Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 15th July 2025

Clean-up in limbo

By Oscar Parry

An Environment Protection Authority (EPA) clean-up order issued to Moorabool council, which is estimated to cost council about $500,000, was heard in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) last week.

The preliminary hearing against the EPA, started on Wednesday, July 9, and followed council being ordered by the EPA in June to clean up containers of industrial waste abandoned on a Crown road reserve.

VCAT lists the location as the nature strip of 210 Lerderderg Park Road, Merrimu.

According to council, the site in question is managed by it on behalf of the state government, and the cost of disposing the waste safely is estimated to be $500,000.

Mayor Paul Tatchell said the EPA had been monitoring these container loads of harmful industrial waste since “at least late2024”andquestionedhowtheyended up on Crown land.

“As a result of EPA inaction, they are now claiming the waste is now the responsibility of Moorabool ratepayers to remove and dispose of safety at a cost of half a million dollars … in our view, this

is patently unfair and is an unreasonable cost to ratepayers,“ he said.

At the preliminary hearing, council asked for a stay on the EPA order that council clean up the site by July 25, and according to the council, a decision is expected on July 17.

“Thetribunalgaveusaveryfairhearing andaskedmanyquestionsofbothcouncil and the EPA ... we have argued that the EPA ought exercise its powers under section 294 of the EPA Act to remove the trailers,” Cr Tatchell said.

“In response, the EPA have said that if a stay is granted there is a possibility the EPA will do just that. We believe this would be an equitable outcome in all the circumstances.“

EPA Victoria south-west regional manager Martha-Rose Loughnane said EPA Victoria issued an environmental action notice to council on June 10.

“Since March 2025, there has been extensive engagement between EPA and council regarding this issue,” Ms Loughnane said.

“EPA is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the movement of the waste.

“As the matter is now before the tribunal, EPA [is] unable to provide further comments.”

Blissful bird walk in Melton

A chance to see Melton’s lorikeets, ducks, and darters while enjoying the company of others – the Eynesbury Environment Group’s next guided bird walk will take attendees along Toolern Creek in Melton South this weekend. Toolern Creek forms a corridor for birds and other wildlife through Melton, and according to Eynesbury Environment Group member and bird walk leader Daryl Akers, there are a wide range of birds that attendees are likely to see, including rainbow lorikeets, black ducks, wood ducks, waterbirds, darters, cormorants and various colourful parrots.

“Apart form seeing birds, of course, it’s basically just a chance to join [in] on a pleasant walk with pleasant scenery and good company,” Mr Akers said.

“It’s a good social place to walk.”

The walk will be along a paved footpath and attendees are encouraged to bring long pants, walking shoes, water, binoculars – which are also available to borrow – and a camera. It will begin at 9am and run for about an hour on Saturday, July 19, setting off from the beginning of the footpath at Tamar Drive, Melton South.

Details: eynesbury.environment. group@gmail.com

Eynesbury Environment Group member and bird walk leader Daryl Akers at Toolern Creek. (Damjan Janevski) 489352_06

Petition drives road fears

By Georgia Tacey

More than 300 people have signed a petition to halt the closure of the Holden Road level crossing.

The level crossing on the Sunbury Line is set to close this month as part of the state government’s commitment to the Sunbury Line being level crossing free by the end of 2025.

When the level crossing closes, Holden Road will also close to the public, leaving an unsealed, unlit dirt road being the only access for Metro staff to access the Calder Park depot.

When Calder Park Drive reopens on July 23, Holden Road will only remain open to traffic west of the level crossing, according to the state government.

Glenn Tyquin, a Sunbury train driver who started the petition, said he was concerned about the safety of the road at night and during bad weather.

“It doesn’t seem right to me that a government project will create a riskier situation than the one that’s currently in place,” he said.

Metro train drivers, management, cleaning staff, train maintenance technicians and local taxi drivers are fighting

the issue, calling on Sunbury MP Josh Bull to help their cause.

“There’s been drivers at Calder Park that have already transferred away from the depot to avoid damaging their personal vehicles,” Mr Tyquin said.

“The level crossing removals are for dangerous and congested roads and this is not a major road,” Mr Tyquin said.

“The alternative they’re putting in place is more dangerous… it just doesn’t sit right with me.”

Mr Bull confirmed said he had spoken to Mr Tyquin but the “decision around sealing this road is one for Melton City Council.”

Guidance for those struggling with grief

Melton Health Hub is launching a supportive grief education group next month, designed to help people understand and navigate grief following the loss of a loved one.

Held across six weekly sessions, the group is facilitated by two experienced counsellors and is aimed at supporting adults at any stage of grief onset.

Western Health counselling and family violence manager Dylan Aldous said that the sessions will explore the emotional, physical, and psychological impacts of grief while providing a safe space

to share experiences with others who are also grieving.

“We had counsellors run a bereavement lunchtime group, and that’s been very helpful to clients, but we run a predominantly [individual-based] counselling service for a variety of mental health based adjustment and adjustment issues,” he said.

“We realised we were getting a lot of clients presenting with grief and bereavement as their primary presenting issue.”

Mr Aldous said the impact of grief and

bereavement is wide-ranging and is very personal.

“It can affect individuals emotionally, physically, socially, even spiritually … we recognise it’s a very difficult thing to process and to deal with and we believe that through this group, we can support individuals to build their coping strategies, provide a safe space where they can share their experiences with others who are experiencing similar things,” he said.

The program begins in August and places are limited.

Details: 9747 7609

EPA issues winter wood heater advice to help minimise smoke

With many firing up their wood burning heater to keep their toes warm this winter, EPA Victoria is offering tips to reduce smoke and heat your home more efficiently this winter.

According to EPA Victoria the condition of the heater, the flue, and the fuel you are using all contribute to seeing more – or less – smoke from your chimney.

EPA chief environmental scientist Jen Martin said you’ll get less smoke and more heat for your money if you do it right.

“Have your chimney professionally cleaned every year, only burn dry, clean

wood, and extinguish your fire before going to bed or leaving the house,” Ms Martin said.

She said leaving it smouldering is inefficient, generates more smoke, and creates a fire hazard.

Under the Environment Protection Act’s General Environment Duty wood heater owners must minimise the smoke from their wood heater.

EPA urges anyone burning wood to consider seeking alternative heat sources, especially on calm days with not much wind. The people most sensitive to smoke

A council spokesperson confirmed that “Council doesn’t have plans to seal this section of Holden Road“.

“This section of Holden Road covers approximately 3.6km and provides access to semi-rural residential properties. Following closure of the Holden Road level crossing, this will become a nothrough road and therefore result in limited traffic use,” the spokesperson said.

“As with all unsealed council roads in the City of Melton, we will continue to ensure Holden Road is maintained to a safe standard.”

Melton specialist school in progress

Following desperate pleas from parents, a new specialist school for neurodiverse students is expected to open in Melton in 2027.

An initiative of Melbourne-based organisation Autism Goals, the school is expected to open at the beginning of the 2027 and the organisation has begun writing its policies.

It is set to cater for young people from preschool to year 10 and then onto flexible learning pathways.

While still in the early stages of the project, the organisation has had discussions with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, which is the governing body for school registrations.

Former principal and Autism Goals chief executive Pauline Aquilina said the idea for the school came from an absolute desperate plea from parents.

“Here in the west, we are desperate for this kind of support for our neurodiverse community. It’s been a long time in the waiting,” she said.

“The reason we decided to investigate and begin looking at the school was … because we worked with students with disabilities with neurodiverse people who aren’t able to be supported in mainstream schools and are having significant harm happening to them because the adjustments have not been able to [be] made.

“They’re not feeling safe, they’re not feeling secure, and they’re also not psychologically safe … they’re hypervigilant, which means their body is in the fight, flight, fawn, freeze mode, and that means that they can’t access their rational brain to be able to engage in learning.

Ms Aquilina said there is a really complicated system where young people need adjustments so that they are able to access learning but for a multitude of reasons, for many neurodiverse young people, that’s not happening.

“It’s not because there’s ill intent or teachers who don’t care – that’s not the reason – the context that we’re in right now means that our young people are not accessing what they need to thrive … they’re barely surviving,” she said.

from wood heaters are those with heart or lung conditions such as asthma, pregnant women, young children, those aged 65 years and over, people with diabetes and smokers.

“If you suffer from heart or lung disease and you notice symptoms of smoke exposure, take your regular medications, rest and seek medical advice if the symptoms persist,” Ms Martin said.

Inappropriate fuels including coal, coke, driftwood, rubbish, painted wood, and chemically treated timber should all be avoided.

“I’m not being alarmist when I say [this] – the number of young people that are self-harming, that can’t attend school because of psychological burnout and suicide attempts is increasing exponentially.”

She said the number of parents choosing home schooling as opposed to mainstream education and specialist settings has grown.

The school will eventually incorporate a hybrid learning model.

If you or anyone you know needs help contact: Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.

Western Health’s Dylan Aldous, Tara Cosmas, Peter Randall and Jaskiran Dosanjh. (Damjan Janevski). 485408_01

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Western Renewables Link Environment Effects Statement (EES)

The Western Renewables Link’s Environment Effects Statement (EES) and draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) will be available for viewing and public comment for a period of 40 business days from Monday 30 June 2025 until 22 August 2025.

AusNet will host a series of community information events throughout the exhibition period to help you understand the project, the EES process, and how to access the information that matters to you. These drop-in sessions are open to everyone; no registration is required.

Where to view the EES The EES is available on the project’s website at: westernrenewableslink.com.au/ees

Or can be viewed in person at the following locations until 22 August.

