Rain mars Melton festival
The weather gods weren’t smiling on Saturday as the Djerriwarrh Festival returned to Melton’s main streets. Only the brave came early in wet conditions to enjoy the Lions Club carnival, market village, main stage and pet expo. Unfortunately rain and the site conditions meant the plug was pulled early on many activities, while the fireworks didn’t go ahead. Turn to page 9 to see those who joined in the festival.
Fire heartbreak
A Caroline Springs family of five is anticipating a “sad” Christmas after their uninsured home was extensively damaged by fire on 5 November.
The Juhas family was left with just the clothes on their backs after towels left in a clothes dryer sparked the devastating blaze.
InatelevisioninterviewEricandSantina Juhassaidtheirhomeinsurancehadlapsed while they searched for a better deal.
“It’s a nightmare,” said Santina Juhas. SheandEricwereatworkandtheirthree children were at school when the blaze broke out.
Mr Juhas told Channel 7 that his “heart dropped” when he arrived home to find emergency vehicles and firefighters in his street tackling the blaze.
“I thought ‘I can’t believe this is happening to us’,” he said.
“The whole place is gutted,” added Santina.
“We’ve lost everything. We’re only left with the clothes on our back. This is our firsthomeanditwasgoingtobeourforever home.”
Shesaidherchildrenhad“grownuphere since babies and they’ve lost everything. It’skillingme. Peopleleavethedryeronall
the time, who would have thought.”
Two GoFundMe appeals have been set up to help the family.
Eric’sbrotherJohnJuhassetupanappeal which, as of Monday, had raised $18,723, including one donation of $10,000.
“Eric and Santina want the best for their three children and for this to happen right before Christmas is unbelievably unfortunate to say the least,” wrote John Juhas on the GoFundMe page.
A second GoFundMe set up by Eric and Santina themselves had raised $7278 as of Monday.
On his Facebook page, Melton
councillor Steve Abboushi encouraged the community to help the Juhas family rebuild their lives, saying “every bit of help counts, whether it’s donating, sharing the link, or simply keeping the family in your prayers”.
“If you are able, even the smallest contribution will go a long way in supporting them during this incredibly difficult time.”
Neighbour Philip Stanford said the neighbourhood would rally behind the family and hoped the wider Caroline Springs community would do the same.
Penny, 8, was among those at the Djerriwarrh Festival. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 510950)
Mayor’s message
Cr Lara Carli
I’m truly honoured to have been elected as Mayor of the City of Melton for the third time – thank you to my fellow Councillors for placing their trust in me once again.
I would like to congratulate Cr Dr Phillip Zada for being elected Deputy Mayor, and thank outgoing Mayor, Cr Steve Abboushi for his dedicated service over the past year.
I look forward to serving my Mayoral term with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
I will ensure that Council continues to act responsibly in meeting the needs of our residents.
We have a wonderfully diverse community and so many exciting things to look forward to over the next 12 months.
I’m especially excited to see progress continue on two of Council’s key projects – the Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Fraser Rise and the Community Services Building in Cobblebank. Once complete, these transformative projects will provide much-needed community, health and wellbeing services.
The City of Melton is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia and with that growth comes opportunities and also challenges. As Mayor, I will continue advocating for the timely delivery of infrastructure and services that will meet the needs of our residents now and into the future.
Our residents are the heart and spirit of our community and throughout the year ahead, my focus will be on strengthening community connection and ensuring every resident is heard, supported, and valued.
Feel free to contact me about Sugar Gum Ward or Council related issues on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton.vic.gov.au
Mayor and Deputy Mayor elected
Councillor Lara Carli was elected the City of Melton Mayor and Councillor Dr Phillip Zada elected Deputy Mayor for 2025/26 at a Council meeting last week. Mayor Carli is serving her fourth term on Council and was previously Mayor
in 2019/20 and 2022/23. We wish our new Mayor and Deputy Mayor all the best in their new roles.
To get in touch with your Ward Councillors, visit melton.vic.gov.au/councillors
Don’t forget to recycle!
National Recycling Week (10-16 November) is a timely reminder that residents can recycle some items for free at the Melton Recycling Facility.
Items such as paint, batteries, engine oil, cardboard and more, can be dropped off free of charge in the drop-off zone at the front of the facility. To see a full list of what is accepted, visit our website.
Residents can also drop items in good, used condition at the Resale Shop at the Melton Recycling Facility, including pre-loved furniture, clothing, bric-a-brac, books, toys, and more, or browse items available to buy at affordable prices.
The Melton Recycling Facility is open seven days a week between 8am to 4.30pm (except for Christmas Day). For information, visit melton.vic.gov.au/waste
Watts Ward with Cr Sophie Ramsey
Ours is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, and Council is working closely with all levels of government to make sure our community has the facilities, services, and infrastructure it needs as we grow.
Roads are top of mind for many people, and it’s easy to see why. With so much development and more cars on the road, there’s a lot of work happening to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. New estates mean more roads need to be built, while upgrades and temporary closures can make getting around
difficult, especially when multiple projects are happening at the same time.
Even though roadworks are essential, we know they’re one of the issues residents raise most often. Council’s Moving Melton – All of City of Melton Transport Strategy lays out our transport priorities, from safer intersections and overpasses to important road duplications and upgrades. Our advocacy priorities also help us secure support and funding from the State and Federal Governments so these projects can happen.
Have your say
Council is currently seeking community feedback on the following projects:
• Proposed roundabout at Leakes Road and Westcott Parade in Rockbank (closing Monday 17 November 2025)
• Draft Mt Atkinson Major Town Centre Urban Design Framework (closing Wednesday 19 November 2025)
• Melton Town Centre High Street streetscape upgrades (closing Monday 24 November 2025)
• Draft Kurunjang Neighbourhood Activity Centre Urban Design Framework (closing Monday 1 December 2025)
To view these projects and plans, and to submit feedback visit, conversations.melton.vic.gov.au
To find out more about the roads Council is responsible for, our Moving Melton Strategy, and current road projects, head to Council’s website.
Finally, today we commemorate Remembrance Day. We honour the sacrifice of all the men and women who have served in our armed forces and reflect on the courage of those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms and way of life. Lest we forget.
Don’t hesitate to contact me at sophie.ramsey@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 067. I’d love to hear your thoughts about Watts Ward.
Mayor Cr Lara Carli
Deputy Mayor Cr Dr Phillip Zada Cr Steve Abboushi
Cr Kathy Majdlik
Cr Brandi Morris Cr Sophie Ramsey
Cr Julie Shannon Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg
Cr John Verdon
Manslaughter query in appeal
By Emily Woods, AAP
Appeal judges have asked prosecutors whether they will pursue ex-pilot Greg Lynn for manslaughter over the death of a camper after being cleared of his murder.
LawyersforLynn,59,onThursday6November argued his 32-year maximum jail sentence for the murder of Carol Clay was manifestly excessive in Victoria’s Court of Appeal.
In a split verdict in June 2024, a jury found Lynn guilty of 73-year-old Mrs Clay’s murder at a remote campsite but not guilty of the murder of her secret lover
Russell Hill, 74. Lynn,whomaintainshisinnocence,admittedhemovedandburnedthetwobodies but claimed their deaths in 2020 were both accidental.
His barrister, Dermot Dann KC, previously said the jury’s guilty verdict was unsafe and made on “unsatisfactory grounds” as he claimed the prosecution had conducted an unfair trial.
The appeal was opposed by Director of Public Prosecutions Brendan Kissane, who said the trial was not unfair and defenceshouldhaveappliedtodischargethe jury if they believed it was.
Mr Kissane did not appear at the court on Thursday for Lynn’s challenge of his prison term because he had another commitment, prosecutor Kathryn Hamill said.
Appeal court justices Phillip Priest and Peter Kidd asked Ms Hamill to speak to the director about several questions in the event Lynn faces a retrial, but stressed the court had not yet come to any conclusions on Lynn’s appeal prospects.
