go down to the final siren with the Bloods missing a goal in the final 20 seconds.
It would allow the Devils to hold on and win, 12.7 (79)-11.10 (76).
Devils coach Dan Jordan said they would take the win.
“We didn’t play that great of footy in the second half to be honest,” he said. “We hung around and kept in the game when they headed us.
“We got a couple of fortunate breaks late. We were a bit lucky, but we will take it.”
Jordan said there were plenty of nerves
in the last minute of the game when the Bloods had the opportunity to win the game.
He said they threw everyone behind the ball after they hit the front through Luther Baker.
“They had a shot with 20 seconds left,” he said. “We had hit the front with a minute to go.
“They were able to get a big grab in the goal square out of the pack.
“It was at a 45 degree angle and 10 metres out. It was a nervous kick [that missed].
“We were fortunate.”
Andrew Azzopardi kicked four goals for the Devils and was named their best.
Billy Myers and Nick Hind were other standouts for the Devils.
Ryan Davis and Kyle Borg were the best for the Bloods.
Having now beaten the Bloods, the only team that has beaten them this season, Jordan said he felt they had progressed.
“I thought we were a better side than round one,” he said. “We had a few out but
Caruso and Ebony Wilkie played their first senior games for the season as they come back from major injuries suffered early last year.
The Sharks sit second on the ladder.
The race for the top three remains a three-way battle, with all three sides equal on points.
Each of the top three sides have had a win and loss against each other.
Hillside will face Aberfeldie in the run home, while Oak Park avoids the other two teams in the top three in the run home.
“Oak Park seems like a lock for a top two spot, unless something weird happens,” he said. “I think it’s a toss of the coin [between the three sides].
“Anything can happen on any given day and it depends on the side. It could be decided by kicking accuracy or kicking inaccuracy.”
The Sharks this Saturday face Keilor which is coming off a hard fought win against Greenvale.
Ferraro said last time the Blues really tested them.
Sports shorts
RDNL
It was a tough weekend for the Melton-based teams in the Riddell District Netball League on Saturday, with all three suffering losses. Melton Centrals pushed the Gisborne Giants before falling short, 61-43. Imogen Sexton shot 22 goals for Centrals. Melton South suffered a big 76-22 loss to Riddell, while Diggers Rest was also on the end of a big loss, losing 75-27. Melton Centrals sits in seventh spot, while Melton South is 10th and Diggers Rest is 11th.
EDFL
Hillside produced one of its best performances of the Essendon District Football League division 1 season, knocking off West Coburg. Coming off two straight losses, the Sharks kicked into gear after quarter time to come away with a 16.9 (105)-8.5 (53) win. Khalil Kaakour and Noah Asciak were named the Sharks best with Josh Covelli kicking four goals. The Sharks remain fifth on the ladder.
VPL
so did they [Melton].
“We didn’t play our best footy but we were still able to get the result. We knew it wouldn’t be easy and it would go down to the wire.
“We still have plenty of work to do.”
The last three weeks the Devils have beaten the other sides sitting in the top four.
The Devils now sit a game clear on top of the ladder.
Jordan said they targeted that part of the season and to come away with wins against the three of them they were pretty happy.
There is a bye this Saturday with interleague.
Jordan said it had come at a good time for them and they would use it to rest and reflectaheadofthebackthirdoftheseason.
In other matches, Bacchus Marsh beat Lake Wendouree, 23.14 (152)-5.5 (35).
Jake Owen kicked 11 goals in a best on ground performance in his 100th game for the club.
The Cobras are now in fifth spot.
Caroline Springs George Cross slipped from second in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition with a loss to Bentleigh Greens on Friday. With the two sides fighting for promotion spots, the match was a crucial one on the context of the season. The Greens were able to score in the second half to win, 1-0. The Georgies are now in third spot, three points behind the Greens, Melbourne City sits atop with a game in hand.
FV
Melton Phoenix won a high scoring affair against the Keilor Wolves on Friday night in the FV state league 4 west competition. The Phoenix trailed 2-1 at half time, with the Phoenix able to level the scores almost immediately after the break. The Phoenix scored the next three goals, before the Wolves scored one late to finish 5-3. The win has the Phoenix sitting on top. Westside Strikers slip to third with a 2-2 draw with Lara United.
