Toxic waste anger
Moorabool council has announced that dozens more suspected toxic waste canisters were located on a Merrimu property, as the mayor continues to express dismay with an Environment Protection Authority (EPA) clean up order.
As reported by Star Weekly , an EPA clean-up notice was issued to council requiring it to remove about 1000 to 1250 dissolved acetylene cylinders on pallets in two trailers parked on the nature strip of 210 Lerderderg Park Road, Merrimu.
Thecouncilestimatedtheclean-upcosts to be about $500,000.
Council requested a stay on this order at a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) hearing. The tribunal refusedtherequestonWednesday,July16, ruling that it was in community interest to address the matter urgently.
According to council, the VCAT order referred to cost-sharing, however, the EPA
refused to do so.
Mayor Paul Tatchell said the EPA should share the clean-up cost as the illegal dumper of the toxic waste had been under surveillance since at least last year and “the EPA had failed to take action“.
“The EPA has trashed the idea of cost sharing when clearly their actions have let this situation unfold,” Cr Tatchell said.
“Why should our ratepayers bear the cost when the EPA had ample time and opportunity to clean up this waste long before it was dumped on land we manage?
“VCAT says we have to clean up the containers on our land because they are dangerous and unstable – what’s the EPA doing about the canisters on the adjoining property? … There are apparently dozens more on the property they’ve had under surveillance – they’re just sitting there.
Presumably they are just as dangerous.“
Cr Tatchell estimates about four times
theamountofwastewasdiscoveredonthe site itself compared with the nature strip.
Cr Tatchell said this was why council was campaigning across the state to have the rules changed.
An EPA spokesperson said the authority contacted council to explain that a VCAT suggestion of cost sharing was considered, but was not possible.
“VCAT did not grant a stay on EPA’s decision requiring [Moorabool] to clear waste, including a large number of acetylene cylinders allegedly moved and abandoned in contravention of a previous EPA notice,” the spokesperson said.
“EPA was aware of waste stored on trailers at an address in Merrimu and we had regulated the party alleged to be in control of that waste, as we are required to. Clearly, the waste should not have been moved to council land. Investigations as to who moved it are ongoing, and because
of those investigations, as well as live legal activity, we are unable to comment further.”
A state government spokesperson did not respond to questions regarding whether a change in legislation requiring landowners or councils to pay for the clean-up of waste – especially hazardous waste – dumped on their properties has been considered.
“We know illegal dumping of waste has an impact on local communities and environment– that’s why we have given the EPA greater powers to crack down on offenders, including tougher penalties for repeat offenders,” the spokesperson said.
Star Weekly understands that as the matteriscontinuingatVCATandtheEPA’s investigation into the illegal dumping is ongoing, the government considered it inappropriate to comment on the matter further.
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell. (Supplied)
Scholarship criteria ‘unfair’
A Melton council initiative to provide a scholarship to year 11 students at 18 schools in the municipality has been labelled “unfair” and “inequitable”.
Council will provide a scholarship to one year 11 student per school in the municipality as part of this year’s mayoral community initiative program
Each secondary and specialist school will nominate one year 11 student for a council-funded scholarship of up to $2000, with remaining funds allocated going towards a leadership event.
The objectives of the program include identifying and supporting emerging leaders; reducing inequities in access to
leadership and education opportunities; and helping to promote confidence and local engagement.
However, the scholarship will only be available to students at Melton-based schools, excluding students who attend schools outside the municipality, including those in Diggers Rest who are zoned to schools in other municipalities.
At the July 28 council meeting, councillor John Verdon clarified with council that contact was not made with the Department of Education to understand the school zoning policy and the impact this has on residents, and that council did consider that in Jackwood Ward where
there are no secondary schools zoned for the Melton municipality.
“I’m really, really concerned about ratepayer funds and the inequitable allocation of those funds across the municipality,” Cr Verdon said.
In a letter to council, Diggers Rest resident David O’Connor said that while he commended the initiative’s intent, he believes the eligibility criteria unintentionally excludes an entire group of students within the municipality.
“This condition creates an unfair disadvantage for Diggers Rest youth, who have no control over the availability of local schooling options. It also conflicts
Melton centenarian celebrates in style
Melton South resident John Bateson celebrated his 100th birthday last week, enjoying a day filled with entertainment and time with his family.
Turning 100 on Monday, July 28, John Bateson celebrated the occasion at Bolton Clarke Melton South.
Mr Bateson was born in Prahran in 1925, and according to his family, is passionate about the outdoors and relaxing outside in the sunshine.
While in school, Mr Bateson enjoyed playing sports and won the tennis school championship in 1938.
He became a fitter and turner by
trade and then attended night school to later become a mechanical engineer.
He moved to Tasmania to find work, as there was a large industrial strike in Melbourne at the time, and it was in Tasmania that he met his future wife, June.
Marrying in Melbourne in 1950, the pair have two children – William and Marjorie.
Marjorie lives in New Zealand with her husband and children and was also there to celebrate Mr Bateson’s 100th birthday milestone with him.
Bolton Clarke Melton South life-
style co-ordinator Debbie Webb said Mr Bateson received several birthday cards, including from King Charles, Australian politicians, and Melton council.
His family arrived in the morning to have lunch with him in a private dining room, and then in the afternoon, an hour-and-a-half music performance from group The Golden Girls kept he and other residents entertained.
The organisation gifted Mr Bateson a teacup with ‘100’ printed on it.
Melton council renews growth areas alliance membership
Melton council will maintain its membership with the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA), which advocates for a stronger federal focus on the needs of the country’s fastest-growing outer suburbs.
At the July 28 Melton council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to renew council’s membership in the alliance for thenextthreeyearsatacostof$34,7434.81 per annum.
According to the council, the alliance is the peak body for local governments in Australia’s fastest growing metropolitan cities and suburbs and advocates at federal and state levels for improved policies
and funding for growth area councils.
Councillor Sophie Ramsey said that in 2011 to 2012, the alliance “absolutely fought tooth and nail to help us get the Western BACE up”.
Cr John Verdon said he has met with the alliance to discuss how they put the challenges of growth areas really on the national agenda, and “how our unique pressures are quite different from those from established areas, from regional and rural councils”.
“The support they offer in terms of the analysis and some of those struggles and pipelines are really critical to the work that
with the stated aims of the initiative,” Mr O’Connor said.
He requested council consider amending the eligibility criteria based on place of residence rather than school location.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said the current model provides access to as many Melton students as possible, and attempting to includestudentswhoattendschoolsoutside of the municipality would require funding to be provided to an unknown number of schools outside of it.
“The program will be reviewed at the conclusion of its first year, and eligibility for any future rounds of the program will formpartofthatreview,”CrAbboushisaid.
Melton man caught with trailer-load of
River Red Gum
A Melton man’s chainsaws, trailer, and a load of River Red Gum timber was confiscated after he was caught while bogged in Reedy Lake Wildlife Reserve near Nagambie.
As part of a taskforce to disrupt firewood theft, Conservation Regulator authorised officers worked with Parks Victoria and Victoria Police to seize the equipment Thursday, July 24 after the driver became bogged at about 5am while driving a rented vehicle off-road at Reedy Lake.
The confiscated tandem trailer was loaded with recently cut River Red Gum timber and another freshly felled River Red Gum was nearby.
According to the Conservation Regulator Victoria, River Red Gums – whether alive or dead – are vital to our environment and protected under law.
It is an offence to cut them down, and dead, standing River Red Gums provide critical roosting habitat for some of our most threatened species – such as the White-bellied Sea Eagle.
The incident follows the interception of another Melton man twice on July 2 for felling River Red Gums at Reedy Lake.
Conservation Regulator Hume manager of regulatory operations Greg Chant said the authority is working with Parks Victoria and Victoria Police to disrupt illegal firewood harvesting across the state and prevent further damage to this ecologically and culturally significant area.”
“The message to black market firewood operators is that if you’re caught illegally harvesting timber from public land for commercial sale, you will be held accountable for the environmental damage, and risk facing prosecution and losing your vehicles and equipment,” Mr Chant said.
This case forms part of the Conservation Regulator’s targeted focus on the illegal take of firewood for commercial purposes.
we do as a growth council,” Cr Verdon said.
The NGAA was established in 2009, and 22 councils across Australia are members of the alliance, representing more than five million people.
According to Melton, the alliance advocates for comprehensive policy reforms and increased investment in essential infrastructure projects, delivers advocacy strategy, and implements targeted campaigns aimed at ensuring that the needs of local governments and their communities in growth corridors are continually heard and heeded – particularly in the leadup to federal elections.
There is currently a state-wide taskforce, led by the Conservation Regulator in partnership with Parks Victoria, aiming to crack down on commercial firewood thieves.
Those who observe suspicious firewood activity are urged to call 136 186, and reports can be made anonymously.
Details: vic.gov.au/sourcing-firewood
John Bateson celebrates his 100th birthday. (Damjan Janevski). 492631_01
Clubs tackle new equipment
Sporting clubs across Melton and Moorabool were some of those named to receiveaboostlastmonth.
The state government-funded program provided 827 grants in the recent funding round towards sports clubs’ equipment and uniforms, officials and volunteers, or engagementandaccess–aimingtoreduce the financial burden of the organisations and support volunteers and officials to learnnewskillsanddelivernewprograms.
Five clubs in Melton and seven clubs in Moorabool were successful in their applications.
Across Melton, the clubs were Melton HockeyClub,MeltonRugbyUnionFootball Club, Melton Wolves Gridiron Club, Satellite City United Soccer Club, and The VibeKollective.
Melton Hockey Club chairperson Matt Simpson said the club received $1000 towards hockey balls – including both training balls and game balls – cones for training,andtrainingvests.
