Merry Christmas everyone!
Bus safety overhaul
Victoria’s Office of the Chief Investigator (OCI) has released its report into the devastating May 2023 Exford school bus collision, urging immediate enhancements to Australian Design Rules for bus safety to better protect occupants during rollover incidents.
The investigation, aimed at improving transport safety, identified safety-critical findings focused on seatbelt design and side glazing retention.
The collision occurred about 3.40pm on Tuesday 16 May, 2023, when a school bus carrying 45 students from Exford Primary School in Eynesbury was struck from behind by a tipper truck towing a dog
trailer at the intersection of Exford Road and Murphys Road.
Thebuswasturningrightwhenthetruck impacted it, as the truck could not stop in the distance available. The impact caused the bus to roll onto its left side, shattering the left side glazing and injuring many children and the bus driver.
The consequences were severe, requiring a “code brown“ activation at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).
Seven patients, aged five to 11, were admitted with multiple and traumatic injuries, including severe lacerations, head injuries, glass shard injuries, multiple crush-limb injuries, and partial
and full amputations of arms. Three patients also required spinal support.
TheOCI’sfindingshighlightthatcurrent bus designs need review.
Specifically, the report calls for a review of seatbelt shoulder anchorage location to optimise restraint performance during a rollover. If a passenger in a window seat moves toward the window when that side impacts the ground, the current anchorage placement (away from the window) may be ineffective.
The report urges consideration of seatbelt designs that better accommodate small children. Current bus seatbelts are “not optimised“ for smaller body sizes,
and research shows reduced injury rates when belts correctly fit occupants.
The report also recommends changing side glazing requirements to increase the likelihood of window retention. The bus’s side windows were not retained during therollover,whichincreasedthepotential for occupant injury.
OCI is the operational office of the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety, an independent statutory position established to undertake no-blame safety investigation of transport incidents in Victoria to improve transport safety. OCI investigates bus, rail and marine incidents.
Children across Melbourne’s western suburbs, including Penelope, 4, are eagerly counting down the days until the big man in red arrives. As the end of 2025 draws near, the team at StarWeeklywould like to wish readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and safe and happy 2026. The first edition for 2026 will be out on Tuesday 6 January.
Lights causing congestion
By Jack O’Shea-Ayres
Daily commuters have voiced their frustrations over traffic congestion at the recently signalised intersection of Caroline Springs Boulevard and Rockbank Middle Road, with some residents calling the delays “a disaster” during peak evening hours.
Brian Storrar, who lives just north of the intersection, said the change from a roundabout to traffic lights in July has significantly slowed the evening commute. “I take it south every weekday around 7.15am. It’s always red when I arrive but I get through in one cycle, not too bad. The
roundabout was much quicker,” he said.
But the issues intensify in the afternoon.
“In the evening it’s a disaster - usually six or seven cars get through per lane per cycle. I’m there just at 6pm. Sometimes it’s onlythreefrustratingcycles,sometimesit’s six or seven. Green, red, inch forward six car spots, repeat.”
Mr Storrar said congestion can bank up past Brookside College, forcing some drivers into nearby residential streets as a workaround.
“That’s not what the backstreets are for. People live there and don’t want cars going pasttheirhousebecausetrafficlightsaren’t programmed correctly,” he said.
Attempts to raise the issue with Transport Victoria led to confusion for Mr Storrar.
He received two separate email responses indicating the traffic light sequencing on council-managed roads was a council responsibility, but that council must lodge requests through internal channels before the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) would act.
A Melton council traffic engineer later confirmed to Mr Storrar by phone that the issue must be escalated by council, not residents, and that while the matter has now been submitted to DTP, it narrowly
Melton’s favourite Christmas display
For more than three decades, Melton local Sandra Brogan has transformed her home into a festive wonderland, delighting generations of families with her annual Christmas display.
The tradition began 31 years ago when Sandra’s father first decorated the family home with a simple set of blowup reindeer and a Santa figure.
When he later moved to Melton, he brought the display with him, quickly becoming a favourite stop for
neighbourhood kids eager to soak up the Christmas spirit.
Today, Sandra proudly carries the tradition - one which has grown into a family effort and a much-loved community event.
“A lot of people who came as kids now come back with children of their own,” she said.
Each Christmas Eve, the Brogan home comes alive with costumed characters, with this year set to receive visits from
Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the Grinch, Santa and Mrs Claus, and even Glinda the GoodWitchfromWickedandtheWizardof Oz, played this year by actress and school teacher Aleisha Kent.
From 7.30pm on this year’s silent night, families are invited to visit for photos, meet the characters and feast on candy canes.
Sandra said it’s the joy on the children’s faces that keeps the tradition alive.
Adding to the magic, Sandra’s daughter performs Christmas carols each year.
Trees, shrubs and bridges boost biodiversity at Hopkins Road
Truganina’slocalbiodiversityissettobenefit
from a major lift, with landscaping plans for the new Hopkins Road bridge promising more than 80,000 native trees and plants across the project area.
As part of the wider level crossing removal program, more than 200 new native trees will be planted, including lightwood, river gum and brittle gum species. Trees, shrubs, grasses and tussocks will be planted at a variety of ages and will take time to mature and grow into spaces.
A row of 39 lemon-scented gums will line the new shared walking and cycling path.
Beyond tree planting, approximately 35,000 square metres of land will be seeded, supporting the introduction of more than 80,000 shrubs, grasses and tussocks.
The vegetation list includes berry saltbush, prostrate acacia, creeping boobialla, dusky bells correa, common tussock-grass and weeping rice-grass.
Victoria’s Big Build project planners said the landscaping scheme was heavily shaped
missed the agencies’ late-November bimonthly review meeting.
The next meeting is set to take place in late January.
In a statement, a council spokesperson said the intersection was upgraded due to high congestion and safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly students, and confirmed that it has requestedDTPreviewthelightsequencing “to ensure optimal traffic flow.”
“The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) manages traffic signals across Victoria, and Council has requested that DTP review the sequencing at this intersection to ensure optimal traffic flow.”
Police briefs
Human remains found
Police have discovered what appear to be human remains at a Brookfield property linked to the disappearance of a toddler in 2014. The child was never reported missing. Melton police began investigating earlier this year, leading to the excavation on 8 December. The coroner has been notified and the Missing Persons Squad has taken over the case. Current residents are not connected to the investigation.
Strathtulloh burglary charges
A 38-year-old man has been charged following an alleged aggravated burglary in Strathtulloh on 24 November. Police allege the man entered a Basildon Crescent home about 1pm and woke the occupant while armed with a knife, demanding cash. The victim was forced into the garage but managed to escape. A search warrant was executed on 4 December, with the man arrested and charged with aggravated burglary, armed robbery, false imprisonment and threats to kill.
Attempted armed robbery
Police are seeking public assistance after an attempted armed robbery and assault on a 17-year-old girl in Melton West on 9 December. The teen was walking her dog near Centenary Avenue about 2.30pm when a man demanded her phone and produced a knife. She suffered a minor upper-body laceration while fleeing. The offender is described as aged about 30, 170–180cm tall, with a dark complexion, skinny build and clean shaven, wearing a black hoodie, black shorts and red-and-white Converse shoes.
Watergardens arrests
by community preferences, with residents consistently calling for hardy native planting which compliments Truganina’s environment.
The selected species are expected to thrive in local soil conditions while boosting biodiversity and strengthening wildlife corridors.
Landscaping works are scheduled to begin in the coming months, with the new road bridge expected to open to traffic in 2026.
Eight people were arrested during a major police operation at Watergardens on 4 December. Dozens of officers and PSOs saturated the shopping centre and train station, which was declared a designated weapons-search area. Police conducted 160 wand searches, with no weapons detected. A 21-year-old Hillside man was among the people arrested after an alleged attempted theft from a store which was disrupted by officers during the operation.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Good Witch Glinda played by Aleisha Kent leads the jolly display. (Damjan Janevski) 520470_01
Gregg Lynn to face re-trial
By Emily Woods, AAP
A former pilot will face a fresh trial for the murder of a missing camper who died alongside her secret lover.
Greg Lynn, 59, faced a full Court of Appeal in Melbourne where three judges decided his fate on Thursday.
He appealed his murder conviction and sentence for the death of camper Carol Clay, 73, who went missing with Russell Hill, 74, from a remote campsite in March 2020.
The pair had been camping at the same
site as Lynn, Buck’s Camp in the Wonnangatta Valley in Victoria’s high country.
Lynn was charged with two murders and took the case to trial, admitting he burned their bodies but maintaining the deaths were accidental.
The jury returned a split verdict in June 2024 and Lynn was sentenced in October of that year to 32 years’ imprisonment with a minimum of 24.
The Caroline Springs man was found guilty of Ms Clay’s murder but acquitted over Mr Hill’s death.