• State Library, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne

• Stawell Town Hall, 59-69 Main Street, Stawell

• Beaufort Community Resource Centre & Library, 72 Neill Street, Beaufort

• The Phoenix Building, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat

• Creswick Hub, 68 Albert Street, Creswick

• Daylesford Library, 33 Albert Street, Daylesford

• Ballan Council Office, 15 Stead Street, Ballan

• Lerderderg Library (Bacchus Marsh), 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh

• Melton Library & Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton

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Teen charged after carjacking

A 17-year-old boy has been charged after an alleged carjacking in Taylors Hill last week. A 26-year-old woman was returning to her parked grey station wagon on Gourlay Road when she was approached by the boy at about 8.30pm on Wednesday, July 9. It is alleged that he wore a balaclava, brandished a baseball bat, and made demands for the woman’s car keys before taking off in her vehicle. Police caught sight of the vehicle a short time later in St Albans. The alleged offender dumped the station wagon and attempted to flee the scene, jumping over a fence before he was arrested.

Eynesbury Market

Fruit, jams, sauces, cakes, and breads are some of the goods available at this month’s Eynesbury Market, coming up on Sunday, July 27. With a relaxed atmosphere, the market includes a wide range of stalls run by farmers, produce growers, artisan crafters, and food vendors. Free parking is available in the car park located at Homestead Golf Club and the large paddocks just past the market site are also available for parking. Eynesbury is a dog friendly market, but please ensure your dogs are on a lead and you clean up after them. Updates and stallholder information is available on the market’s Facebook page. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web:

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Information sessions View the EES documents and speak with project staff and technical specialists. Feel free to drop in at any time during the times scheduled.

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PILOR scheme concerns

By Oscar Parry

State government consultation on amending the Payment in Lieu of Rates (PILOR) Scheme for energy storage systems has received firm objection from Moorabool council.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is seeking feedback from local government, companies and other stakeholders as it considers potential amendments to the PILOR Scheme to clarify the treatment of energy storage systems and introduce a fee-setting methodology specific to these as distinct from electricity generators.

The PILOR framework allows electricity generators to negotiate annual pay-

ments to local councils instead of property rates.

According to Moorabool, the proposal to differentiate energy storage systems from other forms of electricity generation under the scheme considers their smaller land footprint and capital intensity.

At the July 2 council meeting, councillors voted to approve a draft submission to DEECA and Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio opposing content in a discussion paper about the potential amendments.

In its draft submission, the council’s objections included that the PILOR framework already financially disadvantages councils financially, with local wind farms currently contributing 38 per

cent of the revenue they would under CIV-based rating; that the the proposed methodology could further erode council’s revenue base without offsetting benefits to local communities; and that the new model would introduce additional complexity and diverge from the consistent CIV-based approach used in other state taxes.

Mayor Paul Tatchell said the proposal was “pretty ordinary.”

“When these batteries ... are put in, they’ve obviously charged … the cheapest methodology for rating them, and we’re saying … that’s just outrageous really,“ Cr Tatchell said.

“In consideration that the whole shire’s been littered with renewable en-

Darley’s new play space open

Swings,astand-upspinner,andasandpit are some of the equipment at a new play space in Darley opened this month.

Unveiled on Wednesday, July 2, the Darley Park Play Space’s design offers children, parents, guardians, and carers a place to play, explore, and spend time together.

The shared playground includes accessibleandall-agesfocusedequipment, including swings, climbing frames, rockers, a stand-up spinner, and a sandpit. Works were inspired by research

for Moorabool’s Darley Park Master Plan, which identified a need for a shared playground where children and their caregivers could spend time together.

The project cost over $800,000, with Moorabool council receiving $200,000 towards it from a state regional grants program in 2022.

Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell said that the council received a lot of fantastic responses when asking the community what they would d like to see in the

for fun

playground, which has resulted in an inter-generational space for all family members to use.

Eureka MP Michaela Settle said that the new play space is a celebration of community.

“[It’s] a place where kids of all ages canexploreandplay,andwhereparents, grandparents and carers can connect. It’s a wonderful example of what happens when we invest in projects that truly reflect the needs of local families,” Ms Settle said.

ergy infrastructure that’s probably designed more for Melbourne than us –none of it comes here …there’s already a massive cost shift,” he said.

“I [believe] the government needs to have a good hard look at itself and understand what they’re doing to peri-urban regions with this renewable program.”

A state government spokesperson said “We welcome feedback from councils, including Moorabool Shire Council, as part of this process.”

“We’re maintaining the PILOR framework as part of a balanced approach that supports valuable investment in electricity generation while ensuring host communities and local councils see benefits too.“

Mount Atkinson investment calls

A Mount Atkinson resident has raised concerns about insufficient infrastructure and services in the estate and is calling for increased council investment.

Resident and Mount Atkinson Advocacy Forum member Karthik Kunjithapatham said he feels the recently adopted Melton council budget “continues a concerning trend of underinvestment in growth areas of Mt Atkinson, Olivia, and The Grandview [estates in] Truganina”.

“[This] is significantly impacting the day-to-day of every resident here,” Mr Kunjithapatham said.

“We have seen a lot of contributions coming from the developer, now over the past budgets for Mt Atkinson specifically, there were allocations for the sports reserve – and these were from the developer and Melton council … they’ve been the only major occurrence in the budget over the past three years.

“There is a significant gap in accessible community services in these estates of Mt Atkinson, Grandview and Olivia … a lot of the young members of the community in our area struggle to access basic services … Melton Library, local parks.”

Mr Kunjithapatham said some of the changes the Mount Atkinson Advocacy Forum is seeking include dedicated council resourcing to fast-track suburb creation, improved library access, upgrades to local parks, and funding for design work to duplicate Grand Boulevard.

“At this point, we residents – it doesn’t matter where it comes from, we just want to see something happen in the estate.”

A Melton council spokesperson said that as with any new fast-growing community, there is a partnership approach with developers and the state government.

now available

Moorabool’s non-profit community groups are encouraged to apply for the next round of a council-led community grants program.

Whether it is an upcoming project in mind or a need for new equipment, the Moorabool community grants program is aimed at providing a boost to local groups and residents.

By category, part of $60,000 in funding will be available in community strengthening grants, of $10,000 in communi-

ty arts and culture grants, of $10,000 in community events grants, up to $100,000 in community development fund grants, and part of $10,400 in sustainability and environmental engagement grants.

Mayor Paul Tatchell said the council had some fantastic applications for funding in its last round earlier this year, which will result in infrastructure and programs to benefit the community.

“Among the successful applicants were a community-organised Diwali Festival

event, a new trailer for the Ballan Lions ClubmobileBBQandaseriesofOpenMic Nights in Blackwood set to liven up the township over Winter,” Cr Tatchell said.

To help groups prepare a submission, thecouncilwillrunanonlinegrantwriting workshop on Tuesday, July 29 from 6–7pm and drop-in sessions on Monday, August 4 in Bacchus Marsh, Tuesday, August 5 in Ballan,andThursday, August7inGordon.

Details: 5366 7100 or moorabool.vic. gov.au/communitygrants

“To date, council has delivered the Mt Atkinson Children’s and Community Centre, and we are planning for the delivery of Mt Atkinson Active Open Space, in partnership with the developer, Stockland,” the spokesperson said.

“We are also working closely with developers to help deliver infrastructure including roads, open space, sports reserves and community centres, identified within the Mt Atkinson Precinct Structure Plan,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that at this stage, traffic volumes of the recently constructed Grand Boulevard demonstrate duplication is not yet required but council will continue to monitor the volume.

Moorabool councillors John Keogh, Steve Venditti-Taylor, Moira Berry, Eureka MP Michaela Settle, Moorabool councillor Ally Munari, and mayor Paul Tatchell. (Supplied).

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

By Oscar Parry

Celebrations of NAIDOC Week across Melton and Moorabool drew communities together to celebrate its 50th year, with this year’s theme focusing on the next generation empowered by the legacy of ancestors.

NAIDOC Week – with the acronym standing for ‘National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee’ – is a celebration of the culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslanderpeoples.

This year’s theme was ‘The Next Generation:Strength,Vision&Legacy,’was a celebration of both the achievements of the past and the future ahead, empowered by young leaders, communities’ visions, andthelegacyofancestors.

Several organisation and council-led events were held across both Melton and Mooraboolmunicipalities.

InMeltonSouth,oneofKirripAboriginal Corporation’s events was a NAIDOC Week barbecue breakfast and flag raising ceremonyat9amonMonday,July7.

In line with this year’s theme, five-year-old Jamie joined Kirrip Elders Program community facilitator and Elder AuntyBrendaFaheytoraisetheAboriginal flag.

Attendees also enjoyed a didgeridoo and clap sticks performance by the Kirrip YouthGroup,withoneofthemembersalso performing a Welcome to Country in Woi Wurrung.

Kirrip chief executive Graham Briggs also spoke at the event, and reflecting on the day, said it was a powerful and heart-warmingstarttoNAIDOCWeek.

“What stood out most was the strong sense of community and pride – from

MY PLACE

Elders to our youngest mob – all gathering together in respect and celebration,” Mr Briggs said. “‘The Next Generation’ speaks to the responsibility we all have to empower our young people – to ensure they walk strong in their identity, culture, and truth. Strength, vision, and legacy are the pillars we must uphold so the path forwardisshapedbypride,notprejudice.

“Let’s continue to invest in our young leaders, listen to them, and walk beside

them. Our legacy depends on how well we preparethemtocarrythestories,struggles, andsuccessesofourpeople.”

In Kurunjang, Djirra in the West hosted a NAIDOC Week Family Day on Tuesday, July8.

Chief executive Antoinette Braybrook said Djirra has always been about the next generation, and Djirra is strong because of thestrengthofAboriginalwomen.

