Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 4th November 2025

Grassy wonderland

Next to a road in Toolern Vale sits something inconspicuous – but once you take a closer look, a wonderland of flowers and biodiversity is revealed. With only about 0.58 per cent of former grasslands remaining on Victoria’s volcanic plain, an upcoming tour will share the glory of this Melton-based site to attendees and cover the intriguing story of how it is unintentionally maintained.

 Story: Page 11

Fight for lights

By Oscar Parry

A speed limit change on Leakes Road has been met with disappointment from residentswhoarekeentoknowthedetails surroundingalargerscaleupgrade.

This section is the on and off ramps to the Western Highway on Leakes Road in Rockbank – where, as reported by Star Weekly , residents have called for the installationoftrafficlights.

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is introducing a speed limit reduction to 50km/h, from 60km/h, along Leakes Road, from just north of Greenview Avenue to just before Woodlea Boulevard.

Community advocacy group Leakes

NeedsLightshaslongcalledfortemporary traffic lights as an interim safety measure attheintersection.

Founder Donna Southern said she felt disappointed to hear the news of the speed limit reduction, as she felt there has not been any community consultation or communication about timelines and where safety upgrades to the Leakes Road and freeway intersections sit in the proposedWesternFreewayupgrade.

In March, the federal government committed $1 billion to upgrade the freeway, and according to a state government web page, detailed planning worksareunderway.

“We feel that dropping the speed limit … isn’t going to make any difference –

especially during peak times when traffic is going to crawl anyway,” Ms Southern said.

“Some people have reported being rear-endedwhenthey’restationary.

“It’s more about people trying to cross from Leakes Road onto the freeway, so they’re using the freeway ramp and running the gauntlet to get across there … dodging traffic …trying to take unnecessaryrisks,andthat’swherealotof theaccidents[happen].”

Ms Southern said she is aware of seven accidents attended by emergency services in October across this section of road and at the intersection of Leakes Road and Ian CowieWay.

“We want action … and we just feel like

we’recontinuinggettingfobbedoffby[The Department of Transport and Planning]… they’re not taking our situation seriously,” MsSouthernsaid.

“We are just in the dark about when [the WesternFreewayupgrade]isevengoingto be … it could be six months, it could be six yearsdownthetrack…wejustdon’tknow.“

Ms Southern said there are limited alternative routes residents can take to bypassthesectionofroad.

ADepartmentofTransportandPlanning spokesperson said safety is always the department’snumberonepriority.

The state government did not respond to Ms Southern’s comments regarding a lackofdetailaroundthepotentialWestern Freewayupgradetimeline.

Grassy Plains Network member Simon Jolly at the Mccorkells Road Grassland in Toolern Vale. (Damjan Janevski) 513821_02

Feedback sought on plan

A chance to have your say on a draft plan for a retail and commercial centre in Kurunjang has arrived.

Residents are invited to have their say onadraftUrbanDesignFramework(UDF) that will help guide the development and use of land for a new supermarket and commercial centre in the suburb.

Community consultation opened on Monday 3 November.

The proposed plan outlines a vision for a supermarket, supporting shops, a town centre plaza, a medical centre, childcare, a community centre, and land for new homes in the future.

At the 27 October council meeting, Melton director of city futures Sam Romaszko said these homes will be medium density residential options.

Councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg said that when she was a Coburn Ward councillor, local residents often said that they wanted a supermarket and shops within driving or walking distance.

The UDF is a requirement of the Melton North Precinct Structure Plan and will guide the future development of the Neighbourhood Activity Centre and provide Melton Council with direction for assessing and considering future

development proposals.

Melton mayor Steve Abboushi said Kurunjang and Harkness have seen significant residential development and population growth over the past 15 years, resulting in demand for a local retail and service offering.

“It is important we hear from residents, particularly those living in the Kurunjang and Harkness areas, what they think of the draft UDF to ensure the proposal meets the needs and expectations of the community,” Cr Abboushi said.

“I encourage residents to take the opportunity to review the draft UDF

National honour for garden playspace

A playspace at Melton Botanic Garden has gained another award, receiving top honoursatanationalawardsceremonythis month.

The Melton Botanic Garden Nature Play Space was recognised at a national level in the playspace category at this year’s AustralianInstituteofLandscapeArchitects (AILA) Awards, held in Hobart on Tuesday 21October.

According to Melton, the playspace was designed to foster children’s connection to thenaturalenvironmentthroughplay.

The space features recycled materials,

nativeplants,rocks,logs,sand,andwater.

According to the council, judges praised theproject’screativeuseofnaturalmaterials and its ability to deliver a high-quality play experience along with the design team’s sensitivity to the surrounding gardens –noting the use of complementary planting and materials that enhance the overall landscape.

The project was jointly funded by Melton andtheGrowingVictoria’sBotanicGardens Grants program and developed in close collaboration with the community and the FriendsoftheMeltonBotanicGarden.

Mayor Steve Abboushi said the Melton Botanic Garden is a “special place for our community”.

“It’s such a unique space for children to play, interact freely with nature and learn about their environment,” Cr Abboushi said. “It’s fantastic to see it recognised on a national stage and is yet another reason for visitors to come and explore our wonderful city.“

Thenationalaccoladefollowstheproject’s earlier recognition at the Victorian AILA Landscape Architecture Awards in June, whereitwoninthesamecategory.

during the consultation period and let us know your thoughts and what you would like to see in your future Neighbourhood Activity Centre,” he said.

Feedback is open until 1 December.

The draft UDF can be viewed online, and feedback submitted via a short survey.

Following the consultation period, council will review feedback and make any required amendments to the UDF before it is presented at a future council meeting for consideration.

Details: conversations.melton.vic.gov. au

Fraser Rise kindergarten announced

A new kindergarten will be built on the site of an upcoming Fraser Rise primary school and is expected to open its doors in 2028.

The new project was one of four announcedbythestategovernment on Monday 27 October.

The kindergarten will be constructed on the same site as the soon-to-be-opened Wiyal Primary School, located at 22 Pear Parade, Fraser Rise.

According to the state government, Wiyal Primary School will welcome its first students for Term 1 in 2026 and will have places for up to 525 students, from prep to year 6.

The interim-named Wiyal Primary School Kindergarten will open in 2028.

The kindergarten will include three kindergarten rooms, and an organisation will be appointed in 2026torunit–alongwithmanaging all enrolment and program enquiries.

According to the state, having the school and kindergarten together may help some families with drop-off and pick-up and may also help some children make a smoother transition into primary school.

Children Minister Lizzie Blandthorn said building new kindergartens“wherefamiliesneed them most, close to schools, homes and in communities right across Victoria” is vital.

The project received part of $1.3 billion of funding in the 2023–24 state budget.

Illegal tobacco taskforce to transition back into Gang Crime Squad

The police taskforce established to combat the illicit tobacco trade will soon be no more.

Victoria Police has announced that Taskforce Lunar will transition back into theGangCrimeSquadon1November.

Taskforce Lunar was established in October 2023 following a significant increase in organised crime activity linked to the illicit tobacco trade, in particular an escalation in arson and extortions within tobaccoretailoutlets.

Butfromthestartofnextmonth, theGang Crime Squad will assume responsibility for tackling the illicit tobacco trade in Victoria

and will take over all current Taskforce Lunar investigations, including matters beforecourt.

As part of the changes, Victoria Police willalsoincreasecollaborationwithseveral Australian law enforcement agencies, includingtheAustralianFederalPoliceand Australian Border Force, and will look at several new joint strategies to prevent and disrupt offending by entities in Victoria, across Australia and internationally that arelinkedtotheillicittobaccotrade.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Crime Command Martin O’Brien said the move was necessary in order to keep up

with the various organised crime entities involvedintheillicittobaccotrade.

“As the landscape has evolved, and the nature of offending in Victoria has started to change, we recognise the need for even greater collaboration with our law enforcement partners to target those involved in criminality here in Victoria but basedoverseas,”MrO’Briensaid.

“The creation of Taskforce Lunar also allowed us to build significant new intelligence around these organised crime syndicates, which we also shared with a range of licensing and enforcement agencies.

“Thereisanaddedcomplexitytotargeting those syndicate leaders offshore, however it is crucial if we want to affect long-term change locally. More importantly, we can onlymakeadifferencelongtermbyworking in collaboration with our law enforcement partners.

“We have had a number of successes here in Victoria where we have been able to identify offenders and put them before the court. Under Operation Lunar we will continuetotargetthoseoffenders,whilealso expanding our focus on the international links in an effort to disrupt and dismantle thesesyndicatesateverylevel.”

The Melton Botanic Garden Nature Playspace. (Supplied)

Diggers Rest advocacy plea

By Oscar Parry

A Diggers Rest resident is concerned the suburb is slipping under Melton council’s radar in light of the endorsement of its latest advocacy priorities.

Tabled at the October 27 council meeting, the list outlines key state and federaladvocacyprioritiesforprojectsand areas outside of the council’s scope – with categories including employment and investment, education and skills, health and wellbeing, transport, environmental sustainability, and financial stability.

Some of the items on the council’s latest

list include advocacy for funding and construction of the Outer Metropolitan RingRoad,theWesternIntermodalFreight Terminal, electrification of the Melton Line, and fast tracking the development of employment precincts in Derrimut Fields, Chartwell East, Warrawee, Warrensbrook, and Ravenhall – quarry site.

Diggers Rest resident David O’Connor lamented the endorsed list, calling for an increased focus on his suburb.

“Diggers Rest has long been regarded as the forgotten backwater of [Melton], and it’s not hard to see why. A simple drive through the township reveals a stark

Delegation floats funding ideas

A Moorabool councillor made a splash in parliament as part of a delegation representing peri-urban councils in Victoria.

A delegation representing Peri Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) headed to Canberra on Monday 27 October, discussing issues of importance to peri urban councils – including government support to open more land for housing.

MooraboolcouncillorandPUCVchair Moira Berry – donning pool floaties, a swimhat, and goggles – also took the opportunity to thank the federal governmentforitsfundingcommitment towards the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

Beside the aquatic-themed gesture, the delegation advocated on behalf of peri urban councils – which Cr Berry said are marked by a distinctive mix of urban, rural, and conservation land uses within their boundaries.

