Issuu

Johnny’s

ﬁnal chapter

Johnny’s ﬁnal invention has brought a family dream full circle.

A heartwarming local literary project inspired by family, imagination, creativity, and invention has reached its ﬁnal chapter with the completion of the four-book Johnny, The Inventor children’s series.

Taylors Hill author Nina De Goederen is celebrating the release of Johnny, The Inventor - Book 4: The Italian Vespa, ’Veloce’, marking the end of a journey that began with a simple yet powerful inspiration in her late brother, John. Thoughtfully illustrated by De Goederen’s husband, Aran, the series follows the adventures of Johnny, a young inventor whose vivid imagination transforms ordinary household items into extraordinary creations. The concluding story follows Johnny as he travels to Sicily, where he teams up with family friend Mr Giovani to create the high-speed Vespa ’Veloce’, a project which earns him international recognition as an inventor.

To celebrate the completion of the series, the couple will host a week-long launch event between Monday 29 June and Sunday 5 July at the Watergardens Town Centre in Taylors Lakes, where all four books will be available for purchase with a special signing.

Mega-hub petition

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Plumpton may soon be home to the largest datacentreprecincteverpubliclyproposed in Australia.

The proposed 350-hectare mega-hub is planned for development by Syncline Energy and would feature two data centres on a state-backed Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub battery storage facility where five major transmission lines intersect. It is expected to be nearly as big as 175 MCG playing fields.

Dubbed the Victorian AI Hub, the mega-hub has generated intense opposition from residents and, with a petition introduced to state parliament

callingforclearertransparencyaroundthe project.

Molly Walker, who started the petition, said the proposed site is the wrong spot for a project of its size.

“That’s a significant area of land within Melbourne’s western grasslands. My first thought was ‘that land isn’t empty’. It’s home to diverse ecological communities,” she said.

Thepetitioncallsonthestategovernment to ensure the environmental, cultural, social, and infrastructure implications of theVictorianAIHubarefullyassessedand publicly considered, including cumulative impacts alongside existing and proposed data centre and energy infrastructure

developments across Melbourne’s west.

Ms Walker said native grasslands in the region were among Australia’s most threatened ecosystems and warned they should not be dismissed as “empty paddocks”.

A former resident of West Footscray who livedclosetothesuburb’sdatacentre,Kate LestercondemnedtheproposedAIHubfor its closeness to a national park.

“The data centre they want to build here is going to be 3.5 square kilometres large andit’sgoingtobe10kilometresawayfrom Organ Pipes National Park,” she said.

“When I used to live there the air quality was not pleasant, but it is genuinely unbearable now.

“I don’t want what happened to my old neighbourhood to happen to the rest of my country.”

When asked about the potential impacts on biodiversity, waterways, native vegetation and ecological activity throughout the area, a state government spokesperson praised the jobs the project would create.

“Data centres are the backbone of our digital economy and we’re going after the jobs they create,” the spokesperson said.

“Any future proposal will be assessed on its merits and in accordance with the relevant planning scheme.”

Developer Syncline Energy was contacted for comment.

Nina and Aran De Goederen are launching the ﬁnal book in the series Johnny the Inventor with a week-long booklaunch at Watergardens Town Centre in Taylors Lakes. (Damjan Janevski) 559803_02

Mayor’s message

Cr Lara Carli

It is exciting to see the new Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Fraser Rise taking shape, with major construction milestones recently achieved. This landmark facility will become a key destination for health, wellbeing and community connection in the City of Melton, bringing together aquatic and fitness facilities, allied health services, and welcoming spaces for community gatherings under one roof.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the site with Federal Member for Gorton, Alice JordanBaird MP, to see the progress firsthand. The pool structures and main building are now clearly visible, and you can really start to picture what this facility will become for our community.

I look forward to seeing further progress on this important project, which will create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to stay active, connect and thrive close to home. Council is proud to deliver this project in partnership with the Australian Government. The project has received $15million from the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program.

Over recent months, I have continued meeting with Local Members to advocate for greater investment in our rapidly growing City. With our population forecast to almost double over the next two decades, increased funding is critical to ensure we can meet demand for essential infrastructure and services.

Along with my fellow Councillors, I remain committed to working with all levels of government to secure the investment needed to support our community now and into the future.

Feel free to contact me about Sugar Gum Ward or our City more generally on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton.vic.gov.au

Have Your Say

Council currently has several consultations open for community feedback on our City of Melton Conversations page.

• Rockbank East Children’s & Community Centre (closing Tuesday 30June)

• Strathtulloh Active Open Space Draft Master Plan (closing Friday 3 July)

• Weir Views Active Open Space Draft Master Plan (closing Friday 3 July)

• Dog Off-Lead Action Plan (closing Friday 17July)

• Planning for the City of Melton’s Trees (closing 17 July)

NAIDOC

Week 2026

You can sign up to the page to receive updates on new and currently open consultations.

Visit conversations. melton.vic.gov.au

Lake Caroline Ward with Cr Kathy Majdlik

It is hard to believe we are already nearing the end of June. Even with the winter weather upon us, there is still lots happening in our community, with exciting projects taking shape and school holiday programs on offer.

The implementation of the Lake Caroline Master Plan is generating lots of community interest. Earlier this year, residents shared their thoughts on the proposed new play space and events area at Boathouse Reserve, with feedback helping shape the next stage of the project.

Work is progressing on the final design that will create a welcoming place for family activities and community events. Plans include a boardwalk connection, and investigations into a lake crossing bridge which would enhance this already-popular open space.

With school holidays starting next week, Council’s School Holiday Program offers plenty of activities for children and young people to enjoy, including creative workshops and sporting activities. Young people can drop into the Melton Youth Centre and enjoy table tennis, pool, VR, and computer games with friends, or head outdoors and explore one of our great local parks. Visit melton.vic.gov.au/ schoolholidays to find out more.

With exciting improvements planned for our open spaces and fun programs on offer over the school holidays, there is much for residents to look forward to. These projects and programs create opportunities for residents of all ages to connect and stay active.

You can contact me about Lake Caroline Ward or our City more generally on 0412 584 058 or email kathy.majdlik@melton.vic.gov.au

Council will host a range of family friendly events and activities across the City in recognition of NAIDOC Week, which will be held from 5–12 July 2026.

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories.

Children can enjoy interactive cultural sessions with traditional songs, dance and storytelling; participate in indigenous art workshops; or try their hand at boomerang art.

For information, visit melton.vic.gov.au/ NAIDOC2026

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

Calls to ﬁx bus network

By Jack O’shea-Ayres

Outer Melbourne’s “failing” bus network needs urgent attention, according to a report by the Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO).

The Outer Melbourne Council’s (OMC) alliance says VAGO’s report, Improving Bus Services (2026), confirms outer suburban communities are being consistently underserved by an outdated and unreliable bus network.

It’s a claim residents and community groups across the western suburbs have been echoing for some time.

“What we’re asking for…is that they completely rethink the bus network… create a grid-like pattern, every 10 to 15

minutes of reliable buses,” Better Buses spokesperson Grace Eyre said.

The report highlights many fast-growing fringe suburbs still rely on buses which run only every 30-60 minutes, lack evening and weekend services, and follow indirect routes that fail to connect locals to jobs, education, and essential services.

OMC chair Cr Stefan Koomen said the findings confirm what councils and communities like those from the western suburbs have been experiencing for years.

“VAGO has confirmed what our residents experience every day: the bus network in outer Melbourne is not keeping up with the needs of our growing suburbs,” Cr Koomen said.

“Families shouldn’t have to plan their

entire day around a bus that only comes twice an hour. This report shows the real-world impact of slow reform and underinvestment.”

The report also highlighted poor reliability, outdated timetables, and a lack of coordinated statewide reform programs as key barriers to improving services, warning that outer suburban residents face the greatest transport disadvantage in the state, with limited alternatives and rising cost of living pressures.

Harpley Estate resident William Hui is forced to catch multiple buses in one trip due to unreliable public transport systems.

He explained a lack of routes connecting the Harpley Estate to Werribee meant

he had to catch Bus Routes 194 and 192, sometimes taking up to 60 minutes for just one trip.

“Thebusdoesn’tgotoWerribeestation. They only go to Wyndham Vale station, so I have to take a bus to Wyndham Vale station and then another bus to Werribee station,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense.”

OMC is calling on the Victorian Government to adopt VAGO’s recommendations including more frequent and direct routes, seven-day services, bus priority infrastructure, better performance monitoring, and stronger integration with land use planning.

“This report gives the government a clear roadmap. What we need now is action,” Cr Koomen said.

Give us ‘what’s best for the west’ demand rally protesters

By Jack O’shea-Ayres

Residents from across Melbourne’s western suburbs gathered on the steps of Parliament on Thursday 18 June, calling on the state government to accelerate long-promised public transport projects and address what they describe as growing inequality in transport access.

The community-led rally was supported by local community groups Sustainable Cities, Better Buses and the Mt Atkinson Advocacy Forum.

It marked five years since the release of Victoria’s Bus Plan and highlighted ongoing concerns about delayed rail and bus infrastructure in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.

Residents voiced their concerns on the long-awaited Melton electrification project, first promised in 2018 but still in the design phase.

Speakers said the delay had left rapidly growing communities dependent on congested roads and limited public transport options.

“We want buses, we want trains,” attendees chanted.

“We want what’s best for the west.”

Campaigners also raised concerns about the proposed Mt Atkinson train station, noting more than 5000 residents signed a petition supporting the project in 2024, but that little information had been provided since.

“We’ve been neglected for way too long,” said Liberal candidate for the seat of Melton Jarrod Bingham.

“People bring up crime and cost of living, but the third highest priority people talk about is transport.”

Residents from Mt Atkinson, Thornhill Park and Deanside told the rally they continued to rely on driving to stations at Caroline Springs, Deer Park, or Rockbank due to the lack of a local rail connection and limited bus services.