He appealed the verdict with his law-
yers arguing it was unsafe as prosecutors put forward an unfair case and had failed to properly cross-examine Lynn.
Howeverprosecutorsrejectedallclaims the trial was unfair, despite admitting cross-examination could have been better.
The appeal judges asked prosecutors if they will pursue Lynn on manslaughter charges for both deaths if he faces a new trial.
Prosecutor Kathryn Hamill asked to be given time to discuss this with Victoria’s Director of Public Prosecutions and would pass a note to the court.
Demand forces Soul Food to relocate
A Bacchus Marsh Community food program which has supported members of the community for 16 years has been forced to relocate to a larger venue, amid what organisers say is unprecedented demand for meals and material aid.
The long-running Soul Food Program , which has traditionally served a hot lunch each Wednesday from the St Andrew’s Uniting Church hall, has now moved its weekly operation to the more spacious St Bernard’s Parish Hall on Lerderderg Street. Program coordinator Jenny Kearney said the decision to move was unavoid-
able.
‘We’ve had a big increase in our numbers so we’ve had to move from the Uniting Church - we just couldn’t accommodate everyone there,” she said.
The scale of the program’s growth has been rapid. In 2020, the Soul Food Program provided 2800 meals to the community across the year.
By 2024, the figure had ballooned to 8900 meals, with the program on track to deliver more than 10,000 meals this year.
“We have a meal every Wednesday except school holidays, and we also give
away bread, fruit, vegetables and a mix of other foods,” Ms Kearney said.
The Soul Food Program provides a hot two course meal every Wednesday at St Bernard’s Parish Hall at 61 Lerderderg Street in Bacchus Marsh.
Doors open to the community at 11.30am, with lunch served at noon.
This year’s Christmas Lunch will take place on Wednesday 17 December before returning to regularly scheduled lunches from Wednesday 28 January.
Anyone wishing to assist or donate can contact Ms Kearney on 0408 104 155.
On Thursday three appeal judges returned to the court and allowed his appeal, ordering that he face a fresh trial over Ms Clay’s murder conviction.
The judges found there were a number of “serious irregularities” that gave rise to a “substantial miscarriage of justice” as they set aside the murder conviction.
Mr Hill’s daughters, Deborah and Colleen, sat in court and appeared emotional as the decision was handed down.
Lynn was remanded in custody and will return to the Supreme Court for a directions hearing on 28 January.
Construction is set to kick off on the long-awaited Mt Atkinson Sports Reserve in Truganina, with works transforming a 10-hectare site on Kirkpatrick Boulevard into a major new recreation hub for the fast-growing community.
The $19 million project is being delivered by Stockland on behalf of Melton council, supported by the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and will provide much-needed sporting facilities for an area projected to reach more than 20,000 residents.
Once complete, the reserve will feature natural turf soccer pitches, an AFL-sized oval, synthetic cricket pitches, practice nets, and a modern pavilion for both sporting and broader community use.
Landscaped gardens and walking paths are also included to complement the active sporting areas in a bid to create opportunities for casual recreation and community gatherings.
Melton mayor Lara Carli said the project marked an exciting milestone for Mt Atkinson.
“This is a much-anticipated project for the Mt Atkinson community, and I can’t wait to see it start to take shape,” Cr Carli said.
“It will provide a space for recreation and gatherings for the growing community…and will play a major role in building positive health and wellbeing outcomes.”
The Mt Atkinson Sports Reserve is expected to be completed in 2028.
Jenny Kearney, Chris Bourke, Gail Wenham, Denise Perry, Sue Sanderson, Sue Cook and Jennifer Tan. (Damjan Janevski). 521887_01
Tackling gambling harm
Council areas across Melbourne’s north-west continually record some of the highest gambling losses from Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs), or poker machines, in Victoria. Advocates are calling on the state government to introduce measures to protect vulnerable people struggling with gambling addiction. Sam Porter reports.
Moving to Melbourne’s west was supposed to be a fresh start for Merapi and her husband.
After struggling with EGM addiction in their previous hometown of Auckland, the couple settled in Victoria to be closer to Merapi’s sister.
Once in Melbourne, Merapi noticed there were four gambling venues within a few-kilometre radius of her family’s new home.
“It doesn’t matter which way we went — north, south, east or west — there was a venue. We could even walk to some of them,” Merapi said.
“We found that the venues here were massive. We couldn’t believe it. Our gambling just grew and grew and we did try and stop but we just couldn’t.”
According to the state government, the social costs of gambling harm across the state were estimated to be $14.1 billion in 2023. In regions already experiencing social and financial disadvantage the impacts of gambling harm are much greater.
Living in poverty, that was our norm. I accepted that this was normal because I deserved it. Because I was the one that made these choices -
For Merapi and her husband, the high density of nearby poker-machine venues made it easy for them to gamble again.
“We were in the same place we were when we were in New Zealand, if not worse,” Merapi said.
As a result of gambling harm, the family was evicted from seven homes in 11 years, andMerapiandherhusbandhadtheircars repossessed. It affected the community around them, especially their children.
“The two older [kids] were jumping from school to school. There was no stability,” Merapi said. “Living in poverty, that was our norm. I accepted that this was normal because I deserved it. Because I was the one that made these choices.”
Merapisaidshehitrockbottomaftershe was caught tampering with money at her local sports club where she was working as the treasurer.
It was the turning point she needed to get better.
“We knew this was not our values. This is not how we were raised, but something about gambling and our pokies addiction drove us to become this way.”
Merapi and her husband decided to self-exclude from local gambling venues and sought professional help.
Merapi received free, confidential financialandtherapeuticcounsellingfrom IPC Health over the course of three years.
“It (therapeutic counselling) changed my life. We have learned to celebrate the small things like staying in a house and not being evicted, like owning our own car, like making sure our children have stabilityintheschoolsthey’reat,”shesaid. “Butittakesalot.Thisisnotaneasything to overcome. You really need a village behind you.”
IPC Health community engagement officer Sarah-Jane Blunt is part of the organisation’s Gambler’s Help team. She said EGMs are the most harmful products on the market.
“They’re designed to make people keep coming back for more because even when people have a near miss, with the sounds and the music and the lights that go off, their brain releases dopamine. So they’re stillthinkingthatthey’veactuallyhadthat winwhenweknowtheyhaven’t,”MsBlunt said.
Ms Blunt said communities are losing huge amounts of money from gambling harm.
“We’re losing more money because of all the financial impacts, the emotional psychologicalstressaswell,thedepression and suicide, relationships and domestic violence, and productivity.”
IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson said people start gambling for many reasons, including for entertainment or social connection, and sometimes to cope with stress, financial pressure or difficult life circumstances.
However, she said in many cases gambling harm is about environments rather than individual choices.
“Regions become gambling hotspots when there is a high concentration of poker machines, long trading hours, and venues located close to where people live, shop and socialise. Harm is much higher in communities experiencing financial stress or disadvantage,” Ms Nelson said.
“In Melbourne’s west, we see all these factors come together.”
According to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, the City of Brimbank has led in EGM losses statewide for more than a decade now.
In the 2024-25 financial year, more than $175 million was lost to the 953 EGMs in the municipality — an average loss of $1129 per adult.
Brimbank ranks in the bottom ten per centofcouncilareasinVictoriaonthe2021
SEIFA Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage, with a score of 912.
The council area’s unemployment rate is
also higher than the state average.
“There’s a statistical correlation between unemployment and gambling loss,” Ms Nelson said.
To reduce gambling harm in hotspot regions, Ms Nelson said measures should be taken to lower the number of EGMs in high-loss areas and introduce mandatory pre-commitment systems to allow people to set safe gambling limits.
“Reducing gambling harm requires systemic change, not just individual effort,” she said.
Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) chief advocate Tim Costello agrees.
He said the state government should mandate compulsory cashless cards that allow people to set their own loss limits, as voluntary use of such cards is not enough.
“You’re locking in your losses saying ‘I can’t afford to lose more than $200’ and then you are locked out for the time you designated… It might be 24 hours or a week,” Mr Costello said.
The initiative was recommended by the 2010 Productivity Commission Inquiry into gambling.
“You give people the right to still gamble and give them a proven method to safeguard them because we know once in front of the machine you will lose all track of time,” he said.
The state government said it’s investing more than $41 million to prevent and address gambling harm, including increased funding for the Gambler’s Help program.
“We’ve also slowed spin rates on new machines[and]reducedthecashloadlimit to $100 to prevent and address gambling harm across Victoria,” the spokesperson said.
According to the state government’s 2025-26 budget, 81.5 per cent of the estimated $2.7 billion gambling tax revenue will go towards the Hospitals and Charities Fund, the Mental Health Fund,
andtheCommunitySupportFund,leaving the remaining 18.5 per cent as direct revenue.