“Aboriginal women keep Djirra

focussed and give us strength to continue to advocate for systemic change and to call out system racism and violence. Djirra builds on the strength of Aboriginal women today to create a lasting legacy for future generations,” Ms Braybrooksaid.

“To all of the kids here today, I want to say:beproud,neverdoubtyourself,youare loved, reach for the stars, and never give up.Wehavegotyou.”

Diggers Rest resident Joel Moody is a lived experience peer support worker and community advocate who is passionate about increasing awareness and support for mental health. Oscar Parry spoke with Joel about his connection to Diggers Rest and some of his roles in these areas.

WhatisyourconnectiontoDiggersRest?

Diggers Rest is a special place for me, not only because it is my home but also due to its historical significance as a resting spotforgolddiggersduringthe1850sgold rush.Thisareaservedasavitalwaystation for weary travellers heading to the Mount Alexander goldfields, and I take pride in residinginsuchakeyhistoricallandmark that embodies resilience and community spirit.

What do you like about where you live, and what – if anything – would you changeaboutwhereyoulive?

As a proud husband and father of two young, cheeky children, I appreciate the close-knit community and the opportunities it provides for families. The natural beauty of the area and the local amenities foster a sense of belonging and encourage healthy outdoor activities for my kids. However, I believe there is room for improvement, particularly in enhancing community infrastructure to better support youth engagement and recreationalactivities.

Please tell us a bit about your work in peer support and about your recent appointment with the Loddon Mallee

CommunityLeadershipprogram.

In my role as a peer support worker with Mind Australia, I draw from my own experiences with type 1 diabetes, anxiety, depression, and neurodiversity. Having faced significant challenges, including struggles with substance abuse, I am passionate about helping others navigate their mental health journeys. Recently, I was accepted into the Loddon Mallee Community Leadership Program, which I see as an opportunity to develop my communication and leadership skills. Thisprogramwillequipmewiththetools necessary to foster change and promote mental health awareness, particularly amongmenintrades.

Youhavealsobeeninvolvedinanumber of fundraising activities – could you please tell us a bit about those and why these fundraising objectives are importanttoyou?

I have actively participated in various fundraising initiatives, recognising the critical need for mental health awareness and support. Some of my key fundraising activitiesinclude:push-upchallengesand step initiatives – I have participated in events like the 10,000 steps a day in May for Lifeline and Headspace to raise funds

andawarenessformentalhealthservices.

Mates in March Upgrade Challenge – as an ambassador for this event, I advocate for mental health support among men, emphasizing the importance of community and connection. Community fundraiser – I spearheaded a unique initiative in Diggers Rest, constructing Christmas trees from timber pallets. This project encourages families to engage creatively while raising funds for mental healthawarenessandsuicideprevention. Thesefundraisingeffortsarevitaltome because they not only provide necessary resources for mental health services but also help break down the stigma surrounding mental health discussions, particularlyamongmen.Insummary,my journeyfromatradie/gravediggertoapeer support worker and community advocate exemplifies my dedication to fostering a supportive environment in Diggers Rest. Through my leadership in the Loddon Mallee Community Leadership Program andvariousfundraisingactivities,Iaimto create a lasting impact on mental health awarenessandcommunityengagement.

Diggers Rest resident Joel Moody is a lived experience peer support worker and community advocate. (Supplied)

Left: Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Graham Briggs and Kirrip Elders Program community facilitator and Elder Aunty Brenda Fahey raising the flag with Jamie, 5. Top right: Djirra chief executive Antoinette Braybrook delivering a speech for the organisation’s NAIDOC Week Family Day this year. Right: Kirrip chief executive Graham Briggs and Kirrip Youth Group members Cruz, 12, Chase, 10, and Kingston, 8. (Pictures: Oscar Parry)

July events to warm west

Arangeofwintereventsaresettowarmup thewestthismonth,withfood,exhibitions, and live performances offering respite fromthechillyoutdoorconditions.

Hilarious and empowering show ‘The Musical’ – based on the 1980 film and with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton – will be performed across various sessions at the Altona City Theatre on Friday, July 18 and Saturday,July19.

Times and booking details are available ontheAltonaCityTheatrewebsite.

Also in Altona, Louis Joel Gallery is hosting a group exhibition curated by Jasmeet Kaur Sahi and featuring local artists, presenting media including

ceramics, photography, painting, sculpture, and film. The final day of the exhibition will be held on Wednesday, July 16.

In Melton, a free Winter Disco featuring complementary food, bowling, arcade games, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and karaoke – set to a frosty, disco theme –will be held from 3–6pm on Friday, July 18 at Xplosions Bar and Bowl. Booking details are available on the Melton council website.

Singer-songwriterstalwartShannonNoll –alsoknownas‘Nollsie’–willbedropping in to Melton for a performance at Mac’s Hotel from 8pm on Friday, July 25 and

ticketsavailableonthevenue’swebsite. BroomstickswilltouchdowninPlumpton for a Harry Potter and Hogwarts-inspired dinner at Witchmount Estate’s Great Hall from 7pm on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, aimed at those aged 16 years and older.

Fortheyoungercrowdwhowouldliketo entertheworldofwitchcraftandwizardry, Witchmount will also host a Harry Potter-inspired High Tea from 11.30–2pm and another at 3pm–5.30pm on Saturday, July26.Detailsforbotheventsareavailable onWitchmount’swebsite.

Avibrantlocalmarketofsmallbusinesses, handmade goods, and delicious food, the

Revamped Darley Primary School unveiled

A new administration building and upgraded facilities at Darley Primary School were unveiled this month, with the projectaimingtomodernisetheschool.

On Wednesday, July 2, a ribbon was cut to mark an official opening of the school’s new administration building, and attendeesweregivenatouroftheupgraded facilitiesthroughoutthesite.

Receiving about $10.7 million funding through the state’s 2022–23 budget, the upgrade and modernisation project included constructing the new

administration building at the front of the school – aimed at creating a more welcoming entrance – upgrading and extendingoneofthelearningblocks;partly demolishing the main block, including the arts, staff and admin areas; moving one relocatable building and demolishing another; and landscaping to improve the outdoorareas.

Eureka MP Michaela Settle said Darley Primary School is a world-class school for localfamilies,wherestudentscandiscover their passion for learning in a beautiful

Bravery honours for Trentham trio

Three members of the Trentham Fire Brigade have been recognised for their braveryduringaseverestorm.

CFA volunteers David Wheeldon, Pat SuttonandEthanBrowneachreceivedthe distinguishedUnitCitationforCourage,at a ceremony at the Trentham Community HubonSunday,July6.

On the night of June 9, 2021, destructive winds exceeding 160km/h tore through centralVictoria.

The three volunteers recognised the need for immediate action after receiving an urgent call for help from a woman who had been left stranded by the storm damage and urgently needed access to an oxygencylinderduetoahealthcondition.

With roads blocked and no way for vehicles to get through, the trio set out to delivertheoxygenthemselves.

Mr Wheeldon said they didn’t give the rescueasecondthought.

“The road was completely blocked, some of the fallen trees were huge and the weatherjustkeptgettingworse,”hesaid.

“I’ve never experienced winds like that, it was over 100 miles an hour, and trees continued to come down around us as we worked.”

Despite their efforts, the road proved to be impassable, but using local knowledge, the crew was able to reach the person in needanddelivertheoxygenintime.

“Wethoughtwewererespondingtohelp the one person, but when we finally got through, there were six or seven cars out there with around 10 people trapped,” Mr Wheeldonsaid.

MrWheeldonsaiditwasanhonourtobe recognisedalongsidehiscolleagues.

Sunshine Collective Market will run from 10am–3pm on Saturday, July 26 at the WestendMarketHotel.Petsarewelcomeat thisevent.

Another event for the theatre fans – a world-premiereofgrippingnewproduction ‘TheYellowLine’inspiredbytrueeventsat Port Phillip Prison is set to run from July 26-27 at the Wyndham Cultural Centre. The story follows a Pasifika guard who teacheshakatoinmates,uncoveringtruths about identity, justice, and redemption, with the work exploring whether culture and connection can break the cycle of incarceration. Book via the Essence TheatreProduction’swebsite.

Funds for new community hub

The construction of Deanside Children’s and Community Centre is set to receive a boost, with $9 million of state government funding announced.

Thegrantwillbeprovidedthrough astatepartnershipfund,withMelton councilalsocommitting$7.6million to the project in its annual budget adoptedlastmonth.

Once complete, the centre will deliver early childhood and family services, including three and four-year-old funded kindergarten andmaternalchildhealthservices. It is also aimed at providing opportunities for community connection with the inclusion of multipurpose rooms that can be usedforprogramsandevents.

The centre will include four kinder rooms, maternal child health consulting rooms, multipurpose community rooms, and an outdoor playspace.

environment.

“I’m so proud we have delivered these upgrades, so our students, and our dedicated teachers and support staff have bright, modern spaces in which to learn andwork,”MsSettlesaid.

She said that the budget funding for school upgrades was aimed at ensuring students have learning spaces tailored to 21st century learning and that help develop creative thinking and inspire learning – critical skills for future success.

Melton mayor Steve Abboushi said hewasthrilledwiththecontribution to help deliver the project for the fast-growingDeansidecommunity.

“The new centre will provide 237 kindergartenplacesforpre-schoolers in Deanside and its surrounds, ensuring that our youngest residents have the best start to their education journey,”hesaid.

The centre, located at 28 Conservatory Drive, Deanside, is scheduled for completion in early 2027, with the kindergarten due to openintermone.