“We maintain infrastructure service delivery characteristics that differ

contrast in investment compared to other parts of the municipality,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Unfortunately,the…advocacypriorities report presented at tonight’s council meeting provides little reassurance for the future development of Diggers Rest. It’s abundantly clear that [Melton] has lost its way, focusing on new initiatives rather than taking a proactive and targeted approachtodeliveringserviceswherethey are needed most.

“Council must be held accountable for ensuring that Diggers Rest receives the focused attention, infrastructure

investment and service delivery it has been denied for far too long. Anything less will only reinforce the perception that Diggers Rest remains the forgotten corner of the [municipality].”

At the council meeting, councillor John Verdon said that it is important for residents to note that the priorities in the report do not represent all of the council’s priorities, and that Melton will continue to advocate for issues beyond the items listed.

Melton council was contacted for reply in regards to Mr O’Connor’s concerns, but did not directly respond.

New west beverage festival

A chance to treat your senses is coming to Caroline Springs, with a new festival set on the banks of Lake Caroline launching this month.HostedforthefirsttimeonSaturday 22 November, the Caroline Springs Beer, Food & Wine Festival will transform Lake Street, the foreshore, and the WestWaters Entertainment Complex into a more-thanthree-acreandfamily-friendlyevent.

The festival will include more than 20 beverage producers pouring craft beers, boutiquewinesandartisanalspirits.

For food lovers, there will be pub classics atRuck&RoverSportsBar;shareplatesand charcuterieatMissCaroline;seafood,pasta andpremiumgrillselectionsatSaigeBistro; along with cheese platters, dessert trucks and plenty of lakeside spots to sit and snack underthesun.

There will also be two live music stages packedwithpubrock,pop,andlocaltalent.

The event also aims to cater well for families, with kids’ games, face painting andballoonartistsallpartofthefestivities.

WestWaters general manager Jesse Kornoff said the organisation is thrilled to showcase incredible producers, celebrate localmusicians,and“bringourmuch-loved interstatefestivaltothelocalcommunity”.

“If you love live music and enjoy a beer and wine under the sun, this is a day not to bemissed!”hesaid.

“This festival is proof that Melbourne’s west is not only growing in population but also thriving with passionate new businesses producing high-quality food and beverages … we’re proud to showcase howfarourregionhascomeandgivepeople outsideofCarolineSpringsagreatreasonto visitourcommunity”.

Entryisfreeandthefestivalwillrunfrom 11amto5pm.

Have your say on the draft Kurunjang Neighbourhood Activity Centre Urban Design Framework

What is a UDF?

substantially from both metropolitan and rural areas,” Cr Berry said.

“The peri urban councils have a limited rate base in a rate-capped setting, reduced borrowing capacity, and we have additional responsibilities forwateranddrainageandunderfunded developer contribution plans.”

The delegation discussed proposals for two funds – the ‘Developer Contributions Plan Future Fund’ which would be a $90 million loan towards enabling land to build new homes, covering infrastructure assets such as sewerage, drainage, and power – which Cr Berry said peri urban councils can not afford to cover with their rate bases.

The second pitch was a $230 million CapitalInvestmentFundforcommunity infrastructure, including parks, fences, and libraries in peri-urban council areas.

The delegation also visited Spring Street earlier in the month to advocate at the state government level.

Residents are invited to have their say on a draft Urban Design Framework (UDF) which will help guide the development and use of land for a new supermarket and commercial centre in Kurunjang.

The proposed plan outlines a vision for a supermarket, supporting shops, a town centre plaza, a medical centre, childcare, a community centre, and land for new homes in the future.

Complete the survey

A UDF is a detailed planning and design document that sets a vision for the area to guide its development and provides the framework for assessing planning applications.

The survey closes at 9am on Monday 1 December 2025

Visit: conversations.melton.gov.au/kurunjangUDF

Scan the QR code

A welcoming and liveable City accessible to all

Moorabool councillor and PUCV chair Moira Berry and Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King. (Supplied)

Lynn murder appeal starts

By Emily Woods, AAP

Prosecutors have conceded shortcomings in their murder case against an ex-pilot, after being accused of running an unfair trialwherethey“chickenedout”ofproperly challengingthekiller.

GregLynn,59,satinsideapackedCourtof Appeal in Melbourne for the first day of his challenge against conviction and sentence, afterhewasfoundguiltyofonemurderand acquittedofanother.

Lynn was charged with two murders and took the case to trial, admitting he burned their bodies but maintaining the deaths wereaccidental.

He told the Supreme Court jury he struggled over his shotgun with Mr Hill when it accidentally discharged, and shot Ms Clay in the head, and that Mr Hill died afterastrugglewithLynnoveraknife.

Lynnsaidhewastryingtodefendhimself from Mr Hill when the knife went into his

Seated behind him were family members of the woman he has been convicted of murdering, Carol Clay, 73, and the man whose murder he was acquitted of, Russell Hill, 74. The pair had been camping at the same remote site as Lynn, Buck’s Camp in the Wonnangatta Valley in Victoria’s high country, when they both went missing in March2020.

chest, and the jury was not shown any evidenceabouthowMrHilldied.

The jury returned its split verdict in June 2024andLynn,formerlyofCarolineSprings, was sentenced in October 2024 to 32 years’ imprisonmentwithaminimumof24.

His legal team claimed the verdict was “unsafe” and made on “unsatisfactory grounds” after they argued the prosecution put forward an unfair case and failed to properlycross-examineLynn.

Lynn’s barrister Dermott Dann KC accusedtrialprosecutorDanielPorcedduof having “played outside the rules”, and said he had “chickened out” while questioning Lynnashestoodinthewitnessbox.

Curious uses for bamboo at Werribee zoo

WerribeeOpenRangeZooismakingdowith

bamboo in some ways that are pretty new.

Using bamboo donated from Geelong Botanic Gardens, keepers have been putting their DIY skills to the test and crafting everything from wind chimes to treat-dispensing totem poles.

Savannah Keeper Laura Harbridge said the team had a blast inventing new enrichment devices for giraffes, camels, nyala and tammar wallabies using the two tonnes of bamboo.

“We take inspiration from other zoos around the world, and our keepers and volunteers come up with ideas like, ‘how fun would it be to make a meerkat-apult?,’” Ms Harbridge said.

“For the giraffe, we built a feeder that encouraged them to use their dexterous tongues to work the food out, it’s all about getting them to think, stretch and behave as they would in the wild.”

Geelong Botanic Gardens coordinator Keelee Reissinger said the donation was a

perfect way to be sustainable.

“We donated bamboo to Zoos Victoria to protect our heritage trees at the Geelong BotanicGardensfrombeingimpactedbyits growth,” Ms Reissinger said.

“If it wasn’t reused, the bamboo would have gone to landfill and taken up to eight years to break down.”

Visitors can also join in the fun through the Giraffe Behind-the-Scenes Experience, where they can help create their own bamboo feeding devices.

Have a say on Domestic Animal Management Plan

AchancetohaveyoursayonMelton’snext animal management plan is here, with community feedback on the draft now open.

Melton developed a draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) and is inviting community feedback before it is finalised.

The DAMP will guide the council’s approach to managing the wellbeing of cats and dogs over the next four years. It is aimed at ensuring that people and animals can live safely and harmoniously together in the community.

The plan outlines current animal management compliance and education initiatives, as well as new strategies to address emerging issues.

It also highlights opportunities for collaboration between Melton and the community to tackle challenges related to pet ownership.

Developed using feedback from the first round of community consultation in June 2025, the draft plan addresses a range of pet-related matters, including supporting responsible dog and cat ownership; addressing the issue of stray cats; educating the community about the council’s pound facilities, such as available services; and how animals are rehomed through adoption or rescue groups.

Mayor Steve Abboushi said pets are an important part of our lives.

“We want to ensure pet owners can get

Appeal judge Phillip Priest said the trial judge, Michael Croucher, found Mr Porceddu broke the rules on “at least 17 occasions” leading to a direction to the jury aboutthecross-examination.

Victoria’s Director of Public Prosecutions Brendan Kissane KC said the judge’s direction was “favourable to the accused in the extreme” and Mr Porceddu’s breaches hadbeenput“toohighly”.

Although he conceded some “shortcomings” and that some cross-examination could have been “done better”, he rejected all claims that the trial wasunfair.

ThehearingwillcontinueonThursday.

Police briefs

Vehicle impounded

A man has lost his license, had his vehicle impounded and is expected to be charged on summons after allegedly blowing five times the limit in Ardeer on 30 October. Police were called to reports of a Toyota Fortuna driving erratically on the Hume Highway in Fawkner about 2.40pm. It is believed the vehicle was seen swerving, tailgating, colliding with barriers and involved in several near misses before it was intercepted on Ballarat Road in Ardeer. The 46-year-old driver, who was allegedly located next to several open cans of alcohol, returned a positive preliminary breath test and was transported to a police station. He later returned an alleged breath alcohol reading of .250. The man’s license was immediately suspended for 12 months, his vehicle was impounded at a cost of $999 and he is expected to be charged on summons.

Hit-run investigated

Police are investigating a hit and run collision in Werribee on Tuesday 28 October. Investigators have been told a man and a woman were crossing Watton Street, near the intersection of Duncans Road, at about 9pm. As they were crossing they were struck by a blue sedan which was being driven in a north-east direction. The driver failed to stop at the scene after the collision and is yet to be identified. A passer-by saw the two injured people on the road and went to their aid. A 33-year-old Point Cook man and a 31-year-old Wyndham Vale woman suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital.

Albion man charged

the most out of their time with their cats and dogs, and that everyone can feel safe andsupportedinthewaythatanimalsare managed in our city,“ Cr Abboushi said.

“Whether you’re a pet owner or not, we want to hear your views to ensure our final plan meets the needs of pets, their families, and the broader community,“ he said.

Allresidents–whethertheyownapetor not – are encouraged to share their views on the draft DAMP.

Feedback is open until 9am on Monday 10 November.

To view the draft plan and provide your feedback, visit the council’s website. Details: conversations.melton.vic.gov. au/DAMP

A 40-year-old Albion man has been charged following an alleged firearms incident in Albion on Monday 27 October. Police were first called to reports a man was seen with a firearm outside a property on Forrest Street about 1.40pm. Police took the man into custody without incident. No one was injured. Investigators searched the man’s premises, locating and seizing ammunition and drugs. The firearm has been confirmed as an imitation firearm. The man has been charged with possessing ammunition, possessing a drug of dependence and making threats to kill. He is expected to face further charges in relation to the incident. He was bailed to appear before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on

Two giraffes enjoying their DIY bamboo feeders. (Zoos Victoria)

Cancer is never really over

By Tracey Matthies

Breast cancer never made me sick, but the treatment certainly did.