The state government also recently trialled the mandated cashless ‘YourPlay’ card in Monash, Ballarat and Greater Dandenong council areas.
The trial ended on 30 November with its evaluation to commence soon, the state government said.
However, the AGR criticised the trial for its lack of engagement with local councils andfornotincludingamandatory,binding loss limit feature.
As a result, Monash council withdrew its initial support of the trial.
In a joint letter signed by members of the AGR and 13 Victorian councils including, Brimbank, Wyndham and Maribyrnong, representatives expressed their dissatisfaction with the trial and called on the state government to meet to discuss gambling reforms.
Today, Merapi and her husband are well-supported by the people around them.
Merapi offered advice to her younger self.
“I would say to her to understand that gambling, it doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t actually care. It has no sense of family, has no sense of self or culture... nothing” she said.
Merapi, a respected community leader, works as the manager for Life Community Kitchen in Melbourne’s west.
The organisation provides thousands of free meals each year to disadvantaged locals.
“I knew that I was called for greater things. It was just delayed, but I got there in the end.”
Gambler’s Help Victoria: 1800 858 858 (24 hours)
IPC HEALTH (Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, MaribyrnongandWyndham):70372104or email gamblershelp@ipchealth.com.au
Merapi
Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Tim Costello. (Supplied)
IPC Health community engagement officer Sarah-Jane Blunt with chief executive Jayne Nelson. (Sam Porter)
MY PLACE
For Melton CFA captain Anthony Rhodes, volunteering with CFA is more than helping the community. Rhodes joined the CFA when he was just 12 years old and now, decades later, he’s proud to see his sons share the same passion for helping others. Jack O’Shea-Ayres talks family, empowerment and the importance of conversation with the fire brigade’s captain.
What’s your connection to Melton? How long have you served as Melton CFA’s captain?
I’m connected to Melton through my role as captain for the Melton Fire Brigade. I first started about the time my dad passed awayI got taken in about 39 years ago, when I was still paying in junior footy.
Whatdoyouenjoymostaboutyourroleas captainofMeltonCFA?
It’s challenging, but getting to represent the CFA and my town not just on a fire but in the competitions is rewarding. Currently, we’re doing the best in all the open competitions. The absolute best thing about it all is the camaraderie. It’s very family-orientated, it’s a village. It’s not just Melton, but it’s statewideandAustralia-wide.It’sanetwork.
I’ve met more people through the fire brigade than I’ve met in my entire working life. I know people from overseas through my fire brigade work - there’s friends I have from interstate, - Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, and New South Wales. What we’re giving people is the opportunity or the hope. It’s a network it’s not all about fighting fires. There’s a lot to be done, like education of the community. I’ve been taught lessons through CFA that have helped me through my working life, the CFA has really taught me to listen. What makes men’s mental health so importanttoyou?
It’s important to talk - there’s too much fun to be had in this world. When I was 12 years
old trying to do CPR on your dad it really was hard. It’s probably only been 12 months since I’ve opened up, but I’ve learnt it’s important to talk.
At the station, I’m big on debriefs. We go out to a lot of different calls, some are simple and some are a lot harder on people, so we need to talk about what we did - the reason why I opened up is because in my role as a
CFA member you get confronted by a lot. Don’t live in the past, live in the now. Look to the future, but live in the now… We want to empower people because we’ve all been given an opportunity.
Anthony Rhodes , Captain of Melton CFA. (Damjan Janevski) 519158_01
Eating support available
The holiday period can be a challenging time for people with eating disorders, an expert has warned.
Around 80,000 residents of Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs fall into this category.
Tanya Durrand, the eating disorders service navigator at North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN),urgedfriendsandfamiliesof people with eating disorders to recognise thatthiscanbeatimeofheightenedstress and concern.
“During December and January there are often a lot of social occasions that centre on food,” she said.
“Also, eating disorders and body image concerns can be very closely related. In the warm summer weather, there can be pressure to wear fewer clothes, which can be really stressful.”
Ms Durrand said the Butterfly Foundation – an Australian Government funded organisation that supports people with the conditions – had observed a regular holiday season spike in hospital admissions associated with eating disorders.
“The Butterfly Foundation also reports an increase in calls to its helplines in the December-January period,” she said.
“As well as the stresses inherent in big annual feasts, there is also a tendency to for some people to try out new dieting regimes for New Year, and that can also exacerbate some of the mental health impacts of eating disorders.”
Thankfully, though, there are some excellent tips and tricks freely available for peopleatrisk,andthosewhocareforthem, to minimise the challenges of the holiday period.
Ms Durrand particularly recommended
festive season support guides published by Eating Disorders Victoria, the Butterfly Foundation, and Eating Disorders Families Australia. “And it’s important to remember that help and support are available during business hours through Medicare Mental
Mini Christmas craft
Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.
Stephanie starred in the first season of MakingItonNetwork10,whereshediscovered and ignited her passion for crafting.
Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.
This month, Stephanie is creating mini Christmas wrapping paper rolls.
Healthon1800595212,”sheadded.
For more information about Tanya’s work with NWMPHN go to https://nwmphn.org. au/news/navigating-eating-disorder-careservice-navigator/
Mini Christmas wrapping paper rolls
Materials
3 different Christmas wrapping papers
Red cardstock
String or twine
Equipment
Scissors
Straw
Glue
Ruler
Hole punch (or something sharp to poke a hole)
Step 1: Cut a 9cm strip from each wrapping paper.
Step 2: Roll each strip around a straw, glue the edge, then slide the straw out to make 3 mini rolls.
Step 3: From red cardstock, make a small top and bottom cap (simple shallow box shape)
Step 4: Punch a hole in the top cap, thread string through, and tie a knot inside.
Step 5: Glue the three rolls into the bottom of the cap, then glue the top cap on to finish.
Stephanie Martinez.
Rough sleeper program lauded
By Jack O’shea-Ayres
Melton City Council has recently been recognised for its innovative approach to addressing homelessness, picking up an award at the 2025 Victorian Homelessness Achievement Awards held in Ballarat last week.
The council’s Rough Sleeper Initiative was delivered in partnership with Melbourne City Mission and IPC Health and won the Excellence in Ending Homelessness - Adult Category at the awards hosted by the Council to Homeless Persons, Victoria.
The award celebrates and recognises
programs, organisations, or partnerships that make an outstanding contribution to preventing or ending homelessness among adults in Victoria.
The winning initiative was originally established by council two years ago in response to a significant increase in the number of people sleeping rough across the City of Melton as well as a shortage of funded housing, support and outreach services in the area.
The program offers immediate respite, food, and referrals to healthcare, including mental and physical health support, and pathways to safe housing through public and community housing, transi-
tional housing, and private rental options.
Mayor Lara Carli praised the program for its ability to support those in need.
“What makes this program unique is that it brings support to people when and where they need it, rather than the other way around,” she said.
“It moves away from a ‘one-size-fitsall’ model, instead prioritising dignity, empowerment, and inclusion.”
The program has reportedly received 255 notifications of people sleeping rough to date, with most reports coming from community members and local businesses via council’s website.
After being notified, council alerts its
Christmas windows shine bright at gallery
Christmas is well on the way in Caroline Springswiththeinstallationofaheart-warming display on the windows of CS Gallery.
Throughout December and January, festive decals will be on display on the exterior windows of the gallery in a bid to capture the joy, warmth, and spirit of Christmas in and around Melton.
The colourful images have been designed by Footscray-based illustrator and muralist Lynn Bremner, who worked to capture and portray the many ways people celebrate the festive season together and represent the diversity which makes up the
Melton community.
Bremner’s work spans murals, editorial and book illustration, packaging, and animation, all unified by a bold use of colour, people and movement.
The visual stories depict cherished moments from Christmas, such as enjoying food together, playing games, exchanging gifts and decorating a Christmas tree, with local flora and fauna also being woven into the joyful festive images - all brought together with a bold and summery colour palette.
Mayor Lara Carli said the windows cap-
ture the pure joy of Christmas.
“Christmas is about coming together, sharing special moments, and creating lasting memories. This year’s CS Gallery window theme captures that beautifully, with heart-warming images of people from diverse backgrounds coming together to celebrate,” she said.
“Melton City Council is proud to support local artists to share their inspiring work with our community.”
All are being invited to see the festive windows for themselves located at 193 Caroline Springs Boulevard.
partner agencies which then coordinate an on-site visit to assess an individual’s need and initiate engagement and support.
“Council is proud to be recognised for this vital work,” Cr Carli said.
“The City of Melton Rough Sleeper Initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when local government and community organisations collaborate to support our most vulnerable residents.”
The initiative was also recognised in the Vision Super Local Government Awards for its Local Heroes Award back in May 2025.