FOR MORE SPORT VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Tara Murray
Brooke Kerrigan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 485452_17
Andrew Azzopardi. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 474079_35
No pucking around for this young ice hockey rising star
James Sullivan has always been at home on skates.
The Melton resident at just nine will represent Australia under-11 side at the OceaniaChampionshipsinNewZealandin icehockeyinJuly.
Heisalsopullingontheskatestorepresent Victorian in inline hockey championships inSeptemberandOctober.
Jamessaidhewasreallyexcitedtoplayfor Australia.
“I’mgettingtoplayonateamwithsomeof my friends as well,” he said. “Im hoping we wininthechampionshipbutwearegoingto havelotoffun.”
Jamessaidscoringgoalswashisfavourite thing about the two sports, along with celebrating with his teammates, getting to play on teams with his friends and playing againstlotsofdifferentplayers.
James’ dad Cj Sullivan has been involved inbothinlineandicehockeyforalongtime,
whichledhissontogetintoit.
“He started development when he was five,” Cj said of James. He’s been playing competitivethelasttwoyears.
“He’sninenow.Thetalentisthereforhim toputitalltogether.I’mveryhappyandvery proud.
Cj said it was a massive achievement for himtomaketheAustralianteam.
He said growing up he didn’t have that option,withalotoftravelandcostsinvolved toplayhockey.
“It’s something that he can build on. There’s a lot of people in the community who have been part of it since they were eight years old and now they’re kids and playing.”
Cj,whohasalsodonecoachingandbeing an official, said he hopes to see more rinks along with opportunities for both sports in Melbourne.
James prefers ice hockey out of the two
sports and is rollerblading non-stop when he’sathome.
He has high dreams for what he wants to achieve.
“I’dliketobeabletoplayhockeyinCanada andmaybetrytogetgoodenoughtoplayin the NHL [National Hockey League]. I’d love toplayfortheDallasStars,”hesaid.
Asforwhypeopleshouldplayeithersport, Jamessaysbothsportsarefunandfast.
“Ice hockey and inline hockey are both a lot of fun and you can make lots of friends,” he said. “You can travel and play hockey in nearlyeverycountryintheworld.”
With significant costs to buy equipment and travel, a fundraising page has been set upforJames.
Todonate: https://asf.org.au/campaigns/ james-sullivan/oceania-championshipsvic-national-championships
Tara Murray
Strong win for Warriors
By Tara Murray
Western Warriors have levelled their efforts of last season but again showed inconsistency in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday night.
Facing the Gippsland Stars, the Warriors were keen to bounce back after one of their worst performances of the season. They looked like a team that was hungry in the first half and it showed on the scoreboard as they led, 36-21 at the break.
After half time some complacency settled in and the Stars took it up to them.
TheStarsgotthemarginbacktosixinthe final quarter, but the Warriors had done enough to win, 58-52.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey said the first halfwasgoodandcouldhavebeenpushing a much bigger win.
“We were pushing a 30 goal win at half time, but then we just relaxed, which we have a habit of doing,” she said.
“I think what was good is that we worked
throughit,wedidn’tpanic.We’vecomeout with a win, we’re happy.”
Thefirsthalfwassomeofthebestnetball thattheWarriorshadplayedfortheseason, creating a lot of turnover and getting the ball into their shooters.
Bailey said they spoke about what their roles were for the night and they stuck to them particularly in the first half.
“Eliza Gollant was perfect,” Bailey said “She stuck to the game plan.
“I gave her instructions and she stuck to them to a tee. Taylor Honey was asked to get loose ball and she did and it was a bit of a glimpse of the Taylor of old.
“Kim [Borger] was great and the feeds into her especially from Simona Di Filippo and her work was great in the first half.
“When a bit off the boil in the second half.”
Kim Borger shot a season high 42 goals, with Rebecca Hicks used sparingly due to an ankle injury.
Bailey said they speak about playing
James Sullivan. (Supplied)
Tough losses for Panthers and the Centrals
Melton South’s winning run came to an end, while it was heartbreak after the siren for Melton Centrals in the Riddell District Football League.
The Panthers had put together a good run of form in recent weeks, but faced an even bigger test on Saturday against Riddell.
The Bombers were able to lead at every break in the high scoring affair.
Melton South stayed in touching distance in the first three quarters with the margin 16 points heading into the final quarter.