“We…applied…torenewourequipment,
which was getting old, to try and keep the costs down for [registrations for]…. any member, to keep all the costs down for them,”MrSimpsonsaid.
Melton Rugby Union Football Club president Vaughan Sheehan said the club also received $1000 towards new equipment.
“We’re using the money to replace and fix…ourtacklingbags…wehaveonesyou holdandonesyouactuallytackle,andboth needreplacement,”MrSheehansaid.
In Moorabool, the seven sports organisations to receive a grant were Specialist Hoops, Bacchus Marsh Football and Netball Club, Bacchus Marsh Golf Club, Blackwood Cricket Club, Bungaree Bowling Club, Dunnstown Netball Club, andGordonFootballandNetballClub.
Acting Community Sport Minister Gayle Tierney said that the grants create real opportunities for the people at the heart of local sport – helping players grow, volunteers stay engaged, and coaches give theirbestbothonandoffthefield.
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.
• Ballan Council Office, 15 Stead Street, Ballan
• Beaufort Community Resource Centre & Library, 72 Neill Street, Beaufort
• Clunes Library, 53 Fraser Street, Clunes
• Creswick Hub, 68 Albert Street, Creswick
• Daylesford Library, 33 Albert Street, Daylesford
• Lerderderg Library (Bacchus Marsh), 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
• Lexton Community Centre, 1 Gold Smith Street, Lexton
• Melton Library & Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton
• State Library, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
• Stawell Town Hall, 59-69 Main Street, Stawell
• The Phoenix Building (Ballarat), 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat
To request an EES summary report or a USB of the full EES contact us at: � info@westernrenewableslink.com.au
Briefs
Parwan tenant fined
A plan to dump truckloads of demolition waste in the country has ended in a criminal conviction and over $10,000 in fines and costs, with a Parwan tenant implicated. Ayach Demolition Pty Ltd and its director Mouhamed Ayach of Campbellfield were each fined $3000 for unlawfully depositing industrial waste at a place not licensed to accept it and failing to comply with a regulatory notice from Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The court also recorded a conviction for the company director. The Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court ordered the business to pay EPA $2905 in court costs, and the tenant on the property at Parwan, near Bacchus Marsh, was fined $1500 for receiving and burning some of the waste. When the case came to court on July 16, 2025, the company and director both entered pleas of guilty.
Book chats after dark Join others for monthly catch-ups at Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh to chat about what you’ve been reading, share book recommendations, and enjoy a few snacks. The next event in the series is set for Thursday, August 7 from 6–7pm. It is for those aged over 18 and is hosted by Moorabool council.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
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.
Melton Hockey Club under-8 and under-10 players and club members with some of the equipment funded by the grant. (Supplied).
Naming honour for stalwart
An upcoming spectator shelter could be named in honour former local athletics stalwart Barry Taylor, with Melton council to begin community consultation.
Raised at the July 28 council meeting, Melton council has received a request to rename a spectator shelter – expected to be completed in September – at Bridge Road Athletic Track to ‘Barry Taylor Shelter’ in commemoration of Melton little athletics stalwart Barry Taylor.
According to council , Mr Taylor – who lived in Melton from 1967 until he died on August 4, 2020 – was a committed member
of the Victorian Little Athletics for 48 years.
Melton City Little Athletics Centre committee member David Young, who worked alongside Mr Taylor for many years, said he was passionate and committed to local little athletics.
“That’s basically all he talked about … he had a whole room devoted to all his aths stuff,” Mr Young said.
“It was never his achievement …. it was always about his kids.”
Mr Young said Mr Taylor was 100 per cent youth-focussed, and as a competition schedule manager, was incredibly organ-
ised and kept the schedule running like clockwork.
“He was citizen of the year one year… normally at the Djerriwarrh Festival, they have someone judge the floats – and he said ‘No, I don’t want to do that. I want to walk with the kids,” Mr Young said.
He said that the committee at that stage had written letters to council in 2016 to suggest naming the whole centre after him.
Cr Sophie Ramsey said Mr Taylor worked so tirelessly for little athletics for about 50 years.
“We are so grateful for his contribution
Preps celebrate 100 days of learning
Canes, spectacles, and cardigans all made an appearance at a Caroline Springs primary school last week, with the school celebrating 100 days of prep.
Celebrating the occasion on Wednesday, July 30, Springside Primary School prep students were encouraged to dress up in the attire of an older person to celebrate their 100th day of primary school education.
Prep teacher Laura Attard said that as part of the celebration, students had the opportunity to make crowns with ‘100 days of school’ inscribed on them.
“We also had a parade first thing [in the] morning that parents were invited to come along [to], and parents could see students dressed up and parading around,” Ms Attard said.
“We’ve incorporated the counting up to it since they first started [prep], so we’ve just been using … counting up to 100 days of school using 10s, and every time we get to 10 days, we get students to skip count, so we’ve been including it in our numeracy daily.”
Ms Attard said her favourite part of the day was seeing the students’ outfits and the overall care for each other.
“Students were really looking out for each other – even students who didn’t dress up, which was really nice to see. Some students even offered a pair of their glasses or hats so other students felt included,” she said.
“It was good to see parents – we did a little dance-off with parents during the parade, and it was good to see both students and parents getting involved.”
Machete safe dispoal bins rolled out to Melton to stop crime
A machete disposal bin will be located in Melton as part of a two-month amnesty period during which people are being urged to safely dispose of the weapon.
The safe disposal bin will be located at Melton police station from September 1November 30.
The bin will be accessible 24-7 and will be roughly 900 millimetres by 1200 millimetres in size, with a 70 millimetre concrete base to ensure they are secure and have feet to allow for safe removal.
The amnesty period will coincide with a statewide machete ban which will make owning, carrying, using, buying, or selling a machete without a valid exemption or approval a criminal offence from September 1.
During the amnesty period, people can hand in a machete without penalty.
Anyone who fails to do so could face up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of more than $47,000, the state government said.
According to the government, agricultural workers who use machetes as part of their
to the City of Melton … he has touched the lives of so many Melton residents over 50 years,” Cr Ramsey said.
She said that since 2016, there were requests to rename something to honour Mr Taylor, but at that stage, he had not died.
A report to council explained that one of the naming rules for commemorative names is that the person has been deceased for a period of no less than two years
“Thank you so much for your patience. It was always going to be Barry Taylor something – we just didn’t know what it was going to be.”
Council push for more action on key infrastructure
Melton council will call for a series of actions and updates on transport infrastructure priorities in the municipality, including in regards to the notorious Leakes Road and Western Highway intersection.
During council’s July 28 meeting, councillor Phillip Zada called on council to write to the state government for an update on the Western Highway Upgrade, the installation of traffic signalling at the Leakes Road and Western Highway intersection – at least a temporary measure – the provision of public facilities at Rockbank station, and an update on the construction of Rockbank Road and confirmation that this includes the Leakes Road level crossing removal and a new pedestrian bridge.
Following an addition from Cr Kathy Majdlik, the council will also write to Hawke MP Sam Rae and Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird to request this information. The motion stated that correspondence from the Department of Transport and Planning confirmed temporary lights at the Leakes Road and Western Highway intersection were only warranted where works are imminent, with this threshold now met.
According to Cr Zada, the community has expressed ongoing concern regardingsafetyattheLeakesRoadintersection, the lack of basic commuter amenities at Rockbank station, and the slow progress of major road projects earmarked in the Rockbank Precinct Structure Plan – and with funding now secured for parts of the Western Highway Upgrade and increased urgency for safe and accessible commuter infrastructure, it is timely that council renews its advocacy to the state government.
“This motion responds to a longstanding community concern around safety, congestion, and amenity gaps at the transportation nodes in Rockbank,” Cr Zada said.
“With the population booming and development intensifying, intersections like Leakes Road and Western Highway are now high-risk flashpoints,” he said.
“Delays to the upgrade and traffic signal installations aren’t acceptable.”
job and machetes that are used in a traditional, historical, or cultural capacity will be exempted.
Anyone covered by an exemption must comply with strict conditions and be able to demonstrate eligibility if asked by police.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines said the government had a simple message to anyone who owned a machete.
“Get rid of them or face the consequences,” he said.
Details: vic.gov.au/machete-amnesty
Cr Sophie Ramsey said the Leakes Road site is an accident waiting to happen, to which mayor Steve Abboushi responded that accidents are happening.
“We need it done ASAP,” Cr Abboushi said.
The state government was contacted for comment.
Springside Primary School prep students Eva, Sipht, Celeste, Filip, Albie and Xhevair dressed up to celebrate 100 days of prep. (Damjan Janevski). 492516_01
Concern over servo spot
A planning application for an independent service station on Coburns Road in Melton hasreceivedmixedreviews.
As reported by Star Weekly, Melton MP Steve McGhie said he encourages Melton counciltoapprovepermitsforindependent operatorstoenterthefuelmarketinMelton.
Despite some expressing support on social media for an independent service station coming to town, others have expressed concernswiththeproposedlocationofthis application.
Kurunjang resident Elaine Clements
said her main concern is the amount of traffic lights that are along the road and the continual congestion from build-up of trafficbetweenthelights.
“We already have two service stations there… I’m not opposed to another service station coming in if it improves our prices, but I just don’t think the location warrants it with the amount of traffic on that road,” MsClementssaid.
MeltonWestresidentBrittanyWarnesaid while she supports an independent petrol station coming to Melton, she would have
preferred the site be proposed for already vacant land. “Why not build further down the intersection … [at the] corner of High [Street] and Harkness Road is about 15 hectares of vacant land available for purchase,”MsWarnesaid.