Cook, and Werribee often requiring indirect routes, multiple transfers, and lengthy journey times despite relatively short distances.

“We have been completely neglected in the west in terms of investment and pub-

pared to the Suburban Rail Loop, the Metro Tunnel, or other major projects.”

Speakers also argued transport infrastructure failed to keep pace with population growth, leaving families increasingly reliant on private vehicles and contributing to congestion on major routes including the Western Freeway.

The rally also highlighted the impact on shift workers, students, older residents, and people with disabilities, who organisers said were disproportionately affected by infrequent services and limited operating hours outside standard business hours.

Concerns were also raised about the burden placed on women and primary carers, with speakers describing transport access as an equity issue affecting access to employment, education, healthcare, and community participation.

“What I have found is people who are most affected by this sort of thing tend to be new migrants who don’t have driver’s licences or are anxious about driving,” Ms Eyre said.

“Elderly people, people who can’t drive for whatever reason - they expect public transport and are quite surprised when they arrive in the west and don’t have reliable public transport.

“Other people who are affected by it are students and young people, as well as their parents.”

Organisers said the purpose of the gathering was to give residents an opportunity to speak directly with elected representatives about the everyday impact of trans-

Residents from across the west came together at Parliament steps to voice their concerns on Thursday 18 June. (Jack O’Shea-Ayres)

West left waiting for ﬁries

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Melbourne’s western suburbs are being left vulnerable by a lack of fire trucks and underinvestment in new stations, new data shows.

The latest Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) response-time data reveals benchmark compliance rates sit well below average in several western suburbs, including Caroline Springs.

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) benchmarks require responding to emergency structure fires within 7.7 minutes, or seven minutes and 42 seconds.

Caroline Springs recorded the poorest performance in Melbourne’s west and across the state, with response-time standards met in just 43.8 per cent of

emergency incidents during the reporting period, between 1 July, 2025, and 30 September. 2025.

United Firefighters Union (UFU) national secretary Peter Marshall said there was a longstanding shortage of frontline resources in Melbourne’s growth areas.

“Many western suburbs stations operate with only a single appliance,” Mr Marshall said.

“When that appliance is committed elsewhere, communities are left relying on resources from neighbouring stations, adding critical minutes to emergency response times.”

Mr Marshall warned that delayed responses can have serious consequences for both residents and firefighters.

“Delayed responses can mean fires become larger and more difficult to control before firefighters arrive. Occupants have less time to escape, rescue opportunities diminish, and the risk of serious injury or loss of life increases.”

The union has identified Melbourne’s western and outer-growth suburbs as priority areas for additional investment, particularly Tarneit and Point Cook, which together serve a population approaching 350,000 people while operating with only one FRV pumper each.

MrMarshallcalledonthestategovernment to prioritise frontline investment and accelerate the construction of new stations, provide additional appliances and crews to single-truck stations, and

Melton foodbank founder vows to rebuild

A beloved Melton-based foodbank is putting its community first, as it moves to rebuild after falling on uncertain times.

Rosie Dale has given back to the Melton community for the past five years after she began offering a helping hand to local families experiencing hardship from her own home.

What began as a small act of kindness quickly grew into a wider food relief operation supporting residents across the western suburbs.

expand frontline firefighting resources in line with population growth.

A FRV spokesperson said the state’s complementary fire services model, established in 2020, ensured communities were protected through a coordinated network of FRV and CFA resources.

firefighting resources were not restricted by district boundaries, with FRV and CFA regularly responding across jurisdictions to support each other and improve coverage.

“FRV dispatches at least two fire trucks to individual incidents and, under the complementary fire services model, CFA fire trucks also respond in the FRV Fire District where CFA facilities are close by,“ the spokesperson said.

Pathways

open to local creatives

Moorabool council is inviting expressions of interest from artists, musicians, writers, performers, and collectives from across the shire.

Moorabool’s Hide + Seek Pathways is now officially open to all artists, musicians, writers, performers, and collectives connected to the municipality with the aim of providing support in the development of their ideas, practices, and careers.

Just this week, Moorabool council has announced a new artist development opportunity, inviting proposals to work with celebrated theatre director, writer and arts leader, Dr Donna Jackson.

The program will run between July and October this year, comprising six in-person and online mentoring sessions delivered by Jackson alongside guest contributions from council and industry leaders.

The program culminates on Saturday 24 October when participants pitch their developed project proposals.

But Mrs Dale said recent events have led to the pantry falling on uncertain times, with the future of the pantry unknown.

“We’ve got to start from the very beginning, it took five years, I’m hoping for the community we can get it back up and running again,” Mrs Dale said.

With backing from local supermarkets, businesses, volunteers, and community donors, the organisation quickly grew and expanded its reach, recognising the need for a larger, more sustainable service.

“I just want to try and keep it going. I can’t do it on my own.”

Mrs Dale explained a move to expand the community pantry caused a shift in its operations and now means she has had to find other avenues to operate.

“It’s about much more than food,” Mrs Dale said.

“Sometimes a conversation, a smile, or knowing someone cares can make just as much difference as the groceries themselves.”

Mrs Dale is welcoming support from the community and urges anyone who needs help to get in touch.

Rosie can be reached at rosie1965@ outlook.com.au for enquiries.

Mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor said Hide + Seek Pathways focuses on the diverse range of artists practising across Moorabool Shire.

“This program is not focused around a single art form or discipline. Hide+Seek Pathways will foster greater capacity, expertise and peer connection,” he said.

Expressions of interest close on Friday 26 June 2026, 5pm. Further details and application steps can be found on the Moorabool Shire Council website.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n6cxf8p.

Upgraded doors for local CFA brigades

Country Fire Authority (CFA) stations across Melbourne’s north-west will receive upgrades to help future proof brigades.

Woodend, Bullengarook, Rockbank, Millbrook, and Hillside are on the list of the 55 brigades which are part of the Motor Room Door Replacement Program.

Under the program, station doors will replaced to accommodate growth in brigades.

CFA acting head of property and environmental services Jonathan Beattie said the project was nearing completion.

“It has been a huge success,” he said.

“We have been able to ensure stations will match the demand of vehicles as brigades grow.

“We are always looking for ways to work

into the future, and this project has been a great example of doing just that.”

The $1.5 million project, funded through CFA base capital funding, will ensure doors open high enough to accommodate future vehicle roll outs.

CFA said it also provides a safer working environment for volunteers by installing motorised doors that eliminate the risk from lifting and closing manual bifold counterweight doors.

The program commenced in June 2025 and is due to be completed in September this year.

Following the completion of this program, door replacements will shadow vehicle delivery.

Rosie Dale, founder of Rosie’s Pantry, at her home.(Damjan Janevski). 560290_03

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Building better, safer lives

A Syrian refugee who arrived in Australia a decade ago with little English and no local experience has carved out a career as a senior engineer working on renewable energy projects that are critical to Australia’s economic future. Another refugee given protection by Australia put his life in danger working to secure the release of the trafficked victims of scammer gangs operating along the Thai-Burma border. To mark Refugee Week ( 14 - 20 June) these remarkable individuals tell their stories of resilience and resettlement.

Jamila Alarkan says she made the most difficult decision of her life after arriving in Australia by deciding to continue with her passion for engineering.

After arriving in Australia from war-torn Syria, Jamila set about improving her English and began the process of having her qualifications recognised.

Since then, she has forged a career in engineeringthatdeliberatelyencompassed a broad range of engineering projects in male-dominated environments. Drawing on her experiences and the resilience she gained as a refugee, Jamila has become a leader in her field. She is now a contract manager for a major engineering company in the renewable energy sector, and has also become an Australian citizen.

“Coming to Australia gave me the opportunity to rebuild my life and my career,” said Jamila, who lives in Roxburgh Park. “I have been able to achieve more than I thought possible.”

Jamila graduated in engineering amid some of the fiercest fighting of the Syrian conflict and the destruction of the ancient city of Aleppo, with friends and classmates being killed. Her undergraduate years were spent studying by candlelight in the bowels of an ancient convent as a bloody civil war raged around her. As the bombs fell, Jamila stuck doggedly to her dream of becoming an engineer, enduring the effects of war, sickness and physical injury to pursue an education and the chance of a bright future.

“Engineering has been my passion for

as long as I can remember. My hero is my sisterDahliawhoistenyearsolderthanme and an engineer,” she said.

“I’ve always loved mathematics and science and when Dalia studied engineering, I loved the drawings she used in her course. I’ve always enjoyed building thingsandmakingthingsworkandIreally loveproblemsolvingandfindingsolutions, so I knew I wanted to be an engineer when I grew up.”

After graduating, with Syria in ruins and little chance of work, Jamila took the gambleofherlifeandleftherfamilybehind in search of a future.

“If I were to offer advice to someone settling in Australia today, I would say: be patient with yourself. Find what you’re passionate about and hold onto it. Build community wherever you can. The journey takes time, and it isn’t always easy, but it is possible.”

Jamila says the achievements she values most aren’t just professional milestones, but “the quieter ones — becoming independent,findingmyvoice,standingon my own feet, building a legacy, repetition andbeingabletoplanforthefutureinstead of simply surviving day to day.”

“After ten years, I feel a deep sense of gratitude — for safety, for opportunity, and for the life I’ve been able to build here. It hasn’tbeensimple,butithasshownmethat withsupport,purpose,anddetermination, starting again can lead to something truly meaningful. I hope that one day my childrenwillbeproudtosharethisstory— not just as a personal journey, but as part of a legacy that carries across generations of Australians, showing what can be built through resilience, opportunity, and giving back.”

Jamila says she is “proud to be Australian-Syrian” and is “equally proud of the Syrian community here. So many peoplehaverebuilttheirlivesfromscratch, working hard, contributing, and doing their best to give back to society. I deeply respect them and feel honoured to be part of this community. Being able to call ourselves Syrian-Australian is something I will always carry with pride.”