The questions included whether the prosecution would offer manslaughter as an alternative offence over the death of both Mr Hill and Ms Clay in the event of a retrial.
Carli takes the reins as Melton mayor
In her third run in the role, new Melton mayor Lara Carli has pledged to advocate for infrastructure and services across the municipality.
Elected on Thursday 6 November for the 2025–26 term, Cr Carli was previously mayor in 2022–23 and 2019–20 and is serving her fourth term on council.
Cr Phillip Zada, who is in his first term on the council, was elected deputy mayor.
In her acceptance speech, Cr Carli said she was truly honoured to be the elected mayor for the next 12 months.
“Thank you to my fellow councillors for placing their trust in me to serve as their mayor. It’s a privilege to lead such a passionate and hard-working team who are all dedicated to making our city the best it can be,” Cr Carli said.
“I’m committed to fostering a collaborative council, where every voice is heard and where respectful debate leads to thoughtful decisions.
“The [Melton municipality] is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Australia and with that growth comes opportunities and challenges. We will continue advocating for the infrastruc-
tureandservicesourcommunityneeds and deserves.”
Cr Carli said she looked forward to working collaboratively with all levels of government to achieve the best outcomes for Melton residents.
“As mayor, my focus will be on strengthening community connection and ensuring every resident is heard, supported, and valued,” she said.
“Our residents are the heart and spirit of our community. Together we will continue to build a place everyone is proud to call home.”
Melton line upgrade contract awarded to consortium
The state government has announced the contract for the Melton line upgrade has now been awarded, as works on the project begin next month.
JohnHolland,KelloggBrownandRoot (KBR), Metro Trains Melbourne and V/ Line have been awarded the contract to deliver the $650 million project, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.
Accordingtothestategovernment,the Melton line upgrade will boost passenger capacity along the Melton Line by 50 per
cent.
The upgrade will also ensure that from 2027, modern and accessible nine-car VLocity trains will be running, paving the way for future Melton Line electrification.
The project will extend platforms at Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations, allowing the longer trains to park at the stations.
However, as reported by Star Weekly, platforms at Ardeer Station and Bacchus Marsh Station will no longer be extended
Justice Kidd asked Ms Hamill whether the prosecution would rely on a motive for Ms Clay’s killing, if there were a retrial, which Ms Hamill also took on notice.
On Lynn’s sentence appeal, Mr Dann argued his client’s 32-year term, with a non-parole period of 24 years, for Ms Clay’s murder was “manifestly excessive”. He claimed Lynn’s sentence was “in the highest echelon of sentences in the standard sentence era, for a single murder committed without pre-meditation”.
The appeal judges reserved their decision on Lynn’s appeals and will return at a later date.
Kerfuffle over community grant
A Moorabool community grant allocation for a golf club divided councillors, with some arguing that a privately owned course should not be eligible for funding.
Raised at the 5 November council meeting, 12 projects were recommended by council officers for funding, out of 16 applications.
The 12 successful applicants were recommended to receive a share of about $95,284infundingfromanavailablepool of $190,400.
One of the grants recommended was $50,000 towards a new sprinkler system, requested by the Bacchus Marsh Golf Club under the ‘community development’ funding category.
This application divided councillors, withCrJohnKeoghkickingoffthedebate by questioning the community group status of the golf club.
“The way I see it, [the] community grants programs is to grant community organisations funding to achieve goals within council funding criteria to benefit their community,” Cr Keogh said.
“I was amazed when I was informed that the Bacchus Marsh Golf Club application…fulfilledthecriteria,allowingfor a gift of $50,000 – that’s right, $50,000 – to upgrade their irrigation system,” he said.
“As far as I’m concerned, a community grant should never be used to fund a privately owned club.”
In light of this, Cr Keogh said he was concerned about the fact the Mount Edgerton Reserve Committee had recently approached council regarding a grant towards children’s playground equipment at the site but was told “there was no money in the budget” and there were “many community projects in front of it”.
Cr Sheila Freeman also objected to the motion, saying she would like to view the criteria and that there are plenty of community groups across Moorabool in need of funding.
Cr Rod Ward said having sat through the selection process for community grants, he wanted to reinforce that officers “diligently apply very, very strict criteria to the five program categories”.
as part of original project plans.
A new train stabling yard at Cobblebank will be constructed, with site establishment works already underway.
The state government said the Cobblebank stabling yard will allow the new nine-car VLocity trains to start from first service to the city, improving reliability and frequency between Melton and Southern Cross.
Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird said the Melton line upgrade project is a critical investment for the western suburbs.
“I don’t think that golf clubs or tennis clubs should be treated any differently to basketball clubs. They are based on memberships, however, they’re open up to the public,” Cr Ward said.
“If they’re going to improve the facilities for public use, why should they be treated any differently?”
Cr Ward said he was disappointed to see the remaining funds from the program not allocated and would like to discuss how to support Mount Edgerton through the next round of funding.
Melton’s new deputy mayor Phillip Zada and mayor Lara Carli. (Supplied).
Tackling women’s pain
Women will be offered the ‘green whistle’ pain relief during IUD insertion procedures and a special clinic will be set up to support girls at the Royal Children’s Hospital as a result of the state government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain.
On Sunday 9 November, Premier Jacinta Allan and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas released the final Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report, based on the experiences shared by 13,000 women and girls aged between 12 and 79, as well as their carers, clinicians, and peak bodies
The government said the report revealed gender health gaps, experiences of medical bias, sexism and misogyny and feelings of
being ignored or dismissed by clinicians.
The process also reaffirmed that chronic pain disproportionately impacts women, affects their daily lives, relationships, employment, and overall wellbeing.
The report found that 90 per cent of respondents experienced pain lasting more than a year, and 54 per cent experienced pain daily. Eighty-nine per cent said their pain impacted their mental health.
The most common conditions were menstrual and hormonal (40 per cent), endometriosis (26 per cent), and musculoskeletal problems (26 per cent).
The inquiry also found that 71 per cent of respondents cited widespread dismissal by
Be a big brother or sister
Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia (BBBSA) is asking locals to sign up to be volunteer mentors for young people in need of support.
As part of BBBSA’s mentoring program, a child or young person is matched with a screened mentor who serves as a consistent and positive role model.
Mentors and mentees meet one to two hours a week over a minimum period of 12 months.
Mentoring coordinator Ya Ker Pa said the program gives young people someone they can trust and talk to.
healthcare professionals.
Ms Allan and Ms Thomas said a pilot trialling the use of the ‘green whistle’ for IUD insertion at Victoria’s 20 Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs would help remove pain, and the fear of pain, as a barrier to IUD use.
They said the government would also set a Women’s Pain Standard across Victoria’s health system – empowering women to know the standard they should expect when seeking care
Once in place, the Women’s Pain Standard will support the consistent delivery of high quality pain counselling and relief starting with common gynaecological pro-
cedures like IUD insertion, they said.
“The Women’s Pain Standard and the green whistle trial will be gamechangers for Victorian women – but our work doesn’t stop here,” Ms Thomas said.
Ms Allan said the creation of a clinic for adolescent girls at the RCH would be life-changing.
The new clinic will focus on sexual and reproductive health and pain conditions such as endometriosis in young people up to the age of 18 and will open in 2026.
“It’s time we stop hearing that our pain doesn’t exist,” Ms Allan said.
Details: health.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-womens-pain
“Many of them are going through challenges at home, at school, or with friends, and what they need most is consistency.”
According to BBBSA there are currently 192 young people across Hobson’s Bay, Brimbank, Wyndham and Melton on the waiting list.
“Mentors can expect consistent support from us. Before being matched, they receive training and ongoing guidance from mentoring coordinators, so they never feel alone in the process,” Mr Pa said.
“It’s a volunteer role that doesn’t require any special qualifications, but we emphasise on reliability, patience, and an open heart.”