The Bombers class shone through late as they kicked five final quarter goals to come away with a 18.12 (120)-13.10 (88) win.
Lachlan Pritchard kicked four goals for the Panthers, while Alec Goodson and William Thornton-Gielen kicked three apiece.
Pritchard was named their best along with Sam Darley and Jake Thornton-Gielen.
The Panthers remain in third spot.
MeltonCentralsandtheGisborne Giants played out a thriller as both sideswereseekingtheirsecondwin of the season.
consistent netball across not only games and week to week, but it’s yet to click.
“They have to play 60 minutes, you can’t play58or59,youhavetoplaythelot,”shesaid.
“It’s constant, that consistency. I think we dropped the ball and got a bit lax.
“We have to be switched on, nice way to coming into towards the end of the season with a nice win like that.”
Bailey said they would like to finish the season with at least one more win to beat their tally of last year.
She said if they play their best netball theycanmatchitwithanyoneandtheycan influence how the top six finishes.
The Warriors sit in seventh spot, six points out of the top six, but North East Blaze had a game to play on the weekend.
The Warriors 23 and under side had their best performance of the season, winning 63-38.
After a strong start the Warriors were able to hold off any Stars challenge to build the margin back out.
Centrals opened up a big lead in the first half with the margin 26 points at the main break.
The Giants kicked the only three goals of the third quarter to bring it back to four points at the last break.
The two sides traded the lead in the final quarter.
A goal from Thomas Doyle at the 27 minute mark levelled the scores at 105 apiece.
Centrals managed to get a behind as the quarter went beyond 30 minutes.
It would go 36 minutes and come down to a Sam Van Taarling kick after the siren which he was able to convert to give his side a 16.15 (111)-16.10 (106) win.
Hisham Kerbatieh, Jake Armistead and Samuel Apineru were named the Centrals best.
Diggers Rest continued on its winning run as it accounted for Romsey, 14.11 (95)-7.9 (51) win.
Simona Di Filippo. (Grant Treeby)
Gisborne move to the Ballarat FNL could be on the cards
Gisborne is considering a move to the Ballarat Football Netball League as it assesses what is best for the long term future of the club.
The club started looking at the process about 10 months ago, with information provided to players and club members recently.
The club currently plays in the Bendigo Football Netball League but has concerns over the standard of the competition.
Bulldogs president Tony Brancatisano said there had been more traction on maybe making the call to move in the past four months.
“The Bendigo league doesn’t seem to be getting any better, so we need to look at the futureoftheclubforthenextfiveyears,”he said.
“We want to have a proper look at it.”
Brancatisano said they had concerns about the standard dropping, with the competition having lost Kyneton and Maryborough from the competition in recent years.
He said the competition wasn’t balanced with some teams playing each other three times saying that a premier competition should have 10 teams.
Broadford is aiming to field sides next year, but have yet to appoint a senior football coach as it comes out of recess.
There had been talk about Moama joining the competition in 2027, which Brancatisano said was too far for the club to travel which they have expressed to the league.
Brancatisano said they would likely put
something into the Ballarat league by the endofthemonth,withaclubvotetofollow.
He said the players have the majority of the vote.
“Sometimes when you put change on the table, there is a little bit of push back,” he said. “When you put the facts on the table this is where they are going, it gives then something to think about.
Brancatisano said they needed to make sure the decision they made was the right fit for everybody, both netballers and footballers.
Lakers stay on top
By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs is focused on making sure it doesn’t get complacent as it remains undefeatedintheWesternFootballLeague women’s competition.
The Lakers have been the team to beat this season with several big wins having them on top of the table.
Lakers coach Alex O’Shea said they were happy with how things were going, but know that it’s a long season.
“We are doing well and we want to keep winning,” she said. “We don’t want to be complacent at this point of the season.
“The grand final is not won right now. We’re preparing ourselves and playing some good footy and we want to continue through to the end of the year.”
With a core group of players who have been together the past few years, O’Shea said that they know each other and how to play with each other.
She said they are focused on learning new things to further progress their games individually and as a team.
“We’re changed some players to learn new things, but it’s more about learning about the game as they’ve all played together for a couple of years,” she said.
“We go game-by-game and see how the game plays out and then make changes throughout the game.”