My cancer is gone but now I’m left living with the aftermath of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery and radiation because cancer isn’t always over when it’s gone and when the treatment ends.

I was diagnosed with a non-specific type, HER-2 positive, grade three (fast growing) tumourinmyleftbreastatabout 10.30am on Thursday 19 December, 2023. Ladies – just get your mammograms. My tumour was only detected and diagnosed by a regular BreastScreen.

Whatfollowedwasafloodofinformation and a maelstrom of tests, treatments and side-effects until I was finally told I was NED – No Evidence of Disease about 13 months later.

My official Health Record for that period shows 24 diagnostic imaging reports, including CT scans, with and without nuclearmedicine,bonestudies,PETscans, fluoroscopies, a lymphoscintigraphy (sentinel lymph node mapping to check for any spread of the cancer), ultrasounds, echocardiograms and even ordinary, bog-standard x-rays.

There were also 36 pathology reports. I was on a first name basis with the blood collectors.

Cancer isn’t necessarily over when it’s gone and when the treatment ends. It’s certainly not over for me

- Tracey Matthies

But that’s a rather dry summary of three different types of chemotherapy, and the innumerable side effects of rashes, nausea,diarrhea,fatigueandevenjustthe pain caused by breathing on the back of my hands at times, not to mention all the medicationstodealwiththosesideeffects.

Forget about hospital in the home. I had myownpharmacyinthehome,andwehit the PBS threshold much earlier that year than ever before!

There were countless GP appointments, surgerytoplaceaportforeaseoftreatment and another for a lumpectomy, not to mention three emergency department admissions along the way.

As well as my amazing GP who was there whenever I needed him - just as he promised immediately after my diagnosis - my medical team exploded to include a medical oncologist, breast surgeon, radiation oncologist, heart specialist, lung specialist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist,oncologynurses,radiationtechs and nurses, McGrath BreastCare Nurse, and lymphoedema nurse.

My daily life was driven by medical administration, making and attending appointments, treatments, check ups, tests, tests and more tests.

But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Fortunately, I found my support community quickly. As well as my husbandandoursons,wehadotherfamily members and some very close friends who were, and still are, there with us. From phone calls and visits to dropping off meals, they held us up in the tough times.

I was also fortunate enough to have wonderful support from my employer, the Star News Group. They immediately made it possible for me to work from home and always encouraged me to take the time I neededwhenIwasn’twellenoughtowork.

AFacebooksupportgroupforAustralian women with breast cancer let me know I wasn’t the only person going through whatever that day’s experience was. There

are 58 people diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia every day so someone else out there has been through it before me.

And the cancer community on X (formerly Twitter) was a bastion of support from people around the world where we got so close that I cried when two of my X friends died.

From day one I was assured that this was a beatable cancer, so I had a good headspace about my outcome.

Sure, I lost my hair to chemo, but it grew back.

In fact, it was just long enough at the time of my twin granddaughters’ fifth birthdaypartytohavetheirinitialsshaved into the sides of my head. Yeah, I was the cool grandma that day.

But cancer isn’t necessarily over when it’s gone and when the treatment ends.

It’s certainly not over for me.

Before my own experience I didn’t know that cancer treatment could leave permanent after-effects. I thought I would just go through the treatment and then go back to life as it was before.

A lot of women in the Facebook support group get frustrated when people in their lives think they should be back to the person they were before cancer.

Most of us live with ongoing fatigue, tiredness beyond tired. We plan our days

and weeks to avoid overdoing it because we know how hard that fatigue will hit us. I have to take hormone blockers for 10 years because my type of cancer, HER-2 positive,feedsonoestrogen,andhormone blockers can have side effects. I’ve already beenswitchedtoasecondtypeofhormone blocker because the first one caused such severe joint pain that I could barely walk.

Blockinghormonesaffectsbonedensity, so for the next couple of years I have to have infusions every six months to build up my bone density. And scans to check they are working.

But there’s more.

It’s called peripheral neuropathy, basically nerve damage caused by chemotherapy, the very thing saving my life.

It started with tingling fingers and toes and quickly turned into numb hands, fingers and feet. I was dropping things because I couldn’t feel them to grip properly.

Walking took all my concentration. I couldn’t get my car keys out of my pocket and walk at the same time. I stumbled on uneven ground.

Then I had a couple of falls because my feet weren’t feeling the ground properly.

That’s when my medical oncologist calledahalttothechemo.Shesaidtherisk of permanent damage was greater than

the benefit of more chemo. Unfortunately, the damage had been done,andshenowbelievesmyneuropathy is permanent. So don’t be surprised when you see me moving slowly, sometimes with a walking stick.

As if that wasn’t enough, I also have a persistent nighttime cough so bad that it leads to vomiting most nights.

My lung specialist believes it’s also permanent damage caused by radiation –another factor in saving my life. I’m going through testing to rule out other possible causes, but it seems like this is just one more thing I will just have to live with.

Am I grateful my cancer was detected early and successfully treated?

Absolutely!

Would I do anything differently if my cancer returns?

No, I would still follow the advice of the experts who have got me through this time. I might ask more questions about side effects and permanent after-effects, but I’d still rather be alive.

What I would ask is that the broader community be aware that the end of treatment isn’t necessarily the end of the effectsformanypeople.Don’tbesurprised whentheyhavearoughdayorweek,when they’re frustrated that they will never be the person they were before cancer. Just be there for them, with us.

Tracey’s hands were so sore due to side effects that even breathing on them hurt.

Tracey had just enough hair regrowth following chemotherapy to be the ‘cool grandma’ for her twin granddaughters’ fifth birthday party. She had S for Sophie shaved on one side of her head and L for Lily on the other.

Star News editorial coordinator Tracey Matthies underwent chemotherapy to treat her breast cancer. Tracey was immunocompromised during treatment and had to protect herself from possible infection on an outing with husband, Colin (pictured right). (Pictures: Supplied)

Wetland delay frustration

The mulching of wetlands in Thornhill Park has frustrated a resident who believes the developer responsible delayed the landscaping process.

Resident Matt Pearse said an approximately kilometre-and-a-half stretch of wetlands that weaves through Thornhill Park – beginning near Mount CottrellRoadandleadingtotheMelbourne Water-managed retarding basin and wetlands – was long lacking coverage and maintenance.

He said the stretch is managed by development company Wel.Co Group to be handed over to Melton council after completionandbegantoappear‘chalkand cheese’ in comparison to the Melbourne

MY PLACE

Water wetlands.

“Obviously, it does affect residents when the developer isn’t developing … it does affect the local amenity, and it makes the residents think ‘well, if the developer isn’t going to maintain their section, why am I going to maintain mine?’” Mr Pearse said.

Hesaidwhenheinitiallyraisedconcerns about the lack of coverage and the appearance of the wetlands with Melton council officers in 2022, he was told mulch could not be used at the site due to the risk of it entering and polluting the waterway.

Now that the site has been mulched, Mr Pearse said he does not believe the response from council.

“I don’t have a problem with the mulch

Long-time Melton resident Teresa Butcher is the Lifestyle Brookfield Homeowners Committee vice president and has had a long history of community involvement – both in her professional career as a nurse and as a volunteer. Oscar Parry spoke with Teresa about her history with Melton and her work.

WhatisyourconnectiontoMelton?

I migrated from England in 1962, and my parents told us we were coming to Australia for a better life and we all had to have a career so I became a nurse, my sisterahairdresserandmybrotherafitter and turner.

Then I worked in the hospital systems around Melbourne and met my first husband at the Royal Melbourne [Hospital]. He was a first intensive care ambulance paramedic … I met him there and we got married and had two girls. I continued to work in the hospital system. Then I got breast cancer and I started to do some private [work]. I worked for a doctor here and we set up a few clinics and revamped the theatres here for accreditation … I did all that sort of work.

Whatdoyoulikeaboutwhereyoulive?

I love living in the village. It’s secure, it’s safe .. there’s heaps to do … you’re never really lonely here.

What, if anything, would you change aboutwhereyoulive?

I think the violence in the area has gotten bad,andIfeelsorryforthepolicebecause theygothroughthis…then[theoffenders are] on the street again.

Tell us a bit about your work in the community.

I’ve got cancer now. I’ve got Stage 4 breast cancer again. I live every day like it’s my last, and I make the most of everything. If I can do something to help somebody –that’s what I do.

What would be your message to someone who is considering becoming avolunteer?

Iftheywanttodosomethingtohelpinthe community – don’t sit on your hands. Get into it and do it, because you’re helping someone else – and you never know, your help might be the change they need to turn themselves around.

Long-time Melton resident and Lifestyle

Brookfield Homeowners Committee vice president Teresa Butcher. (Supplied)

because it does lift up the area … it does provide amenity and provide great coverage. But if it could be done now, why couldn’t it be done in 2022–23 when the project was initially progressing?” Mr Pearse said.

“I don’t believe that Melbourne Water just changed the landscaping plan and the flood plan ... I don’t believe it would have happened so suddenly. … based on what council officers are telling me.

“Now [the developer is] on the line for a potential windfall [from] the council, all of a sudden it’s now doable for them.”

Melton director of city futures Sam Romaszko said planting across the wetlandsinquestionisprogressing,but“as

is typical of native vegetation, it may take some time to reach maturity”.

She said the use of mulch was later reassessedinconsultationwithMelbourne Water following a site survey.

Melbourne Water general manager of urban planning and development Stuart Draffin said while mulching is used to support the landscaping program by suppressing weeds, this is only used outsidethepotentialfloodzone,“sothatthe mulch does not adversely affect the flood mitigationperformanceorcontaminatethe wetland”.

A spokesperson for Wel.Co Group was contactedforcomment.

Murray recognised by VCPA

Star Weekly sport editor Tara Murray’s coverage of Werribee Football Club’s 2024 VictorianFootballLeaguepremiershiphas been recognised at the Victorian Country Press Association (VCPA) awards.

Murray conducted interviews with Werribee coach Jimmy Allan, chief executive Mark Penaluna, captain Dom Brew, Norm Goss medalist Jack Henderson and players Cooper Whyte and Nick Hayes following the win as part of her overall coverage of the match.