“Our mentors help young people build confidence, social skills, and a sense of belonging. For some young people, it’s the first time they’ve had an adult focus on their strengths rather than their problems,” Mr Pa said.
Joshua and Gareth Hawley. (Supplied)
Family visits to say thanks
Melton West paramedics have been reunited with a baby they helped deliver onthesideofthePrincesFreewaylastyear.
Paramedics Nerida Boci and Mitch Psaila met with mum Preeti Kaur, dad Sunny Singh, one-year-old Zora and his siblings at Point Cook Ambulance Station on Tuesday 3 November, with the family taking the opportunity to thank the paramedics.
Ms Kaur and Mr Singh were on their way to hospital about 1am on 28 October last year,whenZoramadeitclearhewasnotin any mood to wait.
His parents pulled over near the Princes Freeway Laverton exit and called an ambulance.
Ms Boci and Mr Psaila arrived and initially expected they would have time to take Ms Kaur to hospital, but Zora made a
quick entrance to the world.
Ms Boci, her first time delivering a baby, said the pair got a bit of a shock when they arrived.
“We get dispatched to a lot of imminent deliveries – but they are not typically that imminent when we get there,” she said.
“It was quite a special moment and somethingthatIhavealwayswantedtodo.
“The fact it was so well done was really lovely – it was really beautiful for me anyway.”
Mr Psaila said it was amazing to reunite with Zora.
“You know with us paramedics it’s a bit different with the nurses and doctors, we don’t get to hear the result of our jobs a lot of the time, so when we do get a good story and to see how everything is trekking, it hits the heart – it’s good,” he said.
Briefs
Harkness bird walk
The community is invited to join the Eynesbury Environment Group for a bird walk in Long Forest Mallee this month. Long Forest Mallee (LFM) is a unique Mallee remnant between Melton and Bacchus Marsh. To find the location – listed in Melway as 335 Ref E3 –drive through Melton along High Street, west along the old Western Highway toward Bacchus Marsh. Turn right – north – into Long Forest Road, after descending into the deep Anthony’s Cutting, then ascending once more to the top. Long Forest Mallee is a few kilometres down the road. Continue past Sundew Avenue on the right, slow down and turn left just after Sundew Avenue into a reserve carpark. The walk will run from 9–10am on Saturday 15 November. Contact: Daryl, jenniferkayakers@ outlook.com
Moorabool artists’ group
The BMAC Gallery Artists’ Group is hosting a regular monthly meet-up for local artists and creatives. Hosted from 1–2pm on Tuesdays afternoons, upcoming dates include 18 November and 16 December. Bacchus Marsh Arts Community Gallery – known as ’B-MAC Gallery’ – is facilitated by local artists and volunteers. The group meet-ups are hosted at the Lerderderg Library, 215 Main St, Bacchus Marsh.
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Mitch Psaila, Sunny Singh, Preeti Kaur, Nerida Boci holding Zora, 1. Front: Samar, 7, and Harleen, 9. (Jaidyn Kennedy)
The journey of your 10-cent containers through the CDS
Ever wondered what happens to your drink cans, bottles and cartons after you return them for a 10-cent refund through Victoria’sContainerDepositScheme(CDS Vic)?
With this week being National Recycling Week (10–16 November), CDS Vic shares how every returned container helps power Victoria’s circular economy.
This year’s theme, Join the Cycle, perfectly aligns with the mission of CDS Vic: keeping eligible drink containers in the recycling loop so they can be remade into new products, said Marianne Doyle, interim chief executive of VicReturn, the coordinator of CDS Vic.
“Recycling eligible drink containers means fewer virgin materials are needed to make new bottles and cans, reducing our impact on the environment,” she said.
The recycling process begins when Victorians return their drink containers at one of the hundreds of refund points across the state. They are then sorted by material type and sent to recycling facilities to be processed back into new products.
Here’s where your containers go next:
• Plasticbottlesaresortedbymaterialtype (PET, HDPE and others) and recycled at facilities in Victoria. They’re cleaned, shredded into flakes, melted down and turned into pellets, then used to make new products;
• Glass bottles are cleaned and sorted by colour into glass cullet, at facilities in Victoria and South Australia. The cullet is then sent to glass manufacturing plants that use it in the production of new glass bottles and jars.
“Glass can be infinitely recycled, so returning your glass bottles through CDS
Vichelpsconserveournaturalresources,” Mrs Doyle said. Aluminium cans are bailed before being shipped overseas to be reprocessed into aluminium coils. These are returned
About Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic)
Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme is a recycling initiative offering a 10-cent refund for each eligible drink container returned at hundreds of refund points across Victoria. Funded by contributions from the beverage industry, the scheme will contribute to Victoria’s target of diverting 80 percent of all material away from landfill by 2030 and represents a significant milestone in our journey towards a circular economy.
to Australia where they are used to make new drink cans.
SincelaunchinginNovember2023,CDS Vic has helped Victorians recycle more, reduce litter and keep valuable materials
out of landfill. Victorians have returned 2.3 billion drink containers, earning $230 million in refunds.
Visit cdsvic.org.au to learn more.
Gold medallist vaults in
By Tara Murray
Olympic and World Championship gold medallist Nina Kennedy braved the rain and the conditions to make some young athletes’ day at Bacchus Marsh.
Kennedy attended the Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre on Saturday morningtohelpinspirethenextgeneration of athletics.
Speakingbeforetheevent,Kennedy,who won gold at the 2024 Olympics in the pole vault, said it was pretty special to come out to centres like Bacchus Marsh.
“It’s really exciting,” she said. “Some might not know who I am while others find out who I am and are quite impressed.
“Kids are so funny these days. Some are like “can I get an autograph?”
get into pole vault. She never dreamed she would end up where she is now.
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“I’m 28 now,” she said. “I never dreamed thatIwouldhavethiscareerwhenIstarted out in little aths.
Kennedy was able to attend the centre through the Coles’ Little Athletics Community Round.
An ambassador for Coles, Kennedy said it was important to help inspire the next generation of athletes.
“It is huge that a big company like Coles will provide money and resources into centres,” she said.
“It’s not the most popular spot in Australia. Having a visual presence that you can start here and get to the Olympics is big.
“They didn’t have athletes out come out to centres when I was growing up. Kids seeing champions like us is good.”
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Every family deserves a village, a place wheretheyareunderstood,supported,and surrounded by people who genuinely care.
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Kennedy started her athletics journey at little athletics as a young kid and it was at a little athletics meet where she was first
identified to
Nina Kennedy with the athletes. 515747_20
Harper, 6, with Nina Kennedy. 515747_19 Isabella, Nina Kennedy, Amanda Griffith and Xavier. 515747_25
Nina Kennedy signs autographs. (Photos: Ljubica Vrankovic) 515747_12
Rainy
Mark and Sheree Falzon. 510950_01
Isla. 510950_24
Kyle, 10, Cooper, 14, Rebecca Latta and Alicia,12. 510950_05
Marty Azzopardi and Aaron Portelli. 510950_02
Carnival fun. 510950_21
Amelia,12, and Rupert, 12, enjoy the bumper cars. 510950_20
Plenty of action was still happening. 510950_14
Milla, 5, and Billie, 2. 510950_07
Theodore, 4. 510950_27
Classic car stolen
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a car worth $120,000 stolen in Moorabool on the weekend.
The unique classic car is a unique and collectable vehicle that wouldn’t look out of place on the set of a James Bond film.
Burglars entered a rural property on Dicksons Road sometime overnight from midnight Saturday to 11.15am on Sunday.
Access was gained to a shed before offenderstookoffwithadarkred1965Riley Roadster convertible, bearing registration plates 75672H.
The car is valued at $120,000.
Also stolen from the address was an orange KTM 450CC dirt bike, registration 86278.
Detectives have released an image of the Roadster in the hope someone can provide any knowledge of its whereabouts.
Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit’s Detective Senior Constable Alexei Anikeev said the car is someone’s pride and joy and the product of hours of love”.
“The Roadster is not something you see every day. It wouldn’t exactly blend in with Camrys or Corollas on the road”.
“Someone knows something and we urge that person to come forward”.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
A century of service at Toolern Vale CFA
Toolern Vale Fire Brigade marked a major milestoneontheweekend,celebrating100 years of service.
The anniversary was recognised with a brigade dinner on Saturday November 8 followed by a community open day celebration on Sunday 9 November, which included the launch of a historical book that reflects on the past century of the organisation’s community service.
In 1914, the Toolern Vale Progress Association agreed the area needed a fire brigade.
Eleven years later, following a major fire, the Toolern Vale Bush Fire Brigade
was officially formed on 10 November in 1925.
In 1965, a fire in the area destroyed a large part of the township and surrounding farmland, with the town losing 16 houses, multiple significant buildings and impacting many farms.
Throughout its history, brigade members have also played a role in fighting fires in the area and beyond, including Ash Wednesday in 1983, the 2009 fires and many strike teams across Victoria and interstate.
Captain Jared Watson said the brigade hasalwaysbeenacorepartofthecommunity.
“We sit in a fairly high-risk area, so I think that anyone who has grown up in the area or is familiar with it understands the importance of the fire brigade. It’s always been community based; it’s always been central to the town,” Mr Watson said.
“We’ve got families that have had multiple generations come through the brigade, and we keep everyone engaged where we can. From our operational and non-operational members, our newer members and our members who are in their 80s or 90s and have been a part of the brigade for many years.”
Briefs
Riders caught in Diggers Rest
A Deanside woman was allegedly unlicensed and provided a positive roadside drug test and two motorcycles without registration were impounded in Diggers Rest. Police observed the motorbikes in a convoy along Plumpton Road about 12.30pm on 1 November. Officers intercepted one of the motorbikes and spoke to the 40-year-old female rider. She had outstanding matters with police and was allegedly unlicensed and provided a positive roadside drug test. Shortly later, officers located the other rider hiding in bushes a few hundred metres up the road. He also had outstanding matters with police, was allegedly unlicensed and returned a positive roadside drug test.
Machete assault
Two teens from the Moorabool area have been charged after a victim was struck with a machete in Belgrave. Police allege that two victims, a man and a woman, were confronted by a group of males at 7.10pm on 29 October. One alleged offender struck the male victim with a machete before the group of males took off from the scene in a white BMW sedan. Detectives allege the same vehicle was used to steal petrol from a service station on the Western Freeway in Ballan earlier in the day. A 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy, both from the Moorabool area, were arrested on Friday 31 October . They were both charged with intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, assault with a weapon, and theft of a vehicle.
Knives, machetes, drugs seized An 18-year-old Melton man will be summonsed to attend court for possessing a prohibited weapon and cannabis after a vehicle interception in Altona. Police seized multiple knives and machetes after intercepting a vehicle on Railway Street on 2 November. Officers searched the vehicle and allegedly found three knives, a machete and an amount of cannabis. Two 17-year-olds from the Melton and Wyndham areas were issued with cautions for possessing a prohibited weapon, while an 18-year-old from Caroline Springs will be summonsed to attend court for possessing a prohibited weapon.
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Car stolen in Pentland Hills. (Police media)
A 1990 photograph of Toolern Vale quick attack vehicle ‘A’ with new changeover. (Toolern Vale Fire Brigade).
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Cutting tooth (7)
5 Tidies, – up (7)
9 Rally participant (9)
10 Around (5)
11 Scanty (6)
12 Australian food spread made from yeast (8)
14 Admirably brave (6)
15 Vampire tooth (4)
19 Burden (4)
20 Bug (6)
24 Bloopers (8)
25 Strip (6)
27 Streets (5)
28 Liveliness (9)
29 Accidents (7)
30 Afternoon rests (Sp) (7)
1 Mischievous (6)
2 Hymn tune (6)
3 Draws (8)
4 Mechanical procedure (4)
5 Respect (coll) (6,4)
6 Vehicle propelled by explosive thrust (6)
7 Circus (8)
8 Search in discarded waste (8)
13 Big string instrument (6,4)
16 Image made of light beams (8)
17 Weddings (8)
18 Last (8)
21 Sickness (6)
22 Favouring one or the other gender (6)
23 Compensates (6)
26 Life simulation series developed by Maxis, The – (4)
1 What is the birthstone for the month of May?
2 Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas (pictured) is married to which Jonas brother?
3 If something is squamous, what is it covered with?
4 What do the letters of the company IBM stand for?
5 Which is closer to Australia: the Tropic of Cancer or the Tropic of Capricorn?
6 Is a brouhaha a laugh, drink or an uproar?
7 In Greek mythology, what was the name of Jason's ship?
8 By what modern name is the Victorian era ‘snap dog’ known?
9 Leopold Bloom is the protagonist of which 20th-century novel?
10 What nationality was the folk hero William Tell?
No.
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
Take weight off naturally
Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere?
Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.
Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739
Parkinson’s support group
The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm, at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers are welcome.
Helen, 0409 186 576
Melton Bridge Club
The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you.
Rosemary, 0407 894 817
Melton South Knit & Natter
All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.
9747 8576
U3A Melton
U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active.
0419 563 016
Melton Combined Probus Club
The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am.
9746 0271
Community singing group
If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am.
Val, 0418 667 150
Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh
Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House, 2-5pm.
https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/
Garden Club
The Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month except January, from 7.30pm, at The Laurels, 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Guest speakers and supper provided. New members welcome.
Michelle, 0421 106 268
Fishing club
Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Natalie Davis and Beth Johnson who organised Tyldenvania to celebrate Halloween in the town of Tylden. (Damjan Janevski) 514408_01
various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome.
Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366
Melton Trauma Teddies
Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need.
Jean, 0412 931 498
Darley Neighbourhood House
The Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre is at 33-35 Jonathan Drive, Darley. It offers free and low-cost activities for all. There is a monthly repair cafe, a community pantry, a fortnightly chatty cafe and venue hire is available.
www.bit.ly/DNHnow or 53674390
Reverse Advent Calendar [RAC] boxes
Bacchus Marsh Uniting Church will again this year coordinate the pickup and collection of Reverse Advent Calendar boxes for this area. 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 Sundays, 9-11.30am.
Iris, 0408 106 733
Melton South Community Centre
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
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 each month from 7.30–8.30pm at the Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh. This is a free community event open to all.
God, movie and chat
This 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 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. They maintain 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
Exploring the roots of okra
For artist Avrille Burrows, the okra is a pointoffascinationandcuriosity.
One time, when her partner and family were cooking with the vegetable, Burrows hadtheideatocreateartisticworksofokra.
“I went on this journey of doing it in plaster, doing it in clay, cooking it, growing it,”Burrowssaid.
“I’ve made 300 or 400 out of the clay. I make each one by hand. It’s not a mold or anything.”
Inherexhibition,‘OkraMemory’,Burrows honours the vegetable’s resilience and adaptability, its role in intergenerational
memory, and its enduring presence in blackandbrownkitchens.
Works in the exhibition were informed by Burrows’ extensive research on the vegetable.
“It just gave me a pretty interesting insight into how sturdy the plant was and how drought-resistant it was, and where it originated from –Ethiopia, West Sudan –andhowitgottoIndia,”Burrowssaid.
“Ithadthismetaphorofbeingabletostill be quite resilient … It’s able to adapt to its environment.
“I think I took it as a metaphor for our
existence here as immigrants as well, comingfromourhomecountries.”
Burrows is also an accredited mental healthsocialworkerandartstherapist.
She said her art is informed by her therapywork.
“Bringing that aspect into it is pretty important,”Burrowssaid.