Refugee driven by a sense of justice

For almost 10 years, Johny* was one of a loose band of people and agencies fighting to expose a little-known but growing human rights crisis created by criminal gangs.

The researcher and advocate has been working to support and secure the release of the trafficked victims of scammer gangs operating along the Thai-Burma border.

So far, Johny has helped to free almost a thousand unwitting victims tricked into effective slavery by criminal gangs, which operate multi-million dollar online and phone scams with the acquiescence of the brutal military junta which currently rules Burma.

His work put him in danger and Johny was threatened by the gangs and forced to flee with his family.

Now resettled as a refugee in Tarneit, in Melbourne’s west, with his wife, father and two children, Johny is continuing his humanitarian work and also studying, supported by AMES Australia.

His journey as an activist began when set up a small not-for-profit organisation tosupportdisplacedrefugeesinhisregion, mainly persecuted minorities such as the Karen and Chin.

The charity provides food and runs classes for refugee children.

“Westartedoutdeliveringfoodandother aidtosomeofthe11,000refugeesalongthe border. But then we also started trying to help people who had been trafficked and kidnaped by the scammer gangs,” he said.

On one trip to deliver aid, he was shot at by the Myanmar military. On another trip, a colleague was shot dead.

Johny said that in recent times, more of his group’s work has been about helping trafficked people. His group and other NGOs have helped in the release of more than a thousand people in recent years, he said.

In one instance, 26 Ugandans were rescued from a compound after being tricked into working for a gang of scammers.

Hehasalsobeenpartofresearchprojects intothescammersfortheAsiaFoundation, the US Institute of Peace and Amnesty International, International Justice for Migrants; as well as research into labour issues and exploitation of migrant workers for the UK NGO Fair Square.

Johny said the research indicates there may be as many as 77,00 victims inside the scam centres. They come from a range of developing countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco and other African nations.

Johny is a member of the Gurkha minority in Myanmar. There are about 250,000 Gurkhas living mostly in the rural Chin region. They are one of the ethnic minorities who have long been persecuted by the Myanmar military.

He said he plans to continue his work nowheandhisfamilyaresafeinAustralia.

“I want to study human rights law and continue my work helping trafficked people as well as research into this area,” he said. “Our work has been about how we can get these gangsters arrested and get justiceandcompensationfortheirvictims. And that work continues.”

Johny said education has also been a passion for him.

“In the worst times in Burma, education became my hope. That is why I continue studying here in Australia - because I want tobuildmoreskillsandknowledgesoIcan continue helping communities both here and abroad.”

*Johny’s full name has been redacted to protect family members still in Myanmar

Ten facts about refugees

1.Global displacement is at an all-time high: More than one in every 70 people around the world have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, violence, conflict or human rights violations. The figure of more than 117 million people forcibly displaced is nearly triple the 40 million recorded just two decades ago.

2. Almost half of the world’s displaced people are children: Of the 117 million displaced in 2024, an estimated 49 million - about 40 per cent - are under 18 years of age, almost triple the number recorded in 2010.

3. Refugees contribute more to Australia’s economy than they receive in services: Refugees and humanitarian migrants make vital, long-term economic contributions to Australia through high rates of entrepreneurship, regional labour force participation, and essential skills acquisition, according to a UNSW study.

4. Less than one per cent of refugees will ever be resettled: Millions of people are in need of resettlement, but the process is limited, complex and lengthy. Refugee vetting typically takes 18-24 months.

5. Most displaced people stay in their own or neighbouring countries: More than 60 per cent of displaced people remain within their own countries’ borders as internally displaced persons.

6. Climate change is accelerating displacement: Climate related disasters have caused 220 million internal displacements in the past decade, averaging 60,000 people displaced every day.

7. Australia remains a leading host country for refugees: Australia accepts 20,000 refugee each year; one of the highest intakes in the world on a per capita basis.

8. Refugees have shaped science, culture and innovation: Refugees bring essential skills, knowledge and experience to their new communities. Scientist Sir Gus Nossal, artist Judy Cassab, comedian Anh Do, sports identity Les Murray all arrived in Australia as refugees.

9. Refugees ﬁll critical labour shortages: Refugees play vital roles in the care industry, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, transport, tourism and education.

10. Refugees are neighbours, friends and community members: Refugees are more than numbers - they are people with hopes and dreams whose lives have been disrupted by conﬂict, climate change and threats to their safety.

*Source:AMES

Refugee Johny at work. (Supplied)

Senior engineer Jamila Alarkan.

Leisure centre takes shape

FraserRise’snewaquaticandleisurecentre isonestepclosertocompletion,withmajor constructionmilestonesrecentlyreached.

The new community facility is rapidly takingshape,withboththepoolstructures and main building now clearly visible on site, marking a significant step forward in delivering Melton’s biggest ever capital project.

All underground support work is now complete, with 2.3 kilometres of piling installed, equivalent to stacking nearly sevenEiffelTowersontopofeachother.

Construction of the learn to swim pool is reportedly well underway, with work progressingonthe50-metrepool.

Above-ground construction of the main building has also begun, including the installation of pre-cast wall panels and undergroundservices.

The aquatic and leisure centre has been designed and constructed with the aim of becoming a major destination for health, wellbeing, and community connection through its available fitness facilities, allied health services, and community meetingspaces.

The new facility is also set to include a dedicated sensory pool space, the first of its kind in Australia, designed to provide a calm, low-sensory environment in the water.

The space is being designed with the aim to support people with diverse sensory and access needs, with features such as considered lighting, acoustics, tactile elements, accessible seating, and interactivecomponents.

“The dedicated sensory pool is a wonderful example of what this project represents — inclusive, thoughtfully designedandleadingthewayinAustralia,” mayorLaraCarlisaid.

The project is being delivered by council inpartnershipwiththefederalgovernment through a $15 million injection under the ThrivingSuburbsProgram.

For project updates, visit melton.vic.gov. au/aquatic-centre

Briefs

Melton roadworks

Melton’s motorists are being advised to allow extra travel time over the coming weeks, with roadworks continuing along key local routes as part of the Coburns Road upgrade. Brooklyn Road is subject to road and lane closures at various times between Exford Road and Hazel Street until early August. Further disruptions are also in place on Staughton Street, where daytime lane closures will occur between Coburns Road and Exford Street until late June.

Brooklyn Road is expected to resume normal operation by Monday 10 August, while Staughton Street will reopen as normal by Tuesday 30 June. Drivers travelling through the area are encouraged to plan ahead and expect delays while crews work towards completing the upgrades. For more information and details: https://trafﬁc. transport.vic.gov.au/disruptions/ VBB-20339.

Waste entitlements

Melton locals are reminded waste entitlements will expire on Tuesday 30 June as these entitlements reset at the end of each ﬁnancial year. Residents with an outstanding waste entitlement voucher are urged to use theirs by booking a hard waste collection online or by visiting the Melton Recycling Facility before 30 June.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Melton mayor Lara Carli recently joined Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird to tour the site and see ﬁrsthand the progress on the project. (Supplied)

4-Year-Old Kinder. More free hours for families.

Kinder shapes everything from social skills to curiosity and conﬁdence. With up to 20 free hours per week, children in 4-Year-Old Kinder will have more time to play, learn and grow.

Free Kinder means families pay no out-of-pocket fees at a standalone kinder, or get a bill reduction for kinder in long day care. To

A mixed picture on crime

By Jack O’shea-Ayres

Crime continues to rise across Melton and Moorabool, but while the rate of growth has slowed significantly in Melton, Moorabool has experienced a sharp surge in offending over the past year, according to the latest data.

Data released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) showed for the year to March, crimeinMeltonrosebyjust7.3percentwith 16,964 offences recorded, a stark difference to the 20.3 per cent increase the year prior. However Moorabool’s data told a different story.

The CSA data showed Moorabool’s re-

corded offences rose by 20.4 per cent, or 3436 offences to March this year, compared to just a 4.8 per cent rise, or 2774 offences, the year prior.

Other types of theft were the most common recorded offence across Moorabool at 445, 135 more incidents than in the previous year, while breaches of family violence orders and stealing from a motor vehicle followed in second and third place at 403 (up from 395) and 314 (up from 248) offences respectively.

Bacchus Marsh was again Moorabool’s hotspot for crime, rising to 1323 recorded offences from a previous 1067, followed by Darley at 618 (up from 559), and Madding-

ley at 458 (previously 351).

In Melton, other types of theft were also the most common at 2646, falling from 2070 the previous year.

Breaching a family violence order was also the second most common recorded offence for Melton, at 1878, up slightly from 1876 compared to March last year.

Stealing from a motor vehicle also came as the third most common offence for Melton, at 1830 recorded incidents, down from 1872 the previous year.

The suburb of Melton took home top spot for crime at 2180 recorded offences, down from 2229, followed by Melton South, slightly down to 1441 from 1449, and Caro-

‘Vital’ family facility opens its doors

TheWeirViewsChildren’sandCommunity Centre has officially opened.

The centre is expected to give local families access to vital early years services right at their doorstep.

The official opening took place on 11 June, where Melton MP Steve McGhie and Melton mayor Lara Carli and councillors welcomed much of the community to the modern, purpose-built facility for the first time.

The kindergarten program wel-

comed its first three- and four-year-old children in term one this year.

Maternal and child health services are also supporting families from the earliest stages, while community spaces are being used for a variety of planned programs and local initiatives.

Cr Carli said the facility fills a gap in the community in supporting families at the most crucial stages.

“Facilities like this play a vital role in supporting families during those criti-

cal early years, helping to lay the foundations for a healthy, connected and resilient community,” she said.

“The Weir Views Children’s and Community Centre has been thoughtfully designed as a place where children can learn, grow and thrive, and where families can come together to build strong local connections.”

The $18 million project was delivered by council through a $9 million injection from the state government.