ShesaidwiththepaceMeltonisgrowing, she feels it could have been placed on vacant land without the need to “knock downpeople’shousesandbusinesses”.
“People here want an affordable petrol station. We’d support it anywhere that makes sense. But placing it here feels
Building Parkinson’s support in Melton
As the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, Parkinson’s disease affects many in our community – and a Melton group is helping support those affectedatalocallevel.
Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells in the brain do not produce enough dopamine, leading to both motor and non-motorsymptoms.
Common symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowing of movement and posturechanges.
Forming in 2017 after recessing, the Melton Parkinson’s Support Group aims to providesocialandinformationalsupportat alocallevel.
GroupleaderHelenLynesaidthatsinceit began in 2017, the interest has been full on –withthegrouprelocatingtolargervenues twicetocaterfornumbers.
“Weprobablygetbetween25–35[people] at our meetings … we meet once a month –thesecondThursdayofthemonthbetween [10.30am] and [12.30pm] – and Western Health supplies a few guest speakers, or we find our own guest speakers,” Ms Lyne said.
She said the group draws up a calendar of events each year related to Parkinson’s, which could include speaker sessions with
physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians–orsocialdays.
“It’s just mainly the friendship [that] has formed in supporting one another … after our meetings, we stand around from 12 o’clock and have a cuppa and a talk … and it’s a chance to meet any of the new [members].”
Those who would like to attend a session are encouraged to contact Helen for more details, with the group meeting the second Thursday from 10.30am-12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33–35 MowbrayCrescent,Kurunjang. Contact: Helen,0409186576
rushed and inconsiderate, especially duringahousingcrisis.”
A Melton council spokesperson confirmed the proposal includes the demolition of the existing buildings if a planning permit is issued and the use of thesiteproceedsasintended.
The spokesperson also confirmed that a response to the plan has been provided by theDepartmentofTransportandPlanning andiscurrentlybeingreviewedbycouncil.
The planning consultancy listed as the applicantdeclinedtocomment.
More health help
Thenewvirtualwomen’shealthclinic is open now for all Victorian women andgirls.
The new service, established by the state government, will provide free, expertmedicaladvice,treatmentand care for a range of women’s health needs.
Led by specialist nurses, the clinic can provide medical advice remotely via telehealth, either online or on the phone – including endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrualhealth,cervicalscreening, menopause care, breast health care andabortion.
Women in regional and remote Victoria will benefit the most; with services like contraception and abortion traditionally harder to access due to distance from major towns.
Operated in partnership with community health organisation EACH, it will reduce barriers and delays in accessing care, helping to avoid impacts on a woman’s health, their quality of life and the ability to participate in school and employment.
The team of nurses will deliver an initial health assessment and some treatment, while patients can also be connected with a GP or get referred to a relevant health practitioner as close to home as possible.
In addition to treating immediate health needs, referrals can also be made to various mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, and family violence community supportservices.
The virtual women’s clinic is available Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm, by calling 1300 003 224 or via each.com.au/services/virtualwomens-health-clinic
BACCHUS MARSH LOCAL BUTCHER
PADDOCK TO PLATE – LOCAL, FRESH, TRUSTED
Proud to support the Bacchus Marsh and Melton communities with 7-day service, including Sundays from 10am–2pm.
Melton Parkinson’s Support Group’s Helen Lyne, Wolfgang Kotsch and Kaye Walta. (Damjan Janevski) 491991_03
Recognition after 45 years
The federal government officially welcomed home the athletics from the 1980 Olympics Games in Russia on July 30, 45 years after the Games. Tara Murray chats with David Smith, who was among those to compete at the Games despite Australia’s boycott.
There was no way that David Smith wasgoingtomissoutonrepresenting Australia at the 1980 Olympics.
The race walker from the then Williamstown Athletics Club had five qualifying times to compete on the biggest stage for the first time.
While Smith was keen to hit the track in Moscow, there were bigger things going on behind the scenes.
More than 45 countries boycotted the Games in protest of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979.
There was intense pressure from the Australian government and many sporting administrators and commentators for local athletes to boycott the Games.
Some athletes snuck out of the country, others decided not to go at all.
Smith was unaware of a lot of the drama back home in the lead up to the Games, having spent the three months before the Games competing in Europe.
“Forty-five years ago I didn’t know that we were rejected and not acknowledged,” he said.
“I knew there was a boycott going on and theyaskedmetogoonthePeterCouchman Show, which is one of those personality shows.
They asked me, ‘are you going to support the boycott? I said no way ... There was no way I would miss out marching in the Olympic Games opening ceremony - David Smith
“Theyaskedme,‘areyougoingtosupport the boycott? I said no way.
“I had my ticket to Europe and the visa to get into the Games, even if the team didn’t turn up … I was still going.
“I would have walked under the neutral flag and competed under the natural flag if that was the case.”
Smithhadhisownconcernsheadinginto the Games. He found himself in Europe with no money and his Euro pass expired before meeting up with the Australian team.
He jumped on a train late at night in Belgium without a ticket and reached out to a real estate agent to send him money so he could meet up with his teammates.
Smith had given up work to train full-time for the year before the Games and was one of the first people named on the team.
He said the Olympic Games experience was amazing.
“I had the best time of all,” he said. “Totally enthralled with it. There was no way I would miss out marching in the Olympic Games opening ceremony.
“It was the best feeling of all time.”
Smith was later disqualified in the 20-kilometre walk event
After the Games, Smith continued to compete and travel through Europe for three months.
The 1980 event would be one of two Games that Smith would compete in. He finished 10th four years later at the Los Angles Games.
Smith said he entered the event in good shape having won a 10-kilometre event weeks beforehand.
“The only problem we had was the heat and humidity, we were all done sweating by seven kilometres as it was that dry,” he said.
“I pushed through. Theoretically on times and everything, I should have been one of the top contenders.”
While Smith made his name in athletics, it wasn’t his first sporting love.
Hewasanamateurboxerwithmorethan 50 fights under his belt and also played rugby league.
It was a move to Werribee that set him onto the path to the Olympics.
“When I came down from Darwin in year 12, I joined Werribee Athletics Club. In Darwin I was playing rugby league and my dad was the Australian lightweight boxing champion in his time.
“He was teaching me boxing. I was also riding track work with the horses.
“Dad got posted to Point Cook. There were no horses, no boxing and no rugby league.”
Having had some success at the NT Walkabout event in the Northern Territory, had got stuck into athletics when he moved to Werribee.
One of his classmates was a race walker
and he quickly joined the ranks as a junior and won two 10-kilometre titles in his first year.
He jumped into the senior ranks and moved to Footscray Athletics Club and then to Williamstown as it was ranked as a higher level club. He still holds four club records at Williamstown.
“I was running out of competition and running out of venues, as I was getting quicker and quicker,“ he said.
“I joined Williamstown as an A-grade club and spent a whole heap of time there. Theywerebrilliant,oneofthenicestgroups of guys in a club that you can imagine.”
Smith later turned coach and started helpingthenextgenerationofracewalkers.
Among them was his son Dane Bird-Smith.
It would take Smith back to the Olympics again.
In 2016, Smith watched on as his son won Olympic bronze in the 20-kilometre walk.
“I took him around the world [to] exactly thesameseriesofracesIhadraced33years
beforehand,” he said. “He mirrored a lot of the races that I had done.
“He pretty much broke all my Australian records on his way through.
“His bronze medal in Rio was absolutely brilliant. It was superb. I get the kudos of being his coach.
“He tells me he’s a far better athlete than me … I just told him he had a far better coach than I did. I was self coached.”
Smith, who recently turned 70, still loves the sport. He coached in several different countries but has now retired.
Living in Queensland, he is enjoying the sailing life.
Smith wasn’t at the welcoming home last week, due to already having committed to dog-sitting duties for his son.
Smith said competing at the Olympics has been a special memory.
“Once an Olympian, always an Olympian, that’s our catch cry,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s many people in Australia that appreciate what it takes to become an Olympian.”
Dane Bird-Smith and David Smith after the 2018 Commonwealth Games where Dane won gold.
(AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)
David and Dane Bird-Smith at the 2016 Olympics, and a story on David Smith in the Mail newspaper ahead of the 1980 Games. (Supplied)
Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial
Council and Wellbeing Plan
The Council and Wellbeing Plan, and Long Term Financial Plan and Asset Plan were adopted at last week’s Council Meeting:
• The Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029 sets out the vision, priorities and strategic direction for Council for the next four years.
• The Financial Plan 2025-2035 outlines how Council will sensibly and sustainably deliver services, programs and infrastructure, while ensuring financial sustainability over the long term.
Road works and traffic disruptions
There are currently a number of important road works projects happening in the City of Melton. Some are being completed by Council, and others are led by VicRoads or Developers.
These works are extremely important to help support our growing community and make our roads safer, and we thank residents for their patience and understanding while they are being completed.
You can view current works in your area at melton.vic.gov.au/roadworks
• The Asset Plan 2025-2035 guides Council’s long-term strategic management of assets, including transport, building, stormwater and open-space assets.
You can view all three key strategic documents at melton.vic.gov.au/council-plan
Djerriwarrh Festival 2025
Council is calling out to all schools, community groups, service and sport clubs to join the Djerriwarrh Festival Street Parade on Saturday 8 November 2025.
The Street Parade is a key event on the festival program and this year’s theme is ‘Melton in colour: Colour on every corner’.
To secure your spot in the parade, apply by Sunday 7 September at melton.vic.gov.au/ festivalapplications
Hilltop Ward with Cr John Verdon
Council recently approved its 2025/26 Budget, and I’m pleased to say it includes some great projects for Hilltop Ward.