O’Shea said they were happy with how they were playing week in week out and that everyone was playing their role for the team.
“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves,” she said. “There’s a few things that we have identifiedthreewhichweneedtogetbetter at.
“We want four quarter efforts and focus on the team game.”
TheLakersmadeitback-to-back100-plus point wins on the weekend.
After beating Point Cook Centrals, 20.10 (130)-2.0 (12), with Jacinta Kondis kicking eight goals, the Lakers backed it up against West Footscray on Saturday.
O’Shea said before the match that the Roosters pushed them last time and were expecting them to push them again this
He said at this stage their female football program would remain in the Essendon District Football League with it being a stronger, more established competition than the Ballarat competition.
One of the biggest pluses for the move to the Ballarat competition, was playing against the likes of the Sunbury Lions, Bacchus Marsh, Darley and Melton.
AllfourclubsarecloserthantheBendigo league. Melton, Darley and the Sunbury Lions all played against Gisborne in the Riddell district league before the clubs seeking stronger competition.
Brancatisano said their biggest crowd of the year was the annual practice match with the Sunbury Lions.
“There are four sides around us,” he said. “We are in the middle of them.
“For the gate and bar, it would be a lot better. Financially it would be better for us in the Ballarat competition.
“We will take everything into consideration, as it’s not black and white.”
Tara Murray
Bazlenka makes impressive start
Keayang Bazlenka is set to be given a breakandaimedforthebigtwo-year-old features at the back end of the season after completing a memorable start to hisracingcareerthisweek.
The Marg and Paddy-trained son of What The Hill won on debut against older horses at Terang on Wednesday and backed it up with a powerhouse victory over his juvenile counterparts at MeltonEntertainmentParkonSaturday night.
Driver Jason Lee settled third on the pegs through the early stages of the Hygain Victory 2YO Trot, and was gifted second place when Mystical Truscott broke just before the bell. This gave KeayangBazlenkaagreattripinbehind free-running leader Truscotts Elegance, and the unbeaten gelding powered past him in the sprint to the line to win by 13.1minamilerateof1:58.6(1720m).
“Hewasterrific,andhewasabitmore relaxed tonight than his run at Terang theotherday,”JasonLeesaid.
“The tempo was pretty genuine –Herb (James Herbertson on Truscotts Elegance)wasbowlingalongoutinfront – but he was good, he did everything right.
“He probably had a real good look around and got a little lost when he got out in front, so he’s still learning and hopefullyhe’lljustkeepgettingbetter.
“We really like him, but we haven’t really pushed him and he does everythingsoeasy.
time.
A 41-0 first quarter set the tone and the Lakers were able to build from there and win, 22.13 (145)-0.1 (1).
Kondis kicked five goals to increase her lead at the top of the goalkicking, while Ebony Stevens kicked four goals.
Taya meiers, Larina Abary and Brodie Stevens were named the Lakers beat.
The Lakers reserves side had a tough weekend, losing to Aberfeldie.
O’Shea said having a reserves side back had been good as well, allowing for them to cater for everyone who wanted to play no matter what they wanted to get out of it.
In the men’s competition, Caroline Springs had a big win against Sunshine, winning 19.18 (132)-6.4 (40).
Steven Kyriazis kicked six goals in a best on ground performance.
In division 2, the Western Rams weren’t able to make it three in a row, losing to Sunshine Heights.
The Dragons won, 17.13 (115)-11.8 (74).
“He’s going to be a really nice little two-year-old. Hopefully we can keep himsound,happyandinonepiece,and when the good races come around he shouldberightupintoit.”
Geelong supporter Paddy Lee named Keayang Bazlenka after star footballer BaileySmith,whohasjoinedtheCatsfor this season and is one of the fancies for theBrownlowMedal.
EmmaStewarttrainedfivewinnerson Saturday night’s 10-race card, with star New South Wales reinsman Cameron Hartpartneringthreeofthem.
Hart was at the controls as Bay Of Biscay, Let Her Roll and Storms Collide all prevailed in their respective assignments.
The night’s other treble was achieved by James Herbertson, who teamed up to win with Hes From Heaven and DichotomyforJessTubbs,andImBobby forEddieTappe.
Tim O’Connor
Gisborne is considering its future. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 484133_11
Brodie Stevens. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 485447_02
BACCHUS MARSH