New cemetery advisories oﬀer ‘expertise and

Long-time community advocate Fred Ackerman and multicultural leader Essan Dileri are among seven new members appointed to the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust’s (GMCT) Community Advisory Committee.

The appointments strengthen the committee’s role in providing community insights and guidance to help shape the future of Melbourne’s cemeteries and memorial parks.

Heavily involved in heritage preservation, local cemeteries, and community organisations, including the Keilor Historical Society and Rotary Club, Mr

Ackerman brings decades of experience in education, having served as a teacher, principal, and senior education leader.

Serving on several advisory bodies with the City of Melton and the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Mr Dileri is originally from Afghanistan and has more than 25 years of experience in community leadership, intercultural engagement and international development.

The pair join new committee members

Amad Kazi, Maria Martins, Ameen Soliman, Sean Spencer and Johanna Waibuca.

GMCT chief executive Andrew Eriksen said the volunteers would bring valuable

vast networks’

expertise and community connections to the organisation.

“The new CAC members all come to our organisation with incredible expertise and vast networks,” he said.

Community Advisory Committee chair Tarang Chawla welcomed the appointments, saying the new members represented a diverse mix of faiths, cultures and community perspectives from across Melbourne.

Mr Chawla also thanked outgoing members for their service and contributions to GMCT and the communities it serves.

line Springs, up from 1347 the previous year to 1372.

Houses were the most common location for offences across both Melton and Moorabool, with 5590 recorded for Melton, down from 6153, and 1244 for Moorabool, up from 993.

Offences recorded in streets, lanes, footpaths, service stations, driveways and shopping complexes all decreased in Melton, but increased across the board in Moorabool.

Victoria Police deputy commissioner for regional operations Bob Hill said while it was pleasing to see crime stabilising across the state, it was still too high.

State defends mental health laws

The state government has defended current laws which prevent caregivers and families from accessing a loved ones mental health treatment plans as a western suburbs family pushes for legislative reform.

As reported by Star Weekly, Keilor Downs’ Despina Havelas and her daughter Aristea have expressed serious concerns over the lack of information shared by public and private mental health facilities about medication and treatment plans being administered to Despina’s younger sister Dr Anastasia Kalantzis, who died after being discharged from a facility on April 19.

Ana’s family is pushing for reform to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 so that loved ones get a say about a patient’s current and future treatment.

InresponsetoquestionsfromStarWeekly, a state government spokesperson defended the current laws but extended “sincere condolences to Despina and her family at this difficult time”

“We recognise that families and carers play a critical role in supporting people experiencing mental ill-health,” the spokesperson said.

“Victoria’s mental health reforms are built around a more collaborative, person-centred approach – where services are expected to recognise and involve carers wherever appropriate, while respecting the right of the individual receiving care.”

The spokesperson also said Victoria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 recognises the important role of families and carers, and the government is continuing to implement reforms from the Royal Commission.

Under the act, mental health and wellbeingserviceshavearesponsibilitytorecognise the role of families, carers and supporters in decisions about assessment treatment and recovery, the spokesperson said.

The act includes mechanisms for a person to appoint a nominated support person to support them to express their views and preferences. It also sets out the circumstances when a person’s health or personal information may be disclosed to family members. The act does not apply to private hospitals, the spokesperson said.

Melton MP Steve McGhie with Melton mayor Lara Carli at the official opening of the new Weir Views Children’s and Community Centre. (Supplied)

Despina Havelas and daughter Aristea Havelas, holding a photo of Anastasia Kalantzis. (Damjan Janevski) 558849_01

The Victorian Government is delivering real help, right now with half price public transport for everyone, including concession card holders, from June 1st until January 1st 2027.

Taking pressure off the pump with half price trains, trams and buses in metro and regional Victoria, saving daily commuters over $850.

Learn more at transport.vic.gov.au

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago 19 June, 1996

A $15 million upgrade of Melton Highwaywillbeginthisyear,givingthe development of the long-awaited $400 million Sydenham regional shopping centreaboost.

20 years ago 20 June, 2006

A Bacchus Marsh man who purchased and downloaded more than 9000 images of child pornography from a Russian website received a suspended jail sentence at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’CourtlastFriday.

15 years ago 21 June, 2011

Landholders are preparing to form a united front against Melton Council’s rural rate hike as anger over the proposedincreasecontinuestogrow.

10 years ago 21 June, 2016

The police association has called for a boost in officers – not more taskforces – as Melton’s crime rate soared more than17percentinayear.

Faces of the west

Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing people and events from across Melbourne’s western suburbs.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre chief executive Kon Karapanagiotidis and staff Christa Brajkovich, Ewan Arrigoni and Suzana Dewa. (Damjan Janevski) 559019_02

Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar owner Eleftheria Amanatidis. (Damjan Janevski) 558048_04

Naval Association of Australia north-west sub section members Dale Borthwick, David Pratt, Russell Pettis and Clinton Hall with his dog Timmy. (Damjan Janevski) 558100_03

Sacred Heart Primary School principal Kaylene Carlin at the school’s 125th anniversary celebration. (Damjan Janevski) 559142_06

Laura Nardella addresses the Melton cuppas for carers event. (Damjan Janevski) 554711_04

AquaTab Plumbing’s Anthony Pante and Bradley Merryweather. (Damjan Janevski) 559074_01

A fresh start in aﬀordable, resort-style living for over 50s

AvingtonLivinginPointCookisredefining over-50s living with a vibrant, resort-style community designed for those looking to downsize without compromise. Offering modern, low-maintenance homes and world-class amenities, it’s a place where residents enjoy the best of both worlds— independenceandconnection.

One of Avington’s standout benefits is the financial freedom it provides. Unlike other retirement living options, there are no exit fees, no stamp duty, no council rates, and no hidden costs. This transparent model makes Avington a smart and secure choice, allowing

residents to embrace their future with completepeaceofmind.

Beyond the financial advantages, Avingtonisacommunitywhereeveryday feels like a holiday. The state-of-the-art clubhouse features an indoor heated pool, gym, cinema, library, and sauna, along with outdoor facilities including a tennis court, bowling green, putting green, and beautifully landscaped spaces for relaxation and social gatherings. A calendar of activities keeps life engaging, whetherit’sadanceclass,craftgroup,ora quietcoffeewithfriends.

Residents consistently praise the warm

Stage 10 Sold Out, Stage 11 Now Selling

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Don’t miss out. Book your tour today!

and friendly atmosphere. Sally, a resident since 2019 says, “Avington is such a welcoming community. The people are great. The management is great. I can’t faultit.”

Newly completed homes are ready to move into now, featuring contemporary designs, high-quality finishes, and 7-star energy efficiency ratings. Thoughtfully designed for comfort and ease, these homes offer a stress-free, lock-and-leave lifestyle, perfect for those who love to travel or simply enjoy life without the hassleofhomemaintenance.

For Gary and Trish, who moved to

Avingtonlastyear,downsizinghasbeena positiveexperience.

“We didn’t know how we’d adapt to a smallerhome,butweabsolutelyloveit.“

Withaprimelocationclosetoshopping, healthcare,andleisurefacilities,Avington Living makes it easy to enjoy everything PointCookhastooffer.

Display homes are open for inspection Monday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm or Saturdaysbyappointment.

For more information, visit www.avingtonliving.com.au o call 03 8400 0408.

Choose

Hollows focus of study

After a severe storm swept through the Wombat State Forest in 2021, thousands of trees were damaged including many bearing hollows that provide critical shelter and nesting habitat for the Southern Greater Glider and many other creatures.

As part of a recovery program for the 45,000 hectares of damaged forest, the Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action (DEECA) engaged arborists to install 100 chainsaw-carved hollows in 2022 in the most suitable remaining trees.

Federation University PhD candidate Rhys Healy has been regularly monitoring

53 of these hollows since early 2026 in a project co-funded by DEECA and the university.

“Using remote cameras and microclimate loggers, I’m investigating which animals are using these hollows and what the conditions are like inside them,” he said.

Mr Healy said he is particularly interested in the endangered Southern Greater Glider, found in parts of the Wombat State Forest.

Knowing where the gliders had previously been occupying hollows helped to determine where to place the remote cam-

eras, he said.

The cameras have also detected a range of other hollow-loving wildlife looking for a new place to call home, including birds, bats and several species of possum.

“The aim is to better understand how effective artificial hollows can be as a conservation tool,” Mr Healy said.

Tree hollows can take more than 100 years to form, and large hollows suitable for species such as the Southern Greater Glider can take even longer, according to DEECA.

This makes existing hollow-bearing

Teacher Nicki McGannon and her student Eli (10) with Shaw’s Three Well-Known Australians at the Ballan Library and Community

559746_02

Mystery masterpiece inspires local imaginations

For more than four decades, one Australian painting has been asking the same question, and nobody has been able to answer it.

That very same painting recently captivated audiences across Bacchus Marsh and Ballan.

Three Well Known Australians by Sydney artist Martin Shaw recently stopped in at Bacchus Marsh and Ballan as part of its latest national tour, inviting visitors young and old to try their hand at solving one of Australia’s most enduring artistic mysteries.

The painting, which first began touring the country back in 1983, depicts three un-

identified figures whose true identities have never been confirmed. Since then, it has travelled to about 270 venues across Australia, collecting thousands of theories along the way, all while cementing itself as an important piece of Australian history.

“It feels great and that’s the whole idea,” Shaw said of the painting’s traction over the years.

“This was the only wall painting I did in the 1983 tour. I decided after the tour I’d have this painting touring on its own.”

Rather than providing answers, the exhibitionencouragesaudiencestobecomepart

of the artwork itself, with visitors invited to record their guesses in yearbooks which accompany the painting on its travels.

During its recent visit to Moorabool, the exhibition sparked plenty of curiosity among local families and school-aged children.

Young artists were inspired to create their ownartworksbasedonthefamouspainting, adding a fresh chapter to the exhibition’s long history of community participation.