SPECIALISTS IN ALL PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS

Darley Primary School principal Fiona Kerton with school captains Roxy, Owen and Ruby. (Damjan Janevski) 487882_01

Sports cuts ‘inexcusable’

Two programs aimed a boosting gender equity in sport have had their funding cut by the state government. The move has been labelled as “a kick in the face” to women and gender diverse people and have prompted a local MP to launch a petition calling for the funding to be reinstated, Sam Porter reports.

The state government’s decision to cut funding for two major programs aimed at improving gender equality in sports across all levels has sparked significant backlash.

Northern Victorian MP and Macedon Ranges resident Georgie Purcell launched a Legislative Council petition last month –alongside The Kyneton Women’s Football Club, Women’s Sport Australia and Not All Clubs – calling on the state government to reinstate the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation (OWSR) and reverse cuts to gender equality and violence prevention programs.

The petition currently has over 1200 signatures.

Ms Purcell said the cuts will have “disastrous impacts on women and girls“ and are “completely inexcusable”.

“We are in the grips of a gender-based violence epidemic nationally. We know the consequences of gender inequality are as clear as day,” she said.

“This isn’t just about cuts to sport – it’s a major roadblock in our fight against gendered violence.”

It feels like we’re going backwards in a space where we know we need these programs and this funding more than ever

- Natalie Korinfsky

The OWSR was established in 2017 and aimed to boost the participation of girls and women in sports, as well as in leadership roles at clubs.

ItdidthisbyprovidingChangeourGame grants to local clubs.

Clubswereabletousethesequick-release grants to make community sport a more welcoming environment for girls and women, by upgrading equipment and facilities, developing coaches and staff to work better with women, and increasing the number of women in club leadership positions.

The second program cut from the budget wasthePreventingViolenceThroughSport Grants Program, which provided funding for partnership programs addressing gendered violence in sporting clubs.

Kyneton Women’s Football Club president Natalie Korinfsky said she is “devastated and disappointed” by the cuts.

“We’re having to fight for something that we feel like should just be in place to support women and girls in sport,” she said.“Thesearereallyimportantprograms … to see [the funding] taken away just feels like a bit of a kick in the face to women and girls and gender diverse people across our state.”

According to OurWatch, 39 per cent of women have experienced violence since the age of 15 in Australia.

On the sporting field, this violence can take form through gender stereotyping, sexist comments, spectator abuse, and physical and sexual assault.

“Something isn’t going right in communitysport…womenandgirlsaren’t feeling safe enough to stick around and keep playing,” Ms Korinfsky said.

“We want women and girls to feel safe. We want them to feel like they’re getting a fair go.”

Ms Korinfsky said that at local sporting clubs, women’s teams tend to receive

ill-fitting uniforms and second-hand equipment, and are often given the last choice for training sessions and match timeslots too.

These slot structures sometimes do not allow for proper recovery time, leading to an increased risk of injury, she said.

“You’re always getting the fringes of what everyone should be entitled to,” Ms Korinsfky said.

“We need a broader campaign and supporttohelpshiftthisbecauseitisn’tjust about shifting it at clubs, it’s shifting it at a culturallevel,it’sshiftingitatacommunity level and we feel like it is the responsibility of the government to be pitching in, to be helping change that rhetoric.

“It feels like we’re going backwards in a space where we know we need these programs and this funding more than ever.”

TheviewissharedbyLaTrobeUniversity Rural Health School associate professor, Dr Kirsty Forsdike.

Dr Forsdike’s research focuses on organisational responses to gender-based interpersonal violence.

TheprogramsheleadsincentralVictoria was one of the 12 collaborations funded through the Preventing Violence Through Sport Grants Program, which has now been cut.

The program’s evaluation reports were initially due at the end of May – about the time the funding cuts were made by the state government.

“[The state government] wouldn’t have had a chance by any manner of means to go through all those reports and really fullyassessthebenefitofthatprogram,”Dr Forsdike said.

“It’s like they haven’t cared about what’s been achieved.”

Aspartoftheprogram,DrForsdikebrings together a range of stakeholders – council, sports administrators, researchers, sports players, and family violence and sexual assault services – to review research findings and to discuss main issues and priorities to reduce gender-based violence in sports.

These discussions guide the program towards developing tangible solutions to make women and girls feel safer in community sports.

One of these solutions is to implement appropriate training for staff at Regional Sports Assemblies to better handle incidents of gender-based violence reported by clubs.

Regional Sports Assemblies, which only exist in the state of Victoria, are hubs that provide support, services, information and opportunities to community clubs in

regional and rural areas.

Providing formal training for sports club leaders was also identified as a necessary step in reducing incidents of violence against women.

“Sometimes we forget the culture of sport in Australia – how important it is to Australian culture but also how it’s a space that’s often been male-dominated,” Dr Forsdike said.

“Whilewe’veseenadramaticincreasein women and girls playing sports brilliantly, as we should, they’re often going into spaces that perhaps aren’t well set up for them to be there safely.”

A state government spokesperson said the functions of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation would continue to be held within Sport and Recreation Victoria.

“We will always support women and girls’participationinsportandrecreation,“ the spokesperson said.

Dr Forsdike said the programs were “huge” and “absolutely unrivalled anywhere else.”

“We were the pinnacle. You could hold up Victoria as the way to do things and that’s all been obliterated by just one decision,” she said. “I’m yet to see the Victorian government change its mind [on the cuts] and I really hope that they do. It’s a misplaced decision.”

Left: Northern Victoria MP Georgie Purcell and Kyneton Women’s Football Club president Natalie Korinfsky. Right: Amber Gajic (top) and Chiara Dickens were among the footballers who wore red armbands during matches in protest of the state government’s funding cuts. (Pictures: Ties Urie)

Freight terminal ‘critical’

By Oscar Parry

An advocacy alliance of councils in the west is continuing its push for government to prioritorise the Western Interstate Freight Terminal (WIFT) in Truganina, with the project considered by the state as notrequiredintheshortterm.

LeadWest’s advocacy alliance consists of Melton, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong,andWyndhamcouncils.

According to LeadWest chair and Melton councillor Phillip Zada, one of the group’s topprioritiesistheWIFT.

“Melbourne’s west is home to 50 per cent of existing interstate freight rail customers.

In 2021, the state and commonwealth governments completed a joint investment case that recommended development of a new interstate freight terminal in Truganina ... known as the WIFT,” Cr Zada said.

“The WIFT is supported by the supply chain and logistics industry as a critical investment need and was publicly identified as the state government’s preferred location. The WIFT will increase productivity, create approximately 1360 jobs during construction, 2000 ongoing jobs and be the catalyst for commercial investmenttocreate39,000jobs,”hesaid.

“The Victorian government announced

its decision to defer development of WIFT until additional capacity is needed.

LeadWest calls on the state government to retain the WIFT as a priority and to move toprotectlandatTruganinaforwhenWIFT isneeded.”

According to a state government spokesperson, the state is working to boost freight capacity with new road and rail upgrades across the entire network while continuing to plan for the infrastructure projectsneededbythegrowingpopulation.

“Delivery of the [WIFT] will be deferred until additional terminal capacity is needed,”thespokespersonsaid.

Star Weekly understands that a Planning

Club searches for a permanent ground

A non-profit Melton soccer club of about 300 members is searching for a permanent ground as a “strong requirement” for its players.

Established in 2023, Young Football Club Melton is a not-for-profit youth soccer club that involves more than 20 volunteer coaches and team managers.

The 300 players include children and young adults who are split into training sessions at Melton Secondary College on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, and the club hires another ground in Tarneit for Wednesday evenings.

Club operations manager Kevin Gujral said the number of young people wanting totrysoccerthroughtheclubisincreasing,

with growth in the under-7, under-9, and under-111 development pathways.

“We are restricted to Thursday, Saturday, Sunday use [of the facilities] only. By having a permanent ground, we have access to seven days. We don’t have any changing rooms – especially when there are female players involved … and lack of … storage, which is creating logistical and safety challenges,” Mr Gujral said.

“We have to get all our goals and football equipment … carried in parents’ vans and cars before the start of the game and end.“

He said a permanent ground would also allowtheclubtocompeteinregularleague matches, with the club only taking part in community tournaments so far.

Mr Gujral said the reason the club chose Melton as its base is due to the municipality’s rapidly increasing population growth.

He said that if the club had a permanent ground, it could also host a ‘Melton Cup’ involving more than 30 clubs and 4000 attendees.

Hesaidtheclubhasraisedtheissuewith Melton council, Melton MP Steve McGhie, and Hawke MP Sam Rae, with these politicians attending training sessions and expressing support for the club.

“We are open to any grants in Melton … available, and we are happy to change our clubnametosuittherequirementofalocal grant, for example,” Mr Gujral said.

SchemeAmendmentprocesswillbeusedin the Chartwell East Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) area to ensure the state can protect, acquire, and develop land for the new freight terminal, and that given the federal government’sdecisiontoprioritisedelivery of Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal (BIFT) and the investment in terminals by the private sector, the additional capacity WesternInterstateFreightTerminal(WIFT) would provide is considered by the state as notrequiredintheshortterm.

In this year’s state budget, $6 million was allocated to continue planning and development activities for the future deliveryoftheWIFT.

Counselling on hand in the west

The Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (WestCASA) continues to offer support for people distressed by the recent alleged sexual assault in childcare centres in west metropolitan Melbourne.

WestCASA CEO Annette Vickery said that people traumatised by the event have a range of supports availableincludingbriefintervention counsellingorfurtherinformationto support their needs.

“As always, WestCASA is here for our community across the west Metro,“ Ms Vickery said.

“If you or someone you know are traumatised by this event we can support you with through crisis support (single session), brief intervention(1-4sessions)andlonger term counselling when needed, to process these feelings with a focus on safety and stabilisation.