School
Gilson College in Taylors Hill has received a $800,000 federal government grant to improve its sporting facilities.
The grant will go towards the reconstruction of the school’s oval as well as the addition of a synthetic turf junior soccer pitch, a long jump area, down ball and discus zones, and a hybrid basketball and netball court.
Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird said the project, funded through the capital grants program, will improve student educational opportunities and outcomes, and enhance physical education, sports training, interschool participation and community events.
Ms Jordan-Baird said the new facilities will also provide Gilson College staff, teachers and students with better quality modern spaces to work, teach and learn.
“The teachers, staff and students at Gilson College foster a strong culture of leadership, community engagement and positive ethics,” Ms Jordan-Baird said.
Ms Jordan-Baird said the new facilities will benefit current Gilson College students, as well as future student cohorts.
“We have a young and growing community here in Melbourne’s west, and new facilities such as these are positive steps to enhancing educational opportunities for our local youth.” Ms Jordan-Baird said.
Mayor Cr Lara Carli with the Christmas window installations at CS Gallery. (Damjan Janevski). 521594_02
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
30 years ago 20 December, 1995
WedgeParkPrimarySchoolpupilJamie Tobin,12,ofWestMelton,needsonebig Christmas present.
15 years ago 21 December, 2010
Navigators resident Wayne Austin says Moorabool Council’s decision to formally rename Ballarat-Navigators RoadislikeanearlyChristmaspresent.
10 years ago 25 December 2015
Maternity services at Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital will continueandbeexpandedasthetowns grow.
Faces of the west
Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the west. Keep an eye on this new weekly section for faces you may know.
5 years ago 15 December, 2020
Melton and Moorabool councils are demanding an urgent review of the state government’s approval for toxic West Gate Tunnel soil to be dumped in Ravenhall and Bacchus Marsh after the state’senvironmentalwatchdogadmitted it may have lacked the legal grounds to signoffontheplansearlierthisyear.
Diggers Rest Primary School principal Sheridan Thomas with pupils Christie, 10, Jasmine, 12, Yusuf, 11, Charlotte, 11, Finn, 6, Maari, 6, Sam, 6, Liam, 6, Fyfe, 5, Willow, 6, Luz, 5 and Nephi, 6, are celebrating upgrades at the school. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 520767_04
Elita Berisha, Tylah Shilligton, Majier Adut, Lachy Dovaston, Paul Curtis, Zac Banch, Bailey Scottand Jackson Archer took part in an all-abilities basketball clinic at Werribee’s Eagle Stadium. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 520756_06
Sharon Warren with her dogs Honey and Cheeky at a special Christmas party at the Williams Landing dog park. (Damjan Janevski) 522006_04
Santa will join volunteers from Caroline Springs CFA including Ryan Baker, Daniel Pigott, Danny Vella, Ryan Greenleigh, Adam Blythe and Aaron Krizowsky on Christmas eve. (Damjan Janevski) 519748_04
Maci, 11, Tori, 13, and Hanna, 15, are counting down to Christmas. (Damjan Janevski) 522165_03
Reverend Ian Hennebry and Melton Anglican Church parishioners Robert Davie, Graham Watt, Meredith Welham and Sam Welham helped organised a Christmas Fair. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 520852_01
Operation Roadwise 2025 launches this holiday season
A statewide road policing activity called Operation Roadwise 2025 that targets the main causes of road crashes will be conducted during the 2025 Christmas Holiday break from Thursday 18 December to Thursday 1 January 2026. This has been identifiedasaperiodofpotentiallyhighrisk in terms of exposure to road trauma to the Victoriancommunity.
Focus on road safety
Operation Roadwise 2025 aims to increase driver awareness and encourage responsible driving to reduce road trauma during this time of increasing road use. Police will target high risk driving that has been identified as the main causes of lives lost and serious injuries in crashes, including:
•Speeding
•Distracted driving, especially involving mobilephones
•Notwearingaseatbeltalongwithrestraint compliance
•Drivingwhilefatigued
•Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs(ImpairedDriving)
Road Policing Advisor Senior Sergeant Fletcher Pearson from Westgate Highway Patrol said, “During this road policing operation, Victoria Police will implement a strategically co-ordinated and tactically focused approach targeting the key contributingfactorstoroadtrauma”.
Police will be out in force both to educate driversandtoenforceroadrules,toprevent deathsandseriousinjury.
We’re watching your speed. Are you? Motorists are requested to stay within the speed limit, don’t drink alcohol or take drugs and drive, leave your mobile phone out of reach, wear your seatbelt and make
sureyouarewellrested.
Fatigue is one of the biggest killers and is a major cause of the loss of life on Victorian roads. Drivers are requested to plan their trip, be patient and ensure that you take at least a 15-minute break at least every two hoursanddon’tdriveifyouaretired.
Motorists will see numerous police units on our major arterial roads during this holiday period and speed cameras will be setupinidentifiedspeedandhighcollision locationsthroughoutthestate.
Those planning to travel during this period can expect to see an increase in vehicles travelling on our major freeways andhighways.
Police will be targeting drivers who attend the end of year work functions as it has been identified that there is a risk that some drivers will take risks whilst they are impairedbyalcoholanddrugs.
Drivers should plan their trips, be patient and ensure that they have frequent breaks whendrivinglongdistances.
Roadtraumaisn’tjustaboutthelivesthat are lost – it’s about the enormous impact on thecommunityfromfamilymemberstothe emergency service workers who must deal with these tragedies on a daily basis and to the police who deliver devastating news to lovedones.
Thewholecommunityhasaresponsibility andaroletoplayinreducingroadtrauma.
Remember, travel so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your Christmas/NewYearholiday.
Community effort
RoadSafeWestgateCommunityRoadSafety Council chairman Jim Giddings said it has been demonstrated time after time that speed is a contributing factor in most road crashes. Therefore, stay within the speed limit and drive to suit the conditions you face. Speeding increases both the risk of a crashhappening,andtheseverityofinjuries sustainedwhenacrashdoeshappen.
Mr Giddings said to make sure you’re
not putting yourself or others at risk on the roads,putyourphoneawaywhereyoucan’t betemptedtouseit,forexampleintheglove box or in the boot to avoid being distracted. He also said the work of his group along withinitiativesliketheOperationRoadwise during the 2025 Christmas Holiday break would hopefully reduce the number of seriousroadcrashesonourroads.
He asked the community to report speedingdriverstoCrimestoppersnumber 1800333000
Plan Your Trip, Stay Safe
Here are some key tips for a safe holiday break:
•Plan your trip: Check traffic conditions andplanreststopstoavoidfatigue.
•Stick to the speed limit: Every km/h over thelimitincreasesyourcrashrisk.
•Don’tdrinkanddrive:Ifyouplantodrink, arrangealternativetransport.
•Put down your phone: Distracted driving isdangerous.
•Wear your seatbelt: It’s the law and could saveyourlife.
•Get enough sleep: Fatigue impairs your drivingability.
•Check your vehicle: Ensure tyres, brakes, lights, and windscreen washers are in goodcondition.
Holiday driving has its challenges and drivers should drive in the hours they are normally awake, take regular breaks to reduce fatigue and allow extra space between vehicles. Drivers need to adapt to the conditions of the road. The onus is always on the driver to suit the conditions theyarefacing,andthatincludesthequality oftheroad.
Remember, travel so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your Christmasholidaybreak.
DRIVING IS NOT A GAME!
Road Policing Advisor Senior Sergeant Fletcher Pearson from Westgate Highway Patrol.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Blue Christmas
A special service for people grieving, overwhelmed or needing peace at Christmas. 2pm on Sunday 21 December at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Bacchus Marsh. If Christmas seems too hard this year, you are invited to join for this space of quiet reflection and hope.
Andrew, 0490 831 427 or www.bacchusmarshanglican.org.au.
Myrniong Community Carols
Pentland Hills Uniting Church and Christ Church Anglican Myrniong is hosting a free sausage sizzle and supper as part of this year’s community carols. There’s also activities for the kids. Sunday 21 December from 5pm, Myrniong Hall 6 Short Street, Myrniong
Andrew, 0490 831 427
Christmas carols
Join Christ Church Anglican Church in singing traditional Christmas Carols followed by seasonal refreshments between 11am-noon every Thursday until Christmas. Family Christmas Carol service will be held on Christmas Eve at 6pm. and there will be Carols by Candlelight is on Saturday 21 December at 6pm.
All welcome. At 2-4 Unitt Street, Melton.
9743 5363
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
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 Marsh.
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, 0418504616
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
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
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
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
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/
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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Brian Campbell and his dog BB during a special Christmas party at Williams Landing dog park. (Damjan Janevski) 522006_05
Pride evening at Werribee
Werribee is gearing up for the return of the popular Park Lounge– a mini Midsumma scene to showcase the best of pride in the west.