Shaw’s Three Well-Known Australians can be seen at the Ballan Library and Community Hub until 25 June.

trees especially valuable, particularly in forests affected by storms, bushfires and other large-scale disturbances.

Mr Healy’s findings will better inform DEECA’s approach to recovery to support hollow-dwelling creatures following future large-scale weather events.

At the end of this monitoring period, Mr Healy will analyse the camera and microclimate data and publish his findings as part of his PhD thesis.

“This work will give us a broader picture of how these hollows are being used across the landscape,” he said.

Water supply changes

Greater Western Water (GWW) has temporarily switched the water supply from local sources to Melbourne’s supply system for select residents in the Macedon Ranges and Moorabool.

GWW said it is conducting essential maintenance at its water filtration plants in Rosslynne and Merrimu, with works scheduled to take six months to complete from 1 June.

Residents from Gisborne, Gisborne South, New Gisborne, Macedon, Mount Macedon and Riddells Creek will switch from the Rosslynne Reservoir onto Melbourne supplies.

Residents from Bacchus Marsh, Parwan, Darley, Maddingley and Merrimu will switch from the Merrimu Reservoir onto Melbourne supply.

During the switch, residents in these towns might notice a slight change in the taste or smell of tap water, which GWW said is normal.

GWW also said the water supply change also supports its local storages, which it said have been under pressure following extended dry conditions across much of Victoria since winter 2023.

While rainfall can boost storages, GWW said high demand from the growing population and warmer weather can quickly affect water levels, and connecting to Melbourne’s system helps maintain a reliable water supply throughout the year.

GWW said works are scheduled to take six months to complete, and it expects a return to local water supply will be for early November.

Hub. (Damjan Janevski)

Eco elites lead the way with big green dreams at Gordon PS

As Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) becomes part of everyday life, communities across Victoria’s west are discovering just how far a 10-cent refund can go.

At Gordon Primary School, sustainability isn’t just something students learn about in the classroom, it’s something they practice every day.

For the past 15 months, the school has been collecting eligible drink containers, with students in the Eco Elites sustainability club playing a hands-on role. The young environmentalists help sort donations and make sure every container is eligible for a refund, learning valuable lessons about recycling and

responsibility along the way.

The effort has grown into a community partnership. Beyond the support of school families, bulk container donations have been flowing in from the wider community too, including the Gordon Hotel and local residents who have rallied behind the cause.

Teacher and Eco Elites co-ordinator Krystal Conlan said every contribution is helping the school transform recycling into tangible environmental outcomes.

“Every donation, whether it be containers or donated refunds, is much appreciated,” she said.

“We are raising money to undertake environmental initiatives around the

VICTORIA’S CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME

school. This year we hope to upgrade our classroomrecyclingbinsaswellasbuilda new edible garden area.”

It’s a project that captures the spirit of CDSVic,turningasimpleeverydayaction into something that benefits both the environment and the local community.

CDS Vic West Zone network operator TOMRA Cleanaway’s GM Victoria, Tony Catania, said the program was a shining example of what the scheme can achieve.

“Programs like Gordon Primary’s Eco Elites show how small actions can build stronger schools and communities and make a lasting difference,” he said.

From sorting containers to dreaming

up edible gardens, the students of Gordon Primary are proving that environmental change starts small and that every container returned brings them one step closer to their goals.

To support Gordon Primary School, download the CDS Vic West app, search for the school under ’Charities’ and set it as your payout. Every container counts. Since the scheme launched over 2 years ago on 1 November 2023, CDS Vic has helped Victorians recycle more, reduce litter and keep valuable materials out of landfill. Across the state, Victorians have returnedover3.2billiondrinkcontainers, earning more than $320 million in refunds.

For the past 15 months, the school has been collecting eligible drink containers. Right: Gordon Primary School’s Eco Elites sustainability club.

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

Bacchus Marsh Philosophy Club

Bacchus Marsh Philosophy Club is a welcoming discussion group exploring life’s big questions in a thoughtful, relaxed, and respectful way. No background in philosophy is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to listen, reﬂect, and share ideas. These facilitated sessions encourage people to think more deeply about topics that matter, hear a range of perspectives, and enjoy meaningful conversation in good company. They take place every second Saturday at the Maddingley Library, from 10am-1pm.

Andy, 0498 549 177, or andy@p4e.au,

Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens

The Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens are inviting new members to meet 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, including oboe, bassoon, ﬂute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion. 0401 474 582

Cancer Support Group

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

Grenville, 0412 741 865

Chatty Cafe Melton

Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331

Friendship Group

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

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

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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Zumba instructor Christina

weekly session in Epping. (Damjan Janevski) 559406_01

Melton Men’s Group

Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8pm 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/

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

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/

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

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

Darley Neighbourhood House

The Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre is at 33-35 Jonathan Drive, Darley. It offers free and low-cost activities for all. There is a monthly repair cafe, a community pantry, a fortnightly chatty cafe and venue hire is available. www.bit.ly/DNHnow, or 5367 4390

Fishing club

Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome. Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366

Masino (front) with her class. Christina runs a free

Strange Garden will grow

Create your very own curvy cardboard creation for the Strange Garden in a new interactiveschoolholidayworkshop.

Artist Eliza-Jane Gilchrist will host a number of workshops over the winter schoolholidaysstartingfromWednesday1 July for children to add their own piece to theStrangeGarden.

With hands-on guidance, kids (and grown-ups) will build their own floral creations and add them to a growing cardboardgarden.

The garden begins with big, flowing cardboard flowers and slowly spreads through the room as each new creation

isadded.

Gilchrist, a sculptor, said she created the immersive exhibit and workshop around exploringherowngarden.

“The installation that I do with the children is they come in, and I have these sculptural forms that are large and they resemble plants or trees or flowers,” she said. “They have all kinds of holes and receptacles so that the children can make a smaller, strange plant and plant it in the garden.”

By the end of the workshop, kids and their parent helpers will have their own piece to add to the growing exhibition,

becomingpartoftheartwork.

“Because it’s a strange garden, it means theycan’tgowrong,”Gilchristsaid.

“It’s very abstract, just about following your curiosity, and finding shapes that you find interesting so it kind of makes a really beautifulinstallation.”

The workshops run for one hour, and are designedforchildrenagedsixandover.

The workshops will be held over various times from Wednesday 1 July until Friday 3July.

Bookings are essential, with each ticket acostof$5.

Details:https://tinyurl.com/2wrdbw2s

Rousay to bring soundscapes to Substation

Acclaimed Canadian-American sound artist Claire Rousay returns to Australia next month and will be stopping by The Substation in Newport as part of her nationaltour.

Now based in Los Angeles, Rousay is primarily known for composing highly emotive, whisper-quiet musical works that feature sound design elements like haptic soundandfieldrecordingsaugmentedwith strings, piano, electronic melodies and textures.

Her albums in this vein – on celebrated labels like Thrill Jockey and Shelter Press

– gained her notoriety in the international ambientandexperimentalcommunity.

However, throughout her career Rousay has remained stylistically mercurial, with hermorerecentworkincorporatinggeneric elements from rock, electronic, hyperpop, noise,folk,freejazz,andmore.

Rousay has performed at esteemed festivals and venues internationally including Unsound in Poland, Big Ears in the USA and both Rewire and Le Guess Who in the Netherlands. She’s installed or exhibited her work at ICA in London and the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney, while

also giving artist talks and workshops at renownedinstitutionsworldwide.

Joining Rousay at The Substation and on therestofhernationaltourwillbeAustralian artist and musician Lisa Lerkenfeldt who mixes classical instrumentation with endless piano and tape loop variations and multi-layeredarrangements.

Claire Rousay and Lisa Lerkenfeldt perform at The Substation in Newport from 7.30-10pmonSaturday18July.

Ticketsareonsalenow.Bookings:https:// thesubstation.org.au/program/clairerousay-and-lisa-lerkenfeldt-room40

A dark look into Santa’s world

The beloved Australian institution ChristmasinJulyisthefittingtimeto talk about some rumours regarding Santa Clause, Mrs Clause, the elves, what happened to Rudolph and with otherreindeerofthepack.

Wyndham Art Works’ strictly adult-only performance of The Eight: Reindeer Monologues will take you onabehindthescenestourofSanta’s workshop to get to the bottom of thoserumours.

Jeff Goode’s play premiered in 1994andhasbeenstagedworldwide. Wyndham Art Works will bring it to audiences in Melbourne at The MC Showroom, Prahran, from Wednesday8JulytoSaturday11July. Wyndham Art Works said the play is not your commonly nice and cosy Christmas story but a dark look into Santa’sworld.

“We aren’t really telling stories of an imaginary Santa, but of real people who sit in a place of power andusethatpowernotonlytosatisfy business purposes,” producer and directorWolfHeideckersaid.

“Santa Clause, representing the commercialised world of the ‘Christmas-Industry’,isontrial.

“The reindeer who spill the beans here are ... representing a segment of society, e.g. business functionaries, LGBTQI activists, feminists, or just self-protecting employees commenting from their individual point of view, perception, and judgment.”

Fanny Hanusin (Dasher), Darren Thao (Cupid), Kay Morton (Blitzen), Sharon Karina (Comet), Joanne Armstrong (Dancer), David Lih (Donner), Isabelle Wang (Vixen) and JoshinderKaurChaggar(Hollywood) willstaras‘TheEight’reindeers.

Lights, laughter, action as Moonlite Theatre stages interactive show

Find yourself a part of the performance at Moonlite Theatre’s interactive theatre show.

The community theatre initiative is inviting residents to step into the spotlight with a morning of improvisation, radio play readings, and interactive theatre fun comingtoBacchusMarshnextmonth.

BaccChat Interactive Theatre is set to be held at the Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh on Saturday 4 July between 10am and noon, offering a welcoming space for peopletoexploreperformanceinarelaxed socialsetting.