Over $600,000 has been allocated for the early planning of the new Diggers Rest Children’s and Community Centre, which will feature kindergarten rooms, Maternal and Child Health suites, and community spaces. In addition, around $80,000 has been allocated to plan for the renewal of the oval at Hillside Recreation Reserve.
It’s also pleasing to see the Hillside Recreation Reserve Park and Playspace upgrade is almost complete. This revitalised reserve will offer expanded play areas with new equipment, outdoor exercise pods, improved shared path networks for safer access, and additional natural shade to enhance social and recreational opportunities for residents.
Lastly, I just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed attending local events as part of my role as Hilltop Ward Councillor. I recently went along to some great community fundraisers, including the Hillside Sharks mid-year ball, and the Diggers Rest Burras trivia night. I love being able to get out and about to celebrate and support the local community and get to know more of about the people I represent.
I especially enjoy attending citizenship ceremonies. It’s such an honour to welcome the many new Australians who have chosen to call our City home, and I look forward to continuing to celebrate these special moments with our community. Feel free to contact me regarding Hilltop Ward or Council related issues on 0418 444 883 or email at John.Verdon@melton.vic.gov.au
Mayor’s message Cr Steve Abboushi
At last week’s Council Meeting, we approved the Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029, and Financial and Asset Plans for 2025-2035. These three strategic plans provide a roadmap to help guide the work of Council and the future of our wonderful City.
The Council and Wellbeing Plan introduces a new Council Vision: A welcoming and liveable City accessible to all’ and reaffirms our commitment to a healthy and inclusive community, a thriving and well-designed city, and a progressive and trusted Council.
Thank you to our 50-member community panel and all in our community who provided feedback and contributed to the development of these important plans, ensuring the voices of our community have been heard.
I’m also excited to announce that the City of Melton 2025/26 Youth Scholarship program was endorsed at last week’s Council Meeting as the Mayoral Community Initiative Project for 2025. This innovative new program will see Council partner with local secondary and specialist schools in the City of Melton to provide financial assistance and mentoring to a Year 11 student from each school. Council is committed to providing opportunities for youth empowerment, education equity, and community engagement, and this is something I am personally very passionate about. It is important that we invest in the future of our young people, nurture leadership, and create opportunities for them to shine. I look forward to seeing the implementation of the program and to meeting our inaugural scholarship recipients.
You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at Steve.Abboushi@melton.vic. gov.au or on 0437 231 680.
Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi Deputy Mayor
Carli
Kathy Majdlik
Phillip Zada
Bulldogs mark 100 years
The late, great EJ ‘Ted’ Whitten has been named the greatest player to play for Footscray and the Western Bulldogs across 100 years in VFL-AFL.
The club held a special Centenary Gala at Mission Whitten Oval on Monday night as part of the club’s celebrations to mark a century since joining the VFL-AFL.
It acknowledgedthe25greatestBulldogs of the past 100 years after the historic selection was made by an expert panel.
Whilethelistof25waspresentedwithout rank, a top five was selected in order and revealed on the night.
Whitten was declared the greatest Bulldog ahead of current captain Marcus Bontempelli.
Chris Grant, Gary Dempsey and Doug Hawkins rounded out the top five.
Ted Whitten Jr, accepting the honour on behalf of his late father, said it was hard to describe what it meant to his family.
“To have dad receive this accolade in front of so many wonderful past and current players is an amazing feeling.” Whitten said.
“I’m tipping he’d be pretty stoked with this accolade. To be here at this ground which is named in his honour, I think he’d be pretty proud himself and I know all his family are.
“He’s been a wonderful ambassador for the western suburbs and the football club. If anyone had a crack at him about the Bulldogs, look out. He would protect them with his life. If you had cut his hand he
would have bled red, white and blue.”
Speaking on stage at the event, Bontempelli said he was lost for words at his ranking. He is one of three current Bulldogs along with Tom Liberatore and Ellie Blackburn to be named in the top 25.
“I sit here and listen to the stories of the gentlemen who’ve come before us who have set the fabric of what it means to play for this football club,“ Bontempelli said.
“We hug and embrace, it does feel like family. The thing that shines through for me about being a part of this football club is it feels like all these blokes are like my uncles.
“Because they’ve been here, they’ve worn the jumper, they’ve set the standard for so many of us who are currently playing and get the privilege of wearing the jumper now and especially what it stands for.
“The thing I’ve loved about playing my football for the Western Bulldogs Football Club is its never say die attitude, you’re never out of it and your actions speak louder than your words.
“I’m still in shock to be up here and a part of tonight, let alone in the position that I am so it’s going to take some time for that to sink in, but it’s a true honour and a privilege to be sitting here.”
The Greatest Bulldogs have been defined by the club as those who have represented the red, white and blue with irrefutable distinction on the field and made the most considerable positive impact on the club’s history.
Above: Doug Hawkins and Scott West. Left: Representatives of the Schulz, Sutton and Morrison families.
Irene Chatfield.
Ted Whitten Jnr and Nigel Carmody.
Nigel Carmody and Ellie Blackburn.
Left: Ellie Blackburn, Robert Murphy and Matthew Boyd. Centre: Brad Johnson, Simon Beasley and Kelvin Templeton. Right: Dale Morris, Bob Murphy, Matthew Boyd, Brad Johnson and Tom Liberatore.
Doug Hawkins, and below, Gary Dempsey. (Pictures: Andrew Hobbs/Western Bulldogs)
A Lifestyle that supports
As winter winds down, August offers a moment to pause – to retreat from the rush, reset your routine, and reconnect withwhatmattersmost.
It’s often in these quieter moments that we start thinking about what really adds value to our lives: good health, meaningful connection, and a lifestyle thatmakesspaceforwellbeing.
That’s exactly what life at Lifestyle Communitiesisallabout.
There, you’ll find more than just thoughtfully designed, low-maintenance homes.
Exclusively available to homeowners, the Lifestyle Wellness Program is designed to support every part of your wellbeing – physically, mentally and socially.
It brings together everything from yoga toagameofbowlswithfriends,tocreative workshops and social gatherings over coffee.
Whether you’re diving into something new or rediscovering an old passion, there’s always something to re-energise andinspireyou.
Thebestpart?Itallhappensrightwithin your community, and at your pace. Do a littleordoalot.Thechoiceisyours.
“Before joining the community, my husband spent most of his time alone. Retirement and Parkinson’s had isolated him socially. Now, he’s thriving – playing bowls, joining committees, and building strongfriendships.Thechangeinlifestyle and regular exercise has noticeably improved his health, and it’s made a world of difference to both our lives,“ homeowners from Lifestyle Kaduna Park said.
So before the rush of spring sets in,
The Lifestyle Wellness Program is designed to support your wellbeing. (Supplied)
School construction call
By Oscar Parry
A request for urgent attention to the delivery of government schools in Rockbank will be sent to the state government from Melton council.
The notice of motion raised by councillor Phillip Zada at the July 28 council meeting called for council to advocate to the state government and Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch to expedite planning and delivery of three primary schools and one secondary school, as per the 2016 Rockbank Precinct Structure Plan.
The letter will also call for clarity on timelines and funding, and inclusion of these
schools in the upcoming state budget.
Cr Zada said that The Victorian Planning Authority’s PSP outlines the sites for these schools, which are now surrounded by completed and ongoing residential development.
“There is a real and growing community need for the Victorian Government to accelerate investment in public education infrastructure in line with the precinct’s planned development,” Cr Zada said.
“This motion is a call for a long overdue action on public education infrastructure in Rockbank. Although three primary schools and one secondary schools were committed in the 2016 Rockbank PSP, none have been
delivered nearly a decade later despite explosive population growth.
“This failure has intensified stress on nearby schools, compounding transport burdens and compromised access to local quality education … families in Rockbank deserve certainty … children should not be left waiting years for schools they were promised.”
Cr Kathy Majdlik said she feels for the community and that the infrastructure needs to be developed as soon as possible.
Cr Sophie Ramsey said that with the high birth rate in the municipality, “you don’t want portables upon portables to cater for that growth … you don’t want to take away
Kulinda is aging gracefully at Werribee zoo
The western suburbs have many nice little spots for seniors to settle in, but arguably none are as spacious and scenic as the Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Kulinda the 12-year-old cheetah is certainly spending her golden years in style.
Although she could still reach speeds of up to 90 km/h, her days now include more rest and relaxation, plus regular health checks to support her as she ages.
African River Trail keeper Maya Watt said Kulinda, one of the oldest cheetahs in Australasia, is aging gracefully.
“Cheetah’s normally live to eight years old in the wild, so with the luxury lifestyle she leads in the zoo, she’s in great condition for an elderly animal and is very playful and alert,” Ms Watt said.
“She is a very vocal cat and meows and chirps during the open mouth training and always presents her tail to us so we can check her blood pressure.”
Notoriously calm and relaxed, Kulinda truly goes at her own pace.
She loves basking in the sun and spritzing with her favourite perfume– eucalyptus
leaves.
While Chanel hasn’t offered her a signature scent deal yet, Ms Watts says it’s only a matter of time before the Milanese fashionistas come knocking.
“She’s such a striking cheetah with her piercing eyes and tear-drop shaped spots on her face which not only look regal but help to reflect the sun and improve her focus on prey,” she said.
Visitors can see Kulinda basking in her heated hat bed when they visit the African River Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
sporting grounds”.
Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said the state government monitors enrolments and population projections, alongside working with local authorities and organisations to ensure there are enough school places for the future.
Star Weekly understands that the government annually reviews the need for new schools using demographic modelling of residential growth, demographic change, and enrolment trends at schools across Victoria – along with consultation to ensure modelling is consistent and that identified sites are appropriate for school development.