The judge said the resulting double page spread was reminiscent of post-match personal interviews of key players and personalities seen on television coverage of sport, earning her the Best Sport Story Award.

“Our top marks go to Star Weekly’s Tara Murrayforcapturingthesameengagement inprint,settinganewpost-matchreporting

standardfollowingWerribee’shistoricVFL premiership,” the judge stated.

“Her double page spread featured revealing in-depth interviews.”

StarWeeklywasalsohighlycommended intheBestLocallyProducedAdvertisement Award.

The ad for DFV Lawyers ran demanded attention, according to the judge.

“Sitting below the editorial it delivers a direct call for immediate action for those needing support,” the judge said

“The image is no-nonsense and conveys everything I would be looking for in a lawyer - professional fierceness.

“The colour scheme is eye catching but the use of quotes in the headline conveys almost an intimate conversation between the reader and the lawyer.”

The VCPA awards were held in Yarrawonga on 24 October.

Briefs

Plaster fun in Bacchus Moorabool council is hosting morning of plaster figure painting fun in Bacchus Marsh. Titled ’Tween Craft – Plaster Fun,’ the morning event will give attendees the chance to unleash their creativity and take home a one-of-a-kind plaster masterpiece. Bookings are not required. Children aged under 12 require parental supervision. The session will be held from 10.30am–12pm on Saturday 15 November at the Lerderderg Library, 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Contact: Stevie, 53667100

Cat desexing in Melton

Melton is offering a service to have your cat desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and/or treated for fleas and worms at a reduced price. Hosted in conjunction with The Vet Project, the council is offering limited appointments during November and December at Melton’s animal pound. Prices are $75 for desexing and microchipping; $120 for desexing, microchipping, and vaccination; and $160 for desexing, microchipping, vaccination, and a three-month coverage flea and worm treatment. The next dates will be November 19, 20, and 21 and December 17, 18, and 19. Admit time is 7.30–8am each day and discharge time is normally between 2–3pm.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Lest we forget on 11 November

Remembrance Day, observed each year on 11 November, is one of Australia’s most significant national commemorations.

It marks the moment in 1918 when thegunsoftheWesternFrontfellsilent, ending the First World War after more than four years of conflict. At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, Australians pause for one minute’s silence to honour those who have served and sacrificed in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Remembrance Day is important because it reminds us of the courage, dedication, and resilience of those who foughttoprotectthefreedomsweenjoy today. More than 60,000 Australians lost their lives in the First World War alone, and many more have served in conflicts since. The day provides a time for reflection — not only on the cost of war, but also on the enduring values of peace, unity, and gratitude.

Theredpoppyhasbecomeapowerful symbol of remembrance, inspired by thepoppiesthatgrewonthebattlefields of Flanders in Belgium. Australians often wear a poppy or place one at war memorials as a sign of respect.

Schools, workplaces, and communities across the country hold services on 11 November, bringing people together to remember the fallen and support those who continue to serve. In doing so, Australians ensure that the sacrifices of past generations are never forgotten, and that the message of Remembrance Day — lest we forget — continues to resonate for future generations.

Retire in style at Bellbrook Gardens Country Club

Discover a peaceful, social, and secure lifestyle amidst resort style amenities at BellbrookGardensCountryClubinahighly soughtaftercommunityforindividualsand couplesaged55plus.

Now is the perfect time to secure your dream home and live the lifestyle you deserve.

This very popular home design provides comfort and style. The many features of this beautifully appointed villa, include three generous bedrooms, a study, luxurious ensuite with double vanities, guest bathroom and a spacious open plan living area incorporating a well-appointed, functional kitchen offering ample storage, stone bench tops and quality appliances. Gas central heating, split system air conditioning, and ducted vacuuming add to the comfort of this home. The private, rear garden and alfresco area will allow for easy outdoor entertaining and a low maintenancelifestyle.

Bellbrook Gardens Country Club is part of the Country Club Living group and is located at 168 Underbank Boulevard and is conveniently located less than 5 minutes to thecenterofBacchusMarshand15minutes fromMelton.

The Bellbrook Gardens community residents and visitors are delighted by the bright and happy atmosphere. You can embrace life and live your retirement just thewayyouwantwithindependent,secure living and reassurance for yourself and family.

The Country Club boasts a community centre that contains a hairdressing salon, library, billiards room, craft room and bar. Additionally, residents have access to an indoor heated pool, gym and an outdoor andindoorbowlsrink.Thevillageisstaffed

with on site management and has a 24 hr emergency call system and on site caravan storage. The village bus also commutes residents on shopping trips and social outings.

Now’s the perfect time to make your move. Enjoy a high quality lifestyle and beautiful homes at outstanding value, and with no stamp duty to pay! Don’t miss your chancetoembracethelifestyleyoudeserve.

Bellbrook Gardens is close to central Bacchus Marsh and the freeway to Melbourne and Ballarat.

AI must be made to pay up

Country Press Australia (CPA) has welcomed the federal government’s decisiontoruleoutacopyrightexemption for AI companies, but says urgent action is now required to enforce copyright laws and stop AI platforms from stealing regionalandsuburbanjournalism.

CPA president Damian Morgan said the damage to regional and suburban journalism is no longer hypothetical or distant,itisalreadyoccurring.

“AI companies think they are above the law,”hesaid.

“They are harvesting local news stories, paraphrasing them, and delivering them backtousersasanswersratherthanlinks.

The public still consumes the journalism, but they never reach the publisher, never subscribe,andneverseealocaladvertiser.

The reporting is ours, but the commercial benefitiscapturedbyoffshoretechnology companies.”

Mr Morgan added that regional and suburbanpublishersnowoperatemetered or hybrid paywalls to fund journalism, but AI scraping routinely bypasses those protections, further threatening the economic base needed to keep local journalistsemployed.

“The problem is not only training data. These platforms are now replacing the publisherinrealtime,”hesaid.

“They extract our reporting, convert it into their own output, and keep the audience. That removes the economic baseneededtokeepjournalistsemployed inregionalAustralia.”

Mr Morgan said the policy failure that occurred when Meta walked away from funding news must not be allowed to repeatitselfintheAIera.

“Googlehasremainedengagedwiththe industry,butMetawalkedawaywhilestill benefiting from Australian journalism,” hesaid.

“We cannot go through a second cycle where big tech uses regional reporting to drive engagement but refuses to fund the journalism that makes it possible. If AI companies want to use Australian news, theymustlicenseitandpayforit.”

Country Press Australia is calling for a national framework that ensures licensingcoversbothtrainingandoutput; thatregionalandsuburbanpublishersare explicitlyincludedalongsidelargermedia companies; and that there is a low-cost, fast enforcement pathway for small publishers who cannot afford lengthy litigation.

“Regional journalism is not simply a commercial product. It is public infrastructure in democratic life,” Mr Morgansaid.

“If scraping continues unchecked, local reporting will disappear not because communities don’t value it, but because AI has siphoned away the audience and revenue that sustains it. Once a regional newsroom closes, there is no replacingit.”

Mr Morgan said the government had taken the right first step by rejecting a copyright carve-out for AI, but the next stage – licensing and enforcement – will determine whether regional publishing canremainviable.

“Australia solved this problem once through the News Media Bargaining Code,”hesaid.

“We now need the AI equivalent before theharmbecomesirreversible.”

Melton is a COPD hotspot

Melton is one of 25 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hotspots in Australia,accordingtoanewreport.

COPD, of which emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common forms, is an incurable and progressive lung disease thatcausesbreathingdifficulty.

It is caused by lung tissue damage and inflammation, leading to narrowing of the airways and inability of the lungs to fully expandandcontract.

According to health advisory firm Evohealth,itisa“preventableandtreatable, yet shockingly common” lung condition responsibleformorethan7600deathsevery year and more potentially preventable

hospitaladmissionsthananyothercause.

In a new report from the organisation titled‘TheChangethatcan’twait:Reducing the human and economic burden of COPD in Australia’, it states that each year across the country, COPD is responsible for 53,000 hospital admissions in those aged 45 and over and accounts for 268,000 bed days, with the condition also costing the Australian healthcare system $1.67 billion annually.

The report predicts that these figures are set to increase, with the number of Australians living with COPD expected to rise from 526,000 to more than 843,000 by 2050.

According to modelling by Evohealth, there are an estimated 608 severe cases of COPDintheMeltonmunicipality.

Evohealth managing director Renae Beardmore said the organisation knows that COPD rates are more than three times higher in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage, which likely contributes to a disproportionate impact on these communities.

“Further, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience highly inequitable COPD outcomes. Not only are theymorelikelytobediagnosedwithsevere or very severe COPD, but are hospitalised with COPD almost five times more often

Cancer survivor is now singing for a cause

By Sam Porter

Twodaysbeforehis23rdbirthday,western suburbs resident Cameron Valles was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma.

“I had symptoms for six months and nobody could figure out what it was until I foundalump.There’snoearlydetectionor prevention,” Cameron said.

“It changes the way I think about life, and my decisions are vastly different now having been through it.

“I’ve grown a lot closer with my family and friends. That’s one of the positives that’s come out of it.”

Hodgkin Lymphoma is a rare cancer that affects the lymphatic system. While receiving treatment, Cameron had the idea to organise his own live music fundraising event with raised funds to go towards blood cancer research through the Leukaemia Foundation.

“I just decided one day I wanted to do an event to raise money to get more research because once you figure it out it’s too late,” he said.

Cameron will share his cancer journey through his music

“My experiences as a young person with cancer are pretty unique. You don’t hear it as much. I couldn’t see very many young people in the hospital,” he said.

According to the Cancer Council, the average age for Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis is 44 years old.

Cameron, who is a singer and a rapper, will perform five songs at the event.

“I started making music in 2020 in Covid. I just decided to do something I’ve always wanted to do. I figured it’s a really good way to express what I’m feeling,” he said.

Cameron said other musicians will perform at the event too.

“I’ll get people to come and enjoy food and live music and, while doing that, raise a bit of money towards research,” he said.

There will also be a silent auction.

“It’s just a time for connection and enjoying live music, and doing something good alongside that,” Cameron said.

Crafts catered for Christmas

Lifestyle Brookfield is hosting Christmas market and garage sale events this month, offering a chance to wrap up your festive shopping early or score a bargain. Hosted annually for about 20 years, the Christmas Craft Market invites the wider community into the village to browse a range of Christmas-gift-appropriate goods, homemade by Lifestyle Brookfield residents and others.