Theeventencouragesaudiencemembers to become part of the action through

a range of interactive improvisation activities and opportunities to read and performradioplays.

Organisers say the program is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of theirexperience.

No theatre experience required is a key focusoftheevent,withparticipantsinvited to simply come along, have a laugh, and takeadvantageofthecreativeatmosphere.

The morning aims to bring people together through storytelling, performance, and collaboration, while alsoprovidinganopportunitytomeetnew peopleandbuildcommunityconnections.

Alongside the theatre activities,

attendees will be able to enjoy a complimentarymorningtea.

The event works to promote the idea that everyone has a story to tell, encouraging residents and avid thespians to discover the joy of interactive theatre in a friendly, fun,andsupportiveenvironment.

Whether you are an aspiring performer, a fan of radio dramas, or simply looking forauniquecommunityactivity,BaccChat Interactive Theatre promises an engaging andentertainingexperience.

People of all ages and backgrounds are invited to come along and join in on the fun and experience the excitement of live, interactivestorytelling.

Artist Eliza-Jane Gilchrist will host a number of school holiday workshops for her interactive exhibition Strange Garden. (Supplied)

Canadian-American sound artist Claire Rousay will perform in Newport next month. ( Katherine Squier)

One of Moonlite Theatre’s early radio play productions of Jane Serves on a Jury incorporated many of the elements explored in BaccChat Interactive Theatre. (Supplied)

TRADES & SERVICES

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which New York Knicks player won the 2026 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award?

2. And which team did he beat to achieve that award?

3. Which Australian player scored in the 27th minute against Türkiye at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

4. And which Australian player scored in the 75th minute against Türkiye at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Who replaced Socceroos captain Matthew Ryan as goalkeeper in their opening game against Türkiye?

What is the ﬁrst name of London-born New York Knick ‘OG’ Anunoby?

Which 2026 ABC television series features the ﬁctional Great Southern Football Club?

The NBA Championship trophy is named after which former commissioner of the NBA?

What are the respective names of the 2026 FIFA World Cup moose, jaguar and bald eagle mascots?

10. Who is the head coach of the Australian men’s cricket team?

11. What is the oldest sport on the Olympic Winter Games programme?

12. What is the white target ball called in the game of bowls?

13. The Tour Down Under is held annually in which state?

14. What is the highest individual award in Australia netball?

15. True or false: lacrosse will be contested at the 2028 Olympics?

16. Which country won the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930?

17. When was the last time a host nation went on to win the FIFA World Cup?

18. True or false: no country has won multiple FIFA World Cups this century?

19. Which two teams made the 2026 Super Rugby Paciﬁc Grand Final?

20. Which team was forced to alter their jerseys before their 2026 FIFA World Cup match versus Scotland?

21. The ﬁrst Formula One Grand Prix held in Australia was in what year?

22. Sophie and Abbie McKay were drafted to which AFLW club under the father-daughter rule?

23. Who is the current female world surﬁng champion?

24. The NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award is named after which former Boston Celtic?

25. Tom Mitchell won the Brownlow in which year?

26. Which sport features in the ﬁlm The Benchwarmers?

27. In 2024, which Indiana Pacers NBA player featured on an episode of WWE Smackdown?

28. Which sport is governed by the ISU?

29. In which year did the Carolina Hurricanes last win a Stanley Cup?

30. And which team did they beat?

ACROSS

1 Dessert made with milk and eggs (7)

5 Large printed pictures (7)

9 Short pistol (9)

10 System of principles (5) 11 Perquisites (6)

12 Confirming (8)

14 Playing cards (6)

15 Brand of car, Mercedes – (4)

19 US state (4) 20 Governing body (6)

24 Compelling charm (8)

25 Hindu deity (6)

27 Establish by law (5)

28 From São Paulo, say (9)

29 Completely (7) 30 Screw in (7)

Inveigle (6)

Kitchen gadget (8) 8 Daydream (8) 13 Seemingly (10) 16 Most rapid (8) 17 Clouded eye lens (8) 18 Featuring as a principal performer (8)

21 Female organ of a ﬂower (6)

22 Economy (6)

23 Large piece of artillery (6)

26 Truth (4)

the nine letters in the

Today’s Aim:

17 words: Good 25 words: Very good 34 words: Excellent

how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”. E M D C A D E L I

1 Which Russian novelist wrote Crime and Punishment?

2 Which country is Borat, played by Sacha Baron Cohen (pictured), from?

3 Which basketball team holds the most NBA championship titles?

4 What type of machine would require a bobbin?

5 Where in Northern Ireland can you find the majority of the

7 How many petals does a pansy have?

8 In the nursery rhyme Jack Be Nimble, what must Jack jump over?

9 What is the standard measurement of gravity on Earth’s surface?

10 Which band released Don’t Dream It’s Over in 1986?

RATINGS

Looks: 7.5

Performance: 7.5

Safety: 5

Thirst: 7.5

Practicality: 7

Comfort: 7

Tech: 7.5

Value: 7

Overall: 7

Alfa Romeo’s face of fun

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Alfa Romeo Junior is a replacement for the previousMitoandGiuliettahatches.

And while the small crossover adds an interesting dimension to Alfa’s growing SUVlineup,theycankeepthename.

Initially called Milano, parent company Stellantis opted to change the name after the Italian government objected. It argued that it was illegal to sell ’Italian-sounding’ products that were not produced in Italy and sure enough Junior is built in Tychy, Poland.

Don’t know how they came up with Junior, but it just sounds so American and at the moment that’s probably not a good thinginthecurrentpoliticalclimate.

AreplacementforMitoandGiulietta,the crossoverisavailableinhybrid(Ibrida)and fully electric (Electtrica) form and shares a platformwiththeFiat600andJeepAvenger, aswellasthePeugeot2008.

Styling Junior comes in two flavours: hybrid Ibrida and fully-electric Electtrica, priced from $45,900 and $57,900 respectively – plus on-roadcosts.

All colours except white add $1990, with theonlyoptionasunroofat$1990.

From the stitching on the seats to the placement of controls, every detail reflects Alfa’s dedication to creating a vehicle that isnotonlybeautiful,butalsoajoytodrive.

Standard features include 18-inch alloys, two-tone paint, gloss black body kit, ‘Spiga’ seats trimmed in a combination of cloth and artificial leather with red finishes, single-zone climate air (no rear vents), heatedfrontseats,withmassageandpower adjustment for the driver, leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals and door sills pluseight-colourambientinteriorlighting.

Other features include LED matrix headlights, LED tail lights, active park assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic signrecognition,autohighbeam,autolights and wipers, frame-less auto-dimming rear view mirror, front, side and rear parking sensors,plusahands-freepowertailgate.

The Alfa Romeo Junior is backed by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, withfive-yearroadsideassistance.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a 10.25-inch inset touchscreen, with another 10.25-inch screen for the stylised ‘cannocchiale’ instrumentcluster.

There’s also Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB + digital radio, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker sound.

Thoughnotbranded,thelatterisactually quitegood.

A wireless charge pad carries the ‘Biscione’ logo, with front USB-A and -C portsandanotherrearUSB-CportplusAlfa ConnectedServices.

Safety

Junior has not been rated for crash safety yetbytheANCAPorganisation.However,it offersanarrayofdrivingassistancefeatures, includingsixairbags,automaticemergency brakingandLevel2autonomousdriving.

Autonomous Emergency Brake Control with Vulnerable Road User Detection (pedestrianandcyclistdetection).

There’s also blind-spot monitoring, intelligent speed control with traffic sign recognition, drowsy driver alert, lane keepingassist,trafficjamassist,360-degree parking sensors with active park assist and 180-degreerearcamera.

We’ll update our safety rating after the carhasbeentested.

Engines/transmissions

The self-charging mild hybrid features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Miller cycle engine with variable-geometry turbo and distributionchainformaximumreliability, together with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and21kWelectricmotor.

Producing107kWofpowerand230Nmof torque, drive is to the front wheels through asix-speeddual-clutchgearbox.

Driving

At a compact 4.17m in length, it includes severallinkstoAlfaRomeoheritage.

An updated version of the triangular grille is accentuated by a black grille with Alfa Romeo signature in acrylic, paying homagetotheAlfaRomeosportscarsofthe 1920sand1930s.

The protruding front number plate mount attracts plenty of comment and is obviously an add-on for countries like ours thatrequireafrontplatetobedisplayed. Insidethedriver-centricdesigndeliversa uniqueandsportydrivingexperience.

However, there’s plenty of cheap plastic to be found in the cabin if you go looking and the cupholders in the doors will not accommodatesportsbottles,butthecentre console with sliding lid hides a surprising amountofstorage.

There are no door pockets at all in the

back, rear legroom is severely limited depending on placement of the front seats and the cheap plastic hinge used for the parcel shelf over the luggage pulled free, suggestingalimitedservicelife.

We also cut the back of our hand on the driver seat mount while trying to remove thefrontmatfromthefootwell.

The 10.25-inch instrument cluster and its historical cannocchiale (telescope) design addstothedramaofthedriveexperience.

But we found it difficult to find a happy balance between front legroom and distance to the steering wheel – it’s one of theother.

Insetinthedashboardandtiltedtowards the driver, a slick 10.25-inch infotainment display can be customised via quick and easydraganddrop,butwasdifficulttoback outofsomemenus.

The team that worked on the ride and handling was the same as the one that developedtheGiuliaGTA.

Thetargetwasbest-in-classroadholding, with direct steering calibrated to be extremelyprecise,toenhanceroadholding.

How’dtheydo?

Evaluating the performance of a car without first checking out the specs is an interesting proposition, a bit like tasting winesblindfolded.

Without knowing what’s lurking under the bonnet, you tend to avoid bias and expectationsofanykind.

For instance, if you know it’s a V8, you tendtoexpectbigthings.