“This cohort includes family members of potential victim-survivors, victim-survivors themselves 12 years and over and other community members who are impacted by this event.

“Additionally, this event may have raised issues for people, triggered memories of previous trauma and brought out a need for emotional support.

“This is our area of expertise and we serve the communities of west metro Melbourne,“ Ms Vickery said.

WestCASA’s direct line from 9am-5pm on weekdays is 9216 0444 or visit westcasa.org.au.

A group of Young Melton Football Club staff and players. (Supplied)

An Australia Day ‘basho’

Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the rollicking tale of a fight that took place in 1925 outside a pub in Yarraville between locals and visiting Filipiino sailors on Australia Day.

Over the years, we have become accustomed to the various controversies leading up to Australia Day. Statues are routinely disfigured, decapitated and tastefully doused in paint. Graffiti proclaims the end of a colony whose name is never specified. Thousands of disgruntled marchersshoutslogans,and vote-seeking politicians bleat about the date. Millions more anticipate fighting off the blowies whilstenjoyingsun,sandandbarbecues.

One hundred years ago, on 25 January, 1925, the lead- up to Australia Day was far more straightforward for the working men, mostly ex-Diggers, who were quenching their thirsts in a Hyde Street pubinYarraville.

None was concerned with dates, coloniesorpoliticians.EvenCaptainCook didn’t enter their thoughts. Their sole focus was on slurping the turps before thedreaded6o’clockclosing.

This they did with practised abandon, watched admiringly by half a dozen Filipino sailors on shore leave. So it was true, after all. The fabled drinking of Australian males was no exaggeration. They themselves, though no wowsers, were more refined, preferring gentle sips tothecrazed guzzlingofthenatives.

The Aussie was in no mood to forgive ... he reared up and indiscriminately flattened two of his helpers

And so, when “Time, gentlemen!” was bellowedto signaltheendofthebooze-up, theAustralians,though stillvertical,were visibly affected by their many glasses. The visitors were comparatively sober. The doors shut and the patrons spilled out ontoHydeStreet.

Andthat’swhenthetroublebegan.

One of the Aussies took a drunken dislike to a sailor and shirt fronted him. The Filipino, intending to push him away, pushed too hard, and sent the man flying to the ground, smashing the bottle he had inhispocket.

The seamen all rushed to his aid and helped him to his feet with profuse apologies for the accident. But the Aussie wasinnomoodtoforgivethesmashingof his bottle. With a howl of rage, he reared up and indiscriminately flattened two of hishelpers.

Within seconds, six Filipinos were battling against 15 Australians. The visitorshadtheadvantageofclearerheads; the locals had the assets of numbers and beer-fuelledbrawn.Byallaccounts,itwas a first class blue and greatly entertained the crowds which gathered to watch and yellencouragement.

Dong! Several men went down with unpleasantscalpwoundsinflictedwithan iron bar. As tempers flared, all available weapons were pressed into servicebroken bottles, fists, rocks, and, urged on by the crowd’s screams of “Garn, ‘ave a lash!” several brawlers became locked in wrestling holds and were rolling up and

down Hyde Street, biting and kicking. They were soon joined by a dozen of the spectators hopping in to help with more fists and rocks. The Filipinos appeared to be getting the worst of the struggle until the noise of the affray alerted their brethren on board their ship anchored nearby inHobsonsBay.

Up Hyde Street 20 of them charged like knights of old to the assistance of their crew mates. The situation was desperate enough to warrant the use of dire measures, to wit, slings, which they whirled and launched with devastating efficiency. The Aussies yelped about the lumps now appearing on their heads, as well as the unfairness of this dirty tactic, and then the familiar sound of a firearm, andasubsequentcryofpain alertedthem thatthingsweregettingcompletely outof hand.

Albert Marr, of nearby Seddon, displayed forpublicinspectionabloodied elbow that some seaman had used as target practise. Remembering the Anzacs of Gallipoli and Pozieres, the Australians screamed their outrage and redoubled efforts to beat back the foe, while Albert toddledofftofindabandaid.

The uproar in Hyde Street had not only reached the ears of the sailors at anchor, but also the ears of the police, who, naturally, had to butt in and ruin the fun withbusybatons.

Being greatly outnumbered, and knowing from experience that bitter enemies often joined forces against the common foe, the police employed a cunningtacticoftheirown. Ignoringtheir fellow-countrymen, they concentrated on the Filipinos, confiscating all the slings, plus a loaded revolver. A rapid inspection

showedthatithadnotbeenrecentlyfired. They then dragged four sailors off to the Yarraville lock-up as the Australians, normally not overly enamoured with the boysinblue,delightedlycheeredthemon. The crowd gradually dispersed to relax andenjoyagloatingchat.

The Filipino sailors were hauled before the Footscray Court a few days later, charged only with offensive behaviour. They were released and thankfully returned to their ship, vowing never, under any circumstances, to enter any Australianpubagain.

The Aussies resumed their drinking in the Hyde Street pub, reminiscing over the great basho and what fun it had been. The police were mentioned with special fondness.

But the mystery remains to this day: whoshotAlbertMarr?

Barb McNeill. (Damjan Janevski) 432421_03

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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

Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House

Enrolments are open for Term 3 at Djerriwarrh. Get in early and book your spot in one of its exciting new or returning programs. Get involved in craft, reading, games or wellbeing groups, or book into its cooking, art and gardening programs. Stay connected and try something new in a relaxed and welcoming space.

 djerriwarrh.org.au/courses-programs/ workshops

Low Sugar Cooking Workshop

Learn to cook delicious meals with minimal added sugar in this hands-on class! Discover natural sugar alternatives, spot hidden sugars in everyday ingredients, and prepare balanced dishes that support healthy blood sugar levels. Plus, you’ll take home your meal! The workshop will run from 5.30–7.30pm on Wednesday, July 30. The session costs $15.

 rebeccah@djerriwarrh.org, or 8746 1000

Fishing club

Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome. Upcoming events will be listed on this page.

 Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366

Melton Concert Band

Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Bridge Road Community Centre, Bridge Road, Melton South. Musicians of any age who are able to read music are welcome to come along with their instrument (oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion). Please contact the number provided if you are intending to visit.

 0401 474 582

Cancer Support Group

MelMarsh Prostate Cancer Support Group is for prostate cancer patients and their carers and meets on the first Thursday of the month, from 12.30-2pm, at Melton South Community Centre. Attendees are encouraged as members share their journeys through what could be a very traumatic time of their lives. Explanations of medical terminology used in the treatment of this cancer are given in this group.

 Grenville, 0412 741 865

Chaty Cafe Melton

Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton.

 https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331

Lights of wisdom

The Bahá’ís of Moorabool invites people to the Lights of Wisdom, a monthly event providing an opportunity to relax in a tranquil environment and reflect on inspiring themes. It’s held the first Friday of every month, 7.30-8.30pm at Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh. It’s a free community event open to all.

Melton Men’s Group

Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8 pm at Arnolds Creek

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of the Ice Queens cheerleading team members Taylor Hallas, Laura Yildirim, Emily Hopkins and Bridget Bayliss. (Damjan Janevski) 488505_01

Children’s and Community Centre at 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join them for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including, carpet bowls, pool, table tennis, cards and chess.  Trevor, 0404 494 649 or https://meltonmensgroup.home.blog/

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

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House, 2-5pm.

 https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

Garden Club

The Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month except January, from 7.30pm, at The Laurels, 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Guest speakers and supper provided. Yearly membership $15. New members welcome.

 Michelle, 0421 106 268

Heritage fruit tree festival

OneofAustralia’slargestgatheringsoffruit tree lovers is just around the corner. Sunday, August 10 is the date for this year’s Winter Heritage Fruit Tree Festival at Werribee Park Heritage Orchard. The festival is set to delight gardeners, history buffs, and curious visitors of all ages. Held between 10am to 3pm in the heart of the historic Werribee Park precinct, this unique one-day event offers a rare chance to explore the orchard’s rich past, learn

practical gardening skills, and take home your own piece of heritage.

The orchard dates back to the 1870s, when pastoralist Thomas Chirnside planted an extensive array of fruit trees including apples, quinces, pears, plums, grapes, peaches, walnuts, olives, and the area’s first figs.

Thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and WPHO (Werribee Park Heritage Orchard) — a community group

formed in 2010 in partnership with Parks Victoria — the orchard has been lovingly restored and is once again thriving.

Enjoy live music, grab a bite to eat and browse the stalls selling all things gardening.

All activities are free, with a gold coin donation for parking.

Thefestivalisa’must-attend’eventforall gardeners, from novice to seasoned green thumbs.

Here

and There explores a sense of space

Old mates, painter John Anrep and photographer Bob Gilpin, are again taking centre stage, this time with artist Jill Pung Clifford at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre.

The trio will host the Here and There exhibition, following on from the Journey AcrosstheBay’sexhibitionfromAnrepand Gilpin last year.

The exhibition explores our relationship with a sense of place, through comparison and contrast, in scale and medium. This exhibition will take you from familiar and meaningful images, to a sense of wonderment for images of the world we

only dream of seeing.

Anrep’s experience of his first exhibition was an overwhelmingly positive one and as a result he is getting ready to do it again.

In his mid-fifties Anrep suffered a stroke whichendedhispreviouscareerofworking as a chef. This led to him to turn to other pursuits and ultimately, painting.

Gilpin is from Scotland, but migrated to Australia with his parents and siblings, they then settled and lived in Altona.

Afterleavingthecorporatelifehebought a camera and learnt how to take photos, leading to his love for photography.

Pung Clifford describes Australia as becoming the canvas on which she could explore a spectrum of passions after moving from Malaysia.

She hopes that through her art she hopes to inspire others to embrace life fully and describes her journey as one of determination, reinvention and courage.