Products will include baked goods, handmadecrafts,knittedpieces,jewellery, and plants.

There will also be a barbecue and Devonshire Tea on offer.

Lifestyle Brookfield Homeowners Committee vice president Teresa Butcher said the atmosphere of the market is always lively.

She said many of the products at the ChristmasCraftMarkethavebeencreated

by residents during community craft sessions held at the village each week.

“It’s a bustling market – you have a lot of people going through there. And then on the 15th of November, we’ve got a big garage sale at Brookfield – that’s open to the public [too],” Ms Butcher said.

The garage sale will involve a range of homeowners,withamapofthoseinvolved in the sale provided at the gate on the day.

The Christmas Craft Market will run from 8.30am–1pm on Saturday 29 November at the main club rooms at the site, located at 111-139 Coburns Road, Brookfield.

The garage sale day will run from 8am–12pm on 15 November.

To attend the Christmas Craft Market, RSVP by calling the organisation or walk in on the day.

Contact: 1300 505 560

Cameron will perform as part of ‘23 & Hodgkin’ on Saturday 8 November at 5.30pm at the Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans.

The event is recommended for those aged 13 years and older.

More info: creativebrimbank.com.au

thannon-IndigenousAustralians,”shesaid. “MeasurestoimproveCOPDmanagement inAustraliamustacknowledgeandaddress the fact that this is clearly a disease of inequity.”

Thereportpresentsfiverecommendations for adoption by federal, state and territory governments, including boosting spirometry use in primary care to enable early and accurate COPD diagnosis and monitoring, expanding partnerships and programs to improve alignment to clinical carestandards,andexpandingandfunding programs that better manage transitions of careandoptimisetreatment.

Details:tinyurl.com/j9wej827

Chance to see rare grasslands

Victoria’svolcanicplainhaslostmuch of its grasslands, and an upcoming tour will show attendees one of the remaining patches in the Melton municipality.

HostedbytheGrassyPlainsNetwork onSaturday8November,participants will get an up-close look at the MccorkellsRoadGrasslandinToolern Vale, which sits inconspicuously on theroadside.

Grassy Plains Network facilitator Adrian Marshall said with only about 0.58 of the volcanic plain’s grasslands left – a figure that is likely an overestimate – grasslands such as thisoneare“superimportant“.

“They’ve survived pretty much by chance, protected by accident when the CFA has burnt those roadsides as a firebreak to protect nearby townships,“MrMarshallsaid.

“Fire is very helpful to make grasslands thrive basically, and to keep out the pasture grasses that will creepinfromneighbouringgrazing.

“Grasslands need fire because they’re dead leaves, they’re thatch built up and up and up, and if there’s too much of it, it basically smothers the[biodiversity].“

Mr Marshall said roadside grasslands are incredibly vulnerable and are often damaged by cars pulling over, roadworks, or utility maintenance activities – with the Grassy Plains Network calling for increased regulation, oversight, signage and physical protection of thesesites.

With Christmas fast approaching & events kicking off, are you ready you ready to launch your Code of Conduct communications to your people?

Cameron Valles. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 512062_06

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

Reverse Advent Calendar boxes

Bacchus Marsh Uniting Church will again this year coordinate the pickup and collection of Reverse Advent Calendar boxes for the region. A Reverse Advent Calendar begins as an empty box. For 20 days in the lead-up to Christmas, you place one item (non-perishable food, toiletries, or a Christmas treat) into the box. After 20 days, your filled Reverse Advent Calendar is returned to the church, where it will be given to food relief agencies to distribute to people in our immediate community who are experiencing food insecurity. Boxes will be available for pickup on Sunday mornings, 9–11.30am.

 Iris, 0408 106 733

Lights of Wisdom

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. The event is held on the first Friday of every month, 7.30–8.30pm at Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh. The next event pn 7 November will be on Forgiveness. This is a free community event open to all.

Melton South Community Centre classes

Melton South Community Centre at 41 Exford Road, Melton South is offering a range of computer classes, cooking classes, and lots more. The program can be viewed on the community centre’s website.

 9747 8576 or meltonsouth.org.au

Community band

The Greater Western Community Band meets Thursdays from 7.30-9.30pm. The rehearsal venue is the Bridge Road Community Centre, Strathtulloh (Melton South). The band is available for events. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are always welcome.

 Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582

God, movie and chat

A free community event is held every second Friday of each month with a film with spiritual themes screened followed by discussion. All thoughts are welcome. Bring your own sandwich. Tea, coffee, and popcorn are provided. The event is hosted at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 19a Gisborne Road, Bacchus March.

 bacchusmarshanglican.org.au

Probus Club of Melton Ladies

The Probus Club of Melton Ladies meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am at the Melton Country Club. It is a social club where all ladies are welcome.

 Glenda, 0418 504 616

Women Working Together

A program connecting women aged 50 above in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Melton.

 9655 2131, or EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au

Zonta club

Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Meetings include guest speakers.

 Janet, 0421 080 923, or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au

Melton Over 50s Social Group

Join a friendly group of people aged 50 and older who enjoy each other’s company while attending events such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Werribee Primary School year teacher Trent Archer and students Loraine and Craigette celebrating the school’s AFL School of the Year award. (Damjan Janevski) 513802_01

friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you.

 Marlene, 0498 329 290

Rose carers of Maddingley Park

The group meets every Wednesday from 10am-noon at the Commemorative Rose Garden, Maddingley Park on the corner of Taverner Street and Grant Streets, Bacchus Marsh. It maintains the two rose gardens at the park. Volunteers are welcome and no experience is necessary to join .

 Elaine, 0400 052 857 or Judy, 0428 463 538

Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club

Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10am-noon at the Avenue Bowling Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh

 Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com

Melton Valley Ladies Probus

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Friday each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome.

 Ann, 0425 705 150

Sewing in Melton

If you love sewing, head on down to the Melton South Community Centre. Bring along your machine and materials and make new friends as you swap tips and work on your own projects. 9.30am–3pm each Tuesday. Each session costs $5.  9747 8576

Melton South Community Singers

Singers of all levels are welcome at the Melton South Community Singers. This free and friendly group meets at the Melton South Community Centre and rehearses to perform at local venues and events. The group meets from 12.15-2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month. No bookings are required.

 Sue, 0400 082 413

Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens

The Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens look forward to meeting up with new members

at the Andy Arnold Centre, 10 Bennett Street, Bacchus Marsh.

 hopem@optusnet.com.au

Melton Concert Band

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

 0401 474 582

Cancer Support Group

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

 Grenville, 0412 741 865

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

Friendship Group

For all aged 60 and older – are you looking for some new friends? Then this group is for you. The Melton and Surrounding areas Friendship Group meets fortnightly for a coffee and chat night and organises affordable outings such as dinners, movie nights and many social events – plus occasional weekends away, and local or overseas holidays.

 Shirley, 0419 006 525 or Vera, 0406 493 734

Over 50s games and cards

Melton Club 50+ runs a games and cards afternoon every Sunday from 2-4pm at Kurunjang Community Hub, 33 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. Join this friendly group and make new friends over games and a cuppa.

 Denise, 0403 840 241 or Sharon, 0407 461 069

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 5-8 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/ 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 5367 4390

Young actors make waves

A show exploring tales of the ocean is comingtotheBoweryTheatreinBrimbank.

The performance is part of Beyond Disability Services’s program ‘Beyond Broadway’ where participants meet each Wednesday to develop and rehearse theatreandperformance.

Show director Anabel said the participants helped brainstorm ideas, choreograph routines, create scripts and makeprops.

“They were very actively involved in the process of making the show. Every single person that’s in the show has contributed toitinsomeway,”Anabelsaid.

“The show is one big storybook full of storiesandeachstoryisatale,andthattale willbeperformedonstage.”

Beyond Disabilities Services director Marina Ivelja said each participant set out to achieve their own personal goal as part oftheproductionprocess.

“This is a really good program because it helpsthemachievetheirgoalsandworkon theirconfidence,”shesaid.

Theshowissuitableforallaudiences.

“It’s kid friendly, and it’s also welcoming topeoplewithdisabilities,”Anabelsaid.

“It’s made to be very entertaining and interactive. And the more people we have

thebetterbecausethevibeswillbehigher.”

“A lot of these participants on stage are performing for the first time in a theatre, so support from the community is greatly appreciatedasthey’llbesupportingpeople withadisability.”

One hundred per cent of ticket sales will gobackintotheBeyondDisabilityServices drama production and the carers retreat runbytheorganisation.

Tales of the Ocean will be showing at 5.30pm on Wednesday 12 November at the Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans.

Tickets:tinyurl.com/2dhvsa9n

Celebrating Melton’s young artists

The talents and creativity of Melton’s youth is on full show in Caroline Springs, with a broad range of media on exhibit.

Hosted at the CS Gallery until 12 December, Ascent 2025 is an exhibition showcasing art and design created by some of the municipality’s talented local artists.

The works have been created by emerging artists from Year 10 from various schools in the area, with works

include drawings, paintings, ceramics, mixed media and photography.

The student arts exhibition aims to provide arts industry experience to young artistsandencouragestheleapintofuture studies and career pathways in the arts.

According to Melton, the exhibition uplifts, encourages and supports the exhibiting artists, while also providing a platform for the young voices within our municipality.

Representing a range of ideas, Ascent is a celebration of the creativity, ingenuity, anduniqueperspectivesoflocalemerging talent.

Ascent 2025 opened on 6 October and will run until 12 December at CS Gallery, 193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs.

Entry is free, and a full list of opening timesforCSGallerycanbeviewedonline.

Details: pgav.org.au/CS-Gallery~9033

Experience the diversity of Myanmar at festival

People from near and far are welcome to attendtheMyanmarMulticulturalFestival inWerribeeonSaturday8November.

The event will be a diverse showcase of the art, embroidery and culinary gems found across the ethnic minorities of Myanmar – which include the Karen, Karenni, Arakanese and Chin, Kachin, communities.

Starting at 9.30am and running until 5pm, the free event includes displays of traditional music, dance, basket weaving and a volleyball competition for young refugees who have fled persecution in Myanmar.

People will have the chance to view and purchasetraditionalart.