On the other hand, a small three-pot is liabletobegreetedwithderisionbyadriver, resigned to the fact the drive experience isn’tgoingtobemuchfun.

As it turned out the Ibrida happens to be plenty fun, despite its diminutive 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine – or 1200cc in motorcyclespeak.

Helpingtoturnthingsaroundisavariable turbochargerplusfurtherassistancefroma batteryandsmallelectricmotor.

The dash from 0-100km/h takes some 8.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 206km/h – around the same figures as our first generationSwiftGTI(ittoowasfun).

It’s also one-tenth quicker than the Electtricaversion.

With a 44-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 4.1L/100km (WLTP) and it takes 95premiumunleaded.

Under hard acceleration the raspy note from the petrol engine quickly confirms its three-cylinderstatus.

While powering into our first corner

underbrakeswasalsoenlightening. They’ve taken the time to set it up right because the Junior is clearly no run of the millshoppingtrolley.

At the same time compact dimensions and basic torsion beam rear suspension seethecarbecomeunsettledonsecondary roads, with some skipping evident in corners.

In stark contrast Ibrida offers a smooth driving experience around town, with the option of pure electric mode if required.

This is possible not only during parking manoeuvres or at low speeds in urban areas, but also out of town with a limited loadathighwayspeeds.

The electric motor provides additional power when needed and regenerates energyduringbrakingphases.

As with most twin-clutch transmissions, it occasionally becomes confused, especiallyinstop-and-gocitytraffic.

DNA drive mode provides Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency options with specific steering and accelerator calibrationfordifferentscenarios–inother wordsSport,NormalandEco.

Advanced Efficiency is calibrated for maximum energy efficiency by reducing consumption without affecting driving pleasure, but unfortunately the system defaultstoNatural.

We were getting 5.5L/100km after just over 670km of mixed driving at an average 62km/h, including a return trip down the coast – highway driving does not generally favourhybrids.

Interestingly, however, the long-term average at a much slower 39km/h was 6.7L/100km, even though it must have includedmorecitydriving.

Luggage space is a generous 415 litres withbothseatbacksraised.

Atyrerepairkitisstandard.

Summing up

Much better than Mito, the Junior is a little trier.

Itgoeshard,doesn’tusemuchfuelandis relatively cheap to buy. As such it is likely to hip, young up and coming professionals with money on their hands and an apartmentinthecity.

Old folks could well find the Junior an appealing runaround too and for all the samereasons–shameaboutthename.

You’d think ’Minore’ or ’Giovane’ which basically mean the same thing might have beenabetteroption.Si?

Alfa Romeo Junior goes hard, doesn’t use much fuel and is relatively cheap to buy. (Pictures: Supplied)

Warriors stun the Stars

By Tara Murray

The Western Warriors produced one of their performances of the Victorian Netball League season to upset the Gippsland Stars on Wednesday night.

Having played in a number of close matches, the Warriors again had to fight right to the end to get the win on the board.

Not much separated the two teams throughout the match, with the Warriors leading by one goal at the final break.

The Warriors saved their best for last, with a 19-15 final quarter, sealing the 67-62 win.

Warriors’ coach Kim Bailey was relieved to have finally got a result like that.

“It’s really pleasing,” she said. “They were really good from the get go.

“We had a couple of little lapses, but I think once we changed… to have a front line of Ruby Shannon, Mia Lavis, Kim Borger and Ellie Bird, the speed on the ball was the game changer for us.

“Seeing that was really pleasing.”

With Shannon and Lavis no longer on restrictions, the Warriors were able to play the pair for the whole game making a massive difference.

Shannon starred in centre, while Lavis started in goal attack before moving into wing attack in the second half.

Borger, who played for the Melbourne Vixens in a second straight game on the weekend, came on just before half time in goal attack and things changed for the side.

Bailey said in the first half they held onto the ball a little bit long but their strength is winning the game by speed.

“That’s our super power,” she said. “When we hesitate, that gives the defenders the opportunity to come and set up on us.

“We didn’t give them the chance to do that in the second half.”

Bird finished with 51 goals from as many attempts. Bailey said they passed the ball really well to her and it was a shame as there’s only four games to go as that connection will grow.

Bailey said Jasmine Fraser came on in goalkeeper after quarter time, did the job

Tonelli’s breakout year on the lacrosse ﬁeld

By Peter Howe

You could be forgiven for thinking that June Don Deeble nominee Samuel Tonelli had no choice but to play lacrosse.

His father, Richard is the Australian games record holder, mother Christine is on the Footscray committee and sister Mia also plays at Footscray.

“I did give soccer a go for a couple of years, my grandfather played at a high level and he encouraged me to give it a go,” Tonelli said.

“However, when you are born into a club, the club becomes your extended family.

“The people, the culture and the environment become so familiar that you simply feel at home, so lacrosse it was.

“I fell in love with the game because it wasn’t a mainstream sport

“Growing up with a lacrosse stick in my hands became an extension of who I was. It just felt like a part of me.”

Tonelli suited up for his first game as a six-year-old in the under-11s and despite being the smallest player, he was anything but afraid.

He played in the under-11s for four years, winning several club best and fairests with the pinnacle being named the club’s best junior player when he was 10.

Tonelli made his first representative team when he was 13.

“I made the Western Cannons and was selected to captain the team,” he recalls. “Covid interrupted that process and the development programs were curtailed.”

His next representative selection was in the under-15 western metro team, where he was captain both years.

Tonelli continues to grow with focus on his five days a week training regime that includes two nights a week at Footscray Lacrosse Club with juniors and seniors.

“I love playing juniors with my mates then the seniors take on a whole new set of challenges,” he said.

“I am also lucky to be in the Catholic Regional College, Sydenham, Sports Academy.

“I have gym and skill sessions within my school program.

“Fridays I prepare for game day, I focus on my skills, particularly my stick work and then it’s time to watch games that my upcoming opponents play to learn their style of play to be better prepared.”

Tonelli announced himself on the national stage during the under-18 National Lacrosse Championships earlier this year, winning the most vulnerable player award

for both the overall tournament and Victoria.

His performance at nationals didn’t happen by chance.

From the time Tonelli was selected in the Victorian team for the national titles he committed himself to be the best prepared he could possibly be.

One of Tonelli’s greatest moments was playing alongside his father Richard.

The Tonellis’ have always been synonymous with the number 16.

It’s his father’s number, and young Sam had always worn it as a junior.

Richard allowed his son to wear it in their first senior game together, but he had to relinquish it after that game.

Tonelli’s strength is as a face-off special-

they needed her to against Sam Silvester. She said she took ballside front and was able to win ball.

“That was a bit of pressure too,” Bailey said. “We made a concerted effort to apply pressure around the circle, give our defence an opportunity to go and hunt.”

The Warriors were without Poppy Douglass through illness, while Kiara Boyd might not be back due to football commitments.

The win was the Warriors fourth win of the season. They remain 11th on the ladder, two games outside the top six.

Bailey said they know it would be difficult to make finals, but they want to make an impact in the last few rounds.

She said it was so nice to be on the other side of a close result.

The Warriors 23 and under side had a big win to sit seventh on the ladder, only percentage outside the top six.

The Warriors next match is on 28 June against the Melbourne University Lightning in Ballarat.

Sports shorts

RDFL

Diggers Rest and Melton South both had big wins in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday. The Burras were on the road against Romsey and came away with a 22.16 (148)-10.7 (67) win. Callum Moore kicked seven goals for the Burras, while Jarryd Bonello was named their best. Melton South accounted for the Gisborne Giants, 17.9 (111)-8.9 (57) with Blake Souter continuing his good form with another best on ground performance.

Western FL

The Western Rams had a tough day out against Albanvale in the Western Football League division 2 on Saturday. After kicking two goals in the ﬁrst quarter, the Rams struggled to score and didn’t kick another major for the rest of the match, with the Cobras winning, 19.15 (129)-2.8 (20). Meanwhile in division 1, Parkside upset Caroline Springs, 13.11 (89)-12.11 (83). The loss sees the Lakers slip to second on the ladder.

RDNL

Melton South and Diggers Rest both suffered losses in the Riddell District Netball League on Saturday. The winless Panthers were at home against the Gisborne Giants and suffered an 86-30 loss. Nathalia Jenkins shot 13 goals for the Panthers. The Burras were on the road against Romsey and lost 46-32. Leona Hristovska shot 25 goals for the Burras in the loss.

NPL

ist and is responsible for starting the game after goals and each quarter.

“You must have speed and balance when facing off,” he said.

Tonelli is focused on his studies where he is looking to tackle a sports science degree.

In his sporting journey, he’s aiming for selection in his first under-20 Australian team and then look for Olympic selection representing Australia.

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 Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail. com or 0408 556 631.

Caroline Springs George Cross got a vital win against Dandenong City in the National Premier League on Saturday night. The Georgies scored three goals in the space of 10 minutes to take a 3-0 lead in the ﬁrst half. Dandenong got one back early in the second half before scoring one in injury time to make the score 3-2. The Georgies sit ﬁfth on the table. Meanwhile in FV state league 4 west, Melton Phoenix lost to Moonee Ponds, 5-1 and Westside Strikers lost to Watsonia Heights, 4-2.

FOR MORE SPORT VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Ellie Bird. (Tania Hardin)

Samuel Tonelli. (Sidelines Collective)

Keayang Stuka shows form

By John Dunne

Inter Dominion placegetter Keayang Stuka tuned up for another tilt at the series when he downed a field of contenders in the Garrards Horse & Hound Free For All Trot at Melton on Saturday night.

Keayang Stuka enjoyed the run of the race on the back of the leader and favourite Rockinwithattitude while the reigning Inter Dominion champion Arcee Phoenix was left to sit parked over the 2240 metre trip.

Thethreecameawayinthehomestraight to fight out the finish with Keayang Stuka finishing strongly along the sprint lane to score by a head from Rockinwithattitude with Arcee Phoenix a metre and a half away third.