The Here and There exhibition begins on Saturday, July 19, with a launch event startingat4pm,andrunsuntilWednesday, August 6.

The exhibition is free and will be open during regular Louis Joel Gallery opening times.

Dance the night away with singer Julee Johnson

Rock ’n’ roll fans should get ready to clear their Saturday night schedule and put on their dancing shoes.

A free music performance by A Blonde Momentissettogetpeoplemovingtosome classic tunes at the Sunshine City Club on Saturday, July 19.

“It’s one of my favourite places to play. It always has a great crowd,” said Julee Johnson, the performer behind A Blonde Moment.

Johnson will entertain audiences alongside guitarist Joe Mandica, singing covers of popular songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

“The music depends on the crowd. We cater to all styles and all styles of dancing,” she said.

“WhateverIgiveoutonstageIgetitback tenfold from the people that are dancing

Step right up and see the show

Stop clowning around and make your way down to the circus these school holidays.

Eroni’s Circus has arrived in Sunbury and set up camp in the Golf Driving Range, offering up multiple shows of family fun for the first time in eight years.

Expect a show-stopping performance filled with glamorous costuming, lively original music, immaculately presented animals and traditional circus clowns in a show full of nostalgia.

Acts and performers promise to wow, with tight wire walking, whip cracking, illusions, juggling and trapeze acts. Baby goats will keep you entertained with their antics, while the stars of the show, the palomino horses, will keep you captivated.

The show is perfect for all ages, and with two hours of non-stop entertainment, its a must-see these school holidays.

Shows will be running every day except Wednesdays, with Monday and Tuesday shows running a 1pm, Thursday and Friday running at 7pm, Saturday at 1pm and 7pm, and the last show, Sunday, July 20, running at 1pm.

Tickets cannot be prebooked, so make sure you arrive before showtime to guarantee your spot. Tickets can be purchased at the door from one hour before each showtime.

Tickets range from $25-$40, depending on seating and ages. Kids under three are free if sitting on a lap.

Carnival food will be available on site, as well as games to play and souvenirs to purchase.

and the people that are enjoying the music.”

Johnson fell in love with music from a young age, taking to the stage at six years old.

She later started writing original songs with a band and toured the country with them.

Overhercareer,Johnsonhasalsoworked as part of a trio – performing covers six to seven nights a week – and as a singer with the Brian Fitzgerald Band in the 90s.

Johnson said she loves to get a crowd dancing when she performs.

“If an audience isn’t dancing there’s something wrong,” she said.

The free performance by A Blonde Moment will start at 8pm on July 19.

Details: www.sunshinecityclub.com.au/ whats_on

Julee Johnson will perform as A Blonde Moment at a free event in Sunshine. (Supplied)

Photographer Bob Gilpin and artists Jill Pung Clifford and John Von Anrep with some of their artworks that will be showcased in the exhibition. (Supplied)

Winter Heritage Fruit Tree Festival.

Step behind the curtain at Eroni’s Circus. (Supplied)

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• After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

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To

ACROSS

1 Alehouse (3)

3 Compulsory (10)

10 Examines (7)

11 Part (7)

12 Unconvinced (9)

13 Align (4)

15 Absurd (10)

17 Edible rootstock (4)

19 Undiluted (4)

20 Methodical (10)

23 Minute skin opening (4)

25 Canadian city (9)

27 Suggests (7)

28 Fragile (7)

29 Reinforce (10)

30 Point (3) DOWN

1 Note written after the writer’s signature (10)

2 Person who serves alcoholic drinks (9)

4 Essentially (9)

5 Urge (5)

6 Check (6)

7 Bulb used in cooking (5)

8 Tug (4)

9 Marked by great excitement, activity, confusion, haste (6)

14 Synchronous (10)

16 Insupportable (9)

18 Triggered (9)

21 Short-sighted (6)

22 Decorative pattern; plan or sketch (6)

24 Of equal value (2,3)

25 Call on (5)

26 Area on the body consisting of pelvis and upper thigh bones (4)

1 Thanatology is the scientific study of what?

2 What is the only Tim Burton movie to star Christoph Waltz (pictured)?

3 How many countries do the Alps cross?

4 Which small lizard ‘chirps’?

5 Lokum is the traditional name for what confection?

6 The star Polaris is more commonly known by what name?

7 Where in Spain is the Alhambra Palace located?

8 Who directed the 2009 film Bran Nue Dae?

9 At what age does a filly become classified as a mare?

10 What are the prongs of a fork called?

Ice Age lingers with Pajero

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Inthefaceofthered-hotadvanceofelectric power, one internal combustion engine vehicle is moving at glacial pace to extend the Ice age.

The Pajero Sport landed Down Under more than a decade ago and, with its long-standing diesel motor, is sticking steadfastly to the fossil-fuelled task.

The MY24 large seven-seat family SUV is betting on competitive pricing and the slow-to-thawroll-outofpublicfastcharging infrastructure for the EV upstarts, leading to a pandemic of ‘range anxiety’ among owners.

The ladder-frame Pajero Sport competes with other rugged pickup-based SUVs such astheFordEverest,IsuzuMU-XandToyota Fortuner and Prado.

The five-seat Pajero Sport GLX comes in all-wheel drive only these days and costs $51,540, plus on-road costs. The GLS, adds a third row of seats, plus power tailgate, satellite navigation and six-speaker audio, and is from $56,890.

The latter carries the option of a $2250 Deluxe pack, which includes leather seats (a mix of real and synthetic), powered front seats and surround-view camera, while the range is topped off with the Exceed 4×4 at $60,690 and GSR 4×4 ($64,840).

The Pajero Sport GLS is about $6000 cheaper than a mid-range Isuzu MU-X LS-U and about $10,000 cheaper than a mid-range Ford Everest Trend.

Mitsubishi leads the segment with its 10-year warranty and capped price servicing, which carries a distance limit of 200,000km. All Mitsubishis are sold with 12 months of roadside assist for up to four years if the vehicle is serviced on schedule at an authorised Mitsubishi dealer.

Styling

With a premium leather three-spoke steering wheel, equipped with intuitive paddle shifters for seamless 4WD mode transitions, Mitsubishi says the MY24 Pajero is designed with functionality and elegance equally in mind.

With latest enhancements such as new 18-inch wheels, grilles, bumper garnishes and black headlamp extensions there’s no shortage of street presence or off-road vs versatility.

Interior

For a seven-seater the GLS does not have theroomiestcabin,nordoesitlackinrather dated surroundings. However, it does have its compensation. The driver can enjoy longer drives courtesy a seat lumber power adjustment.

Bothfrontseatsaddtheluxuryofheating, while the revised interior, including a three-spoke leather steering wheel, has things covered with superior support for the long haul.

ConveniencestartswiththePajeroSport’s advanced power tailgate. Go hands-free by simplywavingafootundertherearbumper, or use the intuitive smartphone app. The automatic tailgate is put into operation on approaching or leaving the vehicle.

In five or seven-seat configurations there’s no excuse for leaving anything behind. packed to the rafters for a weekend escape or looking to load up the boot with work gear, Pajero Sport cargo capacity has it all covered.

Cargo space is 131 litres, and with the second row in place expands to 502 litres for the GLS, Exceed and GSR. With all seats folded, it amounts to 1488 litres for all seven-seat versions.

There’s a 12V power socket, a small

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 6/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 8/10

underfloor compartment, a full-sized spare wheel, and Exceed and GSR boast an automatic power tailgate.

Infotainment

The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, with its pixelated graphics and basic set of features supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the interface feels dated. Also, a little old fashioned are the navigationsystem,DABradio,plusachoice of audio outputs.

Engines/transmissions

This Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is powered by a 2.4 litre turbodiesel engine producing 133kW of power at 3500rpm and 430Nm of torque at 2500rpm delivered to the front or all wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to maker Mitsubishi, expect the Pajero Sport GLS 4WD seven-seat vehicle to go through eight litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in the combined city andhighwaycyclewhileputtingout212gof CO2 every kilometre.

Safety

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport received a five-star rating from ANCAP in 2015,

which means it has lapsed due to dated construction.

However, all models include forward autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a speed limiter, reversing sensors, and trailer stability control, as are dual front, front-side and curtain airbags and driver’s knee.

Forexample,forwardcollisionmitigation detects obstructions ahead and issues a visual and audible alert when there is a danger of collision and automatically applies the brakes to avoid collision or reduce impact speed and severity.

Blindspotwarningandlanechangeassist helps lane changing with confidence, the lane change assist sounding an alert and displaying a blinking warning in the door mirrors when the system detects a vehicle moving in the same direction within 3.4m.

Adaptive cruise control uses radar technology to detect any cars ahead in the samelaneandadjuststhespeedofyourcar while maintaining a safe distance set by you.

Rear cross traffic alert uses the rear side radar sensors to detect another vehicle approaching from the side when reversing. The system operates when the vehicle is in

reverse at speeds below 8km/h.

MitsubishiMotors’MultiAroundMonitor providesa360-degreebird’s-eyeviewofthe car.

Driving While the Pajero Sport’s 2.4-litre MiVEC diesel engine, with an all-aluminium alloy block and a sophisticated common-rail direct injection system, delivers marked fuelefficiencyandminimalCO2emissions, the word ‘Sport’ in terms of on-road performance is sadly misplaced. The car is no race circuit record breaker. The test GLS was hesitant off the mark and slow to get into its stride. Once there, however, the eight-speed auto shifted intelligently under varying loads and road conditions.

Off-road is a different matter: designed for versatility, the Super Select 4WD II featuresfouroff-roadmodes–Gravel,Mud/ Snow, Sand and Rock – each calibrated for complete driver confidence.