Alison Mynard, a psychologist who works closely with many refugees from the Southeast Asian country, said it is a communityasstrongasitiskind.

“This community of combined ethnic minorities from Myanmar have been throughexceptionalhardshipandtraumas

thatareunimaginable,”MsMynardsaid.

“However,despitethesedifficultiesthese communities continue to show kindness and compassion to one another, coming togethertosupporttheircommunitieswho are in refugee camps along the Borders of Myanmar.

MsMynardalsocommendedthediverse community’s spirit and strength in giving their support for internally displaced people around Myanmar who continue to liveamongtheongoingconflict.

Running alongside the day, there will be a launch of suicide awareness and positive mentalhealthmessagescampaignthrough BlackDogRideandNextDoorArtisans.

Thiswillbedeliveredinthethreedifferent languagesoftheethnicminorities.

The festival will be held at 10-12 Bridge Street in Werribee, so come along and get toknowatapestryofcultures.

Get ready for a night of raw emotion and electrifying energy as western suburbs singer, songwriter, producer and DJ, Shristy, previews her upcomingEPFracturedinFootscray.

A vibrant newcomer to Melbourne’s music scene, Shristy grew up in a house where musicals from 70s Indian cinema constantly reverberatedthecorridors.

From a young age she began dabblinginmusic,usingsongwriting anddancetocreateescapistrealities. The result is a diverse musical palette that is deeply influenced by 2000s pop icons, experimental electro-pop sub genres and world music.

That diverse palette will be on full display when Shristy gives Fractured it’s live debut at Mama Chen’s in Footscrayon6November.

Audience members can expect soaring vocals, pulsing beats, and a performance that bleeds honesty as Shristy takes them on a journey of heartbreak through pop-punk, electronic,andhyperpopsounds.

Before she doe so though, support actsKenShingandDJBrandyJaywill get punters moving with infectious popandsoulfulgrooves.

Afterwards, DJ HOZ3EMPIC will close the night with a hyperpop afterparty.

Shristy’s’FracturedEP’livelaunch is from 7.30pm to 10pm on Thursday, 6 November at Mama Chen’s, 42a AlbertStreet,Footscray.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchasedonlineoronthedoor.

Details and bookings: https:// mammachens.com.au/25-11-06shristy/

Ma Hla Htoo and La Pree showcasing traditional weaving. (Alison Mynard)

Participants from Beyond Disability Services’ program ‘Beyond Broadway’ are putting on a show at the Bowery Theatre. (Damjan Janevski). 512515_03

Western suburbs singer-songwriter Shristy will launch her new EP in Footscray on 6 November. (Supplied)

Melton Christian College year 10 student Olivia. (Supplied)

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

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Matildas star recently notched up 100 games played for the national team?

2. Who will captain the Australian cricket team in the upcoming first Ashes Test?

3. The Jillaroos defeated which nation 60-0 in a recent Pacific Championships Test?

4. Which sporting league recently had a player and a coach caught up in a betting scandal?

5. Who will coach Western Australia in their 2026 AFL State of Origin match against Victoria?

6. What is the nickname of the NHL ice hockey team based in Anaheim?

7. What weather event halted Round 11 AFLW matches in both Queensland and Victoria?

How many matches comprised the 2025 Constellation Cup series between Australia and New Zealand?

Which driver recently knocked Oscar Piastri off top spot on the Formula 1 Championship leaderboard?

Port Adelaide forward Indy Tahau recently set what AFLW record?

Which Sydney Swans AFLW star’s season was cut short by a back

What was the final score of the Matildas’ recent victory against the Wales national women’s football team?

13. 2025 NBA No.1 draft pick Cooper Flagg plays for which Western Conference team?

14. Brothers Bernie and Doug Bolger represent Australia in which obscure sport?

15. Who captained the Matildas while Sam Kerr recovered from her ACL injury?

16. Who has been named the 92nd captain of the Wallabies?

17. Minjee Lee recently led Australia to international victory in which golf event?

18. Retired English cricketer Stephen Finn has released a memoir with what title?

19. Which soccer team recently fired its head coach after an eightgame winless streak in Serie A?

20. Australian darts star Simon Whitlock goes by what nickname?

21. Indian cricket star Shreyas Iyer suffered an injury to what internal organ following a diving catch in the recent final ODI against Australia?

22. After a poor start to the season, Brendan Rodgers has resigned as manager of which premiership soccer club?

23. Dwayne Johnson stars as which real-life MMA fighter in TheSmashing Machine?

24. Which AFL club has the longest name?

25. Outside hitter, libero and setter are all positions in which sport?

26. What materials are clay pigeons typically made out of?

27. Is Alex de Minaur, Nick Kyrgios or Alexei Popyrin currently Australia’s top male tennis player?

28. As of the 2026 season, how many teams will compete in the Super League?

29. In which city would you find the WACA Ground stadium?

30. Who holds the men’s world record for the 100m sprint?

Minjee Lee

Alexei Popyrin Alexei

ACROSS

1 Kitchen appliance (6)

4 Vows (8) 10 Melodramatic show (4,5) 11 Fact of being elsewhere (5)

12 Reflected sound (4) 13 Persistently attempt to sell (4) 14 Colloquialism (5)

16 Summit (4) 17 Women’s underwear and nightwear (8) 20 Lawyer (8) 22 Swear (4)

25 Two-armed cooking implement (5) 26 Nailed (4) 28 Heroic story (4) 30 Breed of dog (5) 31 Copying (9) 32 Eavesdropped (8) 33 Freedom from risk or danger (6) DOWN

1 Romantic touches with the lips (6) 2 Windpipe (7)

3 Be ominously close (4) 5 Holiday by car (4,4) 6 Significant (10) 7 More exciting; more fragrant (7) 8 Swayed (8)

Sampler (4) 15 Developing backwards (10) 18 Strategic (8)

19 Calming drug (8)

21 Flat, frozen wastelands (7)

23 Steady (7)

24 Awkward (6)

27 Revise (4)

29 US space agency (1,1,1,1)

Using the nine letters in the

how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and

In what country was composer Ludwig van Beethoven

or 2004?

8 Actress Maggie Smith (pictured) played which character in the Harry Potter movie franchise?

9 In the equation E=mc2, what does the ‘m’ stand for?

10 Which Renaissance artist painted the fresco Assumption oftheVirgin?

Fronx an appealing little car

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Not sure what to make of the Suzuki Fronx. ItsharesaplatformwiththeSuzukiSwift, so it could be described as the crossover version of Swift.

The Fronx name is a portmanteau of ‘Frontier Next’ which was trademarked by Suzuki way back in 2014.

They are a bit slow off the mark but apparently the idea was to create an SUV that is widely accepted by the market with existing resources, which could explain some things.

Suzuki describes Fronx as the most comprehensively equipped Suzuki model ever offered in Australia, pairing premium styling with the advanced features you’d normally expect in higher-end cars.

Let’s see.

There’s just the one model priced from $29,990 driveaway. Premium paint adds $745 to the price; two-tone paint which combines a black roof with a second colour is $1345.

Our test vehicle was finished in the two-tone combination of Bluish Black Pearl over Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic.

Standard kit includes single-zone climate air, combination cloth and leather accented trim, leather transmission shift and steering wheel, heated manual-adjust front seats and keyless entry and start.

There are also 16-inch alloys with 195/60 profile rubber, LED head and daytime running lights, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition and rear parking sensors.

Fronxiscoveredbyafive-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance.

Service is due every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first. No mention of fixed price servicing.

Styling

Fronx is an attractive little vehicle.

One of those in-betweeners, not quite a hatch but certainly not an SUV.

It’s just under four metres in length with a 2520mm wheelbase and weighs 1064kg.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of a smallish 9.0-inch touchscreen. It features Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, AM/ FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and generic six-speaker sound.

Separatecontrolsareprovidedfortheair, but no physical volume control is provided for the audio.

Navigation is not included and while we have objected strongly to manufacturers dropping this feature in the past, the advent of wireless CarPlay and Android Auto largely fills this role - EXCEPT that is when you leave civilisation behind and phone reception becomes patchy. Alas, then you’re on your own.

There’s also wireless phone charging, USB-A and 12-volt sockets in the front, plus two USB-C sockets in the back.

Fronx has not been tested for safety yet.

Infact,theonlySuzukitocurrentlycarry a rating from ANCAP is the Swift hatch and it mustered only three stars.

However, it comes with a comprehensive suite of driver assist features including six airbags, head-up display, a 360-degree reverse camera and auto emergency braking.

Dual Sensor Brake Support II employs radar and a camera to detect vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians directly or diagonally ahead of the vehicle.

If a collision is likely, audio and visual warnings alert the driver. If the driver doesn’t brake hard enough, brake assist steps in to automatically help slow the vehicle.

And, if the probability of a collision increases,thesystemautomaticallyapplies brakeforcetohelpreduceimpactforceand mitigate damage.

There’s also Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and Weaving Alert.

Two ISOFix child seat anchors and three top tethers are provided in the rear.

Engines/transmissions

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine develops 76kW at 6000 rpm and 137Nm of torque at 4400 rpm, with the assistance of a 12-volt mild-hybrid system.

It’s paired with a six-speed automatic, with drive to the front wheels.

Interior

Rear legroom is generous for a vehicle this size, but at the expense of luggage capacity.

The elevated rear seat limits headroom and rear seat passengers unfortunately miss out on their own air outlets.

Cargo capacity is 304 litres with the rear seats upright, or 605 litres with them folded, with a multi-level floor that hides a space saver spare.

It’s a tight little chassis with a low centre of gravity and Fronx handles surprisingly well, given the limitations of the simple torsion bar rear suspension.

There are paddle shifters for changing gear manually as well as a Sport button on

the centre console.

In other markets Fronx is available with all-wheel drive, but that would impact the price.

Driving

Suzuki is slow to respond to feedback, or is just not listening, because the car comes with the same old transmission shift that has attracted criticism in the past.

The problem is that dragging the shift backwardstoputthecarintoDriveislikely to engage manual mode if you pull too hard, and there’s no lock out to stop this from occurring.

The result is a car that revs loudly, demanding a gear change that is not going to happen until you realise what is going on.

Putting anything in the two cupholders ahead of the transmission shift makes it difficult to move the shift into park. Seriously, guys?

The instrument cluster is basic, with old school analogue gauges for the tacho and speedometer, separated by a small informational panel.