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of glitter, glamour and good vibes at this free celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture, creativity and community hosted by Wyndham councilatKellyPark.
Step into a dazzling world of music, dance, and magic with a stellar line-up of LGBTQIA+artistsandtheirfabulousallies.
From soulful ballads to high-energy drag, poetic performances to heart-pounding beats, the stage will sparkle with talent and fierce self-expression all night long.
Whetheryou’readancefloordevoteeora laid-backlistener,there’ssomethingtostir every soul and meaningful connections to be made.
Get ready for an unforgettable night hosted by the fabulous Lazy Susan, with show-stopping performances that will hit
every beat and get you in a dancing frenzy. Performances will come from DJ Gay Dad, Wild Gloriosa, Harper Bloom, Arcoiris Queer Latin Group, Alice Skye, Dandrogyny and Kevin Silvester—topped off with a spectacular headline set by Jude York.
Everyone is invited to enjoy the fun and dance the night away in an inclusive and welcoming space.
Park Lounge runs at Kelly Park between 6-10pm on Saturday 31 January.
February and March next year. (Damjan Janevski) 520579_01
and Matthew Oczkowski at the Forrest Street site where the
Summer sessions return to Spotswood
After an incredible response to the inaugural Spotswood Summer Sessions at the beginning of this year, the organisers haveunsurprisinglychosentorunasecond editionin2026.
Held across two weekends, one in February and one in March, next year’s summer sessions will closely resemble this years, with local musicians, bands and DJ’s featuring in a series of pop-up music events inForrestStreet,Spotswood.
Taking up the entire afternoon the
sessions offer the perfect opportunity to grab some tasty bites from nearby traders and gather with friends and neighbours, andsoakupthesummervibes.
The 2026 summer sessions begin on Saturday7FebruaryandSunday8February, presented by Hobsons Bay council’s HBCC MakeItHappengrantsprogram.
A month later, the summer sessions’ second weekend takes place on Saturday 14 MarchandSunday15March.
The March series is made possible by a
WestGateNeighbourhoodFundgrantfrom theWestGateTunnelProject.
Along with live music and good vibes and free entry, both February and March summersessionsshinealightoneverything that makes Spotswood special, the vibrant local community, incredible local food, creativity,andconnection.
The Spotswood Summer Sessions are organised by the Spotswood Traders Association. Details: summersessions@ ourhoodspotswood.com
Catch the best of Barnesy on the green at Keilor
Locals looking for an afternoon of classic tunes, great food and good vibes can head toamusicfestivalinKeilorthismonth.
Keilor Bowls and Community Club will hosta‘dayonthegreen’event,whichissure to get local music lovers grooving along to thegreatestColdChiselandJimmyBarnes hits.
Keilor Bowls Club social media and community director Lisa Dillon said it’s theclub’sfirsttimehostingtheevent.
“We don’t have a lot of local music festivals…Hopefully we can make it an annualevent,”MsDillonsaid.
“We’re actually ripping up the green. If it getsdamageditdoesn’tmattertoomuch.”
The festival will be headlined by Soul Chisel,aJimmyBarnestributeband,which isfrontedbyKeilorlocalSteveCallanan.
Festive sparkle in Hillside
Hillside is set to shine with festive cheer as the community comes together for Twilight Christmas at HillsideonFriday19December.
Running between 3.30-6.30pm at the Hillside Shopping Centre, the free family-friendly celebration promises an afternoon packed with colour,musicandChristmasmagic.
Shoppers and families can look forwardtoaspecialvisitfromSanta andMrsClaus,whowillbeavailable for photos and meet-and-greets throughouttheevent.
Little ones can dance the afternoon away at the Lively Santa Disco, while roving performers bring added energy and excitement tothecentre’soutdoorspaces.
The event also offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the season of giving by supporting the area’s local cafes and restaurants, with many eateries within the centre offering special deals just for the evening, making it an ideal chance to enjoy a relaxed dinner, a festive treat or a post-shopping snack while soaking up the cheerful atmosphere.
Residents, locals, community members, visitors and everyone in between are being invited to gather theirfamilyandfriendstomakethe mostofthecommunitycelebration, which marks a highlight on the localfestivecalendareachyear. For those looking to immerse themselves even further in the Christmas spirit, a full line-up of seasonal events happening across the municipality can be found at www.melton.vic.gov.au/ Out-n-About/Events/Christmasin-the-City-of-Melton, with regular updates shared via the Melton City MuchMoreFacebookPage.
“It’sgoingtobeaneight-piecebandwith brassinstruments,”MsDillonsaid.
“We’re going to invite some other local talenttoentertaintoo.”
There will be food available to purchase aswellasfullbarserviceontheday.
“Come and spend a day on the green. Enjoy local music, local talent with the localcommunity,”MsDillonsaid.
TheKeilorBowlsandCommunityClub‘a dayonthegreen’eventwillrunfrom2-7pm on Sunday 21 December at 2 Mercedes Street,Keilor.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their ownchairsorblanketstositon.
Tickets are $50 per person with kids under16yearsofagefreetoattend.
Bookings: keilorbowls.com.au/ day-on-the-green
Keilor Bowls and Community Club chairman Joe Watkins, Soul Chisel’s Steve Callanan and social media & community director Lisa Dillon. (Damjan Janevski) 519778_01
(Supplied)
Organisers of the Spotswood Summer Sessions Tony Mead
sessions will again be held in
Christmas in Hillside, 2023. (Supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which Victorian soccer team defeated Marconi Stallions FC to win the 2025 Australian Championship?
2. Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer plays for which national cricket team?
3. Jessica Stenson recently became the fastest Australian woman over what distance?
4. The Socceroos are currently set to play the US and which South American country in Group D of the 2026 World Cup?
After a dramatic race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, who claimed the Formula 1 world title?
Which Canada-based WNBA team is Australian basketball legend Sandy Brondello set to coach in 2026?
Cameron Smith finished second to which Danish golf professional at the 2025 Australian Open?
8. Akech Aliir last played for which NBL club?
9. CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs will add what to the backs of their jerseys for their 2026 Las Vegas match?
10. College football coach Lane Kiffin is set to lead which team for the next seven years?
11. How many teams will participate in the 2027 Rugby World Cup?
12. Which three stadiums will host Men’s State of Origin matches in 2026?
13. In what year was tennis introduced as an Olympic sport?
14. Starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, which sport is the focus of the 2009 film Invictus?
15. Which sporting brand is the long-term apparel partner of Football Australia?
16. How many years long was LeBron James’ recently broken double-digit scoring streak?
17. Which National League team was recognised by the UN as the world’s first carbon-neutral soccer club?
18. How old is the youngest player to earn an official chess rating?
19. What is the controversial motto for the upcoming Brisbane Olympics?
20. In a recent Ashes match at Optus Stadium, who memorably caught-andbowled England opener Zak Crawley?
21. Former Formula One driver Kimi Räikkönen is from which country?
22. In the NHL, the Sabres play out of which city?
23. How many metres can you run before the ball has to touch the ground in the AFL?
24. Who won the 2025 Bathurst 1000 race?
25. Which sport is the focus on the TV show Shoresy?
26. In which year did Melbourne Storm win its first premiership?
27. Tessa Virtue won Olympic medals in which sport?
28. And who was her partner?
29. Christian Brigham is the real name of which WWE wrestler?
30. Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey previously played for which AFL club?
Bathurst 1000
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the
1 Related to sound (5)
4 Retreat, climb down (9)
9 Of equal value (2,3)
10 Closest to the centre (9)
11 Workroom for an artist, photographer, etc. (6)
12 Plant scientist (8)
14 Inexorable (10)
15 Termination (3)
17 Stomach muscles (3)
19 Exaggerated representation (10)
23 Stigmatise (8)
24 Beauty treatment (6)
26 With many uses (9)
27 Temperate (5)
28 Assertion (9)
29 Pulled (5)
Marriage partner (6)
Roman equivalent of the Greeks’ Poseidon (7)
Crimson (7)
Sympathy (10)
Maybe (7)
Plants absorb carbon – (7)
Leeway (8)
13 Pretty (10)
16 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)
18 Drink made with wine, fruit and brandy (7)
19 Bravery (7)
20 Passage (7)
21 Colourful arc (7)
22 Redfaced (6)
25 Cosy retreat (4)
3 Who directed the films LadyBird (2017), Little Women (2019) and Barbie (2023)? 4 Winona Laura Horowitz is better known by what name?
VanderpumpRules was developed as a spin-off from which other US reality TV series? 6 Rachel McAdams (pictured), Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Seyfried star together in which 2004 teen comedy film?
7 ‘Come over to the window, my little darling/I’d like to try to read your palm’ are the opening lines of which song?