New footpaths in the Melton municipality could be on the cards following an investigation into which rural and low density estates are lacking a network.
A notice of motion raised by councillor Julie Shannon at the July 28 council meeting called on officers to prepare a report for councillors on which low density estates in the municipality have no footpath network and would benefit from a pedestrian path similar to the one funded for Sugar Gum Estate. It also requested information from officers on whether council has received requests for footpaths in these estates and the costings to provide these paths. “In line with the recent Sugar Gum Estate proposed pedestrian path, it would be beneficial to know if any other rural low density estates that also have … high pedestrian use would benefit from a similar treatment,” Cr Shannon said.
Cr Lara Carli said that once completed in Sugar Gum estate, the footpaths will make a huge difference to residents and supported the idea of modelling a similar network elsewhere.
Cr Kathy Majdlik said it will be interesting to see once the Sugar Gum Estate footpaths are completed if there are any improvements that can be made, and then whether the network can be replicated and improved in other areas.
Kulinda still has a great turn of foot. (Zoos Victoria)
Make a crafty bookbug
Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspireandsparkcreativity.
Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting.
JoinStephanieassheexplorestheendless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materialsintosomethingextraordinary.
This month, Stephanie is creating a bookbug.
Bookbug
Materials Red and black cardstock
Googly eyes
Black chenille sticks
Equipment
Glue
Scissors
Step 1: Fold a red square (15cm x 15cm) in half to make a triangle.
Step 2: Fold the left and right corners up to meet the top point, then unfold.
Step 3: Fold the top layer of the bottom point up to the top.
Step 4: Tuck the side corners into the pocket you just made.
Step 5: Cut a black circle, tuck it halfway under the flap, and glue it in place for the face. Add googly eyes, chenille sticks for the antennae, and glue on black paper spots.
Stephanie Martinez.
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
Tapas workshop
Create a range of classic Spanish dishes, including patatas bravas and tortilla Española, in Melton South Community Centre’s new Tapas workshop. Running from 10am-1:30pm on Sunday, August 10, everything is supplied. $55 or $50 concession. For enquiries and bookings, call the centre.
9747 8576
Spiritual development course
Discover how you can awaken your senses in Melton South Community Centre’s Spiritual Development for Beginners course from 1-3pm on Monday, August 11 to September 15. Join reiki master and medium Marlene and learn about meditation, spiritual wisdom and much more. $95/$90 concession. For enquiries and bookings, call the centre.
9747 8576.
The Bahá’ís of Moorabool warmly invite you to “Lights of Wisdom”, a monthly event providing an opportunity to relax in a tranquil environment and reflect on inspiring themes. First Friday of every month, 7.30-8.30pm,at Lederberg Library, Bacchus Marsh. It is a free community event open to all.
God, Movie and Chat
A free community event on the second Friday of each month, the next screening will be of Soul Surfer: The true story of Bethany Hamilton (PG) on Friday, August 8 from 10am. The sessions present a film with spiritual themes followed by discussion. All thoughts welcome. BYO sandwich. Tea, coffee and popcorn provided. The screening will be hosted at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 19a Gisborne Rd Bacchus March.
bacchusmarshanglican.org.au
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
Chatty 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
Melton Men’s Group
Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8 pm at Arnolds Creek 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/ Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club
The 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. New members welcome.
Michelle, 0421 106 268
Darley Neighbourhood House
The Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre is at 33-35 Jonathan Drive, Darley. It offers free and low-cost activities for all. There is a monthly repair cafe, a community pantry, a fortnightly chatty cafe and venue hire is available.
www.bit.ly/DNHnow, or 53674390
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Sunshine Model Railway Club vice president Joe Saliba. (Damjan Janevski: 492384)
Laughing away expectation
For those looking to get their laughs from somewhere new this August, look no further than Brown Women Comedy at the Wyndham Cultural Centre.
No topic will be taboo for this witty and proudly shameless line up of Indian and South Asian comedians living in Australia.
From growing up brown in Australia, being bisexual to getting disowned thrice, these women won’t be holding back on turning traditional family expectations into comedy gold.
Kru Harale will dazzle the crowd with her vivacity and navigate her way through storiesaboutfellowIndians,thelanddown
under and swashbuckling around the world.
The sharp storyteller speaks with laid-back confidence and candidly weaves through taboo topics— probably part of the reason her Punjabi TikTok videos have garnered over 30 million views.
Guneet Kaur has been described as “sharp and anxious“, while Simran Pasricha is an Indian-Malaysian journalist by day and a chronic oversharer by night.
Whether she’s spilling the chai on being a brown girl or navigating the newsroom, she’s always serving spice, stories, and laughs with absolutely no filter.
Daizy Maan, another TikTok sensation with more than 25 million views, has used her sassy storytelling to call out sexism in Punjabi music.
Once upon a time she had a day job leading start-up programs for universities, buthassinceembraced“selfemployment”.
Theshowwillrunfor70minutes,withno intermissions to kill the vibe.
Audience members are recommended to havehad18birthdaystogetthemostoutof the routine.
The show begins at 8pm on Saturday, August 23. Tickets: www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/whats-on/brown-women-comedy Daizy Maan will
Overnewton students are ready to rock
Students from Overnewton Anglican Community College will take centre stage in an upcoming performance of We Will Rock You the musical.
Themusicaltakesplaceinafuturewhere originality has been erased and music no longer exists.
The story follows a group of outsiders who dare to challenge the system and bring real music and freedom back to the world.
Director Cailin McCarthy said the show is loud, funny, chaotic and full of heart, and that it has challenged the students in
the best possible ways.
“The vocals are demanding, the pace is fast, and the characters are bold, and they have embraced every moment,” she said.
“Their focus, creativity and teamwork have been remarkable. Watching them work and grow together has been a highlight of the year.”
Head of performing arts Carolyn Hernandez said the production is more than a school musical.
“It’s a full-scale theatrical experience, brought to life by an incredibly talented groupofyoungpeople,fromtheperformers
and musicians to the backstage crew, hair and makeup teams, and our technical students,” she said.
“With Queen’s iconic soundtrack, high-energy performances, and a story thatisbothcleveranduplifting,audiences will be thoroughly entertained from start to finish.”
Overnewton Anglican Community College’s production of We Will Rock You will be showing at the Bowery theatre in St Albans from Thursday, August 7 to Saturday August 9.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $35.
Bookmaking in Bacchus Marsh
If you have ever considered giving bookmaking a go, now is your chance – as a workshop is about to be hosted atLerderdergLibrarythismonth.
Set for Tuesday, August 19, a bookmaking workshop with guest artist Kerrie Maloney will teach attendees how to give old books a new life through creating a collaged concertina book using a recycled old hardback book and a selection of old book pages. These pages will be reworked into a collage which will thenbecutuptocreateabook. Maloney works across a range of disciplines, materials, and techniques, while initially working from a garment, textile, and stitch background. As a keen reader, it was a natural progression for her to begin creating artist books, altered books, andbookart.
Eachparticipantisrequiredtobring anoldnovel-sizedhardbackbookand aselectionofbookpages.
Thepagesshouldpreferablyinclude differentprinttypes,sizesandshades, for example. white, cream, beige, foxed, stained, or dirty – and include some interesting pages such as old maps, drawings, or handwritten elements.
The event is facilitated by B-MAC Gallery, which is run by local artists and volunteers and supports art and artists across the extended Bacchus Marshregion.
The workshop will run from 10am–3pm on Tuesday, August 19 at the Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh. Details: facebook.com/ events/1566252444355322
Singers from the western suburbs to join together for annual choir jam
The sound of singing will reverberate through the western suburbs on Saturday, August30,whentheannualChoirJamtakes placeattheLavertonCommunityCentre.
Featuring local choirs, With One Voice Hobsons Bay and Wyndham, the Laverton Community Choir, Newport Community Choir and Willin Wimmin, Choir Jam will also feature a mystery guest choir as well as members of the public who want to join in andexercisetheirvocalchordsontheday.
Member of With One Voice Hobsons Bay, Brenda Alexander, explained how the third annualeventwouldwork.
“We’re going to work together to learn a song together to sing and then we’re going to take turns to perform for each other and thecommunity,”Alexandersaid.
As for what type of songs they’d be singing, Alexander said that was still to be
determined, but that there would be tunes the audience would know and be able to singalongwith.
“There’ll be a variety of songs, but mostly upbeat, popular songs. Songs that people willbefamiliarwith,”shesaid.
Those who are not a member of any of the participating choirs but who still want to have a go, are welcome to do so, with all experience levels, vocal ranges, abilities, culturesandgendersabletoparticipate.
Thereisalsoroomforextrachoirstocome and join in the showcase concert section of theprogram.
Entry for audience members is free, but bookingsarerecommended.
For bookings, visit: www.trybooking. com/DCRMX
To inquire about singing, email: willin. wimmin@gmail.com
feature. (Supplied)
Overnewton Anglican Community College students Tristan, Pearce, Carly, Kiki, Isabella, Fiona and Olivia. (Damjan Janevski) 493280_07
Choir Jam co-ordinator Stephanie Payne with participants preparing for the community singing event in Laverton on August 30. (Damjan Janevski) 491010_01
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which tennis champion became the oldest woman to win a WTA singles match since 2004, at age 45?
2. Australian driver James Wharton is currently racing in which FIA-sanctioned global motorsport competition?
3. Which cricketer scored 50 and took a wicket in his T20 international debut against West Indies?
5. Gina-Maria Schumacher, daughter of Michael, recently became the world champion of which horseriding competition?
6. Which club won the 2024–25 A-League Men competition, remarkably in its very first season?
7. Which Carlton AFL player announced his retirement after playing 179 games and defeating cancer
13. Emma Raducanu recently reclaimed her British No.1 tennis ranking after defeating which player at the Citi Open in Washington?