It offers a surprising array of choices, somesuchasG-forceareperhapsirrelevant to the average driver.

Using Android Auto to navigate locks the information panel to map directions and in the process locks out the digital speedo, justwhenyouareprobablygoingtoneedit.

The head-up display is of the cheaper, flip-up variety, but at least it works.

Better still, you can actually see it wearing polarised sunglasses.

Light steering and a compact 9.6-metre turning circle make it an okay car for

getting around town, as long as you’re an undemanding driver.

But a lack of power and especially torque sees it struggle outside of town where you are more likely to encounter hilly terrain and have the need to overtake.

Engaging Sport mode is a bit frenetic for prolonged use, but you can get the car really moving quite well if you elect to change gears manually.

The majority of drivers are unlikely to persist with this option, but letting the transmission do its thing sees it slip back into a torque hole.

Thecardoesn’treallygetgoingwithoutat least 2300 revs on the dial.

As we mentioned, it’s a good chassis and could easily accommodate a more powerful drivetrain. It deserves it.

Although the driver assist features aren’t too intrusive, there was one incident where auto braking activated for no apparent reasonasweroundedadescendinghairpin bend - not once but three times.

With a 37-litre tank it takes standard 91 unleaded and with auto engine stop-start, fuelconsumptionisaclaimed4.9L/100km. We were getting 5.7L/100km after 533km - not bad but not as good as a Toyota.

Summing up

There’s a great car inside the Fronx waiting to get out. It could be so much more and is crying out for further investment.

On our wish list is a more powerful engine, a digital instrument cluster and a reorganisation of the infotainment system.

The original four quadrant system nailed simplicity, this one is just confusing. Just saying.

There is a great car inside the Fronx waiting to get out. (Pictures: Supplied)

Before many people headed away for the Melbourne Cup long weekend, they had to fit in their sporting commitments. There was plenty of sun for Saturday’s play with Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC out shooting some of the action.

A long weekend of action

Westmeadows’ Pathem De Mel. 514168_03

Werribee Giants’ Jamie Brereron and coach Megan Fahy. 514157_08

Werribee Giants’ Desiree Sulufaiga. 514157_02

Watching on the sidelines at Hansen Reserve. 514168_17

Point Cook players wait to bat. 514159_15

Druids’ Sonara Pilippuhewa. 514171_16

Melton South Royals’ Joshua Sutton. 514174_05

Keilor Park celebrates a wicket. 514174_03

Keilor Park’s Corey Dennehy. 514174_01

Point Cook Centrals’ Reyansh Jain. 514159_02

Sunshine’s Altamash Zaheer. 514171_01

Pet Kitty and Test Of Fire both race across line for wins

For the second time in as many weeks Carson Millar took his entire stable to the races and returned home with a perfect strike rate after Test Of Fire and Pet Kitty both scored at Melton on Saturday night.

Jordan Leedham took off on Test Of Fire from midfield with 800 metres to travel and the five-year-old showed plenty of intestinal fortitude to stave off Anikan by two metres in a mile rate of 1:54.3.

Half an hour later Pet Kitty, with Leedham aboard, completed a memorablenightforMillarwhensheled all the way in the Nutrien Equine Pace. Sent out favourite on the strength of two wins from her past three starts, Pet Kittyboundedawayinthehomestraight to score comfortably by eight metres from Fun To Love in a mile rate of 1:53.4. Millar landed the first double of his

career a fortnight ago at Geelong and promptly followed it up with his maiden Saturday night double at Melton.

The 36-year-old Millar, who drives

trains for a living, only has the two horses in work.

“It’s a super feeling as I only do the two horses,” Millar said.

The nomadic Pet Kitty has been in no less than eight different stables in her career including a stint with Millar last year when she won five races in a row.

“She’s got a lot of quirks and she’s not easy to handle yet she’s never run a bad race for me to be honest,” he said.

“She’s tries her heart out and that’s all I can ask.”

Millar said his occupation as a train driver allows him the flexibility to prepare a small team at Meredith between Geelong and Ballarat.

“It’s shift work which involves early mornings and late nights and it fits in withmedoingahobbylikethis,”hesaid.

Meanwhile, Brisbane Lions premiership player Darcy Gardiner’s

Confidence growing

By Tara Murray

MeltonThoroughbredsareyettoreachtheir full potential in the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League north-west women’s competition.

Sitting second at the halfway mark, the Thoroughbreds have shown some really good signs to start the season.

Coach Jessica Kivimets said so far they were pleased with the results they had been able to achieve.

“However, as a group we believe we have not yet reached our full potential, which makes it exciting to know that there are still a few more levels for us to reach in the coming weeks,” she said.

“Although we are currently sitting secondontheladder,theseasonisfarfrom over, and there is still plenty of work to be done to secure our place in the finals.

“Both [assistant coach] Ash [Breukers] and I have great confidence in this group’s ability to make a strong finals run, but it’s important that we continue to focus on the process and ensure we are putting ourselves in the best possible position to succeed.”

Kivimets said every player in the squad had a clear purpose and had been able to contribute that effectively.

She said the focus now is on continuing to build on their current position, taking the next step in the process, and ensuring they finish the season strongly.

“All of the girls have impressed both Ash and myself throughout the season so far,” she said. “They each play their roles effectivelyandcontributeindifferentways.

“However, one player who has particularly stood out is Atap Kuany.

“She has made the most of her opportunities and continues to grow with each game. At just 15 years old, her development has been outstanding, and it’s been wonderful to see how much the team supports and gets around her.”

Kivimets said seeing so much young talent on the court for Melton was a pleasing sign for the future.

The Thoroughbreds are focused on re-establishing a female presence in the Big V competition in the future.

“It is certainly an exciting time for the

sportingsuccesshascontinuedinrecent weeks with his pacer Code Bailey who completed back-to-back wins at Melton in the Hip Pocket Free For All.

Jason Lee was able to slot Code Bailey in behind the leader Oliver Dan and the rising 11-year-old produced a stout finale to grab the leader in the straight and score by two metres in a slick mile rate of 1:50.5.

Code Bailey is no stranger to running fast time as he contested the 2020 MiracleMilefinishingsixthbehindKing Of Swing.

“Everyone at the stable absolutely loves him and I’ve got a real soft spot for him,it’sagreatcredittoMargandPaddy (Lee) and all the team at home to be able to get him back and win a couple of free for alls,” Lee said.

club,” she said. “These young players are true competitors, and it has been fantastic to see them support one another each week and put us in a strong position for a potential finals appearance.

“We are also planning to establish a youth league women’s team in the coming years, with the hope that many of these players will continue to lead the way.

“This will allow us to re-establish our Big V pathway and create more opportunities for our junior girls to progress within the program.”

The Thoroughbreds suffered their first loss on Saturday night, losing to the Bacchus Marsh Lions.

The Lions jumped out to an early lead with the Thoroughbreds staying close with the margin just five points at half time.

AfterthebreaktheLionsputonashowto run away with a 93-59 win.

Ameir Majur was the star for the Thoroughbreds with 18 points.

Olivia Ogston scored 26 points for the Lions, while Kayla Salmons scored 23.

Darley is aiming to keep its unbeaten start to the Ballarat Cricket Association alive.

After their last match was washed out, the Lions are at home against Wendouree, which is still searching for its first win of the season.

The match is a special one for Archer Ward.

Ward, who is just 15, became one of the youngest ever players in club history to play in the first XI on Saturday.

The club said on social media he is a lifelong Lion with strong family ties and a record as a consistent performer within Darley’s junior ranks year on year,

“Archer’s selection highlights the strength of the club’s development pathway and the loyalty that runs deep through the Lions’ den.”

Wendouree decided to bat at Darley Park on Saturday.

After losing an early wicket, the rest of Wendouree’s top and middle order all got starts.

While it lost a number of wickets late, Wendouree finished the day with 202 as it was bowled out in the final over of the day.

Hasitha Wickramasinghe continued his good form with 6-60 while Madushanka Ekanayaka took three wickets.

The first debut wasn’t the only highlight for the Lions on Saturday.

Layla O’Brien made her BCA senior debut in the fifth XI having been part of the club’s women’s side a couple of years ago before having to pause her senior cricket until reaching the minimum age limit.

Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh will need early wickets on day two of its match with Brown Hill.

Brown Hill decided to bowl first and it was the Bulls who did the damage early on.

While both openers got going there wasn’t much support throughout the rest of the order. There were four ducks for the Bulls in their innings as they were bowled out for 137.

Jayden White-Powell top scored with 46.

The Brown Hill openers batted with patience late on day one and managed to get through unscathed. They will resume at 0-39 needing just 101 for victory.

John Dunne

Pet Kitty. (Stuart McCormick)

Brooke Egan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 508552_21

Melton Wolves aim to put the winning pieces together

Melton Wolves may not have gotten a win on the board in the Gridiron Victoria division 2 season, but the side is continuing to move in the right direction.

The Wolves did a lot of work in the off season to increase numbers and get players back to the club.

They’ve been able to do that and made an inroads in matches, they just haven’t been able to get over the line year.

Wolves quarterback Blake D’Ascola said they knew they were headed in the right direction. Last season they had 18 players, this season they have been 35 and 40 each week.

“At times it’s been a bit of a struggle but there’s a lot more positives than last year,” he said.

“We’re yet to win a game but we have played five games so far and been in every game until the last minute.

“Alotmorecompetitivethanwe’vebeen most years in the league. We’re up for the challenge and we’ve been enjoying it.”

D’Ascola said many of their scores don’t reflect the matches they’ve played,

with the side leading into several of their games.

He said it was about changing the narrative that goes into the scorebook.

“We are trying to take the next step and get a win.”

D’Ascola said their veteran players continued to show what they do best with some of the newer guys starting to step up to the challenge.

He said being competitive every week was an achievement in itself.

“We’re trying to build something bigger,”hesaid.“We’vegotthepieceshere and we just have to fit the pieces together.

“We need a couple of extra pieces together.”

The Wolves have been boosted by the return of players in recent weeks, led by Matthew Krul.

Big win for Royals

By Tara Murray

Melton South Royals are on the board in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield.

Playing in the division 3 competition for the first time, the Royals needed to hold theirnerveagainstKeilorParkonSaturday to get that first win.

The match came down to the final over, with the Royals hitting the winning runs with three balls remaining.

Royals president Blake Ivory said it was nice to get a result on the board.