‘Okra Memory’, a free exhibition supported by Brimbank Council, is showing at the Sunshine Art Spaces Window Gallery, 2 City Place, Sunshine until27November.
Details:creativebrimbank.com.au
Musical takes a wild trip to the nineties
The Williamstown Musical Theatre Company(WMTC)ispartyinglikeit’s1999 withitslatestproduction:CruelIntentions: The ’90s Musical.
Based on the film of the same name and featuringascoremadeupofhitsongsfrom the 1990s, Cruel Intentions transports audiences back to the final decade of the 20th century and into the manipulative world of Manhattan’s most dangerous liaisons: Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil.
Seduced by revenge and fuelled by passion, the two step-siblings place a bet
on whether or not Sebastian can deflower their incoming headmaster’s daughter,
Annette Hargrove.
Yes, really.
It’s all rather silly, but it’s the sort of fare that pulled in millions of fans around the turn of the century, including WMTC director, Stuart Dodge.
“Cruel Intentions was one of those movies that hit hard for me,” Dodge said.
“I bloody loved it.”
Most of the cast members weren’t even born when the film came out 26 years
ago, which Dodge said had caused some confusion in rehearsals due to unfamiliar lingo in the script.
“It’s been so funny for us old buggers on theproductionteamtoseethescandalized faces of the cast when some of the more dated terms and words are thrown about on stage.”
Thosewhogrew-upinthaterawillsurely getthereferencesthoughiftheyattendone the 10 performances at the Altona Theatre from 7-22 November.
Tickets can be booked by calling 1300 881 545 or visiting: wmtc.org.au
Workshops for wordsmiths
Are you aged 7–18, have a passion for writing, interested in developing your creative writing skills, and maybe meeting new people that share your passion?
Run by Moorabool council, Young Writers’ Craft is a creative writing program designed for the region’s young writers.
In this program, young writers will learn how to get inspired by anything; invent new characters, settings and stories; learn useful writingtips,tricksandmethods;and find out what makes fiction work. Young writers will have the opportunity to be mentored by professional writers – and this programwillbefacilitatedbyCheryl Rosario,amemberoftheMoorabool Writers’ Craft.
Rosario is a local Moorabool resident who lives with her family in Hopetoun Park and is a self-published author of two books and wishes to share her gained knowledge with others.
She has been a member of the Moorabool Writer’s Craft since September 2018 and is currently heading the group and looking to reach out to the youth of the Moorabool Shire.
She also works part-time as a LearningSupportOfficeratEmmaus Primary School, Sydenham, where she has worked for 17 years. Thisprogramisruninpartnership with Moorabool Writers’ Craft.
Each session runs from 4.30–5.30pm at the Ballan Library and Community Hub, 127 Inglis Street, Ballan, with upcoming sessions on Wednesday November 12, 19, and 26.
Details: moorabool.vic.gov.au/ Events/Young-Writers-Craft-Ballan
Enjoy festive family cheer at Wyndham’s annual Carols by Candlelight
Wyndham Carols by Candlelight is set to return to the Great Lawn of Werribee Mansion on Saturday 13 December for what promises to be a magical evening of music, family fun, carols and community Christmas spirit.
With 35 years of tradition, this event has grown to become Victoria’s largest Christmas celebration outside of Melbourne’s Christmas Eve concert, according to organisers.
Organisers expect more than 6000 people to attend this year’s event.
Headlining this year’s line-up is the internationally renowned
singer-songwriter and Wyndham local Fatai Veamatahau.
Her rich vocal range and blending of soul and pop has led to her sharing the stage with the likes of Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, and PJ Morton, as well as tour the United States, United Kingdom and Europe.
She will be accompanied by the sensational Salvation Army Melbourne Staff Band who has graced us with their full and magical sound for the last few years.
The Wyndham Carols by Candlelight is a non-profit event organised by
the Wyndham Ministers Network, representing over 17 local churches in the Wyndham area, and supported by the Wyndham City Council.
This year’s program will also feature the nativity procession.
Gates will open at 5pm, giving families time to enjoy pre-show activities, including a wide selection of food trucks and kids’ activities.
People are encouraged to invite their friends and family along to make a spectacular night of it and spread the Christmas cheer as far as they can.
Tickets: www.wyndhamcarols.org.au
The cast of Williamstown Musical Theatre Company’s latest production, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical. (Supplied)
Wyndham Carols By Candlelight is returning. (Supplied)
‘Okra Memory’ is a free exhibition showing until 27 November. (Charmine Moorhouse)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. How many times have the Sydney Swans lost in a VFL/AFL Grand Final, with their most recent defeat coming in 2024?
2. And how many premierships have the Swans won in AFL/VFL history?
3. Which English soccer player has an upcoming book titled AllIn:Football,Life
4. Which tennis player suffered a second defeat to Alexander Bublik this year, with their latest match sparking controversy after a snubbed handshake at the net?
5. Wang Chuqin is currently Men’s world No.1 in which sport?
6. Which A-League team recently sacked their coach?
And after how many games this season?
The Melbourne Ducks play in which Australian league?
Who won the Clive Churchill medal in the 2020 NRL grand final?
Ruby Schleicher is the captain of which AFLW
Of the $4.5m Melbourne Cup prize money, does the trainer, owner or jockey get the largest share?
12. Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi plays for which Major League Soccer team?
13. In baseball, what celestial term can be used to describe an exceptionally high-flying home run?
14. Which English former fast bowler, his nation’s leading Test wicket-taker of all time, recently received a knighthood?
15. Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur recently lost his 12th consecutive match against which four-time Grand Slam winner?
16. Which two teams competed in Major League Baseball’s 2025 World Series?
17. Which AFLW club won the 2025 minor premiership, finishing on top of the ladder for the second year in a row?
18. In which year did Phar Lap win the Melbourne Cup?
19. Which 38-year-old Indian batsman scored 121 not out in the third ODI against Australia?
20. Red Cadeaux finished in which position on three seperate occasions in the Melbourne Cup?
21. 'Frozen rope' is a phrase used in which sport?
22. The WL is the world governing body of which sport?
23. What was the final score of the Matildas’ recent loss to England in Sam Kerr’s first game back as captain after recovering from injury?
24. For how many innings did Game 3 of the MLB World Series last?
25. Which player replaced Isaah Yeo as captain of the Kangaroos in the second Ashes Rugby League test?
26. The granddaughter of which world-famous public figure has this month made her debut in golf's LPGA Tour?
27. Cricket Australia recently announced they were cutting funding to which variant of the sport?
28. The US NFL and NHL leagues each have how many teams in their competition?
29. Who made history in 2025 as the first woman to win both the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup in the same year?
30. And which horse did she ride?
YOUR NEW CAREER
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
Lexus UX hefty price rise
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
The Lexus UX range of compact SUVs has been on sale in Australia since 2019, originally as the UX 250 with the choice of petrolorhybridpowertrains.Afullyelectric variant was added in 2021 with the current UX 300 replacing the UX 250 and dropping thepetroloption.
TheUX300ewasdiscontinuedearlierthis year.
We’re told the name stands for Urban Explorer which, sort of, identifies its target audience.
A compact SUV, the UX 300 sits on the same platform as the Toyota Corolla hatch, CorollaCrossandC-HRSUV.
The UX 300h hybrid comes in three variants, Luxury, Sports Luxury and F Sport Luxury is front-wheel drive only, the higher-spec models adding the option of all-wheel drive. Prices range from $55,370 forthe300h2WDLuxurythroughto$73,210 for the AWD F Sport On-road costs need to beadded.
Optional Enhancement Packs are available with additional features over those that are standard in the particular models. These range from $2050 through to $5600withtheFSport.
Our test vehicle was the UX 300h Sports Luxury.
Styling
Although classed as a compact SUV the UX 300h is 4.5 metres long and so just 10cm shorter and 15cm lower than the Toyota RAV4, giving it more of a hatchback than an SUVprofile.