14. What is the nickname of the England women’s national football team?
15. The Claret Jug is a trophy awarded to the winner of which major golf tournament?
16. How much is Marcus Bontempelli’s new fouryear contract with the Western Bulldogs worth?
17. Name the two Australian cyclists who won stage victories in this year’s Tour de France.
18. Which Premier League soccer club has an insect on their emblem?
19. Sprinting sensation Gout Gout was born in which Queensland city?
20. Why did players’ surnames replace the Star Casino logo on the Broncos’ jerseys for their Round 7 NRL game against the Warriors in Auckland?
21. The Australia Cup soccer tournament first took place in what year?
22. The mascot for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is what type of mythical creature?
23. Simone McKinnis is the head coach of which Super Netball team?
24. Which AFL team recently pulled off the greatest comeback win in league history against Melbourne?
25. Who did England defeat in the final of the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro?
26. What nation did cricketer Jofra Archer play Under 19s cricket for before joining England?
27. What nation recently hosted the 2025 World Aquatics Championships?
28. Which Australian tennis player recently won the Washington DC
29. Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium recently celebrated an anniversary of how many years since opening?
30. How many Olympic medals has Ariarne Titmus won during her career?
YOUR NEW CAREER ...
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
Open?
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Strike (3)
3 Murder a politically important person (11)
9 Cowboy literary genre (7)
10 Print process (7)
11 Trustworthy (8)
12 Leave off (6)
14 Aye (3)
15 Debates (11)
17 Not anxious (11)
19 Buddhist temple or monastery (3)
20 Peril (6)
21 Despot (8)
24 Speech (7)
25 Stamp (7)
26 A phrase marked off by brackets (11)
27 Lord (3)
1 Common greeting question (3,3,3)
2 Fights (7)
3 Playground (5)
4 They protect the eyes from glare (10)
5 Staunch (4)
6 Made greater (9)
7 Japanese emperor from 1989 (7)
8 Type of boat used in rowing competition (5)
13 Amounts (10)
15 Flower tea (9)
16 Soaked (9)
18 Mythical horse-man (7)
19 Soaking (7)
20 Sag (5)
22 Ribbons (5)
23 2.54cm (4)
1 What is the most southerly county of England?
2 A cinquain is a poem of how many lines?
3 Which animal has the Latin name Equus africans asinus?
4 Philip J. Fry is a main character in which animated TV series?
5 What is the title of actor and comedian Amy Poehler's (pictured) memoir?
6 In which country did halloumi cheese originate?
7 The dime is a US coin worth how many cents?
8 Erik Weisz is the birth name of which illusionist?
9 Which 2015 movie is based on a novel by American writer David Ebershoff?
10 What colour is the 'e' in the Google logo?
An example for others
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
After a week in the futuristic Audi Q4 EV, the diesel-powered Q7 marked an almost welcome return to normality.
Weheadedoutwestforafewdaystovisit friends and taste some wine and it meant not having to worry about when and where to charge the car.
Country folk know all about diesel and support the technology.
Dating back to 2015, the updated Q7 is currently Audi’s third most successful model, behind its smaller and cheaper siblings the Q5 and Q3, and offers the same kind of utility, but with extra seats and space to burn. Now in its 10th year of production,thisisprobablythelasthurrah for this model which will almost certainly be replaced by an all-new, fully electric model.
Then again, Audi says Q7 has recently undergone a “considerate” mid-life cycle update, which suggests it’s going to stick around for another 10 years?
Styling
Built in Slovakia and updated towards the end of last year, the second generation Q7 comes in five grades, with a choice of turbocharged petrol, hybrid turbocharged petrol or diesel or twin-turbo V8 petrol powertrains.
Entry to the range is the 2.0-litre turbocharged Q7 45 TFSI quattro, priced from $108,000 plus on-road costs. It is followed by the hybrid, diesel-electric Q7 45 TDI priced from $117,000, then the hybrid petrol/diesel Q7 55 TFSI/Q7 50 TDI S-Line,bothpricedfromthesame$136,000 and finally top of the range twin turbo V8 SQ7 TFSI priced from $174,000.
The more you pay, obviously the more performance and equipment you get although you might like to weigh up whether the extra cost is justified.
More of a cosmetic and tech makeover than a mechanical upgrade, it might not be as fast or flash as the others, but our test vehicle,theQ745TDI,wasacomfyplacein which to spend a few days on the road and light on fuel as a bonus.
It was optioned with the gloss black exterior package ($1850), metallic paint ($2400), and panoramic glass sunroof ($4000),bringingthetotalpriceto$125,534 plus on-roads.
Standard equipment includes leather appointed upholstery, three-zone climate air, electric front seats with heating and driver seat memory, leather three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction plus and shift paddles, electric luggage compartment cover and a power-operated tailgate.
There’s also 20-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, automatic parking assistance, auto-dimming interior mirror, auto lights andwipers,frontandrearparkingsensors, LED matrix headlights, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control (with stop & go, distance indicator, traffic jam assist and lane guidance system).
Q7 is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
Infotainment
An enhanced MMI infotainment system letsyoudownloadanduseappslikeSpotify without the need for a phone.
But the system follows Audi’s tried and tested approach with separate screens devoted to different functions.
There’s a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with a second smaller 8.6-inchscreenbelowthisonetoprimarily control the air conditioning. A third
12.3-inch screen acts as a traditional instrument binnacle, but in digital form with limited customisation available.
Simple things like the reset for the trip computer can be incredibly hard to find (once upon a time there was a simple button).
Soundcomesfromanin-house10speaker audio system that includes a subwoofer, with Bluetooth, voice recognition built-in navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless capability.
There’s also wireless phone charging, twoUSBportsinthefrontandanotherpair inthebackplusthree12voltoutlets(onein the boot).
Buyers get complimentary three-year access to connected services, but Emergency call and Audi service request remain valid for 10 years.
Safety
Q7 earns a full five stars for safety with eight airbags, 360 degree cameras and front and rear autonomous emergency braking (AEB), but the third row lacks side, chest protection.
AEB (City, Interurban & Vulnerable Road User) works from 10km/h to 85km/h for pedestrians and cyclists, and up to 250km/h for vehicles.
There’s also lane keep assist (LKA) with lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) are standard, as well as blind spot warnings.
Intersection assist monitors the area in front of and to the side of the vehicle at junctions and exit roads up to 30km/h.
Turn assist monitors oncoming traffic when turning right at low speeds. Exit warningdetectsvehiclesandcyclistswhen opening doors.
There are ISOFix and top tether Child seat anchors for the second and third row seats. However, head-up display remains a $3200 option.
Engines/transmissions
The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel and 48 volt mild hybriddeliver170kWofpowerat3500rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1500-3000 rpm, and you can hardly hear it. It’s paired with an eight speed ZF sequential auto with drive to all four wheels on demand, auto engine stop-start and a self-locking centre differential.
Driving
At more than five metres in length and weighing in at 2255kg, and with a 3005mm wheelbase, Q7 is no shrinking violet.
A refreshed bolder face, incorporates a redesigned single frame radiator grille with vertical inlays, that gives the vehicle a moreassertivelook.Attherear,thebumper and diffuser have also been reworked. The modelvariantcanbefoundetchedintothe B-pillars.
Inside there’s room for seven and the third row of seats fold at the touch of a button, making it easier to get in and out of the back. But it’s fit for small children only. Luggage space is 295 litres with the third rowinuse,risingtoanimpressive780litres with the third row folded.
Although Q7 is an SUV with all-wheel drive,it’snotacarwewouldreallyconsider taking off road to any large degree, not with 200mm of ground clearance and low profile 285/45 series rubber. Dirt roads are fine, beaches to a point, but fire trails – no way.
This particular SUV is built for cruising, with an 85-litre tank and maximum range of more than 1400km. The mild hybrid boosts fuel efficiency, using a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter that supplies power to the main electrical system.
The auto includes gear change paddles and six different drive modes.
The dash from 0-100km/h takes 7.1 seconds and it has a top speed of 226km. Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.0L/100km and it produces 184 g/km of CO2. The trip computer in our test vehicle showed 7.5L/100km after more than 1800km of driving.
In some ways the Q7 reminds us of our oldVWBeetle,becausethedoorskeptonly half closing. A shove was needed to do the trick.
Despite its size it’s an easy car to drive and steer, but suffers from the occasional spot of turbo lag and the suspension can become slappy on country roads.
We assumed the electric motor would have taken care of the lag, with its torque down low.
Sometimes we found finding forward or reverse gear more difficult than it should be.
The instrument screen feels dated, cluttered and difficult to read in the larger mode. The additional screen for the air-conditioning seems unnecessary and takes up quite a bit of console space. It’s easy to brush the panel and change the temperature or activate seat heating without being aware of doing so.
There’s a wireless charge pad buried in the console box, which puts it out of reach when you’re driving – perhaps a good thing?
Pairing our late model Pixel phone was easy, but the phone refused to reconnect upon re-entering the vehicle, and we needed to delete it and go through the whole pairing process over again.
There’s built-in navigation, but Android Auto works flawlessly.
Thecarcomeswithafirstaidkit,warning triangle and high visibility vests in case of trouble, but a tyre repair kit is supplied in lieu of a spare tyre.
In case you’re wondering, Q7 can tow a 3500kg braked load.
Summing up
Has it been that long?
It may not be the latest or greatest Audi, but the Q7 sets an example for others to follow. The evergreen Q7 continues to set the benchmark in the luxury SUV segment with its blend of performance, technology, and versatility.