“It was excellent,” Ivory said. “I was a bit tense towards the end, but it was good to break the duck.

“It was massive for the club. We had Praveen De Silva leave us and had another batsmen get injured in the first game.

“Our batting has been a little thin at times in such an even competition. We’d had two losses against quality sides.”

On Saturday, the Royals travelled to play at Keilor Park for the first time.

TheDevilsmade171astheywerebowled out on the final ball.

Three players took two wickets each for the Royals.

Ivory said speaking to the players the ground was a small one with a good outfield, so the score was probably a little bit below par.

It was one they were confidence chasing.

“We didn’t want to lose wickets in clumps,” Ivory said. “We did lose quick wickets in the middle order.

“It meant we needed a run a ball off the last 10 overs.”

Saman Kumara Muthuwadige, who cameinatnumbereight,steppedupforthe Royalstoguidethesidehomewithnumber nine, Michael Yates and then number 10, Zaid Teeken.

The Royals finished 8-172 after being in trouble at 6-108.

Kumara Muthuwadige finished 37 not out off 34 balls to finish as the Royals highest scorer.

The Royals now face the Greenvale Kangaroos in the next round in another two-day match.

Ivory said they were keeping the focus pretty simple as they face opposition they

Krul, who previously played for the Wolves, has represented Victoria and claimed the competition’s top award previously.

“Even after one game, the impact he has had,” D’Ascola said.

“He has helped me personally as a quartertback.Whenever you get the chance to pick his brain, you take it.

D’Ascola said having added more people to the coaching panel had worked well for the players and taken the pressure off Brad Baker.

He said overall the club was in a really good position.

TheWolveshadatoughresultonSunday against the the Geelong Buccaneers, losing 52-0.

Lions’ tough day

Melton’swinningstreakendedattwo in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west on Saturday.

After starting the season with two wins, the Lions batters failed to fire on Saturday against Croydon in a one-dayer.

The Lions decided to bat first on their home deck and were quickly in trouble at 5-29.

JasonHibbertwastheonlyplayerin the top order to show any resistance. He was joined by Joel Mitchener and the pair went about rescuing the innings.

They put on 44 before Mitchener was out.

The lower order battled tough, but the challenge was made harder when Hibbert was the eighth man out.

The Lions were bowled out for 125 in the 40th over.

Hibbert top scored with 40, while Mitchener (28) and Brad Jones (24) were the only other players to reach double figures.

Croydon got off to a flier with the bat and was in control throughout its inning.

It made the runs with ease, finishing 2-128 off 26.2 overs. Jones and Jack Harman were the wicket taker for the Lions.

Melton’s second XI thought managed to get the win, chasing down 9-194 in the 41st over.

Melton finished 4-195.

The Lions are on the road in round four in another one-dayer, this time against Donvale.

haven’t played before.

“For the team to perform, we need to focus on us,” he said. “It will be another challenge this week against Greenvale.

“We take some confidence in, for sure.”

Caroline Springs’ hot start to the Roy Picone Shield season continued on Saturday against Pascoe Vale Hadfield.

The Falcons bowled the Panthers out for just 85 with Braedon Mulheran taking three wickets, while Roshan Laksiri and Salman Afridi taking two wickets each.

The Falcons top order wasted no time getting the runs, finishing 0-86 off 13.3 overs.

In senior division, Sydenham-Hillside suffereditsfirstlossasStAlbansgotthejob done to win its first match.

In the Russell Pollock Shield, Burnside Springs United was too good for Melton Centrals.

Centralsmade7-128fromitsovers,which Burnside reached with ease, finishing 3-130. Mathieson King finished unbeaten on 48 for Burnside.

Melton’s women’s side had the weekend off with no action in the CricketVictoriaWomensCommunity Cricket Competition shield 1.

It will face Youlden Parkville this Sunday in its next game.

Joel Mitchener. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 512547_03

Chameera Perera. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 514174_04

Tara Murray

Melton Wolves. (Barendphotos.com)

Centrals women’s side return a winning performance

Melton Centrals women’s cricket program is back up and running this season in a major win for the club.

Having had a side for a number of years, Centrals didn’t have the numbers last season and had to pull the plug.

But with a number of new players and the number of junior girls at the club increasing, Centrals is fielding a side in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s league.

Coach Kim Gasior said it was exciting to have a team again. She had joined the club the season before it didn’t have a team.

“We didn’t have enough players last season but were hoping to get a side up andrunningthisyear,whichwehave,”she said.

“It’s a little bit of a different format with 20 overs.

“The girls are mainly new and we’ve got some junior girls playing with us.”

Gasiorsaiditwasexcitingtoseesomany new players who were really keen to learn. She said while they were yet to win a game, there had been improvement from the first training session.

“There’s been improvement each game, week to week,” he said. “Even in the nets at training it helps with improvement.

“It’s a testament to the girls. They’re enjoying it and hanging out with each other and get excited to learn skills.”

Gasior said the T20 competition was a good way for the new players to learn the what the game was like.

They’vebeenfocusedongivingeveryone a go.

Gasior said while they would like to get a win on the board this season, this season was more than just about that.

The competition has split into two, with Centrals in the B competition with two other new sides and Lancefield’s second side.

“I’m excited for each wicket we get and

United stars move on

By Anna Harrington, AAP

Alana Cerne and Adriana and Melissa Taranto were once the faces of Western United’sbig,boldA-LeagueWomenvision. Now, they and their former teammates are scattered across the league after that visionfellapart.

United, who had issues paying players for months, were stripped of their A-Leagues licence in August, then later handed a wind-uporderfromtheAustralianTaxation Office.

It was devastating for Western Sydney recruit Cerne, who was United’s first player in2022andhailsfromMelbourne’swestern suburbs.

“I was the first signing, so obviously the clubmeantalottome,”CernetoldAAP.

“It’s difficult seeing things happen like that to people who put their heart and soul into trying to make it work, not just for us, butasaclub.”

The late decision on United’s future left players scrambling for spots at clubs that hadlargelyfilledtheirrosters.

ItwasasituationMatildasstrikerMichelle Heyman described as “one of the cruellest thingsthat’shappenedinfootball.”

“It was honestly months and months of just stress and the unknown,“ Melissa TarantotoldAAP.

“One day it was ’we’re fine, and we’re gonna all be together and starting pre-season’ and the next day it was, ’I don’t thinkit’sgonnahappen’.”

Contractedplayerscouldn’tspeaktoother clubsuntilUnitedwereputintohibernation fortheupcomingseason.

“We were very much let down with how the club went about it,” Adriana Taranto toldAAP.“Ithinkitwasnotinthecontrolof a lot of people at the club. So even when us playerswouldgoandaskpeopleattheclub, they didn’t really have a clear message to to giveus,whichisjustasfrustratingforthem.

“Therewasalotofoutsidethingsthatwere happening that weren’t communicated clearly to the people that work at Western, letalonetheplayers.

“So we were a bit disappointed in not really getting the honest situation of what was really going on and, again, we had a little bit of false hope, and feeling that everythingwasgoingtobeOK.

“And then it was all of a sudden like ’nah, you’vegottoallgofindanotherjob.”

The midfield duo, both teachers, have

each run we get, that is a win,” she said.

“Wedon’thaveaheavyfocusonwinning, it’s about the skills improving each week anga getting better, that is a win.

“It would be nice to get a win, but that’s not the main focus. We’re happy to have a women’s team put together.”

Gasior said they were always looking for more players to get involved.

As well as having a women’s side, the club has three girls only sides for the first time in a long time in positive signs for the future.

Gasior said there were a good bunch of girls coming through and they were the face of female cricket at Melton Centrals. There were no GDCA women’s games on the weekend.

Meanwhile, the A competition has been restricted with no Darley included.

The Lions forfeited their first three games.

Onsocialmedia,theLionssaidtheywere still looking for players for this season.

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

Bowls

Bacchus Marsh is still without a win in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 1 season. On Saturday, Bacchus Marsh was on the road against Yarraville Footscray 2, losing 77 (15)-69 (3). Justin Webster was the winning skip for Bacchus Marsh, with Glenn Sargent’s rink sharing the points. In division 2, section 2, Melton made it two in a row with a 72 (16)-71 (2) win against Aberfeldie CBC. Oscar Jones, Bradley Thomas and Matthew Blackburn were the winning skips for the Mustangs.

Western FL

joined Adelaide United and left their school jobswhentheRedscamecalling.

AfterkickstartingtheircareersatWestern, they believe Adelaide can challenge for silverware.

Adriana also hopes to build on her first two Matildas caps and push for Asian Cup selection.

“I don’t see why we can’t be be up there,” she said. “If I can be successful in this team and help this team, it’s obviously going to probablyhelpmeshineaswell.”

Cerne wants to help the Wanderers reach finals, starting with Friday’s season opener against Perth Glory, where she’ll face ex-UniteddefenderJuliaSardo.

Fellow defenders Grace Maher (Melbourne Victory) and Aimee Medwin (Brisbane Roar) are among others to find newhomes.

“Not everyone got an opportunity to play again, which is disappointing, but it was good to see that a lot of the girls found clubs,”Cernesaid.

“Everyone’severywhere.

“It’s gonna be weird - every second week when we play against another team, you’re going to see one of the girls that you used to playwith.”

Caroline Springs has received a huge boost with Zen Christofi returning to the Western Football League division 1 club. The Lakers said that Christofi was one of their most decorated junior players who is now looking to return home. He has been playing in Essendon District Football League premier division more recently with East Keilor, where he won a club best and fairest, and then Deer Park this year. “Zen is a highly skilled midfielder who played all of his junior football at the Lakers and will complement our existing squad well,” the Lakers said on social media. “It will be great to see him reunited on the field with some of his former junior teammates at senior level.”

CBL

Melton Thoroughbreds claimed two big wins in the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League men’s north-west on the weekend. The Lions started the weekend with 105-82 win against the Bacchus Marsh Lions and then followed it up with a 140-76 win against the Kyneton Tigers. The Thoroughbreds are now up to third on the ladder. It was a tough weekend for the Lions, losing both their matches.

VTCA

Sydenham-Hillside got its first win of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s season on Sunday. The Storm was able to chase down Glenroy’s total in 17 overs. Caroline-Burnside Springs lost to OPSFDS.

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Adriana Tarnanto. (Football Australia)

Melton Centrals new women’s side. (Supplied)