Jason Lee took the reins behind Keayang

Stuka as a replacement for the horse’s regular driver Lochie Cook.

“I haven’t driven him a lot as he’s been Lochie’s drive and he’s always been a really nice horse and he’s been right there behind the good ones at times but when he is spot on and gets the right trip, he’s good enough to beat the really good ones,” Lee said.

“Last prep he had a few little issues and we put him out and sorted them out, nothing too serious and I think he’s back in that sort of form he was in when he ran third in the Inter Dominion to The Locomotive in Sydney,” he said.

“He’s pretty talented when he is in the zone so we’ll go and have a crack.”

Trainer Chris Svanosio would have been buoyed by the performance of Arcee Phoenix who showed a vast improvement on his

unplaced effort first up at Melton a fortnight ago.

Talented four-year-old Fox Dan, who led all the way in the Melton City Council Free For All, will be hoping to gain a berth in the Inter Dominion Final via the Rising Sun.

Sent out the favourite, Fox Dan held off his fast-finishing stablemate Bay Of Biscay

Shea breaks league record for most games

By Tara Murray

Bacchus Marsh’s Tyson Shea now sits at the top of the tree for senior Ballarat Football League games played.

On Saturday, the Cobras 2016 premiership captain, played senior game 316 to break the league’s all time games record as the Cobras faced Melton. Shea, who made his senior debut when he was 17, said it was a pretty special occasion.

“I knew this one was around the corner last year, but you never know what will happen,” he said before the match.

“It will be a good weekend. It’s a privilege with all the good players I played with and against.

“I never set out to achieve this but I haven’t had a lot of injuries throughout my career and have had the ability to stay fit.

“It’s quite an honour with all the players that have played in the BFL” Shea overtakes his Cobras premiership teammate Daniel Veldon as the league and club games record holder.

He said he knew that Veldon had the club record and the league senior record.

The pair played a lot of football together, with Veldon in attendance on Saturday.

“We’re still great mates,” Shea said. “We were premiership teammates and are pretty close.

“He’s among the great players at the Cobras and the league and was one of the best defenders for a long time.

“We went through a lot of hard times before winning the premiership in 2016.”

Shea is a club best and fairest winner, team of the year member, premiership captain and part of the heart and soul of the club.

He grew up at the club and became senior captain at just 18 at the club where his dad and pop played.

The Cobras said on social media that Shea has embodied everything it means to pull on the red, yellow and black.

“Leadership, loyalty, resilience and commitment.”

Shea said the premiership and friendships were the most special thing for him.

“When I go to the footy club, I’m lucky enough to be myself,” he said.

“I’ve made lifelong relationships and friendships, it’s something special.”

Shea, who turns 38 next month, said some would say he’s crazy for still playing, but his love of the game and competing keeps him coming back.

He’s keen to help the next generation of Cobras coming through have some premiership success.

“They train hard and prepare well,” he said. “I’m still a competitor and I want to

Tyson Shea. (Shawn Smits)

do the same.

“I want to help them succeed.

“We’ve got some players back for the second half of the season and come back into the starting 18.

“If we can get everyone fit and healthy and play some good footy at the back end of the year… Hopefully we can be there at the end.”

scoring by a metre in a mile rate of 1:56.

Driver Ryan Sanderson believes the son of Art Major is primed to run a big race in the Group 1 The Rising Sun on 4 July where the winner (if it’s a four-year-old) receives an automatic place in the Inter Dominion Grand Final.

“He felt super tonight and I was really happy with his run last week and this run has given us a lot of confidence to head to Queensland and be competitive,” Sanderson said.

Earlier in the night the Allan McDonough trained three-year-old Major Blitz chalked up his fifth consecutive victory when he led all the way to defeat the older horses in the Betavet Winter Series Final.

McDonough said he was forced to use up his charge early to find the lead.

Lakers win again

Caroline Springs added another win to the total, while Hillside fell short in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division.

The Lakers, who are one of three teams equal on points at the top of the ladder, was able to get the job done against Keilor on Saturday.

It was a dominant display by the Lakers, who won 11.6 (72)-0.0 (0).

Jacinta Kondis kicked three goals for the Lakers, while Sharni Currie kicked two. Caitlyn Volpe and Alicia Azzopardi were named the Lakers best. The Lakers sit second on percentage behind Aberfeldie.

Elsewhere, Hillside was again competitive without getting the points against Strathmore. The Mores led from start to finish and had the game all but wrapped up at three quarter as they led by 34 points. The Sharks won the final quarter but the damage had already been done with the Mores winning 7.3 (45)-3.5 (23). Makaylah Brne, Hannah Ibrahim and Emily Paterno were named the Sharks best.

Speaking before the match, coach Blaise Ferraro said it had been a rocky year so far.

“We’ve just struggled to get any momentum and had so many changes each week,” he said.

“We haven’t been able to get the same 20 on the park each week.

While it was a big day for Shea, Melton spoiled the party.

The Bloods broke open the game in the second quarter and the Cobras weren’t able to come back from that, with the Bloods winning, 12.12 (84)-6.10 (46).

Jack Kovacevic kicked four goals for the Cobras in the loss.

“We’ve been competitive, but haven’t got the results of the last couple of years. The other teams have improved as well.”

In division 1, Burnside Heights had to settle for a draw with East Sunbury. In tough conditions at John McMahon Reserve, the match finished in a 1.2 (8) draw.

Keayang Stuka. (Stuart McCormick)

Caroline Springs’ Charlotte Gerada is tackled by Keilor’s Maddison Cotten. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 560549_12

Shea breaks record

By Tara Murray

An understrength Darley again had the better of the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday.

The Devils and Lions again played out a close match, with the Devils getting the job done as they have on every occasion the last two years.

TheLionsledateachofthebreaks,before the Devils kicked four goals to one in the final quarter to get the 16.6 (102)-13.6 (84).

Devils’ coach Dan Jordan said it was a good game of football.

“We’ve had some good battles with them and both sides were a bit undermanned,” he said. “It was a good spectacle.

“We were able to grind away and finally kicked away.

“Anytime you walk away from Clarke Oval with the four points, you take it.”

Jordan said the message at three quarter time was to just continue to stick to the game plan, with the margin just one point.

He said they had plenty of confidence that they could get it going their way.

“They stuck to the task,” he said. “It was a team effort and application and we got the application right.

“It was a real four quarter effort.”

Brett Bewley and Jackson Lesko kicked three goals each for the Devils.

Joel Cadman, Bewley and Lachlan George were named the Devils best.

The win is the Devils seventh on the season and they move up to third.

Having dropped a couple of matches, the Devils have responded as the reigning premiers would be expected.

“We probably let a couple slip, we were right in them late,” Jordan said.

“We’ve started to wins some close games and sometimes that can be the different being up the top or back in the pack.

“The belief and confidence will continue to grow towards the back end of the year.”

The Devils win on Saturday came despite having 12 or 13 players out injured.

Jordansaidwhileyoudon’twantinjuries, he loves the challenge of seeing who can step up.

“We lost another one yesterday [Saturday],” he said. “I’m really enjoying seeing some of the boys come up and get the opportunity.

“You find out a bit about the bottom end and who wants to be in the side

“When asked to come up, they are performing and it’s really pleasing as a coach.”

Ethan Matthews, Jet Grech, Rhys Younger and Chaz Jones are four of the younger ones who have stepped up and played well in the seniors.

Lesko, who hasn’t played football for 14 years and is in his mid-30s, was another who stepped into the senior side on Saturday and made an impact.

The Devils face Redan this Saturday.

Wounded Devils ﬁnd a way to win

Warriors upset win

Hot Cobras

By Tara Murray

Bacchus Marsh continued its good form on Sunday with a massive win ahead of two weeks off in the Ballarat Football League women’s competition.

The Cobras had a day out against Carisbrook on Sunday as they won, 25.20 (170)-0.0 (0).

Ella Bradbury kicked seven goals for the Cobras, while Isabella Faralla kicked six.

Charli O’Connor and Matilda Rawlings were named the Cobras best.

Speaking before the game, coach Alan Johnson said things had been going well.

“It’s going along quite nicely,” he said. “It’s been quite pleasing, good reward for the girls which is nice.

“We’ve got some new additions into the team and it’s given us pretty good balance and they’re all gelling well.

“To be where we’re at the moment justreinforcesthebuildthathasbeen going on, it’s really pleasing.”

Johnson said the development of the group wasn’t surprising at all.

He said seeing where they were now was really pleasing.

“I know that the girls can gel as well as they possibly can and get the games together,” he said.

“I have no doubt that they can perform well, we still have some way to go.

“They’re starting to work well together which is the main thing.

“I’m really pleased getting rewards for the efforts they are putting in.”

Johnson said the new players who had started playing football this year were making some good progress and had fitted in really well with the rest of the group.

The Cobras sit on top of the ladder on the same amount of points as Darley, which has played one less game.

Johnson said they were keen to lock in a top two or three spot at the end of the season.

“That would be our aim,” he said.

“It gives you the extra chance to be able to do it would be pleasing and do it as early as possible would be the ideal thing.

“But it’s pretty tight at the top between the top four, and we play a lot of them in our last four games.”

The Cobras have a bye this week before a week off for interleague the following week.

Johnson said it came at a good time for them to refresh before a big end to the season.

Elsewhere, Darley had a big win against East Point.

It was a dominant display from the Devils, as they won 19.12 (126)-1.0 (6).

Kim Bessell kicked six goals for the Devils,whileRubyThomaskickedfive goalsinabestongroundperformance.

In other matches, Melton beat Bacchus Marsh, 12.12 (84)-6.10 (46). Ryan Carter and Braedan Kight kicked three goals each

for the Bloods. The win moves the Bloods back into the top six, sitting percentage ahead of the Sunbury Lions.

Lachlan George. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 560115_24