8 Spaghetti alla puttanesca, a pasta dish typically made with tomatoes, olives, anchovies, chilli, garlic and capers, originated in which Italian city?
9 What is the capital city of Peru?
10 MonkeyGrip, TheSpareRoom and The Children’s Bach are novels by which Australian writer?
A versatile family SUV
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Isuzu Ute MU-X is a seven-seat family SUV from a Japanese company that has a long history of producing hard working vehicles.
Indeed, Isuzu has a history dating back formorethan100yearsinlightcommercial vehiclesincludingacoupleofdecadeswhen theyweresoldhererebadgedasHoldens.
The MU-X is one of only two vehicles offeredbytheIsuzuUtebrandalongsidethe D-Maxutilitywithwhichitsharesthesame chassisandnumerousothercomponents.
MU-X has been a major success in Australia. Sitting on the same platform as the brand’s D-MAX utility it’s currently sitting in second place behind Ford Everest and well ahead of other ute-based rivals such as Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner.
Originally powered exclusively by a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, common-rail turbo-dieselengine,a2024upgradetoboth MU-X and D-Max added the option of a 1.9-litre,turbo-dieselunit.
The smaller engine proved to be short-lived and it was replaced in mid-2025 by a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that providedgreaterpowerandtorqueoutputs, lower emissions and greater towing capacity.
At the same time the chassis and suspension were upgraded along with technicalandsafetyimprovements.
A new flagship MU-X model called X-Terrain was added with the MY2025 update, joining the existing three variants: LS-M, LS-U and LS-T. The entry level LS-M is available with either two- or four-wheel drive.Allothersare4×4only.
Our test vehicle here was the X-Terrain. We’ll get into one of the 2.2-litre models earlynextyear.
Styling
MU-Xisagood-lookingvehiclethat’saimed at those looking for an attractive vehicle that’s going to appeal to family buyers looking for something that’s more than an upmarketstationwagon.
The bonnet is tall and slopes down at the outeredges.Thewindscreenhasapractical, relatively upright slope in that it doesn’t reach too far back and therefore keeps the sunoffthedriverandfrontpassenger.
The roof stretches back so that it provides atallloadarea,againaddingtothepractical natureofthisvehicle.
Two new exterior colours have been added to the MY2025 MU-X with Neptune BlueandSlateGreyjoiningtheprevioussix. Our test X-Terrain came with the exclusive SlateGrey.
X-TerrainaddsXTbadging,blackradiator grille, fender flares and 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, lower body side skirts and highway-terraintyres.
Interior
Inside, MU-X has an upmarket look as it’s aimed at those who want a quality family vehiclenotsimplyanoff-roadmachine.
There’s excellent interior space for all occupantsineachdimensionwithtumbling second-row seats making passenger access tothethird-rowreasonablyeasy.
X-Terraingetsleatheraccentedseatswith red stitching, red ambient interior lighting anda360-degreesurroundviewmonitor. Therearecupholdersinallthreerows,12 intotalaswellas18storageoptions.
Boot space with the third-row seats folded is 1119 litres, dropping down to a reasonable 311 litres with all seven seats in place.
All models come with full size spare
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
wheels, all bolted beneath the rear of the vehicle.
Steel in the LS-M and LS-U, alloy in the LS-TandX-Terrain.
Infotainment
The LS-M variant comes with a seven-inch colourtouchscreenandfour-speakeraudio.
Others get a nine-inch screen and eight JVCKenwoodspeakers.
Likewise, LS-M comes with a smaller (4.2-inch) driver’s instrument display compared with the 7.0-inch screen in LS-U, LS-T and X-Terrain. In bright sunshine we struggled to read the screen with light bouncingoffit.
Fortunately, there are two physical controls for the audio and some toggles below the screen to adjust the air con settings.
Embedded satellite navigation is only included above the LS-M Connectivity is by way of wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Engines/transmissions
The 3.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-dieselenginehasmaximumpowerof 140kWandpeaktorqueof450Nmfrom1600 rpm. Transmission is through a six-speed Aisinautomatic.
The new 2.2-litre drops to 120kW and 400Nm but gets an Aisin eight-speed auto transmission.
Safety
The Isuzu Ute MU-X gained a five-star safety when tested in September 2022. The subsequent upgrades in the past two years have added numerous extra features
as required by ANCAP to maintain the maximumscore.
Standard safety features across the MU-X range start with eight airbags including front centre and driver’s knee protection together with the mandatory stability and traction control and autonomous emergencybraking.
Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assist adds forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with engine stop/start, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, emergency lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alertandbrakingandtrailerswaycontrol.
There’s also hill start assist and descent control, roll-over mitigation, post-collision braking, forward collision warning, mis-acceleration mitigation, intelligent speed limiter, driver inattention assist, rear cross traffic alert and ISOFIX child seat anchorsintheoutercentre-rowseats.
Rear parking sensors are standard in all variants but only the LS-U and above get front sensors. LS-T and X-Terrain also come witha360-degreesurroundviewcamera.
Driving
With its 235mm ground clearance, getting into and out of the MU-X X-Terrain can be challenging especially for occupants at opposite ends of the age range. Black sidesteps and grab handles at all doors do help.
As is the norm nowadays there are numerous safety settings that are accessed throughthetouchscreen.Theyarenowhere near as intrusive as many other, mainly Chinese vehicles, and can be turned off reasonablyeasily.
As is often the way with turbo-diesels MU-Xit’sabitsluggishoffthemarkbutonce it gains momentum it responds quickly. There’s strong mid-range torque delivering plentyofpullingpower.
Steering is on the light side, making low-speed manoeuvrers easier and providinggoodfeedback.
The vehicle turns in nicely and holds the path chosen by the driver without the need for small changes to keep it on the chosen path.
Keep in mind that you’re driving a 4WD not a passenger car but it is excellent in the waythatitrespondstoroadconditions.
The MU-X range is covered by Isuzu’s unusual six-year/150,000km warranty – most of its rivals have five years and unlimited distance. It does have capped price servicing and up to seven years roadsideassistance.
Fuel consumption with the X-Terrain as listed at 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres. We didn’t spend much time off-road and averaged just under 9.0 L/100 km. Pretty goodforsucharelativelylargevehicle.
Summing up
Isuzu’s stock-in-trade diesel power and genuine off-road ability have drawn consistently high sales numbers to the MU-X throughout the six years that it has beenontheAustralianmarket.
It’s well-priced, powerful and versatile, combining large and comfortable family transportwithgenuineoff-roadcapability. We have one in our family that spends mostofitstimeeithertransportingchildren around or using its 3500kg towing capacity tocomfortablypulladoublehorsefloat.
Isuzu Ute MU-X is a well-priced, powerful and versatile. (Pictures: Supplied)
The weather again played havoc on Saturday for local sports people but there was still plenty of action. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Playing through a storm
Western Crusaders’ Tyson Garnham and Geelong’s Euan Spikers. 520090_76
Western Crusaders’ Dennis John Battistella Jr tries to break through. 520090_54
Western Crusaders’ Kalisitiane Lotulelei. 520090_74
Werribee’s Darren Hooper. 523147_01
St Albans’ Sammika Perera. 524045_23
Sunbury’s Jackson Treweek. 523161_01
Deer Park’s Jair McAllister. 524045_01
Keilor’s Mark Jacobsen. 523147_03
PEGS’ Maddumaage Tharindu. 523161_13
St Albans’ Sammika Perera and Joshua Hine. 524045_08
The Deeble class of 2025
Some of the most talented athletes in the western suburbs will be vying for the prestigious 2025 Don Deeble Sports Star awardnextmonth.
The Deeble committee will reveal the name of this year’s champion athlete at an awards dinner on the last Wednesday in January.
The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophiesand StarWeekly
The first nominee was Smrithi Adepu, a 14-year-oldrisingbadmintonstar.
Lastyearalone,shebecametheAustralian under-15 champion as she claimed gold in singles and mixed doubles, earned the Australian national under-17 silver medal in singles, and secured the prestigious VictorianOpenwomen’ssinglestitle.
She is already part of the Badminton Australia pathways squad, the Junior Falcons, and is focused on making the
seniorsquadandcompetingintheOceania Championships.
Western Jets star Thomas Burton was the Marchnominee.
Burton entered his AFL draft year with a resumemostpeoplecanonlydreamabout.
A member of the AFL Academy, he was later named co-captain of the Vic Metro side. While Burton wasn’t drafted, he is training with Richmond with the hope of beingaddedtotheTigersrookielist.
Young cricket star Jackson Martin was named the April nominee. Martin burst onto the season when he debuted in YarravilleClub’sfirstXIasa12-year-old.
He has continued to excel and made his Victorian Premier Cricket first XI debut this seasonwhilestillabletoplayunder-17s.