It may not be the latest or greatest Audi, but the Q7 sets an example for others to follow. ( Supplied)
There was a nice break from wet and wintry conditions on Saturday allowing for some high quality matches.
Star Weekly’s LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Spring breaking through
Williamstown’s Teagan Brett and Kiera Leare. 493536_13
Wyndhamvale’s Brodie Meadows beats West Footscray’s EJ Sharp to the ball. 493521_07
Williamstown’s Camryn Bux. 493536_03
Westbourne Grammarians’ Temeika Cathery. 493520_10
Westbourne Grammarians’ Paige Trajkovski. 493520_01
Sunshine Heights’ Rocco Tripodi and tackles Braybrook’s Jacob Bitzer. 493523_11
West Footscray’s Chris Long and Wyndhamvale’s Damon Stephens. 493521_14
Braybrook’s Luke Zammit. 493523_27
Essendon’s Matilda Dyke and North Melbourne’s Kim Rennie. 486680_03
North Melbourne’s Ruby Tripodi and Essendon’s Amy Gaylor. 486680_08
Long takes on new challenge at Diggers Rest Bulla
New Diggers Rest Bulla coach Evan Long was ready for a change and new challenge.
Long had been at Kealba-Green Gully in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association for the past 15 years.
Across his career he’s a nine-time premiership player and has been captain-coach in four of those.
He was Cougars captain-coach last season, scoring 670 runs at an average of 77.55 with three 100s and four 50s.
Longsaidhefeltthetimewasrightforhim to go elsewhere to get more out of his game.
“I felt it was the right time to move on and try something new,” he said.
“Diggers Rest put forward where they are at and where they want to be. They were
upfront with that and it was an exciting prospect.”
Long was initially looking at an assistant coach playing role, but things fell into place for him to step into the head coaching role.
HereplacesRhysBerry,whohasmovedto Rupertswood.
Longsaidheknowsitwillbealotdifferent from playing at Kealba-Green Gully.
He said he didn’t feel that he could have stayed on at the club in just a playing capacity.
“Diggers Rest put forward a good overall plan and what they wanted to achieve was invigoratingandmotivatedmetogoacross.”
Long already had some connection to the Burras through former Cougars teammate
Tristan Krizanic who played at the Burras and will be an assistant coach this season.
It was Krizanic who first got the conversation going about Long joining the Gisborne and District Cricket Association club.
Long quickly got up to speed on the club and the competition since.
“I can’t say I’m super knowledgeable about the league,”he said. “Once the question was asked I’ve done a bit more research.
“Ït was an easy decision to come across.”
Long said the club, which is in the Johnstone Shield, has aims of returning to the top flight, the McIntyre Cup.
The side finished fifth last season but
Cobras beat Devils
By Tara Murray
The local rivalry was the perfect way to kick off Ballarat Football League women’s finals action, with Bacchus Marsh getting the upper hand on Darley.
After finishing second and third, Darley and Bacchus Marsh were in action in the qualifying final on Sunday.
Darley had won two of the three matchups between the sides during the season, including the most recent in round 15.
On Saturday, there wasn’t much betweenthetwosidesinthefirsthalf,with the Devils leading by seven points at the main break.
Three goals in the third quarter broke open the game for the Cobras before they finished it off with another three in the final quarter to win, 9.5 (59)-5.4 (34).
Cobras coach Alan Johnson said it was a good feeling to get over the Devils in the finals.
“We’ve very happy with the win,” he said. “The rivalry is there and it’s a good healthy rivalry and it’s good to win in a finals.
“The challenge was there.”
Johnson said it was a really start to the game for the Devils as they kicked the first couple of goals, before they managed to get one against the tide.
He said an ankle injury to reigning league best and fairest winner Lilli Condon was a big blow for the Devils and halted a bit of their momentum.
“I hope she is OK,” Johnson said. “It’s disappointing to see good players like that get injured.”
Johnson said seeing how his side played in the second half was pretty pleasing.
“They went hard at the ball and played some really good football,” he said. “They played well as a team and gelled together really well.”
Isabella Faralla and Charli O’Connor kicked two goals each for the Cobras.
Johnson said Mel Freeman, Chloe Walker, Dakota Simo and Remy Day were all really strong performers.
Simo was playing just her second game and first final, having been playing in the club’s under-19s.
Johnson said he felt they had a really good spread of contributors, especially in the second half.
Kim Bessell kicked three goals for the Devils.
Eliza Wilson-Macdonald, Chloe Oughtred and Jaye Dalgleish were named the Devils best.
The Cobras find themselves in the same position as last season, with two shots at a grand final spot.
The difference this year is there are only five teams playing finals, not six.
The Cobras will face Redan on Sunday in the first of those two shots.
“It will not be easy,” Johnson said. “We
know there is a challenge ahead.
“They have been really dominant in a couple of games but the last one was tight.
“We know the standard and we have to step up. A grand final would be a really
lacked consistency at times.
“They were in some close games and lost some games they should not have,” Long said.
“The club has guaranteed me there’s a lot more buy-in from for the ones and there’s a push to get in the side and stay in the first XI.
“The last year or so they have been happy in the second XI and just rock up.
“If you want to go up in those division, you have to put your best foot forward.
Longsaidtheywereinconversationswith some prospective recruits to strengthen both their batting and bowling.”
Sports shorts
Coates Talent League
Five Western Jets are among the invite list to the AFL national and state combines in October. The invite list includes representatives from every state and territory, along with all 23 members of the under-18 boys All Australian team which was recently released. Western Jets’ Oskar Ainsworth, Thomas Burton and Finn Davis have been invited to the national combine. Ainsworth and Davis are from Williamstown CYMS, while Burton is from Point Cook. Collingwood father-son prospect Tom McGuane and Yarraville Seddon’s Jacob Marron have been invited to the state combine.
EDFL
Essendon District Football League
women’s division 1 and 2 finals will get under this weekend. In division 1, Keilor Park will play Strathmore for a spot in the grand final, while Burnside Heights will face Westmeadows in a knock out semi final. In division 2, Gisborne-Kyneton United will face Taylors Lakes for a grand final spot, while Roxburgh Park and the Sunbury Kangaroos will face each other in a knock out semi final for a second straight year. All matches will be on Saturday.
Ballarat NL
Bacchus Marsh got a hard fought win against Melton, while Darley suffered a shock loss to Redan in the Ballarat Netball League. The Cobras were at home against the Bloods and led at each of the breaks on the way to a 47-31 win. Kimberley Phillips shot 34 goals for the Cobras. Meanwhile, Darley trailed at each of the breaks against Redan, losing 46-34.
EDFL
Burnside Heights got its third win of the Essendon District Football League division 2 season, beating East Sunbury on Saturday. It was a bottom of the table clash with the Bears winning 11.7 (73)-8.11 (59). Gregory Constantinou kicked four goals for Bears, with Jordan Hughes and Joshua Neralic named the Bears best.
good bonus and if we can get there it would be a reward for the work they’ve put in.
on Sunday.
Darley will play East Point in a knockout semi final
Chloe Walker. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 470330_04
Whiteway steps into coaching role at Bacchus Marsh
New Bacchus Marsh women’s coach Scott Whiteway is keen on helping the playing groupdevelopevenfurtherintheGisborne and District Cricket Association this season.
Whiteway steps into the coaching role at the reigning premiers, with premiership coach Tomeka Fowlie returning to Victorian Premier Cricket.
Whiteway has long been involved with the Bulls and female cricket in the region.
The Bulls said Whiteway’s drive for participation and eagerness to promote improvement within a positive environment sees him as the perfect fit for the role.
“It is really exciting,” Whiteway said.
“I’ve been involved with the team the last couple of seasons as the club’s female coaching coordinator.
“I have coached junior girls cricket both attheclubandatGDCAlevel.Ienjoyit,but I didn’t necessarily see myself coaching
women at Bacchus Marsh.
“It’s not something I set out to do, but it is exciting.”
Whiteway said the departure of Fowlie was a big one not just from a coaching perspective, but a playing one.
He said they would look to fill her role with a number of players, not just one particular player.
“One of the areas we will look to improve is to lighten the load on some of the more dominant players,” he said.
“We’ve got a good mix of competitive cricketers and social cricketers. We need to make sure that everyone gets what they want.
“Whether they are new to cricket or looking for more development. That is where we want to improve.”
The Bulls claimed their first premiership last season, after making the grand final the season before.
They were clearly the best side last season.
Whiteway said the group still had plenty of motivation coming into the upcoming season.
“The girls are really keen to win a premiership on the day,” he said.
“They felt a bit robbed of the experience with it getting washed out.
“We didn’t get to bowl a ball in the grand final. They saw what the men’s team got to experience last season, that thrill of winning on the day.
“They want to experience that feeling this year, it’s the driver for this season.”
Whiteway said they were hoping to attract some new players to the side and continued to provide a pathway for all cricketers.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have announced that Sam Crea will continue on as coach of the men’s side.
The side won its first Ballarat Cricket Association last season.
Boost for harness
ByMichael Howard
Victorian owners will race for up to $2.75 million in breeding and sales vouchers under a new two-year initiative beginning September 1.
The Vicbred Vouchers program will see 550racesacrossthenexttwoseasonscarry $5000vouchersforwinningowners,giving them a head start towards breeding or buying their next winners.
Breederswillalsogetadirectboost,with theVicbredSuperSeriesheats,semi-finals, finals, and consolations to award $5000 vouchers to the winning breeder as well as $5000 to the winning owner.
The announcement is part of a $3 million breeding and ownership support initiative through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with money also allocated to compensate owners for changes to microchipping processes.