The front of the UX 300h is dominated by the characteristic Lexus ‘spindle’ grille with vertical fins on the outer edges and eyebrow-likeLEDheadlightsandvertical.
Standard in all models are heated and powered folding door mirrors, rear privacy glass,roofrailsandasharkfinantenna.
TheFSportgetsitsowndesignforitsfront and rear bumper, F Mesh grille, jet black platingandfrontfenderemblems.
A moonroof with opening tilt and slide function is standard on the AWD Sports Luxury and F Sport and through EnhancementPacksintheothervariants.
The UX 300h Luxury comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, Sports Luxury and F Sport get differingdesignsof18-inchalloys.
Up to 10 exterior colours are available dependingonthevariant.
Interior
ThecabinoftheUX300hasapremiumlook and feel, which is expected from any Lexus vehicle.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive with synthetic leather in the F-Sport and Sports Luxury. The entry level LuxurygetsNuluxinteriortrim.
All models come with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way for the front passenger. All are heated but only the F-Sport and Sports Luxury are ventilated.
The steering wheel is powered with both heightandreachadjustment.
Switches for the seat heaters and seat ventilation are integrated into the upper console.
Leather-accentedsteeringwheelandgear knobarestandardinallvariants.
Safety Safety starts with eight airbags including driverandfrontpassengerdualstage,driver and passenger knee bags, driver and front passengersideairbagsandleftandrightfull curtainprotection.
The Lexus Safety System+ is the brand’s
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 9/10
Practicality: 7.5/10
Comfort: 8/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
AdvancedDriverAssistanceSystem(ADAS) that uses sensors, cameras and radars to alert drivers on potential problems. It includes a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daylight cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, road sign assist, blind spot monitoringandparkingsupport.
Other safety features include rear cross-traffic alert, hill start assist, low tyre pressure warning, rear Isofix child seat anchorsandrearseatoccupantreminder.
F-Sport and Sports Luxury add auto-levelling three-eye Bi-Beam LED headlamps.
Drivetrain
Powerisprovidedbya2.0-litre,four-cylinder direct petrol injection engine producing 112 Kw and 188 Nm. This is backed by a permanent-magnetmotorandalightweight lithium-ion battery giving combined maximumoutputsof146kWand206Nm.
This is put to ground through an electronic continuously variable automatic transmissionandall-wheeldrivesystem.
The F-Sport and Sports Luxury AWD variants come with the Lexus E-Four system.Thisusesadedicatedelectricmotor mounted to the rear axle to automatically provideextragripinslipperyconditions.
Infotainment
A 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen supports full smartphone pairing including
wirelessAndroidAutoandAppleCarPlay.
The digital instrument cluster is also 12.3-inch and can be customised according todriverpreferences.
Luxury and 2WD Sports Luxury get a 10-Speaker Lexus Premium Sound System; AM/FM radio, MP3 and WMA (Windows MediaAudio)playcompatible.
Sports Luxury and F Sport graduate to a 13-Speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System; Clari-FI and QuantumLogicSurround.
Driving
Although it’s a relatively small vehicle it’s easy to get into and out of thanks to large doorsandafairlyhighgroundclearance.
There is a colour head-up display but it only comes with Enhancement Packages in theF-SportandSportsLuxury.
On the road the Lexus UX 300h is quiet inside, at least on smooth bitumen. It’s versatile, easy to maneuver around town but not challenged on motorways where it’s reasonablysmoothandcanbepushedhard withoutbitingback.
The transmission is smooth with instant response. In manual mode switching between 3rd, 4th and 5th gears keeps the engine in the preferred power zone at all times.
The steering is relatively light with a nice leveloffeedback.
Handlingisneutral,thankstoalowcentre of gravity, with progressive breakaway,
controlled with some steering input, but some tyre squeal is evident during tight cornering.
The brakes are well-balanced although a bittooaggressiveforourtaste.
There are three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Eco mode maximises fuel savings across all driving conditions by smoothing the throttle response and by moderating air-conditioning operation. Normal mode provides an optimal balance between driving performance and fuel efficiency. Sport Mode delivers quicker throttle response and increased power steeringfeel.
Fuelconsumptionislistedas4.4litresper 100 kilometres on the combined cycle. We averaged a tad under 5.0 L/100km during ourtest.
Summary
Comparisons between Toyota and Lexus models are inevitable, often coming down tocomparingcost/benefitanalysisbetween similarvehicles.
In the case of the Lexus UX 300h it sits around the same size as the Corolla Cross SUV but costs almost $20,000 less. Both are hybridswiththesamepowertrainincluding anall-wheeldriveoption.
The UX brings the higher level of prestige and extra quality that’s expected from any Lexus vehicle. But is that, together with the different badge, enough to justify the 20-grandpricehike?
The UX brings the higher level of prestige and extra quality that’s expected from any Lexus vehicle. (Pictures: Supplied)
Titans off to a flying start despite a loss on the weekend
North Western Titans have exceeded expectations early in the Baseball Victoria summer league regional north-west competition.
The Titans won their first four games of the season.
While on Sunday they suffered their first loss of the season in a top of the table clash with Mitchell Majors, things are still on track.
Speaking before the weekend, Titans coach Nick Conroy said it had been going really well so far.
“We’ve been doing really well and the wholeteamhasputinalotofhardwork,”he said.
“We’ve got a few guys who weren’t sure about playing and said no are now joining the team and are helping us out.”
Conroysaidtheplayinggroupwasbuying into his coaching and how he liked to go about things.
He said some of his coaching was a little
bit unconventional,
“We’re starting with the basics and fundamentals of baseball,” he said. “How I was taught in America.
“We didn’t have the money so he found other ways for me to learn and pick up the skills.”
Conroy said they had been pleased with thestartoftheseasonbutknewtherewould be challenges ahead.
He said they had keen to face Mitchell Majors and weren’t getting ahead of themselves.
While all games were called off on Saturday due to the weather, the Titans were able to get on the park at Macpherson Park on Sunday.
A 5-0 second innings proved the difference in the match, with the Mitchell Majors winning 5-0.
“We’re always striving for the next thing,” Conroy said before the match. “We have a big match up with them on top with us.
“We will size them up and it’ll be a good test of where we’re at.
“We’re realistic that we’ll have a loss at some stage which I think will show us some areas that we have to improve.”
Having not won many games the past few seasons, Conroy said the morale in the group was high and their confidence is growing.
“It makes training and helping people get better even easier.”
Conroy said it had been a strong start for thejuniorprogramaswell,withalotofwhat they were working on at senior level being put into their junior program as well.
“There’salotofplayershittingalotofballs and fielding a lot of ground balls.”
The Titans face Fitzroy Blue this Sunday in round six.
Tara Murray
Jets’ nervous wait
By Tara Murray
Several Western Jets players are among the nervous hopefuls hoping they’ve done enough to hear their names called out later this month at the AFL drafts.
Five Jets players have been through the journey this year, firstly as part of the Vic Metro side and then testing at the AFL combines last month.
While Tom Burton and Tom McGuane have been on the radars of clubs for a couple of years, Oskar Ainsworth, Finn Davis and Jacob Marron have impressed.
Jets coach Christian Stagliano said it was great recognition for the boys.
“You wind back mid year and a bit of a barometer is that Metro program,” he said. “Tom and Tom … were in the summer hub.
“Jake, Finn, Oskar playing as well and having five Jets players run out for the final two games out of the 23 was great.
“It’s exciting for the team and exciting for the guys back at the club that weren’t playing but were still representing the Jets. Super exciting for the individuals and great recognition for their years up until that point.”
Stagliano said Burton and McGuane had no issues handling all the pressure on them heading into the season.
Both were in the Jets leadership group and among the side’s best this year.
“They conducted themselves really well whenwithourgroupandwhatIsawaspart of the metro program,” Stagliano said.
“They were outstanding all the way through the year, handled it really well.