Summary

A cool reception for the ‘prehistoric’ Pajero Sport. Best to wait for the next Triton-like Pajero round the corner.

A cool reception for the ‘prehistoric’ Pajero Sport. (Pictures: Supplied)

There was no shortage of sporting action on Saturday across Melbourne’s north-west. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.

Plenty of sporting action

Macedon’s Molly McGrath. 489391_01 Melton Centrals’ Imogen Sexton and Woodend-Hesket’s Georgia Bowkett. 489385_30

Riddell’s Benjamin Borg. 489394_28 Rupertswood’s Mitchell Johnson. 489393_05

Woodend-Hesket’s Hayley Rogers. 489385_05

Sunbury Kangaroos’ Bradley Collins. 489393_21

Rupertswood’s Tom Markey and Sunbury Kangaroos’ Mitchell Streiff. 489393_11

Melton Centrals’ Imogen Sexton. 489385_01

Macedon’s Katie Clarke. 489391_18

Kyneton’s Caleb Perini. 489394_06

Kyneton’s Angus Nolte kicks goal. 489394_22

Costly losses for Centrals and Panthers

ItwasatoughweekendforMeltonCentrals and Melton South as both their footballers and netballers went down in the Riddell District Football Netball League on Saturday.

In the A-grade netball, Centrals faced ladder leaders Woodend-Hesket at Arnolds Creek Recreation Reserve.

It was the home team that led at quarter timebeforetheHawksshot17goalstonine in the second quarter to lead by six goals at the main break.

The margin continued to grow in the third quarter with Centrals restricted to just six goals for the quarter.

While Centrals won the final quarter it wasn’t enough with the Hawks winning 52-41 to further cement their spot on top.

Imogen Sexton scored 31 goals for Centrals.

Avana Hobson and Sexton were named Centrals best in the loss.

The loss sees Centrals slip outside the top six, now two points behind sixth

placed Wallan. MeltonSouth’stoughruncontinuedwith a big loss to Macedon.

The Cats produced the highest score of theseasonastheybeatthePanthers,96-24.

Payton Simeki shot 12 goals for the Panthers and Meleane Jackson-Mounga shot 10 goals.

The Panthers sit bottom.

Inseniorfootball,thePantherssuffereda hard loss to Macedon.

With both sides looking for finals spots, a lot was on the line with seven teams fighting for six spots.

The Cats led at each of the three breaks but couldn’t break the Panthers with just a goal the difference heading into the final quarter.

The Cats kicked 5.5 to one 1.1 in the final quarter to come away with a 12.22 (94)-9.6 (60) win.

Alec Goodson kicked three goals for the Panthers, William Thornton-Gielen chipped in with two goals.

Jarrod Bibby, Joel Hodgson and Daniel Vasjuta were named the Panthers best.

The Panthers have slipped to fifth on the ladder and are only a game ahead of seventh placed Romsey.

The two sides face each other this Saturday.

Elsewhere, Melton Centrals couldn’t make it two in a row, losing to Woodend-Hesket on Saturday.

ItwasanevenfirsthalfbeforetheHawks kickedawayinthethirdquarterwithseven goals to two to lead by 44 points heading into the final quarter.

The Hawks momentum continued in the last quarter as they came away with an 18.13 (121)-7.6 (48) win.

Hisham Kerbatieh kicked two goals for Centrals.

Jonny Ferri, Jake Armistead and Karl Ullrich were Centrals best.

Diggers Rest had the bye.

Bears fighting back

By Tara Murray

Burnside Heights coach Cole Harvey is trying to take the positives out of what has been a tough Essendon District Football League division 2 season.

After losing more than 15 players in the offseason,includingseveralbignames,the Bears knew this season would be tough. Entering round 14, the Bears have three wins for the year.

Harvey admits that it has been a less than ideal year.

“Weknowitwouldbetoughlosingallthe players we did,” he said. “We lost 15 to 18 players, so essentially we lost a full team of depth, so we were going to be tested significantly.

“Every club has to go through injuries, butI’venevercoachedateamwithasmany injuries as we’ve had this year.

“It has been unprecedented and I can’t believe it”

The Bears lost five players from their round 12 loss for the side’s match with Coburg Districts on Saturday.

That included key Brandon Brancatisano with an achilles injury and Ferdinando Petrarca with a shoulder injury.

Whilenothavingthedepthandsidethey wantedtoputoutonthepark,theBearsare looking at the bright side of this season.

“Over the last two weeks we’re had two 16-year-olds who are playing under-18s and another three under-18s all step up,” Harvey said.

“We have four or five under-18s playing perweekwhichisgoodforthedevelopment of the kids

“Our depth has been significantly tested.”

Harvey said they had shown some real positive signs against some strong sides, but struggled to match it for the full four quarters.

“In round one against Glenroy we were as close to full strength we have been and the margin was 60 points,” he said.

“Next time we played them we had a lot ofguysoutandtheyhadacoupleofoutand it was still about the same margin.

“The blokes go out there and continue to

Former Jet’s star calls it quits

Former Western Jets star Kiera Whiley has decided to call an early end to her AFLW career.

St Kilda announced that the 20-year-oldinformedherteammates this week that she is retiring from the game effective immediately.

The powerful midfielder cited passions and priorities away from football as the reason behind her decision ahead of the 2025 AFLW season.

“I’ve loved playing football over the years, but its role in my life has changed over the last few months,” she said.

“While I’ve loved my time at the Saints and look forward to cherishing the friendships I’ve made here for many years, I know the time is right for me to step away.

“I’d like to thank everyone at St Kilda for making me feel welcome from the second I was drafted. I couldn’thaveaskedforabetterplace to have this experience, and I wish the whole club nothing but the best for the future.”

AFLW general manager Jessie Mulholland, said the club fully supported Whiley’s decision.

“While of course we would’ve loved to have Kiera on our list moving forward, we’re really proud of her for making the tough but right decision for her future,” she said.

fly the flag and despite everything we are very proud of what they have done.

“We don’t have that experience and talent, there is some really good talent in all teams especially in the top five.”

Harvey said the last few rounds they would manage some of the younger boys, with their under-18s on track for a strong final series.

He said they would make a focus on that as they hope that side could have the ultimate success and something positive can come from the senior men’s program this year.

“We’ll try and stem the bleeding and do the best we can,” he said. “The vibe is still good and everyone is turning up and learning.

“We’re going to give every side a competitive hit out so they can get something out of it.”

It was a tough day for the Bears against CoburgDistrictsastheylost,23.18(156)-6.8 (44).

“Whether it’s a short or long time, we know football is only a portion of our lives, and we support all our players to invest in their lives and happiness beyond football, just as Kiera has done here.

“Kiera will always be part of the Saints family and we look forward to seeing her cheering us on this season.”

Whiley played her junior football with Caroline Springs, before aligning with Hillside in her draft year.

She was captain during her time at the Jets.

Nick Morda, Jordan Hughes and Antonio Vitalone were named the Bears best.

Nicholas Cugliari. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 416137_03

Tara Murray Naomi Parker. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 489385_10

Western Warriors fall short against finals bound Express

Western Warriors ran out of legs in the second last round of the Victorian Netball League season with their season to come to an end this week.

The Warriors held their last home game of the season on Sunday at Cobblebank Stadium in front of a big crowd, including friends and family.

The championship side had a big challenge against the Boroondara Express, which will finish the regular season in second spot.

The Express was able to build the lead throughout the match on the way to a 58-44 win.

Warriors coach Kim Bailey said they weren’t able to match it for the whole four quarters.

“It was a good game actually, the score blew out in the end,” she said. “For most of the game we were quite competitive and they would take it out and we would bring it back.

“We got it back to six goals and most probably the lack of bench hindered us

a little bit.

“We weren’t able to make some changes to rest players but they never looked like they would lose.

“They are second on the ladder for a reason.”

The Warriors missed Tayla Honey, who was out with an elbow injury she suffered in the previous round, while Molly Kennedy was unavailable.

On the other side, the Warriors were boosted by the return of Ruby Shannon from an ankle injury.

“She is just a workhorse,” Bailey said. “She had to play a full game in centre as we didn’t have the options to change.

“She takes so much on the body and her work rate was exceptional and she did a great job.”

Rebecca Hicks finished with 21 goals for the Warriors as they rotated the shooters to try and help the midcourters.

Bailey said Eliza Gollant was again terrific and solidified herself as a championship defender.

The Warriors 23 and under side also suffered another loss, losing to the Express 53-42.

Bailey said coach Tracey Howard seemed pretty happy with how they went.

Eva Ryan, who has changed from goal shooter to defence this season, showed her continued growth and was one that really impressed.

The Warriors finish their season on Wednesday night against the Hawks, who will play finals in both divisions.

Bailey said they would look to recover and hopefully finish the season on a high.

“We have nothing to lose and will give it our best to hopefully get a couple of wins.”

Tara Murray

300 games for Shea

By Tara Murray

When you think about Bacchus Marsh Football Club, Tyson Shea is one of the first names you think of.

Best and fairest winner, team of the year member, premiership captain and part of the heart and soul of the club.

On Saturday, Shea became just the second player at the club to play 300 senior games.

Since starting seniors at 17, Shea has been through many highs and some lows to get to this stage. He also played juniors at the club.

“I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said. “I started at 17 and was captain at 18.

“A lot of the supporters have seen me grow up in front of their eyes.

“I turned 37 yesterday [Wednesday]. The last 20-odd years they’ve seen me go from boy to a man.

“I’ve experienced everything from wooden spoons to a premiership.”

Shea said he would have never expected to play 300 games when he set out.

It was tough early on as the Cobras struggled.

They didn’t play finals until 2016 when they went on a run to a premiership with Shea at the helm.