Harness Racing Victoria chief executive Matt Isaacs said the two-year commitment would encourage ownership and strengthen breeding in Victoria.
“These vouchers will further reward owners and breeders and encourage them
to build on their proud involvements with Victorian harness racing,” Isaacs said.
“Hundreds of owners and breeders over the next two years will be gifted huge incentives to breed in Victoria, which is a win for all involved in the sport.”
The Vicbred Vouchers will give owners $5000 towards either purchasing a Vicbred Pure or Vicbred Platinum nominated yearlingattheNutrienorAustralianPacing Gold Victorian standardbred yearling sales, or compensating a service by a Victorian registered sire, subject to the mare being inseminatedandfoaledinVictoria.
The vouchers will be split across 150 maiden race winners, 150 open-age race winners from September 1, to November 30, 2026, and $1.25 million across 250 winning owners and breeders of 2025 and 2026 Vicbred Super Series heats, semi-finals, finals, and consolations,
The Vicbred Vouchers will be awarded in addition to existing first-win bonuses.
Harness Breeders Victoria president John Coffey said it was the “perfect announcement with perfect timing”.
“This is absolutely the best news the industry can have in Victoria at the
Important win for Panthers
Melton South moved back into the Riddell District Football League top six and now has its finals hopes in its own hands.
Four teams have been fighting for three finals spots for a number of weeks, with just two points separating the teams with two rounds remaining.
With Macedon and Romsey still to have byes, the Panthers have put themselves in a good spot to lock up a finals spot.
On Saturday, they returned to the winners with victory against the Gisborne Giants.
After an even first quarter on the scoreboard, the Panthers kicked seven goals to one in the second quarter to blow the match up.
The scoreline stayed steady in the third quarter before the Panthers finished off strongly to come away with a 17.8 (110)-6.9 (45) win.
Alec Goodson kicked five goals for the Panthers, while four other players kicked two goals each.
Joel Hodgson and Jake Thornton-Gielen were named the Panthers best.
The Panthers sit in sixth spot with games against Lancefield and Wallan to come.
moment,” he said.
“A certificate bonus means it has to be spent back into the industry, maximising the benefit. It is terrific that it comes into effect from September 1 ahead of the breeding season that starts in September, and it will certainly be a positive for yearling sales next year.”
Nutrien Equine manager Mark Barton said the announcement would boost the industry and future sales.
“Nutrien welcomes this exciting scheme, which will directly drive ownership and investmentinVictorianbreeding,”hesaid.
“Thestatehasanoutstandingtraditionof qualitybreeding,whichhasfuelledbuying at Nutrien’s sales, and this initiative will onlystrengthenandbuildonthatsuccess.”
Australian Pacing Gold chairman Robert Marshall said the sales company “welcomed this great initiative.”
“This is a fantastic announcement,” he said.“Thiswillbeanexcellentopportunity to revitalise breeding.
“We have our sales planned for Hunter Cup weekend, and this initiative complements our sales and the existing bonuses that APG offers.”
Elsewhere, Diggers Rest was too strong for Melton Centrals.
TheBurrashadthematchwrapped up in the first half as they kicked eight goals to two.
It was a lot tougher in the second half with just seven goals kicked between them.
The Burras did enough to come away with the 11.13 (79)-6.8 (44) win.
Ryan Mullen kicked four goals for the Burras with Logan Carroll named their best.
Ryan McDonald kicked two goals for Centrals.
He was named their best along with James Roberts.
Macedon did its finals hopes no harm with a 13.11 (89)-9.7 (61) win against Romsey.
The win moved to Cats fourth, while the Redbacks slipped out of the top six into seventh.
Woodend-Hesket was too strong for Lancefield, while Riddell beat Wallan, 18.10 (118)-12.13 (85).
Scott Whiteway. (Supplied)
Big boost for harness racing. (Harness Racing Victoria)
Melton Rugby Union celebrates 50 years of competition
It was a day of celebration on Saturday for the Melton Rugby Union Club as it marked 50 years.
The club held a special milestone game on Saturday with players past present and future all in attendance for the big event.
Therewereunder-14,under-16andunder-18 games to start the day, before the men’s and masterssideswereinactionlateron.
President Harry Sheehan said it was a pretty special day for the club.
“Fifty years is a long time,” he said. “We started off with just seniors only and we’ve now had juniors the past 10 years.
“Wecontinuetogrowandtheclubhascome a long way from a paddock at Macpherson ParktoourownvenueinMelton.”
The club, which is one of the oldest clubs in Melton’s west, started in 1975 when local rugby enthusiasts from Melton and
Sunbury united to form the club. They played early matches in Diggers Rest and then Melton South, when it became known as the Melton Rugby Club.
In the 1980s, the club finished runners up in 1982 and won the premiership in 1984 and backed it up the next year.
Theclubwonseniorpremiershipsin2011 and 2013 with many players going onto higher levels.
It was only just two years later in 2015 when the club folded.
Some hard work saw the club back in action in 2016 with the senior side making the grand final.
As well as the success at Melton, the club has had female participation as part of the Western Districts women’s side.
The club’s most recent senior success was in 2024 when it defeated Brimbank to secure the Victorian premiership.
Sheehan said it’s taken them a long time to where they are now, but there’s only bright things for the future.
“The ground and club room took 50 years to get and that is one of the big achievements,” he said.
Cobras sneak home
By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh’s first win against Melton since 2018 couldn’t have come at a much better time in the Ballarat Football League.
Still looking to lock in a finals spot, the Cobras claimed the scalp they had been looking for as they accounted for the reigning premiers.
The Cobras had to get the win the hard way, sneaking home to win 10.14 (74)-10.10 (70).
CobrascoachDennisArmfieldsaidthey knewthattheirfinalsdreamswereintheir own hands and wins like this helps.
“It was great reward for a lot of effort the boys have put in,” he said. “We don’t want to be an almost team again.
“The boys fought out a tough game and were able to get the win.”
The Cobras had an early lead and Armfield said they should have been in front by more than 18 points at the first break had they kicked straight.
The Bloods found their game in the second quarter but also couldn’t make the most of their chances.
The Bloods kept pushing as the Cobras led by just one point at the final break.
“In the last quarter they challenged us,” Armfield said. “They got to 14-15 points ahead.
“We then had an injury to Cody Salmon, our youngest player out there. He dislocated his patella tendon and you never want to see that.
“It wasn’t nice. Melton had the momentum but our leaders kept the moralehighandwefoundwhatweneeded to do in the last 10 minutes and win.”
The Cobras kicked the last three goals of the game to come from behind to get the win.
Armfield said even at the start of the season they wouldn’t have been able to come from behind and get a win like this.
“We had not beaten Melton since 2018, so it’s been a long time between drinks,” he said. “I’m really proud of the effort without two of our spine, Will Lalor and Jake Owen.
“They’re young kids who are staying the course and keep on going. It’s an exciting thing.”
Ashton Craig kicked three goals for the Cobras, while Ethan McKercher kicked two goals.
Ruck Luke Goetz was named the Cobras best.
Armfield said he keeps battling each week and he was able to help them find a different way to score in the final quarter.
Cody Gates and Craig were others named in the best.
Liam Carter kicked three goals for the
Bloods, while three other players kicked two goals each. Carter, Braedan Kight and Blake Souter were named their best.
The Cobras remain in fifth spot and are agameclearofseventhplacedSebastopol. The Bloods have slipped to fourth.
“Developing juniors for the club the last 10 years has also been really special. With juniors at the club will keep the base growing.
“We need a lot more support in the local areas.”
Sheehan said before the event that he had been looking forward to seeing all the past players and committee members returning to the club.
On field, the under-16s have already won the minor premiership and the 18s are fighting to make finals.
The senior men on Saturday lost to Brimbank, 48-42
It will finish the regular season against Geelong on Saturday
Melton sits third on the ladder.
Tara Murray
Lakers get another
scalp
Caroline Springs has claimed its second scalp in three weeks, this time knocking off Werribee Districts in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
After beating Hoppers Crossing recently, the Lakers ensured they kept the pressure on the top three and a double chance with victory against the Tigers on Saturday.
TheTigers,comingofftheirfirst loss of the season, jumped out of the blocks to lead by 24 points at quarter time.
That margin slightly increased to 28 points at the main break.
The third quarter was when the Lakers made their move as they kicked six goals to two to take a one point lead into the last change.
It was an arm wrestle in the final quarter but the Lakers never conceded the lead.
A goal in the 14th minute made the margin 13 points and the Lakers then tried to hold on.
The Tigers got a late goal to bring the margin back under 10 points, but couldn’t get over the line.
Caroline Springs won 12.16 (88)-12.7 (79).
Ryan Allan kicked three goals for the Lakers with Jamie Ristovski and Ben Caluzzi named their best.
The Lakers remain in fourth spot, but there’s now only eight pointsbetweenthetopfoursides.
Caroline Springs this Saturday faces Albion, which is in the fight for fifth spot.
In division 2, it was a tough day out for the Western Rams as they face Albanvale.
With the Cobras needing to keep winning to play finals, they came out in force to come away with a 24.10 (154)-6.17 (53) win.
A seven goal to nil first quarter set the tone of the match, with the Rams also not making the most of their opportunities.
Mathew Paull, Tyler Lewis and William Markovski were the best for the Rams.
Armfield said they know that as long as they keep winning they will play finals.
“Wewantedtohaveitinourowndestiny and not have to rely on other side’s results, which is good.”
In other results, Darley beat Redan, 17.15 (117)-11.5 (71).
Caroline Springs women’s side had a bye.
Two of the founders at the celebrations. (Supplied)
Shaun Campbell. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 420263_17