“Real level of leadership and supportive of their teammates, providing great mentorship and role models for the rest of the crew.”
McGuane, the son of Collingwood 1990 premiership player Mick McGuane, had beenspokenaboutasapotentialfather-son pick all year.
TheMagpiesdecidednottonominatethe Keilor product, so he could end up at any club.
“He’s looking after what he can control and continuing to work hard, continuing to put best foot forward,” Stagliano said.
“He has spoken to a number of other clubs and he knows his combine results were outstanding. Tom’s unavailable work ethic and determination to continue to chip away will give himself the best opportunity possible.”
Stagliano said Ainsworth, Davis and Marron all went through different journeys to find themselves on draft radars.
“It was exciting for Finn to be a train on for the metro squad and worked his way
Sports shorts
Ballarat FL
One of Bacchus Marsh’s favourite sons is returning home for the Ballarat Football League season. Hamish Coulton has spent the last five years living in Perth and London and is returning next year to pull on the red, yellow and black once again. During his time in Perth he played for North Beach Tigers in the premier division and represented the Perth Football League in its interleague side. “Hamish was a decorated Bacchus Marsh junior and also represented the Western Jets and Vic country in talent pathway programs. In 2016 he solidified himself in Bacchus Marsh history being a member of the 2016 premiership side along with current players Tyson Shea and Simon Lafranchi, whilst also winning the BFNL rookie of the year in the same season,” the Cobras said on social media.
Western FL
Caroline Springs has announced the return of another former junior player for next year’s Western Football League division 1 season. Jesse Cavanagh returns to the club after spending the past couple of seasons with Albion. The Lakers said Cavanagh would apply his craft in their forward line and bring some hardness around the contest.
into the main squad which was super,” he said.
“He had some really consistent games acquitted himself really well at the level.
“Oskar was not part of the squad at all and basically got in off the back off an amazing four week patch, averaging six shots on goal a week.
“He beat down the door to get a game
“Whereas Jacob had a couple of games before his school commitments with Wesley, had a really strong trial game
“He genuinely played on all the biggest forward for teach of the opposition throughout the national carnival.
Stagliano said he wasn’t surprised to see the growth in those five, but highlighted just their want to get better and learn from everything.
He said the rest of the group learned plenty from them.
“You might not always get what you want the first time, but with the determination little bit of grit and willingness to work, anything is possible,” he said.
“They all did it in their own way.”
All five have had a range interviews with different clubs in the lead up to the drafts which begin on November 19.
Stagliano said he wouldn’t be surprised to see a couple more players on the radars of AFL clubs ahead of the drafts.
FV
Melton Phoenix has announced Sergio Lundei as its men’s coach for next year’s FV state league season. Lundei brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Phoenix, having previously won two premierships with Truganina Hornets, where he also served as club president, and most recently built a brand-new senior team at Newport in 2025 and taking out the FV state league 5 west premiership and winning the finals.
Cricket
Most cricket on Saturday and Sunday was called off due to heavy rain. The Victorian Turf, Victorian Sub-District and North West Metropolitan cricket associations all called off play early on Saturday morning with heavy rain having fallen and expected to continue throughout the rest of the day. The VTCA and NWMCA also called off Sunday matches.
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Storm women’s program continues to improve and grow
Sydenham-Hillside is continuing its rebuild in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s competition.
The Storm has focused on bringing through a new group of players the past couple of seasons with the focus on buildingalongtermsustainableprogram.
Storm coach Michael Galofaro said whileitwasonlyearlyintheseasonthings were going along well.
“It’s a lot of the same group as last year has been building for a few years now,” he said.
“We’re still in the rebuilding phase. The girls are enjoying it and they keep coming back.
“Itkeepsthemoccupiedandit’sgoodfor them.”
Galofaro, who is in his second season as coach, said coaching the group has its challenges like all coaching roles but he enjoyed it.
“It’s a lot different to coaching boys and mens,” he said. “A lot of them are mums or wives.”
The Storm were 1-1 after the first three
rounds with a washout as well.
Galofaro said it was nice to get an early win on the board.
“The performance was amazing,” he said. “At one stage it didn’t look like we would get it, but two senior girls knuckled down and got us the win.
“We’re really happy with the result and hopefully it will help us for the rest of the season.”
Galofaro said they were seeing improvement every week.
“Our mindset is we’re not worried about the result,” he said. “Our success isn’t reflected by wins.
“We’ve had a few girls go and play premier cricket. We’ve been helping develop those kids for the future.”
The Storm recently had a former junior Jasmine Kamjob play for Australia’s under-19 team, the first player from the club to represent Australia.
The Storm has made a real focus of trying to get more females, both women and girls to play cricket.
Galofaro said it only benefits the
local community with more female participation.
“We’reofferingafreewomen’sprogram,” he said. “People can come and try to see whether they like it or not.”
The Storm was set to face Caroline-BurnsideSpringsonSunday,but the whole round was washed out.
Galofaro said it would have been a different challenge with the two sides combining having been separate last season.
“Caroline Springs has gone through some change,” he said of the side which has been one of the best teams for a number of years.
“It’llbeinterestingandseehowwestack up against them and every other team in the competition.”
The Storm this Sunday is set to face Maribyrnong Park St Marys.
- Tara Murray
Amber Andrews is a key player for Sydenham-Hillside. (Supplied)
Centrals get win Ollivici impresses
By John Dunne
Dual Inter Dominion heat victor Ollivici found his way back to the winner’s stall with an impressive display in the Prydes Easifeed Trotters Free For All at Melton on Saturday night.
Sent out a $1.30 favourite, Ollivici withstood a brief challenge for the lead from Keayang Stuka before Chris Alford was able to dictate the terms of the race with a leisurely 63.4 first half of the last mile.
The Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar-preparedseven-year-oldreeledoffa 27.5last400metrestoscorecomfortablyby 15 metres from Keayang Stuka and record his first win in more than 12 months.
Alford was pleased with the winner’s effort in the home straight.
“The way he found the line was the good thing. He was quick enough to hold the lead which was part one of the equation and there was no pressure in the middle stages,” Alford said.
“Up the straight, he was still pricking his ears all the way, so he still had plenty to give.”
Alford believes Ollivici can still mix it at the elite level.
“You’ve got all the good young ones like (Keayang) Zahara and (Jilliby) Ballerini coming through, but with the right run he is still good enough to compete with them, that’s for sure,” he said.
Promising four-year-old Ringer Wells provided the Andy Gath stable with the first leg of a trotting double when he took out the IRT Trot.
Given the run of the race by Kate Gath in the one out one back trail, Ringer Wells ($2.70 fav) finished strongly in the home straight to score by two metres from the leader Gee Cee Calder and Dossier.
Gath admitted she was buoyant of her winning chances around the home turn.
“I felt like I was always going to get the leader and we picked him up quite comfortably, so it was good,” Gath said.
Raced by Michael Cole, Ringer Wells is capable of winning better races according to Gath.
“Ithinkhewillgetbetterashegetsolder. He’s really progressive and trotting-wise he has got better… he is more relaxed now andIthinkhedefinitelyhasthescopetobe a nice horse and go through the grades a little bit more yet.”
Later in the night, the Gath-trained
Alrighty ($2.10 fav) carried the colours (green with yellow stars) of the greatest trotterseeninthispartoftheworld,Maoris Idol,tovictoryintheDynamicPrintGroup Trot.
Alrighty is raced by Bryan Healy, who drove Maoris Idol throughout his stellar career.
Shepparton horseman Matt Newberry chalked up his first Saturday night winner as a trainer when Keayang Santiago prevailed in the Garrards Horse and Hound Pace.
With James Herbertson in the sulky, Keayang Santiago ($3.40 fav) dashed through along the sprint lane to score by
four metres from Netra in a mile rate of 1:54.9 for the 1720 metre trip. Herbertson was happy with the way KeayangSantiagohandledtheriseinclass.