May nominee Kiara Boyd has a sporting career that only most can dream of. Boyd is in Victorian underage programs for both netballandfootball.
At this stage she isn’t keen on making a choiceofwhichsportshewantstofocuson.
JunenomineeLouisKaingistheyoungest of the nominees for 2025. At just 13, he is a two-time national and three-time state taekwondochampion.
After overcoming significant adversity, including being unable to compete for more than eight months, his passion and dedication to taekwondo drove an impressivereturntocompetition.
JulynomineeNicolaMorrisputsplentyof kilometres through her legs. After deciding to start triathlons, Morris fell in love with cycling. She was recently selected for the under-17 Australian track development team that went to Malaysia to train and competeintheYSDTrackSeries.
She is now part of the AusCycling VictorianRoadDevelopmentAcademy.
AnotherfootballerwasnamedtheAugust nominee, Thomas McGuane. McGuane has had a big name to live up to his whole life being the son of former Collingwood premiershipstarMickMcGuane.
Thomas has found his own way on the
football field having grown up at Keilor FootballClub.
September nominee Sam Simmonds startedplayingtennisashisbrotherdid. He quickly fell in love with the sport and haswonanumberoftitlessince.
October nominee Denise Chan didn’t quitehavethe2025shewasafterwithaback injury. The volleyball player represented Australia at under-16 level in Thailand beforebeingstuckonthesidelines.
“The next thing I knew I was getting an email saying I’d made the under-16 AustralianteamtoplayinThailand.Ididn’t even know they were scouting for that team,“shesaid.
The final nominee, Jobe Stewart, started taekwondo when he was just eight. Stewart soon made inroads and in October he was chosen to represent Australia in his first World Taekwondo Championships in China. He hopes to go to the Olympics following in the footsteps of his sister, Reba Stewart.
Ten elite young western suburbs athletes will be vying for the prestigious 2025 Don Deeble Sports Star award next month. The Deeble committee will reveal the name of this year’s champion athlete at an awards dinner on the last Wednesday in January.
Smrithi Adepu
School: Maribyrnong
Sports Academy
Sport: Badminton
Achievements: Junior International tournament and part of the Badminton Australia pathways squad.
Quote: “The Asian players train full-time, and their precision, skill, and attacking strength are on another level, and seeing them train puts a lot of things into perspective and motivates me to keep pushing harder to keep up with them.”
Thomas Burton
Club: Western Jets/Point Cook Football Club
Sport: Football
Achievements: Named Vic Metro under-18 co-captain and captain of the Western Jets. Named in the AFL National Academy. Won Western Jets best and fairest.
Quote: “I feel that I must set the standards. I can see my younger teammates may be nervous or unsure, it’s my role to instill confidence in them.”
Jackson Martin
School/Club: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/Essendon Cricket Club
Sport: Cricket
Achievements: Victorian Premier Cricket first XI debut, made Vic Metro under-17 team and bowled to the Australian cricket team in the nets.
Quote: “Bowling is my strength, but my batting is improving all the time.”
Kiara Boyd
School/Club: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/Western Jets/Western Warriors Sport: Football/Netball
Achievements: Under-17 Victorian netball team and under-18 Vic Metro football side.
Quote: “My sporting goals are simple, I want to do my best and try and get as far as I can on both sports, and I don’t want to let people down.”
Louis Kaing
Club: Convergence Combat Sports Sport: Taekwondo
Achievements: 2025 World Cadet Championships, Australian Cadet Taekwondo team.
Quote: “My goal is to be the best I can be. I will try hard every time I compete to ensure I get better results next time.”
Nicola Morris Club: Brunswick Cycling Club
Sport: Cycling
Achievements: Under-17 Australian track development team, AusCycling Junior Pathways Program and has been offered a position with the AusCycling Victorian Road Development Academy.
Quote: “My dream is to one day be selected to represent my country at the elite level, to finish on the podium and to be the best I can be.”
Thomas McGuane
School/Club: Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Keilor Football Club/Western Jets Sport: Football
Achievements: Vic Metro under-18s, Essendon District Football League premier division premiership, Western Jets vice-captain, made his Victorian Football League debut.
Quote: “You can have a 30-possession game but be more effective and influence a game more with better running patterns and 15 possessions.”
Sam Simmonds Club: Brooklyn Tennis Club Sport: Tennis
Achievements: Victoria captain in the School Sport Australia competition and represents Kooyong Tennis Club as a foundation scholarship holder. Ranked in the top 10 under-18 players in Australia.
Quote: “I found that I could change it up and match them tactically, but my consistency as a player must improve.”
Denise Chan School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy Sport: Volleyball
Achievements: Under-16 Australian Championships, under-16 Australian team.
Quote: “While we didn’t reach the ultimate success in that competition it taught us all so much about the game and what it takes to be the best.”
Jobe Stewart
Program: Taekwondo Australia Performance Pathway Program.
Sport: Taekwondo
Achievements: World Taekwondo Championships, finished fifth in the Canadian and Korean Open titles.
Quote: “You need a lot of discipline when you are 15, 16 and your mates are going out, you must train, remain disciplined with your training, missing socialising with friends and staying on a strict diet.”
Mustangs building nicely
By Tara Murray
Melton is slowly settling its line up as it prepares for a big patch of matches in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 2, section 2 season.
The Mustangs dropped back a division this year but didn’t need much time to adjust.
After playing every team once, the Mustangs have lost just one game and sit second on the ladder.
It’s match with ladder leaders Moonee Ponds was washed out.
Speakingbeforetheweekend,Mustangs coach Matt Blackburn said they were pretty happy with how things were tracking.
“We have started well and we’re half
way through the year,” he said.
“We were always positive about where we would be. We started the season against a couple of the stronger sides and we got away with some wins.
“We dropped a game that we should have. We’re starting to get players back after not having the same side at all this year.”
Blackburn said they’d had three or four players from their second side come up and get their opportunities.
He said the biggest thing for them was settling their line up and finding the right combinations, which he felt they had done.
“We had a few little movements on the weekend,” he said of the Deer Park 3 game.
“We’ve happy with how the combos are
looking at the moment which is a good thing heading into Christmas.”
Melton can set up its season heading into its next three rounds.
The final two matches before Christmas are against the third and fourth placed sides.
They face the top side in the match after Christmas.
The first of the three of those matches was on Saturday against Altona 2.
Lightning resulted in the match washed out and the two teams splitting the points.
Across the board it has been a strong season for the Mustangs.
Their top three Saturday sides all sit in the top four, while two of their three midweek sides also sit in the top four.
Lakers join EDFL women’s premier division
By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs will join the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division next season, with the top flight to expand.
The EDFL released its women’s premier division fixture last week, with the competition to expand to 10 teams.
The Lakers will join premier division, while Maribyrnong Park, which finished bottom this season, has avoided relegation.
Strathmore, which won division 1 this year, will return to the top flight after two seasons in division 1.
The Lakers top side has been playing in the Western Football League women’s competition where it has been a powerhouse of the competition.
Since the WFL started its own stand alone division, the Lakers have made the grand final every year, including winning two premierships.
The only season the Lakers haven’t made the grand final in a completed season was in their first year in 2017 in a combined EDFL-WFL competition.
This year the Lakers reserves side played
in the EDFL women’s reserves competition with the Western league having only one division.
The club’s under-18.5 side won the combined EDFL and WFL competition, with several players involved at the Western Jets.
On the club’s social media, the Lakers said they were excited for the challenge.
“We’re excited to share that in 2026, our senior women will join the premier division of the Essendon District Football League senior women’s competition, and our reserves women will return to the Western Football Netball League senior women’s competition after spending a year with the EDFL,” it said.
“We would like to thank both the WFNL and EDFL for their ongoing support of this move and both teams are excited by the challenges that face them in 2026.”
Maribyrnong Park has recruited well in the off season, adding some more young talent to its list as it hopes to build on last season.
The women’s premier division season will be expanded to 16 rounds, the biggest season ever.
The action kicks off on Good Friday with Strathmore taking on Keilor in a twilight
Meanwhile, Melton pair Chelsea Pollock and Lisa Trewarne have been named in the Victorian based Jackaroos Academy squad. It’s the first time the pair have been named in the squad.
Blackburn said it was pretty special for them.
“It’s a good reward for them and the hard work they’ve put in over the last few years,” he said.
“They didn’t think it would be possible at this time.
“Both have five year plans and it was in the five year plan, not in five months, it has crept up on them.
“Everyone around the club is getting around them. It’s massive for the club.”
Sports shorts
RDFL
Diggers Rest has announced its first new signing for next year’s Riddell District Football League season. Jarryd Bonello is no stranger to the league having played with Wallan while he also brings Essendon District Football League premier division experience. “Jarryd knows the competition and brings strong clearance work, inside toughness, and excellent ball-winning ability,” the Burras said. “Just the kind of midfielder every team wants on their side.”