Shea said it remains the highlight of his career.

“Something that I didn’t think I would ever do was play 300 games, I also never thought I would win a premiership.

“We have had rough years before. I think back now having connected with the guys during the week.

“Most have reached out this week and it makes you smile. Nothing has changed and they still come back to the rooms and share a special bond.

“My pop talked about coaching and playing in premierships, never knew until you do it, I know what he means now.”

Shea’s pop played at the club and his dad did also.

His wife plays netball and their two girls come on a family outing to the football and netball each week.

Shea had spent plenty of time reflecting in the lead up to the game as he became a man in demand for media and those around the club, part and present.

“As a young player you worry about yourself,” he said.

“Asanolderplayeryoureflectabitonthe guys you played with.

“The 2016 premiership and those guys and the amount of people that you have come across at the club.

“It’s been a good week of reflection with heaps of past and current players, opposition coaches reaching out.

“There’s been a lot of nice messages.”

As part of that Shea named his best 22 of his career for the club’s socials which he said was a tough job.

He said he hadn’t had any bad feedback from anyone just yet.

Shea plans to play on next season and continue his run.

He says the current playing group reminds him of the group they had about 10 years ago, which ultimately ended in a

Shannon

named in Aust 21 and under squad

Western Warriors’ Ruby Shannon and Whittlesea’s Tara Watson have been named in the Australian 21 and under squad ahead of preparations for the Netball World Youth Cup in September.

The 22-athlete squad features the country’s most exciting young netballers, many demonstrating strength across the 2025 Super Netball Reserves competition, and within Suncorp Super Netball team environments.

Shannon has been part of the 21 and under Australian team the past 12 months, while becoming a Melbourne Vixens training partner this year.

Watson is in the squad for the first time, having been part of the Australian under-19 squad last year.

The Melbourne Vixens 11th player, she has been in the Vixens match day squad with Hannah Mundy out with injury.

Athlete performances were assessed by drawing on data and insights from pathway camps, Super Netball Reserves, and the 2025 National Netball Championships.

Fromthe22athletesselected,19are training partners or squad members of a 2025 Suncorp Super Netball club.

These athletes will be guided by 21 and under head coach Cathy Fellows and supported by Netball Australia’s elite coaching and high-performance team.

Fellows said the strength and depth across the squad reflects their potential for success in September.

“This age group is delivering an incredible level of talent,” she said.

premiership and grand final in 2017.

“Oursstartedbackin2014andwestarted to build a lot of young guys, local lads and then had success in 2016,” he said.

“It feels like that again. We have a group of eight or 10 under-23s that will be the future.

“There’s a lot of one pointers and kids that have played a lot of juniors together in the same teams.

“Dennis [Armfield] is doing a great job as coach and we’re all playing for him and hopefully in the next couple of years we can push for success.”

“With the Netball Youth World Cup just a few months away, this squad representsourfinalstepinnarrowing downtothe12athleteswhowillwear the green and gold in Gibraltar.

“The competition for spots will be fierce, and that’s exactly what we want.

“We have a group of athletes who have shown they have the drive, skills, and mindset to compete at the international level.”

A final team of 12 athletes and 3 reserves will be named closer to the Netball Youth World Cup.

Western Warriors’ Ruby Shannon (Grant Treeby/ Netball Victoria)

Tyson Shea celebrates one of his many goals. (Mark Wilson)

Jilliby Ballerini extends her winning streak at Melton

Jilliby Ballerini capped off a big night at Melton with a dominant display in the Aldebaran Park Trotting Mares Free For All, extending her winning streak to five.

The talented mare blundered slightly at the start before settling towards the rear in the small six horse field while her stable mate Aldebaran Vera was able to dictate her own terms in front strolling through a 63.3 first half.

Jason Lee pulled off the pegs with a lap to travel and the favorite joined the leader with400metrestotravelbeforegainingthe upper hand over the last 50 metres to score by two and a half metres reeling off a 26.8 last 400 metres.

Lee admitted he was caught off guard when the mobile released the field. “Early she made things interesting, she

just threw her head and half caught the rein with her jaw breaker and over reacted and jumped off stride,” Lee said.

Lee said the lightly raced four-year-old will be set on a feature race path way.

“There’s the Great Square in Queensland and she’s got the Vicbred Sires and I think she’llprobablyaimupatsomeofthebetter trot races at the end of the season,” Lee said.

“It’s been handy to race during the winter months when the really good ones aren’t around and she can hone in on her craft in preparation for some of the bigger races coming.”

EarlierinthenighttheAndyGathtrained Yambukian($3fav)continuedhisrichvein of form at Melton when he brought up his fourth consecutive win at headquarters in

the Nevele R Stud Free For All.

The son of Bettors Delight assumed his customary role outside the leader Ghost Of Time before surging clear in the home straight to score comfortably by six metres fromKeayangTokyoinamilerateof1:52.5.

Winning driver Jordan Leedham conceded he enjoyed some early race good fortune.

“It was pretty lucky as when I was punching through early I was able to slot intotherunninglinefor100metresaround the turn when they were going hard which was the difference in not burning myself too early and not being able to finish off,” Leedham said.

Meanwhile, Chris Lang’s Rubys Dream continued her picket line form line after chalking up her sixth consecutive win in

Big day for Cobras

By Tara Murray

Bacchus Marsh further cemented its spot in the Ballarat Football League top six while celebrating one of the best.

It was a big week for the Cobras as Tyson Shea became the second player to play 300 senior games for the club.

WhilemuchofthefocuswasonShea,the Cobrasdidwhattheyneededtoastheyput another win on the board, accounting for North Ballarat.

Cobras coach Dennis Armfield said it had been a big week for the club and it was nice to get the win to celebrate Shea’s milestone.

It was a strong performance from the Cobras, 14.16 (100)-10.5 (65).

“Wecameoutreallystrongbutweweren’t able to kick straight,” he said. “It wasn’t the most relaxing game as they fought hard and we thought they would never give up. “In the end we had done enough work early and it was nice to get the win at the end of the day.”

Jake Owen continued his good form and kicked six goals while Jake McCreery kicked five goals.

Armfield said skipper Jack Parente, Owen,McCreeryandJamieFultonwereall among the standouts.

He also praised Rhys McGrath in his first senior game, who had the job on Hugh Turgg and competed really well.

The Cobras sit clear in fifth spot.

Armfield said it was all part of their development.Hesaidhesometimesforgets how young the playing group is, with most of the group under 23.

“At the start of the season we wanted to develop on what we had done last year and we knew that our best footy was good enough.

“But it was doing it for long enough last year and patches this year. We have some tough matches ahead of us in the next three games.

“It’s exciting to see what they do for the rest of the year.”

The first of those three matches they face

the Haras Des Trotteurs Vicbred Platinum Trotting Mares Sprint Championship Final.

Despitebeingcaughtinthebreeze,Rubys Dream forged to the lead on straightening and had sufficient in reserve to stave off the $2.50 favorite Mega Spur scoring by a metre in a mile rate of 1:56 for the 1720 metre sprint trip.

Langsaidheonlygotbusyonthemarein the last 400 metres of the race.

“She’s only lightly framed but she does a really good job and she was always going draw badly with the other good horses out the back,” Lang said.

“I looked at the form and thought that I only had to be in front on the line and that was the way it panned out,” he said.

Briefs

A-League

Jaiden Kucharski will bring blistering attacking flair to Western United after signing a two-year deal with the A-League men’s club. The 23-year-old adds bona fide goal-scoring and creative prowess to the squad with seven goals and five assists for Sydney FC. Three of Kucharski’s league goals were match-winning strikes in the final 10 minutes of matches. Western United described him as equally adept at striking off either foot and that he has just about every kind of goal in his locker.

Coates Talent League

The Western Jets had a tough day out against Geelong Falcons in the Coatest Talent League boys competition on Saturday. Heading down to the Geelong, the Jets lost the game in the first half when they trailed62-15 at half time. The second half was a lot closer, but the Jets couldn’t bridge the gap as they lost 19.9 (123)-8.5 (53). The Jets sit 16th on the ladder.

Big V

Melton Thoroughbreds proved no match for the Collingwood All-Stars in the Big V men’s division 2 competition on Saturday night. The All-Stars were on from the start as they put up 37 points in the first quarter. They continued to build the lead throughout on the way to a 135-98 win. Liam Allison and Calvin Jazmin had 17 points for the Thoroughbreds. The Thoroughbreds sit in seventh spot.

Ballarat NL

arch rivals Darley at Darley Park. Armfield said those three games would givethemanopportunitytoseewherethey were at and a chance to prove themselves against the big boys.

“It doesn’t get any bigger than that,” he said of facing the Devils.

“They are a good team and on top for a reason.

“We’re looking forward to going up against the best and see where we are at.”

TheDevilsenterthematchonthebackof a win against Ballarat.

Darley was pushed all the way before coming away with a 15.8 (98)-10.13 (73).

BrettBewley,whokickedfourgoals,Nick Hind and Darcy Matricardi were named the Devils best.

Meanwhile, Melton suffered an upset loss to Redan.

Melton led at each of the breaks, including by 24 points heading into the final quarter.

Redan kicked six goals to one in the final quarter to seal a 13.9 (87)-12.13 (85).

Darley continued on its winning ways, while Bacchus Marsh and Melton fell short in the Ballarat Netball League on Saturday. The Devils piled on the pressure against Ballarat to come away with a 66-15 win. Bacchus Marsh pushed North Ballarat before falling short 52-48 and Melton lost to Redan, 66-51. The Devils sit in second, Bacchus Marsh sixth and Melton in ninth spot.

John Dunne

Jake McCreery. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 474079_23

BACCHUS MARSH