“I didn’t really expect him to come here and win tonight being up in class that much, but credit to Matty along with John and Maree (Newberry) who have done a really good job with their team of late, and this one is getting better with every run,” Herbertson said.
Later in the evening, Herbertson completed a winning double when he steered Hugo Rocks ($6.50), prepared by his father Ashleigh, to a narrow victory in the Swift Signs Pace.
MeltonCentralsgotitsfirstwinonthe board in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s league, while the bad luck continued for Bacchus Marsh.
While heavy rain on Saturday saw the majority of the matches on Saturday washed out, there was better luck for the women’s league on Sunday.
All but one match got underway and results come to fruition.
For Melton Centrals, it got to celebrate its first win since reforming a women’s side this season.
Facing Broadford in the B-grade competition, both sides were seeking their first win of the season.
Centrals batted first and made 1-122 from its overs.
Katrina Hoenig top scored with 36 notout,whileRhiannahJordanmade 35 not out.
Broadfordwasontrackearlyforthe win but wickets at key times slowed it down.
Centrals was able to do enough to restrict Broadford to 4-88.
Hoenig was the pick of the bowlers with 2-8 off her four overs.
Lancefield Yellow beat East Sunbury in the other match.
In the A-grade competition, Bacchus Marsh’s match with Macedon was the only one not to go ahead.
The Bulls are yet to complete a match with a forfeit, bye and two washouts to start the season.
In the two A-grade matches to go ahead, Lancefield Yellow and Gisborne were the winners.
The Tigers were able to keep it tight against Kilmore.
Batting first, the Tigers made 5-97 from their 20 overs with Luzanne de Kock top scoring with 29.
Broadford was restricted to just 4-46.
Gisborne chased down Wallan’s runs with ease.
The Dragons restricted the Magpies to 63 before finishing 1-64 in return.
Every Gisborne player had a bowl with three players taking two wickets each.
Skipper Brianna Woodburn made 41notoutoff27ballstoguideherside to 1-64 off just 9.2 overs.
Ollivici. (Stuart McCormick)
Darley locks in Danyel Waters as new women’s coach
Darley has locked in its new women’s coach for next year’s Ballarat Football League women’s side, who brings AFLW experience to the club.
Danyel Waters joins the Devils next season as the senior women’s coach bringing a wealth of coaching experience from her time in the AFLW, Victorian Football League women’s, Coates Talent League and local level footy.
Coming off the back of her most recent roles as Essendon Football Club’s AFLW Pathway Program head coach and Calder Cannons under-18 girls assistant coach, Waters aid she was impressed by Darley’s reputation and its plans to evolve its women’s program.
“Darley has such strong support for their female program,” she said.
“It’s a testament to a club when they take an already successful team and ask ‘how can we make this even better?’
On the club’s social media, it said Waters
had been looking for a club which was willing to take its women’s program to the next level.
She said the Darley role stood out to her.
“When the role came up, it felt like it was meant to be,” she said.
“It’s one thing to have a winning side, but to have a club truly invested in the success of their program, beyond wins and losses, as well as alignment between their women’sandmen’sprograms,andastellar culture as well - Darley ticked all the boxes for me.”
Drawing upon her background in nutrition and human movement, Waters feels she has more to give back to community level footy after three years in the pathways space.
She said she was keen to make a better athlete, not just a player.
“Being able to give players knowledge of how to fuel for performance or minimise injurythroughadequateprepandrecovery,
that’s something that will set this program apart from the rest” Danyel said.
She plans to design a training program specifically for women’s development.”
The Devils enter next year coming off the back of a third straight premiership.
Waters said she was keen to further grow the program.
“I want to make Darley the destination club; the premier development hub for the Ballarat and western region,” she said.
“Iwantittobeknownastheplacefemale footballers want to come to. That Darley is the gold standard of the league, and not just ours, but other leagues as well.
“To find a club so willing to pour resources into the women’s department and start from the ground up in terms of development, that’s what makes me so excited about my partnership with Darley.
Any interested players can contact the club’s Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/darleyfnc
Lions finding form
By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh Lions have found momentum at the right time of the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League women’s north-west season.
The Lions have built into the season and are now firmly in the top four with their sightsonfinalswithtworoundsremaining.
Coach Monique Caparello said things were starting to fall into place.
“We are definitely finding some form,” she said. “We’ve got some momentum going for us and going really well.
“I think we all know our roles within the team now and doing all the little things. We’ve kind of focused on the foundations and the playing style and trying to identify what we want to stand for.”
A win against Melton Thoroughbreds in the previous round further cemented what theLionsweredoingwasontherighttrack.
The Thoroughbreds, who are also in the topfour,beattheLionsthefirsttimeround.
“We played exceptionally in that game and it brought the group even closer,”
Caparello said. “The momentum has been great.”
The Lions were in action on Sunday against the Mildura Heat.
Caparellosaidthesidewasreallyrelaxed heading into the match.
The Lions took an early lead in the first quarter and were able to win every period on the way to a 76-60 win.
“Weweren’tasonaswewouldhaveliked tohavebeen,”Caparellosaid.“We’retrying tofindformforfinalsandhopefullywewill go deep.”
Olivia Ogston top scored for the Lions with 22 points.
She’s scored double figures in every game and at least 16 points a game since round two.
Caparello was full of praise for Ogston.
“She is doing a really good job on the offensiveend,”shesaid.“Shebringsenergy and physicality on the defence end which is what we needed at that point.”
Caparello said the focus for the group was to stay focused in the final two rounds ahead of finals.
Tough day for Bacchus Marsh
It was a tough day for Bacchus Marsh as it battled the conditions and Club Sunbury in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 1 competition on Saturday.
As rain fell across Melbourne and the wider region, many matches across the division and competition as a whole were called off.
While rain fell throughout Saturday, Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury were able to play through it and get a result, the only one in their section.
It proved to be a really difficult day for Bacchus Marsh as it lost 113 (18)-62 (0) to Sunbury.
Justin Webster’s rink lost 35-14, Glenn Sargent’s rink lost 22-19, Phil Minniti’s rink lost 22-14 and Simon Cornock’s rink lost 34-15.
After three rounds, Bacchus Marsh sits bottom without a win and only five points on the board.
Bacchus Marsh this week faces Deer Park 2 which is yet to lose a match so far.
Indivision2,section2,Melton’stop of the table clash with Moonee Ponds waswashedoutwiththegreenclosed due to the weather.
Meanwhile, there was plenty of action in the Bowls Victoria Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region Highlands competition.
The Lions sit in third spot.
“We want to build form heading into finals,” Caparello said.
The Lions face Castlemaine Cannons on Saturday in round seven.
In other north-west matches, the Thoroughbreds had an 86-51 win against the Heat on Saturday night.
A 22-9 first quarter set the tone for the Thoroughbreds who went on to win, 86-51.
Ella Price top scored with 20 points.
The Thoroughbreds sit in second spot with just one loss for the season.
In the men’s north-west, the Thoroughbreds were also on the winners list, beating the Heat, 93-79 on Saturday night.
Aduto Chipuowuop top scored with 24 points.
The Lions were unable to get over the Bendigo Braves on Sunday, losing 84-72.
Seth Wall with 15 points was among the standouts for the Lions in the loss.
The Thoroughbreds sit in third spot and the Lions in fourth spot with two rounds remaining.
In division 1, Diggers Rest just fell short against Kyneton Golf. The match went down to the wire with Golf getting over the line 53 (14)-52 (2).
Anthony Barker (20-15) and Peter Linehan (16-15) were the winning skips for Golf, while Kyle Stafford wasthewinningskipforDiggersRest (22-17).
Diggers Rest 2 and Kilmore 2’s game was washed out in division 2, while there was no action in division 3.
Glenn Arthur. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 515749_09
Darley has appointed a new coach. (Supplied)
Olivia Ogston. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 508552_04