CBL
The Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League all-stars for 2025 have been revealed. In the men’s north-west competition, Melton Thoroughbreds’ Hunter Salmons was named in the men’s all-star five. Named in the women’s all-star five includes Melton Thoroughbreds’ Ameir Majur and Bacchus Marsh Lions’ Magdalene Kratochvil.
NPL
The National Premier League fixtures have been announced for next season. Caroline Springs, which is returning to the top flight, will kick off its season on 13 February against Bentleigh Greens on 14 February at City Vista Pavilion and Sports Field. In the NPLW, Spring Hills will start its season on 13 February against Keilor Park.
Ballarat CA
contest, providing a bumper finish to what’s set to be a big day at Lebanon Reserve with the men’s sides also facing off.
Those two will have the following week off as Hillside unfurls its flag against Aberfeldie at Shark Park to continue the action, and 2025 grand finalist Oak Park hosts Maribyrnong Park.
Essendon Doutta Stars will commence its season against Moonee Valley at Nipper Jordan Oval, with Greenvale hosting newcomer Caroline Springs at Section Road.
There will be more Anzac Day action in premier division with every side embracing the action as 25 April falls on a Saturday, the grand final rematch between Oak Park and Hillside to be played in the twilight.
Oak Park and Moonee Valley will compete in Darcy’s Round, a Red Nose fundraiser, in round seven against Moonee Valley playing after the men in a twilight battle.
A three-week finals series between the top four sides is set to commence on the weekend of 15 August, with the grand final currently slated for the weekend of 29 August.
The other women’s fixtures will be released following the confirmation of teams.
Darley and Bacchus Marsh suffered losses in the final round of the Ballarat Cricket Association T20 competition. The Bulls faced Mt Clear in pool C, with Mt Clear making 142. The Bulls were bowled out for just 60 in reply. Golden Point chased down Darley’s 80193 in 14 overs, finishing 2-104. The Bulls finished second in their pool, while the Lions were bottom of pool A.
AFLW draft
The AFLW draft was set to be held on 15 December, with the next crop of footballing stars receiving their dreams.With the draft being held after deadline, go to www.starweekly.com.au for all the latest news.
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Caroline Springs will face a new challenge. (Kel Rowe)
Lightning, rain halts VTCA
Lightning and rain put halt to many games in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association on Saturday.
Having had rain affected matches the past few rounds, it is again the case in the final round before the Christmas break.
There was rain at some games along with lightning, while many other grounds escaped the conditions and were able to get a full day’s play in.
In senior division, Sydenham-Hillside is on top after day one of its match with Craigieburn,
The Eagles won the toss at Hillside Recreation Reserve and decided to bat first.
After losing an early wicket the Eagles were able to put on some runs.
When those wickets fell, they continued to fall with the Eagles bowled out for 166 in the 53rd over.
Sanka Ramesh Abeyruwan took 4-36 for the Storm.
With rain and lightning around, the Storm weren’t able to get out and start its innings.
It will now start this Saturday.
In the Roy Picone Shield, Caroline Springs was in a strong position when play was stopped against Kingsville.
Kingsville decided to bat first in warm conditions and were 5-127 when play was stopped due to the weather at Caroline Springs Recreation Reserve.
Roshan Laksiri and Braedon Mulheran both have two wickets for the Lakers.
Melton South was one of the rare teams to get a full day’s play in division 3.
The Royals are away against Moonee Valley.
After being sent in, Moonee Valley made 196 as it was bowled out with three balls remaining in the day.
Saman Kumara Muthuwadige and Chameera Perera took three wickets each for the Royals.
Both sides are keen for a win to get away from the relegation zone heading into Christmas.
In the Russell Pollock Shield, Burnside Springs United is keen to bounce back from its first loss of the season.
Burnside won the toss and decided to bowl on Saturday and it proved to be the
Trotters deliver Breeders Crown glory
By John Dunne
It took Michael Bellman 28 years to land his first Group 1 success and now he seemingly wins them for fun thanks to his exciting young trotter Mecarno.
Mecarno ($1.50 fav) chalked up his third Group 1 win in the past six weeks with Bellman in the sulky when he led most of the way in the Breeders Crown (3YO Trotting Colts & Geldings) Final at Melton on Saturday night.
With his main danger Enchauffour on his back, Mecarno reeled off a 27.7 last 400 metres to score by seven metres in a mile rate of 1:58.5.
A delighted Bellman savoured another Group 1 victory after the race.
“They all get sweeter,” Bellman said. Bellman revealed the winner’s Breeders Crown preparation wasn’t ideal.
“With good horses comes a lot of stress and he’s given us a few headaches this week, worrying about allergies and stuff like that. I’ve got no words, he’s just a star,” he said.
“He deserves a good little break now
and we’ll come back and see what his spoils are next year.”
The son of Tactical Landing is raced by Gary and Tracey Hull, who bred the horse.
“GaryandTraceyhadaplantogotothe best stallions so they can compete against the best and they’ve got their moment in the sun with an absolute star and I just can’t thank them enough for entrusting me with him,” he said.
Former NSW horsewoman Amy Day enjoyed a milestone victory when she landed the first Group 1 win of her career after Adelaide Red caused a boilover in the 2YO Trotting Fillies Final at odds of $51.
Adelaide Red enjoyed the run of the race on the back of the leader Elle Perfecto and an upset was looming when Day appeared to have a lapful of horse around the home turn.
The daughter of Pastor Stephen made full use of the sprint lane and darted through along the inside to score by a neck from Elle Perfecto in a mile rate of 2:01.4.
Day attributed the win to her father Neil, who trains a team in Goulburn.
“I know my name is down as trainer and
right decision. It was able to bowl Moonee Ponds out for just 126 in the 66th over.
Mathew Sanders took 5-30 for Burnside while Shohan Rangika took 4-26 to do most of the damage.
Burnside lost an early wicket but is still on top after finishing the day at 1-22.
Melton Centrals is staring down another big run chase, this time against Roxburgh Park.
In the battle between top and bottom, Centrals decided to send the Falcons in. It was a tough day in the field for Centrals with the Falcons 3-231 off 65 overs when the weather stopped play. So far it’s single wicket takers for Centrals.
BFNL fixture out
Ballarat Football Netball League action will kick off on Good Friday, with grand final rematches on the cards in round one.
The 2026 season will open with a Good Friday showcase, headlined by East Point and Bacchus Marsh. Round one will commence 11 April, featuring local derbies between all Ballarat-based clubs, while the Eastern block teams will also face off in a major early-season highlight.
It will include Darley hosting the Sunbury Lions at Darley Park, which will be a grand final rematch in the senior football and A-grade netball.
Melton will face Bacchus Marsh in other round one action.
Anzac Day will be strongly represented in round three, with several twilight matches scheduled to commemorate the occasion.
The local Bacchus Marsh and Darley derby will be held underlights on Anzac Day.
The two local rivals will also face each other in wellness round.
Sunbury and Melton will also play underlights on Anzac Day.
Sunday action will also return in 2026, with four clubs linking senior matches with their junior programs.
Themed rounds remain a major feature of the BFNL calendar.
Wellness round—spanning two weeks—returns to provide clubs the opportunity to promote and support causes important to their communities.
driver of this Group 1 but this is probably as much Dad’s Group 1 as it is mine,” Day said.
“She deserves the win, this little filly. She has been a terrific little racehorse and it’s great to have this win next to her name,” she said.
The Marg and Paddy Lee trained Keayang Bazlenka confirmed his ranking as the country’s premier juvenile trotter when he completed the Vicbred Super Series and Breeders Crown double.
Jason Lee eased three wide on Keayang Bazlenka ($1.25 fav) with 400 metres to travel and the son of What The Hill rounded up Howdy Mate in the home straight, with the pair streeting the others headed by Munny The Monster.
“We love him, he’s a stable favourite and he’s pretty good,” Lee said.
The win capped off a highly successful season for the Lee outfit.
“Mum and my uncles set out a plan about five years ago to try and get all our horses racing in these big races and thankfully, with a lot of hard work and investment, it’s starting to pay off,” he said.
Sir Doug Nicholls round and the Ronald McDonald House Charity round will also return, reinforcing the league’s commitment to celebration, inclusion and community connection.
Interleague football and netball will take centre stage during the first league-wide bye, with BFNL under-23 football and netball, under-18 girls, and under-18 boys travelling to Hampden for the annual representative competition.
Gisborne, which had applied to join the league, is not in the fixture.
AFL Victoria declined the Bulldogs application, but Gisborne had said it wouldn’t return to the Bendigo Football Netball League.
A second full-competition bye will occur during the middle week of school holidays.
Mecarno. (Stuart McCormick)
